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Chlorination, Part I Chlorination, Part II Importance of pH Potable Rainwater: Filtration and Purification UV Purification
Water Op Eds:
First Ever US RWH Study Released
New Tank Sizing Calculator
More News >>
Chlorination: The Removal
In regulated municipal water systems, the U.S. EPA Surface Water Treatment Rule (2002) requires that a minimum disinfectant residual of 0.2 milligrams per liter (or parts per million) of free chlorine be present where the water enters the distribution system and that it be detectable throughout the distribution system. The role of disinfectants in protecting public water supplies is well documented and undisputed, but the reactions of some disinfectants with some natural materials in water and with other treatment chemicals, and the subsequent formation of unwanted by-products, are of concern. Risk to human health is not clearly documented, but experiments with laboratory animals do raise warningflags and numerous studies suggest the health risks of both chlorine and chlorine by-products to humans. >> more
Taking on Water by Wendy J. Pabich
Taking on Water is an entertaining and insightful book that chronicles the trials and tribulations of a self-proclaimed "water deva" as she strives for more knowledge about her own water usage and initiates conservation measures at home. Anyone who has looked into or consciously adopted a more sustainable lifestyle will appreciate Wendy's quest for knowledge. While it is true that almost all of us can live more sustainably without making major sacrifices in comfort, learning to do so can be a daunting task. Choices aren't always straightforward and information isn't always readily available. It seems that our consumer-oriented society is ill equipped to help us decide between competing alternatives. >> more
Chlorination: The Addition
"Chlorination" involves the addition of chlorine to water for the purpose of eliminating pathogenic (diseasecausing) microorganisms. Chlorination also provides protection against (other) disagreeable tastes and odors, eliminates slime bacteria, mold and algae, removes chemical compounds that inhibit disinfection and helps remove iron and manganese from water. In 1997, the editors of LIFE Magazine stated that the filtration of drinking water plus the use of chlorine are probably the most significant public health advances of the millennium. >> more
A Great Aridness by William deBuys
William deBuys' A Great Aridness examines the history of drought in the American Southwest while offering a primer on the potential consequences of climate change in the future. The book explores historic droughts and their impact on long-gone civilizations, tells the stories the great rivers of the area, and examines the likely outcome of current and future drought on the major metropolitan areas in the Southwest. >> more
Is Rainwater Harvesting a Good Investment?
Is harvesting rainwater a good investment? We will explore that question in depth in this three-part series, beginning in Part One with a traditional economic payback approach.
The short answer is, yes, rainwater harvesting systems can deliver a good return on investment. In certain areas of the country and the world, catching rainwater for household use is the only cost-effective solution. In locations like central Texas, parts of Northern Mexico, and arid rocky areas where no municipal water system is available and where well drilling can be prohibitively expensive, harvesting rainwater is a smart economic and environmental choice. >> more
Tanks Can Be Beautiful
The award-winning home of Frank Herdman and Alice Temple proves that rainwater catchment tanks can add both beauty and functionality to a home's design. Frank and Alice fell in love years ago with their Casa Solana Santa Fe neighborhood. They bought a fixer-upper Stamm house with poor natural lighting, low ceilings, and a small, broken-up floor plan and turned it into their dream home with natural lighting and a thoroughly contemporary design. The home was recently awarded the grand prize in the Excellence in Remodeling contest sponsored the Santa Fe Homebuilders' Association. >> more
Questions To Ask Before You Jump In
A portion of my business is inspecting and repairing systems put in by others. Additionally, as I speak to other installers around the country, I find I am not alone in this respect. A good portion of these malfunctioning systems had design or installation flaws. After the fact, it is impossible to know why these installers made poor decisions, but some fault has to be due to inadequate training. I wondered what questions a consumer should ask of potential RWH design, installation and maintenance professionals.
To that end, I reached out to John Hammerstrom, past President of the American Rainwater Catchment System Association (ARCSA) (www.acrsa.org) to provide his views on the subject. >> more
First Ever US Rainwater Market Study Published. The report "Rainwater Harvesting in the US: A 2010 Industry Analysis" illustrates the sustained growth of the rainwater harvesting market in recent years, even with the poor economic times. This 50+ page market study collected primary data from a survey of RWH installers throughout key states in the US and also conducted informal interviews with a number of RWH suppliers and key stakeholders to validate the findings. The authors also collected secondary data from the Internet, including the website of HarvestH2o, publicly available information from the American Rainwater Catchment Systems Association (ARCSA) website, and other associations such as those serving manufacturers and suppliers. >> more
Passive versus Active Rainwater Harvesting
There is wide spread interest in water conservation and specifically in capturing and reusing rainwater in both residential and commercial buildings to reduce costs, reduce the environmental impact of the building and lessen the load on the municipal sewer and stormwater systems in the arid southwest where droughts are a way of life.
Harvesting rainwater from rooftops is one solutions to conserving our precious water, where it can be used instead of municipal drinking water for many non-drinking water (i.e. non-potable) applications (e.g. landscape, toilet flushing) as well as drinking water. There are two general types of rainwater catchment systems - "active" or "passive". Most professionally installed systems incorporate aspects of both to maximize the water conserved. >> more
Rainwater Harvesting System Integrated into Home Design
This rainwater harvesting (RWH) system, with an above-ground, 7,500 gallon (usable) poured-concrete cistern, used for both potable and nonpotable purposes, was designed and constructed in 2001 as an integral part of a new single-family home in Key Largo, Florida. Rain is collected from a 1,700 square-foot white Galvalume roof and gathered in six-inch copper gutters with spash shields at roof valleys for occasional heavy downpours. Copper plumbing is used throughout the house as well. The reported pH of the annual test samples taken from an inside faucet has always been greater than 7, which could be attributed to the concrete tank. That does not explain why there seems to be no substantial copper leached from the gutters, since they are upstream of the tank. It remains for others to determine why the copper levels in the rainwater of this waterfront home are insubstantial. >> more
The Importance of pH
In addition to its effects on biological and chemical processes, the variability of pH affects our decisions in domestic water usage. High-pH water often tastes bitter and may be an indication of the scaling potential of the water. Low-pH water may lead to the dissolution of pipes, particularly copper pipes. The EPA classifies pH under unregulated Secondary Drinking Water Standards and recommends a range between 6.5 and 8.5 pH units. >> more
Drought, What Drought
For those of us paying attention to the weather in Santa Fe, a question increasingly coming up these days is when are we going to see watering restrictions? Especially since this is the driest it has been in a long time. Average precipitation for Santa Fe this time of year is normally 4.81 inches, and so far we have only received 0.67 inches, or 13.9% of average. It is worse for Albuquerque, which has seen only 0.19 inches thus far this year. Most of our state is experiencing a drought, as well as Arizona and Texas. Santa Fe has not seen this little precipitation since records have been kept. We should be extremely concerned about our water situation. >> more
Water Rates
In almost any place in the United States, we simply turn on the faucet and it flows. This amazing infrastructure was built over the last century and has supplied us cheap, plentiful water for decades. Abundant water, cheap electricity and a great road system have been the backbone of our economy over the last century. However, access to cheap, plentiful water is becoming a thing of the past, not only in the Santa Fe area, but around the country and the world. In the United States, we are fortunate to have accessible clean water at any price. Over 46% of the earth's population doesn't, and people in developing countries walk an average of 3.7 miles to get access to water. One in eight people on the planet lack access to clean water. >> more
Water is Local
Water is easy access and this has created an ideal for communities and local agriculture. In Santa Fe, where I live, on Garcia Street and the surrounding areas used to be farms not long ago. You can still see the sign for the old Gormley's trading goods store on Canyon Road, where local farmers would drop off their produce for folks from all around the area to buy. Of course, this store of bygone times is now a high-end art gallery, and its function has been replaced by the local farmers' markets. Water is local and will remain local. It has been the foundation of the economy for past decades and will continue for decades to come. It cannot be manufactured offshore, nor can it be outsourced. It is our most precious resource and it is the base on which our local economies are built. Even so, for most of us, water remains out of sight and out of mind. >> more
Asphalt to Ecosystems
Asphalt to Ecosystems is a compelling color guidebook for designing and building natural schoolyard environments that enhance childhood learning and play experiences while providing connection with the natural world. With this book, Danks broadens our notion of what a well-designed schoolyard should be, taking readers on a journey from traditional, ordinary grassy fields and asphalt, to explore the vibrant and growing movement to "green" school grounds in the United States and around the world. This book documents exciting green schoolyard examples from almost 150 schools in 11 countries, illustrating that a great many things are possible on school grounds when they are envisioned as outdoor classrooms for hands-on learning and play. >> more
ARCSA 2010 Conference
The Texas capital shares another distinction as the indisputable crossroads of America's growing rainwater harvesting industry. Austin is where ARCSA was founded and where its 6th annual conference happens next month. Now, with over 700 members worldwide, ARCSA remains dedicated to promoting and educating the public on the safe harvesting and use of rainwater as an alternative for treated drinking water. This year's gathering features the largest, most jam-packed schedule to date. With keynotes by four internationally acclaimed experts, the conference will host over 40 presentations, many on topics never before addressed, and will include another 30+ exhibition booths with the most innovative and advanced products sure to advance our thriving industry. >> more
One Way To Conserve on the Ranch and Farm
Agriculture and ranching consume a substantial amount of potable and pumped water around the country, and to some extent in Northern New Mexico. In some areas of the US, farms and livestock consume up to 60% of overall water use. This water is usually either clean, highly processed potable water or well water pumped from precious underground aquifers. This is not a great use for this water given that a cheaper, better and proven alternative is readily at hand. Rainwater is FREE and sometimes very plentiful even in the arid southwest; it is no wonder its use is growing for agriculture and for ranching purposes. Not only does using rainwater save processing and/or transporting water; it also saves energy and helps the environment. >> more
The Tale of Two Cities – Billions Conserved
Albuquerque and Santa Fe have had water conservation programs for well over a decade, and both have been very successful. Yet their approaches to saving this precious resource in the arid Southwest are different. Since 1995, Albuquerque has reduced per capita use by 36%, Santa Fe by 42%. Santa Fe's water use is now substantially less than the US average, while Albuquerque is likely to fall below the US average soon. Both have made tremendous strides in conserving life-giving water. What lessons can we learn by comparing these cities? >> more
Safe Drinking for All through Solar Disinfection
Every 8 seconds, a child dies from water related disease around the globe. 50% of people in developing countries suffer from one or more water-related diseases. 80% of diseases in the developing countries are caused by contaminated water. Providing safe drinking water to the people has been a major challenge for Governments in developing countries. Conventional technologies used to disinfect water are: ozonation, chlorination and artificial UV radiation. Treatment to control waterborne microbial contaminants by exposure to sunlight in clear vessels that allows the combined germicidal effects of both UV radiation and heat has been developed and put into practice. >> more
Water – Another View
Pumping more water or increasing water transfer from other areas is not going to solve this problem. Increased pumping and transferring water from further locations increases the need for more power generation and this directly translates into more power plants. For those of us who love our amazing vistas and crystal clear blue skies, the solution to our water needs can't involve polluting our skies. Clearly, we must look to other solutions to solve our water needs. >> more
Rainwater Catchment System Pump Sizing
Pumps are an integral part of almost all rainwater catchment systems; however, sizing a pump correctly is not straightforward and installers often fail to make the appropriate calculations. Much has been written on pumps for irrigation systems and for wells, but rainwater harvesting pumps can be markedly different. This series of articles is aimed at shedding light on the differences and assisting in properly sizing rainwater pumps. This first article will explain pumps and general pumping concepts >> more
Water: Why Care?
I get a lot of blank stares when I start talking about water conservation and rainwater harvesting. Not among the folks who already do it here in Northern New Mexico, but from those who don't. The typical response is "Why should I care? Water is cheap, and all I have to do is turn on the tap and it flows." While it's true that water does flow easily, it is even truer that we have yet to pay the true cost of for this precious resource and that cost will only increase in the years to come. >> more
Washington State Department of Ecology Clarifies Water Rights in Regards to Rainwater Harvesting
To the delight of the green building community and many other Washingtonians throughout the state, the Department of Ecology issued a policy statement issued on October 12th clarifying that water rights are not required for either the use of or the on-site storage of rainwater collected by a rooftop system or a guzzler (Guzzlers are devices used to catch and store rainwater and dew to provide wildlife or livestock with drinking water.) >> more
Potable Rainwater: Filtration and Purification
Rainwater harvesting is viewed by many, including the EPA, as a partial solution to the problems posed by water scarcity: droughts and desertification, erosion from runoff, over-reliance on depleted aquifers, and the costs of new irrigation, diversion, and water treatment facilities.
Harvested rainwater in the U.S. is used mostly for irrigation; however, there is a growing interest in using rainwater for drinking and other indoor uses. Over 50% of household water is used indoors; bringing rain indoors could save the expense and environmental costs of treating and transporting water.
Can rainwater be made safe to drink? Yes. How safe? As safe as your well or tap water. How do you make it safe for indoor use? By filtering and purifying it. >> more
Op Ed: The "Greenest" Roof is White and Metallic
Among the goals of what are called "Green" roofs, vegetated roofs or roof-top gardens are reduced building energy costs and reduced urban-heat islanding. For both goals, white metals roofs are superior, particularly in the "sun belt" where cooling is a year-round task. If needed, the insulating properties of a vegetated roof can generally be provided underneath the roofing layer with radiant barriers or other insulation. But it can also be argued, particularly in the "sun belt," that excess insulation blocks the advantageous nighttime building-cooling benefit of a metal roof. Insulation aside, this writer believes that the most important disadvantage of a vegetated roof is that it is designed to absorb water that should be collected to meet the needs of the buildings inhabitants. >> more
Ten Strategies to Promote Rainwater Harvesting
In the 1980s and early 90s, most people, especially in urban areas were unaware of what rainwater harvesting (RWH) meant and why there would be a need to collect rainwater. It took an enormous amount of effort working with and speaking to local communities, organizations and state agencies to publicize the need for and benefits of RWH. Based on my experience with RWH during the past 20+ years, I offer the following strategies that can be utilized to promote the technology in your respective state or regions. >> more
Click for "HarvestH2o". Powered by RSS Feed Informer
April 2013
Slaking a Region's Thirst While Cleaning Its Beaches
WATER WARS: Los Angeles Times Op-Ed vs. Arizona Republic Editorial More than half nation's rivers in poor shape
Danfoss, Alliance To Save Energy And Water Environment Federation Release Report Defining Actions To Advance Energy Efficiency And Generation In The Water Sector
March 2013
Water Regulations: A Fix For The Environment And The Economy
Rains or Not, India Is Falling Short on Drinkable Water
Where's the Water of the Future? Right Here
January 2013
Establishing Corporate Water Sustainability
The Water Footprint of Energy Independence
WEF Executive Director Briefs US Conference of Mayors Water Council on Water for Jobs Campaign
Balancing the Water-Energy Nexus
Attacking Apathy and Reducing Demand
New water lows for Great Lakes could drain local economies
As Texas Bakes in a Long Drought, Water Becomes a Focus for Legislators
The Policy of "Pumping the Recharge" Is Out of Control
The Intelligent Use of Water™ Infographic
December 2012
Mississippi River shutdown because of water levels
Pesticides: Now More Than Ever
Pesticides in Tap Water Linked to Food Allergies
November 2012
Disinfection Basics
EWG Calls on EPA to Set Lower Limit on Perchlorate in Water
Saving Water, Improving Energy Efficiency
The Problem Is Clear: The Water Is Filthy
Uranium Exposure Linked To Increased Lupus Rate
Preparing for a Blue Economy
Making Every Toilet Flush Count—Creating Electricity From Sewage
October 2012
Most Big Companies Hurt by Water Problems, CDP Survey Finds
September 2012
Shrinking water's hidden footprint
Sunshine Helps Bring Clean Drinking Water To Third World Countries
NC State Leads National Effort To Evaluate Fresh Water Sustainability In The Southern U.S.
August 2012
The Investment Drought
Wall Street Took Our Homes, Now Our Water
Quarter of World's Freshwater Used to Grow Wasted Food
Post-Fire Watersheds and Corporate Water Scarcity
The challenge of water resource management in drought-stricken Texas
July 2012
Stanching Water Waste
Honoring historical Valley waters
June 2012
New Mexico Governor Issues Drought Declaration
Extreme irrigation threatens US food supply
May 2012
Waking Up to a Crisis
Water Scarcity and a Looming Energy Crisis
April 2012
Fees and Anger Rise in California Water War
The Price of Water: A Comparison of Water Rates, Usage in 30 U.S. Cities
Congressmen, Mayors Urge WH to Invest in Water: New Report
March 2012
Gibbs Holds Hearing To Review Financing Tools For Water Infrastructure
February 2012
Water Infrastructure Bill To Top $1 Trillion
January 2012
'Miracle Tree' Substance Produces Clean Drinking Water Inexpensively And Sustainably
Could Tap Water Cause Lou Gehrig's Disease?
Food vs. Water: High Commodity Prices
Ancient Droughts, Modern Dilemmas
Old Water News >>
1. How do you harvest rainwater? 2. Where do you get the water? 3. What is the best way of harvesting rain? 4. Why should I harvest rainwater? 5. Do I need pumps to harvest rainwater? 6. Can I use drip irrigation or soaker hoses with a rainwater? 7. How big a yard can I water? 8. How big are rain barrels? 9. I want more pressure, how should I raise it? 10. Can I water my grass with rainwater? and many more>>
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Add the Punchline to Our Little Red Wagon Cartoon
If you've got wit, add your punchline to Patch's weekly comic and win a personalized print.
Are you blessed with insight and good humor? Or just bored today? Share your wit with your south suburban neighbors by entering Patch's comic caption challenge. Just add your dialogue for today's comic in the comment section of this post. Our only requirement is that you keep it clean!
At week's end, we'll pick the winning punchline based on how many of us here at Patch giggle and smile at your contribution. The user who produces the winning punchline will get a personalized proof of the comic, with the winning words and a credit line, from cartoonist Chuck Ingwersen and Patch.
Congratulations to Joel, who provided the winning punchline to last week's Polar Bear comic:
Oh honey, I'm Bi-Polar.
minnie ha ha
8:22 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
My name is Bill Daley, and I'm running for Congress, would appreciate your support.
Rob Piorkowski
9:36 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Hey look at me! Commuting to work and NO carbon footprint!
9:45 am on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
What are you looking at? It costs me a bag of cookies to and from work and no jibber jabber on a cell phone while driving
David Lawrence Konen
9:31 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
SO funny, I can understand and relate to this!
Billable Hours
2:08 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Hey, what do you have under the hood? I don't know....maybe an A cup.
3:13 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Well, I had to give up either paying for gas or paying for a driver.
David Lawrence Konen
9:28 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
I feel SORRY for you, bud! I'm going on a FREE ride, with my daughter taking me!
Mike F.
11:21 pm on Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Oh look, Vera's mommy is taking him for a ride.
Joe Wilson
9:20 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
I asked for a GPS. I got a G-ail P-atricia S-miley! I should've been more specific, I guess.
JoAnne Poppie
10:45 am on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Oh crap, is this the multiple rider lane?
David Lawrence Konen
3:56 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
a FUNNY one, my good friend - you reminded me of how my mother would drive to work WITH me in the car, so she could use the HOV (High Occupancy Vehicle) lane in Houston. I think this was ONE was traffic in Houston lessened.
David Lawrence Konen
3:00 pm on Thursday, December 6, 2012
Dawn, your punchline is JUST as funny, if not FUNNIER, than mine!
David Lawrence Konen
12:22 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Your very welcome, Dawn - about the ONLY problem is, I can't drive because of problems I have which are related to seizures. I've been riding bikes for quite a while, only until recently, when my left hip became SO uncomfortable riding on bikes.
1:17 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
What's the matter? You never heard of the wagon lane!
1:48 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
Just slipping on by on LSD Friday night trouble bound.
Bob Laird
3:12 pm on Friday, December 7, 2012
I could go east, I could go west, it was all up to me to decide.
5:16 pm on Saturday, December 8, 2012
@dave, yeah driving a car and having a seizure isn't good, I have seen it before on my job (paramedic). I started riding a bike and it hurts my butt bone! Lol I need a good seat . Well good luck to you.
David Lawrence Konen
1:41 am on Sunday, December 9, 2012
TELL ME ABOUT THIS. I remember someone who was also named David who worked as a shift manager at a Taco Bell, and I had heard HE was driving a car. Had made me think he was just a "walking time bomb" since I'm sure someday, he'll get into some accident, and be detained by an officer. As for bike seats, usually the BEST thing to do is to put a gel-pack insert (I believe) ON the seat, stretching it so that it would FIT the size of the seat. THAT way, you'd feel a bit more comfortable as you rode bikes.

subset: commoncrawl


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- How Bad Are California Courthouses? Statewide Video Tour Including Long Beach
- Superior Court of Los Angeles County
Performance-Based Infrastructure Delivery Method
Initial Funding Year: FY 2007-2008
Architect's rendering: Governor George Deukmejian Courthouse
Facts Awards and Recognition Fact Sheets |
Because of recent redevelopment in the city's Civic Center near the current court location, the state intends to benefit from a Performance-Based Infrastructure (PBI) project that will involve engaging a private team to finance, design, build, operate and maintain the court building.
More information about PBI
The site is six acres located northwest of the existing courthouse, bounded by West Broadway, Maine Avenue, West 3rd Street, and Magnolia Avenue.
Map of project site
The project includes renovation of an adjacent existing parking structure, office space within the court building for related justice agencies of the County of Los Angeles as well as opportunities to build commercial office and retail space compatible with the 31-courtroom, building.
California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Compliance
The AOC is the lead agency for preparation of an environmental report to comply with CEQA.
May 22, 2009, to June 22, 2009: Draft Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration circulated. The draft study evaluated the potential environmental impacts of the proposed project and recommended mitigation measures.
June 10, 2009: Public meeting held.
In response to public comments, the AOC completed a Final Initial Study and Mitigated Negative Declaration (4.6 MB)
Appendices Part 1 (3.2 MB)
Appendices Part 2 (2.9 MB)
The Final Initial Study includes refinements of the project description, stakeholder comments, the AOC's responses to comments, and other information.
On August 10, 2009, the AOC filed a Notice of Determination, thereby completing the CEQA process.
A private consortium, Long Beach Judicial Partners, will finance, design, build, operate and maintain the building.
Long Beach Judicial Partners, Meridiam Infrastructure's project company, leads a consortium of companies consisting of:
AECOM Design
Clark Design/Build of California, Inc
Edgemoor Real Estate Services
Johnson Controls Inc
Why was the Long Beach courthouse selected to be developed using performance-based infrastructure?
The existing Long Beach courthouse is among the most heavily used court buildings in California, but is among the worst in the state in terms of security and overcrowding. A replacement courthouse was prioritized by the Judicial Council as an "immediate need" in 2007. A 2007 feasibility report concluded that a public-private partnership would provide greater benefits to the state than other state-financed options. These benefits included delivering an urgently needed replacement building sooner than could be done using traditional public sector delivery methods, with no financial obligation to the state until the building was occupied. The Legislature granted authority to the state judicial branch to investigate use of this delivery method, in part so that the state could gain experience with it in public building projects, and later granted authority to the Judicial Council to use it specifically for the Long Beach court building.
Will the judicial branch use PBI for other court construction projects?
Experience gained on the Long Beach project will provide a basis for evaluating the PBI delivery method. While experience to date has been positive – construction is on schedule, on budget, and at very high quality -- it's premature to draw conclusions about the overall cost-effectiveness of this delivery method. At this time, the judicial branch has no plans to expand use of PBI to other courthouse projects.
What is the nature of the project agreement? Is it a lease-buyback?
It is an agreement to finance, design, build, operate, and maintain the new court building. It is not a lease-buyback or lease-to-own arrangement, because the state owns the land and the building throughout. Once the building is occupied by the court, the state will pay an annual service fee based on building performance, meaning that deductions can be made when court space or functionality are unavailable or other predetermined performance criteria are not met.
What is the length of the service agreement?
The agreement extends for 35 years, starting when deal was signed (December 2010).
How much will the annual fee be?
The annual fee will start at approximately $50 million, which includes the costs to design and construct the new building, the cost to finance the project, and the cost of operations, utilities, maintenance, and life-cycle renewal of building elements as they reach the end of their useful service life. The operating and maintenance cost component of the annual fee is subject to annual increases based on the Consumer Price Index, should they occur. However as noted above, the amount of the fee depends on building performance, so the fee could be less depending on the amount of any deductions.
How was the project agreement finalized and approved?
From 2008 to 2010, the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) worked with the state Department of Finance (DOF) and the state Legislature's Joint Legislative Budget Committee (JLBC) at several stages of project development. DOF approved terms and conditions at several stages, and the AOC took several further validation steps in response to concerns raised by JLBC. DOF ultimately approved project agreements in December 2010 allowing them to be signed by the AOC and the project company.
What are the anticipated benefits to the state of this arrangement?
There are numerous benefits in PBI delivery of the new courthouse:
What is the purpose of the Value for Money analysis?
According to the State Legislative Analyst's Office, "The purpose of a VFM analysis is to determine whether a particular proposal submitted by a private sector developer would be cheaper to build and operate than a public sector project. Such an analysis takes into account the nominal cost of a project, which is then "discounted" over time to determine the project's cost in net present value terms. In other words, because the expenditures take place over several decades and the timing of the expenditures differ between the PBI approach and the public sector approach, the comparisons are adjusted to account for the fact that money available at the present time is worth more than money available in the future." This is a standard methodology used to analyze PBI projects. The VfM analysis considers capital costs, financing costs, operations, maintenance, and the benefits of transferring risks like cost overruns to the private sector.
What did the VfM analysis conclude?
When all costs and risks were compared, PBI delivery of this project compared favorably with the public sector comparator, yielding a modest savings of $26 million, or 3.5 percent. The net present value cost of PBI delivery of this project was $725 million, vs. $751 million for the public sector comparator.
What's the benefit of having done this analysis?
The value for money analysis assisted in the decision process leading up to project approval, establishing that this particular project was a suitable candidate for PBI and that this delivery method had the potential to create value for the state's money. During procurement, the VfM analysis provided a benchmark against which the various private sector proposals received were measured. During finalization of the project agreement, the VfM analysis provided a negotiating tool with the selected project company, in committing to a price that would deliver value for the state.
Who performed the analysis?
The AOC worked with external financial advisors Ernst & Young and Davis Langdon for elements of the VfM. The analysis was thoroughly reviewed by the Department of Finance at several points.
The VfM attaches a dollar value to various risk categories in comparing the two procurement methods. Why?
This type of risk analysis is standard methodology for major infrastructure projects and for VfM comparisons. Risk analysis is necessary to identify the whole cost of the project and to capture how the private sector accounts for risk.
How were those risk values arrived at?
Risks were identified, allocated, and assigned probabilities and impacts by expert teams during a series of risk workshops. Values were determined through computer modeling using industry-standard modeling software.
How was it determined that the private sector could complete the building 14 months faster than the typical public-sector process?
The private-sector project company has used a fast-track process that overlaps certain aspects of design with construction. This type of fast-tracking is typically impossible with traditional public sector building delivery methods, because each phase must receive approvals from a variety of state agencies before the next phase can begin, adding many months to the process. Construction is also proceeding on a fast schedule. For example, steel erection began within a year of the notice to proceed. For a public building of this size and complexity, it would have typically taken at least two years to reach this milestone using traditional delivery methods.
The VfM analysis states the comparative cost of this project as $725 million. Is that the estimated total the state will pay over 35 years?
No, it is a figure used for comparison purposes in the value for money analysis that assigns a net present cost to the project's total life-cycle costs.
OTHER TOPICS--click topic of your choice
How did the AOC select the final team?
The AOC selected three teams through a request for qualifications, then issued a request for proposals to the three teams. The AOC evaluated the three teams' proposals based not only on compliance with the Judicial Council's construction requirements, but also on their financial value, quality of architectural and urban design, environmental consciousness, and operational efficiency.
How will the AOC ensure that local businesses benefit from the project?
The project team will implement an outreach plan to ensure that local contractors, subcontractors, and materials suppliers are aware of how to qualify for subcontractor bidding on the project.
What kind of relevant experience does the selected architect have?
The architect who is part of the project team, AECOM, has a distinguished portfolio of public buildings that have enriched the Southern California communities in which they were built. Sample projects include:
Los Angeles Police Department, New Headquarters, Los Angeles
RAND Corporation, Santa Monica
William Hannon Library, Loyola Marymount University
Korea Development Bank, Los Angeles
How much will this project cost?
The project team's total funding requirement is $490 million.
How soon will the architectural design be available for review?
Renderings and a video fly-through are available on the California Courts website.
How will the AOC ensure that the new courthouse is built on time and within budget?
The AOC's PBI contract includes incentives and penalties that drive performance by the project developers. Additionally, benchmarks that allow for ongoing monitoring of contract performance are built into the agreement.
Who will own the new building when it is finished?
The state owns the land and the building throughout the agreement's term, and at the end of 35 years, will continue to retain title. The PBI project company is expected to maintain the building throughout the 35-year agreement and then turn over the court building and parking structure to the AOC at the end of the term.
The site for the new courthouse is closer to residences and a school. How will the new courthouse affect the neighborhood?
We expect the new courthouse will make a positive contribution to the Civic Center's redevelopment. The site is essentially one city block northwest of the existing courthouse. The building's design is consistent with contemporary courthouse design and environmental standards, and its scale will be compatible and consistent with nearby office buildings. To manage pedestrian traffic and security, the only public entrance will be oriented to the corner of Magnolia and West Broadway, essentially two blocks from the school. Community safety will be among the highest priorities for the architects, engineers, and project managers working on the building. Security features will include a secured below-ground sallyport (which enables sheriffs to drive prisoner buses into a secured area to transfer in-custody detainees into and out of the courthouse); separate hallways and elevators for the public, staff, and in-custody detainees; and courtroom holding cells, which minimize movement of in-custody detainees within the court building.
What happens to Daisy Avenue on that block?
The project will require the closure of Daisy Avenue between West Broadway and Third Street to public traffic.
Will relocating the courthouse change how prisoners are transported to and from the courthouse?
The sheriff's department currently transports detainees by bus between the county jail and the existing courthouse. This will not change with the new building. The new building will have a more efficient bus entry and exit scheme, eliminating some current traffic problems caused by buses exiting the existing court building. The sheriff's buses will use West Broadway to enter the new building's secured area and West Third Street to exit the new courthouse.
The current site is used for parking. Where will people park during and after construction?
According to the AOC's survey of parking areas nearby, existing parking lots have unused capacity. The AOC presumes that, after construction begins, vehicle operators will use the World Trade Center lot, the Broadway Garage, or other parking facilities near Pacific Street or Pine Street during business hours.
The project involves renovation of the Magnolia Street Garage, which will add approximately 225 parking spaces. The project will include some on-site parking for commercial and retail tenants. For security and access reasons, on-street parking will be prohibited at the street curbs directly adjacent to the new building during business hours on weekdays.
How big will the building be? Will it take up the whole site?
In keeping with the cityscape, the design features a low-rise scheme in an L shape, one section of 4 stories, the other of 5 stories, surrounding a large secure courtyard, a spacious lobby, and courtrooms with access to natural light. It will extend along West Broadway, and the greatest height and bulk of the building will be along West Broadway where it intersects with Magnolia Avenue. The AOC expects that the development will have a lower scale and larger setbacks along Maine Avenue and Third Street.
What happens to the old courthouse after the court moves into the new courthouse
The AOC has acquired the project site from the Long Beach Redevelopment Agency in exchange for the existing courthouse and its land. The redevelopment agency has informed the AOC that the city has no intention of occupying the old courthouse building. The redevelopment agency will announce plans for the building at a later date.
Administrative Office of the Courts Judicial Branch Capital Program Office 455 Golden Gate Avenue, 8th Floor San Francisco, California 94102-3688 |
PHONE 415-865-4900 firstname.lastname@example.com |
FOR COURTS TO REPORT FACILITY ISSUES Customer Service Center: 888-225-3583 or firstname.lastname@example.com |


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he asked how medalist train - ie i took that as serious athletes - not saying what I did is right or wrong but it got the results for me so I m not complaining ( I was ranked Number 1 in the commonwealth at one stage) CJ 345 lbs at 155 lbs bodyweightdoing such complex exercises needed a lot of warm up for me if I could do less to get to max I would have - the reason why I did a lot of max singles is sinmple that what I did in competition - sorry but I never understood how doing 5 sets of 3 reps on 100 kilos helps you snatch 130x1 psychologically for me to snatch 130 I want to snatch 130 again and again full stop Morgan is my surname
Very wrong, strenght comes with time and regularity, not with overtraining and injuries, max weight is for contests, not for training.
Quote from: movmasty on Sep 12, 2012, 09:33 AMVery wrong, strenght comes with time and regularity, not with overtraining and injuries, max weight is for contests, not for training.But if you don't train at over 95% of your max, how do you even know what your max is? And how do you expect to be able to push it higher?
Bodies adjust to the stress you put them under. When I increase my front squat (or any lift, really) by 5 kilo or so to push my max higher, I can usually only do say, 2,1,1,1,F. So it is pretty much my max. But within 2 weeks, I have gotten that up to 3,2,2,1,1, and I am ready for a further increase in weight, and back down to 2,1,1,1,F, or so. So I can constantly see the progress. I can constantly see I am getting stronger and my max lift is getting better with every workout. But this only happens because I always train so close to my max and am forcing my body to adapt to this weight by always trying to do more reps. There are a lot of people out there who like to do as you, 5 sets of 5 reps. They get a good workout, no doubt. But not one of them is truly putting their body under max stress and forcing it to adapt. I cannot agree with what you say, as mine own research in training counters it.
Example: maximum C+J = 150series of 3 C+ J = 110.If the athlete gets 3 x 115, will he lift 155 without other class of training?I think is different improve a repetition in a range of 3 in for example squat, that in clean and jerk.I means, that kilos in 3 repetitions in CJ are too far from maximum to make a projection I think in most of the cases.The different methods, may be logical, and probably accurate for some persons, but not universals.
I competed at the Olympics in 1992 trained for over 25 yrs I did this to qualify for gamesMon, Wed, Fri AMFront squat 60x3 80x3 100x3 120x3 130x3 140x2 150x1 160x1 170x1,1,1,1,1Snatch 50 3x3 60x3 70x3 80x3 90x2 100x2 110x2 120x2 130x1 135x1,1 130x1,1 125x1,1,1Clean and Jerk 60x3 80x3 100x2 120x2 130x1 140x1 150x1 160x1,1 155x1,1 150x1,1,1Mon Wed Fri PMSnatch same but heavier if poss 145x1,1 140x1,1 135x1,1,1CJ same 175/180 2x1 down 5k 2x1 down 5k 3x1Back Squats 60x3 100x3 130x3 150x3 170x1 180x1 190x1 200x1 210 2x1 200 3x1roughly then Tues, Thur, Sat AMPower snatch 50x3,3 60x3 70x3 80x2 90x2 100x1 110 2x1 100 3x1Power CJ 50x2 70x2 90x1 110x1 120x1 130 2x1 120 3x1Tues thurs, sat PMBack squats 60x3 100x3 130x2 150x1 170x1 180x1 190x1 200x1 210x1 220x1 230 2x1 220 3x1Snatch Pull 5x5 with 10 above max snatch on previous day (140/150ish)Clean pulls 5x5 same as above (180-190ish)


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Los Girasoles is Moving
If you are wondering what is going on with Los Girasoles Restaurant, let me see if I can explain, at least I will share what I know.
The Caldwell area is growing up pretty good, I am sure that you have seen some of the construction and the new businesses, such as the Kawasaki dealer, well, the spot where Los Girasoles has been, is going to be a shopping center of some sort. So, from what I have been told, it is about time for this project to start, so, Los Girasoles had to move, but don't worry, as soon as the new location is ready, they will be open. No, I am not sure when this will be, but, I believe that it will be somewhere around two weeks, at least I hope so, it has only been a day and I miss my enchilada special!
If you are a regular there, then I am sure that you have seen the signs, the new location is on SH21 down there in frnt of the motel, close to the hospital. Yes, it will seem like forever until they open, but if you are like me, I will be watching! The new location should be a good thing for all of us, it is a bit larger so there should be more room for all of us! I know I have almost had to wait in line at the old location, it got a bit crowded at lunch time, and was almost overflowing for breakfast on the weekends!
Sorry it took me so long to write this, but I had hoped to get more specifics. Anyway, I will definitely write about it when they do, and once I have it, I will update the site for the hours and address, and any other changes, see ya'll there!


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October 1, 2010 to October 31, 2010 – Epson Gallery Photographic Wholesalers John Hodgson EFIAP, FAPS, Hon. FAPS John has been active in amateur photography in Australia for nearly 30 years. Over that time, he has exhibited with considerable success at both national and inte… Organized by Photographic Wholesalers & John Hodgson | Type: exhibition
January 8, 2010 at 6pm to January 1, 2011 at 7pm – On the Internet Follow my progress in this exciting new venture. http://colinparkphotography.blogspot.com/ Organized by Colin Park | Type: personal, project
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Style Watch PollLast Night's Look: Hit or Miss?
Vote on this week's styles including Halle Berry, Rihanna and more stars! You decide – are they fashionistas or flops?
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- Kate's Royal Lookalike Speaks: My Life Has Totally Changed!
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- Readers Send Angelina Jolie Their Love, Tori Spelling's Ring Gets a Laugh


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MECHANICAL BULL RIDING has become one of the most popular activities to have at any special event.
MechanicalBullsRUs.com,, operates the safest and most realistic mechhanical bulls available on the East Coast for Company Picnics, Corporate Events, Colleges, Post Proms, Private parties or any special event.
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No matter what kind of party you are having a mechanical bull rental is sure to add some excitement. Announce you have this activity available and watch the crowds develop. Many people are curious about just how to ride a mechanical bull. There actually is an art to managing to stay on for any length of time. A lot of a person's ability to stay on the bull depends on how much experience they have with bull riding and what level the mechanical bull is set at. There are different settings available to adjust the mechanical bull's speed and/or bucking ability. For an experienced bull rider, crank the settings on high and let them put their experience to test. If you are letting children ride the bull, then put the settings on low and gradually increase to let them feel like they are mastering the art.
You have seen them on television and you have seen them at county fairs; however, it is now time to see a mechanical bull at your next party! Whether you are having a birthday party, graduation party, or a free for all adult party, mechanical bulls will surely increase the fun factor. Mechanical bulls are so much fun you will wonder how parties existed before their creation. They add a great source of entertainment for everyone ages 10 to 100. They are available to rent at different rates depending on the size, style ad availability or you can even purchase one to own.
When you have a mechanical bull rental Philadelphia you do not have to have it set up for competition. You will get hours of fun just watching people laugh as they get jerked around by the bull only to eventually fall. The only problem you face when renting a mechanical bull is, your party attendants may not want to leave when the party is over!
Mechanical bull riding is safe entertainment for all ages. The mechanical bull rental Philly is surrounded by pads or air mattress material. The laughter and fun increases as each person falls to the floor! The bull is set up to jerk and sling around just as a real bull would. The rider must learn to get in position and hold on tight. The longer a person stays on the harder the mechanical bull should start to buck. Eventually the rider must figure out how to get off. Thankfully, in the mechanical bull world there isn't a bull to stomp back on top of the rider.
Copyright 2012 MechanicalBullsRUs.com All Rights reserved


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Not your average Namekian - Piccolo
"Perceive that which cannot be seen with the eye."
^"By about 4:20 p.m., the cabin was engulfed in flames."
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est. 1992
waiting for southpark to make an ep. #teamdornerthis
be careful what you pretend to be
Forum Administrator • @HOYITSDREW
Not your average Namekian - Piccolo
Not your average Namekian - Piccolo
They said this is him after the cabin incident .I don't believe that shit one minute. To release it to some shitty underground radio station and not an actual news agency that would pay out the ass for it is way too sketch for me. Guy never says who it is that gave it to him and they "chickened out" when asked to be on the radio. Way too sketch for me.
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So im in my psychology lecture right now, on the topic of schizophrenia, and my ta mentioned that Chris dorner probably is schizophrenic for having rants against the lapd that are "out there"...I would have called him an idiot and walked out of the classroom.
Chicago85 at karmaloop.com for 20% off


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Are you looking to go back to college, but unsure how to get started? Well, I'm here to help! Here's some practical tips that … Read more
Have AP Credit? Try for Upgraded Housing!
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Feb 072009
Also known as
- Ignacio Clemente Delgado Cebrián
- Ignacio Delgado y Cebrián
- Ignatius Delgado y Cebrian
- Ignatius Delgado y Cebrián
- Klemens Ignatius Delgado y Cebrián
- 12 July
- 24 November as one of the Martyrs of Vietnam
Raised in a pious family. Dominican priest. Missionary to Vietnam for nearly 50 years. Co-adjutor vicar-apostolic at East Tonkin, Vietnam and titular bishop of Metellopolis on 11 February 1794. During government oppression of Christianity, he was locked in a cage, put on public display for ridicule and abuse, and left to die. One of the Martyrs of Vietnam.
- 23 November 1761 in Villafeliche, Zaragoza, Spain
- 12 July 1838 of hunger and exposure in Nam Ðinh, Vietnam
Additional Information
- Book of Saints, by the Monks of Ramsgate
- Our Sunday Visitor's Encyclopedia of Saints
MLA Citation
- "Saint Clemente Ignacio Delgado Cebrián". Saints.SQPN.com. 17 November 2012. Web. 20 June 2013. <http://saints.sqpn.com/saint-clemente-ignacio-delgado-cebrian/>


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Ken Henggeler poured his grief into the thing he loved most: carpentry.
Shaken by the Sandy Hook Elementary School massacre, the retired teacher and longtime resident of Newtown went to his barn, picked up an oak children's bench and went to work. He sawed away, cutting it into two shelves.
On one, he made 20 individual slots for candles, one for each slain child. On the other, he placed six candles for the heroic educators. He drove into town, unsure of his destination.
At the intersection of Main Street and Sugar Street, he felt a tug. After all, the park there is called The Pleasance. On a tree and nearby street pole, there were two signs. Both read: Pray for Newtown.
It was the perfect spot. Just enough room to fit the shelves, and just enough space to let people hug, pray and cry. He and his wife, Darla, placed the shelf for the children in front and the one for the educators in the back, as if still watching over their young students.
Henggeler struggled to light each candle. First one. Then two. Then three.
"It was really hitting me," he said, "with how many were involved."
A car pulled up and a man placed a giant brown teddy bear next to the makeshift shrine.
More people came. All wept. The memorial grew and grew.
"We did it to help ourselves, and maybe the town," said Henggeler, a resident of 15 years. "I just wanted to do something. Now, I'm in awe."


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A jury convicted Dalton Fletcher on Monday of the September 2010 shooting deaths of the father and mother in their home west of Monroe.
The jury did not believe the teenager was insane at the time he killed the couple, instead believing the prosecution's argument that Fletcher had been planning the killings for almost two months.
His attorney argued the shootings were the result of persistent and repetitive abuse by the father.
Fletcher shot his parents with a 12-gauge shotgun and threatened to shoot his sister. He put the gun in the trunk of his mother's car and drive to West Ouachita High later that morning to attend classes.
His sister escaped her bindings and called police.
The trial was moved to Benton because of pre-trial publicity about the case.


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Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 day 3 hours ago
In the green hills of County Fermanagh, Northern Ireland, the world's leading developed nations agreed on Tuesday to make individuals and companies pay the taxes that they owe. With the release this morning of the Lough Erne Declaration the G8 countries plan to implement greater tax collection internationally through fairer tax policies, greater financial transparency, and open trade.The G8 plans to clamp down on tax-evaders and require shell companies — often used to take advantage of tax loopholes or to invest money anonymously —to identify their effective owners or primary beneficiaries. Developing countries, reported CNN, lose more in tax avoidance than they receive in aid. With the protocols agreed to today, indebted poor countries will be given access to the global information they need to collect the taxes they are owed.Some anti-poverty campaigners describe the G8 deal as a historic achievement.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 7 weeks 2 days ago
The Ecclesial Network for the Amazon, a Catholic church network representing 12 Latin American countries, met recently in Puyo, Pastaza, Ecuador, challenging unrestrained market forces that are decimating the Amazonian ecosystem. The Network has been established to provide on-the-ground facts about Amazonia's environment, indigenous communities, and to strengthen the church in the region. Agenzia Fides reports:"Many people still think that there is an unlimited amount of energy and resources that can be used, and that the negative effects of the wild manipulation of nature can be easily absorbed. But this is totally false." Such attitudes, Catholic Bishop Julio Parrilla continued, "are not rooted in science or technology, but in a technocratic ideology that serves the interests of the market." The Bishop concluded by reiterating "the influence of secularization, because when man turns away from God, he falls into the temptation of thinking that everything is permitted, in order to meet one's immediate needs and desires."
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 12 weeks 5 days ago
When it comes to the Keystone XL pipeline, the oil and gas industry want you to believe that you have to choose between jobs and prairie grass. This tactic is called the "divide and conquer" or "divide and rule" strategy. It's as old as the empires of ancient Greece and Rome. It still works because human nature hasn't changed that much.Two years ago I sat down across the table from Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, the highest ranking State Department official (short of the Secretary of State) to weigh in on the Keystone XL pipeline permit process. A group of religious leaders were delivering thousands of petitions to Dr. Jones asking her to to stop the pipeline.I said to her, "If this decision about the pipeline was made purely based on the climate science, we wouldn't be here having this discussion." She's a scientist. She knows the score. She didn't disagree. "But," she said, "everywhere we go across the country we hear about the need for jobs – especially in the middle of the country."Divide and conquer.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 15 weeks 1 day ago
On Monday, Olivier De Schutter, U.N. special rapporteur on the right to food, submitted his report Gender and Food Security to the U.N. Human Rights Council, adding to the mountains of evidence that if you empower women with education and independent rights, they can substantially, cost-effectively, and generationally reduce hunger and malnutrition. The Guardian's Poverty Matters Blog reported: The notion that gender equality can play an important role in reducing hunger and malnutrition has gained increasing traction in development circles. The UN's Food and Agriculture Organisation claimed in its 2010-11 State of Food and Agriculture report that equal access to agricultural resources could reduce world hunger by 12-17%. Gender and food security also came under the spotlight in the 2012 edition of the World Bank's flagship annual report, where it was argued that parity in areas including landrights, employment and political representation could improve development outcomes.These ideas are not new. Obliged to raise children, care for sick and elderly people, and run households – work that, valued in monetary terms, would be equivalent to 15% of GDP in low-income countries, rising to 35% in middle-income countries – it has long been argued that women are being denied education opportunities, marginalising them both economically and politically. The challenge lies in convincing policymakers to do something about these multiple challenges.Says De Schutter:"We must address how gender roles are being defined within the family and who makes the decisions in government. ...We must refuse to take existing gender roles as givens, and instead allow women to shift the burden to men;where possible, giving women access to more opportunities and better training and education, and exposure to something other than the traditional responsibilities they have been assuming.""If local NGOs and women's organisations and unions mobilise, using the report to put pressure on the government from below, that will be even more effective than international pressure."
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 15 weeks 2 days ago
Last week, the State Department issued its next draft of the supplemental environmental impact statement (SEIS) assessing the northern route of TransCanada's Keystone XL pipeline. Officially, the State Department does not make any recommendations on whether the pipeline should be approved or denied. But the summation language is all to the positive — making it clear that the State Department still doesn't understand global warming and its disastrous consequences.I'm sure the scientists, policy analysts, and environmentalists among us will soon sort out and explain the hundreds of pages released by the State Department March 1. But until then, here's the part I found most significant: "The life-cycle carbon footprint, for transportation fuels produced in U.S. refineries, would increase if the project were approved."Please note that this information is buried way way way deep in the documents. The general summary by the State Department is favorable toward industry and the pipeline, though there are some conclusions drawn that I think are not supportable.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 15 weeks 5 days ago
Investigative reporter Lee Fang looks at how private prison corporations are making money off of criminalizing immigration status infractions and how they are protecting their profit margins by lobbying against pathways to citizenship and for increased "border security" when none is needed.On the one hand, a pathway to citizenship and legal reforms sought by advocates could reduce the number of immigrants detained by CCA and its competitors in the private prison industry. "Private prison corporations have an enormous stake in immigration reform," says Bob Libal, a prison reform advocate with Grassroots Leadership. "A reform that provides a timely pathway to citizenship without further criminalizing migration would be a huge hit to the industry," he says.On the other hand, Libal observed that a bill with increased security measures "could be very profitable" for the industry. Legislators and the Obama administration could adopt a plan that mirrors Republican proposals for an "enforcement first" approach, which include increased police powers, new mandatory detention and sentencing laws, further militarization of the border and proposals for more prisons and detention officers.See more at How Private Prisons Game The Immigration System
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 17 weeks 6 days ago
Following more than 200 houses of worship being denied FEMA aid following Superstorm Sandy, on Feb. 13, the House of Representatives passed H.R. 592 with a vote of 354-72, to clarify that houses of worship are "eligible for certain disaster relief and emergency assistance on terms equal to other eligible private nonprofit facilities, and for other purposes." From The Hill:Supporters of the bipartisan bill, H.R. 592, said federal aid to houses of worship is not a violation of the Constitution when that aid is meant to be used broadly for a range of affected entities. In those cases, federal aid need not be withheld from houses of worship that are, like many others, seeking to repair their buildings from storm damage."There is no intrinsically religious purpose in providing disaster assistance," said Rep. Nick Rahall (D-W.Va.), a supporter of the bill.Read more HERE.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 18 weeks 1 day ago
Bishop Katharine Jefferts Schori, presiding bishop of the Episcopal Church, submitted written testimony today to the U.S. Senate Judiciary Subcommittee on gun violence, chaired by Senator Dick Durbin of Illinois. The subcommittees is accepting "Proposals to reduce gun violence: protecting our communities while respecting the Second Amendment." Established after the Newtown massacre and in the wake of President Obama's leadership on reducing gun violence, the subcomittee is recieving statements from a number of religious leaders. Bishop Schori says:"I urge lawmakers to press for comprehensive and universal background checks for firearm ownership, regardless of where and how a gun is purchased; for bans on the availability to civilians of assault rifles and high-capacity magazines; and for policies designed to better regulate the manufacture of guns," the Presiding Bishop states in her testimony. "The Episcopal Church also supports the highest level of accountability for violation of all existing laws pertaining to violence in our midst."
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 18 weeks 2 days ago
After nearly eight years since being named to the chair of Peter, Pope Benedict XVI announced this morning that he is resigning at the end of February.If you live in the post-Modern, post-Christendom uber-hip world, you might not understand the full weight of this morning's announcement. A pope hasn't "resigned" in 600 years. " ... in today's world, subject to so many rapid changes and shaken by questions of deep relevance for the life of faith, in order to govern the bark of Saint Peter and proclaim the Gospel, both strength of mind and body are necessary, strength which in the last few months, has deteriorated in me to the extent that I have had to recognize my incapacity to adequately fulfill the ministry entrusted to me. For this reason, and well aware of the seriousness of this act, with full freedom I declare that I renounce the ministry of Bishop of Rome, Successor of Saint Peter, entrusted to me by the Cardinals on 19 April 2005, in such a way, that as from 28 February 2013, at 20:00 hours, the See of Rome, the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant and a Conclave to elect the new Supreme Pontiff will have to be convoked by those whose competence it is."As a cradle Catholic who loves the church enough to fight with her when she fails to live up to her Gospel call, the words "the See of Saint Peter, will be vacant" are words that strike a dark loneliness in my stomach and soul.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 20 weeks 1 day ago
"If we fully develop the tar sands, we will certainly lose control of the climate. We will get to a point where we can not walk back from the cliff," says climate scientist Dr. John Abraham. The Keystone XL pipeline is the lynchpin to developing the tar sands in Alberta.I've been paying attention to the Keystone pipeline development since 2011 when it was under review by the State Department. I joined a group of religious leaders to deliver thousands of petitions to Dr. Kerri-Ann Jones, Assistant Secretary of State for Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, asking her to to stop the pipeline. I said to her, "If this decision about the pipeline was made purely based on the climate science, we wouldn't be here having this discussion." She didn't disagree. The exploitation of tar sands will significantly worsen the climate.Now, new scientific data shows that developing the tar sands (and the pipeline to carry it) is worse than previously known. The video above shows climate scientists countering the notion that the climate impacts of the Keystone XL pipeline are small compared to total U.S. global greenhouse gas emissions. Nathan Lemphers, a Senior Policy Analyst with the Pembina Institute, details how the Keystone XL is a critical ingredient to significant expansion of tar sands. He dispels the myth being promoted by the tar sands oil industry that tar sands development is inevitable with our without Keystone XL. That's not true. All other routes are similarly being blocked.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 21 weeks 6 days ago
Blogger Hamden Rice's 2011 essay "Most of You Have No Idea What Martin Luther King Actually Did" has become an underground classic that rightly resurfaces around King Day events.On Monday, President Obama -- America's first Black president -- will be sworn in for his second term. He will swear his oath of office on a bible used by President Abraham Lincoln and a bible used by Martin Luther King, Jr. Let that sink in.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 25 weeks 5 days ago
One carol I've been humming this Advent is "I Saw Three Ships Come Sailing In." It's not one I grew up singing, but I love it. The most popular contemporary lyrics talk about "three ships come sailing in" to Bethlehem on Christmas morning. Bruce Cockburn says the weird lyrics are the result of English folk in the 18th century hallucinating from eating too much ergot in their moldy English bread. Certainly there were no ships sailing into landlocked Bethlehem.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 26 weeks 4 hours ago
President Obama addressed the nation on Wednesday morning to establish a commission led by Vice President Biden on stronger gun safety laws. Gone was the passion of his address at the interfaith service in Newtown and in place we have back the above-the-fray politician.However, one point was clear. "If we are going to change things," he said, "it is going to take a wave of Americans … standing up and saying 'enough' on behalf of our kids."Will Obama's address beat the National Rife Association's messaging strategy? On Friday, Dec. 21, the NRA will hold its first a press conference after the Newtown, Conn., massacre—and America's first reasonable conversation on stronger gun laws will come to an end.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 30 weeks 8 hours ago
The Global North and West is addicted to fossilized fuel. Myself included. And we are trying to push our addictions onto the Global South.Everywhere we look the fossil fuel pushers are in our face, luring us into our next fix.Not a week after the elections, the American Petroleum Institute launched ads in Alaska, Louisiana, New Mexico, Colorado, Virginia, Arkansas, and North Carolina targeting U.S. senators who are raising the issue of climate change; specifically, the ones calling into question oil company subsidies.The oil and gas companies try seduction ("fighting for jobs"). They try fear ("we are too big to fail"). They accuse us of being unfair to them ("Discriminatory treatment of the oil and gas industry is a bad idea"). They try bullying and slandering.Even when our court system recently convicted one of them killing (BP convicted of "manslaughter" for the 11 murdered on Gulf Oil spill rigs), they are not stopped.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 42 weeks 1 day ago
In the spring of 2003 I made myself a T-shirt. It said: "We Are All Rachel Corrie." I wore it as a constant reminder of the cost demanded of those who are peacemakers.On March 16, 2003, 23-year-old Rachel Corrie, a member of the International Solidarity Movement stood with others to defend a Palestinian home from demolition by Israeli Defense Forces. The photos of Rachel, in her bright red ISM jacket, confronting the Goliath earth mover were some of the first indications Americans had of how the IDF was using bulldozers as weapons of war. Though Rachel was plainly visible to the driver, he continued to move forward, using his machine to crush her to death.On August 28, Israeli judge Oded Gorshen ll invoked the "combatant activities" exception, noting that IDP forces had been attacked nearby and ruled Corrie's death an "accident."
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 43 weeks 3 hours ago
Ever since the global financial cabal drove the world's economies into a ditch, popular movements have been rising up to fight "austerity measures" that exact punishment on the poor and leave the rich untouched. This is a familiar biblical meme for the definition of injustice. The words of the prophet Jeremiah come to mind: "Your clothes are stained with the blood of the poor and innocent" (Jeremiah 2:34).The Guardian's Richard Seymour writes:"When Spanish mayor Juan Manuel Sánchez Gordillo recently led farmers on a supermarket sweep, raiding the local shops for food as part of a campaign against austerity, his political immunity as an elected assembly member protected him from arrest. He now asks other local mayors to ignore central government demands for budget cuts and refuse to implement evictions and lay-offs. In this era of austerity, such flagrant disrespect for the law ought to be encouraged. Sometimes, the greatest strength of popular movements is their capacity to disrupt. So here, for the benefit of imaginative indignados, are five examples of civil disobedience: 1. Salt March led by Gandhi 2. Extremadura Campaign, a peasan't land reform movement in Spain 3. Flying Pickets and Sit-Ins, labor movements in the United States 4. Dismantling unwanted enterprises, Jose Bove's anti-globalization movement in France 5. Poll Tax Non-Payment, anti poll tax mobilization in London in 1990s" Read the whole article and see great photos here.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 43 weeks 8 hours ago
Agencia Fides, the Vatican news outlet for Catholic missioners, is the only news source for reports about Mussalaha, the popular faith-led peace movement in Syria. With violence fracturing along religious/ethnic lines, this inter-religious movement seeks to maintain safe havens for all Syrians who will lay down their weapons. Mussalaha is also smuggling food, medicine, and hope into blockaded cities, such as Rableh where more than 12,000 Christians have been under siege for more than 10 days.Agencia Fides reports: Over 12 thousand faithful Greek-Catholics are trapped in the village of Rableh, west of Qusayr, in the area of Homs. Food is scarce, the faithful are living on "bread and water", medicine is lacking to treat the sick and wounded. This is the alarm raised by local sources of Fides that invoke respect for humanitarian law, that confirm what the international press is reporting on the situation in Rableh. For more than ten days the village of Rableh is subject to a strict blockade by armed opposition groups, which surround it on all sides.... ...representatives of the popular initiative for reconciliation "Mussalaha" were able to carry a small load of humanitarian aid to the village. A representative of "Mussalaha" assured the faithful by claiming that "everything will be done to allow the delivery of humanitarian aid." An appeal was launched by His Beatitude Patriarch Gregorios III Laham, visibly moved, to all men of good will so that "Rableh is saved and all other villages affected in Syria, and finally for peace to be reached in our beloved country." Even the Apostolic Nuncio in Syria, His Exc. Mgr. Mario Zenari, called on all parties involved "to the strict observance of the international humanitarian law", pointing out that the resolution of the crisis in Syria depends first of all on its citizens.Read the whole article.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 43 weeks 1 day ago
Interethnic violence has flashed through India during the conclusion of the Muslim holy season of Ramadan during which Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. Catholic leaders in northern India, where Muslim migrants have been particularly targeted, has called for common ground dialogue and hosted meetings with leaders of the conflicted communities based on the Catholic churches long-standing relationships with both communities.Anto Akkara for ENI NEWS reports: "Churches are initiating steps to broker peace and restore harmony in the northeast Indian state of Assam, which has been rocked by bloody clashes between local ethnic Bodo people and Muslim migrants.'We have hosted leaders of both communities twice already. We are now preparing a larger meeting of both communities after Ramadan,"'Roman Catholic bishop Thomas Pulloppillil of Bongaigaon diocese that comprises the troubled region, told ENInews on 15 August 2012.The clashses have left 78 dead and over 400,000 refugees."Read the rest of the article here.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 43 weeks 5 days ago
Three women from the Russian feminist punk collective Pussy Riot were convicted today of "hooliganism motivated by religious hatred."Nadezhda Tolokonnikova, 22, Marina Alyokhina, 24, and Yekaterina Samutsevich, 30, were arrested in February following an uninvited "punk prayer" of protest against the iron fist and faux democracy of Russian president Vladimir Putin and calling to account the theological rubber-stamping of Putin's repressive regime by the Russian Orthodox Church.Their "performance prayer" titled "Hail Mary, Putin Run!" (see video and lyrics) was offered to the Virgin Mary at the altar of Christ the Savior Orthodox Cathedral in Red Square. After spending five months in jail since the event, they were sentenced today to two years — time served credited against the sentence, so they've got another 19 months to go. While some have directly attacked the band as anti-religious, others have attempted to more subtly undercut them by saying their actions are just publicity stunts to get money. I say, Wrong and wrong. Acts of ecclesial disobedience are called for when institutions that are supposed to represent God fail to do so. And spending two years in a Russian prison - as a woman - is not the kind of thing we do for money.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 44 weeks 1 day ago
The global movement to implement a small tax on some financial industry trades has gained its first European partner: France. Religious and economic reform groups have been leading the movement to implement versions of what has been called the "Robin Hood Tax" or the "Tobin Tax" since the 1990s. As global markets falter and national economies are brought to their knees by an unregulated financial industry, this financial transaction tax is one small way to impact global reform. With the passage of the new French budget, France becomes the first European country to impose a transaction tax on share purchases, including high-frequency trading and credit default swaps. The transaction tax, aimed at curbing market speculation, will be paid on the purchase of French stocks with market values of more than 1 billion euros ($1.2 billion).The bill's passage into law marks "the first step toward fiscal reform and a move toward justice," Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said in a statement. Here's an excerpt:>>On 1 August, France became the first European country to introduce a new financial-transaction tax (FTT) on equity sales and high-frequency trading.The FTT, often called a 'Robin Hood tax', is a tax on selected products traded by the financial sector, such as equities, bonds, foreign exchange and their derivatives. Where those countries where such a tax has been introduced (in South Korea, South Africa, India, Hong Kong, the UK and Brazil), the tax may have been tiny (ranging between 0.005% and 0.5%), but it has raised substantial amounts of revenue. The FTT discourages high-risk financial operations and makes the financial sector pay its fair share of taxes. This is sensible: a reckless casino culture in parts of the financial sector caused the financial crisis. It is also fair: our governments bailed out the banks but left taxpayers with debts of trillions.<<Read more here.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 44 weeks 6 days ago
Four hundred people gathered across from the White House last night with a single message: "We are all Oak Creek." Responding to the murder of six Sikh worshippers, the wounding of four others, including police officer Lt. Brian Murphy, and the suicide of perpetrator Wade M. Page, hundreds gathered to stand with the Sikh community as they invited prayers for the victims, the murderer, and his family. "Tonight, we are not Jain, Muslim, Hindu," announced one speaker, "we are all Sikh tonight. We are all Oak Creek. We will not allow fear to overcome us."In a response reminiscent of the Amish during the Nickel Mines, Pa., massacre in 2006, the Sikh community, the fifth largest religion in the world, is not used to the national spotlight in the U.S. But neither do they shy away from an opportunity to introduce their faith to a wider audience and to practice what they preach.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 45 weeks 5 hours ago
Last month, Rolling Stone magazine featured Bill McKibben's latest plea for climate sanity on its cover. And despite every pundit's whining proclamation that climate change is such a buzz-kill, Bill's article got forwarded, commented, tweeted, and otherwise pushed around the Internet more than anything else RS has put out lately.So somebody out there is paying attention to climate change — even if the elites can't seem to grow a spine about it.What I liked about Bill's article was that he lays out a clear, 3-pronged strategy for really doing something about climate change while there's still time.If we do these three things, there's a possibility that we can reverse climate change, restore health to our skies, earth, and oceans, and move forward into a future where our grandkids can not just survive, but thrive.Here's the plan.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 2 weeks ago
Every year, somewhere between US$200 billion and $1 trillion are spent in "mandatory" alms and voluntary charity across the Muslim world, Islamic financial analysts estimate. At the low end of the estimate, this is 15 times more than global humanitarian aid contributions in 2011. With aid from traditional Western donors decreasing in the wake of a global recession, and with about a quarter of the Muslim world living on less than $1.25 a day, this represents a huge pool of potential in the world of aid funding.http://www.irinnews.org/Report/95564/Analysis-A-faith-based-aid-revolution-in-the-Muslim-world
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 9 weeks ago
The Nebraska state legislature on Wednesday approved a bill (LB1161) that will allow Nebraska to proceed with a $2 million study to find a route for TransCanada's proposed Keystone XL tar sands pipeline through the state. Gov. Dave Heineman is expected to sign the measure into law. But what does this mean?It means a couple of things. First, it means that the global "people power" movement against the Keystone XL pipeline beat back the energy and oil industry in January when President Obama and the State Department denied TransCanada's transnational permit. Our "united we stand" organizing strategy was effective. It forced the TransCanada to switch tactics. Now the oil industry is pushing a "divide and conquer" tactic. Its strategy is to break the pipeline up into state-sized parts and negotiate on each section. In Nebraska, new proposals to route the pipeline away from the environmentally sensitive Sandhills has removed a key political organizing tool from those of us who are working against the pipeline, especially in the Midwest.Second, it means that Nebraska needs cash and will move forward to get it. Since the oil industry lobbyists have convinced the Obama administration to allow new routes to be proposed, Nebraska has leapt into the maneuvering space – in part to keep filling the state's depleted coffers with funds from the TransCanada cash cow. The bill approved today will re-start the pipeline "review" process on the state level. And, the bill requires TransCanada to reimburse the state for the route study.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 21 weeks ago
Politico is reporting that President Obama is planning to reject the Keystone XL pipeline this afternoon.Here's a quick roundup of some reasons why we think that's awesome:
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 27 weeks ago
While citizens across the United States have been demanding President Obama deny the permit for the Keystone XL pipeline, Canadians and First Nations folks have been organizing as well.One question I've been asked repeatedly during the Tar Sands organizing is: "If we stop the mining and oil company from building a pipeline from Alberta to Texas, won't they just a build one from Alberta to the Pacific and ship the oil to China?"The companies were only too happy to have us buy their logic. But the truth was that our job in the U.S. was to keep the pipeline out of our backyard, and trust that the Canadian movement would do the same. Well, it turns out they have. First Nations folks pledged to block construction with their bodies and widespread public concern has forced the Harper government to review environmental concerns.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 31 weeks ago
It didn't take long — after news broke this afternoon that President Obama had indefinitely kyboshed the climate-killer Keystone XL pipeline — for my phone to ring."Hi Rose, I'm calling from White House on behalf of President Obama," the voice on the other end of the line said. "We wanted to makes sure you'd seen the president's executive order postponing the permitting of the pipeline until another environmental impact report can be done, especially focusing on sensitive environmental issues in Nebraska."And we want to thank you for your good work on this issue. We're just reaching out to let you know that the President hears you and we hope you'll continue to help us focus on the really critical issues that are facing us right now."This afternoon President Obama made an official announcement on the Keystone XL Pipeline that so many of you have been working on these last several months.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 32 weeks ago
On November 6, I will join Jim Wallis, staff members from Sojourners, and 15,000 others in Washington, D.C.'s Lafayette Park to tell President Obama to stop the Keystone XL pipeline project.
If approved by the Obama administration, the pipeline would transport non-conventional tar sands oil from Alberta, Canada, 1,700 miles south -- through the American Heartland -- to the oil refineries in Texas on the Gulf of Mexico.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 41 weeks ago
As of yesterday, more than 1,009 Americans have been arrested to bring national attention to the controversial Keystone XL pipeline. This is what church looks like. Liturgy means "the work of the people" in service of the common good.
If President Obama permits the Keystone pipeline, thousands more will sit on his doorstep and in front of bulldozers. This movement doesn't have money to match the influence of oil companies, lobbyists, or politicians with conflicts of interest, but we do have our bodies and we are putting them on the line.
Here are what people of faith -- Jews, Christians, Buddhists, Quakers, Unitarians, and more -- are saying about why they have been or will be arrested to stop the Keystone XL pipeline:
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 42 weeks ago
More than 140 prominent Protestant leaders from 12 Latin American countries have signed an "open letter to the Christian churches of the United States," asking American Christians to stand with "the most vulnerable members of US society" who would be affected by proposed budget cuts to the social safety net.
Citing the Circle of Protection as a positive Christian witness, the signers also expressed their dismay. "We view with deep concern recent decisions in the United States that will add to the suffering of the most vulnerable members of US society," the letter read. It was signed by a broad array of Latin American religious communities, including leaders of the Latin American Council of Churches, the United Bible Society of Latin America, evangelical councils and alliances in Peru, Ecuador, Honduras, Argentina, Brazil, Bolivia, and Uruguay, the Fellowship of Evangelical Churches (CONELA), the Association of Reformed and Presbyterian Churches of Latin America (AIPRAL), Micah Network, Indigenous Association of Peruvian Amazonia, and the Latin American Biblical University in Costa Rica.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 42 weeks ago
I want to beat televangelist Pat Robertson to the jump on yesterday's East Coast earthquake.
Robertson is genius at knowing the mind of God when it comes to natural disasters. He blamed the Haiti earthquake on a God-offending "pact with the devil." Hurricane Katrina was God's pay-back for abortion in America.
Having spent some time with the Lord recently, I feel there is a message for President Obama: It is God's wrath that shook the White House yesterday. This was a 5.8 wake-up call.
Why is God all wrought up this time? What is it that God wants President Obama to do? Well, my friends, the issue is climate change. Global warming. Specifically, the Keystone XL "Dirty Oil" pipeline.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 45 weeks ago
More than 150 Roman Catholic priests in the United States have signed a statement in support of a fellow cleric Roy Bourgeois, who faces dismissal for participating in a ceremony ordaining a woman as a Catholic priest, in defiance of church teaching.
More than 300 priests and deacons in Austria -- representing 15 percent of Catholic clerics in that country -- last month issued a "Call to Disobedience," which stunned their bishops with a seven-point pledge that includes actively promoting priesthood for women and married men, and reciting a public prayer for "church reform" in every Mass.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 46 weeks ago
President Barack Obama will decide as early as September whether to light a fuse to the largest carbon bomb in North America. That bomb is the massive tar sands field in Canada's Alberta province. And the fuse is the 1,700-mile long Keystone XL Pipeline that would transport this dirtiest of petroleum fuels all the way to Texas refineries.
The Keystone XL Pipeline is a climate and pollution horror beyond description. From August 20 to September 3, thousands of Americans -- including Bill McKibben, Danny Glover, NASA's Dr. James Hansen, and thousands more -- will be at the White House, day after day, demanding Obama reject this tar sands pipeline.
I'm going to be there, and I hope you will join me -- we need your voice.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 1 year 47 weeks ago
I'm getting arrested on Aug. 29 at the White House. It's time to put my body where my soul is -- defending God's creation.
A interreligious contingent has chosen Aug. 29 as our arrest day. Jews, Muslims, Christians, and others will train together on Aug. 28 and then worship and risk arrest together on Aug. 29.
This is part of a two-week campaign (Aug. 20-Sept. 3) in which leading environmentalists including Wendell Berry, Naomi Klein, and Bill McKibben will join a peaceful campaign of civil disobedience to block the approval of a dirty oil pipeline that will cross the United States. As one Canadian wrote, "This [pipeline] will make the Great Wall of China look like Tom Sawyer's picket fence." Bill McKibben explained further in an earlier blog on God's Politics:
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In 2010, Hope House DC received a grant from the Humanities Council of Washington, D.C. to support participation in the National Endowment for the Arts' Big Read project. Hope House placed about 100 copies of Earnest J. Gaines' classic A Lesson Before Dying in two prisons that have high concentrations of District of Columbia inmates.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 2 years 13 weeks ago
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Erica Chenoweth directs Wesleyan University's program on terrorism and insurgency research, which she established in 2008. Her work will be featured in the upcoming May issue of Sojourners magazine. Erica is doing innovative research on the strategic effectiveness of civil resistance and nonviolent revolution. Recently, she wrote a post at Monkey Cage on why traditional "peace and security" academic programs should include nonviolence and civil resistance tactics as part of their programs. "It is time for security studies to take nonviolent conflict seriously," writes Chenoweth, "and to incorporate such episodes and their dynamics into the canonical literature."
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 2 years 16 weeks ago
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Please keep in your prayers those who are fasting and praying at the U.S. capitol between January 11 to 21, keeping vigil for the closing of the U.S. prison camp at Guantanamo. As an opening to their prayer vigil Wednesday, they engaged in a little prophetic street theater in front of the Justice Department.In August 2007, candidate Obama promised to close Guantanamo, saying, "As President, I will close Guantanamo, reject the Military Commissions Act and adhere to the Geneva Conventions. Our Constitution and our Uniform Code of Military Justice provide a framework for dealing with the terrorists."In January 2009, one of President Obama's first official acts was to sign an executive order promising to close Guantanamo within one year. "This is me following through on not just a commitment I made during the campaign, but I think an understanding that dates back to our founding fathers, that we are willing to observe core standards of conduct, not just when it's easy, but also when it's hard," he said.
Posted by Rose Marie Berger 2 years 31 weeks ago
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