text:
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IAM Local Lodge 1782
1511 Rollins Rd., Burlingame CA 94010
Phone (650) 697-1600 Fax (650) 697-1699
Latest News
& Updates
United Negotiations
Grand lodge Election will be held on wed April 2nd 7am-6pm town hall. 1511 Rollins Road, Burlingame, CA 94010. Want to request an absentee ballot? If u are eligible to request an absentee ballot please do so ASAP. Everything must be received no later then 10 days before election. Please make sure to Mail in your ballot to Brenda Hattin at Sierra Pacific Air Transport Local Lodge 1782 IAMAW P.O. Box 281617 San Francisco, CA 94128-1617
"District 141 and United Airlines today reached a Tentative agreement on behalf of IAM represented Public Contact employees, Ramp/Fleet Service employees, and Storekeepers."
Highlights include "Increased compensation for the future and recognizes sacrifices of the past. An immediate increase in the base rate provides for an hourly rate of $24.00 and additional payments to individuals will reward previous work hours and seniority retroactively. Additional scheduled increases will provide for an hourly rate of $26.22 ... also provides for substantial increases in pension benefit..."
Further "details will be published ... through IAM communications..."
Read the full leaflet at iam141.org and get contract updates via the Districts dedicated contract page: contract.iam141.org.
And let's remember, brothers and sisters, to read the full content of the tentative agreements and remember that money does not always talk. Notice that the only highlight given is the money and wage increases here. Let's wait on the celebration to read about what other changes they've made or agreed to with the company with regards to the health care language, retro payments, overtime, and other work rules before we cheer for two dollars.
Worth repeating: It is imperative that each member read the full text thoroughly when it comes out. Be sure to apply it to your own situation and try to think of the rest of the membership as a whole, if you can. What may be good for one person may not be good for the group and if we accept less in one area for ourselves, we are accepting less for all of the others as well.
This negotiation has been so difficult because the previous expired but amendable contract has terrific work rules (sure, it could be better) that the Company wants/wanted to take away from us. If we let them take away everything or anything we have now to trade for something that they are trying to sell us into believing is better, next time around they will be absolutely less inclined to give us anything back because we would have already given it all away in this round. Please remember that the sacrifices we agree to in this round of Contract Negotiations will end up being on a Wish List of "Dreams Deferred", if you will, the next round of negotiations.
Peace and Good Luck to all of us.
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, September 12, 2013—United Airlines
"Regarding the enhanced Early Out program... the company has committed to extend the sign up period ... [to one week past
an announced tentative agreement, or no later than October 31, 2013 in order to] allow all interested members to see the
provisions of a new tentative agreement before committing to participate
in the Early Out program."
Read why at iam141.org and for more information and forms on the Early Out program, see iam141.org for their Early Out info page.
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, September 12, 2013—United Airlines
[The directed "status conference" of United and the IAM] was frank. The Board informed us... they are not willing to schedule negotiations after October 1st at this time [and] that the [only] dates the Board determined were available for further negotiations were the week of the District 141 Convention in Kona, September 22 - 27... the cost of a short notice cancellation of the convention to the Union was prohibitive.. [and therefore] will assign officers of District 141 not committed to negotiations to conduct the convention."
Find out why the NMB refuses further negotiations in the full iam141.org article
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, September 10, 2013—US Airways
"The National Mediation Board (NMB) today held a "status conference" with
IAM Districts 141 and 142 regarding the ongoing US Airways Mechanic and
Related and Fleet Service contract negotiations. The NMB will meet with
the company tomorrow."
Finish the flyer at iam141.org
[Currently there is] no announced schedule for returning to the table... instead ... NMB has directed both the
IAM and United to participate in a "status conference" [on Monday, September 9th, 2012] with the
Chairman of the NMB to ... assess where the ...significant areas of dispute are that are preventing a settlement.
[We made] significant progress on ... the provisions of the enhanced Early Out program... [such as] any
member opting for the Early Out program, regardless of the final date of work, will be eligible for any special payment a new ratified agreement may contain including retroactive pay, signing bonus, or any other one time payment that may be negotiated. [And] every participant will be entitled to the best option for health insurance available to them.
The sign up period [for the Early Out program] remains open until September 16th."
Read all of the details at iam141.org.
Full Leaflet
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, August 26, 2013—US Airways
"The benefit of wage increases is only realized when the merger is complete... [and] our position regarding the planned merger has not changed – we are in favor of a business plan that rewards our members and makes their future more secure. ... [and] intend to meet with the NMB in early September to seek a return to the bargaining table... "
—United Airlines
"Starting on September 4th... One of the first issues we are hopeful can be resolved is the outstanding components of the announced Early Out program. ... The remaining issues of wage rates, job security, and active employees insurance will be taken up when we are more certain about the Early Out program."
The full article will be found at iam141.org.
US Airways
Read the full and shocking United Airlines as well as the US Airways Updates at iam141.org!
"Machinists Union Wins Election for 4,600 Mechanic and Related at US Airways
August 12,
2013-- In
a contest overseen by the National Mediation Board (NMB), the
Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) today soundly
defeated the International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT) in an election
to represent nearly 4,600 Mechanic and Related employees at US Airways.
The IAM received 1903 votes, or 58 percent of all votes cast in the
election, while the IBT received 1418 votes, less than 43 percent."
Read the full article sponsored by goiam.org in their IAM Transportation NewsWire.
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, August 3, 2013; "Stop Outsourcing"—
"Members continue to protest outsourcing of work across the country and in IAH this past week over 400 hundred IAM members came together to show their support for their fellow members affected by United Airlines decision to outsource work in TUS, CVG, GRR, MDT, ALB, and ROC."
Regarding the "United Survey System ... We ask all eligible members to take the time to participate in the survey, as the results of the survey will form the positions of our Union going forward...The New United has not provided the District with an accurate employee address list for Sub CO ... Please E-Mail your information
to firstname.lastname@example.com and we will verify and supply you with the information you will need to participate."
US Air and Hawaiin Air to potentially get survey systems as well.
"[United] Negotiations resume this coming week...[we are hopeful that] the results of the current
survey will identify other concerns of members .. "
See the whole article at iam141.org that contains information on United Airlines notification of switching all PPO programs over to Aetna, and the effect it may have on you as well as detailed information on the US Airways Representation Vote!
UPDATE, July 27, 2013; Profits Soar Employees Poor—
"District 141 has announced the start up of the membership survey process[that] is intended to provide ongoing information and feedback to and from our members to District 141... Information and instruction of how to sign up for the survey has been mailed to each member's home address... The initial questionnaire is ready to be filled out and focuses on United Airlines' contract issues. A second questionnaire is being prepared to identify concerns specific to US Airways negotiations...
Negotiations with United Airlines will resume on August 7th and are scheduled to continue through August 16th. The major issues that have already been outlined – wage improvement, healthcare cost and coverage immediately and into the future, and job security – have been the internal focus of the IAM this past week in preparation of a return to the table on August 7th...
The Early Out program is now available [however] While employees are able to sign up for the program immediately and through September 5th ... the program will not go into effect until a tentative agreement is reached ... and a majority of members vote to ratify it..."
Continue reading at IAM141.ORG to get the full details on the new Early Out Program and more information on the Districts intentions when negotiations resume.
For detailed information on the Survey process, check the dedicated UA SURVEY section of IAM141.ORG.
UPDATE, July 24, 2013; Investing in your Future with Online Surveys—
"As the negotiating team struggles with what 32,000 members want at the "New United", [they've adopted] The Survey System in partnership between District Lodge 141 and a union company called Ballot Point... The new system will ... use e-mails, instead of US postal service, as notification for future surveys... Mailing of survey security codes will begin on 26 July 2013. The first survey will be available on 29 July at: https://www.ballotpoint.com/IAMAW141survey [and] will be available to take until midnight P.S.T., 12 August 2013. "
Read the full story and details at IAM141.ORG on their July 24, 2013 Update.
UPDATE, Rich Delaney, 21 June 2013—Discussions between the IAM, United Airlines, and the National Mediation Board earlier this week have resulted in a commitment by all parties to return to the bargaining table and begin looking for solutions to the problematic issues that prevented us from ratifying an agreement. The NMB has directed us to resume negotiations this coming week in Chicago.
This coming week is the target date for the uniform change among United employees. Some questions have been raised as to the appropriateness of implementing a single uniform policy without having the airlines integrated through contracts and seniority lists. It would have been preferable for the company to wait until our negotiations were completed to make this change but it is not a violation of any existing agreement. ... While uniforms may lead customers to believe there is a single airline, only ratified contracts will ultimately lead to integrated work groups."
Read the full article at IAM141.ORG.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013— At the monthly membership meeting, Greg Brown - Committee Person SFO - took the honor of swearing in Local 1782's newest Executive Board member, Kathy Bird. Kathy was appointed by Local 1782 President Scott Rothstein as the new Educator for Local 1782 following the transfer of the previous appointee. She will begin her duties effective immediately.
Local 1782 is very excited to work with Kathy! She is very knowledgeable and enthusiastic, and has the drive to guide our membership to enlightenment! She has a host of fantastic ideas already in pre-planning stages to make the most of her duties as Educator, and that will have the most positive impact on our membership. She will be an absolute asset to Local 1782 and we encourage you to join us in welcoming her to the team!
Welcome aboard, Kathy!
Teamsters Raid American and US Airways Mechanics
RICH DELANEY, APRIL 20, 2013— "Reevaluation of bargaining positions, communication processes and voting procedures, in advance of returning to contract negotiations with United Airlines,
continued this past week. ... As we have reported recently, we are also restructuring the format future surveys will be conducted in order to insure accurate and secure participation by members. ... Negotiations resume this week in Washington, D.C. between District 141 and USAirways. We expect to receive a comprehensive economic proposal from the company in response to the proposal the IAM resented to them last month. ... Just as our negotiations are controlled by acts of Congress and government agencies, such as the NMB, the industry we work in is also reliant on government. "
Read the full article at IAM141.ORG.
Preparations for a return to contract negotiations
have been ongoing since the results of the membership
ratification vote became known on March
30th. The first step was to take advantage of the
previously scheduled District 141 Chairmen's
Conference to hold in depth discussions with local
leadership regarding the next steps needed to be
taken. ... Before returning to negotiations it will be necessary
to re-evaluate the needs and expectations of
all members. ... Members have questioned why the seniority integration
process has been slowed. The answer is
that the accrual and use of seniority was an integral
part of the past tentative agreement and was
subject to membership ratification. ... Since the agreement was rejected
by a majority of members there is no basis
for integrating seniority. "
Read the full article at IAM141.ORG.
All members should be aware that when casting your vote, you *MUST* return BOTH the BALLOT AND THE STRIKE vote cards and stubs.
Should one fail to vote for one option on each card, ones vote shall be null and void.
Take particular care to read the instructions very carefully to ensure that your voice counts in this particularly important vote!
Note: If you have not yet received your ballot, one of our coworkers tried this:
They sent an e-mail to District President Rich Delaney (firstname.lastname@example.com),
District Secretary-Treasurer Dave Atkinson (email@example.com)
and AGC Shawn Humpherys (email@example.com),
stating their company ID number and current address, stating they had not yet received a ballot,
and are supposedly getting a replacement sent.
(Possibly via overnight mail) There are only days left in the voting period.
See contract.iam141.org for the most up-to-date official postings of tentative agreements.
RICH DELANEY, MARCH 4, 2013—"This past week began the in station information meetings presented by members of the Negotiating Team to our membership in advance of ratification voting...The need for a fuller understanding of the complete job security provisions included in the agreement and the protection they give to various situations and individuals was the number one issue brought up in all meetings, regardless of previous airline experience. The second most asked topic was health insurance and its status in the coming years."
See IAM141.ORG to further read about a new Early Out Program, insourcing, and seniority protection.
Rich Delaney, February 24, 2013—"This past
week we conducted informational meetings for all station representatives
from all groups and previous airlines to present the details of our
recently announced tentative agreement with United Airlines. ... The focus of the meetings was on the key areas of employment
security, economics and benefits, and work rules. Each attendee receive a
copy of the first draft of the contract, with the understanding that
final proofreading and corrections will be made to the document prior to
mailing copies of the agreement to each member's home prior to
ratification voting.
See IAM141.ORG to read the specifics to include Employment Security, The Economic Factors, Health Care, Work Rules, and about any Voting that would take place for any possible ratification of this tentative agreement.
Click here to see accompanying short video sponsored by IAM141.ORG
A MEMORANDUM released February 20, 2013 from Joshua M. Javits, a professional mediator and arbitrator of the Dispute Resolution Services with information about the upcoming seniority integration.
(see iam141.org for more info)
RICH DELANEY, FEBRUARY 16, 2013—"Our recent announcement of reaching a tentative agreement with United Airlines has proven to be welcomed news by our members.
Although we have only been able to release limited information at this time, our membership has viewed the announcement as the end of the long waiting period for a settlement...
Due to the scope of this ratification, ... we have requested and received dispensation of IAM Constitutional requirements that will allow District 141 to conduct this ratification vote through the use of mail balloting...
Prior to voting on this agreement members will receive a copy of the full agreement at their home through the mail. There will be ample time given for each member to read, evaluate, and question what this new agreement means to them before casting their vote."
See the full leaflet at IAM141.ORG.
Click here to see a preview of the Tentative Agreement
RICH DELANEY—"Today, February 13, 2013, District 141 and United Airlines are announcing we have reached a tentative agreement of labor contracts that will improve the lives of our 30,000 members and their families...
The concerns and goals of our members guided our negotiating team through this entire process, and we believe we now have addressed them. Our members now have employment security unmatched in the industry. We have achieved total compensation that is the best in the industry, and rewards them for their past work and sacrifice in the service of their airline. We have stabilized and improved the health care coverage and cost structure for our members and their families for the present day as well as the future. And we have improved pensions so that our members may retire with the security and dignity they have earned and deserve. Our agreement for an early out opportunity will allow members to transition into life after United with comfort and confidence..."
Read through the full disclosure at IAM141.ORG
RICH DELANEY, JANUARY 21, 2013—"There is no progress to report from this week's negotiating meetings with United Airlines. The issues that are now the main focus of our discussions—job security, wages, health insurance and other benefits—are becoming more difficult as we reach the essentials each subject, from both sides. The positions of both the Union and the company are very well known to each other and both sides are now holding on to what they each believe is "non-negotiable". Both parties are looking to the other for movement that, at least last week, did not happen...
If we are not able to advance these negotiations through this process then we will rely on the NMB to guide us through the next required phases of the legal process."
See the full publication at IAM141.ORG.
RICH DELANEY, JANUARY 13, 2013—"Job Security. It is one of the key elements of our current negotiations with United Airlines, and it is proving to be one of the most difficult to resolve...
At the beginning of the week the company notified the IAM ...of a possible reduction in force due to the planned closing of the cargo operation in EWR later this year...
The natural question that is asked is "Why can't the Union stop this from happening?" The answer is simple; The current contract that covers both of these affected groups allows for this type of result..."
To read about our increasingly threatened Job Security, go to IAM141.ORG.
RICH DELANEY, DECEMBER 19, 2012—"At the conclusion of contract negotiations between District 141 and United Airlines on December 7, both sides separately reported the state of progress during the week to the National Mediation Board...
In the opinion of the NMB, the distance between the company's position and our intentions must be voluntarily narrowed before a final agreement can be reached with their help. That is what we worked on during the past week, and we believe have made significant progress on those issues.
Negotiations continue this week ... to bring outstanding issues to a close.
We congratulate our Brothers and Sisters of ALPA in concluding and ratifying their agreement last week.."
Read the full leaflet at IAM141.ORG.
RICH DELANEY DECEMBER 2, 2012—"After meeting with the National Mediation Board on Tuesday, members of our negotiating team resumed their work in preparation of returning to face-to face talks with the company this coming week.
The focus of the past week was to refine agreements previously made among sub-committees into a single, readable format. These will become the replacement contract...
We recognize that by negotiating a new agreement that will pertain to 35,000 members of differing experience with labor contracts, it is essential that it is written in a way that simply explains the rights and benefits for members and does not look like the IRS code...
When we resume negotiations this coming week in Chicago, we will continue our work on the formal language process and also work on resolving the subjects that are still open for discussion."
See the full publication at IAM141.ORG.
Rich Delaney, November 27, 2012— "Representatives of the IAM met with the National Mediation Board today
to give our assessment of negotiations with United Airlines. ... Our presentation highlighted the key issues still
unresolved—wages, health insurance, and job security... "
See IAM141.ORG for the complete leaflet.
Rich Delaney, November 25, 2012—"Discussions between District 141 and United Airlines continued this past
week. ... After not reaching an agreement by our target date, we jointly agreed
to continue negotiations involving areas of our contracts that had been
close to resolution. ... The more difficult subjects—Wage
Improvement, Job Security, and Benefits—will be the focus of the next
meetings of the full negotiating teams. "
Go to IAM141.ORG to read the full story.
November 16, 2012
Contact: NMB Public Information Line — (202) 692-5050
Re: United Continental Holdings and ALPA reach Agreement
Washington, D.C. — The National Mediation Board (NMB) is pleased to
announce United Continental Holdings, Inc. and the Air Line Pilots
Association (ALPA) reached an agreement on November 9, 2012, for a new
joint collective bargaining agreement covering pilots at the United and
Continental subsidiaries.
This agreement has been approved by the ALPA Master Executive
Councils of each subsidiary and sent out for ratification by the
company's pilots. Specific information regarding the contract or its
provisions should be obtained directly from the parties.
Mediation was guided by NMB Member, Linda Puchala, Senior Mediator
Patricia Sims and Mediator Gerry McGuckin. The National Mediation Board
is an independent Federal agency established by the Railway Labor Act,
which governs labor-management relations within two key transportation
sectors of the United States and U.S. territories: the railroads and
(See NMB Press Release -- October 15, 2012 )
"Today, November 15, 2012, is the target date for the completion of negotiations between United Airlines and District 141 for a replacement agreement. We have not reached resolution of many issues, and therefore have not reached an overall agreement that could be brought to our Members for review and ratification. ...The essential areas of wage rates, insurance coverage and cost, job security, and retirement remain unresolved. ... While much effort has gone into narrowing the differences between the Union's proposals and the company's response, it is clear that we are not in a position to finalize our contract."
See IAM141.ORG for the full publication.
Click here to see the glorious member response to the failure of completion of negotiations on the set Target Date of November 15, 2012.
August 3, 2012
Contact: NMB Public Information Line — (202) 692-5050
Re: United Continental Holdings and ALPA reach Agreement
Washington, D.C. — The National Mediation Board (NMB) is pleased to
announce United Continental Holdings, Inc. and the Air Line Pilots
Association (ALPA) have reached an agreement in principle on a new joint
collective bargaining agreement covering pilots at the United and
Continental subsidiaries.
The agreement is subject to definitive documentation, approvals by
the ALPA Master Executive Councils of each subsidiary, and ratification
by the company's pilots. Specific information regarding the contract or
its provisions should be obtained directly from the parties.
(See NMB.gov for this August 3, 2012 IMMEDIATE Press Release)
October 1, 2010
United Continental Merger Creates The Largest Airline
Article Archives - Old News


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For the first time in three months and without a police cordon since April, the Women of the Wall prayer rights group held its monthly Rosh Hodesh service on Friday inside the women's section of the Western Wall Plaza.
Although opposition to the group was much reduced from recent months, the female worshipers were still subjected to verbal abuse and spitting by other women praying alongside them, as well as several haredi men and youths when their service concluded.
One haredi youth was arrested for spitting and throwing various items at members of the group. No injuries were reported.
Women of the Wall complained that loud speakers set up by Rabbi of the Western Wall Shmuel Rabinowitz, which broadcast the morning prayers on the men's side of the Kotel, were a deliberate attempt to drown out the women.
The group said they stopped their service while prayers were being recited for ill Shas leader Rabbi Ovadia Yosef.
WoW said almost 200 women turned up to pray, some in prayer shawls and tefillin, which a decision by the Jerusalem District Court in April has made legal.
Before, the law as interpreted by the Justice Ministry and the police prohibited prayer services not conducted in accordance with traditional Orthodox practice.
In the months since the April ruling, WoW services at the Western Wall have faced fierce opposition, requiring a police presence.
On two occasions, the haredi United Torah Judaism party arranged for thousands of haredi school girls to be bussed to the holy site and fill the women's section, forcing WoW to pray further away from the Wall.
Yet, the party decided not to repeat this strategy on Friday.
Rabinowitz issued a letter on Thursday saying he had called on the ultra- Orthodox leadership not to organize protests at the site at Friday's prayer service, although he described WoW's actions as a "provocation."
WoW participants claimed that Rabinowitz's placement of the speakers and its deafening volume was a provocative ploy in its own right to silence the worshipers.
This was also the first month that WoW have held their service since a large platform was constructed south of the main plaza for non-Orthodox prayer. However, WoW have refused to pray at the new site, saying that it is an attempt to bypass the April court ruling and to put the group out of sight.
A committee chaired by cabinet secretary Avichai Mandelblit is expected to present its recommendations for a permanent solution to the issue in the coming days.Jerusalem Post staff contributed to this report.

subset: commoncrawl


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From Paula's Home Cooking/Celebrates
5 stars based on 14 Reviews
Servings: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 min
Cook Time: 10 min
Difficulty: Easy
1 can refried beans
1 large bag white corn tortilla chips
1 medium onion, chopped
1 can chili (recommended Hormel) or your favorite chili recipe
1 cup shredded Pepper Jack cheese
1 cup shredded Cheddar cheese
1 cup sour cream
1 cup green onion, chopped
1 tomato, diced
1 jalapeno sliced
Have all ingredients prepared and ready to assemble nachos.
Pre-heat oven to 350 degrees.
In a small saucepan on low, heat refried beans until they are loose enough to spoon onto nachos. On a large oven proof platter, spread out tortilla chips and quickly put a teaspoon of hot refried beans on each chip. Working quickly, sprinkle with onions, Jack cheese, and jalapeno slices. Spoon on chili and top that with Cheddar cheese. Repeat this layering process until ingredients are used up. Place chips in the oven at 350 degrees until cheese has melted. Remove from oven and place on a trivet or heatproof surface. Top nachos with sour cream, green onions, diced tomato and jalapeno slices and serve hot.
Recipe courtesy Paula Deen


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Flipping the calendar to a new year is always a mixed bag. While hope abounds for fresh starts and changed circumstances, there is also the reality that four-fifths or more of all New Year's resolutions fail to be achieved. Whether this happens because goals are too lofty, lack of discipline and resolve, or just bad luck, the fact remains that January's early hope and good intentions often lead to disappointment and frustration. Unfortunately, some of these letdowns occur even before we get used to writing the correct year on checks.
Living in Illinois, many already have dialed down their expectations, particularly when it involves state government. Gov. Pat Quinn's office started off the year with a report dated Jan. 1 that projected a $4.5 billion budget hole exacerbated with more than $16 billion in unpaid state bills by mid-2017. This second number represents three-and-a-half times more than what is unpaid today, and this dire prediction is without addressing unfunded pension liabilities.
Of course, these projections are based on state income tax rates being rolled back next year to pre-2011 levels. The more cynical might believe that the report findings are merely a precursor to building a case for more taxes or possible shifts of state obligations to other entities. Either way the answer seems to be increased taxes. What is not reflected are expenditure cuts as the operating budget and total expenditure projections continue an upward climb.
The 98th General Assembly is due back in Springfield, in joint session, to hear the governor's "State of the State" message Jan. 29. This address may set the tone for the political agenda for the months ahead, but with primary elections on March 18 and the general election in November, the goal for many officeholders might simply be to gain re-election. During 2013, the General Assembly introduced 8,455 bills and completed action on 1,986. Based on past efforts, we can probably expect another 4,000 or so bills on a variety of subjects in the hopper before the scheduled May adjournment.
To get a better idea of what to expect from Springfield, the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation, in keeping with its goals of community education and interaction with decision makers, has invited local legislators to a panel discussion at 8:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 18, in meeting rooms B and C of the Naperville Municipal Center. Sens. Michael Connelly, Linda Holmes and Christine Radogno, together with Reps. Jeanne Ives, Stephanie Kifowit, Ron Sandack, and Darlene Senger have indicated they will attend.
Among the topics planned for discussion are the effectiveness of the 2013 pension "fix," status of the expiring income tax hike, climate for business growth, and the potential for pension cost shifts to local school boards. With varied viewpoints expected from our guests, along with time for questions and interaction with the audience, this should be time well spent.
For early risers, coffee will be served beginning at 8 a.m., leading to more time to informally meet and greet our state leadership.
Bob Fischer is president of the Naperville Area Homeowners Confederation. Contact him at email@example.com


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|Fossitt celebrates 101st birthday!
Rudolph "Dock" Fossitt, who was a farmer most of his life on Wesley Chapel Road, will be celebrating his 101st year of life on Tuesday, December 18. Dock and his 94-year-old wife Edna are both doing well and reside at Baptist Convalescent Center in Newport, Kentucky. They look forward to receiving visitors, cards or letters! Friends of the Fossitts can stop by or send correspondence to 120 Main Street, Newport, Kentucky 41071.


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For the second time in his UFC career, Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira will fight in his homeland of Brazil at UFC 153. His first appearance in his native country was at UFC 134 against TUF 10 veteran Brendan Schaub. The fight resulted in an impressive first round knock out by Minotauro, who was coming off an injury and surgery. After that, Big Nog met two-time Heavyweight champion and perennial contender Frank Mir at UFC 140. Nog looked great out of the gate, but found himself on the wrong side of an arm-breaking kimura.
After the UFC 153 Open Workouts, Ariel Helwani of MMA Fighting caught up with Nogueira to see if he had regrets after not tapping to Mir's submission:
The decision I made when we were fighting, I was thinking about winning. I really thought I was going to escape the submission. We escape one, I roll one, two times. I was trying to move my shoulder up. In the same movement I moved that way, he did the other way.
Now, following another injury and surgery, Big Nog returns again to Brazil in hopes of repeating his performance against Schaub two years ago. On the main card this Saturday, he'll face Heavyweight oddball Dave Herman. "Pee Wee" has made himself somewhat notorious with claim that "Brazilian Jiu Jitsu doesn't work" on him and that he plans to sub the BJJ blackbelt in the second round. To these claims, Nogueira simply replies, "He talks too much."


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News: Beyonce Follows Jay-Z's Blueprint, Shows Obama Support W/ Open Letter
Thursday, Apr 12, 2012 10:16AM
Grammy-winning singer Beyonce Knowles-Carter is following in the footsteps of her husband/rapper Jay-Z by dishing out presidential support, specifically, to the First Lady of the United States.
In a handwritten letter, Beyonce detailed her admiration for First Lady Michelle Obama.
"Michelle, is the ULTIMATE example of a truly strong African American woman. She is a caring mother, she's a loving wife, while at the same time, she is the FIRST LADY!!!! No matter the pressure, and the stress of being under the microscope - she's humble, loving, and sincere. She builds and nurtures her family, while also looking out for so many millions in so many ways. Michelle, thank you so much for every single thing that u do for us - I am proud to have my daughter grow up in a world where she has people like you to look up to. Love, Beyonce." (Beyonce)
Last month, Jay-Z and Beyonce were spotted at a Michelle Obama fundraising dinner in New York.
Hip-Hop's royal couple was spotted out without their little princess Monday night leaving Nobu. But of course new Mommy BeyBey paid tribute with blue nails and a blue dress. The couple wasn't alone. They were joined by Jay-Z's mom Gloria and Bey's sister Solange and mom Tina Knowles. Bey was also spotted arriving for Michelle Obama's fundraising dinner at the Greenwich earlier in the evening, along with Robert Deniro, his wife Grace Hightower and Hollywood honcho Harvey Weinstein and his designer wife Georgina Chapman. (Bossip)
The First Lady is known for showing support to R&B and hip-hop artists alike including rapper Common.
"We had a poetry session and we invited young kids in just last week from all over the country" Mrs. Obama explained in May 2011. "And they talked to some of the most outstanding poets, and they read their poetry in the state room. And then we had a poetry night and Common was there. He's very cute. But everybody from poet laureates to hip-hop folks, being able to mix up the world in that very interesting way, The White House allows you to do that." (RapFix)
Last year, Jay dished out his support for President Barack Obama.
"I still think he is the best man for the job," Jay said in an interview. "Yes, I think he got a raw deal and a bad economy. You wouldn't be given anything you can't handle so he must be really special, because he has a lot of work to do!" (E! Online)


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Cory Doctorow, one of the lead authors of Boing Boing, writes in the technology section of the British newspaper "The Guardian" his thoughts on cloud computing. And those thoughts, summed up, are:
The main attraction of the cloud to investors and entrepreneurs is the idea of making money from you, on a recurring, perpetual basis, for something you currently get for a flat rate or for free without having to give up the money or privacy that cloud companies hope to leverage into fortunes.
We talk about cloud computing upsides a whole lot. And for companies, being able to essentially outsource your IT needs to an external company is an option that may reduce costs under certain situations. It may increase costs over the long term in others. Knowing which is which – which apps benefit from "cloudification" and which are better left in-house, is a big part of IT management and budgeting these days.
Can you live with the performance downgrade? Cloud computing typically isn't a solution for "doing more with less," it is often a solution for "doing less with less" – but that may be all that your company needs. It comes down to knowing what your requirements are, and monitoring your networks to make sure that you can meet them.
But Doctorow points out that the main difference between cloud services and traditional IT is that cloud services are designed to get you to pay-per-X, where X could be Gigabytes, CPU Cycles, storage size, virtual server deployments… and to pay-per-X repeatedly through a rental, rather than ownership model. In other words, what were once capital costs are now being shifted to operational costs.
To the average person, however, Doctorow points out that cloud services are a reversal of the trend that we had been seeing throughout most of the 21st century so far – the idea of charging per service giving way to ownership of software and dumb Internet pipes bringing you the services you chose to access. Even if that "charge" is indirect – for example, through on-screen advertising – the idea is that you pay something for the cloud service every time you use it.
Personally, cloud computing has its place, but network access has a performance price that I sometimes don't want to pay.
As I've mentioned before, I'm writing a non-fiction book in my spare time, and have gotten 30,000 words done so far. I started out using Google Docs, as I could access Google Docs from anywhere with an Internet connection – my laptop, my work computer, or my desktop, and have access to the most current version of the document.
But around that 30,000 word mark, the document started to slow down, with noticeable lag when I typed. My performance suffered, so I did what, I suppose, was inevitable. I now edit the document in the OpenOffice.org desktop application, using Google Docs more as a storage platform than an editing platform.
It is important to remember that despite the wonderful advances – and they are wonderful – that cloud computing gives us, cloud computing is just one option out of many.


text: Mistress Audrey wants to relax and watch TV. She found the perfect position, sitting on top of her foot slave, whose head is at the footboard. This way she can stretch her sneakers in his face. Then she takes off the shoes and lets him lick her dirty, smelly white socks all over. She commands him to take off her socks as well - with his mouth. Then he should continue licking her salty bare feet.


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Taunton could have two M&S stores, while Bridgwater has none (From Bridgwater Mercury)
Get involved! Send your photos, video, news & views by texting MERCURY NEWS to 80360 or email us
Taunton could have two M&S stores, while Bridgwater has none
11:22am Wednesday 9th July 2014 in News By Newsdesk
WHILE many people in Bridgwater still mourn the loss of the town's M&S nearly three decades ago – the much-loved chain looks set to open a second store in Taunton.
M&S has been looking at the former Comet store at Hankridge Way, near junction 25 of the M5.
Comet closed in 2012 when the electrical retailer went into administration.
An M&S spokeswoman, who said there are no plans to close M&S's store in East Street, Taunton, added: "We're always looking at new sites for stores to ensure we have a relevant local offer and are considering the Hankridge Way development to enhance our customer offering in the Taunton area.
"We hope to be able to provide further information later in the year."
Comments (1)
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6:51pm Fri 11 Jul 14
Blue Owl says...
Will not re -look @ having a store once again in Bridgwater. With our Town
On the Up, and the Population due to Expand by 50% to 70-75 Thousand.
We should be approaching them, opening up talks to see if it is feasible in the future.
David L Preece
Blue-Owl Former Cllr SDC- BTC.
Never Say Never !!!!
Comments are closed on this article.


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The castle Pittamiglio in Las Flores,...
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Panoramic photo by Fernando da Rosa Morena Taken 20:06, 26/01/2013 - Views
The castle Pittamiglio in Las Flores, Maldonado, Uruguay
The World > South America > Uruguay
The castle built by Humberto Pittamiglio in Las Flores, Maldonado, Uruguay. Pittamiglio Humberto was a Uruguayan architect who lived between 1887 and 1966.
The hill of San Antonio in Piriapolis is one of the most beautiful places in the area. The view, whic...
Impactante y estratégicamente ubicado, el "Cerro San Antonio" también conocido como "Cerro del Inglés...
A quiet evening on the rocks of Punta Colorada, in the end of the summer. An ideal time for bream fis...
South America makes up the southern half of the Americas and a large part of Latin America. It's home to the world's longest mountain range, biggest waterfall and largest river -- even these mammoths pale in comparison to the stunning variety of life forms thriving in the rainforest.
To the northwest, off the coast of Ecuador, lie the Galapagos Islands, which are unique for hosting species not found anywhere else on earth. These were the subject of study for Charles Darwin in his theory of evolution, which he himself said will require proof in every single case.
The main languages in South America are Spanish and Portugese, which basically tells you which European countries colonized the place. The South American wars of independence took place over two decades in the early 19th century, led by Simon Bolivar of Venezuela and Jose san Martin of Argentina.
Following liberation from Portugal and Spain, South America took off into its own development, capitalizing on the rich deposits of oil, gold, copper, silver and tango musicians.
Brazil is the largest country in South America and home to one of the world's best parties, Carnaval. Have you heard of samba music? How about bossa nova? Maybe dancing for three days straight?
I can't say enough good things about South America. All the world's continents have amazing secrets and treasures laying in wait for your discovery, but in South America... just have a look at our pictures while you're waiting for online confirmation of your plane tickets to hit your inbox.
Text by Steve Smith.


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Alisa Marianne Williams, 42, of Milwaukee, and a former resident of Mt. Vernon, passed away 1:11 a.m. Sunday, Feb. 3, 2013, in Milwaukee.
Alisa was born March 31, 1970, in Benton Harbor, Mich., the daughter of Joseph Tarver and Pauline (Williams).
She had attended the Evangelistic Outreach Christian Center and the New Life Missionary Baptist Churches in Mt. Vernon. She was a nurse's aide and had worked in several area nursing homes.
Alisa is survived by her two sons, Romell and Courtney Williams, both of Mt. Vernon; sister, Vasheffia and husband James Ware of Mt. Vernon; and also one granddaughter, Kourtney Williams.
She was preceded in death by her parents and by one son, Justin Lamone Flowers.
Funeral services for Alisa Williams will be held 11 a.m. Saturday at Newell Funeral Home in Mt. Vernon with Pastor Antonio Moton officiating. Visitation will be held from 10 a.m. until service time Saturday at the funeral home.
For further information you may contact Newell Funeral Home at 246-0100 or visit us online at www.newellfuneralhome.com.


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Diabetes can affect anyone.
A farmer with diabetes should consider their health needs before starting their daily chores. It's important to pace work throughout the day considering physical endurance as well as food breaks and maintaining communication with someone else nearby.
Physical endurance:
- Work simplification to avoid getting over tired
- Having tools and equipment close to where they are used
- Planning the day, allowing the best use of time and energy
Sense of touch and circulation in extremities:
- Compensate for the loss of sensation by using other senses
- Avoid exposure to temperature extremes; wear gloves and boots that fit properly to protect the skin and prevent injury
- Thoroughly dry hands if exposed to water, use lotion to prevent chapping
- Inspect skin for cuts or blisters daily; and seek medical attention if needed
- Increase flexibility and circulation with stretches and exercises throughout the day
Because blood-sugar levels change in relation to activity level and diet, be sure to always have an established source of communication to summon help if needed ie: intercom system, radio or cell phone. Also make sure someone knows where you are and when you should be done. Additional ideas can be found on the Ohio AgrAbility Fact Sheet: Farming with Diabetes, AEX-982.6-11.


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Summary: Help Microsoft Word 2003 correctly convert documents from other word processing formats.
Microsoft Word 2003 supports a variety of document types depending on which file converters you have installed, including those written with WordPerfect and Microsoft Works. When you open a file that is not a Microsoft Word file, it may automatically try to load the correct converter without prompting you. If you find that Microsoft Word is incorrectly converting these documents, you can force it instead to prompt you for which converter to use.
1. Click "Tools", selecting "Options".
2. When the "Options" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, select "General".
3. Check "Confirm conversion at Open".
4. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.
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Last Modified on: July 13, 2008, at 12:04 A.M. EDT
Return to the Microsoft Word 2003 Compatibility and Other Word Processors page.


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I'm sitting here at Starbucks in the Valley getting some work done, or at least trying to. I've been complaining and bitching all morning about things that are not going right or need to happen later today, my feet are cold when it should be warm today, my coffee tastes watered down, etc.
About an hour ago, a fellow walks in and is helping someone else through the door. This person is half-sitting, half-standing in this motorized wheel chair of sorts. They finally get him over to a table across the way from me. This device he is in slowly morphs into a standing table and allows him to stand. It seems he can walk, but very slowly...and he can't sit down for some reason.
He looks to have been through some terrible ordeal or was born with some horrible defects. Much of his skin is disfigured as if through a awful fire, he can't weigh more than 80 pounds, has trouble talking and keeping his eyes focused for long, and wears a helmet to protect him from falls it seems. He can't be that old but looks like he's 90.
I'm deeply embarassed as I couldn't look at him because I felt so badly, and of course I didn't want to look and try and understand his condition because it's none of my business...and staring isn't very appropriate.
So I'm trying to focus back on my work but having difficulty, and I look up a few times to relax my eyes and at least twice, he is looking directly at me. I felt HORRIBLE because now I think he thinks I'm staring! But after the second time, I realize he's wearing a Boston Red Sox tshirt. I'm wearing my all-red Angels cap and thought maybe... Maybe...
I would never have had the comfort-level to walk over and just start up a conversation, especially with his difficulty talking (it's a "me" issue, I know). But I grabbed my coffee, walked over, and couldn't say anything at first since his caretaker looked at me first before this fellow could turn his head (slowly).
When he finally did, he had this wicked grin and said "We took Lackey from you and I'm happy, but he's still an ass".
I don't think I felt so happy or laughed so hard in months.
We ended up talking baseball for 15 minutes and his eyes just lit up! I could just tell it was such a great escape for him, like for many of us. He had this home-made Boston sticker on his motorized chair that he had pride in which was great. I wished him well and on the upcoming season, grabbed his hand to shake it, and got a refill of coffee.
If I bitch about one more thing the rest of this month, I should forever be ashamed. I feel blessed, and especially blessed because baseball (and sports) allowed me to connect with a great individual this morning that I would have never done so with otherwise... And I'm so much the richer for it.
Just wanted to share that. I'm sure others have had a situation where sports or baseball created a memorable moment that otherwise might not have happened...


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'Movies Made Me Murder'
Pleasing the Queen
Allan Menzies, 22, was obsessed with the vampire film, The Queen of the Damned and he considered its principal character, the vampire Akasha, his "queen." By his own count, he had watched the film at least 100 times, sometimes three times a day. In the process, he came to believe that Akasha actually appeared to him and ordered him to do things. So he killed, and his crime and trial were covered extensively by The Scotsman.
Akasha, played by the late actress Aaliyah, is depicted in The Queen of the Damned, based on Anne Rice's novel of the same name, as the ultimate vampire progenitor. She's a vicious blood hunter with no remorse. Beautiful and vibrant, with slender build and sexy clothing, she captured more than one teenage male's fantasy.
In the novel, Akasha had been an ancient Egyptian queen whose jealousy of the powers of a pair of twin witches over a spirit led the spirit to infuse Akasha with its essence, which carried a powerful thirst for blood. As Akasha became a vampire and then transformed her husband and others, all vampires became connected to her. In the novel, she started killing mass numbers of humans to feed her pathological need, commanding her prince, Lestat, to do the same.
Thomas McKendrick, Menzies's best friend, had introduced him to the film and he begged to borrow it. He was soon hooked. Akasha became real, as did other vampires, and he began to call himself "Leon." Menzies believed that Akasha made regular visits to him and had made a deal to grant him immortality in exchange for killing people to deliver their souls. It wasn't long before McKendrick disappeared, last seen when he visited the Menzies on December 11, 2002.
Menzies' father came home that day and noticed spots of blood in various places around the house. That worried him, but Allan told him it had come from cutting himself on a can.
On January 4, McKendrick's clothing was found in a bag on the moors, so two days later the police searched the Menzies' home. After they talked with Allan, he took an overdose of drugs and ended up in the hospital. On January 18, 2003, McKendrick's remains were found in a shallow grave. The pathology report indicated that he'd been stabbed 42 times with a large knife in the face, head, and body, and bludgeoned over the head six times with a hammer-like instrument. The attack, the pathologist commented, had been carried out for a prolonged period of time.
Menzies said that he had decided to sell his soul to be born into another life, another form. He tried to plead guilty to culpable homicide on the grounds of diminished capacity, but the Crown rejected it and ordered him to stand trial in October 2003. He cast the blame on an alter ego, developed under the influence of the film, and said he wished he had never seen it. He told the High Court that on December 11 McKendrick had made the fatal error of insulting Akasha. Menzies had "snapped," bludgeoning him and stabbing him to death. He then drank McKendrick's blood and offered this death to Akasha.
"I could never get the thought of being a vampire out of my mind," he said. "To put it bluntly, after I had seen the tape so many times, I wanted to go out and murder people." He believed that imbibing the blood of his victim made him a vampire and sealed his pact with Akasha.
The jury deliberated for an hour and a half and returned a unanimous verdict that Menzies was guilty of murder. The judge gave him a minimum sentence of 18 years.
Another killer had a similar experience, but his orders came from above — or at least through a movie screen.


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LANCASTER, PA – Washington College junior goalie Ted DiSalvo (Boca Raton, FL/Spanish River) has been named the Centennial Conference Men's Lacrosse Defensive Player of the Week for the week ending on April 7
by the conference office. This is the second time this season and in
his career that DiSalvo has won the defensive player of the week award.
who also earned the weekly award on Feburary 25, 2013, made 15 saves
and allowed just three goals in 53:31 of playing time in the Shoremen's
13-4 win over Muhlenberg Saturday.
The 10th-ranked Shoremen are back in action on Wednesday night with a 7:00 p.m. Centennial Conference home game versus Ursinus.
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Apollo Manufacturing is making a move from Willoughby to Mentor with the help of a grant from the latter city.
The maker of precision components for the aerospace, energy and automotive industries will soon purchase and renovate 7911 Enterprise Pkwy., the former home of Fredon Corp. In all, the move will cost Apollo more than $2 million, but a Mentor Incentive Grant will return some funds back to the firm over the next several years.
Apollo will receive nearly $71,000 in seven years for choosing Mentor. The company expects to pay $257,440 in new payroll taxes to Mentor during the time period. Current payroll is just over $1.5 million and will increase to $2 million by 2018.
"Mentor just made a lot of sense, they've really been working well with us," Apollo's vice president, Justin Sandy, said. "Moving that kind of machinery is very cost-intensive, and they helped us with this new grant. They helped us find a great location."
The grant provides the company 20 percent of its new payroll in the first two years of the agreement, and 30 percent in the final five.
Apollo has 38 employees. Its new facility is about 38,000 square feet, or nearly twice the size of the Willoughby location.
"It's really going to present well to customers," Sandy said. "When we bring someone in, like Boeing, Parker Hannifin or any of these big companies, they're going to really respect you more ... they'll see this nice, great, clean environment."
Mentor City Council authorized the delivery of the grant Tuesday night at its regular meeting. Council unanimously voted to suspend the three readings to immediately pass the measure.
"In addition to the existing jobs and they payroll, the hope is, on their part and ours, that they continue to grow within our community," Mentor Economic Development Director Ron Traub said.


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Largest patient-satisfaction measurement firms: 2010
A list of the nation's 23 largest patient satisfaction measurement firms, ranked by total number of engagements in 2009. Source: Modern Healthcare's fifth annual Patient Satisfaction Measurement Firms Survey. Published Dec. 6, 2010, p. 32.
For the best experience of ModernHealthcare.com on your iPad, switch to the new Modern Healthcare app — it's optimized for your device but there is no need to download.
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Have you missed your period? Are you bloated? Maybe your breasts are sore? Or perhaps, you simply have a feeling?
While these are all possible signs and symptoms of pregnancy, they may not add up to a positive pregnancy test. This quiz is designed with possible and probable symptoms of pregnancy in mind. While it can't tell you for sure that you are pregnant, the higher your score on the quiz, the more likely you are to be pregnant. Then you can know to take a pregnancy test or to see your doctor or midwife. So if you have the question of pregnancy in your mind, this pregnancy quiz can help you make the decision about the next step.
Start the Am I Pregnant? Quiz!
So if you get a high score, chances are good that you are pregnant. You should make an appointment to see your doctor or midwife. If you scored lower, then consider retesting with an at home pregnancy test in seven days if you haven't started your period. If you are still getting unexpected results you should also see your health care provider for advice.
Related: 10 Reasons Your Period is Late
What do you do if the test is positive? The next step should be to contact the midwife or obstetrician of your choice. This may be someone that you already have a relationship with, say for gynecologic exams, or it may be someone completely different. You may need to talk to your insurance first. They may have a list of providers or have other requirements before you can be seen. You will want to start this process right away so that you know where to go with your questions.
If the test is negative, you may be relieved that you aren't pregnant. But you may also be sad. If you were expecting the test to be positive and you have not yet started your period, it may have simply been too early to test. You should consider waiting before taking another test. Most test product inserts will advise that you wait a week to retest. That said, I know how hard it can be to wait seven whole days to retest. Consider waiting at least forty-eight hours before you retest, failure to do so may result in a test being too early. Remember that your hCG level about doubles every two days in early pregnancy, meaning two days is a large difference in hormone levels.
Either way, if the test wasn't the answer you were anticipating, you may want to reconsider what you are doing. If you've been trying to get pregnant, perhaps it is time to consider taking it to the next level with charting and other fertility awareness. If you have already been charting, it may be time to look at seeking the assistance of a fertility specialist. If you do not want to be pregnant, but were worried that you might be, now is the time to rethink your birth control method.
The type of pregnancy test that you take is rarely the reason for an outcome that you don't agree with these days. Even the cheapest pregnancy test is capable of measuring very low quantities of hCG. That said, be sure that your pregnancy test wasn't expired, hadn't sat in the sun or was otherwise impacted. The most common cause of an erroneous pregnancy test is human error. This is most often testing at the wrong time. So go ahead and buy the bulk cheap tests off the Internet or at the dollar store!
If you have medical questions about the test, for example, do medications affect tests, then you should check the medication package insert and/or talk to your doctor and pharmacist.
Start the Am I Pregnant? Quiz!
If your pregnancy test gave you an unexpected result, check here for reasons why that might have happened.
This quiz is not designed to replace a diagnosis by your doctor or midwife.


text: Forever 21 Swimwear by POPSUGAR Fashion 2/18/10 0 Reactions 0 Shares Print 0 0 0 0 0 Previous Photo 1 of 7 View on One Page Next 1 Forever 21 Swimwear Read More Swimwear Swimwear STOP! You're Washing Your Swimsuit the Wrong Way! 1 day ago The Charlotte in You Will Adore Kate Spade's Swimwear 2 weeks ago The Ultimate Swimsuit Guide: How to Find the Perfect Fit For Every Body Type 7/31 The 5 Most Flattering Swimwear Shapes For Any Figure 7/28 The Sexiest, Buzziest Bikini Moments From Miami Swim Week 7/27 Mara Hoffman Already Knows Which Swimsuits You'll Be Wearing Next Summer 7/21 Get a Personalized Fashion & Beauty Newsletter! Help us customize your newsletter by selecting your interests (optional): Fashion & Beauty News Celebrity Style Street Style Beauty Tips Link Love The star poses for the first public issue of Herring & Herring — Fashionista 5 solid reasons to go faux when it comes to leather — HuffPost Style Here's some Gwyneth-approved jewelry to adorn yourself with — InStyle This is neither a blazer nor a cardigan, but you need it — Lucky You don't even realize you're making these major style mistakes — Who What Wear This designer's making a foray into the tech world — The Cut Hillary Clinton's pantsuits are more powerful than you think — Racked This is what designers think of #FashionWeek — The Fashion Spot If she knows a chic runway, Nina Garcia knows a chic home — Domaine Home Latest


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When we say customers come first, it means knowing and understanding their diverse lifestyles and priorities from the merchandise they want to the service and treatment they deserve. People know what to expect when they come to Macy's: affordable luxury, outstanding service, an attractive shopping environment, and a sense of compassion. With the customer as your first priority, you'll help us meet and exceed those expectations.
Make a customer happy and you'll make a customer loyal. No matter what your role, our brand values and attributes all support connecting with our customer and understanding that it's Customers First.
It always pays to listen.
Here's what Macy's customers say they like.
• Easy-to-shop, clean, wide aisles.
• Friendly associates who are available to answer questions.
• Edited choices and value.
• Efficient checkout.
MAGIC Selling Commitment
We listen to our customers and gather feedback through a variety of avenues. These avenues include a vast email database and we reach out out customers to find out what they like, as well as what they would like us to change out our stores, our assortments, and their overall impression o Macy's. We also have customer logs at each wrap stand so you can record items that customers request that may not currently be available on you floor. The basics of Macy's MAGIC Selling standards include the following behaviors:
These are our minimum expectations for interacting with every customer. Customers appreciate it when associates take time to connect with them--to find out what they need, and deliver the service and quality selling they want and deserve.
We make it easy for those with physical or other limitations to shop and get around at Macy's. When a customer may need a little extra help in shopping, we encourage you to ask if you may be of assistance. Some examples might include:
Even though you may be charming and sincerely service-minded, there may be some situations where you're unable to assist a customer with a disability. No problem. Just call for assistance from a manager.
If you work on the selling floor, you will learn how to deliver our selling standards that make Macy's a favorite place to shop. Even if you work in another capacity, it's good to know that we have these standards. If you work in a job where you have direct interaction with customers, you'll receive training on how to develop your MAGIC Selling skills so you can successfully interact with your customers. We take our Customers First value very seriously, and we ask that you simply be aware of customer needs and respond in a kind and respectful way, whatever the situation.
Connect with the customer in a friendly way. Listen to what she needs. Ask "Will this be on your Macy's Star Rewards Card?" Continue to show interest in the customer and celebrate her purchase by reinforcing her decision to buy.


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Thank you for your kindness (From South Wales Argus)
Get involved: Send your photos, video, news & views by texting ARGUS NEWS to 80360 or email us
Letters RSS Feed
Thank you for your kindness
12:43pm Monday 31st December 2012 in Letters
ON THE subject of Christmas spirit, I would like to say a huge thank you to the landlady of the Ship Inn, Caerleon, who very kindly took my elderly mother back to Malpas when she had difficulty booking a taxi. Her kindness was much appreciated by my mother and me.
Carolyn Tucker Yewberry Close Malpas
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Dogs are very faithful and wonderful animals who live not far from humans. And how they're satisfied with their lifes can be judged by their happy muzzles.
Hey, come on, come on… who wants to dance with me?
Mmm… food…
I'm a dreamboat!
Say cheese…
No comments)
Ah! Are you teasing me?!
Ha-ha. You're so funny!
Tss.. i'm on a date!
Ohh.. i don't look at you..
Hey, take it easy buddy!
Mmm… bliss…
Ohh… i like to travel so much!
Aaa.. stop it! I'm afraid of being tickled!


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By FOX 2 News Staff
DETROIT (WJBK) -- Watch raw video of SkyFOX flying over a massive accident scene along I-75 in southwest Detroit that caused several fatalities and injured numerous people Thursday morning.
Stay with myFOXDetroit.com throughout the day for more updates on this story.
205 N. Michigan AvenueGround FloorChicago, IL 60601Station Operator: (312) 565-5532Newsroom: (312)565-5533


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San Diego Chargers
Antonio Gates - #85 - TE
|6' 4"/ 255 lbs.
|Detroit, MI
|Kent State
|Years played
Healthy Burnett bringing the heat for Bolts
It certainly doesn't reflect in their 2-5 record, but the Chargers have been one of the league's premier defenses in 2010, and ILB Kevin Burnett is a main reason why.
Patriots hang on for 23-20 win as FG try misses
After Philip Rivers rallied San Diego in the closing minutes, new kicker Kris Brown missed a 50-yard field goal attempt with 23 seconds left and the Patriots escaped with a 23-20 win over the mistake-prone Chargers on Sunday.
Patriots-Chargers prediction
The Patriots have a lot of momentum after their come-from-behind win over the Ravens in Week Six. Will it be enough to beat the Chargers in San Diego? PFW's Kevin Fishbain thinks so.
Chargers WR Davis to get more chances
With San Diego WRs Malcom Floyd and Legedu Naanee doubtful for Sunday's game against New England, Buster Davis has a prime opportunity to show what he can do.
Ajirotutu to Chargers' roster; Wilson on I.R.
The Chargers elevated WR Seyi Ajirotutu from their practice squad to the 53-man roster and moved LB Kion Wilson to injured reserve on Saturday.
Patriots-Chargers matchup of the day: Saturday
Here's a matchup to watch in the Week Seven game between the Patriots and Chargers, namely San Diego SS Paul Oliver vs. New England TE Aaron Hernandez.
Patriots RB Taylor, S Page out for Sunday; Chargers TE Gates questionable
The Patriots have ruled out RB Fred Taylor (toe) and S Jarrad Page (calf) for Sunday's game against the Chargers. CB Kyle Arrington is questionable with a groin injury. Chargers TE Antonio Gates (toe) is also questionable.
Jackson will return to Chargers next week
WR Vincent Jackson will report to the Chargers next week and sign his restricted free-agent tender, according to his agent, making him eligible to play in Week 12.
Despite sack struggles, Chargers not altering O-line
Despite QB Philip Rivers being sacked a career-high seven times in the Chargers' Week Six loss to the Rams, we hear that the team does not have plans to make any changes along the offensive line.
Bucs blacked out, Chargers to be shown on TV
The Week Seven game between the Patriots and Chargers will be shown on San Diego-area TV, while Rams vs. Bucs will be blacked out in Tampa.
Patriots-Chargers matchup of the day: Thursday
Here's a matchup to watch in the Week Seven game between the Patriots and Chargers:
Chargers sign PK Kris Brown
The Chargers have signed PK Kris Brown to temporarily replace Nate Kaeding, who is suffering from a groin injury.
Patriots-Chargers matchup of the day: Wednesday
Here's a matchup to watch in the Week Seven game between the Patriots and Chargers:
Report: Chargers don't expect WR Floyd, PK Kaeding to play Sunday vs. Pats
The Chargers likely will be without WR Malcom Floyd (hamstring) and PK Nate Kaeding (groin) for Sunday's Week Seven game against the Patriots.
Protection issues last thing Chargers can afford
During the Chargers' run as the class of the AFC West, one thing that didn't plague them was sacks, as QB Philip Rivers was rarely brought down more than one or two times in a game. However, that hasn ...
Gates caught two passes for 44 yards and one score Sunday in a 27-17 win over the Jets.||||||| Gates has found the end zone two weeks in a row but it may be too little, too late for fantasy owners.
Gates finished with three catches for 43 yards and a touchdown in a win against the Chiefs Thursday night.||||||| It was only Gates' second game this season with a touchdown. He scored in six games a year ago. Gates caught a 14-yard yard scoring pass from Philip Rivers on the game's opening drive to snap a streak of six straight quarters without a touchdown.
Gates had six catches for 81 yards and two scores Monday in a 35-24 loss to Denver.||||||| Gates' receptions, yards and TDs were all season highs.
Gates also was active for the Chargers against the Atlanta Falcons in a matchup of undefeated teams.||||||| Gates was inactive last week after hurting his ribs in the opener at Oakland.
Gates and running back Ryan Mathews are among the San Diego Chargers' inactives for their game against the Tennessee Titans.||||||| Gates has a rib injury.


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Chestnut Flats Mine
From SourceWatch
This article is part of the Coal Issues portal on SourceWatch, a project of CoalSwarm and the Center for Media and Democracy. See here for help on adding material to CoalSwarm.
Chestnut Flats is a surface coal mining operation in Bell County, KY, owned by Thomas Hamilton.
Mine Data
- Operator: Nally & Hamilton Enterprises, Inc.
- Controller: Thomas R Hamilton
- Union:
- County: Bell
- State: KY
- Latitude: 36.76
- Longitude: -83.53
- 2007 Production (short tons): 331,944
- Coal Type: Bituminous
- Mining Method: Surface
- Mine Status: Active
- Average No. of Employees: 36
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- Kentucky and coal
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- Coal
To see a listing of coal mines in a particular state, click on the map:
External links
- "Major U.S. Coal Mines," Energy Information Administration


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Tactical Aircraft:
Recapitalization Goals Are Not Supported by Knowledge-Based F-22A and JSF Business Cases
GAO-06-523T: Published: Mar 28, 2006. Publicly Released: Mar 28, 2006.
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The Department of Defense's (DOD) F-22A and Joint Strike Fighter (JSF) programs aim to replace many of the Department's aging tactical fighter aircraft--many of which have been in DOD's inventory for more than 20 years. Together, the F-22A and JSF programs represent a significant investment for DOD--currently estimated at almost $320 billion. GAO has reported on the poor outcomes in DOD's acquisitions of tactical aircraft and other major weapon systems. Cost and schedule overruns have diminished DOD's buying power and delayed the delivery of needed capabilities to the warfighter. Last year, GAO testified that weaknesses in the F-22A and JSF programs raised questions as to whether DOD's overarching tactical aircraft recapitalization goals were achievable. GAO is providing updated testimony on (1) the extent to which the current F-22A and JSF business cases are executable, (2) the current status of DOD's tactical aircraft recapitalization efforts, and (3) potential options for recapitalizing the air forces as DOD moves forward with its tactical aircraft recapitalization efforts.
The future of DOD's tactical aircraft recapitalization depends largely on the outcomes of the F-22A and JSF programs--which represent about $245 billion in investments to be made in the future. Both programs continue to be burdened with risk. The F-22A business case is unexecutable in part because of a 198 aircraft gap between the Air Force requirement and what DOD estimates it can afford. The JSF program, which has 90 percent of its investments still in the future, plans to concurrently test and produce aircraft thus weakening DOD's business case and jeopardizing its recapitalization efforts. It plans to begin producing aircraft in 2007 with less than 1 percent of the flight test program completed. DOD's current plan to buy about 3,100 new major tactical systems to replace its legacy aircraft represents a 33-percent reduction in quantities from original plans. With reduced buys and delays in delivery of the new systems, costs to keep legacy aircraft operational and relevant have increased. While the Secretary of Defense maintains that continued U.S. air dominance depends on a recapitalized force, DOD has not presented an investment strategy for tactical aircraft systems that measures needs, capability gaps, alternatives, and affordability. Without such a strategy, DOD cannot reasonably ensure it will recapitalize the force and deliver needed capabilities to the warfighter within cost and schedule targets. As DOD moves forward with its efforts to recapitalize its tactical aircraft, it needs to rethink the current business cases for the F-22A and JSF programs. This means matching needs and resources before more F-22A aircraft are procured and ensuring the JSF program demonstrates acceptable aircraft performance before it enters initial production.
Jul 31, 2014
Active and Reserve Unit Costs:DOD Report to Congress Generally Addressed the Statutory Requirements but Lacks DetailGAO-14-711R: Published: Jul 31, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2014.
Air Force Working Capital Fund:Actions Needed to Manage Cash Balances to Required LevelsGAO-14-480: Published: Jul 31, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2014.
Defense Health Care Reform:Actions Needed to Help Realize Potential Cost Savings from Medical Education and TrainingGAO-14-630: Published: Jul 31, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2014.
Defense Health Care:US Family Health Plan is Duplicative and Should be EliminatedGAO-14-684: Published: Jul 31, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2014.
Defense Management:DOD Needs to Improve Future Assessments of Roles and MissionsGAO-14-668: Published: Jul 31, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 31, 2014.
Jul 30, 2014
Defense Contracting:Factors DOD Considers When Choosing Best Value Processes Are Consistent with Guidance for Selected AcquisitionsGAO-14-584: Published: Jul 30, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2014.
Littoral Combat Ship:Additional Testing and Improved Weight Management Needed Prior to Further InvestmentsGAO-14-749: Published: Jul 30, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2014.
Jul 28, 2014
Security Clearances:Tax Debts Owed by DOD Employees and ContractorsGAO-14-686R: Published: Jul 28, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 28, 2014.
Jul 17, 2014
Missile Defense:DOD's Report Provides Limited Insight on Improvements to Homeland Missile Defense and Acquisition PlansGAO-14-626R: Published: Jul 17, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 17, 2014.
Jul 14, 2014
Military Training:Observations on Efforts to Prepare Personnel to Survive Helicopter Crashes into WaterGAO-14-615R: Published: Jul 14, 2014. Publicly Released: Jul 14, 2014.
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What is Cascara Sagrada?Alternate Names: rhamnus purshiana, cascara, California buckthorn, sacred bark
Cascara sagrada has a long history of traditional use by native americans. Cascara sagrada contains compounds called anthroquinones, which are responsible for cascara's powerful laxative effects. Anthraquinones trigger contractions in the colon, called peristalsis, which causes the urge to have a bowel movement. Today, it is one of the most common herbal laxatives.
In addition to being a powerful laxative, cascara is also believed to improve the muscle tone of the colon walls.
Why Do People Use Cascara Sagrada?Constipation
Dosage InformationCascara can be found in various forms: capsules, liquid extracts, and dried bark.
The dried bark can be made into tea, although it tastes bitter.
Fresh cascara bark should not be used, because it can cause bloody diarrhea and vomiting. It should be aged for at least one year or put through a special heat treatment.
A typical dosage of cascara is a 300 mg capsule taken in the early evening to stimulate a bowel movement in the morning. The laxative effect usually occurs 6 to 12 hours after cascara is taken.
Side Effects and SafetyCascara sagrada should not be used for longer than 7 days in a row.
Pregnant or nursing women should not use cascara sagrada. Children should not use cascara sagrada.
Cascara or other anthraquinone-containing herbs should not be used by people diverticular disease, ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, severe hemorrhoids, blood vessel disease, congestive heart failure, heart disease, severe anemia, abdominal hernia, gastrointestinal cancer, recent colon surgery, or liver and kidney disease. It should not be used if appendicitis is suspected.
Cascara may interact with drugs called cardiac glycosides, such as digitalis.
Side effects of cascara may include strong cramping in the abdomen (due to muscle contractions, electrolyte imbalance (loss of potassium) and loss of body fluids, and dark pigmentation in the colon, called melanosis coli with longer term use. Call your doctor if you experience bloody diarrhea, discolored urine, vomiting, or prolonged abdominal pain after using cascara.
There has been one report of the development of cholestatic hepatitis, complicated by portal hypertension, after use of cascara. Long-term use of anthraquinones has been linked to the development of colorectal growths (adenomas) and cancer.
Large doses of anthraquinones may cause bloody diarrhea or vomiting.
Long-term use can cause dependence.
Feltrow, C.W. and J.R. Avila. The Complete Guide to Herbal Medicines. New York: Simon and Schuster, 2000.
Lust, John. The Herb Book: The Complete and Authoritative Guide to More Than 500 Herbs. New York: Benedict Lust Publications, 2005.
Nadir A, Reddy D, Van Thiel DH. Cascara sagrada-induced intrahepatic cholestasis causing portal hypertension: case report and review of herbal hepatotoxicity. Am J Gastroenterol. 2000 Dec;95(12):3634-7.
Andrea Peirce. The American Pharmaceutical Association Practical Guide to Natural Medicines. New York: William Morrow, 1999.
Willems M, van Buuren HR, de Krijger R. Anthranoid self-medication causing rapid development of melanosis coli. Neth J Med. 2003 Jan;61(1):22-4.


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Brandon Tate, who was released by the Patriots, returned two kickoffs for touchdowns last year, including a 97-yarder against the Bengals in Week 1.
- Filed Under
CINCINNATI -- Saturday was cut-down day in the NFL. Sunday the Bengals continued revamping their roster in preparation for next weekend's season opener at Cleveland.
Three players were claimed on waivers, including wide receiver/kick returner Brandon Tate from New England, while three veterans were released.
"I know we'll be a better football team than the 4-12 team," said head coach Marvin Lewis on Sunday. "There's not the star-power on paper that maybe we possessed last year, but when it comes down to it, I think we'll all be all-in, and they'll be all in together. And that's the biggest ...


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To take home the award in this category, you have to have your breakfast skills down. But you also need to know how to spread the gospel. Sisters Tracy Devine and Tiffany Settino own and manage the place, and they said they've landed around 3,000 Facebook fans. "That's where we keep everything posted," Devine said, "including pictures of our babies." While the family vibe at the Cosmic Omelet has a lot to do with their popularity, it's really all about the food. With a new expanded dining space and extensive renovations throughout the restaurant, Devine said the wait for a table isn't what it used to be. "That's been a problem in the past," she said, "but not anymore."
Winner of the Best Breakfast Spot Award in the Hartford Advocate Best Of Readers' Poll 2012