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See who was honored – Taylor Swift! Tim McGraw! – and who shined on the red carpet – Nicole Kidman! Carrie Underwood! – at the BMI songwriting awards
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Updated: Wednesday Nov 12, 2008 | 03:05 PM EST
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Where's Keith? Nicole Kidman mingled with the Nashville crowd, sharing a chatty moment with Faith Hill, who was accompanied by husband Tim McGraw, inside the award dinner.
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By Mark Roosevelt, President
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By Mark Roosevelt, President
By President Mark Roosevelt
By Mark Roosevelt
I reserve a part of a book shelf for "vacation nominees." These are books that I believe will be especially compelling when my time is relatively free, and I can make my way through even a very long book in a compact period of time.
For the last few months, I have avoiding writing about species extinction, the loss of the wild, and how human encroachment is changing all facets of life on earth. I found it difficult to write about because it is so painful. And I knew that if I wrote about it, there could be no sugarcoating or half-heartedness. I would have to face it—squarely.
The Poetry of Jack Gilbert: "To Accept our Gladness in the Ruthless Furnace of this World"
There are some things you have to look away from if you are going to make it through the day and stay sane. The human population explosion and the extinction crisis among other species is such a topic for me, although I have not stopped reading about it.
Writing that breaks new ground often has trouble reaching a large readership, but momentum builds as these works find advocates among bookish people. For the past few years the hottest such books have been Edward St. Aubyn's spectacularly maudlin novels about the hideous parenting and drug-addled youth of British aristocrat Patrick Melrose. As I write today, St.
A topic of conversation at a few recent dinner parties has been picking the best president of our lifetimes. The guests have mostly been in their fifties or sixties and have chosen to limit the debate to the presidents who have served since 1952, thus excluding FDR and Truman. The guests evidence a pronounced progressive bent. When pushed to pick, most struggle with their choice.
In December many of us think back on the year about to pass. So in this column I write about what have I read this year that has stayed with me (and that I have not written about previously).
It has been an especially busy month here at Antioch. Much of this busyness was due to the November visit from the Higher Learning Commission's accreditation team. For me, another cause was preparing a TEDx talk I gave on November 15 on Abraham Lincoln. An expanded version of that talk was my October Roosevelt's Reads.
My mind is still on Lincoln. After all, this November marks the 150th anniversary of the Gettysburg Address. So this month I offer a few suggestions as to what to read if you want to spend some time with him.


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Quotes & Info
|CBU > SEC Filings for CBU > Form 10-Q on 8-Nov-2013
|All Recent SEC Filings
Quarterly Report
This Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations ("MD&A") primarily reviews the financial condition and results of operations of Community Bank System, Inc. (the "Company" or "CBSI") as of and for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013 and 2012, although in some circumstances the second quarter of 2013 is also discussed in order to more fully explain recent trends. The following discussion and analysis should be read in conjunction with the Company's Consolidated Financial Statements and related notes that appear on pages 3 through 27. All references in the discussion to the financial condition and results of operations are to those of the Company and its subsidiaries taken as a whole. Unless otherwise noted, the term "this year" refers to results in calendar year 2013, "third quarter" refers to the quarter ended September 30, 2013 and earnings per share ("EPS") figures refer to diluted EPS.
This MD&A contains certain forward-looking statements with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of the Company. These forward-looking statements involve certain risks and uncertainties. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from those proposed by such forward-looking statements are set herein under the caption, "Forward-Looking Statements," on page 45.
Critical Accounting Policies
As a result of the complex and dynamic nature of the Company's business, management must exercise judgment in selecting and applying the most appropriate accounting policies for its various areas of operations. The policy decision process not only ensures compliance with the latest generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), but also reflects management's discretion with regard to choosing the most suitable methodology for reporting the Company's financial performance. It is management's opinion that the accounting estimates covering certain aspects of the business have more significance than others due to the relative importance of those areas to overall performance, or the level of subjectivity in the selection process. These estimates affect the reported amounts of assets, liabilities and shareholders' equity and disclosures of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Management believes that critical accounting estimates include:
· Acquired loans - Acquired loans are initially recorded at their acquisition date fair values. The carryover of allowance for loan losses is prohibited as any credit losses in the loans are included in the determination of the fair value of the loans at the acquisition date. Fair values for acquired loans are based on a discounted cash flow methodology that involves assumptions and judgments as to credit risk, prepayment risk, liquidity risk, default rates, loss severity, payment speeds, collateral values and discount rate. Subsequent to the acquisition of acquired impaired loans, GAAP requires the continued estimation of expected cash flows to be received. This estimation requires numerous assumptions and judgments using internal and third-party credit quality information. Changes in expected cash flows could result in the recognition of impairment through provision for credit losses.
For acquired loans that are not deemed impaired at acquisition, purchase discounts representing the principal losses expected over the life of the loan are a component of the initial fair value. Subsequent to the purchase date, the methods utilized to estimate the required allowance for loan losses for the non-impaired acquired loans is similar to originated loans, however, the Company records a provision for loan losses only when the required allowance exceeds any remaining purchase discounts for loans evaluated collectively for impairment. For loans individually evaluated for impairment, a provision is recorded when the required allowance exceeds any remaining discount on the loan
· Allowance for loan losses - The allowance for loan losses reflects management's best estimate of probable loan losses in the Company's loan portfolio. Determination of the allowance for loan losses is inherently subjective. It requires significant estimates including the amounts and timing of expected future cash flows and evaluation of collateral values on impaired loans and the amount of estimated losses on pools of homogeneous loans which is based on historical loss experience and consideration of current economic trends, all of which may be susceptible to significant change.
· Investment securities - Investment securities are classified as held-to-maturity, available-for-sale, or trading. The appropriate classification is based partially on the Company's ability to hold the securities to maturity and largely on management's intentions with respect to either holding or selling the securities. The classification of investment securities is significant since it directly impacts the accounting for unrealized gains and losses on securities. Unrealized gains and losses on available-for-sale securities are recorded in accumulated other comprehensive income or loss, as a separate component of shareholders' equity and do not affect earnings until realized. The fair values of investment securities are generally determined by reference to quoted market prices, where available. If quoted market prices are not available, fair values are based on quoted market prices of comparable instruments, or a discounted cash flow model using market estimates of the amount and timing of future cash flows, prepayment speed assumptions, expected interest rate curve, and the selection of discount rates that appropriately reflect market and credit risks. Investment securities with significant declines in fair value are evaluated to determine whether they should be considered other-than-temporarily impaired ("OTTI"). An unrealized loss is generally deemed to be other-than-temporary and a credit loss is deemed to exist if the present value of the expected future cash flows is less than the amortized cost basis of the debt security. The credit loss component of an OTTI write-down is recorded in earnings, while the remaining portion of the impairment loss is recognized in other comprehensive income (loss), provided the Company does not intend to sell the underlying debt security, and it is not more likely than not that the Company will be required to sell the debt security prior to recovery of the full value of its amortized cost basis.
· Retirement benefits - The Company provides defined benefit pension benefits to eligible employees and post-retirement health and life insurance benefits to certain eligible retirees. The Company also provides deferred compensation and supplemental executive retirement plans for selected current and former employees and officers. Expense under these plans is charged to current operations and consists of several components of net periodic benefit cost based on various actuarial assumptions regarding future experience under the plans, including, but not limited to, discount rate, rate of future compensation increases, mortality rates, future health care costs and expected return on plan assets.
· Provision for income taxes - The Company is subject to examinations from various taxing authorities. Such examinations may result in challenges to the tax return treatment applied by the Company to specific transactions. Management believes that the assumptions and judgments used to record tax related assets or liabilities have been appropriate. Should tax laws change or the taxing authorities determine that management's assumptions were inappropriate, an adjustment may be required which could have a material effect on the Company's results of operations.
· Intangible assets - As a result of acquisitions, the Company has acquired goodwill and identifiable intangible assets. Goodwill represents the cost of acquired companies in excess of the fair value of net assets at the acquisition date. Goodwill is evaluated at least annually, or when business conditions suggest impairment may have occurred and will be reduced to its carrying value through a charge to earnings if impairment exists. Core deposits and other identifiable intangible assets are amortized to expense over their estimated useful lives. The determination of whether or not impairment exists is based upon discounted cash flow modeling techniques that require management to make estimates regarding the amount and timing of expected future cash flows. It also requires them to select a discount rate that reflects the current return requirements of the market in relation to present risk-free interest rates, expected equity market premiums, peer volatility indicators and company-specific market and performance metrics, all of which are susceptible to change based on changes in economic conditions and other factors. Future events or changes in the estimates used to determine the carrying value of goodwill and identifiable intangible assets could have a material impact on the Company's results of operations.
A summary of the accounting policies used by management is disclosed in Note A, "Summary of Significant Accounting Policies" on pages 55-60 of the most recent Form 10-K (fiscal year ended December 31, 2012) filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on March 1, 2013.
Executive Summary
The Company's business philosophy is to operate as a community bank with local decision-making, principally in non-metropolitan markets, providing a broad array of banking and financial services to retail, commercial and municipal customers. The Company's banking subsidiary is Community Bank, N.A. (the "Bank" or "CBNA"). During the third quarter, the Company rebranded its First Liberty Bank and Trust operations in Pennsylvania to Community Bank, N.A. This provided a uniform brand identification to customers across the Bank's footprint and allows for greater efficiency in marketing efforts at a time when the Bank has announced the acquisition of eight new branch-banking locations in Northeast Pennsylvania from Bank of America, N.A.
The Company's core operating objectives are: (i) grow the branch network, primarily through a disciplined acquisition strategy, and certain selective de novo expansions, (ii) build profitable loan and deposit volume using both organic and acquisition strategies, (iii) increase the noninterest income component of total revenues through development of banking-related fee income, growth in existing financial services business units, and the acquisition of additional financial services and banking businesses, and (iv) utilize technology to deliver customer-responsive products and services and to improve efficiencies.
Significant factors management reviews to evaluate achievement of the Company's operating objectives and its operating results and financial condition include, but are not limited to: net income and earnings per share; return on assets and equity; net interest margins; noninterest income; operating expenses; asset quality; loan and deposit growth; capital management; performance of individual banking and financial services units; liquidity and interest rate sensitivity; enhancements to customer products and services; technology advancements; market share; peer comparisons; and the performance of acquisition activities.
On July 20, 2012, the Bank, completed its acquisition of 16 retail branches in central, northern and western New York from HSBC Bank USA, N.A. ("HSBC"), acquiring approximately $106 million in loans and $697 million of deposits. The assumed deposits consisted primarily of core deposits (checking, savings and money market accounts) and the purchased loans consisted of in-market performing loans, primarily residential real estate loans. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Bank paid First Niagara Bank, N.A. ("First Niagara"), (who acquired HSBC's Upstate New York banking business and assigned its right to purchase the 16 branches to the Bank) a blended deposit premium of 3.4%, or approximately $24 million.
On September 7, 2012, the Bank completed its acquisition of three branches in central New York from First Niagara, acquiring approximately $54 million of loans and $101 million of deposits. The assumed deposits consisted primarily of core deposits (checking, savings and money market accounts) and the purchased loans consisted of in-market performing loans, primarily residential real estate loans. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, the Bank paid a blended deposit premium of 3.1%, or approximately $3 million.
In support of the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions, the Company completed a public common stock offering in late January 2012 and raised $57.5 million through the issuance of 2.13 million shares. The net proceeds of the offering were approximately $54.9 million.
Third quarter and September year-to-date net income of $22.0 million and $63.4 million, respectively, were $3.6 million or 20% and $5.1 million or 8.7% higher than the respective prior year periods. Earnings per share were $0.54 and $1.56 for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2013, $0.08 and $0.10 higher than the third quarter and first nine months of 2012. Contributing to the higher YTD net income was higher net interest income that resulted from earning asset growth, generated organically and from the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions, partially offset by a lower net interest margin. Additionally, the higher net income was a result of a lower provision for loan losses and growth of noninterest income. Noninterest income was up due to incremental deposit service fees, including those from the HSBC and First Niagara acquisitions, higher debit card-related revenue, higher employee benefits administration and consulting revenues, and solid revenue growth from the wealth management businesses, which benefitted from favorable market conditions and organic growth. These were offset by higher operating expenses due in large part to the additional operating costs from the HSBC and First Niagara acquisitions, as well as a slightly higher effective income tax rate, partially offset by lower non-recurring acquisition expenses.
Asset quality in the third quarter of 2013 remained stable and favorable in comparison to averages for peer financial organizations. Third quarter nonperforming loan and delinquency loan ratios were lower than those experienced in the last eight quarters. The current quarter provision for loan losses was lower than the third quarter of 2012 as a result of these favorable asset quality metrics. The loan net charge-off ratio for the third quarter of 2013 was higher than the second quarter of 2013, but was lower than the average net charge-off ratio for the last eight quarters. The Company generated year-over-year average loan growth due to the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions, as well as organic loan growth. During the first half of 2013, the Company initiated a balance sheet restructuring program through the sale of certain longer duration investment securities and the retirement of a portion of the Company's existing FHLB borrowings. Average deposits in the third quarter of 2013 were higher than the third quarter of 2012 and the fourth quarter of 2012, driven by the HSBC and First Niagara acquisitions and organic deposit growth.
In July 2013, the Company entered into a purchase and assumption agreement to acquire eight branch-banking locations across its Northeast Pennsylvania markets from Bank of America, N.A. ("B of A"). Under the terms of the agreement, Community Bank will acquire approximately $340 million in deposits at a deposit premium of approximately 2.4%. The transaction is expected to close during the fourth quarter of 2013.
Net Income and Profitability
As shown in Table 1, net income for the third quarter and September YTD of $22.0 million and $63.4 million, respectively, increased $3.6 million or 20% and $5.1 million or 8.7%, respectively, as compared to the three and nine month periods of 2012. Earnings per share for the third quarter of $0.54 was $0.08 higher than the EPS generated in the third quarter of 2012 and earnings per share for the first nine months of 2013 increased $0.10 from the amount earned in the first nine months of 2012. Included in the 2012 results were $4.8 million or $0.08 earnings per share and $5.2 million or $0.09 earnings per share of acquisition expenses for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2012, respectively.
As reflected in Table 1, third quarter and September YTD net interest income of $60.6 million and $177.5 million, respectively, was up $1.8 million and $7.0 million from the comparable prior year periods. The improvement resulted from a higher net interest margin, primarily due to the balance sheet restructuring activities completed in the first six months of 2013, along with a year-to-date increase in interest-earning assets, primarily due to organic loan growth as well as the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions in the third quarter of 2012. The provision for loan losses decreased $0.6 million and $1.6 million as compared to the third quarter and first nine months of 2012, respectively, reflective of lower net charge-off levels and the continuation of generally stable and favorable asset quality metrics.
Third quarter and year-to-date noninterest income was $27.6 million and $80.5 million, respectively, up $2.0 million or 7.9% from the third quarter of 2012 and up $7.8 million or 10.7% from the first nine months of 2012, primarily due to the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions and organic growth across the franchise. Contributing to the increase was a $4.2 million increase in revenue generated during the first nine months of 2013 from the Company's benefit trust administration and wealth management groups, principally resulting from new customer additions and favorable market conditions. During the first half of 2013, the Company sold $648.7 million of investment securities, realizing $63.8 million of gains and utilized the proceeds to retire $501.6 million of FHLB borrowings with $63.5 million of early extinguishment costs.
Operating expenses of $55.0 million and $164.0 million for the third quarter and September YTD periods, respectively, decreased $1.0 million or 1.9% as compared to the third quarter of 2012, and increased $9.1 million or 5.9% from the first nine months of 2012. Excluding non-recurring acquisition expenses, operating expenses increased $3.7 million or 7.2% and $14.3 million or 9.5% for the quarter and YTD periods, respectively, as compared to the comparable periods of 2012, reflective of additional operating costs associated with the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions completed in the third quarter of 2012.
A condensed income statement is as follows:
Table 1: Condensed Income Statements
Three Months Ended Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, (000's omitted, except per share data) 2013 2012 2013 2012 Net interest income $60,601 $58,775 $177,458 $170,455 Provision for loan losses 2,093 2,643 4,807 6,442 Noninterest income 27,594 25,568 80,502 72,732 Gain on sales of investment securities 0 291 63,799 291 Loss on debt extinguishments 0 0 (63,500) 0 Noninterest expenses 55,044 56,085 163,972 154,858 Income before taxes 31,058 25,906 89,480 82,178 Income taxes 9,069 7,539 26,128 23,914 Net income $21,989 $18,367 $63,352 $58,264 Diluted weighted average common shares outstanding 40,850 40,139 40,587 39,842 Diluted earnings per share $0.54 $0.46 $1.56 $1.46
Net Interest Income
Net interest income is the amount by which interest and fees on earning assets (loans, investments and cash equivalents) exceed the cost of funds, primarily interest paid to the Company's depositors and interest on external borrowings. Net interest margin is the difference between the gross yield on earning assets and the cost of interest-bearing funds as a percentage of earning assets.
As shown in Table 2a, net interest income (with nontaxable income converted to a fully tax-equivalent basis) for the third quarter of 2013 was $64.3 million, a $1.2 million or 1.9% increase from the same period last year, resulting from a $228.3 million decrease in average interest-bearing liabilities and a 15-basis point increase in the net interest margin, more than offsetting the $156.6 million decrease in third quarter interest-earning assets versus the prior year. As reflected in Table 3, the third quarter rate decrease on interest bearing liabilities and the volume decrease on interest-bearing liabilities had a $7.1 million favorable impact on net interest income while the volume decrease from interest-bearing assets combined with the rate decrease on interest-bearing assets had a $5.9 million unfavorable impact on net interest income. September YTD net interest income of $188.9 million, as reflected in table 2b, increased $5.7 million or 3.1% from the year-earlier period, a result of a $155.9 million increase in interest-earning assets and a three basis point increase in net interest margin. The increase in interest-earning assets, the small decrease in interest bearing liabilities and the lower rate on interest-bearing liabilities had a $23.7 million favorable impact that was partially offset by an $18.0 million unfavorable impact from the decrease in the yield on interest-bearing assets.
Average investments, including cash equivalents, for the third quarter and YTD periods were $434.3 million and $201.1 million, lower than the comparable periods of 2012, respectively, reflective of the balance sheet restructuring program completed in the first half of 2013. During the first six months of 2013, the Company sold $648.7 million of U.S. Treasury and agency securities, realizing $63.8 million of gains. The proceeds were utilized to retire $501.6 million of higher rate FHLB borrowings with $63.5 million of associated early extinguishments costs. These actions enhanced the Company's regulatory capital position and reduced the expected duration of the investment portfolio, while positively impacting expected future net interest income generation. During the third quarter of 2013, the Company purchased $200 million of U.S. Treasury securities in anticipation of the excess funding expected from the pending branch acquisition in the fourth quarter of 2013.
Third quarter and September YTD average loan balances increased $277.6 million and $357.0 million, respectively, as compared to the same periods of 2012, due to the approximately $123 million of acquired HSBC and First Niagara loans in the third quarter of 2012 and strong organic loan growth, principally in the consumer mortgage and indirect portfolios. In comparison to the prior year, total average interest-bearing deposits were up $101.4 million or 2.3% and $430.9 million or 10.4% for the quarter and YTD periods, respectively, a result of the HSBC and First Niagara branch acquisitions and organic growth during the first half of 2013. Quarterly and YTD average borrowings decreased $329.7 million and $442.5 million, respectively, reflective of the restructuring program in the first half of 2013 which retired $501.6 million of FHLB borrowings, partially offset by the initiative in the third quarter of 2013 to use short-term borrowings to pre-invest a portion of the liquidity expected from the branch acquisitions in the fourth quarter of 2013.
The net interest margin of 3.94% for the third quarter increased 15 basis points as compared to the third quarter of 2012. The rates on interest-bearing liabilities decreased 51 basis points, due primarily to the balance sheet restructuring previously discussed, as well as the continued decline in rates paid on interest-bearing deposits. Incremental yield accretion from the favorable disposition of an acquired impaired commercial relationship increased net interest margin for the third quarter of 2013 by three basis points. This was partially offset by a 26-basis point reduction in interest-earning asset yields, reflective of lower yields on loans and investment securities versus last year's third quarter. The net interest margin of 3.93% for the first nine months of 2013 increased three basis points from the comparable period of 2012. The yield on interest-earning assets declined 37 basis points, and the rates on interest-bearing liabilities declined 48 basis points for the first nine months of 2013 as compared to the first nine months of 2012. Year-to-date net interest margin was positively impacted by the balance sheet restructuring activities in the first half of 2013. Proactive management of deposit funding costs continue to have a positive effect on net interest margin, but have not been able to fully offset declining asset yields.
The decrease in the earning-asset yield was partially attributable to a 15-basis point and a 24-basis point decrease in investment yield, including cash equivalents, for the third quarter and YTD periods, respectively, as compared to the prior year periods, due to the sale and maturing of higher rate investments being replaced with lower rate investments and cash equivalents. Additionally, contributing to the decrease in earning-asset yield for the quarter was a 49-basis point and 57-basis point decline in the loan yield as compared to the third quarter and YTD periods of 2012, respectively, a result of lower yields on fixed-rate new loan volume due to the decline in interest rates to levels below those prevalent in prior periods and certain existing adjustable and fixed-rate loans repricing downward.
The third quarter cost of funds decreased versus the prior year quarter due to an 18-basis point decrease in interest-bearing deposit rates, and a higher proportion of funding being supplied from low and noninterest bearing deposits, as well as a 154-basis point decrease in the average interest rate paid on external borrowings as a result of the balance sheet restructuring during the first half of 2013. The cost of funds for the first nine months of 2013 decreased versus the prior year period due to a 21-basis point decrease in interest-bearing deposit rates, and a higher proportion of funding being supplied from low and noninterest bearing deposits, as well as a 30-basis point decrease in the average interest rate paid on external borrowings. The decreases in the cost of funds were reflective of disciplined deposit pricing, whereby interest rates on selected categories of deposit accounts were lowered throughout 2012 and the first nine months of 2013 in response to market conditions. Additionally, the proportion of customer deposits held in higher cost time deposits has continued to decline over the last twelve months.
Table 2 below sets forth information related to average interest-earning assets and interest-bearing liabilities and their associated yields and rates for the periods indicated. Interest income and yields are on a fully tax-equivalent basis ("FTE") using a marginal income tax rate of 38.79% in both 2013 and 2012. Average balances are computed by accumulating the daily ending balances in a period and dividing by the number of days in that period. Loan yields and amounts earned include loan fees, deferred loan costs and accretion of acquired loan marks. Average loan balances include nonaccrual loans and loans held for sale.
Table 2a: Quarterly Average Balance Sheet
. . .


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So tweets New York Post baseball columnist Joel Sherman. To which MSNBC adds this concerning the pick-up of the Seattle Mariners pitcher:There is no report yet as to who those others may be. Given Texas' financial issues, it's possible that they could be veterans in salary offsets or it could be ... More >>
So reports The New York Post, which says one Shawn Corey Carter filed a $3.7 million suit in New York on Wednesday concerning a hotel he was trying to get off the ground in Chelsea. The two defendants are Highland Capital Management and NexBank, both HQ'd here and both of whom Carter says are try ... More >>
Fourth-graders leading a political movement, paying for tap water... Wisconsin fourth-graders are organizing to boycott their school's lunches. Even weirder? Administrators take it seriously. The kids want healthier options on the menu and worked with their teacher to set up demonstration cons ... More >>
So says A-Roid -- that'll never get old, unlike this song called "A-Roid" -- in an interview with Peter Gammons just posted on ESPN.com. But why, Alex, why?"When I arrived in Texas in 2001, I felt an enormous amount of pressure. I needed to perform, and perform at a high level every day. Back ... More >>
The Wall Street Journal and The New York Post are reporting today that as early as next week, Clear Channel Communications will "begin implementing a massive restructuring plan that seeks to cut $400 million in costs at the company." Both stories say the layoffs are to begin on Tuesday; says The Pos ... More >>
The Fox-y Daryl "Moose" Johnston tells the New York Post today that the city of Dallas -- and, one assumes, the surrounding cities, including the one in which the Cowboys actually play -- has turned on his former team, good God. And he's shocked, I tellya, shocked! "It's unbelievable. The reversal i ... More >>
On Politico.com this morning, Obama spokesman Bill Burton confirms Matt Drudge's post concerning the campaign's giving The Dallas Morning News -- along with the New York Post and The Washington Times -- the heave-ho from the campaign plane. Says Burton: "We're trying to reach as many swing voters th ... More >>
Everyone's getting a big giggle out of 143-year-old New York Post Page Six columnist Cindy Adams' reference today to Preston Hollow as "a town outside Dallas" known for its "horse stables, lake views, mountain views, golf club views." Notes a Post comment, "Cindy Adams has perhaps sampled the manure ... More >>
Just two links today -- one of which is from NBC's Today, matter of fact. Reporter Don Teague made the trip to Stephenville for hisself, to discover whether that "something weird" in the sky was really a UFO or a "whatever." Turns out, Don Teague was in Stephenville at the time -- dunno why -- and h ... More >>
The New York Post is very, very proud of itself this morning -- as in, "POST'S 'JESS' HELPS GIANTS KO DALLAS." Writes the NYC tab this morning: "We sat her in the third row at the 50-yard line behind Dallas' bench. The stunner's Simpson-esque vibes must have made the difference -- Romo's final drive ... More >>
From The New York Post today, via Fox Sports: Jason Kidd was "on strike" last night, faking illness and riding the pine in order to expedite a trade that would get him outta New Jersey. And to where, you ask? Well ... Another source said the Nets were planning on -- if not already -- talking to Dall ... More >>
You think when Tony Romo was at Eastern Illinois, he thought he'd wind up in People or the Post every other week? Tony Romo's dating an older woman from New York who's got her own dough, thank you very much, and who used to be Derek Jeter's gal pal not long before she hooked up with the Dallas Cowbo ... More >>
The New York Post is reporting this morning that Home Solutions of America, which is HQ'd on Dragon Street, is in considerable trouble with the government and a major stock market. Turns out that HSA -- which has "big plans for the New York real-estate market," reports the paper -- is being investig ... More >>
Don't whisper a word to the children, but hell yeah, of course they do
Say this about the New York Post: That newspaper will suck every last drop out a juicy story. Like yesterday's "Stray-Rod" story, for instance, about the NY Yanks' third baseman and his "mystery blonde" frequenting Toronto nudie bars. Today it gets a hard-hitting follow-up in which it's revealed tha ... More >>
So, would you exchange your current job for, let's say, immortality? Not exactly the deal on Michael Irvin's table, but according to the New York Post, the recent Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee may be on the way out the ESPN door. According to the article -- OK, more like a blurb -- the ol' hoa ... More >>
During an online chat today, Washington Post media writer (and CNN's Reliable Source) Howard Kurtz was asked to name the Top 10 newspaper in the country. You might recognize the name of one of 'em. (OK, all of them, but, c'mon, play along.) Washington, D.C.: Mr. Kurtz, in your column yesterday ... More >>
Some of us worked Friday. And some of us--by which I mean Owen Wilson and his mother--were at Harry Winston's in Highland Park Village. Shopping for what? Well, his people--and, really, even when Owen and I took driver's ed together at St. Mark's, even then I knew he would have people--say they were ... More >>
Maybe--oh, please, God, please, please, prettyplease--this'll be the last item we ever run about the big-screen adaptation of the movie Dallas. I know--you figured the thing was already on Cinemax; that's how long we've been discussing this would-be disaster. Really gonna hate to see it go adios, mo ... More >>
According to Dallas' Only Daily, Andrea Yates, pictured here, and Dena Schlosser are BFF! Like, OMG. No, really. They killed their kids because God needed them to. What they said, anyway. Yesterday, The Dallas Morning News offered the front-page story about how Andrea Yates and Dena Schlosser, who'r ... More >>
So, just got off the phone with a spokesman for the Securities and Exchange Commission about this story from today's New York Post. Turns out I was one of two reporters to bug the dude in D.C. today; the other was from Reuters. We wanted to know the same thing: Is, as the Post reported, Dallas-based ... More >>
Two years later, the Strokes are still on Fire
Before she was a "star," Kelly Clarkson was already in the studio
The Go-Go's, sweethearts of pop, move beyond old sins
Drive-In Movie Critic of Grapevine, TX


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If you would have asked me this a month ago, I would have said "of course not!" That's a myth being perpetuated by people who are anti-raw and want to keep us on their kibble diet. I would have told you that dogs have a shorter digestive system and digest raw much faster than kibble, so it passes through their system before it can do any harm. I would have told you not to listen to the lies of the critics. That would have been a mistake.
And then last week all four of our dogs got sick for a 2 day period.
- Sick enough to keep me up all night for two nights.
- Sick enough for me to ask my readers for prayers and happy thoughts.
- Sick enough for me to call our vet in a mini panic.
- Sick enough for me to call Darwin's Pets in a major panic when our shipment didn't arrive.
- Sick enough for me to nearly triple our raw food budget.
The dogs are fine now, but let me share what happened…
It started with diarrhea and I thought "dammit, the liver again??" I was so careful about our last batch of food. I measured and measured again. I cut way back on liver and thought I had nailed it. The dogs LOVED the mixture, it smelled good (believe it or not), and I was about to draft up what we did and share it in my raw food group.
And then Zoey got diarrhea. Scout joined her about 8 hours later. The adult dogs were fine so I thought it was too much rich organ meat. But then Sydney and Rodrigo weren't very interested in their food – strange. Then Scout started vomiting and the first batch was completely undigested (from the night before). And then he and Zoey lost interest in food.
Then J called me later that day to let me know the adult dogs were vomiting too and I was done with making raw at home.
What I did next…
- I took the dogs off of homemade raw and put them back on Darwin's.
- I cooked 12 pounds of ground turkey for them to eat until the Darwin's arrived.
- I made an appointment with our veterinarian just in case they didn't improve.
- I made an appointment with a holistic veterinarian (something I should have done from the start) to learn more about what could have gone wrong and to get us back on the right track.
- Reached out to more experienced (as in decades) to find out what insight they had for me.
After 36 hours, the dogs bounced back as if nothing had happened.
Why our dogs got sick…
My consultation with our holistic vet, Dr. Cathy Alinovi, was eye opening…
Our raw food mixture was fine. That's a relief!
Frozen v. Thawed Meat – It's fine to get our meat from the grocery store – but we either need to call ahead and ask for ____# frozen OR we need to bring it home and put it in the freezer for a week or two to kill off the bad bacteria. This isn't a 100% fix, but it will help.
What I did wrong with this last batch was pick it up at 7am, put it in the freezer for a few hours, and then start preparing meals.
Bacteria v Toxins – Yes, there is a difference. Dr. Alinovi told me that I would know that it's a bacteria problem if their diarrhea smells to high heaven; toxins are what's left behind after the bacteria dies off. When our dogs get "tainted" meat, their digestive track absorbs more water, creating the diarrhea.
Liver, duhhhh – I feel so silly for not knowing this; the liver is what clears out the toxins from our bodies so of course it can pose a problem (especially when not frozen properly). Although our adult dogs were fine (mature digestive systems), the puppies are still developing and that's why we had an issue with liver last month.
Cleanliness is next to Godliness – we at least got this part right; cleaning everything (and I mean everything – counters, butcher's block, meat cleaver, storage containers, bowls and meat grinder) on a sterilization cycle in the dishwasher is key. Because it's me, I wash everything by hand and THEN put it in the dishwasher (except the butcher's block and meat cleaver, which aren't dishwasher safe).
The Game Plan
- We will continue ordering duck and turkey from Darwin's Pets so that our dogs have variety, important in the raw food diet.
- We will start getting our meat frozen (not thawed) from the grocery store and butcher and we'll wait 1 -2 weeks before preparing meals.
- I connected with a local dog nutritionist who is experienced in preparing raw dog food and we have an upcoming session.
So we're back on track and we've learned a lot.
So tell me, do you have a holistic vet where you live?


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Evidence suggests daughter did not die in 1986 bombing as claimed
Hana's death may be a myth to spark sympathy. She very much seems to have lived in the family compound, writes MARY FITZGERALDin Tripoli
FOR DECADES her name was invoked by Muammar Gadafy and his apologists as proof of his personal suffering as a result of the US bombing of his Tripoli compound in 1986.
After US aircraft struck the Bab al-Azizia complex on April 14th that year, in revenge for the bombing of the La Belle nightclub in Berlin by Libyan agents, the regime announced that an adopted infant daughter of Col Gadafy, named Hana, had died in the raid.
The news was carried on Libya's radio, TV and print media, despite claims that Col Gadafy had moved his family to safety, having received prior warning of the strikes.
An American journalist at the time was shown the body of a baby and told it was Hana. Since then, Col Gadafy has repeatedly referred to her supposed death to bolster the notion that he had been a victim of western military aggression.
On the 20th anniversary of the US attack, the Libyan regime organised the "Hana Festival of Freedom and Peace" to commemorate the incident.
Hana's existence was debated by intelligence agencies in the aftermath of the bombing, which then US president Ronald Reagan ordered to strike back at what he called the "mad dog of the Middle East".
Many Libyans have long doubted the story. In the rebel stronghold of Benghazi earlier this year, I heard constant claims that Hana had studied medicine and was working as a doctor in Tripoli. "The whole story that she was killed was just more of Gadafy's propaganda," one man told me.
Libyan web forums have buzzed with allegations that Hana was still alive and living in the capital. "When I asked who she was, I was told she was Hana Gadafy, Gadafy's adopted daughter who was supposedly killed in 1986," wrote an anonymous online commentator who claimed to have studied medicine at Tripoli's main university at the same time. Diplomatic circles in Tripoli are said to have known about Hana's existence for several years.
Yesterday in the terracotta-coloured section of Bab al-Azizia where the Gadafy family lived, I came across a room which seemed to be part-study, part-lounge. Its contents – including a Sex and the CityDVD box set; CDs of the Backstreet Boys; cellulite treatments; WellWoman vitamin supplements and stuffed toys – hinted that it belonged to a young woman.
Amid the bookshelves lined with medical textbooks and copies of Col Gadafy's Green Book, I found passport photographs of a woman, dressed in medical garb, who appeared to be in her mid- 20s.


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Encourage Your Congregation to Oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment
As a religious leader, it is imperative that you speak out to your congregation about the importance of taking immediate action to oppose the Federal Marriage Amendment. Urge members of your congregation to take action and send the postcards below to their elected officials. Please also consider placing an important announcement about the Federal Marriage Amendment in your congregation's weekly bulletin. View our sample announcement for an idea of ways in which you can encourage your congregation to get involved.
How to Print Postcards
Find your state in the list below and download the associated PDF file (make sure that you have Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer). Each PDF consists of one double-sided, standard letter-sized (8.5" x 11") page. On each page, you will find instructions and the front or back of three postcards — one for each of your state's two Senators and one that should be returned to Clergy For Fairness. Postcards should be printed on thick paper or card stock. The postcards can be cut by hand, but your local printer will also be able to pre-perforate the cards for you. We encourage you to have the cards professionally printed and perforated.
Email firstname.lastname@example.com with any questions about downloading or distributing these postcards.
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Mao Eye Care in London, Ontario!
Our Mission
At Mao Eye Care we are committed to providing quality eye care to preserve and improve your vision, health and quality of life.
Our Values
Eyes are important indicators of overall health, and comprehensive eye examination goes beyond seeing great with eye glasses or contact lenses. At Mao Eye Care, our optometrist and staff take the time to get to know you, your ocular and medical history, and your vision needs. We put forth a continuous effort to improve the timeliness and quality of eye care given through patient-centered services. We are also involved in academic teaching and research at the Ivey Eye Institute.
Insurance & Financing
What's New
- Oct 31, 2014 - 7 Things You Should Know About Eyelid Twitches
More »
- Sep 28, 2014 - World Sight Day Challenge – No More Avoidable Blindness
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- Feb 8, 2013 - Welcome to our New Website
Visit our new optometry website for information about our Practice. More »
- Feb 1, 2013 - Request Your Next Appointment Online...
You can now request your next appointment online. Find out how... More »
- Jan 25, 2013 - Pink, Stinging Eyes?
It Could Be Pink Eye. More »
Our Location
- Dr. Mao Eye Care
Ivey Eye Institute, B1-046
St. Joseph's Hospital
268 Grosvenor Street
London ON N6A 4V2
Phone: (519) 646-6229
Fax: (519) 646-6137


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By Stephanie Ciccarelli
October 31, 2006
Getting into major online news wires like Google, Yahoo!, and MSN is easy when you work with Voices.com to promote your story.
Have you heard about our press release service?
Getting your name out there is what we do best, and we're pleased to announce our new press release service, an essential product for any voice talent who wants to:
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• Be affiliated with The Official Voice Marketplace, Voices.com
We know this industry inside out and we're adamantly dedicated to attracting clients who need voice-over recordings.
We perform this role as the voice industry leader every day.
Now, let us do this for you on a personal scale, and watch as windows of opportunity present themselves via the press, voice over work, and much more!
Learn more about how we'll help you to meet the press here.
StephanieRelated Topics: Google, industry
Learn why video animation is more important than ever, how you can use it to gain competitive advantage and what tools are out there to help you make it happen.
Vox Daily offers a daily dose of voice acting news, articles, tutorials, interviews, intelligent conversation and business ideas for voice talent and voice actors.
Our feed & social options update you with special offers and news as it happens.


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You can now filter search results with text. Example: "person: john" will search only person pages for "john".
Hush's plan enters its next phase, and this time it isn't Batman who's in the crosshairs.
The Great Culling is here. Things are getting pretty nutso for the Secret Avengers.
Didn't the Illuminati used to have a doctor? Strange, I wonder what he's been up to.
Character »
David Zavimbe appears in 60 issues.
Ancil Marksbury is the spoilt son of Phillip Marksbury. He was arrested by Batwing for killing young women.
Blood Tiger is a former captain of a warlord, now running the third biggest drug ring in Tinasha, Africa.
A metahuman with the ability to deconstruct any material to its base form and reconstruct it to anything he sees fit.
A somewhat immature, video game loving, member of the Burners.
A vigilante who aims to destroy Father Lost and his cultist followers.
A former Nazi Scientist, Dr. Dedalus is the mysterious agent of Leviathan and the biological father of Kathy Kane, the original Batwoman.
An African cultist who commands and controls his followers to kill and sacrifice other humans in the name of a goddess.
A metahuman able to control radio frequencies.
A villain who plans to take over all of Africa.
A villain with the power to create solidified light constructs who bombed the Hall of Justice, decimating the Justice League International.
A Chinese gangster, hired by Penguin, who has the ability to turn into a dragon like creature.
The tyrant of a small African country known as Tundi.
A representative of Batman Incorporated from Northern Africa. With the DCnU, Batwing will receive his own on-going series.
When Batwing made sure that Phillip Marksbury's son was arrested, Marksbury became a very powerful enemy and was determined to kill Batwing as revenge.
Sky-Pirate is the Captain of the Flying Dutchman. He was hired by Phillip Marksbury to kill Batwing.
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Nick Saban as The Godfather
As media days was winding down on Thursday, AL.com had an image on the front of its SEC Media Days coverage showing Alabama head coach Nick Saban leaving in an elevator.
When I saw the image, the first thing that came to mind was the closing scene of 'The Godfather.'
The parallel couldn't b


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BigDeals via eBay offers the open-box Motorola Bluetooth Mouse for $7.99 with free shipping. That's $32 off and tied with our mention from last week as the lowest total price we could find. (It's also a very strong price for a Bluetooth mouse in general.) It features laser technology and requires two AAA batteries.
Of note, this item is new but may be missing its original packaging.
Motorola Bluetooth Wireless Mouse
$8 free shippingSHOP NOW
Posted 2 weeks 1 day ago


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The first test drives of the all new BMW M550d xDrive model [official info/specs] are underway and here is the first video footage courtesy of Sport Auto. The M550d represents one of BMW's new lineup of M Performance Vehicles (together with the X5 and X6 M50d and upcoming M135i), which bridge the gap between standard series cars and M cars.
The M550d xDrive features an inline 6 cylinder diesel engine good for 381hp and 546lb-ft torque.
Its official factory quoted performance stats puts it at 4.7 sec 0-62mph … CONTINUED
Here's a new set of BMW ads promoting BMW ConnectedDrive, a library of innovations and apps that allow drivers to stay in touch with their world, while keeping their eyes on the road. As BMW describes, it's a really smart copilot that you'll want by your side.
Seen here are ads giving an overview of BMW ConnectedDrive, parking assist, night vision, and Connected App.
For more info on ConnectedDrive, check out BMW's microsite: http://www.bmwusa.com/connecteddrive
Munich. With its BMW M Performance Automobiles, BMW M GmbH is adding four newly developed models to its product range. These cars come with a significant boost in performance and hallmark M precision in the interplay of the powertrain, chassis and aerodynamics – coupled with unrestricted everyday utility and high levels of efficiency. The BMW M550d xDrive, BMW M550d xDrive Touring, BMW X5 M50d and BMW X6 M50d models will have their world premiere at the Geneva International Motor Show (8 – 18 March 2012). The … CONTINUED
Vorsteiner has released its full tuning kit and program for the F10 5-series, which they've dubbed the VMS-F10.
The kit details are as follows:
VMS Front Spoiler
The newly designed VMS front spoiler has been specifically designed to fit F10 5 series vehicles with the optional M Tech package. The front spoiler not only creates a purposeful and functional balance to the front end but is also unmistakably beautiful and precise.
VMS Rear Spoiler
The VMS rear add on carbon deck lid spoiler … CONTINUED
BMW has released its second X6 M50d teaser. The company tries to raise the anticipation with this video dubbed "Step 2″. There's no new information or new details shown, but BMW promises that the X6 M50d will "feel like a race car" and "deserve the M badge". Guess we'll have to wait and see if it actually can live up to these promises.
It's teaser time again! Hot off the press here's part 1 of "a new chapter: powered by BMW M".
When you listen to the engine carefully you can hear it's a diesel engine. At this point we can only speculate what this is about exactly, but if we were forced to do so we'd say it's a promotion for the long-rumored M Performance Diesel models called X6 M50d ( and M550d for the F10) powered by a 3.0l inline 6 Diesel engine with no less than 3 … CONTINUED
Bystanders in Utah are being lauded as heroes after they lifted a burning BMW off an unconscious motorcyclist trapped beneath it. Authorities say the accident Monday near the Utah State University campus in Logan happened when 21-year-old motorcyclist Brandon Wright collided with a car pulling out from a parking lot.
The bike and car burst into flames and Wright was trapped underneath.
A camera nearby captured a group of students and construction workers gathering together to tilt the car up and pull the young man to safety … CONTINUED
Another episode from the BMW future lab. It's about pedestrian security. Most accidents involving pedestrians happen in inner cities at speeds of about 60 km/h. In these situations, a "Camera-based Pedestrian Protection" system can be useful. This video gives some insight into the development of this camera based protection system.
NORBEFILMS sets some beautiful imagery of the F10 5-series M-sport to music by Moby. Enjoy the visuals.
BMW Performance Parts Manager Eric Riehle recently took questions from United BMW gathered from Bimmerpost members. On video, he addresses BMW Performance plans for limited slip differential, lease residualization program, new electronic performance steering wheel, M3 performance parts, and N54/N55 performance power kits. Check out the interview inside.
Fifth Gear's Vicki Henderson takes the 535d M-sport against the Jaguar XF Diesel S onto the track for a hotlap showdown at the Assen circuit. Both cars are powered by 6 cylinder turbo diesel engines.
The 535d motor is good for 300hp and 440 pound-feet of torque, which covers 0-62mph in 5.7 seconds while achieving 46.3mpg. The Jaguar XF Diesel S has 275hp under the hood with its 3.0L AJV6D Generation III diesel turbo with 0-60 in 5.9 seconds and an MPG of 42mpg. Winner? Results … CONTINUED
The F10′s interior design Olive Heilmer and exterior designer Jacek Fröhlich explain their inspirations and philosophies behind their designs for the hot selling F10 5-series. As the video explains in more details, the F10′s interior drew inspiration from fine vintage watches and the exterior goes after a strong and muscular impression, drawing from BMW's motorsport heritage and Munich's surrounding mountains.


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Network: 21Sextury Network
Site: Club Sandy
Models: Nikol W.
Tags: blonde, babes, teen, masturbation, solo
This fall brings you the hottest girl around who'll make your days a bit warmer before winter sets in. She's called Nikol W. and she has a body to die for. So, don't hesitate to check her out!


text: >>Zucker wurtzel, indianisch (the picture you have) is sweet potato. > > But it said a sweet potato is like a "Sisarum" or "Zucker Wurtzel", and > Skirret is Sium sisarum. > > Ranvaig Please remember that Sisarum as used in the reference is a pre-Linnean taxonomy. Sisarum was used for a number of different roots that look similar but belong to different species. The scientific taxonomy of the skirret, Sium sisarum, is from the 19th Century. Bear


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Summary of Seminar Discussion
(Prepared by Anne Dalke)
Cynthia began the discussion by asking us how we make the U.S.--both its past and its imagined present--"odd" to our students. Her further suggestion that "teaching is where we work out our worries" was a useful revision of our more usual notion of its being the place where we "perform our expertise," where we make available and accessible not what know, but what we do NOT. As the New York Times reported recently, "we expect our leaders to be perfect"; so too our students expect from us the assurance of expertise. What might it mean to "teach as the puzzled person," to insist on collectively puzzling out questions together, and so allowing the unexpected to emerge in the classroom?
There was much rich discussion about transforming the peace movement into a current progressive politics. The earlier work of women's studies involved "placing women in the center of the conversation," because their experience had been so markedly omitted. Might the "new face of feminism" involve "de-centering oneself," not taking one's own experience as the norm? Might a contemporary politics invite (for instance) our students to de-familiarize their own presumptions about the nature of power? Cynthia calls one of her courses "International Women's Thinking," rather than "Feminist Theory," because she wants her students to reconsider their notions of where authority lies, of who might function as a source for insight. Her course title invites her students to listen to those who have "just explained the world," and to re-consider "what they think they can see, what they think they can access." Conventional distinctions between public and private are altered when the wives of military men are understood as political actors, or when sex workers who live around military bases are seen as contributing to the military effort. Contrari-wise, studies of violence against women might usefully question the "rank othering" that occurs when we examine the public executions of women in other countries; we might well look at the deaths which occur in our own prisons. We "knew it was dangerous all along" to begin with the experiential, but we also need to insist on not relying solely on what we know personally. Perhaps this was the "wholesale problem of the women's movement": we failed to do the needed coalition work, never built the necessary networks between those at the center and those at the periphery of power. We were not successful in negotiating the paradox between centering and de-centering our own experiences.
Much of the discussion involved ways to invite our students to question their most deeply embedded assumptions. How might we invite them to imagine, for instance, other kinds of leadership than those which are as deeply militarized as the U.S. presidency, which takes as its core the role of commander-in-chief? How to help them to understand the ways in which, historically, women's suffrage was enhanced by militarization, by claims that those who contribute to war-making deserve the rights of citizenship? (Does suicide bombing operate in this way?) How to de-familiarize their own lives enough that they might learn to understand the lives of third world women? It was suggested that Peggy McIntosh's classic work on ""Unpacking White Privilege" (1989) might be used to help our students consider their U.S.-privilege (as well as become cognizant of the ways in which and places hwere it is not universal; they cannot always assume it). Cynthia also recommended two excellent case studies of women's organizing that was not located in the U.S.:
Return to Feminist Curiosity


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Watch breaking news videos and read news updates about Pat Dowell on Crain's Chicago Business
has been acquiring properties in Washington Park. The university has been mum on its plan for the area, but Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) describes it as a "major arts and cultural development" between King Drive and Prairie Avenue on 55th Street
the school's decisions in the area will be a key factor in its development. The university is eyeing what Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) described in an email as a "major arts and cultural development" between King Drive and Prairie Avenue
needs. But, it's election season in the south suburbs. As long as we're on the subject of transportation, Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) and her proposed bicycle tax deserves a turkey platter of its own. If you need money, alderwoman, how about
fines for bicyclists who violate the rules of the road jumped to between $50 and $200 from $25. In October, Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, suggested cyclists pay a $25 registration fee and take a class on safety and rules of the road. Ald. Harry
How to avoid the need for higher cable TV taxes or municipal fees? Third Ward Ald. Pat Dowell of Bronzeville has this idea : Chicago should charge all those bicyclists $25 a year for the privilege of riding their two-wheelers
Alderman Pat Dowell's recent proposal to impose a $25 license fee and a mandatory rules-of-the-road education on Chicago cyclists is so
even for Chicago.) Rather, a brisk ride would have been in honor of one of Chicago's finer public servants, Ald. Pat Dowell, 3rd, and her fine idea to tax the use of a bicycle and send all bike riders to "safety" classes. Ms. Dowell has come
agency will be budgeted at twice the figure Mayor Rahm Emanuel originally had wanted. Mr. Emanuel and three aldermen — Pat Dowell (3rd)), Ameya Pawar (47th) and Michele Smith (43rd) — today announced that the Office of Financial Analysis
team that put the campaign together include Chicago United's Gloria Castillo, Deloitte LLC's Deb DeHaas, Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) and County Commissioner John Fritchey. If you can think of any ways in which the city and county can save more
which will be made largely of a "structurally glazed aluminum window-wall system," the city report says. Ald. Pat Dowell, whose ward includes the CMK sites, said she supports the proposed development. "They've been anxious to move
provide specifics, including a possible sale price. McPier CEO Jim Reilly was not available for comment, nor was Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who wrote a letter last month supporting the acquisition of the parcels. "These vacant properties are important
independent agencies in New York, San Diego and Pittsburgh. We are encouraged to see that aldermen Ameya Pawar, 47th, Pat Dowell, 3rd, and Michele Smith, 43rd, have sponsored a proposal to create an Office of Independent Budget Analysis responsible
independent agencies in New York, San Diego and Pittsburgh. We are encouraged to see that aldermen Ameya Pawar, 47th, Pat Dowell, 3rd, and Michele Smith, 43rd, have sponsored a proposal to create an Office of Independent Budget Analysis responsible
has been vacant since 2000. "It's a huge, hulking building that is a blight on the community," said Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who represents the area in the City Council.For Landwhite, the project is a chance to break into the Chicago
failure for the neighborhood," says a letter from a group of nearby homeowners included in the city report.Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd), who supports the project, says strong property management as well as a focus on seniors and working family


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Full transcript of media conference by Premier Denis Napthine – 7 April 2014
Subjects: V/Line Wi-Fi announcement, mobile black spot coverage, EurekaStadium, Japan FTA, TAFE, smoking bans
It's great to be here at Geelong Railway Station in the heart of Geelong with the Mayor, Councillor Darren Lyons; Councillor Ron Nelson; local members Andrew Katos and David Koch and Paula Kontelj; and Matthew, who's going to answer any difficult questions when it comes to technical issues.
I'm pleased to be here today to make a significant announcement – not just for Geelong but the whole of regional Victoria. I am pleased to announce today that in the Budget in May, there will be an allocation of $40 million, which will provide free public Wi-Fi on all V/Line train services from Geelong and other regional centres to Melbourne so that people travelling on those services will have good quality Wi-Fi services, free Wi-Fi services and this will be a real boost to people travelling on V/Line across Victoria.
This $40 million is new money from the State Government and not only will it provide free public Wi-Fi on our V/Line services to regional centres, it will also be used to fix mobile black spots along the V/Line track. Currently, there is a significant number of spots along the V/Line pathway where there are black spots where mobile services drops out and of course, internet services drop out. So the first priority will be to fix those black spots and also to enhance our V/Line VLocity rail cars so that they'll provide a high quality, uninterrupted, free public Wi-Fi service.
The second part of this budget announcement is to provide funding for improvement of mobile phone services in black spots across Victoria. This is across regional and rural Victoria, particularly targeting bushfire-prone areas and we've seen, in recent times, a number of areas where we've had serious bushfires and people have complained about the lack of mobile phone connection and mobile phone services which has affected the warnings that have gone out, affected the response of the local community to those bushfire threats.
So this is a $40 million package from the Victorian Government in the May Budget, but it will hopefully be complemented by funding out of the $100 million commitment of the Federal Coalition Government to fix mobile black spots across Australia. And we are certainly putting a strong case for our share of that funding, which we estimate would be about $25 million. So, we are putting our money on the table, we're looking for the Federal Government to come on board, but we are guaranteeing that in our budget, we'll have $40 million which will deliver, through an Expression of Interest process, free Wi-Fi services on our V/Line services between Geelong and Melbourne, Ballarat and Melbourne, Bendigo and Melbourne, Seymour and Melbourne and Traralgon and Melbourne.
So great new service for commuters and a great thing for growing populations in regional and rural area. By having better quality Wi-Fi services on trains, by having better coverage for mobile services across regional and rural Victoria, that's another good reason why people should make the good move to live and work in regional and rural Victoria.
And I'd now like to ask the Mayor, Councillor Darren Lyons, to say a few words.
Thank you, Premier. Well it's great to see so many of you down here today, another terrific announcement by the State Government. Obviously I'm very pleased to hear that the State Government's plan to improve mobile phone coverage on the Geelong rail line. The fact of the matter is that more than 5,000 people every morning and 5,000 people every night come to and from Geelong. We are one of the fastest-growing regional cities in Victoria at a rapid rate of knots and really this announcement …
[Audio cuts out]
Wi-Fi will add the flexibility of the rail service and provide options for commuters as they work and they travel.
As I said, Geelong's residential growth remains above the state average. So it's absolutely crucial that people that have the lifestyle advantages of living in Geelong and working in Melbourne have those advantages to be able to do business while they travel. The City of Greater Geelong has partnered with Deakin University and a local consortium to deliver a free Wi-Fi service in central Geelong. I announced this three months ago. So now the whole of the CBD is Wi-Fi and right down to the waterfront. Absolutely crucial in today's private environment for young people, for travellers, but most of all, for people to do business.
This is a city that is open for business and this, Mr Premier, is Wi-Fi that is no longer a luxury, it is a measure of any modern city going forward. So, I certainly thank the State Government and I warmly welcome this announcement today. This is a real cut-through into the technology base of our future and Geelong is going to be a key player in a 21st century smart city. Thank you very much indeed.
I'm really pleased with the announcement because it actually lets people be more productive on the trains. Because they're on the train for an hour or so and they can go about their work, they can do their work …. And one thing in particular too, Deakin University and the Gordon just across here, have said to us they have a lot of students who come here from Melbourne. So they've been asking for this for a while and it actually enhances Deakin and Gordon. So that ability to attract more students to come and study here in Geelong. So overall with that, it's a really great announcement and I'm very happy to be here.
We might just wait for the train.
This will be on all V/Line trains from these regional centres. Certainly the VLocity trains will be enhanced in terms of the public Wi-Fi service. But this will be about fixing the black spots. There's about 40 per cent of the total area travelled, or total distance travelled, on V/Line services from regional centres to Melbourne have mobile black spots. This will fix that so that it'll make it more accessible for everybody, but also on the train it will be free public Wi-Fi from the regional centres to and from Melbourne.
Victoria has been lagging behind, particularly European trains were Wi-Fi's very common.
Well, what we need to make sure is that Melbourne and Victoria move into the 21st century in terms of communications. And as the Mayor of Geelong has said here, there's free Wi-Fi in the CBD of Geelong. We, as a government, have moved to provide free Wi-Fi in the CBD in Melbourne, Bendigo and Ballarat, and now having free Wi-Fi on our regional V/Line services is a step in the right direction. So the people are connected all the time, they can do business, they can involve themselves in their study, they can involve themselves in their personal emails and without any interruption, and this is real step in terms of improving access for people across Victoria and particularly, those who use our V/Line services.
What about city commuters? How close are you to fixing phone reception in the city loop and, I mean, giving access just to phone reception there?
When you go deep underground, there are significant challenges with that. We'll continue to work on that with the telephone companies and we'd like them to sharpen their pencils so that they can offer us a good deal for providing better reception in some of those areas, particularly in the loop.
What's the prohibiting factor with that? It is technology or is it cost? Or both?
Well, the technology implies a cost and there is a cost. And we think that there'll be so much use of it that it'll actually provide a dividend to the telecommunications industry, therefore we think they should make, the service available at a fair price. At the moment I think they're being a bit greedy.
And what do you think of the call by some people for AOs to have guns?
Well, this is absolute nonsense: it's not a call that is supported by the State Government. The State Government believes Authorised Officers do a challenging job and do it extremely well, but there is no plans, no plans –
Just back on the on the V/Line Wi-Fi, do you think that's going to result on a significant increase in patronage, as people look to try and maximise their work days?
We believe that, as the population of Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo and regional Victoria continues to grow and people see the opportunities that are available in regional centres, the patronage will grow. Having free Wi-Fi services will enhance the commuter's experience and certainly, attract more people to V/Line services to travel to study, to travel to work and I think it certainly will boost V/Line patronage. And that's why we're investing in 43 new VLocity rail cars; that's why we're investing in the Regional Rail project to make sure we can cater for that growth in capacity.
On the flip side of that, do you think that will see fewer people or reduce the stress anyway on the Westgate Freeway?
Well, I think that people from Geelong certainly have choices and options and when you've got a more reliable service, when you've got free Wi-Fi on the service and you can do business as you travel and when you've got more frequent services, certainly through the Regional Rail Link, people will be making choices about using trains rather than driving to Melbourne. I think it's a very good choice, a very good option and with the free Wi-Fi, I think it makes it a real winner.
The Wi-Fi announcement you made in the city, I think last month, that was no cost to taxpayers, how's the $40 million going to be used on this? Is it just to improve the black spots or …?
There are a number ways the money will be used on, and I'll ask Matt to comment in a minute but certainly, there's about 40 per cent of the total distance, about 600 kilometres, where there are various black spots where we need to work with telecommunication companies to invest in new infrastructure to ensure that we don't have drop-outs, which is essential for a free Wi-Fi service of high quality. So some of the money will go into that, some of the money will be going to other mobile black spots across Victoria and also some of the money will be for enhancements in the VLocity rail cars to provide better connectivity to the Wi-Fi service. And if Matt thinks I've missed anything he can add to that.
Nope, Premier. It's a good answer.
Will stations get the Wi-Fi as well, I mean at the …
Stations gets the Wi-Fi?
The stations? Not in this announcement.
When do you expect to have this announcement?
Just on the trains.
– the first trains enabled?
Well, we expect that this will go through an EOI process and we expect, by the end of 2015, we'll have Wi-Fi on some of the trains if not all the trains.
Premier, will you match the Labor Party promises for Portarlington and Eureka Stadium?
Well, what we're seeing at Port Arlington, unfortunately, is a cruel hoax on the people of Bellarine and Portarlington. This is comes from the same local member who suggested you should use the Alcoa berth for cruise ships, that's how much she understands about ports and ports issues. When Labor were in office, they said to re-do the Portarlington Harbour would cost $58 million – $58 million – now they're saying for $15 million, they'll get a new pier, ferry berths, new aquacultures berths, extension of the breakwater and a refuelling station all for $15 million. Tell them they're dreaming.
So you won't match the 15 they're offering…
Well, we understand the need for facilities at Portarlington. We'll go through a proper process to examine how that is best delivered. But we won't play political games and play cruel hoaxes on the people of Portarlington when we know a project costs at least $58 million and only deliver $15 million and tell them that we'll deliver a $58 million project.
In Ballarat, Eureka?
In Ballarat and Eureka, we've got a great track record on Ballarat of delivering jobs and key infrastructure in Ballarat, be it schools and hospitals. And also sporting facilities including new world class soccer facilities, new facilities at the Ballarat Greyhound Racing Club and at the harness racing and turf club. So we've invested in sporting facilities and, of course, education and health facilities plus job creating facilities in Ballarat.
With regard to the Eureka Stadium-Ballarat Showground Complex, there are a number of different challenges there and we'll continue to work with the Ballarat City Council and the broader community on their needs, whether it be the basketball facilities, the facilities for the showground, the facilities for the aquatic needs of the community and, of course, the needs of football.
What's your reaction to the Japan free trade agreement? Do you think there's going to be many benefits for Victoria? I understand a few farmers think it's quite disappointing.
I think the free trade agreement is a significant step forward: it's a great step forward for the whole of Victoria and Australia, and particularly for Victoria as a large agricultural producer. It does provide benefits for our agricultural industries: yes, many of us would have like to have seen it gone further but it is a positive step forward and I think we should work with that. I also note in the free trade agreement if Japan does any other agreements with any other countries that deliver better outcomes for those countries that Australia will be automatically matched with that which is a great outcome for us as well.
What Victorian industries do you see as been the main beneficiaries?
I think the main beneficiaries will be the meat industry which will be a significant beneficiary with a lowering in tariffs and greater access and also in terms of our dairy industry, in terms of opportunities for our cereal producers and horticulture producers. There, just widening the access into the Japanese market is a significant step forward.
Dairy producers aren't all that happy though: do you think they missed out a bit?
Well, the dairy producers certainly would want greater freedom of access and I would support that, but this is a significant step forward from where we were a week ago and five years ago.
Premier, those TAFE colleges that are still struggling, would you be encouraging them to merge with each other, or with a stronger provider, to ensure their survival?
We've had discussions with our TAFE colleges and last year, this time last year, we put $200 million on the table for TAFE colleges to look at investments in new technologies and look at the best options for the future. So, we would say to the TAFE colleges, you need to act in the best interest of your community and your students and I believe TAFE colleges will do that.
But I make the point, we have significantly increased funding for vocational education and training, from $850 million when we came to government to $1.2 billion now. So there's more money, more students, doing more appropriate courses in vocational education training under a Coalition government.
But if half of them are still in the red, does that mean that it's poor management at those particular colleges?
Well, the TAFE colleges need to examine what they're offering and how they're managing their facilities and they need to look at how they can best do that for the future. But let's not get away from the fact that when we came to government there were 420,000 students doing vocational education training across the state, there's now 645,000 students doing vocational education and training, a significant increase in the number of students doing vocational education and training. The other thing that's important is, when we came to government, 49 per cent of those students were doing courses that were immediately relevant to job opportunities in our community. There's now over 70 per cent. So more students – significantly more students – doing more courses, that are more relevant to the needs of our work force.
Do you think Anzac Day should remain, in an AFL sense, Essendon-Collingwood?
Well, that's a decision for the AFL, not for me.
Sorry, just back on the TAFE thing. Has any of that $200 million been spent?
Some of the money has been allocated. There are other opportunities for TAFE facilities to put their hands up with proposals about how they can best use that to improve the efficiency of the operation of the TAFE facility to deliver more courses to more students.
I think it's Monash Council is calling for the State Government to ban smoking in outdoor areas so that their traders aren't disadvantaged if they do it and people go elsewhere for business. Do the government have any plans to do that?
I missed the question.
Smoking in outdoor areas. I think it's Monash Council is calling for the State Government to ban it across the board so it's not a council-by-council decision.
This government has a positive track record of significantly reducing smoking rates across our community and in fact, today Victoria's level of smoking is the lowest in recent history and our efforts to ban smoking on children's playgrounds, children's sporting events, from beaches. We've been to the forefront of reducing smoking in our community. We'll continue to take advice from VicHealth, and other experts, about the new directions in terms of how we can further discourage people from smoking and we'll continue to take that advice.


text: It was announced Friday that legendary comedian, actor, and philanthropist, Bill Cosby, will return to the F.M. Kirby Center for the Performing Arts on Friday, April 5 at 8 p.m.Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 21 at 10 a.m., and will be available at the Kirby center Box Office, by phone at (570) 826-1100 and online at www.kirbycenter.org.One of America�??s most prolific comedians, Cosby has dazzled generations of fans with his comedy routines, also captured on his iconic albums and best-selling books such as "Fatherhood" and the groundbreaking "The Cosby Show." His comedy transcends age, gender and cultural barriers.Cosby broke television�??s racial barrier with a role in "I Spy," becoming the first African American to costar on a television series and win three consecutive Emmys for �??Outstanding Lead Actor�?� in the dramatic series. The veteran comic hosted the Emmy-winning cartoon "Fat Albert and the Cosby Kids," which began airing in the 1970s and was made into a film in 2004. The show, based on Cosby�??s childhood in Philadelphia, was designed to educate and entertain.The former Navy serviceman�??s illustrious list of accomplishments includes roles on the children�??s educational show "Electric Company," and creating and producing the Emmy award winning "Little Bill," which is based on his bestselling book series.Perhaps Cosby�??s greatest contribution to American entertainment and culture is "The Cosby Show," about a close-knit, upper class black family. Cosby said his intent was to portray an American family. Time Magazine called the show �??an encouraging sign of maturity in matters of race.�?� "The Cosby Show" dominated the #1 spot for years, earning nearly-unanimous critical praise.For his philanthropic efforts and positive influence as a performer and author, Cosby was honored with a 1998 Kennedy Center Honors Award. In 2002, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America�??s highest civilian honor, and he is the 2009 recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.


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Here's Your Union-Made in America Thanksgiving Shopping List
Before you put together your Thanksgiving dinner shopping list, check our list of union-made in America food and other items that are essential to a traditional family Thanksgiving feast. Speaking of thanks, a big "thank you" to the Union Label and Service Trades Department (ULSTD), Union Plus and the Los Angeles County Federation of Labor's resource site, Labor 411, for compiling their extensive catalogs of union-made products.
Here are some of the best union-made Thanksgiving eats and cookware from the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers (BCTGM); Glass, Molders, Pottery, Plastics and Allied Workers (GMP); Machinists (IAM); United Steelworkers (USW); and United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW).
Kraft/Nabisco crackers—BCTGM
Nabisco (Mondelez) crackers—BCTGM
Keebler (Kellogg) crackers—BCTGMMore ...