text:
Windhoek — A confident Minister of Finance Saara Kuugongelwa-Amadhila increased government spending to a record N$47.6 billion for the 2013/14 financial year.
And without batting an eyelid the minister tabled a budget that, as of today, would hopefully bring smiles of relief and joy to thousands of civil servants, because the increase caters for salary increases, as well as the cost of the job evaluation and re-grading exercise - an issue that has been pending for too long.
The minister also increased social grants by an additional N$50 for pensioners and other vulnerable categories of people such as orphans and the disabled in the N$3.9 billion budgeted for the vulnerable for the next three years, while the unemployed also came in for consideration with N$6.6 billion set aside as additional to total expenditure.
"In this budget we have increased the incentives to create employment, we have chosen to decrease the burden of taxes, and we have given our families and our pensioners more support," said Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, just after she called on technocrats to ensure "the effective implementation of programmes to realise intended outcomes and ripple effects in the economy."
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila introduced the budget to parliament by first assuring members that the increases in spending, as well as in the budget deficit in relation to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), are based on the foundation of recent successful fiscal policies.
"In this budget ... we are taking major steps forward to build on the strong foundation we have laid since independence. The reforms we present [in this budget] are substantial, responsible, and necessary," said a confident Kuugongelwa-Amadhila, adding that the country retained a relatively strong fiscal position although not as strong as four years ago before the onset of the global financial crisis.
Government spending in the 2013/14 national budget increases by nearly 18.7 percent from last year's N$40.2 billion. The expenditures are going to be funded from an estimated revenue base of N$40.1 billion for the year, which is higher than the estimated revenue collections of N$37.1 billion in the previous financial year. This year's budget will result in a deficit of 6.4 percent of GDP, from the current 2.8 percent estimated in the previous year.
However, the deficit as a percentage of the GDP is well within the government's self-imposed target of 35 percent. The deficit increases from N$3 billion in 2012/13 to an estimated N$7.4 billion and would average around N$5.8 billion in the three-year period to the 2015/16 financial year. Government expects to finance the deficit through "a combination of drawdown on accumulated cash reserves and borrowing mainly from domestic sources".
Kuugongelwa-Amadhila is confident of the future of revenue growth, projecting an average increase of 7.3 percent annually to reach a N$45.6 billion revenue base by 2015/16. "Projected improvements in revenue is on account of initiatives to improve the tax administration regime, the introduction of alternative sources of revenue, recovery in the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Common Revenue Pool and projected higher collections as the domestic economic recovery gathers steam," said the finance minister.
This year's budget is baptised - "Growing the economy, optimising development outcomes," which the minister says "reflects the people-centred and development oriented budget policy, which our government has consistently and persistently pursued over the years."
Budget allocations (2013/14 to 2015/16)
Education - N$35.2 billion
Health - N$15.4 billion
Defence and Safety and Security - N$27.3 billion
Transport - N$8.2 billion
Agriculture - N$7.1 billion
Housing and Sanitation - N$5.8 billion
Pensions - N$3.9 billion
Youth Development - N$1.9 billion
Environment and Tourism - N$1.8 billion
Rural Water Supply - N$1.1 billion
Highlights of Budget 2013/14
Total expenditure: N$47.6 billion (up 19%)
Operational expenditure: N$37.2 billion (up 19.8%)
Development budget: N$8.1 billion (up 21.3%)
Budget deficit: 6.4% of GDP (up from N$3 billion to N$7.4 billion.)
Total debt: N$32.4 billion (up from N$27.5 billion)
Non-mining tax: 33% (down from 34%)
Social grants: N$50 increase to N$600 per month


text:
Ah, they grow up so fast: The Brewer's Plate, Fair Food's fabulous beer-and-edibles pairing party and one of the Philly food scene's crown jewels, recently turned 10 in true style. Hundreds braved the afternoon chill to converge on the Kimmel Center for a gutbusting affair that featured dozens of local farmers, restaurants, chocolatiers, specialty food artisans, distilleries and winemakers, all of them swaying to the festive sounds of the Hoppin John Orchestra.
The Phillies' Other Mascot: Sonny Forriest Jr.
Posted 6/7/11
2011 Cannabis March Garners Worldwide Support
Posted 5/26/11
Philly NAACP President Suggests War on Weed is a Civil-Rights Issue
Posted 4/28/11
March Madness: City Politics Edition
Posted 3/23/11
Johnny Showcase Presents...
Posted 3/22/11
Corner Stores Trying Healthy Options
Posted 2/21/11

subset: commoncrawl


text:
The series was sponsored by Drene Shampoo, and the announcer was Tobe Reed. Drene Time usually opened with Langford singing a big band-style arrangement. Then Ameche and Langford would slip into routine comedy, often aided by co-star Danny Thomas, in routines involving Ameche's frustration that Thomas seemed more interested in modern technology and discoveries than in women.
After another musical number and a commercial spot for Drene Shampoo, Ameche and Langford appeared as the Bickersons for the final 15 minutes of the show. The Bickersons segment, at that time, was titled, "The Honeymoon's Over."
The program featured the music of Carmen Dragon and His Orchestra. Also in the cast was Gale Gordon. The series was written by Philip Rapp and produced by Carlton Alsop.
An early audition show of July 31, 1946 featured a different cast: Don Ameche, guest Sylvia Sidney, announcer Truman Bradley, Joseph Lilley and His Orchestra, Pinky Lee, Jim Backus, the Swing Choir, Jonelle James, Earle Ross and announcer Marvin Miller.


text: Ballistic Publishing - Call for Entries Georgian Still LifeA candle-lit scene of a table in an 18th century room. Copyright (C) Janet Taylor 2007 All Rights Reserved No unauthorised duplication or distribution without explicit permission from the copyright holder. Artist Name: Janet Taylor Artist Country: CA Entered for: Company: order, chaos, artSoftware used: MAXON - CINEMA 4DMAXON - BodyPaintAdobe - Photoshop About us | Contact us | Privacy Policy Copyright © 2003 Ballistic Media Pty. Ltd.


text:
ABCbodybuilding - View Single Post - Daily Devotional
Daily Devotional
View Single Post
is working towards a lean 200
Super Moderator
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Reno, NV
Posts: 5,162
Jun. 9
The Way To An Easy Life
June 9, 2012
Read: 1 Thessalonians 3
No one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 1 Thessalonians 3:3
Are parents trying too hard to make their kids happy? And is that having the opposite effect? These questions introduce an interview with Lori Gottlieb, author of an article on the subject of unhappy young adults. Her conclusion: Yes. Parents who refuse to let their children experience failure or sadness give them a false view of the world and do not prepare them for the harsh realities of adult life. Theyre left feeling empty and anxious.
Some Christians expect that the Lord will be the kind of parent who protects them from all sorrow and disappointment. But thats not the kind of Father He is. He lovingly allows His children to go through suffering (Isa. 43:2; 1 Thess. 3:3).
When we start with the mistaken belief that its an easy life that will make us truly happy, we become weary trying to live out our faulty belief. But when we face the truth that life is difficult, we can invest our lives in the pursuit of a good and godly life instead. That kind of life strengthens us for the times when life is difficult.
Gods goal is to make us holy, not just happy (1 Thess. 3:13). And when we are holy, we are more likely to be truly happy and content.
Must I be carried to the skies
On flowery beds of ease,
While others fought to win the prize,
And sailed through bloody seas? Watts
A contented person has learned to accept the bitter with the sweet.
"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men"
Colossians 3:23
24-17 ABC Fight Corner
Workout Journal
View Public Profile
Send a private message to HardCory
Find all posts by HardCory


text:
Begin New Search
Refine Last Search
Cemetery Lookup
Add Burial Records
Help with Find A Grave
Top Contributors
Success Stories
Discussion Forums
Find A Grave Store
Log In
Dana Hollaway
member for 14 years, 2 months, 25 days
Add to MyFriends
Bio and Links
No bio available.
Leave Public Message
Contributions to
Find A Grave
101 Memorials Added
99 Memorials Managed
158 Photos
45 Virtual Flowers
1 Fame Rating
Messages left for Dana Hollaway (4)
Leave Message
Tricia Brown Westbrooks
RE: Beneux's in New Cemetery
Thanks for your help Dana! Have a great holiday season!
Tricia :)
Added by
Tricia Brown Westbrooks
on Nov 29, 2012 12:57 PM
Judy Harvey
Info i left for you
If you want to put it up is fine with me!
Added by
Judy Harvey
on Sep 03, 2009 3:26 PM
Judy Harvey
Ann Wagner in New cemetery in Mulberry,AR
1860 Plesant Hill,Mulberry Twp.,Franklin county,AR
Ann Quesenbury was the daughter of Richard Quesenbury born in Tn and Eliza Jane Maxey born in KY
Children were Albert age 12,Sanford age 10 & Ann age 8
Added by
Judy Harvey
on Aug 29, 2009 8:38 PM
Judy Harvey
Worth,Ann ,Ruth& Horace Wagner
1900 Mulberry Twp.,Franklin county,AR census
Worth was born Nov. 1854 in AR Father b- TN Mother b-AL
Ann was born Oct. 1852 in AR father b-TN Mother b-KY
Ruth born Dec. 1887 in AR
also Horace is the son of Worth and Ann
Added by
Judy Harvey
on Aug 29, 2009 8:07 PM
Privacy Statement
Terms of Service


text:
Absolute Plumbing and Drain Service offers septic system repair and installation services in Charlot..
At Direct Service, our professional AC Contractors will work on your air conditioning system & will ..
We provide plumbing and heating services for clients throughout the Chicago area. We also offer furn..
S. Agentis Plumbing is a full service plumbing company providing quality drain cleaning, water heate..
Al's offers top quality residential and commercial plumbing, heating and cooling services in Plano a..
Always Plumbing & Heating provides best quality plumbing & heating service by expert plumbers in Col..
The Drainman, Inc have a specially trained staff and provide 24 hours professional plumbing, Shower ..
A Plus Building & Maintenance offers quick response for emergency plumbing and heating including Boi..
Bowers Plumbing Company has served facility maintenance companies located throughout the United Stat..
Suffering from clogged drains? Drain Right Services offers you clogged drain and many more services ..
CMS UK Ltd is an established commercial building maintenance and supply company serving the North Ea..
Since 1964, Heat Co are honest and reliable plumbers, offering central heating installation, boiler ..
Pissed off due to slab leakage at home? True Plumbers offers exceptional slab leak detection, re-pip..
Spartan Services, Inc. have top of the line techniques to get your clogged drains & drain cleaning t..
Sanford & Son Plumbing provides affordable sewer and drain installation as well as cleaning service ..


text:
Happily, over the years that I served as Arizona's attorney general, and as Phoenix mayor before that, I found that large majorities of voters support clean energy. The popular support for solar and wind was apparent across our state, from visits to every corner of Arizona and countless letters and e-mail messages. Our citizens spoke clearly: They wanted clean and affordable energy, and they also wanted to maintain the spectacular natural beauty that drew many to Arizona in the first place.
You are here
SEIA is the solar energy industry's go-to source for the latest coverage on solar power, including U.S. and international policy, research and polls, business and financing trends, and more. Our staff strives to support the media covering solar energy issues and guide our members on effective media outreach with clear statements, background materials, news and multimedia resources.
SEIA is committed to informing policymakers, the media, and the American public about the benefits of solar energy for today's communities, our economy, and our country.
Learn more from our statements and industry news below.
Solar-energy initiative launched in Westport
A new program promoting solar energy has dawned in Westport.
Historic NH hotel wants to advance solar power
As facilities manager at the Star Island Family Retreat and Conference Center, it was Jack Farrell's job to get the generator fixed. Today, his job also involves planning for its replacement as part of a project that involves one of the largest solar panel installations in northern New England.
Idaho's 1st big solar plant to be built soon
BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho's first big solar electricity plant will likely soon begin construction, a rare bright spot for renewables in a state littered with canceled wind farms, regulatory uncertainty and low natural gas prices that have soured alternative power's financial appeal.
Green Jobs Growing in Red States
Green jobs are growing rapidly in conservative "red" states like Alaska, North Dakota, Nebraska and Wyoming. And key swing states in this year's pivotal presidential election, including Nevada, Colorado, and North Carolina, are seeing green job growth as well.
Kadlec Gets Energy Efficient with Solar Panels, Wind Turbines
The Tri-Cities' infamous "400 days of sunshine" now are helping power Kadlec Regional Medical Center with the recent installation of an array of solar panels on the Richland hospital's roof.
Solar Industry Conference in Loveland
Gov. John Hickenlooper and national solar industry leaders are scheduled to speak Thursday and Friday, Feb. 9 and 10, at Solar Power Colorado, the largest conference and product expo for the Colorado solar industry.
Arizona's Renewable Energy Industry Worth $2B
Solar industry job figures have always been tough to find, but a new study released Tuesday by Elliott D. Pollack and Co. pegs the state?s nascent industry as providing about $2 billion to the economy and touching about 16,000 jobs.
Solar Projects Take Home of Hoover Dam Back to Future
The small town of Boulder City can claim big-time bragging rights when it comes to producing renewable energy. Leading the nation will do that for a community.
8 Invaluable Resources for Installing Solar in 2012
Going solar is a beautiful thing. It not only saves money on your electrical bills for decades to come-it conserve the earth's precious resources as well. But where to turn for current, insightful resources on solar panels, pricing, financing and incentive options in 2012? How to know how much energy your home consumes right now, and how much you can save down the road with solar-powered renewable energy?


text:
You will be assessed by Nasha Holt, MD. Dr. Holt is a Family Physician who has exclusively focused her practice
on headache-related issues since 2006. She collaborates with spine specialist physical
therapist, Dr. Jeff Turner, in a comprehensive approach to headaches
that heals the source of head, face and neck pain. In the care of
headache patients, she:
1. Rules out threatening causes of headaches (like tumors, infection,
brain bleeds and hypertension) with a thorough medical evaluation.
2. Provides pain medication management until healing allows the
tapering of pain meds. This includes safely transitioning patients from
meds that cause rebound headaches.
3. Carefully educates patients and encourages consistent lifestyle choices
which promote healing of the neck structures that cause headaches.
Topics covered include how to optimize sleep, a health-
promoting diet, exercise, stress management techniques, and nutritional
4. Refers patients to specialty colleagues in Neurology and Pain
Management as patient needs require (e.g., cervical ESIs, EMG
studies, second opinions for refractory pain problems).
» Evaluation Time: 1 1/2 hours
» Read more about Dr. Nasha Holt


text:
This frame grab taken on February 19, 2013 from the Facebook page of "TheSunnyCoastSkate" shows a group of Australian teenagers who have been credited with stoking a viral dance craze called the "Harlem Shake". AFP PHOTO / TheSunnyCoastSkate
CAIRO: Egyptian police said Saturday they have arrested four students who filmed themselves publicly dancing in their underwear, as more people around the world emulate a viral dance craze called the "Harlem Shake."
The four pharmaceutical students shocked residents of a middle class Cairo neighbourhood when they removed most of their clothes and videotaped themselves performing the pelvis-thrusting dance, a police official said.
The hostile audience tried to assault the students, who are accused of committing "a scandalous act," the official added.
Egypt has strict public indecency laws.
Some Egyptians have posted videos of themselves on Youtube doing the "Harlem Shake" in front of the pyramids. One of them, dressed in white underwear and a bow tie, dances while riding a camel.
The dance craze was sparked by a group of Australian teenagers who uploaded the 31-second clip "The Harlem Shake v1 (TSCS original)" onto YouTube earlier this month. It has since been viewed almost 16 million times.
Your feedback is important to us!
We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article.
Disclaimer: Comments submitted by third parties on this site are the sole responsibility of the individual(s) whose content is submitted. The Daily Star accepts no responsibility for the content of comment(s), including, without limitation, any error, omission or inaccuracy therein. Please note that your email address will NOT appear on the site.
Alert: If you are facing problems with posting comments, please note that you must verify your email with Disqus prior to posting a comment. follow this link to make sure your account meets the requirements. (http://bit.ly/vDisqus)


text:
Attention TV/radio announcers:
Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:
The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 8) that red flags hoisted at Clear Water Bay First Beach and Clear Water Bay Second Beach in Sai Kung District had been lowered.
The red flags were hoisted at the beaches after oil spills on March 3.
The department reminds the public that lifeguard services are provided at Clear Water Bay Second Beach year round. Services are suspended at Clear Water Bay First Beach during the winter (November to March).
Ends/Monday, March 8, 2010


text:
4 hurt in 2-car Schuylkill Co. accident
Crash in Rush Twp. closes Route 309 for more than an hour
Published: Nov 11 2013 08:57:41 AM EST Updated On: Nov 11 2013 09:45:29 AM EST
Officials say four people were hurt -- two of them seriously -- in a two-car accident in Schuylkill County.
It happened just after 5 p.m. Sunday on Route 309 South in Rush Township.
Officials say an SUV was rearended by another SUV.
Route 309 was shut down in both directions for more than an hour.
Copyright 2013 WFMZ. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Heroin Effects on the Brain
Heroin is a highly addictive opiate drug that is synthesized from morphine. Morphine is naturally derived from opium and is extracted from the seed pod of the opium poppy plant. Through a series of chemical processes, the morphine is converted into the street drug called heroin. It can resemble cocaine, in terms of its appearance, as it commonly comes in a white or brown powder form. There is also a different derivation called "black tar heroin" and it gets its name from its sticky black appearance. The article further explains heroic effects on the brain.
How the Drug is Used
Users of this drug, typically inject, sniff, snort, and/or smoke it. All four applications transport the drug directly to the brain; although, injecting heroin is immediately felt because it goes directly into the bloodstream, thereby causing addiction to occur quicker. It is important to note that all four methods can facilitate addiction in users. Needless to say, heroin use can lead to serious health problems.
What effects does Heroin have on the Brain?
About 40 years ago, brain researchers made a very important discovery concerning drug addiction and the brain. It was found that the human brain has what are called receptor sites that are tailored for drugs derived from opium. Morphine, a chemical that also is derived from opium, has many medicinal functions and is commonly used as a pain reliever. Morphine has a similar structure to naturally occurring chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are chemicals that are released into the bloodstream to make humans and other species feel good. They are produced chiefly in the brain. It is interesting to note that endorphins are called natural opiates because of its feel good, euphoric properties.
Heroin mimics endorphins because of the morphine that is present in the drug. So when heroin is administered into the body and is delivered to the brain, it automatically is received by those receptor sites that were designed for endorphins. The intense feelings of euphoria and pleasure that a user feels when taking this drug is, unfortunately, what leads to addiction. The immediate rush that a user feels can last from about one to two minutes, but the high can last as long as five to six hours as the drug permeates throughout the body.
Heroin Addiction and the Brain
Over time, once addiction sets in, tolerance usually goes up and users lose a lot of the euphoric feelings that they were able to achieve at the onset of addiction. The human brain demands that the same level (or more) of opiates much be had in order for the body to function somewhat normally. Hence the adage chasing the dragon gained popularity because users were always chasing the feeling of that first high. Those who are dependent on heroin then continue using it to combat withdrawal symptoms (muscle pain, diarrhea, nausea, cold flashes and restlessness) that can be felt as early as just a couple of hours after the last use. This is because the brain is also in withdrawal mode, sort to speak, because not enough opiates are being had.
Recent Articles
LSD Effects on the BrainDrugs are widespread in today's society a...
Heroin Effects on the BrainHeroin is a highly addictive opiate drug that i...
Alcohol Effects on the BrainAlcohol has systemic effects on the human body,...


text:
Glee Spoiler: Sebastian Blackmails Rachel With Nude Photos! Will She Drop Out of Regionals in Season 3, Episode 14: "On My Way"
We already knew to expect more trouble from Sebastian (Grant Gustin) in tonights's Glee Season 3, Episode 14: "On My Way" — and now we have a pretty good clue of what that entails.
As seen in the official Fox promo clip below, Sebastian tries to blackmail Rachel (Lea Michele) into dropping out of Regionals by using fake nude photoshopped pictures of Finn (Cory Monteith). He threatens to post the pictures online if Rachel doesn't remove herself from the competition.
So, does it work? Will the New Directions really be forced to compete without Rachel again?
Thankfully, it doesn't look like it! Fox has already released official promotional photos of the New Directions competing at Regionals... and Rachel is definitely standing right there centerstage. She sings Halestorm's "Here's to Us" during the episode, as well.
Nope, it seems pretty certain that Rachel refuses to cooperate with Sebastian's blackmail attempt. But did she do so at Finn's expense? (Note to self: Google "Finn Hudson" right now. Just to be sure.) Or was Rachel somehow able to beat Sebastian at his own game? We'll still have to wait until tonight to find out!
Can't get enough Gleetastic goodness? Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter!


text:
I have been wanting to make stockings for Mitch and I for several years now. The ones that we have been using have absolutely no sentimental value to us. Plus I really never liked them. So I decided to use some of my wool to piece together stockings for us.
I did a little hand stitching on the front to add some character.
If anyone is interested in a tutorial and pattern pieces, let me know. I took photos so I can put a tutorial together if there is interest.
I have a couple more projects swirling around in my mind, but have not had time to work on them. I will have to see if I have time this weekend or next week. I have really enjoyed working my way through my stash of wool and there is still lots to use up.


text:
Coconino National Forest
Contact Information
District Offices with
addresses & phones
Coconino Natl' Forest
Supervisor's Office
1824 S. Thompson St.
Flagstaff, AZ 86001
Office: (928) 527-3600
Fax: (928) 527-3620
Mon-Fri, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.
Additional Links
Contact Us
Fires are never allowed at Fossil Creek anywhere; never allowed in Oak Creek Canyon (except in developed campgrounds and recreation areas), and the year-round fire restriction in the Mt. Elden, Dry Lake Hills area is currently still in effect.
There are different stages to Fire Restrictions, which become more prohibitive with each stage. These stages are explained and include Stage I and Stage II. The last stage is implementing a Forest Closure. Remember: At least one fire regulation is in place across the forest, all year round: Fires must be OUT - cold to the touch - before they're left unattended!
For our contractors:
The Coconino National Forest uses the National Fire Danger Rating System (NFDRS) to assist in determining Preparedness Levels and when Campfire and Smoking restrictions may be implemented. Using this tool helps Fire Managers to identify critical times when fires can become difficult to control.
Campfire and Smoking restriction discussions between adjacent National Forests, National Parks, State Agencies and the National Weather Service generally begins in mid-April depending on forest conditions and weather forecasts. A review of operating plans, weather trends and forest conditions defines when the need for fire restrictions will be applied. These key questions and weather parameters are addressed during these discussions and are defined in the following narrative.. [MORE]
As visitation increases on the Coconino National Forest, officials ask for continued cooperation in preventing wildfires. Residents and visitors are being extra vigilant for fire safety. Here are some tips on how to report a fire.
Many parts of our forest are susceptible to insect infestations, disease, and catastrophic wildfire. It is because of our love of our forest, and our desire to improve its health that we prescribe fire. Much like a doctor prescribes medication to a sick patient, Forest Service managers sometimes prescribe fire to improve the health of our local forests [More]
For current wildland fire information in the southwest visit SWCC. The Southwest Coordination Center is the interagency focal point for coordinating the mobilization of resources between the twelve Federal and State Dispatch Centers of the Southwest Area and, when necessary, the National Coordination Center in Boise, ID, for assignment throughout the nation. Located in Albuquerque, NM, the SWCC mobilizes resources for wildland fire, prescribed fire, and other all-risk incidents. Arizona Interagency Wildfire Prevention and Information Website will have information specific to Arizona.
It is important to recognize that human-caused wildfires are in the minority when it comes to sources of ignition. As you can see from the 40-Year Fire Timeline below, lightning has been the major source of wildfires on the Coconino National Forest, so wildfires are simply a part of the ponderosa pine ecosystem that we live in. Click on the image below to see a larger version.
The Slide Fire was human caused and began north of Slide Rock State Park in Oak Creek Canyon on May 20, 2014. It burned 21,227 acres through the canyon and on top of the Mogollon Rim. More details about the fire can be found [HERE].
The Schultz Fire was started by an abandoned campfire near Schultz Tank north of Flagstaff on June 20, 2010. It burned approximately 15,000 acres along the eastern slopes of the San Francisco Peaks, west of Highway 89. The Coconino National Forest has been hard at work since implementing multitudes of recover and restoration efforts....[MORE].
Featured Events
Forest Service Home | USDA.gov | recreation.gov | USA.gov | Whitehouse.gov
Plug-Ins | FOIA | Accessibility Statement | Privacy Policy | Important Notices | Information Quality


text:
Join Now
Join ePHOTOzine, the friendliest photography community.
Upload photos, chat with photographers, win prizes and much more for free!
Mac fans: Download A Free Professional Lens Effects App Now (£7.99 value!)
Rating: no ratingA 12.1 megapixel model with waterproof case, 14x zoom with 28mm wide angle lens, 3in LCD, high speed burst mode and Full HD movie mode with slow motion option.
- Specifications
- Ratings
- Reviews
- News
- Images
- Compare Prices
- Related Products


text:
369 reviews
By installing you agree to the Terms of Use and other terms
PublisherVoxilate, Inc.
Download size1 MB
Last updated2/22/2012
Works with
- Windows Phone 8.1
- Windows Phone 8
- Windows Phone 7.5
App requires
- phone identity
- location services
- microphone
- data services
- push notification service
- HD720P (720x1280)
- WVGA (480x800)
- WXGA (768x1280)
Supported languages (11)
Deutsch English (United States) español français italiano 日本語 한국어 Português русский svenska 中文(简体)
HeyTell® is a cross-platform voice messenger that allows you to instantly talk with friends and family. No account needed: just start the app, choose a contact, and push the button to start talking! * Send and receive voice messages with other HeyTell users on Windows Phone 7.x, Androids, iPhones, iPads, and iPods with the press of a single button * Voice messages quicker than SMS—and free! (Note that carriers may charge you and your recipient for SMS invites, but email invites and direct connections to users who have Low privacy set are free) * Very low data usage * Optional notifications alert you whenever a voice message is received if the app is closed * Quickly friend, unfriend, or block contacts. * Choose from three different privacy levels to control how users can contact you without an invite: ✓ Low Privacy: Anyone who knows your contact information can connect with you without an invite. ✓ Medium Privacy: Anyone who knows your contact information and is friends with one of your HeyTell friends can connect with you. Otherwise, they must invite you to connect. ✓ High Privacy: No one can connect with you until you accept their invitation. * If you want to, share your location with selected contacts while you talk ✳ TIP: To send your location information to a contact, you must have the Maps page open when you send the HeyTell message and location enabled (you can enable and disable from your HeyTell Profile settings). For privacy reasons, HeyTell does not send your location unless you enable this and have Maps open. ✳ Conversations can be saved and replayed offline, or deleted on-demand * You do not need to share personal information to connect with HeyTell contacts. See http://heytell.com/privacy for more information. Feedback? - Email us at firstname.lastname@example.com! - Follow us on Twitter @ https://twitter.com/heytell - "Like" us on Facebook at https://facebook.com/heytell!
3/30/2015Broken, hasn't been updated in 2 or 3 years
3/6/2015Crashes every time I get a new message.
2/18/2015After 8.1 update this app crashes and closes frequently
1/3/2015They will not tell you this ****
12/12/2014Was working fine for months, now just stopped. I could send but not receive. After reinstall I can't do anything? People can see me but no one can add me. I use this as a Firefighter all the time, I need this app!?!
12/2/2014Worst thing I've ever used. Constantly crashes whenever I click to open it, open a message I missed, or go to say something. It's shotty, messed up, and wasn't given enough care while made. Fix or you'll continue to get bad ratings from a lot of people.
11/21/2014SMS links don't work, can't find users I know have this app.
11/17/2014It didn't work well
11/15/2014Hard to Download
10/15/2014Awesome. Useable without phone number and email.


text:
GSBI Investor Showcase
- Business & Professional
- 500 El Camino Real, Santa Clara, CA, 95053
GSBI Accelerator Investor Showcase 2014
GSBI | Santa Clara University
Thursday, August 21, 2014 from 9:30 AM to 2:00 PM (PDT)
On August 21st, an elite group of global social entrepreneurs will converge in Silicon Valley to showcase their business plans to a room full of people like you. Investors, mentors, entrepreneurs, networkers, and industry experts; we want you in the room for this invitation-only event.
Join us for one day as we harness the power of Silicon Valley to address world poverty.
Thursday, August 21st at 9:30am
Recital Hall | Santa Clara University Timeline
9:30 AM - Registration & Refreshments
10:15 AM - Welcoming Remarks
10:25 AM - Entrepreneur Pitches
11:00 AM - Intermission/Break
11:35 AM - Entrepreneur Pitches
12:30 PM - Lunch and Networking Reception
2:00 PM - Event Ends
2:00 - 4:00 PM - Investor Meetings *
* If you are an investor and would like to schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of our entrepreneurs immediately following the event, let us know by checking the appropriate box on the registration page. We will reach out to you shortly to coordinate.
To learn more about the Global Social Benefit Institute and to see this year's cohort, visit our website.
The mission of the Miller Center for Social Entrepreneurship is to accelerate global, innovation-based entrepreneurship in service to humanity. Through its signature program Global Social Benefit Institute (GSBI®), the Center engages an international network of business, investment capital, and technical resources to build the capacity of social enterprises around the world. As a Center of Distinction at Santa Clara University, the Center's work is focused on three major activity areas: social entrepreneurship; education and action research; and impact capital. Its programs inspire faculty and students with real-world case studies, distinctive curricula, and unique research opportunities, advancing the University's vision of creating a more just, humane, and sustainable world.
Join millions of people on Eventbrite.
In order to purchase these tickets in installments, you'll need an Eventbrite account. Log in or sign up for a free account to continue.


text:
Privacy and Cookies
Czech Airlines and Prague Airport holding company Czech Aeroholdings posted EBITDA of Kc2.6 billion ($129 million) in the first year results for the state aviation interests have been grouped together.
Group revenues totaled Kc11.8 billion for the year, though this reflects that Prague Airport and Czech Airlines Technical joined the holding group in April and Czech Airlines in September. Czech Aeroholdings says that it have lifted its EBITDA by 30% to Kc1.8 billion had all the units been witin the group for the full year.
Reductions at Czech Airlines, which cut capacity 29%, was largely behind the Kc1.8 billion fall in group revenues to Kc17.9 billion.
The company notes that despie the 29% cut in Czech Airlines capacity, revenues from regular air transport fell by only 13% to Kc12.3 billion.
Earlier this year Korean Air agreed to buy a stake in Czech AIrlines
Alongside the airline units, Czech Aeroholdings also includes Czech AIrlines Handling, CSA Services and Holidays Czech Airlines.
Aircraft | Aerospace | Aviation | Military | Business aviation | MRO | General aviation | Space | Airports | Engines and propulsion | Flight tests | Accidents and incidents | Flightglobal blogs | E-newsletters |
Flightglobal dashboard | ACAS | MiliCAS | Ascend Fleets | Flightglobal Insight | ICAO | CapStats | Airport charges | Ascend Values | Aviation Exchange | Aircraft Ratings | Helicopter Fleets | Market Commentaries | FlightMaps Analytics | Industry resources
Browse by job role | Career advice | Jobs by email | Jobs search | Recruiter services
Airline Strategy Awards | Air shows | Conferences | Exhibitions | Flightglobal events
… part of Reed Business Information Copyright © 2015


text:
BY Tyler Tschida on Sun March 30th, 2014
Today's AGF list includes a business app, a music app, and an interactive storybook.
Continue reading →
BY Tyler Tschida on Sat October 12th, 2013
Today's AGF list includes a fitness app, an alarm clock, and a puzzle platformer.
Continue reading →
BY Greg Sapienza on Mon May 23rd, 2011
Don't we all want to look as strong as people that we see in magazines and on TV? Now you can get a muscular body by using the workouts taught by the apps in this AppList.
Continue reading →
BY Scott Grizzle on Wed August 11th, 2010
Few materials are more testosterone-inducing than metal. Pair Apple with a revolutionary form of metal, and awesomeness must follow.
Continue reading →


text:
Skip to content
Skip to content
State of Alaska
My Government
Business in Alaska
Visiting Alaska
State Employees
Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development
Division of Community and Regional Affairs
State of Alaska
Community Information
Community Database Online
Community Maps
Community Plans Library
Community Photos Library
eGrants Online Database
Financial Documents Delivery System
Ruba Quarterly Reports
Funding Resources
Bulk Fuel Loan Program
Community Development Block Grant Program
Community Revenue Sharing
National Forest Receipts
National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Impact Grant Program
Nutritional Alaskan Foods in Schools
Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILT)
Shared Fisheries Business Tax
SE Alaska Chinook Salmon Mitigation Infrastructure Grant Program
SE Alaska Chinook Salmon Mitigation Infrastructure Grant Program
Training & Technical Resources
Assessment Training
Assistance with Budgeting
Getting Started on ANCSA 14(c)(3)
Grant Training Manual
Population Adjustment Manuals
DCRA Training
State of Alaska
Community & Regional Affairs
Preview Reports
Quarterly Report: 2014, January - March (Q3), Port Heiden
Port Heiden
Glen Hamburg
DCRA Regional Office:
Dillingham regional office
Gov't Type:
Second Class City
Lake and Peninsula Borough
Agreement Date:
City of Port Heiden
118 2013 Department of Labor Estimate
Assessment Status:
Assessment Completed
Assessment Date:
Exp Date:
Last Updated:
Community Sanitation Overview:
Port Heiden is located on the Alaska Peninsula at the mouth of the Meshik River about 425 miles southwest of Anchorage. Most homes in the community have individual wells and wastewater tank systems. At last count, 31 of the 37 occupied homes were fully plumbed. The school operates its own well and treatment system. The city currently provides wastewater pumping services and collects refuse three times a week. The landfill is located 6.5 miles northeast of the community. Fuel is delivered twice a year by barge and stored in city-owned fuel tanks. The electric plant and distribution lines are owned by the city.
RUBA Status & Activities This Qtr:
This quarter temporarily-assigned RUBA staff contacted Port Heiden's city administrator/clerk to schedule an updated utility management assessment and then to provide assistance meeting any unmet indicators identified. Because sufficient supporting documentation has not been provided by the city this quarter, the assessment will be an opportunity to clarify the status of the community's utility management capacity. Until then though, or until appropriate evidence has is submitted, most indicators of this report have been marked 'No.' This quarter RUBA staff has also researched the city's state and federal tax compliance and tracked its fuel loan payments. The city bears a default judgment totaling $89,582 for unpaid tax liabilities from more than five years ago and has not kept current with monthly payments this quarter on a 10-month bulk fuel loan. With these outstanding liabilities undermining the sustainability of sanitation services in Port Heiden, RUBA staff has offered assistance clarifying tax and loan requirements and identifying repayment strategies.
RUBA Activities for the Coming Qtr:
RUBA staff plans to travel to Port Heiden in April 2014 to conduct an updated utility management assessment and assist in correcting unmet indicators. Further, RUBA staff will offer assistance developing an FY15 budget that allows for repayment of outstanding tax and fuel loan liabilities.
Essential Indicators:
6 of 26
Sustainable Indicators:
9 of 22
Total Score:
15 of 48
Essential Indicators
All revenues and expenses for the utility are listed in the utility budget.
The utility has adopted a balanced realistic budget.
Monthly financial reports are prepared and submitted to the policy making board.
The utility is current in paying all water/wastewater electric bills.
The utility has on hand a year's adequate fuel supply or it has a financial plan to purchase an adequate supply.
The utility is receiving revenues (user fees or other sources) sufficient to cover operating expenses.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility is receiving revenues (user fees or other sources sufficient to cover operating expenses and Repair & Replacement (R) costs.
YTD revenues are at a level equal to or above those budgeted.
YTD expenditures are at a level equal to or below those budgeted.
A monthly manager's report is prepared.
Budget amendments are completed and adopted as necessary.
Finances Comments
The City of Port Heiden follows the State of Alaska fiscal year running from July 1 to June 30. Its FY14 budget was adopted two months late by non-code ordinance on August 30, 2013. However, copies of the budget ordinance available to RUBA staff cannot be read clearly. Further, the city has not provided RUBA staff with copies of monthly financial reports provided to the city council and therefore it cannot be determined whether finances are in line with budget amounts. The bookkeeper reports to provide the city council with monthly financial reports, but the reports do not compare actual YTD revenues and expenses with the budget. Until a readable copy of the budget is provided and reviewed, and until the city submits evidence that monthly financial reports comparing actual and budget amounts are given to the council monthly, relevant indicators in this section have been marked 'No.' Heating fuel and gasoline for the city is ordered twice a year and is delivered by barge in the spring and fall. The city has obtained loans from the State to pay for its fuel purchases, but is behind in its payments. The utility does not have a line item for repair and replacement costs in its budget. Meeting minutes demonstrating that a monthly manager's report is still being made to the city council have not been provided.
Accounting Systems
Essential Indicators
The utility has adopted a collection policy and actively follows it.
The utility bills customers on a regular basis.
An accounts receivable system is in place which tracks customers and reports past due accounts and amounts.
An accounts payable system is in place.
The payroll system correctly calculates payroll and keeps records.
A cash receipt system is in place that records incoming money and how it was spent.
The utility has a cash disbursement system that records how money was spent.
Sustainable Indicators
A chart of accounts is used that identifies categories in a reasonable, usable manner.
Monthly bank reconciliations have been completed for all utility accounts.
The utility has a purchasing system that requires approval prior to purchase, and the approval process compares proposed purchases to budgeted amounts.
Accounting Systems Comments
RUBA staff does not have up-to-date information on the billing and collections polices related to the city's sanitation services; relevant indicators in this section have therefore been marked 'No'. RUBA staff is aware, however, that the city employs an AMPY pre-pay electric metering system, which is also set up to collect certain past due balances. The bookkeeper uses QuickBooks 2012 for financial recordkeeping. Customer invoices are entered into the accounts receivable function of the program and sales receipts are entered as services are rendered. A copy of every receipt is kept in sequentially-numbered permanent receipt books. The utility's chart of accounts identifies all asset accounts (un-deposited funds, bank accounts, and accounts receivables), all liability accounts, and fund balances. Income and expense accounts are identified in a manner that matches the income and expense line items in the budget. All purchases are approved by the mayor and council. The utility has not provided evidence that payroll and monthly bank reconciliations are current. It is not clear whether the delinquent fuel loan payments mentioned elsewhere in this report are due to an ineffective accounts payable system. Until that is determined, the relevant indicator has been marked 'No'.
Tax Problems
Essential Indicators
The utility has a system to accurately calculate, track, and report payroll tax liabilities.
The utility is current on filing tax reports.
The utility is current on making tax deposits.
If there are any past due tax liabilities or recorded tax liens, a lien release has been issued or a repayment agreement has been signed and repayments are current.
Tax Problems Comments
The utility uses QuickBooks to manage its tax liabilities and payments. The State's Department of Labor and Workforce Development confirmed on March 21, 2014 that the City of Port Heiden is current in its employment security (ESC) tax filings and deposits. However, RUBA staff has not been able to receive verification from the IRS's taxpayer advocacy office that the city is current in its federal tax filings and deposits. RUBA staff has also not been able to determine whether the city has a plan to settle a default judgment from 2007 totaling nearly $90,000. Relevant indicators in this section have been marked 'No' until verification on these matters is received.
Personnel System
Essential Indicators
The utility has a posted workers compensation insurance policy in effect.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility has adopted and uses a Personnel Policy, which has been reviewed by an attorney, AML or Commerce for topics and language.
The utility has adequate written job descriptions for all positions.
The utility has adopted and follows a written personnel evaluation process that ties the job description to the evaluation.
The utility has an adequate written hiring process.
The utility has personnel folders on every employee that contain at least: I-9, Job Application and Letter of Acceptance.
The utility has a probationary period for new hires that includes orientation, job training/oversight, and evaluations.
The utility provides training opportunities to staff as needed and available.
Personnel System Comments
RUBA staff confirmed on March, 2014 that the City of Port Heiden has a valid workers' compensation insurance policy through the Alaska Municipal League Joint Insurance Association (AMLJIA); however, RUBA staff has not been able to verify that proof of coverage is posted as required by state law. A copy of the city's adopted personnel policies is on file with RUBA staff. These policies include an employee evaluation process conducted by the council on an annual basis. While the policies also describe a hiring process, a different policy is actual followed. Job notices are posted with the job title and description and interested applicants apply at the city office. Personnel folders only hold payroll information. There is no specific allocation for staff training included in the city's FY14 budget.
Organizational Management
Essential Indicators
The entity that owns the utility is known; the entity that will operate the utility is set.
The policy making body is active in policy making of the utility.
The policy making body enforces utility policy.
The utility has an adequately trained manager.
The utility has an adequately trained bookkeeper.
The utility has an adequately trained operator or operators.
The utility has adopted the necessary ordinances (or rules and regulations) necessary to give it the authority to operate.
Sustainable Indicators
The utility has adopted an organizational chart that reflects the current structure.
The policy making body meets as required.
The utility complies with the open meeting act for all meetings.
Organizational Management Comments
It is known throughout the community that the city provides a service to remove wastewater from holding tanks. However, there are not necessary ordinances in place giving the city explicit authority to provide that service. The administrator/clerk, who serves as both manager and bookkeeper, has three years of experience on the job and has attended a QuickBooks training class sponsored by RUBA. Because RUBA staff has not yet had the opportunity to fully evaluate whether utility staff are adequately trained, relevant indicators are marked 'No'. The utility has adopted an organization chart on file with RUBA staff. RUBA staff has verified that city council meetings comply with Alaska's Open Meetings Act.
Operation of Utility
Essential Indicators
The utility operator(s) are actively working towards necessary certification.
The utility has a preventative maintenance plan developed for the existing sanitation facilities.
Sustainable Indicators
The manager receives a monthly O&M report from the utility operator and routinely "spot checks" the facilities to see that the maintenance items are being completed.
The utility has a safety manual and holds safety meetings.
Utility facilities have not suffered any major problems/outages due to management issues that are unresolved.
The utility is operating at the level of service that was proposed.
The operator provides status reports to the manager on a routine basis.
The utility has completed and distributed its "Consumer Confidence Report".
The utility is not on the "Significant Non-Complier" (SNC) list.
The utility maintains an inventory control list.
The utility maintains a critical spare parts list.
Operation of Utility Comments
The community currently does not have a sanitation system that requires a certified operator or the distribution of a consumer confidence report; as described previously in this report, residents rely on private wells and private wastewater tanks. RUBA staff has not been shown a preventative maintenance plan for the wastewater pumper equipment, nor inventory control or critical spare parts lists. There is no evidence of safety meetings being conducted at the City of Port Heiden. There have not been any major problems in the provision of sanitation services in the last three years.
Division Sections
AK Native Language Council
Community Aid and Accountability
Grants Section
Local Boundary Commission
Local Government Assistance
Office of the State Assessor
Planning and Land Management
Research & Analysis Section
Serve Alaska Commission
Division Programs
Bulk Fuel Loan Program
Community Development Block Grant
2012 Direct Distribution Program for Commercial Salmon Trollers
National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska Impact Grant
Nutritional Alaskan Foods in Schools
Rural Utility Business Advisor
Division Links
Division Publications
Local Government Online
Staff Directory
Contact Us / Staff Directory
DCCED Home
Online Privacy
Web Content Accessibility
Copyright Notice
Terms of Use
State of Alaska
My Government
Business in Alaska
Visiting Alaska
State Employees
State of Alaska
© 2015


text:
YIELD: Serves 2
Position rack in center of oven. Place baking sheet on rack. Preheat oven to 400°F. for 30 minutes.
Meanwhile, puree garbanzo beans, 2 ounces cheese, garlic, 1 tablespoon olive oil and cumin in processor until smooth. Season with cayenne pepper and salt and pepper to taste. Transfer puree to small bowl. (Can be prepared 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.)
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in heavy medium skillet over medium heat. Add lamb and sauté until cooked through and brown, breaking up with fork, about 5 minutes. Drain all fat from skillet. Season lamb with allspice, oregano and salt and pepper.
Brush bottom side of 1 pita round with olive oil. Place on work surface, oil side down. Blend 1/4 cup bean puree with 1/4 (about 1/2 cup scant) of lamb mixture. Spread on pita. Sprinkle 1 ounce (about 1/4 cup) cheese over. Sprinkle 1/4 of chopped red pepper over. Repeat with remaining pita rounds. Using spatula, transfer pizzas to hot baking sheet.
Bake until cheese melts and crust is crispy, about 12 minutes. Sprinkle each pizza with 1 1/2 tablespoons mint.


text:
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Information for Child Care Settings
Fact sheet for child care settings with information on pertussis, and what to do if you think a child or staff member has pertussis.
Updated (6/13)
Download PDF version formatted for print:
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) Information for Child Care Settings (PDF: 50KB/2 pages)
On this page:
What is pertussis?
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
What are the complications of pertussis?
Who gets pertussis?
How is pertussis spread?
Can pertussis be treated?
Is there a vaccine to help prevent pertussis?
What should I do if I think a child or staff member has pertussis?
Do I need to exclude the child or staff member?
Do I need to close the child care facility due to pertussis?
What other things can be done to keep pertussis from spreading?
State or local public health will help child care settings
What is pertussis?
Pertussis, or whooping cough, is a disease that affects the lungs. Pertussis is caused by a bacteria that can be spread from person to person through the air. A person with pertussis develops a severe cough that usually lasts four to six weeks or longer. Pertussis can be very serious, especially in infants.
What are the symptoms of pertussis?
The first symptoms of pertussis are similar to a cold: sneezing, runny nose, possibly a low-grade fever, and a cough. After one or two weeks, the cough becomes severe:
- The cough occurs in sudden, uncontrollable bursts where one cough follows the next without a break to take a breath.
- Many children will make a high-pitched whooping sound when breathing in after a coughing episode. (Whooping is less common in infants and adults.)
- A coughing spell may cause the person to vomit.
- The person's face or lips may look blue from lack of oxygen.
- The cough is often worse at night.
- Between coughing spells, the person may seem well.
- Coughing episodes gradually become less frequent, but may continue for several weeks or months until the lungs heal.
What are the complications of pertussis?
- Pertussis in infants is often severe, and infants are more likely than older children or adults to develop complications.
- The most common complication of pertussis is bacterial pneumonia.
- Rare complications include seizures, inflammation of the brain, and death.
Who gets pertussis?
- Anyone of any age can get pertussis.
- Teenagers and adults account for more than half of reported cases.
- Cases in school-age children continue to increase.
- Older children and adults usually have less severe illness, but they can still spread the disease to infants and young children.
How is pertussis spread?
The bacteria are found in fluids from the mouth and nose of someone with pertussis. The bacteria are spread when fluid containing the bacteria gets in your nose or mouth. Pertussis spreads when a person with pertussis coughs or sneezes near you.
The period between exposure to the bacteria and onset of illness is usually seven to 10 days but may be as long as 21 days.
Can pertussis be treated?
Pertussis can be treated with antibiotics, but treatment may not cure the symptoms. However, antibiotics will reduce the spread of disease to others.
Antibiotics lessen the symptoms if given during the early stages of illness. When antibiotics are started later in the illness, the damage from pertussis is already done and the cough will last until the lungs heal. Pertussis bacteria die off naturally after three weeks of coughing. If antibiotics are not started within that time, they are no longer recommended.
Antibiotics can also be given to close contacts of persons with pertussis to prevent or lessen the symptoms.
Is there a vaccine to help prevent pertussis?
Yes. There are two pertussis vaccines (DTaP and Tdap); your age determines which vaccine you should receive. Both vaccines are given in combination with tetanus and diphtheria. DTaP is given to children under 7 years of age. Tdap is given to adolescents and adults, especially those who have close contact with children under 1 year of age.
Minnesota law requires that all children 2 months of age or older enrolled in child care or school must be vaccinated against pertussis (DTaP) or have a legal exemption.
What should I do if I think a child or staff member has pertussis?
Consider pertussis if you have a child or staff member who has a cough lasting more than two weeks or a severe cough that occurs in sudden, uncontrollable bursts, especially if followed by vomiting. Take these action steps:
- Encourage an evaluation by a health care provider.
- Report all cases of pertussis to the Minnesota Department of Health at 651-201-5414 or 877-676-5414.
Depending on your location, local or state public health will then follow-up with the person's health care provider to determine whether a diagnosis of pertussis is confirmed. They will also work with you and the child (or parent/guardian) to address questions and concerns, plan appropriate notifications, and implement prevention and control measures, as needed.
Do I need to exclude the child or staff member?
Individuals with pertussis are infectious for the first 21 days or through the first five days of antibiotic prophylaxis. (Note: The cough will generally last longer than three weeks until the lungs are healed.)
Exclude children and/or staff:
- Until completion of five days of appropriate antibiotic, or
- Through the first 21 days of cough.
During this time, the person with pertussis should NOT participate in any child care or community activities.
Do I need to close the child care facility due to pertussis?
No. MDH does not recommend closing child care due to outbreaks of pertussis. There is no evidence that it prevents the spread of disease, as children may gather in other settings.
If a staff member has pertussis in a home child care setting, consult with MDH before closing child care.
What other things can be done to keep pertussis from spreading?
- Promote Tdap vaccine for staff, room helpers, and volunteers.
- Remind parents about the importance of keeping their children up-to-date on the DTaP vaccine series.
- Encourage hand washing and covering of coughs. For posters to use in your facility, go to: Cover Your Cough for Schools, Childcare, and the Community.
- Remind staff and children (via parents) to stay home if ill. For recommendations on how long someone should stay home, see Do I need to exclude the child or staff member?
- Have staff and children seek medical attention if they develop pertussis-like symptoms or have been exposed to someone with pertussis.
State or local public health will help child care settings:
- Identify close contacts of the case. In general persons are considered close contacts if they:
- Are within three feet of someone with pertussis for at least 10 hours a week, or
- Have direct face-to-face contact with someone with pertussis.
Note: In some child care facilities, everyone may be considered a close contact.
- Determine if close contacts should receive antibiotics.
- Inform others in your child care about pertussis -- especially if pertussis in the facility generates a lot of questions and concerns or if a cluster or outbreak of cases occurs.


text:
Chris Wolfe
Forbes Blogs
My Stats
|Contributor Since:
|July 2011
About Me
Christopher Wolfe is the Chief Investment Officer for the Private Banking and Investment Group at Merrill Lynch as well as the Head of Ultra High Net Worth Solutions. In these roles he provides investment leadership and guidance to the advisors of the firm's most affluent clients. A designated CFA and CFP, Mr. Wolfe holds degrees from the University of Rhode Island and Columbia University's Graduate School of Business.


text:
Check out the privacy statement
It's an agreement between you and the Microsoft Corporation (or, depending on where you live, one of its affiliates) that describes your rights to use the software and services covered by the agreement.
The primary services covered by the services agreement are Bing, MSN, Outlook.com (formerly Hotmail), OneDrive (formerly SkyDrive), Microsoft account, Family Safety, Photo Gallery, Movie Maker, Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Writer, Office.com, Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium, Microsoft Office 365 University, and other Microsoft Office–branded services that link to the agreement through a supplemental agreement.
To see all of the updates, we recommend that you read the full agreement, but here are highlights of a few key changes:
Privacy — As part of our ongoing commitment to respecting your privacy, we have updated the Microsoft Services Agreement to state that we do not use what you say in email, chat, video calls, or voice mail to target advertising to you. Nor do we use your documents, photos, or other personal files to target advertising to you.
Transparency — We want our guidelines for use to be very clear, so we have moved the Code of Conduct into the Microsoft Services Agreement and updated it with easy-to-understand guidelines that clearly identify what behaviors could result in an action being taken on your Microsoft account. We've also added section 1.5, which states that parents are responsible for Microsoft account and Services usage by their minor children, including any purchases.
Simplicity — We tailor our privacy statements for each of our products to help make it easier to find the information that's important to you.
Your privacy is of utmost importance to us, so with this release we've created unique privacy statements to cover Microsoft account, Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Family Safety, so you can easily review the privacy terms for the service you are using. Read the full privacy statement as well as privacy statements for Bing and MSN.
We added section 1.5, which states that parents are responsible for Microsoft account and Services usage by their minor children, including any purchases. Some of our services do require payment, such as ad-free Outlook.com, OneDrive extra storage, or an Office 365 consumer subscription.
The new privacy statement defines how your information is used and protected across your Microsoft account, Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Family Safety.
The Microsoft Services Agreement and privacy statement for Microsoft account, Outlook.com, OneDrive, and Family Safety take effect on July 31st, 2014.
By using or accessing the services after July 31st, 2014, you agree to abide by the terms of the agreement. If you do not agree, you can choose to discontinue use of the services.
We share your personal information with your consent. For example, we share your content with third parties when you tell us to do so, such as when you send an email to a friend, share photos and documents on OneDrive, or link accounts with another service. If you choose to report junk messages, we may share those messages with the original sender and may share them with those companies that help us fight junk email.
We may also share information and content with and disclose information and content to Microsoft affiliates and vendors; when required by law or to respond to valid legal process; to protect our customers; to protect lives; and to maintain the security of our services. In addition, we may share and disclose information and content to protect the rights or property of Microsoft. However, if we receive information indicating that a customer is using our services to traffic in intellectual or physical property that was stolen from Microsoft, we will not inspect that customer's private content ourselves, but we may refer the matter to law enforcement.
This Microsoft Services Agreement does not apply to Office 365 for business customers.
Office 365 for business includes business, education, and government organizations. For commitments regarding security, privacy and
compliance as well as related information that apply to Office 365 for business, please visit the Office 365 trust center at


text:
WASHINGTON — The Senate on Monday unanimously confirmed U.S. District Judge Henry F. Floyd to serve on the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals, promoting the South Carolinian to the five-state appellate bench.
The Senates 96-0 vote for Floyd, a University of South Carolina Law School graduate who lives in Pickens, was a rare bipartisan display of support for a judicial nominee of President Barack Obama.
This is a happy day, Floyd told McClatchy after the vote. I look forward to the challenge. It took a long time, but it turned out well. Ive been working toward this date for a long time.
Floyd, 63, thanked Sens. Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, both Republicans, along with Rep. Jim Clyburn and former Rep. John Spratt, both Democrats, for recommending his advancement to Obama.
Graham and DeMint both voted to confirm Floyd to the Fourth Circuit. All 45 other GOP senators also backed him, along with 52 Democrats. Four senators didnt vote.
Judge Floyd is an outstanding district court judge who brings great intellect and good ole common sense to the federal bench, Graham said. He has the judicial background that will make him a great addition to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals.
Carl Tobias, a University of Richmond law professor, said Floyd enjoys an excellent reputation among his peers.
Hes a highly regarded judge, Tobias said. Hes made some difficult decisions that appeal to both Democrats and Republicans.
Among Floyds high-profile cases after President George W. Bush named him as a federal district judge was his 2005 ruling that granted habeas rights to alleged terrorist Jose Padilla.
The U.S. Supreme Court had directed a federal judge in South Carolina to decide the case because Padilla, a Brooklyn, New York, native who converted to Islam, had been held at the Naval Consolidated Brig in Charleston.
Floyds elevation gives South Carolina three members of the Fourth Circuit as he joins William Traxler, its chief judge, and Dennis Shedd.
Traxler and Floyd were law school classmates at USC, while Floyd and Shedd are both Wofford college graduates.
Floyd, a native of Brevard, N.C., becomes the fifth Obama nominee to join the Fourth Circuit, joining Judge James Wynn of Raleigh, Judge Albert Diaz of Charlotte, Barbara Keenan of Virginia and Andrew Davis of Maryland.
The Fourth Circuit now has 14 full-time judges, the most its had since Congress expanded it to 15 seats in 1990.
Clyde Hamilton of Columbia, also a Wofford College graduate, is one of three senior judges, a semi-retired status that enables him to hear a reduced number of cases.
Stephanie Thacker, a Charleston, W. Va., attorney, was scheduled to have a Senate Judiciary Committee confirmation hearing Tuesday for West Virginias sole seat on the Fourth Circuit. Obama nominated her last month.


text:
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 39 November 2011
Modern Warfare 3 is, in some ways, a bit like buying a Spice Girls album, in that, no matter how cool you think you are, it's impossible not to sing along. This is what Call of Duty is, gaming fun in its purest form. There is nothing complicated about... >>


text:
betsie larkin
9 February, 2013 4:28 am
"Stars" is taken from Betsie Larkin's artist album "All We Have Is Now". In a few weeks this one will be released including some brand new remixes from the hands of Roger Shah, Alex O'Rion and Tenishia. Also included is the Ferry Corsten Fix, which you might have heard in a live version, during the [cont.]
28 December, 2012 3:11 pm
Now that we've had the chance to experience Gabriel & Dresden's first new vocal song in 5 years, Josh and Dave have invited Maor Levi to remix 'Play It Back' featuring Betsie Larkin. Israeli producer Maor Levi has been the buzz on many EDM fans' lips for quite some time. Once you listen to his [cont.]
Search WeAllHitPlay
- Alesso Signs To Def Jam And Releases "Tear The Roof Up" Single
- Kaskade To Release "Redux" EP
- Borgore Sets July 7th Date For "#NewGoreOrder" LP
- Deadmau5 Reveals Track Listing for 'while(1<2)' LP
- Deadmau5 Announces New Album 'while(1<2)' Set For Release June 17
- Questlove & Diplo Team For New VH1 Series, "Soundclash"
New Tracks
- DJ Dan – "Conjunction Funktion" [Remixes]
- A$AP Mob – "Hella Hoes (Thugli Remix)" [Free Download]
- Chris Lake – "Sundown (Chris Lake Remix)" [Preview]
- Flosstradamus – "Rebound" (feat. Elkka)
- Nicki Minaj – "Anaconda (Saint & Lambo Bootleg)" [Free Download]
- Deorro & D!RTY AUD!O – "Hit It" (feat. IE-Z) [Free Download]
Recently Commented On
- Ellie Goulding - "Goodness Gracious (The Chainsmokers Remix)"
Commented on by soundcloud.Com
- Dimitri Vegas, Like Mike, Diplo & Fatboy Slim - "Eparrei (W&W Remix)" (feat. Bonde Do Role & Pin)
Commented on by boogie bored
- Afrojack - "Forget The World" (Review)
Commented on by boogie bored
- DJ Dan - "Nothing But A Party" [Review]
Commented on by boogie bored
- Alvaro & Carnage - "The Underground"
Commented on by boogie bored
- Kelis - "Food" (Review)
Commented on by Hodges
Most Popular Stories


text:
Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment (MABA)
Sky Island Alliance's Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment is a visionary initiative to explore, document and protect one of the world's premier biodiversity hotspots –southwestern U.S. and northwestern Mexico's Madrean Archipelago—the Sky Island region. Through the MABA project, we are committed to exploring and documenting the incredible biological diversity of remote and little studied Sky Islands, particularly in Sonora, Mexico.
The rugged Sky Islands of Sonora, Mexico - looking east from the slopes of the Sierra Aconchi toward the distant Sierra Mazatán. (c) Charles Hedgcock.
Biodiversity expeditions, exploring isolated Sky Islands are a central part of Sky Island Alliance's Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment. Priority study locations include areas of probable high biodiversity where biological documentation is sparse. Our project team also takes into consideration sites which have potential for conservation and restoration.
With support from U.S. and Mexican experts in the fields of botany, entomology, ornithology, herpetology, mammalogy, and other disciplines, MABA expeditions provide an opportunity for Sky Island Alliance staff and volunteers to collect critical biodiversity data, foster graduate and undergraduate research, raise awareness about conservation in the region and develop important relationships with regional landowners.
See the results from a few of the places we have explored:
Major Accomplishments
Major findings from MABA so far include the discovery of four new plant species (Brickellia enigmatica, Coryphantha revurvata ssp. nov., Melampodium moctezumum, and Verbena moctezumae). We have documented species previously unknown to Sonora and over 10 new species of invertebrates have been discovered.
In addition to scientific findings, the MABA team has engaged more than 100 secondary, high school and university students through presentations, workshops and field events.
One of the greatest achievements of the Madrean Archipelago Biodiversity Assessment has been the development of a growing database of biodiversity. This remarkable natural history tool provides access to the region's foremost collection of specimen records and species observations for anyone seeking to learn more about the Sky Islands. The database contains over 800,000 plant and animal records for the states of Arizona, New Mexico, Sonora, and Chihuahua. These data represent the products of MABA research expeditions as well as data from herbaria, museum collections, agencies and scientific literature.
Visit the MABA database at www.madrean.org.
Where we are headed
The Sierra la Púrica, northwest of Nacozari de García, is a priority location for exploration and study in 2013. This Sky Island in the Ajos-Bavispe Reserve has an elevational range of ca. 1250-1,800 m with oak woodland and pine-oak forest at higher elevations where we anticipate making at least 1,200 observations of animals and plants, including range extensions from the Sierra Madre Occidental and temperate areas in Arizona. Northern Sonora's biggest block of protected public land, the Ajos-Bavispe Reserve, is also one of its wildest places.
Our scientific expeditions depend on contributions from people like you.
Please support this work:
With the help of individual supporters, Sky Island Alliance expanded our work into Mexico in 2005. With membership support, we are now a bi-national organization working on a landscape level to address conservation issues effecting the whole Sky Island region. Your support makes possible future expeditions, outreach and research and will help increase the database that houses information critical to understanding and conservation of key plant and animal species.
For More Information, contact:
> Chriatopher Morris, Restoration Coordinator, email@example.com
> Jessica Moreno, Conservation Manager, firstname.lastname@example.com
Sky Island Alliance has partnered with GreaterGood.org and is excited they have chosen the MABA project as a Signature Program. Thank you GreaterGood.org for fully funding our 2013 expedition to the Sierra La Púrica!


text:
With a simulated attack, Wall St. gears up to combat virtual threats
Wall Street firms are preparing to battle a growing menace: cyberattacks.
Wall Street firms are preparing to battle a growing menace: cyberattacks.
The United States faces a mounting danger from cyber attacks on its infrastructure while digital espionage threatens to undercut the military's technological edge, the intelligence chief said Tuesday.
Britain launched a new spy recruitment drive on Thursday aimed at "Xbox generation" youngsters without a university education but with social media and computer game skills to counter the threat of cyber attack.
Wells Fargo's website was experiencing problems Wednesday, after a threat against US banking firms from a group pledging retaliation for an online video that has sparked unrest in the Muslim world.
A US financial industry group warned banks and other institutions to beware cyber attacks Wednesday, after some firms reported sporadic problems with their websites.
The United States and Iran are locked in a long-running cyber war that appears to be escalating amid a stalemate over Tehran's disputed nuclear program.
Apple said it is crafting a weapon to vanquish a Flashback virus from Macintosh computers and working to disrupt the command network being used by hackers behind the infections. ...
The computer security industry buzzed Thursday with warnings that more than a half-million Macintosh computers may have been infected with a virus targeting Apple machines.
Analysts with the National Security Agency see the threats coming at corporate America: viruses, worms and other malware targeting the computer networks that serve the nation's banks, utilities and businesses.
A bill intended to increase sharing of information about cybersecurity threats between government and the private sector was introduced in the US House of Representatives on Wednesday.
The government is set to announce new measures to tackle cyber crime on Friday as Britain's internet and electronic communications network comes under increased attack from hackers and foreign intelligence ...
A US lawmaker said on Tuesday that Chinese economic espionage, including cyber spying, has reached an "intolerable level" and called for the United States and its allies to confront Beijing.
Cyber threats such as Stuxnet pose an increasing risk to critical infrastructure worldwide but many facilities are unprepared to face the danger, according to a report released on Tuesday.
Cisco on Tuesday unveiled tools to harden computer network defenses of businesses that use software applications as services on the Internet.


text:
Voter Photo ID and Privacy
Top News
- Supreme Court Strikes Down Voter ID Law: The US Supreme Court has ruled that officials in Wisconsin may not requires voters to present photo ID before voting in an upcoming election. A federal court in Texas also struck down a state voter ID requirement saying it disproportionately burdened minority voters. In 2007 EPIC raised similar arguments in an amicus brief for the US Supreme Court in Crawford v. Marion County. EPIC said of the Indiana ID law, "Not only has the state failed to establish the need for the voter identification law or to address the disparate impact of the law, the state's voter ID system is imperfect, and relies on a flawed federal identification system." The Supreme Court upheld the law. Justice Souter dissented, saying "this statute imposes a disproportionate burden upon those without" government-issued photo IDs. For more information, see EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy and EPIC: Voting Privacy. (Oct. 10, 2014)
- Federal Court Panel Blocks South Carolina Voter ID Requirement: A special panel of federal judges in Washington, DC has barred the state of South Carolina from enforcing new voter identification requirements in the upcoming November elections. The court was "unable to conclude" that South Carolina could implement its voter identification law in a way that would "suffice under the Voting Rights Act" before the upcoming elections. The court did grant preclearance to implement the law after the November elections citing the "extremely broad interpretation of the reasonable impediment provision," which allows South Carolina voters to still vote if they complete an affidavit affirming their identity and state the reason for not having obtained photo identification. EPIC has previously argued that voter ID requirements impermissibly burden the right to vote. For more information, see EPIC: Voter ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (Oct. 15, 2012)
- Pennsylvania Judge Blocks Voter ID Requirement: A Pennsylvania district court barred the state from enforcing voter identification requirements in the upcoming November elections. Following guidance from the state Supreme Court, Judge Robert Simpson issued a narrow preliminary injunction. He ordered that Pennsylvania may not require photo IDs to vote in November. Election officials may ask voters for identification, but those without ID may still cast regular ballots. Judge Simpson explained that the state Supreme Court identified "the essential offending activity as voter disenfranchisement, not a request to produce photo ID." EPIC has previously argued that voter ID requirements impermissibly burden the right to vote. For more information, see EPIC: Voter ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (Oct. 3, 2012)
- Pennsylvania to Reconsider Voter ID Law: The Pennsylvania Supreme Court has ruled that a lower court must determine whether the State's strict voter ID can lawfully be implemented before the national election on November 6. The Supreme Court said that the "disconnect between what the law prescribes and how it is being implemented" raises questions. EPIC has previously argued that voter ID requirements are an impermissible burden on the right to vote. EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (Sep. 21, 2012)
- 2012 Democrat Platform Endorses Internet Privacy: The 2012 Democratic National Platform supports the administration's Internet Privacy Bill of Rights to protect consumer privacy. Separate provisions in the platform call for privacy protections for broadband deployment, intellectual property enforcement, and cybersecurity laws; the Democratic platform opposes voter identification laws. However, the platform is silent on the Fourth Amendment, and retreats from the 2008 Democratic platform that opposed surveillance of individuals that were not suspected of a crime. In 2008, Candidate Obama promised to "strengthen the privacy protections for the digital age and to harness the power of technology to hold government and business accountable for violations of personal privacy." The 2012 Republican Platform was released last week. The Libertarian and Green Party platforms are also available. For more information, see EPIC: Privacy and Consumer Profiling, EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy, EPIC: National Security Letters, and EPIC: Cybersecurity Privacy Practical Implications. (Sep. 4, 2012)
- Federal Appellate Court Strikes Down Texas Voter ID Law: The D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals has invalidated a Texas law that would require voters to present a photo identification in order to vote. Calling the law "the most stringent in the country," the court held that "record evidence suggests that [the law], if implemented, would in fact have a retrogressive effect on Hispanic and African American voters." Therefore, the court held, the law violates section 5 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. Section 5 requires "covered jurisdictions" to show that new voting procedures, such as Voter ID requirements, are nondiscriminatory before those changes can be put into effect. The ruling came after the Department of Justice previously blocked the law through the Section 5 preclearance process. EPIC has argued that unreasonable voter ID requirements are an impermissible burden on the right to vote. For more information, see EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (Aug. 30, 2012)
- 2012 Republican Platform Addresses Privacy and Government Surveillance: The 2012 Republican Party Platform calls for strong Constitutional protections for privacy and new safeguards for personal data held by businesses. "We will ensure that personal data receives full constitutional protection from government overreach and that individuals retain the right to control the use of their data by third parties," the platform states. The platform also criticizes TSA screening procedures and calls for warrant requirements for most law enforcement-operated drones. However, other provisions endorse voter identification laws and increased disclosure of personal information to the government for cyber security. For more information, see EPIC: Privacy and Consumer Profiling, EPIC: Whole Body Imaging Technology and Body Scanners, EPIC: Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) and Drones, EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy, and EPIC: Cybersecurity Privacy Practical Implications. (Aug. 29, 2012)
- Second Wisconsin Judge Strikes Down State Voter ID Law: In a second challenge to Wisconsin's voter ID requirement, Judge David Flanagan has held that the ID law imposes an unconstitutional burden on the right to vote. The law "tells more than 300,000 Wisconsin voters who do not now have an acceptable form of photo identification that they cannot vote unless they first obtain a photo ID card," wrote Judge Flanagan. The opinion follows a similar ruling earlier this year by Wisconsin judge Richard Niees. For more information EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (Jul. 23, 2012)
- Senate Judiciary Holds Hearing on Voter Suppressions: The Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing on "Prohibiting the Use of Deceptive Practices and Voter Intimidation Tactics in Federal Elections." The Senate is considering new legislation to address the problem of deceptive practices and voter intimidation. Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy cited "burdensome identification laws" as one of the obstacles to public participation in federal elections. A new report highlights similar problems in the recent Canadian national election. EPIC has published reports on deceptive campaign practices and filed briefs in opposition to unnecessary voter ID requirements. For more information see EPIC Voting Privacy and EPIC - Crawford v. Marion County. (Jun. 27, 2012)
- Federal Appeals Court Backs Justice Department in Voting Rights Dispute: The Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit issued an opinion rejecting Shelby County, Alabama's constitutional challenge to the preclearance requirements of the Voting Rights Act of 1965. The Court held that Section 5 of the Act, which requires "covered jurisdictions" to show that new voting procedures, such as Voter ID requirements, are nondiscriminatory before those changes can be put into effect, is constitutional. Shelby County challenged the preclearance requirements after Congress reauthorized Section 5 in 2006. The Department of Justice recently blocked Voter ID laws in South Carolina and Texas through the Section 5 preclearance process. EPIC has argued that unreasonable voter ID requirements are an impermissible burden on the right to vote. For more information, see EPIC: Voter Photo ID and Privacy and EPIC: Crawford v. Marion County. (May. 18, 2012)
In the US, voting civil rights advocates are locked in a struggle with federal, state and local authorities over more restrictive voter identification and authentication requirements. This clash over poll place practices and voter ID requirements was initially triggered by the passage of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, which increased federal election requirements for first-time voters who register to vote by mail. These requirements include that voters provide a form of identification prior to voting in person for the first time. According to the Act, acceptable forms of identification could include a photo ID, "utility bill, bank statement, government check, paycheck, or other government document that shows the name and address of the voter."
While new ID requirements might appear minor to most voters, they threaten both privacy for all US voters and civil rights for marginalized voter populations. Similarly, while the states raise barriers to in-person voter participation through the new requirements, they leave the gate wide open to actual voter fraud threats posed by absentee voting.
EPIC has a long history of working on voter privacy issues, which this government issued photo ID requirement strongly affects. In a arch 2007 statement to the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary, EPIC cautioned against new photo identification and proof of citizenship requirements for federal elections. Absent evidence of an actual problem, EPIC warned that the requirements could discourage legal voters. EPIC noted that Congress has already provided for provisional ballots for instances when there are doubts about the status of voters seeking to cast ballots in public elections.
In 1992, EPIC filed a voter registration privacy case in Greidinger over the state of Virginia's practice of collecting Social Security Numbers and making them publicly available. In that case EPIC prevailed by the decision of the court to prohibit the state of Virginia from requiring citizens who wish to register to provide a Social Security Number.
In 2007, EPIC filed a brief in the Crawford v. Marion County, strict voter government issued ID case to protect voting privacy rights of Indiana voters. Challenging the position of the state that the government issued photo ID requirement would add security to state elections. Further, the state of Indiana's poll worker training material on photo ID's used by the state to educate poll workers on acceptable and unacceptable photo IDs was questionable.View image
Status of US Voter ID Laws 2012
As of early 2012, 19 US states (CA, IL, IA, ME, MD, MA, MN, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OR, PA, VT, WV, WY) and the District of Columbia have no voter ID laws.
Sixteen states (AK, AZ, AR, CO, CT, DE, KY, MO, MT, ND, OH, OK, UT, VA, WA) require one of several forms of voter identification, including utility bills or bank statements.
Voters in seven states (AL, FL, HI, ID, LA, MI, RI (note: starting in 2014 RI will only accept government issued photo IDs), and SD) are requested to show a photo ID, but if they do not hold one they have several other options, including providing other forms of personal information or signing an affidavit of their identities, or another voter with a photo ID can attest to the identity of a voter without a photo ID.
Eight US states have so-called "strict voter photo ID laws,"[1] which restrict voting rights to those who hold a government-issued photo identification document. In early 2011 only two states, Georgia and Indiana, had enacted "strict voter ID" laws. During 2011, Kansas and Wisconsin, which previously had no voter photo ID laws, enacted them. South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas made changes to existing non-photo ID voting laws to restrict voting to only those with a government issued photo identification document. Mississippi citizens voted in favor of a ballot initiative to create a strict voter photo ID requirement, which will need legislative approval prior to going into effect.
In December 2011 the US Department of Justice rejected South Carolina's request for approval of its new voter ID law. Under the Voting Rights Act of 1965, South Carolina must receive Department of Justice approval when making changes to poll place practices.
In 2012, new voter ID laws are introduced in Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, and West Virginia. There are still bills pending that would strengthen existing voter ID laws in the states legislatures for Alaska, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Missouri, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
History of US Voter Identification
Voting in the US was initially limited to white male landholders, but this civil right was gradually extended to include non-landholders, persons of color, women, and 18-20- year-olds. Historically, however, each extension of voting rights was not always welcomed by local and state officials due to the legacy of slavery, ethnic codes, and other laws that limited the civil rights of women, poor whites, blacks, Hispanics, Asians, Native Americans, and new citizens.
Union Army occupation of the South following the Civil War instituted civil rights reform that allowed former slaves to vote, which made possible a large number of free black citizens to hold local, state, and federal office. However, predominantly Southern states were particularly creative in establishing "Jim Crow" laws to restrict the voting rights of former slaves. These laws focused on establishing polling place practices intended to prevent certain voters from participating in public elections. These measures included "Grandfather Clauses," "Intelligence Tests," and "Literacy Tests." Many tests were impossible to answer, such as: "How many bubbles are in a bar of soap?"
To further remove minority and poor white voters from the voting process, local governments imposed "poll taxes," which required voters to pay a fee to vote in public elections. These practices, joined with violence against those who challenged these polling practices, effectively removed from public office every black Congressional office holder elected during Reconstruction.
The civil rights movement of the 1950s and 1960s dismantled the "Jim Crow" laws. Congress passed the 24th Amendment to the US Constitution on August 27, 1962 and the Amendment was ratified by two-thirds of the nation's state legislatures by September 23, 1962. The 24th Amendment prohibits a state or the federal government from requiring a "fee" from voters in order for them to cast a ballot in federal public elections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 provided additional tools to protect voters from discrimination and violence, by establishing the Department of Justice as the federal agency with the power to sue states that restricted the voting rights of minorities.
Privacy and Voter ID
Increased voter identification requirements oblige voters to obtain at least one form of identification for which the state typically collects a fee. Some states allow persons who cannot afford a card to obtain one for free; however, this method can require documented proof of identity, state residency, citizenship and indigence or income. Voter registration applicants are often required to apply for such cards well in advance of an election. The current economy will place additional burdens on a larger number of voters than at any time in recent history, as well as added expenses to states, at a time when state, local, and personal budgets are under extreme stress. States also must provide transparency to voters regarding voting changes, and offer adequate resources to meet the rush of demand for photo identification or other forms of acceptable documents that can be obtained in time for voters to participate on the Tuesday, November 6, 2012 general election.
Increased voter identification requirements oblige all citizens presenting themselves at voting locations - the vast majority of whom presumably arouse no suspicion - to disclose not only their names but also all information that appears on their form of government-issued photo identification. Further, voters are required to present the cards not to police but to poll workers, most of whom are neither professionally licensed in law enforcement nor permanent government employees. Voting ID requirements mandate self-identification not in the context of criminal apprehension but as a condition to an innocent person's exercise of the constitutional right to vote.
The most common form of government-issued photo identification is a driver's license, which includes the voter's name and photographic likeness but also may include such information as the voter's age, height, weight, driver's license number, restrictions owing to disability or impairment (such as for imperfect vision or a prosthetic limb), and fingerprints. Furthermore, states, rather than voters, have sole control over the information placed into a state-issued ID card, and the applicant for such identification cannot choose to withhold certain data. Changes in the design and content of driver's licenses and other state-issued identification are also at the government's discretion. Any changes may not consider the requirements set forth by state laws governing voter ID requirements.
Furthermore, in recent years states have increased the numbers and types of documents required to obtain state-issued drivers licenses or other identification documents. These requirements have proven to be costly and in some cases burdensome because the funds necessary for purchasing them or the underlying documents were impossible to obtain.
The cumulative effects of what many would deem a minor burden on voter rights would be substantial over time because checking papers, according to University of Toledo professor DJ Steinbock, has "an additional subjective effect on a grand scale: the psychic harm to free people of having to 'show your papers'.... Not only would people forced to go through identity checkpoints experience some degree of fear and surprise, but also knowing that this has become a permanent part of the social fabric would diminish their sense of liberty."
- Media and Democracy Reveals Source of Voter ID State Laws
- Wisconsin Online Voter ID -- Your Papers Please
- National Conference of State Legislatures
- National Council of State Legislatures: Voter ID Laws
- Multiracial Identity and the U.S. Census: 1900-2000
- Black Elected Officials
- Constitution of the United States 24th Amendment
- Privacy and Human Rights 2006, Voting Privacy, Publication of EPIC and Privacy International
- Help America Vote Act of 2002
- GREIDINGER v. State of Virginia (Use of the SSN)
- Voting Rights Act
- EPIC: 2007 House Testimony on Voting Rights and Privacy
Wisconsin's Online Information on New State Voter Government Issued Photo ID Requirement
Wisconsin has placed information online regarding voter government issued photo ID requirements for different types of voters, in person, absentee military, absentee, elderly absentee, and felon voting. The effort to reach voters must be more aggressive because prior to 2011 voting in that state allowed registration and voting on the same day. The government issued photo ID requirement will disallow voting in this manner for thousands of voters.
The information on the different requirements for each class of voter is outlined by the [pdf] documents hosted on the state's website, which are provided below:
- Election Day Voting Wisconsin's New Voter Photo ID Law
- Wisconsin Guide for Elderly Voters and the Government Issued Photo ID Law
- Wisconsin Absentee Voting and the New Government Issued Photo ID Requirement
- Wisconsin's Voter Government Issued Photo ID requirement and New Citizen Voting
- Wisconsin Voter Photo ID Requirement and Felon Votingf
Screen shot of the Wisconsin Government Accountability Board Voter Photo ID Page 2/1/12 -- [Link]
- The Potential Impact of Voter Identification Laws on Transgender Voters, Jody L. Herman, The Williams Institute, April 2012
- Brennan Center Voter ID Report
- Can we change implicit racial attitudes in the real-world?
- Race-Specific Perceptual Discrimination Improvement Following Short Individuation Training With Faces
- Perceptual Other-Race Training Reduces Implicit Racial Bias
Share this page:
Support EPIC
EPIC relies on support from individual donors to pursue our work.
Subscribe to the EPIC Alert
The EPIC Alert is a biweekly newsletter highlighting emerging privacy issues.
EPIC Bookstore
Data and Goliath: The Hidden Battles to Collect Your Data and Control Your World by Bruce Schneier