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Texas on the Potomac
Washington news with a Texas accent
Posts filtered on Category
Texas abortion wars go national as Rick Perry chides Wendy Davis at National Right to Life conference
In his keynote speaker address at the National Right to Life Conference Thursday, Texas Gov. Rick Perry chided Texas State Sen. Wendy Davis on the issue of abortion despite her "difficult circumstances." (We think he's talking about her personal story, not being an oppressed minority in the Texas Senate.) Davis' Tuesday filibuster in the Texas […] [Read More]
A sampling of Wendy Davis viral videos, from Taiwanese animation to Supergirl GIFs
Wendy Davis has become a political folk hero from Austin to Taipei, much to the consternation of Texas Gov. Rick Perry and hard-line conservatives in the Texas Legislature. And while Perry & Co. may win the short-term battle over abortion (in a second special session), they have created a new Superwoman. Just check out the GIF [Read More]
Wendy Davis bolsters image of Texas Democrats on national stage following 11-hour filibuster
It is no small wonder that Wendy Davis, a State Senator without widespread name recognition even in Texas, was catapulted to instant national fame after over 120,000 people throughout the country tuned into the legislature's live stream to witness her late-night Tuesday filibuster on the chamber floor. The drama of the Fort Worth Democrat's 11-hour […] [Read More]
Texas state representative will renew push to legalize same-sex marriage
State Rep. Lon Burnam declared Wednesday that he would introduce a bill to legalize same-sex marriage in Texas, though the law is likely dead-on-arrival in the deeply conservative legislature. [Read More]
Texas Republicans belatedly chide Supreme Court on same-sex marriage; Democrats cheer landmark rulings
For more than two and a half hours, there was an eerie silence from Texas Republicans on the issue of same-sex marriage. The party of "traditional family values" watched and waited as Democrats cheered the Supreme Court's decisions striking down the federal Defense of Marriage Act and California's Proposition 8. Finally, at 12:39 p.m. EDT, […] [Read More]
Texas revives voter ID law in wake of Supreme Court decision, opponents pledge to keep up fight
In the wake of a landmark Supreme Court decision on voting rights today, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott said the state would revive its controversial law requiring photo identification for voters. [Read More]
Twitter Profile: Rep. Beto O'Rourke (@BetoORourke)
Welcome to Texas on the Potomac's feature profiling the social media usage of every member of the Texas congressional delegation. Today, we analyze the tweets of Rep. Beto O'Rourke of El Paso. @BetoORourke Twitter Profile [Read More]
After defeat of Cornyn amendment, what's next for Senate immigration reform?
Sen. John Cornyn's high-profile border security amendment was scuttled by the Senate Thursday amid political maneuvering that produced an even tougher enforcement proposal that would double the size of the Border Patrol and construct 700 miles of fencing. The new proposal by Republican Sens. John Hoeven of North Dakota and Bob Corker of Tennessee immediately […] [Read More]
Twitter Profile: Rep. Kay Granger (@RepKayGranger)
Welcome to Texas on the Potomac's feature profiling the social media usage of every member of the Texas congressional delegation. Today, we analyze the tweets of Rep. Kay Granger of Fort Worth. @REPKAYGRANGER twitter profile [Read More]
Cornyn's high-profile border security amendment shot down in favor of new Gang of Eight compromise
GOP Sens. Mark Kirk of Illinois, Bob Corker of Tennessee and John Hoeven of North Dakota are drafting a new border security compromise – without the input of Cornyn or Sen. Ted Cruz — that Reid said was still being finalized by legislative counsel. [Read More]
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Riverwood Inn and Conference Center is ideally located along the beautiful bluffs of the upper Mississippi River. Relax after a productive session with a walk in Riverwood's surrounding woodlands. Soothe the mind with a relaxing swim in the pool. Whatever you choose, indoor or outdoor; Riverwood is the place to replenish yourself and your team.
Outdoor Recreation
Relax in your upscale guest room or wander our gardens featuring ponds, waterfalls and beautiful flowers. The Riverwood Inn promises an outdoor wonderland. For those who are feeling more adventurous, enjoy a hike along our Mississippi River trail system. This trail allows stunning views of the majestic Mississippi river as well as scenic woodlands, fields, and local flora and Fauna.
For the outdoor enthusiast we offer; Hiking, Biking, Bocce Ball, Horse Shoes, Croquet, Golfing, Bonfires featuring a Smore buffet, Snow Shoeing, and Cross-country Skiing.
Shop the Outlets at Albertville, only 3 minutes away.
Indoor Recreation
A well equipped Exercise room as well as an indoor pool and whirlpool.

subset: commoncrawl


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Just a kilometer away from the old centre of Ronda, the Camping El Sur is more a holiday camp than just camp site, with wooden self-catered bungalows for non-camping guests. Mature olive and oak trees surround the campsite making this a fantastic family holiday destination.
Tag Archives: Ronda Hotels with Swimming Pool
Hotel Maestranza, Ronda ****
Located just across from the historic bullring, the Hotel Maestranza has a unique charm for its guests to experience. This four-star hotel's location in Ronda near to all major tourist activities makes it a good starting point for travelers who wish to explore the beautiful places that Ronda has to offer.
The 54 rooms at the Hotel Maestranza are divided into three types for guests to choose from; single room, double room, and suite, and all rooms offer en suite bathroom, minibar, satellite TV, air conditioning and heating, telephone, and wardrobe.
Hotel Molino del Puente Ronda ***
The Molino del Puente is an authentic, beautiful family run country hotel, sitting right on the riverside on the outskirts of Ronda. Elaine and Ian Love together with their 3 daughters, and friendly helpful staff have made this hotel into a real home from home.
Originally an 18th century Olive mill the Molino del Puente has been lovingly restored into a luxurious, 12 bedroom hotel , complete with swimming pool, cosy lounge, elegant dining area and modern bar area complete with a terrace overlooking the river.
Hotel Cortijo Las Piletas, Ronda *
The Cortijo Las Piletas is a country hotel set in the midst of beautiful gardens in rural Andalusia. This hotel is family owned and operated with a focus on creating a warm appeal for guests. Thanks to its location and design, the hotel's grounds have plenty of surprises in store for visitors.
Aside from a spacious hotel, beauty treatment services are also offered onsite. This combination provides guests a chance to pamper themselves during their vacation in this part of Spain.
The hotel's restaurant serves a variety of dishes in its welcoming dining room, with a range of traditional drinks served at the bar which is more a lounge than bar.
Hotel La Fuente de la Higuera, Ronda **
The vacation hotel La Fuente de la Higuera is located near Ronda, Andalusia and surrounded by olive groves that enhance the good ambience of the hotel. The hotel offers a luxurious place to stay and enjoy the beautiful scenery of countryside of Andalusia.
The hotel's swimming pool is designed to give swimmers a perfect view of the countryside, and sun loungers are provided for guests who choose to relax at the hotel and recharge their batteries.
Hotel Montelirio, Ronda ****
The Hotel Montelirio in Ronda is built within a 17th century palace overlooking the gorge, and from which the incredible Puente Nuevo can be seen. The hotel's classic design meshes well with the culture-rich location however all facilities are thoroughly modern to ensure visitors demanding comfort and sophistication won't be disappointed.
Click here to reserve a room with Booking.com
Hotel Parador, Ronda ****
The Parador de Ronda is the most popular Ronda hotel in Ronda. This is not just because it offers the same exceptional service as other Parador hotels, but because it is so centrally located, offering everything the experienced traveller demands.
Its location immediately adjacent to the Tajo gorge and Ronda's iconic Puente Nuevo, is the reason this hotel is often fully booked. On the edge of the gorge, there are only a handful of hotels, and the Parador has the best vantage point. All guests of the hotel are able to enjoy drinks on the terrace patio, which is especially nice at sunset.
El Gecko Hotel, Cortes de la Frontera**
The bespoke El Gecko Hotel, just 50 metres from the railway station serving Cortes de la Frontera, in the tiny village of La Cañada del Real Tesoro, is a small haven of peace and tranquility with its own tree covered terrace and private pool for long lazy Andalusian summer days.


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Category Keywords (definition in tools' menu)
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Tag Archives: mac
how to catch an iPhone thief
It is my impression that USA promotes detective movies, novels and TV shows. At least it has a wide sample of that genre. Then when I read the article of "how to catch an iPhone thief" I could say the … Continue reading
Posted in software Tagged creative, mac, mobile Leave a comment
mac add
In spite of being a mac fan, I could shoot that guy if I was flying next to him. Nevertheless, I admit the idea made me laugh! Unfortunately I still see it practically unrealistic (the movie production). If I am … Continue reading
Posted in technology Tagged mac, video Leave a comment
mexico mágico
After almost 4 years I am visiting the land that saw me born, fed me in my first years and offered me my basics. You know after crossing the Atlantic Ocean, I felt I MUST come in here. Actually, I … Continue reading
pc and pixel
it does not need more words
Posted in actual Tagged business, mac Leave a comment
just different…
Yeap, I am a loyal MAC fan. And I recommend to watch this video of the mac challenges it is fun and full of truth!. The conclusion of it is: It is just different! With the wish that the video … Continue reading
Posted in technology Tagged mac, video Leave a comment


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Posted at: 04/26/2013 10:35 PM
Updated at: 04/26/2013 11:34 PM
Poetry with a purpose at RIT.
"Poetry Slam" was part of "Unite Rochester". It's a partnership with the Democrat and Chronicle to start an open conversation about race. News10NBC was a part of it.
The poems not only discussed race, but offered solutions for the community.
News10NBC's Janet Lomax wrote a blog as part of "Unite Rochester". You can read it by clicking here.


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Lobo Baseball - at Lobo Field
When: Friday - 6 p.m. (MT), Saturday - 2 p.m. (MT), Sunday - 1 p.m. (MT)
Who: San José State Spartans
GoLobos.com: Live stats, live stream, box score, postgame recap and stats
Video: Each game will be streamed live on GoLobos.com
Radio: ESPN Radio 101.7 The TEAM will broadcast all three games live
Mountain West Standings
|MW record
|Overall record
|San Diego St.
|New Mexico
|Fresno St.
|San José St.
|Air Force
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. - UNM will look to continue its five-game winning streak as it welcomes Mountain West newcomer San José State to Lobo Field for three games this weekend. While the Lobos come in red-hot, the Spartans have struggled so far this season. Losers of four of its last five and seven of its last nine, SJSU (6-16, 3-6) is hitting only .235 and its pitching staff has a 5.23 ERA, both of which are next-to-last in the MW. The Spartans have yet to be swept in a conference series, though, winning one game against San Diego State, Nevada and UNLV.
UNM's wins have come against teams that have been ranked at some point in 2014. The Lobos earned a road sweep at Fresno State, which was ranked No. 24 by both Baseball America and Perfect Game on March 3, and just took two from Kansas, which was ranked 18th by Collegiate Baseball.
Jonathan Cuellar, who has a 1.35 ERA in seven relief appearances this season, will make his first start of the season in place of Drew Bridges Friday night. Colton Thomson (2-2, 2.17) and Josh Walker (2-1, 3.41) complete the weekend rotation. SJSU's best pitcher, junior righty Kalei Contades, will make his second start of the season Sunday. He is 2-0 with one save and a 1.11 ERA in seven appearances. He has struck out 22 and walked just 2 in 24.1 innings.
Due to a conflict with PBR taking place in The Pit, fans that plan on attending any game this weekend are asked to please park in the Baseball South dirt lot and enter Lobo Field from the south. As a way of saying thank you, admission will be FREE for everyone for ALL GAMES this weekend. Thank you, fans, for your cooperation!
• SCOUTING SAN JOSE STATE ... The Spartans make their first trip to Albuquerque in 16 years having lost four of five and seven of nine. SJSU is hitting just .235 as a team, slugging .296 and has an OBP of .326. Freshman outfielder Brett Bautista (.364) is the only player with an average above .298. Matt Carroll has three of the team's four home runs but is hitting .235. Opponents, meanwhile, are hitting .330 and slugging .442.
The pitching staff has not fared much better thus far for the Spartans, as the team has a collective ERA of 5.23. Junior Kalei Contrades has been a bright spot for SJSU. He has a 1.11 ERA and 22 strikeouts versus just two walks in seven appearances (one start) spanning 24.1 innings. He also has the Spartans' only save and two of the team's six wins.
One area where SJSU performs well is defensively. The Spartans have committed just 24 errors in 22 games and has a .973 fielding percentage.
• 'BOS KNOW PITCHING ... If the UNM pitching staff can maintain its current 3.73 ERA over the rest of the season, it will post the third lowest ERA in the history of the program. The 1968 team posted a 2.87 ERA and in 1969 the Lobos had a 3.40 ERA. The 2014 staff is doing this despite being on pace to set a school record for most innings pitched.
Despite pitching a mile above sea level, UNM has been particularly dominant at home, posting a 2.16 ERA while holding opponents to a .234 batting average at Lobo Field.
Colton Thomson currently owns a 2.16 ERA. He's looking to become just the fourth Lobo since 1977 to finish a season with an ERA under 3.00. Danny Ray Herrera posted a 2.24 mark in 2006, Austin House had a 2.74 ERA in 2012, and last season Sam Wolff recorded a 2.90 ERA.
• SANCHEZ EARNS MW HONOR ... Victor Sanchez was instrumental in UNM's three-game sweep at Fresno State March 14-16, and he was rewarded with Mountain West Pitcher of the Week honors. He earned his first career save in UNM's 9-7 come-from-behind victory Friday night. He only needed 11 pitches to set down the Bulldogs in order. Then on Sunday he earned the win by striking out three and keeping Fresno State off the scoreboard over the final 2.1 innings.
• WALKER IS JUST A NAME ... Josh Walker has always had good control, but in 2014 he has taken it to a next level. He currently has thrown the most innings in the nation without having issued a walk (37.0). In fact, he has faced 102 batters in his three home starts this season and reached only nine three-ball counts.
• BAD LUCK WITH BASES LOADED ... UNM has uncharacteristically struggled with the bases loaded this season, hitting just .208 (9-for-44). Chase Harris (2-for-6) and Andre Vigil (2-for-2) are the only Lobos with more than one hit with the bases juiced in 2014. For comparison's sake UNM hit .333 in such situations last season, .364 in 2011 and .345 in 2010.
• 0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0-0 ... Sixteen. That's how many straight scoreless innings Josh Walker threw over his two starts on Feb. 23 and March 2. Walker actually made it 16.2 innings before allowing a sacrifice fly to break the streak. It was the longest scoreless innings streak for a UNM pitcher since Bobby LaFromboise threw 20 straight without allowing a run from Feb. 16 to March 2, 2007.
• FOLLOW MY LEAD ... The Lobos have had their leadoff man reach in 75 of 199 innings this season for an inning-starting OBP of .377.
• NO WEAK SPOTS IN THIS LINEUP ... The Lobo offense rolls nine deep, and nothing proves that more than the production they get out of the No. 9 spot in their order. Five Lobos have combined to hit a team-high .363 (29-for-80) while occupying the last place in the lineup. Jared Holley leads the group with a .409 average (18-for-44) while batting ninth and Aaron Siple is hitting .353 (6-for-17).


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Do you ever take part in or overhear an interesting conversation that you'd like to share with others? If this conversation has taken place in New York City there is a neat website called Overheard in New York that lets you submit this conversation for a possible mention on the blog's dated posts. Mihai Parparita, over at Persistent.info realized that "each quote has a pretty precise location attached to it". Mihai put his Google Maps mashup skills to work. "The result is overplot, a Google Maps API-powered visualization of all of the quotes I could get my hands on." Read more information about how Mihai created this mashup here. Overplot is a pretty fun mashup to cruise around on and a lot of these "overheard conversations are pretty funny. Here are a few good ones: "Tourist mom (In Times Square): Do not touch any of these people; they'll pull out a gun and shoot you." or.. "Tourist man (at Empire State Building): This building is going to be really tall by the time I get done with it." Enjoy!
For more New York City Google Maps mashups check here!


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For FAR too long, the Skate-Centric minded of us in Yellow Springs have had to leave town for our much needed supplies – replacement decks, bearings, etc. WELL NO LONGER! As of right now, Super-Fly Comics & Games is now OFFICIALLY Yellow Springs' skate shop! For the time being, we're toeing the waters – our stock is name-brand free and wholly generic. As we build up our customer base and local interest, we expect to move into a) shop branded decks, b) a wider variety of deck sizes and styles, c) longboard equipment, d) safety gear (helmets, pads, etc), and e) (*eventually*) shoes, skate videos & magazines and the rest. want something we're not carrying yet? Let us know and we'll put our brains on how to get it!
Currently, we're stocking the following:
Deck w/Grip (Plain) – $35
Deck w/Grip (Stained or Painted) – $40
Grip Tape Only – $2
Regular Wheels – $18
Hollow Core Wheels – $20
Longboard Wheels – $25
Trucks – $30
Bearings – $8 (or $1/ea)


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[QUOTE]You seem to like the word "parasite" a lot. But in truth, the relationship between BSD developers and Sony is commensalism.
Well, they're "parasites" because
1) Someone took their resources to do the job but they're utterly unwilling to reward it.
2) They also would not commit back.
3) They produce DRM-crippled things and making it hard for consumers to become creators and authors. Hence some harm is done.
So in overall for external observer (like me) they just consume something without return and causing harm. Hence more resembling a parasites if we'll try to evaluate whole picture of such activity.
And both DRM and closed source are utterly bad since we can also lose our heritage. Imagine it now: 100 years later humans could fail to view old video. Because DRM scheme was not documented, no sources left to parse data format, etc. It's a really crapy and irresponsible approach to my taste.
It's called a replicator. But funny how you mention that, because replicating items is also a form of commensalism. You get an item, the designers of it don't get anything and don't lose anything.


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Additional informations about Walid Tawfik:
Lebanon Stats
February 2009 Statistics
Number of visitors in February 2009 = 96,902 Tourists.
Increase of 84.88% in comparison with February last year 2008 where the total number of visitors reached 52,413 visitors.
Also an increase of 161.95% in the number of visitors from Arab countries that reached 46,385 visitors during the month of February 2009, compared with 17,707 visitors for the same month of last year 2008
February 2009 in detail:
Arab visitors ranked first with 46,385 visitors , as follows:
First : Saudis / 12,505 visitors that is 27% of the total Arab Visitors.
As for visitors from European countries , they ranked second with 22,618 visitors, as follows:
First : French / 6,653 visitors , that 30% of the total European visitors.
Visitors from the continent of Asia ranked third with 15,599 visitors.
Visitors from the continent of America ranked fourth with 8,260 visitors.
Total number for the first and second month Of years: 2007- 2008-2009:
Number of visitors for the first and second months of year 2009: 174,210 visitors.
An increase of 73,66% compared with the same period of year 2007 that registered 100,316 visitors.
An increase of 50.96% compared with the same period of year 2008 that registered 115,400 visitors.
Random Artists...
biography, mp3 music, song lyrics, clips, high quality songs, high quality mp3 songs, listen download arabic mp3 , albums and pics , listen download arabic mp3 ,
© thearabicmelody.com 2015


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So much stuff has happened in the last 24 hours. I'm just going to hit you with all of it without my usual witty introduction.
A jury found Hamilton County Juvenile Court Judge Tracie Hunter guilty on one felony count yesterday. The jury says Hunter broke the law by gaining access to confidential files relating to the firing of her brother, an employee of the juvenile court, and passing them on to him. The jury could not reach a decision on eight other felony charges against Hunter, for which she may or may not be retried. The conviction carries a penalty of up to a year and a half in prison. Hunter will be sentenced in December. It's also very likely the state Supreme Court will take disciplinary action, which may include disbarring her. Hunter has been on suspension with pay as the trial took place and will now be suspended without pay until she is removed from the bench officially.
• Sometimes you put on that pair of jeans you haven't worn in a long time and find some cash you forgot about wadded up in one of the pockets. I love those days. Cincinnati just found $18 million in its pants somewhere, and now the city is debating how to spend it. The cash is a budget surplus from better-than-expected tax revenues and cost-cutting. City Manager Harry Black has some ideas on how to use that money, including kicking more than $4 million to a fund for winter weather response, using another $4 million to pay back neighborhood development funds the city borrowed, holding $3 million in reserve for possible future police and fire expenses, $275,000 to make sure the city hires more businesses owned by women and minorities, $400,000 for a new city government performance analysis office and other ideas. I always just spend extra money I find on pizza, but that's probably among the reasons why I don't run the city. But seriously, $18 million is enough to buy each resident of the city $60.50 worth of pizza, maybe combined into one enormous Adriatico's MegaBearcat the size of Mt. Airy Forest. Think about it, Mr. Black.
• You'll note that using any of the surplus to fund streetcar operating costs is not on that list, presumably because Mayor John Cranley has drawn a hard line in the sand about using city money for its projected $4 million annual shortfall. But others are more open to using money from the city's coffers to plug that gap, including Vice Mayor David Mann, who suggested at yesterday's City Council Transportation Committee meeting that while not ideal, he hasn't written off the idea. That's significant because Cranley's suggestion to draw down operating hours to close the funding gap would have to be approved by City Council. Other options include raising funds through a parking plan, special improvement or other means. Council seems split on whether it would vote for a reduction in service hours
• Mayor Cranley thinks there are "too many" transitional living houses for those recovering from addiction in the city, but Price Hill-based New Foundations Transitional Living can stay in the neighborhood, according to a settlement it reached with the city recently. The six homes for men and women recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol have been the focus of controversy in recent months. Neighbors complained earlier this year about the houses, saying the neighborhood wasn't zoned for them. Price Hill is zoned for single occupancy, not the so-called "congregant occupancy" needed to normally run group homes. The city investigated removing the homes from the neighborhood. But under the Fair Housing Act, transitional homes such as New Foundations are allowed in single occupancy neighborhoods. Under a compromise, the for-profit group will reduce the occupancy of the houses and promise not to expand in the neighborhood.
• Another building along Central Parkway in Over-the-Rhine is being rehabbed, and this one's really cool news. The Central Parkway YMCA is getting a $27 million renovation that will include the creation of affordable housing. The update will modernize and augment the building's fitness equipment, adding new weight rooms and group fitness areas, a cycling studio and put affordable housing for seniors on the top floors. I love the building and have recently pondered getting a membership because they're one of the few fitness places in town with an actual track for running. I should probably wait a little bit on that, though, because the building will be closing in December for renovations. It's expected to open back up in early 2016.
• If you're not tired of the tea party vs. conservative establishment narrative that has dominated the political news cycle the past, oh, seems like forever now, here's another one for you. Some prominent local tea party activists are bummed because they weren't allowed into a Monday rally for Gov. John Kasich in Butler County. The group, including Cincinnati Tea Party President Ann Becker, was outside the rally protesting Common Core, the educational initiative that looks to standardize performance measures for U.S. students. They say they were denied admission because they were wearing anti-Common Core T-shirts. Officials with the Kasich campaign say it had nothing to do with their shirts and everything to do with the fact they were being disruptive to the event. I honestly don't know who to root for here so I'm just going to move along on this.
• While we're on the "suburbs are cray" tip, let's talk about this story for just a sec. State Rep. Ron Maag is throwing a fundraiser he's calling a "Machine Gun Social" in Lebanon Oct. 25. By throwing Maag a little cash for his re-election campaign, you get to fire machine guns in a nature preserve. Just like when you were in high school and your cool gun rights friend would invite you out to the rock quarry to shoot at bottles and cans! But don't worry — you have to be at least a teenager to fire the guns, they'll be permanently pointed downrange and there will be instructors present to, like, instruct you on the best way to neutralize a threatening soda can with a hail of semi-automatic rifle fire. Maag's Democratic opponent is of course pitching a fit, but has chosen, oddly, only to take issue with his use of the word "social."
• Whoa, this is already too long, but I need to get at least one national story in here. Another medical worker in Texas has tested positive for Ebola. That worker apparently flew from Cleveland to Dallas the day before she started having symptoms. I usually try to end this stuff on a positive, non-terrifying note, but today I failed.
So, I skipped writing the morning news yesterday to hang out at City Council half the day. I know, you're jealous. Let's catch up.
The city should declare Mahogany's, the former restaurant at The Banks, in default on its $300,000 loan, Councilman Kevin Flynn said during the Budget and Finance Committee meeting yesterday. After coming to The Banks two years ago, restaurant owner Liz Rogers fell behind on rent, loan payments and state sales taxes, eventually shuttering Mahogany's last month. Rogers has tried to convince the city to reduce the amount she owes, and even threatened to sue, but the terms of her loan mean she may be on the hook for more than just the $300,000. The city could initiate foreclosure proceedings on her other restaurant in Butler County, which she offered up as collateral. Rogers may also be asked to pay back a nearly $700,000 grant the city gave her. Rogers still owes more than $265,000 on the loan and is $40,000 behind on her payments. Flynn is asking for all relevant financial records from the restaurant so the city can determine what assets still remain that the city could claim to recoup part of its investment.
• Meanwhile, in the Law and Public Safety Committee meeting earlier yesterday, councilmembers wrestled with Councilman Charlie Winburn's marijuana expungement ordinance. Winburn's proposal looks to give those convicted under a 2006 city law that criminalized the possession of small amounts of marijuana a chance to expunge those convictions from their criminal records. In Ohio, possession of less than 100 grams of marijuana is a minor misdemeanor that does not show up on a person's criminal record, though the ordinance changed that to a fourth-degree misdemeanor, which does. The ordinance itself was repealed by council in 2011, but many who were convicted still have trouble getting jobs or educational loans due to the blemish on their records. The committee wrestled with some detailed legal questions about the ordinance, including the tricky nature of issuing an ordinance that seeks to work retroactively. Though the ordinance has yet to pass out of committee, Winburn said he hoped it would be ready for a full council vote in two weeks.
• A new budget proposal by Hamilton County Administrator Christian Sigman looks to fundamentally shift the way the county pays for the services it provides. It will do so in a way that could very well shift more of the burden onto the backs of low and middle-income people, however, as sales taxes increase and property taxes go down. You can read more about that here.
• Dr. Deana Marchbein, the president of Doctors Without Borders USA and expert on Ebola, spoke last night at the downtown library. Marchbein talked about the risk the virus represents, as well as other world health issues worth concern. Marchbein has said she isn't super worried about Ebola in the United States since it is less contagious than many other diseases and because the U.S. has better access to modern medical isolation of patients than West Africa, where the disease has run rampant. Marchbein did express serious concern about that, noting that the spread of the disease there has grown out of control. Her talk is well timed; last week in Dallas, a man from Liberia died from the disease, the first fatality in the U.S., and a second case, the first time Ebola has been transmitted here, was discovered. That person, a nurse who treated the deceased man in Dallas, is now isolated and receiving treatment for the virus.
• Republican Sen. Mitch McConnell and his Democratic challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes faced off in their first and only debate last night. McConnell is the Senate minority leader and has held the Kentucky Senate seat for 30 years. Grimes is the Kentucky Secretary of State. The two went at each other last night, trading barbs on a number of issues while not really revealing anything new about their policy proposals. McConnell battered Grimes by tying her to President Obama, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, and basically any other Democrat he could think of, including the Clintons. Grimes bashed McConnell over his cozy relationships with big money donors, including the infamous Koch Brothers, who have poured millions into a large number of races for candidates supporting their vision of a libertarian utopia where companies have little oversight from the government.
The race has been a titanic battle so far. Grimes has been running very close behind McConnell, who usually coasts to victory. At least one recent major poll has put Grimes ahead by a couple points, though other polls have her trailing by the same margin.
• Finally, if you're like me, you're still trying to figure out what to wear to Halloween parties. Yes, I'm kind of a grownup, sort of, but my friends still have costume parties so I'm still required to figure out what to be every year. My fallback—a cowboy—is getting pretty old, so I've been perusing costume ideas. But I don't think any of these are going to work. I can't decide if the zombie hotdog costume is the worst thing ever, or the hashtag costume. No, wait, definitely the hashtag. Warning: a few of these are mildly NSFW.
A budget proposal by Hamilton County Administrator Christian Sigman unveiled Oct. 13 called for a .25 percent increase in sales taxes and a decrease in property taxes for the county. The decrease would amount to $38 for every $100,000 worth of property, meaning homeowners would generally see a wash or net savings on the deal while low-income and middle class residents pay more in taxes.
Sigman says the budget represents a big
change in the way the county funds itself. The benefit of relying more
on sales tax, he says, is that it raises much more money from those who
live outside the county but buy things here. The budget proposal would
provide $210 million in 2015. That's short of the $222 million needed by
county departments, but a big jump from the $200 million available
under the current budget.
Democratic County Commissioner Todd Portune said the proposal was "bound to be controversial," since sales taxes place a higher burden on the poor.
Unlike income or property taxes, everyone pays the same sales tax rates regardless of income or assets. But lower income residents generally spend more of their money on necessities, including those subject to sales tax, meaning they end up paying a larger portion of their income in sales taxes. The bottom fifth of workers in Ohio, those making less than $17,000 a year, pay 7 percent of their income in sales taxes under the state's current tax structure. Meanwhile, top earners, those making more than $138,000, pay as little as 1 percent in sales tax. And Ohio's tax structure has gotten more regressive over the years due to cuts in the state's income tax.
At 6.75 percent, Hamilton County's sales tax is about average for the state. Even if the .25 percent increase were to pass on the ballot in November, it would still be lower than other major cities in Ohio. Franklin County, where Columbus is located, has a 7.5 percent sales tax, and in Cuyahoga County, where Cleveland is, it's 8 percent.
The sales tax increase was first proposed last summer as part of a plan to renovate Music Hall and Union Terminal. Republican County Commissioners Greg Hartmann and Chris Monzel voted to strip Music Hall out of that plan, but the tax hike will be on the November ballot for Union Terminal. That hike could also be used to provide for a number of other county needs, including a proposed move for the county Board of Elections office from downtown to Mount Airy.
Commissioners have not said whether they support the budget proposal.
Oh wow it's Friday, I saw pretty much the best show I've seen in months last night when Mirah played MOTR Pub and I just had a pretty great donut and tons of iced coffee. But this isn't a baked goods or early 2000s music blog (I wish), so let's get to the news.
Attorneys for the Greenpeace activists arrested for hanging a banner from P&G's headquarters in March lost a legal tussle yesterday as a judge ruled jurors wouldn't be able to take a tour of the crime scene. The defense alleges the activists didn't damage windows when hanging the banner, and that other windows on other floors have similar damage that pre-existed the protest. The felony charges against the activists hinge on that damage. P&G says the company has made so many changes since the incident, including new security measures, that a tour of the building would only confuse jurors. The judge in the case sided with the company, because nothing is more confusing to jurors comparing windows than some extra security guards milling about. Eight of the nine protesters face felony burglary charges that could land them in prison for more than nine years. A ninth protester made a plea bargain over the summer.
• Imagine this: guidelines from a federal agency are vague and clouded, and local factions on both sides of an argument are using that ambiguity to make political points. Shocker, right? The streetcar funding imbroglio is a white elephant gift that just keeps getting passed back and forth between the mayor, transit advocates and news organizations. First, the mayor said the city may cut streetcar service if the project's $4 million annual operational funding gap isn't filled. Advocates for the project objected, saying that the federal grants used to build the streetcar prohibit the city from doing so. Then a Cincinnati Enquirer story last month said the hours would be up to the city, with the Federal Transportation Administration staying out of the mix. But it also suggested that the city couldn't run it only for special events, as Mayor Cranley suggested on 700 WLW in what he later called an "extreme hypothetical."
Hm. So, uh, can we just get some numbers up in this? Like, just how many hours a week does the city have to run the streetcar? In its various grant applications to the FTA, the city has promised to run the streetcar 16-18 hours a day, 365 days a year. Is the city tied to that number? The FTA's response to the controversy doesn't totally clear this up.
"We expect Cincinnati to provide the nature and quality of service that
it proposed in both the TIGER and Urban Circulator grant applications,
which were a consideration in the selection of the applications for the
award of grant funding," the agency said in a statement responding to recent questions from the Cincinnati Business Courier. Well, huh.
• The clock is still ticking on an effort to establish a co-op grocery store at the site of the former Keller's IGA in Clifton, but the game is now in overtime. Officials with the group Clifton Cooperative Market announced they've signed an extension on a contract to purchase the building on Ludlow Avenue near Clifton Avenue, and now have 90 more days to do so. The group is trying to raise $1.65 million to buy the building by selling shares to community members. So far, they've got more than 800 co-op members and $600,000 banked for the project. The market will be an "uptrend" grocery, which I think means $3 bottled sodas, a lot of quinoa and kale as far as the eye can see. I'm not hating. I like all those things.
• Here's an interesting story about the way the city of Cincinnati collects property taxes, and how small-government conservatives passed laws back in the late 90s limiting the amount the city can collect to a specific dollar figure. The results have been a mixed bag at best.
• Cincinnati is one of the worst places in the country for irrelevant political ads, a new study has found. I mean, given the level of non-representation we're getting out of our federal, state and local politicians and the appalling lack of options we have for most races, I'd say pretty much anything these jokers slap on a billboard is more or less irrelevant. But alas, the study says our ranking is because our market is split between Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana and because candidates in one state often have to buy ads for the whole region.
• The accepted wisdom on millennials is that we're all entitled Bard College grads working on our Tumblr poetry blogs and being snotty to baby boomers from our perch as lowly Starbucks baristas while we work to save up money to move to Bushwick. We really haven't helped ourselves in this regard, as we're pretty much a generation obsessed with branding ourselves as such. But hey! Did you know that two-thirds of millennials don't have a bachelor's degree? Did you know that many grew up facing deep poverty and lack of educational opportunity? This NPR piece gives a little more attention to young folks who you probably won't see on an episode of Girls anytime soon. It's a good read.
• Finally, I can't decide if this fake John Matarese Twitter account is trolling us or not. Or if it's even really fake. John, is that you?
Theoretically, there is no better real estate for a political candidate than the inside of a polling place, where a candidate's name can be freshly stamped onto voters' minds as they enter the voting booth. Currently, though, only one politician in Ohio gets access to this potential last-minute plug: Republican Secretary of State Jon Husted.
He says recent voter information signs prominently featuring his name are standard issue for secretary of state. But Democrats say he's taking unfair advantage of his position.
There are laws against campaigning in polling places, and bumper stickers, buttons or other campaign swag are frowned upon in our temples of democracy the way movie theaters hate it when you try to sneak in some Twizzlers or a bunch of McChicken sandwiches in your pants. (I tried this once and the theater wasn't too happy. I think you can sneak snacks into the polling places, though.)
So big signs with your name on them are a no-go, unless you're the current secretary of state, charged with overseeing elections. Then you're required to draw up informational posters with instructions on how voters can update their voter registration and make sure they're at the right polling place. These posters can be posted at voting locations. You can also put your name on those things. Real big, if you want to.
Husted definitely wanted to, and did, emblazoning his name and signature on 2-foot by 3-foot posters that his office is now requiring all polling places to post. That has Democrats, including Hamilton County Democratic Chairman Tim Burke, crying foul.
Burke has taken exception to the inclusion of Husted's name "the size of an oversized bumper sticker" on those posters. Burke is also chair of the Hamilton County Board of Elections, and he fired off an email earlier this week to Husted's office demanding clarification about the requirement polling places post the posters. The letter contained some not-so-subtle digs as well.
"I am struggling to understand how it is legitimate or fair to create a situation where you will be the only candidate on the ballot in next month's election to have your name prominently displayed along with the office to which you seek reelection in each polling place," Burke wrote in the message dated Oct. 7.
Burke also questioned the inclusion of a second, 11-by-17-inch poster that likewise prominently features Husted's name. That poster, designed by a 5th grade contest winner, has little factual information about voting, Burke says.
Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Matt Damschroder replied later that evening, saying the posters are a routine task for the secretary of state's office and that Husted's name and signature are present to assure voters that the poster is official. Damschroder also pointed out that county board of elections members, such as Burke, have their signatures displayed at the bottom of ballots.
Those signatures are small, however, and are unaccompanied by text spelling out the commissioners' names. Perhaps they should work on the size and legibility of their autographs.
Let's not forget the fifth-grade contest winner in all this. Damschroder said polling places aren't required to post that poster.
"We have simply suggested that boards of elections post the winning design to advance the two-fold goal of encouraging participation in the democratic process, generally, and building civic-mindedness among the next generation of voters," he said.
If that kid is following along with what's happening to that poster, she or he is surely getting a lesson about politics as well.
Good morning! Apparently two tuba players are dueling with chainsaws outside our window, or at least it sounds like it. I'm going to try and fight through the distraction to give you the morning news. Today's update is mostly a politics sandwich, but stay with me here, because things are getting interesting as we speed toward Nov. 4.
Republican Councilman Charlie Winburn will do anything for your vote as he runs for state Senate in a heavily Democratic district encompassing much of Cincinnati — but he won't do that. I told you yesterday about Winburn's recent evolutions on issues near and dear to most liberal hearts and minds. He's pulling for expungements for folks who have marijuana convictions under a now-rescinded Cincinnati law, and though he says he's pro-life, he recently lost endorsements from right to life groups after he signaled some reconsideration on women's choice issues.
Last night during a debate with state Senate opponent Democrat Cecil Thomas, Winburn made the case that he's "an independent thinker," willing to listen to his potential Democratic constituency but also able to use clout gained with the GOP as a long-time member of the party and reformed hard-core right winger. But one place he's not bending: same-sex marriage rights. While Thomas, who was once opposed to gay marriage, has changed his tune on the issue, Winburn's staying put on that one. "Let me be clear about what I believe," he said during the debate. "I do not support gay marriages. Period." Tell us how you really feel, Charlie.
• Former Mahogany's owner Liz Rogers has a new deal she wants the city to think about. Rogers, who recently threatened the city with a lawsuit if it didn't forgive a $300,000 debt she owes on her former restaurant at The Banks, now wants the city to cut that debt almost in half and suspend payments until July 2016. Rogers has proposed paying $800 a month for 12 years, interest free, to pay back the loan. City Manager Harry Black has passed the proposal along to City Council for a final decision.
• There's another big development project happening in Walnut Hills. Developers Model Group are working with the Walnut Hills Redevelopment Foundation on a $9 million project to renovate 3 buildings along East McMillan Street in the neighborhood. The buildings will house about 7,200 square feet of retail space and 30 market-rate apartments. The aim is to attract residents interested in urban living who can't afford or don't want to pay downtown or Over-the-Rhine prices.
• Who's trolling over tolling? Was the head of the OKI, the region's planning office, being overly provocative when he said yesterday that drivers who avoid the crumbling Brent Spence Bridge are "realists?" Those opposed to tolls on the bridge, who call themselves by the equally provocative name "No BS Tolls," say OKI head Mark Policinski should publicly rescind his statement about the safety of the bridge, calling it "unacceptable" and calling him out for fear-mongering. Policinski says he'd didn't say the bridge was going to collapse tomorrow, just that reports show it is degrading. The battle rages on.
• It's one of the most-watched 2014 races in the country, and yesterday the clash came to Northern Kentucky. A big throng of supporters, along with a healthy group of national press and local press, came out to hear Alison Lundergan Grimes, Kentucky's Democratic candidate for Senate, make her pitch to the area. Grimes came to Newport yesterday to talk about two of the region's biggest concerns: the aforementioned Brent Spence Bridge conundrum and the burgeoning heroin crisis. Grimes slammed her opponent, Senate Minority Leader and 20-year incumbent Republican Mitch McConnell, saying he didn't have a plan for either issue. She promised she could secure funding for a replacement for the Brent Spence Bridge by closing some of the state's corporate tax loopholes. She also pledged to use some of that money to hire more law enforcement officers and fund drug treatment programs.
McConnell's campaign shot back against Grimes' speech. McConnell said he has floated the idea of rolling back state rules that require companies working government contracts to pay the prevailing wage in an area. The campaign says the savings from that move could be used for the bridge. He's also laid out plans for increasing the number of counties under scrutiny as drug trafficking areas, though he hasn't mentioned Northern Kentucky specifically.
A recent poll commissioned by the Louisville Courier Journal put Grimes ahead by two points in the race, though other polls have her trailing McConnell.
• Finally, the Greater Cincinnati area ranks lowest in the region, and very low nationally, in terms of public transit and job accessibility. It's very hard for people to use public transit to get to their jobs in Cincinnati, according to a new University of Minnesota study. The area came in 41st out of 46 cities, well below Columbus (27), Cleveland (26), Indianapolis (38), Pittsburgh, (22), Louisville (36) and Detroit (34). Bummer.
New York City Vice Mayor Richard Buery is in Cincinnati today and tomorrow touring the city's groundbreaking community learning centers. He's in town to glean best practices from CPS as New York Public Schools ramps up its own community learning center program.
"What Cincinnati does, that they have probably done better than any other city, certainly better than New York at this time, is not just to have a collection of great community schools, but to have a system of community schools," Buery said to reporters in New York Monday. "I want to see what it means for a city to build a system of community schools. What did that take in terms of the political will, in terms of how different city agencies and the private sector have to work together."
Cincinnati has gotten a lot of attention for its community learning centers, including write-ups in the The New York Times, NPR and other national publications. The centers, usually established in low-income neighborhoods, contain a number of services for the whole community — dental and vision clinics, mental health therapists, after school programs and more. The city started with eight learning centers and now CPS has them in 34 of its 55 schools.
The model has led to increased cooperation between the city, the school system, neighborhoods around the schools and private enterprise. Last month, the city announced a partnership between Powernet, a Cincinnati-area tech company, and CPS to provide free wireless access to the neighborhood of Lower Price Hill around Oyler School, one of the city's most recognized community learning centers in one of the city's most low-income neighborhoods. The school is the subject of a documentary film, called simply Oyler, following the school and neighborhood's progress.
City leaders expressed excitement about the visit.
"It never hurts to be aware that mighty New York City is here to see some of the good things happening in Cincinnati, especially with our school system," Councilman P.G. Sittenfeld said today. Sittenfeld said Cincinnati City Manager Harry Black will meet with Buery on Thursday.
Buery is in town with Michael Mulgrew, president of the United Federation of Teachers. The UFT represents more than 300,000 teachers in New York City.
New York City Mayor Bill DeBlasio was one of four mayoral candidates to visit Cincinnati last summer at Mulgrew's invitation. He made bringing Cincinnati's model to New York City a major talking point of his campaign, saying it had "unlimited potential." DeBlasio wants to model 100 schools in the city after Cincinnati's learning centers.
Hey all. Check out what's going on right now.
Republican Councilman Charlie Winburn is having a lot of changes of heart lately, all of which surely have nothing to do at all with him running for state Senate in a largely Democratic district. Winburn recently softened his stance on abortion (he once was a hardliner, now he says he wouldn't interfere with women's rights, which has caused pro-life groups to pull support for him) and the streetcar (he voted against it last year, but now says "a streetcar is not a bad situation" if it's part of a larger regional transit plan). He's also floated a proposal that would allow Cincinnatians with convictions under the city's harsh anti-marijuana law, passed by Winburn's state Senate opponent Cecil Thomas in 2006, to seek expungements for those convictions. Winburn seems to be expunging some of his own previously held right wing convictions and drifting more to the center. But, as the Business Courier reports, he'll need to pull out some even more adept political maneuvers should he make it to the statehouse, where the GOP rules.
• Closing statements in the trial of Juvenile Court Judge Tracie Hunter should wrap up today, leaving the case to the jury. It's been a dramatic 21 days in court for Hunter and the state's prosecutors, who allege she committed nine felonies, including forging documents, improperly using a court credit card and intervening on behalf of her brother, a court employee fired after allegedly punching a juvenile inmate. Hunter's attorney says the case is designed to drive Hunter from the bench because she has tried to change the juvenile court system. Though the charges against her carry a maximum penalty of 13 years in prison, prosecutors have indicated they will not ask for jail time for Hunter.
• It's still unclear whether a Noah's Ark theme park run by Northern Kentucky religious group Answers in Genesis slated for Williamstown, Kentucky will get state tax credits. Job listings for the park currently stipulate potential employees sign a statement of faith, provide a statement affirming they've been saved and affirm that they believe in creationism. That's a direct conflict with state policies that stipulate employers who receive state money can't engage in discriminatory hiring practices. Attorneys for the park say the job listing is for parent organization Answers in Genesis, which does not receive state money, not the theme park, which is a separate entity and which they say will abide by all state and federal policies around the tax credits. Kentucky's Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet sent a letter to the group warning that their tax credits are in jeopardy due to the listing. Officials for the religious group say they're still discussing the matter with the state.
• If you're nervous about driving across the Brent Spence Bridge, you're a "realist," according to the leader of the region's planning authority. Ohio Kentucky Indiana Regional Council of Governments head Mark Policinski says recent maintenance reports detailing the bridge's deteriorating condition are a wake up call. There has been a lot of controversy about what to do with the 51-year-old bridge, which Kentucky officials say is obsolete but still structurally sound. It will take $2.5 billion to replace the span.
• As the sagas in Ferguson, Mo. and Beavercreek continue to unfold, issues around law enforcement, violence and race have gotten increasing attention. The latest case to come to light involves two people in Hammond, Indiana, near Chicago, who are suing police for alleged use of excessive force. The two say an officer shattered a car window and tazed passenger Jamal Jones during a routine traffic stop Sept. 26. Jones and the driver, Lisa Mahone, who are black, allege the officers violated their civil rights. The officers say they saw Jones reach into the back of the car multiple times and were afraid he had a weapon. Two children were in the back seat of the car, one of whom filmed the episode with a cellphone, capturing the officer smashing the window.
• Finally, we all get a little weird sometimes about our favorite entertainers. But this is next level: Someone paid $37,000 for a pair of Willie Nelson's braids the singer clipped from his head in 1983. No word who the bidder was. All I can think about is that it's going to take a lot of Willie Nelson impersonator gigs to make a profit on those 30-year-old locks.
Hey all! Morning news time. The first bit of news I want to hit you with — today is the first day of early voting in Ohio. From here on out until the Nov. 4 election, you can vote on any weekday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. There will also be weekend hours starting Oct. 25. So. Go vote. Early voting was slated to start last week, but the U.S. Supreme Court put a stay on a ruling by a lower court that would have expanded voting hours across the state. Instead, Ohio gets the more restricted hours drawn up by the GOP-led Ohio General Assembly and administered by Ohio Secretary of State Jon Husted.
• A group of activists protesting the police shooting of John Crawford III in Beavercreek has been camped out in the lobby of the city's police department for 24 hours now. About 15 members of the Ohio Student Association, a progressive activist group, spent the night in the station. They've indicated they won't leave until they are granted a meeting with Beavercreek Police Chief Dennis Evers. The group is asking for a meeting by Wednesday.
• Hey! Do you want to get married in a former women's shelter? How about staying the night in a luxurious room that once provided comfort and stability for someone fleeing an abusive relationship or life on the streets? Western & Southern has just the ticket. The company has long been planning on turning the former Anna Louise Inn next to Lytle Park into a luxury hotel, and now those plans are coming into focus. W&S CEO John Barrett last Tuesday discussed the ongoing planning, saying the company envisions the building as a 106-room ultra luxury hotel that can serve as a destination place where well-to-do folks can have weddings and other special events. Awesome.
• Over-the-Rhine's Chatfield College, a private Catholic institution specializing in two-year degrees for first generation college students, is undertaking a $3.4 million renovation project on two buildings in the neighborhood. The move comes as the college prepares to grow, making goals to go from 300 to 900 students over the next five to seven years. The buildings along Central Parkway will be renovated in a way that preserves their historic character, school officials say, as well as allowing the school to accommodate more students.
• Kentucky's got 99 problems, but a bridge ain't one, apparently. A decade's worth of maintenance reports for the crusty ole Brent Spence Bridge, which carries I-75/71 across the Ohio River, show that its condition has been declining for years. The last report scored the bridge a 59 out of 100, the equivalent of a C- on the system's rating scale. Yet the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, which has official responsibility for the span, has spent just $1 million in repairs on the bridge in the past three years, as concrete crumbles and rust gathers. The official reason: The state is waiting for the 51-year-old obsolete bridge to be replaced or majorly overhauled. A replacement will cost $2.4 billion. Meanwhile, a group of powerful business and political leaders in the state calling themselves "No BS Tolls" (get it? Brent Spence? BS? Haha) have banded together to oppose one of the most likely funding options to raise all that money — toll roads. Both federal and state governments have repeatedly signaled that government funding is not available to replace the bridge.
• Now that we're in Kentucky, let's revisit the state's nail-bitter of a Senate race. A new poll says Republican incumbent and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell is now trailing challenger Alison Lundergan Grimes, a Democrat, by two points, 44-46. Those results from the Bluegrass Poll seem like a big deal, but keep in mind other recent polls show McConnell with a slight to significant advantage. Translation: This race looks to be going to a photo finish. Grimes' isn't exactly popular in the state. Nearly half of respondents to a recent poll think she's just an Obama crony. But even more than that said they want someone other than McConnell. Grimes' poll bump comes after her campaign dumped tons of money into new TV ads across the state, including some rather goofy ones where she lectures McConnell on how to hold a gun. The race looks to be one of the most expensive Senate contests in history.
Hey all. Morning news time.
Attorneys on both sides of the tense, dramatic trial of Juvenile Court Judge Tracie are making their closing statements this morning. Hunter is accused of backdating documents, improperly using a court credit card and intervening in disciplinary action against her brother, a court employee who allegedly struck a juvenile inmate. Hunter's supporters say she's a victim of a political witch hunt; her opponents say she thinks she's above the law. The courtroom saw fireworks last week as attorneys, those watching the proceedings and even the judge in the case all lost their cool at various points. Closing arguments, which could stretch into tomorrow, look to be equally dramatic. After they're over, it's up to a jury to decide what to make of the spectacle.
• Bond Hill charter school Horizon Academy is drawing scrutiny for its use of work visas to bring in foreign teachers. The school is run by Chicago-based Concept Schools, which uses visas to employ 69 math and science teachers, about 12 percent of its work force, in Ohio. That's much higher than most schools, which mostly use the visas to attract language specialists. Seven foreign-born teachers currently teach at Horizon in Bond Hill. The H-1B visas the school uses are designed to allow highly specialized workers to live in the U.S. for up to six years. Critics charge that there are plenty of qualified math and science teachers living in Ohio who could fill those jobs and that Concept is engaging in a kind of cronyism. But the school says it has brought the teachers to Ohio legally and that recruiting from Turkey is necessary to get the highest-quality instructors. Since 2005, the school has brought 454 teachers to Ohio from Turkey and surrounding countries. Concept has been the subject of a number of investigations in Ohio, including one at one of its schools in Dayton over alleged misconduct and falsification of attendance records.
• City officials have delayed presenting a proposal that would charge Over-the-Rhine residents $300 a year to park in the neighborhood, but Mayor John Cranley's fee idea is still alive. The proposed fee, which would be the highest residential parking fee in the country, would fund at least some of the streetcar's $4 million annual operation costs. Officials were set to present the idea to City Council's Neighborhoods Committee today, but negative response to the idea from some council members, including Vice Mayor David Mann, triggered a delay. City officials say they'll take the feedback into account and float a modified version of the idea in a couple weeks.
• Two Cincinnati-area nonprofits serving homeless veterans will get $3 million from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, Sen. Sherrod Brown announced last week. The Ohio Valley Goodwill Industries Rehabilitation Center and Talbert House both received about $1.5 million to provide health, transportation and financial planning services to Hamilton County veterans and their families who are homeless or may become homeless. A study by the Coalition on Homelessness and Housing in Ohio counted 175 homeless veterans in Hamilton County in 2013.
• Thousands of DUI convictions could be in question after the Ohio Supreme Court ruled Thursday that drunken-driving defendants can challenge the results of breathalyzer tests by requesting accuracy data for specific breathalyzer machines. Defendants can request the data from the Ohio Department of Health, which provides the machines to law enforcement agencies across the state. Some have charged that the Intoxilyzer 8000 (which sounds more like something that gets you drunk rather than something that measures your drunkenness, but I digress) is inaccurate. Some Ohio judges won't allow results from the machine to be used as evidence. The ODH has pushed back against the ruling requiring it release accuracy data, saying it presents a formidable and expensive requirement that will be impossible to fulfill. Defense attorneys pushing for the ruling, however, say collecting and releasing the data from the machines should be cheap and easy. CityBeat covered the situation here in June.
• House Speaker John Boehner's Democratic challenger (yes, he has one) is under few illusions about his chances against the powerful, Butler County-based Republican rep. But that doesn't mean he isn't trying. Miami University professor Tom Poetter is crisscrossing the district knocking on doors and lambasting Boehner for his role in last year's government shutdown, his opposition to the much-debated unemployment benefits extension and other issues. Polls show Boehner with a very comfy lead, and he's looking right past the election and predicting he'll remain House speaker.
• The U.S. Supreme Court has declined to review same-sex marriage cases in Indiana, Oklahoma, Utah, Virginia and Wisconsin. Lower courts ruled against bans on same-sex marriage in those states, and without review by the nation's highest court, those rulings will stand. That means the number of states recognizing same-sex marriage will rise from 19 to 24.
• Finally, here's a pretty neat NPR piece about women and their roll in the roots of computer programing. Though it's a field dominated by men in many ways today, many of the field's important early innovators were women.


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Arguing the toss at the end of a leaseBy Peter Scott | Property Lease Negotiation | Tuesday 20th November 2012
This is my second blog about the new building surveyor profession in New Zealand. It is having a significant impact on the way building owners are managing commercial leases.
I've written before about how easy it is for a business to get caught out at the end of a lease by the 'make good' provisions that require a property to be reinstated to how it was at the beginning of a lease.


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Craig Dolch: New Doral course will feature more water and a lot more Trump
MIAMI — Longtime golf fans will notice some major changes at this week's WGC-Cadillac Championship at Doral.
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U.S. Rep.-elect Mark Sanford will take his oath of office approximately 5:15 p.m. Wednesday in the House chambers.
Sanford, a former governor who also held the 1st Congressional District seat from 1995-2001, was elected last week in a special election to fill the vacancy created by Tim Scott's appointment to the U.S. Senate.
Sanford spokesman Joel Sawyer said today he was unsure which of Sanford's family would join him at the ceremony. It's also unclear on which committee Sanford will serve, but that is expected to be decided soon.
Sawyer said Sanford also is working "as expeditiously as possible" to make staffing decisions for his local and Washington's office.
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text:
Results 1 to 10 of 218
Style: BJJ - Homeland Security--
MMA Pretenderism: A Definitive Study
Aesopian and I have been working on a highly sophisticated academic paper for the last month. What started as a simple rant outsourcing quickly spiralled out of control, fueled by the recent happenings on Bullshido and a few Sherdog threads.
The paper has an abstract, so just download it for a proper summary. We hope this gets the message across to the right people.
Requires Adobe Acrobat 5.0 or higher.
Last edited by Dreadnought; 1/22/2005 9:05am at . Reason: Fixed small editing oversights
Light Heavyweight
- Join Date
- Oct 2011
- Posts
- 4,501
Posted On:
1/22/2005 12:37am--
This disseration grew from a rant that was running itself through my minds for months. This paper approaches the issue in a very humorous way, but expect to see some serious discussion of this issue very soon.
Registered Member
- Join Date
- Dec 2003
- Location
- Scarborough, Ontario
- Posts
- 98
Posted On:
1/22/2005 12:55am
OFFICIAL Mayor of Cwcville
- Join Date
- Sep 2002
- Location
- Cwcville
- Posts
- 5,382
Posted On:
1/22/2005 12:59am--
All I see are a bunch of square boxes sprinkled with W's and a picture of Rickson.
You damn crazy kids...Captain's Log: Just a little update for all my TRUE and HONEST friends out there:
1) I am STRAIGHT! I am STRAIGHT! Get it through your thick skulls, numbskulls!
2) My name is not Ian Brandon Something.
3) Kacey is coming with me now. I have stolen her from the other Christian Weston Chandler.
REMINDER: I am still the one and only true creator of sonichu and rosechu electric hedgehog pokemon
Registered Member
- Join Date
- Aug 2002
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Posted On:
1/22/2005 1:03am
Style: BJJ--
Seems like Aesopian and Shuma understand now what I was bitching about in the MMA glove thread.
How about adding the sources of the quotes following PizDoff's regarding the "shin surf?" And for the sake of clarity, why don't you mention PizDoff in the paper when you're quoting him? I say this merely because you don't hesitate to name Elmore, Blade, and the like, but why not Piz? Sure, we have the link in the footnote, but for the sake of consistency. It seems sneaky otherwise.
Writing's a little chunky. Too much profanity; not enough explanation of 'inside' terminology...but you *did* punk blad3. I'd give it a c+, or a B- if it was my last read of the day...There's no choice but to confront you, to engage you, to erase you. I've gone to great lengths to expand my threshold of pain. I will use my mistakes against you. There's no other choice.


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Unlocking the Key to Deep Sleep
By Sarah Fenske
Making the Ferguson Commission Matter
By Danny Wicentowski
My Fake Boyfriend Became a Real-Life Crush
By Lindsay Toler
Rep. Jeffrey Pogue Bill Would Ban Unisex Bathrooms
By Danny Wicentowski
Darren Wilson Gives Speech to Nonprofit
By Danny Wicentowski
Angel Stewart and Other Victims of Violence Ask for Mercy
By Jessica Lussenhop
Obama Praises St. Louis' LaunchCode
By Lindsay Toler
By Lindsay Toler
As Christmas carols sounded in the background, Shepard's assistants struck up a playful discussion of the non-flushables they, too, accidentally let slip into the latrine over the years.
If only Shepard's announcement earlier that morning had generated similar interest.
Twenty minutes prior to her bathroom mishap, Shepard stood before the Board of Police Commissioners and quietly recommended that American Traffic Solutions (ATS) be awarded a contract to bring traffic-surveillance cameras to city street corners.
As the board's procurement officer, Shepard argued that while the Scottsdale, Arizona-based firm had not submitted the lowest bid, the fact that the company recently installed a camera system in nearby Arnold influenced her decision.
Without further ado, the five-year contract for St. Louis received unanimous approval. No board member, including Mayor Francis Slay, asked any follow-up questions.
Following repeated queries from the Riverfront Times, however, the deal with ATS has also found its way into the toilet. The Board of Police Commissioners late last month revoked its verbal agreement with ATS, conceding that the state agency had failed to adhere to its own written guidelines when it awarded the multimillion-dollar contract. Specifically, board commissioner Major Paul Nocchiero confirmed to the Riverfront Times that Shepard did not assemble a selection committee to determine which of the five competing companies were best qualified for the job.
Shepard concedes that she never called references for any of the vendors, including ATS, nor did she review any of the technology employed by ATS or its rivals. She did not even make the twenty-minute drive to inspect ATS' system in Arnold, which last August became the first and only city in Missouri to photograph the license plates of vehicles that run red lights.
Shepard doesn't know who drew up the highly technical, eleven-page request for proposals (RFP) she used to arrive at her decision. Competing camera companies say specifications in that RFP favored the type of technology used by ATS, while disqualifying other vendors.
It is also unclear who drafted the ordinance authorizing the city to use the video surveillance equipment. Under intense lobbying from the mayor's office, the bill sailed through the St. Louis Board of Aldermen last October, becoming law in just two weeks. The ink on the ordinance was hardly dry when, a few days later, the police department put the contract out for bid. In doing so, it gave just ten days to respond and promised to name a winner by mid-December.
At the time, the aggressive schedule left many vendors questioning the city's rush. Now those vendors suspect the city deliberately tailored the ordinance and bid requirements to favor ATS.
"The process was totally unusual, especially when you look at how other major cities bid these projects out," says Mark Etzbach, regional sales director for Redflex Inc., one of the companies that failed to land the St. Louis contract. "Chicago, for example, did twelve months of due diligence before they chose a camera system.
"In St. Louis you had just ten days to respond. There were no oral presentations and no site visits. The public often perceives red-light cameras as Big Brother, so there's generally a lot of sensitivity around them, and cities really do their homework."
To hear the story in Francis Slay's office, the city's push for traffic cameras commenced on December 21, 2004. That's the day a hit-and-run driver sped through a stoplight on McCausland Avenue in Dogtown and killed 82-year-old Eunice Felder. Newspaper articles described Felder as a vivacious tap dancer who'd recently earned a gold medal for her skills in the Senior Olympics.
"That's pretty much what started it," recalls Jeff Rainford, Slay's chief of staff. "After that accident, the mayor inquired about the camera technology, and we put it on the legislative agenda."
In early 2005, Rainford says, the mayor began lobbying Jefferson City lawmakers for legislation to permit the use of cameras statewide. When the bill failed in the General Assembly last spring, the administration went looking for ways to enact local legislation.
Eager to help was American Traffic Solutions, which set its sights on Missouri last March. Leading the charge was Jay Specter, then a consultant with the company.
"If you're the first person in, you're going to take the whole state," Specter explains. "You have a system in the ground, and administrators from other municipalities can come and look at it. They think: 'If it's good enough for them, it's good enough for us.' It's simple human nature."
Red-light cameras have been in use in Europe for 40 years. In 1994, the same year ATS was founded, New York City became the first municipality in the United States to install the cameras. But only in recent years, with the advent of digital photography, has the technology really taken hold stateside. Today some 140 communities in 20 states use the equipment.
"We're very passionate about our business," says ATS president Jim Tuton. "It's not often that you get to be on the front end of multibillion-dollar business curve that delivers public safety and a major social benefit. I'm proud of that."
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Your Instructors
Serving as the CCW – CPL Chief Instructor, Joe brings a tremendous amount of weapons knowledge and experience to the Tri State Team. Joe has been employed by the United States Federal Government since 2008. Prior to that he was a Full Time Law Enforcement Officer in Michigan for eleven years and also has eight years of Military Law Enforcement background.
During his time in Law Enforcement he has worked in many different positions and held many different titles to include, Chief of Police, Felony Crimes Investigator, Field Training Officer, Weapons Instructor, Evidence Technician, Patrol Officer, School Liaison, Liaison / Coordinator for a Reserve Officer program, PPCT Instructor, Pistol, Rifle and Shotgun Instructor, Hand to Hand Combat Instructor, Taser Instructor, Community Police Officer and Master Taser Instructor for Taser International.
Joe served over six years active duty and additional eight in the reserves in the Military. While in the United States Marine Corps he served as an Infantry Non-commissioned Officer and did Combat tours in Somalia and in Afghanistan. He worked on a Random Anti-terrorist Measures Team while deployed to the Middle East in 2002. Joe has also served as a Primary Marksmanship Instructor and Training NCO. Joe has been teaching Concealed Weapons Classes, Use of Deadly Force Training, and Advanced Weapons Training for over twelve years.
Put Joe's experience and knowledge to work for the safety of you and your family.
You will see that Duane plays a vital role as an Instructor and Coach.
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We are a patriotic, family oriented, concealed carry, and weapons training business. All of the instructors on the Tri-State Self-Defense training team have law enforcement, legal, military and or medical backgrounds. We are all NRA Certified, Utah BCI and or M.C.O.L.E.S. certified firearms instructors. Our instructors are steeped in the latest methods of firearms use, self-defense tactics, and home-safety measures. We all have extensive experience in either the military, law enforcement, and federal civilian training.read more
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Release Date: Monday, November 22, 2010
"The current PACS market is in an interesting landscape approaching saturation. The winning combination combines technology, cost, and service, but providers sort through these differently. Very few large hospitals have yet to adopt a PACS system; however, there are still some small and critical-access hospitals looking to purchase their first PACS. While some opportunities exist for new sales, this is mostly a replacement market.
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Regional and Community Plug-in Electric Vehicle (PEV) Implementation Planning
Our Strategic PEV Readiness Planning process will position your community, region and/or states to be a leader in accelerating the adoption of electric vehicles.
Our Strategic PEV Implementation Planning process will position your community, region and/or state as a leader in readiness for the adoption of PEVs. Our innovative approach includes working with stakeholders to address key focus areas for public, workplace and residential locations in your community. A Strategic PEV Implementation Plan will cover:
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View examples of Community Readiness Plans
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Mateos 1215 Hotel, The First Affordable Business Class Hotel, was opened in 2011.
It is a 100% WiFi e
Find a Nuevo Leon, Mexico hostel and save money on discount lodging. Hosteling in Nuevo Leon, Mexico offers a different travel experience than staying at traditional accommodations. Youth hostels allow you to meet new people and learn from other international and worldly travelers. Most hostels are conveniently located in the center of the action close to public transportation, including buses and rails. Staying at a Nuevo Leon, Mexico hostel is a great option whether you are backpacking or traveling on a budget . Browse our hostels and plan your Nuevo Leon, Mexico vacation today!


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Volleyball Holds Off Army In Five-Set Affair
Nov. 9, 2013
WEST POINT, N.Y. - Loyola University Maryland scored six of the first seven points in the deciding fifth set and then held off a U.S. Military Academy rally to defeat the Black Knights, 25-20, 25-19, 14-25, 13-25, 15-12, in Patriot League action on Saturday night.
The win completed the first Patriot League weekend road sweep for the Greyhounds after the downed College of the Holy Cross last night.
Army (12-12 overall, 9-5 Patriot League) trailed 7-2 in the fifth after a Jane Lukas kill, but the Black Knights scored the next five points to tie the set at 7-7 on an Olivia Fairfield kill.
Faye Lukas sided out with a kill for the Greyhounds (7-19, 4-10), but Fairfield responded with a kill to tie the score again at 8-8.
From there, however, Loyola scored three in a row to lead 11-8. A Fairfield service miscue gave the Greyhounds a sideout point, and Lukas followed with a kill. She then teamed with Mindy Maloney for a block that gave Loyola a three-point advantage.
Army scored back-to-back points on kills by Margaux Jarka and Alexandra Bell after calling a timeout, pulling within a point, but Simone Reid tallied a Loyola kill to put the Greyhounds up 12-10.
Jarka bookended a Reid kill to make it a one-point game, 13-12, but Jane Lukas had a sideout kill and the Greyhounds closed out the victory on an Army attack error.
Loyola hit just .115 in the match with no player recording more than eight kills, but Army managed only a .180 hitting percentage and had 28 attack errors. The Black Knights also gave up 12 points on service errors, two on blocking errors and six on reception miscues.
Jac Bullock and Maloney led Loyola with eight kills each, and Nicole Sarby had seven. Jane Lukas logged six, whie Reid and Faye Lukas had five a piece.
Loyola recorded eight total blocks, six of the solo variety in the match. Bullock had four total, three solo, while Maloney posted two solos and one assisted.
Sarby had a team-high 19 digs for Loyola, while Kara Schiffer added 17. Lauren Andersen posted a double-double with 32 assists and 15 digs. Micah Duzeyled Loyola with three service aces.
Fairfield led four Army players with 10 or more kills; she finished with 18. D.J. Phee had 30 digs for the Black Knights, and Vanessa Edwards had 51 assists.
Loyola closes its regular-season next weekend with a pair of matches at Reitz Arena. The Greyhounds host Colgate University on Friday, November 15, and Bucknell University on Saturday, November 16.
More Headlines
Loyola Athletics Announces Volleyball Coaching ...
Loyola University Maryland announced today that Jake Lawrence, who has served as head volleyball ...
Volleyball Adds Three With National Letters of ...
The Loyola University Maryland volleyball team has signed three players - Alisah Cash, Haley...
Volleyball Season Wraps Up With Loss At Colgate
Mindy Maloney had six kills in her final collegiate match, as Loyola University Maryland...
Volleyball Drops Three-Set Match At Bucknell
The Loyola University Maryland volleyball team dropped a three-set match to Bucknell at Davis Gym...
Andersen, Maloney Celebrated On Volleyball...
Loyola University Maryland volleyball honors its seniors, Lauren Andersen and Mindy Maloney, in a...
Army Fends Off Volleyball In Friday Night Match
Molly Cichosz had 12 kills for Loyola University Maryland, and Mindy Maloney was in on three...
Senior Day Saturday As Volleyball Hosts Weekend...
Loyola University Maryland volleyball will honor its two seniors - Lauren Andersen and Mindy...
Volleyball Closes Weekend Road Trip With Loss...
Jane Lukas had a match-high 16 kills for Loyola University Maryland, but Lafayette College swept ...
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The right-wing crusade to shut down Planned Parenthood continues unabated. From firebombing campaigns to governments controlled by Republicans cutting off funding, conservatives are doing whatever they can to deny women access to health care.
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The man made 'Con-Air'. He can do no wrong.
And we will let him…
It's surprisingly bereft of action.
Is it a compliment to make this list?
Joining Simon West, the whole cast is coming back. Though another Schwarzenegger cameo is a bit up in the air right now.
This is a preview of what Danny Huston will look like as the cab driver, if that's his role.
The characters take it all seriously, but the story just goes wildly over the top for the sake of creating awesome set pieces.
How can anyone dislike 'Con Air'? The explosions…huge. The concept… ridiculous. The hairpieces… outlandish. The dialogue… terrible. In other words, it was really, really awesome.
Nicolas Cage, Mr. Loses His Sh*t himself, is about to bring more chaos to the crowded streets of Manhattan. The eccentric actor has joined the action thriller Medallion which is to be directed by Simon West.
Though it pains me to have to use Taxi Dog to break this news, there was no other way. Resoundingly mediocre film directors McG and Simon West are teaming up for Medallion. It's rumored that Nicolas Cage or Clive Owen will star as a man who has a short amount of time to track down his kidnapped daughter, who happens to be locked in the trunk of an unidentified NYC taxi cab.
Locked in a trunk? That sounds more like a job for Marvin Berry. I guess he's holding out for something that really cooks. McG will produce while Simon West enjoys a later call time than the rest of the crew. This unholy union can only mean one thing. The prophecy is correct. I will fall asleep on the couch while watching this on Netflix Instant. And so it shall be. (LA Times)


text: There are a lot of myths about seo flying around. Wherever you go for information about seo you are probably just as likely to find misinformation. I think one of the major plateaus you can ascend to in your seo knowledge is seeing some of these myths for what they are and realizing that not everything you hear about seo is true.


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Electronic Dilemma
Basically I have this problem; long story short I moved to uni and my neighbours hate noise and I need an electric kit. My budget is about $3000AUD, so I want to get something fairly decent.
What I'm planning on doing is making it mirror my acoustic kit, which is a 7 peice; (5 toms, 5 cymbals, hats snare and kick), so the dilema I face is that the only modules that support this amount of inputs from what I've found are the top of the line kits.
What I'm thinking is to buy a top-line module (I've been eyeing off the Yamaha DTX900, they go for about $1500 on eBay, which has 15 inputs), and then slowly building the kit up over time by buying the individual pads and what not.
Has anybody else done this, and is it a decent way to build up an electric kit?
The size is not an issue, I've got a large gibraltar rack I use with my acoustic kit which I was going to build the electric onto, however the other problem is I have absolutely no knowledge of what pads to buy for the toms or snare, or the cymbals or even kick pad. I've personally have had a quite big distaste for electric kits in the past, so I havn't really played them or have any experience with them.
What pads would people recommend to go with this module, bearing in mind I don't need to buy them all at once (I'm perfectly happy to start off with a 4 or 5 peice set up, and add the rest later), and where can I get them from? (I live in rural australia, so there's absolutely no decent music shops around here.)
I'm looking at mid range level of quality, as I'm more concerned about getting a decent module as opposed to top of the line pads, however obviously I don't want them to sound like absolute s**t or be terrible to play on.
Thanks very much,
Re: Electronic Dilema
Re: Electronic Dilema
Re: Electronic Dilema
Here's the thread for my A2E setup. Hope it gives you some ideas!
Re: Electronic Dilemma
You have plenty of budget to get just about everything you need. Are you married to Yamaha or have you looked at Roland? I would think you could get the TD-15, five mesh-head pads between 10-12 inches, all the cymbals you want, and kickdrum for your budget.
Re: Electronic Dilemma
Take a look at the DTX700 series kits, particularly the DTX750K. The DTX700 module has 8 three zone inputs so this translates into 24 zones for programing different sounds. For example with the DTX750K configuration the toms could have different sounds assigned to the rims versus the head and the crash cymbals could have three sounds; splash on the bell, crash on the bow and china on the edge. But if more pads are needed then the DTX900 would have 14 three zone inputs or 42 zones which would make a huge kit. Hope this helps.
DTX Product Specialist
Re: Electronic Dilema
Re: Electronic Dilemma
the Dtxtreme III is the previous version of the 900 series - Yamaha's top of the line. The module is upgradable to a 950 by a flash upgrade. It is rubber 3 zone pads so each tom pad has the the central head area as a sound, and then 2 more on the rim. The brain is also very expandable for inputs. It's the best brain yamaha makes and a big step up from those below including the 700's.
Used they seem to go for around 2000-2500. It's an excellent e-drum kit. I have a Dtxtreme II which was the previous top of the line yamaha, but it's a step down in features and sounds. I love mine though. They tend to go for around 1200 around here.
Both kits feature hi hats, 2 crashes, ride, 4 toms, snare and kick.
The biggest question with buying e-kits is the drum surface material. A lot of people like the roland mesh heads. Some like the new yamaha silicone heads. I don't mind the rubber heads on the yamaha kits. Alesis kits have a different head as well. Only you can decide for yourself which you like best. You have to try them all. If you are going to shop in the 2000-3000 range for a good kit, then look at the 2-box kit as well. It's a real up and comer.
Digital Drummer is a free mag for all things e-drums. You would do well to go back and read every issue.
I hope this helps.
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Betlem Gastro Bar Visual Identity Design by Toormixby Dirk Petzold on Dec 2, 2012 • 12:44 No Comments
Betlem – Brand Design.
Barcelona-based graphic design and branding studio Toormix was hired to develop a new brand design for Betlem, a former old grocery store in Barcelona transformed into a gastro bar. The corporate design is inspired significantly by the identity of an old grocery store. Toormix created a bunch of corporate materials, special icons, and window design.


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DANVILLE — Walking through the halls of "Abigail House", a brand new bed and breakfast near Danville, one may feel like they are already at home. Owner Carla Leighow and her husband John said that was their goal.
""When I heard that this particular house was for sale, I knew this was it. This is what I was looking to do to help people coming to the area," said Carla Leighow
The bed and breakfast is on Center Street near Danville just seven blocks away from Geisinger Medical Center. The Leighows said they opened "Abigail House" to give people the comforts of home while their loved ones are in the hopsital.
"Abigail House" has another connection to Geisinger Medical Center, one of the hospital's founders, Abigal Geisinger, lived here in the late 1800's.
"She actually revealed her plan to build the hospital in the parlour of this house," said Leighow.
A piece of Geisinger history remains at the bed and breakfast. Leighow said a hutch in the bed and breakfast is from the 1870's and was owned by Abigail Geisinger.
"Abigail House" opened on Friday. In addition to Abigail Geisinger's history, the bed and breakfast showcases Danville's iron history.
"We have the iron beds and a lot of iron decorations. Wherever I could use the iron I did," said Leighow.
For more information on the "Abigail House", go to our Websites Mentioned webpage.


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The Office of Industry Relations, led by Ida Deichaite, PhD, initiates and manages partnerships between private industry and UC San Diego Moores Cancer Center basic scientists, physician scientists, and clinicians seeking support for research and advanced patient care programs.
For complete information, see the Industry Relations website.
Industry relationships sought include venture capital, biotechnology and pharmaceutical organizations.
Includes basic cellular and genetic research, translational drug and vaccine development, new therapeutics, early phase trials of new cancer treatments, and Phase II and III trials.
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