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By Steve Jones,
It seems as though I've seen many protests and complaints this past holiday season about the extra hours the some retailers were requiring of employees. It started in the US just before Thanksgiving with protests about some stores opening on Thanksgiving day, and it continued through the Christmas season as a few brick and mortar companies decided to stay open 24 hours a day until the holiday.
For most of us that work in technology, the holidays can be a mixed blessing. We could have a slow time, as other people in the office work less and make less demands of us. We could also be more busy as the slow times mean opportunities for maintenance or enhancements. I've even had extremely busy times as we worked the New Year's holiday to get applications ready for use on Jan 1.
There was a survey recently and a report that said many IT people don't get a break during the holidays. They find themselves on call, or responding over the holidays when things break. I've certainly experienced this, especially when managers have viewed holidays as a perfect time to take systems down that are otherwise being used heavily by our business. I suspect that much of the impact to IT depends on your particular business and how your systems are used during holidays. If you work at Amazon, I wouldn't expect to have holidays off.
The one thing that the survey mentioned people wanted to see changed most was a reduction in the amount of fire-fighting that they perform. It's no fun when things are permanently broken, and even less fun when you respond to the same issue over and over without actually fixing something once. I certainly have found myself looking for other employment when the amount of fire-fighting time exceeds the amount of enhancement time.
I hope that the holidays were not too stressful or busy for you, and you have a bit of a break. If not, perhaps it's time to think about how you might want to change things for next year.
When you take a job, do you ask about holidays? Do you consider them a benefit? Andy Warren asks wha...
It seems that IT people often get stuck working on the holidays, whether being on-call or even deali...
Comments posted to this topic are about the item [B]Holiday Breaks[/B] I spent 15 minutes thinking i...
The sporadic schedule of a day or two a week this holiday season has been a struggle for Steve Jones...
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November 30, 2015
Stay Connected Anywhere
Emporia wants to find out what exactly you love about the city. That's the purpose behind a new online survey asking the public what their favorite things about Emporia are, from the school systems, to the parks, shops and restaurants.
Anyone can participate by going to www.emporiabuildingfutures.com. Be sure to have your vote in by midnight Monday. The winners will be announced on the "Building Futures" website on October 1.
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.

subset: commoncrawl


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Georgia visited Cintas Center a week ago to face Xavier and left with a 70-56 loss.
Mick Cronin would love for Georgia fans to avoid Stegeman Coliseum tonight, when Cronin's Cincinnati Bearcats play the Bulldogs in the Big East/SEC Challenge in Athens, Ga.
Cronin hopes Georgia fans will be preoccupied with a certain event across the state in Atlanta, where the Georgia football team will play LSU on Saturday in the Southeastern Conference title game.
With football so huge down South, Cronin wouldn't mind a quiet basketball arena when UC (4-2) faces Georgia (4-3). ...


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Jacques Torres
The master pastry chef shares his decadent recipes, including sugar-crusted chocolate cookies and ice cream in crispy chocolate-coconut cones.
Dark Chocolate Bark with Roasted Almonds and Seeds
More ∨
"I'm more addicted to chocolate than I am to sugar," says chocolatier Jacques Torres. A small piece of this super-chunky dark-chocolate bark staves off his intense cravings.


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Sergio Kato - IMDb
Sergio Kato, Actor: ONLY THE STRONG Top News; Movie News; TV News; Celebrity News; Featured News; IMDb Snapshot. Videos. HD Trailer Gallery; Browse ...
Views: 5
Tags: Actor, Kato, Kato..Réalisé, Paco, Prieto, More…Sergio, Sheld, The, Ultimate, ar, martial, par:
Albums: Sergio Kato, Paco Prieto, The Ultimate martial arts
Location: Los Angeles, Miami Beach - USA
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Chinese hackers successfully accessed U.S. government computer networks in March, hoping to find information about "tens of thousands of employees who have applied for top-secret security clearances," The New York Times reports.
The attack centered on the Office of Personnel Management, the newspaper says; it was reportedly detected and blocked – but not before the hackers had gotten into some of the agency's databases.
The government hasn't "identified any loss of personally identifiable information," a senior Homeland Security official tells the Times.
The newspaper notes that it's not clear whether the hackers were working for China's government.
The story comes out more than a year after a U.S. security firm traced hacking attacks on U.S. companies to a Chinese military unit — and months after the U.S. leveled formal accusations against five military officials in May.
Those charges angered Chinese officials, who said the U.S. uses a double standard when it comes to its international stance on hacking.
Secretary of State John Kerry is currently in China for annual talks that he says have already touched on the subjects of hacking and electronic theft. Those sessions, titled the Strategic and Economic Dialogue, began Wednesday.
"We had a frank exchange on cyber issues at our strategic security dialogue," Kerry says. He added that the discussions will continue.


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Hoeffel Pays Tribute to Fox Chase Cancer Center
PHILADELPHIA (May 25, 2004) -- U.S. Representative Joseph M. Hoeffel (D) of Pennsylvania presented R. Donald Leedy, chief operating officer at Fox Chase Cancer Center, with a framed Congressional Citation in honor of Fox Chase Cancer Center's centennial.
The Citation is a record of Cong. Hoeffel's remarks about Fox Chase made from the floor of the House of Representatives in February. In his remarks, Hoeffel honored Fox Chase "for its 100 years of outstanding effort and achievement in the fields of cancer treatment and research."
"Founded on a spirit of optimism and determination, the center remains a national leader in cancer care," declared Hoeffel. "I congratulate the Fox Chase Cancer Center on its 100 years of dedicated service to the community."
The full text of Congressman Hoeffel's remarks can be found at: http://frwebgate.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/getpage.cgi?
Fox Chase Cancer Center, part of the Temple University Health System, is one of the leading cancer research and treatment centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation's first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center's nursing program has received the Magnet recognition for excellence four consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. For more information, call 1-888-FOX CHASE or (1-888-369-2427).


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Rangers' Neftali Feliz has the stuff to dominate, but don't expect him to… yet
GOODYEAR, Ariz. — Ron Washington preaches that all he wants from his starters is to keep the Rangers in the game.
Neftali Feliz can do that much. Dominate? Not as a starter. Not yet, anyway.
But not many fifth starters have the kind of stuff that would even make it a possibility.
The question, then, is whether Feliz's secondary pitches will be good enough to keep him in games through the sixth inning and keep the bullpen from overheating.
Against Cleveland on Saturday, in Feliz's last Arizona start, the answer was "almost."
On a night he was scheduled to go five innings, he did that, giving up 5 hits, 3 runs, 3 walks, 4 strikeouts and 2 home runs on 85 pitches in the Rangers' 7-4 win.
Not exactly the electric line that Yu Darvish posted the night before, but acceptable.
Coming off his last 'A' start on March 20, when he left the game with shoulder stiffness after three innings, maybe it was enough that Feliz had no recurring problems. He touched 96 mph at times, and his off-speed stuff was occasionally effective.
He also showed some mettle, bouncing back from a rough start to the game. On his second pitch, he gave up a home run to Michael Brantley. And after walking three of the first five hitters in the second, including ninth-place hitter Lou Marson to force in a run, he got a visit from Mike Maddux.
Feliz then went to a full count on Brantley, prompting unsolicited press box commentary.
Scout: "This is what I don't like about this guy. He loses it quickly, then he gets it back quickly."
Brantley struck out on the next pitch.
Scout: "See what I mean?"
Feliz subsequently got Asdrubal Cabrera on a pop to second, limiting what had been a one-out, bases-loaded jam to just one run.
The beauty of having been a successful closer is that Feliz is used to working out of tight spots. But he's not a closer anymore. He must make sure he's economical enough to pile up innings.
Feliz blamed the wildness on a mechanical issue. His left shoulder kept flying open. Once he worked that out, the question was whether he feels ready to join the rotation at last.
"If I'm healthy," he said through an interpreter, "I'll be ready to pitch."
And, yes, he said, he's healthy.


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Plymouth is cleaning up after tonnes of Saharan sand were dumped on city
Posted: June 29, 2012|
CAR washes are set for a brisk trade as proud motorists clean up after a dust cloud swept in from the Sahara.
Vehicles across Plymouth have been coated in a layer of fine sand whipped up during a storm 2,000 miles away in Africa, the Met Office said.
"Late last week a storm swept up a large amount of sand and dust from the western Sahara up into the atmosphere," a spokesman for the weather agency said.
"It then spread westwards out over the Atlantic before getting caught up in southerly winds, dragging it north over Spain before it arrived over the UK mixed up in the warm and humid air which has brought thunder storms and heavy rain to the country."
The dust can get caught up in the rain droplets in clouds, which then fall to the ground, they said, and when the water evaporates, a thin layer of dust is left on surfaces, like the cars pictured above and left.
Many people noticed this in Plymouth and the South West on Wednesday evening. The dust then spread north and east overnight to bring it to a much wider area.
Sarah Holland at the Met Office said Plymothians shouldn't expect to see any more dust as the storm how now cleared from the local area.
Paul Hutcheon, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, added: "We usually see this happen several times a year, particularly in summer when you get these big dust storms in the western Sahara and the southerly winds to bring that dust here.
"This event was a very well-marked example, as you can clearly see the dust as it moves from the Sahara to the UK in the satellite imagery."


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National Internship Crisis
Twitter: #interncrisis
Over a number of years, AMSA has mounted a comprehensive campaign advocating for States and the Commonwealth to work constructively towards a solution which enables all Australian-trained medical graduates to gain an internship in Australia.
On June 26, the following was released, to update stakeholders on the internships situation for 2015:
"The Audit of Applications for 2015 internship has been completed before any offers have been made. The audit identified that there were 3676 applicants for internships: 3004 domestic medical graduates, 480 international full fee paying medical graduates of Australian universities and 192 other applicants. NB: Based on experience from previous intern recruitment it is anticipated that the number of applicants able to accept and commence an internship may be less than those who applied due to failure to complete their course.
As at June 2014 there are approximately 3210 state and territory intern positions available for 2015 (some positions still subject to accreditation) and up to 100 Commonwealth funded intern positions."
So why should Governments fund internships for Australian-trained medical graduates?
1. Doctors, patients and Governments know that many of Australia's regional and rural communities are crying out for doctors. Health Workforce Australia's workforce modelling indicates that in order to sustainably meet our future health needs, our health systems must retain as many Australian-trained doctors as we can. Even this workforce modelling relies on the importation of thousands of overseas-trained doctors each year. In this context, it's madness to even contemplate shipping out Australian-trained doctors.
2. Tens of thousands of taxpayer dollars and health system resources go into training each and every medical student. Aside from the personal time and financial costs of medical training, to deny a medical graduate an internship is a huge waste of these resources.
3. At this stage, the students affected by this crisis are international students studying in Australian medical schools. Such students make up approximately 15% of the medical school cohort and pay tuition fees of up to $300,000 over four to six years. It's widely acknowledged that Universities are reliant on this revenue to subsidise domestic students and remain sustainable into the future.
4. Higher education is Australia's third biggest export industry (after coal and iron ore) and was worth $16.3b in 2010-11. State economies (particularly NSW and Victoria) are heavily reliant on international student revenues and are sensitive to issues affecting those students. The majority of the Australian-trained students without internships are international students in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria. Not providing internships for international students may severely and irreparably damage Australia's international reputation for medical education. Many other countries actively compete for this lucrative market and if international students are aware that their degrees may be worthless, many will study elsewhere. A 2010 paper models the economic impact of declining international student enrolments. Funding for sufficient internships for all Australian-trained medical graduates (now and in the future) is clearly an excellent return on investment.
5. We know that as a group, international medical students are happy to take up internships in regional and rural areas, meeting our communities' health care needs. In the application process for 2014 places, up to 100 Commonwealth Medical Internships were offered. Each of these places had a one year return of service associated with them, and yet there were 183 applicants for the places. These graduates have much to offer Australia, have been trained in our health system and are ready to work if given the opportunity. Students who do not gain internships will be forced either to continue their training overseas, lost to the Australian health care system, or work in industries outside of medicine. Some will choose to reapply in future years.
6. This is not a difficult problem to fix, provided that the political will to do so can be found. AMSA understands there to be sufficient identified capacity in public and private health systems to accommodate the additional interns and the solutions are affordable, both in terms of the size of health budgets and future return on investment. The issue essentially comes down to money, as Governments blame each other over the appropriate balance of funding between Federal and State, private and public.
This issue is only set to worsen in future years, as graduate numbers continue to climb and pressure rises on the availability of specialty training places. AMSA fears that the problem may begin to affect domestic full-fee paying students, and then perhaps even domestic CSP students.
AMSA calls for all Governments to put aside political blame games and realise the importance of maintaining a sustainable medical training system that provides internships for Australian-trained medical graduates.
The background
An internship is a compulsory year of training, following graduation, which is necessary to continue practicing in Australia and to gain general registration.
For a number of years, AMSA has been advocating for numbers for the number of available internships to increase so that all Australian-trained medical graduates have access to an internship. AMSA's advocacy has significantly contributed to the increased availability internships to accommodate the rapid increase in the numbers of medical graduates from 1660 in 2000 to 3484 in 2014.
However, inadequate action has been taken to accommodate the oversupply of medical graduates.
Why has this happened?
- Lack of workforce planning from Federal and State Governments to ensure internships and further medical training places are aligned with the number of medical graduates
- Lack of regulation from Federal Government allowing universities to determine the numbers of international and domestic full-fee students with no central regulation
- Inadequate Federal Government funding for medical schools contributes to medical schools' recruitment of additional full-fee students
- Medical schools recruiting numbers of international students well beyond the number of available internships
- Inadequate communication from some medical schools to prospective international students about likelihood of obtaining internship
- State governments being reluctant to fund internships for numbers of medical graduates they cannot control
What is AMSA doing about it?
- AMSA is in frequent contact with Federal and State Health Ministers, Chief Executives of Health Departments, each Postgraduate Medical Council, the Confederation of Postgraduate Medical Education Councils, Medical Deans Australia & New Zealand and Health Workforce Australia, to advocate for coordinated action to expand the number of internships available to Australian-trained medical graduates.
- Together with Medical Students' Councils and MedSocs, AMSA has written to all State Health Ministers and called every State Health Department to advocate for resources to be committed for an internship for every Australian-trained medical graduate.
- AMSA International Students' Network has release a guide to applying for internship in the USA, read it here.
- AMSA is regularly posting updates, to keep medical students informed of the latest progress on this important issue.
Who is guaranteed an internship?
Commonwealth-Supported Place (CSP) students
Domestic and International full-fee students are not guaranteed internships (learn more about the options here)
Domestic students are generally prioritised above international students in the allocation of internships
The Tasmanian Department of Health and Human Services has provided assurances that it will provide internships for the number of domestic Commonwealth Support Place students who graduate from The University of Tasmania and are unable to gain an internship elsewhere in Australia.
Domestic full fee students
All States and the ACT have provided assurances that they will be able to provide internships for all domestic graduating students in Australia. Domestic full fee students may wish to contact their State's postgraduate medical council to confirm whether they have committed to provide internships for all domestic graduates, including full-fee students. If your State or Territory does not provide this assurance, students should consider reading Options for international students.
Options for international students
Unless there is dramatic change to the current projected shortages of internships most international students will not be able to complete an internship in Australia. There are several steps that students take to plan for this situation outlined here. The AMSA International Students' Network (ISN) has also written a letter detailing Information for current and prospective international students including suggestions about applying for internships.
- Apply in multiple states. There are significant shortages of internships in the majority of Australian states, however applying to multiple states increases the chance of obtaining an internship in Australia. Because some medical graduates move interstate to complete internship, it is difficult to judge which states will accept the greatest number of non-Commonwealth Support students.
- Take action. Contact AMSA to see how you can assist in advocacy for more internships.
- Have a backup.Based on current numbers the majority of international students will not receive an internship in Australia. It important for international students to have a backup plan in case they are unable to gain internship in Australia.
- Apply for an internship outside of Australia. More information on applying for internship as an international medical graduate can be found here for Canada, Malaysia (Internship, Guidebook for House Officers, training hospitals), New Zealand, Singapore and USA. Make sure you comply with any additional requirements (eg. MCCEE and USMLE examinations for Canada and the USA respectively).
- Consider alternative employment next year. Medical graduates are able to make valuable contributions to society through a range of employment options beyond working as a medical professional.
- Reapply for an internship in Australia next year. Students who do not gain an internship in Australia may consider reapplying next year. Please note that the numbers of medical graduates in Australia is expected to continue to increase. Unless there is a major expansion in internship availability, there will continue to be significant shortages of internships over this period.
Other resources
The information contained on this page is subject to change. For more information, students should check the website of the Postgraduate Medical Council in each State and Territory. AMSA shall not be held responsible for any errors or omissions in the above information.


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San Antonio A Conversation With a Living Legend®
Promise - Spring 2013
Approximately 750 people attended the third annual San Antonio A Conversation With a Living Legend® in October 2012 honoring former President George W. Bush in an interview with MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors member Tom Johnson. The event raised more than $390,000 for the Blanton-Davis Ovarian Cancer Research Program at MD Anderson and the Moon Shots Program's breast and ovarian cancer moon shot.
Pictured at left with President Bush are co-chairs Clyde Johnson III, Kim Johnson, Paula Johnson and Clyde Johnson IV. Peggy and Lowry Mays and Charline and Red McCombs served as honorary chairs of the event.Photos by Marks Moore
Make a difference
Promise - Spring 2013
Cover Story
A Message From Ronald DePinho, M.D.
Moon Shot Momentum
Beating the Odds
Upcoming Events
PDF Issue
News Makers
Philanthropy in Action
- AT&T Tablets
- Hampton Post Oak Blackjack Club
- Riders for the Cure
- Rod Ryan Show
- San Antonio A Conversation with a Living Legend®
- Santa's Elves


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Earlier this week I joined five other state attorneys general in calling on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to overturn the recent approval of Zohydro ER, a pure hydrocodone pill reported to be five to 10 times more potent than products currently available on the market, such as Vicodin or Lortab. In October, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Zohydro against the recommendation of its advisory panel, which voted 11-2 in opposition because of the drug's high potential for misuse and its lack of an abuse-deterrent formulation. The FDA's decision to approve Zohydro does not make sense. Unlike extended-release opioids containing abuse-deterrent properties, there is nothing that would prevent someone from easily crushing or injecting the drug to get high. For decades, we have fought the disastrous effects of the illegal marketing of the drug OxyContin in Kentucky, and I do not want to see the great strides we have made combating prescription drug abuse reversed. You can read a copy of the letter that my fellow attorneys general and I sent to Sec. Kathleen Sebelius here.
Our efforts in Kentucky to prevent prescription drug abuse are making a difference. For the first time, the state is below the national average for prescription drug abuse. Additionally, the percentage of Kentucky teens misusing prescriptions drugs has dropped dramatically over the past four years. While these statistics are encouraging, I remain committed to curbing the cycle of addiction that continues to plague our Commonwealth. On Tuesday, I was thrilled to visit schools in Scott and Anderson counties to speak with students about the dangers of prescription drug abuse and heroin. Joined by Van Ingram, the executive director for the Kentucky Office of Drug Control Policy, and Mike Donta, a concerned parent who lost his son after a long battle with prescription drug addition, we shared our Keep Kentucky Kids Safe message with approximately 1,650 students at the Scott County Ninth Grade School and Anderson County High School. They were two great groups of kids, and I appreciate Principals Dwayne Ellison and Chris Glass for allowing us to visit. Tapings from our Keep Kentucky Kids Safe programs are available on my YouTube channel here. Don't forget to click "Subscribe" to get the latest videos from our office.
Kentucky is reported as having the third-highest rate of fatal overdoses in the country -- the vast majority from prescription pills. However, heroin is becoming the drug of choice across Kentucky, affecting our largest cities and our smallest communities. On Wednesday, I testified in front of the House Judiciary Committee regarding Senate Bill 5. The bipartisan legislation, which I helped craft with Sen. Katie Stine and Rep. John Tilley, is designed to address Kentucky's growing heroin problem. Through September of 2013, our Commonwealth saw nearly 180 overdose deaths involving heroin. We are losing far too many people as a result of this dangerous and highly addictive drug. Senate Bill 5, which would stiffen penalties for drug traffickers and increase access to treatment for drug addicts, advanced out of committee this week, and I remain hopeful the full legislature will pass the bill by the end of this year's legislative session.
Finally, I enjoyed speaking to the Frankfort Rotary Club on Wednesday afternoon. I appreciate the Rotarians for inviting me to share the latest news from the Office of the Attorney General with them and talk about how we can all work together to move Kentucky forward. I'm also looking forward to a great Sweet 16 basketball game tonight between the Cards and the Cats! I am very proud of what these teams have accomplished this year, and I love when the players from both schools have the opportunity to share their talents with the rest of the country on the national stage. Good luck to both teams!


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The 2013 Texas Friendly Hospitality Instructor Training at Texas A&M University in College Station saw literally hundreds of hospitality professionals attend. Longview Tourism Services Manager Margie Harris and Longview Mainstreet Manager Kayla Cantey, both Longview Chamber of Commerce members, were in attendance. The Chamber's commitment to providing development programs and building community leadership was well …
Tag Archive: Longview Mainstreet
Jun 19 2013
Ambassadors take part in hospitality training
June 19, 2013
Tags: a&m, agrilife, ambassadors, attend, attendance, building, chamber, Chamber of Commerce, coc, College Station, communities, community, community leadership, curicula, East Texas, ETR staff report, freindly, friendship, gregg county, Hospitality, hospitality instructors, Kayla Cantey, leadership, Longview, Longview Chamber of Commerce, longview coc, Longview Mainstreet, Longview Mainstreet Manager Kayla Cantey, longview texas, Longview Tourism Services, Longview Tourism Services Manager, Longview Tourism Services Manager Margie Harris, longview tx, Manager Kayla Cantey, Margie Harris, participants, program, programs, texas, Texas AgriLife, Texas AgriLife Extension Service, texas friendly, Texas Friendly customer service workshops, Texas Friendly Hospitality, Texas Friendly Hospitality Instructor Training, train, training, tx, university, volunteer, work shop, workshop, workshops
Permanent link to this article: http://www.easttexasreview.com/ambassadors-take-part-in-hospitality-training/
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Greece Sells 110 Beaches To Appease Troika, "Tell The Russians & Qataris To Hurry Up!"
One hundred and ten of Greece's best beaches are on sale by Greece's privatization agency, the Hellenic Republic Asset Development Fund (TAIPED) in the name of supposed 'development' and 'utilization of public assets' as the prerequisite for receiving more handouts from the Troika. "This sale of the land must happen," explains one Greek civil servant, "we need this now, quickly. Tell the Russians and the Qataris to hurry up!"
But as KeepTalkingGreece notes, not everyone is so exuberant about a supposedly recovered Greece dumping assets in order to pay back its European bailout banker overlords. With SYRIZA taking the lead in elections, the euro-skeptic sentiment is likely only to rise.
As The Guardian reports, some 70,000 lots are for sale in the nation's largest firesale. "We are like a bankrupt housewife forced to sell the silver, to save the family," said one Greek beach-sitter, "Greece has no choice." Well - in fact - they do...
On Monday Antonis Samaras, the prime minister, scraped through another round of negotiations with the Troika – the EU, IMF and European Central Bank – and managed to secure payment of the next EU 8.8 billion instalment of the bailout. But privatisation is a prerequisite for receiving the bailout funds.
The sale of the coast at Afandou is part of the Greek government's desperate attempts to raise money by privatising its vast portfolio of state-owned assets – the largest firesale in history. Some 70,000 lots are for sale, ranging from pristine stretches of coast through to royal palaces, marinas, thermal baths, ski resorts and entire islands. Only last Wednesday, bidding closed for a stake in the state gambling company.
"We are like a bankrupt housewife forced to sell the silver, to save the family," he said. "Greece has no choice."
"This sale of the land must happen," she said. "We need this now, quickly. Tell the Russians and the Qataris to hurry up!"
"Anyone who argues against it is either an idiot, or a state employee who doesn't think about economic reality and just likes to lounge on the beach," he said. "We have our heads in the noose."
However, not everyone supports the idea of so many places going under the hammer.
"We need to keep state ownership of all our assets – not sell them to the highest bidder," complained Yiannis Milios, chief economist for the opposition Syriza party, who would prefer to see more use of public-private partnerships, rather than sales.
"Experience shows that the privatisation of public goods is a very bad idea. With water, for instance, the quality falls but the price rises, which is totally wrong. The government is very good at finding legal formulas to work its way round supposed guarantees of public interest. It is not a good idea at all."
But - after loud protests from the people.. the government has backed off a little...
As the new draft bill for the 'regulation of seashores' foresees that the sold beaches must allow a small space for the public to use for free, it is really hilarious to see the plot of Sarakino beach for sale: it is marked with red ink. A tiny strip of beach is foreseen for free access for the public. The free beach is so small that it will allow swimmers to enjoy sun bathing most probably standing on their feet.
It seems the Greeks have forgotten one thing... their free-will choice to remain "in" the Euro...
Or have they?
Full Greek Asset Sale list below...
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If I buy one of'em beaches, may I build a 'lil marina for non-NATO navies' ships? ;-)
P.S. I knew I'd find a good use for my ole pennies (lots of'em!) ;-)
The .01%, bankers and industrialists getting to bid upon the people's property in the bankruptcy they created.
Y'all don't think this is gonna end anythnig but bad, do ya'?
No wonder freedoms are abridged and means of power removed from the masses hands.
The Rape of the Universe
And you all read about it forecast here on ZH, before anyplace else.
How's the MSM gonna present this?
This disgusts me.
... Knukles: "This disgusts me."
... Knukles: "This disgusts me."
Looney: "You complete me" ;-)
The teutonic klepto-oligarchs have a private insider joke on Greece. They call the place FKK-Greece. To them, the country is just another place filled with slaves craving to get ficked for a bowl of food....and a stamp on their foreheads that says they are members of the "euro club".
Wouldn't it be ironic if Russia grabbed up all that greek coastline and erect a set of warm water ports in the Mediterranean for the mighty russian navy?
What I find really interesting is that ancient Greece founded an empire on the backs of slaves. Now it would seem that they have become the slaves. That is some sweet irony.
>>"We are like a bankrupt housewife forced to sell the silver, to save the family,"<<
Except you aren't saving the family, you are merely delaying, for a short time, the inevitable destruction of your family under a fraudulent system.
You've been punked.
We are all being punked.
Debt Money is a complete fraud from the gound up.
Debt Money Tyranny
Some solutions are on page 2 of previous linked PDF.
Bank of England admits Economics textbooks are wrong, money is created when debt is issued:
How to be a Crook
Poverty is not a Choice
Renaissance 2.0
Debunking Money
When banking/government fascists run the country, the good people become the targets and the terrorists become protected and financed:
Top Priority: The Terror Within
UPDATED: Obama waives ban on arming terrorists to allow aid to Syrian opposition
Council on Foreign Relations - "In short, the FSA needs al-Qaeda now."
The .01%, bankers and industrialists getting to bid upon the people's property in the bankruptcy they created.
Can you CONCEIVE of a better, more intrinsically evil system? And next year when the bonds can't be paid ... what will you sell next? And six months after that?
Do you really think that when the Greeks go full socialist retard again, that they won't simply renationalise all those beaches? Caveat emptor
The act of selling government lands is not always a bad thing. Government owned land pays no property taxes and is under utilized.
70,000 lots of land with an annual tax bill of 1,000 euro to 10,000 euros would bring in 70,000,000 to 700,000,000 euros in taxes annually.
Also the new owners might build resorts or homes on the land which could create jobs!
Time to read "Confessions of an Economic Hitman".
Time to read "The Shock Doctrine." Two great reads which helped awaken me.
They can have Washington D.C. in exchange for a cup of sand off any one of the lots.
They can have Washington D.C. in exchange for a cup of sand off any one of the lots.
...but only if they load the whole thing up, including the people, on a fleet of barges and haul it away.
They will nationalize it during the next regime.
I have a picture in my head of that foul smelling yeasty cunt Christine Lagarde with a shit eating grin on her face calling off each of those islands for sale that have been stolen from families that have more than likely had multiple generations living on them!
No Feta for you!
Don't worry Christine. Your time will come and sooner than you could possibly imagine!!!
+1 for "cunt"
+ 1984 for "cunt christine lagarde" ;-)
Loo(let the cuntdown begin!)ney
I thought the Greeks on the islands you buy came along as part of the package as your SERFS. Someone has to milk the goats to make feta cheese, pick the olives, and groom the sand on your beach.
More evidence that this crisis was engineered on purpose by Greece's treasonous politicians and their northern euro partners to steal assets at fire sale prices. This is fascism and financial warfare full throttle. Occupation and loss of sovereignty without a single bullet fired all so the insolvent European banks can be made whole on their bets gone wrong.
The idea is to ship all the Greeks to Ukraine to work as farm laborers, once the Greek islands are cleared of the Greeks, they then can become the playground of the rich and famous without having to worry about running into any Greeks on the pristine beaches. Some of the best beaches in the world should not be wasted on the common man, but instead on the elite.
This is the objective of the central banking scam loans: get the real assets in exchange for monopoly money.
Both Russia nad China have an excellent opportunity to settle a European area without a single shot. And they had better pay in us treasuries.
"The Sino-Russian Alliance today announced the opening of Euroland. Euroland, the former Europe, has been turned into a Theme Park by its Russian and Chinese developers. Tourists can experience the unique forms of foods, language, and culture from this historical part of the world. Ride a fast train- even under the water- to the former UK! Or visit Greece with naked babes on private beachfront.
"The Alliance also announced it is beginning work on 'America,' it's next Theme Park. Start in New England, where the people live just like their ancestors in 1640! Or,visit the Wild Wild West, where you will mingle with cowboys, Mexican deperados, and spend the night at a swanky Indian Casino!"
Bail-in Beach Blanket Bingo.
What bullshit this is...
These people have gone full-retard.
Some idiot from Barclays bank will buy one of these beaches,
and when he gets down on to his "private beach", the local yobs will beat him to pieces.
The local police will have beach access barricaded and any Yob that tries to get thru will be beaten or shot; the vaunted Yobs will not even set eyes on the Oligarchs personal security.
Really, haven't you learned by now the real purpose of the police and what masters they serve?
Didn't Greek debt recently get upgraded? I guess Belgium has been slacking off.
The day is fast approaching when the Greeks will wake up homeless one morning.
That day happened when they siezed the bank deposits, This is the payoff for removing the "competition"
Never ever piss off a Greek, A Greek will smile at you as he cuts your throat. (as the Germans found out in WWII)
Time for the Sea Peoples Part 2, a few thousand years later but I am sure caused by the same banker scum.
Not just the Greeks, everyone else, too.
If you don't think like the Debt Money Tyrant Beast (forehead) and act in the interests of the Debt Money Tyrant Beast (hand) then no debt money will be issued to you and you will not be able to "buy or sell."
This "effect" is growing exponentially.
Is the "lady" adorned in fine robes surrounded by gold that rides and controls the modern incarnation of the government "Beast System" the international banking cartel?
The whole analogy fits like a hand inside a comfortable glove.
Indeed, if one were to internalize the message and methods of The Matrix, and apply it instead to the very real application of the Beast System™, then one would be on the path to awareness and vigilence. This "awareness" don't come with no stinkin' ribbon.
Which is exactly what Thos. Jefferson said if the new republic were to use Private Banks for the new nation's financing.
"We are like a bankrupt housewife forced to sell the silver, to save the family,"
Except they are not selling the silver ware which can be replaced, they are selling parts of the housewife's house; how does she raise a family when the kitchen is sold, then the bathroom, then the bedrooms until only the front porch is left to squat on?
Sell the land to private buyers then immediately nationlized it again.
Prosperous EU and US must sell away a land.
all wars and every war happen because of land grab (AND THE RESOURCES BENEATH IT) and those EU/US struts give away the most beautiful beaches.
Mr. Putin will turn to Greece instead of East Ukraina.
To take that land and pay with treasury lottery tickets is a bargain, no shooting, no body bags and he achieves a land win.
Who knew that beach front property brought out the inner communist in everybody. Sell it and tax the crap out of it. If they choose to keep the beaches private then make them finance those pension plans.
Greeks should tell the IMF to screw their loans and get the hell out of the Euro.
In the end, Greece will be nothing more than a privately owned country. Citizen's will be wondering what the hell happened.
Ah, Comrade, but Greece is now Soviet!
An apple a day keeps the doctor away..
"If you like your Beachfront, you can keep your beachfront."
You think isn't going to happen in the US? Coming soon to a strip mall developer and mining company near you: pristine land rich in natural resources, $100/acre to those who qualify, those being oil and mining companies, shopping mall developers.
Note: These valuable properties were once known as Yellowstone, Yosemite, Great Smoky Mountains, and many others and previously used by worthless hippies and retirees with land yachts. Sales contracts will guarantee removal of said parasites and anyone who complains about it.
They need to join the ABF, Anti-Bolshevik Federaton and execute any IMF representative or agent who crosses into their territory.
I"ll take the acropolis for $10,000 Johnny. Still some eurotrash that has a little money will drop by every once in a while. Maybe put a Starbucks on the steps or something.


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Eighty Morristown people from different walks of life brainstormed at the Hyatt Morristown Friday to envision - and activate - creative projects that include the whole community and ensure a thriving town.
Participants in Creative Morristown kicked off the two-day event by choosing their topics. That so-called "open space" format is typical of these creative gatherings, which have been sweeping the country the past 40 years as a way to change communities.
Locally, the effort was hosted by Sustainable Morristown, the Arts Council of the Morris Area and Creative New Jersey, an ...


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Private oil & gas producer Cairn India gained more than 1.5 percent on Wednesday as Religare has a buy rating on the stock with a target price of Rs 400.
Media reports indicate that the government has agreed in-principle to allow exploration in some fields beyond the stipulated date. "While a formal announcement is awaited, such a development would be a significant positive for all upstream companies," Religare said in its report.
Also Read
On Monday, The Economic Times reported that the oil ministry has decided to allow Cairn India to further explore Rajasthan oil fields, a decision that could raise the block's output by over 70%. The decision will also intensify exploration activities in other producing fields operated by ONGC, GSPC and Reliance Industries, government officials said.
"Cairn, which produces 175,000 barrels of oil every day from oilfields in Rajasthan, has been unable to raise its output because of an earlier interpretation of the production-sharing contract (PSC) by the oil ministry that limited exploration activities to the first seven years after a contract is awarded," the report said.
At 15:21 hours IST, the stock rose 1.57 percent to Rs 320.05 on the Bombay Stock Exchange.
Cairn India stock price
On December 01, 2015, Cairn India closed at Rs 137.15, up Rs 2.75, or 2.05 percent. The 52-week high of the share was Rs 266.00 and the 52-week low was Rs 121.25.
The company's trailing 12-month (TTM) EPS was at Rs 0.15 per share as per the quarter ended September 2015. The stock's price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio was 914.33. The latest book value of the company is Rs 197.62 per share. At current value, the price-to-book value of the company is 0.69.
READ MORE ON Cairn India
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I got an email this morning from Craftsy saying they're doing a drawing where 5 lucky people will win 5 classes on their wishlist. The drawing is next Monday (the 25th) so you only have this week to add classes to your wishlist if you don't have 5 already!
I've not taken any of the paid classes yet - I only discovered Craftsy recently and have been waffling over which one to try first after trying out the freebies. Currently the 5 on my wishlist are:
40 Techniques Every Sewer Should Know
Sewing on the Edge: Finishing Techniques
The Couture Dress
Pant Construction Techniques
Pant Fitting Techniques
So, what's on your wishlist? What classes have you taken that you loved and absolutely insist everybody else should put on theirs? What classes were duds and should be replaced by something else?
Bernina 1130
Brother CS6000i
Brother 1034D serger
Thanks for the heads up ..appreciate it !
The Couture Dress is amazing! Definitely worth paying for, if you don't win it! I also recommend Angela Wolf's classes. Her new jeans class is fantastic, as are her other two classes (Creative serging and altering RTW). If couture sewing is of particular interest, I also highly recommend The Iconic Tweed Jacket. I bit the bullet and bought it after leaving it in my wish list all of three days. It is very much along the lines of Susan Khalje's class: thorough, excellent demonstration of technique that increases your confidence in being able to produce beautiful work.
I've been taking quilt classes, and waiting for the sewing ones to go on sale at one point or another. Maybe I should put some of the more expensive classes on my wishlist!
Wait to see if you win, then enroll in one if you don't. Craftsy is fabulous. I've got a slew on classes on their, and you never go wrong. The instructors are all first-rate and specialists in their field. And you go at your own pace and time. You cannot go wrong! I love Craftsy and have for several years now!
Out of those classes I think The Couture Dress is my favourite, however I haven't reviewed Pant Construction Techniques or Pant Fitting Techniques as of yet - just have to find the time.
One of my favourite classes has probably got to be Sew Better, Sew Faster: Garment Industry Secrets - it really sped up how fast I sew and I love the freedom of not having to use pins.
------I do my best to write unbiased sewing class reviews and tutorials at QuickNeed.com just to help you out.
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Dear Bitches, Smart Authors First Inaugural Podcast
So you listened to the test one, but now want to hear the first inaugural podcast, right? We retread some of the economic discussion from our earlier podcast, but we have more to say about what's selling, most notably ebooks. We also have as our first guest Malle Vallik, Director Digital Content & Interactivity, from Harlequin with us to discuss all things bright and digital from Harlequin. Enjoy!
Technical notes: this is the feed to the podcast and you can click on this link to add it to iTunes. We can't curse on the podcast due to iTunes content restrictions. (Dammit fuck).
If you have content suggestions, tips on how to do this whole thing better, or general wtf-ery comments, email us. It's all welcome because a) we are new to this and b) we don't really know what we are doing so the wtf comments are probably all valid. The email address for the podcast is [email protected].
This podcast is brought to you by the letters E, B, and HQN, and by Morgan from Miss Media Productions. Thanks, Morgan!


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While neighbouring countries Pakistan and India will be celebrating their respective Independence Days on consecutive days, cricket teams from both the Nations will take field for their respective Test assignments. Both India and Pakistan cricket teams are currently on their away-tours, India is battling it out against England while Pakistan is busy competing with Asian neighbour Sri Lanka. Both the Asian giants, India and Pakistan are trailing in their respective Test series. India are 1-2 down in a five-match Test series meanwhile Pakistan too are 0-1 behind in a Two match series.
India after their historic triumph at Lords failed to continue with the momentum and lost two following Test matches abjectly to see England gain an unassailable lead and go up in the Series. India lost their last Test inside three days and were handsomely outplayed by England in all the departments. On the other hand Pakistan after piling up huge total in their 1st innings of first Test match fell apart in 2nd innings and lost nine wickets on day five, eventually losing the match against hosts Sri Lanka. Both India and Pakistan now find themselves in similar situation and in last Test match of their respective series will hunt for a win to at least level the series, as winning is unattainable now.
Apart from lagging behind there is another trace of similarity between the two teams. As Pakistan and India will be celebrating their Independence Day on 14th and 15th August respectively, the cricket teams from both the Nations will be facing utmost challenge on their respective Independence days. Pakistan is scheduled to play second and last Test of series on 14th August i.e. Pakistan's Independence Day and India will play England in an all-important fifth Test beginning 15th August. For both teams after being trounced in their preceding Test match it is a perfect opportunity to get their act right and make respective Nations proud.


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Mom's been a fan for as long as I can remember....like many she wants to show her support too
12th Man Ready
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Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, Inc.
A Corporate Member Primary Industry: Consulting Services SIC ID: 8748
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Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services (STTAS) is a leading provider of customs and international trade consulting services to the public and private sectors. STTAS offers the focus, foresight, commitment and creativity necessary to help you surpass the competition and succeed in the global marketplace. As recognized leaders in international trade compliance, the consulting firm of Sandler & Travis Trade Advisory Services, Inc. (STTAS) and the law firm of Sandler, Travis & Rosenberg, P.A. (ST&R) have been providing innovative solutions, managed services, and compliance guidance to exporters for over 30 years.
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November 30, 2015
Stay Connected Anywhere
HUTCHINSON, Kan. (AP) _ The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals is objecting to restrictions on its exhibit next month at the Kansas State Fair, saying they amount to unconstitutional censorship.
Fair officials say any videos or pictures of animals being decapitated, dismembered or butchered must not be readily visible outside PETA's booth, so that fairgoers will have to make a conscious choice to view the material.
PETA calls that a content-based restraint. It says the fair is a public forum and cannot restrict viewpoints.
Fair general manager Denny Stoecklein responded Wednesday that the fair ``supports Kansas agriculture and sends a strong pro-agriculture message.''
He added, ``We also provide an equal opportunity to all individuals and organizations to apply for booth space and respect an individual or organization's First Amendment rights.''
Click Here to access the online Public Inspection File
Viewers with disabilities can get assistance accessing this station's FCC Public Inspection File by contacting the station with the information listed below. Questions or concerns relating to the accessibility of the FCC's online public file system should be directed to the FCC at 888-225-5322, 888-835-5322 (TTY), or firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Kathryn Moore
Kathryn is a local hailing from the Durham/Chapel Hill area. She is a Durham Academy graduate that went on to attend Carnegie Mellon to earn a BFA in Fine Arts. Her concentration was in sculpture, specifically metal working. Afterwards she continued her education at Comair Aviation Academy receiving her Multi-Engine Commercial and Certified Flight Instructors licenses. After flight school she began tattooing and has been doing so since 1995.


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Members of the Italian American Club of Brewster recently made a $2,700 donation to the Brewster Community Food Pantry.
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The Brewster Community Food Pantry received a much-needed donation last month from the Italian American Club of Brewster.
Maurizio Cucciotti, president of the Italian American Club, became aware that the food pantry was running low on funds as he saw an increase in the number of families asking for assistance, a rise in food prices and a decrease in individual monetary contributions, said Sue Burcroff, the pantry's co-president.
Cucciotti organized a benefit dinner that raised $2,700, and a check was presented to the pantry's organizers in November.
The Brewster Community Food Pantry has been serving Putnam County residents since 1987. It is an all-volunteer organization serving approximately 1,000 individuals in 300 families per month, Burcroff said.
The pantry is open from 10 a.m. to noon Tuesdays and 2 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, and clients may come for groceries twice per month.
On the first visit a new client must present proof of residence, such as a driver's license, utility bill, passport or visa. Once they are entered in the computer there are no further requirements unless they move or the number of people in the family changes.
The pantry also provides a special distribution for each family on Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter each year.
Additionally, the pantry's organizers are seeking "Food Truck Angels" to help defray the $150 per month cost of renting a truck to transport food.
This year there is a possibility that by February the food pantry's funds will be depleted and programs may have to be drastically altered until June when its grants are renewed for the next year.
Donations can be sent to Brewster Community Food Pantry, c/o St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, 26 Prospect St., Brewster, NY 10509.


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Gov. John Kasich came to Harrison County on Wednesday night, touting his vision for the future of the state, which includes an increase in the severance tax for the oil and gas industry.
Gov. John Kasich came to Harrison County on Wednesday night, touting his vision for the future of the state, which includes an increase in the severance tax for the oil and gas industry.
Appearing at the Harrison County Republican Party Lincoln Day Dinner, Kasich said he wants to "modernize" the tax, noting that energy companies pay 20 cents on a $90 barrel of oil. He favors increasing it to 4 percent.
"How does that stack up against other states?" he asked. "It would be the lowest."
He added, "Big oil companies go where the gold is in the ground. They don't come here because they like us."
The increase would have a major impact on Harrison County, which is in the center of the Utica Shale play.
Kasich said he hopes to use money from the severance tax increase to pay for a
20 percent cut in the state income tax. Neighboring Indiana is planning on lowering its income tax to 3 percent, while Ohio's is 6 percent.
"I thought it was important to bring down the tax rate so Ohio remains competitive," he said.
He also wants to cut taxes on small businesses by 50 percent.
"Lower income taxes will help the state. Lower business taxes will help the state," Kasich said.
The severance tax increase is in trouble in the Republican-controlled General Assembly.
State Rep. Andy Thompson, R-Marietta, who represents Harrison County in the Ohio House and attended the dinner, said the plan is dead in the House.
Thompson didn't favor the increase, noting that 90 percent of the tax would be paid by property owners.
The banquet, held at the Franklin Museum in New Athens, attracted a capacity crowd of between 275 and 280 people from Harrison and surrounding counties, with those in attendance dining in the former New Athens High School gym.
John Jones, chairman of the Harrison County GOP, said last year's dinner attracted about 170 people. He attributed the increase to the appearance by Kasich.
"It's the first time we've had a sitting governor at the dinner in many, many years," Jones said. "We made history."
When the governor arrived at around 6:30 p.m., he received a standing ovation from the audience. While people ate their dinner, Kasich worked the crowd, shaking hands and posing for pictures.
In his speech, Kasich touched upon other topics, including his administration's third grade reading guarantee and switching the state's school district ratings to letter grades.
He noted that his latest biennium budget includes $1.2 billion more for K-12 education. "We can afford to do that because we've been good stewards," he said.
He spoke in support of Medicaid expansion in the state, saying that it would be a chance to bring $13 billion back to the state. The money would help the working poor, people with drug addictions and those with mental illness.
Page 2 of 2 - "When the economy is strong, we have to help people in the shadows," the governor said.
Medicaid expansion has been removed from the House's version of the budget.
Kasich presented a positive view of the state's economy, saying that residents can now be hopeful about the future.
He spoke of his recent trip to the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
"The world is waking up to what we're doing here," Kasich said, "because we have guts and we have quality."
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Download a free Paste Magazine Holiday Music Sampler from Noisetrade.
It's simple to add 18-new holiday songs to your playlist. Just click to download the Paste Holiday Sampler and enter your e-mail address and zip code. You'll receive an e-mail with a special download link. Then download your free music and play it on your computer or any MP3 player.
This is a fine collection of non-traditional holiday-themed songs. I'm especially enjoying J.D. McPherson's "Twinkle."
Check out other freebies you can request and be sure to subscribe to Northern Cheapskate for more money-saving tips!
About Christina Brown
Christina loves clipping coupons, pinching pennies, and chasing her three boys (a 10-year-old and twin 8-year-olds) as a stay-at-home mom.


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In light of the tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut today, we would like to highlight some of the free resources available to those law enforcement agencies tasked with preparing for and responding to such events. On our Downloads page, you will find the following material: "Incident Commander", released by BreakAway and the Department of Justice in 2007, is a ground-breaking training tool that employs PC game technology to allow first...Read More
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CrimeSolutions.gov is a one-stop shop for information about programs that work in criminal justice, juvenile justice, and crime victim services. This website is a credible resource to inform practitioners about what works using the best available evidence in order to help state, local, and tribal jurisdictions address crime effectively and efficiently. Click this link to see an interview with Dr. Phelan Wyrick of CrimeSolutions.gov...Read More
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Check out these social networking safety tips provided to us by the Texas Department of Public Safety. Facebook tips Twitter tips Google+ tips LinkedIn...Read More
There's an App for that – Stolen Firearms Recovery
A new mobile application from IACP helps officers in the field deal with recovered and stolen firearms. Stolen Firearms Recovery App LinkRead More


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Oshkosh North 7, Fond du Lac 0: The Cardinals had a rough outing while hosting the Spartans, losing all seven matches in straight sets. Fond du Lac was no closer than 6-4 in any set.
Fondy's lineup has been re-tooled with the loss of usual No. 1 singles player Nicole Feltz - who, according to coach Heather Schuetz - is out for the season with a broken rib suffered Aug. 21.
Singles: No. 1 - Savannah Prehn (ON) def. ...


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My father knew no science.
My Dad knew no science. Not that I find that surprising; he trained as a high-school math teacher around the time of the Depression, and later became a CPA. From his late 20s on, he worked in Christian missionary endeavours, as accountant, general manager and eventually as founder of his own mission agency. On weekends, he preached.
So science wasn't a topic he needed to deal with.
However, he did have an interest in it. It could be used to "prove" the truth of the Bible. I remember how he took us kids several times to see the Moody Bible Institute "Sermons from Science" and the man who let millions of volts of electricity run through his body and turn his fingers into spark plugs. (Now run by Whittier Christian Schools.) The object? To show us how important it is to connect to the power of God.
In the 1980s, he was supporting ICR, the Institute for Creation Research, and passing on their newsletters. I never heard him discuss any of the "sciencey" articles; it wasn't his cup of tea. But he told anyone who would listen how they showed the errors and outright dishonesty of "the evolutionists". And, of course, proved that the Bible had been inerrant all along.
In his final years, half-blind and increasingly frail, he discovered Ken Ham and Answers in Genesis. And their Niagara of books, pamphlets, tapes, tracts, magazines, articles and videos. Everything in bright, beautiful covers, easily readable fonts, with clear illustrations and simple language. Simple enough even for Dad to understand. He began to read "science" for the first time in his life. Wonderful information, he thought; he repeated choice bits to me when I visited. (And was disappointed when I wasn't impressed, deaf when I tried to explain the basic concepts and point out fallacies.)
He began using AIG materials as gifts. He passed them out to new converts and to prospective converts. He stocked the church library with them.
He was on a limited budget; in his missionary years, he had made no provision for the future. "God will provide," he always said. And in his 80s, scrimping on the basic senior's pension, he made no complaints; what God had provided must necessarily be all he needed.
But AIG was doing a great work for God, and needed the money. So Dad put an automatic payment to them into his budget. And continued to buy books and tapes. (This was on top of his tithe to the church.)
He needed more care, himself, but there was no money left to pay for a homemaker, or even a cleaning woman. I went out weekly and did as much as I could; church people mended his clothes and brought food, neighbours checked on him. But there was always a shortfall.
When he died, at 92, and I picked up the reins of his finances, I found that month's bill from AIG: $70. For DVDs. To give away, of course; Dad had no TV, no DVD player, no video player: he was almost blind.
And he had, stacked by the door to hand out to visitors, a pile of new, expensive AIG books.
I must confess that I destroyed them. With prejudice.
And I won't be sending a donation for Ham's new Creation Museum. Dad would have. He knew no science.


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Having been in New Orleans for a few weeks now, I have come to realized that there is a huge Vietnamese population. This means that there are a ridiculous amount of Vietmanese restaurants and easy access for me to eat some good Pho.
Apparently the best Pho is located on the West Bank, but that is just simply too far from me so I was very happy to discover Pho Orchid in my hood.
It's a pretty fancy spot (big and open) with friendly staff so it was a real treat to dine in and have a nice hot bowl of Pho.
I obviously came her for the Pho and it delivered. I had the Pho Tai Nam Bo Viem (noodle soup with Eye Round Steak, Briskets and Meatballs). The flavor was good, the ingredients were fresh and the meat and noodles were cooked just right.
I enjoyed my meal and left feeling satisfied and I didn't even have to go deep into my pockets.
Pho Orchid
3117 Houma Blvd Metairie, LA 70006


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PONTIAC -- No one was injured after a car rammed into the front of a building at 45 W. Huron Street late Monday afternoon, sending bricks tumbling to the sidewalk and causing minor damage.
LaToya Carey, 27, who was driving a late model Dodge Journey, said she was going eastbound on Huron Street when she tried to avoid another car.
"I'm trying to avoid hitting him ... we were both going this way," said Carey, in tears. "They didn't have the decency to stop. They just kept on going. It's crazy for somebody to do that (and) they don't even stop to see if you're OK. I'm just thankful I didn't hit anybody."
Carey, from Waterford, had her one-year old son, Carter Carey, in a child's car seat when the accident happened. Both were examined at the site by emergency medical personnel, although she said she'd take her son to the hospital later for a precaution.
The car avoided one of the big flower pots, which line the south side of Huron Street between Wide Track and Wayne Street, and slammed into the building during rush hour.
The building's supports were weakened by the impact, which knocked bricks from the front, cracked one of the windows and pushed the other windows a few feet inside. The car's windshield was damaged on the right side. The air impact bags did not deploy.
Patrick Thurman, a friend of the owner of the building, was close by when the car rammed the building.
"I was sitting at the table and it kind of sounded like a mortar going off," said Thurman, who dialed 911.
Oakland County Sheriff's Department deputies and Waterford Township Fire Department members came moments later to secure the area as traffic was directed around several emergency vehicles at the site.
The car was embedded into the office side of the building, missing a lobby area where residents had congregated a few feet away.
"If she would've hit right over here, she would've went right into the lobby," said Ed Rogers, who was inside in the rear of the building when the car struck.
After the car was removed from the building, firemen remained at the site to put a new support beam on the front of the building to reinforce a sagging interior beam.
Carey said she had just recently purchased the car, which had been driven less than 1,000 miles.


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he is the most incredible...
☆Disturbed Innocence☆
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Justen Dostal, 11, of Cedar Rapids, from left, Bob Dostal of Cedar Rapids, Mark Campbell of North Liberty, Robin Kaefring of Tiffin and Renee Dostal of Cedar Rapids keep warm around a fire at Sleepy Hollow Campground in Oxford on Saturday, May 25, 2013. David Scrivner / Iowa City Press-Citizen
- Filed Under
The unofficial start to summer has been officially postponed.
Memorial Day weekend typically means boating, camping and food off the grill. This year, Mother Nature had different plans.
About an inch of rain fell Saturday across Johnson County and more is on the way for the rest of the weekend, according to the National Weather Service. ...


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Practice Limited to Orthodontics
Orthodontic Specialists. We are a private orthodontic office located in Long Beach. We do one thing only: Braces. Our training, experience, and facility are all dedicated to orthodontics. We offer traditional metal brackets and ceramic brackets. Invisible braces and removable appliances are utilized when feasible.
Hands-On. The doctor is always there, supervising and executing every step.
Old School. We have no problem forming wires from scratch and making intricate adjustments to the wire to create a truly unique, beautiful smile.
Our Mission. We strive to deliver quality orthodontic care at a reasonable fee in a personable, enjoyable environment. Our goal is your satisfaction, not just during treatment, but years later. We want to be remembered for the quality of the work we did, as well as the care that was given.
Please welcome Dr. Thao V Nguyen to our practice. She graduated from USC with honors, and is a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, the highest level of professional achievement in this field. She is gentle and kind, and will be bringing the latest techniques to our office.
Dr. Michael Katsura is a graduate of Harvard School of Dental Medicine, cum laude. He received his orthodontic training at the University of Southern California. Energetic, sociable, and good-natured, Dr. Katsura has been practicing since 1989, and at the current location since 1996.
Dr. John Moutsatson is also a graduate of the University of Southern California. Sincere and easygoing, Dr. Moutsatson has been here since 1976, along with former doctors, Dr. James Loos and Dr. Eldor Sagehorn. They are all USC graduates. We're as Trojan as it gets. Fight On!
We are located in a professional medical/dental building with ample parking and disability access. We maintain a comfortable, open environment, both physically and figuratively. There is not much partition between the waiting area, the treatment area, and the sterilization area. Everything is done in the open. Parents and friends are welcome to join us in the treatment area, as long as the patient doesn't mind, to ask questions, observe, or just keep company.
We have magazines, wireless internet, coffee, tea, hot chocolate, and juice. We get muffins and fresh fruit delivered daily.
Welcome to our practice!
Caring for your teeth


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From health-conscious chocolate bars to salty energy snacks, there was something for everyone at the 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo.
By Elizabeth Louise Hatt
This past May, the weather in Chicago was hot and sticky. However, inside McCormick Place, candy and snack manufacturers were preparing for the cool weather holidays with the latest in colorful candy. Bright orange sweets waiting for trick-or-treaters, stocking stuffer-size chocolates wrapped in red and green and heart-shaped treats for Valentine's Day were among the trends observed at the National Confectioners Association's 2011 Sweets & Snacks Expo.
While many consumers are cutting back on sweets in the name of health, they are willing to make an exception and indulge on special occasions, say industry observers. This trend has opened the door for companies to capitalize on seasonal temptations with new and classic flavors packaged for the holidays.
"The holidays are a big opportunity. We excel in other areas but are looking to revamp our seasonal offerings over the next few years," said Tim LeBel, vice president of sales, in store solutions and grocery/value for Hackettstown, N.J.-based Mars Chocolate North America.
The company plans to introduce a wide range of seasonal items. For Halloween trick-or-treat bags, the company will offer Milky Way Simply Caramel, Snickers Peanut Butter Squared, M&M's and variety packs of fun-size bars as well as harvest-themed packaging for others items. The company's 2011 Christmas gift packs will feature new M&M's packaging, a range of Dove brand products in gift boxes and numerous store display cases. Retailers can expect holiday-themed packaging and displays for Valentine's Day with new varieties of Mars, Dove and M&M's branded products.
"Seasonal is a major player for us and we need more price-points to market to consumers," added LeBel. "I am really excited about our upcoming seasonal products."
The iconic marshmallow Peeps Chick, made by Just Born, is also spreading its wings. The Bethlehem Pa.-based company introduced milk and dark chocolate-dipped chicks for each season—orange for Halloween, caramel-flavored for Christmas, strawberry for Valentine's Day and the traditional yellow chick for Easter.
"We are trying to leverage the icon of the chick," said Matthew J. Pye, vice president of brand development and corporate services.
The company also launched chocolate-covered marshmallow treats—orange pumpkins for Halloween, mint-flavored trees for Christmas, raspberry hearts for Valentine's Day and yellow chicks for Easter—as well as Peepsters, individually wrapped, bite-sized dark chocolate or milk chocolate candies with marshmallow-flavored crème centers.
Chicago-based Tootsie Roll Industries is also boosting its holiday presence with Andes Truffles, available in Christmas (3.66-ounce) and Valentine's Day (3.66- and 1-ounce) packaging.
Chocolate cravings
The show wasn't only about the holidays. Chocolate got its fair share of attention with new products catering to everyone from health-conscious consumers to peanut butter lovers. Low-calorie candy bars and dark chocolate indulgences were among the popular trends, but manufacturers have made sure there is something for every chocolate-lover. Here are some of the latest chocolate delights ready to hit the shelves.
Hershey's Air Delight, The Hershey Co.'s first aerated chocolate, is available in 1.44-ounce single-serve take home bars and in a 9.4-ounce bag of Kisses. "Hershey's Air Delight Chocolate is the Hershey's chocolate you know and love with a light and airy texture that melts effortlessly in your mouth," said Anna Lingeris, a spokesperson for the Hershey, Pa.-based company.
Skinny Cow has left the freezer with the introduction of two chocolate treats that have only 110-120 calories. Dreamy Clusters are a bite-sized crunchy crisp with a layer of caramel and covered with either milk or dark chocolate. The Heavenly Crisp Candy Bars are chocolate wafer bars filled with either chocolate or peanut butter (with an SRP of $0.99 for a single bar and $4.29 for take home boxes). "The Skinny Cow brand has a long history of turning 'better-for-you' skeptics into avid enthusiasts," said Tricia Bowles, spokesperson for Skinny Cow, a brand of Glendale, Calif.-based Nestlé USA.
Mint is the latest flavor to join Jelly Belly's Chocolate Dips, a line of jelly beans from Jelly Belly Co. that is covered in dark chocolate. Available in bulk, 2.8-ounce bags and a 4.15-ounce gift box with five colors, chocolate dips have less than 4 calories each and come in Very Cherry, Raspberry, Strawberry, Coconut, Orange and now Mint.
The Fairfield, Calif.-based company also debuted a candy corn-flavored jelly bean that is decorated in orange, yellow and white available in 10-pound bulk cases and 9-ounce packages. The company is also releasing a 20-flavor collection of Bertie Bott's Every-Flavour Beans to celebrate the final Harry Potter movie that will be out this summer.
Marathon Smart Stuff Bars from Mars Chocolate North America combine chocolate with wholesome ingredients such as blueberries, cranberries and peanuts, as well as eight essential vitamins and minerals. With three to five grams of fiber and 140 calories or less per serving, the bars come in four flavors—Crunchy Multi Grain, Crunchy Chocolate Crisp, Crunchy Honey Graham and Crunchy Trail Mix. The line has an SRP of $0.89 for a 1.23-ounce single bar and $6.99 for eight-count multi-packs. Mars also featured its Snickers Peanut Butter Squared.
Beyond chocolate
Of course chocolate isn't for everyone. Consumers who prefer fresh fruit and mint flavors are in luck. Many manufacturers are giving their classic fruit snacks a twist with new flavors and added health benefits. The same goes for gum, which has strayed far from the traditional bubblegum or mint variety.
Looking to make a splash in the fruit snack category, Round Lake, Minn.-based Farley's & Sathers introduced Hawaiian Punch Splashers, a fruit snack with a liquid center that offers 100% vitamin C and 90 calories per serving.
Also catering to the better-for-you crowd, Tree Top brand debuted Fruit Dimensions Fruit Snacks, which are made with real fruit juice, no artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, are gluten- and fat-free and come in six on-trend flavors. "We think the fruit snack category is going to continue to grow and expand over the next few years in highly differentiated segments led by powerful brands," said Matthew Fenton, vice president of marketing for Farley's & Sathers.
Farley's and Sathers also rolled out Mott's Medleys Fruit Snacks, which are made with real fruit and vegetable juice, and Mott's for Tots Fruit Snacks, a fruit snack with less sugar, a smaller size and softer chew for younger children. The Mott's for Tots Fruit Snacks are available in apple, apple white grape, fruit punch and strawberry banana.
The company's Trolli and Brach's brands are also getting an update. Trolli's classic gummi bears have grown four times their size into Big Bold Bears, available in six flavors; Trolli Soda Poppers are offered in five soda flavors; and Brach's Mandarin Orange Slices have been reformulated with real fruit juice and topped with orange sugar crystals. "It's a fresh take on a classic favorite," said Jamie Kuhn, senior brand manager for Brach's.
Trident is spicing up its gum with Trident Vitality, a line with an array of flavors, including peppermint with ginseng, mint with white tea and citrus and strawberry with vitamin C. "Based on research, we found that many consumers were looking for unique new flavors that fit with their wellness lifestyle," said Kelly Bivens, brand manager for Trident, owned by Cadbury North America, a division of Northfield, Ill.-based Kraft Foods.
Kraft's Stride brand introduced Stride Spark gum, containing 25% of the recommend daily value of vitamins B-6 and B-12, say officials. Available in two flavors, Kinetic Mint and Kinetic Fruit, Kraft officials said they developed the gum in response to consumers "looking to add oomph into their day-to-day activities wherever they can."
Available in two distinctive mint flavor combinations—Mint with Melon Accents and Mint with Herbal Accents—Dentyne Pure contains NeutraFresh, a proprietary blend of ingredients shown to neutralize bad breath odors. "Dentyne Pure is a true breakthrough innovation freshening and is the first gum uniquely formulated with NeutraFresh to neutralize fresh breath, instead of just covering it up," said Gary Osifchin, director of Dentyne, owned by Cadbury North America.
Chicago-based Wm. Wrigley Jr. Co., a subsidiary of Mars, welcomed new flavors to its line of Extra gum with Smooth Mint as well as Dessert Delights, a line of dessert-inspired flavors, including Orange Crème Pop (available now) and Apple Pie (coming in September), that contain only five calories per stick.
Juicy Fruit, another Wrigley brand, is debuting three flavors in sugar-free pellet gum form—a green apple raspberry flavor called Juicy Green, a strawberry and cherry combination called Sweet Red, and Juicy Fruit Riddle, a new mystery fruit flavor.
Wrigley's Gummies Collisions fuse together two colors and flavors—Cherry-Watermelon, Raspberry-Lemonade and Pineapple-Fruit Punch—and Starbursts Jelly Beans introduces Crazy beans made up of six dual-flavor combinations.


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People who are drawn to Social Work want to make a difference in the world. A degree in this field gives you the skills and the resources to help people change their lives for the better and to advocate for social change.
Social workers:
At its core, Social Work requires a passion for helping people and a commitment to social justice. Our graduates help people and communities tackle problems rooted in poverty, racism, ageism, violence, or illness. Social workers serve people of every age and background as they script new futures for themselves.
The U.S. Department of Labor has identified Social Work as one of the fastest growing professions, making a bachelor degree in Social Work both a marketable degree and a foundation for advanced standing in a Social Work graduate program. A masters degree in Social Work opens up career possibilities as an advanced practitioner, a supervisor and a leader in the profession.
Bachelor of Science in Social Work
Masters of Science in Social Work
Ypsilanti, MI, USA 48197


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- Study at Deakin
- Life at Deakin
- Research
- Alumni
- Industry and community
- About Deakin
On the 1st January 2015, the Alfred Deakin Research Institute merged with the Centre for Citizenship and Globalisation to create the Alfred Deakin Research Institute for Citizenship and Globalisation (ADRI-CG). For information about the new Institute, including staff and membership, please visit www.deakin.edu.au/arts-ed/adricg
Researcher output profile for Dr Brian Coffey
Dr Brian Coffey is an Alfred Deakin Postdoctoral Research Fellow. His research interests centre on: the policy dimensions of sustainability; environmental governance, and; science â?? policy relations. Brian has published in a variety of Australian and international policy, planning, and management journals.
His current research explores the ways that environmental issues are conceptualized in public policy processes, and the implications this has for the way in which they are addressed. Brian is particularly interested in interpretive approaches to policy research.
Brian was previously a Research Fellow on a national CSIRO funded project investigating the uptake of science in coastal management. In this project Brian contributed to the development of a diagnostic model for analyzing how the operating environment within which science takes place influences the way in which science is, or isnâ??t, used in decision making.
Brian completed his PhD in Policy Studies at the University of Queensland in 2010. In this he drew on the theory and methods of Critical Discourse Analysis to examine how the discourses of neoliberalism and ecological modernization influenced sustainability policy making in Victoria, Australia.
Prior to completing his PhD, Brian worked within the Victorian public sector for 17 years in a variety of environmental policy and planning roles. He also has undergraduate and graduate degrees from Griffith University, University of New England, and RMIT University.
2012 Canadian Government Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade Faculty Research Program Award 'Informing integrated regional development'
2013 Institute of Public Administration/ University of Canberra Public Administration Research Trust Fund Award 'Between a rock and hard place: Exploring how Members of Parliament with environmental responsibilities view their work'
Deakin University CRICOS Provider Code: 00113B
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Carla and the pilot while getting ready to fly over the Grand Canyon. The pilot also was the best comedian I have ever heard. He was extremely knowledgeable of the areas that we flew over.
March 2009
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City and county empower angry bullies
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by Wayne Laugesen (email@example.com)
Far too often, newspapers are boring. Journalists manage to sanitize life, which is otherwise colorful, interesting and messy. And there's a reason for this. It's called the illusion of credibility. The more boring a newspaper can be, the less often it's ridiculed by politicians and their public relations flacks.
Dave Barry, a nationally syndicated humor columnist, summed it up best, writing: "The more boring a newspaper is, the more it is respected."
We try hard at Boulder Weekly not to bore the audience, and too often we fail. But sometimes I can tell when we've succeeded at not being boring. After a not-so-boring issue hits the streets, I typically hear the booming voice of the Boulder County Commission's public relations guy screaming at me over the phone to deliver a lecture about credibility. That's because whenever the commissioners try to do things like undo the First Amendment-a sensational move by local government-we get called to the carpet as being sensationalists, or ignoring the facts.
But in truth, life is sometimes sensational and must be reported as such. Some people and their actions, by their very nature, are sensational. So good reporting can appear sensational simply because it's true.
Case in point: reports on Tom Russell, co-founder and head honcho of the University Hill Neighborhood Association.
On three occasions in the past, this column reported on Russell's absurd harassment of students on University Hill. Excerpts were reprinted of e-mails Russell sent out, telling members of his association how to cause legal trouble for students and catch them doing bad things. His e-mails told how to spy on students with cameras. They told of efforts to get students expelled for relatively minor infractions of law.
Russell's actions, as reported in this column, were so outrageous they almost couldn't be believed. It was inconceivable to many readers that a man would move here from Texas, buy a house in a university neighborhood, and immediately start taking extreme efforts to banish students, renters and all rental properties from his vicinity. A few callers told me it must be hyperbole, because it sounded like a tale too tall to stand up.
Well readers, vindication has arrived.
At the Oct. 2 Boulder City Council meeting, 15 people took to the public podium to complain of severe, cruel and unusual harassment by the University Hill Neighborhood Association. Some were landlords, others were tenants. Some came with letters from neighbors who say they've been spied on, stalked, threatened and harassed by Russell and his minions.
Several landlords said they were taking personal risks by complaining about the neighborhood association publicly. They handed over a letter to the city council in which Tom Russell recommends that neighborhood association members target with vigilant observation anyone who doesn't support proposals for strict new ordinances that would hold landlords accountable for their tenants' behaviors.
The e-mail says: "We could get a list of [those] who testified. I know that one is kept as part of the Council minutes, and perhaps someone at the City could send it to us. Then, we could look up the properties of the complaining landlords and send someone around with a digital camera..."
Devan Boyd, a University of Colorado student, told of Russell calling police on innocent students just to cause them trouble. CU student Brooke Warburton said Russell prowls around her property, spying on her. He has come to the door twice in an effort to frighten and intimidate her with stories about women being taken into the mountains from the neighborhood to be brutally raped.
"We see him looking in the windows of our neighbors' homes," Warburton said.
The stories told to council were just like those I've heard for the two years that the University Hill Neighborhood Association has been on a crusade to run students away from University Hill.
And other stories, which the council didn't hear, are easy to find. Hill Resident Mathew Binger tells of a threatening letter from an attorney, not Russell, who belongs to the neighborhood association. The letter, on the lawyer's official stationery, demands that the resident install a sprinkler system, plant new sod and paint his fence, or else: "If these changes are not made, I can assure you that my neighbors are going to begin reporting you and your house on a daily basis for noise, trash, parking, snow shoveling and occupancy violations once the new ordinances go into effect later this year."
This isn't the first time Boulder has seen communal insanity by a vigilante neighborhood cult. In the late '90s, we saw similar activity in Fourmile Canyon, where a group called Residents Against Inappropriate Development (RAID) became obsessed with making life hell for any neighbors who weren't members of the club. RAID leaders, with enormous homes built on extreme slopes, worked hard to get new laws against big homes on slopes. They hid in trees to spy on neighbors they didn't like, and threw public parties to celebrate their nastiness.
The reason for this odd phenomenon is simple: local government, the city and the county bend over backwards to accommodate those who complain about the activities of their neighbors. Never does a councilmember or a county commissioner offer the appropriate response to a neighborhood fuss-budget who makes it a full-time hobby to obsess about the business of his neighbors. Never do they say: "Sorry, but we can't help you with this problem. This is something you will need to work out with your neighbor. We hope you will work to resolve this and try to be friends."
Instead, the local politicians respond with new rules and regulations in response to nearly every complaint. When Buddhist businessman Binx Selby said he would hold religious retreats in his new mountain home, RAID members complained. So the County Commission found a loophole around the First Amendment and outlawed religious gatherings in homes. They forged new territory and forbade religious institutions in mountain areas not zoned for "institutional" use. Never mind the fact that churches, synagogues, mosques and such have historically been zoned like homes in the United States, out of respect for the Bill of Rights.
And the city, in response to menacing Hill whiners like Russell, is considering bold new ordinances that would hold landlords responsible for something like 28 potential violations by tenants. To survive under these ordinances, of course, the landlords will need to violate the civil liberties and privacy rights of the tenants or be faced with tens of thousands of dollars in fines.
Local governments need to stay out of the everyday conflicts that pit neighbor against neighbor. They must stand back and insist that those in petty conflicts take responsibility for conflict resolution.
Otherwise, politicians do nothing but empower and energize weird little cults like RAID and the University Hill Neighborhood Association. They have the same effect as parents who intervene in the routine conflicts of siblings, escalating the contests by introducing authority and power into the mix. The Oct. 2 meeting, in all its splendor, should serve as the only proof our city leaders need.
Send letters to the editor to: firstname.lastname@example.com. Fax: 303-494-2585. Snail mail: Boulder Weekly Letters, 690 S. Lashley Lane, Boulder, CO 80305. Contact Wayne Laugesen at firstname.lastname@example.com.


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I suggest three ballerinas diet tea. one cup a night will deal with help with water retention and help with cleaning your colon all at once so you are successful with continuous weight loss
Cutting the salt in your food will reduce water retention, your blood pressure, and reduce your chance for heart disease.
Cutting out salt will actually increase your chance of heart disease and fat retention and slower metabolism, among other things. I used to do no salt than did some research and now eat a lot of salt. (see additional note for women)Check out what this microbiologist has to say: http://raypeat.com/articles/articles/salt.shtml
Few people know that too much sugar intake increases the hormone insulin. If your body has high levels of insulin, its difficult to get rid of sodium & your body retains water. Eating Onions, celery, eggplant, lemon water can help with puffiness.Eliminate the causes of water retention and start losing weight again. High blood sugar levels can ruin your weight loss efforts.