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In a normal job interview, it'd count against you if you bragged about your ability to interrogate detainees at Guantanamo Bay. But Washington State Patrol doesn't conduct normal job interviews.
So what is the highway patrol (a flat-brimmed group many readers might associate most with the bored pranksters in Super Troopers) need with an ex hand from Guantanamo?
Post 9/11, the Bush administration, the Department of Homeland Security, and the Department of Justice came together to create 75 intelligence gathering groups called Fusion Centers. Ours, the Washington State Fusion Center (WSFC), is headquartered downtown at 3rd and Spring.
The ostensible purpose of these bureaucratic mash-ups was reflected in their name. The centers were created in order to better encourage local and federal agencies, normally too territorial to swap valuable intelligence, to make nice and share. (Or fuse, if you will.)
At least that was the idea, anyway.
Instead, as has been well-documented by our own Rick Anderson, the WSFC's most public work has been less than impressive.
In 2007, the agency and the FBI launched a global manhunt to track down two suspiciously dark-skinned men who'd been seen snapping pictures on a Seattle ferry. The photo-takers turned out to be two European businessman on vacation; in other words, tourists.
Then in 2010, Anderson wrote a cover story on the WSFC's role in a sordid scheme to spy and falsely arrest anti-war protesters. The fallout: $400,000 in tax-payer funded legal settlements and an embarrassing (for him) exchange between our photographer and an FBI agent.
Recently, Wikileaks was forced to take down the trove of information, which included resumes, confidential evaluations, and letters of recommendation. But now we have it.
Which means that I know that an intelligence analyst named Kia Graham worked on "over 100 strategic interrogations of high-value human intelligence targets" at Guantanamo. Specifically, Graham was involved in a technique known as "separation," the often brutal isolation and interrogation of detainees.
We also know that future employee Donald H. Castanares' qualifications list him as a black belt martial arts instructor. And that Benny DePalmo's resume boasts that he's an "expert with 38 cal revolver, 9mm automatic pistol, 9 automatic machine gun, police baton, 12 ga shotgun."
It's not a surprise that nearly all of the WSFC applicants have military experience, or brag about things that might seem foreign to average citizens. In the world of law enforcement, what might seem strange to some is an asset. But what's scary is that these people are landing at a department whose role seems undefined, and whose track record, at least thus far, makes me feel less safe, not more.


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10 Steps to Pick the Right Doctor
Whether you need a primary care doctor or a specialist, these 10 steps will ensure you find the right doctor for you. View Slideshow
Procedures Dr. Cheng Performs
Dr. Cheng does not have any procedures listed. If you are Dr. Cheng and would like to add procedures you perform, please update your free profile.
- Anemia
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- Diabetes
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Background Check for Dr. Cheng
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Education & Training
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Internship Hospital
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Languages Spoken by Dr. Cheng & Staff
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subset: commoncrawl


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Browsing articles in behavior
News: Karen B. London
Singing along to "Let It Go"
This dog sleeps right through Charli XCX's "Boom Clap" featured in "The Fault in Our Stars," but watch how he reacts when Frozen's "Let It Go" by Idina Menzel comes on. The way his ears respond first followed by a slight movement of the head, then a head raise and a look directly at the camera makes the sequence look choreographed. The dog acts very much like an actor in a musical at the start of...
News: Karen B. London
This may not be obvious to your dog
"Brought home my first Christmas tree about 25 seconds ago. The dog peed on it about 23 seconds ago. So. Joy to the world and season's greetings and all that." My friend's Facebook post describes a situation many of us have faced. Though Christmas trees are decorations to us, their purpose is far from clear to most dogs. Anxiety has always been a part of my experience when I bring a dog to visit...
News: Karen B. London
She's not a Houdini dog after all
Though definitely impressed by the intelligence of dogs, I generally still consider my cognitive skills to be beyond theirs. At the very least, I like to think that I am a match for the power of the canine brain, but lately there has been evidence to the contrary. We were dog sitting a 5-month old puppy named Peanut. Her house training was far enough along that she never had an accident during...
News: Karen B. London
Dog remains ever hopeful
In this video, a dog tries repeatedly to convince a statue to play fetch with him. He places his stick at the statue's feet over and over, but never gets the response that he wants. Of course my response to watching this was laughter, but it really made me think. Why is this dog undaunted by the statue's unresponsiveness? I'm guessing that most people do engage in play with this endearing and...
News: Karen B. London
Seeing themselves in the mirror
Peanut bounded up the stairs fully of puppy pep and sporting an expression of extreme happiness. She had never been to our house and loves to explore new places. Her light-hearted mood would likely have continued if not for the mirrors all along our closet doors. When she saw her reflection, her entire affect changed. She stiffened and barked, then charged at the mirror. I have no idea how this...
News: Karen B. London
Having fun through the nose
"Tucker is serious about sniffing," my husband said about 10 minutes after we met him, and I agreed. Tucker is an 8-month old puppy who is mostly German Shepherd, but has something else in him, too. We were watching him for a few days while his guardian attended a wedding on the east coast, and we had never met him before. My first priority when new dogs come to our house is to make them happy...
News: Karen B. London
Dog activity throughout the day
It's such rotten luck than just as many of us are coming home from work hoping to chill out, our dogs are ramping up for high activity. When dogs go nuts at that time of day, their happy reunion with us not the only reason. Most dogs naturally exhibit high energy and elevated activity levels in the early evening. That's why it's so important to spend some time with our dogs then. It pays to get...
News: Karen B. London
Different speeds affect multiple-dog walks
When our friends Ian and Emily told us that walking their two dogs together would mean that we would have one arm in front and one behind and demonstrated the posture, I did not take it literally, but I should have. I thought they were just cleverly saying that Super Bee would want to go faster and that Zoroaster would be a bit slower. I didn't realize that we would, in fact, have our arms open...
News: Karen B. London
Detection dogs find explosives faster
Scent detection dogs and their handlers work as a team and the behavior of both of them influences the outcome. It has long been known that dogs take cues from their human handlers and may mistakenly identify a target scent (a false positive) based on the person's behavior. They may also search in patterns based on instructions from the handler rather than according to their own inclinations. A...
News: Karen B. London
Sometimes dogs are extra excited
When my family visited relatives and friends in Portland, Ore. recently, everyone was glad to see us. However, nobody expressed their exuberance more than Nick and Margaret's dogs Zuma, Keeper and Radar. These dogs have always liked us and been happy to see us. During this visit, though, they really outdid themselves with their wags, wiggles, spins and general enthusiasm. It's certainly possible...
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ClassicsOnline Home » Piano Recital: Nemtsov, Jascha - VEPRIK, A.M. / LOURIÉ, A. / ACHRON, J. / KREIN, A. (Discovering Russia 1910-1940, Vol. 3: Waiting Room)
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text: We're sorry, Beach Combing Treasure Bag is no longer available Why not try one of these instead? Personalised Children's Swim / Gym Bag by Simply Colors £13.95$26.87€17.95$21.37 Personalised Boot Bag by The Alphabet Gift Shop £22$42.38€28.31$33.71 free UK delivery Personalised Star Gym Barrel Bag by 3 Blonde Bears £25$48.16€32.18$38.31 free UK delivery Personalised Laundry Bag by Tailored Chocolates and Gifts £20$38.52€25.74$30.65 Beach Combing Treasure Bag by Rose Cottage £18.95$36.50€24.39$29.04 3 customer reviews(3) This item is no longer available £18.50$35.63€23.81$28.35 delivery to United States Receive this item 5-10 working days from dispatch International delivery available colourcolour (required)BlueGreencolour (required)BlueGreencolour (required)BlueGreencolour (required)BlueGreen we're sorry we're sorry, This item is no longer available buy a gift voucher related categories baby & child > children's accessories > bags, purses & wallets > boys' bags & wallets baby & child > children's accessories > bags, purses & wallets > girls' bags & purses by Rose Cottage Location: Norfolk, GB read seller's profile see seller's complete range more items from this seller Christening Gift Personalised Plaque Sign by Rose Cottage £12$23.11€15.44$18.39 Personalised Pet Treat And Toy Crate by Rose Cottage £25$48.16€32.18$38.31 Christening Gift Ceramic Cross by Rose Cottage £12$23.11€15.44$18.39 Personalised Gold Handle Fireside Companio... by Rose Cottage £50$96.32€64.36$76.62 Engraved Birthday Ceramic Star by Rose Cottage £12$23.11€15.44$18.39 Christening Gift For Boys Ceramic Star by Rose Cottage £12$23.11€15.44$18.39 view all you may also like PRODUCT DETAILS CUSTOMER REVIEWS DELIVERY RETURNS Made in Britain gift wrapping available ask seller a question save for later A fun canvass childrens seaside treasure bag Beach combing is one of life's greatest pleasures... and something that you never grow tired of. That's why children and adults alike love our treasure bags which are perfect for keeping all kinds of beach finds safe and sound for later, curious examination. Each bag is made from stout waterproof canvas with a rope handle and is available in four, vibrant colours... so its always easy to find. The side of each bag sports a panel with the motto: 'Treasures, Shells, Precious Things, a little bag to keep them in'. Sometimes even the simplest of things can take on the greatest value and you will find that the 'Treasure Bag' will always be one of the first things your children pack next time you head off to the beach or for a picn Colours Available: Blue, Green Currently out of stock: Poppy Red, Bright Yellow made from: Waterproof canvass dimensions: 27cm x 31cm product code: 145666 3 customer reviews Fri 25 May 2012 It was a present for my niece - she loves it and even took it into show and tell at school. Thu 03 May 2012 The bag themselves are fantastic but I was unable to get the colour I wanted, I was however immediately given the option of an alternative colour. Mon 16 Apr 2012 No comment supplied. read about our product rating system ratings guide trusted independent customer feedbackforum excellent bad good poor This product is dispatched to you by Rose Cottage. MAINLAND UK order now and receive this item by price Standard Delivery Tuesday 3 May £2.75$5.29€3.53$4.21 NON-MAINLAND UK estimated delivery price Highlands & Islands of Scotland 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £2.75$5.29€3.53$4.21 Northern Ireland 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £2.75$5.29€3.53$4.21 Other UK Islands 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £2.75$5.29€3.53$4.21 INTERNATIONAL DELIVERY estimated delivery price Western Europe 2-5 working daysfrom dispatch £11.50$22.15€14.80$17.62 Rest of Europe 5-10 working daysfrom dispatch £11.50$22.15€14.80$17.62 USA & Canada 5-10 working daysfrom dispatch £18.50$35.63€23.81$28.35 Asia & Australasia 5-10 working daysfrom dispatch £19.50$37.56€25.10$29.88 Rest of the world 5-14 working daysfrom dispatch £19.50$37.56€25.10$29.88 You have 28 days, from receipt of cancellable goods, to notify the seller if you wish to cancel your order or exchange an item. Please note: goods that are personalised, bespoke or made-to-order to your specific requirements, perishable products and personal items sold with a hygiene seal (cosmetics, underwear) in instances where the seal is broken are non-refundable, unless faulty. Read more about our returns policy.Should you choose to return or exchange your order you will need to deliver the item(s) to the UK, where this seller is based. Rose Cottage's return policy Please see notonthehighstreet.com's returns policy.


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- CambodiaPersonal UseFunding via Hattha Kaksekar Limited (HKL), a partner of Save the Children
Ervin ArleyColombiaRetailFunding via Fundación Mario Santo Domingo (FMSD)
Yessica Jul...ColombiaRetailFunding via Fundación Mario Santo Domingo (FMSD)
Mana Group
Update on Mana GroupThe group is made up of four enterprising members. One of them is Karla who has had her home-based grocery store business for 6 years. She is 39 years old, single, and has two children aged 16 and 20 who help her with the administration of her business.
She will use the loan to buy stock for the grocery store such as rice, beans, sugar, oil, bathing soap, soap for washing clothes, toilet paper, cheese, eggs, dairy products, beef, chicken, etc.
Susana sells chemical products, Gladys sells natural soft-drinks and ice-creams, and Nelly provides photography services.
Previous Loan DetailsThe group "Mana" is made up of 4 hardworking women. One of them is Karla Janett B., who is the coordinator of the group. She started out selling soft drinks, and later with the earnings and some loans she invested in products to set up her small store. Her fellow group members are Susana María... More from Mana Group's previous loan »
Additional Information
About ADIMLocated in Central America, ADIM is a small microfinance institution with a strong social focus. In the saturated microfinance market of Nicaragua, ADIM stands out for its emphasis on the holistic development of women as well as its provision of responsible financial services. Founded in 1989 by a small group of Nicaraguan women, this institution has remained true to its initial goal of providing its clients (90% of which are women) with an opportunity for economic growth, in addition to personal and professional empowerment. Supporting an ADIM borrower means contributing not only to the continued offering of the socially conscious services it provides, but also to the sustainable growth of a truly unique microfinance institution.
Concurrent and Successive Loans
Our Field Partners often work with borrowers over a series of loans as the borrowers build credit, take out bigger loans, and expand their businesses. In order to make it easier for our Field Partners to post loans for borrowers who have been listed on Kiva before, we allow them to post successive and concurrent loans for their Kiva borrowers. This means that our Field Partners are able to post a borrower's second, third, etc., loan on Kiva without having to re-enter all of the borrower's information.
This borrower has been listed on Kiva before, so you'll see an updated loan description, as well as excerpts of the original descriptions from earlier loans. Most borrowers take out loans consecutively, meaning that they receive a second loan after having repaid the first. However, sometimes our Field Partners give out concurrent loans, allowing borrowers to take out one primary loan and a secondary "add-on" loan along with it. These "add-on" loans are typically smaller than the borrower's primary loan and serve a different purpose. Because Field Partners can now post loans as successive and concurrent loans, you will be able to track borrower progress over time and see the various ways a borrower is working with our Field Partners through funds from Kiva's lenders.
This is a Group Loan
In a group loan, each member of the group receives an individual loan but is part of a larger group of individuals. The group is there to provide support to the members and to provide a system of peer pressure, but groups may or may not be formally bound by a group guarantee. In cases where there is a group guarantee, members of the group are responsible for paying back the loans of their fellow group members in the case of delinquency or default.
Kiva's Field Partners typically feature one borrower from a group. The loan description, sector, and other attributes for a group loan profile are determined by the featured borrower's loan. The other members of the group are not required to use their loans for the same purpose.
About Nicaragua
46View loans »
Success!! The loan was 100% repaid
- Repayment Term
- 9 months (Additional Information)
- Repayment Schedule
- Monthly
- Pre-Disbursed:
- Dec 12, 2012
- Listed
- Feb 1, 2013
- Currency Exchange Loss:
- Covered
- Ended:
- Aug 17, 2013


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Ian Stawicki
Yesterday, in response to the horrible tragedies that unfolded the day before, Seattle Weekly's Rick Anderson offered his thoughts on the situation in a poignant blog post titled "Guns, Gangs and the Ian Stawicki Problem."
Ian Stawicki
It was a day of mass murder followed by the mayor's call to pass more laws to control guns. Yet he and the police chief had already announced a crackdown on weapons and this did nothing to stop loner Ian Stawicki, who left home yesterday with two guns and the rage to use them.
It's too easy to look at six homicides in one day, and 15 others since January, and say it's just guns and not their users. Stawicki was feared at the little cafe he filled with gunfire and family members say he was breaking down mentally. "We could see this coming," a brother told the Seattle Times. Maybe they should have said something.
Not surprisingly, Anderson's post touched a chord with Daily Weekly readers, many of whom chimed in.
Grant writes:
Let's hope there's less talk and more action this time than when Huff went on his rampage. Most of the gun control talk is just that - political, sexy, but just talk. More emphasis is needed on mental health care and repairing broken families.
Guest writes:
But don't dismiss gun control out of hand. If we make weapons harder to obtain, that is an excellent tool for keeping people safer.
Vought writes:
The only gun control laws that are acceptable are those that keep guns out of the hands of people who are mentally unstable or have been convicted of a violent felony. It should be easy for a law abiding citizen with no history of mental illness or violence to obtain a gun. Outlawing guns is not a solution and only increases gun related crimes because of two simple facts:
1) Criminals don't follow the law!
2) Criminals look for easy targets, and are more likely to commit violent crimes when they are certain that their intended victim is not armed.For example:* During the years in which the Washington D.C. handgun ban and trigger lock law was in effect (1976-2008), the Washington, D.C. murder rate averaged 73% higher than it was at the outset of the law, while the U.S. murder rate averaged 11% lower.[* Source: "Uniform Crime Reporting Program, District of Columbia, 1960-2008." Federal Bureau of Investigation, Criminal Justice Information Services Division.]
Shannel writes:
Funny how there's not a single comment in the blog about legal, registered gun owners vs. those who have guns illegally. Gun control does nothing for those who don't care about whether they own their gun legally in the first place.
Operation Fast & Furious anyone?
Pen_is_mightier writes:
Mike McGinn's not aware of much these days, other than the time ticking down on his utter failure of a first (and last) term.


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The crab with a forest on its back by SlateGrayWatch
©2012-2016 SlateGray
Another Damariscotta horseshoe crab. This rather colorful fellow was meandering along the water's edge, sporting a forest of algae and sea lettuce on its opisthosoma.
very pretty!
Makes a change from world turtles!
What do you mean?
Oh, you know... there are all these mythologies with turtles or tortoises so huge that actual forests made of trees grow on their backs, there seem to be a few religions out there where the whole world is a particularly enormous turtle, the speculative evolution community seems to like designing immense algae-covered sea turtles with whole ecosystems living on them, Terry Pratchett... your post made me picture an island-sized horseshoe crab with trees growing on it, or a crab with an entire world on its back.
The joke might have been funnier inside my head.
The joke might have been funnier inside my head.


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Narendra Modi is 'fake, hollow, shallow': Congress
Back To Main News
New Delhi: "Fake, hollow, shallow" is what Narendra Modi is all about, Congress on Sunday said, hitting back at the Gujarat Chief Minister for his attack on UPA and reeled out statistics to rubbish his claims on development.
"Modi is all rhetoric, lies and more lies. Making false claims and doling out fake promises. That is what Modi is all about. Fake, hollow, shallow. Empty vessels make most noise.
"No wonder Modi desperately tried to make so much, in his usual hollow rhetorical style in Hyderabad," former CLP leader of Gujarat Shaktisinh Gohil told reporters at AICC here.
The Gujarat Congress leader said that while the Chief Minister "brags" being "development personified", his own government's reports and statistics depict a completely different picture than what he claims.
He said the latest economic data shows the poor have not benefited from Modi's development.
"The data shows that distribution of benefits of high growth have not been uniform across different strata of society. In Gujarat only the rich gets richer...Middle class and poor people have not benifited anything from Modi's so- called development model for whose propaganda he has hired American firms and spent billions of tax money," Gohil said.
The Congress leader said even Odisha, which has a much lower revenue base than Gujarat, has been able to reduce poverty by about 20 percentage points between 2004-05 and 2009-10 as compared to just 8.6 per cent, Gujarat could do.
"Planning Commission data also shows poverty reduction for the deprived, especially scheduled tribes and Muslims in Gujarat has been among the lowest in the country," he said.
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BJP slams J&K govt over Arun Jaitley`s detention
Keeping opposition leaders out of Kishtwar `undemocratic`: Modi
Raking up the issue of Gujarat riots and in particular the Ishrat Jahan case without naming it, Gohil said in a press note: "Modi's sins created conducive atmosphere for terrorists in Gujarat. In fact, Modi Government can kill innocent people .... Saying they were on a mission to kill Modi."
Targeting Modi over issues of corruption and internal security, he said, "In its report, CAG has criticised Gujarat government for bad management and corruption in internal security."
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Some success stories of PM Narendra Modi
Rags to riches dream comes true
Mysore crowns new maharaja Yaduveer Wadiyar
Sonia Gandhi meets families of train mishap victims
PM Modi trying to run India like an RSS shakha: Rahul Gandhi
Manmohan Singh says 'Never used public office for own benefit'
Indian students bring US, India closure: Envoy Verma
Common man freed from political corruption in one year of Modi govt: Jaitley
Recognizing a great humanitarian at a special event in the United Nations
Why is Shashi Tharoor so ANGRY with Times Now?
Ambani's Salary Remains Unchanged; Net Worth At $20.2 Billion
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Alice in Wonderland
BEST BETDATE: January 25 2014, 1:00 PM to 5:30 PMCost:$9.CATEGORY: Kids and FamilyVENUE INFORMATION:Lakewood Cultural Center470 S. Allison Pkwy.Denver, CO 80226
Travel down the rabbit hole with Alice and the Missoula Children's Theatre in this pint-sized adaptation of Lewis Carroll's famous story. The performance features more than 50 local children navigating their way through the mysterious world of Wonderland. Sat 1 p.m., 3:30 p.m.


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Apply Now!
Academic Programs
Troy University has been recognized by Princeton Review, U.S. News and World Report, Military Times and more as having some of the best undergraduate programs in the Southeast and nation. Whether you are graduating from high school, transferring from a two-year school, or completing your degree as a working adult, TROY offers a wide variety of associate and baccalaureate degrees that will open doors to career opportunities.
Graduate study can help you achieve your career goals! Holders of advanced degrees will be in high demand in the next 10 years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and U.S. Census data shows that advanced degrees increase pay and prosperity Troy University's Graduate School offers advanced degrees in all five of the University's academic colleges: education, business, arts and sciences, health and human services, and communication and fine arts. In addition, TROY's commitment to flexibility means that you have in-class, online and blended options. Plan for your next career by completing your graduate education at TROY. Innovation, knowledge and creativity are all elements for success. Get started today!
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Schedule your campus visit today and start getting to know TROY.
Campus visits are the most important aspect of the college decision making process. Visits give you the opportunity to discover what makes our unique University the right fit for you. TROY welcomes you to come and see what makes our campus different, one that you will want to consider your home away from home.
We invite you to register for a visit Monday - Friday at 10:00 a.m. or 2:00 p.m. or on specified Saturdays for a TROY Tour or Trojan Day event.
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TROY - Troy University will host several camps throughout the summer, offering a variety of educational opportunities for students and adults.
The Wiregrass Math, Science and Technology Leadership Academy will be held June 2-3 and June 6-8 on the University's Dothan Campus. Made possible through a grant from the Alabama Commission on Higher Education, the Leadership Academy is designed to improve teacher quality through a series of science, math and technology-themed workshops and activities.
Troy University's Sound of the South marching band will offer its annual Summer Music/Leadership Camp June 12-16 on the Troy Campus. The camp will feature instruction in concert band, percussion ensemble, drum major, majorette, dance and color guard.
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By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
SACRAMENTO, CA – Assembly Member Jeff Gorell (R-Camarillo) is traveling to Washington, D.C., as a member of Assembly Speaker John A. Pérez's bipartisan delegation to meet with the Obama Administration and Congressional leaders to discuss fiscal, policy, and program issues of importance to California.
Issues being investigated will include federal health care reform; veterans' disability and pension benefits; transportation reauthorization; immigration; future Base Closure and Realignment Commission (BRAC) actions; and the farm bill, among others.
Over the next week, members of the delegation plan to meet with Senators Feinstein and Boxer, Congressman Kevin McCarthy, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, the Mexican Ambassador to the United States, and representatives from Treasury, Housing, Veterans Affairs, Consumer Protection, and Homeland Security.
The state assembly is currently in summer recess for the month of July and reconvenes on August 6th.
In addition to Assembly Member Gorell and Speaker Pérez, the delegation making the trip to Washington, D.C. consists of Katcho Achadjian (R-San Luis Obispo), Tom Ammiano (D-San Francisco), Steven Bradford (D-Gardena), Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley), Roger Dickinson (D-Sacramento), Mary Hayashi (D-Hayward), Bonnie Lowenthal (D-Long Beach), and Henry Perea (D-Fresno).
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
FILLMORE ClTY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, July 18th, 2012
FILLMORE ClTY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING AGENDA
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 17th, 2012
District Attorney Gregory D. Totten announced that Governor Brown signed Senate Bill 1342 (Chapter 104, Statutes of 2012) into law. SB 1342 was sponsored by District Attorney Totten and the California District Attorneys Association to combat real estate fraud in California. The measure provides county boards of supervisors with the discretion to increase the Real Estate Fraud Trust Fund fee charged upon the recording of certain real estate documents from the current fee of $3 per document to a maximum of $10. The bill also allows a portion of the funds to be directly allocated to the county recorder to support fraud prevention programs, such as sending fraud advisory letters to at-risk homeowners.
According to RealtyTrac, California leads the nation with more than 47,000 residences pending foreclosure. Research shows approximately 2.2 million people or one-third of all California homeowners are "upside down" on their mortgages. Fifty percent of non-profit housing counselors have reported that fraud is "very common." Working with the Ventura County Real Estate Fraud Advisory Team (REFAT), the District Attorney's Office has observed that distressed homeowners in California are increasingly being targeted by a variety of foreclosure rescue scams and the perpetrators of these crimes frequently target monolingual and elderly people in our communities.
District Attorney Totten CONTINUED »
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 10th, 2012
You are cordially invited to join Senator Tony Strickland, Candidate for Congress in California's 26th Congressional District, for a "Meet-and-Greet" hosted by Councilman Eduardo Gonzalez, Thursday, July 12th at 5pm at El Pescador, 1305 W. Ventura St., Fillmore. Please RSVP to Lauren at 805-217-2939 or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, July 9th, 2012
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, July 9th, 2012
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
Today, the Supreme Court upheld the federal Affordable Care Act, "ObamaCare," by a vote of 5-4, a decision with far-reaching implications for all Americans concerned about the cost and quality of their personal healthcare.
The court ruled that the "ObamaCare" requirement that all citizens purchase health insurance constituted a tax enforceable by the Internal Revenue Service.
With "ObamaCare," we will soon face more government intrusion into our personal lives and more taxes withheld from our paychecks to subsidize the extraordinary costs associated with this massive government program. States will be required to absorb some of these new costs.
Last night, the Governor signed a budget that hedges on the hope and dream that voters will tax themselves to generate $47 billion to pay for existing services. If the state cannot afford to pay for existing programs, how can we possibly afford to pay for a new multi-billion program?
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
SACRAMENTO, CA – George Runner issued the following statement today in response the Legislature's completion of the budget process:
"If the Governor had the courage, he would send this budget back and demand the Legislature send him a fully vetted plan that is truly balanced, contains real reform and spurs job creation in our state.
"The truth is that California won't have a real budget until November. That's when voters will decide whether to embrace or reject the billions in higher taxes assumed in this budget.
"Should taxes fail, the budget calls for billions in 'trigger cuts' to education funding. I suspect these 'trigger cuts' are little more than a head fake aimed at scaring overtaxed Californians into taxing themselves even more."
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
I am disappointed in the Supreme Court decision on ObamaCare and believe we need to take this opportunity to repeal this massive tax. There's no doubt that affordable health care is a problem that needs to be addressed, but this bureaucracy is not the answer. Instead, we need to pursue more common sense private sector incentives.
Today, it is more important than ever to elect somebody with strong, fiscally conservative values from Ventura County to stand up to the reckless anti-business agenda coming from the Obama Administration and the liberals in Sacramento.
Please stand with me in these coming months to send a clear message - this is not the time for a $500 billion tax on the American people.
Yours truly,
P.S. Your contribution of $25, $50, or $100 will be a tremendous boost to my campaign. I encourage you to let your friends and family know how important this is as well. Please share this email with them, and when you discuss jobs, the economy, and the housing market here in California - tell them about my efforts and to checkout my website, www.jeffgorell.org.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, July 3rd, 2012
Tom Del Beccaro, Chairman of the California Republican Party, released the following statement this morning on the Supreme Court's ruling on ObamaCare:
Today, our American system of government changed dramatically if not irrevocably. Congress can now tax citizens into doing what it wants. We used to have a Supreme Court Justice, John Marshall, that believed the "power to tax" was the "power to destroy." Now we have a Chief Justice who believes that the power to tax is the "power to mandate."
The stakes of this election have now doubled if not more. The fate of this legislation is now in the hands of voters. By re-electing Obama, they will keep this law. If they elect Romney, it could well be repealed. Few elections provide such a clear choice.
For California, a state already in more than financial distress, this represents a potential huge new financial burden. Californians cannot afford the government we have - there simply is no way for us to afford this new and massive expansion of government.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, July 2nd, 2012
ClTY OF FILLMORE ClTY COUNCIL SPECIAL MEETING
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Elton Gallegly (R-CA), chairman of the House Subcommittee on Immigration Policy and Enforcement, released the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling today on Arizona's SB 1070:
"It is a sad time in America when Arizona and other states feel the need to pass their own illegal immigration laws in light of the federal government's failure to enforce federal laws on the books.
"Arizona's law mirrored federal law. In striking down three provisions of the law, the court ruled today that Arizona may not fill the breach caused by the federal government's failure to enforce immigration laws, which it did when the federal government's failure to act placed the state's citizens in danger and hurt its citizens' ability to get jobs.
"To make matters worse, after the court upheld Arizona's right to have police officers check the immigration status of drivers during traffic stops if they had a reasonable suspicion they were in the country illegally, the president further interfered with Arizona's right to protect its citizens by declaring that Immigration and Customs Enforcement would no longer cooperate with local law enforcement.
"In the past several months, President Obama has unilaterally made it possible for more than a million illegal immigrants to continue to take American jobs by removing them from deportation proceedings and giving them working papers. Instead of putting more Americans on the unemployment line, President Obama should be enforcing federal immigration laws and cooperating with the states so Arizona's SB 1070 and other protective state laws would be unnecessary."
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
By Gazette Staff Writer — Tuesday, June 26th, 2012
Ventura County Clerk Recorder/Registrar of Voters Mark A. Lunn announced today the final election results for the June 5, 2012, Presidential Primary Election with 100% of precincts reporting. This election was certified 6 days prior to the 28 day certification deadline of July 3, 2012.
Final results revealed a 32.9% voter turnout. Lunn stated, "We know we've done our job when we are able to process all of the voted ballots and give every registered voter an opportunity to cast their vote. We were well prepared to conduct this election."
A total of 133,800 ballots were cast this election. This included 80,917 Vote By Mail ballots and 52,883 ballots cast at 361 polling places throughout the County.
Lunn also attributed the success of this election to the coordinated efforts of his dedicated election team, which included more than 1,500 citizens who volunteered to work the polls on Election Day.
For questions, please call the Ventura County Elections Division at (805) 654-2664.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
SACRAMENTO, CA – George Runner today issued the following statement in response to the Legislature's approval of a budget bill:
"Rather than deal with reality, the Legislature has once again sent a fantasy budget to the Governor.
"This fantasy budget foolishly assumes overtaxed Californians will vote this November to send even more of their hard-earned dollars to Sacramento.
"When voters approved Proposition 25, they didn't anticipate it would allow one party to make all major budget decisions in secret. Not only were Republicans shut out of the process, but so was the public.
"Rather than make real reforms to increase private sector paychecks, this budget plan relies on taxes, borrowing and gimmicks to keep legislators' paychecks flowing.
"The Governor should veto this budget, scrap his proposed $50 billion tax hike and propose a new plan that requires government to live within its means."
Elected in November 2010, George Runner represents more than nine million Californians as a member of the State Board of Equalization. For more information, visit www.boe.ca.gov/Runner.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
State Senator Sharon Runner (R-Antelope Valley) issued the following statement regarding the passage of the Democrat's budget:
"Despite repeated assurances that the budget process would be public and transparent, the Democrat majority has been meeting behind closed doors and it is clear that this budget is composed almost entirely of gimmicks and with the assumption that the proposed tax increases will be approved by voters in the November General Election.
"Earlier this week, Governor Brown called the Democrat budgets' plan 'structurally imbalanced.' Their $16.2 billion solution to fix the deficit includes approximately $14.9 billion (93 percent) in tax increases and gimmicks, and only about $1.3 billion (7 percent) of real spending reductions.
"This budget plan contains none of the Governor's pension reforms necessary to address the unsustainable cost of public pensions that are bankrupting the state and local governments. And it continues to erode money for critical services like education and public safety.
"The Democrat majority has the decision making authority to craft a balanced budget, yet, they play shell games and blame Republicans for blocking their never-ending efforts to raise taxes. Neither does anything to bridge the state budget gap or inspire public confidence in the Legislature's ability to function.
"Public opinion polls have shown a steady decline in support for the tax measures. Californians are tired of their taxes being raised and they don't trust lawmakers to spend tax revenues responsibly.
"It is time for politicians in Sacramento to bite the bullet and make those tough, but necessary, cuts to balance the state's budget."
Senator Sharon Runner represents the residents of the Seventeenth Senate District, which includes portions of Los Angeles, Ventura, Kern and San Bernardino Counties. Contact her office at 916-651-4017, or via email at email@example.com.
By Gazette Staff Writer — Wednesday, June 20th, 2012
NOTICE AND CALL OF SPECIAL MEETING OF THE FILLMORE ClTY COUNCIL
TO: ALL MEMBERS OF THE ClTY COUNCIL OF THE ClTY OF FILLMORE
PLEASE TAKE NOTICE, pursuant to California Government Code Section
This notice shall CONTINUED »
By Gazette Staff Writer — Monday, June 11th, 2012
By Gazette Staff Writer — Thursday, June 7th, 2012
Offering Military Readiness and Southern Sea Otter Conservation Act as an Amendment to National Defense Authorization Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — I want to thank Chairman McKeon and also Ranking Member Smith for their hard work putting this bill together.
My amendment, which is included in the en bloc, will address the repercussions of the expansion of sea otters into Southern California coastal waters. With the official termination of the sea otter containment zone by the Fish and Wildlife Service, sea otters will begin to migrate south. As they do this, they will be invading U.S. Naval testing areas.
While I fully support the recovery efforts of the sea otter, this does not have to happen at the expense of our national security.
By creating 'Military Readiness Areas' around San Nicolas Island, San Clemente Island, and the shores off of Camp Pendleton, sea otters will be able to expand their range. At the same time, the Navy will be able to maintain their incidental taking exemption, which allows the Navy to continue their operations off the Southern California coast without harming our national security.
Further, while implementing CONTINUED »


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|The action on the court is great, but the NCAA tournament's biggest plays are made in corporate suites and at celebrity meet and greets.
March Madness Is a Suite Deal For Corporate Clients
MainStreet) -- The Final Four is presumably about the NCAA men's basketball championship, but some of the best games in New Orleans are being played on smartphones, in luxury suites and behind the flaps of corporate hospitality tents. The Final Four is one of little more than a handful of in-demand events routinely circled on the corporate calendar, as regional vice presidents and chief executives all too familiar with the Pareto Principle (80% of sales come from 20% of your clients) try to impress their most valuable vendors. Jacob Turnage, co-founder and vice president of marketing for Atlanta-based organizer of high-end sports hospitality EB Corporate routinely counts the Final Four among the "Big Six" corporate hospitality events that include the Super Bowl, the Masters Tournament, tennis' U.S. Open, the Kentucky Derby and, this year, the Ryder Cup.NEW ORLEANS (
Back in 2003, when the Final Four was last in New Orleans, city native Turnage sold a client from Kellogg's (K - Get Report) a package so he could entertain one of his top clients, an executive from Kroger (KR - Get Report). The supermarket bigwig was a Syracuse University alumnus and wanted to see his Orange and star freshman Carmelo Anthony make a run for the national title. Turnage secured low-level seats for them at the Superdome (a good idea for a basketball game played in a football stadium), a luxury suite and a meet-and-greet with current and former NCAA basketball coaches. Since it's a two-day event, with the semifinals on Saturday and the final on Monday, Turnage made sure his client and guest got a nice meal at a top area restaurant on Sunday and had some time to discuss business. "While the game's going on, they're not talking business," Turnage says. "On Sunday, if they can stay sober, they can close a deal that day." As luck would have it, Syracuse won its first national championship that Monday by beating the University of Kansas. Kellogg's had a happy supermarket exec on its hands and Turnage didn't have to wait long to hear from his client about the business impact of that win. "We chatted on Tuesday after the final when we shared a cab to the airport and he said, 'My customer will never forget who was by his side when 'Cuse won it all ... that's why what you do is vital to what I do,'" Turnage said. "He didn't close a contract that day, but he cemented a customer relationship, and whatever he spent with us is pennies on the dollar compared to what Kroger does for Kellogg's business."
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Three Matches Announced For Next Week's Impact Including World Title Match
by Amish Patel - October 28, 2011
Preview TNA IMPACT WRESTLING Next Thursday At 9/8c On SpikeTV
Don't miss Thursday's huge IMPACT WRESTLING broadcast on SpikeTV at 9/8c, as the road continues to the November 13 "Turning Point" Pay-Per-View event! Can't watch it Thursday night? Set your DVR to record it!
Here is a preview of Thursday's broadcast:
– In a huge main event bout, the World Heavyweight Championship will be on the line as titleholder "Cowboy" James Storm will defend the gold against his friend and tag team partner, Bobby Roode! This past week, Roode defeated Samoa Joe to become the #1 Contender, and now he gets another shot at the World Title he came so close to winning at Bound For Glory. Don't miss the much-anticipated World Title bout between Storm and Roode on Thursday's IMPACT WRESTLING on SpikeTV!
– In addition, Ronnie from MTV's "Jersey Shore" is coming to TNA IMPACT WRESTLING! After Robbie E and Big Rob put the beat down on Eric Young this past week, EY has promised he is bringing Ronnie to even the odds this week! What will happen when Ronnie from Jersey Shore makes his debut in IMPACT WRESTLING? Tune in and find out!
– In a huge tag team match, it will be "The Charismatic Enigma" Jeff Hardy teaming with Mr. Anderson to take on "The King of the Mountain" Jeff Jarrett and Bully Ray
– Plus, Knockouts VP Karen Jarrett has signed a Knockouts Tag Team Title Match, as Tara and Brooke Tessmacher will defend the gold against Gail Kim and Madison Rayne
All this and much more on Thursday night starting at 9/8c on SpikeTV – with appearances by Sting, Ric Flair, X Division Champion Austin Aries, Eric Bischoff and many more!
source: ImpactWrestling.com
|WWE RAW Results For May 2nd, 2016: The Usos & Roman Reigns vs. AJ Styles, Karl Anderson & Doc Gallows
The Hottest WWE news, photos and videos delivered to your inbox in one convenient newsletter. Sign up now and give it a try!
|The Reason Why Ryback Was Pulled From WWE TV
|Ryback Issues Statement On His Meeting Vince McMahon And His Future With The Company
|TNA Star Re-Signs With The Promotion
|Backstage Update On Bret Hart Possibly Having Heat With WWE Officials
|Vince Russo Comments On Why Roman Reigns Is Not Getting Over With Fans


text:
Publishers Weekly
"She kills in the ''Kids'' and ''Southern-Style Silliness'' sections, putting the fear of Mickey into anyone planning a trip to Disney World."
Entertainment Weekly
Praise for Celia Rivenbark and We're Just Like You, Only Prettier
"Will give you a case of the giggles."
New York Daily News
"Warm, witty, and wise, rather like reading dispatches from a friend who uses e-mail but still writes letters, in ink, on good paper."
St. Petersburg Times
"Even diehard Yankees will appreciate this wickedly funny collection."
Dallas Morning News
"North Carolina doesn't have a post for a 'humorist laureate,' but it should invent one and install Celia Rivenbark."
--Greensboro News & Record
"I thought I was Southern until I read Celia Rivenbark's book....What a funny, smart, and irreverent writer she is!"
Lee Smith, author of The Last Girls
"Laugh-out-loud funny."
Cleveland Plain Dealer
"A collection of essays by a woman working in her element…Rivenbark writes with that breezy, irreverent allure that makes so many of these belles legendary."
-Blue Ridge Business Journal
"An edgy Erma. An Erma dipped in corn-bread batter, wrapped in collard greens, and drawling that she was speeding because 'my uterus told me to.' "
The Tennessean
"A hoot and a holler."
Boston Herald
"I laughed so hard reading this book, I began snorting in an unbecoming fashion."
Haven Kimmel, author of A Girl Named Zippy


text:
I know of someone with many years of massage and cosmetology experience. Currently she is offering mobile service and can come to your home and offer many different modalities at reasonable prices!
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Anyone interested in something like this? Let me know. I will message you the full details.


text:
For most investors, the key is patience
Downsize in a major way
Join the NASDAQ Community today and get free, instant access to portfolios, stock ratings, real-time alerts, and more!
Nearing the halfway mark in today's session, here are the
individual equity names with the most call and put buying on
optionMONSTER's ActionTracker data system.
Johnson & Johnson (JNJ): About 15,000 October 70 calls were
bought for $0.43 against open interest of 7,290 contracts as
investors look for upside in the share price. JNJ rose 0.37 percent
to $65.69.
Morgan Stanley (MS): Some 14,000 June 14 calls were bought for
$0.09 to $0.15. Volume was below open interest and they expire
today, so the activity may result from short-term bullish bets or
existing positions being closed. MS rose 0.04 percent to $13.94.
General Electric (GE): More than 12,000 September 18 puts were
sold, mostly for $0.54, but volume was below open interest. GE rose
1.07 percent to $19.93.
Facebook (FB): Some 10,000 January 20 puts traded for $1.80 to
$1.85. They were mostly bought, but volume was below open interest
in the strike. FB rose 1.80 percent to $28.80.
The views and opinions expressed herein are the views and opinions of the author and do not necessarily reflect those of Nasdaq, Inc.
Copyright © 2010 OptionMonster® Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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text:
I work in retail, but at a store that dosen't get much traffic from people with small children. But a few days ago we had three children (each with a different family) in the store at the same time and they were all so badly behaved. I am a FTM so I try not to judge others as I don't know what it is like to try to control a little one who is in a bad mood, but I'm sure that a lot of a child's behavior has to depend on the parenting style. So that was when I realized that I'm preparing a lot for the birth which is only one day, but I am totally unprepared to be the parent with the "good child". So to all those BTDT moms what kind of things do you feel makes the biggest difference in a child's behavior and how early do you start teaching and disciplining your kids?
How to raise well behaved kids
Even the "good child" has bad days. I wouldn't judge someone's kid based on meeting them one time.
And I think a lot more of it has to do with the example we set than anything. So, just don't be an asshole and maybe your kids won't be either.
(not calling you an a-hole OP, just speaking generally)
Just being firm and consistent will take you miles in terms of behavior. However, there are some kids that just throw fits in public. They just do it, and no amount of work with them is going to change it until they grow out of it. MOST kids will listen with the right upbringing, but every once in awhile you just get THAT kid with THAT personality that is going to do things their own damn way.
Just do your best momma! Don't give in to whining or fits ever, or else they will learn it sometimes works and do it every time.
S 6/14/2013 8lbs 11oz & N 3/14/2015 9lbs 8 oz
"For the North is dark and full of Liberals." -OuiMaman
Also, typically (and this is a hard one for me) rather than yelling when your child is loud, lower your voice. Get down on their level, look them in the eyes and use a soft voice.
And distraction. That is my favorite. Especially with kids under 3.
But yea, kids have bad days just like adults, so where an adult may just be rude, a child will get loud, whine, cry, ignore their parent. So get ready for that too ;)
If you are able and willing to follow through with something: kids jumping on the couch, you say "get down from the couch or you won't be allowed on it for a week!" Well you have to stick to that or else the kid is not going to trust your threats. So choose your words wisely or quickly correct your statement and give a consequence you can follow through with. Always always follow through. (And give yourself a loophole if you need to lol I let my daughter earn back a privilege sometimes- if she is whining at dinner and not eating then no dessert, but sometimes she can eat an extra veggie and earn dessert back if she straightens up)
I admit when I REALLY either don't have the energy or can't physically follow through with something I will try to ignore a bad behavior (if its nothing big) and pretend not to see.
Manners are also very important. I'm a FTM, but I helped raise my niece and one of the first words she learned was please. She can be a handful sometimes but she always uses her manners. Many people have commented on how polite she is and that makes me so proud.
I'm a FTM, but the best parenting book I've ever read is "Bringing Up Bebe." And it talks about what mothers above have said. We are about the only country in the world that has such a problem with children misbehaving, because so many of us have the "that's just the way they are" mentality. The book talks about how European parents expect their kids to be rational "mini-adults" able to learn how to control themselves and take the feelings of others into account. And their kids meet their expectations! I'd recommend the book. I'll be putting a lot of its ideas into practice.
Baby Boy Rawlin - 06/22/13
Learn more
Look how far your child has come.
Review your child's growth milestones.
Read about 34 months : Week 1.
Your growing child
Your 34-month-old: Preschooler humor
Your 34-month-old: Tracking growth
Your 34-month-old: Potty mouth
Your 35-month-old: Preferring one parent
Learn more
What's next for your growing child?
Get a glimpse of what's to come.
Read about 35 months : Week 2.


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""Pride of the Fox"" Saint Charles by Leniwy
Saint Charles Travel Guide: 64 reviews and 118 photos
St. Charles is a scenic town located along the Fox River Valley (West of Chicago).
The Main Street Bridge is decorated with bronze foxes, and a plaque proclaiming
"The Legend of Charlemagne." The tower dome, part of the city Municipal Center,
is lit from within by multicolored floodlights at night.
- Pros:A nice place to have grown up.
- Cons:As Yogi Bera once said: "Nobody goes there anymore; it's too crowded."
- In a nutshell:Home of the "Fighting Saints."
Reviews (8)
Built originally as a 'Ponderosa' steak house, this building is now home to a neighborhood 'Sports Bar' (for those not... more travel advice
Irish-American atmosphere, with a courtyard in back for outdoor dining. The front windows have tables up-close, making... more travel advice
This casual lunch and dinner spot features a unique decor of walls covered with old license plates and motoring... more travel advice
A longtime favorite of the Sunday after-church "brunch bunch," the seating along these windows offers a nice view of the... more travel advice
Comments (8)
California = cole slaw? o_O
Great Accommodation tip here. I might just have to make the trip over the Christmas holidays.
Some great events in your city. Great restaurant tips especially Fill er up... sounds great fun!
A well done page.
Looks like a cool place to me ;-) Welcome to VT
Nice start to your hometown page!
Great shopping tip - I will have to tell my husband "Madschick" about it!
Good way to get your bike around.
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US – Californian schemes have dismissed the conclusions of a study by the Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research (SIEPR), which claimed the funding level of the three largest Californian pension funds has so far been understated due to the accounting rules used.
Both the California Public Employees' Retirement System (CalPERS) and the California State Teachers' Retirement System (CalSTRS) denied the funding level of the three largest Californian pension funds - CalPERS, CalSTRS and the University of California Retirement System (UCRS) - corresponded to a shortfall of more than half a trillion dollars, as SIEPR said. (Global Pensions, April 6, 2010)
CalPERS chief investment officer Joe Dear wrote in an article published today by the San Francisco Chronicle: "The study is fundamentally flawed because it is based on a what-if scenario that does not reflect how most public pension funds invest their assets."
He said SIEPR used a "controversial method that is out of step with governmental accounting standards", because it assumed that if CalPERS and the other public pension funds invested only in "risk free" bonds and lowered their assumed rate of investment return by half, projected pension liabilities would be much higher.
SIEPR used lower risk-free discount rates because it said it considered vested public pensions "effectively riskless", as their payment is guaranteed. CalPERS and the other schemes used Governmental Accounting Standards Board rules, which say schemes should discount future pension liabilities at the same rate they expect to earn every year on invested assets.
The latest data published by the three funds see combined unfunded liabilities as of July 1, 2008 - calculated with discount rates ranging from 7.5% to 8% - stand at US$55.4bn, while SIEPR calculates they actually stood at $425.2bn, if a lower rate of 4.14% were used.
Dear added: "The problem with this "finding" is that it is purely hypothetical; CalPERS and other pension funds invest well-diversified portfolios across all investment asset classes."
In an emailed statement, CalSTRS spokesman Ricardo Duran told GP long-term investment returns were the "most appropriate measure" of the fiscal health of the pension system and the soundness of contribution levels.
He said: "Adjusting the discount rate to reflect lower risks, and less diversification of the portfolio, is an academic, rather than a market approach. Using debt securities in lieu of historical market performance to measure the ability to fund future liabilities appears to be a short-sighted vision."
UCRS did not reply to an email seeking comment.
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hold the nog, please
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Friday, December 06, 2013
Feeling down, but determined today. Got on the scale, against my better judgement and while I havent gained, I havent lost either.
Then I got to thinking, Jan 7th, the day before I broke my foot, I took a pic of me on the scale, It was a day of victory and celebration, as I was down a full 70 lbs from where I had started.
Now, I am only down 56 pounds, I have gained, in 11 months, a full 14 pounds this year.
No loss, so I was determined to lose that, or as much as I could, before next Jan 7th, which is a month away.
Under normal circumstances, losing 14 pounds would be hard for me in a month, but this is the month of cookies and candy and stopping off to eat after shopping, and turkey and dressing and ambrosias galore!!!! oh and of nog and rum drinks and candies made of peanut butter and bourbon!!!
And while I can refrain from over indulging in any of these, I cant guarantee I wont sample.
So, I know, or at least realistically I anticipate, going into 2014 heavier than I went into 2013!!!!
This angers me to the point, that I know I have to buckle down and get serious, again.
I have to do this.
There IS NO OTHER CHOICE!!!
Last night, I replayed in my head the visit to the surgeons office over a year ago and how I was determined when I walked out of her office that I would never return, I would never undergo lap band or bypass for weight loss!!!
And I worked my butt off, literally, my butt is alot smaller.
But I cant seem to lose with that same commitment, I cant seem to find my way back to that place.
So, the best I can do is watch my every bite, walk as much as I can, lift weights, use the bands, and workout at home as much as I can, because today, its in the 30s and pouring rain, pouring, literally, wet wet and wetter!!!
I can only do the best I can and just see where I am when the new year rings in, hopefully it will be alot closer to NORMAL.
Wherever that is.
2014 is going to be a year of renewal, renewal of hard work and commitment.
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I also thought about a lap band. My doc sent me to a nutritionist and we had a long talk. So many people who get that surgery wind up heavy again. Better to learn new coping skills and ways to live because getting the surgery just puts off the inevitable, that you will have to make changes to keep weight off.
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Whatever you do, don't get the lap band or bypass. That will mess up your stomach for life.
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Fake it till you make it. Sometimes motivation seems hard to come by but if you keep at it, you'll meet up again. Good luck!!
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a long blog about dealing with my mom who is not dealing with her life!
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post #55456 of 78719
7/24/13 at 12:28am
Haha, point taken! :) Actually, I was trying a bit of a Sr. Barbera impersonation today. He's quite fond of wearing his watch over the cuff as well. For me it will probably remain a one time only experiment, it feels a bit awkward and contrived, not to mention all those stares at my wrist...
My navy outfit 2013
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Archived Story
Industry appreciation night highlights arts in Chilton CountyBy Emily Reed Published 2:27pm Wednesday, February 13, 2013
As rain heavily poured outside the Clanton Conference and Performing Arts Center at Jefferson State Community College Tuesday night, those inside were treated to a variety of visual arts.
The Chilton County Industrial Development Board hosted the first industry appreciation night designed for the community to say thank you to different industries in Chilton County for creating jobs and growing the economy.
The Chilton County Arts Council showcased works from the sweetheart fine art show and T.I.G.E.R. trails art show in the main lobby for guests to admire as they arrived.
Industrial Development Coordinator Fred Crawford told those in attendance that in 1986, former Mississippi Gov. William Winter chaired a committee of governors and others that looked at the need for growth in the South.
"At that time we had needs because of failures, lack of real leadership, money, jobs and education," Crawford said. "Economic development is the word that grew out of this and now economic development is bringing into Chilton County new and meaningful business and the growing of existing industry."
Crawford said the expansion of jobs is often brought about for rebuilding a good workforce, a good business climate and an education system that can train that workforce.
Crawford said the purpose of the event was to say "thank you" to industries within the county who had expanded by adding equipment or shipping goods to other countries or adding workers.
Crawford pointed out that Chilton County's unemployment rate is currently 6.1 percent along with Alabama's unemployment rate of 7.1 percent.
"Chilton County industries have added 750 new jobs spent over $60 million in new equipment and expansion in 2012," Crawford said.
Chairman of the Industrial Development Board Cecil Woodham introduced president of Alabama Farmers Federation Jimmy Parnell as the main speaker for the evening.
Parnell said since being elected as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation in December 2012, he has spent the majority of his time promoting agriculture and protecting farmers throughout the state.
Parnell gave statistics that more than 122,000 people work in the timber industry in Alabama, 86,000 work in poultry, 11,000 jobs available in the grain industry including soybeans and corn and 7,000 people work in the nursery and greenhouse industry.
"These industries produce more than $70 billion in income for the state of Alabama which is a tremendous impact," Parnell said. "Here in this county, timber and agriculture are our largest industries and we welcome agriculture."
Parnell said there is a huge demand for people that can work and reminded everyone that it is important to work hard and "think."
"These days we have to wait for someone to tell us what to do," Parnell said. "We need to always remember to think about what we are doing. I think the future is bright for this county and I am proud to be a part of it."
The Jemison High School band and jazz band performed, and Anna Curtis performed the Neapolitan Dance from the third act of Swan Lake.
Curtis started Festival Ballet Arts in Clanton in an effort to bring the enrichment, training and beauty of classical ballet to the youth in Chilton County.
Members of the Chilton County Commission, mayors from Clanton, Maplesville, Jemison and Thorsby as well as those representing businesses throughout the county and many others from the community showed up to support the event.
"We can never say thank you too much," Crawford said. "Our county is doing well and that is something we should be proud of."


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Boeing And SilkAir Sign Exclusive Pilot Training Agreement
SEATTLE, Feb. 6, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing (NYSE: BA) and Singapore-based SilkAir announced a five-year exclusive pilot training agreement today. The training agreement will support SilkAir's fleet transition to Boeing airplanes."SilkAir pilots will soon train with the most experienced 737 instructors," said Leslie Thng, SilkAir Chief Executive. "The experience and expertise at Boeing will ensure a smooth transition when we take delivery of our first new 737 next year." In November 2012, SilkAir finalized an order for 23 Next-Generation 737-800s and 31 737 MAX 8s, the largest order in the airline's history. Under the agreement, Boeing Flight Services, a unit of Boeing Commercial Aviation Services, will provide flight training at Boeing's Singapore training campus for the airline's new 737 fleet. The 2012 Boeing Pilot & Technician Outlook, a respected industry forecast of required aviation personnel, cites a demand for 185,600 new commercial airline pilots and 243,500 new technicians in the Asia Pacific region through 2030. The South East Asia region, which includes Singapore, will require 51,500 pilots and 67,400 technicians. "We are pleased to provide training to SilkAir, and through the knowledge and expertise of our team, provide this important customer with the Boeing Edge in their markets," said Sherry Carbary, vice president, Boeing Flight Services. "We are very proud to support SilkAir as they launch their new Boeing 737 fleet." SilkAir is a full-service airline and the regional wing of Singapore Airlines. SilkAir currently flies more than 300 flights a week to 42 destinations across 12 countries. About the Boeing Edge Boeing offers a comprehensive portfolio of commercial aviation services, collectively known as the Boeing Edge, bringing value and advantages to customers and the industry. Boeing Flight Services provides integrated offerings to drive optimized performance, efficiency and safety through advanced flight, maintenance and cabin safety training as well as simulator support and services through a global network of campuses on six continents. Boeing provides customers a competitive advantage by solving real operational problems, enabling better decisions, maximizing efficiency and improving environmental performance – intelligent information solutions across the entire aviation ecosystem. Contact: Stephanie MillerCommercial Aviation Services Communication+1 206-544-1928 email@example.com More information: www.boeing.com/boeingedge/flightservices http://www.boeing.com/commercial/cmo/pilot_technician_outlook.html Photo and caption are available here: http://boeing.mediaroom.com
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In response to prknsdnld's comment:
In response to DirtyWaterLover's comment:
He's basically saying the team sucks and it isn't his fault.
He's right.
This might be our worst record in 46 years. Are you saying that this is our worst personnel in 46 years.
Past that, while I acknowledge that the team is not good right now, how many other managers have said that about their teams?


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Success, on a Small Scale
The two sculptural figures are exuberant. One, a man in a black tuxedo, leans over another, a woman in a pink dress. His right hand supports her back, and his left hand flies upward, holding a green bottle of Champagne. The woman, meanwhile, kicks up her left leg in wild abandon, the flesh of her thigh underneath her skirt meaty and curvy and suggestive, her head tossed back. And while both of the faces on the figures are a bit on the blank side, and not so stunningly rendered as some sculptures I have seen, there is something quite distinctive about the pair. Their sculptor, 28-year-old St. Paul artist Jason Barnett, holds them in the palm of his hand, each figure standing a little under three inches in height.
Barnett makes such sculptures in a tiny studio located at the back of his home on a quiet, residential stretch of St. Paul's Dayton Avenue, and he has done so for the past seven years. A freelance production artist for several local and international companies in the giftware and "collectible" industry, Barnett has fashioned a modestly lucrative, if obscure, career for himself since coming to the city in 1993. Barnett, a native of South Carolina, hadn't imagined professional success for himself back when he was at Gustavus Adolphus studying under sculptors Paul Granlund and Stan Shetka, and majoring in what he jokingly called "unemployment." Yet upon arriving in town a few months after graduation, he was almost immediately snapped up by a local art studio.
"There are a lot of companies [that make this kind] of international art in the Twin Cities," Barnett explains at his home studio on a recent snowy Wednesday. As we talk, we look at a few samples of his work--small figurines, Christmas-tree ornaments, tiny houses and buildings, all made of porcelain or some cheaper kind of ceramic. "No one knows about it. It's not really publicized. I was shocked. It was fascinating to find out, and encouraging."
Though Barnett's studio is a functional and bright room above the kitchen, the trappings of the artistic life are in scant supply. The walls and ceiling are unfinished, and only a light curtain hangs over the wall of windows. On a small coffee table rest a few boxed samples of his work. It is with some constant embarrassment that the warm-faced, dark-haired artist even takes me through his home. He spends a few stray moments pointing out the house's half-finished renovation projects, thereby bringing attention to them--a kind of punctilious artistic temperament that must serve him well in his craft. Even his actual work desk in his studio is quite humble by ordinary artistic standards. This cheap, metal-framed table of perhaps two by four feet holds only a small number of items: a lamp, a stand supporting a handful of tools such as files, knives, rasps, calipers, and a sharpened jeweler's screwdriver for close detail; a few blocks of a hard green jeweler's wax that he uses to make the figures; a drill-like implement for grinding; a small jeweler's heating tool similar to a wood-burner for melting the wax; and a few other objects.
Barnett describes putting together his commissioned pieces as a sometimes tricky process. Often, each creation is supposed to fit together with other elements in order to make larger sets. Such is the case with the two tiny dancers, just one component in a set of New Year's revelers placed in a Times Square-like setting with buildings and a faux tower that was commissioned for the New Year by Department 56, the well-established Eden Prairie company that produces ubiquitous holiday lines. As with other sculptors, Barnett spends a lot of time laboring to give the figures some amount of realism, even though they are so tiny, and to make them fit together. In a given year, Barnett sculpts 16 pieces or so for companies whose ranks include Department 56, along with VEE Corp, the Franklin Mint, and many other smaller companies. These outfits then either sell the items themselves through direct mail or through their own corporate stores, or they send the items to clients that have commissioned the work, such as Warner Bros., Disney, and the Minnesota Science Museum.
Barnett says that on average he works about 50 hours a week. Overall, the labor is detail-oriented and rather unchanging. To start, a company sends a detailed schematic of what they are looking to have sculpted. Barnett points to one such diagram clipped just above his desk. There are five or six drawings each of two figures, from various angles and in various sizes. The simple ink line sketches have typically been made by someone at the company; at least two versions are reproduced at the exact size the company requires, and several others will be reproduced at a larger size, to show the detail.
With the precise size in mind, Barnett then cuts a basic form out of a raw block of wax using a band saw that he keeps in his basement. "From there, I whittle at it," he says, pointing to his various tools, mostly adapted from wood carvers' and jewelers' implements. Often, he takes exact measurements against the original drawing using calipers. Occasionally, if he feels he has carved away too much somewhere, he will add wax back onto the figure using the small burning tool. The green wax is hard, yet has good smoothing qualities so that he can easily clean up any irregularity in his forms. Each project takes as much time as it takes. "You have to be patient and slow," he says. "And you have to have steady hands. It takes a long time to develop the patience and skills to pull this off."
Once finished, he sends the wax figure, carefully wrapped, to the company, which in turn ships the figures off to China, where molds are fabricated out of plaster in a process known as "slip casting." In the best cases the mold maker can get the full form in two halves; in other instances, more than two molds might be necessary to cover the full figure. Multiples are produced in ceramic, and paint is applied by hand. Some months later, the items appear in stores across the U.S. and Canada, and Barnett receives a complimentary copy that he promptly stores away with the rest of them.
Whereas Barnett once was excited when he would come across samples of his work in a Disney or Warner Bros. store, now, he says, the novelty has worn off: "I don't even remember what I do." One of his recent pieces is a small replica of the Ronald McDonald House, still carefully kept in its packaging on top of his coffee table. It is a Christmas-tree ornament, about two inches by three, with painted yellow brick with a green shingle roof. There are various chimneys and decorative turrets that Barnett carefully sculpted, as well as a few minuscule trees around the house, painted green and white by someone in China. Beneath the house is a wire that attaches to a string of Christmas lights so the windows will light up. I understood why he wouldn't feel the need to show off such a thing; in fact, I couldn't help but wonder exactly why, charity aside, someone would buy it.
It may be easy to question the aesthetic worth of the figurine, yet items like this have demonstrated a lingering appeal. Samples of small humanoid figures made of clay and terra cotta have been found in ruins of many early prehistoric societies. The excavated palace of Minos on Crete, for instance, was teeming with them, as were all the ancient coastal cities along the Aegean in present-day Turkey and Greece. There were so many that entire museums were built just to house collections of them. What role these objects played in these societies is a subject of speculation. Most forms resemble humans in only a very general way, and they appear to be too common to represent holy objects. Were they children's toys? Cherished relics of dead ancestors? Or perhaps just knickknacks intended for trade around commercial holidays?
More pertinent to today's manifestation of the form are the fine porcelain figures that first developed in China about six hundred years ago. Collected and commissioned by the rich, these porcelain figurines were made by master crafters who spent great care and time on each individual piece, sculpting and firing, then painting each by hand. These creations depicted the opulence of the ruling class, and were lavishly colored and gilded. Eventually, as with many art forms of the Orient, these porcelains became faddish among the European aristocracy in the 17th and 18th Centuries. Craftsmen in France, Italy, and elsewhere learned the Chinese techniques, and soon the elite were buying up innumerable rococo-style porcelains.
What the rich own, as always, soon became attractive to everyone else. And so cheaper versions of small sculptures among a rising middle class led to the development of industrialized mass-production facsimiles of the high-art form. Factories were developed in the 19th Century that could use cheaper molding materials, and make large numbers of identical ceramic forms off the same molds. At the same time, factories began churning out inexpensive versions of fine embroidered and woven cloths. From the name of these cheap printed cloths, "chintz," comes a word we might aptly apply to the cheap ceramic figurines, "chintzy." By the 20th Century, figurines of some sort could be found in just about every household in Europe and America.
In contemporary America, meanwhile, the concept has metastasized into something particular to our media-driven culture. In the mid-1970s and early 1980s, companies such as Franklin Mint, the Bradford House, and Department 56 began making ceramic items and using modern direct-marketing techniques to sell them to a vast audience. Key to their success, perhaps, is the way they've tapped into popular culture by depicting such popular icons as Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Scarlett O'Hara, various cartoon characters, and recently--controversially--Princess Diana, among many others. These companies do well for themselves: Last year, for instance, the Franklin Mint took in around $750 million in sales, according to their Web site. That Princess Diana dolls found in hundreds of thousands of homes would have no intrinsic, or "collectible," value seems readily obvious. That people continue to buy them attests to their deep and longstanding appeal.
"The giftware industry is a multibillion-dollar industry," Barnett says. He is reluctant to discuss what tiny fraction of this fortune he earns through his labors--figurine companies are quite secretive--though he will say that the work pays enough to support him. And fills enough hours to preclude his working on original pieces.
Barnett's personal preferences lean toward realist work in the mode of Frederick Hart, an artist who died in 1999 and was eulogized in the New York Times around Christmastime by Thomas Wolfe. Best known for his creation of three ragtag soldier figures for the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, D.C., Hart was mostly ignored by the art establishment. Wolfe, who called Hart "America's greatest sculptor," seemed to take personal umbrage that the artist was so ignored.
Barnett lights up at mention of this artist's name. "We're both from the same town in South Carolina, actually," Barnett says--that being a small river town named Conway in tobacco-growing country. Both artists fled as soon as they could: Hart to New York; Barnett here. Incidentally, though Hart was unknown in the art world, he was hardly poorer for it. He eventually patented a process of making clear acrylic resin casts of his sculptures, and he sold more than $100 million worth of icily realistic, two-foot sculptures in gift galleries around the world.
"Traditional classical training is not respected in art schools now," Barnett says. "That's a great shame. The great abstract artists all had classical training. Now we have a generation of artists taught abstract styles with no classical basis. Hart was a truly classically trained artist. And yet, some of his forms in clothes and drapery were amazing abstract forms. Modern art is all galvanized shapes stuck out in the woods." Barnett shakes his head. "It's a shame."
I mention that being the kind of artist he is, Barnett probably won't be gracing the halls of the Walker Art Center, or any similar gallery, anytime soon. Nor is he likely to celebrate a fat stipend from any of the granting institutions around town. This doesn't seem to faze Barnett. He has ambitions of his own. He can see himself establishing his own studio someday at a site away from his home and perhaps hiring a few workers that he might teach to ply this art form. Barnett sees himself competing on a larger scale in creating giftware items for more companies. Then, at last, he imagines himself doing more work for himself, and perhaps competing for public commissions--taking his skills and talents beyond the three-inch realm.
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The company's founder finds himself back at the helm with plans to keep pushing forward with services like RealPlayer Cloud and Rhapsody.
The watch-it-anywhere video service from RealNetworks that lets you watch your videos easily across all your devices is now a global service.
First round of layoffs -- about 7 percent of the company's workforce -- is part of the online media company's plan to cut $45 million in expenses.
Founder returns as the company loses its second chief executive in as many years.
Intel buys more video clout with "foundational" patents and next-generation encoding software. Video is spreading to every sort of gadget, and it's a market with abundant patent challenges.
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Statements about Transparency
David Ralston
The Georgia Legislature's last day of session ends at midnight.
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"The governor having a meeting ... isn't covered by the open meetings act."
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I'm rooting for dani. Shes a great game player. Minus, her first move IMO I've decided recentley I dont like shelly and jeff, and of course, brenchel.
What about you?
Love to read? Please join our SAHM book club!
I'm a total Jeff & Jordan groupie too.
Least fave is Porshe.
"If someone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I'm going to be one rich dude."
Porsche*** sorry, I spelled her name wrong.
I think Jeff is super hot. DH hates him. lol.
"If someone gives you 10,000 to 1 on anything you take it. If John Mellencamp ever wins an Oscar, I'm going to be one rich dude."
My DH agrees he's hot. I don't think he's mean. He's playing the game. He doesn't make personal attacks.
I think Jeff is an ass. Has to big of an ego like hes entitled.... but yes he is way hot. Ha.
If I could pick someone to win it right now my sympathy vote would go to Adam cause I like him. But he is a floater.
And then Dani because she actuallys plays big brother the fun drama way ha.
I honestly thought it would be awesome if dani teamed up with brenchel. But I know they are super annoying ha.
I'm a Dani fan.
opinions were like kittens, i was giving 'em away...
Dani fan here!
Definitely dont want Jordan/Jeff to win. Jordan is nice, but she already won!!
*~* Mommy to RAINBOW Jingle Baby & Bunny Baby ♥ Always remembering our Angel Baby *~*October 2010 ♥ TCC Chart ♥
I'm leaning towards Dani too, just because she actually plays bb like its suppose to be played. I like Jordan as a person, but she does nothing in the game. Jeff does most of the talking and I can't stand Porsche or Kalia. Shelly talks to much to both sides, and it has almost if not tonight cost her the game.
Stinky's wife since 9/5/09
Lane's mommy since 5/6/10
Alexis EDD 5/23/12