text: Louise Wilson 2016-05-29T09:54:12-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/author/index.php?author=louise-wilson Copyright 2008, HuffingtonPost.com, Inc. HuffingtonPost Blogger Feed for Louise Wilson Good old fashioned elbow grease. Lib Dems: A Party Without A Message? tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2016:/theblog//3.9336396 2016-02-27T15:19:01-05:00 2016-02-28T15:59:01-05:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Unlikely to return more than a handful of MSPs post-election, the Liberal Democrats are even facing being relegated to fifth place in the Scottish Parliament. The majority of polls have them retaining their two island constituency seats, Orkney and Shetland, whilst list seats have varied between one and a particularly generous six. I almost feel bad for the Lib Dems. As is the case in the rest of the UK, many feel the party sold out by going into coalition with the Conservatives. This isn't new, of course, as we witnessed in last year's General Election, but this poses a problem for the Scottish branch of the party in the run-up to May. At worst, the Lib Dems have been branded to be as right-wing as the Tories. At best, they are believed to have no backbone and few morals. Trust levels remain low and Willie Rennie is one of the least popular political leaders in Scotland. Previously the only party to discuss federalism as a resolution to the unstable UK constitution, their calls have now been drowned out. No one seems to remember that this has long been one of the Lib Dem's key aims. Instead, the SNP and - to a certain extent - Labour have started to successfully push this agenda, blithely ignoring the fact that it was Lib Dem policy first. The reason Tavish Scott and Liam McArthur are proving to still be popular in the islands is precisely because these communities remember it is a party that backs strengthening local powers. Whilst this has a certain amount of appeal throughout Scotland, for the islands it is imperative. The differences between these islands and mainland Scotland results in centralisation impacting these regions far worse than elsewhere in the country. The SNP, to its credit, has tried to address this. A recent consultation and working group on giving more powers to the islands indicates the Scottish Government is at least willing to consider a more federalist structure. But the party has a history of centralisation and despite its argument that more devolution would be "for the good of the Scottish people", spreading powers beyond Holyrood to local communities seems to be of little interest. For the Lib Dems though, this is only a card they can play in the remote northern islands. The idea does not seem to wash outside of Orkney and Shetland. In an attempt to persuade mainland Scots, the party is being smart by trying to turn the focus to education and policing - two areas where the SNP have not been doing so well. But Labour has tapped into the education tactic as well, and despite both parties having the same 'Penny for Education' policy, the Lib Dems have received far less coverage on it. Lib Dem voices are being ignored throughout Scotland, either because they have been tarred with the same brush at the UK Conservatives (a problem which strangely doesn't seem to impede the Scottish Tories) or because people just don't know what the party stands for. The party is well aware of this, hence the #LibDemFightback campaign - but so far it doesn't seem to be going particularly well for them. At the Lib Dem conference, speeches abound about the party's record both in government and as an opposition party. It oversaw the introduction of several environmentally-friendly policies (many of which have now been overturned), held a referendum on electoral reform, helped win the argument again tax credit cuts, and managed to hold its own against many of the more right-wing Tory backbenchers. Few people seem to appreciate any of this, though, and simply highlight the negative legislation brought in between 2010 and 2015. Perhaps as we continue under Conservative rule, more people will come to realise how much of the more extreme Tory agenda the party actually managed to stop. I hope the tide starts to turn for the Lib Dems. Indeed, they campaign on many issues that many other parties hold dear: a more proportional electoral system, reformation of the House of Lords, devolving power to local communities. And whilst I don't agree with much of their policy, they could help to form one of the strongest cross-party oppositions to the Scottish Government at a time when this is desperately needed. The Scottish Parliament is made a little richer by Liberal Democrat presence. It's a shame that most people cannot see it.]]> Labour Lists Show a Party Unwilling to Change tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2016:/theblog//3.9175706 2016-02-06T10:50:28-05:00 2016-02-08T06:59:01-05:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Considering the lists in isolation, there seems to be somewhat of a change in the party's tactics. 54 of those listed are not current MSPs, nor are they ex-MPs left jobless in 2015 as many expected. At first glance this suggests an attempt to refresh the face of the party. It becomes apparent this is not the case when taking into account the actual rankings. In 2011, many excellent candidates lost out on becoming MSPs because of a number of unexpected SNP constituency victories. Labour seems to have wised up to this and placed many of their brightest and boldest (read: well-known) at the top of each list. Thirty of the 86 spots are taken by sitting MSPs, whilst a further two are recently ousted MPs (Anas Sarwar and Thomas Docherty). These are the people we are most likley to see represent the much-reduced party post-May. According to analysis from self-proclaimed election geek, Allan Faulds, the party is currently polling at 27 seats. Faulds estimates 18 of these will be won by sitting MSPs, that the two former MPs will succeed and just seven of the 54 new names will enter Holyrood. Whilst this means 12 sitting MSPs will not be returned, it still signifies little change in the party. Further, five of the new seven ere either former MSPs or sitting councillors. The exceptions to this are Richard Leonard, topping the Central Scotland list, and Carol Mochan, fourth for South Scotland. Whilst not an experienced politician, Mr Leonard has been a prominent campaigner and former candidate (he was meant to inherit Carrick, Cumnock & Doon Valley from Cathy Jamieson, but was edged out by the SNPs Adam Ingram in 2011). Only Ms Mochan, out of the 27 predicted seats, is a newbie. Whether the lists reflect a party tactically deciding to put its most notable names forward to retain as many seats as possible or whether it is a symptom of Labour's waning popularity in Scotland is unclear. What is clear is that Labour will struggle with its reputation and the race for second place will likely be the most interesting fight this election. Looking across at the Conservative lists, where many fresh-faced candidates have come forward, it seems like it might well be a battle between old and new.]]> #SavetheBlueChair: Glasgow's Community Cafe tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.8247364 2015-10-05T16:28:56-04:00 2015-10-08T04:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ But it's facing the threat of closure. Two years after it opened, the powers that be are threatening to evict the Blue Chair and its owner, Lorelle McGurran. The business, like many other small enterprises, made a loss in its first year. Since then, City Property say that it hasn't grown fast enough and have told Lorelle to move out this month. A group of campaigners, including myself, are set on not allowing this to happen. I attend the Blue Chair open mic night once a week (Wednesday's at 18:30 if interested - we'll be carrying on until we absolutely have to stop). But this is more than just the usual open mic, showcasing not only Glasgow's stellar acoustic scene but a range of other talent too. Prefer spoken word and performance poetry? Want some stand-up or improv comedy? Perhaps someone whaling on a bass is more your thing? The Blue Chair has it covered. For me, this wee community helped me to realise that I enjoy writing and performing poetry. I've never looked back. I am not the only one who has a close attachment to the Blue Chair. Aileen Mackay, one of the leaders of #savethebluechair campaign, said: "We want the Blue Chair to stay because it's a brilliant community hub in Glasgow city centre where everyone is catered for. The warm atmosphere is second to none, and independent businesses like this one are to be cherished, not shut down." This is why Aileen and other have banded together to do the best they can to save the space. But they need your help. City Property are demanding the immediate payment of over £13,500 or else be shut down. An Indiegogo page has been set up to help the cause, and has already raised over £600 in just a few days. Whilst this is impressive, much more is needed - and fast. The Blue Chair is worth so much more than its economic contribution (which is increasing). This is why the campaign group has been established - it is not the brainchild of owner Lorelle, who admitted to almost giving up on her dream of running a cafe until her customers offered their support. The threat over the Blue Chair is one of a long line hanging over creative spaces in Glasgow. Earlier this year the Arches was closed despite a great deal of criticism - one of the last independent clubs in the city. And whilst this community cafe is not the only incredible space available to creative types in Glasgow, we don't want its closure to become a catalyst for more. Anna Crow, Green party list candidate for next year's Holyrood elections, said: "Spaces like this should be welcomed and supported by any that have a greater position of authority in their management. In the terms of any businesses such as this their inherent sense of value goes far beyond any profit-generating ability. It saddens me that bodies such as City Property only appear to regard profit as a measure of success. "For me personally, the Blue Chair has been a safe and inclusive space where I could express myself creatively at the open mic, it has been where casual acquaintances have become firm friends, it has been where a network has formed which feels more like family than mere friendship." I couldn't agree more. After I left university, I stayed in Glasgow because it had become my home, but many of my friends left for jobs elsewhere. With little else to do, I dipped my toes into a variety of hobbies in an attempt to meet new people. It wasn't until I found the Blue Chair that I was successful - and now I'm proud to call myself part of their community. Whether you are a regular or not, you will always be welcomed at this community cafe. Elaine Gallagher, a Blue Chair regular, said: "The welcome and care in the Blue Chair is far warmer than any franchised place could possibly have and the variety of activities that can go on there contribute to the area far beyond the profit it can generate." The cafe has meant far more to others. More than just a friendly space, the Blue Chair has become a refuge for those dealing with dependency issues and struggling with depression. Dedicated evenings have been arranged to ensure support is there. Elaine adds: "The Blue Chair, like other small independent spaces, is necessary to support the growth of society and arts and public participation in their local areas. Where more and more places are franchised and gated and operated to make the most profit from footfall, places like the Blue Chair and Tchai Ovna and other venues, which have sadly gone under to developers and unfair tax systems, provide a safe place to incubate communities; of artists, of performers, of people in recovery, of students, of political groups." It would be a real shame to let this space go to waste. Glasgow can be big and scary, but it isn't without its charm. But if we continue to let developers and big wigs win, it might just lose this. Help the Blue Chair gets back on its feet. Donate via Indiegogo, attend one its many events, enjoy a delicious meal and help #savethebluechair.]]> Just Do It: Gyms Aren't Supposed to Be Sexy tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.8033882 2015-08-24T16:57:22-04:00 2015-08-25T04:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ However, looking around in the gym or even having a scout about online suggests this isn't the case for many people. This is largely more obvious in women (full makeup, hair carefully coiffed, tiny bikinis for the pool), but I suspect men are victims of this too. Indeed, many forums centre on making yourself appeal to others whilst at the gym. Why? Considered from one standpoint, one might argue that evolution teaches us to go for the strongest in the pack - so working hard at the gym becomes an act of peacocking to attract a mate. The thing is, if one were really exercising for this reason - really physically exerting ourselves in order show suitability as a mate - we'd care less about looking 'pretty' and more about lifting the most, running the fastest, jumping the highest. We'd all be covered in sweat and, to put it bluntly, looking pretty fucking terrible. But what about survival of the fittest in modern culture? It's clearly no longer the case that we simply go by base instinct in our choice of partner; instead we base attraction, at least at first impression, on physical appearance. And sure, whilst everyone has their own 'type' about what features they are and aren't attracted to, I think generally we can agree there is definitely an 'ideal', portrayed most commonly in the media. This more closely aligns with what I see at the gym. Going back to the gender difference, this is probably why one notices it more in women - and indeed why I received the ad on Facebook whilst my (male) partner would never be subject to sexy gym wear. For men it is OK to be grunting, panting, and sweating excessively. These are all signs of strength and working hard. Apply the same features to a woman, and they become unsexy and disgusting. This can even be related to other parts of life. Recall the photo of Angela Merkel a few years ago with sweat patches under her arms - the media reacted with horror. But a similar photo of Barack Obama was welcomed, highlighted as indicating his manly efforts. And so whilst men's gym clothes remain baggy and pretty separate from fashion, women are expected to purchase tight leggings, tighter tops and sports bras designed for appearance rather than just holding the sisters in place whilst you go for a jog. I can already hear the objections: "but leggings are flexible", "tank tops are breathable", etc. Well answer me this: why then haven't these things gained as large a traction in men's sportswear markets? If they are so suitable and practical, why do men not wear such items when exercising (excluding thermal leggings)? The most ridiculous part about all this is that nobody else actually cares what you look like. Think about it: you get on the treadmill and, to borrow a slogan, Just Do It. No one goes to the gym to attract a partner, and no one is looking at you whilst you are beetroot red and struggling to breath. Nor is anything bothered that you opted for the blue crop top over the pink today. So no, Facebook advert, I will not get my sexy on just to go exercise. If I wanted to get hot and sweaty in that way, it certainly wouldn't be the gym I'd be headed to.]]> Who Is Jeremy Corbyn? tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7589120 2015-06-15T16:49:13-04:00 2015-06-16T06:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Corbyn in unlikely to win the election. His struggle to get his required 35 nominations and only reaching it at the eleventh hour is proof of this. Even some of those who have nominated him have already admitted they will not be voting for him. But it is important he is in the running, as it will add a different, more left voice to a debate that would otherwise have been between three MPs all looking right. But who exactly is Jeremy Corbyn? His is not a well-known name in politics, despite having represented his constituency of Islington North since 1983. There, he has done remarkable well - in this year's election he received 60% of the vote and a 21,000 majority. However, he has remained on the fringes of the party over the last three decades - largely due to the fact he is considered to be on the far left of the party and is also one of Labour's most rebellious MPs (since 1997, Corbyn has defied the whip 610 times). Clearly not one to toe the line, Corbyn has firmly laid out his opposition to nuclear weapons, austerity and privatisation. He recently went against his party to vote against plans to renew Trident, he was a signatory of a letter to Ed Miliband earlier this year calling for the renationalisation of the railways and going further back, he rather vocally objected to the Iraq war. He even used this latter stance to explain his intention to run for deputy leader in 2006 - though he subsequently backed out as he believed he would not be successful. Apparently Corbyn has no such qualms this time. Whilst he may not receive votes from MPs, he can expect a good amount of support from regular party members and some trade unions. He is sponsored by UNISON and has previously spoken at various TUC rallies. Being a member of Labour's Socialist Campaign Group will grab him a few extra votes as he appeals to a large minority within the party who are still pushing for a shift back left. In Scotland especially, members may wish for his leadership so the party can try reclaim some of its lost ground. However, many have criticised his decision to stand. Within the party, some fear that the hard-left candidate will reduce support for the soft-left candidate - Andy Burnham. Outside the party, Labour have been ridiculed for ignoring the public will by allowing a candidate who is apparently out of touch with voter beliefs (if you accept the result of the election at face value) to stand. This argument has gained particular traction as former leader Ed Miliband has been repeatedly lambasted for being too left, despite backing austerity and blindly accepting that public spending had caused the economic downturn. What else is there to make of a person who, announcing his decision to run, said he would campaign on an "anti-austerity" platform - and actually mean it? The ballot for Labour's leadership opens on 14th August and closes on 10th September. The winner will be announced two days later, but with 20/1 odds and an uphill battle to face it is all but a certainty the Corbyn will not succeed. But what he will achieve is ensuring the entire debate around the party's leadership, and indeed its future, will not revolve around how far right the party can go whilst still remaining somewhat left of the government.]]> I Was a Tory - Until I Educated Myself tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7527104 2015-06-06T18:28:57-04:00 2015-06-08T05:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Someone had explained their opposition to a 50p tax rate as: "you wouldn't expect people to pay different prices for the same loaf of bread, why should you expect a different price for the NHS?" In my naivety, this had made sense. I understood little of how the world actually functioned around me, and even less about entrenched inequality. This thought keeps coming back to me as we get nearer to passing a Bill that will give all 16- and 17-year-olds the right to vote in Holyrood and local government elections. It is likely to get through with unanimous backing before summer recess begins, a direct result of the mass youth engagement during the independence referendum. However, it seems unlikely that the rest of the UK will follow suit as there is no intention to reduce the voting age ahead of the general election in 2020, or even the 2017 EU referendum. The arguments against giving young people the vote largely focus around the fear that it won't be taken seriously. Make the suggestion, and jokes abound about how the same people put One Direction and Flo Rida into the charts - how can we possibly trust them to vote for an elected representative? You might laugh, but in all seriousness many people question whether under 18s are 'sensible' or 'mature' enough to vote. And this brings me back to young me. My support for the Conservatives largely stemmed from the fact that I was not mature enough to recognise what right-wing politics actually was. I was sheltered and middle-class, having no experience of what it was like to struggle by or fearing where the next meal would come from. Nor did I have any idea that other people did. Having no life experience meant I was not mature enough to make an informed decision about politics. For this reason, I can partly understand the opposition to extending the voting franchise. But let me be absolutely clear: I entirely support votes at 16. As long as it is accompanied by some form of political education. In the few years between Conservative me and 16-year-old me, I had taken it upon myself to learn a bit. Some of this came from parents (my friends' as well as my mum), some from news sources, some from books. Very little came from the formal education system. This is where I think we fall short with youth engagement. In Scottish schools, a subject called Modern Studies includes some discussion about politics. Where I was schooled in England, no such thing existed. Whilst Modern Studies isn't compulsory, and indeed is only available in about 80% of secondary schools, it's a start. By introducing people to politics at a younger age, we can ensure they understand enough about the world around them so, by the time they turn 16, they can vote knowing who they are voting for. The difficulty is, of course, teaching politics in a non-partisan fashion. Teachers, like parents, are in a position of power and however good their intentions might be, there is a chance that they might end up teaching children about their politics, rather than how to think about politics. Young people could end up leaving classrooms with an entirely different set of ideas, ones which aren't there own, because they don't have the other side of the coin. However, this doesn't mean it shouldn't be done. For that reason the Electoral Commission and Education Scotland are working together to create guidelines for teachers in Scotland to teach politics. This could easily be applied to the rest of the UK. And thinking long-term, by engaging people in their youth, they are far more likely to stay interested as they grow older. Indeed, plenty of adults who do vote are perhaps as equally unengaged as their children. It is not enough to empower young people to vote. We must also empower them to make an informed decision.]]> Childhood Fashion I Wish Was Still Cool tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7346688 2015-05-20T17:49:33-04:00 2016-05-20T05:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Credit: Stephanie Sicore // young@art, Flickr 1. Roller boots Ok, so this type of footwear is technically still around - I see kids gliding around the shops in them all the time. But I am old enough to remember when the first ones hit the shops. The soles were about three inches thick to hide the wheels in, and to actually skate you had to sit down, unfold the metal clasps on the bottom of your shoes which hid the wheel, clip them into place and off you went - seamless (almost). My boots were baby blue, presumably to match the combats. My best friend got a pair about 6 months after I did, having realised how amazing they were - only by then the technology had moved on, so simply required the push of a button and out popped the wheels. I was insanely jealous. 2. Combats Trousers with twenty million pockets running up and down the legs were the coolest. Not only did they look super awesome, but they actually came in handy for storing all your rubbish. Of course, back in those days it was liquorice vines and Hubba Bubba - it kept me on a constant sugar high throughout the 90s. Personally, I had a pair of baby blue, three-quarters which I eventually wore several holes in. They were from Tammy. That's right. And the best thing about combats was they made you feel like a spy. 3. Skorts Credit: Garhol, Flickr In what I can only assume was an attempt by my mother to break the tomboy trend, she compromised by buying me several pairs of skorts. For those of you either too young, or simply not cool enough to remember, these a skirt-shorts. On the outside, my mum could pretend I was the pretty-in-pink daughter she wanted... whilst I could still clamber up trees without giving all and sundry a flash of my underwear. I even had matching tank tops to go with them. 4. Fancy dress We all know that kid that got a fancy dress costume one year as a Christmas or birthday present and refused to go anywhere without it. I was that kid. Mine came in the form of a gold, glittery fairy dress. With ruffles. I actually enjoyed the outfit so much that I soon ditched the wings and just sauntered round in the dress for probably the best part of a year. I felt so elegant, a feat I haven't managed torecreate since. Perhaps I should have found a replica dress to wear to my graduation. 5. Umbro sports gear Credit: Dwayne // Two Stout Monks, Flickr Remember when Umbro was cool? Forget your Nike and your Adidas, this brand was far superior. As the youngest child with only two brothers to try to emulate (before I realised they weren't that cool), I was a bit of a tomboy. This include taking some of my big bros hand-me-downs - including a fluorescent orange t-shirt and shorts set, emblazoned with the Umbro diamond across its chest. I'm sure I looked rather fetching in the poke-your-eyes-out colour, matching as it did with my ginger hair. In fact, I loved it so much that I wore it for days on end. Until my mum decided enough was enough, and I never saw it again. I'm still heartbroken.]]> What Next for Labour? tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7312514 2015-05-19T09:02:12-04:00 2016-05-19T05:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ The generally accepted argument is that Labour is no longer left enough for Scotland. Many turned to the SNP as an austerity alternative, whilst Labour was intent on continuing cuts (albeit to a lesser extent than the Tories) and weirdly accepted that their public sector spending agenda pre-2010 had caused the (global) economic downturn. The stepping down of Jim Murphy as the head of Scottish Labour has been celebrated as a turn for the better. Many members, including MSPs Neil Findlay and Alex Rowley, have urged the party to edge back left now it is free of a 'Blairite' leader. The issue is the party cannot move left without the rest of UK Labour behind it (the truth behind former leader Johann Lamont's branch officer comments) - a prospect which is unlikely given the party is not thought to be right enough in England and Wales. South of the border, the pro-Blair faction of the party continues to call for further reforms like those which led to the 1997 New Labour landslide. These same people describe Miliband's leadership as an "experiment" with left-wing politics. Personally, I would question their definition of left-wing - the acceptance of austerity demonstrated the party was anything but. That being said, a further shift right seems almost inevitable for Labour as they try to lure voters away from the Conservatives. This could spell suicide for the party, because such a move might be the final straw for the genuine Left in the party. With this in mind, many in Scottish Labour are calling for its segregation from the main party - presumably with a similar agreement to the Greens whereby collaboration between the parties would still be possible. The inherent danger in this option would be splitting the Labour vote. New Labour has a hold in Scottish Labour, or else Murphy would not have survived the vote of no confidence nor even have been elected as leader in the first place. Therefore, a separate Scottish Labour party would still suffer from a deeply divided membership, or worse, it would cause an offshoot party to be created, further fragmenting the vote. For these reasons, it is difficult to identify a reasonable strategy for Labour to take - compromise is difficult given the sides of Labour are pulling in opposite directions. A move either way would alienate half of the party - but not moving risks alienating all. What the party requires is a strong leader - one which voters were actually feel confident in backing in future elections. Whilst neither Miliband nor Murphy were perhaps as terrible as the press would have us believe, neither polled well on voter opinions. Few people could see Miliband as their Prime Minister. But this isn't because of the politics he was calling for, as indicated by analysis of the British Attitude Survey which reveals England and Wales are not as far right as their voting patterns would suggest. In fact, these surveys reveal there to actually be little difference between Scots and their rUK counterparts when it comes to policy support - the difference is rather than the Scottish electorate have two options on the left. This means if one of these becomes unelectable, as Labour did under Murphy and Miliband, there exists an alternative in the form of the SNP. Contrast this with England in particular, where an unelectable Labour means having to rely on the Conservatives - despite not agreeing with much of their manifesto. To stop a repeat of 2015, Labour must make itself a viable option by electing a leader which people could conceivably see at No. 10. Miliband did not fill this criteria. Hopefully the next leader will, and this will go part way to ensuring England and Wales sway back to the left so Scottish Labour are not forced to split on the grounds that their political attitudes contrast too much with their rUK colleagues.]]> Young Votes Matter, Too tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7182268 2015-04-30T16:55:51-04:00 2015-06-30T05:59:02-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Unfortunately, this reflects a general trend throughout the UK. In 1992, the year I was born, 78% of 18-24 year olds voted. By 2010, this has plummeted to just 44% - meaning over half of the young people in this country did not elect their representative of the last five years. The reasons for this aren't entirely clear: are young people not voting out of apathy or out of protest? Whilst I'm inclined to believe the latter - the Scottish independence referendum showed young people, even 16 and 17 year olds, want to be engaged with - in truth this is something we cannot prove. But either way, the problem needs a resolution. If it's apathy, we need to teach the younger generation that their voices - and their votes - matter. We need to get them excited about politics the way I was (and still am!) and engage with them before they turn 18. Political parties cannot expect immediate interest from the day a person becomes an adult if no effort has been made prior to that. Further, we need to show that there are ways to be politically active outside of parliament and government - in charity groups, through campaigning and by trying to change something in society they consider to be wrong. If it is a protest non-vote, young people need to be provided with an alternative. This may include highlighting non-mainstream parties that there is less information about. Or perhaps even encourage some to set up their own parties, or factions within parties. Surely of that 56%, there must be some common ideologies to band together around. Such parties might not come into power, but there's no reason that they cannot put items on the agenda. Another alternative would be to emphasise the option that doesn't have a clearly defined box - spoiling your ballot. This would allow protest non-votes to be counted. Write an angry essay, scribble an expletive, scrawl your option - but for god's sake do something that isn't nothing. This isn't about your duty as a citizen, nor is it about making sure those people who fought for your right to vote didn't do so in vain. It's about something far more than that. It's about getting politicians to recognise younger generations. It's about selecting your local representative. It's about mobilising for change. "My vote won't matter, why should I bother?" That's exactly the attitude the political elite are counting on. It means they don't have to bother changing for you. So if I may be so bold as to ask one thing of you, it's to take half an hour out of your Thursday to head to the polling station. Make your mark. Make your voice heard. Because en masse, that 56% can make a difference.]]> Electoral Change We Need tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2015:/theblog//3.7032308 2015-04-09T08:51:29-04:00 2015-06-09T05:59:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Patrick Harvie mentioned it. Even Willie Rennie was mysteriously silent on the matter, despite it being one of his party's key election pledges back in 2010. And whilst I loathe agreeing with Jim Murphy and Ruth Davidson, they are right to say that the outcome of this election will be either a Labour- or Conservative-led government (albeit likely a coalition). This is despite the fact that the UK is now clearly a multi-party system, simply demonstrated by requiring several parties to be represented at the various leader debates. Our electoral system is not designed to cope with this. It means smaller parties, whilst enjoying more support than ever in the run-up to 7th May, have little to be optimistic about. The First Past the Post (FPTP) process, a system I have long been an opponent of, is biased towards the bigger parties. It gives the likes of Labour, the Conservatives and even the SNP the chance to win a huge number of seats with a disproportionate amount of votes. Indeed, in 2010 the Conservatives gained just 36.1% of the vote, but at Westminster this became 307 seats (47.2%). The reason FPTP disadvantages smaller parties is because they have few pockets of support large enough to overwhelm the other parties competing in the same constituency. For example, the Greens across the UK may enjoy the 7% of support Lord Ashcroft highlighted, but because this support is spread out rather than concentrated in specific areas, they are unlikely to gain 7% of Westminster's seats. This seems to me, in a country that purports to be one of the most democratic in the world, to be decidedly undemocratic. And this is not an uncommon opinion. A change to the system received some support during the independence referendum, with the SNP's White Paper pledging to switch to Proportional Representation - but this has since been politely ignored by politicians and the media alike. The issue was also raised relatively recently at UK level. Whilst the Liberal Democrats have a lot to answer for over the past five years, their attempt to change electoral system was one thing they did get right. You may recall that in 2011 a UK-wide referendum was held, this one to switch to the Alternative Vote (AV). You would be forgiven if you don't remember - it received very little media coverage and it was also held on the same day as the Holyrood election. AV was overwhelmingly defeated 67.9% to 31.2%, though turnout was just 42.2% UK-wide. Not exactly a democratic mandate to keep the system (nor, admittedly, to dismantle it). Don't get me wrong, AV was not the ideal solution to FPTP - it still has the ability to produce disproportional results in cases of electoral landslides. Even the Lib Dems didn't campaign ferociously for it, because it wasn't their preferred system. Much better would have been a move to the Single Transferable Vote or Party Lists. Moving to a system of Proportional Representation would give smaller parties a better chance and produce a result at Westminster much more reflective of the electorate. It would also lessen the need for that most horrendous of vote - the Tactical. This year, I know Conservative supporters voting Labour to keep the SNP out, whilst some Green members are voting SNP to deny Labour a victory. This is a ridiculous thing to have to consider in an established democracy, but an undeniable truth of our electoral system. The irony is that to make the change, one of the larger parties must be in favour of it - though this is unlikely to happen any time soon as it would only lessen their already tenuous grasp on power. Until a change is made, smaller parties must continue to fight an uphill battle and try to put a spotlight on the disproportionate, pseudo-democratic FPTP. Until then, smaller parties just have to hope that they have done enough, somewhere in Scotland, to topple a Lib Dem, Labour or SNP candidate.]]> The Presentation of Ukip as a Serious Alternative tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.3654804 2014-11-11T16:41:37-05:00 2015-01-11T05:59:01-05:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ For some of them, this will be more of an ordeal than others. The Green Party of England and Wales and the Scottish Greens will barely receive any coverage in traditional media, bar the occasional mention that editors can point towards and say: "Look, we are inclusive." Other smaller parties will face total exclusion. The SNP will continue to argue it does not get enough attention in the national media, as it did regarding its exclusion from the planned BBC and ITV televised debates. And yet UKIP, one of the rising stars ahead of next year's election, seem to be having no trouble at all in this regard. Many are quick to criticise the media for giving UKIP a disproportionate amount of media coverage. Indeed, it is true that UKIP have only gained ground in the past year or so, earning its first MP last month and perhaps its second in just over a week's time. However, other parties can only dream of receiving as much coverage as UKIP have, despite Caroline Lucas' victory in 2010 and the two Scottish Green MSPs at Holyrood. So why do UKIP get so much coverage in the press? No, it's not a right-wing media agenda as many on the left will claim. Whilst much of the press does back right-wing parties (read: the Conservatives), you'd be hard pressed to find one that actually backs UKIP. Even the Daily Mail, long known for its sensationalist right-wing ideology, demonise Nigel Farage and his cronies. Any coverage in traditional media is invariably negative. UKIP are paraded out in a circus intended to demonstrate its extremity. The media give it attention precisely because the philosophy it espouses is ridiculous. "You think the Tories are bad? Check out these idiots." In fact, coverage surrounding UKIP is much the same as documentaries that focus on sufferers of obscure diseases. We watch them because they are intriguing and unfamiliar (and perhaps a little gruesome). The media have simply applied this logic to Nigel Farage. Yet UKIP are a great example of the old adage "no publicity is bad publicity". The same could be said of the vast majority of protest parties; any coverage increases awareness of the respective party, supplying an additional option for those voters looking for an alternative to the Big Three with which they feel disillusioned. Many in the media have since come to realise that giving UKIP so much publicity has actually caused the reverse effect to what original reports had intended. Instead of highlighting their extremity, it has created a serious threat out of the party, the culmination of which had led to Nigel Farage being invited to participate in the televised leader debates. Many newspapers and columnists are now attempting to backtrack through the publication of various comment pieces explicitly stating the negative side of UKIP policies, rather than just alluding to them in news articles. However, this mightn't be enough to combat the damage already done. Whilst UKIP will not get an outright majority in the next election, the fact that they are being taken as a serious threat, particularly by the Tories, is already being demonstrated. Discussion surrounding immigration and the EU have entirely been brought about due to UKIP. If Farage and his team manage to ride the wave until May, there might even be a chance of a coalition if the main parties do not get enough votes to form a majority. Personally, I believe the best way to combat UKIP as a protest vote would be to highlight the alternative protest options. In a recent letter to Rona Fairweather, Chair of the BBC Trust, the Greens (both English & Welsh and Scottish factions), the SNP and Plaid Cymru urged for their inclusion in the TV debates. This would allow these parties to put forward their argument and provide an opportunity for the electorate to sample other positions across the spectrum (even if, in the case with the SNP and Plaid Cymru, debates including Nicola Sturgeon and Leanne Wood are only aired in their respective nations). If a person is absolutely determined not to vote for one of the Big Three come May 2015, they can protest vote in a meaningful way - rather than simply choosing the only option that appears available to them.]]> Youth Shouldn't Be a Barrier to Politics - It Could Be the Ticket to Change tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2014:/theblog//3.5870594 2014-09-23T17:01:29-04:00 2014-11-23T05:59:01-05:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ So, earlier this week when I read this article in The Guardian, written by 19-year-old Ollie Middleton who will be standing for election in May, it immediately struck a chord. A teenager so interested in politics and so involved in the Labour party that he had decided to stand for election? Even among my friends, who are unusually politically active for the 18-24 bracket, that would be considered unusual. Ollie Middleton is hoping to be an MP for the same reason as many other candidates: he wants to change the current system. But will anyone really vote for someone so young? The argument goes that people get wiser with age. And being wise is exactly the trait we'd want for someone running the country, whose every decision might impact upon our lives somehow. A teenager cannot possibly have enough life experience to truly understand what people, the citizens, need from their politicians. Those are probably the first thoughts that run through your head when you first hear about Ollie. I have to admit, when I realised he was 19 I had much to same idea. But then, I sat and thought about it for a while. Isn't one of our most common complaints about those currently filling the benches of Westminster that they are out of touch with reality? Many of them went to public school, then on to Oxbridge, and then perhaps sort-of lived a real life in the sort-of real world (likely shaded by some family member's wing), before deciding they knew what would be best for the public. This situation is about as far removed from many of our own lives as we can get. How, then, are current MPs any more qualified to tell us what is good for us than Ollie? In this respect, Ollie has no less life experience than any of those we already trust with our present and our futures. Instead, what Ollie has to offer - other than the ability to represent the youth perspective, as he argues in his article - is the political idealism that comes with being young. I'm only too aware that some of my own perspectives on politics could be considered fanciful idealism, based on how I feel the world should be. But doesn't this make for a better starting point in political debate than a more gritty, pessimistic attitude that we might expect to succumb to as we age? Many call this realism, but really it's just an excuse to not hope for better. I would much rather try to create the ideal world and work backwards from there. What we can expect from young politicians such as Ollie is a renewal of politics. Not only could he engage the distant 18-24 year old by highlighting that politics isn't just for the old and 'experienced', not only could he give young people a voice, but he could put hope back on the agenda. Young politicians can push the boundaries in a way that older politicians are perhaps less likely to do, being too convinced that things have to be a certain way. I am not, of course, arguing that MPs should be exclusively young. What we need is a variety of ages who can represent the different needs of the population, in much the same way as a variety of races, genders, sexualities, etc should also be represented. Young MPs could suggest radical changes, and older MPs would balance this out with their 'realism'. Decisions would hopefully land somewhere in the middle, providing a much needed change to the political landscape without disrupting other processes too much. Whilst I am aware that the addition of one young MP is unlikely to cause massive waves at Westminster, I can hope that it sparks more interest for young people (including those under 18) to get involved in the political process. In a few elections' time, we could be looking at a completely changed landscape, the architects of which could be a mixture of ages. By encouraging young people to make their voice heard, we can not only improve political engagement and activity, but harness their hope and idealism to make real change possible. For this reason, and many others, I wish Ollie Middleton every luck in his campaign.]]> C(R)AP Farming Legislation tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.3654698 2013-07-25T17:24:48-04:00 2013-09-24T05:12:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Since its inception in 1962, the Policy has undergone many changes to reflect the issues of the day. However, major criticisms of the Policy have still to be addressed; of concern this time around are the environmental issues, meant to be of central concern to the EU, and the distribution of subsidies. This year the European Commission wanted to shore-up the scheme initially published in 2004, which encourages farmers to be more environmentally friendly. Unfortunately, despite the hours of wrangling, discussions have so far been disappointing. In 2011 a scheme was cobbled together to encourage farmers to go green. Under this scheme 30% of each farmer's subsidy must be earned by adhering to some fairly loose environmental specifications. Farmers can simply do nothing and leave wildlife to prosper naturally to earn their subsidy. The European Commission would understandably like to go further by forcing farmers to diversify their crops, preserve landscapes and look after animal welfare. Sadly these ideas have been met with scepticism from the farming community and are likely to be watered down. The "greening" of the CAP, it seems, is not so green after all. It was also proposed that subsidies be capped at €300,000 per farm per year, but this was quickly removed from the agenda by England and Germany, who criticised the proposal for penalising larger farms. Currently, subsidies are linked to farm size; the larger the farm, the higher the subsidy. Any savings would have gone towards creating a sustainable rural development programme for each country, but the spinelessness of the European Commission means this is unlikely to go ahead adding yet another blow to the progress of CAP. More worrying are the issues that the European Commission are not addressing: the effect of European subsidies on the rest of the world. Subsidies reduce local food prices and reduce the need to buy produce from abroad. Whilst potentially a good thing in itself, this distortion of the world market reduces the need for efficiency and can be a devastating blow to developing countries. Many poverty-stricken people depend on agriculture to earn a living, but are simply unable to compete with our prices, even with the 'Everything But Arms' programme enabling duty-free access to the European market. Subsidies also mean that farmers profit from every single crop. There is no such thing as simply filling the demand in these markets, so surplus is common. Typically, such surpluses are shipped to developing countries at bargain-basement prices - adding yet more competition for the emerging markets, and farmers in developing countries suffer with every product over-produced in Europe. It is a staggering thought that, even in the 21st century, 1.2 billion people have a lower income than the subsidy provided for a European cow. Clearly cows are more valuable than people. Although subsidies have been decoupled from dairy production directly, European farmers are still handed an extortionate amount of money each year. The European farming industry is able to monopolise markets around the world to the detriment of developing countries. In 2007, Sweden became the first country in the EU to support the abolition of farming subsidies. They instead would like to see the farming communities of Europe left to market forces, as with most other industries. This isn't a bad idea considering the damage subsidies do to the developing world. However, the European Commission's weak stance on changes to CAP instils little confidence in its ability to actually make a difference. Admittedly discussions are all part of a functioning democracy, but on this issue the European Commission needs to take control and make a decision. It could benefit everyone, and not just 5.4% of the population of the EU. By contrast, New Zealand removed all its subsides in 1984, and their industry is now more dynamic than ever. It is selfish and unfair to expect the developing world and the environment to suffer in order to subsidise an industry that can do well enough without the freebies. Perhaps CAP should be more suitably renamed the Common Regional Agricultural Policy. First published in the Yorkshire Times, June 2013.]]> Sexism and Misogyny at Glasgow University Union tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2807466 2013-03-04T18:29:24-05:00 2013-05-04T05:12:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ made headlines this weekend over the treatment of two female debaters visiting the university from Edinburgh and Cambridge for the GUU Ancients Debating Championship. The two women, Rebecca Meredith and Marlena Valles, were victims of sexist heckling and misogynistic objectification from a small number of male GUU members. Whilst this news may have shocked the majority of people, including the women themselves, I'm ashamed to say that I, and probably a fair few people here at Glasgow University, was not. It is one incident in a line of many that members of the GUU have been involved in over the years, with a minority of its members embodying everything that was unfair, regressive and unequal in society throughout much of the 20th century. Indeed, the 'lad' culture on which the GUU prides itself stems from the fact it was once a male-only Union and refused to admit women until 1980. The misogyny witnessed at the GUU Ancients is only the most recent example of the sexist culture that continues at the GUU. Last November saw the hosting of the Last All Male Board dinner, an event which invites current board members and those male members who were on the board before the first female board member was elected. The event, though seemingly innocent, is just another excuse to remember and celebrate the Unions dark sexist past. Then there's the 139 Club, so named after the 139 male members in 1980 who voted against allowing women to join the Union, despite mounting pressure from the 1975 Sex Discrimination Act. Had the decision not passed, it may have resulted in the closure of the GUU - a consequence the 139 males who voted against would apparently have preferred. The decision to ban the meetings of the 139 Club within the GUU was only made in 2011, a staggering 31 years after the initial vote. Despite this ban on meetings on campus, I think it highly likely that these meeting carry on elsewhere, albeit privately, continuing to embed the gender inequalities. It's not only women who are the victims of GUU backwardness. Glasgow alumnus Liam Fox, a prominent member of the British Conservative party, also revealed his homophobia in his days as a student. The Union refused to affiliate the "Gay Society" in 1982, leading to a protest against this decision. Fox, then a member of the SRC, agreed with the decision made by the GUU, stating: "I just don't want the gays flaunting it in my face, which is what they would do." However, this is not say all members of the GUU are equally sexist, homophobic and generally against anyone who isn't a white middle-class male. I do not mean to tar all members with the same brush. Yet the fact that these other members, including many women, are willing to tolerate such behaviour and explain it away as 'lad' culture or 'banter' is simply unacceptable. The GUU has a murky past, perhaps no more so than any other institution, but the toleration of such misogyny essentially accepts it. This type of occurrence shouldn't be "par for the course" and shouldn't "be expected". It should be openly rejected, and those members of the GUU who were heckling the female debaters should be banned, or at least disciplined, by Union management. An example needs to be set. To get away from it's sexist past, the GUU and its members should actively seek to do so. The GUU has supposedly been changing and getting better in this respect for years - but when can we actually expect this change? When can we actually say it has gotten better? Something needs to be done, and soon, or else Glasgow University risks losing a special part of its history. The behaviour of members will begin to alienate more and more students, leading to less and less profit and eventual decline. The Union may have it's problems, but I doubt many students - old, current or prospective - would actually celebrate the downfall of the GUU. I urge current Union management to seriously reconsider the behaviour of it's members and make attempts to forever rid of the sexism and misogyny exemplified this weekend.]]> Better Together Campaign Must Up Its Game tag:www.huffingtonpost.com,2013:/theblog//3.2728969 2013-02-20T19:16:12-05:00 2013-04-22T05:12:01-04:00 Louise Wilson http://www.huffingtonpost.com/louise-wilson/ Glasgow Guardian newspaper, this has given me plenty of opportunities to speak to students, politicians and other campaigners about the referendum, due to take place in Autumn 2014. But whilst researching information for some interviews, it suddenly struck me: the Better Together campaign isn't particularly engaging or persuasive. In comparison, the Yes Scotland website is much better; it clearly sets out why people should vote 'Yes', what an Independent Scotland will mean for them and generally giving reasons (whether you agree with them or not being a different matter) as to why you, yes you, should show your support for the campaign. The Better Together website, on the other hand, does none of this. It simply states the voting 'No' doesn't mean you are against Scotland, or that you think Scottish people are incapable of running their own country, but just that an independent Scotland would simply not be as strong as a United Kingdom - and no explanation further than this. When I think about it, I've yet to come across any real argument as to why people should vote 'No' come 2014. It seems to me as though every argument the Better Together campaign has put forward is simply to poke holes in what Yes Scotland say and do - but never setting out themselves why the Union is indeed better together. 'No' campaigns seem to be relying on the fact that people will automatically want to stick with the status quo, that citizens able to vote will automatically vote 'No' unless persuaded otherwise. This is simply not the case. What about trying to turn those 'Yes' votes into 'No', or at least trying to pull over support from those sitting on the fence? Personally, upon first hearing that the referendum was going ahead I was skeptical about an independent Scotland - would it really be able to function? Could it afford to be independent? Would it really be better for the citizens of Scotland? At first, I was a 'No' vote. Now I'm not so sure. Having read up on the subject the 'Yes' campaign is giving me much more compelling reasons for me to give my vote to them. Better education and healthcare? Sure. Higher GDP? Fine with me. Evening out social inequalities? Yes please. Regardless of whether or not the arguments are valid, at least Yes Scotland are trying to be persuasive, more than can be said for Better Together. So, let's look at the case Better Together is giving us. An independent Scotland would be uncertain, unstable and create barriers for business, but what is the evidence for this? The Yes campaign has at least backed their argument for higher GDP up with data - saving on defence, North Sea oil and continued membership within the EU which will keep markets open. Let's try another Better Together argument - an independent Scotland would be less secure; again, where is the evidence for this? Scotland would indeed spend less on defence than the UK, but it is a smaller country, and much of the savings come from getting rid of the Trident - a resource which we don't need and doesn't make us any more secure anyway. And the final of the three main arguments given on 'the +ve case' page is that Scottish culture is only enriched by the Union - this point just baffles me. Scotland has it's own culture and a very strong one at that outside of the UK, and besides, removing the Union isn't cutting Scotland off entirely from the rest of the UK as this statement seems to suggest. The two nations will still share a border and a history after all. What I would like to see over the next 18 months is for this debate to deepen. I'm currently sat on the fence, but when it comes to the referendum in 2014 I want to be able to cast my vote with some certainty as to what in fact I am voting for. My vote may be a 'yes' or it may be a 'no', but either way when I make that decision I want to be certain that I'm making the right choice for me. I'd like to see each side become a real contender with each other, each side to give me real reasons why I should vote that way. So go ahead, campaigners, I invite you to persuade me, and millions of others who are eligible to vote, why we should agree with you. Why should I vote 'yes' or 'no'? Why should I back your campaign and not the other? The Better Together campaign in particular needs to engage and persuade the nation, or risk losing the referendum. This campaign needs to seriously up its game if a 'No' vote is to succeed. Click to view interviews with Blair Jenkins and Alistair Darling for Glasgow Guardian.]]>


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BALTIMORE (AP) — The Cleveland Indians have recalled right-hander Zach McAllister from the minor leagues so he can start Thursday night against the Orioles.
The 24-yearold McAllister was recalled from Triple-A Columbus to help the Indians snap a five-game losing streak. He went 5-2 with a 2.98 ERA in 11 starts with Columbus.
This is McAllister's second stint with the Indians. He was 1-1 with a 3.96 ERA in four starts last month before being optioned to Columbus on May 25.
To make room for McAllister, the Indians optioned left-hander Scott Barnes to Columbus. Barnes was recalled on June 25th and pitched against the Yankees on Monday night.

subset: commoncrawl


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Vt gets 2 new top human resources officials
MONTPELIER The department of state government responsible for managing the states workforce will have two new leaders starting next month.
Gov. Peter Shumlin announced Tuesday he was moving Maribeth Spellman from a high-ranking job in the Tax Department to the commissioners office in the Department of Human Resources.
Meanwhile, Kari Miner will move from program director at the Vermont Transportation Training Center to deputy commissioner of human resources.
Spellman replaces Kate Duffy, who left her job as commissioner of human resources this summer to work for the attorney generals office.
The Human Resources Department negotiates labor contracts with the Vermont State Employees Association, responds to union grievances and investigates allegations of employee misconduct.MORE IN This Just InWESTMINSTER Vermont State Police say a passenger has died in an off-road vehicle crash in... Full StoryPOMFRET More than 1,000 trees and shrubs have been planted along three rivers in New Hampshire... Full StoryWATERBURY Vermont State Police are investigating a weekend burglary at the Snowfire Auto... Full Story
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Idaho Hunt Planner We got game.
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Hunt Area 50-1
That portion of Unit 50 south of the Doublespring Pass Road east of US 93, and that portion south of the Trail Creek Road west of US 93 but EXCLUDING the Copper Creek and Cottonwood Creek drainages west of the Craters of the Moon National Monument.
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People Sitting By Socialist Workers Mural Stock PhotoAdult,Adults Only,Art,Art And Craft,Asia,Color Image,Day,Group Of People,Horizontal,Laos,Medium Group Of People,Men,Mural,Occupation,Outdoors,People,Photography,Politics,Relaxation,Side View,Sitting,Socialist Party,Southeast Asia,Southeast Asian Ethnicity,Women,Young Adult,Young Men,Young WomenPhotographer John ElkCollection: Lonely Planet Images Muang Xai, Udomxai, Laos, South-East Asia, Asia


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You limited your search to:
Decade: 1970-1979
Year: 1971
Month: December
Day: 13th
Collection: African American Funeral Programs of San Antonio
[Funeral Program for Robert Blackson, December 13, 1971]
Date: December 13, 1971
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Description: Funeral program for Brother Robert Blackson. The funeral was held Monday, December 13, 1971 at Second Baptist Church, officiated by S. H. James. Funeral arrangements were made through Carter-Taylor Mortuary and he was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery near San Antonio, Texas.
Contributing Partner: San Antonio Public Library


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Announcement: Configuration Manager Documentation Library Update for December 2013
The Documentation Library for System Center 2012 Configuration Manager has been updated on the web and the latest content has Updated: December 1, 2013 at the top of the topic. Downloadable versions will be available soon and announced on this blog. We value customer feedback and try to incorporate it when possible. Although we can't… Read more
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I am sure I made a good purchase when I ordered this item. Unfortunately the printer (new to me) was not working properly and it was returned to the supplier. I have not been able to make use of the cartridge.
Pros: good value and service
Cons: none
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Consumers in June feel the economy will remain the same short term, but are less upbeat about their outlook over the next six months.
This story first appeared in the June 27, 2012 issue of WWD. Subscribe Today.
June's Consumer Confidence Index fell again, representing the fourth consecutive month of moderate declines.
The Index, representing the Conference Board's monthly survey of consumer confidence, is now at 62, down from 64.4 in May. The Expectations Index dropped to 72.3 from 77.3, while the Present Situation Index rose to 46.6 from 44.9 last month.
Lynn Franco, director of economic indicators at The Conference Board, said, "Consumers were somewhat more positive about current conditions, but slightly more pessimistic about the short-term outlook."
Franco concluded that the improvement in current conditions, coupled with moderate softening in expectations, could mean "little change in the pace of economic activity in the near-term."
In a separate report called "U.S. Risks to the Forecast: Lazy Hazy Crazy Days of Summer," Standard & Poor's Ratings Services estimated the "odds of a double-dip to be 20 percent, down from a 25 percent risk in February and half the 40 percent high [it] estimated in [its] September Financial Notes report."
S&P's latest report presumes as a baseline a slow recovery from the June 2009 recession trough, but raised the question of two other scenarios: A typical "V"-shaped expansion or an "L"-shaped recession where the economy stagnates for years.
While the risks have diminished, they have not disappeared. The S&P sovereign team in the euro zone estimates a one-in-three risk of a Greek exit. In the U.S., job market improvements have reversed and there are increasing worries those gains were only temporary. Those factors plus other such as a limp housing recovery will likely keep the economic "recovery subdued," the report concluded.
In a downside scenario, a double-dip recession possibility "takes hold in the third quarter of this year," with the U.S. recovery halting as the euro zone tackles fiscal austerity, political issues and a credit crunch.
In a more positive scenario, an improving job market and a more rapid calming of the financial markets help relieve the strains on the U.S. economy. Moreover, consumer spending rebounds more than expected as Americans live beyond their means.
While the S&P report raised the possibility of a Japanese-style decline for years, it didn't put forecast numbers to this fourth scenario because it was viewed as beyond the five-year economic projection of the study. There are also two diverging differences that make a comparison difficult: Japanese consumers sharply increased their saving rate, and U.S. health care costs are a greater fiscal risk that wasn't apparent in Japan in the early Nineties.


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I had pulled the spark plug wires off the ignition pack and noticed #2 and #4 post were all burnt looking and alot of black dust came out the spark plug wire end. What could be the problem there and will that cause my misfiring.
by eddie01 in East Hartford, CT on January 31, 2010


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Thanks, Christine. I'm so buried under my workload right now, that the thought of an extra 8 hours sounds a bit relieving. Seriously.....I've been leaving work each day, grateful that I have another day to knock out more work. I must be sick, lol!
I don't think I could hack 10 hour days. I think by the time my day off comes, I'll be too drained and exhausted to enjoy it.
Eventually I'll go back to part time. Most of our close-to-retirement employees are part time. The company is great with flexibility.


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Wednesday, February 12, 2014
Indie Life: The Inevitable Change
According to the latest Indie Life newsletter, this will be the feature's final month. I'm sure that the Indelibles will live on, which continues to be a great resource for indie authors like myself. I didn't get a chance to be part of this 2nd Wednesday of the month feature for very long, and I missed the last few months during my blogging hiatus, but I wanted to make sure I gave the feature a proper goodbye.
Change is inevitable. If we as indie authors don't recognize this and are unwilling to adapt to all the change going on around us, then we will be left behind. This isn't an industry where we can get comfortable and coast. There are new developments, new suggestions from other successful authors, and new opportunities opening up every single day. Most of us don't have the time to search for every new idea, but we do need to dedicate a certain percentage of our time to finding a few of these innovations and applying them. The key word is "apply" because it is too easy to become paralyzed by research. I am guilty of that way too often.
One thing I just found out is that Kindle Direct Publishing now allows authors to upload their books in multiple formats, not just a .mobi file anymore. I don't remember this being an option a year ago (though I could have just overlooked it). You can now upload an ePub, HTML, or MS Word file as well. With this discovery, I'll have to experiment which format is the easiest and cleanest for me to upload, hopefully allowing me to reallocate some conversion time to more writing time. My writing time is a precious commodity!
Also, there is less than a week left to enter the Provex City giveaway at Book Divas. I am giving away 3 signed paperbacks and 10 ebook copies of the first book in the Lorne Family Vault series. The giveaway ends February 17th. Visit the official giveaway page HERE. Good luck!
8 comments:
That's cool you have more options now. Sorry Indie Life is ending its monthly posting, but you still have the website and all its resources.ReplyDelete
All good things must end. Thanks for the heads up on the different formats available for self-publishing on Amazon.ReplyDelete
I didn't realize it was ending... I DID notice a lot of people not doing it, but I thought it was a good way to connect.ReplyDelete
Interesting that Kindle Direct is getting more flexible. I wonder if they will then be downloadable so we can share without all the converting...
I thought about being part of the indie blog thing but I kept forgetting.ReplyDelete
Too bad! You're right about the need for flexibility though. Thankfully, authors are always coming up with new ways to connect!ReplyDelete
شركة تنظيف شقق بالمدينة المنورةReplyDelete
شركة تنظيف فلل بالمدينة المنورة
مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
تسليك مجاري بالدمام
شركة تنظيف منازل بالدمام
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالدمام
شركة تنظيف شقق بالمدينة المنورة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالمدينة المنورة
تخزين عفش بالمدينة المنورة
شركة مكافحة حشرات بالخبر
شركة تنظيف منازل بالدمام
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمام
شركة كشف تسربات المياه بالدمامReplyDelete
شركة تسليك مجارى بالدمام
شركة تخزين اثاث بالدمام
شركة تنظيف منازل بالدمام
شركة تسليك مجاري بالدمام
شركة تنظيف بالدمام
شركة تنظيف خزانات بالمدينة المنورة
شركة كشف تسربات المياه
مكافحة حشرات بالمدينة المنورة
تنظيف خزانات بجدة
شركة تنظيف منازل بجدة
شركة تنظيف فلل بجدة


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Old Wood Ceiling
I am remodelling my 200 year old apartment building in the French Quarter in New Orleans. The painter has painted the ceiling 5 times with kiltz but the stains from th old wood still comes through. Any ideas?
Using a shellac bases zinzer may work. Shellac covers alot that the oil and water base wont, cost the same and drys as fast ;)
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The May 27 story "Baby boomer sees the light, and that's bad" on retinal tears placed much significance on the symptoms of an eye condition that almost led to something horrible.
This story opened my eyes that, although symptoms might be minor, the diagnosis might not be. It reported of an individual who almost went blind a year later after he saw a black disk in his left eye.
The story specified that baby boomers have these problems with the common age for retinal tear occurring is age 50; however, there have been incidents of retinal tears occurring in younger ages.
This story also shed light on how insurance is extremely important in our country. There are multiple cases per day where the patient is holding back their painful, bothering symptoms that might lead to something terrible. Their reason? Insurance. Due to the high unemployment rate many people are forced to buy health insurance lacking multiple benefits or use alternative medications.
Although this man in the report has a serious condition with his eyes he is forced to take a treatment that is less likely to work than the treatment that is recommended by his primary doctor.
How can this problem be fixed? What is our call to action?
Nagula Subramaniyam


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The Dolphins and Raiders are both 5-5 and looking to put together a string of victories that will propel them towards postseason play. Oakland is looking to win their third straight at home since 2003, while the Dolphins hope for their 5th straight victory at Oakland.
Jesse Agler joined me for Finsiders TV to talk about the two teams and how different their division battles look as they come in with identical records.
In his final chat with the media before Sunday's game at Oakland, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano was asked about several injured players. WR Brandon Marshall was once again not at practice today, and Sparano said he has made a decision on whether or not he will travel with the team this afternoon as they head to the west coast. Meanwhile, QB Chad Pennington, who is on injured reserve, will not travel, which isn't a huge surprise, but is nonetheless noteworthy because of his "coaching" abilities on the sideline.
Today on the Finsiders radio show, Jesse Agler and myself will be joined by former Pitt quarterback John Congemi and Miami Dolphins beat writer, Mike Berardino from the Sun Sentinel.
At the top of today's show, we will speak to Dolphins DE Clifton Geathers. Then at 5:30 we will chat with NFL Network analyst, Rich Eisen for a look around the league.
It has been a weekend of change not only for the Dolphins, but all around the NFL, as teams have been making cuts and scouring the waiver wire for late roster additions. Today, after an initial delay, Dolphins coach Tony Sparano met with the media to discuss the changes.
Prior to the coach coming into the room, the team officially announced that they had waived DE's Charles Grant and Marques Douglas as well as guard Cory Procter.


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sewage Companies in American Samoa
Keyword: sewage ×
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Amandus Kahl GmbH & Co. KG
based in Reinbek, GERMANY
Our traditional markets are the basic food and animal feed technology, the sugar industry, the food and nutrient industry, and the chemical industry. KAHL is one of the leading manufacturers of plants for conditioning biomass, wood, straw, waste tyres, sewage sludge, plastics scrap as well as domestic and industrial waste. More than 130 years of experience in plant and ...
AWAS International GmbH
based in Wilnsdorf, GERMANY
We are experts for industrial wastewater engineering. Over the past forty years we have advised, designed and built engineering wastewater systems. The range of our solutions for the separation of liquids with contaminants is growing rapidly. When developing our innovative sewage technology, we rely on physical, quantum physical and biophysical processes while largely ...
based in Kathwada, INDIA
We are manufacturers of various Laboratory Equipments generally required by most Effluent Treatment Plants, Water Treatment Plants and Sewage Treatment Plants. The product range includes BOD Incubators, COD Digestors. Flocculators, Hot Air Ovens, Autoclaves, Muffle Furnace, Laboratory Hot Plates, Filteration assembly, Vacuum Pumps, Orbital Shakers etc.
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based in Trichy, INDIA
End to End Solutions provider from Research, Design, Development, Manufacture, Sales and Service for Liquid Solutions recovery, treatment, separation and reuse applications. Speciality Equipments include Oil Water separation, Water Soluble Coolant recovery Solutions, Non Consumable based separation solutions, Water Oil Separation, Sewage and Effluent Treatment Plants that ...
Magna Energy & Hydro Systems Pvt. Ltd.
based in West Mambalam, INDIA
Magna Energy is one of the nation's leading manufacturers of Hydrojet High pressure water jetting pumps. We specialize in various Equipments for Power and Process industries. Magna Energy and Hydro Systems Pvt Ltd has two divisions one for Energy and other for Hydro. By viewing our web site you will get a comprehensive solution for your power and pump needs. We are the ...
Filter Machines Pvt. Ltd
based in Vapi, INDIA
We are one of the leading manufacturer of Membrane filter press & Automatic filter press which is widely use in Clarification & dewatering applications With a rich industry experience of 30 years, our company has carved a niche in manufacturing and exporting of Automatic Filter Press, Membrane Filter Press with PLC and PP Plates & Frame type Plate, Filter Press, Membrane ...
Hebei Tongda Pump&Valve Group Co.,Ltd.
based in Baoding, CHINA
Established in 2001,Hebei Tongda Pump & Valve Group Co.,Ltd. own independent pump company, casting company and machine-tool company. Our main products include slurry pumps, desulfurization pumps, submerged pumps, mud pumps, sewage pumps, chemical pumps, vacuum pumps etc centrifugal pump and various pump parts. And our slurry pumps have been exported Russia, India, ...
Kio Group
based in Bilecik, TURKEY
We provide continuity of pleasure our customers that is why we develop and produce necessary technological truck body buildings, machines and plants to collect and transport decomposed wastes, soiled aqua and all kinds of wastes in environmental for our customers, today and in the future. We provide and manufacture impeccable products which our customers need transporting ...
SatrindTech Srl
based in Arluno, ITALY
SatrindTech is a mechanical and electrical engineering company based in Arluno (Milano) with well consolidated experience and leadership in engineering, manufacturing and installation of industrial shredders and complex plants to handle many different types of waste.
SRS Crisafulli, Inc.
based in Glendive, MONTANA (USA)
SRS Crisafulli manufactures, sells and services versatile high capacity pumps, dredges, power units, accessories, and spare parts. Crisafulli Products are manufactured in both custom and standard configurations. Dredges, Dredging Services, Flotation Equipment, Irrigation Systems, Lagoon Equipment, Pumps/Centrifugal, Pumps/Lift Station, Pumps/Sludge, Pumps/Submersible, ...


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Joanna, reeling from a painful divorce, returns with her young daughter to the small town she couldn't wait to leave behind as a teenager. But her past catches up with her when she discovers that a new friend's husband is "the one that got away". Now raw and vulnerable, and scrutinized by everyone in her small town, Joanna cannot deny nor indulge in the passion that drew them together years ago.
Well, it looks like you've wandered over into the US Lifetime site. You should go to the UK one. Over here we've got laffs, fashion, tea and biscuits. And David Duchovny.
I'd like to go to LIFETIME UK
I'd like to go to LIFETIME US


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Get replacement, aftermarket and performance 1979-1993 Fox Body Mustang ignition components at 5.0 Resto. When trying to troubleshoot a misfire, rough idle, or poor performance, spark plugs and wires are a great first step. We have a variety of kits and brands to choose from to suit your individual application. Need a new cap, distributor or ignition coil? Late Model Restoration has you covered with MSD, Motorcraft, and Screamin Demon replacements. If you are wanting to upgrade your ignition system, check out our MSD ignition boxes that give you multiple sparks ensuring complete combustion. Finish off your repair or installation with the appropriate switches, brackets, adapters, covers, and components at Latemodelrestoration.com.
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i had an operation where they put in a foley catheter that stayed in for two days..When they removed the cathe I couldn't pee so they gave me an antibiotic and flomax. I was released from the hospital and took the antibiotic for ten days and it cleared up my problem. I stopped the antibiotic but am still using the flomax. I urinated ok for about one more week after that. I am still urinating ok but now I pass blood and then clear urine. I had no problem urinating before the operation and foley catheter. Passing the blood and then clear urine has been going on for the last 4 days. I am still taking the flomax and am back on the anitbiotic (doxicycline). Is the blood being passed caused by the flomax?
Side effects of flomax? I had an operation where they put in a foley catheter?
- Posted:
- 22 Sep 2009 by LEONJAZZ
- Topics:
- flomax, side effect
Answers (1)
Further Information
- Flomax Information for Consumers
- Flomax Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Flomax (detailed)
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Unisex V-Neck
checkmateby Tom Kitchen
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nice one Tom!
Very interesting illustration! The blacked out bits are great.
I love the horses expression! great work!
wow this is crazy good!
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Great works, cool style!
great style!
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It was about 2 weeks ago when I posted an entry dismissing the industry-held belief (and sadly, amongst some of *us* as well) that "black American films don't sell overseas."Read More »
In specialty box office, Terence Nance's feature film debut, An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty, opened with solid numbers for a film with no stars, and a tiny marketing budget, playing on just 2 screens, both in New York.Read More »
Variance Films opens Terence Nance's enthralling An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty, today, Friday, April 26, 2013.If it's not already clear by now, it's a film that I really dig for a number of reasons, and that I strongly encourage you to see - assuming it's playing at a theater near you this wee...Read More »
Tribeca Film Institute has announced recipients of the 10th Annual Access Awards, which offers year-round support for burgeoning filmmakers and their incomplete projects.Read More »
New Release Trailer, Poster & Date For 'An Oversimplification Of Her Beauty'Read More »
Music to my ears... this is great news! Hat-tip to Variance for making another bold pick-up (recall Spike Lee's Red Hook Summer last year), going where others seemingly will not; and of course congrats to Terence Nance and company.Read More »
Writer-director Terence Nance may just have to give back his Gotham Award for Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You.Read More »
Winner of the Gotham award for Best Film Not Playing at a Theater Near You - Terence Nance's An Oversimplification of Her Beauty - will continue to claim that title, because, while it's now been acquired by a distribution company, the deal is specifically f...Read More »
The Cinema Guild has acquired home video, digital and non-theatrical distribution rights to Terence Nance's "An Oversimplification of Her Beauty." Hip-hop icon Jay-Z, filmmaker Dream Hampton and actors Wyatt Cenac and Joy Bryant are executive producers on the film, which premiered ...Read More »
While the Gothams are the first major film awards ceremony of a season that culminates with the Oscars, a lot more movies qualify for consideration at the IFP-hosted ceremony than the much larger one scheduled for February. This is particularly clear with the category for "Best Film Not Playing a Th...Read More »


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Hello all. I'm new to biking for fitness. Have been getting more serious lately. I currently have a 15 yr old Balance Mountain bike that is a little small for my build. I'm riding about average 11 mph right now with it.
Have money down on a Giant Roam 1. Looking forward to getting it and got the idea that it would be a great bike from reading here.
What are average speeds everyone is getting? Does upgrading a bike help with increasing speed?
I'd love to get a road bike but where I live I have to ride in dirt sometimes due to vehicles and no bike lanes.


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The Last Game You Completed
View Single Post
February 13th, 2013 (2:27 AM).
Japan-flavoured Europhile
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: In a country I currently despise
Age: 28
Nature: Adamant
Posts: 728
Originally Posted by
Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask.
The Great Bay Temple is by far the most excruciating and annoying temple in the whole LoZ series in my opinion. Switching and freezing and unfreezing the water, damn stray fairies. Ugh.
I completely agree with you. People say bad things about the Water Temple in Ocarina of Time (which honestly I thought wasn't that bad), but in my opinion the Great Bay Temple in Majora's Mask is much worse. For me, the most annoying thing about it is trying to remember where to find all those damn valves to turn on, and to actually turn every one of those damn valves on every time you run out of time and have to go back to Day 1. And of course the boss is really hard.
But that wasn't the last game I completed. That credit goes to... uhhh... well gee, I can't remember. There are lots of games I'm still on my first playthrough of, but are there any I actually completed? Well, I think the last one I actually completed was Donkey Kong Country. I remember completing the Loopy Lights level and a second fight with Beaky and then being very surprised that I was at K.Rool already. Of course, I kinda cheated on the final fight: I was playing on an emulator, and thus gave in to the temptation to make lots of save states throughout the battle. I only did that because I absolutely loathe backtracking though. I even fell for the fake credits about halfway through the battle! XD
Even more recently than that, I completed Pokemon White, but that doesn't count for two reasons: one, it wasn't my first playthrough, and two, I was doing a Let's Play of the game, which for me automatically disqualifies it from any current play listings and such.
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TEMPE, Ariz. (AP) — Arizona State's defense has been called fast, aggressive, even dirty by some.
Now, the Sun Devils can also be called opportunistic.
Arizona State had 17 takeaways all last season and opened this year with just one in its first two games before they started piling up.
The Sun Devils lead the Pac-12 with 18 turnovers, getting all but one of those in the past four games. Arizona State scored 22 points off turnovers in wins over Southern California and Utah, and kept Oregon State from rallying by forcing five turnovers against the then-winless Beavers.
The takeaway trend has the Sun Devils believing they have a legitimate shot at knocking off No. 9 Oregon on Saturday at Autzen Stadium.


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All About Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra
Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor is apparently proud and excited about her younger brother Harshvardhan Kapoor making his Bollywood debut with 'Mirzya'. The 'Neerja' actress took to Twitter yesterday to introduce her younger brother to her fans. The loving sister Sonam shared a black and whi ... read more
The teaser trailer of Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra's upcoming epic love story 'Mirzya is out. The movie marks the Bollywood debut of Harshvardhan Kapoor, son of actor-producer Anil Kapoor and younger brother of the gorgeous Sonam Kapoor. The teaser reveals the actor dressed as a warrior with hi ... read more
The biopic of the legendary Indian runner, Milkha Singh, nicknamed the 'Flying Sikh' has now been released under the name of Bhaag Milkha Bhaag. In a recent interview, Milkha Singh said that he had given the script to Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra because after seeing his Rang de ... read more
Director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has plans to cast Sonam Kapoor in his next project. This is going to be the third association between actress Sonam Kapoor and film maker Rakeysh Mehra. The movie is going to be a period movie and would be a love story. The film would be titled 'Mirza Sahib ... read more
Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, the biopic based on the life of Milkha Singh, who is also known as the Flying Sikh popularly has already registered itself as a success. The movie, directed by Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra of Rang De Basanti fame has grossed 33.35 crores at the box office in its opening weekend and ... read more
On 11 July 2006, Tuesday, Mumbai witnessed a series of bomb blasts in several trains and railway stations which is the lifeline connecting the entire city. Lakhs of people travel by train every single day. There were seven consecutive blasts within minutes of each other. Hundreds of people have lost ... read more
After Rang De Basanti, director Rakeysh Mehra is slated to begin 'Dilli 6', a film based on the growing up days of the director in Delhi in his locality Chandini Chowk. Director Rakeysh had reportedly even finalized Abhishek Bachchan to play the lead role of the character based on himself in the fil ... read more
After the major box-office success of Rang De Basanti, director Rakeysh Omprakash Mehra has already moved on to fresher pastures. Mehra's next project is titled Bhairavi. It will revolve around the theme of classical music. It also deals with relationships within a family, the emotional discord and ... read more
Rang de Basanti is more than just another patriotic film; it deals with several issues, ones that lead to the awakening of a generation. It gives a brief background of the historical events that have led to the freedom of our country. It shows us how some common youngsters became great historical fi ... read more


text: I have been making the use of the two wireless routers and have been using it since long. Also for the connection of the Router N-150 I have made the use of the series of the hard wired and many other things. But now I am just planning to make the use of the wireless switch and also the use of the various access points that can be used for various purposes. I am making the use of the Netgear WGT 624 v2 that is being plugged in into the cable modem that is being used by me. And also I am making the use of the Netgear N-150 WNR 1000 that is being wired to the 624. And the scenario is that each router is being used at the end of the house. And also I wanted to know whether it is possible to make the use of both the routers as switch. Please suggest me how this things are possible and what to do for this.


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Was in the LBS yesterday and was checking out a Bruiser 1 they were trying to get rid of. I really liked the feel of it and have been wanting to get a smaller-framed bike for dj/trials/messing around on. I also wanted to get something solid and cheap I could upgrade and tinker with. So this bike fit the bill and felt perfect too. I was thinking of going back today and maybe grabbing it, but low and behold when I woke up this morning (11:30), I had a new bike waiting in the living room. I love my wife.
I got the 14.5", feels like the perfect mix of trail-bike and bmx.