text:
Town Square
Harrison may sue city of Palo Alto
Original post made by Tyler Hanley, digital editor of Palo Alto Online, on May 3, 2007
Story at: Web Link
Claim at: Web Link
What are your reactions to this development? Can Ms. Harrison remain in her senior management position and carry out her duties while pressing a claim against the city? Should the city have kept the disciplinary report secret from the public and media? How should the City Council respond to the situation?
Comments (69)
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 3, 2007 at 8:39 pm
Unless she can figure out who the Palo Alto Deep Throat is she won't have much luck.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 3, 2007 at 8:44 pm
If Emily is going to pursue the lawsuite she must resign. I am disappointed that she was not fired.
When a person is fired they are usually not eligible for some retirement benefits.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 3, 2007 at 9:32 pm
I am not surprised. In her place, I might do the same.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 3, 2007 at 10:00 pm
Hulkster, it should be easy to track the perpetrator, as only a limited number of people have access to those files. If it was sent via the City's server, it's a no brainer. If not, it may be more difficult. Also, if something like this went to trial, ifi the offender has told anyone what s/he did, those persons may be deposed, and put at risk for purjury if they try to cover up/ Not too swift, if you ask me.
In any case, _someone_ in the city let that doc go, and the city is therefore liable. This is what happens when a feeding frenzy follows a disciplinary action that should have ended with her return to work.
100-1 this will cost the taxpayers through a settlement.
btw, the Weekly's "help" in exposing those stolen documents has helped to cause this furor, with the Weekly profiting nicely because now it has another headline to offer. Who wins? Nobody, except the Weekly. I hope the Weekly thinks twice next time, as this kind of "news" doesn't help anyonre else. Letting those documents go public only served one side of the argument.
a resident of Greenmeadow
on May 3, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Fire her before she sucks our coffers dry. Why is she allowed to mock a fellow employee about his Christian religion [portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff] and allowed to retain her job?
a resident of Palo Verde
on May 3, 2007 at 10:50 pm
Well I for one am glad to have MORE information about how my city is being run, not LESS information. The report that was released showed not only what was going on with Harrison but with Benest, who should have been intervening instead of looking the other way all these years.
When you're in a position of authority like those two are, and your job is being funded by us, the taxpayers, your behavior IN THE WORKPLACE is entirely up for scrutiny. Why wouldn't it be?
And the council better step up to the plate. The last thing we need is representatives sitting around like a bunch of bobbleheads, nodding in agreement with whatever pat reassurances Benest is giving them.
a resident of Crescent Park
on May 3, 2007 at 10:53 pm
I'd do the same. I'm glad she has some legal recourse. She's been invaluable to the city during the long periods when the city manager was absent or distracted by personal business, and it sounds like her fellow employees were harrassing her because [portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff] she was a woman in power. I also hope they catch the document leaker, and she wins a suit against him for big bucks.
a resident of another community
on May 3, 2007 at 11:24 pm
Mike, et al
There was no document leaked or stolen. All the documents pertinent to the investigation were released by the City Council. The only "leak" was the anonymous note to the Weekly which said that Ms. Harrison had been suspended. With such a widespread investigation going on, people are bound to talk. I don't think it was a big secret, except from the press.
To me, her actions (filing a claim and an appeal) do not indicate that she is "reformed" or is ready to move on. Not too smart, in my humble opinion. Better to let things die down and keep whatever dignity is left.
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 6:00 am
What does mocking people for their religious faith, political affiliation, and gender have to do with being "a woman in power"? That's demeaning to all those highly effective women managers (99.9%) who do not even think of much less do such things. While it might be politically correct to play the gender card, the documents posted online about Ms. Harrison's statements and actions speak for themselves.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 4, 2007 at 8:11 am
"...it should be easy to track the perpetrator, as only a limited number of people have access to those files. If it was sent via the City's server, it's a no brainer."
People talk. People talk a lot about someone in power who's been nailed for a transgression. Who knows how far the story spread before it was leaked.
It it was e-mailed (stupid mistake) then there is a easy way to find trail. If it came in vis USPS then the only chance is DNA from the stamp. The Weekly won't give up any evidence.
"...the Weekly's "help" in exposing those stolen documents has helped to cause this furor..."
The Weekly is doing their job. Would you have an Official Secrets Act like the UK has implemented to squash any and all news of government dealings?
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on May 4, 2007 at 8:25 am
I am sure as character witnesses at her lawsuit hearing, Ms Harrison can call the City Council, especially Mayor Yoriko, since they have been just full of praise for Ms Harrison (while ignoring and/or turning a blind eye to her malfeasance)
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 4, 2007 at 8:31 am
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 8:55 am
Another thing that the "pile ons" haven't thought about is how disrruptive the public revelation of details will compromise efficiencies at City Hall at a time when we need very efficient coordination towards infrastructure builds. City Hall is running very lean these days; removing personnel as key as an assistant city manager will threatenen everything a lot of people have worked so hard and long for - especially given the key and wide-ranging taks of this asst. mgr.
This revelation in the press has been a BIG mistake, at Exactly the wrong time. It was NOT necessary. So far, not ONE good thing has come about as a result of these further revelations.
If there is a lagal action, and settlement, I hope that the Weekly and other perpetrators are named. This has been a shameful display of gossip and piling on a person who had already served a ligitimaye punishment. We will ALL pay for the self-satisfied smirking and gossip-mongering of a few.
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on May 4, 2007 at 9:02 am
Gossip?? Piling on??
The documents released containing the reports are pretty clear as to what Ms harrison did. Those are facts not gossip. Ms harison has basically admitted to the problem.
as for piling on, I think that residents of PA are a little disturbed by the fact that this has been going on for 10+ years. that the city council was either ignorant about it or did not wantto deal with it and to add insultto injury they are heaping praise on a person that made comments that the city councilw ould not tolerate from an ordinary citizen.
Now Ms Harrison has the nerve to sue the city for invasion of privacy??? i di dnot realize that the actions of our government officials were meant to be kept secret. Fir Harrison now and recall any council member that continues to support her and her conduct.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 9:56 am
Marvin, you have proved my point, perfectly. Instead of thinnking about the larger issues in this matter, like the further internal dissension caused through the unnecessary revelation of the documents; like the protracted struggles (community-wide, and otherwise) that are sure to follow, etc. All this at a time when we are least able to afford it, given the necessary mandates of our city's officials and workers. And all without talking maeaured time to hear the other side of the story, which shouldn't have to happen, because the matter had already been dealt with, internally.
If you can even come cloase to showing that this behavior caused a _systemic_ environment of dysfunctinality within city hall, you might have a point. No one has shown that, and in fact, the person underscrutiny has mostly been quite effective, even superlative. She also has many supporters within city hall.
[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on May 4, 2007 at 10:50 am
Maybe you should go back and read the initial reports on this matter:
Web Link
Web Link
Note that they mention a pattern of "disrespectful and offensive," and "vindictive and retaliatory" behavior and the Ms harrison created a "culture of fear" at City Hall.
Ms Harrison must go.
a resident of Barron Park
on May 4, 2007 at 11:29 am
So the city needs Ms. Harrison to run the city efficiently, even though according to the public records, she [portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff] would be fired at most places. Thus, say some, we should just bury this whole matter and pretend we didn't hear about it.
Mussolini made the trains run on time ... but I be a lot of Italians wish they'd been more aware of and more vocal about his darker side early on.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 11:34 am
"Instead of thinnking about the larger issues in this matter, like the further internal dissension caused through the unnecessary revelation of the documents; like the protracted struggles (community-wide, and otherwise) that are sure to follow,..."
Mike, as you continue to carry water for Ms. Harrison, you will be the one driving the dissention. Once Harrison is fired (and she WILL be fired), the City can begin to get back on track.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 11:42 am
Marvin, Just so you get a chance to read the "other side" again...
In no way do I condone what has happened; it was wrong, and pushed delicate limits. Does that mean healing can't take place? That Growth - personal and organizational - isn't possible? That our city staff can't come out of this stronger than before?
from the report:
"However, other employees praised Harrison's professional behavior, saying that she "does not beat around the bush" and is highly competent, hard-working and productive. Several mentioned her work reorganizing the Utilities Department following a scandal in 2005, noting that she "did a great job turning a very bad situation around."
Harrison began working in Palo Alto in 1987 in the Finance Department, of which she was promoted head in 1993. She was promoted to deputy city manager in 1995 and finally to her current position in 1997. She has been working with Benest since he was appointed in April 2000, serving, in his words, as the city's "chief operating officer."
Benest said Tuesday that Harrison is a "tremendous asset to the community," and said the incident must be considered in the context of her 20 years of work in Palo Alto. In past evaluations, he praised her for being "hard-charging, hardworking and results oriented." But he also noted as far back as her 2001 performance evaluation that she had to work on "interpersonal relationships" and monitor her "occasional caustic or critical comments" at meetings. Dating back to 1995, June Fleming, the city manager at the time, warned Harrison to "give a second thought to what she is going to say."
In a March 12 letter to Benest, Harrison expressed her "deep regret for events recounted in the disciplinary action" and apologized to Benest, Baum and Erickson, among others. She noted that there were "numerous inaccuracies" in the investigative report, but said she had changed her behavior.
"These past several months have been enormously difficult but I believe I have shown the sincere changes I've made in my life," she wrote.
Council Member Bern Beecham said Tuesday that he was familiar with the report.
"As one reads the report, one could say 'yes, Harrison has been an a------,' but in many organizations your chief operating officer needs to be that way to get things done," he said.
Beecham said Harrison had exceeded the limits of appropriate behavior, but was still "wonderfully competent."
"Going forward I believe the city will benefit from her abilities," he said. "The issues she's had, we've seen the last of them." "
a resident of Charleston Meadows
on May 4, 2007 at 12:13 pm
Apparently, we haven't heard the last of these issues -- and if so, the fault will be largely Ms. Harrison's.
Like all soap opera-esque issues in town, this one already had started receding into the background of public consciousness - and within a few weeks, we on this board and the rest of the city would have moved on to the next scandal or outrage de jour.
Now with Ms. Harrison's escalation of this matter into the legal arena, we are destined for more revelations, accusations and acrimony as the various issues are played out in the courtroom in addition to the newspapers and online blogs.
Ms. Harrison may be "wonderfully competent", but anyone who's ever been involved in a lawsuit knows it distracts and enervates to a degree that effects everything in one's life - including especially job performance.
So Mike is likely right that the city's operation will be effected by all of this...but the fault is Ms. Harrison's, not the Weekly or those who've expressed opinions about the appropriateness of the penalty she suffered for her behavior.
The aggressive abrasiveness described in the reports about her are on display again in the way she's chosen to keep the hostility level high.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 1:16 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Palo Alto Hills
on May 4, 2007 at 1:25 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 1:33 pm
What will fuel the next phase is the always fascinating back-and-forth of the legal process dealing with a juicy interpersonal spat.
Get ready for depositions and testimony of everybody who's worked around Ms. Harrison. Get ready for denials and accusations. Get ready for lawyers stating the case for Ms. Harrison to the public.
Get ready for the city to spend big bucks on the lawsuit and/or settlement of this matter.
Ms. Harrison could have let the matter drop and. She did not, and we will all be poorer (if also titillated) as a result.
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 1:35 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Greenmeadow
on May 4, 2007 at 1:43 pm
I think we have a right to know when the second highest city official is disciplined for abusing and harassing subordinates on religious grounds. There's no privacy right involved when city officials violate the rights of others in this way (and perhaps even break the law....how long before the employee Harrison abused files his/her own lawsuit for religious discrimination?!)
This should have come out far earlier. If it had, perhaps the public disclosure would have resulted Harrison receiving treatment for her condition - or in her being fired.
How are we residents supposed to exercise our right to control what goes on in our government if its actions are kept shrouded in some "privacy" wrap?
Those who argue in favor of non-disclosure of "personnel matters" involving high government officials sound to me a lot like the apologists for the Bush administration's handling of the fired US Attorneys. They always say it's just a personnel matter - not something the public needs to know.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 1:54 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 2:10 pm
Clarity is important. Mocking people for their religious faith, political affiliation, and/or gender would not be tolerated in the private secotr and should also be cause for immediate termination in the publci sector. Ms. Harrsion did all three according to Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms. Harrision, findings which led to the penalty that she has decided not to appeal after all. In a PC place like Palo Alto, of course, the fact that the religion mocked was Roman Catholic, the political affiliation deried was Republican, and the gender scorned was male made the abusive, discriminatory behavior less egregious. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 2:15 pm
[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
This outrage by Harrison has, naturally, produced an outpouring of feelings, so no wonder there are people expressing their feelings.
We need to praise our local papers for exposing this sewer. Palo Alto should not be about hate. It has been hidden for far too long. Sunshine is the best disinfectant.
Once Harrison has been fired, we can begin to heal...and then get back to business.
a resident of Greenmeadow
on May 4, 2007 at 2:39 pm
Mike infers much more than I state. In fact, I have no particular opinion as to whether Harrison's punishment was enough.
My post was meant to counter the notion that all of this should be swept under the rug instead of being disclosed and discussed openly - as controversial issues should be in a democracy.
Those who want to hide facts normally do so because they're afraid that they can't make their argument on the merits. That's what the Bush administration is doing with respect to the US attorneys. And in my opinion, that's what those who think this dirty laundry should have never come out in the Harrison case are doing.
Those who think Harrison's punishment fit her actions should make their case on the facts that have come out - or introduce new ones that support their position. Those who think Harrison's punishment was too lenient, should act similarly. But to argue that we don't need to know what the facts are is fundamentally undemocratic.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 3:14 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Midtown
on May 4, 2007 at 3:15 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 3:36 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 3:40 pm
I don't spend much time at City Hall, but I do know some old players there. Some of them like Harrison, some don't. But they all say she has been protected. Even those who like her wince at some of her remarks, and these same people say that if she was a he, he would have been long gone.
Mike, I am willing to be the judge on this one...she is so far over the line, that to keep her would put Palo Alto in far greater jeopardy than keeping her. If she is honorable, she will resign.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 4:01 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 4:16 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 4, 2007 at 4:20 pm
Mike and Phil (and others)
This debate is either about City Hall or it is about Christianity. If it is about City Hall and those who work there, fine. Some of the people involved may be of different spiritual backgrounds and their views may be the topic, but it is their behavior that is being discussed not their faith. If it is about Christianity and other religions, it belongs elsewhere. Don't mix oil and water.
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 4:25 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 4:38 pm
The debate is about 1. whether Ms. Harrison's expressions of religious bigotry along with sexism and gender bias - all documented in Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms. Harrison - are in any way acceptable, 2.if not, what sanction needs to be applied to Ms. Harrison in the interest of justice. A small number of posters have suggested or implied that expressions of religious bigotry are mitigated by politically correct notions about various religious faiths. This latter view is profoundly counter to the American values of relgious freedom and religious tolerance and opens up the issue of why religious bigotry appears to be PC-acceptable in places like Palo Alto.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 4, 2007 at 5:04 pm
Agreed on 1 and 2
But don't get into the pros and cons of actual religions. That is not what this is about.
If the person in question was of religion X, we would not be debating the rights and wrongs of that religion. It is not the religion that is in question, it is the way that religion is practiced by one individual.
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 5:12 pm
I agree, Resident. Its about individuals, their behavior, and being held to account for that behavior. We rightly cherish our freedoms in this country, but these do not include the freedom to mock others at work for their religious faith (or lack thereof), gender, or political affiliation. Those are all the lines that Ms. Harrison so wantonly crossed as described in Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms.Harrison.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 5:38 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 5:47 pm
A good case can be and has been made in this thread that "the punishment did not fit the crime"; that it was not strong enough. Ms. Harrsion's offences in the private sector would have led to her prompt dismissal, period. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] The issues are justice and what is and is not acceptable behavior for individuals in today's American workplace.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 5:55 pm
Many people in America's workplaces commit these same unfortunate behaviors, every day. Many of those persons are caught and not dismissed. They are taught a lesson with a punishment and a warning.
[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 4, 2007 at 6:00 pm
This is not about "ignoble ends" or "vengence", but about justice and Ms. Harrison being held to full account for a decade-long pattern of abusive and bigoted behavior in the workplace, as documented in Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms. Harrison.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 4, 2007 at 6:11 pm
"Many people in America's workplaces commit these same unfortunate behaviors, every day. Many of those persons are caught and not dismissed. They are taught a lesson with a punishment and a warning."
Did they get away with it for ten years?
Are they the second in command of their company?
Are they in a position to ruin someone's career?
Are you justifying Ms. Harrison's behavior by saying everyone does it?
a resident of College Terrace
on May 4, 2007 at 10:21 pm
How many times was the behvior committed? What were the conditions that precipitated it?
Are not executives often more hard driving and borderline "abusive" than subordidnates? Are executives in a position to lose their jobs if lazy or ineffective subordinates don't follow through? Are hard-driving executives that prove themselves over and over again, often cut a little slack? Was Ms. Harrison's behavior a deliberate pattern of conscious abuse, or due to outbursts of temper? If the latter, would it not be possible to see corrective action, rather than dismissal? Are all of Ms. Harrison's subordinates wanting her gone? (no, far from it). Has Ms. Harrison performed in a stellar manner? Have most of her subordinates performed in a stellar manner? Was Ms. Harrison punished for her mistake? Does abusive behavior enter the common workplace every day? If so, does corrective action always involve dismissal, or can lessons be learned that bring an orgaization back stronger than before?
a resident of Community Center
on May 5, 2007 at 12:57 am
Ms. Harrison is dispensable. Her continuing to work for City of PA can bring about more lawsuits against the city.
She must move on. City of PA can find the next person to fill that role VERY easily for the salary being paid to Harrison.
I repeat - Ms. Harrison IS dispensible. City should not put itself in legal jeopardy.
a resident of another community
on May 5, 2007 at 8:18 am
You have been all over the map in your posts on this and other threads related to the Harrison scandal. In your most recent post -with no evidence at all to offer – you once again "blame the victim(s)", this time for being "lazy" and "ineffective". In past posts you have sought to minimize or mitigate Ms. Harrison's pattern of religious bigotry by resorting to politically correct notions about the various religious faiths. You have also claimed that Ms. Harrison was indispensable to Palo Alto, thus needed – as you say above - to be "cut a little slack". This last claim is made in the face of the findings summarized in Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms. Harrison that Ms. Harrison refused to speak to both the City Auditor and City Attorney for months at a time, that she created a "climate of fear" in the workplace, and that she had a highly abusive behavior pattern for at least a decade. There is no excuse for nor should there be any tolerance of religious bigotry or gender bias in American workplaces. A decade-long pattern of such behavior requires prompt termination.
a resident of Crescent Park
on May 5, 2007 at 10:08 am
At this point, no matter what, it seems to me that Ms Harrison must leave, or be terminated. Taking the preliminary step to bringing suit of filing a complaint against the city is going to ensure that she cannot be effective going forward with the rest of the city workers and managers, or the city council.
She must have come to that conclusion, and taken her last action as a way to get in line for a settlement (we are famous for being held hostage to settlements)and as a cover for leaving the city on what can be made to look like 'her terms'. Now she can leave on the grounds that she was wronged, and not fired.
I think if you are a public employee, there is no privacy in any matter pertaining to your job, only personal matters that are not connected to the job. The cause of 'privacy' has become a new and oft heard rallying point in the last few years. It has been used to distort all manner of issues.
a resident of Duveneck/St. Francis
on May 5, 2007 at 10:58 am
College Terrace Mike wants to justify Harrison's actions by using "hard-driving" execs who are "cut a little slack" for good performance as an example. Michael Eisner was a hard-charging exec that brought Disney back from the brink. But, as years passed, he added layers of unneeded bureaucracy, made bad strategic decisions and destroyed the relationship with their largest profit-making partner. The shareholders, led by a Disney family member, rose up and fired Eisner.
Will the Palo Alto stockholders do the same? From the tone of the posts on this forum, it looks very likely.
a resident of Midtown
on May 5, 2007 at 3:33 pm
Will Palo Alto be better off without Harrison? Are there others in the pipeline prepared to step in and provide the leadership so obviously missing from the top? Perhaps Harrison got tired of doing the work without the perks. Perhaps Harrison needs classes on blowing smoke, a talent much in demand hereabouts.
Don't know if I would want to have drinks with Harrison, but I might trust her to run my store.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 5, 2007 at 3:35 pm
I'm not betting either way. That's up to the asst. city manager. Surely, the revelations have damaged her, but people have recovered from far worse onslaughts, including this one, where it seems some want to follow hard line moral issues w/o cutting an otherwise well-intended person some slack.
I've personally seen people learn a lesson that changed their lives, and made their organization stronger after something like this. In fact, I've seen it happen twice.
Unless the problem caused a _systemic_ climate of fear _throughout_, I'm staying the course in favor of healing wounds - with the knowledge that those wounds were made larger by the detailed revelation of every single incident. I will always maintain that that was not - and should never be - necessary.
We know what she did; she paid a penalty. There was justice. Some may disagree with the amount of justice. That's their perogative.
We've all made mistakes, many over a long term. We've all learned from those mistakes. What impresses me about the pile ons in this thread is that there seems a personal vendetta against the asst city manager. The vitriol seems beyonf good reason, and absent even a sliver of inclination for healing. To me, that says something about these posters, and makes me wonder whether they're not reacting in this way because they themselves carry these tendencies and want to stamp them out wholesale in others - a kind of "reaction formation". I could be wrong, but who knows, after all...
There is something weird about the "personal" nature of these attacks. Rather than just saying something like so-and-so is not a good fit, those who want the worst seem hell-bent on really hurting a person who has already paid a penalty. It would be as if within PAUSD, one would wish the outgoing Sup a bad time, instead of simply admiting what was more the case, than not (a bad fit for the PAUSD environment).
a resident of College Terrace
on May 5, 2007 at 3:38 pm
Dispensable, Right, no one is indispensible, but some people are more indispensible than others. Just a thought.
a resident of another community
on May 5, 2007 at 4:18 pm
With all due respect, your statement in the post above that "no one is indispensible, but some people are more indispensible than others" is inherently contradictory. As to the lack of "systemic" problems due to Ms. Harrison's conduct you have repeatedly referenced, Mr. Benest's letter of discipline of Ms. Harrison describes a "climate of fear" she created in the workplace. That certainly qualifies as a major "systemic" problem.
Would you tolerate the person "running (your) store" to mock other employees for their religious faith, gender and/or political affiliation like Ms. Harrsion did within the City of Palo Alto "store" as Mr. Benest documented in his letter of discipline of Ms. Harrison?
a resident of College Terrace
on May 5, 2007 at 11:07 pm
Phil, you're overstating the case, and exaggerating. There has been no _everyday_, or even _every week_ violations. Looks like you want to second guess the City Manager. Maybe he knows a few thinfs about running City Hall that you don't?
a resident of Midtown
on May 6, 2007 at 4:18 am
Phil, if you look for offense you will find it. There is a difference between twitting someone and insulting them. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.] People who publicly announce their identity issue, politically, sexually or athletically cannot deny to others the right to express an opinion.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on May 6, 2007 at 5:18 am
Emily Harrison must know she can't win a law suit on privacy issues from the city which has employed her for nearly 20 years, now to the tune of $180,000-plus a year. First, she loses in public opinion. Every day she keeps her bad behavior in the headlines is another day the 300-page report she claims should remain private gains ever-wider circulation. In this case, public opinion includes not only Palo Alto citizens, professional administrative peers everywhere, but also the local press which sued for public disclosure of this matter and every member of Palo Alto Council who voted to release the report. Second, while Ms. Harrison keeps this issue in the headlines, her boss, City Manager Frank Benest, will likely be terminated for his failure to supervise her. Mr. Benest's failures are clearly detailed in an independent investigator's report which lists over 30 instances of outragious behavior by his right-hand "hatchet" woman who disrespected nearly every top administrator, plus a lot of others over many years. Mr. Benest proved to be Ms. Harrison's enabler. The result: City staff has been operating in "survival mode" for most of the last year. Finally, the lawsuit itself, even if won which is highly unlikely, can't begin to pay the terrible price Ms. Harrison is inflicting upon herself. Self-distructive behavior like this has to be a cry for help. Ms. Harrison's counsel should be the first to see the warning signs and do what is best for Emily. Stop all contentious behavior immediately, apologize to all those who were disrespected, and get back to the city work she can do so well.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 6, 2007 at 2:27 pm
A comment on the original question. I'm surprised that something in one's personnel file can be made public. I'm not sure if things can be applied differently because of the position she holds or because of who her employer is. However, if she's embarrassed by what's in her performance reviews, then she should have changed her behavior long ago!
a resident of College Terrace
on May 6, 2007 at 7:53 pm
Curious, I think you have it exactly right. Harrison has rights, too. A settlement will result, and it will be in her favor. Punitive damages are a possibility. In the meantime, the gossipy press will have a field day selling eyeballs to advertisers. Releasing those records was a poor judgment call, and publishing them was no better.
a resident of another community
on May 6, 2007 at 7:59 pm
If people desire in all sincerity to change and they ask forgiveness for past wrongs, forgiveness and mercy should be given to them. After all, if we expect mercy we must also give mercy, just as if we expect to receive forgiveness, we should also give forgiveness.
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on May 6, 2007 at 8:30 pm
I'm all for forgiveness when people are truly sorry for the harm they've caused. Harrison's actions in filing an appeal and threatening to sue the city don't sound like repentance to me. Ask the people in city hall if she's changed her behavior suddenly after 10+ years of abusing her power. If they weren't afraid of retribution, they'd tell you that she hasn't changed except to act even crazier. There doesn't seem to be any recognition on her part that she's done anything wrong, despite what she's saying publicly.
For those who want to "move on," you should be aware that she's merely stepped up the brownnosing with the city council. Don't be fooled. Why are you willing to take her word for it that she's changed, after TEN YEARS of the city paying for a shrink for her with no results?
a resident of another community
on May 6, 2007 at 8:41 pm
[Post removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of another community
on May 8, 2007 at 7:53 am
All the employees she mistreated, both mentally and professional, were a valuable asset to CPA too. Mr. Benest was handed a "can of worms" when he was hired. Don't blame him, this has been going on for more than 10+ years. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Embarcadero Oaks/Leland
on May 8, 2007 at 8:12 am
Sour grapes
a resident of Midtown
on May 8, 2007 at 10:23 am
My aunt Deedee had a saying - "Sorry don't shuck no oysters."
An apology goes forwards, not backward. The most sincere apology is a change.
a resident of another community
on May 9, 2007 at 1:41 pm
[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
It's astonishing enough that Benest and the city council failed to take the obviously correct action and FIRE Emily. But now,instead of being grateful to still have a job, she begins laying the groundwork to sue the city that saved her. As Jack Nicholson once said..." go sell crazy someplace else, we're all stocked up here."
a resident of Midtown
on May 9, 2007 at 5:15 pm
Were she a man, I suspect the assessment would have been more positive. At any rate, let her go and let Frank start earning his pay.
a resident of College Terrace
on May 9, 2007 at 5:39 pm
"Were she a man, I suspect the assessment would have been more positive"
What you been drinkin', Walter? If she was a he, he would have been long gone by now. She has been protected...and many in City Hall know this to be true.
a resident of Leland Manor/Garland Drive
on May 12, 2007 at 1:30 pm
We elect our city councilors to provide on-going soap opera entertainment.
They are failing in their duty if they delegate this role down to city management.
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Cherries and Berries
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Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength . . .
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One more week to vote!
Don't forget to cast your ballot online. Voting ends May 29th. Stay tuned for the results in the July 21st issue of the Palo Alto Weekly.


text:
Town Square
Fourth of July
Original post made by Cindy Cross, Parkside, on Jul 5, 2011
Here we are, on the most important holiday in America—the fourth of July, marking our independence from oppressive England. Would our founding fathers be proud of how far we've come as a nation?
They would first look at our technology and be dumbfounded. Imagine a mind like Thomas Jefferson or Benjamin Franklin seeing massive metal objects transporting hundreds of people from one side of the planet to the other? The advances in technology would be mind boggling to the best minds in America from the 18th century.
What would they think about America being involved in so many world conflicts? It may go fifty-fifty with some agreeing with America's expansionist ideals. With Iraq and Afghanistan, we're there more as security than conquest. Perhaps they would be disappointed in our willingness to leave once the conflict is over rather than taking some bounty as departing gifts.
The current state of our economy would bring disdain and perhaps even disgust. We have grown so greedy and complacent in our financial affairs. The gold standard is long gone, and the debt ceiling is nearly breached.
We have progressed in our treatment of every citizen, regardless of color. Our current president, being African American would make all of our fore fathers very proud indeed.
Although scandals always occur, I don't imagine them at the scale, magnitude and frequency as they do now. Larry Craig, the senator from Idaho who picked up men in the airport bathroom, and senator Weiner from New York who sent sexually explicit pictures to various women. There are too many other scandals involving prominent politicians, and I think the founding fathers would be disgusted.
Whether you are a Jeffersonian or Hamiltonian, we are all allowed to have our individual beliefs on what would be best--big government or small government. That is the true beauty of our system—we all agree that we can disagree, but can we do it with more respect?
Let's make current and future generations proud of the men and women who call themselves the leaders of our country.
Comments (4)
a resident of California Somerset
on Jul 6, 2011 at 7:26 am
Let's see. Founding Fathers' owning slaves vs. Weiner's explicit photos. Yep, Founding Fathers would have every right to be disgusted. Let's all strive to be like the Founding Fathers.
Re. Larry Craig's picking up johns in public restrooms, I couldn't care less. What mattered was the hypocrisy of the guy who crusaded against gays with hate-filled rants for years until he was exposed as the creep he is.
Weiner proved to be a narcissistic sicko, though he never hurt anybody with his fetish. Craig proved to be a homosexual who hurt lots of people along the way in his efforts to cater to the hate-filled Republican electorate that gets all lathered up against the gay population. Let's not put them on the same comparative plane, okay?
a resident of Bordeaux Estates
on Jul 6, 2011 at 3:47 pm
What's more disgusting? Anthony Wiener sending photos of himself on the Internet or the always well-coifed and debonaire George Washington owning slaves? Hmmmmmm.... This one is difficult, but I vote for Georgie Boy. I gotta think too that that's one of the reasons why the tea party fetishists always refer to the Founding Fathers; it's their way of gaining vicarious pleasure at the thought of owning people, like Leland does.
a resident of another community
on Jul 7, 2011 at 7:19 am
Then and now is like day and night, the day providing the light to lead the way for our nation, and the night being the current state of affairs for our nation in which we stumble blindly down the path of our imminent doom.
a resident of Castlewood Heights
on Jul 7, 2011 at 7:32 am
The acorn is immanently present in the oak tree, and a title wave of vast porportion is descenting upon us. Squirrels are not possums. Slavery wasn't so bad as all that compared with Barney Frank and Anthony Wiener.
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Livermore trustees demonstrating wisdom
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2017 guide to summer camps
Looking for something for the kids to do this summer, learn something new and have fun? The 2017 Summer Camp Guide features local camps for all ages and interests.

subset: commoncrawl


text: I have seen on another site alot of guys are converting their dash light bulbs to LED. Has anyone here done that yet? I am wanting to do it on my 99 yukon (obs). I am just wondering what all has to be done. Is it a matter of just replacing the bulbs or is there more to it?


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Stubbs lines a single to right, takes second on the throw.
Men on 2nd and 3rd for Votto.
Stubbs lines a single to right, takes second on the throw.
Men on 2nd and 3rd for Votto.
Stubbs is having a huge game
If Votto comes up with 1st base open, will they pitch to him?
They'd be crazy to pitch to Votto. Walk him and setup a DP.
OK BP, earn your $$$$
IBB to Votto. 1 out, bases juiced for Phillips.
Votto batting .580 over last 31 ABs
Phillips base hit to right!!! 2 runs score! 12-9, Reds!
Well that insures we won't see Chapman yes?
Lyon is not the pitcher he used to be...washed up I think
I guess BP earned his money. As usual.
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Long Island City Wedding at The Foundry from loli eventsGrowing up in Montana, I used to spend hours daydreaming of running off to New York, making it big (as a Broadway songstress, of course) and living in some hip, up and coming neighborhood in an uber-amazing loft. I dreamt big. So, whenever
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Home fire safety class Nov. 18
A Monday, Nov. 18, workshop at the Pequot Lakes Fire Department will go over basic home fire safety, including emergency exit plan, smoke detectors, carbon monoxide detectors, fire extinguisher use, cooking/kitchen safety, making your house "fire safe" and dryer safety.
Learn what to look for and what to do in an emergency. Learn what precautions/steps you can take to make your home safe for you and your family.
Pequot Lakes Fire Chief Tom Nelson and First Assistant Chief Bill Rickard will hold this informational class from 6-7:30 p.m. at the fire department, 4638 County Road 11.
There is no fee to attend, but registration is required. A minimum of five registrations is needed. For more information or to register, contact Pequot Lakes Community Education at 218-568-9200.


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Becoming a mom is a wonderful experience (of course!), but between working, cleaning, and caring for your baby, it can also be time-consuming. Huggies has some quick, easy ways to help give you a break.
Or try browsing all categories.
1. You forget your name.
2. You start to think the smell of spit-up is kind of comforting.
3. You not only talk to the baby, you ask him for wardrobe advice.
4. Your most exciting revelation of the week: The ABC song and Twinkle Twinkle are exactly the same.
5. You refer to your husband as "Daddy." Even in bed. And not in a sexy way.
6. You water the dog and feed the plant.
7. You have actual conversations with friends about the baby's toots.
8. You catch yourself wondering if maybe those leftover strained peas would be good in an omelet.
9. Your idea of a fun time? Using shampoo and conditioner.
10. You forget the baby's name.
By Lauren Hartmann, Disney Baby
I've never been a hugger. I'm not really sure why, but I've just never really loved hugs. I feel loved more through quality time, a well-timed compliment, or a thoughtful gesture. My husband, on the other hand, loves a good hug. My mother-in-law once told me that even as a little boy, he had absolutely no space bubble. He loved nothing more than to cuddle up on her lap, reading books all the live long day.
As you can imagine, my non-hugging ways and his hugging ones are sometimes at odds. Over the years we've been married, I've become more of a hugger, but even before having kids, he would mention how excited he was to have kids, because maybe — just maybe — one of them would end up being a snuggly, hug-lover too.
About four years into our marriage, our oldest daughter arrived and we became parents for the first time. We were over the moon and completely smitten with her. My husband was elated to be a father and was so sweet and attentive to her every need. As she grew though, as much as she did love her Daddy, she proved that she had taken after her mama in the snuggling department. Much to my husband's disappointment, she wasn't exactly the hugger he had been hoping for — though she did have plenty of other redeeming qualities.
I felt a little bit sad that fate had dealt him a raw deal with two loves in his life who did not share his affinity for cuddling, but he held out hope that perhaps one of our other future offspring might fill the void one day. Then, when our daughter was two-and-a-half, we welcomed Baby #2 into the world: our sweet, little Clive.
Clive could not have been more different from his big sister. Where she was often stoic and not easily impressed, he was gregarious and loved being engaged. She didn't laugh for the first time until she was nearly 6 months old, but he laughed easily and often starting early, before 3 months. She was a curly-haired brunette and he had the lightest blonde, stick straight hair. She was dainty and delicate and more cautious; he was a bit like a bull in a china shop — bulldozing through his days with gusto. The most notable difference though, was that this kid LOVED to cuddle. If he could've been snuggled all day long, he would've been perfectly happy. He loved to be held and snuggled and would happily sit in our laps for as long as we would engage him. He adored (and still does adore) any and all human contact.
As you can imagine, this development thrilled my husband's heart. He had finally gotten his snuggly baby, and I will never forget the first time Clive went up and hugged him completely out of the blue and of his own volition.
My husband was making our daily espresso at his coffee bar as we rushed to get ready for church one Sunday morning. As he was distractedly pulling shots and pouring them into cups, he noticed a tugging on his leg. He looked down to see Clive there, putting his arms up saying, "Hug you Dada." It was such a sweet thing to see, as my husband abandoned his coffee pot and crouched down to our son's level for the most precious hug I've ever witnessed. The pure joy that washed over my husband's face and the look of complete peace on my son's face as they shared this hug will forever be stored away in my mama-memory-bank. They hugged for a good 20-30 seconds, and I was able to pull my phone out of my pocket and quickly capture the moment in a photo. I'm so glad I did, because it is one that I look back at often, telling my husband, "Awww! Remember that?"
My husband is so thankful he finally got his "hugger," and truth be told, our boy's penchant for nonstop human touch has brought his sister and I around too. Maybe we are huggers now after all.
Image : Disney Baby
By Rebecca Levey
Every new year brings an opportunity to look back and think about the good and the not-so-good moments. When it comes to parenting, there are always times we regret and those we cherish. Making resolutions is an opportunity to move past the ones that
weren't your best parenting moments and focus on how to create more positive parenting experiences. Making parenting New Year's resolutions shouldn't be about trying to be the perfect parent, or molding your child into the perfect kid. Instead, focus
on what's actually in your control and give yourself attainable, realistic goals.
Most kids will tell you it's the experiences of childhood they remember the most, not the stuff. Think of ways to incorporate more play and family time into your monthly routines. Put on some music and have impromptu dance parties with your little ones,
designate a regular family movie night where everyone cuddles up in their pajamas, or if your kids are old enough, including them in the preparation and cooking of family meals, are simple ways to bring everyone together with fun activities.
It's easy to lose your cool when you're juggling a million different chores, kids, responsibilities and expectations. Something has to give, and it's often your last nerve. Resolving to be more patient can take many forms. Practice taking a step
back and breathing deeply when you feel the irritation building, delegate more often, and if your kids are older institute a chore chart so the load is shared.
You are raising future adults who will hopefully be responsible, kind, smart and hard working. But, they will never be perfect. Most kids go through various phases of behavior and different habits – and not all will be wonderful. However, in the end,
they will grow up, and most likely not be carrying their blankie off to college or still crawling into your bed at 12 years old. Try to treasure the great moments and put the not-so-great ones in perspective.
It's easy to get lost in the chaos of parenthood, but the best example you can set for your kids is to show that you value yourself. Whether it's a monthly book club with your friends and a girls' night out, or a long bath that is your weekly "do not
disturb" ritual, or date night with your spouse, make sure you schedule time that is truly just for you.
Setting small achievable goals, the kind that you can check off on a mental (or physical) to-do list, will be more effective than an all caps RESOLUTION. Think about the advice you give your kids when they want to give up on a new task
or hobby. If you practice a little every day, keep trying even when you're frustrated, and reward yourself for incremental successful steps, you will find yourself attaining some genuinely blissful parenting moments. Or at the very least,
joyfully making pancakes together on lazy Sunday mornings.
Image: Getty
It's common, accepted advice: Clean as you go. Put away mail as you open it, wipe down counters as you get them dirty, and wash dishes as you use them. But realistically, that's not always feasible. On occasion, you have friends coming over, and you have exactly five minutes to undo two weeks of damage. Don't worry, all is not lost! Remember, it's okay if your house still looks lived in when you're done with these tips.
People can forgive piles of dishes or dusty baseboards, but chances are, they'll have to use the bathroom. Even when it's unintentional, guests always notice a dirty bathroom. Do you really want them making snap judgments about your cleanliness level (or lack thereof)?
For this reason, one of your top priorities should be removing those scummy lines around the tub and in the toilet. You don't have to deep clean — just tackle the dirt with a blast of cleaning solution. And if all else fails, shut your shower curtain. Also, wiping down the fixtures and counter in your bathroom can make a visible change in the bathroom's appearance.
Clear the sink
If you don't have time to run the dishwasher or wash all your dirty dishes by hand, at least make the pile look presentable. Place them all in the sink and consolidate the mess to lessen the overall untidy and cluttered look of the kitchen. On the other hand, if you have a dishwasher, don't be ashamed to jam-pack all your dishes inside, which is akin to sweeping the mess under your bed.
A pass over the carpet with a vacuum cleaner will pick up dirt you didn't even know was there. This instantly freshens up the room and is especially crucial if people are going to be sitting on the floor. It's unflattering for your guests to notice a clump of hair or a ball of pet fur on the carpet. If all else fails: Go outside.
Host your bash outside, if possible. Avoid the house altogether! An outdoor barbecue party is always fun (weather permitting). Use paper plates and plastic utensils to create the least amount of work when the party is over. Guests will clean up after themselves if it's easy to find a trash can, so place several trash cans and recycling bins where everyone can find them.
Feeling sexy after baby: getting back to you
Pop quiz: the baby's just gone down for the night, and your husband turns to you and gives you...that look. Do you A) whip out your hottest lingerie, or B) roll your eyes and say, "You have GOT to be kidding?"
If your answer is closer to "B" than "A," don't worry, you're not alone. You may have been noticing that when it comes to being "in the mood," an uninterrupted good night's sleep is at the top of your list. Don't fret. It's pretty normal. At some point after their baby is born, many women find themselves wondering if they're ever going to feel amorous or relaxed or desirable again.
Hey, it's understandable. After nine (million) months of pregnancy and taking care of a demanding newborn day and night, it's hard to feel like a sexual being again! You're tired, busy, and you may not be feeling 100% confident about your body.
While lots of new mamas go through a stage where the last thing on their mind is sex, it's important to reconnect with your husband when you're feeling up for it. And if you're starting to wonder if you're ever going to feel up for it, hang in there — there are some painless, baby-step ways to get your mojo back on track!
Indulge yourself
How can you feel sexy when you're constantly working, cleaning and taking care of everyone but yourself? Don't fall into the trap of feeling guilty for taking time away from your child in order to give yourself some attention. It's vital that you give yourself permission to relax and sneak in a little "you time." Ultimately, you'll feel recharged and have more energy for your busy life. After all, the laundry isn't going anywhere (unfortunately).
Here's the deal: it is officially okay to take off that SuperMom cape and focus on yourself. Personal time is important, especially when you need a break from all the demands of motherhood.
Give yourself a fun, feel-good treat: Get your hair done, schedule a full-body massage, get a manicure...whatever lifts your spirits and makes you feel special. A little self-indulgence can go a long way towards reconnecting you with YOU.
Focus on health
If you're feeling overwhelmed with exhaustion, you might need to take a break from your All Baby, All the Time schedule to pay attention to your own needs on the healthy-you front. Are you treating yourself with kindness and care, just like you're doing for your baby? Consider these healthful hints for new moms:
Get your beauty rest. This can be hard with a little one in the house, but after those crazy early newborn months you should be settling into a manageable sleep routine. If you're not getting enough sleep (and let's be honest, what mom is?), try cutting back on the caffeine, even though it may seem counter-productive. Avoid sugar right before bed. Enlist some help from others in your household — maybe someone else can take night duty with the baby for a while.
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water truly does a body good. It adds natural moisture to your skin, helps your body flush out waste, and helps rev up your metabolism. If you're not getting enough to drink throughout the day, you're bound to experience some ill effects — dehydration can cause headaches and affect your ability to concentrate. Not only that, but when you're dehydrated, your blood volume is lowered, which makes your heart work harder to supply your body with oxygen. Translation: fatigue.
The "E" word. It may seem like the very last thing you have energy for is exercising, but think of it this way: Getting physical helps you feel more like getting physical (if you know what we mean!). You don't have to launch into a marathon gym routine in order to experience the benefits. You can start by taking your baby out in a stroller a few times a week for a brisk walk. It gets your blood flowing, your heart pumping, and boosts your body image.
Make it a priority
The most important thing you can do in your own personal Bringing Sexy Back campaign is simply to make it a priority. Find a babysitter, and schedule a date night with your husband — no babies allowed! Get dressed up in your favorite wow-'em outfit, even if you'd rather be hanging out in sweatpants. Cut back on overloaded to-do lists if you're feeling like there just isn't time for downtime. Most of all, put your partnership right up there with motherhood. Give it the attention it deserves.
It's not always easy to switch out of Mommy Mode, especially when you might be feeling self-conscious or just plain tired. Remember that keeping your marriage healthy — and feeling good about yourself — is one of the most loving things you can do for your family. Give yourself the gift of reclaiming your inner-babe, because you deserve it!
It's time to confess. I'm a speech-language pathologist who talks "baby talk" to babies. And not only do I enjoy doing so, I maintain that it's good for them.
Baby talk refers to standard vocabulary words that have been modified by grownups to make them easier for Baby to say. They contain easier sounds, shorter syllables and lots of repetition. For example, the baby talk word for stomach is "tum-tum," for good night, "nightie-night," for urinate, "pee-pee" and so on.
In addition to using different words with babies, it's natural for adults to exaggerate pitch, slow the pace, and simplify sentence structure. When a baby enters the room, note how your pitch gets higher and you begin talking silly. This is an instinctive way of communicating with babies, and it makes learning to talk fun for grownups and babies alike.
Baby talk is a variation of adult language, invented by adults and passed on to each generation of babies; its sole purpose being to teach children to talk.
Peter Farb, a linguist and anthropologist, carried out a fascinating study about baby talk. He researched the vocabulary of six very different languages — English and Spanish, two Asian languages, Comanche, and the language of a non-literate community in Siberia.
He discovered that every one of these languages had a baby talk vocabulary. While the actual baby talk words differed, of course, from culture to culture, the themes were amazingly similar.
In all languages studied, the baby-talk words referred to eating, sleeping, toileting, good and bad behavior, animal names and terms for close relatives. These are the types of words that are most important in the life of every baby.
When my daughter, Isabel, was just beginning to talk, there were many things she wanted to say but couldn't, because the words she needed contained consonant sounds that were too difficult.
For example, at 18 months, one of her favorite treats was popcorn, but she couldn't yet produce the "kuh" sound. Remembering that one of the rules of creating a baby talk word is to simplify, I began to call popcorn "pop-pop." She loved this new word that she could pronounce, and the power it gave her to get what she wanted.
Often Isabel would take the lead in inventing a baby-talk word. As she turned two, she referred to our pet cat "Smokey" as "Mo." A few months later, she began to call him "Mokey" and then finally "Smokey" as she matured and was able to pronounce more difficult sounds. Baby talk seemed to help her progress naturally from one speech stage to the next.
There are many benefits to the time-honored tradition of speaking baby-talk to children. Babies get practice with simple sounds and short syllables as well as lots of opportunity for repetition. Don't miss out on using these special words with your baby.
Americans, particularly women, are chronically sleep deprived. Inadequate sleep not only sucks the life out of your daily activities, it is actually damaging to your health, too. Sleep experts recommend a nightly seven to nine hours of solid sleep. Adjust your schedule to accommodate sufficient sleep and you'll be surprised how much more energy you have.
If the mere thought of exercise tires you, stop thinking and start moving. Believe it or not, expending energy actually begets energy. Physical activity strengthens your muscles and bones, making it easier for you to do your daily activities and it also boosts your immune system, which can protect you from cold- and flu-induced lethargy. Aim for 30 minutes of exercise every day.
One or two large meals a day is a surefire recipe for fatigue. A large meal requires digestive energy, taking energy away from your brain and the rest of your body, and it causes an eventual blood sugar crash, which will also leave you in a heap of tired. Starting with breakfast, have four to six smaller meals — eating every three to four hours. This will keep you from feeling physically and mentally sluggish and will help keep your blood sugar stable.
Whether it is a snack or substantial meal, make sure it is comprised of complex carbohydrates (whole grains, fruits and vegetables), protein (lean meats, eggs, nuts, soy, and low-fat dairy), and healthy fats (olives, olive oil, avocado, flax and fatty fish). Having all three nutrients in a meal will better ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals your body needs while helping to maintain stable blood sugar.
Dehydration is a common culprit in fatigue. Start your day with a tall, cold glass of water and continue to drink a glass every two hours. (Experts recommend eight (8-ounce) glasses of water every day.) Staying hydrated will not only keep your energy up, it also improves your metabolism and other bodily functions.
No surprise, stress is an energy-suck. It tires your mind and your body in addition to taking a toll on your immune system and health. Take 20 minutes every day to relax and de-stress. Do yoga, meditation, or simple deep breathing. Get a massage, go for a walk or take a quiet bubble bath. Incorporating daily de-stress measures will unburden your mind and body and help unleash your inner energy.
Having something fun to look forward to every day will boost your mental — and physical — energy. Schedule a lunch date with a friend, plan a park outing with your kids, make a date with your spouse or significant other — just make sure that you plan something you find enjoyable. That alone will give you an extra push to bound out of bed with élan.
"I put ice-cream in the pantry once instead of back in the fridge, and looked for it for all day,"
—Laura H.
"I would try to make phone calls with the TV remote."
—Marie V.
"We were going to some fancy-schmancy event (can't remember where exactly). Needless to say, we were all dressed up—hair, makeup, etc.—and we drove to the event and I had to tell my husband to go back home…I had left without any shoes!"
—Shelby B.
"I found my keys in the freezer."
—Stacey D.
"I was napping with the baby and my older children asked if they could go outside. Half asleep, I insisted they walk the fish first."'
—Denise W.
"I once poured pumped breast milk in hubby's cereal. And used formula in place of flour for gravy."
—Samantha R.
"I tried to scramble eggshells after cracking the eggs into the trash."
—Nanci S.
"One night I was so tired that I actually went to go to the bathroom and nearly used my 2-year-old's potty chair!"—Sara B. "I put hand sanitizer on my toothbrush. Thank goodness I realized what I was doing."
—Susan P.
"I was talking to my honey on his lunch break while trying to find my cell phone. I kept telling him I couldn't find my phone. He asked, 'Aren't you on it?!' I was."
—Heather M.
You're stuck in traffic. The baby's crying. And the office is calling. Life with baby is amazing. And amazingly stressful. Here are some of the ways I deal when I feel stretched too thin and ready to crack.
Okay, it doesn't have to be classical if you really don't like it, but I have found that in some stressful situations (exams, work deadlines, etc.) putting some classical music in my iPod really helps me to cool down.
Exercise is one of the best ways to de-stress your body and mind.
There is a great Buddhist master called Shantideva who said, "Bad friends are like rotting fish and you are like a rose. Mix the rose with the fish and soon it will stink too!"
Fatty foods often leave you feeling heavy and depressed. They slow down your digestive system and make everything inside you a little bit off. Like a good car, you want to feed yourself quality fuel. This keeps your body and your mind running well. Stick to natural foods like fruits and vegetables as much as you can. You will feel better for it.
When I put things off I get stressed. Whether it is work, tasks, doctors visits or something else, it always seems bigger and scarier when I put it off. If we sort out our problems early we can often avoid the mental activities that go along with that event.
Women often think of spas and massages as luxury treats but if you are a member of a gym you can get them pretty cheap. It is a great way to relax your mind and allow your body to have some much needed rest time. It can also aid in the healing of muscles and stressed joints. Likewise, stretching during the day can release tension in your muscles.
Lack of sleep has got to be one of the number one reasons that people get stressed. Sleep is very important to humans. It is the time when the body and the mind process the events of the day and much healing takes place when you are deeply asleep. For this reason it is important to make sure your sleep is not only long enough but good enough.
There are a couple other ones I can think of but didn't add to my list because I have yet to try them out — they include "love" (ahem) and the ability to blow things off. My dominant, type A personality absolutely cannot do this, but it may work for you.
Are you familiar with the Amelia Bedelia book cover on which Amelia is running (and smiling) with perfectly rosy cheeks, a freshly baked pie in hand, her apron and shoes on, and even a cute hat on her head? She appears to have it all together in the midst of what is assumed to be a moment of chaos. Truth be told, many days I feel like Amelia. However, I'm in sweats, my hair is disheveled, I'm makeup-free, barefoot, and carrying a bowl of Raisin Bran above my head so my dogs don't get it. Sometimes I wonder if the kind of woman Amelia Bedelia represents truly exists. Never mind — if she does, I don't want to know about it.
Luckily, there are several products and habits that will make life as a busy mom easier to manage, and, at a minimum, make us feel as though we've got it under control. Here are some stress less tips for busy moms.
Stress less tip #1: Get a bluetooth
A bluetooth headset is a very important staple. As a busy mom, you will want to have conversations with other adults (possibly even telemarketers) just to keep in touch with the outside world. I always thought all those people driving their cars wearing bluetooth looked extremely silly. However, I will readily admit that they figured out a secret to surviving the madness earlier than I did. They can do whatever they are doing (in their case, driving) and talk on the phone at the same time. It's a beautiful thing. The headset phone allows you to talk while you cook, clean, change diapers, make bottles — you name it! Your neck will thank you, trust me. Invest in a headset for your current phone or get a headset phone altogether if your current phone will not accommodate a headset attachment.
If you ever feel guilty about consuming this heavenly delight that can improve even the worst of moods, consider this: Chocolate is actually a vegetable. That's right, folks. Think of it this way: Chocolate is derived from the cocoa bean and bean equals vegetable, right? Sugar is derived from either sugar cane or sugar beets, both of which are plants — in the vegetable family. Thus, chocolate is a vegetable (plus, chocolate bars contain dairy, which is good for your bones). Need I say more?
Color therapy was likely first practiced by the Ancient Egyptians, who shone sunlight through colored gems onto those who sought healing. Today, this therapy is used in many of the nation's premier spas as a way to soothe the frazzled mind and assist with meditation. Tones of blue have been shown to encourage relaxation and tranquility as well as inspire patience and calming thoughts. If it works with the neighboring rooms' decor, why not paint your primary work area a shade of blue? If blue simply will not work, know that greens and purples are also calming colors. Reds, yellows, and oranges, however, are stimulating. Try to avoid these colors in those areas where you spend a great deal of time. As I'm sure you're well aware, neither moms nor their kids need to be any more stimulated than they already are by 5:30 p.m.
I love this book. It is impossible not to find something on nearly every page of it that will evoke a fond or funny memory and make you smile even in your worst hour. I actually highlighted (way back when I had free time) my favorites so I could find them quickly. Some personal favorites: The Electric Company (TV show), funnel cake, and shorty skis. By the way, what ever happened to The Electric Company? Or 3-2-1 Contact for that matter.
Are you as tired as I am of what I now refer to as the "4 o'clock panic?" This is when you stop to think, oftentimes out loud, "Okay, what are we going to have for dinner tonight?" (It's also usually about the same time your husband calls and asks the same question.) Until recently, five out of seven nights a week, that question was answered at my house with the word "cereal" or "pancakes." No longer. And not because I've suddenly become a devoted cook. I found out about a fabulous site product: 30 Day Gourmet. Their site allows you to download and test out for 30 days — and then order — a cookbook that will allow you to bake 30 nights' worth of meals in one "lazy Sunday afternoon" (as if such a thing exists anymore)! It can be modified, of course. Bake enough meals for two weeks if that's all you need. I am simply so pleased to be able to announce that "Tonight, we'll be having Chicken in a Pot. (Even though my four-year-old often responds with "Can't we just have pancakes?")
What is the most common physical complaint of moms? Lower back pain. In a two-year study completed in 1990 by Britain's Medical Research Council, chiropractic treatment was found more effective than hospital out-patient care for lower back pain. Now, I realize that the image many of us get when thinking about getting a chiropractic adjustment is that of Madonna lying on a table having her neck whipped around in that Truth or Dare documentary of her Blind Ambition Tour, but I have become a firm believer in this alternative form of medicine.
I don't trust it to cure disease just yet, but in terms of helping my ever-aching back and neck, it's a godsend. According to Dr. Jennifer Wise, director of the Synergy Institute in Naperville, Illinois, "It has been my experience that integrating the arts of chiropractic and physical therapy in one setting benefits the patient, allowing them to achieve faster and more complete healing. As a chiropractor, I work to align the patient's skeletal structure, while our on-site physical therapist works with the patient's soft tissues to make the healing process occur more quickly. It is important to train the soft tissues to have memory and endurance so that postural correction is long lasting."
All moms know that given the opportunity, they could fill an L.L. Bean, large-sized duffel bag with supplies for a day away from home with their children. The key to not doing that (once you're truly beyond the "I have to take everything in the house with me" stage) is to ensure that your purse is not big enough to carry much more than the basic necessities. I make sure mine is only large enough to accommodate a wallet, cell phone, antibacterial gel, and SNICKERS bar. Same goes for wallets; buy a big one, and you're going to somehow acquire thirty credit cards (or a variety of Starbucks Buy-10-Get-1-Free cards and the like) and the poor contraption will be ready to explode at any moment. Find a wallet that is only large enough for your license, a credit card or two, and some cash.
Joseph Campbell said, "You must have a certain hour of the day when you do not know what was in the morning paper — a place where you can simply experience and bring forth what you are, and what you might be." This time has become even more important in my daily routine than taking a shower (and many days, trust me, I do trade one for the other!). Life is a journey. Oftentimes, we feel as though we're lost and the map is missing somewhere under a big pile of toys. Who are we? What are we here for? What will we do with ourselves when our children actually leave the house one day?
Spending some spiritual quiet time each morning and/or evening is invaluable. It can keep you centered and focused, and remind you that there is something so much greater than you at work in your life. That fact allows me to let go of my need to control everything (at least for a moment or two). Three great books to get you started on your journey:
Wisdom of the Ages: 60 Days to Enlightenment by Wayne W. Dyer, The Power of Now: A Guide to Spiritual Enlightenment by Eckhart Tolle, and One Day My Soul Just Opened Up by Iyanla Vanzant.
If you don't have a cell phone by this point — for any reason — I beg you to get one this evening. All women should have one for safety's sake. I'm certainly not encouraging anyone to have conversations while driving; however, I personally feel quite naked if I get halfway down the block and realize that I've forgotten my phone. While out and about, it's comforting to know you can be reached at any time if one of your children needs you.
Unfortunately, the most life-altering sanity-saver for busy moms has not yet been invented. I envision it as a robot of sorts that does everything from cleaning to cooking to dressing kids for school. One day, perhaps. For now, I'm sticking with low expectations and a HERSHEY'S Bar.
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WATCH VIDEO: Sex offender found hiding in plastic bin inside Pasco garage
A sex offender who had been on the run is behind bars after Pasco deputies say they discovered him hiding in a storage bin in his brother-in…
A sex offender who had been on the run is behind bars after Pasco deputies say they discovered him hiding in a storage bin in his brother-in…
The family of a woman who died in a crash on I-64 wants to extend their gratitude to the people who tried to save her.
The vehicle was a total loss.
Fire officials said on Twitter that one person was cut out from the vehicle.
Photos from WAVY viewers show what appears to be a street sweeper smoking.
Police and power crews were called to an accident scene in the 1500 block of Taylor Farm Road Tuesday afternoon.
The San Diego Padres have traded Melvin Upton Jr. to the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hillary Clinton triumphantly became the first woman to lead a major American political party toward the White House Tuesday.
The Hurrah Players talk about their new show "All Shook Up".
Governor Terry McAuliffe said Anne Holton's resignation was effective Monday.
Trial dates were set Tuesday in both cases for March 2017.
Film critic Stephanie Cooke catches up with academy award-winning actress Mo'Nique about her new movie Interwoven.
Get out and catch your Pokemon!
A man accused of attacking his niece over Pokemon Go has surrendered to police in Rhode Island.
Surveillance video released Tuesday shows a man pointing a handgun at a store employee.
A man was injured overnight in a shooting on Mainsail Court in Virginia Beach.
The Governor's Office is now offering a $15,000 cash reward to help find the individuals responsible.
A Dare County man is facing charges of breaking and entering after authorities tracked him to a house last week.
ST. PETERSBURG, FL (WFLA) — Eight on Your Side is looking at traffic stop etiquette amid recent events involving police shooting. So how sho…
Several hundred gathered around noon in a rally at City Hall with plans to join up in the afternoon with groups decrying police brutality an…
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against a man accused of murdering three people in a four day span.
A federal judge has rejected a request to transfer inmates who claimed they were being mistreated by officials at a Virginia jail.
Character names from the popular game Pokemon Go could be seen painted on the sidewalks and trees.
Chef Keyvan Behnman form Lulu Birds Kitchen was in the kitchen with us this morning.
The Portsmouth Redevelopment and Housing Authority (PRHA) announced it would begin only accepting applications online.
Bill Clinton will try to shift the tone of Day 2 of the DNC after a scandal-plagued start.
An unknown white man forced his way into the church's office on July 12, and took several items.
Young Sanders and Clinton supporters say armchair activism won't work
An armed man has been barricaded inside of a home on Melrose Parkway for more than 24 hours.
The man was taken into custody after being shot by police with a stun gun


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Michael Palmer has made comments about the low price he pays per board foot for hive box lumber in his area. I am not that far from him (relatively) in SE New Hampshire but cant seem to find comparable prices to what he has mentioned in dimensioned lumber (have checked as far as southern Maine). I am able to find similar prices in rough cut green wood from local mills so I wonder if that is what anyone is using. With that being asked, follow up questions are:
Do you use rough cut green wood?
How do you treat the green wood before building boxes with it?
Do you air dry it for XX time first?
If not, is there any issue with shrinkage as the wood dries (Ie. Boxes getting to tight for frames, etc)?
Do you then use a thickness planer to finish the stock to depth?
Have you tried hemlock (lots of old barns are made from it around here)?
Any tips on cheaper wood are appreciated!


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Is open source overrated?
Page Tools
The fuss surrounding open source doesnt mean its poised to take the business world by storm anytime soon.
These days, the question isnt if you use open source, but how far youve gone with it. Open source, especially Linux, has gone from a tech toy for engineers to a serious business choice. In the MIS 100 survey conducted last year, MIS Asia found over one-third of organisations surveyed had Linux installations. Educational institutions and government departments still predominated as early adopters, but its also starting to find favour in commercial sectors such as banking.
Even Singapores Ministry of Defence recently admitted that its jumping on the bandwagon. According to press reports, the ministry has installed OpenOffice.org on 5,000 desktops so far and aims to have it on 20,000 by end-March 2006.
In another recent survey of IT infrastructure by analyst firm Gartner, 52 per cent of organisations indicated that they have Linux deployed somewhere. But according to Gartner research director Dion Wiggins, the actual figure could be much higher.
"Many organisations are unaware that some of their appliance devices are using Linux as the operating system," he says.
Gartner has seen Linux move from the network edge to more critical applications.
"Linux is touching more parts of the IT process and is no longer peripheral to the business," Wiggins says. "2003 was the show me stage. 2004 was What else can I plan for, and when?"
A question of cost
Cost is inevitably cited as the main driver to Linuxs growth. While open source doesnt necessarily mean free, with no license fees, it often comes cheaper than proprietary software.
Thailands Tops Supermarket uses the Red Hat Enterprise Server for database clustering. According to Suriyan Suntong, MIS project director at Tops, the company picked Linux because of its cost-effectiveness, reliability and scalability.
"Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) was very important in getting the management to approve the project," he says.
Savings were also a major factor for Indonesian cement manufacturer Padang Cement. Since the end of 2003, theyve been running an Oracle Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) application with various modules, including financial, inventory, process manufacturing and order fulfilment, on Linux.
Apris Hamid, Padangs project manager for MIS, says the firm originally ran their Oracle ERP application on a Sunfire server. But they wanted to scale up to meet business demands and that meant buying more servers from Sun.
Padang moved to Linux as "it was 40 to 50 per cent cheaper on Intel boxes compared to buying more Sunfires," Hamid explains.
Fuzzy numbers
However, Gartners Wiggins notes that while the number of companies with Linux installations is growing, the figures dont tell the whole story.
"Even though a large percentage of organisations in Australia and Asia Pacific have deployed Linux, they dont have it wall-to-wall."
"Linux resides on less than 5 per cent of total servers. And though it is making technical strides users will shy away from it until more assurances are given of its mission-critical capabilities, especially where thousands of users and large databases are deployed," he says.
According to Wiggins, in order for Linux to become more commercially acceptable, key challenges still have to be met. These include distribution, standards, support, compatibility and validation from major independent software vendors.
"Until all of these elements are pulling their weight, well continue to see less than full recognition of Linuxs importance to organisations," he says.
Phil Sargeant, research director for servers and storage at Gartner Australia, puts it more bluntly: "There is a lot of hype associated with Linux. If you believed a quarter of what is said and written, you would think that Linux is taking over the world. It is not and it will not."
Linux might be cheaper in some cases, but where deployments are complex or where there is proprietary third party software involved, the economics of migrating to open source generally dont stack up, he notes.
"Many users do not factor in all the costs associated with a specific platform, including hardware, software, support, services, management and migration. The costs of the operating system are only a very small percentage of overall costs."
Desktop deployments
While neither analyst sees Linux enjoying a monopoly anytime soon, Wiggins forecasts it will scoop up a healthy 35 to 40 per cent share of the high-volume and replicated applications market by 2007. About 95 per cent of these deployments will use Intel-compatible platforms.
On corporate desktops, the future for Linux is grimmer, thanks to Microsofts stranglehold. Wiggins predicts Linux will remain unsuitable for all desktops in 80 per cent of companies through 2008.
Large and mid-sized companies have hundreds to thousands of applications that require Windows and would be extremely difficult-and expensive-to transfer to an open-source platform.
Migration costs are likely to deter firms from moving to open-source solutions such as OpenOffice.org, despite the applications functionality, according to Wiggins.
"IT managers have had the luxury of giving all users the same hardware and software stack for the past 15 years," he says. "The complexity and breadth of the installed base of Office documents and Windows applications means that at least some users will continue to require Windows and Office, even if Linux and OpenOffice.org are good enough for most users in the organisation."
Thats been the case for Singapores Ministry of Defence, which has not even considered ripping out Microsoft Office. Instead, OpenOffice.org will coexist on its desktops with Microsoft Office 97 on Windows XP, according to reports.
Says Wiggins: "Most companies that try to make an all or none decision on a client OS or an office suite will find that their only logical decision is to stay with Microsoft. Theyll continue to encounter users who have some complex documents or unique Windows applications for which there is no Linux or generic browser alternative.
"For companies that identify relatively few Windows applications or complex Office documents, Linux may be a suitable OS, and workarounds such as Wine, Windows Terminal Services or PC virtualisation may be appropriate for users who require some Windows or Office compatibility."
Click here for more articles from MIS


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Tiger Talk: Here's what's cookin' at PR-B
There's a lot that's been "cooking" in the Pine River-Backus School kitchen in the past few months!
The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act has required that all school food service operations re-evaluate their menus and make changes. As part of the process, we did calorie counting, checked to ensure we had met our vegetable sub-group requirements and shopped for whole grain products.
Now, we begin checking that our sodium levels are in the target range. First target: lunch K-5th grade, 1,230 mg; 6-8th grades, 1,360 mg; 9-12th grades, 1,420 mg. Additional target ranges over the next 10 years will reduce sodium levels a whopping 53 percent.
New government-set policies regarding foods sold in schools will begin in the 2014 school year. However, PR-B is immediately beginning to make those changes to be in compliance.
Snack items must have fewer than 200 calories per item including accompaniments; entree items, fewer than 350 calories including accompaniments. Whole grains must be used and sodium and fat requirements must also be met.
Also taking effect in the 2014 school year are additional changes to breakfast. These changes have been hard, but are also exciting and provide positive changes for the benefit of all, especially our students.
September marked Farm to School Month. For several years, PR-B has worked diligently to implement garden products. We have made use of both our school garden and local farmers.
My biggest purchases usually are from Farmer Dave. When Farmer Dave arrives, we gather to see what he has brought that particular week. It's always neat to think that I am able, with his help and good deals, to purchase the same products that he sells to restaurants in the Twin Cities.
When the sixth-graders bring in produce from the school garden, they are excited to know that the whole school will be eating what they have gathered.
Recently, as I walked the great hall I smelled the campari tomatoes, onions and fresh basil that my cooks were making into sauce. I heard, "Sure smells good, what's cookin'?"
Yellow pear tomatoes and cucumbers on the veggie bar bring a lot of color and appeal. The fresh cilantro will make a wonderful fresh salsa. Creamy cucumbers will go out next week.
Working with local produce brings out our creativity and, I believe, the colors and smells do entice us all to eat healthier! The Healthy Hunger-Free Kids Act did receive some bad press, but the changes have truly been positive.
We are all moving forward and bringing a healthier plate to our students.
(Jill Blanchard is Pine River-Backus School food service director.)


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Student Nurse Practitioner - page 19
Student Nurse Practitioner is available for the Nurse Practitioner Student and those interested in becoming a nurse practitioner (NP). Ask questions about your current NP program and discuss clinical situations including how to locate a preceptor. Get helpful information from students and seasoned Nurse Practitioners as you seek certification for your specialty area. Come on in and make yourself at home. We don't bite.


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The Safariland GLS™ belt holster series features a unique retention device in which the middle finger is used to release the firearm. With a proper shooting grip, the middle finger sits directly on the GLS™ lever, and during the draw, the lever is depressed allowing for a smooth and easy straight-up draw. GLS™ holster models offer a low profile and compact design, perfect for concealability. The low-cut sides allow for a rapid draw and easy re-holstering. The SafariLaminate™ construction provides an excellent fit in a durable, lightweight holster.
Technical Information:
- Material: Safarilaminate
- Finish: Plain
- Firearm Retention: Grip Lock System
- Belt Fit: up to 1.75"
- Muzzle Open or Closed: Open


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Did you know you can get daily reports on where wildflowers are showing in the Tucson and Southern Arizona region? Just go to www.desertusa.com/wildflo/tucson.html. That website has many beautiful pictures of wildflowers currently in bloom. One of the many draws for visitors to the Tucson area and Hacienda del Desierto Bed & Breakfast are the many varieties of spring blooms.
photo credit: SearchNetMedia


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Ivy Tech Community College is the state's largest public post-secondary institution and the nation's largest single-accredited statewide community college system with more than 200,000 students enrolled annually. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering affordable degree programs and training that are aligned with the needs of its community along with courses and programs that transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana. It is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association.


text: What's it like in Moberly? Tuesday Feb 19, 2013 at 7:00 AM Feb 19, 2013 at 7:37 AM Today's forecast Debbie Fitzpatrick Today will hold a high of 33 degrees with a 20 percent chance of precip and WNW winds at 25 mph in mostly sunny skies. Overnight lows will dip to 12.


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At home in the outdoors
Can you double your living space without adding a single square foot to your house? Absolutely, as Yifat Oren and Jonathan Cutler's Los Angeles garden shows.
Changes in levels and materials help carve five distinct "rooms"—each laid out in a neat geometric shape and accented with the same hot colors—from the couple's unused back and front yards.
The result? About twice the house, and no costly house renovation.
Click ahead for the plan and a closer look at each outdoor bonus space.
Info: Judy Kameon, Michael Kirchmann Jr., and Ivette Soler,
Around The Web


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These Rudolph-inspired marshmallow pops may put your crafting skills to the test, but they're so worth it!
How To Make Them:
1. Pick up some lollipop sticks at the crafts store, and stick them into the bottom of jumbo marshmallows.
2. Melt chocolate chips in the microwave and dip the marshmallows into the melted chocolate.
3. To make the antlers, gently break mini pretzels in half, and stick two into the top of the marshmallow before the chocolate has hardened.
4. Use pearl sprinkles or white frosting for the eyes, and for Rudolf's signature red nose, cut off the end of a red candy and stick onto the marshmallow.
5. Once your reindeers have dried, tie a ribbon around the base of each one and serve!
(From Simply Klassic)
Your Thanksgiving meal wouldn't be complete without these adorable pilgrim hat cookies!
How To Make Them:
1. All you have to do is dip a big marshmallow in melted chocolate and place on top of a chocolate dipped shortbread cookie.
2. Let the chocolate set for 30 minutes in the refrigerator; then draw on some hat accessories with a bit of yellow icing.
(From OhSoSavvyMom.com)
You Said It: The Worst Gifts You've Ever Received!


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girl of an indian nature with thick black, greasy oiled hair normally in two french plaits. She wears thick rimmed glasses and you will normally find one hanging round the local gol gupay shop in west punjab or julander. Her actions : sniffing her finger and shouting out "MAHAAA!"
"ewwwww what the hell is that?! Oh, its just a simkaka!"
by jo April 25, 2005


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Grants available for community groups to improve water quality
The Crow Wing Soil and Water Conservation District (SWCD) is seeking applications for Stormwater Reduction Mini-Grants to fund projects to be implemented in 2013-2014 within Crow Wing County (CWC). Project proposals from community partners will reduce polluted runoff and improve lakes and streams in CWC.
Potential applicants can contact the SWCD for free assistance with Stormwater Reduction Mini-Grant applications. SWCD Staff can help to select materials, identify costs, and can provide feedback on project plans, according to Melissa Barrick, SWCD District Manager.
Eligible applicants include schools, churches, neighborhood associations, local businesses, and residents of local communities. Grant requirements include 25 percent in-kind cash match. Projects must also be designed for a 10-year minimum lifetime and include maintenance contracts with two-year minimum duration.
SWCD, CWC, Board of Water and Soil Resources, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, and University of Minnesota Extension will review, score, and rank the applications.
Applicants for projects located in areas around lakes and streams with declining water quality and projects that involve community partnerships and public awareness will receive higher scores. Proposed projects should also address the 2008 Crow Wing County Water Plan priorities.
April 1 is the deadline for applications. To apply, download the application online at http://www2.co.crow-wing.mn.us/swcd/Grants.htm#GrantsforCitizens or email firstname.lastname@example.com.
If you have questions contact the Crow Wing SWCD. Phone 218-828-6197 or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com
Funds for Stormwater Reduction Mini-Grants are provided by the Minnesota Board of Soil and Water Resources through the Clean Water, Land, and Legacy Amendment of 2008.