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Town Square
A more entrepreneurial approach vs. Enron
Original post made by Diana Diamond, Palo Alto Online blogger, on Jul 16, 2006
I know I have written a lot about Enron and what I have called the City of Palo Alto's "cave-in" in terms of handing over a $21.5 million check as final settlement to a lawsuit Enron creditors brought against Palo Alto for breaking a contract with the energy company – even though Enron never delivered the electricity and natural gas it promised it would.
Snohomish County in the state of Washington had a similar contract but refused to settle. They used their ingenuity instead.
So it was interesting to read in the July 24 edition of Fortune magazine (page 32) their account of what happened — "A Feisty Utility Fends Off Enron's Big Bad Creditors." I quote in part from the article:
"Who can forget the voices of Enron's traders, caught on tape as a damaging wildfire raged during the California energy crisis, exulting in the profits they were reaping from the state's misery? "Burn, baby, burn," one said gleefully. ...
"Enron sued a lot of parties to collect money for its creditors, and over the years, most of them settled. But not the extraordinarily determined SnoPUD (Public Utility District No. 1 of Snohomish County, Washington), which argues that its contract was fraudulently induced, both because Enron hid its real financial condition and because of Enron's role in manipulating the Western power markets…
"SnoPUD has used traditional means, such as legal filings, to fight its battle. But it has also employed guerrilla tactics. Take those tapes. By law, traders have to record their conversations, and some 3,000 hours of tapes were confiscated from Enron in an FBI raid. But the overworked feds ignored the loot. So SnoPUD paid $200,000 to have the tapes transcribed. ...
"The tapes helped SnoPUD enlist politicians, and that was critical. It was bankruptcy court, which cares only about the fine print of the contract, that was supposed to determine SnoPUD's fate. But Senator Maria Cantwell of Washington got an amendment inserted in the Energy Policy Act of 2005, which stripped jurisdiction from the court and gave it to FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission).
"On June 28, FERC ruled that SnoPUD didn't have to pay."
Enron is still fighting the case, but the SnoPUD victory seems a legitimate one.
I know that hindsight is great, but the message here for me is that SnoPUD used some ingenuity, creativity and stick-to-itiveness to battle Enron, because it felt that justice should prevail and it should not have to pay for something it never got.
SnoPUD isn't even in Silicon Valley, where we here are known for our entrepreneurial spirit, our stick-to-itiveness, our ingenuity and our creativity. Given our culture here, Palo Alto should have tried a whole lot harder to beat Enron -- $21 million is a lot of money, and we can never get it back.
(See my previous blogs on Enron.)
a resident of another community
on Jul 16, 2006 at 4:52 pm
You've got it wrong. The contract did not deal with oil or gas, but electricity. [This was corrected by Diana after an initial posting. Jay Thorwaldson, editor.] You should get your fact straight before opining.
I also think you should examine whether Snohimish's so-called "achievement" is rather the result of political pressure so that this is an example of our country being a country governed by men rather than laws."
a resident of Ventura
on Aug 12, 2006 at 6:58 pm
Before you correct Diana, you might want to look at CMR:245:05 (June 6, 2005) which shows the contract was for BOTH natural gas and electricity. In fact, of the $21.5 million settlement, $18.06 million came from the city's Electric Utility Rate Stablization Reserve and $3.44 million from the Gas Utility Supply Rate Stablization Reserve.
Also, the Weekly itself mentioned the gas contracts in the third paragraph of this May 4, 2005 story <Web Link;.


text:
You will take 22 credit hours to fulfill the requirements of the chemistry minor. This is broken down to 15 hours of core courses and 7 hours of elective courses. High school mathematics equivalent to MATHS 108 is also required.
To review complete course information, see the undergraduate catalog.
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text: "The champions must push their sport forward" Elena Vaitsekhovskaya speaks to Marina Zueva for sport-express.ru Grand Prix During the Moscow Grand Prix competition which took place in `Megasport' palace Zueva was the living example for a saying by the legendary Moskvina `The coach's place during the competition is in a restaurant!'. Zueva was giving interviews, talking to friends showing all she her skaters are ready and don't need her to be around all the time. It was obvious Virtue/Moir, the Olympic champions are unreachable. MZ: All their lifts this season are new. They are unique in combining the complicated positions with complicated changes. Hence the lifts are interesting to watch. I'd like the ISU to mark the complication of such lifts next season with GOE or levels. In our case work on the lifts took about half of the time, hence we needed the B competition at the beginning of the season to try out and we picked Oberstdorf. EV: Why didn't you show up there? MZ: Scott pulled his neck a bit before the flight when performing the final lift of the SD. Our phisio said there is no problem continuing training, but the 8 hours flight during which they will be almost motionless can deepen the injury. Hence we had to give Oberstdorf up, though I already checked in to the flight. I offered Tessa and Scott to change the damn lift or at least give it up on the first competition SC, but they insisted : they are champions. EV: Speaking of which - what happened with that lift in Canada that it was not counted? MZ: Tessa's dress was on Scott's head and they got `stuck'. If it happened at the end of the season they would cope, but it was so sudden that instead of changing the position Scott just stopped between the rotations. EV: Even putting that lift aside I've never seen your skaters skating with so many little mistakes throughout the programme. MZ: Indeed. It was caused by the final stages of the preparations: after the injury Scott got a cold so we just didn't have enough time to do all the work that was needed to be done. Hence we were not 100% prepared. Which is why am especially thrilled with how Virtue/Moir performed in Canada: for their state back then they did all they could and even more. Let me repeat: it's easy to show good skating at the beginning of the season if you are not doing anything new: the transitions, the spins, the lifts. But all Tessa and Scott are doing this season they had to learn from the scratch. I'm not complaining, just explaining why the beginning of the season was as it was. Anyway, I always thought the champions should push their sport forward, must be innovative. EV: What can you tell about your american pair Davis/White? MZ: The same as about Tessa and Scott: all their programmes are new with the new elements. The only thing they kept from the previous season is the starting lift which was the judges' request: it's such a beautiful and an unusual lift that it shouldn't disappear after just one season. But I was attemtpting to do the same with them as with the Canadians: the maximum difficulty combined with the maximum originality. Everyone is looking up to the champions and the rules are changed according to what the champions do. EV: How and when have you decided they should skate to `Carmen'? MZ: I was thinking about it about 5 years ago when Tessa and Scott had just started skating on the seniors level. Everyone were saying Scott is the one visible in the pair. He is the real dancer, while Tessa is a beautiful shadow. Besides she wasn't a brunette back then. So I started thinking why is it? She is well built, her technique is superb. So we just have to think of a theme that would show her potential. Previously all the `love' stories were about `how much Scott loves Tessa'. I guess she could pull the Carmen when she was 17. But I don't think it would be as good as this season. EV: What were you trying to achieve when working on the choreography? MZ: I was trying to come up with something completely new for figure skating? EV: And you decided to go for sex? MZ: I'd call it `dramatic sex'. Of course before getting down to work I watched all the possible carmens in figure skating. I still consider Bestemianova/Bukin's `Carmen' the best. The fact Tessa have been working with a ballet teacher and was learning both classical and modern ballet ever since she was a kid made things easier. I even invited a ballet choreographer to help: after all the things in ballet and modern differ from figure skating. EV: When you were parting with Igor Spilband during the summer there were many talks it'll effect the skating of your pairs. Were there any negative consequences of that story? MZ: Of course. For me the parting itself was a tragedy. But I couldn't go on working under the conditions he offered. EV: You mean his desire to work with the new pairs alone? MZ: Yes. He wrote me about it. That he wants to have a group of his own and he'd take the best ice time etc. I tried to explain that in my point of view working as a team means there are no private pupils and common pupils, but Igor said he already made his mind. So it was his decision, not mine. EV: Was it easy to find a replacement for Igor? MZ: It wasn't easy. On one hand I knew I'll find a coach - there are many specialists in the USA who are doing a great job, even if their ways are different from mine. On the other hand even Oleg Epstein who joined the team (he used to work with Staviiski, Kostomarov, Averbukh) didn't agree immediately. Besides Oleg I collaborate with other specialists: now it's Margaglio. EV: When Virtue/Moir became world champions with Davis/White being secons I had a feeling it wasn't completely fair : I like Davis/White better than Virtue/Moir in Nice. Were there differences within the group? MZ: We never talk about the results or it's fairness in the group. The competition is over ,the medals were given, that's it! No talks and no moods. I teach the athletes all the time no matter what the result is you have to accept it. You have to know how to win and how to loose gracefully. EV: It might happen that the skaters will only endure so much and leave the coach eventually? MZ: If it's `enduring' then yes, it might blow at the worst moment possible. But if the attitude is right you understand not winning is not a tragedy. You didn't win today - you will tomorrow. Davis/White beat Virtue/Moir just 2 weeks after the Worlds in the Team Trophy. EV: You said Shibutani/Shibutani can place 2nd in Moscow. MZ: Yes. I think Maya and Alex have all it takes. There are things they do better than anyone else. They are creating lace rather than skating. I'd say their blade is the softest, they skate on a very deep edges. When they skate well even the hardest elements look easy. Of course it was hard for them in Moscow - it's their first competition with the new programmes, but I can tell it'll be great by the end of the season. And the pre olympic season is going to be a hard one. EV: Do you have the Olympic programmes in mind? MZ: Yes. For a while. EV: There is a saying the Olympic programmes should be special. MZ: They will be, of course. Any programme is an Olympic one. I'd say it's not about the programmes, but about the champions bringing something new to the sport. This is what I think about when I start working on the new programmes. Guess it worked this time?


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1985-1996 Fleetwood and Brougham Forum Discussion, Post a pic of your RWD Caddy! in Past Cadillac Vehicle Discussion; Damn YoshiMan that is a sweet ride! I would have jumped on that one too. Love the color combo. What ...
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Damn YoshiMan that is a sweet ride! I would have jumped on that one too. Love the color combo. What interior does she have?
- 04-18-13 09:20 AM #2867Cadillac Owners Master
- Automobile(s): 84 Coupe w/500
- Join Date
- Jan 2008
- Location
- Minneapolis
- Posts
- 5,618
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
That is a nice one Yoshi. Wait till you get the correct hubcaps and some one inch white walls...that thing is gonna look amazing.
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Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
That is a great car. I had a 76 CDV back in the early 80's and loved it.
You don't find many that nice anymore, and when you do they never have the sunroof. Your steering wheel isn't even cracked up! I never have seen that. Mine was already splitting in the 80's! I love the wheel covers and hood ornament. If you ever have to do any paint work I would swap the V for the wreath on the trunk lid too.(IMO)
It would be great to see it with 1 1/4 inch whitewalls on it! Thanks for the pictures. It makes my day to see such a beautiful example of such a great classic Cadillac. Gives me hope that they are still out there.
If you ever get tired of it I got dibs!
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Looks great, Yoshi! As far as the wheel covers and the hood ornament, I believe they are correct for the d'Elegance package.
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
I appreciate it guys! I was originally looking to get an 86-92 Brougham, but i stumbled across this one. The price was right and i fell in love with it the second I saw it. and pretty much bought it on the spot. what really suprises me is how well written the factory service manual is for these, and how it explains in such detail how all the systems work.
I would love to see pictures of your guy's cars, do you have links to them?
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Mine still is in need of a lot of work!
This is my project thread.http://www.cadillacforums.com/forums...k-life-my.html
If you ever get the itch to change to that 86-92, don't forget me!
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
I Like that! What you did with the steering wheel is amazing! The interior on the Talismans is probably the most inviting looking vehicle interior i have ever seen, i wish they still made cars with seats like that. Are they as comfortable as they look?
I actually was looking for a 86-92 as an additional car a few months back to use as a daily driver, but the only thing that stopped me was the fact that they are too long to fit in the spot i was going to park it in. Didn;t want to intrude on the neighbors yard too much, as i have too many cars at my house as it is!
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Thanks Yoshi, The wheel was a labor of love and a PITA! That is one of my personal bitches about the big 70s Cadillacs that I love so. I put about 60,000 miles on my first Talisman and about half of them the wheel was cracking and the foil they printed the wood grain on in the rim was cutting my hand.
Before I even wheeled it around the parking lot here I wanted to get that fixed. I am anxious to see how mine holds up compared to the factory wheel.
I took many a road trip in my old one and there is not a vehicle that I have ever been in that is as much fun and comfort as those four Talisman buckets. (Understandably a tad prejudiced....)
- 04-21-13 10:01 AM #2876Cadillac Owners Member
- Automobile(s): 72 Fleetwood Seventy-Five; 94 Fleetwood Brougham; 06 DTS
- Join Date
- Sep 2010
- Location
- Illinois
- Age
- 31
- Posts
- 38
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
The deVille d'Elegance had the see-through crest without a wreath and the wheel covers didn't have a wreath either. (see link) RWD deVilles never got the wreath as it was reserved for the more expensive Cadillacs. I've always thought they gave the FWD deVilles the wreath to give the impression that it was a more expensive car since it certainly didn't look like it (IMO).
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
My 82 FWB last summer infront of the Golden Gate. Bought it in Redlands, CA last summer and drove it 7000 miles across the U.S before shipping it home to Norway from Baltimore! HT4100 performed flawlessly!
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
I actually do have the see through d'elegance hood ornament, when they switched it out, they put the original one in the box the wreath and crest came in and threw it in the glove box.
The prior owner had them put the FWB stuff on it when he first bought it because he said he liked how it looked alot better. And Unfortunately, The one other thing he modified was that he had them take out the shoulder belts and replace the headliner too, so i only have the lap belts installed... He did give me the original dismantled shoulder belts and their plastic covers, but i havent gotten around to putting them in because i'm dreading having to take a razor blade to the headliner in order to make holes for them.... yikes! I may just do without them even though it's not the safest option....
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Hi guys/gals,
Been lurking for a while so I thought my first post would be a couple pics of my Caddy. It's a 1992 Brougham d'Elegance, 60k miles, gold emblem package, moon roof, white w/antelope interior.
My mother was the original purchaser from Don Massey Cadillac in Plymouth, Michigan, back in January '92. It was her 9th Cadillac. After buying her first Caddy, she usually bought a new one every other year until the '93 Broughams came out (she didn't like the new rounder body). So, she kept this one for 21 years. When my father became wheelchair-bound about 11 years ago, a van (with wheelchair ramps) was purchased and became the family daily driver, leaving the Caddy in the garage virtually undriven and accounting for the low mileage.
I came into possession of the car after mom decided to give it to me during my last visit to Detroit. Since I'm the car guy in the family, she knew I would take care of her baby. I arranged for a company to pick it up and it was delivered here in San Diego 3 days later...the same day my father unexpectedly passed away.
Over the last few months, I've detailed the exterior, interior, rear end, engine & wheelwells, replaced the front shocks, replaced the front sway bar bushings with poly (big improvement in handling). Also replaced the entire exhaust system from the manifolds back including a new Magnaflow converter (I barley passed California emissions with the old original). The "gold" on the original emblems has tarnished over the years, so I've bought all new emblems, which have yet to be installed.
One pic is from my first car show. The other illustrates what I need to do most of the time I'm cruising the car.
I'll be looking for some parts soon. Hope you guys have'em.
Re: Post a pic of your RWD Caddy!
Yoshiman, I love that Coupe Deville D'Elegance. About 10 years ago a friend of mine had a 1974 Coupe Deville D'Elegance, it was white, white top, reddish orange interior. The seats were the same fabric, but the stripes were alternating orange/gold stripes, orangish red shag carpeting, it was like a cheesy 70's porno inside. Man that car was so damn vulgar and awesome.
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In addition to being lightweight for gas efficiency, high-performance composite materials for the transport sector should have the potential to be used in fast manufacturing procedures. Presently, production volumes tend to be restricted to a few hundred or a few thousand products per year for aerospace or recreations automobile applications. A project changed that by developing two brand new high-volume materials for carbon fibre-reinforced plastic (CFRP) components for vehicles. The first developed system was advanced polyurethane (PU) thermoset matrix materials that showed improved mechanical overall performance and reduced period times whenever compared with the many frequently utilized epoxy matrix. Replacing this traditional matrix system with PU also enabled combining fast curing with high toughness and a large glass change temperature. Addition of nanoparticles in PU allowed further improvements in processing – reduced resin viscosity and effect kinetics – as well as in thermal and electric properties. Consortium partners built demonstrators making use of this brand new material in structural parts of a vehicle. These included the inner bonnet, rear seat back panel, and the B-pillar between the front door and the back home. Another breakthrough was to hybridise self-reinforced composites (SRCs) – polypropylene (PP) and polyamide – with carbon fibres. The task then followed a number of techniques to develop two SRC versions. In the very first instance, a little quantity of carbon fibres permitted SRC stiffness to increase without reducing toughness. In the 2nd instance, bigger quantities resulted in increased toughness, with rigidity remaining large. Reduced production times were accomplished through the thermoforming procedure.
The advanced materials produced outcome in quick cycle times, showing unique promise for cost-effective, higher-volume manufacturing of high-performance CFRP parts.
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More than 10 million Americans witnessed the delights of Mid Canterbury this afternoon as the district featured as the back drop of the Amazing Race.
The award-winning reality television show aired on the CBS network in the prime-time Sunday night slot (3pm Monday New Zealand time) and gave the Mid Canterbury district the exposure money just can't buy.
"We couldn't ask for better publicity for our region," said Nigel Birt, general manager of Experience Mid Canterbury.
The episode was filmed along the Rakaia Gorge, Mt Hutt Station and Terrace Downs in November, under intense secrecy.
Numerous local businesses and individuals helped to make the show a reality, but all had to sign a confidentiality clause with a hefty penalty.
Thousands of fans follow the race as it is being filmed and rely on snippets of information from around the world to guess which team is winning.
The Amazing Race first aired in 2001 and has won a staggering 13 Emmy Awards in the United States.
In the race, teams of two people race around the world based on certain clues to find the pit stop for each episode at which point one team is usually eliminated.
It was the fourth time New Zealand featured in the long history of the programme, but host Phil Keoghan insisted the next series would visit Canterbury after the earthquakes.
Mr Keoghan was born and raised in Lincoln and has been the official ambassador for Canterbury Tourism. "I am very proud and, of course, very excited about letting people understand what makes Canterbury such a fantastic destination," Mr Keoghan said.
Experience Mid Canterbury staff successfully fended off competition from their Selwyn and North Canterbury counterparts to convince the Hollywood producers to film in the Ashburton district.
The team worked closely with New Zealand Tourism and Canterbury tourism to secure the bid and make the enormous production a reality.
Christchurch and Canterbury Tourism executive Tim Hunter said the effort had paid off.
"Canterbury offers the perfect adventure environment for The Amazing Race. We are delighted with the outstanding audience reach that this opportunity provides in the high value US market. Hopefully it will lead to more Americans putting the Canterbury region on their must-visit list," Mr Hunter said.


text:
Date: Sep 01 2000 18:04:26 EDT
From: Barry Birkey <email@example.com>
Subject: Dadant selling 4.9 foundation
Greetings -
I just got the word from Dadant that a decision was made this afternoon to start producing and selling 4.9mm foundation. They are now accepting orders and you can expect a 4-6 week delivery time for initial start up. Once the line is rolling you can expect normal turnover times.
They are offering it in 8-1/2" size (deep), but I understand they will consider custom sizes. It will be "Medium Brood Style", wax, no plastic. They will accept wax for foundation (working rates) and also manufacture ones own wax into foundation. (minimum may be required)
They will accept orders by phone, email, signed fax or snail mail. I trust plenty of people will start working with this foundation. It will be great to see now how this works in many different areas.
Glad to pass this on and I want to thank Dadant.
DADANT & SONS, INC. (main office)
51 South 2nd St.
Hamilton, IL 62341-1399
Ph: 217-847-3324
Toll Free Order: 1-800-637-7468 (7am-4pm CT)
Fax: 217-847-3660 (24 Hr.)
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Jerry Hayes - Contact regarding foundation
email: firstname.lastname@example.com


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Watch us play Vanquish on PC
Vanquish, the cult classic from Platinum Games, has finally arrived on PC, thanks in part to a vocal fan base. Watch us play it right here.
Vanquish, the cult classic from Platinum Games, has finally arrived on PC, thanks in part to a vocal fan base. Watch us play it right here.
Computex 2017 is again around the corner, the world's second largest B2B PC exhibition, will commence 30th May and run till 3rd June in Taipei.
Don't overlook Microsoft's toolbar for Windows 10 gaming. Here's what it offers following the Windows 10 Creators Update.
The Steam Summer Sale 2017 dates have apparently leaked. Prepare your wallets accordingly.
Quake's back for the modern era, and Quake Champions is holding an open beta this weekend. Here's how to play.
At PDXCon, Paradox unveiled a new Europa Universalis IV expansion, a Mars survival game with Tropico's developers, and that it's now publishing BattleTech.
Electronic Arts is launching a mobile version of its popular Sims game on iOS and Android, and it looks to bring many of the features from its PC counterpart.
Divinity: Original Sin II's custom campaign tools, called Game Master Mode, has players rolling virtual dice like an actual tabletop role-playing game.
Exploring Prey's mammoth Talos I space station and discovering its secrets is a constant source of joy, even when the combat and story falter.
Sony's Remote Play software lets you play your PlayStation 4 games on your PC. Here's how.
Prey's not the best-looking PC game ever made, and there are a few nagging issues, but compared to Dishonored 2 it runs like a dream.
Expect trailers from PC-centric publishers like Bohemia, Tripwire, Nexon, and more as the PC Gaming Show rolls into its third year at E3.
Outlast 2 has a few solid horror moments, but undermines those scares with tedious gameplay.
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Windows 10 for Business / Dell XPS 13
I'd happily recommend this touchscreen laptop and Windows 10 as a great way to get serious work done at a desk or on the road.
Windows 10 / HP Spectre x360
Ultimately, I think the Windows 10 environment is excellent for me as it caters for so many different uses. The inclusion of the Xbox app is also great for when you need some downtime too!
Windows 10 / Lenovo Yoga 910
For me, the Xbox Play Anywhere is a great new feature as it allows you to play your current Xbox games with higher resolutions and better graphics without forking out extra cash for another copy. Although available titles are still scarce, but I'm sure it will grow in time.


text: I've been doing some research on different ways to level my truck off and I was wondering if anyone could provide me with some insight about the Bilstein 5100 series adjustable shocks. I currently have a BDS 4" lift and I sit about 1.5" low in the front. I would like to have it sit level so I can go with a little bit wider of a wheel when the time comes. I know that the BDS kit came with different front shocks but I cannot for the life of me remember if they were any longer than the stock ones. If this would work I would also upgrade me rears. Part number 24-186940 (front) Part number 24-186636 (rear for 4" of lift height) Could it really be this simple?? Thanks guys.


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Deb Delisle was nominated by President Obama in January 2012 and confirmed as assistant secretary for elementary and secondary education by the U.S. Senate on April 27, 2012. In this position, she plays a pivotal role in policy and management issues affecting elementary and secondary education. She directs, coordinates and recommends policy for programs designed to assist state and local education agencies with improving the achievement of elementary and secondary school students. She helps ensure equal access to services leading to improvement for all children, particularly children who are economically disadvantaged. She fosters education improvement at the state and local levels and oversees federal financial assistance to state and local education agencies. She also serves as the principal adviser to the U.S. Secretary of Education on all matters related to pre-K, elementary and secondary education.
Prior to her role at the Department, Delisle was a senior fellow with the International Center for Leadership in Education, with a deep interest in educator performance systems and creating transformative cultures in schools and districts to support educators and students. Prior to that work, Delisle served as Ohio's 35th state superintendent of public instruction from 2008-11. Delisle's career in education spans 37 years, serving as a teacher, gifted education specialist, curriculum director, elementary school principal, and a district associate superintendent and superintendent. She has worked tirelessly to advocate for high quality learning experiences for all children and has spent a significant portion of her career working in urban settings. As the state superintendent of Ohio, Delisle was instrumental in leading the development of a successful application for a U.S. Department of Education Race to the Top grant that secured $400 million to boost student achievement through innovative programs. By engaging more than 100 stakeholders and 70 organizations in the development of the statewide strategy and working collaboratively with teachers' unions, Ohio created its successful application, calling for statewide reforms in educator preparation, the infusion of college- and career-ready standards, rigorous assessments, greater accountability and turning around the lowest performing schools.
Delisle was a member of the Council of Chief State School Officers (CCSSO) Executive Board and held several leadership positions with CCSSO, including cochair of the Human Capital Subcommittee and member of CCSSO's subcommittees on ESEA reauthorization and early childhood. She also served on the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education's Executive Board and the governing boards of the Midwest Regional Educational Laboratory and the Minority Student Achievement Network. Throughout her career, Delisle has been actively engaged in the work of a number of organizations, including the International Center for Leadership in Education, the National Association for Gifted Children, the Greater Cleveland School Superintendents' Association and the Greater Cleveland Educational Development Center.
Creativity and innovation define Delisle's career. Closing achievement gaps and the digital divide have long been areas of significant interest to her. As a district superintendent, Delisle designed a one-to-one laptop program, making laptops a reality for every grade 6-12 student, which transformed teaching and learning in a wireless environment. Delisle also championed high school reform and successfully transformed a comprehensive high school into five small learning communities. Such innovations yielded significant academic growth and high graduation rates for students of color and those living in poverty. As a result of her work," eSchool News" named Delisle one of its Tech Savvy Superintendents in 2008. She has received many other honors, including the Betsy Cowles Women in Leadership Award, the Buckeye Association of School Administrators Distinguished Service Award, the Ohio Education Association Vision Award, and being named as one of the most influential people of University Heights (OH). In August 2011 the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District honored Delisle by dedicating a school as the Deborah S. Delisle Education Options Center to recognize her lifetime of service to students.


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While New England winters are often cause to forget certain colors even exist, summer around here is easily the best season for mind expansion. As life returns to our surrounding landscape after a long, gray hibernation, it brings a rainbow of vibrancy to each moment spent outdoors. And this summer, New England museums are poised to compete with nature's beauty — in fact, this list of contending exhibitions may lure you right back indoors. After all, the Peabody's playing host to Ansel Adams's vision of the ocean, and the Concord will soon have landscapes from famed portrait photographer Annie Leibovitz.
The Great White North dominates on maps, but rarely claims so much space in the art world. Mass MoCA's "Oh, Canada" is an unprecedented survey, featuring Canadian creativity represented by more than 100 multimedia works. With a collection set to spark conversation on modern expression, installations are a whimsical display of maker culture — from repurposed picnic tables, to a perforated car body turned lampshade. The musical manifestation of Neo-Lumberjack Abstraction and a gallery treasure hunt for Canadian coins further exemplify our northern neighbor's playful approach to cultural commentary.
Mass MoCA, 87 Marshall St, North Adams | 413.662.2111 | massmoca.org | Wed-Mon, 11 am–5 pm | Admission $15; $11 students; $5 ages six-16; free for ages five and under
See all articles by:
All Slideshows


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One of the rapper T.I.'s best created song; very popular around 2006-2007. It was in T.i.'s album King along with Top Back, and Live In the Sky. It was number 1 on the billboard hot 100 for a couple weeks and was a song featured in the movie ATL. It is a diss song to anotehr rapper Lil flip. Its about how lil flip doesn't know anything about the game and how T.I. does. There are two remixes to it.
ay, dont yo know i got a key by the three when i chirp shawty chirp back louis knapsack where I'm holdin all the work at, what you know about that-t.i.
by bdzz January 17, 2009
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush


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Town Square
On Deadline blog: Palo Alto police and fire operations face big changes -- to be defined
Original post made by Jay Thorwaldson, editor emeritus, on Feb 8, 2012
That was the essence of what Dennis Burns, the interim chief of both departments, told City Council members at the Jan. 21 annual retreat of the council.
He repeated the message of nearly every police chief for the past three decades: That the existing police department is under-sized and inadequate to do an effective job in safeguarding the community -- particularly if a major earthquake damaged the structure and adjacent emergency-dispatch and Emergency Operations Center (in the "basement" of City Hall).
A "mobile command center" bus purchased recently with state and federal Homeland Security grants is good to have but is not a permanent replacement for a new building, Burns said.
A new "public safety building" has been proposed but was shelved by the City Council after the estimated cost for a 49,000-square-foot structure floated to about $80 million. But that figure included acquisition of a site on Park Boulevard just south of Oregon Expressway. If a city-owned site could be found it would be less expensive.
But the big barrier will be convincing city voters that a new building is essential to the future well-being of Palo Alto, either day-to-day or in emergencies. A survey showed that community support falls short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve bonds for such a project -- even though a majority of voters said they would support a bond measure.
Some of the changes being discussed are mandated by technology and the possibilities that opens to finding ways to improve operational effectiveness and efficiency -- and some may be simple economics.
For the jargon-challenged, "effectiveness" translates to the kind of job officers and firefighters do under the management structures of the departments. "Efficiency" translates to cost and budget, more important than ever in these post-recession days.
City Manager James Keene set the stage for Burns' comments. He cited a recent report from the "Infrastructure Blue Ribbon Commission," now known by its acronym, IBRC, pronounced "I-Brick." Seventeen commissioners spent months evaluating city infrastructure needs.
A copy of the report is available through a link on a council agenda: Web Link . It's worth reading for anyone waiting to comment on (or attack) its recommendations.
The IBRC report was something of a Christmas present of civic goodies to the council and city administrators: it was dated Dec. 22. Unfunded goodies, however, with a total cost estimate approaching $400 million.
Relating to police and fire -- or "public safety" -- services, Keene said the IBRC recommendations "were generally founded in the status quo of the organizations. They didn't get into re-imagining different ways of providing the services."
Burns and others are now actively exercising their imaginations, where a public-safety building looms large, Burns indicated Jan. 21. Not too large, as some have charged. Perhaps just the right size?
An urgency framed the IBRC recommendation: "Build a new Public Safety Building (PSB) as soon as possible on a new site, incorporating the Police Department, the Fire Department administration, the Communications Center, the Emergency Operations Center, and the Office of Emergency Services.
"Public safety should be a top priority for any city, but that priority has been dangerously deferred in Palo Alto," the commissioners urged. "An initial action should be site acquisition, preferably the Park Avenue (or equivalent) site previously identified by the 2006 Task Force.
"The Commission reviewed rebuilding at the present site, splitting public safety into multiple facilities, and exploring further interagency collaborations. None of these compared favorably."
So far.
A new building "has literally been in the process for 27 years in the Police Department," Burns reminded the council, citing "dozens and dozens of (citizen) reports and staff reports." One of the more recent, prior to IBRC, was the Blue Ribbon Task Force of 2006, which recommended a 49,000-square-foot building -- about the same size as the San Mateo public-safety building to serve a city of about 93,000 persons.
Palo Alto's population is about the same, on average: It fluctuates from about 64,000 night-time residents up to more than 110,000 daytime occupants, with "significantly larger" numbers in hot economic times.
By contrast Palo Alto's police headquarters presently is the second-oldest in the county, built in 1968 along with the rest of City Hall, then called the Civic Center. And it never did the job well, even when it was new in the early 1970s. It did survive the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake, but barely and then only under the prodding of Fred Hermann, former chief building official, who worked with Public Works people to upgrade the facility, adding buttresses to the ends of the police buildings and reinforcing vulnerable welded seams throughout City Hall.
Even so, the large concrete arcade around the City Hall block had to be removed due to quake damage. Reports indicate the structure still has seismic risks, and that underneath it is probably not the most logical place for an emergency dispatch or command center in earthquake country. The structure has failed to live up to the "safe building" assurances of city officials in the late 1960s, when I was reporting on the construction for the erstwhile Palo Alto Times.
I and Times' photographer Gene Tupper once climbed all through the under-construction building, including out to the end of the giant overhead crane for a great birds'-eye view and photo.
Today, other than the new-building design considerations, what is most likely to emerge from the "re-imagining" process is some level of consolidation of services at two levels: combining administrative functions between police and fire departments, such as budgeting, purchasing and planning; and a likely consolidation of dispatch operations with some neighboring jurisdictions.
Burns made it clear that a full consolidation of police and fire operations (such as in Sunnyvale's Public Safety Department) is not envisioned. But Keene has been encouraging -- perhaps pushing is better description -- what he calls a "nominal consolidation" of management operations between police and fire, including Burns continuing as chief of both departments.
Voters will have the ultimate say on a new building -- and winning approval will likely need strong citizen leadership similar to what happened in the library bond measure that is funding the new Mitchell Park Library and Community Center on Middlefield Road. Any champions around?
Otherwise we might be in for another 27 years of discussion, barring a major earthquake.
NOTE: Former Weekly Editor Jay Thorwaldson can be e-mailed at firstname.lastname@example.com with a cc: to email@example.com.
a resident of Fairmeadow
on Feb 8, 2012 at 7:06 pm
The link points to a letter sent recently to the Palo Alto City Council:
Use of Facial Recognition Software:
Web Link
The thrust of the letter is that a lot of technology that is beginning to be used by other police and law enforcement agencies around the world is going ignored here in Palo Alto, while the construction of a new police station continues to occupy the attention of a small number of City officials (like the Police Chief).
In December, the Council was provided a rather difficult to read paper that looked at the Demographic data for only one quarter of traffic stops:
Web Link
This paper came to the conclusion that about 55% of the stops in Palo Alto result in "NO ACTION" (meaning that they are "courtesy stops" or "pretext stops"). Either way, there is every possibility that defunding most, if not all, of the so-called "traffic team" (traffic patrol services) would not actually affect public safety.
The paper also comes to the conclusion that all of the police departments in the greater Bay Area should be recording demographic data using the same data collection templates, and the same analysis software. This suggests strongly that a regionalization of the police function would be in the interests of both the police, and residents and the taxpayers.
Without a complete rethinking of the police function, the City of Palo Alto will continue to spend upwards of 40% of its yearly budget on public safety personnel (salary and benefits). If it spends upwards of $100M for a new public safety building, this will add another $2.5M-$3M per year on the backs of the property tax payers--for a building which will not reduce crime in any appreciable way.
To date, little effort has been expended to develop a technology plan for the police and fire departments. Nor has there been much work done to look at how a regionalized police/fire function might work, what it might cost, and where assets like facilities might be located.
Chief Burns needs to provide the public why he has not been looking forward 20 years, rather than trying to hold on to the "status quo".
a resident of Midtown
on Feb 8, 2012 at 10:34 pm
Mr. Thorwaldson, if you have a digital copy of those pictures from when the current city building was built, I would love to see them! Maybe you could post them online. Sounds really cool. I really appreciated the historical perspective in your blog post, since I am a relative newcomer to this area. Thanks!
editor emeritus
on Feb 9, 2012 at 8:49 am
Jay Thorwaldson is a registered user.
Alas, photographer Gene Tupper retired many years back and moved to the Sacramento Delta, last I heard. "Tup" never heard of digital photos in those days. The Palo Alto Times in 1979 became the Peninsula Times Tribune and began a slow decline and ultimate death in 1993. City Historian Steve Staiger at the Palo Alto Main Library has the newspaper's old clip files, I believe, and the Palo Alto Historical Association has been posting old photos online, but most are much older than the late 1960s. Happy hunting, and let me know if you find anything! -jay
a resident of Midtown
on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:37 pm
Jay, you say San Mateo's population is about 93,000 and Palo Alto's is about the same, on average, because of the influx of daily workers.
But this is comparing night-time people in San Mateo to daytime people in Palo Alto. Doesn't San Mateo also have daytime workers?
a resident of Barron Park
on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm
The chief should worry more about improving efficiency (delivering the best job for the public with the ample resources he has at his disposal) and less about trying to raise more taxpayer money.
The dialog should be flowing the other way. The representatives of the people should be holding the chief accountable for the performance of the department. After all, waste and inefficiency, such as those examples cited by Wayne Martin above, are a detriment to public safety and must be rectified.
When our city government is making efficient use of the revenue it has, I'll consider voting for more. As it stands now, purpose-specific spending on improvements (which should have been planned and budgeted for by the government responisbly) really just frees up money to be thrown into the pension pool to pay our retired civil servants their bloated six figure pensions starting at 55.
editor emeritus
on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:49 pm
Jay Thorwaldson is a registered user.
Hi -- There is apparently a slight drop in population during the day in San Mateo, not an increase. Perhaps a number of them are heading to their jobs in Palo Alto? -jay
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on Feb 9, 2012 at 1:54 pm
"about the same size as the San Mateo public-safety building to serve a city of about 93,000 persons.
Palo Alto's population is about the same, on average: It fluctuates from about 64,000 night-time residents up to more than 110,000 daytime occupants, with "significantly larger" numbers in hot economic times."
Not sure where Jay is coming up with his numbers--so he is saying that the population of San Mateo decreases, while the population of goes up by 70% and that does not take into account that many people work outside of the city and the thousands of children that stay in the city and go to school.
Would like to see the source of Jay's math.
editor emeritus
on Feb 9, 2012 at 2:24 pm
Jay Thorwaldson is a registered user.
Svatoid -- The Palo Alto population figures have been around for decades, from U.S. Census data and the City of Palo Alto Planning Department. I've written articles about the immense daily economic "tidal flow" in and out since the late 1960s, as the nighttime population grew slowly from about 56,000 to the current best-guess of 64,000. The daytime population has fluctuated with the economy, and as major firms have moved out of or into town.
The San Mateo figure was quoted by Dennis Burns at the Jan. 21 retreat, who cited the Census -- but it's consistent with estimates I have seen over the years. Let me know if you come up with a better estimate. -jay
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on Feb 9, 2012 at 2:31 pm
WHich decades? Links to the actual data????
" Let me know if you come up with a better estimate. -jay"
Since you are making the claims, why don't you provide the actual data instead of hearsay and "decades" old figures. That is what a real reporter would do.
It;s not at this link:
Web Link
nor here:
Web Link
editor emeritus
on Feb 9, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Jay Thorwaldson is a registered user.
Svatoid -- Well, "since the late 1960s" seems to provide some decades for you to chew on, I would think. [Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]
a resident of Charleston Gardens
on Feb 9, 2012 at 3:04 pm
Well, Jay considering that the population of Palo Alto was 58K in 2000 and was probably lower in decades past the numbers you quote (64K and 110K) were surely not valid back then-so no point in claiming they were around for decades. Not sure why you are upset by my asking you to provide some evidence to back up your claims instead of smug, self-satisfied comments like "The Palo Alto population figures have been around for decades" and "I heard it from Burns who heard it from the census".
[Portion removed by Palo Alto Online staff.]


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Last call: Our TFK Person of the Year poll ends on January 1. Cast your vote today!
Who was the most important newsmaker of 2011? Read on to learn about the 12 nominees and to cast your vote for the TIME FOR KIDS Person of the Year. Be sure to make your choice by January 1! We will announce the winner at timeforkids.com and in the first issue of TIME For Kids after the holiday break.
Click on the images below to read about each candidate. Then cast your vote in the poll.


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Filling out too many paper forms?
This guest post is provided by Service Canada, which offers Canadians a single point of access to a wide range of Government of Canada programs and services either in person, by phone, by Internet, or by mail.
If you have ever found yourself taking time to fill out a paper Record of Employment (ROE) form, you're not alone. That's why ROE Web (Record of Employment on the Web) was launched. ROE Web is a secure Web-based application that allows employers to create, submit, and print ROEs online.
Introduced in 2003, ROE Web makes it easier for employers to fill out employment records and simplifies the processing of workers' Employment Insurance claims. Each year, Canadian businesses issue more than 8 million ROEs. Today, more than 60% of these ROEs are submitted electronically, and this percentage is steadily increasing each year. Whether your business issues only a handful or hundreds of ROEs, this system can help save you time and improve the way you work.
ROE Web benefits for businesses:
- Increases productivity and saves time – With ROE Web, employers can create, retrieve, and amend ROEs easily. ROE Web also allows for up to 1,200 electronic ROEs to be submitted at once.
- Reduces paper burden – Employers no longer need to order or store paper ROE forms, keep paper copies on file, or send copies to Service Canada. It is all done online!
- Filing flexibility – Using ROE Web allows employers to align ROE issuance with their pay cycle for easier submission.
- Improves ROE quality and accuracy – ROEs are instantly validated, which means more accurate data and fewer follow-up phone calls and requests for payroll information from Service Canada.
- Ease of use – An online training module is available to let users practice creating ROEs before submitting them to Service Canada.
- Security – Businesses use the Secure Channel and epass to access the ROE Web service. Information is encrypted to ensure that there is little to no risk of unauthorized access.
To learn more about ROE Web and how to register, or to get answers to frequently asked questions, visit ROE Web or call the Employer Contact Centre at 1 800-367-5693 (TTY: 1-855-881-9874).


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Cosy Apartment in Krakow! DOMINIKANSKI 10 (141)
Size60 m²
Floor No.
- Kitchen
- Internet/WiFi
Accommodation summary
|Plac Dominikański, 30-001 Krakow, Poland
|Property type
|Property ID
|Acceptance rate
|Response time
|A few hours
|Calendar updated
Interesting is also the lift in the building. The oldest one in Krakow!! The lift is really beautiful but sometimes does not work.
Apartment consists of two SEPARATED rooms (bedroom and a living room) + separated kitchen
- in the bedroom there is a great double bed, a desk, a wardrobe
- in the living room there is a corner double sofa bed, a dining table, tv sat and internet wi-fi
- Nice, fully equipped kitchen.
- bathroom with a shower.
House rules
|Price for > 2 guests
|$ 17 US per guest/night extra
|Check-in after
|Check-in before
|On arrangement
|Check-out before
|Cancellation Policy
Reviews of this property
A very conveniently placed flat between old square and the castle, practically very close to every historic place. Flat is also well furbished with enough space up to three peoples. Downstairs there is a bakery where you can have a fresh breakfast.
So all fine, the only think is the communication (slow in reply) which need to be improved.
Leiligheten var grei for oss. Vi var et ektepar med en sønn på 18. Leiligheten har to soverom, ett med dobbeltseng og et med sovesofa. Meget sentral beliggenhet. God støyisolering fra gata da leiligheten ligger i 3. etasje. Siden leiligheten var uten heis var det selvsagt noen trapper å ta, men vi var spreke nok så det gikk fint, men dersom du er litt dårlig til beins så er ikke dette stedet. Det meste i leiligheten virket som det skulle, men det var dårlig kommunikasjon med bestyrer før ankomst. Ingen svarte på meldinger om nøkkelutlevering etc før på morgenen samme dag som vi skulle ankome. Da vi hadde et tidlig fly fra Norge var det slik at meldingen nådde ikke oss før vi var i Krakow, men det ordnet seg greit når vi kom ned, men jeg hadde satt pris på en bedre forutsigbarhet på hvordan det praktiske skulle løses etter ankomst. Alt i alt var vi fornøyd med oppholdet.
Reviews for this host's other properties
It was great! Beautifull location and very friendly driver. Would definitely recommend
The apartment was clean and everything was working well, is really nice and it's just few meters from the main square so it was very easy to get everywhere. We enjoyed the stay. Thanks for all, totally recommend it!. Great host, quick responses during booking etc, made arrangements for key, air port transfer and check out
good, clean apartment, everything was working. very well located, only a couple of minutes' walk from the market square. only two points: the apartment did not correspond to the announcement (the pictures shown in the announcement refer to another apartment) and the second night there was a party going on in a neighbouring flat, people were really extremely loud until 3 am, shouting like crazy
Great apartment with an unbeatable view of the main square and despite activity outside quiet and relaxed inside.
One negative booked apartment transfer did not show up at the airport, but a taxi for about the same price sorted that and in future would use the integrated train link much cheaper, quicker and more convenient to get to the office to pick up the keys.
The description of this apartment did not match at all to reality.
The description says 4 bedrooms, big living room and also 2 balconies.
There was only 3 bedrooms and 1 balconies.
There was also only one tabel and six chairs in the kitchen. And I have asked Martin especially if there was space and Equipment for 12 people in the kitchen..
The coffe maker did not work okey. One toilet leaked quite a lot.
It would have been good if someone from Wimdu had met us at the apartment and shown us the apartment. Instead we had to get key from office and then make a mumbers of call to fix all trouble.
Thank you very much for your patience.
The attic was fantastic and in a very good situation, very near the center, and it is lovely.
- Quality assured accommodation
- Every host is verified by telephone
- Secure payment via SSL encryption


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Harter House Famous 36oz Tri-TipRegular Price:
$24.99Special Price:
2-4 lb. Wagyu Beef BrisketRegular Price:
$24.98Special Price:
3-9 lb. Standing Prime Rib RoastRegular Price:
$19.99Special Price:
Harter House Meats Special: Steak Gifts and more!
At Harter House, we pride ourselves on delivering the best quality meats. Since 1973, our butchers continue to perfect the meat cutting techniques and signature recipes that keep our customers coming back again and again. If you're looking for the perfect present to give, want to stock up for the grilling season or just can't get enough of our famous Harter House meats, we have a variety of steak gifts and value packages sure to satisfy everyone.
Our steak gifts offer a unique way to please all the meat lovers in your life. Each of our steak gifts has been tailored to specific occasions, events and price ranges. In other words, we have a steak gifts package to suit all tastes. Whether you're in the mood to tailgate, looking for an assortment of our signature recipes or just need something small, our steak gifts packages will work for any discriminating taste. Steak gifts include everything from bacon wrapped filets, dry aged ribeyes, and seasoned tri tips to Italian sausages, thick cut pork chops or queen pork loin roast. Don't forget about an all-time customer favorite: the one of a kind Harter House Hand-crafted Bratwursts. This 100 year old recipe is truly unique and a definite crowd pleaser.
Did we mention our chicken and seafood packages? If you're craving something a little different, we also offer an assortment of chicken and seafood delights! Options include: stuffed chicken breasts, cowboy chicken grillers, Maryland crab cakes, Alaskan wild salmon filets, jumbo gulf shrimp and more. With such a large assortment, it shouldn't be hard to find just what you need.
The next time you're struggling to find the perfect gift, remember the endless steak gifts, chicken or seafood packages and more that Harter House has to offer. It's the perfect solution for the person who has everything or if you're looking to give a unique gift. Backed by quality service and a long-standing tradition, you can't go wrong. No matter what the occasion, a steak gifts package from Harter House will certainly be loved!


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KRLS will provide Crosslake, Pequot libraries with materials funding
The Kitchigami Regional Library System (KRLS) Board decided Thursday, Sept. 19, that it will provide Crosslake and Pequot Lakes libraries with $5,000 in materials funding in 2014.
It decided the funding will come from the Crow Wing County development fund, which is money the board had been saving for the creation of a future branch library in the county.
The board also decided the cost of transferring KRLS books to and from the Pequot and Crosslake libraries (interlibrary loan) will also be taken from the same development fund. Formerly those funds had come from outreach funding.
In total, $20,379 will come from the development fund, which, before any spending, has a balance of just under $300,000.
By taking the money from the reserve fund, KRLS board chair Neal Gaalswyk said the Crow Wing County Board will be more motivated to decide whether or not it wants another branch library in Crow Wing County.
"I guess if we send this (budget plan) back, it will bring back the urgency of that discussion," Gaalswyk said.
The Pequot and Crosslake libraries operate as affiliate libraries to the KRLS system, and are not branch libraries. While discussions have taken place between KRLS and the Pequot and Crosslake libraries regarding whether or not the libraries should become branch libraries, no final decisions have been made.
Gaalswyk said that by taking both Pequot Lakes and Crosslake materials funding and interlibrary loan funding from the development fund, the fund would be spent down quicker.
He said he believes the cost of opening a new branch will be more than $300,000, and that the cost will likely grow as time goes on.
"My sense of this is that we're driving this discussion back into Crow Wing County and (saying), we're looking for you to hash this out," Gaalswyk said.
The Crow Wing County Board decreased KRLS' funding for 2014 at its Sept. 10 meeting. KRLS requested $535,221, but the county budgeted $509,127.
Due to the cut in county funding, KRLS decided to cut six hours to the Brainerd library's operating hours and will cut $5,000 in outreach services, in addition to the changes in Crosslake and Pequot Lakes library funding.
KRLS director Marian Ridge said by email that the outreach services cut will be in the form of finding a way to combine the Nisswa mobile library stop on the same route as the other Crow Wing County stops, and finding another location and time for the stop in 2014.
Rachel Reabe Nystrom, KRLS board member and Crow Wing County Board member, said the switch in funding the board chose was the option that had the least effect on the Brainerd library, which is the only KRLS branch library in Crow Wing County.
Gaalswyk said the funding Crow Wing County allocated to KRLS for 2014 is the same amount of funding KRLS received from the county in 2007.
The decision to fund Pequot Lakes and Crosslake libraries from the development fund, and to make the other changes due to the drop in county funding, passed on a 10-2 vote. The board consists of members representing cities and counties throughout the KRLS system. Board members Gillette Kempf, of Wadena, and Wayne LaDuke, of Cass Lake, voted against the measure.
Kate Perkins can be reached at email@example.com. Follow her on Facebook and on Twitter @KateAtEcho.


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A Victorian Classic in Newport
The Brinley Victorian Inn • Newport, RI
Escape Kit
- A Two-Night Stay for Two in a Queen Room, Sundays Through Thursdays September 1 to October 31, or Fridays and Saturdays November 1 to December 31
- Daily Breakfast with Mimosas for Two
- Afternoon Coffee, Tea, and Cookies for Two and Nightly Turndown Service with Chocolates
- Bottle of Wine and Snacks in Room on Arrival
- Late 3 p.m. Checkout and Complimentary Parking
- Combine Vouchers to Stay Up to Four Nights
Victorian elegance informs every room of this Newport bed and breakfast, located steps from the shopping and sights on famous Bellevue Avenue.
The Destination
A vacation retreat for presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy, the storied beach town of Newport, Rhode Island, is lovely all year long. On Aquidneck Island, the beaches are beautiful whether filled with bathers or dusted with snow, and the Newport Mansions are a sight to behold in any season. "The waterfront—with views of wide, tentacled Narragansett Bay—is still Newport's soul, and the estates along Bellevue Avenue haven't lost their Gilded Age glamour," said The New York Times. "But in a town that seems, on the surface, so untouched by time, there's an undercurrent of youthful rebelliousness." The inventive restaurants, bars, and boutiques downtown make for a unique atmosphere; suffice it to say, Newport isn't your typical beach town.
The Digs
One of four Inns on Bellevue, The Brinley Victorian Inn is a historic Newport bed and breakfast located just half a mile from the downtown waterfront. Built in the late 19th century, the inn pays homage to its long history with period-appropriate Victorian furnishings. Elegantly decorated rooms offer antique appointments and private baths, and some feature jetted tubs and fireplaces. Each day, you'll wake to a delicious breakfast served with mimosas and retire in the evening to a rich chocolate left by the turndown service—mere tastes of the sweet surprises a trip to Newport holds.
The Diversions
Dine. Gas Lamp Grille
Admire. Newport Mansions
Shop. Bellevue Avenue
Hike. Newport Cliff Walk
"This inn was located perfectly between the shops at Bellevue Avenue and the shops downtown. Our room was clean, the people were friendly, and breakfast was a nice touch. We will stay here again for our next trip to Newport."-- LivingSocial Member
"Great service and great time! Old-fashioned cozy inn in the heart of Newport—the perfect weekend getaway."-- LivingSocial Member
escapes 30-day promise
LivingSocial gives you up to 30 days to return your unused voucher for a full refund. Once you've made a reservation, you are subject to the merchant's cancellation and refund policy. If you want to secure your preferred dates of travel, we strongly recommend that you complete reservation with the merchant within 30 days of your purchase—after that, LivingSocial will not issue any refunds.
the fine print
- Limit 4 per customer, additional as gifts; up to 2 vouchers may be combined to extend stay
- Reservations required and subject to availability
- Not valid toward existing or room block reservations
- Cancellations must be made at least 10 days prior to arrival or you will incur a $25 fee; voucher subject to forfeiture
- Voucher valid for up to 2 guests
- Includes daily breakfast with mimosas for two, afternoon tea and cookies, a bottle of wine and snacks upon arrival, nightly turndown service with chocolates, parking for one vehicle and late 3 p.m. checkout
- Taxes/resort fee not included; payable directly to the property
- Nights must be spent consecutively; all inclusions must be redeemed during one stay
- Stays must be completed within date range listed on voucher
- The promotional value is valid only for date range purchased and may not be exchanged or redeemed for any other dates
- Other conditions apply • PAID AND PROMOTIONAL VALUES EXPIRES ON December 31, 2014 • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON December 31, 2019 • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON December 31, 2014 • Enjoy By December 31, 2014
Other conditions apply
Except where noted in the fine print:
• Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion
• Tax and gratuity are not included
• Merchant is responsible for the quality of the products or services provided to you at redemption
• LivingSocial Terms and Conditions - https://www.livingsocial.com/terms
Original Price:
- 0% savings
- remaining