text:
Pure Detroit helps Parade Co.'s 'big heads' take the Fisher Building
Public invited to learn more about historic collection
A set of papier-mâché heads from The Parade Co. is on display in the lobby of the Fisher Building as part of an effort by Pure Detroit to educate the public on the history of the collection.
It's the first time the "big heads," as they have become known, will be on public display since they arrived in Detroit in the 1940s from Viareggio, Italy, said Tony Michaels, president and CEO of Detroit-based The Parade Co.
Michaels said the big heads were brought here by Charles Wendel, then-director of displays at Hudson's department store in Detroit. Wendel saw the heads while on a trip to Europe and decided to bring them back to start the Thanksgiving Day parade.
Of the nearly 300 papier-mâché heads owned by The Parade Co., about 150 were made in Italy and part of the classical Italian newspaper used to make them still is visible. Others, such as this year's of local hockey legend Gordie Howe, have been created by Parade Co. artists.
Twenty of the vintage big heads are on display in the Fisher Building as part of "Big Heads Take the Fisher," including bumblebees, raccoons and pirates, said Ryan Hooper, creative director at Pure Detroit.
Another goal of the exhibit is for people to adopt certain big heads so they can be restored and reinstated to the parade, he said. Five years ago, fewer than 10 big heads walked in the parade, but after a large restoration effort, 150 participated this Thanksgiving, he said.
"Big Heads Take the Fisher" is on display through January. A family kickoff event will run 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday with free kid-friendly activities, live music, tours of the building and hot chocolate.


text:
Three Maryland Hospitals Team Up to Plan a Better Healthcare Initiative
It can be a challenge nowadays to receive the proper healthcare without putting a hole into our wallet.
"It proactively positions us to be able to be responsive to the changing dynamics in the healthcare financing and delivery," said Tom Kleinhanzl, president and
The Affordable Care Act will change the way hospitals provide service, such as ensuring more primary care doctors.
"We expect to see more people insured with a lot of deferred care, stepping forward and leading care, so we think it's going to put demands on how many beds we have, how many doctors," said Joseph Ross, president and
The initiative aims to change the healthcare landscape and help the community take advantage of it.
"Be patient and we'll workthrough it and we look forward to communicating further within the community as we move into this effort together," said Kleinhanzl.
The community will continue to be kept informed of progress as the three health systems move forward to advance their services. This initiative will also have no impact on the availability of

subset: commoncrawl


text: Throughout the 19th century Congress funded expeditions to explore land and sea. In 1836 Congress authorized the United States Exploring Expedition—also called the Wilkes Expedition after its leader, naval officer Charles Wilkes. Its purpose was to circumnavigate the world, promote commerce, and "extend the bounds of science and ... Knowledge." The four-year expedition mapped South Sea islands and Pacific coastlines, established trade, and gathered voluminous information that aided the United States in becoming a leading scientific and naval power.


text:
Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem > Teton Range > Mount Glory > Climber's Log
Mount Glory Climber's Log
[ Sign the Climber's Log ]
Date Climbed: Nov 13, 2015
|Easy boot pack from WY 22 and great skiing.
|Posted Nov 26, 2015 7:42 pm
|Easy access backcountry
|Skied several times this winter. Nice bootpack to summit, super easy access!
|Posted May 12, 2015 2:04 am
|Summer and Winter
|Most long time Jacksonites have been up this mountain in all seasons, in all weather. It is about the quickest way to above timberline short of paying to ride the tram at Jackson Hole Ski Resort! With two cars, a nice south to north ridge run can be done bringing one eventually out to the Fish Creek Road.
|Posted Feb 7, 2015 2:31 pm
|Fun hike up
Date Climbed: Oct 12, 2013
|Fun walk up. Had a great afternoon, hiked to the north summit in a snowstorm. Not too hard, it'd be a great Teton warm-up. Going down the trail when it's muddy and slippery isn't the most fun, but it's worth doing if other summits aren't in condition.
I bet the views are great from up there.
|Posted Oct 12, 2013 9:05 pm
|Teton Pass and Back
|Winter 2008
Climbed this with some buddies on snowboards while I was in a pair of boots. While they shredded down, I bounded. The best part was seeing two tiny kids with their dad riding down Glory Bowl. Teton kids are tough!
|Posted Jan 6, 2013 10:52 pm
|David Mortensen
|Mt. Glory
Date Climbed: Dec 31, 2012
|To celebrate the end of the year, my wife and I did a snowshoe to the summit. It was -10 on top, and a slight wind made it seem even colder. It was fun going back down on snowshoes, but next time we will take our skis for the descent.
|Posted Jan 1, 2013 4:00 am
|Easy warm up
Date Climbed: Jun 6, 2011
|Easy 2,000 foot leg stretcher from Teton pass. Went over to other bumps also. Nice few hours out in wilderness.
|Posted Aug 11, 2011 12:26 pm
|fits its name
Date Climbed: Jun 17, 2011
|cruised the steep, south slope from teton pass with jim while waiting for the higher, avalanche-prone to consolidate. we weren't expecting too much, but the stunning views from the higher slopes really made our climb. one of the best summit views i've encountered.
|Posted Jun 17, 2011 8:30 pm
|One of many
Date Climbed: Feb 21, 2011
|Snowshoeing down I got some strange looks from the 40 or so people with skis on their packs. Map and pictures at http://www.willhiteweb.com/climbing/jackson_hole/mount_glory_005.htm
|Posted Feb 21, 2011 8:44 pm
|Climbed late winter and snowboarded down.
|Posted Sep 19, 2010 3:44 pm
|Super bowl Sunday!
Date Climbed: Feb 1, 2009
|Climbed Glory a number of times to ski. This particular day was Super Bowl Sunday and we climbed the boot track and skied out Coal Creek. Then we drove to the top of the pass an skied the rest of the day on the other side of the highway.
|Posted Aug 30, 2010 7:43 pm
|While back
|Did it 2 summers ago.
|Posted Feb 3, 2010 9:36 pm
|highway Teton
|Glory is nice to have a highway at its base. I have gone up there many times just to watch the sunset or just to relax. It is a fantastic ski peak and I love to ski the bowl when it is safe. I once watched a black bear walk up and over little Tuckermans bowl.
|Posted Nov 28, 2009 4:19 pm
|Standard Route
Date Climbed: Jan 31, 2009
|Nice short strenuous hike. I was recovering from hand surgery, so no ski for me, but looks like fun.
|Posted Oct 14, 2009 12:24 am
|From Teton Pass
Date Climbed: Jul 30, 2009
|Climbed from Teton Pass. Wildflowers were great.
|Posted Jul 31, 2009 12:20 pm
|Deep Pow
Date Climbed: Mar 25, 2006
|My daughter and I hiked up and crawled into the shelter on top before skiing down the Twin Slides. Fun mountain to play on. Will ski many more laps!
|Posted Jul 10, 2009 11:45 pm
|Special Area
Date Climbed: Jan 14, 2004
|Great boot pack to the top! Snowboarded down to and out Coal Creek.
|Posted Apr 11, 2009 9:43 pm
|Great ski laps
|Many times.
|Posted Mar 16, 2009 1:47 am
|Face Shots in June!!!
Date Climbed: Jun 12, 2008
|Skied this peak a lot for the last few years. I never skied it in such powder conditions in June though!!!
|Posted Aug 10, 2008 7:20 pm
|skunk ape
|great ski
Date Climbed: Apr 4, 2008
|Good times
|Posted Apr 9, 2008 11:21 am


text:
forum: Food & Drink
Pages: 1 | Home » Food & Drink » Food on the run
#1 Thu 03 Jan 13 8:43am
- Member
- Member since Tue 01 Jan 13
Food on the run
Hi all,
I am new to the forum but figured if anyone can give me some ideas, its the people who have saved my bacon with 30 min and 15 min meals. With three really active kids (twins 10, boy 12) I find that we have an activity to be at every night and weekends. While the 15 and 30 min meals are awesome, if I can get them together for that long, I find that a lot is hard to put aside for the missing family members for later. I was hoping that you guys may have some ideas for things that can be put aside for an hour or so and quickly reheated but still retain the taste.
Hope you can help as there is always one who has a whinge that they missed out on the really good stuff.
the wildmum.
#2 Thu 03 Jan 13 10:43am
- Member Occupation Chief cook and bottle-washer
- From Scotland
- Member since Mon 12 Sep 11
Re: Food on the run
Most stews, curries and mince dishes respond really well to reheating. Same for soups.
If you have a slow cooker, you can just serve up some of the contents and leave the rest cooking on Low or on Keep Warm for an hour or two and it will not make much difference (that's what I do when I have erratic mealtimes or people eating in shifts). You can do the same in the oven or stovetop by putting the dish on a very low heat once it's done and keeping it covered - that way the latecomer can have their hot meal right away when they come. Only do this with wet dishes with lots of gravy or sauce; dry dishes will dry out.
I personally love re-baked potatoes - bake them the first time then sit them aside wrapped in a tea-towel, and you can give them another blast in the oven to get them back up to heat. If you're keeping them for longer than an hour or two, better to let them cool completely, refrigerate them then bake them a second time (which should only take half to three-quarters of an hour).
Things to avoid: chips (fries); roast potatoes or veg; anything dry in the oven (say a roast chicken, fish cakes, chicken pieces) as it will dry out and will not re-heat well; pasta (apart from oven-baked dishes like lasagne, but re-heat these, don't keep them warm or the pasta will disintegrate); boiled or steamed veg (better to steam on demand - if you use frozen veg, or else blanch fresh veg and cool it in running water, then you can steam it in the microwave in 2-3 minutes per portion, in a covered dish with a splash of water in the bottom); rice dishes (like pasta, will disintegrate if kept warm and difficult to re-heat safely); anything fiddly or delicate; anything containing milk, yoghurt or creme fraiche (can curdle if cooked too long or if re-heated); anything with a white sauce unless it's topped with cheese or breadcrumbs, as that will stop a skin forming; anything containing fish, as it overcooks very easily.
You can do a roast chicken with bread and salad, though, and the latecomers can have it cold, which is still a great meal. Avoid the usual roast trimmings, as they don't keep warm or re-heat well.
Hope that helps a bit!
Last edited by hippytea (Thu 03 Jan 13 10:45am)
#3 Fri 04 Jan 13 12:26am
- Member
- Member since Tue 01 Jan 13
Re: Food on the run
Thanks hippytea,
I do use the slow cooker in winter and I love your potato idea (so do the kids). I'm in Oz and its 41c here today so I do try to keep a range of salads in the fridge but often they go soggy. Think I might just have to revisit my storage of individually chopped fruit and veg that they can take out and just throw together in any combination they want.
Thanks again for all your help, some great ideas and I will definitely use them this winter.
#4 Fri 04 Jan 13 7:15am
- Forum super champ
- From Melbourne Australia
- Member since Sun 12 Apr 09
Re: Food on the run
Hi Wildmum, my best tip with salads would be to keep the dressing separate and let everyone add some dressing to their own when they get to eat.
#5 Fri 04 Jan 13 10:52pm
- Member Occupation Chief cook and bottle-washer
- From Scotland
- Member since Mon 12 Sep 11
Re: Food on the run
Ooh, I didn't realise cold food was an option. Rice salads, pasta salads, potato salads, and like you say, bits and bobs of fruit, veg, cold meat and cheese which people can combine in any way they want.
#6 Sat 05 Jan 13 4:02pm
- Member Occupation Retired something or other
- From English immigrant in S. Wales
- Member since Fri 07 Dec 12
Re: Food on the run
JoyYamDaisy. In the UK we call a salad (or anything else) without a dressing, 'naked'. Hubby likes his salad naked cos he hates olive oil.
Pages: 1 | Home » Food & Drink » Food on the run


text:
- About RIC
- Academics
- Admissions
- Alumni & Donors
- Athletics & Recreation
Campus Life
- Library
- Performing & Fine Arts
Course Offerings
Courses Numbered 100-199Introductory and General Education courses normally taken during the freshman and sophomore years.
Courses Numbered 200-299Other lower division courses and General Education courses.
Courses Numbered 300-399Courses taken by undergraduate students who have met the prerequisite(s); not accepted for credit toward graduate degrees.
Courses Numbered 400-499Courses normally taken in the junior and senior years; open to graduate students for credit toward graduate degrees. The number of credits acceptable in a graduate program is limited by graduate program policies.
Page last updated: Thursday, December 13, 2012


text:
Here is the latest pic of my borage plants.
They are in their flowering development stage now.
Guess would be another 2 weeks or so to send up their flower stalks.
Cannot wait for my bees to get on these plants.
Here is the latest pic of my borage plants.
They are in their flowering development stage now.
Guess would be another 2 weeks or so to send up their flower stalks.
Cannot wait for my bees to get on these plants.
I still have 4 or 5 borage plants that overwintered here--not quite as far along as yours, but I was shocked. Waiting to plant mine in May so they'll bloom during our dearth in July/August. I love borage!
Hi, 007. This is my first season to grow them. Not sure how they will produce yet.
It is interesting to see that they are able to overwinter fine. I was thinking if the frost
might kill them too. Are they frost hardy too?
If the temp is at around 30-50s the seeds will sprout in a flower pot. Now I am thinking if
succession planting is good until the dearth in Nov. here. It is fun to experiment them now
that my bees are expanding now. Yup, plants and bees are a good combination for a gardener!
How do they look like after the winter? Got a pic to show.
They do well and self seed quite well. Here they die back during the winter and in a few days I will mow them at highest setting on wheels. They can be invasive in your yard.
Sticky Bear Apiary ~ Elev: 4840ft. ~ https://www.facebook.com/StickyBearApiary
So after the mowing do they come back again with the flowers?
That means they do not die in one season but die the next one?
Borage (Borago officinalis), also known as a starflower, is an annual herb. It is native to the Mediterranean region and has naturalized in many other locales. It grows satisfactorily in gardens in the UK climate, remaining in the garden from year to year by self-seeding. The leaves are edible and the plant is grown in gardens for that purpose in some parts of Europe. The plant is also commercially cultivated for borage seed oil extracted from its seeds.
Sticky Bear Apiary ~ Elev: 4840ft. ~ https://www.facebook.com/StickyBearApiary
Borage produces a large quantity of nectar per blossom is think, bees don't visit that many before they head back to the hive from my observations. They are an annual which reseeds very easily and come back in the same spot every year, they don't transplant very well once they get a little bigger, I found that out too. John
I'm not sure when this fella sprouted, but it's gone through several frosts and been fine, oddly. It's in a raised bed, south facing, and protected on its backside. My shoe is shown for perspective.
Zone 7b ~ Central Arkansas
8fr medium equipment
Btw, the flowers and leaves taste like cucumber. The leaves should be used young because the get a good fuzz going on as they get older.
Zone 7b ~ Central Arkansas
8fr medium equipment
Interesting to see this plant grow quite well.
Here is another pic I took yesterday. They are all from my 1 gallon plastic
pot I transplant into the ground. These are planted last year inside the pots and
left outside all winter long. We have mild winter here with frost so they grow
very big per plant. If I plant 4 in a gallon pot they did not grow that big until
planted into the ground later on.
I received some seeds yesterday. Waiting to plant for a late bloom is a good idea. I'll try that. Thanks!
Greg Whitehead, Ten Mile, TN
Blog - http://gregsbees.blogspot.com/
I read somewhere that the flowers refill with nectar every 2 minutes, and from the way my bees constantly worked it, I believe it. I discovered that if I cut down the flower stalks, several more would pop up. Hard part is deciding when to cut them down, as the flowers seem to bloom at random, some opening, some done, all in the same stalk for weeks. I had planted them last year in early Spring, they bloomed in May and June. Seeds began sprouting in August, they started blooming in mid-October and as temps dropped, they didn't seem to be producing much nectar. Didn't expect them to overwinter--most sucombed to 20 degree weather, but those in protected areas survived and are coming back--tells me that maybe with a heavy covering of leaves, the whole bed might overwinter. Beginning to see a few volunteers coming up now. The reason for waiting is that they got top heavy, flopped over, put up side stalks, but eventually got something like gray mildew on the leaves and went down. Suspect that spraying with milk would have stopped that if I had caught it in time, but by that time the plants were big, straggly and ugly.
Very interesting that yours have overwintered, Bond. What zone are you in? Beepro, I like that idea of starting in a pot and overwintering. No freezing temps? Zone? I've had a hard time getting borage to get to flower stage previously. I think it may get too hot for it here too quickly. This plant looks like it started early enough - from seeds I threw out last fall - that I think it will make it this year - yay! Think I'll go soak some more seeds and try to get a jump on a few more. (Kinda late for a "jump" already; maybe a hop? )
Zone 7b ~ Central Arkansas
8fr medium equipment
I'm in 6B in Nashville. But my neighborhood seems to be about 2 weeks behind the southern part of Nashville, where things have been blooming for 2-3 weeks before mine.
Wow, 6b and overwintered. That's kewl! I now have a different borage strategy. I'm still hoping more of my tossed seeds will sprout for this year.
Zone 7b ~ Central Arkansas
8fr medium equipment
I'm in zone 9b without freezing temps in the winter time. But very frosty between Dec thru late Feb.
The borage in the pot with 1" or so lower will give them some shade against the frost. But with freezing
and snowing they cannot survive unless you cover them somehow like put them inside a green house. Or using
temp shade cloth.
If you live in area that don't have snow then can over winter them in pots to set them next to the house.
This way they get some warmth from the house using the southern sun.
The soil I put inside the pot is 1/3 potting/compost at the bottom. The middle 1/3 is heavy clay soil loosen up.
The top 1/3 is composted manure mixed in with compost. If you have peat moss or similar that will help
with top cover to keep the seeds moist. So don't have to water too often. I only water when the top
layer is dry out. Use enough water in a small cup to not let them run outside the pot. Need to conserve
the water too. If you make a shallow depression on the soil in the middle of the pot then the water will not
run to the edge. You can water up to the level of the depression like a shallow U shape.
With the clay soil the roots can absorb more moisture with something to grab onto that the regular garden soil
is too loose for the drainage. The clay soil not let the water run down too quickly. If you don't have the clay soil in then
the garden soil let the water run out too fast. Then you have to water more often. At winter time I am too lazy
to go outside in the cold to water them. Many times the rains just take care of the watering for me.
With enough moisture the seeds not need to be soaked. At the right temp and conditions the seeds will sprout.
We have some borage plants that have survived the winter too. We had about two weeks of below zero temperatures and two that were -18. We did have about 4 inches of snow on them. This is the first year we have had survivors.
Interesting. We haven't gotten down to -18 but definitely in the 20s, including last night. That, and being snow covered this winter... I will definitely save some of this seed!


text:
- Home
- News
- Sports
- Opinion
- Obituaries
- Features
- Special Sections
- Classifieds
- Public Notices
Forgot Password? | Not a User? Sign up
A tornado watch has been issued for Washington County and 48 other counties until 9 p.m. EST, according to the National Weather Service.
For tips on how to prepare for a tornado, see FEMA's guidelines here: http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes
Add new comment
Read and share your thoughts on this story


text:
About 7 million Afghans turned out to vote in Saturday's presidential election, officials said, a high turnout despite scattered violence and reports that some polling stations couldn't open.
While there were no major attacks or suicide bombings, at least 16 security personnel and four civilians were killed over the past 24 hours, officials said.
Eighty-nine Taliban militants were also killed, and 179 other fighters arrested.
Compared with the 2009 elections in which 625 security incidents were reported, there were close to 150 this year, including mortar attacks, small arms fire and bombings near polling sites. About 1,000 polling sites of the more than 7,100 remained closed because of security concerns as well as harsh weather in remote regions.
Counting began shortly after polls officially closed Saturday night (9 a.m. ET) — allowing only those who remained in line to cast their ballots, the independent elections commission's head of secretariat, Ziaulhaq Amarkhil, told NBC News.
While violence aimed at polling stations and voters was reported, voting was not hampered, Amarkhil said.
The Taliban sent a string of tweets claiming violence and closures at polling stations.
A dozen of their fighters were killed when a large group of militants launched an attack on police posts in the western Badghis province, according to the ministry of interior.
A clash between police and Taliban militants left eight officers dead in the northern Kunduz province after their truck hit a roadside bomb, a security source told NBC News.
In the Ghorband Valley of Parwan province, some polling stations came under mortar and machine-gun fire, but no casualties were reported, a senior Afghan police source at the joint coordination command told NBC News. Soldiers were chasing militants who fired from hills nearby.
Armed militants closed two polling stations in Baghlan province's Talabarfak Valley, people dispersed and elections materials were taken away. A blast caused by explosives placed in a garbage can went off in Jalalabad but caused no casualties.
Electoral complaints commission official Nder Mohseni told NBC News that 250 complaints had been registered against candidates and election workers. The complaints were largely about voter intimidation and vote rigging, Mohseni said.
Officials from Abdullah and Ghani told NBC News that ballot stuffing was reported at their polling sites.
Another problem at many sites was a shortage of ballot papers due to the high volume of voters, officials said.
As lines of voters formed earlier in the day, President Hamid Karzai was one of the first to cast a ballot in an election that will choose his replacement.
Karzai has been in office for 12 years and is not allowed to run again. Eight candidates are vying for the attention of about 12 million voters.
NBC News' Richard Engel contributed to this report.


text:
Living Cardiff the Coastal California Way
Cardiff by the Sea Lodge • Cardiff by the Sea, CA
Escape Kit
- A One-Night Stay for Two, Excluding Saturdays, in a Deluxe Room ($169)
- Or, a Two-Night Stay for Two in a Deluxe Room Any Day of the Week ($299)
- One Bottle of Champagne
- Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
Like its namesake city across the pond, Cardiff is a coastal hamlet. But that's where the similarities end for the bustling capital of Wales and the laid-back surf town about 30 minutes north of San Diego. Experience California through the coastal lens of an Escape to Cardiff-by-the-Sea Lodge.
Unlike its Atlantic counterpart, California's Cardiff is home to nearly 300 annual days of sunshine and a consistently balmy temperature, plus unique natural phenomena and an idyllic setting that belies its proximity to a world-class city.
You'll have your pick of five mid-price accommodations at this charming 17-room inn. On the first floor, the Victorian Room is adorned with authentic period furnishings and lace touches, while the French Garden Room features wicker décor and a whirlpool tub.
On the second floor, the Roosevelt Room is equipped with an ocean view, the Monticello Room features a whirlpool tub and marble-accented bath, and the cozy Country Pine Room is outfitted with fine wood furnishings and window seating for those rare rainy days—or, just pretend it's winter in Wales and curl up with a book anyway.
After breakfast—think European delights like yogurt, fruit, pastries, and coffee—head a few short steps down to the San Elijo Lagoon, comprising Cardiff State Beach and San Elijo State Beach. The former is famous for its tide pools, which make for excellent beachcombing, while the latter lies just 800 feet from the inn and offers excellent picnic spots. Both are renowned surf breaks.
For dinner, make like a local and head for the nearly 20-year-old Beach House. This restaurant right on the water offers some of the best sunset views in town and serves upscale dishes—like yellowfin tuna with mango coulis or filet mignon—in a casual setting.
At night's end, head for the lodge's lush rooftop garden, boasting panoramic ocean views and a hot tub in which to soak it all in.
Sure, you'll find quaint Old World accommodations in the United Kingdom, maybe even some water, but stellar surf and a uniquely low-key California vibe? Only one Cardiff delivers and this Escape takes you there.
"It's no surprise that all along this gorgeous coast magnificent private homes sit on some of the best spots. But at San Elijo State Beach in Cardiff, campers can enjoy prime real estate too."-- The New York Times
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
- Entire value must be used in a single visit
- Limit 1 per customer, up to 3 additional as gifts
- Vouchers may not be combined to extend stay
- Reservations required and subject to availability
- Cancellation/re-scheduling policy of 7 days applies; voucher subject to forfeiture
- Not valid on existing reservations
- Taxes/resort fees not included; collected at property
- Based on double occupancy
- Only 1 welcome bottle of champagne and 1 welcome chocolate covered strawberries per stay
- Rooms available: 101, 102, 103, 202, 203, 205
- Other conditions apply • PAID AND PROMOTIONAL VALUES EXPIRES ON June 20, 2013 • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON June 20, 2018 • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON June 20, 2013 • Enjoy By June 20, 2013
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


text: Im throwing the idea of putting a 6.2diesel in my 79 k25 gmc to replace my 5.7 gas engine. My cousin said I could have his 6.2 turbo diesel since he has nothing to put it in. He went over it and rebuilt it and he has been around diesels all his life he says Itd be a good swap.. I know it's not a powerhouse but I don't tow anything and only evr haul around 3000 lbs but thats even seldom. I want a diesel for good mileage and the low end for running around on hilly roads since I live in the Alleghenies. Any input would be appreciated


text:
Town Square
Should Public Employee Pensions be taken over by SSI ?
Original post made by East County Watch, another community, on Mar 6, 2012
Should we take Say Whats complaint and make the conversion from public employee pensions and medical to that of the private sector?
The public employees could pay into the SSI system and receive medical and social security benefits like most Americans.
Here is Say Whats comment;
They don't get SSI benefits, in most cases, so their pensions have to compensate for the loss.
What do you think ?
a resident of another community
on Mar 6, 2012 at 11:24 am
That is good common sense approach to the problem. Yes ! I support allowing public employees to receive the same SSI benefits as the rest of us taxpayers.
Support Public Employees Rights !
It's only fair !
a resident of San Ramon
on Mar 6, 2012 at 1:01 pm
Just for clarificatin - SS = Social Security, SSI = Supplementary Security Income.
a resident of another community
on Mar 6, 2012 at 2:06 pm
I know SSI is a supplement. I was being sarcastic because of the lame excuse by Say What for public pensions being high.
My point on unfunded liability is that the employee should pay into the plan exclusively and be responsible for the end result, not the tax payers. The SSI benefits we get in the private sector are based on what we each of us puts in. The same should go for public employees. Public entities should not be allowed to charge on credit future pensions. If they do then the payout should be based on what the plan makes. There should never be an unfunded liability more than an agencies current reserve balance.
An example would be that Contra Costa having over One Billion in unfunded liabilities should have at least over One Billion dollars in reserves in the bank.
a resident of another community
on Mar 6, 2012 at 3:09 pm
Clair is correct on the acronyms. While SSI falls under the same agency, to be accurate it's the Social Security Adminstration(SSA) and Supplementary Security Income(SSI), more commonly known as Disability.
ECW, what's driving the underfunded retirement benefits is the runaway cost of healthcare. Look it up if you're not sure. If you're advocating for a reduction in those, then should I assume you're also approving of future rationing of programs like Medicare/MedicAid? Because the principle and cost drivers destroying both are one and the same. In fact our out of control healthcare costs are consuming all levels of government.
Eventually the public wakes up and stops making excuses for that and looks a real healthcare cost controls and reform. Something which will have trickle down benefit to all the issues raised here.
ECW, you practicing what you preach have the equivalent of your home mortgage balance in the bank and liquid, right?
a resident of another community
on Mar 6, 2012 at 5:09 pm
@Say What,
It's really none of your business since I'm not using your money like the government is using mine, but more than enough is your answer except I do not spike my pension, file frivolous claims to government agencies, nor steal toilet paper from the fire houses.
Government has a way of spending more than it has. In this case it's been more than selfish spending to a critical point without accountability. The taxpayers are financially starving. It is time to clean those spendthrifts out of office and replace them with politicians who put the taxpayer first instead of themselves and special interest.
Thus is the purpose of this blog.
a resident of Danville
on Mar 7, 2012 at 7:16 am
You guys are just jealous now that you've lost your pensions. Leave the public employees alone and move on.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 9:54 am
I hear you Fireman, but it's not jealousy; it's recognition that your system can not be sustained. And we don't want to continue shifting more of our money into an unsustainable system because it won't help in the long term and we can't afford it. We, after all, are paying higher medical insurance costs and reducing what we can put into our retirements because our wages have been locked down for years. And we are the lucky ones.
Jealous? No, but protective of what we have left because we can't turn to our employers for more money. We need leaders who understand that and will hold their (our) ground with the public employee sector.
a resident of Danville
on Mar 7, 2012 at 11:29 am
If any of you believe that its the public employees who are draining the system, you are very much mistaken and have fallen slave to your corporate media outlets. Those large corporations, who's earnings make public employees pensions look like a piggy bank, are the ones who are getting the tax breaks and benefits while the rest of us have to do with what is left. Fight the government if you want but its the corporations who now have control over all our lives and fortunes.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 12:17 pm
Dear Public Employee,
You are so mistaken. Corporations must make a profit to pay any costs or the go out of business. Their profit comes from sales. You as a citizen have a choice not have to buy their product. The private sector takes risks and can lose everything. In fact many companies go bankrupt. On another note, the public sector does not need to be accountable yet we as the taxpayers must pay. A fee increase, a surcharge tax, a permit fee, etc. etc. must be paid and we have no choice. This is why our county is in debt well over one billion dollars. The country is in debt trillions of dollars. The county debt is only for pensions to you as a public employee. This does not include all the special districts such as water and garbage that can also just jack the price up whether we like it or not. Any corporation that digs itself a Billion dollar hole is going out of business. The same does not happen in the public sector. They just charge some more or buy a bond to pay off today and let the next generation worry about it. The sorry part you seem not to understand is my children (and your children) will be paying for you long after you're gone while they get nothing in return. Would you do that to your children? I will not and vote accordingly to stop this government runaway debt train crash. Did you know that each Californian owes $30,000 of debt that the state has charged in credit? It does not take a mental giant to know collapse is on the way unless we change our ways now. So if you think your public employee job is so under paid go start a business or get a private sector job. Remember, right now you work for the taxpayers and we are losing money on you every day. Most politicians only care about themselves. I know of one right here in East County. It is time to change that before government goes broke.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 12:23 pm
@ East County Watch,
Actually it is "Say What's" business. Are you claiming you haven't made any ridiculous demands on local government? Because you and I both know those frivolous actions of do cost the taxpayer's money. It looks pretty obvious from your statements above that you are the one making frivolous claims. At some point you are going to have to come to grips with what is clear to everyone reading your posts. Your hypocrisy is only overshadowed by your denial.
As usual your ideology on this topic is beyond ridiculous, and circles right back to the fact that you are out of touch and frustrated. I see others posting factual and responsible issues, but that doesn't work for you because your issues run much deeper than that. You are not trying to solve problems; you are really trying to create them. This is a part of your pattern of throwing up ill-conceived ideas and the sole purpose of you posting on this website and others as well.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 1:45 pm
@ East County Watch,
What color is the sky in your world? You not only have an odd way of looking at everything but you seem to have your thoughts completely transposed from the way things are. I for one would hate to be in your shoes. No wonder you are so very frustrated with the reality of the way things are.
Comparing the private sector to public sector is unproductive and nonsensical. They don't compare nor should they. Further what you tend to point out are completely out of context and perspective. We have already been through this regarding the County's unfunded liability. Either you do not comprehend the reality or you are just simply in denial.
You wrote the public sector does not need to be accountable. Not only is that incorrect but quiet a blanket statement by you. Then you went on to why you think the county is in debt over a billion dollars and the country is in debt "Trillions" of dollars, none of which is not directly connected.
Plain and simple; I posted the official document which unequivocally stated that it took 47 years to accumulate the debt (2.6 billion), and within 3 short years that debt has been slashed to 1 Billion. It appears that now it is below that. Still not accountable enough for you, because at this current rate it will be at Zero in short order. But instead of wanting to acknowledge this effort you chose to ignore it or make silly statements like this; "Voodoo accounting just passes the debt to our children and grandchildren". These are your words, not mine. Voodoo accounting? You mean the same accounting that acknowledge the original debt? The same accounting that have cut it down by almost 2/3rds? What kind of accounting do you do? How long has Dan Borenstein been an accountant? Maybe you could start there?
From there then maybe we could move onto your accountability? Why should I or anyone else take you seriously when the facts are presented (official documents) and you respond with; "I read the first couple of sentences of excuses from the theatrical Misinformed miniseries and stopped because the history propaganda Misinformed is selling is all a smoke screen".
So let me get this straight; you have hours to blog your erroneous opinions but you can't get through a one page documented history of the very issue that you have complained about in over a dozen postings? If you haven't figured it out, you lost 100 percent of any credibility by posting that message.
You are actually suggested that the official accounting documentation was a "smoke screen" compared to what you came up with and what you were defending A commentary? An opinion on the report? You really should think things through before you post, because that is not helping your argument.
What you fail to acknowledge is that public agencies (unlike private ones) are not in business to make a profit. You also fail to properly acknowledge that private and public agencies all have their advantages and disadvantage…you simply want to paint an "unfair" picture.
You choose to quote all of your information from headlines (meant to sell papers) or paint a picture, as opposed to doing some actual research yourself. That is a shame for someone who is obviously so concerned about things.
What this all boils down to is that you don't "get it" and what is worse is that you don't really want to understand. Time and time again you provide unrealistic ideas and then bark on about your frustration through inept arguments loaded with innuendo and assumption. Oh I almost forgot you have a personal axe to grind and think that people don't know anything about that. (More denial on your part). This is why you can't move on and continue your petty whining.
a resident of Danville
on Mar 7, 2012 at 2:47 pm
"Corporations must make a profit to pay any costs or the go out of business."
Really? Is that why we have continued, large scale subsidies for PRIVATE oil companies? Is that why the government bailed out the PRIVATE auto industry? Or how about the government paying for PRIVATE security forces in Iraq and Afghanistan? Oh, and we surely can't forget about the PRIVATE banks that got bailed out by Bush's TARP program.
ECW, don't believe for a second that you live in some fantasy free market country where there is no need for government or government employees. You have fallen slave to the anti-government propaganda machine powered by angry Tea party baby boomers. You believe that government is the problem, but the problem is that the corporations have been granted so much power that they now control our lives' because they now control the government.
Perhaps you are right, we need corporations to make record profits when the average citizen struggles. So let them continue to lay people off, hire part time, slash benefits, and move jobs overseas. That will get our people back to work. Oh, and in the meantime, they can sway elections and propaganize through their mass media outlets.
What do you tell the guy who has no house, no job, and no benefits because that coporation laid him off so they could make more profit?
Its a good thing the government can still provide these entitlements to their employees, or the economy would be racked even more. So, you are welcome for my services!
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 3:41 pm
Public Employee says,
What do you tell the guy who has no house, no job, and no benefits because that corporation laid him off so they could make more profit?
I tell them that overpaid public employees could care less and they still need to pay their taxes or go to jail.
The government is not bad, it's many of the current people running it that are. The current poor leaders need to stop mortgaging my children's future so public employees can retire at 50 and spike their pensions.
It's wrong and there is nothing that will change my mind that major reform is the only way to save our children from this burden of a train wreck.
We need new leaders from the special district to the county to the country. What happened to true patriotism and loyalty to the common citizen? Government is changing to greed and self service. Your comments back the problem up. If we do not change our ways, we are headed straight for socialism. God help us if that happens.
Also remember that if corporations do not make a profit they pay no tax and your public employee job will have no way to pay you.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 4:22 pm
@ East County Watch,
You sound as confused as this guy (below). Since you are "East County Watch" I am sure you are familiar with his ramblings.
Just like you, he doesn't think things through before posting. Using his comment and your complaint "The current poor leaders need to stop mortgaging my children's future so public employees can retire at 50 and spike their pensions." It is clear that neither of you really understand pensions.
• First, our (local) elected officials don't get full pay retirement after serving one term.
• There is a multiplication factor from 2.0 to 3 which is how public retirement is calculated.
• Public Safety (Police and Fire) use a factor of "3" which is used to multiply their years of service to determine their final percentage of retirement pay all others fall into the 2.0-2.5 category.
So with that being said…
• A politician serving one term (2 years in the Assembly or 4 years in any other office) would only be eligible for as little as 4 percent of their pay or as much as 10 percent if serving a 4 year term. Hardly full pay retirement. Most if not all would not be vested and would not receive any "retirement".
So now let's apply it to both your statement, "The current poor leaders need to stop mortgaging my children's future so public employees can retire at 50 and spike their pensions and that of posted by Mr. Gonzales;
(Since only public safety (Police & Fire) can retire at age 50 with the highest multiplier let's see how it works shall we?)
• A public safety member with 20 years of service (3 x 20) would receive only be eligible for 60 percent of his/her pay. Pretty close to that 50 percent that Mr. Gonzales upset about.
• All other public employees (politicians) are NOT eligible for retirement at 50.
I recently read that the average hiring age for public safety is between 26-28. So it doesn't really look like many of them are even able to retire at age 50 does it?
Web Link
3 Hours Ago
"…No one has been able to explain to me why young men and women serve in the U.S. Military for 20 years, risking their lives protecting freedom, and only get 50% of their pay. While Politicians hold their political positions in the safe confines of the capital, protected by these same men and women, and receive full pay retirement after serving one term. It just does not make any sense."
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 4:30 pm
ECW, you should stop kidding yourself. Because I don't think you're fooling any thinking person reading here.
You don't want public employees to have pensions, period. You don't want them to have health benefits, period. I think you would even go so far as to not want them to make a living wage.
Your words imply a punitive intent with public employees. You have sipped the Borenstein kool-aid for too long.
When do we start the discussion on your personal compensation? What makes your earnings anymore special than public employees? One is paid through taxes and the other is paid through the cost of goods or services. Let's make sure you are not overcharging the public or living high off the hog and overcharging people for what you provide. Government services or widgets, it all comes out of the citizens pocket.
What's good for the goose is good for the gander, right?
I'll assume your alias implies you live in East County where there is a fire issue coming to the ballot. You are paying 1970s rates for services in 2012. How long were you figuring that should last? You seem to be speaking like indefinitely is what you are expecting.
Are you personally making or charging 1970s prices for your labor or product? If not, then why would you expect that from public safety?
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 4:39 pm
p.s. @ East County Watch,
"The government is not bad, it's many of the current people running it that are. The current poor leaders need to stop mortgaging my children's future so public employees can retire at 50 and spike their pensions."
The facts of the situation are at complete odds with what you posted.
Does that bother you? It should.
The primary issue is that Contra Costa County has a very large potential opeb liability that is the result of 46 years of retiree health benefit accumulation, combined with the positive demographic of longer life expectancy, and the less positive reality of rapidly increasing health care costs.
Present Day
Four years after the initial report regarding the County's opeb liability, the Board of Supervisors has achieved unprecedented results. Continual implementation of the strategic recommendations has allowed the Board of Supervisors to meet or exceed all of their goals.
The County's Unfunded Actuarial Accrued Liability (UAAL) has declined by 60.3% (from $2.57 billion to $1.02 billion).
FACT: 46 years-almost 5 decades of accumulated debt, slashed by over 60 percent in under 5 years.
It is very clear that the CURRENT "people" are doing a MUCH better job than the past ones.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 5:29 pm
Dear Misinformed,
It is obvious you, Say What, and Public Employee are a threesome of some sort. I must have struck a nerve to get this much attention. I don't know where to start with all these sales pitches you have thrown out. First of all, I think everyone is entitled to a pension. Pension contributions should not be based on unrealistic returns nor on a bond or credit owed by the taxpayers as has been done in Contra Costa County. That is sending the problem to our children. As far as some elses comments or posts in other forums, each to his own. If I agree I will say so, If I don't agree I will say so too. I call em the way I see em. Claiming the debt pension problem took 46 years is an idiotic response and can't even justify a reply. I do live in East County and am aware of the fire situation. That is a whole other controversial issue that the voters will have their say one way or the other. It is refreshing to know other people care about our debts. I'm truly concerned about the county Billion dollar debt. I do not pay 1970's taxes. I wish I did. Taxes have increased every year since then except this last year. Those that were adjusted down will return and added to them through fees and bogus taxes like the clean water one. That is another idiotic statement claiming we pay 1970's taxes. Look at your tax bill and see how many taxes were added. I think some of the current people running our government are doing a good job. I think that more are doing a very poor job. This county needs to replace most of the Supervisors as they are not protecting the citizens as much as they are protecting themselves. If they or you want to blame others for the debt problem, it still falls on the Supervisors for waiting as you say 46 years to open their eyes. I have been here my entire life and only heard about the problem in the past eight to ten years. This is coincidentally the time Desaulnier started giving away money we didn't have. The following supervisors ignored the problem to the tune of Billions of dollars.That is not something to be proud of as a County Supervisor. The recent attempts is too little too late.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 5:58 pm
@ East County Watch,
Did you say a single thing that makes any sense to a reasonable person? I think not. I just see rambling, complaining, whining and a denial of reality. If that tin foil hat fits…..
I see that others here are trying to educate you as well, but apparently you are below that. You can't even deal with fact and you are trying to blame everyone but yourself for your condition. You are now reduced to embarrassing yourself.
Cry me a river, then you can dry your eyes with that fictitious toilet paper you keep talking about.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 6:03 pm
So tell us East County Watch how much money a firefighter, who is assigned a minimum of 240 hours of duty a month not including mandatory overtime, should be making. How do you want to handle the vacation and sick leave, make them use or lose, or allow capped payouts? Remember in minimum staffing if an employee is gone one needs to replace them at time and a half. Just wondering since all of these in one way or another figure into money that you feel is flying out of the taxpayers pocket and into the wallets of the worker.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 6:44 pm
This is not about firemen. But if you must, can I deduct couch time?
OK, that was uncalled for but you asked.
As far as sick leave is concerned, that in itself is a joke just like personal time. Vacation should be paid at the same rate as the wage in my opinion. Use vacation time for personal or sick leave like the rest of the private sector. While we are at that, do not allow sick leave, vacation, personal time,uniform allowance, and such for pension calculations because you would not need a vacation, personal time, uniform allowance, and such when you retire. My concern has nothing to do with focusing on firemen or that specific pay. Do you feel guilty? Are you a Fireman? Is that why you're asking?
This has to do with the debt that the county has racked up by not paying into the pensions as they go. If the County didn't have the money, they should have never offered it to not only firemen but policemen, road workers, administrators, etc. That is plain common sense. This has been done and is why we need new Supervisors.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 7:09 pm
Any public employee who does not think that his or her pension should be paid up with each payroll check by the employer is living in a fantasy world. They also are punishing their successors when correction time comes such as now.
Public employees should be furious with the Supervisors because new employees are going to get the brunt of their poor decisions. Current employees may have to renegotiate their pensions. It would be a real sad day for an employee who was expecting X dollars at retirement and end up with half that. Better yet what if the district or county file bankruptcy? Who is going to fund that retirement that is so underfunded?
Why do you think so many people have exited the county employment as soon as they could? They are just hoping the pension money will not run out while they are collecting.
a resident of another community
on Mar 7, 2012 at 8:42 pm
@ East County Watch or the angry 7 year old that might be using his computer,
You start this entire thread moments after "Say What" posts that public safety does not get Social security and then you have the stones to claim it has nothing to do with firemen? Classic example of the Dunning-Kruger effect!
Web Link
…then you go on to post some nonsense about Vacation being compensated at the "same rate as wage". Do you even know what the former poster was saying? He or she was saying that constant staffing means someone has to fill in for the person (firefighter) when they are off on Vacation or Sick Leave and that person is paid at time and ½. Oh in case you were wondering, that time and one half thingy…FLSA (Fair Labor Standards Act) is a federal law meant to prevent people from working others beyond a 5 day 8 hour work week without fairly compensating them. I have no doubt you think that is either a smoke screen or some voodoo propaganda (your words, your tin foil hat).
Once again you finish up with a very confused perspective on how you think things should work. No Vacation, no Sick leave? I think you have public service confused with slavery? You certainly have let Borenstein fill your head with nonsense. Did he bother to point out that the two unique examples that he provided to the readership re; pension spiking were both done by Independent Special Districts-NOT part of the county! Yep, that is right, both San Ramon and Moraga-Orinda fire are Independent districts, which operated outside of the county's preview, control or responsiblity. The county has NO connection to them aside from them operating inside the physical borders of the county. Oh and for the record, you should be very pleased to know that YOUR tax dollars do not go to them either-you would have to LIVE or own property in the district. Old Dannyboy conveniently left that little factoid out of his commentary didn't he? Hmmmmm. In fact in the county there is a retirement board that sets the rules-I am sure it pains you to know that it is NOT the board of Supervisors. Yeah, more voodoo….
That pretty much makes all of the nonsense that you posted Null and Void, except to show us that your ignorance and firefighter envy is showing.
p.s. BTW, the only one living in a "fantasy world" is you. The firefighters are well aware of how pension, OPEB and actuaries work. I think your last ditch effort in suggesting that the firefighters should be furious is a joke. The reality is that they are more inclined to be "furious" at someone like YOU that suggests vacation, sick leave and uniform allowances should be eliminated and worked at straight time.
Your final statement demonstrates that you don't have the smallest clue of how pensions or retirements work. Once a retirement benefit is contracted, it cannot be taken away at a later date. IRS rules for starters prohibit it completely. Only new hires could (and most likely) will be subject to differing retirement obligations. It is called a multi-tiered or two tiered system and it is already in play. I am pretty sure that most employees check into things before making rash exit stratagies…. I am thinking you might possibly be the only one that would be dumb enough to leave a job because you would actually believe your own paranoid theories. Just sayin'
You really need to pay closer attention if you are going to call yourself East County WATCH.
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 9:03 am
Misinformed, you must be a wanna be fireman because your focus on firemen shows your limited ability to grasp the entire problem. It's unfunded public pension commitment by politicians controlled by public employee unions that is bankrupting the county. I like your two-tier comment. It sounds like a Mary Piepho idea.
In reality it means, screw the next guy in front of you because you were too greedy and selfish to be part of a team.
You need to go back and re-read my comment about uniforms. I said I do not think credit for retirement should include those dollars. You must be a moron to think a retired person needs uniform allowance so they keep wearing uniforms after they retire.
Your IRS comment is laughable. If a District or the County goes bankrupt, the IRS is not going to print you some Obama bucks for your retirement no matter what law they have.
Your public suckling entitlement at the pocket books of near broke taxpayers can only go on for so long. Maybe we will have one third the public employees at another lower pay tier so your greedy fingers can keep digging us a debt hole. It is so sad that you think of yourself before your employee brothers. You can't be any kind of real public employee being so heartless.
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 3:11 pm
@ East County Watch,
Again with the name calling? Wow, a bully and a coward all wrapped up into one, all from behind the protection of your keyboard! You continue to demonstrate how completely out of touch with reality you are. Your responses are so far off base that I am sure anyone reading them has come to know your state of mind and why your perspectives put you at odds with the rest of the world.
Back on point;
First, You would be greatly mistaken if you think I am a wannabe fireman. I am many things, but a wannabe fireman is not one of them. Nice try at "deflection" of your own disposition.
Second, regarding the two tiered system…. The two or multi-tiered system is nothing new. It has been around and used across the nation, state and counties for decades. Obviously with your less than impressive insight and knowledge base you were unaware of it. You might wish to consider giving me fewer opportunities to point out your own shortcomings (less is more!) For the record a tiered system specifically refers to retirement and pension, NOT lower pay or compensation as you opined in your statement; "Maybe we will have one third the public employees at another lower pay tier…" Please, for the rest of us try to keep up.
Your hypocrisy is stunning, as now you want to act like you are concerned about the workforce/public safety/firefighters? Less than a few hours after you suggested that paying them "fairly" for Vacation, Sick leave and even uniform allowances was irresponsible? Amazing that you would think others share the same limited insight as you & so kind of you to keep reminding us all of yours!
Third, I am sorry to inform you but the IRS rule is law. Federal law. Good luck trying to dismiss it by suggesting that it is laughable. This just demonstrates your opinions are way beyond your personal skills. Why don't you stop whining for a few moments and look it up? Knowledge is power. While you are at it you might want to check into what is known as "regressive bargaining". If you really want to know about how out of whack your suggestions are you might want to look into the Pension Protection Act of 2006 (PPA). You see, in the real world you just cannot dream things up and abuse employees to save a buck.
Just remember, getting past denial is the first step/ Web Link
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 4:38 pm
Come on Misinformed Hypocrite really?
"Again with the name calling? Wow, a bully and a coward all wrapped up into one, all from behind the protection of your keyboard!"
You're a piece of work or a politician with this comment.
Your twist of my words also shows your political deceit. "less than a few hours after you suggested that paying them "fairly" for Vacation, Sick leave and even uniform allowances was irresponsible?" That is not what was said.
Twisting my words has not changed the reality of debt to the tune of more than a Billion Dollars. The only thing I see here is your attempt to protect the broken golden goose and the special interest influenced politicians. Both cannot stop the pyramid scheme from collapsing. All you can do is delay it in hopes the public will dig deeper in their empty pockets to bail you out because you think you are owed something special. I believe you have a better chance of screwing over your new employees with your tier system rather than getting more money from taxpayers the way the economy is today.
It appears your philosophy is spend, charge, bond, spend, and then tax, while mine is spend only what you already have. I do not think we will ever agree because I will not support passing today's debt to my children. I also do not think you will ever change your mind about how much you can squeeze and charge out of the taxpayers.
Believing there is no problem is your problem informed. Your entitlement attitude is an example of how this funding crisis was created. It surely was not created from 46 years ago. You are in denial if that is what you think.
We need true and real pension reform. If the current supervisors can't do it, then we need new ones.
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 5:56 pm
@ East County Watch;
Dude, you have some serious denial issues going on. You might want to get those checked, before you find yourself in a real bad situation.
In the meantime here is something for you to chew on….
I was not twisting your words at all-you should know that, but if you don't let me post them again for you; "As far as sick leave is concerned, that in itself is a joke just like personal time. Vacation should be paid at the same rate as the wage in my opinion."
ECW, You think that is fair??? I don't know what farm you grew up on but in the real world Vacation is paid appropriately and lawfully at time and ½. …this is NOT the same rate as "wage".
Before you fall off of your high horse, let me put you and your assumptions into perspective. I am a taxpayer in Contra Costa County-and do not think I am owed anything special. Just more of your baseless and incorrect assumptions. I'll bet most people that are reading this are wondering if you are even capable of posting anything that resembles the truth. It might help you to rein it in a bit.
As for what you are passing on to your children, all I can say is may God help them. In your case let's hope the apples fall very far from the tree. I do hope they have learned to stray away from your anger and frustration.
You are right, we will never agree, and that makes me very secure. What does make me happy is that my ideology is aligned with the majority and real world economics but unfortunately for you, you have isolated yourself from reason. You are angry and do not know where to turn. Sad really.
I find it pitiful that you would actually find yourself in a place where you are arguing with facts (reports) that I simply pulled up from the source. The analyst state unequivocally that the debt (funding crisis as you put it) started 46 years ago. Yet you post NOTHING to counter that, except that "it surely was not created 46 years ago". Based on what facts or docs would you have us believe you? In case you didn't get the memo, the burden of proof is on YOU. I did my part. YOU are in denial if you think that repeating incorrect assumptions and making up innuendo makes you right.
Lastly, Back to pension reform. The Supervisors are doing it right. The only problem is you don't want to give them any credit for doing so. 47 years of debt now turned around, cut by 2/3rds in under 5 years, described as "unprecedented" but for some reason you can't acknowledge that. Stunning.
Read it again for yourself;
Four years after the initial report regarding the County's opeb liability, the Board of Supervisors has achieved unprecedented results. Continual implementation of the strategic recommendations has allowed the Board of Supervisors to meet or exceed all of their goals.
Safely assuming you are still buried in denial, why don't you re-read this...it gets better.
On March 4th you posted (above- 3rd comment down from the top) that you googled an article presumably written by Dan Borenstein. Web Link
You stated from a Borenstein article, and I quote; "Moreover, while the budget will be balanced, it includes only minimal payments on the credit card debt. The liability, for employee pension and retiree health care benefits, totals a staggering $2.4 billion. That's roughly equal to five years of base salary for county workers. It works out to about $2,300 for each county resident."
But the devil is in the details because in that VERY SAME article, Borenstein went on to clarify and stated;
"By capping how much the county will pay, they have reduced the county's unfunded liability by more than half, leaving a balance of about $850 million."
Wonder how you missed that?
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 6:42 pm
Sorry, I'm from the same farm as ecw. What in the world would vacation be paid at time and a half. Where I cone from, you have to take it r lose it. Seriously IR, do you work in the private sector and get time and a half for vacation?
Not trying to be argumentative, I just don't think it's as normal as you think.
These are the kind of things that cause me to vote NO for any tax.
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 8:04 pm
@ PrivatesectorGuy,
Provided you are not ECW posting under another pseudonym (he tends to do that when he is in a corner), I will attempt to clarify.
Sorry if I was not clear, but if you were following the post from the start or scroll up a bit you will see a post by "GG"; Posted by GG, a resident of another community, on Mar 7, 2012 at 6:03 pm-
In that post he/she commented to ECW; "So tell us East County Watch…" "… Remember in minimum staffing, if an employee is gone, someone needs to replace them at time and a half."
So in short, I (and apparently GG) were trying to explain that in public safety, specifically the fire service, staffing is done with what is called "constant staffing". That is to say, unlike many other jobs where an employee can be off work, WITHOUT a replacement worker, it doesn't quite work that way in public safety/fire department. (think of it like a car that cannot operate with one wheel missing).
Therefore that position whether vacated by Sick leave or Vacation has to be filled. Since the firefighters already work a 56 hour work week (240+ hours a month) any additional personnel to be hired back to fill the slot by law, (FLSA) has to be paid at overtime which is time and one half. It is basically the same for a typical employee that would be called in to work O.T. for a weekend, Holiday or beyond their normal regular 40/hr schedule. This has been the law for quite some time (73 years and counting!).
So to be clear we were NOT talking about getting paid time and one half for taking (using) vacation or sick leave. Make more sense? I hope it does because not only is it the law, it is the "norm" in both private and public sector. Any employer trying to skirt that labor law will eventually find themselves on the losing end of a law suit.
For what it is worth, I often vote no on any new taxes. But at least I take the time to educate myself so that when I do vote, it is an educated vote.
Hopefully that gets you off the farm and away from ECW.
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 9:26 pm
Let's tick off those who think vacation just should be tossed aside, even though it has been earned. If you pay an employee that works in a minimum staffing position for vacation that isn't taken, it is paid out at regular pay. If you make the employee use the vacation instead of banking it, you end up paying the employee on vacation regular pay and the replacement employee time and a half. Surprise! Making the employee take vacation ends up costing 2.5 times the amount. So if you are whining about employees getting payouts for vacation, this info should ramp up the volume. Ear Plugs anyone?
a resident of another community
on Mar 8, 2012 at 9:44 pm
Sorry to not respond to your smarmy couch remark sooner, but here's my remark now.
You don't get to deduct "Couch Time" unless the firehouse gets to vote on whether they want to answer the call or not. I guess it pains you to think these employees get to actually sleep at night on their shifts, or do you expect them to stay awake for a 48 hour tour? Sometimes you really need to engage the brain before putting the mouth into gear, or in this case start the fingers typing.
BTW, you never answered the simple question of what you think the wage should be.
a resident of another community
on Mar 9, 2012 at 9:27 am
This answer will probably upset you because you have been spoiled.
It is very simple to have multiple shifts like the rest of America. There are actual labor laws that prevent the private sector from working 48 hours straight. This would minimize "Couch and TV time". Actually there is no reason to have TV's at fire stations, you're getting paid to work not sleep or watch TV. They could polish the engines; shine the station like the real firemen did in the real firefighter days. As far as wages are concerned, today's public employee wages are mostly above average for the big cities and a bit below for the smaller ones. If you are looking for a dollar amount, I would turn to an average middle class wage in the bay area. I would think about 75K plus overtime and incentives for education. What I think is wrong is the benefit packages. Today people are living longer and the retirement age keeps getting increased for SSI recipients. Now in the past few years retirement age has decreased with some public employee unions hold on politicians. As I told misinformed, counting a uniform allowance for retirement is an insult to taxpayers. So while senior citizens are getting less, you and your union are asking for more taxes. That just can't continue because people just do not have the extra money. This is not to say a fireman or policeman is not worth their weight in gold, but if you look at the armed forces who do exactly what firemen and policemen do plus risk their lives far more when in battle you will see their pay is a fraction of yours. The reason is the government can't afford to give them what you take for granted and expect. So when you think your job is the most dangerous I think your job is overpaid compared to the same men and women in the armed forces. Besides if a person takes a fire, police, nurse, doctor job for the money and not the calling to help people, they are shallow at best. Have fun twisting my words to feel better about yourself.
a resident of Danville
on Mar 9, 2012 at 2:14 pm
There's a lot to comment on in the above, but just a few random comments.
- I understand why public employees are not happy with Daniel Borenstein's ongoing series of articles, but the facts he lays out are correct. I would urge all county residents/taxpayers to read his articles, to be better informed.
- No one is talking about eliminating public employee pensions. The primary focus is simply on eliminating the most egregious abuses, including such pension-spiking methods as getting to count accumulated unused vacation and sick pay in the calculation that determines lifetime pension benefits. (Also applies to using the value of car allowances, OT, etc. in the pension calculation.) When public employees and/or their union leadershio resist even these logical and (dare I say it) fair reforms, it is impossible to have further meaningful discussion.
- I have no fundamental problem with the 3% per year (times years of service) formula for fire and police, where there are both danger/risk factors to the job, as well as significant physical demands. That assumes that spiking is addressed in a real way. One very simple way to get rid of a lot of the "formula padding" that goes on is to just base the calculation on the average of the last three years of salary/pay, and not just the final year. This makes it harder to "load up" that last year. Note that using a 3-year or even 5-year average is what private companies do in THEIR pension calculations (if they even offer a traditional defined-benefit pension, that is). As a further aside, even the very best corporate defined-benefit pensions used a multiplier that was more like 1.5 or 1.6% per year of service. "Regular" county jobs (and other public-employee jobs) should use something similar.
- It used to be that the general trade-off you made, in working at a "government" job, was that you had better job security, good benefits, etc., but that you tended to be paid a bit less (compared to private-sector jobs). But now it is the case that public employees are paid more, AND have more security and better benefits. In the end, salaries and benefits for public employees shouldn't be any higher than what is needed to keep sufficient staff, with sufficient qualifications. Do we see large numbers of public employees quitting, to move to better jobs elsewhere? No, becuase they know full well that they now have a better deal than what is obtainable in private industry. The only public employees leaving the job are ones who are retiring a bit sooner than planned, to make sure that they get out before the opportunities for spiking are taken away.....
In the end, it is the taxpayers who are paying for public employee salary and benefits. And yes, I understand that public employees also pay taxes, just like everyone else. But they are still "net-takers" of public funds, whereas private-sector taxpayers are "net-givers". Obviously there are many hard-working public employees. But the rewards for that work have become out of line, with respect to the population at large.
a resident of another community
on Mar 9, 2012 at 3:42 pm
C.R. Mudgeon, You are so very correct with your logic and comment. Can we draft you as the next County Supervisor? There is only an hour and a half left before we are forced to accept the bottom of the barrel leadership that lead us to this train wreck.
To comment on the G.G. response to my comment on the couch, as I said it was uncalled for but there is some truth in its negativity. As C.R. stated so well, there has been a change from public sector jobs that were paid moderately but very secure to surpassing the private sector in both wage and benefits.
I'm pretty sure G.G. is not only a firefighter but the steward for local 1230. His comments are a bit biased because of his position. I think if he was a homeowner ready to lose his house or a senior citizen on social security with a fixed income he would be more apt to agree with our logic.
Again, this is not about specific firefighters, deputies, or even corrections officers as I read a comment about them. This is about what can the system expend for these services while keeping the general public safe and staying within budget. So my answer as to what a firefighter should make in the public sector is easy, as much as the system will allow without going into debt. One hundred thousand or fifty thousand plus, it does not matter since we are in debt by a billion dollars the pay is too high. Nothing personal it's pretty straight forward.
a resident of another community
on Mar 9, 2012 at 6:44 pm
CRM .... Thanks for your comments. Polite, clear and logical. And I completely agree with you. Who wouldn't?
a resident of another community
on Mar 9, 2012 at 7:41 pm
ECW, your logic is lacking.
You keep harping on this senior citizens angle. The seniors experience more price increases in basic consumables, not the least of which is gasoline, that far outstrips a proposed parcel tax to keep fire service at current levels. There is also a very real chance that increases in insurance premiums will be several multiples of the $197 that's on the table.
Save a nickel, lose a dollar. Not real smart. That's just the fiscal side of it without touching on the increased risk to public safety.
If $75k is the wage you pick for fire fighters, then you'll need to write a check and give those starting fire fighters about a 50% wage increase tomorrow.
Another example by your own hand of how your logic is disconnected from reality. The false equivalences to farmers and now soldiers is more of the all over the map debating style.
What I haven't quite figured out is this chip on your shoulder for public employees? You never answered the question on why dollars for those wages are somehow sacred while dollars that pay your salary is off the table for discussion.
When did taking a public service job require a vow of poverty just for yours and Dan Borenstein's sake? Can we talk about the high cost escalation of newspapers? Since that's what pays his salary, why has his product outpaced public safety cost increases by several multiples in the last 20 years? Papers that were a quarter are now a buck? What's up with that?
What's your product or service and what does it cost today versus 1990?
a resident of another community
on Mar 9, 2012 at 8:46 pm
Sorry to disappoint ECW but I'm not a firefighter, never have been. I'm retired from the financial world. I have many friends that are in the Fire Service and I know how it works. It's more than apparent that ECW has no idea how any of the Fire Service works and doesn't seem to want to find out, it's much easier to spew misinformation and assumptions. There are people who are ignorant and can be taught; then there are those that are stupid - and you just can't fix stupid. It's all up to ECW on which category to be in.
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 11:01 am
@ CRMudgeon,
After reading your post, I don't think 'random' quit describes your comments. I really have to question the ignorance behind them.
You lay out a blanket statement about Borenstein's articles being factual. Based on what exactly? As many readers (both public and private sector know) they are certainly not factual. Worse, is that he is in a position of responsibility and should know better. He should be doing the research and "reporting" however he seems more wrapped up in trying to make a name for himself by substituting actual reporting for his own take on things.
I just read the Board of Supervisors agenda for today Web Link and if you are interested in the facts you might want to pay attention to items SD 5 and SD 6.
CONSIDER accepting the 2012 Other Post Employment Benefits (OPEB) Valuation Report as of January 1, 2012 and Annual Required Contributions for the Fiscal Year Ending June 30, 2012. (Lisa Driscoll, County Finance Director)
2012 OPEB Valuation
CONSIDER accepting actuarial valuation of future annual costs of proposed changes to Other Post-Employment Benefits, changing the Contra Costa County Fire Protection District health care premium subsidy for employees represented by or retired from classifications that were represented by the United Chief Officers' Association, as provided by Buck Consultants in letter of March 2, 2012. (Lisa Driscoll, County Administrator's Office)
My guess is it is going to be a GREAT day for the taxpayers and a bad one for Mr. Borenstein.
Once again I point out that the 2 or so examples of benefit spiking were both done by individuals from within INDEPENDENT special districts. These districts make up 44 special districts that are completely separate from the County. So if you are unhappy with them-don't blame the county, take it up with their board of directors…that is if you even live in either of those two districts (San Ramon or Orinda/Moraga). Oh and for the record, most public employee's (including public safety) do not get to apply overtime or Car allowances towards retirement. The one point I do agree with is that spiking should be stopped-but this "spiking" that you comment on only applies to less than 1 percent of the public employees, yet with your blanket statements you want to go after all public employees.
Lastly, I am not sure why you are so hung up on comparing public to private employment. You certainly were not complaining when the private sector was making much more than public. Each sector has its pros and cons. Now that the economy is taking a hit you want to punish or take away what many have worked so long to attain? That just comes across as selfish.
@ ECW, Your comments are typical of what you redundantly post. As usual you are 100 percent off of the mark. It doesn't look like you were able to foster up a candidate in the 11th hour, so I am afraid that you are once again doomed to 4 more years of your own frustration. For me to post more facts about how this current BOS administration has chopped down decades of accrued debt in just 5 short years only helps the normal people that read these posts. Because you are stuck in denial and frustration I know you won't comprehend the reality of the situation so I will move on and enjoy the fact that good people are doing good work for us at the county level.
Your comments regarding Local 1230 have been noted. Your constant and despondent remarks about labor and the fire service just point to that of a certain east county individual. Your cheapness, frustration, and envy are showing through once again. I agree times are tough, but if you cannot afford to pay for the services provided-maybe you cannot afford to live where you do.
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 2:44 pm
Just thought I'd throw this out. A highlight from today's CoCo sup meeting. This hopefully will clear up certain numbers that are thrown about.
"A bit of good financial news: The county has cut its unfunded liability for retiree health care to $968 million. It was $2.6 billion in 2006. The number matters because the higher the figure, the higher the number of dollars the county must contribute each year out of its general purpose funds toward paying it off over a 30-year period. Six year ago, the county's payment was $216 million. This fiscal year, it was $59.8 million. The drop is the result, among other things, of cuts in county employee benefits."
Web Link
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 3:22 pm
The 2.6 Billion debts has been hashed over and old news. The comments about today's BOS meeting is very well good news. Since we are blessed with another four years of the Queen and her subjects, the most important thing she can do is continue to take that debt to zero. A few of the same people have bragged on that debt being reduced from 2.6.billion to 1.2 billion in five years. I would think in four years it can be reduced to almost zero. If that does happen, make a copy of this comment because I will publically praise her and the rest of the board. Hopefully while this is going on the services we used to enjoy six years ago will also come back. Her success in this issue will be every citizen's reward. Let's see....... it would be a very positive accomplishment that would earn bragging rights to Borenstein. I would think even he too would publicize that achievement.
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 4:52 pm
@ East County Watch,
I am sorry but why is it I can't believe a single thing that you post?
• Could it be that just a week or so ago you wanted to debate the amount of the debt?
• Could it be that a week ago you wanted to deny the overall reduction?
• Could it be that today the undeniable reality is sinking in?
• Could it be that you refer to Supervisor Piepho as "Queen" and her supporters (which happen to be the majority of voters) her "subjects"?
• Could it be that you promise to praise the hard work if she reduces the final 968 million BUT can't bring yourself to praising her, the board and CAO for the current work of reducing almost 2 billion from the debt? So a 2,000 million dollar reduction doesn't deserve praise –but a 968 million dollar one does?
• Could it be that you fail to recognize the current success or the debt reduction?
• Or could it be that you claim you will "publically" praise her, while hiding behind your anonymity of your keyboard and a pseudonym?
Sorry, but I doubt if any of us will be holding our breath, for you or Mr. Borenstein to come around. Frankly it is not within the nature of either one of you.
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 6:26 pm
Misinformed, your words are so predictable because your h is up mp a or because we all know the debt will never be zero. I still will stand by my statement, but rest assured the zero debt is such a long shot because of the bought and paid for politicians by developers, oil, and public umions. I am even more confident that Borenstein will print the truth rather than you.
a resident of another community
on Mar 13, 2012 at 9:50 pm
Really? That's it? Your anger issues are obviously getting the best of you...again.
a resident of another community
on Mar 14, 2012 at 10:45 am
Apparently I am not the only one concerned about what Borenstein puts in print. Many others are exposing him as well. Be careful about buying into his hype and incorrect numbers.
Most recent example of Borenstein's antics delivered today : Web Link
• Boycott the Contra Costa Times
More lies from the Borenstein Editorial Page today. First, the CalPERS fund is currently worth 236 billion or approximately 82-83% funded-not 75% as Mr. Borenstien states.
Secondly, there were two recommendations made to the CalPERS Board, not one. The first recommended a return rate of 7.25% and the SECOND (which they went with) recommended 7.5%. Ol' Dan is also getting quicker about deleting comments under his stories when they don't agree with his "facts". The Contra Costa Times must be taking their Free Speech lessons from China these days.
Web Link
• Your Turn: Paper's editorials and column wrong about fire district finances - ContraCostaTimes.com
In the limited space allotted to me, I want to correct recent fictions printed about Moraga-Orinda Fire District finances. Fiction: $68 million of unfunded MOFD liabilities have built up since the district was formed.
Web Link


text:
The Way we Were .. a Collection of Menus from the 80s
JHow important is reading the Menu when you go to a Restaurant ? Do you enjoy perusing all the offerings, the way dishes are described and comparing different menus from different Restaurants?
Back in the 80s restaurant reviewer Rita Erlich began collecting menus, a collection which grew and grew and grew! She says it summarises "how we ate, what we drank, the growth of an industry"
Having outgrown her house, the menus are now housed at the State Library of Victoria . Some of them are also on display in the current exhibition at the Library : Gusto! A culinary history of Victoria .
Rita has also written a book about her gastronomic adventures and the culinary stars she's met called 'Melbourne by Menu' . She is pictured with her book and some of the menus.
Rita was a recent guest on Rod Quinn's program - she was featured as part of his regular 'Collectors' segment . You can hear the interview using this link : Rita Erlich on Menus


text: I am wondering if it is ok to buy used deeps and supers, excluders or if that is a bad idea because of maybe spreading disease (?) There is a pretty tempting ad I see, way cheaper than I can build them at $5 per. Just wondering what experienced beeks think.


text:
- Your Shopping Cart is empty.
Elco Lighting Rope Lights
How to Select
About Elco Lighting Rope Lights
Elco Lighting is known for quality of its products. Westside Wholesale offers its customers to take a look on Elco Lighting rope light accessories. These accessories can make rope lights much more efficient and stabile and must-have for people, who would like to use LED-based rope lights in their home lighting system.
Elco Lighting developed many features for lighting systems. The accessory series from this company is a result of researching new features for LED-based lighting devices. LED is an extremely efficient light source and dramatically reduces maintenance and operating costs of the lighting system. The most common uses of LED fit commercial purposes well, but homeowners all over the world use LED rope lights in residential houses and private apartments with great success as well. Elco Lighting offers reliable accessories, which can improve technical parameters and safety of LED.
Elco Lighting EPCLED is a special power cord for any compatible LED rope light or Elco Lighting LED duralight units. This cord allows users to easily install rope lights in any room with standard electrical switchgears. Our customers can use Elco Lighting EPEN accessory it they want to cut the rope light. EPEN is a simple and handy end cap, which fits rope lights perfectly. Elco Lighting solutions provide safety and reliability to the users of rope lights. All products in this section of the catalogue have two year warranty, so our clients can be sure in quality of these accessories.
Rope Lights are being sold in units 150 feet long. Obviously, not many homeowners can use such a long lighting in their houses, thus they need to cut the rope to make a suitable piece. While rope light unit has a power cord and capped at the end, there are no additional accessories for such pieces. Elco Lighting accessories allow users to make functional short length rope lights without any special instruments and skills. Creative homeowners will be glad to work with easy to use accessories for Westside Wholesale.


text:
Discussion in 'Lifted & Offroad Suspension' started by ridick_bowen, Nov 22, 2010.
Got me some new used wheels.
Paid $150 with tires.
Sweet Deal!
Anyone know if I have to lift or level my **** in order to make these fit? I've got a 00 Z71 5.3 stock. Tires are 265/70R17
$150 is cheap...the rims look great.....sweet score. Is the tire size you are mentioning the new tires or stock tires? If 265s are new ones, I think you should be fine.
I'm just wondering how big I can go before I run into rubbing issues. I don't want to have to lift or level the truck.
From my experience, I have had up to 285/17/70s on both my 1997 and 2008 without a leveling or lift kit. I do not think there will be one for sure answer, as I have heard that shocks, springs, and other things will make individual trucks vary, but I think you would be okay with 285s as well. When I bought my last set of tires though, I did ask the tire shop to try out a couple of different sizes to check for rubbing and to see what they looked like on my vehicle....and they were happy to work with me, especially since tires are a pretty big expense. I think most tire retailers wouldn't mind working with you to make sure you are happy with your purchase.
Forgot to add rim backspacing and/or offset also play a role.
good deal!!!
Yeah. I'm going to put Toyo AT's 265/70R17. Should fit nicely without any rubbing issues.
Crazy deal,very nice rims!
wow, that's a steal for $150, looks good :great:
Separate names with a comma.


text:
As the climate warms, moss growth dramatically spreads on the continent's peninsula.
HIV's Stealth Revealed
November 21, 2013|
HIV-1 evades the immune system with a protein shield, which can be lifted.
November 21, 2013|
HIV-1 evades the immune system with a protein shield, which can be lifted.
November 13, 2013|
Drug-resistant immune cells protect patients from graft-versus-host disease after bone marrow transplant.
November 7, 2013|
Circadian rhythms control the development of inflammatory T cells, while jet lag sends their production into overdrive.
November 6, 2013|
Cells that temporarily restrain their immune systems give babies' gut bacteria a chance to settle down.
November 5, 2013|
Researchers show that Drosophila females upregulate an immune gene for protection against sexually transmitted infections before copulation.
October 24, 2013|
Researchers find strong correlations between the composition of the human microbiome and genetic variation in immune-related pathways.
October 20, 2013|
An immune suppressive drug can unexpectedly help immunized mice fight off many strains of flu.
July 12, 2013|
Editor accused of fraud leaves post; the good and the bad of gut microbiota; bacterial gene shuffle; legal restrictions hamper illicit drug research; antibodies and autism
July 8, 2013|
Are the international drug laws the worst impediment to scientific inquiry since the Catholic Church banned the telescope?
July 1, 2013|
Paul Ehrlich came up with an explanation for cellular interactions based on receptors, earning a Nobel Prize and the title "Father of Modern Immunology"—only to have his theory forgotten.


text:
The ink drawings and watercolors of Jen Corace, a Providence artist and illustrator as well as one of the folks behind Craftland, often depict worlds of fairy tale adventure. They feel carefully observed, filled with a dreamlike hush and a faint undercurrent of melancholy.
She amazes with her piece Eden in Craftland's second annual Valentine show "Love Nest" (235 Westminster St, Providence, through March 2). A green covered tome called America's Garden Book is folded open to reveal an accordion folder with a diorama inside. Cut-out paper silhouettes show a wolf slinking after rabbits in a wood, and further in, a naked Eve and bearded Adam sitting against a tree. Love is not in the air. They face away from each other, seemingly alone while together. And a snake slithers down from the branches above toward Eve.
Corace is one of 15 artists, most hailing from Providence, in the romance-themed exhibit. It's a fun show. And aligns with Craftland's cozy yet skeptical take on the world. Most of the artists have a wry or entertainingly cynical view on love.
Other artists invent sweet, cute worlds. Lovin' You by Berkeley, California's Deth P. Sun is a charming cartoony painting of cat-person asleep alone in bend in a cottage amid snow-capped mountains. The rooms are decorated with a San Francisco Forty-Niners pennant, a potted plant, a bottle of booze, a dagger, and a book titled Lovin' You.
Cranston's Corey Grayhorse shows one of her signature surreal costume photos, Bunny Love, depicting a couple reading the newspaper and having breakfast in bed. The woman leaves over to hug her bunny-headed partner. It's cute-weird. Portland, Oregon's Daria Tessler envisions a Dr. Seuss-ian town of floating onion-dome houses joined by bridge-walkways in her cartoony pen, ink, and watercolor. At the center, a pair of bird-wizards perch in a nest atop a frail tree floating in mid air and stare into each other's eyes.
At AS220's Main Gallery (115 Empire St, Providence, through February 23), artist-activist Ian Cozzens quotes Guy Hocquenghem writing about "starting the revolution by publicly announcing the object of your desire, and asking in public who desires you."
Cozzens's recent art about queer living and loving comes out of his transition from woman to guy beginning in 2009. "So you're not comfortable with our complexity?" he rants in a screenprinted broadside. "Your systems of control are not safety. They will never be a place to live . . . Yet we live right here, in dissonance & beauty. We're not comfortable. Yeah, we might be dangerous. Our long-term effects are definitely unknown. Our complexity is the world."
See all articles by:
All Slideshows


text:
UTSA Alcohol Awareness Week is Oct. 20-24
By Kelsey Bratcher
Assistant Director of Student Activities for Risk Education, Alcohol and Drug Programs
(Oct. 17, 2008)--UTSA students will join with their peers on more than 1,000 U.S. campuses to promote National Collegiate Alcohol Awareness Week (NCAAW) Oct. 20-24. During NCAAW, students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of events, all designed by the campus to reinforce personal responsibility and respect for current state laws and school policies when it comes to the consumption of alcohol beverages.
Today's headlines
- La Prensa Foundation is newest member of UTSA Lone Star Society
- UTSA alumna Jordan Kaufmann wins $50K for new stent-graft start-up
- UTSA begins new way-finding sign installation this summer at Main Campus
- USA Today: UTSA long jumper Tyler Williamson rescues three-year-old boy
Article tools
This year, the Office of Student Activities will have a variety of programs and events for students, faculty and staff including a Community Fair on Monday, October 20, several documentary viewings with panel discussions, and the award winning Campus Crawl on Thursday, October 23.
For more information about the events, contact Kelsey Bratcher at (210) 458-4160 or visit the Be A Responsible Roadrunner Web site.
Alcohol Awareness Week 2008
Events are sponsored by Student Activities unless noted otherwise
Drinking? Or Driving?
Monday, Oct. 20
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
University Center window lounge, 1604 Campus
Tell Me Something I Don't Know
Monday, Oct. 20
7:30-8:30 p.m.
University Center Ballroom II, 1604 Campus
Health Expo
Tuesday, Oct. 21
9 a.m.-2 p.m.
Frio Street Building, Downtown Campus
(sponsored by Student Health Services)
Teach Me Tuesday: Death By Alcohol
Tuesday, Oct. 21
12:30-1:30 p.m.
Durango Building Student Activities Center, Downtown Campus
Learning Communities Happy Hour
Tuesday, Oct. 21
6-7:15 p.m.
Laurel Village Community Center, 1604 Campus
(Sponsored by Learning Communities)
Teach Me Tuesday: Death By Alcohol
Tuesday, Oct. 21
7:30-8:30 p.m.
University Center Ballroom II, 1604 Campus
Picture Yourself... Responsible
Wednesday, Oct. 22
10 a.m.-2 p.m.
University Center window lounge, 1604 Campus
21 Club: Birthday Celebration and Pool Party
Wednesday, Oct. 22
5:21-7:21 p.m.
Campus Rec: Smoothie King and pool
Thirsty Thursday
Thursday, Oct. 23
1-3 p.m.
University Center paseo, 1604 Campus
Campus Crawl
Thursday, Oct. 23
7 p.m.-midnight
UTSA Housing, 1604 Campus
Annie on Alcohol
Friday, Oct. 24
6-7 p.m.
Recreation Center
(sponsored by Recreation Center)
On the Rocks
Friday, Oct. 24
7-10 p.m.
Recreation Center Rock Wall
(sponsored by Recreation Center)