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I come before you to speak about the future of America and our Middle Class. The two have been inextricably linked throughout our history.
I also speak about the future of the Democratic Party, my Party, the Party historically committed to a strong, growing Middle Class, a commitment too many voters now question.
Middle Class Americans know that President Bush and his Administration represent the privileged. They know that Democrats stand for those less fortunate, and proudly so. They look to Washington and see a government absorbed in self-interest. Who speaks for them, those neither rich nor poor? Too often, their answer is no one.
For the future of our nation and the future of my Party, that must change. If this President will not speak for our Middle Class, I will. And if Democrats want to lead this nation, we must.
As Democrats and Americans, we must build an Opportunity Society to strengthen our Middle Class. We must confront the challenges Middle Class Americans face health care costs, college affordability, retirement security and more so that all can build lives of greater prosperity and promise. And we must reward hard work, thrift and ingenuity so that all who aspire to it can join the Middle Class.
This must be the work of our generation.
It has not been the work of President Bush and this Administration.
For five years, America has been governed by those who believe that what is best for the most fortunate among us is what is best for all.
That is wrong.
A strong, vibrant Middle Class is what makes America a land of opportunity, stability, and shared values.
But the American Middle Class did not happen by accident. It was built.
For twelve generations, Americans have made the tough decisions, the sacrifices, done the hard work to make America an exceptional nation.
Now is our time.
We must begin by recognizing the challenges and unprecedented change facing Middle Class Americans today.
Globalization is transforming our economy. Too many good jobs are going overseas. Employees can no longer count on good health insurance or pensions. Skyrocketing health and energy costs squeeze family budgets.
A Middle Class life has never been easy, but its getting harder by the day.
Our aging population means more families are caring for their children and their parents, too.
At a time when a college degree is still the best ticket to success, fewer and fewer Middle Class families can afford the cost.
All of this and more is moving the American Dream out of reach for too many and creating anxiety for our Middle Class.
They ask, how can our children hope to have a better future if things continue like this?
I am confident they can. But not with the leaders weve got and not if we continue down the road that were on.
President Bush and Vice President Cheney have done more for fewer Americans and less for most Americans than any Administration in history.
They have either ignored the challenges facing our Middle Class or made matters worse.
Through inaction, incompetence, and ideological extremism, the Bush Administration and their friends in Congress have made the ladder of success much harder to climb.
On issue after issue, Bush, Cheney and Rove have lived for today and forgotten about tomorrow. They have focused on the next election not the next generation. And they have cynically appealed to Americans narrow self-interest instead of the common good. They may have won some elections, but the American Middle Class has lost valuable ground.
College costs go up, and they raise interest rates on student loans.
Retirement insecurities mount, and they want to privatize Social Security making seniors less secure.
When companies go bankrupt, executives get golden parachutes and workers pensions get the shaft. Just look at Delphi in my home state. Its a disgrace.
Middle Class jobs are eliminated because of global competition. Their response? Turn a blind eye to currency manipulation, illegal subsidies and intellectual property theft squandering American hard work and ingenuity.
Health care costs are skyrocketing, and they have no prescription.
Energy costs soar, hitting consumers at the pump. Their answer is to have no answer. America is more dependent on imported oil today than we were on 9/11. On one of the defining challenges of our time, weve made no progress whatsoever. None.
Vice President Cheney, who is in Iowa today, tells audiences that Household net worth is at an all-time high. Like so much about this Administration, he is technically accurate but grossly misleading. The truth is that Middle Class Americans are working harder than ever and receiving less. Average household income has declined every year during the Bush presidency.
The Administration has increased the national debt by nearly $3 trillion, money our Middle Class and children must repay with interest. They borrow from Japan, China, Persian Gulf Countries, South Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Germany, even Mexico. They are mortgaging our future. This is not how great leaders act.
This Administration has been stunningly blind to the forces shaping our future.
The result?
Ideologues and special interests win. The Middle Class loses. Its that simple. And it must change.
But while Americans are crying out for something better, they see Washington as indifferent, hostile or self-absorbed. And theyre right.
Washington is broken. There is a chasm between what Middle America needs and what Washington delivers: all wedge issues, all spin, all cynicism, all gridlock, all the time.
Its as if Washington is on a different planet.
Once you could tell a system was broken when it took a crisis to trigger a response. But today, right now, we have crisis after crisis Katrina, energy, the budget, health costs, Iraq, and to each of these crises, the system doesnt respond.
Washington rewards and preserves the status quo as though that were its central purpose.
Too many have forgotten that we represent the interests of our constituents in Washington, not the other way around.
Too many have forgotten what Harry Truman said: In America, its not the politicians who run the country. Its the people. The politicians are just the hired help.
As frustration mounts with a broken Washington, the Middle Class looks to the Democratic Party for hope as they always have. And what do they see?
I was born and raised a Democrat. I am proud of what my Party has accomplished for America. If you look at the great progress of the last century the changes in America that make you most proud none of them would have occurred without the leadership of the Democratic Party.
Lifting this country out of the Great Depression, winning two World Wars, drawing the line in the sand against communism, landing a man on the moon, civil rights, womens rights, the GI Bill, Social Security, Medicare, aid to education, and on and on.
These were the accomplishments that shaped Americas century and made Americas blue and white-collar workers the most prosperous and free on Earth.
But that was long ago. Memories are short.
We may consider ourselves the party of the Middle Class, but too many Middle Class Americans no longer consider us their party.
They have left the Democratic Party in droves --costing us the last two presidential elections and the last six congressional elections, and if we dont learn some lessons, well lose in 2006 and 2008 as well.
We must not let that happen. Because the Middle Class is more than a source of votes for my Party, it is a fundamental part of who we are as Democrats and Americans.
So I offer this advice to my fellow Democrats: without an agenda that speaks directly to the Middle Class and all who aspire to it, we are no longer the Party of Roosevelt, Truman, Kennedy, and Clinton. And we will not be a majority party. Our nation must do better, but for that to happen, we Democrats must, too.
We have both a patriotic responsibility and a political imperative to reclaim our legacy as the party of the Middle Class by fighting for their interests and by producing results that make a difference in their lives.
This begins with understanding their concerns.
In my travels across Indiana and 22 other states last year, in coffee shops, living rooms, and union halls talking with ordinary Americans about their hopes, their dreams, and their anxieties, three areas dominate.
One is Security. All Americans know it is a dangerous world. Three thousand people were killed on September 11th. Suicidal terrorists have pledged to attack again - and they have in London, Madrid, Amman, Bali, and across Iraq. North Korea has expanded its nuclear arsenal and tested missiles intended to hit the United States. Hamas is in charge of the Palestinian Authority. The Middle East is aflame. And the radical leader of Iran seeks nuclear weapons, has pledged to destroy Israel, and has asked his people to imagine a world without the United States.
Most Americans know and this is borne out in poll after poll that President Bush and Karl Rove are a lot better at national security politics than national security policy. Instead of making us more secure, they have undermined our security. Iraq is the foremost example. They have turned it into a tragic, tragic, mess.
Democrats can do better.
America needs a national security strategy that is both tough and smart. We Democrats must reclaim the tough and smart legacy of Roosevelt, Truman, and Kennedy, and aggressively challenge the President and his party about who can do a better job of securing this country. We must go toe to toe with Republicans on this issue, not try to change the subject or pretend it doesnt exist. Ceding the ground of national security to the Republican Party has hurt our standing with the Middle Class. We must never make that mistake again. Most Americans are also looking for leaders who share their values and understand their lives. Many are working longer hours for less money while their children are alone at home at the mercy of a coarsening culture. Parents are anxious about the influence of violent video games and Internet pornography, obscene music and television, and the danger of predators stalking our children across cyberspace. As a parent with young children, I share these concerns.
Values matter, and Democrats must understand the non-economic pressures facing most families today, not just the economic ones. We must have an agenda that speaks to the heart and the pocketbook, not one or the other. But economic opportunity is always on peoples minds. It is my focus today.
As Democrats, we must ask: Does our agenda speak to the great majority of Americans in the economic middle?
Too often, they are telling us no and voting for Republicans in increasing numbers. Why? Because too often our signature proposals do nothing directly for them. Just one example:
Over the past 10 years, the economic issue emphasized most by Democrats is raising the minimum wage. Raising the minimum wage is absolutely the right thing to do. And shame on the Republicans for blocking it for all of these years.
But this year, less than three percent of workers earned the minimum wage or less.
Raising the minimum wage must be an important part of the Democratic economic agenda it is the moral, just and wise thing to do. But it cannot be seen as the entirety of our economic agenda.
Working to eliminate poverty, which my friend John Edwards speaks so eloquently about is a moral imperative. But if we don't also directly strengthen the Middle Class, we will never achieve our potential as a nation. And Democrats will not be in position to help anyone, poor and Middle Class alike.
We must convince Middle Class Americans that were on their side not only by fighting poverty but by directly addressing their challenges, too. Too often they see one not the other. It must be both.
And we must embrace Middle Class economic values. Americans have always believed that hope is more powerful than fear, opportunity as essential as security, a ladder up as important as a safety net below. That success through hard work, ingenuity, and thrift is a virtue to admire not envy.
This is what we did in Indiana. It was Middle Class prosperity from good jobs that paid for health care, education, and greater opportunity for the less fortunate. The Middle Class was our engine of progress. It must be for the nation as well.
As you all undoubtedly know, I am thinking about running for President I havent made a final decision but if I do run, creating opportunity for Middle Class Americans will be a centerpiece of my campaign. Its a message I will take across America on behalf of other candidates this fall.
I will go into greater detail later, but today, I want to lay out just a few of the potential building blocks of an Opportunity Society for our Middle Class.
We must begin by making college more affordable.
In a global economy that values ingenuity and technological know-how, a college degree is as important as a high school diploma was 50 years ago. Now, we must make it as common.
We could provide a $6,000 refundable tax credit to cover the first $6,000 of college costs. This would pay for 100 percent of the average tuition for a four-year public university and help families making up to $100,000 per year, 87 percent of all Americans.
Rising health care costs are also squeezing family budgets and harming small businesses, the most dynamic part of our economy. People ask me about health care more than any other domestic issue.
We cannot solve this complex problem today, but we can start.
The risk of catastrophic illness cancer, heart disease, stroke raises insurance premiums for small businesses and individuals substantially. We could cap individual and small business risk by covering 75 percent of health costs above $50,000. This would cut insurance premiums by up to 20 percent for small businesses and individuals, helping 57 million middle income Americans.
Retirement security is another challenge for Middle Class Americans. Social Security, pensions and savings are all part of the answer, and all must be strengthened.
This is not the forum for addressing Social Securitys long-term imbalances, but privatizing the system would only make seniors insecurities worse. Social Security has done more to help Middle Class seniors from falling into poverty than anything else.
But it takes more to maintain a Middle Class life in retirement than Social Security.
Workers whove earned pensions deserve protection. When corporations try to shed their obligations in bankruptcy, employee benefits deserve priority status.
And we need to make it easier for all Americans to save for retirement. The system should favor the Middle Class by replacing the current 401(k) and IRA deduction with a 30 percent government match. This would promote retirement savings for more than 90 percent of Americans to supplement pensions and Social Security.
Finally, energy security and affordability is a defining challenge of our time. With drivers and businesses getting hit at the pump, its an important Middle Class issue, too.
I propose tax credits up to $3,400 for the purchase of new, high mileage vehicles to help drivers conserve and to make ethanol widely available so consumers can chose between gasoline and ethanol, whichever is cheaper.
These ideas, and many more, are the types of things we should consider to help Middle Class Americans meet our challenges and fulfill our potential.
Its possible that all are not doable at once, and all must comply with fiscal reality. But the important thing is to begin, to let Middle Class Americans know that were on their side, share their priorities and will help whenever we can.
We have waited too long.
For 230 years, Americans have been dedicated to the self-evident truths that all men and women are created equal and have been endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
At the heart of this ideal at the heart of the American Promise is that everyone whos willing to work hard and dream big and sacrifice can make their dreams come true.
Now, the tides of history challenge that belief, whether a nation characterized not by class differences but common opportunity, common values, common dreams a dominant Middle Class can survive.
I believe it can. And I believe it must.
But nothing is pre-ordained or etched in stone. Our destiny is up to us.
Our present leaders have proven inadequate to the task. They have not focused on our future and what will make it better.
Instead, they are committed to a deep-seated philosophical belief, hostile to our Middle Class. It is the same conceit used throughout history to justify concentration of opportunity in the hands of the few.
This is not the American way. It is not the Democratic Party way.
At this critical moment, when a brighter future filled with more hope and opportunity and progress is ours to make, we must do better than what George Bush has offered us.
We must change the dysfunctional mess that is Washington.
We must re-establish the Democratic Party as the instrument of Middle Class progress.
We must summon the American people to meet the challenges and make the hard decisions these times demand.
The road to American greatness does not lie down the path of least resistance. We have followed that course too long.
With new leaders and a new direction, there is no obstacle we cannot overcome.
And if we do these things, our Middle Class will prosper. America will be strong. The Democratic Party will lead the nation.
And most important, we will deserve to.
Thank you."


text: i have a 1997 chevy k 1500 with the 4.3. last fall it developed a problem with not wanting to start when the temp was below 30 degrees. plugging in the block heater didn't seem to help. the only way to get her started was to pour a little fuel down the throttle body (not good for it, i know). thought it might be a fuel pump, so had that and the fuel line replaced. also had the injection system replaced but it still doesn't want to start. i have been to several mechanics and no one seems to be able to fix the problem. any thoughts? thanks.

subset: commoncrawl


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Mon, 09/23/2013 - 04:04pm
The Helotes Bike Rodeo will take place on Friday, September 27, 2013 on the school grounds. Children in grades Kinder through Fifth are encouraged to participate in the Bike Rodeo.
Bikes should be delivered to the school the morning of September 27th between 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 a.m. at the gates by the cafeteria. Please have your child's name on their bikes and helmet. All bikes must be picked up by 6:00 pm on Friday, September 27, 2013. If not picked up, the bikes will be locked in the building for safe keeping.
The Bike Rodeo will begin at 8:15 a.m. and the approximate times per grade level are:
8:15 – 8:45 3rd Grade
8:45 – 9:15 4th Grade
9:15 -10:00 1st Grade
10:00 – 10:30 5th Grade
10:30 – 11:15 2nd Grade
11:15 – 12:00 Kinder
2:00 - 2:45 Awards Assembly
Please note that the above times are approximate, therefore, it is possible that a grade level could begin the Bike Rodeo before the approximate times listed above.
We want to thank the Helotes Optimist Club for their help in sponsoring this event, as well as our Helotes PTA Volunteers for their organization, support and assistance. An officer from the San Antonio Police Department SAFFE Unit will be overseeing the event. We encourage you to stop by and watch the Bike Rodeo.


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The Horse-Stealers and Other Stories HTML version
The Jeune Premier
YEVGENY ALEXEYITCH PODZHAROV, the jeune premier, a graceful, elegant young
man with an oval face and little bags under his eyes, had come for the season to one of
the southern towns of Russia, and tried at once to make the acquaintance of a few of the
leading families of the place. "Yes, signor," he would often say, gracefully swinging his
foot and displaying his red socks, "an artist ought to act upon the masses, both directly
and indirectly; the first aim is attained by his work on the stage, the second by an
acquaintance with the local inhabitants. On my honour, parole d'honneur, I don't
understand why it is we actors avoid making acquaintance with local families. Why is it?
To say nothing of dinners, name-day parties, feasts, soirées fixes, to say nothing of these
entertainments, think of the moral influence we may have on society! Is it not agreeable
to feel one has dropped a spark in some thick skull? The types one meets! The women!
Mon Dieu, what women! they turn one's head! One penetrates into some huge merchant's
house, into the sacred retreats, and picks out some fresh and rosy little peach-- it's
heaven, parole d'honneur!"
In the southern town, among other estimable families he made the acquaintance of that of
a manufacturer called Zybaev. Whenever he remembers that acquaintance now he frowns
contemptuously, screws up his eyes, and nervously plays with his watch-chain.
One day--it was at a name-day party at Zybaev's--the actor was sitting in his new friends'
drawing-room and holding forth as usual. Around him "types" were sitting in armchairs
and on the sofa, listening affably; from the next room came feminine laughter and the
sounds of evening tea. . . . Crossing his legs, after each phrase sipping tea with rum in it,
and trying to assume an expression of careless boredom, he talked of his stage triumphs.
"I am a provincial actor principally," he said, smiling condescendingly, "but I have
played in Petersburg and Moscow too. . . . By the way, I will describe an incident which
illustrates pretty well the state of mind of to-day. At my benefit in Moscow the young
people brought me such a mass of laurel wreaths that I swear by all I hold sacred I did not
know where to put them! Parole d'honneur! Later on, at a moment when funds were
short, I took the laurel wreaths to the shop, and . . . guess what they weighed. Eighty
pounds altogether. Ha, ha! you can't think how useful the money was. Artists, indeed, are
often hard up. To-day I have hundreds, thousands, tomorrow nothing. . . . To-day I
haven't a crust of bread, to-morrow I have oysters and anchovies, hang it all!"
The local inhabitants sipped their glasses decorously and listened. The well-pleased host,
not knowing how to make enough of his cultured and interesting visitor, presented to him
a distant relative who had just arrived, one Pavel Ignatyevitch Klimov, a bulky gentleman
about forty, wearing a long frock-coat and very full trousers.
"You ought to know each other," said Zybaev as he presented Klimov; "he loves theatres,
and at one time used to act himself. He has an estate in the Tula province."


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Before you start this program, please note the following things:
Thanks for taking the time to read this and we hope you enjoy the ACU-Running Program!
Brad Cox Lic.Ac. is a Movement Specialist, ACU-Running Coach and Licensed Acupuncturist specializing in Orthopedic Acupuncture and Sports Medicine. He is the co-Founder and CEO of ACU-Mobility and ACU-Running. ACU-Mobility is an educational and mobility products company, dedicated to the development of unique sport specific corrective exercise programs and innovative product design. Brad has treated hundreds of athletes including: Olympic and world class Runners, Triathletes, Power Lifters, Elite Crossfitters and Professional Strong Men. He is a consultant and running mechanics expert for TOPO Athletic. He teaches workshops and seminars on running mechanics, mobility and movement analysis around the U.S.
Dr. Sonia Pasquale D.C., Lic.Ac. is a Chiropractor, Sports Physician, Licensed Acupuncturist, Movement Specialist, Nutrition Counselor and Co-Founder of ACU-Mobility and ACU-Running systems. She has specialties in Orthopedics, Functional Movement Analysis, Functional Medicine and Women's Health. She incorporates advanced Chiropractic and Acupuncture manual techniques to create a unique integrative approach to treatment. She works with both Elite and Novice athletes to help them achieve their individual physical goals. She is the Director and co-Owner of Wakefield Wellness Center outside of Boston MA.
Chris Lehman , Lic.Ac., MAOM, Dipl. OM is a Licensed Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist, Movement Specialist and ACU-Running Coach. Chris Specializes in Orthopedic Acupuncture and functional movement analysis working with all kinds of Athletes. He focuses on balancing the body through Acupuncture and manual therapies to enhance proper biomechanics with an emphasis in sports medicine and injury prevention.
Kaitlin graduated from the University of Massachusetts Boston with a Bachelor of Science in Nursing. After graduation she worked for a short time in the Med/Neuro ICU at Moore County Regional Hospital in NC. Kaitlin has been an avid runner for many years, having completed several road races at both the half marathon and marathon distance, before switching to trail running. Her love for trail running came from the many long distance hiking trails she has completed, such as the Continental Divide Trail and Appalachian Trail. She is excited to share her love for running by being part of the ACU-Mobility team!


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Officials Alarmed by Corporate Spending on Campaigns
Big new streams of corporate money are flowing into political races, and a group of elected officials, mostly from the Democratic Party, says it's a problem.
New York City's Public Advocate, Bill de Blasio, says a Supreme Court decision earlier this year, Citizens United v. Federal Election Commission gave corporations permission to do something ordinary citizens can't do -- spend as much money as they like, anonymously, to support or oppose a candidate for office.
"The closer we get to election day the more evidence we see of corporate dollars being poured into elections around the country, and much of it secretly," de Blasio said.
He says so far this season, federal records show outside groups have spent $1.4 million on political ads in New York State. Under the law, these independent groups must report their expenditures, but not the sources of their revenue.
De Blasio has has teamed up with officials from California, Illinois and Pennsylvania to pressure corporations to fully disclose their direct spending on political ads. Most of de Blasio's partners in this effort, including Illinois Governor Pat Quinn, are Democrats.
Goldman Sachs, JP Morgan Chase, and Morgan Stanley are among several New York-based firms that have pledged to disclose their political spending.
More Information:
Campaign Cash: The Independent Fundraising Gold Rush Since 'Citizens United' Ruling (Center for Public Integrity)
Interest Group Spending for Midterm Up Fivefold from 2006; Many Sources Secret (The Washington Post)
The Secret Sponsors (The New York Times)


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Well, if I don't get my PS90, I may buy a Storm. I really am not a rifle person. Handguns always interested me. But, I'd like to have just one for a SHTF weapon, or something like that. Plus, the Storm shoots cheap 9mm ammo, and can be used at my local indoor range.
I wouldn't shoot past 100 yards anyway, and practically, probably won't go past 50. So, the Storm is nice for what it is.


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From salads to savory entrées to desserts, apples can add sweet or tart flavor to just about any part of your meal.
- Photo: Beau Gustafson; Styling: Mindi Shapiro Levine
An Apple a DayApples come in a variety of colors, from golden yellow to deep red, and a range of textures including crisp, soft, and firm, but we've found through tedious research that all types of apples are, in a word, delicious. Whether you prefer tart or sweet, there's an apple out there made just for you.
Watercress-Bibb Salad with Apples and Blue CheeseTake a holiday from lettuce and tomato with this easy salad combination of tangy greens, tart Granny Smith apples, and creamy blue cheese. The bright, slightly sour flavor of the apples perfectly complements the savory blue cheese crumbles. If you're short on time, replace the homemade vinaigrette, made with apple juice and Dijon mustard, with a bottled variety.
Broiled ApplesThe next time you're craving apple pie with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, try this easy recipe. Sliced apples (any kind will do) are tossed with a squirt of lemon and a dab of butter and sugar and broiled until lightly browned. Serve with ice cream and a drizzle of maple syrup.
Rosemary Pork Tenderloin with Harvest ApplesIt takes a small amount of up-front preparation, but then this easy casserole cooks by itself in the oven with little fuss. So put your feet up and enjoy the aroma of roasting apples and pork tenderloin simmering in a mustard cream sauce laced with wine, then get ready to dig in.
Leek and Apple CrêpesUse vinegar to make a savory filling for crepes that's topped with a dollop of crème fraîche or sour cream. Make the 5-ingredient crêpes in advance and freeze between layers of waxed paper until ready to use.
Braised Red Cabbage with Sausage and ApplesPut this easy one-dish meal in your file of fast weeknight suppers. It's as simple as sautéing apples, red cabbage, and Italian sausage links with seasonings and vinegar. Need to save even more time? Sub shredded green cabbage for the red and switch to white wine vinegar.
Maple Baked ApplesThese no-fuss baked apples are made with a super simple filling of raisins, walnuts, and maple syrup. Tuck the raisin mixture into cored apples (Gala and Rome varieties hold their shape best during baking), dot with butter, and bake for 40 minutes. Serve hot or cold–they're equally delicious either way.
Apple CobblerFans of apple pie will go crazy for this cobbler made with Granny Smith apples tossed with apple cider and spices and then topped with a store-bought pie crust. Cobblers pack all the flavor of homemade pies into a simple, layered dessert. The best news about this recipe for cooks? It's super easy to assemble.


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Six-Team Music City Challenge Starts Friday in Nashville
Pregame Information
The inaugural six-team, three-day Music City Challenge, featuring
three Middle Tennessee college baseball teams - Vanderbilt,
Belmont and Lipscomb - begins Friday in Nashville. Three visiting
schools, Connecticut, Iowa and Saint Louis will battle each
local school once during the weekend.
Vanderbilt will not play Lipscomb nor Belmont during the
challenge. Vanderbilt (5-2) looks to string a series of victories
together after their four-game win streak was snapped at Louisville
last weekend. The Commodores lost the first two meetings of
the series before outfielder Worth Scott's third-inning grand
slam and left-hander Jeremy Sowers' pitching led Vanderbilt
to a 6-5 victory on Sunday. In his collegiate debut, Sowers
struck out 10, gave up four hits, all singles, walked two
and hit two batters. He was named the Southeastern Conference
Pitcher of the Week. Sowers is scheduled to make his Hawkins
Field debut Saturday against Iowa (weather pending).
Connecticut, Vanderbilt's opponent Friday at 3 p.m., enters
the Music City Challenge with an 0-3 record. The Huskies lost
matchups with Armstrong Atlantic (9-8), Georgia (7-4) and
North Carolina (13-5) last weekend in Savannah, Ga.
Iowa opens its 2002 campaign in Nashville. After entertaining
Belmont at Greer Stadium on Friday, the Hawkeyes face Vanderbilt
at Hawkins Field Saturday at 1 p.m. Saint Louis comes to Nashville
with a 3-0 mark. The Billikens swept Western Illinois (7-5,
8-4, 7-6) over the weekend.
Saint Louis plays Vanderbilt Sunday at 1 p.m. Belmont holds
a 7-1 record in 2002, while Lipscomb is 2-8 this season.
Music City Challenge Schedule
Friday, March 1 Game Site Time
Connecticut at Vanderbilt Hawkins Field 3 p.m.
Iowa at Belmont Greer Stadium 3 p.m.
Saint Louis at Lipscomb Dugan Field 2 p.m.
Saturday, March 2 Game Site Time
Iowa at Vanderbilt Hawkins Field 1 p.m.
Saint Louis at Belmont Greer Stadium 1 p.m.
Connecticut at Lipscomb Dugan Field 2 p.m.
Sunday, March 3 Game Site Time
Saint Louis at Vanderbilt Hawkins Field 1 p.m.
Connecticut at Belmont Greer Stadium 1 p.m.
Iowa at Lipscomb Dugan Field 2 p.m.
Press Box Phone Numbers:
Vanderbilt - 320-0436; Belmont - 243-1705 or 423-9420; Lipscomb
- 279-5874


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Tolerance Quotes
Mohandas K. Gandhi
Tenzin Gyatso, 14th Dalai Lama
Margaret Chase Smith
The remarkable thing is that we really love our neighbor as ourselves: we do unto others as we do unto ourselves. We hate others when we hate ourselves. We are tolerant toward others when we tolerate ourselves. We forgive others when we forgive ourselves. We are prone to sacrifice others when we are ready to sacrifice ourselves.
Eric Hoffer
Neither anticipated that the cause of the conflict [slavery] might cease with, or even before, the conflict itself should cease. Each looked for an easier triumph, and a result less fundamental and astounding. Both read the same Bible, and pray to the same God; and each invokes His aid against the other. It may seem strange that any men should dare to ask a just God's assistance in wringing their bread from the sweat of other men's faces; but let us judge not that we be not judged. The prayers of both could not be answered; that of neither has been answered fully. The Almighty has His own purposes.
Abraham Lincoln
All ... religions show the same disparity between belief and practice, and each is safe till it tries to exclude the rest. Test each sect by its best or its worst as you will, by its high-water mark of virtue or its low-water mark of vice. But falsehood begins when you measure the ebb of any other religion against the flood-tide of your own. There is a noble and a base side to every history.
Thomas Wentworth Higginson
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text:
Introducing Dog to Baby
Tips to successfully and safely introduce a newborn baby in a home with pets
Tips to successfully and safely introduce a newborn baby in a home with pets
Tips from an expert on how parents can promote literacy at home.
How second- and third-hand smoke effects kids and adults, and how you can make your home smoke-free
Ideas to get kids to eat breakfast without all the sugar
How can parents tell when teenagers' behaviors are typical adolescent attitudes or something more serious?
Tips to raise kids to become good and thoughtful decision makers.
FAQ about fevers in children and understanding why they occur.
Tips to create a safe sleep environment for your baby.
A licensed acupuncturist shares how you can treat earaches naturally.
When should your baby should first see the dentist?
Four frequently asked questions about the flu vaccine
If your child falls and a baby tooth falls out from the trauma, can it be put back in the mouth?
What to do if your child has adult teeth growing behind her baby teeth.
Tips to help parents promote positive sibling relationships between an older child and an infant, as well as when the children get older.
How to limit the negative effects of a difficult presidential campaign on your kids.
Do 'virtual visits' with dermatologists work, and can I do one for my child?
Experts share what adults can do to help teens make better behavior choices.
Six life skills children will learn by taking dance classes.
Expert advice on how to juggle motherhood and owning a business.
Ideas to help ensure your children will feel special on their birthdays and not overshadowed by the holidays.
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Man-No More Twinkies Too!!!!.
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wretched ratchet
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Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Yuppieville, Tejas
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My Grandpa always said that 'nothing' was always or never and I've found that to be the case in 'most' cases. It probably applies here also. However, my only encounter with Unions has been on two occasions, once in the Musicians Union which was out of necessity but for a very short time and the other was when I was hanging drywall in the Rocky Mtns of Colorado. The latter caused me to think about some of the Union's thinking at that time.
Case in point: My partner and I were hanging drywall by the square foot in Condos in Summit County Colorado (non-Union) and then one day, because of the lack of work in Denver, I suppose, some Union hangers came in and started working by the hour (whatever scale was at that time). Anyhow, we would hang at least twice the amount of sheetrock that they would and therefore we made more money (that was our entire purpose - - "to hang as much drywall as possible" ==== $$$$$$$) Now we had no problems with the Union dudes because they were far less competition than other hangers that hung by the square foot as we did. However, one day the Union dudes came over to the unit we were working in and told us that "we were taking food out of their families mouths by hanging more and making more than they were ! ?????????????
We very "politely" told them that we preferred get paid for the amount of work we did rather than the amount of "time" we were on the job site !
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Aug 24, 2012
We are very excited to be hosting another complimentary informative seminar on Thursday, September 20th from 4-6pm. The seminar will […]
We are very excited to be hosting another complimentary informative seminar on Thursday, September 20th from 4-6pm. The seminar will be held at the Design & Promote offices at 1952 McDowell Rd. in Naperville.
Business Graphics & Web Design Tactics will teach you some very simple ways that you can improve your website yourself!
Hosted by our very own Creative Director and long-time Senior Designer, Amber Tripp, you can expect to walk away from this seminar feeling confident in your own abilities and the future of your website.
"Your website is the key to your success. In the past, it was customary to let your website fall onto the back-burner, however, in the ever-evolving web-savvy society that is today, your website is the faceplate of your company, so if it isn't working for you at 100% of its potential, odds are, you won't be working at 100% of your potential."
"Throughout my career, I have failed and succeeded, designed and redesigned a countless number of websites all in the endeavor to gain the knowledge of what works and what doesn't. I am confident in my endeavors, and am excited to share with you solid statistics from years of research, real-time results from present designs, and effective techniques that work."
– Amber Tripp
What you can expect to learn:
Thank you to everyone who helped make the ribbon cutting at our new office an outstanding event! On August 16, we had a healthy turnout of nearly 100 clients, neighbors and supporters who gathered at our new home in the Dynacom Center I at 1952 McDowell Rd. in Naperville. City Mayor A. George Pradel officiated the ceremony in cooperation with the Naperville Chamber of Commerce.
Everyone enjoyed the delicious catered food from Belgio's, beer, wine and a chance to tour our new 1,600 square foot, state-of-the-art facility which features 100mb fiber optic internet access, a modern reception area, conference room, offices and interactive media areas. The DynaCom I Center is located conveniently off I-88 and Rt. 59 in Naperville and offers easy access for our customers from Chicago as well as the neighboring suburbs.
For Design & Promote, it was a poignant celebration of the remarkable growth we've experienced in the past five years. Special thanks to the Naperville Chamber of Commerce and Team B2B which have been instrumental organizations in our growth and were on hand to help us celebrate. We're pleased and proud to be part of such a supportive business community and look forward to serving our growing roster of clients who want to get their business noticed on the internet with effective Naperville website design and SEO!
We are celebrating our new office space with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 16. We recently relocated to a larger office due to our company's growth.
Design & Promote, a Naperville web design and search engine optimization company recently moved to our new business location on McDowell Road. On August 16, we'll be celebrating that move with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony hosted by the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce. The event will be officiated by Naperville Mayor A. George Pradel.
Design & Promote joined the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce three years ago. Since then they have become active in the community as well as the Chamber's TEAM B2B (www.teamb2b.net). TEAM B2B is a group of Naperville-area businesses that meet to support each other via networking, education and exchange referrals.
The Ribbon Cutting Ceremony will be held on August 16 at the new Design & Promote office. The office is located at 1952 McDowell Road, Suite 100, Naperville, IL 60563. The event runs from 4pm to 5 pm. Free appetizers by Belgio's Catering will be available and Design & Promote will be providing complimentary beverages, including wine and beer.
The event is open to Design & Promote clients, members of the Naperville Area Chamber of Commerce and area business owners and employees that are interested in learning more about the company or supporting local businesses.
"We are really looking forward to working in the new office space. It is a state of the art building able to support the technology we need to provide professional web design and SEO services. The location can't be beat; it's convenient to highways and retail shops. Anyone who is interested in Design & Promote is welcome at the Ceremony. We'd love to get the support of the local community and meet our new neighbors," said Jones.
Design & Promote is a Chicago search engine optimization and web design company. In addition to web hosting, domain registration, graphic and logo design, the company includes on-page search engine optimization in all of their clients' website launches. Additional services offered by Design & Promote include press releases, newsletters, and social media marketing.
About Design & Promote: Design & Promote is a company that offers SEO, website marketing and web design in Naperville, IL. The company uses a professional team of web designers, SEO experts and marketing consultants to help create websites that look great, help convert customers and stay at the top of the search engines. To learn more about what this Chicago SEO firm can do for your company, please visit http://www.designandpromote.com.
Aug 24, 2012
We are very excited to be hosting another complimentary informative seminar on Thursday, September 20th from 4-6pm. The seminar will […]
Aug 23, 2012
Thank you to everyone who helped make the ribbon cutting at our new office an outstanding event! On August 16, […]
Aug 15, 2012
We are celebrating our new office space with a ribbon cutting ceremony on August 16. We recently relocated to a […]


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The Summer Of Possibilities: Going Nowhere, But Home
58 comments:
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! you deserve it, friend. You deserve it!ReplyDelete
ahh, this made me so happy!! I totally pictured you jumping up and down.. You are so lucky, and yes, it all depends on the positive energy.ReplyDelete
SO happy for you! This is definitely your year for new experiences and new possibilities. Prayers for a smooth road while you prepare to move.ReplyDelete
Blessings, Angie
CONGRATS MAMA!!!! So very happy for you!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! You deserve all this and more! Happy decorating, and here's to the next exciting chapter in you and Marlowe's lives!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! I just love reading about all the great things coming to you and Marlowe! It completely inspires me to keep up the positive energy even when things are a bit challenging.ReplyDelete
This comment has been removed by the author.ReplyDelete
Congratulations ... best of luck with the move and the decorating and all the rest!ReplyDelete
Congratulations, Drea! That is really exciting news. Good luck with everything! xoReplyDelete
Congratulations! That is truly exciting news. I can't wait for the day when we buy our first house (hopefully in this lifetime). We'll probably have to move away from L.A. for that to happen.ReplyDelete
OH M GGGGGG! Congratulations love!ReplyDelete
I am SO happy for you and baby AND I can't wait to see all the new pictures!
Good luck with the move and all the i that still need to be dotted.
Much love,
you put so much good out into the universe, it was bound to come back to you. I know I'm just one of many of your readers who is over joyed for you and Marlowe! Congratulations from Canada!ReplyDelete
P.S. You and M look SO pretty and happy up there!! <3ReplyDelete
congratulations!! so exciting :)ReplyDelete
Yey so happy for you! I really believe that when you take a chance in life, life will take a chance with you, and when you try to live it to its fullest it will provide you with the best chances and oppourtunitys, simply be uses you are living with your eyes and heart open to them! This is something I deifinitely need to remember more often! So thanks for the inspirationReplyDelete
Wow congratulations guys! So, so happy for you both xxReplyDelete
I'm so happy for you both!! Such wonderful news!!!ReplyDelete
Bec x
I had parents who helped me through grad school in my late 20's, parents who would do it all over again because as I've learned, you never stopped being a parent! I love your gratitude towards them and after being a long time reader of your blog (and a first time commenter!) I think it's amazing that you now have a place to call home. You deserve it! Can't wait to see your new adventures on your blog! Reading all the way from NB, Canada :)ReplyDelete
wohoo!!! Can't wait for you to be able to move on in and start this new adventure!!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! This is BIG. Stoked for you both!ReplyDelete
So so happy for you girls from this side of the screen and this side of the world!!!! So incredibly excited for your ideas flourishing within new walls. The world smiles at you! All the best, girls!!! xxxReplyDelete
Congratulations, Drea and Marlowe! A much deserved break! And I can't wait to see the new home and your ingenius decorating hand at work :)ReplyDelete
Congratulations, Drea and Marlowe! A much deserved break! And I can't wait to see the new home and your ingenius decorating hand at work :)ReplyDelete
Congratulations! So happy for you!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! I am so happy for you!ReplyDelete
Congratulations, you deserve it! So happy for you!! :-)ReplyDelete
Congratulations Drea!! that is absolutely amazing and you were right, magic is everywhere!ReplyDelete
Oh my goodness. CONGRATULATIONS! I am SO excited for you. You and Marlowe deserve this, more than anything in the world.ReplyDelete
WOW! That is wonderful! Congratulations!!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! This is so exciting!! I am so glad it all worked out for you!ReplyDelete
I am SO happy for you Drea. This gave me goosebumps. I told you it was a wait (shortsale), but in the end it was worth it!! Thinking of you on this next journey - xoxoReplyDelete
How exciting!!! Congratulations! I had a feeling when you said you had some other good news that it would be about your long wait on the house.ReplyDelete
Fuck yeah! This is awesome. 2012 has been and will continue to be a crazy year for you, huh? Congratulations, lil family.ReplyDelete
Congratulations to you and marlowe and your first house! How exciting! If I am grateful for anything it would definitely be for my family. They have really made life as a single parent easier. I do have dreams of having my own home someday with a garden and a big backyard for my son to play in. It is always refreshing to read your blog knowing that you are a single mom yourself and that it is hard, but it is still an amazing life. So happy for you both!ReplyDelete
Wow! That makes me so happy! I don't know you, just through this blog, I've followed you since I think around when my daughter was born (she was born in jan 11, similar age as Marlowe, that's why I started following u) but I'm so happy for you!ReplyDelete
This is the first time I comment. I wish you all the best! You deserve this!
A hug from the other side of the planet:-)
-Elisabeth from Norway
Yes! That's awesome! I can't wait to see all your home decor posts!! We just moved this month too so now more than ever I am so interested in seeing like-minded mamas' homes so I can get some good ideas :) I am so happy for you, you deserve it all! xxReplyDelete
Dude, if I had a daughter as inspiring as you, I'd gladly offer a down paymeny for a house. No question about it. I can't wait to see how things unfold for you and M! How soon are you guys going to get to move?!ReplyDelete
I just started reading your blog over the weekend and i'm so happy for you!ReplyDelete
Like! Like! Like! Very happy for you and your sweet girl.ReplyDelete
~Krystal ( a mama reader from Cali ;> )
I AM SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!!! What wonderful news!!!! Its so much better to be a home owner than a renter, you actually save money in the long run also it feels good to just own something ya know :-)ReplyDelete
That is so great! I'm so happy for you and Marlowe :) Isn't it great when the universe gives you exactly what you want? Looking forward to some decorating posts!ReplyDelete
That is so great! I'm so happy for you and Marlowe :) Isn't it great when the universe gives you exactly what you want? Looking forward to some decorating posts!ReplyDelete
Congratulations!!!!! I'm so happy for you two!ReplyDelete
This is so exciting! Congratulations to you guys! :)ReplyDelete
Such wonderful news! Can't wait to see pictures of your new home.ReplyDelete
that's so cool! congrats!ReplyDelete
such amazing news!!! i love how you've decorated your current house and can't wait to see how awesome the new one looks. what perfect timing for it all to work out...right at the end of your big trip. congrats!!ReplyDelete
drea! soooo happy for you two. cannot wait to see what you do with the space.ReplyDelete
You are just too cute :) I am so very happy for you and Marlowe. It has been great following your blog and seeing all the good things happen for you. It is true that being positive can only bring amazing things!ReplyDelete
congrats! can't wait to see the new place. enjoy it!!!ReplyDelete
Congratulations! That is so exciting. I can't wait to see the awesome things you will do with your new place.ReplyDelete
My husbands parents/family have been very generous in helping us with houses also...yes our first house...which we sold AND our second. Their family is very collectivist. We would do ANYTHING to help them also. My in-laws are wonderful and could even move in with me if they wanted. It's great to have family help out...and I can certainly identify that most people won't understand that kind of generosity.
Yay, Yay yay! go you! great news.ReplyDelete
Congratulation!!!:) I love reading your blog! Wish you all the best for this new year.ReplyDelete
You made me inspired.ReplyDelete
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^^ I laugh every time I see your username.
This will TOTALLY work, saw a guy on YouTube do it
Yeah sand is the ultimate backstop as far as I'm concerned. The only range I've been to has a sand/dirt burm about 20 feet high and at least 15 feet thick.
Any more suggestions/options?
God is good.
With the current ammo shortages and prices when I can find it, I bought my son and I a pair of 2400KT Crosman custom shop CO2 rifles this spring. We got 18" .177 barrels on ours and they are very accurate, and I love not having to pump it up! They both shoot in the 700fps range which is plenty for pest control. We shot them quite a bit this spring but the mosquitoes are terrible after the wet spring we had so we haven't been doing a lot of shooting the last month or so. Much cheaper than plinking with the .22's also even with the CO2 cartridges.
My tranny case is stock :D
Buzz, that's kind of one of the big reasons I want a high powered air rifle.. With today's world who knows what will happen to guns and ammo supply..may run out and never be replaced..
Pellets are cheap and easy to get. Pus you get a bunch when you do gets ammo.
God is good.
I figured I'd bring this thread back up and let you guys know that I'm planning on buying a Hatsan 95 in .177, a Plano hard case, a trigger lock, and 2000 rounds of Crossman Premier .177 cal hollow points. What do you guys think? Anyone hear anything about Hatsan? I've never heard of them before but they seem to be a pretty high quality brand. I don't think I need the case or the lock, especially since I'm the youngest and most inexperienced shooter in the house but you can never be too safe. Also... kind of a weird scenario... but suppose you ONLY had immediate access to a high powered air rifle during something like a home invasion? Would you threaten to use it hoping the intruder didn't know what he was looking at and knowing you almost definitely couldn't shoot to kill? I was thinking about this today after some creepy dudes showed up at my door wanting to "talk about business".
I tried keeping this thread going but not very many people stay in my threads for some reason...or my threads get deleted.
Never heard of them so not sure. Just do a lot of reading and you'll soon find out if they are good or not.
If you had quick access to an air rifle during a home invasion and it was dark, you would be ok.. Especially if it was black and looked like a .22. If you could load it fast enough you could threaten them with a fully loaded gun and you're not afraid to use it. If you had to, I'm sure you could do some damage to them.
My brother just received his high powered air rifle the other day and its actually pretty cool. It shoots really hard and sounds like a .22, almost..
God is good.
How well would the .177 hatsan air rifle compare to the Ruger Air Magnum?
I'm reading more and more bad reviews about the Ruger air magnum.. Shoots hard, heavy, hard recoil, etc..
I've read a handful reviews about the hatsan and I'm already liking it more.
God is good.
I did some digging and found this;
Hatsan Striker 1000S All Weather Black Synthetic Stock Combo Plus With Scope and Bi-pod .177 cal <---link
It has good reviews and all..I also like the looks and that it comes with both scope and bi-pod.
Also way cheaper!
God is good.
interesting thread finally read thru it, now you got me thinking I need a air rifle that ruger mag looks nice, wonder if they make any bolt action style ( I love bolt actions rifles )
Let's Go Steelers!!!... KCCO
I think an air rifle would be perfect for the zombie apocalypse. Toi can buy tons of ammo cheap and use it for small game, and zombies. Gunfire attracts zombies, but maybe not an air rifle.
If you visit Prepper forums, many of them have air rifles as a backup.
My Black & Blue Rally is faster than your color...
Timber, I too like bolt action rifles.
O.G., I would of never thought to use an air rifle for zombie. I like how you think. I will look at the Prepper forum.
And thanks! I appreciate it, alot!
I'm actually starting to like that Hatsan Model 95 gun..although I don't think it comes with an adjustable scope.
Last edited by ithrowstones; 07-27-2013 at 09:58 AM.
God is good.
Yeah there was something about the 95 that I liked better. I can't remember what it was though. I think it was when AirGunWeb said the stock of the 1000 sounded "hollow". If there's one thing I don't want in an air rifle, it's a hollow sounding gun. He also says the scope is usable but worth upgrading and the bipod is so bad that you shouldn't even waste your time thinking about using it.
Yeah I watched the review on the 1000S. I don't want a hollow sounding gun either.
As for the scope, I wouldn't expect much for an air gun. I would like a scope but that's just me.
I'm leaning more towards the hatsan 95 in .177 cal over the striker 1000S and the Ruger air magnum..
God is good.
Just a little update for me. I went to Cabelas today and picked up a Gamo Big Cat. That thing is SWEET!!! Kinda. First shot was just a dry shot and it was way louder than a .22 so I thought I'd have to return it because I'm shooting within 150 yards of some yuppie neighbors with little kids. Second shot with a pellet was nice and quiet. A little cheap sounding though with the subsonic ammo. The PBA ammo definitely shoots supersonic though and the crack of the pellet covers up the plastic sounding gun. I sighted in the scope somewhat at like 5 yards just to get it in the ballpark and tomorrow ill sight it in at 20 yards all the way. The scope seems to have a little plastic turnings in in though. After like 3 shots, I got a curly little black thing in my sight picture. It changes every shot... Sometimes going away completely. It doesn't cause a big problem but if it doesn't go away after 100 shots or so, I'll have to send it back.
I think your suppose to wait like 100-150 shots..if you sight i scope now, you'll just end up doing it again.
God is good.
BSA, Leaper's & others make a decent quality scope at the lower end of the price range.
Look out for the tree/crunch!
LiPo? Naw NITRO!!
My air rifle settled down and got more accurate after about 600 rounds. I'd buy the cheap ammo and shoot it up before expecting best results. I Gamo decided it liked RWS superdome 8.3 grain ammo the best so I bought a couple thousand pellets... that should last me for a while. I shot up Crosman forever until it got accurate.
You'll need to clean the bore before shooting. I use a .17 cal rod that's made for the .17HMR.
My Black & Blue Rally is faster than your color...
You especially need to clean it more often if you use lead pellets.
God is good.


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- Home
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- Departments & Offices L - Z
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- Georgia Transit Association
Georgia Transit Association
2010 State Legislative Agenda
New Transportation Revenue Sources
Over the past two years the Georgia Transit Association (GTA) has worked closely with others in the business, transportation, environmental, and local government communities to convey the urgent need for Georgia to create a new, coherent, and consistent transportation funding policy to promote economic development, environmental sustainability, air quality, and safety. Regrettably, while the 2009 General Assembly did enact legislation reforming the governance of transportation intended to economize the transportation funding process, no new sources of revenue were authorized.
GTA Principles
It is crucial that any new funding source for transportation be consistent with the following principles established by the Georgia Transit Association:
- The purpose (the use of the proceeds) should include all modes of transportation, including transit
- Allow for funding of transit operations
- Supplement, not replace, existing funding
- Provide flexibility for regions of the state to address their transportation needs and provide for a fair return on investment in those regions
Critical Need for Funding
The need for funding of transit operations remains critical because Georgia is still one of nine states - and the only one of the 10 most populous - that does not partner with local and federal governments to support the operation of public transportation systems.
While Georgia's transit buses and vans travel on a road system supported by the motor fuel tax, local transit systems do not have access to such dedicated revenues. They must rely on local government operating subsidies, which typically are provided through local property taxes or general funds.
Funding Measures
The 2009 General Assembly saw the introduction of two separate transportation funding measures - SB 39/SR 44 and HB 277/HR 206, which remain eligible for consideration in 2010.
The Senate Approach
SB 39/SR 44, the Senate (regional) approach, allows voters to create a new transportation funding source through a one-cent sales tax levied at the county or regional level.
This legislation allows for funds to be used for all modes of transportation, including transit operations; is flexible on a sunset date; provides for local / regional selection of transportation projects and purposes to be funded; and creates a dual system whereby the Atlanta region is pre-defined for purposes of levying the sales tax but individual counties or self-selected regions of counties and cities may form outside metro Atlanta and implement the tax.
The House Approach
HB 277/HR 206, the House approach (statewide), would allow voters to create a new transportation funding source through a statewide one-cent sales tax. The legislation contains a list of individual geographically specific transportation projects, including transit, to be funded; specifies a 10-year sunset; and potentially includes funding for maintenance and operations of some transit systems, but not for rural transit or a large number of urban systems.
GTA's Position
In addition to establishing the principles for new transportation funding listed above, GTA has adopted a position "Supporting a transportation funding bill which provides local and regional control over transportation expenditures and addresses all facets of transit needs statewide. Currently GTA is more comfortable with the 'regional' approach, but it is open to consideration of alternative bills which meet these criteria."


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Risks is the TUC's weekly online bulletin for safety reps and others, read each week by over 18,000 subscribers and 1,500 on the TUC website. To receive this bulletin every week, click here. Past issues are available. This edition contains Useful links TUC courses for safety reps Disclaimer and Privacy
Editor: Rory O'Neill of Hazards magazine. Comments to the TUC at [email protected]
Union News
Network Rail suppressed injury figures
Over a third of lost time injuries to workers within Network Rail and its contractor companies over the past five years have not been reported as required by law, an investigation has found. The probe by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB), a not-for-profit company owned by major industry stakeholders, came after unions warned that the rail giant had 'rigged' its injury figures to meet performance targets (Risks 467). RSSB found the under-reporting occurred because of pressure - and in some cases fear - felt by Network Rail staff and contractors if they reported accidents or incidents. Network Rail conceded the report had found a 'significant' under-reporting of 'around 34 per cent' of the 'over three day injuries' which must be reported by law under the RIDDOR workplace injury and disease reporting regulations. RSSB criticised a Network Rail safety system linking safety targets, league tables and contractual requirements to the number of reported lost time injuries. Other factors, including a punitive attendance policy, were also blamed. The RSSB report estimates 500 to 600 RIDDOR lost time injuries - a third of the total - may not have been reported by Network Rail infrastructure projects and maintenance over the five years from 2005/06 to 2009/10. In confidential interviews, many managers and staff said Network Rail was not a company where an open and active dialogue could be held about accidents, incidents or safety concerns without fear of reprisals. Contractors believed they would be less likely to be selected for work if they reported a lost time injury. Standing down workers without pay during the course of accident investigations was also identified as a disincentive to injury reporting.
- RSSB RIDDOR review webpage, news release [pdf] and full report [pdf]. Network Rail news release. Construction Enquirer. BBC News Online. The Guardian.
Unions held 'rotten' Network Rail to account
A culture of fear in Network Rail that led to routine under-reporting of workplace injuries came to light as a direct result of union scrutiny. Network Rail only agreed to the independent review by the Rail Safety and Standards Board (RSSB) after unions exposed a management culture in the company that had led to target-chasing managers being unwilling to report injuries (Risks 477), and to workers and contractors fearing reprisals if they made reports (Risks 467). Unite national officer Bob Rixham commented: 'The review exposes a rotten safety culture where rail staff and contractors were under pressure not to report accidents - in some cases staff were even fearful of reporting accidents. It's scandalous that directors shared £2.7 million in bonuses in 2010. Behind the statistics are real people who have been injured at work.' RMT general secretary Bob Crow said: 'This important report confirms what RMT have been warning of for a number of years - that the commercialisation of our rail infrastructure has created a climate where business-led targets have overridden safety reporting leading to up to 40 per cent of injuries not being reported.' He added: 'The report also makes clear than in the kind of cuts led environment that has dogged Network Rail in recent years bullying and corner cutting are rife with potentially dire consequences.' TSSA general secretary Gerry Doherty accused the industry-funded RSSB of 'pulling its punches' by only saying there was an 'indirect linkage' between under-reporting and bonus payments to managers. Commenting on this 'perverse verdict', he said: 'If this isn't a white-wash, it certainly qualifies as a grey-wash. Regardless of the fact that the report pulls it punches when it comes to directors bonuses, Network Rail would be very unwise to pay those vast bonuses this year. They ignored ministerial warnings last year and awarded themselves payments as high as £600,000. They should cancel that gravy train immediately.'
Over-stretched social workers facing burnout
UNISON has accused employers of exploiting social workers' commitment to their clients by making them do unpaid hours to fill the void left by staffing shortages. In a bid to address widespread burnout in social workers, the union and Community Care magazine have developed 'The social work contract', which includes a demand for social workers to get TOIL (time off in lieu) or pay for working overtime. They have written to key stakeholders in social work, including ministers and MPs, calling on them to support the campaign. They are also seeking public support for an online petition backing the contract. UNISON points to a recent survey showing nearly two-thirds (64 per cent) of social workers worked extra hours. Another found 39 per cent said they had to work additional hours at short notice either most days or every week. Helga Pile, UNISON national officer for social work, said: 'Heavy caseloads and high vacancy rates mean many social workers have little choice but to work late. And the stats back it up - 64 per cent work extra hours. It's not as if they can say 'sorry, I've got to go', when it hits five o'clock if a vulnerable child is depending on them.' She warned 'social workers can't keep picking up the slack. This constant overloading is not sustainable. Lots of people in the profession are facing burnout. They are hit with the impossible dilemma of trying to balance their heavy workload, with the needs of their own families. Many simply give up on the idea of having a life of their own. If they have to work extra hours, social workers should be paid or given time off in lieu. This will force employers to stop exploiting their goodwill, and start managing workloads properly.'
Safety reps expose Tube staffing dangers
Tube union RMT has called for an official investigation into safety breaches on London Underground after the union's safety reps revealed stations along the Central Line have been left unstaffed due to cuts-led staff shortages. The union says the news, 'coming just a week after a brutal assault at unstaffed West Finchley station, nails the lie, repeated by Mayor Boris Johnson and his senior officials on a regular basis that 'no station will be left unstaffed at any time' as a result of their cuts.' Union safety reps reported that on the night of 23 January Buckhurst Hill, Theydon Bois, Debden, Chigwell and North Acton stations were all left unstaffed. 'In a flagrant breach of safety regulations, both North Acton and Debden were left without any supervisory cover even though they have pointwork within the stations that is required to be under the watch of the station supervisor at all times,' the union said. RMT general secretary Bob Crow said new rosters, to be introduced in a fortnight, plan for nearly a third of stations to be unstaffed for a part of the working day. 'Leaving stations with pointwork unstaffed just ratchets up the safety risk a few notches and is the most flagrant breach of regulations, it requires an urgent intervention for the ORR [Office of Rail Regulation] to stop this reckless gamble with safety from becoming institutionalised,' he said.
Unions demand protection for detained crew
A maritime union has raised renewed concerns over the safety and welfare of crew on board a Panama-registered cargo ship, which has been detained in the UK since November last year. Ship inspector Tommy Molloy from the union Nautilus is pressing the authorities to ensure there is appropriate care and protection for the mixed nationality seafarers onboard the Most Sky. He claims they have effectively been abandoned by the ship's Turkish owners. Molloy intervened last November to recover owed wages and secure repatriation for eight crew members on the ship, following its detention by the Maritime and Coastguard Agency in the port of Birkenhead. The vessel was detained as a result of problems including a failure to maintain adequately the ship and equipment, unsigned rest records, no heating, dirty crew showers and toilets and out of date lifejacket lights. Molloy said two of the crew members have required hospital treatment; another pointed out moisture running down the bulkhead to his bunk. 'His bed and bedding were sodden,' he said. 'The plight of the crew raises broad questions about who is actually responsible for the well-being of the crew when a vessel is detained due to the glaring lack of responsibility shown by the owner.' The Nautilus inspector added: 'The onus seems to fall on agencies here in the UK when a ship arrives in one of our ports in such an appalling condition, whereas I believe the flag state should be taking more responsibility.'
Union calls for talks on piracy
Maritime union Nautilus is seeking a meeting with UK government ministers after new evidence revealed the piracy threat to ships and seafarers is worse than ever before. The call comes after the International Maritime Bureau reported more people were taken hostage at sea in 2010 than in any year on record. Pirates captured 1,181 seafarers and killed eight during the year, and a total of 53 ships were hijacked. The number of pirate attacks against ships has risen every year for the last four years, the IMB revealed. Ships reported 445 attacks in 2010, up 10 per cent from 2009. While 188 crew members were taken hostage in 2006, 1,050 were taken in 2009 and 1,181 in 2010. Somali pirates are becoming more aggressive, navy and security experts have also warned, and are using captured merchant vessels and their crews as 'motherships' to extend the range of their operations. Nautilus general secretary Mark Dickinson has written to UK Africa minister Henry Bellingham to voice concern about the 'deeply disturbing' developments. He said Nautilus is particularly concerned about the potential impact of defence expenditure reductions on the already limited ability of naval forces to protect merchant ships and their crews in the expanding danger area. 'I believe that it is important for the Foreign Office to reconvene discussions on these issues and to consider further initiatives that could be pursued to ameliorate the increasing threat to merchant ships and their crews,' he added.
Safety improvements follow compo case
A factory worker whose hand was dragged into a machine and crushed has received £300,000 in compensation. Unite member Wayne Miller, 48, has been left permanently incapacitated after suffering the injury at paper manufacturer James Cropper Plc in Kendal. He was attempting to fix a machine when his sleeve was caught in its workings, dragging in his hand and arm. He suffered serious crush and burn injuries to his left hand and forearm and needed a skin graft from his hip. There was no safe working practice written for the adjustment of the part of the machinery, and two injuries had occurred previously on a similar machine. There were no emergency stop buttons nearby so Mr Miller had to wait until a colleague ran downstairs to the control cabin to switch it off. Mr Miller has been able to return to work but due to his disability has had to take a less well paid job. James Cropper Plc admitted liability in a union-backed compensation case and agreed the £300,000 payment out of court. Since the incident, the firm has installed more emergency stop buttons on the machine and has implemented other safety measures. Mr Miller said one reason he pursued a compensation claim was 'to make sure my employers learnt from my accident. There had been two similar accidents in the factory but the machine I was using was not included in any health and safety changes. If they had, maybe my injury could have been avoided.' Unite regional secretary Davey Hall commented: 'When accidents like this happen, employees may not think of making a compensation claim. But as this case shows, making a claim can help to bring about important and much needed safety changes in the workplace.'
Injury costs print worker his job
A printers' assistant was left unemployed after suffering a workplace arm injury that resulted in permanent pain and a loss of function in the limb. Unite member Peter Fill, 54, received £115,000 in compensation four years after the incident at Mackays of Chatham. In January 2006, he was trying to lift a stack of six metal cages when they got caught, causing tennis elbow. Despite his arm swelling up and needing to be strapped Mr Fill attempted to carry on with his work until June that year because he thought his condition would improve. But when the pain became so bad it started to affect his driving, he decided to seek medical attention. He was diagnosed with chronic regional pain syndrome and has been told he is likely to suffer from limited use of the arm for the rest of his life. Faced with a union backed compensation claim, Mackays of Chatham admitted liability and agreed the six figure settlement out of court. Mr Fill said: 'This accident has left me unable to work. On a bad day I can't even shave because of the pain. I'm still looking for a job but it is difficult because I am limited in what I am able to do.' Unite acting regional secretary John Rowse commented: 'This member was exposed to unsafe practices at work and as a result is suffering from an injury which seriously limits the type of work he can do in the future. Not forgetting the impact of living with chronic pain and the difficulties caused by having restricted use of his dominant arm.'
Shredded arm ended work hopes
A West Midlands factory quality inspector whose arm was shredded by a circular saw was forced to take more than three years off work before retiring earlier than he had hoped. GMB member Sarwan Singh Bains needed three operations after the saw cut through his right arm at Caparo Precision Tubes in Oldbury in October 2006. It caused extensive damage to his tendons, muscles and nerves. The arm was so badly injured Mr Bains has been left with very little function and is now unable to work. Mr Bains, 65, was carrying out a quality inspection on the circular saw when the safety guard failed and it sliced into his arm. 'It was horrific,' he said. 'The saw sliced through all of my tendons before it was stopped. I was terrified I was going to lose my arm and as it is I have been left with little use in my dominant arm which has had an effect on my quality of life and forced me to give up work much earlier than I had originally planned.' Russell Farrington from the GMB said: 'Mr Bains has suffered massively because his employers failed to ensure he was working with safe equipment. He should never have been put in that dangerous position.' Celena Chester from Thompsons Solicitors, the law firm brought in by the union to handle the compensation case, said: 'Mr Bains' employer had dangerous equipment. There should have been a thorough inspection programme to pick up and rectify potential faults but instead Mr Bains was exposed to a trap.' Mr Bains received an undisclosed compensation payout.
Caterpillar worker's died of asbestos cancer
The family of a Unite member has received compensation after he died from an asbestos related cancer. Denis Aspin was 64 when he died from mesothelioma in November 2008. He left behind his wife, Diane, his daughter and four stepchildren. Mr Aspin was exposed to asbestos at Caterpillar UK's Desford factory, where he was employed as an assembler from 1979 until 2008 when he took voluntary redundancy. He worked in a warehouse alongside the maintenance department, where asbestos was used. Asbestos was also present in the heating system. Before his death, concerns for his family prompted him to start a union-backed compensation claim against Caterpillar UK. His autistic stepdaughter, Nicky, 35, needs round the clock care and his daughter Yvette is at university. Following his death, his widow Diane continued his claim, which resulted in an undisclosed out of court settlement. She said: 'Denis decided to pursue compensation as he was worried about how we would cope financially. We have one daughter at university and another who is severely autistic and relies on 24-hour care. This compensation will allow us to ensure that their needs are provided for but no amount of money will ever make up for my husband's death.' Adrian Axtel from Unite said: 'The union willingly supported Mrs Aspin in her claim for compensation. Sadly mesothelioma is a disease which affects many of our members who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace but were never warned of the dangers or protected by the employer.'
Other news
Government ignores fitness test promises
A government claim that the 'vast majority' of Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) claimants should not be receiving the benefit, contradicts the evidence and its own admissions just two months ago, the TUC has charged. The government said official statistics show most ESA claimants are either being found fit for work after undergoing a Work Capability Assessment or stop their claim before they complete the application process. It added that this demonstrates 'why ministers are determined to reform the welfare system' and to reassess all those currently receiving the 'old style incapacity benefit.' Employment minister Chris Grayling: 'We are determined to get the medical assessment right and provide the necessary help for those that need it, however these figures show just how many people are found to be fit for work and not entitled to ESA.' The government said its figures, based on an assessment system that was found to be seriously flawed two months ago by the government-commissioned Harrington review (Risks 485), showed 39 per cent of claimants were 'fit for work' and a further 39 per cent did not complete their claims. TUC's Richard Exell said the government's plans did not sit well with the findings of the Harrington review. 'This said that 'there is strong evidence that the system can be impersonal and mechanistic', that Jobcentre Plus advisers 'often do not have or do not appropriately consider additional evidence submitted to support a claim for Employment and Support Allowance' and that 'some of the descriptors used in the assessment may not adequately measure or reflect the full impact of such conditions on the individual's capability for work'.' He added: 'At the time the Secretary of State not only welcomed Prof Harrington's report, he went out of his way to say that the government 'fully endorsed' its recommendations. Now, just two months later, the DWP uses results from the same test to justify their plans. The government should call a moratorium on extending the WCA to existing Incapacity Benefit claimants until the recommendations of the Harrison review have been implemented.'
Four killed at Norfolk factory
Four men have been killed at a Norfolk factory when a steel structure they were working on four metres underground collapsed on top of them. The men had been working at the site of offshore engineering company Claxton Engineering Services Limited in Great Yarmouth, Norfolk. Building work was being carried out by external contractors at the premises when the incident occurred at around 2pm on Friday 21 January, the firm said. The victims have been named as Dan Hazelton, 30, and his brother Tom Hazelton, 26, Peter Johnson, 42, and Adam Taylor, 28. In a statement, the company said: 'Everybody at Claxton is deeply saddened by what has occurred... and the company's thoughts and sympathy are with the families of the four men.' All four were working for groundwork contractor Hazegood Construction. Early reports suggested that a steel structure may have collapsed on the men as foundation works were carried out. A joint inquiry was launched by Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team with the Health and Safety Executive (HSE). Police said the investigation was likely to last several weeks. Labour MEP for the East of England Richard Howitt said the tragedy was 'a deadly example of why plans to lift health and safety protection should be halted.' Mr Howitt said that every effort should be made to investigate whether any criminal negligence led to the deaths 'rather than seeking to dilute the law by which such prosecutions are mounted.' He added: 'If there is any evidence of criminal negligence, those responsible must be held to account.' UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie said: 'Sadly it is likely that fatalities will increase as a result of cuts in the HSE.'
- Norfolk Constabulary news release. Claxton Engineering news release. Morning Star. Construction Enquirer. BBC News Online. Great Yarmouth Mercury. Daily Mirror.
Violent incidents at work up
The number of incidents of workplace violence increased last year, although the number of victims fell, official statistics show. The discrepancy is explained by an increase in the number of victims who experienced multiple violent incidents, the Health and Safety Executive analysis of British Crime Survey statistics for 2009/10 found. The latest stats show approximately 318,000 workers experienced at least one incident of violence at work last year, compared to an estimated 327,000 workers in 2008/09. There were an estimated 677,000 incidents of violence at work in 2009/10, up 8 per cent on the previous year. This new figures are made up of 310,000 assaults and 366,000 threats. Respondents in the protective service occupations, for example police officers, were most at risk of violence at work, with 9 per cent having experienced one or more incidents of actual or threatened violence while working during the year prior to their interview. Others at risk included health professionals, at 3.8 per cent, and health and social welfare associate professionals, with 2.6 per cent. Overall, 1.4 per cent of women and 1.5 per cent of men were victims of violence at work once or more during the year prior to their interview. An estimated 43 per cent of all people assaulted or threatened at work were repeat victims in 2009/10, an increase from 36 per cent in 2008/09.
- Violence at work: Findings from the 2009/10 British Crime Survey, HSE, January 2011 [pdf].
Olympic authority rejects casual working
The Olympic Delivery Authority has confirmed workers on the 2012 project will continue to be directly employed and as a consequence will receive full employment rights. Construction union UCATT said the clarification came after it was forced to write to ODA, in the wake of a call from the employment agencies lobby group, the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC), for a 'flexible workforce' on the project. UCATT said the existing rules requiring direct employment have helped to ensure 'there is a very low accident rate on the Olympic Park and levels of security are very high on what is a high profile project.' UCATT general secretary Alan Ritchie said: 'It is very important that the ODA have rebuffed any suggestion that casualised employment practices will be allowed on the Olympics in the final months of the project. The directly employment rules have ensured that workers have not been exploited, accident levels are low and the project will be completed on time. It is highly regrettable that REC have sought to diminish these achievements.' Mr Ritchie added: 'Rather than talking about flexibility, it is important that the government and the major construction contractors learn lessons from the Olympic Park project. By treating workers properly and not denying them standard employment rights, construction projects can be delivered, fairly, safely, on time and on budget.'
Property firm ignored safe work order
A property company in Aberystwyth has been fined for criminal safety breaches after putting its workers at risk and then ignoring an order to improve safety. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) issued a prohibition notice to Merlin Homes (Wales) Ltd on 12 February 2010 to stop work immediately behind a housing development in the town, as there was a risk an earth bank behind the properties could collapse. However, despite the prohibition notice, Aberystwyth Magistrates' Court heard that HSE had found the company at work behind the site, failing to act upon the enforcement notice. The company pleaded guilty to contravening the prohibition imposed by HSE by allowing people to work in a prohibited area. It was fined £10,000 and ordered to pay £7,700 costs. After sentencing, HSE inspector Philip Nicolle said: 'Having received a prohibition notice the company should have followed procedures and put correct working practices in place. But they ignored this binding legal order and continued putting contractors at risk from falling or dislodged materials in full knowledge of the potential dangers.' He added: 'This is clearly unacceptable and companies should be aware that ignoring enforcement notices and putting workers at serious risk will see them in court.'
Poor management cost worker his leg
A construction manager in charge of a refurbishment job where a worker suffered such severe leg injuries the limb had to be amputated had no health and safety training, a court has heard. City of London Magistrates Court was told that on 12 November 2007, Howper 291 Ltd (formally known as Urang Ltd), was refurbishing a domestic property in South Kensington. Lukasz Taborek, 23, was working on the first floor when it collapsed. He fell more than three metres to the floor below and falling materials then pinned him to the floor. His right foot was completely crushed and veins and his calf muscles had to be surgically removed. His lower right leg was eventually amputated. Urang Ltd, the firm contracted to manage the refurbishment, had assigned a project manager with no health and safety training. She visited the site for two hours every other day. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), which brought the prosecution, she did not give the project the adequate supervision required and by her own admission was not trained in construction, nor was her manager experienced in construction. The first floor was incorrectly built by subcontractors, who had left the site a month prior to the incident. Concerns regarding the general safety and tidiness on site had also been raised on more than one occasion by the architect. HSE inspector Peter Collingwood said: 'This incident was entirely preventable. Had there been adequate management and supervision of the site, this terrible incident could have been avoided. This highlights the need for competent supervision to be present on site, so that any significant risks can be managed and controlled effectively.' Howper 291 Ltd pleaded guilty to a criminal safety breach and was fined £10,000 plus costs of £4,172.
International News
Australia: Court backs victimised safety rep
Australian shipping giant Patrick Stevedoring has been fined Aus$180,000 (£112,600) after it was found guilty of discriminating against a union safety rep who raised safety concerns. The worker, an experienced stevedore and an elected health and safety representative with the docks union MUA, raised concerns about the safety of a new basket-lifting technique on three occasions in 2007. He was subsequently threatened by a manager, then disciplined. In sentencing in the case brought by the official safety watchdog WorkSafe, magistrate Rosemary Carlin pointed to 'serious instances of discriminating behaviour' and the need to deter other employers from discriminating against their workers. Ged Kearney, president of the national union federation ACTU, said: 'Health and safety reps are democratically elected volunteers who play an essential role in protecting their workmates. Their presence is often a key factor in the OHS [occupational health and safety] performance of a workplace. They are often the first to raise the alarm about unsafe practices and they must in turn be protected from intimidation or discrimination by their employers.' She added: 'This ruling against Patrick should be a wake-up call to all Australian employers, who often behave with impunity, and we call on all regulators around Australia to more vigorously prosecute employers who discriminate against health and safety reps.' Kevin Bracken, Victoria state secretary of MUA, said: 'Our concerns over safety are absolutely legitimate - as are our concerns over a management culture that would enable this sort of discrimination of an OHS representative. Management have little respect for their workers, so little they're willing to compromise on safety and put lives at risk. This is not sustainable and Patrick must take action to redress this culture of intimidation."
Europe: Work hazards vary for men and women
The physical hazards facing men and women at work differ, a European survey has found. The 5th European Working Conditions Survey, undertaken by the Dublin-based think tank Eurofound, found a third of men (33 per cent) were exposed to vibration at work, but just one in 10 (10 per cent) of women worked with vibrating tools or machinery. The survey also found men (42 per cent) were far more likely than women (24 per cent) to be required to carry heavy loads. However, almost three times the number of women (13 per cent compared to 5 per cent) were required to lift or move people as part of their work. Similar proportions of men and women work in tiring positions (48 per cent and 45 per cent respectively), or make repetitive hand and arm movements (64 per cent and 63 per cent), which are also the most common physical hazards. The survey found the proportion of European workers exposed to physical hazards had not dropped in 20 years.
- Eurofound summaries on gender differences and physical hazards.
USA: Obama regurgitates the 'safety burdens' myth
Safety experts and campaigners have condemned an assault on safety regulation launched last week by US president Barack Obama. An 18 January memo, 'Regulatory flexibility, small business, and job creation,' lays out an agenda for reducing the 'burdens', including safety rules, which put 'excessive and unjustified burdens on small businesses.' The move comes despite a considerable body of evidence showing the benefits of regulation to business, and revealing the anti-regulation argument put forward by the business lobby in both the US and UK 'relies on inflating its estimates of the costs of regulation and ignoring the human and economic costs of health and safety failures' (Risks 482). The president's business-friendly strategy earned a stinging rebuke from critics including University of Maryland law professor Rena Steinzor (Risks 482). She points to the deaths last year of 11 workers killed in the Deepwater Horizon disaster, the 29 workers whose lives were extinguished at the Big Branch mine, and 'the uncounted tens of thousands of others who were given cancer by airborne toxics at work or in the neighbourhood.' Steinzor concludes: 'As for the argument that we need to loosen regulation in order to create jobs, the believers in this superficially appealing bit of dogma have yet to cite research showing that regulations are slowing the economic recovery. They just serve up the assertion, in part to distract us from the hard reality that it was deregulatory fervour that got us into this mess in the first place. And while President Obama may not accept it, he's apparently willing to let the debate be conducted in those terms.' Some critics suggest the president, with an eye to the polls, is suffering first term jitters. When President Clinton saw his numbers falling in his first term, he also started to court the business lobby and was subsequently elected to a second term.
- Presidential Memoranda - Regulatory Flexibility, Small Business, and Job Creation, The White House, 18 January 2011 and related factsheet. Center for Progressive Reform. In These Times. Citizenvox.
USA: Contaminated work site caused nerve damage
A long-delayed state health department report on a 2006 incident at an Alaska military base has concluded an unknown volatile chemical was the probable cause of the serious nerve damage that afflicted several construction workers. At least four workers at the Fort Wainwright base were permanently disabled and are still seeking compensation for medical bills. More than 30 construction workers were hospitalised after exposure to the chemical in Aircraft Maintenance Hangar No.6. When the workers broke through a cap covering a black, oily substance they were immediately afflicted by nausea, headaches, and a host of other symptoms. The report by the Alaska Department of Health and Social Services entitled 'Chemical exposure incident at the Hangar 6 construction site June 29th and 30th, 2006' is still to be finalised. Jeff Ruch, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER), said: 'The casualties at Hangar 6 were utterly avoidable.' He added: 'The original negligence at the base, however, has been compounded by government health authorities who have dawdled so long that it appears to be a deliberate decision to render any review irrelevant by the passage of time.'
Events and Courses
TUC courses for safety reps
Useful Links
- Visit the TUC www.tuc.org.uk/h_and_s website pages on health and safety. See what's on offer from TUC Publications and What's On in health and safety.
- Subscribe to Hazards magazine, supported by the TUC as a key source of information for union safety reps.
- What's new in the HSC/E and the European Agency.
- HSE Books, PO Box 1999, Sudbury, Suffolk CO10 2WA. Tel: 01787 881165; fax: 01787 313995
Issued: 28 January, 2011


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Located in the Schwabing-West district, these stylish apartments are just 1.9 miles from the Munich Olympic Stadium. It offers spacious, self-catering accommodation with free WiFi access. Decorated in neutral colours, Business Suiten features bright apartments with contemporary furnishings. Each is complete with a separate bedroom, living area with a flat-screen TV and a modern bathroom. Every apartment at Business Suiten has a fully equipped kitchen, which is ideal for preparing home-cooked meals. There are many grocery shops, cafés and restaurants within 2,297 feet of the property. Nearby attractions include BMW Museum (2.2 miles), Alte Pinakothek and Neue Pinakothek Art Galleries (1.6 miles) and the English Gardens (2.2 miles). Munich International Airport is a 25-minute drive from Business Suiten.