text:
Town Square
Lee Duboc: Time for action at the ballot box
Original post made by Messenger, another community, on Feb 22, 2009
Fellow Residents,
In private sector America, the economy is tumbling, but in public-sector America things just get better and better.
"The common presumption is that public servants forgo high wages in exchange for safe jobs and benefits. The reality is they get all three. State and local government workers get paid an average of $25.30 an hour, which is 33% higher than the private sector's $19, according to Bureau of Labor Statistics data. Throw in pensions and other benefits and the gap widens to 42%." Web Link
Witness Menlo Park. We have just given a raise to 8 police sergeants that will cost taxpayers a total of $1 million in 2 years, and last month we increased benefits for rank and file employees by 35%. And other cities in the county will adjust upward to compete with us.
We hear the argument that there is nothing we alone can do to stem the upward spiral of employee costs. Wrong. Once Menlo Park does something, other cities will follow suit. We can be a model.
However "doing something" will not be easy.
In our area, the Unions are hugely powerful and neither elected officials nor staff-- who are interested in politics or advancement, respectively--want to antagonize them. There is only one way to unwind the upward spiral in Menlo Park. Taxpayers must pass a local ballot initiative, as has been done in San Diego and Orange County. This "movement" is moving northward since Pacific Grove recently passed an advisory measure in hopes of getting its local electeds to stop the madness
To prime the pump, I will list 3 ballot initiative ideas that have been suggested to me:
1. Increase the retirement age for new Menlo Park employees from 55 to 60 or 65. (Other cities in San Mateo County have introduced 2-tier systems.)
2. Contract out services traditionally performed by City employees if doing so is determined to be more economical and efficient while maintaining the quality of services and protecting the public interest. (That was passed in San Diego)
3. Require voter approval before the City Council and staff are allowed to increase spending on aggregate employee salaries and benefits. (In other words, any individual increases must be offset by reductions in staff or other employee cost-saving measures.)
Let me know which, if any, of these ideas you think has merit and what other ideas you have. (Email firstname.lastname@example.com)
Thanks, Lee Duboc
Past emails are available at Web Link
Comments (64)
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Feb 23, 2009 at 8:15 am
Let me suggest Lee that you personally lead the charge to get Tim Sheeper to re-negotiate the lease of the City's 8 million dollar pool, which you Winkler and Jellins signed on a no-bid basis and which should have resulted in at least $250,000 per year in revenue to the City.
You were booted out of office which is where you should stay. On fiscal matters you have shown yourself to have no credibility.
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Feb 23, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Good one, Observer - I second your motion!
a resident of Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Feb 23, 2009 at 3:49 pm
"Observer" and "Now That's a good idea!" have no clue what they are talking about, and again post no real data, and in fact present the wrong data. "no-bid basis" actually means that the council at that time tried, and no one else stepped forward, that is public record. I'm not sure where the $250K came from, sounds like some figment of "Observer's elementary math education. No such figure exists, it's fake, and no one knows what it could have been if anyone else had stepped forward. Leave Sheeper and the pool alone, it's the one great thing about Menlo Park. It's much better than the abandon car dealerships, abandon theater, 30% pay hikes for the police, remaining status quo to underwrite the children center, being over $3M in the red, and the list goes on, and on, and on, and on. The way you two have made Lee to be this awful person is a joke. She is a fantastic "community organizer" that sees problems, and suggests solutions. She's also very bright, very articulate and a great person overall. Please go way you two, please!
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Feb 23, 2009 at 6:29 pm
The car dealerships were abandoned during the time Lee was on the council, and Tim Sheeper was quoted as offering to pay rent. "No one stepped forward" because the operation was never put out to bid. Handing over the pool to Sheeper was a spur-of-the-moment decision that unsurprisingly upset many residents of Menlo Park.
I do agree that it's appropriate to use "Lee" and "joke" in the same sentence.
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Feb 23, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Last Laugh:
"Handing over the pool to Sheeper was a spur-of-the-moment decision"
Yes, it was done at the last minute, but it was hardly "spur-of-the-moment" - that was a cool, calculated move by the "Terrible Three" to get the pool privitized.
And, yes, money was definitely left-on-the-table in the deal - but at least the guy who benefited is generally acknowledeged as a "good guy" who likely hates how the whole deal went down back then and recognizes he was just a pawn in their game.
And as for Lee, I'd called her a "community rabble-rouser" instead. Someone needs to remind her that her last-place finish in the last election means MP voters want her to sit down and shut up, thank you!
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Feb 24, 2009 at 5:27 pm
Hey Geniuses "Last Laugh" and "Now That's A Good Idea", how 'bout you letting all of us know "who" would be a great public pool manager? We'll give you a week or so, to come up with some good possibilities. The two of you are so great at spinning the success the pool has been to this community, now it's YOUR turn to provide some alternative ideas. Lee Duboc came in last because the unions, that lost the pool, wouldn't have had it any other way. Too bad they lost the big prize, THE POOL! That is one thing that Lee can be very, very proud of, and just one of her successes!
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Feb 24, 2009 at 7:04 pm
The warped analysis of the pool "savings" reminds me of the joke about Sam, who saves $50 every day. How does he do it? There's a sign on the subway that says "$50 fine for spitting" and Sam doesn't spit!
There are many reasons Lee and Mickie came in last. The pool was just one of them. The city staff's report on local pools showed that almost all were making a profit or at least breaking even. No reason Menlo Park couldn't do the same. Too, the pool was under construction for years. It was very convenient for Lee and Mickie to suddenly realize, at the last minute, that Menlo Park couldn't afford to operate its new pool and to find an operator who would take it off their hands. The whole affair stunk of backroom dealing, the kind that was rampant during that council's term. The residents couldn't put up with it any more, and they cast their votes for other candidates.
Two of the candidates who were not supported by the union also got more votes than Lee and Mickie did; so much for the "evil union" theory!
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Feb 24, 2009 at 9:26 pm
Keep on trying "Last Laugh" it's not working. The pool is the BEST run, city owned, property. Period. Thank you LEE DUBOC and MICKIE WINKLER. Thank YOU "Last Laugh" for continually perpetuating a negative environment in this city! I really enjoy your creative ideas, your forward thinking and active volunteerism. NOT.
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Feb 24, 2009 at 10:42 pm
The point's never been about how the pool is run (and face facts, a monkey could make $$$ running it given how nice and multi-purpose a facility it is - all thanks to taxpayer funding, mind you).
The point is about the no-bid awarding of the contract that ends up short-changing taxpayers - and who forced that no-bid to happen? Why, DUBOC and WINKLER, along with their loyal sidekick Mr. Jellins! Don't you think that might just have had a tiny bit to do with them both getting CRUSHED in their re-election bid, losing to two virtual unknowns?
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Feb 25, 2009 at 6:16 pm
Lee, you make some good points. Now tell me why YOU didn't act that way when you were in office and had the chance with a 3-vote bloc all the way? How about getting up and doing something rather than harping on those who were elected to replace you? I am quite sure there are more productive ways than to issue venom.
I was one who watched the pool decision closely. Although I do agree that the pool is run very well, there was not a public bidding process and the city left money on the table. If you really think there was a public bidding process, please point to the public RFP that was issued. There wasn't one, was there?
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Feb 25, 2009 at 11:07 pm
"no bid awarding" - outright lie, and you know it, plus you were one of the ones that tried to stop it from day one, and offered NOTHING, other than trying to keep the unions in.
"...doing something rather than harping on those.....than to issue venom." - perhaps Lee is doing something slightly better than you, and your idiotic blog notes, you do NOTHING for this town, but take up blog space.
Nice Job "Huge Dorks", thanks for your creative suggestions and solutions!
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:28 am
Thanks for your thoughtful and informative comments, Huge Dorks.
We will take them under due consideration.
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Feb 26, 2009 at 9:36 am
Just when I was thinking that Lee & co had a lock on the Menlo Park brain trust!
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Feb 26, 2009 at 10:25 am
I rarely agree with Lee on any of her "expert advice"...but I do think she deserves a bit more respect than she is getting. She has put in years of volunteer time and is doing what she thinks is the right thing to do.
I disagree strongly with her style more than anything. It seems counterproductive and often petty, and the info in those letters can get lost because of that alone.
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Feb 26, 2009 at 10:59 am
The appropriately named "Huge Dorks" writes: "no bid awarding" - outright lie, and you know it, plus you were one of the ones that tried to stop it from day one, and offered NOTHING, other than trying to keep the unions in.
I am so tired of posters like Huge Dorks spouting utter nonsense and falsehoods. Look at the record HD -- there was NO BIDDING PROCESS. Here's a link that states some basic facts:
Web Link
Tim Sheeper approached the council Jan. 31. Four weeks later, the contract was ready for its inevitable approval by the Nickie Mickie & Lee Gang. Yet, you claim the "no-bid awarding" of the contract statement is an "outright lie." You should be ashamed of yourself for your dishonesty and/or recklessness in spouting off in ignorance.
And I'm also sick to death of the union-bashing that inevitably gets dumped on any thread mentioning city employees. This is the tactic of someone who has nothing honest or rational to offer.
a resident of Menlo Park: The Willows
on Feb 26, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Lee Duboc is right on, the public unions are out of control. They are extortionists wielding their cash to oust whoever opposes them. I would do anything I could to oppose any public union as they disgust me. They suck the cash out of all budgets. I have a friend who works for EMS in SF and the Fire/Police unions take the majority of the funds. I just hope there is something we can do to undermine the explosive growth of protectionist unions or this state is doomed.
a resident of Menlo Park: Fair Oaks
on Feb 26, 2009 at 12:57 pm
I agree with JJ Willows, and most certainly do not agree with several of the posts above JJ. Lee seems to be bringing all of us very good information, that is public, but has not been posted correctly or given any exposure. It is wrong, very, very wrong, for us to rubber stamp anything that our taxes are paying for, that make no sense. The recent pay increases, the unreal benefit opportunites that city employees receive, are so far out there, that I am literally falling on the floor. And, for the life of me, I don't know why more people like Lee are not speaking out??? City employee's benefits are not being cut, their pension is paid for, they are feeling no pain during this economic turmoil, and with OUR tax dollars I don't know who some of the people on this blog are protecting?? All of this information Lee gives us is Math 101, and it's posted in other areas, it's not like she is making any of this up! I heard there was a "town meeting" yesterday, that was well attended, that spoke about these issues. It sounds like something is going to happen with this active crew!
On a side note, No Dorks is pretty funny. I guess we need a little of that these days!
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Feb 26, 2009 at 1:04 pm
Lee is looking out for the Menlo Park taxpayer. I appreciate her work.
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Feb 26, 2009 at 1:59 pm
I obviously disagree with the assertion that union and employee costs get solved locally. I also disagree with city wide emails claiming more than $1M in deficits more than the city actually reported. I also disagree that Lee is "serving taxpayers", Lee is serving you, her rabid supporters. She is not serving me or the majority of this city who voted her down.
She is trying to lead a revolt, desperately clinging for a reason to be relevant. But she is serving some people, you for example. And she still deserves to be respected.
I just happen to think she is approaching this all wrong.
a resident of another community
on Feb 26, 2009 at 3:12 pm
First, "props" to Truth for your classy comments about respecting others with noble intentions regardless of whether or not you agree. Second, I don't know if Ms Duboc reads these blogs or not, but if she does, I do hope you find out who "messenger" aka "mole" is on your email list. Third, if you (Lee) do read this blog, then I do have some feedback for you on the three initiatives you asked about--I know you didn't ask me, but, what the heck, I'll share my opinion anyway.
1. Increase retirement age--makes some sense, but might be difficult
to implement for a myriad of legal reasons. We need actionable
solutions not wishful thinking.
2. Outsource city services - Also makes sense, and is quite doable
IF you have the resolve, and commitment to service levels from
the public-metrics. Private enterprise will deliver A for $X,
not A+n for $X, so public expectations need to be calibrated to
the contracted level of effort/scope of work.
3. Voter approval of salary increases - Not practical. That is why its
important to elect people to council who share your values and
who you can trust on this important issue.
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Feb 26, 2009 at 7:31 pm
Frankly, I don't think that it is Lee herself who authors these emails. It indicates an understanding that was lacking when she was speaking from the dais.
Anyway, she voted to refinance menlo park bonds from fixed rate to variable rate derivatives which are creating an economic problem for the city.
a resident of Menlo Park: South of Seminary/Vintage Oaks
on Feb 26, 2009 at 8:07 pm
My money's on Mickie as the author of those emails. Lee's not an idiot but she's not that smart.
It's real easy to criticize the leaders of the city from afar. It's much harder to effect change when you yourself are in the hot seat. Lee should know that, shouldn't she? She had four unfettered years to move our city ahead, and she and her cronies just couldn't seem to make progress -- and those were healthier economic times.
I expect that Lee is considering a run for council next year. I hope that she follows Steve Schmidt's lead, realizes how little support she has, and doesn't embarrass herself (again) in front of the entire community.
a resident of Menlo Park: The Willows
on Feb 27, 2009 at 7:22 am
Last Laugh:
"I expect that Lee is considering a run for council next year. I hope that she follows Steve Schmidt's lead, realizes how little support she has, and doesn't embarrass herself (again) in front of the entire community."
She doesn't remind me of the the type of person who realizes that people are laughing at her, not with her, so, yea, she'll probably run again.
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Feb 27, 2009 at 3:44 pm
I'm thinking of creating a separate thread, to be entitled "Union-bashing" and another one entitled "How Menlo Park did or didn't get screwed on the pool deal."
That way, comments on every other thread could actually stick to the topic at hand, and there would be a safe haven for the die-hards with the incessant comments on evil unions and Tim Sheeper's sweatheart deal.
a resident of Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Feb 27, 2009 at 4:52 pm
Mike, in an ideal world, your very reasonable solution would work, and would lessen the frustration of those of us who want to have rational, focused discussions. But in the free-for-all world of online forums? Abandon all hope...
a resident of another community
on Feb 28, 2009 at 9:30 am
The Current Council's Neo-socialism platform is dawing down our reserves in an alarming rate. If this continues unabated we will have no reserves in 10 years. Please read the following Sacramento Bee Editorial
Editorial: City unions must recognize reality
ShareThisPublished: Saturday, Feb. 28, 2009 - 12:00 am | Page 14A
Hello! Sacramento city unions – is anybody listening?
The city's revenues are plummeting. Hundreds of jobs are on the line. Given the magnitude of the economic crisis the nation and our city face, some layoffs are inevitable. Still, city budget officials say the numbers of workers who will have to lose their jobs to bridge a $50 million budget gap can be reduced if union leaders agree to give up previously approved pay raises and step increases.
So look at your co-worker in the next cubicle, the one whose wife just had a baby. If you're a cop, consider the rookie officer you may have helped train, the kid who's working the swing shift. If you're a firefighter, consider the recently hired guy or gal who pulled the hose with you at a grass fire last summer. It's their jobs on the line.
The only way jobs can be saved in the police and fire departments is if everyone, including senior officers and firefighters, agrees to give up pay raises and step increases.
In other city departments, workers are being asked to sacrifice even more. Under the plan outlined by city officials, non-safety workers would give up pay raises and take a furlough day on top of that.
The salary freeze, along with furloughs for non-safety personnel, would cut the city's projected $50 million budget deficit for the next fiscal year by $24 million.
Among city unions so far, only the Sacramento Police Officers Association has shown a willingness to do what Sacramento City Councilwoman Sandy Sheedy has repeatedly asked all unions to do – "step up" to help the city's budget crisis. While police union leaders have not agreed to a salary freeze, they held what they described as productive talks with the city that ended Friday and will resume next week.
"We're very committed to working on behalf of our membership to avoid layoffs and any adverse conditions for our folks," said police union president Brent Meyer.
Without the salary freeze, city budget officials have proposed laying off 67 police officers, a contingency that Meyer told The Bee would be "devastating to the city, devastating to the Police Department and devastating to the citizens who rely upon us to provide a level of service."
In stark, disappointing contrast to the police, other city unions remain stubbornly resistant to any talk of concessions. Stationary Engineers Local 39, the union that represents the largest number of city employees, and the firefighters union have not considered reopening negotiations on contracts set to expire next year. Before asking people to give up raises or laying them off, said Chris Harvey, the spokesman for the city's fire union, "the city should stop spending on stupid things."
He has a point. The city's recent proposal to invest in three new downtown entertainment venues at the same time it struggles to keep police patrols on the streets should raise questions. So should the city's failure to get a timely reappraisal of the downtown train depot.
That said, the size of Sacramento's current budget gap and the continuing drop in revenues are going to require city employees to make sacrifices, not just to help the city but to save their own jobs and those of co-workers. It's time their unions recognized that reality.
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Feb 28, 2009 at 10:31 am
I'm a supporter of unions, always have been. But union leaders who are so entrenched in their thinking that they insist public employees should be immune to the pain caused by this economic collapsen -- pain that the vast majority of taxpayers are feeling -- will be unions' executioners.
I wish the Menlo council had had the wisdom and unfettered vision to have realized what Sacramento council members have obviously figured out. And I hope the union leaders in Sacramento show some good will and common sense and return to the negotiations table.
Unions are coming under intense fire these days, and if they dig in their heels now, they will only hurt their own cause and further erode the public's support. I hope local union leaders are thinking creatively about how to work with cities and public agencies so we can all try to keep the life raft afloat with the minimum of suffering.
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Feb 28, 2009 at 9:03 pm
Hi, this really is me, Lee.
To answer one of my non-fans: I DO write my emails, no one else. And, I pay for the endeavor as well.
Hope this helps. And, if you are on my menlofuture email list and write to me, I always will reply.
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Feb 28, 2009 at 9:41 pm
Lee, You're the greatest.
Fondly Ralph
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Mar 1, 2009 at 9:29 am
One thing I don't understand is why Lee and others think that support of a public bidding process means that the supporter of such always favors unions. In the case of the pool, there was no public RFP so how does anyone know that there were not other potential bidders? At a minimum, the city's pencil would have been sharper with some alternatives to point out the incredible deal given away to the one (yes, very competent) bidder.
I happen to agree that pay and benefits have gotten out of line with private industry and with the market. One thing our city really needs is a tough negotiator. City staff, including the city's attorney, have proven they do not do a good job at this. I believe it's because they don't do it often enough to be good at it. Others are.
It's high time Menlo Park and other cities band together to resist the never-ending leap-frog contracts that mostly just increase the money that goes out. The time has come to resist.
a resident of Menlo Park: Belle Haven
on Mar 1, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I agree, sorry. The obsession with union bashing puzzles me. I have lived in MP for a while, and I don't know anyone who belongs to a union other than public school teachers. I would not call this city a hotbed of union supporters!
Most residents want good value: the best services for the least amount of money. You can't unilaterally say "unions do that best" or "non-unions are always better" -- you have to ask for bids from all vendors and then compare. When there's no competition -- or ineffective negotiation -- money gets left on the table. That's just basic capitalist economics.
Count me among the many people who don't like Lee and don't particularly like unions. And Lee, fess up, you get a lot of help with those newsletters. It doesn't count as "writing" if you just retype the material that Mickie and Sue give you.
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Mar 1, 2009 at 5:59 pm
"Sorry Lee" does not have his facts straight. Before the pool operation issue came up Lee Duboc had already demonstrated that she was acting in the best interests of the City when she became the swing vote to vote against the a 50-meter pool. Nicholas Jellins and Chuck Kinney were for it and Mickie Winkler and Paul Collacchi were against it. The extra construction costs plus the higher recurring costs caused Lee to vote against the 50-meter pool. For this fiscally prudent decision she was excoriated by many of her close friends who were members of Menlo Masters, a group run by Tim Sheeper.
When the operations contract for the now rebuilt Burgess Pool complex came up the City had no experienced personnel to operate the pool since they had either voluntarily left the City's employ or were laid off during the pool's 2-year reconstruction. Also, with the city facing projected budget deficits, the $500,000 per year recurring cost of the pool's operation and programs was something that over 70% of the city's residents who responded to the scientific poll, that was part of the "Your City/Your Decision" process, were willing to forego.
The City Council was actually discussing the possibility of NOT opening the new pool complex. Tim Sheeper, who was no friend of Lee's, approached the City Council (during a public meeting) to see if they would be interested in having him operate the pool. His fees would come from the pools' users and the City would have no financial exposure. Mr. Sheeper offered to cover ALL maintenance costs as well.
So, instead of operating the pool at a $500,000 loss, the city would have a well-run, fully operational aquatics program at ZERO cost to the City. The City Council instructed the city staff to run this proposal by the Parks and Recreation Commission, of which Heyward Robinson and Richard Cline were members. The Parks and Recreation Commission performed its due diligence and heard nothing but glowing accolades from people who were previously enrolled in other Tim Sheeper Programs. Then the Parks & Recreation Commission voted unanimously to recommend awarding the pool operation to Tim Sheeper on a four year trial basis.
Meanwhile the city staff attempted to find other pool operators to express interest in operating the pool. None came forward. That is why no RFP was issued. It is common practice in the Federal Government if there are no other interested qualified parties to have a directed procurement(For example, when the Hubble Space Telescope was built NASA directed Lockheed Martin to procure the lens blanks from Schott in Germany. No RFP was issued for that subcontract).
Also the pool only had a 1-year warranty. Any defects discovered outside the one year were not remediable. The City would have to absorb the cost of curing the defects discovered outside the 1-year warranty period. It was important to get this operation underway since there were no qualified city staff to operate the pool. The city was very fortunate to have Mr. Sheeper offer his services at this most urgent time.
Anyone who questions the quality of service at Burgess Pool only need to ask any of the swimmers. You will be hard pressed to find anyone, other than an SEIU member, who will say the pool was better operated by the City than by Tim Sheeper.
In 2011 the pool will come up for a renewal contract. If there are other interested bidders an RFP should be issued. One Section M Evaluation Criteria for Federal Procurements is Past Performance. Since Tim Sheeper's past performance has been a solid "Blue" other competitors would be at a disadvantage. When an incumbent has outstanding past performance the USG will often retain the incumbent even when other companies underbid him because Past Performance plays such an important role in the proposal evaluation process.
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Mar 2, 2009 at 12:58 pm
Kudos to Hank Lawrence who wrote a very factual, correct, truthful response against the garbage that has been bantered about in the community for the past 2 years, regarding the pool. Any other postings that refute Hank's information above should be represented by facts, not fiction, heresay or hateful comments about Lee, or the process in which the pool decisions were made.
Thank you Hank, you are a breath of fresh air in this community!
a resident of Menlo Park: Felton Gables
on Mar 2, 2009 at 4:54 pm
Thank you, Hank, for a superlative piece of obfuscation.
Fact: other municipalities break even with their aquatics operations; some run a profit. The council should have been aware of this.
Fact: the $500,000 operating loss figure was pulled out of the air. It is totally out of scale with the costs incurred by other cities.
Fact: Sheeper had offered to pay rent, and in fact was paying rent to the facility that he had been using.
Fact: the transfer of the pool to Sheeper occurred very quickly without much opportunity for public input.
You gotta love sentences like this: "If there are other interested bidders an RFP should be issued." Ummm, how do you know if there are other interested bidders if you don't issue an RFP!?!
By the way, it may be fun to rewrite history, but in reality, Lee did whatever Nicholas and Mickie told her to do. We were there. We remember.
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Mar 2, 2009 at 5:03 pm
Hank almost got the history right about the pool but he is flat out wrong about the pool contract costs Menlo Park nothing. The residents are paying for the brand new pool facility for which Sheeper pays nothing. Several independent sources have confirmed that he was willing to do so. As mentioned previously, the pool IS run very well. That is not the issue. The issue is whether the city got the best deal it could and it did not by not charging any rent for a brand new facility. That is virtually unheard of in other sectors.
In fact, the city hasn't even enforced the contract well because the rates charged have been higher than other cities'. But that's a topic for another day. Why the city just ignores things like that is beyond me.
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Mar 2, 2009 at 8:02 pm
Fresh Air Fiend is not familiar with the proposal process. Before you can issue an RFP you have to prepare a bidder's list. The most common way to prepare the list is to perform a survey of established service providers and inquire as to their general interest. They don't have to be committal, just interested. If no one is interested in being on the bidders list then you don't waste the time and money preparing a formal RFP with Section L (Instructions to the bidders) and Section M (Evaluation Criteria).
If you don't issue an RFP due to lack of bidders' interest you have three options. These are: 1) Perform the work in-house if you have qualified people who can perform at a reasonable cost, 2) Do a sole source procurement with the only competent interested outside party who can deliver quality service at a reasonable cost, or 3) cancel the work. Our council wisely chose Tim Sheeper.
Sorry Hank does not have his facts right either. The City owns the pool. Tim Sheeper did not get title to the pool. Menlo Park has done what the Federal Government has done for ages and that is establishing a GOCO (Government owned/contractor operated). GOCOs DON'T CHARGE RENT! DO YOU UNDERSTAND! Every GOCO that has ever existed pays the contractor to operate the facility. The City Council worked out a very clever arrangement where it did not guaranty Mr. Sheeper a dime. Mr. Sheeper had to put together a reasonable fee schedule and provide excellent service to receive his earnings. A fee schedule only works if he provides value for the money, which Mr. Sheeper obviously did.
You get what you pay for. Does Mr. Sheeper charge more? Perhaps. But people wouldn't pay his rates if they weren't getting value. This is called the free market system. Something that leftists are unfamiliar with. And as for other cities making money off their aquatics program. I would like to know who they are. Because if they are making money they are charging more than Tim Sheeper for a lower quality service. Because it is virtually unheard of having a Govenrment run service being more cost effective than a privately run one. History bears this out!
What you have here are some very sore losers who are upset that the SEIU was denied the opportunity to do empire building. The City Council placed the interests of the residents first and for that they are being excoriated by irrational leftists who are bristling at Mr. Sheeper's success. They need to get a grip on reality. [Portion removed]
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 2, 2009 at 10:10 pm
We should try to keep the this on topic. As much as a few people cannot seem to let the pool controversy rest, it is tiny issue compared to the twenty eight million dollar plus annual city budget.
I think former council member Duboc is correct that the city staff seems intent on protecting their pay no matter what. I suppose I would do the same in their place. Duboc's e-mails have sensitized me to the problem and it has become a big issue all over the state. At the last council meeting, the budget presented by staff proposed eliminating several sidewalk projects, including the much needed and long awaited Santa Cruz sidewalk. Missing from the budget was ANY proposal by staff to reduce their cost. I would expect that since staff has come to expect increases in compensation and benefits that exceed inflation, yet the economy will crimp tax revenue for a number of years, employee pay will consume the remaining portion of the city's budget. It's about 25-30 percent today. That would leave nothing for street paving, libraries, parks.
a resident of Menlo Park: Allied Arts/Stanford Park
on Mar 2, 2009 at 11:57 pm
There was a story in the "Daily Post" that there were 69 employees that work for Menlo Park who make more than $100,000 per year. The city has about (i think) 250 employees. that's more than 1 in 4
making that much money. Does anyone know exactly how many employees and how big is the total pay package to all the employees?
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 4, 2009 at 9:08 am
Another taxpayer, when you say 69 employees make more than $100,000, does that include benefits? Even if it doesn't the figure seems high for a city this size. Maybe the city should do what Obama did -- freeze the salaries of anyone making $100K or more. But I'm afraid even that won't be enough.
Does anyone know when the contract for represented employees expires?
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Mar 4, 2009 at 10:19 am
In 2006 the SEIU invited all the candidates running for City Council to participate in inteviews at a scheduled time in the building where the Budget Advisory Committee met. I showed up at the meeting and was barred entry by the SEIU. Heyward Robinson, Richard Cline and Vince Bressler went into the meeting. Days after the meeting the SEIU endorsed all 3 candidates. It is apparent that Heyward Robinson and Richard Cline entered, with great gusto, into a Faustian pact with the SEIU. They have given tthe SEIU everyhting it wants without even the appearance of a spirited negotiation. Their acts have been shameful. They have placed the interest of the SEIU of above those to the residents. They have violated their fiduciary responsibility to everyone who lives or owns a business in Menlo Park.
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 4, 2009 at 10:32 am
Yes, yes, Hank. We've heard you -- over and over and over and... zzzzzzzzzzz. Is there another song you can sing just to give us a break? And can we stick with the original topic of this thread and try to find solutions rather than behave like attack dogs?
Meanwhile, Does anyone know when the current contract with city employees expires? If it's anytime soon, now's the time to keep the pressure on the council so that we're not obliged to pay even higher salaries for the following two or three years.
a resident of Menlo Park: Felton Gables
on Mar 4, 2009 at 10:43 am
Ummm, Lee interviewed with the unions too when she was running for council in 2002 and also received union donations that she apparently kept. And Vincent Bressler was not endorsed by the SEIU. So get over your union hysteria, Hank.
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Mar 4, 2009 at 11:25 am
There's way too much blame being placed on individuals that are from the past, and contracts that were written in the past on this blog. Bottomline: We are stuck with some of these pensions, there is nothing we can do, AND it's going to come close to bankrupting this town, and potentially the state. What we CAN do is to lobby, organize and get some exposure going to try to change what could potentially happen during the next union negotiation. Why don't we try to get a 2-tiered system passed whereby the next generation of city employees do NOT have this type of pension? Or, increase the age of retirement? These are not "far out there" ideas, they make common sense. I think this is what we, our city, should focus on.
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 4, 2009 at 11:28 am
Hank is right! Hank never said that the SEIU endorsed Mr. Bressler. And as far as Lee is concerned yes she did accept Union money in the first election. The Unions' mistake was in thinking it had bought Lee. Later they realized that Lee was placing the residents interests above the Unions'. So they declared all out war on Lee. They wanted a quid pro quo. That is tantamount to a bribe. Lee doesn't accept bribes.
Unfortunately the same can not be said of other City Council members who gladly take the Union contributions and deliver big time to the Unions at the residents' expense. We need a ballot initiative to keep the employee costs from spiraling out of control and we need council members who actually act in the best interests of the resdients. As it exists today we have 4 council members, who for all practical purposes, are Union representatives.
a resident of Menlo Park: Park Forest
on Mar 4, 2009 at 12:04 pm
The deal with the pool was not financially in the city's interest; coddling the unions financially is not in the city's interest; and does anyone know who ghostwrites Lee's emails? Diana Diamond of the Daily Post?
a resident of another community
on Mar 4, 2009 at 1:56 pm
Hmmmm, do you folks really think those serving on Council are as corrupt as the accusations in these post would indicate? If so, then MP is like Chicago in the 30s-40s. I think not, but if there is proof of some of these charges, call the State Attorney General's office. The charges being put forth are not petty crimes. Otherwise, stick to just disagreeing with positions and foster a healthy debate.
a resident of Menlo Park: University Heights
on Mar 4, 2009 at 2:10 pm
There seems to be a lot of commetns about the Burgess Pool inthis post, when the original topic was about better overall cost management. The suggetions that Ms. Duboc writes make a lot of sense to me - particularly the one requiring the retirement age to be increased from 55 to 65. I am in my 55th year, and it amazes me that you can retire from ANYWHERE nowadays and get full retirement benefits at age 55. I have worked in Silicon Valley in the private sector for 27 years, and there is no pension for me at 55 - nor at 65.
I also believe that raising any salaries 35% in these recessionary times is ridiculous, especially when so many others in the private sector are being laid off. The city of Menlo Park needs to reduce expenses across the board and plan for a very rough few years ahead. Anything else would be fiscal irresponsibility.
a resident of Portola Valley: other
on Mar 4, 2009 at 3:52 pm
Menlo Park is not like Chicago in the thirties and forties. Back then Chicago politicians believed in the free market system to the extend it looked the other way on criminal free enterprise. The Menlo Park City Council wants Menlo Park to be a Nanny State with a Union plutocracy. The current council admires European neo-socialsim and uses that as its paradigm for governance.
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Mar 4, 2009 at 5:31 pm
Hank Laurence, the concerned resident and It's about the Unions are right - the SEIU contracts (not the teachers)can not be sustained and are denying us services and improvements.
A final clarification on the pool operation. Tim Sheeper coaches about 400 masters swimmers and triathletes. Most of us have followed Tim from venue to venue. Four venues, fifteen years in my case. This is how he manages to pay for the cost to heat and maintain the pool which costs hundreds of thousands of dollars a year. There are no other masters teams in the area and therefore there are no other bidders to operate the pool. Anyone claiming there are is probably more of a union sympathizer than a swimmer.
a resident of Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Mar 4, 2009 at 5:36 pm
I swam in "the bubble" for the first time at Burgess this morning. What a great experience! I heard that Tim was the one that invested the cash to make this right, and endured the crazy permit process from the city. It felt like Nirvana in that bubble! Thank you Tim Sheeper!!!
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 5, 2009 at 8:03 am
In Monday's Merc/News there was a great article in the local section titled:
"Even if it's cold, you can hit the pool" subtitle: It's Warm Under Burgess Poll's Dome in Menlo Park.
This article points out that Sheeper spent $60,000 on the "dome" that opened in Jan. after a 30-month process that involved extensive permitting and scrutiny from city planners, the fire marshal and San Mateo County health inspectors.
I encourage you all to read this article. And, ask yourselves, if the city had been operating this Pool, would it have done this? They would sooner erect a life size bronze statue of Rush Limbaugh in front of the City Council Chambers.
And, I think it would be nice if people would begin to put some pressure on the present council to begin to speak up about Tim Sheeper and what a great asset he is to the city. [Portion removed]
a resident of Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Mar 5, 2009 at 8:19 am
I have no doubt that the master swimmers adore Sheeper. Our allegedly public pool is operated on their behalf. When we members of the hoi polloi take our kids to the pool, we are shunted into a small corner. Once a kid is too old for the wading pool, Burgess is not fun at all.
In Los Altos, the master swim group paid for the pool, not the taxpayers. For that, they were given the right to operate the pool. However, the city retains control over the hours of operation and the prices, so that regular swimmers who don't belong to the master club can also fully enjoy the pool. Menlo Park chose not to follow that model.
I am not a union member or a master swimmer, but I would be happy to take the pool off the city's hands and run it. No rent, no facility costs, what a deal! Even a dog paddling fool could make a profit.
a resident of Menlo Park: Stanford Weekend Acres
on Mar 5, 2009 at 12:04 pm
"Sweatheart Deals" should submit an unsolicited proposal to the City. I can't wait to see what "Sweeatheart Deals" Past Performance section looks like. The SSEB and the SSA would probably die laughing.
Perhaps "Sweetheart deals could bid on a Kool-Aid stand to be operated during city council meetings.
a resident of Menlo Park: Downtown
on Mar 5, 2009 at 12:34 pm
Can't people look at the pool, for the pool's sake, and see a well managed, clean, well run facility, that is an asset to our community?! Sorry "sweetheart deals" you are way out of line. For a city with 30K residents there HAS to be a schedule for kid swim, or laps or whatever. Tim does a great job with the scheduling, and is more than willing to make changes, if that's what the majority of folks want. This issue is so ridiculous, I think more of the negative posters on this blog are people that would find something wrong with ANYTHING at the pool, it just doesn't matter. If you negative posters want to complain about something there's a list an arm long, and a 10' pool deep of issues with our city, many of them MUCH more expensive and worthy of discussion!
a resident of Atherton: West of Alameda
on Mar 5, 2009 at 2:20 pm
I already purchased the rights to the Kool Aid Stand outside Council chambers when it is in session.
a resident of Menlo Park: other
on Mar 5, 2009 at 2:28 pm
To all you who say, let's move on when it comes to the pool, I say just one minute there. From a post on this forum back in 2006:
"The granting to Tim Sheeper the complete control of the taxpayer funded Burgess pool smells of the worst case of political payback in Menlo Park history. Here is an almost 7 million dollar facility being given away to a private organization for a rental rate of $0 (zero dollars) per year for the next five years."
Now here's my point: Take that $7 million figure and assume a standard 20 year facility lifespan. Forgetting all about interest charges and what not, giving it to someone rent free (and it matters not one bit WHO that someone is) is costing the city $350,000 per year ($7 million divided by 20 years) or roughly $20,000 per month.
THAT'S what a private entity would be charging (at a bare break-even minimum) an operator to run it, but instead, the city (or, more accurately, Lee and her cronies) GAVE it to this fellow.
Given that kind of HUMONGEOUS break, $60,000 spent on a dome (which effectively let's him run certainly programs year-round instead of just for the summer - cha-ching!) is mere "chump change" - with the real chumps in this whole thing being us taxpayers.
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Mar 5, 2009 at 3:55 pm
Gee Thanks Lee Not! must have had a double shot of the High Priestess' Kool Aid. Now listen Gee. This is simple [portion removed]:
1. The City owns the pool.
2. The City pays Tim Sheeper to operate the pool because he can provide better quality service than the SEIU for a lower cost.
3. The City is happy because is saves money.
4. The people who use the pool are happy because they get better service.
5. The SEIU is unhappy because it can not empire build at the residents expense.
6. The socialists are unhappy because they believe that Government should take over private industry even when it has been proven that privately operated enterprises provide better service at lower costs.
Now was that hard?
a resident of Menlo Park: Linfield Oaks
on Mar 5, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Case Closed! Nice job Hank! Now let's get on with other areas of the town, and the town's business that are of real importance. Long live Tim and the great job he is doing!!
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 6, 2009 at 11:04 am
It's time to stop putting labels, such as union-lovers and socialists, on those who try to point out some areas of disagreement. This behavior is not conducive to productive conversations or a sense of community. I am one who thinks we could have gotten a better financial deal on the pool than was struck, but I also think outsourcing was appropriate and that Sheeper is doing a great job. Can't we disagree without being so disagreeable?
a resident of Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Mar 6, 2009 at 12:43 pm
Negotiation is somewhat easier when there is a large pool of qualified applcants. However when there is only one applicant, the applicant knows that the City is the only competition.
A sole bidder winning a contract is easy when 1) He submits a quality proposal and 2) The council memebers are looking out for the best interests of the residents. But when you have a council that is owned by the SEIU winning a contract is nearly impossible.
The residents of Menlo Park were fortunate that they had a reasonable city council when the issue of the pool operation came before it. Tim Sheeper's offering was substantially better than anything that the city could possibly do and according to the City Staff Tim Sheeper's proposal was saving the city at least $500,000 per year while offering superior service.
The City Council performed superlatively! Nicholas Jellins, Lee Duboc, and Mickie Winkler are to be commended for their assiduous service to the City. Job well done!
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 6, 2009 at 1:36 pm
A. No rent charged for the brand new taxpayer-funded $7Million pool center, though Sheeper was willing to pay rent.
B. Higher fees charged to users than charged in surrounding towns.
C. Fewer hours for public use of pool unless you're a Masters swimmer.
D. Job well done???
F. Your Analytical Thinking Skills Test grade.
a resident of Menlo Park: Menlo Oaks
on Mar 6, 2009 at 3:01 pm
Obtuse Observor
A.The City is saving $500,000/year. Any rent paid by Tim SHeeper would have been a pass through to the swimmers. A is also the grade given to Jellins, Duboc, Winkler, and the Pool Operator Tim Sheeper.
B. Why are the swimmers gladly paying higher fees? Because they are getting superior service. Are there any complaints from the users regarding the fees?
C. There is plenty time for public use.
D. The swimming pool users are the best judge of the Pool and their judgment has been that Tim Sheeper is a resounding success.
E. The tide is turning on Union cronyism. You should wean yourself from the Electric Kool Aid.
F. Is for the grade for Socialism and the Majority 4 on the current City Council.
G. is for Get out of here!
H. is for Hurrah for Jellins, Winkler, Duboc, Sheeper, and the Menlo Masters
a resident of Menlo Park: Central Menlo Park
on Mar 6, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Let's see: "union cronyism" -- "Electric Kool Aid" -- "Socialism and the Majority 4".
That you, Hank?
a resident of Menlo Park: Sharon Heights
on Mar 7, 2009 at 6:08 am
Is that you Gail?
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Miley & Emily backstage at their TEEN cover shoot!
It was nothing but chipmunk screams the moment Jesse hit the stage!
Jesse got into the holiday spirit by leading a huge group of Christmas carolers in a rendition of the famous Chipmunks song, The Christmas Song (Christmas Dont Be Late).
shoe decorating with bow wow and omarion

subset: commoncrawl


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Originally Posted by sotu1
genius. sheer genius. next mod: an orange box that holds all three cases?!
Originally Posted by sotu1
genius. sheer genius. next mod: an orange box that holds all three cases?!
love the work here, truly awesome. it looks so authentic i had to double check that those weren't just screens ripped from the game! even your background looks like it could have come from the game!
Originally Posted by bit-tech staff
or if you think you've spotted a detail he's missed (not bloody likely!) then you can get in touch with him via this discussion thread.
(emphases mine)aha! A spelling mistake :P (end of the second paragraph before the first pics on page 4. only detail I could find after the challenge from the staff)Originally Posted by Ton Khowdee
Once the wood plaster was bone dry the entire shell of the Dispenser was moved outside so the room doesn't fill with fumes and so that the sun coucld get to it.
Originally Posted by eljose707
do you work for ironmods? is just that i found this on youtube from them.
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COMMENTS ON STORIES5 p.m. tomorrow is deadline for candidates to file for elected offices
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Last comment by Get the Facts, on Aug 13, 2016 at 1:12 pm | 15 comments | 3453 Views
AROUND TOWNCity Council cancels contract to build 2 new tennis courts
The City Council voted unanimously last night to cancel a construction contract to build two new tennis courts in public...Original post made on Aug. 10, 2016
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STATE, NATIONAL, INTERNATIONALBART's November bond issue will pay for labor costs, after all
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What is that very large building(s) they are building on the south side of Stoneridge drive just west of the outlets? Anyone...Original post made by Rosealie on Aug. 11, 2016
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CRIMES & INCIDENTSEx-attorney Spencer Freeman Smith in court again
This is the fellow that did the hit-and-run death of the Chinese visitor Bo Hu on Dougherty Road back in 2012...judge Michael...Original post made by Court wotcher on Jun. 13, 2016
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COMMENTS ON STORIESVillage High culinary building proposal put on hold
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AROUND TOWNto Michael Austin
It is obvious you are a Jerry Thorne fan and probably attended his 100 man march to the Sharpiros lovely home. But what...Original post made by Georgia Peach on Jul. 22, 2016
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SCHOOLS & KIDSPleasanton Library Launches After-School Snack Classes
Is your family getting ready to get back to school? In partnership with the Pleasanton New Leaf Community Market and...Original post made by Patti Bond on Aug. 10, 2016
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COMMENTS ON STORIESSchool board votes to place $270-million bond measure on November ballot
The Pleasanton school board voted unanimously Saturday to place a $270-million general obligation bond measure on the ballot...Original post made on Aug. 1, 2016
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AROUND TOWNNew Stop Light at Bernal & Stanley Across from AM/PM
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Automated metering infrastructure (AMI) is the latest technology in the evolution of water-metering infrastructure. It will...Original post made on Aug. 5, 2016
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AROUND TOWNDust off your Derby Hats…"A Starry Night" Fundraiser is Coming Soon!
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CRIMES & INCIDENTSPolice bulletin
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The Great Divide, and What's Next?
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text:
Or sports athletes wished to stay near to home or even the parents felt confident with the coach's ethics and understood their boy or daughter could be in good hands.
Most likely the sports athletes decided on a school simply because they thought the offense they went was ideal for their talents and is needed them within their quest for a professional career. Or they found school since the program was repairing and offered them an opportunity to start immediately.
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But shoes? Athletic shoes? The once-in-a-lifetime chance to put on a customized set of Jordans?
Within the slimy narrative that's becoming the most recent scandal attending college athletics the questionable prospecting tactics Or accustomed to lure running backs LaMichael James and Lache Seastrunk from Texas to Eugene probably the most absurd aspect may be the apparent participation of sneaker giant Nike.
Texas "scout" Willie Lyles, who had been compensated $25,000 by Or for his alleged abilities in talent assessment, incorporated in the are accountable to Or mind coach Nick Kelly the interior insight that Seastrunk loved Jordans.


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text: RT Web Page DB /z-wcorg/ DS http://worldcat.org ID 642533540 LA English UL http://find.galegroup.com/ecco/infomark.do?contentSet=ECCOArticles&docType=ECCOArticles&bookId=0978400300&type=getFullCitation&tabID=T001&prodId=ECCO&docLevel=TEXT_GRAPHICS&version=1.0&source=library T1 The trial of Louis XVI. : Late King of France, who was beheaded on Monday, January 21, 1793, with the examination and proceedings of the National Convention of France. To which is added an authentic account of his execution, and a true copy of his last will. A1 Louis, PB Printed and sold by T. Sabine, 81, Shoe Lane, Fleet Street PP London YR 1793


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I have a confession to make.
I've had this gorgeous Edwardian (is it, or is it a bit later? Can an expert jump in and impart their wisdom please?) lingerie dress in my possession for seven months now.
Seven months in which it's been admired, tried on, carefully hung up and hastily put back in the wardrobe to keep it safe.
So I've decided now is the time to at least photograph it and share it with you all so I can't chicken out of doing something with it. *Gulp*
One of my best friend's grandma passed away last summer and during the house clearance a heap of clothes and accessories were destined for the charity shop or the skip.
This was one of those that were due to head to landfill due to it being old fashioned and a little knocked around the edges.
Luckily my friend (Shona) alerted her mum to my love for all things old and unusual and had it put to one side for me.
When I was sent this dress, along with a heap of other lovely things, Shona's mum enclosed a letter which gave it a bit of context.
Her mum was born in 1924 and wore the dress as a young woman. But it doesn't look typical of a late 1930s or 1940s dress which makes me think perhaps it was a hand-me-down that belonged to either an elder sister or her mum?
As I wrote earlier – if you can shed any light on this please do get in touch!
I love the tiered sleeves and the detailing on the cuffs, waistband and around the neckline – very elegant!
Just look at the detailing on the sheer skirt… good job there's a slip under there!
Apart from a bit of floral peach decoration coming loose on the front of the dress, it's not looking too bad considering it's at least 70 years old.
Round the back isn't in bad nick either, though one problem you'll be able to spot straight away is that my friend's grandma was much more petite than I am (especially around the bust area!)
Someone's had a go at repairing something on the inside of the dress using this *ahem* subtle scarlet thread.
…And the peach bows at the waistline at the back have certainly seen better days, but nothing that a needle and thread (or a pair of scissors) can't sort out.
These cotton french knickers also came in this parcel of joy, aren't they fancy?
Just look at the frilly edging on these bad boys!
I was originally thinking of transforming the dress into two parts – a top, or cropped jacket and a skirt so they can be worn together or as separates.
But the more I look at it, it makes me think that putting scissors and needle and thread to it would be a shame and perhaps the best place for it is in a museum.
What do you think? What would you do?
We're in the last two days of voting for the National Vintage Awards so if you liked this post, and the blog, I'd love it if you would vote for me here.
Thanks for voting if you already have done so!


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Partition Assistant Server+Lifetime Free Upgrades Edition is ON-SALE!!!
Partition Assistant Unlimited+Lifetime Free Upgrades Edition is ON-SALE!!!
I would like to extend the system partition C: (12GB C:, 200GB D: ) on my 2 year old Dell Server PE1800 (Windows 2003 x64 std) with 4 SATA drives on a CERC SATA RAID controller 1.5/6ch (setup as RAID 5, type basic). The system partition is running out of space as it fills with Windows updates. Already tried Diskpart - doesn't work with system partition. Partition Magic 8.0 doesn't work in 2003 server…
I am convinced that great majority of Windows Server 2003 system administrators have encountered the similar problem that system partition is running out of disk space. However, it is not easy for them to fix the problem because of some limitations. Unlike Windows 8/7/Vista/2008, the built-in Disk Management couldn't support "Extend Volume" and "Shrink Volume" to resize Windows 2003 partition. In such case, the only way is to backup data, format hard drive, reinstall Windows Server 2003, repartition hard drive and restore data. And Diskpart command line can only extend a data volume (not system, boot, page files) when there is contiguous unallocated space. Therefore, it is a wise and good choice to extend system partition for Windows Server 2003 with the benefit of Partition Magic Software.
As we know there are lots of partition software in the field of disk partition management, however, it is difficult for users who have no experience to choose which one to use. Norton Partition Magic is a pioneer in this filed. As the question mentioned above, the newest Partition Magic 8.0 doesn't work in Windows 2003 Server. According to survey, Partition Magic Server Software - Partition Assistant Server Edition is the top choice because of its reliability and practicability. That is, the program allows users to perform basic and advanced features on Windows Server and non-server systems without losing data.
The following is a step by step instruction to extend system partition for Windows Server 2003.
Note: To avoid unexpected shutdown or any other hardware failure, I suggest you backup the data before the operations.
Step1: Launch Partition Assistant Server. All the disks and partitions connected in your Windows Server 2003 will be shown as below:
Step2: Select D partition. Right click on it and select "Resize Partition" in the drop-down menu.
In the pop-up window, drag the left slider bar rightwards to shrink D partition as shown below:
Step3: Click "OK". There will be some unallocated space behind system partition. Select system partition and drag the right slider bar rightwards to extend Windows 2003 system partition.
Step4: Now the changes can be previewed and are also listed in the "Pending Operations". Click "Apply" on the toolbar to save the changes.
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text:
The Toronto Police Service's successful campaign to hire more diverse, multilingual officers is another of the gains that could be eroded by a plan to freeze the force's budget next year, according to Toronto's police chief.
Bill Blair has made it a priority to tap more recruits who grew up in and speak the languages of Toronto's ethnic communities, an effort that has been put on hold because of a near-freeze on hiring that is expected to continue in 2013.
"Certainly we're not making any progress. For the first six years of my tenure we, I think, were very effective in creating a very diverse work force. In our hiring, we set very specific targets for ourselves to bring in language skills, to bring in cultural competency, [to] bring people who came from our diverse communities. I think it makes us a smarter organization," he said.
"Right now, we're certainly not able to do that."
Grappling with the prospect of a flatlined budget consumed much of Chief Blair's time in 2012, a year that also saw him whipsaw from the emotional low of two high-profile mass shootings in the summer to the satisfaction of presiding over another overall drop in crime.
In a wide-ranging interview Monday, the chief spoke about everything from solving the Danzig Street shootout – he is not expecting any more arrests in connection with the gun battle that killed two and wounded 23 – to the recent massacre of schoolchildren in Connecticut to the demise of Canada's long-gun registry.
"We've seen a fairly significant decline in the number of firearms seized by my firearms unit this year because the information that they once relied on isn't available to them," he said. "If someone was prohibited from possessing firearms and they had firearms registered to them, we would go and get them. Now we have no idea."
Toronto seized 1,933 guns as of Nov. 30, 2012, nearly 40 per cent fewer than the 3,190 the force seized in the same period in 2011. This year's total is also down from 2010, when Toronto police seized 3,416 guns.
Still, Chief Blair said Canada retains a strong gun-control regime. Last week's slaughter of 26 at Sandy Hook Elementary in Newtown, Conn., is a reminder that this country's system needs to be guarded, he added.
"I think there's a good lesson in the experience of the Americans that we should be protective of our gun-control environment here in Canada. I think the American environment is not something to be emulated," he said.
In Toronto's case, the drop in gun seizures does not appear to have affected gun violence in Canada's largest city, a metropolis that saw a continued decrease in major crimes in 2012, despite fatal shootings at the Eaton Centre in June and at a community barbecue at a public-housing complex on Danzig Street in July.
In the Danzig case, police have charged three people with murder in what investigators say was a gunfight between rival gangs.
"I think my people have obtained a pretty good idea of what transpired there," Chief Blair said. "I don't think more arrests are likely in this case. Never say never; sometimes additional information comes up, and we'll deal with that when it comes. But I think we've pretty well solved that one."
One case the chief has yet to crack is how to find an extra $8.7-million in unallocated cuts requested by the Toronto Police Services Board, which last week voted to flatline the force's budget.
He has been accused of fear-mongering for mentioning the ramifications of fewer officers. "I don't want people to be afraid. I want people to feel safe … [but] there is an impact," he said.
The chief steered clear of any comments on Mayor Rob Ford. Chief Blair has not met with the mayor in person for "months." They have spoken by phone, he said.
However, Councillor Doug Ford, the mayor's brother, paid the chief a visit last week. "He brought me a Christmas card," Chief Blair said. "We talked about things up in his community, where he's the ward councillor and he wished me well for Christmas."Report Typo/Error
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This product did nothing for my hair, in fact I kind of felt like it weighed it down without giving it added moisture, shine, or smoothness.1


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Kraft slow cooker ribs
Recipes / Kraft slow cooker ribs (1000+)
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happy! Recently the slow cooker and I teamed up to cook a beef rib roast with some chopped
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about BBQ ribs? If it is...I don't want to be right! Fall-Off-The-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs By
Balsamic & Sorghum Slow Cooker Pork Ribs with Sweet Potatoes {Holland House Dutch Oven Giveaway!}
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for the ribs. The Balsamic & Sorghum Slow Cooker Ribs goes great with a side salad and
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Slow Cooker Ribs (makes approximately four servings) INGREDIENTS 3 lbs. baby back ribs
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just have to try these! Fall-Off-The-Bone Slow Cooker Ribs Cook time 4 hours 15 mins Total
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Crockpot Slow cookers
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Crockpot Slow cookers, All Recipes cooked in a slow cooker . , cook method: Slow cook
Slow Cookers Anonymous
4 members
slow cooker recipes or recipes adapted to the slow cooker that we can., cook method: Slow
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Slow Cooker / Crock Pot Recipes, Slow Cooking is great for cooking tough cuts of meat, but
Stews, Bogs & Burgoos
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the great American tradition of stewing and slow cooking! Stews, bogs, burgoos, chilies
Cooking With All-Natural Meats
30 members
sustainable practices produce steaks, chops, ribs and roasts that are wonderfully rich
Themes / Kraft slow cooker ribs (0)
slowcooking High protein Beef eating Californian in the Fall
main ingredient: Beef, cook method: Slow cook, cuisine: Californian, special category
twists. So go ahead and add your own., cook method: Slow cook
main ingredient: Beef, cook method: Cooker, cuisine: European, special category: Low
My Recipes
carb, low sodium recipes., cook method: Slow cook, special category: Low sodium recipes
Trusted Results with Kraft slow cooker ribs
Slow Cooker Country-Style Spareribs - All Recipes
A sweet and tangy sauce makes these tender ribs extra special. Layer spareribs, onions, bell pepper and celery in a slow cooker. Pour tomato sauce, brown sugar, ...
Barbecued Short Ribs In Slow Cooker
I got this recipe form my Kraft Food and Family Magazine (Fall Issue) and made it this week. ... Remove ribs from slow cooker, cover to keep warm. ...
This hearty winter's dinner is the stuff the family loves ... with veggies, and a salad and crusty bread you've got a hit!
A three step cooking method is used to make these incredible, tender ribs. The ribs are first boiled, then grilled, and finally simmered in barbecue sauce in a slow ...
Making this moist bread dressing in a slow cooker is an... Slow Cooker Spare Ribs. Submitted by: CLATON. Tender spareribs simmered to perfection in ...
Slow Cooking Made Simple at Epicurious.com
Read Slow Cooking Made Simple - Tips and recipes for using a slow cooker and other How To Cook articles about Cooking Primers at Epicurious.com
slow cooker beef : Food Network
We found 68 results for "slow cooker beef" Showing 1-12 of 68. Sort by: ... work for you by using many home cooks' favorite tool: the slow cooker. ...


text: I'm doing a sales presentation for a college advanced sales class I'm attending. The instructor, after rolling his eyes, agreed to let me do a sales presentation for honey bee pollination services. The only problem I've run into is getting my hands on a blank or sample contract. I have to have that for the presentation. Anyone have a pollination contract, or know where I can get a copy of one for this class? Thanks.


text:
Lovely although im a bit worried about the Almanax thing. I hope it stays accessible for everyone.
Will the villages be replaced with the designs we saw earlier?
Either way its something to look forward to
Wild Wild Quest October 21, 2013Back to list
- Respec: Foggernauts and Eniripsas will correctly receive their respect.
- Animal Guard, Rocky Foot, Deadly Nightspade, etc.: The duration of effects applied on a target that already played its turn will now work correctly.
- Fusillade: Will now work correctly.
Ultimate Bosses
- General: It is currently possible to try defeating an Ultimate Boss more than 3 times per week. We are aware of this issue but haven't found a solution yet. Until then, we implemented a new monitoring system of the ingame logs that should allow us to investigate this issue. Note that the limit of 1 win per week remains active.
- Dragon Pig: Its invulnerability will no longer trigger at each turn.
- Magmog: Will no longer need to be cooled at each turn.
- Nun Chukapi: When talking to Donalangelo, you will now be able to get the key if the quest is not completed, or if the key disappeared before the quest was completed.
- Kamas: The Kamas stored on each Nation owl has now been added to the corresponding Jonk.
- Stuck characters: They will now be automatically teleported back to their Phoenix. If they don't have one of if it is stuck, they will be sent back to their Nation respawn point. If this one is also stuck or if they don't have a Nation, they will be sent back to their class respawn point.
- Amakna, Brakmar and Respec instance: Amakna and Brakmar characters leaving the respect instance will now correctly appear in their nation.
- Wild Estate
- The old island will be removed for good.
- Bworkball game: Winning a game with an attack will no longer grant XP and Kamas at the end of the game.
- Bilbiza: The welcome kiosk will be working again.
Al Howin
- Howin Heaven's Name...?: Headhunter will now complete correctly.
- Headless Chafer Skull: Will no longer drop once the quest is completed.
- Diabolic Al Howin: To resolve issues with this quest, it will be reset and now ask to complete the 4 following achievements: Craft 3 Evil Lollipops, Eat 3 Evil Fishcakes, Kill 5 Al Howin Gobballs and Kill 5 Al Howin Ghouls. Note that this quest is not completely fixed and some of you might still experience issues with it.
- Rank levels: A member will no longer be able to grant a rank that is equal or higher level than his.
- Gathering: We are aware of a bug where an ore, plant or tree gathering does not generate an item in your inventory. Unfortunately we were unable to trigger this bug internally. We will keep investigating until a solution can be found.
- Tofuhouse (Amakna): Its door will no longer be recovered by the Celestial Piwi entrance.
- Wild Gobball Dungeon: Characters and their Haven Bags that are still in the old Wild Estate will now be teleported to Astrub next time they log in.
- Bworks: They will now reproduce.
- Justice League & Whisperer Costumes: The will now be tradable.
- Quest inventory: It will no longer be possible to store more copies of an item than what the quest requires.
- Character deletion: Since the update of November 12, it is no longer your secret answer that is asked to delete a character, but the character name instead.
- Politic chat: Will now be working again.
- Getting an item: A message will appear in the chat again when an item is acquired.
- Preview feature: Rings, weapons and belts will display correctly.
- Installing the game with a folder path containing apostrophe ( ' ) characters will now work correctly.
Comments (296) Comment on the forum...
ThyHolyOverlord - Member (+) - 21 October 2013 15:14
S48GSII - Member - 21 October 2013 15:58
>>Buildings cost rebalancing: The kama cost will be reduced and the resources cost increased
Nooooo (((
Guild hail lvl 2=2 mil kamas+8mil resource.
Mine 2 mil kamas FASTER then 8 mil resource...
Please low resource cost,and kamas...but do not increase resource...
Nooooo (((
Guild hail lvl 2=2 mil kamas+8mil resource.
Mine 2 mil kamas FASTER then 8 mil resource...
Please low resource cost,and kamas...but do not increase resource...
Merriden - Member - 21 October 2013 18:38
Buildings cost rebalancing: The kama cost will be reduced and the resources cost increased.
I don't believe there is a single guild on any server that struggles with the kama cost while swimming in excess resource points.
Kikuihimonji - Member - 21 October 2013 18:45
Cool! Bworks will finally arrive at Wakfu!
I am also happy seeing that you keep changing Foggernaut after he got it's revamp, wich gives me hope that you will do the same for Sadida, once you get time for it.
I am also happy seeing that you keep changing Foggernaut after he got it's revamp, wich gives me hope that you will do the same for Sadida, once you get time for it.
Niddhoggy - Member - 21 October 2013 19:06
I am in agreement with Kikuihimonji.
Oh, Sadidas need some divine touch too.
Oh, Sadidas need some divine touch too.
GodIsWithUs - Member - 21 October 2013 19:06
Hopefully you add Captain Amakna's Academy to the list .
EniWayPossible 21 October 2013 19:07
I read in a QA that the difference in kamas will be refunded when they modify the HW prices. Can we get an update on that?
Edit: Can we also get more Haven World rights, like allow to move a building but not destroy one, etc.
Edit: Can we also get more Haven World rights, like allow to move a building but not destroy one, etc.
MiniMikeh - Member - 21 October 2013 19:16
This looks very promising! A lot better than what I was expecting wild estate to be when you guys all voted for it.
But this is for november ; _ ; what about al howin??
But this is for november ; _ ; what about al howin??
RaZept 21 October 2013 19:26
can ankama add/fix deposit log in guild bank log too? it only show withdraw atm.
Nox16 - Member - 21 October 2013 19:38
cool shiz


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sweetie commented on the post, Caption competition 1: Jenson Button 5 years, 3 months ago
Im never doing a head and shoulders advert again after the haircut im gona give myself!!
sweetie replied to the forum topic Five Predictions for next season – 2012 Preview in the group F1 5 years, 3 months ago
Webber to win championship by 1 point then retire, button x hamilton to scrap too hard x be disqualified from most races, massa loses the plot x blames everyone for his misfortunes, vettels head dosent fit in the […]
sweetie commented on the post, Construction continues at Circuit of the Americas 5 years, 4 months ago
My only problem with sv is he wins from the front. Only made i think 1 overtake, if he came bk from midfield and showed us how he manages his tyres, overtakes, strategy i think these attributes make a f1 driver, […]
sweetie posted an update in the group F1 Fanatic site development 5 years, 4 months ago
How about f1 fanatic females for lone ladys like myself hoping to attend the gb grand prix? Arrange meet ups etc for safety.
Probably best to post something in here where it's more likely to be seen:
sweetie commented on the post, Get set for the 2012 F1 season with F1 Fanatic 5 years, 4 months ago
I got so fef up wiv vettels runaway x hide wins in 2011, we didnt get to know the real vettel. So many factors go into making a great driver. For instance 1- overtaking.2- fighting bk from mid/back field.3- […]
sweetie posted an update in the group Going to the British Grand Prix at Silverstone 5 years, 5 months ago
I've not been yet hoping to go on 3 day ticket this yr, missed last yr and not making same mistake this yr, get tickets early!!! Sooo can't wait for f1 to b bk.
sweetie replied to the forum topic Lewis Hamilton and Nicola Scherzinger split? in the group F1 5 years, 7 months ago
Good point trix, I've noticed Jessica is the only girlfriend in f1 to attend every race, the same as motto gp where all girlfriends show up! nicole I think turned up once, and the kick in the teeth by his team m8 […]
sweetie replied to the forum topic BBC Race Day Music 2011 in the group F1 5 years, 7 months ago
Thanx connor, sooo looking forward to having it as a ringtone, ill get sum looks I bet as my fone is loud!! Wonder if any1 can guess wat music they'll use in nxt race, keep up gd site, b lost without it, x
sweetie replied to the forum topic BBC Race Day Music 2011 in the group F1 5 years, 7 months ago
My favourite track on any f1 feature has got to be Florence & the machines u got the love when a story was being told about button! Wen I hear it it takes me bk to the thrill of racing day. A quick question, how […]


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How to Remove Paintball Paint From Car Paint?
Paintball is a fun sport involving weapons loaded with breakable pellets filled with paint that players shoot at one another in order to eliminate them from the game. While most paintball play is c...
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Can you use paint thinner to remove paint from wood trim?
Yes you can use paint thinner to remove the paint on the wood.2nd Answer:No, paint thinner will not remove paint from anything. Most paint is now water-based, anyway. Paint thinner does just what t...
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You can wash paintball paint out of clothes and it also biodegrades, according to Paintball Action Games. However, you must not leave the paint on your clothes for an extended period or it will sta...
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text: Outerwaves Remixes Emma Louise's "Boy" November 26, 2012 Outerwaves and Emma Louise in New YorkWhat are the chances that two artists would meet at the CMJ Music Marathon earlier this year and end up creating beautiful music together? Like, actual music. Calm down. Well, that's what happened with singer Emma Louise and producer Outerwaves. The two Australians met in NYC in October, which led to Outerwaves remixing Louise's song "Boy" into a rhythmically chopped-up, vocally floating dream. Check out the original track below, and download the Outerwaves remix for free here.


text:
Assembly Passes Bill to Revise Drug Laws
New York, NY —
The state Assembly has passed a bill that calls for sweeping changes to New York's 36-year-old Rockefeller-era drug laws. WNYC's Elaine Rivera reports.
REPORTER: Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver says the bill is long overdue in addressing what he calls the state's outdated, failed drug policies. The cornerstone of the assembly bill expands discretion for judges who had to work with mandatory minimum sentences. It also calls for more funding for treatment programs.
But the measure is getting criticism from several constituencies. Drug reform advocates say it doesn't include enough judicial discretion, and non-violent drug offenders could still be unfairly incarcerated.
Prosecuters argue that judges could ignore their recommendations on how to treat convicted drug dealers. They also say the new reforms could send drug dealers back to their communities when they should be in jail.
A similar bill to reform the New York's drug laws is in the state senate, which has a slim Democratic majority. Governor David Paterson says he supports the reforms. For WNYC, I'm Elaine Rivera.