text:
Anyway...school shopping...'tis upon us. Completed 2 of 5 "Kid and Mom Day" outings so far. Baby Girl yesterday, Hambone today and wowza. That is exhausting. Mostly because: "No, you don't need another skull and crossbone shirt. Oh, LOOK! A button up! Oh, no button ups? Just one. Oh, you don't like that one?" *facepalm*
Hambone had long ago decided he wanted to eat at Ciatti's. For those of you unfamiliar with Ciatti's, it is a fabulous Italian restaurant. Soooooo yummy. Needless to say, I was quite pleased with his choice and was looking forward to it. As we were driving there this evening, he suddenly says, "I don't wanna go to Ciatti's. I want to go to Noodles and Co. NO!! PANDA EXPRESS."
SERIOUSLY?!?!?!?!? Chinese fast food instead of yummy Italian sit-down in a nice atmosphere food?
Panda Express it was.
Also of note: I need to start eating salads instead of big, heavy, fat and calorie laden meals 'cuz I HAVE A BRIDESMAID DRESS TO FIT INTO IN 6 MONTHS!
I get to be a co-maid-of-honor (yeah, yeah, yeah...I know that technically I'm a "matron-of-honor" but that sounds so old lady librarian and besides, I prefer to refer to it as a "co-MOH")!!!! Already planning my speech...something like this, I think:
Whaddya think?


text: 01 Sep Creating a Successful Crowd Funding Campaign This was a question that JMC Academy FTV students Brodie Pyke, Leah Pellinkhof, Tara O'Connell, Zanetta Potestas and Sharyn Es had to answer. The group formed a film collective (Queer Film Collective) to raise funds for their upcoming projects. The students have been studying at JMC Academy for the past two years. They have developed their skills as filmmakers and are now looking to make an imprint on the Australian and International creative industries. They are passionate about these films as they address issues that have typically been omitted from Australian film. By making these films they hope to make a positive change to the film industry. Their passion to succeed emphasises the importance of correct budgeting for impressive and unique filmmaking. Leah Pellenkhof has produced many film projects in her studies including 'My Pet Human' a Matilda nominated and a Dell'Arte award winning film. "If we get enough support, this could change the way films are produced and therefore better our chances of employment in our chosen field" Leah states. The rest of the collective are no strangers to success. Leah has also directed/written and edited many film projects including the latest music video form JMC Academy band 'Obadiah' titled Not Quite Ready Yet. "Being students we can only afford so much. Donating to our campaign would help us achieve everything we want for these films", the group states in their plea to possible donators. The collective five some have just launched another crowd funding campaign through Pozible to fund their next films which will be entered into various international festivals including some close to home. The collective have previously successfully funded previous projects through the same platform and are optimistic about collecting the right sources and 100% funding for their endeavours. Watch their Pozible campaign here: Or donate here. Share this Share this Tweet this Email this Want to know more? CourseEnquiry Attend an open day Attend aworkshop Book aTour Latest News view all Shooting an Action/Comedy film with Brisbane JMC Students 02 Nov 2017 We spoke to the director about his up... Latest Video view all Michael Carpenter on Beatles Engineer, Geoff Emerick One of Australia's busiest producers ... Latest Event view all January Open Days 2018 10 Jan 2018 Come along to JMC Academy's Sydney, M... Call JMC 1300 410 311 Contact US Sign up for our Newsletter

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Archive for the 'Corrupted Culture' Category
Matthew McConaughey's Counter Cultural SpeechMonday, March 3rd, 2014
Remember moments of Oscar night rebellion? Marlon Brando comes to mind. Someone on Twitter said they were happy that the Oscars were devoid of politics.
Actually, politics did enter the artistic arena–it's just that for the average God-believing American, it went unnoticed because it is part of their culture.
For the Academy, though, Matthew McConaughey's speech was profoundly counter cultural and "weird".
This is where we are in America: Thanking God, humbly and passionately, is viewed as strange, different, and even subversive.
America has been transformed, alright. You're a rebel if you're a sincere God believer and willing to say so.
DailyKos, Obamacare, and Caleb HoweThursday, August 1st, 2013
So the Daily Kos kids are being their typical selves: piling on their ideological opposition during a time of trouble to score political points. Caleb Howe, a military veteran, wonderful writer, and friend has been going through some difficult times that have culminated in him being in critical condition in the hospital.
For a lefty who makes everything political, this was the response:
So of course you want to repeal Obamacare. And what the fuck is your apparent "solution"? A tin cup on your website?
He says this as though a tin cup is a bad thing. Charity is a good thing. It comes from people's hearts. Caleb and his family know they are loved. Every donation (well, most) is a message of goodwill and kindness.
Unlike medicare, medicaid and now Obamacare, charity is less likely to be abused, overused, or overextended. Who wants to exploit their friend's love? No one. Well, no decent person.
And no decent person would so enjoy the suffering of another person.
Since this has been made into a political discussion, it's worthwhile to point out that conservatives believe in helping the truly needy. This is what Medicaid was for–not as a catchall insurance program for everyone.
Also, here's what the hospital will do for Caleb or anyone in a similar situation: they'll assess his ability to pay and then bill him a small amount each month until they forgive the debt or it's paid off. I've known people who pay $5 a month. Most hospitals were/are have Christian and charitable missions.
That's America. It's not a perfect system, to be sure. And improvements to the health care system were needed, but to claim that Obamacare would make Caleb's situation better and ignore the harm that's already being done by the legislation, is just willful political exploitation.
Worse, than the political, though, is the personal. The coarsening of our interaction and dehumanization is the biggest loss. Money comes and goes but community bonds and compassion abide. Well, I'd like to think they do, anyway.
Giving a dollar out of spite so you can say something nasty to man who might die and saying it in a place where his wife, children, and extended family will read it, well. What it says about you trumps any political point you hoped to make.
Those raising money for Caleb are almost to $25,000. Please help if you can: Go Fund Me.
On a personal note, Caleb's girls are dancers and quite good and that's expensive. Having a dad who can't work means losing opportunities. These donations will help them pursue their dreams while their dad gets well.
Wishing Caleb and his family wholeness and healing.
Indecent: The Inhumane Response To The Newtown TragedyThursday, December 20th, 2012
When the BBC hosts pilloried me about remaining mute and not opinionating in the wake of the Newtown tragedy, I noted that it seems like we should at least be quiet until families are notified. It's unseemly to be politicizing a very personal tragedy.
"This isn't about politics," one host shrieked,"it's about GUNS!"
I responded,"Well, the solution to the gun issue the president brought up would be political."
The host continued by saying that he felt the reason I hadn't written about the tragedy and that the NRA hadn't spoken about it was because we were ashamed. I countered with the fact that I was, presently, talking to the BBC about the tragedy and defending Americans rights to keep and bear arms. I was not ashamed to defend that.
But I was ashamed that defending the Constitution had to be done in this way at this time.
It was unsettling. It was too soon. And yet, someone had to push back against the philistines willing to ride on the backs of dead children to pursue their political agenda. And though sickened, I spoke up.
Jonah Goldberg captures this disgust nicely. Please read his whole post. Here's a snippet:
I haven't written much about the Newtown shooting. I did write my first column of the week about it because I felt I had to chime in. But I resented it. Maybe it's because I'm becoming too sentimental about kids. Maybe it's because I'm sick to death of death. Maybe it's some other personal failing on my part, but I nonetheless resent being dragged into the political maw so quickly after a bunch of little kids were picked off by a madman with a gun. I agree with 90% of the things written by my colleagues about guns and gun control and the second amendment over the last week, but I nonetheless find it a bit grotesque that it's necessary for anyone to be celebrating or defending guns before these little, little, kids have even been buried. It feels indecent to me.
It is indecent.
No, your ends do not justify these means.
I have to wonder: Do the folks indulging in this orgie of political posturing know loss and death? Are they so distanced from sorrow that they cannot empathize with the parents and suffering families? Are they such zealots for their cause that they're willing to step on a heap of dead children to fight for it? Do they not see what they're doing?
Maybe it's just that when you're a humanist, your instinct is to blame humans. If your worldview is that people are essentially good, that they've been nurtured wrong, or society failed, and then evil, evil guns were around, then blaming parents, doctors, teachers, gun manufacturers, "society" is the route one goes. And this time, the usual blamable subjects don't quite fit that worldview. The boy's mother, school officials, psychologists, everyone, were trying to do something to help him. The boy couldn't be helped or wasn't helped soon enough. Maybe he didn't want to be helped.
So, it's the guns and people who have guns who are evil. Someone must be blamed.
It is devastating to look at the deaths of twenty children and see the horror unfold in a lovely community (that did all the right gun control things) and for evil to still happen.
One feels helpless.
Helplessness is the natural human state. Humanists just live under an illusion — more laws, or better people, or the right resources will make all societal ills vanish. No, they won't.
And so, we see folks fighting like badgers about guns, because it feels like Something Can Be Done. It's better to be angry and active, then passive and helpless.
It is tougher, as Eugene Kennedy says, when tragedies strike, to accept what is. Andrew Malcolm and I interviewed Professor Kennedy about the Newtown tragedy.
Rather than talking about guns or laws or even mental illness, Professor Kennedy talked about the nature of man, of suffering, and of our walk on the earth. To me, it seems like we should be talking about those things.
Instead, we're talking about guns. It is, as Jonah says, indecent.
Adam Lanza And The Look Of Mass Murder: Why do mass murderers look the same?Sunday, December 16th, 2012
What do mass murderers have in common? Their facial expressions. At least, that's the way it looks to me.
I don't know what to make of this, but I thought I'd share these pictures and let you judge for yourself. Basically, I was looking at this Lanza kid and that professor who killed her colleagues came to mind. Then, I thought of the guy in Colorado who killed the people at the Batman showing, and I thought: they all look the same.
Clinically, they all look mildly hyperthyroid–you can see the whites of their eyes in some cases. Their faces are drawn. Their hair flat, dull, and looking like they may be nutritionally deprived.
I want to know what medications these people were on. The public has a right to know about them: their family situation, their parents' psychological profiles, birth order, any psychological diagnoses, their I.Q.'s, surgeries, illnesses, vaccinations, medications, nutrition, genetics… everything.
Public policy will be suggested, but how can we come up with adequate solutions if we can't pinpoint the problem? And clearly, all of these people have problems–and they aren't new ones. People knew they were trouble. In many cases, family tried to intervene.
Don't they look the same? What goes wrong in the wiring that we recognize this form of crazy? No one is surprised by them. Or these cases seem to rarely surprise anyone. Is it because we see and/or sense the crazy emanating off of them? Very often, they cross paths with psychologists, teachers, doctors, and their parents are worried, overwhelmed, in denial, or inept. [Lanza's mom had confrontations with the school system.]
What do we do with this?
It doesn't matter their names. In fact, I don't want to dignify these killers with showcasing their names. They all look the same.
They share a bleak, blankness in their eyes. Their mouths are drawn. They seem to be removed, distant. And underneath it all, there seems to be a suppressed fury.
The world is unfair. Nothing matters. So kill the world.
These seem to be the faces of malignant nihilism.
A Little MercyThursday, November 29th, 2012
What cowardice it is to be dismayed by the happiness of others and devastated by their good fortune. — Montesquieu
The Spectacle Du Jour a couple weeks ago focused on a four-star General and the women in his life which lead to more questions about other accomplished men and the women who loved and/or used them. I did not find it amusing. My concern, in the abstract, was that personal emails were being rummaged through by our government for what seemed like spurious reasons. Worse, I didn't like the blackmail implications — not by the women (though, of course that was and is a concern) but by the government. By our president.
My thoughts wandered to Hitler and his use of blackmail to silence his political opponents. Say what you want, but I'm not keen about living in a country where our government rifles through the shopping cart of our lives and then decides to shame us publicly when they find the Twinkie or Big Gulp that offends them.
But that's a digression.
What really sickens is how Americans reacted to the salacious stories. It is sickening to joke about the destruction of many lives — as if these people weren't people at all. They became amusements. We on Twitter became members of the Forum jeering at the prisoner sent to face the hungry lions.
It's been said that comedy is a tragedy that happens to someone else. And maybe with distance, those in the throes of marital woe and relational and professional disaster will see the humor, but I doubt it. And I doubt anyone doing the cat calling would find it funny to have their own personal sins blared in neon. Or on Twitter.
Lance Armstrong, as an example, is being brought low. Whether he did the drugs or not (and everyone was doing them so he wasn't alone), the real motivation to bring him down seems rooted in envy and a desire to destroy greatness. Ha! Ha! He's a failure, just like me. Now I feel better about myself.
Tiger Woods had some pathological emptiness that needed to be fed with women other than his wife. It's sad that he's lost his edge. The world is worse for his lost potential.
General Petreaus got caught up with a woman and like an errant ship, hit the shore of wreck and ruin. America is not better for this failure.
And we are not better for having made fun of these people. We are worse.
I remember when Oprah was shocked at an audience member who told her, "I liked you better when you were fat."
Oprah: Why?
Audience lady: Because you were just like me.
Now, General Petreaus, Tiger Woods, Lance Armstrong are just like us. Feel better?
Ace alludes to the "feeling better":
What I can't understand is the simple hate, the hate for hate's sake, the hate of The Other for the sake of Self-Affirmation. I especially can't understand the hate coming from the sort of people who will insist to you, quite seriously, that they have essentially purged all primitive and dark emotion from themselves and now exist on an elevated Oprah/Chopra plane of pidgin Zen harmony and balance.
I see less of this on the right, but I've seen enough to make me uncomfortable. Still, it's worth noting that philosophically, people on the right acknowledge their own base nature even as they succumb to it. The left seems to pretend it doesn't exist.
Is it really all that wrong to laugh, though? It's not hate, hate–as Whoopi says.
What's the big deal about laughing at Petreaus or Armstrong or Woods? People who know all these men have said that they're kinda pricks anyway. Probably. A single-minded determination to have mastery in one's field tends to be born of a ruthlessly demanding nature, competitiveness and annoyingly narrow focus. These people are not like you and me in many ways–they refuse to compromise where you and I do and tend to have a messianic complex about their skewed priorities.
So, they deserve the scorn they receive, right?
Joking does have its place. In fact, court jesters performed this function–poking holes in the aristocratic class and giving the commoners permission to laugh at the foibles and hypocrisy of the ruling class.
Yet, why does this current trend at ruthless mockery leave a bitter aftertaste? Maybe it's because Petreaus and Woods and Armstrong aren't the ruling class. They didn't get to their position by patronage or birthright. They worked to achieve their success. They bested their competitors. They worked hard and achieved greatness.
It seems like success itself is being mocked. These are our peers. They are people who started as nothing and made something of themselves. These are just common men who, through hard work, achieved the uncommon.
These are the people we'd like to be. These are people working to achieve what we would like to if only we had the talent and self-discipline to do it.
Gabriel Malor linked to this piece by Jody Foster when she defended teen idol Kristen Stewart after her very public "gotcha" moment:
In my era, through discipline and force of will, you could still manage to reach for a star-powered career and have the authenticity of a private life. Sure, you'd have to lose your spontaneity in the elaborate architecture. You'd have to learn to submerge beneath the foul air and breathe through a straw. But at least you could stand up and say, I will not willfully participate in my own exploitation. Not anymore. If I were a young actor or actress starting my career today in the new era of social media and its sanctioned hunting season, would I survive? Would I drown myself in drugs, sex, and parties? Would I be lost?
I've said it before and I will say it again: if I were a young actor today I would quit before I started. If I had to grow up in this media culture, I don't think I could survive it emotionally. I would only hope that someone who loved me, really loved me, would put their arm around me and lead me away to safety.
Kristen Stewart, a young actress, heartrendingly in my opinion, shared her grief and sorrow through People Magazine at having harmed her relationship with her boyfriend. She prostrated herself publicly, asking forgiveness.
The world jeered.
Social media and blogging and all this technology has democratized communications. It has changed the world for the better, in many ways.
It has also given megaphones to what used to be localized mob behavior.
Today, it's Mayim Bialik's divorce. I was tangentially aware of Bialik. She is very funny on the hit TV show Big Bang Theory. Less known to me, but a big deal to moms, is that she uses "attachment parenting". In this form of parenting, a mom wears, sleeps with and generally is around her babies a lot. Women hated her. Well, some did.
Any woman who felt guilt for bottle-feeding when she could have nursed or in some other way felt guilt when she heard or looked at Ms. Bialik now feels triumphant. See?! Her ideas suck so bad they resulted in a divorce!
Oprah's fat! Tiger has a 15 handicap! Lance Armstrong can't compete in Ironmans now! General Petreaus won't lead America's security efforts!
The gods have been brought low. And rather than mourning the loss, Americans celebrate the fall and delight in the sorrow.
No mercy.
Netroots Nation Dispatch: Darcy Burner Celebrates Abortion At Elizabeth Warren's War On Women PanelFriday, June 8th, 2012
The War on Women panel featuring Elizabeth Warren revealed much about the leftist perspective on abortion. In an act of public bullying, one of the three speakers, Darcy Burner of Washington (the others being Elizabeth Warren and Mazie Hirono of Hawaii), asked women who had had an abortion to stand up in front of other attendees.
It was difficult to estimate the number of women as they were sprinkled through out the audience. They stood alone while Burner admonished the attendees to hold their applause.
Then Burner asked the others seated in the audience to stand and give these women a standing ovation. The audience complied enthusiastically.
I sat during this spectacle.
Burner said,"If you are a woman in this room, and statistically this is true of about 1/3 of the women in this room, if you're a woman in this room who has had an abortion and is willing to come out about it, please stand up."
She continued, "Now, if you are willing to stand with every woman who is willing to come out about having had an abortion, please stand up."
Nearly everyone stood.
Burner said,"This is how we change the stories in people's past. We need to make it okay for women to come out about the choices they make."
The left will say that they're not pro-abortion, they're pro-choice or they're pro-women. It was clear, though, that abortion itself was elevated as something good and something to be celebrated.
The speaker and the audience was honoring women who had an abortion as though the action was an objectively good thing.
You can listen for yourself here:
Burner had some other interesting advice, too. She spoke of the six elements of Power versus the less effective, in her mind, use of Force by the Republicans. I don't know if her speech was an allusion to the book Power vs. Force: The Hidden Determinants of Human Behavior-Author's Official Revised Edition 2012.
Anyway, her advice, shortened for brevity's sake (her whole speech is on the audio) is as follows. As much as possible, these are direct quotes from Bower's speech:
Economic Power
In the war on women there's an obvious application of economic power. Bower mention that women make 80% of consumer buying decisions. She talked about all the products made by the evil Koch brothers and how it is difficult to keep track of their products.
"It's a difficult thing to remember all the things you're not supposed to buy," she said.
So Burner suggested an iPhone application that would scan the product to see "how good it is for you to buy."
Political Power
Get women to vote.
Cultural Power – stories we tell about ourselves
Burner spoke of changing the culture through TV and how it's paid huge cultural dividends. She used as an example the perception of gay people now.
"Because of television, now everybody has a gay best friend whether they do or not."
This is where Burner talked about coming out about abortion would change the culture to positively value it. She found it offensive that there was still a fight for abortion rights and cultural acceptance.
Moral Power
Perhaps one of the most shocking parts of Burner's presentation, second only to the abortion talk, was her prescription to gain moral power.
She consistently recommended using people who were innocent to get public opinion on their side. She included the use of children as a means to change public perception. Her examples included an old lady at an Occupy rebellion with a bloodied face and a young teen on the ground.
1. Innocents — the protest has to use innocent children (explicit advocacy for using children)
2. Voluntary
3. Use of official force
4. Widely communicated
5. Shocks conscience
Burner said that it was about "high time we pass the equal rights amendment." She suggesting using older women as the face of the campaign. The "American public considers older women to be innocent." So, older women should be used for the equal rights movement.
Here she talked about proactive steps to combat the War on Women.
What to do in the next year, to go on offense in the War Against Women:
1. Boycott everything that "feeds the Koch brothers machine."
2. Get women to vote.
3. Court/police power: proactive suits against discrimination; shareholder lawsuits
4. Cultural power: coming out project about women who've had abortion
5. Moral power ERA protests
6. Build networks. "One of the biggest holes in the women's movement. We need a network of networks."
Darcy Burner's presentation gives insight to how the left sees women and their place in the world. It is abortion focused and rooted in the past.
About The Time Magazine Attachment Parenting CoverThursday, May 10th, 2012
Time Magazine wants you to pay attention to their provocative picture. Why? What are they trying to say?
When looking at imagery, it sometimes takes a bit to get what the photographer/editor is trying to say. Here are some thoughts in no particular order.
1. Context: The image of a three year old boy sucking on his mom's breast is being put on the cover of the Time magazine for Mother's Day weekend.
2. Implication: Mothers are crazy.
3. Implication: Breastfeeding is crazy.
4. Implication: Attachment parenting is oedipal. (Look it up.)
5. Implication: Breastfeeding is sexual. The mother's smug expression indicates that she's enjoying the interaction just a little too much.
6. Time is desperate for attention and will get it. [Is getting it, obviously.] Also, I suspect the editor/writer watches Game of Thrones.
Bottom line, Time is pushing forward the idea that mothering is often, if not always, overdone. That too much emphasis is put on mothering. Attachment parenting is weird, sexual, and even abusive.
Mothering, in short, is being demonized as too powerful, crazy, and scary and that it's abusive to children–nigh unto sex abuse.
The cover is a play on the Madonna imagery of Mary with the Christ child. It takes that image of selfless love and motherly devotion and turns it inside out into something selfish, narcissistic, and sexual.
As a mom who breastfed all her kids and beyond time when many are comfortable with — 18 months, 2 years, and 2 1/2 years consecutively — this cover is patently offensive.
Women who actually care about mothering are seen as crazy, wrongly-focused and weird. So, the solution is to conflate all moms with the admittedly extreme moms who go overboard.
But who is going to draw that line?
As Mika of Morning Joe noted, the Time article isn't even about breast feeding — it's about Dr. Bill Sears.
The picture is a picture of desperation. It is attention whoring but it's at the expense of children, mothers, healthy breastfeeding, and the bond between mom and child.
Bill Maher's Selective Outrage Over OutrageThursday, March 22nd, 2012
Bill Maher, liberal, pretend libertarian and over all, failed comic, decides, finally, that the outrage over, well, everything, has finally all become too much. From his editorial in today's New York Times:
When did we get it in our heads that we have the right to never hear anything we don't like? In the last year, we've been shocked and appalled by the unbelievable insensitivity of Nike shoes, the Fighting Sioux, Hank Williams Jr., Cee Lo Green, Ashton Kutcher, Tracy Morgan, Don Imus, Kirk Cameron, Gilbert Gottfried, the Super Bowl halftime show and the ESPN guys who used the wrong cliché for Jeremy Lin after everyone else used all the others. Who can keep up?
This week, President Obama's chief political strategist, David Axelrod, described Mitt Romney's constant advertising barrage in Illinois as a "Mittzkrieg," and instantly the Republican Jewish Coalition was outraged and called out Mr. Axelrod's "Holocaust and Nazi imagery" as "disturbing." Because the message of "Mittzkrieg" was clear: Kill all the Jews. Then the coalition demanded not only that Mr. Axelrod apologize immediately but also that Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz "publicly rebuke" him. For a pun! For punning against humanity!
The right side of America is mad at President Obama because he hugged the late Derrick Bell, a law professor who believed we live in a racist country, 22 years ago; the left side of America is mad at Rush Limbaugh for seemingly proving him right.
If it weren't for throwing conniption fits, we wouldn't get any exercise at all.
Please stop apologizing, Maher implores.
Here's how the right's outrage machine got started Mr. Maher–just for your edification. (I will admit, I worried about this tactic for fear it would stop being ironic and become the New Right's political correctness.)
See, for years, decades even, the Left's number one weapon in its arsenal has been outrage over nothing. Let me make a list:
Silent Spring (Environmentalism outrage)
The new Ice Age (Environmentalism outrage)
Sensitivity training (racism, sexism, minority outrage)
Poisoned apples (Environmentalism outrage)
DDT (Environmentalism outrage)
Any kind of cultural joke…ever. (See isms above)
Words, and worse, ideas, started to be censured. Like the prohibitionist knitting circle of yore, leftists have cluck clucked their way into power by being the church ladies aggrieved at every blond joke, straying eye, proper use of word (niggardly!!!), scientific disagreement, and on and on.
In response, the right of center side decided to throw the selective outrage back at them.
There's a lot of pent up fury. How would you feel about being hectored over every meaningless and stupid aside (MACACA!!!!).
So, conservatives through New Media, are holding the left to their own race-baiting, sexist, offensive-language standards.
Big surprise! The left turns out to be more racist, sexist, degrading, closed-minded, and ugly than the right–something that minorities who have defected from the left know all too well.
And now, when Bill Maher is finally taking some heat for being the sexist jackass that he is, he's crying foul.
In the years before New Media, everyone just wink-winked and chortled at how edgy and clever and brave Maher was while castigating conservatives who said far less offensive things.
Restricting speech on one side was such a great tool. Everyone hated conservatives and laughed at liberals. And then they realized they were the butt of the joke.
Now, liberals are hated too.
You're welcome.
Liberals have themselves to thank for this fine politically correct mess.
See, I'm a free speech absolutist. Do I think it's despicable to make fun of Sarah Palin's kid and calling him a "retard"? Yes. Do I want to be able to use the word "retard"? Yes.
As in, Bill Maher is a retard.
To have any credibility whatsoever, he should have been decrying the politically correct war on words from the left years ago, but of course, that didn't serve his political ends.
My concern on the right is that we're becoming as bad as the left–that is, we're actually starting to believe the outrage we're pouring at the left.
My concern is that rather than being outraged at the leftists phony outrage and throwing it back at them, we're becoming as politically correct and insufferable as them.
As long as Sandra Flukes exist and screech about inequality over nothing, the right has every reason to thrown their hypocrisy back at them.
The minute, though, we buy into political correctness and start being just like the lefty church ladies we loathe, the whole battle has been lost.
Humor, art, science, technology can only thrive where new, outrageous and edgy words and ideas thrive.
Conformity of language is conformity of culture. Stasis.
Free speech. Cherish it.
It would be nice if Bill Maher could have found his outrage at outrage when the leftist outrage machine has survived on outrage fuel. But then, Bill Maher's not a great mind or comedian. The irony is lost on him.
Bruce of The Conservatory notes what Maher really wants:
In essence, Maher wants to be able to say anything he wants and not have to apologize for it.
I agree.
Please, do so. And don't apologize. That is fine with me.
But … and you knew there had to be one … that doesn't mean what you say is consequence free. You still get to pay the price for what you say.
That's really what Maher wants to see go by the boards, make no mistake about it. He really wants no-penalty "free speech".
Sorry, no such thing. Never has been, never will be.
Updated again:
Great piece from Dorian Davis: Get a sense of humor.
The Atlantic's Anti-Christian Bigotry: Tim Tebow Reveals The Press' HateWednesday, March 21st, 2012
Imagine reading this in The Atlantic:
The Twitterverse is already taking notice of the "holy" pairing of last month's sensation New York Knicks point guard Mohammed El Arabi with this afternoon's sensation: New York Jets quarterback Abd Al-Ala Awwal. (We're still getting used to typing that last one.) New York City's professional sports won't be lacking in the Qu'ran thumping department. As you may have already heard, the New York Jets have traded a fourth round pick to the Denver Broncos for Abd Al-Ala Awwal's services. For now, the trade sort of puts a stop to the schadenfreude surrounding Abd Al-Ala Awwal and the Peyton Manning acquisition. So what now? Well jokes, of course. For some–the pairing of the very-Muslim, pro-life, Allah-loving Tebow and New York City might be bit odd. (However, we're guessing there's some cheering going on around the New York Post and Daily News sports desks). We won't know how this will work out for the Jets until the fall. But with Allah, Mohammed El Arabi, and Abd Al-Ala Awwal on New York City's side, who's going to take the blame for next season's losses?
Or better yet, this:
The Twitterverse is already taking notice of the "unholy" pairing of last month's sensation New York Knicks point guard George Carlin with this afternoon's sensation: New York Jets quarterback Christopher Hitchens. (We're still getting used to typing that last one.) New York City's professional sports won't be lacking in the The God Delusion-thumping department. As you may have already heard, the New York Jets have traded a fourth round pick to the Denver Broncos for Hitchens' services. For now, the trade sort of puts a stop to the schadenfreude surrounding Hitchens and the Peyton Manning acquisition. So what now? Well jokes, of course. For some–the pairing of the very-Atheist, abortion loving, God-hating Hitchens and New York City might be bit odd. (However, we're guessing there's some cheering going on around the New York Times and Wall Street Journal sports desks). We won't know how this will work out for the Jets until the fall. But with biology, George Carlin, and Chris Hitchens on New York City's side, who's going to take the blame for next season's losses?
And then read this:
The Twitterverse is already taking notice of the "holy" pairing of last month's sensation New York Knicks point guard Jeremy Lin with this afternoon's sensation: New York Jets quarterback Tim Tebow. (We're still getting used to typing that last one.) New York City's professional sports won't be lacking in the bible-thumping department. As you may have already heard, the New York Jets have traded a fourth round pick to the Denver Broncos for Tebow's services. For now, the trade sort of puts a stop to the schadenfreude surrounding Tebow and the Peyton Manning acquisition. So what now? Well jokes, of course. For some–the pairing of the very-Christian, pro-life, God-loving Tebow and New York City might be bit odd. (However, we're guessing there's some cheering going on around the New York Post and Daily News sports desks). We won't know how this will work out for the Jets until the fall. But with God, Jeremy Lin, and Tim Tebow on New York City's side, who's going to take the blame for next season's losses?
The aforementioned was actually written.
God-hating. Christian-despising. American-loathing.
Our modern media is very out of touch with America.
The Culture War IS The Fiscal War: Feminism And The Big Slutty LieMonday, March 5th, 2012
People like to separate fiscal conservatives from social conservatives. It's impossible to do.
The nut of Sandra Fluke's argument is this: pay for my contraception. If it doesn't work, pay for my abortion. If I decide to have the kid, but not work and do something like "community organizing" or "reproductive rights activism", pay for my lifestyle choice. [More on Sandra Fluke here.]
And herein lies the problem with a purely libertine argument: Someone has to pay for all this freedom.
True personal liberty comes with a lot of personal responsibility.
The way it stands now, though, feminists are pushing for the state to take care of everything.
At the least, a man should pony up a condom to have sex, but no. A woman is too afraid to have this discussion, evidently, and refuses to force the man to buy and wear a condom. Were she mature enough to have this conversation, her sex life would be "free" so long as the condom wasn't defective or broke.
Then, of course, whether the woman is on the pill or using condoms, there's always contraception failure. The woman will have to live with the STD or baby consequences. And again, she'll want the taxpayer to pay for that, too. Antibiotics and prenatal care aren't free, after all. Worst, she wants people of conscience to pay for her abortion. They, in turn, feel forced to pay a hitman to kill an innocent person.
A truly "free" woman would pay for her choices, but the fact is, that these choices can all be very expensive.
In the past, when sex was more the provenance of two monogamous and committed people, the man and woman would negotiate these things. And if a "mistake" did happen, the man would "do the right thing" and marry the woman.
Old fashioned? Maybe. Cost effective for the taxpayer? Absolutely. Good for the fabric of society and for that child? No question.
Barack Obama and his merry band of slutty misfits want to have all the fun and none of the responsibility of the consequences should things not go just the way they're supposed to in the sexual arena (and when do they ever?).
So, in the last year of a horribly failed presidency, President Obama wants the focus to be on "contraceptive rights" when there are no such thing. It's a great way to distract from the statist policies he's employing: He wants to diminish the role of faith in the public space, and in the place of men/husbands/fathers, he wants an all-powerful state to pay for, mold, and control the next generation. Or kill them.
If this fight feels primal and visceral, it is because it is. The cultural war that the left has started has had dire public policy consequences. The welfare state has failed.
We have a nation of fatherless children living in poverty because their mothers bought the feminist lie that having sex like a hound-dog man, outside of marriage is "empowering".
Single mothers are faced with the bitterness of powerlessness.
Defend that, liberals. Explain how living in poverty, alone, with multiple children, no education, an STD and no father is better than a two-parent family, feminists.
Answer: It isn't.
There will be no apologizing from me. The feminist movement as symbolized by the useful idiot Sandra Fluke has lied to and cursed a generation of women. Meanwhile, putting future generations of responsible tax paying men and women on the hook. [Update: Dana Loesch on faux rage.]
The culture war is a fiscal war. And America's children are the losers both ways.
Teri Cristoph of Smart Girl Politics to Women: You're Being Used. Teri says:
Knowing that women voters are leaving Obama, the left has deliberately waged a war designed to scare them into thinking their birth control will be taken from them. EMILY's List calls these disenchanted women voters "defectors" and they'll stop at nothing to get them back.
The use of the word "defector" by the left is supremely insulting. A defector is someone who switches allegiances, usually in a manner deemed to be traitorous. Got that? If you are a woman who voted for Obama in '08 but don't like what he's done as president and don't plan to vote for him again, you are considered a traitor by the left. Newsflash: Women are not born with a genetic allegiance to the Democrat party and its liberal causes. Plenty of us prefer to think for ourselves.
Democrats are running scared knowing that a significant number of women are wise to the fact that the economy has tanked, true unemployment is around 25 percent, and our president is wholly unequipped to deal with any of it. They also know that women voice their discontent at the ballot box. So they are waging this war against women. They use people like Sandra Fluke to distract from the real issues at stake this election season. They use women as pawns in their political game.
Yes, there is a war against women in 2012 and it's certainly no fluke.
What Rush Limbaugh should have done in the face of the attack by Mean Girls (emphasis on girls–women don't act irresponsibly and then want to be personally bailed out):
There are many conservatives who unfortunately allow the left to take their morality and use it to stifle their dissent. Limbaugh should have gone on the attack. He should have said "no apology" and exposed her for the partisan hack that she is. Do I care if Fluke fucks 50 guys? No, but I do care if she uses her position to gang up with other mean girls (and guys) to ram a political mandate down the throats of companies who do not believe in what she is peddling.
Standing up to mean girls is hard. I am in the process of writing a book on men's attitudes towards marriage and society and it is damn hard to get individual men to be interviewed. If I ask questions on the internet or in an anonymous setting, I am flooded with comments from men. I recently had over 3200 men answer a poll about paternity fraud, but try to get just a few men to talk in person? That's tough. And most are very concerned that their name will not be published. I don't blame them. The mean girls are out in society in full force.
If Rush Limbaugh can't stand up to the mean girls, who can?
Via Instapundit
More on Fatherhood from LaShawn Barber.


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FORMAT: Wav - 24 bit, 48khz [stereo]
A horror ambience that serves to create tension or a dark underlying atmosphere. Very subtle texture changes. Perfect for film sound where subtle tension is needed to guide events.
NI Reaktor 5 modular performance >> FX + Processing >> Equalization
This sound is a part of a pack of audio, of which the samples vary slightly in timbre and colour, but are all relatively similar in characteristics.
If you like or dislike this sound, please comment on your thoughts :)
REMINDER:This sound is licenced under CC Attribution - So if using this audio (especially commercial), please credit me where possible. Thanks
Great ambiance! This is perfect for the mini horror game that I am working for. I will include your name in the credits.
Real scary sound dude! Awesome job! I will this one for the pilot of a parody series. :D
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Thoughts of an Electronics teacher new to Arduino: I'm thinking about buying just the Uno R3, as I have all the basics (breadboards, pots, etc.) but I note there are a couple of possible items I might want to purchase, specifically, "Getting Started with Arduino (by Banzi), the Data Logging Shield, and the Proto shield. OF course more is better, BUT more expensive. Should I buy more than just the R3? If so, what?
Bruce Ratcliffe, Electronics instructor, Fresno


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The food here is always wonderful, however, I won't go back until they address the atmosphere problems. The acoustics in the space make it impossible to have a conversation, which is what you would want to have. I have heard this from many others who have been and also mentioned despite the wonderful food the atmosphere kills the experience.
Maybe not a relevant review...I went within a year of opening. Limited menu & pricey...not a bad thing, but small portions. Drink orders move like a herd of turtles. Service was questionable...Server would walk past table after initial drink order without further inquiry, refill on water or refresh bread basket. It's a small place so when a server ignores you it makes for an uncomfortable situation. Neither myself nor my wife have been compelled to return...and we live 2 blocks away.
I wouldn't waste your Restaurant week meal here. The carpaccio and tuna were pretty flavorless, the pasta and short rib entrees were pretty good, but nothing to lure me back there. The dessert that they brought was awful. It was a chocolate covered strawberry (that didn't even taste very good), a few berries soaked in liqueur, and the tiniest apple dumpling I had ever seen. I mean.. couldn't you do a Cannoli or something? All I could think about on the way home was that pint of Ben & Jerry's waiting for me in the fridge. They lured me with their deliciously described menu, but when it came down to it, the execution fell short.
I give 2 stars for the food which was delicious. Sad to say though that service goes a long way and theirs was not impressive. This place has awful management. I have never dealt with such unprofessional people.
Wow. Wow. wow.
The cancer of charleston strikes again.
I am so sorry we inconvenienced our servers by being there last night. I had friendlier service at DLR. I mean: they wouldn't let us in before 6. Ok, that's when they open, but that's when our ten top's reservation was for and two other tables also. We all waited outside in the 100+ temperatures, some for over 15 minutes. I understand that's when they open, but come on, don't you think some people might be early or late? It happens. I understand you're super stressful 4 hour shift making $100 plus off of six tables that 7 of you share just could not be expected to simply let someone in to sit 10 minutes earlier.
Then, once allowed into their presence, there was zero warmth from the inside (oh it was hot as hell though, everyone was sweating) no greeting, no explaination of the menu for the night (except as the platters were sat down), just a disgust that not everyone was there yet (4 minutes later) and when asked about drinks.........jesus it's just not worth it.
Long story short: crap service to 4 out of 9 people that are all in f&B, one that owns a restaurant right up the street. They will never have anyone sent their way from any of us! But, they REALLY seem to not want any customers anyway. The family dinner was a set price for each person........so, all our server would have to do is keep track of our drinks, right? No, she said it would be really hard to seperate our bill and would take her a long time. IT"S YOUR FUCKING JOB!!!!!
She said, normally one person just pays for the bill. Are you kidding me? Really? every monday night, each table only has ONE person dump out $800 to $1000 for their guest to eat? Am I crazy to think that's bullshit?
There are still a lot of people in this town that want to feel like dropping, a hard earned, $150 for dinner seemed worth it.
And then, no "thank you". No "thank you" from anyone in the place. Our bill folders dropped on the table for us to figure out and that was it. Nothing. They didn't give ONE shit if anyone liked anything or had any questions about anything.
I just don't get it.
i have eaten at this restaurant only once. I took my wife, my son and his wife. The food is ok and the service is ok. There are much better Italian food options in Charleston.
I read about the opening of this restaurant the other day. We have a good friend coming to visit this week and since it's an Italian restaurant and she loves Italian food, off we went.
Like Leaf, a restaurant that opened a few weeks ago, it has no social media presence. No facebook, twitter, webpage... you name it, nothing. AND, unlike Leaf it has no signage. Unless we knew that it was at 420 King Street we would have never found it. You would think a menu would be in the window for passersby to see and to draw attention to it. Nah, I guess their thoughts are, "If you build it they will come."
It is a very narrow, shot gun space with tables and high tops as you enter followed by a long bar. The tables are dark wood and the high tops were made by the owner (we overheard this). The walls have dark framed mirrors and they are waiting for framed prints for the walls to be delivered, so the walls are bare. The ceiling looks more like a floor than a ceiling created with dark salvaged wood from former homes in Charleston. The kitchen and more seating are in the back. Seating in the back is a small stucco walled room with dark beams. I really thought I was going to bump into a salad bar like I would have at Steak and Ale.
We had not heard much about the restaurant. One post stated that the ticket times were very long on the night that they were there and another liked his salad, but that's about it. We also heard that there is not a hostess to seat you and that it was somewhat confusing, which was true. It wasn't very busy and we were seated rather quickly.
We sat near the bar at a high top that was rocking. The server explained that the tables rocked because "they moved them around so much." Although she said she would get something to fix it, she didn't. Thank goodness I am a high maintenance coffee drinker and keep Sweet 'N Low in my purse. That did the trick. Can't someone pay attention to the little things?
The menu is moderate in size, but the restaurant was so dark we had to use the light from both our cell phone and the votive candle to read it. They offer 3 soups, 4 brushcettas, 3 appetizers, 6 pasta selections, 6 salad/veggies and duck confit, Cornish hen and a fish of the day. House made desserts are also available. So if you can't find their menu on line (which we couldn't), there it is.
We started with a cocktail, bottle of sparking water and an order of the artichoke brushcetta. Our beverages were served rather quickly, but with my beverage, served in a martini glass, they "Damn near missed it," as my dad would say when something was rather skimpy. My glass was literally half full.
The artichoke brushcetta was served in a pool of olive oil. With the lack of light it was hard to see if there was any pecorino romano cheese, as advertised and the garlic was overpowering. The bread was so heavily toasted it was like we were eating a large, oily crouton. I am certain that we made some noise chomping on it, but there was no way around it.
We decided to share two pasta dishes for dinner. Their pastas are made in house and were appealing. While we were waiting for our dinners to arrive we started to watch what appeared to be the owner tour the restaurant. He stopped at the table next to us who appeared to be friends of his. He poured wine, chit chatted and moved on. He then went to the table in the front of the restaurant, the lone table by the window - chit chatted and moved on. Two tables down from us and the table next to us had the same personalized visit. Ours was the only table that he did not stop at. I was beginning to get a complex.
Before we knew it our dinner was served. One thing that I can say is that our service was good and the food was served very quickly.
We ordered the Lobster Ravioli Served on Spicy Lobster and Wild Fennel Tomato Sauce "Sardinian Style". (We took a picture of the menu, so this is the exact menu copy.) We additionally ordered the Tagliatelle Served with Wild Boar Ragout Sauce. At $18.00 and $15.00 these were the most expensive items on the menu. The menu is very moderately priced.
Stem billowed from the plates as they were sat down in front of us. I thought, "Finally, very hot food." But alas, my dreams were dashed. The sauces were very hot and my lobster sauce also had a nice kick to it. The Boar Sauce had a nice flavor but the little chunks of boar within the sauce were so incredibly tough it was hard to chew them. Most disappointing was that the pastas were served tepid at best. They must have been platted ahead of time? Even the hot sauces didn't help. The Lobster Ravioli was also had somewhat of a fishy taste, so I wouldn't recommend it.
After all the time they waited to get this off the ground, it still needs some work. Can someone turn up the lights? Food pics can be found at http://diningaroundcharleston.com
I just left this place and have to agree with the other reviews.
Service was SLOW. The party next to us left after 30 minutes and only an appetizer.
Food was average and appeared to have been left on the counter until it was lukewarm.
Avoid this place. Pizza Hut would be just as good and a lot faster.
Fulton five used to be my favorite spot in charleston, but it has gone sharply downhill. Chef Brett Maynard was the heart of their success. The food is mediocre at best these days
The quality of the bread foreshadowed the quality of the meal: it left a lot to be desired. The bread was mushy, with no discernible crust and a dense interior. The mussels' white wine broth was much too sweet and lacked some needed acidity. The tomato basil sauce in the linguine and meatballs tasted like it was straight from a Ragu jar. I expected more as I have had fantastic meals at Uno Mas, another Dine with Sal establishment. Pass on this restaurant: this is not real Italian.
My husband and I recently dined at Red Pepper. We both have backgrounds in the food & bev industry, so we are generally low maintenance diners and we understand that things can come up that are out of the control of the server, etc. However, I was very disappointed with our experience at the Red Pepper. The food was ok, but definitely not worth the price. The $8.95 Calamari was rubbery, obviously dropped from frozen into the fryer, and lacked flavor. I had the Chicken Parmigiana which was very good and the $13.95 price tag was reasonable. However, my husband ordered the Special - Grilled Pork Chop with Cremini and Porcini Cream Sauce and Spinach Pesto Pasta which the server told us was $17.95. When the bill came, they had charged us $22.95 and refused to adjust the price. It seems a bit underhanded to me to promote a product for a specific price and then once it is too late to send it back they just charge whatever they want. The Special wasn't even worth $17.95, let alone $22.95. The "foccacia" that came with our meal was a joke, it was basically greasy bread sticks. Although the restaurant wasn't busy at all we had to ask repeatedly for refills on our drinks. I was very disappointed in our experience there. They promote their restaurant as "authentic" Italian, but I lived in Italy for over a year, and authentic this is definitely not. Using italian words on the menu doesn't make you authentic. Save your money and eat somewhere else.


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Below is detailed information for teaching faculty members on how to submit an application for an RO or SA release for the 2014/15 academic year:
Review of applications will normally be completed by January 31, 2014.
Fillable PDF
RO & SA Application Form for Major Grant Holders Fillable Word Doc
Final research reports are required and must be submitted to the Research Office by September 12, 2015. A reminder email, along with a report template and instructions, will be sent to faculty who receive Research Option or Scholarly Activity releases.
Please refer to the or email email@example.com.
In 2011, UFV was successful in its application to SSHRC for an Aid to Small Universities (ASU) grant. Though this is an external grant, the Research Office administers the grant to faculty through a proposal system.
The call for proposals is for applications requesting funding for research in one (or more) of the followingthree areas:
At least 50% of the budget should be dedicated to hiring student research assistants. The grant will covercosts of travel by faculty or student research assistants that is required for the conduction of the research.
For more information regarding the call for proposals, please contact Brad Whittaker (firstname.lastname@example.com).
To apply, complete the ASU application form and submit it to Linda Dahl in the UFV Research Office (firstname.lastname@example.com).
The Work Study Grant Program has been under revision and is now complete.
We have four goals in mind:
The Research Office will no longer be putting out the calls for research assistants. The call will come from the Career Centre in April 2012.Visit http://www.ufv.ca/Jobs/Work_Study.htm to review revisions.From top of the page, click on Work study process for Faculty and Staff and click on the following links:
If you have any questions or concerns, contact firstname.lastname@example.com.


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Construction Consumer Products Metals & Materials Safety Environment Transportation Chemicals Energy Medical Quality
ASTM Staff Meets With Students at Mexican University
ASTM International staff had the opportunity to visit the FES Aragón campus of the National Autonomous University of Mexico with the objective of introducing students to ASTM International and to encourage students and professors to participate in ASTM's student outreach activities.
The visit was arranged through Alliance FiiDEM (Alliance for Training and Research Infrastructure for the Development of Mexico). ASTM International signed an agreement with Alliance FiiDEM last year to work cooperatively to share technical information, specifically related to infrastructure. Luis Ordonez and Vanessa Corona, ASTM representatives in Mexico, participated in the visit, which was attended by more than 150 students.


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Researchers have discovered a new type of cool burning flames that could lead to cleaner and more efficient engines for cars.
"We observed something that we didn't think could exist," Forman Williams, a professor of mechanical and aerospace engineering at the University of California, San Diego said in the press release.
An in-depth understanding of the cool flames' chemistry could help improve internal combustion engines in cars e.g., by developing homogenous-charge compression ignition. The technology, if employed, would lead to engines that burn fuel at cooler temperatures, emitting fewer pollutants such as soot and nitric oxide and nitrogen dioxide, also known as NOx, while still being efficient.


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Shrimp Scampi
- 2 lbs Shrimp 16/20, peeled and deveined
- 1/4 cup Shallots, minced
- 2 Tbsp Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Salt, kosher
- 1/4 tsp Black pepper, fresh ground
- 1/2 cup White wine
- 1 Tbsp lemon, juice
- 6 Tbsp butter
- 2 Tbsp olive oil, extra-virgin
- 1/4 cup parsley, fresh, chopped
- 1 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
Cooking Directions:
- Melt 2 tablespoons butter with 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season shrimp with kosher salt and black pepper; add to the skillet and cook until pink, stirring occasionally, 2 to 3 minutes.
- Stir in shallots and garlic and cook until shallots are translucent, 3 to 4 minutes.
- Remove shrimp and other ingredients from skillet and keep warm.
- Pour white wine and lemon juice into skillet and bring to a boil. Reduce until bottom of skillet is almost dry, reduce heat to medium then slowly add (cold) butter in skillet one tablespoon at a time and continue to stir until almost melted. Continue adding butter and stirring until you get to the last tablespoon, add shrimp, and parsley in the butter mixture until coated, put back on heat for one minute; season with salt and black pepper and serve.
Serves 4-5, 20-30 minutes total to prep and cook
Recipe by Chef Wayne Johnson.
Items for this recipe
My Rating For This Item
Flavor Texture Aroma
Feb 28, 2016
Shrimp Scampi
this was absolutely delicous and very easy to prepare...you will not regret it
Debie Studd


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On Tuesday, March 8, 2016 a post mortem was conducted on the body of Christopher Diachuk, a Canadian national who was vacationing in Soufriere.
The examination revealed that he died as a result of a heart attack due to coronary artery disease also known as heart disease (a buildup of plaque in your arteries, which blocks blood flow).
No foul play suspected in this matter.


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WINNIPEG, Manitoba, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Actor William Shatner, possibly following the footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronald Reagan, said he might consider running for Canadian prime minister.
The 77-year-old Emmy Award-winner, best known as Capt. James T. Kirk on "Star Trek," made a comment in response to a fan letter urging him to become Canada's governor general, representing Queen Elizabeth II, who is officially the head of state.
"I must, with deepest thanks, turn down your honorable intent to advance me as Governor General," Shatner, a native of Montreal, wrote. "Besides which, I don't have time to be Governor General," he wrote. "My intention is to be Prime Minister of Canada, not Governor General, which is mainly a ceremonial position."
The current governor general, Michaelle Jean, greeted U.S. President Barack Obama at the airport when he visited Prime Minister Stephen Harper in Ottawa last Thursday.
"As Prime Minister I can lead Canada into even greater exploits," online Dose magazine quoted Shatner's letter as saying.
Neither Shatner nor Harper had any immediate comment on the report.
The actor won his first Emmy Award for his role as Denny Crane on "The Practice" in 2004. He won a second Emmy in 2005 and Golden Globe Awards in 2006 and 2007 for his Crane role in "The Practice" spinoff "Boston Legal."


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'E-Verify' Screening Rules Kick In For Contractors
Beginning Tuesday, all federal contractors will be required to use E-Verify, an online security system set up by the Department of Homeland Security to make sure employees are eligible to work in the U.S.
The rule finally goes into effect after four delays — and an unsuccessful legal appeal by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.
With E-Verify, when the company hires someone, the new employee fills out an I-9 form and shows two forms of ID — the same procedure as before. But instead of calling the Social Security Administration to check the documents, the company logs on to the government's E-Verify Web site to determine whether the person is authorized to work in the U.S.
New Procedures
Valenzuela Drywall, a Tucson, Ariz., construction company, began using E-Verify more than a year ago. This was even before Arizona required employers to use it to try to cut down on the number of illegal workers in the state.
Payroll manager Anna Romero says she likes that she can print out the authorization for her records, which she couldn't do before.
"You just enter, you know, last name, first name, Social Security number, date of birth, the day they started — and it comes right out whether they're authorized to work," Romero says. "It's simple, straightforward. It gives you step-by-step instructions. It's not difficult at all."
The company is one of some 145,000 employers nationwide using E-Verify. Thirteen states already make its use mandatory.
'A Great Expense'
Now, any company nationwide doing work for the federal government will have to use the program. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and some other business associations tried to stop the rule from being implemented.
Lynn Shotwell, executive director of the American Council on International Personnel, which represents large companies, takes issue with the new requirement. Her problem is that federal contractors are now required to use E-Verify to check not only new hires but also all other employees.
"If you have 6,000 or 100,000 employees there's a great expense involved in the time and the effort it takes to re-verify everyone," Shotwell says. "And that's really our biggest concern."
Years Of Refining The Program
The rule does give companies 30 days after a contract is awarded to enroll employees.
Spokesman Bill Wright of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency that administers E-Verify, says the Web site is quicker and more precise than older methods.
Earlier versions were not so accurate: At one point 20 percent of all workers were flagged as illegal. But after years of refining the program, Wright says, the rate is down to 3 percent. And less than one-tenth of those are mistakes, such as wrong numbers or wrong names, rather than illegal workers.
"That basically means 2.8 percent — just under the 3 — were found to be not authorized to work in the United States," Wright says. "Translation: E-Verify system works. That's exactly what it's supposed to do."
Systematic Scrutinizing
If an employee is flagged, he has eight working days to resolve the issue. During that time, he can't be fired. E-Verify will flag someone who uses a phony name or Social Security number. But its weakness is that it doesn't verify identities of workers who may illegally be using other people's legitimate names or numbers.
Shotwell says this flaw could potentially allow workers with stolen or false identification to slip through the cracks.
"They could show up as legally authorized to work, when in fact they're not," she says.
Wright admits E-Verify isn't perfect, but he says it's better than previous systems.
"We are working to help make the system at least combat a little of the identify theft and identity fraud," he says. "But you're right; it does not eliminate it."
At Valenzuela Drywall, Romero says they haven't had many suspicious checks using E-Verify. Some were flagged because there was a wrong digit in a Social Security number. Others were unauthorized workers. But the reason they've had so few probably has little to do with E-Verify — and more to do with the economy: They're just not hiring much these days.


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West Virginia secured its first commitment in the class of 2014 Saturday evening when Monroeville (Pa.) Gateway wide receiver Ricky Rogers selected the Mountaineers after an unofficial visit. And W...
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text: Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, "Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?" Jesus answered, "I tell you, not seven times, but seventy times seven times."Does that mean you only get 490 sins, and on the 491st, you're done? Let's hope so. We need some new cursed numbers. I'm tired of 13 and 666 and, for Jim Carrey, 23. Did you know the Chinese think four is unlucky? That's so impractical. Fours are everywhere. We need more of that.


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Jo Nesbo, the popular Norwegian author of crime thrillers, is often compared to Steig Larsson. And for good reason; one of his books is sold every 23 seconds around the world. His latest in the Harry Hole series is 'Phantom.'
In an interview with The Guardian, Nesbo says he gets inspiration for his novels from fear:
The fear that I felt as a child, just going down in the cellar, that is still the fuel for my novels. I guess climbing also. It's not like climbing is dangerous. It's probably less dangerous than driving a car. But it's a biological fear we have in our bodies. Your body is not interested in climbing up. It's only interested in getting down or just clinging to the wall. So you have to persuade your body to get further up. Your movements don't come instinctively, it's counterintuitive. Every time I climb, I still feel a little tickle of fear.
Nesbo joins The Daily Circuit Monday to discuss his latest novel.
VIDEO: 'Phantom' trailer
VIDEO: About Harry Hole


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That is a clever idea, do you have any finished pictures? I love Luna!!
Oh I wish! I really really want to make a pair, but I keep buying the wrong string, the wrong beads, the wrong EVERYTHING! It's very annoying! I'm going to stay determinded! I WILL make Luna Lovegood's radish earrings!


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Trainers (ICT)
ICT Trainers evaluate and analyse information-based training needs within a business. These trainers develop and implement training programs and courses to educate employees with business and corporate infrastructures.
Quick summary
- Starting salary: $52,500 P/A Senior salary: $98,000 P/A Average salary: $75,000 P/A Wages will vary according to your level of skill, experience and employer Employment level: 3,500 as of November 2012 (Projected employment levels in 2017 of 3,700)
Average weekly hours: Average weekly hours worked for a full time Trainer (ICT) is 33.3 hours
Employment by region:
The top three regions for employment as a Trainer (ICT) include:
Courses you may be interested in
- Master of Information Management Curtin University Level: Postgraduate Qual.: Masters Degree Units: 14 units More info
- Bachelor of Information Technology RMIT University Level: Undergraduate Qual.: Bachelor Degree Units: 24 units More info
- Graduate Certificate of Technology (Business Systems) Swinburne University of Technology Level: Postgraduate Qual.: Graduate Certificate Units: 8 units More info
- Graduate Diploma of Technology (Business Systems) Swinburne University of Technology Level: Postgraduate Qual.: Graduate Diploma Units: 12 units More info
- Bachelor of Business Information Systems Swinburne University of Technology Level: Undergraduate Qual.: Bachelor Degree Units: 24 units More info
- View all courses 192 courses 11 universities 2 provider View all courses from Australia's leading universities. More info
Employment trends
Employment for Trainers (ICT) declined by a rate of -26.4% over the past 5 years however is expected to grow moderately through 2017.
Employment growth
Total employment growth over the past 5 years for male and female, employed part-time and full-time is 100
Gender (including full time and part time)
The percentage of males and females working full time and part time are:
- Male Full Time: 44.9%
- Male Part Time: 12.3%
- Female Full Time: 24.9%
- Female Part Time: 17.8%
Other relevant information
- Assess and evaluate information-based needs
- Develop and implement information-based programs
- Ensure efficiency and knowledge among staff and management during training
- Improve aspects across corporate teams for cohesive success
- Maintain corporate structure and success during training
- Assess and convey inconsistencies between employees
- Communication and presentation skills
- Flexibility to work with management and staff
- Interpretation and analysis skills
- Motivational experience
- Strong social background
Working conditions
Working conditions for ICT Trainers depend greatly on individuals and technology trends and needs of a corporation. Most often, these training officers work indoors in offices and teaching facilities to offer the most conducive environment for learning strategies for corporations.
Professional associations / Industry information
Related jobs and job titles
- Help Desk Officer
- ICT Business Analyst
- ICT Managers
- ICT Support Technician
- Internet Services and Support Technician
- PC Support Technician


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Sugar Bowl 2014: Top NFL Prospects to Watch in Oklahoma vs. Alabama ContestJanuary 2, 2014
Although the 2014 Sugar Bowl matchup between Oklahoma and Alabama may not be ideal in the eyes of some college football fans, there are plenty of reasons to tune in. Chief among them is the fact that several players will have their final chance to impress NFL scouts in a game situation before entering the draft.
The Sooners have thrived despite a surprising lack of NFL-ready prospects. That isn't the case for the Crimson Tide, however, as several 'Bama players figure to be taken in the draft's first few rounds should they decide to declare.
For those who aren't necessarily worried about who wins and who loses the Sugar Bowl, here are three NFL prospects that you should keep tabs on as draft banter starts to heat up.
Cyrus Kouandjio
Alabama's defense gets a ton of credit for the team's success, but the offense was excellent in 2013 as well. Quarterback A.J. McCarron was barely touched, and running back T.J. Yeldon ran wild. The offensive line had a lot to do with that, and offensive tackle Cyrus Kouandjio was the anchor. Kouandjio would almost certainly be a first-round pick in the 2014 draft, but he is still torn when it comes to whether or not he wants to declare, according to Cecil Hurt of the Tuscaloosa News.
As things currently stand, Kouandjio is definitely behind Texas A&M tackle Jake Matthews in the rankings, but he is in the mix with Greg Robinson of Auburn and Cameron Erving of Florida State. If Kouandjio can stifle a solid Oklahoma defense in the Sugar Bowl, it is entirely possible that he can solidify himself both as the No. 2 offensive tackle prospect as well as a prospective top-10 pick in the draft.
The decision ultimately lands on Kouandjio's shoulders, and it would be tough to blame him for returning to 'Bama in hopes of winning another national title next year. However, he also has a great opportunity in the NFL. Provided Kouandjio doesn't have an uncharacteristically awful performance against the Sooners, look for him to throw his name into the hat for the 2014 draft.
Ha Ha Clinton-Dix
There is no question that the 2013 season was a trying one for Alabama safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, but he managed to persevere and have a productive campaign. Clinton-Dix was a force on the field with 45 tackles and two interceptions in nine games, but he faced trials and tribulations as well. They included a two-game suspension for receiving improper benefits, per Andrew Gribble of AL.com.
'I think I handled it very well, but it was my teammates, coaches and family members that kept me motivated and kept me calmed down and humble about the whole situation,' Clinton-Dix said. 'I really give them a big thanks to my coaches and teammates and family for doing that.'
Since Clinton-Dix has seemingly put that incident behind him, he can now focus on preparing for the NFL. Clinton-Dix is a junior like Kouandjio, so the Sugar Bowl doesn't necessarily have to be his final collegiate game, but it's difficult to imagine him improving his draft stock much by returning to Alabama for another season.
Returning would put another year between him and the improper benefits scandal, but it's likely that NFL teams will be understanding and will instead focus on his production instead. Clinton-Dix is easily the best draft-eligible safety, and he is a likely first-round pick. He can sew up that distinction by having a strong Sugar Bowl.
C.J. Mosley
Although inside linebackers don't often receive much respect heading into the NFL draft, they tend to become impact players at the next level. Buffalo Bills linebacker Kiko Alonso is the perfect example, as he fell to the second round of the 2013 draft despite having first-round ability. He went on to have a spectacular season and is now the favorite to win Defensive Rookie of the Year honors.
This is relevant because Alabama happens to have an elite inside linebacker in the form of C.J. Mosley. He is a senior who has led the defense for the past few seasons, and it can be argued that he is the heart and soul of the team. Mosley led the Tide with 88 tackles and nine tackles for loss this season. He has been so good that he has drawn comparisons to a future NFL Hall-of-Famer, according to Jason Kersey of The Oklahoman.
While it's way too early to compare Mosley to Ray Lewis, the comparison is certainly well taken. Mosley is a playmaker and a leader, and any NFL team would be lucky to have him. It isn't easy for inside linebackers to crack the first round of the NFL draft, but it shouldn't be a problem for Mosley. Since the Sugar Bowl will be Mosley's swan song at Alabama, expect all-out effort and perhaps one of the best games of his collegiate career.
Follow @MikeChiari on Twitter


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5 Reasons to Become a Certified Healthcare ManagerJanuary 10, 2013
By Michelle Wong, Health eCareers
You have worked hard as a healthcare management professional to get where you are in the healthcare industry today, but are you ready to take your career to the next level?
Certification, which in itself is voluntary, can give you the competitive edge you need to advance your career. You may have years of experience in healthcare management but in reality, you may also be struggling to see past the horizon as you course through your career. You may be making decisions about your career based on what you know now in hopes that they are enough to adequately prepare you for any conditions that may lie ahead. By earning a healthcare management certificate it will help to ensure a successful career voyage. With certification, not only will you have the knowledge and skills needed to get ahead, but it will also confirm your expertise as a healthcare professional with strong leadership skills. Moreover, it will give you the confidence, connections, and the resources that will help you succeed. Below are five reasons why you should become certified.
1. Receive professional recognition
Obtaining a certificate means more than having a few letters after your name in that it holds a tremendous amount of value for yourself and those in the industry. By achieving Fellowship in the American College of Medical Practice Executives (FACMPE) through the board certification program, you will gain recognition from your colleagues as well as employers because it will show that you possess the proper knowledge and leadership skills necessary to excel as a strong leader in the industry. Furthermore, certification poses as a reaffirmation of your dedication and commitment to your profession.
2. Increase the odds of getting hired
Employers desire candidates who are certified because they gain security knowing that you will be able to make the right decisions based on your expertise, advanced knowledge, and experience. Certification increases your credibility as a healthcare manager and can connect you to more job opportunities.
3. Higher Salary
One of the greatest advantages and benefits of earning a credential is that it often correlates with higher pay. According to a Management Compensation Survey: 2012 Report Based on 2011 Data, members and fellows who received their certifications earned more than non-certified counterparts. In 2010, an survey indicated that office managers, senior managers, and executives earned more as well. The survey revealed that office managers who were MGMA members earned $13,272 more a year while finance directors earned $942 more per year. The biggest hikes in salary were CFOs who earned $59,328 more compared with their non-affiliated counterparts.
4. Access to exclusive information
As being part of a certification program and a member of the ACHE, you will receive exclusive information through an abundant amount of resources. You will be able to access these resources online, anywhere at any time even while using your mobile devices. These exclusive resources range from premier professional publications magazines, e-newsletters, e-mail alerts, and thought-leadership articles. Moreover, you will receive exclusive web content and benchmarking tools with more than 100 online tools, assessments, and checklists, along with discounts on industry leading survey and benchmark reports. In addition, you will be provided with the opportunity to become part of an online member community where you can participate in discussion forums, and connect with fellow members online to gain support and knowledge towards the success of your career.
5. Expand your networking connections
By earning your certification, not only will you be able to network through an online community, you will also have the opportunity to attend annual conference events and take continuing education credit courses. These events are invaluable as they give you an opportunity to meet with other experienced healthcare management professionals, keep up with the latest industry trends, and enhance your overall professional development.
Find more healthcare executive career tips and jobs by visiting the Health eCareers Network.
About the Author
Michelle Wong researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues for Health eCareers.
Related Healthcare Career Articles:


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|Product & services pricing
|Chance of future purchase:
|Shipping & packaging:
|Customer service:
|Return/Replacement policy:
"I bought Simply Raspberry a month ago and have seen no results.
"initially I felt recharged, full of energy. After 2 1/2 months of using the Acia Berry, I was constipated every day and had to resort to using a laxitive in order to have a daily bowel movement. It's been a few days now and I feel better not taking it. I don't think I will try it again in the future"
"The aProvenProduct ACAI BERRY and PROBIOTIC have proven to be very helpful to me so far. I am Caucasion female,68and1/2years of age. 215#(sorry to say),and on no other medications. I have been feeling sluggish,joints quite achy,very difficult to go up and down the stairs, bathroom issues were so often that soreness was a problem, body odors that not even bathing could completly remove. I had had a check-up and all the tests said I was fine,except for the weight.The ACAI caught my attention (Weight loss is what I first saw and began to check into it.) Yes I saw it advertised all over the place. In one site I read that another product had to be taken with the supplement they were using. I wasn't convinced until I saw and read aProvenProduct and thought I'd try it.Today I am very pleased:I started out with 1 ACAI and now I'm taking 4 and 2 PB's a day. Sluggishness is gone, the aches(and I was sometimes taking 2 Aleeve a day)are very minimal(I just started taking 4 ACAI), the bathroom issues are resolved; body ordors gone),no heating pad.Scar on my lip that can be verified by a Doctor that it was there(Tissue was scabing,perhaps with age)is healing. It's hard to believe, BUT THIS HAS BEEN MY EXPERIENCE!
"I am very pleased with the ACAI (acaiberry) dietary supplements. I had ordered another brand a year ago, but it wasn't organic. This is freeze dried organic acai (palmberry Fruit). It has curbed my appetite. I no longer want that beer or cigarette after work. I started sleeping so much better and then I realized it was from taking the acaiberry supplement. I will stay on this and get back in several months to see what other benefits I am obtaining from the acaiberry. "
"Acai Berry: Okay so I bought this product because I thought that it might help with weight loss. No such luck in that department BUT, after having taken this for just short of 2 months, I am suddenly noticing increased energy. Add to this a decrease in gastrointestinal issues, and I am convinced that this product is worth the money. I will be purchasing more!"
"I placed my order yesterday for the acai berry and orded only one for a total of $60.22 including shipping and when I recived the confirmation e-mail it says I ordered the 3 pack for $136.31 and that's not right this is the first time I'm using this product and was not expecting to pay that much I am very upset I can't afford to pay so much for a product that I'm not sure about... I thought I finally found a honest acai berry web site after much research I'm begining to think everyone is a crook
Ok they did get back to me within minutes with an e-mail to reslove my issue which was reassuring I have to say good customer service. "
"I recently placed my first order with aProvenProduct. I ordered ProBiotics and Acai supplements. The Customer Service was phenomenal. Informational e-mails came to familiarize myself with the products. I have already recommented aProvenProduct to one of my best friends. I would recomment them to anyone I know."
"I've heard so many good things about this ACAI berry that I decided to try it, for nothing else but weight loss. Though I haven't noticed any real change in my weight, it's my arthritic joints that are feeling the postive effects this berry is famous for. The winter months are the worst for anyone with arthritis but I am happy to report that I haven't complained about any pain since I've started taken aProven Acai about a month and a half ago.
I'm hooked! "
"I ordered the product and still haven't received it. The company evidently sent another order, with a different tracking number but the same USPS status. Beginning to smell like a scam, will give another day or so before canceling...more later."
"I had an issue with my shipping and they handled it right away. Dont hesitate to order from them!"
"I am really impressed with this company's customer service. I emailed them a question about my order and received a response within two hours!!! The website is easy to navigate and ordering was a breeze. Thanks for being reliable and trustworthy. will defintely do business with aProven Product again in the future!!!"
"I have been taking the Acai supplement for a month now and feel like I have totally wasted my money. I don't feel as if I have any more energy than I did before and I have'nt lost a SINGLE POUND !!!! I think its a bunch of bull and Iwould'nt recomend anyboby to waste their hard earned money on scams like these.
L Visser"
"I placed my first order for the Acai supplement & the Calciology, on Christmas day. I received my order immediately & started it that evening. I have to tell you that I am a 56 yr old woman who suffers from horrible bouts of Candida, and along with that come chronic constipation. Now, I did not order the product for those reasons, but I will say, that for the first time in YEARS I have been having regular bowels movements after each meal. I haven't even been taking my supplement for 2 weeks. I'm impressed, and will be a regular customer of theirs for years to come. Love both of the supplements. Don't know which one is doing the work, but I will take them faithfully from here on out."
"After a few months of researching Acai, I came across aProvenProduct and loved the information that they provided. Finally decided to make the purchase. I got off to a slow start because I hate having to remember to take 'pills' everyday. Suddenly, I got on track, started with two for a couple of weeks then uped to 3. Now taking 4 a day. OMG!!! I feel like a new person. I was in the process of going off of 6 yrs of anti depressant that I started after my mother passed away. Being off of that and on the Acai has completely changed me. The obvious two are, my energy level is off the charts and second, and I LOVE this one, I have lost 14 lbs. just like that. I do try to watch what I eat but haven't found the time to start the cardio, very busy with work. Don't have much weight to lose, I'm 47 and out of nowhere, two years ago, 25 lbs just jumped on board. I had always been very thin so it was a little frustrating. I now have a follow-up appt. with my doctor and will have him run my cholesterol again. (it was a little high 3 months ago when I went in) I feel like a new person and I thank aProvenProduct for all of their studies and work and the follow up emails from Julie. I am getting ready to order the three bottle special and hope to be on this FOREVER!!!!"
"Excellent product, very nice communication—giving updates and suggestions. I will buy this product again."


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Item # 52655
manzanita tank
$45 $19.99
Item # 52655
Product Actions
$45 $19.99
Designer's Notes
This slick crop top is made from a stretchy and slim-fitting ponte fabric. It is designed with a hem that is sculpted in the front, as well as an invisible zipper down the back body for a smooth silhouette.
Styled with Talula fenwick pant.
Size & Fit
- Slim
- Fits true to size. Take your normal size.
- Model is 5'9/175cm wearing a size S
Materials & Care
- Made from a lightweight and stretchy ponte fabric that is softly structured
- 66% Rayon, 29% Nylon, 5% Spandex
- Imported
- Machine Wash


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4 sounds
Mono recording of antique cash register sounds made with Sennheiser MKH 40.
Phone sound
Driving down a busy street next to a loud car in the afternoon.
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For more information check out our cookies policy.


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STOCK/ Stock Based ROMs only
Hello, first I apologize for the late. I created this within a week when Kitkat was released. But due to exams I couldn't create flashable zip.
As you can see from heading, this will add Kitkat style status bar to any STOCK based/ Stock ROM. REQUIRES ROOT ACCESS with DEODEXED ROM. (Generally stock based custom ROMs are deodexed)
You are installing this mod yourself. I am not responsible for any kind of damage, brick to your phone, dead SD card
If you disagree with this disclaimer, please do not use this mod
Please check attached files.
1) Download zip file attached at bottom of this post.
2) Copy it to root of your SD card. (root of sdcard mean not in any folder, keep it where you see Android, bluetooth,DCIM etc folders)
3) Go to CWM recovery (attached at bottom of post) ====> Mounts and storage ====> Mount System and Cache. Come back.
4) Go to Install zip from SD card. Choose Kitkat44StatusBar.zip ====> Press Yes. Install.....
5) After installation reboot your phone.
V1.2 Features- a) Swipe to remove notifications.
b) Gradient Look (Screenshot no uploaded yet, but looks like http://forum.xda-developers.com/show....php?t=2591929)
If you want to add this in your ROM, Theme or mod, then please take permission.
If you want to add it in ROM, I will remove the line at bottom of status bar, so it will not bother your ROM's UI


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Action Bronson Plans Cannabis Cookbook
Bronson is this week's guest on the Food Is The New Rock podcast with Zach Brooks and Chuck P, and in addition to sharing some tips for infusing food with trees, he also reveals that he has a cannabis cookbook in the works. "It's already in the works. It's very serious. Recipes, all kind of things. It's going to be very visual, a coffee table book, with recipes here and there," he explains.
Below, he summarizes his recipe for weed infused Bucatini.
"I extract my weed, put it in olive oil. You can do a little fresh heirloom tomato sauce, some basil, maybe a little arugula in there. It [turns] a very very deep olive oil color. Not green, more like golden. You make a nice little light sauce, shave some parmigiana. But you gotta eat it first thing in the morning before you eat anything else. Fucking trashed."
She grew a bush like a baby plant
Still I ate it, just think of it as bucatini and razor clams
Listen to the full podcast here.
Previously: Action Bronson Makes Zucchini Blossoms on Myspace OneTwoWatch


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by InvestorPlace Staff | February 9, 2012 2:51 pm
After months of intense negotiations, 49 states and five of the country's biggest banks have agreed to a massive settlement – to the tune of $25 billion – to settle a range of charges related to mortgage foreclosure abuses in the wake of the busted housing bubble. The one holdout, Oklahoma, made a separate deal.
The five banks are Ally Financial (formerly GMAC), Bank of America (NYSE:BAC[1]), Citigroup (NYSE:C[2]), JPMorgan Chase (NYSE:JPM[3]) and Wells Fargo (NYSE:WFC[4]). Said U.S. Attorney General Eric H. Holder Jr.[5] in a released statement: "With this settlement, we recover precious taxpayer resources, fix a broken system and lay a groundwork for a better future."
The deal gives the five banks three years to make good on the agreement, which involves reducing loan principal amounts for about 1 million households at risk of foreclosure. In addition, the banks owe $2,000 to each of the roughly 750,000 Americans whose mortgages were improperly foreclosed.
The charges revolve around shoddy processing of foreclosure cases, most notably the practice – now infamous – known as robo-signing. That involved unauthorized personnel signing off on documents as being accurate and up-to-date, often without ever looking at the paperwork. This allowed the lenders and their affiliates to process hundreds of foreclosure cases a day, no matter how complicated the legal and financial underpinnings may have been.
In return for lowering the loan amounts and cash payments, the banks get something they really wanted as well: immunity from further civil charges regarding these abuses. However, as the Associated Press[6] points out, "Homeowners can still sue lenders in civil court on their own, and federal and state authorities can pursue criminal charges."
While the banks have finally put this dark cloud behind them, they're hardly in the clear altogether when it comes to mortgage-related liabilities.
Today, The Wall Street Journal[7] reported that federal regulators are set to warn several major banks that the government is intends to sue them over mortgage-backed security abuses. " The move would mark a stepped-up regulatory effort to hold Wall Street accountable for its sale of bonds linked to subprime mortgages in 2007 and 2008. At issue is whether the banks misrepresented the poor quality of loan pools they bundled and sold to investors," wrote the Journal.
The banks at risk of being sued are said to be Ally, BofA, Citigroup, Deutsche Bank (NYSE:DB[8]) and Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS[9]).
Source URL: https://investorplace.com/2012/02/banks-agree-to-25-billion-foreclosure-settlement/
Short URL: http://invstplc.com/1fAgztI
Copyright ©2017 InvestorPlace Media, LLC. All rights reserved. 700 Indian Springs Drive, Lancaster, PA 17601.


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Conditional Cash Transfers in Brazil, Chile and Mexico: Impacts upon Inequality
This Working Paper decomposes changes in the Gini coefficient in order to investigate whether Conditional Cash Transfers (CCT) have had an inequality reducing effect in three Latin American countries: Brazil, Mexico and Chile. Its technique is the decomposition of the Gini coefficient by factor components. Its main finding is that CCT programmes helped reduce inequality between the mid-1990s and roughly the mid-2000s. The share of total income represented by the CCTs has been very small: about 0.5 per cent in Mexico and Brazil and a very small 0.01 per cent in Chile. But since their targeting has been outstanding, their equalizing impact was responsible for about 21 per cent of the fall in both the Brazilian and the Mexican Gini index, each of which fell by approximately 2.7 points during the period that this paper reviewed. In Chile the effect was responsible for a 15 per cent reduction in inequality, although the total reduction in inequality was very modest: a mere 0.1 Gini point. The difference was due to the small size of the Chilean programme relative to the larger Mexican and Brazilian programmes.
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|Date of creation:
|Apr 2007
|Publication status:
|Published by UNDP - International Poverty Centre, April 2007, pages 1-24
|Contact details of provider:
| Web page: http://www.ipc-undp.org
More information through EDIRC
References listed on IDEAS
Please report citation or reference errors to , or , if you are the registered author of the cited work, log in to your RePEc Author Service profile, click on "citations" and make appropriate adjustments.:
- Atkinson, A B, 1997.
"Bringing Income Distribution in from the Cold,"
Economic Journal,
Royal Economic Society, vol. 107(441), pages 297-321, March.
- Atkinson, A-B, 1996. "Bringing Income Distribution in from the Cold," Economics Papers 117, Economics Group, Nuffield College, University of Oxford.
- Hoddinott, John & Skoufias, Emmanuel, 2004. "The Impact of PROGRESA on Food Consumption," Economic Development and Cultural Change, University of Chicago Press, vol. 53(1), pages 37-61, October.
- Hoddinott, John & Skoufias, Emmanual, 2003. "The impact of Progresa on food consumption," FCND discussion papers 150, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
- Hoddinott, John & Skoufias, Emmanual, 2003. "The impact of Progresa on food consumption," FCND briefs 150, International Food Policy Research Institute (IFPRI).
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2002. "Reversal of Fortune: Geography and Institutions in the Making of the Modern World Income Distribution," The Quarterly Journal of Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 117(4), pages 1231-1294.
- Daron Acemoglu & Simon Johnson & James A. Robinson, 2001. "Reversal of Fortune: Geography and Institutions in the Making of the Modern World Income Distribution," NBER Working Papers 8460, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
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text: Rolls-Royce announced the acquisition of U.S. naval architecture and engineering firm Seaworthy Systems Inc. to improve further its marine support services. Seaworthy Systems Inc., based in Connecticut, with offices in New Jersey, Virginia and California, has provided expertise to the US Navy and Coastguard for more than 30 years. Its work will now be part of a TotalCareâ service Rolls-Royce is developing for naval customers – offering long-term guaranteed power availability and complete propulsion plant support for ships. Seaworthy Systems Inc, which employs 58 people, has also worked with the US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration (MARAD), Military Sealift Command (MSC), and commercial shipowners. It is currently providing engineering services, and software development and support, for the MSC under a ten-year contract Rolls-Royce is responsible for more than 700 TotalCare and CorporateCareâ service agreements for its civil aerospace power plants and is developing similar services for the naval industry. It is operating a TotalCare service for Olympus and Tyne gas turbines in service with the Royal Navy and French, Belgian and Royal Netherlands navies.