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Network Visits D.C. to Connect, Learn and Advocate
Last week, affiliates from IWJ's worker center network came from all across the country and met in D.C. (we actually stayed up in Bethesda, M.D. at a beautiful retreat facility) for an organizing and capacity-building training and worker advocacy day on the Hill.
Overall, we had a great time. We gathered about 20 worker-leaders and organizers from the network to discuss big ideas like "leadership development" and fundraising. Together we shared more specific and personal experiences about the work we do back home. We talked about our history, the lies our teachers told us and about our movement history that wasn't even in the curriculum.
One of the best things about being a part of a large national network is—of course—being connected across the country! During the training, everyone bonded quickly. Between old friends and new ones, we all made connections (even across language barriers with the help of some fabulous interpreters)! Connections outside the training room reminded us how small the world truly is (we ran into Tim Beaty at the Teamsters, who's helping with Kim's big event in December).
Up on the Hill, we got what one Congressman's staffer jokingly referred to as the "real D.C. experience," which is running around the Hill, rushing to meet with members of Congress wherever we could...even in the hallway!
I felt very fortunate to spend those few days in the company of such fearless, talented leaders and organizers. At the end of our final training session, we each shared some things we'd learned, felt and committed to do once we went home. I'm excited to mobilize as many allies as possible to support the awesome worker centers in the network as they shape their national fight against wage theft, protecting payroll choices and securing Paystubs for All!
Back to school and Stop Staples
My Staples reward card isn't getting used lately.
Recently the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) protested a trial postal (USPS) program at Staples. The program benefits Staples, a large office supply chain store that has shown sales losses of more than 5 percent during the last year. However, it also means that work done by union postal workers is being done by non-union workers at Staples. The APWU has called a boycott of Staples to send a message of solidarity with the union workers.
The American Federation of Teachers, with 1.6 million members, approved a resolution to boycott Staples, according to the Wall Street Journal. The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), representing another 1.6 million public-sector workers, also adopted the boycott.
Back in July, both the USPS and Staples confirmed for WSJ that the Staples trial program would be discontinued! This clearly shows the power of 3 million union consumers in solidarity with APWU members. But since then, the APWU has indicated that none of the fundamental concerns of the union have been addressed, and the program has been replaced by an almost identical one with a new name.
Money talks. When it comes to the teacher's union, it's a lot of money talking. A year ago, the National School Supply and Equipment Association (NSSEA) disclosed that during the previous year, public school teachers had spent $3.2 billion for class materials and $1.6 billion of that money came out of the teachers' own pockets!
I am reminded that an author identified as "the Teacher" wrote about solidarity in the Hebrew Scriptures:
Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken. (Ecclesiastics 4:12)
In the boycott led by these three unions we continue to see this teaching proven true once again.
The APWU will boycott until they see evidence that the outsourcing of their members' work to non-union employers, like Staples, has stopped. The U.S. Mail Is Not for Sale. That's why I'm headed to the nearest Post Office to do my mailing.
Pam is a seminarian who joined Interfaith Worker Justice this summer for clinical pastoral education and reflecting each week on her experiences.
Reflecting on Ferguson
As the tragic events continue to unfold in Ferguson, Mo, we have struggled in anger and frustration and lamented with a family and community broken by a system of oppression, economic injustice and racism.
Today the Guardian reminded those of us who work to bring about economic justice for all workers that our struggle is deeply connected to the nation's legacy of racism. Ferguson, like many Black communities, has existed for years through a system of economic inequality. The economic marginalization of entire communities is directly related to the continued creation of economic policies that uphold white privilege and benefit white communities.
Ferguson is no Gothamesque slum of crumbling tenements and crack dens. It is a working class suburb of single-family homes and low-rise apartment blocks which used to be a gateway to the middle class. Manufacturing jobs offered decent wages and there was a decent public school system.
Something went wrong. You see it in the physical landscape of potholes and pawn brokers. And in the desperation. Some of it quiet: a mother counting out pennies, dimes and quarters to buy ice cream for her two children in McDonald's. Some of it more dramatic: the owner of a burger bar bolting out onto the street after a skinny, grubby young man with shattered teeth. "You took from the tip jar! I saw you! Give it back."
A major culprit is de-industrialisation. Missouri is part of the rustbelt of shuttered factories which arcs across the midwest.
Every community deserves access to good jobs, but, as our Black brothers and sisters know, we have failed to create policies that provide economic conditions for everyone to thrive. As we reflect on the shooting and the larger connections between race and class struggle, we are reminded that our fight uplift the dignity of all work is important now as ever.
Some 47% of African American men aged 16-24 in St Louis county are unemployed. Even that understates the economic crisis since many of those who do have jobs, men and women, earn a pittance in service jobs. "It used to be McDonnell Douglas was considered a good job. Now it's McDonald's," said Teresa Mithen Danieley, rector of an episcopal church.
What is happening in Ferguson, Mo is tragic, and the system of economic and racial injustice will remain if we don't work tirelessly with our brothers and sisters to build an economy and society rooted in love. Our faith traditions share a vision where workers have access to good jobs that provides the means for a strong family life and full participation in society; where our families are entitled to vibrant and thriving communities; and where our streets and neighborhoods are safe from violence and from oppression by the state.
Together we pray with words but also with actions that we can build that society. We're called to advocate for an economy that invests in our communities, and those in roles of authority respect the humanity of the people they serve.
Photo courtsey: Sipa USA/Rex
Highlighting Ethical Employers
By Anne Burkhardt
At Interfaith Worker Justice we've been searching for ethical employers to profile on an upcoming television show. It amazes me how difficult it's been to find employers in low-wage sectors that treat their workers well. In many of these industries, wage theft is the norm. It is far more common to find restaurants and construction companies and other companies in low-wage sectors that do steal from their workers than those that do not.
So when we do find these employers, it's so encouraging to talk them. These folks genuinely care about their employees and genuinely want them to have better lives through their work!
Kim and I met with two really marvelous employers in Chicago area. Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique owner, Teresa, left a career in finance to attend Le Cordon Bleu and then started a catering business, which turned into a storefront in downtown Chicago.
Part of the way that Teresa developed her business model was based on her experiences as an employee in finance. She said she was barely aware of the common treatment in the food service industry, like the $2 tipped wage. All of her employees started in 2009 at the minimum wage, but as the business grew, Teresa paid her employees more. Now, all of them make far above the minimum wage. Most employees have access to benefits, too, including health insurance, dental, vision, paid sick days, paid maternity leave.
And more than that: she treats her employees like family, making sure that there's flexible scheduling, semiannual reviews with raises, and staff outings for paintballing, kayaking and friendship. It's truly incredible when you realize how different Sugar Bliss Cake Boutique's workplace standards are from the rest of the industry.
Like Teresa, Pete of I Have A Bean coffee company left a career in another field – Pete left the tech industry. After a mission trip to South America and a newly developed love for coffee—followed by his brother-in-law's arrest (and subsequent difficulty in finding or keeping a job)—Pete was inspired to start his own coffee company. I Have a Bean exclusively hires post-prison people. Pete has some inspiring stories about successes: stories of people who were hired at Second Chance Coffee (as it's also known) and went on to become leaders of nonprofit prison missionary organizations, or find other types of work suited to their skills.
Both Pete and Teresa started their own businesses, which is no small feat. And when the time came to choose how to treat their people, they looked at the bottom line and chose respect and justice, not wage theft and dehumanization. This is a business model that works, and works well!
Anne's reflection is part of our summer series of reflections from IWJ Interns. Anne is interning with Interfaith Worker Justice this summer working to get to know Ethical Employers like Theresa and Pete.
Ethical Business Leader at Market Basket
By Kara Komprathoum
I left my home in Massachusetts this summer to work for IWJ's national office in Chicago. I never thought I would be missing out on a front row seat to the incredible worker organizing at the DeMoulas Family-owned supermarket chain Market Basket. I am proud that workers in New England are rising up and that a number of my friends have taken part (check out the video explaining the complicated story).
Workers are organizing to protect their good pay and benefits by urging the company's board to reinstate the former CEO, Arthur T. DeMoulas. Workers are rallying for Arthur T. DeMoulas and reminding the region about what a responsible CEO looks like. The power they're building is what happens when dedicated workers organize to make sure their pay and their benefits are respected and protected.
The majority of organizing and support has been online and though social media. There are a number Facebook pages dedicated to the movement and many people have all shared their stories about how Market Basket has positively impacted their lives through the benefits of being an employee, medical insurance and low-cost groceries. Market Basket workers and customers really want to see the store maintained in a values-based business that cares more about people then it does its profits.
I came to intern with IWJ this because I had an incredible amount of fondness for community organizing and the power it has for making change. To watch not only the employers of Market Basket but customers stand in solidarity for what is right is something that is inspiring.
IWJ is currently working to develop relationships with ethical employers who value employees, treat them with dignity and respect, and reflect those values in employee pay, benefits and working conditions. When I started my time at IWJ, I had thought good labor ethics probably only occurred with smaller businesses where it could be well maintained and managed. I was shocked to find that the good labor practices were happening right at home at the Market Basket chain. I was even more surprised to find that employers were so satisfied with their pay and benefits that the moment they saw a threat to this, they fought back and are still fighting the good fight.
IWJ and our allies in the region will be keeping an eye on the work of the Market Basket workers and pray for a resolution that maintains their positive working conditions, good pay and good benefits.
Kara's reflection is part of our summer series of reflections from IWJ Interns. Kara is interned with Interfaith Worker Justice at our national office in Chicago. Photo courtesy: Market Basket and Boston Herald.
Will it Pass in South Dakota?
By Amelia Decker
After six weeks of research, planning, one-on-one conversations, re-planning, meetings, phone calls and emails, a round table conversation was held in Sioux Falls, S.D. to discuss the upcoming ballot measure that could raise the statewide minimum wage. Throughout the summer I had many conversations and listened to all of the perspectives in favor and against the change. I have become accustomed to the question, "Do you think it will pass?"
"Yes," I respond. I do think it will pass. I think it will pass because people here care for one another, especially for the poorest in their community. They care, and that leads them to advocacy and action. With advocacy and action from the faith community, I believe South Dakota will see a win for minimum-wage workers.
The round table gathering late last month confirmed what I suspected to be true. In a one-party-controlled state, conversations appearing (or outrightly are) political can have daunting and serious implications, especially in communities of faith. Yet, despite these dynamics, the gathering was filled with leaders who wanted to talk about raising the minimum wage. Representing more than a half dozen denominations, and as diverse in age as one could hope for, they talked of their connection to the community as clergy, laity, city council, unions, Democrat, Republican, and perhaps most importantly, workers.
Faith leaders voiced their hopes for action within their congregations. They recognized and named challenges, but more importantly, recognized and named the power faith communities build by working together. As such, it was clear the conversation needed to be continued, and another meeting was set to do so again in this month.
So, yes. I do think Initiated Measure 18 will pass. Leaders in this community not only care, but know that they must take action. They have long been serving the poorest members of the community, and why they will continue to meet this fall in order to lift up workers and families who can be brought out of poverty by an increase in minimum wage.
As my work as an IWJ intern winds down, it is clear that the work for the faith community of Sioux Falls is only just beginning! This community will certainly be one to continue watching.
Amelia was an intern with IWJ's Summer Internship Program, and spend her summer working with faith communities in South Dakota to support the passage of Initiated Measure 18 to raise the state's minimum wage.
Work, Worth and Value
The following is a cross-posted reflection from the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, former IWJ board member and Director for Public Witness at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workers who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. —James 5:4
The Moral Challenge
Excitement filled the air when President Obama announced in January 2014, that he would sign an executive order to raise the minimum wage for federal contract workers from $7.25 per hour to $10.10 per hour. The President signed an Executive Order raising the wage and challenged corporations and business owners to follow his lead. As the largest creator of low-wage jobs in the country, the federal government is in a position to lead by example.
Several corporations, states, and local municipalities have voluntarily raised their minimum wages, both before and in response to the President's challenge. According to the United States Department of Labor, twenty-two states have minimum wages higher than the federal minimum of $7.25 per hour. In contrast, five states have no statewide minimum wage law, leaving many workers in those states unprotected by a wage floor of any kind. These five states are all located in the Southeast U.S. where historic low wage jobs and poverty remain pervasive.
It is a moral challenge to our nation where inequality is growing and wages are stagnating, to affirm the work, worth, and value of each human being who desires to be and/or is engaged in the workforce. The bible reminds us that the Lord God cares about the treatment of workers. The writer of James challenges the communal values of the rich, declaring that they are consumed with holding on to the remnants of their wealth while their workers are defrauded of their wages.
Now listen, you rich people, weep and wail because of the misery that is coming upon you. Your wealth has rotted, and moths have eaten your clothes. Your gold and silver are corroded. Their corrosion will testify against you and eat your flesh like fire. You have hoarded wealth in the last days. Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter. You have condemned and murdered innocent men, who were not opposing you. -- James 5:1-6
This ancient text speaks to our modern context, where many persons in our nation, including the wealthy, are guilty of stealing from the poorest workers and denying them the basic dignity of a living wage. A living wage is more than a minimum wage. It is a wage that sustains workers and families in a safe, decent standard of living. While multinational corporations are paying millions of dollars in "severance packages" to CEOs who have failed their companies, the majority of the workers in the same company can work their entire lives and never earn the same amount of money. The power of the passage written by James is that he ties our human attitudes about worker justice, then and now, to the Lord's judgment.
Look! The wages you failed to pay the workmen who mowed your fields are crying out against you. The cries of the harvesters have reached the ears of the Lord Almighty. -- James 5:4-5
The privileged position of employers and their excessive power over workers is the struggle. Our culture permits the belief that cheap goods and corporate profit are more important than livelihoods and that workers deserve far less than what is adequate to live. But greed is a sin. The significant message of hope to those who are poor and working for poverty wages is that God hears their lament.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Office of Public Witness (OPW) is partnering with Interfaith for Worker Justice, Good Jobs Nation, and other groups concerned about worker justice to demand better jobs. We challenge the notion that $10.10 per hour is enough to provide persons, especially those supporting families, with a decent living. Indeed, $10.10 per hour only just raises a family of four above the poverty line.
I know that the President's authority only extends so far and that Congress must act to improve jobs and wages for all workers, but I was disappointed that President Obama did not exercise his power over the federal labor force to its fullest extent. His $10.10 executive order covers service workers, such as those in concessions, health care and construction, but it leaves out federal contract workers who serve our airports and the Pentagon, as well as those who work to provide goods, such as uniforms, food, and other supplies. Many of these workers are making far less than the new minimum and have no ability to enter into collective bargaining with companies that refuse to raise their wages. These companies profit immensely and taxpayer dollars go to subsidize excessive CEO compensation rather than ensuring fair wages for the workers. The President can fix this injustice with the stroke of a pen.
Such executive action is not without precedent. During World War II, an "army" of "Rosie the Riveter" workers demanded fair pay and decent working conditions. President Franklin D. Roosevelt used his executive authority over federal contracts to support these workers and the U.S. emerged from the war with the only standing economy and a strong middle class. Likewise, decades later President Lyndon Johnson's Executive Order 11246 established racial non-discrimination practices in hiring federal contract workers, a precursor to the landmark Civil Rights Act. Today, the federal government spends $1.3 trillion in taxpayers' funds through contracts with private companies. It is only right that jobs created by taxpayers should be good jobs that provide workers with a living, not trap them in poverty.
Our advocacy on behalf of federal contract workers has become more intense in these difficult economic times. In addition to the minimum wage struggle at the federal level, the 220th General Assembly (2012) tasked the Presbyterian Hunger Program and the Office of Public Witness with connecting Presbyterians to the work of the United Workers Association (UW) of Baltimore. This workers' movement is organizing to hold developers that have benefited from public funds, subsidies, and tax incentives accountable to the community for providing living wage jobs and other human rights in communities and workplaces. United Workers is a low-wage workers organization, founded by day laborers in 2002 and a leading voice for human rights in Maryland. Our advocacy was implemented through the Hunger Program's Fair Development Program.
Scripture admonishes, "You do well if you really fulfill the royal law according to the scripture, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' But if you show partiality, you commit sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors" (James 2:8-9). Fair Development means not showing partiality just to the developer, but ensuring wellbeing for everyone in the community. When the government pays for goods and services or subsidizes private business with public funds, it is incumbent on us to ensure those funds ensure fair wages and good livelihoods for the workers, not windfalls for developers and CEOs.
Our self worth ought to be directly tied, through Jesus' love, to the affirmation of the worth of others. No one should work hard everyday, but still not make enough money to feed her family because she is paid a poverty wage. And through Jesus, my own self-worth is tied up in hers. At least 21 million people—8 million workers and their families—rely on low-wage jobs in the federally supported economy, that is, jobs with firms that receive a significant portion of their revenue from federal funds. Over 70 percent of these workers are women and nearly 45 percent are people of color—which makes the federal government the largest creator of low-wage employment for working women and people of color.
The President must seize the moral courage to lead by example and set a new precedent of good jobs, fair wages, decent benefits, and the right to organize for workers in the U.S. In this way, President Obama could expand the use of his executive authority from the 200,000 workers affected by the $10.10 order, to 8 million workers and their families – an estimated 21 million people in all.But today's culture teaches us that our self worth is tied to our ability to provide for our family. Health and wellness are associated with owning a decent home, paying for our children's education, affording a vacation to rest, and maintaining an automobile. When working persons do not earn enough to provide basic needs for themselves and their families, self worth is compromised. Failing to pay just wages is a failure to see God in each other. Allowing our public funds to pay low wages is nothing short of sin. But President Obama has the power to change the marketplace and ensure that no worker whose paycheck comes from the taxpayer lives in poverty.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. understood the twin-headed creature who would on one hand declare that persons who are out of work are shiftless, lazy, and damaged goods while on the other hand use epithets such as "illegal immigrant" and "undocumented worker." Such hateful rhetoric is both dehumanizing and degrading – no person on earth is "illegal" in God's eyes, after all – especially when our economy fails to provide enough good jobs for everyone who wants one. At an AFL-CIO meeting in 1961, he said:
"Negroes are almost entirely a working people… Our needs are identical with labor's needs: decent wages, fair working conditions, livable housing, old-age security, health and welfare measures, conditions in which families can grow, have education for their children and respect in the community. That is why Negroes support labor's demands and fight laws, which curb labor. That is why the labor-hater and labor-baiter is virtually always a twin-headed creature, spewing anti-Negro epithets from one mouth and anti-labor propaganda from the other mouth."
Congress needs to get serious about improving existing jobs and creating new ones. I spoke with a Presbyterian Campus Minister at a prestigious university who shared with me that many students graduate and are unable to find work in their field of study. This dearth of employment forces them into positions for which they are overqualified, thereby perpetuating a chain reaction of underpay and scarcity of jobs throughout the labor market. Many of these young adults are ashamed to return home to their old bedrooms or parents' basements because of embarrassment around not meeting family, church, and community expectations. She said,
Oftentimes these young people find themselves having to resort to working on low-wage jobs, while barely able to afford the basic necessities of life. Some who have come from affluent homes are ashamed to return home, because of their deep feeling that they have disappointed those whom they love.
We need to create jobs that provide a living for the workers we have, while also making sure education is available to train workers for the jobs we need.
Likewise, we live in a nation where women are still paid less for doing the same job as a man. I would suggest that we in the Church must be vigilant in our advocacy for equal pay for equal work. However, it is important that we, in the Church, not be guilty of the same injustice with respect to women's compensation that we are witnessing in the employment sector outside of the Church. There is a significant devaluing of women and the valuable work that God has put in all of our hands – male and female – when the Church legitimizes these same unjust compensation practices in our Pastoral calls and other vocational work.
I realize that there are those in the PC(USA) who are critical of organized labor. But I have worked with the labor movement as a local Pastor to demonstrate for the rights of workers to organize, raise the minimum wage, struggle against violations of workers' rights, and a host of other worker justice issues and I have seen the power and efficacy of shared struggle. Despite the flaws that are often raised regarding labor unions, it cannot be denied that workers need greater protection and advocates who are willing to sacrifice their comfortable and privileged positions to engage the struggle for jobs and justice in the United States.
Earlier this year, I was in North Carolina marching in a Moral Monday gathering of 80,000 people protesting in front of the North Carolina State Capitol. I was elated to see so many Presbyterians (lay people and clergy, teaching and ruling elders) participating, and even placing their bodies on the line through nonviolent civil disobedience, to declare that teacher pay should not be cut; voting rights should be expanded for people and not diminished for the sake of expanding corporate power; and a host of other people-based rights that restore the integrity of God's plan for people-kind. This is the struggle to which God is calling us today.Presbyterians have a history of engagement in worker justice. Former Stated Clerk of the now Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Eugene Carson Blake was a stalwart leader in the 1960's with regards to jobs and justice. While representing the National Council of Churches and the Presbyterian denomination he is often seen pictured at the March for Jobs and Justice, now known as the 1963 March on Washington. Often walking arm in arm with Dr. King, Blake represented Presbyterians and the ecumenical movement, saying that the Christian tradition values labor, believes in the dignity of work, and in just compensation for the worker.
In our capitalist society, payday is always a good day. There is a sense of pride in earning a living and having the means to build a better life. For those of us who take a paycheck for granted, let us be reminded and in solidarity with those persons who, after receiving their paychecks, still cannot meet their basic needs, including food, housing, health and child care, much less a family outing for dinner or a Friday-night movie. Let us not forget the father or mother in despair, because there is never enough to make ends meet, even after working multiple jobs or overtime.
I was taught a work ethic as a child. I grew up in a household of two educated parents who valued work. Both my father and mother over-functioned in their work life. Daddy was a Presbyterian Pastor and civil rights leader. My Mother is a retired middle school teacher. We lived in South Carolina where all of the symbols of racial supremacy, jim crow segregation, and the denial of human freedoms existed for African Americans. I am blessed that neither one of my parents internalized the messages emanating from the bigotry and hatred of that period. Instead, they instilled in me the values of living in a community, supporting one's family, obtaining a solid education, and building a bridge for other generations to follow. They insisted that I recite a poem periodically as a reminder to value myself through the work that was before me:
If a task is once begun never leave it til it's done. Be your labor great or small, do it well or not at all.
As I grew up, work was considered to be the task at hand. It entailed labor and required perseverance, vision, and a willingness to take responsibility. Later, my faith experiences taught me that Jesus interpreted and proclaimed meaningful labor for the transformation of human society – a cross. He describes this in the Gospel of Luke 9:23, "If anyone would come after me let him deny himself; take up his cross and follow me." The cross represents a fundamental way of life that requires sacrifice on behalf of the Almighty. Renewing one's mind and a willingness to present one's body as a living sacrifice, acceptable to God – this is our spiritual worship. Therefore, the call to ministry is a labor for love for humanity on behalf of the Almighty. The sacrifice is a calling to stand for and with others when others cannot stand for themselves.
I joined a group of demonstrators, striking workers, and fellow faith leaders at Union Station in Washington, DC, a federally owned rail station with a host of businesses and restaurants, where many federal contract workers are paid below the DC minimum wage. I chose to sacrifice my body and spend time being arrested to declare to the President, in the words of the labor chant, "no justice, no peace." I expect that God will move in President Obama's heart to give him the courage to sign an Executive Order that will ensure that the federal government only does business with companies that bargain collectively with workers, pay living wages and benefits, stop wage theft, and limit excessive CEO pay. And know that I am in this fight for the long haul. I will continue to struggle with this Administration and the Congress to create good jobs, improve the ones we have, raise the minimum wage higher, and make sure workers have their rights and dignity.
We know working families cannot live on the federal minimum wage, which is $7.25 per hour, or even on $10.10 per hour, the President's new wage floor for contract workers. As we chanted with the workers yesterday, "$10.10 is not enough!" It is only a good start. As noted by Senator Elizabeth Warren in a recent speech, had wages kept up with worker productivity over the years, the minimum wage today would be around $22 per hour. I urge you stand with workers and with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in support of better jobs for all workers, for as we improve jobs at the wage floor, so will all other jobs rise on a tide of justice.
The Office of Public Witness will continue to engage on this issue and I invite you to follow our email action alerts, blog, Facebook page, and Twitter account to be part of the movement. Further, I want to encourage you to pray for all of us – for striking workers, for desperate parents, for protesters, for those of us who engage in civil disobedience. Our calling to stand when others cannot stand for themselves is consistent with our Savior's calling to stand for all of us in our weakness. Vulnerable workers need partnership and solidarity with those who can afford to risk for justice. And I invite you to let the Office of Public Witness know where similar wage issues and actions are taking place across the country. May God's Peace be with you.
Calling for a Good Jobs Executive Order
Over the last year, I have marched with federal contract workers who clean and serve food at federal buildings like the Smithsonian Museums and Zoo, the Pentagon, Union Station and the Reagan building. These courageous workers have gone on strike NINE TIMES to demand living wages and the right to form a union. In response, the President announced at the State of the Union that he is raising the pay of low-wage federal contract workers to $10.10 by Executive Order.
Brothers and sisters, our President has taken a step towards greater economic justice, but $10.10 is the least he could do for the least among us. Workers need more than a Minimum Wage Executive Order, they need a Good Jobs Executive Order!
At the State of the Union, when the President announced the $10.10 Executive Order, he held up Costco as an example of a good American company. The president said "profitable corporations like Costco see higher wages as the smart way to boost productivity and reduce turnover. We should too."
We agree, Mr. President!
Costco also allows its workers to bargain collectively without interference. It provides living wages and benefits, and doesn't steal wages from workers. Costco's does not pay its top executives immorally excessive salaries. If Costco can create good jobs and good profits, so can companies that do business with the U.S. Government.
A Good Jobs Executive Order that makes sure the U.S. Government only did business with companies that follow Costco's business model would be TRANSFORMATIONAL! A Demos report estimates that a Good Jobs Executive Order would put more than 20 million Americans on the path to middle class.
12 Million People Robbed Each Year
You may have heard the commandment, "Thou shalt not steal." Stealing is more than losing money or a possession. I remember when our home was broken into, and we were robbed. We replaced the material things, and we fixed the broken door and window. But our sense of security was difficult to replace. It was a long time before we could sleep well without feeling threatened and vulnerable.
We spend almost as much time at work as we do at home, so being robbed at work can leave us feeling vulnerable, day after day. According to the Illinois Department of Labor, a large number of wage theft claims are filed by restaurant workers. A recent survey of fast-food workers reported nine of ten workers say they have experienced wage theft. The operational commandment in the food service industry seems to be "Thou SHALT steal."
Recently, we heard from a young woman whose first job was with a national fast food chain. Her first day went very well, and both she and the manager were pleased with her job performance. After she clocked out at the end of the shift she said goodbye to her manager. "Where are you going?" he asked. Then he explained that she needed to stay and work off the clock. That was her first and last day at that job. She knew that standing up for her employment rights was the strongest course of action.
This young woman and millions like her should not have to take a stand alone.
The National Restaurant Association ("the Other NRA") estimates that 13.5 million people work in restaurants in the U.S. This adds up to more than 12 million people robbed at work (compared to only 1.5 million home robberies each year). The NRA has no policy stand on wage theft. Here is a sampling of the NRA's policy positions for workers:
- The NRA is opposed to the Affordable Care Act even though 90% of restaurants have fewer than 50 employees and do not have to offer healthcare insurance to employees.
- The NRA is opposed to mandatory paid sick and family leave to take care of sick loved ones claiming that "arbitrary mandatory provisions that require new benefits without giving flexibility to businesses will come at the expense of other benefits."
- The NRA is opposed to an increase in the minimum wage stating, "dramatic, mandatory wage increases…would place yet another financial burden on business owners". The minimum wage for tipped workers in Illinois is only $4.95/hour! (Find out the tipped-minimum wage in your state.)
The NRA expects that 1.3 million restaurant jobs will be added over the next decade – that's a million more workers with no private healthcare insurance, insufficient paid sick time for themselves and their families, and rock bottom hourly pay. And that's a million more workers who have their wages stolen by their employers.
Can they count on you to fight theft with them? Learn more about IWJ Issues and see all the opportunities to get involved. Together we can make "Thou Shalt NOT Steal" the standard for everyone!
Pam is a seminarian joining Interfaith Worker Justice this summer for clinical pastoral education, she will be reflecting each week on her experiences. Cartoon by Khalil Bendib
Retreat to plan ahead
I love staff retreats. Getting away from the office with colleagues allows you to build and strengthen relationships, think about the "big picture" directions of the work and plan for the future.
This year's retreat was especially fun, very encouraging and slightly poignant for me. The highlight of the fun was the high ropes course. Even though you are technically "harnessed in," so that no harm can actually come to you, it feels super scary as you step out onto tiny ropes or wires about 30 feet above the ground. I have bruises all over my body from ramming into the platform or gripping the ropes too tightly. But, I made it around the course with some coaching and encouragement from colleagues. The young and fit staffer zipped around the course and I moved slowly and cautiously, but most of us pushed ourselves outside our comfort zones in ways that were scary and totally fun. I was quite proud of myself!
The retreat was quite encouraging about the future of the work because IWJ has such a talented group of staff with great passion for the work and overall clarity of purpose. We disagree sometimes on approach and language, but we are committed to working together and growing in our experience and effectiveness. I have such respect for my colleagues and think one couldn't find a better team of folks with which to work.
A good part of the retreat focused on my upcoming transition, how we best prepare IWJ for a new director and how the entire staff can support a new director. Even though I am helping drive the transition because I think it is the best thing for the organization, there was some sadness for me around realizing that this past retreat was likely my last retreat with the staff. Next year's retreat will be with the new director.
Overall, the retreat was fabulous – fun, renewing, and encouraging. Just what a retreat should be.


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A world without cubicles is just one of the benefits awaiting the holder of a Hospitality Management degree. Those in this career can ply their trade in hotels, restaurants, senior living communities, corporate facilities, casinos and even palaces and embassies. The list is long, but in short, any setting where good people and management skills are in demand.
Demand is an apt word for this field. According to The National Association of Colleges and Employers, hospitality management salaries for college graduates are growing more quickly than in any other industry in the United States. Growing by nearly 10 percent last year alone, relates Jeffrey Catrett, Dean, The School of Hospitality Management at Kendall College.
"The hospitality/restaurant industry has always been popular and it has gained even greater popularity in the last several years," says Nancy Rotunno, Executive Director/Dean, Institute of Culinary Arts at Robert Morris University. Course of study
Both RMU and Kendall offer bachelor degrees in hospitality. Kendall's Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management can be completed in three years if students attend school year-round, says Catrett.
The program is comprised of 185 quarter credits equaling approximately 123 semester credits. "In essence, the program is split into three modular units: professional culture, hospitality management, and industry leadership," he says.
In their final quarters, students choose from seven concentrations including Club Management (member-only places such as city, country, golf and health clubs); Casino Management; Hotel and Lodging Management; Meeting and Events Management; Restaurant and Foodservice Management; Asset Management; and Sports and Leisure Management.
"Our program is offered in the traditional daytime format as well as a blended on-line and weekend approach designed for working adults," says Catrett. RMU offers a Bachelor of Business
Administration with a concentration in Hospitality Management. "The entire program of study is 12, 10-week quarters, or approximately 2.5 years," says Rotunno. "Evening courses and some weekend courses are offered. The degree is 196 quarter hours of credit."
RMU's concentration track includes Menu, Management and Facilities Design; Restaurant Operations Management; Hospitality and Restaurant Management; Purchasing for the Hospitality Industry; Beverage Management; Recreation, Lodging and Tourism Management.
Early loves
Brad Hindsley of LaPorte, Ind., not only got his BBA at RMU, he also has an adjunct teaching position at the university. In addition, he started his own business, Spire Catering and Events Management, nearly four years ago. He says his interest in this field goes back to his childhood.
"I knew at an early age that I wanted to be a chef," he says. "I also knew that if I was going to go to school, I was not going to stop half way through. An associate degree is a great goal for most people, but for me the goal was a bachelor's degree."
Hindsley didn't stop there. He also got his MBA from RMU and is currently pursuing a second bachelor's at RMU in professional studies/culinary arts.
"I realized I also had to know the not-so-glamorous aspects of the restaurant industry," he says. "That would include the business, marketing and accounting aspects of running a restaurant. It was a simple decision for me to continue my education."
Maxwell Wilkos, originally from Zeeland, Mich., is a senior in Kendall's Hospitality Management program. He chose a concentration in Hotel and Lodging because that was the most memorable part of his childhood.
"I can still remember the look and layout of every hotel room I've stayed in and why my family was staying -- business, leisure, or visiting relatives," he says. "I have found an industry in which I get to be polite and friendly for the rest of my life, which is amazing. I also want to see as much of the world as possible, so I figured I may as well be earning a living while I'm exploring."
Wilkos plans to stay in Chicago after his June 2011 graduation to pursue a job in the Chicago hospitality market with an international component, if possible.
Hands on near and far
Kendall believes in a curricular balance that is referred to as the "Art of Hospitality and the Science of Management," says Catrett, combining both the savoir faire of the European approach to hospitality education with the rigor of American management acumen.
Special Advertising Section
Hospitality degrees offer a world of work options
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Students learn about and practice customer service in Kendall's Michelin-recognized fine dining restaurant that's open to the public. (July 18, 2014)
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subset: commoncrawl


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Ah, I got misty eyed reading this. How wonderful that you've let your son change your life in such a beautiful way, and how awesome to think of all the ways you'll positively impact his! I always love reading your posts, because since it seems like you're inside my head, my head seems less crazy. I can completely related to your thoughts on life without your baby, and parents that have to endure that. It is ALWAYS in the back of my mind. Lately I have no patience for my husband's worry over what I consider small things. My life isn't perfect, but I look at my little lady (who just hit the 6month mark) and feel inside how I want to give her everything, and for things to be as close to perfect for her as they can be–and I realize I CAN! That is the most amazing feeling in the world. I can give her a safe warm home. I can give her my love and attention. I look around the world, and I see moms dealing with starvation, disease, violence-bombs. I even think of the moms with their babes on the trains to concentration camps years ago and I feel overwhelmingly blessed. I can think of no torture greater than having the ability to give my lady what I think she deserves being stripped away from me. How can you be upset that the dog chewed up a comb, when you compare it to that? Great perspective Camille! Congratulations to you and your husband for a wonderful year of learning, getting through challenges and personal growth!!!
One Year
Dear Sam,
Today you are one year old. That means that exactly one year ago, I was holding you for the first time, watching you sleep for the first time, nursing you for the first time, and kissing your sweet baby hair on the top of your sweet head for the very first time. Your daddy held you for the first time, and stayed up with you for the very first time. And we changed your tiny diaper together, for the very first time. You were very big, and very healthy, and absolutely perfect in every way. I never had to worry about you being too small, or too frail, or having any condition that caused us worry. Just about every day, I thank my lucky stars that you are here, and you are real, and you are healthy and beautiful.
Ever since I had you, I think a lot about all of the women and men out there in the world who have lost children — before birth or after. I know that it's a little bit morbid to think this way, but I can't help it. I think about how dark my world would be without you, now that you have entered it, and I wonder how so many parents who have lost so much can survive. I suppose it is the nature of the human spirit to push forward, but still, I say a prayer for all the children lost, and I try to remember how special and miraculous you are in every moment that I spend with you.
This has been a special year for me and your father. I can say for myself that I now feel like a woman instead of a girl now — marriage, home ownership and a really amazing full time job were important steps along the way — but you make me feel grown. I don't know how to explain that in concrete terms. After all, I don't do a lot of adult things — like clean my house or get regular car washes. I certainly struggle with organization day to day, and I sometimes pay bills too late. Those are things my parents never struggled with, and therefore, they are the things that I associate with adulthood. I also still want to play and travel, and watch ridiculous television — my maturity level in those ways has not changed. I guess it is that you make me feel like there is something greater in my life than just me. There is a person that needs me for food and clothing and warmth and love. There is a person who will need me for homework and music lessons and going to the playground. Because of that, I feel more important and meaningful in this world than I ever did before I met you.
People find meaning in life in many different places. For some it is their job. For others, it is their passion for music or art (or accounting? perhaps?). For me, it is you. You inspire me to be more patient with myself, to love myself more, and to be positive even when it feels that I cannot or I should not be. I want to be a role model for you, as you grow up and find out who you want to be.
Today was a sad day in some ways. I cried several times sitting at my desk at work, thinking about how you're such a little man now. Where did my baby go? He's walking now, and picking up the remote and talking into it like a phone. Here's the secret I have to remember; you'll always be my baby. Sam, even when you're ten years old and it's really not cool to have such a sappy mom, you'll be my fat little baby. You'll be my baby all the days of your life, my beautiful little baby.
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Welcome to the Savvy Mom Space
I'm a liberal feminist that believes that liberal, feminist ideals should gel with embracing your gender and motherhood (if that's what you feel like doing). I support all kinds of moms and dads and parents. Oh and, although I totally love that natural vibe and not harming the environment, I supplement my organic milk and fresh fruits and veggies with the occasional Twix, the frequent Oreo, and the daily Coke Zero. I'm opinionated, not easily offended, and a loudmouth in person and on the internet. I am what I am. Welcome.


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Cleanse is Amazing! Rejuvenates the body and keeps it light! And surprising the detox is a happy one because the drinks are tasty! And I plan on doing it every two months.
Neha Ravi
The Ingredients for the 1day detox was very well selected, good work as it felt refreshing good.
Thanks, Cleansehigh, Wonderful drinks, great experience.
I like all drinks except tea, but I guess its more Productive, Nut milk is rich, Love the cleanse, keep it up.
They are Amazing and good to taste, cleanse my bad habit.
Had a good session. Soup was good filler. May be its good to have it in the last. Taste of milk and lavendar tea was just bearable. Overall good experience.
So far so good! Your juices taste fantastic and I feel good.
Iam very happy, I love your juices except morning pain and headache everything is good.
Doing great. Hanging in there, So far I enjoyed all of the juices.
Subha Chaganty
Fasting for first time ever. Crazy headache on Day 1 but refreshing and calm on Day 2 & Day 3. Later learned that headaches are a sign of body detoxing bad stuff. Great experience. Am making this a habit!
Was on a 2 Day Detox. Felt so lite. Great taste. Good Work Cleanse High.
I usually go for MINI as i cant stay with food. Its a good routine to be on. Cut down sugars and put in vitamins without much effort from our side. Thanks to the idea.
Dr. Deepti Reddy
Easy Nutrition. Wonderful Cleansing Method. Thanks CH for introducing this to the food hogger s like us.
Rupa Mehta
Innovative & Tasty. Best Regime for Foodies. I had a great time cleansing. I'm used to fasting so has been breezy. % Day Detox Next Time.
Rajesh Ravi
Teas can taste better. Nut Milk & Soup are Yummy. Healthy detox routine. Felt clear skin on Day 4. A little pricey.
Ranganath Chari
I first tried a Cleanse High &I was surprised at how much energy it gave me. The effects of the cleanse go way beyond weight-loss. I found I had so much mental clarity during and afterwards.
Avinash Muppa
I do a cleanse any time I feel overloaded or need to give my system a break. I actually crave the Green Juices and the Nut Milk!
Rohan Reddy
I love the Green Juice when I need my veggies on the go! I wish i can get it everyday CH.
After a few decades of treating my body like a trash can, CH Detox was just what I needed to kick start a sane, restorative year. I am Happy with your juices. Quiet.
It was nice to detox. Felt a little dizzy in the evening but not that miserable.
Detox was good. It was a refreshing experience.
Eating Clean
Detox News
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Stuck at splash screen
Last response: in Systems
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BUY & SELL second hand textbooks uniforms calculators musical instruments sports gear Uni books etc, Australia's No 1 website for secondhand school items.
Families from any school are welcome to register and search the ads for free. Sell your items too, it works!
Books, uniforms, calculators etc, sell all year round.
All Uni & Tafe students are invited to register for free.
Search all the Ads and gain the contact details of sellers for free. Or advertise items, maximum cost is $1.00 per advertisement.
All Primary and Secondary schools are most welcome.
This genuine in-school service is customised to each school's needs, to receive a schools Info Pack please:
Register & Joinor
call 1300 683 337
Businesses, Clubs, Uni's, Tafe's, Charities, RTO's etc, are invited to register here for free.
It is Australia's best. Because it works !
Visit the peak parent body for education in South Australia


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Posts Tagged 'like hanger'
LIKE Hanger
How much do you like Facebook? It better be a damn lot if you hang this Like Hanger in your home. It's made from acrylic and every time you walk through your door you'll hopefully get that warm and fuzzy feeling as if someone...


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An online defragmentation is automatically run after you run the Active Directory garbage collection process in Windows 2000 Server
Article ID: 871003 - View products that this article applies to.
Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/ )Description of the Microsoft Windows registry
On This Page
An online defragmentation runs automatically after you run the Active Directory directory service garbage collection process on a computer that is running Microsoft Windows 2000 Server. You may want to separate these processes for performance purposes.
Hotfix informationA supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem.
If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, submit a request to Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.
Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site:
http://support.microsoft.com/contactus/?ws=supportNote The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.
PrerequisitesTo apply this hotfix, you must have Windows 2000 Service Pack 4 (SP4) installed on the computer.
Restart requirementYou must restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.
Hotfix replacement informationThis hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.
File informationThe English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.
Date Time Version Size File name -------------------------------------------------------------- 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6876 388,368 Advapi32.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6866 69,904 Browser.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6824 134,928 Dnsapi.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6876 92,432 Dnsrslvr.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6883 47,888 Eventlog.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6890 143,632 Kdcsvc.dll 11-Mar-2004 02:37 5.0.2195.6903 210,192 Kerberos.dll 21-Sep-2003 00:32 5.0.2195.6824 71,888 Ksecdd.sys 11-Mar-2004 02:37 5.0.2195.6902 520,976 Lsasrv.dll 25-Feb-2004 23:59 5.0.2195.6902 33,552 Lsass.exe 19-Jun-2003 20:05 5.0.2195.6680 117,520 Msv1_0.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6897 312,592 Netapi32.dll 19-Jun-2003 20:05 5.0.2195.6695 371,984 Netlogon.dll 10-Jul-2004 22:41 5.0.2195.6944 933,648 Ntdsa.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6897 388,368 Samsrv.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6893 111,376 Scecli.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6903 253,200 Scesrv.dll 04-Jun-2004 23:13 5.0.2195.6935 5,887,488 Sp3res.dll 24-Mar-2004 02:17 5.0.2195.6824 50,960 W32time.dll 21-Sep-2003 00:32 5.0.2195.6824 57,104 W32tm.exe
Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.
To resolve this problem and stop the online defragmentation from automatically running after the Active Directory garbage collection process, you must install this hotfix on each domain controller where you want to change the behavior. Also, you must add the following key to the registry. To do this, follow these steps:
Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.
For more information about standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
(http://support.microsoft.com/kb/824684/ )Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates
Article ID: 871003 - Last Review: October 30, 2006 - Revision: 2.6


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Main Content
Step into Adrian Gonzalez's world with this custom Players Choice Signature Series tee from Majestic featuring a personalized series of graphics specifically chosen by Gonzalez. The front boasts gothic-style Red Sox lettering and a custom team crest featuring Gonzalez's number in a Mexican flag colorway—all stylized with a wave motif inspired by his childhood on the California coast. His name and number are printed over the back in gothic lettering with the same wave motif wrapping the graphic, for a ripping look that will daringly bring out the Red Sox fan in you.
- 100% Cotton fabric
- Imported
- Lightweight ribbed T-shirt
- Officially licensed MLB product
- Rib-knit collar
- Screen print graphics
- Tagless collar
Special event items are produced by manufacturers only after the outcome of a game or event. These are advanced sale items and will ship immediately after they are received in our warehouse.
Manufacturer direct items are shipped directly from the manufacturer. These items are not available for international or expedited shipping.
Customized items can be personalized with options such as your name, your favorite number, and/or designs. Some options may be limited by league rules.


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Pilgrim wins in Leogang
By Ric McLaughlin on in MTB
Brit takes 26TRIX after weather stops play.
Britain's Sam Pilgrim yet again retook the lead of the FMB World Tour after victory from close rivals Brett Rheeder and Sam Reynolds.
Unfortunately wind and rain forced organisers to cancel the finals and as a result, the previous qualifying runs stood.


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While Mint.com is one of the most popular budget tracking apps out there, it isn't the only option. From the review of Mint.com, we've seen a number of dissatisfied users of the product. In addition, for those who want to go a little deeper with their personal finances, in a way that Mint can't always match, there are alternatives.
Personal Capital
If you are looking for a finance web-based app that focuses on investing, this is what we recommend. In fact, we have it on our list of the best investment tools. Unlike Mint, which focuses a lot on budgeting (and where your money has gone), Personal Capital emphasizes investing and saving for retirement. You can track expenses with this app, but you can also create an investing plan — and even have the app analyze your investing fees and help you avoid them.
If you want a fully-functional way to track your accounts — including investment accounts — the latest version of Quicken has really taken things up a notch. Quicken now makes use of the cloud, and it can sync up your desktop with what's in the cloud. One of the best fully-functional options. However, Quicken for Mac isn't nearly as good. If you have a Mac, it's not worth the cost.
You can link your accounts online for automatic updates, or you can enter your information manually. Moneydance is the closest thing you're going to get to Quicken for Macintosh. You can try out Moneydance for FREE for the first 100 transactions. If you are looking for software that works on Apple's OS X then this is a possible option.
One of the few native applications for Apple's OS X operating system. Since Intuit's Quicken Essentials for Mac for all intents and purposes has been abandoned, this leaves only applications like iBank, Moneydance and YNAB as possible solutions. Out of all of the applications, iBank is the most fully featured. In addition, like Quicken for Windows, iBank offers mobile synchronization with either your Apple iPad or iPhone.
While Mint is heavily focused on helping you track your spending, after the fact, YNAB is all about planning your spending ahead of time. You aren't going to get a solid investing app with YNAB, but you are going to be able to feel more as though you are directing your resources, rather than just tracking where your money has already gone. Great app for those especially interested in zero-based budgeting.
Jemstep is a commercial service for the DIY retirement planning. It is similar to SigFig, but gives much more detailed recommendations. It will list what funds you need to buy and/or sell in your portfolio to be the most efficient. With Jemstep you really cannot replace Mint, but will help with investment guidance. While an automated program like Jemstep cannot completely replace a financial advisor, it can help anyone who wants to manage their own portfolio.
LearnVest goes beyond the offerings from Mint.com. The investment aspect is much, much stronger than what you'll see with Mint. Additionally, you can choose manually enter transactions with LearnVest, if you don't want to link your accounts. LearnVest allows you to set detailed goals, and track your progress. LearnVest offers financial planning services — something you won't get with Mint (but you can get with Personal Capital). LearnVest has a very strong educational component that sets it apart from many other financial apps.
SigFig is a free web service that gives automated recommendations of where you can save money with your investments. SigFig unfortunately only allows brokerage accounts. So with SigFig you will not be able to completely replace Mint, but could use in conjunction with another service. If you are looking to better asset allocation your investments this application might be right for you.
Wealthfront is a wealth management system with an emphasis on asset allocation with low fees. It's based on Modern Portfolio Theory (MPT) and they believe the optimal mix of asset classes is more important than security selection. It's like having a financial advisor that's software based. They manage both personal accounts and retirement accounts, including 401(k) roll-overs and various forms of individual retirement accounts.
PowerWallet is an online money management tool created to help everyday people rebuild, and secure their finances. It allows users to link all of their accounts to one platform, and then analyzes their expenses to help them build a workable budget. PowerWallet also makes recommendations based on users' overall financial plans. As a bonus, the program will alert users to available discounts based on their interests and spending patterns. If you are looking for a simple but safe budgeting service, this might be the program for you.
MarketRiders is a web-based software that aims to help Americans manage their retirement portfolios more effectively. However, it isn't for the completely hands-off investor. This software assists those who want to be actively involved in the investment process, providing them with just the right amount of assistance. If you are looking for a little investing assistance while still being in control of your portfolio, this might be the service for you. MarketRiders isn't a complete replacement for Mint.
Yodlee MoneyCenter
Yodlee is the grandfather of personal finance software. In fact many already use them to download your financial data — including Personal Capital, LearnVest, and Fidelity's Full View. Yodlee MoneyCenter is Yodlee's answer to Mint, it's a free service that allows you to link your financial information in one place. It has a great synchronization system, a unique FinApp Center, and a customizable summary screen. If you are looking for a reliable program with the ability to plug in third party apps, Yodlee might be the right service for you.
Readers: Do you use a personal finance application? What's your favorite app, and why?


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A foreign exchange student detained after a man became unresponsive inside a Las Vegas hotel room had his case dismissed in court Thursday.
Matejs Balodis was facing a charge of open murder in connection to the Dec. 16 death of 55-year-old Sherman Dale Lamb.
During Matejs' 72-hour hearing, the case was dismissed and no charges were formally filed against the 22-year-old.
According to Las Vegas Metro police, Balodis was detained by security at South Point hotel-casino on Monday night after reporting Lamb passed out.
In an arrest report, Balodis, a Latvian citizen studying in Denmark, told police he was befriended by Lamb and was offered a hotel room when his flight back to Europe was delayed.
Balodis said things turned sour when it appeared he was being robbed of his money and credit card PIN, documents showed. Police said Balodis told them a fight broke out in a hotel room, where he struck Lamb several times in the head and face.
Balodis was booked into Clark County Detention Center.
An autopsy showed Lamb died of asphyxiation and blunt force trauma of the neck as a result of a homicide.
Copyright 2013 KVVU (KVVU Broadcasting Corporation). All rights reserved.


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Jean Paul Gaultier
Ed Alcock for The New York Times
News about Jean Paul Gaultier, including commentary and archival articles published in The New York Times.
Chronology of Coverage
Nov. 8, 2013
Martha Schwendener reviews exhibit The Fashion World of Jean Paul Gaultier: From the Sidewalk to the Catwalk at Brooklyn Museum. MORE
Oct. 17, 2013
Eric Wilson notes that Jean Paul Gaultier fashion exhibition, now making long-awaited tour stop at Brooklyn Museum of Art, had been curated by former model and fashion insider Thierry-Maxime Loriot. MORE
Mar. 1, 2012
Jean Paul Gaultier, who turns 60 in April, prepares to show his fall collection in Paris. MORE
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Gemma Ward's Comeback, Michelle Obama's Fashion Fete and Cara Delevingne's Acting Gig
Plus, the return of Bill Blass, Audrey Hepburn's modeling granddaughter and more from the week in style.
September 19, 2014, Friday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Delevingne, Cara , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Gosling, Ryan , Kane, Christopher , Obama, Michelle , Bill Blass Ltd , Nars Cosmetics , Uniqlo , Cosmetics and Toiletries , Fashion and Apparel , Models (Professional)
The '80s Supermodel Leslie Winer Reissues Her Lost '90s Album
With the re-release of her cult LP "Witch," this muse to Basquiat and Gaultier and current face of Vivienne Westwood is ripe for rediscovery. A track appears here.
August 8, 2014, Friday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Basquiat, Jean-Michel , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Fashion and Apparel , Models (Professional)
The Past as Road to Tomorrow
At the couture shows in Paris, designers study their history lessons in order to push modern boundaries.
July 10, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Simons, Raf , Versace, Donatella , Armani, Giorgio , Jarrar, Bouchra , Couture (Fashion) , Paris (France) , Sergeenko, Ulyana , Armani, Giorgio, SpA , Maison Martin Margiela , Saab, Elie , Couture Fashion Week , Christian Dior SA , Valli, Giambattista , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Paris Fashion Week , Chanel SA , Fashion and Apparel , Versace, Gianni, SpA
Site to Be Seen | Plum Picks from Jean Paul Gaultier's Archive Go Up for Sale at Matches
In anticipation of the designer's retrospective opening in London, a trove of his vintage pieces are available to buy online.
April 2, 2014, Wednesday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Gaultier, Jean Paul
Curtain Call | The Designers of Paris Fashion Week Take Their Bows
To mark the conclusion of Paris Fashion Week, we catalog the bows — some proud, some playful, some humble, some all of the above — of 15 fashion visionaries.
March 6, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: van Noten, Dries , Gaultier, Jean Paul , McCartney, Stella , McQueen, Alexander , Paris (France) , Viktor & Rolf , Chanel SA , Paris Fashion Week , Fashion and Apparel
Jean Paul Gaultier: A Journey Into Space
The life and art of Jean Paul Gaultier's show in Paris was all in the staging, with a hint of the movie "Gravity" but an accent on fun rather grave elements.
March 3, 2014, Monday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Fashion and Apparel , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Paris Fashion Week
Net-a-Porter Means 'Ready to Party'
In Paris, Net-a-Porter hosts the biggest (and the best) party for its new magazine.
March 2, 2014, Sunday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Gaultier, Jean Paul , Rihanna , Porter (Magazine) , Paris Fashion Week , Fashion and Apparel
Umit Benan's Homage and Thom Browne's Nature Trail
Winter 2014 collections range from '40s-inspired tailoring to bloated suits.
January 25, 2014, Saturday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Paris (France) , Fashion and Apparel , Browne, Thom , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Benan, Umit
Model-Morphosis | Alana Zimmer at Jean Paul Gaultier
The photographer Greg Kessler captures the transformations of the Spring 2014 Couture Collections in Paris.
January 23, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Gaultier, Jean Paul , Gilbert, Odile , Simmonds, Lloyd , Models (Professional) , Fashion and Apparel , Couture (Fashion)
Gaultier Stretches His Wings
Butterflies were the inspiration for this fluttering couture collection.
January 23, 2014, Thursday
MORE ON JEAN PAUL GAULTIER AND: Von Teese, Dita , Couture (Fashion) , Gaultier, Jean Paul , Paris (France)
Runway Photos
Jean Paul Gaultier Collections
Slide shows of the most recent runway shows.
Couture Styles
More images from the summer 2014 shows, including Armani Privé, by Giorgio Armani, and John Paul Gaultier.
Jean Paul Gaultier
The couture collection was shown in Paris.
Jean Paul Gaultier: Catwalk Diversity
Suzy Menkes speaks with designer Jean Paul Gaultier and model Farida Khelfa about diversity in fashion.
Jean Paul Gaultier Has a New Lease on Life
His couture is consistently brilliant and daring, right up to the provocative collection he showed with models styled to look like Amy Winehouse.
An Interview With Jean Paul Gaultier
The designer Jean Paul Gaultier talks about his first museum retrospective, why he puts men in skirts and his love of designing movie costumes.
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We have set out below some guideline calculations of the type and amount of settlement you may be awarded, depending on the injuries you have sustained.
The general damages awarded as personal injury compensation would cover pain, suffering and loss of amenity. By pain and suffering, we mean the problems you have suffered and the treatment received. The loss of amenity relates to effects on your life – such as hobbies, interest, career and home life – all part of the calculations for compensation.
As part of the personal injury settlement you are entitled to special damages, which are items of direct financial expenditure, which you have incurred as a result of the accident.
The examples we have used are not exact personal injury claims calculations of any award or settlement that may be made, but a benchmark for your guidance. We will give you specific advice based on your individual circumstances, in relation to the injury or injuries you have sustained, once an assessment is made.
In relation to the parts of the body the information is as follows:
Head and Sensors
Minor brain damage - £10,000 to £28,250
Total loss of taste and smell - in the region of £25,750
Broken nose - £1,125 to £2,600
Neck and Shoulders
Whiplash injuries - £875 to £6,550
Fractured clavicle - £3,400 to £8,000
Arm Injuries
Fracture of index finger - £6,000 to £8,000
Below elbow amputation - £63,000 to £72,000
Body and Back Injuries
Broken rib - £1,750 to £2,750
Serious back injury - £25,000 - £100,000
Leg and Knee Injuries
Simple fracture - up to £6,000
Serious knee injury - £45,750 to £63,000
Ankle and Feet
Broken ankle - £4,000 to £17,500
Fractured toe - £1,000 to £3,600
Arrange a time for us to call you back at your convenience
Say what you like about industry awards (and some usually do, namely that they are self-indulgent, self-serving and the winners sometimes apparently unfathomable) but you will not hear me criticising them and I am sure that you will appreciate that has nothing to do with the fact that on Wednesday of last week I managed to win one of them.


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Easter Messages
Easter is a great time to send a message in a nice Easter card. Knowing what to write in an Easter card can be frustrating though. Usually the cards come with some sort of decent message, but most people feel the need to add something a little more personal to the printed card message. Other people make their own greeting cards and need original messages to write. Here is a list of examples of Easter messages to help you.
Easter Wishes Examples


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Happy 69th, Mick Jagger!
The Lucifer of rock, the paradigm of the rock superstar as Pied Piper, tribal medicine man, unholy roller, the Dionysus of the rebellious young millions who in the 60's made rock music the official language of their unfocused but unmistakable disaffection from tradition.
Newsweek January 4, 1971
"We generate more more excitement than the Beatles because we go on casually dressed like the audience. The Beatles are idols now. The kids can't really identify with them. But we, we identify with the kids."
Rolling Stone Brian Jones, who would be 70 today.
Newsweek November 29, 1965


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coconut patch
for members of the coconut patch. you all know who you are. he he he
See All
My Communities
My Discussions
My Email Digests
sitting in a coco patch.
somebody came and stepped on me.
i am squished as you can see.
i'm a nut.
i'm a nut.
i'm a nut. i'm a nut. i'm a nut nut nut.
Queen Snowy wanders into the coco patch to see what her patchie nuts have been doing in her absence.. Adjusting her tilted crown, she plants her feathery butt down at the cocobar and orders a QS cocktail with little umbrella and slice of pine apple..... hummmm surveying the scene she decided to finish her cocktail and wait for a bit before taking any action....View Thread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gaLPpKCC9pgView Thread
I can't wait. I haven't heard from you guys since last year!View Thread
Take the Poll
Poll Results
More spoofin' n' grinnin'67% (10)
More zoooomin'27% (4)
More parties0% (0)
More romance0% (0)
Better health related stories7% (1)
View Thread
Did you get your card yet? .. thank you for the email, I will be answering soon....
Owl...View Thread
Just wanted to say Hi as I haven't heard from you for a long time.... hope your doing well....
Big hugs.....View Thread
Just wanted to say Hi as I haven't heard from you for a long time.... hope your doing well....
Big hugs.....View Thread
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kfl-marPekc&NR=1View Thread
I received Christmas cards from two of my granddaughters, each one describing a special Christmas wish. The oldest, a freshman at my alma mater, after a very brief "Happy Holiday", got straight to business and requested an advance of $500 on her family scholarship for a deposit on Teaching Seminar Trip to Chicago Schools in January.
(hmmmmm . . . although it's very hard, Goat began thinking)
The second holiday card came from the youngest seventh grader in the family. Along with a two-page seasonal letter from her mother, a separate page described an upcoming three-day field trip to (guess where) Chicago and the Museum of Science and Industry, Aquarium, etc. The advance payment for this little extra-curricular is only $1,259. This includes transportation, meals, two overnite semi private lodge spaces, and daytime entertainment for whatever 7th graders do when they aren't captivated by the next new personal electronic device.
(the blare of an internal warning device interrupted an otherwise peaceful mental connection with his grandgirls, and Goat gasped at once . . . then sighed deeply.
are these kids the source of doubt, he wondered, that is being released on society each passing year? after a moment, Goat summoned his faith, and concentrated on ways he had learned to "Dodge the hot potato.")
Be jolly, my friends, and guard your hearts.View Thread
Then, in flash of cerebral thought, (difficult since goats do not have cerebrum) he remembers that Black Friday is coming soon! Everybody must be out shopping for special sales on everything from flat screen TVs to toys, and cell phones to MP3 players. Everybody is so busy shopping, they are all ordering their Thanksgiving dinners catered this year and will eat watching their favorite NFL stars do battle at 42, 46, 52, or more inches of LCD. Wow, times have changed.
Not so long ago, the goat recalls, Mama Goat gathered Ibex and all the other little goats together at dinnertime. She would have them take turns reciting the things they were thankful for and why they were thankful. Ibex remembers all the others whom he loved back then, and a tear splashes in the sand ahead of his next step.
They are what the Goat is most thankful for this year and you, my friends, are among those precious folks.
Who, or what, are you thankful for ???? View Thread
But the long and short of this is, I'm moving to Florida! The first winter for me in 27 years i wont freeze my butt off! LOLView Thread
AAAAAAAAAAAAAck! it's that giant purple beastie!!! ...View Thread
I love to dance, and I was having horrible anxiety about even going. But OMG....I needed the endorphine rush of the music and dancing and all of that "good" energy. Besides, it will make my kids feel good to see mom having some fun and smiling, cause she hasn't done that in a long while.View Thread
Thanks for the rant, i feel a little more clear now. at least i might be able to make dinner for me and kids, he can starve for all i care!View Thread
where oh where could she be?
aaaahhhhhhhhh please come home Snowy!!!
Your Cookie misses you.
Im sure Slikitty misses you too.
and Skylark
and Topaz too
Im sure Minky does too
and others. I just wasnt clever enough to come up with pic.s for everyone. lolView Thread
here are my issues 1) I dont have Health Ins
2) i dont have money LOL
3) I've been tested for Lupus, Lyme and RA, all with negative results
I've also had a CAT scan, Xray's, and Ultrasounds (on my abdomen as the pain has wiggled its way there as well).
My aggravation is this, I have symptoms of Lupus a lot of symtoms of lupus, but yet the test was negative. I'm pretty frustrated, needless the say the degree of pain i'm feeling isnt helping my depression/anxiety issues.
Have any of you dealt with anything like this? What was your outcome (if you are comfortable talking about it), what are you doing to try to manage your pain? I am extremely ticked off with this whole thing, if nothing i need gentle hugs. LOL Thanks ladies/gents for the rant.View Thread
But I'd like to go back to enjoying some of that male company. And yes, two may be from the past one - one a very very very distant past...and another with a more recent history. In fact, he's been a part of my recovery and learning to believe in myself again.
I'm being extremely selective in who I let back into my life..or even who I let in to begin with since my PTSD issues are linked mostly to abusive relationships and abandonment.
The one who was part of my recovery is married. We always both just remained friends, even though there was a chemistry there. As things with me deteriorated, I can remember his anger at my chosen partner for not taking more responsibility on for caring for me. When all hell broke loose with my mom and she dumped me, literally, out on the street, little did I know he went and confronted her. And then I cut everyone out. I disappeared for a long time.
Well anyways, I guess him seeing me past the suicide attempts, the total disappearance from his life for a year, he's had a lot of time to think about the role we've both played in each other's lives. He told me the other day he's preparing to file for divorce. And it's me he's loved all this time.
My concern here is....we've always ignored this before. Now it's something we have to talk about. And while he has ALWAYS held a part of my heart, I'm hesitating. Therapist told me I needed my equal or someone stronger. He meets and exceeds this. So maybe I'm just afraid of what I should have been getting from a relationship all along?
As for the other one...he was who I dated before I met my ex-husband. It was a tumultous point in my life. Almost a month before my dad passed from a cancer where I was his medical surrogate at 21. And I met my ex on a night where this man who'd I'd been happy as a clam with up to that point, broke a date to go line dancing to go drinking with the guys on st patrick's day. It's not he didn't fight to get me back..cause he did. Flowers. Coming by. He and the ex even got into a physical altercation where I liked to go to dance (my relief of stress from dealing with my dad). And I cut him out. But he haunted me in my dreams....with my dad...because he'd seen me up to the almost end. So I decided to confront him...we met....talked.....had a beer or 2....and i drove him home because he was completely intoxicated over me explaining i was never returning. On my way back to his house.....it was raining, dark....a dark back road I never recognized....an unmarked hairpin turn and a standard tranny....i slammed on the brakes, hit the clutch, turned the wheel and spun. I remember hitting the dumpster on my side. I vaguely remember him getting me into the passenger seat....getting me to his house. I was hyperventilating asking for my ex whom he called as well as EMT's. We've refound each other too. Just as strong as I am too.
I'm going home soon. He knows everything that has happened. I've hidden nothing. He's supported every decision I've made in the last few months. But most of all he's opened this window to my life I'd forgotten existed. That confident, brazen, flirty woman I'd always been prior to getttin married. He's reminded me of who I once was and who I was when I was with him. So many firsts. Jewelry. Last xmas I ever celebrated.
So....with all that out there...what cha think????View Thread
View Thread
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text:
Please help me find out what's happened to this page!
Recently, some visitors to this page have found they have been automatically forwarded to a different page. Please accept my sincere apologies if this has happened to you, and be assured it is not my doing. If this does happen to you, I would greatly appreciate it if you could let me know via the contact link on the left, mentioning what site you are forwarded to. I have removed the amazon ads and statcounter scripts to see if that solves the problem, and I've checked my .htaccess file but there can't find anything untoward. Thank you for your help - and the sourdough starter recipe you were looking for is given below.
How to Make Sourdough Bread
Part One - Making a Starter Culture
Sourdough or wild yeast bread is made using wild yeasts instead of baker's yeast. These yeasts grow naturally on rye and wheat grains, but they must be allowed to multiply in a starter culture to develop sufficient strength to rise bread dough. This culture will also contain naturally occurring lactobacilli which contribute the characteristic sour taste and also improve the bread's keeping qualities.
If you ask ten bakers how to make a sourdough starter culture, you will get at least eleven different answers ... there are many widely varying recipes in books and on the internet for starter cultures and for the bread itself. This is the way I have found successful. You do not need raisins, apple juice, yoghurt, or anything else for the starter except organic rye flour and water.
Day One
Mix one tablespoon of organic rye flour and one tablespoon of filtered or cooled boiled water. Filtering or boiling gets rid of the chlorine (yeast doesn't like chlorine), but also gets rid of the oxygen, which the wild yeast needs, so give it a very thorough mix to incorporate some air. Cover with cling film (plastic wrap) and leave in a plastic, glass, or ceramic bowl for 24 hours at room temperature.
Throughout this process, remember that these yeasts usually eke out a meagre living on a grain, they have not been selectively bred in laboratories to produce copious amounts of gas to raise bread quickly, so be nice to them. They like warmth, air, and moisture, like a lot of living things. You can keep them in the fridge when you want them to go to sleep, but you need to wake them up and give them some attention when you want them to do some work for you.
Sourdough starter, day one: brown mush
Day Two
Your brown mush will probably smell musty/yeasty by now - it's not a particularly pleasant smell, but don't worry, that's not what your bread's going to taste like. Add another tablespoon each of rye flour and water, mix well as before, cover and leave for another 24 hours.
Day Three
Your starter should now be starting to smell "interesting", maybe a bit like wine vinegar, pear drops, or even paint thinner. (If a starter ever smells really foul or rotten, it could be contaminated with undesirable bacteria and should be thrown away.) If you look closely, you might see some tiny bubbles.
Day 3 - Beginning to bubble
Add two tablespoons each of rye flour and water, mix well, cover and leave for another 12 hours.
Now you are going to double the quantity of starter two or three times a day until it is looking very lively and active. After a while it becomes easier to weigh the ingredients instead of using tablespoons. One tablespoon of rye flour is roughly 10g, and one tablespoon of water is 15g. Our starter so far contains 40g of rye flour and 60g of water and so we are going to add that much again. The starter should definitely be showing signs of bubbling by this stage. Encourage this by incorporating as much oxygen as possible when doubling - add the water to the starter first, and whisk very vigorously (with an electric whisk if possible) for a minute before adding the flour. After a few feedings, you might need to transfer the mixer into a larger container.
Note that your timings do not have to be exact for the process to work - your yeast culture won't suddenly die if it goes without food for thirteen hours. However if you keep your feeding routine very regular, you will find it easier to predict how quickly your bread will rise. Professional bakers need to produce their bread to fit in with a tight commercial schedule. If you're baking at home, you may have a more flexible routine - the first time you make sourdough bread, you will certainly have to wait to see how long the loaves take to rise, as every culture is different and so the process is less predictable than conventional baking with commercial yeast.
So the process so far looks like this:
|Add Flour(g)
|Add Water(g)
|Total flour(g)
|Total water(g)
|10 (1 tbsp)
|15 (1 tbsp)
|(Wait 24 hours)
|10 (1 tbsp)
|15 (1 tbsp)
|(Wait 12 hours)
|20 (2 tbsp)
|30 (2 tbsp)
|(Wait 8 - 12 hours)
|40 (4 tbsp)
|60 (4 tbsp)
|(Wait 8 - 12 hours)
|(Wait 8 - 12 hours)
You will now have 400g of starter, which is plenty. If you keep doubling, you will spend a fortune on rye flour and run out of room in your kitchen, so for each subsequent feed we are going to remove all but 200g of the culture, and double it by adding 80g of flour and 120g of water. You can use the portion you have removed in your conventional yeasted wheat bread. Weigh the culture you are using to check the quantity - if you have 200g of starter this will consist of roughly 80g of flour and 120g of water (the composition will have changed because of the action of the yeast, but this is close enough). Alternatively, give this 200g of starter to a friend so they can make their own sourdough.
The pet that lives in the fridge ...
After you have removed 200g of starter and given your remaining culture another feed, it should be very lively and bubbly. If it isn't showing any signs of life, throw it away and start again. Assuming it looks and smells OK, this is your mother starter that you will keep in a jar in the fridge; cover it loosely with a lid for the first few days so the pressure doesn't build up and it doesn't erupt when opened, after that it should have calmed down enough to put the lid on properly. After it has settled, you will notice a layer of grey-brown clear liquid, known as "hooch" on the top. Don't be tempted to drink it, despite the name! This helps protect the starter from infections, you don't need to tip it away or stir it in - when you take some starter out for a new batch of bread, scoop it from the thick layer underneath the hooch.
A new jar of starter, ready to go into the fridge
Each time you want to make a batch of sourdough, you will use 1 tablespoonful of this starter. When you have used nearly all of it, weigh the remainder into a bowl and feed it a few times as before until it is bubbly and you have a jar full.
An old jar of starter, ready to be replenished. Notice the layer of "hooch" on top.
Now you have a supply of active starter, you are ready to go on to the next step: Building the Loaf.