text:
Issue # 338
Tuesday October 5th, 1999 11:32 pm
The Wrestling Booking Sheet
Reported by Kevin
Langbaum and Bill Apter at:
Joining Vince Russo in
WCW will be Ed Ferrara, who along with Russo has
been credited with
being the main creative force behind the WWF's
recent dominance.
Explaining his
decision, Russo told Bill Apter Monday: "You know, both
personally and
professionally over the past three years, I felt that I
did everything I could
possibly do in the WWF. I reached all my
professional goals and
I felt there was no place else to go. I saw an
opportunity at WCW and
I am the type of person who thrives on
challenge. I contacted
WCW to find out if there was any interest in me.
Once I found out there
was an interest, the decision was easy."
Those of you who
watched Nitro were in for a shock with the new
Cruiserweight Champion
Psychosis was introduced. The problem: Psychosis
never won the
Was WCW that unhappy
Lenny Lane's character that
they refused to
allow him on the air
to drop the title? While I personally think
Psychosis would make a
terrific long term champion, I hate to see the
lineage of the
championship broken for no good reason. I know, hardly
anybody cares. The
titles have been switched so often that they don't
have any credibility
anyway. Still, it bothered this "purist".
Disco Inferno is an
interesting choice; with his weight advantage, will
he play the
Cruiserweight bully? He's a better worker than many give
him credit for, though
his style clashes with the Luchadors who dominate
the division.
Goldberg was shown
arriving at the arena. Sid then came out of the
shadows and looked at
the number 22 spot where "The Man" parked. Later
in the evening, Sid
called a tow company to come get Goldberg's car.
Rey Mysterio Jr. vs.
Dean Malenko
Shane Douglas took the
referee out in this match. Saturn came out to
Douglas, but in a swerve, hit
Mysterio with the chain. They then
threw Malenko in the
ring who put Rey Jr.(who was out cold) in the
Texas Cloverleaf for
the win. After the bell, Malenko was infuriated as
he watched on the big
screen what his Revolution comrades had done.
Winner: Dean Malenko
--The tribute video to
Bret Hart from months ago was re-aired.
Psychosis (c) versus
Disco Inferno *Cruiserweight Championship*
The chartbuster not
only gave Disco the win, but also the Cruiserweight
Winner: Disco Inferno
via pinfall (New Cruiserweight Champion)
--Making a long
awaited return, Kevin Nash and Scott Hall (each with a
lady in tow) took
front row seats and told Bobby Heenan that they were
"putting the band back
Sid Vicious versus
Brian Adams *U.S. Title*
With the help of Rick
Steiner and referee Charles Robinson, Sid won the
with a powerbomb.
Winner: Sid Vicious
via pinfall
Jerry Flynn w/Jimmy
Hart versus Goldberg
As Goldberg was
walking to the ring, he was taunted by Sid, but kept
walking to the ring.
Despite interference by other first family
members, Goldberg came
back to win with the Jackhammer.
Winner: Goldberg via
--As Brad Armstrong
was walking down a hallway in the back, Berlyn said
something in German to
him. Armstrong responded by pinning Berlyn
the wall and told him
if he had something to say to say it in English.
--As Harlem Heat were
telling Mene Gene that they would fight anyone,
including the First
Family and the Outsiders, Brian Knobbs and Hugh
Morrus attacked. A
fight went all the way to the ring with the Family
laying out Harlem Heat
with chairs.
--Nitro girls Kimberly
and Spice introduced the two finalists from
Kansas City.
Curt Hennig w/Kendall
Windham/Curly Bill versus
Brad Armstrong
Berlyn and his
bodyguard provided a distraction which allowed the
bodyguard to nail
Armstrong, who fell right into the Hennigplex. Berlyn
continued to attack
after the bell.
Winner: Curt Hennig
via pinfall
--Rey Mysterio Jr.
told Kidman (who was coming out of the shower with
Torrie Wilson) to
hurry up because he had a match.
--A WCW crew member
and Doug Dellinger informed Sid that he needed to
his car, per the
police. Sid told the crew member to move it for him.
Juventud Guerrera
versus Kidman
With the help of
Psychosis, and the attention of the referee being
diverted by Mysterio
(who was trying to let the ref know of the double
teaming), Guerrera
took the match with the Juvi Driver. After the bell,
Kidman and Mysterio
cleared the ring.
Winner: Juventud
Guerrera via pinfall
--The WCW crew member
moved Sid's car to spot number 22, the same spot
Sid told the tow
company to come to. As the crew member left, the
wrecker truck arrived.
Bret Hart versus Chris
This match in memory
of Owen Hart was introduced by Harley Race as the
in the Kemper Arena
chanted the name of Owen. After a long match where
men gave 200%, The
"Hitman" took the match with the Sharpshooter.
After the
match, both men
exchanged hugs and Bret looked up at the ceiling that
took his brothers
Winner: Bret Hart via
--Mene Gene
interviewed Ric Flair and Hulk Hogan. The two said that
history was being made
with the two being on the same team and that
they would take care
of Sting and the Total Package. The Nature Boy
said he was joining
Hulkamania, while Hogan said that Flair taught him
how to put the figure
four on someone and break bones. On a sidenote,
Flair said he was
going to take his prayers, say his vitamins and not
go into a bar until
after Halloween Havoc.
--In the back, Sid saw
that space number 22 was empty, and assumed that
the tow company had
taken Goldberg's car, not knowing that it was
actually his car that
had been taken.
Diamond Dallas Page
versus Buff Bagwell
The Diamond Cutter was
all she wrote for Bagwell.
Winner: Buff Bagwell
via pinfall
--A short video of a
young man approaching the "window" was aired as a
voice was heard saying
that the Pale Horse was the grim reaper of all
souls as a man was in
the window wearing all black (Dustin Runnels?).
Ric Flair/Hulk Hogan
versus Sting/Total Package
The Package who was
temporarily blinded mistakingly put an interfering
DDP in the torture
rack. As this was going on, the Hulkster hit the
Stinger with the leg
drop to secure the win for his team.
Winners: Ric
Flair/Hulk Hogan via pinfall
--The show went off
the air with Sid realizing (and seeing) that his
car was the one that
had been smashed again.
Ricks Comments:
--I receive alot of
email from you great wrestling fans telling me how
much you like my
comments at the end of my reports. However, this week,
I only have one thing
to say. The beginning of that great match between
the Crippler and the
Hitman saw the crowd in the Kemper arena chanting
Owen's name. It takes
a lot for me to be upset to the point of tears,
but hearing that and
seeing what I honestly believe was closure for
Bret Hart and it
brought tears to my eyes. I think both men gave
everything they had,
not for themselves but for Owen. To the Hart
family, I say God
Bless You, and to Owen, I say, I still miss you more
than I thought. Rest
in Peace.
Written by reader:
As a wrestling fan of
over 20 years to see the decline of WCW's
Saturday Night program
is quite disappointing. Many years of seeing
such stars as a
younger Ric Flair, Tommy Rich, Roddy Piper, Buzz Sawyer
etc. seems a million
years ago. Plus the commentary of the legend
Gordon Solie. Now the
show is just pathetic. It is just a shadow of a
once great program. To
treat the show this way is showing total
disrespect for the
past. Please WCW, either revamp it and make it a
great show again or
give it a proper farewell.
AUSTIN vs. TAZ
Written by reader:
Reading the letter,
"Taz's Role In The WWF" and reading that readers
opinion about how he
thinks Austin won't sell a Tazplex made me think
of something. Taz vs.
Austin, no matter how much Taz could get over,
might never happen due
to a veto from Austin. Let me explain...
I recently read about
Austin refusing to work with Billy Gunn and one
of the main reasons
behind that might be that Austin would not be
willing to take the
Famouser finisher, given Austin's concern of taking
bumps on his already
bad neck. If this is true, there would be no way
Austin would willingly
go into a match with Taz, who's arsenal
consists of what seems
like a million variations of suplexes that dump
his opponents on their
heads, more specifically, their neck.
Also, with Austin
thinking he's "above" everybody in the WWF roster,
he'd probably come up
with some phony excuse for not working with Taz
(such as the one he
used with Jarrett and Gunn). Personally, I would
love to see Taz choke
Austin out in 3 minutes. (However I highly doubt
that would ever
happen) Just thought I'd point that out.
Steve Appy
While Austin would
have very legit, understandable reasons to want to
avoid a Taz's
suplexes, he also would have one very strong reason to
want Taz to get over.
Austin needs strong opponents.
Austin's reasons for
not working with Jarrett & Gunn are very
reasonable: they were
both "mid-carders for life" who will arguably
never get over as main
eventers. Instead of elevating Jarrett & Gunn,
Austin would be
diminishing his own character by getting into an
extended feud with
either man.
The WWF has come to
the same realization about Gunn and has already
shifted him back into
the tag team scene; despite the lengths the WWF
resorted to for the
purpose of finally getting Jarrett any heat, he
will not break into
the upper echelon.
If Taz can be built
into an opponent that can draw money against
Austin, he will
Written by reader:
Glenn Giangrande (Trots30187)
Fan Reaction to Jeff
I'd like to respond to
Joseph Cassidy's remarks regarding the career of
Jeff Jarrett. He
claims that the whole "beating up women" angle has
RUINED Jarrett's
career? JJ's current angle is the BEST singles angle
he's had since
returning to the WWF. In case Joseph has forgotten, lets
see what the others
1. A disgruntled star
who claimed he was bigger than he was being
treated. That lasted
about 2 months.
2. His participation
in a true nWo ripoff, The "NWA North American
Heavyweight Champion"
angle, which led to his brief yet OH SO
illustrious feud with
Bradshaw and grouping him with such stars of
yesteryear as the Rock
n' Roll Express and Barry Windham.
3. The "old" JJ act
with Tennesee Lee (Col.Parker) as his manager. One
brief feud with Steve
Blackman didn't help his career much either.
4. The whole gig with
Southern Justice... could have worked, but
injuries to Henry O.
killed their momentum. Led to
ONE good match at
Summerslam, and even
that was probably only because the WWF finally
realized that he
needed a new look.
Don't forget that they
even tried to get JJ over by having him sing
with Sawyer Brown, and
JJ still couldn't get over until the puppies
came over, and still
SHE was more the over one than him. Jarrett's
angle does evoke
disgust from the fans... which brings out boo's...
which is exactly what
Jarrett is supposed to be- a heel.
In today's shades of
gray wrestling world, Jarrett is clearly, bar-none
one of the true heels
of the WWF. Due to my status as a JJ mark, I
still cheer whenever
JJ is up to his tricks or grabs his guitar. JJ
evokes boos from the
fans with his actions towards
women... exactly what
a heel is supposed to do. My support to the WWF
for coming up with
this angle which has not only sparked debate and
discussion, but has
also gotten one of the one most non-over heels in
wrestling, one of my
favorites, over in a big way.
-Glenn Giangrande (Trots30187)
Written by reader:
Well, I think this is
an interesting turn on the fans. It will be
fascinating to watch
and see if the WCW marks, who have been railing
against the WWF
storylines and plots, to see if they accept what Vince
Russo brings down from
Conn. . Vince will probably bring the Outsiders
as heels, turn Sting
back to a face, bring Lex Lugar "back to life".
Yep, it certainly will
be interesting to see the reunion of Bret Hart,
who hated what the WWF
was becoming, partly thanks to Russo, with good
ole Vince.
I wonder if this will
FINALLY shut up these morons who have been
complaing about what
the WCW offers vs. the WWF. From this moment on,
its a level playing
field. Except that the WCW may expose the one
weakness the WWF has:
a lack of a depth talent-wise. With Turner's deep
pockets, one might
think that Russo could influence talent (HBK and Triple H
?) to come south and
reunite the clique. That is the possibilty that
has McMahon on his
heels. So, lets hear it for the WCW, who finally got
smart (with a guy who
LOVES Raw) and realized the only way to beat 'em
is to join 'em.
Written by reader:
stereotypical angles: Just about every Japanese wrestler to
ever appear in the
WWF. They all come off like typical USA hating, WWII
era charicatures. With
very few exceptions, they're either emotionless
or devious or they
simply aren't taken
seriously no matter
how talented (for reference see Kaientai.).
Otherwise, wrestling
rocks. :) "...Nobody else is crazy enough to take
this gig!" ---HBK.
TV Taping This
Thursday. SSW returns to Johnson City,TN for the first
time in 3 years this
Thurs. at The Carver Rec. Building (West Watugua
St.) with a special
7:45 PM bell time. Five big matches will be taped
for UPN 30 WAPK.
In addition there will
be two huge Main Events that will not air on
WAPK. "Handsome" Beau
James will challange Chuck Jones for the
Appalachian Title and
Ricky Harrison will battle P.J. Sharp's newest
Who is it? P.J. Sharp
has signed a new man and he will make his SSW
debut this Thursday
night. Sharp is keeping the identity of this man a
secret and this is the
only thing he will tell us about his new man.
* He is a former tag
champion with Jeff Jarrett and Scott Steiner
* He has wrestled in
WWF, WCCW, USWA and many other places
* He holds victories
over The Rock N Roll Express, Jerry Lawler,
Brian Christopher, and
many others
Up Coming Events
Thurs. Oct. 7th,
Johnson City, TN, Carver Rec. **** TV TAPING ****
Sat. Oct. 16th,
Newport TN, Nat'l Guard
Sat. Oct. 30th,
Kingsport, TN, Civic Auditorium
Thurs. Nov. 4th,
Johnson City, TN, Carver Rec. **** TV TAPING ****
Sat. Nov. 20th, Big
Stone Gap, VA, Carnes Gym
Sat. Nov. 27th,
Kingsport TN
SSW Heavyweight
Champion: Iron Cross
1.Wayne Rogers /
2.Ricky Harrison / 3.WarMachine / 4.Chuck Jones
(Appalachian Champion)
/ 5.Beau James / 6.Steve Flynn / 7.Jimmy Valiant
/ 8.Bam Bam Christian
/ 9.Joe Fillers / 10.Roger Anderson
SSW Tag Team
Champions: held up
1.Steve Flynn & Bam
Bam Christian / 2.Death & Destruction / 3.Ricky
Harrison & Jimmy
Valiant / 4.Joe Fillers and Slammin' Sam / 5.The
Memphis Body Guards
New Dimension
Wrestling will be returning to Thomavsille, NC this Sat.,
night Oct. 9th, at the
National Guard Armory (off of National Highway),
7:30p.m. belltime.
In the main event,
Jimmy "The Boogie Woogie Man" Valiant returns to
Thomasville against
the The Masked Assassin. In other matches, "For
Total Control of New
Dimension Wrestling", The Dirty White Boy with
managers Chris Cruise
& John Hitchcock will lock up one on one with a
hardcore mystery
wrestler to be determined by Executive Committee
Member Chris Plano.
The original scheduled opponent Beastmaster Rick
Link was suspended
indefinitely from New Dimension Wrestling this past
weekend and will be
replaced in Thomasville this Saturday night.
Plus you will see,
Otto Schwanz, Cham Pain, King, Nite-Stic Eddie
Brown, Chilly Willy,
Toad, Mike Gunner, Brute Shooter, Fuego Dimente,
Tim Sells, over 20 NDW
Wrestling superstars to appear.
Jimmy Valiant will be
holding autograph sessions this week throughout
Thomasville at the
following locations; Thursday at Ingles Supermarket,
Friday at Winn-Dixie
Supermarket, and Saturday at Westchester Flea
Advance tickets are
available at Southwest Expressions (Archdale), Hix
Insurance Center (High
Point), or at the armory the day of the show.
For information, call
the New Dimension Wrestling hotline at
336-882-4921 or on the
worldwide web at
http://www.ndwwrestling.com Be
The staff of The
Wrestling Booking Sheet
Editor: Steve
Mark George
Columnist: SamJerry
Columnist: Fritz
Columnist: Rick Phelps
Columnist: Cindy
Columnist: Josh Hewitt
Columnist: Swami
Columnist: Tom Misnik
Columnist: Nate Pelley
Columnist: Robert Troy (Osiris)
Columnist: Ryan S. Oaks
Columnist: Darren Kramer
Any submissions sent in by readers or columnists become the
property of The Wrestling Booking Sheet, and are subject to
editing due to grammar, spelling, or content. Any
information taken from The Wrestling Booking Sheet must be
credited properly, with our E-Mail address listed. We have
no problem if you want to use our stuff; just credit it
"When you're young and you
pick up a guitar, it feels so powerful. It feels
like you pulled the sword from the stone. I used to believe
that it could save the world. But I don't really believe
that anymore." - Bruce Springsteen
"The greatest challenge of
adulthood is holding on to your idealism
after you lose your innocence and believing in the power of
the human
spirit after you come crashing into the limits of the real
world." - Bruce Springsteen
Copyright© 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005. 2006, 2007, 2008 Clooney's Pub Softball
All Rights Reserved.


text:
Pantzer Properties has struck a deal to pay about $111 million, or roughly $256,944/unit, for the Monterey, a 432-unit apartment property in the Washington, D.C., suburb of North Bethesda, Md.
The New York company is buying the property, at 5901 Montrose Road, from a venture of Angelo, Gordon & Co. of New York and Federal Capital Partners of Bethesda, Md., which was represented by HFF. The purchase price results in a capitalization rate of about 5 percent.
The property consists of three 16-story buildings. It once was known as the Pavilion when it was acquired by the Angelo Gordon/ Federal Capital venture in 2008 for $97 million, or roughly $224,537/unit, from the former CBRE Realty Finance. CBRE, a Hartford, Conn., mortgage REIT, had taken over the property through foreclosure in 2007 after its previous owner, Triton Real Estate Partners, defaulted on $150 million of debt it had provided.
Triton had acquired the property in 2005 for $117.2 million and sought to convert it to for-sale condominiums. Since buying the 48-year-old property, the Angelo Gordon/Federal Capital team has spent roughly $21 million on upgrades to the common areas, as well as 269 units. Those have monthly rents that average $1,935. Monthly rents for units that haven't been renovated average $1,685.
The property is roughly 98 percent occupied. Units have up to three bedrooms each with an average of 1,015 square feet. The complex includes a resort-style swimming pool, fitness center and business center. It serves as collateral for a $79 million loan that CIBC provided in 2013.
The Monterey is the eighth Maryland property for Pantzer, which focuses on value-add apartments. It has sold and acquired more than $5 billion of properties since its founding in 1971 by Edward S. Pantzer.
Comments? E-mail Josh Mrozinski or call him at (267) 247-0112, Ext. 213.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A proposed pension plan amendment reducing "banked hour" benefits that were retroactively conferred upon participants during the course of their employment would violate ERISA's anti-cutback rule, according to the U.S. Court of Appeals in Boston (CA-1).
Banked hour benefits
Four pension plans, merged together in 1998 to form one plan, each provided "banked hour" benefits to participants. "Banked hours" are hours of service worked within a given year in excess of the minimum number of hours required to earn a full year of service for pension credit under the plan. Participants could use these banked hours for a variety of purposes, including "cashing" them in as additional pension credits upon retirement.
The four pre-merger plans structured their banked hours provisions differently. The plan document for the merged plan resolved this discrepancy by creating one banked hours provision that was more generous than that of some of the pre-merger plans. As a result, a number of plan participants received retrospectively increased levels of banked hour pension credits.
Years later, plan trustees, faced with funding problems, sought to reduce plan liabilities and determined that the elimination of these retroactively increased benefits would be permissible under ERISA's anti-cutback rules. After receiving notice of the proposed reduction, certain retirees filed suit. Plan trustees agreed not to impose the cuts pending the outcome of litigation.
"Unearned" benefits
The appellate court affirmed the district court's grant of summary judgment in favor of the participants. The retroactive banked hours were accrued benefits protected by ERISA's anti-cutback rule.
According to the court, the plan trustees essentially argued that the participants did not "earn" the retroactive benefits by working. Instead, the retroactive benefits were a gratuity resulting from the merger of the plans. While this is not an irrational policy argument, the court explained, it has no basis in the statutory text. The anti-cutback rule in ERISA Sec. 204(g) asks whether benefits have been "accrued," not whether they have been "earned." The banked hour benefits were clearly attributable to pre-amendment service. The fact that they were bestowed retroactively did not alter this fact.
The trustees cited cases from other circuits to support their position, but the appellate court distinguished those as only concerning benefits promised after retirement. The participants in this case all worked for a covered employer for some period of time following the merger.
Source: Bonneau v. Plumbers and Pipefitters Local Union 51 Pension Trust Fund, By and Through its Trustees (CA-1).
Visit our News Library to read more news stories.


text:
Accounting Manager
Ann Arbor, MI - United States
The Accounting Manager will be responsible for overseeing the Company's accounting functions for the Americas Region. This includes implementing and maintaining a system of internal controls that ensure company assets are safeguarded and that all financial reporting meets all compliance-related standards.The position oversees all facets of accounting operations, including the monthly close cycle, internal and external financial reporting, internal controls, policy development, and communication with the parent company regarding financial results and reporting.
Essential Functions
- The functions listed describe the business purpose of this job. Specific duties or tasks may vary and be documented separately. The employee might not be required to perform all functions listed. Additional duties may be assigned, and functions may be modified, according to business necessity.
- All assigned duties or tasks are deemed to be part of the essential functions, unless such duties or tasks are unrelated to the functions listed, in which case they are deemed to be other (non-essential) functions.
- Employees are held accountable for successful job performance. Job performance standards may be documented separately, and may include functions, objectives, duties or tasks not specifically listed herein.
- In performing functions, duties or tasks, employees are required to know and follow safe work practices, and to be aware of company policies and procedures related to job safety, including safety rules and regulations. Employees are required to notify superiors upon becoming aware of unsafe working conditions.
- All functions, duties or tasks are to be carried out in an honest, ethical and professional manner, and to be performed in conformance with applicable company policies and procedures. In the event of uncertainty or lack of knowledge of company policies and procedures, employees are required to request clarification or explanations from superiors or authorized company representatives.
- Represent Pinkerton's core values of integrity, vigilance, and excellence.
- Manage, coordinate and provide daily work direction and/or oversight to daily, monthly and annual accounting functions including the processing of transactions, monthly and annual closes, preparing of financial statements and tracking, reconciling and balancing of general ledger accounts.
- Provide technical accounting GAAP/IFRS guidance and support to all company entities which may include involvement in due diligence and other activities surrounding acquisitions/dispositions.
- Advise leadership of any areas of potential risk and provide recommendations to strategically enhance financial performance and business opportunities.
- Coordinate work, related to both internal and external audits, in the periodic review of the company financial records;
- Implement agreed upon recommendations, related to areas of responsibility, resulting from the audit findings
- Interpret, develop, implement, and monitor accounting policies, processes, and procedures. Provide counsel on accounting-related issues, disclosure obligations related to business transactions, and financial statements.
- Work with the FP&A and internal leadership to analyze and interpret financial and operating data including performance benchmark reporting, market niche reporting, performance assessments, cost, contract pricing, profitability and wage analyses.
- Oversee the preparation of regulatory reports and filings required for submission to federal and state agencies.
- Oversee all treasury functions including, daily cash management, cash forecasts, accounts payable, payroll and accounts receivables.
- Provide training, guidance, and direction to the Accounting team to ensure work is performed in an efficient, timely, and knowledgeable manner;
- Adjust daily operations ensure the department's successful completion of assigned goals and objectives.
- Support accounting process improvements and change initiatives, streamlining processes, developing metrics, and creating efficiencies within the department.
- All other duties, as assigned.
Minimum Hiring Standards
Additional qualifications may be specified and receive preference, depending upon the nature of the position.
- Must be willing to participate in the Company's pre-employment screening process including drug testing and background investigation.
- Must be at least 18 years of age.
- Must have a reliable means of communication (i.e., email, cell phone).
- Must have a reliable means of transportation (public or private).
- Must have the legal right to work in the United States.
- Must have the ability to speak, read, and write English.
Bachelor's degree (MBA preferred) in Finance, Accounting, or related field and at least seven years of hands-on accounting experience within a global corporate environment. CPA is required.
- Advanced hands-on accounting experience within a global corporate environment.
- Certified Public Accountant.
- Expert financial and analytical skills across multiple areas of responsibility including all GAAP, IFRS, and tax matters as well as statutory reporting; familiarity with SOC standards.
- Various regulatory filing and other compliance procedures experience.
- Heavy transactional environment experience.
- Strategic and operational financial experience.
- Experienced in scaling an organization, preferred.
- Able to lead and direct a high performing team.
- Effective verbal, written, and presentation skills.
- Sound judgment and decision-making ability.
- Self-motivated with a proactive approach.
- Attentive to detail and accuracy.
- Computer skills; Microsoft Office and accounting programs.
Working Conditions
With or without reasonable accommodation, requires the physical and mental capacity to perform effectively all essential functions. In addition to other demands, the demands of the job include:
- Must undergo and meet company standards for background and reference checks, drug testing, and behavioral selection survey.
- Maintain composure in dealing with authorities, executives, clients, staff, and the public occasionally under conditions of urgency and in pressure situations.
- Exposure to sensitive and confidential information.
- Regular computer usage.
- Ability to handle multiple tasks concurrently.
- Must be able to see, hear, speak, and write clearly in order to communicate with employees and/or customers.
- Manual dexterity required for occasional reaching and lifting of small objects and operating office equipment.
- Close and distance vision and ability to adjust focus.
- Frequent sitting.
- Travel, as required.


text:
Zannoni Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) Awards
The ASPET Summer Undergraduate Research Fellow (SURF) Awards introduce undergraduate students to pharmacology research. Our goal is to use authentic, mentored research experiences in pharmacology to heighten student interest in careers in research and related health care disciplines. Undergraduate students conducting pharmacology-related research including, but not limited to, students representing departments of pharmacology, toxicology, pharmaceutical sciences, and/or biological chemistry are encouraged to apply for this program. Applications from those traditionally underrepresented in the biomedical sciences are particularly encouraged.
Award Amount: $2,800
Competitive: Yes
Essay required: Yes


text:
According to this website, consumers "throw away about one-third of all the food they buy and at least half of this is food that could have been eaten."
Coincidentally, this happens to be my weekly cleaning out the fridge day, so I thought I would fess up. Here's what I'm throwing out:
- 1 small tupperware container of leftover whole grain pasta
- 1 medium tupperware container of curried lentils
- half of a steamed artichoke
- a small bowl of infant oatmeal that my baby didn't finish
- a few moldy strawberries
plus...a tupperware container of cut-up fruit that fell on my foot and burst all over the floor while I was rifling through the refrigerator. Now I have to mop again
Here's something I realized while I was cleaning out the refrigerator: some waste is almost inevitable, but the impact of that waste depends on what you buy in the first place. Those lentils were organic, vegan, grown fairly locally, and bought with zero packaging from a bulk bin at a local health food store. So a cup or two of them getting thrown out is nowhere near the waste of, say, a steak. Plus, vegetarian foods keep longer, so they had a longer lifespan in which to be cycled into a new meal before they had to be disposed of.
I think people who buy the more carbon-heavy foods with no thought toward wasted packaging or environmental impact are more likely to let things rot and throw them away. If you can afford to eat steak several times a week and you don't care about how it affects the planet, who cares whether it goes in your belly or the garbage can? On the other hand, people who conserve resources, even for purely economical reasons, will re-use everything and have no waste.
What are you throwing away today?


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- This event has passed.
Christmas at the Mansion
16 December 2017 - 10:00 - 17 December 2017 - 15:30
Father Christmas
Christmas at the Mansion is a special time and this year is no different. Meet Father Christmas in the lovely surroundings of the Tudor Chamber as he tells stories and sing songs full of Christmas joy. To make the most of day why not also spend time discovering the rest of the Mansion and take part in craft activities, listen to jolly live music and enjoy a mulled wine and a mince pie or two. Father Christmas at the Mansion is a group experience and includes a special gift and exclusive craft activities.
£5 per child – two free adults per booking
Festive Family Activities
Create your own hand-made cards and presents, listen to jolly live music and enjoy a mulled wine and a mince pie or two. There are lots of fun activities to get involved in, ranging from free to £1, so come and join in the festive cheer!
Free admission – drop-in


text: in 1999 suzuki introduced the hayabusa. motorcycles would never be the same. at first people didnt know what to think of this bike. it was completely different than anything they had ever seen with it's blunt nose and extended chassis. it sat very low compared to other sport bikes, but also was noticeably wider. it was given nicknames like " the eye-abuser" and "the highway bus" due to it's awkward stance, and perceived poor handling. The first generation of the Hayabusa was called the GSX1300R and was powered by a 1299 cc inline four engine and since it's inception has been the world's fastest production motorcycle. the year it was released the 'busa did the 1/4 mile in 9.77 seconds @ 147.7 mph with a top speed of 190.6 mph. the name hayabusa is japanese for peregrine falcon, the world's fastest bird. also the hayabusa is a predator of a blackbird. until 1999 honda held claim to the world's fastest motorcycle,the cbr1100 xx blackbird. since 1999 the production hayabusa has quickly built cult like followings in both the drag racing circuits and in the world of customization. in 2008 the busa was completely redesigned. back in 2007 the bmw k1200s (1157 cc inline four) was released and claimed to be "the busa beater" and it was… for a little while. and then came the kawasaki ninja zx-14 (1352 cc inline four). it blew both the beemer and the busa away. suzuki was not havin' that shit. new frame, new engine (1349 cc inlne four), new suspension, new busa. it was slowed down using an electronic rev limiter which holds the bike to a modest 186 miles per hour. however, "for offroad use only" it can be removed and the engine roars to life with a top speed of 256 mph. it has since reclaimed the title of world's fastest production bike. long live the king.


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Centre d'analyses et de recherche sur les politiques économiques et sociales (Camercap), a think tank affiliated to Cameroon's government, recently published a study on the optimization of first-generation structuring projects initiated by the country. Among these projects studied by the think tank is Kribi deepwater port operated in South Cameroon since 2018.
Camercap indicates that the port will face strong competition from West African peers in Dakar, Lomé, Cotonou, Abidjan, Lagos and Apapa. However, the think tank writes, Kribi port has a comparative edge over some of its competitors. One of the advantages is the 16.1 meters draught (well above the standard 14.5 meters) that will allow larger vessels to dock.
This is not the case with many ports in the sub-region. Fort instance, the port in Pointe-Noire (Congo Brazzaville), which is well-positioned, only has an 11.5 meters draught.
The port of Abidjan (Côte d'Ivoire) that has great ambitions plans to increase its draught from 11.5 meters to 13.5 meters but, larger vessels can not dock because of the narrowness of Canal Vridi, which separates the port from the sea.
The port of Dakar (Senegal) with its 13 meters draught could be a serious competitor but its proximity with Tanger can reduce the volume of transhipping it handles.
According to Camercap, Kribi port is different from its competitors thanks to its quay, which is much higher than those competitors'.
However, according to the think tank, Kribi port must multiply serving areas around the continent to be highly competitive. For instance, it can build a railway linking Ngaoundéré (Cameroon) to Moundou (Chad), the Central African Republic and Sudan.
Source: Business In Cameroon


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Indianola Music Boosters Needs You!
Please come to our monthly meetings and help support our music programs in the Indianola schools. Music Booster meetings are typically held at 7 p.m. in the I.H.S. Orchestra room on the second Tuesday of each month. We invite all parents, guardians as well as any persons who have an interest in supporting the music programs to attend.
We host several fundraisers throughout the year and donate the money to all Indianola school music programs -- elementary, middle school and high school. We also provide volunteers for several regional music contests hosted by Indianola Schools:
If you would like to make a donation to IMB online, please click here.
Become a Music Booster Patron
corporate-match-directory.pdfOur Patron Program allows for individuals, families and businesses to financially support our music programs. We are a 501c3 organization. This gives us Tax-Exempt status and allows our Patrons the opportunity to contribute funds to Indianola school district music programs with the option of submitting as tax write-off. This also allows employees to use matching funds when they support the program.
Levels of Giving:
Concerto Growth $15.00
Sounds of the Soul $25.00
The Beat Goes On $50.00
I've Got the Music in Me $75.00
The Concert Master $100.00
Millennium Music $250.00
Private Donation (name listed; amount not listed)
Send your contribution payable to Indianola Music Boosters, with your name (as you would like it to appear in the program) and address to:
Indianola Music Boosters
P.O. Box 9
Indianola, Iowa 50125
For more information on our Patron Program, email Jodi Anderson - email@example.com.


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Sheldon Adelson Folds on a Casino Project (New Yorker.com)
The puns practically wrote themselves, last week, when headlines announced that the billionaire casino magnate Sheldon Adelson had folded on a years-long bet to build a mega-casino in Spain. Dubbed EuroVegas, it was supposed to be Adelson's foothold on the Continent: a thirty-billion-dollar venture, replete with twelve hotels, nine theatres, six casinos, and three golf courses.
A year earlier, Adelson had chosen Madrid as the sunny, temperate hub for his European incursion. He's had a captive audience ever since. Presiding over a wobbly economy and an unemployment rate of around twenty-five per cent, the Spanish government was desperate for any large-scale investment, let alone one as immense as Adelson's. The project's gaudy name provoked derision, even revulsion, in some quarters in Spain. And Adelson's reputation preceded him: his political influence extends far beyond the United States' borders, as Connie Bruck wrote in a 2008 Profile. Still, the gambit would create jobs—two hundred and sixty thousand of them, according to projections commissioned by Las Vegas Sands, Adelson's company. In austerity-riven southern Europe, the mere promise of job creation is a political boon. Adelson felt that Spain's high unemployment would ensure the government's support. All the Spaniards had to do was give Adelson what he wanted.
What did Adelson want? In a word: everything . . .
Keep reading: http://www.newyorker.com/online/blogs/currency/2013/12/sheldon-adelson-folds-in-spain.html


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The Garden Suite
The contemporary Garden Suite is made up of three rooms with removable partition walls, enabling a variety of room options for you and your guests. As an example one room can be used for the ceremony for up to 60 guests, with the remaining two rooms opened for the wedding breakfast, for up to 70 guests.
For larger weddings you can choose to hold your ceremony in the traditional Drawing Room or the beautiful Signatures for your ceremony and drinks reception, leaving the whole Garden Suite to accommodate up to 110 guests for your wedding breakfast.
For evening receptions we can accommodate up to 150 guests in the Garden Suite, allowing you to invite additional guests to join your wedding party.
WHERE WE AREfind us, however you travel
By car:
Whether approaching Wivenhoe House from London and the South or Ipswich and the North via the A12, take the exit marked Colchester (A133). Follow the A133 towards Clacton, ignore the entrance to the Knowledge Gateway, continue along the A133 then take the B1028 for Wivenhoe before turning right into Boundary Road, then right again into Park Road. The entrance for Wivenhoe House is shared with the University of Essex but Park Road leads you through Wivenhoe Park and you will be able to see the glorious house from the road.For Sat Nav please use CO4 3FA.
Download our PDF Map
By train:
Colchester station, Colchester Town station, Wivenhoe station and Hythe stations are all between 10-15 minutes from Wivenhoe House by car. Trains run between London (Liverpool Street) and Colchester station every 10-20 minutes. The journey takes around an hour. Also connect with Colchester from Norwich, Ipswich, Felixstowe & Harwich. Some trains from London (Liverpool Street) also stop at Wivenhoe Station. When travelling from the Clacton/Walton direction, alight at Wivenhoe or Hythe Stations.
By plane:
Stansted airport is approximately 45 minutes from Wivenhoe House by car. Helicopter pad coordinates are 603200/223900.


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The Story Of The World: History For The Classical Child, Activity Book 2: The Middle Ages: From The Fall Of Rome To The Rise Of The Renaissance
Children love The Story Of The World: History For The Classical Child, Activity Book 2: The Middle Ages: From The Fall Of Rome To The Rise Of The Renaissance published by Peace Hill Press. The child's history book has 464 pages. To buy a copy at the best price, visit the button on this page.
Can anyone help me find books by ? story world history child activity book
|Peace Hill Press
Color a picture of Viking warrior, make an edible oasis, create a Moorish ruler's turban and Aztec jewelry and a lot more. don't just study about history— encounter it! Illustrated throughout with black-and-white drawings and maps 5"x 11"curriculum guide and activity book consists of map activities, coloring pages, games, projects, review questions, cross-references to illustrated encyclopedias, and substantial book lists. Children and parents love the activities, ranging from cooking projects to crafts, board games to science experiments, and puzzles to projects. Each Story utilizing the World Activity Book gives a full year of history study when combined making use of the Textbook, Audiobook, and Tests— each available separately to accompany each volume of The Story inside the World Activity Book. Activity Book 2 Grade Recommendation: Grades 1-6. This comprehensive, 8.
Features List
- Pages: 464
- Languages:
- English (Unknown)
- English (Original Language)
- English (Published)
- Product Dim.: Height: 11" Length: 8.6" Width: 1.4"
- Weight: 3.3 lbs.
- Package: Height: 1.2" Length: 10.9" Width: 8.5"
- Package Weight: 3.25 lbs.


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16" Stainless DD Shaft - Mill Finish
Part No.: FR1851-16
Warranty: 1 year
Buy Now >
Flaming River now offers a complimentary line of 3/4" DD stainless steel shafts manufactured from high quality 303 stainless. This is one of the best alloys of stainless steel for strength, corrosion resistance and shine.
3/4" DD shafts are available in a variety of lengths which you can cut to size.
Length: 16"
Finish: Mill Finish
Shipping Weight: 3lbs.
Shipping Dimensions: 18" x 1" x 1"


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May 19, 2014 — GE Healthcare and CorTechs Labs announced the signing of a strategic joint-marketing agreement at the joint meeting of the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine (ISMRM) and the European Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and Biology (ESMRMB), held in Milan. The companies will collaborate to co-market an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) scanning solution combined with NeuroQuant, CorTechs Labs' MRI post-processing application.
NeuroQuant enables the acquisition of volumetric brain image data and automatically conducts accurate and consistent measurements of cortical and subcortical volumes targeted at identifying evidence of neurodegeneration. This innovative solution will provide neurologists and radiologists with objective support for their clinical impression.
"Accurate measurement of volumes of different parts of the brain may be a useful aid in the diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury," said Chris Airriess, chief technology officer, CorTechs Labs. "Volume changes in certain brain structures have been linked in the literature to early indications of such conditions where more traditional diagnoses lack detection sensitivity."
NeuroQuant does this in an automated fashion, without user intervention, and is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) approved software for this application.
"CorTechs Labs is a pioneer and a trendsetter in the area of software for the aid of brain diagnostics and is widely used in clinical practices worldwide," said Baldev Ahluwalia, premium segment manager at GE Healthcare, MRI. "We at GE Healthcare look forward to collaborating with CorTech Labs, benefitting from their innovative approach to providing the highly desired quantitative brain volumetric information with NeuroQuant."
"We're pleased to expand our relationship with GE Healthcare," said Guri Stark, CEO of CorTechs Labs. "We look forward to working with GE Healthcare to empower clinicians with objective quantitative data, while continuing NeuroQuant's growth momentum. In turn, this furthers our vision to establish NeuroQuant as the standard measurement solution for all brain disorders, including Alzheimer's disease, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis and traumatic brain injury."
For more information: www.cortechslabs.com, www.gehealthcare.com


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Very rare black panthers were discovered in Laikipia County, Kenya, which is close to the setting of Marvel's Oscar-nominated "Black Panther."
"Our researchers spotted rare black leopards–sometimes called black panthers–in Laikipia County, Kenya," the San Diego Zoo tweeted Monday.
"Regionally we've heard reports of black leopards living here in Kenya, but high-quality footage or imagery to support these observations has always been missing," zoo scientist Nicholas Pilfold said in a news release. "That's what we've provided here with our cameras, and now we're able to confirm what has been long suspected about black leopards living in Laikipia County."
The footage is the first confirmed sighting of black panthers in Africa in almost 100 years, Pilford wrote in an Instagram post.
"Black panthers are uncommon, only about 11% of leopards globally are black," he wrote. "But black panthers in Africa are extremely rare."
Until now, only one reported observation of the species in Africa had been confirmed. The report came from Ethiopia's capital, Addis Ababa, in 1909.
According to The New York Times, the footage was captured on remote cameras set up as part of a broad study to understand the interactions of leopard populations in Mpala and Loisaba Conservancies, the San Diego Zoo said. African leopards are listed as a vulnerable species on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) Red List of Threatened Species due to habitat loss and hunting, as well as competition for prey.


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Michigan City Police Department Hiring
The Michigan City Police Department is currently accepting applications for Full-Time Police Officer positions. Starting pay for a Probationary Officer (first year) is $42,494.01. After completing the first year of probationary status then an officer becomes a First Class Patrolman and the pay increases to $45,836.46. Benefits include longevity pay, specialty pay, healthcare program including dental and vision, take home car program, retirement plan, paid vacations, personal days and much more. Applications may be picked up at the Michigan City Police Department or downloaded from michigancitypolice.com . For additional inquiries please contact Sgt. Chris Yagelski at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1020 or email at [email protected]. Submission deadline is January 8th, at 4:00 p.m. Additional information can be found on michigancitypolice.com .
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Driver, dog rescued after crash down embankment near Rohnert Park
An injured woman was rescued Wednesday night after her car rolled down a steep embankment northeast of Rohnert Park.
Around 7:30 p.m, a woman driving westbound on Crane Canyon Road near Alta Monte Drive when she lost control of her car, Rancho Adobe Fire Battalion Chief Mike Weihman said.
She was trapped in her car which ended up on its side. Bennett Valley and Rohnert Park Fire also helped with rescue efforts, Weihman said.
"The brush made it a difficult extrication," Weihman said. "It was a group effort."
The woman suffered "moderate to major injuries" and was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital, Weihman said.
The woman's dog appeared uninjured, but an animal control specialist took it to a veterinarian for medical observation, Weihman said.
You can reach Staff Writer Susan Minichiello at 707-521-5216 or email@example.com. On Twitter @susanmini.


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Nigerian artiste, Tekno rocks new hairstyle (photos)
By Patricia Uyeh,
Popular Nigerian artiste, Austine Miles Kelechi aka Tekno known for hit songs such as Pana, Wash, Diana, Where and Duro, just debut a new hairstyle.
This time, the singer is rocking a braided hairdo.
The singer shared these photos of his new look via Snapchat.
See more photos below:
Photo credit: Stargist
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Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder. A summer vegetable garden is not only beautiful, but in the eyes of an Eastern Garter Snake, it's an oasis of plenty. There, slugs, snails, spiders, grasshoppers, millipedes, bugs, and the occasional low-to-the-ground tree frogs may be hunted. Thamnophis sirtalis, more commonly known as the Eastern Garter Snake, is without a doubt the most commonly seen snake of Oakland County.
A bit of name clarification may be in order as well, for as much as garter snakes are attracted to gardens, there is no such snake species as a "Garden Snake" or "Gardener Snake." The incorrect name Garden Snake seems to stay with us, and is sometimes repeated by teachers and even park professionals without a strong knowledge of snake species. Continue reading


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Philadelphia's DEVIL MASTER have been spitting in the face of convention since forming in 2016 with their raw, twisted brand of death rock meets black metal punk mayhem. Today they release Manifestations, a compilation of their full catalog, two sold out demos from 2016 and 2017 (Tape & Inhabit the Corpse); all remixed, remastered and sounding more malevolent than before; plus available on vinyl together for the first time. The compilation is now available on CD/LP/Digital here.
DEVIL MASTER will release their debut full-length album in early 2019. The band just wrapped recording in Philadelphia with producer Arthur Rizk (Code Orange, Power Trip, Volahn). WATCH & SHARE "OBSCENE CHARADE" VIDEO HERE
1 – The Devil Master (Devil is Your Master)
2- Distorted Paths / Fear the Future Gleam
3 – Failure to Die
4 – Sex with Succubus
5 – Inhabit the Corpse
6 – Obscene Charade
7 – Gates of Pain
8 – Blood On My Shroud
DEVIL MASTER Tour Dates:
Nov 03: Miami, FL – Churchill's Pub (Ballbusters on Parade 2018 Fest)
Jan 11: Baltimore, MD – Metro Gallery (w/ Integrity & Genocide Pact)


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Twitter Supports Furry Flight-Mate in Viral Post By Upset Aisle-Seat Human
To paraphrase an old idiom, one man's dog day flight is another's delight.
Mark Halperin took to Twitter to protest Delta's placement of another passenger's service dog next to him, but not everyone understood his frustrations.
"Seriously, @Delta??!?," Halperin tweeted.
Seriously, @delta??!? pic.twitter.com/j9pZlcDyAU— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 22, 2017
Shortly after, the full force of the pretty pup's supporters stepped in to defend.
The dog, clad sprightly in his best bow tie, had even less to say about Halperin, but the post had already gone viral before Halperin was able to clarify his statement.
@inkyfingrs @MarkHalperin @Delta How can I sit next to this well-dressed puppy?— Jennifer Fabulous! (@WhiteSoxJJ216) April 23, 2017
Or any puppy. Or an Otter. I would fly every day. Only treats in my carryon
TFW you're wondering who's a good boy pic.twitter.com/ZdN6kEcfnz— Comfortably Smug (@ComfortablySmug) April 22, 2017
@inkyfingrs @MarkHalperin @Delta Paid for the seat, what's the problem? Probably behaved and smelled better than some humans on the flight 🤣— amy (@AmyJeffers88) April 23, 2017
Halperin retraced his steps, and tried to set the record straight. He wasn't upset the dog was placed next to him, only that it had been placed separate from its owner.
This dog is cute & service, companion & emotional support dogs= best souls on Earth.Point was,on long flt Delta sat dog apart from its owner pic.twitter.com/QnhzEm1WAz— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 22, 2017
That's the owner briefly w/ his dog to try to get him settled in dog's own seat pre moving across aisle, where he was inexplicably assigned https://t.co/h701v8ZjK2— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 23, 2017
By the time I figured out situation, we were about to taxi, dog on its own, & no one trying to fix it. So of course I offered & switched https://t.co/dJ7PtRejsi— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 23, 2017
He says he would have switched seats with the owner to help out, but didn't realize who the dog belonged to until the plane had started to take off.
Yes, that was my original point. Reassign me or someone else so dog/owner could sit together. No need to wait until last minute. https://t.co/nnClTqJl80— Mark Halperin (@MarkHalperin) April 23, 2017
He assured his followers he meant no disrespect to the dog. The situation could have been avoided had Delta assigned the dog a seat next to its owner.
There are certainly worse seats to have sat in, and it looks like plenty of Twitter users, as well as Halperin, agree.


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Amazon Women's Short Sleeve Letter Print T Shirt Deal. Up to 70% Off Code 3CPV4ZQC
- 100% Polyester
- Imported
- Pull On closure
- 💜 MATERIAL: Polyester. Skin-friendly, soft and comfortable lightweight elastic fabric. Great for everyday wear, breathable T-shirts are perfect for summer.
- 💜 FEATURES: Letter Print Short Sleeve T-Shirt, round Neck Casual Tunic, Solid color top, Crew neck Blouse, o-neck tunic loose blouse, Plus size casual top, Loose Fit Tunics. This cute T-shirt has multiple letter prints, fashion and stylish.
- 💜 OCCASION: Suitable for daily wear, vacation, casual, party, shopping, work, office and more. Perfect for any occasion in spring, summer and autumn.
- 💜 HOW TO MATCH: This T-shirt is very fashionable and versatile. In summer, you can match any shorts, skirts, sandals or slippers you like. In spring and autumn, you can wear it with a coat, cardigan, jacket, jeans, casual trousers, sneakers, boots, high heels, Loafers shoes and more. Just be yourself!
- 💜 NEED ATTENTION: Each top has a different size chart, please select the appropriate size according to the last image of each product picture. It is recommended to choose a larger size.


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united in marriage on this day, 70 years ago. Mom married a proud Marine at a very simple ceremony in Reading, PA as the war was winding down. There was no fancy wedding gown or elaborate cake. Over the years, they were blessed with four daughters and celebrated 54 years of wedded bliss together. Each brought their strengths and weaknesses to the union, but their love for each other and their girls was evident with their mutual respect and their devotion to family.
Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad! We love you, and miss you.
Note: This photo was taken in the tea room in 1998.
An informative sampling focused on herbs and tea with an occasional sprinkling of fairy dust and a glimpse into family activities too. The contributions to this blog are the combined efforts of the sisters of The Rosemary House and Sweet Remembrances.
Tuesday, May 19, 2015
United in Marriage - May 19, 1945
2 comments:
- The Cinnamon Stick said...
It was your Mother's book..."The Business of Herbs" and another little Herb Booklet I purchased that started me on a mission to learn more and more about herbs and their uses. She started a uniqueness that still is going strong today. Wish I could have met her. You girls are very blessed indeed!
- Tuesday, May 19, 2015
- Marilyn Miller said...
What a lovely photo of your parents.
- Monday, May 25, 2015
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The Analog Cabinet was created for the sole purpose of storing and playing LP records. The specificity of the program enabled a thorough exploration of limitations and requirements. Fixed dimensions were available for record sleeves, integrated speakers, receiver and turntable. The box height resulted from the tightest possible arrangement of stacking the receiver and table while allowing suitable airflow. Depth was similarly determined by accommodating the turntable dimensions with an inch on all sides as a contingency for equipment changes or upgrades. The length was variable on two factors- the amount of LP storage desired and the maximum length of material, in this case 4x8 Baltic Birch plywood.
Beyond these practical limitations, the design intent was focused on a minimal aesthetic, a delicate steel base and quiet detailing. The shell features a continuous grain wrap accomplished by the use of a lock miter corner detail. The lid functions as a dustcover while closed and features a shallow shelf to display the current playing record while open. European overlay hinges and a soft close stay enables the lid to close itself effortlessly and silently. Narrow touch latch drawers provide accessory storage above integrated speakers with custom wrapped white cloth grills. Cavity space along the back allowed for cable routing and an incorporated power strip.


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Alright y'all that's all I got for this week - like I told you this morning I'm off now through Tuesday for a wee little jaunt out of the city and away, so scan down, enjoy the fruits of my already-fruited labors, and have yourselves a good now-through-Tuesday. Oh and there's more Louis Garrel after the jump if you're super lonely...
Wednesday, July 25, 2018
Say It With Garrel
Who? Jason Adams When? 6:12 PM
Labels: gratuitous, Louis Garrel
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A manhole cover which doubled as a map was a hit at an exhibition on how life has - and will- change on urban Tyneside.
The 1960s cover from Killingworth New Town featured in the Newcastle City Futures event, which today ended its 19-day run.
The exhibition at the Guildhall in Newcastle attracted 2,300 visitors.
The venture, organised by Newcastle University Professor of Town Planning Mark Tewdwr-Jones, explored how Newcastle and Gateshead have altered since 1945 and also looked at grand schemes which were planned but never happened.
It also invited visitors to join in the debate about how the area could and should look in 50 years' time.
The manhole cover maps were sited on a now-demolished tower block estate in Killingworth as a guide for residents and visitors.
Prof Tewdwr-Jones said: "It is a bizarre object. I couldn't believe my eyes when I saw it.
"The cover has a full plan of the estate and it is intriguing that architects and planners of the time thought that it was necessary.
"But people were moving in from terraced streets into a completely new and alien environment where the tower blocks all looked the same.
"We have had people from Killingworth who remembered the covers and who were absolutely delighted to see one again."
Another exhibit was the original architects' model for the Gateshead Get Carter car park and a lump from the demolished structure.
"It has been one of the most popular features of the exhibition and aroused different emotions, with some people saying they were glad it was gone and others that they missed it.," said Prof Tewdwr-Jones.
"In many ways this has been the story of the exhibition as the changes from 1945 are within living memory and people remember the various developments.
"Now it's a matter of where we go from here and what people would like to see in the next 40 years or so."
He believes the event has opened the way for more co-operation between councils, planners, architects, academics and the public.
Visitors' suggestions for the Newcastle future included a fully pedestrianised Grey Street, more cycle ways, a southern entrance to the Central Station from Forth Street, protection for the green belt and another bridge over the Tyne.
Presentations during the exhibition included those from Nexus on plans for the Metro, Newcastle Airport, Science Central, the Royal Institute for British Architects, Newcastle University Centre for Urban and Regional Development Studies, and the Royal Town Planning Institute.
"I have been surprised by the enthusiasm shown by people for discussing the future of Newcastle and Gateshead," said Prof Tewdwr-Jones.
"If this sort of exhibition had been held in London there would have been only negative comments but here there has been a strong sense of identity from people with Newcastle.
"There is a willingness to see change, but people want to help shape it.
"The exhibition may have ended but the conversation goes on."


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hhgregg Readies "Brand Transformation"
hhgregg on Tuesday announced a facelift, meant to "better serve and engage customers and communities by providing a truly differentiated shopping and purchasing experience."
Changes will include new tools for associates- featuring "white glove" delivery and other in-store services- as well as what hhgregg calls "omni-channel product evolution," which includes partnerships with vendors to create "compelling in-store experiences." hhgregg also plans more community engagement.
A new logo has also debuted, with new national TV commercials. The first has been released:
Related Content


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Registration time at Old Buckenham CC
PUBLISHED: 09:16 08 April 2009 | UPDATED: 14:58 14 July 2010
OLD Buckenham Cricket Club will be holding its annual registration morning on Sunday, April 19 from 10am to noon at the main ground, Old Buckenham Hall.
OLD Buckenham Cricket Club's annual registration morning is this Sunday from 10-noon at the main ground, Old Buckenham Hall.
New/old players, both boys and girls are welcome to visit the ground where coaches and managers will be on hand to meet players, parents and guardians.
Official youth coaching will start with the girls, boys U11s and U13s at the main ground on Saturday, April 25 at 9.30 to 11am. U15 and U17s
will be coached on Monday evenings starting April 27 at 6 to 7.30pm.
Coaching is planned for
15 weeks until the end
of July.
Old Buckenham is a Focus club as well as being Clubmark accredited.
The club enters teams in the Norfolk U11, U13 and U15 competitions as well as entering an U17 team in the Carter Youth Cup and the South Norfolk Community League. It has a strong association with the South Norfolk Cricket Development Group and will be host to the South Norfolk Girls' Academy in the summer.
Youth players are now playing adult cricket on Saturdays in the first, second and third XIs as well as now having the opportunity to start playing in the newly-formed fourth XI, where
the youth players are to be given the chance to play a leading role.
For details call Mike Banham, youth cricket director, on 01953 860694 or 07818 070490. Or visit the club on registration morning.
If you value what this story gives you, please consider supporting the Wymondham and Attleborough Mercury. Click the link in the orange box below for details.


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THE ANNUAL MONUMENTA EXHIBITION at Paris's Grand Palais is the opportunity, on today's international scene, for singular artistic exercises of unfettered, state-funded grandiosity within walls. Given the proportions of the venue (Cathedral of Industry, etc.), getting up to scale is the a priori challenge here. For Anselm Kiefer and Richard Serra, the first two Monumentalists, this particular defi was catnip. Never mind that whole sections of French highway had to be closed off for the perilous transport of unprecedented lengths of uncut steel (Serra), or that Bill Katz, an architect-designer of near-mythic sensitivity to artists, was enlisted to build discrete buildings-within-the building in order to subdue the daunting space (Kiefer). At their openings, you could almost hear purring in the vaulted nave, and their dealer-sponsored opening parties—a full-tilt, celebrity-studded bacchanalia in a huge, ramshackle club under a bridge and along a quay of the Seine for Kiefer; a big corporate-style dinner at a dull and fancy restaurant for Serra—were victory, or takeover, celebrations.
Christian Boltanski, the current Monumentalist, is a different sort of cat. He is first of all un chat—indeed the next occupant, as was recently announced, of the French pavilion at the fifty-fourth Venice Biennale, in 2011—and the opening of his epic installation, "Personnes," was therefore catnip for French bureau-cats and museum officials, who were out in force on a frigorifique January night, to be counted and, most adamantly, to eat—but more about food in a moment.
First, the weather: To complain about the current, frigid season in Paris would be not only bad form but redundant. It is always cold in the Grand Palais, which anyone who has attended FIAC (the annual art fair held there in October), or who has experienced the previous Monumenta exhibitions (both in spring), will confirm. That Boltanski, who surely knows this, insisted on deep winter for this show, tells you something right off the bat. His familiar gestaltkunstwerk—a Holocaust-evoking message of life, death, memory, dispossession, identity, and the subliminal whiff of humankind—reveals itself here as a series of big, steamy exhalations, in his potent and limited visual syntax of unidentified photo-portraits, uninhabited clothing, unlabeled rusting biscuit tins, and low-tech lights.
A wall of the biscuit tins, impeccably stacked, is the first installation element the visitor comes on when entering, and it functions as a curtain does within a proscenium. In the theater of personnes, which translates as both "persons" and "nobodies," the clothing has the upper hand. The work comprises sixty-nine neatly rectangular "plots" of strewn garments, measuring three by five meters each and arrayed three-deep, framed by rigged lighting posts. The effect is eerily hydroponic, as if the clothes were meant to grow people. And perhaps to inspire hope for this unlikely outcome, there is the ubiquitous, reverberant thump-thump, thump-thump of sixty-nine individual recorded human heartbeats, part of the artist's ongoing global project, Archives du Coeur, which as of July will have a home in Japan, on the interior-sea island of Teshima, in a development managed by the Benesse Art Site Naoshima. (You can visit a sound booth at the Grand Palais—also at MAC/VAL, the contemporary art museum in Vitry, just outside Paris, where "Après," the Halloween-ish coda to "Personnes," is on view through March 28—and add your own cardio thump to the archive; blank CDs may be purchased on-site for take-home copies.)
Beyond the "germinating" allotments, a big but not quite big enough pyramidal clothing heap looms within an apse, near some of the building's spectacular structural flourishes, holding its overall shape despite the continuous munching and tossing motions of a towering, brontosaurus-like digger crane.
Mood-busting though it was, the crane proved a trustworthy harbinger of dinner, or more precisely the dinners of parallel worlds in the Palais de la Découverte, around the corner. The cocktail dinatoire honoring "Personnes," in that building's rotunda lobby, was the (alas) rather typical French more or less official affair: At once hectic and desultory; no toasts, no sense of occasion, no real conviviality; just pretty good food (risotto and ragout for the wintry night) and pretty good drink, along with the sight of the bureauchats elbowing heedlessly and hunkering down with their cronies and their plates. We chatted for a while with a fellow outsider, Anthony McCall, the New York–based British graphic designer and conceptual light artist, who was in town for a group show at the Martine Aboucaya gallery. He was headed for London and meetings about his project in Liverpool, scheduled for the 2012 Summer Olympics. McCall introduced us to Jean-Hubert Martin, the original as well as independent curator (1989's "Magiciens de la terre" and last year's "Une Image peut en cacher une autre" at the Grand Palais)—and French-pavilion commissioner for the next Venice Biennale.
But mostly it was us and the dinosaurs—literally. The current attraction at the Palais de la Découverte, concerning the diets of some of the better-known dinos, and involving a goodly number of fetching automatons, as well as an international committee of paleontologists, had been kept open during the Boltanski event. One could even walk around these Cretaceous zones champagne glass in hand. The Bistrot de la Jurassique was the entertaining conceit of the display, and only somewhat figuratively speaking, we sat down at a red-checkered table for two, to relax for a moment and experience our own winter-weary thump-thump.


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Erisians look human. But they aren't.
Some of their more obvious differences:
Their eyes have a rather unique function - They change color depending on their moods. More noticeably then in humans.
For example, Brown eyes will go black if angry or amber if happy and laughing. Blue eyes will go Icy blue when angry, almost silver, and can go a deep sea blue if happy.
Human doctors have determined that this is a form of Heterochromia. Erisians just consider it normal.
Their blood is more purple in tone than red, and they are limited to 3 different blood types
These types are:
T-A - Members of the Lalor family have this blood type. It is the most dominant blood type.
Most Erirsians are left handed. Those who are right handed are rare and considered defective in the dark ages, now in the more modern era, they are just considered different.
Pregnancy gestation is 8 months. Not nine. Hard to say if mating with non Erisians will shorten or increase this timeline.
Not so obvious differences:
The Erisian Immune system works a lot like a human's but they are more resilient to common human ailments - like colds and flues. However they have a high number of cases of Xenopolycythemia with 1 in 50 adults being diagnosed with the illness. Since their contact with the federation, this illness has become non fatal.
The Erisian pulse is strongest beneath their collar bone.
Their Hearts have a small fifth chamber, which has no actual use in the current evolution of the race, but it is still there in the current day Erisians.
Their ears look like human ears, but every once in a while, a child is born with ears which are pointed but curve backwards. These children are considered genetic throwbacks to one of two ancestral races that they say the modern day Erisians come from.
They do not have Appendix nor do they have Tonsils. Their race evolved without them.
Also, Adult Erisians do not get Wisdom teeth.
There has been no known cases of Albinos in Erisian history.
Erisians have 28 bones in their feet - two additional bones that brace between the Metatarsals of the last two toes.
Erisians also have 2 less ribs than humans.


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Living Green and Saving Energy
(Sponsored) Energy efficiency has been a hot topic for years, but with so many messages out there, it can be difficult to find the right choices for your home. Get your questions answered and learn how to use less energy and save more green.
(page 1 of 2)
PHOTO: COURTESY OF HAWAIian ELECTRIC COMPANY
Are there any Hawai'i-specific actions I can take?
Take advantage of the natural Island breezes with a whole-house fan. When properly installed, these fans can reduce or even eliminate the use of air conditioning by removing trapped hot air from the living space and drawing fresh, cooler air inside—without cutting a hole in the roof. You should also consider harnessing some energy from the sun. Solar energy can power just about anything nowadays. RevoluSun has been making solar energy affordable and attractive for homeowners for the past five years, saving more than 5,000 Hawai'i families upward of $17 million in utility expenses annually. It offers whole-house fans, as well as photovoltaic hot water heaters, skylights and sun tunnels, home automation and security, electric vehicle charging and more.
How is Hawai'i doing on energy use?
Currently, 21 percent of the electricity used in Hawai'i comes from renewable resources. Since we're already ahead of the state goal of 15 percent by 2015, Hawaiian Electric Company is aiming higher with new, ambitious goals. By 2030, it plans to increase the use of renewable energy to 65 percent, reduce customer bills by 21 percent and triple the amount of distributed solar energy.
What can I do?
Knowing how much energy you use is the first step. Help Hawai'i reach its energy goals by using an energy monitor in your home. These inexpensive devices monitor energy production and overall energy usage of the home, as well as usage of individual circuits, so you can pinpoint problem products such as inefficient appliances.
Order Matters
Photo: Courtesy of Thinkstock
Upgrade your house in the right order. You'll see the biggest gains in efficiency by installing a solar water heating unit, because it heats water directly, rather than creating electricity first, like a set of photovoltaic panels does. Then, invest in Energy Star appliances, to slim down your home's total energy requirements. That way, when you're ready to install PV, you'll be able to buy a smaller, less-expensive set of panels.
Save on Energy … and Money
Making your home energy-efficient cuts your bills over time, of course, but did you know that the money savings can start right away? With Hawai'i Energy rebates, you can enjoy discounts on new appliances and fixtures, and even free equipment. Right now, for example, until June 30, you can get a water heater timer that could save you $35 a year—not bad for free. Whatever you're looking for, whether it's a refrigerator, a ceiling fan or a water heater, chances are there's a rebate that'll shrink your out-of-pocket expenses.


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Please find attached an update about progress for our new Cycling and Running Event – the Ouse Washes Experience now confirmed for Sunday 6th April.
Individual Entries are slowly picking up now and we are expecting our first Corporate Team Entry but we are very keen to secure the support of team entries (as well as individuals) from our local Running and Cycling Clubs. We have made some suggesions as how your Club could seek support to enter a team from our sister Rotary Clubs
The event is rapidly getting the attention of the "Powers that Be", Cambs County Council have committed a much welcomed special grant to partly underwrite our Club's set up costs for the event so it will definitely happen come rain or shine! and Steve Barclay MP for N.E.Cambs has agreed to attend the event – media attention is growing so there is a very real opportunity to raise the profile for local Runners and Cyclists wanting to expand the opportunities for improved access to our countryside – but we do need lots of participants and April 6th is only a few weeks away – please note that the route is as weatherproof as possible even with all the recent rain the track is fine – some big puddles for sure but a good firm surface everywhere!
Please encourage all your members to enter and hopefully we can see over 30 teams from our local Running and Cycling Clubs on the 6th April.
Mike Anthony
Ely-Hereward Rotary Club
Ouse Washes Experience
P.S. the Eventbritebooking page is now up and running click on this link:-


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Many people refer to their life experiences as "lessons from the University of Life". Meaning that life itself is an abundant source of knowledge, experiences and very valuable lessons. Probably the best lessons in life are absolutely free. Or maybe not so "free" because the price we have to pay to receive them and learn from them is having to experience them in our life and that sometimes, is a very high price to pay.
Today I am feeling especially grateful for all my life lessons, I am fortunate to say I have experienced some very difficult ones from the best teachers in the universe: my "problems" and "hard times" have been excellent teachers and I am so grateful for them. Besides I have and still am learning from other people who have been kind enough to share their experiences with me and others who I have been able to observe from the distance as well.
Probably you haven't experienced hunger, not the kind of sensation you feel when you haven't eaten for a few hours, but I mean when you have nothing to eat at home and no money to get something for you and your family.
I remember the feeling when you pass in front of a restaurant and the smell of food reaches you making you dizzy and desperate. You need to hold your breath and walk faster in order not to succumb right there. In some way now I can recognise the "look" in the eyes of people who are going through that same situation, and even if they don't say anything, that particular "look" in their eyes give them away, and as I have been there I am able to recognise them now giving me an opportunity to offer them some help.
To keep reading this article and more click here


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Elena Farah, PhD
Houston's incoming administration is inheriting a city stripped of cash; a city that consistently spends more than it collects in revenues, with its operational resources steadily cannibalized by increasing pension contributions. Houston's fiscal worries are ripening at the worst time when its local economy is poised for an economic slow down in response to low oil prices. This is bound to translate into lower sales tax collections this year, most surely to be followed by lower property taxes within the next two years, if nothing changes.
Upcoming Credit Rating Downgrade
This is very likely to result in a credit rating downgrade at a time when Houston is in dire need of multibillion-dollar infrastructure investments, making borrowing in the capital markets costly. In July, Moody's Investors Service assigned a negative outlook to Houston's Aa2 bond rating, communicating the industry's concern regarding Houston's limited financial flexibility, perpetual structural deficits and ballooning long-term debt and unsustainable pension promises. A negative outlook implies that Moody's will evaluate Houston's fiscal condition and economic climate within the next three to six months to either downgrade the rating or remove the outlook. If Houston fails to take immediate action to reverse its negative fiscal course, a further downgrade is very likely.
We have already seen a very similar scenario unfold in Chicago whose credit rating Moody's dropped in May to junk despite the relative wealth and diversity of the city's tax base. The skyrocketing costs of servicing Chicago's unfunded pension liabilities and the burden they place on Chicago's ability to continue providing municipal services were the main drivers behind the downgrade. Two years ago on the pages of The Houston Chronicle I expressed an opinion that the road to Detroit may lie by way of Chicago[1]. Unfortunately, today we in Houston are much further down this road with no reversal of direction in sight.
Houston's recent history is a story of missed opportunities. A parade of city administrations has been unwilling to confront and contain the pursuit by key pension officials, aided by the state, to write in statute ever more generous benefits without any concern of who will pay for them and how. It is a story of how not to run a pension system. Houston today is spiraling down into a service level insolvency with required pension payments consuming its operations, paralyzing Houston's ability to deliver adequate services. Worse, we may be very close to the tipping point after which Houston may collapse into a municipal bankruptcy, with even more time and millions lost in litigation, and outcomes uncertain for anyone involved.
Myth 1: Houston's economy is booming, and Houston should have plenty of money to honor its promises to employees – just look at the home prices
This is a fair assumption yet it is wrong, because for over a decade Houston has been spending more money than it is collecting in revenues. True, the most recent period of phenomenal growth flushed city coffers with cash. Houston's taxable property values increased 70 percent between 2007 and 2016, fully reversing the Great Recession declines. Since 2011, trends in Houston's major revenue sources, property (comprising 49 percent of revenues) and sales taxes (30 percent of revenues)[2] have remained the envy of other municipalities. Property taxes are up 30 percent over the last five years, and sales taxes grew by a robust 40 percent over the same period.[3] Yet Houston has managed to fully expend these extraordinary resources on operations, in addition to also drawing down reserves from the General Fund.
Audited fiscal 2014 unassigned General Fund balance equaled $200.7 million, or 9.6 percent of total revenues. Yet the Controller's office projects a series of draw downs on reserves since then nearly halving an estimated fiscal 2016 unassigned balance to approximately $120 million, at its lowest level in over the last decade (including the Great Recession years).[4] Such low levels of reserves are also below the statutory limit of seven and a half percent.[5] When Moody's evaluates the rating outlook for Houston, the trend of declining fund balances will certainly be a negative credit factor, consistent with a potential downgrade. Absence of a comfortable reserves cushion leaves Houston vulnerable to any emergency, like a hurricane or a flood.
And Houston is in the middle of a pension hurricane. Its three pension systems are collectively in a fiscal ditch to the tune of at least $3.2 billion.[6] This means Houston would have to commit one and a half years of all of its General Fund revenues just to pay its pension bill – no trash pick up, no paying police and fire, no street repairs, no mommy-and-me library programs – for an entire year and a half. Yet even $3.2 billion is grossly understated because future obligations are priced using archaic discount rates of between 8 and 8.5 percent (highest in the nation), artificially deflating the amount actually owed. Estimated at more realistic market-based discount rates of 7.5 and 7 percent, pension debt increases very quickly to between $5 or $6.2 billion (twice the amount projected today),[7] and may be even higher if the market remains sluggish. Houston, we do indeed have a problem.
Myth 2: The reason Houston has a $3.2 billion unfunded pension liability is simply because city officials have underfunded pensions for years and because of the Great Recession
Houston accumulated its pension debt in just over a decade primarily as a direct result of granting retroactive benefit increases in 2001. Subsequent decisions by a series of elected city administrators, often well intended, were off-target and failed to reverse the course. State lawmakers played their negative role by codifying unsustainable benefit increases in state laws and by resisting any efforts by Houston officials and taxpayer groups to arrive at a reasonable compromise. This is ultimately going to hurt the workers who will not be able to cash their pension checks short of any quick action to restore funds' solvency. The current generation of Houston employees many of whom already work more for less will be left holding an empty bag for the excesses of prior generations of workers.
The decision by Mayor Lee Brown's administration in 2001 to grant across-the-board generous retroactive benefit enhancements bankrupted the three pension systems.[8] Lack of transparency around the process of recommending, pricing and approving the new benefit structures resulted in insufficient scrutiny awarded to this decision at the time. Computing benefits is technically complex, highly sensitive to assumptions and generally of little interest, if not at all boring, to the broader public. City administrators agreed to the proposed changes (from which many of them themselves benefited), based on erroneous cost assumptions and under pressure from pension boards also overwhelmingly staffed with beneficiaries.[9]
The state subsequently approved and codified new benefits in its statutes. From then on, Houston would need support of pension boards and, ultimately, state approval to change the benefit formula, although the state has no responsibility for paying the bill. This split city-state control over pension policy limits city options, while giving the state ultimate decision-making authority without a corresponding financial responsibility. This in itself is a flawed legal design and must be changed.
The pricey mistake became obvious immediately. Enthusiastically touted by boards of trustees as "affordable", newly recalculated annual pension contributions skyrocketed to nearly half of payroll instead of the 15 percent of payroll promised by pension boards at the time of adoption[10]. For the municipal pensions alone Houston had to find an additional $100 million per year. Suddenly Houston woke up to a $1.5 billion pension gap. Prior to benefit increases Houston's pension debt was zero. Since 2001, Houston has never been able to pay its pension bill in full, paying pensions with a credit card and incurring interest costs of 8.5 percent per year.
The 2001 market slowdown further reduced the value of pension funds investments. Lower funded ratios spurred a statewide initiative to limit the ability of local jurisdictions to reduce pension benefits and write a pension protection clause into the state constitution. This initiative was successful, and in 2003 state voters passed a pension protection law making it illegal to reduce public pension benefits. The new constitutional protection applied to non-statewide systems only, effectively exempting the state from adhering to the same constraints it was now imposing on city and county-run pension systems. Proposition 15 contained a one-time opportunity for cities to opt out of this requirement.[11] Houston voters opted out of this law via a 2004 referendum championed by Mayor Bill White. Several other cities, including Galveston and Texas City, held similar elections to reserve the right to negotiate pension benefits at the local level going forward.
Under Mayor Bill White's leadership Houston city officials implemented a series of reforms creating new employee tiers with reduced benefits for the municipal and police systems and bonding part of these two systems' unfunded liability. The firefighters were unaffected because by state law they are not required to negotiate with the city and they normally choose not to. To this date they have refused to accept any concessions. Likewise, politically powerful seasoned municipal and police employees were exempt from any benefit cuts, while the burden of reduced benefits fell disproportionately on new employees who did not create the problem in the first place. This was truly a missed opportunity to divert upcoming crisis.
Mayor White's pension reforms were incomplete because they failed to deal with the original problem: retroactive benefit enhancements. In a final average salary defined benefit (FAS DB) pension plan, lifelong retirement payments must be prefunded over long careers through joint city and employee contributions and investment returns. Retroactive benefit increases, especially to seasoned employees approaching retirement, promise benefits yet disregard how they will be funded. Future taxpayers and frequently new workers have to shoulder the payments to keep systems solvent. Reducing benefits for future employees does nothing to reduce pension debt.
Soon a wave of retirement followed for all three systems. The number of workers retiring with inflated pensions doubled between 2007 and 2013 to 9,427 from 4,441 (municipal system) and to 2,906 from 1,491 (firefighter system). The police system saw a 43 percent increase in the number of pension beneficiaries over the same period. While police and fire systems grew their active force by 9 percent and 21 percent, respectively, the number of municipal employees actually shrank by 18 percent between 2007 and 2015.[12] This means that despite increased demand for Houston municipal services, the city now relies on a much smaller corps of workers to provide them. And there is no room in the budget to hire more people or pay workers higher salaries because legacy pensions are consuming an ever-larger share of revenues. It is also uncertain whether Houston will have any cash to pay current workers' benefits at all, given the dismal funding status of the municipal pension system.[13] Current municipal workers are getting a very bad deal and need to push for a meaningful pension reform of legacy pensions.
Reining in pension benefit formulas is also crucial to allow Houston to increase salaries and, most importantly, to hire much needed police, fire and other municipal workers. Houston's police chief recently expressed a need to hire 1,500 new police officers and investigators at a cost of $100 m dollars over five years to work through the backlog of criminal casework.[14] This will be impossible without first limiting ongoing pension accruals through renegotiated formulas.
Despite tough rhetoric, Mayor Anise Parker has failed to make pension funds solvent. Even worse, she attempted in one of her last actions as Mayor to perpetuate underfunding of the firefighter pensions in an effort to balance the current budget. Since I started covering pensions in Houston in 2012, pension debt spiked by three quarters of a billion. City administrators have been chronically shortchanging required annual municipal and police pension payments because the true cost of the bill is too high.[15] Yet every year of delayed funding costs taxpayers approximately 8.5 percent in interest, and the bill continues to grow. Pension clock is ticking, and inaction is pricey.
To be fair, Houston's pension systems took a serious hit from the Great Recession when its plans lost a quarter of their assets, just like most other plans in the nation. This shock was entirely absorbed by the city. This is because when pension funds lose assets due to unexpected market movements, the city is obligated to make them whole through extra payments.
Risk is fully divorced from reward in Houston's pension systems. The year the funds lost a quarter of their assets to the Great Recession, participants in its much-coveted deferred retirement (DROP) accounts[16] made and estimated 8 percent return on their investments. No wonder pension boards of trustees have zero incentive to negotiate for any changes in benefits, including DROP, despite the dire fiscal state of the funds. Pension funds are shielded from any fiscal pain by design solidified in state statutes, no matter how many financially detrimental decisions their boards of trustees make. When one hand is writing checks and another hand is paying bills, it is a recipe for a fiscal hurricane.
Houston pension boards of trustees have been very poor stewards of retirement security for their members, despite their rhetoric to the contrary. The three funds all have somewhat specific financial and legal situations and some have implemented partial reforms. Yet they are all alike in safeguarding the promise of a benefit yet being willing to undermine the safety of funding. Pension officials have pushed for benefits without any concern of whether Houston would be able to afford the payments. Lack of transparency around the process, absence of checks and balances in Houston's pension systems, perverse political incentives and state politicians meddling in what should be squarely local policy decisions have all contributed to the pension mess. The system is in dire need of reform to restore pension solvency and prevent anything like this from ever happening again.
We are Seeing a Train Wreck Unfold in Slow Motion
Houston is very likely poised for a series of credit rating downgrades and may well end up in bankruptcy courts. Any pension reform that attempts to reduce benefits for current workers is also likely to end up in courts where elected judges accountable to well-organized political interests will have discretion to rule on the matter. Politicians fear touching the third rail of public pension reform because it is usually a suicidal political career move. This is especially true for those with aspirations for state offices. Public employee groups – especially public safety – tend to have much clout in state politics and may side rail campaign of political hopefuls they deem threatening to the status quo.
The reason we have not seen much progress on pensions in Houston is not because some city and state leaders have not sufficiently tried to sound alarm. Those who did have been unable to overcome the structural constraints of split control, political pressures and often a negative marketing campaign that accompanies talk of pension reform. Houston has no deficit of smart people who can offer reasonable reform solutions and alternatives are available. Freezing DROP accounts and containing COLAs[17] are the most urgent reforms to reduce the cost of legacy pensions yet preserve the bulk of the benefit. Yet Houston does appear to have a deficit of leadership to tackle the pension crisis in a non-partisan way, despite its proud history of non-partisan elections and state and local stated commitment to fiscal conservatism.
The assumption has always been that Houston needs to raise taxes to pay its pensions. Some combination of tax increase and benefit reductions is needed. At the same time, Houstonians are already paying more in taxes for less in services and it is going to get worse fast. Individual taxpayers are notoriously disorganized and uninformed[18], and often misinformed, on pensions. They are unlikely to present an organized movement to reform. It thus falls to the business community likely to shoulder the largest share of upcoming taxes to stay on top of the incoming administration to contain legacy pension costs. Absent a solution, we may well see a Detroit-like scenario unfold: as Houston introduces new "pension taxes" in an effort to feed the leaking systems, businesses may start a mass exodus from the city to the bustling suburbs. Recent relocation of Exxon Mobil to a Woodlands campus may be a canary in the mine. If the new Mayor continues sweeping the pension issue under the rug, we may see more businesses leave, which in turn will make it so much harder to repay debt. It is time to drop the "after me the flood" attitude and start finding serious pension solutions.
[1] "Chicago and Detroit Offer Lessons in Long-term Debt". 2013. Elena Farah. The Houston Chronicle Available at http://www.chron.com/opinion/outlook/article/Farah-Chicago-and-Detroit-offer-lessons-in-4722972.php
[2] 2014 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report for the City of Houston (CAFR)
[3] Audited fiscal 2011 numbers; Controller's projections for fiscal 2016 from The Office of the City Controller "Trends for fiscal year 2016" May 2015.
[4] Ibid.
[5] City budgetary policies require maintenance of an Unassigned Fund Balance in its General Fund of a minimum of 5 percent of total expenses less debt service. Any funds in excess of 7.5 percent of total expenses less debt service are available for non-recurring expenses (2014 CAFR). City ordinance 2014-1078, adopted December 2014, further requires an Undesignated Reserve of 7.5 percent of the General Fund Expenditures, less Debt Service Payments. This police change is not yet reflected in the most recent audited CAFR.
[7] "Swamped: How Pension Debt is Sinking the Bayou City." Josh McGee and Michelle Welch August 2015 Laura and John Arnold Foundation
[8] For more details, see my articles on the Inside Policy blog "How Sustainable Are Houston's Pensions?" July 15, 2013 available at http://blog.chron.com/insidepolicy/2013/07/how-sustainable-are-houstons-pensions/ accessed September 15, 2015
[9] This is a classical example of a conflict of interest when interested parties are allowed to adopt policies from which they themselves benefit. The cost of this decision was immediately passed on to taxpayers.
[10] "The Invisible Hand of Institutions: Who Governs State and Local Public Pensions?" 2013. Elena Farah.
[11] Article 16, § 66(d) of the Texas Constitution protects against impairment or reduction of accrued pension benefits "[A] change in service or disability retirement benefits or death benefits of a retirement system may not reduce or otherwise impair benefits accrued by a person if the person: (1) could have terminated employment or has terminated employment before the effective date of the change; and (2) would have been eligible for those benefits, without accumulating additional service under the retirement system, on any date on or after the effective date of the change had the change not occurred. Benefits granted to a retiree or other annuitant before the effective date of this section and in effect on that date may not be reduced or otherwise impaired." From "State Constitutional Protections for Public Sector Retirement Benefits" available at http://www.ncpers.org/files/News/03152007RetireBenefitProtections.pdf
[13] The funded ratio as of July 1, 2014 was 58.1 percent (assumed 8.5 discount rate)
[14] "Houston Matters" interview with Stephen Costello, September 15, 2015 available at http://www.houstonmatters.org/show/2015/09/15/steve-costello-mayoral-candidate-interview-tuesdays-show-september-15-2015
[15] "How Sustainable Are Houston's Pensions?" July 15, 2013. available at http://blog.chron.com/insidepolicy/2013/07/how-sustainable-are-houstons-pensions/ accessed September 15, 2015
[16] "Poorly Structured Pensions Undermine Financial Sustainability," June 21, 2012 http://blog.chron.com/insidepolicy/2012/06/poorly-structured-pensions-undermine-financial-sustainability/
[17] Cost of living adjustments
[18] This is a typical collective action problem when a small but well-organized constituency dominates a policy discussion as the expense of a large and diverse, yet disorganized majority


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Taking inspiration from the 1950s working man's watch in the Zodiac archives, the sophisticated Grandville will appeal to classic watch lovers with its streamlined stainless steel design and easy modern quartz movement. A 40mm stainless steel case holds an exquisite blue sunray dial with rose gold-tone indexes and is backed with a brushed three-link stainless steel bracelet. A special link adjustment mechanism allows you to easily resize the bracelet—without any tools—to fit your wrist.
Case size: 40 mm x 46 mm
Case thickness: 10 mm
Lug width: 20 mm
Movement: Analog-quartz
Origin: Swiss Made
Packaging: Zodiac Black Box
Warranty: 2 Year International
Water resistant: 5 ATM


text: The president of the Kontinental Hockey League said Wednesday that he is waiting to find out how many Russians will be banned from the Pyeongchang Olympics before deciding if he will allow his players to compete in South Korea. Dmitry Chernyshenko, the head of the organizing committee for the 2014 Sochi Olympics and now president of the KHL, said, "We'll understand who's going and who's not going, and then the league will respond accordingly." read more http://www.espn.com/olympics/story/_/id/21756308/khl-undecided-allowing-players-go-olympics