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Giveaway + Review: Women's Magnum 6" Response II
Need to get your Magnum fix? Be sure to comment on this review to win a FREE pair of boots!
This week we want to know: What would you do with a new pair of boots?
Be sure to share the best answer in the comment section of this post for a chance to win your own pair of Women's Magnum 6" Response II boots. Like last week, we'll announce the winner next Thursday. In the meantime, follow Magnum on Facebook and Twitter.
This contest is open to the U.S. and Canada only. If the winner's size is out of stock, Magnum will replace with another style of equal of lesser value.
Hardcore boots aren't a requirement for my day job. During my off-hours, I was able to test out the Women's Magnum 6" Response II in a variety of locations including concrete sidewalks, tiled floors, hiking trails and a dry creek bed. Here's what I found…
- Lightweight. The boots don't feel too bulky or heavy like most other boots (no Frankenstein feeling).
- There's nice ankle support that still allows movement.
- The steel shank did its job! I stepped on rocks and a nail while walking outside and had no problems.
- The sole seemed to provide good 'bounce,' and my feet didn't feel tired or sore even after walking a few miles.
- I wore the boots on my tiled kitchen floor—where other shoes have been known to slip—and did not slip and slide.
- Very roomy. I wore a size 8 and had to tighten laces extremely tight to keep my feet from moving around. And just when I thought it was tight enough, my feet still moved.
- Because the laces had to be pulled so tightly, it caused the area around the calf to rub my skin. The area was a little red when I took off the boots off, but it went away within a few hours. There was less rubbing when I wore thick socks.
- Its moisture-wicking liner did not help. My feet got pretty sweaty in the boots (probably since I had to wear such heavy socks to keep from getting blisters).
- The laces are extremely long. While this isn't exactly problematic, when you tie them in a bow and the bow touches the ground, that's a problem.
Final word: Nice lightweight boots with good support, but super-thick socks and possibly an additional insole to take up room are a must.
UPDATE: After reading Erica's review, a representative from Magnum suggested she try a smaller size. Perhaps some of the issues listed above could have been avoided with a smaller boot.
This review was written by Erica Kaufman, vendor relations manager at Cat5 Commerce. Erica works closely with Magnum and other footwear manufacturers for MilitaryBoots.com and HikingBoots.com. Needless to say, she knows her boots quite well.
(38) Readers Comments
Well I'm not sure if this is going on still or not, but mine as well. Honestly, I would give them to my past assistant flight commander from Civil Air Patrol. She is still active but she needs a new pair of boots. The ones she has now give her blisters and even when it hurt for her to walk she marches everywhere will us. So I would give the boots to my friend. She needs them more than me and she's helped me a lot. She deserves a new pair of boots that won't hurt her.
I wear my magnum boots everywhere because—you never know!
I always wear boots! Holdover from the military Besides I feel safer too wearing boots when riding my motorcycle!!
I'd love a pair of Women's Magnum 6″ Response II boots! Whether I'm working in the woods, pruning the garden, or hiking on trails, these have the perfect lightweight balance for safe, athletic, and hard core work tasks. The tread has better grip and contour than my Army jungle boots, which makes longer journeys, especially through wet or muddy terrain, much easier. The cushioned fabric presents more comfort than tough leather alternatives. I especially appreciate the extra long shoelaces since I always tuck in my laces to prevent them from easily coming untied or snagging on woods debris. This is an overall great boot… I look forward to owning a pair!
I would wear them for all I do….work, train, and play. These boots dont feel like your regular boots…very lightweight and comfortable. As an officer, it is impairative to train the the gear you use everyday. Whether its work or play, I would wear my "Women's Magnum 6 Response II.
I would wear my own pair of Women's Magnum 6" Response II boots fighting crime. Yes, I am a super hero.
I new pair of boots would help me help disaster victims. I am a disaster responder. For work I assess damage and assist public water systems get up and running. When not responding for work I am part of a animal disaster team where I assist in rescuing and sheltering pets left behind after evacuations. For me days are endless and are spend walking, standing or chasing dogs thru flood waters, snow, ice, mud, debris and poo New waterproof, light weight, comfortable boots would be a great assest.
I would give a pair to my mother. She is a walker and always trying to find shoes that are comfortable and supportive. Last year when we went to the Grand Canyon I wore my Bellevilles and felt great the whole trek. She had bought some fancy hiking shoe and although she was fine in the canyon her feet got all blistered during the break in period. I'm sure onced she tried on a pair of these she'll discover what some of us already know.
I have a pair of magnum boot under my bed waiting to be put on when the 1st snow hit the ground. I depend on these boot because they keep my feet warm and dry. Believe me when I say warm and dry I mean warm and dry especially where I live in upper state New York where winter can be hard and nasty on you feet.
I would like to win a new pair! -
If I owned a pair of these boots. Being a Civil Air Patrol Emergency Services cadet I would use these boots to help from the rugged ES terrain to the urban ES field under a heavy ground team pack. Also would be used for Basic Cadet training schools.
As a search and rescue volunteer, I am always looking for comfortable, well fitting boots. The 6 inch height sounds just right as well as all the room in the boot should fit my wide foot just fine. Roscoe my tracking/trailing Border Collie will like the good traction on my part. Waterproof boots are also a must!
I would love to win a pair and have wanted a pair ever since they came out. I hike and trail walk everyday and they would be great just for that. My old combat boots just fell apart and can't find anything to replace them. Being a proud veteran, I love showing people and telling people my pride.
As part of theSeven Mountains EMS Council, PA Strike team I would wear these boots when we get deployed to any area were are requested. We have been to Katrina and Gustov and flooding in PA to help out the local EMS. We help move patients and do search and rescue.The boots I have now are awful and if I could find a pair that feel good and fit well and are made for women, I would tell the whole strike team and we could order them for all the women.
In May 2010 I'm heading out on an expedition type trip around the country some 8,000 miles or so. It's a horse ride, but for good portions of the trip I'm going to be on foot especially up in the mountains where the footing is chancy at best. I'll be starting out on the Pacific Crest Trail near Bakersfield, California, heading North to Crater Lake, Oregon before turning South again; unfortunately I don't know how far South I will get before I have to turn North again to hit the American Discovery Trail in early Spring of 2011. Hopefully by that time the horse and I will be in good shape and conditioning to make our way at a good pace across the gap and over the Rocky Mountains before Summer is fully in season giving me lots of time to get across a good chunk of the plain. The goal is to link up to the Appalachian Trail where I'll head North again before heading South. Depending on my shape I may just continue to roam the country, but the current expedition is planned so I can have Veterans join me throughout my ride to give them a chance to do something different and unique while taking time to figure themselves out.
I don't know of anything I would rather have on my feet than a boot fit for a Soldier and as I was a Soldier that would still be me.
as a paramedic in quebec i would try and test them out in the cold and snow of quebec winter , and also see there comfort in house on calls to
I would wear them proud for my son who is away at Boot camp in San Diego, CA. I would walk a mile in them for him. Sleep well tonigth America our Marines have your back.
If I had a new pair of boots I would be set to join my TN1 – Dmat unit. I am an older lady, and have always wanted to find a way to help in times of disasters. Until I found this group of amazing people, I didn't know how I could help.
These people make a difference. And, I want to too. -
With my new pair of Boots, I would first get a good pair of socks on. Then do you remember when you were a little kid and once you put on your new shoes you just wanna run in them, then have some one take a picture of you in them and share it. Yep that is what I would do Id run really really fast in them , just like if I had some magic super fast boots on. Then Id jump up and down a few times. Id then have someone take a picture of me in my NEW boots. Id then share the picture with everyone on my facebook page and my email address.
that would make me feel awesome!!! -
I am getting back in shape to run an athletic beach event after being pregnant and recovering from a cesarean. I would use the boots to train in, which will give me excellent ankle support on the beach so that I do not get injured before the event!
What would I do with a new pair of boots? I would retire my old ones and rejoice in happy feet!
Actually, my 'old boots' are still in decent shape but as I go through one pair of boots a year in my job as a K9 handler (we always keep two pairs of boots on hand, which seems like a luxury but is actually a necessity) I'd be very interested in trying a new product. If I won a new pair I would give last year's re-soled boots to a local charity.
If I win i'd wear them men hunting:)
Tactical patrol of course. What better use is there?
What would I do with a new pair of boots? Slip my freshly pedicured feet into them and head to the range. Well, I'd have to get a pedicure first, but that's just a technicality
I've never owned a pair of tactical boots, simply because I couldn't justify the expense, but I've coveted a pair for years.
If I had a new pair of Magnum Boots…I would do the HAPPY DANCE!
Wear them to work in the harsh Chicago winters!
I would welcome the boots to the tough city streets of Chicago's West side. Here the boots would get a chance to knock down the doors of domestic violence abusers and chase down gun wielding gang bangers in various alleyways. The boots will resist the wear and tear of standing long hours in inclement weather while guarding crime scenes or helping citizens evacuate fires. The boots will get a chance to premise check abandoned and foreclosed houses, where anything can be inside including broken glass, needles, garbage, toxins, and dead animals. The boot will withstand the challenges that Chicago Police Officer's face everyday working in this mean and dirty city. The quality and comfort of the Magnum Boot ensure that I will endure long enough to take them off and do it again the next day.
Would love these boots, I work on the street in all kinds of weather, these boots would sure make my job just a little easier.
Magnum boots were made for walking, and every aspect of life. I would wear the boots knowing my feet were protected against the elements!
Wear them to the shooting range and afterward go see a Dirty Harry movie.
How would I describe Magnum Boots? Incredible!!!!! Being an officer for 10yrs now, Magnum Boots are the only boots I wear. My first pair of Magnum Boots lasted 5yrs. I still wore them around in my daily activites, even until those wore so much my feet hurt!!! But my Magnums couldn't be replaced with any other brand. I tried Danner and other brands, but I still continue to return to Magnum to help me stay safe on the "Westside" of Chicago. Thanks Magnum for all the years you have made my job easier and my feet happier!!!
New boots… They'd get a work out around here. Between a hoof care practice, routine horse care, plus range time and training, my boots get *used*. In the past I've been an Ariat girl all the way, but over the past few years, I've found myself wishing for lighter weight but still highly supportive boots. These might just fit the bill.
Thanks for a great and straight forward review on the Magnums!
I'd put on these new Magnum 6" Response II boots, get up, walk out, and leave this town. I have spent all my 40 years in this small dying town of limited means and growth. I've watched most of my family and friends pass away wishing they could leave but were stuck in this town. I don't want to die here, although they could bury me here… with my worn out pair of Magnum boots on.
I would definitely wear them for both work and training…nothing like a good lightweight pair of boots to make a footchase go a little easier!
With a new pair of boots, I would use them for work! I go through a pair about every 4 months on the job. Taking care of my feet is important in police work. Would love to win!
I'm going to Mammoth Cave soon as well as Starved Rock State Park so the boots would help a lot with hiking. I am also in Law Enforcement and would use my boots for work and for training. It's also great to have boots for home fixer up jobs that come up. They also help in keeping my better half in check
I would give my old pair to salvation army.
Train. Train. Train. Law Enforcement need to be ready for anything and to make split-second life or death decisions. The only way to prepare for that is to train. Me and my boots and my pistol and my rifle will be on the range, in the gym, hitting the pavement, doing work.
This fall I'm heading to Big Bend National park. The plan is to hike about 12 miles into the park and spend a few days learning how to survive off the land. If we had the boots, they would definitely be put to the test in the rugged hills and canyons.


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Babels and the Politics of Language at the Heart of the Social Forum
Babels and the Politics of Language at the Heart of the Social Forum
Language is at the heart of the Social Forums. Or at least it should be. The Porto Alegre Charter that continues to shape and guide the ESF process makes clear our collective commitment to "reflective thinking, democratic debate of ideas, formulation of proposals, free exchange of experiences and interlinking for effective action". It reminds us that the Forum must always be open to pluralism and "the diversity of genders, ethnicities, cultures, generations and physical capacities, providing they abide by this Charter of Principles." Breathing life into these worthy principles requires that people have the means to communicate with and understand each other in ways that are egalitarian and democratic. As Susan George writes in her new book 'Another World is Possible If…', political activists are as guilty as the ruling classes in using language for purposes of power, control and domination:
Some people use specialised language in order to communicate faster with each other…but others may consciously or unconsciously use jargon to impress or to exclude. Some may simply be unable to imagine that others do not share their vocabulary, concepts and intellectual framework.
Language in the ESF is foremost experienced through interpretation. For the last three years, participants in the ESF's 'official' plenary and seminar spaces will have all at some point traded in a piece of identity for a flashy black headset providing live, simultaneous interpretation of speakers into French, English, Spanish, German and Italian, and increasingly other languages like Arabic, Russian, Greek, Turkish, and even Galician. Those new to the ESF experience are often impressed by this aspect of internationalism; others, however, can be left frustrated by the long pauses, broken sentences and occasional loss of sound, and have been known to complain about the 'quality' of interpretation being provided.
Yet how much do ESF organisers and participants reflect on the people, skills, technology, and resources - and above all the politics - involved in enabling participants to understand and speak in the myriad different languages that define and bring the Forum to life? For example, a common misunderstanding among Forum goers is the assumption that interpreters are hired in by the Forum to cater for 'international speakers'. Yet since the first ESF in Florence 2002, almost all simultaneous and consecutive interpretation, as well as document translation, has been provided in political solidarity by Babels, the growing international network of volunteer interpreters and translators that was born out of the Social Forum process. The development of Babels and the commitment of its protagonists to 'learn from practice' pro vides one of the best examples of how alternatives to market capitalism can and are being actively produced through the Social Forum process. At the same time, the problematic way in which the ESF (organisers) and Babels relate both to each other and language issues is evidence of the contradictory political ethics and practices within the ESF that must be addressed during the process towards Athens 2006.
The aim of this article is to critically examine these issues as a contribution to the debate on the future direction of the ESF process. We begin with a brief overview of the Babels story so far before turning to how its identity, principles and activities are being developed by learning from practice. Then we reflect on the serious dilemmas and contradictions relating to language within the ESF through examples from the London ESF.
Babels: a Brief History
Babels was born in the run-up to the Florence ESF in 2002 when the dubious politics and huge expense of hiring professional interpreters for the WSF in 2001 and 2002 led a small network of communication activists linked to ATTAC France to propose that only volunteers be used to interpret. Initial scepticism about volunteer 'quality' gave way to pragmatism at the 11th hour when the high cost of the traditional market route began to bite the Italian organisers, unsurprising when one considers that professional interpreters normally command between 300 and 400 euros per day. An emergency call for volunteers was made to which some 600 people responded, eventually yielding around 350 volunteer interpreters and translators for the Forum.
Although rightly hailed as a great success, the Babels experiment in Florence was in reality a miracle born out of improvisation, some good fortune, sheer hard work…and a bit of old-fashioned direct action to boot. Cathy Arnaud, an interpreter at Florence and now a coordinator with Babels Spain, paints a frantic scene:
It was complete chaos, but miraculously it worked. We had to fight the organisers just for a space to work in; eventually we took our own initiative and squatted a medieval tower. It was beautiful but freezing and we had no money, computers, phones, nothing. Coordinators hung booth planning sheets on washing lines; some people stayed up all night to finalise everything. As for the quality of the interpretation, well, that was definitely a mixed bag.
The success of Florence led to the emergence of new Babels coordinations in Germany, UK, and Spain alongside the original French and Italian pioneers. It also prompted more consideration of language issues by the Paris ESF 2003 organisers with Babels given decent office facilities, computers, a longer preparatory process and a relatively large pot of money (£200,000) to coordinate and innovate with. Boosted by Babels' participation in the counter-G-8 conferences in Evian and Annemasse, the Paris ESF was able to draw on over 1000 Babelitos from a volunteer pool four times that number.
With the Mumbai World Social Forum (WSF) and the first Social Forum of the Americas in Ecuador under its belt during 2004, by the time of the third London ESF in October this year, the Babels database had almost doubled to over 7000 people representing 63 languages. From this network, the London ESF welcomed 500 volunteers from 22 countries who in turn enabled some 20,000 participants from more than 60 countries to express themselves in 25 different languages over 3 days. However, despite undoubted progress on many levels, it was widely felt within the Babels network that London had been the most politically difficult ESF it had participated in, especially in terms of its relationship to the host country's main organisers. We return to this issue later on.
The Emerging Praxis of Babels
The impressive and rapid expansion and development of Babels cannot be adequately understood through statistics alone. The Babels network must also be recognised as an emerging political actor in its own right with a growing sense of identity and purpose. A commonly-held belief within the network is that of 'horizontality' - Babelitos eschew leaders and hierarchies and instead seek to work collectively as equals in a network organisation based upon creative thinking and consensus. In reality, horizontality remains a difficult principle to put into practice, not least because of the top-down and centralised way in which the ESF itself is organised.
Underpinning the Babels philosophy is a determination to continually reflect upon its role in each Forum and then learn and develop from practice. Out of this process, three important political pre-conditions have emerged for Babels involvement in Social Forums that are now guiding principles of the network. The first is that all interpreters and translators for the ESF must be 100% volunteers. This stems from the problematic experience of a two-tier workforce of voluntary and paid interpreters in Florence. Babels believes that hiring professionals or companies to 'service' the Forum goes directly against the principles of solidarity and developing communicational alternatives to the market that are supposedly enshrined in the Social Forum's charter.
Secondly, Babels volunteers are not 'free' service providers and oppose any attempts by social Forum organisers to treat them as such. Instead, they see themselves as Social Forum organisers like any other and want to participate fully in debates about the "part language plays in the mechanisms of cultural domination and in the circulation of ideas between the various social and citizens' movements" (Babels charter).
The third and perhaps most important principle of all is Babels commitment to defend and promote "the right of everybody to express themselves in the language of their choice" (Babels charter). For example, for the London ESF Babels insisted that 'official' and 'unofficial' language distinctions be abolished after the experiences of Florence and Paris, where the limited language pool of interpreters combined with the inherent bias of the Forum's organisers to make English, French, German, Italian and Spanish the official and thus overwhelmingly dominant languages. As Emmanuelle Rivière a professional interpreter and coordinator with Babels-UK explains, this outcome led to some serious soul-searching within the Babels network as to its own role in the Social Forum:
We did not like the idea of helping to reinforce and reproduce the existing patterns of political, economic and cultural domination in the world through some official 'language hierarchy'.
At a deeper level, in its efforts to bring to life these principles of 'learning from practice', 'solidarity, 'horizontality' and 'equality', Babels embodies the two main positive achievements of the Social Forum process. The first is its Gandhian philosophy of 'being the change we want to see', also known as 'pre-figurative politics'. In other words, Babels attempts to put into practice the very egalitarian and internationalist principles of the 'good society' the alter-globalisation movement calls for in facilitating communication across linguistic and cultural boundaries.
The second contribution of the Social Forums is that through organising as much as possible 'outside' of the capitalist sphere of competitive market relations, alternative systems of social and economic organisation based on need and solidarity - and not profit and private ownership - are being developed out of necessity. Annual Social Forums assembling tens of thousands of people from across different continents simply cannot take place unless we develop alternative means of internationalist communication to the high cost and qualitative limitations of the market. At the same time, Babels must not be seen as a 'low cost service provider' directly threatening the 'communicatariat' of working interpreters and translators. Instead, it is an act of political solidarity indispensable to the Social Forums and the development of a global transformative politics and movement.
Putting both these principles and the knowledge gained into practice is no easy task for a volunteer network working mainly by Internet, but progress is being made on a number of fronts. Partly through Babels pressure, the last WSF in Mumbai 2004 saw the spectrum of 'official languages' publicly broadened to 13 languages to reflect the ethnic diversity of India and the Asian continent, a development thought to have increased the number of participants from those language groups. Respect for language diversity is also being addressed through a commitment to improving the 'quality' of interpretation and translation. Quality in the specific context and purpose of the Social Forums does not mean a professional standard of 'technical proficiency' but the general 'quality of communication' experienced in the Social Forum as a whole. This not only concerns how interpretation and translation are performed, but also how 'access to the message' is facilitated or obstructed by the organisational structures and language discourses of the Forum, and its organisers, speakers and participants.
For example, Babels is developing innovatory new language tools through activities like the Lexicon Project. This is an on-going effort by volunteers from a wide range of countries and backgrounds (teachers, students, professionals, activists) to create a comprehensive glossary of words and phrases to help interpreters and translators best reflect different meanings according to different national, cultural and politico-historical contexts. It is consciously creating a process of 'contamination' in which the excellent language skills of the politically sympathetic trained interpreter/translator interact with the deeper political knowledge of the language fluent activist to constantly improve the communications medium within the Social Forums.
Lexicons are being formed in conjunction with the Situational Preparation Project, more commonly known as 'Sitprep.', which records WSF and ESF plenaries and seminars in a wide range of languages on to DVD to allow any volunteer - experienced or inexperienced - to more realistically prepare for simultaneous interpretation in the Social Forum. This issue links to the broader 'memory' implications of the NOMAD project to which Babels belongs. As Sophie Gosselin argues elsewhere in this newsletter, one of NOMAD's main achievements so far has been the creation of Targ, an open source software system which can replace expensive propriety audio equipment used for live simultaneous interpretation. In addition to the revolutionary cost implications, using computers to relay the voices of speakers and interpreters the Targ system enables all speeches and interpretations to be easily archived, creating a direct and accurate 'memory' of all the debates, themes, and controversies of each Forum. Taking it a step further, the audio could also be streamed live over the Internet. These possibilities would allow millions of people currently outside of the Forum to take part via the web.
Significantly for Babels, the creation of Memory will allow the quality of interpretation to be assessed and new online 'distance practice' materials for inexperienced volunteers to be created. Not everyone will welcome this latter development within Babels. Many interpreters are already reluctant to have their work scrutinised and not just because they are 'volunteers'. While professionals are simply not used to such practices in their particular labour market, non-professionals are often worried about being judged badly and marginalised. But if Babels is genuine about its commitment to 'equality' and 'quality' of communication' within the Social Forums, then these worries will hopefully disappear.
Babels, Language and the ESF: Dilemmas, Contradictions and Future Directions
Despite the central role of Babels in both meeting the language needs of the ESF and developing alternative long-term communication infrastructures with others, the network cannot and does not function in isolation from the rest of the ESF process. Ultimately, Babels like everyone else involved in organising and participating in the ESF, must reflect critically on the outcomes and relationships being generated by our activities, and what this implies for future directions.
To begin with, we must all accept and attempt to address the fact that the ideals of diversity and inclusion within the Porto Alegre Charter still remain largely unrealised in many Social Forums, especially the ESF. Like Florence and Paris before it, the large majority of the 20,000 participants - and interpreters - at this year's London ESF were again mainly white, able-bodied Western Europeans. This failure over three years to significantly expand popular participation of those either living in or originating from Central and Eastern Europe and the global South, not to mention from the disabled and deaf communities, cannot be simply explained away by the systematic refusal of visas (the disgrace of London), problems of disability access or the gargantuan cost of international travel from outside the EU - the 'politics of language' has also played a central part.
Witness the London ESF. Although the official language hierarchy was dropped, informally the same old colonial languages of English, French, Spanish, German and Italian dominated the outreach materials, website, press releases, platforms, and programmes. This means that since its inception in 2002, the ESF has been almost exclusively communicated as a Western European event, contributing hugely to the fact that it generally remains so. How do we explain the continuation of this 'language elite' at the London ESF? In general, this year's ESF organisers, steered by the controlling influence of the Greater London Authority (GLA), saw language through the prism of market economics, as a simple matter of 'supply and demand'. This is a familiar story. All too often, language is treated as 'something that interpreters and translators provide' to those who say they need it, and not as either a political right to self-expression and democratic participation, or as a means of pro-actively including and expanding out to people and movements traditionally marginalised.
While it is true that language hierarchisation is a reflection of the continued dominance of West European political movements in the ESF process, the ESF organisers also heavily influenced the 'demand' for languages through restricting the supply. From an early stage, it was decided that the London ESF would be a much smaller event than those witnessed in Florence and Paris. The main organisers effectively made sure of this by setting very high entry fees and only planning for around 20,000. They also believed that in such circumstances, most of the participants would come from Western Europe and thus began to communicate almost exclusively in English whilst asking Babels to translate important documents for the website into the other main languages. This inevitably acted as a major outreach barrier to the social movements of 'majority Europe' and beyond because many people did not believe that their languages would be spoken. This was reinforced by the huge travel costs and the failure of the ESF organisers to put into place an adequate system for helping participants - including interpreters - to receive Visas to enter Britain.
But if Babels is a political actor like all others in organising the ESF, committed to language diversity and undermining power relations within the movement, how did it allow such a situation to develop in the first place? More to the point, why did it not withdraw its participation from a Forum that did not respect Babels pre-conditions for participation? The answers to these questions are very complex and still somewhat unknown, so here we simply flag up some of the dilemmas and constraints Babels faced.
In general, Babels could not prevent the de facto officialisation of languages because coordinators were only provided with information about the language profiles of registered speakers and participants two weeks before the ESF took place. Prior to this, it was only able to build up a vague idea of the nationalities of people and sizes of delegations that would be attending from second-hand scraps of information. This is because from the very beginning of the ESF process, Babels coordinators were excluded from the information flows coming in and out of the ESF office, and their recommendations for how to integrate language needs into the heart of the organising process were generally ignored. Babels was also not allowed to have any autonomy over its own coordination budget. In other words, just like languages issues themselves, Babels was marginalised from the decision-making centre consisting of the Mayor of London's political office that runs the GLA, a handful of trade unions, and political sects like the Socialist Workers Party, Socialist Action and the Communist Party of Britain. These forces ultimately controlled the ESF and put up political walls and barricades around a supposedly open space.
Because of this, and a number of serious problems over accommodation and reimbursement for volunteers, Babels issued a number of critical public statements and nearly pulled out of the London ESF on several occasions. That fact that Babels stepped back from the brink each time was partly due to the fact that reaching a consensus to walk away is far harder than agreeing to get involved, especially in a a network bringing together people from different backgrounds and perspectives. Moreover, the UK coordinators of Babels who agreed to participate in this year's ESF did so with their political eyes wide open. The reality is that the Social Forums - and especially the ESF - are not politically 'pure' spaces where everyone works together in mutual respect and harmony. They are instead political battlegrounds where self-interested factions fight for leadership and control and are met with resistance from those opposed to vanguardism. Babels thus currently accepts that the innovations and alternatives being generated by projects like itself and and Nomad come not only through the annual process of organising the ESF and WSF, but also in struggle against those within them. And whatever the shortcomings of the organisation of this year's ESF, we still managed to gain an enormous amount of knowledge and experience that we will now share with future processes, particularly through adding value to the Lexicon and Sitprep projects. Most importantly, pulling out would have stopped the ESF from taking place - this was not a decision that Babels alone should have the power or right to make.
At the same time, in an organising process lasting just under 12 months, problems develop cumulatively and become institutionalised before anyone has noticed or developed the means to challenge them. Babels cannot shy away from its own responsibility in this regard. Through its inseparable development alongside the ESF, the majority of nationalities and languages of Babels interpreters, translators and coordinators also belong to the same Western Europe elite. This means that however much we criticise the ESF organisers' insular outlook, the way Babels has evolved inevitably acts to some extent as a reinforcing mechanism of bias. More seriously, while Babels may dislike being treated as a service provider, it has so far done little other than follow the market model imposed on it by the ESF organisers. This implies the urgent need for all of Babels volunteers, be they interpreters, translators or coordinators, to stand back from the ESF process and once again engage in a deep process of collective self-reflection and self-criticism in order to learn the lessons of London.
If we are serious about creating spaces for exchange between people from a diversity of social, ethnic, cultural and political backgrounds and contexts, with a multiplicity of needs, then all of us in the ESF process must collectively address head on the issues and politics of language and communication within our movement. Babels cannot obviously do this alone. Trade unions, NGO, social movements, networks and individuals must from now on work hand-in-hand with Babels to make connections with social movements and actors in marginalised countries and communities in the process help pass on knowledge to create new Babels coordinations. This is especially urgent for the next ESF scheduled for Athens in Spring 2006 due to the severe shortage of Greek interpreters within Babels. Without a genuine commitment by everyone to an unprecedented process of linguistic and popular outreach - and to the necessary resources this implies - the ESF is destined to remain centred around the Western European left and risks having the microphones turned off altogether.
Stuart Hodkinson is Associate Editor of British green-left magazine Red Pepper; Julie Boéri is a professional interpreter and researcher. Both are coordinators with Babels-UK; www.babels.org

subset: commoncrawl


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Here's the video for Tara's defense of the TNA Knockouts Championship against Daffney from last night's Destination X PPV. The match starts about seven minutes in. The match is OK. It's nothing special. The big problem is the crowd is silent until some start a Daffney chant later in the match. It could have been a lot worse. I understand there are fans who like Daffney's shtick. But the problem is she's not much of a wrestler and anyone who has to work with her has to slow down so Daffney doesn't look that bad. She really shouldn't be wrestling for a title on a PPV. If they like her shtick so much, they should hire Ms.Chif. She can do that shtick and is a great wrestler. And Tara has been blah since coming to TNA. This match didn't help her. It was a slow plodding match that should have been on Impact. And the ending seemed a little disjointed. Apparently they're going to continue this feud as they had Daffney steal the spider afterwards. Thank you Vince Russo, ya dope. He's gotta go.
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Stock Market Advice
Lombardi Publishing was originally established in 1986 as an investment newsletter publisher offering stock market advice to its readers. Today, we publish 25 paid-for investment letters most of which provide stock market advice. Profit Confidential is our daily free e-letter that goes to all our Lombardi Financial customers and to any investor who wishes to opt-in in to receive it. Written by Lombardi Financial editors who have been offering stock market advice for year to Lombardi customers, Profit Confidential provides a macro-picture on where the stock market is headed, what sectors are hot, what sectors to avoid. Our two most recent and popular calls were telling investors to bail from stocks in 2007 and telling investors to jump back into the stock market in March of 2009. Timely stock market advice that worked well for the Profit Confidential family of readers.
RIM Replacing Apple as the Stock Market's Tech Darling?
By George Leong, B.Comm. for Profit Confidential
It has been a few months since the launch of the highly anticipated "BlackBerry 10" (BB10) operating system and products by Research In Motion Limited (NASDAQ/BBRY). I have tried the new "BlackBerry Z10" smartphone, and my early thoughts are that it looks good and is faster than the company's previous phones. But based on the early sales returns, I don't think Research In Motion (RIM) will be the one to take down Apple Inc. (NASDAQ/AAPL), and it definitely won't take a run at Google Inc. (NASDAQ/GOOG) and its "Android" operating system, which is the most-used mobile device operating system worldwide. And Korean-based Samsung, with its "Galaxy" line, has become the major reason why Android is doing so well.
For RIM, the race is not to number one, but to try to grab third place and then move upward from there toward Apple, whose "iOS" system is number two, based on my stock analysis. Given the massive size and potential of the global smartphone and tablet market, there is a lot of business to be won, according to my stock analysis. Being in third place wouldn't be that bad for RIM. Of course, Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ/MSFT), with its "Windows 8," also wants a piece of the mobile action.
The market continues to hype up BB10. The shares of RIM surged 185% to a 52-week high of $18.32 on January 24 following the launch of BB10; but the shares have traded lower since on concerns regarding sales of the BlackBerry Z10 phone. With AT&T Inc. (NYSE/T) beginning to sell the Z10 last Friday, it will be interesting to see the response in the key U.S. market, which is still dominated by Android and Apple.
RIM's stock chart below shows the upward move in the stock and the current stalling. But notice the relative comparison to the downward price performance of Apple indicated by the purple line in the chart below.
Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com
According to my … Read More
Stock Market Sinkhole: "It Didn't Look Unstable"
By Mitchell Clark, B.Comm. for Profit Confidential
Mark Mihal got the surprise of a lifetime when he fell into a sinkhole on the 14th hole of a golf course in southern Illinois. His buddies couldn't find the right ladder, but they got him out okay using a rope. He fell 18 feet. (Source: Suhr, J., "Mo. Golfer survives fall into III. course sinkhole," Associated Press, March 13, 2013.) That's one heck of a divot, and not quite the hole-in-one he was hoping for.
Mihal's description could be considered famous last words for this stock market: "It didn't look unstable, then I was gone." (Source: Ibid.) It's pretty hard to believe the stock market's gains, although a paper gain is better than nothing. The run-up is a momentum play from institutional investors before the real news hits. "Buy on rumor, sell on news," goes the old adage.
It is true that bull markets typically start with a bang. Sentiment changes on a dime, and institutional investors start buying. The Dow Jones Transportation Average experienced a powerful stock market breakout in December. A typical bull market indicator? Absolutely, but highly suspect.
Alaska Air Group, Inc. (NYSE/ALK) has been bid 25 points by institutional investors since last October, which is pretty spectacular. Fourth-quarter earnings matched Wall Street expectations, but the numbers weren't that great. Alaska Air's stock chart is featured below:
Chart courtesy of www.StockCharts.com
The stock market's gains since last December aren't about asset rotation from bonds to the stock market. They're more about pent-up demand from institutional investors who have nowhere left to go. The bond trade is over, the commodity price cycle is on a break, and currencies are out. The only other asset class is real estate (The Blackstone Group L.P. [NYSE/BX] is buying rental real estate in Florida like crazy).
There's been remarkable consistency in the stock market's u… Read More
S&P 500 Threatening to Break Lower
By George Leong, B.Comm. for Profit Confidential
One piece of stock market advice for you at this time—be careful.
Success in stock picking is trading in the right direction, while also making sure you have a defensive strategy should the trade turn against you, and using puts as a hedge.
I see some danger on the S&P 500 chart.
In January, I noted the S&P 500 could test 1,400 this year, writing that how much the index rises will be dependent on the global and U.S. economies. (See "My Market View: A Risky Start to 2012.")
The S&P 500 is hovering at 1,335 and will need to advance another 4.9% to hit 1,400. Of course, the threat of global and domestic slowing could impede the upward move.
The S&P 500 could fall to 1,180 by the year-end, according to research by the Financial Forecast Center. A break at 1,300 is predicted by the end of August and 1,200 by the end of September.
Following the break at 1,400 in March, on two subsequent attempts at 1,400 in late April and early May, the S&P 500 retrenched and failed to hold.
Since June, the S&P 500 showed three successive higher peaks at 1,363, 1,374, and 1,380. Yet unless we see support at around the 50-day moving average (MA) of 1,332 and 200-day MA of 1,315, the index may falter and head lower towards a pivot point at 1,306.
The moving average convergence divergence (MACD) indicator, an indicator I like to look at, also appears set to be flashing a sell signal; but on the three previous occasions, it managed to hold. The fear is of the S&P 500 MACD possibly turning down. In May, when the MACD turned bearish, the index corrected from 1,415 to 1,291, a decline of 8.8%. So be very careful now, and perhaps wait and buy on a possible pending correction.
My stock analysis is also partly based on the light trading volume during the upward streak. Failure to see high volume indicates an absence of mass market participation.
Unless there is fresh data that support additional gains, stocks c… Read More
What You Can Learn From the Solar Energy Market Meltdown
By Mitchell Clark, B.Comm. for Profit Confidential
For the most part, good timing results in the majority of your investment returns, whether you're investing in the broader stock market or in a specific market sector. The problem, of course, is that nobody can predict the future and trying to time the stock market is extremely difficult. (See The Best Stock Market Advice I Know: Get Ahead of the Business Cycle.)
A Dire Warning for Stock Market Investors A stock market crash bigger than what happened in 2008 and early 2009 is headed our way. In fact, we are predicting this crash will be even more devastating than the 1929 crash… …the ramifications of which will hit the economy and Americans deeper than anything we've ever seen. Our 27-year-old research firm feels so strongly about this, we've just produced a video to warn investors called, "A Dire Warning for Stock Market Investors." In case you are not familiar with our research work on the stock market: In late 2001, in the aftermath of 9/11, we told our clients to buy small-cap stocks. They rose about 100% after we made that call. We were one of the first major advisors to turn bullish on gold. Throughout 2002, we urged our readers to buy gold stocks; many of which doubled and even tripled in price. In November of 2007, we started begging our customers to get out of the stock market. Shortly afterwards, it was widely recognized that October 2007 was the top for stocks. We correctly predicted the crash in the stock market of 2008 and early 2009. And in March of 2009, we started telling our readers to jump into small caps. The Russell 2000 gained about 175% from when we made that call in 2009 to today. Many investors will find our next prediction hard to believe until they see all the proof we have to back it up. Even if you don't own stocks, what's about to happen will affect you! I urge you to be among the first to get our next major
prediction. |
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EDMONTON - Nate Box, the dynamic owner of the tiny, popular Elm Cafe and catering outfit, has a new project. Starting May 1, he is taking over the food service area at the Devonian Botanic Gardens and turning it into the Birch Patio. The outdoor, seasonal restaurant will be open seven days a week (mostly during the day) and if it's raining — you might want to stay home. There is no inside space.
But there will be at least 60 seats (between picnic tables and patio tables) and Box is having a lot of fun designing the new menu, which will include foods reminiscent of camp. The Birch Patio will be like a sister to the Elm Cafe, but with its own au plein character.
"Our brand will be 'defining summer,'" says Box.
Watch for special events including Date Night, and brunch on the weekends. Also new at Elm Cafe is a soon-to-open, 35-seat private dining room at the cafe's catering kitchen, located on Alberta Avenue (elmcafe.ca) .
- If you were thinking of joining me on my food tour of Italy, which runs from May 19 to May 30, Tuesday is the deadline to join our happy group as we move through Parma, Torgiano and Rome, in search of another perfect morsel. Newwest Travel is taking care of the details, so call 780-432-7446 (newwesttravel.com).
- I had a coffee the other day with chef Blair Lebsack, because I was eager to hear how plans were coming together for his new restaurant, RGE RD. With any luck (admittedly rare in the construction business), the restaurant should be open in May in the space once occupied by The Blue Pear at 10643 123rd St. Just as exciting, though, as the thought of a new farm-to-fork restaurant in Edmonton, are Lebsack's plans to expand his outdoor, farm-supper concept. He'll be holding several of the events this summer at Prairie Gardens Adventure Farm, near Bon Accord. Watch for details on website (prairiegardensadventurefarm.com).
- The popular campus restaurant, The Greenhouse, is opening a second location downtown on July 1, according to its co-owner, chef Mikhail Prime. The new digs will be right beside the Bistro Praha on 101st Street, just north of Jasper Avenue. The restaurant will have 45 full-service seats, and there will also be a take-out option for those who like their healthy salads on the fly (thegreenhousesalad.com).
- Thanks to all 215 people who entered last week's contest to win a dinner for two at one of the Joy Road al fresco vineyard dinners in the Okanagan this summer. Our winner is Karen Buchanan (joyroadcatering.com) .
- Chef Brad Smoliak invites foodies to his storefront, Kitchen, to buy some of his own Easter-friendly creations on Thursday, March 28, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday, March 30, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The products include his yummy Bacon Jam (perfect for grilled cheese sandwiches), Saskatoon Compote (with honey and lemon), Hot Fudge Sauce, Barbecue Rub and Pomegranate Dressing (good for salads, as well as roasted lamb or glazed ham). Kitchen by Brad (kitchenbybrad.ca) is at 101, 10130 105th St.; 780-757-7704.
- Pop a pita in your pocket at the Palestinian Bazaar, a day-long festival celebrating the richness of the Palestinian culture to be held on Saturday, March 30 at the TransAlta Arts Barns, 10330 84th Ave. The local Mediterranean food producer, Pita Bake and Cedar Sweets, is fixing snacks for the day. There will also be a chance to purchase fair trade Zaytoun olive oil and spices, with proceeds supporting disadvantaged farmers in Palestine.The bazaar is organized by the local non-profit, Humanserve International (humanserve.org).
- The Journal had a story in the business section last week, pointing to problems for some organic milk producers in Alberta. But Becky Lipton, executive director of Organic Alberta, wants consumers to know that there are lots of opportunities to buy milk that's organic and from Alberta — if you just know where to look.
It's not just the niche grocery or health food stores that are carrying Alberta organic milk. Dairyland produces local organic milk, and is found in major grocery stores from Safeway, to Save-on-Foods, to Sobeys, to Superstore. Shoppers Drug Mart and Sunterra Market also carry Dairyland organic milk. (NOTE: the two and four-litre bottles are full of Alberta milk. The one-litre, Dairyland containers are filled with B.C. milk.)
If you typically support smaller grocers, know that Vital Green organic milk (produced near Picture Butte) is found at Amaranth in St. Albert, Plant Organic (south), The Organic Box, Wild Earth, Earth's General Store and Blush Lane. Organic products from Rock Ridge Dairy (located near Ponoka) can be found at Pangaea Market, the Italian Centre (north and south), The Organic Box and Blush Lane. In Stony Plain, Rock Ridge is found at Homegrown Foods, and the new, gigantic, Freson Bros. For other details on local organic products, go to organicalberta.org.
- Around Christmas, I was raving about the panettone from DeFazio. Now that Easter is nearly upon us, know that the gourmet products store (specializing in biscotti) has a beautifully packaged spring version of the same bread for Easter cooking and gift-giving. DeFazio is at 12853 52nd St., Kennedale Plaza, 780-452-8960 (defaziogourmet.com).
Bookmark my blog at edmontonjournal.com/eatmywords or follow me at twitter.com/eatmywordsblog
© Copyright (c) The Edmonton Journal


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Posted: Apr 4, 2012 9:17 AM by Cecilia Stevenson
Updated: Apr 4, 2012 9:18 AM
The festival will be at Blackham Colisuem on Saturday, April 14, 2012. The doors open at 8:00 am and the fun lasts until 5:00pm. There will be over 80 booths and vendors on hand. The master gardeners will also have a booth. Tickets are $5 for people 12 years of age and up. There will also be a children's corner with face painting, balloons and fun gardening activities.
for more info visit: IRA Nelson Center


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POLICE in a Mexico City suburb arrested a Catholic priest for allegedly murdering his pregnant mistress on Easter Sunday — then chopping up her body.
Authorities said Fr Cesar Torres Martinez, 42, confessed to strangling 22-year-old Veronica Andrade Salinas after she confronted him over . the pregnancy and demanded money.
Fr Torres had just presided over a pre-dawn Easter Mass at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Netzahualcoyotl, just east of Mexico City, when Miss Andrade confronted him in the rectory, the state prosecutor's office said.
After a deadly struggle, the priest dismembered Miss Andrade's body with a kitchen knife in the rectory bathroom and dumped the remains in a plastic bag outside a, local cemetery, the prosecutor's office said.
Fr Torres said he was having an affair with Miss Andrade, who was survived by an 18-month-old daughter, according to the prosecutor's office.
The BBC reported that Miss Andrade's mother said the two had been in a sexual relationship for years, since they met when Miss Andrade was 13, and that the surviving child was theirs.
The priest is awaiting formal charges for murder and mutilation of a corpse.


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2013 Instructional League stats
Here are the final stats from the just completed Fall Instructional League out in Goodyear, Arizona. The Indians once again shuffled a lot of players in and out of the lineup and on and off the mound over the four week period. While the data sample is small, there are always a few things you can take away from these performances.
Thanks as always to Arthur Kinney for doing all the legwork in compiling these stats!
Note: The statistics listed below are from those available and...
This article is available to Indians Baseball Insider subscription holders only. If you are already a subscriber you are either logged out or your account has expired. Please Login or click here to renew your account. If you are not a subscriber, you can click here to create an account » |


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Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-3: a synthetic protein fragment that stimulates collagen synthesis in the skin and the formation of skin glycosaminoglycans (i.e., Hyaluronic Acid).
Glucosamine: controls the formation of AGEs, stimulates formation of Hyaluronic Acid and collagen and helps control age-related hyperpigmentation.
Corallina Officinalis (Red Seaweed): helps firm skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines.
Yeast Extract: helps stimulate wound healing, collagen formation and increases oxygen utilization in skin.
Oryza Sativa (Rice) Bran: extract derived from the outer husk of the rice kernel. Rich in Phytic Acid to aid in softening and exfoliating.


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This is a great little place to stay! Very clean and friendly staff. Totally worth the price and very close to the strip. Will stay here again on my next visit to Vegas!
- Also Known As:
- Regency Hotel
United States >
Nevada >
Las Vegas
Free Parking
Ranked #190 of 270 hotels in Las Vegas


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Founded as a single store in 1960, Domino's Pizza today stands as the recognized world leader in pizza de... more
At Knd's Pizza, we're a Family owned and operated independent Pizza & Sub shop. We Offer Dine-in, Delive... more
Local Premium Listings
© 2013 Local Corporation - US Patent 7,231,405
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Items filtered by date: January 2012
Tuesday, 28 February 2012 21:29
How Successful is Your Own PMO? Take the 5 Question PMO 'Acid' Test
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Tuesday, 28 February 2012 21:06
Project Management Best Practices: Planning the Project
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Tuesday, 28 February 2012 20:48
Project Manager and Business Analyst In Tandem for Success
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Wednesday, 22 February 2012 16:39
A Question of Credibility: Why are Project Managers Afraid to Stop Projects?
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Wednesday, 22 February 2012 10:10
From the Sponsor's Desk – Tenacity Can Achieve Miracles
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Drew Davison
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 11:34
Ten Reasons to Trash your Risk Management Plan
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Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:38
Avoid Failure - Facilitate Effective Communications
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George Pitagorsky
Wednesday, 15 February 2012 10:36
Selling Project Managers on Consistent Project Practices
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Kiron Bondale
Monday, 06 February 2012 16:44
The Agile Project Manager—Getting Out of Jail Free
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Robert Galen
Monday, 06 February 2012 12:07
Tangoing Your Way Through the Executive/PMO Relationship
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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 11:17
Where's the Loyalty? How to Get The Most Out of Your Team Even in the Most Trying Times
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Wednesday, 01 February 2012 11:05
How Do We Market & Promote a Project to Ensure Success?
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Lisa Anderson
Wednesday, 01 February 2012 10:50
Project Management Best Practices: Laying the Foundation
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Mardel Price $14.95
Ship To:
Junior Anderson and crew are back and ready for Christian family fun!
When Junior is late for dinner yet again, he tells his parents a lie to get out of trouble. When Junior's mom takes his lie seriously, Junior tells another and another. Before he knows it he and his mom have embarked on a lie-inspired road trip across country! Can Junior learn not to "bear false witness" before it's too late? Exodus 20:16.
Come laugh with Junior, his family, friends and a lying giant named Lyle Little as they learn that the best stories to tell are filled with nothing but the truth!


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Get MemeStreams Stuff!
Why, yes, I think every man, woman, child, and pet should have a knitty ski mask-- it's an inalienable right, is it not?
--:--:--| hodgepodge |--:--:--
From skullaria:
I love all the jibjab animations.
This one is too funny.
I've memed so much discussion about this but haven't memed the meme itself! - T
JIBJAB does 'This land is our land' Political Humor at its best
] Dockers recently came out with a new brand of pants, the] Go Khakis, which promise to keep your legs stain-free] using revolutionary nanotechnology. ] ] We couldn't help thinking that Dockers might be using the] word "nanotechnology" more for marketing muscle than for] true scientific purposes, so we called its customer] service line to ask a few pointed questions. Here's a] slice of the conversation.
CNN.com - Little robots in your pants - Jul. 18, 2003
] "Elite members of the cast of Star Wars prove that they] are all natural-born homey g's. "
AtomFilms - Star Wars Gangsta Rap
God kills a domo-kun
Everytime you send that fucking picture...
""We have carried out experiments which show that what is known in the trade as the 'beer-goggle effect' does actually exist," Barry Jones, professor of psychology at Glasgow University, told Reuters Monday. "
They needed a study for this?
"When it comes to the population of Great Britain being invited to wipe their bottoms on what appears to be the work of a Knight of the Realm...it's time to take a stand."
Sounds Like Science Fun Factoid
Somebody has *alot* of time on their hands....
Lego Dilbert


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Angel House has a super location, set just outside the busy hustle and bustle of Ludlow; the house has plentiful parking and super views.� The friendly proprietors are very attentive and provide a com...
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This quiet country restaurant with rooms in the picturesque village of Leintwardine, set beside the River Teme, is just a short distance from Ludlow and Craven Arms. The interior is stylish and all th...
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Upper Buckton is a Georgian house surrounded by beautiful grounds that slope gently down to the mill stream and out to the motte. Beyond this lies the ha ha, old fashioned meadowland, the River Teme a...
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Over 150 people gathered at the Central Bank last night in the aftermath of the eviction of Occupy Dame Street (ODS). They then marched to Pearse street Garda station to demand the return of confiscated property but for unknown reasons the Garda prevented them for reaching the station, knocking many to the ground while doing so. Following on from the violence used during the 4am eviction that morning this represents a radical departure from the 'softly-softly' policing that has characterized the interactions of the state with ODS to date.
A large force of Garda and council workers were deployed at 3.30am today, International Women's Day, to clear Occupy Dame Street (ODS) camp. The camp was completely demolished in the course of the eviction, campers intimidated and their personal property stolen. This was a level of force way out of proportion with the numbers in the camp (about 15 people) and stands in contrast with the lack of resources put into investigating what happened at Anglo, the collapse of which has left a debt of 26,000 Euro on every single person in the country. [Italian translation]
Over the past month, Occupy Wall Street has chalked up a large number of bold actions against both government and private authorities; it has led an attempted general strike, raucous marches, occupations of banks and abandoned buildings, disruptions of political speeches and press events, and a massive West Coast shut down of major port terminals partly to aid longshore workers in their fights against their employers.
Singer songwriter Christy Moore dropped into Occupy Dame Street in Dublin last night to sing and send grettings to all the Occupy camps in the major cities of Ireland, at Cork, Limerick, Belfast, Waterford, Kerry, Athlone, Galway and the over 2000 Occupy camps world wide. In the video Christy refers to being in the 'Yellow Submarine,' thats the wooden structure built to serve as a kitchen for a camp that is waterproofed with heavy yellow plastic. Christy then sings 'Ride On' before heading off into the night to the applause of the assembled campers.
(Pic: a still from Dave's video of
Christy Moore at Occupy Dame Street)
In the region of 2,500 people took part in Saturday's Dublin Council of Trade Unions demonstration in Dublin. Although this made it the biggest anti-austerity demonstration in the city since the massive ICTU demonstration of last year the small number attending was a wake up call for anyone on the left or in the unions who is optimistic about significant resistance to the crisis emerging in the short term.
I visited the site of Occupy London when I was in London at the end of October for the London anarchist bookfair and took the photos that in the flickr slideshow below. These are a selection of over 100 shots, in particular I took photos of all the signs and leaflets that were stuck up to archive, most of them aren't interesting enough to include here though.
The last 3 General Assemblies at Occupy Dame Street have seen greatly reduced numbers in comparison with those leading up to the controversial vetoing of common work with DCTU. I've been at all three and it seems quite a number of people have walked away, at least for a while, including at least a couple of the blochers. On the other hand the camp is solidifying, in particular with the construction of a large wooden hut last night to be used as a kitchen. It sends the clear message to those watching that whatever the differences we have been debating out under their CCTV cameras the camp is not going away.
Monday night saw the final in a series of Occupy Dame Street's GA's that focused on the proposal that ODS link up with the Dublin Council of Trade Unions. Unfortunately both proposals for some form of collective participation in the DCTU protest march of November 26th were vetoed by a small informal group who objected to working with the unions on what amounted to a range of ideological concerns.
As we prepare to enter the 3rd month of the Occupy movement a commonly heard criticism targets both the lack of clear demands and the related complex and often drawn out decision making processes being used at Occupy General Assemblies. These criticisms however miss the point, against the traditional left with its package of pre-set answers (best before 1917) what makes Occupy different is that process of decision making through assembly. The assembly form is not just a way of making decisions but also a different form of doing politics. The Assembly is in embryo the different world we seek to create.


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When my friends and family back home were fussing about me being so far from home and the potential dangers to me (they know I used* to be jinxed), I would just say: "Look, I've always wanted to die an interesting death so as long as it's not boring, don't worry about me"! I don't actually want to die yet (yet? EVER!!) but what I meant was I wouldn't mind if I got a few headlines and went out with a bang.
As one friend who's in the Polis said to me in a very stern voice: "Now listen here young lady (he did call me young, he DID!) I've watched many a person die an unusual death and not one of them looked like they were having fun"!
Anyway after my brush with what was nearly an interesting (if not unique) death I've changed my mind. In Galle, we've just had the scariest rainstorm ever. Thunder, lightning and floods. The office is full of people today all stifling giggles at my tendency to leap out of my chair with every crack! Anyway my boss came in to tell me to switch off and unplug everything which I did. Just before I unplugged we heard a very loud crackling noise rippling through the office and everyone set off to investigate.
Half an hour later, thunderstorm over, none the wiser about the noise, I sit down to get on with work and what do you know? The hard drive's done in. Apparently the loud crackling was my hard drive being struck by lightning. Just as well I decided only minutes before to stop using it as a footrest then isn't it? Just as well my mother doesn't read this blog don't you think? And just as well I've decided I'm no longer jinxed and I no longer want to die an interesting death wouldn't you agree?
What kind of headlines would you get from that anyway?
"Volunteer catapulted by lightning into next door fruit shop"
- 'if she wanted a banana, she only had to ask' wept local shopkeeper / tuk tuk driver / translator / hotelier.
- 'if only she'd not decided to put her feet up on the computer and do her work like we're (not) paying her to' lamented her boss.
'she'd do anything for attention but I never thought she'd take it this far. Ah well' sighed all of her mates in Glasgow, collectively, before returning to their drinks.
Exactly, rotten headlines. Dead! And forgotten! Couldn't get much worse. So my message to God, or Buddha or whoever it is that created this planet and decided I could spend a bit more time here is this: thank you very much and I take it all back, I don't want to die an interesting death. I'll just be happy living an interesting life. I'm even referring to my being jinxed in the *past tense! I must mean business. Right, storm's gone and I've got work to do before I go swimming. Maybe I can swim TO the pool!


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Published on 17 - August - 2011
BRC launches new Footfall and Vacancy Monitor
The British Retail Consortium is launching a new monitor next week to report on how shopper numbers have changed year-on-year, and also reveal shop vacancy rates. The quarterly Footfall and Vacancies Monitor (FVM) is being produced in collaboration with customer-counting services provider Springboard and the Association of Town Centre Management.
It will monitor approximately 63m footfall counts from 500 different retail locations, breaking down the data by region and between high streets, retail parks and shopping centres.
The first FVM will be released next week, comparing footfall in May, June and July with the same months in 2010. It will also provide vacancy rates for May 2011.
The BRC said the monitor will "fill a key gap in the economic indicators available for assessing the progress of recovery".
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- 10 May 2011Caring for mothers
- 17 Apr 201110 things I hate about adulthood
- 15 May 2011In remembrance: Ussman Ghauri's personality still 'draws' crowds
If you are the type that prefers personalised gift items over those that though heavy on the wallet say very little, chances are you have come smack in the face of a dead end in the local market. There are very few options for the Pakistani gift shopper.
Varah Musavvir, an enterprising young textile design student at the Indus Valley School of Arts and Architecture (IVSAA), realised this gap in the market and set out to launch Firefly — a home-based business that one of her customers described as the "Hallmark" of Pakistan.
One year since its launch, Firefly has grown to heights Musavvir says she had never imagined before. The project started randomly in March 2010 when she was doodling habitually and came up with a design and idea for a wallet card. A few sifts through the pages of her prized journal after which her brand is named and a few doodles later, Musavvir had come up with the character Sue that adorns some of her designs and cards along with taglines and quotes she had written in her journal herself. The next step was to post pictures on Facebook and tag her friends and voila — orders started coming in.
Firefly offers a variety of products ranging from wallet cards on PVC (a concept unique to Pakistan), key chains on PVC, notebooks, bookmarks, digital CD printing, laptop skins, scrap books and other papercraft.
"I like coming up with my own messages and taglines on my products," says Musavvir. "I have seen what is already available and I didn't want to just take that. I wanted Firefly to be my own. It's funny that people can automatically relate to a lot of what I write and make. They see that it is heartfelt because they see that it is coming from someone who has probably gone through or seen it all. They can click with it, so they usually don't ask me to change it."
But when people do want customisations, Musavvir is ready to make them at an added price. Sometimes people ask for personalised messages and text or a personalised look to the characters or a different colour. And part of the reason behind her success is that Musavvir can cater to all of these requests.
Musavvir does not have a creative department or an operations director. She runs the business alone with a little help from her younger brother and manages to balance it along with her studies. Orders are received via email, sent out and picked up in batches from her trusted printer twice a week and subsequently picked up from her college where the gatekeeper helps handout the orders.
"When I started, it was just friends, then it was friends of friends and then friends of friends of friends and then I just lost track," she says. Firefly's Facebook page now has over 1,500 fans. "Till now, it has been solely marketed through Facebook. I did have invitations to school melas etc, so that was a bit of added publicity but most of it has been marketed online. I have also had bulk orders when friends ordered stuff for their organisations or for fundraising. Firefly goes like hotcakes for fundraising because people can put their logos on them or their personalised messages on them."
Customers often come up with their own innovative ideas for customisations or ways of presenting the gifts. Firefly has also seen orders from abroad — from the United States and United Kingdom to Saudi Arabia and Dubai.
In the future, when she has more time, Musavvir plans on expanding Firefly into textiles. She envisions Firefly to become a complete collection of gift items.
"Firefly is not just a business, it's not just a brand," she says. "It's something that is spontaneous and part of my journal. It's just what I like doing. Like a firefly, it glows wherever it goes. It is about spreading smiles."
Like its slogan (The forecast is whimsical, with a chance of rainbows), Firefly is an attempt to add the essential dose of optimism we often find missing in our lives.
Items available at Firefly
Wallet cards
Key chains
Book marks
CD prints
Laptop skins
Published in The Express Tribune, May 16th, 2011.
So proud of you!!!
Lonnng live FIREFLY!
smile sunshineRecommend
The firefly brand is a display of the positivity and productive use of skill to create unique and custom made designs that are excellent gifts and works of art in themselves. Talent and self expression become meaningful when you can successfully create what you like, and enable others to share happiness. Our country needs role models like firefly as lightbearers of entrepreneurial spirit. I have seen the strength and power of design to elevate inside us a sense of commonality, and a truly pluralistic society needs displays of creativity to showcase young talent. Firefly is a spark of creativity in the growing paradigm of imitation and mass production. My best wishes for the brand, its products and philosophy that they come from. Recommend
Something i want to add here is Varah has been the Students' Council president for few months and she had been dealing with alot of pressures from school also,but still she managed to pull through alot of things. She recently exhibited here brand on the Art Showcase event. so yeah….. HATS OFF to her :-)Recommend
I absolutely love the concept of Firefly but I also want to be able to get my hands on some of the stuff!:) I can't seem to find the facebook page for Firefly. I would be grateful if you could help me out.Recommend
I am a fan of firefly. Ever since it has started I havent looked back at the market. I am really happy to see it featured here because it deserves the kudos. I pray it keeps growing and keeps making us happy. Go firefly!!Recommend
Firefly! The name itself makes me think of doodles and lines which make me smile and give me a fuzzy feeling inside. I love Varah's work. It's creativity mixed with love and magic. All the best to her for the future and I know she'll definitely go places. InshAllah! :)Recommend
Here you go Zainab – https://www.facebook.com/Whimsical.Firefly
Firefly is awesome! Feels good to see a piece on it, as it definitely brings happiness into our lines :)
Every piece is beautiful and every idea as unique. Keep up the awesome work Varah!Recommend
Zainaib here you go
Firefly's page on facebook.Recommend
just type firefly int he search box…it has a yellow logo =)Recommend
here's the link in case u cant find it still..
Hope this helps =)Recommend
Good job sister, I'm proud of you! Keep up the good work. :)Recommend
Firefly spreads smiles~ That's a creative idea! And you really did it, When I read this article and think of my firefly, I can't help smiling. Thank you so much!!Recommend
Telling you that you're "appreciated" does not do Firefly & you justice. You're the best!Recommend
Watching firefly grow and evolve has been an honor. Varah has always had a beautifully unique way of looking at the world and she has captured her own essence as well as the thoughts of others marvelously through Firefly. Amazing job, and i cant wait to see what this creative genius comes up with next. :) Lots of love and best wishes.Recommend
I am overwhelmed and completely in awe with all the kind thoughts, appreciation and immense prayers from everybody. They are a grave means of support and constant motivation-encouragement for me. I'm blessed to have an opportunity to spread smiles. :) JazakAllah everyone! And Alhamdulillah to all the beautiful rainbows our way! Smile Sunshine! Recommend
More in Life & Style
Talent for design


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For all our sturdy independence, few entrepreneurs can function completely alone. We make the decisions alone and we take responsibility alone, but that does not mean we do not need information, and, sometimes, advice.
Some of our advisers serve a specific purpose – most obviously, our accountants, or management consultants on a specific project.
There is also a tribe of mentors, counsellors, and advisers who offer ongoing general advice. Some may be glorified bureaucrats or bank managers of dubious value. Others may be non-executive directors who bring something tangible to the table.
Whatever their status, there are some qualities all business advisers must have:
1 Experience – not particularly of your sector and their specialist task, but of business in general
2 Enterprise – only an entrepreneur can really advise an entrepreneur
3 Independence – beware of "business advisers" who work for banks, insurance companies, or government fronts
4 Integrity – someone advising you to do something dishonest may be dealing dishonestly with you
5 Discretion – if he tries to impress you with talk about other clients, it means he is talking about you to them
6 Positive attitudes – you need someone who is frank about potential difficulties but who shares your belief in ultimate success
7 Commitment – it is not always appropriate but you may have more confidence in someone who is prepared to take a stake in your business, who wants share options as well as, or instead of, fees up front.
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Chairman Lauderdale called the duly posted and noticed meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. Pledge of Allegiance. In attendance were Lauderdale, Supervisors Kulik, Kukla, Kamps, Millard, Attorney Harvey, and Adminis¬trator Downing. Clerk/Treasurer Kirch took the minutes of the meeting.
Motion (Millard/Kamps) to approve the minutes from May 10, 2010. Approved 5 0. Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to approve the Treasurer's Report as presented. Approved 5 0. Balances reported as of May 31, 2010:
10003 LGIP Savings 793,738.48 Total Income 1,657,906.67
10007 Money Market Account 22,839.11 Total Expense 1,125,237.06
10013 Chase Tax Checking Account 6,371.86 Net Income 532,669.61
10015 Chase High Yield Savings Acct 432,973.60
1100 – General Checking 239,652.17
Total Checking/Savings 1,495,575.22
Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve bills from 05/08/10 through 06/11/10. Approved 5 0. Pay request No. 1 received from Valia Excavating for $42,240. The boat launch is out of compliance with the original plan. Work will be redone beginning July 6th for ten days to complete the project to original specifications. Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to authorize payment of $21,035 to Valia Excavating LLC. Approved 5-0. This amount is 90% of what they owe their suppliers and subcontractors. Resolution No. 195 was presented to amend the 2010 budget. Motion (Kamps/Kulik) to approve Resolution No. 195. Approved 5-0.
Administrator's Report (Downing) –
• Ribbon cutting ceremony for the South Shore Boat Launch.
• Attended the Mercy Hospital ground breaking. Working on a PILOT program with them.
• Trying to get a decent phone system for the Town Hall. TDS is not working with us or delivering on the phone system we had requested.
• The proposed Schofield Road substation.
• The fire address signs out at Geneva National have caused quite a stir and we are trying to work with them to bring this to a good solution.
• Attending meetings about Short Term/Long Term rentals in not just our township but other areas and getting their input.
• Meeting candidates for representative Lothian's position.
• Meeting with the Lodge at Geneva Ridge and the CAN/AM group on a hockey event for Lake Como.
• Working on a possible grant for Palmer Road.
• Have added four new FunFestival committee members – they are very enthused to be on committee; Jay and Carol Hencken, Jason Eck, Belinda Harris, Dru Scarbrough.
• I was honored to be able to present the Town of Geneva Charlotte Peterson Memorial Scholarship to: Joyti Gill at Badger HS – Joyti is a resident of the Town of Geneva and quite an honor student.
• Distributed copies of a proposed resolution concerning the use of the Town website. We are being asked more and more often about our website and it would be beneficial to have something in place. Not looking for any action on this tonight but would invite your comments at a later date.
Public Comments –
• Gary Duffy, W4086 Lake Shore Drive – He is against ST rentals. Distributed draft of an ordinance. Requests to be on the July agenda.
• Scott Letteney, N3299 Sycamore Road – Reviewed items from Chapters 1 and 2 of the recode of ordinances including 1.05 (4b)(4d) and 1.06 (5e). Discussed the statute changes taking place on January 1, 2011.
• Ron and Dawn Greiner, W3321 Park Drive – Property owner at Birch and Cedar Roads was told by the Board last year that he had to mow his property as was done in the past. Hasn't done that. Also a light has been erected by him within three (3) feet of a fire hydrant. Pictures provided. Chief Gritzner will follow through with the complaint. The Greiner's request to be kept informed.
• Ed Bloch, W3682 South Shore Drive – Object to Alliant substation: It will be put into a residential neighborhood; it is unsightly, will decrease property values, it is a potential hazard.
• Dan Finkel, W3666 South Shore Drive – Opposed to substation. Has put house up for sale. Has two kids and doesn't want to live by a substation. Shouldn't be located near a boat launch and the lake.
Supervisor Kamps gave the Plan Commission Report –
• Alliant Energy/WP&L requested a Conditional Use for the property located on Schofield Road for an electrical substation. Over 100 names of people on hand against the substation location on Schofield Road. Petition with 74 names on it, only 6 of those people were in the audience, so 68 other people chose to sign the petition rather than show up at the meeting. Ed Bloch, W3682 South Shore Drive and Dan Finkel, W3666 South Shore Drive spoke against the request during public comments. Plan Commission made a motion to approve the Conditional Use by Alliant Energy with ten conditions. The motion failed 3-4. Motion (Lauderdale/Kukla) to recommend to County to deny this Conditional Use requested by Alliant Energy for the following reasons as spelled out in the County Ordinances: 1) The intent of Ordinance 74-154 is to regulate the use of structures, lands, and waters within shoreland areas of Walworth County. Doesn't feel allowing this use is allowing regulation of those shoreland areas; 2) Concerned, based on public comment this evening, of the secureness with safety from fire, flooding, panic and other dangers for the neighbor residents; 3) Doesn't further the appro¬priate use of the land and conservation of the natural resources in that area; 4) Stabilizing and protecting the natural beauty and property values of the County or the general area, as indicated in the public comment; 5) Doesn't facilitate the adequate provisions of public facilities and utilities in that area such as the Boat Launch and the Duck Lake Nature Trail; 6) To preserve the beauty and rural character of the County for that area through the permanent preservation of meaningful open space and sensitive natural resource areas. That area is filled with trees and adjacent to the nature trail; 7) To provide for an opportunity to create an interconnected network of protected lands as defined in shoreland zoning. Approved 5-0.
• Supervisor Kamps currently resides as Chair of the Plan Commission. He has asked to be relieved of those duties. Lauderdale asked any of the other Board members if they would fill that position. None volunteered. Lauderdale appointed himself as Chair of the Plan Commission. Round of applause given to Kamps.
• Clerk/Treasurer Kirch gave the building permit report.
Ed Snyder discussed the CAN/AM organization and their Pond Hockey Event to be held February 24. There will be nine (9) rinks. Reviewed the lighting, markings, safety concerns, etc. Working on a Memorandum of Understanding. Will partner with the Lodge at Geneva Ridge for three (3) years. Leaflet distributed, DVD supplied. Add to July agenda.
Additional revisions need to be made to Ordinance No. 20. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to table. Approved 5-0.
Committee Reports –
• Police Department (Kukla) – Four part-time officers have retired from the Town. Boat patrols the lake on weekends. Need to advertise for part-time officers.
a) Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to table action on the Policies and Procedures of the Police Commission. Approved 5-0.
b) Lake Como Yacht Club has requested a road closure and special event permit for the Cardboard Boat Races to be held July 31, 2010. Motion (Kukla/Kamps) to approve the permit and road closures on Willow and Apricot Roads at Hemlock, and Lake Shore Drive from Hemlock to Begonia from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Approved 5-0.
c) Town of Geneva FunFestival has requested a special event permit and road closures for the event to be held August 7, 2010. Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to approve the permit and road closures of Lake Shore Drive from Hemlock to the East Side of Dandelion, with the placement of barricades at Lake Shore and Willow, Apricot, Begonia, and Canary from Noon until 11:00 p.m. Approved 4-0-1 (Kulik). Kulik stated he doesn't think the Town should support this festival.
d) Motion (Kulik/Kukla) to approve the appointment of Tom Walton to replace Larry Vant on the Town of Geneva Police Commission. Approved 5-0.
• Lake Como Sanitary District (Millard) – Geneva National tower was out of service on May 3rd and 4th for an inspection. Used the LCSD interconnection.
• Municipal Court (Letteney) – Municipal Court report given by Judge Letteney. He was elected Vice President of the WI Municipal Judges Association.
• Fire Department Elkhorn (Lauderdale) – Nothing to report.
• Fire Department Lake Geneva (Kulik) –
a) Contract expires at the end of this year. Previous contract was for five (5) years. Lauderdale would like to limit the term to a one (1) year period due to the efforts with Linn and Williams Bay for a substation. Proposal is to charge the Town a $20,000 retainer and then $1,000 for each fire call, including false alarms. Patient will be billed for the rescue call if transported, approximately $800. If not trans¬ported or transported by Paratech, Lake Geneva will bill $150, plus Paratech will also bill. Questioned who would be responsible if County dispatches the wrong department. Add to July Agenda.
• Highway Department (Millard) – Will begin misting for mosquitoes on July 1st and then every Thursday. Weed harvesting starts Wednesday. Road on the 2010 Road Program are Petrie (30% grant), Marshall Lane, and Kelly Road. Alternates are Park Drive and Palmer Road.
• Park Commission (Packard) –
a) Nominate John DeBaere to fill the spot on the Park Commission. Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to appoint John H. DeBaere to the Town of Geneva Park Commission to fill the remaining term (3 years) of Dominick Bierdek. Approved 5 0.
b) Packard presented project description and options available for weed control at the Town's two parks. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve Option B for both parks. Approved 5-0.
c) Sending a letter to the DNR to get permission to cut back some of the vegetation on the berm that runs from Hwy H to Duck Lake Nature Trail. This would greatly improve access to DLNT as well as provide people walking with dogs, bikes, etc. the ability to get off of Hwy H and get into Town a little more safely. Hoping the DNR will also provide some funding to maintain that trail.
d) Boardwalk for DLNT will be approximately 400 to 500 feet long, 15" wide, 5½" high. Bid from Scott Sponholz is being revised. Received permit from Army Corp of Engineers to build the boardwalk. Parker can deliver the materials to the site. Tractor would need to straddle it.
• Lake Committee (Kukla) – Created map to section lake into different cutting zones for the weed harvester operators. Received $250 from the Lake Geneva Lions Club for fish stocking. Need to advertise for hiring part-time workers for weed collectors. Reduced boater safety class to two times this season; July 22-24 and August 20-22. Kulik, Woelky, and Kukla will help teach the course. Need to order materials. On August 1st Mars will host the Wake the Lake 2010 wakeboarding event.
a) Have put together guidelines regarding functionality (opening/closing) for the spillway. Lake Committee unanimously recommends approval. Motion (Lauderdale/Kulik) to accept the Policies for the Highway Department and the Town entitled Policy for Dam Gate(s) Operation. Approved 5-0.
b) Don Woelky has requested a permit for the Wake the Lake 2010 wakeboarding event to be held August 1st from 8:00 a.m. until sundown. Area in front of Mars will be buoyed off. Safety issues have been addressed. Lake Committee unanimously recommends approval. Motion (Kukla/ Kulik) to approve the special event permit for the Wake the Lake 2010 wakeboarding event at Mars Resort on August 1, 2010. Approved 5-0.
c) Motion (Lauderdale/Millard) to table action on the Launch Fees until September when the Lake Committee will address it. A recommendation to the Board is expected by November 1st. Approved 5-0.
• School District Report (Kulik) – Letter that was sent to Mr. Ketchpaw with the Elkhorn School District was read. Requests the District to really scrutinize all operations and contracts. Woods School has set a 0% raise for next year, with Williams Bay's at 1.7%.
Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve the liquor licenses for Anthony's Steak House, Como Inn, Duffy's Pub & Cottages, Flanagan's North, Foley's Bar & Grill, Freddie's West End, GN Club 755 Tubby's Hamburger Stand, Geneva National Golf Club, Handa Mart, Hawk's View Golf Club, Hemingways, In The Drink, Kirsch's Restaurant, Lake Como Beach Clubhouse, Lodge at Geneva Ridge, Mars Restaurant & Resort, Moose Creek Bar & Grille, Silver Bullet Saloon & Grill, and Sugar Shack provided that all fees due to the Town are paid, their applications contain the correct current seller's permit number, and all of the applications are filled out correctly. Information missing for Anthony's, Como Inn, and Moose Creek. Approved 5-0.
Motion (Kamps/Millard) to approve original operator licenses for Michael Anderson, Chloe Arenz, Jason McMahon, James O'Donnell Jr., Brianna Peyer, Dina Puerner, Kara Schellin, and Heather Sepp. Motion (Kamps/Lauderdale) to approve renewal operator licenses for Morgan Bergsma, Melissa Charo, Krista Cocroft, Deborah Cuder, Cyndi Dietze, Andrea Dunbar, John Franzene, Barbara Fukal, Amanda Joyce, Edward Krause, Kelly Krueger, Linda McCormick, Susan Nowicki, Riley Omon, Lucille Pacholczak, Linda Parker, Joel Serrano, Tammy Severt, Kathy Swaney, Carter Szok, Margaret Szok, Lorelei Tenhagen, Jebby Werner, and Jamie Wisniewski. Approved 5-0.
Motion (Lauderdale/Kamps) to table action on Chapters 1 and 2 Code of Ordinances until July. Approved 5-0. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to table action on Chapters 3 and 4 Code of Ordinances until July. Approved 5-0. Concerns on any of these chapters should be forwarded to Attorney Harvey.
Attorney's Report –
• Perez property dispute claim being handled by Crivello Carlson, through our insurance carrier. Harvey supplied file information to them. Remains in process.
Motion (Kamps/Kukla) to move to Closed Session pursuant to Sec. 19.85 (1)(c) to consider employment, promotion, compensation or performance evaluation data of any public employee over which the governmental body has jurisdiction or exercises responsibility; Sec. 19.85 (1)(f) to consider disciplinary data of specific persons, preliminary consideration of specific personnel problems or the investigation of charges against specific persons which, if discussed in public, would be likely to have a substantial adverse effect upon the reputation of any person referred to in such histories or data, or involved in such problems or investigations regarding Robert Haase; Sec 19.85 (1)(e) for deliberating or negotiating the purchasing of public properties, the investing of public funds, or conducting other specified public business, whenever competitive or bargaining reasons require a closed session. Approved 5-0. Motion (Lauderdale/Kukla) to go back into Open Session at 10:19 p.m. Approved 5-0.
No action taken on closed session item relating to Sec. 19.85 (1)(c). Pursuant to Sec. 19.85 (1)(f) to consider disciplinary data. The Board has seemingly reached a consensus. Motion (Kamps/Millard) to appoint Attorney Harvey, along with Chief Gritzner, to contact Jim Korom in regards to initiating disciplinary action against Officer Haase. Approved 5-0. Pursuant to Sec. 19.85 (1)(e) for negotiating the purchase of public properties, the consensus of the Board was to retain additional services. Motion (Kukla/Kamps) to retain Attorney McCormack for an additional $1,000 to work as a consultant and to provide advice to the Town Council pursuant to the Como Auto Salvage property. Approved 5-0.
Motion (Lauderdale/Millard) to adjourn at 10:23 p.m. Approved 5 0.
Chairman Lauderdale
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
Supervisor Kamps Supervisor Millard
Supervisor Kulik Supervisor Kukla
Respectfully submitted,
Debra L. Kirch, CMC/WCMC Clerk/Treasurer


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381 TSA Officers Have Been Fired For Stealing Your Stuff
September 28, 2012 – According to the TSA, 381 TSA officers have been fired for theft between 2003 and 2012, including 11 so far in this year. We can safely bet that number will continue to rise because TSA will hire anyone with a pulse to fondle you, your kids, and snoop through your personal property.
By the way, this does not include the officers who have been convicted of child porn, child molestation, rape and kidnapping.
This is the group of fake Federal Agents who are hired to protect you. They are not law enforcement officers. They are dime a dozen security guards who probably couldn't qualify for a job flipping burgers or washing dishes. The TSA appears to be nothing more than a federal jobs program for people who can't get a job anywhere else.
Read Story HERE