text:
Welcome to our Massachusetts Employment Law Forum. Feel free to post questions, answers, or comments about hiring, firing, workplace policies, and other MA employment and labor law issues. If you need professional legal advice, please use our Attorney Directory to find a MA employment attorney.
Have a question? Use our SEARCH feature, below, to find your answer. For example, if you have a question about employee rights under MA law, simply enter one or two key words, such as: employee rights
Before we get to the forum, we'd like to present some basic information about employment law in Massachusetts. As with some of the other topics covered in our various forums, employment law is a very broad subject that involves many topics, including wages, overtime, child labor laws, employee rights, and employment discrimination. As you read this synopsis, if you see terms you do not understand or that you would like more information about, just use our search tool to find more in-depth discussions.
The first broad area of labor and employment law, perhaps the one that is of interest to the greatest number of our readers, is employee rights regarding wages and time worked. If you use our search tool, you will find many questions and answers dealing with overtime pay, the minimum wage, tips, holiday pay, meal breaks, etc. Those who live and work in Massachusetts can also avail themselves of many government sponsored resources. There are numerous government websites dealing with employee rights, and the Attorney General has a Hotline that MA residents can call to get information about their rights on the job. (617-727-3465).
In other threads on this forum, readers will find detailed discussions on the difference between at-will employment and contract employment, and how those two broad categories of employment are treated differently under MA law. This is a key distinction because, with many exceptions (also discussed in the forum) employers are free to terminate at will employees for any legal and non-discriminatory reason. Contract and union employees, on the other hand, can only be terminated for certain, specified reasons.
Finally, readers will find a good deal of information about various types of employment discrimination. It is common for workers in Massachusetts to believe they have been treated unfairly, or even fired, because of their age, ethnicity, gender, or just because they did or refused to do something on the job. Believing you have been treated unfairly, however, and actually proving in a court that your employer violated the law are two very different things. Hopefully, readers will find sufficient information on these pages to help them assess their situation and determine whether they should contact an attorney.
Good luck in your search for legal information, and please let us know what you think about The Forum.
|Last reply
|Employer slander?
I work for a large financial institution. The company has clear policies for approval of certain products they sell. My job is to inspect/review the a...
| 5 days 9 hours ago
by jazzman2
|flat rate pay questions
I am a detailer working for a dealership i am on the flat rate pay system i have a few questions. first lets say i work 50 hours in a week but i on...
| 3 weeks 3 days ago
by jamesjanusz
| 1 week 8 hours ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|PLEASE ANSWER - Can I be terminated for calling out sick with a doctors note? (Retail Holiday Work)
Good evening, I work at a store at a mall, as a shift manager. Needless to say, it is getting busy due to the time of year, and the extra hours an...
| 1 week 23 hours ago
by Sick with a note
| 1 week 8 hours ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Hourly rate for vacation
My workplace has an accrual vacation time system (1.5 days per month) - I recently received a raise. I was told that my vacation time earned prior to ...
| 1 week 6 days ago
by draughtash
|Standard practice for lunch break
It is standard practice at my place of employment to take a hour lunch break even though technically the policy is 30 minutes unpaid. I just returned ...
| 2 weeks 4 days ago
by Kimberlylynn
|days off from work after 42 hours in 5 days
can my boss make me work on saturday or sunday if i worked 40 hours monday through friday already?
| 2 weeks 5 days ago
by joesmo
| 2 weeks 5 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Salon owner cuts hours no notice
The owner of my salon has had multiple claims of harassment, which have never gone through because those stylists were under contract not to work with...
| 3 weeks 4 hours ago
by Devieluc
I work on a swing shift seven days on two days off. we run 24/7,we were told that the law changed and we can only work six days two off did the law ch...
| 3 weeks 6 hours ago
by daniel mcgrath
|Must MA employers give paid sick time?
I'm new to the job market after graduating from high school in MA. I'm surprised to find that many employers do not have any paid sick time for emplo...
| 44 weeks 6 days ago
by SueNT
| 3 weeks 9 hours ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Overtime: Mass. vs Fed. rate
Based on my research on overtime pay for restaurant employees, Massachusetts restaurant employees are not entitled to overtime pay under State law but...
| 3 weeks 5 days ago
by umakemekissu
|Overtime Pay Rules
I work as a Data Analyst temp at the Dept of Health and Human Services. Recently our department has experienced an increase in the volume of work and ...
| 5 weeks 23 hours ago
by JD02121
| 4 weeks 4 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
Is it legal for my employer to dock an hour pay for being 1 minute late? I get paid by hour. For example I'm scheduled for 7 am come in at 7:01 am. I ...
| 4 weeks 5 days ago
by anthony413
| 4 weeks 4 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|"Day pay" for salaried employee.
I am a line cook working over 50 hours a week on average. I am on salary. Working 5 days a week, my pay is always the same, as it should be on salary....
| 4 weeks 5 days ago
by hbrady
|performance evaluation & retroactive pay
My performance evaluation was given 3 months late by my boss, i got a good review and am due a raise. my question is does my company have to pay me ba...
| 4 weeks 5 days ago
by close shave
|Full time
My employer has notified us that they have looked into the law of full time workers and full time officially starts with 30 hours a week so therefore ...
| 6 weeks 2 days ago
by Prettyunique90
| 6 weeks 2 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Am I entitled to accrued vacation time if i resign in MA
My employee handbook states upon termination eligible employees will be paid for accrued but unused vacation. My boss says I am not entitled to it bec...
| 6 weeks 3 days ago
by melissa1989
|My employer has no proper leave policy
My employer only say, we have "open leave policy". And it also says, its just require approval from the management. It never says, how many number of ...
| 6 weeks 5 days ago
by simonos
|Paid Training
My daughter started a job last week at a small family owned business. She trained for the customer service position for approximately 2.5 hours. They ...
| 7 weeks 9 hours ago
by maddy6427
|Ma required mileage reimbursement
Are Ma employers required to reimburse mileage to all eligible employees at the same rate? ie $.45/mile. More specifically, would it be legal for emp...
| 7 weeks 6 days ago
by gateman7
|Can employer underpay me if I'm late for work?
is it illegal for my boss to pay me for half a day if im 30 minutes late but i still worked from 9:30-6:00
| 7 weeks 6 days ago
by amanda21
| 7 weeks 6 days ago
by Rob Fortgang
|Nanny Wage Laws
I am hitting a brick wall finding any info on how nannies should be paid in Massachusetts, so I would be much appreciative of some insight. I am a...
| 8 weeks 4 hours ago
by HELP123
|Server wage deduction
Can a restaurant manager force a server to pay for a mistake they made? For instance, food that was rung into the computer system incorrectly or sent ...
| 8 weeks 2 days ago
by Emphaff
| 8 weeks 2 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Forced to come in early, need clarifaction.
To whom it may concern, Recently my boss told me that I needed to be ready to work at my scheduled time which includes an apron and at times a b...
| 8 weeks 3 days ago
by Okktral
|Transfer of significant distance
My wife is being transferred from a store she works at that is roughly 20-25 minutes to one that is over an hour away. She was already unhappy with he...
| 9 weeks 5 days ago
by VermillionDe
|Employee sent home midshift
If my boss sent me home in the middle of my shift and I don't have any vacation time/sick days left will I still get paid for the entire day?
| 10 weeks 23 hours ago
by Craftypatty
| 10 weeks 12 hours ago
by The Editor
|Confirming employment
If a potential employer calls a previous employer will they be told if a person was terminated for cause or just given employment dates? Is there a la...
| 10 weeks 1 day ago
by Freegirl14
|Laid Off with no Annual Review
I was laid off as June 20th due to apparent funding issues. During that time I was a union hourly employee. Due to union negotiations with the compa...
| 10 weeks 2 days ago
by myright
|Paid Breaks
Under MA state Law, am I required to take an unpaid break for a shift under 6 hours ? under 5.5 hours or under 5 hours ????? I work at an airport a...
| 10 weeks 6 days ago
by galfriday66
| 10 weeks 6 days ago
by Rob Fortgang
|MA freelancer law
Massachusetts has a freelancer law that says a company with an office in MA cannot hire freelancers in the same industry as the company. Is this discr...
| 11 weeks 2 days ago
by Writer1
|Collecting back overtime question
I recently was discharged from a job do to bullying by my Supervisor. After leaving my position, I realized I had worked so much overtime in the past...
| 11 weeks 6 days ago
by bostongirl33
| 11 weeks 6 days ago
by bostongirl33
|Can I be fired for running for political office?
If I run for a local or state office that is not a full time job/commitment, can my employer fire me even thought I have stellar performance?
| 11 weeks 6 days ago
by bigsauce
| 11 weeks 6 days ago
by The Editor
|Mandated flu vaccine at work
My employer is forcing us to get a flu vaccine. I am pregnant, have researched the chemicals in the flu vaccine and am NOT willing to put that into my...
| 12 weeks 5 days ago
by Smc0615
| 12 weeks 4 days ago
by The Editor
|violation of smoke free work place
I work at a nursing home where patients are allowed to smoke outside with CNA lighting their cigaretes for them. It used to be that CNA's who smoke to...
| 12 weeks 6 days ago
by redwindsor
| 12 weeks 6 days ago
by The Editor
|Limitations on use of vacation time in Massachusetts
I just went back to work after being on vacation for 1 week. I was told by my boss that I cannot take a week at a time anymore because she was too tir...
| 13 weeks 1 day ago
by 2twins2
| 13 weeks 4 hours ago
by The Editor
|Sole Proprietor Prevailing Wage
If a contractor who has won a public works project in MA uses sole proprietors (no employees) as subcontractors on said public works project, is the s...
| 13 weeks 10 hours ago
by ConstantContract
| 13 weeks 10 hours ago
by The Editor
|Travel reimbursed by employer for remote employee
I work for a large international company based in MA. I am going to be moving overseas (EU) for personal reasons and working remotely from my home off...
| 13 weeks 2 days ago
by kristinawoessner
| 13 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Dangerous Parking Situation @ Work
I work at a dealership and they are requiring us to park across the street in a lot then cross a busy 2 lane state highway to get to work each morning...
| 13 weeks 2 days ago
by redbull111
| 13 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Workplace Closing so no severance package?
I was recently informed my company is moving the product line we make to an another existing facility. As my company no longer needs the plant site, t...
| 13 weeks 4 days ago
by employmentlaw101
| 13 weeks 2 days ago
by Kevin M. Kinne
|Monetary review
Question: I have been employed at the company I work for, for two years. June 16th 2014 makes my second year. The policy of the company is to give you...
| 17 weeks 2 hours ago
by shaeed Hall
| 13 weeks 3 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|No pay after resigning
I quit my job August 1st, I should have recieved my pay check on the 8th, they told me they mailed it on the 6th, but I have yet to recieve anything T...
| 15 weeks 1 day ago
by cedrick
| 13 weeks 3 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|husband suspended from work for a week with NO warnings
Two weeks ago my husband was suspended from work for 3 12 hour shifts (basically a week of work) with NO, zero, written or verbal warning ever given t...
| 13 weeks 3 days ago
by concerned wife
| 13 weeks 3 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|promotion discrimination based on race or ethnicity in MA?
I have been working for this company as an assistant house manager in a group home for over seven years. When i got hired the guy who is my current bo...
| 14 weeks 2 days ago
by mankind
| 14 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Required contents of employee records?
Less than a year ago, I, along with the entire salesforce, was laid off by a MA-based pharma company, with very little notice. I requested my full emp...
| 14 weeks 2 days ago
by GCS
| 14 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Unemployment benefits when job relocates
I was informed my job would be relocating to a city that is too far for me to travel. I am currently a full time employee (40hr).I have been looking f...
| 14 weeks 2 days ago
by CYNTHIA SHULL
|Unfair treatment and no action from HR
A recent complaint was logged with HR about my boss which everyone in the department has to speak with HR about. The complaint came from an anonymous ...
| 15 weeks 2 days ago
by ehackett
|Employer not scheduling employee to work at all
I was just wondering if not scheduling an employee is illegal in Massachusetts. My employer hasn't put me on the schedule for this upcoming week at al...
| 15 weeks 4 days ago
by cupcakee
| 15 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Employer refuses days off, overtime pay, or use of vacation time.
I have worked for the same company for nine years now. I started at the bottom as a customer service rep and worked my way up to now being an assistan...
| 15 weeks 6 days ago
by krisbl19
| 15 weeks 6 days ago
by Attorney Hennessey
|Employee records
I was laid off by a pharmaceutical compmany and was given a very short window to access my emails. I didn't collect all my compensation records, meani...
| 16 weeks 6 hours ago
by GCS
|Paid Time off Cap
My employer has a fairly generous time off policy, however, they do cap it. Once I reach 552 hours of PTO, I will stop accruing until I use some. I am...
| 16 weeks 4 days ago
by Jfaudree
| 16 weeks 4 days ago
by The Editor
|Forced resignation after action plan
Recently at my job I was told that I needed and action plan in place to bring up my scores because they were low. After writing an action plan and hav...
| 16 weeks 5 days ago
by Rmp7943
|Employee rights to Personal file after termination?
Do I have rights to a copy of my personal work file if I have been let go?
| 17 weeks 5 hours ago
by zoey234
| 16 weeks 6 days ago
by zoey234
|FMLA with employers having less than 50 employees
AM I covered under FMLA if my Massachusetts private employer has less than 50 employees? I have an ADA disability
| 17 weeks 5 hours ago
by Marley100
| 17 weeks 42 min ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Can a company pay out different percentage commission structure to employees?
Is it allowable for a company to pay out a commission of 1% of gross sales to one employee and 2% gross sales to another employee? I was recently o...
| 17 weeks 1 day ago
by intricatefool
|Can employer limit cash value of vacation days upon resignation?
I have resigned a position, I know that I need to be paid for unpaid vacation days, but there was a clause in my contract limiting to $55 per day as a...
| 21 weeks 2 days ago
by johnmteach
| 17 weeks 1 day ago
by johnmteach
|Exempt Overtime Question
I am a 59 year old woman working 50-60 hours a week as a counter attendant in a small café in Massachusetts. I am not being paid overtime. The ca...
| 17 weeks 2 days ago
by cynbrown5
| 17 weeks 2 days ago
by Kevin M. Kinne
|1099 employee access to personnel file
If someone is a standard employee for a company, I understand there are rules about maintaining personnel files, notifications, and allowing access. D...
| 17 weeks 3 days ago
by mottconcord
| 17 weeks 2 days ago
by Kevin M. Kinne
|Hours reduced
Hello. I was recently told that my hours would be reduced at work from 40 down to 6 due to budget cuts. Unfortunately, I am last in seniority. I am b...
| 18 weeks 21 hours ago
by anabelle21098
| 18 weeks 11 hours ago
by The Editor
|Improper uniform deductions reimbursement?
I turned my uniforms in over 6 months ago, but my company never stopped my paycheck deduction. Am I entitled to reimbursement of these funds? Yes, I s...
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by chasure
| 18 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Performance Evaluation Duspute
An employer gave an annual performance review accompanied by a pay raise. The employee wanted to comment on the evaluation as permitted on the form. ...
| 2 years 33 weeks ago
by Fitzme
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Employee rights re bad Performance Review
My 2012 performance review was better than my 2013 review, even though in 2012 I handled less projects than in 2013. My manager made a point of noting...
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by JobAdvice29
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|CBHI and Fee for Service worker violations
I resigned recently from working with a Boston based non profit that contracts with the state. This agency provided services under Children's Behavior...
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by prettyjaded
| 18 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Termination of employee with contract
I signed a year contract with an employer I had been working part-time for 7 years. Our contact was for 1 year. I get either a base salary or % of sal...
| 18 weeks 3 days ago
by cmabikes
|Medical time off for someone not covered by FMLA
My husband has only been employed for under 3 months at a new job, and is therefore not eligible for FMLA. He also of course has little to no accrued ...
| 18 weeks 4 days ago
by Ruth R. Faris LICSW
| 18 weeks 4 days ago
by The Editor
|Permanent non-compete clause enforceable?
I am working as an hourly contractor who works for a third party company. My "agreement" (contract) has a non-compete section. The company I provide s...
| 20 weeks 22 hours ago
by sarah777
| 19 weeks 1 day ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|On call and holiday pay
Hi. My question is, if a per diem (on call) employee works a holiday like the 4th of july; does the employer have the right to say they dont have to p...
| 19 weeks 1 day ago
by employee1
|Financial background check - can bad credit influence hiring decision?
Apologies if this has already been asked, but I couldn't find this topic. I've been interviewing recently and a background/financial check is mandator...
| 20 weeks 23 hours ago
by sarah777
| 19 weeks 3 days ago
by Attorney Hennessey
|Number of max vacation days decreased but no compensation.
A friend suggested I check this out. I work for a non-profit college. Two years ago they decrease our max number of vacation days from 25 to 20 ...
| 20 weeks 2 days ago
by mmvk
| 20 weeks 1 day ago
by admin
|Losing my earned vacation time
Hi, I am an exempt, non-union, full time employee at a non-profit healthcare organisation. When I first started this job there was no limit on how ...
| 1 year 23 weeks ago
by bananamonkey
| 20 weeks 2 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Employee not given any hours but not fired?
my daughters place of employment has continuously cut her hours at work and has failed to schedule her for any days this week. Is that legal and how l...
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by sbauer12
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Working 7days a week for a year and a half w/no time off
Hi. I started working for a woman in MA as a PCA. I work 35 hours a week which I get paid through an agency. But my employeer also needed a live in ov...
| 22 weeks 5 days ago
by crmsnldy
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Illegally withholding commissions and bonuses?
Calculating Commission - The company I work for does not have a computer commission calculating system in place. They also tell us anything that does ...
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by Titan1
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by Attorney Hennessey
|Background Check Limits - Mass
Hi, I have a few out of state misdemeanor convictions. They are all over 10 years old. Will this cause me to fail a background check in Massachu...
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by acs
| 20 weeks 6 days ago
by The Editor
|Intern needs help
I have been an un-paid M.A. intern at a chiropractic office since early April, up untill a few days ago, I was told by Staff and patients alike that I...
| 22 weeks 3 days ago
by Skyrose
| 22 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Vacation pay after I leave job
I have been with my company 10 years and every year I get 2 weeks paid vacation and am required to take it the first 2 weeks of August because that is...
| 22 weeks 4 days ago
by Caleighwill2010
|Unemployment benefits after job training?
I just started a new job, I actually had one week of training, and they won't have an open slot for me until after four weeks. Am I able to collect Un...
| 22 weeks 5 days ago
by NewBaby14
|Forced to take calls while on vacation
I have an approved vaction. I was assigned two call shifts during vacation. Is this legal?
| 22 weeks 6 days ago
by patrick
| 22 weeks 6 days ago
by Rob Fortgang
|Illegal working conditions (too hot) in MA restaurants?
If you work in a fast food restaurant in ma and they want you to wear black long plants, shirt, apron, cap and shoes and there is no air conditioning,...
| 23 weeks 7 hours ago
by twitter123
| 22 weeks 6 days ago
by The Editor
|Can employer refuse to let me go home sick?
Can an employer deny an employee's request to go home sick, or make them wait for a replacement worker to arrive?
| 23 weeks 20 hours ago
by jclutie79
| 23 weeks 6 hours ago
by Rob Fortgang
|Earned Bonus Withheld after Resignation - Commissioned Employee
My friend had a sales job which was paid on base plus commission. She earned a 'bonus' that was based directly on how much she sold. She accepted a ne...
| 23 weeks 1 day ago
by patsfan89
| 23 weeks 1 day ago
by Attorney John Davis
|Forced overtime when late for work
Hello, My question is this-Recently my job has instituted a new rule. If you are late more than 4 times. You will be required to work an extra Saturda...
| 23 weeks 3 days ago
by sharshar14
| 23 weeks 1 day ago
by sharshar14
|Employer withholding half of my accrued earned time following termination
I apologize if this has been answered before, but when I searched the forums I did not seem to see this brought up or answered. I provided my current ...
| 24 weeks 6 days ago
by benzinoxrf
| 24 weeks 7 hours ago
by benzinoxrf
|Exempt Employee and on call hours
I am a building Commissioner in Ma , Supposedly titled a salaried employee and Exempt from overtime , my question is about being on-call for after nor...
| 24 weeks 4 days ago
by Inspector
| 24 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|hostile work environment questions
Hello, The business that I work for has been experiencing a very hostile work environment for some time now which has lead to several of the staff qu...
| 25 weeks 3 days ago
by darumama
| 25 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|holiday pay for seasonal employees
Are employees hired for 16 weeks in the summer working a 40 hour work week, entitled to any benefits such as sick time accrual or holiday pay for July...
| 26 weeks 9 hours ago
by anne s
| 26 weeks 9 hours ago
by The Editor
|Minimum wage required for sales staff in MA?
I'm thinking about taking a job at a Massachusetts retailer as a sales person. The manager I spoke to about the job says that there is no minimum wag...
| 26 weeks 1 day ago
by JTDicks
| 26 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Are commissioned employees in MA entitled to collect overtime pay?
I work at a store that sells appliances in Massachusetts. I get minimum wage plus my commissions for sales. I always do pretty well with my commis...
| 28 weeks 10 hours ago
by Brotwo
| 26 weeks 1 day ago
by Alan D. Meyerson
|Force employees to buy uniforms?
In Massachusetts can a hospital require employees to purchase uniforms that are embroidered with the hospital name and logo as a condition of employem...
| 27 weeks 3 days ago
by Lyro80
| 27 weeks 3 days ago
by The Editor
|Management taking credit card tips
I recently came to America on a short-term working visa and am currently working as a server/host in a restaurant in Boston. I've noticed in my pay ch...
| 1 year 16 weeks ago
by eimhin
| 28 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|Hiring Terms
Hi. My boss recently said that there would be no more "accommodations" for me attending college and that I would have to choose between college or wor...
| 30 weeks 3 days ago
by aross
| 29 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Can my employer limit how much vacation time I accrue?
I started a new job in Massachusetts last month. I'm happy with the job but I noticed something as I was going through the employee handbook where it...
| 29 weeks 1 day ago
by JedB9
| 29 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Can I be fired for interviewing with other companies?
Can my current employer fire me if they discovered I was interviewing with other companies?
| 30 weeks 5 days ago
by Drained
| 30 weeks 5 days ago
by The Editor
|Small Claims against employer
I was selected to go on a trip out of the country as an annual award offered by my employer, where I paid ~$450 airfare for my guest. Since then I pu...
| 30 weeks 6 days ago
by lawquestions.mass
|Can MA employer deduct credit card charges from wait staff tips?
I work at a high volume restaurant in Essex county. This is the first place I've worked that the employer withholds all credit card tips and distribut...
| 31 weeks 14 hours ago
by Gretadee.mlg
| 31 weeks 10 hours ago
by The Editor
|Employers, personal information, and the Massachusetts Data Security Law
Occasionally, we get questions from readers who are nervous about providing personal information to current or potential employers. So, here is ...
| 32 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Compensatory time instead of overtime pay legal in MA?
At some times during the year my boss has several of us work more than 40 hours in a week. He then gives us time off the next week and calls it compe...
| 33 weeks 1 day ago
by Bigbruin
| 33 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Can employer make me waive wage claim if quit or leave job in MA?
I was let go by my company last month because of the slow economy. At the time I didn't have any issues with them and they gave me a small severance ...
| 34 weeks 2 days ago
by Turn78
| 34 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
|No hourly wage for working as a bartender
I work at a bar in Lynn and am not paid an hourly wage of any kind. I work only for tips. Is that legal in MA first off. Secondly there are 2 bartende...
| 35 weeks 5 days ago
by malawkw
| 35 weeks 4 days ago
by The Editor
|Severance and unemployment insurance benefits
My position within my company has been eliminated. I have chosen to separate from the company rather than demote myself and take a pay decrease for do...
| 36 weeks 2 days ago
by Isisosiris0429
| 36 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|With new job when does unemployment benefits stop?
I start a new full-time job next week but have been collecting MA unemployment benefits. The new employer does not start paying be until I've worked ...
| 37 weeks 1 day ago
by FGB67
| 37 weeks 1 day ago
by The Editor
|Can employer take away vacation time after firing employee in MA?
I'm starting a new job next monday with a small accounting office in MA. The guy who hired me told me that "as a courtesy" they give employee one wee...
| 38 weeks 2 days ago
by MandyR
| 38 weeks 2 days ago
by The Editor
For additional information about this area of Massachusetts law
try our Quick Information Library or search The Forum for MA Law (top, right corner of page).


text:
Theodore Bostwick
March 12, 1920 — June 1, 2014
Walla Walla - Theodore William "Ted" Bostwick, 94, passed away June 1, 2014, at Park Plaza Retirement Residence.
There will be a brief celebration of life held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 8, 2014, at Park Plaza Retirement Residence, 1400 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla. Rev. Joel Ley of the Christ Lutheran Church will officiate.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Mountain View-Colonial DeWitt, 1551 Dalles Military Road, Walla Walla.
More like this story
Use the comment form below to begin a discussion about this content.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|< prev
|next >
Soaring Dimensions 2014, now and all year long on San Diego Source. The special report features articles, profiles and videos on some of San Diego's most recognized companies involved in making San Diego soar once more. Construction, architecture, engineering, tenant improvement companies, plus law firms and government, all working to create a vibrant economy and positive local impact.
Learn how the SourceBook is a viable, interactive, reconnaissance vehicle that will help you grow your business.
Visit the SourceBook now!
Associate at Allen Matkins San Diego, Timothy Hutter's drive and passion for law have earned him recognition as a top Young Attorney for 2012 by The Daily Transcript.
August 13, 2012 -- Phil Alexander and Ryan Harris of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers explain why teamwork is so integral to the success of their firm and in succeeding in achieving the best results for their clients.
July 16, 2012 -- Ted Bumgardner, President of construction expert witness consulting company, Xpera Group, chats about what sets his company apart from the competition and his love of the business.
John Gomez chats about his law firm and why they are different from other San Diego personal injury law firms.
Keith H. Rutman explains how ordinary people can find themselves in need of a criminal defense attorney and how he can help them through tough times.
Business & Real Estate Trial Lawyers
Kaloogian & Fuselier LLP
July 14, 2011 - Robert J. Francavilla, an attorney with San Diego-based Casey Gerry, discusses his experience in handling personal injury cases
July 11, 2011 - Attorney Ryan Harris of Harris Personal Injury Lawyers, with offices in downtown San Diego and Oceanside, talks about benefits and reasons for hiring a personal injury lawyer.
|< prev
|next >
Check out Point Loma Nazarene University's Fermanian Business & Economic Institute's Economic Outlook Forum on Dec. 5, 2014 at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla from 7:30 to 9 a.m.


text:
Aiming to correct imbalances, Emerson C. Hasbrouck, senior educator of Cornell Cooperative Extension's Marine Program, testified before the U.S. Senate that the federal quotas on harvesting summer flounder - also called fluke - puts New York's commercial fishermen at a disadvantage when compared with other states.
For summer flounder fishing allocations, several states enjoy expansive shares: Rhode Island, 15.7 percent; New Jersey, 16.7 percent; Virginia, 21.3 percent; and North Carolina, 27.4 percent. New York's fisheries get a mere 7.6 percent share.
In 2011, summer flounder landings in commercial fishery were 16.5 million pounds, or about 94 percent of the commercial quota, reports the Northeast Fisheries Science Center, a division of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
The share discrepancies stem from outdated accounting methods for catches, Hasbrouck says: "The fish did not avoid New York fishermen nor were the New York fishermen any less skilled at catching fish. The basis of the problem and of the inequity in the state-by-state allocation is the system of accounting for commercial fish landings that was in place during the baseline qualifying periods."
Read the full story at U.S. AgNet>>
National Fisherman Live: 11/06/14
In this episode:
NOAA report touts 2013 landings, value increases
Panama fines GM salmon company Aquabounty
Gulf council passes Reef Fish Amendment 40
Maine elver quota cut by 2,000 pounds
Offshore mussel farm would be East Coast's first


text:
Choose your preferred language. We speak English and 41 other languages.
Most often used by people in the United States
All languages
J.D. Power 2012Booking.com rated highest in customer satisfaction among 10 popular travel-booking websites.
BBB acredited businessBooking.com USA: "Meets BBB accreditation standards … to make a good faith effort to resolve any consumer complaints."
Adjacent to Santa Monica Pier, this hotel overlooks the ocean and the Los Angeles International Airport is 9 miles away. It features an outdoor pool with hot tub and an on-site restaurant. There are 2 people looking at this hotel. More
This California hotel is 4 blocks from the Santa Monica Beach and Pier. An outdoor pool is available along with rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV. There is 1 person looking at this hotel. More
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean, this historic, boutique hotel is 10 minutes' walk from Santa Monica Pier. It offers a gym, indoor and outdoor dining and elegant rooms with free Wi-Fi. More
This boutique hotel is adjacent to Santa Monica Beach and 1 mile from shopping at Third Street Promenade. It features massage service and spacious rooms with plasma TVs. There are 4 people looking at this resort. More
Featuring a full-service spa and rooms with a 42-inch flat-screen TV, this ocean-front hotel is a 3-minute drive from Santa Monica Beach Park. It features an outdoor pool and hot tub. There is 1 person looking at this hotel. More
Located across from the Santa Monica Beach and just a 5-minute walk of the Santa Monica Pier, this features an outdoor heated pool and guest rooms with free Wi-Fi. More
Santa Monica Pier and Pacific Park are within a 15-minute walk of Bayside Hotel. This hotel offers a terrace with gardens and modern rooms with free Wi-Fi. There are 2 people looking at this hotel. More
On Ocean Avenue strip, just a 4-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier and Tongva Park, this hotel features 1950s California beach vintage-style architecture. It features rooms with free Wi-Fi. There is 1 person looking at this hotel. More
On the famous Oceanfront Walk, these historic apartments have rooms with beautiful views of Venice Beach and the Pacific Ocean. Free Wi-Fi is available in all areas. There are 3 people looking at this condo hotel. More
In the heart of Santa Monica, California, this eco-friendly hotel has air-conditioned guest rooms and a heated outdoor pool. Santa Monica International Chess Park is 1 mile away. There are 2 people looking at this hotel. More
Featuring free Wi-Fi and a full kitchen, these 2-bedroom Santa Monica apartments are a 10-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier and Beach. Free guest parking is provided. More
Overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the Pacific Park Amusement Park, this beachfront hotel is 14 miles west of downtown Los Angeles. It features an on-site spa and large oceanfront pool. More
Just a 6-minute walk from Santa Monica Pier, this California hotel provides each room with a private balcony. There are 2 people looking at this hotel. More
This boutique California hotel is half a mile from the Santa Monica Beach and Santa Monica Pier. It features free Wi-Fi, a Spanish courtyard and Hawaiian-themed rooms with surfboard headboards. There is 1 person looking at this hotel. More
Just 16 miles from Los Angeles, this relaxing Santa Monica hotel is one block from the ocean and features 2 outdoor pools with cabanas. Guests receive a glass of welcome champagne upon arrival. More
We've negotiated with thousands of hotels to get the very best deals. We call them Secret Deals and they only last for a limited time.
You can get these deals for free by subscribing to our newsletters. You can even choose your favorite destinations to receive personalized deals.
Get started now by entering your email address. We'll instantly send you a link to our Deal Finder!
Don't worry – your email address is safe with us. We'll never share your private information and you can unsubscribe at any time.


text:
All News & Blogs
E-mail Alerts
Visit the Photo Place
God takes only the best, and this earthly angel has earned his golden wings for eternity. Mitchell Edward Bradman, 57, departed this life on Tuesday, July 9, at VCU Medical Center.
He was a 1974 graduate of Stafford High School, where he played drums in the band. After graduation, he immediately began a long life of travel to Northern Virginia for work. Until he was forced into early retirement in 2008 due to health issues, he worked as a hardware technician for General Dynamics.
In his spare time, he enjoyed remodeling as a hobby. Mitch endured a life of illness due to congenital heart problems. He always met his challenges with the spirit of a true fighter. His love of life and persistence to beat the odds earned him the respect of others. He amazed his physicians with his strong will as he surpassed the life expectancy of pulmonary hypertension.
A truly giving person, his main concern in life was his family. He hated the fact that he could no longer work. As always, he wanted to provide a good life for others. His primary focus was his wife, and making her life less stressful. A life cut short too soon, he overcame his many obstacles, but he leaves behind a legacy for others: the perfect husband in a happy marriage of 36 years, loving dad and "Paw-Paw." For that, he has earned his righteous place in God's kingdom.
Survivors include his wife of 36 years, Debra A. Bradman of Fredericksburg; daughters Christina Bradman and her companion, Chris, of Spotsylvania County and Rebecca Pollok and her husband, Tony, of Fauquier; mother Marion Ruth Bradman of North Carolina; sister Deborah Ayo and her husband, Dave; twin brother, Michael Bradman of N.C.; brother-in-law William Halterman Jr. and his wife, Lois of Springfield; grandchildren Courtney, Justin and Wyatt; a special niece and nephew, Ashley Miller and Trey Sisk; and several other nieces and nephews.
The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 p.m. Sunday, July 14, at Covenant Funeral Service, Fredericksburg.
A service will be held at noon Monday, July 15, at the funeral home chapel. Interment will be private.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his name to BB&T bank to assist with his medical expenses: 760 Warrenton Road, Fredericksburg, VA 22406.
Online guest book at covenantfuneralservice.com.


text:
83-15757 - 5.0" HDMI Project LCD Display
HDMI 4 Pi
A 5.0" LCD TFT display with incredibly high resolution and great angle-visibility! We tried to get the thinnest, brightest, highest resolution display that would be good for embedded computing usage. Included is a driver board with HDMI, VGA and Compo...
Mfr Name: Adafruit Industries
Mfr Number: 1678
See all items in LCDs
22-24395 - Palmscope Compact Borescope
A complete full-featured video inspection system no bigger than a smartphone. Ideal for busy craftsmen, professionals and DIYers.
Mfr Name: General Tools
Mfr Number: DCS950
See all items in Wall Scopes
82-14410 - Wireless Home Alarm System
With the Wireless Home Alarm System protecting your home, apartment or small business, security has never been so easy and affordable. The pack contains all you need for a complete wireless alarm system.
Mfr Name: Swann Security
Mfr Number: SW347-WA2
See all items in Wireless
83-16345 - Wireless Inventors Kit for Raspberry Pi
The Wireless Inventors Kit for the Raspberry Pi (RasWIK) is an exciting and affordable addition to the Raspberry Pi.
RasWIK demonstrates that with our leading edge technology anyone (and we mean anyone) can build wireless sensors and actuators , you do not need...
Mfr Name: Ciseco
Mfr Number: S005
See all items in Add-On Boards and Modules
83-15755 - 10.1" HDMI Project LCD Display
HDMI 4 Pi
A 10.1" LCD TFT display with incredibly high resolution and great angle-visibility! We tried to get the thinnest, brightest, highest resolution display that would be good for embedded computing usage. Included is a driver board with HDMI, VGA and Comp...
Mfr Number: 1287
82-14175 - All-In-One Wireless Home Alarm System
The Wireless Home Alarm is a high quality security system with user-friendly features that allow you to know your home or office is secure at all times. The system is controlled by a Smart Panel which gathers information from wireless sensors placed in various loc...
Mfr Name: Safety Technology International
Mfr Number: STI-WS100SG2
See all items in Alarm Systems
28-11109 - 8 Outlet Smart Green Power Surge Protector 4320 Joules Dual Coax 8' Cord
Go green with the new "Green Power" surge protector from Stellar Labs. It is estimated that seven percent of the world's electricity usage is consumed by electronics in standby mode. The five "Green Power" outlets on this surge protector monitor power usage, and w...
Mfr Name: Stellar Labs
Mfr Number: 28-11109
See all items in Surge Strips
105-655 - Compact True-RMS Digital Multimeter
With its simple operation, compact design and ease of use, the Fluke 115 True-RMS digital multimeter provides the perfect answer for general purpose electrical and electronic test requirements. The Fluke 115 displays True-RMS voltage and current readings with 600 ...
Mfr Name: Fluke
Mfr Number: FLUKE-115
See all items in Handheld
72-8800 - Power Panel™ DVM - Standard Unit
CAT 5/6 cables are jammed with data, phone, surveillance cameras and now 48 volts of PoE (Power over Ethernet). This DVM spots these devices and adds two interactive buttons for LAN switches and the PoE ports.
Mfr Name: Byte Brothers
Mfr Number: POE1000
See all items in Network Cable Testers
29-4565 - Rapid Charger With LCD DIS Charges 4 AA AAA
Smart chargers actually treat each battery within it,individually and detect exactly the correct amount of recharging each one needs. There is no worry that batteries charged in this type of charger might be over or undercharged. Clearly, Smart Chargers are the po...
Mfr Name: Stellar Labs Power
Mfr Number: TG-2800
See all items in Battery Chargers
72-9160 - AC Voltage Detector with IR Thermometer
Non-contact detection of AC voltage from 50VAC to 1000VAC glows red when voltage is detected
Precise non-contact temperature measurement with built-in IR thermometer
Rugged, double-molded casing with an integrated shirt/belt clip
Includes three 1.5 LR44 butt...
Mfr Name: Tenma
Mfr Number: 72-9160
See all items in AC Voltage Detectors
72-10210 - Compact Gas Leak Detector
Pen style gas-leak detector is easy to keep with you on the job. Provides both audible and visual notifications so you can use it in various environments.
Mfr Number: 72-10210
See all items in Gas Leak Detectors
105-660 - True RMS Multimeter with Backlight
Designed by Electricians. Engineered by Fluke – An Investment in Accuracy
With its integrated non-contact voltage detection and the AutoV/LoZ function preventing false readings caused by ghost voltage, the Fluke 117 Electrician's Multimeter is the ideal multime...
Mfr Number: FLUKE-117
72-6120 - Lil Bitty Tester
A fast, portable, convenient and affordable tester. A GO/NO-GO tester that fits in a shirt pocket. Designed for the professional electronic technician for field or shop work and also easy enough for the hobbyist to use.
Mfr Name: Lil Bittytester
Mfr Number: LBT-2
See all items in Capacitance / LCR Meters
105-650 - Fluke 114 True-RMS Multimeter
Designed for easy one-hand operation, the Fluke 114 True RMS digital multimeter is the perfect troubleshooting tool for "go/no go testing. Its AutoVolt capability automatically switches to measure AC or DC voltage, whichever is present. The LoZ function helps iden...
Mfr Number: FLUKE-114
MCM is a great company. Very fast service and shipping of Raspberry Pi. Will tell all my friends to buy from MCM


text:
Search for:
Recent Comments
- Dartco on [TomatoCart] An Elegant Image Preload Service for Bootstrap Template
- Andrew Cross on SocialEngine 4: Uploaded Images Take More Memory than Original Files
- Jack Yin on [TomatoCart] An Elegant Image Preload Service for Bootstrap Template
- Dartco on [TomatoCart] An Elegant Image Preload Service for Bootstrap Template
- Fabio Porta on Adding New Fields to the PrestaShop Contact Form
Tags7 add adding admin arvixe bucket change clip ClipBucket CMS cPanel/Linux Hosting create database dolphin elgg email how how to install joomla module mojoPortal net New page panel php plugin security set up setup site social socialengine softaculous tips to TomatoCart use using video web website websitepanel WordPress
Category Archives: PrestaShop
Prestashop 101 Day 13 – Prestashop CMS
In this video, we will have a quick overview of the possibilities the Prestashop CMS package grants us, and try to create a blog-like structure in our store. Running time: 10 …
Tags: CMS, day 13, editor, PrestaShop, visual Posted under PrestaShop, Video Leave a comment
Prestashop Themes and Visual Tweaks
Prestashop Themes: that's what the vast majority of Prestashop users is interested in. Today we will see how to change our store's theme and look at a couple of visual …
Tags: PrestaShop, teamplates, themes, tweaks, visual Posted under PrestaShop 1 Comment
Prestashop Discounts (Cart Rules)
Let's start rewarding our customers! Today we'll have a look at the Prestashop discounts system, known as Cart Rules, and also talk about the new feature called Catalog Price Rules. …
Tags: cart rules, discounts, PrestaShop, prestashop 101 Posted under PrestaShop Leave a comment


text:
With a background of yellow and Macaws in the center this vintage trivet fairly *screams* with color and excitement. Hailing from the Reinhold Schlegelmilch factory of Silesia, Germany between 1904 and 1938 the trivet features a combination of hand painting and transferware. It measures 6.25" in diameter and 3/8" tall and is marked with the "RS Tillowitz" logo on the back that corresponds to the above years. It's in good condition for its age with no chips or cracks, just light use scratches that can only be seen when tilted a certain way and wear to the black paint along the edge. A beautiful piece for use or display, we're certain you'll be pleased.
Item ID: ab7237
Only 1 available, and 3 other shoppers are interested. Don't miss out!
Vintage Parrot & Wild Bird Collectibles ~~ for the feather-brained!
Just in on the 20th - more bird themed treasures from our Ozark extravaganza!


text:
Domestic Violence Statistics
1 in 3 American Women and1 in 4 world wide women will be affected by domestic violence during their lifetime.
85% of domestic violence victims are female.
Only 25% of physical abuse from intimate partners is reported.
Every 9 seconds a women in the US is assaulted by their boyfriend, male lover or husbands.
Police report 40% - 60% of all calls they receive are domestic related.
April 9, 2012 The TraJa Act was signed into law. In the first year 101 abusers were charged with that Felony. 26 from that first year are currently behind prison walls in Wisconsin serving their sentence.
November 1 through November 30, 2014 - Consultant of Month is Thirty One - Consultant is Kari Clark www.mythirtyone.com/kariclark Consultant Kari Clark will be donating 15% of all proceeds back to TraJa`s Heart.
November 20, 2014 - Berlin Holiday Christmas Parade - Berlin, WI
December 3, 2014 - Celebrating four beautiful lives - A public candlelight vigil to remember the 5-year anniversary of Tracy Lynn Judd, Deja Renee, Amber and Nevaeh`s tragic domestic violence homicide that shocked the nation. The vigil will take place at the Madison State Capitol from 5pm to 6pm on the State Street Stairs. Those who are able to attend are asked to please RSVP to email@example.com by November 30.
Those who are not able to attend are asked to light one or four candles, take a photo and post it to either TraJa`s Facebook page or TraJa`s Heart Facebook page. This candlelight vigil is a reminder of these lives and all lives lost to domestic violence and to join together in the sorrow that accrues when these tragedies happen. Lets make the 5 year anniversary of these lives the biggest memorial yet. Show your support and awareness!
January 14, 2014 - 6th Annual TraJa Event - 5 to 10 pm - Badger Bowl, Madison WI - Minimum $5 donation at the door with music by Pilot - HAPPY BIRTHDAY TRACY!
February, 2014 - Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month - More details coming soon


text:
Bulgaria's Avramova Makes It to Semi-Finals in Chartres
Sports | November 22, 2012, Thursday // 13:56| Views: 834 | Comments: 0
The beautiful and talented Bulgarian swimmer Ekaterina Avramova lives and trains in London. Photo by BGNES
Sports » Be a reporter: Write and send your article Expats.bg All Are Welcome! Join Now!
Bulgaria's swimmer Ekaterina Avramova has much to cheer after reaching the 100m backstroke semi-finals at the European Short Course Championships in Chartres, France.
The swimmer, who lives and ttrains in London, clocked 59,28 seconds, a time, which ranked her at number thirteen.
The European Short Course Swimming Championships in Chartres is the first international swimming event organized in France since 1987.
After two times hosted French National Swimming Championships in 2009 and 2010, this year Chartres welcomes the best European swimmers from November 22 to 25.
- » Serbian Basketball Fan Stabbed to Death in Istanbul
- » Schumacher Paralysed - With Speech, Memory Problems
- » Bulgarian Football Union Dismisses Head Coach
- » Russian Promoter Calls Police to Investigate Klitschko's gloves
- » Kubrat Pulev: Klitscko Does Not Deserve My Respect
- » Bulgaria Surprisingly Ties with Malta 1:1 in Euro Qualifiers


text:
Teaching in Columbus Municipal School Dist
Columbus, Lowndes County, Mississippi
Getting Started in Columbus Municipal School Dist
District Financials
Median Family Income in 2000: $35,421
Per-Capita Income in 2000: $17,144
Total District Revenue: $35,753,000
Percent of Revenue from Lowndes County County: 33 %
Percent of Revenue from Mississippi: 47 %
Percent of Revenue from US: 20 %
Comparing districts in MS (See all Districts in MS)
Largest Districts
- Desoto Co School Dist
- Jackson Public School Dist
- Rankin Co School Dist
- Harrison Co School Dist
- Madison Co School Dist
- Columbus Municipal School Dist
Highest Per-Capita Income
Teaching Schools in Mississippi
Searching ...
- A private, Christian, liberal arts university founded in 1905 and open to students of any faith.
- Accredited by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
- Average class size is 20 students.
- 97% of students receive financial aid, with the average freshman receiving $10,000.
- Offers over 25 undergraduate degree programs.
- Has approximately 5,000 students; 60% female and 40% male.
- Online Courses
- Flexible Scheduling
- Accelerated Programs
- Financial Aid
- Transferable Credits
- Phoenix Career Services™ help students find careers that match their interests & map out a personalized career plan.
- Mentorships & networking opportunities available through Alumni Association of 800,000+ graduates.
- Flexible start date and class schedules.
- 100+ locations and online options.
- Offers special military rates and special advisors who have a military background.
- Students can earn credits for applicable military training and education.
- Online Courses
- Financial Aid
- Lets undergrad students try classes before paying any tuition.
- In a 2013 survey, 83% of students said they would recommend the university to others.
- Most degree-seeking online and campus-based students are adult learners with families and students who work while pursuing higher education.
- Average class sizes is 18 for undergraduate and 13 for graduate-level courses.
- Founded in 1937 in Davenport, Iowa as the American Institute of Commerce (AIC).
- Online Courses
- Flexible Scheduling
- Financial Aid
- Transferable Credits
Capella University
• 95% alumni satisfaction rate.
• Currently holds more than 500 professional alliances, including 19 of the top Fortune 100 companies.
• Potential students may preview a free, one-week mini course to get an accurate impression of the student experience.
• Courses are taught by expert faculty, with 86% of professors possessing a doctoral degree.
• Offers credit for prior experience and learning, as well as scholarships, accelerated programs, and several other ways to help reduce tuition costs.Show more [+]
- Online Courses
- Financial Aid
- Transferable Credits
Trident University International provides an exceptional online educational experience for its students – diverse adult learners including current and former members of the military family. Adhering to the highest standards of academic excellence, faculty and staff foster a learning community where students develop critical thinking and problem solving skills to enhance their lives and advance their careers.
- Online Courses
District Map


text: Booksie.com humor/essay Publish.Read.Get.Read 2014-11-26T19:50:03-01:00 Mike Defraga(MikeDefraga.com) http://www.booksie.com/parts/images/logo.gif http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/rss/2.0/popular/1 Booksie Be My Virtual Saviour http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/paul_millard/be-my-virtual-saviour 2014-11-15T17:17:40-01:00 Finding God isn't easy, even harder when the IP address is wrong! Paul Millard http://www.booksie.com/paul_millard Homicidal Tendencies http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/paul_millard/homicidal-tendencies 2014-11-15T17:01:49-01:00 What can I say, the criminal life ain't easy. Paul Millard http://www.booksie.com/paul_millard No Signal For You! http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/paul_millard/no-signal-for-you 2014-11-15T10:37:09-01:00 My phone signal woes, all laid out for your amusement. Enjoy! Paul Millard http://www.booksie.com/paul_millard FuCoffee To Go http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/paul_millard/fucoffee-to-go 2014-11-15T10:29:25-01:00 The coffe shop culture just baffles me... read on to understand why. Paul Millard http://www.booksie.com/paul_millard The Sickness Syndrome http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/paul_millard/the-sickness-syndrome 2014-11-15T10:18:05-01:00 This week, I was sick. Read all about my close shave with death! Paul Millard http://www.booksie.com/paul_millard societal thoughts http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/iknowitscoolbro1/societal-thoughts 2014-11-10T18:36:51-01:00 Provoking your thoughts iknowitscoolbro1 http://www.booksie.com/iknowitscoolbro1 Rodent Wars http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/julyn_pride/rodent-wars 2014-11-06T09:11:10-01:00 It is that time of year when mice are finding their way into cracks in the house. We had a terrible problem last year, and it is starting again. This is a short essay on our issues with the ongoing battle of Mice and Men. Julyn Pride http://www.booksie.com/julyn_pride What can I say. http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/rebelwithoutacause/what-can-i-say 2014-11-03T04:53:35-01:00 Excuse the formatting. Rebelwithoutacause http://www.booksie.com/rebelwithoutacause Rishadyson http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/rishadyson/rishadyson 2014-09-20T02:04:01-01:00 That kind of Perfect Teeth Today scam can lead to Perfect Teeth Today scam too. Rishadyson http://www.booksie.com/rishadyson Time http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/applejacks/time 2014-08-26T00:47:22-01:00 While I was in the Navy, I showed up late for work one morning along with three other people. We were all told to write a short essay about the importance of being on time. I decided that I couldn't take this serious so I came up with this silly essay instead. If you ever need an excuse for not showing up on time, feel free to reference this. BTW, BOHICA stands for "Bend Over Here It Comes Again" Applejacks http://www.booksie.com/applejacks My 2 Cents-Hunting #3 http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/lb_studio/my-2-centshunting-3 2014-08-01T15:19:16-01:00 What we need, as a public, is very expensive gun ammunition. And a cheap cigar. Cheap cigar is a must. One must chew on a cigar while planning and executing a genuine hunt. Its the image thing. It would not be a good image for a non-smoking, non-drinking teetotaler to be target shooting or hunting. Lb Studio http://www.booksie.com/lb_studio My 2 cents-Irritating http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/lb_studio/my-2-centsirritating 2014-07-25T13:23:06-01:00 There are many irritating things in everyday life. Just to be irritating, I have listed a few. Lb Studio http://www.booksie.com/lb_studio why colours http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/artie1947/why-colours 2014-06-30T13:55:42-01:00 about using colours in phrases. artie1947 http://www.booksie.com/artie1947 The Shank Shy Meeting Redemption http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/retlaw/the-shank-shy-meeting-redemption 2014-06-14T14:27:17-01:00 A funny essay about the work place meeting. ****spoiler alert*** No bosses or co-workers were harm in the writing of this essay. This is for anybody that has ever attended a meeting at work and felt like they were in prison. Even if you never attend a meeting then let me be your tour guide into darkness. Retlaw http://www.booksie.com/retlaw say amen http://www.booksie.com/humor/essay/artie1947/say-amen 2014-06-11T12:32:55-01:00 a deaf couple having a conversation artie1947 http://www.booksie.com/artie1947


text:
Awesome: 13.16%
Worth A Look: 18.42%
Average: 13.16%
Pretty Bad: 21.05%
Total Crap: 34.21%
5 reviews, 46 user ratings
Hunger Games, The: Mockingjay, Part 1 by Daniel Kelly
Goodbye to Language by Jay Seaver
Mea Culpa by Jay Seaver
Homesman, The by Peter Sobczynski
Hunger Games, The: Mockingjay, Part 1 by Peter Sobczynski
Purge, The: Anarchy by Rob Gonsalves
Raid 2, The by Rob Gonsalves
Fault in Our Stars, The by Rob Gonsalves
Dumb and Dumber To by Brett Gallman
Space Mutiny by Jaycie
subscribe to this feed
DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews For 11/18: "Time To Drink From The Fire Hose!"
The Curious Case of "The Gambler" - The Woes of Hollywood's International Release Strategy
Films I Neglected To Review: Insert "Blind Side" Joke Here
DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews For 10/19: "The Man Has Raisins In His Brainpan!"
Films I Neglected To Review: We've Got Music, We've Got Rhythm
Films I Neglected To Review: Back To The Whoring Bed
DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews for 9/28: "Birdie Num Num."
Vancouver's favorite IFF is back and there are no buts about it
Films I Neglected To Review: Look At All The Lonely People
DVD/Blu-Ray Reviews For 9/7: "What's The Matter, Don't You Like Musical Comedy?"
subscribe to this feed
"Imagine someone shoving 'Ghost' into the middle of 'Eyes Wide Shut'"
USA 29-Oct-2004 (R) DVD: 19-Apr-2005UK 05-Nov-2004 (15)Australia 28-Apr-2005 (MA)
Directed by
Jonathan Glazer
Written by
Jonathan Glazer
Jean-Claude Carričre
Milo Addica
Nicole Kidman
Cameron Bright
Danny Huston
Lauren Bacall
Arliss Howard
Peter Stormare


text:
Caught in the Act Eric Church
On the heels of Eric Church's first million-selling album, Chief, and after achieving his first pair of No. 1 hits in the last two years, the country music rebel takes the unusual step of releasing a 17-song concert album, Caught in the Act.
The move points out that Church is selling out arenas not on the number of top hits he has, but on his reputation as a macho guy who likes to party – and put on an exciting live show.
I like my country rocking, Church sings in How 'Bout You? as Jeff Cease's inventive hard-rock guitar solo ricochets off the pounding drums of bandmate Craig Wright. Producer Jay Joyce pushes Church's voice up in the mix, and the singer's interaction with the crowd is emphasized throughout.
Altogether, Caught in the Act presents a much more engaging showcase for Church's songs than a dry collection of top hits would have.


text:
Kentridge High School
|This article possibly contains original research. (May 2009)
|Kentridge High School
|12430 Southeast 208th Street
Kent, Washington, 98031
United States
|47°25′09″N 122°10′17″W / 47.419216°N 122.171354°WCoordinates: 47°25′09″N 122°10′17″W / 47.419216°N 122.171354°W
|Secondary School
|It's a Great Day to Be a Charger
|School district
|Kent School District
|Mike Albrecht
|2,300[1] (2010-2011)
|Green and Gold
|Charlie the Charger
|The Fleet Street News
|School website
Kentridge High School is a (senior) high school that is located on 43 acres (170,000 m2) in Kent, Washington. It is the second-oldest and second-largest high school by area (while the largest by population) in the Kent School District. It primarily serves students in the northeastern region of the district.
Kentridge offers Advanced Placement courses in English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Computer Science, Art, Art History, Calculus (AB and BC), Statistics, Human Geography, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, US History, US Government and Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Physics (B), and Psychology.[2] As an alternative to AP classes, Kentridge also offers juniors and seniors Running Start. Languages available for students to take are French, Spanish, Japanese, and American Sign Language (ASL). All of the languages have courses up to the 4th year or 7-8 level. Kentridge's mascot is known as Charlie the Charger which is displayed as a horse. As of 2014, Kentridge has 2 of their students take the SAT with a high of the .5% of students in the nation.
Extracurricular activities[edit]
Annual, Anime Club, Art Club, Chess Club, Coffee club, DECA, Drama Club (Thespian Troupe), Faculty Fitness Club, FBLA, French Club, Gay-Straight Alliance, Girls' Honor, Hands Up, Japan Club, JSA, Key Club, Knitting Club, Latino Club, Link Crew, Math (Infinity Club), Metal Club, MultiCultural Club, National Honor Society, Newspaper (Fleet Street News), Photography Club, Robotics, Rally Board, Science Club, Snowriders Club, Spanish Club, Speech & Debate, VICA Auto, Ultimate Frisbee, VICA commercial Art, VICA Culinary Arts, and VICA Metals/Machines.[3]
Kentridge is a part of the North Division in Washington's 4A South Puget Sound League. The school has a lasting rivalry with Kentwood High School.
Recent state championships:
- 1st in 1973 for boys football[4]
- 1st in 1989 for volleyball.[4]
- 1st in 1992 for boys basketball[4]
- 1st in 1994 for boys swimming and diving[4]
- 1st in 1995 for boys swimming and diving[4]
- 1st in 2002 for fastpitch softball[4]
- 1st in 2008 for small varsity cheerleading[5]
Notable alumni[edit]
- Ely Allen, NASL player
- Kai Ellis, Canadian Football League player
- Marcus Hahnemann, Major League Soccer player
- Nicole Joraanstad, Olympic Curling Team Member
- David Patton, Major League Baseball player
- Brandon Prideaux, former Major League Soccer player
- Mason Tobin, Major League Baseball player
|This section does not cite any references or sources. (June 2013)
- 1992 - Jazz Band - First Place AAAA, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
- 1993 - Jazz Band - First Place AAAA, Lionel Hampton Jazz Festival
- 1995 - Jazz Band - First Place AAA, Pierce College Jazz Festival
- 1995 - Jazz Band - First Place AA Finalist, Reno International Jazz Festival
- 1995 - Jazz Band - First Place AAAA, Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
- 1996 - Jazz Band - First Place, Portland Jazz Festival (Performance, Sightreading, Soloists)
- 1996 - Jazz Band - Top Performance Score, Fullerton College Jazz Festival, Orange County, CA
- 1996 - Jazz Band - First Place, Mt. Hood Jazz Festival
- 2008 - Jazz Band - First Place AAAA, Auburn Riverside Jazz Festival
- ^ "Kr School Profile 10-11". Kentridge High School accessdate=March 15, 2011.
- ^ "Kentridge 10-11 Course Catalog". Kentridge High School accessdate=June 7, 2011.
- ^ Kentridge Clubs & Activities
- ^ a b c d e f WIAA Tournament History: Championship information
- ^ WIAA State Tournament History


text:
Random First Lines:The story of a boy who finds out what life is like when you're kidnapped and tortured. » Read
Home» Read
Welcome Visitor:
Members retain all rights to their work. Please see our Member Agreement for details.
About | News | Contact | Your Account | TheNextBigWriter | Self Publishing | Advertise
© 2013 TheNextBigWriter, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Terms under which this service is provided to you. Privacy Policy.
Disable this story.
Disable all chapters
Disable Author/Content


text:
Now Playing
Climate change
A United Nations climate change conference has kicked off in Bali. Representatives from 180 countries have gathered to lay the groundwork for a new climate change convention.
Fed on EVN at 16.00-16.02 GMT 03-DEC-2007 and APTN at 16.30 GMT.
|3 December 2007
|Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Mali
Latest Videos/Galleries
15 February 2013 Emergency School Meals Provide Comfort And Nutrition To Kids In Mali
17 December 2012 Mali: Boats Take Food To Families Fleeing Fighting


text:
How squeeze dry spinach
- l
- Learning2cook Jan 27, 2008 07:48 PM
I am VERY new to cooking. Several recipes I have come across say defrost and squeeze dry spinach. What is the best way to do this? I have been microwaving frozen spinach and then using a million paper towels to dry it, but I imagine there is a better way-is the microwave necessary? If I do it with a dish towel the spinach will stain it though.
I appreciate any advice!
re: justagthing
Same here. Quite often in cooking your hands are your best tools, no need to buy some kind of spinach squeezer (I am sure they exist) from Williams Sonoma.
re: PeterL
My hands don't really get it dry enough, and little bits of spinach often squish through. I think that the dedicated old towel is the best solution that I've seen.
For most recipes, squeezing through hands or pressing through a mesh strainer would work fine. For doing larger amounts or the absolute driest spinach possible, straining or wringing it through a dish towel is best.......This is the method a commercial kitchen would use....and the way they squeeze dry chopped parsley too.
re: fourunder
Yes... a dedicated "spinach towel", gathered up and a tourniquet up top. Bleed into a cup, and drink the juice. Hang discretely to dry for re-use.
re: FoodFuser
I have a "spinach towel" also...it's a worn out cloth napkin and works beautifully.
I really hope that someone comes into this thread and gives us a revolutionary way to do this, but I've found no better ways than either squeezing with my hands, a dish towel, or lots of paper towels. I think that it's best to just use an old, clean dishtowel, and not worry about the staining, because it does a better job than the paper towels, and takes less time.
re: JasmineG
I do the towel wringing method, too, and haven't had a problem with permanent staining. I have, however, torn a few towels due to zealous over-wringing. I try not to use older towels for spinach anymore.
I usually use the hand squeeze but if I am doing large amounts I place the spinach in a fine mesh wire basket lined with a triple folded clean kitchen towel, then place a large plate or something similar on top, and add weight - like a couple of gallon jars of anything.
Then I prep whatever else I need to do while the spinach presses itself.
re: 2m8ohed
Addendum: I haven't tried this with frozen spinach, but it's great for blanched or steamed fresh spinach.
Yep, it's one of those pain-in-the-tush tasks but I thaw it in a colander and just keep pressing and pressing with my fingers to squeeze the moisture out. I've never used paper towels.
re: gatorfoodie
have not tried a spinner, but think the chopped spinach would spin out with the liquid....
The Japanese use the sudare - sushi mat for squeezing the water our of blanched bundles of spinach. Makes for an attractive presentation if you cut the squeezed rolled bundle in pieces and top off with a sesame dressing (goma-dare).
Use your hands for squeezing spinach and grated potatoes; use your fist for pounding meat flat; use a towel and rolling pin to bash up ice or nuts; don't squash empty beercans on your forehead unless you're a college freshman.
re: MakingSense
This is my way, works the best for me!
re: cook411
It still gives up enough water when you cook it that it needs draining. I use a slotted spoon to scoop it up and squeeze it against the side of the bowl.
re: cook411
I use fresh and then just balance out the extra juice with some breadcrumbs in recipes where that is appropriate. No loss of nutrients that way either.
re: cook411
Fresh spinach is still really watery after you cook it, and if you're using it to add to something else, you need to get the water out if you don't want to make your whole dish more watery.
re: cook411
I overlooked that the OP was using frozen. Why would anyone use frozen spinach?
re: Sam Fujisaka
re: Sam Fujisaka
Price. If you're going to cook, chop, or purée it, there's little difference in flavor. It's a good value. Maybe $1 for frozen vs. $2.50 for fresh.
re: MakingSense
plus, it is already 'condensed' ;)
re: justagthing
I still prefer to cook raw spinach, or use it raw after washing, but it is more expensive overall. If you cook down a bag of raw spinach you will end up with literally a handful of the cooked green stuff.
re: chelleyd01
I do the same thing, chelley - white kitchen towel that is then bleached. I prefer all my towels (kitchen or otherwise) be white so they can be bleached no matter what, so it works out well.
I microwave it with no added water, line a colander with (at least) four paper towels, put the spinach in, top with four more paper towels, and mash with my hands, or with the back of a fork if it's too hot to use my hands, Then I change the paper towels on the top and do it again. That's just the best way I've found, and it does work. I think you do need to use the microwave, or else I guess you'd just have to let it sit out until it was thawed.
re: jacquelyncoffey
Defrost it, place it in a colander with small holes, and press down with the palms of your hands until the water stops running out.


text:
Shoe from Iron Age found in British well
Archaeologists have unearthed what is thought to be the oldest shoe ever found in Britain.
The 2,000-year-old leather item was discovered down an Iron Age well inside a hollowed tree trunk set into the ground at a quarry, near Somerset in south-west England.
Stephen Reed from the University of Exeter, who led the archaeology team, says the shoe's details are still visible.
"As far as we know, this is the oldest shoe ever found in the UK - it is reasonably well-preserved, with stitch and lace holes still visible in the leather," he said.
The shoe is around 30 centimetres long, the equivalent of a modern size nine or 10 in Britain.
It was uncovered after quarrying began in the area, where a Saxon-era iron-smelting site had previously been discovered in 1989.
Near this site were two timber-built wells, one using a hollowed tree trunk set into the ground, which were preserved by waterlogging and thought to date to the early part of the Iron Age, from 700 BC to 43 AD.
"The importance about this shoe is that these sort of things don't really survive at all on the archaeological record, usually because they rot down," he said.
Most leather items disintegrate over several years, but the fact the area was constantly waterlogged had kept away the oxygen that would have caused decomposition.
"These finds are of national importance due to the rarity of the survival of wood from this period and the presence of diagnostic tool marks on the sides of the timber, which suggest it dates from the Iron Age," he said.
"The tree trunk was removed from the site so that its contents could be excavated under laboratory conditions," he also said, and that this was when the shoe was found.
Archaeologists do not know if the shoe was left in the well for symbolic reasons or simply lost in mud. They hope that further analysis will show its method of construction and identify from what animal the leather came.
Topics: archaeology, history, united-kingdom
First posted


text:
Aaron Ross Newswire
Comprehensive Real-Time News Feed for Aaron Ross.
Results 1 - 20 of 65 in Aaron Ross
Giants Jayron Hosley wants to prove he's not the weak link w/Photo
... The Giants played veteran Terrell Thomas in the slot. On the outside, when injuries felled Corey Webster and Aaron Ross , the Giants turned to McBride as a replacement rather than Hosley. He played in only six games, with one start, totaling only ... Comment?
Hernandez case: Who's who? w/Photo
... Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Hernandez catches a pass against Chase Blackburn and Aaron Ross of the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. Hernandez runs for a 12-yard touchdown ... Comment?
Mount St. Joseph grad Kyle Fuller named NFC Defensive Rookie of the Month w/Photo
... to have two interceptions to set up touchdowns in the fourth quarter of a game. Former New York Giants cornerback Aaron Ross accomplished that same feat in 2007. The Baltimore Sun encourages civil dialogue related to our stories; you must register ... Comment?
Losing virginity took Prince Amukamara to next level: Rolle w/Photo
... Davis, at a New York City nightclub three years ago after being spurned on by then-teammates Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. "I think it all ties into one another, as far as him getting married, being able to [have sex]," Rolle said. "He's just ... Comment?
What you need to know about Hernandez w/Photo
... Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Hernandez catches a pass against Chase Blackburn and Aaron Ross of the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. Hernandez runs for a 12-yard touchdown ... Comment?
Aaron Hernandez case: Who's who? w/Photo
... Super Bowl XLVI against the New York Giants in Indianapolis. Hernandez catches a pass against Chase Blackburn and Aaron Ross of the New York Giants during Super Bowl XLVI on February 5, 2012, in Indianapolis. Hernandez runs for a 12-yard touchdown ... Comment?
New York Giants news, 9/18: Chances for Trumaine McBride, Preston Parker w/Photo
... The veteran corner started 10 games on the outside for the Giants last year after the team lost Corey Webster and Aaron Ross to injury. He will play in the slot this year. "I'm just a football player. Whether it's outside or inside, I'm ready to ... Comment?
Trumaine McBride ready to step in at nickel cornerback w/Photo
... and two interceptions, both in the season finale vs. Washington. McBride got his opportunity last year because Aaron Ross and Corey Webster missed most of the season with injuries. Now another sidelined player has opened the door for him. "It's not ... Comment?
Giants morning run: Is this secondary really the best in 10 years? w/Photo
... personal opinion, the combination of Terrell Thomas, Antrel Rolle, Kenny Phillips, Deon Grant, Corey Webster and Aaron Ross back in 2010 was best Coughlin has had to this point. If Webster was a sliver of himself in 2013, last year's defense might ... Comment?
New York Giants Linebacker Jon Beason Is Ready to Lead Again w/Photo
... the Giants had hosted Beason for a predraft visit, their need for a cornerback led them to take Texas cornerback Aaron Ross at No. 20 overall. Five picks later, the Carolina Panthers plucked Beason off the board, making him the third linebacker ... Comment?
2014 NFL Free Agents: Rumors and Predictions for Top Players on Open Market w/Photo
... flags. After Corey Graham left via free agency, the focus was placed on While Jimmy Smith is a viable starter, Aaron Ross tore his Achilles and will miss the entire season . The team still has players like Brown, Asa Jackson, Dominique Franks and a ... Comment?
Former Giants CB Terrell Thomas to Join Seahawks w/Photo
... for his junior and senior seasons in which he earned s In 2010, Thomas' third year as a Giant, an injury to Aaron Ross forced Thomas in a starting role opposite from Corey Webster. Ross recovered from his injury following the Giants' bye week, but ... Comment?
Former Giants project Will Hill latches on with Baltimore w/Photo
... on an NFL roster after signing with Baltimore on Friday. Ironically, it was an injury to another former Giant, Aaron Ross , which prompted the Ravens to entertain such a high risk / high reward transaction. As a three-time offender of the NFL's drug ... Comment?
Giants' Defense Needs Help From the Offense
... and former Seattle Seahawk Walter Thurmond III-have replaced departed veterans Corey Webster and Aaron Ross. Thurmond seems to have an edge on the nickel-back job, while Rodgers-Cromartie has enough speed to cover elite receivers on the outside ... Comment?
... Giants, registering 77 tackles and two interceptions. The news of Hill's signing comes on the heels of cornerback Aaron Ross being lost for the season with a torn Achilles. The Miami Herald is pleased to provide this opportunity to share ... Comment?
Will Hill to Ravens: Latest Contract Details, Analysis and Reaction
... provide depth in the middle of the season." The Ravens definitely needed depth in the secondary after cornerback Aaron Ross was placed on season-ending injured reserve Thursday after tearing his Achilles tendon. Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com noted ... Comment?
Ravens sign safety Will Hill w/Photo
... of the 2013 campaign for violating the NFL's substance-abuse policy. The Ravens had an open roster spot after Aaron Ross tore his Achilles tendon Thursday. Hill is participating in practice Friday. Baltimore is taking a low-risk, high-reward chance ... Comment?
Ravens sign former Giants safety Will Hill w/Photo
With a roster spot open due to Aaron Ross heading to injured reserve, the Ravens have signed former Giants safety Will Hill to the 90-man roster. Comment?
Ex-Giant Will Hill signs with Ravens w/Photo
... suspension since his release from the Giants. Hill takes the place of another former Giant on the Ravens' roster. Aaron Ross, a one-time first-round pick, tore his Achilles tendon in the team's conditioning test on Thursday. Both Hill and Ross wore ... Comment?
Aaron Ross out for season w/Photo
Unfortunately for Aaron Ross, training camp and the 2014 season is already over. Comment?
Copyright © 2014 Topix LLC


text:
Never fails. A well-meaning, really interested person asks THAT question and I can't contain the laugh that always follows. Then I feel horrible because the person really does want to know, and they have no idea that it is an impossible question to answer. There just is NOT an answer to this one.
Billy responded with, "Well, we wake up at 5:30 or 6 a.m. and have our quiet time and coffee before Sarah wakes up. Sarah gets up at 7:30 and we have breakfast and get her ready for school. We drop her off at school at 9 a.m. That's the end of 'typical' in our lives. After 9 a.m., it's a free-for-all. Who knows what each day will bring?!"
It's true. That is about the end of 'typical' or routine for us. It's hard. It's hard to never know exactly what the day will bring. Sometimes, I really long for my life back in the States when I knew that every day had a schedule that I could predict and count on. My mom-duties were defined each morning. My career job had a definite beginning and ending time. My afternoons were defined by more mom-duties or scheduled events for school or sports or church. Scheduled... as in an event that has a time frame! Guess what folks - the majority of the rest of the globe does NOT function like that! Sometimes I really miss that part of my culture.
In the USA, I could pretty much count on the fact that the outside-my-house world stopped turning in the evening. My family counted on dinner being at 7 or 7:30. Family time, hanging out in the house... all evening-time things that were routine and normal for us.
Not so in I'm-A-Missionary-World. At least it hasn't been that way for us, no matter where we have lived. Costa Rica, Peru, or Spain... there isn't anything routine or normal about any day except for the fact that you can count on it NOT being typical or routine! Atypical IS our normal!
So, what DO our days look like if they aren't typical? Well, we usually start out by having our day loosely penciled on our calendar. And I mean loosely in the most loose way. We don't hold much of anything too tightly, as far as schedules go. An actual meeting time is definite, but other things are flexible and floating.
In Spanish culture, many important things happen over coffee in a street cafe or in someone's living room. Therefore, if we are asked to have coffee with someone, that will most likely take high priority. Relationships are built or broken over your availability for coffee! Or in the evening, over your willingness to sit and talk over a glass of wine or a beer. Spain... gotta love a culture that does business over coffee (a.m.) or wine (p.m.)!
If we don't have a coffee date, and if we don't have pressing business to attend to in town, we try to hit the home office for a couple of hours in the morning while Sarah is at school. This usually consists of Skype calls or computer conferences with other missionaries who we are caring for in one way or another - coaching, mentoring, or counseling. But morning conferences can only consist of people who live on 'our side' of the Atlantic (Africa, Europe, Middle East, or Asia) because of time zone differences.
We pick up Sarah from school at 2:00, then head back home for lunch - the Spanish generally eat lunch at 3pm. Sarah hits the books after lunch, and we hit the office again for calls and conferences with peers on the other side of the Atlantic (USA, South America, and Central America). Because of the time difference, these meetings might take place any time between 3pm and 9pm for us. Those 9pm meetings make for a LATE night and a LONG work day for us. If there are no conferences to be had for a particular day, we catch up on paperwork, study, or preparing our lessons for disciple groups and Sunday School classes that we lead.
Somewhere in there, Billy will meet up with his language helper and culture tutor for a couple of hours each week. We will run different errands in town. We'll have a Spanish coaching session or a meeting with the pastor. We'll have an hour or so with another missionary couple - peer encouragement, community time, mentoring, etc. I will drive to Campillos to work with a women's cell group bible study. A prayer meeting or two will occur. Sarah will have extracurricular activities that we will need to attend. And I will spend a couple of hours once a week with my Spanish quilting group (always a huge lesson in culture and women's issues!).
So, there you have it. Our 'normal' (ha ha ha) life. :)