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Earlier this year, the commission that decides whether state politicians get raises put off a decision, waiting to hear from the state finance department whether the fiscal picture is bright enough to allow for increases.
Well, now the finance director has weighed in, and her findings could pave the way for raises for California state lawmakers, who already collect the top base pay in the nation.
Director Ana Matosantos late last week certified that the state has adequate reserves to meet the legal requirements to boost pay for Gov. Jerry Brown, the Legislature and other elected officials. The relevant reserve balance is expected to be $232 million, based on the governor's revised spending plan for the year beginning July 1.
California's improved financial situation is due in part to ongoing spending cuts as well as Proposition 30 sales and income tax increases approved by voters in November, Matosantos wrote to commissioners.
Members of the Citizens Compensation Commission have signaled that they may not approve raises, but they had an opportunity in March to take the action off the table for the year and instead kept the idea alive pending the finance determination.
Commissioner Scott David Somers, an appointee of former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and a compensation expert, said the financial determination at least raises the possibility of a change in compensation. He said it was premature to speculate when commissioners have not received a formal agenda with backup data.
What should be done about pay for state politicians?
Raise 5% (49)
Lower 66% (598)
Keep the same 28% (254)
901 total votes.
"I don't make any decisions until I see all of the information and hear all the testimony," Somers said.
Lawmakers here make $90,527 a year plus $30,000 in tax-free "per diem" payments to help with expenses. They do not receive a pension and have seen their pay reduced by 23 percent over four years amid the recession.
The commission, which is scheduled to meet on May 28, was recently sent a letter from administrative officials in the Senate and Assembly saying lawmakers are paid less than their counterparts in New York when one considers various assignment pay and pensions.
The May 9 letter from Gregory Schmidt of the Senate and Jon Waldie of the Assembly says New York legislators make more than $4,500 more than those in California, when considering stipends for such things as committee service. Previous commission surveys showed base pay for New York legislators at $79,500, but the new letter factors in the add-ons.
Commission Chairman Thomas Dalzell, a lawyer and union leader appointed by Brown, said he doubted there were four votes to increase politicians' pay.
"I think that we are in an odd place where all the data points to restoration of cuts, but I still don't see the commission going there the first year of surplus," he said. "My sense is that the commission is going to be a little cautious and hold off."
But, he added, "there might be some appetite for partial restoration of the cuts."
Proposition 112, approved by California voters in 1990, established the commission and charged its members with setting salaries and benefits for legislators and the state's other elected officials.
Commissioners meet every year to make changes that become effective on a December-to-December basis. A later initiative, Proposition 1F in 2009, precluded commissioners from boosting salaries during years of budget deficits. This is the first time since passage of 1F that the state has certified a positive balance, Matosantos said.
Commissioners Charles Murray and John Ronald Stites, both Schwarzenegger appointees, have indicated they wouldn't support raises.Copyright © 2019, The San Diego Union-Tribune


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The Times has an article this morning about how $1 million isn't what it used to be, which, yes, we know! (Who Wants to be a Millionaire (in Retirement)?
See on thebillfold.com
The Times has an article this morning about how $1 million isn't what it used to be, which, yes, we know! (Who Wants to be a Millionaire (in Retirement)?
See on thebillfold.com
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OLR Bill Analysis
sHB 6441 (as amended by House "A," "C," and "D")*
By law, the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) commissioner has jurisdiction over dams, dikes, and similar structures whose failure might endanger life or property.
This bill requires owners of certain unregistered dams or similar structures to register them by October 1, 2015. It generally shifts, from the commissioner to the owners of dams or similar structures, regularly scheduled inspection and reporting requirements. The bill also makes owners generally responsible for supervising and inspecting construction work and establishes new reporting requirements for owners when the work is completed.
Under the bill, the commissioner must consider tidal wetland impact when deciding to issue a dam construction permit and exempts these permit applicants from additional permit requirements.
The bill also allows the commissioner to issue a general permit for dam removal projects that provide certain ecological benefits and it eliminates a provision allowing for written comments on a proposed activity to be conducted under a general permit.
It requires owners of high or significant hazard dams or similar structures to develop and implement an emergency action plan. The commissioner must adopt regulations that include requirements for (1) regularly scheduled dam inspections, (2) independent inspections conducted during audits, and (3) emergency action plans.
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner, in consultation with the Department of Agriculture (DoAg) and Department of Public Health (DPH) commissioners and the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station (CAES) director, to (1) establish a plan for using or applying larvicide to control mosquitoes and (2) update the plan by September 1, 2013 to restrict the use or application of methoprene or resmethrin in the state's coastal boundary and for other specified purposes. It allows the introduction of methoprene or resmethrin into certain storm drains, wetlands, or other water bodies if the DEEP commissioner recommends it to prevent an increasing threat of mosquito-borne illness.
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to take certain steps to prevent West Nile virus, including (1) coordinating with the DPH commissioner and local health departments to survey certain lands for the presence of mosquitoes, (2) enforcing a prohibition on standing water on private property, and (3) encouraging public outreach programs on standing water risks and West Nile virus symptoms.
It also makes minor and technical changes.
*House Amendment "A":
1. specifies that unregistered dams or similar structures that could endanger life or property if they failed must be registered by October 1, 2015, instead of all unregistered dams;
2. prohibits the DEEP commissioner from using information in timely filed registrations that he cannot otherwise independently obtain to order payment of certain penalties;
3. requires the commissioner to provide written notice of dam inspection requirements to dam and similar structure owners; and
4. removes the provision allowing the commissioner to audit dam inspection reports and require independent inspections.
*House Amendment "C" adds the provisions on methoprene and resmethrin.
*House Amendment "D" adds the provisions on West Nile virus prevention.
EFFECTIVE DATE: October 1, 2013, except the provisions on the use of methoprene and resmethrin and West Nile virus prevention take effect upon passage.
§§ 1 & 4 — Dam Registration and Transfer Notification
The bill gives owners of unregistered dams or similar structures that could endanger life or property if they failed until October 1, 2015 to register them with the DEEP commissioner on a form he prescribes. By law, the owner must report the location and dimensions of the dam or structure and any other information the commissioner requires. Current law specifies that any dam or similar structure had to be registered by July 1, 1984, but it provides no registration requirement for dams established after that date.
Under the bill, as long as the form is submitted to the commissioner by October 1, 2015, he cannot use information it contains that he cannot otherwise independently obtain to order payment of a civil penalty for violating (1) the dam and reservoirs law or (2) a law concerning payment of costs associated with DEEP administrative hearing recordings and transcripts (see BACKGROUND). (Presumably, the bill should refer to the statute authorizing the commissioner to impose civil penalties, CGS § 22a-6b as opposed to CGS § 22a-6d).
The bill also removes a requirement that a dike (an embankment for controlling floodwaters or erosion) owner notify the DEEP commissioner within 10 days after a transfer of ownership.
§§ 3 & 4 — Dam Inspection
Regularly Scheduled Inspection. Current law requires the DEEP commissioner to periodically inspect registered dams. The bill requires instead that an owner of a registered dam or similar structure:
1. have it inspected by a Connecticut-licensed registered professional engineer and
2. submit the inspection results to the commissioner on a form he prescribes by March 15 of the year after the inspection.
Under the bill, by January 15 of any year when an inspection is due, the commissioner must provide written notice to the owner of a registered dam or similar structure by certified mail, return receipt requested. The notice must identify the dam's classification and state the frequency for inspection, as provided in regulations. Once the owner receives the notice, he or she must cause the dam or structure to be inspected.
The bill requires the commissioner to periodically conduct inspections (1) for quality assurance when an owner fails to undertake a regularly scheduled inspection or (2) when it is necessary after a flood. It retains the current $660 inspection fee until superseding regulations are adopted.
Current law requires the DEEP commissioner to set in regulations, among other things, (1) an inspection frequency schedule and (2) fees for regularly scheduled inspections. The bill requires these regulations to include (1) dam inspection procedures and (2) fees for DEEP-conducted inspections, instead of fees for regularly scheduled inspections.
Construction Inspection. The bill requires a dam owner, or its representative supervising work on a dam or similar structure under DEEP's jurisdiction, to have it inspected by a Connecticut-licensed registered professional engineer to determine if it will be safe and secure. Current law specifies that the DEEP commissioner or his representative supervises the work and requires him or his representative to inspect or have the dam or similar structure inspected.
The bill allows the commissioner to place a competent inspector on construction work of a dam or similar structure if (1) it involves a high or significant hazard dam (see BACKGROUND) or (2) he determines a sensitive ecological condition exists. Current law allows him to do so when he believes circumstances warrant it. By law, unchanged by the bill, the cost of such inspector is shared equally by the state and the owner.
The bill requires a dam owner to submit a sworn statement from the inspecting engineer to the commissioner within 30 days after work is completed. The statement must attest that (1) the engineer inspected the work and determined the dam or similar structure to be safe within its design parameters and (2) all appurtenances were built, repaired, altered, or removed according to the plans, specifications, and drawings approved by the commissioner under a permit or order. It must bear the engineer's professional seal.
§§ 2 & 6 — Dam Permits
Individual Permit Requirements. By law, anyone seeking to construct, alter, rebuild, substantially repair, add to, replace, or remove a dam or similar structure must obtain a DEEP permit.
The bill requires the commissioner or his representative, engineer, or consultant to determine the proposed construction's impact on tidal wetlands before issuing a permit, in addition to determining its impact on (1) the environment; (2) the safety of people and property; and (3) inland wetlands and watercourses, as current law requires.
Exemptions. Under the bill, a permit applicant seeking to alter, rebuild, repair, or remove an existing dam no longer needs to obtain separate permits for (1) conducting a regulated activity in tidal wetlands or (2) dredging, erecting structures, or placing fill, obstructions, or encroachments in tidal, coastal, or navigable waters. The law already exempts such permit applicants from obtaining a stream channel encroachment, diversion, or inland wetland and watercourse regulated activity permit.
The bill also grants an additional exemption for new dam construction applicants. Existing law exempts them from obtaining a permit to conduct a regulated activity in an inland wetland or watercourse. Under the bill, they no longer need a permit to conduct a regulated activity in a tidal wetland.
Additionally, if an applicant is a state agency, it no longer needs to obtain DEEP's permission or a waiver to engage in certain activities within or affecting a floodplain.
General Permit for Dam Removal. By law, the DEEP commissioner can issue a general permit for any minor dam activity he determines would have minimal environmental effects, unless it is covered by an individual permit (see BACKGROUND). The bill expands the activities that may be covered under general permits to include dam removal that (1) improves fish passage or (2) provides other ecological benefits. Existing law allows them to cover routine maintenance and repairs.
The law generally exempts people conducting minor dam activity under a general permit from obtaining an individual permit for (1) inland wetland or watercourse regulated activity, (2) stream channel encroachment, (3) diversion, and (4) dam construction. The bill extends this exemption to dam removal for improving fish passage or providing other ecological benefits.
Under current law, people intending to do work under a minor dam activity general permit must provide 60 days' written notice to the (1) inland wetlands agency, zoning commission, planning commission or combined planning and zoning commission, and conservation commission of any municipality that will or may be impacted by the activity and (2) departments that make such notices publicly available. The bill instead requires notice only when mandated by the general permit. It also eliminates current law's provision allowing any person or an inland wetlands agency, planning and zoning commission, or conservation commission to submit written comments on an activity covered by such a general permit to the DEEP commissioner at least 25 days before the activity starts.
§ 5 — Emergency Action Plan
The bill requires the owner of a high or significant hazard dam or similar structure to develop and implement an emergency action plan after the DEEP commissioner adopts regulations establishing plan requirements. The requirements must include:
1. criteria and standards for inundation (i.e., flood) studies and zone mapping;
2. procedures for monitoring the dam or structure during heavy rainfall and runoff periods, such as (a) personnel assignments and (b) dam features to be inspected at given intervals; and
3. notice to alert appropriate local officials responsible for warning and evacuating residents in the inundation zone during an emergency.
The bill requires dam owners to file a copy of their emergency action plan with the DEEP commissioner and chief executive officer of any potentially affected municipality. The plan must be updated biennially.
Current law requires the DEEP commissioner, in consultation with the DoAg and DPH commissioners, to establish a contingency plan for spraying larvicide to control mosquitoes if there are outbreaks of mosquito-borne human or animal infectious disease.
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to also consult with the CAES director and instead develop a plan for using and applying larvicide to control mosquitoes, regardless of a related infectious disease outbreak. As under current law, he must develop the plan within available appropriations.
The plan must be updated by September 1, 2013 to:
1. prohibit the use or application of methoprene or resmethrin in any storm drain or water conveyance in the state's coastal boundary, except in a city with at least 100,000 people and a documented death from West Nile virus (i.e., New Haven, see below) (see BACKGROUND);
2. establish a record-keeping, reporting, and Internet posting requirement for the state and towns using or applying methoprene or resmethrin for mosquito control in the coastal area (see BACKGROUND); and
3. establish recommendations for a pilot program to evaluate the retail sale and use of methoprene and resmethrin in the coastal area to control mosquitoes in streams, storm drains, storm gutters, and bird baths to ensure their use is consistent with labeling requirements.
Notwithstanding the above prohibition, the bill allows the introduction of methoprene or resmethrin into a storm drain, wetland, or other water body where mosquito larvae is found or suspected if the DEEP commissioner, in consultation with the DPH commissioner and DEEP's mosquito management coordinator, recommends it to prevent an increasing threat of mosquito-borne disease. This recommendation must be based on CAES' surveillance in accordance with the state's mosquito management program.
The bill requires the DEEP commissioner to coordinate with the DPH commissioner and local health departments to survey for the presence of breeding mosquitoes on land, wetlands, and watercourses in any city with a population over 100,000 (i.e., Bridgeport, Hartford, New Haven, Stamford, and Waterbury) where there has been a documented death from West Nile virus. (From 2000 to 2012, there have been three West Nile deaths in Connecticut, including one in New Haven.) The bill allows him to conduct any work needed to eliminate the breeding.
The bill bans on private property in any such city, standing water that the DEEP commissioner determines, in consultation with the DPH commissioner and local health departments, creates a risk of mosquito-borne illness. The DEEP commissioner must enforce the ban and coordinate with the DPH commissioner and local health departments to encourage public outreach programs that instruct residents and private property owners of the (1) risks of standing water and (2) West Nile virus signs and symptoms.
Dam Safety Law Penalties
By law, the DEEP commissioner may issue a warning notice for certain violations of the dam safety laws and bring an enforcement action to correct them (CGS § 22a-6s). Violating the dam safety laws or an order or permit issued under them also subjects a violator to a fine of up to $1,000 for each offense, as determined by the court. The attorney general may bring an action to enjoin the violation, require its correction, and collect the fine, if the commissioner requests it (CGS § 22a-407).
High or Significant Hazard Dam
State regulations classify dams by the hazards they would pose if they fail. A high hazard dam is one whose failure would result in (1) probable loss of life; (2) major damage to habitable structures, homes, hospitals, convalescent homes, or schools; (3) damage to main highways; or (4) great economic loss.
A significant hazard dam is one whose failure would result in (1) possible loss of life; (2) minor damage to habitable structures, homes, hospitals, convalescent homes, or schools; (3) damage to, or interruption of, utility service; (4) damage to primary roadways or railroads; or (5) significant economic loss (Conn. Agencies Reg. § 22a-409-2(d)).
General Permit
DEEP uses both individual and general permits to regulate activities. Individual permits are issued directly to an applicant, while general permits authorize similar minor activities by one or more applicants. The authorization of an activity under a general permit is governed by that general permit.
Methoprene and Resmethrin
Methoprene is a larvicide introduced into still water to combat mosquito larvae. Resmethrin is a broad-spectrum insecticide with many uses, including controlling adult mosquitoes.
Coastal Boundary
The "coastal boundary," within the state's costal area, is the furthest inland of (1) the 100-year-frequency coastal flood zone, (2) a 1,000-foot linear setback from the mean high-water mark, or (3) a 1,000-foot linear setback from the inland boundary of the tidal wetlands (CGS § 22a-94(b)).
Coastal Area
The state's "coastal area" includes land and water within the area delineated by the westerly, southerly, and easterly limits of the state's jurisdiction in Long Island Sound and the towns of Branford, Bridgeport, Chester, Clinton, Darien, Deep River, East Haven, East Lyme, Essex, Fairfield, Greenwich, Groton, Guilford, Hamden, Ledyard, Lyme, Madison, Milford, Montville, New Haven, New London, North Haven, Norwalk, Norwich, Old Lyme, Old Saybrook, Orange, Preston, Shelton, Stamford, Stonington, Stratford, Waterford, West Haven, Westbrook, and Westport (CGS § 22a-94(a)).
Environment Committee
Joint Favorable Substitute


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Description of 761 Mccants Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Bike to beach! Custom built home on corner lot with 2 car garage. Gourmet kitchen with leathered granite and quartz counter tops, soft close cabinets, 60''refrigerator and 48'' proffessional gas 6 burner stove with griddle and dual ovens. 10 ft ceilings, plantation shutters and red oak floors throughout the first floor. Master down with marbled bathroom. Walk in closets in every bedroom and the bonus room. Heated pool. 5 zone irrigation system on a well. Huge screened porch. Rinnai tankless gas water heater, gas fireplace, true metal clad double hung wood windows, farmhouse sink and security system are just a few more of the extras that make this home exquisite. Not in a flood zone. Award winning schools. Close to downtown Charleston.
Property Features of 761 Mccants Drive, Mount Pleasant, SC 29464
Single Family Detached
Old Mt Pleasant
Mt Pleasant S of IOP Connector
|Elementary school: Mt. Pleasant Academy
|Middle school: Moultrie
|High school: Wando
|Gas log fireplace(s)
|Fireplace in great room
|Central air
|Heat pump
|Two car garage
|Screened porch
|Inground pool
|Cement plank exterior
|Lot acreage is: 0.20
|Corner lot
|Lawn sprinkler
|Subdivision: Old Mt Pleasant
|Eat-in kitchen
|Marble floors
|Wood floors
|Kitchen island
|Walk-in closet(s)
|Metal roof
Rooms & Dimensions
|Laundry room
|Great Room
|Utility room


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Today is national signing day in college football, which marks the culmination of months and years of recruiting and wooing of the nation's top high school athletes by coaches. And in an effort to secure the best players, some schools are willing to spend millions of dollars on recruiting.
Recently, we looked at the most expensive college football programs, and the schools that spend the most on their men's basketball teams. And a big part of those budgets are recruiting expenses.
The Business of College Sports recently looked at the recruiting data for each conference. And it is interesting to see how much the biggest schools are spending on recruiting, and just how much of a difference there is between the haves and the have-nots. And for at least one school, about half of their recruiting budget went to the football team.


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LVSkin needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 55 designs submitted by 18 freelance designers.
Las Vegas Skin Studio
We are a small skin studio that offers treatment facials, face and body waxing, eyelash extentions, and airbrush tanning. Our website is http://www.LasVegasSkinStudio.com The image we are trying to portray is clean, fresh, simple, and glamourous. We are not going towards a really relaxing spa like approach but more clinical, straight-forward, result driven. I'm open to the idea of doing something "Las Vegasey" w/the logo but I don't want it to be too cheesy. I had a logo previously made that I really liked but thought it was too cartoonish and not professional enough. I will attach it. I really like the letters in that logo and would like to keep them.
My target audience is men and womenn ages 18-65.
I like the letters of LAS VEGAS SKIN STUDIO that I already have but am open to change if I like something else better. I like the idea of a profile of a woman but would want it to be more smoothe than the logo I have now and maybe something not so attached to the lettering, something that I could also use by itself and brand that way, if that makes sense. I like the idea of doing something to do w Las Vegas but dont have any exact ideas as to what except maybe something w the queen of hearts. I am open to a lot of ideas as long as it is good, classy, proffessional, eye catching and memorable. I also want the one color (black on white) so that it is easily transferable. I am attaching a pic of a logo that I like, I really like the body and how it is very delicate and I like the profile of the woman.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A blood product, being studied only in the Tri-State, could change the way soldiers are treated on the battlefield.
Quite often at Hoxworth Blood Center, they put out the plea for plasma, but now the plasma could take on a whole new form which could make a big difference for those in the military.
When donors such as Philip Carver come in to donate blood or blood products such as plasma, sometimes that isn't enough.
"Sometimes people forget to donate at this time and people need it," said Carver.
Plasma is usually used for cancer patients and burn victims and those who are wounded in battle to stop bleeding.
"The problem is that plasma, as it is now, is a frozen product, and it takes time to produce it, store it, and finally give it to the patient," said Dr. Jose Cancelas, who is leading a breakthrough trial,
The trial is the first of its kind in the country that could deliver plasma in a whole new way. Alternative plasma.
Alternative plasma is freeze-dried and packed in a tube with everything needed:
"So this plasma can be reconstituted with water and be infused into people," said Dr. Jose Cancelas.
That plasma can be infused almost instantly to anyone, anywhere, especially for the military.
"[It would] be able to save lives in the battlefield," said Dr. Jose Cancelas. "When a soldier, for instance, has had significant bleeding, to be infused at that time."
Right now, they don't have an instant way to stop the bleeding in battle, which is why Dr. Jose Cancelas is about to present the product to the Food and Drug Administration for quick approval for use.
"It looks until now that that data is very promising that this plasma is going to help people," said Dr. Jose Cancelas.
What makes the "Alternative Plasma" successful is those that are willing to donate plasma.
If you can donate, call 513-451-0910 or follow this link.
The FDA meeting for this product is scheduled for next week.
If it's approved quickly it could be ready for use by 2019.


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Jan. 7, 2008
The Lipscomb Lady Bisons won their first Atlantic Sun Conference game of the season Monday night with a 58-50 win at Campbell University in Buies Creek, N.C.
The win was the 550th for Lady Bisons coach Frank Bennett, all in his 28 seasons at Lipscomb.
It was the first road win of the season for the Lady Bisons who had lost their previous eight road games. It also ended a three-game losing streak for the Lady Bisons at Carter Gymnasium.
"It was good for us to get a split on the road trip," said Bennett who's Lady Bisons had a halftime lead wiped out in an 82-70 loss Saturday at Gardner-Webb. "We feel confident that we can compete with any team in our conference."
The Lady Bisons battled Campbell to a 17-17 first half tie. In the second half they outscored Campbell 41-33 thanks to a 13-0 run in the first five-and-half minutes. The Lady Bisons never trailed in the second half.
"In the first half nobody could score," Bennett said. "In the second half we went on a 13-0 run and they came back, but we went on another run. We could have made it easier on ourselves if we had done a better job with our defensive rebounds."
Junior wing player Jilian Partin and senior guard Catie Woods tied for the team lead with 16 points each.
Partin also grabbed 10 rebounds for her first double-double of the season and the second for the team. Partin also made a season-high seven steals. Partin tied her season high for points in a game.
"Partin has really been playing hard the last four or five games," Bennett said. "She is playing like she did last season. She is going to the boards and her 3-point shooting is getting better. If she had made her free throws against Campbell she would have had 20 points."
It was the second game in a row that Woods has led the Lady Bisons in scoring and her second 16-point performance in a row.
"Our outside shooting is coming back," said Bennett. "Jilian, Catie and Dana Carrigan are all shooting better from the outside. She has been working more in five-on-five situations in practice and I think that has helped her."
Campbell was led by Marlena Murphy with 17 points and 15 rebounds, both game highs. Lindsay Smithberger added 15 points.
The Lady Bisons are back in action at Allen Arena Saturday at 5:30 when Belmont makes the short trip for the "Battle of the Boulevard". The Bisons and Belmont face each other in a men's game at 3. Both games are part of homecoming activities.
The Lady Bisons are 3-12 overall, 1-1 in the conference. Campbell slipped to 5-10, 0-2 in the A-Sun.


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The Congressional Black Caucus' 16 women members Friday sent a letter to Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel, urging him to reconsider the impact of a regulation that makes natural hairstyles traditionally worn by minority women as unauthorized.
The policy, said Caucus Chairwoman Marcia Fudge, D-Ohio, "has been seen as offensive and discriminatory to many minority women serving in our Armed Forces."
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Army Col. Steven Warren, a Pentagon spokesman, promised a response.
"The (Defense) Department has received the letter from the Congressional Black Caucus, and will respond promptly and directly to them," Warren told McClatchy. "We appreciate their concerns regarding this issue."
The letter notes that Army officials have responded to criticism of the regulation by saying it applies to all soldiers regardless of race, and that the rule is meant to protect safety.
"However," the letter pointed out, "the use of words like 'unkempt' and 'matted' when referring to traditional hairstyles worn by women of color are offensive and biased."
Such assumptions, the letter said, suggests that those with such hairstyles cannot maintain them in a professional way. Such thinking, the letter said, "indicates a lack of cultural sensitivity conducive to creating a tolerant environment for minorities."
-- David Lightman and James Rosen contributed.


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Bond's future? He hopes it's with Giants
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Brock Bond seemed preordained to reach the Major Leagues.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1985, the date Pete Rose broke the all-time hits record. Consequently, Bond said that he patterns his intense playing style after Rose's maximum-effort approach.
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Brock Bond seemed preordained to reach the Major Leagues.
He was born on Sept. 11, 1985, the date Pete Rose broke the all-time hits record. Consequently, Bond said that he patterns his intense playing style after Rose's maximum-effort approach.
Bond grew up in St. Louis, one of the few remaining American cities where baseball is still a magnificent obsession. Moreover, Bond's father was a carpenter who installed seating at the previous version of Busch Stadium, which gave him extra access to the ballpark. So while other kids scampered around playgrounds, Bond roamed the stadium's AstroTurf, conjuring his baseball dreams.
Bond played Little League with Scott Van Slyke, the son of center fielder Andy Van Slyke, who starred for St. Louis and Pittsburgh. One day, Andy Van Slyke mentioned to Bond that he possessed a Major League-quality right-handed swing. That kind of stuff tends to stick with a person into adulthood.
As Bond observed, "When things aren't going well, you can always remember, 'Well, Andy Van Slyke said ...' "
Bond has all but legitimized Van Slyke's scouting report. The switch-hitter has batted .313 in six Minor League seasons, including .332 last year at Triple-A Fresno. He has seized his opportunities in Cactus League action, hitting .500 (6-for-12) with a team-high 1.083 slugging percentage in seven games.
"I had a good feeling after the season and brought it into this year so far," Bond said.
Some may believe that time is running out for Bond, a non-roster invitee who's in his first Major League camp at age 27. But should the Giants need infield help -- he primarily plays second base and has experience at third -- his skill and attitude could force the Giants to promote him, if he doesn't win a spot on the Opening Day roster.
"He has earned his way to at least get a look," said Steve Decker, the Giants' roving Minor League hitting instructor.
Everybody appreciates an underdog who overcomes adversity. That's the path Bond has followed the last couple of years.
Bond missed most of the 2011 season with a concussion that he sustained in early May. Stationed at shortstop during pregame batting practice at Colorado Springs, Bond ranged up the middle for a grounder just as Edgar Gonzalez hit a line drive. The ball struck Bond in the back of his head and caromed to first base.
Last year proved that he had shaken the concussion's ill effects.
"I really focused the whole year on figuring out what kind of player I was," Bond said.
He's the type of performer who, from Decker's description, would suit any lineup -- a contact hitter (266 strikeouts in 1,800 Minor League at-bats) willing to work deep counts.
"Most guys freak out if you ask them to take a strike. He doesn't even blink an eye," said Decker, who managed Bond at five of his nine Minor League stops. "He'll take two strikes, foul off eight pitches and end up working a walk."
Bond has built a lifetime .410 on-base percentage employing that strategy.
"A lot of guys get to two strikes and they don't want to strike out," Bond said. "I just try to keep that out of my head, see the ball and trust my hands."
Defense is said to be Bond's shortcoming. But manager Bruce Bochy is maintaining an open mind on that issue.
"He's not known for his defense, I think it's fair to say," Bochy said. "But he has played some good defense here, and that's important."
Decker noted that Bond's diligence has continued to sustain him.
"The one word that always comes up with Brock is 'gamer,' " Decker said. "He's not a guy who wows the scouts by running 4.1 down the [first-base] line or with extra power or a plus arm. He's just a guy who basically does everything in his will to beat the other team. Those are the guys you root for."
Decker told a story about a Minor League exhibition in which Bond upended two opposing infielders while breaking up a double play. The infielders converged at second base, leaving themselves vulnerable to Bond's hard slide.
"I just try to play like it's my last game, every time," Bond said. Referring to his concussion, he added, "It made me stronger and it made me realize how lucky I am to play baseball. ... I realize that this game can be taken away from me really quickly, so I'm just going to have fun."
Bond gained a measure of notoriety when the Giants selected him in the 24th round of the 2007 First-Year Player Draft. It was revealed that they meant to draft outfielder Casey Bond, who they took in the following round when he remained available.
If this was another circumstance conspiring against Bond, like his concussion, it didn't matter.
"I try not to think about it," Bond said. "I'm here, and now they opened the door for me. I'm thankful for that."
Chris Haft is a reporter for MLB.com.


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Sweetwater summer sports camp schedule
A Lady Mustang Bas-ketball Camp will be held June 3-6 at the middle school gym on 305 Lamar Street. The camp is for students who have completed grades 2-8. The camp sessions will be from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $35 which includes a T-shirt. Pre-registration is appreciated.A concession stand will be available. The camp's goal is to improve players' skills through instruction in individual skills and fun team competitions.A Mustang Basketball Camp will be held June 3-6 at the high school gym with two sessions. Students completing grades 3-5 will attend from 9-11 a.m. each day, while the students who completed grades 6-8 will attend from 1-3 p.m. daily. The cost of the camp is $30. Each camper must sign a release form and show proof of insurance. All participants will receive a camp T-shirt. Water will be provided, but each camper can bring a sports drink if they choose to do so. Checks should be made payable to coach Al Hunt at the high school office or fieldhouse.A Lady Mustang Soft-ball Camp will be held June 4-7 at the Jerry Collins Softball Complex for students who have completed grades K-8. Camp sessions will be from 5-8 p.m. except on the final day, when it will run from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost is $35. Campers should be pre-registered.The camp will instruct students in fielding, throwing and hitting drills. Send the camp fee and form to: Tony Heredia, 1515 Josephine St., Sweetwater, Texas 79556.Sweetwater High School and Jared Sliger will present two volleyball camps this summer at the SHS gym. The high school camp is set for June 10-14 with a cost of $180. Camp times will be 8-11 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m. for the first four days, and 8-11 a.m. on the final day of the camp. The junior high camp is set for June 10-13 with a cost of $90. The camp times will be 3-6 p.m. for all four days.Each of the camps will focus on the fundamentals of volleyball in addition to teaching strategies for im-proving one's overall game. Each camper will receive cutting edge volleyball in-struction by blending skill improvement with team play. The camps will push any player at any skill level to improve. Both camps will be limited to the first 50 campers and the registration deadline is Friday, May 31. Checks should be made payable to Sweetwater High School.For more information, contact Liz Miller at (325) 725-2353 or at firstname.lastname@example.com Mustang Tennis Camp will be held June 17-21 at the Sweetwater Middle School tennis courts for students entering grades 3-9. Camp hours are 8:30 a.m. to noon each day. The cost is $30 without getting a camp T-shirt and $40 with a camp T-shirt. Students should be pre-registered by June 10 in order for them to receive a T-shirt.A Mustang Baseball Camp will be held June 17-20 at the SHS baseball field (Sportsman's Park).The first session for stu-dents entering grades 1-5 will be from 9-10:15 a.m. each day while the second session for students enter-ing grade 6-9 will be held from 10:30 a.m. to noon. Walkups will be accepted on the day of the camp. The cost is $40, which includes a T-shirt. In case of inclement weather, the camp may be moved indoors, but go to Sportsman's Park for directions. The camp is designed to teach the fundamentals of baseball. For more information, call coach Herrera at (325) 236-1003, coach Cortez at (254) 485-0109 or coach Copeland at (325) 370-2989.A Mustang Football Camp will be held July 22-25 at Mustang Bowl from 7:30-10:30 a.m. daily for students entering grades 3-9. The cost of the camp is $30, and all campers will receive individual instruc-tion from members of the Mustang coaching staff.The camp will place emphasis on skills and drills and will also have both punt, pass and kick instruction and competitions. There will also be refreshments, T-shirts and certificates.Checks should be made payable to Sweetwater High School. Forms should be returned to: Shane Mobley, Sweetwater High School, 1205 Ragland, Sweetwater, Texas 79556. Those with questions should call the SHS fieldhouse at 235-3455 or call the high school office at 235-4371, ext. 860.Also, a volleyball camp will be held July 22-25 at the Sweetwater Middle School gym on 305 Lamar Street. The camp is for students who have completed grades 3-8. The camp will be from held from 9-11:45 a.m. each day. The cost is $35 which includes a T-shirt. Pre-registration is appreciated.A concession stand will be available. The camp's goal is to improve players' skills in volleyball for the upcoming season with instruction through games and fun team competitions. A concession stand will be open for snacks and drinks. Pre-registration is greatly appreciated.


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What is Escuela de la India (India School)?
The Escuela de la India , organised by Casa de la India, is an educational programme about India based on diversity and multicultural learning. It presents different subjects regarding traditional and contemporary India through educational and artistic activities and games (interactive dynamics, the reading of texts, plastic arts, painting, audio visual activities, music, dance, theatre, etc.). The Escuela de la India is, therefore, an educative initiative which promotes intercultural dialogue and offers a point of contact between the two cultures.


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snuif needed a new other design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 46 designs submitted by 10 freelance designers.
I would like to have a new design for our international newsletter. The layout should stay the same. The colors maybe modified.
Here you can view a screenshot ihave created on which i had mentioned some points which i would like tochange , in this zip file i have included the screenshot, and the htmlversion oi the current newsletter.
and the workdescription in a document. http://www.bcmdieet.nl/newproject.zip
The original newsletter can be viewed here. http://www.de.bcm.info/_Advents-New…/index.php
Inthe zip file 4-12-2008 11-16-02.png is the screenshot of the newsletterwhere i have added numbers to refer to the numbers in the word document
- give the whole newsletter more pucnhby for example add a bit more shadow to the treess and highlights.Improve the color of the trees. Create more depth and detail. Not onlyfor the trees but for the stars or to the text used in the newsletter
- if possible export it to html.
- a total new design. Stick to the format i have provided


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It's an hallucinatory, almost trance-inducing experience, said underground film-maker, photographer and poet, Ira Cohen about his film The Invasion of Thunderbolt Pagoda (1968).
It's like going on an ecstatic journey to another planet, full of magical beings, animals and plants.
It's certainly all that and more, and also has a soundtrack by The Velvet Underground's original drummer Angus MacLise.
Cohen filmed this phantasmagorical short at his apartment in New York's Lower East Side. Cohen called his home "The Mylar Chamber," as its walls were covered with Mylar, and he used its distorted and reflective quality to photograph various artists, writers and musicians. It was also a key component to The Invasion of Thunderbolt Pagoda, where its wonderful ripple effect is like one long trip. But to Ira Cohen back in the 1960s, it was "just reality."
Bonus—An interview with Ira Cohen.
Previously on Dangerous Minds
Shaman of the Lower East Side: Ira Cohen R.I.P.


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AmpliVision Lite. Electronic Lighted Magnifier for iPhoneFree
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Publisher's Description
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Over forty? Have trouble reading small print? Forgot your reading glasses? AmpliVision is here to help. It instantly turns your device into a powerful electronic lighted magnifier. * Universal application which works on camera equipped iPhone/iPod and iPad. * Simple not cluttered UI * Easy operation with one hand * Support for front and back camera * Bright LED lighting (Available only on devices with camera flash) * Lock feature. Instantly freeze a sharp magnified image to easily zooming and examine finest detail * Save and share images made within AmpliVision Powerful features, simple design and ease of operation make AmpliVision an indispensable tool in many situations and for every walk of life and just for tiny fraction of cost of the real device. Just think of what you could do with it: * Read small print on medicine bottles * Get to hard reaching places to snap bar codes or serial numbers * Check on your make up or teeth condition * Read restaurant menu in the dark light Anything is possible with AmpliVision! Note: * Download Ads free version * Light feature is available only on iPhone 4 and iPhone 4s * Prolonged use of LED light can dramatically decrease battery life
read more +


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Join up, join in, join the campaign
Get your tickets now
Good Beer Guide 2019
Protecting Pubs
Is Your Local Under Threat? We can help!
Campaigners praised for saving local pub in Kent
Campaigners have been praised for saving a 200-year-old pub from closure and turning it into a thriving community hub with social lunches for vulnerable people, book swaps and an internet cafe.
Sunday Mirror - The man who saved the pint
Over a pint of Moor's Hoppiness, Roger Protz talks through Britain's craft ale revolution and reveals he spent the 1970s being a disillusioned drinker
Event Listing - Festivals that celebrate our railways
Hoping to combine a CAMRA beer festival with a great rail journey or an opportunity to discover more about trains? There are plenty of events that offer the chance to do both!
Volunteer Voice - John Crossley
Cheltenham branch chair John Crossley describes his experience of using community pubs month to increase member involvement and improve links with pubs.
Merseyside pub saved from closure has been named the best in the country
Press Release
Wednesday 28th February 2018
A Merseyside pub saved from closure has been named the best in the country
The Cricketers Arms receiving CAMRA's regional Pub of the Year award in 2016
The Cricketers Arms in St Helens, Merseyside, has won the prestigious Pub of the Year title from the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) just five years after it was boarded up for closure.
When owners Andy and Denise Evans took over the running of the pub in 2013, it was boarded up and hadn't served cask ale since the 1980s. The Cricketers Arms is now a well-established local community pub with an excellent selection of 13 locally sourced cask ales and up to 20 ciders in the summer.
Alongside an impressive ale and cider range, plans are in the making for a microbrewery to open in the next few months and customers will be tasked with naming the pub's beers. Visitors can also take part in a number of social nights including regular beer festivals, dominoes, jam nights, pub quizzes, karaoke and pool teams, as well as enjoy a new whiskey and gin bar.
The Cricketers Arms regularly wins local CAMRA awards, but this is the first time it has won a national title. Paul Ainsworth, CAMRA's National Pub of the Year coordinator said: "After winning the regional award in both 2015 and 2016, it's a well deserved third time lucky for the Cricketers to be named CAMRA's national Pub of the Year.
"In less than five years, Andy and Denise have converted a boarded up pub on the brink of closure into a true destination pub for beer lovers across the country. What impressed me the most is that the Cricketers is a genuine community pub where people from all walks of life come together to socialise. It is a shining example of how a pub, which seems destined for closure, can have its fortunes turned around when in the right hands."
Owner Andy Evans said: "We are over the moon to be named the top pub in the country after just a few short years of renovations. We've done everything we can to make this a welcoming community pub and still have exciting developments ahead of us. As well as expanding the beers available, we created a beer garden and put greens in the ground, and have big plans to install a microbrewery this year. We are very proud to be part of the cask ale scene and look forward to celebrating with our locals!"
Runners-up in the competition include the Wigan Central in Wigan, the Stanford Arms in Lowestoft and the Weavers Real Ale House in Kidderminster. Pubsin the competition are selected by CAMRA volunteers and judged on their atmosphere, decor, welcome, service, community focus and most importantly – quality of beer.
The Cricketers Arms will be presented with an award for its achievement at an event open to the press at 1pm on Wednesday 28th February 2018. This will be followed shortly afterwards by CAMRA's Club of the Year presentation at the neighbouring Flixton Conservative Club at 6pm.
Reducing the tax burden on pubs
See if your MP #pledgedforpubs
Promoting Real Ale, Cider & Perry
Promoting Pubs & Clubs


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You are here:
In 2006, the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) expanded its presence in Sudan by establishing operations in the southern part of what was then a single country. Today, UMCOR's overarching goal in the new nation of South Sudan is to address the needs of conflict-affected communities, returnees and vulnerable groups through the provision of basic services and sustainable livelihoods opportunities.
UMCOR has developed key partnerships with UK & US Government funding agencies, the European Commission, UN agencies, private donors, and The United Methodist Church (UMC) to support its work with vulnerable groups, returnees and internally displaced persons (IDPs) in target areas of South Sudan.
With its main office in Juba, UMCOR works in Central Equatoria (CES) and Northern Bahr el Ghazal (NBEG) states, focusing on:
In all projects, UMCOR targets beneficiaries by considering their vulnerability status, such as woman- or child-headed households, displaced populations, people living with disabilities and the elderly. Capacity building to generate local community ownership is integral to UMCOR's approach to humanitarian and development assistance in South Sudan.
UMCOR is currently involved in implementing the following projects:
Download a brief on UMCOR's work in South Sudan (PDF).


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
Conventional wisdom states that Lebanon's Shiite militia Hezbollah was birthed in direct response to Israel's 1982 invasion of its northern neighbor to curb constant cross-border terrorist attacks. Even Hezbollah portrays itself as such.
But the truth is that the groundwork for the group was laid long before, and that Hezbollah is actually part and parcel of Iran's Islamic Revolution. In fact, the title "Hezbollah" (Party of Allah) was first used by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini's faction after it seized power in Iran in 1979.
This expose by The Weekly Standard provides a detailed rundown of the various Iranian groups jockeying for position in Lebanon prior to the fall of the shah. Lebanon had long been an outpost and base of operations for Iranian Islamists.
What is clear from the article is that Hezbollah is much more than just an Iranian proxy. It is a local extension of the Iranian regime and its Revolutionary Guard.
As such, the policies and behavior of Hezbollah can tell a lot about the underlying intentions of Iran, particularly when it comes to the Islamic Republic's suspected nuclear weapons program.
Like Hezbollah, Iranian leader's are probably serious when they speak of the destruction of Israel as a long-term goal. And that suggests Israeli leaders are right to be over-cautious in their quest to keep out of Iran's hands the kinds of weapons that would make that goal achievable.
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The second varsity eight captured Radcliffe's first race win
of the morning. Scroll down for video highlights.
CAMBRIDGE, Mass.—The Radcliffe heavyweight crew won two races and placed second in three, including the varsity eight, in the O'Leary Cup regatta against No. 16 Dartmouth and Syracuse Saturday morning on the Charles River.
The Radcliffe varsity eight (1-4) got off to a good start and held overlap with Dartmouth for 500 meters, but the Big Green steadily moved away in the second 500. The Black and White and Orange continued to battle and were even at the midway point, but Radcliffe moved as it hit the Harvard Bridge. Radcliffe continued to gain ground the rest of the way and beat Syracuse by nearly six seconds in 6:45.2. Dartmouth won in 6:32.0.
"I was happy with the way the varsity responded to Syracuse and raced through the second 1,000 meters," said head coach Liz O'Leary, who made late changes to each of her boatings due to injury. "We've made some good progress and a lot of people stepped up this week. There's no doubt in my mind that this team is committed to being all we can be."
The Black and White's two wins came in the other two NCAA events, the second varsity eight and varsity four A. The second varsity built an open-water lead by the 500-meter mark and won by 11.4 seconds. The four won by 8.3 seconds after getting out to a half-length lead after 500 meters and a full-length margin after 1,000.
The race of the day was the penultimate event, a head-to-head matchup of the Radcliffe and Syracuse B fours. The Black and White held a slight lead early, but the Orange quickly battled back and the teams raced neck-and-neck throughout until Syracuse prevailed by three-tenths of a second. Radcliffe finished 4.7 seconds behind Dartmouth and 22.3 ahead of Syracuse in the third varsity eight.
Varsity Eight
Dartmouth 6:32.0
Radcliffe 6:45.2
Syracuse 6:51.1
Second Varsity Eight
Radcliffe 6:44.0
Syracuse 6:55.4
Dartmouth 6:55.8
Varsity Four A
Radcliffe 7:31.9
Dartmouth 7:40.2
Syracuse 7:50.2
Varsity Four B
Syracuse 7:53.2
Radcliffe 7:53.5
Third Varsity Eight
Dartmouth 7:00.8
Radcliffe 7:05.5
Syracuse 7:23.1
Radcliffe Lineups
Varsity Eight
Cox: Jill Carlson, 8: Kate Morris, 7: Christine Baugh, 6: Jennie Peterson, 5: Laura Huppert, 4: Mary Maginnis, 3: Rachel Knaster, 2: Meg Kehan, 1: Jessica Flakne
Second Varsity
Cox: Amanda Deutsch, 8: Molly Tarrant, 7: Michaela Pewarski, 6: Celia Kohl, 5: Tara Larson, 4: Shelley Pearson, 3: Jess Mealia, 2: Kirsten Van Fossen, 1: Liz Soutter
Varsity Four A
Cox: Rachel Rauh, 4: Eleanor Conover, 3: Ariel Delgado, 2: Katie O'Hanlon, 1: Scout Moran
Varsity Four B
Cox: Andrea Rickey, 4: Marisa D'Orsogna, 3: Mary Jackson, 2: Margot Leger, 1: Laura Savarese
Third Varsity Eight
Cox: Jos Lai, 8: Alex Kuschner, 7: Sophie Bearman, 6: Lucy Chen, 5: Rebekah Meyer, 4: Mary Miller, 3: Christina McClintock, 2: Elizabeth Holly, 1: Shauna Stewart