News for today's 2018: 06/28/13

Am I being paid to blog? Setting the record straight

10:19 PM Tukiyooo 0

I have been bothered all evening about a comment to my earlier post of my first weigh in video.  It pretty much said that someone on twitter was making suggestions that my blog is fake and I was being paid by the pharmaceutical company.  And it also suggested my first week was purely water weight.<br /><br />Let me be clear.  I am not being paid by ANYONE to do my blog.  I never heard of Belvic until I went to the doctor for an unrelated reason a week and a half ago.  In fact, my doctor had never heard of it until the RX sales rep stopped by with a brochure just moments before I got there.  It was all timing.<br /><br />In fact, I was skeptical just like many are and I appreciate that.  I didn't even get the RX filled for 3 days because I thought it was just another drug failure and I wasn't about to waste my money on the unknown.  It was when a precious friend posted a picture that was taken one day on facebook when I broke down in tears and I just realized, I MUST do something.  So, the next day, I got the RX filled since it was a free trial.  I was amazed by the immediate results.  So much so, I got excited about the possibilities for the first time in years.<br /><br />I will say one thing, I did some research on Belviq over those few days and I realized it was a really new drug.  So, realizing that to continue this course, it is going to cost me roughly $300 a month for Belvic and online nutritionist.  I have heard of cases where people can get sponsors and paid to blog.  I would be completely open to that idea.  I need to figure out how I will be able to do this financially!  Its going to be really really hard, but I am committed to it.  So, if Belviq ever approached me to sponsor my blog, I will totally take it up.  I will also let everyone know.  Mostly because I will be excited! HA.<br /><br />I am also looking at changing my blog site to go through a paid go-daddy site.  The reason for this is I can do a few things, most importantly, I can set up ads on the side bar to help generate a little monthly income based off of incoming views.  I can't stress enough that if my insurance would cover the RX, I would just keep the blog here and do as is.  But I have to figure out how to bridge this financial divide.   Also, I am sure you realize, but the cost of eating healthy is so much more expensive to the cost of eating poor.  I'm so used to my bad eating habits, that my budget is based off of that.  <br /><br />I hope this clears this up once and for all.  I want to thank the person that brought this to my attention.  I do not EVER want to appear deceptive for any reason.  I want to thank him personally for believing in me.<br /><br />I hope you all believe in me as well!!!  I am counting on each of my followers to encourage me.  Seeing my large audience every day encourages me.  So you don't even have to say anything, you just have to read my blog and I will know you were here!  Well, not know exactly who was here but know that SOMEONE was here ha!<br /><br />Have a great evening!

Am I being paid to blog? Setting the record straight

Matt Said, Jay Said...1776

9:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPpVg54vKTn7Hn-usyFu_hbCnlGkkaYElb4L3HGuZh_zJFUVApmwgeqSpLZkDkAHEkviwX6S0SZsLCbij7OA_i6AfMk3z0CmdFOd_f_v27-xdgZHYdrFQha3-_72FtMS7JreXAEm9cMU/s466/Tamra+4th+of+July+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdPpVg54vKTn7Hn-usyFu_hbCnlGkkaYElb4L3HGuZh_zJFUVApmwgeqSpLZkDkAHEkviwX6S0SZsLCbij7OA_i6AfMk3z0CmdFOd_f_v27-xdgZHYdrFQha3-_72FtMS7JreXAEm9cMU/s640/Tamra+4th+of+July+2.jpg" width="313" /></a>Matt-Man town cries…Jayman pamphleteers…You, toss Orange Pekoe into Boston Harbor.<br /><br />Jay:  Hello Schmoop; it’s Jay.<br />Schmoop:  Hello Jay…Here’s Matt.<br />Matt: Hi Jayman, how is your evening?<br />Jay:  Not bad and yours?<br />Matt:  Pretty Good.<br /><br />Jay:  I was thinking about this Sunday’s show.<br />Matt:  And?<br />Jay:  We should do an <span style="color: blue;"><a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/06/30/drunk-on-history" target="_blank">American History Show</a> </span>since the 4th of July is fast upon us.<br />Matt:  That’s a great idea.<br /><br />Jay:  I thought so.<br />Matt:  We could talk about our fave founding fathers, least fave Presidents, and fave Commanders-in-Chief.<br /><br />Jay:  Damn right.  Bobby Kraft could talk about famous battlefields like Pea Ridge.<br />Matt:  Buddy Acapella could sing our National Anthem.<br />Jay:  I could talk about many historical things because I’ve been known to turn a bitch.<br />Matt:  That’s hot.<br />Jay:  IKR?<br /><br />Matt:  We could also update today’s news.<br />Jay:  Damn right.  Slyder could give an update on the tragically funny news about Aaron Hernandez.<br />Matt:  Poor dude.  Had it all, but blew it like a bad tire.<br />Jay:  Maybe Paul Piatt?  Is he patriotic?<br />Matt:  More than you think!!<br /><br />Jay:  Hmmmmmmm…<br />Matt:  Lot of cookouts coming up this week, maybe Kirk Douglas could give us a weather report.<br />Jay:  If he’s still alive, he will.<br /><br />Matt:  Man, our <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/06/30/drunk-on-history" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">Drunk on History</span></a> show is going to be great!!<br />Jay:  I know right!?<br /><br />Matt:  Hey!?<br />Jay:  What?<br />Matt:  Something weird just happened.<br />Jay:  What’s that?<br /><br />Matt:  We actually discussed what we are going to do on Sunday’s show.<br />Jay:  Holy Independence; we actually did!!<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTy_vFmsDQ5XdhlWX2_VTEZdlS4QArrhLUvFz0B1CEzIoQvQwt47Eu9c6Jgua6g4ISWLjIMigqyps8Wojt8oscjDN3NRdqIIMwWd3H4jc-67i8RjSgvWB7g2u5FSL1eqnwn5Le5WG14/s300/4th+of+July.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8aTy_vFmsDQ5XdhlWX2_VTEZdlS4QArrhLUvFz0B1CEzIoQvQwt47Eu9c6Jgua6g4ISWLjIMigqyps8Wojt8oscjDN3NRdqIIMwWd3H4jc-67i8RjSgvWB7g2u5FSL1eqnwn5Le5WG14/s400/4th+of+July.jpg" width="400" /></a>Matt:  After nearly three years on the air, are we growing up and becoming mature?<br />Jay:  Oh Hell No.<br />Matt:  Why do you say that?<br />Jay:  Because after nearly 237 years, Congress hasn’t grown up.<br />Matt and Jay:  Heyyyyyyy-ooooooooo.<br /><br />Matt:  Annnnnnd Jayman, Angie will be on to discuss the SCOTUS DOMA ruling and Prop 8!!<br />Jay:  That’s HOT.<br /><br />Matt: This is going to be a jam packed show.<br />Jay:  Damn right and I hope people call-in at 661.244.9852<br />Matt:  Exactly, and listen to us by clicking <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/06/30/drunk-on-history" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a><br /><br />Jay:  See you on the radio this Sunday from Noon-2 PM ET.<br />Matt:  And unto you, I say the same….<br /><br />To catch Jay and Matt LIVE this Sunday from Noon-2 PM ET you can click <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid/2013/06/30/drunk-on-history" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">HERE</span></a>.</div>

Matt Said, Jay Said...1776

Matt-Man town cries…Jayman pamphleteers…You, toss Orange Pekoe into Boston Harbor.Jay: Hello Schmoop; it’s Jay.Schmoop: Hello Jay…Here’s Matt.Matt: Hi Jayman, how is your evening?Jay: Not bad and yours?Matt: Pretty Good.Jay: I was thinking about…

White House Down: Slick summer heroics

6:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><i>White House Down</i> </b></span></span></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>(2013) • <a href="http://trailers.apple.com/trailers/sony_pictures/whitehousedown/" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">View trailer</a></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b> </b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b>Four stars. Rating: PG-13, for fleeting profanity and relentless action violence</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></span></span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #5e5e5e; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>By <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/12885694730612878577" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">Derrick Bang</a> • </b></span>Originally published in <i><a href="http://www.davisenterprise.com/" style="color: #27a9c5; text-decoration: none;">The Davis Enterprise</a></i>, 6.28.13</b></span></span></span></span></span><br /><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>            <br /><div class="MsoNormalCxSpFirst"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">You gotta give ’em credit: Despite an invasion premise that confines the primary characters to the labyrinthine White House interior, this crowd-pleasing action epic manages to work in a car chase.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">And a reasonably plausible car chase, at that. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ8D6JIsw8tJVqOIc7S0xgZnOKn-Iwvusb6IAWPlujWjn8CKIGOCioPDqCspWP8qU831sAQ3xdNF3b8JDJaWU3EJfDAcN9TCsKQExP-d8wnZ2zjJ6vXOPmeUypSB8_q2OhWRf1lc2ZlM/s1600/White+House+Down+blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpJ8D6JIsw8tJVqOIc7S0xgZnOKn-Iwvusb6IAWPlujWjn8CKIGOCioPDqCspWP8qU831sAQ3xdNF3b8JDJaWU3EJfDAcN9TCsKQExP-d8wnZ2zjJ6vXOPmeUypSB8_q2OhWRf1lc2ZlM/s400/White+House+Down+blog.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Having worked their way through secret tunnels that lead beneath the White House,<br />Cale (Channing Tatum, right) and President Sawyer (Jamie Foxx) are dismayed to<br />discover that the bad guys have blocked the way with a complicated bomb. Worse<br />yet, irritated thugs with guns are right behind them...</span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Director Roland Emmerich and writer James Vanderbilt actually deserve credit for far more than that. Despite arriving late to this high-profile copycat party, <i>White House Down</i> is superior to spring’s <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2013/03/olympus-has-fallen-if-only-it-were-so.html">Olympus Has Fallen</a></i>: a much smarter script, vastly better characters and a superior blend of action and hell-for-leather humor.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">THIS is the way I expect our heads of state to behave: defiant and resourceful in the face of death, rather than the cowardly, impotent weenies who populated <i>Olympus Has Fallen</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Granted, both films offer the same sort of quasi-political hokum, but <i>White House Down</i> delivers the (mostly) one-man derring-do with far more style. Despite a self-indulgent running time of 131 minutes, Emmerich and editor Adam Wolfe keep the pace crisp, the tension coiled and the heroics more or less reasonable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Vanderbilt’s narrative is a series of clever teases, with every small triumph offset by a newly discovered setback; we therefore cheer each cathartic victory while remaining invested in the primary goal that, vexingly, remains out of reach.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Best of all, we have a solid quartet of villains to boo and hiss: a turncoat mastermind and three delectably unscrupulous associates, each playing his part with gleefully malevolent brio. After all, heroes are measured by their adversaries.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">John Cale (Channing Tatum), a capable D.C. policeman, is less successful on the home front, having let down his young daughter, Emily (Joey King), once too often. This comes as no surprise to ex-wife Melanie (Rachelle Lefevre), who, while sympathetic, doesn’t put much stock in Cale’s insistence that he’s trying to atone for past mistakes. Emily, also not impressed, prefers to call her estranged father by his first name.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Hoping to recover some ground, Cale scores a second White House pass so that Emily can tag along when he applies for his dream job, as a member of the Secret Service staff assigned to protect President Sawyer (Jamie Foxx). Alas, Special Agent Finnerty (Maggie Gyllenhaal) also knows too much about Cale’s various character flaws, in part thanks to a long-ago affair with him. She thus denies him the shot.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><a name='more'></a><br />  <div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Not wanting to admit this newest failure to Emily, Cale yields to her desire for a White House tour. We’ve learned by now that Emily is a hard-core political enthusiast, with a passion for detail and a dreamy-eyed crush on President Sawyer; she therefore knows the answers to all the tricky questions posed by the tour guide (Nicolas Wright, as Donnie), much to the latter’s amused frustration.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Alas, this just happens to be the day when Walker (James Woods), a 25-year Secret Service veteran, goes rogue and orchestrates a complex revenge plot. Within minutes, thanks to an assault team that cleverly infiltrates the White House — and let’s hope it wouldn’t be anywhere near this easy, in real life! — the demolished Capitol dome has crashed into the lower floors, Walker has the president at gunpoint, 70 or so tour members are being held hostage, and Cale has been separated from his daughter (who chose this moment to use one of the posh White House bathrooms).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Security aides manage to get Vice President Hammond (Michael Murphy) airborne in Air Force One, while Speaker of the House Eli Raphelson (Richard Jenkins) is similarly safe in the military command center overseen by spit-and-polish Gen. Caulfield (Lance Reddick).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The invading commandos are led by the vicious Stenz (Jason Clarke) and the somewhat unstable Killick (Kevin Rankin), both of whom think nothing of offing a high-level politico in order to secure compliance from the others. Meanwhile, über-hacker Tyler (Jimmi Simpson), happily ensconced in the White House emergency bunker, methodically punches through all computer security protocols in order to gain access to ... we know not what. But we can imagine it’ll be bad, if he succeeds.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Oh, and outside military forces are prevented from mounting a rescue mission because a) they don’t want to risk injuring President Sawyer; and b) the baddies have control of the White House roof, where they’re able to repel any incursions with RPGs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">(Yeah, those are thin excuses, but hey: We’ve got a movie to enjoy. Go with the flow.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Can Cale make a difference? Will the sun rise in the east?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Tatum makes an engaging action hero from the “I’ve no other choice” school, as opposed to guys who know what they're doing at all times. Cale’s desire to find and protect his daughter is ample motivation: at times a stronger incentive than saving a president he didn’t vote for (one of this film’s many droll running gags). <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That said, Cale quickly links up with Sawyer, and the two become a resourceful team: The former has the military training — tours of duty in Afghanistan, carefully noted early on — while the latter knows “his house” inside and out.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Foxx is careful to maintain Sawyer’s limitations: He’s a decisive and quick-thinking strategist, to be sure, but otherwise a vulnerable head of state quite content to follow Cale’s lead (as opposed to, for example, Harrison Ford’s commando-style president in 1997’s <i>Air Force One</i>). This is smart synergy on the part of Emmerich and Vanderbilt: Cale and Sawyer cleverly complement each other, just as Tatum and Foxx make excellent use of the initially prickly wariness between these two characters, which (of course) quickly blossoms into mutual trust.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The stand-out performance, however, comes from young Joey King’s bold and plucky Emily: definitely the toughest, smartest and most quick-witted little girl we’ve seen in a <i>long</i> time. King pulls it all off quite credibly; when she screws her little face into a furious sneer and defiantly stares down Stenz and Killick, angrily telling one to get out of her face, it’s hard to resist shouting, “You <i>go</i>, girl!”<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">King earns considerable good will throughout this film, which is essential, if we’re to greet her climactic act without rolling our eyes. (Emmerich rarely resists an opportunity for some old-fashioned, heart-thumping displays of patriotism.)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Gyllenhaal is properly focused and steely eyed as the capable Finnerty, while Simpson — a popular character actor with an active résumé of big-screen and TV roles — has a field day as the droll, lollypop-sucking Tyler.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Woods chews up the scenery in similar style, as the vengeance-fueled Walker. Woods always is at his best as an impatient villain who grows increasingly annoyed with his underlings, contempt dripping from every hard-bitten syllable. He’s the pluperfect criminal mastermind astonished by the interference of one lone guy: a juicy addition to the bad-guy template established so well by Alan Rickman, in 1988’s <i>Die Hard</i> (the only noteworthy entry in that series).<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The always capable Jenkins, with a long history of <i>becoming</i> his roles, looks and sounds every inch the seasoned politician. Wright provides welcome comic relief as the tour guide, although his character isn’t quite as frivolous as he seems. Andrew Simms memorably depicts a Rush Limbaugh-ish media gasbag, and Jackie Geary makes the most of her small role as a White House staffer smitten by Cale.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I’m less satisfied, however, with Murphy’s portrayal of Hammond as an indecisive idiot, a numb-nuts character who would have been more at home in <i>Olympus Has Fallen</i>. Really, must cinema’s U.S. vice presidents be depicted like Nigel Bruce’s bumbling Watson in the Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes movies? It’s the one glaringly sour note in Vanderbilt’s otherwise solid script.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">That quibble aside, Vanderbilt knows his way around twisty scenarios, having adapted Robert Graysmith’s book for director David Fincher’s 2007 handling of <i>Zodiac</i>. Vanderbilt is clever about details, so pay close attention to the opening act; clues are dropped that’ll later prove quite significant.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Stunt coordinator John Stoneham Jr. and visual effects supervisors Volker Engel and Marc Weigert are kept busy. The aforementioned car chase is a corker, as are sequences involving assault helicopters and jet fighters. Yes, Tatum and Sawyer are ridiculously adept at dodging fusillades of high-powered bullets, but that has become <i>de rigueur</i> in flicks of this nature.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Emmerich has a long history of thunderously overblown, audience-pleasing epics that go back to <i>Stargate</i> and <i>Independence Day</i> (the latter getting a wink-nudge shout-out here), and more recently include the less satisfying <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2008/03/10000-bc-too-primitive.html">10,000 BC</a></i> and <i><a href="http://derrickbang.blogspot.com/2009/11/2012-end-of-days.html">2012</a></i>. I’m happy to note that <i>White House Down</i> lacks the unpalatably casual mass brutality of <i>2012</i>; all the characters here matter, and the occasional instances of collateral homicide take place logically, rather than as a pointless excuse to ratchet up the body count.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle"><br /></div><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In sum, <i>White House Down</i> is a capably mounted and enjoyably executed ride. You really can’t expect more from a summer popcorn thriller.</span></span>

White House Down (2013) • View trailer Four stars. Rating: PG-13, for fleeting profanity and relentless action violenceBy Derrick Bang • Originally published in The Davis Enterprise, 6.28.13 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false fal…

Librarian I - Hamden Public Library

4:31 PM Anonymous 0

<strong>Librarian I - </strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Hamden Public Library</span></strong></strong>.  Position definition:  Performs professional library duties in the areas  of reference services, technical services or children's services.  Provides instruction in the use of electronic and print information  sources in these areas and assists library patrons in the selection and  use of library materials. Supervision Received:  Works under the general  direction of the immediate supervisor as determined by the Library  Director, who assigns areas of responsibility, outlines policy and  procedures, provides guidance as necessary and evaluates work in terms  of accuracy and effectiveness. Works with independence in assigned  areas. Makes regular reports to Supervisor, including statistical  information for activity reports. Supervision Exercised:  Provides  general supervision to Library Technical Assistants, Library Clerks,  Library Pages and volunteers. Examples of Essential Job Duties:   Performs basic professional librarian duties, the specifics of which  depend upon the unit to which the employee is assigned. Minimum  Qualifications Required: The minimum qualifications required for this  position is a Master’s Degree in Library Science from an accredited  college or university and some working or internship experience in a  public library. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:  Must have a working  knowledge of library principles and practices. A working knowledge of  the Dewey Decimal Classification System required. Must possess a working  knowledge of and facility with current library-related technologies in a  variety of platforms as well as the ability and willingness to embrace  technological advances as they arise.  Must be able to use the Town's  email system. The ability to apply principles of library science to  solve practical problems where only limited standardization exists is  required. Must be able to carry out instructions furnished in written,  oral and scheduled form. Must be able to work with patrons in a busy  public service-oriented setting and have the ability to establish and  maintain effective working relationships with the library staff.  Applications and copies of the job description are available in the  Personnel/Civil Service Office from 8:30 - 4:30 PM and on the Town of  Hamden website, <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.hamden.com" href="http://www.hamden.com/" target="_blank">www.hamden.com</a>. Closing date:  Thursday, <span style="color: red;">July 11, 2013</span> @ 4:00 PM.

Librarian I - Hamden Public Library

Librarian I - Hamden Public Library. Position definition: Performs professional library duties in the areas of reference services, technical services or children's services. Provides instruction in the use of electronic and print information sou…

Back in the homeschool classroom: A chance encounter

4:23 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7q6CIQ5fuSDXBghlyaLneba7meMy6D-GS0nDYvkjWo9f86vG00gYZk3XjnRrp5_MG0jVBPJunGxIov9BhcRa6SbBX778qyvtPVmgGmPABR0aeqc1lLBYpNG6DD-6Zd8IpCM3krHJ3X5c/s800/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_7q6CIQ5fuSDXBghlyaLneba7meMy6D-GS0nDYvkjWo9f86vG00gYZk3XjnRrp5_MG0jVBPJunGxIov9BhcRa6SbBX778qyvtPVmgGmPABR0aeqc1lLBYpNG6DD-6Zd8IpCM3krHJ3X5c/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>The Gulf of Mexico on the Florida Panhandle.</i></div><br />I ran into an old friend today while shopping at Martin's in Staunton ... a homeschool mom who joined our local homeschool organization while I was in leadership. It was good to see her and brought back memories of the years I educated my children at home.<br /><br />We got caught up in that quick in-a-nutshell way that you do when running into someone you haven't seen in a while in a public place like the grocery store, and then she said something that kind of stopped me in my tracks.<br /><br />"I read your blog."<br /><br /><i>"Really?"</i> I was flattered.<br /><br />I thanked her, and laughed about how I write about politics but then escape to the mountains or the back roads to take photos and enjoy the Shenandoah Valley. She smiled and nodded and said, "Your pictures of the beach...."<br /><br />"Ah, the Gulf of Mexico," I said nodding my head. "I had not been there in years but the water was just as blue as I remembered."<br /><br />She noted that it was beautiful and she had really enjoyed the pictures and it made her want to go to the beach. Yes, I told her, I had heard that from others, too.<br /><br />The photos are my window on the world that I enjoy sharing with others, the neat nooks and crannies of the places where I ramble and make discoveries and spend time taking in the beauty of wherever I am. It has always been amazing that people write to say how much they enjoy seeing them.<br /><br />It is equally amazing that a number of homeschool moms, some whom I've never met, read my blog. You would think they would have their hands full with required school reading so I consider it an honor that they take a few minutes out of their day to stop by SWAC Girl.<br /><br />A while back, one mom wrote that she especially enjoyed when I ended my posts with, "It's summer (spring/winter/fall) in the Shenandoah Valley...." Now when I type that line, I think of her.<br /><br />Our chance encounter today was once again a reminder that friends are priceless. And knowing that there are those who enjoy my blog is an honor.  <br /><br />And, Leslie -- great seeing you today! May the rest of your homeschool journey be especially gratifying and successful, and hopefully it won't be so long before we meet up again....<br /><br /><i>----- </i><br /><i>Lynn Mitchell educated her children at home for 16 years and was part  of leadership in North Carolina's Iredell County Home Educators (ICHE)  and Virginia's Parent Educators of Augusta County Homes (PEACH). Her  son graduated from Harrisonburg's James Madison University (JMU) in  2007 with a BS in Computer Science and a minor in Creative  Writing. Her daughter graduated from Staunton's Mary Baldwin College in  2012 with a BS in Sustainable Business and Marketing. Lynn and her  husband live in Augusta County located in the beautiful Shenandoah  Valley of Virginia. The story of how she began her homeschool journey <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/01/back-in-homeschool-classroom-blazing.html">can be found here</a>.</i> <br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />Seacrest, Florida <br />May 2013

Florida Gulf of Mexico homeschooling Lynn R. Mitchell Seacrest Shenandoah Valley Back in the homeschool classroom: A chance encounter

The Gulf of Mexico on the Florida Panhandle.I ran into an old friend today while shopping at Martin's in Staunton ... a homeschool mom who joined our local homeschool organization while I was in leadership. It was good to see her and brought back mem…

Product development Engineer (opto-mechanics | motion control | Laser | Illumination systems | plasma light) (#109574)

2:48 PM Anonymous 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="WordSection1"><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job Title:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Product Development Engineer<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Location:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Milpitas, CA<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Duration:</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";"> Fulltime<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Job description:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Responsibilities:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Wafer Inspection Division on Brightfield products. The Product Development Engineer will be responsible for designing,   developing, testing and implementing high brightness plasma light sources to support KLA-Tencor's roadmap in optical wafer inspection.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">This role will involve requirements analysis, systems design and testing of complex inspection systems using expertise from multiple technical disciplines. The selected candidate   will:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Work with marketing and engineering to define system architecture and develop requirement specifications and test plans - 30%<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Work with functional groups to define and review designs. Create and execute test plans and perform analysis to validate system performance. Will trouble shoot system and subsystem   issues and work with various subsystem teams to find and implement solutions - 40%<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Support internal and external customers in implementing processes to build and use the tool effectively and optimize tool performance. Lead troubleshooting efforts in manufacturing   and in the field. - 30%<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Occasional travel will be required.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Preferred Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Must have a strong background in engineering or the physical sciences and demonstrated analysis and problem solving skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Must have a good understanding of Optical, Electromechanical and Software systems and their interactions in the context of complex industrial equipment.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Strong diagnostic and trouble shooting skills in optics, opto-mechanics, and motion control systems<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Experience with lasers and illumination systems, CCD/CMOS cameras is a plus.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Should be familiar with scientific and statistical analysis tools and SW tools such as Matlab, JMP, Zemax, and LabView.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Experience in developing a subsystem in one or more of the above areas are highly desirable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Knowledge of semiconductor manufacturing processes and image analysis is desirable.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Should have the ability to influence functional groups to drive system level decisions.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Agility and ability to thrive on a fast paced program and respond quickly to field and internal escalations.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Ability to define objectives clearly, create and track schedules effectively, and drive the team to a solution.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Must be an effective communicator able to share technical information with functional groups and provide executive level reports to management and customers.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">May be required to lead small cross functional teams.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">PhD in applied optics, mechanical/electrical engineering, physics or related disciplines desired<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Minimum Qualifications:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Bachelor's Level Degree with at least 5 years of relevant industry experience.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Master's Level Degree with at least 3 years of relevant industry experience.   <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">OR<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Doctorate (Academic).<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif";">Please send in your resumes to vinod.sanker@kla-tencor.com</span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div></div></div>

Product development Engineer (opto-mechanics | motion control | Laser | Illumination systems | plasma light) (#109574)

Job Title: Product Development EngineerLocation: Milpitas, CADuration: FulltimeJob description:Responsibilities:The selected Product Development Engineer will work within the Wafer Inspection Division on Brightfield products. The Product Development …

System design Engineer ( electron beam or ion beam | column and source design | integration and characterization) (# 109634)

2:41 PM Anonymous 0

System design Engineer ( electron beam or ion beam | column and source design | integration and characterization) (# 109634)

Job Title: System design EngineerLocation: Milpitas, CADuration: FulltimeJob description:Responsibilities:1. electron beam system development for semiconductor wafer review and inspection2. electron optical column and electron source design, integrat…

Sr System design Engineer ( Optics| metrology | critical dimension | Thinfilm| throughput MAM | modeling and simulations) (#109110)

2:36 PM Anonymous 0

Job Title: Sr system design EngineerLocation: Milpitas, CADuration: FulltimeJob description: Responsibilities:We are looking for a senior systems engineer to support the development of the next generation film and CD measurement technology…

Complete Randomness

1:38 PM Tukiyooo 0

<br />Nothing exciting going on around here.  So, welcome to my brain randomly darting around to different ideas instead of being productive...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvcvAzY-QY2jOcYq4iKc0VOcCovIv9Z60vXlWxbjQrAgWkS23YoNTxjImzhp2eQDWSYYzky3gtXd0MNMy5MDCh_DSEd5FlNfoDjEcurv9fYQa5-4R5AQ2jbrDWcdj_Dx3zLtUDoAoBFmo/s960/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><ul><li>It's Friday!!!! </li><li>6 months until Christmas.</li><li>My dog is officially dumber than a sack of rocks.  There's only two ways he will go to the bathroom.  The first way, his toes hit my bedroom carpet.  Simple cause and effect.  The second way, he has to be on a leash with me scolding him to "go, go, GO!"  He can be in the yard for an hour and never go even though he has free access to his preferred spot.  Nope, beeline for my carpet.  Little shit.  </li><li>I love Taco Bell, really really love Taco Bell.  This started in college when I realized I could get completely full for under $2 and it never wore off.  If I don't go for a few days I start to miss it.  I'm really missing my friend today lol</li><li>I am not qualified to have four kids.  I always thought I wanted four.  Two 4-year-olds and two 6-year-olds has been quite enough today!  I can snap a class of 20+ kids to attention, but this... holy cow.  And loading them in the car?  Four kids in booster seats!  I had to put the extra two seats in the back, which meant the older ones had to climb on top of the younger ones to get to their seats.  Granted they could have walked between the middle seats, but what fun would that be?  And they had to step on them and kick them in the face on the way back.  Then I had to climb back too because one couldn't figure out which one to plug the seat belt into.  A mini-van would work, with its lovely sliding door.  But I'm a truck kind of girl and you can't haul a horse trailer with a minivan.  So SUV it is.  And two kids are more than plenty.</li><li>It's $1 Flip Flop day at Old Navy tomorrow.  </li><li>Hubby can't get the kids to swimming lessons either.  I was tempted to let the crash and burn happen.  Not at the expense of the innocent though.  Yes, they were late.  And yes, I had to save the day with towels, drinks, snack, and sunscreen right before they pulled out of the garage.  Half of me thinks this was bait for me to take control of it, the other half thinks I'm reading into it and men don't do things like women do.  Either way, I think there's an awareness now of what it takes to get them going.</li><li>And the thing I'm really super excited about is that I live near another blogger.  Crazy close.  Like meet for lunch anytime kind of close.  I'm really looking forward to getting to know her!</li><li>Oh, and did I mention it's Friday?</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XyKCRbNy5cSVudlCqznzhEmB2nveCrTb4ujvMluYiqnwR_OfLEsVsnxT7HVlxUE9wBhLevzI28ygIH5b4kFTMbQhVu248zI_QvTAp_zroAEoSLDcS1wD078BJpDd0ka__gXl4FUjsHQ/s960/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1XyKCRbNy5cSVudlCqznzhEmB2nveCrTb4ujvMluYiqnwR_OfLEsVsnxT7HVlxUE9wBhLevzI28ygIH5b4kFTMbQhVu248zI_QvTAp_zroAEoSLDcS1wD078BJpDd0ka__gXl4FUjsHQ/s320/photo.JPG" width="180" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCxqsLMGkYZLToCPI5E7ZUAMWFwnvnfcd11iEmGVT2aJ3y2kyKOzr2G1Hvanp1hXbbv0gJyiMgzZdHb4btuw6HFfNcsz8tzgvr4184R5LK14KPvqvZrf2D6Ca1GU00Ll-EcSi8i4x6_E/s320/For+Emily+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLCxqsLMGkYZLToCPI5E7ZUAMWFwnvnfcd11iEmGVT2aJ3y2kyKOzr2G1Hvanp1hXbbv0gJyiMgzZdHb4btuw6HFfNcsz8tzgvr4184R5LK14KPvqvZrf2D6Ca1GU00Ll-EcSi8i4x6_E/s320/For+Emily+1.jpg" /></a></div><br /><ul></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Complete Randomness

Nothing exciting going on around here. So, welcome to my brain randomly darting around to different ideas instead of being productive...It's Friday!!!! 6 months until Christmas.My dog is officially dumber than a sack of rocks. There's only two ways…

Why the Teamsters charged a funeral giant with lawbreaking

12:59 PM Tukiyooo 0

No one should be surprised that funeral giant SCI would lie and break federal laws during contract talks. SCI has in the past hired gun-toting goons to spy on its workers during negotiations.<br /><br />The $3.8 billion company buys neighborhood funeral homes, siphons money from the community and tries to impoverish its workers.<br /><br />SCI is currently in contract negotiations with Chicago-area funeral directors and drivers who are members of <a href="http://www.teamsterslocal727.org/">Local 727</a>. The Houston-based corporation is demanding the workers agree to elimination of their pension, increased health care costs and a wage freeze for new hires. And it's not as if the company is hurting. Its stock went up 56 percent in the last year.<br /><br />SCI is also lying to the employees and negotiators. That's against the law. The <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/unfair-labor-practice-charges-filed-against-funeral-giant-sci">press release</a> from Local 727 explains:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">On or about June 24 and 25, in violation of the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA), SCI engaged in bad faith bargaining with the union by making unlawful omissions and misrepresentations in memos issued to its employees and negotiators.  Additionally, SCI issued memos that contained implied threats to interfere with employees’ current benefits in violation of section 8(a)(1) of the NLRA.</blockquote>The funeral directors are asking the public for support. (You can help by signing this online petition <a href="http://www.integrityinillinois.com/online-petition.html">here</a>.)<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLJFXbdJS7zZHEdek8rtuK4FWFE1rWs97R7yMCTu9HSzc7AhlCSFWMVQNLVbJ7Mb9W-PyMoPq932zMPYcJ34EIpUIGuoZZofLqZ5tliUOurJD6l0SdPTPJ6aJ9tTzADa4bG9OiQCsqqK/s1600/funeral+directors.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="211" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_xLJFXbdJS7zZHEdek8rtuK4FWFE1rWs97R7yMCTu9HSzc7AhlCSFWMVQNLVbJ7Mb9W-PyMoPq932zMPYcJ34EIpUIGuoZZofLqZ5tliUOurJD6l0SdPTPJ6aJ9tTzADa4bG9OiQCsqqK/s320/funeral+directors.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teamster funeral directors rally for fairness</td></tr></tbody></table>Local 727 placed an ad in the <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/">Chicago Tribune</a> and tried to place the same one in the Chicago Sun-Times. But the Sun-Times refused to carry it. <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/sun-times-refuses-union-advertising">John T. Coli, secretary-treasurer of the Local, said</a>.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The Sun-Times obviously does not want to offend a consistent revenue source. It’s ironic that a  newspaper that makes its money off the First Amendment would do this.</blockquote>Here's the ad, which warns of a labor dispute:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">We, the undersigned funeral directors and drivers, are proud to be able to assist grieving families in their greatest time of need, and we have dedicated our lives and careers to this important service. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Over the last seven years, we have made sacrifices — including wage cuts and freezes — in order to help SCI. Now, the company wants to eliminate our pensions and slash our benefits. Their shameful actions could force us out on strike and cause further harm to the Chicago community...</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOsefVB6EeVUsVxxYdmWsuduEwgRru_iboOjTJSwpTAsJgKUERuJ4Czn7274x1OKLb_xfzZ46EXjqBu2JE1AIJo-h1tXVZmIMhF1GSAbEfEQ21LmcUTiJ96A3LOC0tJ_IsA-gOe9NEN1W/s240/SCI.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTOsefVB6EeVUsVxxYdmWsuduEwgRru_iboOjTJSwpTAsJgKUERuJ4Czn7274x1OKLb_xfzZ46EXjqBu2JE1AIJo-h1tXVZmIMhF1GSAbEfEQ21LmcUTiJ96A3LOC0tJ_IsA-gOe9NEN1W/s240/SCI.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">These walls hide real nasty behavior</td></tr></tbody></table></blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">As funeral directors and drivers, we are not nameless, faceless workers; we are licensed professionals who have spent years fostering strong relationships with the families we serve. SCI needs to know they cannot treat us this way. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">In the event of a labor dispute, please visit IntegrityInIllinois.com or call (312) 206-4123 to be directed to alternative funeral facilities.</blockquote>About the guns:  Six years ago, the Teamster funeral directors were caucusing in a South Side hotel room between negotiating sessions with SCI. A female Teamster negotiator left the room and returned to find a large man who was clearly carrying a gun listening at the door. He tried to intimidate her, but she brushed past him. Funeral directors fanned out across the hotel grounds and identified several more armed goons. The Teamsters immediately filed unfair labor practice charges with the <a href="http://www.nlrb.gov/">National Labor Relations Board</a>.<br /><br />For more information, go to <a href="http://www.integrityinillinois.com/">www.integrityinillinois.com</a>.

funeral directors negotiations SCI Why the Teamsters charged a funeral giant with lawbreaking

Steal $1B? Pay a fine. Criticize banks? 13 years.

11:55 AM Tukiyooo 0

A California man who chalked "Stop Big Banks" on a sidewalk faces a possible prison sentence of 13 years, while a banker whose firm "disappeared" $1.2 billion dollars faces no jail time whatsoever.<br /><br />The California man, Jonathan Olson, is a former aide to the U.S. senator from Washington. <a href="http://jonathanturley.org/2013/06/26/bank-of-america/">Blogger Jonathan Turley</a> tells us he can't even <i>bring up</i> the First Amendment during his trial.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Olson used water-soluble statements like “Stop big banks,” and “Stop Bank Blight.com” outside Bank of America branches last year to protest the company’s practices. He eventually gave up his protest but prosecutors later brought 13 charges against him. Now a judge has reportedly banned his attorney from “mentioning the First Amendment, free speech, free expression, public forum, expressive conduct, or political speech during the trial.” It appears someone associated with Bank of American could finally go to jail, but it will not by the bank officials in the financial scandal. It is the guy writing slogans in chalk in the sidewalk.</blockquote>Jon Corzine, the former head of MF Global, faces a fine because his company robbed clients of $1.2 billion.<br /><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZoBJ-FreYpIzldJp8a3-hORZhYIRcFskU5hAp1HSESQE3rwECw_Lae8zUj8n39sL43Ora6LikmcKXAtCKx288QkdJs7u4WEl0QQHN8hEPVu5UjnVCuNGOdBMi_XOI0fRYjlAQIXpI6OL/s288/why-it-took-regulators-nearly-two-years-to-bring-a-case-against-jon-corzine-for-mf-global.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjZoBJ-FreYpIzldJp8a3-hORZhYIRcFskU5hAp1HSESQE3rwECw_Lae8zUj8n39sL43Ora6LikmcKXAtCKx288QkdJs7u4WEl0QQHN8hEPVu5UjnVCuNGOdBMi_XOI0fRYjlAQIXpI6OL/s288/why-it-took-regulators-nearly-two-years-to-bring-a-case-against-jon-corzine-for-mf-global.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Corzine</td></tr></tbody></table>The <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424127887323873904578571681994899150.html?mod=WSJ_hps_LEFTTopStories">Wall Street Journal</a> reports:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Federal regulators on Thursday filed civil charges against former MF Global Holdings Ltd. Chief Executive Jon S. Corzine and a top lieutenant for overseeing the misuse of almost $1 billion in customer funds, saying Mr. Corzine "bears responsibility" for the New York commodities brokerage's 2011 demise... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The agency also charged a former executive at the firm, Edith O'Brien, with misusing customer funds, saying she aided and abetted the violations. The agency is seeking monetary penalties from Mr. Corzine and Ms. O'Brien and to ban the two from ever again trading commodities on Wall Street. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">The CFTC's 47-page complaint depicts Mr. Corzine as instrumental in making decisions that put customer accounts at risk by allegedly moving money in violation of strict rules prohibiting such transfers.</blockquote>Here's how relentlessly Bank of America went after Jonathan Olson, according to Turley:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Darell Freeman, vice president of Bank of America’s Global Corporate Security ...  reportedly demanded action from local prosecutors. Olson stopped when contacted by the San Diego Gang Unit in 2012. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Yet, the bank insisted the chalk caused $6,000 to clean up, a rather suspicious claim. These were slogans written on the sidewalk. Prosecutors hit him with 13 counts of misdemeanor vandalism charges and $13,000 in restitution to the City and to Bank of America. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Freeman reportedly continued to hound police to bring charges and reports state that on April 15, Deputy City Attorney Paige Hazard contacted Freeman with the good news. “I wanted to let you know that we will be filing 13 counts of vandalism as a result of the incidents you reported.”</blockquote><a href="http://www.economicpopulist.org/content/corzine-gets-sued">Economic Populist</a> writes:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">If the CFTC wins their civil lawsuit against Corzine, beyond being banned from trading, they could impose stiff personal penalties.  Generally speaking it looks like Corzine will be personally sued into political and economic oblivion as he has been bombarded with private lawsuits already in addition to the government now filing civil litigation against him.  Yet of course no one is actually going to jail for illegally using and losing over $1 billion of customer's funds.   </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Contrast that with the 20 year prison sentence commonly imposed for sticking up the local 7/11.</blockquote>Or with a 13-year prison sentence for writing in chalk on a sidewalk.

Steal $1B? Pay a fine. Criticize banks? 13 years.

The Weigh-In......Are you Ready?

11:49 AM Tukiyooo 0

The Weigh-In......Are you Ready?

This will be a short entry - I will give a full normal Blog tonight. Here is the video of my weigh in today on youtube! Pay close attention as it reveals my STARTING weight and how much weight I have lost since starting belviq one week ago today.I …

Workers near victory in reform of faulty Calif. jobs program

11:03 AM Tukiyooo 0

California Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign legislation to change a corporate tax break that cost Teamsters their jobs. <br /><br />The state Assembly yesterday approved the bill, AB 93, yesterday.<br /><br />For years, companies across the Golden State used the $750 million-a-year enterprise zone program as a way to relocate good-paying jobs to other areas deemed economically challenged. Then the companies pay the workers less in the new location. In some cases, corporations used the tax breaks for hiring decisions made years earlier.<br /><br />Brown called the program wasteful and pushed for reform. The bill approved by both chambers of the California Legislature this week strips the power of the state's 40 locally owned enterprise zones. It replaces the program with a broader slate of statewide business incentives. About $200 million would be used for updated enterprise zones that target the hiring of the poor and unemployed.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-enterprise-zones-20130628,0,4776272,print.story">California Labor Federation</a> praised the legislation for replacing the existing program with one that will improve the state's job market:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">By flipping the broken enterprise zone program into Gov. Brown's smart, strategic plan for job growth, the Legislature strengthened California's economic recovery. We applaud the Legislature for rooting out the waste and abuse in California's enterprise zone program and shifting those tax dollars to create good jobs that boost local economies.</blockquote>The governor, unions and others had complained enterprise zones strayed from their original purpose. The program had turned into a big business giveaway for jobs that largely would have been available without the tax breaks. It often led a company to move from one place in the state to another. In several cases, employers left their unionized shops behind to set up non-union workplaces elsewhere.<br /><br />Earlier this year, we<span id="goog_1350215508"></span> <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/03/workers-pay-to-lose-their-jobs.html">noted</a> Teamsters from building products distributor Blue Linx and laboratory supply and distribution company VWR lost their jobs when their employers moved elsewhere in California and they were told they could not follow the company to its new location. The enterprise zones program allowed businesses to receive tax breaks of $37,500 for each new  employee they hired.<br /><br />

Workers near victory in reform of faulty Calif. jobs program

California Gov. Jerry Brown is expected to sign legislation to change a corporate tax break that cost Teamsters their jobs. The state Assembly yesterday approved the bill, AB 93, yesterday.For years, companies across the Golden State used the $750 mi…

Today's archidose #688

8:30 AM Tukiyooo 0

Here are some of my photos of <a href="http://codapartywall.com/"><i>Party Wall</i></a>, the <a href="http://momaps1.org/yap/view/16">2013 YAP installation</a> at MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, Queens, by <a href="http://www.co-da.eu/">CODA</a>. The installation is up until August 31, 2013.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9158087481/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7350/9158087481_fe64f43eeb_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9158100723/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3752/9158100723_0b1fed933b_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9160321936/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3758/9160321936_20ed82ca9a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9160331658/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7306/9160331658_c0979a971a_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9160327906/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7458/9160327906_e486edc032_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/archidose/9158107971/" title="Party Wall by CODA by archidose, on Flickr"><img alt="Party Wall by CODA" height="480" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3777/9158107971_5853238e90_z.jpg" width="640" /></a><br /><br />To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just:<br /><blockquote>:: Join and add photos to the <a href="http://www.flickr.com/groups/archi-dose/">archidose pool</a>, and/or<br />:: Tag your photos <span style="font-style: italic;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/tags/archidose/">archidose</a></span></blockquote>

Today's archidose #688

Here are some of my photos of Party Wall, the 2013 YAP installation at MoMA PS1 in Long Island City, Queens, by CODA. The installation is up until August 31, 2013.To contribute your Flickr images for consideration, just::: Join and add photos to the …

How CEOs are getting richer at your expense

6:57 AM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/06/07/2121581/first-quarter-of-2013-saw-largest-wage-drop-ever/">Americans are recording the largest drop in wages ever</a> while</span> the average CEO received $14.1 million in combined pay and stock options last year.  At the same time, <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/06/26/2220511/americans-paycheck-to-paycheck/"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">three-quarters of Americans didn’t have enough money for a basic emergency fund</span></a>.  The <a href="http://www.epi.org/">Economic Policy Institute</a> <a href="http://www.epi.org/files/2013/ceo-pay-2012-extraordinarily-high.pdf">reports</a>:</span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">From 1978 to 2012, CEO compensation measured with options realized increased about 875 percent, arise more than double stock market growth and substantially greater than the painfully slow 5.4 percent growth in a typical worker’s compensation over the same period.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">These findings support what we’ve known all along: trickle-down economics <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/arthur-laffer-worst-economist-in-us-is.html">are a cruel joke</a>. A third of Americans, over 10 percent more than in 2008, say <a href="http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2012/09/10/a-third-of-americans-now-say-they-are-in-the-lower-classes/">they are lower-middle and lower class</a>. <a href="http://www.brookings.edu/research/reports/2013/06/13-facts-higher-education">Income inequality is rapidly increasing</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/chuck-collins/helping-the-kids-wealthy-_b_3354529.html">the chances of your kids ending up better off than you are rapidly decreasing</a>, no matter how hard they work.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">The fact that <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/06/26/congrats-ceos-youre-making-273-times-the-pay-of-the-average-worker/">CEO pay is more than 270 times more than the average worker</a>isn’t a shock.  <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12pt;"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Turns out, even for one-percenters, CEOs are being paid ridiculous amounts:</span></div><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;">Over the last three decades, CEO compensation grew far faster than that of other highly paid workers, those earning more than 99.9 percent of other wage earners.  CEO compensation in 2010 was 4.70 times greater than that of the top 0.1 percent of wage earners, a ratio 1.62 higher (a wage gain roughly equivalent to that of 1.6 high wage earners) than the 3.08 ratio that prevailed over the 1947-1979 period.</span></blockquote><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: inherit; font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">That’s right.  CEOs still make more money comparatively than even other really, really rich people.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;">   Too bad <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/06/07/2121581/first-quarter-of-2013-saw-largest-wage-drop-ever/">their nice bonuses doesn’t extend to your paycheck.</a></span></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-no-proof: yes;"><o:p></o:p></span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVxpWTZ7NwFHg9wX0mn9nx43ldDWYTmdxmnxako1SUGeyLI2Q3QWPUhG0EUoxjaAX_xNldVrnouDf4P-U5at483LnNbYzjrJ9er9CGWhYdabKrFb5oAMmiSJngBKqNtDBNMV82oasfqdj/s626/Screen+Shot+2013-06-28+at+9.51.47+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJVxpWTZ7NwFHg9wX0mn9nx43ldDWYTmdxmnxako1SUGeyLI2Q3QWPUhG0EUoxjaAX_xNldVrnouDf4P-U5at483LnNbYzjrJ9er9CGWhYdabKrFb5oAMmiSJngBKqNtDBNMV82oasfqdj/s400/Screen+Shot+2013-06-28+at+9.51.47+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /></div>

ceo inequality How CEOs are getting richer at your expense

Americans are recording the largest drop in wages ever while the average CEO received $14.1 million in combined pay and stock options last year. At the same time, three-quarters of Americans didn’t have enough money for a basic emergency fund. The …

freshening the foyer - part 2

6:19 AM Anonymous 0

Previously, on Freshening the Foyer...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnTL2WKCtW37D4WpdvfB-i4ocGdVpGnSXzH-JtQTArrQaUNJi4eg9bRo_O-CTw-Lzv7d4NfBqLLs5nAu2MlsuQNDua0jxw5VvSq5AFLSs4sghqVmarV53N7fYDKB5LMVtAmNqQImOcVM3/s640/wallpaperremoved.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="272" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHnTL2WKCtW37D4WpdvfB-i4ocGdVpGnSXzH-JtQTArrQaUNJi4eg9bRo_O-CTw-Lzv7d4NfBqLLs5nAu2MlsuQNDua0jxw5VvSq5AFLSs4sghqVmarV53N7fYDKB5LMVtAmNqQImOcVM3/s400/wallpaperremoved.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />We were left with a blank space<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzuofiW9yKiW3kkNkMbTPNi9CxvUWH1xYXiSfocVYUbhSqaieZdgqzPog5YbX38hjD7LCPyyw-55KBh6pxoP6Ogha1neNyvwiRlPHCQQJ_kW5xedonvY_TqgFYS18RY2IVaEUAVK7CTTe/s1600/IMG_1493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtzuofiW9yKiW3kkNkMbTPNi9CxvUWH1xYXiSfocVYUbhSqaieZdgqzPog5YbX38hjD7LCPyyw-55KBh6pxoP6Ogha1neNyvwiRlPHCQQJ_kW5xedonvY_TqgFYS18RY2IVaEUAVK7CTTe/s320/IMG_1493.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />and a can of this.<br /><br />Specifically, <a href="http://www.benjaminmoore.com/en-us/paint-color/luckyshamrock" target="_blank">Lucky Shamrock</a> by Benjamin Moore. <span style="text-align: center;">I have a lot of blue in my house and I really do love blue. But I didn't want to become one big blue house. So what goes with blue? What's welcoming and cheery? What would I want to see when I walk in the house everyday? </span><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tOUzdp4Z0sn1plbDC-YdNK-A2spw5OVSRa_TXCMFm3XEOv4DbQG1dwMzGc1mFs1nNrYv8IrMVOKgKziY0X215imUnzk1G1B6Jy8tS7pdKUW3ku9LKH4uKMssrrtCjX6Q4iT-PsoX8sG/s1305/LuckyShamrockCeiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi51tOUzdp4Z0sn1plbDC-YdNK-A2spw5OVSRa_TXCMFm3XEOv4DbQG1dwMzGc1mFs1nNrYv8IrMVOKgKziY0X215imUnzk1G1B6Jy8tS7pdKUW3ku9LKH4uKMssrrtCjX6Q4iT-PsoX8sG/s400/LuckyShamrockCeiling.jpg" width="377" /></a></div><br />Green.<br /><br />And you all know how I like a good lookin' ceiling (like <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/03/one-room-challenge-reveal.html" target="_blank">here</a> and <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/p/living-room.html" target="_blank">here</a>) so I took that paint up north. Happy green ceiling - complete. Now for the walls.<br /><br />My ultimate dream would be some <a href="http://www.porterspaints.com/wallpapers/designer-for-porters/anna-spiro" target="_blank">Anna Spiro wallpaper</a> but for now that isn't in the budget. So I went with <a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/sari-paisley-allover-stencil.html" target="_blank">this stencil</a> from <a href="http://www.cuttingedgestencils.com/" target="_blank">Cutting Edge Stencils</a> thanks to a Sadie + Stella discount code a while back. (Thanks <a href="http://www.sadieandstella.com/" target="_blank">Lindsay</a>)<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY-SuvDUwCI1PB3qNLvl4w9Sz4mp66a0FZ0QA-6kLRL-2VuVTpx1TBbHt4VOnhJ0mChTwMfMezfD7dnPndwoa5GPlelJiEXkqm2MACIqfAMtOTzTOW2BYVm9WgFy8HIZghLcp-FMBYbeI/s1600/Stencils.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSY-SuvDUwCI1PB3qNLvl4w9Sz4mp66a0FZ0QA-6kLRL-2VuVTpx1TBbHt4VOnhJ0mChTwMfMezfD7dnPndwoa5GPlelJiEXkqm2MACIqfAMtOTzTOW2BYVm9WgFy8HIZghLcp-FMBYbeI/s400/Stencils.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br />And here is where this little spruce up went off the tracks a bit. I got the stencil, I was excited to use it and the walls were painted and ready. The hubs and I skimmed thru the directions (first mistake) and got to work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSIgViEmD7XoUwhqeHQedmUdOzFF4jpk5gra0k1zOMv15097OXZLYwiLa6HbQiLx3OzET8qXFBRSnPDzfe5Y9sMzWW3fLTonYEgH0SIVs9dNlEyCqc_zPC4_wsPuQ1u7JibQyfiBnkHyA/s1600/StencilFailed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWSIgViEmD7XoUwhqeHQedmUdOzFF4jpk5gra0k1zOMv15097OXZLYwiLa6HbQiLx3OzET8qXFBRSnPDzfe5Y9sMzWW3fLTonYEgH0SIVs9dNlEyCqc_zPC4_wsPuQ1u7JibQyfiBnkHyA/s400/StencilFailed.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And ended up with this. Ruh roh.<br /><br />How's this for real life DIY? They don't always go so smoothly, am I right? I blame the little dots in the stencil. They threw us off some how. To be honest, I don't know what happened. The whole process went so fast (which I was rather surprised about) we didn't realize it until we stepped back to admire our finished work.<br /><br />Major let down.<br /><br />This all happened right before the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/06/party-like-its-1963-50th-wedding.html" target="_blank">party</a>, of course, so it was a good lesson in letting things go. There was no time to fix it and I just didn't have the mental fortitude to make it happen.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloN9S703Kokbk3g0903k-dab7cbuEW0RkINcfswDYBNJdaB68Fyb98WMT-0kqFBgEKfq9v5eSh6yYJYkkDr31t1qrpx-PXESi1PpeUkdwAbHh45fPnF8x4rEcs6fn6-ZruHA0hy4zVuUG/s1600/StencilBeforeRoundMirror.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloN9S703Kokbk3g0903k-dab7cbuEW0RkINcfswDYBNJdaB68Fyb98WMT-0kqFBgEKfq9v5eSh6yYJYkkDr31t1qrpx-PXESi1PpeUkdwAbHh45fPnF8x4rEcs6fn6-ZruHA0hy4zVuUG/s640/StencilBeforeRoundMirror.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />So this is how it looked for a few weeks. And it drove me bonkers. The stencil is on crack, the mirror doesn't play well with the bench and its hung too high. And the trim still needs to be painted. Calgon, take me away.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwCPUVgWgjy1kWLO3-m0EKD9Lqy9JHjtFQTXdVquE84vUQ-qw2nN1xO-bCdLL4l6a2Rkuu3DkLKDS0PlPftmEf78O77bnU7QhuDyyIHdU_8uyw7wdQomwhqMaHBEDIL5Gp7M2YDie-tYc/s1600/StencilStartover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNwCPUVgWgjy1kWLO3-m0EKD9Lqy9JHjtFQTXdVquE84vUQ-qw2nN1xO-bCdLL4l6a2Rkuu3DkLKDS0PlPftmEf78O77bnU7QhuDyyIHdU_8uyw7wdQomwhqMaHBEDIL5Gp7M2YDie-tYc/s400/StencilStartover.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Finally I psyched myself up to try this again. I repainted the whole space (thank god it is small) and after playing with the stencil BEFORE painting, revolutionary I know, I figured out what I needed to do.<br /><br />So learn from my mistakes.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZhnyfJdJwvsU6MYnPHAmJ2evVVxbe9fgUxwY1mlj38EFZkihzmPbUMU3iLLrQdfARucYKph6Ycnt1_nvHnJR36BybeAppzRmi5k1BUH458hNFGfXxL8Btpo9owkAFwlXWzbF8NjdxYIg/s1600/StencilDoOver.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7ZhnyfJdJwvsU6MYnPHAmJ2evVVxbe9fgUxwY1mlj38EFZkihzmPbUMU3iLLrQdfARucYKph6Ycnt1_nvHnJR36BybeAppzRmi5k1BUH458hNFGfXxL8Btpo9owkAFwlXWzbF8NjdxYIg/s400/StencilDoOver.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is not something you can rush thru, even if it may seem straightforward. You will need to do one sheet and step back to check your work. Then place the sheet in the next spot and step back and check your work. Then roll the next sheet and, you guessed it, step back and check your work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXJmHvZTVbdq9HVMLuMllR7Axlw2qImadlaY0mafq3AQpALW2XDeo4cYkuej0XmwemZ5H8l2fX-A-VT3XCqVbNdG3eB3B-HGOeoeNGZn4jnfjLaSXWhHH5vMPuj_eWuSM-0tFAePAoEsR/s1600/StencilProgress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXXJmHvZTVbdq9HVMLuMllR7Axlw2qImadlaY0mafq3AQpALW2XDeo4cYkuej0XmwemZ5H8l2fX-A-VT3XCqVbNdG3eB3B-HGOeoeNGZn4jnfjLaSXWhHH5vMPuj_eWuSM-0tFAePAoEsR/s400/StencilProgress.jpg" width="356" /></a></div><br />You will want to go over the stencil several times with your roller. Don't. It just makes a mess. And always roll in the one direction. Never back and forth or you will just end up with a big smeared blob.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3s38TeQLIRMmzUMUCTGMNjjj_3IvP3ahyphenhyphengOK3ka8Lj-YsRWsj169gYoH_nADMtnHuc78OotmHsbn3pxFsjDB-HVgXbZeHDo86NzbDDrmeZ2Luo3-CRhzVLS9jmTYqguRwD_Q9b3dOsAV/s1600/StencilProgress2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhO3s38TeQLIRMmzUMUCTGMNjjj_3IvP3ahyphenhyphengOK3ka8Lj-YsRWsj169gYoH_nADMtnHuc78OotmHsbn3pxFsjDB-HVgXbZeHDo86NzbDDrmeZ2Luo3-CRhzVLS9jmTYqguRwD_Q9b3dOsAV/s400/StencilProgress2.jpg" width="323" /></a></div><br />Play with the amount of paint on your roller a bit before starting. The key is to find the perfect combo of the right amount of paint and the right amount of pressure so you can get the stencil on in one roll.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMnI9LtY4ph2KRcstrwBAmQ0V1DWr-THv8G8aKqscEhg7OWraBaSFeYfLX8noP-_A2Rdsbka344jI0SPBzNoeouUw-Ba8XRsnWOJ33uo4lqL7LSh5kZwXowTuKIHuoUfhlWtXszALMe8A/s1600/StencilFinished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglMnI9LtY4ph2KRcstrwBAmQ0V1DWr-THv8G8aKqscEhg7OWraBaSFeYfLX8noP-_A2Rdsbka344jI0SPBzNoeouUw-Ba8XRsnWOJ33uo4lqL7LSh5kZwXowTuKIHuoUfhlWtXszALMe8A/s640/StencilFinished.jpg" width="577" /></a></div><br />Much better.<br /><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ETlc1pMqUdnDa1E7mYcTj0UfE4QpZvB04UyjJYF-trYzb1Q6BpKAq02CDk4E4jdT7U_PHrkk3fBMf95xbwkQPeIYwS_d54gIKSHSblZP0HrKjvG-TR9UoGO9M-_Tv7EddgMeEfSO1b5/s1600/Greenceiling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU7ETlc1pMqUdnDa1E7mYcTj0UfE4QpZvB04UyjJYF-trYzb1Q6BpKAq02CDk4E4jdT7U_PHrkk3fBMf95xbwkQPeIYwS_d54gIKSHSblZP0HrKjvG-TR9UoGO9M-_Tv7EddgMeEfSO1b5/s640/Greenceiling.jpg" width="593" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTFvyH88oxdpVP7W9J7wa0P1xitJz65QIxDWjeE57lSUHljPy7fMnOUuHDLhBVuWBB45c1SaZxJz5XGsgsr_9zUAihYfM5pChY74IV57YE789krswb2d39iROzgbWpE8gqQwEcIL_HS_3/s1600/Greenceilingstencil.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYTFvyH88oxdpVP7W9J7wa0P1xitJz65QIxDWjeE57lSUHljPy7fMnOUuHDLhBVuWBB45c1SaZxJz5XGsgsr_9zUAihYfM5pChY74IV57YE789krswb2d39iROzgbWpE8gqQwEcIL_HS_3/s640/Greenceilingstencil.jpg" width="611" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH452PX9qrANvwzJjoS0DmSkQ6uYmPUwuoz5PYun95pVm4tOIycHLlexe7ZfuY32cxsLwV_WgDuelG2SvLx3IOtCOowisH02wJ4zbqsS69OnrD56bT4jk1QcafyWjrvpB_ucUFfzWTxX_o/s1600/GreenFoyer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH452PX9qrANvwzJjoS0DmSkQ6uYmPUwuoz5PYun95pVm4tOIycHLlexe7ZfuY32cxsLwV_WgDuelG2SvLx3IOtCOowisH02wJ4zbqsS69OnrD56bT4jk1QcafyWjrvpB_ucUFfzWTxX_o/s640/GreenFoyer.jpg" width="488" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Now all that is left is some styling, finding some sconces and figuring out a solution for the mirror. The round one that was there originally just didn't work.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This mirror is from the family room and I like it's size but I don't like the pine with the bench. But this mirror is from my parents and it is certainly a 'paint it and die' piece.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt91mWdMPZaNTvzXeUgltzo50FDP8psJx0i9j5TtTrmCFoSrjUzuz4QCVoRk3lGpcM21CWCnujuBub1Sgy_-EkxpQXUFmzoq02kTa-H_7hP23IJq-gEk57V_MQwZaUjI96COlzgxh6d4Tk/s1600/FinishedEntry.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjt91mWdMPZaNTvzXeUgltzo50FDP8psJx0i9j5TtTrmCFoSrjUzuz4QCVoRk3lGpcM21CWCnujuBub1Sgy_-EkxpQXUFmzoq02kTa-H_7hP23IJq-gEk57V_MQwZaUjI96COlzgxh6d4Tk/s640/FinishedEntry.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br />So my best girl <a href="http://www.callingithome.com/" target="_blank">Linda</a> is helping me to scour Craigslist and I've already got a few options. With her mad skills, I bet I'll find something in no time. What kind of mirror would you add?<br /><br />Look forward to the next installment of Freshening the Foyer to find out how this all ends. Will I get the trim painted? Will I find a mirror? Will I ever clean that floor properly? Too much excitement, I know.<br /><br />And don't forget Google Reader is donezo on July 1. Have no fear though, you can continue to follow my sparkling personality and quick wit on <a href="http://www.bloglovin.com/" target="_blank">Bloglovin</a>. Find out how to import your list from Google Reader <a href="http://hisugarplum.blogspot.com/2013/06/hasta-la-vista-google-reader-now-what.html" target="_blank">here</a>.<br /><br />Happy Day!

freshening the foyer - part 2

Previously, on Freshening the Foyer...We were left with a blank spaceand a can of this.Specifically, Lucky Shamrock by Benjamin Moore. I have a lot of blue in my house and I really do love blue. But I didn't want to become one big blue house. So what…

Today's Teamster News 06.28.13

3:59 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/06/28/business/us-to-suspend-trade-privileges-with-bangladesh-officials-say.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&emc=edit_na_20130627&adxnnlx=1372346958-KTm9yJ1m5T2k+H7buNvy5g&">U.S. to Suspend Trade Privileges With Bangladesh</a>  New York Times   ...The Obama administration on Thursday will suspend trade privileges for Bangladesh over concerns about safety problems and labor rights violations in that country’s garment industry, according to administration and Congressional officials...<br /><a href="http://www.ibtimes.com/macys-agrees-pay-175000-civil-penalty-immigrant-worker-treatment-here-are-h1-visa-workers-macys">Macy’s Agrees To Pay $175,000 Civil Penalty For Immigrant Worker Treatment; Here Are The H1 Visa Workers Macy's Asked For In 2011</a>  International Business Times   ...Congress is currently debating a major immigration reform bill that would increase the number of these and other categories of guest workers allowed to work in the United States...<br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/27/chile-student-protesters-evicted-schools">Chilean police evict student protesters from schools</a>  The Guardian   ...Chilean police have evicted student protesters from 21 Santiago schools that will be used as polling stations for the weekend's primary elections, a day after a massive march for education reform in the capital...<br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-06-27/ecuador-cancels-trade-pact-over-u-s-blackmail-in-snowden-case.html">Ecuador Scraps Trade Pact Over U.S. Threats in Snowden Case</a>  Bloomberg   ...Ecuador, the South American nation considering an asylum request from fugitive U.S. intelligence leaker Edward Snowden, renounced its U.S. trade benefits today, saying they were being used as “blackmail.”...<br /><a href="http://www.detroitnews.com/article/20130626/AUTO01/306260127/1361/Mulally-warns-feds-about-impact-of-Japanese-trade-on-U.S.-auto-sales">Mulally warns feds about impact of Japanese trade on U.S. auto sales</a>  Detroit News   ...Ford Motor Co. Chief Executive Alan Mulally warned senators and Obama administration office about the impact of Japanese trade and currency policies on U.S. auto sales. He said his message was needed for free trade agreements and the “importance of letting the markets establish the currencies” and ensuring that they reflect “the global trade rules.”...<br /><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/koch-brothers-pac-off-to-fast-start-2013-6">The Koch Brothers' PAC Is Off To Its Fastest Start Ever In A Federal Election Cycle</a>  Business Insider   ...KOCHPAC donated $559,000 to federal-level political candidates and committees during the first five months of the year, according to a Center for Public Integrity review of Federal Election Commission disclosure released today...<br /><a href="http://cironline.org/reports/license-plate-readers-let-police-collect-millions-records-drivers-4883">License-plate readers let police collect millions of records on drivers</a>  ThinkProgress   ...At a rapid pace, and mostly hidden from the public, police agencies throughout California have been collecting millions of records on drivers and feeding them to intelligence fusion centers operated by local, state and federal law enforcement...<br /><a href="http://www.eastbayexpress.com/oakland/public-research-for-private-gain/Content?oid=3619535">Public Research for Private Gain</a>  East Bay Express   ...UC Regents recently approved a new corporate entity that will likely give a group of well-connected businesspeople control over how academic research is used...<br /><a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/toronto/story/2013/06/27/toronto-sunrise-propane-explosion-verdict.html">Toronto propane firm guilty in fatal 2008 blast</a>  CBC News   ...The directors of Sunrise Propane have been found guilty of environmental and workplace safety violations following an explosion in 2008 in northwest Toronto that killed a worker and forced thousands from their homes...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/delaware-judge-approves-139-million-settlement-in-shareholder-lawsuit-against-news-corp/2013/06/26/c720cbee-de9a-11e2-ad2e-fcd1bf42174d_story.html">Judge approves $139 million settlement in lawsuit against News Corp.</a>  Associated Press  ...A Delaware judge on Wednesday approved a $139 million cash settlement between News Corp. and shareholders in a lawsuit over the British phone hacking scandal and the media conglomerate’s purchase of an entertainment company run by News Corp. founder Rupert Murdoch’s daughter...<br /><a href="http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2013/06/26/floridas-governor-wants-you-to-go-to-work-sick/">Florida’s governor wants you to go to work sick</a>  The Guardian   ...As attempts to dehumanize the workplace go, few could be more sadistic than forcing workers to come to work sick, but that’s precisely what the Florida legislature and Governor Rick Scott recently did...<br /><a href="http://www.boston.com/news/local/rhode-island/2013/06/26/senate-vote-paid-family-leave-bill/SRHQJKN2tatRFtJphNMZbM/story.html">RI Senate to vote on paid family leave bill</a>  Associated Press   ...A proposal that would allow workers in Rhode Island to take paid time off to care for a new child or sick loved one is heading to a vote in the state Senate...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/on-leadership/wp/2013/06/27/new-york-passes-paid-sick-leave-law-but-u-s-still-far-behind/">Paid sick leave is now the law in NYC</a>  Washington Post   ...It will now be much easier for many New Yorkers to take a sick day from work . Early Thursday, lawmakers overrode a veto by Mayor Michael Bloomberg to pass a law that would require businesses to offer <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/nyc-becomes-most-populous-place-in-us-to-require-businesses-to-provide-workers-paid-sick-leave/2013/06/27/40ab33aa-def5-11e2-ad2e-fcd1bf42174d_story.html">paid sick leave</a> for their workers...<br /><a href="http://www.silive.com/news/index.ssf/2013/06/fast_food_workers_rally_for_be.html">At New York City Hall, fast-food workers rally for better pay and allege 'wage theft'</a>  Staten Island Live   ...Fast food workers had a simple message outside City Hall Thursday morning: "We can't survive on $7.25."...<br /><a href="http://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/local/BART-Negotiations-Underway-as-Strike-Looms-213369591.html">BART Negotiations Underway as Strike Looms</a>  NBC Bay Area   ...BART has asked Gov. Jerry Brown not to order a 60-day cooling off period that would delay a strike if an agreement isn't reached by Sunday. The unions' contracts expire Sunday at 11:59 p.m. If no agreement is reached, a  Monday strike looms.<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamsters-approve-national-abf-agreement-most-supplements-also-approved">Teamsters Approve National ABF Agreement; Most Supplements Also Approved</a>  IBT   ...Teamsters employed at ABF Freight System, Inc. have voted to approve the national master portion of the ABF National Master Freight Agreement as well as 21 of the 27 supplements. Some local/area supplemental agreements, however, were rejected and issues in those areas must be addressed before the national agreement can be implemented...<br /><a href="http://salsa4.salsalabs.com/o/50740/p/dia/action3/common/public/?action_KEY=8300">Ask Congress To Fund High Speed Rail And Amtrak</a>  IBT   ...The Republicans in the House have taken a whack at funding for Amtrak and eliminated funding for high speed rail. They want to cut federal spending on Amtrak by 29 percent and eliminate funding for High Speed Rail. Please ask your representatives in Washington to support expanding the system in 2014...<br /><a href="http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/2989e6d883644c3ca35ad34930610ffd/US--Star-Ledger-Contract-Talks">Publisher threatens to close NJ's largest paper by year's end if unions don't make concessions</a>  Associated Press   ...The owners of The Star-Ledger plan to close New Jersey's largest newspaper by year's end if its production unions don't make concessions in contract negotiations, the publisher said...<br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/auto/index.ssf/2013/06/landmark_union_agreement_will.html#/0">'Landmark' union agreement will help Detroit auto show, officials say</a>  Michigan Live   ...A new labor pact between five unions and the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority should help improve the North American International Auto Show...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/unfair-labor-practice-charges-filed-against-funeral-giant-sci">Unfair Labor Practice Charges Filed Against Funeral Giant SCI</a>   IBT   ...Teamsters Local 727, which represents funeral directors and drivers at Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), filed unfair labor practice charges against the company today... <br /><a href="http://ricksmithshow.com/june-25%2C-2013-show">Getting Down With The ‘Roots!</a>   Rick Smith Show   ...The Rick Smith Show came to San Jose June 21-22 to talk to attendees at the Netroots Nation conference about the state of labor where employees of Wal-Mart and Google also shared the challenges they face in the workplace. <span id="goog_3853321"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">Listen here</a><span id="goog_3853322"></span>. Visit the <a href="http://www.teamster.org/ricksmithtour">People’s Tour of America</a> page daily to hear the latest from Rick Smith’s road travels...

Today's Teamster News 06.28.13

U.S. to Suspend Trade Privileges With Bangladesh New York Times ...The Obama administration on Thursday will suspend trade privileges for Bangladesh over concerns about safety problems and labor rights violations in that country’s garment industry…