OMG! Even MORE Funny(ish) Headlines!

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Holaaaaaaaa bitches! It’s time once again for a round of funny(ish) headlines! Try to hold down the excitement, will ya? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Dept. of Justice investigation finds that the NSA violated George Zimmerman’s civil rights. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Obama gives up and grows a Hitler mustache. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjmMLj7tkRxL-yPjSAgA0fJ26IfNAIe7GgsH0z3OyNusx18NlMJUhlNjLCGsNy9zRSyRZU3GpzvNxbSmZO5BOWJWRAeQyyirhU_6lo6k_jmhqmZilMyo8rVBBSRccOD8A6RJ5mV2f7po/s1600/Jenny-McCarthy-Legs-The-View-Hot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmjmMLj7tkRxL-yPjSAgA0fJ26IfNAIe7GgsH0z3OyNusx18NlMJUhlNjLCGsNy9zRSyRZU3GpzvNxbSmZO5BOWJWRAeQyyirhU_6lo6k_jmhqmZilMyo8rVBBSRccOD8A6RJ5mV2f7po/s320/Jenny-McCarthy-Legs-The-View-Hot.jpg" width="218" /></a>- Jenny McCarthy excited about new job as co-host on “The View.” “Think of all the kids I can kill with this <o:p></o:p></div>kind of exposure!!” <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Miley Cyrus apologizes for wearing bra under her tight shirt in public. Says it won’t happen again. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Kim Kardashian freaks out over loss of popularity, renames her kid Trayvon Martin Kardashian-West. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- P.E.D scandal mars The ESPY’s as a reporter notices host Jon Hamm’s bottle of Viagra in locker backstage. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Amanda Bynes seen buying “The Rhyming Dictionary” at local mall in preparation for her new rap career. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- “Vincent Sand Gogh” wins World Championship of Sand Sculpting in Atlantic City. “Sandy Vagina” fails to place for the 25^thconsecutive year. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- OUTRAGEOUS McDonald’s “budget” for workers making minimum wage suggests just giving dancers a single at the stage and forgoing lap dances. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- ESPN lawyers up in preparation for firing Keith Olbermann soon after his new shows debuts on ESPN2 in August. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Juror B37: “Okay, I admit it. I let George Zimmerman’s raw sexual magnetism cloud my judgment.” <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIh7eLWQoM_YAw1Idm0YuaOFSPvIXFI6AatnT1iQKYnKdb4Vp3YJPofCy4P6OLuvJ7PoiBVT5z7t4FgjW8NoGDowMVnVVYBEOwDYxPj0ECf77JhoYrQGBmPaETDC2SshXnIGIBi-cgxxg/s1600/Emma-Roberts-Hot-Rage-Fight-Legs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhIh7eLWQoM_YAw1Idm0YuaOFSPvIXFI6AatnT1iQKYnKdb4Vp3YJPofCy4P6OLuvJ7PoiBVT5z7t4FgjW8NoGDowMVnVVYBEOwDYxPj0ECf77JhoYrQGBmPaETDC2SshXnIGIBi-cgxxg/s320/Emma-Roberts-Hot-Rage-Fight-Legs.jpg" width="232" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Emma Roberts tries out new way of promoting upcoming movie “We’re the Millers” by getting arrested for beating the shit out <o:p></o:p></div>of her boyfriend. <br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Area man writes congressman demanding that the government dramatically increase funding for hemorrhoid research. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- MLB announces that former Egyptian President Mohammad Morsi will replace Bug Selig as Commissioner after Selig retires or, preferably, dies. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- City council realizes they have very few items on agenda, starts making shit up. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Sad, lonely man starts friendship ring on Facebook. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- Area woman shocked to discover that people are still blogging. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">- “Forbes Magazine” names Robert Downey Jr. as America’s highest paid ex-con. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">And that’s all I’ve got. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="mailto:Jayman3768@gmail.com">Jayman3768@gmail.com</a><br /><a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayman68">Facebook.com/Jayman68</a><br /><a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayman_iws">@Jayman_IWS</a><o:p></o:p></div><br /></div>

OMG! Even MORE Funny(ish) Headlines!

Holaaaaaaaa bitches! It’s time once again for a round of funny(ish) headlines! Try to hold down the excitement, will ya? - Dept. of Justice investigation finds that the NSA violated George Zimmerman’s civil rights. - Obama gives up and grows a Hitler…

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Tye River rocks at Crabtree Falls

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8hzaz8Uk4wNvMEOCejB02JeVMiSPIfCoTZL3PgjVkSlU1I3clDfhZDcOlfwFsxSFCkbtsw6W2_ojupuJZjQcVgupJZQ7cYFDlr6aXGiFel_ZIGzhSNR3lyWrVH7quigxXs62KiJ5Dmug/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ8hzaz8Uk4wNvMEOCejB02JeVMiSPIfCoTZL3PgjVkSlU1I3clDfhZDcOlfwFsxSFCkbtsw6W2_ojupuJZjQcVgupJZQ7cYFDlr6aXGiFel_ZIGzhSNR3lyWrVH7quigxXs62KiJ5Dmug/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Crabtree Falls George Washington National Park Nelson County Tye River Tye River rocks at Crabtree Falls

Photo by Lynn R. MitchellJuly 11, 2013…

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Unpaved Blue Ridge Parkway

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NWDyHXJZrY_UoxKDj43qfWUhTc1vhwEbgBdchmAIo29wvdq3IXEOulgTivI4okXRGNjBWXO3YeK-ijk0qMUGHhZlMez3Rk4IbIBomE317aSWWlJ7w0DbZPmfMEekYVfslanzy6PV43d/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW0NWDyHXJZrY_UoxKDj43qfWUhTc1vhwEbgBdchmAIo29wvdq3IXEOulgTivI4okXRGNjBWXO3YeK-ijk0qMUGHhZlMez3Rk4IbIBomE317aSWWlJ7w0DbZPmfMEekYVfslanzy6PV43d/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;">Paving is underway on the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Afton.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway western Virginia Unpaved Blue Ridge Parkway

Paving is underway on the Blue Ridge Parkway south of Afton.Photo by Lynn R. MitchellJuly 11, 2013…

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6 Week Beach Diet Plan

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><h2 style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #3d85c6;"><span style="font-size: x-large;">6 Week Beach Diet Plan :</span></span></h2><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: x-large;"> If you want to look better this summer and show off at the beach, you would give your muscles the support they really need and develop your results and daily recovery, and eating more often actually helps to keep your metabolism boosted, which means your body will burn more fat and calories, helping you stay toned, lean, and ripped. This 6 week diet plan is just what you need, For this plan, you’re going to eat 6 meals a day – 3 larger meals, and 3 smaller meals or snacks. More frequent eating has 2 big benefits. Choose what works best for you on any given day or mix:</span><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><img border="0" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1SqWckTjUmVxHMR83BZd_c-dhYasupzD4irewzBudw0MjM8b_eI3_bh7HAun6RZ07ZWIyvULdnVp4RfeALjR19A8QSEVTGzXAdwpHJpv4JwkDbhc2bqWMX7MbAcAKdx5tu8yl_aOqGoM/s1600/6+Week+Beach+Diet+Plan.jpg" width="320" /> </span></div><h2 style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: x-large;"> </span></h2><center> <script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5028478688240504"; /* LargeInPost_waysforweightloss_300-600 */ google_ad_slot = "6695176472"; google_ad_width = 300; google_ad_height = 600; //--></script><script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript"></script></center><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"></span></div><span style="color: #444444; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: red;">BREAKFAST</b><img alt="BREAKFAST" border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgh8zmZOVhyi-pk7iGpkvT-TtzSmBE10UnvDLDJn16o3jlMBaT3kVPJQIQMYcCV2fRNsQDQkVWNUpu9sal6YgobXnQGQ7TwobdzXnivCBsuWH4VZQrflmyWiRhaLE0Z1NgUARv6KPWVYmU/s640/BREAKFAST+OPTIONS.jpg" title="BREAKFAST" width="640" /></div><br /><b style="color: red;">SNACK ONE</b><img alt="SNACK ONE" border="0" height="92" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2XYxR9BaZJlmhybvbO4RR69ovpDxOXWbRTxHd9o5q6V_9Cvqu8kpzsD4A77Qk5DdDlFG5EnXoaOb8qPysKbEYQ2_1hvquWHVVTE1d1z4Ia9r36_dU5Vx2Wnq9QHs2JbCldohI1VEsHWs/s640/SNACK+ONE+OPTIONS.jpg" title="SNACK ONE" width="640" /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: red;">LUNCH</b><img alt="LUNCH" border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj76D1GPTr-OgZx-mUuzbkyOZvbkl0a3-14i2JkLvOb5yndIzPaDjwbMFMIup-mc5J98VZu-U7zaKwc-bS3bHgoVFtKULXbixoJrgwZq3LegfrkIerW9kTKVrjcVJ4TkOmiBFMjUsmkM0k/s640/LUNCH+OPTIONS.jpg" title="LUNCH" width="640" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br /><center><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5028478688240504"; /* AdSense in Post */ google_ad_slot = "6975892477"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; //--></script><script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /></center><b style="color: red;"><br /></b><b style="color: red;">SNACK </b><b style="color: red;">TWO</b><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><img alt="SNACK TWO" border="0" height="95" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNfhk7yYYuo-ueNYgUxnZrN_rbsGztlXVbQyEnQZAHQPPY0K8o1M55kXJq3ekODx3uzLNIw_CrlG4V4elVh8IkT_gRZSKJNOz8wEZyGNjQtgFEr_AtmKoOPNnZpoYLKqaSu3HvJKyfPno/s640/SNACK+TWO+OPTIONS.jpg" title="SNACK TWO" width="640" /></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><b style="color: red;">DINNER</b><img alt="DINNER" border="0" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYOBaeWVEbyB8PPcHGWvY-7_IMFHvOirCZlFaSbun3CsM_MeIjFt6nyYEgxf1GH7NTm0omkk-Z7Is-Vjc4Ho_WkJcwT7s6iNRYUK9E-gPmlXCJrlD5-_fkjP7FC2YYZAz31zxFGVC_Qkg/s640/DINNER+OPTIONS.jpg" title="DINNER" width="640" /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="color: red;"><b>SNACK</b> <b>THREE</b></span><img alt="SNACK THREE" border="0" height="91" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghJDf_oYcU6L9_vkI0i6It0KSHyBPfMANej-nvAPNvIOMvKZZZ00WyZV9XY-nyAH930m-my3TbhJ0fULMSz41jp_MDbGIOLI4XHQgn9-8kxgSgAw_9nvAxNdxNP_YibZc47uVKKKp5e-M/s640/SNACK+THREE+OPTIONS.jpg" title="SNACK THREE" width="640" /></div><br /><br /><center><script type="text/javascript"><!-- google_ad_client = "ca-pub-5028478688240504"; /* AdSense in Post */ google_ad_slot = "6975892477"; google_ad_width = 336; google_ad_height = 280; //--></script><script src="http://pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/show_ads.js" type="text/javascript"></script><br /><br /></center><div><b style="color: red;"><br /></b></div></div>

Diet Plan Weight Loss 6 Week Beach Diet Plan

6 Week Beach Diet Plan : If you want to look better this summer and show off at the beach, you would give your muscles the support they really need and develop your results and daily recovery, and eating more often actually helps to keep your metabol…

Read more »

Corporations want to hide dangers of TPP

Multinational corporations want no debate on the proposed Pacific Rim trade deal they're crafting along with 12 nations in secret.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.nam.org/">The National Association of Manufacturers</a><a href="http://documents.nam.org/IEA/TPA%20Letter%2007-13.pdf"><span style="color: blue;"> is asking</span></a> key lawmakers to "fast-track" the deal. We suspect it's because they don't want Congress to look too closely at it. The NAM would prefer lawmakers put the interest of corporations before citizens.<br /><br /><a href="http://documents.foodandwaterwatch.org/doc/Don't_Fast_Track_Fracking_and_Unsafe_Food.pdf"><span style="color: blue;">Food and Water Watch</span></a>, for instance tells us negotiators are trying to undermine food safety rules by imposing private meat inspection. They're also trying to prevent the labeling of foods that contain genetically modified ingredients:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Many of the TPP nations produce farmed seafood raised with chemicals and antibiotics prohibited in the United States. Already these products are shipped here with minimal U.S. inspection. Around 90 percent of the seafood that Americans eat is imported, and most imported catfish and shrimp come from TPP countries. A new trade deal will only increase the flood of unsafe imported fish. </blockquote>The agreement could also end "buy local" programs put in place by schools, hospitals and other government institutions, Food and Water Watch states. <br /><br /><a href="http://www.doctorswithoutborders.org/">Doctors Without Borders</a>, meanwhile, is <a href="http://msfaccess.org/content/msf-open-letter-tpp-countries-dont-trade-away-health"><span style="color: blue;">contacting</span></a>TPP-involved nations because the agreement could restrict affordable medicines from millions of people across the globe. The group says the trade pact could become the most harmful deal ever when it comes to accessing medicines. The doctors argue corporate-backed provisions could harm your health:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">These demands ... will roll back public health safeguards and flexibilities enshrined in international law, and put in place far-reaching monopoly protections that will restrict generic competition and keep medicine prices unaffordable.</blockquote>We've written repeatedly about how the TPP could harm American workers, most recently with regards to the <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/growing-congressional-criticism-exposes.html"><span style="color: blue;">textile industry</span></a>. But those real worries stretch across many industries and could lead to thousands if not millions of lost U.S. jobs.<br /><br />We're all for open markets, as long as that doesn't mean trading good American jobs and safe American products for lost jobs, lower wages and foods that make families sick.

Corporations want to hide dangers of TPP

Multinational corporations want no debate on the proposed Pacific Rim trade deal they're crafting along with 12 nations in secret.The National Association of Manufacturers is asking key lawmakers to "fast-track" the deal. We suspect it's because they…

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Quinnipiac: 61% of Virginians want Governor to stay in office

The just-released <a href="http://www.quinnipiac.edu/institutes-and-centers/polling-institute/virginia/release-detail?ReleaseID=1923">Quinnipiac University poll</a> shows the overwhelming majority of Virginians are not clamoring for the Governor to resign, with 61 percent saying no, he should not, and 24 percent undecided. Quinnipiac also noted, "Among voters who say they voted for McDonnell in 2009, 84 percent say they would vote for him again...." <br /><br />Also, a new <a href="http://roanoke.edu/News_and_Events/News_Archive/RC_Poll_July_2013.htm">Roanoke College poll</a> shows that most Virginians are not paying attention to the story involving Star Scientific, Jonnie Williams, and Governor <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/07/the-mcdonnell-affair-context-and-perspective/">Bob McDonnell</a>:<br /><blockquote>... more than half (60%) of registered voters said they have not been following it closely at all. Only 9 percent said they have been following closely, and 25 percent said they have been following it somewhat closely.</blockquote>Radio host <a href="https://www.facebook.com/TheJohnFredericksShow">John Fredericks</a> recently weighed in on the issue: "Gov. McDonnell gifts: Get over it. Governor Bob McDonnell broke no laws and didn't do anything we can find that is legally unethical or in conflict with Virginia's very liberal gift laws. If you don't like it, change the laws. But don't impugne the Governor. Did he exercise poor judgment? That is speculative. Did he break any laws? From what we have seen so far: no, he did not. So right now, this amounts to a hill of beans, although we acknowledge the depth of different gifts is reaching critical mass. Should he resign? That is his personal decision, but certainly not over this nonsense."

Bob McDonnell John Fredericks leadership Quinnipiac University poll Roanoke College poll Star Scientific Virginia Quinnipiac: 61% of Virginians want Governor to stay in office

The just-released Quinnipiac University poll shows the overwhelming majority of Virginians are not clamoring for the Governor to resign, with 61 percent saying no, he should not, and 24 percent undecided. Quinnipiac also noted, "Among voters who sa…

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Woo-hoo! Another Teamster organizing victory in NJ!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8l930CpSGL2AKGok6-GogY_cKooswz-jhmFSmGBnJLamxEZ_S_dddNnYjmrEXdOzt34CHyR6QbmhzLgh4NtNdHjdnvkq51ilJqfNST9YhMuSJwnl93njREjs1zQeHyyyXqByV_IFzKj6/s1600/victory.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ8l930CpSGL2AKGok6-GogY_cKooswz-jhmFSmGBnJLamxEZ_S_dddNnYjmrEXdOzt34CHyR6QbmhzLgh4NtNdHjdnvkq51ilJqfNST9YhMuSJwnl93njREjs1zQeHyyyXqByV_IFzKj6/s200/victory.jpeg" width="133" /></a></div>Please give a warm welcome to our 112 new brothers and sisters, truck drivers employed by Australia-based Toll Group at the company’s New Jersey division. They voted by a margin of nearly 70 percent to join Teamsters Local 469 in Hazlet. The bargaining unit includes local drivers who service the Ports of New York and New Jersey, hostlers who move trailers within the Toll yard and long-haul drivers.<br /><br />The effort to form a union at Toll New Jersey came with surprisingly fierce resistance from the company, which is unionized in Australia, as well as at the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. After the company hired a union buster, drivers filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB). The charges filed by the drivers included surveillance, coercion, and making threats. The labor board is investigating the charges.<br /><br />Fred Schmidt, a Toll driver, said he feels they won their fight for dignity and respect on the job. <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">As a Teamster, we will now be able to fight for what we have earned without fear of retribution: a fair day's pay for a hard day's work, affordable medical benefits and real retirement security.</blockquote>Fred Potter, Local 469 president and director of the Teamsters Port division, praised the drivers for refusing to buy the company's lies.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Toll drivers in New Jersey now have the same rights as Toll Group drivers in Los Angeles, who are represented by Teamsters Local 848, and as Australian Toll drivers represented by the Transport Workers Union.</blockquote>The New Jersey Toll drivers’ victory comes at a crucial time in a national effort to modernize the port trucking industry. As many as 90 percent of America’s roughly 110,000 port truck drivers are misclassified as “independent contractors.” They are paid by the load at a poverty rate set by cargo owners like Walmart and Target.<br /><br />Teamsters General President Jim Hoffa called port trucking "the broken link in our nation's supply chain."<br /><br />

Woo-hoo! Another Teamster organizing victory in NJ!

Please give a warm welcome to our 112 new brothers and sisters, truck drivers employed by Australia-based Toll Group at the company’s New Jersey division. They voted by a margin of nearly 70 percent to join Teamsters Local 469 in Hazlet. The bargaini…

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More good jobs, less bad pollution

If more U.S. cities recycled like Seattle, a million-plus good jobs would result, according to our friends at <a href="http://www.forworkingfamilies.org/">Partnership for Working Families</a>. We're cross-posting their blog today about a new report that explains how:<br /><br />The top 37 metro areas in the country are poised to create new jobs, make bad jobs into good ones, and solve tough environmental problems by transforming the way they handle their trash and recycling.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.forworkingfamilies.org/resources/publications/transforming-trash-urban-america">Transforming Trash in Urban America</a>, a new report from the Partnership for Working Families, shows that creating jobs and slowing climate change through a new approach to waste management is both possible and urgent for America’s largest cities.<br /><br />Our cities bear the brunt of the national jobs crisis, as well as suffering the worst effects of climate change, whether through superstorms, drought, fires, or heat waves.  The combination of national and global scale problems with federal political paralysis requires local solutions that add up to national impact. <br /><br />Transforming the way we deal with our waste is one of the best ways cities can take local action on our jobs and environmental crises.  While the environmental benefits of recycling are well established, the best approach also raises standards in what are some of the worst jobs in country, and becomes a catalyst for economic development and job creation.   This comprehensive, sustainable approach to waste and recycling can yield dramatic results.  <a href="http://www.tellus.org/">Tellus Institute</a>’s <a href="http://www.tellus.org/publications/files/More_Jobs_Less_Pollution.pdf">More Jobs, Less Pollution</a> study, prepared for labor and environmental organizations, found that we can create 1.3 million jobs and reduce greenhouse gas emissions at a level equivalent to shutting down 72 coal-fired power plants.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmhN9w8xnVRWeqCxwFT5s6nLvKnu_Gj8Tva3AmWE8XZW_YuiumuzNZUTJkE5e1-87XsJCtgNJPBl3C_5wBRnIxGFIFQHOeJsRq_p0xh8ULdYlx1NM5qz0kxqdmMshxVGqia7rlAwNpP1n/s1600/trash+infographic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNmhN9w8xnVRWeqCxwFT5s6nLvKnu_Gj8Tva3AmWE8XZW_YuiumuzNZUTJkE5e1-87XsJCtgNJPBl3C_5wBRnIxGFIFQHOeJsRq_p0xh8ULdYlx1NM5qz0kxqdmMshxVGqia7rlAwNpP1n/s320/trash+infographic.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><a href="http://www.forworkingfamilies.org/resources/publications/transforming-trash-urban-america">Transforming Trash in Urban America</a> analyzes the top 37 cities in the country and asks whether the innovative recycling models being developed in a few cities could be applied broadly. We found huge potential to build good waste management and recycling systems that would maximize both environmental and economic benefits.<br /><br />To conduct this study we did an in-depth public records analysis of city waste management plans, recycling reports, and local news.  We followed this document research with in-depth interviews with city waste management and recycling staff, as well as activists and allies in key cities.<br /><br />We found a few cities doing a great job, many more on the cusp, and a significant number who are early enough in the development of their recycling systems that they can include job standards and creation from the outset.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><ul><li>In a few model cities like Seattle and San Francisco, workers, environmentalists and community activists have successfully worked with elected leaders and sanitation staff to create comprehensive recycling systems that capture the sector’s full potential as a catalyst for the green economy. </li><li>Many other cities are on the cusp of capturing recycling’s full potential.  Oakland, Los Angeles, Boston, and New York are all examples of cities where important pieces of the puzzle have been put in place, but critical components, often related to standards for workers or economic development, have been left out.  In many of those cities, new labor/community/environment coalitions are successfully advocating to increase diversion and job standards together, all while strengthening local recycling economies.</li><li>A significant number of cities that we surveyed have low recycling rates and/or few job components of their waste management plans, and lots of room for improvement.  Places like Denver and Milwaukee should adopt waste management and recycling policies that increase diversion and maximize job creation and equity from the very beginning.</li></ul>The Partnership for Working Families, together with environmental, labor, and community allies, is building a ground up movement to tackle jobs and climate problems through a shift to comprehensive, sustainable waste management and recycling solutions.  Transforming Trash in Urban America shows that city level change can add up to national impact.

More good jobs, less bad pollution

If more U.S. cities recycled like Seattle, a million-plus good jobs would result, according to our friends at Partnership for Working Families. We're cross-posting their blog today about a new report that explains how:The top 37 metro areas in the co…

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Learning From Programs Like Vive Weight Loss

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Esme Spence</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Weight control programs similar to Vive weight loss utilize differing methods to approach successful weight loss. Varying strategies could be gleaned by you from programs like Vive weight loss without actually taking part in such systems. Those striving to get the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers often need will find ample ideas, products, and strategies for losing weight. There are so many that it may be difficult to know where to start. Some get the support they require from systems such as Vive, and others might not benefit as much from that support and advice. This short article will cover a few of the good ideas weight loss programs use that could be utilized in just about anyone's efforts to shed some pounds.<br /> <br /> First, we will talk about evaluation of your individual body, which is a key to programs such as Vive weight loss. Second, we'll discuss how a personalized workout and dieting plan is another part of successful weight loss journeys. Third, we will talk about how obtaining the right coaching and support is highly helpful.<br /> <br /> Weight loss packages like Vive weight loss or others usually endorse getting a complete concept of what you are working with when you get going on a weight loss journey. After all, someone who is simply looking to shed a couple of pounds and someone who is considered morbidly obese are likely to have to approach slimming down differently. Besides the measure of weight, you may also want to know things like your body fat percentage. This might give you a notion of what your fat and muscle percentages might be. Your body mass index (or BMI) could be yet another part of your body composition analysis you may want to know about.<br /> <br /> No surprise, each person is different. Setting goals is a good idea to get the weight loss Salt Lake City citizens often want, but we all likely have to set our own unique goals. Therefore, it is very important to consider your own needs and desires when getting started. Some people desire to just jump in to a pre-set system and have it succeed for them just like it did for somebody else. However, customizing an exercise plan and diet is a better idea because all of us have our personal needs for losing weight.<br /> <br /> Programs including Vive weight loss and others really can provide a lot of great assistance. Accountability is critical for many people in getting healthier. If you don't have anyone to keep in touch with about improvement or to ask questions, you may quit your efforts or even harm yourself. As you progress, having somebody coach you and encourage you is great. Choosing a good work out pal or other source for guidance or accountability can be a great idea.<br /> <br /> Many of the actions programs have clients take may be helpful for those seeking the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers may seek, but programs like Vive weight loss and others like it might not be for every seeker of fitness.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Looking to find the best deal on <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/vive-weight-loss'>vive weight loss</a>, then visit Roxy Albright's site to find the best advice on services like this and also <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/lip-augmentation'>lip injections Utah</a> for you.</div><br /> </div><br />

Learning From Programs Like Vive Weight Loss

By Esme Spence Weight control programs similar to Vive weight loss utilize differing methods to approach successful weight loss. Varying strategies could be gleaned by you from programs like Vive weight loss without actually taking part in such sy…

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Warming Up With The Help Of The Personal Trainer Carlsbad

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Michael Petry</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>When you exercise with a personal trainer Carlsbad, you'll often be reminded to do a warm-up routine before trying to start your actual routine. While you may question this seemingly pointless waste of time, as some people prefer to just effectively use the precious minutes to fit in some extra routine work, warming up is actually both beneficial and necessary to your overall fitness regimen.<br /> <br /> Why You Need To Stretch Before Working Out<br /> <br /> Warming up, or stretching, is something that anyone and everyone should do before exercising. Besides the reasons which are stated below, it's mainly to help you exercise better and to prevent any unnecessary injuries. Strained muscles and pulled tendons are a pain to deal with, particularly if you are trying hard to reach certain goals, and they are more likely to occur if you skip the warm-up beforehand. It is amazing to note that even just a few minutes of total body stretching is enough to help you avoid such problems.<br /> <br /> Benefits of Warming Up<br /> <br /> There are 3 primary benefits that you get from warming up, as any excellent personal trainer Carlsbad will tell you. They are:<br /> <br /> * It increases your body's overall blood flow.<br /> <br /> The initial exercise will make your heart work harder than its usual resting rate. This in turn causes your blood vessels and capillaries to expand to accept a better flow of blood. Not only does this mean that your body is better supplied with oxygen, but that before you start working out, your body is already primed and ready to make the most out of the coming regimen.<br /> <br /> * It allows your muscles to become more pliant.<br /> <br /> The stretching of your muscles when you warm up gives them a chance to get used to the sudden switch from a motionless state to one of movement. As a personal trainer Carlsbad can tell you, stretching itself is a light workout for your muscles, and it makes them become pliant and easy to work with when you exercise properly later on. The increased blood flow also helps by giving your muscles more oxygen to fuel itself with.<br /> <br /> * It helps put your entire body, mind included, in the mood of exercising.<br /> <br /> Warming up helps put you in the general mood set for exercising. While some people need no help with this, it still benefits the others, particularly those who find it difficult to get enthusiastic about working out in the first place.<br /> <br /> Why You Should Listen To A Personal Trainer Carlsbad<br /> <br /> Carlsbad is a place that is full of exercise enthusiasts from many parts of the world. Because of this, there are a good number of personal trainers there that have been especially trained to deal with people of many types.<br /> <br /> While a workout routine differs from person to person, warming up does not. It's a basic piece of knowledge that each professional fitness trainer is going to be expected to know. If the same personal trainer Carlsbad knows about your health history, they may also even adjust certain stretches to help make up for the old or still recovering injuries.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Becoming in great shape with the assistance of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-carlsbad/">clicking here</a> not only improves your physique but also your well being as well. The advantages that one can get from <a href="https://plus.google.com/117219889004260885472/about">company website</a> are countless.</div><br /> </div><br />

Warming Up With The Help Of The Personal Trainer Carlsbad

By Michael Petry When you exercise with a personal trainer Carlsbad, you'll often be reminded to do a warm-up routine before trying to start your actual routine. While you may question this seemingly pointless waste of time, as some people prefer …

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Strength training for fat loss is the best way to lose body fat

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Frederic Leblanc</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>When it comes to plan their strength training for fat loss, they get discouraged simply because they get small to no results and wind up giving up. In most case, people will say that they don't have any time to go in the fitness center, stop becoming lazy...this exercise that I am gonna show you is one of the best strength training for fat loss,the training session will final no greater than 30-45 minutes and you'll only have to go at the fitness center three to four times a week to attain incredible outcomes. Why selecting compound exercises over isolation in your strength training for fat loss<br /> <br /> To be able to get the best results, you will have to choose compound exercises which are the ones that use a number of muscle groups at the same time, the much more muscle groups you use to lift a weight, the much more calories you burn that's why we say that they are the best fat burning exercises. What you'll have to implement in your exercise routine are exercises like squat or walking lounge, deadlift, dumbbell bench press, dumbbell/barbell rows,chin up,etc... It's pretty much all totally free weights as you are able to see, the primary workouts utilized in strength training for fat loss will probably be compound movements but we'll also use isolation exercises which use only one muscle group. It might not be the best but isolation workouts can be utilized for injuries rehabilitation, lagging body components and in superset with compound workouts.<br /> <br /> There is three efficient methods that I use for fat loss;<br /> <br /> Method 1 (most easy): Going 3-4time per week to the gym, doing low repetitions (around eight), taking 30 seconds to 1 minute rest between sets<br /> <br /> Method 2 (HIIT cardio added): Going 3-4time per week to the gym, performing low repetitions (around eight), taking 30 seconds to 1 minute rest between sets, having 2-3 days of cardio in your rest days(do hiit cardio,30sec running/30sec jogging as many rounds as you are able to)<br /> <br /> Method 3 (circuit-training): Going 3-4time a week to the gym, doing low repetitions (around 8), do 30-45 second jogging in your rest period in between sets, do 2-3days moderate cardio in your rest days.<br /> <br /> In the event you still want much more challenge, you could do your exercises in superset but I believe it's already enough difficult like that. Here's a sample exercise of my strength training for fat loss :<br /> <br /> Monday: Chest & upper abs<br /> <br /> Dumbbell bench press: 4sets of 8-10 reps Close grip dumbbell bench press: 4sets of 8-10 reps Dumbbell flyes: 4sets of 8-10 reps Crunch: 3sets of 15-20reps<br /> <br /> Tuesday: HIIT Cardio<br /> <br /> Wednesday: Back and lower abs<br /> <br /> Chin up: 4sets of 8-10 reps Barbell rows: 4sets of 8-10 reps Deadlift: 4sets of 10-12 reps Reverse crunch: 3sets of 15-20reps<br /> <br /> Thursday: HIIT Cardio<br /> <br /> Friday: Legs<br /> <br /> Walking lounge: 4sets of 12-15reps Legs extension: 4sets of 12-15reps Semi stiff legged deadlift: 4sets of 12-15reps Lying legs curl: 4sets of 12-15reps<br /> <br /> Saturday: Arms(optional) & shoulders(shoulders may be added on legs day)<br /> <br /> Hammer curls: 3sets of 8-10reps Reverse Close-Grip Bench To Skull Crusher: 3sets of 8-10reps Standing One-Arm Cable Curl: 3sets of 8-10reps Cable 1 Arm Tricep Extension: 3sets of 8-10reps Side Lateral Raise: 4sets of 12-15reps<br /> <br /> Sunday: Off<br /> <br /> P.S. This is my strength training for fat loss that I'm using but note that this exercise might not be for beginners, it is much more appropriate for intermediate trainers.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>If you liked these tips on <a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/white700/blog/category/fat-loss/">strength training for fat loss</a> and wish to have more info, visit my blog by <a href="http://www.empowernetwork.com/white700/?id=white700">clicking here</a>.</div><br /> </div><br />

Strength training for fat loss is the best way to lose body fat

By Frederic Leblanc When it comes to plan their strength training for fat loss, they get discouraged simply because they get small to no results and wind up giving up. In most case, people will say that they don't have any time to go in the fitnes…

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Ideas For Weight Loss Salt Lake City Dwellers Might Utilize

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Roxy Albright</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>For weight loss Salt Lake City citizens can do well to start by talking it over with a doctor. A physician might be able to help them know what ways they could individually change their diet or exercise practices. There are also many little tips out there that those who want to lose weight can use which might aid them in working toward the weight loss Salt Lake City citizens may seek. This short article will cover three such ideas that could at least be positive influences for weight loss. We will talk about how different things like breakfast or even the lip injections Utah estheticians can perform might be of use in weight loss.<br /> <br /> We will start by discussing how vitamins may help people to earn the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers often need. Next, we will explore how boosting your confidence in your appearance may be another way to boost weight-reduction efforts. At last, we will consider how slicing portions of meals up could even have the ability to help you.<br /> <br /> For just about everyone looking to lose some pounds it's difficult to achieve the objectives they set for themselves. Some research in a journal related to obesity found that a multivitamin could be a valuable aid. The investigation involved splitting overweight female test subjects into three groups that received a daily calcium supplement, multivitamin, or placebo for 26 weeks. The women in the group taking the multivitamin had less body fat than the other two categories of women when the study concluded. A healthcare professional has suggested that some people may possibly binge on food since their bodies are hunting for nutrients and vitamins they're not consuming enough of (and which multivitamins might provide to them).<br /> <br /> Improving the way you look isn't always just about appearances. Actually, it may have a positive effect on other facets of your daily life, also. Lots of people who make positive changes in their appearance develop more confidence as a result. Whether you get laser skin tightening or just the lip injections Utah medical spas can provide, improving your appearance might increase your confidence in yourself and thus aid in your willingness to concentrate on the weight loss Salt Lake City dwellers like you may want.<br /> <br /> Often how much you eat actually boils down to what your brain sees on your plate. Slicing up portions of your food can trick your mind into thinking you're eating more. Helping the dimensions seem greater after they have been cut up can make less food look like more. Applying this technique has actually been found to lessen the total amount many people consume by 25 percent. Who knew a knife might cut away a fourth of one's appetite?<br /> <br /> Little tips like getting the lip injections Utah esthetic specialists may provide could help affect the weight loss Salt Lake City residents may want, but the biggest tip is that shedding some pounds requires serious effort.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>Looking to find the best deal on <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/vive-weight-loss'>weight loss Salt Lake City</a>, then visit Roxy Albright's site to find the best advice on services like this and also <a href='http://www.elase.com/utah/lip-augmentation'>lip injections Utah</a> for you.</div><br /> </div><br />

Ideas For Weight Loss Salt Lake City Dwellers Might Utilize

By Roxy Albright For weight loss Salt Lake City citizens can do well to start by talking it over with a doctor. A physician might be able to help them know what ways they could individually change their diet or exercise practices. There are also m…

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XBox: Assassin’s Creed II

<p><a><img src="http://www.sfondissimi.it/images/sfondi/Videogames/preview/Assassins_Creed_010.jpg"></a></p> <p>So I downloaded Assassin’s Creed II yesterday and fired it up immediately.  I played until it was time to turn over the control to hubby.  I loved the game play, the story line, and the intricate details placed in the little things (like fabric).  It was a pleasure to play and while I might not blow through the whole game in a day or two, I will enjoy my time spent with young Ezio Auditore.  </p> <p>I usually don’t like games where I’m scaling heights for no reason but in AC II I’m enjoying the vistas from the incredibly high viewpoints scattered throughout the game.  The controls seem sharper than the first game, which I appreciate even though I never completed the first game.  I really enjoy the brief but detailed database of characters, places and things.  I take the time to read the database which undoubtedly slows down my overall game play.</p> <p>My only complaint … too many games I want to play at the moment and not enough hours in the month!  </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:12666a95-cf37-4e35-9d58-8d6763503eee" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Xbox+360" rel="tag">Xbox 360</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/console" rel="tag">console</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/console+gaming" rel="tag">console gaming</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Assassin's+Creed+II" rel="tag">Assassin's Creed II</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Assassin's+Creed" rel="tag">Assassin's Creed</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Ezio+Auditore" rel="tag">Ezio Auditore</a></div>

Assassin's Creed console gaming Microsoft Ubisoft Xbox XBox 360 XBox: Assassin’s Creed II

So I downloaded Assassin’s Creed II yesterday and fired it up immediately.  I played until it was time to turn over the control to hubby.  I loved the game play, the story line, and the intricate details placed in the little things (like fabric).  I…

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Look at me now!! 4 week photo

Just a quick post - I have this FABULOUS belt I bought about 2 years ago.  It never fit me - not even close.  Today, just for grins, I put the belt on just to see how much further I was to be able to wear it.  To my surprise, although barely, it fit and I am wearing it!!!  I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjlqb3QBFcvIx9UZs7G6QjC6IwvBs05otGMy7BM9dMZ0UZ_o4yi6ayLVu6_dfMm2UodLgnRmhVTRWMypV1GgLKnI0M3PNsQx3ID2AY6b6F6n_LevVA2uKWmDrRv7ZpVdDh23Mv3ZVTv4/s1600/IMG_0046%255B1%255D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTjlqb3QBFcvIx9UZs7G6QjC6IwvBs05otGMy7BM9dMZ0UZ_o4yi6ayLVu6_dfMm2UodLgnRmhVTRWMypV1GgLKnI0M3PNsQx3ID2AY6b6F6n_LevVA2uKWmDrRv7ZpVdDh23Mv3ZVTv4/s320/IMG_0046%255B1%255D.JPG" width="239" /></a></div><br />Also, you can see it really much more in my face!!  TOTALLY excited again ha!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAzvdKBllpjikzSBj3ik8rchX-gXQjCzrwP-rjSLw-lIUfh9lZpClzUIPP-64q9jw9lboAb-F4LeLFcjgKaNYvediCvPYbbVgJRkPEPLj3sEKRsdhbf5WZPOIG3AfR14rqTlkTooI47M/s1600/IMG_0044%5B1%5D.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvAzvdKBllpjikzSBj3ik8rchX-gXQjCzrwP-rjSLw-lIUfh9lZpClzUIPP-64q9jw9lboAb-F4LeLFcjgKaNYvediCvPYbbVgJRkPEPLj3sEKRsdhbf5WZPOIG3AfR14rqTlkTooI47M/s320/IMG_0044%5B1%5D.JPG" width="240" /></a></div><br />

Look at me now!! 4 week photo

Just a quick post - I have this FABULOUS belt I bought about 2 years ago.  It never fit me - not even close.  Today, just for grins, I put the belt on just to see how much further I was to be able to wear it.  To my surprise, although barely, it fit …

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Confirmed CFPB head will stand up for workers

Richard Cordray had already proven to be a fine choice to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On his watch, the agency recovered millions of dollars and halted credit card, home foreclosure and predatory lending scams. Now his tenure has been legitimized.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-yCtiL6X2SCemThbV1byrtNiGPPxeL01Fo0MOw0v49oECRRfzCGNJcM1w1YVcQfiiZcdCQLvTpu-zXBW_PhKfH1ddrSQ0ONxcuSD1a_9QgQ7dJ4yVcFlE_EE4cl0S3ZF4Sywn0bJltVE/s1600/cordray.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR-yCtiL6X2SCemThbV1byrtNiGPPxeL01Fo0MOw0v49oECRRfzCGNJcM1w1YVcQfiiZcdCQLvTpu-zXBW_PhKfH1ddrSQ0ONxcuSD1a_9QgQ7dJ4yVcFlE_EE4cl0S3ZF4Sywn0bJltVE/s1600/cordray.jpeg" /></a>The Senate approved his nomination to serve as CFPB director last night. It ends a two-year struggle to have his nomination considered. President Obama installed Cordray, Ohio's former attorney general, in January 2012 after Republicans refused to allow a confirmation vote. That changed yesterday when Senate leaders reached an agreement to move forward.<br /><br />The Teamsters strongly supported his nomination. Teamster General President James P. Hoffa previously<a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/hoffa-praises-obama-bold-actions-protect-working-families"> lauded Cordray's record</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Richard Cordray is a solid public official who has done much to protect Ohio's retirees, investors and business owners from financial fraud.</blockquote>The consumer bureau was created by the 2010 Dodd-Frank financial reform law that overhauled federal financial regulatory powers. Republicans, however, <span id="goog_1764955162"></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/">did not like several aspects of it<span id="goog_1764955163"></span></a>, including having a single director instead of a five-member commission.<br /><br />But as <a href="http://ourfinancialsecurity.org/">Americans for Financial Reform</a> first highlighted and <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/search?q=Cordray">we mentioned</a> earlier this year, the CFPB under his leadership has gotten a lot done for Americans, including returning more than $450 million to consumers cheated by credit card companies and writing new regulations that prohibit banks and mortgage companies from disguising costs and making loans borrowers can't afford.<br /><br />Hard-working Americans deserve an advocate who will be on our side. Sen. Elizabeth Warren <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/03/elizabeth-warren-keeps-up-her-badass.html">said</a> it best earlier this year during a March hearing:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The American people deserve a Congress that worries less about helping big banks and more about helping regular people who've been cheated on mortgages, on credit cards, on student loans, on credit reports.</blockquote>Amen.

Confirmed CFPB head will stand up for workers

Richard Cordray had already proven to be a fine choice to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). On his watch, the agency recovered millions of dollars and halted credit card, home foreclosure and predatory lending scams. Now his tenur…

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Cades Cove

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpHnO0cQcRry7346qlMCOXYq3Y4oEAkr2ukd4Zwr_KKI_oaqYAXnvLQsW52d90J4WfylNibvorrewojQHB7KDzRT2jLPD9gSCtX_q21N0MIVSVquZg2U37f5-Y5pSmhdU2SXv4wdriMV8/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqpHnO0cQcRry7346qlMCOXYq3Y4oEAkr2ukd4Zwr_KKI_oaqYAXnvLQsW52d90J4WfylNibvorrewojQHB7KDzRT2jLPD9gSCtX_q21N0MIVSVquZg2U37f5-Y5pSmhdU2SXv4wdriMV8/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Peaceful and quiet ... Cades Cove in the magnificent Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />May 2013

Cades Cove Great Smoky Mountain National Park Tennessee Cades Cove

Peaceful and quiet ... Cades Cove in the magnificent Smoky Mountains of Tennessee.Photo by Lynn R. MitchellMay 2013…

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Today's Teamster News 07.17.13

<a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/07/16/obama-nlrb-nominees-senate-nuclear-option/2522819/">Obama makes new NLRB nominations</a>  USA Today   ...President Obama fulfilled his part of a Senate deal Tuesday to avoid major changes in the filibuster rules, making two new nominations to the National Labor Relations Board. Obama put up Nancy Schiffer, associate general counsel at the AFL-CIO, and Kent Hirozawa, chief counsel to NLRB chairman Mark Pearce...<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/17/business/cordray-confirmed-as-head-of-financial-watchdog-after-long-wait.html?_r=0">Cordray Confirmed as Head of Financial Watchdog, After Long Wait</a>  New York Times   ...Republicans agreed to allow the confirmation of Richard Cordray, by a vote of 66 to 34, cementing a new era of expansive federal oversight of companies that lend money to consumers...<br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jul/16/greece-general-strike-protests-austerity">Greeks take to streets again amid general strike over job cut plans</a>  The Guardian   ...Tens of thousands of Greeks took to the streets on Tuesday as unions, protesting controversial plans to slash 25,000 public sector jobs, brought the country to a standstill in a fourth general strike this year... <br /><a href="http://thehill.com/homenews/senate/311199-tribes-lawsuit-could-decide-who-controls-senate-in-2015">Native American tribes’ lawsuit could decide who controls Senate in 2015</a>  The Hill   ... A high-profile lawsuit on the voting rights of Native Americans could help determine control of the Senate in the next Congress…<br /><a href="http://www.phillyburbs.com/news/local/money/mike-fitzpatrick-begins-push-to-certify-label-american-made-products/article_183b5618-ff1c-5673-b0db-44572f0326f2.html">Fitzpatrick begins push to certify, label American-made products</a>  Philadelphia Business Journal   ...Congressmen Mike Fitzpatrick (R-Penn.) introduced legislation that would encourage consumers to buy more U.S.-made goods. The America Star initiative would be similar to the popular Energy Star program that certifies energy-efficient appliances...<br /><a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/07/gallup-doj-fine-94177.html?ml=po_r">Department of Justice slaps Gallup with $10.5M fine</a>  Politico   ...Gallup Organization has agreed to pay the government $10.5 million to settle a false claims case against the company for allegedly inflating cost estimates in government contracts. The Justice Department announced the settlement, resolving a complaint originally brought under the Whistleblower Protection Act by a former Gallup director of client services...<br /><a href="http://www.federalnewsradio.com/204/3389297/FEEA-overwhelmed-with-furlough-aid-requests">FEEA overwhelmed with furlough aid requests</a>  Federal News Radio   ...Federal workers hit by furloughs are increasingly applying for aid from the <a href="http://www.feea.org/">Federal Employee Education and Assistance Fund</a> (FEEA), a nonprofit organization that provides emergency loans to feds who have trouble meeting basic living expenses...<br /><a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/national/wal-mart-faceoff-with-dc-fuels-minimum-wage-debate/article_756bb6d2-f2f7-5803-8092-ba8fd90bb202.html">Wal-Mart faceoff with DC fuels minimum wage debate</a>  Associated Press   ...The bitter standoff between Wal-Mart and District of Columbia officials over the city’s effort to impose a higher minimum wage on big-box retailers is fueling a wider debate about how far cities should go in trying to raise pay for low-wage workers — and whether larger companies should be required to pay more...<br /><a href="http://www.bluecheddar.net/?p=34104">Rotunda Announcement: “Any participants or spectators are subject to arrest”</a>  blue cheddar   ...today the Capitol Police announced that the people singing in the rotunda from noon to 1 P.M. were “Unlawfully Assembled” and “any participants or spectators are subject to arrest”...<br /><a href="http://inthesetimes.com/working/entry/15286/how_unions_armor_workers_and_states_against_recession/">New Report: Unions Shield Workers—and States—Against Recession</a>  In These Times   ...The report’s findings strongly suggest that the decline of unionization has played a considerable role in the increase of income inequality in Illinois, which can in turn slow economic growth. The report also suggests that lags in union membership put a strain on the social safety net, sapping resources that could otherwise be invested to speed the state's recovery...<br /><a href="http://www.duluthnewstribune.com/event/article/id/272536/group/homepage/">Halliburton fined in North Dakota after Duluth worker’s death</a>  Duluth News Tribune   ...For the first time, oil industry giant Halliburton has been cited for workplace safety violations in North Dakota. A release issued Monday by the U.S. Department of Labor detailed two “serious safety violations” levied against the energy giant in relation to the Jan. 19 death of a Duluth man at an oil rig site...<br /><a href="http://www.khon2.com/2013/07/15/hawaii-hotel-workers-could-be-in-line-for-millions-in-tips/">Hawaii hotel workers could be in line for millions in tips</a>  KHON2 News   ...The Hawaii State Supreme Court ruled Monday that a class action lawsuit against certain hotels “can” move forward with a class action suit that could eventually mean thousands of employees are due millions of dollars in lost tips...<br /><a href="http://www.commondreams.org/view/2013/07/16-1">Photo ID Law on Trial in Pennsylvania: What's at Stake for Our Democracy</a>  Huffington Post   ...PA’s photo ID law which mainly affects the elderly,  disabled and poor people is being challenged by the ACLU...<br /><a href="http://www.mlive.com/news/bay-city/index.ssf/2013/07/bay_city_commissioners_approve_1.html">Bay City Commissioners approve new Teamsters contract for 9 supervisors</a>  Michigan Live   ...Bay City commissioners approved a new contract for nine City Hall managers, who are represented by Teamsters Local 214...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/buffalo-teamsters-reach-tentative-agreement-ruralmetro-medical">Buffalo Teamsters Reach Tentative Agreement With Rural/Metro Medical</a>  IBT   ...Early yesterday morning after 21 hours of negotiating, Teamsters Local 375, which represents the 400 EMTs and paramedics working at Rural/Metro medical services, reached a tentative agreement for a new 4-year contract that includes a wage increase and benefit improvements...

Today's Teamster News 07.17.13

Obama makes new NLRB nominations  USA Today   ...President Obama fulfilled his part of a Senate deal Tuesday to avoid major changes in the filibuster rules, making two new nominations to the National Labor Relations Board. Obama put up Nancy Schiffer…

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Navigating the rough waters of teaching

It has always bothered me that I have nightmares about teaching. Always. Just before I have to go into the classroom, I have them...Full color, noise filled nightmares.<br /><br />I'm working with second graders last week at Vacation Bible School at church and last Sunday night I had another one of those dreams. It really bothered me, so I thought about it and these were my conclusions.<br /><table align="center" 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/AVvXsEh4MoRXC8G9H1HLBpufm5Zxb01AfEPb1TEfIzuSfldf0t_GcyKa18Nx2TaSaKMHf5DfpjwIZdSvgL0NuEH5RSBKmWhPCzoeNm-m8TL6XNjC_P3ktVtcwZkowRPsOa3u5REalvvPuJ8Kb_BP/s1600/Nantahala+1+2012+(1).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MoRXC8G9H1HLBpufm5Zxb01AfEPb1TEfIzuSfldf0t_GcyKa18Nx2TaSaKMHf5DfpjwIZdSvgL0NuEH5RSBKmWhPCzoeNm-m8TL6XNjC_P3ktVtcwZkowRPsOa3u5REalvvPuJ8Kb_BP/s320/Nantahala+1+2012+(1).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">This was a nightmare for me. My son and I went down<br />the Nantahala Falls the total WRONG way this time.<br />We didn't go under because we didn't stop padddling.<br />I righted us and we sailed on through but it was scary.<br />Teaching can be scary, especially if you don't respect<br />the power of the classroom and if you stop<br />rowing your own boat, you're in trouble.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><h3>Why do we have teaching nightmares?</h3>I've talked with other teachers on my Facebook page about this and we all seem to have nightmares, but why?<br /><br />Why should we dream about failing as a teacher when it is something we just do?<br /><br />Shouldn't we be confident masters knowing we can navigate any waters?<br /><h3>Navigating an understanding of common teacher nightmares</h3>I hit on the answer as I asked myself this yesterday morning. My thoughts turned to white water rafting pros. These people are always dealing with water. They guide people down rivers and they enjoy the river themselves. Yet, even these pros come up against situations - often unexpectedly - that scare them.<br /><table align="center" 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/AVvXsEhOdSWr_rZ5DZUOPGlJCqJFWHn53CyVqnCVjeRBxzj2ORX41SzlsPPXrOWZHWUyC1CRdfVZYGi1P-pne8PvdkSFu-KC0PQ6eD8i5m5O9rlpVinCotvS_3B7q5qXhxhAH3wQCt3WlxbGfgkj/s1600/Nantahala+1+2012+(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOdSWr_rZ5DZUOPGlJCqJFWHn53CyVqnCVjeRBxzj2ORX41SzlsPPXrOWZHWUyC1CRdfVZYGi1P-pne8PvdkSFu-KC0PQ6eD8i5m5O9rlpVinCotvS_3B7q5qXhxhAH3wQCt3WlxbGfgkj/s320/Nantahala+1+2012+(2).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #999999;">This is the scariest of all. My son sucked out in the<br />worst rapid. He had slowed down because<br />he was too close to another boat<br />and the raft was sucked out from underneat<br />him. But he went back in again with the<br />knowledge of what NOT to do.<br />When we mess up in the classroom one day,<br />we have to go back in and do it again and learn.<br />A mistake is only permanent if you don't learn from it.</span></td></tr></tbody></table><h3>The respect for something that comes with being a professional</h3>Last year were were on the <a class="zem_slink" href="http://maps.google.com/maps?ll=35.022687,-83.50502&spn=1.0,1.0&q=35.022687,-83.50502%20(Nantahala%20River)&t=h" rel="geolocation" target="_blank" title="Nantahala River">Nantahala River</a> in our duckies (1 or 2 man inflatable self bailing rafts - kind of like a canoe) and there was a strainer in the river. A strainer is a tree across the river. It is very dangerous and life threatening.<br /><br />While some of those unwitting (unexperienced) dummies in the rafts said "let's just go over it" - the guides responded with a some what paling face:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"No, we have to wait until they cut it out." </blockquote><br />They know that strainers are very dangerous. Period. End of story. Stay away.<br /><br />We teachers are like those guides. When people from the local town come to speak in our classrooms, they don't realize that <b>they are on a guided tour</b>. They might think they are dipping their oar into teaching, and certainly, they are somewhat, but they aren't experiencing the wild rapids that teaching is - nothing near it. They are being guided by a professional.<br /><br />Surely river guides also have their own nightmares. The unexpected tree or rock - the river that shifted in the night. <br /><br />One rafting pro this summer said it to me like this<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"when you're a professional, you don't know the river, you respect the river." </blockquote>He acknowledged that he learned to navigate the river and that he was not its master. He could navigate and do it well, but he would not dare to think he was master of that river.<br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n03_q6QSIAX7DXiVeYgzhOq_J4WMS_GOc-YFKe0drVGDUHdrTQ1_3zbv_GfbQgKumvqB35uAzi777OcW39xq-BS3Wn8o80crXQK2ZonUm6ndFjaa3HSv2s8fLGFHZ9R9doKP7Yf_zKcq/s1600/Nantahala+1+2012+(5).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7n03_q6QSIAX7DXiVeYgzhOq_J4WMS_GOc-YFKe0drVGDUHdrTQ1_3zbv_GfbQgKumvqB35uAzi777OcW39xq-BS3Wn8o80crXQK2ZonUm6ndFjaa3HSv2s8fLGFHZ9R9doKP7Yf_zKcq/s320/Nantahala+1+2012+(5).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another trip down. My kids know how to row their<br />own boat. This is important to me and a life lesson that<br />they learn from rafting.</td></tr></tbody></table><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">The only people not afraid of just how quickly a class can be "lost" are those who are not professionals. The only people unafraid of rivers are those who aren't professionals. </span><br /><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);"><br /></span><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">Professionals who have "seen it all" know that the unexpected, unforeseen can happen to them too and things can go terribly wrong in a heartbeat.</span><br /><br /><h3><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875);">The truly unnavigable rapids</span></h3>When in South Africa, I met a woman who said she taught a class of 500 high school, inner city kids. She was their "teacher." I cannot begin to comprehend this sort of rapid - for, to me, it would be a 500 foot waterfall - fatal to my life, psyche and all I am.<br /><br /><table align="center" 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/AVvXsEhMgj0jO3r8tV-q2oP6ansXcGsdWUgB7FfQsdzmWR6eEFJuf__ZU54i9XpXtN3_FDThJfshO2JpDEh8v_lU4yHr3YYT6mjk8qitAGtLsasv3yBSudvUKrf5qO07mLleHsXp_NF0hsMmcRXL/s1600/Nantahala+1+2012+(6).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMgj0jO3r8tV-q2oP6ansXcGsdWUgB7FfQsdzmWR6eEFJuf__ZU54i9XpXtN3_FDThJfshO2JpDEh8v_lU4yHr3YYT6mjk8qitAGtLsasv3yBSudvUKrf5qO07mLleHsXp_NF0hsMmcRXL/s320/Nantahala+1+2012+(6).jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;">This was actually a perfect run. It looks like my<br />son and I are going under. We are not. We are paddling<br />like crazy and going through the hole at the bottom<br />of this fall. Sometimes it looks like we're going under<br />in the classroom when we're navigating an especially<br />challenging unit and are doing PBL or inquiry based<br />unit. This is why it is hard to evaluate teacher<br />classrooms at a glance. If you looked at this picture without<br />the before and after, you'd think I was in trouble.<br />In fact, I was probably right between the "Ya" and "hoo!"</span></td></tr></tbody></table><br />So, this is what we teachers have nightmares about. We have nightmares about the unexpected. We have nightmares about the little situation that suddenly gets out of hand. Sometimes we have nightmares that we just aren't ready.<br /><h4>1. We can be taken by surprise</h4>Just as master river guides can suddenly be taken by surprise if they aren't paying attention - so can we. We, as teachers, know our position is precarious.<br /><br />We respect our classroom but we don't think that we own the kids in it or are their master. We know our place - an important one, for sure - is riding something far bigger than we are.<br /><h4>2. We cannot ever afford to stop pushing ahead</h4>Like a river guide, we know that it is fatal to stop paddling. If you stop paddling, the river takes you. If you put your feet up on your desk. If you stop teaching or stop trying - you're gone.<br /><br />Swept over the rapids, your room will descend into chaos -- unless you have methods and systems still in place and the students know what they are to do -- in which case, you didn't really stop paddling. You just have a system for the calm waters. <br /><h4>3. If a great guide is truly great, their presence seems almost unnecessary</h4>Like a river guide,we teachers love it when we see people who need us less and less. This year as we took the duckies down the river, the guides said they enjoyed the trip so much because we were good at what we did. No incidents because we all handled our own boats. <br /><br />We knew we needed the guide and followed him (like "duckies" thus the name) but we took care of our business. This is what happens when we have students who are following and rowing their own boat of learning in the direction we head. It is a fantastic experience.<br /><br />It might look like the teacher is doing nothing, but in truth, like the guide, the teacher is still everything.<br /><br />We would have gotten out of that river if our guide wasn't there. We knew if we followed him, we'd be safe.<br /><br />Like white water, the more challenging the work and the more independent each learner is expected to be, the more they need a good teacher.<br /><h4>4. The healthy fear that comes from experience</h4><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPq8RcrGhT0DBmR6sCDLGg8yIEYFj6onPnhlA_2J-gydHwhYi8DSle4cStekBf23KIzscal4lqCKVQovZQN_JlWexPWnL8RvXwj-3yi-kkWadzON7-CPNoC29L775z28oUqLdaXRJqYjs/s1600/Nantahala+1+2012+(7).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTPq8RcrGhT0DBmR6sCDLGg8yIEYFj6onPnhlA_2J-gydHwhYi8DSle4cStekBf23KIzscal4lqCKVQovZQN_JlWexPWnL8RvXwj-3yi-kkWadzON7-CPNoC29L775z28oUqLdaXRJqYjs/s320/Nantahala+1+2012+(7).jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Like a river guide, we fear because we know what it is like to be afraid. I'm not physically afraid of my students but I have had a class that "got away from me." I made a false move and somehow I'm somewhere I don't want to be with this class -- either disorder, off track, or just not focused on the task at hand. T<br /><br />his is a horrible, awful feeling when you know it is has happened. It is an unspoken - most teachers pretend like they've never lost a class but most of us have.<br /><br />If you love teaching and want to do a good job, it is the worst feeling you'll ever have.<br /><br />Some teachers allow this to happen the last few weeks or God forbid - month of school. You can see them, feeding movie after movie to a class of kids who went on vacation months before. <br /><br />I don't want that. I always want to know I'm doing my job. I always want to be teaching and helping kids move ahead - sometimes it might be showing a movie with a purpose. <br /><br />You'll hear veteran teachers talk about this quietly --<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"so and so can't 'hold a classroom'"</blockquote> -- it simply means, that if they get in their boat, they drown and give up. Sometimes it shows because these teachers leave their classroom -- a lot.<br /><br />I was talking this with my nephew today and he said, "Aunt Vicki, I can't remember you ever leaving our class this year." I really try not to, although, when there is a network problem, sometimes it is unavoidable.<br /><br />Principals, I promise if you ask a veteran teacher who can't "hold a classroom" - they'll tell you exactly who they are. It is often the teachers who have kids in your office the most. Teachers who can't hold a classroom often look to external sources -- often times the principal - to do it for them.<br /><br />Front office discipline is no substitute for an undisciplined classroom where the teacher is completely irrelevant. I have to be careful not to "butt in" in these classrooms when I'm on the side fixing a computer but sometimes it is more than I can bear.<br /><h3>So, why do I have nightmares?</h3>Quite simply, it is because teaching depends on a lot more than me but it also depends a great deal on my tenacious determination to keep going. I must be there: knowledgeable, persistently paddling, teaching. But even if I am there, there are circumstances and things beyond me. <br /><br />I have no idea when a real boulder of a behavior problem will rear its open mouth trying to drag me down. I have no idea when the river may just be more than I can navigate. I sometimes don't spot undercurrents of a problem between students before we're right there in the midst of a mess.<br /><br />The classroom river is wild. It can be directed but often cannot be truly tamed. It can be guided but it cannot be controlled any more than a raging river.<br /><h3>Insight into the mind of why teachers quit</h3>In fact, many teachers are getting out, not because they are bad teachers, but because the waters of teaching in their classroom environment have become simply unnavigable. Experts won't go in the water, if they are afraid and feel it is impossible. They avoid the strainers at all costs.<br /><h3>Our mind and attitude is vital to our success and ability to keep going on</h3>Our attitude about our classrooms is the most important thing here. As expert teachers, if we feel that the classroom is unnavigable - it might be - and it can lead to mistakes as well as stress and fear that we're going under. It might even lead to the teacher quitting and no longer rowing her boat - which will lead to further failure.<br /><br />Yes, whitewater raft guides are one of the closest things to teaching I can think of. The nightmares are real. <br /><br />Plus, you have everyone who has ever gone down the river in a guided tour raft trip thinking that they can easily do it.<br /><br />I've heard that <b><span style="color: red;">teaching is the most impossible job everyone thinks they can do</span></b>. <br /><br />Get out there and paddle. Realize that the nightmares are just a normal part of teaching. If all the teachers conversing on my fanpage are to believed, we all have these nightmares. Accept and understand what these nightmares say about your feeling and our profession. I'll be having more of these dreams soon - I tend to have them the week before school starts. I think this illustration will help me deal with it and not psych myself out that I've had another nightmare. <br /><br />Heading into the rapids of another day with these beautiful second graders. It is going to be a great day - I'm ready to paddle!<br /><br />I would love if you'd share your insight into your own dreams and "nightmares" about teaching so that other teachers can realize that it is OK to have these.<br /><br />Paddle on, professionals. Paddle on.<br /><br /><div id="blogsy_footer" style="clear: both; font-size: small; text-align: right;"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com/" target="_blank"><img alt="Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="margin-right: 5px; vertical-align: middle;" width="20" />Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad</a></div><div class="zemanta-pixie" style="height: 15px; margin-top: 10px;"><a class="zemanta-pixie-a" href="http://www.zemanta.com/?px" title="Enhanced by Zemanta"><img alt="Enhanced by Zemanta" class="zemanta-pixie-img" src="http://img.zemanta.com/zemified_c.png?x-id=9cab0fec-bdc9-4c0b-b589-27dd8d3ec5d3" style="border: none; float: right;" /></a></div>

Inspiration Teaching Navigating the rough waters of teaching

It has always bothered me that I have nightmares about teaching. Always. Just before I have to go into the classroom, I have them...Full color, noise filled nightmares.I'm working with second graders last week at Vacation Bible School at church and l…

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‘That terrifies us’: Canadian doctors get virtually no training on handling a patient’s desire to die | National Post

<div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">Twice every week, Dr. Larry Librach visited the patient with end-stage pancreatic cancer. And twice a week, the patient, a "deeply thinking" man with the support of his family, asked for help to end his life and avoid the disease's final ravages.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">As Canadian law dictates, Dr. Librach respectfully declined every time, insisting that the patient would be sufficiently sedated in his final moments to make the end bearable.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">It didn't quite unfold that way, the death being much less peaceful than planned, but the case underlined a little-known dilemma for many health-care workers. As other Canadians debate assisted suicide as a largely academic issue, doctors and nurses are routinely asked by dying patients for a medical push over the edge, specialists say.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">And yet, they get little preparation for arguably the most difficult conversation they will ever have with a patient. Most doctors finish their degrees and five years of specialty training with virtually no instruction on how to deal with death generally, let alone patients who ask for help with suicide, said Dr. Mike Harlos, medical director of palliative care for the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">"The most frightening interface with the health care system is the dying bit. That terrifies us," said Dr. Harlos. "And yet it's the least addressed."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">In response, Dr. Librach has developed a unique program to teach health professionals how to deal with assisted-death requests in a country where saying 'Yes' could lead to murder charges — and a flat 'No' might cut short an important conversation.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">The course – offered through the University of Toronto's Joint Centre for Bioethics — suggests that a cry for help with suicide likely points to unidentified suffering. So health-care workers are urged to put aside their personal reservations and fear of the law to get to the bottom of those problems.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">"Everybody who is terminally ill thinks about, 'Is it easier just to shorten my life?' " said Dr. Librach, former head of the centre. "You can't tell them 'Go ahead and do it' … [But] we have to at least explore the reasons why. You have to respond in an effective manner."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">In a cruel irony, meanwhile, Dr. Librach – a Canadian pioneer in the palliative field — is now suffering from advanced cancer himself. Although he has no objection to assisted suicide on principle, he said he has decided against it for himself. "I'm dying and I will die naturally."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">The drawn-out Canadian debate on assisted-suicide and euthanasia is in major flux: the Quebec government has introduced legislation to let doctors help end terminal patients' lives, while a constitutional challenge of the criminal ban on assisted suicide heads to the Supreme Court of Canada.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">For now, the practice remains illegal, though that does not stop terminal patients asking their health-care team for a fatal remedy.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">In a typical plea, "the patient says 'I wish I was dead, can't you help me die?' " said Dr. Librach.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Sometimes the appeal comes from the relative of a deeply suffering patient. "They say 'If my dad were a dog, you would just put him down. Why can't you do something?' " said Dr. Harlos.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">The situation can be challenging even for those trained to deal with such issues, said Dr. Robin Fainsinger, a palliative-care physician at the University of Alberta.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">"It's never going to be an easy conversation," he said.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">The reasons behind the requests vary, with untreated pain being just one of many possible motives, said palliative specialists.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Sometimes the sentiment stems from a loss of control — not knowing when or how the end will come – or a worry about burdening family members, said Dr. Harlos.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">In one of the Winnipeg physician's terminal cases, a highly successful businessman and all-round "alpha male" felt he essentially had nothing left to live for as he lay incapacitated in a hospital bed — and wanted help to die prematurely.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">"I said, 'You're used to accomplishing things and the biggest task ahead of you is to show your family how this is done,' " said Dr. Harlos. "It inspired him to the point where he completely turned around [psychologically]."</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">He and Dr. Fainsinger said the vast majority of patients can be mollified by the right kind of medical help and counseling. In fact, Dr. Fainsinger said the number of terminal patients asking for help in dying has declined markedly over the last several years as palliative services became more available and effective.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Yet palliative care is no panacea for the existential anguish that makes a minority of terminal patients want to die early, argues Wanda Morris, executive director of the group Dying with Dignity. Among other services, it provides patients with information on how to take their own lives.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Some of her clients are quietly referred to the organization by nurses and other health professionals, she noted.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">"Some people at end of life are saying 'I'm done with dying. I'm sitting here helpless, it's only a question of days or weeks, there's nothing for me to look forward to … Let me go.' "</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Dr. Harlos said some of his patients have ended up traveling to Switzerland, where organizations like Dignitas are legally permitted to aid in suicide.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">Even as his program counsels doctors and nurses how to support those wanting a speedier death, Dr. Librach himself acknowledges that medical teams do not always have the right answers, or the ability every time to bring about the peaceful endings they promise.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); " class="">That patient who made repeated pleas for suicide help, for instance, was supposed to be under deep sedation when the end came, but the cancer progressed much faster than expected.</div><div style="padding-top: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 0.83em; margin-left: 0px; line-height: 1.5em; color: rgb(51, 51, 51); font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; word-spacing: 0px; -webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; background-color: rgb(255, 255, 255); position: static; z-index: auto; " class="">"When he did die, he died in agony: We couldn't get enough medication into him," said Dr. Librach. "He did not go gently into that good night."</div><a href="http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/07/16/that-terrifies-us-canadian-doctors-get-virtually-no-training-on-handling-a-patients-desire-to-die/">http://news.nationalpost.com/2013/07/16/that-terrifies-us-canadian-doctors-get-virtually-no-training-on-handling-a-patients-desire-to-die/</a>

‘That terrifies us’: Canadian doctors get virtually no training on handling a patient’s desire to die | National Post

Twice every week, Dr. Larry Librach visited the patient with end-stage pancreatic cancer. And twice a week, the patient, a "deeply thinking" man with the support of his family, asked for help to end his life and avoid the disease's final ravages.As C…

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U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, July 17, 2013

<a href="http://majorityleader.gov/">Majority Leader Eric Cantor</a> announced the U.S. House legislative agenda today, which includes the  <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=348213-6846703" target="_blank">Authority for Mandate Delay Act</a> that proposes to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate from December 31, 2013, to December 31, 2014, and the <a href="http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/BILLS-113hr2668ih/pdf/BILLS-113hr2668ih.pdf">Fairness for American Families Act</a>, a house cleaning item to delay the application of the individual health insurance mandate.<br /><br />The Ways and Means Subcommittee on Health will have a hearing on “<a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=348215-6846703" target="_blank">Delay of the Employer Mandate Penalties and Reporting Requirements</a>” at 10:00 a.m. with a focus on the Obama Administration's decision to delay the penalties for the employer mandate and the employer information reporting requirements under the Affordable Care Act.<br /><br />During the day, the official photograph will be taken of the 113th Congress. Find the complete agenda at the <a href="http://majorityleader.gov/">Majority Leader's website</a>.

Affordable Care Act Congress Eric Cantor Fairness for American Families Act U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, July 17, 2013

Majority Leader Eric Cantor announced the U.S. House legislative agenda today, which includes the  Authority for Mandate Delay Act that proposes to delay the application of the employer health insurance mandate from December 31, 2013, to December 31,…

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best of pinterest - entry hall

Let's move inside my Pinterest dream house to the foyer, shall we? Foyers are one of my very favorite rooms, the room that says 'here's what you have to look forward to in this joint.' While I'm doing the most I can with the <strike>shoebox</strike> <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/06/freshening-foyer-part-2.html" target="_blank">quaint foyer I have</a>, I'm going big in chez Pinterest.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU3Y3EPvvmvqOygsd6dNvfTSLTUFvFNz82wQJIEjVSBCUXf-FcyPA_zxwj2w341idFDpKrybgi9wNAxfki2DR_BxxWTTAsoaaxrpRGrS96g0yTBeeM-FQzCwJ0Ox0MuZ-_hS2v6yS-a6z/s1600/4b6fef6bf12105a5b6a063842f9b67e9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuU3Y3EPvvmvqOygsd6dNvfTSLTUFvFNz82wQJIEjVSBCUXf-FcyPA_zxwj2w341idFDpKrybgi9wNAxfki2DR_BxxWTTAsoaaxrpRGrS96g0yTBeeM-FQzCwJ0Ox0MuZ-_hS2v6yS-a6z/s400/4b6fef6bf12105a5b6a063842f9b67e9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Fantastic wallpaper, check. I've got to have some 'bam' to go with my large and in charge front door right? Right.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV-z5TJhW7Ev3lJu4Rar9TKB7KJO1nvqfmdgsKMsdifEdHZ801cu_YV3NJ6pOvGukKlLJ81EZSMNr_6tH1HhBbx5bss7hPBFdoCBE6eyak4FT0YbbgRQzB4DOb4AxgySMTy9EULHFlWvt/s1600/6ae2726132e89e621085ef0fa5b73475.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtV-z5TJhW7Ev3lJu4Rar9TKB7KJO1nvqfmdgsKMsdifEdHZ801cu_YV3NJ6pOvGukKlLJ81EZSMNr_6tH1HhBbx5bss7hPBFdoCBE6eyak4FT0YbbgRQzB4DOb4AxgySMTy9EULHFlWvt/s640/6ae2726132e89e621085ef0fa5b73475.jpg" width="529" /></a></div><br />A place to sit down and put on shoes, or throw my fabulous Gucci bags (this is a dream after all).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfVBG048Ioy2Qeuxr-UEu7uTaRoG2Ap5e8IB2JLsv9-_euaX-usGgrSr20ara8ccqJA52oOnU69B8R-GXFIRQ9fWN4HERXTbOLE2JZRnHyqS5EooGddX3Xplrukb4ox0qNShP3NHQd5QD/s1600/milkandhoney.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglfVBG048Ioy2Qeuxr-UEu7uTaRoG2Ap5e8IB2JLsv9-_euaX-usGgrSr20ara8ccqJA52oOnU69B8R-GXFIRQ9fWN4HERXTbOLE2JZRnHyqS5EooGddX3Xplrukb4ox0qNShP3NHQd5QD/s640/milkandhoney.jpg" width="441" /></a></div><br />A console for CoCo to put the mail down when he comes in from finishing his yard work.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEWdNYT5InBwuLfptQMIaVRzDMg39WvUfKMJuHN0_XAvIbZJLrV55kVStOkG5LuU3TLbeK4w2eBLavsKNfxbYG2Gi-MrfqTc2MKtqYHynYGNz2aUz-c8d6ws20WYxxbY_CyllsPsP9Pwk/s1600/77499db333bee8c54583b00a28bb6d7f.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEWdNYT5InBwuLfptQMIaVRzDMg39WvUfKMJuHN0_XAvIbZJLrV55kVStOkG5LuU3TLbeK4w2eBLavsKNfxbYG2Gi-MrfqTc2MKtqYHynYGNz2aUz-c8d6ws20WYxxbY_CyllsPsP9Pwk/s640/77499db333bee8c54583b00a28bb6d7f.jpg" width="444" /></a></div><br />And big beautiful stairs.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLc93wsd5VTtfQlqrKcWOz-veTwQwcE6ewG1OxnAZdjL-31blwlnbD09c9HB9J3nbnfYWpEcwrYC0RBqomdaMaTadYmbi4-BaoLgXm88dforxBTy5Z2xkSJfi23IEhbLgLwDs8AnrH_kZ/s1600/cf89dcd1a84f72e25ed266f26895587e.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxLc93wsd5VTtfQlqrKcWOz-veTwQwcE6ewG1OxnAZdjL-31blwlnbD09c9HB9J3nbnfYWpEcwrYC0RBqomdaMaTadYmbi4-BaoLgXm88dforxBTy5Z2xkSJfi23IEhbLgLwDs8AnrH_kZ/s640/cf89dcd1a84f72e25ed266f26895587e.jpg" width="422" /></a></div><br /> With a great railing.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6_sLYDrZZKe6qNNFuYmyR-S-E4ZNvaCTzPlbX8MPJT-LbxsmF63AmKkRiXy4ioaUWeIEIDu-DTBKIs6UzE5qjkLYNh0Aze8KW4Zk10UW6aE1f9Zbpo8ULmMnD-mGonWvhP-dlWTcQqf2/s1600/29ca01910c619811dccb34edc99ead87.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb6_sLYDrZZKe6qNNFuYmyR-S-E4ZNvaCTzPlbX8MPJT-LbxsmF63AmKkRiXy4ioaUWeIEIDu-DTBKIs6UzE5qjkLYNh0Aze8KW4Zk10UW6aE1f9Zbpo8ULmMnD-mGonWvhP-dlWTcQqf2/s640/29ca01910c619811dccb34edc99ead87.jpg" width="462" /></a></div><br />Maybe curvy<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3SNS2cJeHqBXUqB8_d4EmKjSKYk4W0uV_Z_VbrBIQSiu8tOLZ0lioRuaeuGTwwrMnR6pL9_UfUBpNDRwkCjtEeyaPlqo5u34FeMgd3AI7DkUm4loLoigdZl5XNM6Msmd9cCkGXAul2r7/s1600/86de31458bc96616214315588806cfe5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil3SNS2cJeHqBXUqB8_d4EmKjSKYk4W0uV_Z_VbrBIQSiu8tOLZ0lioRuaeuGTwwrMnR6pL9_UfUBpNDRwkCjtEeyaPlqo5u34FeMgd3AI7DkUm4loLoigdZl5XNM6Msmd9cCkGXAul2r7/s640/86de31458bc96616214315588806cfe5.jpg" width="424" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <span style="font-size: x-small;">All images via my <a href="http://pinterest.com/ladybaum/stairs-and-foyer/" target="_blank">stairs and foyer board</a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />or maybe straight. But either way they are going to be fabulous.<br /><br />What would your dream foyer look like? Are you warm and cozy or more minimalist? Anyone else get giddy when they see a good foyer? Just me?

best of pinterest - entry hall

Let's move inside my Pinterest dream house to the foyer, shall we? Foyers are one of my very favorite rooms, the room that says 'here's what you have to look forward to in this joint.' While I'm doing the most I can with the shoebox quaint foyer I ha…

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Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 07/17/2013

<ul class="diigo-linkroll"> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="https://www.teachingchannel.org/?national=1">Videos, Common Core Resources And Lesson Plans For Teachers: Teaching Channel</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">Inspiring videos of teachers on the teaching channel.</p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/best">best</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/practices">practices</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/all_teachers">all_teachers</a></p> </li> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://cel.ly/education">Education - Celly</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">It is time to connect your classroom. Celly has a unique way of creating mobile social networks. Students and parents can sign up without giving out or anyone seeing their mobile number and can unsubscribe at any time. On this page, celly has a getting started guide for schools. This is a tool I'm looking to use this year in my classroom. I've got several friends who've used it and highly recommend it.</p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/mlearning">mlearning</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/all_teachers">all_teachers</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edu_news">edu_news</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edu_newapp">edu_newapp</a></p> </li> <li> <p class="diigo-link"> <a href="http://list.ly/list/1WF-educators-essential-ipad-toolkit?feature=trending">Listly List - Educator's Essential iPad Toolkit #ipad #productivity #apps #education</a> </p> <p class="diigo-description">There are a lot of cools lists being made on list.ly including this Educator's Essential Ipad toolkit which has 23,610 views.</p> <p class="diigo-tags"> <span>tags:</span> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/teaching">teaching</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/all_teachers">all_teachers</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/bestpractices">bestpractices</a> <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/ipadchat">ipadchat</a></p> </li> </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='https://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 07/17/2013

Videos, Common Core Resources And Lesson Plans For Teachers: Teaching Channel Inspiring videos of teachers on the teaching channel. tags: education news …

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