Immigration, PEDs and Sex Scandals: I Don't Care

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="MsoNormal">Holaaaaaaaa y’all! You know, there’s been a lot going on this week that has been covered pretty heavily in the news and on social media and this afternoon something suddenly hit me. I don’t really give a shit about most of it. I know some of this stuff is pretty important and shit, and maybe I should care on some level, but I just can’t. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>PED Use in Sports:</b> Don’t really care. I know, I know, “Kids look up to these pro athletes and want to be like them and will use PED’s if their favorite player does!” Don’t care. I know it’s always “Think of the cheeeeeeeeldren!” but, I just can’t get worked up over it. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">I know that steroids are dangerous (probably) but it’s not like people are forcing Ryan Braun or A-Rod or anyone else to take HGH or steroids. They’re doing it on their own. If steroids cause their nuts to shrink or mess their minds up or make them shoot blanks then so what? It’s just like smoking, drinking and eating too much, we all know the risks. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The only thing the PED discussion does is give sanctimonious sportswriters the opportunity to wag the finger of indignation at everyone which is their favorite activity, of course. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg58qeohBKv_Tc2GjtQFGv-uy-T3iplumxvXco768krJHF4Nbsv8VF_DjA4dr9tySJbDc-wWGFjRFdH5GnKNYzKAN02w4F6wlY62UShUXxUWv6trXYIm5EpJXPRniIlJv7baOnmDrQ6g/s1600/Daniela-de-Jesus-Cosio-Hot-Topless-Mexican-Babe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAg58qeohBKv_Tc2GjtQFGv-uy-T3iplumxvXco768krJHF4Nbsv8VF_DjA4dr9tySJbDc-wWGFjRFdH5GnKNYzKAN02w4F6wlY62UShUXxUWv6trXYIm5EpJXPRniIlJv7baOnmDrQ6g/s400/Daniela-de-Jesus-Cosio-Hot-Topless-Mexican-Babe.jpg" width="210" /></a><b>Immigration: </b>Come one, come all I say! Well, maybe not but pretty close. I know people who start talking about immigration and their faces turn red and I think they’re gonna have a heart attack within like five minutes. And while they’re doing that I’m sitting there shrugging my shoulders and saying “Yeah, I guess. Whatever.”</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Want to build a fence? Go ahead. I don’t give a shit. Want to pass a “path to citizenship?” Okay, that’s probably a good idea. Want to round up all 11 million illegal immigrants up, stick them in the Astrodome and then “process them” and send “back where they came from?” Get real. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Basically the immigration debate is just a way for people to just go off on rants about brown people using all kinds of racist code words. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Political Sex Scandal: </b>Oh sure these always start out fun. Anthony Weiner sent pics of his wee-wee to some chick? Hilarious! He used the online moniker “Carlos Danger?” Lacks creativity, but still pretty funny. Mark Sanford simply walks off the job as governor and goes to Argentina to spend a week with his mistress? Way cool! <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The problem is that it never takes long before the discussion about these sex and sexting scandals become nothing more than partisan politics. All the conservatives who are “disgusted” by Anthony Weiner never had a word to say about Mark Sanford, David Vitter or even Larry Craig. And, everyone who was up in arms about Sanford think Weiner is getting the shaft. (Hey-OOOO)<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">The worst are the people out there who say “It’s just not right to make fun of Anthony Weiner because he has an addiction and addiction isn’t funny.” Oh bullshit! Addiction is hilarious. These are just people who basically support Weiner, but are embarrassed to admit so they come up with silly shit like that. Kind of like all the people who claim to be a Libertarian who are really just too embarrassed by the idiocy of the Republican Party to admit they’re a member. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Basically, the only thing the Weiner Sexting Scandal serves it to give sanctimonious political writers the chance to wag the finger of indignation at Weiner and anyone who might try to defend him, which is THEIR favorite activity, of course. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">So now you’re probably wondering what I do give a shit about. Well, I tell ya, this story about NBA player and former Dukie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/J._J._Redick">J.J. Redick</a> having an <b>“<a href="http://deadspin.com/how-j-j-redicks-abortion-contract-was-conceived-912727291">Abortion and Relationship Contract</a>”</b> with some chick? Now THAT’S freaking awesome! I guess you have to sprinkle a little schadenfreude on my Scandal Burger to make it interesting to  me. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><br /><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><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div></div>

Immigration, PEDs and Sex Scandals: I Don't Care

Holaaaaaaaa y’all! You know, there’s been a lot going on this week that has been covered pretty heavily in the news and on social media and ...

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Uh-oh

Last week Jim Ukrop, formerly of Ukrop's Supermarkets and now with New Richmond Ventures, <a href="http://www.timesdispatch.com/news/state-regional/government-politics/ukrop-joins-campaign-group-for-mcauliffe/article_2871c8c8-f1ae-11e2-9b3b-001a4bcf6878.html#.Ue0diR_jZRY.gmail">announced his support of Democratic gubernatorial candidate Terry McAuliffe</a> through Virginians for Terry McAuliffe.<br /><br />The group is described as <span class="paragraph-1">a "nonpartisan group of Republicans, independents, Democrats and business leaders working to elect a pragmatic businessman as Virginia’s next governor.”</span><br /><br />On Thursday more business leaders -- John Shinholser, Bob Blue, Chris Clemente, and John Richardson -- announced their support for McAuliffe, perhaps drawn to him because he is a businessman.<br /><br />The McAuliffe campaign announced the additions: <br /><blockquote><b>Statement by John M. Shinholser:</b><br />“I am supporting Terry McAuliffe for governor because he will support mainstream policies that will attract new, innovative companies to Virginia to grow our economy and create jobs here in the Commonwealth. He knows the challenges entrepreneurs face in starting and growing their companies, and will work with both sides of the aisle to make it easier for businesses to start and grow here, and again make Virginia the best state for business.”<br /><br /><b>Biography of John M. Shinholser:</b><br />John Shinholser is a U.S. Marine Corps veteran. He owned and managed a successful contracting business for over 30 years, during which time he served as President of the Richmond Chapter of the Painting and Decorating Contractors Association. In 1982, John co-founded a non-profit recovery community resource foundation, at which he currently serves as president.<br /><br /><b>Statement by Christopher Clemente:</b><br />“I am supporting Terry McAuliffe for governor because he will work with both Republicans and Democrats to keep Virginia's economy growing. Terry will implement policies to encourage entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses here. He understands that workforce education and training, as well as robust infrastructure are the keys to attracting and retaining strong companies to our Commonwealth.”<br /><br /><b>Biography of Christopher Clemente:</b><br />Chris Clemente has over 25 years of experience in all aspects of real estate development and finance, and more than 30 years of experience as an entrepreneur. Clemente founded the Comstock organization as a residential developer and homebuilder in 1985. Over the years, Comstock has expanded operations to include all aspects of residential, commercial and mixed-use development, construction management, asset and portfolio management, and real estate related services. Clemente serves as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Comstock Holding Companies, Inc. and as Managing Director of Comstock Partners, LC. In these roles, Mr. Clemente has direct responsibility for the corporate vision and strategic direction of the Comstock organization, as well as operational responsibilities.<br /><br /><b>Statement by John W. Richardson:</b><br />“Terry McAuliffe is the right choice to be Virginia’s next Governor. Terry will focus on bipartisan ways to strengthen our communities, invest in vital transportation improvements, and support our public safety systems. As Chairman of the Virginia Beach Development Authority, I know that Terry will focus on these and other issues that the citizens of Virginia Beach and communities across the Commonwealth care about.”<br /><br /><b>Biography of John W. Richardson:</b><br />John W. Richardson is the managing partner of the Virginia Beach office of Kaufman & Canoles, practicing in the areas of banking and lender representation, commercial/business, real estate, and title insurance law. Richardson is also the Chairman of the Virginia Beach Development Authority. He earned his law degree from The College of William & Mary and received a bachelor’s degree from The University of North Carolina Chapel Hill.<br /><br /><b>Biography of Robert M. Blue:</b><br />Robert M. “Bob” Blue is Senior Vice President of Law, Public Policy, and Environment of Dominion Resources. He serves as chief legal advisor and directs the legal affairs of the Company. Blue is also responsible for Dominion’s federal, state and local public policy; environmental programs; economic development; philanthropy and community affairs; and corporate communications. From 2002 to 2005, Blue served as counselor and director of policy for former Virginia Gov. Mark R. Warner and was a partner with the law firm of Hogan & Hartson prior to that. He is a member of the boards of directors of the Virginia Foundation for the Humanities, Virginia Healthcare Foundation, the American Civil War Center, the Virginia Commonwealth University Health System Authority, Virginia forever, and Virginia21. Blue is a graduate of the University of Virginia and Yale Law School. He also earned his master’s degree in business administration from the University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business.</blockquote>

Uh-oh

Last week Jim Ukrop, formerly of Ukrop's Supermarkets and now with New Richmond Ventures, announced his support of Democratic gubernator...

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A bowl full of imagination

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWqhx9X8Am-PEF-eaL2XEGcwW5nm4pPdKvO1RDxFlzBBpjZD09YgB9rd0ubLzuTU43WxxTWQhfW1xzAjVVrnllHXAN8KRtHUmygPz9zdC6LRumOeV8Ouv5AtF3oAuJ7lA-jCODFtjdCvQ/s1600/14.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxWqhx9X8Am-PEF-eaL2XEGcwW5nm4pPdKvO1RDxFlzBBpjZD09YgB9rd0ubLzuTU43WxxTWQhfW1xzAjVVrnllHXAN8KRtHUmygPz9zdC6LRumOeV8Ouv5AtF3oAuJ7lA-jCODFtjdCvQ/s400/14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">A bowl of colorful wooden beads along with a group of five-, six-, seven-, and eight-year-olds is the beginning of unleashing imaginations at the Frontier Culture Museum's summer camp.</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 25, 2013

Frontier Culture Museum Summer Camp Shenandoah Valley Staunton A bowl full of imagination

A bowl of colorful wooden beads along with a group of five-, six-, seven-, and eight-year-olds is the beginning of unleashing imaginations a...

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The German farm

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky4KH-LFElVYQsP9dmrvmgYwNK8m_skz7Utb-EgDIZRqMdvs3E2ztmAHWLULNR3DoCfYI4VH2EizZaUD9peohaTNQ5Uld1UpI6SIvjl_vbf31RxCtMFVEFyW7VHCmHMUBV4DboC5rDaoT/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjky4KH-LFElVYQsP9dmrvmgYwNK8m_skz7Utb-EgDIZRqMdvs3E2ztmAHWLULNR3DoCfYI4VH2EizZaUD9peohaTNQ5Uld1UpI6SIvjl_vbf31RxCtMFVEFyW7VHCmHMUBV4DboC5rDaoT/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKScT7uM3I5L35VEkAnG6SyyR1cpXlBle_gmsxtLMVZ0mF5m6sspBdskekgvFdkQGTTpbdNrgh4xHIvvnNNorUigKZfEWuj9joZZFPk772A-lV5XOaoAAMrqZCYl2sbOO1vmQnlsnKfBXx/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKScT7uM3I5L35VEkAnG6SyyR1cpXlBle_gmsxtLMVZ0mF5m6sspBdskekgvFdkQGTTpbdNrgh4xHIvvnNNorUigKZfEWuj9joZZFPk772A-lV5XOaoAAMrqZCYl2sbOO1vmQnlsnKfBXx/s640/2.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRMYk0TFEr3jhHTgKCxDrcaBYLZZ-n4etgGUZcQqug1Qxi-w1sc6mF5zJSAtJ3aL1uIQYiNFVBbOOau1H6fVYrk3bTRtwj7vxFuqcwJ594Z0d7HuZqK5p25OmSzN401azyo6X-b-Y0d0c/s1600/25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZRMYk0TFEr3jhHTgKCxDrcaBYLZZ-n4etgGUZcQqug1Qxi-w1sc6mF5zJSAtJ3aL1uIQYiNFVBbOOau1H6fVYrk3bTRtwj7vxFuqcwJ594Z0d7HuZqK5p25OmSzN401azyo6X-b-Y0d0c/s400/25.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQU24LmPI-pB8jlvMiNPz3IpfJXFmZat-BhcszixtzKeD4c3gfxNA6zADhjdnXPMoYzelia96xEhx267SK_G3tjPB7S3mmToybmhG6mfgsqs2LelgN1TBwP6AIHlyLld21CjoxwlaaJbg3/s1600/27.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQU24LmPI-pB8jlvMiNPz3IpfJXFmZat-BhcszixtzKeD4c3gfxNA6zADhjdnXPMoYzelia96xEhx267SK_G3tjPB7S3mmToybmhG6mfgsqs2LelgN1TBwP6AIHlyLld21CjoxwlaaJbg3/s400/27.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Sights today at the <a href="http://www.frontiermuseum.org/">Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia</a>.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 25, 2013

Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia German farm Shenandoah Valley Staunton tourism Virginia Is For Lovers The German farm

Sights today at the Frontier Culture Museum of Virginia . Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell July 25, 2013

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The Peach Stand ... Fort Mill, SC

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZaW52KaZh0pH4yvzit0QmHHe2iHB_q-o1qF9MOJJCELZ9WqCGtHi_6c0vOcbHKq9qmr2-zPE0Oj8UIYYeV1iDOZh6aDw3dlJOO5wsVKbEfFnY0gStOT5MUI-3B2NupxNNaUGip7KgiGd/s1600/24.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEZaW52KaZh0pH4yvzit0QmHHe2iHB_q-o1qF9MOJJCELZ9WqCGtHi_6c0vOcbHKq9qmr2-zPE0Oj8UIYYeV1iDOZh6aDw3dlJOO5wsVKbEfFnY0gStOT5MUI-3B2NupxNNaUGip7KgiGd/s400/24.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.springsfarm.com/">The Peach Stand</a> ... Fort Mill, SC.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhkfdNP-0C4OS28euRqnGJYIQTAjMimGU-UtaibBMd6ASYKS8C6XXwirbVFb7pljqBekgoGxCqOjpljHDYUC5ttUuSVZMB8Zz8g5xkCvGCDld0rJ90yG44cz17bSkP00CY5SGMYsyijy1/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLhkfdNP-0C4OS28euRqnGJYIQTAjMimGU-UtaibBMd6ASYKS8C6XXwirbVFb7pljqBekgoGxCqOjpljHDYUC5ttUuSVZMB8Zz8g5xkCvGCDld0rJ90yG44cz17bSkP00CY5SGMYsyijy1/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The truck pulled in with more peaches fresh off the trees.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfB8xIARzCYOBXLHiVfrofJK7npI68OZQVmfyZH1w1oQPskGyPUdXXHb3gVzuMRWTp8ifPHmZyV1uYcqWp-9-6M2chwIrRk7W810HuZ6HRFBk7qAa11Xuv80ut3J_AeA5f6OcN5oJbqt5/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="237" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSfB8xIARzCYOBXLHiVfrofJK7npI68OZQVmfyZH1w1oQPskGyPUdXXHb3gVzuMRWTp8ifPHmZyV1uYcqWp-9-6M2chwIrRk7W810HuZ6HRFBk7qAa11Xuv80ut3J_AeA5f6OcN5oJbqt5/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">This place has a little bit of everything ... fresh produce, locally-produced packaged and canned goods, food gifts, a butcher shop, and restaurant. At lunch time, the line is out the door as people pile in to eat on site or pick up deli food to go.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl0qb31m8hSHH7dxruXiC6qideKTQ1WIEatyg8MMzIdCUDDDDBnnKzIJGr5RINx4FGg17zzbSpeS5czdc6wQFNB6rRUF9Z_VEuYkUDLhQkqmCA8zIjV2M6mw1G4tk9jKqSLLuolvW_uDf/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdl0qb31m8hSHH7dxruXiC6qideKTQ1WIEatyg8MMzIdCUDDDDBnnKzIJGr5RINx4FGg17zzbSpeS5czdc6wQFNB6rRUF9Z_VEuYkUDLhQkqmCA8zIjV2M6mw1G4tk9jKqSLLuolvW_uDf/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEknlr8TqxqgR6GTJgpmwSI_dZ3uQ6rr7BmYUZDXAHtUlx_z02RWS2YizJiCkIgD1ot54yy__OMgEf4RwgtoO9uxEuok5bPaEDeh96KGRAANrNUZlZge4SZKHHZbJekynlRdcy7ydOFhHS/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="338" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEknlr8TqxqgR6GTJgpmwSI_dZ3uQ6rr7BmYUZDXAHtUlx_z02RWS2YizJiCkIgD1ot54yy__OMgEf4RwgtoO9uxEuok5bPaEDeh96KGRAANrNUZlZge4SZKHHZbJekynlRdcy7ydOFhHS/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90DDv5F5PQaLtopCYcoayqnhQZ-S1_novKMsu9Tmh-i6Y37nWvEPGB3gF2YTcuFXYgWxEjb7BRQ72BeQakONTM1fSf1Mt1daWLxnm9vpmbD88FwABwA8MAaDeW-uXEXRPD87iSNbKLKb1/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi90DDv5F5PQaLtopCYcoayqnhQZ-S1_novKMsu9Tmh-i6Y37nWvEPGB3gF2YTcuFXYgWxEjb7BRQ72BeQakONTM1fSf1Mt1daWLxnm9vpmbD88FwABwA8MAaDeW-uXEXRPD87iSNbKLKb1/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdWwxIOw1H5gpVKDCWMnZArhgRAPTdADmZkApwulmPw1v3oyBR4Mhea-obJxewm8Ezgc15bzoDc0FLfiPVlrii30IdvblnyiJ8nla76k-_os2_E7AX0yybZ-AXV66S-DnXNOGDmDCNkTy/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVdWwxIOw1H5gpVKDCWMnZArhgRAPTdADmZkApwulmPw1v3oyBR4Mhea-obJxewm8Ezgc15bzoDc0FLfiPVlrii30IdvblnyiJ8nla76k-_os2_E7AX0yybZ-AXV66S-DnXNOGDmDCNkTy/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNicpp9TYkSpoiCO3b-eyVWvvYPhDBAoQMPtvi0C1r13eb8byBdS5i0MxKgNHvzz8nhbf1t_MpI_QY98sX8CpbhtpJGtShpN5UivJ25aWgvi8hB52jJ5GkOUd26-28YFNdiUDNZ4ewdpyY/s1600/12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNicpp9TYkSpoiCO3b-eyVWvvYPhDBAoQMPtvi0C1r13eb8byBdS5i0MxKgNHvzz8nhbf1t_MpI_QY98sX8CpbhtpJGtShpN5UivJ25aWgvi8hB52jJ5GkOUd26-28YFNdiUDNZ4ewdpyY/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGhopuZ42fiMezUfnAzM5TPtXLCdcGDi4P40GQcIJ0ZwGMsSkAeNBnfLEnk2c4wcic_37jGFQ5rfeJoxiYiTDux5nkyLUBGxP9zoqwQKg2-aF6e75K4l7VOMoUwC-DW-2wXjNtRvX1c1wp/s1600/13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDwZAxOBWwAKq4RJGHZdw-JWMLy9YYriy0IPSG3FZARamcxiM8np0UAu8SsYmgpDs-gjQ6786Xy4di-TdvC6xpGXqhc1WjxP1hLADL2_rbZu-S_bp_ZI8xUXceotmFuY_3ziAFgzzZeuBr/s400/15.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf_89jpA0sIAUkqlW9L1KRcoSJd3xVpS8wOEdBcZjWCptyOHtHjIMYu9JQfGAiKu9DBfB5HWnGBVEf_uHt3FUZrkn5BksAJmRJrC3FKl0lpDFNfhR24E_UBQrGCG2Z4vDYcI4aZMJDSjU/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjdf_89jpA0sIAUkqlW9L1KRcoSJd3xVpS8wOEdBcZjWCptyOHtHjIMYu9JQfGAiKu9DBfB5HWnGBVEf_uHt3FUZrkn5BksAJmRJrC3FKl0lpDFNfhR24E_UBQrGCG2Z4vDYcI4aZMJDSjU/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja24qG0L8PiSfTanfz6a91wAG6Zm61OS1roeiS5QqYLilbuNfTj0bLQheYcJ639MSDMqgz1ChHMa0DcAVhyphenhyphenO6iGVkIPKlhjvesG042uEBBiIuD32rORzw2hgFM9fiLZJ_A_yK8bo0tESe0/s1600/17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja24qG0L8PiSfTanfz6a91wAG6Zm61OS1roeiS5QqYLilbuNfTj0bLQheYcJ639MSDMqgz1ChHMa0DcAVhyphenhyphenO6iGVkIPKlhjvesG042uEBBiIuD32rORzw2hgFM9fiLZJ_A_yK8bo0tESe0/s400/17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6scuqBWA6gq0tLe0Q9U-kEO7wxPRtyZzNRM2w2xR68AOnwR9Z8OentOac7_dcyL0qVt2pRHiOdWy7blmQySODb3PivFYrDgLzCJCgIDWRYVjJZaYvJDo9pTgB9RDI6rAjG4jYMjielbjc/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="210" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6scuqBWA6gq0tLe0Q9U-kEO7wxPRtyZzNRM2w2xR68AOnwR9Z8OentOac7_dcyL0qVt2pRHiOdWy7blmQySODb3PivFYrDgLzCJCgIDWRYVjJZaYvJDo9pTgB9RDI6rAjG4jYMjielbjc/s400/18.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdeiNpczjY4MY8E-TK0ilonfiIUPbE2jhkLX94vaGhE7NKJe9pbCe9sIQraXsswLLtnGFldKcw3omcq5S9V6O85otVooATj9TPGui74_Uhdw4IM7DKR_XkKNWmrqSq2X1FyiZbcRgOiAu/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHdeiNpczjY4MY8E-TK0ilonfiIUPbE2jhkLX94vaGhE7NKJe9pbCe9sIQraXsswLLtnGFldKcw3omcq5S9V6O85otVooATj9TPGui74_Uhdw4IM7DKR_XkKNWmrqSq2X1FyiZbcRgOiAu/s400/19.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkEp2kq64gWkwnLtnfPTYCw0sDMBg-PFqXhYYBAZdc2fMOzx8Q520Wcyla-RzDcqc9M3VLwOeQq7hUheqogDGiRGghjt0kS4jhnbP1SwghC5Sh9ovecRuQr4Dwy5v7qvW01eFEGbVdXwU/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkEp2kq64gWkwnLtnfPTYCw0sDMBg-PFqXhYYBAZdc2fMOzx8Q520Wcyla-RzDcqc9M3VLwOeQq7hUheqogDGiRGghjt0kS4jhnbP1SwghC5Sh9ovecRuQr4Dwy5v7qvW01eFEGbVdXwU/s400/20.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje203um_O-srXO9YB8LpTdqruoTWzVciWywrPPuscxfA7D8HV29ekL3QiLhbQDL6VIcVS_btF_U__qtgx4WCNLWWEFJ9-YcK4CN_pxW-m2Dbu3vfikR2LW2MYAtkZd6TCFcAOxN8FchR0O/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="227" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEje203um_O-srXO9YB8LpTdqruoTWzVciWywrPPuscxfA7D8HV29ekL3QiLhbQDL6VIcVS_btF_U__qtgx4WCNLWWEFJ9-YcK4CN_pxW-m2Dbu3vfikR2LW2MYAtkZd6TCFcAOxN8FchR0O/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />The Peach Stand, Fort Mill, SC<br />July 21, 2013

canned goods Fort Mill fresh produce packaged foods peaches South Carolina The Peach Stand The Peach Stand ... Fort Mill, SC

The Peach Stand ... Fort Mill, SC. The truck pulled in with more peaches fresh off the trees. This place has a little bit of everything ......

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Purina Healthy Lifestyle Motivation

<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsLBjzw4ZSdD2qC6NzYLxksQaSnHYCxQbxndqbxx539gWVPxV5ht-lYxEHDbMZYyiPyjaD0MxnrPLvodZ3HybwkKspaO9mQg0Tj6KjEre2QBE5kyMENxmrdhoAaCXCXi6NfxpgNalw4w/s1600/purina+light+and+healthy+life+style.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMsLBjzw4ZSdD2qC6NzYLxksQaSnHYCxQbxndqbxx539gWVPxV5ht-lYxEHDbMZYyiPyjaD0MxnrPLvodZ3HybwkKspaO9mQg0Tj6KjEre2QBE5kyMENxmrdhoAaCXCXi6NfxpgNalw4w/s320/purina+light+and+healthy+life+style.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I'm on the road to making healthy changes within my lifestyle such as eating better and exercising a lot more!<br /><br />I joined a local Curves gym and have lost a total of 87 1/2 pounds within a years time!<br /><br />Whenever I get the chance to take a walk I grab my iPod, my water bottle and run out the door, especially since it's summer time and we've been having beautiful weather on the daily.<br /><br />I don't know what it is about walking but I love it, maybe it's the weather or the scenery.<br /><br />So since I took the step in finding a healthier lifestyle Purina sent me this wonderful package for my family and I to take the challenge together! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br />Flip Camera </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Bandana</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Dog pedometer</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Leash</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Dog Bowl</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Dog water bottle</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Custom journal with fitness tips for the family</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>nutritional information </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>

Purina Healthy Lifestyle Motivation

I'm on the road to making healthy changes within my lifestyle such as eating better and exercising a lot more! I joined a local Curves g...

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Uptown Charlotte as seen from Amélie's French Bakery

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZGpJcApdEGC1QAC69KLdPUVkJLXzXEYHSZzFseCQlmxfI826Bw6Cn2jLY2qTrAo2dhrFeg1cQGXC55kF5iFeCVpoRdxIntDb-pXy3YO-HJCDEwqwY-qQ_laJfMw-qazUbICD4eByaDyub/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/AVvXsEgZGpJcApdEGC1QAC69KLdPUVkJLXzXEYHSZzFseCQlmxfI826Bw6Cn2jLY2qTrAo2dhrFeg1cQGXC55kF5iFeCVpoRdxIntDb-pXy3YO-HJCDEwqwY-qQ_laJfMw-qazUbICD4eByaDyub/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Uptown Charlotte skyline ...</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V3nlhanV-GfxLX3PYMXpP9HEEOkOT4QrHggRUCiwZQhvFzToY15AV0UNzK1IMdBAT2KyZShpIxGKZ1G4CEIGqCeq6v8mtjjO2JfYY7Hs2ZCYFGb_29w83x0HzEp_D_dZ8TRopHpjDlsw/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3V3nlhanV-GfxLX3PYMXpP9HEEOkOT4QrHggRUCiwZQhvFzToY15AV0UNzK1IMdBAT2KyZShpIxGKZ1G4CEIGqCeq6v8mtjjO2JfYY7Hs2ZCYFGb_29w83x0HzEp_D_dZ8TRopHpjDlsw/s400/2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">... as seen from <span class="font_6"><a href="http://www.ameliesfrenchbakery.com/#!sweet/c1wgo">Amélie's French Bakery</a> in the NoDa Art District. </span>T<span class="font_7"><span class="color_20">he café emits an intoxicating Parisian shabby-chic ambience. The combination of family recipes and classical French traditions made the bakery an instant success, and it now includes two satellite locations in Charlotte. </span></span></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 20, 2013

Amélie's French Bakery Charlotte NoDa North Carolina Queen City Uptown Charlotte as seen from Amélie's French Bakery

 Uptown Charlotte skyline ... ... as seen from Amélie's French Bakery in the NoDa Art District. T he café emits an intoxicating Parisi...

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Teamsters fight misclassification at the ports

Organizing port drivers requires the Teamsters to fight misclassification, and we're doing it on several fronts. We're bringing lawsuits against employers, lobbying for state law changes and pressuring regulators to enforce the law.<br /><br />Josh Eidelson at The Nation <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/175424/industry-where-few-workers-are-employees-teamsters-mount-multi-front-attack" rel="nofollow">shines a spotlight on how the Teamsters fight misclassification</a> of drivers at the ports. He writes: <o:p></o:p><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">A rare union election victory in New Jersey and a battery of wage theft complaints in California represent the latest steps in the Teamsters union’s effort to transform port trucking, a growing industry in which most workers aren’t considered employees under the law...</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Port truckers carry freight from the nation’s ports to chains like Walmart and Starbucks. Since trucking deregulation during the Carter administration, most such workers have been classified as “independent contractors,” a growing category of American workers who aren’t legally anyone’s employees. The International Brotherhood of Teamsters alleges that over 80 percent of port truckers are misclassified—wrongly denied “employee” status.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">...port truckers charge that their status comes with all the downsides of employment—the companies they work for set their compensation and regulate their work—and little of the upside. Most port truckers pay for their trucks (sometimes leasing them from their bosses) and the fees and upkeep costs that come with them, get paid nothing for the extra time they spend idling in traffic and have no legal right to unionize. Such a “Who’s the boss?” problem has become increasingly prevalent for US workers, as increasing numbers are cast among the ranks of temps, informal workers or independent contractors lacking the legal rights of employees—including collective bargaining.</blockquote> Along with <a href="http://www.changetowin.org/" rel="nofollow">Change to Win</a>, Eidelson writes, we:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...attacked the port trucking status quo on multiple fronts: legal charges against companies, lobbying for state law changes and stepped-up federal enforcement and organizing efforts among both drivers with legal unionization rights and those without them.</blockquote>We also organized drivers for Australia-based Toll Group at the Port of Los Angeles last year and at the Port of Newark last week. Writes Eidelson:<br /><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p></o:p></div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Both campaigns turned ugly; the Teamsters allege Toll fired union supporters in Los Angeles in an effort to intimidate workers. During regular anti-union meetings in New Jersey, said driver Fred Schmitt, “they tried to lie, to discourage us from voting in the union.” But he said that the California victory “made it a little bit easier for us to organize here.” </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">After winning the Los Angeles election, the Teamsters accused Toll of dragging its feet in negotiations. Toll and the Teamsters reached a contract deal there after the union mobilized support from Australian union members, mounted “practice pickets” to show their willingness to strike and leafleted to customers of the Toll client Under Armour with a message accusing Toll of “degrading its U.S. workers.”</blockquote><div>Read the whole story <a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/175424/industry-where-few-workers-are-employees-teamsters-mount-multi-front-attack#axzz2a5FKCnCx">here</a>.  <br /><br /></div>

Teamsters fight misclassification at the ports

Organizing port drivers requires the Teamsters to fight misclassification, and we're doing it on several fronts. We're bringing laws...

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Exciting Nomination for Belviq

My friend on facebook posted this great new release about Belviq.  That's exciting!!!!!!<br /><br /><span class="userContent"><div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_51f1919d01b297e64905964">Arena Pharmaceuticals' BELVIQ(R) (lorcaserin HCl) CIV Nominated for 2013 Prix Galien USA Award<br /><br /> SAN DIEGO, July 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Arena Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (NASDAQ: ARNA) today announced that BELVIQ® (lorcaserin HCl) has been nominated for the 2013 Prix Galien USA Award in the Best Pharmaceutical Agent category. BELVIQ is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for chronic weight management in adults.<br /><br /> The Prix Galien Award is considered one of the biomedical industry's top accolades, as it recognizes outstanding achievements in improving the human condition through the development of innovative therapies. Nominees are selected from among those medicines and devices approved by the FDA in the last five years.<br /><span class="text_exposed_hide">...</span><span class="text_exposed_show"> <br /> "BELVIQ is a novel single agent internally discovered at Arena, and was the first new prescription weight-loss treatment approved by the FDA in 13 years," said Dominic P. Behan, Ph.D., Arena's Executive Vice President and Chief Scientific Officer. "Nomination for the Prix Galien is a prestigious honor that is underscored by the caliber of innovative therapies included alongside BELVIQ in this category."<br /><br /> The Prix Galien Award ceremony will be held in New York City on October 22, 2013.<br /><br />About BELVIQ® (lorcaserin HCl) CIV<br /><br /> BELVIQ (pronounced BEL-VEEK) is indicated as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity for chronic weight management in adult patients with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:<br /><br /> 30 kg/m2 or greater (obese), or<br /> 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, dyslipidemia, type 2 diabetes).</span></div></span>

Exciting Nomination for Belviq

My friend on facebook posted this great new release about Belviq.  That's exciting!!!!!! Arena Pharmaceuticals' BELVIQ(R) (lorcaseri...

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Purina Dog Chow Light and Healthy Review!

<div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-m-nE0CPTXB7IM6qGsaVYsZj33g2Ue2merklsfkbTr8QbT8dSmczoIrQowOO707m8DhDF12aYP2wxG5nnR-NY9BWK-ZBUuJB-hSHv0i_y16il0-k-TaNdSaK87ut5VsrOTExLXRsu08/s1600/purina+light+and+healthy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7-m-nE0CPTXB7IM6qGsaVYsZj33g2Ue2merklsfkbTr8QbT8dSmczoIrQowOO707m8DhDF12aYP2wxG5nnR-NY9BWK-ZBUuJB-hSHv0i_y16il0-k-TaNdSaK87ut5VsrOTExLXRsu08/s320/purina+light+and+healthy.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I was sent some samples through Purina for review of their new dog food of Dog Chow Light and Healthy to share with my family and friends!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>I can't wait to see what they think of the product! </i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>The best thing of all is that they also sent along some coupons how awesome is that?</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i>Especially if their dog likes it too!!</i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>

Purina Dog Chow Light and Healthy Review!

I was sent some samples through Purina for review of their new dog food of Dog Chow Light and Healthy to share with my family and friends! I...

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More arrests of protesters in Wisconsin, NC

<div class="tr_bq"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/ngFbmHQ3r88" width="420"></iframe></div><div class="tr_bq">Wisconsin<strike> <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/walker-keeps-killing-those-jobs-in-wisco.html" rel="nofollow">Job-killer</a></strike> Gov. Scott Walker's minions today ordered more arrests of peaceful people singing pro-union songs in the Capitol Rotunda.  <br /><br />The daily Solidarity Sing Alongs have apparently been vexing Walker since they began shortly after the uprising ended against his anti-worker agenda in March of 2011. The pretense for the arrests yesterday was a judge's ruling that temporarily allowed Walker to require permits for Statehouse demonstrations of "20 or more." Police, however, indiscriminately <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/wisconsin-solidarity-singers-arrested.html">arrested about 20 singers and onlookers yesterday</a>. A Walker supporter who spat in a protester's face was also cited.<br /><br />The <a href="http://www.jsonline.com/news/statepolitics/state-makes-capitol-singalong-arrests-for-second-straight-day-b9961849z1-216957841.html">Milwaukee Journal Sentinel</a> reported on more arrests today: <br /><blockquote>Following Wednesday's arrest of 22 demonstrators, the numbers in the rotunda for the Thursday singalong appeared to at least double. Roughly 120 people sang, and many others looked on or stood by in support, with the mood of the crowd more electric and defiant than the day before. </blockquote><blockquote>They sang what are for them now old standards such as "Eyes on the Prize" and other civil rights and union songs and never stopped, despite the steady stream of arrests. </blockquote><blockquote>Repeatedly, a column of officers marched into the center of the rotunda, handcuffed several generally unresisting protesters and led them downstairs to be ticketed. As they departed, the demonstrators broke out in chants of "Shame! Shame! Shame!" taunting the police and denouncing the governor. </blockquote><blockquote>"Here comes the SS," one protester said as a group of officers approached the rotunda. </blockquote><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/AVvXsEgVIKxEOlV6ykrGo6NIlHlSwc2l870Wy5cSQM5WnFjAihEqaXZGSsi4YP4sizx6iQDQQGCeGdEhZVAzPdmniIJ9rednYCHX2rajazhPNWrfwUgsP8jCillo4RNG52NCQKigxWrrYJKKZ8LE/s1600/more_arrests_wisconsin.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVIKxEOlV6ykrGo6NIlHlSwc2l870Wy5cSQM5WnFjAihEqaXZGSsi4YP4sizx6iQDQQGCeGdEhZVAzPdmniIJ9rednYCHX2rajazhPNWrfwUgsP8jCillo4RNG52NCQKigxWrrYJKKZ8LE/s400/more_arrests_wisconsin.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">More arrests today for peaceful protesting inside the Wisconsin Capitol.</td></tr></tbody></table><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/07/NC-Legislature-approves-anti-worker-budget-voter-rules.html" rel="nofollow">More arrests</a> were also made last night in North Carolina's state Capitol as lawmakers put the finishing touches on an <a href="http://www.alecexposed.org/wiki/Democracy,_Voter_Rights,_and_Federal_Power">ALEC</a>-inspired voter suppression law.  <a href="http://www.storyofamerica.org/voting_fan" rel="nofollow" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Six opponents of a voter suppression bill were arrested</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"> after entering the office of House Speaker Thom Tillis last night. They refused to leave until they spoke with him and he agreed to halt the legislation.</span><br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Wisconsin state Rep. Chris Taylor said the <a href="http://www.thewheelerreport.com/wheeler_docs/files/0723taylor.pdf">arrests in his state were unlawful</a>:</span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 12.727272033691406px; line-height: 16.889204025268555px;"><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">...these singers were arrested for exercising their First Amendment free speech rights.</span></span></blockquote><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">We expect more arrests in Wisconsin and North Carolina in the next week. Stay tuned.</span></div>

More arrests of protesters in Wisconsin, NC

Wisconsin Job-killer  Gov. Scott Walker's minions today ordered more arrests of peaceful people singing pro-union songs in the Capitol ...

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Tumbador Gourmet Chocolates Review!

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2xPeRw8Wl57rao4_EL8yGPSSajV_Y7eAzPH79nEbB1vSZcMI3lw76CEGNfAoLGhjTXt6ZO6LZA7dd5lmfxPDXsWE1tqcWll43iwWhJFyD2usjnezVbhgW6FWA3rxpH7EAdfuhtzbsF8/s1600/Tumbador+chocolates.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2xPeRw8Wl57rao4_EL8yGPSSajV_Y7eAzPH79nEbB1vSZcMI3lw76CEGNfAoLGhjTXt6ZO6LZA7dd5lmfxPDXsWE1tqcWll43iwWhJFyD2usjnezVbhgW6FWA3rxpH7EAdfuhtzbsF8/s320/Tumbador+chocolates.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I love to eat sweets whether it's caramel, chocolate, peanut butter you name it I like it!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">When I came across these gourmet candies online I knew I had to review them!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">They have some of the wackiest flavors such as chocolate mixed with chili and they also offer the familiar ones as well such as toffee bark, yum!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So let me get started because I bet I have your mouths watering now!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tumbadorchocolate.com/home.php">Tumbador Chocolate</a> sent me an array of their products for review including their candies and also their sweet, nutty and flavorful energy bars!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Toffee Brickle-</span></i></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdK0CUYAtcIEy5oZ320yrJ1gGtEYRjncZY-euR-vQKbYXnKAr-wPLhT5kCnxZOE42s6rQ_jhHyNpkT0iUlS-h0AceQB58CZJHcaTho5AH21ur3crNg7RgjogkG9QwDoIe_UlPdLP3ZV0/s1600/toffee+bark+tumbador.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxdK0CUYAtcIEy5oZ320yrJ1gGtEYRjncZY-euR-vQKbYXnKAr-wPLhT5kCnxZOE42s6rQ_jhHyNpkT0iUlS-h0AceQB58CZJHcaTho5AH21ur3crNg7RgjogkG9QwDoIe_UlPdLP3ZV0/s320/toffee+bark+tumbador.jpg" width="320" /></span></i></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sweet buttery toffee layered between luscious dark chocolate, this was outrageously delicious and did not last long in the house because it was that good!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salted Peanut Crispy Rocher's-</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">smooth and creamy chocolate with toffee clusters mixed with nuts and rice giving it a crispy texture, tastes like a riced crispy treat but better!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Chocolate Pretzel Nuggets-</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">-Fruit and Nut Bars-</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">These snacks are wonderful for a recovery treat after a workout or just if you need to nibble on something through out the day!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Endurance- (Pineapple, Coconut, Ginger and brown rice syrup)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> I am a huge fan of pineapple and coconut so when I saw the ingredients in this one I couldn't wait to try it!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">It was sweet but not overly sweet at all and didn't have an overwhelming ginger taste at all.</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Vitality- (Apples, pecans and brown rice syrup)</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"> Sweet delicious apples paired with nutty pecans in a brown rice syrup to me it tasted like a peanut butter and jelly sandwich and it was just what I needed for a pick me up during work!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">I was also sent their candy bars as well and can't wait to try them!</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">PB&J</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Holy Mole'</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Dulce De Chile</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Mint Crunch</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Salted Peanut</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Sweet and Salty</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Website:</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.tumbadorchocolate.com/">http://www.tumbadorchocolate.com/</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Twitter:</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://twitter.com/tumbadortweets">https://twitter.com/tumbadortweets</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Face Book:</span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/tumbador-Chocolate/143858700299">https://www.facebook.com/pages/tumbador-Chocolate/143858700299</a></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>

Tumbador Gourmet Chocolates Review!

I love to eat sweets whether it's caramel, chocolate, peanut butter you name it I like it! When I came across these gourmet candies onli...

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Teamster victory! Waste workers ratify contract, win long battle

<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>Eighty of our brothers and sisters in Evansville, Ind., scored a major Teamster <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/after-long-battle-waste-workers-evansville-indiana-ratify-contract" rel="nofollow">victory Monday</a> when they ratified a contract with Republic Waste/Allied Services that raises their wages and preserves their retirement security.<br /><br />The contract, which runs until April 1, 2016, raises wages by $1 per hour the first year and by 50 cents per hour in the second and third years.<br /><br />The contract also protects the workers’ solid retirement security. Said Chuck Whobrey, president of Local 215 in Evansville:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The members will remain in a Teamsters pension fund, so when they retire they will still have a defined benefit pension plan.</blockquote>It's an especially sweet Teamster victory as the Evansville waste workers were locked out of their jobs on May 8, 2011. Short, sudden sympathy strikes sprang up across the country at Republic waste/Allied Services facilities. In a remarkable show of <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2012/06/solidarity-more-ca-teamsters-honor.html" rel="nofollow">solidarity, thousands of Teamsters refused to cross picket lines</a>. The Evansville workers were back on the job six weeks after they were locked out.<br /><br />Whobrey credited his brothers and sisters for the Teamster victory:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">While it was a long battle, we would not have been successful without the strong support of our members and the strong support of the International Union and multiple local unions that got involved in this fight.</blockquote>Bob Morales, director of the <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/solid-waste" rel="nofollow">Solid Waste, Recycling and Related Industries division</a>, said solidarity was essential to the Teamster victory:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Our members nationwide stood united with the workers in Evansville. Our members also supported the other strikes that occurred across the country. The strong solidarity is helping us today, and this Evansville contract is an example of that.</blockquote>Importantly, the contract maintains workers’ rights to honor primary picket lines. Whobrey said the company wanted a 10-day notice, which was totally unacceptable. Not one sentence was changed to protect their existing right to honor picket lines.<br /><br />The contract also gives workers the Martin Luther King, Jr., holiday off. All the other city workers in Evansville have that day off as well, said Whobrey. But, he said:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">It is also significant because of Dr. King’s strong support of working people and waste workers.</blockquote>King was assassinated while supporting <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memphis_Sanitation_Strike">striking sanitation workers in Memphis in 1968</a>. Teamsters who picketed Republic Services/Allied Waste carried signs with the same message on the signs carried by Memphis sanitation workers that year: "I Am A Man."<br /><br />Finally, the contract also improves the discipline and discharge procedures and bereavement leave, and increases the workers’ boot allowance.

Teamster victory! Waste workers ratify contract, win long battle

Eighty of our brothers and sisters in Evansville, Ind., scored a major Teamster  victory Monday when they ratified a contract with Republic...

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Anti-worker agenda advances in North Carolina

<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Extremists in North Carolina, ignoring the turmoil caused by their anti-worker agenda, pushed forward yesterday with <a href="http://abclocal.go.com/wtvd/story?section=news/politics&id=9183110&pt=print" rel="nofollow">bills to empower corporations and savage the middle class</a>. The House and Senate approved a budget that raises taxes on middle-class families and slashes public education funding, while the Senate approved a voter suppression bill that targets minorities, low-income residents, senior citizens and the disabled.</span><br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ4BGZX4b2fGzxXeVHk8yNuwyl3JGytbGkqvzzO6geafFC-sCVSN2Svn03mcdE30K_sSlT2gNInXS3r2wGF1We9cLre1ASREYZlqLB098BUc1xioXDGueeumep0UsfD6LY2TZ2KvVEf5u/s1600/7-25NCprotest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="This is a photo of demonstrators who were protesting voter suppression legislation in the office of N.C. House Speaker Thom Tillis." border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlZ4BGZX4b2fGzxXeVHk8yNuwyl3JGytbGkqvzzO6geafFC-sCVSN2Svn03mcdE30K_sSlT2gNInXS3r2wGF1We9cLre1ASREYZlqLB098BUc1xioXDGueeumep0UsfD6LY2TZ2KvVEf5u/s320/7-25NCprotest.jpg" title="Protest in N.C. House Speaker's office" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Protesters gather in Speaker Tillis' office.<br /> </td></tr></tbody></table><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Legislature is set to adjourn today with its anti-worker agenda likely to pass. The voter suppression bill and the budget will head to Gov. Pat McCrory’s desk, and he is expected to sign both. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> They are fulfilling the anti-worker agenda pushed by </span><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/heres-billionaire-trying-to-destroy.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">greedy billionaire Art Pope</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">, an </span><a href="http://www.alecexposed.org/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ALEC</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> disciple and </span><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bombshell-kochs-sold-oil-equipment-to.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><strike>Benedict Arnold</strike></span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Koch brothers buddy who got himself appointed state budget director after financing a number of radical politicians’ campaigns. <o:p></o:p></span><br /><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> </span><br /><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Legislature’s ALEC-inspired attacks on workers inspired a popular uprising that takes the form of weekly Moral Monday protests at the Statehouse. The demonstrations have resulted in 925 arrests for civil disobedience over the last 12 weeks. </span><a href="http://www.ncae.org/whats-new/moral-monday-protest-walk-join-us/" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Organizers of the Moral Monday rallies</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> are already promising to make their voices heard on Monday, during the next planned protest of the Legislature’s extreme anti-worker agenda. <o:p></o:p></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> The budget bill cuts $260 million from North Carolina’s public education budget, hampering teachers who are already among the nation’s lowest paid. It also ends tenure and will lead to more crowded classrooms.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">  </span>The Raleigh News-Observer </span><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/07/23/3051929/teachers-take-another-hit-in-state.html" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">took the GOP to task</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> for the cuts in an editorial, saying its own leaders don’t even understand the implications:</span><br /><div><blockquote class="tr_bq"> Take Phil Berger, Republican senator from Eden and that chamber’s president pro-tem. When pressed for the reasons he has crusaded for ending teacher tenure in North Carolina’s public schools, Berger just says he heard about a lot of incompetent teachers hanging on thanks to tenure.</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">… Teachers are the heart of the most noble thing this state and this nation do: provide an education to all. And yet Berger and other Republicans speak of public schools as if they were more a nuisance than a monument to enlightenment. They also seem to believe they can continue to make teachers a target of petty criticism, pay them poorly, offer them few benefits and still maintain a quality school system.</blockquote></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="margin: 0in 0in 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.storyofamerica.org/voting_fan" rel="nofollow">Six opponents of a voter suppression bill were arrested</a> after entering the office of House Speaker Thom Tillis last night. They refused to leave until they spoke with him and he agreed to halt the legislation. They may have hope: The<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/26/us/holder-wants-texas-to-clear-voting-changes-with-the-us.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0" rel="nofollow"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">U.S. Justice Department could challenge</span></a><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> North Carolina’s voter law, as it announced today it will take new restrictive state measures to court.</span><o:p><span style="font-family: Calibri;"> </span></o:p></div>

Anti-worker agenda advances in North Carolina

Extremists in North Carolina, ignoring the turmoil caused by their anti-worker agenda, pushed forward yesterday with bills to empower corp...

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Gov. Bob McDonnell visits American troops in Afghanistan

<div style="text-align: center;"><img alt="" class="alignleft" height="170" src="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/DSC_1493.JPG" width="257" /> <img alt="" class="alignleft" height="170" src="http://www.governor.virginia.gov/utility/media/DSC_1601.JPG" width="257" /></div><br />Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is a 21-year <a href="http://vapolitics.us/2013/07/the-mcdonnell-affair-context-and-perspective/">U.S. Army veteran</a> who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel. This week he is part of a U.S. State Department trip to Kuwait and Afghanistan to visit with American troops.<br /><br />On Tuesday the Governor wrote about his mission:<br /><blockquote>As you read this email I'm currently visiting with our troops in Afghanistan.<br /><br />This trip began at the start of the week, but due to security requirements we weren't able to make it public until today.<br /><br />On Monday I joined Montana Governor Steve Bullock for a briefing at the Pentagon, followed by a very moving experience meeting with wounded warriors at Walter Reed National Medical Center. I cannot say enough about the bravery and the courage shown by these great American patriots who have given so much so that we may be free.<br /><br />Yesterday we arrived at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait and traveled to Udairi Army Air Field where I got to hold a town hall with Virginians serving there. The first thing I did was thank them, on behalf of all Virginians, for their service. After breakfast this morning with the troops we were back in the air, arriving here in Kabul a while ago.<br /><br />We will remain in Afghanistan today and tomorrow, and continue meeting with Virginia soldiers and military leaders. Friday we will travel to Germany and visit a military medical facility to again meet with men and women who have been wounded in the service of our country. Part of that visit will be a little bit of a homecoming for me. I served in the Army in Germany in the late 70's as a platoon leader with the 2nd Armored Division, including running a medical clinic for our post. It will be nice to be back. <br /><br />As Virginians, we have a close and historic relationship with the American military. This great Commonwealth can rightly be called the "home of America's Armed Services." From the Pentagon to Langley to Fort Lee to Naval Station Norfolk, the military defines our communities, employs our loved ones, and is an integral part of the fabric of life in this great state. I know that like myself, our daughter Jeanine who served in the Army in Iraq, and both my father and my father-in-law, so many of you have served our nation with honor and valor. Thank you for your service. And I also know that many of you who are reading this have loved ones in harm's way at this very moment. Our prayers and our deep appreciation are with you and your family.<br /><br />This is a trip I've looked forward to for a long time. Freedom is not free. Everyday we wake up safe and secure because our neighbors, co-workers, family members and friends have volunteered to leave the peace of home for the danger and uncertainty of our world's most volatile locations. On this trip, I'm telling them, on behalf of all of us, thank you. The people of Virginia will never forget their service, their courage, their sacrifice.<br /><br />God Bless Our Troops.</blockquote>

Afghanistan American troops Bob McDonnell Kuwait Gov. Bob McDonnell visits American troops in Afghanistan

Virginia's Governor Bob McDonnell is a 21-year U.S. Army veteran who retired in 1997 as a Lieutenant Colonel. This week he is part of ...

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A big Ooooooops

I forgot to post yesterday.  Yesterday was a very busy day at work and then I went to dinner with a friend.  I TOTALLY forgot about you guys - ooooops sorry.<br /><br />Anyway, yesterday I sort of cheated, but Belviq would not let me cheat much.  For Dinner, I ordered a salad with steak and my friend ordered a 1/2 order of a blooming onion as an appetizer.  Now, if you don't know Outback Steakhouse and what a Blooming onion is, it's an onion creatively sliced (but not separated) and coated in a batter and deep fried.  You tear off pieces and dip in a sauce.  We ordered the smaller size - which is called pedals, and it is all separated because it's not a full onion.  That was my cheat.  HA!  But with Belviq, I wasn't able to eat much at all.  So, I got to taste a little "fun" fried food but not gorge myself.<br /><br />As fun as that was, it was WAY to rich for me.  I had a very ugly tummy all night!!  My tummy said, "Hey, that's a no go".  So, I probably won't do that again.  I like that though because it is reminding me that I want good foods.  <br /><br />This goes to say that Belviq is not for those who do not intend to have a complete lifestyle change in the way they eat.  For some, that little amount probably wouldn't have hurt, but because I have been so committed and not cheated even once since starting, my body is completely against all of that "ugly" food.  Yes, it went from fun food to ugly food really fast HA!<br /><br />Tomorrow night is our company's happy hour.  I do not intend on drinking at all.  I am sure that if my tummy can't handle a little fried food, that it will balk at the fact of having alcohol ha!  I don't plan on staying long at all!!!<br /><br />Anyway, Happy Thursday!<br /><br />xoxox<br />Ellie<br /><br />follow me on twitter @ewenker<br /><br />

A big Ooooooops

I forgot to post yesterday.  Yesterday was a very busy day at work and then I went to dinner with a friend.  I TOTALLY forgot about you guys...

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Ideas In Looking For The Best Personal Trainer Palo Alto

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Michael Petry</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Palo Alto is the home base of some of the largest technological companies all over the world. Among these are Facebook, Google, PayPal as well as Apple, Inc. Throughout the city, you will find lots of busy professionals who are successful in their own field of careers. But regardless of how busy the people in this place are, they still would find time to work out because they know that this is their key to good health.<br /> <br /> So if you're from Palo Alto and are looking for a trainer to hire, then you'll be happy to know that there are lots of choices available. To help you in looking for the best personal trainer Palo Alto, here are some tips for you.<br /> <br /> What To Look For<br /> <br /> There are a lot of ways to look for a trainer in Palo Alto to hire. You can check with a local gym or some fitness centers that are spread out all over the city. They usually have trainers who would be willing to train you privately. You can choose to have your workout training done in the gym or right in the comfort of your home.<br /> <br /> Where To Find One<br /> <br /> What To Look For<br /> <br /> One of the most important things to consider before hiring a trainer is his or her credentials. The trainer must be certified by a reputable organization or institution. You can check out the website of the American Council on Exercise for more information on this. Furthermore, the website of the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America has published some names of a reputable personal trainer Palo Alto that you can hire.<br /> <br /> What To Ask<br /> <br /> Once you found a potential trainer to hire, your next step is to contact them over the phone or to meet them personally for an interview. On your first meeting, you should be able to ask questions like what experiences they've got when it comes to fitness training. You should also ask for their credentials, availability, method of training and of course, the price that they'll charge you for the entire duration of the training.<br /> <br /> During your interview with the personal trainer Palo Alto, ask yourself if you are comfortable with the person you're talking to. If you're not, then perhaps you should search for another one to employ.<br /> <br /> So these are the 3 tips to keep in mind with regards to looking for the best personal trainer Palo Alto to hire.<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'>Getting in good condition with the assistance of <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-palo-alto/">Personal Trainer Moraga</a> not only boosts your own physique but also your well being too. The huge benefits that one can get from <a href="http://www.theperfectworkout.com/personal-trainer-moraga/">Personal Trainer Palo Alto</a> are limitless.</div><br /> </div><br />

Ideas In Looking For The Best Personal Trainer Palo Alto

By Michael Petry Palo Alto is the home base of some of the largest technological companies all over the world. Among these are Facebook,...

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This Article Can Help You Make Far Better Consuming Alternatives

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Scharlotte McHandsen</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Nutrition is often a standard element of everyone's life. Every person has it. We either have solid nutritional habits, or we usually do not. Do not worry--it's surely probable to begin adopting healthier eating habits irrespective of exactly where you are starting from, and also you can do it with or without salad!<br /> <br /> Opt for a eating plan that is definitely wealthy in healthful entire grains. Whole grains are a healthier selection each time, and will serve the body effectively when consumed instead of refined white breads. Try to find labels that do not include the word "refined", and rather say that the item contains 100% entire wheat. Make this a staple in your every single day diet program. Complete grains have drastically additional fiber than extra refined or "white" grains.<br /> <br /> Persons have a tendency to prefer processed to entire grains simply because it tastes superior. In some baked goods, white flour does create preferable results. Nevertheless, whole grains normally taste much better than grains which might be over-milled. In addition they have digestive-aiding fibers.<br /> <br /> Many individuals have bought in to the notion that processed foods taste superior than whole grains. In some baked goods, white flour is definitely the better choice. But entire grains, in general, deliver much more taste than the over-milled grains, and aid digestion by way of their fiber content material.<br /> <br /> Whether or not you happen to be a vegetarian, it really is beneficial to eat two to three vegetarian meals weekly. By undertaking so, you will reduce the amount of animal fat intake inside your eating plan and it's going to even cost much less. You are going to uncover the meals just as tasty too!<br /> <br /> Suitable nutrition indicates eating foods which might be higher in calcium. High-calcium selections can consist of dairy merchandise, kale, spinach, sardines, and some beans. Calcium is needed so that you can have bones and teeth that are healthier. After you do not get adequate calcium, you are in danger of building osteoporosis, which weakens the bones. It's a debilitating disorder which progressively softens your bones and makes them brittle.<br /> <br /> Diabetics have plenty of challenging nutrition demands. Eat routinely, mainly because this will likely preserve your blood sugar at a manageable level. A lot of fresh produce, whole grains and low-fat dairy solutions are perfect for this goal. Eating at a distinct hour on a daily basis is crucial for them.<br /> <br /> When cutting back on sugar, remember to cut back on corn syrup also because it is also sugar. Also, watch the condiments, as quite a few of them contain sugar as well.<br /> <br /> Vegetables in any type have few calories and are a clever selection. They fill your belly and give a high number of minerals and vitamins for your body. You should consume extra servings of vegetables than you typically would.<br /> <br /> If you'd like to remove sugar from your eating plan, attempt to steer clear of foods which have corn syrup listed as an ingredient, because it includes sugar. You will discover plenty of condiments and equivalent foods that include corn syrup, so verify every single label.<br /> <br /> It appears counterintuitive, but seaweed in fact has healthful properties. Quite a few seaweeds, like nori, kombu and dulse, have extremely higher nutritional content material with numerous vitamins and minerals. These plants are typical, and happen to be consumed for a pretty long time.<br /> <br /> If you are pregnant, a amazing tip to add to your nutrition plans is usually to get more Vitamin B12 into what you eat. Vitamin B-12 is definitely important because it reduces the probabilities of possessing birth defects. Whilst the majority of people are not most likely to become deficient in vitamin B12, girls who typically diet have to make sure that their diets include lots of this nutrient.<br /> <br /> A single approach to strengthen nutrition is always to alter the procedures a single utilizes in meals preparation. You may prevent lots of fats just by steaming or baking, as opposed to deep frying your meals. If flavor is your main purpose for cooking with fats, attempt rather to add fresh herbs or spices to whatever meal that you are cooking as this can be a more nutritional way to get some flavor into your dish.<br /> <br /> Moderating your meals and eating 4-6 occasions for the duration of the day can help you feel superior and healthier. It is going to be less difficult for your stomach to digest smaller sized amounts of food and also you will get power all through your day as an alternative of getting to snack. Give it a shot!<br /> <br /> Deprivation is not fun. Nutrition isn't about deprivation, it really is about eating the appropriate issues additional typically and eating the bad items in moderation. The primary point of this article is usually to show you that improving nutrition within your life is fairly easy to do.<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'>Check out a lot more from the author, like excellent sources on enhancing your nutrition more than at his web page. A different great resource on nutrition is his newest post on <a href="http://www.sharpefit.com/buy-shakeology">buy shakeology</a> which delivers extremely exclusive info if you'd like to shed weight soon.</div><br /> </div><br />

This Article Can Help You Make Far Better Consuming Alternatives

By Scharlotte McHandsen Nutrition is often a standard element of everyone's life. Every person has it. We either have solid nutritio...

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The Governor apologizes to his 'beloved Virginia'

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y_AWizh7QcuslFRPhSceew5wtXy6uY8dBusf28h0E98EV5dGuCnikHwwj3e1aBXL4-Nt-K8fWX0Fj0dLkeFM65bR2t8fP9RO95x4YW8KBUaV_jdFIvJltU7bzk7ByBj1iCYSCdJfL7b/s1600/Bob+McDonnell+Bill+Bolling.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4Y_AWizh7QcuslFRPhSceew5wtXy6uY8dBusf28h0E98EV5dGuCnikHwwj3e1aBXL4-Nt-K8fWX0Fj0dLkeFM65bR2t8fP9RO95x4YW8KBUaV_jdFIvJltU7bzk7ByBj1iCYSCdJfL7b/s400/Bob+McDonnell+Bill+Bolling.jpg" width="246" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div style="text-align: center;">Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling<br />Executive Mansion, January 2011</div><br /><i>"Being Governor of Virginia is the highest honor of my 37 years in public service. I am deeply sorry for the embarrassment certain members of my family and I brought upon my beloved Virginia and her citizens. I want you to know that I broke no laws and that I am committed to regaining your sacred trust and confidence. I hope today's action is another step toward that end. </i><br /><br /><i>"Virginia has never been stronger and I plan to focus on creating even more jobs and facilitating greater opportunity during the last five months of my term as your Governor. Our work together on education, transportation, pension reform, voting rights, and economic expansion has produced great results for Virginia." </i>--Governor Bob McDonnell (July 23, 2013)<br /><br />Cross-posted at <a href="http://vapoliticalpineapple.blogspot.com/2013/07/the-governor-apologizes-to-his-beloved.html">Va Political Pineapple</a><br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />January 2011 

Bill Bolling Bob McDonnell Executive Mansion Virginia politics The Governor apologizes to his 'beloved Virginia'

Governor Bob McDonnell and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling Executive Mansion, January 2011 "Being Governor of Virginia is the highest ...

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U.S. House schedule for Thursday, July 25, 2013

<i>From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....</i><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>THURSDAY, JULY 25TH </b></u><br /> On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. <br /> First and last votes expected: 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>One Minute Speeches</b><br /><br /> <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=351064-6846703" target="_blank"><b>H.R. 2218</b></a> - Coal Residuals Reuse and Management Act of 2013 (Structured Rule) <i>(Sponsored by Rep. David McKinley / Energy and Commerce Committee)</i><br /> <blockquote> The Rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order the following amendments:<br /> </blockquote><blockquote><blockquote> <b>Rep. Gerry Connolly Amendment </b>(10 minutes of debate)<br /> <b>Rep. Henry Waxman Amendment </b>(10 minutes of debate)<br /> <b>Rep. Paul Tonko Amendment</b> (10 minutes of debate)<br /> </blockquote></blockquote><b>Special Order Speeches</b><br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY </b></u><br /> Science, Space and Technology Subcommittee on Energy hearing on ”<a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=351065-6846703" target="_blank">The Future of Coal: Utilizing America’s Abundant Energy Resources</a>” (Thursday, July 25th, at 9:30 a.m.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=351066-6846703" target="_blank">Printable PDF</a>

Congress Eric Cantor U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House schedule for Thursday, July 25, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor.... THURSDAY, JULY 25TH On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for l...

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EUROPE

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font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Calibri","sans-serif";} </style><![endif]--> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3BNIi5iT_pWsnJlgqtlhyY6KLpRLLDoTRnTMVU606L-1OOwaORp58U-1Mm_sA7JXHT0V22A1Mk5GdohmxCphZvHU9-4uIJoA4Z0Bu2qVwRuUCg_kqqUAmoAR33bfKmjlJcsr92wVSqBg/s1600/Europa6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy3BNIi5iT_pWsnJlgqtlhyY6KLpRLLDoTRnTMVU606L-1OOwaORp58U-1Mm_sA7JXHT0V22A1Mk5GdohmxCphZvHU9-4uIJoA4Z0Bu2qVwRuUCg_kqqUAmoAR33bfKmjlJcsr92wVSqBg/s320/Europa6.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #134f5c;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif";">THE NEW GREAT GAME: EUROPE LOOKS WITHIN FOR ROOTS OF RENEWAL</span></b></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-outline-level: 1;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The term “the Great Game” referred to the strategic rivalry between the BRITISH and RUSSIAN empires in CENTRAL ASIA. Today’s Great Game is the battle for economic survival in a world of low economic growth. In such a world economic nationalism reasserts itself, reducing free trade in goods and services and free movement of capital. Escalating sovereign debt and banking sector problems will favour EUROPEAN introspection.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Individual EUROPEAN economies are modest in size relative to the US. But as a single entity the EUROPEAN UNION, including the 17-member EUROZONE, accounts for more than 25 per cent of global GDP, making it the world’s largest economic unit.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The EU is a more open economy, being the world’s largest exporter and importer of good and services. But around 75 per cent of its trade is within member nations, aided by removal of trade barriers and the common currency. For example, GERMANY, the EU’s largest economy and one of the world’s largest exporters, sells more than 60 per cent of its products within the EU, much of it to other EUROZONE members.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The union is largely self-sufficient in food, thanks in part – as in the US – to subsidies, minimum price schemes and trade restrictions which favour farmers. The EU is a net energy importer, although mutually beneficial strategic agreements with RUSSIA and other neighbouring countries rich in energy can provide security of supply. Significant potential natural gas finds in the EASTERN MEDITERRANEAN may emerge as a source of energy for EUROPE.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div style="border: solid windowtext 1.0pt; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt;"> <div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Background Information</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">: </span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-font-kerning: 18.0pt;">ENERGY HOTSPOT: EASTERN MED</span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/04/complexity-of-eastern-med-energy-games.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2012/04/complexity-of-eastern-med-energy-games.html</a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">COULD IT BE THAT THE TROIKA IN REALITY FOCUSES ON TAKING CONTROL OF CYPRUS’S PROCLAIMED HYDROCARBON FINDINGS? </span></b><span style="color: blue; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="border: none; line-height: normal; mso-border-alt: solid windowtext .5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; mso-padding-alt: 1.0pt 4.0pt 1.0pt 4.0pt; padding: 0in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/03/cypruss-financial-crisis-and-its.html">http://news-these-days.blogspot.com.ar/2013/03/cypruss-financial-crisis-and-its.html</a></span></div></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">EUROPE has many of the requirements of a closed economy. The need for greater integration to deal with its debt problems may be the catalyst for the shift to autarchy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">As a unit, the EUROZONE’S current account is nearly balanced, its trade account has a small surplus, the overall fiscal deficit is modest and the aggregate level of public debt, while high, is manageable. But individual members of the EUROZONE vary widely in terms of income, public finances, external account and debt levels. Greater integration would help resolve some of these variations.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">However, it would necessitate a net wealth transfer from richer to weaker members. Stronger, more creditworthy members would also have to underwrite the borrowings of weaker nations – something that net lenders such as GERMANY, FINLAND and NETHERLANDS are opposed to.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">But even without agreement on EUROZONE bonds, de facto mutualisation of debt will take place. As more financing for weaker nations moves to official institutions such as the EUROPEAN Central Bank and bailout funds, the commitment of stronger countries, especially GERMANY and FRANCE, increases. They implicitly assume the liabilities of weaker members of the EUROZONE.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If the EUROZONE fragments, it will morph into a smaller version of itself, probably consisting of stronger core nations and some smaller entities. Nursing large losses and a significant diminution of wealth, survivors are likely to favour autarchical policies to restore economic health.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Economic difficulties are driving secessionist movements within EUROPE. While ethnic and political identity is the primary driver, an emerging factor is financial. Catalan nationalists argue that the region is financially burdened by being part of SPAIN – which they say absorbs 8 per cent of Catalonia’s GDP, or about €16bn (£14bn) – and would be better off as an independent entity. As SPAIN implements a harsh austerity program, Catalans, facing sharp cutbacks in public services such as health and education, are convinced that independence would restore their economic fortunes.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Separatist movements are also active in many other EUROPEAN nations. The pressures for secession complicate international economic relationships and the reshaping of the global trading system, forcing a narrow domestic focus.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">Irrespective of its policy choices, EUROPE faces a prolonged period of economic stagnation as it works off its debt burden and undertakes major structural changes to correct imbalances. During this transition, EUROPE will be forced to focus internally, husbanding savings and wealth needed to absorb the large debt write-offs required. Explicit or implicit capital controls and trade restrictions are natural policy measures to assist in this adjustment, marking a shift to a more closed economy.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/business/comment/the-new-great-game-europe-looks-within-for-roots-of-renewal-8727209.html" target="_blank"><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Source: UK Independent</span></a></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: normal; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

EUROPE

THE NEW GREAT GAME: EUROPE LOOKS WITHIN FOR ROOTS OF RENEWAL The term “the Great Game” referred to the strategic rivalry between the BRITIS...

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