Today's Teamster News 11.10.13

<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/11/07/economic-growth-q3-2013_n_4232329.html" rel="nofollow">U.S. Economy Expanded At Surprising Rate Ahead Of The Government Shutdown</a>  Associated Press   ...The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8 percent annual rate from July through September, a surprising sign of strength ahead of the 16-day partial government shutdown. Exports rose, businesses stocked up, home construction increased and state and local governments spent at the fastest pace in four years…Analysts expect the shutdown will slow growth in the October-December quarter…<br /><a href="http://truth-out.org/buzzflash/commentary/item/18302-koch-brothers-organized-federal-shutdown" rel="nofollow">How the Koch Brothers Organized the Federal Shutdown</a>  Buzzflash   ...The two chief contributors to Cruz's political career donated over a million dollars to it (and no other entity donated as much as $100,000 to it). These two top sources of contributions to Mr. Cruz's political career were Club For Growth, and Senate Conservatives Fund, which together donated over a million dollars to it...<br /><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/11/08/2919341/switzerland-executive-compensation-limits/" rel="nofollow">Switzerland Weighs Radical Approach To Runaway Executive Compensation</a>  ThinkProgress   ...A referendum is set for November 24 on a law called the “1:12 Initiative” that would impose a flexible cap on top employee compensation at Swiss companies. If approved, the highest-paid employee of any given Swiss firm could not earn more in a month than its lowest-paid employee makes in a year...<br /><a href="http://www.globalresearch.ca/the-origins-and-evolution-of-the-trans-pacific-partnership-tpp/5357495?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=the-origins-and-evolution-of-the-trans-pacific-partnership-tpp" rel="nofollow">The Origins and Evolution of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP)</a>  Global Research   ...THE free trade agreement being negotiated by the regional bloc known as the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) has provoked widespread opposition in the countries involved in its negotiation...<br /><a href="http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/11/the-tpp-if-passed-spells-the-end-of-popular-sovereignty-for-the-united-states.html" rel="nofollow">The TPP, If Passed, Spells the End of Popular Sovereignty for the United States</a>  naked capitalism   ...TPP replaces popular sovereignty with transnational investor rule, in two ways...<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/business/2013/nov/09/bank-of-america-us-864m-mortgage-verdict" rel="nofollow">US seeks $864m from Bank of America after mortgage fraud verdict</a>  The Guardian   ...Countrywide's program emphasized and rewarded employees for the quantity rather than the quality of loans produced, and eliminated checkpoints designed to ensure that loans were sound...<br /><a href="http://m.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2013/11/a-fraying-of-the-public-private-surveillance-partnership/281289/" rel="nofollow">A Fraying of the Public/Private Surveillance Partnership</a>  The Atlantic   ...The publicity resulting from the Snowden documents has made companies think twice before allowing the NSA access to their users' and customers' data...<br /><a href="http://www.dailykos.com/story/2013/11/05/1253318/-Wage-theft-outstrips-bank-gas-station-and-convenience-store-robberies?detail=email#" rel="nofollow">Wage theft outstrips bank, gas station and convenience store robberies</a>  DailyKos   ...Fully 64 percent of low-wage workers have some amount of pay stolen out of their paychecks by their employers every week, including 26 percent who are effectively paid less than minimum wage...<br /><a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/177043/scott-walker-effect-helping-democrats-win-and-republicans-lose#" rel="nofollow">The Scott Walker Effect: Helping Democrats Win and Republicans Lose</a>  The Nation   ...Virginia Republican gubernatorial candidate Ken Cuccinelli counted on Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker to provide the conservative candidate with some of the “star power” he needed to get him elected November 5. It didn’t work...<br /><br />

bank criminality economy government shutdown Koch brothers mortgage fraud scott walker spying TPP wage theft Today's Teamster News 11.10.13

U.S. Economy Expanded At Surprising Rate Ahead Of The Government Shutdown  Associated Press   ...The U.S. economy expanded at a 2.8 percent annual rate from July through September, a surprising sign of strength ahead of the 16-day partial government …

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Today's Teamster News 11.03.13

<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/10/31/cnrailway-labor-idUSL1N0IL0LV20131031" rel="nofollow">Canada's CN Rail reaches tentative deal with Teamsters union</a>  Reuters   ...Canadian National Railway Co , the country's largest rail operator, agreed to a new labor contract for some 3,300 conductors, trainmen, yardmen and traffic coordinators represented by the Teamsters union, the railway said Thursday...<br /><a href="http://thecabin.net/interact/opinion/columns/2013-11-02/brock-arkansas-best-teamsters-ok-five-year-contract#.UnY0_5TF36k" rel="nofollow">Arkansas Best, teamsters ok five-year contract</a>  Log Cabin Democrat   ... The contract will take effect on Nov. 3, 2013 and run through March 31, 2018...<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/2013/nov/02/nsa-portrait-total-surveillance" rel="nofollow">Portrait of the NSA: no detail too small in quest for total surveillance</a>  The Guardian   ... It is indiscriminate in the information it is collecting. Nothing appears to be too small for the NSA. Nothing too trivial. Rivals, enemies, allies and friends – US citizens and 'non-Americans' – are all scooped up...<br /><a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/71255/10-corporations-control-almost-everything-you-buy-this-chart-shows-how" rel="nofollow">10 Corporations Control Almost Everything You Buy — This Chart Shows How</a>  PolicyMic   ...It's not just the products you buy and consume, either. In recent decades, the very news and information that you get has bundled together: 90% of the media is now controlled by just six companies...<br /><a href="http://www.policymic.com/articles/70605/one-thing-major-media-hid-from-you-during-the-debate-on-syria" rel="nofollow">One Thing Major Media Hid From You During the Debate on Syria</a>  PolicyMic   ...at least 22 of the commentators and seven of the think tanks that advocated for military action in Syria had ties to companies that would profit from such a strike...<br /><a href="http://angrybearblog.com/2013/11/more-on-secrets-in-trade-tpp.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+Hzoh+%28angrybearblog.com%29" rel="nofollow">More on secrets in trade…TPP </a> Angry Bear   ...“This really is a deal that’s being negotiated by corporations for corporations and any benefit it provides to the bulk of the population of this country will be purely incidental.” ... “There would be no reason to keep it so secret if it was in the interest of the public...<br /><a href="http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/11/the-global-corporatocracy-is-almost-fully-operational.html" rel="nofollow">The Global Corporatocracy Is Almost Fully Operational</a>  naked capitalism   ..."...we are witnessing the advancement of a new and unprecedented global project of transatlantic corporate colonization.“... as a recent leak of part of the TPP document has shown, the new rules would limit how governments regulate such public services as utilities, transportation, healthcare and education, including restricting policies meant to ensure broad or universal access to those essential needs...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/now-time-end-trade-deal-job-growth-lie" rel="nofollow">Now Is Time To End Trade Deal Job Growth Lie</a>  teamster.org   ...The recently implemented U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement was supposed to create 70,000 new jobs, yet in the 18 months it’s been in place it has cost this country 40,000...<br /><a href="http://consumerist.com/2013/11/01/you-can-go-to-jail-for-an-overdue-library-book/" rel="nofollow">You Can Go To Jail For An Overdue Library Book</a>  Consumerist   ...A Texas man was arrested this week for failing to return a GED study guide he simply spent too long studying — three years — and was sent to jail to mull over his actions, or lack thereof...<br /><a href="http://prospect.org/article/daily-meme-congress-hits-americas-poorest-while-theyre-down" rel="nofollow">Daily Meme: Congress Hits America's Poorest While They're Down</a>  American Prospect   ...Nearly 1 million military vets use food stamps and will see cuts...<br /><a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/10/31/3329326/gop-extremist-movement-prompts.html" rel="nofollow">GOP 'extremist movement' prompts NC candidate to switch to Democrat </a> Charlotte Observer   ..."The government shutdown was simply the straw that broke the camels back. I guess being an American just isn’t good enough anymore and I refuse to be part of an extremist movement in the GOP that only appears to thrive on fear and hate mongering of anyone and everyone who doesn’t walk their line.”<br /><br />

ABF corporate power debtors prisons food stamps government shutdown Moral Monday Syria tea party TPP trade veterans Today's Teamster News 11.03.13

Canada's CN Rail reaches tentative deal with Teamsters union  Reuters   ...Canadian National Railway Co , the country's largest rail operator, agreed to a new labor contract for some 3,300 conductors, trainmen, yardmen and traffic coordinators repres…

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Austerity: The real winner of the government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCu5-cGsVel-NMCEXXRtxlPbyQriTWDMEjk_uXkXM6XSxV8fHDcUo2EJ5oWRcqaAXqH3tG520wdrl3zVfMsBe6tq9NZcgO6Gc2bj0mrnds_ddqRnBEn5haGfFYrLCcNb6UPW39e_8_TKAx/s1600/austerity_anti_worker_cuts.jpg" 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/AVvXsEjCu5-cGsVel-NMCEXXRtxlPbyQriTWDMEjk_uXkXM6XSxV8fHDcUo2EJ5oWRcqaAXqH3tG520wdrl3zVfMsBe6tq9NZcgO6Gc2bj0mrnds_ddqRnBEn5haGfFYrLCcNb6UPW39e_8_TKAx/s200/austerity_anti_worker_cuts.jpg" width="200" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">A popular thing to say on Capitol Hill is that there were <a href="http://www.theatlanticwire.com/politics/2013/10/watch-live-obama-outlines-what-comes-next/70644/" rel="nofollow">no winners in the government shutdown</a> and debt ceiling crisis that ended last night. </span><br /></span><br />But once again, savage cuts to social spending have won the day. Sure, the conflict may have been a terrible embarrassment for the GOP, but the Wall Street-backed tea party agenda of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Austerity" rel="nofollow">austerity</a> came out unscathed.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">The <a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/hiltzik/la-fi-mh-austerity-20131016,0,1067125.story" rel="nofollow"><em>Los Angeles Times</em> observed</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">As the shadow of the shutdown passes, it's proper to be reminded again that this fight involved spending levels that are materially suppressing economic growth and hampering the recovery.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Specifically, the deal soon to be voted on leaves the sequester in place, at least until Jan. 15….The sequester is merely one manifestation of Congress's love for austerity in the post-recession era. From the inception, recovery programs have never been as large or robust as they needed to be, despite evidence that even harsher austerity regimes kept much of Europe mired in slumps.</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;">But the deal that was negotiated yesterday to reopen the government and suspend the debt ceiling didn’t just leave the austerity assault in place. It may end up escalating the assault on workers even more. Richard Eskow at the <a href="http://ourfuture.org/20131016/winning-the-peace-the-post-shutdown-challenge" rel="nofollow">Campaign for America’s Future writes</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">This deal will bend the next few months’ deliberations along the same misguided lines that have guided our political discourse for years now. House and Senate members will be encouraged to come up with a “deficit reduction plan” -- in other words, to impose another round of cuts just like those which have already wounded the economy and shredded millions of jobs.</span></blockquote>Specifically, Congress’s latest deal opens the door to further cuts that will target working Americans by <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052702304384104579139881517789174.html" rel="nofollow">establishing a bipartisan committee to deal with budget issues</a>.<br /><br /><span style="font-family: inherit;">Yeah, another one of those! And you can be sure that this committee will try to hash out a “<a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/10/truth-behind-grand-bargain.html">Grand Bargain</a>,” which is basically Washington-speak for harsher cuts and “entitlement reform” -- “entitlement reform,” by the way, is Washington-speak for gutting Social Security and Medicare.<br /><br />But austerity was the winner even before that part of the deal was conceived. That’s because the goalposts in Congress’s spending debates have already been moved to austerity’s side of the field.<br /><em>Think Progress</em> <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/10/15/2782911/republican-victory-sequestration/" rel="nofollow">reports</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">It may seem like ancient history, but <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Budget_sequestration_in_2013" rel="nofollow">sequestration</a> was originally designed to be so unpalatable to both parties that the threat of its automatic budget cuts to both defense and non-defense programs alike would be enough to force lawmakers to come to a grand bargain budget agreement. As it first went into effect in March, Republicans tried to pin the blame for any negative consequences on President Obama. But they gradually came out in favor of sequestration’s devastating cuts and have now made it the baseline in the fight over funding the government.</blockquote>According to the <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/issues/budget/news/2013/09/30/76026/the-senate-continuing-resolution-is-already-a-compromise/" rel="nofollow">Center for American Progress</a>, Obama’s original budget for 2014 was $1.203 trillion. In 2010, Republicans took control of the House and deficit hawk <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2012/08/paul-ryan-premium-wine-for-me-catfood.html">Paul Ryan</a> proposed a 2014 budget of $1.095 trillion -- that's 10 percent <em>more</em> than what Congress just passed to end the shutdown.<br /><br />Outrageously, the justification for all these spending reductions is baseless. The country’s supposedly out-of-control <a href="http://www.motherjones.com/kevin-drum/2013/09/deficit-falling-falling-falling" rel="nofollow">debt has been falling significantly over the last two years</a>.<br /><br />But for tea party extremists, austerity was never about getting the deficit under control. It’s about shrinking government in a way that punishes workers and the poor. Even during the shutdown, what was deemed “essential” and “non-essential” gives you an idea of what parts of government right-wing elites think is important. So <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/politics/2013/10/08/2748461/members-only-congressional-gyms-deemed-essential-remain-open-during-shutdown/" rel="nofollow">Congress’s gym – complete with heated pools and a sauna – was essential</a>. Food assistance to low-income mothers and children? Non-essential.<br /><br />Now, the latest agreement sets the stage for another budget and debt limit battle just in time for another round of sequester cuts. As we wrote at <a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/joy-over-proposed-budget-deal-should-be-short-lived">Teamster.org</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...our government will be funded at a significantly reduced level than it should be... because of sequester cuts that went into effect last year.</blockquote>For now, we’ve avoided default, reopened the government and hundreds of thousands of locked-out government workers are back to work. That’s definitely a good thing. But now anti-worker zealots in Washington are hoping that sharper austerity measures won't seem so bad compared to the pain caused by the shutdown.<br /><br />Don’t be fooled.<br /><br />

anti-worker extremists austerity budget deficit debt ceiling government shutdown grand bargain Sequestration tea party Wall Street Austerity: The real winner of the government shutdown

A popular thing to say on Capitol Hill is that there were no winners in the government shutdown and debt ceiling crisis that ended last night. But once again, savage cuts to social spending have won the day. Sure, the conflict may have been a terribl…

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Commonwealth of Virginia: We're #1! Oops, not in a good way

Out of 50 states, the government shutdown is affecting Virginia more than any others. We're number one ... only this is not a contest we want to win.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.dailypress.com/news/breaking/dp-nws-shutdown-economic-survey-20131015,0,6436513.story"><i>The Daily Press</i></a> has all the details.

Daily Press government shutdown loss income Virginia Commonwealth of Virginia: We're #1! Oops, not in a good way

Out of 50 states, the government shutdown is affecting Virginia more than any others. We're number one ... only this is not a contest we want to win.The Daily Press has all the details.…

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Today's Teamster News 10.15.13

<a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/10/11/2773151/osha-shutdown/" rel="nofollow">Workplaces Go Without Safety Inspections During The Shutdown</a>  ThinkProgress   ...When the government shut down on October 1, 90 percent of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) inspectors were furloughed...<br /><a href="http://www.telegraph.co.uk/finance/comment/jeremy-warner/10378666/The-sun-is-setting-on-dollar-supremacy-and-with-it-American-power.html" rel="nofollow">The sun is setting on dollar supremacy, and with it, American power</a>  The Telegraph   ...A serious alternative to the dollar is still a long way off, but the latest shenanigans on Capitol Hill have given the search for them renewed momentum...<br /><a href="http://www.courierpostonline.com/viewart/20131013/NEWS02/310130056/Normalcy-eludes-many-year-after-Sandy-hit-NJ" rel="nofollow">Normalcy eludes many a year after Sandy hit NJ </a> Courier-Post   ...full recovery from Superstorm Sandy is still elusive nearly a year after the storm pummeled the state Oct. 29...<br /><a href="http://www.calculatedriskblog.com/2013/10/wsj-more-homes-for-sales-fewer-sales.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CalculatedRisk+%28Calculated+Risk%29" rel="nofollow">WSJ: More Homes for Sales, Fewer Sales, Slowing Price Increases in Certain Areas</a>  Calculated Risk   ...The sharp home-price rally in some of the hardest-hit housing markets is likely to fade in the coming months amid a pullback in investor purchases and steady increases in the number of homes listed for sale...<br /><a href="http://wallstreetonparade.com/2013/10/banks-are-still-failing-at-ten-times-the-pre-2008-crash-rate/" rel="nofollow">Banks Are Still Failing At Ten Times the Pre-2008 Crash Rate </a> Wall Street on Parade   ...Before Wall Street took a bazooka loaded with credit default swaps and toxic mortgage securitizations and fired it directly at the heart of the U.S. economy, we had a very stable banking system...<br /><a href="http://www.enetenglish.gr/?i=news.en.home&id=1536" rel="nofollow">100,000 applications for 10,000 temporary jobs paying €427-490 a month</a>  ENet   ...At last count, in July, there were 1,374,054 people recorded as unemployed in Greece by the Hellenic Statistics Authority (Elstat). But of the 1,004,000 unemployed on OAED's books, only 145,865 – about 10% – were entitled to unemployment benefit...<br /><a href="http://portside.org/2013-10-13/are-our-parents-stealing-our-kids-no-theyre-not" rel="nofollow">Are Our Parents Stealing from Our Kids? No, They're Not </a> Portside   ...the data suggest that more spending on seniors is associated with more spending on kids...<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/14/garment_workers_held_boss_captive_until_he_paid_promised_bonus/" rel="nofollow">Garment workers held boss captive until he paid promised bonus</a>  Salon   ...Bangladeshi workers on minimum wage held factory boss for over 18 hours after months of tense labor disputes...<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/14/hospital_giant_fails_in_bid_to_swipe_nurses_sick_days/" rel="nofollow">Hospital giant fails in bid to swipe nurses’ sick days</a>  Salon   ...After nine strikes, nurses won the right to keep taking paid sick days rather than spreading disease to patients...<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/world/feedarticle/11018894" rel="nofollow">Report: NSA collecting millions of contact lists</a>  The Guardian   ... the spy agency intercepts hundreds of thousands of email address books every day from private accounts on Yahoo, Gmail, Facebook and Hotmail. The NSA also collects about a half-million buddy lists daily from chat services and email accounts...<br /><br /><br /><br />

Bangladesh government shutdown Greece home prices paid sick days Sandy social security spying Wall Street Today's Teamster News 10.15.13

Workplaces Go Without Safety Inspections During The Shutdown  ThinkProgress   ...When the government shut down on October 1, 90 percent of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) inspectors were furloughed...The sun is setting on d…

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Today's Teamster News 10.14.13

<a href="http://www.newswire.ca/en/story/1241573/negotiations-between-teamsters-and-cn-derail" rel="nofollow">Negotiations between Teamsters and CN derail</a>  Teamsters Canada   ...The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents some 3,300 conductors, trainmen, yardmen and traffic coordinators at Canadian National (CN), are gearing up for a fight with the railway company...<br /><a href="http://dobetternissan.org/2013/10/compa-report" rel="nofollow">Report outlines how Nissan in Canton, Miss., is violating international human rights standards of workers who want to organize and bargain collectively</a>  Do Better Nissan   ...in the Canton plant, according to the report, Nissan has launched a campaign of fear and intimidation to nullify these rights...<br /><a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-10-11/federal-workers-stretch-last-paycheck-until-shutdown-ends.html" rel="nofollow">Federal Workers Stretch Last Paycheck Until Shutdown Ends</a>  Bloomberg   ...The average federal employee earned an annual salary of $76,353 in 2012, and the lost income is exerting a drag on the economy as well as forcing employees who live paycheck-to-paycheck to figure out how to cover their bills until the shutdown ends...<br /><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/news/datablog/2013/oct/09/worlds-wealthy-where-russia-rich-list?CMP=twt_gu" rel="nofollow">The world's wealthy: where on earth are the richest 1%?</a>  The Guardian   ...Amid a record high for average global wealth its figures reveal striking inequalities – such as 35% of Russia's riches in the hands of 110 people...<br /><a href="http://www.economicpopulist.org/" rel="nofollow">Don't Count on a 1.5% Social Security Increase, the Figures Have not Been Released Yet</a>  Economic Populist   ...The problem with this headline announcement by the press is the social security cost of living increase has not been announced yet and is highly dependent on government inflation statistics for September...<br /><a href="http://truth-out.org/news/item/19334-the-tragedy-of-greece-as-a-case-study-of-neo-imperial-pillage-and-the-demise-of-social-europe" rel="nofollow">The Tragedy of Greece as a Case Study of Neo-Imperial Pillage and the Demise of Social Europe</a>  Truthout   ...A public debt crisis has been used as an opportunity to dismantle a rudimentary social state, to sell off profitable public enterprises and state assets at bargain prices, to deprive labor of even its most basic rights after decades of hard-fought struggles against capital, and to substantially reduce wages, salaries and pensions, creating a de facto banana republic...<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/13/opinion/sunday/the-end-of-the-nation-state.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&_r=0" rel="nofollow">The End of the Nation-State?</a> (opinion)  New York Times   ... though most of us might not realize it, “nonstate world” describes much of how global society already operates. This isn’t to say that states have disappeared, or will. But they are becoming just one form of governance among many...<br /><a href="http://electionlawblog.org/?p=55927&utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+electionlawblog%2FuqCP+%28Election+Law%29" rel="nofollow">Breaking: Judge Posner Admits He Was Wrong in Crawford Voter ID Case</a>  Election Law Blog   ..."we…. weren’t really given strong indications that requiring additional voter identification would actually disfranchise people entitled to vote..."<br /><a href="http://www.nakedcapitalism.com/2013/10/why-ceo-pay-will-keep-rising-to-even-more-insanely-unjustified-levels-while-ordinary-workers-fare-worse.html" rel="nofollow">Why CEO Pay Will Keep Rising to Even More Insanely Unjustified Levels While Ordinary Workers Get Squeezed</a>  naked capitalism   ...Even casual scrutiny will tell you that the current ridiculous levels of CEO pay bear no relationship to anything other than their highly developed rent extraction skills...<br /><br /><br />

CEO Pay European debt crisis government shutdown Greece negotiations rail social security trade union busting voter suppression Today's Teamster News 10.14.13

Negotiations between Teamsters and CN derail  Teamsters Canada   ...The Teamsters Canada Rail Conference (TCRC), which represents some 3,300 conductors, trainmen, yardmen and traffic coordinators at Canadian National (CN), are gearing up for a fight …

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Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/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/AVvXsEgjkJzD8KjOSz-l7i3dN3qyBkwrD5YLebf3aEZWwvQkZjr9mZOhyphenhyphenQW7y6AIPC13Yy4S6k01f1NJugH1caxre8NVU2kYfY5gZq868Hu_i2-FinMsC0TzDgMtc0iBrEQ2-43INPjmchYQwI2V/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Mabry Mill</i></div><br />Breakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. <br /><br /><i><a href="http://www.blueridgemuse.com/node/20182">Blue Ridge Muse</a></i> Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.<br /><br />There was this puzzling comment from the National Park Service:<br /><blockquote>A spokesman for the National Park Service said Thursday they are not encouraging businesses operated by private vendors to reopen, they won’t stop those who do.</blockquote>Thankfully, for travelers and locals, Mabry Mill is back on the grid although the government shutdown didn't help things: <br /><blockquote>Radcliff said Mabry Mill is “definitely open through Oct. 31″ but lost at least $65,000 for the 10 days that it was closed because of the continuing government shutdown.<br /><br />The attraction was closed last weekend at what was considered the “peak” time for autumn colors on this part of the Parkway.</blockquote><a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/peaks-of-otter-lodge-now-open.html">Peaks of Otter Lodge has also reopened</a> amid the shutdown.

Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson government shutdown Mabry Mill Mabry Mill Restaurant National Park Service Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill Restaurant reopened amid government shutdown

 Mabry MillBreakfast on the Blue Ridge Parkway is available again (along with lunch and dinner) at Mabry Mill Restaurant at the historic mill. Blue Ridge Muse Douglas Thompson reported that the coffee is perking and pancakes are again on the grill.Th…

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Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s1600/23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiETuN4mBg3I5xbroAvZEAHMD25TMlpURJCWgVEK8ZQLy4b67TDb5FkawTCx7DCXEG2R8b73amv9GY_Ea-YZuQIomamxdv3L8C3c3UC2diY-dAb1knuWyYDZJFtAOlZtjgDjc4cBsslbDWF/s400/23.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> <i>Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.</i></div><br />Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.<br /><br />The company that runs the concession released a statement, according to <a href="http://www.wset.com/story/23675586/peaks-of-otter-lodge-re-opens">WSET TV-13</a>:<br /><blockquote><i>"Delaware North Companies Parks & Resorts is thrilled to announce the re-opening of Peaks of Otter Lodge effective noon Saturday, October 12. The restaurant will open with a limited menu for dinner service. The shuttle to Sharp Top Mountain will not be operating as all National Park Service services remain closed. We would like to thank our employees and our guests for their support and loyalty. <br /><br />Our employees are excited to get back to work serving guests and creating memorable experiences. Fall is a beautiful time to visit Peaks of Otter Lodge and we look forward to continuing a successful first season as operators. <br /><br />Peaks of Otter Lodge is located on the Blue Ridge Parkway - an open and gate-free commuter road. Because of its unique position, we were able to re-open the iconic and popular property just in time for the best views of fall foliage. The Lodge is open through December 1.<br /><br /> Shenandoah National Park, among other national parks where Delaware North operates, remains closed due to the government shutdown. We remain hopeful for a resolution in the near future."</i></blockquote>

Blue Ridge Parkway Delaware North Companies & Resorts government shutdown National Park Service Peaks of Otter reopening tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Peaks of Otter Lodge now OPEN

 Peaks of Otter Lodge with Sharp Top Mountain in the background.Good news! Peaks of Otter Lodge and Restaurant have reopened amid the continued government shutdown, good news for travelers on the Blue Ridge Parkway during peak autumn leaf season.The …

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Utah, Colorado national parks to reopen under agreement with feds

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtSZMRnwJ4k6Xa8lpheY1d45jUZqnMRKVLFzRxMv0eG6OFCv5Pz8kPslAE9SzTHpRt7DvBVF-lF1WQq6CgdMNaMKRMfPQZD7VlIxCNxWpgy7vBPqjRDl3oWq0yAhEdBD5rm1Vatoer62h/s1600/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQtSZMRnwJ4k6Xa8lpheY1d45jUZqnMRKVLFzRxMv0eG6OFCv5Pz8kPslAE9SzTHpRt7DvBVF-lF1WQq6CgdMNaMKRMfPQZD7VlIxCNxWpgy7vBPqjRDl3oWq0yAhEdBD5rm1Vatoer62h/s200/National+Park+Service+emblem.jpg" width="153" /></a></div><br />Utah and Colorado are feeling the effects of the government shutdown on closed national parks at a time of year when it is usual to see $100 million in tourism dollars generated for those areas.<br /><br />Now the governors of those states, one Republican and one Democrat, have reached an agreement with the federal government to reopen national parks in both states, <a href="http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/us/utah-parks-reopen/">according to CNN</a>:<br /><blockquote>"Utah agrees to pay the National Park Service (NPS) up to $1.67 million— $166,572 per day—to re-open eight national sites in Utah for up to 10 days. If the federal government shutdown ends before then, the State will receive a refund of unused monies," an official press statement explained.<br /><br />The deal would reopen Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion national parks. The other three locations that will be opened are Natural Bridges and Cedar Breaks national monuments, as well as Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.<br /><br />"Utah's national parks are the backbone of many rural economies and hard-working Utahns are paying a heavy price for this shutdown," Herbert said in the released statement. "I commend Secretary Jewell for being open to Utah's solution, and the world should know Utah is open for business and visitors are welcome."</blockquote>Colorado's governor announced the deal on Friday, according to <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/11/utah-national-parks-reopen-government-shutdown/2966785/"><i>USA Today</i></a>:<br /><blockquote>The state of Colorado announced on Friday it will spend more than $360,000 to reopen Rocky Mountain National Park through Oct. 20, while Utah is opening five of the state's national parks on Saturday at a cost of $1.67 million to his state.<br />...<br />More than 80,000 visitors were turned away from Rocky Mountain National Park during the first 10 days of the shutdown, and the local economy lost out on an estimated $4.8 million in visitor spending, according to a report by the Coalition of National Park Service Retirees. Colorado will spend about $40,000 per day to keep the park open. Colorado's tourism traffic also took a hit last month because of devastating floods in the state.<br /><br />"This reopening is critical to ongoing recovery efforts after last month's flooding," Hickenlooper said.</blockquote>Interesting that that a deal has been struck in Colorado and Utah ... who will be next?<br /><br /><i>H/T mkr </i>

Arches Bryce Canyon Canyonlands Capitol Reef Colorado government shutdown National Parks Rocky Mountain National Park Utah Zion Utah, Colorado national parks to reopen under agreement with feds

Utah and Colorado are feeling the effects of the government shutdown on closed national parks at a time of year when it is usual to see $100 million in tourism dollars generated for those areas.Now the governors of those states, one Republican and on…

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Humpback Rock on foggy October day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s1600/8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEE679JNvi9gICqmnruC2rcptoYoA0XdCvc1FUEe-ijaxnp5GkaPa9Z-LbNL1-rWqjZ0dB651MfNSfdOvSY3-skAAwGgNBKkbUd6rPOD_i9RQZoVPwnUPcBBiBPHdzg6ZefDh56UfcP8xH/s400/8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013.</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/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/s1600/9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcs7uzg_G1nfivqYh1ZmjMPclwNw7vf8zsB32f3YcsDEhNRl7Z8-zdLtVvr_NyJ7eda4hjZykQrMHHixMMcG8Z3WhmrrtjDQn49T_IADmsEs9s66YaYwqHGFSEAVny13pdCnbDxRh2aRa/s400/9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to Humpback Rock hike parking area.</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/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="235" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioGBLv9LjINfqLKa0DAJV6qlVjRHrRzfYpbLH4KKPqGphHJhGEOgyRLPx275QWbp1wvr4nUDKgGB7o7x8N74yRt_HxZYQ6tWivLfV1ttGztM_8msLCAHjqEn0P1ffZKr1GupqgcDYumhVR/s400/10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humpback Rock hiking area had vehicles in the parking lot on a foggy, drizzly day. The assumption would be they had hiked to the top.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock Farm Humpback Rock hike leaf season tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Humpback Rock on foggy October day

 Top of Humpback Rock is shrouded in fog as viewed from the farm on Friday, October 11, 2013. Blue Ridge Parkway as seen from entrance to Humpback Rock hike parking area.Humpback Rock hiking area had vehicles in the parking lot on a foggy, drizzly da…

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October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s1600/11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFRB7QjRwi9ukHmd4XJQ3dRbEBtLUd20Ll9xL8OZVgO1Oc__YExAVY60uuI2X5b8cXTCSPJPiqGsZ7aHTcZKX6I-GEJCje-i8ls0EnhtMOQOeso33F7PLmUiwI1hoz06MMmfpAHwR9HWEd/s400/11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"> Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed." This is the time of year when this particular picnic area is packed on weekends with locals from the Valley.</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/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/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/AVvXsEh8ZYTVZOaBvO32F0JTCWI8wCSsd5vGT1PyjpWOUZGx_tVebW-R5mhFWC4xZmpHzWX2tZ4hOGH23qIB2AxEYbExuFVuHU2_TfQ7PEu0yaFB5pr8wzAsRhr3aldHkAvJBGZFAoPHuC4yC3OV/s400/12.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Heavy fog covered the mountains at mid-day on Friday.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock picnic area tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Picnic Area still closed

 Humpback Rock Picnic Area was closed and fog-shrouded at mid-day on Friday. The locked gate had a sign: "Because of the federal government shutdown, all national parks are closed." This is the time of year when this particular picnic area is packed …

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October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Visitor Center still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ruykzzr2jqr2xTylN2mDU8GdJPNwRHh3iDvb9POIxtlB68Ss2Eo5J0Mq4OZG-x2bs0ff91wgEqu3EbTKQTBwJw2e1I-31mwWswuvP5bFYnv90WmUUic9Wj8WcI3svaVPUuD0RVqdTqno/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-ruykzzr2jqr2xTylN2mDU8GdJPNwRHh3iDvb9POIxtlB68Ss2Eo5J0Mq4OZG-x2bs0ff91wgEqu3EbTKQTBwJw2e1I-31mwWswuvP5bFYnv90WmUUic9Wj8WcI3svaVPUuD0RVqdTqno/s400/6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Humpback Rock Visitor Center remains closed during the government shutdown even though travelers stopped, perhaps hoping to find it open. They were disappointed. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself is open.</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/AVvXsEjTW0SGzi5CJMUbI1Tv7bGIqInSzF59yCpzCQZSNlLum7QT5nhwgS8ip2oI9tOCWD8Xol3UHp_A_8SLuz1qvF3AhGGUrEt7iqzr1wLRI6xLSQvldBto4oYeocBKOyyTQqYlREFKNWB2hanx/s1600/7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTW0SGzi5CJMUbI1Tv7bGIqInSzF59yCpzCQZSNlLum7QT5nhwgS8ip2oI9tOCWD8Xol3UHp_A_8SLuz1qvF3AhGGUrEt7iqzr1wLRI6xLSQvldBto4oYeocBKOyyTQqYlREFKNWB2hanx/s400/7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">Hand-written sign on restroom doors noted, "Restroom Closed. Please travel to Waynesboro for gas and restrooms. Thank you." Comments added by disappointed patrons.</div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Humpback Rock Visitor Center October 11, 2013: Humpback Rock Visitor Center still closed

Humpback Rock Visitor Center remains closed during the government shutdown even though travelers stopped, perhaps hoping to find it open. They were disappointed. The Blue Ridge Parkway itself is open.Hand-written sign on restroom doors noted, "Restro…

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October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGnNiCp3tWNhS-lUAp-RIs08at7qER1BMPV8iH4kWr2r4B5aEbTkwzSDn2slyH40UaGjQcG1qo3Mn0C3hwRAp63FIBLCneKSvhq_y7ayCYYE90jPIN5MP1FKDXEJLwsorKvhmZhEcv-w69/s640/4.jpg" width="484" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;">The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOSED. Shenandoah National Park is CLOSED due to the government shut down."</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/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigVUf2z1EwzcOMvrpM5MNZ19oBNeiL5dbNFxKlaUIFwH2sFer6Mm9s7VW53i3CPh1Q1YSxHkBJUPn4tpdlNsPHr_-mibGjnAG3viNB6qWjpB-bFWLri5aVRxyXI16QbCow9B3gJ4tTcPG2/s400/5.jpg" width="400" /> </a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCE0v15J07J5zY9mg238EWUsBDUOpfWtoB8ksqBIMK7vKteT9M-d8p1Cq6iSah1IrxnxklEidc7XR9z27S8H7Lwwj7wTgfXr9FEIYEY5vR-HvOtQwte-v-8ES6akSLJbQ_iUnbB5r7_iBp/s400/3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Photos by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />October 11, 2013

Blue Ridge Mountains government shutdown October leaf looking Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers October 11, 2013 ... Skyline Drive is still closed

The entrance to Shenandoah National Park and Skyline Drive at Afton Mountain is blocked by a locked gate and sign that announces, "CLOSED. Shenandoah National Park is CLOSED due to the government shut down." Photos by Lynn R. MitchellOctober 11, 2013…

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Is Congress driving you to drink? Tell them

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxI5-Mty_TNoDnUUY9YitnV2Kmh9M7SISfu5OyFZWCaxX52dcbu2Ta68BpUBlwn0S8aMn5CcZuhhAKYuTa_cOitZp7tDIGNDv5fnh9Ju8BouVjLof-yV5fovHZBBzCs0D1qqxouNffRJ/s1600/drunk_dial_congress.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRbxI5-Mty_TNoDnUUY9YitnV2Kmh9M7SISfu5OyFZWCaxX52dcbu2Ta68BpUBlwn0S8aMn5CcZuhhAKYuTa_cOitZp7tDIGNDv5fnh9Ju8BouVjLof-yV5fovHZBBzCs0D1qqxouNffRJ/s320/drunk_dial_congress.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><span style="font-family: inherit;">It’s usually not a good idea to make phone calls when you’re drunk (i.e. <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Drunk_dialing" rel="nofollow">drunk dialing</a>). But if the person you’re calling belongs to a dysfunctional political party that's driving America off a cliff, then we say go for it.<br /><br />A new website called <a href="http://drunkdialcongress.org/" rel="nofollow">Drunk Dial Congress</a> allows you to type in your phone number so you can be connected to a member of Congress.<br /><br /> But you’re encouraged to have a drink or two before laying in to lawmakers with some of these talking points: </span><br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">If you can <a href="http://www.npr.org/blogs/thetwo-way/2013/10/03/228771578/sharp-words-over-shutdown-when-lawmaker-visits-wwii-memorial" rel="nofollow">yell at a Park Ranger</a> after forcing the Government to shut down then I get to yell at you</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">How dare you <a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/congress-blog/healthcare/326691-time-for-congress-to-put-veterans-funding-first" rel="nofollow">not fund Veterans</a></span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><blockquote class="tr_bq"><span style="font-family: inherit;">You jerks are costing the country <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/business/money-nothing-government-shutdown-costs-12-5-million-hour-8C11308802" rel="nofollow">$12 million bucks per hour</a>!</span></blockquote><span style="font-family: inherit;"><blockquote class="tr_bq">You guys <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/03/capitol-police-congress-pay_n_4040719.html" rel="nofollow">aren't funding the police</a> that are protecting you??? </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">My grandma <a href="http://www.healio.com/hematology-oncology/practice-management/news/online/%7B137dc175-e6d5-4d9f-bb5c-4a39a8ad4dbc%7D/medical-community-speaks-out-on-effects-of-government-shutdown" rel="nofollow">can't get her cancer treatment</a> </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Why don't you make yourself useful and <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/politics/south-carolina-man-mow-lawn-lincoln-memorial-article-1.1480998" rel="nofollow">at least mow the lawn</a>?</blockquote>It’s only fair that Congress should hear from angry Americans -- especially during happy hour. Because, as the website points out, members of Congress were found <a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/01/grayson_blames_shutdown_on_gop_literally_drinking_on_the_job/" rel="nofollow">boozing up</a> right after they shut down the government and put 800,000 people out of work:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">As Members of Congress quickly returned from their final symbolic, non-effective and otherwise useless votes to avert a government shutdown, the heavy drinking began. Reports of our representatives getting plastered on the government's dime -- the one we have left -- have come streaming in from witnesses all over Capitol Hill.  </blockquote> </span><span style="font-family: inherit;">And you certainly don’t have to be a furloughed government worker to be pissed off at Congress. The shutdown being orchestrated by anti-worker Republican extremists is hurting everything from <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/va-chief-shutdown-could-hit-millions-vets-072429820--politics.html" rel="nofollow">veterans’ health care</a> and <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/10/08/government-shutdown-nlrb_n_4066073.html" rel="nofollow">workers’ rights</a> to <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/08/10-ways-the-shutdown-is-making-us-less-safe/" rel="nofollow">food and transportation safety</a>.<br /><br />Drunk Dial Congress also includes some interesting drink recipes. But while you're having fun, don't forget to enjoy some of the <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/09/teamster-beer-to-enjoy.html" rel="nofollow">great brews made and distributed by Teamsters</a>.<br /><br />So drink up -- responsibly, of course -- and give Congress a piece of your mind.</span>

anti-worker extremists beer Congress government shutdown Is Congress driving you to drink? Tell them

It’s usually not a good idea to make phone calls when you’re drunk (i.e. drunk dialing). But if the person you’re calling belongs to a dysfunctional political party that's driving America off a cliff, then we say go for it.A new website called Drunk …

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The truth behind the "Grand Bargain" hoax

<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Rui5m_DRdvg" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />The so-called <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-veghte/grand-bargain_b_4060292.html" rel="nofollow">Grand Bargain</a> that we should all be afraid of may be looming as a solution to the government shutdown. The Grand Bargain is more of a<a href="http://therealnews.com/t2/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=31&Itemid=74&jumival=10822&updaterx=2013-10-07+14%3A55%3A58" rel="nofollow"> grand betrayal</a>, really, and would involve Democrats agreeing to cut Social Security and Medicare. Not something we care for.<br /><br />Here's an excellent video that exposes the truth behind the Grand Bargain, aka the drive to shrink the U.S. government and destroy the middle class. It's masterminded by greedy old billionaires like <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/03/memo-to-billionaires-dont-lecture-us-on.html" rel="nofollow">Pete Peterson</a> and the<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"> </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2011/10/bombshell-kochs-sold-oil-equipment-to.html" style="color: #336699;">Benedict Arnold</a></strike> Koch brothers. They get their kicks lecture the rest of us on living beyond our means. <br /><br />These people are even worse than the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Robber_baron" rel="nofollow">robber baron</a>s of the Gilded Age. At least their 19th-century forefathers didn't shut down the government.

government shutdown grand bargain social security The truth behind the "Grand Bargain" hoax

The so-called Grand Bargain that we should all be afraid of may be looming as a solution to the government shutdown. The Grand Bargain is more of a grand betrayal, really, and would involve Democrats agreeing to cut Social Security and Medicare. Not …

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Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by asking Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park [<a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/news/local_news/madison-supes-to-congress-reopen-shenandoah-national-park/article_e0ae5cf2-31dd-11e3-96ce-001a4bcf6878.html">link</a>]? For many, it's difficult to watch as nearby businesses suffer from the closure and endure the lack of tourist traffic at this time of year when millions travel to the mountains for the colorful autumn leaf season.<br /><br />Graves Mountain Lodge in Madison County is feeling the pinch at the time of year when their parking lots are usually blown out with vehicles and tourists:<br /><blockquote>"The next three weeks are going to be the main time for foliage," said Jimmy Graves with Graves Mountain Lodge on Thursday. "You've got the businesses on top of the mountain, they're closed and so ... yes it's an impact because you don't have the people here whether they'd come to eat lunch, some would spend the night, but they're going other places. Normally this time of year we would probably have another 50 people coming hiking, eating, would be more than 100 cars a day going to White Oak (Canyon), probably more than that going to Old Rag.<br /><br />"We are losing money from the park being closed - everyone around the park is losing money," he said.</blockquote>Some attractions are set to reopen on the Blue Ridge Parkway ... it's past time to reopen Shenandoah National Park. [<a href="http://www.roanoke.com/news/2291048-12/mabry-mill-other-parkway-attractions-poised-to-reopen.html">link</a>] <br /><br />End the government shutdown.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Shenandoah National Park Skyline Drive tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Madison supervisors ask Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park

Wouldn't it be great to see every county adjoining Shenandoah National Park take the same action as the Madison County supervisors by asking Congress to reopen Shenandoah National Park [link]? For many, it's difficult to watch as nearby businesses su…

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Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the way. This would be a great way to help these businesses recover and get back on their feet after ten days of government shutdown.<br /><br />Check before going just to be sure they're open but the restaurant at Mabry Mill was hoping to be reopened this morning, and Peaks of Otter was hoping to be reopened for this weekend including lodging and restaurant, according to the Roanoke Times:<br /><blockquote>Mabry Mill will reopen today and the Peaks of Otter Lodge in Bedford County could be open by this weekend under agreements with the National Park Service, which had ordered parkway sites and concessionaires to close when the federal government shut down Oct. 1.<br /><br /> Radcliff was planning for a Friday reopening of Mabry Mill, though she had yet to hear from the park service Thursday afternoon. Robert Peters, the general manager of the Peaks of Otter Lodge, said he was “very optimistic” the lodge will be open by this weekend.</blockquote>Private businesses that are helping the federal government by running park concessions should not be forced to close during budget debates.

Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway government shutdown Mabry Mill Peaks of Otter tourism Virginia Is For Lovers Mabry Mill, others poised to open this weekend

This is great news! Hit the Blue Ridge Parkway to see the changing leaves and stop by the re-opened restaurants and attractions along the way. This would be a great way to help these businesses recover and get back on their feet after ten days of gov…

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Applying the logic of the shutdown to baseball

A disgruntled Atlanta Braves fan wrote a tongue-in-cheek (we hope) letter to his congressman, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jack_Kingston" rel="nofollow">Rep. Jack Kingston</a>, a Georgia Republican, on Oct. 8, the day after the<a href="http://www.ajc.com/news/sports/baseball/braves-blow-lead-eliminated-with-4-3-loss-to-dodge/nbH4T/" rel="nofollow"> Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Braves from the playoffs</a>. <div><br /></div><div>We read his letter on <a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/08/applying-government-shutdown-logic-to-the-baseball-playoffs/" rel="nofollow">Hardball Talk</a> and figured we'd share some of it: </div><blockquote class="tr_bq">Like you, I'm sure, I am profoundly disappointed that the Atlanta Braves lost the NLDS last night. And to the Dodgers -- a bunch of California liberals! </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">This outrage cannot be allowed to stand. But the system has failed us. We tried to resolve this issue through traditional means: In last night's game alone, we must have sent batters to the plate at least 40 times. But just because we couldn't score enough runs, the Dodgers refuse to relinquish the title -- and worse, they won't even discuss it.  </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">LA's stubborn refusal to even talk to us about reversing the results of this series is unsportsmanlike and un-American. But there is an answer: If the Dodgers won't listen to the cries of average Americans like you and me, then Congress should outlaw Major League Baseball until the Dodgers cave... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Just because the Dodgers had more hits, scored more runs, and won more games doesn't make them right. You can help them see that. And if that means the country will be deprived of its national pastime -- well, the Dodgers will have only themselves to blame. </blockquote><div>Read the whole thing <a href="http://hardballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/10/08/applying-government-shutdown-logic-to-the-baseball-playoffs/" rel="nofollow">here</a>.</div>

baseball government shutdown Applying the logic of the shutdown to baseball

A disgruntled Atlanta Braves fan wrote a tongue-in-cheek (we hope) letter to his congressman, Rep. Jack Kingston, a Georgia Republican, on Oct. 8, the day after the Los Angeles Dodgers eliminated the Braves from the playoffs. We read his letter on Ha…

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Locked-out union workers rally against government shutdown

<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/AVvXsEgziL5LFL2ZKFq-fopEhAe6zFGP9pFDTWm6lJ1d0fi86xrfd95L_PBo043shku9twx8qQfsA1XiKtZNcXVGwB7BIdsGqffzNpaZe1a3KYNnRLaJ_kBQr_QBNy8AhXpcBTi6F-bK56mTHdL_/s1600/teamster+rally.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgziL5LFL2ZKFq-fopEhAe6zFGP9pFDTWm6lJ1d0fi86xrfd95L_PBo043shku9twx8qQfsA1XiKtZNcXVGwB7BIdsGqffzNpaZe1a3KYNnRLaJ_kBQr_QBNy8AhXpcBTi6F-bK56mTHdL_/s320/teamster+rally.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Today on Capitol Hill. </td></tr></tbody></table>The gloom of the government shutdown and a cold rainy day didn't stop a thousand locked-out federal workers from rallying outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., this morning. <br /><br />With the shutdown now in its tenth day, the huge crowd of furloughed union workers -- including members of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Federation_of_Government_Employees" rel="nofollow">American Federation of Government Employees</a>, the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Treasury_Employees_Union" rel="nofollow">National Treasury Employees Union</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AFSCME" rel="nofollow">AFSCME</a> -- gathered to express their outrage and demand that extremist Republicans stop holding the country hostage. Other workers from <a href="http://www.seiu.org/" rel="nofollow">SEIU</a>, the <a href="http://teamster.org/" rel="nofollow">Teamsters</a> and <a href="http://goodjobsnation.org/" rel="nofollow">Good Jobs Nation</a> came out to support their union brothers and sisters.<br /><br />Rain pounded down on a furloughed aviation inspector who spoke to protesters:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">I'm a little damp right now, but that's nothing compared to the way American workers are getting soaked by House Republicans.</blockquote>Rev. Jesse Jackson, union leaders and dozens of members of Congress also rallied the crowd. Like a <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/10/hundreds-rally-against-shutdown.html">similar protest held last week</a>, Rep. Keith Ellison (D-Minn.) of the Progressive Caucus led the demonstration, joined by Alan Grayson (D-Fla.) and Nancy Pelosi.<br /><br />Workers chanted "Let us work," holding umbrellas and signs that said "Stop the lockout" and "Stop holding America hostage."<br /><br />One AFGE leader set the record straight on what American workers are willing to negotiate on with anti-worker Republicans:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Half of our members are out of work and the other half are being forced to work without a paycheck. And despite what John Boehner and tea party extremists are saying, we are willing to negotiate. We want to negotiate an end to sequestration and a fairer tax system so that the rich and corporations pay their fair share. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">We have all kinds of ideas to end the plight of the working class and improve federal government. But we don't shut down the government to make a political point.</blockquote>As always, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) called out the extremists in Congress and put their latest attack on the middle class in context:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">This shutdown started with tea party hostage-takers wanting to stop health care reform. But let's be clear: destroying health care is just the tip of the iceberg for right-wing extremists. They want to destroy Social Security and Medicare. They want to end regulations on Wall Street. They want to go after the whole social safety net that keeps millions of Americans from falling into extreme poverty. They want an oligarchic society ruled by the rich.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And they say they are willing to negotiate -- it's time to compromise. We have already compromised! The budget we passed is <em>their</em> budget. We don't like it. And still they want to take more from the American people.</blockquote>Today the shutdown hit <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/nuclear-regulator-furloughing-staff-a-day-sooner-than-expected-98093.html" rel="nofollow">3,600 employees at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission</a> -- the people who make sure a Fukushima-like nuclear disaster doesn't happen in America. Meanwhile the clock is ticking on the deadline to increase the debt ceiling. <br /><br />The shutdown has hurt hundreds of thousands of workers, families and small businesses, but millions more will face a deep economic crisis if Congress drives the government to default. <br /><br />Some locked-out government workers said they will <a href="http://www.dclabor.org/ht/display/EventDetails/i/111831/pid/538" rel="nofollow">return to the Capitol tomorrow</a> -- rain or shine -- to keep the pressure on politicians and stop Republicans' war on working families.

anti-worker extremists Congress government shutdown government workers lockout Locked-out union workers rally against government shutdown

Today on Capitol Hill. The gloom of the government shutdown and a cold rainy day didn't stop a thousand locked-out federal workers from rallying outside the Capitol in Washington, D.C., this morning. With the shutdown now in its tenth day, the huge c…

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Photos #2: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpxi8AoFQ_oWhRY_1fxOc7N8ZdVg17yqXt9u2FaZ3MpyPj3kCRq1XpzsIywwLYs2ybuPzd1CzNUaMcK0UQUu_Zs_ln1zmJosnPilIkQv3RrISrblhZQQIgpURIfNCzDyzvacj5ZK0kmr7/s1600/16.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLpxi8AoFQ_oWhRY_1fxOc7N8ZdVg17yqXt9u2FaZ3MpyPj3kCRq1XpzsIywwLYs2ybuPzd1CzNUaMcK0UQUu_Zs_ln1zmJosnPilIkQv3RrISrblhZQQIgpURIfNCzDyzvacj5ZK0kmr7/s400/16.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> See also <a href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/photos-1-fall-in-george-washington.html">Photos #1: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area</a><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil04BBxvU7eloWDEkl_cBX34UHzPc8eJNVmJpFiLQtqMQgeU4edx58oNlg-WkXi7TKebhW_y7M80A_-Fpxh3tWu9ywFs4BSzrCNLXsh2b74pdDeIzRGr4YQOSm3MeHBZWA8C38NOoJxf0U/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/AVvXsEil04BBxvU7eloWDEkl_cBX34UHzPc8eJNVmJpFiLQtqMQgeU4edx58oNlg-WkXi7TKebhW_y7M80A_-Fpxh3tWu9ywFs4BSzrCNLXsh2b74pdDeIzRGr4YQOSm3MeHBZWA8C38NOoJxf0U/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/AVvXsEhWFbqg0Fh5Qqu3eRL4HmNg-D4Fo_CSWAVkXDFz_U9bnD78FDfQ4JvaceUogTBr_0Tune8n3CpEZuDL8RrbXFkPNbW9BcpiCNw5i8S7iwcPMHS3wnSlBAuUZGlNMIFdISuXB8fEf8d6lFsi/s1600/18.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="247" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWFbqg0Fh5Qqu3eRL4HmNg-D4Fo_CSWAVkXDFz_U9bnD78FDfQ4JvaceUogTBr_0Tune8n3CpEZuDL8RrbXFkPNbW9BcpiCNw5i8S7iwcPMHS3wnSlBAuUZGlNMIFdISuXB8fEf8d6lFsi/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/AVvXsEhxVbW17fatzysWIhAC5rCImn9hyQq1r98gKOz_gnZLsEw9BSNWaQsn3aMoGEwm2XEantkVGWvrd7d_ifggBaer_7xCAOxYgyG-S7AMGf97Bs4DDsqrqWCYauITWZG4AcgcKwtCerGvGMdl/s1600/19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxVbW17fatzysWIhAC5rCImn9hyQq1r98gKOz_gnZLsEw9BSNWaQsn3aMoGEwm2XEantkVGWvrd7d_ifggBaer_7xCAOxYgyG-S7AMGf97Bs4DDsqrqWCYauITWZG4AcgcKwtCerGvGMdl/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/AVvXsEhczVoExhdrJFX_3XVV_1wyRy9gTms73_d2PhjhQB7zZagIS1O8Csj0RDUrS41E9fxmGGl4tn39eMguYZXk2kUjnlT627NDebGlyJ9i53lXZgJnraDwqXRme2pVpj5NAEDHssAhKROtFlKK/s1600/20.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhczVoExhdrJFX_3XVV_1wyRy9gTms73_d2PhjhQB7zZagIS1O8Csj0RDUrS41E9fxmGGl4tn39eMguYZXk2kUjnlT627NDebGlyJ9i53lXZgJnraDwqXRme2pVpj5NAEDHssAhKROtFlKK/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/AVvXsEhmcOirA6qSIc9hPrOGn5HJPXKCKs2z77v9kbjOo5TYrpTRF2ldyhfQ1006YFTCybl67bIS9gsvfM8GpRDM5skjEfky67hsVnE8Ckj0g4CEW_8MkUu3MxouXRR9yvdFqthF_mAUlWg3smog/s1600/21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; 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Mitchell<br />October 9, 2013

Appalachian Mountains Augusta County George Washington National Forest government shutdown North River Multiple Use Area Photos #2: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use Area

 See also Photos #1: Fall in George Washington National Forest's North River Multiple Use AreaPhotos by Lynn R. MitchellOctober 9, 2013…

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