Denver, Photographed

Here are a few slideshows of photos I took while in Denver last week for the AIA Convention.<br /><br />Denver Art Museum (Gio Ponti, 1971; and Daniel Libeskind, 2006) and Denver Public Library (Michael Graves, 1996):<br /><object height="480" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634327389410%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9137742386%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634327389410%2Fwith%2F9137742386%2F&set_id=72157634327389410&jump_to=9137742386"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634327389410%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9137742386%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634327389410%2Fwith%2F9137742386%2F&set_id=72157634327389410&jump_to=9137742386" width="640" height="480"></embed></object><br /><br />Clyfford Still Museum (Allied Works, 2011):<br /><object height="480" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634329122052%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9136367947%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634329122052%2Fwith%2F9136367947%2F&set_id=72157634329122052&jump_to=9136367947"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634329122052%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9136367947%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634329122052%2Fwith%2F9136367947%2F&set_id=72157634329122052&jump_to=9136367947" width="640" height="480"></embed></object><br /><br />Museum of Contemporary Art Denver (David Adjaye, 2007)<br /><object height="480" width="640"> <param name="flashvars" value="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634352082706%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9146710349%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634352082706%2Fwith%2F9146710349%2F&set_id=72157634352082706&jump_to=9146710349"></param><param name="movie" value="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://www.flickr.com/apps/slideshow/show.swf?v=124984" allowFullScreen="true" flashvars="offsite=true&lang=en-us&page_show_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634352082706%2Fshow%2Fwith%2F9146710349%2F&page_show_back_url=%2Fphotos%2Farchidose%2Fsets%2F72157634352082706%2Fwith%2F9146710349%2F&set_id=72157634352082706&jump_to=9146710349" width="640" height="480"></embed></object>

Denver, Photographed

Here are a few slideshows of photos I took while in Denver last week for the AIA Convention. Denver Art Museum (Gio Ponti, 1971; and Daniel ...

Read more »

Paula Deen Does Not Hate Niggers

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkFS7BBkUWRF4_d-E999tUbNUYWsPU9i0qVQ12u1hNFtjw9FxsAXERKq0YM8ff0NysfS8GkbdEv96MA7SMExEoasJijep1bmkvq1KXVrfw0yXzvKDmdqcWRWYIpqzz9ZLM67k1-xwdAI/s1600/Paula+Deen+Racism+Nigger+Food+Network.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMkFS7BBkUWRF4_d-E999tUbNUYWsPU9i0qVQ12u1hNFtjw9FxsAXERKq0YM8ff0NysfS8GkbdEv96MA7SMExEoasJijep1bmkvq1KXVrfw0yXzvKDmdqcWRWYIpqzz9ZLM67k1-xwdAI/s400/Paula+Deen+Racism+Nigger+Food+Network.jpg" width="400" /></a>Hey Y’all!!  Paula Deen here, guest blogging for news-these-days.com today.<br /><br />Why am I writing on the glorious pages of the IWS Radio website, y’all ask?<br /><br />Well…It’s part of my racially charged rhetoric rehabilitation process.  I have apologized on You Tube.<br /><br />Yesterday I somewhat, but not really, apologized for my bigoted invectives on the Today Show with Matt Lauer, and today?<br /><br />Here I am on <i>I’m With Stupid</i> in all of my repentant, resplendent, and buttery glory coming to you in the wrote down fashion type a thing.<br /><br />For the next forty days and forty nights, that began with the aforemended You Tube thing, I am going to appear on every type of media outlet that will have me, in order to apologize and/or defend myself.<br /><br />I’m calling my hurried and harried media mea culpa blitz…<br /><br /><i>Paula’s Incredible Edible Regrettable Tour™ !!</i><br /><br />Let me tell you folks.  I have only used the word, nigger once in my life, and that was when I was describing, to my husband mind y’all, the assailant who put a gun to my head during a bank robbery.<br /><br />I was shaken and stirred and knew not what I was saying, and y’all know what?<br /><br />When I think about it, it would have been better if I had called the guy with the gun to my head, a nigger, because if I had, I would probably be dead and not have to suffer the unwarranted and hurtful stones being cast upon me by the media and public opinion.<br /><br />People are out to destroy me, because they are jealous of my success.  People like Lisa Jackson who say that I created a hostile work environment full of racial jokes and pornography.  I have even been attributed to saying the following:<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitOtS_QM06ILEbFkAigFsv6G3ClMzGlYYOEOPcnNCr3nT-SEbfNRosZPcrtxcji2Ymz897F7SVKZ-Ro2WVaq_ul_4lvPJk7k3SYA9jOglHr9xSOFU2q_EJsV-Zt78MRkaVTlfIZUSJRA/s1600/Paula+Deen+Food+Network+Racist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgitOtS_QM06ILEbFkAigFsv6G3ClMzGlYYOEOPcnNCr3nT-SEbfNRosZPcrtxcji2Ymz897F7SVKZ-Ro2WVaq_ul_4lvPJk7k3SYA9jOglHr9xSOFU2q_EJsV-Zt78MRkaVTlfIZUSJRA/s400/Paula+Deen+Food+Network+Racist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />What…on…Earth?<br /><br />How could I have said that…I would never go for something like that.  I mean c’mon y’all…<br /><br />Long sleeves and bow ties with shorts?  That’s just a stupid look!!  They would have to wear pants!!  No self-respecting, tap dancing, wait staff jigaboo tap dances in shorts!!<br /><br />Listen y’all…My culinary media empire is strong.  I built my success upon a foundation of sturdy, high cholesterol, and deep fried blocks.  I didn’t build the foundation of my industry success upon the shakiness of a bunch of niggers in a woodpile.  Although…<br /><br />I was the one who got Patrick and Gina Neely their own show on The Food Network, so maybe I did have a couple of darkies in the foundational mix, but listen…<br /><br />I love Patrick and Gina so much, and they are black mind you, that I had my friend and ceramics guy Jim “Butterfingers” Vogel, form and bake me up a couple of little statues of the Neelys, which are always on display atop my kitchen table, as you can clearly see…<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvZV8_Om1XGuQtgkT_z4DU2tqPGCXHd6uPV0BKccvGYF5Gi8wpA7-CEt2BmriEl7uWzlNVjdvJpk4tiC5U5HI7T-U5gX6VHnXZaGkkfWUsv8PS4YxonX8PbOOhPmPBtSTwzbCXwN0h68/s1600/Lawn+Jockey+Racist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="361" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNvZV8_Om1XGuQtgkT_z4DU2tqPGCXHd6uPV0BKccvGYF5Gi8wpA7-CEt2BmriEl7uWzlNVjdvJpk4tiC5U5HI7T-U5gX6VHnXZaGkkfWUsv8PS4YxonX8PbOOhPmPBtSTwzbCXwN0h68/s400/Lawn+Jockey+Racist.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />It's as though they are both holding giant doughnuts in their hands...Uh-huh, y’all…Who’s the racist now!!?<br /><br />And let me tell you before I go…<br /><br />After I moved out of mammy and pappy’s and got my first real job....One of the first things I did was buy a dog for protection.  He was strong, always alert, and a very well-hung dog.  And do y’all know what I named him?<br /><br />Shaft.<br /><br />This was even during the George Wallace years.  If that ain’t showing love for my bruthas and sistahs, I don’t know what is.<br /><br />Thanks for having me here today on <i>I’m With Stupid</i>, now if you’ll excuse me, I am off to have a well earned meal of fried chicken, collard greens, and watermelon with Darius Rucker.  He’s such a get-a-longer, go-a-longer.<br /><br />What?  No worries...Darius is one of those "tame ones."<br /><br /><i>Best Dishes to You,</i><br /><br />Paula Deen<br /><br /><a href="mailto:mattmaniws@ymail.com">mattmaniws@ymail.com</a><br /><a href="https://twitter.com/MattMan_IWS" target="_blank"><span style="color: blue;">@mattman_iws</span></a><br /><span style="color: blue;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/mattmaniws" target="_blank">My Facebook Page</a></span><br /><br /><br /><br />Be sure to check out the I’m With Stupid podcast! The #1 Comedy show on Blog Talk Radio! <br /><br /><br /><object classid="clsid:D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000" codebase="http://download.adobe.com/pub/shockwave/cabs/flash/swflash.cab#version=9,0,0,0" height="270" id="143577" name="143577" width="210"><param name="movie" value="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf?file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2Fim-with-stupid%2Fplay_list.xml%3Fitemcount%3D5&autostart=true&bufferlength=5&volume=80&corner=rounded&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/flashplayercallback.aspx" /><param name="quality" value="high" /><param name="wmode" value="transparent" /><param name="menu" value="false" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /><embed src="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/btrplayer.swf" flashvars="file=http://www.blogtalkradio.com%2fim-with-stupid%2fplay_list.xml%3Fitemcount%3D5&autostart=true&shuffle=false&callback=http://www.blogtalkradio.com/FlashPlayerCallback.aspx&width=210&height=270&volume=80&corner=rounded" width="210" height="270" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high" wmode="transparent" menu="false" name="143577" id="143577" allowScriptAccess="always"></embed></object><br /><div style="font-size: 10px; text-align: center; width: 220px;">Listen to <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/">internet radio</a> with <a href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/im-with-stupid">Im With Stupid</a> on Blog Talk Radio<br /><br /><br /></div></div>

Paula Deen Does Not Hate Niggers

Hey Y’all!!  Paula Deen here, guest blogging for news-these-days.com today. Why am I writing on the glorious pages of the IWS Radio website,...

Read more »

Build A Successful Weight Loss Treatment Business The Recession Proof Technique

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Joe Smith</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>You've been daydreaming for months about your new weight loss treatment and consulting services business. Even though that's a lot of fun and builds up excitement, you also need to deal with the reality of starting with a reasonable business model. Without a model, you could risk spending more money then you planned. For more tips on starting a business check out the following article.<br /> <br /> As a sales person, you should tell your customers how your products can enhance their lives. You should be knowledgeable about all of your products so that you can share the health benefits, safety benefits, cost-effectiveness, and other selling points that will please your customers.<br /> <br /> You may be talking big all over the media, but that is just the idea of the product you're selling. What matters most for the success of any weight loss treatment and consulting services business is to give what you promise. Make sure that ultimately what the customer gets to use is the finest product and what you as a weight loss clinic give him is the best service.<br /> <br /> Running a weight loss treatment and consulting services business requires a great deal of work, and it also requires ample funds. Finding the financial resources to start your weight loss clinic can be difficult, but once you do, you will be able to run your clinic without any restrictions. Be creative when it comes to funding to create a thriving business.<br /> <br /> Now that you are a weight loss treatment and consulting services business owner, you need to be careful about who you associate yourself with. If you do dealings with another weight loss clinic that has a reputation for being corrupt, that could reflect very negatively on your own business. Surround yourself with honest people and your business will seem much more trustworthy.<br /> <br /> Try to start some sort of loyalty program to recognize your best customers. It's often the little things that count. Send a birthday card on your customer's birthday, and they'll be flattered.<br /> <br /> While you are still in the very early planning stages of your weight loss treatment and consulting services business, you should already be deciding on your goals. Your goals are what will lead the day-to-day actions and decisions of your business. Without a clear set of goals, you will be left confused about what you need to do.<br /> <br /> Be unique when it comes to advertising. Don't go with the same marketing campaign that hundreds of other companies have used. Think creatively to come up with the advertising scheme that is great for your weight loss treatment and consulting services business particularly. This will help you to increase your profits greatly.<br /> <br /> Your employees cannot do the job you want them to do if you are not properly training them. You want all your employees to be working in a consistent way, so you should set up a training program that shows them exactly what they are supposed to do. Going over the correct methods for each task will cut down on error.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>If you are searching for additional tips created by experts, please open your best browser and search for <a href='http://www.surgicalweightlosscalifornia.com/'>bariatric surgery glendale ca</a>. You'll discover some interesting ideas related to <a href='http://www.surgicalweightlosscalifornia.com/about/'>bariatric surgeon california</a>.</div><br /> </div><br />

Build A Successful Weight Loss Treatment Business The Recession Proof Technique

By Joe Smith You've been daydreaming for months about your new weight loss treatment and consulting services business. Even though t...

Read more »

I am blessed!!

INCREDIBLE - I have had 1742 views of my page since I started this blog just 5 days ago.  THANK YOU!!!!  This actually motivates me even more because I have so many who are obviously following  my progress.  I WILL DO THIS!!!<br /><br />I got my first email today about the FREE 3 day trial with kickstart60 - the virtual dietary professionals there to help "Kick start" my weight loss using the healthy DASH diet.  So far, I'm impressed with how I am made to feel like an individual vs a computer.  Mindy will be my registered dietician and I can't wait to see when she will have for me.  I hope she knows I'm a bit challenging ha!  Well, I'm PICKY, but I will make do with whatever we come up with.  They will provide COMPLETE shopping lists for easy meal planning - EXCITED about that alone!!!!  I mean, there are those who plan so well - like those who get PAID to shop by taking advantage of those coupons.  I admire them.  But, I look at papers all day at work, I do NOT want to see any when I get home!!  I must admit, I am a "go to the store and just grab stuff" kind of person.  Hmmm, might be why I am also overweight?  think? Nah.......I blame that on my addiction to SWEETS!!!!<br /><br />Again, go check out this wonderful program:  <a href="http://kickstarter60.com/">http://kickstarter60.com/</a>  They have other options such as individual phone dietary counseling.  You can also GIFT this program to someone....like ME!!!!!  Any takers????  sigh, ok, no begging!  I can do this right??? I WILL do this!!<br /><br />Last night I had a great TEXT conversation with Karen Mann - she's the wife of Dr. Michael Mann.  We crack each other up.   She's so much fun, she encourages me all of the time.  We officially set the day for me to go weigh in for Friday!!!  I will "think" about being brave to video the FIRST weigh in.  But, when I do that, I will be exposing my weight, so that will take courage.  But I think by exposing it, it's confronting it head on.  Just like any other emotional baggage, if you hide it away, it's going to keep creeping  back in your life one way or another.  So, I think by exposing it will be acknowledging that I have an issue.  Kind of that AA approach.<br /><br />Today was the same repeat of yesterday in my diet (LEFT OVERS ROCK).  Once I get going on Kickstarter60, I will post some pictures of my great recipes I make.  I may not share those direct recipes on my blog because I will want others to subscribe to that service and give them that respect.  But I will also make some of my own, that I will share.  <br /><br />I chose a bad time to start this diet, tonight is BIG BROTHER premier.   Three nights a week where I have to keep my hand out of the chip bowl while watching drama, will be torture.  For those of you who love big brother and you don't have time to spend 3 nights a week, please visit my friend Jamie Merlo's blog:  <a href="http://big-brother-15-blog.blogspot.com/">http://big-brother-15-blog.blogspot.com/</a> .  She blogs FULL TIME during big brother season.  She has access to the live feeds that she watches probably 20 hours a day lol.  (You are also invited to get the live feeds through her website).  I am a chat moderator in her blog chat room (yes, I am THAT hard core).  If you have a few pennies, donate (not required) because she does do this literally full time during the entire season!!!  <br /><br />HAPPY HUMP DAY!!!!!  <br /><br /><br /><br />

I am blessed!!

INCREDIBLE - I have had 1742 views of my page since I started this blog just 5 days ago.  THANK YOU!!!!  This actually motivates me even mor...

Read more »

Find Out How To Get Flat Abs For Women

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Leonor Rivera</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Learning how to get flat abs for women can be extremely empowering. This is one of the most common trouble zones and it is also one of the most difficult to target. Fortunately, the right forms of a training and the proper diet can produce remarkable results in record time.<br /> <br /> It is important to note that there are many different ways to train the abdominal region or core muscles. People do not always have to perform exercises for targeting this area while lying prone. In addition to sit-ups and crunches there are many Pilates-based activities and standing exercises that can be used to this end.<br /> <br /> There are also a variety of cardiovascular activities that will help ladies to gain washboard stomach. For instance, running or jogging programs that are regularly implemented can help a person to gain a tight and well-toned abdomen fairly quickly. These activities also help to burn away stored fats so that new muscle tone gets maximum visibility.<br /> <br /> One very important aspect of training this area is learning to use the correct form. These muscles are among the most important in the body because the are necessary for good balance and for protecting spinal health. This is why people should work hard to keep these muscles properly engaged at all times.<br /> <br /> Simply drawing your core muscles in and upwards and then holding them in is how you can engage this muscle group. This allows people to exercise more effectively without causing undue harm to their bodies. When these remain engage, people have the ability to glean more advantages form their workouts.<br /> <br /> The neck is also something that ladies should focus on when attempting to do abdominal exercises with the proper form. For instance, if you are doing a sit-up, your chin should not be angled into your chest. This will cause you to place the majority of the labor on your neck, rather than your stomach. Your waistline will essentially remain unchained while your neck will become more muscular. It is far better to keep a small space between the chin and the chest. This should be about the size of an apple.<br /> <br /> Conditioning for this region of the body should have two main components. You should engage in strength-building exercises in order to develop these muscles. You must also perform fat-burning activities in order to reduce fat deposits. These efforts together will make the abdomen smoother, flatter and far more visually appealing. You can alternate different activities so that you never become too sore to maintain true to your training regimen. You must also stretch this area to avoid physical pain and muscle strain.<br /> <br /> Another major part of learning <A href="http://www.themabs.com">how to get flat abs for women</A> is discovering the best foods. Certain foods promote higher levels of fat loss in the stomach area than others. Consuming plenty of fresh produce and herbs like cayenne pepper will amp up your metabolism and help you to drop unwanted fat stores from your waist.<br /> <br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawresource'><br /> <div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawabout'><br /> About the Author:<br /> </div><br /> <div class='uawlinks'>If you are wondering how to get flat abs for women, go to the web pages at <a href="http://www.themabs.com">www.themabs.com</a> today. You can see techniques and tips at http://www.themabs.com now.</div><br /> </div><br />

Find Out How To Get Flat Abs For Women

By Leonor Rivera Learning how to get flat abs for women can be extremely empowering. This is one of the most common trouble zones and it...

Read more »

Teamsters approve national UPS contract; freight contract rejected in separate referendum

We know you're interested in what's going on with UPS, so we're just posting the press release here:<br /><br />The Teamsters Union announced today that a majority of UPS Teamsters have voted to approve a new five-year national contract that contains significant wage increases and other improvements.<br /><br />The vote on the contract, the largest collective bargaining agreement in North America, was<br />34,307 to 30,202<br /><br />The union also announced that UPS Freight Teamsters have rejected a proposed five-year national agreement with UPS Freight by a vote of 1,897 to 4,244.<br /><br />Highlights of the new UPS contract, which covers about 240,000 union-represented employees, include wage increases totaling $3.90 per hour over the five-year term of the agreement, an increase in the starting part-time wage rate, the creation of 2,350 full-time jobs, protections from harassment and intimidation by supervisors, protections for employees who choose to work fewer hours in a day and guaranteed vacation time for employees coming back from military leave and other improvements. The agreement also maintains the current practice of no employee contributions for monthly premiums for health insurance.<br /><br />A provision in the contract that changes the health care plan for some UPS Teamsters led to the rejection of 17 local supplements and riders to the national agreement. The provision moves 140,000 UPS Teamsters from their current UPS health plan into a new plan that will be jointly administered by the Teamsters Union and employers. That change was made because during negotiations, UPS said it would cut health benefits that members currently receive in the company plan and raise the cost to employees significantly.<br /><br />The Teamster negotiating committees responsible for the supplements and riders that were not approved by a majority of voting members will be talking with the members in their areas. In the meantime, the Teamsters Union will schedule meetings to engage the company in further negotiations to achieve our members’ objectives.<br /><br />The Teamsters National UPS Freight Negotiating Committee will be scheduling negotiations with UPS Freight soon in order to address members’ concerns. That agreement, which covers about 10,000 union-represented workers, will then need to be voted on again by the members.

UPS Teamsters approve national UPS contract; freight contract rejected in separate referendum

We know you're interested in what's going on with UPS, so we're just posting the press release here: The Teamsters Union announc...

Read more »

Massive protests against poverty led by unions around the globe

<div>Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of people are revolting against the 1 percent that's looting every last penny from their wallets. They're marching in the streets, calling general strikes and toppling governments. They<a href="http://inserbia.info/news/2013/05/germany-frankfurt-blockupy-protest/"> blockaded the central bank in Frankfurt</a> on Friday. They set<a href="http://www.newstatesman.com/economics/2013/06/swedish-riots-what-really-happened"> fires to cars </a>in Sweden's suburbs last May. They've taken hundreds of arrests in <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/06/25/rev-william-barber-moral-mondays_n_3495176.html">North Carolina's Statehouse</a> since April. They held a<a href="http://rt.com/news/anti-g8-protests-belfast-758/"> massive rally  before the G8 Summit</a> in Northern Ireland a week and a half ago. One hundred thousand are protesting in <a href="http://msn.foxsports.com/foxsoccer/world/story/protests-intensify-before-brazil-vs-uruguay-confederations-cup-semifinal-belo-horizonte-062613?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter">Belo Horizante</a>, Brazil, today.  <br /><br />The 99 Percent has awakened to the reality that corporations will co-opt their governments and impoverish them all unless we stop them.  <br /><br />Call it the global revolt against poverty. And labor unions are at the vanguard.<br /><br />The mainstream media has been slow to connect the massive unrest that's roiled the globe over the past few years. You can draw a straight line from the Wisconsin uprising of 2011 to protests against No Rights At Work in Ohio, Indiana and Michigan, through the Occupy movement all the way to today's Moral Monday protests in North Carolina.<br /><br />Few noticed on March 26, 2011 that<a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2011/03/la-march-for-jobs-swells-as-uk-march26.html"> 20,000 people marched in Los Angeles</a> to protest the war on workers as a half-million people marched in London to protest austerity cuts. Even fewer would connect the <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/06/sneak-tpp-meeting-inspires-canadian.html">campaign against the Trans-Pacific Partnership</a> with the <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/american-factory-boss-held-hostage-beijing-article-1.1380831">Chinese workers who took their American factory owner hostage</a> when he came to lay them off.  <br /><br />They are all part and parcel of the same discontent with billionaires and corporations that have grown too powerful and too predatory. And practically everywhere, unions are leading the fight.<br /><br />In Europe, the 99 percent is fed up with cuts to education, health care and retirement pensions so governments can pay back the banks that cheated them. They want an end to the misery of high unemployment, inequality and a recession that never ends. In Spain, Portugal and France, the tens of thousands who marched in the streets on Friday call themselves the Citizen's Tide. <a href="http://english.pravda.ru/world/europe/06-06-2013/124763-protests_austerity-0/">Pravda</a> reports:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The criticism of this "Citizen's Tide" against austerity cuts and bailout of banks joined together unions, associations and organizations fighting against evictions or the pressure on citizens exerted by the banks which have been rescued with public funds.</blockquote>The next day, Italy's largest trade union confederations<a href="http://www.reuters.com/article/2013/06/22/italy-unemployment-protest-idUSL5N0EY05Y20130622"> led 100,000 people in a Rome rally</a> to protest the jobs crisis. Nine days before that, <a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-22883236">Greek unions called a 24-hour general strike</a> to protest the dismantling of government-owned broadcast stations.  <br /><br />The story is a little different in the United States, but only by degree. Unions are leading the battle against the unfair employment system that robs workers of wages, freedom and dignity. Sometimes that takes the form of a lobbying campaign against the TPP. Sometimes it takes shape as a massive protest against an anti-worker bill being rammed through a legislature. Sometimes it's a court battle over an abusive workplace practice. Sometimes it's the boots on the ground for a political campaign.<br /><br />But wherever there's a fight for decent wages, for education for children, for retirement security for all, for fairness and freedom in the workplace, you will find a union member in the thick of it. </div>

Massive protests against poverty led by unions around the globe

Across the globe, hundreds of thousands of people are revolting against the 1 percent that's looting every last penny from their wallets...

Read more »

Gal pal meet up

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Met up with my two besties this evening. We had a great chat and catch up.  There was a lot of holiday talk with Amy and I just back and Alice heading off to Fuerteventura in 2 weeks.  </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj9RmfO7VALmakbldLv9v_sQ_wcCw6JWsYRyzZgz2UeAPBpjReVYn2OZjOipzvqRi_lUe-CKlyag7qvKGantaq9XF_wGjxfSXOy8FJ5cKTi5qbAY7dyqtxfXhC9hXYrpp6s5fuJBIBv-7/s1600/2013-06-26%25252021.51.42.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHj9RmfO7VALmakbldLv9v_sQ_wcCw6JWsYRyzZgz2UeAPBpjReVYn2OZjOipzvqRi_lUe-CKlyag7qvKGantaq9XF_wGjxfSXOy8FJ5cKTi5qbAY7dyqtxfXhC9hXYrpp6s5fuJBIBv-7/s400/2013-06-26%25252021.51.42.jpg"> </a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I had wanted to take a nice pic of us in Starbucks but I forgot so these were snapped in the car park. Lol!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLuMaG_dbfSNdiK0bmsHVfIg8b5oLGeLDrIacCmxUGP8JXxgKbz94Bekb18SXc7XOdUUfdGpeSiAju_QGITabv16gbPaLbcbi-zkyjZRKf0YH3Df5Ne6uMfzGGJb8AKA3GLkP7jsk20n7/s1600/2013-06-26%25252021.51.25.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> <img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipLuMaG_dbfSNdiK0bmsHVfIg8b5oLGeLDrIacCmxUGP8JXxgKbz94Bekb18SXc7XOdUUfdGpeSiAju_QGITabv16gbPaLbcbi-zkyjZRKf0YH3Df5Ne6uMfzGGJb8AKA3GLkP7jsk20n7/s400/2013-06-26%25252021.51.25.jpg"> </a> </div>

Gal pal meet up

Met up with my two besties this evening. We had a great chat and catch up.  There was a lot of holiday talk with Amy and I just back and Ali...

Read more »

How To Get The Most From Weight Loss

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Edwin J. Billingsley</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>You must have proper motivation to enjoy successful weight loss. Don't try to lose the weight to please anyone else; you need to do this for yourself. Use the information you find here to find the necessary motivation to maximize your weight loss.<br /> <br /> Instead of lying down or sitting while on the phone, turn this time into a mini workout. Rather than lounging on the couch as you talk, try walking around the house. You don't have to perform strenuous exercises. Just get your body moving, and you'd be surprised at how much those calories will add up.<br /> <br /> Exercising to get fit is an important part of your weight loss plan. You should strive to workout for at least 30 minutes every single day. Consider joining a club or group that performs activities that you like doing. You can also make new friends this way. These people will often motivate you to stay committed to your fitness plan.<br /> <br /> Hiking outdoors is a great method of achieving weight loss goals. You will not only enjoy nature, but you will also be able to burn calories as well. Hike more rigorously to burn extra calories.<br /> <br /> Find a fitness buddy to help you stay motivated. Knowing another person who has goals similar to yours, participates in the same workouts and follows a similar diet can really keep you dedicated. As a pair, you can provide mutual support anytime dedication seems to wane or one of you starts to grow discouraged.<br /> <br /> Add an exercise program when trying to lose weight. Go out and join the neighborhood gym if you can afford to. Pilates, Tai Chai, walking and jogging are some other choices. Talk with your doctor before beginning a health program. You can stay healthy just by doing exercises at home.<br /> <br /> Try sucking on an ice cube when you feel as if you want to have a snack or some junk food. This trick works well because the desire to eat is often sated just by having some sort of foodstuff in your mouth.<br /> <br /> Your weight loss goals should be realistic. If your goals are unrealistic, then you'll have a harder time achieving them. If you try to loose 15 pounds in a few weeks, you are going to fail or be in very poor health. Instead, make your goals attainable. Try to not look at the overall picture, but instead focus on your weekly goals. Break it up into attainable weekly goals and focus on reaching each goal.<br /> <br /> All types of exercise will lead to weight loss. Sex has shown to lessen a persons cravings for harmful types of food. Exercise can also help you burn calories and feel better overall. There are even ways of having sex in which you can burn as many as 150 calories every 30 minutes.<br /> <br /> If you smoke, you may want to gradually quit your habit and not quit cold turkey. At least don't quit at this moment. Smoking is an addiction, and quitting often leads to using food as a substitute. Weight gain is generally a result and not one that you were aiming for.<br /> <br /> When you are striving to lose weight, think about getting a fitness partner to keep you going. Do your workouts with each other, talk about how you're struggling and also talk about what you have achieved. When you both reach a milestone, celebrate. By having someone to be accountable to, you are less likely to give up on your goals and hit the snooze button in the morning.<br /> <br /> When you start feeling hungry, drink a glass of water and wait fifteen minutes before eating. Sometimes you feel hungry when you actually are thirsty, or just because you are bored. Take a walk and drink a cup of water to feel better. If you feel like you still need to eat then perhaps it may be time to nourish your body.<br /> <br /> As time goes on, you should know when you are hungry as opposed to being emotional and going for food. Using food as a crutch is quite common, it may surprise you how often you do it too.<br /> <br /> Eat each meals at the same times everyday when you are trying to lose weight. When you are aware of when the next meal is going to occur, you will be less likely to snack and stray from your routine. Establish a schedule for eating and stick to it.<br /> <br /> Work can be the enemy of a great diet plan. Many jobs require a great deal of sitting and promote a sedentary attitude. Get up off your chair every chance you get. Hand deliver documents to someone in the building, or run a work errand for an overwhelmed co-worker. Being active at work can be refreshing, and will help you to avoid weight gain.<br /> <br /> To help you save money while losing weight, buy your clothes at thrift stores. This is a good idea because you do not want to spend a lot of money on clothes that will not fit you for long.<br /> <br /> When you partner up with a love one, you create a buddy system that allow you both to motivate each other throughout the weight loss process. Support can be key to your weight loss.<br /> <br /> It's been proven that having cereal five days every week helps you shed pounds. Cereal gives you essential calcium as well as fiber that's great for your heart. Not every brand is suitable for weight loss, so don't grab Fruit Loops! Cereals with low amounts of sugar, like Total and Grape Nuts are helpful.<br /> <br /> Think about keeping a food log or dairy, as it can help you monitor your caloric intake. If you write down what you eat, it will be easier to see what mistakes you are making that are hindering your weight loss efforts. Having the diary to keep you paying attention to what you are consuming will do wonders for reducing your caloric intake.<br /> <br /> There is no magic pill for weight loss. You have to change what you are doing physically and tweak what you are putting into your body. If you will follow our tips, you will find success at effectively losing the weight that you want to lose and keeping it off.<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'>Have a look at the online site at <a href="http://weightlossgurus.org">http://www.weightlossgurus.org/</a> for more awesome weight loss guidelines or in addition browse the <a href="http://weightlossgurus.org/helpful-weight-loss-exercise-tips/">most effective weight loss exercise</a> page here</div><br /> </div><br />

How To Get The Most From Weight Loss

By Edwin J. Billingsley You must have proper motivation to enjoy successful weight loss. Don't try to lose the weight to please anyo...

Read more »

How the sale of Smithfield offers a view of the future under TPP

An overwhelming majority of voters in the <a href="http://www.smithfieldfoods.com/">Smithfield Foods </a>district in Virginia are deeply concerned about the sale of the pork producer to Chinese firm Shuanghui International. They take a dismal view of their community's future if a Chinese company buys the major employer.<br /><br />The potential future of that Virginia district is a microcosm of what life would be like for U.S. workers if the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) is ultimately approved.<br /><br />A <a href="http://forbes.house.gov/instapollresults/results-do-you-believe-the-purchase-of-smithfield-foods-necessitates-cfius-review.htm">poll</a> conducted last week on the website of Rep. Randy Forbes, who represents the Smithfield district, asked constituents what they thought of the deal. More than 90 percent said a CFIUS (Committee on Foreign Investment in the U.S.) review of the acquisition should examine its impact on food safety, the environment and U.S. economic interests.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.foodsafetynews.com/2013/06/senators-ask-government-to-consider-food-safety-when-reviewing-smithfield-deal/#.Ucs1tfm1EVQ">Food Safety News</a> reported that 15 senators have asked the CFIUS committee to include U.S. Department of Agriculture and Food and Drug Administration representatives to review the deal's effect on food safety.<br /><br /><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2012/06/mercury-in-chinese-baby-formula-kebabs.html">We reported last year</a> on mercury in Chinese baby food and kebabs made out of cat meat. Here's more from <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/06/25/smithfield-china-meat-workers/2457957/">USA Today</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Food-safety worries are rife across China after multiple scandals in recent years. Shuanghui apologized to consumers and withdrew products after a 2011 television exposé revealed use of an illegal additive to produce leaner pork. Like all pork producers in China, Shuanghui does not breed most of its own pigs. Thousands of dead pigs floating in a river near Shanghai this March offered a stark reminder of widespread lax practices.</blockquote>Voters are also concerned about jobs that continue to support middle-class families. A USA Today <a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/money/business/2013/06/25/smithfield-china-meat-workers/2457957/">report </a>says the average Shuanghui worker only makes $500 a month, while the 1,600 workers at Smithfield's Denison, Iowa, pork-processing plant typically make about $700 a week.<br /><br />American workers are worried about workplace safety as well. The Food and Commercial Workers Union points out that Chinese processing plants have been plagued by accidents.<br /><br />Concerns like these will only grow if Congress approves the TPP corporate-empowerment deal. Why?  Because U.S. companies will engage in a race to the bottom with those in many developing nations. American workers will be undercut as jobs will either be shifted overseas or wages will be cut. The quality of life for working Americans will continue to fall. Communities will be hollowed out by shuttered factories. The government will be forced to accept food from other countries that doesn't meet our standards.<br /><br />No one is against trade, just unfair trade. When the U.S. negotiates a trade agreement, every provision should benefit working families, not big corporations. It is time to rebuild the middle class, not tear it down, and that means trade deals that benefit working Americans.<br /><br />Stay tuned...

How the sale of Smithfield offers a view of the future under TPP

An overwhelming majority of voters in the  Smithfield Foods  district in Virginia are deeply concerned about the sale of the pork producer t...

Read more »

Executive Director - Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, NY

<strong>Executive Director -</strong> <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Mid-Hudson Library System</span></strong></strong>, Poughkeepsie, NY. Lead an innovative and accomplished New York library system to continue outstanding levels of service and effective resource sharing. The Board of Trustees of the Mid-Hudson Library System, (headquartered in Poughkeepsie, NY), seeks an experienced library leader—responsive to member, staff, and community needs and skilled in focusing the efforts of a team of talented professionals—as its next Executive Director. MHLS, a regional consortium of public libraries in Columbia, Dutchess, Greene, Putnam, and Ulster counties, works in partnership with its member libraries providing access to excellent library services for 650,000+ NY residents. With a $3 million annual budget and 17 FTE system staff, MHLS is a member-focused organization with a reputation for providing continuing education for member library directors, trustees and staff, and strong outreach services to its diverse membership including support for innovative technologies. Responsibilities. The Executive Director serves as the Chief Executive Officer of the Library System, and under the general direction of the 15-member Board of Trustees, has overall responsibility for general administration of System operations. The Executive Director supervises all managers and staff —and works with the Board, staff, member libraries, and major stakeholders to establish the strategic vision for the System aligning its mission, with member library and community needs and priorities. This is complex executive work planning, directing, managing and overseeing the activities and operations of the System. Qualifications. An ALA-accredited Master's Degree in Library Science; the ability to obtain and retain a New York State Public Librarian Certificate; and a minimum of eight years of post MLS experience including two years of which must have been in an administrative capacity. Essential attributes and skills include: vision, creativity, energy and enthusiasm; superior written and oral communications skills; meaningful public library experience; flexibility; political acumen; collaborative and consensus-building skills; experience in recruiting, mentoring, evaluating and retaining an excellent staff; and a desire to continue the tradition of excellence and innovation within the System. See the Executive Director Job Description for additional responsibilities and detailed qualifications. Success working with and reporting to a governing board and working in a union or civil service environment are additional preferred qualifications. Compensation. The hiring salary range is $100,000-120,000 (placement being dependent on experience and qualifications) with an attractive benefits package. For further information, contact <a _fcksavedurl="http://www.gossagesager.com/" href="http://www.gossagesager.com/" target="_blank">Bradbury Associates/Gossage Sager Associates</a> via email or phone. Apply via email with a meaningful cover letter and your resume as Word or pdf attachments to <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:danbradbury@gossagesager.com" href="mailto:danbradbury@gossagesager.com">Dan Bradbury</a> or <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com" href="mailto:jobethbradbury@gossagesager.com">Jobeth Bradbury</a>. This position closes <span style="color: red;">August 11, 2013</span>.

Executive Director - Mid-Hudson Library System, Poughkeepsie, NY

Executive Director - Mid-Hudson Library System , Poughkeepsie, NY. Lead an innovative and accomplished New York library system to continu...

Read more »

Progress perhaps?

When I get emotional, I get <i>really</i> emotional.  Everything upsets me.  Sheets crooked on the bed upsets me.  The presice towel I wanted being dirty upsets me.  Stumbling over a kids toy upsets me.  I literally cry over spilled milk.  It takes a few days to get it out of my system.  I suppose because I'm so busy dismissing whatever was wrong in the first place and stifling the tears that I'm never able to really flush it all out.  <br /><br />Now that I've gotten myself together from the last upset, I can reflect back on the last few days.  I think hubby may have read the last letter again.  Perhaps then he went back and read the real one from a month or two ago whenever it was.<br /><br />Some things happened since the weekend pitiful attempt at talking that are really out of the norm for us. <br /><br />I don't manage time well.  I can't think of a single instance where I've ever managed my time well.  Then enter the kids into the picture.  It takes at least 30 minutes to peacefully transition the kids from playing to the car.  It's partially them but they're young and it's how it goes. A lot of it is me.  I forgot to tell them to put swimsuits on until it's time to leave.  I forget to pack snack until after the swimsuits are on.  I put the sunscreen somewhere, where?  Oh, yeah, we're doing something right after so grab dry clothes and a hairbrush.  Start shouting about how <i>they're</i> making us late again.  Great, now one has lost half the lesson while the other gets the full lesson after.  I usually don't get caught in my many mom of the year moments.  Hubby has been around a lot of afternoons with the work schedule, and so witnesses this daily commotion since we started swim lessons at the beginning of June.<br /><br />Yesterday, he told me he is in charge of the show.  Huh?  Not sure how this is going to play out.  He might just do everything because I'm incompetent or he might motivate me to get moving sooner.  It was the words, yes, but more than anything, it felt good to have him recognize there's a problem and help find a way to make this better.  Yeah, there's the obvious answer of me just doing it right.  I struggle with it horribly.<br /><br />Another thing, yesterday I noticed he waited for me to take care of his dinner stuff at his parents' house.  It's a lot of people so they do buffet style between kitchen and dining room.  I kept his drink full, usually he'd grab the glass as I reached for it.  I asked if he needed anything, usually he'd say no and get it himself, this time he told me what he wanted.  He allowed me to take his plates, usually he'd jump up before I could.  Sounds stupid, I suppose, that I want to do this for him.  And stupid, I suppose, for him to not do these things himself.  I just like doing it.  I want to, almost need to.  And for the first time, I was allowed to.  Not just one thing, but all of it.<br /><br />The last two nights we've talked in bed for a few minutes.  Last night, it was work talk.  I (gasp) bluntly told him I didn't want to talk about work.  Don't know why it's so hard for me to just say what I do or don't want!  So then we talked about baseball stats which I don't care about but gotta give credit for a non-work conversation.  He's not a baseball fan exactly but our university's team had been playing extremely well lately and it turned him into a mini fan. <br /><br />And the icing on our extremely sloooowwwly baking cake... something happened in bed after talking that was new and most definitely what I'd been wanting to at least try.   In a nutshell, I just wanted him to try not being so nice.  Just try.  And he did.  And I liked it :-)

Progress perhaps?

When I get emotional, I get really emotional.  Everything upsets me.  Sheets crooked on the bed upsets me.  The presice towel I wanted bein...

Read more »

Virginia's mowing blitz to spiff up for Independence Day

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7tjQQbXp8foNF5rJDQ4bSZx82BWDxapVotolwRF514bWqFBwvAdZfwY697DFxLHzHbFjtAc8yrGDE_uTU9hDAaGQBezK_4g1nD6VO7A5vNjV_lu1CL7Sa2EoF1bPS_x126b4upUJ1Sqb/s1600/VDOT+truck+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgK7tjQQbXp8foNF5rJDQ4bSZx82BWDxapVotolwRF514bWqFBwvAdZfwY697DFxLHzHbFjtAc8yrGDE_uTU9hDAaGQBezK_4g1nD6VO7A5vNjV_lu1CL7Sa2EoF1bPS_x126b4upUJ1Sqb/s1600/VDOT+truck+2.jpg" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i>Photo from NBC-29.</i></div><br />Virginia is spiffing up the roadways for the upcoming 4th of July holiday as the Virginia Department of Transportation goes on a mowing blitz during the next week. Shoulders and medians will be mowed and trash picked up as the Commonwealth readies for America's birthday.<br /><br />Governor Bob McDonnell announced the cleanup on Tuesday, noting:<br /><blockquote><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> “A clean, well-cut roadway enhances the state’s appearance for residents and visitors, but of greater importance is the effort to improve a motorist’s ability to see signs, guardrail and oncoming traffic, and to pull over during an emergency. Additional mowing will be ongoing throughout the year, but we wanted to make sure that our roads and highways are ready to welcome the public to the Commonwealth ahead of the holiday weekend.”</span></blockquote>As always, be mindful of VDOT workers who are out there beautifying the Old Dominion. They want to spend a safe Independence Day with their families, too.

Bob McDonnell Commonwealth Fourth of July Independence Day NBC-29 Old Dominion VDOT Virginia Virginia Department of Transportation Virginia's mowing blitz to spiff up for Independence Day

Photo from NBC-29. Virginia is spiffing up the roadways for the upcoming 4th of July holiday as the Virginia Department of Transportation go...

Read more »

U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, June 26, 2013

<a href="http://majorityleader.gov/"><i>From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....</i></a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH </b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First and last votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m.</span></div><br /><b>One Minute Speeches</b><br /><br /><a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=342803-6846703" target="_blank"><b>H.Res. 274</b> </a>- A resolution providing for the consideration of H.R. 1613 - Outer Continental Shelf Transboundary Hydrocarbon Agreements Authorization Act, H.R. 2231 - Offshore Energy and Jobs Act, H.R. 2410 - Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 (Special Rule, One Hour of Debate) <i>(Sponsored by Rep. Rob Bishop / Rules Committee) </i><br /><br /><a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=342804-6846703" target="_blank"><b>H.R. 1864</b></a> - To amend title 10, United States Code, to require an Inspector General Investigation of allegations of retaliatory personnel actions taken in response to making protected communications regarding sexual assault (Suspension, 40 minutes of Debate) <i>(Sponsored by Rep. Jackie Walorski / Armed Services Committee)</i><br /><br /><b>Special Order Speeches </b><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;"><u><b>COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY </b></u></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: small;">Budget Committee hearing on “<a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=342805-6846703" target="_blank">America’s Energy Revolution: A New Path to Jobs and Economic Growth</a>” (Wednesday, June 26th, at 10:00 a.m.)</span><br /><span style="font-size: small;"><br /> </span><br /><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;"><a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=342806-6846703" target="_blank">Printable PDF</a></span></div></div>

Congress energy independence Eric Cantor Food and Drug Administration Inspector General Jobs offshore energy U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House schedule for Wednesday, June 26, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor.... WEDNESDAY, JUNE 26TH  On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m....

Read more »

Today's Teamster News 06.26.13

(UPDATES to ADD Missouri paycheck deception veto)<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/supreme-court-stops-use-of-key-part-of-voting-rights-act/2013/06/25/26888528-dda5-11e2-b197-f248b21f94c4_story.html?hpid=z1">Supreme Court stops use of key part of Voting Rights Act</a>  Washington Post   ...The Supreme Court on Tuesday freed states from special federal oversight under the landmark Voting Rights Act of 1965, saying the data Congress used to identify the states covered by it was outdated and unfair...<br /><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/06/24/2205241/supreme-court-ruled-in-favor-of-americas-top-corporate-lobbying-group-in-13-of-16-cases-this-term/">Supreme Court Ruled In Favor Of America’s Top Corporate Lobbying Group In 13 of 16 Cases This Term</a>   ThinkProgress   ...after today, the Chamber’s record before the Roberts Court is 13 wins and just 3 loses this term...<br /><a href="http://www.courierpress.com/news/2013/jun/24/study-finds-business-subsidies-lead-to-few-jobs/">Study finds business subsidies lead to few jobs</a>  Evansville Courier & Press   ...Giant subsidy packages awarded by states and local governments to attract businesses or keep them from leaving have been growing steadily in size and occurring more frequently since 2008, according to a Washington, D.C.-based policy think tank...<br /><a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/174964/fired-walmart-workers-arrested-protest-yahoo-headquarters#">Fired Walmart Workers Arrested in Protest at Yahoo Headquarters</a>  The Nation   ...Five activists were arrested at Yahoo! headquarters Monday afternoon in a protest over the firing of eleven Walmart employees who this month went on strike...<br /><a href="http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/25/brazil-president-dilma-rousseff-reform">Dilma Rousseff proposes referendum on political reform</a>  The Guardian   ...Brazilian president Dilma Rousseff has proposed a referendum on political reform and a new £17bn public transport programme in her latest attempt to mollify the protest movement that brought more than a million people on to the streets last week...<br /><a href="http://www.thenation.com/blog/174975/grayson-announces-bill-let-workers-personally-sue-bosses-who-retaliate#">Grayson Announces Bill to Let Workers Personally Sue Bosses Who Retaliate</a>  The Nation   ...In a Tuesday interview, Congressman Alan Grayson (D-FL) announced the introduction of a bill to dramatically expand the legal remedies available to non-union workers who are punished for workplace activism...<br /><a href="http://www.missourinet.com/2013/06/25/nixon-strikes-down-paycheck-protection-measure/">Nixon strikes down ‘paycheck protection’ measure</a>  Missourinet   ...Gov. Jay Nixon today signed into law several bills, and vetoed Senate Bill 29, which supporters call “paycheck protection” and opponents call “paycheck deception.” The bill would have prevented labor unions from using member dues for political contributions...<br /><a href="http://www.sacbee.com/2013/06/25/5521391/labor-backed-bill-tests-supermajority.html">Labor-backed bill tests supermajority control of California Legislature</a>  Sacramento Bee   ...With Democrats set to lose their Assembly supermajority this week, moderates are in the hot seat as the house decides the fate of one of organized labor's top priorities. A measure, which seeks to bar Wal-Mart and other large employers from providing wages and hours low enough to qualify for Medi-Cal rolls, requires a two-thirds supermajority to pass...<br /><a href="http://www.app.com/article/20130625/NJNEWS/306250075/NJ-officials-reconsider-toll-privatization?nclick_check=1">NJ officials reconsider privatizing toll collection</a>  Asbury Park Press   ...Privatizing cash toll collection on the state’s two major toll roads is back on the table, but a goal of cashless tolls is years away from happening...<br /><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-enterprise-zones-20130625,0,6779044.story">Bill to revamp enterprise zone program advances to Senate floor</a>   Los Angeles Times   ...Gov. Jerry Brown's push to overhaul California's controversial enterprise zone program is headed for floor debate in the state Senate after winning a crucial committee endorsement Monday. The measure would get rid of most of the $750-million-a-year incentive program and shift the money to three initiatives...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/UPSFCount_06242013.pdf">UPS Freight Agreement Not Accepted By Members</a>  IBT   ...Members at UPS Freight have voted to reject their Tentative Agreement. To see the results of the UPS Freight vote, click <a href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/UPSFCount_06242013.pdf">here</a>...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/content/teamster-represented-funeral-directors-rally-new-contract">Teamster-Represented Funeral Directors Rally for New Contract</a>  IBT   ...Funeral directors, drivers and their supporters from around Chicago rallied in front of SCI-owned Blake-Lamb Funeral Home in Oak Lawn today. The rally was held to support the funeral directors’ bargaining team...<br /><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/ap/2013-06-25/republic-airways-announces-contract-with-teamsters">Republic Airways announces contract with Teamsters</a>  Associated Press   ...Republic Airways Holdings Inc. says it has a deal with the Teamsters on a five-year contract covering more than 2,000 flight attendants…<br /><a href="http://www.policeone.com/police-jobs-and-careers/articles/6289023-Nev-police-union-votes-no-confidence-in-city-manager/">Nev. police union votes 'no confidence' in city manager</a>  Las Vegas Sun   ...North Las Vegas police union voted unanimously on Friday on a vote of "no confidence" in City Manager Tim Hacker. The vote came two days after the North Las Vegas City Council declared a state of emergency for the second year in a row to close an $18 million budget deficit after stalled negotiations with unions, including the Teamsters...<br /><a href="http://thechronicleherald.ca/business/1137390-truro-farmers-plant-will-lose-about-10-union-jobs">Truro Farmers plant will lose about 10 union jobs</a>  Chronicle Herald   ...A Quebec dairy giant’s plan to stop making cheese at its Truro plant will result in about 10 unionized jobs being lost, a Teamsters Canada official said Monday...<br /><a href="http://www.wgrz.com/news/article/218011/13/Union-Representing-Rural-Metro-EMTs--Paramedics-Approves-Strike-Notice">Union Representing Rural Metro EMTs & Paramedics Approves Strike Notice</a>  NBC WGRZ-2   ...Paramedics and EMTs at Rural Metro Medical Services in Buffalo, NY have authorized a possible strike. Teamsters Local 375, which represents the workers, informed the company Monday that the strike authorization vote was passed by their membership...<br /><a href="http://blog.pe.com/2013/06/24/labor-riverside-7-up-distributors-go-on-strike/">Riverside 7-Up distributors go on strike</a>  Press-Enterprise  ...Distribution workers in Riverside, CA that ship beverages, mostly 7-Up, to area retailers went on strike this morning. About 100 workers walked off their jobs as part of a contract stalemate...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/teamster-magazine/2013-spring/main-stories/bringing-light-southern-california-homes">Building and Construction Teamsters: Bringing Light to Southern California Homes</a>  IBT   ...Teamster members of Bloomington, Calif.-based Local 166 work at this vast facility as drivers, inventory control staff, parts managers, and shipping and receiving staff...<br /><a href="http://www.teamsters542.org/index.cfm?zone=/unionactive/view_article.cfm&HomeID=294762">Teamsters Local 542 Awards Scholarships to Member's Children </a> Teamsters Local 542   ...Teamsters Local 542 awarded the “Rick Aceves Memorial Scholarship” to four of its member’s children graduating from high school...

Today's Teamster News 06.26.13

(UPDATES to ADD Missouri paycheck deception veto) Supreme Court stops use of key part of Voting Rights Act   Washington Post   ...The Supre...

Read more »

the deck a year later - restore armor review

We've been spending a lot of time outside this week. One of the benefits to potty training in the summer  is enjoying the privacy of your own backyard in your underwear. We get a lot of fresh air and accidents are a lot easier to take on the grass than on my rug. Too much information first thing? Moving on.<br /><br />So with all of this outside time, we've been using the deck like crazy. In fact, we've used the deck more this spring/summer than we have the whole time we've lived here. And since I still get questions weekly about our <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-wear-my-sunglasses-at-night-deck.html" target="_blank">deck makeover</a> (read about it <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2012/06/i-wear-my-sunglasses-at-night-deck.html" target="_blank">here</a>), I thought I would give a progress report.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f12HRnYUNhC5xdeEQHVGYTMvndrKR8iiAkAzbmT0ewB8ggLjpRnG80bZZGTCfofOqMGtHbJIva145TT1N_3bByE_KqY3RlQrG6lm8IikXYZYABINVwoyBv6qn9icm7rAL77hClbZJrn2/s1600/LBDDeckTable.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="386" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9f12HRnYUNhC5xdeEQHVGYTMvndrKR8iiAkAzbmT0ewB8ggLjpRnG80bZZGTCfofOqMGtHbJIva145TT1N_3bByE_KqY3RlQrG6lm8IikXYZYABINVwoyBv6qn9icm7rAL77hClbZJrn2/s400/LBDDeckTable.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />This is how the deck looked when we finished it exactly one year ago this week.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p_BxPBgrXsCRIJUm4nGy_Hmw89YVaHd4wUaW6hP_yBcsdoGXN05aBc5FdgK8AnCJsoEhwGwZwEjZd4O9E1NKzBdACpDn6DkI_p9XB_DyK_6aqZHJtISR36S__NCG-6DD5aQDVBr2u4US/s1600/LBDDeckAYearLater.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-p_BxPBgrXsCRIJUm4nGy_Hmw89YVaHd4wUaW6hP_yBcsdoGXN05aBc5FdgK8AnCJsoEhwGwZwEjZd4O9E1NKzBdACpDn6DkI_p9XB_DyK_6aqZHJtISR36S__NCG-6DD5aQDVBr2u4US/s400/LBDDeckAYearLater.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />And this is how the deck looked yesterday. I took my flower boxes down during the last storm and haven't put them back up, and we have an umbrella now, but otherwise these shots are just like the Olsen twins - identical...and a bit boho.<br /><br />Oh, and one side note - I failed to sweep sufficiently before I took these pictures so enjoy the real life shots. And if you are disgusted by my lack of sweeping, the public flogging is tomorrow at noon.<br /><br />I am happy to report that we are thrilled with our decision to use <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Restore-2-gal-Gray-Deck-and-Concrete-Resurfacer-46028/204005161#.UcpqoD773CA" target="_blank">Restore Deck Liquid Armor Resurfacer</a>.  (I see that this is a <a href="http://www.rustoleum.com/" target="_blank">Rustoleum</a> product which might explain why it is so awesome. Rustoleum, I'm happy to become your spokeswoman and I'm not above wearing a spray paint costume on the streets to sing your praises.)<br /><br />Our deck is pummeled on an hourly basis by several 100+ year old oak trees, a small sanctuary full of birds (thanks to my neighbor and his damn bird feeder) and at least a pound of sidewalk chalk. And it is as if we just painted yesterday.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2drc0bY1kZi3z9DyGWExTh6BRWebiNySUafiQtfHTcmI8kIHuORcZyoqRAnDdqlSDfhrQNKMWt_7WwAQ060QMEr6jXrMMp75Ptz_Hmt6hd9Z1y5woDmagd06NF70KVNekPNakv8dAbp6e/s1600/restoredeckarmor.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="331" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2drc0bY1kZi3z9DyGWExTh6BRWebiNySUafiQtfHTcmI8kIHuORcZyoqRAnDdqlSDfhrQNKMWt_7WwAQ060QMEr6jXrMMp75Ptz_Hmt6hd9Z1y5woDmagd06NF70KVNekPNakv8dAbp6e/s400/restoredeckarmor.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />The color is gray for the many that have asked. And yes, it is just 'gray'. I even double checked the box to make sure. I guess I have gotten used to Benjamin Moore and their snazzy paint names, I'm not used to such a straight forward paint color.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2V8dTvBrHYaezlk3mYX6UcUAc9XFQuo0ElUaxrlPZZewfEj_VBoCGSIkmKrdfWlS7O99gc2ZgWOP9nTo9JCq2ofEXPCbUlNH88pFAjd1n-ZT3RgNOFpqTJvUP_w4EwU-fuYMV4spwnlP/s1600/restorearmorcloseup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji2V8dTvBrHYaezlk3mYX6UcUAc9XFQuo0ElUaxrlPZZewfEj_VBoCGSIkmKrdfWlS7O99gc2ZgWOP9nTo9JCq2ofEXPCbUlNH88pFAjd1n-ZT3RgNOFpqTJvUP_w4EwU-fuYMV4spwnlP/s400/restorearmorcloseup.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />Many have also asked how the texture feels on bare feet. I will tell you that initially there was a bit of a pebbly feel to the floor but quickly that hard texture softened and over time it has just gotten more and more comfortable. As someone who is barefoot as much as the law allows from March to October, I would never allow something that I walk on several times a day to be scratchy or uncomfortable. And Eve has spent a fair amount of time with her bare bum on that floor this week (again, potty training) and has been nothing but smiles. How's that for a ringing endorsement.<br /><br />That texture is also a help in the rain and ice as it gives you just enough traction to prevent slipping. And it also stays nice and cool to the touch. A very big deal in a place where we have 90+ temps for months on end.<br /><br />That hard candy shell also does a great job of protecting the finish. Over the past year we've had a few hard storms that have sent pretty big branches straight onto our deck and there is not one mark to show for it. We also kept our table on it throughout the winter and when we picked it up to move it for the <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/06/party-like-its-1963-50th-wedding.html" target="_blank">party</a> there was not one mark on the deck. Super durable is an understatement. There has been no chipping, peeling, bubbling or any other 'ing'.<br /><br />The only negative I can come up with is that it does seem to trap dirt a bit in high traffic areas. But it is nothing that a strong hose can't handle. We've power washed it twice and both times the dirt came up with no problems. In fact, when I was at Home Depot the other day I noticed Restore now has a cleaning solution. Fancy. I haven't tried that out yet but I have plans to over the holiday. Do I know how to celebrate America or what?<br /><br />Oh, and for all of those that were crazed over the fact that we didn't put the stair railings back up...<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z2GRXjNiMaW37GNQ5nq9Y2_NQMc0gRoz3cSJDxzvvG_qlsKvTmpqUnhZf0e65c5I1yTup1kBHH2A2ShVzAW2sbPWiJNY_qpTdURERPwQBKLD_yTTMwswSf88LQAF8RppZbsFYxOx-TdI/s1600/deckrailing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0z2GRXjNiMaW37GNQ5nq9Y2_NQMc0gRoz3cSJDxzvvG_qlsKvTmpqUnhZf0e65c5I1yTup1kBHH2A2ShVzAW2sbPWiJNY_qpTdURERPwQBKLD_yTTMwswSf88LQAF8RppZbsFYxOx-TdI/s400/deckrailing.jpg" width="342" /></a></div><br />happy now?<br /><br />We got that up right before the hospital stay/party. The other side of the railing will come, someday.<br /><br />So to recap - <a href="http://www.homedepot.com/p/Restore-2-gal-Gray-Deck-and-Concrete-Resurfacer-46028/204005161#.UcpqoD773CA" target="_blank">Restore Liquid Deck Armor</a> is aces. I give it two thumbs up and I would recommend it to any and all of you.<br /><br />Have you tried any new products lately? Any plans to update your deck? Any ideas on how to hide my neighbors bird feeder?

the deck a year later - restore armor review

We've been spending a lot of time outside this week. One of the benefits to potty training in the summer  is enjoying the privacy of you...

Read more »

Walking in Dublin

It's a gorgeous bright day in Dublin - getting up to 20!<div><br></div><div>I set off for a walk with my iPhone playing Lady Gaga and my Starbucks card (the much coveted, no longer available Dublin Starbucks card) in my hand. Within 15 mins I was sitting in Harcourt Street sipping coffee and reading the paper. Bliss!</div><div><br></div><div>When I go home I'll have a quick shower, unload the dishwasher & washing machine and then set off for work.  Speaking of housework, with the two of us both working full time we find it hard to keep on top of it all. My husband wants us to hire a cleaner while I think that's a cop out and we should just watch less TV (or switch off the Internet) in the evening and do more cleaning. Readers, any thoughts?  Or even better any tips on how to keep the housework at bay!</div><div><br></div><div>As the saying goes, a clean house means a boring life......</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyExXsK_TCU_-loP4Q-LwOxSaqWEsLlREUV6i4i7NHE6DdpIkuHQYKcCwFyc7uHdmX12-Gyl_C51jigntb3kHUSJD38sKmOF9A4sZJToWbioHX2XLo-aFt3Vm4kvI5aa1P7LIE-hHBz4a7/s640/blogger-image-2111001415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyExXsK_TCU_-loP4Q-LwOxSaqWEsLlREUV6i4i7NHE6DdpIkuHQYKcCwFyc7uHdmX12-Gyl_C51jigntb3kHUSJD38sKmOF9A4sZJToWbioHX2XLo-aFt3Vm4kvI5aa1P7LIE-hHBz4a7/s640/blogger-image-2111001415.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJo6B1C91XNnovh1SLXS6IDOG96-hgAcrymKaCyOGV2pUOtHDDIfeKctK0JveQ26yriiu7yIyecF3pxp83d3V-YPpZxTCZvHEu1htuqJazEwbdqPE6iKz3kKnD6UaziKxvYih8lVTYmgpu/s640/blogger-image-454088133.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJo6B1C91XNnovh1SLXS6IDOG96-hgAcrymKaCyOGV2pUOtHDDIfeKctK0JveQ26yriiu7yIyecF3pxp83d3V-YPpZxTCZvHEu1htuqJazEwbdqPE6iKz3kKnD6UaziKxvYih8lVTYmgpu/s640/blogger-image-454088133.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>

Walking in Dublin

It's a gorgeous bright day in Dublin - getting up to 20! I set off for a walk with my iPhone playing Lady Gaga and my Starbucks card (th...

Read more »