A walk in the clouds ... maintaining the Appalachian Trail (Rockfish to Reeds Gap)

<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Aq5Cdgl3QdpfnJ91WwXMRCmSRBVZJvF3EdUJ0I-u-g-PVdZNG7h479i8t9HbSLcGpbRsOiTh_6HHpo_rcSdyiT3jGrakg49h1p7jWg1KDYeECAUPX6CYkOv1GRo_fdNymWC1J9jEzeba/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3Aq5Cdgl3QdpfnJ91WwXMRCmSRBVZJvF3EdUJ0I-u-g-PVdZNG7h479i8t9HbSLcGpbRsOiTh_6HHpo_rcSdyiT3jGrakg49h1p7jWg1KDYeECAUPX6CYkOv1GRo_fdNymWC1J9jEzeba/s640/6.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><br />I enjoy hearing from the folks who are intimately involved with upkeep and involvement along the mountains as is the case with "Merlot" (her trail name). She is one of a number of volunteers in charge of upkeep along the Appalachian Trail from Rockfish Gap to Reeds Gap nineteen miles south, and including Afton Mountain and Humpback Rock. No one loves nature and Virginia's mountains more than those who actually put sweat equity into making sure hiking trails are maintained for thru-hikers as well as day-trippers.<br /><br />Merlot authors a blog, <a href="http://rockfishtoreeds.blogspot.com/">Rockfish to Reeds</a>, that chronicles not only those who work on the trails but those who hike them. <br /><br />So how did this pathway in the clouds all come to be? Merlot's post, "Appalachian Trail: The Roof of the East Coast," notes:<br /><blockquote>I suspect large numbers of the hiking public give little thought to the 'nitty gritty' of the trail, either how it was built (a common misconception is that it was an old 'Indian path') or the fact that 'somebody' needs to keep the trail in hiking condition and exactly who those 'somebodys' are. I was on the AT one day during weed season and weed whipping away with a swing blade when a group of hikers came by. One of them, a very nice lady, kindly asked me "How much is the government paying you to do this?" She was absolutely serious and sincere with that question and she was totally amazed when I answered "I am being paid nothing ..... you are on the Appalachian Trail which is maintained by volunteers!" </blockquote>Merlot's love of the mountains and the trail is evident in this post and especially in the last sentence: "As magnificent as the 'simple path' itself might be with all its wonders, its true 'heart' lies in every single volunteer maintainer who works so hard to keep the Appalachian Trail alive."<br /><br />Volunteers are the heart of any organization, and the Appalachian Trail is no different. I've enjoyed those mountain trails for years and am especially appreciative of the work that goes into beating back brush and weeds that encroach these pathways through the forests. A tip of the cap to all the hard-working volunteers whose hours of labor often goes unheralded but who are appreciated.<br /><br />Thanks, Merlot and fellow team members!<br /><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell

Afton Appalachian Trail Blue Ridge Mountains Blue Ridge Parkway Rockfish to Reeds A walk in the clouds ... maintaining the Appalachian Trail (Rockfish to Reeds Gap)

I enjoy hearing from the folks who are intimately involved with upkeep and involvement along the mountains as is the case with "Merlot&...

Read more »

2 week weigh in

<br />I just got back from my 2 week weigh in.   <br /><br /> A few things to note to my disadvantage:<br /><br />1.  My dr. thinks I am retaining water so I am starting a diuretic (I agree that I am!)<br />2.  My first weigh in was at 7:30am.  I weighed in at lunch time and it's documented that my weight fluctuates (a little more) as the day progresses.<br />3.  Although not a "disadvantage", I am working out every day and building muscle now.  So, even though I lose weight in fat, I may gain some of that back in muscle.  That is ok with me.<br /><br />I tell myself to not get hung up on the numbers.  What matter is that my clothes are fitting SO MUCH BETTER!!!<br /><br />Ok, so are you ready for the numbers?  Have I set you up for a let down........lets see!<br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/W36ZWnv3Kpo" width="459"></iframe><br /><br />YAY!!!!!!!  I am so happy with those numbers considering the disadvantages I had.  I was shooting for 12 and I beat it by 1!  Hyped!!!<br /><br />I think this makes me an official responder???  I hope!  2 weeks in and 13 pounds down!  Totally excited!<br /><br />Be sure to follow me on facebook at:  <a href="https://www.facebook.com/BelviqDailyPersonal?fref=ts">https://www.facebook.com/BelviqDailyPersonal?fref=ts</a><br />Every 100 likes will earn one person to tell me what to do on a workout!!!  I'm at 165!  I need more.  I want to get the news out about Belviq!!!<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

2 week weigh in

I just got back from my 2 week weigh in.    A few things to note to my disadvantage: 1.  My dr. thinks I am retaining water so I am starting...

Read more »

NC Moral Monday protests against ALEC grow, intensify

Yesterday's Moral Monday protest at the North Carolina capitol was the largest yet as 64 people were arrested for acts of civil disobedience. During 10 weeks of peaceful demonstrations, more than 700 protesters have been taken into custody.<br /><br />The national media is starting to cover the revolt against the anti-worker, billionaire-empowerment agenda being rammed through the Legislature. News reports don't quite get it right, as they fail to mention the corporate escort service -- <a href="http://alecexposed.org/">ALEC</a> -- pushing bills to punish the unemployed, eradicate public education, oppress women, raise taxes on the poor and working class and eliminate environmental protections. Reporters can't seem to understand that North Carolina's democratic institutions are being taken over by a few greedy plutocrats. Or maybe they do understand, they're just anticipating a <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2012/02/benedict-arnold-koch-brothers-lash-out.html"><strike>Benedict Arnold</strike></a> Koch brothers <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/05/hundreds-protesting-kochs-rumored.html">takeover of their newspaper</a>.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/07/08/moral-monday-rally-nc-abortion-bill-protest-arrests_n_3564506.html?utm_hp_ref=tw">Reuters</a>, which is owned by a <a href="http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-07-08/thomson-reuters-said-to-be-probed-by-n-y-over-index.html">corporation that services Wall Street</a>, reports on the protests as if they're expressions of unrelated grievances:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The protests have gained momentum since a few dozen people first rallied against the political shift to the right in a state that Barack Obama won in the 2008 presidential election but lost in 2012. Some 700 people have been arrested in acts of civil disobedience over issues ranging from natural gas drilling to school vouchers to voting rights.</blockquote><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="236" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/uzIbKQDPrcU" width="420"></iframe><br /><br />Pew Charitable Trust profiles the<a href="http://www.pewstates.org/projects/stateline/headlines/with-hundreds-of-arrests-north-carolina-preacher-ups-the-stakes-in-showdown-with-republicans-85899488941"> Rev. William Barber</a>, the head of North Carolina's NAACP who is leading the protests. Pew incorrectly characterizes the protesters as "liberal." They are not. Take David Bozeman, a  a conservative activist who sympathizes with the Moral Monday protesters. That's because <span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Gov. </span><a href="http://www.indyweek.com/indyweek/gov-elect-pat-mccrory-has-someone-to-answer-to-art-pope/Content?oid=3223322" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Pat McCrory</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">, a wholly-owned subsidiary of </span><strike style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Koch brothers Mini-me</strike><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;"> billionaire </span><a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/heres-billionaire-trying-to-destroy.html" style="background-color: white; color: #336699; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">Art Pope</a><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">, signed a bill in February that is unmatched in its cruelty to jobless people. North Carolina now has the nation's fifth highest unemployment -- and the severest cuts to unemployment benefits.</span><br /><br />Here is Bozeman's Charlotte News-Observer <a href="http://www.newsobserver.com/2013/07/08/3017418/confessions-of-a-conservative.html">op-ed</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...my feet remain firmly planted on the right, but I have become surprisingly sympathetic to the passionate protesters who gather every week in Raleigh. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">What changed? Last October I lost my job of 19 years and officially became a deadbeat. Now, Gov. Pat McCrory has never used that word officially to my knowledge, but he did remark, while campaigning in 2012, that filing for unemployment is “too easy.” </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">As to the curtailment of unemployment benefits, I understand that money cannot be doled out indefinitely. My problem is the timing – until the recovery really kicks in, there simply are not enough jobs to go around. What are people going to do. no, what am I going to do in the meantime? No one asks. Economic reality has indeed intruded on my tidy little belief system. </blockquote>Indeed.<br /><br />

Moral Monday NC Moral Monday protests against ALEC grow, intensify

Yesterday's Moral Monday protest at the North Carolina capitol was the largest yet as 64 people were arrested for acts of civil disobedi...

Read more »

Our First Days Home

Avonlea was a great baby from the very beginning.  She's been a great sleeper and doesn't fuss much, except for when she's hungry.  She even enjoys having her diaper changed and having her clothes changed!  That makes me happy because I have a ton of outfits to wear on her :).<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8ktKObCy5jV2FvbgNl_k-HpkfoyuJTFFspJgbrM9n6CyZogpAS4LUMuZ_zcncAB0Vn7Y_zzDTZL5h5d92hrvVKEga7zId5RApRhUgOvSz2ApBgkTXoN6Ko8W901p0yY0g9ZirhrnH54/s1600/avonlea+4th+of+july+045.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="291" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-8ktKObCy5jV2FvbgNl_k-HpkfoyuJTFFspJgbrM9n6CyZogpAS4LUMuZ_zcncAB0Vn7Y_zzDTZL5h5d92hrvVKEga7zId5RApRhUgOvSz2ApBgkTXoN6Ko8W901p0yY0g9ZirhrnH54/s400/avonlea+4th+of+july+045.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn10V5B8bAe_l6GtbwaJLq2E9UT149weTfr7mI-m-NNkNB7Kfd13KcAGBE9Ya5cgyW7emRx3DXs3nFwUxII2nqsQbvAgRgNkhG-5Ujbwtt91Y4vAhazcOxL0I8sr3Hux9uO3HdEk74jYk/s1600/avonlea+4th+of+july+028+second+version.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn10V5B8bAe_l6GtbwaJLq2E9UT149weTfr7mI-m-NNkNB7Kfd13KcAGBE9Ya5cgyW7emRx3DXs3nFwUxII2nqsQbvAgRgNkhG-5Ujbwtt91Y4vAhazcOxL0I8sr3Hux9uO3HdEk74jYk/s400/avonlea+4th+of+july+028+second+version.jpg" width="268" /></a></div><br />Feeding has been a whole different challenge, however.  I am doing a combination of breast feeding and formula feeding.  The lactation consultants in the hospital, and some nurses, were very militant about breast feeding and didn't want to provide me with bottles at all.  I was beginning to get very upset with them - my child was nearly 11 lbs - I wasn't making enough via boob to satisfy her and she would cry and cry until we could get her a bottle.  The hospital I delivered at is very pro-breast feeding, and I was lectured on more than one occasion about bottle feeding plus using a pacifier.  Tough!  She's my kid - I'll do what I want.  Those feeding frustrations definitely contributed to my desires to get out of the hospital ASAP.  Once we visited the pediatrician - they made us feel so much better about everything - informing us she needed 3 times as much formula than what she was receiving in the hospital. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-x3GkSgTdR5N3Uv50ps1RNfHTep1gK5jAOuHD856LoHFLqYLNqLQthZ9UxHTRrlJeva59R4dlwv9i2BR6TSo_n-E1iVeEE4I1MUiK8GuoI2JqesJurvazT2yPvKj-Juo8FAS74GjCw/s1600/avonlea's+first+beauty+day+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrj-x3GkSgTdR5N3Uv50ps1RNfHTep1gK5jAOuHD856LoHFLqYLNqLQthZ9UxHTRrlJeva59R4dlwv9i2BR6TSo_n-E1iVeEE4I1MUiK8GuoI2JqesJurvazT2yPvKj-Juo8FAS74GjCw/s400/avonlea's+first+beauty+day+2.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">first beauty day at the hospital</td></tr></tbody></table> Like most women do, I struggled with getting her to latch on to the boob right away.  Fortunately, I have a great friend who was the <i>most </i>valuable resource in breast feeding - she gave me some tips to try and spent an hour with me and Avonlea getting her to latch on.  Ever since then, she's done really great switching between breast and bottle.  I've been pumping as much as possible each day, and what I cannot provide her with in breast milk she receives in formula. <br /><br /><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpzD0A383Po0TSu5RM5Ty9VaMcOsqsr4upK9qJ6gWCSvGVTQxIU2er9F8hA8SZ_L6IjktiVXbsqislQD3hw_UpxScxygmwpKxpson-W97EHW9jPJN5hd3CP8H_c72OPstnKwOOaYY7k/s1600/charles+and+avonlea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7kpzD0A383Po0TSu5RM5Ty9VaMcOsqsr4upK9qJ6gWCSvGVTQxIU2er9F8hA8SZ_L6IjktiVXbsqislQD3hw_UpxScxygmwpKxpson-W97EHW9jPJN5hd3CP8H_c72OPstnKwOOaYY7k/s400/charles+and+avonlea.jpg" width="347" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Charles was immediately skeptical</td></tr></tbody></table>Still, our first full day home provided a scary experience for this first-time momma.  I was feeding her via bottle and she started gasping/choking - I completely lost it - and passed her off to my father because I thought her lips were turning blue (my dad is certified in CPR).  Her lips were not turning blue, but it was such a scary moment I couldn't bottle feed her for a week.  I had never experienced that before with a baby, and the pediatrician reassured us she was okay with her lungs and heart.  We were only using slow-flow nipples, but every bottle we used seemed to cause this reaction in her (I own every brand of bottle except Dr. Brown's - so we've tried A LOT!), with the exception of the pre-mixed bottles and those nipples.  We went in search of a bottle that had that similar nipple shape, and ended up with a Parents Choice bottle from Walmart.  These things are 97 cents and have been absolutely incredible bottles!  While she does still gasp every now and then, it's getting better as each day passes and these bottles seem to be the best for her.  As I talked to some other mothers, they shared with me that their child also did the gasping/choking thing in the beginning as well.  Still, it was such a scary moment I was absolutely petrified to feed her.  Poor Joel had to do all the feedings until just this week. <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPbJ90pOY6wuxkMWAD8jyvFiQysokwnfYfwJdjP8Vp1xtq1fz1J4HUJH6PXt8VqonZBsI_oqgisFL1bT-jly5tqAdkT88Fst5dcxB67_SfDavTDsMmytqSviBKJuIeoteE2FAARGP6XY/s1600/daddy+post+c+section+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPPbJ90pOY6wuxkMWAD8jyvFiQysokwnfYfwJdjP8Vp1xtq1fz1J4HUJH6PXt8VqonZBsI_oqgisFL1bT-jly5tqAdkT88Fst5dcxB67_SfDavTDsMmytqSviBKJuIeoteE2FAARGP6XY/s400/daddy+post+c+section+2.jpg" width="315" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />Aside from the stress of feeding her, which was my biggest challenge and struggle, I was also absolutely exhausted.  There wasn't much sleep in the hospital due to the constant interruption by the nurses checking on us.  From our very first day at home, we had visitors.  If I wasn't so exhausted, this might have been okay.  But, I just had surgery 4 days prior, I hadn't slept more than 2 hours in a row up to that point, and I was feeling absolutely miserable in every way.  I wasn't in pain, I was just exhausted, run-down and weak and had absolutely no appetite.  Plus I was extremely sad given the feeding circumstances and feeling very inadequate because I was terrified to feed her.  The visitors finally subsided by Sunday evening (almost 1 week postpartum) and it wasn't until then that I started to feel like myself again.  I might have suffered a little postpartum depression, or it was just a product of being absolutely exhausted - I'm not sure which.  As I type this, I feel mostly like myself (except moving around is still not 100% yet). <br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvnWjDbhVKqFZWuWFhyWGrPiIm6uNn2xqAePFrBuqSKQ44K5K7x6ABn2TErmtBhLyim2EYPMvxPkU-G4_SLu1az2LRZcFu9BEiwDLjubfY99JCXHUTOFdPVL8K5QVqfbWh8vT_iHRziY/s1600/first+bath+at+home.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvnWjDbhVKqFZWuWFhyWGrPiIm6uNn2xqAePFrBuqSKQ44K5K7x6ABn2TErmtBhLyim2EYPMvxPkU-G4_SLu1az2LRZcFu9BEiwDLjubfY99JCXHUTOFdPVL8K5QVqfbWh8vT_iHRziY/s400/first+bath+at+home.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />Being at home with Avonlea has been amazing, and it brings great sadness to think about the fact that this is only going to be temporary.  I know most, if not all, mothers going through that when they go back to work. However, when you dislike your job as much as I do, I know it's going to be that much harder.  Still, I am trying to focus on the time we have together over these next 3 months and enjoy those as much as possible!<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SdUvvhXz3CR5_aZHDavqIwk5pUhDp3D9AjHb4oOIcb2044HASsfhipVyQt03rh_l8_7PQVU_CNlwjgt7nWCIXgrTv_dR04zPbkRpXA8mghsJrMFTWwnt6ci3d2kBtlzzUguoZk9Uj5E/s1600/avonlea+grandparent+pic.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="381" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2SdUvvhXz3CR5_aZHDavqIwk5pUhDp3D9AjHb4oOIcb2044HASsfhipVyQt03rh_l8_7PQVU_CNlwjgt7nWCIXgrTv_dR04zPbkRpXA8mghsJrMFTWwnt6ci3d2kBtlzzUguoZk9Uj5E/s400/avonlea+grandparent+pic.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><b><span style="color: #674ea7;">What were your favorite moments in the beginning of your newborn's life?</span></b>

Baby Busbee Our First Days Home

Avonlea was a great baby from the very beginning.  She's been a great sleeper and doesn't fuss much, except for when she's hungr...

Read more »

MMO Burnout: aka Why I’m switching to Console Gaming

<p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VwTUDO4Dj20/UdwflNbc9PI/AAAAAAAAC-8/UL56P-C1S28/s1600-h/LoadScreenTheramoreAlliance%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="LoadScreenTheramoreAlliance" border="0" height="260" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-VYfh-cZL_bg/UdwflseuuRI/AAAAAAAAC_E/2VxNB-jobNQ/LoadScreenTheramoreAlliance_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px" title="LoadScreenTheramoreAlliance" width="644"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">It finally dawned on me this morning why I’ve been so burned out on MMOs the last several weeks … they are like a mana bomb that exploded on my desktop and sucked the everyday joy from my life slowly over time the last several years.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Admittedly, the mana bomb Garrosh Hellscream dropped on Theramore was far more destructive and killed innocent Alliance citizens.  However, MMOs may be the ultimate time suck ever created in the last twenty years.  The grind for gear, the constantly expanding world, and if you are lucky, the compelling story are all designed to keep players coming back day after day, year after year.  There is a definitely appeal to MMOs, personally I like the story lines in the MMOs I play and have become attached to characters over the years.  But, honestly after a break the last couple of weeks I don’t miss the grind or the feeling of “oh crap I’m falling behind” that comes with in-game events and expansions.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">When I power up my console and load up a game I know that it will have a story I’m interested in (or I wouldn’t be playing it) and I can easily pause the game to change the washer or bake cookies.  I’m not constantly having to look for a safe spot to log out and carry on with real life.  Admittedly, with DLC for games being so prevalent on consoles there is an argument to be made that there is still a gear grind or always waiting new content but that argument falls flat.  DLC is completely optional and most of the time doesn’t interest me and since I rarely, if ever, play multiplayer games on this generation’s console, I am competing against no one else, save my husband for gear.  Achievements are nice, and I admit I have on occasion been known to achievement whore, but for me achievements are not important to me overall in a titled.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Another added benefit of console gaming, is that I can enjoy the game’s story while my husband plays and I do something else.  More games than I can count have been experienced that way for me and I’m fine with that.  He gets to relax and immerse himself in a game and I can read or stitch and still know the story I was interested in without having to play through the game myself.  I suppose this benefit is helped because we both gravitate toward the same types of games in general.  And heck when he plays games I’m not interested in, I can always fire up my </font><a href="audible.com" target="_blank"><font size="3">audible.com</font></a><font size="3"> selection and listen to a good book while stitching.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I’m currently playing </font><a href="http://www.rockstargames.com/lanoire/restricted_content/restricted_content_agegated/ref?redirect=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.rockstargames.com%2Flanoire%2Finformation%2F&hash=0ed68e6ef0a76b8fc0c37ac4fce452f4" target="_blank"><font size="3">LA Noire</font></a><font size="3"> and enjoying it.  I’m going to fire up </font><a href="http://www.tombraider.com/us/base/agegate?refer=184&" target="_blank"><font size="3">Tomb Raider</font></a><font size="3"> this morning for the first time since we purchased it while it was on sale last week.  When </font><a href="http://assassinscreed.wikia.com/wiki/Assassin%27s_Creed_Wiki" target="_blank"><font size="3">Assassin’s Creed II</font></a><font size="3"> released as the free title for Gold Members on 16 July 2013, I will be powering through AC II, AC Brotherhood, AC Revelations, and AC III.  I wasn’t a huge fan of the first game from a player’s perspective, but I did enjoy the story.  After I tried AC III several weeks ago, I realized that the game play mechanics had improved significantly and I was enjoying the actual game play aspect.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">I’m not giving up MMOs, I’m simply checking in with ones I enjoy when the mood strikes me.  I’m not going to pay a subscription fee to MMOs any longer.  I’ve always been a solo player in MMOs for the most part and thus I’m going to treat them as single player games going forward.  Oh I’m sure the mood will strike me once in a while to run group content in an MMO and when it does, I will.  However, the other things I enjoy in life are far more important to me than the 1’s and 0’s that are the game and gear of a MMO.</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:5b4d82c3-af37-45a1-86e8-ecf6eb1ae69a" class="wlWriterEditableSmartContent" style="float: none; padding-bottom: 0px; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px">Technorati Tags: <a href="http://technorati.com/tags/MMO" rel="tag">MMO</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/video+game.+console" rel="tag">video game. console</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Assassin's+Creed" rel="tag">Assassin's Creed</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/audible.com" rel="tag">audible.com</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/LA+Noire" rel="tag">LA Noire</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/DLC" rel="tag">DLC</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/multiplayer" rel="tag">multiplayer</a></div>

Xbox MMO Burnout: aka Why I’m switching to Console Gaming

It finally dawned on me this morning why I’ve been so burned out on MMOs the last several weeks … they are like a mana bomb that exploded ...

Read more »

The Weigh in..........

UPDATE - I WILL GET TO WEIGH IN SHORTLY!!!!  They are heading back to the office - Don't mind the below - YAY!!!!!!!!!<br /><br /><br /><br />Did not happen today - BOOOOOOO  Karen texted me that they had a minor emergency (something like some cows got out at their ranch) and asked if I can do it tomorrow.  Bad, bad cows! HA!<br /><br />So, tomorrow - it is.  Sigh, I was ALL psyched up and got all of my friends psyched up.  I promise, one way or another, it WILL happen tomorrow.  So keep posted.<br /><br />Meanwhile - Thanks to those have donated.  I'm very blessed.  Hopefully I'll have enough to get my Belviq in 1 week and I'll share the excess with another Belviq user online who has already taken the 14 day trial and is currently on it as well.  I want to make sure that users are legit and that they are dedicated!<br /><br />Feel free to donate!  Happy Tuesday.  Tomorrow will be the big day!!!!

The Weigh in..........

UPDATE - I WILL GET TO WEIGH IN SHORTLY!!!!  They are heading back to the office - Don't mind the below - YAY!!!!!!!!! Did not happen to...

Read more »

U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, July 9, 2013

<a href="http://majorityleader.gov/">From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office....</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>TUESDAY, JULY 9TH </b></u><br /> On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business. First votes expected: 1:30 - 2:30 p.m. Last votes expected: evening.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>One Minute Speeches</b><br /><br /> <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=345948-6846703" target="_blank"><b>H.R. 2609</b></a> - Energy and Water Development and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2014 (Open Rule) <i>(Sponsored by Rep. Rodney Frelinghuysen / Appropriations Committee)</i><br /> <blockquote> The rule provides for one hour of general debate and makes in order any amendment offered that complies with the House rules.<br /> </blockquote><b>Special Order Speeches</b><br /><br /> <div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>COMMITTEE ACTIVITY OF THE DAY </b></u><br /> Education and the Workforce Committee hearing on “<a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=345949-6846703" target="_blank">Keeping College Within Reach: Improving Higher Education through Innovation</a>” (Tuesday, July 9th, at 10:00 a.m.)</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=345950-6846703" target="_blank">Printable PDF</a>

Congress Eric Cantor U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House schedule for Tuesday, July 9, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor's office.... TUESDAY, JULY 9TH On Tuesday, the House will meet at 10:00...

Read more »

Today's Teamster News 07.09.13

<a href="http://minnesota.publicradio.org/display/web/2013/07/07/business/temporary-jobs-become-fixture-in-america">Temporary jobs becoming a permanent fixture in US</a>  Associated Press   ...companies are increasingly turning to temps and to a much larger universe of freelancers, contract workers and consultants. Combined, these workers number nearly 17 million people...<br /><a href="http://prospect.org/article/state-unions-0">The State of the Unions</a>  American Prospect   ...While 51 percent of all Americans have favorable views of unions, 61 percent of Americans under 30 hold that view...<br /><a href="http://thinkprogress.org/economy/2013/07/08/2268911/european-trade-deal-could-undermine-important-regulations-here-at-home/">European Trade Deal Could Undermine Important Regulations Here At Home</a>  ThinkProgress   ...Forthcoming trade negotiations between the U.S. and the European Commission threaten to undermine environmental, workplace, and financial regulations, according to a July 8 letter from a slew of American and European public interest groups sent to President Barack Obama and his European counterparts...<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/07/08/business/global/clothiers-in-deal-for-inspecting-bangladeshi-factories.html?pagewanted=all&_r=0">Clothiers Act to Inspect Bangladeshi Factories</a>  New York Times   ...A mostly European consortium of 70 retailers and apparel brands has agreed to inspect within nine months all Bangladeshi garment factories that supply the companies in the wake of 1,300 factory workers who have lost their lives since November…<br /><a href="http://www.njherald.com/story/22775420/quebec-police-more-oil-train-deaths-expected"></a><a href="http://www.njherald.com/story/22775420/quebec-police-more-oil-train-deaths-expected">40 still missing in deadly Canada rail crash, fire</a>  Associated Press   ...About 40 people were still missing a day after a runaway train derailed in Quebec, igniting explosions and fires that destroyed a busy downtown district and killed five people...<br /><a href="http://pipeline.post-gazette.com/news/archives/25234-eight-injured-in-west-virginia-gas-well-explosion">Eight injured in West Virginia gas well explosion</a>  Pittsburgh Post-Gazette   ...A natural gas well in West Virginia exploded early Sunday, injuring eight people. The well, about an hour southwest of Morgantown in New Milton, ignited about 4 a.m...<br /><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/sns-rt-us-usa-defense-budget-20130708,0,7157309.story">Civilians on unpaid leave in Pentagon austerity move</a>  Reuters   ...Civilian defense workers across the United States began taking unpaid leave on Monday in a Pentagon-imposed austerity move expected to save $1.8 billion through September 30 by effectively cutting the pay of about 650,000 workers by nearly 20 percent...<br /><a href="http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/opinion/56556860-82/women-majority-minimum-voice.html.csp">Letter: Women Unite (opinion)</a> <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Salt Lake City Tribune   ...There has been a lot of talk recently about the minimum wage and the fact that 40 percent of heads of households are women. Some want to move the minimum wage to $15 an hour. There is a solution to this problem…<br /><a href="http://www.newsday.com/news/nation/feds-fedex-may-face-charges-on-illegal-drug-shipments-1.5637636">Feds: FedEx may face charges on illegal drug shipments</a>  Long Island Newsday   ...Federal authorities are considering filing criminal charges against FedEx, which is under investigation for shipping powerful prescription pills for illegal online pharmacies -- including some packages sent to Long Island, according to federal law enforcement sources...<br /><a href="http://www.goerie.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130707/NEWS02/307079910/0/news02">Pennsylvania 4th in U.S. for breaking hotel wage-and-hour laws</a>  Erie Times-News   ...If you've stayed at the Heritage Hills Resort in York while touring Amish country, toasted newlyweds at the Avalon Hotel in Erie, or settled in for a weekend of pampering at Nemacolin Woodlands Resort in the Laurel Highlands, chances are the person who made your bed, poured your champagne or washed your towels wasn't being paid minimum wage... <br /><a href="http://www.necn.com/07/07/13/Iowa-court-to-reconsider-ruling-on-woman/landing_nation.html?&apID=c0220ebe134841c98c1755e266a801a5">Iowa court to reconsider ruling on woman's firing</a>  Associated Press   ...The Iowa Supreme Court will reconsider a controversial ruling in which the court said it was legal for a dentist to fire his assistant for being too attractive. A new decision could come as early as Friday...<br /><a href="http://www.tulsaworld.com/article.aspx/Oklahoma_Tax_Commission_asks_state_high_court_to_overturn/20130706_11_a15_thesta760999?subj=1">OK Tax Commission asks state high court to overturn ruling that could cost state $450 million</a>  Tulsa World   ...The state of Oklahoma stands to lose as much as $450 million if a Court of Civil Appeals ruling on how a capital-gains tax deduction is figured is allowed to stand…<br /><a href="http://www.nj.com/business/index.ssf/2013/07/new_jersey_employers_scaling_b.html">NJ employers scaling back the most on health insurance contributions: ADP study</a>  Star-Ledger   ...Large companies across the country have been scaling back on what they contribute to their workers’ health care plans, and the sharpest decline has been in New Jersey, according to new data from the ADP Research Institute...<br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/news/national/california-woman-claims-newborn-baby-died-employer-denied-request-labor-intensive-work-pregnancy-suit-article-1.1392353?localLinksEnabled=false">Newborn died because of mother’s labor-intensive job during pregnancy: suit</a>   NY Daily News   ...Reyna Garcia, of Atascadero, Calif., alleges that despite three doctor's notes showing she had a high-risk pregnancy, her employer, Albertsons, refused her requests for work that didn't involve heavy lifting. She gave birth to a baby girl in November who died 10 minutes after being born...<br /><a href="http://www.teamsterslocal727.org/news/news_2013/070813_MarriottContract.html">Union Secures First Contract For Marriott O'Hare Shuttle Drivers</a>  Teamsters Local 727   ...Shuttle bus drivers at Marriott Chicago O’Hare on June 21 ratified their first Teamster contract, which yields annual raises and job protections...<br /><a href="http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/07/05/finding-the-perfect-spot-to-shoot/">Finding the Perfect Spot to Shoot</a>  New York Times   ...A member of the Teamsters Union and the Directors Guild of America, Kevin Breslin is a filmmaker and a location scout for commercials. Over 20 years, he has maneuvered crews through the city and arranged thousands of shoots, including the New York Lottery’s “If I Had a Million Dollars” and Verizon’s “Can You Hear Me Now?” spots. Read the interview...<br /><a href="http://www.pnj.com/viewart/20130708/NEWS02/307080014/Union-complains-over-holidays">Union says Florida is taking away workers’ holidays</a>  Pensacola News Journal   ...The state of Florida is trying to illegally take away time off from corrections officers, according to a complaint filed Wednesday by the Teamsters Union...<br /><a href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/7813CSATrainingNotice.pdf">CSA Training Offered at Local 541</a>  IBT ...The Teamsters National Pipeline Training Fund will conduct training for drivers on Compliance, Safety and Accountability (CSA) on July 28, 2013 at 9:00 am at Local 541 in Kansas City. CSA is the new FMCSA’s regulation to reduce commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes...<br /><a href="http://www.gotnbc.com/38Conference.html">TNBC Annual Conference Slated for August 14-18</a>  TNBC   ...The Teamsters National Black Caucus will hold its 38tth annual educational conference and banquet in Atlanta on August 14-18. Click <a href="http://www.gotnbc.com/38Conference.html">here</a> for hotel and conference information...

Today's Teamster News 07.09.13

Temporary jobs becoming a permanent fixture in US  Associated Press   ...companies are increasingly turning to temps and to a much larger u...

Read more »

Small pleasures!

Small pleasures in life: Sitting outside on your coffee break reading a magazine.<div><br></div><div>Ireland is experiencing a mini heat wave which is expected to last to the weekend.  I'm trying to spend as much time outdoors!</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Rw73vwNopGnU-Nkp-6dKI4mz6dhD-gSt0tORioYSPCHfWK7ghosFHXMpt5cWXRqc3PPK2n9vkMdhDl5wQmKjAX4ye5JDRusQgUCcWWvEEUMdXv_xIL5KuLV7_ClRSSkx7fsaVjh947YM/s640/blogger-image--1224071662.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Rw73vwNopGnU-Nkp-6dKI4mz6dhD-gSt0tORioYSPCHfWK7ghosFHXMpt5cWXRqc3PPK2n9vkMdhDl5wQmKjAX4ye5JDRusQgUCcWWvEEUMdXv_xIL5KuLV7_ClRSSkx7fsaVjh947YM/s640/blogger-image--1224071662.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/AVvXsEj7h-82hRKYiahDRJr3cQWaPpPngeoHRZG3PrTbzmSp82MRqHY0sk8oFfdsNS1HJtVdo5nBuV3lpyVkpiYUWSlhfw_kcfFxn5FFiCcXDwK934P206ro2OFkm409lvZbaGVKf3hQNrvGcKYA/s640/blogger-image-750544749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7h-82hRKYiahDRJr3cQWaPpPngeoHRZG3PrTbzmSp82MRqHY0sk8oFfdsNS1HJtVdo5nBuV3lpyVkpiYUWSlhfw_kcfFxn5FFiCcXDwK934P206ro2OFkm409lvZbaGVKf3hQNrvGcKYA/s640/blogger-image-750544749.jpg"></a></div><br></div><br></div>

Small pleasures!

Small pleasures in life: Sitting outside on your coffee break reading a magazine. Ireland is experiencing a mini heat wave which is expected...

Read more »

https://portal.adp.com - Access Payroll Information

Go to <b>https://portal.adp.com</b> - a self service portal - to access its payroll services.<br /><br />First time users have to register while frequent visitors need only their <b>user login</b> and password to avail of the benefits of the site, ipay, access benefits information, pay statements, etc. <br /><br />Registering at the ADP portal comes with multiple benefits for for both the employers and employess - ensuring up to date financial information for both.<br /><br />Go to www.portal.adp.com for logging and adp.com/solutions for more information on automated data processing.

adp login https://portal.adp.com ipay pay slip www.portal.adp.com https://portal.adp.com - Access Payroll Information

Go to https://portal.adp.com - a self service portal - to access its payroll services. First time users have to register while frequent vis...

Read more »

SWAC Son's new nest

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM-GWTIkmTvTmyxi0itpIj6KD5r1F2L26ccu0JLEOkI3-NKsjd8mdaPPF_VjrAFsjsxl0UjsLX_948h_0rNYV3Khiqprz2IV0XG2wzPmtcyd6bkWdhur8pYiUN6uTwd2ICWxGJO6MdsHX/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipM-GWTIkmTvTmyxi0itpIj6KD5r1F2L26ccu0JLEOkI3-NKsjd8mdaPPF_VjrAFsjsxl0UjsLX_948h_0rNYV3Khiqprz2IV0XG2wzPmtcyd6bkWdhur8pYiUN6uTwd2ICWxGJO6MdsHX/s400/1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">He left the nest years ago after graduating from James Madison University and has roomed with others in rental properties during that time. Now SWAC Son's a homeowner. A month ago he closed on his first house and immediately began preparing it to move in ... painting, cleaning, mowing, and weeding ... and is now completely moved in. Oh -- and the above robin's nest is perched on the pool fence. Congrats, Son ... we're proud of you. As Dr. Seuss said, "Oh, the places you'll go!"</div><br />Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell<br />July 6, 2013

SWAC Son's new nest

He left the nest years ago after graduating from James Madison University and has roomed with others in rental properties during that time. ...

Read more »

+ POOL, Tile by Tile

Three days to go in <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/694835844/pool-tile-by-tile">+POOL's Kickstarter bid to raise $250 grand</a> for a "floating test lab." They're less than $75,000 away from the goal—a real nail biter! Check out the film for more information on the project.<br /><br /><iframe frameborder="0" height="480" src="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/694835844/pool-tile-by-tile/widget/video.html" width="640"> </iframe><br /><br />Head over the Kickstarter and <a href="http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/694835844/pool-tile-by-tile">buy yourself a tile</a>!

+ POOL, Tile by Tile

Three days to go in +POOL's Kickstarter bid to raise $250 grand for a "floating test lab." They're less than $75,000 away...

Read more »

Seat pads

I bought this great flamingo fabric in Key West.  I love how tropical it is.<div><br></div><div>I decided to make seat pads for the garden furniture.  It took me less than a day to make the first one.</div><div><br></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx3_OSQUTYZNsHL52nLvJJGNBZ9O-_AGyoqoSbTMrNbnBmUWzqVbviq0ceRSA1ZdNTYTON0f0An6Bqb1TnxZ2RKRmH2lA3V6XMDnehyK0IFX2NP934lUHclXL4zj498XM0DKRbRnpOlb6/s640/blogger-image--1279313998.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXx3_OSQUTYZNsHL52nLvJJGNBZ9O-_AGyoqoSbTMrNbnBmUWzqVbviq0ceRSA1ZdNTYTON0f0An6Bqb1TnxZ2RKRmH2lA3V6XMDnehyK0IFX2NP934lUHclXL4zj498XM0DKRbRnpOlb6/s640/blogger-image--1279313998.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/AVvXsEjjrX6oLhr3I5CBfYn73bCfSv4rTfV4oEJAx3bCTbDEcfTl0Sutc4VEvstlxzZQ1dXOYKBFRRzbGeU9mEljzrvaxcvg7So5j9wVc25YrI7V-2CdIvGVqVUnzXpf6TLTAuvPI6DE5lqlbZjA/s640/blogger-image-1890975096.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjrX6oLhr3I5CBfYn73bCfSv4rTfV4oEJAx3bCTbDEcfTl0Sutc4VEvstlxzZQ1dXOYKBFRRzbGeU9mEljzrvaxcvg7So5j9wVc25YrI7V-2CdIvGVqVUnzXpf6TLTAuvPI6DE5lqlbZjA/s640/blogger-image-1890975096.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/AVvXsEihzeIdZSE_0FNxX6IRa09gjYa0_FI5Vy4W90XOwZQaWYYuyl9ak-dzGR26UNBIoEnrlN-5tWe5pC0CL_CvRTSx6mgt3Vhc50qdxSnvpigZhNyBUT2ZI7Q_dwkjcg0qIz0QVfZaOzw5AAb3/s640/blogger-image--1284888748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzeIdZSE_0FNxX6IRa09gjYa0_FI5Vy4W90XOwZQaWYYuyl9ak-dzGR26UNBIoEnrlN-5tWe5pC0CL_CvRTSx6mgt3Vhc50qdxSnvpigZhNyBUT2ZI7Q_dwkjcg0qIz0QVfZaOzw5AAb3/s640/blogger-image--1284888748.jpg"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><br><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihzeIdZSE_0FNxX6IRa09gjYa0_FI5Vy4W90XOwZQaWYYuyl9ak-dzGR26UNBIoEnrlN-5tWe5pC0CL_CvRTSx6mgt3Vhc50qdxSnvpigZhNyBUT2ZI7Q_dwkjcg0qIz0QVfZaOzw5AAb3/s640/blogger-image--1284888748.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwzqpY9AgkrF3V1fPjiRLlhI-6EELhCQMFTtJ3pITHAx6LdCw82x5HmQGKIE8S_WM7A_jL5lEzvksbE3Vmz3vvnigOYZn5XfsAsuP3-OGtDEXFDUzvy3MxEN67KxTlfFofTCulsvVSa9j/s640/blogger-image--715072880.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwzqpY9AgkrF3V1fPjiRLlhI-6EELhCQMFTtJ3pITHAx6LdCw82x5HmQGKIE8S_WM7A_jL5lEzvksbE3Vmz3vvnigOYZn5XfsAsuP3-OGtDEXFDUzvy3MxEN67KxTlfFofTCulsvVSa9j/s640/blogger-image--715072880.jpg"></a></div></div><br></div><br></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9wJlfy1_bkX4TwLPX4FATuWFvdQsc8fPvHA4XyU5Qg7wAmbpRtf2o7_0d6xjXO66L5MbzG1jXqAlHoCNs8K1C78jhkXevypyIGsR80QmMKrS56R7Zdo3j8UZbkgJHcAqaSsi9m5C_Rw6/s640/blogger-image-144623224.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEju9wJlfy1_bkX4TwLPX4FATuWFvdQsc8fPvHA4XyU5Qg7wAmbpRtf2o7_0d6xjXO66L5MbzG1jXqAlHoCNs8K1C78jhkXevypyIGsR80QmMKrS56R7Zdo3j8UZbkgJHcAqaSsi9m5C_Rw6/s640/blogger-image-144623224.jpg"></a></div><br></div>

Seat pads

I bought this great flamingo fabric in Key West.  I love how tropical it is. I decided to make seat pads for the garden furniture.  It took ...

Read more »

How about restoring taxpayer control over public assets?

Bad things happen when government let corporations loot public assets, our friends at the <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/07/12167/group-launches-taxpayer-empowerment-agenda-reclaim-public-control-over-public-ass">Center for Media and Democracy</a> remind us. (They're the wonderful folks who brought us <a href="http://alecexposed.org/">AlecExposed.org</a>.)<br /><br />Brendan Fischer at CMD <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/07/12167/group-launches-taxpayer-empowerment-agenda-reclaim-public-control-over-public-ass">tells us two sordid tales</a> of privatization gone awry.<br /><ul><li>In Chicago, a Morgan Stanley-backed company took control of 36,000 public parking meters with a 75-year contract -- and as a result, parking fees have exploded, meters run until 10pm, and taxpayers must reimburse the company for lost meter profits when they want to hold a parade or street fair. The plan was quickly pushed through the City Council and passed with no public input or debate.</li><li>In South Carolina, after the state outsourced its water system, the for-profit corporation failed to pay state employee payroll taxes, lost track of tens of thousands of dollars, and lost millions of gallons of water. But the private company refused to come clean about what happened and comply with the public records law's transparency requirements, despite being funded by public dollars.</li></ul>But you all knew about disastrous <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2012/10/the-new-gilded-age-brought-to-you-by.html">highway privatization</a> in Indiana, <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/pa-guv-wants-to-repeat-wa-liquor.html">liquor privatization in Washington state</a> and <a href="http://gritsforbreakfast.blogspot.com/2011/03/private-prison-bubble-bursting-empty.html">prison privatization in Texas</a> (to name a few).<br /><br /><a href="http://www.inthepublicinterest.org/article/taxpayer-empowerment-agenda">In The Public Interest</a> -- an offshoot of <a href="http://www.afscme.org/">AFSCME</a> -- summarizes the pitfalls of privatization:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Outsourcing means taxpayers have very little say over how tax dollars are spent and no<br />say on actions taken by private companies that control our public services. Outsourcing<br />means taxpayers cannot vote out executives who make decisions that hurt public health<br />and safety. Outsourcing means taxpayers are contractually stuck with a monopoly run<br />by a single corporation – and those contracts often last decades. And outsourcing too<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzDdeYcVgdJKXbFEGyL7YlDMBebNRnP0saJUyjhlSOKNcB_S0r6pfQEdTt3Y58XhrW830c_Y41IYXgrvc_QQL_AndfY_lTjuSYqxF0NtvVRDIDTKzMI-P32RZWY7X-C7QVKREy__7Y5lP/s1600/privatization_equals_corruption.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHzDdeYcVgdJKXbFEGyL7YlDMBebNRnP0saJUyjhlSOKNcB_S0r6pfQEdTt3Y58XhrW830c_Y41IYXgrvc_QQL_AndfY_lTjuSYqxF0NtvVRDIDTKzMI-P32RZWY7X-C7QVKREy__7Y5lP/s200/privatization_equals_corruption.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So often it's true.</td></tr></tbody></table><br />often means a race to the bottom for the local economy, as wages and benefits fall while corporate profits rise.</blockquote>Recently, In The Public Interest came up with a legislative agenda to empower taxpayers to take back the assets they own. The Taxpayer Empowerment Agenda includes some great ideas. Here are a few of our favorites:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq"><ul><li>Regularly post online how much taxpayers are spending on private contracts and how many workers are employed by those contracts, just as government does. </li><li>Make sure every contract allows government to cancel the contract if the company doesn’t live up to its promises of quality and cost savings.</li><li>Prohibit any company that has evaded taxes or broken the law from taking over public services. (YES!!!)</li><li>Require companies that privatize public services to pay their employees a living wage and provide reasonable benefits.</li><li>Ban contract language that guarantees company profits. </li><li>Ensure that public service workers have the opportunity to submit their own plan to save money and provide quality services.</li></ul></blockquote>Read more about it <a href="http://www.inthepublicinterest.org/article/taxpayer-empowerment-agenda">here</a>.

How about restoring taxpayer control over public assets?

Bad things happen when government let corporations loot public assets, our friends at the Center for Media and Democracy remind us. (They&#...

Read more »

Tips On Successfully Avoiding Childhood Obesity Levels

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By David Jones</div><br /><br /> <div class='uawarticle'>Having and raising children can quickly prove to be one of the most difficult and stressful phases of adulthood for parents around the world today. Decisions that are made for children on a regular basis can prove to be quite difficult to contend with when making sure that all fundamentals of their well being are successfully kept up with as necessary. People that are dealing with this specific source of concern should know the fundamentals of avoiding childhood obesity.<br /> <br /> Childhood obesity is a growing and often difficult concern for parents to manage according to Jan Berkowitz. The nutrition decisions that parents make are often based on their hectic lifestyles which directly lead to the health and well being levels they are encouraging for their children to make in adulthood. This growing pandemic continues to create an increased amount of attention on the foods that children should eat for sustainable weight control.<br /> <br /> Parents that are worried about the weight of their children are offered a large assortment of tips and suggestions. Each person is unique and responds to diet and health decisions in a completely different manner which can make some suggestions irrelevant for people to consider. Understanding the most common and effective prevention tips helps parents through their efforts.<br /> <br /> Parents are encouraged to initially understand the various risks associated with this particular condition. Childhood diabetes and heart complications are among the most prevalent and difficult issues for parents to try and manage with their children which can be increasingly more complicated to work through. Understanding these risks is quite helpful in knowing what to look for when monitoring health levels.<br /> <br /> Implementing a strict diet is also encouraged for parents to consider throughout their efforts. Jan Berkowitz suggests that implementing balanced meals and healthy snack alternatives is one of the leading sources of prevention from this highly stressful condition. Consulting with a nutrition specialist is helpful in making sure children are receiving proper and healthy nutrition.<br /> <br /> Exercise and continual physical activity should be a major part of daily life for any child combating this issue. Creating routines on a regular basis along with promoting levels of activity is one of the best ways for kids to burn fat and calories. This is also a great way to improve their mental well being in the process.<br /> <br /> Childhood obesity is also prevented through portion control. The amount of food eaten on a daily basis is just as important as the kinds of items ingested. Smaller meals that are more frequent throughout the day should be specifically focused on.<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'>When you want to read the most current information on childhood obesity, check the blog of <a href="http://janberkowitz.net/stopping-childhood-obesity">Jan Berkowitz</a> here today. You can see details and suggestions from the pen of <a href="http://janberkowitz.net/type-2-diabetes-therapy-jan-berkowitz">Jan M Berkowitz</a> now.</div><br /> </div><br />

Tips On Successfully Avoiding Childhood Obesity Levels

By David Jones Having and raising children can quickly prove to be one of the most difficult and stressful phases of adulthood for paren...

Read more »

Top 4 reasons why minimum wage jobs lead to a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad life

The recent uproar over fast food and other minimum-wage workers has brought America’s attention to how much it sucks to be working at a minimum wage poverty job. Almost 3.6 million Americans are plugging away at dead-end, how-am-I-going to-pay-my-rent jobs – a figure that doesn’t count people making their state’s minimum wage (<a href="http://www.dol.gov/whd/minwage/america.htm">disqualifying almost half the US population</a>). It also doesn't count any worker who gets a 15-cent raise as thanks for putting up with terrible wages, uncertain working hours and ugly uniforms for 6 months.<br /><br />Here's why minimum wage jobs lead to a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad life:<br /><ol><li><b>You can’t afford anything, ever</b>. Contrary to whatever nonsense the restaurant industry is pushing out, three-quarters of minimum wage earners are adults – and <a href="http://www.bls.gov/cps/minwage2012tbls.htm#9">68.5 percent of those wage workers work full-time</a>. These terrible jobs aren’t used as fun money for carefree teens. Instead, most people try to pay for food and rent with their money -- but don’t pay enough to actually afford living. Even  a worker who works a full 40 hours every week with no vacations or sick leave brings home a yearly salary of $15,080, That's so little money <a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/tax-tools/tax-tips/IRS-Tax-Return/Does-Everyone-Need-to-File-an-Income-Tax-Return-/INF14399.html">the IRS doesn’t even require you to file if you provide for a two-person household</a>. That’s right. Minimum wage workers are so broke, the IRS doesn’t even want their money.</li><li><b>You can either live with relatives or in a car.</b> Every year, the National Low Income Housing Coalition reports that <a href="http://nlihc.org/oor/2013/">full-time minimum wage workers can’t afford a two-bedroom apartment in any state</a>. Even working 70 hours a week, <a href="http://nlihc.org/sites/default/files/oor/2013_OOR_Minimum_Wage_Map.pdf">a worker can only reasonably afford a two-bedroom apartment in four states and Puerto Rico</a>. Over half of the states require seven 12-hour days just to maintain affordable housing at minimum wage. Even split between two minimum wage workers at 45 hours a week, 17 states are too expensive to live in.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREqLLiV8no5cbkXrhviZ_8ue0Tttz01At5r4lqOH6p65f5L1yT_rsdxcUZ3Z_2yikN0Guuxhj4Hg4VPYjZDyuN6eBvKZWH8OavUNKki_zVK6k3JR5dI1erA1cWrPVrvC08bKiD9A4tCET/s1600/funny-Barbie-McDonalds-minimum-wage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgREqLLiV8no5cbkXrhviZ_8ue0Tttz01At5r4lqOH6p65f5L1yT_rsdxcUZ3Z_2yikN0Guuxhj4Hg4VPYjZDyuN6eBvKZWH8OavUNKki_zVK6k3JR5dI1erA1cWrPVrvC08bKiD9A4tCET/s320/funny-Barbie-McDonalds-minimum-wage.jpg" width="173" /></a></div></li><li><b>Your healthcare plan consists of hoping you don’t get sick. </b>In 2012, a Gallup poll found <a href="http://www.gallup.com/poll/158417/poverty-comes-depression-illness.aspx?utm_source=alert&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=syndication&utm_content=morelink&utm_term=All%20Gallup%20Headlines">that low-income families are 20 percent more likely to not have health insurance or a doctor</a>. Almost 40 percent say they struggle to afford healthcare or medicine. No matter how little adults without children (three-quarters of minimum wage earners) make, they cannot enroll in federal Medicaid. The Affordable Care Act plans to expand Medicare in 2014 to people making $14,500 or less. Although this is a great step in expanding healthcare, it still means that people will have to start choosing between having enough money for rent or not enough money to qualify for Medicare. Making that choice is probably <a href="http://www.usnews.com/news/articles/2012/10/30/americans-in-poverty-at-greater-risk-for-chronic-health-problems">why people living in poverty suffer from depression at twice the rates of higher paid workers</a>. It’s okay though – minimum wage workers won’t be able to afford a therapist to diagnose them anyway.</li><li><b>You are literally poorer than anyone else (since 1968). </b>The real cost of minimum wage has been decreasing since 1968. If wages rose with inflation, the federal minimum wage would be $10.56 per hour. In other words, when your parents flipped burgers at McDonalds, they were able to get 30 percent more for their money – <a href="http://www.cepr.net/documents/publications/min-wage1-2012-03.pdf">and probably did less than half the work</a>. But it’s not only you; <a href="http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/06/26/8-incredible-and-alarming-labor-force-statistics.aspx">all workers are suffering from wages depressed by inflation costs</a>. </li></ol>It can really stink to work in America. Maybe that’s why <a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/06/24/pf/emergency-savings/">three-quarters of workers can’t afford to keep an emergency</a> fund.<ol></ol>

minimum wage poverty Top 4 reasons why minimum wage jobs lead to a terrible, horrible, no good, very bad life

The recent uproar over fast food and other minimum-wage workers has brought America’s attention to how much it sucks to be working at a mini...

Read more »

This is what we union THUGGS do for 4 years in a row

We donate $10,000 to the Braintree Challengers, which teaches autistic Little Leaguers how to play the game.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.teamsterslocal25.com/">Teamsters Local 25</a> in Boston holds an annual <a href="http://www.teamsterslocal25autism.com/">"Light Up the Night" gala</a> has raised more than $1.5 million for autism research and awareness over the past seven years. Among the many autism nonprofits the Teamsters supports is the Challenger Little League program. The Teamsters donation means more than 140 children will have full uniforms this year, according to the <a href="http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/south/2013/07/06/teamsters-continue-support-for-challenger-baseball/WNIWYGt48nwjzmsryi6xPJ/story.html">Boston Globe</a>.<br /><br />Local 25 President Sean O'Brien said it's a great program.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">And you give these kids the sense of being on a team. It’s their World Series...A lot of times it seems like a lonely road for children with autism or special needs. It’s good to engage with other families. Everyone gets to cheer on their special player.</blockquote>Lorrie Fennell, a volunteer for Braintree American Little League’s Challenger Division, explained what the Teamsters support means: <br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">"...parents of children with physical and mental disabilities will not have to worry about paying for the simple joy of watching their children play baseball."</blockquote>You know the team is special when the former mayor of Boston and ambassador to the Vatican is an assistant coach. Local 25 received this letter from <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raymond_Flynn">Ambassador Ray Flynn</a>:<br /><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4bd6Ij5Kiz8cffVeKYKB0YLKEnTNuyUstQhYvhaOPR68rWT63kbje9nQmH-fccoXZRacdhyphenhyphen1elWU7AcYbK4_YcBAKVmxUwKoP4G9MYOGcmyIV2JMN8rSshTziacUlWl3capW_vgqlnPg/s1600/Braintree+Challengers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4bd6Ij5Kiz8cffVeKYKB0YLKEnTNuyUstQhYvhaOPR68rWT63kbje9nQmH-fccoXZRacdhyphenhyphen1elWU7AcYbK4_YcBAKVmxUwKoP4G9MYOGcmyIV2JMN8rSshTziacUlWl3capW_vgqlnPg/s320/Braintree+Challengers.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A Braintree Challenger.</td></tr></tbody></table><blockquote class="tr_bq">Throughout my political career I have been a great admirer and a strong supporter of the Teamsters Union Local 25. An extraordinary capable and reliable group of union leaders. But even more today, Local 25 support for the baseball program in Braintree for special needs people is one more example of Local 25 concern and compassion. But I am not surprised. These are the same working men and women who are dedicated and patriotic Americans. I am proud to be one of "Okie" O'Connor's assistant coaches. A remarkable group of volunteers, who try and make life better for people. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Teamsters not only keep our American economy moving forward, but reach out to help people in need. God bless each and every member of Local 25, and thanks for your kind and generous financial support.</blockquote>And remember: "thuggs" stands for "those helpful union guys and gals." <br /><br />

This is what we union THUGGS do for 4 years in a row

We donate $10,000 to the Braintree Challengers, which teaches autistic Little Leaguers how to play the game. Teamsters Local 25  in Boston h...

Read more »

Obesity - a disease or not a disease, that's the question

On June 18, 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified obesity as a disease.  This news, of course, doesn't come without controversy as many do not view obesity as a disease, but more or less poor judgement in eating habits, etc.<br /><br />Having been overweight my entire life, I have to agree that poor eating habits played into my obesity; however, uncontrollable medical circumstances is probably the major contributing factor in how it all spun out of control.<br /><br />So, my biggest question is, what is the difference between alcoholism and obesity?  In 1991, the AMA classified alcoholism as a disease and most major insurance has some level of coverage where, depending on the carrier, obesity has none.  In 2011, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, approximately 10,228 fatalities were alcohol related.  According to the National Institute of Health, more than 300,000 people die as a result to complications from obesity. <br /><br />Here are the top 10 obesity related health problems:<br />1.  High Blood Pressure<br />2.  Diabetes<br />3.  Heart Disease<br />4.  High Cholesterol<br />5.  Cancer<br />6.  Infertility<br />7.  Back Pain<br />8.  Skin Infections<br />9.  Ulcers<br />10.  Gallstones<br /><br />I can tell you from my own personal health, I have/had 4 of these and I am borderline for another 3!!  If you think about the cost to treat each individual condition, not to mention 4, to me, it makes better sense to treat the underlying issue - obesity.  If I take Belviq for 12 months, I figured the estimated cost (without insurance) would be about $2700.  That cost is so much cheaper than even covering co-pays to the doctor, lap, and RX for high cholesterol for my entire life.  It just makes sense.<br /><br />The debate will always continue on if Obesity is a disease or not.  But Obesity can LEAD to disease and that's never been debated. <br /><br />I am going to do some reading and studying on this issue and figure out how to lobby for insurance to be mandated to cover the treatment of obesity.  Maybe Obama care has it in there somewhere. <br /><br />Let me know your thoughts on this issue........<br /><br />NOTE:  I've added a DONATION button on my blog.  This is to help me pay for my belviq monthly since it is not covered by my insurance.  Anything in excess is going to be donated to people who also can not afford it for the same reason or because they do not have insurance at all.  I have been contacted by many wanting to know more information on if it is covered.  If you know what insurance carriers are for sure covering it (or even not covering it) please let me know.  Right now, BCBS-TX is NOT covering it.<br /><br /><br /> 

Obesity - a disease or not a disease, that's the question

On June 18, 2013, the American Medical Association (AMA) officially classified obesity as a disease.  This news, of course, doesn't come...

Read more »

Library Office Assistants: Branch Circulation/Customer Service (two positions) - West Hartford Public Library

<strong>Library Office Assistants: Branch Circulation/Customer Service (two positions) -</strong> <strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">West Hartford Public Library</span></strong></strong> seeks customer service-oriented individuals to join our service teams as circulation assistants at two busy branches offering "one-desk" services (circulation/reference/children's). Duties include: charging/ discharging materials; answering phones and routing calls; collecting fines; issuing cards; assisting patrons in the use the self-checkout stations; placing holds, assisting with computers, and performing other duties as requested. There are two openings for new team members at each branch (Faxon and Bishops Corner) for 10-15 hours weekly. Pay: $17.77 per hour. Hours will include days, nights and weekends. Requirements: Excellent communication and customer service skills, flexible schedule, previous library experience and knowledge of SIRSI. Knowledge of language other than English is a plus. Online applications are available at: <a _fcksavedurl="http://71.6.170.26/revize/westhartford/living_here/town_departments/support_services_to_town_departments/employee_services/docs/employmentapplication.pdf" href="http://71.6.170.26/revize/westhartford/living_here/town_departments/support_services_to_town_departments/employee_services/docs/employmentapplication.pdf" target="_blank">http://71.6.170.26/revize/westhartford/living_here/town_departments/support_services_to_town_departments/employee_services/docs/employmentapplication.pdf</a>. Please include complete schedule availability and personal reference contacts. Applications will close at 5 p.m. on Friday <span style="color: red;">July 12, 2013</span> for internal candidates. Review of applications will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until a candidate is chosen for each position. EOE. Email applications to: <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:holloway@westhartford.org" href="mailto:holloway@westhartford.org">holloway@westhartford.org</a>.

Library Office Assistants: Branch Circulation/Customer Service (two positions) - West Hartford Public Library

Library Office Assistants: Branch Circulation/Customer Service (two positions) - West Hartford Public Library seeks customer service-orien...

Read more »

Library Assistant - Pomfret Public Library

<strong>Library Assistant  -</strong> <strong></strong><strong><strong><span style="color: #48286d;">Pomfret Public Library</span></strong></strong> seeks a part-time Library Assistant to manage patron and circulation services. The successful candidate should be able to meet the public courteously and perform a wide variety of library tasks. Average of 16 hrs per week; $15.00/hr, includes alternate Saturdays. Qualifications: computer literacy and library work experience required; knowledge of Auto-graphics Verso system preferred. See full description at <a href="http://pomfretlibrary.org/">pomfretlibrary.org</a>. To apply, submit a cover letter and resume to the library director, <a _fcksavedurl="mailto:librarian@pomfretlibrary.org" href="mailto:librarian@pomfretlibrary.org">librarian@pomfretlibrary.org</a> by <span style="color: red;">August 2, 2013</span>.

Library Assistant - Pomfret Public Library

Library Assistant  - Pomfret Public Library seeks a part-time Library Assistant to manage patron and circulation services. The successfu...

Read more »