News for today's 2018

Rich, entitled jerks really ARE rich, entitled jerks

1:41 PM Tukiyooo 0

The ultra-wealthy really <b><i>are</i></b> self-centered entitled jerks and the U.S. Senate only pays attention to them, not the rest of us.<br /><br />You probably suspected that already, but new studies prove it.<br /><br />Also, BMW drivers are the worst.<br /><br />The <a href="http://psp.sagepub.com/content/early/2013/08/19/0146167213501699.full#aff-1" rel="nofollow">Personality and Social Psychology Bulletin</a> reports five new studies show higher social class is associated with increased entitlement and narcissism.<br /><br />Paul Piff of the University of California at Berkeley conducted five experiments that demonstrate the entitlement mentality of people who are wealthier, better educated and have high-status occupations.<br /><br />Joshua Holland at <a href="http://billmoyers.com/2013/08/27/a-plutocracy-ruled-by-self-centered-jerks/">Bill Moyers & Company</a> described our favorite study:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">In one telling experiment, the researchers observed a busy intersection, and found that drivers of luxury cars were more likely to cut off other drivers and less likely to stop for pedestrians crossing the street than those behind the wheels of more modest vehicles.  “In our crosswalk study, none of the cars in the beater-car category drove through the crosswalk,” Piff told <a href="http://wheels.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/08/12/the-rich-drive-differently-a-study-suggests/?_r=0">The New York Times</a>. “But you see this huge boost in a driver’s likelihood to commit infractions in more expensive cars.” He added: “BMW drivers are the worst.”</blockquote>Other studies showed the ultra-wealthy are more likely to look at themselves in the mirror and to say “I honestly feel I’m just more deserving than others."<br /><br />Another series of experiments showed upper-class individuals are more unethical than lower-class individuals:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">This included being more likely to “display unethical decision-making,” steal, lie during a negotiation and cheat in order to win a contest.</blockquote>These are the people U.S. senators pay closest attention to. According to a study to be published in the <a href="http://prq.sagepub.com/content/early/2012/10/04/1065912912459567.abstract?papetoc" rel="nofollow">Political Research Quarterly</a>, they respond almost exclusively to their wealthiest constituents.<br /><br />It's starting to look a lot like oligarchy.<br /><span style="background-color: white; color: #373737; font-family: georgia, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19px;"><br /></span><br /><br /><br />

ethics senate wealth Rich, entitled jerks really ARE rich, entitled jerks

The ultra-wealthy really are self-centered entitled jerks and the U.S. Senate only pays attention to them, not the rest of us. You probably...

Monday, Monday

1:00 PM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-weight: bold;"><a href="http://www.archidose.org/wp/">A Weekly Dose of Architecture</a> Updates:</span><br /><br />This week's dose features the <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2013/09/09/high-school-extension-with-crinkled-wall/">High School Extension with "Crinkled Wall"</a> in Kufstein, Austria, by Johannes Wiesflecker and Karl-Heinz Klopf:<br /><a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2013/09/09/high-school-extension-with-crinkled-wall/"><img alt="this week's dose" src="http://archidose.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/Sep13-9.jpg" title="This week's dose" width="640" /></a><br /><br />The featured past dose is the <a href="http://www.archidose.org/Sep10/20/dose.html">Museum Villa Vauban</a> in Luxembourg by Philippe Schmit Architects:<br /><a href="http://www.archidose.org/Sep10/20/dose.html"><img alt="this       week's  dose" src="http://www.archidose.org/Sep10/20/image02.jpg" title="featured past dose" width="640" /></a><br /><br />This week's book review is <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2013/09/09/building-seagram/"><i>Building Seagram</i></a> by Phyllis Lambert (L):<br /><a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2013/09/09/building-seagram/"><img alt="this week's book review" height="300" src="http://archidose.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2013/09/9780300167672.jpg" title="This week's book review" /></a> <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2011/11/07/supercrit-4/"><img alt="this week's book review" height="300" src="http://archidose.org/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/supercrit4.jpg" title="This week's book review" /></a><br />(R): The featured past book review is <a href="http://archidose.org/wp/2011/11/07/supercrit-4/"><i>Supercrit #4: Bernard Tschumi, Parc de la Villette</i></a> edited by Samantha Hardingham and Kester Rattenbury.<br /><br />: : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : : :<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">American-Architects <a href="http://www.american-architects.com/en/pages/50x50">Building of the Week</a>:</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.american-architects.com/projects/42661_Kirkpatrick_Oil_Hennessey">Kirkpatrick Oil Hennessey</a> in Hennessey, Oklahoma, by Elliott + Associates Architects:<br /><a href="http://www.american-architects.com/projects/42661_Kirkpatrick_Oil_Hennessey"><img alt="this week's Building of the Week" src="http://www.american-architects.com/files/projects/42661/images/KirkpatrickOilHennessey_image2.jpg" title="Current Building of the Week on american-architects.com" width="640" /></a>

Monday, Monday

A Weekly Dose of Architecture Updates: This week's dose features the High School Extension with "Crinkled Wall" in Kufstein,...

What They Said

12:45 PM Tukiyooo 0

What They Said

Hours Worked (Musical Tribute)

12:31 PM Tukiyooo 0

The following chart shows the 24-month moving average of average weekly hours of private production and non-supervisory employees. I have added an exponential trend line in red.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfHIsgveQJWo_j_irmf3fc9cQuVM02TREhCcbPJCXbG9iL4hfTJvR_8O3TQz5RLmKONchP0XoREGtTIuzigaPwYCmKzZd_i4ZnTJx8OGnFWl8b5HvLB6_S2djXo42ETSJhyphenhyphengwFP0tt8s/s1600/Hours+Worked+-+Long-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDfHIsgveQJWo_j_irmf3fc9cQuVM02TREhCcbPJCXbG9iL4hfTJvR_8O3TQz5RLmKONchP0XoREGtTIuzigaPwYCmKzZd_i4ZnTJx8OGnFWl8b5HvLB6_S2djXo42ETSJhyphenhyphengwFP0tt8s/s320/Hours+Worked+-+Long-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />The next chart shows the deviation from the long-term trend. I have added recession indicators in blue.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0uVaOJ09oqAnPAypeQ1UxNDqQZleSx-_H7JyVQ-zcferyBDv-JvXX1KDXvxPJo9SZLOfuO7hVZtD60MOjnGC8Np86n-uc5RtVPRRHE1qrqKHFd-zvkTjX2FUO3o9EcLGYva2c51dTmI/s1600/Deviation+from+Trend+-+Long-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH0uVaOJ09oqAnPAypeQ1UxNDqQZleSx-_H7JyVQ-zcferyBDv-JvXX1KDXvxPJo9SZLOfuO7hVZtD60MOjnGC8Np86n-uc5RtVPRRHE1qrqKHFd-zvkTjX2FUO3o9EcLGYva2c51dTmI/s320/Deviation+from+Trend+-+Long-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />The next two charts provide a short-term look at that same data.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxuGuV2QLA0m19XBulp3qdfidWRgmuXQHA4m_e0OpAinx7P0h13ZbfM0_7n6ijpCDD7-cpAmzH0JSoHjlfxr9OEz1RpaS2ppK-xl2pXfsuLr_FL2hMNkUwLxRO_OeQ5Ze5Tj8i-0LOVg/s1600/Hours+Worked+-+Short-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcxuGuV2QLA0m19XBulp3qdfidWRgmuXQHA4m_e0OpAinx7P0h13ZbfM0_7n6ijpCDD7-cpAmzH0JSoHjlfxr9OEz1RpaS2ppK-xl2pXfsuLr_FL2hMNkUwLxRO_OeQ5Ze5Tj8i-0LOVg/s320/Hours+Worked+-+Short-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br />Note that the 24-month moving average of hours worked is starting to roll over (again). This does not bode well for future employment growth.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lXqst9VLHY7sX9bKpPxAFi5zIxnRmitVu2ZqbMIjCwJ38gvf56hO_qynGDiUxIaLzhv2k2JvW3us0aqdFP1JCc6jFwmWM0zx4WAsAOtP1KoCKPD5tH5GjP2dxUrMqrE_629qHQ3-69c/s1600/Deviation+from+Trend+-+Short-Term.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2lXqst9VLHY7sX9bKpPxAFi5zIxnRmitVu2ZqbMIjCwJ38gvf56hO_qynGDiUxIaLzhv2k2JvW3us0aqdFP1JCc6jFwmWM0zx4WAsAOtP1KoCKPD5tH5GjP2dxUrMqrE_629qHQ3-69c/s320/Deviation+from+Trend+-+Short-Term.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size: x-small;">Click to enlarge.</span><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/Yjy-fnsmWR4" width="420"></iframe><br /><br /><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Jetsons">The Jetsons</a><br /><br /><div style="color: #666666;"><i>George Jetson's workweek is typical of his era: an hour a day, two days a week.</i></div><br /><b>Source Data:</b><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/USRECM">St. Louis Fed: NBER based Recession Indicators</a><br /><a href="http://research.stlouisfed.org/fred2/series/AWHNONAG">St. Louis Fed: Average Weekly Hours Of Production And Nonsupervisory Employees: Total private</a>

Hours Worked (Musical Tribute)

The following chart shows the 24-month moving average of average weekly hours of private production and non-supervisory employees. I have ad...

Augusta County Library offers Geocaching class

12:19 PM Tukiyooo 0

Looking to find out more about Geocaching? Stop by the <a href="http://www.augustacountylibrary.org/2013/09/05/catch-the-geocaching-bug/">Augusta County Library</a> in Fishersville Thursday evening and hear all about it: <br /><blockquote>Do you know that there are tiny treasures hidden all around your community?  There are, and you can only find them using the high-tech scavenger hunt called Geocaching.<br /><br />Geocaching.com describes this hobby as a real-world, outdoor treasure hunting game using GPS-enabled devices. Participants navigate to a specific set of GPS coordinates and then attempt to find the geocache (container) hidden at that location.<br /><br />Sound fun, but don’t know how to get started? Then join us on Thursday, September 12 at 6:00 pm at the Fishersville Main Library. We’ll be hosting Bobbi Simonsen, a local geocaching enthusiast who will share her passion for this outdoor hobby. She’ll teach you the basics, so you’re out logging caches in no time. All ages welcome. For more info, call the Fishersville Main Library at (540)885-3961.</blockquote>

Augusta County Library geocaching high-tech scavenger hunt Augusta County Library offers Geocaching class

Looking to find out more about Geocaching? Stop by the Augusta County Library in Fishersville Thursday evening and hear all about it: Do yo...

BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

11:51 AM Tukiyooo 0

This is just too cool.<br /><br /><blockquote>In response to the planned “Million Muslim March” in Washington, D.C., on 9/11, bikers announced their own rival 2 Million Biker Ride. This weekend, news surfaced on blogs and Twitter that<a href="http://twitchy.com/2013/09/08/report-dc-denies-permit-for-911-bikers-planners-move-ahead-anyway/"> D.C. had denied the bikers an event permit.</a><br /><br />    Permit Denied to 2 Million Bikers to DC on 9.11.13 americanlibertyriders.ning.com/forum/topics/p…—<br />    NoisyRoom (@terresamonroe) September 08, 2013<br /><br />    Washington DC has DENIED our permit for a no-stop ride through Washington DC. We find this regretful for the residents and businesses of that great city, and humbly offer our apologies. What could have been a one or two hour ride through will now likely be an all day event. We will be obeying all laws. We will be stopping at all stoplights, stop signs, and yielding to all pedestrians.<br /><br />    RESIDENTS AND BUSINESSES OF WASHINGTON DC: On behalf of the National “2 Million Bikers to DC” Team, please accept our sincere apologies. We did the right thing and went through the proper channels to secure a no-stop permit to ride through your great city. We wanted to ride an established route, which would have taken us past the Viet Nam Memorial to the Lincoln Memorial, across the bridge into Virginia, and that’s it! We would have been completely out of Washington DC, and your city would have been back to normal.<br /><br />    The National Team fully expected our permit to be rejected, and have already drafted a Plan-B.</blockquote><br />Plan B to include completely clogging the streets of D.C. for hours and hours.<br /><br />Sometimes having a complete dick in the permit office in D.C. has awesome repercussions.<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC18n_qMOtolj9hJ0Of-_pz9JbUxgk1cXSFKEvKZOFapmePt5yp46CGg_DrgxxPu1d-P2rFy8kHU7cAICx6uGwvPM5YFLfKCJoocFpqdCNUbXSVFSBwVk34jHkiMtrm1n4wO6XwXK7Qee/s1600/10.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrC18n_qMOtolj9hJ0Of-_pz9JbUxgk1cXSFKEvKZOFapmePt5yp46CGg_DrgxxPu1d-P2rFy8kHU7cAICx6uGwvPM5YFLfKCJoocFpqdCNUbXSVFSBwVk34jHkiMtrm1n4wO6XwXK7Qee/s640/10.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br />Our nations capitol is going to be a giant fucking parking lot.<br /><br />Good job Mr. Dick permit denying dude!

BWAAAAAAHAHAHAHAHAAAAAA!!!

This is just too cool. In response to the planned “Million Muslim March” in Washington, D.C., on 9/11, bikers announced their own rival 2 Mi...

City Modern NYC

11:30 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/">City Modern</a>, a "showcase [of the] the best of New York's design scene with studio tours, panel  discussions, cocktail parties, special installations and home tours," takes place from September 27 to October 4. Organized by <i>Dwell</i> and <i>New York</i> magazine, the heart of City Modern is definitely the home tours—five in Manhattan on Saturday the 28th and five in Brooklyn on Sunday the 29th. One of the highlights of the tours is a space I've visited (my photos are below): the <a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/skyhouse.html">Skyhouse</a> by David Hotson Architect and Ghislaine Viñas Interior Design. Details on it and the other tours are at the bottom.<br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW12y2rho0bPoFtnIR60JJoJjL0SNa6lcbUeT571evSuChkGIg7XjJVIiROdkemFMehYqz8cpseNLJ8jNBg-F-pGQCjTs17Z3PRMK3dPnCn5kdjcE8IQOY_sBnhW42U1LB01PxFUrmxDKI/s1600/skyhouse14.jpg" /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbKabkiOxxpaoUxrBm3wMCYmmJF71scway4wWl5R5TGf2qTaeKYMIWhCdzBFe4gfeI4R5qZnxIPqkopP-VkdxArkXS0DZPWTpwIwNfrAb0xD6EtcF0C59KcJY1BZXe_74o6enTh4lErPG0/s1600/skyhouse21.jpg" /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFHpnVBLlg7iIB2svjk5C9g4QPHfCboqHre3GvAFPe7Zpjg8AUDIIWwcrLNFHbL0zZ_R4210Um_x2RlroxFPRoPfS7TMO0cH1xpORQTCu3RUtrnrGPWSGDL2bnXlaRXyq4zl2sTWPhuhYf/s1600/skyhouse8.jpg" /><br /><br /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBuzsZaJZRhqEYyyl5BNTn_Eyingbk0L2_HuWtUlYxGaMJCYEwOkelsDGjNBUVj-jtpwc_31XrTFI5GUJdrht_rthX5iAL5hX78uHYF6RJ8jHEFK-nOEAGb4tYziqxskQxAYJbs_9O0Va1/s1600/skyhouse3.jpg" /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.eventbrite.com/org/1614821172">Get your tickets</a> to see these homes:<br /><br /> <strong>Manhattan</strong> (9/28, 10am - 4pm)<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/14thSt.html">14th Street Loft</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/fractalpad.html">Fractal Pad</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/lafayette.html">Lafayette Townhouse</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/meatpackingloft.html">Meatpacking Loft</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/skyhouse.html">Skyhouse</a></li></ul><br /> <strong>Brooklyn</strong> (9/29, 10am - 4pm)<br /><ul><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/deanstmodern.html">Dean Street Townhouse</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/flavorpaper.html">Flavor Paper Pad</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/pacificTrio.html">Pacific Street Trio</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/salleresidence.html">Salle Residence</a></li><li><a href="http://www.citymodernnyc.com/tours/stateStreet.html">State Street Townhouse</a></li></ul>

City Modern NYC

City Modern , a "showcase [of the] the best of New York's design scene with studio tours, panel discussions, cocktail parties, spe...

Pondering thoughts

11:19 AM Tukiyooo 0

And before anybody gets all huffy about this... it's another cathartic post.  I'm sorting thoughts, nothing more.  I'm not looking for a lecture.  I'm confused and know the answer lies within me, not in any comments you may leave.  And it's a conversation I need to have with my husband, I know that too.  But I need to sort out my thoughts first.<br /><br />I'm struggling a bit with right vs wrong and gray areas I didn't know existed.<br /><br />Wrong is easy.  Between the laws and the bible, wrong is well defined.  Pure right, that's pretty easy too.<br /><br />Other things that are right, well that's up for interpretation and the individual.  Lots of the stuff we blog about, heck all of it, can be interpreted as wrong depending on your perspective.<br /><br />People have things in common, things that form the bond between you and your spouse/partner.  The things that drew you into each other's spell and the reasons why you wake up in love each day.  My husband and I are soul mates and best friends.  Even though we drive each other to tears, it still comes down to love.<br /><br />Everybody has personal hobbies or interests outside of the marriage. Things that our spouses don't share an interest in, or perhaps it's just more fun with someone else.  My husband and I certainly do.  It's what makes each person an individual.<br /><br />What happens when one partner wants companionship in an interest?  Either that person remains unfulfilled forever or else that person wants to connect with others who share a similar interest.<br /><br />What happens when an interest is something that probably belongs within the marriage, but it can't?  And what if said interests aren't so vanilla?  Things that would be right and wonderful for the two of us to share but there's always that resounding no... sometimes it's accompanied with concerns about being brainwashed or mentally unstable. <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />I'm allowed to have friends, both IRL and online.  I'm allowed to do as I please. I don't announce exactly who my friends are or precisely what we talk about.  I'm always honest if asked and have no reason not to be.  It's just that checking in isn't a part of our relationship.<br /><br />He knows I have a blog, never seen it and he doesn't want to.  He knows y'all get me through tougher times, both directly through the blog and then also more personal communication outside of it.  He knows there are blog friends who eventually permeate the barriers and become more real.  And he knows how deeply personal this is.  He knows I'm sharing things he's not interested in hearing about.  He knows most of you are women, but some are men.  He hasn't expressed any inkling of concern about this, nor have I ever given reason for concern. <br /><br />But herein lies a gray area I didn't know existed.  One side of me is questioning whether it fair or right for me to have close friendships and deep conversations about these interests when I've been told I can't have them at home.  The other side of me says its perfectly innocent (despite subject matter), I'm a grown woman, and I can be friends with who I want.  <br /><br />And these are rhetorical questions by the way.  I'm not sure why I'm even putting this on here.  Probably end up deleting it anyway...<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div>

Pondering thoughts

And before anybody gets all huffy about this... it's another cathartic post. I'm sorting thoughts, nothing more. I'm not looki...

Dear Prudence

10:48 AM Tukiyooo 0

This is my ficticious reply to <a href="http://live.washingtonpost.com/dear-prudence-130909.html?hpid=z5">an actual letter</a> to "The Prude".<br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Q.<br />My husband is not invited to my niece's wedding.<br /><br />Dear Prudence, I am one of four siblings, all in their late 50's/early 60's. I am a gay man who legally married my partner of 28 years earlier this year. Two of my sisters are lesbians with one married to her long time partner as well. The remaining sister, the youngest, is married with five children and is a devout Catholic. Her daughter is getting married soon and the invitation arrived the other day, addressed only to me. My other married sister's invitation was addressed only to her. I don't know what to do.</blockquote><br />My dearest Nancy Boy,<br />"The Prude" called in sick today so I am being forced against my will to respond to stupid questions like yours today.<br />After some lengthy pondering and ball scratching, I think I have the perfect answer to your question.<br /><br />The first thing you need to do is get with your other sisters, The Dykes and charter a bus.<br /><br />Then you should get in your address book and invite about twenty of your most flamboyant friends to a party.<br />You know, the really loud and obnoxious ones.<br /><br />Have your Dyke sisters get a hold of the meanest and ugliest Bull dykes they know and do the same.<br /><br />Find two goats.<br /><br />You might also consider hiring a professional to videotape everything.<br /><br />Then on the appointed day, gather all of your fellow traveler's at the nearest Gay bar and start drinking tequila shots about two hours before the ceremony is scheduled to start.<br /><br />Get good and sloppy drunk but make sure none of your Nancy Boy friends decides to get overly emotional and start causing a scene, yet.<br />Get everyone on the bus, don't forget the goats and go to the wedding chapel.<br /><br />About three minutes after the ceremony starts, crash the wedding.Turn all of your sloppy drunk gay friends and the goats loose on the unexpecting guests. <br /><br />Stagger up directly behind the bride and groom with your "husband",turn around and flip off your straight sister and her husband  and then kneel down in front of your "husband" and proceed to go down on him in right in front of that tight assed bitch. <br /><br />Make sure the video recording guy gets all this, especially when the police arrive to break up the ensuing riot. <br /><br />Trust me,this should send her an unmistakable message she will never forget.<br /><br />Sincerely,<br />Phil<br /><br />P.S., Send me a copy of that tape, I'm thinking there are some people who would pay money to see that.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />

Dear Prudence

This is my ficticious reply to an actual letter to "The Prude". Q. My husband is not invited to my niece's wedding. Dear Prud...

Supreme Court 'a subsidiary of big business,' Warren says

9:18 AM Tukiyooo 0

We're glad someone finally told the truth about our highest court.<br /><br />Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, speaking to the AFL-CIO convention yesterday, warned them of "corporate capture of the courts."<br /><br /><a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/09/elizabeth-warren-supreme-court-far-right-96449.html" rel="nofollow">Politico</a> reports,<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Warren assailed the court as an instrument of the wealthy that regularly sides with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. She cited an academic study that called the current Supreme Court’s five conservative-leaning justices among the “top 10 most pro-corporate justices in half a century.”... </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">“You follow this pro-corporate trend to its logical conclusion, and sooner or later you’ll end up with a Supreme Court that functions as a wholly owned subsidiary of Big Business,” Warren said, drawing murmurs from the crowd.</blockquote>Sadly, it isn't just the U.S. Supreme Court. A report last year by the <a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/StateCourtsReport.pdf" rel="nofollow">Center for American Progress</a> showed the<a href="http://www.americanprogress.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/08/StateCourtsReport.pdf" rel="nofollow"> influence of corporate interests</a> on state courts as well. Since many states elect their judges, corporate money has poured into campaigns for judges. Here are just three scary examples:<br /><ol><li>Between 2001-03, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce's preferred candidates won 21 of 24 state court elections. </li><li>In 2006, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce spent $1 million on just two judges' races.</li><li>In Alabama's most recent election for the state's highest court, 40 percent of all campaign contributions came from the state's chamber of commerce. </li></ol>Be very afraid.

corporate campaign contributions courts Supreme Court 'a subsidiary of big business,' Warren says

We're glad someone finally told the truth about our highest court. Massachusetts Sen. Elizabeth Warren, speaking to the AFL-CIO conventi...

World of Warcraft: Pre-Patch 5.4 Regrets?

6:53 AM Tukiyooo 0

<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-hrsDitoLPtE/Ui3S1iZIa7I/AAAAAAAADGA/d2T2QaU6Umo/s1600-h/WoWScrnShot_081513_145206%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WoWScrnShot_081513_145206" border="0" height="476" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-CRahKIXnK6Q/Ui3S2oBIz3I/AAAAAAAADGI/j_ujOLklZTI/WoWScrnShot_081513_145206_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="WoWScrnShot_081513_145206" width="844"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">As we all know, barring a shocking announcement today, <a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/blog/10647181/54_Siege_of_Orgrimmar_Coming_09-10-13-9_5_2013" target="_blank">Patch 5.4</a> lands on <a href="http://us.battle.net/wow/en/" target="_blank">World of Warcraft</a> Live servers tomorrow when maintenance concludes.  As I lay there last night having trouble falling asleep, I began to have the stirrings of regret that I got lazy and didn’t pound out those last eighteen levels so I could experience the opening of the Vale of Eternal Blossoms from the Horde’s perspective.  There is just something about your character experiencing those pivotal moments in game.</font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Don’t misunderstand me, I think <a href="http://us.blizzard.com/en-us/" target="_blank">Blizzard</a> is taking the right path when the Patch launches tomorrow.  I think the actions of Garrosh and his never ending bloodlust should have a dramatic and lasting, un-phased, impact on the world.  I will also admit I started raiding, although the “hardcore”, elite raiders won’t consider it raiding, using the LFR simply so I could gear up characters to kill Garrosh.</font>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-EBO09cz4HRM/Ui3S3KjW5kI/AAAAAAAADGQ/YLAoOxsHjTo/s1600-h/WoWScrnShot_081613_100355%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WoWScrnShot_081613_100355" border="0" height="420" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-aOCLdwunBAs/Ui3S3uz_94I/AAAAAAAADGY/a2UdzpSe7lc/WoWScrnShot_081613_100355_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="WoWScrnShot_081613_100355" width="744"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">My Horde characters will be getting almost equal playtime as my Alliance characters, especially once she hits level 90 and I can get her over to Timeless Isle to gear up.  I’m torn though, between enjoying the Horde story lines in Wrath and Cataclysm to racing to level her.  But, I know myself well, and I won’t race to the end.  It isn’t a play style I enjoy or respect.  I don’t play to sit at max level for months to years on end and then go back and breeze through content because I vastly out level it.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">Do you have any regrets for things your characters didn’t accomplish before Patch 5.4 hits?</font></p> <p> </p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:73c5df6f-9323-40fe-bddb-4287745cea90" 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/Blizzard" rel="tag">Blizzard</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/World+of+Warcraft" rel="tag">World of Warcraft</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/WOW" rel="tag">WOW</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Patch+5.4" rel="tag">Patch 5.4</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Horde" rel="tag">Horde</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Alliance" rel="tag">Alliance</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/Garrosh+Hellscream" rel="tag">Garrosh Hellscream</a></div>

Blizzard MMO video games World of Warcraft WOW World of Warcraft: Pre-Patch 5.4 Regrets?

As we all know, barring a shocking announcement today, Patch 5.4 lands on World of Warcraft Live servers tomorrow when maintenance concl...

guest post at the green room interiors

5:29 AM Anonymous 0

I'm over at <a href="http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/2013/09/pimp-my-dollhouse-with-little-black-door.html" target="_blank">The Green Room Interiors</a>  today, pimping Kimberly's dollhouse. <a href="http://chattafabulous.blogspot.com/2013/09/pimp-my-dollhouse-with-little-black-door.html" target="_blank">Check it out</a> and see my boards for her living and dining rooms. There was no budget and she provided some amazing pieces to start with so basically I went hog wild.<br /><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFOWk1TX2yGW0XkIzFvwwZYD9bWBZhZSg8vPm2jk-6hTS9v62ecDxmtev83eqs1TnTuWh1iILop6r8SH-XcLXybKGt465CijaZlMIAlztxiKBv8kp6gCgE-rZqcQrl17qDmbMWjtURje7/s1600/20130512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpFOWk1TX2yGW0XkIzFvwwZYD9bWBZhZSg8vPm2jk-6hTS9v62ecDxmtev83eqs1TnTuWh1iILop6r8SH-XcLXybKGt465CijaZlMIAlztxiKBv8kp6gCgE-rZqcQrl17qDmbMWjtURje7/s640/20130512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><br />And don't forget to <a href="http://news-these-days.blogspot.com/2013/09/ao-at-home-giveaway.html" target="_blank">enter the AO at Home giveaway</a> for your chance to win a $200 gift card from Target!<br /><br />Happy Monday!

guest post at the green room interiors

I'm over at The Green Room Interiors today, pimping Kimberly's dollhouse. Check it out and see my boards for her living and dinin...

Today's Teamster News 09.09.13

4:15 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/sf/investigative/2013/09/08/left-with-nothing/" rel="nofollow">Left With Nothing</a>  Washington Post   ...This man owed $134 in property taxes. The District sold the lien to an investor who foreclosed on his $197,000 house and sold it...<br /><a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/welfare-doesnt-pay-much-but-its-more-than-minimum-wage-in-35-states.html" rel="nofollow">Welfare Doesn’t Pay Much, But it’s More Than Minimum Wage in 35 States</a>  care2.com   ...many of the “benefits” the authors tout as welfare <a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/05/31/walmart-taxpayers-house-report_n_3365814.html">are housing, medical and food subsidies that are often used by families who work at minimum wage</a> but still need state or federal support because their pay is so low...<br /><a href="http://money.cnn.com/2013/09/09/news/economy/ceo-pay-rule/" rel="nofollow">SEC considers rule comparing CEO pay with workers</a>  CNN Money   ...Last year, Oracle (ORCL, Fortune 500) CEO Lawrence Ellison made $96.1 million, Exxon Mobil (XOM, Fortune 500)'s R. W. Tillerson made $40.2 million and Wal-Mart (WMT, Fortune 500)'s Michael Duke made $20.7 million. Soon, the SEC might require those companies to say how those salaries compare with the folks who work for them...<br /><a href="http://www.economicpopulist.org/content/charts-bls-employment-report-show-bad-jobs-continue-rule-2013-5361" rel="nofollow">Charts from BLS Employment Report Show Bad Jobs Continue to Rule in 2013 </a> Economic Populist   ...Probably the worse news of this report is July was revised down by 58,000 jobs to show only a 104,000 payroll gain and June was also revised down by 16,000 to 172,000 jobs added for that month.   Additionally the types of jobs gained are mostly low paying ones...<br /><a href="http://tv.msnbc.com/2013/08/29/why-business-needs-a-stronger-labor-movement/" rel="nofollow">Why business needs a stronger labor movement</a>  MSNBC   ...Capital’s current hogging of corporate income is doing very little to create actual prosperity, except for stockholders—and eventually it won’t create prosperity even for them...<br /><a href="http://wallstreetonparade.com/2013/09/the-missing-pieces-in-the-criminal-probe-of-jpmorgan%E2%80%99s-energy-trading/" rel="nofollow">The Missing Pieces in the Criminal Probe of JPMorgan’s Energy Trading</a>  Wall Street on Parade   ... if FERC’s investigation was obstructed, if it was unable to obtain all the documents and information it needed, how was it able to craft a reasonable settlement on behalf of ripped-off electricity ratepayers and the taxpayers who have footed the bill for this stonewalled investigation for two years?...<br /><a href="http://beforeitsnews.com/alternative/2013/09/study-beginning-of-the-longest-period-of-economic-decline-in-american-history-2756102.html" rel="nofollow">Study: “Beginning of the Longest Period of Economic Decline in American History”</a>  Before It's News   ...It’s no secret that the middle class is dying a slow and horrible death, which will ultimately lead to impoverishment of the majority of our population. As of right now 100 million Americans are already living at or near poverty – and this is supposed to be an economic recovery!...<br /><a href="http://www.care2.com/causes/texas-helpless-to-prevent-another-fertilizer-plant-explosion.html" rel="nofollow">Texas Helpless to Prevent Another Fertilizer Plant Explosion</a>  care2.com   ...Given that about 150 Texas businesses similarly house massive amounts of highly explosive fertilizer, Texas fire departments have taken it upon themselves to help prevent a similar disaster from happening again. However, <a href="http://www.mbtmag.com/news/2013/08/fire-marshal-inspections-refused-west-blast">some businesses are refusing to consent to an inspection and — unfortunately — the law is on the businesses’ side.</a>..<br /><a href="http://wesselselderlaw.wordpress.com/2013/09/08/wisconsins-biggest-use-tax-is-hidden-in-governor-walkers-budget/" rel="nofollow">Wisconsin’s Biggest Use Tax is Hidden in Governor Walker’s Budget. </a> Wessels Elder Law   ...For every dollar someone uses in Medicaid when they are in a nursing home, they will have to pay it back when they die, or when their spouse dies...<br /><a href="http://www.plunderbund.com/2013/09/07/charter-schools-propped-up-by-state-funding-how-much-is-your-school-district-losing/" rel="nofollow">Charter schools propped up by state funding – how much is your school district losing?</a>  Plunderbund   ...99% of Ohio’s school districts lose students to charter schools and of those that do, 95% lose more money per pupil than they actually receive from the state...<br /><a href="http://www.jdnews.com/news/local/moral-monday-demonstrations-slated-in-jacksonville-1.199639" rel="nofollow">Moral Monday demonstrations slated in Jacksonville</a>  JDNews.com   ...Members of the Onslow County Democratic Party will gather outside Jacksonville City Hall from 5 to 6 p.m. Sept. 9 and subsequent Mondays to October...<br /><a href="http://www.calaborfed.org/index.php/site/page/uneven_progress_what_the_economic_recovery_has_meant_for_californias_worker" rel="nofollow">Uneven Progress: What the Economic Recovery Has Meant for California’s Workers</a>  Labor's Edge   ...Even after three years of job growth, California has about 600,000 fewer jobs than it did prior to the recession, and unemployment remains high in many parts of the state...

Today's Teamster News 09.09.13

Left With Nothing Washington Post ...This man owed $134 in property taxes. The District sold the lien to an investor who foreclosed on h...

Key tips to get along with angry colleagues

3:50 AM Tukiyooo 0

<p> I sit here at 7:11 watching Shadow and Krispy, the cats, eye each other in a circle wondering who will attack first.  Oops. There they go. Krispy delivers a paw to the chest and Shadow lands a clean blow on the head. Now they are taking a moment to lick and they'll be back at it before the clock clicks another minute.</p> <p>I wonder why they fight. Shadow was saved from the jaws of four of the dogs at the farm almost a year a go. I'm not sure why people put unloved, unwanted pets out at Aunt Nan's house because she has some pretty scary looking dogs out there. </p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/TdUlfTNR8r/" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774597.4585" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/c410e9004a9f11e2bbed22000a9e28b0_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Shadow just looks innocent laying here in my arms one night. He's always ready to start a fight. ;-)</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>We couldn't resist. Shadow was a baby kitten and had no where to go and we know that Boots and Krispy are getting on up there in age. We bought them home on Easter weekend when my son who is at college was 8 or 9. So, although they look great, I guess these cats are getting on up there. Maybe even as old as me. I turned 44 this year. </p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/UGvVA_NR7f/" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774614.9966" src="http://distilleryimage7.s3.amazonaws.com/8920cb98574311e2a73522000a1faf50_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I always accuse Krispy of being "sorry." He does little but sleep. But he's been part of our family a long time and even though he's not so smart, we do care about him.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>I'm not one of those women who is ashamed of her age. Maybe I should be. My students don't really know how old I am - maybe it is because I'm a bit out there. I feel 18 most of the time except when I kneel beside them on my left knee and feel it crack.</p> <p>Shadow is lucky but Shadow is the new cat on the block competing for the same cushion and the favorite place on Kip's lap. Yet, here I am watching Shadow and Krispy and I wonder why they will always fight. </p> <p>I'll tell you why they always fight. <strong>They fight because Shadow starts it. Every single time.</strong></p> <p>Now. You might be a catologist and know all about why cats really fight, but go with me here. </p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/StohM2tR4r/" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774638.2334" src="http://distilleryimage3.s3.amazonaws.com/19214b203c1211e2ba2d22000a1f97cd_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are many colleagues like Shadow. Innocent when the boss man is around but causing trouble as soon as his back is turned. We need to have a peace environment for the sake of the children.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>There are some animals who fight as a way of life. There are also some humans who do it too. A good rick rolling temper-flaring red-seeing fight is what they do.  They are like Shadow, always circling someone ready to pounce. Some for entertainment and others because they saw it at home and a thousand other reasons that psychologists will lecture you about. Why people fight is not a simple thing.</p> <p><strong>Just don't let this be you</strong>. You can' do anything about the other guy but you can control yourself. </p> <p><strong>Don't let it be in front of students</strong>.I hate it when adults tie up in front of kids. Whether it is a parent jumping on a teacher (which is not ever a good thing) or two teachers disagreeing - it should go outside or away.</p> <p>Kids are very black and white. I "like you" or I "don't like you." How many times do they come up to you and say "so and so isn't my friend any more."</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div> <p>They don't understand how adults can have a heated professional disagreement over a subject at work yet still enjoy eating lunch together. It isn't in what they do. </p> <p><strong>Avoid them if you can</strong>. I've just learned that some people are like Shadow and they are best avoided. I don't know why Slingshot Sally or Buckshot Bill are always armed and ready to go but you don't have to engage them. You don't have to ruin your day and take them on. </p> <p><strong>Learn to be wise when dealing with difficult people</strong>. It is frustrating that certain people can be so tough to deal with but there are reasons. Early in my career I listened to a tape series "Dealing with difficult people" and the cover of the book had two people shaking hands. One of the person's hands were green and barbed like the skin of a cactus.</p> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/QxGKX5tR86/" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774599.5732" src="http://distilleryimage2.s3.amazonaws.com/a8a93618161011e2b19422000a1f9bc9_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day shadow joined us (shown here on my leg) we had no idea we were adopting such a firecracker. He picks on the other cats relentlessly. There are some in schools who do this too.</td></tr></tbody></table> <p>This is a great picture for me because it reminds me that some people are just naturally difficult to shake hands with. If I want to be the person who enjoys this life, if I can learn to be firm but kind. If I can be wise about how I use my voice (Did you know if you lower your voice and make it quieter as you pause, that you can deescalate a conversation?)</p> <p><strong>Treat it like a game</strong>. I admit, I've done this before. I've seen how many days in a row I can go getting along with certain people. Realize that "getting along" and "giving in" are two different things. You have to stand up and be professional. I've just found that I have to realize my part in the whole matter. It doesn't escalate unless I let it escalate. I even cut a deal with my husband "If I don't tie up with so and so all week - I get a prize." Sounds silly but it works and lowers my blood pressure.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div> <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://instagram.com/p/ZWTAOwtR-W/" target="_blank" style=""><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774644.06" src="http://distilleryimage10.s3.amazonaws.com/f5a4f1ccbdaa11e2976e22000a1fbc8d_7.jpg" width="500"></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Because we love kids we want them to have a good learning environment, not a toxic one.</td></tr></tbody></table> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div> <p><strong>Stand up when it is necessary</strong>. If you're ALWAYS arguing with a difficult person, they won't ever know when it is little stuff or big stuff. There are times you will need to get angry. Some angry people are bullies. Sadly, I've found that many bullies only understand one thing: someone standing up to them in the way they are accustomed. There are times -- not as many as you might think -- when you need to stand up. When you need to stick up for yourself or something is going to be done in a way that isn't good for a child. I hate losing my temper and do it rarely but there are times to go in a private place and deal with it.</p> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: none;"> </div> <p><strong>Make sure it isn't you</strong>. It is also important to evaluate the circumstance. I give it the spouse test. If there is someone at work I'm always going home and mentioning to Kip - and he knows I'm struggling - then I have a problem. I ask myself if that person is "tying up" with other people. If they are known to be argumentative, then I relax and start working on strategies to get along. If they don't argue with many people but do with me -- then it is time to look at my own actions and behaviors. What am I doing to cause this?</p> <p>Power and personality differences are often two components in this. Some even have triggers because someone reminds them of someone else. Sad but true.</p> <p><a href="http://instagram.com/p/ZO_BTotR2n/" target="_blank" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.296875); -webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); "><img alt="" class="alignnone" height="500" id="blogsy-1378723774605.05" src="http://distilleryimage11.s3.amazonaws.com/b0e4a9a2bb6f11e2868f22000a1f97ea_7.jpg" width="500"></a><br></p> <p><strong>Why is keeping the peace so important?</strong></p> <p>We aren't a Fortune 500 business. We aren't Wall Street or the Capitol Building or a back street. We work in schools. We work with tomorrow's leaders. </p> <p>Sometimes kids don't hear what we say because our actions are yelling too loud.</p> <p>Think of their circumstances. Every year they are thrown together with 30 people they don't know. Hopefully there are a few they love but there are always kids they can't stand. They can't leave. They can't ask for a transfer (not usually.) They have no say over whether they'll be at that school or in that class. Absolutely none at all. They have to get along.</p> <p>All these kids have is a budding psyche that is just learning to get along with others and the examples they see every day. They are watching us. How do we get along? How do we argue? Is our school a good place to be? Do people smile at each other? Do they ever laugh? Do some teachers enjoy being together? Do we have interests outside school?</p> <h3>Toxic environment, Toxic school</h3> <p>When the environment is toxic, people know it but more importantly the kids know it. Sadly, they know it.</p> <p>When times get tough, many people struggle with staying positive. This spills over into work relationships and into family. We have among us some great people who might just be dealing with a raw deal. </p> <p>But we have among us an opportunity. I'm going to tell you what many of you tell the kids: "Why can't we just all get along?"</p> <p>The rule at our school is if kids get in a fight - they both go to the office. We can't have kids fighting in schools. </p> <p>Yet in some schools (so I hear) disagreements between colleagues, administration, and even parents and teachers is pretty toxic. We have a double standard. Kids fight and go to the office but two colleagues disagree publicly and often the principal is the last to know. Some principals even make the mistake of passing judgement before they hear both sides in adult arguments when they would never do so with kids.</p> <p>If your school or your building is toxic due to one or more people, I'm just asking you - for the love of kids - take steps to deal with the problem. Many relationships are not as simple as the advice I've given here. Toxic environments are bad for everyone. Toxic often starts at the top. If more school boards and administrators and teachers would realize that it is all about relationships then many schools would be better off. </p> <p>When school boards argue and force people to take sides on nonessential issues, it is not good for the school system. Some issues are important to take sides on but we need to realize that we should all be on the same side when it comes to the school itself. There are times to make decisions and move forward. It is always time to stand together and get along for the good of the school and the kids.</p> <p>If there is an adult who can't hold his or her temper and is always spouting off at people - perhaps that person is in a job ill suited to their temperament. </p> <p>My Aunt Chandra answered phones at the local public high school for more than 30 years - she never gets angry at anyone. She was a gift to that school because she was a soft first hello for anyone who called. They missed her when she left. When I was a manager in the business world, I made sure that the first voice people heard was pleasant, helpful, and informed -- it prevented having people yell at me as they traveled up the line. Just a kind, warm person greeting  callers  makes a huge difference.</p> <p>Let's love the kids. Let's think of them. Let's do what it takes to work together and get along - the future is counting on us. Not all schools have these problems but enough do that it is worth writing about. These are tough times for schools, teachers, and administrators but we have to cope how we can deal with tough issues without being tough hearted and argumentative. We have to be functional in how we disagree and to understand that when we're struggling to get along that it is often signs of deeper issues that need to be handled.</p> <p>OK, the cats are asleep and it is time to clean the kitchen. I guess even fussy kitties get tired sometimes.</p> <p> </p><div style="text-align: right; font-size: small; clear: both;" id="blogsy_footer"><a href="http://blogsyapp.com" target="_blank"><img alt="Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad" height="20" src="http://blogsyapp.com/images/blogsy_footer_icon.png" style="vertical-align: middle; margin-right: 5px;" width="20" />Written by Vicki Davis, author - Flattening Classrooms, Engaging Minds - Posted with Blogsy from my iPad</a></div>

EDUCATION Inspiration Teaching Key tips to get along with angry colleagues

I sit here at 7:11 watching Shadow and Krispy, the cats, eye each other in a circle wondering who will attack first. Oops. There they go. ...

Break's over ... Congress returns to D.C.

3:06 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO4tVfAc5pVtsrRLwCaSf1flcYxr_Ig9Z-Sc29wMujbNJVZfdqbtwzfHMERtLhQBRL-Uc44DOmSM95CaMg0aZdE4f8cO2pd78m7gPkfAGy5xpzpkt7b9zD9jdhLBYg9tJDNCPZVt5N3I/s1600-h/Capitol+Building.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5114369889513822082" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO4tVfAc5pVtsrRLwCaSf1flcYxr_Ig9Z-Sc29wMujbNJVZfdqbtwzfHMERtLhQBRL-Uc44DOmSM95CaMg0aZdE4f8cO2pd78m7gPkfAGy5xpzpkt7b9zD9jdhLBYg9tJDNCPZVt5N3I/s400/Capitol+Building.jpg" style="display: block; margin: 0px auto 10px; text-align: center;" /></a><br /><br />They're back. Congress returns to D.C. Monday from their five-week  summer break with plans to tackle a full schedule. First up is the  controversial decision on whether to use military force in Syria, a  subject that has divided Americans on both sides of the political aisle.  Another hot-button topic is facing those who want a government shutdown  in October when the new fiscal year begins. Immigration is still  front-and-center and promises to cause fireworks. Other issues concern  the NSA and government surveillance, gun control, voting rights, closing  Guantanamo, and food stamp cuts. <br /><br />From <a data-mce-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/09/08/congress-syria-fall-agenda-debt-shutdown-immigration/2777765/" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/09/08/congress-syria-fall-agenda-debt-shutdown-immigration/2777765/"><i>USA Today</i></a>:<br /><blockquote>Congress <a data-mce-href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/09/08/congress-syria-fall-agenda-debt-shutdown-immigration/2777765/" href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/09/08/congress-syria-fall-agenda-debt-shutdown-immigration/2777765/" title="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/09/08/congress-syria-fall-agenda-debt-shutdown-immigration/2777765/">returns today</a> with 39 legislative days scheduled before the end of the year to debate  the most consequential foreign policy vote (Syria) under President  Obama, resolve pressing budget deadlines and determine whether an  immigration overhaul has a fighting chance before the 2014 elections.  Expectations are low for great successes in a divided institution  plagued by partisan intransigence and abysmal approval ratings.</blockquote>Majority Leader Eric Cantor published <a data-mce-href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/us-house-schedule-for-monday-september.html" href="http://www.swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/us-house-schedule-for-monday-september.html">Monday's schedule</a> for the House of Representatives.<br /><br /><i>Photo by Lynn R. Mitchell</i>

Congress Eric Cantor U.S. House of Representatives USA Today Break's over ... Congress returns to D.C.

They're back. Congress returns to D.C. Monday from their five-week summer break with plans to tackle a full schedule. First up is the ...

Back to School: Berry and Banana Overnight Oats recipe

2:58 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">So! Its back to school season, which sucks but in a strange way i'm kind of excited about it! Mostly because back to school means Autumn is just around the corner. Forever my favourite season. <br />Oh and <i>*cough*</i> my birthday<i> *cough* </i>October 6th<i> *cough*</i></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Anyhoo, i decided to kick off my back to school series with a quick back to school breakfast. This recipe is perfect not only for all you busy students but for work too! If you tend to be tight on time in the mornings and find yourself...<i>dun dun duuuuuun</i> NOT HAVING BREAKFAST <i>*Gasp* *Faints* </i>i shudder to think of such things...always have breakfast! always! well, this recipe is for you... </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" frameborder="0" height="266" mozallowfullscreen="mozallowfullscreen" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/UfYcWrVBuH8?feature=player_embedded" webkitallowfullscreen="webkitallowfullscreen" width="320"></iframe></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">What you will need:</span></b></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">An air tight jar<br />A fork or spoon<br />Measuring utensils<br />A strong mixing arm! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><b>Ingredients:</b><br />1/3 cup Rolled Oats<br />1/3 cup Greek Yogurt<br />1/3 cup Almond Milk<br />1/4 of a Banana (or 1 small banana)<br />1/4 cup Berries </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Granola </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;">Now all you need to do is put all of the ingredients, except for the granola, in the jar and mix with your spoon or fork! its that simple! Pop it in the fridge overnight (or it can be ready in 2 hours) and when you're ready to eat it, crumble some granola on top and there you go! It takes no more than 10 minutes to prepare.</span><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;">There are so many variations with this recipe too, you could swap out the banana and berries with so many other foods. I will definitely be experimenting further with this one! </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><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/AVvXsEgmT8FSUirIJX9LgOF-WjvRoGrwBOW4H6dvGmIWJrMzn_jROc494E5t7sV0cqiharSZxBU9thmFhRFtZAXpUm8VqPrSSLdkBLvEGQfW_n-8WZYS78NxQrcPbkvD-wojJ1WtT8EedxZLBqdt/s1600/photo.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmT8FSUirIJX9LgOF-WjvRoGrwBOW4H6dvGmIWJrMzn_jROc494E5t7sV0cqiharSZxBU9thmFhRFtZAXpUm8VqPrSSLdkBLvEGQfW_n-8WZYS78NxQrcPbkvD-wojJ1WtT8EedxZLBqdt/s640/photo.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Yuuuuuum!</b></span></td></tr></tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>

Back to School: Berry and Banana Overnight Oats recipe

back to school berry and banana overnight oats fitness healthy oats overnight oats porridge recipe Weight Loss Back to School: Berry and Banana Overnight Oats recipe

So! Its back to school season, which sucks but in a strange way i'm kind of excited about it! Mostly because back to school means Autumn...

What's The Story Here?

2:07 AM Tukiyooo 0

What's The Story Here?

U.S. House schedule for Monday, September 9, 2013

1:53 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://majorityleader.gov/">From Majority Leader Eric Cantor....</a><br /><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><u><b>MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH </b></u><br />                                <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1491284939" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">On Monday</span></span>, the House will meet at <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1491284940" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">2:00 p.m.</span></span> for legislative business. <br />                                Votes will be postponed until <span class="aBn" data-term="goog_1491284941" tabindex="0"><span class="aQJ">6:30 p.m.</span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><b>One Minute Speeches</b><br /><br />                                 <b>Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:</b><br />                                 <blockquote>                                <b>1) <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=361176-6846703" target="_blank">H.R. 2052</a></b> - Global Investment in American Jobs Act of 2013, as amended <i>(Sponsored by Rep. Lee Terry / Energy and Commerce Committee)</i><br />                                 <b>2) <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=361177-6846703" target="_blank">H.R. 2844</a></b> - Federal Communications Commission Consolidation Reporting Act of 2013 <i>(Sponsored by Rep. Steve Scalise / Energy and Commerce Committee)</i><br />                                 </blockquote><b>Special Order Speeches</b><br /><br />                                 <a href="http://republicanleaderforms.house.gov/Components/Redirect/r.aspx?ID=361179-6846703" target="_blank">Printable PDF</a>

U.S. House schedule for Monday, September 9, 2013

Congress Energy and Commerce Committee Eric Cantor Lee Terry Steve Scalise U.S. House of Representatives U.S. House schedule for Monday, September 9, 2013

From Majority Leader Eric Cantor.... MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 9TH On Monday , the House will meet at 2:00 p.m. for...

New Features: Samsung Galaxy Note 3

1:52 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div style="text-align: justify;"><div>Samsung’s most awaited smartphone Galaxy Note 3 comes with some new and exciting features which were not used in any smartphone before this. Here we are talking about the top features of Samsung Galaxy Note 3.</div><div>                                    <a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA0QOkhsCT0/Ui2KrQ1Y0nI/AAAAAAAAAUA/B1Hg0vEsvDE/s1600/Note-3-590x330.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="178" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uA0QOkhsCT0/Ui2KrQ1Y0nI/AAAAAAAAAUA/B1Hg0vEsvDE/s1600/Note-3-590x330.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>                                                                          geek.com</div><div>Multi-Window:</div><div>Multi-window was introduced with Note II in last year, but now it is improved in Note 3. Before improvement user can create two moveable panes on the display and drag apps from a particular sidebar to fill them but now in improved window user can run two app at same time and share content between them. This is helpful during two instantaneous chat and copy the message between them. User have also drag-and-drop option between two different apps, through this user can also drag the photo and document between two different apps.</div><div><br /></div><div>Scrapbooker:</div><div>You can plugs in to scrapbooker through two ways one from Air Command and another from its own Scrapbook app. With the help of this app you save the content to just draw a circle around it but for this you should activate you Scrapbooker.</div><div>In Note 3 this app is improved and you can save now any content, video and images in your circle and also play in Scrapbook app. If you want to check original source of your saved data’s the Scrapbook save the URL automatically. </div><div><br /></div><div>Action memo:</div><div>You can find this app on Air Command popup and it give you access to add a note quickly. Action memo can take you handwriting and change it in to readable format.  This app will recognize your handwriting in future.</div><div></div><div>                                        <a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTp2IoKWB5s/Ui2KV2RrwYI/AAAAAAAAAT4/DTRbEpyPFZQ/s1600/2013-09-05-09_47_20-Introducing-Samsung-GALAXY-Note-3-YouTube-590x289.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="156" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bTp2IoKWB5s/Ui2KV2RrwYI/AAAAAAAAAT4/DTRbEpyPFZQ/s1600/2013-09-05-09_47_20-Introducing-Samsung-GALAXY-Note-3-YouTube-590x289.png" width="320" /></a></div><div>                                                                     geek.com</div><div>Pen Window:</div><div>This app is useful to take quick overlay of a floating app at whatever size you want. For using this app you should select this app from Air Command window and use the S pen to draw a box any place on the screen of any size. After this device will ask you to the app name which is created within that space. You should write the app name you want to float.</div><div><br /></div><div>Availability and Price:</div><div>The Note 3 will be available in market from the September 25, 2013 and Price is $ 700.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><a href="https://plus.google.com/100638775997274345522" rel="author">Anil Swami</a></div></div>

apps pen window smartphone New Features: Samsung Galaxy Note 3

Samsung’s most awaited smartphone Galaxy Note 3 comes with some new and exciting features which were not used in any smartphone before this....

Brrr it's cold

1:13 AM Tukiyooo 0

<span style="font-size: large;">The weather turned over the weekend.  At the moment it is 4 degrees celcius (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit).  It is forecast to get up to 18 today but somehow I just don't believe it.</span><br /><div><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClwvVjos46S2paZG_R3Q7-cgAA2aaXJTw5bZ6QXhUnSL1EZmaQVkTZWQrw6chbpBMkOAMo8S_1x5luFkkDjj079jlqexea81scsGGiHPEq6RhjD1ddA31GUrRsBTaTrKFfsp_KXpexTJc/s640/blogger-image--1101010055.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-size: large;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjClwvVjos46S2paZG_R3Q7-cgAA2aaXJTw5bZ6QXhUnSL1EZmaQVkTZWQrw6chbpBMkOAMo8S_1x5luFkkDjj079jlqexea81scsGGiHPEq6RhjD1ddA31GUrRsBTaTrKFfsp_KXpexTJc/s640/blogger-image--1101010055.jpg" /></span></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">The good news that the weather is expected to improve for next weekend.  I really hope so as Flight Fest is on in Dublin City and good weather is badly needed for that.  </span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="font-size: large;">Flight Fest is a 3 hour spectacle where the largest and most unique planes in the world will be doing low flybys along the river Liffey.  I am really looking forward to it!  <a href="http://www.flightfest.ie/">Here is some information about the event<span style="font-family: .HelveticaNeueUI;"><span style="line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;">.</span></span></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both;"><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloK4mkEZzztB6v7si9vaVAhD75S_yLH0jnjKKxaMDwQJ5Oy5Qf-PK4jmna_6DEhlbZ5UFqIW3dOoA9QAt5IMOCm2vVZS8KOmYyH3uXz8Oy4t5-PMq8UQKLB2gdGtHL2EB1qlcCIT0wMi2/s640/blogger-image--918960007.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgloK4mkEZzztB6v7si9vaVAhD75S_yLH0jnjKKxaMDwQJ5Oy5Qf-PK4jmna_6DEhlbZ5UFqIW3dOoA9QAt5IMOCm2vVZS8KOmYyH3uXz8Oy4t5-PMq8UQKLB2gdGtHL2EB1qlcCIT0wMi2/s640/blogger-image--918960007.jpg" /></a></span></div><span style="-webkit-composition-fill-color: rgba(175, 192, 227, 0.230469); -webkit-composition-frame-color: rgba(77, 128, 180, 0.230469); -webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(26, 26, 26, 0.292969); font-family: '.HelveticaNeueUI'; font-size: 15px; line-height: 19px; white-space: nowrap;"><br /></span><br /><br /></div>

Brrr it's cold

The weather turned over the weekend. At the moment it is 4 degrees celcius (about 40 degrees Fahrenheit). It is forecast to get up to 18 t...