News for today's 2018

NYC Teamsters make splash with campaign to fix commercial waste industry

12:51 PM Tukiyooo 0

<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/AVvXsEj9mvRRrpHIivMAalRn2qPwNEj16CXOySzVNOEG3-IMTKRsXQeTvULIY_W7IN0SMFEBlNnN3s0x5J0K_P3ZNMONyrakSagxvP_L-SkokV2mmdmgjbUYUObaywMy8eYoeRUcwle915V-oyAM/s1600/joint+council+16+NYC.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9mvRRrpHIivMAalRn2qPwNEj16CXOySzVNOEG3-IMTKRsXQeTvULIY_W7IN0SMFEBlNnN3s0x5J0K_P3ZNMONyrakSagxvP_L-SkokV2mmdmgjbUYUObaywMy8eYoeRUcwle915V-oyAM/s400/joint+council+16+NYC.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Teamsters JC 16 President George Miranda and Teamster brothers and sisters</td></tr></tbody></table>New York City welcomed the news yesterday of the Teamsters' new coalition to reform the commercial waste industry, an alliance that includes small businesses fed up with shakedowns and environmentalists fed up with fighting air pollution.<br /><br />Sean Campbell, president of Teamsters Local 813, told a news conference yesterday what union members are fed up with. The <a href="http://www.theepochtimes.com/n3/306815-report-suggests-commercial-waste-management-reform/" rel="nofollow">Epoch Times</a> reported on his remarks:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Growing up, jobs in the sanitation industry were good paying jobs with good pension plans. Now the majority of private owners pay very low wages and little in benefits. Many break the most basic health and safety regulations.</blockquote>At the same news conference, Teamsters International Vice President George Miranda (and Teamsters Joint Council 16 president) called on the city to work with unions and community groups to tackle commercial waste in New York City.<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">It's time we open a new phase of recycling with New York's commercial carters.</blockquote><table 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/AVvXsEgS04dH5uqOyJg3j2QTpAlkaB4al4TU83bLYsIl-PnLH1MhT0EGALivp-ajVILgemHUjylrDumbRLnVV-iLfaWcmHq1wzn4jZlx060jiMRnxl_XlcX1_bHnfmHCKpCDYzyukeSDu3QVlvfT/s1600/Errol+Louis.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS04dH5uqOyJg3j2QTpAlkaB4al4TU83bLYsIl-PnLH1MhT0EGALivp-ajVILgemHUjylrDumbRLnVV-iLfaWcmHq1wzn4jZlx060jiMRnxl_XlcX1_bHnfmHCKpCDYzyukeSDu3QVlvfT/s400/Errol+Louis.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Errol Louis with Bettina Damiani of Good Jobs<br />New York, which endorsed the coalition's report.</td></tr></tbody></table>New York City's beloved <a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/overdue-trash-overhaul-article-1.1474501" rel="nofollow">Daily News columnist</a><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/overdue-trash-overhaul-article-1.1474501" rel="nofollow"> Errol Louis</a> wholeheartedly endorsed the plan by what he called "an unlikely environmental activists and neighborhood groups." Louis explained what's wrong with New York's commercial waste industry:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">...the commercial trash removal system has been an environmental and economic scandal for decades. In 1996, prosecutors indicted dozens of carting company executives, accusing them of running the garbage firms as branches of the Genovese and Gambino crime organizations. The mayor at the time, Rudy Giuliani, created a government agency, the Trade Waste Commission (now called the Business Integrity Commission), to weed out the crooks. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">But Rudy didn’t kill the beast. This year, federal prosecutors arrested 30 waste haulers, calling them members of the Gambino, Genovese and Luchese crime families and accusing them of racketeering — everything from loansharking to shaking down legitimate businesses and dividing up the New York area into territories controlled by different mobsters. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">To make matters worse, according to Transform Don’t Trash, a large number of commercial waste companies compete in the same neighborhoods, with multiple diesel-powered trucks running up and down the same streets, spewing soot and leaving potholes and chewed-up pavement in their wake. A lack of oversight leaves low-level waste workers badly underpaid and exposed to poisons, disease and accidents, making trash collection and removal one of the 10 deadliest occupations in America. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">And most of the garbage finally arrives in low-income, outer-borough neighborhoods. Manhattan, which generates 41% of the city’s commercial waste, has only 2% of the city’s solid waste transfer stations and 3% of the recycling facilities, according to the coalition.</blockquote>

JC16 NYC waste NYC Teamsters make splash with campaign to fix commercial waste industry

Teamsters JC 16 President George Miranda and Teamster brothers and sisters New York City welcomed the news yesterday of the Teamsters' n...

How many Americans does it take to shut down the government?

12:26 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2tmrkdAXSMRcjGnEicOB6MrY5qLgU58cpyofvKlqDBol91iZWuZ7jlFlIX84G6HmkyDexcI6q-pTc-ze5C8-POqyVD0vV2kaWOPlp9IZ5qBbYcm77iuSe476NWjydZlQGJyA6JFd2Y2y/s1600/jobsnotcuts.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhb2tmrkdAXSMRcjGnEicOB6MrY5qLgU58cpyofvKlqDBol91iZWuZ7jlFlIX84G6HmkyDexcI6q-pTc-ze5C8-POqyVD0vV2kaWOPlp9IZ5qBbYcm77iuSe476NWjydZlQGJyA6JFd2Y2y/s200/jobsnotcuts.png" width="200" /></a></div>Extremist Republicans claim shutting down the government over their opposition to a law passed three years ago is what the American people want.<br /><br />That's an interesting theory considering less than 5 percent of the population actually voted for these hostage-takers.<br /><br /><em>Business Insider</em> <a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-will-of-a-pathetic-43-of-the-population-2013-10">reports</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Let's look at the element of the House GOP that supports tying the continuing  resolution to fund the government to an un-passable defunding of the Affordable  Care Act. Judging by the number of people who signed  <a href="http://meadows.house.gov/uploads/Meadows_DefundLetter.pdf" sl-processed="1">freshman  Rep. Mark Meadow's (R-N.C.)</a> letter,  <a href="http://www.freedomworks.org/blog/jwithrow/does-your-senator-stand-with-mike-lee-against-obam" sl-processed="1">81 members</a> of the 233 GOP caucus support this hardcore  strategy. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Adding them up, we see that only 13.8 million Americans actually voted for  the suicide caucus. That's only 11.7% of the people who voted in a congressional election in  2012, and an absolutely pathetic 4.3% of the U.S. population.</blockquote>How can such a small percentage of people stack Congress with enough sociopaths to shut down the government? The answer is <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gerrymandering" rel="nofollow">gerrymandering</a> -- self-serving congressional redistricting that allowed Republicans to get 33 more seats than Democrats in the last election despite getting fewer votes.<br /><br />And <a href="http://thinkprogress.org/justice/2013/10/02/2716421/how-gerrymandering-makes-a-speedy-shutdown-end-unlikely/"><em>Think Progress</em> reports</a> that Republican gerrymandering makes a quick resolution to the shutdown even more unlikely:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Obama garnered 48.8 percent of the vote or more in just 13 of the 218 other Congressional Districts currently represented by a Republican -- and even if the general public wants the government reopened, there is little political pressure in heavily GOP districts for Republican members to side with President Obama and the Democrats.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">With a gerrymandered majority consisting of districts that do not represent the majority of Americans’ viewpoints, House Republicans can keep the government in a shutdown highly insulated from the anger and blame they are receiving.</blockquote>So when you hear the fanatics in Washington say they're carrying out the will of the American people, remember they're more likely carrying out the will of their heavily gerrymandered districts. They aren't satisfied with the <a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/02/sequester-is-anti-growth-and-anti.html" rel="nofollow">anti-worker sequester cuts</a> they got this year. To them, it's great to tear at the social safety net. But it's better to rip it to pieces and even better to make it look like your opponents are to blame for the crisis.<br /><br />When that doesn't work the extremists are busy downplaying the crisis altogether. But <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/01/the-nine-most-painful-consequences-of-a-government-shutdown/" rel="nofollow">the shutdown is much more than a few shuttered parks</a>. It's an attack on federal workers, veterans' benefits, vaccine programs, food safety inspections, food assistance for women and children, disability benefits, Head Start programs, financing for small businesses, and tourism.<br /><br />And it's all thanks to the shrill minority spawned from gerrymandered voting districts -- democracy (and the economy) be damned.

gerrymandering government shutdown health care reform Sequestration tea party How many Americans does it take to shut down the government?

Extremist Republicans claim shutting down the government over their opposition to a law passed three years ago is what the American people w...

Breaking News----- Shots Fired Two Blocks From US Capitol

11:57 AM Tukiyooo 0

Breaking News----- Shots Fired Two Blocks From US Capitol

Watching it on the television right now. Apparently a woman was involved in a vehicle crash into a barrier on Pennsylvania Avenue. There was...

The Applications Are In That Bus Idling Over There

11:31 AM Tukiyooo 0

Is it just me or does someone not 'get' what illegal means.....<br /><br /><blockquote>Los Angeles Times<br />Breaking news<br />Gov. Brown signs bill to allow driving permits for people in U.S. illegally<br />Los Angeles Times | October 3, 2013 | 11:14 AM<br /><br />California Gov. Jerry Brown today signed a bill that will allow people living in the country illegally to receive a permit to drive legally in the state.<br /><br />“The rest of this country will have to stand up and take notice," Brown said at a signing ceremony on the steps of Los Angeles City Hall. "No longer are undocumented people in the shadows, they are alive and well and respected in the state of California.”<br /><br />Permits issued under the law will have the notation “DP,” for driving privilege, to distinguish them from regular driver's licenses.<br /><br />For the latest information go to www.latimes.com.</blockquote><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX5wJqtoPO-byqzeEwcW2093Bo-k7AcPDod0ES1FFNxxiqgbMrsJpiwnn_nF5pUbpAwFu9KilgjFptWy37PWW1t-b6GUVxqmvoBtIhtBb5Ge_ZJjfj06Q_b2KxHS-qHt0WGD-8kokf__4/s1600/5399.jpg" imageanchor="1" ><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbX5wJqtoPO-byqzeEwcW2093Bo-k7AcPDod0ES1FFNxxiqgbMrsJpiwnn_nF5pUbpAwFu9KilgjFptWy37PWW1t-b6GUVxqmvoBtIhtBb5Ge_ZJjfj06Q_b2KxHS-qHt0WGD-8kokf__4/s640/5399.jpg" /></a>

The Applications Are In That Bus Idling Over There

Is it just me or does someone not 'get' what illegal means..... Los Angeles Times Breaking news Gov. Brown signs bill to allow drivi...

Pch.com/ Sweepstakes - Publishers Clearing House - Win $ 7000 Every Week

11:17 AM Tukiyooo 0

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PCH is here with a sweepstakes. The free online sweepstakes from PCH is always a much awaited fall event. One just needs to fill in a simple...

Todays Obvious Answer To Stupid Questions Edition

11:03 AM Tukiyooo 0

Todays Obvious Answer To Stupid Questions Edition

Watch FREE Movies and TV Shows Streaming at Amazon - 30 Day Trial

10:51 AM Tukiyooo 0

Amazon has come up with a delectable offering by Amazon Prime. One can free access to unlimited movies and TV shows in Prime during the free trial period and then later for a yearly fee. One can borrow books from the Kindle Library for free and also get free shipping on many items. The cost seems pretty reasonable for such a bouquet of offers. The cost doesnt even come to $ 7 per month!<br /><br />However before committing oneself to the offer one can get a free trial of Amazon Prime!<br /><br />Amazon has a <b>special 30 days offer</b> of free trial for <b>Amazon Prime.</b><br /><br />With Amazon Prime 30 Days free trial offer one can<br /><br /><ul><li>get FREE Two-Day Shipping on millions of items</li><li>No minimum order size</li><li>Unlimited instant<b> FREE streaming of movies</b> and TV shows with Prime Instant Video</li><li>A Kindle book to borrow for free each month from the Kindle Owners' Lending Library</li></ul>After the free trial period is over Amazon Prime is available for just $ 79 per year.<br /><br />Check out the details for Amazon Prime here <br />  <br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/signup/videos?tag=hubp05c7-20">http://www.amazon.com/gp/prime/signup/videos?tag=hubp05c7-20</a>

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Amazon has come up with a delectable offering by Amazon Prime. One can free access to unlimited movies and TV shows in Prime during the free...

World of Warcraft: Sometimes it isn’t the class that sucks but you…

9:23 AM Tukiyooo 0

<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-TPAPRvAec1E/Uk2Z_-VJliI/AAAAAAAADHY/W5hKgGNmj4s/s1600-h/WoWScrnShot_100313_091427%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="WoWScrnShot_100313_091427" border="0" height="476" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-4BwwDXGMewE/Uk2aAji3CdI/AAAAAAAADHg/GklTe9pYUew/WoWScrnShot_100313_091427_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline" title="WoWScrnShot_100313_091427" width="844"></a> </p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">So, Flamingoo is a warrior.  She is small but had grand aspirations to be powerful.  Unfortunately, the person behind the mouse sometimes goes brain dead and forgets how to effectively become “the Goo” (as she is known around here).  Thanks to my wonderful hubby, and some tweaking thanks to </font><a href="http://www.icy-veins.com" target="_blank"><font size="3">icy-veins</font></a><font size="3">, she is no longer spending more time taking dirt naps than she is killing things.  In fact, the Goo ventured into her first raid this morning.  While she didn’t light up the damage meters, she also didn’t die and did respectable damage for still having two greens and a blue weapon.  </font></p> <p align="justify"><font size="3">The Goo may not be my first go to character but she isn’t the de facto choice to ignore any longer either.</font></p> <div id="scid:0767317B-992E-4b12-91E0-4F059A8CECA8:db7adda7-0ad5-4bfe-8729-578fd8457d4e" 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/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/icy-veins" rel="tag">icy-veins</a>,<a href="http://technorati.com/tags/warrior" rel="tag">warrior</a></div>

World of Warcraft: Sometimes it isn’t the class that sucks but you…

So, Flamingoo is a warrior. She is small but had grand aspirations to be powerful. Unfortunately, the person behind the mouse sometimes ...

This Teamster steward brought fairness to her yard

8:20 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGmv_1RCpSgX9d2PStf-aPDmppcPjd8HMnH1mceve3OlBriATX36TPkpXb6jOHhte7dE4l0K1n6qFjP3ztY4eyf3Fjj0uWizBbVSB4uZnFc4P9hX-H2OYSoehowg5FHwpwivqxnEEx4kbB/s1600/Kim+Hafford+pic.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/AVvXsEiGmv_1RCpSgX9d2PStf-aPDmppcPjd8HMnH1mceve3OlBriATX36TPkpXb6jOHhte7dE4l0K1n6qFjP3ztY4eyf3Fjj0uWizBbVSB4uZnFc4P9hX-H2OYSoehowg5FHwpwivqxnEEx4kbB/s320/Kim+Hafford+pic.jpg" width="207" /></a></div><i>Here's yet another story about a Teamster shop steward who made life better for school bus drivers on the job. Last week we told you about our<a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/09/Teamster-steward-righted-wrong.html" rel="nofollow"> Teamster brother Clay Morrison, who brought justice for a driver who'd lost his son at the Baumann Bus Co. on Long Island</a>. This week we bring you Kim Hafford, who fought for fairness at Durham in Jacksonville, Fla., and won. Her story appeared in the Fall 2013 issue of the Drive Up Standards newsletter. To see her story and others, check out the newsletter <a href="http://www.teamster.org/sites/teamster.org/files/091713SchoolBusNewsFall2013.pdf">here</a>.</i><br /><i><br /></i>In 1994 when I became a bus driver, I never knew that an organization such as the Teamsters existed. After 14 years and relocating to Jacksonville, Fla., I began working for a private company called Durham.<br /><br />What a wake-up call I received. There were so many unfair and unsafe practices going on that I almost gave up the job I loved. But once I became active with our Teamsters Local 512 it became apparent that I had a voice, and boy did I use it.<br /><br />Favoritism was running rampant within the dispatch office at Durham and the supervisors would just look the other way.<br /><br />Instead of having a rotating charter wheel in order to give every driver a chance to get a charter, dispatch was allowing their friends and sometimes family members to take all the trips they wanted, usually with the most hours. Drivers at the bottom of the seniority list would never receive a trip at all. When an emergency charter became available it usually went to the same driver, sometimes twice in one day. This incident was a wake-up call to my fellow drivers.<br /><br />I contacted Teamsters Local 512’s business agent, Stewart Cauthan, and he immediately held a stewards election where I became chief steward at our yard. Now under the watchful eye of Teamsters Local 512, charters are being awarded fairly on a weekly basis. No longer are friends of management receiving all the trips. No longer are employees who disagree when they see something unfair or unsafe afraid to speak up.<br /><br />Durham is no longer treating drivers and attendants as if they have no rights. As one we came together to demand what is rightfully ours: a fair wage, a safe workplace and fair and honest treatment of workers. But most important of all, we became “one voice.”<br /><br />The voice of all united Teamsters was heard in Jacksonville and I could not be more proud to have been a part of it.<br /><br />

Durham school bus drivers shop stewards This Teamster steward brought fairness to her yard

Here's yet another story about a Teamster shop steward who made life better for school bus drivers on the job. Last week we told you abo...

My two cents: Government shutdown ... so what has been accomplished?

8:17 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWMV3h5wQr9ecoDXQ-ZQTfadPD9-hDDRSlUjGX7z735kc6A_xwoH4DrhVEEkvuYgXo56Xv60tovl77RGuyyba7zkzlprQ4WjKRomu65i3oBlmPKvav8ZZugWruN_SbHZxnGYzGfP0y99M/s1600/GOP-Dem+fighting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="137" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsWMV3h5wQr9ecoDXQ-ZQTfadPD9-hDDRSlUjGX7z735kc6A_xwoH4DrhVEEkvuYgXo56Xv60tovl77RGuyyba7zkzlprQ4WjKRomu65i3oBlmPKvav8ZZugWruN_SbHZxnGYzGfP0y99M/s320/GOP-Dem+fighting.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />So here we are on Day 3 of the Government Shutdown. Nothing has been accomplished and there's no end in sight.<br /><br />There's enough blame to go around on all sides of this debacle but the <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/08/ny-times-on-gop-shutdown-threat.html">show horses of the Republican Right</a>, led by Ted Cruz and encouraged by Rand Paul and Marco Rubio, got their way even though past history predicted a train wreck.<br /><br />If Mr. Cruz had been paying attention, he would have realized the <a href="http://www.politico.com/story/2013/10/ted-cruz-blasted-by-angry-gop-colleagues-government-shutdown-97753.html?hp=t1_3">backlash was going to be against him</a>. From all accounts, he entered the battle without a survival plan or exit strategy. If this was to help pad his presidential hopes, it certainly didn't show good leadership skills. A poll before the shutdown showed 71 percent of Americans were against it, and a poll released after the shutdown showed 72 percent of Americans were against it. Clearly, it was going to be a suicide mission for Republicans.<br /><br />The problem with these kinds of stunts is the unintended and unexpected consequences that emerge and hit mainstream media and social media. The <i><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/wonkblog/wp/2013/10/01/the-nine-most-painful-consequences-of-a-government-shutdown/">Washington Post</a></i> today lists ten of the more serious ones.<br /><br />For some, the thought of being furloughed without a paycheck is a scary proposition. Imagine having a mortgage, car payment(s), and daily living expenses only to lose your income or have it delayed. Sure, the investment types talk about having six months' worth of income bankrolled for a rainy day, but how many have truly been able to do that? With the constant financial demands of raising a family, many find themselves living paycheck-to-paycheck.<br /><br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/politics/2013/10/01/bragg-hagel-obama-shutdown/2903915/">Military families are impacted</a> and <a href="http://abcnews.go.com/US/wireStory/shutdown-idle-us-based-military-commissaries-20435412">commissaries</a> were shut down on bases around the country. <br /><br />On Tuesday, a group of <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/heroes-still-ww-ii-vets-push-aside.html">elderly World War II veterans were so ticked off </a>when they saw the World War II memorial closed that they pushed aside barricades set up by the government, and visited anyway. Most were from out of state on probably the only chance they will ever have to see this memorial erected by the American people to honor the service of those who saved not only America but the world. As many noted, these men had scaled the cliffs of Normandy in their youth. A barrier was not about to block them, and the news spread like wildfire through Twitter and Facebook.<br /><br />For those of us who live in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, it's ridiculous to have the gates closed to <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/skyline-drive-and-shenandoah-national.html">Shenandoah National Park</a> at the start of leaf season, blocking the scenic Skyline Drive as well as access to lodges and hiking trails utilized by thousands. Is the down-time going to be added to season passes to make up for the lost days? It's a mere inconvenience to us but not for those from overseas or states across the country who had planned October visits to this well-known national park, nor to workers who are now on furlough and out of work.<br /><br />Even though a last-minute decision by the National Park Service kept the <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/09/government-shutdown-skyline-drive-blue.html">Blue Ridge Parkway</a> open, all facilities along this 470-mile ridgetop drive have been shuttered. That leaves tourists helpless as they drive past Mabry Mill, <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/just-reopened-peaks-of-otter-now-victim.html">Peaks of Otter</a>, campgrounds, restaurants, and visitor centers not to mention restrooms. <br /><br />For communities <a href="http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_24209569/government-shutdown-closing-national-parks-could-spark-public">bordering national parks throughout the country</a>, the loss of tourist dollars is going to hurt big-time, pushing some who were hanging on by a thread over the brink. <a href="http://swacgirl.blogspot.com/2013/10/just-reopened-peaks-of-otter-now-victim.html">Peaks of Otter </a>near Bedford had just reopened; will it recover from this unexpected shutdown? On the Outer Banks, the lighthouses are closed as well as NPS-controlled beaches.<br /><br />The <i>News Virginian</i> made good sense in Wednesday's editorial, <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/opinion/editorials/congress-needs-to-rethink-priorities/article_66ead884-2b00-11e3-a726-0019bb30f31a.html">Congress needs to rethink priorities</a>:<br /><blockquote><span class="paragraph-0">If the government is shutting down, why  haven’t they turned off the lights? That was a random thought from our  staff Monday night, while following the House and Senate debates.  Midnight passed, all of the deadlines expired and members of both  parties talked about how the government was shut down now. Yet a  government which shut down Shenandoah National Park Tuesday morning due  to lack of funds kept the lights going as both parties argued whose  fault it was, long into the night.</span></blockquote>They added:<br /><blockquote>Let’s be realistic. Whether you agree with the Affordable Care Act or  not, nobody is going to defund it. House members can vote another 40  times and while it looks good on paper, nothing is actually  accomplished. The Democrat-controlled Senate is not going to vote to  shut down something that President Obama has made a key part of his  legacy.</blockquote>While many were against ObamaCare, <a href="http://cmsdev.gdn.newsleader.com/article/20131002/OPINION02/310020026/Poteat-GOP-faction-flirting-disaster?odyssey=nav|head"><i>News Leader</i></a> columnist Matthew Poteat makes a valid point:<br /><blockquote>Take for example the willingness of a small but influential bunch of  House Republicans to shut down the Federal government because they  oppose implementing the Affordable Care Act. Never mind that the law was  passed by due process, signed into law by a duly elected (and  reelected) president, and validated by the Supreme Court.</blockquote>It was the reelection of Barack Obama that showed the majority of Americans were in favor of ObamaCare. Republicans fought it for three years and lost. That's the way our system works. If the shoe was on the other foot and Democrats were pulling this stunt, Republicans would be excoriating them for ignoring the will of the people.<br /><br />I'm weary of the hypocrisy from both sides of the political aisle. That includes the hypocrisy of Congressional members who are exempted in what many consider an odious law. What's good for the American people should be good enough for our elected leaders who voted for the Affordable Care Act.  <br /><br />No one is going to emerge from this fight unscathed but, sadly, Republicans are going to bear the blunt of the blame which brings to mind that explanation of insanity: "Doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results."

My two cents: Government shutdown ... so what has been accomplished?

Blue Ridge Parkway democrats government shutdown impasse Republicans Shenandoah National Park U.S. Congress My two cents: Government shutdown ... so what has been accomplished?

So here we are on Day 3 of the Government Shutdown. Nothing has been accomplished and there's no end in sight. There's enough blame ...

Tenth Doctor Month: Quote Of The Day #3

7:00 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdnBQtRBKtme7b7oKFLUngfTLF3XF90xpnwQldKIlN1cke17EnEyF5Su2nMdSoWRPN24OdwI_R1UNtmXhEUDn2E-pW02IAXraZ5nLdTKyRQQnfVD1ibVdUVml3BSct81jwUB8_g1p1bU/s1600/tooth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPdnBQtRBKtme7b7oKFLUngfTLF3XF90xpnwQldKIlN1cke17EnEyF5Su2nMdSoWRPN24OdwI_R1UNtmXhEUDn2E-pW02IAXraZ5nLdTKyRQQnfVD1ibVdUVml3BSct81jwUB8_g1p1bU/s640/tooth1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>The Doctor</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>:</b> Are we in Scotland?</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><strong style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Captain Reynolds</strong><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">: How can you be ignorant of that?</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>The Doctor</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">: Oh, I'm dazed and confused. I've been chasing this wee naked child over hill and over dale. I'nt that right, ya timorous beastie?</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>Rose</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>: </b>Och! Ay! I've bin oot and aboot.</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>The Doctor</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>:</b> No, don't do that.</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>Rose</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">: Hoots mon.</span><br style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;" /><b>The Doctor</b><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><b>: </b>No, really don't. Really.</span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 20px; text-align: center;">Tooth And Claw (2006)</span></span></span>

Doctor Who Doctor Who 50th Anniversary Tenth Doctor Quotes Tenth Doctor Month: Quote Of The Day #3

The Doctor : Are we in Scotland? Captain Reynolds : How can you be ignorant of that? The Doctor : Oh, I'm dazed and confused. I've ...

Wall Street's for-profit "cyber schools" rip off kids and taxpayers

6:22 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.alternet.org/files/styles/story_image/public/story_images/education_money.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://www.alternet.org/files/styles/story_image/public/story_images/education_money.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>The same anti-worker extremists waging war on the middle class and wringing workers dry are also trying to squeeze profits out of our kids -- and swindle taxpayers in the process.<br /><br />A <a href="http://www.prwatch.org/news/2013/10/12257/junk-bonds-junk-schools-cyber-schools-fleece-taxpayers-phantom-students-and-faili" rel="nofollow">new report from PR Watch</a> has the details on Wall Street's latest scheme using for-profit "cyber schools" to cash in on the public education "market":<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The data is in and <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/K12_Inc." target="_blank">K12 Inc.'s </a>brand of full-time public "cyber school" is garbage.  Not surprising for an educational model kicked off with a $10 million investment from junk-bond king Michael Milken.</blockquote>As the report explains, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michael_Milken" rel="nofollow">ex-con</a> Milken formed several "education" companies including Knowledge Universe and Knowledge Learning. With $10 million invested in his K12 Inc. scam, Milken let fellow junk bond dealer Ron Packard in on the action. And together they raked in millions:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">The duo prepped to exploit the public education sector, and boy, have they. His various educational ventures have made Milken one of the <a href="http://www.forbes.com/profile/michael-milken/">richest men in America</a>, and Packard raked in <a href="http://insiders.morningstar.com/trading/executive-compensation.action?t=LRN&region=USA&culture=en-US" target="_blank">over $16 million</a> in compensation from 2008 to 2012 as <a href="http://www.sourcewatch.org/index.php/K12">CEO of K12 Inc.</a> Almost all of that money came from U.S. taxpayers.  </blockquote>Okay, so they're making a lot of money. At least the kids are getting an education, right? Wrong. Most of the kids don't even exist:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">Some full-time charter schools charge state taxpayers big bucks for students who may only spend a few days or a few weeks in front of a computer before they decide that "virtual" education is not for them -- but the schools keep the cash anyway. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Here is the trick. In many states, there is an annual "count date" or dates where heads are counted and state funding is distributed per child. Evidence is mounting that for-profit charters spend a massive amount on advertising to pack in students before the count ("enrollment bursts," one education expert calls it), but once they get the cash, things fall apart. </blockquote>A teacher at one of these virtual schools said three-quarters of the students in one of her classes never logged on, completed any work or responded to phone calls -- yet they remained on her class roster. The "schools" hold on to the taxpayer money allocated based on student head counts even when a majority of those kids decide to transfer back to standard brick-and-mortar schools.<br /><br />And as for the students who stuck with Wall Street's cyber-school scheme, they didn't do too well either:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">With rare exceptions, kids don’t learn sitting in front of a computer all day. </blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">Using Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) state data, state performance rankings, and graduation rates, the researchers showed that full-time virtual schools lag significantly behind traditional brick-and-mortar schools. In particular, <a href="http://nepc.colorado.edu/files/nepcrbk12miron.pdf">only 27.7 percent of K12 Inc.</a> online schools met AYP in 2010-2011, compared to 52 percent of public schools.</blockquote>K12 Inc. also specifically targets high-risk students in its recruitment efforts. That's because children who lack homeschool parents with time and motivation tend not to take advantage of the virtual schools or demand more from the service. That means lower costs and more profit for K12 Inc.<br /><br />This is exactly why education doesn't belong in the hands of greedy corporations. But the education racket has some powerful backers -- namely <a href="http://alecexposed.org/" rel="nofollow">ALEC</a>:<br /><blockquote class="tr_bq">ALEC approved a <a href="http://www.alec.org/model-legislation/the-virtual-public-schools-act/">"model" Virtual Public Schools Act</a> in 2005 at a time when both K12 Inc. and Connections Academy (the second largest for-profit) were corporate sponsors and helped craft the measure.</blockquote><blockquote class="tr_bq">K12 Inc. and ALEC have pushed a national agenda to replace brick-and-mortar classrooms and hands-on teaching with computers and "distance learning."  </blockquote>The anti-worker fanatics trying to disempower and impoverish workers are going after our kids, too. Nothing is sacred.

ALEC corporate greed education reform school privatization Wall Street Wall Street's for-profit "cyber schools" rip off kids and taxpayers

The same anti-worker extremists waging war on the middle class and wringing workers dry are also trying to squeeze profits out of our kids -...

News Virginian LTE: 'Congress needs to adjust its priorities'

5:45 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/opinion/letters/i-agree-with-wednesday-editorial/article_4e5f0984-2bc8-11e3-a2fa-001a4bcf6878.html">News Virginian Letter to Editor</a><br />October 3, 2013<br /><br />This is disgusting. So the government is shut down. I can’t even take a trip to Shenandoah National Park. But at the same time, members of Congress still get paid. How does that make any sense? Why should a Congressional staffer still collect his $90,000 paycheck when the park ranger making $30,000 just got furloughed? As usual, it’s a case of both parties looking out for their own self interest.<br /><br />I agree with <a href="http://www.dailyprogress.com/newsvirginian/opinion/editorials/congress-needs-to-rethink-priorities/article_66ead884-2b00-11e3-a726-0019bb30f31a.html">Wednesday’s editorial</a>, Congress does need to adjust its priorities. Unfortunately, they won’t. You and I both know it. I’m a Republican, but even I can see the Democrats in the Senate won’t defund Obamacare. So why are we screwing over people to “fight” for something that’s never going to happen? I’ll tell you why. It’s so these Republicans in Congress can come back to all of us and say well, we gave it our best shot. We failed, but at least we tried.<br /><br />No, they didn’t try. If you know the answer to something is going to be no, why ask the question? Instead of shutting down government, why not work toward a compromise? I teach my kids that they may not get everything they want. Sometimes they have to be the bigger person and work things out with someone. It’s time for Congress to do the same.<br /><br />Greg Miller<br />Waynesboro

government shutdown letter to editor News Virginian Shenandoah National Park News Virginian LTE: 'Congress needs to adjust its priorities'

News Virginian Letter to Editor October 3, 2013 This is disgusting. So the government is shut down. I can’t even take a trip to Shenandoah N...

More About Zerona Arlington TX Residents Should Know

5:41 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div style='font-style:italic;' class='uawbyline'>By Angel Dudley</div><br /><br />  <div class='uawarticle'>Zerona is the latest non-invasive body sculpting procedure that stimulates the elimination of fat and helps to contour the human body to gain the desired physique. There is no downtime caused because patients are able to continue with their daily activities. The cold laser ensures the fat cells release fatty tissues. In this way, it allows the body to dispose of localized fat deposits naturally. Today, Zerona Arlington TX based facilities employ the latest laser technology to achieve effective results.<br />  <br />  In the recent past, there has been a lot of controversy surrounding this treatment. This is not an isolated case since similar treatment procedures have been criticized before. This happens because of two main reasons. First, the results obtained by different patients will always vary because individuals respond differently to treatment. Secondly, some patients may not be ideal for the treatment and therefore the outcome may not reflect the effectiveness of the treatment.<br />  <br />  There are several reasons behind the success of this treatment. It is safe and does not expose patients to any health risks or complications. These include risks of cancer or injuries common with other procedures. Unwanted fat is absorbed and removed safely by both the digestive and lymphatic system. It does not cause any harm to fat cells. After releasing the unwanted fat, they shrink and reduce mass of the area being treated.<br />  <br />  Most people can benefit from this treatment. However, there are selected cases and conditions that may render the treatment ineffective for certain individuals. These include obesity, liver and kidney disorders, pregnancy and the use of pacemakers. Moreover, the expectations have to be realistic.<br />  <br />  The duration of the treatment session is about an hour. The laser is applied on the specified area for about twenty minutes. Patients are do not experience any discomfort. An anesthesia is not required since it is painless and patients can resume their daily activities almost immediately. Each patient is advised to attend a minimum of six full treatment sessions within a period of two weeks.<br />  <br />  It is important for patients to adhere to the recommended treatment protocol to enhance the performance of the procedure. Some of the substances that are restricted include drinks such as alcohol and caffeine. These restrictions aim at preventing any interference with the removal of fats . They are required to refrain from fatty dishes, drink plenty of water and engage in physical exercises on a regular basis.<br />  <br />  The rate at which the fat is removed depends on several factors. Generally, after losing weight many individuals gain self-confidence and a greater self-esteem. The treatment improves metal health and averts pains, headaches, aches among other diseases.<br />  <br />  There are various health benefits provided by <A href="http://www.regencyhealingmedclinic.com">Zerona Arlington TX</A> based individuals need to be aware of. Medical experts have established that it has the ability to lower the level of cholesterol which helps to prevent conditions such as heart attack and atherosclerosis. It is also helpful in reducing the risk of life changing medical conditions such as diabetes, hormonal problems and heart disease. Regular exercise helps to prevent the accumulation of unwanted fats in various areas of the body.<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'><a href="http://www.regencyhealingmedclinic.com">Read more about</a> More About Zerona Arlington TX Residents Should Know  visiting our website.</div><br />  </div><br />

More About Zerona Arlington TX Residents Should Know

By Angel Dudley Zerona is the latest non-invasive body sculpting procedure that stimulates the elimination of fat and helps to contour t...

Destiny Of The Doctor: Death's Deal Audio Book Released In The UK & USA Today

5:00 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp3PepOm_Pmg-p2ty6RNpa3x3pmjyPKjbAD5kRSbZg-M0jtagwLBgaGMo5dOsYHUlrFPWE5XxAc305nh2oGp_lBoORI2F9-aHJxnAbvrfbvXBzz_PgBThdC2n6SrYKtOl5DAJGAHuQ1c/s1600/deathsdeal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTp3PepOm_Pmg-p2ty6RNpa3x3pmjyPKjbAD5kRSbZg-M0jtagwLBgaGMo5dOsYHUlrFPWE5XxAc305nh2oGp_lBoORI2F9-aHJxnAbvrfbvXBzz_PgBThdC2n6SrYKtOl5DAJGAHuQ1c/s1600/deathsdeal.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">The Tenth Doctor's Destiny Of The Doctor audio adventure is officially released on audio CD in the UK and the USA today.</span><br style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;" /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><b>Synopsis:</b></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"></span></span><br /><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Responding to multiple maydays, the TARDIS lands on the planet of Death’s Deal, but the distress calls are old, the final echoes of terrified lost souls. This is an exotic world of lethal creatures, nicknamed ‘The Deadliest Planet in the Galaxy’, and only the brave, foolhardy or greedy would ever dare to visit.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Finding themselves stranded among a motley bunch of space-tourists, the Doctor and Donna must lead a struggle for survival against the frenzied wildlife, as they slowly realise that other members of the group have very different agendas.</span></div><div style="background-color: white; line-height: 16.796875px; margin: 0px 0px 10px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And soon the Doctor learns of an even bigger threat hiding on Death’s Deal. Somewhere deep below the surface, is something that must never be unearthed.<br />Time is running out, and only an impossible survivor holds the key…</span></div><div style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><b><a href="http://www.bigfinish.com/releases/trailer/death-s-deal-857" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; color: #660000; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Download the trailer here. </span></a></b></div><div style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;">Catherine Tate is performing Death's Deal and Duncan Wiseby will guest star.<br /><br />The adventure written by Darren Jones is released in the UK and the USA on 3rd October 2013.<br /><br /><b style="color: #660000; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1471311767?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=1471311767&linkCode=shr&tag=datethsi-20&qid=1376547943&sr=8-2&keywords=deaths+deal" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; color: #660000; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">USA Fans click here to p</a>urchase online</b><br /><b style="color: #660000; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1471311767?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=1471311767&linkCode=shr&tag=davidtennantc-21&=books&qid=1376548234&sr=1-1&keywords=deaths+deal" style="-webkit-transition: color 0.3s; color: #660000; display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none; transition: color 0.3s;" target="_blank">UK Fans click here to pu</a>rchase online</b><br /><br />Destiny Of The Doctor is an ongoing audio series produced by Big Finish and released by AudioGO.<br /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;">The adventures are being released on a monthly basis throughout of 2013 to celebrate Doctor Who's 50th anniversary. Each release focuses on a different incarnation of the Doctor and is performed in the third person by an actor associated with the relevant era, a guest actor also provides additional dialogue. </span></span></span><br /><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></span> <br /><div style="text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;">A complete box set of the audio adventures featuring all eleven Doctors in released in the UK and the USA on 7th November.</span></span><br /><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/1471337146?ie=UTF8&camp=3194&creative=21330&creativeASIN=1471337146&linkCode=shr&tag=dtennant-21" style="display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">UK Fans pre order here...</a> </span></b></span></div><div><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 19px;"><b><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1471337146?ie=UTF8&camp=213733&creative=393177&creativeASIN=1471337146&linkCode=shr&tag=datethsi-20&=books&qid=1378648557&sr=1-8&keywords=DESTINY+OF+THE+DOCTOR" style="display: inline; outline: none; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank"><span style="color: #660000; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">USA Fans pre order here...</span></a></b></span></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 19.1875px;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: justify;"><br /></div>

Destiny Of The Doctor: Death's Deal Audio Book Released In The UK & USA Today

audio Audio Book Catherine Tate David Tennant Destiny Of The Doctor Doctor Who Doctor Who 50th Anniversary USA Destiny Of The Doctor: Death's Deal Audio Book Released In The UK & USA Today

The Tenth Doctor's Destiny Of The Doctor audio adventure is officially released on audio CD in the UK and the USA today. Synopsis: Respo...

Today's Teamster News 10.03.13

3:57 AM Tukiyooo 0

<a href="http://teamsternation.blogspot.com/2013/10/teamsters-in-nyc-campaign-to-improve-waste-jobs.html" rel="nofollow">NYC Teamsters begin campaign to create good commercial waste jobs</a>  TeamsterNation   ...<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 16.890625px;">New York City Teamsters and their allies have high hopes for a campaign launched today to increase good jobs, recycling and justice in the commercial waste industry. New Yorkers are paying attention...</span><br /><a href="http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20131001/BUSINESS/310010018" rel="nofollow">Teamsters at work after rejecting Wegmans contract</a>  Democrat and Chronicle   ...Truck drivers, warehouse workers and other Wegmans Food Markets employees, who are members of Teamsters Local 118, were at work as scheduled Tuesday following a union vote Monday rejecting a company contract offer...<br /><a href="http://newsitem.com/news/northumberland-county-agrees-to-union-raises-1.1561905" rel="nofollow">Northumberland County agrees to union raises</a>  News-Item   ...Northumberland County commissioners approved Tuesday a collective bargaining agreement with court-appointed, non-professional employees that grants them at least a 3 percent raise next year. The workers are represented by Teamsters Local 764, based in Milton, Pennsylvania...<br /><a href="http://www.bmwe.org/news/2013/FAMES_Q4SafetAlert_1.6.pdf" rel="nofollow">Rail Safety Report Shows Increase in Fatal Incidents in Fourth Quarter</a>  BMWED   ...A comparison of roadway worker fatality data over a span of 21 years (1986–1994 and 1997– 2010)<span style="font-family: "Calibri","sans-serif"; font-size: 11pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;"> </span>indicates that the highest number of roadway worker incidents occur in the 4th Quarter...<br /><a href="http://www.businessinsider.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-will-of-a-pathetic-43-of-the-population-2013-10" rel="nofollow">How Less Than 5% Of The US Population Caused The Government To Shut Down</a>  Business Insider   ...it's just stunning that such few people — a group slightly larger than the population of Illinois — can hold that much power...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/federal-eye/wp/2013/10/01/union-calls-for-fed-workers-to-fight-back-against-shutdown/" rel="nofollow">Union calls for fed workers to ‘fight back’ against shutdown</a>  Washington Post   ...A labor leader representing federal employees is exhorting them to “take to the streets” to protest a partial government shutdown that began Tuesday...<br /><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/post-politics/wp/2013/10/01/which-lawmakers-will-refuse-their-pay-during-the-shutdown/?hpid=z2" rel="nofollow">Which lawmakers will refuse their pay during the shutdown?</a>  Washington Post   ...Hundreds of thousands of rank-and-file federal employees were forced out of the office Tuesday morning because of the start of a <a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/government-shutdown-begins-senate-expected-to-reject-latest-house-proposal/2013/10/01/ef464556-2a88-11e3-97a3-ff2758228523_story.html?hpid=z1">government shutdown</a> and won't be paid over the course of the impasse. As of noon Wednesday, here is the tally of  lawmakers who have said that they plan to donate or refuse compensation earned over the course of the impasse...<br /><a href="http://management.fortune.cnn.com/2013/09/30/ceo-pay-4/" rel="nofollow">Fixing exorbitant CEO pay: All is not lost</a>  Fortune   ...Despite what has felt like relentless insanity, the prognosis for positive changes to executive pay looks better than it has for a decade...<br /><a href="http://wepartypatriots.com/wp/2013/10/02/not-shocked-five-states-with-the-worst-food-insecurity-are-right-to-work-states/" rel="nofollow">NOT SHOCKED: Five States With the Worst Food Insecurity are “Right-to-Work” States</a>  We Party Patriots   ...A recent USDA report provides details on our growing trend of food (in)security. In 7 million homes, a family member has skipped meals because money was tight. A look at the five states where food insecurity is a problem (North Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Arkansas, and Mississippi) are also “Right-to-Work” states...<br /><a href="http://constructioncitizen.com/blog/independent-contractors-keeping-it-real/1309301" rel="nofollow">Independent Contractors – Keeping it Real</a>  Construction Citizen   ...Real independent contractors are easy to identify.  They are hired to perform a specific project, bring their own tools, have their own business cards, and send you an invoice when the work is done. If people are hired to perform ongoing work, told when to show up and what to do, those workers are not independent contractors...<br /><a href="http://wallstreetonparade.com/2013/10/the-cost-of-crushing-dissent-in-new-york-city/" rel="nofollow">The Cost of Crushing Dissent in New York City</a>  Wall Street on Parade   ...Today, we have still not restored the Glass-Steagall Act, the largest Wall Street banks of 2008 are even larger and more dangerous today, and unprecedented levels of wealth and income inequality, enforced by the structure of Wall Street, is spreading economic misery to ever greater numbers of Americans...<br /><a href="http://www.salon.com/2013/10/02/gops_next_victim_the_postal_service/">GOP’s newest target: The postal service</a>  Salon   ...The government itself wasn't enough. Led by Darrell Issa, they now want to go after your mail delivery...<br /><a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2013/10/02/technology/google-accused-of-wiretapping-in-gmail-scans.html?ref=business" rel="nofollow">Google Accused of Wiretapping in Gmail Scans</a>  New York Times   ...Wiretapping is typically the stuff of spy dramas and shady criminal escapades. But now, web company giant Google must defend itself against accusations that it is illegally wiretapping in the course of gathering data about Internet users and showing them related ads...<br /><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20131002/NEWS06/310020104/american-made-flags-senate-bill-veterans-graves" rel="nofollow">Bill would require Michigan cities to buy American-made flags for veterans' grave sites</a>  Detroit Free Press  ...A bill unanimously passed by the state Senate Wednesday would require Michigan cities to buy American-made flags and flag holders for veterans’ grave sites if those flags are competitively priced with foreign-made products...<br /><a href="http://dealbook.nytimes.com/2013/10/01/new-york-set-to-sue-wells-fargo-over-mortgages/?ref=business" rel="nofollow">New York to Sue Wells Fargo Over Mortgage Settlement</a>  New York Times   ...Fielding complaints from borrowers struggling to save their homes, New York’s top prosecutor is preparing a lawsuit against Wells Fargo, accusing the bank, the nation’s largest home lender, of flouting the terms of a multibillion-dollar settlement aimed at stanching foreclosure abuses...<br /><a href="http://triblive.com/news/adminpage/4807511-74/percent-state-privatization#axzz2ga9VHAeu" rel="nofollow">Poll: Majority in state support fully privatizing wine, spirit sales</a>   Pittsburgh Tribune-Review   ...Millions of dollars in lobbying efforts by groups on all sides of the liquor privatization issue had little impact on the opinions of everyday Pennsylvanians, according to two groups that released a poll Tuesday...<br /><a href="http://www.nydailynews.com/opinion/overdue-trash-overhaul-article-1.1474501" rel="nofollow">An overdue trash overhaul</a> (opinion)  New York Daily News   ...Cleaning up commercial collection would help Bloomberg burnish his environmental legacy...<br /><a href="http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Thruway-Authority-cuts-more-workers-4858184.php" rel="nofollow">NY Thruway Authority cuts more workers</a>   Times Union   ...New York’s <a href="http://www.timesunion.com/?controllerName=search&action=search&channel=local&search=1&inlineLink=1&query=%22Thruway+Authority%22">Thruway Authority</a> last week quietly laid off about a half-dozen non-union employees. Saying it was a personnel matter, Thruway spokesman Dan Weiller declined to comment on the precise nature of the job cuts or the reason...<br /><a href="http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/01/nc-voting-rights-advocates-federal-lawsuit/2903177/" rel="nofollow">N.C. voting rights advocates applaud federal lawsuit</a>  USA TODAY   ...Voting rights advocates applauded the U.S. Justice Department's move Monday to <a href="http://www.citizen-times.com/article/20131001/NEWS/310010012/Voting-rights-advocates-applaud-federal-lawsuit" rel="nofollow">sue North Carolina for racial discrimination</a> over its tough new voting rules while Republicans in the state called the allegation "baseless."...<br /><a href="http://www.newsworks.org/index.php/local/item/60410-pennsylvania-house-nudged-on-online-voter-registration" rel="nofollow">Pennsylvania House nudged to implement online voter registration</a>  NewsWorks   ...A bipartisan coalition is urging the state House to pass a proposal allowing online voter registration in Pennsylvania. The measure, which passed unanimously in the Senate earlier this year, is currently before a House committee...<br /><span style="font-family: Calibri;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /> </span></span>

Today's Teamster News 10.03.13

NYC Teamsters begin campaign to create good commercial waste jobs TeamsterNation ... New York City Teamsters and their allies have high ...

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 10/03/2013

2:30 AM Tukiyooo 0

<ul class="diigo-linkroll">      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="https://www.slideshare.net/janehart/top-100-tools-for-learning-2013">Top 100 Tools for Learning 2013</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Jane Hart has her list of 100 Top tools for learning 2013 based upon her 7th survey. This is usually a pretty good indicator and I would agree with it for the most part.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edtech">edtech</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/elearning">elearning</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tumblr">tumblr</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="https://www.edsurge.com/guide/connected-educator-october">Tweeting Down The Classroom Walls | EdSurge</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">The guidebook from Edsurge on how to connect. Share this with educators to help them learn how to connect and use the many online resources for educators.</p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/edsurge">edsurge</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/cem">cem</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/cem13">cem13</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/tumblr">tumblr</a></p>                                        </li>      <li>      <p class="diigo-link">                <a href="https://www.edsurge.com/n/2013-09-30-five-essentials-to-create-connected-students">Five Essentials To Create Connected Students | EdSurge News</a>      </p>      <p class="diigo-description">Connected educator month is here! Edsurge has created a lovely guide for educators to share. Here is my small contribution to this piece and there are many great articles to read and share with others. </p>              <p class="diigo-tags">          <span>tags:</span>                      <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/education">education</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/news">news</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/cem13">cem13</a>            <a href="https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher/cem">cem</a></p>                                        </li>  </ul><p class="diigo-ps">Posted from <a href='https://www.diigo.com'>Diigo</a>. The rest of my favorite links are <a href='https://www.diigo.com/user/coolcatteacher'>here</a>.</p>

Daily Education and Technology News for Schools 10/03/2013

Top 100 Tools for Learning 2013 Jane Hart has her list of 100 Top tools for learning 2013 based upon...

Why The Government "Shuts Down"

2:12 AM Tukiyooo 0

This is interesting.<br />Somebody was serious when they said Congress has the purse strings.<br /><br /><br />                      <a href="http://www.nbcnews.com/business/143-year-old-law-has-lawmakers-treading-gingerly-during-shutdown-8C11319714">   <b>   143-year-old law has Washington treading gingerly during shutdown</b></a><br /><br /><br /><blockquote>Steve Liesman CNBC<br /><br />    <br /><br />19 hours ago<br /><br />KEVIN LAMARQUE / Reuters<br /><br /><br />Administration officials now live in fear of a 19th-century law that could get them fired, penalized or even imprisoned if they make the wrong choices while the government is shut down.<br /><br />The law is the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antideficiency_Act">Antideficiency Act</a>, passed by Congress in 1870 (and amended several times), which prohibits the government from incurring any monetary obligation for which Congress has not appropriated funds.<br /><br />In shutting down the government, most memos cite the law as the reason. The Government Accountability Office says employees who violate the Antideficiency Act may be subject to disciplinary action, suspension and even "fines, imprisonment, or both."<br /><br />CNBC has learned that in several executive branch departments, high-level staff members review individual decisions about what government activities to allow for fear of running afoul of the Antideficiency Act. One White House official said he has advised his employees not to check their email or cellphones. Under the act, even volunteering for government service is expressly prohibited.<br /><br />In a memo to his department employees today, Treasury Secretary Jack Lew cited the law as the reason for reduced staffing.<br /><br />"For the duration of this impasse, as required by the Antideficiency Act and directed by OMB, the Department will be required to operate with only the minimal staffing level necessary to execute only certain legally exempted activities," Lew wrote.<br /><br />The only exemptions to the shutdown concern "emergencies involving the safety of human life or the protection of property," according to government documents. That has meant airports and the Postal Service are open, Social Security checks get paid and federal prisons and courts will operate as normal as do most national security functions including the military and the Central Intelligence Agency. But national parks and museums are closed along with big parts of the departments of Education and Commerce <br /><br /></blockquote><br />There is a bit more at the link.<br /><br />I'll go ya one better.<br />When these jackasses decide to shut down the government for purely political reasons, there should be a law that would immediately freeze their bank accounts.<br /><br />Tell <i>me</i> the bastards wouldn't be just a little more introspective and reluctant to pull this number again.

Why The Government "Shuts Down"

This is interesting. Somebody was serious when they said Congress has the purse strings. 143-year-old law has Wa...

Richard II - Character Profiles - Bishop Of Carlisle

2:00 AM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1AUTuDcwLVy9-6Fh8uXXUMMk7cqwZhXq3YTuWfgLKjIl5jc9FDJCbeUx_-o3FqVHUgm3CPM0I_q7hDHTRKKfyGOvHibvCl1hXYIJA7RpVkEHFzkViLd6fG5m_ULs9VvU8FH30LfB7Zg/s1600/crown.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ1AUTuDcwLVy9-6Fh8uXXUMMk7cqwZhXq3YTuWfgLKjIl5jc9FDJCbeUx_-o3FqVHUgm3CPM0I_q7hDHTRKKfyGOvHibvCl1hXYIJA7RpVkEHFzkViLd6fG5m_ULs9VvU8FH30LfB7Zg/s640/crown.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fafafa; line-height: 19px; text-align: justify;"><br /></span></span><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As we look forward to David Tennant's performance as Richard II in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of the play, we will be taking a look at the play and its characters in a series of articles.<br />We continue with a look at Richard's most loyal supporter...</span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div id="yiv7551940571yui_3_7_2_63_1379923892665_39"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thomas Merke, Bishop of Carlisle, is the noblest of Richard's followers, he is totally devoted to his King. He is prepared to defend Richard in the midst of the enemy camp in Act IV and to fight to restore him to his throne. Despite his part in the Abbot of Westminster's plot, Henry, his enemy, grants him his life, but it seems unlikely his unwavering commitment would ever have allowed him, like Aumerle, to change his allegiance and beg for a pardon. Henry nevertheless does pardon him because, as he says, "High sparks of honour in thee I have seen". There is similar evidence of his holiness and dignity earlier in the play when Percy says that there is in Flint Castle with Richard "A clergyman of holy reverence" and from this description Northumberland recognises the Bishop. </span></div><div id="yiv7551940571yui_3_7_2_63_1379923892665_39"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">To this Bishop Shakespeare gives the most eloquent defence of Richard's inalienable rights as divinely anointed King, but he also advises Richard to take steps to defend himself. Clearly the Bishop is not ignorant to the ways of the world. He believes that "heaven helps those who help themselves" and he himself acts in the plot against Henry. That it is this high minded clergyman, so unlike Richard's flatterers and the brusque Earl Of Northumberland, who foretells a bloody civil war as the consequence of Richard's deposition, lends the prophecy an awful authority.</span></div><div><br /><br /></div>

David Tennant Richard II Royal Shakespeare Company Theatre Richard II - Character Profiles - Bishop Of Carlisle

As we look forward to David Tennant's performance as Richard II in the Royal Shakespeare Company's production of the play, we will b...

BELGIUM: Broadchurch Comes To Vitaya In Belgium Tonight

11:40 PM Tukiyooo 0

<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveQJ0LTEP1QLr48GZ5kcyDzHojrveRUuGAfvm6cGxK-5GdIzlqStWHrmDpUhvaI_xzABfvCPeWJWRhHQ8FFfaoKcLM6WzIKXJCesaYDgtQinbyj9aJYvW0y_vPpNlFzygS6He3azLEjM/s1600/DT+BC+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiveQJ0LTEP1QLr48GZ5kcyDzHojrveRUuGAfvm6cGxK-5GdIzlqStWHrmDpUhvaI_xzABfvCPeWJWRhHQ8FFfaoKcLM6WzIKXJCesaYDgtQinbyj9aJYvW0y_vPpNlFzygS6He3azLEjM/s1600/DT+BC+2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The gripping crime drama <i>Broadchurch</i> begins on Dutch language channel Vitaya in <st1:country-region w:st="on">Belgium</st1:country-region> tonight. The series stars David Tennant, Olivia Colman and Arthur Darvill and follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a small English town.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Broadchurch</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">EERSTE DUBBELAFLEVERING VANDAAG <st1:place w:st="on">OM</st1:place>21.10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aflevering 1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitaya 21.10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inspecteur Alex Hardy zet samen met zijn collega Ellie Miller zijn tanden in het onderzoek naar de dood van een 11-jarig jongetje in de kleine gemeenschap Broadchurch. Er staan de familie harde tijden te wachten. Ze hebben het, net zoals alle andere inwoners van Broadchurch, erg moeilijk met de mediastorm die de zaak heeft doen ontstaan.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Aflevering 2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitaya 22.05</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Het mysterie rond de dood van de 11-jarige Danny wordt alsmaar groter. De familie Latimer heeft het ondertussen ontzettend moeilijk met het plotse verlies. Dominee Paul Coates besluit de lokale media toe te spreken over de zaak.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Broadchurch</span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">FIRST DOUBLE EPISODE TODAY FROM 21.10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Episode 1</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitaya 21.10</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Inspector Alex Hardy together with his colleague Ellie Miller gets his teeth in the investigation into the death of an 11-year-old boy in the small community of Broadchurch. There are hard times ahead for the family. They have, like all other residents of Broadchurch, found it very difficult to deal with with the media storm that the case has created.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Episode 2</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Vitaya 22.05</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The mystery surrounding the death of 11-year-old Danny is deepening. The Latimer family is finding it extremely difficult to cope with with their sudden loss. Reverend Paul Coates decides to speak to the local media about the case.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://news.david-tennant.com/2009/id189.html"><span style="color: blue; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Find out more about Broadchurch on our website</span></a></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><o:p><br /></o:p></div>

Belgium Broadchurch David Tennant Olivia Colman TV Drama BELGIUM: Broadchurch Comes To Vitaya In Belgium Tonight

The gripping crime drama Broadchurch begins on Dutch language channel Vitaya in Belgium tonight. The series stars David Tennant, Olivia Co...