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Bryan P. Marsal, Co-CEO of Alvarez & Marsal and CEO of Lehman Brothers, oversaw the proceedings for the largest bankruptcy in history - the Lehman Brothers. During a presentation to a group of businesspeople, he was asked to comment about the status of ethics in business. His answer: there are none. Marsal's response puts a spotlight on the legal yet unsavory behavior that has become common practice on Wall Street and in executive suites.
Lipstick on a Pig Vs. Honest Advice
Perhaps nothing better characterizes the way the Street operates than the antics of one-time Merrill Lynch analyst Henry Blodgett. Blodgett was the leading Internet and eCommerce analyst on Wall Street during the height of the dotcom boom. He became infamous for publicly recommending technology stocks that he referred to with terms such as "junk" and "a disaster" in private e-mail messages.
Based on Blodgett's recommendations, Merrill Lynch brokers actively sold these "junk" stocks to investors. Client portfolios took heavy losses when technology stocks collapsed. Blodgett's actions, while very unethical, were still legal. As a result, he was banned from the industry, not because he promoted stocks that he disliked, but because the companies he promoted were Merrill Lynch investment banking clients, creating a conflict of interest. Today, investors are a little less trusting of Wall Street analysts than they were before the Blodgett fiasco.
In 2002, Blodgett was lampooned in a famous television ad for brokerage firm Charles Schwab, in which a hardened Wall Street veteran tells some brokers to "put some lipstick on this pig!"
Complex Securities Vs. Let the Buyer Beware
The seemingly never-ending implosion of a host of complex investments, including credit default swaps, special investment vehicles, mortgage-backed securities and hedge funds, has left a trail of shattered portfolios and bewildered investors in its wake. The investments, and others like them, have structures that are too difficult for even sophisticated investors to fully comprehend. This is clearly demonstrated when the investments collapse and drag down the portfolios of arguably knowledgeable foundations, endowments, corporate pension plans, local governments and other entities.
With marketing and sales efforts that downplay the risks of these investments, put up against the "obligation" on the part of the investor to understand what they are buying, investors once again have no hope against their opponent.
Window Dressing
Window dressing is a strategy used by mutual fund and portfolio managers near the year or quarter end to improve the appearance of the portfolio/fund performance before presenting it to clients or shareholders. To window dress, the fund manager will sell stocks that have large losses and purchase high-flying stocks near the end of the quarter. These securities are then reported as part of the fund's holdings.
Since holdings are shown at a point in time, rather than on a bought and sold basis, it looks good on paper and it gets delivered as official results from the mutual fund companies. What can an investor do but read it and believe it?
Interest Rate Payment to Investors Vs. Interest Rate Charged to Borrowers
If you go to your bank and put $100 in a savings account, you will be lucky if the bank pays you 1% in interest for a year. If you take out a bank-sponsored credit card, the bank will charge you 25% or more in interest. Now, what's wrong with that picture? According to the banks, nothing at all. It's all perfectly legal.
Better still, from their point of view, they can charge depositors a fee to talk to a teller, a fee for having a low balance, a fee to use the ATM, a fee to order checks, a fee for bounced checks, and a few more fees for other services thrown in for added profit and good measure. Then, if the depositor decides to borrow, they can charge a loan origination fee, a loan servicing fee, an annual credit card fee and the interest on the credit cards and loans. It's all perfectly legal and fully disclosed, and bewildering to the average bank customer.
Higher Interest Rates for "Bad" Credit Vs. Lower Rates for "Good" Credit
If you are having trouble getting by (maybe you lost your job or got behind on some bills) and are trying to get back on your feet after your credit rating took a hit, you will probably be charged a higher rate of interest the next time you borrow money. You will pay more for a mortgage, a car loan, a bank loan and just about every other loan you can possibly imagine.
On the other hand, wealthy people can get loans at rock-bottom interest rates. It is standard practice to change more to higher risk clients. This policy makes sense on paper, but doesn't do any favors for hard-working people just trying make ends meet.
Subprime Mortgages
The subprime mortgage is a special variation on the "higher interest rates for bad credit" theme. Borrowers with credit ratings below 600 often will be stuck with subprime mortgages that charge higher interest rates. Because of the borrower's lowered credit rating, a conventional mortgage will not be offered, because the lender views the borrower as having a larger-than-average risk of defaulting on the loan. Making late bill payments or declaring personal bankruptcy could very well land borrowers in a situation where they can only qualify for a subprime mortgage.
Investment Firms Promoting Stocks to Clients Vs. Selling Them in Other Accounts
One side of the business is busily selling stock X to its clients, while the other side of the business that manages money on behalf of the firm's own accounts is selling stock X as fast it can, to get out before the stock collapses. It is commonly referred to as a pump and dump scheme, with many variations existing in some form or another. In some instances, the firm's brokers are "advising" retail investors to buy, while the firm's hedge fund partners are being told to sell. In other instances, two "partners" are given contradictory advice, with one side buying from the other, even though the "advice" givers expect the buyer to be burned. Just like in Vegas, at the end of the day, the advantage goes to the house.
Stock Recommendations
Investors look to stock analysts for insight into whether or not a company's stock is worth buying. After all, analysts spend all day conducting research while most investors just don't have the time or expertise. With all that analyzing taking place, one might expect a fairly broad distribution of recommendations, including "buy," "hold" and "sell." That naive expectation is hit hard by reality. According to the Wall Street Journal in an article published Jan. 14, 2012, the 500 securities in the Standard and Poor's 500 Index have been subject to more than 10,000 analyst recommendations. The results: 5,802 "buy/outperform" rankings, 4,484 "hold" recommendations and just 530 "sell" ratings.
Similarly, Barry Ritholz, CEO of Fusion IQ and author of The Big Picture blog noted that in May 2008, only 5% of Wall Street recommendations were "Sell." From the little guys' perspective, if 95% of stocks are such great deals, why haven't investors fared better? The answer: conflicts of interest on Wall Street make it far more profitable for investment firms to be nice to the companies that give them business, as those relationships are far more profitable than the money made from servicing the "little guy." Besides, they're still getting paid by the "little guy" as well.
Pension Plan "Freeze" and Termination Vs. Pension Payments to Workers
Imagine that you worked your whole life and gave the best years of your health to one firm. However, a few years before you retired, the company froze the pension plan. Then the year you were poised to get out, they terminated the plan and gave you a lump sum check instead of a pension check for life. The worst part? It happens often and is perfectly legal.
Class Action Lawsuits Vs. Justice for the Wronged
So what happens when the "little guy" realizes that he's been wronged by a large company? More often than not, he'll probably take the company to court. However, since the little guy cannot afford the legal representation required to do battle with a corporate behemoth, he looks for a lawyer who represents a huge group of people in a similar predicament.
For example, say the lives of 1,000 people were ruined by an ill-advised investment purchase. If the victims receive a settlement, the lawyers can command a significant portion of that money, even more than half. For example, a $10 million settlement can be divided into $5,000 each for the plaintiffs and $5 million for the lawyers, and it's all legal. The "little guy" might get his day in court, but there's no guarantee that he'll be getting paid what he deserves, especially if his lawyer wants a big chunk of the settlement as payment for services rendered.
The Bottom Line
It might be hard to believe that these ethically dubious business practices are legal and legitimate in the eyes of lawmakers. However, being aware of these unscrupulous methods can help you avoid them as best you can. The examples above are just a few instances where the law is unable to protect people, despite the best intentions of regulators.


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Explore all content tagged with "longs"
Photos tagged with "longs"
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Tags related to "longs":
aac sterling 9.5mm ion press release american alpine club benefit dinner cap 30l peak mixed highball sunsets hueco free sand k2 outdoor nose green soloing boone adam to action cactus top erik jumping of dan spring sports the shield el dirt journey cathedral break sweat teaser spot beginning good aesthetics less cedar leash lif base half spiritual follower christ mccully guns rest. lcp culkin nude rednecks tires parks haters hillbillies and players emo christine hippies obg punks throw naughty george grigri 2009 jumpstart peak. colorado. diamond. ross andrea. fischer. uconn gap st monkey jarred sticky cleerdin mate seneca danger brothers tonetwenty district wings roaches grit unreason gunfighter gumfighter gumbfighter ship stunts ben cossey smitten factor manatee rou... j.depina andre bell gary mccay amphitheater how gri use

subset: commoncrawl


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Found 3 resultsAuthor Title [ Type] Year
Filters: Author is Grottke, Michael [Clear All Filters]
03. Journal Papers
A systematic literature review of constraint-based innovations: State of the art and future perspectives. IEEE Transactions on Engineering Management. 64(1), 3-15.(2017).
04. Conference Papers
Understanding Emerging Market Companies and Customers: an Empirical Study of Innovation Constructs for New Product Development. Proceedings of the 22nd Innovation and Product Development Conference Proceedings.(2015).
A Unified Innovation Approach To Emerging Markets: Imperatives To Play And Win The Game. 21st International Product Development Management Conference Proceedings: Innovation through engineering, business & design.(2014).


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Motifs inspired by the regal architecture of India and handcrafted into our exquisite line of Silver jewellery. This is an ornate pendant necklace, made with Pearl strings and Crystals. Made in Jaipur, Rajasthan.
Content: 92.5 Sterling Silver
Avoid contact with organic chemicals like perfumes, sprays and water. Keep jewellery in airtight boxes. Wipe jewellery with a soft cotton cloth.


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Garlic - The Food Table - Unframed 12x12 Print
The Garlic Unframed 12x12 Print would be a whimsical, bold addition to your wall decor. Each 12x12 Unframed Print features a cell from The Food Table Poster.
Museum-quality posters made on thick, durable, matte paper. A statement in any room. These puppies are printed on archival, acid-free paper


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Makeup artist Kayleen McAdams turned to Patti Smith and Robert Mapplethorpe for inspiration when prepping Jessica Biel for last week's Met Ball. "They always walked the perfect line between masculine and feminine, and I wanted her makeup to have that same feel," McAdams says. Androgyny means less color, more contouring, so she focused on Biel's skin, starting with CK One's 3-in-1 Face Makeup ($30) and Tarte's Marajuca Concealer ($24) under the eyes.
"I added a tiny bit of the CK One Skin Illuminator ($20) in Cool along the cheekbones and down the bridge of her nose to keep the skin looking dewy," McAdams says. She used the CK One Cream + Powder Bronzer Duo ($25) to contour Biel's cheekbones, using a Beauty Blender Sponge ($20) to blend it out and into her forehead and chin. "The highlighter made the contrast of the cheeks that much more obvious," McAdams adds.
After setting the cream with the bronzing powder, McAdams dusted CK One's Air Light Pressed Powder ($26) on Biel's t-zone to keep the shine to a minimum. "Jessica has gorgeous skin so I wanted to emphasize the luminosity and make it look as though she was wearing nothing," says McAdams.
McAdams made the most of that bronzing powder, sweeping it over Biel's eyelids and using a darker matte shadow, Jouer's Powder Eyeshadow ($20) in Chestnut, in her crease area to add dimension without using liner.
"The key to this eye look was the mascara," says McAdams. "Both Jessica and I love the look of soft mascara and it was key to giving her eyes that masculine edge." She used two coats of CK One's Color Mascara ($18) in Confess on Biel's top and bottom lashes. "The shade really brought out Jessica's green eyes."
Sticking with the nude theme, McAdams patted a bit of CK One's Pure Color Lipstick ($16) in Whatever onto Biel's lips and added Lipgloss ($16) in Tender for dimension. What made it really punk, however, was the silver septum ring Biel added. Try Catbird's Ear Cuff ($38) in Silver, or check out Etsy for thinner rings.
Even Giambattista Valli, the designer behind Biel's gorgeous gown, had a say in Biel's hair. But it was up to hairstylist Anthony Campbell to execute the sporty look. "We wanted to do something that was graphic, with a slight nod to punk, but still chic," he said. Ideally, the sides would look shaved, so Campbell prepped Biel's hair with Bumble and bumble Prep Spray ($19) and Oribe Thickening Spray ($28) from roots to ends to add moisture, control, and lift.
After blow-drying the hair straight with a Mason Pearson Brush ($120), Campbell flat-ironed the ends and slicked back the sides with Bumble and bumble Does It All Spray ($26), securing two tiny ponytails on each side of the back of Biel's head.
"I used Bumble and bumble Classic Hairspray ($23) to slick the top and finish the sides," Campbell says, "And finished the ends of the hair with Oribe Gold Lust Oil ($48)." A faux septum ring-meets-Oribe's Gold Oil? That's our kind of high-low mix.


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Rockies becoming more picky in trade talk
DENVER — An outfielder was traded at Coors Field today. And it was a right fielder. But it wasn't Ryan Spilborghs. The Braves gave up on hometown kid Jeff Francoeur, shipping him to the rival Mets for outfielder Ryan Church. Atlanta has been looking to unload Frenchy for weeks, tired of his impatience and inability to adjust offensively.
The Rockies aren't making a move today. Spilborghs, in fact, isn't going anywhere. A member of the organization stressed to me Spilly's role in the clubhouse when explaining why he doesn't think he will be dealt.
Garrett Atkins remains the most obvious trade bait. But even his exit has strings attached. Combine his hitting since June and Ian Stewart's ebbs and flows, the Rockies are in no hurry to trade Atkins. Manager Jim Tracy said, "We aren't going to move him just to move him. If there's a baseball trade that's going to make us better and the other team involved better that's the direction the conversation will go. Otherwise, there's zero chance we move him to move him."
A look at the lineup as the Rockies go for their fifth-straight win:
CF Fowler
2B Barmes
1B Helton
RF Hawpe
SS Tulowitzki
3B Stewart
C Iannetta
LF Gonzalez
RHP Jimenez


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Naomi Watts is surrounded by pals as she arrives to a 2014 Met Ball After Party on Monday evening (May 5) in New York City.
The 45-year-old actress looked gorgeous in a floor length gown earlier that evening at the annual fashion event.
Also attending a party that evening was burlesque beauty Dita Von Teese, who also changed up her outfit. The next day, Dita was seen hanging out with a male pal in the Big Apple.
Earlier in the day, Naomi was seen out and about in New York.
FYI: Naomi is wearing a Saint Laurent dress, Christian Louboutin shoes, Anita Ko jewels, and a Rauwolf clutch. Dita is wearing a Zac Posen dress and Christian Louboutin shoes and clutch.
10+ pictures inside of Naomi Watts and Dita Von Teese separately after the Met Ball…More Here! »


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Mia Cobb is a freelance animal welfare science consultant, researcher and communicator living just outside Melbourne, Australia. She says yes too often, but loves the diversity of experiences that doing so brings her way.
Following an undergraduate science degree majoring in animal behaviour, Mia worked at a large animal protection and shelter charity, where she gained experience in a wide range of human-animal interactions and animal welfare issues.
Mia then enjoyed the role of Training Kennels & Veterinary Clinic Manager at Australia's leading guide dog organisation for the best part of a decade.
Mia then enjoyed the role of Training Kennels & Veterinary Clinic Manager at Australia's leading guide dog organisation for the best part of a decade.
In addition to her freelance work, she is currently undertaking a PhD, researching the effects of social and environmental enrichment on the welfare, stress and performance of kennelled working dogs. Mia's research was awarded the RSPCA Australia Alan White Scholarship for Animal Welfare Research in 2009. She led the working dog group within the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, a federal government initiative to improve the welfare of all Australian animals, until a change in government in 2013 ceased the program. In 2013, Mia helped found the Australian Working Dog Alliance, a not-for-profit organisation working with industry to improve the welfare of Australia's working and sporting dogs. Mia regularly attends and presents at scientific conferences, professional development workshops and public information/education sessions. In her spare time, she teaches Psychology of Human-Animal Relationships at LaTrobe University in Melbourne, and conducts research work for the University of Sydney.
A pen pal blog combining canine science, social media and someone she barely knows is Mia's submitted evidence that procrastination can, in fact, be productive, informative and fun.


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Fines and fees may be paid in person at any ASCPL agency or online by logging into My Account. For more information on online payment, visit Paying Fines & Fees Online.
Note: the online payment option is not available in the Library's mobile app.
Borrowing privileges will be suspended when the amount of unpaid fines reaches $10.00.
The maximum fine for any item is the replacement cost of that item. Average replacement costs for different formats have been set for items not having an identifiable replacement cost.
The processing fee or service charge is $5.00 per item for lost or damaged materials. This fee is not refunded if the item is recovered: only the replacement cost is refunded. The $5.00 service fee applies to each lost item.


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Jaliek focus turns to killing
Police say child missing since 2007 most likely is a victim of foul play
CAMBRIDGE — After more than five years in which police investigated nearly 500 leads, authorities announced Thursday they had elevated the Jaliek Rainwalker case to a homicide investigation from a missing person search.
At a news conference in the Cambridge police station, state and local police said they had exhausted all substantive leads in the disappearance of the 12-year-old from Washington County, and asked the public's help in finding Jaliek's killer.
"It is not a runaway," State Police Major Crimes Unit Investigator Gloria Coppola said Thursday. "It is a presumed homicide."
The words spelled out what many had long suspected, but only a few have said publicly since Jaliek vanished on Nov. 1, 2007.
While police on Thursday refused to identify specific suspects, Cambridge-Greenwich Police Chief George Bell recently stated police have received zero cooperation in the case from Jaliek's parents, Stephen Kerr and Jocelyn McDonald, who moved to West Rupert, Vt., four months after Jaliek disappeared.
Jaliek was last seen before spending the night with Kerr at a relative's unoccupied home in Greenwich. Kerr said that when he woke up, Jaliek was gone. Jaliek's grandparents sat with police at Thursday's announcement. The boy's grandfather, Dennis Smith, suspects Kerr harmed Jaliek.
"It's a hard day," Smith said Thursday, tears forming in his eyes. "It's a sad day."
Bell updated reporters on the change in the case's status. He was joined by State Police investigators and a representative from the FBI. Bell said law enforcement officials were working with members of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Two investigators with the center studied the case during recent visits to the Capital Region.
Jaliek was the victim of a "probable child homicide," Bell said. He confirmed police had recovered a yellow fleece jacket Jaliek was thought to be wearing the night he was last seen. He said that police, acting on a tip, used cadaver dogs to search for Jaliek's body at a Troy property on Tuesday, but found nothing.
"The investigators are confident that the case will be successfully resolved, and they remain dedicated to identifying the persons responsible for Jaliek's disappearance and bringing them to justice," Bell said. Police have eliminated "most" of the people they have considered suspects in the case, he said.
Smith and Barbara Reeley, Jaliek's grandmother, sat near pictures of the boy on Thursday. Smith said he agreed with the police's reclassification of the case, and believed the truth about what happened will eventually come out.
"We love our grandson," Reeley said. "We miss him."
The emotionally troubled Rainwalker lived in six foster homes before Kerr and McDonald adopted him in 2003. Jaliek lived with the couple's four other children, first in Salem and then in a house in Cossayuna that had no indoor plumbing or TV and limited electricity.
The couple have not spoken to police or the media since the initial weeks after Jaliek's disappearance, Bell said. Their attorney, Jeffrey McMorris of Glens Falls, said Thursday he had not yet spoken with his clients about the day's developments.
"They firmly believe their son is out there — safe, alive and will come home some day," McMorris said. "I don't know what would have prompted police to make this change."
McMorris added that he hoped police would still investigate "sightings" of Jaliek.
But Coppola asked the news media to stop publishing a computer age-enhanced image of Jaliek, who stood 5 feet 6 and weighed 105 pounds in 2007 and would be 17 today. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children agreed to take the image off its website because Jaliek is no longer considered a runaway, Coppola said.
Changing the focus of the investigation from a missing person to murder could shake witnesses from their reluctance to speak with police and encourage law enforcement agencies to throw more resources at finding Jaliek, said Albany attorney Paul DerOhannesian, who lectures on child homicide and abuse cases.
"There's a big difference in how a missing person may be viewed as opposed to a homicide victim in terms of law enforcement attention," DerOhannesian said in a phone interview Thursday. "Highlighting it as a possible murder case goes a long way in reigniting people's interest. The goal is to crack their memories."
Bell asks that anyone with information about Jaliek call police at 518-692-9332.
email@example.com • 518-454-5353 • @DAYusko


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Stone Tablet Press
About the Series
Readers and Workbooks
Teacher's Manual
Customer Reviews
Contact Us
Website Designed
Get a Website
List Your Business
Teach your child to read!
Thousands of Catholic parents and educators are using the Little Angel Readers
to teach their children and students to read.
The Little Angel Readers are a series of phonetic readers and coordinated workbooks for teaching beginning reading using phonics.
The Little Angel Readers use the highly effective methods of phonetic word drill, reading phonetic stories, and written exercises to teach each letter-sound relationship.
"My older children all learned to read with your books. Now my youngest is all excited and asking 'When do I get to read the Little Angel Readers?'"
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Little Angel Reader
Catholic Phonics Series
Catholic stories in the readers support the child's faith and help to build character while developing comprehension.
Children enjoy the child-appealing stories and colorful illustrations.
Teachers and parents like the easy-to-use lesson plans and successful teaching strategies
The Little Angel Readers are recommended for 1st and 2nd grade, but may be used with children in late Kindergarten through 3rd grade.


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And the winner is
Yvonne MULDER
(University of Twente,
department of Instructional Technology
for the thesis
Learning Science by Creating Models
The scientific committee acknowledges that the
dissertation includes a series of very advanced empirical studies on inquiry
learning using simulation and modelling tools. The work is state-of- the art,
the methods are appropriately selected and applied, and the results are
interesting and critically discussed. The studies build on each other and their
individual contributions to advance the state-of the art can be clearly
The scientific committee concludes that within its genre
this research is world class with its precision, high level of rigor and the
discussion and conclusion is very advanced. The problem and problem formulation
is based on deep insight and its origin within TEL.


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Version 1.1 - Updated number of partners September 21, 2011
The purpose of these guidelines is to facilitate deposit of digital content from a variety of sources into HathiTrust. The guidelines contain a brief introduction to HathiTrust, a description of its guiding principles and design, an overview of the ingest process, and definitions, policies and procedures related to the ingest of digitized book and journal content and associated metadata. The guidelines are accompanied by a HathiTrust Deposit Form, a worksheet for depositors to complete to aid in efficient deposit of materials. The Deposit Form includes detailed specifications and validation criteria for submitted content. A checklist of all steps involved in the ingest process is available at https://www.hathitrust.org/ingest_checklist.
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EFJ 5100ES Bootload Stuck
Forum dedicated to discussion on EF Johnson Radio products
Moderator: willbartlett
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EFJ 5100ES Bootload Stuck
I picked up a EFJ 5100ES Model II and was told it was sold as-is as a parts radio only. The issue being that it would lockup at the EFJ boot screen. I attempted to upgrade the firmware in this radio thinking perhaps the firmware was corrupt somehow. However, after flashing the radio is now persistently stuck in bootload and won't really accept firmware anymore. The upgrader software DOES seem to write and flash the application code but it doesn't appear to take on the radio. I fear the UI board is trashed, and I have no real feeling its correctable, not a big deal. But I was just wondering if anyone has run into this sort of situation and has any ideas.
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Digital producer, PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton more
Born in the District of Columbia, raised in Virginia, and living in New York City, I'm the digital producer for PoliticsNation with Rev. Al Sharpton. I've worked at NBC News and MSNBC, primarily as a good old fashioned TV producer, for the better part of a decade. I love politics, civil rights (especially voting rights), and social media. Beyond work, I'm also a huge fan of astronomy, scuba diving, and cats.
Shows PoliticsNation with Al Sharpton
People Reverend Al Sharpton, Zachary Roth, Jamil Smith
Issues Race, Voting Rights


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The "Jardins Partagés" or literally translated as "Shared Gardens" are green spaces in urban areas where the urban community plays a vital participatory role in both its development and maintenance. Since they were first established in Lille in 1997, the "Jardin Partagé" phenomenon has extended across the whole of France and we can today find shared community gardens in all important French cities. This year marks the tenth anniversary since the first shared garden was established in Paris. The extent of this phenomenon has been enormous in the city of light, which now counts about 70 gardens.
A "Jardin Partagé" or "Shared Garden" is defined as a garden that is designed, constructed and collectively cultivated by the inhabitants of a generally urban area. Its main objectives are to: (1) stimulate/promote the social relationships of the people involved in the project accordingly to principles of respect, solidarity, coexistence and community and (2) develop various farming and gardening techniques that respect environmental and biodiversity conservation. They are multidisciplinary spaces and typically managed by non-profit associations, which act as a support for educational, cultural or artistic activities and events that are free and open to the public.
The origins of the Jardins Partagés can be found across the Atlantic in New York and Montreal, which are the cities that pioneered this phenomenon. The first community garden in New York was born in Manhattan, in the early 1970s, when the city was going through a tough urban and financial crisis. Many abandoned buildings were demolished or burned, leaving behind plots that were turned into tips. In this context, the artist Liz Christy decided to rejuvenate and green these areas by scattering handfuls of seeds. The result of this initiative was that flowers started to grow on the rubble. Encouraged by this success, she decided to extend her endeavour. In 1973, she brought together a group of friends and neighbours. Together they created the first community garden in the Lower East Side neighborhood in Manhattan, which now forms part of the grounds that are protected by the city of New York. In 1974, Liz Christy founded the Green Guerillas association to help others to create their own community gardens, and in 1978 the City of New York created the Green Thumb programme, to help promote the development of these gardens.[1]
In France it was in the 1980s when social leaders, activists and gardeners became interested in these practices and established the first community gardens. However it was not until 1997 when the the first Jardin Partagé was founded in Lille. It was that same year, that the first national forum of Gardening and Citizenship ("Jardinage et citoyenneté") took place. At this forum, the French network of community gardens known as "Le Jardin dans Tous Ses Etats - JTSE" was created. The JTSE consists of various regional representatives, mostly associations, which act collectively to facilitate the establishment and implementation of shared gardens.[2]
Shared gardens have an important social role. They are spaces that bring together the community and neighbours, enabling them to develop together their love for gardening. Today in Paris there are about 70 shared gardens located around the city. These make up a regional network that facilitates communication and information exchanges between associations and creates a peaceful coexistence among the citizens. In these gardens a number of different activities are carried out. Apart from gardening, there are also concerts, debates, exhibitions, performances, workshops and conferences.
The general public often considers green spaces to be sterile and inactive spaces. Shared gardens however are malleable, ever changing areas, which reflect the citizens' need to be close to nature. "In shared gardens people feel more comfortable than in conventional green spaces. There is a personal connection because it us who create, nurture and care for the gardens", says Alain Wiéderlé, the President of the Jardin de l'Aquaduc in Paris.
According to the Parisian "Main Verte" guide, all gardens are required to open two days a week at least. Everyone is welcome to visit whenever there is a member of the association in the garden. The interesting and curious thing about shared gardens is that every garden is different, so there is no specific model to follow.
The Jardins Partagés could be described as true conservatories of biodiversity, where there is a direct relationship between people and the natural environment that surrounds them. This relationship has almost been forgotten by the inhabitants of large cities. It has been shown however that having close contact with nature can considerably enhance the quality of life and wellbeing of urban citizens. Citizens who come to these spaces learn gardening techniques that are environmentally friendly and that promote the protection of biodiversity in urban ecosystems. As Alain Wiéderlé puts it, "There are people who every day after work visit the garden. They spend a quarter of an hour in the garden and return home full of energy. People come to the garden in a sick state and leave in good health!"


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SYNOPSIS: On the sixth day (of the week), Krugman terminates Ahnuld for his true lies during the total recall of Gray Davis. Hopefully, this predator of a column will cause enough collateral damage so that it will be the end of days for the campaign of this running man (maybe I should use the eraser on this synopsis)
The key moment in Arnold Schwarzenegger's Wednesday press conference came when the bodybuilder who would be governor brushed aside questions with the declaration, "The public doesn't care about figures." This was "fuzzy math" on steroids — Mr. Schwarzenegger was, in effect, asserting that his celebrity gives him the right to fake his way through the election. Will he be allowed to get away with it?
Reporters were trying to press Mr. Schwarzenegger for the specifics so obviously missing from his budget plans. But while he hasn't said much about what he proposes to do, the candidate has nonetheless already managed to say a number of things that his advisers must know are true lies.
Even Mr. Schwarzenegger's description of the state economy is pure fantasy. He claims that the state is bleeding jobs because of its "hostile environment" toward business, and that California residents groan under an oppressive tax burden: "From the time they get up in the morning and flush the toilet, they're taxed."
One look at the numbers tells you that his story is fiction. Since the mid-1990's California has added jobs considerably faster than the nation as a whole. And while the state has been hit hard by the technology slump, it has done no worse than other parts of the country. A recent study found that California's tech sector had actually weathered the slump better than its counterpart in Texas. Meanwhile, California isn't a high-tax state: through the 1990's, state and local taxes as a share of personal income more or less matched the national average, and with the recent plunge in revenue they're now probably below average.
What is true is that California's taxes are highly inequitable: thanks to Proposition 13, some people pay ridiculously low property taxes. Warren Buffett, supposedly acting as Mr. Schwarzenegger's economic adviser, offered the perfect example: he pays $14,401 in property taxes on his $500,000 home in Omaha, but only $2,264 on his $4 million home in Orange County. But the candidate quickly made it clear that Mr. Buffett should stick to the script and not mention inconvenient facts.
When Mr. Schwarzenegger threw his biceps into the ring, he seemed to think that, like George W. Bush, he could adopt a what-me-worry approach to budget deficits. "The first thing that you have to do is not worry about should we cut the programs or raise the taxes and all those things," he told Fox News. Then someone must have explained to him that a governor, unlike a president, can't just decide that red ink isn't a problem. In fact, one reason Gray Davis is so unpopular is that, unlike the challengers, he has actually had to take painful steps to close the budget gap. Although news reports continue, inexplicably, to talk about a $38 billion deficit, the projected gap for next year is only $8 billion.
So Mr. Schwarzenegger now says that he will balance the budget, while bravely declaring that he is against any unpleasant measures this might involve. He wants to roll back the increase in the vehicle license fee, which was crucial to the state's recent fiscal progress, and he says he won't propose any offsetting tax increases. And while these promises mean that he must come up with large spending cuts, he refuses to say what he will cut. His excuse is that his advisers couldn't make "heads or tails" of the California budget.
Please. The details are complicated, but the broad picture isn't. Education dominates the budget, accounting for more than half of general fund spending. Medical care dominates the rest. The last remaining big chunk is corrections.
Yet the candidate says he won't touch education. Sharp cuts in medical spending would be not only cruel but foolish, since in many cases they would mean losing federal matching funds. And prison spending is largely determined by the state's "three strikes" law. In short, he's not leveling with voters: there's no way to balance the budget while honoring all his promises.
But the candidate says that specifics don't matter, that the public just wants someone "tough enough." Does he really think that voters will confuse him with the characters he plays?
So here's the question: Can a celebrity candidate muscle his way into public office without ever being held accountable for his statements?
Originally published in The New York Times, 8.22.03


text: Our durable above-ground blankets can warm your pool this year by up to 15 degrees F. Our blankets are made to give you maximum heating properties combined with long life. Our 8-mil blankets are loaded with thermal bubbles that retain heat at night and on cool cloudy days. Our transparent blue color allows the maximum amount of solar rays to reach you pool for optimal heating. All of our blankets are U.V.-protected so they last under the most intense sunlight. Built to last and backed by a 3-Year Warranty.


text:
Libraries & Collections
Bolus Herbarium Library
The Bolus Herbarium Library owes its existence to Harry Bolus, a businessman, amateur botanist, and botanical artist, who, on his death in 1911, bequeathed his herbarium, his botanical library, and a large part of his fortune to the South African College, (now the University of Cape Town). Originally a taxonomic library, the Bolus Library has been nurtured and developed, and today, in addition to its magnificent collection of early botanical works, it houses a comprehensive collection of books relating to South African systematic and geographical botany, as well as extensive modern literature on evolutionary biology.
Brand van Zyl Law Library
The Brand van Zyl Law Library has one of the best legal collections in Africa, with holdings of 85 000 volumes. We have a comprehensive collection of South African legal monographs and a respectable core collection of monographs dealing with foreign and international law.
Built Environment Library
The first Architecture Library occupied two wooden huts on the Upper Campus sports fields. With the completion of the new Centlivres Building in 1959 it was possible to move into the more suitable, permanent accommodation it occupies to this day.
Chancellor Oppenheimer Library
The Chancellor Oppenheimer Library (COL) lies at the heart of UCT's Upper Campus and spans three buildings which form a U-shaped structure surrounding the University's historic assembly venue, Jameson Hall. (Upper Campus Plan) The central section of the COL houses our user services: the Loans Desk, Short Loans Centre, Interlibrary Loans, and the Information Desk, as well as study space, audio-visual viewing facilities, bookstacks and journals. Adjoining this area are the Undergraduate Wing on the north side, and the Research Wing to the south.
Government Publications
The Government Publications Department houses the centralized collection of government documents in UCT Libraries (both current and historical). The collection includes census, legislation, parliamentary, planning, policy, public finance and statistical documents.
Hiddingh Hall Library
In 1911 Hiddingh Hall Library became the University of Cape Town's first purpose built Library. Today it is a branch library serving the Departments of Drama, History of Art and Fine Art. The physical collection comprises approximately 30 000 books, 1 500 Videos, and 70 current print journals. Facilities include PCs, wireless network, printer and photocopiers, A/V viewing room and access to UCT Libraries 63 000 e-journals and 177 electronic research databases.The Institute of Child Health Library was established in 1974 as a satellite of the Health Sciences Library, to cater specifically to the needs of the academic staff and students at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital which is regarded as South Africa's leading centre for post-graduate specialist paediatric medical and surgical training.
Institute of Child Health Library
The Institute of Child Health Library was established in 1974 as a satellite of the Health Sciences Library, to cater specifically to the needs of the academic staff and students at the Red Cross War Memorial Children's Hospital which is regarded as South Africa's leading centre for post-graduate specialist paediatric medical and surgical training.
Jewish Studies Library
The Jewish Studies branch library collection has been moved into the Main Library collection, with the advantage of accessibility during the far longer opening hours of the Main Library. Read more
Music Library
The Music Library was opened on 1st August 1943, "… the first completely self-contained, functionally-designed music library in Africa". It occupied the former dining room of an old Victorian mansion called Strubenholm, the home of the South African College of Music in Rosebank.
Special Collections
The University of Cape Town Libraries Special Collections consists of printed and audio-visual materials on African studies and a wide array of other specialised subjects, as well as over 1,300 sub-collections of unique manuscripts and personal papers. The collection of books and pamphlets exceeds 85,000 items on African studies alone. The collection of African film is among the most extensive in the world, with over 3,000 films available for viewing and research.


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I didn't receive 2 'Nice Question' badges for the following questions.
File chooser dialog not closing
The form:form tag declares that it accepts dynamic attributes but does not implement the required interface
Is this badge nearly the same as a 'Nice Answer' badge? In that it takes some time to receive the badge due to some reason.
Can anyone please explain?


text:
U.S. Vice President Mike Pence said on Wednesday the United States has received intelligence that Iran has asked its allied militias not to attack U.S. targets.
from Reuters: World News ref=da&site=blogger"> https://ift.tt/HDXIyB
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Iran sending messages to militias not to attack U.S. targets: Pence
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February 1, 2014
Cash Balance Pension Plans
Crucial (and complicated) concepts in public money explained.
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Farewell, My Readers
After five years as a Governing contributor, Girard Miller signs off.
June 21, 2012
Hybrid Treasury Bonds for Public Pension Funds
Federal-state collaboration could save taxpayers billions and help deter runaway inflation.
June 21, 2012
Pension Reforms Go to the Courts
What's next after California's recent landslide elections?
June 14, 2012
Public Pension Portfolios Double Down
A new study blames GASB policy for spurring state and local governments to make riskier investments.
June 7, 2012
COLA Freezes: Pension Reform's Third Rail
Here are 7 things to consider before cutting retirees' cost-of-living allowances.
May 17, 2012
"Say on Pay" for Public Pension Funds
What's good for the goose is good for the gander.
May 3, 2012
Cash-Balance Pension Plans: A Wolf in Sheep's Clothing?
Defined-benefit fans tout this hybrid, but taxpayers need protections.
April 19, 2012
On Pension Reform, Trying to Fit a Square Peg in a Round Hole
Politicians can't fix pension abuses with voting rules alone.
April 19, 2012
Stable-Value Funds: Their Time Under Heaven
A homework assignment for 457 investors and administrators
April 12, 2012
Insolvency, Bankruptcy and Doublespeak
Don't plead poverty while soft-selling your bonds.
April 5, 2012
Retirement Reform II: Beyond the Easy Stuff
Essential and practical steps to take in 2012
April 5, 2012
Sovereign Immunity for Public Employers
The Supreme Court has reaffirmed certain states' rights in the workplace.
March 15, 2012
'New Normal' Budgeting for 2013
Tax revenues are up, but deferred costs are waiting to be paid.
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Pension Reform: Stop Billing the Grandkids
Intergenerational equity in retirement plans is long overdue.
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OPEB Made Easier
A new set of best practices for 'other post-employment benefits'
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Bad News for Workers Comp Premiums
Low investment returns hamper self-insurance pools.
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Could a Flatter Federal Tax Plan Actually Work?
A centrist plan with a progressive twist could be a bipartisan compromise. And it could help balance the budget.
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One Pension Half-Truth That's Actually a Quarter-Truth
A closer look at how "interest follows principal" in pension funds
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Pension Puffery
Here are 12 half-truths that deserve to be debunked in 2012.
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GASB's New Hornet's Nest: 'Economic Condition' Reporting
Should financial projections be "required supplementary information"?
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Rhode Island's Landmark Pension Reforms
In this column by Public Money author Girard Miller, he writes about how newly enacted pension reforms will test contract law.
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California Court Vests Retirees' Medical Benefits
The decision sends the Orange County case back to federal court.
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Pension Prop 13
California's pension hawks file a detailed, alternative plan to the governor's that builds on his proposals.
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Benefits Bonds Revisited
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The scope of the governor's new plan surprises allies and critics.
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Despite public pension lobbyists' claims to the contrary, here's the true cost of pension plans to taxpayers.
February 10, 2011
The Power of No
This is the time for leaders to take a bipartisan 'no new spending' pledge.
February 3, 2011
Misplaced Pension Hysteria
The real monster is OPEB, not pensions
February 1, 2011
Curing a Health Care Cost Curve
With health care driving state spending, a focus on quality care could cut costs.
January 20, 2011
Pink Slips and Pension Red Ink
In California, it's "pension layoffs" vs. "pension attrition."
January 13, 2011
Are Build America Bonds Up for Grabs?
Let's fix the formula so everybody wins!
January 6, 2011
Re-Thinking Retirement 'Rights' for Public Employees
Vesting should not apply to future service.
January 6, 2011
Will 2011 Investment Markets Bail Out the Pension Funds?
Wall Street can't relieve budget-strapped public employers.
December 16, 2010
Labor-Relations Strategies to Cut Benefits Costs
Public managers need a game plan for 2011.
December 16, 2010
Cutting Health Insurance Costs
The president's new initiative on quality health care deserves support. So does tort reform.
December 2, 2010
For Pension Funds, a Smarter Application of the 'Risk-Free Discount Rate'
Financial economics should apply to labor relations, not accounting.
December 2, 2010
Post-Election Retirement Plan Reform
It's not so simple as switching to a 401(k).
November 17, 2010
69 Is The New 65
The President's commission faces up to longevity. When will pension funds?
November 10, 2010
Middle Ground for Social Security and Medicare Reform
Three meaningful reform ideas worth sending to the lame ducks in Congress.
November 4, 2010
How to Run a Pension Fund -- Without Running It Into the Ground
Government finance officers tell it like it is. Will politicians finally listen?
October 21, 2010
Bending the Medical-Cost Curve
Health-care reformers say it can be done. Girard Miller doubts it.
October 14, 2010
Social Security and Medicare Costs Runaway
An actuarial autopilot is necessary if Congress won't bite the bullet to control costs.
October 7, 2010
A Fresh Look at Dysfunctional Pension Formulas
A team of researchers is rethinking the basis for calculating pensions.
October 1, 2010
Who Should Pay the Pension Bill?
As states face funding problems, retirees and employees will feel pressure to chip in.
Public Pensions Investing for Less
Many pension funds will cut their investment-return assumptions.
September 22, 2010
A Ginnie Mae "in Every Pot"
The White House's mortgage relief strategy to enable underwater homeowners to modify their current mortgages on more-favorable terms is too timid.
September 15, 2010
"Personal-izing" Social Security
Private accounts can work, but they're not for everyone.
Hybrid Vigor for Pension Evolution
A good option for new public employees is a "half & half" defined-benefit and defined-contribution plan.
Finding Safe Harbor from Pension Fraud
The Governmental Accounting Standards Board's pension disclosures could help CFOs sleep at night.
Last Call for the Retirement Medical Benefits Gravy Train
Federal reimbursement for high-cost early retirees will begin soon.
The FICA Free-Lunch Crowd
Social Security reformers need a fair plan for the six million free-riders.
The Evils of Evergreen Contracts
The "miracle of compound interest" helped put Bell, Calif., in the doghouse.
Going to Bat for a VAT
Shifting the sales tax approach could solve Social Security and Medicare funding.
California's Latest Pay Plunder
Outrage over lavish salaries and pensions in Bell, California, could fire up reform in public compensation laws and practices.
Beware of Negative Growth
With yields low and fees high, "safe" funds used in deferred compensation plans may eat away at principal.
Pension Politics
Symbols and substance will clash in 2010 and beyond.
Going to Bat for a VAT
Tax solutions for Social Security and Medicare could also heal the states.
Bonds as Good as Gold
Federal credit guarantees for taxable state bonds would lift the economy.
Curbing Pension 'Pay to Play'
Under new SEC rules, placement agents won't be outlawed, but they will be regulated.
The Arbitration Game
In the New Normal economy, the rules of labor arbitration must change.
Benefits, Bankruptcy and Baloney
Chapter 9 doesn't work the same as Chapters "7-Eleven" and won't solve the pension-benefit crisis.
California's Down Payment on Pension Reform
Four workers unions wake up and smell the coffee.
June 17, 2010
Will the BOBs Window Reopen?
Several large employers might get a second chance at benefit obligation bonds.
Fixing Social Security and Medicare
States and localities have a stake in the new bipartisan commission on fiscal responsibility.
The Other Pension Fix
Absent reforms for incumbents, a five-year salary freeze may be the best solution for skyrocketing pension costs.
Funding Retirement Medical Benefits on $75 a Month
A multi-pronged approach can slash retiree medical costs.
June 1, 2010
Girard Miller's Benefit Beat
It happens like clockwork. As soon as a magnanimous stock market boosts pension assets to high-water marks, pension raiders lurk around--they can't wait to get their hands on the "overfunded" portfolio.
June 1, 2010
Wanted: A Gold Standard for Pensions
Public officials who run pension plans should update their rule books.
New Proposals for Pension Books
GASB's potential accounting rules may clobber employers' budgets
Needed: New Rules for Pension Boards
When it comes to governance, there's something amiss in California and other states as well.
May 13, 2010
Uncle, Can You Spare a Dime?
"Tough love" assistance from the feds might match the nation's mood.
California's Pension Predicament
Fixing the state's retirement finances is like untangling a Gordian knot.
Out of Balance, or Out of Proportion?
A new look at whether public employees are overpaid.
A Facelift for Muni Bonds
Surprise! Your bond ratings just went up!
Setting a Gold Standard for Pensions
The Government Finance Officers Association has issued a list of best practices for public pensions. These measures should be adopted nationwide.
The Pension Tide Turns
Illinois and New Jersey legislators try a new tack on reform.
New Pension Math
Nationwide, public officials scramble to change new-hire benefits formulas.
Two New Looks at Investment Assumptions
Reviews of the way public pensions measure their ROI and account for liabilities could have a major impact on state and local budgets.
Build America Bonds Need a Push
As Congress debates extending BABs, it's time to weigh in with letters and phone calls.
Crosswinds for Pension Reform
California's pension-limitation ballot initiative hits a wall with Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger and prominent gubernatorial candidate Meg Whitman.
'Life-swapping': The Case For and Against Longevity Swaps
Could U.S. pension plans reduce risk by importing an idea from Europe?
'Build America Bonds' Forever, or Nevermore?
The Obama administration supports extending them. But if Congress fails to act, we may see a blizzard of BABs this December.
Seeking Security for Retirement Funds
Pension-exchanges for IRAs and 401(k)s would strengthen President Obama's initiatives.
February 1, 2010
Furlough Fever
Are four-day workweeks the beginning of a permanent trend or a passing phenomenon?
California's $125 Million Middlemen
More evidence of influence-peddling in the Golden State's pension fund
Federal Incentives for Retirement Benefits Reform?
The case for a taxable 'benefits bonds' rebate
Could 'Build America Bonds' Be Extended After 2010?
The new subsidized taxable bond option has been highly successful.
2010 Retirement Reform Resolutions
Time for less finger-pointing and more action
2010 Pension Investment Outlook
For the coming year, here are some strategies - both 'inside the box' and 'outside the box.'
Looking Twice at Pension Double-Dipping
Should full pensions be allowed if you keep working?
New Retiree Benefits Scam: "Insurance Arbitrage"
Squirrelly insurance deals are too good to be true.
Mini-Medicare Proposal Could Solve Municipal Retiree Benefits Problems
Police, fire and teachers could use Medicare at 55, cutting localities' costs.
Employer-Paid Humbug!
Public employers can no longer afford to pay employees' share of pension costs.
The New Normal Economic Environment
Even in a post-recession economy, leaders must learn to say no.
Who Needs Placement Agents, Anyway?
There really is no place in the pension boardroom for mercenaries.
California's Dirty Little Withholding Secret
How the Golden State "borrows" money from taxpayers -- interest free.
Can the Bond Insurers Survive?
The "B" word shows up in earnings and news reports.
California Pensions' $65 Million Middleman
In the wake of a scandal, a ballot initiative to reform the state's pension system gains new fuel.
In Search of a Fair Pension Formula
Realistic income-replacement ratios in the 'new normal' economy
Is Health Care Reform a Medicaid Torpedo?
States could get clobbered with new costs.
Generational Battle Brews Over Gilded Baby-Boom Pensions
Resentment is building among younger workers, and Boomer unionists face a backlash.
For Cash Managers, New Investment Risks
Inflation, rising interest rates and company defaults are among the perils.
Retirement Benefits and the Incumbent Employee Conundrum
Bill baby boomers for their retirement costs -- before they get away.
As Faith in the Almighty Dollar Erodes, There's Hope in TIPS
Inflation-indexed bonds are good for retirement plans as well as the U.S. dollar.
Putting a Price on Portfolio Safety
Is your attitude toward risk penny-wise and pound foolish?
States Can Lead in Health Care Cost-Cutting
Co-ops could change the economics of the industry.
'Mini Medicare' Reform Could Cut Retirement Health Benefit Costs
Could Medicare reform play a role in health care cost reduction in a way that actually benefits governments?
More on SEC's Pension 'Pay to Play' Reforms
Regulate, don't prohibit, qualified organizations.
A Game-Changer for Government Retirement Markets?
The next-gen target-date funds for 457 plans have lower fees and consistent returns.
Reflections on the S&P at 1000
It's time to revisit and rebalance investment allocations.
Obamacare and the States' Benefits Budgets
Congress can't repeal the laws of supply and demand.
Will SEC Ban Pension 'Pay to Play'?
Rules should also govern 457 and 403b plans.
Saving the Nest Egg
It's time to restore balance to the funding of pension plans.
Funding Phobias
States and cities have a lot of reasons for inaction on funding retiree medical benefits. Some of their excuses are pretty flimsy.
The Empire State's Looming Public Pension Explosion
Local pension costs may triple in New York State, meaning costs will outrun revenues, even when the recession ends.
Why No Pension Bonds?
How Build America Bonds have crowded out 'Benefits Bonds.'
Bargaining for Benefits Reform
It's time to take a harder line on under-priced "bennies." Here's how.
New Premises for "Pension Prop 13"
Constitutional curbs for runaway public pension plans
Failing to Fund Retirement Benefits
The downside of "pay-as-you-go"
The Value-Added Tax: State and Local Implications
A threat or an opportunity?
A Fiscal Fix? California's Dreamin'
Is the Golden State too big to fail?
Time to Drop DROPs
Alice-in-Wonderland math can't work for Deferred Option Retirement Plans.
Passing on Our Debts
GASB is looking at new rules for making sure we pay for services we use.
Medicare Trumps the 'OPEB Fairy'
National health care reform can't bail out state and local retiree health plans.
Build America Bonds Hit the Market
Are these new municipal bonds silver linings -- or fools' gold?
The OPEB Acid-test
Paralysis must yield to analysis -- soon.
The Pension Bonus Conundrum
You get what you pay for -- or don't.
Repairing Pension Plans
Reform -- don't destroy -- public retirement systems.
A New Way to Save an Apple a Day
A better voluntary savings vehicle for retiree health coverage
Seeking a Fix for 'Spiking'
Abuses of overtime in pension calculations
Stimulus Strings
Pay cuts for public officials who spend like grasshoppers?
Guarantees for Muni Bonds
Timely congressional action could double the infrastructure stimulus.
Public Pensions and Private Partners
A profitable role in curing the toxic asset problem?
The Insurance Exposure Problem
State and municipal deferred-compensation plans are at risk from the insurance-industry tumult. It's time for some due diligence.
To Build a Solid Benefit
How to ensure that retiree health coverage is ample, available and affordable.
Sharing the Pension Pain
It's time for employees to buck up.
Swapping the Stimulus
Will local substitutions boost the spend -- or drain it?
Getting Ready for Build America Bonds
There's a new tool for financial officials and managers to master.
Profiting from TRANs
How to make the most of short-term borrowing
Taking on the Sacred Cows
Michael Bloomberg's refreshing and realistic look at retirement math
OPEB's Silver Lining
Unlike with pension fund investments, nothing ventured means nothing lost.
Fixing OPEB Plans
Moving to a different format may be the answer.
Pension Funds to the Rescue?
Could public pensions help solve the banking and mortgage crises?
We Don't Need No Stinkin' Badges!
State and local governments shouldn't wait for the White House and Congress to come up with the next stimulus package. They should draft a specific new proposal of their own.
A Dumb Idea: Tax-Exempt OPEB Bonds
They're a bad solution in search of a problem, and they won't stimulate anything.
Model Legislation: Retirement Plan Financial Management
Stronger laws would optimize OPEB plans and benefits bonds.
Top 12 Pension and Benefits Plan Issues for 2009: Part II
Six more new paradigms for a new year
Stimulus II: Guaranteeing Muni Bonds
Let's triple the infrastructure stimulus -- and put municipalities back to work.
The Taxable Muni Bond Debate
Is an "Infrastructure TBO" worth a try?
Outlook for Retirement Plan Investments
The retirement industry took a beating last year. But 2009 still provides some opportunities for the public sector.
Top 12 Pension and Benefits Plan Issues for 2009: Part I
New paradigms for a new year
Top 12 Pension and Benefits Plan Issues for 2009: Executive Summary
New paradigms for a new year
Investing Public Cash in a 0% Market
Searching for incremental yields?
Bonding for Benefits: POBs and 'OPEB-OBs'
New strategies to shatter the old POB paradigm
Don't Squander the Stimulus!
How to prevent pork-barrel spending and bridges to nowhere
October 1, 2007
Wellness--Or Else!
The latest buzzword in managing health care costs is "wellness"-- programs that emphasize prevention and personal accountability.
August 1, 2007
Pension Divestment Politics
State politicians have returned to the slippery slopes of social investing and pension divestment. In the 1980s, South Africa was the target. Last year, it was Sudan, followed quickly by Iran, and now "all terrorist nations" are on blacklists in some states.
April 1, 2007
Girard Miller's Benefit Beat: Bonding with OPEB
Some municipal bond underwriters are peddling the idea that public agencies should sell bonds now to "pre-fund" their promised retiree medical-benefit-plan liabilities.
February 1, 2007
Guest Quarter: Retirees and Realities
New Jersey's ill-fated pension reform plan is history. As 2006 drew to a close, the governor and legislature, hoping to pay for property-tax reduction through pension plan reforms, failed to come to an agreement--much to the relief of thousands of state workers, unionized and otherwise, who marched on Trenton to make known their concerns about benefit adjustments.


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Sláinte (3 Albums, 31 Tracks)
- Jeff Bremer
- Lawson Dumbeck
- Kent Hooper
- Jean Huskamp
- Anthea Lawrence
- Bob McCaffery-Lent
- Brynn Starr
Sláinte (slawn-cha), Gaelic for "cheers" or "good health", was an Irish band based out of Tacoma, Washington in the USA. They began performing in the summer of 1995. The original name for the group was Puget Sounds, as the players had been participants in a jam session at the University of Puget Sound. The original lineup had players whose ages spanned 35 years.
The band soon changed its name to Sláinte to emphasize its focus on traditional Irish works and to reflect the band's desire to play enjoyable, spirited music.
Sláinte was an early success in Internet music sharing. They were one of the most downloaded artists on the original mp3.com, which was then a major site for free and legal music downloads.
After the end of Sláinte, Lawrence and Dumbeck performed as Fiddlehead. Huskamp has continued to play in a number of bands. Bremer played with The Burren Boys. Starr, McCaffery-Lent, and Hooper performed as Bobryken Celtic, an abbreviation of their names Bob, Brynn, and Kent. In 2007, that group gained four more players and were renamed to Mooncoyne.


text:
Columbus, Miss January 21st 1865"
My own dear wife,
When I last wrote you I was camped six
miles from Columbus on the Pickensville road; this was a week
ago yesterday. On the day after I wrote you I reported at this
place to the Hospital in consequence of being afflicted so
severely with risings that I could neither ride or walk. I am
much better now and as soon as I can get a car to [ship]
the baggage of Stevenson's Division I shall accompany it, if
nothing prevent, to Augusta Geo - Lee's Corps is now moving
from Tupelo on the [Cars] to Augusta where I understand they
will be met by Longstreets Corps and probably proceed to
South Carolina - The balance of the army [Cheatham Stewarts]
Corps have no orders as yet that I know of - I presume
they will move to such point as they may be most required."
Genl Dick Taylor is now in command of this army and
Hood retired of his own accord. I have not heard much
expression as to how far this change meets the approbation
of the troops - There is no doubt they are satisfied as far
as concerns Genl Hood retiring but I do not think there
is much enthusiasm [in receiving] the new Commander -
The fact is the troops just now are depressed and worn out
after they have become rested and liberally furloughed I think
they will again regain their usual [bouyancy]. I can assure you
I am not at all pleased with the idea of going into Georgia
again, for I have had enough of that state and would much
preferred remaining in Mississippi this winter, but like everything
else in this army, a man cannot do as he wants to but must
do as he is ordered. I think it very probable that the troops
that go to Georgia will not have much rest for Sherman
is going to [crowd things] this winter and there will no doubt
be some severe fighting done."


text:
Following months of rumors that rapper Kanye West was courting Vogue editorial director Anna Wintour in a bid to get his fiancee Kim Kardashian on the cover of the fashion bible (the famed editrix even attended his "Yeezus" tour in Brooklyn), the highly-publicized couple grace the front page of the magazine's April 2014 issue.
Shot by celebrity photographer Annie Leibovitz, Kardashian is featured in a variety of gowns that could easily double as wedding attire. Kardashian and West have said they will tie the knot sometime this summer in Paris. Kardashian told Ryan Seacrest in February that she and West will be having a "super, super small intimate" wedding. No date has yet been revealed for the nuptials.
West sticks to black ensembles throughout much of the shoot - a behind-the-scenes video can be seen below - as the pair pose in a private jet, next to a luxury car and in the desert. Even baby North West makes an appearance, decked out in white just like mom Kim.
U.S. & World
The day's top national and international news.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of the video and images is how happy Kanye looks. Gone is his trademark scowl, replaced with smiles and looks of contentment.
Kardashian took to Twitter and Instagram to share her excitement over the cover:
This is such a dream come true!!! Thank you @VogueMagazine for this cover! O M GGGGGG!!! I can't even… http://t.co/CbD5ThUqor — Kim Kardashian (@KimKardashian) March 21, 2014
Photo: Annie Leibovitz for Vogue


text:
Check out the fishing method that is being phased out by New Zealand's big canned tuna brands.
Video details
New Zealand's five big tuna brands have committed to phase out a destructive tuna fishing method that kills sharks, turtles and baby tuna. This makes us the third country, behind the UK and Australia, to take steps to change to more sustainably caught tuna. This is good news for the Pacific tuna fishery which supplies most of New Zealand's canned tuna. However, there is still more we can do to preserve tuna stocks and ensure we have tuna on our shelves, and in our Pacific Ocean, for the long-term:
The New Zealand Government must stand with our Pacific neighbours to ban the most destructive fishing methods, end overfishing and create marine reserves;
New Zealand's tuna fishing companies must switch to more sustainable methods.
Until recently the Pacific had the world's last healthy tuna fisheries. These are now being overfished as industrial fishing fleets, which have exhausted tuna stocks in other oceans, are now concentrating their efforts in the Pacific.
All Pacific tuna stocks are in decline. Bigeye and yellowfin are the most at risk. Scientists have advised that fishing needs to be cut by up to 50 per cent to allow bigeye tuna to recover.
Many fishing fleets are using methods which are destructive catching five to 10 times more turtles, sharks and juvenile tuna compared to more sustainable fishing practices.
There are almost 6000 vessels licensed to fish in the Western and Central Pacific region. In 2012 those vessels caught over 2.6 million tonnes of tuna – around 60 per cent of the world's tuna supply.
Foreign fishing vessels continue to steal tuna from the region, exploiting four pockets of international waters between Pacific islands nations. Illegal fishing is estimated to cost the Pacific region up to NZ$1.7 billion per year.
In 2013 we launched a report providing a blueprint for Pacific Island governments and regional bodies to promote a more sustainable and locally owned and operated tuna fishery in the region.
The report - titled Transforming Tuna Fisheries in Pacific Island Countries: An Alternative Model of Development – makes detailed recommendations for how to develop smaller-scale and locally owned fisheries that will maximise economic returns, create local jobs and better protect countries' precious tuna reserves for the long term.
Kaoshiung, Taiwan - Greenpeace activists today protest in front of Taiwan's Fisheries Agency (FA) calling for efficient monitoring of Taiwanese-owned vessels, The activists displayed a banner saying "Too much talk, too little action" accompanied...
Divers from Greenpeace and Taiwanese environmentalists form a mock-up school of tuna bearing the message "The Last Tuna?" at a Greenpeace organized activity in Pingtung County, Taiwan. Greenpeace is promoting marine protected areas around coastal...
1 - 5 of 7 results.
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text:
303 2nd Street, Coralville
Open Daily:
11am - 9pm Sunday through Thursday. 11am - 10pm Friday & Saturday
For reservations call (319) 338.7400
American Favorites | Italian Specialties | Gourmet Pizza
We're delighted to offer gluten-free menu options. These suggested items are either items that naturally are gluten-free or made with gluten-free substitutions available from our wholesalers for bread, pasta, pizza dough or beer.
Each day we have offer one of our favorite dishes for $2 off the menu price. We also preview new or seasonal items that may not be on our menu yet! Stop in today to see what Chef Sal Hnesh has created, and also to see what favorite dish we have on special.
Call 319-338-7400
Take out and free delivery of our entire menu is available. If you're not feeling like leaving your house we deliver within 10 minutes for any $15 minimum order. We will go farther for orders above $40.00.
Gift certificates from Monica's are the perfect gift for any taste. We can mail Monica's gift certificates right to you.
To order:
Call (319) 338.7400 or send us an email
© 2015 Monica's All rights reserved | (319) 338.7400 | email@example.com | 303 2nd Street | Coralville, IA


text: The casual gaming business could look to netbooks - those little tiny wee PCs like the ASUS Eee - to give the genre a boost, according to analysts. I love my little Eee - it is incredibly handy for a blogging from the sofa or carrying about to events - but a games machine it is definitely not. It does do Flash though, and I have certainly enjoyed a spot of Tower Defence on the little fella. Market pundit iStockAnalyst, however, reckons things could get even bigger for the small. "They cannot store and run big and complex games internally. They make up for this by having brilliant connectivity. So they are the perfect tool for playing online games such as MMOs and the contents of all the casual gaming portals." Netbook boom bodes well for casual gaming [CasualGaming.Biz]


text:
I think it was fate that I accidentally received two issues of the new House Beautiful this month. One to keep and one to plaster my drool all over, thanks to this exuberant ocean-side home designed by Mona Ross Berman and photographed by Jonny Valiant. I can safely say this is my newest dream home, so fresh and vibrant, filled with white and juicy pops of color and pattern. I. Love. It. All. It's just so bright and sunny, so HAPPY. I love happy. I can imagine turning up the stereo and listening to a little "Sound of Sunshine" here. In fact, go play the song in another window and come back for another look at the photos. Your weekend has just started my friends! Enjoy it! 🙂
Love turquoise? Visit my shopping blog Everything Turquoise…updated several times throughout the day! Check out Decor by Color for even more color-themed shopping!