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Mercury Public Affairs did not rebid on a $9 million, five-year communications contract with the California High-Speed Rail Authority despite being the frontrunner in September before board members raised objections.
After the board objected, Rail Authority officials scrapped their previous recommendation and reopened the bidding process last month. At the time, Mercury said it would do whatever the board asked. But the firm has since decided not to reapply, saying it lacks confidence in the new bidding process.
"Mercury followed the initial (bidding) process to a tee but we were ultimately sidelined because of internal politics," said Mercury spokesman Brian Jones. "We have subsequently decided to not to invest our time, energy or resources into a process we no longer have confidence in, nor believe in."
There are multiple ways to read this: sour grapes that they didn't get the contract the first time, genuine lack of confidence in the process, annoyance that the skids aren't greased this time around as well (note: I don't believe the skids were greased, but that is an interpretation that's been floated).
Ultimately this will wind up increasing confidence and legitimacy in the CHSRA's bidding process, even if there will still be some critics out there arguing that this is "$9 million for PR" and thereby missing the point entirely (this is for all the agency's communications work, including public outreach, scoping sessions, publishing all those business plans that Roy Ashburn demands, etc).
The final decision on who will receive the contract will be made at the November CHSRA board meeting.


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Answer from Angela, SPHR:
Yes, you can send employees home early due to a lack of work. Just keep in mind that exempt employees would need to be paid their entire salary for the day. Non-exempt employees would only need to be paid for actual hours worked, unless you operate in a state with reporting time pay requirements.
If you do operate in a state with reporting time pay requirements, employees may be entitled to reporting time pay for a certain number of hours even if they just show up and do no (or very little) actual work. This pay requirement is intended to lessen wage loss that is not the fault of the employee, as well as encourage employers to not over-schedule, since overscheduling and then cancelling shifts causes employees to waste time and resources getting to work. Given this, some employers decide to keep employees on the clock for more or all of their shift even though business is slow.
States with reporting time pay include California, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oregon (for minors), and Rhode Island; the District of Columbia also has reporting time pay. The requirements for each of these states can be found in the Laws section of the HR Support Center.
Angela has extensive experience in HR, conflict management and employee relations. She spent several years working as a high volume (and full cycle) recruiter for a large multi-channel retailer. Angela earned her B.A. in English Literature and Criminology from the University of South Florida and also holds a paralegal certification from Saint Petersburg College. Angela also is certified to investigate Federal sector EEO claims of discrimination.

subset: commoncrawl


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Can file manager be setup in a such a way that replication only happens in one direction.
From server -> driveHq -> remote workstation.
If a change is made on the remote workstation, that it is not replicated back to the source.
The current version doesn't support it. We are working on version 4.0, which will support it; Version 4.0 will also support scheduling sync tasks.
My File Manager doesn't connect from my pc . What should I do to connect it easily and upload my files.
Please check whether any antivirus or security software is blocking drivehq.com. please also try connecting from internet explorer first. Please email email@example.com for further assistance.
Please logon and reply, Not DriveHQ Member?


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Denver, the capital of Colorado, is a consolidated city and county. It serves as the financial, transportation, and distribution center of the Rocky Mountain region. Denver was officially formed on November 7, 1861. A non-partisan elected mayor, auditor, clerk and recorder, and 13-member city council govern Denver.
The City organizational chart (PDF, 221KB)is divided into departments, agencies, independent agencies and offices. The difference between a "department" and an "agency" in Denver's city organization is that departments are established and can only be abolished by the City Charter. Agencies are established either by order of the mayor or by city ordinance, and they can also be abolished without a vote of the people. They also are typically smaller in size and scope than departments
Denver has an independently-elected Auditor to serve as a check and balance on Denver's "strong mayor" form of government. The Auditor's Office -led by Denver Auditor Timothy M. O'Brien, CPA- is responsible for internal audit services and the enforcement of Denver's wage laws, including the prevailing wage and minimum wage ordinances.
Denver's Auditor answers to the voters. The role of the Auditor – and internal auditing functions in general – is to help minimize risks, improve internal controls, maximize efficiency, and strengthen accountability.
Not all municipalities or even states have elected Auditors, and some do not have internal auditing functions at all. Denver has: an elected Auditor, internal auditing staff, external auditors, and an appointed Audit Committee.
Visit The Auditor's Office
There is also another group that directly affects Denver city government and its policies - official boards and commissions. The mayor appoints a majority of the members of the various City Boards and Commissions that offer guidance and suggestions to many of our departments, such as Parks and Recreation. These volunteers usually serve without compensation.
Learn more about our Boards & Commissions
City Council was also established by the Denver City Charter. The strong mayor-council form of government does provide for wide legislative power. For example, council appropriates all money necessary to run the city. Only council may pass or change laws, often after holding a public hearing. Much of the council's work involves zoning matters.
Council, or a committee authorized by it, has the power to investigate any departmental official of Denver city government accused of certain types of misconduct.
By provisions of the City Charter, Denver is divided into 11 council districts of approximately equal population. The number of districts can be changed only by changing the City Charter, but the district boundaries can be changed by ordinance. They are changed every 10 years based on new census data. In addition to the 11 district council members, two council members are elected "at large." All council members serve four-year terms.
Council elects its own president. Members of council are paid an annual salary and may, with certain limitations, have other employment while serving. The members of council and the districts they represent are:
City council meets every Monday evening at 3:30 p.m., except on legal holidays, in council chambers on the fourth floor of the City and County Building. All ordinances must have at least two readings before council and be approved by majority vote. These are called "first reading" and "second reading." Since, through the appropriations process, council controls the city "checkbook," members of council take an active part in budget hearings. They hear reports and funding requests from department and agency heads.
Much of the work of council is done in committees. There are ongoing committees and special committees established on an "as-needed" basis. A committee of city council covers issues from each of our agencies.
Just as the powers of the mayor are subject to certain checks and balances, the powers of the council are also checked and balanced by other arms of government. For example, the mayor may veto a law passed by council. The city auditor may refuse to give approval for certain council expenditures. The state and federal courts may rule as unconstitutional a law passed by council, if such a law is challenged in court. Denver's ban on assault weapons was a recent example, although the courts ultimately ruled in the city's favor.
Learn more about Denver City Council
The Clerk and Recorder became an elected position, per City Charter, in 2007. The Clerk serves a number of important functions for the City and County of Denver including:
Denver is the only county where the Clerk and Recorder also serves as the Public Trustee. In Denver, Motor Vehicle is run by the Department of Finance.
Learn more about the Clerk and Recorder's Office
Independent agencies have policies and procedures set by appointed or elected officials other than the mayor or council. Such agencies are removed from the mayor's direct control. Generally, the mayor appoints some or all of the members for independent agency boards, who each in turn select their own directors. As an example, the executive director for the Office of Human Resources is hired by the Career Service Board.
The Office of the Mayor is established by City Charter. The mayor is responsible for executive and administrative activities and may not have other employment during his or her term of office. The mayor is elected for a four-year term.
As the chief executive, the mayor enforces all laws and ordinances, and meets weekly with city council to report on Denver conditions and to recommend enactment of such measures as are deemed necessary. The mayor also:
While the mayor does have a great deal of power, that power is by no means absolute. It is subject to certain checks and balances. For example, the budget must be approved by city council and can be changed by a majority vote of council. To date, council modifications of the budget have been relatively minor. All expenditures are checked by the city auditor who may refuse to allow an expenditure. The auditor is an elected official and therefore independent of both the mayor and council.
Another check and balance is city council's ability to override the mayor's veto with nine out of its 13 votes. And only city council can pass laws. The mayor can only suggest that a certain law be passed. The final check and balance is that the mayor, as an elected official, may be recalled or defeated at a regular election.
A 1991 charter amendment changed the line of succession. It allows the mayor to designate a deputy mayor from among the department managers. That person is acting mayor when the mayor is out of town or unavailable, or if the mayor dies or resigns.
Second in line is the president of city council. In case of permanent absence, a special election would be held for mayor within three months.
In 1968, the manager of Public Works became mayor when then Mayor Currigan resigned to take a job with Continental Airlines. Bill McNichols, then manager of Public Works, was elected as mayor and then was re-elected twice.
Learn more about the Mayor's Office


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Imagine Angels Landing Square
Regular price
Contemporary metal photo squares that are ready to hang. Perfect alone, combined with others in a collage, or on an easel. 12x12 inch metal square with rounded corners and floats off the wall by ½ inch. These photo squares make a perfect gift!
Looking for a more traditional look? Frame up your metal photo square with a dark grey rustic 3" frame that works perfectly in any situation. Please note that ¼ inch total on each side of metal square will be overlapped with the frame.
Frameless Dimensions
- Width: 12"
- Height: 12"
- Depth: ½"
Dark Grey Frame Dimensions
- Width: 17 ½"
- Height: 17 ½"
- Depth: 1"


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Disaster Risk Reduction for Agriculture
Sub regional training on Agriculture Post-Disaster Needs Assessment and Monitoring of the Sendai framework and Sustainable Development Goals from 18th -21st June 2018 in Dominica facilitated by the Food Agriculture Organization (FAO). Representatives from and St. Kitts and Nevis were present Yakima Daniel- Agricultural Planner, Policy and Planning Unit and Tricia Greaux- MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Department of Marine Resources. There were also representatives from other countries like Jamaica, and Antigua and Barbuda.
Opening ceremony was chaired by Mr Ricky Brumont- Director of Agriculture with remarks given by Mr. Ryan Anselm- FAO Project Coordinator, Mr. Daniele Barelli- FAO Sub Regional Emergency Focal Point and Disaster Risk Management, Dr. Reginald Thomas – Permanent Secretary Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Fisheries Dominica.
Day one focused on the introduction of the training, methodology and process with presentations ranging from Disaster Risk Reduction, Disaster Risk Management and Damage and Loss methodology. Day two comprised of a step by step breakdown of Agricultural damage and loss needs assessment methodology. A methodology simulation exercise that was started during day two continued into day three and the culmination of the workshop zoned in on the Sendai Framework.
Expected outcomes include improving the data collection that would affect policy planning and development within the agricultural sector as well as the marine environment including the St. Kitts and Nevis Marine Management Area (SKN MMA). These strengthen the national goal of improving food security in St. Kitts and Nevis.
Certificate presented to Yakima Daniel- Agricultural Planner, Policy and Planning Unit
Certificate presented to Tricia Greaux- MMA and Habitat Monitoring Officer, Department of Marine Resources


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Prince William Sound Community College students can use this calculator to estimate the outcome of this semester's grades on your overall college average. To calculate your cumulative average, enter in your current GPA and credit hours from previous semesters, then this semester's grades and credits.
You can help prospective students learn about Prince William Sound Community College by writing a review of the college.


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The realm of Kingsburg is under attack! Monstrous invaders are gathering at the borders, aiming to invade and plunder the realm! Your king has chosen you to take charge of a province on the border; you will manage your province and help defend the realm. To accomplish this, you must influence the King's advisors and the Royal Family to obtain gold, wood, stones, and soldiers to expand and defend your lands. But you are not the only governor seeking the aid of the advisers! The other players also seek to collect the best resources for their own territories.
King Tritus is waiting for you. Will you be able to be the most influent and powerful governor of the realm?
The game of Kingsburg takes place over five years, a total of 20 turns. In every year, there are three production seasons for collecting resources, building structures, and training troops. Every fourth turn is the winter, in which all the players must fight an invading army. Each player must face the invaders, so this is not a cooperative game.
The resources to build structures and train troops are collected by influencing the advisers in the King's Council. Players place their influence dice on members of the Council, and each adviser awards different resources or allocate soldiers, victory points, and other advantages to the player who was able to influence that adviser for the current turn. The player with the lowest influence dice sum is the first to choose where to spend their influence; this acts as a way of balancing poor dice rolling. Even with a very unlucky roll, a clever player can still come out from the Council with a good number of resources and/or soldiers.
At the end of five years, the player who best developed their assigned territory and most pleased the King through the Council wins.
Kingsburg (Second Edition) includes six expansion modules for use with the base game.
Players: 2-5
Time: 90-120 Minutes
Age: 10+
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The Institute has the largest specialized library in mass communication in the country. It has collected about 33,968 volumes of Books and bound Journals on different aspects of mass communication and allied subjects such as print media, broadcasting, advertising, communication, communication research, public relations, radio and television, film, information technology and traditional media.
The Library subscribes to over 82 Journals/ magazines and 32 Leading Newspapers. It has also been providing a newspaper-clipping service to its users, including a complete record of news items and leading articles on Mass Communication published in various leading professional journals and periodicals.
The library is fully computerized and has automated its housekeeping and service operations through the latest version of Library software LIBSYS 7, On-line public access catalogue (OPAC) and Online Journals are available for students and faculty members.
Library has also developed a state of the art Multimedia, reference and Research section for students, faculty and research scholars.


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Kau'i Bangle
Regular price $68.00Whether worn alone or artfully stacked with other bangles, its versatility makes it the perfect accessory for both formal occasions and everyday wear, allowing you to effortlessly elevate your style with a touch of natureʻs beauty. Crafted with 14k gold-filled metal, this bangle offers both durability and luxury, ensuring a piece that can be treasured for years to come.
Details:14K Gold-Filled
Handmade in Hawai'i
What is Gold-Filled
All Nā Wehi jewelry pieces are made in 14K gold-filled for a high-quality finish at a reasonable price. Gold-filled is made by heat and pressure bonding a thick later of solid gold to a brass core. Unlike gold plated or gold vermeil options, it wonʻt tarnish, rub off or turn your skin green. With proper care, 14K gold-filled jewelry can last beautifully for many years.
14K gold-filled jewelry does not tarnish, rub off or turn your skin green, being perfect for sensitive skin. It can be worn every day and last beautifully for many years with proper care.
When the wrong chemicals are left on the surface of your jewelry, the gold can darken more quickly than it should. Avoid wearing your jewelry in pools and hot tubs as the chemicals in the water create a harsh environment for the jewelry pieces. Depending on your personal chemistry, you may want to avoid wearing your jewelry during sweaty activities such as working out, as the chemicals in your sweat can be hard on your jewelry pieces as well.
To properly clean your jewelry pieces, wipe with a soft cloth such as jewelry cloth, lens cloth or flannel. For a deeper clean, gently clean your pieces with mild soap and warm water to remove build up from sunscreen, sweat, etc. Dry your jewelry pieces well before storing.
Bangles Size Guide
Place hand in the position of putting on a bangle. With a measuring tape, measure around the widest part of your hand (typically around your knuckles) in inches. If you do not have a measuring tape, you may use a ribbon, strip of paper, string or any other flexible material, and then measure the length with a ruler after wrapping it around your hand. If you are unsure of your exact size, feel free to size up by 0.25".
Nā Wehi also offers custom sizes. To request a custom size, go to the product page of your desired bangle. Then send Nā Wehi a message with your requested size through the "Ask a Question" feature on the product page.
Necklace Size Guide
Majority of necklaces are offered in the 16"-18" length meaning it is a 16" necklace with a 2" extender chain attached.
Disclaimer: Necklace lengths may appear differently on you as we all have uniquely sized necks! If you are unsure of which necklace length to choose, we offer necklace extenders here.
- Each jewelry piece is handmade to order and will require processing time to complete. Visit the home page for current processing time.
- If for any reason there are expected delays, you will be contacted as soon as possible.
Return Policy
*Please note, by purchasing an/all items from Nā Wehi, you agree that you've read over and understand our return and exchange policy*
- We want you to love what you ordered! If you are not completely satisfied with your purchase, you may return it for a refund within 14 days of delivery or purchase at a pop-up market. For return inquiries, please contact us at email@example.com.
- Returns initiated after 14 days are eligible for store credit only.
- All jewelry items must be unworn and in brand new condition. If the jewelry item returned is not up to the standard of ʻbrand newʻ condition, your refund request will be refused and sent back.
- Please note that customers are responsible for all shipping costs associated with returns.
- For items purchased at pop-ups, returned items must have tags still attached.
- SALE ITEMS: All discounted/sale items are all FINAL SALE. Meaning returns, exchanges, and refunds will not be available.
- Free shipping on all orders over $50 within the U.S. (Discount is automatically applied at checkout).
- Orders will be shipped via USPS Ground Advantage Mail or Priority Mail
- When your order is mailed, you will receive an email with the tracking information.
- Shipping costs for returns and exchanges are the responsibility of the customer.
- Please be sure that your bangle size is measured correctly via the size guide before ordering.
Contact us with any questions.


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WASHINGTON — One of the Biden Justice Department's first big moves has been to alert reporters at three major news organizations that their phone records were seized as part of leak investigations under the Trump administration, with President Joe Biden saying he would abandon the practice of spying on journalists.
But while Biden's stated commitment that his Justice Department won't seize reporters' phone records has won support from press freedom groups, it remains unclear if that promise can be kept, especially because Democratic and Republican administrations alike have relied on the tactic in an effort to track down leaks of classified information. His comment last month about what law enforcement should or should not do was all the more striking given Biden's pledge to uphold the tradition of an independent Justice Department.
"In this case, it seems bad policy to institute an absolute ban on logical investigative actions geared to finding out who violated the law, particularly in instances where the journalists themselves whose records may be at issue are not the subject or target of criminal investigation," said David Laufman, a former Justice Department official who led the section that oversaw investigations into leaks.
The Justice Department in recent weeks disclosed that federal investigators had secretly obtained call records of journalists at The Washington Post, The New York Times and CNN in an effort to identify sources who had provided national security information published in the early months of the Trump administration.
Past administrations also have struggled to balance the media's First Amendment newsgathering rights against government interests in safeguarding national security secrets. Inside the Justice Department, officials have on several occasions over the years revised internal guidelines to afford media organizations better protection without ever removing from their arsenal the prerogative to subpoena reporters' records.
Biden appears to be looking to change that.
He told a reporter last month that seizing journalists' records was "simply, simply wrong" and that the practice would be halted under his watch. After the most recent revelation — that the Justice Department in the Trump administration had secretly seized the phone records of four New York Times reporters — White House press secretary Jen Psaki reaffirmed the commitment to freedom of the press.
But she also said discussions with the Justice Department were still underway and that no new policy was ready to be announced.
Michael Weinstein, a former Justice Department prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer in New Jersey, said he understood Biden's comments as making clear his disdain for the practice without necessarily precluding the possibility that it could ever be used under any circumstances.
"I don't see that he's directing any specific case or that he's directing that an investigation take one path or another," Weinstein said. "He's simply putting forth priorities and procedures, which then the Justice Department has to modify its protocols as a result.
"I don't think he's saying you can never do it," he added. "I think he's saying the standards have to be higher."
The Justice Department says it has now concluded notifying the media organizations whose phone records were accessed. The latest revelation came Wednesday when The Times said it had learned that investigators last year secretly obtained records for four reporters during a nearly four-month period in 2017.
The gap in time likely reflects that the Justice Department regards the seizure of phone records as a last resort when other avenues in a leak investigation have been exhausted. The department said the reporters are neither subjects nor targets of the investigation, but did not reveal which leak was under investigation.
The four reporters shared a byline on an April 2017 story that detailed the FBI's decision-making in the final stages of the Hillary Clinton email investigation. The story included classified information about a document obtained by Russian hackers that helped persuade then-FBI Director James Comey that he, not Attorney General Loretta Lynch, should be the one to announce that the investigation had concluded without criminal charges. His unusual July 2016 news conference, held at the FBI and without Lynch or other leaders, marked an extraordinary departure from protocol.
The Trump administration announced a crackdown on leaks in 2017 as part of an aggressive stance. In addition to the phone records seizures disclosed over the past month regarding the reporters, the department won guilty pleas from a former government contractor who mailed a classified report to a news organization and a former Senate committee aide who admitted lying to the FBI about his contacts with a reporter.
Psaki on Thursday said Trump administration officials had "abused their power" and that Biden was looking to turn the page. But the same intrusive tactics of the last four years were also employed during the Obama administration, which secretly seized phone records of Associated Press reporters and editors during a leak investigation in 2013 and also labeled a Fox News reporter a co-conspirator in a separate leak probe.
Amid blowback, former Attorney General Eric Holder announced guidelines for leak investigations that among other things required sign-off by the highest levels of the department for subpoenas of journalists' records.
But the department's ability to obtain those records under certain circumstances remained intact.
Follow Eric Tucker on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/etuckerAP


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How to Circumvent Three Legal Mistakes Sellers Make
After decades of hard work, selling your business can be an exciting and rewarding time. Yet, many business owners overlook the importance of focusing on the legal matters associated with sales. In this article, we'll explore three of the most significant mistakes sellers make.
1. Use an NDA
The first critical mistake that business owners should be guarding against is skipping the use of a non-disclosure agreement. Simply stated, a business owner should always make sure that a non-disclosure agreement is in place before disclosing to any buyers that a business is on the market.
NDA's stand as an invaluable way to restrict who does and does not know your business is for sale. After all, the last thing any business owner looking to sell his or her business wants is for competitors or employees to learn confidential information.
2. Hire an Attorney
The second critical mistake that many business owners make is they skip working with an attorney. There is no way around the fact that if you are selling a business, or for that matter anything of significant value, you need to work with a lawyer experienced in the area of sales.
Business owners become accustomed to doing a great many things themselves and learning on the job. There is no doubt that this is a personality trait that has served them well over the years. However, when it comes time to sell your business, there is zero room for "on the job training" or relying on your own instincts. One of the best ways that you as a business owner can protect your future is to work with a lawyer when selling your business. In fact, a Business Broker or M&A Advisor can be a vital resource for helping you to find a proven lawyer with a background in the buying and selling of businesses.
3. Get a Letter of Intent
A third significant mistake that business owners frequently make when selling their business is that they fail to get a letter of intent. Much like an NDA, a letter of intent is a key legal document in the process of selling a business. All too often business owners will skip requesting a letter of intent out of fear of slowing down the process and potentially disrupting a deal.
The letter of intent is designed to both clearly spell out expectations, while simultaneously protecting your interests as a business owner. When a buyer signs a letter of intent, it indicates that he or she is taking the process seriously. This will protect you from wasting your time.
The process of buying or selling a business is complex in many different ways. Whether it is dealing with human psychology, organizing your books, thinking about what information prospective buyers are likely to want to see, or addressing a wide array of legal issues, it is a complex and time-consuming process. Working closely with a Business Broker or M&A Advisor is one of the fastest ways that you can increase your chances of a successful sale.
Copyright: Business Brokerage Press, Inc.
The post How to Circumvent Three Legal Mistakes Sellers Make appeared first on Deal Studio – Automate, accelerate and elevate your deal making.


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Stubborn, spoiled, and naïve, 10-year-old Chihiro Ogino is less than pleased when she and her parents discover an abandoned amusement park on the way to their new house. Cautiously venturing inside, she realizes that there is more to this place than meets the eye, as strange things begin to happen once dusk falls. Ghostly apparitions and food that turns her parents into pigs are just the start—Chihiro has unwittingly crossed over into the spirit world. Now trapped, she must summon the courage to live and work amongst spirits, with the help of the enigmatic Haku and the cast of unique characters she meets along the way.
Vivid and intriguing, Sen to Chihiro no Kamikakushi tells the story of Chihiro's journey through an unfamiliar world as she strives to save her parents and return home.
[Written by MAL Rewrite]


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Previous Lesson
Complete and Continue
Seasonal Events Communication Toolkit, Updated for 2022-2023!
Learning Objectives
Overview Video (4:48)
Identifying Opportunities
Marketing Calendar
Social Media Best Practices
The Difference Between Organic & Paid Social
What You Need to Know About Paid Social (according to our partners at Tombras Media)
Email Marketing Best Practices
Building & Maintaining Your Spa's List (2:17)
Creating Effective Emails (5:10)
Measuring Performance & Optimizing (2:20)
Valentine's Day
Retail Gifts Social Posts
Service Social Posts
Gift Cards Social Posts
Paid Social Posts
Additional Images for Social Use
Email Blast
Massage Makes Me Happy Day!
Massage Makes Me Happy Blog Post
Email blast
Massage Makes Me Happy Social Posts
Mother's Day Communication Resources
Mother's Day Social Posts
Spa at Home Gift Ideas Email
Mother's Day Blog Post
Father's Day Communication Resources
Father's Day Social Posts
Father's Day Blog Post
Father's Day Email
Summer Skin Care Resources
Summer Skin Care Social Posts
Fall Skin Care Routine
Fall Skin Care Social Posts
Fall Skin Care Blog
Holiday Season
Holiday Priorities and Focus
Holiday Social Posts
Wedding Season
Wedding Season Social Posts
What You Need to Know About Paid Social (according to our partners at Tombras Media)
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A Direct Cremation Responds to the Coronavirus Pandemic
Life in our community certainly has changed over the last month. In every facet of our society, we are all adjusting to a new way of life. While the health of our Team Members and the families we serve remain our top priority, we also accept our ongoing responsibility to support our community during this time of need. Both federal and state governments have designated our business as part of the county's critical infrastructure, and as such, we remain open and ready to provide service for our families and our community in this time of need.
The message that every one of our Team Members would like to communicate to you is this: "We are open and here to support you by delivering the high-quality services your families have come to expect – regardless of the circumstances."
While the approach we may use in delivering services today is slightly different than what we have done in the past, families can continue to count on us to use all of our resources to help them memorialize their loved ones in the most respectful and caring way. Our team of highly trained funeral professionals are experienced in dealing with public health emergencies, from viruses to infectious diseases and natural disasters.
To help reinforce social distancing guidelines, we are providing a variety of ways for families to make virtual arrangements using e-commerce solutions, screen sharing, video calls, and more. Where memorial gatherings are limited to no more than 10 people, we offer live webcasting services so that extended families and friends can still participate and pay their respects.
Because the health and safety of our Team Members and communities are our top priority, we continually re-evaluate our policies and procedures to comply with all regulatory mandates. That way, we can ensure that every Team Member is equipped with the appropriate personal protective equipment and our facilities remain safe and welcoming spaces.
We have a great sense of pride and ownership in the community we serve. This national public health crisis only strengthens that commitment and our desire to continue to serve families with the same high levels of care and dedication. While our thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families, friends, and communities impacted by the Coronavirus, please know that we are here to help you navigate this very trying time. We'll get through this together.
The Team at A Direct Cremation
For press inquiries on how we're addressing the Coronavirus in our community, please fill out the form below.


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I have a message for the President. Mr. President, I have a message for you. Your health care bill stinks, just as we said it did. As a matter of fact, your health care bill is a fraud.
Your health care bill does not cover pre-existing needs for children as you said it did.
Your health care bill does, in fact, slash life-saving diagnostic tests for senior citizens, as we said it did, including MRIs, CAT scans, diagnostic labs, home health, medical devices, nursing homes, in-patient rehab facilities, in-patient psych hospitals, etc. Did you know that, Mr. President?
Your health care bill does change coverage for retirees, who now receive prescription drug coverage from businesses -- and forces them onto Medicare Part D.
You lied again, Mr. President. That's a change in coverage.
At the same time, your health care bill is not $940 billion over ten years, is it, Mr. President?
You lied, didn't you?
You fixed the books like Al Capone's accountant. When you add $320 billion to cover payments to doctors under Medicare. And when you double-counted $550 billion in Medicare "cuts". You increased spending by over $2 trillion when we add in the rest. Don't you, Mr. President?
You lied, didn't you?
And if you were in the private sector, you'd be indicted and facing sure imprisonment, wouldn't you, Mr. President?
And, in fact, your health care bill does drive up costs for small businesses. If they offers a private plan to employees that exceeds some government-imposed limit, over time it's taxed at 40%. Why?
And if these business don't offer health care to their employees, they're fined $2,000 per employee. Isn't that an expense?
If they offer a health plan that's not approved by the government, they're fined as well. Isn't that an expense?
Doesn't that change coverage?
And if these businesses don't offer coverage to part-time workers, they're find $2,000 a pop, again.
And your health care bill punishes young people and middle-class citizens as well even though you said it wouldn't.
You lied.
As the great Bill McGurn reports in the Wall Street Journal today:Almost by definition, those hit by the mandate will be either young people starting out, or those working for smaller businesses that do not provide employees with health coverage. Back in November, a report by the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Committee on Taxation estimated that nearly half (46%) of the mandate penalties will be paid by Americans under 300% of the poverty line.
That's lower-middle class citizens, Mr. President. You lied.In today's dollars, that works out to $32,500 for an individual. For a family of four, it's $66,150. Generally speaking, these are not the folks who have to worry about paying taxes on, say, a villa in the Dominican Republic or income from the International Monetary Fund.
So we are left with one of two possibilities. The first is that the penalty for not having "minimal essential coverage" is fully enforced, in which case Americans of relatively modest means will get a lesson in how the government deals with people who don't pay up.
Or the penalty for violating the individual mandate will become like the fines for not filling out your Census form. In other words, unenforced. In that case, the costs of this legislation will be even higher and more hidden than we have been led to believe.
You lied, Mr. President.
And you lied about the cost of premiums, too, Mr. President. You said that premiums would on average go down two thousand, five hundred dollars a year. The Associated Depress is reporting that:Americans under the age of 35 can expect their individual health insurance premiums to rise by about 17 percent.
That's not a $2,500 cut, is it, Mr. President?
You lied.
You also lied about the costs to the states, Mr. President.
The Council of State Governments, according to the San Francisco Chronicle, estimates that your expansio of Medicaid alone:...will cost states $25 billion over the next 10 years, not including other significant administrative costs to initially implement the new law.
And you lied when you said your health care plan would increase efficiency, didn't you, Mr. President?
In fact, it will cause doctor shortages and long waiting periods. The Associated Depress reports the obvious:Primary care physicians already are in short supply in parts of the country, and the landmark health overhaul that will bring them millions more newly insured patients in the next few years promises extra strain.
And what of those medical records -- our medical records, which will become part of the federal medical database, Mr. President? How do you plan to secure those? With the IRS?
Who will have access and how will we prevent misuse of our records, Mr. President?
Oh, you were all proud and celebratory, excited about this historic moment. The more we learn about this bill, the more disastrous it becomes. You got a very slight pop in the polls -- did you notice, Mr. President? And now you're down again. The generic party polls for Congress? Pelosi Democrats -- you got a very slight tick up -- and now you're down again. The people are wise to you.
As a matter of fact, you know your bill is deeply flawed, don't you, Mr. President? You were on the Today Show this morning, which is where you go when you want to put out your talking points, because you're never really challenged there. And now you're talking about this being just a first step. This is just a first step, ladies and gentlemen! Gee, I can't wait for the next one, can you? All these little steps, right over the cliff.I think it is a critical first step in making a healthcare system that works for all Americans. It is not going to be the only thing. We are still going to have adjustments that have to be made to further reduce costs.
What does he mean, "further reduce costs"? Have costs been reduced anywhere?
Now, let me ask you a question: does it occur to anybody at the Today Show or on any of these other programs... has it occurred to a real, live journalist with a degree in Journalism... to confront this President as a serious person and ask him, "Mr. President, all these issues, all these points, you've been campaigning on -- as recently as last week. As recently as this weekend... and yet they were false! And you do this, you massively expand entitlements in this country despite the fact that we now have a report that the Social Security system is broke! Where is your proposal, Mr. President, for fixing the Social Security system? What are you going to do about it?"
Oh, it's one thing to create new programs, to create new promises. But, as President of the United States, you're still responsible for these programs. Nancy Pelosi was as proud as could be! Ol' Stretch was down there on the House floor saying that you all had invented Social Security, you all had invented Medicare and Medicaid. Okay, I'll give you that. But you've also destroyed them! You invented them -- and you destroyed them.
So the question, Mr. President, is: on your watch, what are you going to do about Social Security?
The editors of Investors Business Daily -- a real newspaper -- write:Social Security's chief actuary reports that the social safety net will run a deficit for 2010, nine years earlier than predicted. Put down that big gavel, Madam Speaker, we're about to hit the iceberg.
Wow. Social Security is now offically broke.
They're expanding Medicaid. There are states that are soon to be officially broke. And yet they're required to pay a huge amount of this Medicaid.
They're going to be slashing Medicare, while pushing more citizens onto it, because the bill punishes businesses that are generous with prescription drug programs for retirees.
Now, ladies and gentlemen, this is what happens when radical, left-wing ideologues sit around and talk with each other about coming up with a Utopian proposal. Because there's no Utopia. This is misery, and it's only just begun, because it hasn't really kicked in yet.
But people are planning. Small and large businesses, senior citizens, young people, they're going to have to plan, going to have to hustle, have to figure out how to protect themselves. While the president bounces all over the place from one issue to the next, one entitlement to the next, one tax and spending increase to the next, patting himself on the back over how wonderful he's made this country.
You know what bothers me most about this? We have a man in the Oval Office who has no respect for what's come before him. He has no respect for what's been tried and tested throughout American history or -- for that matter -- throughout world history. We know that these Stalinist-like programs are failures. We know that, rather than create food, they create starvation. Rather than clothe people, people freeze in the winter. Rather than provide medical treatment for people, people suffer.
Oh, Mark, you say, that's extreme rhetoric: 'these Stalinist-like programs'. Really? Soviet-style? Where does come from? It doesn't come from the Founding Fathers. It doesn't come from the great philosophers on whom they relied. Where does it come from?
It comes, mostly, from the same mindset. Oh, they have different degrees and levels of suffering and implementation and aggressiveness. But it's a soft tyranny as I've said before and have written. This is the soft tyranny that others have warned about. This is the soft tyranny that we witness in other societies -- being imposed upon us.
Obama has done nothing to cut costs in health care. He's done nothing to increase efficiencies in health care. He's done nothing to create competition in health care. He'd done nothing to address those who suffer -- and those who will suffer. Except to make it worse.
Except to make it worse.
...So welcome to ObamaCare, welcome to the Obama recovery, as jobs continue to not be saved or created, welcome to the Obama housing boom, welcome to the Obama business boom, isn't it great?
Isn't Utopia hell?
This bloated, out-of-control, top-heavy federal government couldn't run a damn weather-stripping program or "cash-for-clunkers" without billions in misery, waste, fraud and abuse. Now picture what that means for your health care.


text:
This summary of the International Workers Association is an edited version of the article originally put together for the organisation's page on Wikipedia and includes some content not available on that site.
The International Workers' Association is an international federation of anarcho-syndicalist labour unions and initiatives located primarily in Europe and Latin America.
Based on the principles of revolutionary unionism, the international aims to create industrial unions capable of fighting for the economic and political interests of the working class and eventually, to directly abolish capitalism through "the establishment of economic communities and administrative organs run by the workers."
At its peak the International represented millions of people worldwide, forming the largest anarchist organisation in history and providing support for member unions which played a central role in the social conflicts of the 1920s and 30s, particularly in Spain. However the International was formed as many countries were entering periods of extreme repression, and many of the largest IWA unions were shattered during that period.1
As a result, by the end of World War II all but one of the International's branches, the Central Organisation of the Workers of Sweden (SAC) had ceased to function as unions, a slump which continued throughout the 1940s and 50s. In 1958, the SAC left the organization, leaving it with no functioning unions and it would not be until the late 1970s, with the death of Spanish dictator Francisco Franco, that it would see a major union, the Confederación Nacional del Trabajo (CNT) reform within its ranks.
Today the CNT remains the International's largest branch. The IWA's total membership worldwide is uncertain.
The IWA programme promotes a form of non-hierarchical industrial unionism which seeks to unite all workers within a given industry under one banner linked explicitly to a coherent set of economic and political aims.
This single organisation, co-ordinated on the basis of anarchist federalism is designed to both contest immediate industrial relations issues such as pay, working conditions and labor law, and pursue the reorganisation of society into a global system of economic communes and administrative groups based within a system of federated free councils at local, regional, national and global levels. This reorganisation would form the underlying structure of a self-managed society based on pre-planning and mutual aid — the establishment of anarchist communism.
The IWA's Principles, Goals and Statutes state its role as being: "To carry on the day-to-day revolutionary struggle for the economic, social and intellectual advancement of the working class within the limits of present-day society, and to educate the masses so that they will be ready to independently manage the processes of production and distribution when the time comes to take possession of all the elements of social life.2 "
The IWA explicitly rejects centralism, political parties, parliamentarism and statism, including the idea of the dictatorship of the proletariat, as offering the means to carry out such change, drawing heavily on anarchist critiques written both before and after the Russian revolution, most famously Mikhail Bakunin's suggestion that: "If you took the most ardent revolutionary, vested him in absolute power, within a year he would be worse than the Tsar himself."3
It also rejects the concept of economic determinism from some Marxists that liberation would come about; "by virtue of some inevitable fatalism of rigid natural laws which admit no deviation; its realisation will depend above all on the conscious will and the use of revolutionary action of the workers and will be determined by them.4 "
Instead emphasis is placed on the organization of workers as the agents of social change through their ability to take direct action:
Only in the economic and revolutionary organizations of the working class are there forces capable of bringing about its liberation and the necessary creative energy for the reorganization of society.
Revolutionary unionism asserts itself to be a supporter of the method of direct action, and aids and encourages all struggles that are not in contradiction to its own goals. Its methods of struggle are: strikes, boycotts, sabotage, etc. Direct action reaches its deepest expression in the general strike, which should also be, from the point of view of revolutionary unionism, the prelude to the social revolution.
- Statutes of the IWA
The IWA rejects all political and national frontiers and calls for radical changes to the means of production to lessen humanity's environmental impact.
From an early stage, the IWA has taken an anti-militarist stance, reflecting the overwhelming anarchist attitude since the First World War that the working class should not engage with the power struggles between ruling classes - and certainly should not die for them. It included a commitment to anti-militarism in its core principles and in 1926 it founded an International Anti-Militarist Coalition to promote disarmament and gather information on war production.6
It is strongly critical of organised religion and operates as a secular body, though faith or lack of it is not a precondition of entry. 7
While regarding industrial acts such as strikes, boycotts, etc. as the primary means of struggle against capitalist and state exploitation, the founding document of the IWA also states that syndicalists recognise "as valid that violence that may be used as a means of defense against the violent methods used by the ruling classes during the struggles that lead up to the revolutionary populace expropriating the lands and means of production."
It is stressed that this should occur through the formation of a democratic popular militia rather than through a traditional military hierarchy. This has been posited as an alternative to the dictatorship of the proletariat model.8
The IWA admits organizations which are in full agreement with its Aims and Principles in countries where there is not already an affiliated group in existence, requiring them to pay affiliation fees to help maintain the IWA's structure.
Member groups are then able to participate in and benefit from the global community the IWA provides and can vote in its highest decision-making event, the International Congress, which is currently held once every two years. Proposals are submitted at national level at least six months before congress, to allow other national groups to consult and mandate members to vote. The agreements and resolutions adopted by the International Congresses are binding for all affiliated groups.
The sample flowchart shows the relationship of the individual to the organisation within UK IWA affiliate the Solidarity Federation. If an individual wishes to change the organisation's policies, they must win agreement from their Local to formally place the idea before National Conference, which in turn, if other Locals agree, may place the idea before the IWA as a whole for a decision. While national officers are mandated by the National Conference, they have no influence over policymaking other than through their own Locals.
No permanent positions of paid or elected authority are present at any stage within the international and its affiliates. Instead, unpaid volunteer positions are created to deal with administrative issues, and individuals are restricted to carrying out these activities within a mandate decided directly by their peers and subject to instant recall. Beyond the collective agreements of the IWA itself, all decision-making takes place within base units (such as Locals) organised by geography or trade, as most applicable (where industrial organising is not possible due to low density, geographical units are the norm).
Administration of the IWA's functions is carried out by the Secretariat consisting of at least three people residing in the country nominated by the International to take on the role. The IWA also elects a Secretary General, who acts as a liaison and representative for the International but again, does not wield any direct powers over policy. The Secretariat may only hold office for two terms concurrently. For specific tasks, such as financial audits, separate commissions are set up.
Internal communications are maintained through each member group's International Secretaries, and through wide circulation of members' own internal publications. Informal online communication is also a mainstay of this process.
First International and revolutionary syndicalism (1864-1917)
The early ideology of revolutionary syndicalism from which the IWA derives was formed during the International Workingmen's Association, also known as the First International.
The First International aimed at uniting a variety of different left-wing socialist, communist and anarchist political groups and trade union organizations that were based on the working class and class struggle.
The earlier International however was not able to withstand the differences between anarchist and Marxist currents, with the anarchists largely withdrawing after the Hague Congress of 1872 which saw the expulsion of leading libertarians Mikhail Bakunin and James Guillaume over their criticism of Karl Marx's party-political approach to social change.9
This split prompted several attempts to start specifically anarchist Internationals, notably the Anarchist St. Imier International (1872-1881) and the Black International (1881-87). However heavy repression in France of the Paris Commune, as well as in Spain and Italy, alongside the rise of propaganda of the deed within the anarchist movement and a dominant strand of social-democracy on the wider left wing in Europe, meant that serious moves to establish an anarcho-syndicalist international would not begin until the early 20th century.10 , 11
The 1900s saw a major leap forward for the labor movement with the adoption of a new method of organizing, industrial unionism and in 1913 there was an international syndicalist congress held in London which aimed at building stronger ties between the existing syndicalist unions and propaganda groups. Present at the congress were delegates from the FVdG (Germany), NAS (Holland), SAC (Sweden), USI (Italy), and ISEL (Britain). Observers attended from the Industrial Workers of the World (US), CNT (Spain), and FORA (Argentina).
Unfortunately the Congress' outcome was inconclusive, beyond drawing up a declaration of principles and setting up a short-lived information bureau. The burgeoning movement was to be snuffed out within a year as Europe was plunged into World War I and communications between the syndicalists became impossible.12
After the end of the war however, with the workers' movement resurgent following the Russian Revolution, what was to become the modern IWA was formed, billing itself as the "true heir" of the original international.13
Rejection of Bolshevism and founding of the IWA (1918-22)
The successful Bolshevik-led revolution of 1918 in Russia was mirrored by a wave of syndicalist successes worldwide, including the struggle of the Industrial Workers of the World (IWW) in the USA alongside the creation of mass anarchist unions across Latin America and huge syndicalist-led strikes in Germany, Portugal, Spain, Italy and France, where it was noted that "neutral (economic, but not political) syndicalism had been swept away." 14
For many in this new revolutionary wave, Russia seemed to offer a successful alternative to social democratic reformism., so when in 1919 the Bolshevik Party issued an appeal for all workers to join it in building a new Red International it was met with great interest. Almost all of the syndicalist unions attended the 1920 congress of the Bolsheviks' international of communists, the Comintern, which unions in France and Italy joined immediately. 15 In contrast, attempts to organise a conference of anarchists in February 1919 in Copenhagen had seen only the Scandinavians able to attend.16
Scepticism was initially expressed by Germany's influential Free Workers' Union of Germany (FAUD) towards the Bolsheviks' concept of an international of trade unions, known as the Profintern. Such sentiments grew significantly as delegates from several countries gained access to revolutionary Russia. Augustine Souchy of FAUD scathingly critiqued the failings of "dictatorial state socialism," as concerns rose over proposals from the Bolsheviks that all unions should submit themselves to the Communist Party's leadership and reports began to arrive documenting the imprisonment of anarchists and socialists by the Bolsheviks.17
At the Profintern's formal launch in July 1921, these fears proved well founded with the passing of a resolution subordinating the Profintern to the Comintern and thus tying the priorities of all member unions to those of the Russian state. While initially the syndicalist organizations present, including the largest unions from Spain (CNT), Italy (USI), Argentina (FORA), Germany (FAUD) and the USA (IWW) agreed to join on condition that organizational independence would be maintained, relations soured over the course of the year. By June 1922 relations had broken down completely and the Profintern was decisively condemned at a conference of syndicalist unions in Berlin, with delegations from France, Germany, Norway and Spain resolving to establish a bureau to prepare the ground for the founding of a new international, rejecting parliamentarianism, militarism, nationalism and centralism.
The final formation of this new international, then known as the International Workingmen's Association, took place at an illegal conference in Berlin in December 1922, marking an irrevocable break between the international syndicalist movement and the Bolsheviks.18
Signatories to the founding statement of the International Workingmen's Association included groups from around the world. The single largest anarcho-syndicalist union at the time, the CNT in Spain, were unable to attend when their delegates were arrested on the way to the conference - though they did join the following year, bringing 600,000 members into the international. Despite the CNT's absence, the international represented well over 1 million workers at its inauguration19 :
The Italian Syndicalist Union: 500,000 members,
The Argentine Workers Regional Organization (FORA): 200,000,
The General Confederation of Workers in Portugal: 150,000,
The Free Workers' Union of Germany (FAUD): 120,000,
The Committee for the Defense of Revolutionary Syndicalism in France: 100,000,
The Federation du Combattant from Paris: 32,000,
The Swedish Workers Central Organization (SAC):32,000,
National Labor Secretariat of the Netherlands: 22,500,
The Industrial Workers of the World in Chile: 20,000,
The Union for Syndicalist Propaganda in Denmark: 600.
The first secretaries of the International included the famed writer and activist Rudolph Rocker, along with Augustin Souchy and Alexander Schapiro.
Rare footage of the IWA-AIT Congress in Madrid in 1931, including moving images of Rudolph Rocker.
Following the first congress, other groups affiliated from France, Austria, Denmark, Belgium, Switzerland, Bulgaria, Poland and Romania. Later, a bloc of unions in the USA, Colombia, Peru, Ecuador, Guatemala, Cuba, Costa Rica and El Salvador also shared the IWA's statutes.
The biggest syndicalist union in the USA, the IWW, considered joining but eventually ruled out affiliation in 1936, citing the IWA's policies on religious and political affiliation.20
Decline and repression (1923-39)
Many of the largest members of the IWA were broken, driven underground or wiped out in the 1920s-30s as fascists came to power in states across Europe and workers switched away from anarchism towards the seeming success of the Bolshevik model of socialism.
In Argentina, the FORA had already begun a process of decline by the time it joined the IWA, having split in 1915 into pro and anti-Bolshevik factions. From 1922, the anarchist movement there lost most of its membership, exacerbated by further splits, most notably around the Severino Di Giovanni affair. It was crushed by General Uriburu's military coup in 1930.21
Germany's FAUD struggled throughout the late 1920s and early 30s as the brownshirts took control of the streets. Its last national congress in Erfurt in March 1932 saw the union attempt to form an underground bureau to combat Hitler's fascists, a measure which was never put into practice as mass arrests decimated the conspirators' ranks. 22
The editor of the FAUD organ Der Syndikalist, Gerhard Wartenberg was killed in Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Karl Windhoff, delegate to the IWA Madrid congress of 1931 was driven out of his mind and also died in a Nazi death camp. There were also mass trials of FAUD members held in Wuppertal and Rhenanie, many of these never survived the death camps. 23
Wartime CNT propaganda
Italian IWA union the USI, which had claimed a membership of up to 600,000 people in 1922, was warning even at that time of murders and repression from Benito Mussolini's fascists. 24 It had been driven underground by 1924 and although it was still able to lead significant strikes by miners, metalworkers and marble workers, Mussolini's ascent to power in 1925 sealed its fate. By 1927 its leading activists had been arrested or exiled.25
Portual's CGT was driven underground after an unsuccessful attempt to break the newly-installed dictatorship of Gomes da Costa with a general strike in 1927 which led to nearly 100 deaths. It survived underground with 15-20,000 members until January 1934, when it called a general revolutionary strike against plans to replace trade unions with fascist corporations, which failed. It was able to continue in a much reduced state until World War II but was effectively finished as a fighting union. 26
Massive government repression repeated such defeats around the world, as anarcho-syndicalist unions were destroyed in Peru, Brazil, Columbia, Japan, Cuba, Bulgaria, Paraguay and Bolivia. By the end of the 1930s legal anarcho-syndicalist trade unions existed only in Chile, Bolivia, Sweden and Uruguay.27
But perhaps the greatest blow was struck in the Spanish Civil War which saw the CNT, then claiming a membership of 1.58 million, driven underground with the defeat of the Spanish Republic by Francisco Franco. The sixth IWA congress took place in 1936, shortly after the Spanish Revolution had begun, but was unable to provide serious material support for the section.
The IWA held its last pre-war congress in Paris in 1938, with months to go before the German invasion of Poland it received an application from ZZZ, a syndicalist union in the country claiming up to 130,000 workers – ZZZ members went on to form a core part of the resistance against the Nazis, and participated in the Warsaw uprising. But the international was not to meet again until after World War II had finished, in 1951. During the war, only one member of the IWA was able to continue to function as a revolutionary union, the SAC in Sweden. 28
After Hitler's defeat, much of the Spanish CNT's active membership, now operating informally under the Franco dictatorship, remained split with some in exile in France and Britain, the rest driven underground. In Sweden, the SAC retained a presence while in every other country previously active members of the International had to start over.
Relaunch of the International Workers Association (1951-1980)
At the seventh congress in Toulouse in 1951 a much smaller IWA was relaunched, again without the CNT, which would not be strong enough to reclaim membership until 1958 as an exiled and underground organization. Delegates attended, though mostly representing very small groups, from Cuba, Argentina, Spain, Sweden, France, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Austria, Denmark, Norway, Britain, Bulgaria and Portugal. A message of support was received from Uruguay.
But the situation remained difficult for the International, as it struggled to deal with the rise of state-sanctioned economic trade unionism in the West, heavy secret service intervention as Cold War anti-communism reached its height and the banning of all strikes and free trade unions in the Soviet Union bloc of countries.29
At the tenth congress in 1958, the SAC's response to these pressures led it into a clash with the rest of the international. It withdrew from the IWA following its failure to amend the body's statutes to allow it to stand in municipal elections30
and amid concerns over its integration with the state over distribution of unemployment benefits.
This left the IWA with no functioning unions.
For most of the next two decades, the international would survive only as a selection of small propaganda groups, losing its Dutch section in the 1960s, meeting at Montpellier in 1971, at Paris in 1976 and 1979 but failing to find a way to grow within the post-war situation.
In 1976, at the 15th congress, the IWA was not functioning as an international union body, with only five member groups, two of which (the Spanish and Bulgarian members) were still operating in exile (though following Franco's death in 1975, the CNT was already approaching a membership of 200,000).32
In 1979 a massive split over the merits of representative unionism saw the CNT divided into two sections, the CNT as it is today and the CGT. However even in its reduced state, it would help form the backbone for growth in the IWA worldwide.
Revival and the modern period (1980-present)
The IWA's 1980 congress showed much improvement, reaching ten sections and benefitting from the reorganization of the CNT, which was able to send delegates from Spain (as opposed to exiles) for the first time since the 1930s. Reformed sections in Italy (USI) and Norway (NSF), along with others from the UK (Direct Action Movement), USA (Workers Solidarity Alliance), Germany (Free Workers' Union) and Australia Anarcho-Syndicalist Federation, were among those who joined.
All existing groups reported growth and by 1984 at its 17th congress the International could boast three unions as members, CNT of Spain, CNT of France and USI of Italy. 33 The IWA grew throughout the decade, adding two new groups from Japan and Brazil (Confederação Operária Brasileira|COB).
Further growth was recorded in the 1990s, although the Workers Solidarity Alliance along with the Japanese and Australian sections ceased to be members. However the 1996 Congress saw two sections split over the question of participation in trade union elections, with the French section divided into the CNT-F (also known as CNT Vignoles) and CNT-AIT sections (the latter becoming the official IWA affiliate) while the Italian USI's "Roman tendency" was expelled. Czech, Slovak and Russian sections were added at the same event. Four years later, the Serbian and Brazilian sections joined.
Throughout the modern period significant differences in approach have forced many of the largest syndicalist unions to operate outside the IWA — the Spanish CGT, Swedish SAC and the CNT-F are regarded by the international as syndicalist (economic but not political) unions. These groups often work together and until recently were federated within the alternative ILS international which admitted anarchist, anarcho-syndicalist, revolutionary syndicalist and clearly anti-statist, non-party aligned social organizations.
[color=grey]IWA Today[/color]
Recent events have put pressure on several IWA branches. On 3 September 2009, six members of the ASI-MUR, including then-IWA General Secretary Ratibor Trivunac, were arrested on suspicion of international terrorism, a charge which was heavily disputed by the international and other anarchist groups.
Shortly after their arrest, an open letter was circulated by Serbian academics criticising the charges and the attitude of Serbian police. The six were formally indicted on December 7 and after a lengthy trial procedure Trivunac, along with other 5 anarchists, was freed on February 17, 2010.
On 10 December 2009, the FAU local in Berlin was effectively banned as a union following a public industrial dispute at the city's Babylon cinema.
At the XXIV annual congress of the IWA, which was held in Brazil in December 2009, the first time the congress had been held outside Europe, motions of support were passed for the "Belgrade Six" and FAU while members of the Solidarity Federation temporarily took over duties as Secretariat. The International's Norwegian section subsequently took on the Secretariat role in 2010.
As part of the anti-austerity movement in Europe, various IWA sections have been highly active in the 2008-2012 period, with the CNT taking a leading role in agitating for the general strikes which have occurred in Spain, the USI in Milan taking on anti-austerity campaigns in the health service and the ZSP organising tenants against abuses in rented accommodation. 34 "
Member organisations:
Argentina: Federacion Obrera Regional Argentina
Brazil: Confederação Operária Brasileira
France: Confédération nationale du travail
Germany: Freie Arbeiterinnen- und Arbeiter-Union
Italy: Unione Sindacale Italiana
Norway: Norsk Syndikalistisk Forbund
Poland: Związek Syndykalistów Polski
Portugal: AIT-Secção Portuguesa
Russia: Konfederatsiya Revolyutsionnikh Anarkho-Sindikalistov
Serbia: Anarho-sindikalistička inicijativa
Slovakia: Priama Akcia
Spain: Confederación Nacional del Trabajo
United Kingdom: Solidarity Federation
- 1Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndicalism in the 20th Century
- 2"Going Global - International Organisation, 1872-1922". Selfed. 2001. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 3Daniel Guerin, Anarchism: From Theory to Practice (New York: Monthly Review Press, 1970), pp.25-26.
- 4"Statutes of the IWA". IWA. 1922. Retrieved 2009-10-25.
- 5"Statutes of Revolutionary Unionism". IWA. 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
- 6Michael Schmidt and Lucien Van Der Walt (2009), Black Flame
- 7"Statutes of Revolutionary Unionism". IWA. 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-30.
- 8Michael Schmidt and Lucien Van Der Walt (2009), Black Flame
- 9"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 10 Rudolph Rocker (1960), Anarchism and Anarcho-Syndicalism
- 11Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndicalism in the 20th Century
- 12"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 13Wayne Thorpe (1989), The Workers Themselves
- 14Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndicalism in the 20th Century
- 15Rudolph Rocker (1960), Anarchism and Anarcho-Syndicalism
- 16Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndicalism in the 20th Century
- 17A Pestana (1921), Memoria que all Comite de la CNT presenta de su gestion en el Congreso de la TerceraInternscional el delegato Angel Pestana,
- 18Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndialism in the 20th Century
- 19"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 20Fred W. Thompson and Patrick Murfin (1976), IWW: Its First 70 Years, 1905-1975
- 21http://www.tau.ac.il/eial/VIII_1/oved.htm
- 22"Organise Magazine issue 65". Anarchist Federation. 2005. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 23"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 24"Global anarcho-syndicalism 1939-99". Selfed. 2001. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 25G. Careri (1991), L'Unione Sindacale Italiana
- 26"The IWA today – South London DAM". DAM-IWA. 1985. Retrieved 2011-04-23.
- 27Vadim Damier (2009), Anarcho-syndialism in the 20th Century
- 28"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 29ibid
- 30SAC had begun contesting municipal elections under the candidatures of Libertarian Municipal People
- 31Michael Schmidt and Lucien Van Der Walt (2009), Black Flame
- 32"Global anarcho-syndicalism 1939-99". Selfed. 2001. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 33"1860-today: The International Workers Association". Libcom.org. 2006. Retrieved 2009-09-29.
- 34"The unofficial IWA blog". ASI-MUR. 2011. Retrieved 2011-10-14. keeps an updated list of recent IWA member activities
Right that's all the basic formatting, might do one or two more updates later but need to get on...
So far it looks good. Nice one Rob.
including moving images of Rudolph Rocker
That tie is hilarious! :D
Rare footage of the IWA-AIT Congress in Madrid in 1931, including moving images of Rudolph Rocker
Actually, going off the French text, I think the video shows IWA delegates to a CNT congress in Madrid rather than an IWA congress. It looks like it was put up on youtube with the wrong title.


text:
TGT-TB015 Square Leg Farmhouse Table W:84 x D:45 x H:30
Handmade with locally sourced solid timber
Available in different sizes
Available in different timber
Available in different finishes
6-8 week turnaround
Color matching available
*Wood, like all natural materials, has inherent dispairites in color and grain pattern. Because of variations caused by nature, over which the company has no control, Adams Furniture does its best to match the finish samples and grain examples provided. Adams Furniture does not guarantee an exact match to the sample provided due to the natural variation of the wood. Samples of grain pattern and color are matched to the best of our ability. Due to the natural variation in wood, each piece will have a variation in how it accepts the finishing process.


text:
last night as i was nursing my baby to sleep i had a rather lovely thought.
i thought to myself, as i was nursing my fat little baldy,
right now, this very minute, i have everything i've ever wanted.
lovely, right?
i'm living in my favorite city in the world,
i am healthy and strong,
i have really great friends,
i love my family super much amounts,
i have an outlet for my bizarre ramblings,
my husband loves me,
he's really hot,
and he is employed,
best of all,
i am somebody's mother.
the minute i thought this rather lovely thought i thought another rather lovely thought:
i have everything i want, but somehow, i want more.
and that's a good thing.
isn't it?
accepting enough has never been our strong suit as a human species. henceforth i am typing this to you on a COMPUTER, in a climate controlled INDOOR ENVIRONMENT, using DEXTERITY IN MY FINGERS, and not using my FLIPPERS. am i right? or am i getting darwinism wrong.
i find daily that i have to create my own happiness, even when i know that what i have should be more than enough for me.
it is easy for me to look around and identify what else i could have. i want more babies, for instance. (not right this second!) and i want more space, for which to put these more babies. i want more money to afford more vacations in more places that are warm and more breezy. i want more storage. i want more confidence in my abilities, and more peace with my husband, and more dogs that are sane, and less dogs that are not.
i want, i want, i want.
it's a problem.
but here's what: it's a good thing i had those awful years of working at the world's supidest company, for the world's most deplorable boss, while dealing with my body's most stubborn infertility.
because i learned then how to be happy with what i got, even when what i got wasn't a whole lot.
it was hard then. it is hard now because life is always hard, but the hard times now are not hard in the same way that hard times were hard then. and for that i am grateful.
the good news is, that happiness i found then has stayed with me.
like a little trick in my pocket for just-in-case.
because having everything you ever wanted is entirely possible it turns out,
but guess what, it won't make you happy every second of every day.
only we can do that for ourselves.
and you know what?
we totally can.
that's probably the most lovely thought of all.


text:
Outdoor air pollution in cities is a major health problem. Much effort and money continues to be spent cleaning up pollution in the outdoor air. But air pollution can be a problem where you least expect it, in the place you may have thought was safest — your home. Many ordinary activities such as cooking, heating, cooling, cleaning, and redecorating can cause the release and spread of indoor pollutants at home. Studies have shown that the air in our homes can be even more polluted than outdoor air.
Many Americans spend up to 90 percent of their time indoors, often at home. Therefore, breathing clean indoor air can have an important impact on health. People who are inside a great deal may be at greater risk of developing health problems or having problems made worse by indoor air pollutants. These people include infants, young children the elderly and those with chronic illnesses.
What are Biological Pollutants?
Biological pollutants are or were living organisms. They promote poor indoor air quality and may be a major cause of days lost from work or school, and of doctor and hospital visits. Some can even damage surfaces inside and outside your house. Biological pollutants can travel through the air and are often invisible.
Some common indoor biological pollutants are:
- Animal Dander (minute scales from hair, feathers, or skin)
- Dust Mite and Cockroach parts
- Infectious agents (bacteria or viruses)
- Pollen
Some of these substances are in every home. It is impossible to get rid of them all. Even a spotless home may permit the growth of biological pollutants. Two conditions are essential to support biological growth nutrients and moisture. These conditions can be found in many locations, such as bathrooms, damp or flooded basements, wet appliances (such as humidifiers or air conditioners), and even some carpets and furniture.
Modern materials and construction techniques may reduce the amount of outside air brought into buildings which may result in high moisture levels inside. Using humidifiers, unvented heaters, and air conditioners in our homes has increased the chances of moisture forming on interior surfaces. This encourages the growth of certain biological pollutants.
The Scope of the Problem
Most information about sources and health effects of biological pollutants is based on studies of large office buildings and two surveys of homes in northern U.S. and Canada. These surveys show that 30% to 50% of all structures have damp conditions which may encourage the growth and buildup of biological pollutants. This percentage is likely to be higher in warm, moist climates.
Some diseases or illnesses have been linked with biological pollutants in the indoor environment. However, many of them also have causes unrelated to the indoor environment. Therefore, we do not know how many health problems relate only to poor indoor air.
Health Effects of Biological Pollutants
All of us are exposed to biological pollutants. However, the effects on our health depend upon the type and amount of biological pollution and the individual person. Some people do not experience health reactions from certain biological pollutants, while others may experience one or more of the following reactions:
- Allergic
- Infectious
- Toxic
Except for the spread of infections indoors, ALLERGIC REACTIONS may be the most common health problem with indoor air quality in homes. They are often connected with animal dander (mostly from cats and dogs), with house dust mites (microscopic animals living in household dust), and with pollen. Allergic reactions can range from mildly uncomfortable to life-threatening, as in a severe asthma attack. Some common signs and symptoms are:
- Watery eyes
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Nasal congestion
- Itching
- Coughing
- Wheezing and difficulty breathing
- Headache
- Fatigue
Health experts are especially concerned about people with asthma These people have very sensitive airways that can react to various irritants, making breathing difficult. The number of people who have asthma has greatly increased in recent years. The number of people with asthma has gone up by 59 percent since 1970, to a total of 9.6 million people. Asthma in children under 15 years of age has increased 41 percent in the same period, to a total of 2.6 million children. The number of deaths from asthma is up by 68 percent since 1979, to a total of almost 4,400 deaths per year.
Talking to Your Doctor
Are you concerned about the effects on your health that may be related to biological pollutants in your home? Before you discuss your concerns with your doctor, you should know the answers to the following questions. This information can help the doctor determine whether your health problems may be related to biological pollution.
- Does anyone in the family have frequent headaches, fevers, itchy watery eyes, a stuffy nose, dry throat, or a cough? Does anyone complain of feeling tired or dizzy all the time? Is anyone wheezing or having difficulties breathing on a regular basis?
- Did these symptoms appear after you moved to a new or different home?
- Do the symptoms disappear when you go to school or the office or go away on a trip, and return when you come back?
- Have you recently remodeled your home or done any energy conservation work, such as installing insulation, storm windows, or weather stripping? Did your symptoms occur during or after these activities?
- Does your home feel humid? Can you see moisture on the windows or on other surfaces, such as walls and ceilings?
- What is the usual temperature in your home? Is it very hot or cold?
- Have you recently had water damage?
- Is your basement wet or damp?
- Is there any obvious mold or mildew?
- Does any part of your home have a musty or moldy odor?
- Is the air stale?
- Do you have pets?
- Do your house plants show signs of mold?
- Do you have air conditioners or humidifiers that have not been properly cleaned?
- Does your home have cockroaches or rodents?
INFECTIOUS DISEASES caused by bacteria and viruses, such as flu, measles, chickenpox, and tuberculosis, may be spread indoors. Most infectious diseases pass from person to person through physical contact. Crowded conditions with poor air circulation can promote this spread. Some bacteria and viruses thrive in buildings and circulate through indoor ventilation systems. For example, the bacterium causing Legionnaire's disease, a serious and sometimes lethal infection, and Pontiac Fever, a flu-like illness, have circulated in some large buildings.
TOXIC REACTIONS are the least studied and understood health problem caused by some biological air pollutants in the home. Toxins can damage a variety of organs and tissues in the body, including the liver, the central nervous system, the digestive tract, and the immune system.
Coping with the Problem
Checking Your Home
There is no simple and cheap way to sample the air in your home to determine the level of all biological pollutants. Experts suggest that sampling for biological pollutants is not a useful problem-solving tool. Even if you had your home tested, it is almost impossible to know which biological pollutant(s) cause various symptoms or health problems. The amount of most biological substances required to cause disease is unknown and varies from one person to the next.
Does this make the problem sound hopeless? On the contrary, you can take several simple, practical actions to help remove sources of biological pollutants, to help get rid of pollutants, and to prevent their return.
Self-Inspection: A Walk Through Your Home
Begin by touring your household. Follow your nose, and use your eyes. Two major factors help create conditions for biological pollutants to grow nutrients and constant moisture with poor air circulation.
Dust and construction materials, such as wood, wallboard, and insulation, contain nutrients that allow biological pollutants to grow. Firewood also is a source of moisture, fungi, and bugs.
Appliances such as humidifiers, kerosene and gas heaters, and gas stoves add moisture to the air.
A musty odor, moisture on hard surfaces, or even water stains, may be caused by:
- Air-conditioning units
- Basements, attics, and crawlspaces
- Bathrooms
- Carpets
- Heating and air-conditioning ducts
- Humidifiers and dehumidifiers
- Refrigerator drip pans
What You Can Do about Biological Pollutants
Before you give away the family pet or move, there are less drastic steps that can be taken to reduce potential problems. Properly cleaning and maintaining your home can help reduce the problem and may avoid interrupting your normal routine. People who have health problems such as asthma, or are allergic, may need to do this and more. Discuss this with your doctor.
Moisture Control
Water in your home can come from many sources. Water can enter your home by leaking or by seeping through basement floors. Showers or even cooking can add moisture to the air in your home. The amount of moisture that the air in your home can hold depends on the temperature of the air. As the temperature goes down, the air is able to hold less moisture. This is why, in cold weather, moisture condenses on cold surfaces (for example, drops of water form on the inside of a window). This moisture can encourage biological pollutants to grow.
There are many ways to control moisture in your home:
- Fix leaks and seepage. If water is entering the house from the outside, your options range from simple landscaping to extensive excavation and waterproofing. (The ground should slope away from the house). Water in the basement can result from the lack of gutters or a water flow toward the house. Water leaks in pipes or around tubs and sinks can provide a place for biological pollutants to grow.
- Put a plastic cover over dirt crawlspaces to prevent moisture from coming in from the ground. Be sure crawlspaces are well-ventilated.
- Use exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture to the outside (not into the attic) Vent your clothes dryer to the outside.
- Turn off certain appliances (such as humidifiers or kerosene heaters) if you notice moisture on windows and other surfaces.
- Use dehumidifiers and air conditioners, especially in hot, humid climates, to reduce moisture in the air, but be sure that the appliances themselves don't become sources of biological pollutants.
- Raise the temperature of cold surfaces where moisture condenses. Use insulation or storm windows. (A storm window installed on the inside works better than one installed on the outside ) Open doors between rooms (especially doors to closets which may be colder than the rooms) to increase circulation. Circulation carries heat to the cold surfaces Increase air circulation by using fans and by moving furniture from wall corners to promote air and heat circulation. Be sure that your house has a source of fresh air and can expel excessive moisture from the home.
- Pay special attention to carpet on concrete floors. Carpet can absorb moisture and serve as a place for biological pollutants to grow. Use area rugs which can be taken up and washed often In certain climates, if carpet is to be installed over a concrete floor, it may be necessary to use a vapor barrier (plastic sheeting) over the concrete and cover that with sub-flooring (insulation covered with plywood) to prevent a moisture problem.
- Moisture problems and their solutions differ from one climate to another. The Northeast is cold and wet, the Southwest is hot and dry, the South is hot and wet, and the Western Mountain states are cold and dry. All of these regions can have moisture problems. For example, evaporative coolers used in the Southwest can encourage the growth of biological pollutants. In other hot regions, the use of air conditioners that cool the air too quickly may prevent the air conditioners from running long enough to remove excess moisture from the air. The types of construction and weatherization for the different climates can lead to different problems and solutions.
Where Biological Pollutants may be Found in the Home
- Dirty air conditioners
- Dirty humidifiers and/or dehumidifiers
- Bathroom without vents or windows
- Kitchen without vents or windows
- Dirty refrigerator drip pans
- Laundry room with unvented dryer
- Unventilated attic
- Carpet on damp basement floor
- Bedding
- Closet on outside wall
- Dirty heating/air conditioning system
- Dogs or cats
- Water damage (around windows, the roof or the basement)
Maintain and Clean all Appliances that Come in Contact with Water
- Have major appliances, such as furnaces, heat pumps, and central air conditioners, inspected and cleaned regularly by a professional, especially before seasonal use. Change filters on heating and cooling systems according to the manufacturer's directions. (In general, change filters monthly during use.) When first turning on the heating or air conditioning at the start of the season, consider leaving your home until it airs out.
- Have window or wall air-conditioning units cleaned and serviced regularly by a professional, especially before the cooling season. Air conditioners can help reduce the entry of allergy-causing pollen. But they may also become a source of biological pollutants if not properly maintained. Clean the coils and rinse the drain pans according to the manufacturer's instructions, so water can-not collect in pools.
- Have furnace-attached humidifiers cleaned and serviced regularly by a professional, especially before the heating season.
- Follow manufacturer's instructions when using any type of humidifier Experts differ on the benefits of using humidifiers. If you do use a portable humidifier (approximately 1 to 2 gallon tanks), be sure to empty its tank every day and refill with distilled or demineralized water, or even fresh tap water if the other types of water are unavailable For larger portable humidifiers, change the water as recommended by the manufacturer. Unplug the appliance before cleaning. Every third day, clean all surfaces coming in contact with water with a 3% solution of hydrogen peroxide, using a brush to loosen deposits Some manufacturers recommend using diluted household bleach for cleaning and maintenance, generally in a solution of one-half cup bleach to one gallon water When any household chemical, rinse well to remove all traces of chemical before refilling humidifier.
- Empty dehumidifiers daily and clean often. If possible, have the appliance drip directly into a drain. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for cleaning and maintenance. Always disconnect the appliance before cleaning.
- Clean refrigerator drip pans regularly according to the manufacturer's instructions. If refrigerator and freezer doors don't seal properly, moisture may build up and mold can grow. Remove any mold on door gaskets and replace faulty gaskets.
Clean Surfaces
- Clean moist surfaces, such as showers and kitchen counters.
- Remove mold from walls, ceilings, floors, and paneling. Do not simply cover mold with paint, stain, varnish, or a moisture-proof sealer, as it may resurface.
- Replace moldy shower curtains, or remove them and scrub well with a household cleaner and rinse before rehanging them.
Dust Control
Controlling dust is very important for people who are allergic to animal dander and mites. You cannot see mites, but you can either remove their favorite breeding grounds or keep these areas dry and clean. Dust mites can thrive in sofas, stuffed chairs, carpets, and bedding. Open shelves, fabric wallpaper, knickknacks, and venetian blinds are also sources of dust mites. Dust mites live deep in the carpet and are not removed by vacuuming. Many doctors suggest that their mite-allergic patients use washable area rugs rather than wall-to-wall carpet.
- Always wash bedding in hot water (at least 130° F) to kill dust mites. Cold water won't do the job. Launder bedding at least every 7 to 10 days.
- Use synthetic or foam rubber mattress pads and pillows, and plastic mattress covers if you are allergic Do not use fuzzy wool blankets, feather or wool-stuffed comforters, and feather pillows.
- Clean rooms and closets well, dust and vacuum often to remove surface dust. Vacuuming and other cleaning may not remove all animal dander, dust mite material, and other biological pollutants. Some particles are so small they can pass through vacuum bags and remain in the air If you are allergic to dust, wear a mask when vacuuming or dusting. People who are highly allergy-prone should not perform these tasks. They may even need to leave the house when someone else is cleaning.
Before You Move
Protect yourself by inspecting your potential new home. If you identify problems, have the landlord or seller correct them before you move in, or even consider moving elsewhere.
- Have professionals check the heating and cooling system, including humidifiers and vents. Have duct lining and insulation checked for growth.
- Check for exhaust fans in bathrooms and kitchens If there are no vents, do the kitchen and bathrooms have at least one window a piece? Does the cooktop have a hood vented outside? Does the clothes dryer vent outside? Are all vents to the outside of the building, not in attics or crawlspaces?
- Look for obvious mold growth throughout the house, including attics, basements, and crawlspaces and around the foundation. See if there are many plants close to the house, particularly if they are damp and rotting. They are a potential source of biological pollutants. Downspouts from roof gutters should route water away from the building.
- Look for stains on the walls, floor or carpet (including any carpet over concrete floors) as evidence of previous flooding or moisture problems. Is there moisture on windows and surfaces? Are there signs of leaks or seepage in the basement?
- Look for rotted building materials which may suggest moisture or water damage.
- If you or anyone else in the family has a pet allergy, ask if any pets have lived in the home.
- Examine the design of the building. Remember that in cold climates, overhanging areas, rooms over unheated garages, and closets on outside walls may be prone to problems with biological pollutants.
- Look for signs of cockroaches.
Carefully read instructions for use and any cautionary labeling on cleaning products before beginning cleaning procedures.
- Do not mix any chemical products. Especially, never mix cleaners containing bleach with any product (such as ammonia) which does not have instructions for such mixing. When chemicals are combined, a dangerous gas can sometimes be formed.
- Household chemicals may cause burning or irritation to skin and eyes.
- Household chemicals may be harmful if swallowed or inhaled.
- Avoid contact with skin, eyes, mucous membranes, and clothing.
- Avoid breathing vapor. Open all windows and doors and use an exhaust fan that sends the air outside.
- Keep household chemicals out of reach of children.
- Rinse treated surface areas well to remove all traces of chemicals.
- Correcting Water Damage
What if damage is already done? Follow these guidelines for correcting water damage:
- Throw out mattresses, wicker furniture, straw baskets and the like that have been water damaged or contain mold. These cannot be recovered.
- Discard any water-damaged furnishings such as carpets, drapes, stuffed toys, upholstered furniture, and ceiling tales, unless they can be recovered by steam cleaning or hot water washing and thorough drying.
- Remove and replace wet insulation to prevent conditions where biological pollutants can grow.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission


text:
Joel Spolsky created a post on the Stack Overflow blog this afternoon on merging Area51 proposals. In it, he talks about how some proposals are just too specific or are subsets of larger sites and will be merged.
Of Programmers.SE, he had this to say:
There's an even longer list of things that really belong on the new Programmers Stack Exchange, which appears to be degrading into fairly stupid water-cooler nonsense, and could benefit from an infusion of more meaty subjects, like these proposals[.]
He then goes on to list all the proposals he thinks could or should be merged into Programmers.SE.
Earlier, there was an edit to the Proposed FAQ to ban questions like:
What are some good television shows for programmers?
A few days ago, I created the question, "How can we avoid Programmers.SE from becoming the SE black sheep?". There, the consensus was to not change anything. Unfortunately, SOIS has spoken, and it looks like that sentiment will not be able to sustain the site.
So, let's use this question as a way to identify possible on-topic and off-topic questions and vote on them. One topic per answer, and use the comments to discuss why or why not it's on topic for Programmers.SE.
This way we can demonstrate what the community will and won't find acceptable on the site to better help SOIS and others make an informed decision when the time comes to merge.