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Although a less obvious target than the coastal cities and resorts of the southwest, Sweden's southeast certainly repays a visit. The provinces of Sörmland, Östergötland, Småland and Blekinge boast impressive castles, ancient lakeside sites and numerous glassworks amid the forests of the so-called "Glass Kingdom", while off the east coast, Sweden's largest Baltic islands offer beautifully preserved medieval towns and fairytale landscapes. Train transport, especially between the towns close to the eastern shore of Lake Vättern and Stockholm, is good; speedy, regular services mean that you could see some places on a day-trip from Stockholm.
Blekinge is something of a poor relation to its neighbours in terms of tourism. Towns here put out an endless stream of glossy brochures touting their attractions, but in truth, even Swedes themselves admit the province remains the forgotten corner of the south; perfect if you're looking for a quiet getaway. Småland, in particular, encompasses a varied geography and some stridently different towns. Kalmar is a very likeable stop; a glorious historic fortress town, it deserves more time than its tag as a jumping-off point for the island of Öland suggests. Inland, great swathes of dense forest are rescued from monotony by the many glass factories that continue the county's traditional industry, famous the world over for its design and quality, though today drowning in its own marketing hyperbole. In Växjö, the largest town in the southeast, two superb museums deal with the art of glass-making and the history of Swedish emigration: agricultural reforms that denied peasants access to common land, combined with a series of bad harvests, led to more than a million Swedes – a sixth of the population – emigrating to America between 1860 and 1930. At the northern edge of the province and perched on the southernmost tip of Lake Vättern, Jönköping is known as Sweden's Jerusalem for its remarkable number of Free Churches; it's also a great base for exploring the beautiful eastern shore of Vättern.
The idyllic pastoral landscape of Östergötland borders the eastern shores of the lake and reaches as far east as the Baltic. One of its highlights, and popular with domestic tourists, is the small lakeside town of Vadstena, its medieval streets dwarfed by austere monastic edifices, a Renaissance palace and an imposing abbey, brought into being by the zealous determination of Sweden's first female saint, Birgitta. Just off the southeast coast lie Sweden's two largest islands, Öland and Gotland: adjacent slithers of land with unusually temperate climates for their latitudes. They were domestic tourist havens for years, but now an increasing number of foreigners are discovering their charms – lots of summer sun, delectable beaches and some impressive historic (and prehistoric) sights. Öland – the smaller island and closer to the mainland – has a mix of shady forests and flowering meadows that make it a tranquil spot for a few days' exploration. Gotland's well-known highlight is its Hanseatic medieval capital, Visby, a city pervaded by a carnival atmosphere in summer when ferry-loads of young Swedes come to sunbathe and party. The rest of the island, however, is little visited by tourists, and all the more magical for that.Read More
- Grännaberget café
- The Grenna Kulturgård: Andrée Expedition Polarcenter
Örebro Castle
Örebro Castle
The town's first defensive fort was built after a band of German merchants settled here in the thirteenth century, attracted by rich iron ore deposits. It was enlarged in the fourteenth century by King Magnus Eriksson, who lived here; Gustav Vasa's son Karl IX added fortifications and then, following in the footsteps of Vasa's other sons, turned it into a splendid Renaissance castle, raising all the walls to the height of the medieval towers and plastering them in cream-coloured stucco. When the Danes were no longer a threat, the town lost its importance, and Örebro Castle fell into disuse and subsequently became a storehouse and a jail. In the old prison on the fourth floor, you can see words scratched into the walls by Russian prisoners of war. Another room was used to hold suspected witches and was well furnished by King Karl as a torture chamber; at the time, fear of witchcraft was reaching fever pitch, and over four hundred women lost their heads here having survived attempts to drown them in the nearby river. Naturally, the castle is said to be riddled with ghosts, ranging from that of King Magnus Eriksson's wife Blanche (also known as Blanka in Swedish and said to be in torment for having murdered her son) to Engelbrekt, who had his head lopped off two years after he stormed the castle in 1434 and led a riot on behalf of farmers oppressed by harsh taxes.
The fairytale exterior you see today is the result of renovation in the 1890s. Influenced by contemporary National Romanticism, the architects carefully restored the castle to reflect both medieval and Renaissance grandeur. The same cannot be said for the interior, where the valiant guides face a real challenge: there's no original furniture left, and many of the rooms are used for conferences, hence the emphasis on the building being a "living castle". Among the few features of interest are some fine doors and floors, dating from as recently as the 1920s, the inlays depicting historical events at Örebro; and, in the main state room, a large family portrait of Karl XI and his family, their eyes all popping out as a result of using arsenic to whiten their faces.
St Nicolai kyrka
St Nicolai kyrka
Just a few hundred metres south of the castle, St Nicolai kyrka, at the top of the very oblong Stortorget, dates from 1260. Extensive restoration in the 1860s robbed it of most of its medieval character, though recent renovations have tried to undo the damage. It was here in 1810 that the relatively unknown figure of Jean Baptiste Bernadotte, Napoleon's marshal, was elected successor to the Swedish throne. The descendants of the new King Karl Johan, who never spoke a word of Swedish, are the current royal family. Engelbrekt was also supposed to be buried here after his execution, but when his coffin was exhumed in the eighteenth century, it was empty, and his bones have never been recovered.
Immediately behind the castle, the Konsthall has a surprisingly spacious series of galleries, located in a former bank, exhibiting temporary collections of contemporary international art, spread over the ground floor and in the basement in the old vaults.
From the Konsthall, it's a pleasant stroll east along the waterside Olaigatan, crossing the Svartån River over Hamnbron bridge, to continue east along Kanalvägen to Örebro's stunning Stadspark, one of the most beautiful town parks in the country. Sunbathing locals flock here to picnic amid the park's most exceptional feature – the colour-coded border walks, each section bursting with a rainbow of flowers separated by tone.
WadköpingAt the far end of the river stands an open-air museum, Wadköping. An entire village of centuries-old wooden cottages and shops were brought to the site in the 1950s when urban planning was threatening the historical dwellings with demolition. A local man, Bertil Waldén, campaigned to save the better ones, and relocated them here at Wadköping on the banks of the river. The extremely pretty little "high street" is flanked with low eighteenth-century buildings on one side, and on the other with taller houses from after the town fire of 1854. Some of the cottages are now lived in again and there's a very good café.
Naturens hus
Naturens husFrom Wadköping, it's a pleasant cycle ride of around five to ten minutes along the banks of the Svartån River to one of Örebro's best out-of-town destinations: Naturens hus nature centre. The building's harmonious design and building materials (stone and glass) blend effortlessly into the natural surroundings and it's a great spot to enjoy views out over the lake, Hjälmaren. Inside you'll find information about the wildlife around the lake as well as a good café.
Norrköping's north–south central artery, Drottninggatan runs ruler-straight from the train station and crosses Motala ström, the small, rushing river that attracted the Dutch industrialist Louis De Geer (1587–1652) to the town in the early seventeenth century. He was known as the father of Swedish industry, and his paper mill, which still operates today, became the biggest factory in town. Many of Norrköping's buildings, and the trams, are painted in De Geer's colour of choice – a tortilla-chip yellow – which has become synonymous with the town.
Just a few steps down from the station, compact Carl Johans Park has 25,000 cacti, formally arranged in thematic patterns and interspersed with brilliantly coloured flowers and palm trees. Glance to the right from here (with the Resecentrum behind you) across Slottsgatan, and you'll see the splendid 1906 city theatre, with its Art Nouveau curves and double Ionic columns. Over the river, follow the tram lines up cobbled Drottninggatan and turn right into Repslagaregatan for Gamlatorget, overlooked by a charismatic Carl Milles sculpture of Louis De Geer with a bale of cloth slung over his shoulder.
KonstmuseumAt the southernmost tip of Drottninggatan, Norrköping's Konstmuseum holds some of the country's best-known modernist works. Founded by a local snuff manufacturer at the turn of the twentieth century, the galleries offer a fine, well-balanced progression from seventeenth-century Baroque through to twentieth-century work. As you head back north from the art museum, the bunker-like concrete building to the right at Södra Promenaden 105 is the town library; more user-friendly than most, it has a range of newspapers from all over the world.
To the west of Gamlatorget lies the modern and stylish riverside DeGeerhallen, a concert hall surrounded by trees and providing a lovely setting for the café, Kråkholmen. It's worth stepping inside for a moment, as the concert hall's apparent modernity belies the fact that this was once one of De Geer's paper factories, though little remains now of its former incarnation.
Arbetets museum
Arbetets museumWest along the river on your right is the exceptionally well-presented Arbetets museum, housed in a triangular, yellow-stuccoed factory built in 1917. Known as Strykjärnet ("the iron") – though its shape and colour are more reminiscent of a wedge of cheese – the building was described by Carl Milles as Europe's most beautiful factory. The museum has seven floors of exhibitions on living conditions, workers' rights and day-to-day life in the mills. The most poignant (and the only permanent exhibit) tells the story of Alva Carlsson, who worked in the building for 35 years – a fascinating insight into working-class culture and the role of Swedish women in the first half of the twentieth century.
StadsmuseumThe excellent Stadsmuseum is set in an interconnecting (and confusing) network of old industrial properties. The most rewarding of its permanent exhibitions is a street showing various trades from the nineteenth century: there are workshops of a milliner, confectioner, chimney sweep and, in a back yard, a carriage maker. All are cleverly designed and well worth a wander.
VisualiseringscenterJust to the west of Bergsbron, beyond Arbetetsmuseum, you'll find Norrköping's new pride and joy: the Visualiseringscenter. The centre's rather worthy aim is to explain, predominantly to younger visitors, how various visual techniques are used in science today, in areas ranging from weather forecasts to postmortems. However, it's the massive dome-shaped cinema which really makes a visit here worthwhile, showing a range of breathtaking 3D films.
Kolmårdens Djurpark
Kolmårdens DjurparkIf you've only got time for one excursion from Norrköping, make it to Kolmårdens Djurpark, a safari park, zoo and dolphinarium that is one of Sweden's biggest attractions. Just 28km northeast of Norrköping and accessible by frequent buses, it's understandably popular with children, for whom there's a special section, and if your views on zoos are negative, it's just about possible to be convinced that this one is different. There are no cages; instead, sunken enclosures, rock barriers and moats prevent the animals from feasting on their captors as you glide silently over their heads in a cable car. Check out the dolphin shows (generally between one and four a day) and the working farm. There's a youth hostel on site, or you can camp five miles away.
The adjacent Tropicarium contains Sweden's largest collection of tropical plants and animals, spread out over two square kilometres. The interior really is extremely realistic, even featuring a mock-up of an alligator swamp which receives rain and thunderstorms every hour. The most popular attraction is the shark aquarium, with three different species of shark and hundreds of other tropical fish.
Open Art
Open Art
Between mid-June and mid-September, the city's pedestrianized centre is transformed into a huge open-air contemporary art exhibition, Open Art, as designers and artists display their work. Recent displays have included a gigantic upside-down teddy bear made of wood and a floating platform for model ducks and seals on the water below the castle; you name it, anything goes – the aim is to provide an urban forum for thought-provoking modern art.
Boat trips around Örebro
Boat trips around Örebro
Given Örebro's easy access to Hjälmaren just east of the town, you might want to consider taking a boat trip around the lake on M/S Gustav Lagerbjelke, which operates from late June to mid-August. There are several options available but the most popular is the five-hour cruise out into Hjälmaren and through the Hjälmarekanal with its many locks. Transport back to Örebro is by bus and the return ticket costs 320kr. Alternatively, shorter lunch cruises including a buffet cost a good-value 220kr. There's more information at
w lagerbjelke.com.
Another option is to rent your own canoe or kayak and paddle out yourself: both are available from KFUM Örebro Kanotcenter located out of town at Hästhagsvägen (t 019 26 04 00; 40kr/hr, 160kr/day). Give them a call and they'll help with pickup and dropoff.


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82 results for ""Dan Morain, Senior editor""
Dan Morain: McClintock feeds at pension troughSunday, August 25, 2013 at 12:00 AM
During his time in the Legislature, Tom McClintock occasionally would cite the First Rule of Holes, when he called on Democrats to stop spending more money on whatever their priority happened to be.
Dan Morain: A good deed uncorks a scandalSunday, August 18, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Molly Simones, appalled at what she had seen, picked up the phone and knocked over a domino. Six months later, the dominos keep falling.
Dan Morain: A cost of dismantling mental health careWednesday, July 31, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Kathy Gaither, the person in charge of daily operations at the California Department of State Hospitals, went on an unexplained administrative leave earlier this month, a week after the state Senate confirmed her appointment.
The Conversation: Feds need to slap down 'Bankzilla'Sunday, July 28, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Business went on as usual last week for JPMorgan Chase, the nation's largest financial holding company.
Dan Morain: Ignoring 'rule,' Democrat picks pension fightWednesday, July 24, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Chuck Reed, the mayor of the third largest city in California, is a rare breed of politician, a Democrat who can't quite get the orthodoxy right.
Dan Morain: How 'The Duke' helped MandelaSunday, July 21, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Californians once embarked on a quixotic crusade to help change a nation and succeeded, thanks to a politician who was anything but a dewy-eyed liberal.
Dan Morain: Hypocrisy and Rep. McClintock's pensionWednesday, July 17, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Tom McClintock used the occasion of a 2005 hearing into state pensions to denounce government workers' rich retirement benefits, as was his wont back when he was in California's Senate.
Dan Morain: Prop. 8 defense failed beforeSunday, July 14, 2013 at 12:00 AM
In one of most divisive civil rights issues of the day, California Gov. Brown resisted the electorate by refusing to defend an initiative that had stripped minorities of basic rights.
Dan Morain: Hard choices, strong stands to protect coastWednesday, July 10, 2013 at 12:00 AM
Steve Blank made enough money from Silicon Valley startups that he could retire at 45, buy 660 acres south of Half Moon Bay and build a mansion above one of California's most pristine beaches.
Dan Morain: Sean Parker rethinks world he helped createSunday, June 30, 2013 at 12:00 AM
In a week when love, marriage and legal proceedings were in the air, it seemed perfectly fitting that Sean Parker would be on the phone.


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Contact Us
Greater Manchester Fire and Rescue Service
146 Bolton Road
Swinton, Manchester
Tel: 0161 736 5866
For a FREE Home Safety Check please call:
It's important today to make comment on a number of issues the Fire and Rescue Service in Greater Manchester is facing, and encourage people who live and work in the city region to get involved and have their say.
As I have said many times over the past months - there's a huge amount going on at the moment and we face some huge issues arising from the economic crisis; and this week's editions of the Manchester Evening News certainly provide a clear testament to that.
I genuinely can't remember the last time we appeared on the front page for different reasons twice in as many days. These certainly are unprecedented times.
Many will have no doubt read the articles, the editorial comment made by the paper itself and, indeed, the many readers comments for themselves - some readers of this blog may even have contributed to those comments online - but I just wanted to put on record my own views as to where we are.
There's no doubt some people will have read the headlines about 'cuts' with some fair amount of concern.
For me, I can't say I am thrilled at a headline talking about 'post code lottery' (a term liberally sprinkled about nowadays) because I think it is unhelpfully alarmist. Nevertheless, on balance I think it's really positive we have found ourselves and our plans being scrutinised in the public domain in this way.
At least no-one can accuse us of trying to keeping things hidden - quite the opposite in fact - and that is right and proper.
In today's MEN there are details of what are described as 'new response times'. Actually the times themselves were developed about eighteen months ago and consulted upon last year and have been taken directly from our Corporate Plan 2011/14.
They are reinforced in our draft Corporate Plan 2012-15, which is on the agenda to be approved for consultation by members of the Fire Authority tomorrow. It's really the outcomes of applying those response times in the future that is the source of the concern raised in the papers.
We are trying to be as upfront, open and transparent about plans and proposals for dealing with the issues we face as possible and in that regard we would applaud our local journalists for providing such important coverage.
In one sense, it's a great way for people to understand what is going and it also raises the profile and encourages people to get involved and have their say.
On the other hand developing and planning response times and standards, and rostering patterns for incidents as different as the proverbial 'cat up a tree' to an incident such as Buncefield is complex, and difficult to get across in a strap line or a soundbite. Far easier, just to report that in some areas appliances will be quicker in some areas slower - and align all the change as a simple 'budget cut'.
And this is not to duck the reality that much of this thinking has been, and is, driven by the financial climate.
There's simply no option here to say 'let's not bother with any of this - it will be unpopular and risky'.
On the other hand, we have done a huge amount already reducing management costs and back office costs (actually we have found nearly £9million in this way) but, when the majority of our budget is made up of salary costs, then it is impossible to avoid looking at ways of using less staff whilst, at the same time, providing the best standard of service we can. Though we must also continue to work to keep people safe through prevention activity, encouraging people to also be mindful and take responsibility for their own safety too.
We understand fully that people still want the very simple reassurance that when they dial 999 our crew will be with them as soon as possible. I can understand that, it comes down to basic human instinct.
We will no doubt find out more feedback as the consultation process goes on and then it will be for the Fire Authority to agree a way forward when it closes for comment in January 2012. We intend to do a full and comprehensive consultation process and explain both the context and development of response times and standards so that people can really understand what we have had, what we now have and what we are proposing - and why.
In the meantime I would urge you to read the document and if you've got a view please let us know.


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The day finally arrives and I head to LAX. I get in line for the Singapore Airlines counter. When it's finally my turn, as they're checking in my bag, they ask about my visa to enter Australia. I stood there, frozen. I didn't have a visa to enter Australia. And believe it or not, I even checked in advance to make sure I understood the requirements for entry. I knew you could apply for a visa online, which for some reason I did not do, as I was under the impression I could obtain a visa upon entry. I explain this to the ticket agent only to be told that I was wrong. But no worries, they tell me; they can handle the visa for me… at a charge of $100. It was only $20 to get one online. Nevertheless I have no choice and I pay the $100 to have them do it for me.
Travel lesson learned – always apply for the visa online when possible. A great resource for Visa information is Project Visa: http://www.projectvisa.com/fullcountrylist.asp
I finally board the flight and settle into my seat. I chose Singapore Airlines specifically, as it is rated #1 in the world for coach. I figure if I am going to be on a plane for an obscene number of hours in a coach seat, it might as well be the best there is. We each have our own TV with at least 50 movies to choose from, TV shows, music, video games, etc. The flight attendants waste no time delivering headsets, little travel bags, a menu with the full list of options for the many meals and snacks we'll get on the flight.
About 15 minutes into the flight I feel my nose run and I simultaneously put a napkin to my nose and look down to see blood on my shirt. I then look at the napkin and it's soaked on blood. WTF? I realize my nose is bleeding and the little napkin I have is not going to contain it. I high tail it to the flight attendant and they take one look at me and spring into action. They tell me it's normal and give me a stack of paper towels and a wet washcloth full of ice. They told me to pinch my nose and keep my head down on my tray table. And so I did. For two hours. That little nose bled like a faucet for 2 straight hours. All I could think was (1) I really hope this faucet turns off soon (2) I really hope I don't miss the first dinner service and (3) I really hope I can get the blood out of my shirt because it's the only real tank top I have! (Thankfully it is reversible, so I was able to flip it and at least not walk around like a bloody mess for the rest of the flight.) It finally stopped and after, I drank what I believe was my body weight in water. I actually did miss the 1st dinner service but they saved a meal for me.
Travel lesson learned – HYDRATE!
All in all it was an easy flight. A quick stopover in Tokyo, where we actually had to deplane, only to walk around to go through security and wait a half hour to get back on the plane. The whole exercise seemed pointless (did we become security threats en route?) but we were ready for the next leg – Tokyo to Singapore.
We arrived in Singapore at 3am. I had 6 hours before my next flight to Perth. Spending 6 hours in an airport is one thing; spending 6 hours in the Singapore airport is quite another. This airport was beyond what I thought an airport could be. Without going into detail (butterfly garden, koi ponds, lounges galore, free foot massage chairs everywhere…) suffice it to say if you are going to be stuck in an airport, let it be Singapore Changi Airport.
After another 6-hour flight, I finally arrive in Perth. It's game time. And I'm ready!
Shout-out's to the Vico's for your superb Californian hospitality; Singapore Airlines for living up to its reputation; and AK for making a long and potentially boring flight not boring at all.


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Holiday, Short Term and Long Term Accommodation
Brisbane Holiday Village was built in 1984 and was previously known as Dress Circle Mobile Village & Caravan Park. The Village has come a long way since the Illich family bought the property in 1987. The property contained 216 caravan sites and basic facilities, and the location was an unestablished, quiet area just south of Brisbane City.
You can download a copy of the Brisbane Holiday Brochure, Corporate Brochure and Group Fact Sheet, by clicking on the relevant link below.
Like Brisbane Holiday Village on Facebook
If you are heading to the Gold Coast before or after your stay in Brisbane, ensure to check out our sister property - Ashmore Palms Holiday Village.
Ashmore Palms is set on 6 hectares of landscaped grounds, a 10 minute drive from Surfers Paradise and only 15 minutes' drive from most of the major theme parks.
A payment is required to confirm each reservation. Reservations made within 30 days of arrival require the account to be paid in full at time of placing the booking. If a reservation is made 31 days or more prior to arrival, a deposit must be paid within 10 days of placing the booking.
The following methods can be used to make a payment:
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Kissing Cousins
The NHL does dumb stuff. The latest example is the situation in Anaheim where news today has Brian Burke "out" as General Manager and in a new position with the Ducks.
The story is here.
According to the article, Bob Murray is the new GM and Burke has a new role that allows him to consult the owner on hockey issues. Murray apparently has the final call, and Burke gets to freely negotiate with other teams for future employment.
I believe it starts now.
So, if I have my facts straight here Brian Burke is about to consult the ownership on vital information while pursuing his next career stop. Does this seem reasonable? Does this sound like the kind of thing that a 30-ownership club would approve?
How is this not crazy?


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PNC Business Credit, the asset-based lending arm of PNC Bank, N.A., is a member of the PNC Financial Services Group, Inc., the fifth largest bank in the U.S. with over $271 billion in assets (NYSE: PNC). PNC Business Credit is one of the nation's top senior secured lenders, with over $19 billion in financing commitments to over 700 companies nationwide. With strong liquidity, PNC remains a top lender in the middle market with creative credit solutions to support corporate refinancings, working capital growth, mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, restructuring, and turnarounds.
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- https://www.pnc.com


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klangklangston writes "This is a clueless despot looking at a corporate policy that will, if followed to the letter, likely result in harm to the company and to the people working below our Anonymous tool."Here's a little rule of thumb: a despot doesn't do things like ask advice online. A despot is a ruler with absolute, unlimited power. I'm not getting that vibe. Again, I'm not saying that the asker is totally in the green. Just that he's not the evil tyrant some are making him out to be.
"...in the 2000s he has gained a considerable following among indie rock bands like the Hold Steady, the Killers, and the National, among many others. Because his music has lost none of its triumphant rock'n'roll kick-- no matter how many times you hear it, "Born to Run" always kills-- he has become today what Brian Wilson was 10 years ago: the indie ideal."Personally, though, I haven't gotten over Brian Wilson.
...in the 1980s and 1990s, musicologists studying this perceived divide between "high" and "low" musical genres argued that this distinction is not based on the musical value or quality of the different types of music. Rather, they argued that this distinction was based largely on the socioeconomic standing or social class of the performers or audience of the different types of music. For example, whereas the audience for Classical symphony concerts typically have above-average incomes, the audience for a hip-hop concert in an inner-city area may have below-average incomes. Even though the performers, audience, or venue where non-"art" music is performed may have a lower socioeconomic status, the music that is performed, such as blues, hip-hop, punk, funk, or ska may be very complex and sophisticated.


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This occurs after you have been aggressively having sex with your partner. Once finished with your shaft still hot, from the friction of your cock and nuts pounding puss as hard as it could, your wife or fuck buddy goes down to your manhood and lightly blows on it.
po Wet Wednesday Јануар 14, 2009


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News Archives - July 2009
September 09, 2014
PC Bears' student-athletes get training in interaction with campus instructors, administrators & staff Phoenix, Arizona – September 9, 2014 – In Phoenix... read more
September 08, 2014
UPDATE - 09/09/14: The campus is now open and classes are back in session. - - - 09/08/14: Due to extreme weather and traffic conditions the Phoenix College campus... read more
August 29, 2014
"Out with the old and in with the new" is the motto for Café Oso this semester. Gone is the revolving menu and three-course meal. In its place is a new menu, packed with... read more
August 28, 2014
'13 Region I Finalists begin season-opening three-match homestand at "The Bears' Den" tomorrow Phoenix, Arizona – August 28, 2014 -- Phoenix College is proud to... read more
August 28, 2014
College enters into two-year deal with NJCAA to host prestigious event beginning November 20th Phoenix, Arizona – August 28, 2014 -- Phoenix College is proud to... read more
August 22, 2014
New-look squad hosts Pima in season opener for 3rd straight year Phoenix, Arizona – August 22, 2014 -- Phoenix College is proud to announce that the PC Football... read more


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Holiday Apartment Al Ponte Gobbo 1 is located in Trezzano Sul Naviglio, in the immediate Milanese hinterland, the ideal place for a holiday in Milan as a city of art.
The house, built in 2007, is tastefully furnished and equipped to offer guests privacy and comfort.
Al Ponte Gobbo 1 Apartment is composed of a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, a balcony, a large planted terrace equipped with table and chairs, bathroom with shower, laundry room with washing machine.
The two rooms with 2 single beds convertible on demand into double beds, overlooking a beautiful garden.
Al Ponte Gobbo 1 is priovided with TV, hairdryer, cleaning equipment and vacuum cleaners.
|Demandez à un devis
Services Inclues: Accès Invalides, Ascenseur, Terrasse Equipée, Jardin
Services Optionnelles: Garage ( 10,00 par jour)
Check In: 09:00 - 00:00
Check Out: 00:00 - 10:00


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Business in brief
The Greater Richmond Chamber has announced the finalists for the 25th annual Impact Awards. This year for the first time, two companies will win an Impact Award, one each in the small and large business categories. Finalists are: large business - Care Advantage, Inc., Dominion Digital and Health Diagnostic Laboratory, Inc.; and small business – Holiday Barn Pet Resorts, Midas of Richmond and Richmond Flying Squirrels. The Impact Award recognizes local businesses that have made an impact on the Richmond area economy and community, as well as its employees and industry. Winners will be announced at a celebration dinner on Nov. 7 at the Richmond Marriott. The event is open to the public. Learn more and register at http://www.grcc.com .
Wawa, Inc. recently celebrated the 10th anniversary of its Richmond store located at 8851 Staples Mill Rd. During a celebration Sept. 12, Wawa recognized the VCU Massey Cancer Center with a donation of $19,524.26
Advance Auto Parts, Inc. has opened its 14th store in the Richmond area at 1532 N. Parham Rd. near Regency Square Mall. Nicholas Fetty, a 12-year veteran of the automotive and retail sales industries, will be the new general manager. He has been with Advance Auto Parts for nine years and he will work with 10 other team members. The store is open from 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For more information, call 747-1232.
Agents with Cushman & Wakefield Thalhimer recently handled the following lease negotiations: Escape Nail & Day Spa – leased 3,129 square feet in The Corner at Short Pump, W. Broad Street and Lauderdale Drive; Strategy Café – renewed its lease of 3,000 square feet at 2421 Westwood Ave.; Boston National Title Agency, LLC – leased 2,802 square feet at 7200 Glen Forest Dr.; Millennium Investment Solutions, LLC – leased 1,959 square feet in the Banks Brothers Building at 4461 Cox Rd.; Fox's Pizza Den – leased 1,215 square feet in Brook Run Shopping Center at 5646 Brook Rd.; and Anytime Fitness – expanded in their current space and now leases 5,920 square feet in Virginia Center Station at 1070 Virginia Center Pkwy.
LeClairRyan has announced that 85 attorneys in 57 practice areas were selected by their peers for inclusion in the 2013 edition of "The Best Lawyers in America." Selected attorneys from Glen Allen include: James Patrick Guy, II – administrative/regulatory law, communications law and energy law; Michael L. Hern – energy law; and John A. Pirko – administrative/regulatory law and energy law.
IZON Global Media, a media agency specializing in outdoor advertising, has announced a new franchise at 6802 Paragon Pl. in western Henrico under the ownership of local resident Rhonda Pellicano. IZON acts as a consultant to their clients, in order to determine the best media campaign to fit each client's goals and budgets. Out-of-home advertising includes billboards, bus shelters, transit, taxis, cinema, mall kiosks, mobile billboards, airport displays, sports stadiums and more. For more information about IZON Global Media in Richmond, call Pellicano at 476-0352.
Roy E. Lee has been named manager at Southern States Cooperative, Inc., - West Broad Street Service, located at 8718 West Broad St. Lee is a graduate of Freeman High School and started his career at Builders Square, a local hardware store. He has been with Southern States since 1994, most recently as the assistant manager at West Broad. For more information, call 747-9315.
Gayton Baptist Church dedicates new outreach center
The John Rolfe YMCA and Gayton Baptist Church have partnered in an effort to bring greater health and wellness opportunities to the community.
Through this partnership, the John Rolfe Y will run Youth Winter Sports programs, including basketball and indoor soccer, in Gayton's newly renovated $5.5 million outreach center that features a new gymnasium, youth and teen space, social space with café, meeting space and full service commercial kitchen. > Read more.
Henricus Historical Park to host Publick Day Sept. 20
Citizen Staff Reports 09/15/2014
Henricus Historical Park will commemorate its anniversary during Publick Day, a signature annual event that celebrates the establishment of the second successful English settlement in the New World. In September 1611, Sir Thomas Dale, along with soldiers, tradesmen and farmers, ventured from Jamestown to create the Citie of Henricus. Leaders of Henricus developed the first English hospital, chartered the first college in North America, established tobacco as the first cash crop in Virginia, and created a place where Pocahontas lived and met John Rolfe.
Publick Day will take place Saturday, Sept. 20, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is free and parking is $5 per vehicle. > Read more.
Commonwealth Parenting, CMoR-Short Pump to present 6-part parenting forum series
As part of its 30th anniversary year and partnership with the Children's Museum of Richmond, Commonwealth Parenting will present a six-part RVA Parents Forum Series to address some of the toughest issues confronting parents.
Parenting experts and family educators will tackle topics ranging from bullying to alcohol, sex to divorce, and technology and stress. Parents will learn how to identify potential problems.
"We're excited about bringing this much-needed forum series to parents in central Virginia. Through our valuable partnership with Commonwealth Parenting, we can have a deeper impact in the community through parent and caregiver education," said Karen Coltrane, president and CEO of the Children's Museum of Richmond. > Read more.
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Weekend Top 10
For our Top 10 calendar events this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
Check out these three B's in Henrico this weekend: books, bluegrass and "Born Yesterday." Other activities to participate in – and feel good about – are the 15th annual James River Regional Cleanup and the 5th annual Richmond Out of the Darkness Community Walk. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
When the cliche stands tall
Inspirational football movie tries too hard for its own good
When the Game Stands Tall is based on a true story – an unbelievable true story that takes the word "inspiring" about as far as it can go.
It's a film about Bob Ladouceur, coach of the De La Salle High Spartans, a California high school football team with 12 consecutive undefeated seasons (a staggering 151 games won in a row).
Along the way, Ladouceur (played by Jim Caviezel) faced the kind of hardship most football coaches (thankfully) can only imagine – suffering a near-fatal heart attack, the death of a star player, and rebuilding the team after that 151-game streak came to a humiliating end. > Read more.
Fairfield MS student market now offering fall hours
Henrico's Saint Mary's School to celebrate Constitution Day
Tourist spending in Henrico climbs to $783.6 million
Henrico fire station holds 9-11 remembrance
Fall fatherhood festival planned at Dorey Park
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Sep. 18, 2014Click here to read the print edition.
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Obituary – Edna L. Baisley
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Gayton Baptist Church dedicates new outreach center
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Peeling off the labels
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text:
MONDAY, June 27 (HealthDay News) -- Certain women at risk for
developing melanoma, the most severe form of skin cancer, may cut
the likelihood in half by taking vitamin D/calcium supplements, a
new study suggests.
"It looks like there is some promising evidence for vitamin D and calcium for prevention of melanoma in a high-risk group," said lead researcher Dr. Jean Tang, an assistant professor of dermatology at Stanford University School of Medicine.
The women most at risk of developing the life-threatening cancer
are those who have had a previous non-melanoma form of skin cancer,
such as basal cell or squamous cell cancer, the researchers
Vitamin D and calcium are well-known for their roles in bone
growth, but they also affect other cells in the body. Some studies
have shown that vitamin D and calcium are associated with lower
risk of colon, breast, prostate and other cancers, the researchers
Tang speculated that cancer cells lurking in the skin of women
who have had a previous skin cancer may be waiting to develop into
melanoma. "But if they take calcium and vitamin D that reduces the
risk of developing an actual tumor," she said.
As little as 400 international units (IU) of vitamin D daily may
be protective, Tang said. The U.S. Institute of Medicine now
recommends 600 IU of vitamin D daily, she added.
Calcium has also been shown to reduce tumor growth in patients
with colon cancer, Tang said. "So maybe calcium has a role, too,"
she said. "I can't say whether it was the calcium or the vitamin D
that was important."
But the combination seemed to convey a benefit, she added.
Whether these results would be seen in men or young women isn't
known, Tang noted. But an earlier study led by Tang found a benefit
from vitamin D in reducing the risk of melanoma among older
"More studies need to be done, because we want to make sure these results are true in other communities," Tang said.
The report was published in the June 27 online edition of the
Journal of Clinical Oncology.
For the study, Tang's team collected data on 36,282
postmenopausal women, 50 to 79 years old, who took part in the
Women's Health Initiative study. As part of a test to see if
calcium plus vitamin D had any effect on hip fractures or colon
cancer, the women were randomly assigned to take supplements or
The supplements were 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 400 IU of
vitamin D daily.
Over about seven years of follow-up, the women taking the
supplements who had had previous non-melanoma skin cancer reduced
their risk of developing melanoma by 57 percent, compared with
similar women not taking the supplements.
The melanoma risk reduction was not seen among women who had not
had an earlier non-melanoma skin cancer, the study authors
Overall, only 176 cases of melanoma developed, said the
In the United States, more than 68,000 cases of melanoma are
diagnosed in adults each year, according to the U.S. National
Cancer Institute.
Hoping to uncover why vitamin D and/or calcium may be
beneficial, Tang said the team next intends to test the compounds
directly on cancer cells.
Commenting on the study, Dr. Michael Holick, professor of
medicine, physiology and biophysics at Boston University School of
Medicine, said a lot of sun exposure early in life increases the
risk for non-melanoma skin cancer, but may actually lower the risk
of developing melanoma. Sunlight is a source of vitamin D.
"Melanoma is a different story. Being exposed to sunlight, making some vitamin D may very well be protective of melanoma," Holick said. "The thinking is, improving your vitamin D status, whether by supplements or by exposure to sunlight, you are providing your skin cells with a mechanism to prevent them from becoming malignant," he said.
What role calcium may play is unknown, Holick said. "We don't
know whether vitamin D can have its effect in the absence of
calcium or vice versa; there's rationale for both," he said.
Holick said he thinks the finding would be the same for men and
other groups.
People can get their vitamin D from diet, sun exposure and
supplements. Fatty fish and fortified dairy products are two
dietary sources of vitamin D.
Holick said he recommends that children take 1,000 IU of vitamin
D a day and adults, 2,000 IU.
More information
For more information on skin cancer, visit the
U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
Copyright © EBSCO Publishing. All rights reserved.


text:
Deputies arrested a local high school teacher who resigned in May following accusations of inappropriate behavior with students.
Frank Dolan was arrested Friday afternoon for with charges for 3 counts of contributing to the delinquency of a Minor and 2 counts of Give Malt Beverage to someone under the age of 21.
Dolan has been a teacher at New Bern High School for the last four years. Two of the minors in question are listed as a 16-year-olds in the arrest warrant.
He bonded out of jail on a $6,000 secured bond.
His first court appearance is schedule for Friday.
3221 South Evans StreetGreenville N.C. 27834
Telephone: 252.355.8500
Fax: 252.355.8568
Email: email@example.com


text:
Missouri Legislation
Missouri's S.B. 149 Helps Primates
Born Free USA position: SUPPORT
Update: This bill died in 2013.
Bill description: This bill amends the Large Carnivore Act and creates the Non-Human Primate Act. The changes to the Large Carnivore Act will streamline the process for registering large carnivores, helping the state Department of Agriculture to better enforce permitting laws. The Non-Human Primate Act will ban the possession of baboons and great apes.
Background: Born Free USA has been instrumental in introducing and advancing this incremental initiative. In Missouri, keeping non-human primates is currently legal and does not even require a permit. This bill will prevent individuals from owning some of the most dangerous primates and serves to chip away at Missouri's lack of legal protection for wild animals.
What you can do: Call or e-mail your legislators and urge them to support S.B. 149. Join our Action Alert team to receive regular updates about this bill.
Read the bill's full text here. (PDF)
Find Your Elected Officials
State Legislation Index Federal Legislation Index


text:
Share your comments
I am J
Cris Beam
Teen Fiction BEAM
Cris Beam
Teen Fiction BEAM
Summary: J, who feels like a boy mistakenly born as a girl, runs away from his best friend who has rejected him and the parents he thinks do not understand him when he finally decides that it is time to be who he really is.
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Boy mistakenly born as a girl; eventually stopped praying to wake up as a boy; tries to keep his secret from his family; decides to finally imbrace his true nature.


text:
(1) When used to describe text, the arrangement of text or graphics relative to a margin. Flush left alignment means that text is lined up along the left margin. Flush right alignment lines up text along the right margin. Centered alignment means that text is aligned around a midpoint. Justified alignmentmeans that text lines up along both margins.
(2) In reference to graphical objects, alignment describes their relative positions. Most draw programs support an align command that allows you to align two or more objects so that their tops, bottoms, sides, or middles are aligned.
The future remains, well, cloudy. But either way: Amazon, look out. Microsoft is gaining fast. Read More »Hype Versus Action in the Developer's World
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text:
Format MapsShow Featured Items
De Eylanden en Vastelanden van Westindien /
Relief shown pictorially. Shows the coasts of North America and South America from Virginia through the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico to Guiana in South America highlighting Cuba, the island of Hispaniola and ...
- Contributor: Vinckeboons, Joan
- Original Format: Maps
- Date: 1639
[Map of Atlantic Coast of North America from the Chesapeake Bay to Florida].
Shows coastal features, Native American nations and settlements, and other geographical entities. Pen-and-ink and watercolor. Attributed to Joan Vinckeboons by comparison with his other Dutch maps in Henry Harrisse collection. Described in ...
- Contributor: Vinckeboons, Joan
- Original Format: Maps
- Date: 1639


text:
By Bertram de Souza (Contact)
Retired Youngstown Police Chief Jimmy Hughes' decision to drop out of the race for mayor and support DeMaine Kitchen prompts this question: Has Hughes been promised a job in a Kitchen administration?
The chief of staff to Mayor Charles Sammarone would do well to reconsider any commitment made to Hughes. Why? The residents of the city will not look kindly upon the retiree again slopping at the public trough. He had his fill when he was on the public payroll.
Consider: He worked in the police department for more than 34 years, which means he is now receiving a huge pension — more than 60 percent of the average of the three highest years of income? — and health care coverage. When he retired in March 2011, Hughes' salary was $87,915.
It should be noted that he continued as police chief through the summer of that year.
But it isn't only his pension that must give Kitchen pause about bringing Hughes back to city government.
Because of the indefensible way public-sector employees are able to legally game the taxpayer-supported system, Hughes walked away in the fall of 2011 with a severance check of $65,539.69. It was for unused sick leave, accumulated time, unused vacation days and longevity and hazardous duty pay.
To put that severance check in perspective, the median income for a family of four in Youngstown is $24,000.
But Hughes' mother lode doesn't end there.
Large payout
In 2003 — three years before he was appointed chief — he signed up for a state retirement program called the Deferred Retirement Option Plan (DROP). The program allows police officers to accumulate a large lump sum of money for retirement. Those who sign up have up to eight years to retire.
Hughes walked away with $500,000.
Kitchen, a former member of council, cannot be blind to the fact that taxpayers' negative view of government is driven, in large part, by the belief that public employees don't earn their keep and that when they retire have pensions and health care that are but a dream for many in the private sector.
Without a doubt, Hughes' decision to withdraw — he was running as an independent — and his endorsement of Kitchen is politically significant.
Having two popular black candidates for mayor on the November ballot would have split the black vote to the benefit of John A. McNally IV, the Democratic Party nominee.
McNally, a former county commissioner, defeated another black candidate, council President Jamael Tito Brown, in the primary election.
There are two other candidates in the November race, but their presence is not significant.
The contest will be between McNally — he spent a whopping $88,463 to garner 3,292 votes in May, while Brown spent a lot less and received 3,142 votes — and Kitchen.
McNally's 150-vote margin of victory reveals a vulnerability at the polls that may not be easy to overcome.
It was suggested in this space shortly after the May primary that the so-called Oakhill Renaissance Place scandal continues to haunt McNally. He, along with other current and former county officials and a prominent area businessman, were criminally charged by the state for their involvement in the scandal.
The charges were ultimately dropped but can be refiled. McNally insists that as commissioner he did nothing wrong in opposing the county's purchase of Renaissance Place, the former South Side Medical Center.
One of its tenants is the county's Job and Family Services agency that was relocated from the Cafaro Co.-owned Garland Plaza on the East Side.
With that dark cloud hanging over him, McNally knows that outspending his general-election opponents does not guarantee a win.
Party's role
Turnout will be the key, and given that the black-white divide in voting remains a political reality, McNally will have to depend on the Democratic Party to generate interest in the race.
As the nominee, he can expect financial support, but whether the party faithful in the city are willing to ignore the Oakhill Renaissance controversy remains to be seen.
All bets will be off if the special state prosecutors decide to file the criminal charges again.
For Kitchen, the primary election highlighted McNally's political weakness.
How he takes advantage of that will speak volumes about his campaign.
It's not intrigue, Bert. It's Mahoning Valley greasy political business as usual. No one really loses except private citizens.
To Bertram de Dummy:
Stop swallowing the BS Betras is feeding you! Hughes made a deal for a job but not in City Hall, and Betras should know since he engineered it.
McNally ought to be fuming that Betras screwed him like this, but it's more important to him who's the next prosecutor and judge than the next mayor of Youngstown.
John, Mike and Lisa all told us to vote for Betras, what a mistake for everyone.
Finally, Mr. de Dummy, just because you say Betras isn't corrupt doesn't mean it's true. I predict when the indictments come out you will be eating your words.
Who cares about what Bert has to say as long as "Mount Carmel has the receipe[sic]."
Maybe Hughes should insist he be arrested for "legally gaming the taxpayer-supported system."
The only "dark cloud hanging over" is the one over Betram's career as a journalist. His lack of objectivity as a journalist and creativity as a writer has reached an all new level. Betram truly has a warped sense of reality. It's time to snap out of it! The county's blunder in spending $20+ million on Oakhill is in the past. If anything, McNally should be applauded for being the lone commissioner to oppose what has proven to be a financial black hole for the county and those workers who now have to work in the dungeon called Oakhill.
As far as Betras - he doesn't even know a minority person in youngstown. He is no help.
The party will try to Gardner support through cash to local churches.
McKelvey / Williams never had races.
Sammarone took many jobs to stay out.
No stories then.
Bottom line is Kitchen is a slight favorite now.
The minority community sees it just needs to vote and he wins.
Bigger question is will the power to be - get kitchen out?
Was there ever a cost for Oakhill? I mean all the money and time spent on a frivolous lawsuit, the purchase cost, the cost for upgrades, back taxes, health conditions, monthly expense to the building. Bottom line is this was a pisspoor decision to take on Oakhill. What should have happened, if no agreement could have been made at the McGuffey Mall for improvements and a lower lease, then build a new one period.
Stay tuned people Bert is doing his usual great job digging into relevant issues like Jim Traficant the possible building of the new convention center and next week will have the target date for the much anticipated finishing of 711 connector!!! We should be demanding better from our Vindicator than old wore out stories and abusing his duties attacking people who actually help our Valley!!! Shut Up please!!!!!!
Hey Flick! What's your concivtion for again? Was that expunged? If there are any prison sentences in the future you could possibly do that prison consulting like Madoff utilized prior to his sentence. I hear there's a buck in that. Just a thought.
Knightcap makes a very good point: most times it makes better economic sense to put up a new building than to retrofit an old facility like Oakhill (and, of course, the McGuffey Mall was hopeless: I was in that place, years ago, and, I thought- who the Hell is managing this place- The Munster Family?- no evidence of maintenance at all, it was pitiful- then I remembered it was being maintained by the Cafaro Family- same people that ran the Eastwood Mall!?- what better evidence of the contempt shown by the Cafaro Corporation for minority neighborhoods than the difference between those two facilities.)
In my view, the argument between Oakhill or the McGuffey Mall should have been answered with a line from Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet: "A Plague on Both their Houses".
Taxpayer's money would have been better spent on a new building.
Fontana says Hughes dropped out (of the Mayors race) because he (among other reasons): "hasn't yet mastered the English Language".
That may be, but the man is obviously a financial wizard- the way (with help from the Public Employee Pension System) he engineered a cushy retirement for himself- I especially like that half Mill "nest egg" from DROP.
I don't know what DROP stands for, except maybe as part of a phrase that shows Public Employees attitude toward the Taxpayer and workers in the Private Sector: DROP DEAD!
Public Employees remind me of Fleas on a Dog- they suck and suck and suck- until eventually there's no Blood left- the Dog dies- and so do the Fleas.
The City of Detroit recently went belly-up- declaring Chapter Nine Insolvency: I wonder how much of that had to do with the greed of it's Public Employees?
It seems that no matter how cash-strapped a city is, the unionized Public Employees insist on getting more for themselves. "Fleas on a Dog..." right?
^ You don't see too many people arguing with you.
If you get your jollies at ganging up on public employee benefits, have at it. But just remember that those benefits were modeled after the private sector to begin with. With that in mind, it would seem that the public sector is the last vestige of an era when all workers had pensions and health care benefits at retirement. It may be better to start asking why those benefits no longer exist for the private sector. Very likely, that has something to do with corporate greed and the excessive executive salaries prevalent today.
Public employees enjoy the best of both worlds- they operate as a monopoly (how many YPD's to choose from?) and, yet, they also have powerful Unions. Must be nice.
Comparing private sector pensions- for average workers- to the ones enjoyed by Public Employees is like comparing dog food to Caviar.
I don't know how many private sector workers can accumulate all their sick days and then get paid for them as a lump sum. I thought sick days were for days when you were too sick to work- as compensation for lost income- but getting paid, and then collecting sick pay- on top of it- Sounds Like a Scam to Me!
Also, how about the $500.000 payment dished out to Jim Hughes under the DROP program? I'd like to know more about that (before calling it a scam). How does it work- was it entirely his money invested (similar to a 401k) or was it some kind of a "matching fund"- another one of the little perks exclusively reserved for Public Employees?
I looked up DROP and it is a scam- double-dipping pure and simple. You keep working- drawing a salary- at the same time drawing pension benefits which go into a fund accruing tax free interest. No private sector pension (for average workers) has anything like it.
For anyone who would like more information an article in the Warren-Trib,- 1-6-11 titled: "Discontinue the Drop pay Program" can supply it.
The whole point of public services - police, fire, teachers, etc. - is to provide those services for everyone. Not just those that can afford to pay for them. For the betterment of the community. As far as the police DROP program goes, I would just as soon offer that to people who are willing to put on a badge and gun and police my community then to not have quality people in those positions. Particularly today. You get what you pay for. See what happens to the public sector when there are no incentives to do those jobs. Again, instead of complaining about what the public sector earns, the private sector would be better off asking why those benefits aren't available in the private sector like they used to be.
Kurt W: While talking about perks in public service......... How bout some private perks......... Bonuses, buying of shares, vacations on the "company", which is a corporate tax write off, GIVIING of shares to kiss asses, who pays in the end for that?? WE also!!! Its called price increases. I didn't hear you bitchen in 2008!!! Who caused the near fatal crash?? Police? Sanitation workers?? I don't think so. Sounds like you applied for a public job when no one in the private sector wanted you, you didn't get it, and your pissed?? You chose your path. Detroit was full of greed, but not all was the employees you so blame for. This BS goes on in the Private sector also. they call it ceo buy outs when they get caught dirty and "step down" Oh buy the way, when public employees retire, they don't get the Millions to "step down" with the usual millions in stock options that drain private companies bankrupt. so, quit your bitterness of being overlooked and know facts instead of your opinions!
You both make a valid point. And to be honest I have nothing but the greatest respect for Public Safety Workers- Police, Fire, Paramedics, etc.- I live in Austintown and I have always voted "yes" for Levies that concern Public Safety- Police and Fire- it's too important to skimp and, you are right, you do get what you pay for.
You saw in the Zimmerman case what can happen when an untrained- or semi-trained person- assumes police service- tragedy; policing is highly skilled and potentially dangerous and should be well-rewarded- same is true of Firefighters (imagine the consequences if you had amateurs like George Z fighting fires- I hate to think...).
As far as Jim Hughes and the DROP payment- I don't know- verdict is mixed on that program- whether good or bad. The Warren-trib article I cited didn't think so- maybe the Vindy can address the issue as well.... (I used word Scam to describe program somewhat, hastily, I revise and say I have my doubts about program, but I reserve judgment...)
P.S. No ,I never did apply for a Public Service job - and am not embittered or malcontent. I worked in the Photo Industry and am retired (I do handyman work part-time- mostly I clean drains- but, my real ambition has always been to write Newspaper Editorials where, I feel, my plumbing experience is highly applicable.)
I do think first part of my comment is valid- where I talk about "lump-sum" payment for unused sick days. I know the Unions negotiated that for Public Employees and there's nothing wrong with retiring workers, such as Mr. Hughes, taking the payment- I would, too, it's a wonderful benefit- from their point of view.
From the Taypayers point of view, maybe not so good. It's like being payed double for the same work- doesn't seem logical.
So kurtw, now that you see the light, wouldn't it be better to stop driving wedges between the public and private sector? The corporate world wants us to be at each other's throats so we don't pay attention to what they are doing. After all, Jimmy Hughes' retirement package is a large one related to public sector employees. But it is a pittance compared to what many corporate managers retire with. And the corporate world keeps asking for more corporate welfare in the form of tax breaks and set asides. Corporate greed is why the private sector doesn't have the benefits they used to have. The ones that the public sector is modeled after - pensions, sick days, and health care.
Kurt please go back to your union job...or are you working while you're blabbing about nothing and talking "corporate greed" We have no money to fund Jimmy or any other government parachute
employees with these ridiculous packages and maybe hire him back! The last time I checked Government jobs were funded by us and these big bad greedy companies are privately and public owned and make freakin PROFITS while paying large amounts of taxes and fees and are held to regulations beyond comprehension!!! The point is this reporter having zero objectivity and needs to move on or write a reality series where everyday he gets up and continues these time machine investigations that bring us clips from Philomena and Chance and keeps trying to go back to the good old days and I'm sure you will be glued to your 25 inch console/stereo
I was referring to the post by "the otherside not Kurt
wraz, if the money doesn't exist it doesn't exist. If the general public does not want to fund public services, that is an option. But of course, there are consequences for that option. And that will be the dismantling of public services. I don't know about anyone else, but I would just as soon have well paid public servants I can count on when necessary than not. Taxes are a fact of life for both the private sector and the public sector (That's right. The public sector pays taxes also), as well as rules and regulations. Are you suggesting that corporations shouldn't be held accountable? If so, they have a record of exploitation beyond compare so I say no thanks to that. The fact of the matter is the private sector benefits of pensions, sick days, and health care were the model for the public sector to begin with. If the private sector doesn't have those benefits, they should. And they should be asking why if they don't. (Hint: corporate greed including the off shoring of assets, worker exploitation, wall street manipulation, and golden parachute corporate severance packages to name a few).
Look, I said in my posts I routinely support funding for safety forces- Police and Fire- in Austintown where I live. Every time I see a squad car patrolling our neighborhood- it gives me a good feeling and every time I see the Fire Department pull their gleaming red trucks out of the garage- it gives me a good feeling- because I know those people are out there protecting me and other residents. I believe they should be well compensated.
I do take issue, however, with the matter of being able to accumulate sick days and cash them out- to me that seems like being paid twice- the money you earned and the money you might have earned if you had been too sick to work (but you did work!)- would someone please explain the logic of that? To me, it seems like "double-dipping", pure and simple.
Also, the merits of the DROP program- an article in The Warren Tribune, 1-6-11, didn't think it was such a good idea for taxpayers and they recommended "dropping" it. Now who's right? I don't know; I called it a scam- but I could be wrong. The Vindy, I believe, especially since Bert brought in the program in his column, should have some kind of an article- with authoritative documentation- to enlighten us. If the Warren-trib can do it, then why not the Vindy?
Also, I've read a lot of people on this thread talk about "corporate greed" and huge retirement packages offered to corporate managers- aren't we comparing "apples and oranges" here.
Those kinds of gravy-train deals go to CEO'S and top managers in companies- not average workers. I mean, if you want to keep the comparison accurate, you would need to compare the retirement package of someone like Jim Hughes- mid-level public employee- to a comparable mid-level manager in the private sector. Right.
So, by that standard public employees are doing extremely well. Are they getting more than they deserve? I honestly don't know. I do know that if I- as a taxpayer and consumer- had a choice between over-compensating a Police or Fire Chief and a district manager for a hamburger chain that decided mayonnaise portion control, I would pick the former,
Jimmy Hughes wasn't a mid level manager. He was the Chief of Police. That's a top manager position. And again, we need to see the forest for the trees. Public sector pensions and benefits were originally designed after private sector pensions and benefits so people would be willing to accept public sector jobs instead of private sector jobs. With that in mind, the private sector should still have those pensions and benefits. Just like the public sector. Why don't they? Because of gravy train deals that go to CEO's and top managers in the private sector. Not to mention corporate welfare, off shoring of assets, wall street manipulation, and worker exploitation. When the public sector modeled their benefits after the private sector, the private sector took care of their employees and the above mentioned private sector injustices didn't exist. So again, instead of saying the public sector doesn't deserve what they earned, the private sector should be demanding that the playing field be leveled back to the way it used to be when both the private sector and the public sector enjoyed the same benefits. Not take away benefits from one sector because the other sector lost them for the above reasons.
For: "theotherside"
I would really like to agree with you- "the private sector should be emulating the public sector in terms of pay and benefits". Question is: How do you do that?
Public employees operate as a monopoly. The citizens of Youngstown- if they got fed up with their Public Employees (they're too expensive to maintain- the tax burden is too high, etc.etc. ) can't just say, well: "Here's another City Government, let's give them a shot-- they don't charge as much and they do a better job". Taxpayers can't do that- they're stuck with the government they have- because it's a monopoly. Their only recourse, in the final analysis is to leave- "vote with their feet"- and that's what happened to Detroit and may soon happen to places like y-town
In the Private Sphere, ordinary consumers- unlike tax payers- do have choices- that's what drove GM into bankruptcy- people were exercising their right of choice- choosing cars manufactured in "right to work" states which they preferred to the Detroit product.
It's the difference between a monopoly- the Public Sphere- and the Free Market. Believe me, I would love it, if private jobs had the kinds of pay and benefits you find in the Public Sphere- I would also like it, if money grew on trees, or there was a "fountain of youth" that would make old people young again.
My understanding is that the DROP program benefits are not as lucrative now as in the Jimmy "500 K" Hughes era. Also, just wondering if kurtw is claiming income earned on his tax returns in his part-time handyman work cleaning drains. My bet is no.


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Tonight on a new episode of "The Bachelor" 2014 Renee Oteri got a one on one date with Juan Pablo Galavis. On Feb. 3, Wet Paint was able to reveal how far she makes it and if she wins the show. Spoilers for this season are ahead.
She will not be the big winner of this season, but that doesn't mean that Renee is going home anytime soon either. She is hitting it off with Juan Pablo even if he didn't given her a big kiss until the end of the night. He was trying to wait on that one because she is a single mom, but it was starting to make it look like he might not like her.
Renee will be on the show until the hometown dates. That means viewers can plan to see her for a couple more weeks and she isn't going home yet. She will be in the final four and not actually one of the final girls. He even goes to her son's baseball game, but it isn't enough to make him pick her in the end.
"The Bachelor" 2014 is airing new episodes on Monday nights on ABC.


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Humorists & Comedians
Dubbed fast talker extraordinaire by the AP, comedienne FRAN CAPO doesnt mind if you call her motor mouth. In fact, shes proud of it! Fran Capo is The Guinness Book of World Records fastest talking female clocked at 603.32 words per minute. Thats 10 words a second! Her fast talking, boundless energy, down to earth approach makes her easy to relate to and a fun quick witted TV guest. She has appeared worldwide on over 150 TV shows including Good Morning America, Larry King Live, Geraldo, Entertainment Tonight, and Ripley's Believe it or Not and on over 250 radio shows including Howard Stern. On the corporate front, Capo is sought after not only as an impostor speaker, media spokesperson but also as a seminar presenter.
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LORETTA LAROCHE Relax... you may only have a few minutes left! Known as the "Erma Bombeck of stress," LaRoche uses humor to inspire audiences to slow down, enjoy life, and "find the bless in the mess." She has been an international consultant in the field of stress management for over 30 years and is the star of three acclaimed PBS television specials, The Joy of Stress, Humor Your Stress, and How Serious is This? Loretta has also written several books, including her latest, RelaxYou May Only Have a Few Minutes Left.
ART LINKLETTER For over sixty years, Art Linkletter has lifted our spirits! This Emmy Award winner has performed in such popular television and radio shows as House Party, People Are Funny, and Kids Say the Darndest Things (currently airing Friday nights on CBS-TV with Bill Cosby) based on his best-selling book of the same title. A true master of the podium, this recipient of ten honorary doctorate degrees has inspired thousands of audiences during his prolific speaking career.
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CAROL ANN SMALL As founder of Laughter with a Lesson, Carol Ann is a motivational humorist, stress management expert and author who offers a unique perspective on the benefits of finding humor in the workplace and everyday life. Carol Ann has appeared on Good Morning America, the Comedy Connection and Panache in NYC and her latest book is HUMOR US. She has helped clients such as Dunkin Donuts, Astra-Zeneca, Harvard University, Bank of America and the U.S. District Court to boost morale, reduce stress, eliminate burnout and improve their bottom line with a positive workforce. Carol Ann Small is a motivational speaker, trainer and humor consultant who imparts wisdom with a twist of real-life comedy. Her name may be "Small" but her presence is larger than life!
THE WATER COOLERS are the freshest comedy act on the corporate circuit today conceived by one of the creators of the long-running New York hits, Tony & Tina's Wedding. Their highly entertaining program consists of "laugh-out-loud" music and comedy about having a job. The HOT New York talent featured in the acts have appeared in Rent, Les Miserables, Cats, and The Lion King. This comedy troupe makes audiences howl and meeting planners heroes!
Sometimes a laugh is the only weapon we have. Roger Rabbit
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The Living Wage Ordinance was passed by the Boston City Council and approved by the Mayor on September 4, 1998. The purpose of this Ordinance is to assure that employees of vendors who contract with the City to provide services earn an hourly wage that is sufficient for a family of four to live on or above the poverty line.
The current Living Wage is $13.89 an hour and will stay in effect until June 30, 2015. The living wage is subject to an increase each July 1.
Since the ordinance was implemented, the City has awarded two thousand eight hundred and fort four (2,844) contracts that are covered. These contracts cover twenty-one thousand, seven hundred and eighty three (21, 783) employees.
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Opening Ceremony: An Animation of Yoko Ono Fashions for Men (Video)
'Fashions for Men' is a new collection from Yoko Ono for Opening Ceremony inspired by the artist's illustrations. So to celebrate, they've released an animated video based on the artwork complete with morphing boobs, butts and everything else.
via Hearty Magazine


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PSA: Teach Your Friends and Family About "Tech Support" Scams
You've probably heard about the popular "tech support" scams making the rounds these days. Someone claiming to be from Microsoft calls you, asks you to accept a remote connection, then they take control of your computer. You may be smart enough to avoid this, but your friends and family might not be—so take this time… »


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Aluminum Kingdom: Economic Growth Spurs Demand
Nihar is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
Aluminum is not exactly science-fiction style gray goo, but for investors it is interesting. Being one of the most commonly used metals means that as our lackluster global economy improves, demand should rise. The time to take a position was a few months ago, but there is still some more time since we are in a slow and sad recovery. The miner is a better choice than the metal itself, since aluminum is more of an industrial metal. Alcoa (NYSE: AA) just reported earnings. Alcoa also smelts and recycles the aluminum, so add one point for diversity.
Productivity Gains Will Continue at Alcoa Says Management... Repeatedly
The earnings call was interesting. There was a lot of positive spin on the next year, and 7% growth is okay, but considering the downturn during the last few years I would expect growth to accelerate. 7% is not bad, but when that goes to 10% for the year Alcoa should really heat up. The number is fairly arbitrary, but judging by the regional breakdown of growth covered in the earnings call it is conservative. North America was mentioned at 4% with Europe at -1%. China picks up the slack at 11%. When the global economy improves, China and similar countries should at least remain at the same levels, while North America and Europe increase a bit.
The real story from the earnings call was all the productivity gains and cost-cutting measures that the company is putting into play. The phrase "productivity gains will continue" or something to that effect is used numerous times in the earnings call though not the whole phrase every time. It was a bookend to any statements about charges and expenses that will be incurred in the future. Management wants investors to be aware that it is for the greater good. It is worth giving them the benefit of the doubt considering the cost-cutting measures already put in place. The company wants to generate free cash flow, and it is on a good path.
The share price could do better than $9, but with a long-term outlook on a growing global economy $9 seems like a nice price to get in on. Flatness might be a concern, but writing some LEAPs could be a solution. The 2014 calls for $12 get 0.20, though waiting for $0.25 might be better. This is after going long of course.
Earnings might be on their way to an uptrend, but it is too early to tell. Half a billion in free cash is a good sign, and the company has more than enough cash available on hand to pay any expenses. There really is not much else in the metrics worth mention. Alcoa is right on the line between good and bad. This seems better as an investment on global recovery from a company that is cost conscientious.
If you really just like the metal you can invest in iPath Dow Jones-AIG Aluminum Total Return Sub-Index ETN (NYSEMKT: JJU), though this is a position in aluminum via futures contracts. This would be an investment based on aluminum demand growth. Alcoa's expectations are useful for this guidance, but there is no option to cut costs to boost returns like a company has. Also, contracts involving aluminum do not allow for the diversity of refined or smelted products. Alcoa is expanding its smelting capacity while lowering costs so overall it is the preferable investment.
Rio Tinto Takes a Whack, but Real Fallout is Elusive
One of Alcoa's competitors, Rio Tinto (NYSE: RIO), just recently announced that its CEO was stepping down now that the company expects a $14B writedown. Apparently the market just didn't care. I am sure the market will care when the earnings reports come out. When HP announced its $8B writedown the stock went up, but the subsequent months were not so kind for various reasons. It could be that Rio Tinto's issue is a one-time thing and everything else about the company is amazing. The risk is probably too great though. You would not go long until a quarter or two after the massive writedown to see the effect, and to see if more trouble comes out of the woodwork. The news was expected and nothing will happen, but it's not worth betting on.
Rio Tinto is a lot bigger than Alcoa though, with more cash and less debt. The bad news might provide an entry if the share price does decline. There is no anticipating if the market will overreact or not so just watch for the fall out. For now, I prefer Alcoa. At least the recent slight earnings beat was followed by some insider buying. Insider buying is a welcome development if you want to go long. Nice to see management believing in the company they run.
Final Thoughts
There is a lot on Alcoa's issues and its recent history, and it is important to acknowledge that Alcoa is a stock on the mend. At least the hope is that it is on the mend. It is right at the line right now so only time will tell for certain. I prefer the turnaround over the huge company that just stubbed its toe. Either the market shrugs it off and the larger company trudges along with possibly acceptable returns, though nothing too exciting, or it declines and lets you enter in later. For now, Alcoa is priced nice and low and the picture is getting brighter not darker.
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02/08/2007, Düsseldorf / Germany
Groundbreaking ideas for market success
Vernel and Silan Aromatherapy: This fabric softener with essential oils not only softens laundry but also imbues it with a fascinating fragrance.
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P3 Disperse for LCD Color-Filter-Cleaning: A series of highly concentrated, water-based specialty cleaners for the manufacture of high-performance color filters for LCD flatscreens.
"Innovation is the key to the future," asserted Prof. Dr. Ulrich Lehner, Chairman of the Management Board of Henkel KGaA. Congratulating the winners, he continued: "Companies that can empathize with their customers, anticipate their future wishes and be the first to provide an answer to them have the all-important ability to stay ahead of the competition and to enhance their corporate value.