text:
Well, my little story in Monday's paper about former Charlotte Brixx pizza waitress Ashley Johnson sure did cause a stir.
The article about Johnson, who got fired after ranting about a bad tipper on Facebook, seems to have touched a nerve with readers. Well over 300 commented online. Some said she shouldn't have vented about her employer on Facebook. Others said Brixx's action was too drastic.
They weren't the only readers interested. The story seems to have gone viral, running on sites ranging from the Boston Herald's to Australia's Sky News to London's Daily Telegraph. Fox News and Inside Edition have asked to interview Johnson, not to mention several local TV and radio stations.
But Johnson, who initially contacted the Observer about her firing, told me in an e-mail last night that she has been stunned by the publicity and is reluctant to say anything else. She seemed a little hurt by some of the negative things people have said about her.
"I don't want to address the situation anymore," she wrote. "I'm getting more bad publicity than I ever dreamed of."
It seems with Facebook becoming a part of daily life in the digital age, everyone with a job and a boss fears writing the wrong thing in an unguarded moment. Johnson's story, I think, resonated at least in part because of those reasons. As one lawyer told me, it's best to think of your Facebook posts the same way you'd think of standing on a street corner with a sign and a Sharpie. If you wouldn't write it on the sign for fear of your boss hearing about it, don't write it on Facebook.
Note: Johnson's not the only waitress who has vented about bad tips online. Facebook has an entire page devoted to just that, with wait staff dishing out horror stories (and insults) aplenty. Warning to the faint of heart (or wallet) -- some of it's pretty brutal stuff...
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Waitress fired for Facebook rant says no more publicity
89 comments:
- Anonymous said...
Like it or not, Brixx was within their rights to fire her. When you work somewhere, you become an "agent" of the organization that employed you. As such, what you write on a public forum can become a reflection of your employer. Disparaging remarks that cast the employer in a bad light are grounds for termination.
Probably a better-crafted gripe wouldn't have been taken so seriously by her employer. But she she and other young adults should take this as an example.
- May 18, 2010 at 10:21 AM
- Failed Minimalist said...
My take: "Ashley Johnson, social media manqué" http://www.minimumfailure.com/archives/2340
- May 18, 2010 at 10:23 AM
- Anonymous said...
Rule #1: Never mention or list your employer on Facebook for any reason.
Rule #2: If you follow rule #1, you don't need any other rules.
- May 18, 2010 at 10:30 AM
- cltindependent said...
I was interested in her story because I used to wait tables in college and hated tables that stayed late and left light tips. Sometimes I was forced to work after the restaurant closed waiting for these people to leave. We didn't have Facebook then, so just vented to each other. I try to be the best customer that I can be and am usually rewarded with good service as a result. If you can't afford to tip, you can't afford to eat out. Double the tax when in doubt and add $1 per adult person. If you are not satisfied, let a manager know so that they can remedy the situation.
- May 18, 2010 at 10:34 AM
- Anonymous said...
Time to end this story...so she got fired. Trust me, she will be better off at many other restaurants and she will see that within a couple of weeks. I stopped going to Brixx years ago for poor food and not the service. This shows you what poor management this place is and why people should visit the other several hundred pizza places that serve beer!
- May 18, 2010 at 10:47 AM
- Anonymous said...
What I would really like to know is whether anything good has come out of this for Ms. Johnson?
Like, has anyone offered her a new job, or has anyone in the corporate world congratulated her for taking a stand?
She's young, she has her future ahead of her. I seriously doubt any "bad publicity" towards her over this is really going to affect her for very long, and certainly not for the rest of her life.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:00 AM
- Anonymous said...
I have been a server before and YES it is so disheartening when you are worked to death as a server for a customer and you recieve less htan your 15% that is the standard rate.
I think everyone should wear that hat and see what it feels like to be on the other end of "waiting on customers".
I will NEVER leave a considerably low tip to anyone, regardless of their service.
As for Ms. Johnson's actions, I feel that was very inappropriate to post her feelings on facebook or anywhere.
I just believe that she never expected to be blown out of proportion like this.
If you do not want something "repeated", don't speak it!!! It's just that simple.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:09 AM
- Anonymous said...
Well Ashley, you're the one who contacted the newspaper, making it public...and now international. You just go from one bad decision to another. Perhaps, the couple did have a good reason for leaving a $5 tip. Perhaps, Dr. Phil will pay you to come on his show.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:18 AM
- Anonymous said...
lol, toot your own horn much Eric?
- May 18, 2010 at 11:42 AM
- Anonymous said...
Well, giving her name to be put in the paper about a controversial subject is going to attract a lot of attention. I don't know what else she could have expected.
She also needs to learn to not take criticism personally. Who cares what an online stranger thinks?
- May 18, 2010 at 11:45 AM
- Anonymous said...
I feel better about Ashley since she obviously does not want to cash in on her 15 minutes of fame.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:50 AM
- Anonymous said...
How did she say it to you, Eric? "Thanks for reading the Observer, you piece of ____ commenters"?
- May 18, 2010 at 11:58 AM
- Anonymous said...
Personally I am appauled by her firing... I don't think she should have lost her job for ranting in the heat of the moment... I'm a facebooker as well and often vent my frustrations in my statuses... sure there are some things I like to keep to myself... I don't share every detail of my life but I do vent and most people do... I had a similar situation myself recently where I found myself extremely irritated at the fact that someone took information from my facebook and jeopardized another persons job with it... I think what you put on your status is up to you and as long as you are not threatening harm towards anyone then rant away... JMO!
- May 18, 2010 at 12:00 PM
- Anonymous said...
- May 18, 2010 at 12:03 PM
- Anonymous said...
Political Correctness is destroying this country.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:06 PM
- Eric L. said...
I don't blame her for being miffed at that ridiculous 'tip'. Having worked for tips myself, I always tip at least 20%, even if the service is bad. You never know when your server is just having a bad day, and if a generous tip can make them feel a little better, it's well worth it. Some advice for you people out there, and you know who you are, that order delivery, then claim you don't have enough for a tip - if you don't have enough for a tip, YOU CAN'T AFFORD DELIVERY! Go to Wal-Mart and get some ramen noodles.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:15 PM
- Anonymous said...
This is not the first time the Charlotte Observer runs a story that it knows will hurt someone. They don't care it seems.
Why doesn't the CO run a story showing BRIXX and how they advertise that they make "wood fired" pizza but in reality makes "gas fired" pizza in all their restaurants except one.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:15 PM
- Anonymous said...
It seems like Brixx is getting most of the (well-deserved) bad publicity.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:28 PM
- DJ Outlaw said...
Many of the people who leave such negative comments are those who fear that Ms. Johnson will cash in on her misfortune in a way that they wish they could.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM
- David G said...
It's admirable that she chooses to pass on the publicity (especially when so many will do anything to get it).. but it's an interesting discussion to have in the age of Facebook, social networking, etc.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:33 PM
- Anonymous said...
If she didn't want publicity she shouldn't have tried to pitch her story to news outlets.
I think she got what she deserved. Food industry workers are constantly complaining about these same things. My suggestion is this: if you feel like you're not getting paid enough, do the same thing that people with a real job would do, go find ANOTHER JOB.
It's not the customers responsibility to know when her shift ended. They also shouldn't be expected to cut their meal short just to make her happy.
I see a selfish little girl that needs to grow up a bit.
- May 18, 2010 at 12:44 PM
- Anonymous said...
What ever happened to free speach in this country? She should only allow "friends" to read her page as it is. As for the inconsiderate tippers, I hope they receive poor service until they learn a lesson.
- May 18, 2010 at 1:47 PM
- Anonymous said...
You whining know-it-alls have no idea what you are talking about. Just proves that once again people in Charlotte have no actual damn concept of the law and how it is applied.
To all you anti-social Facebook addicts who live your lives on a computer: Anything you post on the internet can come back to haunt you. PERIOD.
All of this crap about Facebook 'privacy' settings is just a buch of bull. It means NOTHING in this case. Whoever told Brixx about the post, means NOTHING here.
The fact is that she posted something on the internet that was a violation of the company's policy. They have that right and she knew that when she started work.
This foolish society of today thinks that they can say whatever they want on the internet and it's their right to do so. Well, sorry, but you are dead wrong. Just look at all the problems with teachers and their Facebook comments.
Get off Facebook and try being a real adult and interacting with living people.
N.C. is an at-will work state and they can fire you for any reason, at any time. It may suck, but unfortunately that's the way it is folks.
And to all the bleeding heart, bitching waitresses out there complaining about your tips and 'your' tables: Remember, you are an employee of the business who hired you. You are there at their pleasure to do what they tell you to. THEY are responsible for your compensation, NOT the patrons. Not quite sure how all that BS got turned around in your minds but you are wrong, and so are they if they are telling you such. It is their restaurant, not yours.
Do not treat customers like they owe you something, because they do not. If you don't like being a waitress, get the hell out and do something else. We will tip you according to our on rules, not yours. Finally, this young girl will realize her mistake and hopefully learn from it in this case, and maybe some of the rest of you will too.
- May 18, 2010 at 1:57 PM
- Anonymous said...
>What ever happened to free speach in this country?
You're exercising it. But with it comes responsibility. If you're so offended by this, give your real name and post a negative comment about your employer - and make sure you name your employer and use a swear word like Ashley did.
C'mon, big mouth. We're waiting ...
- May 18, 2010 at 2:05 PM
- Anonymous said...
anony 1:57pm,
What's with all the cursing and rude language. Everyone posted their opinion and you can agree with it or not. You sound like you might be 1/2 of the couple that left that cheapskate tip in the first place. Waiting tables is a job a lot of people get while they are in school or as a second job. I made 2.13 an hour in 1995 as a server. The pay is still the same in 2010 so you are dead wrong when you say the employer pays her not the patrons. Try going to the kitchen and get your own food if you think it's so easy, or take a part time job as a server, I doubt you lasat a week.
- May 18, 2010 at 2:16 PM
- Kingward said...
I place people who stiff servers in the same category with rapists.
- May 18, 2010 at 2:20 PM
- Anonymous said...
Then you too are a fool like this girl. Get a real job!
- May 18, 2010 at 2:23 PM
- Anonymous said...
"I made 2.13 an hour in 1995 as a server. The pay is still the same in 2010 so you are dead wrong when you say the employer pays her not the patrons."
You are a foolish, silly idiot who believes the same trash as the rest of your wait staff. It is YOU are dead wrong - twice now, by God.
If your employer hasn't increased your pay, then that is THEIR fault, not the customers. How in the Hell do you come up with that twisted math?
If you want more money, ask them. We will not pay you salary in their place. That is how they are getting by with murder any way and all the while brainwashing the wait staff into thinking it is the patron who should have to pay all your wages. That is false, and comepletely ILLEGAL to enforce, by the way.
Let your restaurant owner come out onto the floor and say that to a customer, and they will lose every bit of business they have.
- May 18, 2010 at 2:28 PM
- Anonymous said...
I agree about the waiter and waitress problems that they feel entitled to a certain tip.
You are there to do a job. If you don't like it, leave. If you bad mouth the business online, you will be TERMINATED.
How's that, Missy!
- May 18, 2010 at 2:32 PM
- Anonymous said...
Recently I saw a couple pickup 6 dinners, an approx. $198 tab, and told the server to keep the change, a $2 tip. The server worked hard and completed their order on time and delivered a quality service. The customer should be ashamed.
- May 18, 2010 at 2:37 PM
- Anonymous said...
Most of you blaming Ms. Johnson are way off point. She will get another job, in another restaurant. Good waitresses and waiters are desperately needed everywhere. The real story here are the cheap (bleeps) that take up 3 hours of, say, an 8-hour shift, at the end of that shift, and result in Ms. Johnson working past her shift. THEN, those customers have the nerve to leave a $5 TIP!! People tip salons and barbers more than $5 for a haircut, even if the service is an hour!! What, by any stretch of the imagination, did that table of customers do for 3 hours? I would guess that they ate for an hour or so. Then, drank coffee for 1 1/2 hrs or so.
So, two things: (1) the bill was probably at least $50. So, a $10 tip would be in order. And, (2) in that 3 hour span Ms. Johnson would have been able to wait on 2 sets of customers at that same table. So, she loses all around. Imagine if everyone did what those customers did. Imagine if 10 tables fill up, order food, eat, then continue to drink coffee refills for 4 or 5 hours. How much money would that dining facility make? How about the servers?
Oh, let me say what no one else has suggested. The floor manager that night would have asked Ms. Johnson why her tips were down. And, might even presume that Ms. Johnson was not performing her waitressing duties properly. When, in fact, it is the cheapskates at the table who, I will remind you again, left her a subpar tip and did not allow new customers to dine at that table.
So, I echo most people's thoughts - if you can't afford to eat out, including a tip, STAY the @#$!% HOME!!
- May 18, 2010 at 2:39 PM
- Anonymous said...
Was Brixx within their rights? Seems so. Did they do anything illegal? Doubtful.
Was it a good idea, THAT"S the question.
Don't blame the observer, their story isn't the issue. Doubt blame the waitress, venting is a part of that culture. That's not the story either. Don't blame Facebook, they aren't the story.
The story is that the girl got fired for her actions. The story and additional bad publicity that has resulted has been a direct consequence of those actions.
May Brixx continue to reap what they have sown.
- May 18, 2010 at 2:52 PM
- Josh said...
Haha, the neverending tip war! It's ok, it's the people like 1:57 and 2:28 that will have a full dose of Karma heading their way later in life.
Back to the actual story. Having worked in the industry for many years, while holding another part time job and putting myself through school, I can understand how frustrating it is when snobs/cheap MF's come in and completely ruin your night. But you have to be smarter and more importantly, better than these types of people. There is no need to put anything like that on Facebook, only asking for trouble. What she should have done is vented to her co-workers then waited patiently for these dirt balls to come back in. Once they came back in, make them wait a good 15-20 to even be greated. Then maybe mess a drink or two up, maybe spill it on them. If they order a pizza, make sure it's burnt. Then maybe add a little extra "special sauce" to the entree just to kick the flavor up a notch. And at the end of the meal smile and accept whatever they feel is proper compensation because inside you truly feel rewarded!
Lesson (s) learned, don't post crap on Facebook that nobody besides your should see and more importantly, never, ever f**k with the people that handle your food! Happy dining cheap skates!
- May 18, 2010 at 3:01 PM
- Anonymous said...
We can afford to eat out you #*(&%#*#*($&*($&@#)!! We will just not be responsible for paying your salary. That is what your employer is supposed to do. Tipping is based on good service, but it is against the law to mandate or set a rule of a tip amount.
So, if you don't like what the employer is paying you, get the *()#&%*()&#*(&#*($& out!!!!
- May 18, 2010 at 3:08 PM
- Anonymous said...
To the waiter who is threatening to contaminate the food of patrons: you are walking an extremely fine line and may not realize how close you are to issuing a direct threat. Be advised that this type of comment in today's society can easily be deemed as a terrorist-related threat or action.
Watch what you say, you never know who is reading your posts, anywhere.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:12 PM
- Anonymous said...
Figures that some Facebook lowlife would threaten to do something to the food of customers. You ask why people don't want to tip you? I think you should read your comments and maybe you'll have your answer.
Perhaps if your teenage brain would get the ____ off facebook and live in the real world, you would know how to act. I hope they doe lock down your IP address for that threat. Trash like you should be prosecuted for such.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:15 PM
- Anonymous said...
In the end this could have all been avoided had complaints not been pasted on Facebook and Brixx management's over reaction in firing the waitress. Two wrongs don't make a right, but it's a great way to bring world attention to an overreaction by management. Way to go Brixx Pizza
- May 18, 2010 at 3:23 PM
- Anonymous said...
Ironic how tipping works. I bussed tables in college. I was supposed to get 10% of each waitress' tips. If they made $20, I got $2. If they made $50, I got $2. If they made $100, I got $2. I have no sympathy for whiney waitresses that think they are entitled to get a tip.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:33 PM
- searchengineman said...
I've left a comment on the Brixx website via Google Sidewiki. I would recommend others do the same. I felt strongly enough that Brixx over reacted, What I would really like to know is who were the cheap skates who tipped $5.00 to begin with!
- May 18, 2010 at 3:33 PM
- Anonymous said...
I was a waitress for 7 years through high school and college and let me tell you something: You do NOT want to mess with the person serving your food. Unless you plan on never coming back in to that restaurant, you'd better tip. You don't want me to share the horror stories. Just trust.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:36 PM
- Anonymous said...
If you have ever worked as a server in the food service industry, you'd understand her frustration. And if you ever worked as a server in the food service industry, you should watch the movie "Waiting", which I tell ya must have been written about all the folks I worked with from 1985 – 1988. Bad tippers were the norm 25 years ago, and it seems things haven't changed much. Where do customers learn to tip at all or that the standard is 15 percent? I think customers are careless and thoughtless. How about an expose on that issue?
Maybe employers should pay a server a living wage and servers wouldn't have to rely on tips.
I feel for the gal that lost her job. FB wasn't around when I was a server and was only able to vent my frustrations to my coworkers and friends.
It's bad form to comment about nearly any aspect of one's employment and it can always come back to haunt a person. Let's hope this gal finds another position soon.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:44 PM
- Josh said...
Haha!! Are you really serious? Teenage brain? LMAO! I haven't been on FB in months! First off, I never threatened anyone in any way, was just trying to help someone with such a tiny mind realize what could possibly happen. Try stiffing someone and see what happens the next time you walk into that place and have that server. At least now you will know why the entire staff is smirking when you look over at them. YES, they ARE laughing at YOU! And they can go ahead and lock my IP address down because like I said, I WORKED in the industry for years. I guess your tiny little mind can't understand that either. So go ahead, call the cops, CIA, FBI or Obama for all I care! Now I'm kinda HOPING that someone does what I described. The best part is, you would NEVER know about it! Enjoy your meal, A**CLOWNS!
- May 18, 2010 at 3:46 PM
- timmratt said...
Sorry but I think it was wrong for Brixx to fire Ms. Johnson, that being said in this digital age ya gotta be careful what you post: texts, pictures, comments (obscene, derogatory, etc) they may come back to bite you in the ***, just ask Tiger Woods how that works out....Good Luck Ashley, I hope all works out well for you.....
- May 18, 2010 at 3:48 PM
- timmratt said...
I feel sorry for the poor girl, I'm sure she didn't intend for all this publicity to ensue but if you post something on a site like facebook it can (obviously) come back to bite you on the ***, even texts, pictures, etc. so you'd better be careful especially in the heat of the moment - ask Tiger Woods if this isn't true......
- May 18, 2010 at 3:49 PM
- Anonymous said...
Terrible service should mean a terrible tip. I could really care less if you get paid under minimum wage and rely on tips for your income. Especially as an adult, you knew that going into the job, so you know what should be required to get a good tip. I'm sure plenty of waiters/server spit in food, put stuff in food, eat off plates and that's all fine and good. I'm sure they'll get caught one day. Besides, if an adult is willing to stoop to that level because they feel like they aren't being fairly compensated for carrying food, then there's a reason that's the only job they could get.
- May 18, 2010 at 3:54 PM
- Anonymous said...
Wow. I can see why some of these folks are nothing but waiters and waitresses. How pathetic.
To the obvious republican who issued a threat about spitting in food and even mentioned the President: you really are this stupid, aren't you? Enjoy waiting tables and being a terrorist the rest of your dreadful life, you pitiful manchild. That is, if you are not incarcerated first.
- May 18, 2010 at 4:03 PM
- Anonymous said...
Anon 1:57PM,
I don't disagree with everything you said, but you are definitely one ignorant Son-and-Daughter of a female dog.
- May 18, 2010 at 4:09 PM
- Anonymous said...
at 4:09:
Ya momma
- May 18, 2010 at 4:14 PM
- Anonymous said...
We see the angry waitresses are out in bloom, name calling and threatening to spit in food.
You really are showing your talent, and your true worth!
Good luck with that crap Missy!
- May 18, 2010 at 4:16 PM
- Anonymous said...
So, you honored her wishes by...posting another article.
- May 18, 2010 at 4:18 PM
- Anonymous said...
To all the waiters/waitresses: The customer coming in and paying for the meal is why the business and you are there! Why is this soooooo hard for all of you to grasp?
Don't be angry with customers, be angry with your employer. A small tip for good service is surely the right thing to do, but to expect a certain amount and then threaten violence and spitting in food because of the customer is warped and CRIMINAL.
You should take a look at the situation, and understand why it is you are there in the first place. Then know that it is the responsibility of the restaurant to pay your full salary for the time you are there on the clock, just like any other job. THEY are getting out scott free and making all of you blame the customer!
Sad and very warped. Surely you all are smarter than this????
- May 18, 2010 at 4:21 PM
- Criminal said...
Ha, never mentioned violence or spitting in food! But just remember there are criminals working whenever you go out to eat!!! LOL.
- May 18, 2010 at 4:39 PM
- Anonymous said...
I do not think she should have been fired at all. BRIXX will not get my business if they can't stand up for their employees! SHE worked hard for that chump change those cheap skates left! And they (the customers) probably had no clue who she was talking about anyway! BRIXX is WRONG!
1st Amendment is Freedom Of Speech is it not? Don't care where you work!
- May 18, 2010 at 4:50 PM
- Anonymous said...
A facebook status is only like standing on a corner with a sign IF you don't understand the privacy controls. Everything you post can be individually hidden from specific people or friend lists. It's not that hard to hide a status from people you don't want to see it.
- May 18, 2010 at 4:58 PM
- Anonymous said...
4:21 has obviously never had to wait tables. How thick do you have to be not to realize that restaurants... EVERY restaurant - pays something like two bucks an hour plus change. They can do this because in the US, the culture exists that the patrons pay for service through tips.
Get it through your head once and for all - your bill pays for the food, the chefs, the interior design, the music, and everything else EXCEPT the servers and bussers. Their paycheck comes from YOUR tips. Sorry you don't like it, but quit blaming the server for a culture that has existed for decades. They're just trying to pay their bills. You're just being a cheapskate.
- May 18, 2010 at 5:05 PM
- Anonymous said...
I will never go to Brixx. While I don't condone her using her employer by name I do condone her complaining about it. When it was her time to leave, she should (1) have the option to stay or go, (2) have the freedom of speech to talk about it and (3) not get fired for it. Brixx has gone a little too far by firing. Dont these companies know how to slap someone on the wrist for a 1st time offender and then move onto firings for more?
Brixx is a joke, I suggest other people ban them as well.
- May 18, 2010 at 5:11 PM
- Anonymous said...
Here's the real answer to this problem...put your FaceBook page on PRIVATE people. I can't believe the world is so ignorant that they have NO clue that employers monitor their pages. Second solution, don't invite co-workers or employers to be "friends" on your page cause people by nature are backstabbing freaks. Anyone who has people on their FaceBook page that they can't call directly from the contact list in their phone and talk to on a personal basis is a friend whore and deserves any trouble they get for inviting random people.
The simple fact is if you want to rant about ANYTHING about work, you don't have it anywhere that the boss might potentially get wind of it. Duh. Of course any employer that feels like they need to stalk their employees via FaceBook doesn't have managers with very good people skills either.
- May 18, 2010 at 5:59 PM
- Anonymous said...
Hooray for Brixx management. in a world of lessening quality, service and rising prices, it is refreshing to see the business take a stand for the customer. Who hasn't had to provide a service for a less than stellar customer? The fact is, it is all about choices, Americans work where they want, one might think that not to be true, but no one HAS to go to work tomorrow...
- May 18, 2010 at 7:13 PM
- Anonymous said...
The comments here have convinced me that this up and coming generation can't even perform simple jobs like waiting on tables. Our company has am unspoken policy of not hiring anyone under the age of 35 due to the realization that people under 35 can't perform even simple tasks given to them. I thought the policy was a bit unfair until I read the comments here.
- May 18, 2010 at 7:29 PM
- Anonymous said...
I am a frequent patron of Brixx on seventh street and what they did by firing Ashley was wrong. There are many places with better pizzas and that is where I will be spending my money in the future. So for those who agee let's take our business elsewhere!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
- May 18, 2010 at 7:49 PM
- Kathleen said...
That Restraunt you were working at(and fired from)is NO Big LOSS!!! Wishing You the Best in Your Next "BETTER" Job of Employment... ASHLEY!!! Some People/Customers are Cheap, Disrespectful & Demanding as well.
Employers that Oblige them are Not worth working for!
They say Americans - have Freedom of Speech... hmmm Really ??? I do see that here in America anymore.
Ashley your Comment on My Space was Not a Refection on the Company you were working for. It was strickly about how you were Feeling - on the tip you received for the job you were performing.
On the other hand...
The Employer Firing you from that Job... Is a Reflection of that Company and what they are about.
I've worked retail as a 2nd Job for many Years and I do NOT Believe in - "Customers are Always Right"
"No One" Here on Earth, Is Always Right!
A Business Owner in Arizona
- May 18, 2010 at 7:52 PM
- Kathleen said...
Whoops: Do NOT. !!!
They say Americans - have Freedom of Speech... hmmm Really ??? I DO NOT see that here in America anymore without someone paying for it Emotionally some how.
- May 18, 2010 at 8:11 PM
- Anonymous said...
Oh give me a break people. A five dollar tip on a thirty-two dollar bill is not a bad tip. Ashley should have been happy that she even had a job. A job where, according to her own words, she was making good money.
- May 18, 2010 at 8:17 PM
- Anonymous said...
Hey Kathleen, what business is it that you own? Let us know so that we can all avoid it. Who wants to spend money at a business owned by someone whose business philosophy is to that the customer is always wrong? No wonder you need to work a second job.
- May 18, 2010 at 8:19 PM
- Anonymous said...
I think the bigger question lies in free speech. Employers cannot tell people what to say in their private postings -- and no better than loyalty oaths or any other medieval requirements for employment - it is time for someone to challenge the RIGHT of employees to even require this "agreement" for employees.
Brixx will lose a lot more customers because of their firing, not her comments. We've boycotted it up here in Chapel Hill.
Scarier than any Orwell novel. You can't complain anymore unless you are the employer? What about public union speeches? can't fire them for that?
- May 18, 2010 at 8:21 PM
- Anonymous said...
It seems like she made two bad choices. The first was her rant on Facebook and the second was HER CONTACTING the Observer.
- May 18, 2010 at 8:38 PM
- Anonymous said...
Age-old problem... some people tip poorly (or not at all).
Age-old problem... people who work for tips find it frustrating when people fail to tip "appropriately."
Those two sides will always disagree, for all of the reasons shown here. That will NEVER change.
My question is simply this. What would happen if someone posted on FaceBook that they always tipped 5%and were then denied service by a restaurant because of that post? How many law firms would line up for that case, despite the fact that restaurants can, by law, deny service to anyone they choose for any reason or no reason at all?
It would be very enlightening to see all of the negative posts on Brixx on every page on FaceBook. I imagine their customers have produced significantly more negative publicity than all of their servers combined.
For the "anti-tippers", why do you think Brixx has an 18% auto-gratutity policy? I am sure even you can figure that out.
- May 18, 2010 at 9:50 PM
- JMB said...
You can guess those on here that leave lousy tips. They're named Anonymous(and I don't mean ALL the anonymous ones, you know who I mean). You think you're ENTITLED to good service even though you leave a crappy tip every time. You aren't entitled to JACK. Stay the %$## home. I would NEVER leave a crap tip, unless the service was truly lousy, but even then I would contact the manager. And no, I'm not a waitress or work in food service. I'm just a consumer who knows that 20% is an average tip, that if service is excellent, you can plan on more from me. The rest of you cheap bastards can learn to cook. And I don't eat at Brixx, their food stinks.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:10 PM
- S said...
I think the lesson here is to have stricter privacy settings for your boss if you're friends with them on Facebook.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:30 PM
- CP said...
I said it in the other section - it's also new on MSNBC international as I saw it in China.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:46 PM
- Anonymous said...
You're a wussy if you eat at the sorry excuse for a restaurant Brixx.
- May 18, 2010 at 11:58 PM
- Anonymous said...
If Brixx has an automatic gratuity of 18% added to the check then the stupid waitress received a 33% tip. So what's she crying about?
- May 19, 2010 at 1:42 AM
- Peter Four said...
Well, if you ask me, you got what you wanted. Brings to mind the old adage: Be careful what you wish for, you might just get it. Well, you got it. Now deal with it.
- May 19, 2010 at 6:13 AM
- Anonymous said...
You whining know-it-alls have no idea what you are talking about. Just proves that once again people in Charlotte have no actual damn concept of the law and how it is applied.
To all you anti-social Facebook addicts who live your lives on a computer: Anything you post on the internet can come back to haunt you. PERIOD.
All of this crap about Facebook 'privacy' settings is just a buch of bull. It means NOTHING in this case. Whoever told Brixx about the post, means NOTHING here.
The fact is that she posted something on the internet that was a violation of the company's policy. They have that right and she knew that when she started work.
This foolish society of today thinks that they can say whatever they want on the internet and it's their right to do so. Well, sorry, but you are dead wrong. Just look at all the problems with teachers and their Facebook comments.
Get off Facebook and try being a real adult and interacting with living people.
N.C. is an at-will work state and they can fire you for any reason, at any time. It may suck, but unfortunately that's the way it is folks.
And to all the bleeding heart, bitching waitresses out there complaining about your tips and 'your' tables: Remember, you are an employee of the business who hired you. You are there at their pleasure to do what they tell you to. THEY are responsible for your compensation, NOT the patrons. Not quite sure how all that BS got turned around in your minds but you are wrong, and so are they if they are telling you such. It is their restaurant, not yours.
Do not treat customers like they owe you something, because they do not. If you don't like being a waitress, get the hell out and do something else. We will tip you according to our on rules, not yours. Finally, this young girl will realize her mistake and hopefully learn from it in this case, and maybe some of the rest of you will too.
- May 19, 2010 at 9:33 AM
- Janice Gaines said...
Read "I.T. WARS" before YOU make a mistake.
- May 19, 2010 at 11:40 AM
- Anonymous said...
"Like, has anyone offered her a new job, or has anyone in the corporate world congratulated her for taking a stand?"
Oh good grief! She didn't "take a stand"!!
She just griped about some customers!!
Give me a break!
- May 19, 2010 at 1:56 PM
- cltindependent said...
May 28 2:28 Anony,
Back on your meds. Please. I feel sorry for the servers that are burdened with you. That is if you are not too cheap to eat out.
- May 19, 2010 at 2:01 PM
- Anonymous said...
anony May 19, 9:33am
You actually thought that rant you wrote yesterday was profound enough to copy and paste for those that missed it? I bet you don't tip and all servers hate to see you coming. When Walmart gets a restaurant, they you can go back out to eat. Until then, stay your cheap self home.
- May 19, 2010 at 2:11 PM
- Anonymous said...
Very profound actually, you sorry young waitress. How about go find a real job if you don't have brains to realize your employer is responsible for your salary.
..."And to all the bleeding heart, bitching waitresses out there complaining about your tips and 'your' tables: Remember, you are an employee of the business who hired you. You are there at their pleasure to do what they tell you to. THEY are responsible for your compensation, NOT the patrons. Not quite sure how all that BS got turned around in your minds but you are wrong, and so are they if they are telling you such. It is their restaurant, not yours.
Do not treat customers like they owe you something, because they do not. If you don't like being a waitress, get the hell out and do something else. We will tip you according to our on rules, not yours. Finally, this young girl will realize her mistake and hopefully learn from it in this case, and maybe some of the rest of you will too."
Try spitting in our food and we will slap your damn face. Go back to school and learn something.
- May 20, 2010 at 10:06 AM
- Anonymous said...
Wow, the teenage wait staff is out in force if you look up a couple of posts and see this girl's rambling. Even going so far as to actually write "Like," before saying something.
Like, cool. Like gag me with a spoon, like really.
No wonder no one tips you. Self entitlement is a dangerous business.
- May 20, 2010 at 10:09 AM
- Ranganath said...
Hi, Some one from facebook refereed your link i have book marked it nice blogs you write see Free how to grow twitter followers here
- June 10, 2011 at 3:19 AM
- nahidworld said...
If you are people-oriented and like servicing others, being a waitress can be a great job choice for you. There are four types of waitress jobs : buffet, catering, cocktail, and dinning.
- February 8, 2013 at 9:50 AM
- voyance email said...
This is a good post. This post gives truly quality information. I'm definitely going to look into it.
- June 12, 2017 at 7:22 AM
- audrey lefour said...
Your work surprised me a lot because it's been a long time since I found this wonderful sharing.
Vrai voyance gratuite par mail
- July 20, 2017 at 4:07 AM
- voyance gratuite amour said...
Great information you got here. I've been reading about this topic for one week now for my papers in school and thank God I found it here in your blog. I had a great time reading this.
- November 20, 2017 at 6:48 AM
- Reema dsouza said...
My best congratulations for your beautiful site! Perfect !!!
voyance gratuite en ligne
- December 19, 2017 at 10:06 AM
- Reema dsouza said...
This blog is perfect: the info is always of quality and the flawless writing is very pleasant to read.
voyance par mail gratuit
- March 14, 2018 at 11:20 AM
- Labella Labella said...
This is a smart blog. I mean it. You have so much knowledge about this issue, and so much passion.
consultation voyance gratuite
- June 5, 2018 at 5:37 AM
- Rosiana Monbon said...
Très bon blog et merci d'en faire profiter.
voyance mail gratuit
- September 19, 2018 at 6:28 AM


text:
Hello to all. I am looking for feedback regarding snapped fins on race boards. I do not want to do brands or pimping just looking for some real opinions regarding race fins and their resistance. I bought a 2011 race board with factory fins around 40cm's long. Not long after, maybe 10-12 sessions one of the forward fins snapped off at the base. I was working on my leeward rail and crankin it when the board just lost stability and turned left, I fell off and turned the board over and saw the snapped fin. I contacted the distributor and as I hoped the fin was replaced without any issues, fantastic service and comitment. Here comes the dilema, while out the other day the replacement fin snaps again! it had survived more or less the same water time as the first fin. The board lives in my van in a flat secured position with the fins always on the board. They are impecable and have no bangs or scrapes and do not get subjected to any leaveraging. Why have they failed then? Have the manufacturers underestimated the radial force on a 40 cm lever? I must point out that the fins are made from a G10 composite and are heavier than you would imagine just looking at them. If you have held a large G10 fin you will know what I mean. Are they too rigid? or when inserting them into the tuttle enclosure do they reduce them too much in diameter? I hope to upgrade my board and with the price of the fins had considered keeping them to use on my new board, but now I am not so convinced. I imagine they should be bomb proof. I dont jump with my race board just an occasional pop to get over surf while getting out on the water. This should be acceptable use and not undermine the integrity of the fin, well within its working parameters I would have thought? How many fins have you guys snapped? How much abuse have you given fins and they are still intact? I have thought of aquiring a set of top branded fins but could not imagine my animic state if this happened to one of them! The other pain in the ass is that you loose the portion of fin that snapps off. In both cases the fins have snapped at the base in line with the board. If I could retain the broken off piece for evidence I think it would be easier to demonstrate material failure and not operator error.
Awaiting your feed back, many thanks.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
MILLEDGEVILLE, Ga. – The newly-formed "Battle of the Cats" rivalry game was every bit as good as advertised Thursday in the Centennial Center, as Georgia College men's basketball (12-8, 6-6 PBC) handed No. 7 Augusta State University (21-3, 11-3 PBC) a shocking 73-69 loss.
The Bobcats' 6-foot-8 center Reece Wiedeman (Suwanee, Ga.) came up big early and often tonight, posting 25 points to go with eight boards. Wiedeman was 10-of-15 shooting from the floor.
Junior Jared Holmes (Indianapolis) continues to impress in his first season at GC, scoring 15 points, including a few transition buckets with 6-of-10 shooting. Sophomore guard Nate Hamilton (Snellville, Ga.) got 13 points—all from the charity stripe—while junior Ryan Aquino (Roswell, Ga.) added 10 points and seven boards.
Franck Ndongo led all Jaguar scorers with 19 points and nine rebounds. O'Neal Armstrong and George Johnson each tallied 15 points, the former adding seven assists.
The 'Cats fired right out of the gate, taking an early lead 6-4 and not letting up until the 2:21 mark of the first half. GC grabbed the halftime advantage 32-31 with a late Wiedeman lay-in.
In the second half ASU took over early, building a lead as large as nine at 52-41 with 12:53 left. When it look like the Jaguars were going to run away with it, GC began to whittle away at the deficit, finally getting a one-point lead thanks to a hand-changing, floating layup by Holmes with 4:30 remaining.
The score tilted back and forth for a couple of possessions and then finally in GC's favor at 66-65 after a pair of Royal Thomas (LaGrange, Ga.) free-throws with 2:25 on the clock. GC hit 13-of-14 free tosses over the final seven minutes to close out the game. Thomas finished with four points, a pair of assists and three boards.
The Bobcats did their damage down low and at the charity stripe, taking points in the paint 30-18 and second-chance points 25-11. GC hit 25-of-32 free-throws, while ASU managed to go to the line just 18 times, hitting 14.
Senior forward Josh Hurst (Athens, Ga.) pulled down seven rebounds tonight, giving him 517 in his career, passing Johnny Simpson (1984-86) into sixth in school history, next up is No. 5 Tony Edmonson (1993-97) with 628.
The Bobcats are back in action Saturday, Feb. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at USC Aiken (13-8, 7-7 PBC). The Pacers most recently lost 73-67 tonight at the University of Montevallo.
The Georgia College Department of Athletics, back-to-back winners of the PBC Commissioner's Cup, sponsors 10 varsity athletic programs at the NCAA Division II level. As a Division II program, Bobcat Athletics prides itself on balancing the life of the student-athlete, evidenced by the teams' multiple appearances in post-season competition as well as documented academic success and community-service involvement. Sign up at www.twitter.com/GCSUBobcats and www.facebook.com/gcbobcats for up-to-the-minute reports, and visit www.GCBobcats.com for more information, and to nominate your favorite former Bobcats and Colonials to the GC Athletics Hall of Fame.


text:
BRISTOL — The thriving Main Street arts scene that Bristol's residents and visitors have enjoyed for years is expanding this summer onto South Street. Five area artists have established a new creative and community arts space at 6 South St., which they have named ARTSight.
The full text of this article is only available to online subscribers.
Are you an online subscriber? Click to login.
Click here to learn more about our subscription options.
If you have a print subscription, you can now add an online subscription at no additional charge! Just email us with your name and mailing address to set it up.
MIDDLEBURY — A new nonprofit venture launched by six Middlebury College students is aiming to tackle hunger and food scarcity in Addison County.
"We're targeting people who aren't necessarily shopping at Shaw's and not necessarily buying healthy food," said Harry Zieve Cohen, a native of Brooklyn. "It can be really hard to get the opportunity to buy healthy produce … It's really hard and really expensive. It's a tough economy and Vermont has a high cost of living compared to other states."
BRISTOL — At Monday's meeting, the Bristol selectboard set the town tax rate, discussed the police department's new headquarters and discussed the land trust proposal for the Saunders' property on the New Haven River.
LINCOLN — A gathering of elders will take place at the Sunray Peace Village in Lincoln throughout the weekend of July 26. The annual event, now in its 29th year, will bring indigenous elders from around the world to the Green Mountains for a weekend of healing, teaching and ceremony.
MIDDLEBURY — An original, fast-paced initiative of the Town Hall Theater's educational outreach arm has combined favorite scenes from Shakespeare's most popular plays into one performance.
Called "Straight-up Shakespeare: The Things We Do for Love," the 50-minute romp through the drama-filled world of Shakespeare's comedies and tragedies is THT's answer to increasing requests for live Shakespeare shows.
BRISTOL — Phoenix Rising, the yoga-therapy training program on Mountain Street in Bristol, is planning to stay in town through the year's end and possibly beyond. The business had announced plans last winter to fly the coop and move its location to Burlington.
But after a series of hoops and hurdles arose while planning the move, co-directors Kate Bentley and Jen Munyer decided to stay in Bristol for the time being — and they don't sound the least bit disappointed about it.
BRISTOL — Post-parade Fourth of July festivities took a tragic turn in Bristol on Thursday afternoon. A 26-year-old Bristol man was swept away while swimming in the New Haven River between the twin bridges on Route 116 north of Bristol village.
Officials recovered the body at 10:15 a.m. on July 5. The victim was identified as Steven Orvis, 26, of Bristol.
Vermont State Police Lt. William Jenkins said a call came in to police at around 3 p.m. regarding a man who had been swept away from the Bartlett Falls swimming area in Bristol.
MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury College's entrepreneurial education program MIDDCore, which started out as a one-month winter term course, is rapidly growing. This year the program has expanded to include a four-week immersive summer session at Sierra Nevada College on Lake Tahoe in Nevada.
MIDDLEBURY — Throughout the year, seasonal tourists flock to Vermont to camp in the Green Mountains, peep at the foliage or hit the slopes. Tourism is a significant industry in the state, with visitors spending $1.7 billion annually and supporting 12 percent of all Vermont jobs, according to the most recent report by the Vermont Tourism Data Center at UVM Extension.
MIDDLEBURY — Middlebury College is world-renowned for its summer Language Schools and the Bread Loaf School of English. Starting next year, the college will add one more intensive summer program to its portfolio: a six-week, interdisciplinary, "full-engagement" School of the Environment, which will bring students, faculty and guest speakers from around the world to Vermont.
Subscribe to Online Edition
Online PDF Print Edition
Copyright 2011 Addison Independent | 58 Maple Street, Middlebury, Vt. 05753 | All Rights Reserved
Site Development by Surf New Media


text:
Safetech Fraud & Security Solutions
Now more than ever protecting revenue is vital to your business. The increase in fraudulent payment activity and the security of customer account information have been identified as two of the most critical issues facing merchants today.
Safeguard Your Business with Our Advanced Protection Tools
Chase Paymentech offers a comprehensive suite of fraud prevention and data encryption technologies to streamline your payments management with a single-source solution for all your processing, fraud prevention and data security needs.
Safetech Fraud Tools
Our advanced, proven fraud-fighting technologies provide real-time analysis to help stop fraud rings in their tracks. Having your fraud management through a single-source provider gives you all the benefits of a solution that's fully integrated with your existing authorization processes. Learn more about how Safetech Fraud Management Tools can protect your business.
Safetech Encryption
Safetech Encryption rivals other encryption technologies on the market today by encrypting data as it enters the POS, rather than encrypting it later in the payment application. This proactive approach delivers more solid data security that can help merchants reduce the scope of their Payment Card Industry (PCI) compliance liabilities and avoid the costs of data theft. Learn more about how Safetech Encryption can safeguard your cardholder data.
Safetech Page Encryption
Safetech Page Encryption is an online data protection solution that reduces the risk of customer data compromise and costly PCI expense. The system utilizes tokenization and encryption technology to protect your customer's data in transit and at rest. Learn more about how Safetech Page Encryption can safeguard your cardholder data.
Contact us today to get started protecting your business with Safetech Fraud and Security Solutions.
Developer Center
The Chase Paymentech Developer Center makes it easy to integrate your applications using our APIs and SDKs to process payments. Register to become a user of the Developer Center. Or log in if you're an existing user. Reg/log in here.


text:
Darren McFadden took a step toward returning to action for the Raiders when he participated in practice for the first time since getting hurt in Week Nine against the Buccaneers.
How McFadden's ankle feels after that step will go a long way toward determining whether McFadden will be able to rejoin the team for this week's game against the Browns. Some of McFadden's teammates think that's where things are headed, but high ankle sprains don't always resolve themselves as quickly as players might like.
The Raiders also got Mike Goodson back at practice. He was hurt in the same game as McFadden and has missed the last three games, which the Raiders have lost by a combined score of 127-47.
The returns might not change things all that much for the Raiders. They haven't been losing because McFadden and Goodson are out of the lineup. Marcel Reese has averaged 4.8 yards per carry in the last three games, more than the 3.3 McFadden has managed while looking like an imperfect fit for the blocking scheme installed on offense by Oakland this season. Reese could still have a role beyond just playing fullback even with the other two backs returning to the mix.
Paul Gutierrez of CSNBayArea.com reports that there was no sign of defensive tackle Richard Seymour at practice. He's also missed the last three games for the Raiders.


text:
Enter your email here to receive 10% off today as well as great specials throughout the year from DFO Home! *Only one coupon per order.
Memorial Day Sale! | 10% OFF Orders $100+! | Free Shipping on EVERYTHING!
Use Code: REMEMBER
Exclusions Apply
Save an Extra 10% Off Select Hammocks
Code: HAMMOCK >
Save an Extra 15% Off Extrawide Curtains
Code: EXTRAWIDE >
Save an Extra 10% Off Select Furniture
Code: RELAX >
Save an Extra 20% Sunbrella Curtains
Code: SUNBRELLA >
Ah, the smell of the Beach, a bit of salt in the air, and sand between your toes. "Access" is for those who feel getting to the Beach is part of the adventure. High quality, color photograph is printed on weather resistant canvas. No worries of sun fading, rain and wind damage, salt spray, or fluctuating temperatures this Custom Canvas Art is made for the Outdoors!
Established in 1971 in the heart of Florida's West coast began a retail organization that sourced extremely durable and value oriented products from all over the world. In addition to providing an incredible selection of worldwide, high quality products, Palm Springs Rattan also manufactures some of the best cushioning in the industry.
Payment Methods We Proudly Accept:
© Copyright 2019, DFOhome.com. All rights reserved.


text:
We offer commercial carpet dryers, pedestal and drum fans on rent in Elmwood Park, IL. Our selection of fans and dryers has everything you�ll need during or after a party.
$25.00 (Daily)
$75.00 (Weekly)
$40.00 (Daily)
$120.00 (Weekly)
Copyright © 2019 - All Rights Reserved
Powered By Lotus Digital Consultants


text:
by Frank H. Hennemann, Oskar V. Conle & Marina Friede (9.2003)
(For obtaining more information about the pictures, please put your mouse over them)
In September 2003 we traveled to the Andean regions of Central Ecuador. With an area of 270.790 square kilometres including the Galapagos Islands, which are situated some 1000 km west off the Pacific coast, Ecuador is the smallest of all Andean countries and about the size of former Western Germany. It is located in the north-western part of the South American subcontinent and named after its location on the equator (span. Ecuador = equator). In the north it borders Colombia, in the south and east Peru and in the west the Pacific Ocean represents the natural boundary. Ecuador can be divided into three geographical regions, the coastal region (Costa) the central Andean highland (Sierra) and the Amazon region (Oriente). The western coastal low-land covers about 25 % of the countries area. It has an average width of about 100 km and is longitudinally passed through by a 300-600 m high costal mountain range. The central Andean region covers another quarter of the countries area and divides into several mountain ranges which run from north to south. The northern half in particular, is characteristic for its numerous still active volcanoes and finds its highest point in the Chimborazo at an altitude of 6310 metres. The transverse range Nudo del Azuay divides the Sierra into the northern and the southern highland. The remaining half of the countries area belong to the Oriente, and are in great parts covered with dense tropical rainforest.
Due to its manifold geography and climate and the location directly on the equator, Ecuador exhibits an extremely high biodiversity (= density of species). Nowhere else on earth, mountains higher than 6000 metres are found directly at the equator. Especially the innumerable isolated valleys of the Andes provide ideal conditions for the development of new species, and the western slopes in particular are regarded a real "Hot Spot" of evolution. Almost two thirds of Ecuador are covered by tropical rainforest from which up to know 20.000 different species of plants are known. About 900 orchid-species are found in Ecuador, furthermore 300 species of mammals, some 1.500 different birds and more than 400 species of amphibians. From the typically South American colibris some 130 species have so far been recorded from Ecuador as well as more than 40 different species of parrots.
Quito is the capital of Ecuador and with 1,6 million inhabitants after Guayaquil the countries second largest city. With its location at an altitude of 2850 metres it is after La Paz (Bolivia) the world's second highest metropole. In 1978 the UNESCO declared the beautiful, colonial city centre a world heritage. Due to its all year round mild climate Quito is also called "City of the everlasting spring".
1. Cotopaxi National Parc (Vulkano Cotopaxi, 3000-4500 m)
Two days after our arrival in Quito we made an organized tour to the Cotopaxi National Park which has an area of 34.000 ha with the Cotopaxi (5897 m), the world's highest active volcano being the main point of attraction. The park is located some 70 km south of Quito and it took 3 hours drive to reach the park entrance. After a passport-control and paying an entrance fee of 10 US$ we were allowed to enter and start our 35 km drive to the Refugio José Ribas at 4500 m. On a stony and partly steep track we passed beautiful wide regions of Páramo and large, plain fields which were all over set with volcanic rocks. At an altitude of about 4000m we were able to locate some specimens of Monticomorpha flavolimbata (Redtenbacher, 1906) under various lava-stones. This beautiful, small species is very typical for the Cotopaxi region and easily recognized by its striking colouration, being black and the hinder margin of all body segments with a bright yellow transverse stripe. In these altitudes there are strong winds and the temperatures are close to 0°C but the lava-stones are able to store lots of warmth due to the intense sunlight. The vegetation is very stingy and reduced to numerous mosses and other single, low-growing plants.
2. Region of Cuenca (Azuay Province)
After three days in Quito, we took a flight south to Cuenca, for conducting nightly excursions in the Azuay Province. Therefore and for being independent and mobile we obtained an 4x4 car (Chevrolet Rodeo) from the local car-rental "Localiza". Due to the chaotic traffic especially in the cities, driving in Ecuador has shown to be difficult and even dangerous. Our starting-point and accommodation was the Oro Verde Hotel at the Rio Tomebamba close to the northern boundary of Cuenca, the best hotel in Cuenca.
Cuenca, the capital of the Azuay Province, has some 250.000 inhabitants and is located in a wide highland valley at an altitude of 2530 m. Because of the numerous museums, cathedrals and its colonial old town Cuenca is also called "Athens of Ecuador". On market-days the city with its coble-stone pavement streets is visited by many Cañari-Indios who sell their panama hats.
The numerous lamps in the garden of our hotel attracted several different rhinoceros beetles (Coleoptera, Subfam. Dynastinae) among them a yellowish brown Ancognatha-species and a so far unidentified species of the striking genus Golofa.
Rio Yanuncay (3000-3100 m)
After Rio Tomebamba, the Rio Yanuncay is the second largest river to flow through Cuenca and just like Rio Tomebamba springs from the El Cajas National Park. It runs more west than the Rio Tomebamba and crosses the western part of Cuenca. The beautiful valley of the Rio Yanuncay can be reached on a narrow gravel-track via Cuenca. After some 30 km the track ends at an unofficial entrance to the El Cajas National Park. The complete valley is intensely used for agriculture and thus, the original forest has only remained in a very few small areas and the surrounding mountain ridges. But even these small areas of forest and hedges along the track would prove to be quite prolific for finding Phasmids. At day-time we found many different often very colourful cicadas, one of which was bright blue. In the night we were able to find some adult specimens of a green, about 6 cm long Libethra-species and a few medium sized nymphs of a species of Calynda. Furthermore, we found several specimens of a small Spinopeplus-species the females of which had a body length of only 3,5 cm.
Rio Tomebamba (3200 m)
The Rio Tomebamba is the main river of Cuenca and springs some 35 km north from the El Cajas National Park. A road runs along the river through the Valle de Tomebamba, crosses the El Cajas National Park finally leads to Puerto Inca at the Pacific coast. In the Valle de Tomebamba as far north as to the southern boundary of the El Cajas Park it is in great parts bordered by dense tropical montane forest. In several localities along the road, which seemed worthwile and allowed to park our car we searched the vegetation for Phasmids. From our hotel these localities were easily reached by just a few minutes drive. During several nights we found some adult specimens of a nice, so far unidentified species of Spinopeplus, the females of which had a strongly thickened abdomen. Commonly we saw specimens of a Spinopeplus-like species of the subfamily Diapheromerinae. This small species has a body length of about 3 cm and differs from Spinopeplus by the lobate but not spinose body. Furthermore, we found females of a bright green Libethra.
Street from Cuenca to Loja, km 35 (3300 m)
For exploring the area south of Cuenca we followed the Panamericana towards Loja. As soon as the city of Cuenca is left, one drives through the wide, green Valle de Cuenca which is in great parts used for agriculture. But it is just a few kilometres until the road becomes more steep and climbs up the mountainous region south of Cuenca which have at least the northern slopes covered in tropical mountain forest. At altitudes of 3000 m the vegetation soon becomes stingier and turns into nice and wide regions of Páramo and small areas of mountain dwarf forest. About 35 km south of Cuenca in the northern slopes we found two easily accessible areas of untouched dwarf forest which allowed to park our car safely. In both localities the forest was surrounded by wide meadows with the forest borders were easily accessible. At day-time the area offered breathtaking views over the Valle de Cuenca and while having a short walk we found loads of different, small but often colourful Orthoptera (Caelifera). At night we found many specimens of a small Proscopiid of the genus Cephalocoema (Audinet-Serville, 1838 - Caelifera, Fam. Proscopiidae) in the hedgehog-grass (Stipa ichu, Fam. Gramineae) close to the forest border. On an isolated shrub of Stipa ichu we located a single female of a very tiny Rugosolibethra, which had a body length only 2 cm. At the forest borders we commonly found specimens of the Spinopeplus-like species and the Rugosolibethra sp. which we had already found along the Rio Yanuncay. Additionally we found several adult specimens of two distinct Calynda-species. These are very similar to another but differ in the armature of the legs which are covered with several large lobes in one species. Both are rather small having body lengths of 9 cm in females and 5-6,5 cm in males. The females have a very long, lanceolate subgenital plate.
Páramos de Matanga (3250-3300 m)
This beautiful Páramo-region is located some 40 km south of Cuenca and can be reached on a stony track which leads to the small village Shiña. At km 45 it branches off the Panamericana on the left hand side. The hilly region at altitudes between 2800 and 3400 m is characterized by its wide Páramos and scattered areas of dwarf forest. Commonly the typical Puya´s (Puya clavaherculis, Fam. Bromeliaceae) and the giant-monk (Espeletia sp., Fam Asteraceae) are seen. The day we spent with walking, enjoying the beautiful views over the green valleys and having a picnic in the up to 80 cm tall hedgehog-grass. Due to the intense sunlight the grass stores lots of warmth and keeps it till several hours after darkness.
During our walk at day-time we observed lots of tiny, orange Chrysomelidae (Coleoptera) and many different cicadas.
Along an area of dwarf forest at heights up to 3 metres we found several adult specimens of the strikingly black and red coloured Monticomorpha marshallae (Conle & Hennemann, 2002) and in the open Páramo on the leaves of a Puya we located a single female of the entirely black Monticomorpha semele (Westwood, 1859).
On the same hill-top also in the Páramo we found several adult couples of a still undescribed Spinopeplus-species, the males of which are characteristic for their bright red colouration. Furthermore we encountered some specimens of the small Spinopeplus-like species (Subfam. Diapheromerinae) which we had already found in several other localities of the Azuay Province. In the low-growing grass along the track we found many adults of two very tiny Libethra-species. The females had body lengths of only 2,5 cm and the males were thinner than the head of a needle. In the later evening it became cold and windy and the low clouds caused dense fog and fine rain which made the photographic work more and more problematic.
Cordillera Zapote Naida (3200 m)
For exploring the region east of Cuenca we took the road which passes the Cordillera Zapote Naida towards Indanza at the western border of Ecuadors Amazone lowland (Oriente). With rising altitude the paved road turned into a narrow, muddy and stony track which climbs up the steep slopes of the Cordillera. It is full of bends, offers breathtaking views and passes numerous narrow bridges which cross deep valleys. Most of the region is densely covered with montane forest and is only sparingly used for agriculture. When we reached the top of the Cordillera the vegetation slowly turned into dwarf forest and then into wide fields of Páramo. After a strenuous 4-hour drive we decided to have a break in the Páramo and to return to Cuenca as soon as darkness arises. On our way back we searched the vegetation along the track where we found a male of one of the Calynda-species which we had also found between Cuenca and Loja. Furthermore, we again found some specimens of the small Spinopeplus-like species and a nice female of the Spinopeplus sp. which we also found along the Rio Yanuncay and Rio Tomebamba.
3. El Cajas Nationalpark
The Area Nacional de Recreation Cajas is located some 35 km north of Cuenca, has an area of 28 000 ha and is characterized by its numerous lakes. It´s highest point is the Arquitectos with an altitude of 4450 metres. This highland area of the western cordillera exhibits a very diverse topography. The single lakes are separated by high mountain ranges, which has caused the development of numerous box-like valleys (span. caja = box). Apart from numerous ponds and swamps the park contains more than 230 lakes (lagunas), which are connected by small rivers. The two large rivers Yanuncay and Tomebamba which provide the complete valley of Cuenca with fresh water both spring from El Cajas National Park. The area is ideal for Páramo-trekking and offers numerous opportunities for camping.
For botanics and ornithologists in particular it is a real paradise. So far more than 100 different species of birds are known from the park, among them the tucan (Andigena laminirostris, Fam. Ramphastidae) and numerous species of colobris. In the higher regions there are several species of carnivore birds and with a good portion of luck one may also observe the Andean condor (Vultur gryphus, Fam. Cathartidae) which reaches a giant wing-span of up to 3,5 m. The Páramo is settled by rabbits, the highland tapir (Tapirus pinchaque, Fam. Tapiridae) one of South American rarest mammals and the Andean pudu (Pudu mephistophiles, Fam. Cervidae) which is one of the world´s rarest highland mammals.
Laguna Llaviuco (3150 m)
The Laguna Llaviuco is one of the largest lakes of the El Cajas and is located in the parks most southern part, only some 10 km northwest of Cuenca. The lake lies in a beautiful valley and is widely surrounded by swamp, Páramo and dense montane forest. At its most southern point the forest reaches directly up to the lakes shore. For Ornithologists in particular, the Laguna Llaviuco is a most interesting area and also wild lama´s (Lama guanicoe f. glama, Fam. Camelidae) which reach body lengths of up to 2 metres and weights of up to 155 kg can be regularely observed. The Laguna Llaviuco can be reached by a narrow track, which turns off the main road on the left hand side some 6 km north off Cuenca. At the park entrance there is a barrier and a small wooden house which are watched by two park-rangers as late as 6 o´clock in the evening. For an entrance fee of 10 US$ one can depart for a beautiful walk around the lake or for longer trekking-tours with camping in the park.
While searching the rich vegetation along the path we found several specimens of a 5-6 cm long, green and a similar but brown Libethra-species but unfortunately most of the insects were still not adult. Furthermore, we located a female of the robust Spinopeplus, which we had already found at other localities and several specimens of the small Spinopeplus-like species which is common in most of the Azuay Province. At day-time we recognized numerous, different Orthoptera (mostly Caelifera) and a pest-like occurance of black and white beetles (Fam. Chrysomelidae) on small trees which somewhat resemble Papaya. These were already strongly damaged and defoliated.
Laguna Toreadora (3900 m)
The info-centre and cottage at the Laguna Toreadora offers opportunities for cooking and accommodation during the night and is reached by a one-hour drive from Cuenca (ca. 34 km). A few kilometres south one passes the park entrance where an entrance-fee of 10 US$ needs to be paid. A walk through the Páramo surrounding the lake offers a good impression of the highly mountainous region of El Cajas. The Laguna Toreadora is located at an altitude of 3900 m and with maximum temperatures of only 10°C and strong winds the area is quite cold. During the late afternoon we observed many, flying beetles (Fam. Melolonthidae). Under stones we found some small Carabid-beetles (Fam. Carabidae).
4. Umgebung von Zhud, 2970 m (Provinz Cañar)
A few kilometres south of the small village Zhud in the southern region of the Cañar Province and after visiting the sun-temple Ingapirca of the Inka, we looked out for a suitable locality to search for Phasmids. Unfortunately, most of the mountainous slopes are intensively used for agriculture why mountain or dwarf forest is only found in higher altitudes on the mountainous ridges and almost inaccessible. However, after some search we found a small, almost untouched valley which was crossed by a small river and covered in dense mountain forest. It was located in a wide bend of the Panamericana (A3) at an altitude of 2970 metres. After a brief inspection at day-time we made a short walk in the region and decided to wait nearby until darkness arose. While looking around the sandy plateau where we parked our car, we found a female of an Acanthoclonia-species lying dead on the ground. This made us more and more impatiently waiting to start our search for Phasmids.
Directly after darkness arose, we started our search with the hope to find more specimens of the Acanthoclonia. It took just a few moments of searching to locate the first live insects of this small but bizarre and spiny species. The evening showed this species to be exceptionally numerous in this location and so, we encountered more than 150 specimens of different stages within only two nights. They were found on a variety of low-growing plants and appeared to be quite polyphagous, although most were observed feeding on different ferns. Furthermore, we found many adult specimens of the small Rugosolibethra which we already knew from various localities in surroundings of Cuenca. The females in this locality exhibited a wide range of intraspecific variability concerning to the colouration. On shrubs of bramble (Rubus sp., Fam. Rosaceae) we found some males of a nice green and red coloured Libethra-species. In addition, we found specimens of a small straw-coloured Libethra the males of which had a bold black marking on their head as well as several other species of Libethra. Finally, we found two adult males of a Spinopeplus-species which was typical for having the bases of the profemora bright blue.


text:
Chapter 6: Betrayal Over Bespin
Playable Characters: Lando Calrissian, Princess Leia (Bespin), Chewbacca, C-3PO
Episode V's final chapter backs up the timeline a bit as we follow Han and Leia's adventure in Cloud City. The stage begins with Han being frozen in carbonite and carried off by the bounty hunter Boba Fett. Now, Leia, Chewbacca and Lando must chase after him in an attempt to save their friend.
As you make your way through the corridors of Cloud City, you'll have to fight stormtroopers and dodge the fleeing citizens. Since this is your first chance to play as Star Wars' resident ladies man, Lando Calrissian, I suggest you take full advantage of it. In addition to his blaster, Lando has some smooth kung-fu moves for close combat.
Since the game follows the plot of the movie, Boba Fett eventually escapes with the frozen Han. After that, you must lead the crew back to the Millennium Falcon so that they can escape the Imperial threat.
Make Your Own Jedi
In addition to the Empire goodness, we also got to play around with the game's character creator. This extremely silly mode lets you answer that long debated question: What would happen if Ponda Baba donned Princess Leia's metal bikini from Return of the Jedi, picked up a lightsaber, and fought Darth Vader in Cloud City?
Once that issue is put to rest, you can go about creating even more absurd scenarios. By mixing and matching various body parts, you can create and save two different characters to play as during the game's Free Play stages. With the ability to change the hat/helmet, head, body, arms, hands, waist, legs, cape and weapon, there are loads of different characters to design. The character's abilities depend on what weapon you give him or her (or it). Give them a lightsaber, and they'll have the ability to use the Force. Arm them with a blaster, and they'll also carry around a grappling hook.
Another new feature that LucasArts and Traveller's Tales has incorporated into the game is self-adjusting difficulty. This feature, which can be turned on and off, makes the game adapt to how well you're playing. So if you're doing extremely well in a level, you'll end up facing off against more enemies. If you're not doing so hot, the game eases up on you. This should prove especially helpful for younger gamers who might have otherwise found the game too challenging in later levels.
There are also new types of LEGO bricks to discover throughout each stage. Power Bricks open up new upgrades that you can purchase to make your characters stronger. Although more powerful blasters and lightsabers are valuable, you should really save your studs (the game's currency) to buy the Stud Multiplier. This goodie doubles the number of studs that you collect in each stage. Gold Bricks are earned by performing well throughout the game, and they're used to unlock such treats as extra levels.
We're now two-thirds through LEGO Star Wars II, and with all the extra stuff to unlock, it looks like it will easily top the original in terms of replay value. We'll have an in-depth look at the Return of the Jedi portion of the game in a couple weeks, followed shortly by a full review. Stay tuned.


text:
breast cancer awareness apparel »
Breast Cancer Awareness Month & the Brands that Care
October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease and help raise the funds necessary to keep researching and working toward a cure. While most people knowRead More »
A Toast from ONEHOPE Wine to End Breast Cancer
ONEHOPE Wine is a socially responsible company that is taking up the fight against breast cancer, one bottle of wine at a time. With 1 in 8 women in the U.S. facing the chanceRead More »
Become a Warrior Against Breast Cancer with Ford Warriors in Pink
Since 2006, the Ford Motor Company has been ramping up its efforts to fight against breast cancer with their Warriors in Pink campaign. They offer an exclusive line of clothing and accessories for saleRead More »
Purchase with Purpose to End Breast Cancer with Susan G. Komen
Since 1982, Susan G. Komen for the Cure® has embarked on a global breast cancer movement to help raise awareness, donate time and money, organize events and lend much-needed support to women around theRead More »
Make a Crucial Catch for Breast Cancer Awareness with the NFL Shop
Throughout the entire month of October, the National Football League is focusing on more than just catching footballs and scoring touchdowns – they're focusing on conquering breast cancer. To show their support for thisRead More »
Warriors in Pink Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2012
Ford Motor Company has been active in the fight against breast cancer since 1993. In 2006 Ford intensified its efforts by introducing Warriors in Pink and the Ford Warriors in Pink line of wearRead More »
NFL Pink – A Crucial Catch – Breast Cancer Awareness Month 2012
NFL Breast Cancer Awareness (BCA) Apparel & Gear Support your favorite NFL football team and help support the fight against breast cancer with pink NFL breast cancer awareness gear. Officially licensed 2012-2013 BCA NFLRead More »
ONEHOPE Wine for Breast Cancer Awareness Month
Mothers. Sisters. Wives. Daughters. All women are vulnerable to breast cancer. No family is immune; no group is beyond its sinister reach. It is the third most common cause of cancer death in theRead More »


text:
Hive Chapter 135 Page 1
You are reading Hive Chapter 135 Page 1 on MangaSee. To see more information about this Manhwa, please visit the Chapter List. Hive is a Manhwa that was published in 2014by KIM Gyu-Sam. Hive Manhwa is Complete. Its scanslation status is Complete. Hive Chapter 135 was added on . Genres: Action, Horror, Mature, Psychological, Sci-fi, Seinen
2016 MangaSee Copyrights and trademarks for the manga, and other promotional materials are held by their respective owners and their use is allowed under the fair use clause of the Copyright Law. Privacy Policy


text:
Quote:Walks11but sometimes you need to kick to gain territory surely.. its where and how you kick it is the key, ie not aimlessly downfield
Who is online?
Total users online:
Most users online:
Users on this site:
Where are they?
Contact SportNetwork.net
Join Us: Club Sites
Join Us
Advertise on SportNetwork.net
SportNetwork.net is part of the Durham Associates Group of companies


text: Following up on our theme of Japanese gadgets that do pretty much nothing, we've got Solid Alliance's Mr. Tengu. It's a small brick with a face that plugs into your USB port and reacts to sounds and music around "him." Different sounds make him make different "facial expressions," and when he's tired he'll actually "go to sleep." This is "a great way to spend money." [Solid Alliance via Raw Feed via Sci Fi]


text:
January 29, 2018
- splice (verb)
- What does it mean?
- 1 : to unite (as two ropes) by weaving the strands together2 : to unite (as rails or pieces of film) by connecting the ends together
- How do you use it?
- We'll have to splice another length of rope to this one so it will be long enough to wrap all the way around the cargo.
- Are you a word wiz?
From the language of which sea-going people do you think English acquired "splice"?Aye, aye, you're on the right course if you chose answer D. "Splice" was first used by sailors, so it's no surprise that it was adopted from the language of the Dutch, who were notable sea-farers. "Splice" comes to English from an obsolete Dutch word, "splissen," which meant the same thing as "splice." The origin of "splissen" is not known for sure, but it is a linguistic cousin of another medieval Dutch word, "splitten," meaning "to split." English sailors first started using "splice" sometime around 1500.


text:
Federal regulations require that all proposed human research studies undergo review by the Institutional Review Board (IRB). The IRB is responsible for reviewing all human subjects research and ensuring compliance with federal regulations. The primary role of the IRB is to protect the safety and welfare of human subjects.
The President of the University of Virginia has designated the Vice President for Research as the Institutional Official (IO) with the authority to develop, implement, and monitor all research compliance programs.
There are two IRB's at UVa:
The Institutional Review Board for Health Sciences Research (IRB-HSR)
The IRB-HSR is responsible for reviewing all health sciences research for the University of Virginia.
The Institutional Review Board for Social and Behavioral Sciences (IRB-SBS)
The IRB-SBS at the University of Virginia is the IRB responsible for reviewing all non-medical behavioral human research
If you have a question regarding which IRB you should submit to please see this document.


text:
/ Published in: PHP
URL: http://blog.tasmo.de/2010/05/chuck/
ChucK is a strongly-timed, concurrent, and On-the-fly Audio Programming Language. A Bundle to edit ChucK files in the TextMate editor is created at Github. To install it execute in Terminal:
Expand | Embed | Plain Text
- cd ~/Library/Application\ Support/TextMate/Bundles \
- git clone git://github.com/tasmo/ChucK.tmbundle.git ChucK.tmbundle
You need to login to post a comment.


text:
- Posts: 955
- Joined: Mon Dec 02, 2013 2:49 am
Jump to: Board index » Junk Jack » General
SollyStartles wrote:I haven't been on this forum in so long I forgot the shortcuts for the emoticons.
Users browsing this forum: R19Hic and 2 guests
Powered by phpBB® Forum Software © phpBB Group.
Style pixbits_forum created by weeb, modded by Pixbits.


text: After motorcycle crash, Jacksonville man wants to help others the way he was helped at Shands Jacksonville Published: October 10, 2012 Category: Rehabilitation Services, TraumaOne Matt Giannini doesn't remember what caused his motorcycle to go off A.C. Skinner Parkway that August night in 2010, and the police report gives no indication. He doesn't remember his motorcycle hitting the first tree, throwing him into the air and then his head, in a helmet, ramming into the second tree. Giannini, now 25, remembers coming to in a wooded area and hearing the cars on the nearby ro... [More] Tagged as: Elisabeth McGee, physical therapy, occupational therapy, hand therapy Tweet


text:
Kangol Jacq 507 Flat Cap
Hover above to zoom
This item does not follow standard US sizing. See size chart for proper fit.
Free Shipping
Free Exchanges
100% Price Guarantee
Brand: Kangol
Style: Jacq 507 Flat Cap
To email a friend about the Jacq 507 Flat Cap, Click here
To be notified when your Jacq 507 Flat Cap selection is available Click here
To be notified when new Kangol styles are added, Click here


text:
Getting a high out all of this, we also managed to localize our lab and have decided to begun calling it as "गुँड" literally meaning "nest". ( Anybody finding this unpleasant is asked to present his/her ideas to the community, while we're still going to nest-ify our lab :D )
Talking more about the pilot, kids back at Janjyoti are happy(actually crazy) and are beginning to sharpen their photographic(Record/Camera) , Communication(Chat) and Musicianship(TamTam) skills AND it's only been 3 days.
For everyone's information TamTam has got the highest hits until now. "Hey Pal, what does this knob do ?"
And trust me, we definitely will have a lot more to share in upcoming days.
Hmm... the "गुँड" , well what to say about it ? It was all green when it happened. Kavre was definitely green. Our XO jerseys were green, the bus that we had a ride back to Ktm ( but dropped at Jadibuti ) was green, the seat covers were green, few ladies down the street we're clad green(ahem). Man it was a green green day.
So we pumped up some young blood and decided the "office" version of the lab was definitely uncool, after going through some insanity like "विकासे" and "दुलो" and blah blah blah... we were finally hit by "गुँड" , thanks to our respected green-lord of the day.
And then we caught another bus back to the "गुँड" ! Couldn't spend time messin' around.


text:
Together we can change how small businesses get money to grow.
Before you get started, we want you to know:
IMPORTANT DISCLOSURE: By accessing this site you agree to be bound by the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy. ATB LendR operates under specific rules from the Alberta Securities Commission and is only available to residents of Alberta. There is no registered dealer involved in the operation of the platform. Loans are high risk investments and you may lose some or all of the money you lend. ATB LendR does not provide investment advice.


text:
"We Still Don't Get It"
I've thought a great deal about what's happening to our youth as it relates to their rate of infection from HIV. Most of the time when I speak, share or blog, HIV in our youth is what I speak, share or blog about because that is where my life is centered.
But it occurred to me that we have been in this struggle and I am very concerned about how we are progressing in it. So I thought a lot about it and decided to title this blog, "We Still Don't Get It."
For some time now I have been trying to get to the idea that Black people must take charge of their lives and the lives of their children and youth. We can't leave this to other people to do it. And we cannot sit around wringing our hands and shaking our heads and talking. It's getting late, brothers and sisters, especially for our youth. When it gets to the point that the way we live is destructive and leads to our extermination, then we have to think about what has happened to our culture. And we need to take a long, serious look at our condition, now!
If culture is the sum total of artifacts, which any group accumulates in its struggle for survival and autonomy, then it's dynamic. Because it's a struggle. It's not static. It doesn't stand still and never change. It changes with the conditions. Because as you try to survive and to be self autonomous and the conditions change to keep you from doing that, you change in order to combat those conditions.
Now, what is survival? Survival means that the group has to do at least three things. One, the group has to see that each individual members keeps himself or herself in good enough mental, moral, spiritual, and physical health long enough to reproduce that self and then take care of whatever you reproduce. This is the least; if you don't do that the group dies. That is what survival means. In order to be self autonomous it means that the group has to have within its control the means to assume its survival. The group cannot depend on anyone else to do that. It's not going to happen, because that is not the way the world works.
What are the chief obstacles to survival? Nature, other men and women who may want to take what you have, and yourself. The culture that we pass down from generation to generation is supposed to help the group to survive and to be self autonomous. The major way we pass this culture on is through groups; family, church, school, organization. Those are the means. Unfortunately, for us, Black people, we live in a country where the overriding values of the country are against us.
For instance, these overriding values put in the positions of privilege people who are white, people who are male and people who are wealthy. These three groups dominate the society, so when we talk about teaching your children and youth instrumental values like equality, liberty, fraternity, etc., we are talking about ordering those values under institutional values of race, gender, and wealth. So that more white people get more equality, liberty, fraternity than Black people, more men get equality, liberty, fraternity than women, and more wealthy people get more equality, liberty, and fraternity than poor people.
It doesn't do enough then for us to teach our children and youth about the instrumental values if we don't teach them the impact of the institutional values on the distribution of the latter. Otherwise our children and youth don't get the full message and don't know how to behave.
Black families are in a state of crisis. Single-parent households are now the norm. It's becoming far too likely for young black men to end up in prison. In some circles, educational achievement and hard work have become things of the past.
The truth is that it doesn't have to be this way.
Great adults must be built, the same way you build a car, a house or any other piece of productive equipment. The first teacher of any child is the parent, and it takes a deliberate effort to teach your child the things they need to know in order to be extraordinary. For parents, teachers, mentors and those who care about our children and youth: The obstacles our children are facing, as well as the opportunities that exist for those who are focused on achievement at the highest levels, is no secret.
The truth is that among the first ten people identified as being infected with the HIV virus in the United States, four were African American. We needed to get that message then. We collectively believed that HIV, well, that is someone else's problem.
African Americans have the most severe burden of HIV of all racial/ethnic groups in the United States. Compared with other races and ethnicities, African Americans account for a higher proportion of HIV infections at all stages of disease -- from new infections to deaths. That was true in the beginning of the epidemic and still holds true today.
We thought the problem was someone else's. Someone else is being infected with that virus. Someone else is dying. Someone else is living with HIV. Someone else needs to educate the community. Someone else needs to organize. Someone else needs to speak up. Someone else needs to change that policy. Someone else needs to fund that campaign. Someone else needs to dialog with our youth about their sexual health. Someone needs to love of GLBTQ son, daughter, cousin, uncle, and neighbor. Someone else needs to stop the spread of HIV. That someone else is you.
Read Khafre's blog, Freedom Rider.


text:
Albuquerque lawyer and lobbyist Patrick Rogers has stepped down from the board of the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government.---
Rogers wrote in a letter that his resignation will allow NMFOG to concentrate on its First Amendment and open government mission, "and avoid further distractions by an issue that has become improperly politicized."
The issue Rogers is referencing is his communication with top officials in Gov. Susana Martinez's administration on their private email accounts. That might allow officials to circumvent the state's open records laws that let the public to inspect emails on government accounts. NMFOG has condemned the practice of officials in Martinez's administration conducting state business on private email accounts.
Emails published this week by the Santa Fe Reporter illustrate that Rogers' communication with government officials on their private accounts was much more extensive than previously revealed. He frequently sent messages to the private accounts of the aides closest to the governor, attempting to connect them with the corporate clients he represents in his lobbying practice.
Rogers wrote in his resignation letter that the "emails...were never received by the intended recipients."
But SFR reported that in one email exchange, Keith Gardner, Martinez's chief of staff, replied to an email from Rogers on Gardner's Gmail account. Rogers had requested that a meeting between Gardner and executives from Scientific Games International Inc., a provider of products to lotteries, be moved to the Inn at Loretto. "It's more private," Rogers wrote.
"That will be great," Gardner replied.
"You may be a man of many email addresses," Rogers had written to Gardner earlier, when the lobbyist was trying to orchestrate the meeting. "[But] I have most of them."
Rogers' letter:
Dear Ms. Cole and Members of the NMFOG Executive Committee:
Although I appreciate the effort of the NMFOG Executive Board to schedule a meeting to discuss Mr. Haussamen's concerns about my continuing membership in NMFOG, it is clear that this, my prompt resignation will allow NMFOG and all of the NMFOG volunteers to concentrate on your critical First Amendment and open government mission and avoid further distractions by an issue that has become improperly politicized.
While even the most virulent partisans calling for my NMFOG resignation admit (as they must) that my actions were always lawful, it is also a fact I sent e-mails to individuals in government using an address that was not a state-issued address. Use of personal e-mail addresses is a universal practice. My attempted use, however, as highlighted by the publication of certain portions of the stolen emails (emails that were never received by the intended recipients) has become a significant distraction for this organization. Moving forward, perhaps NMFOG can recommend changes to update the state law on this issue and develop an approach that is consistently applied to all government and to all persons interacting with government.
It has been a significant honor to represent NMFOG in court, before the Legislature and in the community. I hope NMFOG continues to perform its important work and continues to prosper and grow. In calling for my resignation, Mr. Haussamen also notes that my service as New Mexico's National Committeeman to the Republican National Committee gave him concerns, as well: 'I wondered how he would be able to juggle heavy involvement in a nonpartisan government watchdog organization with such a partisan position'."
Perhaps to avoid embarrassing me any further, he does not note my related work as the former General Counsel to the New Mexico Republican Party and my representation of various Republican presidential candidates, Ralph Nader, and the many elected Republican officials, committees, and candidates over the years. In addition to open government, I believe that political participation, competition, debate and principled dissent are also vital to the health of our society. I am honored and proud of my work for all of my clients. My clients, as NMFOG did, receive zealous representation all within the bounds of the law and professional ethics.
Please extend my appreciation and best personal wishes to the entire NMFOG Board.
Best regards,
Pat Rogers


text:
Subscribe To See The Rock's Horses Leading His Hercules Chariot Into Battle Updates
I've already subscribed
If you don't follow The Rock on Twitter, you're making a big mistake. His account is a hodgepodge of funny comments, aggressive commands about hitting up the gym and reveals about the bazillion movie projects he always seems to be working on. As you can tell from the above image, this is an example of that last category.
Tweeted from the big man's account last night, it offers fans a pretty sweet look at the chariot he will be riding in the upcoming movie Hercules: The Thracian Wars. Thanks to the black and white, it looks like/ might be a fully realized shot from the film. More importantly for all of us right now, it looks pretty badass and shows off not only four beautiful animals but also how positively jacked the film's protagonist is. I mean sweet son of Zeus, look at those leg muscles.
Hercules: The Thracian Wars is one of two competing projects about the mythological hero currently racing toward 2014 release dates. The one we're interested in here stars The Rock, Ian McShane and Tobias Santelmann and is being directed by Brett Ratner. It's schedule to be released on July 25 and reportedly has a more than one hundred million dollar budget. The other film, Hercules: The Legend Begins, stars Kellan Lutz and Scott Adkins and is being directed by Renny Harlin. It will be released in March on a far more modest budget of $70,000,000.
Those who have been following The Rock's career have been aware of just how talented he is for a long time. In fact, I distinctly remember being struck by how much charisma he had in Be Cool all the way back in 2005, but for a long time, the knock on the big man was that he rarely made legitimately good movies. Luckily, that seems to be changing. His work in the Fast & Furious franchise has been very well received, and largely thanks to him, Pain & Gain was probably the best movie Michael Bay has released since The Rock. Hopefully, that upward trend will continue with Hercules: The Thracian Wars. At this point, there's no reason not to be confident. After all, that chariot shot might be the most badass promotional still any of us see all year.
We'll keep you updated on all Hercules-related projects as they duke it out on their way to theaters in the coming months.