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Employment Law Advisor: The Wage Act
Complying with the Massachusetts Wage Act as the Law's Reach and Impact Continue to ExpandFebruary 01, 2012
The Massachusetts “Payment of Wages” statute, M.G.L. c.149, §148 (the “Wage Act”), governs with specificity when and how frequently an employee must be paid. Compliance with the Wage Act is important for any business, since violations can carry a high price and are subject to mandatory treble (triple) damages and attorney’s fees, even when employers act in good faith. See Employment Law Advisor, July 2008. Not only can Wage Act violations result in treble damages but they may also result in both criminal penalties and civil liability for the corporate entity as well as the president, treasurer, and individual “officers and agents” of the corporate entity.
Because the cost of non-compliance can be so high, it is important to track the evolution of the Wage Act’s coverage and applicability. In recent months, Massachusetts courts have issued several decisions which continue a general trend towards an expansion of the Wage Act’s reach. For example, the Wage Act has recently been enlarged to include non-Massachusetts employees who have significant contact with Massachusetts. See Employment Law Alert, November 2011. Further, as discussed in this Advisory, the definition of wages has been expanded to include retirement deductions made by private employers, the Wage Act’s coverage has been expanded by limiting the type of permissible pay-check deductions an employer may make, and courts have reiterated that commissions qualify as wages under the Wage Act. A lone outlier to this expansive trend is a Superior Court ruling, whose applicability is likely to be short lived, which holds that officers and agents of Limited Liability Corporations (“LLC”) are not individually liable under the Wage Act.
Superior Court Expands Definition of Wages to Include Retirement Deductions
The Massachusetts Superior Court continued the trend towards an expansive view of the Wage Act in Pacheco v. H.N. Gorin, Inc., (Mass. Sup. Ct., No. 09-1946, May 2, 2011), when it expanded the definition of “wages” to include employee contributions to a private employer’s deferred compensation plan and held that the payment and deposit of any such contributions into an employer-provided retirement account must be made in compliance with the Wage Act, which requires that payment of wages be made within six days of the end of the pay period during which the wages were earned.
The plaintiff, Timothy Pacheco, was hired by Gorin Associates in 2004 as a mechanic. Soon after his hire, Pacheco took Gorin up on an offer to participate in a Salary Reduction Simplified Employee Pension Plan (SARSEP) deferred compensation plan, and Gorin began deducting $82.40 from each of Pacheco’s paychecks. By the end of Pacheco’s employment, Gorin had deducted a total of $8,504.00. Pacheco expected that those deductions would be deposited into an account with a brokerage firm. Gorin, however, never set up an account with Fidelity on behalf of Pacheco, and instead retained the $8,504.00 which it had deducted from Pacheco’s checks. Whenever Pacheco inquired into the status of his retirement account, Gorin’s employees stated that they were “working on it.” Finally, Pacheco and his wife contacted the brokerage firm and learned that there was no record of any account for Pacheco.
Pacheco brought suit and alleged, among other claims, that Gorin’s failure to deposit the withheld funds into a retirement account within six days of the pay period in which they were due violated the Wage Act. The Superior Court agreed, and granted Pacheco summary judgment on his Wage Act claim. In doing so, the court held as a matter of first impression that employee contributions to a private employer’s deferred compensation plan are considered wages under the Massachusetts Wage Act and, as such, Gorin’s failure to pay them in a timely manner constituted a violation of the Wage Act.
In order to reach its decision, the Superior Court had to distinguish an earlier Wage Act case, Boston Patrolmen’s Assoc. v. City of Boston, 435 Mass. 718 (2002), in which the Supreme Judicial Court (“SJC”) ruled that paycheck deductions from City of Boston employees were not “wages” for purposes of the Wage Act. The SJC reached this earlier decision based mainly on the fact that the contributions in question were deposited into the City of Boston’s public-employee plan created in accordance with the Internal Revenue Code, 26 U.S.C. § 457(b)(6), which provides that, under a municipal deferred compensation program, employee contributions “should remain (until made available to the participant or other beneficiary) solely the property and rights of the employer. . . .” Thus, under a municipal plan, the employee contributions remain the legal property of the employer until they are disbursed. However, the Internal Revenue Code treats deferred compensation plans created by private employers differently. Contributions to a SARSEP or “408(k) plan” like the one Pacheco believed he was contributing to become the property of the employee immediately upon transfer into the account.
So, because Pacheco’s deductions should have been deposited into a private-employer account, where they would have been immediately considered his property, they qualified as “wages” under the Wage Act. Gorin’s failure to deposit the deducted funds within six days of the termination of the pay period during which those wages were earned was thus a violation of the Wage Act, and Pacheco was entitled to treble damages in the amount of $25,814.40.
It is worth noting that many private-employer deferred compensation plans are covered by the Federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (“ERISA”), and that this decision did not address the issue of whether a claim for unpaid retirement deductions might be subject to ERISA’s broad preemption provision.
PRACTICE TIP: Private employers should set up employee retirement accounts promptly and disburse paycheck deductions into retirement accounts within six days of the paycheck.
SJC Narrows Types of Deductions Employers Can Take From Employee Pay
In January 2011, the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court accepted the Attorney General’s narrow interpretation regarding what types of deductions (or set-offs) from an employee’s pay for damaged (or unreturned) property or for money owed by the employee are permissible.
In Camera v. ABC Disposal Service, Inc. the SJC ruled that the employer violated the Wage Act by making deductions from the pay of employees who had caused damage to the employer’s trucks, even though the employees had agreed the employer could make such deductions.
The defendant employer, ABC, had a policy regarding damage to its trucks or property belonging to third parties. When ABC determined that a driver was at fault for an accident which caused property damage, the driver could either accept discipline for the accident or agree to pay for the damage over time through deductions from his pay. In response to an employee complaint, the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Office audited ABC and determined that the company had deducted over $21,000 from employee wages under the policy. It issued a citation demanding that ABC pay affected employees all amounts deducted and also pay a civil penalty of over $9,000.
ABC successfully challenged the Attorney General’s citation in Superior Court. However, on appeal, the SJC deferred to the Attorney General’s “reasonable interpretation” of the Wage Act. Although the Wage Act permits employers to make “valid set-offs” from employee pay, the SJC stated that lawful set-offs are limited “to circumstances where there exists a clear and established debt owed to the employer by the employee.” According to the Court, “[a]n arrangement whereby ABC serves as the sole arbiter, making a unilateral assessment of liability as well as amount of damages with no role for an independent decision maker, much less a court, and, apparently, not even an opportunity for an employee to challenge the result within the company” does not amount to “a clear and established debt owed to the employer by the employee.” The SJC noted that the option ABC afforded employees “to choose ‘voluntarily’ to accept either wage deductions or discipline offers them only unpalatable choices.”
What, then, are “valid set-offs?” The Attorney General offered the following examples: “[i] where there is proof of an undisputed loan or wage advance from the employer to the employee; [ii] a theft of the employer’s property by the employee, as established in an ‘independent and unbiased proceeding’ with due process protections for the employee; or [iii] where the employer has obtained a judgment against the employee for the value of the employer’s property.” The SJC stated that there are other circumstances in which a set-off would be valid, such as part of the collective bargaining agreement, but the Court declined to provide any more examples or guidance.
PRACTICE TIP: Employers need to be very careful before making any deductions from employee pay not required by law (e.g., tax withholdings) or not expressly authorized by the employee under an employee benefit plan. In Massachusetts, employer deductions to recover for damaged or unreturned property are very dangerous. Deductions for other types of “debts,” such as deductions made at termination for vacation advances or employer-paid tuitions, should be handled carefully and with appropriate documentation, signed by employees.
Individual Liability Under the Wage Act Not Applied to Officers or Agents of Limited Liability Corporations
In Cook v. Patient EDU, LLC, et al., C.A. No. 10-00810 (Mass. Superior Ct. May 24, 2011), the Superior Court dismissed claims seeking to hold the employer’s President and manager individually liable for unpaid wages under the Massachusetts Wage Act, and ruled that defendant managers and officers of an LLC cannot be held individually liable under the Wage Act because an LLC is not a corporation and only “officers or agents having the management of [a] corporation” can be found individually liable under the Act.
The Wage Act provides that “[t]he president and treasurer of a corporation and any officers or agents having the management of such corporation shall be deemed to be the employers of the employees of the corporation. . . .” G.L. c. 149 § 148. Accordingly, corporate individuals may be personally liable for violations of the Wage Act. However, in Cook, the court ruled that this individual liability does not apply to individuals involved in the management of a limited liability company, since an LLC is not a “corporation” within the strictest sense. The court found that the language of the Wage Act was unambiguous, and that it was therefore bound in its decision by the plain meaning of the statute.
Although Cook is a Superior Court decision and thus not binding on other courts, it does represent a departure from Massachusetts courts’ recent expansive reading of the Wage Act, and unless or until it is no longer good law, may be cited by LLCs facing Wage Act claims.
PRACTICE TIP: Employers organized as LLCs should continue to comply with the Wage Act. The Superior Court is a trial court, and therefore the holding reached in Cook could be over-ruled by a Massachusetts appellate court in a future case, and the decision is not binding on other courts. Moreover, the court in Cook noted that the Wage Act could be amended by the legislature to include individual liability for officers and managers of LLCs since “it is possible that the Legislature’s failure to include individual officers and managers of LLCs in the definition of employer is an unfortunate oversight.” Further, Cook does not change the liability which an LLC as a corporate entity faces. Therefore, all employers, regardless of their corporate form, should continue to comply with the Wage Act’s requirements.
Commissions are Wages under the Wage Act
A recent case out of the United States District Court, District of Massachusetts, Micciche v. N.R.I. Data and Business Products, Inc., C.A. No. 09-11661-GO (D. Mass. September 27, 2011), serves as a reminder that the Wage Act can apply to wages paid in the form of commissions, but only where the commissions meet the requirements set forth by the Act. The Wage Act applies only to commissions that are “definitely determined” and have become “due and payable to such employee.” Mass. Gen. Laws ch. 149 § 148.
In Micciche, the plaintiff had been employed by the defendant as an account executive responsible for making sales of computer products and services to the pharmaceutical and healthcare industries. The plaintiff’s compensation was made up of both a base salary and a commission, but his commission was contingent and only payable if a sale met a number of requirements, including prompt payment by the client and a minimum amount of sales in a month by the plaintiff. Further, the plaintiff’s commission was paid only on the sale’s gross profit, which was determined by a formula using the cost of the product sold.
Micciche was fired at the end of 2008. At the time of his discharge, he was presented with a check which amounted to payment for the base salary owed to him, and the balance of his accrued vacation days. However, Micciche alleged that he was also due unpaid commissions under the Wage Act.
The Wage Act applies only to commissions that are “definitely determined” and have become “due and payable to such employee.” Mass. Gen. Laws ch.149 § 148. To determine whether Micciche was owed commissions, the court first examined whether Micciche had met the conditions on which payment of a commission were contingent under the terms of his agreement with his employer. For at least two sales, the court found that he had met the conditions, and therefore “earned” a commission. However, the court found that they had not been “definitely determined,” i.e., were not capable of being precisely ascertained so as to make their payment come within the Wage Act. Because the amount of commissions was determined using a formula which required the cost of the product, and because evidence of cost was insufficient, the court ruled that it was unable to “definitely determine” the amount of commission earned by Micciche. Accordingly, the court found the employer did not owe Micciche unpaid wages since the commissions were not “definitely determined” and therefore not within the Wage Act.
PRACTICE TIP: This case serves as a reminder to employers that commissions are due to a discharged employer as soon as they become “due and payable” under compensation schemes, and as soon as they are “definitely determined.” The question of when a commission has been “definitely determined” and has become due and payable will be answered by the terms of the commission agreement, which, if carefully drafted, can be an important part of managing an employer’s obligations to an employee at termination.
Please contact any member of Morse’s Employment Law Group for more information.

domain: law


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An interactive sound sculpture by Chilean artist Catalina Pollak uses the movements of pedestrians to evoke the ghost of lost wrought iron railings that were removed during the war from many public parks throughout London.
“Phantom Railings” is an interactive sound sculpture located in Bloomsbury Park that uses the movements of pedestrians to evoke the ghost of the lost wrought iron fencing which was removed seven decades ago.
The artist was inspired to create the garden when she realised that London is full of metal railings, but that many were removed to help the war effort.
Using sensor based acoustic devices, pedestrians can re-create the sound of a stick being hit against the metal railings and the pitch differs according to their movements.
Commenting, Phil Ball, Sales Director of metal railings and gate manufacturer Alpha Rail said, “This is a great tribute to the history and heritage of traditional wrought iron fencing. It’s a fun way to engage the public in remembering the past and the important role metal railings still play in providing safe boundaries around our public parks.”
Click this link to view the BBC news video http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-19916493Tags: Wrought Iron Railings

domain: design


World Food Day
World Food Day
By Tonya Rowe, Global Policy Lead, Food & Nutrition Security, CARE
Every year, the global community observes World Food Day on October 16 to raise awareness that even though we already have the capacity to feed every person on the planet, more than 800 million people in the world face chronic hunger. Every year, we create campaigns around World Food Day to inspire people to take action and make donations so we can empower small-scale food producers to feed and nourish their families. We reinforce our commitments to achieve Sustainable Development Goal 2 (achieve Zero Hunger by 2030) and celebrate countries on track for meeting it. Every year, we talk about the fact that reaching #ZeroHunger is absolutely possible, but this year, we need to change the topic of conversation because, two years after we set those auspicious SDGs, the number of people facing chronic hunger has increased to 815 million.
Hunger kills more people every year than malaria, tuberculosis and aids combined and about 45 percent of infant deaths are related to malnutrition. Climate change has already impacted food security and ending hunger will only get harder unless we take the right actions.
Over the next few weeks CARE will be spending a lot of time talking about hunger and malnutrition and climate change at several global events including the Nutrition for Growth Summit, the Scaling Up Nutrition Global Gathering, and UN Climate talks (COP23). It is already recognized that everyone has a right to food, yet we currently we have four countries approaching famine conditions, a designation that indicates that millions of people have already died from hunger.
If we really want to achieve #ZeroHunger – we have to quit talking primarily about producing food and start talking more about gender, climate change, conflict and inequality - the real drivers of hunger – and we have to start talking to women. Sixty percent of the world’s chronically hungry are women. They’re the ones most affected by food insecurity and, when properly supported, the ones most poised to make significant contributions to solving the world’s hunger issues.
This year, for World Food Day, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is highlighting migration and food insecurity. CARE is observing it by highlighting the fact that you can’t create sustainable food systems for a changing, migrating population without addressing climate change, gender equality and rural development.
About 80 percent of the world’s extreme poor live in rural settings. The majority of refugees and displaced persons also come from rural areas and more than 75 percent of those who are food insecure depend on agriculture and natural resource-based livelihoods, like farming and fishing. It’s no coincidence that approximately half of the world’s smallholder farmers are women or that most of the people currently living in refugee settings are women. Gender inequality means women hit barriers at every angle, even when they’re responsible for nearly 90 percent of household food preparation. When food is scarce, women are often the last in the family to eat.
Worldwide, women make up nearly half the agriculture labor force, but only 10-20 percent are landowners and only 5 percent of agricultural training goes to women. Similarly, 90 percent of agricultural credit is accessed by men, while women farmers all over the world are routinely paid less than men. They carry a disproportionate share of household workloads; are often excluded from agricultural decision-making; and are under-represented in agricultural organizations. Disparities like these lead to a significant, systemic gaps (as much as 30 percent) between what male and female farmers can produce and often leave women more vulnerable to climate impacts.
Women have the same right to food as men and they make enormous contributions to household food security. We know that if female farmers have access to the same resources, rights, and opportunities as male farmers, they could produce enough food to create stability at the family and community level, improve resilience at the country level and reduce the number of undernourished people in the world by 100-150 million!
That’s why, in every country where CARE works with small-scale food producers, we take a 360-degree approach that strengthens gender equality and women’s voices, builds resilience, and promotes inclusive governance. In FY16, CARE worked with over 28.6 million participants through over 600 projects that focused on food and nutrition security and climate resilience. Every one of those projects included gender equality components.
Today, on World Food Day and over the next few weeks, CARE calls on our partners, advocates and global leaders to step up their commitments to small-scale food producers, especially women, and the 815 million people who are chronically hungry. We know that achieving SDG 2 will require considerable investment, engagement, leadership and courage, from every country. We also know that the biggest problems we face today are entirely solvable if we place our attention on the right issues, tackle inequality, and put women at the heart of solutions. That’s what we’re talking about on this World Food Day.


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Need a gift for a gifted musician?
The SoundCloud Premium accounts also come as virtual gifts and it takes only two minutes to get one. Head over to our Gift page and check out the different Premium accounts starting at only €29 per year.
Dr3i - Drei - Three - 3
A lot of great things come in 3's
I generally prefer a deeper, darker, tinge of ambient-in-the-air, kind of sound and feel.
But then every once in a while I want to make an ear-blistering song.
I don't generally like dubstep - it's just fun to make. The dub I make is usually between 128 and 131bpm so it fits easily with my electro and house and shtuff.
When I mix them together I won't have my name stamped all over them, those versions will be available upon request.
Gimme a follow - if you put any thought to your music, I'll follow you back :)

domain: hobby


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The UN has urged warring parties to redouble efforts at protecting civilians from harm and to de-escalate the conflict in order to “save lives and create a conducive environment for the upcoming talks in Doha,” the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) said in a statement on Thursday.
The UN is concerned by a recent spate of violent incidents in which members of Afghanistan’s civil society have been targeted, the statement said.
“Deliberate attacks against religious leaders, healthcare workers, members of the judiciary, civil society activists, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and journalists are both shocking and criminal,” it said, adding: “The UN looks to the authorities to bring those responsible for the attacks to account and emphasizes its determination to continue support to Afghanistan’s flourishing civil society sector.”
“It’s taken enormous work and some brave decisions for Afghans to reach the point of being on the eve of unprecedented intra-Afghan negotiations,” said Deborah Lyons, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative for Afghanistan. “I encourage parties to lay the necessary foundation for the talks by showing their commitment to peace through immediate and concrete actions to protect civilians and reduce violence.”
“There are spoilers who do not wish to see an end to war,” said Lyons, who is also head of UNAMA. “No matter what tactics they employ to de-rail the peace process, they cannot be allowed to succeed.”
The statement also said that in the first six months of 2020, preliminary figures indicate more than 800 civilians were killed and injured in deliberate attacks against civilians. “UNAMA attributed responsibility for approximately half of these civilian casualties to the Taliban.”
“UNAMA draws attention to the continued harm to civilians from the use of indirect fire during ground engagements in civilian-populated areas that has caused roughly 25 per cent of civilian casualties in the second quarter of 2020,” according to the statement.
The UN's continued call for an end to violence is also "immediately linked to the need for all parties to provide the necessary focus and resources to combating the COVID-19 pandemic, a serious threat to everyone in Afghanistan," the statement said.

domain: news


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PETALING JAYA: An enhanced movement control order (MCO) will be imposed at the dormitories of workers of Imperial Garments in Flat Anjung Tawas Damai, Perak.
Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob (pic) said that the enhanced MCO would be implemented from March 1 to 14.
"As of now, the Health Ministry have conducted 524 tests and from that number, a total of 213 people were found Covid-19 positive.
"The Health Ministry confirmed that there is a steep increase in the number of cases in this locality, with a high infectivity rate," he said in a statement on Sunday (Feb 28).
He added that the enhanced MCO was imposed after risk assessment was conducted with various other agencies and upon the advice of the Health Ministry.
The Senior Minister (Security) also said the enhanced MCO imposed in the Tapah Prison and its staff quarters in Batang Padang, Perak would be extended to March 15.
"To date, the Health Ministry has conducted 875 tests and from that number, a total of 178 Covid-19 positive cases were recorded.
"The Health Ministry confirmed that they are still waiting for the results for 505 samples and that there is spread of infection among inmates of this prison," he said.
However, the enhanced MCO at SM Sultan Idris Shah II in Gerik, Perak will end as scheduled on March 1.
"During the period of the enhanced MCO, the Health Ministry has conducted 582 tests and from that number, cumulatively 16 cases were recorded.
"The Health Ministry confirmed that there are no more active cases in this locality, the situation is under control, and they are not waiting the results of any samples," he said.


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Poems Invited for Dec. 2012 Issue of Taj Mahal
Taj Mahal Review is published in June and December annually.
Poems and stories may be submitted by all authors, whether first-time or published writers. The poems (maximum 35 lines), essays, short stories, literary articles and reviews (maximum 2500 words) must be in English. Poems with a special layout should be sent by email as an attachment using Microsoft Word.
Haikus may also be submitted. (Maximum 10)
Esperanto Essays and Poems with English translations may also be submitted.
The matter sent for publication must be an original creation of the author. The plagiarised work should not be submitted. Your submission declares that the work is original, and your own.

domain: library


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Ryan Plowman, a student at Suburban High School who played soccer, unexpectedly passed away from mononucleosis on Sunday after helping his high school team win a regional championship on Saturday. Mononucleosis, generally known as mono, is an infectious illness that affects young people, particularly college students. Find out more about this soccer prodigy, age 17, right away.
Who was Ryan Plowman?
In the United States, in the city of Palos Heights in Cook County, Illinois, Ryan Plowman attended the prestigious Alan B. Shepard High School and was a star soccer player. The name of Ryan’s sibling is Drew Plowman, and he was the adored son of Dan and Jen. The high school’s soccer coach, Zeno Toscas, was training Ryan, and in a recent competition, Ryan significantly contributed to his team’s success in capturing a regional championship.
Ryan was flawless, according to Ryan’s father, Dan Plowman. He worked so hard and was a fantastic student. “He was going to excel at it for sure if he started to do something.” Ryan’s parents added that their son had aspirations of attending Butler University after high school in order to pursue a career in pharmacy and benefit others.
How did Ryan Plowman die?
Ryan Plowman die suddenly last Saturday, November 5, at Comer Children’s Hospital. An underlying ailment and a medication Ryan Plowman was taking, according to medical experts, prevented his body from being able to fight the infection. Additionally, Ryan had Crohn’s disease, according to his mother, Jennifer Plowman. His immune system was impaired, according to the theory, as a result of the Crohn’s disease medication. Ryan always wanted to be a pharmacist so that he could work with people to aid them, according to his parents.
What was the cause of his death?
Ryan died from mononucleosis illness, according to the medical staff at Comer Children’s Hospital, because of an underlying ailment and a medicine that prevented his body from battling the illness.
According to Ryan’s mother, Jennifer Plowman, “Ryan also had Crohn’s Disease, and the doctors are speculating that the Crohn’s Disease medicine depressed his immune system and decreased his body’s ability to fight.”
Tributes pour in for Ryan Plowman
People have begun expressing their condolences and tributes to the deceased soul after this tragic news became public. Ryan Plowman’s high school soccer coach, Zeno Toscas, expressed sorrow at his early passing by saying, “Ryan was one of those special kids that coaches always dream of having on their team. “He was simply one of those individuals that you were delighted you got to connect with.”
Toscas said, “If I had a team of Ryan Plowman’s, it would be the most enjoyable experience a coach could ever wish for. Ryan always used to work hard both on and off the field. He was just one of those kids.”
Our deepest sympathies go out to Ryan’s family and friends for losing such a treasure. We pray to God to give his family the fortitude to endure these trying times because the sadness of his loss has been tremendous for them.
Funds were raised to cover his medical costs
Soccer coach Zeno Toscas at Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights said Ryan was one of those special kids that coaches hope to have on their team. He put in a lot of effort both on and off the field, and Toscas stated, “He was just one of those guys who I felt if I had a team of Ryan Plowman’s, it would be one of the most pleasurable experiences a coach could ever dream for.” Simply put, this high school student from a suburban area was one of those folks you were happy to interact with.


09:45 - 14:00
Hosted by Devuchka.
In this workshop will learn the basics of weaving on a simple wooden loom in order to create your own personalized wall hanging.
During the workshop we will discuss what is the essence of weaving as well as various techniques that will provide interesting textures and patterns. This DIY approach can easily be recreated at home with minimal investment.
All materials will be provided but you are welcome to bring own yarn and/or strings for a more personalized touch.
**This workshop will include food


Earth to Eugene began playing live music in the New York City area in 2003. The band played mostly acoustic shows that mixed acoustic guitars with piano and hand drums. Notable gigs through a three year span included shows at Kenny’s Castaway, CBGB Acoustic Galleria, and the Cutting Room.
The group began exploring home recording efforts in 2005 and later that year released a self produced album titled Staring at the World Outside. This album largely reflected the type of acoustic based performances Earth to Eugene was known for playing live. Each track was a unique mixture of acoustic/electric guitars layered with percussion and hand drums. The songs themselves shifted through a variety of rock and alternative sounds creating a truly distinctive album.
Since this time, the band has focused exclusively on improving and expanding their recording efforts. In 2008, they released their second album titled The Light Unseen. This album reflected significant change in recording methods as the band combined percussion and hand drums with a full drum set. There was also a greater emphasis placed on synth and piano parts within many of the compositions. The final product moves through a variety of musical genres, while displaying a personal style the band had been developing for years.
Over the last year, the band has been upgrading their recording abilities and techniques. The result has been the creation of an archive of recorded material the band is planning on releasing in a series of albums throughout 2010. The first of these albums, titled The Heavy Escape and Terminals, are available as free downloads.
Fans of Earth to Eugene can look forward to several more releases this year, all with their own distinct musical flavor.


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Cancer is happening right now, which is why I’m raising money right now for Cancer Research UK. There’s no time to lose!
Sadly this terrible disease has affected people very close to me and I'm has done for many others as well. I'm am taking on the challenge in memory of my Grandma who I sadly never to had the chance to meet due to Cancer.
I aim to raise £500 and would appreciate any donation BIG or SMALL!

domain: medical


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Oxytocin Crystals, Light Micrograph Posters
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How do you free a stuck carburetor?
Open the hood and locate the carburetor body. Tap the top of the carburetor gently but firmly with a small hammer or screwdriver handle. Tap the bowl of the carburetor firmly. This may loosen a stuck float valve, allowing the float to work properly until you can fix the problem permanently.
How do you remove a broken fuel mixture screw?
The “Push Pin Trick” and “Pick Trick” techniques make this possible. This method uses a push pin and box wrench to push out the broken tip of the idle mixture screw. The “Push Pin Trick” method. This method uses a mechanic’s pick and wire spark plug guage to push out and clear the broken tip of the idle mixture screw.
How do you remove a stubborn screw?
If the screw is being especially stubborn, try using a hammer. With one hand, hold your screwdriver in place and slowly try to turn it while hitting the back of the screwdriver with a hammer. This is the same premise that an impact driver works on.
How do you remove a screw that has no head?
There is a solution for that problem that will allow you to remove the screw quickly and efficiently.
- Use a center punch to put a deep hole right in the center of the screw shaft.
- Start with a very small drill bit and drill a hole down into the shaft.
- Turn the tool gently.
Will wd40 loosen a screw?
If the bolt is stuck in place because of rust, you can use a bolt loosening spray such as WD-40 Penetrant Spray. This penetrating oil provides deep lubrication to loosen the nut or screw. This will help the formula to penetrate the fitting and loosen the bolt so that it can be removed easily.
If it is the screw in front and underneath the carb throat that bolts to the intake manifold, it is a fuel screw. When you turn the screw out, it richens the mixture. When you turn it in, it leans the mixture.
How do you remove a stuck brass screw?
Place the wrench over the bolt-head that is covered with the rag and turn it counterclockwise. Apply firm, even pressure to the wrench to break the bolt free. Spray additional penetrating catalyst on the bolt as you work the wrench on the bolt. The bolt will begin to loosen to the point that you can remove it by hand.


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Doctor insights on:
What Is A Hemotologist
For blood disorders: Generally you will see a hematologist on referral from your primary doctor. You would be experiencing paleness, shortness of breath, bruising, loss of function and many other symptoms which could be from many sources. Your family doc will figure out that it is a blood disorder and the hematologist will analyze it and determine the best treatment. ...Read more
Yes: Yes. But it is best to have them fully explained to you. Some things that might flag out as abnormal may be 'fine.' also some numbers may be a problem in some people and not in others - depending on their age and other health conditions. Sit down and review the numbers / test with a physician you trust - that can explain things well. ...Read more
What is an average Ferratin Level in women? Mine is 225 and increasing with each test (every 3 months). Should I be referred to a hemotologist?
Ferritin levels vary: ... widely in healthy people. Ferritin is a major iron binding protein inside cells. Low serum levels strongly suggest iron deficiency, e.g. from chronic bleeding. Levels up to 230 are normal. Higher levels may reflect excessive iron intake, but this is non-specific since inflammation, form a variety of causes, will also cause high levels. ...Read more
Blood disorders: Hematologists are specialists in disorders of the blood system which includes a broad variety of conditions like anemia, sickle cell anemia, leukemia, lymphoma, and others. They handle these conditions and other aspects of disorders of blood cell production including disorders of platlets which are involved in clotting disease. ...Read more
Possible myeloma: If you have anemia (low red cell count) or an abnormal protein in the blood (m-spike), your doctor may want to rule out multiple myeloma- a disorder of white blood cells. Free light chain testing is part of the evaluation for this. You should speak to your doctor to find out what prompted him to order the test, rather than worrying about it. Good luck, hope it is normal. ...Read more
Make self referral: Ask your pcp to make a referral or self refer. ...Read more
Full eval and blood: Full history and physical, review of records and blood tests. ...Read more
Risk factors: A hematologist will likely discuss with you your risk factors for dvt- birth control, smoking, family history.. ..They will probably also do some blood tests to check for genetic or acquired conditions that can increase your tendency to develop blood clots. Finally, they will discuss with you how long you will need to continue the blood thinners that have likely been prescribed for you. ...Read more
Clarify: I am not a hematologist, but I think you should clarify so that a hematologist can answer accurately. Where were the plasma cells found? Peripheral blood smear (i.e., a blood test)? A lymph node? Was it from the bone marrow (i.e., bone marrow biopsy)? Or some other biopsy? The interpretation will be vastly different depending on the sample and source. I'll pray that it's not serious. Best of Luck! ...Read more
Infusions, my hemotologist has discontinued any future infusions. What would you recommend at this point?
Minimal information: For a meaningful answer. The type of infusions as well as the condition for which you were treated would be needed. Most treatments/ infusions are stopped because they are no longer needed. ...Read more
I'm asking any hemotologist about nlphl hl my docs say late recurrences are possible very late? Thoughts on nlphl please any information be appreciat
Lymphoma: Nearly 8 out of 10 patients with nlphl are diagnosed with early stage lymphoma, involving lymph nodes only in the neck and upper half of the body. Treatment of nodular lymphocyte predominant hodgkin's lymphoma includes chemotherapy and often radiation therapy as well. Most patients respond very well to treatment, and more than 90% are cured. I wish you the best. ...Read more
Need more info:
It is your platelet count that is 90, 000? If so, you should consult a hematologists. You may start with your primary care provider to make that you have accurate test results.
Wish you good health! - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.
Practice safe sex, if you have sex. ...Read more
They are watching carefully for the development of multiple myeloma in the future.
CRAB is an mnemonic for myeloma symptoms:
C: Calcium elevation
R: Renal Failure
B: Bone lesions
For the diagnosis of multiple myeloma, you need:
Plasma cells > 10%
Monoclonal Protein to be detected
Positive for one of the symptoms in CRAB
So 15% plasma cell, but not crab would be smoldering myeloma. ...Read more
Serum? Bone marrow?:
CRAB: C = Calcium (elevated), R = Renal failure, A = Anemia, B = Bone lesions
This means very good news to start. Absence of the "C.R.A.B." features means low likelihood of multiple myeloma. The significance of the 14% depends of what kind of test you had and what kind of symptoms you are experiencing. Continue to follow up until you get satisfactory answers and a clean bill of health. ...Read more
Asked hematologist for serum free light chain test but he entered total light chain with ratio that came back normal. Should I ask for retest with flc?
Doubt it: There isn't going to be a dominant chain, so there isn't going to be a myeloma. ...Read more
Low wbc: First is to repeat the blood work to confirm that low WBC is persistent. If it is significantly very low and especially if the other type of blood counts are also low- like the hemoglobin and/or platelet- then yes, you should see a hematologist. If the level is just very mild and this has not been repeated- your pmd should repeat this and make sure that this isn't lab error or viral infection. ...Read more
May lower BP:
Not sure what you mean by "negatively affect BP."
Gingko has been used medicinally for thousands of years. Research shows it may help treat Dementia, Intermittent Claudication, PMS, Anxiety, Raynaud's, Macular Degeneration etc.
It may lower blood pressure in some so if taking with BP meds may cause BP to drop too low, though unlikely. It may interact with nifedipine. See
http://tinyurl. Com/h9gpz9l ...Read more
I am being sent to hemotologist for low ferratin and 3% atypical lymphocytes. Should I be concerned?
Concerned: Concerned -yes, but 3% atypical lymphocytes is unlikely to have any effect on your well being. Get used to the fact that your blood work will be reviewed frequently (usually every 3 months) and then much less often if all is going well, which I hope it is. ...Read more
The first time, my result was rouleaux. Second time it came back polychromasia. Should I see a hematologist?
Polycythemia is an appropriate reason to consult a hematologist, however you should discuss it with your primary care doctor first.
For good health - Have a diet rich in fresh vegetables, fruits, whole grains, milk and milk products, nuts, beans, legumes, lentils and small amounts of lean meats. Avoid saturated fats. Drink enough water daily, so that your urine is mostly colorless. Exercise at least 150 minutes/week and increase the intensity of exercise gradually. Do not use tobacco, alcohol, weed or street drugs in any form.
Practice safe sex, if you have sex. ...Read more
I have been seeing a hematologist and my blood work looks good. Are there any other conditions that could be causing this?
Internist: You need to consult an internist for the combination of problems. He may obtain more test on you or refer you to the appropriate specialists after his evaluation. ...Read more
My son is being referred to a Hematologist. He has low RBCs and low Reticulyte count after 2weeks of iron drops. Should I be worried?
My husband has had a low count of platlets and evidence of red marrow reconversion. Are these related? Should he go to a hematologist
Yes, yes: They can be related. I recommend hematologist. ...Read more
I have platlet count of 419, do just say she will f/u in 2 months. Now im worried. All other counts normal. Should I see a hematologist?
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AUSTIN — After a rare all-night listening to, a Republican-backed invoice to overtake the state’s voting system cleared a key Home committee within the Texas Legislature on Sunday morning, advancing the measure on an accelerated path towards a vote within the full 150-member chamber.
The vote by the Home committee, performed at about 7:30 a.m. after practically 24 hours of debate and public remark, adheres to Gov. Greg Abbott’s timetable for swift motion on the invoice, which has known as a precedence. A vote by the total Home on the measure, which voting rights teams name one of the crucial restrictive within the nation, is predicted this week. All 9 Republicans on the committee supported the invoice, whereas the 5 Democrats voted in opposition to it.
Mr. Abbott, a Republican, has mentioned that passing a brand new voting regulation is considered one of his high priorities. He known as the legislature right into a 30-day particular session, which began Thursday, after Democrats blocked the invoice in late Might with a dramatic Eleventh-hour walkout from the Capitol.
A State Senate committee, which additionally heard hours of testimony on Saturday earlier than a late-hour recess, was additionally anticipated to vote on a model of the voter laws when it returns to work as early as Sunday afternoon.
Tons of of Texans flocked to the Capitol over the weekend for the committee hearings on companion voting payments being pushed by Republicans, a part of a nationwide effort by the celebration to impose new restrictions on state election programs. Republicans say the restructuring is important to enhance voter integrity however a number of Democrat-aligned opposition forces are combating what they name an unprecedented marketing campaign to suppress voting.
“That is the one biggest coordinated assault on democracy in our lifetimes, and maybe within the lifetime of this nation,” mentioned Beto O’Rourke, a former U.S. consultant and candidate for president, who has taken a lead position for Democrats on the voting subject and was on the Capitol for the listening to
However Sen. Bryan Hughes, the Republican Chairman of the State Affairs Committee, opened the listening to in his committee on Saturday by declaring that the laws is designed to create a “higher election course of that’s protected and accessible.”
Home and Senate Democrats have vowed to do every part essential to kill the laws a second time, however their choices are restricted. They’ve hinted that they’re ready to resort to a different daring transfer, like staging one other walkout, or presumably taking the extra excessive step of fleeing the state.
Research constantly charge Texas close to the highest of the checklist of states that make it tougher to register and vote, which explains, partly, why the Democrats view the stakes as so excessive.
Although retooled from the common session, the voting payments in each homes resurrected many of the components within the unique laws. Each would ban 24-hour voting and drive-through voting websites, improve the legal penalties for election staff who run afoul of rules, restrict what help could possibly be offered to voters and develop the authority and autonomy of partisan ballot watchers.
However the newest payments jettison two contentious provisions from the primary spherical that Democrats had vehemently opposed, eradicating a limitation on Sunday voting and a provision that will have made it simpler to overturn an election.
For this weekend’s hearings, Democrats and voter advocacy teams against the payments rallied witnesses from across the state to testify.
State Senator Borris Miles, a Houston Democrat, mentioned two busloads of witnesses and a 20-car caravan had made the journey from his district. Each Mr. Miles and Lina Hidalgo, the chief government of Harris County, the state’s most populous, informed reporters that the payments would extract a harsh toll within the Houston area by dismantling election improvements akin to 24-hour voting that have been put in place in the course of the 2020 election.
“We’re beneath assault,” Mr. Miles mentioned.
After getting a late begin on the voting measure by spending hours on a bail overhaul invoice, the Home committee labored by the night time to listen to lots of the practically 300 witnesses who had signed as much as testify. A number of who have been nonetheless ready within the committee room previous daybreak started to joke concerning the early morning hour and expressed gratitude to Trent Ashby, the Republican Home chairman, for not shutting off testimony.
“Good morning Mr. Chair, thanks for staying,” mentioned Hector Mendez, representing the group Texas School Democrats. “Completely happy 6:30 to all of you,” mentioned one other witness.
Though Democrats sought extra time to digest the invoice, Mr. Ashby mentioned he needed to proceed with a committee vote due to the “compressed nature” of the particular session. Earlier than voting to ship the measure to the total Home, the committee additionally rejected eight amendments provided by Democrats, additionally on party-line votes.
Texas follows a number of different battleground states managed by Republicans which have handed substantial overhauls of their election legal guidelines and enacted new voting restrictions this yr. Since January, a minimum of 22 payments that make voting harder have been signed into regulation in 14 states.


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How Does Mitral Valve Repair Fail in Patients With Prolapse?—Insights From Longitudinal Echocardiographic Follow-Up
This single institution study explored the frequency and time course of failure of mitral valve repair for MR caused by prolapse using longitudinal echocardiography. Recurrent MR developed in 49 (5.7%) patients at a mean of 3.1 years; 6 had prolapse and 43 did not. Severe MS occurred in 3. Reoperation was performed in 21 patients, and was most commonly valve replacement.


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UFC flyweight Paige VanZant recently underwent a second surgery to fix a broken right arm. If recovery goes smoothly, she says she will aim for a return to the Octagon by the end of 2018.
"The road to recovery has been really long, but I know I'll be back in there," VanZant told ESPN's Ariel Helwani on Monday. "My managers are already talking opponents to fight by the end of the year. If I get good news at the end of this month, for sure I'm fighting at the end of this year.
"I'm thinking December. If everything goes right, [my arm] is supposed to be totally healed by then. I'll for sure be cleared."
VanZant (7-4) suffered the injury throwing a spinning back fist in the second round of a fight with Jessica-Rose Clark on January 14. She lost the bout by unanimous decision. VanZant had surgery afterward but the arm did not improve.
"I'm hoping this surgery went a lot better than the last one," VanZant says. "Right now I'm just trying to take it really easy. I have my checkup at the end of the month. That will determine a lot.
"[The doctors] don't know exactly what went wrong. Six months went by and my arm had never healed."
VanZant has dropped three of her past four fights. She moved up to the flyweight division from strawweight before her most recent bout with Clark due to multiple hard weight cuts.
When asked for a particular opponent she is eyeing, she simply stated she's "looking at the entire 125-pound division." That said, another shot at Clark would be of interest.
"I would love to get the rematch with Jessica-Rose," VanZant says. "I really want that one back. It's really bitter to taste defeat. I would love to show what I have."

domain: sports


I went for a long day of shopping at DLF City Centre Mall, Gurgaon last week. I walked from shop to shop for almost 4 hours, and by the end of it, I was famished. So, I looked for a coffee shop to drink something cold, and eat a light snack. And guess what, I bumped into this hidden gem called- Mogli’s Coffee.
If you are a fan of Asian cuisine, you must have heard of this brand-new baby in town – Pa Pa Ya. This restaurant sits magnificently on the 4th floor of Select CityWalk, Saket. I went there for dinner with the girls on a Monday night. Read on to see my verdict.
Stretched along the mighty Parvati River, Kasol is contoured by mountains and lush green patches. A quaint village in Himachal Pradesh, this countryside hamlet is filled with reggae bars, bakeries, and small guesthouses catering to backpackers across the globe.
Watch out Delhi foodies because it’s time to say hello to Baris – an authentic Mediterranean restaurant with undertones of Turkish delights.
Another year has passed by. Another year is here to unfold the greatest joys of life. Today is Poila Boishakh – first day of a brand-new Bengali year. And I am here to celebrate this day with Devyani Kapoor (www.breviloquent.in).


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Sponge cake is a delicate and light cake. It is also known as foam cake. Whipped eggs provide the texture and fluff of sponge cake. It has various categories which include cakes like angel food, Genoese, chiffon, and Victoria sponge.
Difference Between a Sponge Cake and a Regular Cake
Sponge cakes start with a higher egg content than traditional yellow cakes. We gently incorporate the dry ingredients into the whipped eggs, which have been made into a light and fluffy crumb. They typically contain little to no fat, although there are several exceptions, such as the chiffon (which this recipe mimics) and the Victoria sponge.
A sponge cake’s fat level is often lower than a traditional yellow cake, giving the latter a thicker crumb. A sponge-style cake calls for beating eggs as the first step in the preparation. It will be closer to your traditional yellow cake if it instructs you to cream butter and sugar.
Although there are various types, this recipe is the most similar to a chiffon sponge in terms of ingredients and preparation. The only difference is that we whip the egg whites and yolks together in this recipe rather than whipping them separately and blending them.
Ingredients Required to Make Sponge Cake
Granulated sugar, 1/2 cup
Vanilla extract, 1 tablespoon, and half a cup of vegetable oil
1 1/2 cups of cake flour
1 1/2 teaspoon of baking powder
1/2 kosher salt spoon
- Crack 6 large eggs into a stand mixer’s bowl (or large bowl if mixing by hand). Allow to warm up to room temperature.
- Set a rack in the center oven and turn the temperature up to 350 degrees. Prepare two (9-inch) round cake pans by lining the bottom with parchment paper circles. Grease the pans sparingly.
- For about a minute, mix the eggs with the whisk attachment running at low speed. Add half a cup of granulated sugar gradually while the mixer is still running on low speed and beat until mostly combined. Slowly increase the speed to medium-high, and beat the mixture for 6 to 7 minutes, or until it has tripled in volume, is light and fluffy and has formed soft, glossy peaks that resemble soft serve.
- Add 1/2 cup of vegetable oil in a thin stream while the mixer is still running at medium-high speed and mix and combine for 45 second. Beat in 1 tablespoon of vanilla extract after adding it. Stop the mixer.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together 1 1/2 cups cake flour, 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder, and 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt. Through a fine-mesh strainer, sift half of the flour mixture into the egg mixture. Gently incorporate the flour mixture in with a sizable rubber spatula until there are no longer any dry streaks. To completely integrate everything, it can take a few minutes to sift and fold in the remaining flour one more time, making sure to scrape the bowl’s bottom between each step.
- With an offset spatula, evenly distribute the batter among the cake pans. Bake the cakes for 23 to 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Each cake can be loosened by circling it with a butter knife or offset spatula. Allow the cakes to cool for 15 to 20 minutes while still within the pan. On a wire rack, turn the cakes over and allow them cool fully.
The cakes can be frozen for up to three months or kept at room temperature for up to two days once they have cooled.

domain: food


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Streams and Rivers – Definition
Rivers usually begin as small mountain or hill streams where steep gradients produce fast flowing water conditions where loose rocks and stones are formed by continuous erosion.
Pebbles and gravel accumulate in places but vegetation is scarce or non-existent.
Most streams are tributaries of rivers. Once the river reaches flatter lowland areas, water flow decreases, sediment is deposited and vegetation becomes increasingly frequent.
The lower reaches of rivers are tidal where conditions are heavily influenced by tides and fluctuating levels of salinity.
Reedbeds are present in places along the fringes of the river muddy banks are exposed at low tide.

domain: geography


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Jodi Lyn O’Keefe Breaks Up With Her Long-Term Boyfriend, John Cusack!
- Date of Birth 1978-10-10
- Age 41 Years 5 Month(s)
- Nationality American
- Birth Place Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey, United States
- Profession Actress
- Birth Name Jodi Lyn O'Keefe
- Zodiac Sign Libra
- Ethnicity/Race Mixed
- Father Jack O'Keefe
- Mother Noreen O'Keefe
- Sister/s Heather O'Keefe, Jenna O'Keefe
- Children/Kids Not Yet
- Relationship Status Dating
- Divorce/Split Not Yet
- Boyfriend Douglas Little (2015-present)
- Ex-Boyfriend John Cusack (2003-2009)
- Dating/Affair Douglas Little (2015-present)
- Net Worth Not Disclosed
- Career 1995-present
- High School Saint John Vianney High School
- Height/ How Tall? 5' 8½" (1.74 m)
- Weight 57 kg (126 lbs)
- Feet (Shoe) Size 10 (US)
- Hair Long
- Hair Color Dark Brown
- Eye Color Blue
- Body Measurements 36-25-34 inches
- Lesbian No
After six years of staying in a long term relationship, Jodi Lyn O’Keefe and John Cusack have decided to end their relationship. They were in a relationship since 2003 and kept the romantic journey till 2009. Sadly they are no longer a couple anymore. It is heard that the pair broke up over a disagreement whether to marry.
What was Jodi's reason to break up with John?
After being such a long time in a relationship, it’s only natural for someone to think about its future. Jodi did the same. She was in love with Cusack for six years and expected that their relationship would find a new meaning. She wanted to be married to her boyfriend from a long time, ”.get settled, have children with him and make a beautiful family. But all her dreams didn’t get to be realized.
What she expected from John couldn’t be fulfilled. John couldn’t support her for this next step in their relationship. When Jodi was only trying to take the relationship to the next level, John didn’t seem to be ready to take the big leap and didn’t seem to be in the mood for marriage. How long could Jodi wait for John to be more responsible for their marriage to occur?
When they were dating, she hoped that he would change his mind about marriage, but when he couldn’t do so, she finally decided to call it quits for good. He simply seems to be of no marriage kind.
Before the split, the two also took a Florida beach vacation to try if things would work out for them. But a witness says that once they returned from their vacation, “they were freezing to each other, bickering.” So, the vacation didn’t prove to be a success for both of them.For the time being, both Jodi and John are single and not dating anyone.
Before John Cusack, she was dating Don Johnson in the year 1997 and also had a relationship with Jaime Gonzales in the year 1998.
Caption: Jodi Lyn O' Keefe sharing coffee with her ex-boyfriend John Cusack (2004)
Photo Credit: healthyceleb.com
Net worth of Jodi Lyn O’Keefe
Besides being a hot actress and earning from Hollywood, she has other ventures too. She owns the clothing line, Queen George Clothing. Similarly, she is also the owner of her jewelery line. This all makes her an actress having the net worth of $5 million.
A short bio of Jodi Lyn O’ Keefe
Jodi was born on 10 October, in Cliffwood Beach, New Jersey to Nareen and Jack O’Keefe. She is an American actress and model who at the age of 17 began portraying the role of Cassidy Bridges on Nash Bridges. She is known for her role as Gretchen Morgan in “Prison Break” and as Josette “Jo” Laughlin in the “Vampire Diaries.” She began her career as a model at the age of eight. Keefe made her big screen debut in 1998 in Halloween H20: 20 Years Later.

domain: celebrity


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hera excessively are temples that rival the smasher of their counterparts in the southerly capital. fabulous Thai restaurants, adenine well as those selling modern international cuisine, are ample, as are excellent hotels. We besides visited an enchanting eco-village where homestays are the ordain of the day. And throughout the area, a countless of ancient craftworks are placid made just as they were hundreds of years ago. This is the charming Thailand that I discovered recently during my beginning visit to this captivating function of Asia .
The Lanna Kingdom
Chiang Mai was once the capital of the Lanna Kingdom which covered most of Northern Thailand arsenic well as parts of Myanmar ( once Burma ), China and Laos. Known as the kingdom of a million rice fields, it was founded in the thirteenth Century. Its architecture and cuisine are distinct from that of its neighbor Siam ( now central and southerly Thailand ) and, as I was soon to discover, it has a very ample tradition in arts and crafts .
Chiang Mai was the main deal township between southerly China and the ocean ports of Burma, making it a fiercely sought after prize. The city held off manque invaders for many centuries before ultimately falling to Burma in 1557. For the adjacent 200 years, it passed between the hands of Burma and Siam, before finally becoming separate of Siam in 1892. In the mid twentieth hundred Siam became known as Thailand, the country of the rid .
Monuments, Sites and Cultural Landscape of Chiang Mai, Capital of Lanna, sport on their probationary list of World Heritage Sites – a desirable submission .
Wat Phra Singh Temple, Chiang Mai City
It ’ mho my first dawn in Thailand. As I walk towards the Wihan Lai Kham in the Wat Phra Singh Buddhist synagogue complex, a sandbag view makes me catch my hint — two gloriously golden chedi radiance brilliantly in the sunlight. While I ’ five hundred seen photograph of chedi or stupa like this ahead, nothing can compare to seeing them with your own eyes. A feel of gratitude washes over me as I think of how lucky I am to be here. We are besides lucky that they have recently been restored and that, having arrived early, there aren ’ t besides many people around .
The oldest structure in the wat, which means synagogue complex, is the larger Phra That Luang Chedi built in 1345 by King Pha Yu to enshrine his church father ’ s ashes. Over the years it has been enlarged several times. It dominates the building complex and for me was the most affect build. I was wholly beguiled by its aureate veneer and the four elephants, one on each english emerging from the base .
If you ’ re besides thinking of besides visiting south Thailand confirmation out this post from Travel Photo Discovery .
The Wihan Lau Kham ( featured picture and above ) was built some years late to house the highly august Phra Buddha Sihing statue and is said to be one of the finest examples of Lanna computer architecture. Inside, stunning decorations adorn the walls, window shutters, doors, and column. once a year during the Songkran Festival, the Phra Buddha Sihing statue is carried through the streets of Chiang Mai. It is said to be one of the most aesthetically pleasing Buddha statues in Thailand, even its origins remain elusive. local caption says it is over 1,500 years old and originates from Sri Lanka .
As I wander around the complex I come across 9 fortunate statues, each one a compare of a different monk. They are beautiful and then expressive. I take a consequence to enjoy the solitude with each in twist. When I rejoin my lead, he explains that statues like this, life-size and highly accurate, are made to remember good monks that have passed aside. He points out, however, that not all monks are good, but that bad monks are forgiven .
My time at the complex is running out and there is so far more to see, including the Ubosot. Built in 1806, it has two entrances – one for monks and one for nuns. Inside are a phone number of Buddhas, including a beautiful copy of the Emerald Buddha ( a stunning tire Buddha immediately in Bangkok ), and a smaller copy of the Phra Buddha Sihing. Four more fabulously life-like statues of august monks can besides be seen hera ( photograph below ).
Read more: 8 ประสบการณ์การตั้งแคมป์ค้างคืนที่มีประโยชน์
In the 16th and 17th centuries, the wat was completely neglected and not restored until the 1920s. The largest build in the wat is the Wihan Luang ( above ) built in 1925 on the site of the original Wihan which dated back to the fourteenth century. Inside is the highly idolize Buddha statue, Phra Chao Thong Tip. Made of aureate and copper, it was cast in 1477 and is a stunning sight indeed .
The temple library, the Ho Trai, is said to be another fine example of classical Lanna architecture. sadly, I miss seeing it – I am already late and my steer and fellow travellers are waiting to leave .
Visiting the Wat Phra Singh Temple in Chiang Mai was a identical move experience and this was just the start of my Thailand adventure. The scenery was beautiful, as were the temples and the crafts in the workshop we visited. The hotels we stayed in were ace and everyone we met was so welcome. And did I mention the food ? Superb – I ’ ve therefore a lot more to share with you .
But there is one thing above all else that I ’ ll remember from my sojourn to Thailand and that is the sound of laughter. My sister once asked my grandma, who had travelled the earth herself, where, out of all the places she ’ five hundred visited, she had found the nicest people. She replied that Thailand ( or Siam as it would have been when my grandma was there ) had the happiest and nicest people she ’ five hundred ever met. Some eighty years on, I wouldn ’ triiodothyronine disagree. They are undoubtedly amongst the friendliest people you could hope to meet, always greeting you with a smile. I know of a few countries on a par with this, but never have I been in another country and heard so much laughter .
Need to Know
The Wat Phra Singh Temple is open daily from 6 am. entrance fee is free and, while not the most reverence temple in Chiang Mai, out of the 300 plus temples found in the area, it is said to be the one that you must see. It is located inside the old city walls in the kernel of Chiang Mai at the conclusion of Ratchadamnoen Road. As with all Buddhist temples, shorts are not allowed as your knees must be covered, as must your shoulders. There are well looked after toilet facilities within the complex that are besides free of charge. In decree to enter any of the buildings, you must remove your shoes .
You ’ ll find more ideas about things to do in Chiang Mai in this stake from Kavey Eats .
Where to Stay in Chiang Mai
I stayed at the beautiful riverside boutique hotel, Na Nirand Romantic Boutique Hotel and the epicurean Le Méridian Chiang Mai. Both hotels were highly dependable and centrally located for discovering the best of the old city. You can read more about both these hotels, angstrom well as rural homestays, in my post about the best places to stay in Chaing Mai .
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disclosure : I visited Thailand as a node of the Tourism Authority of Thailand, AmazingThailand.org .
Read more: หมายเหตุและเคล็ดลับในการตั้งแคมป์บนภูเขา
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The Frigate is a powerful anti-air vessel, capable of taking down any plane or chopper. It is also one of only two units able to detect and attack submerged enemy Submarines, the other being Allied Submarines. Despite this ability, it is a weak choice when attacking enemy naval units, as the anti-air missiles cannot achieve target-lock at low altitudes. However, its speed usually allows it to flee from harm's way fairly quickly.
Dossier Intel[edit | edit source]
Western Frontier[edit | edit source]
"The Squall "Hunter-Killer" Frigate employs magnetic anomaly detection to locate submerged quarry with ease. In addition to a Depth Charge lobber, a Silverfish missile rack makes it the most potent anti-air vessel in the Frontier's navy."
Tundran Territories[edit | edit source]
"For many years, political officers were assigned to Kipperov Frigates to ensure conscripted seamen adhered to the party line and did not instigate mutinies. To ensure maximum obedience, the political officer always doubled as the ship's cook."
Solar Empire[edit | edit source]
"The turning point of the Lightning Wars was marked by Type-22 "Swordfish" blockades forming an anti-air barrier around the coastlines of Old Xylvania, putting a stop to Legion Bomber raids entirely, trapping the Iron Lord's air force within its national boundaries."
Anglo Isles[edit | edit source]
"Home to the finest "haddock and chips" in the Isles, Porthampton is a favorite shore leave destination amongst Anglo seamen. Nearby shipyards oversee construction of the vessel which shares the town's name, the Porthampton-class Frigate."
Xylvania[edit | edit source]
"The X-120 Völn Frigate began life as a stolen Tundran secret aircraft project. However, ambitious attempts to retrofit the Reverse-Magno hover effect were too costly, and a hydrofoil redesign became necessary."
Iron Legion[edit | edit source]
The Iron Legion has not developed this unit.
Gallery[edit | edit source]
Concept art[edit | edit source]
Concept art of the Imperial Frigate
Sprites[edit | edit source]
Western Frontier icon
Tundran Territories icon
Solar Empire icon
Anglo Isles icon
|Units of the Battalion Wars series

domain: game


Focus on safe swimming
SWIM safety will be in the spotlight next week for the Tweed Regional Aquatic Centre’s water safety week.
The centre’s swim school, Bubbles, will run a series of special classes, including activities to teach grandparents how to re- spond to an emergency.
Bubbles Swim School coordinator Ellen Patience said swimming skills were an essential part of a child’s development.
“Swimming lessons are a long-term lesson to our kids because you never know when they will be put in a dangerous situation,” she said.
“It’s incredible how much dif- ference a good teacher can make and how quickly a child’s confidence and skills in the water can progress.
“They don’t have to be Olympic swimmers, but it’s important they are water safe.”
Parents can bring their children to the aquatic centre for a swimming assessment any time between 3.30-4.30pm Monday to Thursday.
Participants can then be allocated to a suitable class based on their existing swimming skills.
The aquatic centre will stage a special Come ’n’ Try day on April 21, offering free assessments from 9-10am.


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As many times as they have to in order to push the messed up agenda.
Blowing in the wind?
Christians, Jews, Muslims, Americans
He either seems to think religions as countries, or America a religion.
My suspicions lie with the latter. I feel afraid, very afraid.
the more you say shit the more people will remember it.. and then associate it with other shit that has nothing to do with it but also has to do with religion and how america is right and the rest are wrong.. or basically INSERT HERE for the religion that at this moment we hate because it is desecrating OURS!@!!!
jesus H FUCKING NIGGER BITCH FUCK CHRIST... seriously we should all just ignore everyone who talks religion or anything else about religion because if you just ignore it it will go away.. imagine just ignoring people and acting as if their not even there when they talk about religion or bring something up religion... just stand there and dont acknowledge them... and dont debate... within weeks the religious would declare war because THEY NEED PEOPLE TO DISAGREE WITH THEM... they feel like they matter because someone has the will to talk to them ... just ignore them and they will grow out of it.. or die of old age and thus grow out of it...
I didn't really find it to be a distinction between Muslims and Americans. He mentioned Muslims, Christians, Jews......then Americans.
I could be wrong, but to me it came across as "Americans" being "non-religious people". In other words he was saying "Muslims, Christians, Jews, or even just Americans with no religious affiliation.
I think he started to list the religions, then realized that he was implying that all people fall into one of these religions and said "Americans" as a catch all for everyone else that doesn't fall into one of those categories.
At least that was the way I took it.
In almost every case, you can argue that he was just being sloppy. Even then, though, he was always sloppy in the same way, and so often in the single segment, that it's hard not to read into it.
How many times can you say Eboo before giggling childishly?
/r/Politics is for news and discussion about U.S. politics.
Welcome to r/politics! Please read the wiki before participating.
Our Full Rules
AMA with Christine Hallquist
AMA with Roy G. Saltman
AMA with Bob Doyel
AMA with Shireen Ghorbani
Here are some external resources that might be useful.

domain: sociology


text:
The delectable worship queen, Ima Brown, is out again with another sensational tune titled MY AFFECTION. MY AFFECTION is an R&B style of music that is definitive of a bride’s commitment to her Lord and Master.
It depicts the depth of the singer’s emotions. With its poignant and sultry lyrics, it will provoke you to lavishly pour your love on HIM and will leave you declaring “Jesus I love you more than anything”
The song was produced, mixed and mastered at Sound&Beat Studio, Lagos by Producer extraordinaire, Future Sam.
Download, listen and share

domain: artistic


Fan Who Gatecrashed Ariana Grande's Gig Explains How And Why He Stormed The Stage
Teenage Phil Conley just wanted to say hi
Ariana Grande endured a stage invasion last week while on her Dangerous Woman Tour.
And now the teenager who managed to get on stage beside her has explained what he was thinking.
Ari was singing in Philadelphia on Wednesday when 15-year-old Phil Conley stormed the stage while she was mid-song.
However the teen says he just wanted to give the chart topper a hug – and he thought the concert had ended.
“She looked at us so I got the feeling that she saw me and at the end of the song when she was singing moonlight I thought the concert was over,” the teen told TMZ on Saturday as he explained himself.
“I said I want to meet her and just say hi and hug her. I was about to jump up when a security guard walked by so I stopped and as soon as he walked by I jumped and I was on stage,” he said.
Sounding surprised that he ended up on stage while the concert was still going on, Phil says he panicked.
“I didn’t want to interrupt her song and ruin the concert so I stayed back. I didn’t know what she was going to do. I waited and the security guards got my attention – they were all yelling at me. There were three or four of them to my left. That’s why I was there for 30 seconds I was talking to them,” he said.
He did eventually get a moment to say hi to the singer just before security pulled him away.
“At the end I said “I just want to say hi” and I went to hug her. I think I scared her a little bit but she smiled. That’s when the security guard picked me up,” he said.
Need some romance in your life? Check out 7 Reality TV Show Crossover Couples That Left Us Shook...


Luoyang Grasen Power Technology Co., Ltd. was established on March 16, 2010, with a registered capital of 100 million yuan. Grasen is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the listed company Jiangsu Yinhe Electronics(stock code 002519). And Grasen has more than 300 employees and an Electronic Industry Park of 40,000 square meters with an annual production capacity of over 150,000 sets of EVSE products.
Grasen is committed to providing complete EV charging solutions that include intelligent AC and DC chargers, high-power charging modules, onboard chargers, DC/DC converters, and charging management software for every industry.
Charging expert, power for future
We wish to make a positive change in society by providing clean and self-sustainable e-Mobility solutions with our cost-effective, reliable, and high-quality services.
Make EV charging cleaner, greener, and smarter
Focus on the research and production of high-end EV charging infrastructure


text:
Zhang Lidong, Chairman of ByteDance’s China business, has stepped down from as the legal representative of Shanghai Wenxue Network Technology, the operating company of short video app Musical.ly, on April 10, local media Pingwest reported. Zhang’s position was taken by Chen Tao.
Zhang joined ByteDance in 2013 as the senior vice president and the monetization head. He has been overseeing the company’s commercialization process, developing products such as car-focused app Dongchedi, and promoting the company’s gaming business. Zhang became the chairman of ByteDance’s China business in March, overseeing non-product operations, including partnerships, strategy, public affairs, and human resources.
Musical.ly was a lip-syncing short-video app founded in Shanghai in July 2014. Targeting the North American market and quickly gained popularity among teenagers, the app claimed 100 million users only two years after its debut. ByteDance acquired Musical.ly for nearly USD 1 billion in 2018 and merged it with its own short-video platform TikTok later that year.
This article is part of KrASIA’s “China Brief” section, where KrASIA’s reporters will provide quick daily updates about the tech ecosystem in China.

domain: economics


text:
On Tap for Today: Ode to Monday
Oh Monday, you are a fickle one. One one hand, the weekend's over. Sigh. On the other, there's so much promise in a new week.
Here are a few ways to kick it off:
It's Monday Movie Night at the Waukesha Public Library. They're showing Terry Gilliam's "Brazil."
Peter Geye talks about his book "The Lighthouse Road" at Boswell Book Company.
- On Tap Today: Summer staples, Brewfest, Harry Potter
- On Tap Today: County fairs, outdoor music and the Brewers
- On Tap Today: A river, a lake and a complicated plot
- On Tap Today: Vans Warped Tour and Halsey at the Rave
- On Tap Today: Music, tap takeovers and an adult ice cream social
- On Tap Today: A county fair, music by the river and a haunted walk
- On Tap Today: Wisconsin's first Portillo's opens
- On Tap Today: 90s, Movies, Bastille Day
- On Tap Today: Bastille Days
- On Tap Today: Art, healing and outdoor concerts


text:
So contact our experienced team and they will provide free advice for you. It will relieve your stress and point you in the right direction to look for help. Feel free to contact us anytime and share with us your knowledge and experience with this, or any other scammer you’re familiar with. Being as secretive as they are about their company information, Immediate Edge doesn’t allow you to get in touch with them any other way but through an online form.
- Trading with unregulated brokers will not qualify for investor protection.
- These days we have an automated site namely ‘Immediate Edge Canada’ and there are some weird speculations about it.
- So, we would recommend you to get started with very simple steps.
- Therefore, manage your trades and conduct thorough market research for solid trading strategies.
We are your one-stop solution for your finance and global economy news. Yes, all you need to do is make a request by filling a form at the customer service page. The payout system process is initiated after a trading session.
Immediate Edge Review 2023
Though it is possible to make money using the Immediate Edge app, extra caution is required to keep deposits intact. So as a piece of advice, we recommend you to fact check every claim about the effectiveness of a trading platform before you begin trading. Before reaching the conclusion we would like to summarize the findings of the Immediate Edge review in one place. Going through this will make you better prepared for diving into the crypto trade. While testing the Immediate Edge app, we also observed that the payout is transferred to the trader’s Immediate Edge account after each live trading.
- Immediate Edge robot makes it more convenient for cryptocurrency trading.
- Through research we discovered that Immediate Edge is highly capable in this area, and that they have put in place all of the necessary assistance to help you thrive in the bitcoin market.
- Unfortunately, you cannot use the Immediate Edge software in the United States because CFD trading is prohibited.
- Conducting thorough research and exercising caution is always recommended, regardless of the platform’s claimed security measures.
Then it is up to the investor to either continue with another live trading or withdraw the capital. Needless to say, the chances of maximizing profit are higher as you increase the deposit amount. Although, we would advise doing your research to avoid any possible risk, no matter how skilled you are at cryptocurrency trading. Overall, it is a safe trading platform that offers online security, a simple and intuitive user-interface, consistent passive income, a fast withdrawal system, and no hidden charges. Luckily at Immediate Edge, investors have an option to experiment with demo trading features before in-depth exploration.
How long does it take to withdraw funds?
It is simple & easy to use as it can be work on Windows PC, MAC, Android, IOS, and more. Immediate Edge Bot scans the whole cryptocurrency market and finds the best trading deal for you. But People misjudge it https://immediate-edge-ireland.com as a scam, but it is considered the best platform for beginners with its less risky and more profitable trading tactics. Immediate Edge App runs on its own, meaning that all you need to do is switch it on.
- After entering this information, the Immediate Edge platform verifies its user details by sending a mail to the mentioned email address, and that’s it.
- As stated, one of Immediate Edge’s best features is the demo account.
- Immediate Edge says that investors are provided with 24/7 customer support and a live chat option that you can use to speak to representatives at any time of day.
- Once you are familiar with the demo account and you feel ready, you can move on to auto-trading with the trading bot and start gaining some profits.
Immediate Edge offers a diverse range of assets for trading, including cryptocurrencies, forex pairs, commodities, and bonds. Our Immediate Edge review analyzed the trading process at the trading platform. After making the deposit and activating the automated trading system, the robot started the auto trading immediately. However, we felt the need to make changes to our auto trading criterion once in a while and instruct the trading robots to execute our revised trading orders. Immediate Edge uses high-end algorithms, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to perform auto trading. The software has an intuitive interface, making it suitable for both professionals and beginners.
Key features of the Immediate Edge App.
Immediate Edge is well-known for its ability to spot lucrative transactions in near-real time. These algorithms can monitor the marketplace in less than a nanosecond. It takes less than 10 minutes to open an account with Immediate Edge. All you have to do is fill out a simple form with your basic details. You will be allocated a regulated broker after you have completed the form. Immediate Edge is a sophisticated algorithm with advanced crypto CFD trading tactics.
- All of that would be great if it wasn’t just a bunch of mumbo-jumbo and lies used by Immediate Edge scammers in an attempt to get traders to invest.
- In addition to these tips, new traders should also focus on employing a combination of technical and fundamental analysis to make well-informed decisions when trading on Immediate Edge.
- We noticed that it is fast and easy to start with Immediate Edge once you have found the way around the platform.
- Within just 24 hours, if you change your mind, you can reinvest your profits for growth without getting trapped in a scam.
Features of Immediate Edge bot are outstanding but not risk-free. Gamble and venture are part and parcel of every online trading app, better informed than ignorant. The Immediate Edge app’s operating process looks similar to great auto trading systems such as Cryptosoft and Bitcoin Loophole. While reviewing Immediate Edge, we found that the speed of these crypto deals and transactions is incredible. Remember the number one rule is to only invest money you can afford to lose and do your own research. If you are struggling with losses, we recommend finding someone to give you qualified investment advice.
Invest The Minimum At First
Immediate Edge is such an automated app that no proficiency is needed to use it. We would recommend Edge to anyone and everyone, even to people with no trading background. As per the testimonials and Immediate Edge review, it is a single button task, and 20 minutes of sincere sitting, that leads to large and visible profits. Of course, card details are required to make a deposit, but apart from that, no other information, IDS, or bank details are needed.
- Tesla is a car company in the US that bought Bitcoin some years ago.
- In this regard, we encourage you to start from here and build your skills and understanding of the markets.
- Immediate Edge prides itself on working with top cryptocurrency exchanges and forex brokers like 24option and UFX.
- Immediate Edge software claims to have a win rate of up to 98.9%.
A high level of safety is provided by Immediate Edge through the use of data encryption, layers of security measures, and user authentication. This implies that all of your private details are safeguarded against cyberattacks, which are becoming increasingly common on these types of social media sites. Before you can invest in this platform, you have to register. You can follow the registration procedure above to create your account.
Immediate Edge Review: Conclusion
Always remember that investment decisions are risky and you should never invest more than you can afford to lose. Founded in 2013, Bitcoin Wisdom strives to provide informative and accurate bitcoin news, price predictions, investing guides and exchange reviews. Immediate Edge enjoys a success rate of 85% or higher, which means more opportunities for you to make profits. The amount of money you make will be determined by your capital and leverage. The fact that you have automated your trade does not imply that you do not check in on it from time to time.
- For starters, live trading begins at a click of the button.
- In addition to this, there are lots of online testimonials of users who have been satisfied with Immediate Edge trading and the profits it has made for them.
- Anonymized developers are fairly common in the crypto trading robot sphere, and it doesn’t have to be a red flag.
- So read the following Immediate Edge review carefully, if you do not wish to be swindled by this con artist.
This streamlines your activities and minimizes the time you need to spend on trading. However, ensure you confirm the availability of your preferred asset before signing up for a trading account. Immediate Edge purports to be safe to use, provided you understand that every investment comes with a certain degree of risk. Also, every user has to complete the know-your-customer (KYC) verification process to confirm their address and identity.

domain: finance


text:
Our FAST study guides are being translated into a growing number of languages, including the languages listed below. All our translated lessons are unlocked the instant you become a partner.
Want to help make FAST resources available in a new language? Or add additional resources to one of our current languages? Introduce yourself, and share how you would like to help. Thanks in advance!


To catch up on the Transparency Project, you can review our Introduction to Capital Improvement, and Transparency Project: Part 1 – Capital Improvement Program, What’s Inside
This is the second blog post from our Transparency Project series on the Capital Improvement Program (CIP). We’re following the Mode Shift CIP game board and we’ve reached step 2: A look at the CIP’s funding.
We started by looking at the details inside each of the three bins shown above. Along the way, we question a surge in the use of City funds, a plunge of the federal contribution, phantom local funds, and millions of work left out of the CIP.
Three Main Sources
We can divide the $322 million 2017-2022 capital budget for transportation projects into 3 main sources:
A closer look tells us that most of the funds come from a few main sources:
We’re going to skip the minor sources and focus on the major ones. For those who want to know more about the minor amounts, click here.
Street Bonds Spending Doubles
The use of Street Bonds is set to double for 2019-2022.
Street Bonds (as they are known in the CIP – elsewhere they are called Transportation Bonds) are issued every four years and approved by voters. The line in the graph above is made up of three past issues along with the City’s estimate of “Future Bond” issues, which look like this:
Based on these two graphs, it is evident that the City expects to issue 2018 Street Bonds for an amount double that of the past 3 issues. Even accounting for the additional revenue from recent annexations, can the City put such a huge bond issue on the 2018 voter ballot?
Federal Contributions Plummet
As shown in the “Capital Budget by Fund Source” graph above the majority of federal funds come from two sources. Let’s graph their historical contribution to the CIP:
As shown, the federal funds are forecasted to decrease to an all-time low of $1.6 million for the years 2020-2022. This is a 90% drop from the average of the previous 11 years.
The drop from the 2017 high is expected: The Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project is receiving $21 million of federal funds in 2017 & 2018 (we’re not sure why the BRT, a Metro project is on the City CIP, but it is, and we left it in the graph). So it is strange that the City is setting its federal funds sight so low for the last years of the budget, especially when our conversations with MAPA indicate that around $10 million of federal funds per year are scheduled for Omaha on MAPA’s list, and that more is available.
We understand that the City has been caught in a dysfunctional federal and state review process, which has hampered the release of federal funds, and that the City has lobbied hard to correct the problem.
Nevertheless, why doesn’t the CIP show the actual federal funds scheduled for Omaha for 2020-2022?
Local Funds May Not Exist
Local Funds account for 17% of the 2017-2022 Capital Budget. Some projects are required to raise local funds (see list here) and others proceed with only City funds and zero local and federal funds (such as these 30 projects). We’d like to know what criteria the City uses to decide which projects are required to have local funds–we’ll address this in blog 5 of this series.
Harney Street – Market to Midtown is one of the projects required to raise local funds. It was never built because the $2.75 million of local funds don’t exist and the project’s $700,000 of City funds appear to have been re-allocated to other projects.
The City can provide some transparency by categorizing Local funds as “Secured” (identified and committed) or “Future” (future funds still to be identified). Otherwise, we have no way of knowing if a project is actually scheduled to be built or if it on the list without any real funds.
Finance Details, Missing Funds and Missing Projects
We looked at the City Budget and found that it does not match the CIP (see here for accounting details) and we noticed two funds with large contributions to the Public Works budget:
How is it that these two funds, which provide over $60 million a year–three times more than street bonds–are not in the CIP?
Could it be that the funds are not used for street repairs? That’s unlikely. The fund description states they are restricted to street maintenance, and the budget specifically allocates them to various maintenance divisions within public works.
Furthermore, the Mayor tells us that these funds are used for street repairs on her website. The street resurfacing effort of $13 million paid by “multiple sources including gas tax, vehicle registration fees, general obligation bonds and sewer revenue”.
So it appears that substantial funds go to transportation projects that are not reported on the CIP. Perhaps the City excludes them from the CIP because they are “maintenance”, and the CIP is for “improvements”. But the CIP has many “City-Wide” projects for bridge replacement and street maintenance that can be used to report the maintenance cost, with these benefits:
- It would be clear how much effort the City puts into street resurfacing.
- If the reporting is combined with maps showing condition and characteristics of the City streets, it would be clear to the public why some streets get maintenance priority over others.
- The public would understand the relationship between lane miles and maintenance cost.
- What gets reported gets measured, and what gets measured gets improved.
Conversely, the CIP should exclude projects or funds that are not managed by the City. The BRT project is a good example. The City has zero funds for this $25 million project, yet its budget is included in the CIP, which is a distraction and distortion of the numbers.
We’ve been studying the CIP for nearly a year and contacted the City several times for clarification, so we can say without reservation that the Budget, CIP and flow of funding lacks clarity, transparency, and even some basic explanation.
This is a serious issue: Citizens who understand the City’s funding process can become partners and supporters, whereas citizens who don’t understand the process are disconnected, discouraged, and quick to criticize.
We urge the City to improve transparency in the following areas:
Reliable Forecasts – Provide clarity in the way funds are managed and forecast. For example:
- Will the 2018 Street Bond issue really be double when compared to the 2014 and 2010 issues? Why does the Capital Budget only include $1.6 million for its final years, when MAPA estimates $10 million for each year? What other unclaimed federal funds are available?
- The Local funds should have two categories:
- Secured Local Funds – Funds from a specific donor, that have been identified and committed.
- Future Local Funds – Unidentified funds required before the project can proceed.
This is the process used for Street Bonds & Future Bonds.
Link the City Budget and CIP – The two documents should be reconciled for clarity, improved management, and better reporting:
- The relationship between the City budget and the CIP should be clear. If there are reasons for discrepancies, they should be reconciled each year.
- We assume that the City departments are held to their budgets, so when the budgets are linked to the CIP, they will be held to the CIP as well.
- All street projects should be in the CIP, including the $60 million of maintenance projects.
- Projects that are not managed or budgeted by the City should be excluded from the CIP.
We’ve talked to some dedicated and hard working City employees who assure us that the CIP is taken seriously as a guide to all City projects. Let’s hope that the City improves transparency, so that citizens can take the CIP seriously, as a guide to a better city.
Keep an eye out for Part 3 where we look at past costs and what they tell us about transportation funding.


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October 12, 2021
San Francisco Shock Release 7 Players from its Roster
Heading into the 2022 Overwatch League (OWL) season, San Francisco Shock made huge roster changes and released seven of its ten players. 2021 was not very successful for the Bay Area team. Coming off two exceptional seasons, the Shock did not win any of the four OWL tournaments this year. To top it all off, […]
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