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Are game developers creating games, or are they creating art? In the case of the ten creators showcased in flavorwire's "10 Artists Who Use Video Games as Their Medium" I suspect it might be a little bit of both.
These are small, modest titles like Steph Thirion's Eliss, seen above. An interactive artist by trade, Thirion's 2009 iPhone game Eliss went on to win numerous accolades including an Independent Games Festival nomination and IndieCade's Auteur Award. Not bad for a simple game of moving colored blobs with your fingertips.
Many of the artists that made flavorwire's list have been featured on Kotaku in the past. Hell, Ian Bogost of Cow Clicker fame once acted as a guest editor for the site. If anyone knows where to find the art in games, it's that guy.
While the Smithsonian is looking to mainstream games for its upcoming Art of Games exhibit, it's works like Bogost's Atari 2600 meditation game A Slow Year or Daniel Benmergui's Today I Die that truly capture art in video game form.
Hit up the link to see all ten of flavorwire's featured video game artists.
10 Artists Who Use Video Games as Their Medium [flavorwire]


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ZSO also known as Sara Blake does some amazing Illustration work. Last night i was watching Justin Mallers live transmition on ustream and he commented about her and led me to the site. Nice way of finding out about new stuff.. So anyway, she is truly talented and does some very cool stuff. Here´s what she writes on her about page:"Hello, I'm ZSO. (On paper you may also know me as Sara Blake.) I'm an Interactive Art Director, Designer, and Illustrator living and loving in New York City. ZSO (pronounced |zō|) is a collection of letters that I find aesthetically and phonetically beautiful. Together they make sound much like "so," the adverb which means "to such a great extent." I am a person of extremes, for better or worse (most often the latter), so the ring of it was fitting, and the moniker has since stuck for good. "
See more of here work on her website (www.hellozso.com) and check out the interviews on dazed digital and thee blog (to name a few). By the way..thats her.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
LCOS-SLM (Optical Phase Modulator) X13138-05
The X13138 series devices are a reflective type of pure phase Spatial Light Modulators (SLMs), based on Liquid Crystal on Silicon (LCOS) technology in which liquid crystal (LC) is controlled by a direct and accurate voltage, and can modulate a wavefront of light beam. The LCOS-SLMs are carefully designed to achieve high light utilization efficiency from various points of view, such as reflectivity, aperture ratio and diffraction noise due to the pixel structure.The X13138 series can be controlled via a PC using the Digital Video Interface (DVI), which is a standard interface for computer displays.
|Pixel pitch
|12.5 μm
|Input signal
|Digital Video Interface (DVI-D)
|DVI signal format
|SXGA (1280 x 1024 pixels)
|DVI frame rate
|60 Hz
|Number of input levels
|256 (8 bits) levels
|Effective area
|15.9 x 12.8 mm
|Spatial resolution max.
|40 lp/mm
|Fill factor
|96 %
|Rise time
|10 ms
|Fall time
|20 ms
|Readout light wavelength
|410 ± 10 nm
|Light utilization efficiency
|92 %
|Input voltage (AC)
|100 to 230 (50Hz / 60Hz) V
|Power consumption
|Weight (controller including cables)
|Approx. 4200 g
|Measurement condition
|λ=405 nm


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Valuable Rays Asset Leaves a Lasting Homegrown Legacy
This weekend a valuable cog of the Tampa Bay Rays promotional machine will have stripped off his name badge, put the last box of precious D-Rays & Rays bobbleheads in his car and salute the Tilted cap farewell for the last time as a Rays employee.
I decided it was only fitting that this same Rays figurehead we have all seen on the sidelines and walking with celebrities and concert performers should get his last round of applause via a Q & A session.
Most members of the Rays Republic have talked to Brian Killingsworth during his rise from the bottom of the Rays promotional food chain to his final position as the Senior Director of Marketing for our Rays.
But did you also know he has a MBA from the University of South Florida and also attended Flagler College and Jacksonville University?
Even more amazing is this is the same catcher who caught the Wareham Gatemen pitching staff in the Summer of 1997 and who also got to celebrate a 1997 Cape Cod title with current Rays First Baseman Carlos Pena.
I walked into Killingsworth's office this past Monday already knowing his next destination, his heartfelt feelings about this great franchise and I decided it was only fitting that I give the rest of the Rays Republic one last glimpse into the man who will take his walk-off jaunt around the Rays promotional bases who was the idea man behind the Rays 2012 promotional item, the Zim Bear.
I have got a feeling this one item might just be better than his other promotional gemstone, the Carlos Pena toothbrush holder.
There are not many people who get to work in the sport that they love and cherish. What was it about the Rays organization that sealed the deal for you back in 2002 and made you eager to board the Rays staff?
Growing up in the Tampa Bay area and St. Petersburg specifically, I followed the teams that almost transplanted here. The near misses with the Mariners, the Giants, and our last second loss of the White Sox.
It was tough.Spring Training in this region is incredible. I was an early Cardinals fan because at that time, St. Petersburg was their Spring Training home.
I remember back in the Spring of 1995 I was playing a HS baseball game nearby at (Shorecrest) and I told my mom to skip the game and go down to the Trop. to get one of the first jerseys.
Back then it was the black D-Rays jersey so I could be one of the first to wear it. Being such a fan of the development and the beginning of the Rays franchise in 1998 and to watch this franchise transform and finally turn the corner to fruition is a dream come true.
I heard through the grapevine while studying for your MBA at USF you did a thesis on the idea and program that ended up being the basis for the Rays highly popular College Night at the Trop?
One of the great things about my MBA and USF is that I got to take a subject I wanted to explore after I graduated and a defined career path.
I got a team together and put together a project\thesis for my final year at USF and I picked the Rays as an organization I wanted to study and got to meet people like John Higgins (Senior VP of Administration/General Counsel ), John Browne and other high level executives and submitted my marketing plans for the Rays. The challenge then as it is now, is how to drive attendance and one of the areas I focused on was to drive up attendance among college students and young professionals.
In that proposal I came up with the College Night and that was something I was lucky enough after graduating to join the Rays and implement a year later. There was a nice run there where College Nights were full every Friday night, and even sold out for about 3 years in a row. Very excited to put an idea into reality and that was all because of USF and ultimately helped in me landing a job with the Rays.
You started out on the ground floor as a Rays employee, who was your mentor, your "Yoda"?
My first boss, John Browne (former D-Rays VP of Sales and Marketing ) was the guy who hired me to the Rays and gave me my opportunity.
He saw something in me that maybe some other people might have overlooked. He believed in me and one of the things I try to carry on in the manner that John Browne did when he approached his employees.
To always take the time to listen and to really "hear them out".
What I mean by that is he eliminated all of the distractions, and nowadays there are even more distractions than there was in 2002. What I try to do is take a piece out of his book and take time with my staff whenever they need me. When we meet on a regular basis we always get away from the desk , away from the cellphones and distractions and I really hear them. We really communicate openly, and I think John Browne laid the groundwork for me to always follow that trait to become a successful manager.
Saw a Tweet recently on Twitter where a Rays fan asked David Price about the Rays possibly doing a Rays dog bandanna for our canine fans? What do you think of that idea?
I love that idea. We get some of our best ideas from fans, ultimately they are the consumers of the giveaways and we take all the ideas and expand on them.
A dog bandanna is a wonderful idea. We are actually close to potentially doing a Dog Day here at the Trop something we have wanted to explore here for the last 7-8 years and we are finally all comfortable, and I think we got the (St. Petersburg) Fire Marshall comfortable with letting dogs in here. The bandanna would be a perfect tie-in. We actually thought about a dog bowl as well.
Any dog item would go over well with the dog loving Rays team we have here. (I know Astro and Jango would love it)
I have to ask, did the Rays win any outstanding recognition for their 2010 baseball sensation the Carlos Pena toothbrush holder? Is there an MLB version of the advertising Cleo?
The Biz of Baseball awarded us with the Number One promotional schedule in all of baseball and the Number 1 promotional giveaway. We were very honored to receive that nomination and our fans reacted to that as well. Carlos Pena thought it was "one of the neatest things he had even seen." I look forward to Cruz (future Rays LH C ) using it someday.
I was shocked at the recent Rays Fan Fest when we sat down and you told me of your next career destination. I guess it is time now for the rest of the Rays Republic to know where Brian Killingsworth will be on the 2012 MLB Opening Day, and your new job title:
I am becoming the new Vice President of Marketing and brand strategy for the St. Louis Rams. It is definitely bittersweet. I have so many great years putting in 10 years with the Rays. Went through a lot of ups and downs. The team is in a position now where it is built for success on the baseball side.
I'm extremely proud of what the organization has done to align itself with the solid foundation on the business side. There are a lot of quality people that are apart of this that can definitely take over the reins, but I'm excited about a new challenge to work in the NFL.
I see so many parallels with the Rams with then old D-Rays of 2005-2006 and feel I am getting in with the Rams at a point where we can turn around things on the business side and the football side will take care of itself with a new Coach and a new GM and a new direction that I hope wonderful things will happen with the Rams as well.
It is the NFL off-season, but with the NFL Draft only weeks away I suspect you will hit the ground running in St. Louis. Will you take the great groundwork you did with the Rays and convert it NFL-style?
I hope so. That is one of the things I'm excited about for going to the NFL is a whole new challenge and a whole new learning opportunity for me.
I have a lot of ideas that I have put into practice here (with the Rays) and done successful case studies for that work in baseball and that is one of the reasons I was attracted to the leadership of Kevin Demoff ( Rams Executive VP of Football Operations/Chief Operating Officer) who has provided the direction and laid out what the Rams want to innovate in their business practices and want to do some exciting things.
I think I can bring a lot of my ideas there and they will be accepted and we can build the brand. Something that the region will be proud of. That is my challenge to get to work with the wonderful people in their organization right now and do as much as I can to help spread the Rams brand throughout the region and to go it.
On a personal note, I remember when your young son Cruz was born you projected him as a future left-handed catcher for the Rays? I got to ask, with the geographical change now, could Cruz have become a possible Cardinals prospect?
(Laughing) Maybe, but maybe he can play quarterback for the Rams as well.
I hate that this will be the last question, but what will you miss the most when you leave the Trop for the last time as a Rays employee?
I'm going to miss the friendships made throughout the organization, throughout the game day staff , the clubhouse. There are so many people who I have grown with here that I am going to miss. Most importantly the relationships here, the relationships with the fans.
I saw a lot of them at Fan Fest and I'm going to miss seeing kids run through the gates and getting their bobbleheads and getting so excited knowing that I had a hand in bringing some joy to kids and hopefully that part I can carry over to the Ram's family. I will miss everything about it, the people, the relationships, the building. I am pretty fond of the Trop. Then good thing about nowadays is that you can stay in touch and you can always be close.
I will always be a Rays fan, and will watch them on MLB.TV and possibly make a few road trips down.
Most of you might not know, but it was Brian who I consulted back in November 2007 asking him if I should again write this very same blog.
I am proud of where it has gone, and I have Brian to thank for reminding me why I love writing and this game again. I will miss our seasonal back-and-forth "guessing game" on the Rays concert series. I still write as a result of that first consultation, and many great blog ideas and storylines have transpired because of those emails and chats.
Personally I wish everyone who has ever ventured into the Trop. got at some point got a chance to meet, chat with or know Brian in some way.
He was an adamant ambassador and treasured asset of "The Rays Way" and I truly wish him more than the best as he re-brands himself now in the NFL. Brian has the passion and true love for this game and his job that so few other people possess or can hold a candle to in sports today.
It has been an extreme honor to have met, spoken and known Brian during his Rays tenure. It will truly seem eerie to me on Opening Day when I look down behind Home Plate and do not see you standing there.
I know you are going onto something new and exciting, and great challenges await you, but I want to personally wish you and your family not only future happiness, but continued blessings and good tidings. I hope you take your past Rays successes are wear them like a badge of honor, for you have truly served the Rays Republic with brilliance.
You said in a recent email the Zim Bear was "your walk-off". If that is the case, it was an extra-inning Grand Slam off your former office's window and into the Rays Tank. Nothing else would be more fitting or put an exclamation point on the last moments of your Rays tenure.
4 Comments
Very nice tribute!
Wow! From MLB to NFL. He has quite the collection of Bobbleheads and he seems to be a great person. As always Cliff, well done.


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Fueled by a drop in residential building permits, Comerica Bank's Michigan Economic Activity Index decreased slightly in November, falling two-tenths of a percentage point to a level of 131.4.
That reading is 59 points, or 82 percent, above the index cyclical low of 72.1 in June 2009. The index averaged 114 in 2012.
"Our Michigan index eased in November as residential building permits dipped following a September surge. Job growth is a positive factor for the state, but it is beginning to fall below the U.S. average," said Robert Dye, the bank's chief economist, in a news release.
In November, Michigan payrolls were up 1.5 percent over the previous 12 months while the U.S average gain was 1.7 percent.
Dye said auto sales will continue to grow, but at a slower pace. "We expect auto sales to continue to increase moderately in 2014, supporting the Michigan economy, but the lift to the state economy from the recovery in the auto industry is easing as vehicle sales inch closer to their eventual upper limit," he said.
The Michigan Economic Activity Index consists of seven variables — nonfarm payrolls, exports, sales tax revenues, hotel occupancy rates, continuing claims for unemployment insurance, building permits and motor vehicle production.
The data are seasonally adjusted and indexed to a base year of 2008.
Tom Henderson: (313) 446-0337, [email protected] Twitter: @tomhenderson2


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Events for 10th May 2019
Day Navigation
See Your Photo in the Marsden Calendar 2020
The 2019 Calendar Competition opens on 20th April. Funds from selling the calendars produced go to Friends of Marsden Library to support our local library with events, awareness raising and volunteer support. The calendar raised more than £2,000 this year, and we can't do it without you. NEW for the 2019 Competition: we are introducing […]Find out more »


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Notice of Public Hearing, GAB 1.91, Organizations Making Independent Disbursements,
CR 10-087 and EmR 1018
Organizations Making Independent Disbursements, GAB 1.91
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that pursuant to ss. 5.05(1)(f), 227.11(2)(a), 227.16, and
227.24(4) Stats., and interpreting generally Chapter 11, Stats., the Government
Accountability Board will hold a public hearing to consider adoption of an emergency
and permanent rule to create GAB §1.91, Wis. Adm. Code, relating to organizations
making independent disbursements.
Hearing Information
The public hearing will be held at the time and location shown below.
Date and Time Location (Please note this is a new location)
August 30, 2010 Government Accountability Board Office
at 9:45 a.m., Risser Justice Center
120 Martin Luther King, Jr. Blvd., Room 150
Madison, Wisconsin
This public hearing site is accessible to people with disabilities. If you have special
needs or circumstances that may make communication or accessibility difficult at the
hearing, please contact the person listed below.
1. Statutes Interpreted: ss. 11.01(4) and (18m), 11.05, 11.055, 11.06, 11.09, 11.10,
11.12, 11.14, 11.16, 11.19, 11.20, 11.21(16), 11.30, 11.38, 11.513, Stats.
2. Statutory Authority: ss. 5.05(1)(f) and 227.11(2)(a), Stats.
3. Explanation of agency authority: Express rule-making authority to interpret the
provisions of statutes the Board enforces or administers is conferred on it pursuant
to s. 227.11(2)(a), Stats. In addition, s. 5.05(1)(f), Stats., provides that the Board
may promulgate rules under ch. 227, Stats., for the purpose of interpreting or
implementing the laws regulating the conduct of elections or election campaigns
or ensuring their proper administration.
In Citizens United v. FEC, 558 U.S. ___, (No. 08-205)(January 21, 2010), the
United States Supreme Court greatly expanded the rights of organizations to
engage in independent expenditures and strengthened the ability of the
government to require disclosure and disclaimer of the independent expenditures.
Pursuant to s. 5.05(1), the Board has the responsibility for the administration of
campaign finance statutes in ch. 11, Stats. Rules promulgated by the Board will
ensure the proper administration of the campaign finance statutes and properly
address the application of Citizens United v. FEC.
4. Related statute(s) or rule(s): ch. 11, Stats., and ch. GAB 1, Wis. Adm. Code.
5. Plain language analysis: Within the context of ch. 11, Stats, the proposed order
will provide direction to organizations receiving contributions for independent
disbursements or making independent disbursements following the U.S. Supreme
Court decision in Citizens United v. FEC, 558 U.S. ___, (No. 08-205)(January 21,
2010). The proposed rule enumerates registration, reporting, and disclaimer
requirements of provisions of ch. 11, Stats., which apply to organizations
receiving contributions or making independent disbursements. Comporting with
Citizens United, the proposed rule does not treat persons making independent
disbursements as full political action committees or individuals under s. 11.05,
Stats., for the purposes of registration and reporting. With respect to
contributions or in-kind contributions received, this proposed rule requires
organizations to disclose only donations "made for" political purposes, but not
donations received for other purposes.
6. Summary of, and comparison with, existing or proposed federal regulations: At
the federal level, the FEC provides rules at 11 CFR 109.10, which regulate
persons who are not a committee and make independent expenditures. An
independent expenditure statement and reports quarterly are required for any
person making independent expenditures in excess of an aggregate $250.00 in a
calendar year. If a person makes an independent expenditure of $10,000.00 or
more, an independent expenditure statement and report must be filed within 48
hours of the expenditure. Any person making an independent expenditure of
$1,000.00 or more within 20 days of an election must file an independent
statement and report within 24 hours of the expenditure. The independent
expenditure statement must include the identity of the person making the
expenditure, any contributions received in excess of $200.00, and the candidate
benefitted by the expenditure. In addition, a disclaimer is required for any
communication resulting from an independent expenditure.
7. Comparison with rules in adjacent states:
Section 5/9-1.5, Ill. Adm. Code, defines "expenditure" generally and to include an
electioneering communication regardless of whether the communication is made
in concert or cooperation with, or at the request, suggestion or knowledge of a
candidate, a candidate's authorized local political committee, a State political
committee, or any of their agents. Sections 5/9-1.7 and 1.8, Ill. Adm. Code,
define local and State political committees to include a candidate, individual,
trust, partnership, committee, association, corporation, or any other organization
or group of persons which accept contributions or make expenditures on behalf of
or in opposition to a candidate and exceeding an aggregate of $3,000.00 in any 12
month period. Persons making independent expenditures in Illinois are by
definition committees and subject to substantially similar registration, reporting,
and disclaimer requirements as committees in Wisconsin.
Chapter 351—4.27 of the Iowa Administrative Code sets forth requirements for
registration and reporting of independent expenditures and it applies to any
person, other than a candidate or registered committee, that makes one or more
independent expenditures in excess of $100.00 in the aggregate. 351—4.27, Iowa
Adm. Code. A person subject to filing an independent expenditure statement
must identify the person making the expense and for whom it benefits. 351—
4.27(2), Iowa Adm. Code. There is no requirement to file a statement of
organization registering a committee or public disclosure reports. 351—4.27(7),
Iowa Adm. Code. A disclaimer on communications is required. 351—4.27(6),
Iowa Adm. Code.
Michigan statutes regulate independent expenditures, but the administrative rules
do not specifically address them. Michigan Statutes s. 169.208 provides a
definition for an "independent committee," which upon exceeding $500.00 in
contributions or expenditures is subject to substantially similar registration,
reporting, and disclaimer requirements as committees in Wisconsin.
Minnesota statutes regulate independent expenditures, but the administrative rules
do not specifically address them.
8. Summary of factual data and analytical methodologies: Adoption of the rule was
predicated on state statutes and federal case law.
9. Analysis and supporting documentation used to determine effect on small
businesses: The rule may have a minimal effect on small businesses that will
participate in receiving contributions or making independent disbursements. The
economic impact of this effect is minor. Businesses may have a filing fee of
$100.00, if the amount of aggregate independent disbursements made in any year
exceeds $2,500.00.
10. Effect on small business: The creation of this rule may have a minimal effect on
small businesses as explained above.
11. Agency contact person: Shane W. Falk, Staff Counsel, Government
Accountability Board, 212 E. Washington Avenue, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 7984,
Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7984; Phone 266-2094; firstname.lastname@example.com
12. Place where comments are to be submitted and deadline for submission:
Government Accountability Board, Attn: Shane W. Falk, 212 E. Washington
Avenue, 3rd Floor, P.O. Box 7984, Madison, Wisconsin 53707-7984, no later than
August 30, 2010.
FISCAL ESTIMATE: The creation of this rule has minimal fiscal effect. There may be
additional registrants filing reports with the Board and potentially additional enforcement
actions that may require staff action. The extent of this potential fiscal impact is
INITIAL REGULATORY FLEXIBILITY ANALYSIS: The creation of this rule does
not affect the normal operations of business.
SECTION 1. GAB 1.91 is created to read:
1.91 Organizations Making Independent Disbursements
(1) In this section:
(a) "Contribution" has the meaning given in s. 11.01(6), Stats.
(b) "Disbursement" has the meaning given in s. 11.01(7), Stats.
(c) "Filing officer" has the meaning given in s. 11.01(8), Stats.
(d) "Incurred obligation" has the meaning given in s. 11.01(11), Stats.
(e) "Person" includes the meaning given in s. 990.01(26), Stats.
(f) "Organization" means any person other than an individual, committee, or
political group subject to registration under s. 11.23, Stats.
(g) "Independent" means the absence of acting in cooperation or consultation
with any candidate or authorized committee of a candidate who is supported
or opposed, and is not made in concert with, or at the request or suggestion
of, any candidate or any agent or authorized committee of a candidate who
is supported or opposed.
(h) "Designated depository account" means a depository account specifically
established by an organization to receive contributions and from which to
make independent disbursements.
(2) A corporation, or association organized under ch. 185 or 193, Stats., is a person and
qualifies as an organization that is not prohibited by s. 11.38(1)(a)1., Stats., from
making independent disbursements until such time as a court having jurisdiction in
the State of Wisconsin rules that a corporation, or association organized under ch.
185 or 193, Stats., may constitutionally be restricted from making an independent
(3) Upon accepting contributions made for, incurring obligations for, or making an
independent disbursement exceeding $25 in aggregate during a calendar year, an
organization shall establish a designated depository account in the name of the
organization. Any contributions to and all disbursements of the organization shall
be deposited in and disbursed from this designated depository account. The
organization shall select a treasurer for the designated depository account and no
disbursement may be made or obligation incurred by or on behalf of an organization
without the authorization of the treasurer or designated agents. The organization
shall register with the board and comply with s. 11.09, Stats., when applicable.
(4) The organization shall file a registration statement with the appropriate filing officer
and it shall include, where applicable:
(a) The name, street address, and mailing address of the organization.
(b) The name and mailing address of the treasurer for the designated
depository account of the organization and any other custodian of books
and accounts for the designated depository account.
(c) The name, mailing address, and position of other principal officers of the
organization, including officers and members of the finance committee, if
(d) The name, street address, mailing address, and account number of the
designated depository account.
(e) The registration statement shall be signed by the treasurer for the
designated depository account of the organization and shall contain a
certification that all information contained in the registration statement is
true, correct and complete.
(5) The designated depository account for an organization required to register with the
Board shall annually pay a filing fee of $100.00 to the Board as provided in s.
11.055, Stats.
(6) The organization shall comply with s. 11.05(5), Stats., and notify the appropriate
filing officer within 10 days of any change in information previously submitted in a
statement of registration.
(7) An organization making independent disbursements shall file the oath for
independent disbursements required by s. 11.06(7), Stats.
(8) An organization receiving contributions for independent disbursements or making
independent disbursements shall file periodic reports as provided ss. 11.06, 11.12,
11.19, 11.20 and 11.21(16), Stats., and include all contributions received for
independent disbursements, incurred obligations for independent disbursements,
and independent disbursements made. When applicable, an organization shall also
file periodic reports as provided in s. 11.513, Stats.
(9) An organization making independent disbursements shall comply with the
requirements of §11.30(1); (2)(a) and (d), Wis. Stats., and include an attribution
identifying the organization paying for any communication, arising out of
independent disbursements on behalf of or in opposition to candidates, with the
following words: "Paid for by" followed by the name of the organization and the
name of the treasurer or other authorized agent of the organization followed by
"Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's agent or committee."
SECTION 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. This rule shall take effect on the first day of the month
following publication in the Wisconsin administrative register as provided in s. 227.22(2)
(intro.), Stats.


text:
I wonder why Representative Rehberg and his colleagues in Washington weren't concerned about the Congress doing its work in 2006, when they controlled the chamber. Charles Pope wondered the same thing back then:
Something must've been lost in translation.
How else to explain Congress' decision to give itself a seven-day recess in honor of St. Patrick's Day. Or a weeklong break in February for Presidents Day.
Or a two-week break for Easter and Passover and the entire month of August, which has no official holiday at all.
At a time when the war in Iraq is bogged down, debate is raging about the government conducting warrantless searches and the federal deficit is at a record high, the House is on schedule to meet for the fewest number of days in 60 years, according to one estimate. The Senate is not far behind.
Maybe we should ask Congressional scholar Thomas Mann about the the 109th Congress, under Republican control:
"The 109th Congress vies for the title of the all-time worst Congress," said Thomas Mann, a political analyst at the Brookings Institution and co-author of "The Broken Branch" with Ornstein. Mann's indictment of the 109th includes these charges: "It spent little time in session, it failed to pass budget resolutions and appropriations bills, there was no serious oversight of the disaster in Iraq, there were no major substantive policy achievements, and corrupt members were forced from Congress."
Perhaps, though, it's not fair to blame Representative Rehberg for the failure of the Republican Congress. After all, he is still a relatively unimportant member of the body. Surely his personal record demonstrates a commitment to doing the people's work during the August recess.
For example, the work of Congress was foremost on Representative Rehberg's mind last August, while fires were raging in Montana, right? Was he in Washington, demanding swift federal assistance? In Montana, boosting the morale of the firefighters?
Of course not. He was taking a week long trip to France and a weeklong trip to Chile, funded by the Montana World Trade Center, a group he had generously given a Congressional earmark to previously.
Maybe Representative Rehberg felt that the work of Congress was less important in August 2003, when he spent it flying around Europe, on your dime:
While most House Members are now home doing their usual district work, the chamber's top two Republicans will spend this week hopscotching around the globe visiting friendly countries. The trip was scheduled to include GOP Reps. Dana Rohrabacher (Calif.), Jim Nussle (Iowa), Pete Hoekstra (Mich.), Doc Hastings (Wash.), Sue Myrick (N.C.), Charlie Norwood (Ga.) and Denny Rehberg (Mont.) as well as Democratic Rep. Alcee Hastings (Fla.). (Roll Call July 28, 2003)
My point here is not to demonstrate that Rehberg is a hypocrite more interested in self-promotion than the interests of Montanans. His votes on veterans issues, education, and health care have made that clear in the past. What is frustrating about Rehberg and his colleagues is that they pretend the issue of tight energy supply and increasing prices magically happened over the past few months and that a few political stunts can change the situation. Where was their leadership when they controlled both houses of Congress and the Presidency?
Probably on vacation.
Update: If the Missoulian is going to shill for the Republicans on this stunt, shouldn't they at least re-write the press release?


text:
Coat on and we go!
Hi! So Today I'll be leaving to Europe for another trip, this time will be half business half vacation trip.
I'll be doing a few lectures for Disney from my work on Princess and the Frog in Madrid and in Annecy.
I'll also be visiting Granada, I can't wait to see la Alhambra, London, Paris, Annecy, and to see some family in Barcelona.
And of course I'll be doing another European series of Paintings! this time with some of the same places and new ones!!
I'm very excited to go is going to be inspiring!


text:
Serious Entertaining: Three Quick and Easy Napkin Folds
Seasonal menu planning for the perfect dinner party.
Cloth napkins are eco-friendly, long lasting and a worthwhile investment for your party dollar. I've had mine for almost twelve years and continue to find fresh ways to make them new.
Show your guests that you're thinking about them—you anticipated their arrival and you wanted to make it fancy. That said, I really don't have time to craft tiny fabric pigs, men's underwear, or lotus flowers to hide your dinner roll.
Here are three quick and easy napkin folds that don't require starch, ironing, or more than 60 seconds.
The Double Diamond
Start with the napkin folded in half diagonally in a triangle shape.
Fold the bottom left point up to the top point. Repeat with the bottom right point.
Flip the napkin over, keeping the open corners furthest away from you. Fold the bottom point roughly a third of the way up the napkin
Now tuck the left and right sides of the napkin under the napkin.
The Pocket
Fold down the edge furthest from you by a third.
Fold up the edge nearest to you in the same manner so that the napkin makes a narrow rectangle that's one-third its original width.
Fold the left and right edges over about 2 inches to the center; adjust the size of this fold depending on the size of your napkin.
Bring the left side of the napkin across to the right, leaving the right hand band uncovered but its raw edge covered up.
Fold from the left side again, making sure that each "pocket" is the same width.
Smallish folds lend themselves to tucking recipe cards, place cards or Legos in to charm your dinner party guests.
The Lover's Knot
Start with the corners of the open napkin top and bottom in a diamond shape, fold the top point down to the bottom point.
Starting from the bottom, make even folds—like an accordion—up to the top edge.
With the first pleat facing away from you, fold the right point over the left one and tuck back through the loop you've created to make a loose knot.
Fiddle with it until the folds look casual enough for you.
Happy napkining!
All products linked here have been independently selected by our editors. We may earn a commission on purchases, as described in our affiliate policy.


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FRIDAY, June 15, 2012 (HealthDay News) -- The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is proposing new standards to regulate fine particle air pollution, including soot, officials announced Friday.
The new standards will call for a reduction in fine particle pollution from the current 15 micrograms per cubic meter of air to 12 to 13 micrograms.
The EPA's move comes in response to a court order that required the agency to update its regulations based on the best science available.
The agency is calling the new standards a victory for public health.
"As a result of these rules, we will be saving hundreds of thousands of lives and prevent significant amounts of health consequences including premature death," Gina McCarthy, assistant administrator in EPA's Office of Air and Radiation, said during a press conference Friday.
"The good news about today's action is that we are already on the path for 99 percent of U.S. counties to meet the standards without the need for additional state or local action," she added.
The new standard will have to be met by 2020 and will affect diesel engines, power plants and industrial plants among other producers of fine particle pollution, McCarthy said.
Fine particle pollution can reach deep into the lungs and has been tied to premature death, heart attacks and strokes.
In addition soot particles, known to scientists as "PM2.5," also can cause bronchitis and worsen childhood asthma, the agency notes.
This new standard reflects the findings of many studies that show harmful health effects from even low concentrations of fine particle pollution, the agency says.
This reduction in fine particle pollution is expected to have health benefits as well as financial benefits by cutting health care costs, the agency contends.
"Depending on the final standard, estimated benefits will range from $88 million a year, with estimated costs of implementation as low as $2.9 million, to $5.9 billion in annual benefits with a cost of $69 million -- a return ranging from $30 to $86 for every dollar invested in pollution control," the EPA projects.
The proposed standard is open for public comment for the next 63 days with the final standard being issued by Dec. 14.
Commenting on the EPA's announcement. John Walke, clean air director at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said in statement that, "updating these standards will protect us from the tiniest particles that can cause the biggest health problems."
"By limiting the smoke, soot, metals and other pollution our lungs and hearts absorb, EPA is protecting all of us from asthma attacks, lung cancer, heart disease and premature deaths," he said.
"This a tremendous win for our health and the environment that could only be achieved by following the best science and upholding the Clean Air Act," Walke added.
More information
For more information on air pollution, visit the U.S. National Library of Medicine.


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Convict couldn't handle being free
Most inmates want out of the pen. Randall Lee Church burned a house down to get back inside.
Released in April after years of incarceration, he could not adjust. "Everything had gone fast forward without me," he said in a recent interview at Bexar County Jail.
Church, 46, admits he did it. He already has pleaded guilty to arson and is going back to prison, where he spent 26 years for fatally stabbing a man.
He can fix his blue eyes on a visitor through jail glass and admit to the killing, too. But it was in self-defense, he adds — a drunken dispute over $97 that turned into a scuffle and a misunderstanding, a miserable mistake.
He didn't persuade a jury. At 18, he was locked up for murder. It was 1983. Ronald Reagan was president. Cordless phones were modern technology. McDonald's had just introduced the Chicken McNugget.
Inside his small, gray cell within the Texas prison system, Church forgot the world and it forgot him.
Stepping out to freedom, "I didn't know how to use computers or cell phones or the Internet," Church said. "The weirdest thing was walking into a store, like Walmart, and have parents hide their children from me, like I was supposed to jump at them."
Fed up on July 10, 96 days after his release, he poured gasoline through a window of the empty house on the Southeast Side, then threw in flaming rags and paper towels, setting the place on fire.
Days later, he told police he did it because he wanted to go back to his job at his former prison unit.
Most former inmates confront some measure of fear or anxiety upon release, experts say. They tend to have low levels of education, few job skills and high incidences of mental health and substance-abuse issues. Many have no money or family and struggle to find affordable housing and social services.
And while the barriers to re-enter society always have been high, they're even greater in a tough economy.
More than four out of 10 adult offenders nationwide return to state prisons within three years of their release, studies show. Experts call it a revolving door—though Church's actions make him something of an extreme case.
Former Bexar County Jail inmates sometimes deliberately court arrest for minor crimes to get three square meals and a roof over their heads when things get tough on the outside, said County Commissioner Tommy Adkisson, who helped form the Bexar County Re-entry Roundtable, a dialogue among public, religious and nonprofit actors on how to help inmates return to society.
But there are no statistics on felons like Church, who reoffend deliberately because they can't cope with their freedom.
"I don't mean to diminish what this man did," said Ann L. Jacobs, director of the Prisoner Reentry Institute at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice. "But when you think about what people come out to, how much the world has changed, what a disadvantage they are at and what little support they generally have, it is kind of a miracle it goes as well as it does for as many people as it does."
The crime
The man Church killed was named James Alfred Michael, but people called him "Willie" because he looked like Willie Nelson, with a stockier build. He was 56 and had peppered dark hair. The two had met just months earlier while in a Baytown jail for public intoxication.
Church said Michael gave him a place to stay when they got out and often loaned him cash. Church hustled drugs to support himself, he said. Raised in West Virginia, he had moved to Baytown as a teen and never had been much of a good kid, he said. He found school boring and had dropped out of 10th grade. Eventually, he earned his GED.
"Back then, I lived right for the day, getting high, drinking, not thinking of the consequences," Church said.
Church remembers the last night Michael came home from work on Oct. 6, 1983. They had been drinking and got into it over $97 that Michael claimed Church took. Church vehemently denied it — lying — and they came to blows, he recalled.
They soon broke up the fight, but Michael always carried a knife on his belt and Church noticed it was missing. When his partner went upstairs, Church believed he had gone to retrieve it. So he grabbed a big knife from the kitchen and bore it through Michael's chest when he came back.
"I was scared half to death," Church said. When police led him out, "I kept picturing myself on television, like it was happening to somebody else."
Church was sentenced to life in prison. He kept busy, working at different facilities. His latest job, as a janitor at the McConnell Unit in Beeville, had been the best, the one he yearned to return to when he was freed, he said. It gave him access to all the free soda and ice he wanted in the summers.
Prison reform
While Church was behind bars, the federal and state prison population more than quadrupled.
The numbers of inmates in the United States grew from 319,598 in 1980 to 1.5 million in 2009, according to the Bureau of Justice Statistics. Corrections costs skyrocketed. States today collectively spend more than $50 billion a year by some estimates.
Studies indicate the United States has the highest proportion of its population locked up, its offenders tending to serve some of the lengthiest sentences in the world.
But more striking are the reports that show recidivism rates, the number of people who, like Church, return to correctional facilities after their release, lawmakers and prison reform activists said. A report published just this year by the Pew Center on the States found that on average more than 40 percent of those released from penitentiaries are reincarcerated within three years, for committing a new crime or for violating the terms of their release.
In the past decade, the debate among criminal justice circles has shifted to focus on programs and resources that can help prisoners re-enter society.
President George W. Bush included prisoner re-entry in his 2004 State of the Union address, marking an end to the country's "period of punitiveness" and paving the way for the Second Chance Act and other legislation to help prisoners adjust to life after incarceration, Jacobs said.
"We are at a time in our culture when the prison budgets are depleting budgets for higher education in most states, when there are more African American men in prison then there are in college. We can't allow that as a society. It will pull us all down," Jacobs said.
Today, almost every state has re-entry programs and resources to assist the 700,000 people on average who are released from correctional facilities annually, but almost every state is under budget pressures.
Texas is known for its toughness on crime and is the country's leader in rate of imprisonment but undertook wide-ranging prison reforms in 2007 that have significantly reduced the state's recidivism rate.
Only 24.3 percent of Texas inmates released that year returned to prison within three years, according to the Texas Legislative Budget Board.
But looming budget cuts could hinder this progress in giving inmates "the tools to live responsibly," said Ana Yáñez-Correa, director of the Texas Criminal Justice Coalition.
"While people are in prison, they need to be given vocational programs and counseling and cognitive thinking programming, so that when they get out, they can support their families," she said.
For inmates like Church, such resources could make a difference in the transition back to the outside world.
The shock
Fellow inmates warned Church he was in for a shock. He didn't believe them, thinking they were angry or envious he would soon walk free. Days after he was released, he realized they'd been right.
Prices were higher and scanned with bar codes. Video games were more realistic. People were always on their cell phones. Cars had childproof locks.
"I didn't know this," Church said. "It was so overwhelming. I was constantly embarrassed by simple things I just didn't know."
He made his way to San Antonio and was living on a small ranch with a relative of a friend he met in prison. On her property was a dilapidated, three-story house, abandoned for almost a decade. Things weren't getting any better, and Church decided to burn it down.
He watched the flames from his bedroom window. They died out. He attempted to reignite the fire but went to sleep believing his plan had failed. A couple of hours later, Church and his landlord were awakened by emergency responders.
The blaze was ripping through the house. They took out lawn chairs and watched plumes of smoke billow skyward as firefighters worked to stop it, Church recalled.
"I didn't tell anyone it was me," he said. "It was my ticket to go back (to prison) if I wanted. I know it was wrong, and I am sorry for it now."
Three days later, he turned himself in by treating himself to a hamburger, French fries and two chocolate shakes at the Jim's restaurant on Loop 410 and Perrin Beitel. He savored every taste, knowing he only had 31 cents in his pocket. Then he asked the waitress to call police, saying he did not want to cause a scene.
Her manager told Church he could leave if he never came back, so he told them he had committed a crime, Church recalled.
He should have sought more counseling or looked for a rehabilitation center, he said. But as flames engulfed the old house, he felt a sense of relief, a kind of excitement. When he was little, he used to play with matches.
"It was kind of like that," Church said. "It was my Fourth of July."


text:
|All major religious traditions carry basically the same message, that is love, compassion and forgiveness … the important thing is they should be part of our daily lives." ~ The Dalai Lama
The UK has on its streets, in every town and city, Big Issue sellers. The Big Issue offers people who are homeless the opportunity to earn their own money; a livelihood. The Big Issue Foundation offers vendors the opportunity of a life. They work tirelessly alongside the vendors to help them deal with the issues that have caused their homelessness or have developed as a result of hitting the streets.
The way we can experience the feeling of shame (if buying clothes from Primark hasn't ignited a conscience) is to realise that those people selling that Big Issue, as mentioned in another post, could very, very easily be your mum, dad, brother, sister, son, daughter, grandchild or of course even you – and the way the world is going currently, that is a possibility. Knowing that and then walking past a seller should, if of course you are human ignite that spark of shame and prove you are not an alien. What reasons do people possibly delude themselves with to justify walking past?
"Never look down on someone unless you are helping them up. As you go about your daily life please do stop and say hello to a vendor, buy a magazine" ~The Big Issue Foundation. – besides, it's a bloody good *weekly* read!


text: Monday, April 02, 2012 National Public Health Week Begins Today This year, with the recent release of the National Prevention Strategy, National Public Health Week (NPHW) will address the issue of prevention and wellness to ensure that all is being done to improve the nation's health. Strategies will focus on preventing chronic diseases, which cause Americans to miss 2.5 billion days of work year each year; injuries related to violence; and unintentional injuries, such as motor vehicle crashes, poisonings, and burns. Uniting around this year's theme—A Healthier America Begins Today: Join the Movement—NPHW will work to encourage more Americans and their communities to take preventive measures to help improve their lives. Use NPHW's 2012 toolkit, logos, and other resources to spread the word this week about public health's critical role in making America healthier. Comments Thank you for the links. Posted by Heidi on 4/13/2012 11:14 AM


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Best of all, the Precision Pro's economical price makes it a phenomenal value as well. Get yours today!


text:
CHICAGO (AP) — Chris Sale overcame a shaky first inning to combine with two relievers on a five-hitter and Adam Dunn homered to lead the Chicago White Sox over the Tampa Bay Rays 5-2 Thursday night.
Desmond Jennings walked leading off the game and scored and scored on Evan Longoria's single, but Sale (2-2) settled down and won for the first time since opening day. He allowed two runs and four hits in seven innings, struck out seven and worked around four walks.
Sale has 31 strikeouts in five appearances against the Rays. He is 11-3 with a 2.26 ERA at home in 17 starts dating to the beginning of the 2012 season.
Matt Lindstrom worked a scoreless eighth, then Addison Reed pitched the ninth for his seventh save in seven chances for Chicago.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.
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text:
by Rita Charleston
As an updated version of the old saying might go, "You can take Ta'Rea Campbell out of Philadelphia, but you can never take Philadelphia out of Ta'Rea Campbell."
Nor would she want you to. That is because this actress, who grew up in West Oak Lane, attended Mt. Airy Baptist Church, J. Hampton Moore Elementary School, Wilson Middle School, the Philadelphia High School for Creative and Performing Arts and Marymount Manhattan College, is extremely proud of her roots. She's also thrilled that the show she's now appearing in, "Sister Act," is set in Philadelphia, and makes lots and lots of references to the town she loves. ("Sister Act" will be performed at the Academy of Music from April 2 to 7.)
Campbell, who declined to state her age, takes the role of disco diva Deloris Van Cartier, made famous in the huge hit 1992 film by Whoopi Goldberg."The original version of 'Sister Act' was set in San Francisco, but today the show is set in 1977 Philadelphia," Campbell explained. "And the first words out of my mouth as I face the audience are 'Hello, Philadelphia,' and I am so excited to say that."
Funny thing is, she continued, "A cousin of mine who lives in Indianapolis told me that when she came to see the show in her hometown and heard that line, she thought I might have forgotten where I was!"
On the contrary, Campbell said, not only had she not forgotten, but she was extremely happy to be saying other lines throughout the show that make references to Germantown, South Philly and other Philly neighborhoods.
"Sister Act" follows the unexpected career-altering path of Cartier, an out-of-work nightclub singer who discovers that her affiliation with Curtis, her married gangster lover, may not have been a wise choice. After auditioning for him and his three yes-men stooges, she witnesses a murder in the club's back alley committed by Curtis. Fearing for her life as a witness to a murder, she runs to the nearest police precinct where a police officer who remembers having a crush on her in high school figures out a plan and hustles her off to a convent for safe keeping.
"Although I did see the film, I don't think I was influenced by it because our script isn't the same," Campbell said. "It's the same idea, but it's not word-for-word, so it's not like I'm mimicking the role. Ours is its own entity."
In fact, the actress said she tries to make each role her own by remembering a quote by Sandy Meisner (actor and acting teacher who helped develop a form of Method Acting). "It was something along the lines that acting is creating believable responses to non-realistic things that are happening. So I think that in whatever role I'm playing, I take the time to look at the words on the paper and then try to give the most honest interpretation of what a real person would do under the circumstances."
Over the years, Campbell has been able to employ her significant talent in many shows. On Broadway she appeared in "Leap of Faith," "The Book of Mormon," "The Lion King" and "Aida," among others. But after all those years and all those roles, she's finally coming home to play in front of friends and family.
"I'm very excited to be coming home and playing with this great cast in this great work," Campbell insisted. "I always have lots of nervous energy before each performance, no matter where I am, and this time will be no exception. You also have to realize that this is musical theater, and musical theater is live theater, so anything can happen. But I'm really looking forward to being in my hometown again."
Tickets range from $25 to $110. More information at 215-893-1999 or 215-790-5883.


text: Thursday, March 15, 2012 APTA Urges MedPAC to Include Stakeholders in Development of Congressional Report Following last week's discussion on the congressionally mandated report on outpatient therapy services at the Medicare Payment Advisory Commission (MedPAC) meeting, APTA submitted comments to the commission urging it to include APTA in the report's development to "ensure that a comprehensive and accurate assessment… is conducted that results in recommendations that ensure access to high quality therapy services for Medicare beneficiaries." APTA's comments also provide MedPAC with a broad description of the use of outpatient physical therapy services, noting that changes in policies often result in payment shifts from Medicare Part A to Medicare Part B and in patient shifts from one setting to another. In addition, the association comments on major systems reform, tighter coding, and improving the management of the outpatient physical therapy benefit. Comments I just wanted to take a moment out to thank the APTA leadership for all of their efforts on not only behalf of the physical therapy profession but for rehabilitation therapy overall. I had the pleasure and privilege to work with many of the APTA team via serving NARA for the past 6 years and their collaborative efforts at the national and grass-roots / local level have been, and will continue to be, essential for our industry's future ... Thanks! Gregg J. Altobella, MS CCC-SLP Past President National Association of Rehab Providers & Agencies (NARA) Washington, D.C. Posted by Gregg J. Altobella on 4/12/2012 11:15 PM


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Title: [^\w\._]+/
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Title: Multiple addresses
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Comment: I've taken your code and adapted it to validate multiple addresses, separated by commas:
^(\w[-._\w]*\w@\w[-._\w]*\w\.\w{2,5})?(([a-z0-9A-Z_\-\.]+(([\'\.\- ][a-z0-9A-Z_ ])?[a-z0-9A-Z_]*)*\s*<(\w[-._\w]*\w@\w[-._\w]*\w\.\w{2,5})>))?(([,.][\s]*([a-z0-9A-Z_\-\.]+(([\'\.\- ][a-z0-9A-Z_ ])?[a-z0-9A-Z_]*)*\s*<(\w[-._\w]*\w@\w[-._\w]*\w\.\w{2,5}))>)*([,.][\s]*(\w[-._\w]*\w@\w[-._\w]*\w\.\w{2,5}))*)*$
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Please note: .info addresses are now also valid. You can replace , with ; everywhere in the code at [,.][\s] if you want to separate addresses with semicolons.
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Comment: fails to match a valid mail for .info tld.
Title: Fails to match valid email address
Name: The Fred and Barney Comedy Team <email@example.com>Fails to match the valid email address
Date: 1/26/2005 3:14:59 AM
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Experts warn that smoking doubles the chance of going blind in old age, so why not increase your odds with Kipkay's crazy (though admittedly awesome-looking) BIC-lighter hack. How-to video after the jump.
Kipkay is the gadget modder extraordinaire who showed us how to build our own laser-based home alarm system, save money on batteries, and turn a $US25 Hot Wheels toy radar gun into the real thing.
He also has that enthusiastic shopping channel-style voice over thing down pat. I'll take two for my stoner friends!


text:
Tricia2200 necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 118 diseños de 20 diseñadores freelance.
Cameron Green Media LLC
We produce editorial, marketing services, public relations materials and photography for competitive equestrians who ride in English sports (hunter/jumper) but also other sports and businesses, such as golfers and medical and professional service providers (doctors and accountants, for example).
Horse people are generally conservative and traditional and with a tendency toward sophistication. Target audience is educated, wealthy and over 30 years of age.
I'd like the logo to include a hint of an equine theme, but I'm very open to other design ideas. And since green is in the name, I'm thinking green is a logical color, but I'm also fine with green being a secondary color as well. Horse show championship ribbons are blue, red and yellow, so those colors might naturally work into it as well.
Originally, this business was solely equestrian businesses with competition horses (think Olympic sports such as show jumping), so the tag line was: "when you win, we write." Now it includes other types of businesses, but if a designer would like to play with that it could still work out, I think.
Also, I'm flexible in having the LLC in the design, so feel free to leave it out if you prefer.
I hope this additional information is helpful. If you have any other questions please feel free to ask.
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


text:
RICHMOND — The City Council moved forward with a plan to relocate 130 tenants from the dilapidated Hacienda housing project — an operation that could cost nearly $700,000 but one city leaders hope will be paid for with federal money.
"One option (for relocation) is HUD-supported, and one is paid for by the (city's) General Fund," City Manager Bill Lindsay said. "Those are the only sources we have."
The council vote Tuesday directs staff to prepare a plan to relocate residents within 30 days while putting in an application with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to be reimbursed for that relocation, including the issuance of new vouchers to provide the residents housing alternatives. A 30-day public review process would follow. If the plan is approved, Hacienda residents could get 90-day move-out notices soon after, along with help from staff in finding new places to live.
"We hope to have people relocating during the period between 61 and 150 days from today," Lindsay said in a phone interview Wednesday.
The city's 550 public housing units are more than 90 percent occupied, Housing Director Tim Jones said, meaning the system can't absorb Hacienda tenants into other housing projects.
Troubles at the Hacienda and other structures managed by the Richmond Housing Authority came to light in February, when news reports characterized the housing authority as among the most troubled in the nation, beset by mounting debt, sloppy procurement practices, misuse of public funds and poor staff performance. The agency has been on HUD's list of the most "troubled" housing agencies in the country since 2009.
Jones was described by HUD as "ineffective."
On Tuesday, Jones said restoration of the building and relocation of the tenants may be the option more likely to draw new funds from HUD, including money for relocation of current residents.
The roof of the six-floor building leaks so badly — despite several contracts being awarded in recent years to fix it — that the top floor is vacant, costing the authority tens of thousands of dollars in lost rent in recent years and leaving needy residents without housing. An independent contractor told the council Tuesday that recent inspections revealed that five of 28 inspected units needed significant mold remediation, including replacing moldy walls.
Jones said interviews with tenants would begin this month to better assess where they want to go.
Jones added that if HUD doesn't pick up the tab, the cash-strapped city may have to reduce its allotment of Section 8 housing vouchers. The city's General Fund reserves are at $7 million and dwindling because tax receipts were lower than expected in the past year, and relocation from Hacienda could burn 10 percent of those reserves.
Councilman Tom Butt, who has questioned the validity of reports claiming that the Hacienda is unliveable, said the blame lies with HUD for insufficient funding.
"(HUD) wants us to run a Champagne project on a light beer budget," Butt said.
Butt added a friendly amendment, accepted by Mayor Gayle McLaughlin, to direct staff to prepare a report on the consequences of ceding control of public housing systems in the city to HUD. Officials from HUD have said they want the city to administer the program and do a better job.
"Make it their problem and not ours," Butt said.
Lindsay said local control is desirable, but his staff would prepare a report.
"HUD has confirmed we can basically walk away from the building — it's still owned by HUD," Lindsay said. "But while our performance needs to be better, I think local control is important for better services."
Reports of problems at the Hacienda and in housing authority management have continued to trickle in over recent weeks. Last week, a member of the advisory commission that oversees the system released documents showing that he reported issues. City Council members, who serve as the governing commission for the housing authority, said those reports never got past Jones and Councilman Corky Boozé, who was the liaison between the housing authority and his council colleagues. Boozé blamed Jones for not adequately addressing the complaints and said he did not know the advisory commission reports were supposed to go to the council per local law.
Councilman Jim Rogers said he is "skeptical that having HUD take over would be a good idea," but he supports the relocation and is hopeful that HUD will pick up the tab.
"We dropped the ball," Rogers said. "The buck stops with us."
Contact Robert Rogers at 510-262-2726. Follow him at Twitter.com/SFBaynewsrogers.


text:
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We helped a multibillion dollar security and logistics company work better by helping it integrate more than a dozen financial systems into one ERP platform, reducing overall financial costs by 66% and headcount by 55%.Contact us
When organizations migrate, do they need a map?
We helped a global industrial products company work better by helping it define its migration plan as part of a global transformation project to align, simplify and harmonize its processes.Contact us
When finance functions transform, can they electrify the bottom line?
We helped a global power and utility company work better by helping it realize the benefit of millions of dollars with its launch of a major finance transformation project that included designing a two-hub SSC structure.Contact us
From a technical standpoint, how do you drive savings to your bottom line?
We helped a global technology company work better by assisting in the design and implementation of a new finance operating model with anticipated annual savings of US$35m.Contact us
How do you advertise for a fresh approach?
We helped a leading advertising agency work better, following a series of acquisitions, by helping it to consolidate and streamline its operations, establishing shared service centers around the world and improving benefit realization.Contact us
How quickly can you decide to improve your planning process?
We helped a leading Indian brewer work better by helping it develop and implement flexible and interlinked planning tools and processes that enabled it to reach decisions more rapidly and with more robust information.Contact us
How do you measure the results of your success?
We helped a professional services firm work better by enabling it to measure and track the benefits resulting from a global ERP implementation and finance transformation.Contact us
- Why we exist
At EY, our purpose is to build a better working world for our clients, our people and our communities. We strive to help create a legacy of improved business performance, confidence and trust.
- How we do it
We team globally to create innovative answers for our clients. The unique and ongoing collaboration between EY consultants and our clients results in better working businesses.
We choose the right people and bring the best thinking to your issues.
We offer a strong mix of sector, market and technical professionals both within EY and beyond. This encompasses our consultants, clients, alliances and other EY Finance professionals in areas such as Tax, Assurance and Transaction Advisory Services.
- What we do
We solve big, complex issues and capitalize on opportunities to help deliver better working outcomes that grow, optimize and protect our clients' businesses now and in the future.
In every engagement, we adapt our methodology, and delivery to suit how you want to work.
We help you capitalize on opportunities to drive profitable growth, rethink organizational structure and reap the potential of information.
We bring you finance and accounting technical knowledge, as well as the capability to think broadly about the business issues, and then the practical skills to help deliver better business outcomes.
For example, we can help you adapt to and benefit from new technologies that are driving transformation, such as HANA in-memory computing. We can help you develop more captive, shared and back-office services, as well as build, operate and transfer outsourcing services to deliver more implementation potential.
And we can help rethink what you do with data to extract valuable business insights from it, securely.
Above all, in every engagement, we adapt our methodology, and delivery to suit how you want to work. For example, marrying the program change and financial management skills needed for large transformations.
And we continually evolve our services to meet your changing needs, such as delivering assessment and benchmarking services online in a subscription model.
How we can help
For EY Advisory, a better working world means solving big, complex industry issues and capitalizing on opportunities to help deliver outcomes that grow, optimize and protect our clients' businesses now and in the future. Making changes in one tiny area can make a huge, positive difference overall.
Finance Process Excellence
A well-run finance process is at the core of a successful CFO. It enables innovation by freeing up scarce resources to focus on what's important.
Yesterday's finance transformation focused primarily on cost control, process efficiencies, and establishing the right controls and risk-management procedures. Today, it is that and much more.
Like the CFO position itself, the finance function has evolved and taken on new dimensions supporting corporate strategy, the capital agenda, growth and competitive advantage in the marketplace.
As growth has returned to the business agenda of many companies, innovation is taking the place of cost-control and efficiency as a priority for many CFOs. Leading companies recognize innovation is everyone's responsibility, championedby the leadership team, including the CFO.
A well-run Finance process enables innovation by freeing up scarce resources to focus on important questions and solve difficult problems.
Our Finance Process Excellence offering helps drive business innovation by assisting our clients with:
- Finance transformation programs — from a full transformation of the finance function to a transformation of interdependent processes such as budgeting and forecasting
- Rapid assessment services, including review of reports against best practice, balanced scorecard reporting, business planning, budgeting and forecasting, and reporting of actual performance for external and internal audiences
- Process efficiency reviews, including the design of metrics to improve process effectiveness and efficiency.
- Technology enablement which allows the finance process to reach its full potential.
People Excellence
People Excellence helps map finance's current skill set, identify opportunities for improvement and execute the roadmap to prepare the finance team for the future.
CFOs often question whether their finance staff members are fully capable of performing their duties today and are prepared for the future. They lie awake at night wondering if they fully leverage the scarce human capital in their organizations.
At EY, we believe we can address this challenge.
Our People Excellence service offering makes a targeted effort to map finance's current skill set, identify opportunities for improvement and help execute the roadmap to prepare the finance team for the future.
Our teams leverages a proven approach to:
- Assess the current strengths and weaknesses of the finance function's current skill set
- Refine roles and responsibilities
- Benchmark against leading skills expectations
- Identify skills gaps
- Advise on recommendations for improvement
From there, we help clients develop the learning and development capability required to invest in finance teams, prepare them for the future and sustain improvements. We also help clients define and implement the talentmanagement processes required to achieve their vision.
Learning and development is a journey, not a destination. It takes a proven, repeatable process with continuous engagement of the finance function and an advisor who knows how to get it right.
Finance Controlling Excellence
We can help finance align more closely with other functions and develop a mutual understanding of risks and opportunities.
At EY we understand the controller function and what it takes to balance the books, maintain control of the financials, mitigate financial risks, drive insight and do it all with an efficient team. However, we recognize that successful finance leaders look beyond this traditional finance perspective and are collaborating more closely with other internal functions for business planning and strategic decisions — not just from a monitoring, reporting and risk management perspective.
We can help finance become a trusted business partner, bringing closer alignment between finance and other functions, and a mutual understanding of key risks and opportunities. We are also passionate about looking across industries for bestin breed practices and bringing those tools to our clients, to make them faster, smarter and with less risk.
EY's Finance Controlling Excellence offering brings together all of the key elements of an effective controllership function: people, process, policy, technology and delivery model, while promoting strong partnership between finance and the business.
We leverage our Finance Controlling Excellence offering to ensure our clients' finance group can successfully support the strategic direction. We help clients build global target operating models, adapted from leading practices for their own uniqueness.
We leverage leading class technology such as SAP Simple Finance to drive the data, analytics and insights required to manage the business. This technology can revolutionize finance as it provides 'instant insight' based on real-time information, such as integrated planning, continuous processing, and predictive forecasting.
We design and implement finance delivery models to build the scale and consistency required to manage an ever increasingly complex landscape. And we do it all with an eye on risk and costs to minimize the burden on your business.
At EY we understand both the global standards and local complexities required of the controllership function. We help clients manage this balance all over the world.
Global Finance Delivery Excellence
The journey is never over. Future delivery models are global, multifunctional and fully integrated. We help to determine your current maturity and how to transform.
Many organizations already have been implementing shared services and outsourcing in the last two decades. Finance led the way, followed by IT, focused on the handling of non-core company activities.
Tomorrow's model for Global Business Services (GBS) is multifunctional, fully integrated, end-to-end process oriented and helps to transform your business. Typically, this is achieved through the creation of a unified GBS unit capable of managing end-to-end processes.
The move toward a Global Business Services organization is a process of evolution rather than revolution and from today's perspective — 'end-to-end' Global Business Services are the end-point for this evolution. So far at least, very few companies have reached this level of integration.
Our Global Finance Delivery Excellence service offering addresses all levels on this journey: The setup of Finance Shared Services, the migration from Finance to Multifunctional and Regional Shared Services, as well as the migration from Multifunctional Shared Services to a truly 'end-to-end' GBS organization including Center of Excellence (CoE) structures.
We focus not only on the benefits to the individual function, but also how to contribute to corporate objectives and take a more strategic position in the enterprise-wide operating model.
We can help you determine the current maturity of your GBS journey in six dimensions: strategy, organization and location, service scope and maturity, migration and improvement, processes and automation as well as people and talent.
GBS fosters a commercially oriented culture and balances cost reduction targets with investments for process innovation. GBS is run as a full business unit with P&L responsibility and skill development and attraction of talent is a key to success for the new generation of Shared Services.
We are working with our Supply Chain & Operations, People Advisory Services, Technology, Customer, Risk as well as Human Capital and Tax teams to offer you these services consistently across functions, across the globe and in a fully integrated way.Our innovative 'Build-Operate-Transfer' approach can allow you to establish GBS more quickly and with reduced risk.
How are you performing against your peers?
Incorporate Benchmarking as a business performance management tool to understand how you are performing against your peers.
Leveraging Benchmarking helps clients to design and implement a program to calculate business performance, compare to industry or other relevant standards, and identify key findings and opportunities for improvement. Using the benchmarking repository with over 50,000 analysis points with deep datasets across several sectors, enables fact-based decision making. Below is a sample of EY's finance benchmarking capability that depicts a high-level comparison of costs, cycle time and productivity ratios when you are moving from a self-supporting unit to Global Business Services for two of the Finance processes: Accounts Payable and Financial Reporting.
Who we are
We are a diverse team of consultants and industry professionals with a global mindset and a collaborative culture.
We work hard to understand our clients' issues and are driven to ask better questions in the pursuit of making their businesses work better.
Questions such as:
- How can you achieve profitable growth?
- Should you maximize revenues or minimize costs?
- Have you got the right talent and structure in place to achieve what you need to?
- Are you really getting all the potential value from the information you have?
- Are you staying on the right side of regulations?


text: Small but cozy, the apartment you are about to see is located in Stockholm, is an tight and chic urban crib. The main living space features the entertaining space, dining room and bedroom all in one space. The small floor plan only allows for the bed to occupy an alcove near the kitchen, but this features makes it that more interesting. The end of the hallway was transformed into a modern walk-in-closet, giving the inhabitants the opportunity of using the whole space, as the closet has wardrobe fittings up to the ceiling. The space maintained its original parquet flooring, an elegant element that makes the fact that the refrigerator is located in the closet in the hallway less important. Stucco ceilings in white are visually heightened by natural light coming from large paned windows. This Stockholm apartment might be small, but it has many storing options like the walk-in closet in the hallway, closets and storage under the bed. Having direct access to the interior courtyard, the apartment encourages the inhabitants to enjoy as much fresh air as possible, inviting them to the outdoors, where patio furniture and a barbeque await. Find it here and enjoy the photos!


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The 2010 fall season for the nationally-ranked Ferris State University men's golf team has been one of unpredictability as the Bulldogs had not finished among the top five teams in each of their three tournaments to date.
Ferris State chose an opportune time to earn a top-five placing as the Bulldogs claimed the 2010 Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) Men's Golf Championships title by defeating Wayne State in a playoff this Monday (Oct. 4) at the Grosse Ile (Mich.) Golf and Country Club course. Both teams completed regulation play with identical three-round 889-stroke totals (+37) to force a sudden-death playoff. Host Wayne State rallied from eight strokes down with six holes remaining to tie the Bulldogs for top team honors in the two-day (Oct. 3-4) conference tournament.
Ferris State produced an 889 team score as a result of 298, 295, and 296 rounds while Wayne State turned in rounds of 298, 291, and 300 among the 11 conference teams vying for the tournament title. Grand Valley State and Findlay both carded 904 team scores (+52) to share third-place honors.
The GLIAC Championship title represents the 19th in the program's history and the Bulldogs' first since the 2004-05 season. FSU earned top team laurels in the 2004 league tournament by notching a 917 score (+53) on the Blackberry Patch Golf Club course in Coldwater, Mich.
Low team scores typically result in top-notch individual performances and that was certainly the case for Ferris State as senior Kyle Wittenbach (Lowell) claimed medalist honors with a two-over par 215 score (75-66-74=215, +2). Wittenbach the second Bulldog golfer to take home a first-place individual award as former standout Eric Lilleboe achieved top status at the 2009 GLIAC Championships by netting a four-under 205-stroke total. Wittenbach tallied three birdies in the third round, which included a pair on the second nine holes, to end up plus three for the round. His best round of the tournament was in the second as evidenced by five birdies en route to a five-under par 66 score. Wittenbach's stiffest competition for the top place on the leaderboard came from Wayne State's Eric Johnson, who carded a 219 score (+6).
Junior Ian Straayer (Caledonia/Grandville) climbed all the way up from a 13th-place start to finish fifth with a 222 score (73-77-72=222, +9). A pair of seniors, Joe Brown (St. Ignace/LaSalle) and Garrett Simons (Grand Ledge) made their final GLIAC Championship appearance a memorable one with top-20 place showings. Brown (74-75-74=223, +10) was among three individuals to garner a share of sixth place while Simons (76-77-76=229, +16) joined three others in occupying 18th place.
Freshman Trent Davison's (Rockford) carded a 234 (77-80-77=234, +21) in the three-round tournament to prove deserving of a 30th-place tie with two other individuals.
The Bulldogs' showing in 2010 was a significant improvement upon last season's GLIAC Tournament performance in which FSU shot a three-round 908 team score to tie for fourth place.
Ferris State is back on the links this weekend (Oct. 9-10) as the Bulldogs take part in the Tiffin Kyle Ryman Memorial Tournament to be held at the Mohawk Golf Course in Tiffin, Ohio.


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Mary Tolan-Davi
Director Nutrition Services
Manteca Unified School District
Manteca, Calif.
We do a managers' book club where we share ideas we get after reading books about customer service and leadership. It's a safe environment where people feel comfortable sharing, and we have grown much stronger as a team. We meet every six weeks during the last hour of the workday. This does take commitment, but it's important to build these relationships among the staff.


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For openers, Fernandez rewrites history books
Marlins ace joins elite company with Opening Day gem
MIAMI -- Every time Jose Fernandez takes the mound, you have a chance to witness history. The Marlins' young ace did it again on Opening Day.
Fernandez dazzled in six innings Monday night, striking out nine while not walking a batter in the Marlins' 10-1 win over the Rockies at Marlins Park.
Before Fernandez took the mound on Monday, manager Mike Redmond noted that the rest of the league would be adjusting to his hard-throwing right-hander. However, what Fernandez has in his favor is talent.
"At the end of the day, his stuff is going to prevail," Redmond said. "His stuff is so good."
Fernandez, the 2013 National League Rookie of the Year Award winner, continues to make his mark on the game.
According to the Elias Sports Bureau, Fernandez is the second pitcher to win on Opening Day after being named Rookie of the Year the previous season. John Montefusco was the other. In 1975, Montefusco won the NL Rookie of the Year Award, and he was a winner in the '76 opener.
Fernandez also attached himself to more history on Monday. The 21-year-old, Elias claims, is only the second starting pitcher to post nine strikeouts and no walks on Opening Day in the last 16 seasons. Jered Weaver in 2012 was the other.
Before Weaver, you have to go back to Mike Mussina in 1998, with nine strikeouts and no walks in an opener.
Fernandez finds himself in elite company with the others on the list. He joins Steve Carlton (1983), J.R. Richard (1980), Bob Gibson (1967, '69), Ferguson Jenkins (1969), Chris Short (1968), Walter Johnson (1916) and Cy Young (1900).
Fernandez certainly has found a comfort zone at Marlins Park. Entering his second season, the right-hander is now 10-0 with a 1.21 ERA at home.
With nine strikeouts, Fernandez also matched a Marlins most for an Opening Day starter. In 2004, Josh Beckett fanned nine Montreal Expos.


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MileOne offers an extensive showroom highlighting a few brands like BMW, Hyundai, Volkswagen, and many more. Our showroom is designed to teach our drivers detailed information regarding the available models we have in stock. If you're thinking about financing your future purchase, learn all about our MileOne finance options to help in the car-buying process. We look forward to working with you soon at one of our Wilkes-Barre MileOne dealerships!
Your privacy is important to us. MileOne Automotive takes your privacy seriously and does not rent or sell your personal information to third parties without your consent. Read our privacy policy.


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Dave Wozniak has been named site vice president at LaSalle County Generating Station, the company announced Monday.
MARSEILLES, Ill. (Feb. 19, 2009) - Dave Wozniak has been named site vice president at LaSalle County Generating Station, the company announced Monday. Wozniak, a resident of Morris, will oversee all aspects of plant operations at LaSalle Station.
Dan Enright, of Ottawa, has been LaSalle's site vice president since 2007. Enright will take on a new role as the site vice president of Byron Generating Station in Byron, Ill., which is also part of the Exelon Nuclear fleet.
Wozniak will team with Dave Rhoades, plant manager at LaSalle Station. Wozniak has nearly 30 years of experience in the nuclear power industry, including time spent at Exelon Nuclear's Byron and Dresden Stations, and the corporate office in Warrenville, Ill. Most recently, Wozniak was the site vice president at Dresden Station in Morris, Ill.
Wozniak holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Purdue University and a Master of Business Administration from DePaul University.
"Dave's extensive nuclear experience, particularly in operations, is an asset to the entire Exelon Nuclear organization. His knowledge and leadership will help continue the safe and reliable operation of LaSalle Station," said Stephen Kuczynski, senior vice president of Midwest Operations for Exelon Nuclear. "I know that Dave will maintain a focus on continuous improvement at LaSalle Station as well as sustaining relationships with the local community."


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Nevada Department of TransportationHome Menu
Ensuring the protection of the traveling public and ease of mobility to all users of Nevada roadways is one of the Nevada Department of Transportation's (NDOT) highest goals. One way NDOT accomplishes this goal is by requiring permits for all uses outside of "normal" travel. Occupancy Permits are necessary for granting use of State roadway for a temporary event, permanent utility or development work within State right-of-way.
In addition to Occupancy Permits, NDOT requires Trucker Operation Permits; listed below are links to the appropriate sites to get more information.
Right-of-Way Occupancy Permits
Permanent Encroachment
See Permanent Encroachments on the Occupancy Permits page for information.
Temporary Occupancy
Hazardous clean-up, parades, vehicle rallies, races, photography or filming and other temporary uses, including temporary construction access. See Temporary Occupancy Permit page for information.
While billboards can not be located on NDOT right-of-way, NDOT issues permits for billboards installed near National Highway System routes outside of state right-of-way. See Sign/Billboard Permits page for information.
Political signs
No political sign can be placed within state highway rights-of-way. See Political Sign Rules & Regulations page for information.
Telecom Installations
The Nevada Department of Transportation will process applications for telecommunication facilities in state highway rights-of-way pursuant to NAC 408 (effective 11/1/01). See Telecommunications Permit Installations page for information.
For detailed information, refer to the Terms & Conditions Relating to Right-of-Way Occupancy Permits and
Revocable Occupancy Permit Application
For NDOT Design, Specifications and Standards refer to Documents and Publications.
Trucker Operation Permits
NDOT manages over-sized or overweight, non-reducible (non-divisible) vehicles and loads traveling anywhere in Nevada as well as reducible (divisible) vehicles and loads that are 70 feet or less in length and exceeding 80,000 pounds. See Over-Dimensional Permits page for information
Longer Combination Vehicles
Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), Motor Carrier Division manages reducible (divisible) vehicles and loads over 70 feet in length.


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« Sec. Duncan Seems to Regard Constitution as so Much Tissue on Bottom of His Shoe | Main | Rethinking Special Ed. Spending »
"Waivers" Are Fine...Back-Door Legislating Via "Strings"? Not So Much
There seems to be some confusion about the problem with our earnest Secretary of Education's chest-thumping promise to take things into his own hands if Congress doesn't fix NCLB by August. The problem is not that he's pledging to waive some of the law's goofy provisions. No one is disputing that he's empowered to do so (see, for instance, Mike Petrilli's take here).
So, what is the problem? It's that Duncan has said that he plans to attach "strings" to those waivers, so that states will have to adopt his priorities in order to gain flexibility. He has clearly signaled that he regards this as a back-door opportunity to promote his preferred approach to teacher evaluation, the Common Core, and such with or without Congressional permission. This is what has so infuriated observers (see Alexander Russo's roundup here).
Duncan wrote yesterday in POLITICO, that, "Our children get only one shot at an education. They cannot wait any longer for reform...Our children...deserve a world-class education--not some day, but today." Striking was the vaguely Trotskyite sentiment and the disdain for democratic process. Fact is, I agree more than I disagree with the agenda Duncan is itching to impose. But we are a nation of laws. And, however nifty Duncan may be, there's a lot of reasons to resist giving Cabinet secretaries free rein to impose their will just because they think it's the right thing to do.
Today, we'll skip the practical and political questions raised by Duncan trying to force-feed states an agenda that Congress rejects, and in a manner sure to rile conservatives who might otherwise support many of his proposals. Rather, given Duncan's distressing suggestion that he's too busy saving kids to worry about Constitutional niceties, it might be time for a quick refresher on American government.
First, as a general matter, the executive branch is not empowered to make laws. It's empowered to execute the laws that the legislative branch writes (hence, the term "executive branch"). If Duncan doesn't like that, or finds it too restrictive, he can take it up with Madison...or Montesquieu. But that's the deal.
Second, the executive and the legislative branches are not co-equal. The American founders very explicitly embraced the logic of legislative supremacy, which is why Article I of the Constitution is devoted to the legislative branch and spells out all those cool powers, and why the legislative branch, and only the legislative branch, gets to write laws. Congress can sometimes choose to delegate rule-making and administrative authority to executive agencies (e.g. the SEC or FDA), but it has not done so in this case.
The executive branch has no authority to issue legislative timelines to Congress, and Cabinet secretaries have no authority to impose their will if Congress doesn't behave as they'd like. In 2001, Congress passed the No Child Left Behind Act. Like it or not (and, as readers know, I've never been crazy about it), NCLB is the law of the land until Congress says otherwise. The law gives Duncan the authority to grant waivers, but not to use that authority to compel states to adopt other measures as a quid pro quo. This scheme for back-door legislating of which Duncan seems so proud, and to which it appears ED's general counsel has (unbelievably) signed off, is as politically tone-deaf as it is Constitutionally offensive. I can only imagine how loudly (and reasonably) Obama partisans would scream if a Romney administration started using Heath Care Reform Act waivers as a strategy to compel states to accept legislative changes that Congress wouldn't endorse.
After all, however convinced Duncan is of his rightness, there are many who may disagree. That's right and honorable. The way we settle such disputes in a democratic nation, for better and worse, is through the slow, frustrating, and flawed democratic process--not via administrative fiat. If Duncan has a problem with that, I think he may be in the wrong line of work.