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Midnight at Crossroads: Lit Crawl Eve Extravaganza!
Fri. Oct. 18th, 7pm
New Orleans in San Francisco and Poetry Jambalaya!
The Beat Museum presents a cross country Lit Crawl Eve Extravaganza!! From the French Quarter to the foothills to the Dock of the Bay, some of the best poets in America throw everything in the poetic gumbo pot for one night. Laissez les bons temps rouler. Let the good times roll.
Todd Cirillo
Todd Cirillo lives in New Orleans as a poet, publisher and pirate and was born of true bastard lineage. His books include Burning the Evidence, Sexy Devils, Sucker's Paradise and many more. Todd's career goal is to have his poems printed on beer bottles, even if it's a brand he looks down on. His parents are so proud. Todd is living proof that love is a dog from hell. Go to toddcirillo.com for books and more.
William Taylor Jr.
William Taylor Jr lives and writes in the Tenderloin neighborhood of San Francisco. He is the author of numerous books of poetry, and a volume of fiction. He is a five time Pushcart Prize nominee and was a recipient of the 2013 Kathy Acker Award. From the Essential Handbook on Making it to the Next Whatever is his latest collection of poetry.
Julie Valin
Julie Valin has been writing poetry since the first Loverboy album came out. Her poems have appeared in Chiron Review, Red Fez, Heavy Bear, Primal Urge, and more, as well as the Punk Rock Chapbook series from Epic Rites Press. She is a poet-teacher with California Poets in the Schools, an editor, book designer, nightstand book piler, and a Sagittarius with a Taurus rising.
Zarina Zabrisky
Zarina Zabrisky is the author of three short story collections, the novel We, Monsters and a collaborative book of poetry. Her work has been published in nine countries. Since 2016, Zabrisky does investigative journalism as her way of resistance. See more at zarinazabrisky.com.
K.R. Morrison
Jon Bennett
Jon Bennett plays music and writes in San Francisco's Tenderloin neighborhood. You can find more of his work on Spotify and Pandora, or by connecting with him on Facebook.


Clients using our yachts vary from families wishing to celebrate various special events such as 50th birthdays, honeymoons, weddings etc. to companies enjoying corporate events, especially teambuilding, as well as prime ministers of countries, supermodels and CEOs of major companies and wealthy families.
We are proud to announce that this yacht is also on the books of a number of charities as a yacht to be used for providing cruises for fund raising.
Our yachts have clients that use them for events such as regattas, Formula one Grand Prixs, once in a lifetime occasions, Conferences with dinner, Film or TV shoots and around-Mallorca golfing vacations.


Digital marketing never stays static. As a small business owner, what do you need to know to stay ahead of your competition? Here Tim Butler, the founder Innovation Visual gives you the latest on digital marketing.
Artificial intelligence, or AI, is a significant force in marketing now. AI works by learning and responding and this power is being used in a number of marketing areas. Machine learning – the ability for AI to learn and improve itself without explicitly being programmed, has seen the functional scope of what is possible to expand rapidly in recent years. Marketing is at the forefront of AI use, with Google's AdWords and Facebook both using AI to refine who is shown what adverts. AI goes even further beyond this in marketing.
The most commonplace use of AI is in the digital assistants like Amazon Echo's Alexa, Google Home's Google Assistant and Apple's Siri. There are an estimated 50 billion searches per month now activated by voice.
These searches are on Voice First devices (those that do not have a screen), mobile phones and increasingly desktop devices that have voice search capabilities.
Only the first search result is read out by devices so being number two in the results now has less benefit. The fight to be the number 1 search result is going to become increasingly intense for marketeers going forward.
Voice searches tend to be longer and more sentence based than typed search queries. The impact here is that you need to start optimising your content for themes, not rigid sets of keywords.
The AI is retaining the context of what has been said before, which means that the results provided are dependent on this and increasingly granular personalisation.
A large majority of voice searches are being done on mobile devices. Google has said that 20% of its mobile device / app based searches are now done by voice. Searches like 'find a coffee shop near me' take into account the user's geo-location data to provide results.
Voice search is facilitating greater disintermediation. If you ask Amazon's Alexa to order you a large pepperoni pizza one will arrive from Domino's. You do not get the choice. Being the chosen supplier or being number one in results gives massive market power when voice search is going direct to transaction.
Helpful chat boxes in the corners of websites have become increasingly popular. Often when discussing their use with clients over the past few years the issue has been manning these chat systems, so that web visitors have someone ready to interact with, especially in smaller businesses and outside of normal hours. This problem is ceasing to be a problem through the application of AI.
This year we'll see better chatbots as the technology becomes more mainstream and mistakes that have come before are learnt from and improvements are made. The other big difference is the way that bots can integrate with existing messaging apps such as WhatsApp, and Facebook Messenger by inviting the bot to join a conversation. This will make bots much more prevalent in 2018 and just like voice search make their use by people habitual not exceptional.
No, it is not a typo. The Smarketing theory is that businesses need to stop thinking about Sales and Marketing as two separate functions. This can be easier said than done, especially with established hierarchies and managers protecting self-interest, but it makes sense. To a potential customer they view a potential supplier in singular terms. To them the experience they have with that business should be consistently good throughout their buying journey. So, they should not experience a dramatic change in tone, approach, content or even offering when they move from browsing a website to being contacted by a sales person.
There is a benefit for businesses acquiring new customers by taking an Smarketing approach. If you have a joined up Smarketing team you do not face the issues of marketing pushing the wrong types of leads, or the wrong level of seniority, or too many/too few leads into the sales function.
Digital inbound marketing continues to gain ground and is set to become as mainstream as having a mobile friendly website for B2B companies.
Inbound also feeds into the trends from search engines to look for content and optimising for themes. Building great content is great for your visitors, the search engines know this, but inbound marketing and content marketing places the emphasis much more on getting this content to achieve the business goals.
If you follow inbound marketing techniques you create your content in a much more structured way. Content is focused on specific audience groups, personas, and their needs. Their need for information changes through their buying journey and good inbound marketing addresses not only the differing content needs at different stages, but crucially also moves the prospect along the buying journey.
More on small business marketing.


When you want experiments that will really tickle your mind, you're looking for the Brain Tickling Science kit. Whether you're launching rings of fog, making a quicksand clock, or defying gravity with anti-gravity beads, you'll experience and engage with fantastic hands-on science in fun and creative ways. Your mind will be tingling with all of the awesome experiments and activities you'll learn with Brain Tickling Science.


Send sunny flowers from SWEET T'S FLOWERS,GIFTS & CUSTOM FRAMING to brighten their day and show your love and appreciation. Call today or order this SEASON FOR SUNFLOWERS floral arrangement now from our website.
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ICYMI: courtroom edition
The Associated Press|June 29, 2013
SCOTUS decides on slew of controversial cases
High court sends back Texas race-based plan
Affirmative action in college admissions survived Supreme Court review Monday in a consensus decision that avoided the difficult constitutional issues surrounding a challenge to the University of Texas admission plan.
Justice Anthony Kennedy wrote the court's 7-1 ruling that said a court should approve the use of race as a factor in admissions only after it concludes "that no workable race-neutral alternatives would produce the educational benefits of diversity."
But the decision did not question the underpinnings of affirmative action, which the high court last reaffirmed in 2003.
The justices said the federal appeals court in New Orleans did not apply the highest level of judicial scrutiny when it upheld the Texas plan, which uses race as one among many factors in admitting about a quarter of the university's incoming freshmen. The school gives the bulk of the slots to Texans who are admitted based on their high school class rank, without regard to race.
ξ
Supreme Court halts use of key part of voting law
A deeply divided Supreme Court threw out the most powerful part of the landmark Voting Rights Act Tuesday, a decision deplored by the White House but cheered by mostly Southern states now free from nearly 50 years of intense federal oversight of their elections.
Split along ideological and partisan lines, the justices voted 5-4 to strip the government of its most potent tool to stop voting bias – the requirement in the Voting Rights Act that all or parts of 15 states with a history of discrimination in voting, mainly in the South, get Washington's approval before changing the way they hold elections.
Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for a majority of conservative, Republican-appointed justices, said the law's provision that determines which states are covered is unconstitutional because it relies on 40-year-old data and does not account for racial progress and other changes in U.S. society.
The decision effectively puts an end to the advance approval requirement that has been used to open up polling places to minority voters in the nearly half century since it was first enacted in 1965, unless Congress can come up with a new formula that Roberts said meets "current conditions" in the United States. That seems unlikely to happen any time soon.
Supreme Court gives gay marriage historic boost
In a historic day for gay rights, the Supreme Court gave the nation's legally married gay couples equal federal footing with all other married Americans on Wednesday and also cleared the way for same-sex marriages to resume in California.
In deciding its first cases on the issue, the high court did not issue the sweeping declaration sought by gay rights advocates that would have allowed same-sex couples to marry anywhere in the country. But in two rulings, both by bare 5-4 majorities, the justices gave gay marriage supporters encouragement in confronting the nationwide patchwork of laws that outlaw such unions in roughly three dozen states.
Gay-rights supporters cheered and hugged outside the court. Opponents said they mourned the rulings and vowed to keep up their fight.
In the first of the narrow rulings in its final session of the term, the court wiped away part of a federal anti-gay marriage law, the Defense of Marriage Act, that has kept legally married same-sex couples from receiving tax, health and pension benefits that are otherwise available to married couples.
The other case, dealing with California's constitutional ban on same-sex marriage, was resolved by an unusual lineup of justices in a technical legal fashion that said nothing about gay marriage. But the effect was to leave in place a trial court's declaration that California's Proposition 8 ban was unconstitutional. Gov. Jerry Brown quickly ordered that marriage licenses be issued to gay couples as soon as a federal appeals court lifts its hold on the lower court ruling. That will take least 25 days, the appeals court said.
George Zimmerman case rattles on
Trayvon Martin's friend describes final phone call
A friend who was on the phone with 17-year-old Trayvon Martin moments before he was fatally shot by George Zimmerman testified that she heard the Miami teen shout, "Get off! Get off!" before his telephone went dead.
Rachel Jeantel, 19, recounted to jurors in Zimmerman's second-degree murder trial how Martin told her he was being followed by a man as he walked through the Retreat at Twin Lakes townhome complex on his way back from a convenience store to the home of his father's fiancee.
Jeantel is considered one of the prosecution's most important witnesses because she was the last person to talk to Martin before his encounter with Zimmerman Feb. 26, 2012.
She testified that Martin described the man following him as "a creepy-a– cracker" and he thought he had evaded him. But she said a short time later Martin let out a profanity.
Neighbor testifies about Martin-Zimmerman fight
Two neighbors and a police officer gave accounts Friday in George Zimmerman's murder trial that seemed to bolster the neighborhood watch volunteer's contention that he was on his back and being straddled by Trayvon Martin during their confrontation.
Neighbor Jonathan Good said it appeared the unarmed teen was straddling Zimmerman, while another neighbor, Jonathan Manalo, said Zimmerman seemed credible when he said immediately after the fight that he had shot Martin in self-defense. Officer Tim Smith testified that Zimmerman's backside was covered in grass and wetter than his front side.
All three were called as witnesses for prosecutors who are trying to convict him of second-degree murder.
AP: Sri Lankan court orders ex-leader to pay victims of bombings
Weeks of extreme weather and disaster leave citizens uncertain about the future of California's climate
AP: Jan. 6 remembrance led by Dems as GOP wrestled with rebels
AP: After presidency, unclear fate for Brazil's brash Bolsonaro
DePaul community reacts to Donald Trump announcing 2024 presidential run

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


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Stocks edge lower after weak manufacturing report
U.S. stocks fell, following a two-week advance for the Standard & Poor's 500 Index, as an unexpected contraction in manufacturing spurred concern about the potential economic toll from the so-called fiscal cliff. ASSOCIATED PRESS
Updated 12/3/2012 4:14 PM
NEW YORK -- Stocks edged lower on Wall Street Monday after a surprisingly weak manufacturing report heightened concern that fiscal deadlock in Washington is already hurting the economy.
The Dow Jones industrial average fell 59.98 points to close at 12,965.60. The Standard and Poor's 500 dropped 6.72 points to 1,409.46. The Nasdaq composite was down 8.04 points to 3,002.20
U.S. manufacturing declined in November to its weakest level since July 2009, the Institute for Supply Management reported. The ISM's index fell to 49.5 from 51.7 a month earlier, below the 51.2 reading forecast by analysts. Any number below 50 on the scale means that manufacturing is contracting. Businesses expressed concerns about the "fiscal cliff," a series of sharp government spending cuts and tax increases scheduled to start Jan. 1 unless an agreement is reached to cut the budget deficit.
"The ISM numbers probably took a little air out of what was some hope for better news on where the economy is going," said Jim Dunigan, executive vice president at PNC Wealth Management in Philadelphia. "We're still in the camp that this gets resolved and we don't go over the cliff, but there's a lot of angst between now and then."
The White House and Congress are still seeking to hammer out a budget deal that will avoid the "cliff." Republicans, led by House Speaker John Boehner, have balked at President Barack Obama's opening proposal of $1.6 trillion in higher taxes over a decade, a possible extension of the temporary Social Security payroll tax cut and heightened presidential power to raise the national debt limit.
House Republicans on Monday proposed their own 10-year blueprint to President Barack Obama that calls for increasing the eligibility age for Medicare and lowering cost-of-living hikes for Social Security benefits.
"There's a sense of insecurity until the President and Boehner get their act together," said Ben Schwarz, chief market strategist at New York-based brokerage Lightspeed Financial. "If they put together a package in short order, if they do it in the next couple of weeks, you'll see a strong rally."
Stocks have fluctuated since the Nov. 6 election as investors worried that a deal may not be reached in time to avoid the tax hikes and spending cuts, which economists say could push the U.S. back into recession. The S&P 500 is still 1.3 percent below its closing level on the day that Americans went to the polls, having fallen as much as 5 percent in the weeks following the election.
Wall Street opened higher Monday following news that manufacturing in China, the world's second-largest economy, grew for the first time in 13 months and after Greece announced details of a bond buyback program. The Dow had been up as much as 62 points shortly after the opening bell.
December is historically the best month for stocks. The S&P 500 has advanced an average of 2 percent over the past 30 years during the month of December, according to research from Schaeffer's Investment Research. The next best month is April, with an average return of 1.7 percent. The worst month is September, where investors lose an average of 0.7 percent.
The yield on the 10-year Treasury note rose 1 basis point to 1.62 percent.
Other stocks making big moves:
• Dell rose 42 cents, or 4.4 percent, to $10.06 after Goldman Sachs raised its rating to "Buy" from "Sell." Goldman cited Dell's healthy cash balance and said a recent decline in the stock may have been overdone. Dell has slumped this year as consumers migrated away from desktop PCs and laptops to portable devices such as tablets and phones.
• Health Management Associates fell 45 cents, or 5.7 percent, to $7.50 after the CBS news program "60 Minutes" broadcast a segment critical of the company's patient admission policies. The program included interviews with former employees who said HMA pressured its emergency room doctors to admit patients.
• Supervalu jumped 30 cents, or 12.6 percent, to $2.68 following a report that private equity firm Cerberus is considering multiple options for buying parts of the struggling grocery store chain.o
Wauconda's award-winning police dog, Maxx, to retire in May


Back for 2019 is the Avenger 8x8 XT, it is based on the popular Avenger 800 8x8 platform and is perfect for the commercial or municipal customer. It has been equipped with the most popular commercial accessories requested such as a hood rack, front winch mount with a Warn 3500 cable winch, standard duty brushguard, rear winch receiver bracket, drop in plastic bedliner, 40 amp alternator kit, horn kit, automatic chain oiler, brake light kit, bilge pump, HD Drive belt, and skid plate. Standard power is the Kohler 30hp liquid-cooled fuel injected gas engine which provides excellent power in the deepest mud, to the efficient Admiral triple differential transmission with two gear ratio options to meet the most severe off-road conditions. Argo designed 25x12-9 (635 mm) mud and swim tires mounted on new offset 9-inch steel beadlock rims combine to give this machine great traction and best in class payload all while providing a water speed of 3 mph. Available in construction yellow or tundra green.
Standard axles are the extreme duty 1 3/8" forged steel axles mounted to new offset black steel 9" beadlock rims that allow for easy track installation. All you need to do is turn the rim around and reinstall. No more lug extenders or spacers to fail. The Avenger Pro 800 XT uses the reliable triple differential Admiral transmission with two gear options either the standard 6.2 or high torque 8.1 gear ratio for those needing more torque when running tracks while encountering deep mud or are running at higher elevations. The unit can be equipped with an optional rollover protection system (ROPS) for use on Federal or State land contracts or for general safety.
The Argo Avenger 8x8 XT is powered by a 4-stroke OHV V-Twin liquid cooled 748cc, 30 hp (22 kW) Kohler Aegis ELH 775 engine with electronic fuel injection. It has a load capacity of up to 860 lb. / 390 kg on land or 710 lb. / 322 kg on water, can transport 6 passengers on land, up to 4 on water and features a towing capacity of 1800 lb. / 816 kg. Available in tracked or non-tracked configurations.


i3 identified several gaps in current patient financial services processes leading to wasted time and ineffective back-end revenue cycle functions. The challenge was to deliver and implement a tool that would automate manual paper processes to optimize workflows including account assignment and follow-up and reduce documentation time for billing, collections, denial, and appeal staff.
i3 guided senior staff, supervisory staff and mid-level management in determining a workflow methodology for account assignment and prioritization.
i3 partnered with a workflow vendor to design, test, and implement an end-user friendly solution that distributed accounts to staff based on payor, dollar amount, and risk of denial. The solution provided real-time reporting, account escalation process and quality assurance for supervisory staff. i3 also helped deliver staff training, create management reports, and policies and procedures.
By working closely with management, i3 was able to design, test, and implement an automated solution that reduced the time required by supervisory staff to identify high-risk accounts and provide direct focus to other revenue improvement initiatives. These changes contributed to reduced days revenue outstanding, increased cash collections, and created a senior management feedback loop to deliver sustained results.


If you want to, you can, and this is the plan for you, designed to accompany you step-by-step to create and manage your business. It's a complete plan that concentrates on three fundamental, interconnected aspects of your life and your work.
The measure of our success is proportionate to our growth. The more self-aware we are and the more we develop an effective, winning mindset, the more capable we are of creating and managing our own business. The quality of our results depends on the quality of our thoughts. Being aware of them and knowing how to choose our thoughts makes all the difference in our lives and in our businesses.
An idea alone is not enough; you need a development plan and a strategy. Having a coherent plan, knowing each area of your business and knowing how the system works are the key elements for a solid and successful business.
We can make a difference not only in our own lives but also in those of others.
Let's create a system that goes beyond us and our businesses and that makes a difference for the people we love or for a cause we believe in.
Creating your legacy: pinpoint your own personal way of making a difference in the lives of others (setting up a college fund for your children, setting up a children's charity, charity events, etc..).
Dedicated workbooks to delve into each area and to start acting.
A plan that is designed and personalized according to you and your business ideas.
Constant availability and support via email in case of emergencies.
THE WORLD NEEDS YOUR DREAMS, YOUR VISION AND THAT WHICH ONLY YOU CAN CREATE.


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Who was the Jackson area male athlete of the week for Nov. 26-Dec.2? (Poll Closed)
Cooper Baugus, Peabody football. Baugus earned MVP honors in the Class 2A state championship game as he threw for 113 yards and one touchdowns and rushed for 28 yards and another touchdown as the Golden Tide won 17-9. 49% (2,118 votes)
Lucas King, McKenzie basketball. King scored 63 points in two wins over Camden and Bradford. 45% (1,955 votes)
Jadarius Harris, Peabody basketball. Harris scored 52 points in three wins over Dyersburg, Obion County and Greenfield. <1% (13 votes)
Xavier White, Huntingdon basketball. White scored 39 points in a pair of wins over Houston County and Gleason. <1% (6 votes)
Nathan Hicks, South Gibson basketball. Hicks scored 44 points in a pair of games against Haywood and Humboldt. 5% (221 votes)
4,313 Total Votes


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Steven G. Esper, 52
Steven G. Esper, 52, died December 5, 2019. Born in Worcester, MA, he was the son of Jeri Esper and the late George L. Esper Jr.
Steven was a graduate of St. Bridget's School and Marian High School in Framingham. He graduated from Framingham State University with honors. He worked and lived for many years in Deerfield Beach, Florida, as the audio visual sound engineer manager at the Boca Raton Resort.
He is survived by his children Andressa and Alec Esper of Parkland, FL, his brothers Jeffrey and Gary Esper of Hopkinton and his sister Pamela Moynahan of Hopkinton. He also leaves many nieces and nephews.
A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. in St. John the Evangelist Church on Wednesday December 11th. Family and freinds are welcome to gather at 9:00 am at the Callanan Cronin Funeral Home, 34 Church Street for a procession to church. Burial will follow at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, Hopkinton. Calling hours at the funeral home are Tuesday, December 10, 2019 from 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.
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Sen. Feinstein pens letter to Google after $1…
Sen. Feinstein pens letter to Google after $1 billion housing announcement
The California lawmaker wants more information about the tech giant's plans
FILE – In this Oct. 31, 2017, file photo, U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., speaks during a Senate Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime and Terrorism hearing on Capitol Hill in Washington. Feinstein is being challenged for her seat by fellow Democrat, state Sen. Kevin de Leon, in the upcoming California election. (AP Photo/Andrew Harnik, File)
By Emily Deruy |
PUBLISHED: June 20, 2019 at 10:22 am | UPDATED: June 20, 2019 at 3:52 pm
In the wake of Google's announcement this week that it will spend $1 billion tackling the Bay Area's housing crisis, one California lawmaker wants more information from the tech giant.
Sen. Dianne Feinstein sent a letter to Google CEO Sundar Pichai on Wednesday saying "any information you are able to provide about this investment is much appreciated."
On Tuesday, Google announced it would help build some 20,000 homes across the region in the coming years, including spending $750 million to construct housing on its own land. The investment is the largest by a single tech company aimed at addressing the Bay Area's housing challenges.
But the company offered few details about where exactly it plans to build and how it will grapple with challenges, such as rezoning land currently slated for industrial or commercial uses to residential.
"Specifically, I would like to know whether or not Google will use existing land it owns or if it (will) buy up additional commercial or industrial space," Feinstein wrote. "Does Google intend to coordinate with local officials in identifying land parcels to purchase?"
Deals sprout near downtown San Jose's Google village
After lull, Bay Area rents charge back up
Need a side hustle in the Bay Area? Join the club
Google, development ally ready huge Bay Area housing effort
In addition to building housing, Google also said it would direct another $50 million toward organizations who work with homeless people, which prompted more questions from the senator.
"Is there a particular approach that Google is interested in investing in — such as navigation centers or broader efforts to focus on comprehensive, supportive services?" Feinstein wrote, urging Pichai to contact her office.
Google did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Emily Deruy
For sale: AT&T parking lot, great downtown San Jose location
Traffic warning raises tension between Palo Alto school and neighbors


The reports of buy-to-let's death have been greatly exaggerated. That is the view of one of the few professional residential property fund managers in the UK. Alan Collett, who runs the Hearthstone fund, believes for the astute investor there is still money to be made from Britain's homes. You could answer, 'well, he would say that', but for those interested in the property market, his reasons are worth listening to. In this week's podcast, Simon Lambert, Sarah Davidson and Georgie Frost dig into the current state of buy-to-let and whether those without an entire property fund at their disposal can still turn a healthy profit if they think long-term. Also on this week's show, they discuss where the most homes have been built over the past decade, why Goldman Sachs' new bank Marcus has got everyone talking thanks to an eye-catching savings rate and whether insurers really do spy on you – including if you're burgled while Instagramming your holiday. And finally, the new 68 registration plate was launched this month and that should have meant a surge in car sales, except as was suggested by one dealer we may already have reached peak new car and that has combined with diesel worries to sink sales. The good news is that means bargains for car buyers, with as much as £10,000 off some models. We reveal which ones.
The idea of the "Entrepreneurial State" or the "state as investor" has taken off in recent years – following the release of an influential book by economist Mariana Mazzucato. This view that state investment weighs very heavily in economic growth, now forms the basis of contemporary public policy. Our government's Industrial Strategy effectively proposes that the state should play a key role in "rebalancing the economy". Joining us today, the IEA's Head of Research Dr Jamie Whyte and James Price, Campaign Manager at the Taxpayers' Alliance put this totemic idea under the spotlight. They weigh up how much growth can actually be attributed to state-led investment as is often claimed. Interviewed by Editorial Manager Madeline Grant, they question a number of common assumptions about state-led investment and provision of services – and ask whether contemporary attempts to 'rebalance the economy' differ from the old-school industrial strategy of the 1970s – or are merely re-packaging the same bad ideas?


This German brand has a long tradition in manufacturing headphones. In his catalog contains models of very various categories. This time, it is lightweight headphones intended for use outside the home. The Beyerdynamic DTX 501P feature a supra-aural configuration, where sound is triggered from the top of the covers.
It is a closed design, but the enclosures are of small size, although with a diameter sufficient to cover the ears. So, it gets left out of the noise environment, both street traffic as crowded stations or busy offices. It is clear its vocation to meet the needs of music lovers on the move.
The pads are soft touch, and the tiara is extensible, so it can adjust well to any head size. The central part of the headband is covered in the same material with leather look synthetic pillows. In addition, it is foldable, so much so that fit in the flat zippered pouch with form of semicircle that comes standard. The truth is that it occupies very little space in our backpack or briefcase. It is also very light, weighing 120 grams including the cable (105 grams without it). Available in two colors: black or white. In this way, you can combine, or contrast, with the MP3 player, with the mobile phone or with the tablet.
The headset DTX 501p make a show of the good quality of the products of the company based in Germany. The sound is full of detail and the bass have body and depth, which is especially necessary when it comes to playing compressed music. The frequency response, ranging from 20 to 20,000 hertz, it is the most common in the field of digital music. Endure a maximum input power of 100 milliwatts and sensitivity reaches 104 decibels.
The cable, which has a length of 1.3 meters, is connected to one of the two shells. It is finished in a stereo minijack connector (3.5 mm) gold plated. It is the most common type of connection in MP3 players in mobile computers and laptops. It's a long enough to use these Beyerdynamic with a portable audio player, which is usually carried in a pocket or pinned to the shirt. However, users who feel that this length is too short can always purchase an accessory that costs about 16 euros; is an extension cord with 3.5 mm minijack in black color which adds another three feet.
It can be used on aircraft, since the manufacturer has included airplane adapter in the package. Of course, the sound will greatly improve over those provided by airlines, and become infinitely more comfortable than the button. The Beyerdynamic DTX 501P are available in stores at a retail price of 80 euros.


Five-time champion, Brazil, had to go home with unsteady from the World Cup in 2010. Netherlands squad Bert van Marwijk successful parenting 'expel' the world's best team from South Africa won both the semi-final ticket in the stadium Nelson Mandela Bay, Friday (2/7/2010).
Netherlands and Brazil must kill each other at the World Cup quarter-finals in 2010 in order to bring hope of lifting the trophy winners, 11 July. Holds five titles, fleet Selecao favorite to advance to the next round. However, the Orange team obviously could not be dismissed.
Van Marwijk lose their best players in the starting XI for foster children facing Carlos Dunga. Obviously, including Wesley Sneijder who became the motor of De Oranje attack, and Arjen Robben who appeared impressive in the last two games.
Nevertheless, the Brazilian who perform confidently in control in the first round. In fact, direct Selecao banged Dutch defense when Robinho kick in the seventh minute was unable driven Marteen Stekelenburg. However, the immediate goal disallowed because Robinho is in an offside position.
However, Orange Tim relief did not last long. Just three minutes after his goal disallowed, Robinho completed the job well and bring Brazil winning 1-0.
Dutch back line wide open pretty surprised by Felipe Melo to bait a lunge forward Robinho goal Stekelenburg. Without wasting time, bomber Santos made the Brazilian fans cheered when the ball kicks hacking into the goal.
Giovanni van Bronckhorst cs react quickly to catch up. Unfortunately, Dirk Kuyt measurable kick can still be driven Selecao main goalkeeper, Julio Cesar.
Confident of the superiority, the Brazilian fleet continues to increase the score. In minute 25, Dani Alves cross was almost converted into a goal by Juan. However, his kick is still soaring above the goal.
Entering the 31st minute, Kaka's turn to threaten Stekelenburg after a combination of feed forward Robinho and Luis Fabiano. Luckily for De Oranje, Stekelenburg carry out their duties properly and ward off the ball.
Until the injury time, Brazil also did not relax the attack. Tough defender Maicon tried his luck with the release kick from the right sector. Unfortunately, his efforts have not succeeded in forcing Stekelenburg again picked up the ball.
Selecao dominance is still felt in the beginning of the second half. The attackers Oranje wits as defense through rigorous Brazil. Sneijder got a golden opportunity in the equalizer 51 minutes when the ball fell at his feet. Unfortunately, Inter Milan playmaker kick too wide.
However, like Robinho in the first half, Sneijder immediate payment of its failures, two minutes later. Intends to release a cross into the penalty area, kick it lodged in the goal Sneijder Cesar, after earlier about Felipe Melo.
These goals directly stimulate the spirit of the fleet van Marwijk to keep pressing the Brazilian. De Oranje trying to break the statistics by becoming the first team to successfully reverse the underdevelopment throughout the World Cup in 2010.
Kaka again proved his title of Player of the Confederations Cup in 2009 when his hard kick nearly brought Brazil winning in 65 minutes. However, the former AC Milan star had to swallow disappointment again widened in the side of the ball after goalkeeper Stekelenburg.
Disaster for the Selecao, three minutes later, Sneijder Netherlands actually bring superior after welcoming the ball rebounds from Dirk Kuyt with a header of his head. Cesar did not have the opportunity to ward off the ball and forced to pick up the ball a second time.
The situation worsened when Melo for Brazilian referee was expelled due to violations of severity of Robben. Trying to steal the ball from Bayern Munich winger, Robben stepped Melo seen already fallen on the ground.
The Dutch turned the game in control, even though Brazil was reluctant to give up so easily. Kaka tried his luck once again to fool the guard Johnny Heitinga and pushed into the penalty area. However, Andre Ooijer replaces Joris Mathijsen who managed to secure the ball and frustrate opportunities through tekel Kaka.
Two minutes before the end of the game, Dirk Kuyt scored a golden opportunity to add the Dutch victory by bringing the ball to the front of the goalkeeper Cesar. Liverpool striker finally thwarted efforts by Juan.
However, it does not matter for the Dutch. Long whistle referee in minute 90 '+ 3' ensure Sneijder et al cruised into the semifinal match against the winner of Uruguay contra Ghana, early days.
Failure Selecao feeling of déjà vu this time as memories of World Cup 2006 in Germany when they were knocked out in quarter-finals by France.


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Summary of legislation that entered into force on January 1
More than 300 legal acts entered into force on the first day of the year. Below we provide an overview of the most important changes for companies.
The employer has new obligations regarding occupational health
On January 1, amendments to the Occupational Health and Safety Act entered into force, which impose additional obligations on the employer in relation to occupational health. If previously the employer had the obligation to send the employee for a health examination in certain cases, now the employer must order an occupational health service from an occupational health doctor, which includes, in addition to the employee's health check, other components of the occupational health service.
It is more clearly stated in the law that when providing occupational health services, the occupational health doctor must become familiar with the risk analysis of the work environment. If necessary, the occupational health doctor must also visit the work environment. The need and frequency can be agreed between the employer and the occupational health service provider as part of ordering the service.
As a new part of the occupational health service, the occupational health doctor must analyse the company's occupational health situation as a whole. The purpose of the analysis is to provide the employer with meaningful feedback based on the specifics of the company for organizing occupational health, protecting the health of employees and creating a safe working environment. The analysis of the company's occupational health situation must be done as needed, but at least once every three years.
An integral part of the occupational health service continues to be the health check of employees, which must be organized for employees based on the results of the risk analysis. The principle that the employer must send the employee to health examination within four months of the employee starting work, remains valid. At the same time, from the new year, a point was added to the law that if an employee has undergone a health check at another employer in the last six months regarding the same risk factors in the work environment and the same type of work, then the employer can send the employee for a health check at the time specified in the previously made health check resolution.
As a result of the health check of the employees and the analysis of the company's occupational health situation, the occupational health doctor must make proposals to improve the working conditions and promote the health of the employees. The amendment to the law stipulates that the employer must implement the occupational health doctor's suggestions to improve the working environment and working conditions and to promote the health of employees, if this does not imply disproportionately high costs for the employer. The employer will include the proposals in the risk analysis action plan if necessary.
In addition, the occupational health doctor has the obligation to advise the employer and the employee on matters of health promotion.
See also: Occupational Health and Safety Act
The sick leave compensation system will be extended by half a year
On December 28, the Parliament of Estonia adopted amendments to the law, according to which the system for compensating sick leave will be extended until the end of June 2023. This means that during half a year there is a procedure in which the employee's deductible for sick leave compensation is up to one day, the employer's responsibility is from the second to the fifth day, and the Health Insurance Fund's responsibility is from the sixth day of illness.
However, from July 1, 2023, the previous system of compensation for sick leave will be restored, according to which the employee is responsible for the first three days of illness, the employer is obliged to pay the employee sick leave compensation from the fourth to the eighth day, and the Health Insurance Fund starts paying benefits for incapacity for work from the ninth day. Such system was in use in Estonia until the end of 2020.
If the Parliament of Estonia had not adopted the corresponding amendments to the law, the previous system of compensation for sick leave would have been restored from January 1, 2023.
The amendments to the law adopted by the Parliament of Estonia have not yet entered into force. The exact date of entry into force is currently unknown, but the changes will enter into force on the day following publication in the Riigi Teataja. However, the adopted law states that the changes will be applied retroactively from January 1, 2023.
You can get more information about the amendments to the law adopted by the Parliament of Estonia: Law amendments adopted by the Parliament of Estonia
Donations made to help Ukraine will also be tax-free in 2023
At the Chamber's proposal, the exception in the Income Tax Act is extended by one year, according to which a resident legal entity does not have to pay income tax on donations and gifts made for the preservation of the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Ukraine and for the purposeful provision and organization of humanitarian aid. The principle still applies that these donations and gifts are exempt from income tax only if they are made to the following legal entities: Estonian Refugee Assistance, MTÜ Mondo, Ukrainian Culture Centre, National Defence Promotion Foundation, Estonian Red Cross, Rescue Association and Tallinn Old Town Rotary Club. Donations and gifts made to help Ukraine are tax-free until the end of 2023.
See also: Income Tax Act
The minimum salary increased to 725 euros
The minimum salary for full-time employment increased from 654 euros to 725 euros per month. The minimum hourly rate is 4.30 euros from January 1 (currently 3.86 euros). The increase in the minimum salary will affect more than 30,000 employees.
See also: Minimum salary for 2023
Foreigners working in Estonia for a short time can apply for a residence permit outside the quota
From January 1, foreigners can apply for a temporary residence permit for short-term work. Such residence permit can be obtained for up to two years and does not go under the immigration quota. In order to obtain a residence permit for short-term work, four conditions must be met: immediately before applying for a residence permit, the foreigner must have worked in Estonia for at least nine months based on the registration of short-term work, the foreigner's work must continue with the employer who registered the short-term work, the employer must be reliable, and the employer must have paid the foreigner for the period of short-term work salary that meets the requirements (as a rule, average Estonian salary). After the expiration of the residence permit for short-term work, a foreigner cannot apply for a new residence permit for short-term work before one year has passed. It is also not possible to extend this residence permit. A foreigner is also not allowed to work in Estonia for a short time within one year after the expiry of this residence permit.
See also: Aliens Act
The minimum social tax liability increased
From the new year, the monthly rate on which the minimum social tax obligation is based is 654 euros. This means that the employer must pay a social tax of at least 215.82 euros per month in order for the employee's social insurance to be established, even if the employee works part-time. The change concerns employees whose salary is below 654 euros. In addition, the change affects board members who want health insurance. This means that in the future the board members will have to pay 215.82 euros instead of 192.72 euros to get health insurance.
See also: State budget law of 2023
New diseases were added to the list of occupational diseases
From the new year, post-traumatic stress disorder and other diseases caused by psychosocial risk factors in the work environment were added to the list of occupational diseases. Psychosocial risk factors are, for example, work with the risk of accidents or violence, unequal treatment, bullying and harassment at work, work that does not correspond to the employee's abilities, long-term work alone and monotonous work, and other factors related to management, work organization and the work environment that can affect the employee's mental or physical health. Therefore, in the future, the occupational health doctor will be able to diagnose an occupational disease if a causal relationship between the illness and the psychosocial risk factor of the work environment has been identified.
See also: List of occupational diseases
The immigration quota decreased
The immigration quota for 2023 is 1,307, which is four fewer than last year. This is the maximum amount that the Aliens Act allows to be established at the moment.
The largest part of this year's quota is intended for work in the processing industry (600 residence permits). 200 residence permits are provided for working in the construction sector and 100 residence permits for working in the transport and storage sector. 5 residence permits have been allocated for entrepreneurship in the new year. There are 30 residence permits for sports and 19 for culture. 35 residence permits have been allocated for journalists. In addition, 5 residence permits are prescribed on the basis of a foreign agreement. Thus, from next year's quota, nearly a thousand residence permits are directed to specific areas, and 313 residence permits are freely available for distribution.
Temporary residence permits granted to citizens from third countries, which are granted for work, entrepreneurship, on the basis of a foreign agreement or on the basis of a compelling national interest, are subject to the immigration quota. As an exception, several residence permits are exempted from the quota. For example, foreigners who are granted a temporary residence permit to work in a professional position in information and communication technology, in a start-up company and as a top specialist do not go below the immigration quota.
See also: Immigration quota for 2023, Distribution of the immigration quota
Growth companies can hire foreigners more easily than before
From this year, several amendments to the Aliens Act will come into effect, which will allow a growth company to employ foreigners more easily than before. For example, in the future a growth company does not have to pay its foreign employee the average Estonian salary, but it is sufficient to pay 80 percent of the average Estonian salary. This distinction applies both to those foreigners who have been granted a residence permit to work in a growth company, as well as to those whose employment in a growth company is registered as short-term employment. In addition, the amendment will enter into force, according to which a fixed-term residence permit for working in a growth company is exempted from the immigration quota. Also, a permit from the unemployment fund is no longer necessary to obtain a residence permit for a foreigner working in a growth company.
A growth company is a company registered in Estonia growing its activities within the meaning of the Aliens Act, the purpose of which is the further development of such technology-based, innovative and repeatable business model with high global growth potential, which significantly contributes to the development of the Estonian business environment, and which meets the following conditions: has been operating for at least ten years, at least 50 employees work in Estonia, have paid at least one million euros in labour taxes in Estonia in the last year, and the growth of labour taxes in the last three years is 20 percent. These conditions must be met immediately before applying for a residence permit or registering for short-term employment.
The tax-free income of old-age pensioners can also affect employers
From January 1, a separate tax-free income in the amount of 704 euros per month began to apply to people who have reached old-age pension age. This amount does not depend on the amount of a person's income. If the pension is smaller than the average pension, the pensioner has the option of using the remaining tax-free income for salary income. For example, if the amount of the pension is 600 euros and the salary is 900 euros per month, then the Social Insurance Board calculates the income tax-free minimum of 600 euros from the pension, i.e., the entire pension is income tax-free, and the remaining income tax-free minimum (104 euros) can be used for the salary. For this purpose, the employee of old-age pension age must submit a corresponding application to the employer. The change also applies to those persons who will reach the old-age pension next year or who are of retirement age but have postponed receiving their pension.
See also: The tax-free income of old-age pensioners will also affect the payment of salaries, Income Tax Act
Platforms must start reporting to the state about the revenue of service providers
From this year, amendments to the Tax Information Exchange Act entered into force, according to which platform managers became obliged to provide the state with information about natural and legal persons providing services on the platform and the income they earn through the platform. A platform is a software that allows a service provider to connect with other users to provide a service, as well as a structure for collecting and paying fees related to such activities. So, the platforms are, for example, Airbnb, Bolt, Uber and Booking.com.
The data that all platforms must start transmitting to the state are, among other things, the bank account numbers used by the platform, the place of operation of the platform and the revenues earned through the platform.
Platforms that mediate accommodation service offers are under special attention. In addition to general data, the data transmitted by these platform managers includes, among other things, data about the service providers on the platform and the accommodation spaces they offer and the number of days the accommodation space was rented out.
All the mentioned data must be submitted once a year, by January 31 of the following year. The data must be submitted for the first time no later than January 31, 2025.
Currently, the platforms do not have a reporting obligation to the state, which is why the state does not have an accurate overview of the economic activity taking place through the platforms.
See also: Tax Information Exchange Act
Additional data must be submitted to the packaging register
From this year, packaging companies and recycling organizations must submit data on the weight of each type of packaging material in the reusable packaging to the packaging register. Previously, this had to be done only with regard to single-use packaging, and with regard to reusable packaging, data is currently collected only on packaging removed from circulation. In addition, data on the average number of times a reusable packaging is used in one year must be entered in the register.
See also: Statute of the Packaging Register
The procedure for submitting data related to the employment of minors has changed
If earlier, when registering a minor between the age of 7 and 12, the employer had to enter in the register data on the consent of the legal representative of the minor, the working conditions of the minor, including the place of work and job obligations, as well as compulsory schooling, starting this year the employer must present this data to the labour inspectorate through the work environment database or in a document that allows its written reproduction.
See also: Employment Contracts Act
The fairway dues are cheaper than usual this year as well
From this year, the current support measure for maritime transport will be extended, according to which the fairway dues payable for January to December 2023 will be 37.5 percent lower for all ships arriving at an Estonian port or a roadstead of an Estonian port. The purpose of the change is to continue supporting international maritime transport through Estonian ports and to motivate shippers to direct their cargo flows through Estonian ports. This year the fairway dues were reduced by 50 percent.
See also: Maritime Safety Act
The excise duty exemption for e-liquids has ended
As of this year, there is no excise duty exemption for e-liquids. This means that from January 1, tobacco liquids will be taxed with an excise tax of 0.2 euros per millilitre of liquid. The sale of untaxed tobacco liquids that have been in free circulation outside the excise warehouse in Estonia before January 1, 2023 is allowed until January 31, 2023. In addition, the excise duty on cigarettes, smoking tobacco and solid tobacco substitutes will increase by five percent from the new year.
See also: Alcohol, Tobacco, Fuel and Electricity Excise Duty Act
New sanctions against Russia came into force
On December 31 of last year, new sanctions against Russia imposed by the state of Estonia entered into force, according to which it is prohibited to import and purchase natural gas from Russia with commodity code 2711 21 00 and to provide related transmission services. It is also prohibited to import or purchase liquefied natural gas with commodity code 2711 11 00 for the purpose of entering the transmission or distribution network. The new sanctions apply to all legal entities on the territory of Estonia and to legal entities registered in Estonia also outside the territory of Estonia.
See also: Establishing the sanction of the government
Short-term employment contracts with the unemployed can be concluded more flexibly
On December 24 of last year, an amendment to the Employment Contracts Act entered into force, which gives the employer the opportunity to conclude successive short-term employment contracts with a person registered as unemployed, without the employment contract becoming indefinite. The amendment stipulates that the duration of a short-term employment contract may be up to eight days, and such contracts may be entered into indefinitely within a period of six month. For example, an employer can conclude a short-term employment contract with an unemployed person every month for six months in a row. Fixed-term employment contracts concluded during this period do not become indefinite. If the employer and the unemployed person enter into a new fixed-term employment contract within the following six months after the end of this period, this employment contract is considered indefinite. The principle that the conclusion of a fixed-term employment contract is only allowed for a good reason arising from the temporary, fixed-term nature of the work, in particular in the case of a temporary increase in the volume of work or seasonal work, still applies.
It is allowed to deviate from the rules of working and rest time for an employee with independent decision-making competence
Starting from December 24, 2022, an employer and an employee with independent decision-making competence are allowed to enter into an agreement that the employee is not subject to the rules arising from the Employment Contracts Act regarding compensation for night work and work performed on public holidays, organization of working hours, on-call time, limitation of night work, daily rest time, weekly rest time and shortening of working hours.
Such agreement is only allowed to be concluded with an employee with independent decision-making competence, i.e., an employee who is free to organize his/her working time based on the nature of the work. This means that such employee must have a greater opportunity to organize working hours according to his/her wishes and needs. In addition, the amendment to the law stipulates that such agreement must be in writing and signed by both parties. Such agreement must also not harm the employee's health or safety. The conclusion of the agreement is also based on the fact that the employer pays the employee at least the Estonian average salary. The law also requires that a one-month calculation period must be applied to the calculation of the working time of an employee with independent decision-making competence. The employee and the employer are also allowed to cancel such agreement, but the other party must be notified at least two weeks in advance.
A new exception applies to the rules of on-call time
Regarding the regulation of on-call time, an exception came into effect on December 24 for an employee whose job is to ensure the consistent operation of information and communication technology services and infrastructure or information security. The Employment Contracts Act now stipulates that the employer is allowed to conclude an agreement with the above-mentioned employee in a form that enables written reproduction, for example by e-mail, that the daily and weekly rest time limit is not to be observed in the case of on-call time. However, the law contains additional points that this agreement must comply with. First, the duration of on-call time in one month must not exceed 130 hours, and the employee must be guaranteed two weekends free from work and on-call time per month. In addition, it is very important that the on-call agreement does not harm the health or safety of the employee. The parties must also agree on a reasonable response time, during which the employee is obliged to start performing work tasks. In addition, it is allowed to implement the on-call time agreement only if the employee can perform work tasks that require response during the on-call time using information and communication technology tools without appearing at the workplace. There is also a clause in the law that allows the parties to cancel the agreement at any time by giving 30 days' notice.
You can contact the lawyers of the Chamber of Commerce with questions about the soon-to-be-enacted legislation at the e-mail address juristid@koda.ee.
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"Teddy Bear Tea a Success!" - Six Girl Scouts and one "mascot" enjoyed decorating their own teddy bear cakes at their first meeting last week. One bystander had this to say - "There was icing EVerywhere!" Their next meeting will involve ghosts made out of liquid starch and muslin. Emergency services will be on stand-by.
"Gymnastics Coach Makes Girls Giggle and Boy Act Like a Total Dork" - The Saturday morning Beginning Tumbling class had a substitute male coach this last week. It was decided among the parents that adding cute adult male testosterone to the mix made the girls giggly, goofy and just plain ridiculous. It also made the one young male act like a total goof-ball.
"Sisters Decide That Professional Photographs of Their Children is a Journey Straight to Hell" - JCPenney Portrait Studio was visited by five adorable cousins on Saturday afternoon. The two sisters who gave birth to the children were ill-prepared for said photo session and had to purchase clothing for all five kids shortly before the shoot was to begin. "It was pretty touch-and-go for a little bit," said one sister. The other sister asked, "WHERE IS THE LIQUOR?" Both women also agreed that from here on out, pictures snapped with a disposable 35mm will have to suffice for all future photographic memories of the children.
"Preschoolers Vomits in AstroVan in Silver Dollar City Parking Lot" - What does one dozen donut holes and nearly an entire bag of gummi bears get a person? Well, for one surprised mother and grandmother on Sunday morning, it got them extra experience in van upholstery cleaning. "I puked in da van!" said the 4-year-old shortly after the incident occured.
"10 Year Old Celebrates Birthday in Branson" - It was a birthday sprinkled with pixie dust for Abby Diva on Sunday. After having Happy Birthday sung to her by a ragtime pianist and Riders in the Sky the tween was floating on Cloud 9. Roller coasters were also involved. The day was finished with dinner at Olive Garden in Branson where the service was so-so, but the pasta bowls were never ending. Her presents had a very TinkerBell-ish kind of theme and she squealed loudly more than once. As the caravan was preparing to leave, the birthday girl was presented with one dozen Krispy Kreme donuts, something she had specifically requested on the birthday list she had printed in triplicate and had strategically placed in her mother's purse and had posted on the refrigerator.
"Exhausted Work-At-Home Mom Wonders if She Has Mental Health Days Figured Into Her Work Schedule" - When asked for comment, the over-tired mother merely said, "Zzzzzzzzz."
I'll be absent from the ghost making process, but considering I've already contributed to the mess making from last week I'm good for a while!
I bet SDC was great Sunday, the weather was perfect!
You are a freakin' genius, by cracky!
I am SO stealing this headline idea!
Don't try to catch me. I'm in the Blogger Protection Program, you know.
"Puked in da van", huh? Boy, that sounds like a fun time. NOT. But, I'm glad the birthday celebration was successful, anyway.
By far, one of the best posts I have ever read on a blog. Ever.
And all you did was talk about your general daily life.
You Ms. Diva are goooood.
I dare say - you deserve to be a Diva.
Sorry- I have been in detox since Lost was on hiatus. I am back in commission... and on pills... always good.
I work at a mental health facility and they actually understand the importance of "mental health days". They even let us take em!


This is the second post I'm reposting today. Thanks to gigoid for sending me to this page. Read the whole post. It is a painful read, but there is hope. Sharing the story helps others to break the cycle. My prayers to all who endure abuse in whatever form it takes.
How Emmy-Award Winning Johnnetta Mcswain Broke the Curse.
Next WordPress Please Help Me!!!!
I am happy to do so. Thank you for stopping by.
I have an enormous amount of sympathy and respect for those who have been so tormented as children. Strangely, I feel it is because I had a warm, loving family and no one ever laid a finger on me unless it was a warm hug, that I feel some connection – although it is something I can never fully understand. And recently, a friend confided that his first wife and his current spouse were victims as children. I see how it has affected him and understand that every violation is like a stone thrown on calm water – it creates ripples throughout families and our whole society. Thanks for sharing the story. These stories cannot remain underground. They must be brought to have light shown on them.
Hugs to you, Annie. Although this is a heart wrenching story, it also shows the power of nurture, care and support to help victims become victorious over their circumstances. Hugs and Blessings to you.
I have to agree; a very moving story.


Clinical radiologist Thomas Albrecht speaks with us about imaging procedures such as CT scans. What are the radiation risks associated with diagnostic imaging? And why can't such imaging procedures replace the trained eye of the physician?


Events Home / BPA Gallery First Friday Art Walk "Everyone Has a Name"
BPA Gallery First Friday Art Walk "Everyone Has a Name"
Join us in the BPA Gallery March 1 for an artist reception and an enjoyable evening of art and friends. Naomi Spinak's "Everyone Has a Name" features four fiber works. The central piece of the show is an American flag piece entitled "Sweet Land of Liberty" that has guns instead of stars and is a memorial to the many people killed by guns in mass shootings since Columbine.


Dawn Field could only make it as far as the bathroom when her contractions started coming strong and hard one night. While her husband, Jack, ran to the phone to call 9-1-1, she gave birth to daughter Lydia on her own.
My name is dawn fields and I gave birth to my daughter Lydia in the the bathroom. Think it was about 11 o'clock at night I decided I'm gonna take a shower because it's now starting. Team feel light sleeper I knew things were not going according to plan as soon as I hit that living room to lower the contractions team strong. And hard. And they were one after another and during her midnight sat down my water broke. She sent that the baby's head started to crowd. And to whom Ronnie gets involved he won't from the down there about it when he tries steps. To get the phone dialed 911. Walked back to the bathroom I stood out. Pulled her out senate can't doubt instead and yes he did. I got some who signed the birth certificate as the one who delivers her. How many people actually get to say it delivered their own baby by themselves to think that it. I could not be more proud the way she handled. That's going without panic very calm he was very impressive if you really strong and really. Listen Howard that I. I could do that and I think that.
2:29 Special Deliveries: "I Gave Birth During a Hurricane"
1:41 Special Deliveries: "I Gave Birth in the Back of an SUV"


Held on January 24th each year since 2010, the Day of the Endangered Lawyer provides an opportunity to learn about the personal and professional safety of lawyers in a selected country facing persecution, prosecution, arbitrary detention, threats, torture, assaults and death as a consequence of carrying out their professional duties. The focus this year is on lawyers in Turkey. Between July 2016 and 1 January 2019 alone there have been 594 lawyers arrested, 1546 prosecuted and 216 sentenced to a total of 1,361 years in prison.
Ozge Yazar, Third year student at Allard School of Law, B.A. from Bogazici University.
Speakers will review the increasing use in Turkey and the effects of, illegitimate charges, politically motivated prosecutions and executive controlled courts to arbitrary convict and imprison lawyers, activists, journalists and others for peacefully promoting or protecting human rights or reporting violations. Reports and communications on these issues by LRWC, LWF, the Arrested Lawyers Initiative and the Law Society of England and Wales will be discussed.


Turnkey ocean view residence in the highly sought-after guard gated community of Pelican Ridge. This private split level floor plan offers 3 bedrooms, 4 baths, bonus room, office, and spectacular views from all entertaining spaces. The main level offers an open floor plan with guest bedroom and bath, living room and gourmet kitchen featuring granite counters, stainless steel appliances and an abundance of cabinet space opening to the family room complete with fireplace and ocean view. The master bedroom is your private retreat occupying the entire upper level featuring panoramic ocean views, spa-like master bath, fireplace, retreat and walk-in closet. The lower level offers 2 more bedrooms, bonus room, and laundry. Tenants enjoy access to association amenities including Coastal Canyon with pools, spa, cabanas, clubhouse, sport courts, and playgrounds.


Your future retirement called. It wants you to start saving today.
How you save for retirement can make the difference between crackers and caviar. We'll guide you through the finer points of contribution limits, tax deductions, and required minimum distributions, so you can choose a retirement vehicle suited to your tastes.
When you rollover your workplace 401(k) or other qualified retirement plan into a Traditional IRA, you get a variety of tax advantages. Your earnings grow tax-deferred and your contributions may be tax-deferred, too.
Deposit funds into an IRA Certificate or Variable Rate IRA.
For contribution limits, visit our IRA Service Center.
After age 59½, you can withdraw your Traditional IRA funds.
Distributions may be subject to income tax.
You must take distributions by April of the year following the year in with you reach 70½.
Early withdrawal may be subject to a 10% penalty. Exceptions include disability, death, and payment to beneficiaries, first-time home buyer expenses up to $10,000, and qualified higher-education expenses.
If you want more flexibility but don't want to lose tax advantages, a Roth IRA might be a good choice. You can make after-tax contributions and you may be able to withdraw your earnings tax-free at retirement*. Plus, you have the freedom to withdraw most contributions at anytime.
For additional details, step-by-step instructions for opening an account, and contribution limits, visit our IRA Service Center.
Generally, contributions may be withdrawn at anytime without penalty (excluding conversions).
You are at least 59½, the funds are used for a qualified first-time home purchase, or you have a qualifying disability.
Funds can be withdrawn by your beneficiaries upon your death.
Deposit funds from your Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA into a certificate and earn a great rate.
Deposit funds from your Traditional, Roth, or SEP IRA and earn a great variable rate.
You can also open a SEP IRA by completing IRS Form 5305 and returning it to your local branch.
If you are depositing funds into an IRA Certificate, please complete the Certificate Application.
If you have any questions, call us at 800.877.2345.
*Consult your tax advisor regarding tax consequences and your specific situation.


One of the leading software companies in the game livestreaming sector is combining a number of its tools into one service with the goal of helping broadcasters.
SplitmediaLabs, which operates the Xsplit game-broadcasting app, is updating its Player.me platform to incorporate a number of features to enable streamers to create live video and to manage their online presence across most major broadcasting sites. Player.me connects to Twitch, YouTube, Facebook, Hitbox, and Beam, and you can start a livestream with one click. But the app also empowers you to create your own professional-looking overlays that you can tie into your Xsplit or OBS broadcasters if you choose. SplitmediaLabs also wants broadcasters to use the app's built-in community-management tools to help individual broadcasters reach out to their audiences.
SplitmediaLabs acquired Player.me in July, and it has worked since then to prepare the desktop app for its launch into beta. You can register to test the app on its website.
"We're building something that tries to enable content creators to get up and running quickly and easily, that makes their content look as good as possible, and ultimately helps them get discovered," Player.me cofounder and chief product officer Sean Fee told GamesBeat.
Player works by connecting with your other gaming-related accounts. It can hook into Steam, Discord, Facebook, Twitter, Xbox Live, and more, and it can see what games you play and what you're interested in, and it can help guide you to other players or one of Player's 50,000 game pages that you are potentially interested in. That basic functionality is still available, but now it also links into other types of actions.
The new Player.me also expands the browsing feature for livestreams and recorded video. That content used to end up in the unified feed, but now they will exist in their own tabs where players can specifically search out who is broadcasting certain games or which of their friends uploaded a video.
For SplitmedaLabs, this is a culmination of months of work, and the beta test will help Fee and his team find out if they're heading in the right direction when it comes to providing an all-encompassing app that can help a streamer create live video, share them, and connect with viewers.
At the same time, Fee recognizes that you can't lock people into your one-click solution. That's why Player.me enables you to create scenes that you can use with OBS, the free, open-source competitor to SplitmediaLabs Xsplit software.
And that was the final challenge of updating Player.me with its new features: Designing it in a way so that you can come to it as a beginner and then grow alongside its features without getting overwhelmed. The beta will test if the app can accomplish that or if most people will still bounce off after a few streams.


text:
Home Broadband Adoption 2009
Barriers to Broadband Adoption
By John B. Horrigan
Demographic differences in broadband adoption
As we did in our 2008 report on home broadband adoption, this report assesses barriers to broadband adoption through questions to dial-up users and non-internet users about why they either do not have broadband or lack internet access.
At a very broad level, there are clear demographic differences between broadband, dial-up, and non-internet users, as the following table demonstrates.
Relative to broadband users, dial-up users are older, have lower incomes, have lower levels of educational attainment, are more likely to be African American, and more likely to live in rural areas. For non-internet users, these same factors are also relevant, but in much more pronounced ways. A notable demographic difference in comparing dial-up with non-users is gender: dial-up users are more likely to be male and non-users more likely to be female.
Several of the factors common to non-broadband use are related. Those with lower levels of education have, on average, lower incomes, as do rural Americans, senior citizens, and African Americans. Two questions that arise are whether these different effects are independent of one another and, if they are, which ones are more strongly related to broadband adoption.
It turns out that a number of demographic or socio-economic factors are positively correlated with home broadband adoption, while others are negatively correlated, and that these relationships are independent of one another. The following shows those factors that are positively and negatively correlated with home broadband adoption.9They are listed in order of magnitude, that is, having a high income is a stronger predictor of having broadband than being a parent and not having graduated from high school is more strongly associated with not having broadband than living in rural America.
These relationships help reveal patterns in broadband adoption, but they are not ironclad determinants of whether a person has broadband or not. They do, however, indicate what elements are more (or less) important, at the level of demographic and socio-economic analysis, in thinking about broadband adoption. The report turns now to how attitudes about the internet also shape the broadband subscription decision.
How many dial-up users want broadband?
When asked whether they would like to switch to a faster home broadband connection at home, more dial-up users say they are not interested than those who say they do.
Since this question was first asked in 2002, about 40% of dial-up users have said they would like to switch and the number has not changed much as dial-up use has fallen to a fraction of its 2002 levels. With the pool of dial-up users diminishing, this steady figure over time means that some dial-up users are changing their preferences. That is, assuming that over time most dial-up users who switched to broadband were people who at one point said they were interested in switching, many remaining dial-up users who said they didn't want to switch a few years ago now say they do.
Due to the small number of cases for dial-up users, reporting specifics about what subgroups of dial-up users say when asked whether they would like to switch to broadband is not appropriate. However, multivariate analysis shows that two groups are most likely to say that they would like to switch from dial-up to broadband: parents with minor children and rural dial-up users.10
What would it take to get dial-up users to switch?
When explicitly asked what would move them from the dial-up to broadband column, dial-up users haven't changed much in their perspectives on this question since 2008. Although a plurality cite price as the reason, some two-thirds of dial-up users cite a range of other things that would have to change to get them to switch. Some reasons cited are fairly precise, such as availability of service, while others are vague, such as simply not wanting to switch or not being able to identify something specific.
What keeps non-internet users offline?
Some one-fifth of adults (21%) do not use the internet, and the April 2009 survey asked these people a series of questions about why they don't use the internet, whether they might have people close to them who use it, and whether they have been an online user in the past.
The only statistically significant difference in 2009 in comparison with 2007 is in the share of non-internet users saying they are not interested in getting online, with non-users in 2009 a third less likely than in 2007 to say they are not interested in getting online.
For both non-internet and dial-up users, there are small increases in those saying they can't get service where they live. For dial-up users, 17% say they cannot obtain service where they live, an increase from 14% in 2008 that is not statistically significant. For non-users, 16% cited "can't get access" in 2009, an uptick from 12% in 2007 that is significant at the 90% confidence level. Overall, this translates into 17% of non-internet or dial-up users who cite lack of availability as a reason they do without either internet service or broadband.
As was done in January's Pew Internet commentary, the following consolidates the findings for dial-up and non-internet users into a single table.11
The April 2009 data show that half of dial-up and non-users cite some reason relating to the relevance of the internet, about the same share that was reported earlier this year based on 2007 data.
The demographic profiles of members of each of these four groups are shown below. Those citing availability and price as barriers are somewhat younger and poorer than those citing other reasons, and more likely to be female as well.
Some "not online" Americans weren't always that way and some live with online users
As the Pew Internet Project first documented in a 2003 report, the internet population is often in some state of flux, with some people losing access and counting themselves as non-users, as others come online to expand the overall online population.12 In our April 2009 survey, some 21% of non-internet users said they had once been users of the internet or email, but had stopped using the internet for some reason.
As to whether they would like to get back online, only 11% of non-internet users would like to start using the internet – either for first time or once again after they have lost access.
Some non-users, however, have internet users in their household. Among the 21% of non-internet users, 13% say that someone in their home uses the internet. About half (46%) of this group identify a spouse or partner as the online user in the home, while just over one-third (38%) point to a child.
As noted earlier in the report, 72% of adults have internet access at home, with another 7% having online access from elsewhere, mostly work only (4%) or some other place that is neither home nor work (3%). When non-users with an internet user in the household added to the mix, 75% of Americans live in a home with internet access.
Next: About Us, Methodology
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These findings are based on a logistic regression that models the decision to adopt broadband (among all respondents) as a function of the variables listed in the table as well as gender and whether the respondent is Hispanic; neither variable was significantly correlated with having broadband. ↩
The split form survey design in which half of respondents were asked questions pertaining to broadband means that 92 dial-up-using respondents answered the question on whether they would like to switch to broadband. Holding other demographic factors constant, parents with minor children at home and rural users were significantly more likely to say they would like to switch to broadband. ↩
John B. Horrigan, "Stimulating Broadband: If Obama builds it, will they log on?" January 21, 2008. Available online at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/media/Files/Reports/2009/PIP_Broadband-Barriers.pdf ↩
Amanda Lenhart et.al., "The Ever-Shifting Internet Population: A new look at Internet access and the digital divide." Pew Internet & American Life Project, April 16, 2003, available online at: https://www.pewresearch.org/internet/Reports/2003/The-EverShifting-Internet-Population-A-new-look-at-Internet-access-and-the-digital-divide.aspx. ↩
Complete Report PDFMarch 26-April 19, 2009 – Economy Dataset
MobileTechnology AdoptionDigital DivideBroadband
Broadband Adoption at Home
The Broadband Difference: How online behavior changes with high-speed Internet connections
Online News: For many home broadband users, the internet is a primary news source
Statement of Aaron Smith - Broadband Adoption: The Next Mile
Home Broadband Adoption in Rural America


text:
Q: How to display image automatically when it's picked (flutter) when I upload an Image using firebase storage, it doesn't show in the screen until I do hot refresh. So the question is: How to show it automatically when I pick it either from the gallery or the camera? Thanks.
Codes:
late File file;
  var imagePicker = ImagePicker();
  var imgUrl;
  var refStorage;
  uploadPosterImage() async {
    var pickedImage = await imagePicker.getImage(source: ImageSource.gallery);

    if (pickedImage != null) {
      setState(() {
        file = File(pickedImage.path);
      });

      var imageName = basename(pickedImage.path);

      var rand = Random().nextInt(10000000);
      imageName = "$rand$imageName"; // random number + image name

      refStorage = FirebaseStorage.instance.ref("items/$imageName");

      await refStorage.putFile(file);
      imgUrl = await refStorage.getDownloadURL();

    }
  }

------- and that's the code in the body:

Container(
                      margin: EdgeInsets.only(bottom: 10),
                      height: 230,
                      width: 160,
                      decoration: BoxDecoration(
                          border: Border.all(color: Colors.yellow),
                          borderRadius: BorderRadius.circular(20)),
                      child:
                      //imgUrl==null?
                      InkWell(
                        onTap: ()async{
                           await uploadPosterImage();
                        },
                        child: imgUrl == null? _icon : Image(image: NetworkImage(imgUrl),)  )

                    ),

A: Try below code hope its help to you.
File? imagePicked;
  void cameraImage() async {
    final picker = ImagePicker();
    final pickedImage = await picker.pickImage(
      source: ImageSource.camera,
    );
    final pickedImageFile = File(pickedImage!.path);
    setState(() {
      imagePicked = pickedImageFile;
    });
    Navigator.pop(context);
  }

  void gallaryImage() async {
    final picker = ImagePicker();
    final pickedImage = await picker.pickImage(
      source: ImageSource.gallery,
    );
    final pickedImageFile = File(pickedImage!.path);
    setState(() {
      imagePicked = pickedImageFile;
    });
    Navigator.pop(context);
  }

Your Widget:
Stack(
                  children: [
                    Container(
                      margin: EdgeInsets.all(8),
                      child: CircleAvatar(
                        radius: 71,
                        backgroundColor: Colors.black,
                        child: CircleAvatar(
                          backgroundColor: Colors.white,
                          radius: 69,
                          backgroundImage: imagePicked == null
                              ? null
                              : FileImage(
                                  imagePicked!,
                                ),
                        ),
                      ),
                    ),
                    Positioned(
                      left: 90,
                      top: 90,
                      child: RawMaterialButton(
                        fillColor: Theme.of(context).backgroundColor,
                        padding: EdgeInsets.all(10),
                        shape: CircleBorder(),
                        onPressed: () {
                          showDialog(
                            context: context,
                            builder: (context) {
                              return AlertDialog(
                                title: Text(
                                  'Choose Option',
                                ),
                                content: SingleChildScrollView(
                                  child: Column(
                                    crossAxisAlignment: CrossAxisAlignment.start,
                                    children: [
                                      TextButton.icon(
                                        onPressed: cameraImage,
                                        label: Text(
                                          'Camera',
                                          style: TextStyle(
                                            color: Colors.black,
                                          ),
                                        ),
                                        icon: Icon(
                                          Icons.camera,
                                        ),
                                      ),
                                      TextButton.icon(
                                        onPressed: gallaryImage,
                                        label: Text(
                                          'Gallery',
                                          style: TextStyle(
                                            color: Colors.black,
                                          ),
                                        ),
                                        icon: Icon(Icons.image),
                                      ),

                                    ],
                                  ),
                                ),
                              );
                            },
                          );
                        },
                        child: Icon(
                          Icons.add_a_photo,
                        ),
                      ),
                    ),
                  ],
                ),

Your screen before image select:
Your screen after image select:

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaStackExchange


text:
Infringing on Others' Rights
Copyright, Patent, Trademark
Infringing of any kind over things such as products, trademarks, copyrights, patents and intellectual property is illegal. But some people have the idea that copying or reproducing something, or producing similar things that resemble the original is not infringing or violating.
Is your product infringing on others' exclusive rights? Is the question that should be asked by anyone before posting something on the internet, creating anything or produce something similar to a popular product for selling.
Infringing creates a lot of trouble later when it is taken to court. It causes monetary damages and blame which is not a pleasant thing to accept. Here is a typical intellectual property case that had come up in Florida IP news lately.
The Case – Warner Bros. v. Online Retailer
Very recently, Warner Bros. filed a case against an online merchandiser in Florida Federal Court, asking for a withdrawal of its intellectual property. The complaint filed states that SWP or Stephen Wesley Phillips has been selling products that are directly linked to the TV drama 'Dallas'.
Warner Bros. claims that it owns all rights to the logo, name and other things related to the TV show and no one can use any related material to promote their product. This created a conflict between the online merchandising websites, the social media page which is run by SWP and Stephen Wesley Phillips. It is simply that whatever you created is your intellectual property and will be yours forever, even it is at present not in mobility.
Philips and his websites ewingglobal.org, ewingoil.net and ewingoil.org had sold products related to the show including J.R. Ewing decanters, apparel, Ewing Energies, hard hats and belt buckles. SWP had been advertising and selling not only through his website, but also through an online retail store the Zazzle. In addition to their websites, Facebook and Twitter was also used to market and promote the products.
This is an infringement of the trademark; it is falsely producing the design of the original product. This is utterly violating the Anti-cyber squatting Consumer Protection Act, a law which is against domain names which are closely linked to trademark names.
The Consequence
The Plaintiff has claimed that the defendant's websites take away all Warner Trademarks that is displayed and cease advertising such merchandise. Warner Bros. has also asked them to be paid three times the profits the SWP sites have made selling the products that have infringing trademarks.
From the above Warner Bros' case, one must know what to sell and what IP the company holds and should know whether it is infringing any others' products or items.


New York, July 19, 2016 – Data through June 2016, released today by S&P Dow Jones Indices and Experian for the S&P/Experian Consumer Credit Default Indices, a comprehensive measure of changes in consumer credit defaults, shows a composite rate of 0.82% in June, up one basis point from the previous month. The first mortgage default rate reported was 0.65% in June, up two basis points from the prior month. Auto loan defaults recorded a 0.91% default rate, down one basis point from May. The bank card default rate remained unchanged in June, recording a default rate of 3.11% for the second month in a row.
Three of the five major cities saw their overall default rates increase during the month of June. Dallas reported a default rate of 0.74%, up five basis points from May. Miami's default rate increased for the fourth consecutive month, up four basis points with a default rate of 1.31%. Chicago's default rate increased three basis points from the prior month, posting a default rate of 1.01%. New York recorded a default rate of 0.83%, down six basis points for the month. Los Angeles reported a default rate of 0.67%, unchanged from May.
"Looking at the economy and credit conditions, American consumers are in good shape" says David M. Blitzer, Managing Director and Chairman of the Index Committee at S&P Dow Jones Indices. "The S&P/Experian Consumer Credit Default Indices covering mortgages and auto loans are within a few basis points of the lowest levels seen in 12 years, while the bank card default index is only 62 basis points above its low. Economic conditions are also favorable with continued low inflation and low interest rates, declining unemployment, a rising stock market and modest economic growth. Consumers recognize the positive environment: consumer confidence is high and retail sales were up in June.


text:
RV campers worried by Seattle's push to remove hazardous vehicles from city streets
With news of a push to get hazardous RVs and cars off Seattle's streets, some residents of the vehicles are concerned.
Author: Michael Crowe
Published: 11:31 PM PDT June 13, 2019
Updated: 10:23 AM PDT June 14, 2019
SEATTLE — A new push to get hazardous RVs and cars off Seattle streets has some of the people living in those vehicles concerned.
Larry Huffman is a Vietnam veteran, now staying in a camper with his dog Bull in Seattle's SODO neighborhood.
"To get in a small, dilapidated, junky studio apartment in Seattle is over $1,000," Huffman said. "What does that leave you to live on? Nothing."
Huffman said the amount he collects from social security just doesn't cover much more. He's been out on the streets for a few years, not by choice, but a necessity.
"I want off the streets," he said. "I'm 75 years old. I don't have much time left in my life. Maybe I do, maybe I don't, you don't know. But I want off the streets. I don't want to be here."
Also see | Seattle cracks down on vagrant RVs and vehicles returning to city streets
Huffman keeps the RV hitched to his pickup truck for fear of it being towed. Stoking those fears is the word that the city will begin applying public health criteria to campers like his.
Mayor Jenny Durkan announced Wednesday new steps in an effort to stem the supply of hazardous vehicles. If vehicles towed by a city contractor meet the state definition of a public health hazard, it will be destroyed, not re-sold.
Durkan also plans to transmit legislation that updates the city code to fine predatory landlords who rent junk cars and vehicles to vulnerable populations.
The legislation will require remediation of up to $2,000 which will go into a restitution fund for vehicle occupants, city officials said.
"We have an obligation to protect public health and ensure that our neighbors are not living in inhumane conditions. And we will hold accountable those who prey on vulnerable people for profit," said Durkan. "We will continue to work for holistic solutions and do more to connect people with services and housing – and we will continue to invest in the strategies we know have an impact, like our Navigation Team."
Also see | Mayor Durkan to increase Seattle homeless camp removal, Navigation Team staffing
Huffman worried how that health standard would be applied.
"You only can get what you can get," he said. "We can't afford to buy one like that sitting over there. You've got to have something. And if you're paying $200-300 for one, it's not going to look real good."
Durkan's office said the push is to make sure people don't live in inhumane conditions. Huffman doesn't see other options.
"They're concerned more about what it looks like than the health and welfare of the individual that's in it," Huffman said.
A few blocks away, Troy Arnette echoed those concerns.
"What good does it do to put somebody back on the street, on a sidewalk with nothing," Arnette said. "Does nobody no good. Does the city no good, does us no good."
Also see | Business owner says little has changed after RV causes over $300,000 in damage
Despite working, Arnette said he still can only afford to stay in a camper. He knows it isn't pretty and empathized with homeowners concerned by the appearance of the vehicles. But it's all he's got.
"Don't judge a book by its cover," he said. "There's a lot of good people out here homeless like me. People that go to work, and don't steal from them. We do have to have somewhere to go."
"Some of these motor homes I've seen probably should probably be in a junkyard," said Huffman. "But if it's the only house you've got, what are you going to do? This ground is not comfortable."