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Ask the expert

Girls’ Life, Dec, 2009

My relatives always push food on me, but I’m trying to eat more healthfully this year. What can I do?

Big meals with the family should be fun. But there always seems to be that one relative who piles more and more on your plate. Mitzi Dulan, RD, and nutritionist for the Kansas City Chiefs and Kansas City Royals, suggests offering to whip up a healthy dish ahead of time to ensure there will be something nutritious in the mix. Pick a few of your faves from the buffet table (plus a couple sides of veggies) and nosh slowly throughout the meal
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British PM seeks to defuse row over bank bonuses

0 Comments | AFP, December, 2009

LONDON (AFP) Prime Minister Gordon Brown on Thursday sought to defuse tensions seen emerging between state-rescued lender Royal Bank of Scotland and the British government over planned cuts to bankers’ bonuses.

Media reports on Thursday said the board of ailing bank RBS could resign in protest at the Labour government’s plans for a crackdown on bonuses.

RBS had on Wednesday warned it could struggle to hire and retain key staff after Brown’s government demanded control of its payouts as a condition for insuring its bad debts and more state aid.

The bank, set to become 84 percent state-controlled after the latest taxpayer bailout, said government control over its bonus payments could place it at a “significant competitive disadvantage.”

Brown on Thursday…

AFL-CIO, others launch campaign to protect jobs

0 Comments | Charleston Gazette, The, Dec 20, 2008 | by Paul J. Nyden

The West Virginia AFL-CIO hosted a meeting in Charleston on Friday morning to launch a statewide campaign to improve the economy.

The state’s labor federation is part of West Virginians United for Social and Economic Justice, a coalition of religious, labor, professional and community groups.

Kenny Perdue, president of the state AFL-CIO, said he hopes President-elect Barack Obama promotes major plans to save jobs in the country.

“It is a shame to give billions [in federal bailout money] to investment firms, insurance companies and the banking industry, but then play politics with the auto industry.”

The new group plans to hold town-hall meetings in Charleston and other locations around the state in January.

On Friday morning, weeks after Congress and the White House agreed to give $700 billion in bailouts to banks and insurance companies, President Bush announced he will also give the troubled domestic auto industry $13.4 billion in short-term loans, which could be increased by $4 billion early next year.

Many Republican leaders opposed Bush’s plan and criticized American auto companies for paying their workers too much in wages and benefits.

Gary Zuckett, who works for West Virginia Citizen Action Group and chairs West Virginians United, said, “The Wall Street bailout puts money into the wrong end of the economy.”

Zuckett said his group advocates a recovery package that gives “grants to state and local governments so that they will not be forced to raise taxes [and] lay off workers.”

The group also wants increased federal support for programs helping low-income and moderate-income households, including food stamps and children’s health-care programs.

Sam Hickman, president of the West Virginia chapter of the National Association of Social Workers, said a major problem facing the domestic auto industry – and millions of other people – comes from health-care costs.

“Today, $3,000 of the costs of the average car made in America goes to pay health-care costs of autoworkers. No wonder we are at a competitive disadvantage,” Hickman said.

Other countries that manufacture automobiles – including Canada, Japan and countries in Europe – all have some form of universal health care that takes the burden off employers for those costs.

Deacon Todd Garland, director of the Justice and Life Office for the state’s Catholic Diocese, also attended Friday’s meeting. Garland also heads Catholic Charities.

A West Virginians United leaflet pointed out, “In the three- month period from the beginning of September to the end of November, 1,256,000 jobs were lost, the second-highest figure in more than 60 years.

“In West Virginia, the Ravenswood plant is the latest one to announce a potential shutdown.”

Zuckett said, “It is time for economic policies that work for everyone, not just wealthy special interests in Washington.”

Weekly wages measured in 2007 dollars, Perdue pointed out, fell from just over $700 a week in the early 1970s to just under $600 a week today.

During those same years, union membership declined from 30 percent to under 10 percent of the work force today.

Productivity and wages both rose steadily between the end of World War II and the 1970s, Perdue added
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NCPA Backs New Amendments to Senate Health Reform Bill; Expresses Concern over Revised Public Options Pharmacy Benefit

Business Wire, Dec 08, 2009

ALEXANDRIA, Va. — The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) today endorsed
three amendments recently proposed to the Patient Protection and
Affordable Care Act and raised questions about an emerging public
insurance option that would be administered by the federal Office of
Personnel Management (OPM). NCPA Executive Vice President and CEO Bruce
T. Roberts, RPh, issued the following statement:

NCPA strongly supports an amendment by Sen
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Woman’s ex in court

Huddersfield Daily Examiner (Huddersfield, England), Dec 2, 2009

A WOMAN had her ex arrested after he turned up at her home drunk and shouting abuse at her. Paul Wilson, of Norridge Bottom, Holmfirth, admitted breach of the peace when he appeared before Huddersfield magistrates.

His former partner Susannah Wilson called police to her home on New Mill Road, Brockholes, when the 38-year-old turned up late in the evening.

He was drunk, verbally abusive and refusing to leave.

Magistrates heard that Wilson had already been arrested by police three times for breaching the peace and being drunk.

Jobless Wilson was bound over by magistrates in the sum of pounds 100 for 12 months.

Case Digests

Daily Record (Rochester, NY), Dec 4, 2009

U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit

Asylum

Shi Jie Ge v. Holder

07-3630-ag

Appealed from the

Board of Immigration Appeals

Background: The petitioner appeals from an order denying his applications for asylum, for withholding of removal and for relief under the U.N.’s Convention Against Torture and Other Inhumane or Degrading Treatment or Punishment. According to his Form I-589 “Application for Asylum and Withholding of Removal,” filed March 10, 2004, Shi Jie Ge was born in Tianjin, China, on Sept. 11, 1961. Ge, who remains a Chinese citizen, entered the United States on a six- month visa May 1, 2000, and has never returned to China. His wife, whom he married in 1989, and his son, born in 1990, remain in China. Ge says he left China because of official retaliation against him after he complained of corrupt management practices at the electronics firm where he worked as a salesman. Ge’s claim arises from his membership in the China Democracy Party, which, as attested to by the party’s chairman, Ge joined, June 15, 2001, after he entered the United States. On appeal, Ge declares he joined the CDP “because he was angry with the corrupt Chinese government and shared the principles the party stands for — freedom, human rights and justice.” The record contains photographs of Ge participating in CDP demonstrations at the Chinese consulate in New York City, as well as articles written by Ge, which were posted on the organization’s Web site.

Ruling: Because the BIA committed errors both as to the timeliness of the petitioner’s application for asylum and in considering whether the petitioner likely would face persecution should he be returned to his native country, the petition will be granted, and the case will be remanded to the agency for further proceedings.

David K.S. Kim of Bretz & Coven LLP for the petitioner and Annete M. Wietecha, U.S. Department of Justice, for the respondent

u.s. district

Court, NDny

Family Medical Leave

Cinelli v. Oppenheim-Ephratah

Central School District

07-CV-235

Judge Hurd

Background: Plaintiff Patti Cinelli brings suit against the Oppenheim-Ephratah Central School District pursuant to the Family and Medical Leave Act, as a result of being terminated from employment. She alleges four causes of action in her amended complaint: first, that her employer unlawfully interfered with her rights under the FMLA after she was terminated for excessive absenteeism; second, that the defendant failed to notify her of her FMLA rights, thereby interfering with her rights under the Act; third, that her termination was in violation of state Civil Service Law [section]75; and fourth, that the defendant is liable for breach of contract for failing to comply with the terms of the collective bargaining agreement with the plaintiff’s union. The defendant moves for summary judgment. The plaintiff worked as a custodian for the defendant from 1995 until 2005. During that period, she became the legal guardian for her three foster children. According to the plaintiff, her foster children suffer from several physical and psychological delays due to their biological mother’s substance abuse. Additionally, the plaintiff alleges she suffers from chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder. As a result of her medical condition and the various ailments suffered by her foster children, the plaintiff was absent from work for various periods during the course of her employment with the defendant.

Ruling: The civil service and breach of contract claims are dismissed; the FMLA causes of action may go forward. Certain statements provided an evidentiary basis to infer that the defendant was made aware on a number of occasions that the plaintiff and her foster children suffered from a serious medical condition. If true, the defendant may have acted recklessly in determining whether its actions were lawful. The plaintiff’s FMLA claims are subject to a three-year statute of limitations, and she may recover for any alleged violations that occurred after March 4, 2004. As to the contract claim, under New York law no cause of action may be brought against a school district unless a notice of claim is filed within 90 days after the claim accrued. The plaintiff failed to do so.

Elena DeFio Kean for the plaintiff, and Frank W. Miller for the defendant

Social Security

Gonzales v
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New Deals for Big Ten Network.(Brief article)

Broadcasting & Cable, 20090129 by Reynolds, Mike

By Mike Reynolds, Multichannel News

Though the tough economy has cooled many companies’ budgets, Big Ten Network has managed to heat up some mid-winter ad deals for its basketball coverage, inking a trio of media pacts with sponsored elements for its men’s and women’s hoops action. The companies in the deals include Auto-Owners Insurance, Hampton Hotels and State Farm.

Big Ten will air 105 men’s and 55 women’s games this season on the linear network.

“State Farm has been a longtime supporter of most schools that make up the Big Ten Conference,” said State Farm Advertising Director Ed Gold
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Unilava Corporation Completes Acquisition of IBFA, a Provider of a Broad Range of Telecom Services Throughout the United States

Market Wire, December, 2009

Unilava Corporation (OTCBB: UNLA), a
provider of advanced communications products, services, and equipment that
address the needs of businesses and consumers, announced today that the
company has completed its acquisition of IBFA Acquisition Company, LLC
(IBFA), including the transfer of regulatory licenses in 41 states approved
by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The announcement was made
by Mr. Baldwin Yung, President and CEO of Unilava Corporation
( www.Unilava.com ).

IBFA, a licensed Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), long distance
provider, and Internet Service Provider (ISP) based in the Midwest since
1995, owns licenses to provide competitive local exchange services in 11
states, long distance services in 41 states, and ISP services nationwide.

IBFA’s long-term marketing efforts, which so far have resulted in a
relationship with 4.5 million people, opens the door for Unilava
Corporation to market its various products and services to millions of
targeted, potential customers. Currently, more than 55,000 of the 4.5
million are already paying customers, and this acquisition now adds that
many more customers to Unilava Corporation’s customer base.

“The closing of this acquisition, which originated in 2008, comes after
many months of due diligence and approval by the FCC. “Now that the
acquisition is complete and ownership of the regulatory licenses is in the
Unilava Corporation name, we can continue to build value through organic
growth and other acquisition opportunities with significant top line
revenue and positive EBITDA, while expanding our service offerings and
broadening our customer base,” commented Mr. Chris Chen, Executive Vice
President of Unilava Corporation. “We are appreciative for the cooperation
of all related parties and government agencies for this transition of
ownership,” he added.

“This acquisition provides an excellent platform for growth,” commented Mr.
Baldwin Yung, President and CEO. “We are confident in Unilava Corporation’s
business strategy in expanding product and service offerings to our
existing and future customers.”

About Unilava Corporation

Unilava Corporation and its subsidiaries provide a wide variety of
communications services, products, and equipment that address the needs of
small to large businesses and consumers. The company is licensed to provide
long distance services in 41 States and local phone services in 11 States.
Through its carrier-grade microwave wireless broadband infrastructure and
broadband Internet access partners, the company offers mobile and
high-definition IP-hosted voice services to residential, small and medium
enterprises. The company delivers small business a comprehensive and
integrated suite of fee-based online and mobile advertising and web
services. Headquartered in San Francisco, the company has regional offices
in Chicago, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Beijing.

For more information, please visit www.unilava.com .

This News Release may contain “forward-looking statements” within the
meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, and Section 21E of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Although the Company believes that the
expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable,
it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove correct.

Investor Relations Contact:
Corporate Evolutions, Inc
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Scales of Justice

0 Comments | Evening Gazette (Middlesbrough, England), Dec 5, 2009

AMONG the cases dealt with at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on September 9 were: Amanda Jayne Phoenix, 37, of Skelton High Street, fined pounds 525 and ordered to pay vehicle back-duty of pounds 230.84 with pounds 60 costs for using a vehicle without a valid licence.

Michael Edward Gatenby, 28, of Ribchester Close, Stockton, banned from driving for 12 months and fined pounds 130 with pounds 40 costs for having no insurance and driving without an appropriate licence.

Lee Jennison, 32, of Chertsey Avenue, Middlesbrough, banned from driving for six months and fined pounds 400 with pounds 15 costs for having no insurance.

Luke Peter Williams, 24, of Lauder Close, Stockton, banned from driving for 12 months and fined pounds 165 with pounds 55 costs for failing to provide a breath specimen and possessing a Class B drug.

Michael Bunn, 45, of Falkland Street, Middlesbrough, banned from driving for six months and fined pounds 700 with pounds 15 costs for using a vehicle likely to cause danger with faulty tyres, lamps and windscreen wipers.

Clifford Cox, 38, of Poplar Road, Thornaby, fined pounds 700 with pounds 65 costs for having no insurance and driving without an appropriate licence.

Mandy Massey, 41, of Kimberley Street, Middlesbrough, fined pounds 700 with pounds 65 costs for having no insurance and driving without an appropriate licence.

Mohammed Sharif, 32, of Gresham Road, Middlesbrough, fined pounds 525 with pounds 65 costs for failing to give driver information to police.

Richard Mark Thompson, 19, of Rendall Avenue, Roseworth, Stockton, banned from driving for nine months and fined pounds 200 with pounds 15 costs for having no insurance and driving without an appropriate licence.

Lee Thompson, 37, of Amesbury Crescent, Hemlington, fined pounds 525 with pounds 65 costs for having no insurance.

AMONG the cases dealt with at Langbaurgh East Magistrates’ Court on September 9 were: David Welsh, 31, of Yarm Road, Darlington, jailed for 44 weeks for driving while disqualified, having no insurance and breaching a suspended sentence.

AMONG the cases dealt with at Teesside Magistrates’ Court on September 15 were: Christopher Gary Blackburn, 31, of High Street, Normanby, Middlesbrough, given a 12-week prison sentence suspended for 18 months and ordered to pay pounds 250 compensation for assault causing actual bodily harm.

Brian Robert Venners, 28, of Valley Road, Middlesbrough, banned from driving for 17 months and fined pounds 100 with pounds 65 costs for drink driving.

Terri-Marie White, 23, of Prior Court, Billingham, banned from driving for 18 months and fined pounds 100 with pounds 65 costs for drink driving, obstructing or resisting a PC and driving without an appropriate licence.

Christopher John McGuinness, 26, of Rockliffe Road, Middlesbrough, banned from driving for three years, given a one-year community order and ordered to pay pounds 85 costs for drink driving.

Stewart Reith, 35, of no fixed address, jailed for 36 weeks for failure to comply with a community order, making off without payment, theft and fraud.

Jasvinder Grewal, 34, of Marton Road, Middlesbrough, jailed for 56 days for using threatening, abusive or insulting words or behaviour.

AMONG the cases dealt with at East Middlesbrough Community Justice Court on September 15 were: David Gerald Casey, 50, of Dryburn Road, Stockton, banned from driving for 17 months and fined pounds 100 with pounds 40 costs for drink driving.

Alan Danaher, 61, of Chadwell Avenue, Middlesbrough, banned from driving for 28 months, given a one-year community order and ordered to pay pounds 85 costs for drink driving, using a vehicle without insurance and driving without an appropriate licence.

Kirsty Halpin, 21, of Homerton Road, Middlesbrough, fined pounds 525 with pounds 65 costs for using a vehicle without insurance or MoT and driving without an appropriate licence.

Shop owner reinvests after a December fire

0 Comments | Dayton Daily News, Jul 3, 2009 | by Thomas Gnau

DAYTON — After an electrical fire tore through the North Main Street Brownie’s Independent Transmission shop two days before Christmas last year, shop owner Bob Lowry had a decision to make.

Pocket the insurance money and concentrate on his four other local transmission shops? Or reinvest in the business at 1901 N. Main?

Lowry, a mechanical engineer and an Ohio State University MBA, chose to reinvest.

Lowry, 63, said Wednesday, July 1, he will remodel the North Main shop, repairing a long gash in the shop’s roof and investing some $40,000 into the building.

With fewer people buying new vehicles these days and hanging on to current rides longer, this is no time to back away from auto maintenance, Lowry believes.

What some call the “Great Recession” has certainly been challenging — Lowry acknowledges that revenue has been flat — but he thinks careful auto maintenance makes perfect sense in this economy.

“It’s cheaper than a new car payment,” he said.

Angie Wilson, spokeswoman for the Bedford, Texas-based Automotive Service Association, an advocacy group for auto service businesses, agrees. While the strength (or weakness) of a local economy plays a key role in how any business weathers a recession, Wilson said many members are telling the ASA they’re seeing larger repair orders.

“Many of them are saying they’re maintaining or even seeing an increase, in some cases, in their business, and the common denominator tends to be consumers are keeping their cars longer,” Wilson said.

According to ASA’s 2008 annual survey (the organization’s most recent), 51 percent of respondents saw an increase in business that year, while 61 percent saw growth in their customer base.

What remains to be seen is what impact the “cash for clunkers” law has: Until Nov. 1, owners of older gas guzzlers who trade in for newer cars that meet certain mileage requirements could get up to $4,500 from the federal government.

Lowry has 25 employees total, and each technician has close to 20 years experience, he said
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