Senate Confirms Fiscal Hawk Mick Mulvaney As Trump’s Budget Director – New York Magazine

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Ad will collapse in seconds CLOSE February 16, 2017 02/16/2017 12:47 p.m. By Adam K. Raymond

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With a vote of 5149, the Senate confirmed South Carolina representative Mick Mulvaney to lead President Trumps Office of Management and Budget. Every Democrat in the Senate voted against Mulvaney and they were joined by Republican senator John McCain.

A co-founder of the House Freedom Caucus, Mulvaney is a hard-core fiscal hawk, who has yet to meet a federal spending cut he does not like. He supports cutting Social Security and Medicare, has repeatedly advocated shutting down the government to defund Planned Parenthood and kill Obamacare, and opposes increased military spending which is why he lost McCains vote.

My decision to oppose this nomination is not about one person. It is not about one cabinet position. This is not personal. This is not political. This is about principle, McCain said in a statement criticizing Mulvaneys attempts to cut defense spending. Mulvaneys position on defense spending is also at odds with Trumps. The president has promised new planes, new ships, new resources, and new tools for our men and women in uniform.

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During a crowded worship service.

Highlights from the presidents 77-minute tirade about how dishonest the media is and how racist he isnt.

Hes the least racist person youve ever seen.

Shermichael Singleton was preparing for confirmation by Ben Carson, whose campaign he had previously worked on.

In a remarkable 80-minute presser, Trump did not try to reach people with a message via the media; the message itself was to mistrust the media.

One official told CNN that you never want to have a barrier in place that will obstruct your vision.

With no time to spare and no margin for error, the new OMB director must somehow give Congress guidance after resolving his differences with Trump.

Last month in Russia, Trump received more media attention than Putin.

The president then asked a black reporter if she were friends with the black caucus and denied the existence of recent anti-Jewish hate crimes.

The first hearings for Scalias seat now vacant for more than a year will begin March 20.

After a tough week, Trump plays it safe on a nominee who has been confirmed by the Senate multiple times before.

The now-former congressman has yet to meet a budget cut he doesnt like.

Immigrants in several major cities are staying home from work or school today.

Americas top diplomat got off to a bit of a stilted start.

The Defense Secretary appeared to shoot down plans for the U.S. and Russia to align against ISIS.

The for-profit prison industry looks forward to a border boom thanks to Trumps executive order on stepping up immigrant detentions.

Were putting conundrums on top of hypotheticals on top of conjecture here.

Stephen Feinberg, a billionaire Trump ally, has reportedly been tapped to look into streamlining the agencies.

Liberals disliked Puzder for anti-labor policies and proud sexism. National Review disliked his immigration views. His many problems did him in.

In a suburban Atlanta district Trump only carried by one point, Democrats have a viable candidate but a poor turnout record in this kind of election.

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Senate Confirms Fiscal Hawk Mick Mulvaney As Trump's Budget Director - New York Magazine

Mason Fiscal gives WVFD go-ahead – Ledger Independent

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Much like their Maysville City counterparts, Mason County Commissioners gave the go-ahead for the Washington Volunteer Fire Department to become independent from the city.

The department currently operates under the MFD.

In doing so, the county agreed to provide support in the form of insurance on vehicles and, eventually, on buildings. That should total about $2,500 after the first three years, officials said.

The process of pulling city fire department support from the WVFD will be a three-year process, Maysville City Manager Matt Wallingford told county commissioners.

As an independent department, the WVFD will be eligible for federal grants and state aid, have control over its own budget and freedom to raise funds, Wallingford said. During the transition, the city will lease the current fire building to the volunteers for $1 annually for three years and pay utilities on the building, also for three years, he said.

Last fall, talks first began with plans to merge the WVFD with another county department. It was later decided the firefighters with WVFD would prefer to go it alone, Wallingford said.

Even though the department is located within the city limits, it is a county fire department, Wallingford said.

WVFD Chief Darrell Kalb said his department covers an area which serves 400-600 households and has mutual aid agreements with neighboring departments to share services and equipment and responds when requested. The department has recently added more firefighters to its roster and has started a junior firefighters program for teens ages 15-18, he said.

City officials are currently working to secure non profit status for the WVFD and acquire a tax ID number for the group. Before any official agreement is brought to a vote, the city needed a "green light" to continue the process and county officials gave the proposal a thumbs up.

Mason County Judge-Executive Joe Pfeffer said the WVFD is just another example of the city and county working together.

Also Tuesday, the county commissioners heard an update from Buffalo Trace Health Department Executive Director Allison Adams on the Community Health Needs Assessment and Health Improvement Plan.

"The staff of the Buffalo Trace District Health Department have a vision for a healthy community for everyone," Adams said in a letter opening a booklet outlining the assessment and community health improvement plan.

Adams said several things stood out in the assessment including smoking, diabetes, immunization, sexually transmitted diseases and teen pregnancy rates. rates. There is also a large incidence of single parent households and grandparents raising grandchildren in the area. Those all contribute to lower life expectancy, she said.

"We want everyone to have the opportunity to be healthy," Adams said.

While the goal is to get the community healthy, that isn't going to happen overnight -- just as becoming less than healthy was a long process so too will changing attitudes and outcomes be a long-term process, she said.

In other business, commissioners:

-- Heard from Barry Fryman with the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet District 9 office who outlined Rural Secondary Fund allotments for the county and recommendations for state road projects including Tuckahoe Road, Helena Road, Ewing Road and Salem Ridge Road.

-- Approved reports from the Road Department, Animal Shelter, Sheriff, Landfill and Recycling Center, Detention Center and Treasurer.

-- Approved the addition of Robert Scott and Larry Rice to the list of approved electrical inspectors.

-- Appointed Andrew Wood to an unexpired term on the Ethics Committee and reappointed John Larry Dodge to the same committee.

-- Learned Pfeffer named Barry Fields to fill the unexpired term of Juston Pate to the Maysville-Mason County Industrial Authority.

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Mason Fiscal gives WVFD go-ahead - Ledger Independent

10 Things to Know About Stephen Feinberg, Trump’s Potential Intelligence Czar – The Fiscal Times

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The Fiscal Times
10 Things to Know About Stephen Feinberg, Trump's Potential Intelligence Czar
The Fiscal Times
Not listed on the Cerberus website is its ownership of Freedom Group, a firearms holding company that controls such brands as Remington, Marlin and Bushmaster, maker of the AR-15 used by the Beltway snipers in 2002 and in the 2012 Sandy Hook ...

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10 Things to Know About Stephen Feinberg, Trump's Potential Intelligence Czar - The Fiscal Times

Officials Continue to Dodge Attempts to Disclose Use of Stingrays – Reason (blog)

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Elvert Barnes / FlickrWhen three men were arrested for robbing a drug dealer in Tallahassee, Florida, in 2013, prosecutors seemed to have a slam dunk case. As The Washington Post reported, Tadrae McKenzie and his friends used BB guns to rob a drug dealer, taking $130 worth of marijuana and his cellphone. A few days later the local police tracked them down and charged them with possession as well as armed robbery with a deadly weapon.

During the trial, the defense raised questions about how the police were able to locate the suspects so quickly, but the police and prosecution refused to answer. The judge ordered them to disclose the information, but instead of complying, the prosecution offered the defendants a plea bargain. McKenzie and his friends could have spent anywhere from three to 30 years in jail for their crime. Instead, the three men received probation with no jail time. As Cato Institute policy analyst Adam Bates pointed out during a panel discussion yesterday, the reason for the discrepancy was that the police and prosecution were unwilling to admit they had used a surveillance tool called a "Stingray" to find the criminals.

Stingrays mimic the signal of a cellular tower and lure nearby mobile phones to connect to their fake network. Through this connection, law enforcement can track the cellphone's location and even download its content. The device allowed cops in Tallahassee to locate the three robbers with ease by tracking the drug dealer's stolen phonebut when faced with the necessity of acknowledging the technology's existence and explaining in court how it was used, the government's lawyers opted to drop the case rather than speak candidly.

"Through the use of nondisclosure agreements, a refusal to honor freedom of information requests, and deceit toward courts and the public, the full capabilities of these devices, the extent of their use by law enforcement, and the existence of policies to govern their use remain secret," Bates writes in a report on law enforcement use of Stingrays.

The report explains that nondisclosure agreements between local law enforcement and the FBI and Harris Corp. (the manufacturer of the devices) keep the public in the dark about these cellular surveillance devices: "The government plainly views sacrificing individual prosecutions, even for serious crimes, as an acceptable price for concealing the nature of stingray surveillance," Bates argues. "The FBI's nondisclosure agreement is clear: in exchange for permission to use stingray devices, state and local officials must surrender prosecutorial discretion to the federal government."

Advocates such as the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) have tried to increase transparency about the government's use of Stingrays, with varying degrees of success. In 2014, the Florida chapter of the ACLU filed a freedom of information request and was granted access to documents about the Sarasota Police Department's use of the devices. Before the department could hand over the information, the U.S. Marshals intervened, raiding the department and seizing the requested documents.

The ACLU has been able to gather some data, though. It found that at least 23 states and the District of Columbia have law enforcement deploying Stingrays.

A House Oversight Committee report, published in December, found that in from fiscal year 2010 to fiscal year 2014, the Department of Justice (DOJ) spent more than $71 million to acquire and use cell-site simulators, and has 310 devices agency-wide. In the same span, the Department of Homeland Security spent more than $24 million for 124 devices for that agency. Since January 2006, the Treasury Department has spent more than $1.3 million and possess three devices.

The lack of transparency and accountability has led to much concern about civil liberties violations. U.S. Rep. Jason Chaffetz (RUtah) is planning to introduce two bills to demand more congressional oversight of how the federal government use Stingrays. Reason reporter Eric Boehm provides a more in-depth look at the proposed legislation here.

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Officials Continue to Dodge Attempts to Disclose Use of Stingrays - Reason (blog)

Q & A with Sr. Maureen Gallagher, setting up financial independence paths for women in Mexico – Global Sisters Report (blog)

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In Jurez, Mexico, where cartels have left families mourning loved ones and women fending for their families, the Centro Santa Catalina provides opportunity for about 20 women to utilize various creative and management skills to help them generate a survival income.

When farms throughout Mexico started closing after the North American Free Trade Agreement came into effect in the late 1990s, men migrated into the cities to find work.

"The men couldn't get jobs because they had a sixth-grade education and weren't used to living in the city," Dominican Sr. Maureen Gallagher said. "The women stayed at home with the children, and sometimes there wasn't enough money for food."

The "colonia" where the women live, Colonia Pnfilo Natera, is built on what was once the city's garbage dump, with homes constructed out of scrap materials; many lack electricity, water and basic city services. For most of these women, Centro Santa Catalina is their only source of income.

As the marketing director for the sewing cooperative across the border from El Paso, Texas, Gallagher helps the women sell their projects, including aprons, table runners, purses, shawls, laptop holders and "Mexican prayer flags." In addition to the sewing co-op, the center also provides tutoring, spirituality classes and a garden for the women to grow and share vegetables.

GSR: How did Centro Santa Catalina begin?

Gallagher: It was started by Sr. Donna Kustusch, an Adrian Dominican sister, and she started it in '96 or '97. She was a professor in the religion department at Sienna Heights College, and she had decided she had to walk the talk. She brought students down for immersion in Ciudad Jurez and later decided that's where she'd start her ministry helping economically poor women. That eventually led to a prayer group with some of the women, and from the prayer group, the center developed for women who were mostly migrants from the rural areas.

Sister Donna said, 'Aside from praying, what can we do to help you?' They said they really needed money, so they decided to start a co-op.

Sr. Maureen Gallagher, left, selling products the women at Centro Santa Catalina have sewn. (Provided photo)

The idea was that they would have a business and be able to stay in Mexico which is what they wanted to do and support their families and have a decent life. At this time, the co-op has its own president, vice president, secretary, and they make their own decisions. The only problem is with selling the products, because we have to sell them in the U.S., and the women don't speak English. And only five of them have visas, but they can only go 40 miles within the U.S.

I'm the marketing director, and [along with two other sisters] we help them find places where they can sell. If we have a place in El Paso, then women come and sell things themselves so they can learn the process. Right now, we're trying to make the co-op independent, so that they run the co-op, take care of all the money they get, and continue it on their own once we leave [ideally by 2020].

Tell me about other programs offered at the center.

In Juarez, there aren't enough schools for the children in elementary grades they go either in the morning or afternoon so we've trained 10 women to be tutors. The nice thing about that is most of them got their GEDs through the center; we paid for them to get it.

This past year, we hired a director the plan was for a Mexican woman to take over the center so that it would be owned and run by Mexicans. We hired a director, and through her intercession, we've been able to send the tutors to a class where they are now certified teacher aides, so if something should happen to us or to the center, they have a skill they can market.

We also have a youth program for teenagers, and we're starting a garden program, and the idea is that that eventually becomes a co-op for them to share vegetables.

We don't charge the families anything to send their children to tutors; it's a two-way thing. They're getting help with their homework, but they're also being kept off the streets while their parents are working.

All the money goes into a bank, and at the end of the month, they have to decide how much money they need for repairs, new products and materials. Then they share equally what's left over with the 18 women that make up the co-op. Average is $160 [U.S. dollars, per person] when you don't have a big sale, and that's really just for survival. As marketing director, I try to find more places for them to sell.

Two of the women work on sewing projects at the co-op. (Provided photo)

Tell me about the women you work with.

Juarez was a place where two cartels were fighting, and during that time, it was around 2010, every one of our women in the co-op had either a relative or a family member killed. It was total anarchy.

Many of them are battered women. One of our women in the co-op has four or five children and just left her husband. She had left him before, but she financially couldn't continue, so she invited him back. When the co-op started picking up and we were getting more money, she felt she could get rid of him again, so she kicked him out of the house. She had to get another job in a factory, so she works two jobs. He put her in the hospital five years ago because he beat her so badly.

Of the 18 women, I know three of them definitely can't read or write. One is now the vice president of the co-op and the mother of five children.

Another one who came to the co-op, Victoria, was there for a three-month trial period to see if she can sew. She couldn't do anything, but the women didn't want to let her go because she had no income. She was a widow, and her children had all moved back with their children and were really taking advantage of her. So the co-op hired her as the ironer, and she's the world's best ironer. She can't read or write, but the women try to help her. They have that community spirit of helping one another.

I've seen the women grow unbelievably. We went through a bad time at the center, when a woman got angry at our director, Rosa, because Rosa had bought heaters for the classrooms. This woman thought they should've gotten the money in their salary instead of the heaters, and a group of women had locked us out of the center.

But while we worked with the [El Paso and Juurez] dioceses and lawyers, the tutors and co-op members who didn't turn against us took it upon themselves to continue the center [for kindergarten classes]. They were able to find a house that they rented and got donations of chairs and tables from neighbors. When we came back to tell them what we had figured out, they said, 'Well, we have a house, and we're going to continue' [holding classes there until the end of the school year]. They could not have done that five years ago. We looked at them as they grew in confidence and authority and ability to take hold of their own lives, which is absolutely amazing and confirming that what the center had done was help these women grow.

How has this work changed you as a person?

It's helped me understand other people and other cultures. I had a hard time learning Spanish because I ministered for 40 years in Chicago, so my background had no different cultures it was just Chicago, Chicago, Chicago. But then I came down here, and I learned the Mexican culture is a beautiful culture, and I picked up many things, like hugging people that was not part of my background in Chicago.

I'm definitely a different person. I'm not quite as confident that I have all the answers. My background is teaching, and as teachers, we have a set way of doing things and think our way is the best way. I'm an Irish Catholic, Southside Chicagoan, and we have all the answers. But I've learned we don't.

Victoria irons the finished products to make them ready for sale. (Provided photo)

[Soli Salgado is a staff writer forGlobal Sisters Report. Her email address isssalgado@ncronline.org. Follow her on Twitter:@soli_salgado.]

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Q & A with Sr. Maureen Gallagher, setting up financial independence paths for women in Mexico - Global Sisters Report (blog)

Advocates say more women need financial independence: ‘We really do need that extra leg up’ – Globalnews.ca

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Kim Krushell got acrash course in money management as a little girl. It had nothing to do with her own piggy bank. She learned by witnessingthe struggles of her own mother and grandmother.

My mother went through a divorce. My stepdad got a lawyer and she got emotional, and financially it was really hard on her, Krushell recalled. It took her a lot of years to come back from that.

Krushell also saw her grandmother experience a divorce after 36 years of marriage.

I got to see what happens when her credit card was cut right in front of me as a kid.

As a result, Krushell is an equal partner in her household finances and has becomea passionate advocate for womens financial literacy.

Women unfortunately do live in more poverty. Women are more challenged with finances so we really do need that extra leg up, and need to have those conversations about what we need to do with our finances.

READ MORE: Why women need to plan their finances differently than men

Krushelland a group of dedicated volunteers have launched Women and Money, an initiative to educateCanadian women about finances; everything from buying a house to estate planning. In early February, Women and Money hosted a workshop to connect Edmonton women withfinancial experts. In the future, the group hopes to launch webinars and other events across the country.

Men take advantage of what the banks offer. They take advantage of a lot of free seminars and this is why my girlfriends who are in banking were saying, You know, we need to do something different. We need to reach out to women in a different way,' Krushell said. That is what Women and Money is really about.

2017Global News, a division of Corus Entertainment Inc.

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Advocates say more women need financial independence: 'We really do need that extra leg up' - Globalnews.ca

Surviving widowhood: Five tips to avoid financial hardship – Cincinnati.com

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Charles Kehoe Published 12:51 p.m. ET Feb. 16, 2017 | Updated 6 hours ago

Tom Keller(Photo: Provided)

Losing a spouse is one of lifes most emotionally-devastating events, and many financial advisors recommend not making major financial decisions during that first year of grieving. But after a period of time, financial decisions will need to be made.

Seventy percent of widows retain a new financial advisor within the first year of their spouses death, according to a Fidelity Investments survey. Why? For some women, the answer may be that the death of a spouse is a financial Independence Day a chance to finally make financial decisions on her own instead of agreeing to a husbands wishes.

Regardless of how widows feel about their familys past financial decisions, its predicted that women over the next few decades will inherit close to $30 trillion in intergenerational wealth transfers. Whether women act as partners in family financial decision-making or just go along for the ride, they need to educate themselves about money because women tend to outlive their husbands.

Here are five areas to address when a widow needs to begin effectively stewarding her financial portfolio:

Take an inventory of bills and create a plan to cover expenses for the first six to 12 months, limiting big decisions during this time. This allows for time to analyze the decisions that may eventually need to be made to develop new financial goals and objectives.

Review whether to stay in a current residence or move to a home requiring less maintenance and upkeep after one year has passed. This can be a difficult decision, since most widows choose to stay in the homes where their children grew up and their best memories will always be. Consider that just because a move may make economic sense, it may not be the best decision for the widow emotionally or for the long term.

Update ownership of all investments and the beneficiary list on retirement accounts. If assets outside of retirement accounts are owned, consider titling those assets in a living trust or transfer on death designation so beneficiaries will receive assets without going through probate court upon your own death someday. This step is often overlooked, yet it can save heirs time and money.

Re-evaluate your investment portfolio to match needs and risk tolerance. Widows may have a different level of risk compared to their spouses investment philosophy.

Work with a CPA or trusted family member during tax time the year after a spouse has passed. This is a good way to ensure that investments and insurance have been changed to the surviving spouse. Tax documents help confirm whether the assets have been moved and more important if an account was missed during the inventory phase. Sometimes widows are surprised by the number of open accounts. These can include investments, bank accounts and credit cards.

Whether a loved one has battled disease for a long period of time or was taken quickly doesnt matter when a widow is grieving. The length and depth of grief can vary significantly from one person to another, and its important not to begin making important financial decisions until a widow is emotionally strong and clear-minded enough to make decisions that she will not regret later.

Time helps heal our emotional losses as we adjust to a new life without a loved one, and the security of knowing you are making good financial decisions in the wake of a death will only make the transition smoother.

Tom Keller is a certified financial planner with Kehoe Financial Advisors of Cincinnati, a 35-year-old financial advising and services practice. Kehoe assists clients in developing and implementing financial strategies to help meet retirement, estate and business planning objectives, business continuation and succession planning. For more information, go to http://www.kehoe-financial.com or call (513) 481-8555.

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Sheroes Founder Sairee Chahal ventures for Women’s Financial Independence in India’s sometimes Suffocating … – Plunge Daily

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Sheroesfounded in 2014 has now gone on to become a career platform for women and has been built as a community for women to find diverse resources, opportunities and support related to their careers and aspirations. Sheroes Founder Sairee Chahal, a Woman Entrepreneur herself, is leading the way for many women as they plunge into the world of entrepreneurship.

The gap between the availability of smart, qualified individuals and organisations on the lookout for such candidates is not exclusive to females. However, couple that with research that says there are only 24% of women in Indias workforce of which a mere 5% are at senior levels and 48% drop out of workplaces and you have an almost alarming need to cater to the needs of women specifically.

Sheroes has done just that and also serves womens startup and operational requirements, We have moved the needle from women being pink content category to a real, professional network for women, says Sairee Chahal the founder of CEO. Sairee started her career at college and is a serial entrepreneur who co-founded SAITA Consulting in 2006. Her drive to create opportunities for women professionals, Workflex and Social Entrepreneurship led her to launch Sheroes.

Sairee quips, Lets face it, were still a patriarchal country so this is still early days even for a platform like ours.

Using the platform is simple, women log on to Sheroes and get a profile and dashboard and can use any of the services for free. Companies use the platform to build programs, hire or put their brands out which is also their monetisation model. With a user-base expanding of about 20000 locations, Sairee believes that organisations will have to design themselves to cater to the large pool of talent that is mostly a young workforce. Family-friendly policies, safer workplaces, progressive outlooks, breaking down of patriarchal attitudes and stereotypes will all have to be a part of the story that plays out.

Running as a consumer-tech platform, the biggest challenge that Sheroes faced was establishing itself as a category. If you went out four years ago and said women and careers everyone thought you were an NGO, Sairee says, adding that people often synonymised it with telling women to make papads or teaching them how to weave. There was nothing for the urban educated woman, she remarks, even now one of the most commonly asked questions she gets is if she runs this as CSR.

Having managed to bring a shift in the face of continuing invisible barriers, Sheroes has managed to raise a series A round of funding from Lumis Partners, HR Fund and Quint Media. Sairees suggestion to aspiring entrepreneurs is to stay persistent and not get into it for the sake of money but rather for being passionate about something. She adds, If you want to make money, go get a corporate job.

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Sheroes Founder Sairee Chahal ventures for Women's Financial Independence in India's sometimes Suffocating ... - Plunge Daily

Drought-crazed utopia flushes away common sense – NewHampshire.com

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HANOVER Dartmouth Department of Theatre serves up a send-up of greed, political movements, love and musicals in a future where water is worth its weight in gold.

A 25-member cast will sing, dance, pun and romance its way through its production of the Tony Award-winning Urinetown Friday through Feb. 26 in The Moore Theater of the Hopkins Center for the Arts.

The story of a drought-crazed dystopia in which a malevolent company profits from one of humanitys basic needs began in the mind of actor/playwright Greg Kotis when, in the mid-1990s, he took an ill-financed trip to Paris during which the citys pay-per-use toilets were a strain on his meager means.

Back in the States, he shared an idea for a new show with theater friend Mark Hollmann. Deciding to self-produce a production, they got the show accepted to the New York Fringe Festival in 1999.

From the standing ovation opening night, the show became a runaway hit, its popularity moving it first to Off-Broadway, where it won an Obie, and then to almost 1,000 shows on Broadway and multiple Tony wins.

The story centers on a longterm drought, and heartless corporate control of dwindling water resources mean common citizens must pay increasingly steep fees to relieve themselves in sanctioned facilities.

Along the way, the characters make witty, self-aware commentary on the conventions of musical theater and hilariously skewer the genre with numbers reminiscent of Les Miserables, West Side Story, Fiddler on the Roof and Threepenny Opera.

Director Jamie Horton, a Dartmouth theater professor and actor, likes how the satirical treatment still manages to deal with substantial issues. Its unabashedly entertaining but also profound.

That opposition is what makes it the kind of work it is, he said.

In program notes, he elaborated: I have loved this musical since I first saw it in 2003, because of the boldness of the questions it asks, certainly, but even more so because of the brilliance of its form its wit, its sense of humor about itself, its biting, entirely modern, no-holds-barred approach.

In addition to a production team of faculty and visiting theater artists, Dartmouth senior Julie Solomon is serving as associate scenic designer.

In conjunction with Dartmouths staging of the show, a panel discussion titled Our Dystopian Moment: 2017 and the Politics of Urinetown will take place at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21.

Shows are at 8 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday. It then continues at 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Feb. 23-25, and 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26.

Tickets are $15, with a $5 discount for youth.

For information, visit hop.dartmouth.edu or call 646-2422.

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New Barbarians: Inside Rolling Stones’ Wild Seventies Spin-Off – RollingStone.com

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Remember that time when Ronnie Wood released a solo album, put together a band to promote it that included Keith Richards and fusion bassist Stanley Clarke, and played a bunch of arena shows centered not around Richards but perversely Wood and his songs?

Unless you're the most diehard of Rolling Stones fans, you probably have zero memory of that moment. But Rob Chapman's new book, New Barbarians: Outlaws, Gunslingers and Guitars (Voyageur Press), finally tells the story of one of the most oddball and least-chronicled moments in the Stones' history.

As Chapman details in his art-crammed book, Wood and his new label, Columbia, decided he should play some shows to promote his 1979 solo album, Gimme Some Neck. Richards, who was in between Stones sessions, signed on to his bandmate's ad-hoc group. Richards was also eager to hit the road, because, as Chapman writes, he was "on the run from heroin, [girlfriend] Anita Pallenberg and endless psychotherapy sessions" after his 1977 drug bust in Canada. The band, a truly odd lot of musicians, included two naturals, Faces keyboardist Ian McLagan and on-again, off-again Stones saxman Bobby Keys, along with two others Clarke and Meters drummer Ziggy Modeliste who had barely played rock & roll before.

For a brief moment, Chapman reports, Neil Young almost joined the lineup after stopping into early rehearsals for the tour. He eventually opted out due to the birth of one of his children and the editing chores involved in his then-upcoming concert movie, Rust Never Sleeps. But after Young remarked "you guys are nothing but a bunch of barbarians," the ad-hoc band at least had its name, adding a "New" after learning there was another band called the Barbarians. Ringo Starr and Boz Scaggs also stopped by rehearsals but, like Young, didn't join up.

Over the course of its month-long tour, ending with shows at England's Knebworth Festival on a bill with Led Zeppelin, Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes, and Todd Rundgren and Utopia, the New Barbarians crammed in a lifetime of rock & roll. Drugs, booze and private jets were a daily treat; a small room was built near the back of the stage so the band could get high without the audience noticing. When Clarke offered Richards a health shake, Richards just replied, ruefully, "Stanley, Stanley."

As Chapman reports, drama was also part of the recipe. Unsure if Wood's name would sell out arenas, some on their business side began suggesting to reporters that the shows could include "special guests," hinting at Mick Jagger, Bob Dylan and Jimmy Page. None of those musical pals ever materialized, and early in the tour, fans showed their displeasure at not seeing Mick but hearing an hour and a half of Wood originals, covers of blues and country songs, and the very rare Stones cover (usually "Honky Tonk Women"). In Milwaukee, a riot broke out, resulting in 81 arrests and a very pissed-off Richards.

Packed with details of stage designs, offstage and onstage photos and reproductions of tour T-shirts and limousine bills, New Barbarians is surely the last word on one of rock's most oddball superstar tours. As a bonus, it also comes with a 10-track CD of previously unreleased live recordings including Wood's "Mystifies Me" and covers of Chuck Berry's "Sweet Little Rock & Roller" and the blues standard "Rock Me Baby" that revel in the band's proudly sloppy swagger. Would a similar lineup with a similarly quirky set list make it anywhere near a 20,000-seat arena these days? Probably not, which only makes the story of the New Barbarians that much more flabbergasting today.

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New Barbarians: Inside Rolling Stones' Wild Seventies Spin-Off - RollingStone.com

Utopia releases its next version of master data governance solution for enterprise asset management – SDTimes.com

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Utopia Global, Inc., a leading provider of enterprise data solutions and a long-time SAP partner, has released a new software version of its master data governance solution for enterprise asset management that SAP resells as a solution extension under the name SAP Master Data Governance, enterprise asset management extension by Utopia. The new capabilities in the solution extension will help customers to improve maintenance planning, increase regulatory compliance and advance the delivery of customer services dependent upon high availability of infrastructure, facilities and fleet assets.

This new version of the solution extension adds the ability to create and maintain maintenance plans complete with task lists, items and master data issues commonly associated with preventive and predictive maintenance program work. The enterprise asset management extension introduces the SAP Fiori user experience for selected create, review and approver functions, along with:

The new version of SAP Master Data Governance, enterprise asset management extension is a comprehensive commercially available enterprise asset management extension that integrates with the SAP ERP application and complements existing master data governance data models for material, supplier, customer and finance. It works with the SAP Master Data Governance application, SAP Business Suite powered by SAP HANA and SAP Fiori, and is designed to work with SAP Asset Intelligence Network.

We believe that master data is the DNA of an enterprise. We are very proud of the new release of this solution extension because it responds to client demand for solutions that accelerate movement to the digital economy, Internet of Things, Big Data analytics and commitments to SAP solutions like SAP HANA and SAP Asset Intelligence Network, said Arvind J. Singh, CEO of Utopia Global. We feel this latest version of SAP Master Data Governance, enterprise asset management extension will provide clients with the best tools and methods to build a trusted bridge to SAP HANA adoption.

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Utopia releases its next version of master data governance solution for enterprise asset management - SDTimes.com

Bruno Ganz on New Film About Last Days of East Germany: ‘This Is a Subject That Will Never Let Me Go’ – Variety

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Variety
Bruno Ganz on New Film About Last Days of East Germany: 'This Is a Subject That Will Never Let Me Go'
Variety
Capturing the history of East Germany in microcosm, the film, based on an adaptation of Eugen Ruge's bestselling 2011 autobiographical novel, revolves around a 90-year-old communist patriarch who has never lost his belief in the socialist utopia even ...

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Bruno Ganz on New Film About Last Days of East Germany: 'This Is a Subject That Will Never Let Me Go' - Variety

Oceania cruises adds more Cuba trips from Miami with multiple stops on the island – Miami Herald

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Miami Herald
Oceania cruises adds more Cuba trips from Miami with multiple stops on the island
Miami Herald
Premium cruise line Oceania Cruises announced Tuesday that it is adding six voyages to its Cuba itinerary for 2017, half of which also include stops in Cienfuegos near south-central Cuba and Santiago de Cuba on the island's southwestern coast.
Oceania gets Cuba approval for six more cruisesTravel Weekly
Oceania Cruises Reveals Additional Cuba Cruises for 2017TravelPulse
Oceania Cruises Reveals Late 2017 Voyages To CubaPR Newswire (press release)
Seatrade Cruise News -Travel About -Cruise Radio (blog)
all 8 news articles »

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Oceania cruises adds more Cuba trips from Miami with multiple stops on the island - Miami Herald

Davis Cup 2017: Bengaluru to host India-Uzbekistan Asia-Oceania Group I Rd 2 tie – Hindustan Times

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India will face Uzbekistan in the second round of the Davis Cup Asia-Oceania Group I tie in Bengaluru from April 7-9, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) announced on Thursday.

It will be non-playing captain Mahesh Bhupathis first tie having taken over from Anand Amritraj. Amritrajs stint with the team, which started in 2013, ended on a winning note after India defeated New Zealand 4-1 in the first round in Pune earlier this month.

There was a fair bit of controversy over the doubles combination in the last tie against New Zealand, with Rohan Bopanna omitted and an injured Saketh Myneni replaced by Vishnu Vardhan in the last hour. India still had it easy against the Kiwis with Ramkumar Ramanathan and Yuki Bhambri winning both their singles rubbers to seal a 4-1 victory.

Read | How Doordarshans Davis Cup coverage left fans guessing

Bengaluru had last hosted the Davis Cup World Group play-off tie against Serbia in 2014.

This will be the fifth encounter between India and Uzbekistan in Davis Cup history. Both countries are tied 2-2 having each won their respective home ties.

Read | How Leander Paes Davis Cup dreams got shattered against New Zealand

The last time they had played, India lost 2-3 in the Asia/Oceania Group I semifinal tie played at Namangan, Uzbekistan, in 2012. Prior to that, India had lost in 2007 at the same venue. India has hosted Uzbekistan in Jaipur (2005) and New Delhi (2008) and have won both times.

The winner of the tie will advance to the Davis Cup World Group playoffs, to be held in September.

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Davis Cup 2017: Bengaluru to host India-Uzbekistan Asia-Oceania Group I Rd 2 tie - Hindustan Times

U17 Qualifiers Progressing for Oceania Cup EMTV Online – EMTV Online

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In the OFC Under 17 World Cup qualifiers, New Zealand made a stunning start to their defence of the OFC U-17 Championship title on Monday night with an 11-0 goal fest registered against Samoa in Tahiti.

Fellow Group B sides Fiji and Solomon Islands played out a thrilling 1-1 stalemate in the second encounter of the evening.

For the New Zealanders, qualification at the top of their group was always the initial outcome.

It was a strong start for the Kiwis who took just five minutes to register their first goal when Willem Ebbinge chested down an indirect free kick and volleyed it hard into the net.

His brace came just five minutes later when he followed up on an attempted clearance.

It was a much improved performance from the Samoans in the second half however the New Zealand side proved too powerful for the tiring side to overcome.

They held out until the 67th minute where an unmarked Palmer looped his header over the back-peddling Eti Fatu.

Palmer added two more to earn his hat-trick along with another to Spragg to join him. Captain Max Mata and Oliver Whyte also got in on the goalscoring action to take the Kiwis to 11.

A very early goal for Fiji the quickest in the tournament so far at three minutes helped with their confidence, while also putting their opponents Solomon Islands on the back foot.

It was a fast-paced encounter thanks in part to the quick-pass playing style the Solomon Islands adopted, combined with Fijis physicality and decision to use their height to their advantage with long balls.

Steward Toata, and his teammates up front combined well to keep the defence led by captain Mohammed Naizal busy.

Despite Solomon Islands advances they struggled to find the target and had to go into the break with a deficit of one goal.

Solomons came out with renewed energy in the second half throwing everything forward as they sought an equaliser.

They eventually got what they were after in the 51st minute when Elis Mana fired the ball into the net off an odd-angled cross from Steward Toata.

With the score locked at one apiece, the intensity of the match increased once again as both sides chased the three points. The Solomon Islanders had the better chances of the remaining period but couldnt break down the Fiji back line forcing them to take a share of the points.

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U17 Qualifiers Progressing for Oceania Cup EMTV Online - EMTV Online

Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts – Orlando Sentinel

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Walt Disney World on Thursday unveiled expansion plans for its Coronado Springs and Caribbean Beach hotels.

Coronado Springs Resort will get a new 15-story tower with500 rooms, featuring suites and concierge level services.

The new tower overlooking Lago Dorado, the resorts centerpiece lake, will allow guests to experiencerooftop dining with viewsof fireworks from Disney theme parks.

The hotel will also refurbish its rooms.

Disney said on its blog it also plans to transform Coronado Springs landscape. There will be floating gardens and an island oasis that connects the resort through a series of bridges.

Also there will be additions to the Caribbean Beach Resort, including new waterfront dining and retail shopping areas at the Centertown marketplace. Disney said in a blog post this centralized location will offer the resorts guests more convenient access to services, amenities and dining.

The Southwestern-themed Coronado Springs opened 20 years ago, aiming to capture the convention market.

Caribbean Beach Resort has been around since the late 1980s.

Both are Disney moderate resorts. Both hotels currently average about $209 a night.

spedicini@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5240; Twitter @SandraPedicini

spedicini@orlandosentinel.com or 407-420-5240; Twitter @SandraPedicini

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Disney World announces expansion at Coronado Springs, Caribbean Beach resorts - Orlando Sentinel

Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean – St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)

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St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)
Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean
St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)
Press Release:-In light of the cordial nature that characterizes bilateral relations between Venezuela and the Caribbean countries, a delegation spearheaded by Mr. Jesus Faria, Venezuela's Minister for External Commerce and International Trade ...

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Venezuela promotes trade with Caribbean - St. Lucia Times Online News (press release)

Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 – Amsterdam News

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THE BAHAMAS (Feb. 16, 2017)Caribbean tourism fared well in 2016, and industry stakeholders are generally upbeat about the year ahead, despite the fact that many hoteliers were forced to adjust their high performance expectations for 2016 as the year progressed because of unforeseen events.

Announcing the results of the second annual Caribbean Hotel and Tourism Association Industry Performance and Outlook Study,Frank Comito, director general and CEO of the private sector association, stated that more than four out of five (81 percent) hoteliers have an encouraging outlook.

Comito explained that the survey,conducted by CHTA, was undertaken to assist the organization in gaining a better understanding of the state of the tourism economy, its outlook, and the degree to which a number of factors impact or may affect the tourism industry.

The survey, administeredduring the first two weeks of this year, polleda representative sampling of hotels throughout the Caribbean of varying sizes and categories, and looked at their 2016 performance and 2017 expectations for factorsin areassuch as employment levels, revenue, profits, capital spending, room occupancy and room rates, each forming the basis for assessing the state of the tourism economy.

In 2016, hoteliers reported an even split on revenue performance, with 47 percent recording an increase and a similar percentage reporting a decrease. Although expectations for the yearwere higher initially, last years mixed performance came after an exceptionalyear for Caribbean tourism in 2015.

Hoteliers entered 2016 with high performance expectations, but these were tempered as a combination of unanticipated factors surfaced during the year, said Comito. These events included a warmer than usual winter in the regions primary feeder markets, Canadian and UK exchange rates, Brexit, the threat ofZika and political and economic certainty in parts of the world, according to the survey respondents.

Despite these developments, the profitability picture improved over the previous year, with most hotels registering a net profit in 2016. Seventy-eight percent of respondents reported a net profit, whereas 22percent reported a net loss. Looking ahead, in 2017 more than two-thirds (67 percent) anticipate an increase in revenue, and 56 percent expect a slight improvement in profits.

It was encouraging to note that approximately 55 percent of hotels also increased capital expenditures in 2016, with a quarterof those investing more than 10 percent over what they did in 2015. This is a positive sign and an indication of long-term confidence by Caribbean hoteliers in the industry, reported Comito.

Althoughroom occupancy decreased for just more than half (51 percent) of the reporting hotels, a notable proportion (29 percent)reported an increase in occupancy. More hoteliers are optimistic for 2017, with two-thirds expecting an increase in occupancy.

Despite the fact that average daily room rates were reduced by 45 percent of hotels, as many as 42 percent increased their rates. This year, approximately 55 percent of hoteliers expect to increase ADRs whereas only 15 percent expect downward pressure on rates.

It is important to note that employment levels were maintained by 55 percentof survey respondentsin 2016, whereas only 17 percent reduced staffing levels, anda sizable proportion (28 percent) hired more staff. This pattern is anticipated to continue in 2017.

Despite the mixed results in 2016, hoteliersappear to begenerallyoptimistic about the year ahead.

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Caribbean hoteliers predict positive tourism performance for 2017 - Amsterdam News

Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News – Scuttlebutt Sailing News

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A fleet of over 80 yachts is expected for the ninth edition of the 2017 RORC Caribbean 600 in which 900 sailors from 30 different nations will race non-stop around 11 Caribbean islands, starting and finishing in Antigua. Passionate corinthians will be rubbing shoulders with Olympic medallists, Americas Cup winners and round the world sailors in a race to take home the coveted RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy. The 600 mile course is designed to offer a tactical, high speed race with stunning vistas at every corner.

The RORC Caribbean 600 is very different to the other 600 mile races and definitely not a holiday race in the Caribbean, commented RORC Racing Manager, Nick Elliott. The race has many tactical legs with land effects and wind-driven currents which are both difficult to predict. The heat of the day and the long nights are also unusual features for an offshore race making it every bit as challenging as the Rolex Fastnet Race, and just as exciting. It is interesting to note that the records for the Rolex Fastnet Race and the RORC Caribbean 600 are very similar.

Featuring a magnificent collection of yachts, an incredibly varied fleet will be racing under the IRC, CSA and MOCRA rating systems, as well as Class40s racing under class rules. Rambler 88, Phaedo3 and Maserati will be gunning for course records, however, the winner of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy will be decided by the yacht with the best corrected time under IRC.

Monohull Record: 2011 George David, Rambler 100 40 hours 20 mins 02 secs.

George Davids Rambler 88 RORC/Tim Wright Photoaction.com

George Davids American Maxi Rambler 88 is back with an impressive crew line-up for another tilt at the race record, the overall win and class honours. New Zealands multiple Americas Cup winner, Brad Butterworth is part of an impressive afterguard including fellow Kiwi, Brad Jackson and Australian navigator, Andrew Cape. Virtually the entire crew are Americas Cup winners and stars of the Volvo Ocean Race.

Multihull Record: 2016 Lloyd Thornburg & Brian Thompson, MOD70 Phaedo3 31 hours, 59 mins 04 secs.

Lloyd Thornburgs American MOD 70 Phaedo3 has lowered the bar for the multihulls for the last two years and this year will be up against stiff competition from Giovanni Soldinis Italian MOD70, Maserati.

Phaedo3 has assembled a phenomenal crew for the race and multiple world record holder, Brian Thompson is joined by Volvo Ocean Race winners Robert Greenhalgh and Damian Foxall. Extreme 40 champion, Pete Cumming and the formidable talent of Michel Desjoyeux, the only sailor to have won the Vende Globe twice. Maseratis skipper, Giovanni Soldini is Italys most decorated offshore sailor and Maserati has been fitted with foils which can provide a speed advantage over Phaedo3. A fascinating contest for multihull line honours is expected.

Phaedo3, Lloyd Thornburgs MOD70 Rachel Fallon-Langdon

The winner of the Multihull Class will be the yacht with the best corrected time under MOCRA. Seven teams are entered including Shaun Carrolls Australian Modified Sea Cart 30, Morticia which is the smallest yacht competing in the entire fleet, and the head-turning all-carbon R-Six, skippered by Robert Janecki, which is the first ever entry from Belize.

IRC Overall for the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy Overall winners of the previous eight editions of the race have all come from IRC Canting Keel and IRC Zero. Amongst this years favourites are two Maxi 72s: Hap Fauths Bella Mente overall winner in the 2015 race, and current holder of the RORC Caribbean 600 Trophy, George Sakellaris Proteus.

Whilst the two Maxi 72s are firm favourites, the stellar cast racing in IRC Canting Keel and IRC Zero includes; Farr 100 Leopard and three Volvo 70s, Lionel Peans SFS II from France, Trifork skippered by Dutchman Bouwe Bekking and Green Dragon, skippered by Austrian Johannes Schwarz. The dark horse of the canting keel class is Maverick, skippered by Oliver Cotterell. The Infiniti 46 with DSS side foils was class winner for the RORC Transatlantic Race and the Rolex Middle Sea Race.

In IRC Zero, the 182ft schooner Adela, skippered by Greg Perkins is the largest yacht taking part and making a RORC Caribbean 600 debut is Anders Nordquists Shamanna. The 115ft superyacht is the largest of nine Swans competing this year and boasts a crew including many of Maltas best sailors from the Calascione, Podesta and Ripard families. RORC Admiral and IMA Secretary General, Andrew McIrvine is a guest aboard Grant Gordons Maxi cruiser 72, Louise. Overall winner of the 2017 Cape to Rio Race, Stefan Jentzschs German Carkeek 47, Black Pearl is the smallest yacht in IRC Zero. South African Americas Cup sailors, Mark Sadler and Marc Lagesse form the afterguard.

Adela, the magnificent schooner is the largest yacht in the RORC Caribbean 600 fleet RORC/Tim Wright

With 17 yachts, the largest class competing this year is IRC One and a huge variety of yachts includes Giles Redpaths Lombard 46, Pata Negra, with RORC Commodore, Michael Boyd among the crew. Bernie Evan Wongs RP37, Taz will be proudly flying the Antiguan flag once again. Bernie is the life and soul of the race having competed in all nine editions as skipper.

The IRC Two champion, Ross Applebeys Scarlet Oyster is back attempting to win the class for the fourth consecutive race in a highly competitive field including; Ed Fishwicks Redshift on El Ocaso with a young, top-class crew including, 2012 Olympic Silver Medallist Luke Patience and Figaro sailors, Alan Roberts and Nick Cherry, as well as Volvo Ocean Race sailor, Nick Bubb.

Close racing is expected in IRC Three among four vintage Swans, including two Sparkman & Stephens designed Swan 48s, Jonty Layfields Sleeper X and Andrew & Mia Schells Isbjorn. Peter Hopps, skipper of the Sigma 38, Sam has competed in every edition of the RORC Caribbean 600.

Short-Handed Challengers A number of young talented Figaro teams are expected from Guadeloupe and James Healds British Swan 45 Nemesis will be racing Two-Handed. Five Class 40s will be competing including Halvard Mabire and Miranda Merrons Campagne de France which won the Class40 division in the 2016 RORC Transatlantic Race, Catherine Pourres Erendil, Peter Hardings Phor-ty, Mikael Rykings Talanta and Marc Lepesqueuxs Saint-Pierre & Miquelon.

Event details Notice of Race Entry list

Background: The 9th edition of the RORC Caribbean 600 starts from Antigua on Monday February 20, 2017. The 600nm course circumnavigates 11 Caribbean Islands starting from Fort Charlotte, English Harbour, Antigua and heads north as far as St Martin and south to Guadeloupe taking in Barbuda, Nevis, St Kitts, Saba and St Barths.

Source: Royal Ocean Racing Club

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Record Fleet for RORC Caribbean 600 >> Scuttlebutt Sailing News - Scuttlebutt Sailing News

Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica – Jamaica Observer

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KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) A report on non-standard forms of employment (NSE) that provides a comprehensive look at employment including temporary work, part-time work, temporary agency work and subcontracting and disguised employment relationships will be presented at a meeting of Caribbean ministers of labour to be held in Jamaica later this month.

The 10th International Labour Organization (ILO) meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour from February 23 24 will also provide an opportunity for the labour ministers, permanent secretaries and other high-level officials of the English and Dutch-speaking Caribbean to discuss labour issues that are of mutual concern to the region.

The two-day meeting will be held under the theme Realising Decent Work Under the 2030 Agenda and will focus on two main areas, namely Elevating Decent Work to the National and Regional Policy level through social partnership and Instruments and Practical Tools for Decent Work.

The organisers said that the delegates will be presented with the NSE report on the opening day of their deliberations.

It is the first comprehensive report on NSE including temporary work, part-time work, temporary agency work and subcontracting, dependent self-employment and disguised employment relationships.

Minister of Labour and Social Security Shahine Robinson, and ILO Director General Guy Ryder will address the conference.

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Caribbean labour ministers to meet in Jamaica - Jamaica Observer