May 29, 2015 This week on Basic Black - a vision for a new Boston. We take a look at Mayor Walsh’s Boston 2030, the first citywide plan in 50 years — it’s targeted to coincide with Boston’s 400th birthday.

Panelists:
- Callie Crossley, Host, Under the Radar with Callie Crossley, 89.7 WGBH
- Phillip Martin, Senior Reporter
- Jerome Smith, Chief of Civic Engagement, City of Boston
- Ayanna Pressley, Boston City Councilor At-Large
- John Barros, Chief of Economic Development, City of Boston

The state's online registration for Covered California has been up for a couple of weeks, and reaction has been mixed.

Steve Julian: Business analyst, Mark Lacter, what's your take on how well Californians are getting into the Affordable Care Act?

Mark Lacter: It's hard to get a good read, Steve, because it's hard to measure the success of what is really a new marketplace.  If you're basing it on the number of unique visitors coming to the Covered California website, well, then the program clearly has attracted lots of interest - they had almost a million visitors during the first week of eligibility.  But, maybe a better measure would be the number of people whose applications actually have been received by the insurance companies that are going to handle the claims.  If that's your measuring stick, then the numbers have been far smaller so far.  Now, it's worth pointing out that California - and particularly L.A. County - have a higher percentage of households without insurance than other parts of the nation, and so you'd expect there to be lots of interest.

Julian: So the question, then, is how many folks turn into actual policyholders paying actual premiums each month.

Lacter: The truth is nobody knows, which is why state officials want to sign up as many people as possible in the early going when the program is getting so much attention.  This is especially true for younger and healthier people who are needed to help offset the cost of caring for older and sicker people.

Julian: And, that's also why any computer glitch can be such a headache...

Lacter: That's right.  Covered California did run into problems in the early going, but everybody agrees that things are going much better than the federal website, which is the default site used by folks in states that don't have their own program to oversee the health care laws.  That federal site has been an utter disaster.  So, by comparison, California is ahead of the game.

Julian: It's a work in progress, even here.

Lacter: Very much so.  The California website still doesn't have a way for enrollees to find out which doctors and hospitals are included in each health plan.  And, that's a big deal because  insurance companies are limiting the options available as a way of keeping premiums low.  So, it's possible that the doctor you had been using for your individual insurance plan will not be on the list of doctors that can be used for one of the cheaper plans.  Of course, for someone who doesn't have any health coverage, none of that is likely to matter.

Julian: And then, there's the continued threat of a U.S. default...

Lacter: You know, Steve, this is like watching the beginning of a bad traffic accident in slow motion - and we're all pretty helpless to do anything about it.  And, so are the financial markets, which are moving back and forth not based on what's going on with the economy or with any industry, but on the latest press conference out of Washington.  One thing we do know is that if the nation does go into quote-unquote default - and we're not even sure what that might mean - but if Wall Street and somehow declares this a major crisis, it's going to be bad.

Julian: Who gets hit?

Lacter: It'll impact anyone who has a retirement account, any business wanting to borrow money, and potentially it's going to impact the budgeting of the state.  You know, one of the things we were reminded of during the Great Recession was how reliant California has been on higher-income individuals who make a lot of their money through the stock market and other investments.  So, when those folks do well - as they have been over the last year - the state coffers will do well.  And when they don't, as was the case in 2008 and 2009, the state takes a huge hit because there's not enough tax dollars coming in.  Gov. Brown and others have tried to lessen the reliance on those top tiers - so far without success.

Julian: And the state's budget situation is so much better than it was a year or two ago.

Lacter: That's the real pity.  And, even if the House and Senate reach a temporary agreement on the debt ceiling, it's just a matter of weeks or months before another deadline crops up - and more uncertainty for the financial markets.  I guess Chick Hearn would have called this nervous time.

Mark Lacter writes for Los Angeles Magazine and pens the business blog at LA Observed.com.

This content is from Southern California Public Radio. View the original story at SCPR.org.

Barbara’s has expanded its portfolio of Non-GMO Project Verified foods with the addition of Barbara’s Better Granola, available in Oats & Honey and Dark Chocolate Cranberry.

Select segments of salty snacks like extruded snacks, chips and pretzels have aligned with prevailing shopper desires, and their sales numbers show it.

Bricks are better black. ◾️ (at Toronto, Ontario)

The OSCE Presence in Albania on 24 March 2016 launched a series of workshops for the Albanian border and migration police with the aim of raising their capacity to respond to the challenges of irregular migration, particularly in light of the increased migrant flows through the Western Balkans.

The first of the workshops, which are being organized in close partnership with the Directorate of the Albanian State Police and the General Directorate of Border and Migration, took place in Korça, where 20 border and migration police were trained on measures to be taken to cope with the situation.

The subjects were based on trends as identified by Frontex and EUROPOL, and included migrant routes, the pre-screening of migrants, profiling of possible terrorist fighters, and the detection of criminal offences. The workshop was conducted by experts from the Albanian Europol National Unit and the Albanian Border and Migration Police.

The OSCE Presence, together with its Albanian partners, will organize similar workshops in the coming days with the border and migration police in Gjirokastra and in Shkodra. 

Related Stories

• Young people in Albania say NO to corruption
• OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Steinmeier visits Albania, reiterates support for Albanian institutions and its citizens
• Students launch exhibition against domestic violence as part of OSCE Presence in Albania campaign

Electronics, apparel and other products are priced at under $20.

New Health Care Technology: Is It Better to Build or Buy?  Leonard Davis Institute

[ENA] Addis Ababa -- Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed reviewed today the second phase of the Addis Ababa Corridor development underway on eight corridor pathways across the city.

Zomato chief executive officer Deepinder Goyal took to social media to congratulate rival food delivery platform Swiggy on its stock market debut on Wednesday. The Sriharsha Majety-led company listed on the bourses with an 8% premium over its IPO price.

In a blog post on Wednesday, the company said the new Amazon Haul storefront will mostly feature products that cost less than $10 and offer free delivery on orders over $25.

Florida-based tenor saxophonist Jeff Rupert leads a superlative quartet on It Gets Better, a graceful and charming album recorded September 2021 at the renowned Van Gelder Studio in New Jersey. While comparisons to other musicians are as a rule less than viable, the striking similarities between Rupert and the late jazz giant Stan Getz cannot simply be overlooked or ignored... [ read more ]

The standard 2022 iPad remains the top tablet for most users, while the 2024 iPad Air offers a boost in power for those with more demanding workloads.

Rhode Island's largest public school district agreed to ensure all immigrant students receive suitable English language instruction from properly trained and qualified teachers.

Promises to build 30,000 affordable rental homes, make Halifax ferries free and temporarily remove the provincial tax on gasoline were centrepieces of the Nova Scotia NDP election platform released Wednesday.

The Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra 5G and Apple iPhone 16 Pro Max are available at a starting price of Rs 1,21,999 and Rs 1,44,900, respectively. Both models offer premium design language and come equipped with the latest hardware. In this comparison, we will discuss both models in depth and recommend which one you should consider.

World Diabetes Day 2024: Altering night-time routines can be an effective strategy in managing diabetes, here's how.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen or AIMIM has joined the battle for Maharashtra, hoping to expand its niche in the western state.

Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi's All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul-Muslimeen or AIMIM has joined the battle for Maharashtra, hoping to expand its niche in the western state.

Birds are one type of animal that have adapted to not feel the effects of spicy foods that humans often do.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday reaffirmed the Centre's commitment to providing better healthcare and improving the living conditions of the countrymen.

Emergency signboards and lane markings near roundabouts have not yet been introduced to streamline the traffic management

Investors keenly comparing Swiggy to its main competitor, Zomato, which has already experienced two years in the stock markets

Bettermile, a Berlin-based provider of last-mile delivery software-as-a-service (SaaS), today announced the findings of its latest study, The State of Last Mile Tracking in the USA.

Maximising fuel efficiency is a top priority for many automobile enthusiasts. Tuning your engine can significantly enhance performance and save costs. This guide explores advanced techniques to optimise your engine for better mileage, focusing on practical steps and real-world benefits. Understanding

Bishop of Milan: In the late 4th century there was a deep conflict in the diocese of Milan between the Catholics and Arians. In 374 the bishop of Milan, Auxentius, an Arian, died, and the Arians challenged the succession. Ambrose went to the church where the election was to take place, to prevent an uproar, which was probable in this crisis. His address was interrupted by a call "Ambrose, bishop!", which was taken up by the whole assembly. Ambrose was known to be Catholic in belief, but also acceptable to Arians due to the charity shown in theological matters in this regard. At first he energetically refused the office, for which he was in no way prepared: Ambrose was neither baptized nor formally trained in theology. Upon his appointment, St. Ambrose fled to a colleague's home seeking to hide. Upon receiving a letter from the Emperor Gratian praising the appropriateness of Rome appointing individuals evidently worthy of holy positions, St. Ambrose's host gave Ambrose up. Within a week, Ambrose was baptized, ordained and duly consecrated bishop of Milan. As bishop, he immediately adopted an ascetic lifestyle, apportioned his money to the poor, donating all of his land, making only provision for his sister Marcellina (who later became a nun), and committed the care of his family to his brother. Ambrose also wrote a treatise by the name of "The Goodness Of Death". -- Ambrose and Arians: According to legend, Ambrose immediately and forcefully stopped Arianism in Milan. He studied theology with Simplician, a presbyter of Rome. Using his excellent knowledge of Greek, which was then rare in the West, to his advantage, he studied the Hebrew Bible and Greek authors like Philo, Origen, Athanasius, and Basil of Caesarea, with whom he was also exchanging letters. He applied this knowledge as preacher, concentrating especially on exegesis of the Old Testament, and his rhetorical abilities impressed Augustine of Hippo, who hitherto had thought poorly of Christian preachers. In the confrontation with Arians, Ambrose sought to theologically refute their propositions, which were heretical. The Arians appealed to many high level leaders and clergy in both the Western and Eastern empires. Although the western Emperor Gratian held orthodox belief in the Nicene creed, the younger Valentinian II, who became his colleague in the Empire, adhered to the Arian creed. Ambrose did not sway the young prince's position. In the East, Emperor Theodosius I likewise professed the Nicene creed; but there were many adherents of Arianism throughout his dominions, especially among the higher clergy. In this contested state of religious opinion, two leaders of the Arians, bishops Palladius of Ratiaria and Secundianus of Singidunum, confident of numbers, prevailed upon Gratian to call a general council from all parts of the empire. This request appeared so equitable that he complied without hesitation. However, Ambrose feared the consequences and prevailed upon the emperor to have the matter determined by a council of the Western bishops. Accordingly, a synod composed of thirty-two bishops was held at Aquileia in the year 381 A.D. Ambrose was elected president and Palladius, being called upon to defend his opinions, declined. A vote was then taken, when Palladius and his associate Secundianus were deposed from the episcopal office. Nevertheless, the increasing strength of the Arians proved a formidable task for Ambrose. In 385 or 386 the emperor and his mother Justina, along with a considerable number of clergy and laity, especially military, professed Arianism. They demanded two churches in Milan, one in the city (the basilica of the Apostles), the other in the suburbs (St Victor's), to the Arians. Ambrose refused and was required to answer for his conduct before the council. He went, his eloquence in defense of the Church reportedly overawed the ministers of Emperor Valentinian, so he was permitted to retire without making the surrender of the churches. The day following, when he was performing divine service in the basilica, the prefect of the city came to persuade him to give up at least the Portian basilica in the suburbs. As he still continued obstinate, the court proceeded to violent measures: the officers of the household were commanded to prepare the Basilica and the Portian churches to celebrate divine service upon the arrival of the emperor and his mother at the ensuing festival of Easter. -- In spite of Imperial opposition, Bishop Ambrose declared: "If you demand my person, I am ready to submit: carry me to prison or to death, I will not resist; but I will never betray the church of Christ. I will not call upon the people to succour me; I will die at the foot of the altar rather than desert it. The tumult of the people I will not encourage: but God alone can appease it."

Net Alpha Financial Systems, LLC, the technology company developing solutions that are transforming the way manufacturers, producers, distributors, and brokers transact in raw materials, today announced materialx® Decision Support, a new cloud-based subscription service that enables supply chain management organizations to make better raw material purchase decisions.

The new indoor basketball set has adjustable rim and backboard to enable the most creative trick shots.

Banking on a Winner! Multiple awards for the new Bank-A-Ball Mini Basketball Hoop for adults or kids

Bray Austin acjzi at kforce.com. Mon Apr 9 11:50:06 PDT 2007. Previous message: gingham. Next message: Simplyukgadgets Forums, ...

Small business owners can now compete on an (almost) level playing field with big brands, all through applying the principles and use of content marketing. Regardless of the size of the business, the goal is the same: to use relevant content to attract qualified customers or clients.

complete article

More targeted marketing was one of the biggest contributions enterprises welcomed when big data first hit. Big data allowed brands to create elaborate, yet personalized campaigns that evolved to become increasingly effective as salesmen and marketers learned how to actually use all of the data they now had access to. But now, big data has become so broad and complex it has outgrown its ability to provide tangible results without the translation of an IT department.

complete article

Video is a medium that gives your small business lots of different options for communicating and sharing information with customers. But it can be sort of overwhelming for some small businesses. Arielle Kimbarovsky of CrowdSpring offers some suggestions for businesses looking to make the most of video in a recent post.

complete article

I spend a lot of time asking employees about how leaders can be more effective communicators. Just yesterday, in fact, I moderated a focus group with employees at a fast-growing consumer products company.

The people in the group provided the same feedback I hear time and time again: Leaders are pretty good at sharing information, but they are lousy listeners.

complete article

The growth of cybercrime will cost the global economy more than $2 trillion by 2019, according to the Better Business Bureau’s 2017 State of Cybersecurity Among Small Businesses in North America report.

Cost of a Cyber Attack
When it comes to small businesses, the report said the overall annual loss was estimated at almost $80K or $79,841 on average. And as more small businesses become equal parts digital and brick-and-mortar, securing both aspects of their company is more important than ever.
The risks small business owners face in the digital world has increased their awareness of the dangers of this ecosystem. A survey conducted by GetApp in 2017 revealed security concerns ranked second as the challenges small businesses were facing.

complete article

Every day brings a tidal wave of choices, from hiring to product features to marketing plans. As the founder and CEO of JotForm, I know that decision-making is one of the toughest parts of my job. Technology and markets evolve at lightning speed, and there’s endless data to weigh with every choice.

On the bright side, learning to make smart decisions can help you work more productively, manage stress, dodge burnout and feel more satisfied in your business and your life.

complete article

Small businesses could soon see a rollback of several universally loathed measures attached to the original Paycheck Protection Program, the $669 billion loan and grant initiative aimed at helping small businesses keep employees on the payroll.

When the House convenes next Wednesday, it is expected to vote on the Paycheck Protection Flexibility Act, a standalone bill that would, among other things, lengthen the time businesses may spend the funds from their PPP loans. The bill would also eliminate the requirement that 75 percent of a loan's proceeds must be spent on employee pay and benefits. The measure was originally proposed on May 15 in the House by representatives Dean Phillips (D., Minn.) and Chip Roy (R., Texas).  

Highly Recommended

The Show:

Back when I was half joking about the acumen with which Better Call Saul was going in its second season, you knew that it would head down a sad yet inevitable road, right? Jimmy (its second season) would become Saul eventually, despite his best efforts otherwise.

There are two big changes that have occurred since I wrote a lot of words down about the show; one being the death of Jimmy's brother Chuck (Michael McKean, This is Spinal Tap) and the introduction or reacquainting if you will of Gus Fring (Giancarlo Esposito, Breaking Bad), both of which occur in Seaso...Read the entire review

****************************************************************
This is a message from your upline Director John O’Driscoll. Team we are 310+ strong and growing fast!
****************************************************************

1. Welcome to New Team Members
   
   I would just like to personally welcome the following team members who have joined in the last couple of days.
   
   Millionaire Club
   Marvin frendo combo
   Michael Summers
   
   Make sure you go to our first steps guide Click here
   
   
2. Tony Michael Faculty Call
   
   This is one of the best calls I have listened to for a while, listen in and get fired up for August!
   
   Click Here
   
   
3. Message from your Vice President Ned Rae (20,000 members in under 3 years!)
   
   TEAM!
   Things are moving fast, MOMENTUM is just around the corner and NOW IS THE TIME FOR ACTION!
   You can be at the right place at the right time and still miss the boat, it is that ACTION that is required.
   
   IF ACTION IS WHAT YOU WANT, IT’S ACTION YOU’RE GOING TO GET!!
   
   Don’t miss the TEAM Training call SATURDAY August 4th at 1:00PM Central Time. pin code 67207#
   
   We have been looking for a SYSTEM that would help us integrate the Internet with our WORD OF MOUTH Network Marketing. Thanks to the efforts of Mike Ward, a TOP Money Earner with Success University a system is here.
   
   Mike will be our SPECAIL GUEST on the call tomorrow. Mike will be explaining his SU Builder Auto Responder system designed for Success University. You will not want to miss this call!
   There are also updates to be shared from our own Lou Bonaventura on our TEAM Training Website.
   
   Get on the call early, there are only 99 in coming lines, the call will fill up…Let SU Builder and this TEAM help you build that foundation before that great momentum push arrives!!
   
   
4. Following up your leads
   
   Members of the team coop I have posted some guidance on follow up in the coop blog. This can be used by anyone following up on your leads.
   ==> Click Here
   
   
5. August Bonuses
   
   Guys have you checked out this months bonuses – they are the best I have ever seen. I want you to take a look at the special Director bonus on offer this month.
   
   If you’re a student there is the real possibility of earning a lot of money this month. Lets break it down. To become a director you need to have 10 people you have personally sponsored and for 3 of those people to have become a counsellor (they have signed 5 people themselves)
   
   Now if you really go for it this month this is what you are going to earn in one month.
   
   10 personal sign ups = 10x$20 = $200
   15 sign ups by your team = 15*$5 = $75
   2x2 bonus =$1000 (You should be able to get two of these)
   Director Bonus =$1500
   Total =$2775
   
   You will actually earn more than this as there are other bonus payments but I just want to illustrate that this is really the month you want to pull out all of the stops. If your brand new to the business or have been in for a while you need to know that people have become a Director in days so with massive action one month is very achievable.
   
   

Best Foreign Language Oscar winner for 2011. Danish director Susanne Bier and screenwriter Anders Thomas Jensen tell a stoic story about two upper-middle class Danish families, one just stricken with the natural death of the mother, the other slipping from estrangement into divorce. Each has a boy about 11 years old. Chew calls it grounded and uplifting, despite the strife, pain and disillusionment. Now in limited release, opens at Tulsa's Circle Cinema on 5/20.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Ash Grey T-Shirt - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Baseball Jersey - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this BBQ Apron - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Button - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Dog T-Shirt - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Fitted T-Shirt - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Golf Shirt - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.

Proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope" with this Hooded Sweatshirt - Are you tired of looking forward to things only to have plans fall apart? Do you try to see the bright side of life, only to see even darker clouds? As you attempt to get closer to your dreams and desires, do they seem to get farther away? Whenever you anticipate something good to happen, do you get crushed in the end? Then maybe you will feel better if you just gave up hope and be able to proudly announce to the world, "I Feel Much Better, Since I Gave Up Hope". Think about it, it may be the only way to go, without hope, there is no more let downs or disappointments. After giving up hope you will feel better, because there will no longer be any expectations for anything good to happen, so everything will be either good or business as usual.