"Occupy Oakland" strike gains big labor support
(AP)OAKLAND, Calif. - A widely anticipated strike Wednesday by anti-Wall Street demonstrators in Oakland is expected to get a big boost from organized labor and established advocacy groups whose grievances range from school closures and waning union benefits to home foreclosures and cuts to libraries and services for the disabled.
The unions representing Oakland's public school teachers, community college instructors, city government workers and University of California, Berkeley teaching assistants have endorsed the broad-based call to action that is expected to include marches, pickets outside banks and an attempt to shut down the Port of Oakland in the evening.
However, the city's police union in an open letter Tuesday slammed Mayor Jean Quan for her "flip-flop" stance on the city's Occupy Wall Street protests, questioning her motives and why the city plans to beef up its police presence at strike-related events while giving other city workers leeway to participate.
"Is it the city's intention to have city employees on both sides of a skirmish line?" the letter said.
The scathing letter comes one week after police were asked to clear the protesters' encampment during an early morning raid, only to have Quan allow the protesters to reclaim the plaza outside City Hall the next day by tearing down fences protecting the lawn.
The raid, along with the tear gas-clouded standoff with marchers that night, led to about 100 arrests and other law enforcement actions related to the protest including an Iraq War veteran receiving a fractured skull during one clash.
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Last Tuesday alone cost Oakland $1 million, said Sgt. Dom Arotzarena, president of the Oakland police union. He said that police are now confused about Quan's stance heading into Wednesday.
Creative Ways To Paint Walls - News

A widely anticipated strike Wednesday by anti-Wall Street demonstrators in Oakland is expected to get a big boost from organized labor and established advocacy groups whose grievances range from school closures and waning union benefits to home

I knew once those were installed I'd never be able to paint the walls behind them). It's hard to imagine how I'd have gotten a painter to work on my schedule (“come quick, tonight – the compound is dry!”) and in such little bursts.
“The Problem We All Live With” depicts a young African-American girl on her way to school accompanied by four federal agents. On the wall behind her are racial slurs and tomato stains. The famous image, inspired by a real-life incident,

Due in large part to fan feedback over the last three seasons, the Mets will paint the new wall blue instead of black. The orange home run line will remain, as will the black metal railing atop the left-field wall. Construction on the new walls could
“I think a painting on a wall or a bronze sculpture, whatever, are just the physical culmination of a creative process. “Sometimes how an artist is differentiated from others is just about where you stop within that process.” Black explains that she
Easy kids' room updates can make winter less dreary | Pro Hands at ...
(ARA) – As temperatures drop and the days grow shorter, kids begin spending more and more time indoors. To help make spending time inside more enjoyable, give your child’s room a fun makeover. With bright colors and fun details, you can transform a bland bed or playroom into a kid-friendly space they won’t want to leave.
Color the walls An easy way to inject color and personality into any room is with paint, and Dutch Boy’s Crayola palette is perfect for creating a fun atmosphere. Kids can choose colors that match those in their crayon boxes, with names like Granny Smith Apple, Razzmatazz, Crayola Canary and Inch Worm. If you’re in need of some extra creative inspiration, Dutch Boy’s website offers a number of images and idea cards using color combinations from the Crayola palette. You can even download how-to painting instructions and coloring pages for the kids. And don’t stop at the walls – paint dressers, chairs and other furniture bright colors to make the whole room pop. All 96 shades of the Crayola palette are available in Dutch Boy’s popular Refresh line, so you’re sure to find the perfect color to match your child’s personality.
Canopy To give your child’s room unique flair, divide the space and add privacy, a canopy will do the trick. Whether store-bought or hand-made, a canopy can create a whimsical feel that your child will love. Drape your child’s choice of lightweight fabrics from four ceiling hooks to create a customized cover for his or her bed. And while canopies are usually seen as bed accessories, don’t think that’s where they have to stay. Hang a version with a circular base and arrange plush cushions on the floor to create a comfy reading nook for your little one.
Chalkboard Inspiring creativity and adding some fun to your child’s room is as easy as A-B-C. With chalkboard paint, you can give your child a new way to practice the alphabet, arithmetic, drawing and much more. Simply cover a flat surface with a product like easy-spray Krylon Chalkboard Paint, let dry, and voila! For a standard message board, paint the backside of a bulletin board or other sturdy panel with a few coats of paint. Hang the board on the wall with a piece of colorful ribbon or set on an easel, and you’ve got an easy-to-clean way for kids to learn and play. You might even transform tabletops or toy box covers into chalkboards to give them more space to get creative.
