St. Nick The Grinch: Nasty Santa Fired From Mall After Parents Complained On Facebook

video

Turns out, everyone?s susceptible to the holiday blues: a mall Santa was fired in Maine for being a downright grinch. Parents complained and fa-la-la-la-la, he lost his job.

Taking to Facebook, the angry parents voiced their irritation with the Scrooge Santa. The mother of 6-year-old Chantel Mailhiot told WGME 13 that the Santa wouldn?t allow her daughter to sit on his lap simply because she didn?t purchase a $20 photo package. Apparently, though, it gets worse: even after little Chantel told Santa she wanted an American girl doll, he told her that instead, she?d get an ?American football.?

After Chantel?s mom went on Facebook to lodge her complaint, she found a sea of complaints from other parents regarding the callous Santa, as well. Janelle Bavota wrote, ?The Santa here is extremely rude, abrupt, and has no holiday spirit whatsoever. I was very disappointed.? Others complained of ?dirty looks? from the Santa to their children.

Another mom, Ka Judice, said,

?We had the same experience today. He made my 11 year old son cry [sic] ? basically told him he was being greedy ? my son who has neurological problems and very much believes was so confused!!! I don?t know what to do now. If I take him to a new Santa elsewhere my kids might notice the difference. They have always believed the mall had the real Santa.?

Apparently, bad Santa?s predecessor was better: Vanadu Van commented, ?You should have the Santa you have had in years past! He is a great Santa and I really enjoyed him. He?s great with the kids! You can tell he really loves what he does and passes the true spirit and joy of Christmas along.?

The Maine Mall responded to the complaints, telling customers they had fired the bad Santa and cleared up mall policy:

?We expect Santa to treat all children equally, always have. There are no codes, slanted policies, or exceptions. This is something we have been crystal clear about with Santa every year. ANY person (kids, teens, adults? even pets on Monday nights!) can sit on his lap, talk to him, get a candy cane or whatever souvenir he?s handing out if he hasn?t run out that day (which can happen). ALL, whether you buy pictures or not. It?s an OPTION, not a requirement, to buy photography packages. Many parents? issues result when they take out their cell phone to snap a quick shot, ignoring the posted ?No personal photography signs.??

The mall also told customers to speak up about any problems they face, saying, ?We encourage families to call us personally when there are issues so that we can relay the stories to the staff involved, insist on changes when possible, and continue improving the percentage of families who are happy.?

The Santa was unavailable for comment.

Watch the full clip below, via WGME:

h/t Travelers Today
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Source: http://www.mediaite.com/tv/st-nick-the-grinch-bad-santa-fired-from-mall-after-parents-complained-on-facebook/

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Using Social Media to Generate Sales Leads | Icontuners.com | Free ...

Dec
9

Learning how to consistently generate sales leads can mean the difference between entrepreneurial success and failure. An online business can only thrive through receiving adequate exposure. The internet, and all of its wonders, allow businesses to bring their products directly to the consumer. This can be done by executing a number of proven strategies. Before reviewing these potent marketing tools, it?s vital to reiterate the importance of generating sales leads.

A business, to be bold, cannot and will not last without constantly pursuing new clients. Chances are a market already exists for the product your business is promoting. Why be satisfied with your current exposure when it is not a difficult task to expand? I believe that utilizing available social media outlets to market your online business can equip your company with adequate tools for expansion. If you trawl the internet, I believe your findings will back up my beliefs.

The Use of Blogging

The internet is dominated by content. Without written content, no product can be found online by potential consumers. Consistent blogging can help any business establish a foundation for an online marketing campaign. The blogging aspect is simple. In order to generate sales leads through blogging, you must post original content related to your business.

Doing this consistently can considerably boost the possibility that your business will be found by consumers online. Utilizing available elevated and high authority blogging platforms can significantly expedite this process. Establishing a professional blog will allow you to market your business on existing social networking websites.

Using Facebook

If you?re anything like me, logging on to Facebook is part of your daily routine. This seemingly addictive social networking website allows users to keep up with friends, family, and pretty much anything else that is important to them. I rarely go a day without checking up on my online social circle. Facebook is actually the most consistently trafficked website ever. It should go without saying that this creates a remarkable marketing opportunity.

I think you?re probably starting to sense where this is headed. As you all likely know, Facebook is a free service. Online marketers that don?t promote themselves on social networking platforms are essentially burning money. By posting related articles, pictures, and videos, marketers can develop a considerable following. Each Facebook user that views your page, or anything you?ve posted, is considered a sale?s lead. Where else can you market your business to a seemingly unlimited demographic for free?

Learning the Correct Strategies in Modern Industry

It?s no secret that internet marketing is a competitive field. It is important to stay ahead of the competition by never stopping to self-educate. Consistently blogging and utilizing various social media marketing platforms can ensure that your business remains competitive. The strategies referred to in this blog post are rather simple and do not have to take up hours of your valuable time. Learning to execute these simple strategies in a timely manner can significantly influence your business?s growth.

A business is not a business without its client base. Expanding that client base directly translates into business growth. Mastering these proven and effective marketing methods can generate sales leads for a business in any industry.

Merv Stevens works in Internet and Network Marketing. For tips,advice and help to find the best strategies to generate sales leads, go to his website: www.WealthSuccessVentures.com. Act now and discover how to earn 100% commissions online by using a simple 3-step process that anyone can do? and it takes only a few minutes a day.

Merv Stevens works in Internet and Network Marketing. For tips,advice and help to find the best strategies to generate sales leads, go to his website: www.WealthSuccessVentures.com. Act now and discover how to earn 100% commissions online by using a simple 3-step process that anyone can do? and it takes only a few minutes a day.

Source: http://www.icontuners.com/marketing-category/using-social-media-to-generate-sales-leads/

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5 of the Best Rated Dog Crates, Dog, Cat and other Pet Friendly ...

Is it time to replace the dog crate you?ve had since your buddy was a puppy? Or did you get a new pooch and need a crate for him/her to hang out in when you can?t supervise?

Shopping for new pet items can be overwhelming. So many crates look the same yet can range in price, some may not be sturdy enough for your dog, and some may be missing things you want like a cover or the ability to be easily transported for trips. We?ve done some hunting around and have found crates that have received the highest reviews on Amazon and are the best selling on their site.

Merry Products Pet Cage with Crate Cover


With over 30 reviews, this solid wood cover comes with a metal crate turning the crate into a functional table surface, while its original structure is kept intact to keep the pet confined, without limiting the pet?s visibility or comfort. The panels give the crate a more finished look and help conceal it in the home. It can be an end table next to your couch and a great place for your dog to snooze while you?re out. There?s a plastic tray on the bottom that can be slid out to clean and you can place a bed in there or your dog?s favorite blanket.

Buy it on Amazon

Wicker Pet Residence


Another indoor pet crate that won?t clash with your furniture. It?s made of wicker that is easy to clean and won?t absorb fluids or odors. The elevated feet keep the crate from ruining your floors and it comes with a pan that can be removed to clean. It?s a great alternative to a wire crate.

Buy it on Amazon

Petmate Portable Pet Home


Need a crate that can go where you go? This travel crate is perfect for you and your pup. It?s made from heavy duty canvas and has plenty of ventilation. The crate comes with 4 ground stakes for outdoor use and a carrying case. If you are a camper and your dog will love her/his own ?tent.?

Buy it on Amazon

NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate


This crate is very cool. It?s durable, well-ventilated, and is great for big dogs. The Firstrax NOZTONOZ Sof-Krate Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home allows you to take your best friend with you anywhere you go. Bring the portable pet crate along with you on family vacations, trips to the groomers or visits to the veterinarian. It?s perfect for quick trips and extended excursions, great for overnight hotel stays, or simply set up at home to create a quiet, safe retreat for your dog.

Buy it on Amazon

Firstrax Port-A-Crate E2 Indoor/Outdoor Pet Home


This crate is another portable, lightweight one that can be folded up and taken with you on road trips. It?s made of steel and tightly weaved fabric with mesh windows that are shaped like bones. When it is folded up, it?s as flat as can be and very sturdy. There are over 200 reviews from happy customers who have bought the Port-A-Crate for their puppies, dogs, and even cats. Yes, cats.

Buy it on Amazon

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Source: http://www.petswelcome.com/articles/5-of-the-best-rated-dog-crates.html

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jugindarsharma8: Shopping and Product Reviews: Will Traditional

The popularity of online shopping has been seen by many as a threat to the existence of traditional shopping. Their argument is based on the recent widespread closure of established brands like Sears and Best Buy. But can we really say that traditional shopping is dying?

In 2011, even though the U.S economy was sluggish, shopping grew by 15% over the previous year. In addition, about 35% of Americans now have smartphones which enable them to purchase goods and services over the internet and this figure is expected to rise significantly in subsequent years. In actual fact, about half of smartphone users have used their phones for one purchase or the other. On Christmas day of 2011 alone, about 6.8 million iOs and Android smartphones were activated. Top internet retailer, Amazon, recorded a whooping net sale of $48.08 billion in 2011 which represents 40.6% increase over $32.20 billion recorded in 2010. This figure is expected to rise in 2012 and subsequent years. What then is the implication of all these to physical retailing?

Since many people now decide to shop over the internet due to the benefits derivable in doing so like convenience, easy access to market, price comparison, avoidance of crowd, better prices and so on, can we really say that that the traditional way of shopping is being threatened? In my own opinion, technology will enhance the traditional method and not kill it. The popularity of video cassette recorder (VCR) in the 80's was seen by many as a threat to movie theaters then, but today, the film industry has been strengthened by the new technology and the demand for films has increased.

Moreover, when the email became very popular, a lot people thought that the traditional postal service would die, but today, it is waxing stronger. The point I'm driving at here is that, if traditional shop owners can embrace new technology, shopping on the internet would not be a threat to them but a blessing.

If physical retailers can monitor shopping behavior through the use of Wi-Fi signals from smartphones, they would be able to compete favorably in a fast-changing world. They can use technology to measure loyalty, make better staffing decisions, improve store layouts, reduce wait times in checkout lines and so on. Online shopping has come to stay but it is not a threat to traditional shopping because many consumers still value some of its features like quality of customer service, the experience of trying and buying products, how products are displayed and so on.

Olushola Otenaike is an online shopping expert.

Source: http://mysoupbaby.blogspot.com/2012/11/will-traditional-shopping-die-because.html

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Is Real Estate on the Peninsula Too Expensive? [POLL] - Belmont ...

We?re in Silicon Valley, the Mecca for innovation and entrepreneurship. The weather can?t be beat and the opportunities are flowing.

The demand for Peninsula real estate is at an all-time high, while the number of housing options continues to shrink.

These are just some of the factors that have resulted in Coldwell Banker?s annual?Home Listing Report ranking 10 cities in San Mateo and Santa Clara County as part of the top 20 most expensive markets in the country.

?The success of many of our native tech companies has shined a spotlight on Silicon Valley and our real estate market in the San Francisco Bay Area,? said Rick Turley, president of Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in the San Francisco Bay Area, in a written statement.

Ranking at #1? Los Altos/Los Altos Hills. Following behind: #3 Saratoga, #4 Menlo Park, #5 Palo Alto, #6 Los Gatos, #10 San Carlos, #12 Cupertino, #15 Belmont, and #20 Redwood City.

For the average listing price of a 4-BR, 2 BA home in these cities, check out this article.?

Cities? staffs have seen large numbers of housing development proposals, such as Google?s housing project in Mountain View and the Cargill Saltworks Development in Redwood City.

And as more and more tech companies begin to sprout up and down the Peninsula, employees will want to live closer to their workplaces. Is increasing the prices of homes the answer to the skyrocketing demand for real estate? ?

Tell us in the comments why homes in the area are worth their price tags. Or if they?re simply overpriced.?

Source: http://belmont-ca.patch.com/articles/is-real-estate-along-the-peninsula-worth-it-poll

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UK anti-austerity protestors target Starbucks cafes

LONDON (Reuters) - Hundreds of demonstrators protested at Starbucks cafes across Britain on Saturday accusing the U.S. coffee chain of avoiding paying corporation tax at a time when the government was cutting essential services because of a fall in revenues.

At one central London outlet activists from the anti-austerity UK Uncut movement staged a sit-in, chanting "Starbucks pay your taxes" and briefly setting up a children's cr?che before police moved them on.

Protests were held at more than 40 of the multinational's cafes, including in Liverpool, Birmingham and Cardiff, UK Uncut said. The demonstrations were held two days after Starbucks said it would pay around 20 million pounds ($32 million) in British corporation tax over the next two years.

Its announcement came after weeks of criticism in the media and parliament following a Reuters report which said Starbucks had paid no corporation tax in Britain over the past three years while telling investors the local business was highly profitable.

Starbucks' tax offer was just a "massive PR stunt", said Rosie Rogers, a 26-year-old UK Uncut activist, outside one of the chain's London restaurants.

"If Starbucks, if all the tax avoiders, paid their fair share, 25 billion pounds could be put back into public services and enrich our economy," she said.

At a nearby Starbucks cafe protesting women lay down in sleeping bags in a symbolic transformation of the outlet into a women's refuge, a service they say has been hit by state spending cuts.

Finance minister George Osborne said on Wednesday his plan to rid Britain of a record deficit would take even longer than expected, extending the shrinking of state spending another year to 2018.

Ahead of the protests Starbucks appealed directly to its customers in newspapers adverts reprinting its pledge to pay corporation tax in Britain.

"We know we are not perfect. But we have listened ... We hope that over time, through our actions and our contribution, you will give us an opportunity to build on your trust and custom," UK managing director Kris Engskov said in the adverts.

The company says it has always acted legally since opening in Britain in 1998 and is not hiding big profits from tax authorities. Despite serving 2 million British customers a week the firm says high rents for its prime location cafes have made it hard to turn a profit.

(Writing by Tim Castle; Editing by Stephen Powell)

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/uk-anti-austerity-protestors-target-starbucks-cafes-183957636--finance.html

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Automotive Instructor - HigherEdJobs

South Texas College

Job Announcement 2014-3001

(Pending Board Approval of FY14 Budget)

Please note that only complete application packets containing

all 5 parts will be forwarded to the Search Committee

Job Title: Faculty - AUTOMOTIVE TECHNOLOGY

Department: Automotive Technology

Reports To: Department/Program Chair and Division Dean

FLSA Status: Exempt

Salary: Commensurate with Education & Experience

Starting Date: Fall 2013

Closing Date: Open until filled

SUMMARY

South Texas College is a comprehensive institution, which places primary emphasis on excellence in classroom instruction. Faculty members are expected to demonstrate and maintain competence in each of the following areas throughout their employment at the College.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

1. Mastery of Subject Matter:

  • Demonstrates a thorough and accurate knowledge of the field or discipline
  • Possesses appropriate educational/professional credentials to teach in field or discipline
  • Attempts to connect subject matter with related fields
  • Maintains currency in subject matter through professional development
2. Teaching Performance:
  • Plans and organizes instruction in ways which maximize student learning
  • Effectively employs teaching and learning strategies
  • Modifies instructional methods and strategies to meet diverse students needs
  • Effectively employs available instructional technology when appropriate
  • Encourages the development of communication skills and higher order thinking skills through appropriate assignments
  • Effectively communicates subject matter content to student
  • Contributes to the selection and development of instructional materials
3. Evaluation of Student Learning:
  • Establishes and adheres to cogent learning outcomes
  • Develops and uses evaluation methods, which fairly measures student progress toward outcomes
  • Evaluates and returns student work to promote maximum learning
  • Maintains accurate records of student progress
  • Submits final grade rosters and supporting documents according to established deadlines
4. Support of College Policies and Procedures:
  • Maintains familiarity with and adheres to College Policies and Procedures
  • Fulfills requirements of instructors set forth in the letter of appointment
  • Maintains regular office hours to ensure accessibility to students and colleagues
  • Prepares, distributes, and submits syllabi and approved course outlines for all assigned sections in accordance with program, division and College procedures
  • Assures confidentiality
5. Participation in College, Division, and Program Activities:
  • Serves on College, divisional, and program committees, teams, and task forces as assigned
  • Attends meetings and events as required by College administration
  • Participates in professional activities which contribute to the educational goals of the College and its constituents
  • Responds in a timely fashion to information requests from College and division administrators and program chairs
  • Fosters and maintains effective working relationships with students, colleagues, and supervisors
  • Assists the chair in developing, reviewing, and revising curriculum
6. Contribution to the Growth and Enhancement of College Mission and Programs:
  • Maintains familiarity with College goals, mission, and long-range plans
  • Contributes to planning and development processes through appropriate channels
  • Performs professional responsibilities in accordance with pertinent goals, mission, and plans of College, division, and program
  • Supports recruitment and retention of students, including advising
7. Performs other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

1. Must possess appropriate academic preparation

2. Must be able to provide official transcripts and/if transcripts are earned from a foreign teaching institution, then must be able to provide an evaluation indicating that this education is equivalent to or beyond the qualifications required. This evaluation must be from an approved evaluation service

3. Excellent communication skills, both oral and written; excellent interpersonal skills

4. Excellent organizational skills

5. Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate in a diverse, multi-cultural student population

6. Commitment to the community college philosophy of education

7. Subject to a national criminal background check under STC policy

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Education must meet the requirements as mandated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools for the appropriate field of study and degrees awarded at this institution. Each department displays the specific requirements for each position.

  • Bachelor's degree preferred. Minimum academic degree must be an Associates of Applied Science Automotive Technician.
  • Master Auto Technician
LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, class assignments and business correspondence. Ability to effectively present information to students and respond to questions from individuals as well as groups of students and chairs/directors.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

HOW TO APPLY: Submit 1) letter of intention, 2) STC application, 3) resume (no personal information please), 4) copies of transcripts (official transcripts required BEFORE assignment begins) and 5) five professional references with addresses and phone numbers to:

SOUTH TEXAS COLLEGE

OFFICE OF HUMAN RESOURCES

2501 W. Pecan Blvd

McAllen, TX 78501

No person shall be excluded from participation in, denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity sponsored or conducted by South Texas Community College on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, age, veteran status or disability.

Source: http://www.higheredjobs.com/details.cfm?JobCode=175700362

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Hamas Marks 25th Anniversary; Exiled Leader Denounces Israel

div class="node_content_image"> div class="published_date">December 8, 2012 Meshal called for unity between Palestinian factions (Creative Commons/Wikipedia)

Meshal called for unity between Palestinian factions (Creative Commons/Wikipedia)

The 25th anniversary of the founding of Hamas was marked with old vows, as Hamas political leader Khaled Meshal that Palestinians would one day build a Palestine state on the land of Israel through ?resistance? or ?military action.?

??The state will come from resistance, not negotiation,? he said. ?Palestine is ours from the river to the sea and from the south to the north. There will be no concession on any inch of the land.?

Meshal used the cease-fire with Israel last month, to claim that Hamas had won a ?great victory? which could form the basis of a new Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) that would contain all Palestinian factions, the New York Times reported.

In the crowd, which Hamas officials estimated to be at half a million, were some Fatah supporters, who waved their faction's yellow flag. The Guardian reported that the showing of Fatah supporters is one of the increasing signs in recent weeks that reconciliation between the two rival factions could become a more realistic prospect.?

The current PLO run by Abbas supports a two-state solution and does not now include Hammas.

The New York Times reported that a PLO based on Hamas principles would ?almost surely find itself shunned? by Israel and much of the world
Because of this position, Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by Israel and the West, which back the rival and more moderate Palestinian Authority in the West Bank, Voice of America reported.

Reach Executive Producer Jackie Mansky here.

Read more of Neon Tommy's coverage of Palestine here.

[View the story on Storify]

Source: http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/neontommy/hTJi/~3/k-cG0NvKBfk/hamas-marks-25th-anniversary-denouncing-israel

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Sen. Joe Manchin asks MTV to 'reconsider' new W.Va. reality show

Sen. Joe Manchin, D-W.Va., wants MTV to cancel its forthcoming show "Buckwild" and called its portrayal of young people in his home state "just wrong."

Set in the West Virginia capital of Charleston and nearby Sissonville, W.Va., "Buckwild" "is an authentic comedic series following an outrageous group of childhood friends from the rural foothills of West Virginia," according to the show's website.

In a letter, Manchin asked MTV president Stephen K. Friedman "to reconsider airing this show."

"Instead of showcasing the beauty of our people and our state, you preyed on young people, coaxed them into displaying shameful behavior," Manchin wrote in the letter dated Dec. 7, "and now you are profiting from it."

Reality TV Goes Country With MTV's 'Buckwild'

This is not the first time MTV has weathered criticism about its portrayal of a state's young people. "Jersey Shore," which "Buckwild" is slated to replace in the network's 10 p.m. Thursday time slot, has been criticized since its 2009 debut for its stars' drunken and promiscuous behavior.

New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called the show "a negative for New Jersey" in 2010 and later revoked from MTV reality show's $420,000 in state tax credits, saying the show "does nothing more than perpetuate misconceptions about the state and its citizens."

Manchin, who is also the former governor of the Mountain State, sang a similar tune in his letter to the MTV executive.

"This show plays to ugly, inaccurate stereotypes about the people of West Virginia," the letter said.

Alisa Bailey, president and CEO of the Charleston, W.Va., Convention and Visitors Bureau, called the show a setback to the economic efforts of her town and the state as a whole because it portrays West Virginia as a place unfit for doing business.

"We don't have the same economic firepower as MTV," Bailey told ABCNews.com. "This can do real economic harm as the whole world tunes in and sees what I believe are untrue stereotypes in a quasi-reality show. It's going to be a real blow to us and we're frozen as to what to do."

Though it is already drawing fire from West Virginia's junior senator, "Buckwild" has yet to even premiere. The criticism is based upon preview trailers and sneak peeks of the show, which portray its young cast engaged in such acts as mud wrestling, swimming in the bed of a dump truck and shooting a firearm at a melon.

ABCNews.com reached out to MTV Friday evening and a representative declined to comment.

However, "Buckwild" executive producer John Stevens defended the show to Entertainment Weekly, saying it actually might help change stereotypes.

"It's not like looking at a train wreck," Stevens told EW.com, "I think it's going to get people talking and it might change people's perspectives. It will be very refreshing to the MTV audience."

"Buckwild" premiers Jan. 3, 2013 at 10 p.m. on MTV.

Also Read

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/abc-blogs/sen-joe-manchin-asks-mtv-reconsider-w-va-110119657--abc-news-tv.html

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