“SHARE THE WISH” FUND-RAISING FOOD FAIR BY THE KNOXVILLE TURKISH CULTURAL CENTER

Knoxville, Tenn.-– On September 11th, Sunday, between 11.00am – 6.00 pm the Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center will have its second annual “Share the Wish” Fund-Raiser by offering Turkish food delicacies, baked-goods and craft for the Tennessee School for the Deaf.

Door prizes, unique Turkish handcrafts, entertainment, live music performance, and delicious authentic Turkish food will be offered. The “Share the Wish” fund-raising event will be held in the parking lot of the cultural center at 7035 Middlebrook Pike. Admission is free.

The Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center conducted a short survey among a selected group of people to determine the non-profit organization in which this year’s fund-raiser should benefit. Participants’ majority vote was for the Tennessee School for the Deaf, a school that educates its students to be prepared to meet challenges in today’s society. Such fund-raisers help involve the center’s Turkish community members with charitable work and continue a Turkish long tradition of extending a helping hand to people in need. This upcoming event has the same objective of helping children and increasing interaction among people from different cultures and nationalities.

Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization founded in 2008 by Turkish– Americans. Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center focuses on promoting dialogue among people of different backgrounds and cultures through educational, cultural, humanitarian, and specialty programs. The net profit of this fund-raising event will be donated to Tennessee School for the Deaf. For more information on this and other events organized by Knoxville Turkish Cultural Center, please visit

http://www.knoxvilleturkish.org.

Obama establece un cambio en la politica de deportaciones

WASHINGTON, DC —El Presidente Obama anunció un cambio de política, dictado por el sentido común, que hará del sistema de inmigración uno más justo e inteligente. “Me siento orgullosa de apoyar esta política, y espero que tú también,” dijo Katherine Archuleta, Directora Política Nacional .

Bajo la dirección de la administración, los tribunales de inmigración se centrarán menos en casos de “baja prioridad”—como vienen siendo casos de jóvenes que llegaron al país cuando eran niños pequeños y no conocen otro hogar; o veteranos y parejas de aquellos actualmente sirviendo en las fuerzas armadas.

Entonces, el Departamento de Seguridad Interna, y el Departamento de Justicia, revisaran los casos de deportación pendientes para sacar aquellos casos de “baja prioridad” y crear más espacio para deportar a aquellos que hayan sido condenados por un delito, o que presenten una amenaza a la seguridad de la nacion. También se aseguraran que, desde un principio, estos casos de “baja prioridad” no entren al sistema.

“Son cambios estratégicos e inteligentes”, dijo Archuleta.

Reciclaje casero empieza en Knoxville

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Miles de residentes de Knoxville se preparan para celebrar la puesta en servicio del nuevo programa de reciclaje casero que esta pautado para el primero de Octubre.

Unas 17,000 familias ya se han inscrito en el nuevo programa y aun quedan otros 3,000 oportunidades para ser parte de este novedoso servicio de reciclaje casero gratuito.

“Nuestra investigación muestra que el 75-80% de la basura de las casa de Knoxville se pueden reciclar, y esta es una forma directa de hacer un impacto”, dijo David Brace, director adjunto del servicio público de la ciudad.

Segun voceros de la administracion de la ciudad, este modelo de flujo de reciclaje simplifica el proceso. Los residentes no tienen que separar por tipo de material reciclable o ir a uno de los centros de recoleccion de reciclaje. La ciudad suministra un carro plastico y los residentes sólo necesita rodar el carro a la acera cada dos semanas para su recoleccion a partir del primero de octubre. Este modelo ha demostrado ser eficaz en todo el país para reducir la cantidad de material destinado al los basureros de la ciudad.

Amherst Automotive Service and U-Haul Rentals Are on Right Road

KNOXVILLE, Tenn. — Kenneth Ingram, owner of Amherst Automotive Service, located at 2309 Amherst Rd., recently added U Haul truck and trailer rentals to the automotive-repair business he has been operating since 2003.

Families needing the finest in moving services now will have increased convenience and a shorter distance to travel when moving, which not only will make their move easier but also will have the positive effect of reducing the amount of carbon emissions released into the atmosphere. U-Haul partnering with business owners across North America to increase convenience for customers while helping our environment is just one of the programs that support U-Haul Company’s Corporate Sustainability initiatives.

Amherst Automotive Service can now offer its customers a variety of moving equipment and supplies designed specifically for moving household furnishings, including moving vans, open trailers, closed trailers, furniture pads, appliance dollies, furniture dollies, tow dollies and auto transports. Amherst Automotive Service also will offer sales items to protect their customers’ belongings and make moving easier, such as heavy-duty boxes, which are made of up to 90 percent recycled content and are available in a variety of sizes.

“U-Haul is proud to be partnering with a quality independent business such as Amherst Automotive Service,” exclaimed Clay McQuade, president, U-Haul Company of Knoxville. “Kenneth is a great example of the type of successful business relationship U Haul has established in order to build and maintain a strong network of more than 15,000 independent dealers across North America.”

For more information, or to rent your moving equipment today, call 865-609-4054. Business hours of operation are: Mon. – Fri. 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. and Sat. 8 a.m. – Noon.

ACT Issues Report on Measuring Workforce Skills Gaps

Report Contains Gap Definition, Gap Analysis for
Four Industry Sectors and Recommendations

IOWA CITY, Iowa—ACT today released a research report designed to assist economic and workforce developers as they contend with the increasing mismatch, or skills gaps, between labor market supply and demand in America.

As the nation grapples with the effects of the deepest recession in recent memory, policymakers struggle to find ways to integrate the millions of unemployed workers whose current skills may not be adequate. The new reality is that a significant segment of today’s labor force does not have the requisite skills that employers demand.

The report, “A Better Measure of Skills Gaps,” proposes a simple definition to describe the skills gap phenomenon and sets forth detailed and specific measures to analyze skills gaps in four major industry sectors. With this paper, ACT recommends a balanced approach for skills gap analysis that incorporates rigorous quantitative methods with an eye for practical application.

“Far too often and for too long, economic and workforce developers have relied on educational attainment data extracted from government sources such as the U.S. Census or the Bureau of Labor Statistics as a proxy for skill level,” said Martin Scaglione, ACT president of Workforce Development. “We suggest that skills gap analysis must target accurate and identifiable skills, and that these skill levels can and should be measured independently of educational attainment. In fact, research since 2007 shows undeniably that work tasks and the skills needed to perform them have become a better predictor of employment and wage growth than either educational level or occupational title.”

Three of the key findings described in the paper include:

Significant foundational skills gaps exist for United States workers and job seekers tested with WorkKeys^®skills assessments, possessing both middle and high levels of education, for jobs that require a similar level of education.
For manufacturing, healthcare, construction and energy-related target occupations requiring a middle or high level of education, the majority of U.S. WorkKeys examinees are not able to demonstrate the required skill level for locating information. This skill involves the ability to locate, synthesize, and use information from workplace graphics such as charts, graphs, tables, forms, flowcharts, diagrams, floor plans, maps and instrument gauges.
Caution should be used in considering indirect measures of skills as a substitute for actual skill level. The results of ACT’s analysis imply that level of education does not necessarily relate to gaps in foundational on-the-job skills; in fact, it seems that the gap in foundational skills demanded by employers widens as the level of education increases.

ACT has compiled an extensive database of occupational profiles to identify foundational skill levels needed for success in each occupation. These skill levels, based on ACT WorkKeys skills assessments and powering the National Career Readiness Certificate, provide a means to identify workforce capabilities as well as mobility within the workforce, as workers consider training for new, high-demand occupations.

To view or download the 22-page report in PDF format, go to http://www.act.org/research/policymakers/pdf/abettermeasure.pdf

For more information on ACT’s workforce solutions, go to act.org/workforce.

# # #

Founded in 1959, ACT is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa, and dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. ACT provides a broad array of assessment, research, information and program management solutions in the areas of education and workforce development. Each year, ACT serves millions of people—nationally and internationally—in middle and high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses and government agencies. Find out more at act.org.

Spanish Filmaker Mariano Barroso visits Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Watkins College of Art, Design & Film will welcome Spanish filmmaker Mariano Barroso to campus on Friday, August 26, for a screening of his 1996 thriller Extasis, starring Academy Award winner Javier Bardem, and a Q&A session led by Associate Professor Charles Kanganis, head of the directing concentration at the Watkins Film School. The screening begins in the Watkins Theater at 1:00 p.m., with the discussion to follow at 3:00 p.m. Admission is free and the public is invited.

An internationally-feted producer, writer, director and editor, Mr. Barroso is currently head of directing at el Centro de Estudios Ciudad de la Luz film school in Alicante, Spain. His numerous writing and directing credits include series episodic television, documentaries and feature films, most notably In the Time of the Butterflies, starring Salma Hayek, Hormigas En La Boca, and three collaborations with Mr. Bardem.

Mentored by Nobel Prize-winning author Gabriel Garcia Marquez, Mr. Barroso is a graduate of the American Film Institute and the Sundance Film Institute, and has taught film in Los Angeles, Madrid and Cuba.

Register Now for October ACT® Test

IOWA CITY, IOWA—Registration is now open for the October 22, 2011 ACT achievement test. Students who wish to take the college admission and placement exam must register before September 16, 2011.

The ACT is a curriculum-based achievement exam. It tests what students have actually learned in school, not their aptitude for learning. The ACT also measures what students need to know to be ready for first year credit-bearing college courses based on ACT College Readiness Standards^™. Every student’s results can be tied directly to these consistent standards.

The ACT has four sections—English, mathematics, reading and science—and takes about three hours to complete. Students who take the ACT Plus Writing complete an optional writing test that requires an additional 30 minutes. Unlike other exams, students are not penalized for guessing or answering all the questions on each test section. In fact, it is beneficial for test takers to answer all questions within the time allowed.

During registration, students may select up to four universities to receive their score reports. ACT scores are accepted by all four-year colleges and universities across the United States. ACT reports scores only when requested to do so by the student. Additional score reports are available for a small fee.

All students complete a detailed inventory of questions during ACT registration. Each test taker receives an ACT score report that includes a wide variety of information to assist with high school course selection, college readiness, career planning, and college admissions.

The cost for the ACT test without writing is $34. When combined with the optional ACT Writing Test, the total cost is $49.50. Students who qualify may apply for a fee waiver through their high school counselor.

The ACT website, www.actstudent.org, has helpful information, free sample items, and inexpensive test prep materials to help students prepare for the exam. However, the best preparation is to take rigorous core courses in school, study hard, and learn the academic skills needed for college.

Most students register online at www.actstudent.org. Students may also pick up registration forms from their high school counseling offices. Late registration is available until September 30, 2011 for an extra $21 fee.

# # #

Founded in 1959, ACT is a not-for-profit organization headquartered in Iowa City, Iowa and dedicated to helping people achieve education and workplace success. ACT provides a broad array of assessments, research, information, and program management solutions in the areas of education and workforce development. Each year, ACT serves millions of people—nationally and internationally—in middle and high schools, colleges, professional associations, businesses, and government agencies. Find out more at www.act.org.

Is Your Loan Modification Application Stuck?

Expert Reveals How To Get Your Application Approved

If you’re on the verge of losing your home, or you know someone who is, then you also know about the long, bureaucratic process involved in applying for a loan modification from a lender. The most common approach is to apply under the new Home Affordability Mortgage Program (HAMP), but lenders also accept modifications from mortgage holders because lenders really don’t want to take the house – they just want their money.

In many cases, however, the approval process takes longer than many homeowners can afford. But one expert believes it doesn’t have to be that way, and that there are solutions for homeowners whose applications seem stuck in the mud.

“Applying for a loan modification can be an extremely stressful process,” said Stephfan Nurse, CEO of Consumer Education (www.consumereducationonline.com), makers of Mortgage Reduction software designed to help people through the modification process. “Even if you send in your documents and your lender tells you everything is okay, you may still have a great amount of anxiety because you have no idea what the lender is doing with your file. You may not know what the next step is and how long it takes to move through each step in the process. Your lender may tell you what the next step is, but you may not understand why it will take so long. There are reasons, however, why the process can get stuck, and there are ways to move that process along, if you understand what goes on behind the scenes.”

Nurse’s tips for making the process smoother include:

Account Numbers – It often happens that when you fax your paperwork to your lender, the lender either says they lost your paperwork or they just didn’t receive it all. This isn’t because they are incompetent. It’s because they receive thousands of faxes each day, and they use an image scanning technology to capture them all and place them in the appropriate file. In that system, a cover sheet that has your account number on it will get placed correctly, but the following sheets that lack your account number can be easily misplaced. The solution is to put your account number on every page of your paperwork, so they have a better chance of placing all your paperwork in your file.

Complete the Paperwork – When your file gets assigned to a document manager, typically about 30 days after you first applied for the modification, the document manager’s job is to check to make sure all your required documents are ready to be submitted to the negotiator/specialist for review. If you have an incomplete file, even if you’re missing just one single required document, the document manager will note your account as having an incomplete file and move on to the next file to review. At this point, a generic letter is automatically mailed to your home requesting the additional information your file lacks. This letter can take up to two weeks to get to you, and then another two to four weeks before they look at your updated information. The key is to never send an incomplete package to your lender. It can lead to a delay or even a flat out denial.

Follow Up – Finally, follow up every week with your lender to make sure all the documents they have are up to date. Don’t worry about being a pest. After all, it’s your house on the line if things get stuck in neutral. If you do this consistently, you will avoid getting caught in the delay cycle.

“The process is like any other, and it can be rife with mistakes and bureaucratic snafus,” Nurse added. “But if you take the steps to reduce the opportunities for error, your application can move through the process much faster and you’ll have a much better chance at being approved.”

About Stephfan Nurse

Stephfan Nurse has been in the mortgage loan modification business since 2009. He worked for a law firm that specialized in foreclosure defense before he decided to open the doors of Consumer Education in 2010. The company’s Mortgage Reduction software uses the same algorithms as those used by lenders, so it is designed to help homeowners understand what it will take for them to be approved for a loan modification by their lenders or through HAMP.

Durcal y Selena finalistas en Premios Billboard De La Música Mexicana

Miami, FL Agosto 25, 2011- Shaila Durcal y Selena se encuentran entre los finalistas a los Premios Billboard De La Música Mexicana. Las selecciones se dieron a conocer el día de hoy a través del programa matutino Levántate que se transmite por la cadena Telemundo.

La talentosa Shaila Dúrcal estuvo presente durante la transmisión especial del programa donde recibió en vivo la nominación a la categoría Artista Femenino del año y anunció la salida de su nuevo sencillo “El Día Que Me Fui” que saldrá a la radio este próximo lunes 29 de agosto. La reina del Tex Mex Selena recibió dos nominaciones en la categoría Artista Femenino del Año y Artista Descarga Digital del Año.

Por primera vez en la historia este género musical tendrá su propio espacio para honrar a los artistas Mexicanos.

Los Finalistas de los premios Billboard de la Música Mexicana son determinados por el rendimiento en las listas según la crónica de la revista Billboard y en billboard.com durante el período de elegibilidad del 28 de agosto de 2010 hasta el 20 de agosto 2011.

Las categorías de los premios se basan en datos de ventas suministrados por Nielsen SoundScan y emisiones de radio monitoreadas por Nielsen BDS. Por primera vez en la historia de los premios Billboard en Telemundo, las ventas de tracks digitales forman parte de la fórmula para determinar a los finalistas a los mejores artistas y canciones más destacadas de las categorías.

La ceremonia se llevará a cabo el 20 de octubre en la ciudad de Los Angeles y será transmitida el 27 de Octubre por la cadena Telemundo.

Lista completa de las nominaciones de Capitol Latin/EMI Music:

Artista Femenino del Año

Shaila Durcal

Selena

Descarga Digital; Artista del Año

Selena

Editora del Año

EMI Music

Interpreters and Translators meet in Nashville

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Tennessee Association of Professional Interpreters and Translators (TAPIT), is having its 9th Annual Conference from September 9-11, 2011 at the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville.

This important event will gather more than 100 professional interpreters and translators of 9 languages from 7 states for informative sessions and networking.

TAPIT members work in many languages including:

AMERICAN SIGN LANGUAGE, AMHARIC, ARABIC, BOSNIAN, CATALAN, CROATIAN, CHINESE (MANDARIN),CHINESE (CANTONESE), DARI, FARSI, FRENCH, GERMAN, ITALIAN, JAPANESE, KOREAN, NEPALI, PASHTO, POLISH, PORTUGUESE, RUSSIAN, SERBIAN, SOMALI, SPANISH, SWEDISH, THAI, UKRAINIAN, VIETNAMESE.

Searching for Man Who Robbed Home Federal Bank Branch in Pigeon Forge

The Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and Chief Jack Baldwin of the Pigeon Forge Police Department (PFPD) are asking for the public’s assistance to identify the man who robbed a Pigeon Forge bank today.

At approximately 11:14 a.m. today, a man entered the Home Federal Bank located at 3671 Parkway in Pigeon Forge and passed a note to a teller demanding money. Witnesses described the suspect as a white male with brown hair, late 20s to mid 30s with a goatee, between 6’ to 6’2” tall, and approximately 240 to 260 pounds. Suspect was wearing a faded-blue baseball cap, khaki shorts, a short-sleeve, blue polo-style shirt with a white t-shirt underneath, and tennis shoes. After obtaining an undetermined amount of money, the suspect left the scene on foot.

A reward is being offered for information which leads to the arrest of this individual. Anyone with information is asked to call the FBI at 865-544-0751 or the PFPD at 865-453-9063. This matter is being investigated jointly by the FBI Safe Streets Task Force (which consists of personel from the FBI, KPD, and KCSO) and the Pigeon Forge Police Department.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Discount Days at the Tennessee Valley Fair

Fair offers wide variety of discounts to accommodate virtually any budget

Knoxville, Tenn. (August 24, 2011) – East Tennesseans on a budget don’t have to miss out on all the fun, excitement and entertainment at the 2011 Tennessee Valley Fair. The Fair is offering a variety of daily discounts during the Fair, which runs September 9-18:

$1 Opening Day Special – Friday, September 9, 2011
In celebration of our 92^nd year, Fairgoers can enter the Fairgrounds on Friday, September 9 during the first 92 minutes of the Fair for only $1.00 per person. Discount begins at 3:00 p.m. and ends promptly at 4:32 p.m.

Metro Pulse Day – Friday, September 9, 2011
$2.00 discount on adult admission with coupon from Metro Pulse. Coupon available in September 1 and 8 issues.

Tailgating at the Fair – Saturday, September 10, 2011
Wear Tennessee or Cincinnati team colors and get $2 off each adult admission.

Paint the Fair Pink Day – Saturday, September 10, 2011
In partnership with the Knoxville Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure, wear pink and get $2.00 off each adult admission.

Hometown Heroes Day – Sunday, September 11, 2011
Current and past military, police officers, deputy sheriffs, firefighters, first responders and teachers receive $1.00 admission all day with proper identification.

Tennessee Valley Fair Student Day – Sunday, September 11, 2011
Students 12-18 years old receive $2.00 off adult admission. Students 6-11 years old receive $1.00 off child admission.

Fox 43 Student Day – Monday, September 12, 2011
All students (Kindergarten – 12^th Grade) receive FREE admission from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m.

Mercy Health Partners Senior Day – Tuesday, September 13, 2011
Seniors (65 and older) receive FREE admission all day. Features entertainment, activities and contests especially for seniors in the Pepsi Community Tent. Call 215-1471 for a free brochure.

Tennessee Education Lottery Day – Wednesday, September 14, 2011
$2.00 off adult admission with any non-winning Tennessee Lottery ticket.

Knoxville News Sentinel Reader Appreciation Day – Thursday, September 15, 2011
$2.00 discount on adult admission with coupon from the Knoxville News Sentinel. Coupon available in September 9, 11, 12, 14 and 15 issues.

Tailgating at the Fair – Saturday, September 17, 2011
Wear Tennessee or Florida team colors and get $2.00 off each adult admission.

Scout Day – Saturday, September 17, 2011
$3.00 admission for all Girl & Boy Scouts. One adult/chaperon admission price is discounted to $3.00 with purchase of two Scouts tickets. Come enjoy activities just for Scouts and earn a special Patch.

From now until September 2, the Fair is also offering admission tickets and unlimited ride wristbands at a discount:

· Adult Admission Ticket ($7.00) – Regularly $9.00.

· Child Admission Ticket ($5.00) – Regularly $6.00.

· Fair Fun Pak ($25.00) – Includes two (2) adult admission tickets, two (2) child admission tickets and parking. Regularly $35.00.

· Family Fun Pak ($30.00) – Includes four (4) adult admission tickets and parking. Regularly $41.00.

· Pay-One-Price Ride Wristband
($14.00) Opening Day Special / September 9, 2011 Only. Regularly $25.00.
($16.00) Monday – Thursday Special. Regularly $20.00.
($21.00) Weekend Special. Regularly $25.00.

· $5 Fair Admission Special – Buy a reserved seat to any headline concert at Homer Hamilton Theatre before September 2 and get a Fair admission ticket for only $5.00, a savings of $4.00!

Sale prices are good until Friday, September 2. To purchase tickets, visit http://www.tnvalleyfair.org or call 865-215-1482.

Local Carreer Fair

Knoxville, TN – While national numbers seem to be improving, the unemployment rate is still more than nine percent across the country. H&R Block, the country’s largest tax preparation company, is doing its part to lower the number even more by holding a career fair Monday, September 12.

H&R Block’s over 15 local offices will be hiring for more than 70 seasonal positions, including office managers, customer service representatives and tax professionals for next tax season. Applicants should bring a resumé, as interviews will be conducted on-site. Bilingual candidates are also encouraged to attend. Plus, prior tax experience is not required.

Career fair dates and the location:

Monday, September 12^th from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. EST

Asherville Highway Office, 4226 Asherville Highway

“We’re looking for people who can deliver outstanding client service and lead and develop people,” said Deborah Belford, H&R Block District Manager. “For our tax professionals, we want someone who can communicate effectively and work independently, but also as part of a team.”

Office positions offer flexible schedules, ability to earn extra income, bonus potential and opportunity for advancement. Applicants should enjoy working with others and be eager to help people.

“Whether serving in a client services role or the role of a tax preparer, our seasonal associates are the face of H&R Block,” said Belford.

For more information, applicants may call 865-584-1040.

Moore Freight Ranked on the 2011 Inc. 500/5000 for Fourth Consecutive Year

Knoxville, TN, August 23, 2011 – Inc. magazine today ranked Moore Freight Service, a company specializing in flat glass transportation, as one of the nation’s fastest-growing private companies on the Inc. 500/5000. This is Moore Freight Service’s fourth consecutive year to be awarded such an honor by Inc. 500/5000.

The Inc. 500/5000 Conference and Awards Ceremony will be held in Washington D.C. at The Gaylord National Resort, September 22 – 24, 2011. The Inc. Conference will include speakers, such as General Stanley McChrystal, Barbara Corcoran and Russell Simmons.

“In this difficult economy, Moore’s top priority is to continue to provide excellent customer service,” says Dan Moore, CEO. “The administration staff, drivers and maintenance personnel continue to work together to take care of our customers and achieve company growth. We are thrilled to make the Inc.500/5000 list for the fourth year in a row.”

Empleados recibirán $934 425 por salarios atrasados

JACKSONVILLE, Florida – Dos restaurantes La Nopalera en Jacksonville y sus dueños deberán pagar $934 425 por salarios atrasados y daños preestablecidos a 30 empleados, según los términos de las sentencias acordadas. El acuerdo cierra una demanda presentada por el Departamento de Trabajo de los EE. UU., basada en una investigación de su División de Salarios y Horas que alegaba la existencia de infracciones a las disposiciones sobre salarios mínimos, paga de horas extra y registros de información de la Ley de Normas Razonables de Trabajo [Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA)].

“Todos los trabajadores merecen una paga justa, y el Departamento de Trabajo responsabilizará los empleadores que se aprovechen de sus empleados”, afirmó la Secretaria de Trabajo, Hilda L. Solis. “Queremos que los trabajadores sepan que defenderemos su derecho a ser compensados según la ley por todas las horas que trabajen, y que las empresas que juegan limpio sepan que emprenderemos acciones contra quienes usan tácticas ilegales para lograr una ventaja competitiva”.

Los investigadores descubrieron que los empleados en la cocina habían sido clasificados incorrectamente como exentos de paga por horas extra según la FLSA y por lo tanto recibían salarios que no incluían compensaciones por las horas trabajadas que superaban las 40 semanales. Además, todas las semanas, a los empleados que recibían propinas se les entregaban las propinas y un cheque por el salario mínimo; sin embargo, la dirección de la empresa exigía que los empleados firmaran y devolvieran los cheques, luego los cobraban y devolvían el dinero al restaurante. Mediante este proceso, si bien parecía que los dueños pagaban salarios, los empleados solo podían quedarse con sus propinas. Finalmente, los empleadores no mantenían registros precisos sobre las horas trabajadas por los empleados.

La demanda del Departamento fue presentada ante el Tribunal del Distrito Central de Florida, División Jacksonville. Las siguientes partes aceptaron la sentencia acordada que cierra la demanda: LAJAL Inc., con el nombre comercial La Nopalera No. 7 en Beach Boulevard; sus dueños, Javier Valencia, Augustin Hernandez y Maria Hernandez; La Nopalera Mexican Restaurant No. 10 Inc. en Phillips Highway; y sus dueños, Javier Valencia y Luis Cuevas. La sentencia determinó que los restaurantes y sus dueños son personal y fuertemente responsables por futuras violaciones a la FLSA y por el pago de los salarios atrasados.

Los empleados recibirán $584 425 en salarios atrasados y $350 000 adicionales por daños preestablecidos. Los restaurantes podrán realizar los pagos en cuotas durante 13 meses a la División de Salarios y Horas, que los distribuirá entre los trabajadores. Otros restaurantes La Nopalera ubicados en Florida y Georgia no fueron parte de la investigación.

La División de Salarios y Horas tiene varias iniciativas a través de todo el país, en diferentes industrias, donde violaciones parecidas a las encontradas en la industria de restaurante son comunes.

La FLSA exige que los empleados cubiertos reciban al menos el salario mínimo federal por todas las horas trabajadas, más el equivalente a una vez y media su paga habitual por las horas trabajadas que excedan las 40 por semana. Si determinadas condiciones se cumplen, la FLSA permite que los empleadores aprovechen las propinas como crédito para sus obligaciones respecto de los salarios mínimos de aquellos empleados que reciben propinas. El empleador debe pagar a los empleados que reciben propinas un salario de bolsillo de $2.13 por hora, o el salario obligatorio estatal si éste es mayor; todas las propinas serán retenidas por el empleado excepto por las contribuciones a acuerdos válidos de propinas compartidas; los empleados deben ser informados sobre las normas de de crédito por propinas; y los montos de las propinas más los salarios de bolsillo deben ser iguales al salario mínimo federal, actualmente de $7.25 por hora. Además, la ley exige que se mantengan registros precisos que incluyan los salarios y las horas trabajadas por los empleados, y otras condiciones de empleo.

Este caso fue investigado por la Oficina del Distrito de Jacksonville de la División de Salarios y Horas, con representación legal provista por la Oficina del Fiscal Regional de Atlanta del Departamento de Trabajo.

HoLa Hora Latina presents “Frutos Latinos II” Exhibition

(08/16/2011/Knoxville) – HoLa Hora Latina is pleased to present “Frutos Latinos II”, an exhibition by Hispanic artists that live and work in the United States, particularly in the southeast region and the Knoxville area. The exhibition is hosted by the Arts & Culture Alliance at the Emporium Center and is on display in conjunction with Hispanic Heritage month in Knoxville and HOLA Festival on September 24. The exhibition opens Friday, September 2, at 5:00 PM in the main gallery of the Emporium Center. Fourteen artists will showcase works in the following media: oil, pastel, watercolor, acrylic, collage, and more. These artists will also display small works at the Knoxville Museum of Art, opening September 15.

This exhibition shows the diversity of media and style produced by contemporary Hispanic artists who explore what it means to now live and work in the United States. The artists included in the exhibition are: Tony Caiza (Ecuador); Rafael Casco (Honduras); Valeria Eiler (Chile); Astrid Galindo (Mexico); Jorge Gómez del Campo (Mexico); Stella C. Martin (Colombia); Aida Reyes (El Salvador); Dina Ruta (Argentina); Patricia Tinajero (Ecuador); Loren Velázquez (Puerto Rico); Eugenio Wade (Argentina); Patty Wade (Argentina); Ruth Chang White (Perú); and Jorge Yances (Colombia).

“Frutos Latinos II” will be displayed in the main gallery of the Emporium Center, 100 S. Gay Street, from September 2-30, 2011. An opening reception will take place as part of First Friday activities on September 2 from 5:00-9:00 PM with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. Gallery hours are Monday-Friday 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM. Please note, the Emporium will be closed on Monday, September 5, for the holiday. For more information, please contact the Arts & Culture Alliance at (865) 523-7543 or visit www.knoxalliance.com.

Remarks of President Barack Obama

WASHINGTON, DC. –On Thursday, I visited a new, high-tech factory in Michigan where workers are helping America lead the way in a growing clean energy industry. They were proud of their work, and they should be. They’re not just showing us a path out of the worst recession in generations – they’re proving that this is still a country where we make things; where new ideas take root and grow; where the best universities, most creative entrepreneurs, and most dynamic businesses in the world call home.

They’re proving that even in difficult times, there’s not a country on Earth that wouldn’t trade places with us. That doesn’t mean we don’t face some very tough economic challenges. Many Americans are hurting badly right now.

Many have been unemployed for too long. Putting these men and women back to work, and growing wages for everyone, has got to be our top priority. But lately, the response from Washington has been partisanship and gridlock that’s only undermined public confidence and hindered our efforts to grow the economy.

So while there’s nothing wrong with our country, there is something wrong with our politics, and that’s what we’ve got to fix. Because we know there are things Congress can do, right now, to get more money back in your pockets, get this economy growing faster, and get our friends and neighbors back to work. The payroll tax cut that put $1,000 back in the average family’s pocket this year? Let’s extend it.

Construction workers who’ve been jobless since the housing boom went bust? Let’s put them back to work rebuilding America. Let’s cut red tape in the patent process so entrepreneurs can get good ideas to market more quickly. Let’s finish trade deals so we can sell more American-made goods around the world.

Let’s connect the hundreds of thousands of brave Americans coming home from Iraq and Afghanistan to businesses that need their incredible skills and talents. These are all things we can do right now. So let’s do them. And over the coming weeks, I’ll put forward more proposals to help our businesses hire and create jobs, and won’t stop until every American who wants a job can find one. But we can no longer let partisan brinksmanship get in our way – the idea that making it through the next election is more important than making things right. That’s what’s holding us back – the fact that some in Congress would rather see their opponents lose than see America win. So you’ve got a right to be frustrated. I am. Because you deserve better. And I don’t think it’s too much for you to expect that the people you send to this town start delivering.

Members of Congress are at home in their districts right now. And if you agree with me – whether you’re a Democrat or a Republican or not much of a fan of either – let them know. If you’ve had it with gridlock, and you want them to pass stalled bills that will help our economy right now – let them know. If you refuse to settle for a politics where scoring points is more important than solving problems; if you believe it’s time to put country before party and the interests of our children before our own – let them know. And maybe they’ll get back to Washington ready to compromise, ready to create jobs, ready to get our fiscal house in order – ready to do what you sent them to do.

Yes, we’ve still got a long way to go to get to where we need to be. We didn’t get into this mess overnight, and it’s going to take time to get out of it. That’s a hard truth – but it’s no excuse for inaction. After all, America voted for divided government, not dysfunctional government, and we’ve got work to do. And when we come together and find common ground, there’s no stopping this country.

There’s no stopping our people. There’s no holding us back. And there is every reason to believe we’ll get through this storm to a brighter day. Thanks for listening, and have a nice weekend.

Ridgerunners at the Bush Visitor’s Center

The Grainger County Ridgerunners Car Club will host a car show, Saturday, August 27th at the Bush Visitor’s Center in Chestnut Hill. The event will begin at 9:00a.m. and run until 3:00p.m and is free for spectators.

The show will feature 100 classic cars from 1986 and older. All visitors will receive 10% off at the Bush Brothers Café during the car show. Entertainment will be provided throughout the day, including a performance at 1:00p.m. by the Tennessee Mountain Cloggers. Fifties and sixties music will also be playing throughout the day.

Car owners can register their cars for $15 the day of the event or by pre-registering. Prizes will be given for the People’s Choice Award, selected by all car owners participating in the show as well as the Top 20, judged by guest judges. All car show participants will also be entered to win various door prizes given throughout the day.

The Bush Brothers Visitors Center is located on Highway 411 in Chestnut Hill, TN. For more information on the car show, contact Pat Dukes at 865-363-5891.

Jobs available in Knoxville Area

Lakeside Tavern and Parkside Grill are now hiring line cooks and dishwashers. Lakeside is also looking for busboys and busgirls. Apply in person at Lakeside on Northshore Dr and Parkside on N. Peters Rd. anytime from 10:30am until 5pm Everyday. Please bring valid ID, Birth certificate, Social Security Card or other to speed up the hiring process. We are looking for full and part time.

Authorities Request Assistance Identifying Individual Who Placed Suspicious Package Near Federal Building in Chattanooga

The Knoxville Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Chattanooga Resident Agency, and Chief Bobby H. Dodd of the Chattanooga Police Department are asking for the public’s assistance with the identification of an individual suspected of leaving a package outside a United States Bankruptcy Court building earlier today.

At approximately 12:28 p.m. today, the suspect positioned a package at the handicapped entrance of the United States Bankruptcy Court near the intersection of Columbia and E. 11th Street, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. The suspect was wearing a navy-blue, New York Yankees baseball cap with the bill facing backwards, and a black, red, and white, sleeveless jersey shirt with the word “ZOOYORK” emblazoned on the front. Additionally, the suspect was wearing a long-sleeve, navy-blue, shirt underneath the jersey.

The FBI is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of this individual. Anyone with information should contact the Knoxville Division of the FBI at
865-544-0751 or the Chattanooga Police Department 423-698-2525. Please visit the Knoxville Division press page at http://www.knoxville.fbi.gov to view current photos of the suspect. This matter is being investigated jointly by the FBI’s Chattanooga Resident Agency and the Chattanooga Police Department.

All defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

Cinco victimas mortales en el condado Shelby

Memphis — Un hombre anciano quien al parecer solía apagar su aire acondiconado por la noche fue hallado muerto. Según los datos expedidos por oficiales de policía el calor fue uno de los factores principales del deceso de la quinta victima del extremo calor que azota la región.

Silverado’s bar and dance club declared public nuisance

Hermitage Precinct officers and the District Attorney’s Office this afternoon shutdown and padlocked Silverado’s Dance Hall and Saloon (also known as Rado’s) due to it being a persistent site of fighting, quarreling, assaults (including shootings) and breaches of the peace. An inordinate amount of police resources have been tied up dealing with criminal matters and other issues arising from the 1204 Murfreesboro Pike location.

Silverado’s has been declared a public nuisance in a temporary injunction and padlocking order issued today by Criminal Court Judge Mark Fishburn. Judge Fishburn’s order provides that the business be closed and padlocked pending a hearing. The order prohibits the operators of the bar, Paul Louis Eichel, and the property owners of record, Edward G. Cook and Nancy B. Cook, from entering the premises until a hearing is held.

Although the current business license lists Chris Hall, Dana Dale and Joe Savage as owners of the business, those individuals are not believed to have any present involvement with it. They are however, named as respondents in the nuisance petition, along with Eichel and the Cooks, filed today by District Attorney General Torry Johnson

An investigation by Hermitage Precinct officers over the past 18 months found that repeated and recurring criminal and disorderly activities have been taking place at the bar, to the point that other businesses and the quality of life on Murfreesboro Pike are being impacted.

“For far too long, Hermitage Precinct officers have had to implement strategies in an effort to control and interdict illegal activities coming from this property,” Chief Steve Anderson said. “I emphasize that seeking a padlocking order against a business is a last resort and not something we take lightly.”

La Casa de Representantes aprobo propuesta de ley para elevar la deuda

Washington, DC .- La propuesta que apoya el presidente Obama para elevar el monto del tope de la deuda fue aprobada en la Camara de Representantes.
La representante por Arizona, Gabrielle Giffords, se presento a votar a favor de la propuesta en su primera votacion desde que fuera atacada con intencion de asesinarla en enero de este año.