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By Leanne Aguilera, Hollywood.com Staff
Happy New Year TV lovers! Since it's a fresh start, let me reintroduce myself: My name is Leanne, (She awkwardly curtsies, stumbles, and falls. Wow, smooth.) I'm completely obsessed with all things television-related and I'm thrilled to continue spoiling you all with what's coming up on your favorite shows! So here's how it's going to work: Every Wednesday, I'll post a short but oh-so sweet list of all the spoilers you absolutely need to know. Every show will get their time to shine, but if you really want to hear scoop about a particular series, find me on Twitter (@LeanneAguilera) and use the hashtag #LeannesList to tweet a question about your favorite show. Or if you're too lazy to open another window on your desktop, just place your requests in the comments below. Voila! So easy right?
Now that we're slowly but surely becoming cyber soulmates, let's get started! In the first 2013 edition of Leanne's Spoiler List I'm dishing about the oh-so hot brand new characters you'll be meeting in season two premiere of Smash and revealing a deeper peak into Elena's sired mind from The Vampire Dairies boss Julie Plec. I also sweet-talked my way into watching the winter premieres of White Collar, Switched at Birth, and House of Lies and now I'm sharing all the goods about your favorite characters. So sit back, relax, and get ready for a new year filled with fun reviews and exclusive spoilers from yours truly.
1. Smash: A Dashing New Duo!
Some of you know I might have a teeny tiny crush on a show called Glee, so you can imagine how much I absolutely love NBC's racy, innovative, and infectiously fun musical drama Smash! The season two premiere is still a month away, (Feb. 5!) but lucky for you Broadway lovers, I asked Santa for a sneak peek and I was very good this year! The first episode back is a whopping two hours long, and it is packed to the brim with new characters, thrilling musical numbers, and so many twists and turns that you'll definitely need a neck brace when it's done.
GALLERY: 10 Best (and 5 Worst) TV Couples of 2012
Here's what I can spill about the episode: Dev is officially out of the picture and so far there is absolutely no sign of Julia's drone of a son Leo. (Cue the applause please!) We get to meet two new fellas, Jimmy and Kyle, who are beyond talented and of course in true Smash fashion they're definitely easy on the eyes. Think of this dynamic playwriting duo as the new Julia and Tom. Kyle writes the book, and Jimmy uses his swoon-worthy voice and musical skills to create the songs. While the Marilyn Musical Bombshell is caught in yet another pre-production snafu, Karen discovers the newbies in a bar and is instantly entranced by their powerful ballads and unique sound. There is only one problemJimmy (the so-hot-it-hurts one) has a massive chip on his shoulder and doesn't want Karen (aka "Princess") to help him and his partner achieve their dreams. Not to worry: Karen is determined to help their Broadway-bound showwhether they like it or not. Looks like Karen's got herself a new beau to crush on!
2. House of Lies: Drunk and Delusional
If you're not watching Showtime's comedy House of Lies, you should probably seriously reevaluate your DVR schedule because this show is hilarious, witty, and most importantly, it has Kristen Bell! (Let's all take a minute to relive the wonderment that is the Ellen/Kristen sloth video.) Now that's were all in an amazing mood, let's just dive straight into House of Lies season two scoop. (It premieres Jan. 13, bee tee dubs).
GALLERY: TV's Best Bitchfaces
Jeannie is now back from a paid leave of absence from work. Remember that whole sleeping with her boss thing? Well, now she's got a bigger problem: What the heck happened the night she got wasted with Marty and completely blacked out? It turns out Marty doesn't remember their drunken night of debauchery either. Luckily, Jeannie begins to have flashbacks from their interesting (and bloody) night, but the last 30 seconds of the episode are definitely something that you don't want to miss. Oh, and fun fact: Clyde has not one but two girlfriends! That's right: Claude, our favorite smooth talker, is currently in a Ménage à trois relationship and invites Marty to join the festivities. Of course, I can't reveal to you what Marty chooses, but I can tell you that his reaction is priceless. What about Doug, you ask? Welp, Doug makes a complete and total fool of himself in front of a very important client. Yet again.
3. The Vampire Diaries: Sired Vampire Girl Problems
Whenever The Vampire Diaries is on a hiatus, life seems bleak, empty, and fang-free. Sigh. Luckily for all you Mystic Falls lovers out there, I chatted with the all-knowing TVD showrunner Julie Plec to help curb your bloodlust until the drama returns Jan. 17. Even though we saw the rage/devastation when Stefan learned of Elena and Damon's recent under-the-sheets activities, Plec reveals that Elena's love triangle between the two Salvatore brothers is far from over. "Elena's mindset is basically a combination of feeling a sense of loss of not being able to be around Damon and also this profound sense of guilt for how much she's hurt Stefan." Don't forget about the third man in her life, though: her brother, Jeremy. ""Equal to that, a protectiveness of Jeremy," Plec adds. ""She's feeling very unsettled that she's not there where he is in helping him go through the motions to uncover the rest of his hunter marks. So she's got a lot that she's concerned about."" Our heroine will never lead a normal high school senior life, but then again, she is a vampire.
GALLERY: TV's Most Infuriating Third Wheels
But about that Damon situation: Is Elena ever going to question the sire bond, or is she dead set that her love for Damon is the real deal? Plec answers, ""In the midst of all of it, she's still wondering, are these [true] feelings she's feeling? They feel so real. What is going on with me?" Looks like we're going to have to wait a few weeks to find out, but head on down to the comments with your speculations! Is it just the sire bond messing with her head, or does Elena truly love Damon?
4. Switched at Birth: Gifts Galore!
After what seemed like the longest season one in the history of television (I might be exaggerating just a tad), Switched at Birth returns Jan. 7 with a brand new season and a whole lot of fun! I've already witnessed the amazingness of the season two premiere and I am happy to report that fans will not be disappointed. When we last saw our two families, Angelo was awarded with a $5 million settlement which was basically the court's way of saying, ""This is really awkward and we're really sorry that the hospital switched your two daughters. So here's a huge pile of money to make up for it."" So, what's a fella to do with all that cash? Shower everyone with gifts, that's what! A cappuccino maker, a telescope, and a Rolex watch are just a few of the pricey items that Angelo gives the family to show his love. But the coolest present of all is definitely Daphne's.
GALLERY: Twist! TV's Best (and Worst) Game Changers
When I was on the Switched at Birth set last month, the lovely Katie Leclerc was kind enough to spill the details to me and now I'm going to do the same for you: "Daphne gets a food truck!" Leclerc exclaims. The actress reveals that although Daphne has an intense passion for cooking, owning a food truck is a huge challenge and commitment for the high schooler. "Now she has to learn about business and has to learn about how her business affects other businesses and different communities and things like that. But she figures it out and she really grows up. She really just thrives in that environment and it's good to see that," she says. Business savvy is great and all, but with food trucks it's all about the tasty treats! So what will Miss Daphne be dishing up? Leclerc smiles. "The first time she takes it out she does waffles, but it turns out that she is going to do tacos but with a twist," she spills. Sounds delicious to me!
5. Comment Question: Dale Sullivan asked, "Got anything new on ""White Collar""?"
Well my dear Dale, I just finished watching the mid-season premiere of White Collar and let me confess something to you: I have a HUGE crush on Matt Bomer. Is that spoilery enough for you? Okay, fine. Let's get to it! The episode, "Family Business" which premieres on Jan. 22 is a total Marry Poppins (practically perfect in every way!) When we last saw our handsome hero, Neal discovered in a shocking twist that Sam is actually his father. Dun dun duuun! Now fans will pick up right where we left off and in the first three minutes you'll learn everything you ever wanted to know about our MIA daddy, including the backstory behind the picture Neal has from when he was a little boy.
Golden Globes 2013: Worst TV Snubs
To find the truth behind his father's criminal past, Neal must go undercover into the spirited world of counterfeit whiskey (pun intended). So get excited, White Collar fans, because the only thing better than a shirtless Neal is a drunk one with a sneaky plan. We already knew that our blue-eyed badass was incredible at a lot of things, but you can now add professional alcohol replicator to that list. After a fiery climax (yup that's a big clue), Neal makes the tough decision about whether or not he wants his dad to be a part of his life.
Are you excited to meet Smash's dashing new man? Counting down the days to get your Delena and Stelena fix? Intrigued by the new season of House of Lies? Tell me everything in the comments below!
Follow Leanne on Twitter @LeanneAguilera
[Photo Credit: USA, The CW, ABC Family, NBC, Showtime]
Leanne's Spoiler List: Seth Gabel Spills 'Arrow' Secrets, 'The Vampire Diaries' Gets Darker
Leanne's Spoiler List: A Fiery 'Pretty Little Liars' Premiere, A Badass Back On 'Revenge'
Leanne's Spoiler List: 'Gossip Girl' Flashbacks and Fatalities, 'Dexter' Makes His Choice
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Mid-Size Agency Big Ideas (and a bit of attitude)
Welcome to the Northwest's Leading Technology Public Relations Agency.
Whether you're a 7-person startup launching out of stealth or a well-funded company looking to get a bigger bang for your PR buck, you've found the right agency. We are the squeaky wheel that gets the ink. We love what we do, and so will you. Just ask the hundreds of clients we've served over the past 15+ years about the difference our work has made in the success of their business – some went on to be acquired or go public, and some we continue to serve today.
Our Clients say it all...
Barokas Public Relations has been a great partner for Clearwell and has played a critical role in our success. Kudos on a great job over the last
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BPR works as advertised they get results, & have a keen understanding of what it takes to get the job done. The increasing volume of coverage we have achieved over the years is a testament to their work.
I've worked with some large and famous firms, but none have ever come close to the level of commitment, skill, and creative excellence that I've come to expect from team Barokas.
It takes a combination of strategic smarts & heads down effort to succeed in public relations, & nobody combines the two better than BPR.
BPR hit the ground running & placed positive articles right from the start. In addition to being results-focused, their deep understanding of the eDiscovery market played an integral role in developing our messaging.
Over the past few years, we've received nothing less than outstanding work from BPR and they continue to exceed our expectations on multiple fronts.
Since working with BPR, we've secured top tier media coverage that far exceeds our competitors. BPR is a rare-breed, able to understand & articulate complex technologies in a creative way that delivers results.
BPR has been relentless in raising Apptio's profile & driving meaningful, consistent coverage. The firm's tech savvy, 'squeaky wheel' approach
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I've worked with Barokas since 1999. They kick-ass. A much better solution than Edelman, Weber, or any of the other mega agencies.
For six years Barokas PR worked passionately on the Concur business. We relied on Howie and his team to help us promote and own the T&E category. Barokas consistently delivered.
The work BPR did for our recent launch was fantastic. A 10 on a scale of 1 to 10. The top-tier coverage we received was consistent with our messaging. We couldn't have asked for more.
Small focused teams can run circles around those with more people & larger marketing budgets. BPR helps us sharpen & communicate our message with impressive
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I consider myself very lucky for getting the chance to work with the Barokas PR team. They are one of the few teams that really get it!
If you set out to change the world it's a good idea to have Barokas PR on your team. They are the most awesome PR people in the world. I would not work with anyone else.
BPR provides the right mix of senior PR counsel coupled with a healthy dose of aggressiveness that has earned us tier-1 results in AdAge, AdWeek, Fast Company, Forbes, Wall Street Journal and others.
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subset: commoncrawl


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People Remind Me of Dog Breeds
This includes my children
Please note comments are moderated. After being approved your comment will appear below.
Submitted by Maura | July 28 2010 | Permalink
I don't know about acting like dog breeds, but almost everyone I know looks like their dogs! it's creepy when you really compare them- I think they look more and more like each other as time goes on!
Submitted by SaraG | July 28 2010 | Permalink
My husband and I took one of those online quizzes, what dog are you? I was an Irish Setter (which I took to mean I had a lot of energy but not a lot of brain herding that energy). My husband was a Bulldog, which was dead on!! Now, I smile every time I see a Bulldog.
Submitted by Rough Collie Girl | August 2 2010 | Permalink
i have friends who both like terriors, and each look like their breed. Sister Number One looks remarkabley like her Cairn, and Sister number Two looks very much like her Scottie. at dog shows you see it more often- lean Greyhound people, lean and shaggy Wolf and Deer hound people, shaggy Old English Sheepdog people, snappish terrior people, quirky toy breed people, etc.
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Copyright © 1997-2014 The Bark, Inc. Dog Is My Co-Pilot® is a registered trademark of The Bark, Inc


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The Smoky Rose Swarovski design is inspired by the unique smoky shade of the crystals, a unique combination of vintage and new , whats more fashionable then this.
A smoky rose crystal swarovski set in a crocheted gold filled wire bezel.
The swarovski crystal has a marvelous color and a unique round - square vintage shape.
This design is a perfect gift for yourself or for others :)
My wire crochet earrings are made in my unique technique that combines wire crochet and wire knitting, it is called ISK, invisible spool knitting.
This design has a matching pendant necklace,
its available in other shades as well.
"I purchased these earrings for my mother, and she just loves them! Beautiful earrings, fast shipping, great customer service; thank you Yoola!"
Swarovski crystal size : 12mm (0.47inch )
Material Used
The ear wires and crocheted element are made of 14k gold filled, the crystals are original Swarovski glass.


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Spice Rubbed Grilled Duck Breast with Grilled Peach and Goat Cheese Salad
- Total Time:
- 45 min
- Prep:
- 30 min
- Cook:
- 15 min
- Yield:
- 4 servings
- Level:
- Intermediate
- Total Time:
- 45 min
- Prep:
- 30 min
- Cook:
- 15 min
- Yield:
- 4 servings
- Level:
- Intermediate
- 2 cups orange juice
- 1 pint blackberries
- 1 tablespoon dry mustard
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon chili de arbol
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoons five-spice powder
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 4 duck breasts, scored
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Canola oil
- Ripe peaches, halved and pitted
- 8 ounces goat cheese, cut into pieces, softened
- 2 cups baby arugula
- 1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans, toasted
Heat grill to medium. Put orange juice in a medium saucepan and cook until reduced by half. Add the blackberries and cook for 2 minutes. Strain the mixture into a bowl. Place the blackberries in another bowl and set aside.
Mix together all the spices and rub the skin side of the duck with some of the rub. Season breasts with salt and drizzle with oil. Grill, rub side down until a crust forms, 3 to 4 minutes. Turn the breasts over and continue cooking to medium doneness, brushing with some of the orange-blackberry glaze every minute or so. Transfer to a large platter.
Brush the cut side of the peaches with oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill the peaches, cut side down until slightly charred about 2 minutes. Turn over and grill for another minute. Arrange cut side up around the duck, or on another platter. Spoon some goat cheese into the peach hollows, scatter the arugula and pecans over, and then some of the cooked blackberries. Serve the remaining berries with the duck and peaches, if desired.
More Recipes and Ideas
Grilled Spice-Rubbed Shrimp "Nicoise" Salad
Recipe courtesy of Bobby Flay
Seared Magret Duck Breast with Creamy Garlic Mashed Potatoes, Haricots Verts and Brandied Cherry Reduction Sauce
Recipe courtesy of Emeril Lagasse
Seared Duck Breast with Pomegranate Molasses
Recipe courtesy of Anne Burrell


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The family of a man who grew up in Albany is asking for donations as he waits for a liver transplant.
Terry Kimbrell moved to Fort Walton, Florida in 2005. In 1997 he was diagnosed with a life-threatening liver disease and his health started deteriorating in 2011.
He's currently at the Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida waiting on a liver transplant, which doctors say is essential to save his life.
"They will have tremendous expenses, even though they have insurance to help with the liver transplant. And these donations are tax deductible," said Carolyn Ramsey, his cousin.
You can send donations through the National Foundation for Transplants. A link to that website is below.
Copyright 2013 WALB. All rights reserved.
P.O. Box 3130
Albany, GA 31706
(229) 446-1010
FCC Public File
(229) 446-4005
EEO Report
Closed Captioning


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PRISM London presents a new version of its popular Kingston sunglasses. Using a camouflage acetate, the frame features a rather unique pattern. The Carl Zeiss lenses make sure that your eyes are properly protected in all sunny situations. You can get the sunglasses now directly from PRISM for $400 USD.
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Famed gospel singer Andrae Crouch was rushed to the hospital Sunday after falling ill in the shower at his L.A. home ... TMZ has learned.
The 71-year-old Grammy winner behind "Let the Church Say Amen" tells us he was "overcome by heat" during his shower ... and shouted for his assistant and his twin sister to call for help.
An ambulance arrived to the scene -- and Crouch was transported to a nearby hospital. A few hours later, doctors determined Crouch was OK, and he was cleared to go home.
We spoke to Crouch ... who tells us he suffers from diabetes and suspects his condition contributed to the incident in the shower.
The singer tells us he feels better now, but adds, "Diabetes is no fun."
He adds, "Thanks to all my fans for all your prayers and support."
F-ing Spammers
he feels better now, but adds, "Diabetes is No Fun."...............Thanks For The information
An episode of low blood sugar can make your legs turn to cooked spaghetti. Glad this guy didn't fall and break something.
Glad it didn't turn out to be something serious. At least I hope not.
We love you Andrae - Soon and very soon - But not so soon! ;-)
Glad he is okay!
Like the sports pg TMZ...start a Gospel pg =no1 cares.
This does not belong on TMZ site. This man is decent.
Man! When I'm seventy -one I too would like to have that jet-black stylin'...What's up with that"?..All I could think was Wayne Newton...just sayin'...
TMZ I have never regiustered to comment with any news organization before, however your report regarding the health of legendary gospel music icon Andrae Crouch deserves recognition. Andrae has millions of fans all over the world. His ministry and musical influence has spanned over 40 years. His contemporary gospel music style changed gospel music forever. Thanks for recognizing his significance to our times and the industry. Thank -you for being aware of his importance to millions of fans around the world. Respect and propos TMZ!!!
Thanks to God for you are well now. We love you. www.wofbcii.com.
Everything Changed When Christ Stepped Into My Life, He Brought to Me A Breath of Spring, and then He Brought Me A New Song to Sing, Everything Changed When Christ Stepped Into My Life.
Tell Them, Even if they don't Believe You, Just Tell Them Even if they dont Receive You, Tell them that I Love Them, and I came them know. Tell Them
Tell them When it Seems you are Forsaken, Just Tell them, Though it Seems Your Earth is Shaken, Tell them that I Love Them.


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The Advanced Center for Cancer Care in Elkhartis located in the Medical Office Building attached to Elkhart General Hospital. For more than 20 years, Elkhart General Hospital has trusted Michiana Hematology Oncology to provide medical and gynecologic oncology services for their patients. In addition, Brion Shin, MD, radiation oncologist at the Advanced Center for Cancer Care, currently serves on the Elkhart General Hospital oncology team, providing inpatient and outpatient consultations and radiation oncology services to better meet the needs of patients battling cancer in Elkhart County.
Medical Oncologists
Dr. Jose Bufill, Dr. Rolan Pascual
Radiation Oncologists
Nurse Practitioners
Sheila Fleming, Jennifer Ewing


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Straying Off the Path or Changing Direction?
Published on - July 5th, 2012 (by Donna Freedman)
This post is from GRS staff writer Donna Freedman. Donna writes the Frugal Cool blog for MSN Money, and writes about frugality and intentional living at Surviving And Thriving.
The delightful Rita Rudner once said that she never gets lost — she just changes where it is she wants to go. I'd like to stand that joke on its head: If life takes a sudden, unpleasant turn, you might have to turn along with it — at least for a while.
So you'd planned to go straight to the top. Who doesn't? Sometimes you have to accept plateaus, lateral moves, or even downward spirals:
- High student loans, low-paying job (or no job at all)
- Sudden illness or injury
- Layoff
- Divorce and its attendant emotional and financial dramas
If you think that any one of these things could ruin your life, you're right. You're also wrong. Such things don't happen to your life. They are your life, or, rather, just one part of your life. Never mind that it's a part you wish you could skip over. It's yours, at least for a time. That's not to say you'll stay in one place forever. You're not accepting defeat. You're temporarily changing direction.
Many of us hope for smooth sailing on life's tranquil stream, but suddenly we're drowning in debt or underwater on our mortgages. Aqueous metaphors aside, the fact is that none of us is guaranteed an easy ride. Bad stuff happens, often to good people.
Live and learn
What did we do to deserve it? Sometimes the fault lies not in the stars, but in ourselves: risky behaviors, bad money habits, an inability to think beyond the next pleasurable moment.
At other times, shit just happens. Nobody asks to be hit by a drunk driver, or to be swept up in a surprise layoff. Here's the thing: You don't get to wish it all away.
Wish you hadn't taken out all those student loans? Maybe you were misled or misinformed, but that's your signature on the paperwork. What are you doing about it now? Looking at scary medical debt after an illness came out of the blue? Believe me, I hear you on this one — but have you researched your options?
Wondering if you'll ever get another job in your field after 15 years at your old one? Good question. In the meantime, obligations must be met. How will you make that happen?
Kicking yourself for not listening when your dad said, "A fancy sports car is a bad idea at this stage of your life?" Welcome to the shoulda-woulda-coulda club. What's your plan?
Don't devote any more energy to sighing about what you wish you'd done instead of what you did do. Don't waste time moaning about how unfair it is that you bought at the height of the housing bubble or graduated into a lousy economy. Instead, keep looking for solutions, even partial ones: get a roommate, sell the car, pare down basic expenses, investigate a short sale, ask if you can move back in with the folks.
Bring your own ladder
None of these sound like much fun — and just about any solution is a partial one in that it doesn't work right away. For example, suppose paying off the credit cards will take two years of careful budgeting. You'll be out of debt, but those two years could seem endless. A decade down the road, though, you'll realize how much you learned during that time period — and how it positioned you for what came next.
Pay attention to these lessons because there's no guarantee that hard luck will stay gone. My daughter nearly died at age 19 from a rare neurological disease. Left with some permanent health issues and on disability for a time, she was lucky to find a job she can do at home. Yet she keeps getting hammered by personal and financial crises:
- Her husband is disabled.
- Her unemployed in-laws, one of whom has a serious heart ailment, had to move in.
- In the last year: Two miscarriages, root canal for her, a cracked denture for her husband, a handful of ER visits for both of them.
- A careless driver hit them and totaled their car; the insurance payoff wasn't nearly enough to pay for a replacement vehicle.
- The used car they got (and partially financed) has had several repair issues.
- The house they bought with less of a down payment than they'd hoped for (so the in-laws could move in sooner) has had repair issues, too.
Those are just the things I can remember off the top of my head. It would be so easy to stop trying. But no matter how many times they get slapped down, they keep coming back — and slapping back. They are determined to seek meaningful lives.
To those who say, "When God closes a door, He opens a window," I say this: Bring your own ladder. Better yet, kick that sumbitchen door down and demand, demand a shot at self-determination. Don't sit around waiting for some celestial locksmith to open it for you.
However, be prepared to wait for both the opportunity and the strength to do the kicking. Immediately after the layoff or the major surgery is not the time. You may have to hit "pause" for a bit.
This is neither punishment nor penance. It's just life. Don't take it too personally. Sometimes you have no other option except to play the hand you're dealt — but always with an eye toward improving your eventual odds.
No more 'what-ifs'
It isn't easy to keep going when life turns on you. But just as silence equals consent, inaction equals surrender.
In a marvelous novel called "Kissing the Virgin's Mouth," the protagonist is devastated when her husband asks for a divorce. Too depressed to move, Magdalena lies in bed and wonders what she could have done differently. What if she'd tried harder? What if she'd been the wife her husband wanted?
Her aunt's reply: "There is no 'what if.' There is only what is."
Eventually Magdalena gets out of bed and rebuilds her life. It isn't the life she thought she wanted. It isn't a life she could ever have imagined. But it is a life, and a good one.
Do not let bad luck or hard times keep you down for long. Focus on what you might do next to change things. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small. ("Put an extra $40 into this month's debt snowball! Woo hoo!") Every so often allow yourself to spend a little money even if you think you shouldn't. That happy-hour special will feel like a night at the Ritz.
And yes, every now and then allow yourself a limited number of why-me moments. (I call them "rollover mopes.") Just don't get stuck in the glumness. To paraphrase a cliché: Tough times don't last. Tough lessons do, if you're motivated enough to learn from them.
Try not to focus on the bad things unless you are doing something that causes them. Instead focus on the solutions and what you can do better in the future. Some people have horrible luck but they to can get ahead with some hard work in most cases. Sorry to hear about all of the bad luck.
I think this point: "Don't devote any more energy to sighing about what you wish you'd done"is really the take-home here. And it's true. There's absolutely nothing that can be done about what's happened. Whether it was yoru fault or just life being life, here you are with whatever your situation is, now get crackin'!
As per Joyce Meyer: You can't change a person or a situation, you can only change your reaction to it.
As per Denny Fitch: Your attitude determines your altitude.
As per Doris Day: Que sera, sera.
As per my sister (now divorced): It doesn't matter what I look like, I have my man.
As per Kate Nelligan in "Without a Trace" (when asked why she hadn't given up finding her son): When I can't stand. When "I" can't stand.
As per me the day after September 11th: Nothing is in my control.
Life sucks. Nobody truly gets the life they imagined. Horrendous things happen to good people and good things happen to bad people.
When you stop getting back up it's time to put on the cat costume and go to the vet for the needle.
Re "que sera, será": One month the Mensa Bulletin had a wordplay page whose theme was changing one letter in a phrase to make the same point in a punny way.
My favorite was "Que sera serf," which translates to "Life is feudal."
Man, is it ever sometimes.
I also liked:
"L'etat, c'est moe" ("All the world's a Stooge") and "L'etat, c'est moo" ("I'm Bossy around here").
Thanks, this is just what I needed to hear right now.
Well put. Thanks.
I am a planner by nature and always plan for a variety of scenarios. In difficult times, you need to make yourself invaluable. I always have a Plan B just in case.
Thank you for this. I'm in the middle of making my own luck and am feeling the stress/excitement/uncertainty/dread/sleeplessness. But I've been feeling stuck for a long time and HAVE to believe that action is the better choice in the long run!
This was a FABULOUS article! I try hard to be pro-active in life and work for what I have, and plan for the future. My husband lost his job a few years ago when we had horrible debt, and it spurred us to really stick to a budget and decrease our debt. I think I'm a much happier person because of being proactive and trying to make the best of bad situations, and figure out what we will do differently, rather than sit around and mope. I will say that I have been pretty lucky because nothing too catastrophic has ever befallen me. I know some people that hate their lives and are miserable when really it's poor choices or just being completely passive (dishrags have more backbone than my mother-in-law) that led to their difficulties.
As noted, job loss and the resultant budgeting positioned you for what came next: being "a much happier person." Well done, you.
Play the hand you've been dealt and always keep an eye out for more opportunities. VERY well said.
As long as people realize that "Play the hand you're dealt" doesn't mean, "You're screwed and always will be."
It's not an admonition to ACCEPT bad circumstances. Merely to acknowledge where you are and figure out how to get somewhere else.
In the past eight years I've found that it's easier to admit being scared than to fight being scared. But the fear no longer paralyzes me (for long, anyway). These days it energizes me: "OK, so I hate feeling this way. What can I do to change the situation, even in a small way?"
Sometimes it's so hard to not believe the "You're screwed and you'll always be" sort of believing. I've been struggling most of my life (I'm middle-aged now) to get out of bad situations, without much luck. Everything that could go wrong in life has gone wrong…had to give up a child due to poverty, had to go through a divorce due to the husband having near-incurable addictions that kept getting him jailed, have had horrible health problems, and have not been able to find a job for that past 8 years (am going back to college for a second degree now), etc (this isn't even all that has happened, just about half of it). I mean, nothing has gone right, and not due to poor choices either. I've always had a stellar work ethic, and was always an A student in school. Right now, I have very little to my name (no car, no TV, etc) and am living with the parents (with no friends or SO anywhere near me), which is extremely humiliating. 40 years of nothing but bad luck tends to wear even the most positive person down.
Thanks, Donna, for the encouraging words. I appreciate it.
I'll just keep trying to improve my situation for as long as I can.
This was so me these past few weeks. I had an allergic rash and couldn't for the life of me figure out what the heck was causing it. For a while, I was a moper. I hate getting sick in any way, so for me to have some random itch and rash was making me miserable.
Eventually, with the encouragement of my husband, I started developing a plan. I'm still not out of the hole just yet, but I was able to solve a ton of mysteries and put my anxiety at ease (mostly). And the cool thing was that I started feeling better once I actually took action.
Thank you, Donna! I really needed to hear this today (and most days). Sometimes I do wonder what decisions I've made in my life for XYZ to happen. At the same time I know despite what I've been taught by parents, teachers, authority figures, "experts", etc, some things are not my fault.
We live in the society of "look in the mirror" and though we make decisions on a daily basis that may not be the wisest, many thing are out of our control.
Thoughtful article! It reminds me what a key role resiliency plays in success. And as you suggest, the way to resiliency is by determining what are the steps to move forward. Simple advice, hard to follow.
I love this article!!!! I have hundreds of former nursing students who are just starting out their lives, graduate school, marriage, babies, and jobs. They are my facebook friends and I shared this article with all!! I told everybody to read this article.
Thank You Donna….excellent writing!!
No, thank YOU, Sandra.
Reminds me of a book I read many years ago…"Everyone needs a kick in the pants" or something like that. The idea was that having a bad shock in life kicks you into action which always works to make you stronger and better.
I especially agree with your statement that a decade after your problem you will look back and be amazed at how it changed your life and set new good things into action.
20 years ago, my husband lost his VP job which also meant that we lost the house that went with the job. we floundered around for a few years but the end result was a new job for him, a job for me( I had been home with the children) in a field I loved, and we had to buy a house which is nearly paid off now. With house prices so high in Hawaii now, we would never had been able to afford one if we had waited a few years. It is interesting to look back and see the steps in our life. Not just because of the choices and goals we made but because of what happend along the way.
Wow! I absolutely love this quote: But just as silence equals consent, inaction equals surrender.
Thanks, Jenna.
Let me be clear: Inaction may be due to a lot of things. Illness, fatigue or the fact that every moment of every day is incredibly fraught (ex: low-wage single working parent of a special-needs child).
Whether or not there's a reason for the inaction, the result is the same: You are giving up any hope for positive change. (Ask me how I know.)
I get that. I just think some people take my silence (when I'm processing things) as consent. It something I'm working on. This quote is a good reminder / mantra.
Loved every word of this.
I have a sister that believed the world owes her and continues to screw over everyone in her path. Then she wonders why no one wants anything to do with her in her time of "need". We were all raised in the same house. I feel she should get over it and turn her life around, herself.
Blessing to your family/friends that understand that.
"Rollover Mopes". I love that.
May I add that I was going to recommend you for Writer until I looked back at the intro and saw that you already are. More please.
I write every other week, so see you soon.
In the meantime, hope you'll scroll back through some of my other GRS pieces.
Also her excellent blog, surviving and thriving (linked in her name there), and MSN pieces. It is hard to get enough Donna Freedman (I've been a fangirl since her early MSN days!)
Aw, shoot… [[blushes]] Thanks.
"…say this: Bring your own ladder. Better yet, kick that sumbitchen door down…"
This was my absolute favorite line in the article. Get up and do something!
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for writing this article and for me to read it today.
I recently have been totally defeated, bigtime. I've done the what if's, why me's, etc…
There was a time in my life when I said, "it can't get any worse" and then it did.. so I never say that again.
Your article uplifted me today when I really needed it. I read something else today that said, "If your miserable, make a change. And if your miserable with that change, make another one."
So baby steps and making small changes. I like how you said to "pause" for awhile. I think that's extremely important, as it's time for me to "unpause" now.
Thanks again for this great advice
The hardest things I've gone through in life were what taught me the most….and I wouldn't be who I am today without the experiences (cliches and all!)
Wonderful post, Donna!
Thanks for this. I especially love the quote about "There is no 'what if.' There is only 'what is." Sometimes we need that smack in the head that says, "Hey, wake up and deal with life!" Thanks for giving that to us!
Personally, I found this article depressing and fatalistic.
I have to agree. Plus, this does not fall into line with the serious financial discussions that I've come to expect from GRS (although my interest has begun to slip as of late).
I enjoyed most of the article right up until the time the author revealed her atheism. I stopped cold when she wrote. "Don't sit around waiting for some celestial locksmith to open it…" Earlier, in the prior sentence the author cited "When God closes a door, He opens a window." I am smart enough to catch the linkage between God and the "celeastial locksmith." Yuck.
I am not an atheist; in fact, I go to church regularly. See comment #70 for an explanation of the celestial locksmith.


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A group of pin-up models are hosting a fashion show to benefit the USO on September 14. The Vintage Vixens of Arizona are presenting the Warrior Walk Retro Fashion Showcase in order to thank and support our troops. The group is made up of vintage inspired, pin-up models who raise money for military charities and veterans organizations. Fashions by Vee Vin Tage, Trampalina's Fashion, Cherry Bomb Vintage, LilAzn Hair Flowers and Yandy.com will be worn in the show. The event will have raffle prizes, vendors and drinks for 21 and over after 10 p.m. Attendees are encouraged to dress in retro and vintage attire.
The Warrior Walk Fashion Show to benefit USOSeptember 14 at 7 p.m. Speakeasy Saloon and Grill7450 W Chandler BlvdChandler, AZ 85226$5 donation at door www.facebook.com/events/602051249818257/
KSAZ-TV & KUTP511 W. Adams St.Phoenix, AZ 85003Phone: (602) 257-1234Fax: (602) 262-0177


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Ground Invasion Next? Israel Defense Min spokesman on Gaza war spiral [RT]
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RT speaks with Israeli Defense Ministry Spokesman - Josh Hantman, as Palestinians are preparing themselves for possible Israeli ground operation, they fear that the IDF could start reoccupation of the Gaza Strip with tanks and commandos. FOLLOW LIVE UPDATES: http://on.rt.com/1d6yjw
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WAUSAU, WI (WSAU) - Investigators are piecing together details about a Saturday crash in Wausau that left the driver dead and a 4-year-old boy hospitalized.
The one vehicle crash happened on Thomas Street at about 3:00 p.m. The 24-year-old man driving the vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
Captain Ben Bliven says an autopsy on 24-year-old Michael Dixon of Rothschild shows he died of injuries in the crash, but there may be contributing factors. "We're still investigating the other possible alternatives. We did locate a syringe, a spoon, and a lighter in the vehicle, so it could be that there was some drug use, but we won't have a toxicology result until the medical examiner is able to get the results, so that's going to be a few weeks, probably."
Bliven says their crash reconstruction team is still trying to determine what exactly happened. "We're doing the scale diagram, doing some math and trying to figure out the speed of the vehicle, and then we'll be looking at getting the information off the vehicle data recorder to see if we can get an exact determination of speed or direction and that kind of thing, see what kind of information might be on that." The Toyota Camry sustained severe damage to the front end.
Michael Dixon's 4-year-old son Jordan was in a car seat, but still sustained serious injuries. He's being treated at St. Joseph's Hospital in Marshfield.


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HARRISBURG, Pa.—The winning numbers in Sunday evening's drawing of the Pennsylvania Lottery's "Evening Quinto" game were:
(eight, four, seven, two, three)
Leaking lime juice sends responders to cargo jet
KETCHIKAN, Alaska (AP) — A mysterious liquid leaking on a cargo jet sent emergency responders to the island that is home to the Ketchikan, Alaska, airport. Full Story
Correction: Labor-Jazz Musicians story
NEW YORK (AP) — In a story Sept. 17 about jazz musicians in New York City seeking pensions, The Associated Press misspelled the name of one musician. Full Story
(Charles Sykes)
Darrell Hammond replacing Don Pardo on 'Saturday Night Live'
Former SNL cast member replacing legendary announcer, who died in August.


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Are you a TV Fanatic?
Sign up for our daily newsletter to receive personalized television news for free!
The only time I actually cried watching the show was as soon as George wrote "007" on Meredith's hand. I started screaming, then proceeded to start sobbing...my mother was quite concerned for my sanity--she even had the gall to say "Sweetie, it's just a TV show!!"
But some other scenes I've loved are:
*Izzie in Denny's hospital bed after he dies
*Denny's death (so short, but so sad!!)
*Izzie lying on the bathroom floor.
*Doc Dying
*Meredith's afterlife moment when she realizes she wants to come back
*Derek in the drowning episodes where he breaks down in front of Addison.
*When Alex is trying to convince Izzie to get rid of the DNR
There are so many others, too!!
@marriedmymcdreamy, Yes we seem to be in sync on anything Grey's related. As well as our Patrick Dempsey crushes! I just bought In Touch Weekly....there's a picture of him on the cover. I haven't read the article yet but apparently he bought his wife a new house for their anniversary. I am soooo jealous of her! So he is the perfect man in real life as well as in the show! At least your husband knows of your PD obsession. I have to hide mine...my hubby would think I'm totally weird! I'm glad YOU understand. LOL
omgg i agree with u mrspattinsondiggo that scene with meredith and george with the 007 that made me cryyy!!!!!!!!! but u knwo wat got me the most is when izzie and george see eachother in hospital heaven and then the elevator openss and u see good old cute georgie in his military uniformm that is when i balled my eyes and i started sccreaamingg and hitting thinggs and sayingg no georgie noooo!!!!!
when meredith did the voiceover and she said -Did you say it? 'I love you. I don't ever want to live without you. You changed my life.' Did you say it? Make a plan. Set a goal. Work toward it, but every now and then, look around; Drink it in 'cause this is it. It might all be gone tomorrow." thatt was sadddd!
and the next one is when izzie was just bout to go into surgery when she said to alexx this Where your eyes are supposed to be right now I see white sandy beaches! There is an ocean behind are head and there goes ghost wandering in and out! I cant live like this. And I cant live if something goes wrong in that surgery I don't want any extraordinary measures taken. To keep me alive its not what I want. I went crazy when Denny signed that DNR because I didn't understand I didn't understand but now I do and I need u to understand. I don't want you to go crazy I want you to have brilliant career and I hope that I get to be here for that but if I cant I jus want to go to the other side. I don't know whets there but its gotta be better then hospital beds and tubes down my throats. Please, please don't cut LVAD's just if it comes down to it just let me go.
the last one is when meredith went to williams execution and she came out crying and derek was there waiting for her that was soooooo saddd i had tears in my eyesss!!!!!
George dying. I think Mer's voice over was for him because everyone in the hospital loves George, but they always forgot to tell him.
Meredith's reaction was heartbreaking. You can tell how much she loves George.
Then my beautiful Gizzie smiling at each other in the elevator.
I think my sweet George will die. I cry every time I think about that.
That quote is my favorite, it made me think about it, Grey's taught me such a lesson this season! Actually two lessons, one is to wear sunscreen because I usually don't but now everytime I'm in the sun I think about Izzie and put sunscreen on :p and the second is to tell people I love them when I still have the chance and make the best out of everything! And I apply that quote to my life now. I think it might be my favorite Grey's voiceover.
One scene that always gets me is when George's dad is in the hospital and Cristina tells him that George is the best intern. His dad is obviously very proud and fighting tears and Cristina is going through everything with Tremorgate and is conflicted about letting Burke operate on George's dad. It is such a small scene, but I well up with tears every time. I think that Grey's does SO much better with the small, intimate scenes than with the big over the top scenes.
The whole storyline with George and his dad is just so sad. Him shaving him and then all of the family standing around when they take him off life suport.


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Environmental groups sent out a worldwide call to save the gray whale from a Mexican salt plant. They got millions of dollars and thousands of new members. But scientists found no threat to the whales.
At the same time hundreds of dead gray whales were washing up on beaches, their birthrate was plunging. Theories abound, but little hard data has been gathered to solve this environmental puzzle.


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I was at the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education program for education writers most of Friday.
Here is the message of the day in a single line:
Among the presenters: Kathy Cox, state school superintendent, Erin Hames, education policy director for the governor, Alan Essig of the Georgia Budget and Policy Institute and Herb Garrett of the Georgia Superintendents Association. The teacher of the year was there as were many state people and representatives of the state's education groups.
Without tax increases, Georgia schools will most certainly take considerable hits in the next two years.
How deep is the financial hole at the state level? So deep, said Essig, that even wiping out 20 state agencies and the legislative branch and firing the 13,000 employees in those agencies wouldn't plug it.
And it's no better in local communities, which are also under water due to falling property digests and record unemployment.
Cox said fewer reductions to education by the Legislature and more flexibility would be starters.
"We have to give local systems the ability to manage through this," said Cox. "There is no way they can manage their budgets with what the state is giving them and what has happened to local revenues. They have to able to move money around and raise class size. There is no way around it. Do we want them to go from where they are now to 40 or 45 kids in a class like they are doing in parts of California? No. But they have to have some flexibility."
Explaining that 80 percent of education spending goes to teacher salaries, Essig said there are very limited ways to save money, including pay teachers less or have less school.
He criticized the Legislature's stubborn insistence on holding the line on new taxes, saying most states have not made cuts as deep and wide as Georgia because they were willing to take the political heat and impose increases in fees and taxes. Yet, Georgia is among the top 10 states in the size of its deficit.
Despite the state's money crisis, Essig said the General Assembly is still contemplating new special interest tax breaks that will eliminate hundreds of millions from the tax rolls each year.
If those tax breaks are granted, the money has to be made up somewhere, and it will likely be education.
Essig suggested the state consider new revenue sources, such as increasing in the cigarette tax, closing the corporate loopholes and putting a temporary 1 percent surcharge on households with incomes above $400,000. (Not likely in an election year.)
Following Essig with equal solemnity was Herb Garrett of the Superintendents Association. He outlined the local funding woes from the district's point of view — continued and deeper QBE cuts, reduction state equalizing grants and the shorting of systems in the local five mills share equation. He lamented the continued and dramatic underfunding of school transportation by the state, explaining that local systems are now picking up 75 percent of the bus costs.
Susan Walker, policy and research director for the Georgia Partnership, outlined the top 10 issues of education for 2010. Her list included the grim budget, Race to the Top, data systems, turning around low achieving schools, charters, litigation, rural Georgia, college access, great teachers and standards and assessments. (The report on the top 10 issues is available for free. Go to the Parternship site for info.)
Given the uncertain political future in Georgia and the shaky economy, Walker said, "Stability and predictability appear lights at the end of a distant tunnel."
Many speakers referenced Georgia's Race to the Top application, which was among 41 vying for a slice of a new $4.35 education billion pie. (Here is the link to Georgia's 200-page Race to the Top application. )
The Obama White House created the competition to spur states to new inovations to improve k-12 .
There are two deadlines to apply. Georgia made the first one this week, but it is not clear how many states will get grants in this first go-around. Erin Hames of the governor's office said it could be as few as three or four, meaning that there would be a good pot of cash left for the next RTTT deadline, which is in the spring.
The state folks seemed confident that Georgia's 200-page application for RTTT money was a contender, helped along by a Gates Foundation grant that paid for an outside consultant to help share the document.
But if Georgia gets the money – which could be as much as $462 million – it won't solve all our problems.
Cox gave a reality check on the Race to the Top funds, noting that much of it is earmarked for Title 1 students and schools. (A Title I school has to have 40% or more low-income students.)
Of Georgia's 1.75 million students, 731,228 are Title 1, meaning that there are a million who are not and who won't get a big benefit from RTTT.
In other words, Georgia can't count on the feds to hand us money to educate all 1.75 million students in our public schools.
It's time for school bake sales. Anybody have a recipe for a million dollar poundcake?
January 24th, 2010
7:37 am
[...] The Grim State of Georgia's Education Funding For the last few months, generally when anyone asks about a teaching position, I have often tried to warn the original poster about how grim things are here. The funding situation is horrible. Many of us will face higher property taxes next year (though if your house has decreased significantly in value, you won't really notice it) for less services in our public schools. The Governor and most state legislators on the other hand, refuse to look at the revenue side as part of the problem. They focus only on spending and have the nerve to suggest even cutting taxes/fees in some areas which will further decrease revenue. This blog sort of summarizes well the grave situation here… Education 2010: No money. Zip. Nada. None. Go fish. | Get Schooled [...]
January 24th, 2010
7:37 am
RULE # 1: Create a crisis!
January 24th, 2010
7:49 am
Georgia should at least be taxing Smokes see http://www.tobaccofreekids.org/research/factsheets/pdf/0222.pdf we are not even at the average with the rest of states except SC. Same for fire water and beer.
It will be interesting to see where this ends up. More prisons? Georgia leads the nation in state prisoners that are also High School drop outs. More crime? We are in the news with Atlanta and Macon in the top ten for per capita crime of their size cities.
Trickle down effect on our future means more importing of skilled, high tech people from other countries as the dumbing down of our students is almost a given in schools of tomorrow.
Thanks Sonny and all your predecessors. I am a political atheist I do not believe politicians will ever save us.
January 24th, 2010
8:07 am
I respect your teaching position but your analysis that more crime results from (DIRECTLY) from lack of highschool diploma which results from lack of school funding is by and large false. People end up criminals when parents don't bring their kids up right. Those parents don't teach their kids the importance of education. Their kids are lost and get into criminal activity. You could hand some of these people diplomas and they're still going to commit crimes.
The problems for those people are within the 4 walls of their homes.
January 24th, 2010
8:31 am
We always have money for football. UGA's new coach gets $750K a year.
January 24th, 2010
8:31 am
Leave it to resident bigot and teacher hater jim d to make light of a terrible situation.
January 24th, 2010
8:33 am
@Northview (Ex) Teacher
Don't you stupid teachers realize that college football brings in revenue??? No wonder our kids can't read. Thank God my little Missy is in private school where teacher quality is much much higher.
January 24th, 2010
8:42 am
FOOL…………..NEW TAXES will not go to education…….IT WILL BE SPENT ON PORK..
January 24th, 2010
8:54 am
Instead of pointing fingers, we need to break down the walls between educational resources. We need to promote the integration starting in 7th grade between the tech/vocational and 4 years colleges in the private and or public sector with our public schools. This would increase quality while being more efficient with current assets.
We can also promote the same concept with private and home school kids. This is a tested concept that is working!
Macon…."We were extremely impressed with the number of students taking courses there and how they coordinated with the technical college and the business community," Carpenter said. "We feel the setup helps a student jump start a career."
The immediate benefits from the career academy include lower dropout rates, higher graduation rates and a more skilled labor pool in the county, he said.
The Newnan school's Web site states the county's dropout rate has fallen by half since it opened, and the graduation rate for students in dual enrollment programs is 98 percent.
Coweta's SAT scores halted their decline and now exceed the state average, according to the school.
"The career academy will offer different benefits to the community, businesses, students and the school system," Wall said. "We feel it will increase our high school graduation rate, lower the dropout rate, offer better courses for students, make them better prepared for post-secondary education, and give them real-world experience while they're still in school."
Carpenter and Wall said the academy, at first glance, may seem like a vocational-technical school. But there is a big difference: the active participation of the business community.
"It is very much like the vo-tech programs of the 1970s, with some of the same components, but it will be better," Wall said. "The business and community partnership in this is much stronger than in the past."…….
January 24th, 2010
9:01 am
Most of the $$$ goes to title 1 schools. Let's start disbursing more funds to areas that are paying the taxes.
January 24th, 2010
9:08 am
sounds like the lottery money is being stolen.how can the lottery claim it made billions last year,and now the school system is harping about no money?????SOMETHING IS WRONG,LIKE THE FOLKS AT RUN THE LOTTERY SYSTEM GETTING BONUS'S EACH YEAR THAT AMOUNT TO MORE THAN MOST FOLKS MAKE IN A LIFE TIME!!
January 24th, 2010
9:08 am
It just boggles the mind that Kathy Cox's first response is increasing class sizes. I'd expect that from a legislator, but from a former teacher and current school superintendent? She ought to know better! How about eliminating some central office and DOE positions and putting those people back in the classroom to reduce class sizes? And so far, all the stimulus fund expenditures I've seen have been to create MORE central office and DOE positions.
January 24th, 2010
9:10 am
Horrible situation…hard to believe so many in the state and federal governments were asleep at the wheel for sooooooo long.
Our school is responding by founding the pavement for grants and we're pursuing any opportunity to raise money out there. And we've been very successful. The crisis hasn't afffected our students in the least, which is the bottom line.
January 24th, 2010
9:10 am
How about the legislature put a moratorium on the pork/special interest spending for a couple of years? They could even freeze their automatic pay raises.
January 24th, 2010
9:15 am
Hey, UGA just hired a new "defensive coordinator" (at what? the cost of 6-7 teachers + benefits?), so all will be well on the state level.
In all seriousness, the perfect storm comes when, as in my native NY State, business stops coming in and starts pulling up stakes, heading elsewhere. Are GA students going to be able to travel to, say, Charlotte, and get jobs? Think this -business flight- isn't happening already?
The state squandered what little money it collected, and allowed moneyed interests to escape a reasonable amount of taxes. Now, there is no where to turn. The only good news is, almost all the rest of the states are in similar economic circumstances. The bad news is, they are in better shape to offer "incentives" (bribes clothed as no-tax pledges) to businesses wiling to move there or expand.
January 24th, 2010
9:15 am
#1 Football Fan,
Actually, you are the stupid one. Morons like you continually make categorical claims, which usually turn out not to be true. Football brings in revenue that benefits the schools? If that is true, why are UGA professors taking furloughs, and why is the instructional budget being cut next year? Where is all the financial benefit from football?
$750K for a football coach!!! I repeat, and this is true (unlike your claim), we always find money for football, even when there is no money for education.
Glad you found a school that caters to morons like you. So glad your daughter wont be challenged to learn to think for herself. I'm sure you couldn't handle that.
Woof, woof, woof.
January 24th, 2010
9:19 am
Isn't ironic how individuals will state that GA. is the highest paying state in the South for educators? THOSE THAT STATE THIS FAIL TO REALIZE THAT MOST EDUCATORS HOLD MASTERS DEGREES, SPECIALISTS AND EVEN DOCTORATE DEGREES. HOW MUCH WOULD WE BE PAID IN THE PRIVATE SECTOR? THEY FAIL TO REALIZE THAT TEST SCORES HAVE NOT ELEVATED DUE TO STUDENTS COMING TO SCHOOL UNPREPARED, UNFED, OR SOME EVEN ENGAGING IN ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES AND EDUCATION IS THE STUDENT'S LAST PRIORITY. WHERE IS THE PARENT INVOLVEMENT? GO TO ANY HIGH SCHOOL IN THE COUNTY DURING PARENT CONFERENCE NIGHT AND YOU WILL ASK THE SAME QUESTION: WHERE ARE THE PARENTS? YET, WE CAN HAVE OUR SALARIES DECREASED, FURLOUGHS IMPOSED AND WHEN EDUCATORS RALLY, SUCH AS THIS WEEKEND, THE NEWSPAPERS HAVE NO COVERAGE!!! GET IT TOGETHER AS WE HAVE YOUR CHILDREN IN OUR HANDS AS TEACHERS. PAY NOW OR PAY LATER. IF WE CAN NOT CREATE EDUCATED CITIZENS IN GA. NOW, WHEN YOU BECOME ELDERLY, WHERE WILL THE FUNDING COME FROM FOR YOUR MONTHLY SOCIAL SECURITY CHECK? HHHHMMMMM THINK ABOUT IT!!! FUND EDUCATION!!!
January 24th, 2010
9:24 am
Don't dare ask me for another cent in taxes until the idiots in the legislature prove they can be responsible with the money they already get.
January 24th, 2010
9:26 am
Most college football programs are actually big time money losers.
I'd like to see college sports go without being able to tap its
institution's funds. Thoese which can survive, great.
January 24th, 2010
9:27 am
From a teacher point of view, the furlough days truely suck. However, if it means that some other poor teacher gets to keep their job, then it is a sacrifice that I will make. Good thing I like dried beans and rice. Yes, school funding should be cut…somehow…just as the rest of the state is taking serious cuts because the money just isn't there. You can't get blood out of a turnip.
However, Perdue made "austerity" cuts to education for several years when the economy was good. Did he put that money in an education "rainy day" fund? Nope. It was spent on pork…or fish. He attempted to get his hands on the Teacher Retirement System so that he could "help it out." Good thing he didn't, eh? Or I'd have to teach for the next 40 years. (TRS is privately run, by the way, and one of the better maintained ones in the country.) Next, he backtracked on a state promise by denying teachers who achieved National Certification the 10% raise that they had earned. (It also isn't in next year's budget, either.)
Perdue is shameless. He needs to be physically picked up, carried out of the Capitol, and thrown down the steps. His cronies who have done very well during his terms as Governor should be tarred, feathered, and tossed over the state line into Alabama. It is obvious that Perdue doesn't give a s**t about the state of Georgia.
Is there a way that we could impeach this guy NOW instead of waiting until the next election? I'm joining my fellow teachers on 2/23 on the steps of the capitol.
January 24th, 2010
9:38 am
They are doing it again. There is legislation moving through the legislature to give school districts until May 15 (instead of the usual April 15) to issue teacher contracts.
January 24th, 2010
9:43 am
@ Northview (Ex)Teacher
Why the ex in the signature line? Couldn't hack it in the classroom? Or was it the parents who got rid of you? No? Maybe it was the evil administrators huh? Get a life loser.
January 24th, 2010
9:51 am
I agree with John Konop that better coordination, especially between vocational and K-12 schools, would benefit our students and our finances.
At one time, students could graduate from high school and vo-tech school at the same time, ready to obtain a skilled and well-paying job. Now in most cases we require students to wait until they finish high school, and then enroll in a 1-2 year tech college program, either at their own expense or using HOPE funds.
The end result at best is that it takes students another year or so and a lot more money to graduate ready to work, and at worst, the students never get the tech training at all due to lack of money and a need to go to work sooner in a lower-skilled job.
January 24th, 2010
9:55 am
If 80% of the budget goes to pay teachers, where does the other 20% go?
If the teachers are forced to take a furlough(nice name for a pay cut),is everyone including Ms Cox, taking a furlough? Surely those salaries that comprise the other 20% are also suffering a pay cut.Since income taxes are progressive, then why are pay cuts not progressive?
Distribution of education dollars should be directly related to the number of students without other confounding variables, as parental income, location of school,student teacher ratios,etc. Distribution by any other method assumes that student performance is a direct function of education dollars which research has proven to be true.
January 24th, 2010
10:00 am
Were there any calls to cut administrative bloat by any of the presenters?
Not ready to have an honest discussion
Were there any calls to improve the teacher's authority to hold students accountable, a move that nobody will deny would prove more effective than the billions that we've wasted in reform models, models that often stand in direct contradiction to each other, yet claim to be the answer?
Not ready to have an honest discussion.
Did the blog moderator point out the things that weren't mentioned, which is more telling than the things that weren't mentioned?
You guessed it. Not ready to have an honest discussion.
Not acknowledging administrative bloat, or the lack of authority teachers are given to hold students accountable and then claiming you are addressing education in Georgia, can be summed up in one word. Pretending. It's like addressing the current situation in Haiti, yet not acknowledging the earthquake. Pretending.
Perhaps, in order to more accurately reflect the nature of the blog, the tagline should be changed from Let's discuss, to Let's pretend.
January 24th, 2010
10:02 am
Gwinnett Parent said, "Most of the $$$ goes to title 1 schools. Let's start disbursing more funds to areas that are paying the taxes."
Ridiculous. No one from Gwinnett should be complaining about funding from the State for schools!
Gwinnett schools have been receiving extra money from a State fund set up for POOR school districts. Gwinnett with the help of the Georgia legislature took in 33 million dollars from this fund last year.
I guess one place to start would be to end this entitlement…….I'm sure all you teabaggers up in Gwinnett will agree.
January 24th, 2010
10:03 am
As a first year teacher who was laid off at the end of last year, and one with a glowing review. Also one with a master's in ed psych, I can tell you……the people allocating the spending of the money have no clue.
First to the football haters out there….football programs in most UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES pay for themselves. As do football programs at MOST high schools. That is a fact. Boosters and alumni pay a lion share of bonus and salary money in top programs. Get a grip.
Politicos and political wannabees are the ones driving our education programs into the mud. With a master's I can not get a job teaching anywhere because positions are being cut and classes are growing. Yet our education system is dead last in quality. Yet Superintendents are getting $25k per year pay raises while our kids are losing programs and quality teacher time. Teachers are asked to do twice as much with half the money. Perdue has hired and GROWN state government but no one objects, and everyone points fingers at teachers for students failing to achieve. We have to teach a curriculum with no depth that is a mile wide, and yet parents take no responsibility when little Johnny is in trouble all day. Discipline of a few students cuts into precious teching time, but there is not teeth in school discipline policy. Here is a thought for school systems…..let experienced administrators run your schools not someone with three years in a classroom and a master's in administration…..really you think they know??? Cut pork spending and pet projects from all areas of government. Manage state purchasing within each department, and cut out all duplicate positions…especially in the ranks of upper management. Administrative and support personell should be minimized and the people hired to do the job should do it, and not rely upon these people.
Finally, prisoners should be working for their upkeep. Make them grow, process, and cook their food. Make them clean government building at every level, have them picking up the trash on the roadside, have them paving the roads, building the buildings, and oh learning a trade. If they are too dangerous or refuse….then give them the minimum to keep them alive. Sorry but that is punishment for being a criminal. Spend more on our students than on our prisoners. Take out the A/C…take out the gym and the basketball courts. Send them out and make them read. Attack the 2x amount we spend on prisoners not the minimum amount we spend on students.
January 24th, 2010
10:09 am
The very first action the Georgia Legislature needs to take is to discard and completely revamp the Georgia Teacher Salary Schedule with no grandfathering ! "Longevity and advanced degrees obtained" is at the heart of the problem and amounts to zero accountability of educators and stifles performance of the students of Georgia. What are the candidates for Governor saying ? Basically nothing ! They are all buying the "teacher" vote by ignoring the obvious !!
January 24th, 2010
10:09 am
Gwinett Parent, are you real??? Just write off kids from lower SES, huh?
I think teachers will be better off if they don't bring up football coaches here. Most (???) colleges may be losing money on their football programs, but I'm sure UGA is not. I think it benefits not only the school but also the area economy. Another thing to keep in mind is that football coaches don't have the same job security as teachers do. They can be fired easily because their "students" don't perform. The fact that they are willing to move also is contributing to the level of their salaries, too.
If we establish "teacher free agency" by posting test scores of each teacher's class, maybe there will be other schools who will recruit high-performing teachers to save their programs and pay them accordingly.
January 24th, 2010
10:14 am
Actually no one from Gwinnett should be complaining about school funding from the State of Georgia.
The Georgia legislature has been very nice to Gwinnett taxpayers. Very nice.
Seems Gwinnett with the help of our Republican lawmakers have been tapping into a fund meant for poor school districts. Gwinnett hauled in 33 million from this fund last year! 33 million! What a deal!
How about giving up that entitlement Gwinnett!
January 24th, 2010
10:15 am
"First to the football haters out there….football programs in most UNIVERSITIES and COLLEGES pay for themselves. As do football programs at MOST high schools. That is a fact. Boosters and alumni pay a lion share of bonus and salary money in top programs. Get a grip."
You need to get a grip on your lousy grammar and usage issues; no wonder no one will hire you
Second, most programs absolutely do not pay for themselves: the true accounting for stadiums and practice facilities, plus staff- and that includes everyone from coaches to those in compliance- are never counted in, except when an outside study is done. Those studies consistently find that college sports are money-losers. High school sports? Are you kidding? The schools always take out the costs of the facilities, on the theory that the school needs them anyways. The 'accounting' that they use always has assumptions that no CPA ever would.
January 24th, 2010
10:17 am
I'm tired of hearing all the whining about how all you people that spawned kids without regard to how YOU were going to pay for their upkeep and education are now upset that the endless supply of money is actually drying up. I don't have kids and detest that parasites like you think that it is my job to pay for your little darlings education. Parents should have to pay a special tuition tax for EVERY kid they have in the system and that tax should cover the entire cost of educating your spawn. If you all are so concerned about your kids education, why isn't there talk about what YOU can do to step up to the plate and ensure that the kids that YOU cranked out are taken care of by YOU instead of how you can tap into the wallet of someone else. PAY FOR YOUR OWN DAMN KIDS !!!!!
January 24th, 2010
10:21 am
I find it amazing that so many teachers here will rightfully discuss the discipline issues that our politicians and educrats refuse to face, yet won't question the author of the blog about her own refusal to address the issue.
Teachers, have you ever considered that you are doing yourself the ultimate disservice?
By not questioning the author of the blog on this, yet still blogging on this site, are you not in essence paying the salary of yet another media voice to marginalize you as a teacher?
January 24th, 2010
10:24 am
Some years back, I worked for an operation which, when they sent you on the road, they would advance X monies to cover expenses. On one particular trip, some bonehead on my team decided to spend most of his per diem on booze, ladies, etc; during the remainder of the trip, he kept whining the "no money" song, pretty damn near begging for food money.
Somehow, I think there's a message in that story about money management and unwise expenditures…like perhaps "GO Fish".
January 24th, 2010
10:26 am
A bit off topic, but have you heard any information from your sources at the DOE that the new math curriculum is being tossed? I hear it over and over, but I suspect it's just a rumor-although boy would I love to see it happen!!
January 24th, 2010
10:31 am
Pushing back the date for contracts means only one thing, there are more draconian cuts coming down the road. My system just changed its RIF policy to make it more subjective (people will who they don't like will be the first to leave) so soon there will be "blood in the water" This is all part of the plan among the group of Republicans who want to destroy public education in this state completely. They are well on their way.
January 24th, 2010
10:31 am
No doubt pay attention folks, Maureen will come on here and discuss this. She loves a policy wonk discussion, as it gives her some cover for not addressing the real elephants in the living room.
January 24th, 2010
10:35 am
Joy in Teaching—–it TRULY scares me when a teacher cannot spell…..
January 24th, 2010
10:37 am
Watch for it….
This is NOT a "policy wonk" discussion, but rather a critical issue that is costing our state BIG time in so many ways.
We have an unproven math curriculum in place that several states have already tried and abandoned. The curriculum is failing our students, and our students are failing the courses in huge numbers. That, along with a one-size fits all college prep only diploma for all (beginning with the class of 2012) WILL lead to increased dropout rates which will COST our state taxpayers in the long run.
January 24th, 2010
10:38 am
Football coaches are not paid by state funds. And no, UGA did not lose money on it's football program. The UGA Athletic Association was one of the most profitable programs. Disclaimer: I am not a UGA fan. I went to Tech, but the facts are the facts.
January 24th, 2010
10:39 am
Don't be so hard on Joy. This blog needs an edit feature so we can edit our own posts. We all make misteaks.
January 24th, 2010
10:40 am
Ok here are some ideas:
1. All bonuses to principals based on how many students go to their schools is out until the crisis is over.
2. Encourage retirement for all teachers over 30 years, they are at the upper end of the pay scale and 2 teachers could replace 1. And don't tell me we will miss the best teachers, I am in the system and I can tell you 80% of the time that is not true!
3. Cut the school year by 3 days from 180 to 177, there are wasted days. For example, at the end of the year high school students go 3 half days to take 2 exams why not 2 days 3 exams.
4. Eliminate all middle school sports, if a child wants to be in a sports program parents can pay for rec league. These are not money making programs.
5. Any child that has not graduated by 19 must pay to go to school.
6. Sell ad space on the outside of school buses.
7. We, the voting public, need to sign a petition to have put on the ballot an admendment to stop pork from getting in the yearly budget, it would need to be seperated.
I will be back at work tomorrow at a job I love and students that I hope in the future do better than their parents…
January 24th, 2010
10:40 am
One this blog and other similar ones, I hear a lot of whinning,but no solutions. And I am not sure that taking money from other programs or raising taxes on poeple who can not pay more is the answer. What are the solutions that you have to offer? Is it vouchers, that will reduce the number of kids in the school, but will not reduce overhead costs. So it may not be the answer to the money issue. Other issues, who knows. How do we manage the schools with the budget we have? Looking for solutions.
January 24th, 2010
10:42 am
Has anyone heard the state is considering cutting the number of school days in a year? How many districts are really looking at the cost savings of a four day school week w/extended hours on school days?
January 24th, 2010
10:43 am
Gail, it truly scares me that people who don't realize that an ellipsis uses only three periods are so quick to denigrate teachers…
January 24th, 2010
10:44 am
pay attention folks, it looks like Gail should have paid attention to her own glass house before throwing stones…
January 24th, 2010
10:47 am
ss teacher – some good suggestions. I am not sure that cutting the principals would agree to such a cut in income. Or they will ask why should they bear the brunt of the costs.
Retirement – Not sur eit will help the problem, are the pensions funded already or will they need to be paid out of general funds also?
Cutting the school year – agree, there are a lot of non educational activities that could be removed.
Eliminate sports – That's a start. Band may fall into the same group. If parent want it, they may have to pay for it.
January 24th, 2010
10:49 am
For all those who want to trash my typing or spelling errors. Have at it. It will not improve my skills.
January 24th, 2010
10:52 am
Not saying it's not an important issue pay attention; I'm saying when it comes to other important issues that actually advocate giving the teacher more authority and support, Maureen is nowhere to be found.
In fact, if Maureen were to be asked about Haiti, the odds are she would say the biggest problem currently facing Haiti right now is no doubt weak and ineffective teaching.
Maureen will address your topic. Bank on it. Gives her cover for the topics she won't address.
January 24th, 2010
10:54 am
OK guys, I will apologize to JOY. Unfortunately, because I AM A TEACHER, and see how these kids spell everyday, it bugs me. OK?


text:
EAU CLAIRE, WI (WTAQ) - A fire in Eau Claire Friday morning destroyed a building that provides work opportunities for people with special needs.
Firefighters were called to Reach Incorporated just after 3 a.m.
When they arrived, battalion chief Byron Bensen said a shed was engulfed in flames about 10 feet from the main building. From there, it spread to the structure's attic and roof.
Both the shed and the main structure are total losses.
No one was inside at the time. The building mainly houses the adult day program for Reach Incorporated, which serves about 150 people in the Eau Claire region with 45 staff members.
Reach CEO Stacy Wigfield called the blaze devastating, and her group is working to start up again someplace else.
Also, an unattached garage was noticed be on fire about three-and-a-half hours after units arrived at the Reach building. Bensen said he sent whatever personnel he had left.


text:
Arrive at the airport in Baltra & be transferred to the
dock. Check-in to your cabin before attending an introductory
briefing & saftey drill. After lunch take a Panga ride to
Mosquera Islet. Mosquera Islet is a tiny islet, home to a huge
population of sea lions and also home to many shorebirds. While at
Mosquera, keep your eyes peeled as there are occasional reports of
dolphins and orcas. Return to the boat for a welcome cocktail and
Overnight: Athala II
Disembark at Sullivan Bay known for its spectacular volcanic
formations, relatively young pahoehoe lava flows, and unique
geological scenery. Pay particular interest to the low-lying
pioneer plant known locally as "mollugo" as well as the lava
cactus. After lunch visit Bartolome Island, a small island that has
two visitor sites. At the first site, you can snorkel around
Pinnacle Rock, where penguins are usually seen. Then, it's a short
dinghy ride for a climb to the highest point on the island or a
panga ride if you prefer. On the way up, you will encounter
different volcanic formations, including spatter and tuff cones,
lava flow and lava tubes.
Visit Urbina Bay, located in western Isabela, at the foot of
Alcedo volcano where you may be able to observe sea turtles
nesting. You may also see wild roaming Galapagos tortoises which
like to feed within the site's dense vegetation. After lunch visit
Tagus Cove, historically used as an anchoring place for pirates,
buccaneers and whalers. Here you will see the names of hundreds of
ships painted on the high ridges (a practice now forbidden). While
exploring the channel between Fernandina and Isabela Islands, we
sometimes encounter dolphins and whales.
Visit Punta Espinoza, Fernandina Island, a narrow piece of land
where some of the most unique Galapagos species can be seen,
including the flightless cormorant. La Cumbre Volcano last erupted
in April 2009, and also dominates the landscape, with lava
fields stretching towards the ocean from its base.After lunch
take a panga ride along Punta Vicente Roca or deep water snorkel.
Punta Vicente Roca is a great snorkelling site, where you can
usually see turtles as well as all kinds of fish and a panga ride
will give you the opportunity to study some of the Galapagos'
spectacular geological rock formations.
Wet landing at Puerto Egas, Santiago Island where you can swim
and snorkel. Puerto Egas has tidal pools which are home to
organisms, including sea urchins, octopus and starfish. The trail
leads to the Fur Sea Lion Grottos, one of the only places in the
islands where these unique animals can be seen. After lunch visit
Espumilla Beach for hike, panga ride, swimming or snorkelling. The
Palo Santo forest at Espumilla has some of the tallest specimens of
plant species in the entire archipelago. Also look out for the
Galapagos Hawk as well as Darwin's finches. The beach is an
important site for nesting marine turtles.
Disembark for your transfer from the yacht to Puerto Ayora and
visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station accompanied by a
guide. On your visit to the Charles Darwin Research Station you
will gain insight into the huge efforts being made by scientists,
guides, rangers and park managers to preserve this UNESCO World
Heritage Site. You will see the famous Galapagos tortoises that are
the islands' namesake. Afterwards take a bus ride to the highlands
of Santa Cruz to see wild giant tortoises. Return for lunch
followed by an afternoon at leisure.
Dry landing at El Barranco on Genovesa Island for kayaking or
panga ride. El Barranco is a steep path with stairs carved into the
rock which leads to a plateau full of bird life amongst a Palo
Santo forest. The continue to Darwin Bay Beach. Darwin Bay's soft,
coralline white sand is only the beginning of a spectacular
excursion. A trail from the beach takes you into lush mangroves
where red footed boobies nest. Snorkeling is a must here as sharks,
colorful reef fish, rays and tortoises are common. Enjoy some beach
time, snorkel or panga ride before returning on board for a
farewell cocktail and dinner.
Before breakfast take an optional short hike at North Seymour
Island. North Seymour may very well be the perfect way to say
goodbye to the Galapagos Islands. Although the island is
characterized by arid vegetation, fauna abounds and you will soon
find yourself surrounded by frigates, blue footed boobies, land
iguanas and more. After breakfast take your luggage out and vacate
cabins before snacks in the al fresco dining area. Disembark for
airport transfer.
Overnight: Depart the Galapagos


text:
the term used when someone spends their life with their boyfriend or girlfriend
"im off to meet my bird"
"don't worry"
"k bi"
"don't worry"
"k bi"
by Harry Linfield June 10, 2009
Jam bands and techno/house artists come together at a festival which is then called a "Jave" A jam/rave.
Did you go to that jave at rothbury last year?" "nah, but I heard it got down! Lots of techno artists and jam bands came together for a jave" "Yeah man, it was pretty legit!
by tillytaby February 28, 2011
A very kind hearted person, but can be very confused and distraught quite often. She should be approached with extreme caution as she is quick to be aggressive and is often found assaulting helpless people (but is not to be scared of - virtually harmless). Screams a lot and forces others to scream too.
She does not have a locker next to Farheen.
She does not know how to take compliments.
She is overall a diamond in the rough!
She does not have a locker next to Farheen.
She does not know how to take compliments.
She is overall a diamond in the rough!
Jave makes the best magic granola cars
by IamnotSHREK April 04, 2010
a completely fictionous software (has nothing to do with javE, the actual software)started when some1 couldnt manage to download java, which was so easy, and is now used as an insult complying d message of "ur too stupid to do ____"
asagf: i gotta go to d tournament, gotta win my 6ft trophy!
me: yea rite! u cant even download jave!
me: yea rite! u cant even download jave!
by ╬Angel Fangs╬ November 10, 2008


text:
Quick Links
Green Apple Training
A Green Apple Training is a short workshop based on a specific topic. It is designed to serve as an enrichment opportunity for Girl Scout volunteers. A volunteer may download the information from the web site for individual use with a troop, community or committee. Workshops are generally less than an hour in length and cover a variety of topics. Some are for personal enrichment and others are to enhance troop program.
Here you will find the tools you need to deliver Green Apple Trainings to your community.
You will need:
- The Green Apple Training Kit
- Presenter's evaluation
- Sign-in sheet
- Participant evaluation
Process to obtain Green Apple Training Kit
- Select the training you wish to deliver
- Fill out the online request form
- Review the Course Outline
- Download and print the training materials
- Be sure to print the evaluations and sign-in sheets so that these may be returned to the training registrar after the training. These are needed so that all participants have an updated record in the Council training database.
- Complete the presenter's evaluation
- Return the evaluations and sign-in sheet to Training Registrar at: Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council, 3110 Southwest Freeway, Houston TX 77098
- Enjoy the training, and thank you for delivering training to our volunteers!
View Green Apple Training Available Online


text:
NW 112th Ct has a Walk Score of 18 out of 100. This location is a Car-Dependent neighborhood so almost all errands require a car.
This location is in Doral.
The closest school is Ronald W. Reagan/Doral Senior High School.
The closest grocery stores are Valrico Foods Inc and Herrera's Tortillas.
Nearby restaurants include El Trigal Bakery, Shawarma Mediterranean Grill and Sabor Venezolano.


text:
Breaking sports news video. MLB, NFL, NBA, NHL highlights and more.
Fans hoping to see the matchup between Gonzaga's guards and Butler's leading scorer Rotnei Clarke will surely be disappointed to hear Clarke will not be playing on Saturday.
Clarke suffered a neck injury in the Bulldogs' win over Dayton last weekend and has been ruled out for this week's games, including Saturday's game against the Zags.
Clarke was carried off on a stretcher on Saturday after being fouled on a layup. The contact sent him crashing into the basket support. The Associated Press quoted the team trainer as saying he had a significant neck sprain, and that an MRI showed no fractures.
*Mobile users can see the video here: http://bit.ly/VUuhMV


text:
He leans forward at the desk in his cluttered study, fanning out three baseball cards like a man unveiling the winning hand in a poker game.
The faces are in black and white, the subjects in bow ties and upturned mustaches. The names — Gleason, Hemming, Reitz — would mean little to most modern fans.
Yet the players belonged to perhaps the greatest team in local baseball history, the cards to a set so rare that owning them changed Dan McKee's life. He sold them for six figures in 2006, earning enough on the deal to purchase his family's dream home in northern Baltimore County.
But for the 51-year-old lifelong hobbyist, the sale also came to represent the way collecting has changed from an innocent pursuit into a high-stakes trade. He never thought he'd part with the cards, and now that they're on the market again, he said he'd "have to rob a bank" to get them back.
"You could say there was 'before the Alpha cards and after the Alpha cards,'" said McKee, who also works as a software developer.
Only one such set is known to exist, making it "one of card collecting's most legendary and rarest issues," according to a catalog published by Robert Edwards Auctions of New Jersey, which specializes in memorabilia.
Printed by the old Alpha Photo-Engraving Co. in Baltimore, they show 15 members of the 1894 Baltimore Orioles of the National League.
Pitchers George Hemming and Kid Gleason and infielder Henry (Heinie) Reitz starred for the team, which featured seven future Hall of Famers, collectively hit .343 and finished 50 games above .500.
The saga of Dan and the Alphas began, in a way, 44 years ago, when he was growing up in middle-class Reisterstown.
His father, Lambert ("Dan") McKee, a construction company manager, collected vintage coins and other artifacts, many of them off the mainstream hobbyists' path.
In 1969, when Dan Jr. was seven, the Orioles were an established power in the American League East, winning 109 games en route to a World Series appearance. Dan's path became clear: He'd collect baseball cards.
In those days, he insisted, it didn't occur to him to measure their value in dollars. What he valued was the simple joys they represented, like riding his bike every week to a local store to score Topps' latest.
The five-cent packs contained five cards and a sweet-smelling slab of gum.
"I had a happy childhood," he said. "It's why I collect. I think looking through my stuff is a way to remember."
He kept at it, amassing a complete big-league set each year and learning to save "doubles" to trade his way up. He learned history — how tobacco companies published the cards starting in the 1880s, then bread and clothing firms, then Bowman, Topps and other bubble-gum outfits.
As Dan Sr. took him to memorabilia shows, he never took to baseball much — "too slow," he said — but the cards depicting it were something else.
They exuded history, embodying the way baseball and the culture changed together from the pre-World War II era through modern-day life. Yet one tale was missing.
Collectors familiar with Baltimore sports had long told him of a great team even locals were beginning to forget — the 1894 Orioles, a squad so formidable that historians have compared them to the 1927 New York Yankees.
Playing in the National League, the only major circuit of the day, they finished ahead of 11 other teams, including the second-place New York Giants and the cellar-dwelling Louisville Colonels. They finished 89-39, averaged 9.14 runs per game and established an aggressive, often dirty style of play.
The players included third baseman John McGraw, later one of the greatest managers in history; shortstop Hughie Jennings who later managed the Detroit Tigers to several World Series victories; and William ("Wee Willie") Keeler, the right fielder who reeled off eight straight 200-hit seasons while popularizing the phrase "Hit 'em where they ain't."