text:
David Schutten, president of the Organization of DeKalb Educators, wrote a column on the challenges facing new superintendent Michael Thurmond from an educator's perspective.
His essay will be part of a package in the Sunday op-ed pages on DeKalb Schools. Please check out the entire package Sunday.
By David Schutten
Michael Thurmond is a proven and accomplished leader who has undertaken a daunting, difficult and perilous job as interim superintendent of the DeKalb County School System, a system that appears to be in a tailspin.
Much like the passengers on US Airways Flight 1549 crashing into the cold waters of the Hudson River, I feel as if I am on DeKalb Air Flight 2013 crashing into the granite face of Stone Mountain. In the midst of the tailspin we have switched pilots.
As Stephen Dolinger, president of the Georgia Partnership for Excellence in Education and former Fulton superintendent, stated, Michael Thurmond possesses three of the qualities of a successful Superintendent: 1. Great leadership skills; 2. Political savvy; and, 3. Excellent management skills.
I am personally not bothered by his lack of experience in education. There are examples of great and successful superintendents like the late General John Stanford, who had little or no experience in education before he became the Fulton and later Seattle school chief.
He faces many daunting tasks. The first is leading the school board and the school system off of probation. To accomplish this he must have the full cooperation of the nine members of the DeKalb school board. The board members must learn to work together.
I heard each of them testify before the state Board of Education that they would and could work together to move the system off of probation. However, three weeks later, they were unable to muster a simple majority to elect a chair. What I find disheartening is that Dr. Gene Walker, who remains chair on a 4-3-2 vote, does not recognize this as a symptom of their inability to function as a whole. He and any other board member that do not understand the nature of the problems DeKalb faces should resign immediately.
Employee morale is at an all-time low. We are hemorrhaging good teachers and administrators to other school systems. People can go to some neighboring school systems and receive significantly higher pay checks. DeKalb teachers and other employees are working harder with fewer resources. This is not an easy problem to fix given the current dismal financial state of the school system.
But if something is not done soon, DeKalb will have few veteran teachers left. Employees are making far less than they did five years ago. Couple this with the loss of the Tax Sheltered Annuity promised to employees when DeKalb left the Social Security system, and you have a looming disaster that has already started.
We must find a way to bring class sizes lower. Students, parents, and teachers are frustrated by the increase in class size. Kindergarten classes of 29 without a paraprofessional will result in long-term negative consequences for our children.
Students, parents, and teachers are also frustrated by the myriad of tests to which students are subjected. There needs to be far more time devoted to learning, and far less time devoted to testing.
School administrators must be encouraged and rewarded for using shared decision making. Morale is much higher in those Title 1 Schools where many staff members had input into the Title 1 as opposed to those in which the principal and a few people developed the budget. The knowledge and experience of professional educators must be honored, nurtured, and valued. Encourage people to express their opinions and give suggestions.
We must impress upon students and their parents the importance of coming to school, and coming to school on time. There are too many parents who do not see the importance of this. Also, a little bit of time teaching younger students to become organized will pay off later. Have you looked into the lockers of middle school students recently? Students must also be taught to value their textbooks and other resources. When you walk into many high schools and middle schools, you see text books laying in front of the school, in the hallways, gym, and cafeteria. Parents must play a role in this.
The sooner we realize that young children cannot sit still for long periods of time, and adapt our teaching methods to take this simple fact into account, the more successful they will be. This is another reason class sizes must be lowered. We set up children for failure when we do not give them time to move around. Also, parents must help in teaching children self-discipline. In too many classrooms, one or two students disrupt the learning environment for twenty or more other students.
One issue that is out of the control of anyone in DeKalb is the TKES evaluation system for teachers. The sooner the Georgia Department of Education realizes it is impractical and unworkable, the sooner administrators and teachers can concentrate on delivering quality instruction instead of spending so much time on window dressings such as posting the standards. Is a kindergarten student or first grade student capable of reading them? How is the time spent on this improving instruction? And the evaluations are far too time consuming.
The promotion policies and procedures must be fair and transparent. Former Superintendent Cheryl Atkinson made strides in reducing the nepotism, but questions still haunt the school system about the fairness of promotions. The school councils must be brought back into the process of selecting school administrators. They should not have the final say, but they should have input and the opportunity to meet the candidates. Too often the assignment of school administrators appears arbitrary and capricious. All prospective administrators should be required to be required to take and achieve a high score on a writing test before being eligible for promotion.
Finally, the citizens of DeKalb need to take a break from cynicism, negativity, and constant criticism. It appears that we have a large percentage of people who are hoping leaders, teachers, and students will fail, instead of rooting for them and helping them to succeed. Instead of constantly pointing out what is wrong, take some time to make things right. Stop believing everything you hear. Stop taking everything anonymous bloggers post as the truth. If their opinion has merit, they would be willing to put their real names behind their statements. Volunteer to read to students and tutor them. Help a primary student learn their basic math facts and vocabulary.
It will take everyone in DeKalb to come together to bring the system out of the tailspin in which we find ourselves. We all bear responsibility. Each of us must do our share. If you are not willing to help, stop constantly criticizing those of us who are working each day to make a difference in the lives of DeKalb's children.
–from Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
February 15th, 2013
5:26 am
Let's analyze shall we?
"Stop taking everything anonymous bloggers post as the truth. If their opinion has merit, they would be willing to put their real names behind their statements."
@David let's look at the logical implications of your statement. (You'll probably wish you had after reading the following, once you realize how foolish your statement looks when you see its implications)
Bloggers, looking to use the power of the Internet come to Get Schooled and say APS should be investigated for erasures. But a "real name" Kathy Augustine says, "We see no need to investigate; we expect outliers every year."
So David would claim that Kathy Augustine's opinion on whether or not APS should be investigated, has more merit, because she attached her real name?
Seriously David?
The bloggers who came to Get Schooled and implored the governor to get involved had less merit that the Blue Ribbon
Whitewash Committee because they used their name?
Seriously David?
Lachandra Butler-Burks who hid evidence of cheating has "more merit" because she attached her name to the Blue Ribbon Commission report, than those bloggers who opined that it was a cover up?
Seriously David?
Sounds more like a way to dodge legitimate criticisms of your own organization. Rather than state them, I quote someone by name Dr. John Trotter, who says you have an inherent conflict of interest in trying to represent teachers and administrators.
By your own admission you represent administrators who were promoted, not on merit, but on "arbitrary and capricious" criteria. Yet when they act in arbitrary and capricious manners toward teachers, who feel the need to exercise their legal rights for self-protection, you at the same time have to represent the best interests of these "arbitrary and capricious" administrators.
How is this not an inherent conflict of interest? And does this conflict limit what you are willing to say on behalf of teachers and students?
February 15th, 2013
5:43 am
I'm with David. Sign your name so that you are accountable for your opinions, instead of hiding behind a fake name.
Ms. Fraud, Beverly Hall is out of office. The AJC's investigation is among the reasons she's gone. You won. No need to keep posting, regardles of the content of an essay, on what she did several years ago. She was terrible, and an embarrassment to APS. We get it. Today's essay is about Dekalb, not APS. Many of us are interested in other districts, other issues, other kids and teachers. You might take note that we find it tiresome to have Beverly Hall raised on a daily basis, regardless of an essay's content. Can we move on?
February 15th, 2013
5:45 am
Let's analyze further
One issue that is out of the control of anyone in DeKalb is the TKES evaluation system for teachers. The sooner the Georgia Department of Education realizes it is impractical and unworkable, the sooner administrators and teachers can concentrate on delivering quality instruction instead of spending so much time on window dressings such as posting the standards. Is a kindergarten student or first grade student capable of reading them? How is the time spent on this improving instruction? And the evaluations are far too time consuming.
Don't need a name attached to recognize the validity of this statement. The instrument actually allows teachers to be downgraded for reminding a students to stay on task! (Yes people it sounds completely stupid but really, really does do that-read the evaluation rubric) But has GAE taken an unequivocal stand? (I don't know, maybe they have)
February 15th, 2013
5:47 am
This is a good essay, similar to one that ran yesterday.
Dr. Walker's attitude is a big reason that DCSS cannot move forward. Getting rid of Paul Womack was a big step (though his replacement has been a bit of a disappointment) and Walker needs to go as well. His believe that everything is OK and will be OK is part of the reason we have so much poor decision making.
February 15th, 2013
6:02 am
ah, David…?
I would be happy to give my name except for one thing. I KNOW what happens to the politically unprotected who speak out.
I'm not willing to destroy my career to pander to you. I've seen what happens when someone tries to confront the system up front without patronage. the system locks in on the critic and works to destroy them and their credibility through harassment, slander, and punishing anyone who supports them.
at GPC I watched the blood sport which ran rampant under the last administration aimed at people who dared speak out. lives and careers destroyed.
until there is a legitimate voice for the unprotected and unconnected, masks are all we have.
Silence Dogood was good enough for Ben Franklin. Bootney Farnsworth is good enough for me.
February 15th, 2013
6:06 am
@ Pete and David
how many times in the recent past have you seen somebody from the custodial staff or the switchboard operation, or the office manager challenge someone at your level and survive it?
February 15th, 2013
6:07 am
BTW: you may not be bothered by his lack of experience in education. I am.
February 15th, 2013
6:52 am
Non sequitar. No matter what name a poster uses that does not mean that they are incorrect. There are alot of folks on this site who only post knee-jerk emotional posts. Using a name to protect your privacy does not equate with bad or no ability to THINK.
My concern is that Mr Thurmond, no matter how high his hopes, is not qualified for this position. This is one of the top positions and in a troubled School system.
I still think the entire Board must be replaced and then the system cleaned up.
February 15th, 2013
6:59 am
Didn't Thurmond say he thinks the board should stay put? If so, then there's your answer on whether or not anything good will happen. Stupid people.
February 15th, 2013
7:27 am
inch by inch it's a cinch; this struggle has to be incremental: kids, parents, educators. all have to pull their weight. the economic disparity cannot be excuse for poor performance. maybe if anything, mr. thurmond can bring a renewed mindset and serve as role model for many in the county. let's wish him well. maybe he could serve two years for the price of one.
February 15th, 2013
7:36 am
Anyone wish to say why Benjamin Franklin posted as "Poor Richard" with his almanac? It made little difference in the long run, even after Franklin saved the American Revolution, the political class still made an unfriendly climate for him and left the country for his latter years. Seriously, if you expect a Georgia government schools administrator to be well-read, you best keep looking. For some reasons in the USA, careerists tend to be occupied with current power, not tradition of knowledge, sequence or foundation. Philosophy (people's thoughts and opinions) is basically banned in the scripted curriculum. Go teach Plato, Rene DeCartes, Michel de Montaine (inventor of the essay) in Georgia government schools and you just put your head on the guillotine, get ready for some professional harassment from the professional administrators with their catalog of a hundred motivational acronyms, many of these recycled and in conflict with prior use.
Confidence in the goodness of another is good proof of one's own goodness.
Michel de Montaigne
February 15th, 2013
7:39 am
Good essay by Schutten. Covers the basics. Keep saying it, if from a hundred sources. Keep saying it.
February 15th, 2013
7:45 am
Didn't Pete have this discussion the other day about blogging anonymously? I use my real name…like I did the other day when I responded in detail to his essay about whether schools were out of control. I never got a response from my rather long, detailed and name-attached post wherein I stated unequivocally that most urban schools are out of control for lack of discipline.
Discipline – or the lack thereof – is what Commissioner Thurmond should pay close attention to, but he won't because it is not sexy enough. In fact, no superintendent that DeKalb brings in will pay attention to the real and egregious problems in the school system. The problem is not the teachers and the need to use some dumba$s evaluation form to "improve" their teaching. The problem are the lazy, spoiled, defiant, and disruptive students (not all but a sizeable number of the students), the irate and irresponsible parents (again, not all but many parents), and the angry, myopic, petty, small-minded, and abusive administrators (the clear majority). These are the real problems which hardly anyone or any group (with the exception of MACE) will address. I can see why David and ODE will not address the latter because these administrators are his members. I think that I know why the AJC won't address these real problems…because it is not politically correct to do so. But, hey, has anyone ever accused me of being politically correct? Ha!
As far as blogging anonymously goes, Pete and David are clueless if they think that it is wise for teachers to use their real names on this or other blogs. What world do these guys live in?
February 15th, 2013
7:48 am
For once, I agree with Bootney and Beverly- Posting under your real name is career suicide and the author knows it. It's not like the school system listens to anonymous bloggers (or even their own employees) anyway.
February 15th, 2013
7:55 am
@Peter it wasn't about Beverly Hall, and I think you know that's a disingenuous dodge. It's about the proposition that the name (or lack thereof) on a blog post makes the poster's opinion not valid.
The logical implication is that Kathy Augustine's contention that there was "no need to investigate" was somehow more valid than those who screamed "THIS IS CHEATING!" because her name was attached.
It's simply not a logically defensible position; add to that Dr. John Trotter who gladly signs off on his own name, and when he buttresses other bloggers, with his name, yet the response is still not forthcoming it tends to render the "anonymous blogger" meme as nothing more than a red herring, does it not?
Facts and logic should rule the day not "names" such as Michelle Rhee, and Arne Duncan.
February 15th, 2013
7:59 am
David Schutten makes a lot of good points, and I'd like to highlight a few:
DeKalb is losing good teachers and administrators. My guess is that this fact has less to do with money and more to do with another point Schutten makes–class sizes have become so large that teachers know they're not able to do what they love in the ways that they respect and love. I have only a wealth of stories from teachers to back up this statement.
The focus on standardized test scores has hobbled good teachers and good pedagogy. Schutten notes that young ones cannot sit still for long periods of time, and I believe such is true for all of us. Sure, many jobs require lengthy focus…but without stretch breaks? Coffee breaks? Movement of some kind? We've got to end this standardized testing dementia and let good teachers teach.
The TKES evaluation system, as I've read it, is absurd. Other school systems have implemented much more authentic assessments of teachers; let's study those, rather than flushing more taxpayer dollars down the next corporate commode that has the biggest payola for politicians.
And…I have to honor teachers who do not wish to use their real names for fear of reprisals or job loss. [I'm not sure that particular caveat applies to most of the folks who post here.] But my real point is that all of the posts here should be viewed openly and skeptically, including mine. Let's have reasonable, civil, and well-considered conversation here, so that we can thoughtfully do what Schutten requests–come together to take action, for the sake of our kids.
February 15th, 2013
8:02 am
Here is how the second-to-last paragraph should have read:
"Stop taking everything anonymous bloggers post as the truth. If their opinion has merit, they would be willing to put their real names behind their statements. Volunteer to read to Mr. David Sutton and teach him about the concepts of RETALIATION and CAREER SUICIDE."
February 15th, 2013
8:03 am
From Dr. Trotter
"I never got a response from my rather long, detailed and name-attached post wherein I stated unequivocally that most urban schools are out of control for lack of discipline."
@Peter, two bloggers questioned your essay and you (best I can recall) choose not to answer based on two justifications:
1) they are anonymous
2) they can't document they've been to "hundreds of schools" like you can.
Yet Dr. Trotter also questioned the validity of your assertions; and we can document A) he uses his own name and B) he's been in numerous schools in multiple systems.
So why not engage him in legitimate debate, when he meets your two criteria for doing so?
February 15th, 2013
8:03 am
Didn't the school system just lose a lawsuit to a teacher who had the audacity to speak out at a board meeting and was promptly riffed? Although that suit cost the system over $300,000, they continue to intimidate – so, no, many absolutely cannot use their real names when posting. So, is the solution then to stay silent? That seems to be what many are doing – at the insistence of David and others.
This would have been a good essay if David could have gotten over his sensitivity to the criticisms he has suffered from blogs and chosen not to bash those with an anonymous opinion of how he performs his very public job. And perhaps left off the rambling about middle schoolers' messy lockers… Mentioning those kinds of side issues take the conversation off into irrelevant discussions like you see here.
Just hammer the basics David and leave the 'rest' off the table – randomness muddies the waters.
February 15th, 2013
8:11 am
The problem I have with David's letter is that if people just had a better attitude things could get better. Well, no. I was born in the metro area and remember Dekalb before it went off the rails. Both Dekalb and Atlanta aggressively adopted the Standards for Teaching and Learning put out in the 90s and the sociocultural learning push instead of knowledge transmission. APS was already weak but it destroyed the schools in Dekalb that did work. And in both systems the administrators who knew what they were pushing and the disconnect with what they were telling taxpayers and parents seem to be prone to corruption. Not necessarily bribes although that is clearly a problem in Dekalb. It's more a matter of greedy or mediocre people who will push anything that will get them a bonus or another promotion. All at absurd rates of compensation for what these people actually know or can do.
Now we are nationalizing what broke Dekalb as the real Common Core implementation. Except this time we have poorly understood performance assessments that will mask the anti-intellectual consequences of what is to be actually going on in the classroom. Beverly Hall almost made it to the alternative assessments the urban school districts have lobbied for so long. http://www.invisibleserfscollar.com/throwing-an-invisibility-cloak-over-the-classroom-to-get-to-deweys-participatory-social-inquiry/ lays out how these performance assessments are actually group work with ill-structured tasks designed to deliberately enforce collaboration as there is no right answer.
On anonymity, I use a pseudonym here because I always have for consistency. But I am not anonymous. I do reserve the right though to blur which of my observations are from personal experience and where they occurred vs all the experiences that now get related to me. I think it's important for parents to have an outlet. I deal with people close to hysterics many days. In shock on what is coming to their always high-performing suburban schools. Because the goal is not to make APS or Dekalb better. The gap is to be closed by destroying what works anywhere.
And if that seems fantastic, following up on the Positive School Climate docs yesterday led to the acknowledgement that is is the Technical-Rationalist mind being targeted by the schools. Which again puts what has gone on in Dekalb and APS in a new and accurate light.
February 15th, 2013
8:16 am
Not sure if this is worth posting or not (but I do know to post under my real name would lead to….nothing good), DeKalb County – there are many teachers in many different systems watching to see if things can be turned around in your district. If it can be done there, then it gives the rest of us hope that it can be done where we are – that we can truly put the students needs first and make meaningful changes like lowering class sizes, making administration work for the students and teachers rather than against, and begin to have real conversations about abandoning all these ridiculous testing, curriculum and evaluations that the vast majority know won't work before they are even implemented. Don't ask teachers to "buy in" to anything else – systems need to "buy in" to their teaching staffs ability to make the right decisions for their students! We're all watching DeKalb….make it worth the wait.
February 15th, 2013
8:23 am
David had some good general points, but his op-ed didn't delve deep enough into the problems facing the school system – but, then again, that would take a novel.
I do disagree with his point on Thurmond's lack of education experience. If Mr. Thurmond was coming into a "healty" DCSS, both academically and financially, and all that was needed was a "placeholder" until a permanent Super could be hired, then I would be okay with his selection. DCSS is in crisis and it will take someone who understand education and finance to even begin to address the myriad of problems facing this system.
February 15th, 2013
8:24 am
If David and Peter won't address people like Dr. John Trotter and Invisible Serf (who makes no secret of her real name) can't we pretty much dismiss the "anonymous blogger = no validity" meme for the red herring it so obviously is?
And I would strongly suggest listening to Serf, for the rest of the education debate may devolve into, "Other than that, how was the play Mrs. Lincoln?" territory if we fail to heed the warnings.
To think the Texas legislature may be actually right in its educational concerns…
February 15th, 2013
8:26 am
@Serf, lacking an otherwise effective rebuttal, what would you say to those who dismiss you as having a merely ethnocentric western civilization point of view, unwilling to address the multiple wrongs wrought by unfettered capitalism?
February 15th, 2013
8:30 am
The AJC's investigation is among the reasons she's gone. You won. No need to keep posting, regardles of the content of an essay, on what she did several years ago.
@Peter, an investigation that may have never happened if the blogsphere and "off the record" comments to reporters hadn't lead reporters to shed some light on the darkness…
And Peter, I would encourage you to read Invisible Serf; if she's correct, Hall might be gone, but the war isn't over…it hasn't even begun yet!
February 15th, 2013
8:31 am
Ah, the great liberal mindset. And I'm a liberal, mind you. But this crap about kids not being able to sit still? It's not that kids can't sit still, it's that parents don't make them. Been in a restaurant lately? Little Johnny finishes his meal and either destroys the table or runs around. Oh, he's so cute! Teaching methods that have worked don't need to be changed, the kids do. Yet you're proposing we throw out what has worked because parents refuse to be parents? Are you kidding me?
And the talk of only title 1 schools. I guess only the kids who are poor in DeKalb need great teachers? Here we go again – the majority of DeKalb is black and poor, so let's just focus on that shall we while the rest of DeKalb gets forgotten. Wake up! There are Asian kids and white kids and Hispanic kids (and families) trying to get educated.
It gets old after a while, hearing the same old same old…
February 15th, 2013
8:37 am
If you think the problem is merely local clowns masquerading as board members read the following:
AUSTIN, Texas – Parents of school children across Texas now are gaining access to a previously secret public school curriculum, according to an announcement from a state lawmaker.
The CSCOPE program, an online offering that until now has prohibited, under penalty of law, teachers from sharing the lessons with parents, stirred up controversy because of its various lessons – some that were taken offline after the questions arose.
Read more at http://www.wnd.com/2013/02/parents-gain-access-to-secret-school-curriculum/#LrGQvo8mClwejkxt.99
Common Core is already looking into using the curriculum to bypass those who would reject RTTP. What does it say that the makers want to impose criminal penalties for even detailing what is being taught to children? Red flag if I ever saw one…
February 15th, 2013
8:39 am
Disclaimer: the link is not an endorsement of WND; just a link
February 15th, 2013
8:40 am
@ Beverly Fraud: I rather enjoy reading the Serf's blog and postings here at Get Schooled. The Common Core Curriculum is an attempt to water-down the intellectual rigor in exchange for group or project work. The schools need to get back to the requisite memorization of facts and information, viz., content. You know…the same stuff that is required in law school, medical school, pharmacy school, etc.
February 15th, 2013
8:45 am
I would also disagree with David Schutten, the system has already taken a nose dive. It's about to crash land without some type of drastic intervention – and the appointment of Mike Thurmond, alone, is not that drastic intervention.
February 15th, 2013
8:45 am
Hey Maureen, did you hear that the school that Obama visited was not even open yesterday and that all those people who were there were asked to be there for the photo op?
February 15th, 2013
8:52 am
@Dr. Trotter my first thought was Serf was wacko suggesting educrats actually extolled the virtues of Chairman Mao as an "effective leader" and suggesting systems like Fulton create educational outcomes to reflect that "effectiveness."
Only to find out it's actually true!
February 15th, 2013
9:03 am
this reminds me of the Scarlett O'hara approach.
don't bother me with things I don't want to hear.
February 15th, 2013
9:10 am
I have no problem taking stands in my own name. I do it constantly, and continue to do so often. However I'm not gonna commit career suicide so David can feel good about himself.
posting as much as I do here under any name is risk enough.
plus, it seems David and possibly Dr. Pete are missing the point of the irony which goes into the selection of some of these names. even the names themselves are statements.
February 15th, 2013
9:13 am
the more I think about it, the more bothered I am that David isn't bothered by Mike T's lack of experience in education.
in what other area (besides government) are people with zero experience in said industry put in charge of it.
and lets not kid ourselves. this is an audition for Mike T to get the job on a full time basis. its his to lose, unless Walker and co are removed from their positions.
February 15th, 2013
9:19 am
@bootney I think we've already exposed the red herring aspect of Peter's and David's "anonymous" complaint, as they both apparently beat a quick and hasty retreat when it was pointed out Dr. Trotter is more than willing to post his name as well as his experiences in the schools.
They thought they had a trump card, til Dr. T. pulled the ace on the river!
February 15th, 2013
9:21 am
@ beverly
re: Maoism
you should try higher ed. we make primary schools look like pikers in this area. the cult of personality we build around presidents and coaches is downright scary.
February 15th, 2013
9:27 am
dave's bully-ish demand that people afraid of committing career suicide by not putting their names on comments shrieks to why i do not respect or support the man. he is another career non-teacher telling everyone how teaching should be done. i have taught in dekalb for a long time, but must consider going to another system or career just so i can keep a roof over my head and pay my bills. teachers at our school are reprimanded for being out sick, even with doctor's notes; teachers are routinely threatened for speaking up; dekalb is not about educating children. if your child has a caring teacher who is at least trying to teach them, count yourself lucky; most of what i see at our school is a dog-and-pony show. pathetic. and now we have another non-teacher getting a huge salary to come run things.
February 15th, 2013
9:29 am
@ beverly
agreed, but the kiss butt-ness of the comment is telling in so many ways, and I think illustrates in stark detail why education is in free fall in Georgia and elsewhere.
-don't criticize me, I know better.
-don't challenge me, I am better
-own it when you do, so I can punish you / ruin your career for the audacity to think you matter
-stop being negative and bask in my brilliance
-join hands and sing the praises of my brilliance
an in the style of Obi Wan Walker. "these are not the problems you're looking to solve"
February 15th, 2013
9:34 am
Mr. Thurmond, I wish you only the best in your new, daunting position. Personally, I believe your lack of experience in education just may be the key to success for you. You will be able to look at everything within the system and see problems others may not see. Atlanta needs you. Everyone should appreciate you for accepting this challenge.
February 15th, 2013
9:56 am
Hey Peter, what say all bloggers use their real name the day a student gets less than an A in your class?
February 15th, 2013
10:06 am
I can tell you why I choose not to blog under my own name. I have two children in the Dekalb County school system and I fear retaliation and retribution against my children if it is revealed that I am one of the harsh critics of the system. I did not come to this conclusion on my own, but after discussions with two or three teachers over the past year it became apparent that I needed to make a change.
February 15th, 2013
10:09 am
I think the most glaring problem with Mr. Thurmond, other than no experience in the education field, is that fact that he is spending his time not addressing the problems with the system but he is campaigning at the State Capitol on behalf of the Board so they can keep their jobs! That seems to be his priority, saving the jobs of his friends and not addressing the mismanagement! Mr. Schutten seems to forget this and that is why most of us are so frustrated. It is the same old, same old.
As for posting anonymously, I have seen first hand what happens to a parent (and teacher) that spoke out and had the audacity to voice their opinion that was not what the Board and the Superintendent wanted to hear. Not only did they suffer, but their kids suffered in the classroom from teachers who did not agree with that individual.
February 15th, 2013
10:10 am
"Taking" a nose dive? Who has wanted to work there in the last 10 years? Who has gone home and said 'holy smokes, I finally got hired by DEKALB!' ?
February 15th, 2013
10:11 am
"though his replacement has been a bit of a disappointment"
@concernedmom Hasn't McMahan been in his seat for about 30 days? How can he be judged a disappointment on 30 days in office?
February 15th, 2013
10:27 am
As the teachers' union rep acknowledges in his article, the system is in a tailspin. After decades of over-hyped education theory and "innovation," test results remain where they were. Or worse.
But his article's a plea to maintain the status quo. So are the comments from other education establishment mouthpieces we hear regularly from in this blog.
Mr. Thurmond, let DeKalb parents decide who is talking the most sense in offering solutions. Give parents more choice options — starting with more charter schools — and let a free marketplace lead us out of the morass yesterday's leaders have consigned our children to.
February 15th, 2013
10:41 am
@MAUREEN: I am very pleased to hear of the blog shift. Long term, I believe that it will improve the quality of our discussions. As for using real names, though I would choose differently, I can understand why a DeKalb employee would choose to use a screen name in fear of retribution. Anyone else? You're simply gutless and your opinions have little credibility.
February 15th, 2013
10:42 am
Good luck to Michael Thurmond. Monumental task.
February 15th, 2013
10:44 am
Anonymity issues aside, it is an excellent commentary.
First priority is keeping accreditation. Graduating seniors need their diplomas to count. Dr. Walker needs to see that his position as head of the board is an impediment to that.
We need to put more resources in the classroom. We need to help students with their organizational skills. We need to not treat 1st graders like adults and realize that sitting in a desk all day is not conducive to maximizing their educational experience. If you have a student who can't sit still and punish them by taking away "wiggle" time, the teacher is cutting off her nose to spite her face. We need to understand everyone learns differently, and adopt innovative ways to teach, including allowing students to move a little more. And yes, don't run with as fact anything you have read on the internet. I've seen so many flat out lies (and not just rumor mongering, but things the poster should know is not true or things they just totally made up) posted as fact on school issues, its amazing. Remember the commercial about the blonde and her "French model" date who she met on the internet?
Finally, the mentality that things have to be this way needs to be changed. They don't. Communities can work together. Things don't have to continue on a downward spiral. The administration doesn't have to present controversial issues Friday at 4pm on a holiday weekend because they are afraid of the public response. There can be communication and respectful feedback. Dekalb's never going to be the best school district in the state, but it can be a model for urban districts. There are pockets of strength throughout the county.


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No 'throw-away babies,' Tibetans learn
An ethnic Tibetan woman helps Janice Bratcher (name changed), a Christian worker, prepare for a fetal development class in Kathmandu as volunteer Eliza Ellis (name changed) watches. Photo by Kate Weatherly.
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Two ethnic Tibetan women listen carefully as Christian worker Ching Chippa, left, shares specifics of human reproduction in a fetal development class. Although the Nepali government legalized abortion in 2002, women rarely discuss sexual matters, even among friends, and few understand the process of reproduction and fetal development. Photo by Kate Weatherly.
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Janice Bratcher, second from left (name changed), a Christian worker in Nepal, shares the "Creation to Christ" story with ethnic Tibetan women. She and colleague Jewel Deckard, not pictured (name changed), incorporate Bible stories into fetal development training for ethnic Tibetan women. Photo by Kate Weatherly.
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Two ethnic Tibetan women admire models of a 12-week and 24-week fetus. Christian worker Jewel Deckard (name changed) uses the models in fetal development classes she teaches among ethnic Tibetan women. Photo by Kate Weatherly.
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Posted on Dec 13, 2013 | by Tess Rivers
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EDITOR'S NOTE: Jewel Deckard* is a Southern Baptist representative serving in South Asia through Southern Baptists' gifts to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering for International Missions and Cooperative Program, which fund the presence and missions outreach of nearly 5,000 Southern Baptist personnel internationally. Gifts to the Lottie Moon offering are received through local Southern Baptist churches or online at
, where there are resources to promote the offering. This year's goal is $175 million.(*Name changed)
KATHMANDU, Nepal (BP) -- There is no word for abortion in the language of ethnic Tibetan people. The closest phrase is "throw-away baby."
But even without a word, ethnic Tibetan women in Nepal understand the concept. Since 2002 when the developing country overturned laws that imprisoned women for abortion and equated the practice with infanticide, the legislative pendulum has swung dramatically.
Today abortion in Nepal is legal except for the purpose of gender selection. The "morning after" pill is available without a prescription in local pharmacies. Among its Asian neighbors, Nepal ranks with China, Vietnam, Cambodia and North Korea as a country that permits abortion without restriction.
Abortion rights advocates call this "success" -- touting the availability of safe abortions as a significant factor in the 78 percent drop in maternal mortality since 1990. They say safe abortions have significantly improved women's health.
Jewel Deckard,* a Southern Baptist worker in Nepal, knows there's more to it. Much more.
"Sometimes people that help with abortions tell you that this is not a baby," the 33-year-old mother of preschoolers tells a small group of women as she holds a model of a 24-week-old fetus. "But I really want you to know that is a lie. It is a baby."
Deckard, who has lived in Nepal since 2005, wants women to know the full story of fetal development and to understand the sociological, psychological and spiritual toll of abortion on women's health. She developed a passion to educate women after reading the story, "Christians fight infant killing in Indian slum," about one family's response to infanticide in India in 2010. At the same time, she was seeking ways to connect with ethnic Tibetan women.
"I decided teaching women about their bodies -- and how babies develop -- was something I could do to bring women together," Deckard says. "It's practical and it builds relationships."
She also wanted to introduce women to the Creator God and help them understand the value of life in God's eyes. As a result, she designed a fetal development course tied to chronological Bible stories, which she has since shared with other Christian workers throughout South Asia.
Telling the story
In this group of about 10 women, ranging in age from 13 to 45, the need for the classes quickly becomes obvious. All attending -- whether married or single -- are red-faced and bashful. The 13-year-old girl leaves quickly -- too embarrassed to stay. They've heard about the topic but seldom discuss these things.
There is one Christian among them; the rest are Tibetan Buddhists. They understand the cycle of sin -- bad karma -- but they have no idea how to escape it. They attempt to find forgiveness by reciting mantras, offering sacrifices of incense and worshipping at local monasteries and the stupa -- a large Buddhist temple in the center of town.
After Deckard's co-worker, Janice Bratcher,* shares
"Creation to Christ"
-- short summaries of key Bible stories from creation to the resurrection -- Deckard carefully explains each stage of pregnancy and fetal development, displaying models of the fetus at 9, 12, 24 and 36 weeks. She passes the models to the women sitting in a circle, and eyes widen with wonder as the women gently handle them.
"It's OK," Deckard says, smiling. "It's just a model. Not a real baby."
The women giggle with nervous laughter as they discuss myths of when a woman can no longer get pregnant and the facts of menopause.
But the atmosphere changes when Deckard discusses abortion.
"Many people after they have abortions feel very sad," Deckard says. "God doesn't like abortion because He is the Creator of life."
The women sit quietly, nodding solemnly. No one laughs. No one admits to an abortion. No one shares a story. As with most discussions on sexual behavior, the topic is not discussed, even among friends.
"But, God can forgive you," Deckard is quick to explain. "Just like Janice told you in the story, Jesus died for our sins. No sin is beyond His forgiveness."
Valued by God
With the help of local believers, Deckard has been teaching these classes to women for the past three years -- not just in Kathmandu but in small villages throughout the Himalayas that often require days of walking just to access.
Two volunteers also are helping Deckard develop a comprehensive program to address women's health issues from puberty to menopause. The three intend to weave Bible stories throughout the curriculum to help women understand their value in God's eyes.
"Health education is just one way to connect women," Deckard says. "Women to women. Believers with nonbelievers. We just want them to know the full story."
*Name changed
Tess Rivers is an IMB writer.
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The Top 5 Antarctica Tours
There are a variety of ways to travel to Antarctica, each one offering something a little different from the others. Whether you are searching for the lap of luxury on your visit or something a bit more reserved, there is sure to be an option that adheres to your style.
5. Strictly Scenic- Perhaps you do not want to walk on the continent and that is perfectly okay. You can choose to take a scenic cruise that goes to Antarctica but generally only makes a visit to the region with a longer cruise around the border of South America.by


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Game, Set, Match: Color-Coordinated Ceilings
If you're thrilled with the color you chose for your walls, why not compliment it or match it on the ceiling? In addition to being just a bit unexpected, it also visually expands the room.
A pale wash of color looks bright and welcoming in a sunny space, while a deep hue can enliven a smaller space. It's an easy, colorful change from basic ceiling white.
- Gorgeously rich blue walls and a lighter blue ceiling create a cozy reading spot in Marie Claire Maison.
- Designer Jay Jeffers cleverly takes both color and pattern up to the ceiling in a room from the San Francisco Decorator Showcase.
- Butter yellow brightly update a traditional room. Via Everything Matters".
- Navy makes a dramatic statement in a tiny kitchen. Domino via Cream City and Sugar.
- Designer Stephen Shubel creates a calming, pretty living room with pale pink walls. Via House Beautiful
Images: 1. Marie Claire Maison 2. Jeffers Design Group 3. Everything Matters 4. Domino via Cream City and Sugar 5. Jeremy Samuelson for House Beautiful
13 Comments
Love it! Who says a ceiling has to be white?
I like these, except for that ugly, amateurish "arch" thingy in the second photo. I suppose they're going for a "fun" look, but it doesn't track with any of the underlying structure, so it just looks clumsy and arbitrary.
I agree with this article, ceilings are overlooked all of the time. What a great idea to paint it in a complimentary color!
If the ceiling is not high, color on it can be suffocating, especially in rooms that have a lack of natural light. White, or a paler tint of the wall color like that of the blue room, adds height and light, although I'd prefer an even lighter tint. The butter yellow works due to a high ceiling and the pink works because there is ample light. I'd feel claustrophobic in the narrow, smallish navy kitchen, however. We spend mostly dark hours in our apartments; in winter the sun sets early, and in summer when we are outdoors a lot. There is simply not enough natural light in my city apartment to sway me to use color on the ceiling. Colors on the ceiling look different, too, when illuminated by artificial light. I'd like the editors to consider showing day/night shots when showing a new idea such as this.
Grrrr..."complement," not compliment. Now what were you saying?
Oops, looks like they've gotten a bit of blue on the fireplace surround & mantel. Need to wipe that up before it dries!
By all means compliment it with a complimentary color. I'm sure it'll greatly appreciate all the flattery.
The concept tends toward the monochromatic. I think that works best with warm colors. Monochromatic blue (even in paintings) has always struck me as lifeless and cold. (I love blue, too.) I might be OK with the first room if the ceiling has a tiny bit of green or something in the color so it didn't feel like night on an ice berg.
Photo 2 is too contrived.
The others work because of the molding, ceiling height, and the light.
The "treatments" made the beautiful wood trim in 1-3 disappear. How sad.
I like this idea in general. Sometimes a stark white ceiling looks disconnected from the rest of the space. It can seem to take the life out. Several tones of one color together in a room can be harmonious and make a neutral backdrop that's not too choppy, especially in a small space. However, some rooms flow together and need some consistency in ceilings, floors, or trim from room to room.
I guess I'm just not in the know, but I always just thought people left ceilings white because they're a huge pain to paint. I always sort of thought that painting the ceiling was the natural thing to do when you paint the walls, either the same color or an accent to set it off. So, I guess I don't see why this is that special, other than the fact that they actually put in the effort (which is more than I can usually say for myself).
My home's rooms are small, and I'm tired of its all-white walls and ceilings. I'd like to paint most of my home's interior walls greenish blue like turquoise and the ceilngs yellowish green like chartreuse or a botanical true green. I prefer blue walls and ceilings that lean toward green like aqua or purple like periwinkle to trite and true blues. I might paint a cool tint on the ceiling that complements the walls' color if I want the ceiling to appear higher. I might paint a tint of the walls' cool color on the ceiling if I want to obscure a room's overall small dimensions. Either way, I'd look for paint with little black in it since interiors already are too grayed by shadows.
I'm painting my living room blue both walls and the ceiling. I don't have any light either but in finishing of with a coat of varnish to help reflect the light. It really makes a difference. I left one corner unvarnished in the test I did. Here's a pic:http://ploefff.files.wordpress.com/2011/11/img3031.jpg


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SAN DIEGO – When one team shares a practice field with another, it's typically done for a couple days before a preseason game. Due to the schedule, though, nothing has been typical for the Cowboys this preseason.
Since the team played in Oakland Monday night and needed an off day afterward, it didn't make sense to come straight to San Diego to work out with the Chargers. Instead, the joint practices will be held Monday and Tuesday, a first for the Cowboys head coach. One task will be comparatively evaluating the players' performances in the game on Saturday versus the two practices.
"It'll be different," Jason Garrett said. "You'll never be able to recreate, in practice, the tempo and the feel of a game, but it's the reason we get together with other teams, because you want to try to create a competitiveness that's different than going against your own guys."
The Cowboys and Chargers worked out together last year, once at Valley Ranch and once at Cowboys Stadium, before playing a preseason game. Garrett is a disciple of Chargers head coach Norv Turner, the Dallas offensive coordinator early in his career as a backup.
"We really share a lot of the same values in terms of how we practice, so it really went well," Garrett said. "I've been in some situations with these things where you don't practice the same way, everybody's kind of off kilter and out of rhythm, but the practice tempo we have will be upbeat, it'll be competitive, get after each other, but at the same time we'll be respectful of each other in those situations."
While a lot of the Cowboys' players would certainly like to be back home after three weeks on the road, some are seeing a bright side to the extended stay.
"When you practice and then you play in the preseason game, usually you're tired a little bit from practicing," linebacker


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Views: 40
I found averages very helpful with regard to setting realistic expectations. I think a balanced approach is reasonable in the precarious journey of adoption. It is important to have faith in people and trust in the good will of others; however, one must be realistic as well.
We met two convincing scammers on our adoption journey. Those were painful encounters. I was glad to have been warned by our agency about that possibility. It empowered me to mitigate the hurt and disappointment.
When we finally met our son's birthmother, I needed a little time to trust her. She understood that, and she needed time to trust me and my husband as well. As time went on, we built a strong, close relationship that only time together can truly solidify. But, it would have been reckless for us or for our son's birthmom to trust each other immediately. Knowing that some birthmoms decide to parent and some adoptive parents pull out of the arrangement, empowered each party to proceed with caution and care. Ultimately, everything worked out great, but that is not always the case.
As we consider beginning a second adoption, I will read about the averages, the possible disappointments, and the possible successes again. I will be full of hope and love, but I will have my eyes wide open.
© 2014 Created by Adoption Voices.


text: Country Stars Share Their Best Advice From Mom! Category Music Miranda Lambert "She gave me the advice, know who you are and stick with it, and I've done that in my life and in my career and it's really been great advice" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for BMI) Cherrill Green (Edens Edge) "If you can dream it, you can do it!" (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Hannah Blaylock (Edens Edge) "When life gets tough, pull yourself up by your boot straps and keep on a-trekkin'!!" (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Dean Berner (Edens Edge) "Play perfect :)" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images for Country Thunder) Jay DeMarcus "Never lose your faith in God and never, ever give up on your dreams." (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) Joe Don Rooney Referring to moving to Nashville to pursue my dreams in music my momma told me 'You'll never know unless you go, you have picks in your pocket & dreams in your head . . . go for it" (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Big Machine Records) David Nail My mother is a very conservative lady! She always said to be comfortable being me! She once said if my wife Catherine didn't make me happy, then I needed to get used to the fact that I'd never be happy." (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) Josh Kelley "Before I'd leave to go out the door she'd say 'PUT A RAINCOAT ON IT!!!" "And I always did...haha" (Photo by Angela Weiss/Getty Images For PEOPLE Magazine) Uncle Kracker "Best advice my mom ever gave me...'go ugly early.'" (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) James Otto "Moms best advice was to follow my dreams. Kinda generic I know but true." (Photo by Michael Loccisano/Getty Images) Colt Ford "My Mamma always said 'God never gives you anything he does not intend for You to use." ('Been working like hell. Got new record done will have single soon. Best thing I have done" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) Phil Vassar Phil Vassar (photo by: Rick Diamond, Getty Images) (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images For Country Thunder) Justin Moore "Stand up and do what's right, even if it's the harder choice" (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for Stagecoach) Bucky Covington "Don't be late for things. However, she was always late. Haha" (Photo by Jason Kempin/Getty Images) Craig Morgan "Don't expect too much from people, you'll be disappointed less" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) Chuck Wicks "Chuck!!! Put the toilet seat down!!!:) (Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images) JT Hodges "Treat all women like you would me:)" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images For Country Thunder) Jack Ingram "Break up with that girl! She's bad news!" (That girl was bad news! A lot of fun...but bad news!!!) "That and 'stay in school!" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images) Randy Houser "Wear clean underwear. . .u never know" "And a bunny suit" (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Josh Gracin "No matter what, the woman's right...Even if she's not, let her be...Because at the end of the night you'll be glad u did." (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images of IEBA) Jana Kramer "Don't ever let any man take your light away." (Photo by Jason Merritt/Getty Images) Mike Eli (Eli Young Band) 'Honestly, it's kind of cliche but she told me to follow my dreams and it worked out pretty good. :)" (Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images For Country Thunder) Next Gallery: Matt Stillwell Performs at US99.5 Studios! View Comments


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Task Force commemorates life and legacy of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Inga Sarda-Sorensen
Director of Communications
(Office) 646.358.1463
(Cell) 202.641.5592
WASHINGTON, Jan. 21 — Today is the federal holiday honoring the life and legacy of civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Statement by Rea Carey, Executive Director
National Gay and Lesbian Task Force
"The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. will forever be an inspiration to people everywhere for his moral courage and unwavering belief that fairness is not a privilege of power, but rather a right of humanity.
"With inestimable grace, resilience and determination, Dr. King challenged an unjust status quo and championed efforts to dismantle a system that had been purposely constructed to keep racial minorities in the margins. He had faith in humankind's better angels and the belief that profound wrongs could in fact be righted. Somehow it seems immensely appropriate that today's commemoration falls on the same day as the inauguration of America's first black president.
"Dr. King's message of hope continues to resonate with people facing down injustice all around the world, including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people and our families. His life is a testament to the knowledge that true, positive lasting change is possible when we stand together against injustice -- and stand together for our common humanity."
To learn more about the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, follow us on Twitter: @TheTaskForce.
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force builds the power of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community from the ground up. The Task Force is the country's premier social justice organization fighting to improve the lives of LGBT people and working to create positive, lasting change and opportunity for all. The Task Force is a 501(c)(3) corporation incorporated in Washington, D.C. Contributions to the Task Force are tax-deductible to the full extent allowed by law. © 2012, National Gay and Lesbian Task Force, 1325 Massachusetts Ave. NW, Suite 600, Washington, D.C., 20005. Phone 202.393.5177. TTY 202.393.2284. firstname.lastname@example.com.
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So basically a really long time ago I used to be a sprite/pixel art comic artist on the BIONICLE fansite BZPower.
I haven't done it for a while, but I miss doing it and have been wanting to get a human sprite comic series going. However, the BZPower Sprite Community had a kind of different way of handling pixel art spritesheets than the ones that are available online, and human spritesheets in the format I want are kind of non-existent.
I've tried spriting my own bases but its just not working out so I was wondering if anyone out there would be willing to help?
This isn't a pro-bono Shop-request like the ones that used to be made in Artwork II all the time; I am willing to pay for this to be done, starting from $10 and upwards.
It won't be exactly like a commission you might be used to because of how the spritesheets will be made and all of that. They'll be developed for reusability and whatnot, and thus we'll need to fully discuss it if you want to go with it.
I'm willing to be flexible with the amount paid judging by the quality of work and the amount of it that will have to be done.
This is (mostly?) directed at the old BZP/AIII/AII/AI spriting community (hence why its tagged) since they would know what I was talking about, but if you could please spread it around to anyone who does pixel art in general that would be great. I know a lot of you guys (that is, the BZP spriting community) used to do sprites for free, so I hope the prospect of actual money will be incentive enough to at least look into it.
Leave a message in my ask, or contact me on Skype (username Kahinuva, put "Interested in sprite commission" or something in the contact request so I know who you are).
Thanks for reading.


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Synonyms: Shugo Chara!!! Dokki Doki, Shugo Chara! Third, Shugo Chara! Pucchi Puchi
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Aired: Oct 3, 2009 to Mar 27, 2010
Duration: 21 min. per episode
Rating: PG - ChildrenL represents licensing company
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After a long day of work, these men's Chaps moccasin slippers provide the perfect fit.
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Movin' On Battle of Bands: Saturday, March 31st 9PM at Alumni Hall
Posted by Pat Baxter on 03/29 at 02:33 AM
This Saturday, March 31st starting at 9PM, Movin' On's Battle of Bands will take place. It will be held at Alumni Hall in the HUB at Penn State. Twelve bands are competing, but only 2 will be selected to join the the lineup of major acts of the festival on April 27th. The winners will join The Avett Brothers, Ludacris, David Mayfield Parade, Michael Franti and Spearead, and Young the Giant.
The bands will be selected based audience response, and the combined scores of guest judges. Guest judges include Becky Gomberg, Vocal Director of Savior Faire A Cappella group, Whitney Schmutter, 2011 Penn State Idol Winner, the B94.5 Morning Zoo, and Paul Barsom, composition professor at the School of Music.
Each band has 15 minutes to perform original material. The line-up and schedule of bands includes:
Dave Joyce Band - 9:00PM
Atlas Soundtrack - 9:15PM
One Shot Nicky - 9:30PM
Crooked Oaks - 9:45PM
Free Rollercoaster - 10:00PM
Brethern - 10:15PM
Element of Surprise - 10:30PM
Hustle The Nobles - 10:45PM
Flashback Forward - 11:00PM
Wondershop Showdown - 11:15PM
Ebenezer now known as Michael and Mooncussers - 11:30PM
Keegan Tawa - 11:45PM
For more information about the Movin' On 2012 Festival, check out their website.
Author: Pat Baxter
Bio: A native of Pittsburgh, Pat Baxter is now working for WPSU/Penn State Public Broadcasting in video on-demand and multi-media. He enjoys playing guitar and bass, listening to music and watching films. He likes listening to grunge/alternative rock, experimental and prog rock, and jazz/fusion. His favorite rock bands include the Smashing Pumpkins (1990s era), David Bowie, Talking Heads, King Crimson, Buckethead, Frank Zappa, Mars Volta, David Torn, and the Cure.
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San Diego, United States of America
950 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley, San Diego, CA 92108 – Show map
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Outdoor Pool, Grounds, Terrace
Golf Course (within 2 miles), Fitness Center, Hot Tub
Food & Drink
Restaurant, Bar
WiFi is available in public areas and is free of charge.
WiFi is available in the hotel rooms and is free of charge.
Private parking is available on site (reservation is not needed) and costs USD 12 per day.
Room Service, Vending Machine (drinks), Car Rental, Shuttle Service (free), 24-Hour Front Desk, Ticket Service, Baggage Storage, ATM on site, Concierge Service, Babysitting/Child Services, Laundry, Dry Cleaning, Meeting/Banquet Facilities, Business Center, Fax/Photocopying, Hair/Beauty Salon, Souvenir/Gift Shop, VIP Room Facilities
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All children are welcome.
All children from 0 to 12 year stay free of charge when using existing beds.
Up to two additional older children or adults are charged USD 10 per person per night when using existing beds.
All older children or adults are charged USD 10 per night for extra beds.
One child under 4 years stays free of charge in a crib.
The maximum number of extra beds/cribs in a room is 1.
Any type of extra bed or crib is upon request and needs to be confirmed by management.
Additional fees are not calculated automatically in the total cost and will have to be paid for separately during your stay.
Pets are allowed on request. Charges may apply.
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Manchester Grand Hyatt San DiegoLatest booking: 49 minutes ago There are 4 people looking at this hotel.
This 100% non-smoking property is 6.5 miles from downtown San Diego and within a 5-minute drive of SeaWorld San Diego. The hotel offers an outdoor pool and suites with free Wi-Fi.
Score from 553 reviews Review score
Hampton Inn San Diego Mission ValleyOnly 5 miles from the San Diego Zoo, this Mission Valley hotel features an outdoor pool and hot tub and a 24/7state-of-the-art fitness center. All guest rooms have free Wi-Fi.
Score from 79 reviews Excellent
Red Roof Inn San Diego DowntownIn Central San Diego, this 100% non-smoking motel features traditionally furnished guest rooms equipped with free Wi-Fi.
Score from 363 reviews Good
Best Western Yacht Harbor HotelLocated only minutes from the San Diego Airport, world-class sailing, and whale watching, this hotel offers comfort and modern amenities, while putting guests right in the middle of the excitement in...
Score from 689 reviews Very good
The front desk clerk was terrific. The room was very clean, and the housekeeping staff were helpful and friendly. The pool was amazing according to my children. 10 mins to Sea World, 15 mins to Mission Beach. Over all I would stay here again.
The valet staff were extremely rude. Main focus seemed to be more on wedding event than hotel guests.
It was Very Quite, Clean and close to old town and entertainment. Great bang for your buck. Loved having patio by the pool.
Work out room had no AC and was small. Needs better ventilation.
Everything about this hotel was lovely. Nice room, nice pool, helpful staff. We would highly recommend this hotel.
The only thing I would say is the location is a little isolated but they did have a free shuttle to take you to Sea World and the Zoo. Also there is no elevator so we had to carry suitcases up the stairs.
convenience, fairly quiet
no complimentary coffee parking should be free
Pool area excellent....and central location
All great
Staff were freindly it was quiet and the Restaurant was ok. Has laundry facilities
Very dated
The pool and the pool side movie
Bar by the pool was close
Clean Rooms Great Service Affordable Rates
Thin Walls Small Beds Window facing a walkway
Great value for price
Nice pool
they tried to charge extra upon check in. Pool restaurant attendant made rude comments.
Great room Massive bed Patio area
Some guests had a party which was on the patio area outside our room.
the rooms were furnished with newer furniture. easy access to freeways.
The ice machine was in the hallway, between the other guest getting ice throughout the night and the machine loudly going on and off every 30 mins. Making it impossible to stay asleep. being woken 8 -10 times during the night is not my idea of a good night sleep. The room was on the corner of the building with 2 walls being only glass. so as guest arrived i had the pleasure of getting their head lights lighten up my room. being a non-smoking bldg, guest who smoked went just outside the bldg. which was just outside my windows.making my non-smoking room quickly into a smoking room. When i needed aspirin for the headache i got from my lack of sleep, i walked up to the lobby (1/4 of a mile) To my surprise there was no gift/convenience shop in the lobby only a car rental company in what was once the shop. when i asked staff where the gift shop was? They handed me a card with the information about a shuttle to a liquor store on the other side of the freeway.(shuttle ran 24 hrs a day .. store closed at 11 pm) I have never stayed in a hotel where it required a 30 min shuttle trip over a freeway to a liquor to purchase (aspirin,magazine Ect) Seems that the company is too focused on squeezing out every cent that they can. I will never stay at any of this chains hotels again. I would like to see an executive stay at this hotel unannounced.
Nice room, confortable bed, good view to pool
Noise, AC did not work and when it did it made a terrible humming noise all night long!!. Bathroom too small!
Hotel is close to everything. Didn't take long to get to where we wanted. Day staff was pretty good. We had a problem with the shower, told the front desk on our way out for the day and it was fixed by the time we came back.
Nightime staff was pretty rude. We checked in late at night. When we got their we asked to check in and without asking if we had a reservation we were greeted with a rude "we don't have any rooms available!" The beds were a little uncomfortable.
parking Fees after high Price
Nice place, comfortable, quiet, easy parking
No microwave, which is very inconvenient for me.
The room was a lot smaller than I thought.
Nice clean room.
go to a different building for ice.
Pool area, good and fairly priced breakfast. Easy access to SeaWorld. Shuttle service. Size of rooms. Free parking.
Poor WiFi. Noisy rooms.
The hotel is very clean and we enjoyed the pool area. I loved the easy access to freeways and downtown areas. The staff was extremely helpful and friendly. .
The room and bathroom were a bit small for family of 4.
The Hotels location was great. It was 10 minutes from everywhere we went. The pool area was really nice.
When we first arrived at the Hotel and went to our room there was a foul smell in the bathroom. Called for housekeeping, but not sure if they ever made it to our room since we were out. Smell was gone by the 2nd day.
Site needs remodel, very dated. Beds in poor condition
the pool area was nice
My car got broken in when I stayed here for two nights.They said they are not responsible for anything.I paid $12/night for parking and still got that!??It's rediculous!They said there was another broken in several months ago and it was not a very safe area.It's right off the highway and the parking lot is in the open area where people could just walk in and smash your car window.They said the cars in the apartment complex right next to this hotel got broken in several times too which sounds even more rediculous!They meant I should be fine with it because it happened frequently and there is no liability on the parking tickets? Eventually nothing was resolved by them.The guy who came to fix my window told me that was a pretty popular area for the window breaking in and this hotel has the motel style parking lots. The room wall is paper thin too.When I was ready to have a rest from that long day,there was this loud talk coming from the next room. I just won't stay here and recommend any guests to think twice before they book it.
Great hotel with easy access to main attractions
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text: When it comes to protecting themselves from what they fear, humans have a real knack for building walls and fences. The U.S. has been busily building a fence along its border with Mexico to discourage illegal immigration and smuggling. Not to mention, the recent reform bill passed by the Senate could greatly accelerate that construction. But this desire to keep others out predates America by at least 2,000 years. Here's a look at some of the most notorious barriers we've built, from China to Berlin and beyond.


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Remaning Expire Time
Thu, 10/18/2012 - 06:22
Can you help me about if there is a way in java SDK to learn how much time remained for a specified key to be deleted? I need remaining time of keys.
Thanks & Regards
Thu, 10/18/2012 - 15:35
In version 1.1dp4 (to be released very soon) we have added a getKeyStats() function to CouchbaseClient which will provide information on individual keys. One of the stats returned is key_exptime.
Fri, 10/19/2012 - 01:46
Thanks a lot. I think until the release date, the best option for me add expire time as value to reach it anytime.
Thanks & Regards,


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14 Gauge Advance Tabco TVKG-303 30" x 36" Open Base Stainless Steel Commercial Work Table with 10" Backsplash
Add this item to your cart. (You can remove it at any time.)
- Durable 14 gauge type 304 stainless steel
- 10" backsplash
- NSF Listed
- Made in America
Companion Items
|Table Length
|36 Inches
|Table Width
|30 Inches
|Backsplash Height
|10 Inches
|Table Height
|35 1/2 Inches
|Leg Construction
|Galvanized Steel
|Made in America
|Metal Gauge
|14 Gauge
|NSF Listed
|Stainless Steel Type
|Type 304
|Table Style
|Open Base
|Tabletop Material
|Stainless Steel
As part of the Advance Tabco Spec Line Series, this TVKG-303 30" x 36" stainless steel open base work table combines unbeatable strength with lasting durability in strong, 14 gauge type 304 stainless steel. Each commercial work table features a 2" x 1" square die embossed no-drip countertop edge with a 1/2" return on three sides and a 10" high backsplash with a 2" return on the rear side.
This open base work table offers 1 5/8" diameter tubular galvanized steel legs with matching leg braces. For added stability, each table also includes 1" adjustable plastic bullet feet. NSF Listed. Please consult the Specification Sheet for additional details.
Overall Dimensions :
30"W x 36"L x 35 1/2"H (excluding backsplash)
Also known as: TVKG.303, TVKG 303, or TVKG303
This Advance Tabco work table's top is able to support up to 487.5 lbs. of uniformly distributed weight.
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please note this in the comment section while checking out! Please feel free to log on to our Live Chat should you have any questions
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Featuring frog, butterfly and floral graphics, this Teamson Kids Magic Garden toy box is a whimsical place to store toys and books. In pink/purple/green.
Product Features:
- Finger slot under the lid
Product Details:
- 21.38"H x 15.38"W x 31.25"D
- Some assembly required
- Manufacturer's 30-day limited warranty
- Model no. W-7479A
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The links below are ads provided by the Google AdWords™ program. Outside companies pay to advertise via these links when specific phrases and words are searched. These ads are provided by Google and are labeled as sponsored links. Clicking on these links will open a new tab displaying that respective company's own website. The website you link to is not affiliated with or sponsored by Kohls.com


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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Hope we don't get Joystiq's commenting system.
Drakkenfyre said...
Hope we don't get Joystiq's commenting system.
Yes, persistent log-in is nice, but it constantly logs you out. You log in, go to an article, it's logged you out. Log in, a day later, for no reason, it logs you out. I have even commented on an article, and in-between clicking Submit, and it going up, it logged me out, forcing me to log in, and rewrite what I said.


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AP Political Writer
RICHMOND, Va. -- For the fourth consecutive year, Virginia government has ended a budget year in the black, and this time it means state employees get their first pay raise in six years.
Gov. Bob McDonnell's administration announced the $262 million general revenue surplus on Friday. But its final size won't be known until August when unspent agency balances and other cost-control measures are added in.
Employees received one-time bonuses last year and in 2010. This year's raise becomes the first permanent increase in base salaries for state government personnel since 2007, before two years of revenue declines tied to the worst economy since the Great Depression.
Total general revenue collections increased 5.3 percent, easily beating 3.6 percent growth forecast on which budgeted fiscal year 2013 spending was based.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Book Description:Writing with profound psychological and spiritual insight, prize-winning author Gary Zukav has had a major impact on the consciousness of our entire generation. His number-one national bestseller. The Seat of the Soul, has been a life-changing experience for millions of Americans.In Soul Stories, Gary Zukav shows how this new understanding of power -- authentic power -- transforms lives in countless ways.Here too, is the story of Zukav's own personal evolution. He writes openly and intimately about periods of his life when he felt jealousy, competitiveness, fear, anger, and about how his understanding of these emotions changed with his awakening consciousness and recognition of a Universe that is alive and compassionate.Soul Stories is filled with marvelous true stories that show how intuition, harmony, sharing, and forgiveness actually express themselves in people's lives. Best of all, the stories lead to practical advice on how you can discover your own Soul Stories and the truths they reveal about the deepest sources of your being.
Buyback (Sell directly to one of these merchants and get cash immediately)
One fine body…
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Time flies too friggin' fast! At the time of writing this, Formula D has just finished its fourth round but you're probably reading this magazine in late September or early October. What's that mean? The finals are just around the corner! So while our report might be old news, here's a quick recap of rounds three and four.
What's Next?
Now more than halfway through the season, the championship is still anyone's game but the top three look like this:
1. Justin Pawlak. Still looking for his first championship, he finished fourth in Florida and was knocked out in the top 8 in Jersey. However, last year's overall runner-up continues to perform consistently and is the favorite going into the final rounds.
2. Daigo Saito. If you don't know his name, now you know! Daigo's first season here is proving to be a thriller, holding second place overall going into round five. And who can hate on his 1000+hp Lexus SC430?
3. Dai Yoshihara. The reigning champ is still looking good. While he hasn't finished first yet this year, he's been on the podium three out of four times. Repeat champ anyone?
The last 3 events are back on the West Coast in Washington State, Vegas and the finals in Irwindale. Who's ready?


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Filtering Posts By: "Kevin Becka"
09.15.2007| By Shure Notes|
Stereo Miking Basics
he following article is an excerpt from Shure Notes, Issue #25. Updated June 23, 2011. If you want to capture a more natural sound in your recordings, it's time to learn a few fundamentals of stereo miking. Early on, these techniques were developed to approximate the sound we hear in our own two ears. Stereo recordings give the listener sound images that correspond to the location of the instruments in the recording session – left to right and front to back. They provide a picture of the recording space's acoustics and capture sound source characteristics …Share: Facebook Twitter Google Plus Email


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This versatile boy short boasts an ingenious strip of smooth grip rubber around the inner hem of the legs to keep shorts from riding up. With stretch fabric and a flirty pop of color around the mesh-lined waistband, these shorts are sure to keep you running happy.
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Please include any relevant information such as weekly mileage, training or race pace, or foot type.
Copyright © 2014 Running Warehouse. All Rights Reserved. Contact Us
Site Map | US: 1.800.606.9598 | email@example.com | Careers


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Fly Rod & Reel
Ted Williams Blog
Fly Fishing News
Fly Rod & Reel Presents: Fly Fishing Film Tour
Looking for something a little different to do this winter? Tired of watching the same old fly-fishing videos featuring the same old fly-fishing "personalities?" Do you crave triple-X, hard-core fish porn? That's what we thought, and The Fly-Fishing Film Tour is what you need. FR&R has teamed up with
Want a FREE 2007 Fly-Fishing Calendar?
Who doesn't? Visit our Web site, sign up for a two- or three-year subscription and the calendar is yours. Easy. www.flyrodreel.com
Fly Fishing Show
Sponsored by Fly Rod & Reel
Help the Roscoe Library
The public library in Trout Town USA, aka Roscoe, New York, suffered extensive damage in the floods that hit the Delaware River Valley last June. Not only was the building that houses the Roscoe Free Library wrecked in the flooding, but the small library's book collection was all but destroyed as well.
Best Use of Catch-and-Release
"At the time of his blind date with Ms. Taylor, he had been divorced for two years and was living in an Upper East Side bachelor pad filled with hunting trophies. 'Women to him were like fish,' said Sissy Yates, his sister-in-law. 'It was a catch-and-release kind of thing.'" --From The New York Times
Project Healing Waters
First lieutenant Eivind Forseth grew up fly-fishing on the Yellowstone River. But while serving with the Army's 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq, he was hit by an IED that shattered the bones in his right arm and paralyzed his right hand. Following a medical evacuation to Walter Reed Army Medical Center,
Cast from the Past
"A boat so well designed and constructed doesn't come cheap. Prices range from roughly $1,500 for a basic model to upwards of $3,000 for one that includes all imaginable amenities for the pampered angler. Maintenance on the metal or glass boats is minimal, though, and your drift boat should be river
FR&R's Gratuitous Fish Porn File
Toby Knapp of Stevensville, MT, caught this brown while backpacking on the South Island of New Zealand.
Billionaire Trout Bum?
Usually the person found dozing underneath the table at a fly shop is a young trout bum who stayed up too late drinking beer and tying flies and never made it home. It's really not too big of a deal. On the other hand, finding the 52-year-old son of a Texas billionaire curled up asleep on the floor--and
And who says fly-fishing is the quiet sport?
Last spring an alligator attacked a fly angler while he was fishing in Lake Istokpoga near central Florida. The Okeechobee News reported that Sam Crutchfield was wading in about four feet of water when the gator bit him. Crutchfield repeatedly punched the gator until it released him. He made it safely
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Patient Comments: Osteoporosis - Treatment
What kinds of treatment, including medication or supplements, have you tried for your osteoporosis?
Comment from: lsparrow6, 65-74 (Patient) Published: December 30
I have osteoporosis and had one injection of Prolia, with bad side effects, the doctor wants me to take another one but I really don't want to. I'm taking calcium for osteoporosis, which upsets my stomach at times so then I go to coral calcium.
Comment from: biddy, 65-74 Female (Patient) Published: December 17
I was diagnosed with osteopenia 7 years ago and was on Fosavance until last year - it was of no benefit as my DEXA scan has now shown I am in early osteoporosis. I take calcium with vitamin D also. Instead of Fosavance I am now getting a Prolia injection twice a year.
Comment from: hanako, 75 or over Female (Patient) Published: March 31
Patient Comments
Viewers share their comments
Osteoporosis - Symptoms Question: What were your symptoms at the onset of your osteoporosis disease?
Osteoporosis - Share Your Experience Question: Do you or a relative have osteoporosis? Please share your experience.
Osteoporosis - Risk Factors and Causes Question: Do you have any risk factors for osteoporosis? What are they?
Osteoporosis - Lifestyle Changes Question: What lifestyle changes (diet, exercise, quitting smoking or alcohol), have you made to manage your osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis - Hormone Therapy Experience Question: Have you been prescribed hormone therapy to treat your osteoporosis? What was your experience?
Osteoporosis - Medications Question: What medications have you been prescribed to treat your osteoporosis?
Osteoporosis - Complications Question: Have you had any complications related to your osteoporosis? If so, what were they?
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Writer, Song Writer, Musician, Singer, Minister, SpeakerAdd to my favourites Get these quotes on a PDF
The Platinum Rule: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.
Safety is the thought before the actual cause that results in what we do.
Do not ask the Lord to guide your footsteps, if you are not willing to move your feet.


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Nose: Sweet notes initially, with ripe apples and hay; then some medicinal peat, a lot of iodine and bandages. Next, some light caramel, then back to the phenols with some wet burnt wood. A little later, some appealing honey, vanilla fudge, marshmallows and orange blossom counterpointed with diluted TCP. If you can be patient, leave it ten minutes and a whole new set of aromas arise: red liquorice, homebaked apple pie and tropical fruits – melon, lychee, passionfruit, tinned peaches – come bursting out of the glass, along with icing sugar, smoked vanilla, cinnamon and dry turf. What's not to like? A fantastic nose that really rewards serious attention and a bit of time to open up.
Palate: Very big at full strength. Sweet and hugely smoky initially - much more so than the nose suggests. Burnt wet wood and leafy bonfire smoke. Chewy wet peat. This first blast might lead you to think it's one-dimensional – quite the reverse is true, but once more you have to be patient. By the third or fourth sip, once the palate has acclimatised to the peat, the sweet fruits start poking their way out onto the palate - tangy citrus, with orange and grapefruit notes and a hint of nectarines.
Finish: Pretty huge, needless to say. Soot and coal with some of that citrus sharpness.
But it's with water that the Tempest truly explodes with flavour, lifting apple blossoms and the marshmallows on the nose and releasing the full smoked fruitiness of the palate. You don't need to be shy with the water, it can take a good dose. Suddenly the crisp, tart citrus is amazingly magnified, as the phenols, while remaining prominent, take more of a supporting role. Take it down to about 30%, leave it a few minutes and suddenly the honey and tropical fruits are there again, but still with a healthy whack of peat. It's fabulous.
You can read more about how much Tim F loves this whisky on the TWE Blog here


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Full-bodied, with creamy vanilla notes, this is one of the best blends available anywhere. A testament to the art of the master blender, and fiercely championed by Jim Murray.
Whisky Bible Awards 2011: World Whisky of the Year;
Whisky Bible Awards 2013: Scotch Whisky of the Year; 97.5 Points
IWSC 2012 - Gold Medal - Whisky - Scotch
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