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Active Participation
I received a question from a visitor and thought it might be good to share with you...
: My husband and his friend lead a local Boy Scout troop. They have attempted this year to bring organization to a Troop that had some lax requirements for advancement. One of the things they require is a 60 percent meeting attendance. Word is that several of the older boys working toward their Eagle are leaving the troop for another church troop that only requires 50 percent attendance. Is there a national requirement for meeting attendance? If so, we want to do what the national office requires, regardless of the loss.
My Reply
The short answer is "No, there is no meeting attendance requirement."
I'm a Scoutmaster of a troop of 60 scouts now. I try to manage our troop following the BSA guidelines and rules all the time. I've been through Scoutmaster training and I read the Scoutmaster Handbook, Field Book, Guide to Safe Scouting, and any other BSA literature I can acquire. I use these as my sole direction when it comes to requirements, rules, and regulations. I've spent lots of hours talking with other Scoutmasters just to find out how their troops are run. I've sat in on their troop meetings and talked with scouts in other troops as often as I can. The reason I do this is because I'm always looking for ways that our troop might improve.
The requirement to be 'active in your troop' for Star, Life, and Eagle scout rank advancement is a difficult one to interpret. The BSA has purposefully made it vague because every scout's situation is unique. This gives the Scoutmaster leeway for each scout. Without specific requirements such as "attend 60% of troop meetings", a Scoutmaster could play favorites or could make things very difficult for some certain scouts. Unfortunately, I know that has happened.
Many troops have done exactly what your troop is doing - setting a percentage requirement. That is not a good thing. It tells scouts they 'have to' attend a certain number of meetings rather than having them 'want to' attend. It also takes a great method of self-evaluation away from them. I believe a better solution is to talk with the scouts as they advance and let them know that 'being active' and 'demonstrating leadership' are requirements they need to fulfill in order to advance. I try to have a Scoutmaster Conference at least every 6 months so the scout can check in and let me know how he is doing. The best way I've found to decide if a scout is being active or not is to ask him. Usually, a scout knows if he is participating enough or not and will tend to be harder on himself than I will. There are some that will try to fake their way through, but they tend to be pretty obvious too, and then I pull out the report of how many activities he has participated in and ask him to explain how his participation equals 'active participation'.
If a scout no longer enjoys scouting, then he should not be in scouts. Whether it is 10% or 80% of the troop activities that he is being forced to attend just to get the next rank, he is not a scout fulfilling the requirements to advance. If a scout is active in football and track and comes to the 40% of troop activities that he can and demonstrates scout spirit, leadership, and fellowship while he is at them, then that is 'actively participating'.
Just to be sure you understand, it sounds good on paper, but every 6 months when the scout leadership changes, I start over from scratch training the new leaders on expectations. Sometimes it works great. Other times I find myself looking forward to the next 6 months. :-) When a troop is really led by the scouts and supported by adults, it will have high times and low times, very dependent on the scouts in leadership positions. If a troop runs efficiently and consistently, it is probably too dominated by adults.
Scout On
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Posted: 14:33 04-30-2008 324
20 Miles is Pretty Far
Our two Philmont crew leaders came up with a schedule of 5, 10, and 20 mile hikes to prepare for the treks. There's a total of about 250 miles planned and everyone is expected to participate in at least 110 miles. In addition, we're supposed to get more conditioning on our own through sports or exercise.
Some of these scouts are also undertaking the Hiking merit badge so each 10 and 20 mile hike has a planned route and trip plan created for it. The scouts write up a short report after the hike about the weather, terrain, environment, and interesting observations.
On Sunday, I participated in the first 20-miler - we have another the end of May. One scout laid out a 20-mile loop through a large county park on the other side of town so it was new territory and not redundant - but then he couldn't attend. :-( So, he missed the rain, and the sleet, and the 2 hours of SNOW! He also missed the deer, owls, snow geese, swans, hawks, and other assorted critters.
These scouts keep almost a 4MPH pace when hiking and take very few short breaks. We completed the hike in just about 6 hours - and it was definitely a full 20 miles. The most common comment at the end was "Well, I won't have to do THAT again!" The requirements for the Hiking merit badge include five 10-mile hikes and one 20-miler.
So, I've now hiked the 84 mile distance of our scheduled trek #32. I'll do it again over the next 5 weeks and then it's the real thing. It looks like our longest day on the trek will be about 12 miles, but with backpacks, terrain, elevation, and altitude, that will be a lot more of a challenge than any 20-mile flatland hike down on the prairie.
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Posted: 16:57 04-29-2008 323
Keeping Interest
For the scouting skills required for advancement, there are enough experienced scouts that can teach and pass on the skills to the newer scouts. But, how do the experienced scouts learn new stuff that keeps them interested?
This troop has peer patrols rather than mixed-age patrols. The oldest patrol has 6 scouts, all of whom will be aging out over the next year.
At the last PLC meeting, their patrol leader started a discussion around his patrol's view that the PLC is always asking them to help the little scouts and they don't do anything fun at troop meetings.
When I was asked to join the discussion, I acknowledged that they are often asked to lead, mentor, and teach since they have the skills and experience to share. That's the way things work, not just in scouts, but everywhere.
I asked if there were any particular things the experienced scouts wanted to do, but they had no specific ideas. I offered a few ideas and they thought they sounded interesting.
I made a deal with them. They organize an interesting, interactive, fun knot-tieing session for a troop meeting. If it is well-planned and executed, then the next troop meeting there will be a race car and some sports cars and an expert to present racing skills to them.
After that, if they want to do more, there will be other new activities as long as they continue a high level of mentoring and support of the troop. Other ideas offered by adults in the troop include airplanes, advanced first aid, rock music gear, gas engines, and chemistry. My hope is that the scouts will soon come up with ideas they want to do, otherwise it will fail.
If this catches on, then it may become a venture patrol over time. Even though ideas are a dime a dozen, without them things get stagnant.
Scout On
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Posted: 15:51 04-23-2008 322
Jamboree Countdown
counter from scouting.org site
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Posted: 10:39 04-17-2008 321
2fer Scout Pants
On April 15, the Switchback zip-off scout pants go on a 2-for-1 sale. That's $20/pair rather than $40 and they are suddenly a pretty good deal. The sale is supposed to be for 2 weeks.
I've been wearing my Switchbacks to every scouting outing, meeting, and roundtable since August, 2006 and they are still working great. Now, this is a great opportunity for the troop to replace many of the blue jeans with green nylon. And, it's perfect timing for the crews going to Philmont.
One scout in the troop has volunteered to gather orders and checks and pick up the pants at the scout shop for everyone since it's about 20 miles away. Reducing travel, time, and hassle for the families.
You might want to check with your local scout shop about the sale. I've been told the sale is on the national level so don't miss out!
Scout On
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Posted: 11:01 04-11-2008 320
CPR and WFAB
It's been awful hard to find time to post the past couple weeks. Since I try to make the posts somewhat useful rather than just rambling about life as a scoutmaster, I'd rather not post than post about nothing.
I just presented Red Cross CPR training to a troop in a neighboring town today. This is the third year they've had me do this for them so they can meet their high adventure requirements. Today, there were 14 people so I'm glad to have been able to help them out.
I figure it's a great idea to train your scouts in CPR since chances are they will use it to help one of us old dudes rather than one of the young scouts. I think of it as cheap life insurance.
Every weekend until August, I'll either be presenting Wilderness First Aid training for crews going to Philmont or camping with our troop. Even if you aren't heading to Philmont where the WFAB certification (ore equivalent) is required, it's some good knowledge to have for your normal campouts where you're more than 30 minutes from ambulances anyway.
For this training, I'm making some fake wounds that look way cool! A guy in our troop is getting me some IV bags so I can have the wounds pump blood so the next session should be a real kick. As a bonus, I think the scouts will have fun using them for first aid training for rank advancement and merit badges. I plan to put together a photo and instructions page so other troops can make some - they're real easy and look real real.
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Posted: 22:10 04-05-2008 319
Scout Heros
Boy Scouts that have been in the troop less than 2 years tend to be down the pecking order quite a way. Older scouts in a troop can lord over them and the experienced scouts naturally tend to lead the troop. I've found that scouts really look forward to the time when they can be on top of the heap.
I was reminded this evening that every Boy Scout can be a hero and be looked upon with awe. It only takes about 45 minutes and a little preparation, and it's a lot of fun.
Since I teach CPR and Wilderness First Aid, the Cubmaster of a local pack asked me if I would teach the cub scouts basic CPR and First Aid skills - in about 15 minutes. :-) Once I caught my breath from laughing, we haggled down to an intro to the topic and some interactive demonstrations.
I got 5 boy scouts to stop by for 30 minutes. They did a very short skit where they showed Check - Call - Care steps and Pressure - Elevate - Bandage for a cut. They also demonstrated Airway - Breathing - Circulation for breathing emergencies.
We had a couple dozen gauze pads, roller bandages, slings, and gloves for the cubs to practice with. Each boy scout took 3 or 4 cub scouts and put red duct tape on an arm or leg. The other cubs fixed the victim up real good!
What fun! The cubs did their best, then got silly with head wounds and full body wraps. But, they actually heard the main points and used them. And, best of all, they were tripping over each other trying to impress the big boy scouts with what they could do - even though these boy scouts were the younger ones in the troop. It was great for them to be the 'big guys' for a change.
So, look for opportunities to get your boy scouts down to the pack level to help out with short program topics when possible. First Aid, rope work, navigation, fire safety, or campfire stories can all be quick, interactive activities to do with the cubs. Don't try to teach them, just let them taste a bit of the adventure to come.
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Posted: 23:42 03-25-2008 318
Forming Patrols
New Scouts joining the troop are a blast. When they are with the older scouts in the troop, they are pensive, unsure, quiet, and checking out everything that goes on around them. Then, when they are in their New Scout Patrol with just their peers, the chatter goes through the roof, they get squirrely, and the excitement of being a Scout really shows. In a month, when they are comfortable with their position in the troop, the troop meetings will be more 'lively'.
Our troop has new scouts from 4 different packs this year, from a single scout out of one to an entire den of 7 scouts from another. In past years, it's been easy because we only had enough new scouts to make one patrol or we had fairly even-sized groups from packs so they made patrols. But, this year, there are some new challenges and some of what I've done might be helpful to others.
First off, I had to decide to split 18 scouts into 2 or 3 patrols. I would love to have 3 patrols and then have every scout really try to recruit another boy to join. If 2 in each patrol were successful, that would make patrols of 8 scouts each. But, historically, individual scouts have rarely recruited friends.
A patrol in our troop typically has 50% to 75% participation on campouts. A patrol of 6 means 3 to 5 scouts while a patrol of 9 means 5 to 7 on a campout. Nearly all scouts in our troop are active in at least 2 other organizations besides school - sports, music, theater, church.
For those reasons, we have 2 new patrols with 9 scouts in each. This gives them the opportunity to earn the National Honor Patrol award too. I believe patrols of 8 to 10 work better than 6-8, especially in communities with many activity choices.
It didn't seem right to have 7 friends from a pack in a patrol with 1 or 2 new guys thrown in. To mix things up and still keep good friends together, I made a list of all the scouts and handed it out to every scout. They chose 1, 2, or 3 names they wanted to be with in a patrol. Or, they could choose "Anyone is fine".
This actually worked out very well. Every scout got to be with at least 2 of his 3 choices. One patrol was made up of 4 from a den and 5 from another den. The other patrol had 1, 1, 4, 3 so there was no dominating group in either patrol. The next time this happens, I'll have them pick 1 or 2 names instead of 3. That will set their expectations better.
The last thing I did was to talk with all the new scouts in a separate room from the troop. I made it clear (hopefully) that scouting is an individual adventure in the company of other adventurers. At times, we'll all work together and other times they each have to push themselves to succeed. One of the great parts of scouting is making new friends and I will put the patrols together to make that possible. My goal was to set their expectations that Boy Scouts is a new, different experience from Cub Scouts and they won't have the same old guys together - they're expected to make a new gang.
On Monday, the new scouts will meet and learn who is in their patrols. The Troop Guides will make the announcement and then gather their scouts together for a couple get-acquainted games. They'll then do as many of the Joining requirements as they can and start in on Patrol identity - name, yell, and flag.
Realistically, two scouts from each patrol will drop scouting in the first 6 to 10 months. Since I know this to be a high probability, recruitment will be pushed. The SPL, Troop Guides, and Scoutmaster will all be telling the new scouts that 10 is the best size for a patrol. They will be encouraged to invite friends to our open house in May or to a troop meeting, patrol meeting, or campout.
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Posted: 10:54 03-14-2008 317
BSA Report to the Nation
The BSA creates an annual report to highlight the achievements of its program. A group of scout delegates is chosen to present the report to the Speaker of the House each year to fulfill a requirement in the BSA charter. Since Hilliam Howard Taft in 1910, every U.S. president has received a BSA Report to the Nation delegation.
The youth in the delegation are chosen because they embody the spirit and values associated with Scouting. This year, a Webelos scout from Minnesota was chosen as a delegate because he saved his younger brother from drowning. He received the Honor medal, just like his father did as a youth.
The delegation has just completed their 5-day trip and the BSA has a site showing the delegates and their activities at
. What a great experience, meeting top government officials and touring tons of historic and political sites.
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Posted: 9:24 03-08-2008 316
From the Scout Handbook - "A Scout is reverent. A Scout is reverent toward God. He is faithful in his religious duties. He respects the beliefs of others."
As a scout experiences the wonders of the outdoors, stormy weather and calm blue skies, pounding surf and trickling streams, bitter cold and stifling heat, towering trees and barren desert, he experiences the work of God. Appreciating life in its multitude of forms, from the smallest insects to gigantic wildlife, a scout comes to terms with his place in the world. Though humans are the dominant beings on our planet, we need to play the role of steward rather than king - tending and caring for our world instead of taking all we can for our own comfort.
As technology continues to become more and more prevalent and people visit the wild places less and less, our connection to and understanding of our natural environment lessens. We take shelter, food, comfort, and entertainment for granted rather than needing to work for it. When we never have to harvest an apple from a tree, kill a fish or animal for meat, or put on layers of clothes to stay warm, we lose the sense of awe and respect we should have for nature.
Many outdoors people claim that the wilderness is their 'church' rather than a specific structure or organization. These people revere in the awesome power of God by being in the thick of natural creation. The reverence expressed for the world and its creation is common ground that all scouts can reach when struggling to understand the last point of the Scout Law.
No matter the specific religion or denomination, being reverent toward God should include our natural environment. In nature, there is no good or evil, just survival. Animals don't have the human vices of lust, pride, envy, gluttony, greed, sloth, and anger. We can learn a lot about simplifying and enjoying life from observing the wild creatures. We can also learn how our ability to care for and serve others puts us above the simple animals.
While in the wilds, a scout may come face-to-face with God. He may feel God around him in the wind, the water, the earth, and the open, wild beauty. When the scout returns home, he needs to continue that respect and awe toward God by participating in the practices of his religion. Becoming a complete citizen includes fulfilling expectations of the church to which a person belongs. What a great opportunity to share with other youth and adults in his church, when he returns from a backpacking trek. Faithfully performing his religious duties demonstrates his reverence while in civilization.
Respecting the beliefs of others can be a challenge. It does not mean to accept and believe those other beliefs. It means to allow other people the freedom to believe what they have found to be true in their lives. In a scout troop associated with a specific church, practices of that church can be used on scouting activities with everyone having the same belief structure. But, in troops with scouts from various beliefs, we need to be careful not to promote specific practices of one group. For example, requiring scouts to remove their hats at grace may be appropriate for some religions but may be a demonstration of disrespect to God for another.
Reverence fosters joy and a cheerful heart, able to appreciate and care for the good in life.
A Scout is Reverent.
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Posted: 15:34 03-04-2008 315
A Blue & Gold Week
Normally, the Blue & Gold parties of the local packs are spread out over a month. This year, most of them scheduled for this week. It actually makes it easier for an old guy - I only have to worry about being at the right place this week, then I can relax.
The BSA has scheduled a different Cub Scout theme for each month. This helps Packs plan out their activities because there are also resources available to support those themes.
In case you didn't know, February's theme for Cub Scouts is Chinese New Year. Even though I'm a Scoutmaster and spend little time with the local Packs, this theme had a big impact on me this week. As I attended 3 separate Blue & Gold banquets (and still have one more on Friday) to receive new scouts crossing over to our troop, every meal was a Chinese buffet. I've been drooling since the first B&G on Sunday and it's been getting worse every time I open the door to the next banquet.
The problem is that I haven't gotten to eat any of the food! Once I had already eaten and the other two times our scouts chose to only attend the ceremony and not the dinner. Since I'm just a tag-along, they made the decision. But, the kicker is that those scouts still got to have a plateful of leftovers while I was meeting with the new scouts' parents!
So, Friday is my last chance. I plan on showing up a bit early and maybe put on my poor, starving, pathetic look. That should be good for an egg roll at least.
This crop of new scouts looks very promising. We have groups of 7, 5, 5, and 1 coming from four Packs. This is the first year of receiving scouts from one pack, so that is exciting. Fourteen of the guys appear to be chomping at the bit to scout, while I think the other four are coming along to check it out. Keeping them involved will be the challenge for our Troop Guides.
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Posted: 17:56 02-27-2008 314
Artificial Adventures
Nature Conservancy
funded a study to determine if the trend in outdoor recreation was declining or not. The study includes data on camping, backpacking, fishing, hiking, hunting, visits to national and state parks and forests. The study was done in the USA but collaborated by similar results in Japan.
Results indicate that between 1981 and 1991 there was roughly a 1.25% annual rate of decline in per capita nature recreation. Since then, nature use has continued to drop between 18% and 25%. That means for every 100 people that enjoyed nature 15 years ago, there are now only 75 people.
At first glance, folks like me that enjoy a little solitude on the mountain might say, "Cool! less people bothering me out there!" But, if we stop and think, a sickening realization sets in. Fewer people experiencing nature means fewer people that care about it, and fewer people caring means less conservation, protection, and maintenance. Without experiencing nature, people don't make the connection that clean water to drink, clean air to breathe, and clean food to eat all require work on our parts.
Why are we getting outdoors less? The study indicates the root cause is
- the sedentary pasttime of video games, movies, and internet. Computers can now create such vivid and exciting adventures for us to watch, we don't need to go experience things ourselves. Instead, we sit on our butts and navigate a character through a imaginary world with our little thumb instead of navigating our entire bodies to the top of a real mountain.
As these artificial adventures become more interactive and sensational, I expect the trend to sit at home will continue to rise. As that trend continues, our natural spaces will gradually disappear with no one left to care about or care for them.
As a scouting volunteer and outdoorsman, this trend is not a surprise to me. I see it every week when I ask scouts what they've been doing. We have two scouts that enjoy golfing, but the rest can carry on lengthy, in-depth discussions and debates about the various techniques to improve your score on Halo, Puzzle Pirates, Need for Speed, and a slew of other games while having no interest in any outdoor activity.
One of my main goals this year is to raise the participation level in the troop and to challenge scouts to become more in tune with nature on our campouts. Making that as interesting as doing laser battle with an army of dragons or space monsters will be a tough order. But, we have them captive for 12 days at Philmont, a week at summer camp, and 4 days canoeing so we have a chance.
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Posted: 11:46 02-25-2008 313
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When To Walk Away From A Bad Mortgage
Published on - January 25th, 2011 (Modified on - March 8th, 2012) (by Sierra Black)
This post is from staff writer Sierra Black. Sierra writes about frugality, sustainable living, and getting her kids to eat kale at Childwild.com.
Since the housing bubble burst, many Americans have found their finances underwater. They're paying on homes that are worth much less than the mortgages against them. More than a few have chosen to walk away from these debts.
Called a "walkaway" or a "strategic default", deliberately defaulting on your mortgage is becoming more common as the real-estate market continues to struggle. Some experts believe that as many as 20% of homes currently in foreclosure are the result of walkaways: people who had the means to pay their mortgage but chose not to when their life circumstances changed and they found their homes unsellable.
Businesses walk away from bad investments and debts like this all the time, but for an individual to do it takes guts. There's a huge stigma associated with walking out on your mortgage. Americans feel that there's something morally wrong with not paying your debts, even when those debts are astronomical or unfair.
As Matt Taibbi puts it in his new book Griftopia:
When you meet people who are losing their homes in this foreclosure crisis, they almost all have the same look of deep shame and anguish. Nowhere else on the planet is it such a crime to be down on your luck, even if you were put there by some of the world's richest banks, which continue to rake in record profits purely because they got a big fat handout from the government.
That's why one banker CEO after another keeps going on TV to explain that despite their own deceptive loans and fraudulent paperwork, the real problem is these deadbeat homeowners who won't pay their…bills. And that's why most people in this country are so ready to buy that explanation. Because in America, it's far more shameful to owe money than it is to steal it.
Whether or not you agree with Taibbi's take on the mortgage crisis, you've surely seen that look of shame on the face of anyone you know who's lost a home to foreclosure. Despite of the social pressure to keep making payments, though, thousands of borrowers are defaulting. The rate of walkaways went from virtually nothing in 2007 to nearly a fifth of foreclosures today. That's a huge increase.
[Article Continued Below..]
What Happens When You Walk Away From a Mortgage?
Given how many homes are underwater these days, it's probably not surprising that I have a friend who is considering walking out on his mortgage. I get asked for financial help or advice a lot since I started this gig at GRS, but I was clueless on this one. Some quick math revealed that continuing to pay his mortgage makes no financial sense for my friend: The house is worth much less than he owes. He can't sell it. He no longer lives there; it's just an albatross around his financial neck.
Still, I thought my friend must have other options, so I called up mortgage expert Keith Gumbinger at HSH.com. Gumbinger had some great suggestions for what to do when you're facing overwhelming mortgage debt.
Gumbinger agreed that bailing out of a mortgage sometimes makes good financial sense — but the consequences for doing so are steep. "You can certainly walk away and let it go to involuntary foreclosure," Gumbinger said. "That's your ultimate hammer. But there are consequences in the rest of your life." Walking away from a mortgage should be the absolute last resort.
Walkaways face some serious issues:
- Your credit will plummet, making it tougher to get anything from a rental apartment to car insurance.
- You'll be stonewalled by the mortgage industry for seven years.
- The mortgage company can come after you for the money they lose on your property when they're forced to sell it below market value as a foreclosure. That's the bad debt you were trying to walk away from, coming back to haunt you.
Before walking out on a mortgage, Gumbinger says you should call your mortgage company. Lenders don't want you to default on your loan — and stick them with an unwanted house — any more than you want to destroy your credit. They'll talk to you.
"You should be able to get a reasonable response," Gumbinger said. This far into the mortgage crisis, most lenders have experienced staff people who do nothing but negotiate loan modifications, short sales, and planned foreclosures with their borrowers. They have clear processes to handle this type of situation. It won't be fun, but if you stay engaged, you stand to get out of your mortgage with your credit in better shape than a foreclosure would leave it.
Gumbinger warns to carefully document the entire process. Keep notes of who you talked to, and get agreements in writing.
Loan Modifications and Short Sales
Before you call your lender, decide what outcome you're after. If you're looking to keep the property but can't keep up with the payments, call and talk to your bank about a loan modification. There are federal and private programs to help troubled borrowers get their mortgages adjusted. You may qualify to have your mortgage interest rate reduced as low as 2%, or to have some measure of your debt forgiven so that your monthly payments don't exceed 31% of your income.
If you're ready to walk away from the mortgage entirely and don't want to keep the house, talk to your lender about a short sale. In a short sale, you agree to retain possession of the property, keep it in good shape, and sell it on the bank's behalf. With the bank, you agree on a sale price that reflects the current fair market value of the property, even if that's much less than what you owe on it.
Usually, a short sale agreement will have a two- to three-month time limit. After that, you and the bank can negotiate a "planned foreclosure" or "deed in lieu". Instead of simply walking away and forcing the bank to take costly legal steps to repossess your home, you can give it to them. In exchange for saving them the hassle of taking it, they'll go easy on you with the legal and financial consequences. Again, use an attorney to negotiate this on your behalf.
Any of these options should bring you a happier ending than simply mailing the bank your keys without a word.
"Because you've tried to do the right thing, it does preserve to a greater degree your opportunity to participate in the housing market in the near future," Gumbinger said. Your credit will still take a hit, but if you do a short sale or planned foreclosure, you may be able to buy another house in two to four years. If you even want to. After being burned by the housing market, many people are happy to become permanent renters.
This article is about Debt, Economics, House and Home, News
I would definitely suggest the short sale. It's always better to work with the bank than run away from them.
I'm still a bit in shock that an article like this would even be posted at GRS.
Getting Rich Slowly is (or I always thought it was) about taking stock of your financial situation, facing your past poor spending decisions with responsibility and patience, and setting a new and more financial steady path for yourself. That *responsibility* part is a HUGE part of the process.
Is this article serious?
JD, why haven't you ever done an article on declaring bankruptcy to get out of credit card debt? It's the same basic principle. I thought the mantra around here was to fix cash flows and pay down debts; not just take the easy way out and leave someone else holding the bag.
Hmmm… will tomorrow's article be on how declare Chapter 11 bankruptcy as a means to get rich slowly?
J.D.'s note: I didn't read Sierra's post as advocating strategic default. Her friend is considering it, and Sierra's exploring the options. I think this is a Good Thing. I felt like her recommendations made sense. If the article was all, "Heh heh, here's how to screw the banks", I wouldn't have published it. Instead, it seems like Seirra's saying "Before you take such a drastic measure, consider these alternatives." I don't think it's wrong to talk about his stuff!
Sierra's note: Hey all! I'm just chiming in now; my computer's been down all day. It's true that I like a good controversy, but I didn't intend this article to be all that controversial. I don't think anyone should simply abandon ship on a mortgage, but a lot of people have so when someone asked me about it I looked into it just like I do when people ask me about investing or getting out of debt.
What I like about Matt Taibbi's book is that he uncovers a lot of the outright criminal activity that went on in big financial institutions during the housing bubble. A lot of people made bad financial decisions, but focusing exclusively on individuals and letting banks off the hook obscures the picture.
That said, I could have worded my opening better. Re-reading it, I see how it could be read to mean that walking out on a bad mortgage might be a good thing, and that was not my intention at all. Rather, I wanted to show people what other options they have if they find themselves unable to keep paying a mortgage, or trapped like my friend in a bad investment.
Agreed. Why is it so acceptable to walk away from mortgage debt? In that line of reasoning, I can walk away from student loans or credit card debt because whatever I bought turned out to be worth less than what I thought.
All parties in the transaction – individuals borrowing more than reasonable, banks too eager to sell to subprime, and government for encouraging universal homeownership – should all be held partly responsible for the crisis.
Individuals have suffered from lower house prices and layoffs. Banks have suffered massive losses on foreclosed properties. Politicians have been kicked out of office. It's even pain for all.
What's unfortunate is that the responsible have been dragged down along with everyone else. Layoffs have affected everyone. Some responsible banks are being trashed along with the big 4. Upstanding politicians have been voted out along with everyone else (or shot).
Add me to the chorus of people that take issue with this article. I understand that there are a ton of people out there that are in foreclosure because they cannot pay mortgages for any number of reasons (unemployment, medical emergencies, other major life upsets). However, I do not get walking away from a mortgage they could otherwise pay. And blaming the banks because they were deceptive or dishonest is not a good reason. If you made a bad financial decision (bought a house that turned out to be overpriced…getting caught up in the overheated housing market…etc. etc.) then you deal with the consequences. It was still your decision and now your obligation. I know it is difficult and limits your options but…well…that is kind of the way life is.
12While I think that it's crazy that there are people like the one quoted in this article that believe that people shouldn't take responsibility for their own actions, and should instead pass the blame on to faceless corporations, I will acknowledge that there are simply some situations where continuing to pay on a mortgage is not an option.
The advice presented in this article is good. Walking away should be an absolute last resort, you should always talk to your bank about a loan modification or short sale first, which I imagine many people don't.
And if the bank is unable to work with you and you're forced into foreclosure, then so be it. They have (or should have) considered the risk of lending to you in the first place, and are prepared to deal with the potential losses associated with that. But your credit will be destroyed, and rightfully so. Hopefully it's enough to put you on the right path again, the path of only buying things that you have the money to pay for.
I think it is extremely odd that this article is talking about a "strategic default" and then the quote used talks about someone "being down on their luck".
I would NOT classify someone that did these things as down on their luck:
– Chose to purchase a house that was more than they can afford
– Chose to sign mortgage papers, most likely for an exotic loan that would become more expensive over time
– Probably did not read any of the loan documents they signed
– When things get tough, they walk away
I would classify them is irresponsible.
There was no guarantee when they bought the house that prices would continue to skyrocket, and they would gain astronomical amounts of "equity".
I also think it is quite crazy how we continue to blame the banks. I have not heard one story of a mortgage banker holding a gun to someone's head forcing them to sign loan documents. PEOPLE WERE FALLING ALL OVER THEMSELVES TO TAKE OUT LOANS THEY COULD NOT AFFORD. It is not the bank's responsibility to decide what you can afford, any more than it is the grocery store's responsibility to decide what groceries you can afford. TAKE RESPONSIBILITY FOR YOURSELF.
I think, in general, people in America are starting to lack morals. Most people just do whatever they want to do, and then make up stories after the fact to justify their actions – "It is the bank's fault".
We are also becoming very politically correct – PC. 25 years ago this type of action would have drawn outrage. Now, it draws outrage when someone like me tries to argue for doing the right thing.
The US has lost its way – big time. We're a country full of greedy people. End of story.J.D.'s note: Bogey, I think you make some good points (though the "people today have lost their morals" thing has been argued for centuries — it's nothing new). I agree that it's silly to place all of the blame on the banks. HOWEVER, the banks do bear some of the responsibility. They made the loans. They were eager to make risky loans because they thought the profits outweighed the risks. This issue isn't as simple as "don't borrow money you can't afford to repay". That's certainly a huge part of it, but another part is, "Don't loan money to people who are high risk."
For me, the scariest thought is that of the mortgage company selling your house (generally well below market value) and then coming after you with a lien on your present house/whatever other collection tools they have for the rest of the debt anyway. If you can make the payments and depending upon your situation/location, it may make more sense to try and rent it and hold until the market (hopefully comes back). I believe since the whole mortgage crises that banks have gotten 1) a lot more effective; and 2) a lot more aggressive in going after people who walk away.
Wow – I can't quite wrap my head around why so many of you folks are so quick to jump down the author's throat about this article. Unless I'm missing something, I don't see the part where she outright CONDONES a strategic default as a method of getting rich slowly. In fact, she very clearly states that it should be nothing other than an absolute last resort.
Holy Cow. The bulk of this article is fine, trying to give advice on how to work your way out of an underwater mortgage without just mailing in your keys and walking away. And doing the right thing.
But the first few paragraphs are just awful (IMHO) and have no business being in GRS.
"Businesses walk away from bad investments and debts like this all the time, but for an individual to do it takes guts. There's a huge stigma associated with walking out on your mortgage. Americans feel that there's something morally wrong with not paying your debts, even when those debts are astronomical or unfair."
I know contract law, and the contract is void if you enter into it under duress or with undue influence, or if you were not of sound mind or incapacitated. If we rule out those things, the contracts that brought someone into debt IS FAIR and if it is "astronomical" it is the person's fault 100% that they got into it in the first place!
Of course it's unethical and immoral to not pay it if you are able to pay it. Why even suggest otherwise???
And for the record, businesses do not "walk away" from their debts (or investments) used to purchase assets that depreciate all the time. Where does that even come from?
The body of the article is fine but the first paragraphs are just awful.J.D.'s note: I share some of the burden for not editing that intro better. I thought I'd removed the "unfair" thing (because I didn't like it either — it doesn't make sense), but apparently did not. Plus, I really hate that Matt Tiabbi quote. The last sentence is ludicrious. Still, Sierra likes controversy. I only wish she were participating in the discussion!
@Money Smarts Blog:
"Both sides take a risk on that type of deal and if things don't work out, one or both sides will lose.
I don't see anything 'moral' about the situation."
So that's it then? In the world of finance, there is no such thing as "morality?" Only "risk" and "reward?"
So I suppose then that there's nothing immoral about shoplifting? After all, you're taking a risk (that you'll get caught). If your gamble pays off (and you don't get caught), then you get to acquire an asset for free. The stores already expect to lose a certain threshold of product to breakage and theft, so it's built into their pricing model already.
The stores clearly post the terms of the "contract," namely that "Shoplifters will be prosecuted." So as long as you consent to your side of the contract (that is, you accept that if your risk doesn't pan out, the consequences will be prosecution), then there's nothing wrong with attempting to shoplift, right? It's just two parties entering into an agreement, balancing risk and reward.
This is insane, people. Is this really what society is coming to? This unbridled greed and rampant rationalization of amoral and immoral behaviour is going to be our downfall, mark my words.
You want to talk about morality.
How is it moral that a banking oligarchy made up of mostly foreigners was given the authority to issue currency and create credit out of thin air through their central bank – the Federal Reserve – using a system of usury and fractional reserve banking that would make the most sophisticated ponzi schemes pale in comparison?
Wake up. Stop acting like children and grow a pair. Get off those pills and come back to reality!
I know several people who had to sell homes at a loss and ended up owing more than they got for the house because of work transfers. Every one of them paid off their debt (over time, of course). I don't know a soul who's just walked away from a home/mortgage.
I still think it would be great if Sierra would do some posts on families with children and money. That's a big part of finances that GRS doesn't address as often or as in-depth as it does other parts of finances. And it's a part that someone who teaches her children to eat kale has personal experience with. The retreads of controversial topics frankly aren't that interesting.
I have an issue with some of the "all debt is fair" commenters who are lamenting the moral state of our country.
I know some people (before the laws changed) that were committed to paying their debts. They paid for years, didn't take on any new debts when they realized they were in trouble, went to credit counseling, etc. The mail was late on their electric bill and once their creditors found out, their interest rates skyrocketed over night. Now, they COULDN'T afford groceries, or the mortgage. So, they called the creditors, sent letters, continued to pay what they could afford, and here's the sticker, the creditors wouldn't budge. They wouldn't negotiate. No reduction in interest rates or payments. They had to declare bankruptcy. Is this all on those people? Is it entirely their fault? Would you consider this fair? Because I sure wouldn't.
I'm well aware that people take out mortgages they can't afford, and certainly don't condone that. But, you know what? Our society doesn't do a good job of educating people on what these things mean, either. If you're a family that's been living in a cramped apartment and suddenly, this great deal pops out of the woodwork and no one bothers to explain the risks to you, who holds the blame? Because I don't think that it can be pinned entirely on the homeowners here. Yes, they share the blame, but the way you simply write off these corporations that *let* these people get into these exotic mortgages knowing what would happen and lambaste everyone else just illustrates the first few paragraphs of this article. Of course, as Bogey pointed out, it's not the bank's responsibility to tell you what you can afford, but banks and creditors also do not let you just borrow whatever you want. More than a few of these were glaringly obvious pushes by these creditors to make people *believe* they could afford what they couldn't. IMO, that's just as reprehensible.
I do know people who are in danger of losing their homes and it's horrible for them and their children. Stressful, depressing, debilitating, humbling, and embarassing.
But even so, talking about strategic defaults not because you can't pay but simply because you don't want to? That's not getting rich slowly. That's get rich quickly thinking and it's crap.
I am so tired of people blaming the banks. The banks did not do anything wrong. In fact, people praised them a few years ago for making home ownership possible for people. Take responsibility for yourself.J.D.'s note: I disagree. The banks DID have a hand in this. Yes, people need to take responsibility for their actions, but the banks need to take responsibility for theirs, too. They were eager to lend money to folks that previously they wouldn't have touched. They thought the potential profits offset the risks. They were wrong. And when they were wrong, they got bailed out. As I say way down the line (in comment #130 or something), there's plenty of blame to go around. Banks share some responsibility here.
30@Bogey@BackNineFinance: Well said!
First, I want to say I understand people going into foreclosure because they had to spend every penny on medical bills to their child's life. I think we need more programs in this country to help people who have had huge medical expenses that wipe them out.
I see too many people who just don't feel like working collecting their government checks. Why do we give them money?!?
Now, a lot of people who were getting into the sub-prime mortgages didn't have a dime in their savings account or a job. They didn't even need any money to close on the house. The borrowers figured their house will go up in value and they'll get a job next week, so there is nothing to worry about
. Sure, the banks were stupid enough to lend the money, but why on earth would somebody accept a mortgage when they don't have any savings?
There are too many people out there playing the system, and they don't care who it affects.
If I bought a house and wasn't able to make the payments I'd go get another job. I would do what it takes to make that payment. What's that you say? There are no jobs in this crappy economy?! Look around! Everyday I drive to work I see dozens of "Help Wanted" signs. I'm sorry they're not the ideal job for you, but it's a job that pays the bills!
HAHA, apparently the article was right about Americans believing it to be immoral to not pay your debts! I, also, agree with most of the comments. As someone who graduated college and entered the workforce during the recession, when I eventually buy a house it will be with the understanding that the value could drop astronomically within months of purchase. Houses are not sound investments, we have to stop treating them like they are!! Houses are for living, raising kids, and hopefully one day being able to live without a mortgage.
Taking out a mortgage and then walking away, especially when you are still completely capable of paying, is most definitely immoral.
This has always been a controversial topic with people raging on either side of the debate. I think most of the comments reflect the savvy of people who read this site and their knowledge about finances and what is financially right and wrong. However, most people are not as educated and don't always understand the legalese in contracts or take the time to drill into what each clause means. When I bought my house, I think I signed about 80 pages of a 300 page stack of papers. I sure was intimidated and made my lawyer work for his money, but not everyone is going to do that. Sure there are people that want to beat the system, otherwise we wouldn't have so many Ponzi schemes, blackmailers, etc.
Bottom line is that banks KNOW what they are doing and some individuals do and some don't. Also, you can't always forecast the cards that life will hand you that will effect your financial situation, i.e death, divorce, job loss. Some people will try their best and others will do what's best for them and will say "too bad, that's the price of doing business." I don't think tax payers are left holding the bag any more because the banks have been paying back the US Government Bank for the loans, it's the Fannie's and Freddie's that haven't recovered and probably never will.
Add me to the list of people who were shocked by this article. Not able to pay your mortgage is one thing; able to pay but unwilling because it's not a good financial decision is another.
35I think the article misses a crucial point. There is nothing inherently wrong with being underwater on your mortgage. If you plan to live in the home, who cares?
The only time foreclosure should become an option is if you cannot AFFORD your mortgage.
My cousin and his wife are walking away from their home soon. They aren't doing it because of the mortgage exactly. They're doing it because of the property taxes. They are more than 15 years into a 30-year mortgage and don't have any home equity loans. But the property taxes in their area, which was re-classified as "resort" from "farming" have gone up and up and up. Their monthly payments have more than tripled in the last few years alone. And not a dime more is going to the mortgage — it's all taxes.
They built the house themselves, and it's beautiful with hardwood floors and hand-crafted molding, and they are moving into a double wide trailer with their three kids in a different tax district. They are horribly ashamed, but both parents are working 60+ hour weeks to pay their property taxes, and they can't do it anymore.J.D.'s note: Wow, Liz. That's a horrible story. Are they going to sell the house or simply abandon the mortgage?
@Liz…that just sounds weird. How could property tax increases make a mortgage payment triple in a few years? Did they fight the assessments? Can they sell the home rather than walk away? I assume the value of the property has gone up with the assessment for property tax, and if not, then the assessment is wrong. And – If both parents are working full time and 60 hour weeks but they can't afford the property taxes on their home, then something is seriously wrong with the picture that I'm not seeing. (I'm not up on American property taxes to be fair, but it sounds weird to me).
When should you walk away from a bad mortgage? When you admit to yourself that you are a total failure as a human being and that you have lost any shred of decency that you had left.
Seriously! What's next, "when it's okay to cheat on your taxes?"J.D.'s note: I don't have an opinion on whether walking away from a mortgage is "moral" or not. It seems more like a legal issue than a moral one to me, and since it's legal, I understand why people do it. But I don't think it's good. Having said that, though, I think equating this with shoplifting or cheating on taxes is puzzling. Really? I mean, both shoplifting and tax evasion are crimes. Walking away from a mortgage is not. How are these the same?
These stories should always include the state that the house is in. The consequences for the borrower are so different depending on whether it's a non-recourse state or not.
It also bears on the moral question. The lender knows the legal environment in which they're making the contract – I think it's morally fine to mail in the keys in these states.
"Americans feel that there's something morally wrong with not paying your debts, even when those debts are astronomical or unfair."–Of course there's something morally wrong with not honoring your promise to pay back the money someone gave you: it's STEALING. The debts are not 'unfair': you knew the terms and agreed to them. IT'S STEALING to take money and not give it back.

subset: commoncrawl


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Historian James Thomas Flexner referred to George Washington as "the indispensable man." Americans all know he was a general, but have you ever wondered what grade of general? How many stars did Gen. Washington have?
In today's Army, a one-star general is a brigadier; two stars is a major general; three stars is a lieutenant general; four stars is just plain general. During World War II, Congress created the five-star general, the modern rank of general of the Army.
There had been an earlier grade that was called general of the Army, and it was held by Gens. Grant, Sherman and Sheridan following the Civil War. But these men were not five-star generals.
Only five men have earned five stars and held the modern rank of general of the Army: George C. Marshall, Douglas MacArthur, Dwight D. Eisenhower, "Hap" Arnold and Omar N. Bradley.
Arnold remained a five-star general when the Air Force was established as a service separate from the Army, making him the only man who has been both general of the Army and general of the Air Force.
But what about Washington?
When the Continental Congress named Washington commander in chief of the Continental Army in 1775, he was commissioned a major general. There would be other major generals in the Continental Army, but as CINC, Washington outranked them.
Washington led the Army to victory and then resigned his commission in 1783. After he served as the first president, his successor, John, Adams promoted Washington to lieutenant general.
Washington remained listed on the Army rolls as a lieutenant general through most of the 20th century. This meant that all four-star and five-star generals outranked him.
It rattled some folks that anyone should outrank Washington. Public Law 94-479 was passed in 1976 and stated it was "fitting and proper that no officer of the United States Army should outrank Lieutenant General George Washington."
The law established "the grade of General of the Armies of the United States" and provided that this grade would have "rank and precedence over all other grades of the Army." Washington's promotion to this rank became effective on July 4, 1976.
As it happens, Gen. John J. Pershing had been given the title "general of the armies" after the First World War, but he remained a four-star general. Toward the end of the Second World War, Congress considered promoting Gen. MacArthur to general of the armies. At that time, the Army Institute of Heraldry designed an insignia for this rank that included six stars.
So, how many stars does Gen. Washington have? The law promoting Washington to general of the armies does not mention the number of stars associated with this rank, but the only extant insignia includes six stars.
On Feb. 13, 2013, Rep. Frank Wolf, R-Va., introduced H.R. 681 "to provide that Washington's Birthday be observed on February 22, rather than the third Monday in February."
Wolf said, "President Washington exemplifies the best that America and Americans have to offer the world; principled leadership, personal bravery, a sense of duty and public service, patriotism, [a] recognition of our unique role in world history and a reverence for his Creator. His enduring service deserves to be remembered on his actual birthday."
Washington remains in the nation's memory, as he was in his own lifetime, the indispensable man, and as Wolf has noted, he is "the only six-star general in the nation's history."
Joseph W. Dooley is secretary general of the National Society of the Sons of the American Revolution and a member of the Army Historical Foundation.


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They will be configurable for any output voltage that optimizes vehicle performance, and will maintain that output voltage at a constant level over the span of each discharge cycle.
This line attracted my interest. Seems like they are saying conversion of the voltage from 3500v down to a constant level is not a problem.


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Help Lucas MacGuffin (magician turned thief turned werewolf) sneak and smash his way through this fiendishly addictive comedy-puzzle-adventure. Winner of the Freeplay Award for Best Game Writing! With hilarious dialogue, charming hand-drawn art and huge replay value, it's perfect for seasoned adventurers and casual gamers alike.


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This kit includes a FREE copy of Phase One's Capture One 6 Express Software.The D7000 features a new 16.2-megapixel CMOS sensor with low-light ability never before seen in a DX-format (APS-C) camera. The new EXPEED 2 image-processing engine fuels the enhanced performance of the D7000 along with a new 39-point AF system and groundbreaking new 2,016 pixel RGB 3D Matrix Metering System to deliver amazing image quality in a variety of shooting conditions. Additionally, the D7000 D-SLR provides full 1080p HD movie capability with full-time auto focus (AF), enabling users to capture their world with both striking still and moving images.With its new 16.2-megapixel CMOS image sensor and Nikon's new EXPEED 2 image processing system, the D7000 D-SLR delivers superior image quality with low noise. The EXPEED 2 image-processing engine combined with a 14-bit Analog / Digital conversion brings a new level of even tonal gradations while managing color, contrast, exposure, and noise resulting in brilliant image quality. EXPEED 2 also manages the D7000's speedy 50-millisecond shutter response, blazing AF speed and rapid six frame-per-second (fps) burst speed for up to 100 images.Building upon the popular D90 D-SLR, the Nikon D7000 captures breathtaking full 1080p HD movies with full-time autofocus and manual exposure control. To keep critical HD focus, users can choose to engage a variety of AF functions, including face priority to track up to 35 human faces, subject-tracking and normal or wide-area autofocus.The D7000 D-SLR contains many features that empower the user with creative freedom including the ability to process RAW images directly in the camera, and add in special effects using the retouch menu. Among the many editing options are color filters, distortion control for a fisheye effect, perspective control for a miniature effect, or a new color sketch filter that creates a sketch-styled image. As always, manipulated images are saved as copies while the original is retained.Features:High Resolution 16.2 MP DX-format CMOS sensor for large prints and tight croppingHigh Speed 6 frames per second continuous shooting up to 100 shots captures the most fleeting actionGround-breaking 2,016-pixel RGB (3D Color Matrix) sensor delivers more accurate control of light metering and optimizes the Scene Recognition System for exposure, white balance, focus tracking and iTTL flash controlEXPEED 2 image processing and 14-bit A/D Conversion provides smooth tones, rich colors, and fast camera performanceLarge Bright Glass Pentaprism Optical Viewfinder with approx. 100% frame coverage and approx. 0.94x magnificationTwin SD Card Slots with SD, SDHC, SDXC memory card compatibility gives you options to keep on shooting or separate your NEF (RAW), JPEG and movie filesBuilt-in Speedlight flash with i-TTL and Wireless Commander support so you can light your subjects any way you likeOptional MB-D11 multi-power pack further expands your shooting time and battery choices while adding a vertical shutter-release and control dials to your cameraTwo User Definable Settings (U1, U2) right on the Mode Selector Dial let you store most camera settings so you can go back to them at anytime without the need for further adjustments or menu settingsPicture Control lets you choose from Standard, Neutral, Vivid, Monochrome, Portrait, or Landscape to apply a personal look and feel to your picturesVirtual Horizon Graphic IndicatorBreathtaking Full 1080p HD Movies with Full Time Autofocus and external stereo microphone jack to record cinematic-quality movies up to 20 minutes all enhanced by NIKKOR interchangeable lens quality and versatilityDynamic ISO range from 100 to 6400 expandable to 25,600 (Hi2) lets you shoot in near darkness or slow down the actionCustomizable 39 point AF System includes nine center cross-type sensors that operate with every AF NIKKOR lens so you can focus on making great imagesCompact but durable with magnesium-alloy top and rear covers, superior weather and dust seals and a 150,000 cycle-rated shutter system providing reliable operation3 Inch, 921,000-dot Super-Density LCD Monitor with 170 degree viewing delivers bright, crisp image playback, and precise Live View and Movie shootingFast Start-Up time of 0.13 sec and Short 50ms Shutter Lag so your camera's ready to go when you areCompact EN-EL15 Battery lets you shoot over 850 shotsBuilt-in HDMI Connection lets you connect your camera right to your HDTV and playback with most HDTV remote controlsActive D-Lighting restores picture-enhancing detail in shadows and highlightsVersatile Scene Modes lets you choose from Portrait, Landscape, Child, Sports, Close-up or Night Portrait for stunning results in otherwise challenging conditions
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Recent Articles By Michael Johnston [RSS]
Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover for iPad Air: Quality Build Plus Great Key Feel
If you've ever looked into keyboards for the iPad, you may have come across Logitech's Ultrathin Keyboard Cover and thought it looked like a great option. Its compact size and integration with the iPad as a cover that goes everywhere your iPad does is a great concept that doesn't disappoint. Of course as with all keyboards of a portable nature, there are trade-offs. However, the Ultrathin has some compelling features that may well make up for those trade-offs and then some.
Spotlight on the Mac: Searching the Current Folder by Default
If you'd rather look through the current folder when using Spotlight's search field in Finder windows instead of searching every drive connected to your Mac, you aren't alone. Lucky for you, Michael Johnston knows how to tell Spotlight to do just that, and he's ready to show you how, too.
iOS 7: Hiding Stocks and Customizing Today View in Notification Center
The "Today" view in iOS 7's Notification Center can be pretty useful. It tells you the current date, weather conditions, upcoming appointments, and even how your stocks are doing. But what if you don't want one or more of these things in your "Today" list? Fortunately there's a way to customize it and it's pretty easy.
OS X: How to do Math in Spotlight
Spotlight is more than just a tool for seraching the contents of your Mac's hard drive. It's also a calculator, and Michael Johnston is ready to show you how to make it bend to your mathematic bidding.
Are We There Yet: Navigating With Siri
There are many great turn-by-turn apps out there, but the one provided by Apple's Maps is the one Michael Johnston uses most often because it's integrated into iOS so tightly -- even with Siri. Read on to see how he uses Siri to get him whereever he wants to go.
Bring Back Older "Filter-Style" Search in iTunes 11
One of the more significant changes to iTunes 11 is how one searches an iTunes library. In the latest version, typing a search query reveals a truncated list of results below the search field from which to choose. However, many preferred the way it worked previously, filtering all items in the selected media category. Thankfully there's still a way to do this, and Michael Johnston shows you how.
Jailbreak for iOS 7 Released by Evasi0n Team
The team behind the iOS 6 jailbreak released its latest jailbreak utility on Sunday, and now it's compatible with iOS 7. The Mac and Windows utilities were released today at evasi0n.com by the team of iOS hackers known as the Evad3rs. The jailbreak is compatible with iOS 7 devices from version 7.0 through 7.0.4, and even the unreleased iOS 7.1 beta.
OS X: Downloading URLs in Safari
Usually downloading files in Safari is a pretty simple task, but what if all you have is the URL of the thing you want, such as some audio or video played that plays via Safari's QuickTime plugin or something else that you just want a local copy of? Thankfully, there's a tried and tested way of downloading such URLs, though it's just not totally obvious. Michael Johnston shows you how.
OS X: An Easier Keyboard Shortcut for Paste and Match Style
OS X makes it easy to retain or ditch the original formatting of text when using the Copy and Paste commands, but what if the keyboard shortcuts Apple uses for each option are the opposite of what you really need? That's an easy fix, and Michael Johnston is on the job and ready to share the secret.
OS X: Quick Mute Audio Feedback when Changing Your Mac's Volume
By default when you use the volume keys on your Mac's keyboard to adjust its volume, a neat little "blip" sound is heard in order to give you a sense of how loud its speakers are. It's definitely a handy feature, but sometimes you just don't want to hear it. Michael Johnston shows you how.


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42 U.S. Code § 300b–5 - Repealed.
Section, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XI, § 1106, as added Apr. 22, 1976, Pub. L. 94–278, title IV, § 403(a), 90 Stat. 409, related to an annual report to President and Congress on administration of this part.
A prior section 300b–5, act July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XI, § 1106, as added May 16, 1972, Pub. L. 92–294, § 3(c), 86 Stat. 139; amended Aug. 29, 1972, Pub. L. 92–414, § 4(3), 86 Stat. 652, related to an annual report to President and Congress on administration of this part, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 94–278, title IV, § 403(a),Apr. 22, 1976, 90 Stat. 407.
Effective Date of Repeal, Savings, and Transitional Provisions
For effective date, savings, and transitional provisions relating to repeal by Pub. L. 97–35, see section 2194 ofPub. L. 97–35, set out as a note under section 701 of this title.
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The most recent Classification Table update that we have noticed was Tuesday, August 13, 2013
An empty table indicates that we see no relevant changes listed in the classification tables. If you suspect that our system may be missing something, please double-check with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
|Description of Change
|Session Year
|Public Law
|Statutes at Large
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Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke
- Very hot environment
- Heavy activity
- Too little fluid and salt intake
Risk Factors
- Participating in a job or activity that involves long periods of outdoor activity in hot weather
- Age: elderly or the very young
Taking drugs that interfere with the way your body handles hot weather, including:
- Phenothiazines
- Anticholinergics
- Antihistamines
- Beta-blockers
- Benzodiazepines
- Amphetamines
- Neuroleptics
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- Cocaine
- Alcohol
- Temperature over 37.8°C (about 100°F)
- Low blood pressure
- Fast pulse
- Moist skin, sweating
- Muscle cramps and tenderness
- Nausea, vomiting
- Dizziness or lightheadedness
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Temperature over 40.5° C (about 105° F)
- Weakness, dizziness
- Blurred vision
- Confusion, delirium, unconsciousness (can progress to coma)
- Seizures
- No sweating
- Pale, dry skin
- Fast breathing, fast irregular pulse, high blood pressure
- Blood tests
- Electrocardiogram (ECG, EKG) —a test that records the heart's activity by measuring electrical currents through the heart muscle
|ECG / EKG Wave
|Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
Heat Exhaustion
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area
- Giving adequate fluids—it is best to give fluids that contain both salt and sugar. If the person isn't able to drink, it may be necessary to give fluids through an intravenous line.
- Encouraging the person to rest
Heat Stroke
- Removing clothing
- Moving the person to a cool, shady area.
- Actively cooling the person—the most effective way is called "evaporative cooling." In evaporative cooling, the person is sponged with cool water or sprayed with cool mist, and fans are used to blow air onto the person.
- Giving intravenous fluids
- Giving medications—these may be necessary if the person is having seizures or uncontrollable shivering.
- Careful monitoring—People who have undergone heat stroke need regular and careful monitoring of body temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing rate. Blood tests will be repeated at regular intervals to monitor how the body's organs are responding to the shock of heat stroke.
- Avoid prolonged exposure to high temperatures.
- If you have to work or exercise under hot conditions, drink lots of fluids (preferably sports drinks, which contain both salt and sugar), and take frequent breaks in the shade.
- If you have a risk factor for heat exhaustion or heat stroke, be very careful of doing activity in hot weather. Take regular rests and drink lots of fluids.
- During heat waves, try to spend time indoors with air-conditioning or go to an air-conditioned shelter. This is especially important for elderly adults.
American Academy of Family Physicians http://www.aafp.org
American Red Cross http://www.redcross.org
Canadian Red Cross http://www.redcross.ca
Health Canada http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Evans M. Family Practice Sourcebook . Toronto, Canada: Mosby; 2005.
Ferri F, ed. 2007 Ferri's Clinical Advisor . 9th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2007.
Ferri F, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2011 . Philadelphia, PA: Mosby Elsevier; 2011.
Onion D. The Little Black Book of Primary Care . Sudbury, MA: Blackwell Science; 2006.
Rakel R. Textbook of Family Medicine 2007 . 7th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2009.
Tierney L, McPhee S, Papadakis M. Current Medical Diagnosis and Treatment . Philadelphia, PA: Lange Medical Books; 2002.
Revision Information
- Reviewer: Marcin Chwistek, MD
- Review Date: 09/2013 -
- Update Date: 09/30/2013 -
This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.
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ONCE UPON A TIME - "Lady of the Lake" - Henry wants to start a new operation to rescue Emma and Mary Margaret (Snow White), but David (Prince Charming) thinks it might get dangerous.
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Advise and consent
Doubleday, 1959 - Fiction - 616 pages
Complex study of the events and reasons that govern the Senators' decisions when they must confirm the President's choice for Secretary of State
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Review: Advise and Consent (Advise and Consent #1)User Review - Paul - Goodreads
The first 200 or so pages of "Advise and Consent" pages have the reader nostalgic for a Washington that no longer exists -- one where statesmanship, civility and cooperation mattered, and our elected ... Read full review
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Gripping and intriguing look inside the Senate. Well written Pulitzer winner. Must read for those who enjoy good stories with a political background. Read full review
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Health Information > Condition Information > Types > Obstructive Sleep Apnea > Causes
Reviewed on 12/12
By Dr. Harrington
John Joseph Harrington, MD, MPH
Dept. of Medicine
View full profile
In OSA, the upper air passage is narrowed or blocked during sleep by the tongue and other soft tissues. Many people with OSA are snorers. As soft tissues block the airway air cannot flow into the lungs, although efforts to breathe continue. Breathing stops for several seconds to over a minute, and levels of blood oxygen may drop during these episodes. Eventually, the brain wakes you up enough to tighten the muscles of the upper airways, openingthem enough for air to flow through again. This arousal is brief, and the person likely won't remember it. These repeated arousals decrease sleep quality, and people with sleep apnea often feel tired during the day.
Not all obstructive sleep apnea is caused by soft-tissue obstruction. The airway may also be narrowed by excessive body weightor may just be naturally more narrow, making it more likely to collapse.
In children, obstructive sleep apnea is often caused by enlarged tonsils or adenoids.
Central sleep apnea, a much rarer condition, occurs when the brain intermittently fails to send the appropriate signals to the breathing muscles for respiration.
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KILLINGLY, Conn. (AP) - A Connecticut woman has been found not guilty of manslaughter in her 15-year-old son's overdose death.
Heather Specyalski of Ashford was acquitted Thursday in Danielson Superior Court. The trial began March 11.
Prosecutors said the 42-year-old Specyalski knew her son, Brandon, had consumed alcohol and morphine before he died in 2008, but didn't seek medical attention until she found him unresponsive hours later.
Defense attorney Terry Donovan said she and her co-counsel and husband, Jeremiah Donovan, are "ecstatic" about the jury's verdict.
Specyalski was acquitted nine years ago of manslaughter in a 1999 car crash that killed prominent businessman Neil Esposito. Authorities initially said Specyalski was driving, but her lawyer raised the possibility that Esposito was behind the wheel.
Donovan said Thursday, "We don't think Heather should have been prosecuted this time or the previous time."
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