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In his blog "becoming radical," Paul Thomas, a Furman University associate professor of education, contends that the education reform movement perpetuates inequity and increases segregation. Thomas draws on the findings of the Civil Rights Project, which has done extensive research on the resegregation of schools.
While the South once led the nation in integrating its schools, it's now become a leader in the resegregation of America's classrooms, largely as a result of housing trends.
In 1960, The Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. said, "Only 7.8 percent of the Negro students in the South are attending integrated schools this year, a hundred years after our emancipation from slavery. At this pace it will take 92 more years to integrate the public schools of the South."
King would likely revise his prediction dramatically upward if he observed his namesake schools in the Atlanta region, most of which are now attended by all black students. That's because schools mirror the resegregation of neighborhoods.
Here is an excerpt of Thomas' blog posting, but please read his full piece before commenting:
Changing standards ignores that children in poverty and children of color tend to experience test-prep courses regardless of the standards, and thus receive a reduced educational experience when compared to middle-class and affluent (and disproportionately white) students.If education reform were committed to equity, public schools would insure that all students, regardless of race or socio-economic status, would receive rich and engaging educations.
Increasing the amount of testing and the stakes associated with that testing (for both students and teachers) ignores that standardized testing remains more closely linked with the child's home status than with the child's learning or their teachers' effectiveness.If education reform were committed to equity, high-stakes standardized testing and using test scores to label and rank students and teachers would be completely eliminated. Test-driven education stratifies students by race and socio-economic status, discourages teachers from seeking opportunities to work with high-needs students, and misrepresents school quality (see the historical failure of relying on the SAT, for example.)
Charter schools are not producing outcomes superior to public (or private) schools, but charter schools (such as KIPP) are stratifying (re-segregating) schools and focusing education for children of color and children from poverty more on authoritarian discipline policies and test-prep than rich experiences being experienced by their more affluent (and white) peers. If education reform were committed to equity, children of color and children from poverty would be provided public education that mirrors the education being experienced by affluent whites; instead, charter schools are segregated and "no excuses" environments designed for "other people's children."
Funding and expanding TFA candidates in high-poverty and high-minority schools ignores that the single greatest inequity experienced by children of color and children from poverty is being assigned un-/under-certified and inexperienced teachers. If education reform were committed to equity, education reform would abandon test-based teacher evaluations as well as supporting TFA, and instead would insure equity of teacher assignment for all students while also acknowledging the importance of experience and expertise for teachers.
Focusing on school-only reform (the tenet of "no excuses" school reform) ignores the corrosive power of poverty.
–from Maureen Downey, for the AJC Get Schooled blog
February 26th, 2013
2:14 am
The so-called school reforms have been disastrous for well over a century, as Diane Ravitch pointed out so well in one of her scholarly tomes. If uniformity of curriculum and thought and standardized testing galore are so good as educational practices, then why aren't the expensive and exclusive private schools whose graduates regularly attend Ivy League schools engaging in the same? It is ridiculous, but so many just mindlessly go along with this stupidity like obedient sheep. Now we have the likes of the non-educators like Bill Gates and Eli Broad exerting inordinate influence over the public schooling practices under the guise of inane slogans like "best practices." It is similar to Honey Boo Boo running the charm schools.
February 26th, 2013
3:52 am
One might marvel at the creative duplicity of the anti-reform movement—if the stakes weren't so high for inner-city youths and their parents.
And the results of 50 years of liberal education policy so dismal.
As for integration, if those who voted for Obama in two presidential elections schooled their own children in the racially integrated schools they prescribe for the rest of us … wouldn't the "re-segregation" the author despairs of be remedied?
Instead, they largely choose to follow the Obamas (and Clintons) in seeking out private schooling for their kids. And the thought of other parents of lesser means exercising choice frightens them.
An education system in which all parents are able to evaluate local schools and choose the one, public or private, which best meets their child's needs—might very well result in a mass exodus from traditional public schools. Or sweeping reforms which otherwise defenestrate the K-12 public education establishment.
An education establishment their own children are protected from.
February 26th, 2013
6:02 am
He's right. I have often thought, "how great that children have the option of a KIPP," while at the same time thinking, "not that I would never send my children there, that would be cruel to make them stay in school that long, etc." The best thing about the KIPP type schools is that they get children away from bad influences at the neighborhood school.
February 26th, 2013
6:06 am
See also, http://edushyster.com/?p=2072. And from Florida, the way it plays out the further along the Ed Reform train goes: http://bit.ly/WbUsDC. Of course that sort of thing would never happen here, right?!
Meanwhile, here's Former Texas State Commissioner of Education Robert Scott on education reform: "I had to turn in my reformer card because I looked at it as a flea circus," he said. "They are selling two ideas and two ideas only: No. 1, your schools are failing, and No. 2, if you give us billions of dollars, we can convince you [of] the first thing we just told you."
February 26th, 2013
6:33 am
There is absolutely no simple answer. The issue at hand in this post seems to be the difference between academic rigor and enrichment. The reality is that wealthier neighborhoods have *both* rigor and enrichment.
How can poorer neighborhoods engage parents to provide something outside of school (perhaps educating everyone to some degree) while working to fill the academic and enrichment gaps. Boys and girls clubs seem like an excellent resource to help provide enriching activities for students. The YMCA is another avenue to consider. Encouraging small pilot programs, with seed based funding, etc. could help gather the necessary data on efficacy. We are plagued in Atlanta, and as we see Dekalb, with mismanagement that borders on criminality. Equity is not well-served in this environment.
But to somehow pretend that equity is not found solidly within rigor is a disastrous delusion for our most vulnerable population.
February 26th, 2013
6:34 am
Only the small questions here. Hmmm I wonder what Nancy Jester would say.
February 26th, 2013
6:35 am
Totally wrong when applied to DeKalb County, where resegregation of the schools causes the segregation of neighborhoods,
February 26th, 2013
6:39 am
"If uniformity of curriculum and thought and standardized testing galore are so good as educational practices, then why aren't the expensive and exclusive private schools whose graduates regularly attend Ivy League schools engaging in the same?"
I suggest looking at the academic subjects engaged in by these students and the supplementary means by which parents in these communities prepare their students for College (e.g. number of AP courses, College test prep courses, etc.). Parents in these districts would be the first to remove anything that did not prepare their children for College.
February 26th, 2013
6:39 am
After reading a smidgen of Frantz Fanon, I'd say forget the race "segregation" talk and replace that with economic caste and I think you've got it. In other words there is an economic caste system. For example, when a hedge fund manager makes more income in an hour than a working family makes in 47 years. I told this to someone and they replied, "I don't know what a hedge fund is."
Now, Let's just say your hedge fun managers are active in foundations that direct or even regulate education, in other words, telling people what to do, let's just say that maybe then there will be a whole lot of people who do not know what hedge funds are. And that's how we lose the middle class, children, and no one knows any different of better. A happy peasant is a useful peasant. Better build up some self-esteem so that you have happy peasants, sort like free range fed cows and chickens.
February 26th, 2013
6:45 am
yup. in social engineering, we've tossed out nearly everything which relates to actually teaching.
so long as its happy talk with stupid buzzwords full of cultural failure reinforcement…who cares about actually educating them
February 26th, 2013
6:52 am
I don't know if it has hurt, but I don't see it helping much. At my school, "at risk" kids (below grade level, failed the CRCT every year) get additional, small group instruction in math and reading by pull out or push in experienced teachers who try to make up for years of parental neglect/inaction/ignorance. The third graders also have available 4 1/2 hours per week of after school instruction. About half the parents agree (they have to provide transportation home.)
The truth of the matter is, few of these kids will pass the CRCT, a minimal test.
Personal story: I intensely worked with 6 second graders last year. I gathered RTI data like a maniac. Of the 6, I felt good about the progress of one, and she is doing at or above grade level work this year. Of the others, one has been admitted into sped, and at least 2 others should be tested.
Of the 8 3rd graders I worked with, none are doing on-level work this year.
Is 1 of 14 very good? No, but it is typical.
And, for our resident race-baiters, none are black, and 4 are Latino. That is 10 white kids, only one of whom has been successfully "helped." I would think it is just me, but my fellow push ins have the same type of success rate. It is very discouraging.
February 26th, 2013
6:54 am
NOTHING will significantly change for the better in education as long as you have schools that promote kids based on seat time. We wait until the kid gets to high school before we start giving "real grades". It's about too late once the bent twig gets to be a tree.
NOTHING will significantly change for the better in education if we focus too much on polical correctness and avoidance of greviences and lawsuits. Tell it like it really is, and do what it takes to fix the problem. Everyone in every aspect of professional life does this, except educators.
NOTHING will significantly change for the better in education with a centrally-planned, top-down, government organization that listens more to eggheads from universities than troops in the field who fight the day-to-day battles.
NOTHING will significantly change for the better if we allow influencial people (politicians & marketeers) who think they know how to teach to make, or guide policy decisions that affect the educational process.
February 26th, 2013
7:23 am
Public schools are doing a poor job with all students, not just poor ones.
Teachers are forced to spend excessive hours on standardized testing and paperwork, not meaningful instruction.
A child can get a good education if they attend a public school, but it is up to the parents – and the child- to make that happen. Some have more resources – and interest – to make that happen.
February 26th, 2013
7:27 am
These so called reform success stories are far and in between. While the success has proven to be modest at best,. Overall the change further reduces available education dollars for the vast majority of the students.
This Rush to these new untested programs is a FOOLS game and is primairly designed to resegregate the public educational system as we know it.
February 26th, 2013
7:36 am
Teach for America is pathetic.
February 26th, 2013
7:54 am
AP Teacher, TFA is a feeder system for people who want to work use education for corporate exploit, Goes like this, the TFA'er spends a couple years in the school house to get come "cred" and then moves on to a corporate position doing training / curriculum / themes / testing / publishing, you name it. At least, that's what the critics of TFA say.
February 26th, 2013
8:00 am
Melissa, You're onto something with the magic word curriculum, the actual content of what is taught for mastery. Private academies are actually really together with their curriculum. It is specific and sequential and there are support materials to go with the structure. For example, vocabulary is sequential and taught in groups of content that progressively build. Math is taught where one area is mastered before you proceed to the next. In the government school, there is no organised vocabulary instruction and math has been turned into a salad of mixed concepts, too many different things going on at once and then a mad pacing guide, to go with it, that must be followed in a regimented manner whether or not the kids are getting it. This is the very core of the dysfunction, and the function has been replaced by process and "how to teach" harassment.
February 26th, 2013
8:07 am
I lived thru all the marches, political turmoil, riots and busing that occured during the days of ending segregation.
Now, it looks like voluntary segregation is the rule.
All that blood, sweat, tears and bitterness over busing for nothing.
Only in America.
February 26th, 2013
8:08 am
"School reform" in America has become a code word for privatization of our schools. Yes, it will lead to a new kind of segregation based more on economics. The movement undermines democratic principles we have cherished for generations.
February 26th, 2013
8:08 am
Are you saying those kids can't be taught? Second grade is too late? You paint a pretty bleak picture.
February 26th, 2013
8:11 am
The combination of so called school reform from the EXPERTS and the laziness of our society are the real issues. As a current administrator, when we encourage rigor in our classes, most students rebel because it is too much work involved. Dont get me started on the family dynamics, that is another issue unto itself. When education is not important to the parents, guess who else does not care!!!
February 26th, 2013
8:13 am
All of these problems will be taken care of by 2023, when President Obama has promised us NEW BRAINS FOR ALL!
NO SYNAPSE WILL BE LEFT UNMAPPED! We will have the brain power of MILLIONS of students across America…..and the world!
I bet you think I'm crazy….just watch this video. The EU will put it all together for us (I guess Americans are too dumb).
ht tp://www.human brainproject.eu (remove spaces)
Read this:
ht tp://academic com mons.colu mbia.edu/item/ac:147966 (remove spaces)
February 26th, 2013
8:15 am
HS Math Teacher is absolutely right. We have got to let the teachers have the majority of the input when it comes to teaching methodology. There are too many administrators and politicians that coerce policy. Most of them have either not been in the classroom since the use of the blackboard or have no classroom experience at all. Want to reform education? Get the administrators to support the teachers with what they need. We should also look at using our public schools to develop technical job skills for adults. Adult education in some communities would serve a great purpose.
February 26th, 2013
8:18 am
@indigo, busing is alive and well in Chatham County. Has been since 1970.
Oh, but also since 1970, no white children have gone to public school. The end result is black children being bused all over Savannah to attend school with other black children.
It's also one of the worst performing school systems in the state.
February 26th, 2013
8:19 am
Budget cuts are what is killing my child's education. She only goes to school 160 days a year…being shorted 20 days a year for 9 years means she will have missed an entire year of school by the time she graduates. Thanks Guvna Sonny and Guvna Deal and your cronies.
February 26th, 2013
8:19 am
Atl Mom: No, not too late, but you have to remember by second grade they have had prek, k, and first to "catch up" and have not. It is hard to make up for years of deficit learning of the kind that most middle class kids come to school with.
February 26th, 2013
8:25 am
""School reform" in America has become a code word for privatization of our schools. Yes, it will lead to a new kind of segregation based more on economics. The movement undermines democratic principles we have cherished for generations"
The poster has no clue about the democratic dream of improving your situation and being mobile & therefore the ability to move out of bad areas.
February 26th, 2013
8:28 am
The answer is simple. Let LOCAL people ( BOE's, schools, etc) decide what is best for and the best way to teach children in THEIR community. Why have the lawmakers in Atlanta and DC become consumed with what's best for YOUR children? As always, money. What works in Cook County may not be what works in Dade County. Local control and less outside interference would be the answer, but money gets in the way.
February 26th, 2013
8:34 am
Atl Mom: No, not too late, but you have to remember by second grade they have had prek, k, and first to "catch up" and have not.
Out of curiosity Catlady, do you know how many of your at-risk kids attended pre-K or kindergarten?
February 26th, 2013
8:36 am
My question to all of you is, "Is there a punishment for a teens who do not meet the standard?" Or would this be cruel and inhumane. Just blame the system and keep throwing money at it…right? I know continue writing elaborate pedant articles of how the system should be changed to accommodate not only the student but the teacher also. Make education voluntary and most of these problems go away.
February 26th, 2013
8:38 am
"Make education voluntary and most of these problems go away."
Voluntary for who? After they're 16, it is voluntary.
February 26th, 2013
8:42 am
Thank you for this article. You are on point. I believe that "ALL" kids are capable of learning. If given an opportunity with "adequate resources", the sky would be the limit!
February 26th, 2013
8:45 am
"Budget cuts are what is killing my child's education. She only goes to school 160 days a year…being shorted 20 days a year for 9 years means she will have missed an entire year of school by the time she graduates. Thanks Guvna Sonny and Guvna Deal and your cronies."
YOU HAVE NO EXCUSE! Home schoolers are required to go to school 180 days! (That's why we are smarter)
Home school. End of discussion.
February 26th, 2013
8:46 am
I totally reject the premise that black students need to sit next to white students to learn. Kenneth Gibson's experiments were flawed IMHO. Having said that instead of worrying about white flight we need to worry AND solve the problem on why OUR culture is OFTEN non-conducive to education.
February 26th, 2013
8:46 am
Many are missing the point. There are certain, tough to swallow facts. The inner city schools are what they are. Any attempt to sugar coat the situation with political correctness or glossing over merely exascerbates the situation. Somehow, the culture has to change. Barring a few "crusaders", folks are not going to send their kids to one of these schools. Many serve more as warehouses than education facilities. Too many parents (not all, of course, but too many) could care less about true education. The home lives of many of these pooir kids suffering has less to do with poverty, and more to do with a culture (not everyone, again, but still too many.) This is not the typical "blame single moms" approach, but instead of stereotyping, lets get real stats on how many of these kids are fatherless, and how many siblings are fathered by different folks. Then, lets try to somehow look at that situation and see what approach to take. People, like it or not white folks are not going to flock to this situation. Yes, the problems mentioned above are factors in all communities. However, instead of dancing around the issues, how about opening up the dialogue and realizie that the inner city schools for the forseeable future are going to remain largely minority and poor. Like it or not, that is a fact none of the folks on this blog can challenge. If they do challenge it, they will be proven wrong when in ten years the demographics remain largely the same. Therefore, a different approach to education is going to have to be developed. The kids are teachable, but discipline and life lessons are needed here. Hard words, but check back in ten years…..
February 26th, 2013
8:47 am
When I was teaching high school about 10 years ago the school where I taught had about a 50/50 White/Black ratio. The other high school in the county was about 60/40. The county was growing rapidly so they built and opened a third high school. When they redrew the lines in the district, my high school went to a 15/85 ratio, nearly all Black, and the other school that had previously been in existence went to about 85/15, nearly all White.
A couple years later the district office was looking at my high school and asking what was wrong and why hadn't test scores increased. Well, literally overnight they had turned it into a high-poverty, all-minority school. We actually performed quite well considering the socioeconomic conditions and were always at the state average in test scores and graduation rates, something you wouldn't expect given the demographics. But of course, we were considered the nappy-headed stepchild in the county because the other high school was miraculously performing much better after the forced economic and racial segregation. Go figure.
February 26th, 2013
8:47 am
@RR Parkway, what are "adequate resources"?
Households that foster an environment of learning are not available for all.
My kids don't have to worry about their next meal or if there is going to be heat in the house tonight. Mom isn't doing meth in the kitchen with her abusive boyfriend either. They can concentrate on learning their spelling words, and we'll help them discover a method for solving word problems.
It's a cruel reality, but things aren't equal in all homes.
February 26th, 2013
8:48 am
Once again with the "tests are racially biased" BS? Without testing, it's almost impossible to measure progress. With the "No Child Left Behind" garbage, we have already seen the dumbing-down of our schools as teachers "teach" based on the lowest student's ability. As a result, the more-intelligent students (or those who want to be) seek schools that can offer them a better education. I think that better results can be attained by pushing students to learn and achieve rather than by making excuses for their failure, while passing them on to the next grade. If a student knows there are no consequences for failure, where is his incentive to even try?
February 26th, 2013
8:51 am
Too many parents (not all, of course, but too many) could care less about true education. The home lives of many of these pooir kids suffering has less to do with poverty, and more to do with a culture (not everyone, again, but still too many.) This is not the typical "blame single moms" approach, but instead of stereotyping, lets get real stats on how many of these kids are fatherless, and how many siblings are fathered by different folks.
Would you speak the same of the rural areas where poor Whites somehow have the same problems and the drug of choice is Meth? Let's look at the entire state of Georgia because we are "one" state.
February 26th, 2013
8:52 am
Dr. Proud Black Man – 8:46
Exactly what is it you're proud of?
February 26th, 2013
8:54 am
@Truth in Moderation, homeschooling is for Jesus Freaks, racists, scholastic hobbiests and over protective aholes that are scared for their children to see what the world is like.
February 26th, 2013
8:56 am
@RR Parkway, I actually had a white family in mind when I typed my comment to you.
February 26th, 2013
8:58 am
Yes, the problems mentioned above are factors in all communities. However, instead of dancing around the issues, how about opening up the dialogue and realizie that the inner city schools for the forseeable future are going to remain largely minority and poor. Like it or not, that is a fact none of the folks on this blog can challenge.
Sorry, as I continued to read your entire comments, my perception was confused.
February 26th, 2013
8:58 am
The focus of education reform should always be on equity rather than equality. I have worked in schools where 4-8 weeks before standardized testing begins regular instruction is literally shut down to focus on test prep. This culture teaches our children that the point of school is The Test.
February 26th, 2013
8:58 am
Hmmm. From all of these comments, it seems that you want the parents and students to have the moral character promoted by Jesus. Interesting.
February 26th, 2013
9:00 am
Proud of the fact that a simple online screen name causes trolls like you to have apoplectic fits. Does this answer your question?
February 26th, 2013
9:03 am
Are education reforms hurting the students who need the most help, poor and minority kids?
No, lack of parenting is.
February 26th, 2013
9:09 am
Are students given the opportunity to learn and do they take advantage of that? Let's face it we have gone overboard and bend over backwards to elevate those identified as at risk (predominantly students of color) to the detriment of the white kids because being white just ain't politically correct. There is no guarantee of outcome in life and we best quit thwarting the development of the future producers in life.
February 26th, 2013
9:12 am
Bottom line. Whether you believe in standardized testing or not, I can tell you that the problem with public education is that no matter how great the school is, there is simply no substitute for bad parenting. Period. Our teachers should not be expected to be parents, babysitters, and police. Schools like drew charter are trying to address this problem, although these days only a little more than half of their students are socioeconomically disadvantaged so im not sure if the model is working as intended.
February 26th, 2013
9:24 am
It was too easy for the lower functioning students to pull down the higher functioning students. "Dumbing down" became a rule rather than a helpful procedure. A sense of entitlement by all students has hurt academic success.


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When you don't have a lot of space but still want to show off your hoops spirit, turn to the John F. Turner 2013 mini wall calendar. It displays full-color NBA action photos on each page and includes bonus months from 2012.
- 2013 Mini wall calendar
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DECATUR — Effective today, the City of Decatur is downgrading Stage 2 mandatory water restrictions to Stage 1 mandatory water restrictions.
The restrictions are being downgraded due to ample rainfall this month that has significantly increased the flow from the Sangamon River into Lake Decatur. The lake, which is the primary source of water for the City of Decatur and the Village of Mt. Zion, is now at a level of 612.01 feet above mean sea level (69% full) and rising steadily at a rate of 1.7 inches daily. It is anticipated that the lake will continue to rise to a level of 613.0 (81% full) in approximately 7 days. At that time the City may be able to lift Stage 1 mandatory restrictions.
The City wishes to thank all water customers for their continuing efforts to voluntarily and mandatory conserve water.
City Manager Ryan McCrady emphasized that the downgrading of mandatory restrictions should by no means be seen as lessening the importance of finding a solution to the city's long-term water issues, which the City continues to work diligently on with water resource consultants and government agencies.
Stage 1 Water Restrictions for all sources of water originating from Lake Decatur and the City of Decatur public water supply are:
1. The withdrawal of water from Lake Decatur is prohibited except for use by the City of Decatur and Archer Daniels Midland water treatment facilities.
2. The use of water to maintain lawns, golf courses, athletic fields and all other vegetation is allowed only on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday of each week. Each day is defined as the 24 hour period beginning at 12:00 AM.
a. Athletic fields may use water on 3 alternative days per 7 day period only upon the submittal of a written water use plan to the Director of Water Management and receiving written approval in advance for the plan from the Director.
b. This regulation does not apply to water used to maintain grass and landscape plants installed within 6 months prior to the implementation of these regulations.
c. This regulation does not apply for water used to maintain vegetation inventories at commercial gardening, landscaping and plant nursery facilities.
10. The cost for water purchased at the Decatur Bulk Water Station will be 150% of the regular cost.
11. Detectable water leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of discovery. If the leak is not repaired in this time frame then the leaking water service may be shut off by the Decatur Water Services Division.
For additional information contact Keith Alexander, Director of Water Management, at 424-2863 or Randy Miller, Water Services Manager, at 875-5704.
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The New Year rings in another election and a new type of political advertising is already rolling around Lubbock streets.
State Representative Charles Perry took his political campaign to a new level four years ago when he put one of his signs on a giant moving truck.
Now, it's back and it's even bigger with the primary election right around the corner.
"I'm the first one who I know of to do it," said Scott Stofel, President of Tough Guys LLC. "I was on my way back from vacation a few years ago, and I passed by a truck, a semi truck, and said, 'They should sell advertising on those trucks.' And I said, 'Well maybe I should sell advertising on my trucks."
Tough Guys, a local moving company, paired up with the District 83 representative during his last campaign four years ago. They both say it was an instant hit.
"I like to think that it had something to do with it," Stofel said. "Obviously, he beat out a 30-year incumbent. So sure, I'll take credit for that."
Representative Perry says it just made sense and it is getting a lot of attention.
"30,000 cars drive by it a day. It's better than a stationary sign. It's a rolling billboard," Perry said.
But the unique signage stirred the pot four years ago.
Stofel said he was fined twice by the city of Lubbock but those fines were eventually dropped because the sign was within code.
Director of Codes Enforcement Stuart Walker says as long as the truck isn't parked as a sign and it's used as normal business it is in compliance:
http://z2codes.franklinlegal.net/franklin/Z2Browser2.html?showset=lubbockset (article 40.04)
Stofel says the sign is a win-win for everyone.
"The ones of the side of the road are stationary. People pass by them, usually the same people every day and they kind of blend in with the background. Whereas this, I pull up to intersections and really stick out," Stofal said.
"I enjoy it. I get a hoot out of it," said Perry.
The primary election is on March 4th. Perry is up against Steve Massengale from the Lubbock Independent School District board.
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Remember the Windspire? We wrote last April about the 30-foot-tall wind turbine that could generate 1 kW for a residential home. Well, now there's talk of a bigger, 3 kW version that could generate 100% of the energy needed for your humble abode. The bigger version will allow a homeowner to see how much electricity the Windspire is generating. Despite the price tag of $7,000 (which really isn't very expensive), there is a proposed $3,000 tax credit. Not bad! The smaller version runs $5,000, and is backordered for a few months, so apparently it is in demand. Here's a short clip that has a glimpse of the Windspire spinning away and a little blip from the how do i get cialis president of www.shoreacres.net Mariah Power -- it at least lets you see the turbine working.
While residential wind turbines, especially relative monsters like this, aren't going to be popping up in neighborhoods anytime soon, I'm glad to see some advances being made in figuring out wind power for homes. The Windspire requires a fair amount of space for installation, so while it could potentially generate all the power one needs, it isn't practical for urban settings. Combining all the desired features in a residential wind turbine - small size, silence, efficiency - is a tall order. But...we're getting there.
Via AlternativeConsumer, EnergyBloggers
written by Karsten, August 19, 2008
This seems to be a wind turbine that utilizes lower wind speeds which have MUCH less energy than higher wind speeds. Don't forget that the energy increases with the square of the wind speed. Double wind speed - four times the energy. So, low speed may be more quiet, it also gives you much less wind power.
Secondly, a wind turbine's size is dependent on viagra approved how much wind flows through it. To compare the huge wind turbines with the design shown in the robert-alonso-photos.com video and insinuate that the small one is www.richcongress.com big enough is misleading. The larger ones shown create power for thousands of households, not just one.
To measure the size you need to measure rotor diameter or (in the case of this video) height by width. A turbine as shown with the width of 1 meter and height of mexican cialis 4 meters is equivalent to a horizontal axis turbine with rotor blades of 1.12 meters in length. Certainly not that big and it will LOOK much smaller once it is turning since you cannot see as much structure.
Additionally, this design also uses wind close to the ground which is more turbulent and less useful, plus the structure to hold the upper end creates additional turbulence and friction. One big benefit is that the generator is close to the ground and buying real viagra without prescription allows easy maintenance.
This said, a small horizontal axis turbine in a 20 mph wind will produce more wind power than the promoted turbine in a 10 mph wind even if it is twice as big.
I am glad that people are excited about wind power. I am not happy when I see promotions that are misleading or incorrect. This is not informing the public. This is advertising.
P.S.: I thought birds got killed because they nested in the towers. That is canada levitra generic not the daily cialis case any more since the towers are single post structures with no nesting opportunities. I am not sure about the small fast turning ones though.
written by Richard Parkman, August 19, 2008
written by Jacob, August 19, 2008
written by bbm, August 19, 2008
BS is BS and that's not helpful in solving the energy problem.
written by Ron W., August 20, 2008
Fingers are crossed.
written by Sam Crutsinger, August 20, 2008
Jacob: He came across the same to http://my921.ca/buy-cialis me too.
Richard Parkman: 10KW? If your electric bill is $50-100/mo, that's probably twice what you need. If you just look at your usage bill, it would take about 50 years to save enough money off your electric bill to break even, but assuming your power company pays you to run the meter backwards, you'd break even in about half that time once you cash the checks from the utility company. That's not a very good deal though.
As for the Windspire, it's a nice looking unit but those prices are incredibly cheap for that much power. If it's for real, they'll have to seriously upgrade their manufacturing to keep up with demand.
written by Lee, August 20, 2008
When this hit the news wires yesterday I was delighted as we are renovating our house in France and looking into solar as an option but right now it's just not financially viable.
We are blogging the renovation an discovery process and you can see from this group of posts http://www.montpillard.com/?cat=23 that I'm up and down as to what to discount order viagra do on an almost daily basis.
This "turbine" for us would be a better option in space, sighting and of course costs but there needs to be more CLEAR FACTS as what it costs (total) and what it produces in what conditions etc etc.
We are lucky that whatever we produce through "Alternative Energy" the French government will grant me .30€ per kW produced so the indian generic cialis payback is far sooner than the 26 years I've worked out.
If anyone has any information to help and prescription levitra to add please feel free to contact me via the blog. Arhhhhhhh
written by Patrick, August 20, 2008
written by tula, August 20, 2008
Incremental change may be too slow for you, but I prefer to see these things as progress, no matter how small. I'd personally love to have one of these in my yard, along with some solar panels on my roof. Costs will come down eventually, and I'm glad to see that innovation is purchase tramadol online continuing. We need to empower individuals as well as businesses to lowest price for cialis bring alternative energy into the mainstream.
written by bbm, August 20, 2008
Don't be naive. There's nothing good about an alternative energy option that is nearly fraudulent. There is no free lunch. A turbine captures energy based on the cros-sectional area it "sees" and on the wind speed.
In the video, the spire turning at like 60-100 rpm *maybe* is generating 100w. Have you ever jumped on one of those bicycle generators at a science museum and tried to pedal hard enough to light up 2-3 lightbulbs? Maybe Lance Armstrong can sustain that output for more than a few minutes. That spire is not making much energy.
Something is better than nothing you say? Not if it costs 20k or more installed. You'd be much much better off spending that money on enter site cialis femele a solar pv syatem.
written by Karsten, August 21, 2008
I would not call myself temperamental but rather passionate in regard to environmental issues. This statement has to be considered carefully though because, just like any baby is beautiful to its parents, I am most likely not the best judge for how I am perceived.
This said, I completely agree with the comment above. Not every move PERCEIVED as beneficial is actual a benefit and helps the generic viagra levitra and cialis pills movement. I can imagine huge backlashes to best online generic levitra the alternative and clean energy movement if alternative energy solutions are installed with taxpayer money and then turn out to be completely bogus. That does no one a favor but those who want to stick with good old fossil fuels. If you want change against the mainstream you have to have you facts right. Because somebody will point out when you are a fake or are trying to pull as fast one.
Having "faith" in the good of people who sell green products won't cut it!
And now, until you know me better, let us discuss the merits of this "propeller" rather than my temperament.
Practical Advice to Pollute Less
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In celebration of the NATO and G8 summits in May, The Illinois Restaurant Association is working with the Host Committee to present a special dining program called culinary crossroads.
Protesters? What protesters?
While some schools and businesses have considered closing for the NATO and G8 summits in Chicago this May, 50-plus restaurants are welcoming them with open arms.
Dozens of Chicago's top restaurants plan to offer special menu items to attract dignitaries in town and spotlight the local dining scene on an international scale, according to Crain's Chicago Business.
The weekend of May 18-21 is expected to be a biggie in the culinary scene. Ahead of the summits, Illinois Restaurant Association president Sheila O'Grady joined with several local chefs to offer a promotion focusing on international cuisine.
Diners who eat at three participating restaurants from May 1 to May 25 stand to win prizes, O'Grady told Crain's. On the table are Chicago Gourmet tickets, a hotel stay and cash.
Eight chefs from some of the NATO countries, such as chef Adolfo Muñoz from Spain, also will collaborate with eight restaurants in a "Chicago's Culinary Crossroads" promotion, according to Crain's.


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New Zealand High Commission Ottawa, Canada
Hurricane Season 2012
Environment Canada's Canadian Hurricane Centre is encouraging people to prepare for the 2012 hurricane season which officially starts on June 1st.
The United States' National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration predicts normal levels of hurricane activity in the North Atlantic Ocean. U.S. info can be found at: www.nhc.noaa.gov
Environment Canada encourages people to prepare for hurricane season, by assembling emergency kits, readying their homes and their property, and by following Environment Canada's hurricane bulletins on the internet at weatheroffice.gc.ca and through local media. Important information on preparing for hurricanes can also be found at www.getprepared.ca.
Of interest
United Nations Handbook
The UN Handbook is a comprehensive guide to the UN system and how it works. Read more
Elections for the United Nations Security Council
New Zealand is a candidate for election to the UNSC for the two-year term 2015-16. Read more
Registering your overseas travel made easier
New Zealanders travelling or living overseas, registering your travel online now made easier. Read more
The Christchurch Earthquake Appeal
News about how the donations are contributing to the rebuild, ways to donate and more.


text:
Next, you'll be asked to connect with Twitter. Rest assured, we will never send a tweet from your account
without your permission.
We will send you an email with an invite soon.
All day battery life delivered by @postmates :-) http://t.co/miNIPhCvFz
Dont often tweet about products, but SaneBox has been a life changer. Thx @jdh for reco.
Elon Musk: Boeing 787 battery fundamentally unsafe -
The roller coaster life of being a startup founder:
See what's Trending Now for @dcstalder


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Mamo Chants
Open to everyone
End of Year Ritual
See times above. Start times vary.
Shambhala Day marks the end of one year's cycle and the beginning of a new one. To dispel the karmic accumulation of personal, social, and environmental chaos at the year's end, all students are encouraged to practice as much as possible in the period just before Shambhala Day. In particular, students are encouraged to recite the mamo chants together beginning eleven days before Shambhala Day. The mamo chant is an elaborate protector offering traditionally recited from the twentieth through the twenty-ninth days of the last lunar month of the Tibetan year. By reciting the chant, we tune into the protector principle of awareness and reconnect with sacred outlook. The day before Shambhala Day is considered neutral and is a traditional time to clean and refresh one's home and shrines in preparation for the coming year.
contact person: Eric Laufe email@example.com
Shambhala Online Teleclasses
Intro Meditation Programs
Find a Meditation Centre
Quick View of Programs by Center


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DETROIT (Reuters) - Ford Motor Co
The second-largest U.S. automaker will hire more than 5,000 workers in the United States, including 3,300 salaried positions. Ford will hire 6,000 workers in Asia.
The hiring comes as Ford plans to launch 23 new cars and trucks in 2014, 16 of which will be introduced in North America. Among the most critical launches are an all-new Mustang sports car and a radical overhaul of its most profitable vehicle, the F-150 pickup truck.
"We have an unprecedented year of launches," Joe Hinrichs, head of Ford's operations in North and South America, said at a media event in Dearborn, Michigan. "We've always said we're going to keep investing in product and with the number of launches we have next year, this reinforces that."
The number of global launches planned for next year is more than double that in 2013. Worldwide, Ford is on track to make 6 million cars and trucks, the company said.
(Reporting by Deepa Seetharaman; Editing by Lisa Shumaker)


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Stamina® 1305 Indoor Exercise Bike
Item # WX2-201775
- Google+
This item is shipped directly from the factory. To see the expected shipping date, please add to your Shopping Cart. Sorry, no express shipping available. We are unable to ship factory direct items to Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico or APO or FPO addresses.
- Details & Specs
Stamina® 1305 Indoor Exercise Bike. The easy AFFORDABLE way to a fitter, healthier you!
Hop on for a quiet, smooth workout, right in the comfort of your own home! The 1305 Exercise Bike from Stamina® makes it easy to get the vital cardiovascular and lower body fitness you need to up your metabolism and burn fat!Feel the burn:
- Dual tension with strap resistance for a dialed-in workout
- Large, easy-to-read InTouch® monitor keeps you motivated and on top of your game... displays speed, distance, time, and calories burned
- Wide, soft molded seat adjusts to different users
- Oversized, weighted pedals
- Sturdy steel frame
- Weight capacity: 250 lbs.
- Measures 49 x 19 x 41"l. Recommended workout area: 4 x 5'. Some assembly required.
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To mark the 25th anniversary of one of the greatest hockey tournaments of all time, TSN is delivering re-broadcasts of all the Final games from the 1987 Canada Cup.
The games are all digitally re-mastered with each game featuring a marquee panel of Team Canada coach Mike Keenan, Team Canada defenceman and Hockey Hall of Fame member Larry Murphy and Team Soviet Union centre and Hockey Hall of Fame member Igor Larionov.
Coverage begins with Game 1 tonight on TSN at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt.
You can also chat with Hall of Famer and former Team Canada defenceman Larry Murphy on TSN.ca's In-Game blog during the third and final game on TSN, Thursday at 7:30pm et/4:30pm pt!
Game 1 - The Soviets Strike
It was not an overpowering shot, but when Soviet centre Alexander Semak beat Canadian netminder Grant Fuhr at 5:33 of overtime, it gave the Soviets a 6-5 victory in Game 1.
In his rookie season with the national team, Semak took a pass from Anatoli Semenov just inside the Canadian blue line and fooled Fuhr by shooting while going around a defender.
The goal nullified a dramatic Canadian comeback. Canada fell behind 4-1 in the second period of a wild, topsy-turvy contest. With the Soviets opting to start the experienced Sergei Mylnikov in goal over 21-year-old Evgeny Belosheikin, the Canadians chipped away and take a 5-4 lead with three minutes left in the third period by Wayne Gretzky.
With the fans at the Montreal Forum still roaring, Soviet winger Andrei Khomutov silenced them just 32 seconds later when he beat Fuhr to send the game into overtime.
Because overtime wasn't used in Europe, it marked the first-ever overtime game for the Soviets. However, they played like they were well used to the pressure as the Canadians failed to get a shot in the extra period.
The general consensus was that Team Canada didn't play poorly; they just didn't play well enough to get the win.
And lineup changes known only to Canadian head coach Mike Keenan were in the works for Game 2.


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246 East Street | Ludlow, MA 01056 | PHONE (413) 610-0700
New website and location to be announced 2nd Quarter 2014!
Meanwhile, visit us at our Ludlow location during our regular hours.
- MONDAY: Noon - 5:00 PM
- WEDNESDAY: Noon - 7:00 PM
- THURSDAY: Noon - 7:00 PM
- FRIDAY: Noon - 7:00 PM
- SATURDAY: Noon - 6:00 PM
- SUNDAY: Noon - 5:00 PM
We are located convenient to the Mass Pike, exit 7, Ludlow, and Route 21, which you can also access from the Boston Post Road (Route 20) in East Springfield.
From Mass Pike (I-90):
Take Exit 7 (Ludlow)
Turn left on Rt. 21. This is Center Street.
Center Street will become East Street after you pass the bridge to Springfield. We are 1/4 mile from the bridge, on the right.
Fish Frenzy is behind Purple Bob's Flower Shop, in the same building.
From Boston Post Rd (Route 20):
Go north on Rt. 21 (Parker St). Parker Street turns into Main Street. Follow Route 21 across the bridge to Ludlow, but take a right turn from the bridge. This is East Street.
Fish Frenzy is 1/4 mile from the bridge, on the right, behind Purple Bob's Flower Shop, in the same building.


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LiveMatchday Live: AFC Bournemouth v Watford
This live event has finished
- Live score: Cherries 1 (Grabban 62 pen) Watford 1 (Angella 45)
- Lewis Grabban starts for Cherries after signing a new contract this morning
- Cherries: (4-1-4-1) Camp; Francis, Ward, Elphick, Daniels; O'Kane; Ritchie, Surman, Arter, Pugh; Grabban. Subs: Cook, Harte, MacDonald, Fraser, Pitman, Rantie, Allsop (g/k).
- Watford: (3-5-2) Almunia; Angella, Hall, Ekstrand; Faraoni, Battocchio, Iriney, McGugan, Pudil; Deeney, Fabbrini. Subs: Bellerin, Forestieri, Doyley, Murray, Anya, Abdi, Bond (g/k).
#afcb 1 #watfordfc 1 - match report: Grabban takes centre stage in Dean Court draw (From Bournemouth Echo) http://t.co/zfGvG3F5tf— @ianwadleyecho 18 January 2014
Neil Perrett's match report plus reaction will be online shortly. Thanks for joining us.
What a second half. Watford did exceptionally well to resist the pressure and hold on.
Cherries 1 Watford 1
Great chance. Near-post corner from Ritchie, Daniels heads over from six yards. Free header.
Ritchie wins a corner for Cherries.
Watford relieve the pressure by winning a corner.
Rantie and Arter both lose possession when well placed.
Patient, neat build-up from Cherries but Pitman's chip goes straight at Almunia.
Cherries throwing everything at the visitors now.
From being pretty uneventful, this has turned into an absorbing match.
Seven minutes of added time.
So close for Cherries. Rantie cross, Ritchie blasts towards open goal and Pudil produces a sensational goal-saving block.
Watford getting every player behind the ball as Cherries press.
Attendance: 10,353 (including 1,423 away supporters)
Cherries having a real go now. Ritchie, Pitman, Rantie and Grabban almost forming a front four at times.
Brett Pitman, harsh call as he slid in for loose ball with Almunia
Anya on for Fabbrini, 78 minutes
Pitman and Rantie on for Pugh and Surman, 77 minutes
Pitman and Rantie preparing to come on for Cherries.
Very lively game now as Cherries pile forward against the 10 men.
Grabban went the same way and Almunia read it. Excellent triple save from the Watford stopper. Great drama here now.
Almunia saves from Grabban and then brilliantly keeps out rebounds from Ritchie and O'Kane
No red card
Another penalty for Cherries. Referee Carl Boyeson pointed to the spot after Marc Pugh went down as he attempted to round the keeper.
Cool as you like, Grabban sends Almunia the wrong way after a three or four-minute delay making the decision and due to Watford protests.
Lewis Grabban. Who else?! Cherries 1 Watford 1, 62 minutes
Angella sent off as he was the last man when Grabban was hauled down, preventing goalscoring opportunity.
Gabriele Angella, Watford, 61 minutes
Referee Carl Boyeson didn't give the shirt pull on Lewis Grabban but his assistant flagged for it. Looked the correct decision.
Cherries awarded a penalty, 59 minutes.
Nice move, Daniels shot blocked by Hall.
Terrible weather now. Heavy downpour.
Watford, Murray on for McGugan, 50 minutes
Heavy rain here now.
Second half under way
Cherries will be pleased to see the back of Angella after this game. He scored two in the 6-1 at Vicarage Road.
Cherries 0 Watford 1
Angella crashes home a close-range header from McGugan's inswinging free-kick.
Gabriele Angella, 45 minutes. Cherries 0 Watford 1
Patient build-up involving O'Kane, Arter, Pugh and Surman. Daniels fires over cross but it has too much power for Grabban at the far post.
Action from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/3Nsi4YBgaV— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Fiery scenes on the touchline as Watford wing-back Davide Faraoni and Cherries assistant boss Jason Tindall get involved in some angry finger pointing.
Surging run through midfield by Surman, who plays in Pugh on the left. After taking time to steady himself, Pugh slices high and wide with his left foot. Good chance for Cherries.
Close. Battocchio drive from 25 yards forces Camp into a good save, low down to the keeper's right.
Grabban bursts clear on the left, showing good pace, Surman helps on his cross and Ritchie's thumping left-foot drive is deflected just over by Daniel Pudil. Best move of the match so far.
Grabban bursts clear on the left, showing good pace, Surman helps on his cross and Ritchie's thumping left-foot drive is deflected just over by Daniel Pudil. Best move of the match so far.
A shot at goal from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/4lz2UR6wGo— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
To be frank, very little has happened in the opening 28 minutes. Tight game.
Almen Abdi on for the injured Iriney in Watford's midfield, 25 minutes
Surman slices wide from 20 yards. Reasonable chance for the midfielder.
Action from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/LNSBvFooBa— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Action from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/chLQ9kS86m— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Watford corner. McGugan takes, brilliant headed clearance by Ward.
For any non-league fans out there, no matches for the Echo's teams today due to weather-enforced postponements.
Although they have fallen way short of pre-season expectations, Watford look decent. Some very talented players.
Pugh shot from 18 yards takes a deflection but keeper Almunia gathers comfortably.
Matt Ritchie.
Big miss by Lewis McGugan. Poor corner by Cherries and Watford launch a rapid counter, but McGugan fails to hit the target from 12 yards. Let off for Cherries.
Neat move brings Cherries a corner.
Action from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/QoxHbnwDVs— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Action from Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/bnqWky3BpK— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Uneventful start here. Watford lining up with three central defenders in a very fluid system.
Big pre-match cheer for Lewis Grabban as his name is read out to the crowd.
First half under way
Cherries warm up at Goldsands Stadium #afcb Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/654iu3Ba4e— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Cherries warm up at Goldsands Stadium #afcb Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/654iu3Ba4e— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Fans get ready for action at Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/XFawj74Rjd— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Watford manager at Goldsands Stadium Cherries v Watford @Bournemouthecho http://t.co/wUJg3v1X7K— @SallyDailyEcho 18 January 2014
Cherries have mixed league form, having taken eight points from their past six Championship matches.
Cherries league form – L D D W W L
Watford have taken just six points from their past six league games. Following the appointment of Giuseppe Sannino, the Hornets have lost just one in four.
Watford league form – L D W D L D
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM – Eunan O'Kane
EUNAN O'Kane says Cherries are determined to show Watford what they can do as they attempt to erase the painful memory of getting badly stung by the Hornets.
Cherries will be bidding to set the record straight after suffering two defeats at Vicarage Road in August.
They were knocked out of the League Cup in a 2-0 loss at Watford, which came after a 6-1 hammering at the same venue in the second league game of the season.
In their first away trip following promotion to the Championship, Cherries went in level at 1-1 but were then blitzed after the break as Troy Deeney hit a hat-trick.
O'Kane was introduced as a sub with Cherries already 4-1 down but, in the months since, Eddie Howe's men have found their feet in a solid start in the second tier.
With Watford failing to live up to the pre-season promotion hype, the Hornets arrive in Dorset level on 30 points with Cherries.
And O'Kane is hoping to help Cherries prove they have learned and improved following their chastening defeat at Vicarage Road.
The 23-year-old told the Daily Echo: "We have picked up a lot since we played them last time.
"It will be a good test in terms of how far we have come in such a short space of time. It is definitely a challenge which everybody is embracing. Everyone wants to put in a good performance and, ultimately, show Watford we are not push-overs, we are a good side and we didn't do ourselves justice the two times we were there. Hopefully, we will be able to put that right on Saturday.
"Everything in football teaches you something and you learn a lesson from it. Hopefully, we can show that we learned from the mistakes we made that day and, hopefully, we will be able to erase that memory from our minds."
VIEWS FROM THE DRESSING ROOM – Eddie Howe
Yesterday marked five years in management for Eddie Howe, who was appointed as Cherries boss for the first time in January 2009.
He gave the following exclusive interview to the Daily Echo…
EDDIE Howe says he is determined to help repay Maxim Demin's commitment to Cherries and insists: "I cannot see me leaving this club of my own accord."
Howe, speaking to the Daily Echo on the fifth anniversary of his appointment as Cherries boss, has helped transform the club's fortunes during two spells at Dean Court.
Thrust into the hot-seat with their Football League status on the line, he masterminded the Greatest Escape when Cherries clawed back a 17-point penalty – with the deficit still at 10 points when Howe took charge permanently – to avoid relegation in 2009.
And despite the club's parlous financial position and an ongoing transfer embargo, he overcame the odds to plot their promotion to League One before leaving for Burnley in January 2011.
Tempted back in October 2012, Howe became only the second man in history to lead the club into the second flight – the Championship dream coming after a nightmare start to the campaign.
His achievements, together with those of his staff and players, went a long way to justifying Demin's considerable investment – with Howe striking up an excellent working relationship with the Russian backer.
Howe said: "Maxim has put a lot of money into the club and a lot of trust in me. He has allowed me to express myself as a manager and that is all you can ask because it doesn't always happen.
"He has given me a licence to run the football side of the club and, although he keeps a close eye on what we are doing, he also lets us get on with our jobs.
"I am in regular dialogue with him and I know where I stand. I am really happy working with the people at the club and working for Maxim. I enjoy a good relationship with him and the board.
"I want to see the club continue to move forwards and upwards and know Maxim shares that ambition.
"If we could match the success of the past five years, we would be in a good position.
"Nothing would please me more than to see us stabilise in this division and eventually look to move up. It may take some time but that is the aim.
"I don't think you can ever look too far ahead in management. You can be well thought of one minute and not so well thought of the next.
"I have learned a great deal about life in recent years and, while the people here now remain, I cannot see me leaving this club of my own accord. Maxim, the board and the supporters have put a lot of faith in me and I want to repay them for that."
IN-DEMAND striker Lewis Grabban has today committed his future to Cherries by signing a new long-term contract with the club.
The frontman, who this week emerged as a transfer target for Brighton, has put pen to paper on an improved three-and-a-half-year deal at Dean Court following lengthy discussions this morning.
Many had expected Grabban to move to the Amex after the Seagulls tabled a £1.1million bid, triggering a release clause in his previous Cherries contract.
But after Grabban held talks with Brighton and pondered their offer of personal terms, Cherries today confirmed that the 26-year-old had opted to stay in Dorset.
The news comes as a major boost for Cherries as Grabban, who has also been linked with Leicester, Nottingham Forest, QPR and Reading, leads the club's goalscoring charts with 10 in 24 league games so far this term.
Four changes for Cherries following the win over Burton on Tuesday...
In: Camp, Ward, Surman, Grabban
Out: Allsop, Cook, Pitman, Rantie
Full team news is listed above but the headline is that Lewis Grabban starts for Cherries after signing a new contract this morning.
Good afternoon all and welcome to our Matchday Live service from Dean Court...Cherries v Watford in the Championship.


text:
LobsterMitten: (This video is safe for people who don't want to be upset by racism or weird gotchas. Watch to the end and you will be pleased.)Warning: TV reporter triggers, for people who are sensitive to 60 Minutes-style interviews.
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Zimbabwe Elections May Be Delayed – For Two Weeks
The Southern Africa Development Community (SADC) special summit on the Zimbabwe elections went ahead on June 15 in Maputo, Mozambique, despite press reports that Zimbabwean president Robert Mugabe had sought its postponement. Mugabe had unilaterally proclaimed that elections would go ahead on July 31, as mandated by the Zimbabwean constitutional court. The opposition parties, led by Morgan Tsvangirai's MDC-T, strongly objected to elections that soon because a package of reforms designed to prevent a repeat of the 2008 electoral violence has not been legislated or implemented. SADC, led by South Africa's president Jacob Zuma, has called for such a Zimbabwe "road map" that would promote free and fair elections. Read more »


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Fiscal cliff takes aim at your wallet
Only a few things seem clear in all the murk:
Payroll taxes are almost certainly going up. The 2 percentage point cut in Social Security taxes was meant to be temporary, and not even President Barack Obama championed the idea of extending it any further.
An alternative minimum tax fix may be possible. The fix was actually among a bunch of tax provisions that expired last year. There's significant congressional support for extending it, especially since the lack of a fix is now interfering with the 2012 tax filing season, Luscombe said.
Few in Congress like the defense cuts. On both sides of the political aisle, lawmakers are worried about blows to military bases and defense contractors in their districts. Plus, few want to be seen as weakening our national defense.
So what should you do now? You needn't stock up on ammunition and canned goods -- we've survived worse crises than this. But here are some things to consider:
- The stock market could get more volatile if Congress fails to act in time. That doesn't mean bailing on your stocks. Just get prepared for a bumpy ride.
- Tax planning is a big question mark. If it were certain that income and investment tax rates were going up, it would make sense to take capital gains now and move as much income into 2012 as possible while delaying deductions. But the only tax hikes that are virtually certain at this point are the expiration of the payroll tax holiday and the imposition of a new 3.8% Medicare tax on the net investment income of high earners. (Read more here: "Know the facts about the new 3.8% tax.") If you're a high earner or have a lot of investment income or a large estate, you should definitely talk to a tax pro before year's end.
- Your opinion matters. The fiscal cliff has stayed low on the national radar because not enough people have demanded that Congress act. You might want to let your lawmakers know how you feel about the whole mess.
More from Liz Weston:
Liz Weston is the Web's most-read personal-finance writer. She is the author of several books, most recently "The 10 Commandments of Money: Survive and Thrive in the New Economy" (find it on Bing). Weston's award-winning columns appear every Monday and Thursday, exclusively on MSN Money. Join the conversation and send in your financial questions on Liz Weston's Facebook fan page.
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Inflation Fears? Get Back to the Basics of Buffett and Lynch.
Adem is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
"In Trade off With Inflation, the Fed Chooses Jobs"-NY Times
"Fed Wants Inflation Now, Will Clean Up Mess Later"-Mohamed El-Erian/CNBC
"Fed's Fischer Says U.S. Inflation Expectations Rising"-BusinessWeek
I don't claim to be an expert, but it's clear that the experts agree. With the recently implemented policy of QE3 Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke has decided to stop containing inflation. This isn't a criticism of Bernanke, his bold move to purchase $40 billion of mortgage backed securities isn't revolutionary (i.e. QE1, QE2). What is different this time is that the Fed has decided to continue purchasing the securities every month until employment improves substantially. With this move, the Fed become somewhat "politicized", by trying to absorb bonds it hopes to provide stability to and grow the economy; as the Fed's bond purchases will keep interest rates ridiculously low and push investors to purchase stocks.
The downside of course, to this money printing policy is inflation, which the Fed has clearly decided is the least of all evils. This can be a real problem for your savings and investments. If you are in cash you risk your dollars being diluted and worth less in the future. What about bonds? Forget bonds. The Fed wants you to be in stocks, owning treasuries which yield less than the typical 2.5% dividend of stocks makes no sense, and those rates may be going even lower! But even if you own stocks, you risk the possibility of inflation rates (the cost to buy goods) rising higher than your returns; therefore leaving you less well off.
So What's the Foolish Investor to Do?
You've probably heard that gold is a natural hedge against inflation and a shaky dollar, which is true. When currency is in question investors flee for the precious metal, for the best ways to play gold, click here. Outside of gold and gold stocks there are some really simple steps you can take to protect yourself from inflation. You'll want to be in stocks first of all (Bernanke has given us little choice), and to find the right ones to fight inflation you don't need to be a rocket scientist. Just screen for stocks that follow these simple 3 principles that investment sages Peter Lynch and Warren Buffett (2 and 1, respectively) love to see in companies. By doing so you'll have a good chance of finding companies that are inflation killers.
Pricing Power
That's right, to beat inflation you need to find the companies that can afford to charge 5, 10, or even 20% higher for their products and still add new customers. This is something Warren Buffett calls a "moat"; it's that special advantage that allows remarkable companies to fend off competitors. This could be anything from a brand, huge market share, or a unique "network effect", to name a few. I won't ask you to waste time speculating on which companies have these qualities, that's too hard, rather we can crunch some basic numbers to get a better idea.
Moat, spelled R.O.I.C.
ROIC (return on invested capital) is the best screening metric I've ever found to pick great stocks that could fend off competition. This metric measures the percentage of total net income (minus dividends) investors earn compared to the capital investors put in. To use a simple analogy, if I paid $100 for my daughters lemonade stand (yes that sounds pricey, blame it on inflation) and she made $50 in profit after all expenses were paid; she could boast that she had a 50% return on capital. I don't really have a daughter, but hopefully my metaphorical one simplified that concept!
So how does R.O.I.C. spell moat? Well, in the business world, great companies attract competition. Since it's too hard to speculate (guess) if a company is doing something special to retain customers and fend of the competition, we need to rely on numbers. For a business to return a high percentage of shareholder dollars in relation to its total cash it's put in, it's likely that the business is doing something wonderful to delight its customers.
Using this metric keeps us from being subjective to the companies or brands that only we may love and helps us find some companies we may not have thought of. But, as you'll see in this list of businesses I've compiled with a return on investment over 15% (TTM), many are household names.
You'll notice that I only listed consumer facing stocks; that was intentional. If you're reading this article I have to assume you are worried about inflation (hello!), then, in my humble opinion consumer facing stocks are the best choices for you.
Don't get me wrong there are plenty of business suppliers and vendors that have outstanding returns on capital and are truly great companies. However, when budgets get tight and goods get costly, you won't see a restaurant owner camping outside an avocado supplier's office for the latest version of guacamole. On the other hand we've seen (much to my amazement) the Apple cult do just that for the latest gadget during the worst recession of our lifetime.
Simply put, businesses will squeeze vendors and consumers will short change goods they view as commodities a lot sooner than they'll give up on their favorite brand. For that reason alone great consumer facing stocks and the moat they typically enjoy (brand loyalty) makes them more likely to be able to overcharge for their goods than other companies can.
It's also worth noting that these companies have a wide range of market caps, which makes a difference. For instance a company like Crocs is a vastly different beast than Ralph Lauren. While Ralph Lauren is larger, more stable and more recognizable, Crocs (arguably) has more room to grow; more market share to capture. You will have to decide which trade-offs fit your investment strategy best.
But what's the best value?
It's important that we discuss value in relative terms; one thing that particularly irks me is when investors simply look for low P/E or price to book stocks. If you're worried about inflation, this is not the way to go, we need stocks that have strong growth prospects; the ones that are reasonably priced but still dominating their market. That's why, personally, my favorite value measure (especially for "pricing power" stocks) is Peter Lynch's famous PEG ratio.
For the few who do not know this is essentially a PE ratio which takes growth into account, so a stock with a P/E of 20 with a growth rate of 20 would have a PEG of 1. This stock would be cheaper than, say, a stock with a P/E of 6 and a growth rate of 4. Typically a stock well valued by PEG comes in at or lower than 1. The PEG ratio is often scrutinized because it makes us "guess" or use analysts estimates to figure out what future earnings will be. But this is the case of most growth/value models including discounted cash flow models; PEG is just simpler to follow.
It is worth noting that not all earnings are created equal however; so if you use PEG, before buying, check out the company's income statement and also ensure it's generating positive cash flow. You'll want to make sure it's creating earnings the right way, from selling more goods, not from selling off assets or tax breaks. Let's take a quick look at our list of high moat companies to see what their PEG ratios are, perhaps we'll find the best of the bunch.
Back to Lynch
Unfortunately, one thing I won't do is tell you which of these stocks to buy (sorry), although I think for the most part they all have good future prospects. At some point investing has to get subjective (sorry again) which brings us back to Peter Lynch and his famous "buy what you know" investment strategy.
Lynch has cautioned to make sure to always do the "homework" before buying what you know and we've done some of that. If you're a value hunter, you may want to go with Crocs or Ford who have the lowest PEG multiples (0.30% and 0.67%, respectively). Perhaps you want the company with the strongest moat, well; Coach and Apple provide by far the highest returns on investment and even have the best combination of both R.O.I.C and PEG, to be fair.
But, at the end of the day, you will have to decide which stock you feel most comfortable with and that's where "buy what you know" comes in handy. Which company's products would you pay up for? Do you need to have that Polo logo on your shirt? Love Yum and their new cantina bowls at Taco Bell? At the end of the day it's subjective but it's the best way to go, because in this volatile market you'll want a stock that you can stick with through a 20% single day decline. If you believe in the product, you're unlikely to sell at the wrong time.
For me, even though its numbers aren't the best in either category, that company is Starbucks. I've never understood how Apple could charge so much more than Dell for its computers, but it does so and is wildly successful. I don't get the appeal of Coach's handbags and I've never worn Crocs but I can't live without stopping at my local Starbuck's for an iced coffee with half and half (no sugar) every morning. I've heard from people who are amazed that Starbucks can charge $4 for a simple cup of coffee but it makes all the sense in the world to me; in fact, I'd pay $5 or $6. To me, and to plenty of others, there is simply no reasonable competitor to get my business. That's real pricing power and that ability matters more to a stock than anything else. When we're lucky enough to find companies that combine both financial metrics along with "buy what you know" we can outpace inflation--by a mile.
For many of you the metrics discussed in this article probably seemed like "the basics"; that was intentional. Investing doesn't always need to be a guessing game. Sometimes the best approach forward is to rely on simple, time tested metrics to help us find companies that are earning a good return, with good growth prospects at a fair price.
When it comes to an inflationary environment we'll want to be a bit subjective and pick the stocks (after doing the homework) that we believe in, the companies who have products that we'd pay up for. These will be the stocks that can charge more and earn you returns that outpace inflation and you'll need to believe in them in your gut when the winds of change swirl. Because if there's only one thing that the Fed, Congress and even the entire worlds governments have proved we can count on; it's change.
Adem Tahiri own shares in Starbucks, Ford and The Coca-Cola Co and has not added to any position within the last 72 hours. He has no plans to add to or sell any of his positions in the next 72 hours. The Motley Fool owns shares of Apple, Coach, Crocs, Ford, Guess?, and Starbucks and has the following options: short JAN 2013 $47.00 puts on Starbucks. Motley Fool newsletter services recommend Apple, Coach, Ford, Guess?, Starbucks, and The Coca-Cola Company. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.If you have questions about this post or the Fool's blog network, click here for information.


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Building Construction Technology
Rock Creek Bldg. 2, Rm. 210 | Dept. Co-Chairs: Kirk Garrison & Shannon Baird | 971-722-7344
A Foundation for Your Future
New Student Information Sessions
- Monday, August 11, 7pm, Rock Creek Campus, Bldg 2, Room 104
BCT Instructors will present on our programs and will follow up with a face to face question and answer session. Please join us. Potential students interested in any of our three unique programs are strongly encouraged to set up a meeting with Melanie Montoya before the info session to get a head start.
Also available are New Student Advisement Sessions at Rock Creek:
- Wednesday, August 6th at 4:30pm, Bldg 2, Room 249
- Monday, August 11th at 3pm, Bldg 7, Room 112
- Monday, August 18th at 2pm, Bldg 7, Room 112
- Wednesday, August 27th at 5pm, Bldg 2, Room 249
For more than thirty years, our building construction program has been training men and women to enter the construction industry as skilled professionals who enter a specialized industry.
Building Construction Technology (BCT) is the only program of its kind in the Portland area offered by an accredited institution with degree options in three areas of study; hands-on construction skills, construction management, and design/build remodeling. Our Associates Degree in Building Construction Technology combines real hands-on training with excellent classroom instruction in the latest materials and methods, sustainable building practices, and fundamentals like construction mathematics and print reading skills. Our Construction Management degree prepares students for roles in management functions such as project management, estimating, and scheduling. Graduates move on to work for larger General Contractors, or apply their skills toward their own businesses. All of our CM classes are offered in the evening. Our Design/Build degree prepares students interested in designing, managing and constructing kitchen and bathroom renovations. Our program has strong affiliations with local contractors and national associations including the Associated General Contractors (AGC) and the National Kitchen and Bath Association (NKBA). Many of our graduates operate their own construction, remodeling and general contracting companies while others work for successful construction companies.
Degrees & Certificates
In this program you can earn the following:
- Associate of Applied Science Degree
- Building Construction Technology (BCT)
- BCT: Construction Management Option
- BCT: Design/Build Remodeling Option
- Less than One-Year Certificate
- Building Construction Technology (BCT)
See the Catalog for information regarding program requirements and courses by term.
Meet with a BCT Advisor
Our programs are open and no appointments are necessary to register, but we encourage incoming students to speak with an advisor about your intended course of study. On campus appointments are available with our Learning Skills Specialist Melanie Montoya. Email Melanie at email@example.com.
Contact a faculty member
On campus appointments are available with our full-time faculty and program directors. Please contact the instructor listed below via email to set up an appointment, or to receive more information about our programs. Potential students should contact a faculty member via email to discuss their interest in a program. Remember to plan ahead and check upcoming registration dates and deadlines and set up a payment plan. Faculty members advising for each degree are listed below and are ready to answer your questions about our programs:
- Construction Management:
- Shannon Baird, firstname.lastname@example.com, 971-722-7475
- Hands-on Building Construction:
- Kirk Garrison, firstname.lastname@example.com, 971-722-7403
- Design/Build Remodeling:
- Hilary Campbell, firstname.lastname@example.com, 971-722-7631
What's Next?
- Apply for admission to PCC. (The new student checklist is a helpful guide.)
- If you have credits from another college that you would like evaluated for transfer, mail or FAX a copy of your transcripts with a cover letter explaining what BCT courses you want to substitute/transfer. (Include your email and/or daytime phone number.)
Building Construction Technology
Science and Technology Division
Attn: Kirk Garrison
Rock Creek Campus 2/210
Portland, OR 97280
FAX: 971-722-7771 Attn: Kirk Garrison
We will contact you concerning what courses we can use and what is still needed.


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You're leaving Wedding Paper Divas to see the Deal of the Day at our parent site, Tiny Prints.
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"The invitation is printed on Crane stationary paper, which is exceptionally high quality for the price of this invitation. The invitation is beautiful and greatly exceeded my expectations (which were high after receiving great save the dates from WPD). I would not hesitate to recommend this product. My only warning is that if you change the font (i.e. to script) be sure the proportions are how you want them to be, because it will effect the layout. However, WPD designers will help you to get it to look exactly how you want it to look. I absolutely love my invitations. WPD provides exceptional customer service as well."


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More reviews by burtonababe610
i hated this mascara, it clumped all of my lashes together and..... well it made my lashes to long with absolutly no volume. This was on of the worst mascaras i have ever used
*Smooth Wet Look
*Easy Application
*Feathery/Fan Look
*Length was decent
*No Drama (if you prefer it)
*2 Coats was the limit
*No thickening
This was a great natural look but nothing special. By the end of the day my lashes had fallen and looked like I had none at all. It was a cheap BOGO deal when I got it. But I got what I paid for.
pic: http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_v65LTxA3Cvo/TEybBXHFBcI/AAAAAAAABGg/heMhAewr3Ik/s200/rimmel+superlash.jpg
2 out of 3 people found this review helpful. Did you? Yes No
So I strayed from my HG mascara (CG LashBlast volume) and ventured to try a new mascara. Although it was less than $3.00 I'm very surprised at how great of a mascara it is. The formula is dry (which I like) and separates my lashes but adds volume too. It's also easy to build volume with a couple coats.
The brush is cone-shaped and works well on my lashes.
The only thing I didn't care for was that it flakes when applying, but no other time during the day. I often have to 'clean-up' my eyelids after applying this, no matter how careful I try to be.
I will definately be buying this again!!!
I state that I would buy this again, but I'm not entirely sure. But I wouldn't rule it out - so I didn't want to put "no". Like many reviewers have stated, this is a good everyday kind of mascara. It separates and lengthens, does an OK job with volume, but nothing special. This is a nice true black, but not inky black if that's what you are looking for.
The price is right for this - I got a 2 pack at Walmart for under $5. This mascara might work best in tandem with another mascara for holding curl and volumizing.
EDIT: am changing my verdict on this. this is so average and basic in every way. it does a good job of separating, but that is about it.
Well i love this product. it makes my eye lashes look curly and longer.ps if you want a natural look, apply only one coat.
I dont have a staple mascara and I am not going to choose 1 of many boutique favorites because I end up tossing them after they expire.
There is not 1 mascara I have used twice. I picked up Rimmels Extra Super Lash Mascara.
I'm impressed. My eyes are usually sensitive and this mascara doesn't bother them. My next purchase was going to be Clinique for a mall haul. I can put it off because this is gentle enough.The only cons are that it doesn't hold curl very well. The look of curled black and bold lashes is the look I always try to maintain. Curl will last 10 minutes and then the lashes become weighed down. I separate the lashes as formula quickly drys and maintains very black. Its very easy to remove. The brush is an old fashioned wand most woman still would keep in all mascaras if they were given a choice so that's a bonus.
This is a great mascara and performs really well. Will I stick with
it? I don't know yet. Would I suggest it? Yes, I would.
More reviews by intheflatfield
I think this is a fantastic mascara. It goes on smooth and clump free, doesn't smear or smudge, hardly ever flakes, and doesn't irritate my eyes (I wear contacts). Adds nice length and builds some volume, too. All with just 2 quick coats. It also makes my lashes look like they have a bit of a curl to them, and I never bother to curl my lashes. Gives me a nice, open, wide-eyed look at a wonderfully cheap price. Very nice!
Great mascara. I bought this a while ago and loved it. Just bought it a few days ago as it was on sale for $6 ! Can't go wrong with this budget beauty tool. The brush grabs each lash and coats them in black mascara. It bIuilds beautifully and gives super length for me. Just need to use a lash comb after to comb out some of the spider web tangles. Rimmel is a great brand for the babe on a budget !
More reviews by myrubyslippers
I congratulate Rimmel on such a nice budget mascara.
I bought this a while ago because I ran out of my usual mascara and I've kept coming back to this ever since. It doesn't clump your lashes together which I really like in a mascara.Makes my lashes look really defined and adds a okay amount of volume for day-to-day use.
I use this mascara every day now
Really good for the price.
I heard a lot of great things about this product, but i had no luck with it. I have quite thick long lashes and use mascara for an extra touch but this really didnt do much for them. It gave me more length but no volume, which isnt what id prefer. Plus because its so inexpensive. I guess i could probably use this with another mascara...


text: Stunning historic Colonial Revival residence with three bedrooms and a bath on the second floor. Beautiful original hardwood floors, moldings and an abundance of natural light from original and custom windows showcase the refined interior with fireplaced sitting area that's open to the chef's kitchen, pantry, dining area and access to a gracious mudroom/foyer and covered side porch overlooking a kitchen garden and one of the many scenic mountain views surrounding this valley estate. A custom built library, parlor, bath, den (which could be a first floor bedroom), laundry room with access to outside and a room-size entrance foyer omplete the first floor. Beyond the brick patio is a two bedroom guest house, which also makes a great artist studio as a custom two-story window captures northern light. This property is perfect for animals. There are three barns, one of which has space for three cars and equipment. Beyond the fenced paddocks are 50 acres of electric wire pastures currently retrofitted for sheep. Hay fields and woods complete this prime offering.


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Thursday, March 31, 2011
© Copyright 2014 Gwinnett Daily Post
LAWRENCEVILLE -- Vicki Rice's goal was to be comfortably wearing her version of the proverbial "little black dress" come Thursday night, as she gathered with 12 new friends and their families.
She made it.
In the finale ceremony held at 550 Trackside in Lawrenceville, Rice was named the winner of Gwinnett's Losing It, a 12-week weight loss competition aimed at achieving emotional and physical well-being.
The Grayson resident lost 26 pounds and 16 inches, celebrating her new title with a dozen fellow contestants.
"Now I just know that if I do it from my heart and if I set my mind to this is what I'm going to do," Rice said, "the rest will just fall into place."
The competition was put into place by Sandi Porter, the founder of local fitness organization Start With the Inside. True to its name, Porter's fitness philosophy centers on first finding emotional peace.
For Gwinnett's Losing It contestants, it must have worked -- during the quick, 12-week period, they lost a combined 253 pounds.
"It was a chance for them to see they're not alone in this journey," Porter said.
Alongside Rice, there was Kriss Johnson, a grandmother who has now competed in her first two 5Ks. There was Lori Anderson, who lost more than 20 pounds and is no longer on blood pressure medicine.
Mickey Hamilton, the lone man competing, lost an "untold" number of inches and a group-best 52 pounds.
Johnson, also the reigning champion of "Atlanta's Biggest Loser," stressed that the contest was just the beginning.
"It is not over for us," she said. "We will be continuing, we will be accountable, and we aren't stopping."
Rather than the focus being placed solely on the sheer weight lost, a winner was decided after the three-judge panel weighed four criteria: weight loss, before and after photos, a series of personal essays and regular progress reports.
"I have done every weight loss program there is out there," Rice said. "Believe me, I have done them all. But to take Sandi's philosophies and to look at me, what are my problems, how do I correct myself ... I can't put it into words."
Rice said Thursday that she was waking up early this morning to drive to Charleston, S.C. -- to compete in her first 10K race.
"You already have the prize that you need," Porter said. "You have your body, and you have your life back."
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