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Hemoglobin A1C (HbA1C)
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Hemoglobin A1C evaluates long-term blood sugar control. Serum glucose sometimes reacts with important proteins in the body rendering them nonfunctional. This process is called glycation. Hemoglobin A1C is a reflection of this detrimental reaction.
Doctors often follow this blood test in diabetics to monitor disease progression and the effects of treatment. However, because glycation is one of the leading theories of aging, Life Extension® believes everyone should check their A1C level.
This test does not require fasting. Take all prescription medications as prescribed … but do not take your supplements the morning of the test.
Hi, I'm Dr. Tennoy Vaidyan, a health advisor here at Life Extension and I am here today to speak to you about a very simple blood test that addresses an epidemic that has been growing larger with every passing year – diabetes.
You might be surprised to learn that 26 million children and adults in the United States have diabetes. That's over 8% of our population. But did you know that close to 80 million people have pre-diabetes and most don't even know it!
Those are frightening statistics. So how can you know if you are at risk?
Well, it's actually easier than most people think. There is a very simple test that helps assess one's relative risk for blood sugar issues … and it is offered right here through Life Extension! It is called Hemoglobin A1C.
Perhaps you've heard of it. But what exactly is it?
Here's a little bit of background information.
Hemoglobin is a protein found in your red blood cells and glucose is a type of sugar which provides energy for your body.
When too much glucose is in your bloodstream, it cross-links to the hemoglobin in your red blood cells. This cross-linking of a sugar and protein molecule is called glycation (not a desirable reaction) and the glycated hemoglobin is now called A1C.
Now we need to have a general understanding as to how HbA1C works…
Suppose your blood sugar was high last week.
What happened? Well, more glucose linked to your hemoglobin.
This week you've been "good" and your glucose is under control.
BUT ... your red blood cells still carry the "memory" of last week's high glucose in the form of A1C.
However, these memories change as old red blood cells in your body are replaced with new ones.
So ... in simple terms ... the amount of A1C in your blood reflects blood sugar control for the past 3-4 months ... the life of your red blood cells. It is different from a glucose reading, because that is just a single snapshot in time. But what is unique and great about the A1c blood test is that it looks at how your glucose has been doing over this 3-4 month time period. That is powerful and helpful information.
Now, you might be saying ... I'm not a diabetic. How does this test benefit me?
And that's a great question! So let me use myself as an example.
I am overweight, and being overweight predisposes me to insulin resistance – a phenomenon that is known to cause elevations in blood sugar. I also have aunts and uncles who are diabetic and therefore I have a potential genetic risk for the disease.
Now, you might say that neither weight nor family history applies to you. So let me just say that this same simple blood test also helps identify age-accelerating glycation reactions in your body!
It's an incredible test for anyone who wants to guard against the destructive glycation process implicated in premature aging and disease. From wrinkles to vascular damage to Alzheimer's disease, glycated proteins and fats age the human body faster than nature intended.
So remember ... keep your glucose under control ... maintain HbA1C levels close to or even less than 5% and you will be making changes that can contribute to a long and healthy life.
In summary, this is a fantastic test that is far more informative than your standard fasting blood glucose. And another bonus ... when ordered through Life Extension, the test results are sent directly to you and can be reviewed with one of our Health Advisors. They will arm you with the information necessary to fully understand your results ... PLUS you will know how to have a meaningful discussion with your own doctor.
We urge you to take advantage of this great opportunity and order your Hemoglobin A1C test today!


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- The 2014 Big Picture on Cyber Security
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Al Qaida pushes deeper into Mali
Mali's president has declared a state of emergency on national television a day after Islamists pushed the closest ever from the north toward government-held territory. President Dioncounda Traore said late Friday that the declaration would remain in effect for 10 days and could be renewed. The president called on mining companies and non-government organizations to give up their pickups and other trucks to the Malian military, raising questions about the capacity of the army. The U.S. is concerned about Mali because of Al Qaida's strong base there.

subset: commoncrawl


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The mission of the Kyle Public Library is to maintain and improve the quality of life for all residents of the community by providing resources and services that enhance and contribute to knowledge, education, enjoyment, and lifelong learning in the most efficient manner possible. We especially recognize our responsibility to serve as a place for children to discover the joy of reading and the value of library.
The city of Kyle is one of the fastest growing cities in the state of Texas. The Kyle Library has outgrown its space. The Community of Kyle has committed to building a new library, and construction has begun on our new 20,000 foot library. The new library should be completed by the middle of 2012.


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Home » Opinion » Editorials
Marco Rubio's baptism: Liberals don't know what to do
Liberals pounced, saying that this was the young Florida senator's "Watergate'' and it had pretty much washed him out of consideration for President, as serious spokesman for the GOP, or dog catcher. Seriously?
National Sandinista Radio (also known as NPR), was a bit more subtle, but not much. Eschewing the waterboarding technique, its alleged "news'' item told supposedly shocked listeners that Rubio "sounded like Mitt Romney.''
No doubt Rubio's defense of private enterprise and the like made him sound like Romney to the NPR reporter, but wouldn't it have been nice if Rubio were simply quoted so a listener could decide for himself how he "sounded?''
In fact, Rubio's official Republican response to President Obama's State of the Union address was an informative, impassioned defense of conservative political philosophy about life and free enterprise, mixed with a rich, admirable personal story.
He not only warned of big government, he explained what private enterprise can do to help the human condition.
Rubio was, in point of fact, perfectly reasonable and likeable.
These are qualities that liberals fear most from conservatives. What to do? Why, reach for Rubio reaching for a water bottle (Poland Springs, by the way). Talk about grasping at straws.
- Burning rubber: And public dollars - 0
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Every vote counts: Here is the proofREADER COMMENTS: 0
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Another View -- Bill Duncan: What did the NH Supreme Court really say about private school funding?READER COMMENTS: 0
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Casey Printers will make his sideline debut and dress as the third-string quarterback when the Lions take the field against the Edmonton Eskimos.
"It's just another step," Printers told the TEAM 1040 Tuesday. "I'm excited about it and excited to be a part of the team, and being able to help the team from the sidelines and do my part. It's about whatever I can do to help the team."
While he doesn't expecrt to see the field, Printers hasn't spoken to head coach Wally Buono about that potential, either.
"To me, I think that's inappropriate to address right now," Printers told the TEAM 1040. "Buck Pierce is the starter on this football team, and that's period, point-blank and right now I'm here as a support guy. I'm practicing right now to get my skills up to where they need to be and I'm trying to help out as much as possible and to include myself as a teammate and be as helpful as possible."
"It's not really about me and when I'm going to get onto the field and all that good stuff. It's about the BC Lions getting another win to move closer to our goal, which is to host a playoff game and try to get to first place. That's very doable and the opportunities are right in front of us. So, with time things will happen as they should."
After two injury-riddled seasons with the Tiger-Cats, in which he threw for six touchdowns, 14 interceptions and a less-than-impressive 53.0 completion percentage, Printers found himself out of the CFL. By signing with B.C. he returned to where his Canadian Football career began.
After returning from a stint as a member of the National Football League's Kansas City Chiefs, Printers returned to the CFL and spent two seasons with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats until 2008.
Printers originally joined the Lions in 2003 but saw little playing time. The following season, he stepped in for an injured Dave Dickenson and threw for 5,000 yards en route to being named the CFL's Most Outstanding Player. But after guiding the Lions to victory in the West Final, Buono opted to start a healthy Dickenson in the Grey Cup against the Toronto Argonauts, a game the Lions lost 27-19 with Printers never seeing the field.
Prior to the 2005 season, he declined an offer for a three-year extension from the Lions, which resulted in an awkward quarterback controversy. The following year, he turned down another extension before signing with the Kansas City Chiefs.


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- Michael Rose
- Saint Louis, MO
- United States
Child, Adolescent & Family Therapist, Youth in Need
This conversation is closed.
How can we help to prevent bullying?
As a society that revels in TV series such as Honey Boo Boo, Jersey Shore and other "Reality" TV shows, how are we supposed to stop bullying within schools?
If we preach what to do or what not to do when confronted by bullying behaviors, but never follow through with consequences, how can we expect our students to continue to have faith in the faculty's true want to get rid of bullying.
How can we expect our children to stop bullying if we, as grown ups, are watching these shows.... making fun of the people on them, judging them, calling them names?
How can we change the structure of learning to help increase education, not only in the academic sense, but also in the sense of what it means to be a human being?
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.
Comment deleted
Mar 14 2013: You know ZX, while I had trouble reading the first part of your comment, your second half made it all come together.
I agree too that training kids extensively to stand up for themselves can really help.
Do you know of any online or off line programs that educates individuals who are the victims of bullies (children and adults alike)?
Mar 14 2013: ZX Style,
I agree that empowerment is one way to help stop bullying, and the bully needs to be genuinely empowered as well. We do not stop bullying simply by educating the victims. We also need to educate the bullies, who generally lack self esteem and confidence. When a person is genuinely empowered, s/he has no reason to bully others. A bully, is simply showing us that s/he lacks self esteem, confidence and genuine empowerment. I do not agree with your idea that we "must not stop the bullying".
Comment deleted
Mar 14 2013: ZX Style,
It depends on what you mean by "helping". Educating the bully regarding the underlying elements of bullying may help....don't you think?
There is a difference between playfully bantering with friends and bullying to the point of hurting someone emotionally.
I agree....bullying is not genuinely empowering. In fact, one of the underlying intentions with bullies, is in creating fear in another person, and it is often used as a protective mechanism to keep people away from them. Sometimes, if the bully understands this concept, it may change the behavior. I learned this while co-facilitating "cognitive self change" sessions with men who were incarcerated.
The key is educating all people regarding this question.
Mar 15 2013: I have to say that, although I understand your perspective, I'm not quite sure that it would work. You are only educating one side of the issue. I do strongly believe that we can stop bullying behaviors. In the end... that's what they are: behaviors. With education on both sides of the spectrum we can help to curb these behaviors and help increase every person's level of confidence.
Mar 16 2013: Michael,
Where did you get the idea that I would like to only educate one side of the issue? I clearly write..."The key is educating all people regarding this question"...."We do not stop bullying simply by educating the victims. We also need to educate the bullies, who generally lack self esteem and confidence".
I agree bullying is a behavior, and I wholeheartedly believe these behaviors can change.
Michael RoseMar 18 2013: My apologies Colleen. As this is the first ted.com/conversation I've done, I am still trying to figure out certain things. For example... I am not able to reply directly to the comment you posted on my reply (I'm not quite sure why). My response was to the initial post by ZX Style.
I agree with most of what you have posted and thank you for being such an involved member of this conversation. I will start, as I've seen you already do; addressing the person who has made the comment that I am replying to, so that there isn't any confusion in the future. Again, my apologies.
Mar 18 2013: That's ok Michael....thanks for letting me know:>)
You cannot comment directly to my comment because it is a 3rd level comment. See the 3 little arrows in the upper left corner of the comment....and there is no "reply" in the upper right corner? So, you figured it out and went above that.....good job:>)
Yes...it helps to put a name on comments indicating who you are responding to, so if the sequence gets mixed up, which it sometimes does, we may have a clue who the response is for.....looks like you figured that out too:>)
Again...thanks for letting me know:>)
zeng peifeng
Mar 16 2013: No Zeng, I do not see it as "wrong" to encourage kids to study. There is a difference between studying and bullying.
One reason some people are bullied, is because the one who bullies can perceive those who are less stong in themselves. Both the bully and the victim in bullying situations lack self esteem and confidence.
With your suggestion to let it happen, we would be encouraging and reinforcing the idea that the bully can become stronger by bullying, while weakening the victim. Bullying is generally a learned behavior, so with your idea to let it happen and everyone will learn, we would be encouraging the cycle of bullying and abuse. There are many levels of bullyiing, abuse, and violation of human rights. Why would we, as a global community want to continue to encourage that cycle?
Showing single comment thread. View the full conversation.


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Rio FERDINAND defense compilation - christinayan
- published: 27 Dec 2009
- views: 199912
- author: christinayan01
The 35-year-old joined QPR earlier this summer but is already planning for the future, claiming that he is keen to manage England once he hangs up his boots for the last time Rio Ferdinand has his sights set on managing England once he calls time on his illustrious playing career. The 35-year-old moved to QPR on a free transfer in the close-season, bringing to an end a trophy-laden 12 years at Manchester United. Approaching the twilight of his career, Ferdinand is already thinking of his future after retirement, and has announced his intentions to gain his coaching qualifications with a view to one day taking the...Goal 2014-08-22
England boss Roy Hodgson admits he was upset by the furore over his decision to leave Rio Ferdinand out of his Euro 2012 squad and insists the defender still has an...Sky Sports 2012-06-09
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand has decided to retire from international competition with England to focus on his training with Manchester United. Sir Alex...The Inquisitr 2013-05-15
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was fined £45,000 (US$70,000) by the Football Association (FA) on Friday for improper conduct over comments he made on Twitter...Taipei Times 2012-08-18
As he sat watching Manchester United lose to Tottenham from the Old Trafford directors' box on Saturday, Roy Hodgson would have felt vindicated by his decision to cite...DNA India 2012-10-01
The Inquisitr
Like World News?
Former England international slams Football Association for inability to treat players properly and believes Ferdinand should have at least had an opportunity to turn England down More On : Chelsea FC, England, Man Utd., Rio Ferdinand, Sol Campbell, Roy Hodgson, John Terry Comments ENGLAND GROUP D ENGLAND 8 18 MONTENEGRO 8 12 SWITZERLAND 8 11 WALES 8 9 BULGARIA 8 5 Former...Goal 2012-06-06
How Rio Ferdinand felt when Martin Kelly got called up over him. (Getty) When Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand was originally left out of England manager Roy Hodgson's Euro 12 side, the excuse given was "footballing reasons." And while the 33-year-old has suffered through injuries and poor form in recent years, it was assumed by many that Ferdinand making it clear that...Yahoo Daily News 2012-06-03
Manchester United star Rio Ferdinand has denied using Twitter to aim a racist taunt at Ashley Cole. The defender responded to a tweet in which Chelsea star Cole was described as a 'choc ice' because of his role in the trial last week in which his club captain, John Terry, had been accused of racially abusing Ferdinand's brother, QPR defender Anton. But on Sunday Ferdinand...The Daily Mail 2012-07-15
Rio Ferdinand has revealed that he only avoided a fine from Manchester United when he refused to wear a Kick It Out campaign T-shirt because Sir Alex Ferguson's wife Cathy convinced United's then-manager that he was wrong to do so. 35-year-old Ferdinand has made a string of revelations in his new autobiography #2Sides, which is currently being serialised by The Sun. The...The Independent 2014-09-16
Rio Ferdinand ... defended 'choc ice' tweet. Photo: Getty Images Rio Ferdinand has reignited the John Terry race row Sunday by defending a tweet labelling Terry's Chelsea teammate Ashley Cole a "choc ice". Chelsea captain Terry was found not guilty of racially abusing rival player Anton Ferdinand, Rio's brother, during a match in October at the end of a trial in London on...Canberra Times 2012-07-15
Rio Ferdinand is considering -rejecting Roy Hodgson's call-up for England's forthcoming World Cup qualifiers against San Marino and Montenegro in order to prolong his career at Manchester United, following talks with Sir Alex Ferguson. The 34 year-old, who has been overlooked by England manager Hodgson and predecessor Fabio Capello since winning the last of his 81 caps against...DNA India 2013-03-16
Rio Gavin Ferdinand (born 7 November 1978) is an English footballer. He plays at centre back for Manchester United in the Premier League and for the England national football team. He has amassed 81 caps for England in total, and has been a member of three FIFA World Cup squads.
Ferdinand began his football career playing for various youth teams, finally settling at West Ham United where he progressed through the youth ranks and made his professional Premier League debut in 1996. He became a fan favourite, winning the 'Hammer of the Year award' the following season. He earned his first senior international cap in a match against Cameroon in 1997, setting a record as the youngest defender to play for England at the time. His achievements and footballing potential attracted Leeds United and he transferred to the club for a record-breaking fee of £18 million. He spent two seasons at the club, becoming the team captain in 2001.
He joined Manchester United in July 2002 for around £30 million, breaking the transfer fee record once more. He won the Premier League, his first major club honour, in a successful first season at the club. In September 2003, he missed a drugs test and was banned from competition for eight months from January until September 2004, causing him to miss half a Premier League season, Manchester United's FA Cup triumph, and the Euro 2004 international competition. Upon his return, he established himself in the Manchester United first team and received plaudits for his performances, featuring in the PFA Team of the Year three times in four years. More club success followed with another Premier League win in the 2006–07 season and a Premier League and UEFA Champions League double the following year.


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Arkansas' animal deaths: Coincidence or conspiracy
- Uforeportlive
- uploaded: Jan 10, 2011
- Hits: 121
January 4th 2011
Aliens, Armageddon, fireworks? The Internet was ripe with theories over what caused as many as 5,000 birds and 100,000 fish to instantly drop dead on New Year's Eve. NBC's Janet Shamlian reports.
Dead birds fall from sky in Arkansas- http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2011/jan/02/dead-birds-fall-sky-ar...
Birds Fall From Sky (January 2011)- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cy9J3jgavfU&
More than 1,000 dead birds fall from sky in Ark.- http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40874105/ns/us_news-environment/
Thousands of birds mysteriously fall from sky- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qwETg_tvpw4
Why are fish, birds dying in Arkansas?- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4kOzu-ehTPs
What Caused Thousands of Birds to Fall From Sky?- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fW0-75nh2EE
Arkansas birds died in mid air, says official- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2HcOsqzycA
Second deluge of dead birds falls in south east- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_ux0yRysv9A
Dozens Of Jackdaws Found Dead In Sweden- http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2011/01/05/ap/world/main7215255.shtml
3 comments
7moons September 17, 2011 12:19:49 PM CEST
How did the fish die? They never said lf they were poisoned or not, was there a river clean up? What could possibly have caused the bft in the birds? Was it the fall? What caused them to fall out of the sky?
Werewolf72 May 27, 2011 2:56:17 AM CEST
if it where fireworks then in the seventies and eighties before our nation went nazi jew lovin we would have ranout of birds and fish.
Robert1970 April 22, 2011 4:51:35 AM CEST
smells very fishy!!!


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Hanging Up for a Year
This might seem a little drastic, but for one year my husband and I have ditched our cell phones and land line. Before moving to Montreal in August '08, we terminated both of our cell phone plans and land line service. Our main reason: to save a little money during my husband's three-semester return to grad school...
The total monthly bill for our phones was nearly $200. We cancelled it all and planned to set up a land line only upon arrival in Montreal. Well, we arrived, did a little research, and decided to take the plunge and forego the land line, too. Crazy, right?
Instead, we bought a Skype phone number. We have a normal 7-digit number (in the area code of our choosing) and we can call/ receive calls from land lines, cell phones, and other Skype users anywhere for about $35 PER YEAR. So, for this 12-month period, our "phone bill" is $35 instead of ($200 x 12)= $2400. With a good headset, the quality of calls doesn't suffer (much). And we have actually enjoyed life "unleashed" from our cell phones.
There are a few drawbacks, of course. You can't call emergency numbers from a Skype number. We live in a busy, 24-hour neighborhood and have a safety plan in place in the unlikely case of an emergency. This is my number one concern in a whole host of "what if" scenarios. Secondly, the computer must be on to receive phonecalls, so we keep a small laptop on most of the day. We do, however, unplug everything at night, so we can't receive phonecalls in the middle of the night, which could be a major drawback if there were a family emergency at an odd hour. Lastly, we make our plans more carefully than we did when we had cell phones. Cell phones allow for a certain degree of sloppiness in arranging meeting times and places.
Otherwise, we have fully embraced ditching our phones (and phone bills) for one year. I doubt we would do this indefinitely, but it has definitely raised a red flag on the need for two cell phones upon our return to the States. Luddite as I may sound, we simply don't need them.
Have you, AT readers, ever ditched a home utility? Cell phones or landline? Cable? Internet? Do you think we're crazy for ditching our phones for the year? Let us know by commenting below.
More discussions on Skype over at Unplggd. Photo: ATSF's Classic Kitchen Phone from Urban Outfitters
74 Comments
Well, I have only a landline, which I use for computer access also. No cable TV, no antenna - the TV is only for watching movies (I so -heart- Netflix). Works for me.
Now if all those people driving around with cell phones in their ears would just hang up and pay attention to their driving....
I've got to say- this just sounds foolish and unsafe to me. I love the idea of saving money on my phone bill, and I don't talk much on the phone anyway. But have you thought of the countless scenarios in which having a cell phone could get you out of a jam?
Emergencies ALWAYS happen at odd hours, or when you're not by your computer. Do you go out by yourself? What if you got into some trouble? I hate to be a Debbie Downer, but please think about all the "what if" situations.
I fully support ditching your landline- but for goodness sake, buy one of those cheap pay-as-you-go phones and keep about 30 minutes on it, just for emergencies.
I wish we could get rid of all our phones, its crazy expensive but I work from home and my husband is a firefighter who is often on wildfires so our cells are the only connection. We did save money by canning our TV - no cable or satellite. Its fabulous and I highly recommend it for everyone, we don't miss it a bit, read and talk a lot more and get more things done and I too, like JoanneM heart Netflix....fabulous invention!!!
I agree with shockthebourgeois. With a pre-paid cell phone, you get 24-hour peace of mind (and on-the-go convenience!!) for next to nothing.
What a dream. I hate cellphones but have to have one for work.
I don't exactly tink your crazy, but I wouldn't want to miss the comfort of cell phones. And I think having a labtop running all day adding to your electricity bill is not a perfect solution either. So I wonder whether there aren't these really cheap prepaid cards for cell phones available in Canada like here in Germany. You could switch of the labtop if you don't want to call anyone by Skype, could be reached any time and have the credit of your prepaid card to call from the cell phone in case of emergencies.
LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the idea! I've been toying with the idea of this for a while now, especially after reading about all the hidden, non-negotiable fees ( http://www.amazon.com/Gotcha-Capitalism-Hidden-Every-Day/dp/0345496132 ) and how ridiculous our 24-hour-in-contact society has gotten.
I haven't had a land line since 2001, and never miss it. I don't have cable or internet, but end up using these at my bf's house rather often...
Three years ago, my dish was out of service for two months. As I realized I hadn't watched TV during that time and did so without suffering any emotional trauma, I canceled my account and never looked back. Now with Hulu, not to mention that most shows are released on DVD, I don't miss it one bit.
There's lots of cheap options now--at least in the US. I'd assume there are some in Canada as well. There are now phones that operate through the computer lines, like Magic Jack.
There are, as others have mentioned, pay as you go cell phones.
Cricket and Boost have cheap plans (don't know if there in Canada yet). My plan is everything unlimited for $65 a month (including taxes). I don't have a land line anymore, haven't for over 2 years.
A lot of places in Canada have utilities included in their rent, so it may be a matter of choice to leave a laptop plugged in all the time for Skype. When I lived in Canada, I got rid of my landline and got a reasonably priced ($20-30 per month) pay-as-you-go cell phone plan to give me piece of mind in case of an emergency. You can always save money in a dense urban area by asking neighbors if they want to share their wireless internet. I've never paid for satellite or cable television.
Yes, we have prepaid phone cards in canada.
Even my elderly parents know how to buy a pre-paid phone card twice yearly for their ancient seldom-used emergency cellphone. Why didn't you do this? Seems so wasteful to keep a laptop on (yes, even a "small" one) all day long!
this is ridiculous. there arent any other ways to cut costs? i would rather eat ramen for a month than give up my phone. have fun!
I haven't had a land line in years (7 or so) and I don't miss it one bit. I wouldn't give up my cell phone though.
No cable, no land line. Just a cell phone, but I'm on a family plan with my mother in Virginia and my sisters in NC, so the total annual cost for MY share is...*calculating*...$120. Since I only talk to my family and my friends are mostly all on the same network (thus it's free) I very rarely go over my minutes.
I don't have any judgment on you, especially since you're trying to go to school. I was away to college for a whole year before I had a cell phone. Also, I left the country for about two years and travelled around. Pay-as-you-go 3G stuff--It'll save you a fortune. If it's working out, then good on you.
I agree that this is a bit much, especially for emergency and safety issues. "shockthebourgeois" had a great suggestion of getting a pay-as-you-go plan and keeping 30 minutes or so on there at a time. Virgin Mobile has a very reasonable option like this.
Power to you, Regina! It often takes a period of austerity to evaluate what one really needs in life. I've never gotten a cell phone purely due to the cost, which is quite high in Canada compared to the States or the UK.
And as for the added electricity consumption due to the laptop, Quebec has some of the cheapest electricity on the continent, so perhaps this is the place to do it.
I've been using a pay as you go cell phone for the last six months as well as a basic phone package (no long distance, no call waiting, no messages, no 3 way calling, etc.) and between the two devices I'll have saved around $1000 the first year.
I use the pay as you go phone when I'm in my car, in case of an emergency and the landline phone is for talking to my family. I would never go back to a contract for a cell phone now.
As long as you manage your time and train your family & friends to use the landline for chatting and to only call the cell for real emergencies you can save a bundle.
What is this 'emergencies' thing people have about cell phones? There were emergencies before cell phones. People didn't just sit down and die. You can deal with an emergency like we did in the 80s. It's not like a cell phone is a fail safe against emergencies anyway. What if you're in a no service zone?
when i got my Fido plan upon my move to London 3 years ago, the phone cost me $65.
i use pay-as-you-go for $10 a month.
Fido, Virgin, Koodoo and President's Choice all offer cheap cell phone plans here in Canada.
Getting rid of the landline was the best thing I ever did.
Since I travel frequently, I enjoy having a cellphone to stay in touch with family and arranging to meet up with friends while i'm out - especially since many hotels now charge for local phone calls and I don't necessarily want to use phones of people who might be hosting me to make long distance calls - plus I no longer have to memorize phone numbers and I can ignore calls from numbers I don't recognize.
In addition when I've had flights cancelled, I've been able to simply dial airline reservations from my seat in the lounge and rebook my flight with someone in a callcenter who is calm and cheerful rather than stand in line with the 200 other angry passengers and deal with grim gate agents.
I've also seen crimes committed on the street - and I've been able to call the police right from where I'm standing: You just can't do all that with Skype or a landline.
I don't think its crazy, its a personal choice and if its good for you then go for it!
We have a land line, no cell phone, no cable. We share wireless with our downstairs neighbors but plan on letting that go too, because half the day it does not work, and its cheaper to bundle internet with our land line cable.
We have also eliminated monthly cell phone service to cut costs, but we did it by switching our existing cell phones over to a pre-paid plan. It was just a matter of going down to the AT&T store and getting a new Sim card for each phone. Now we pre-pay in $50 increments which are good for up to 3 months. This brings us down from $100 per month for 2 cell phones, to about $100 every 3 months, or $400 per year versus $1200 per year. We don't use the phones that much, but they are awfully handy to downright vital when we do.
We also retained a $20 per month lifeline service for the land line, because we already know from experience that Skype-style phones don't work if the electricity or cable is down, but land lines do.
Overall, our phone bills are way down, without sacrificing the emergency safety net.
My roommate and I don't have a landline, just our cellphones, but this is increasinly common, at least in Vancouver. I know few people my age (mid-twenties) living on their own that bother to get a landline.
My formative years were spent without cable. My parents cut the cable when I was 12, and my dad only just decided he wanted digital cable back in November. It's amazing how much TV I could still watch even when we only had 5 stations. In fact, I don't think I watched any more television with the digital cable for the time I was at home with it, than before. So I of course made the case to save a bit of money and not have cable when I moved in with my roommate, but we quickly discovered that the antenna didn't work so well in the basement...
Go you! Skype is my lifesaver when traveling. I'm waiting for the technology to evolve a bit before considering a Skype-only existence, though.
I gave up my cell phone AND land line years ago when I lived in NYC - I only had access to a phone during the day at work. It was actually kind of fun and opened me up to "drop-bys" from friends, which rarely happens in NY. I don't know if I could do it now though - my texting friends would kill me!
The major interstates are covered with no dead zones in my State. I wouldn't think of driving them alone at night without a phone and my AAA card. Could I "deal with" an emergency of that sort without a cell phone if I had to? Yes. But not safely or easily. I'm not taking that chance.
Landline free for years now. I save my cell for use on nights and weekends, mainly. The time when I basically get unlimited call time without eating my minutes. Use my office phone during the week during the day. Having a cell phone, if you are smart with its use, can be safe and economical. Do I wish I could do without? Sure. But as a single female, I feel a lot safer having it on me.
I agree with "spicynuts" as to emergencies and cell phones. Cell phones have become very useful in emergencies but haven't been around nearly as long as emergencies. I only have a cell phone right now, but would get rid of it in favor of a land line and will as soon as my contract runs out.
It is ridiculous that people don't talk to each other in person or enjoy what is around them but rather drive, walk, eat with cell in hand.
The difference between now and the 1980s is that the phone companies have been systematically removing pay phones from most public places that used to have them, and the non-major carriers that own the remaining ones don't maintain them very well. There are lots of places where you could expect to find a phone booth 25 years ago where there are none, now.
Also, why go back to an inferior level of response time. I now have my local PD programmed into my phone so if I'm out walking the dog and see a suspicious car in the neighborhood, I can call while I'm there and able to see the license number rather than having to go home to report it. This means I get better information to the police sooner. I mean sure, we could give up antibiotics and beta blockers, too, and go back to just dying of curable conditions like we did in the 19th Century, but why?
This just seems unnecessary to me. I have to agree with others that a prepaid phone (and cutting down your use of it) would be a much wiser solution than giving up cell phones entirely.
There just aren't as many public phones as there used to be, and the calls that you really need to take (or make) aren't going to be the ones that you can guarantee you'll be at your computer for.
I'm only now missing my land line as we've moved into a nuclear fallout bunker, it seems. I get one bar in my condo and have to sit by the window if I'm talking on the phone for longer than a couple minutes. Even then, I get dropped calls all the time.
I don't like how much we pay for our cell phones (because we also pay for the data plan, unlimited texting, etc.); however, I like knowing it's there. If you truly don't need one, way to go. I wish I could live like that! I would at least have a pre-paid phone handy in case of emergencies, but that's my paranoia speaking...
"Cell phones allow for a certain degree of sloppiness in arranging meeting times and places."
Oh God, THIS. This is why I held off on getting a cell phone for the longest time. I hate the way people use cell phones (and the presumption that everyone else has a cell phone) to absolve themselves of the commitment of making plans. It's as if they're waiting for a better opportunity to come along at the last minute.
And no, calling my cell at the time we're supposed to meet to tell me you're running half an hour late doesn't make the fact that you're wasting my time any less disrespectful.
i dropped both land and cell for two years, easily. but there are definite drawbacks. telecomm costs divide entire populations, and a cell is now nearly a requirement in the city--if you can find a pay phone on the street, and that's not likely, it will be covered with disease-causing microbes, guaranteed. Virgin cells and other prepaids are good ideas, but Skype is really important to people with loved ones overseas.
I think it is pretty funny how freaked out everyone is about going cell-less. Am I to understand, that everyone is afraid to leave their house w/o a cell because there might be an emergency? That can ONLY be solved with a cell phone? Seems like a lot of fear. I mean, you live in Montreal, not exactly out in the woods away from civilization. I am sure it will work out.
I love this idea! I am toying with getting rid of EVERYTHING except internet, which my husband needs for work, and I need for....well, I just need it. I almost never use my cell phone, and just recently got a phone for the landline that has always been there (just in case) so I guess I am a phone-phobic. I would be interested to hear how you did, one year from now.
I love the idea but its not practical for me. I have a cell phone and wouldn't do without it. I simply do not think it is safe - also how do you conduct business? I want to figure out how to get internet service without a landline? It seems that even with the cable service internet you have to sign up for their phone service also. Does anyone know?
My husband has worked for a cable/communications company for 10 years so we have a land line, cable, and internet for about $30 a month. It's wonderful. They should be doing cell phones sometimes this year and I can't wait!
I also worked for the same company for about 6 months and found that many people were calling in to cancel their land line phones due to having a cell phone. There is a lifeline type service, though I can't remember what exactly it is called that is really inexpensive and allows you a certain # of outgoing calls a month (like 50) and unlimited incoming calls, so you can still keep your land line.
Ulrika:why go back to the 19th century?
because it's the new trend. everyone tries to best each other: "I have no tv, no phone, no cell, no fridge, and am thinking of getting rid of all electricity next, that's the dream!"
i think it's in response to our country, and many like ours, getting more and more prosperous and then becoming gluttonous. when you see chromed-out hummers driving around all over you know you're there. i too have issues with people buying more than they need and materialism, etc. but give me a break people.
it's trendy to say capitalism failed, business is evil, and thus we must all return to being cavemen so we don't pollute our dear earth and there are now wars or inequality.
again, give me a break everyone. to each his own, if you want to cut things out of your life, fine, but it's becoming a holier than though thing that is really lame.
the answer, as i see it, is 'moderation in ALL things'. don't over eat, don't over buy, don't over use, etc... be smart. you don't have to return to the dark ages. i believe we're actually fortunate to be alive right now, just be smart.
Yolio: good point. I mean, think of the carnage on the streets ten years ago before cell phones became ubiquitous! Heh.
I often forget about my cell phone for long periods of time, during which the battery dies, rendering the phone utterly useless to me in an emergency.
I could get rid of it with little fallout, but it only costs $11 per month as an add-on to my husband's account, so I keep it.
Land line free and cable free for many years.
In a "back in my days" moment, when I started to work there were no cell phones and the land line network was nothing like what North America knows (one reason why cell phones were so successful much earlier in Europe and Asia). There was no internet, either! Setting up a week-long 4-city business trip and then doing it was no fun.
Can't imagine life without a cell phone now. You'd have to pry my iphone from my cold, unyielding hands. I'm not using it when I drive and I've never spent hours chatting away, because I hate all phone conversations that drag on beyond the what, where, when. That's what skype is for. We should take advantage of affordable technology, and I find that having phone/phone book/ipod/maps/web access/decent camera in one "cell phone" is quite nice.
I would never give up my television either. It seems alot of people think going without a television makes a statement about their intelligence. Much like the monastic lifestyle, I guess we are supposed to believe you live your life in quiet contemplation of higher ideals. Give me a break. I love tv especially the cable news channels and I happen to have more than one degree. Having a tv or not, having a cell phone/landline or not, is of course a personal choice but when it becomes a trend its nothing more than pretentious.
I agree that one can generally deal with an emergency-- of the broken down car variety-- without a cell phone. I wouldn't want to, but one could. Like others said, we all did in the past.
But to have no way for loved ones to get in touch with you in case of an emergency overnight? THAT is crazy to me.
Things like car accidents, break downs, or getting lost do require a cell phone--either yours or somebody elses--in areas without public phones, where it isn't safe to try to access those phones, or where the time that it takes to access those phones would result in harm. I live in the middle of a populous city and it would take me twenty minutes to access a public phone from my house, nevermind if something happend while I was driving on the interstate, where most of the emergency phones have been torn out, their services cut, and it certainly isn't safe to hitch-hike. And of course this all pressumes that I am physically able to seek help myself.
Going completely phoneless doesn't mean that you're no longer reliant upon cell phones, you're just reliant upon the idea that people around you have them/some other means of summoning help and are willing to help you. It's fine if people decide to cut out things like cell phones from their lives--I've not had a land line for several years and my cell plan is very basic--but looking down on people who don't and mocking them as 'fearful' when you have no idea of the practical circumstances surrounding their own decisions to use those services is ridiculous.
@ missbynski, no, you don't have to have a landline to get internet. You can even get DSL (the one that uses a land line) without paying for the calling portion. If you sign up online it's less than fun to find (evil b****ds) but it IS possible. Or you can sign up on the phone and just be a PITA until they give you what you want.
What's left of my social life would implode minus my phone. I call my parents a lot, often on my lunch breaks and text my friends just to say hi if I think they might be busy. I do not like not having my cell on me and I do NOT drive long distances w/o it. Like someone else said, most interstates are pretty well covered and call boxes are turning into things of the past. If I need the cops, I'd like to be able to call them without having to find a working payphone.
Skype at home would be feasible but I'll keep my cell, thanks.
So millions of us were living "unsafe" prior to 1980? I don't think so. Cell phones = convenience, not necessity.
I don't have a land line, but I do have a cell phone. That said I don't answer it unless it's someone I know and I make less than 4 phone calls a month.
opps, i meant 'holier than thou'...
and well said missbynski
I must agree that giving up all for Skype is a bit much. I have become increasingly anti-cellphone as people now act as if it is an additional heart and without it, they would die.
I have a pay-as-you-go that I struggle to remember to pay because I use it that little. I like to be on the open road, so for sake of my parents and their peace of mind, I keep up with putting a few dollars on it every few months.
I am not anti-tech or anti-cell really, I just HATE the behavior that is now associated with the constant cell phone usage. And I know that's more a People problem than a technology problem.
That being said...we did manage to survive life and all its adventures sans a cell phone attached to the side of our heads for many years past and I have enough faith in humanity that if the cellphone towers should fall, we will somehow manage to persevere.
My problem with most prepaid cells is that the purchased minutes expire within a short time. That wouldn't work well for me. Verizon, T-Mobile, and possibly others offer a prepaid deal that charges $1 for each day you use your phone, plus .10 per minute of usage. If you buy a block of 1000 minutes, the expiration date is one full year later. An emergency-only cellphone for $100 a year doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.
When I think about everything that has gone wrong with my car (and various vehicles I have been traveling in) in the last year, I would have had some AWFUL experiences without a cell phone. When you break down on a busy street, looking for a payphone to call a tow is probably a good way to pay about $250 MORE when the city comes and brings your abandoned vehicle to the impound lot. That sort of eliminates any monetary savings. You could certainly count on the kindness of strangers lending you their phones in emergencies, but then you're not exactly adhering to the "cell phones are a luxury" mantra.
Yes, you CAN live without a phone, but buying some pre-paid minutes will save you a collossal amount of trouble if anything ever happens. 30-50 bucks for having that kind of insurance on hand is a very small price to pay.
I pay $10 a month for my cell phone (great service, I love it http://www.ecallplus.com/). If you've ever had your car break down while out on a roadway you know how critical it is to have a cell phone. I can't remember the last time I say a public pay phone anywhere, and I'd hate to have to be looking for one at 3:00 a.m. in an unfamiliar neighborhood. I gave up my landline several years ago and have considered Skype for travel and for long chats, but there is no way I'd ever give up my cell for a week, much less a year. Safety and convenience are too primary to even consider such action.
@rebeldress, in Texas (or perhaps from SBC) it is called "metered service."
It used to be that one could dial 911 from any cell phone, regardless whether or not there was a service provider involved. The cell phone obviously has to be kept charged, but I believe this is still true.
I've never owned a cell phone, as as years go by I really don't wan't one, which actually surprises salesmen. The only moment I could have used one is in Paris, because even if i can get away with phone booths (which are becoming rare) it does get expensive. However here in my home town I really can live without it. I just have my land line and a usual messenger service. If I had one it would be off most of the time anyhow.
Oh and I've nearly completely stopped watching TV as well... since I have the internet I watch the shows I really like online whenever I want. The TV is gone too, and believe me, it feels good!
I want DSL at home, so that means a landline. Seems silly to pay for a cell phone on top of paying for a landline, so I do without the cell phone. Skype is an incredible deal -- free computer-to-computer international calls -- but calls are dropped and distortion comes and goes.
If you go Free to Air, you can watch all the TV you want, including foreign stations. Not having any phone seems penny wise and pound foolish, but hey, you got a post out of it.
I, for one, can't stand the fact that I'm available all the time with my cell phone. My husband and I spent our first anniversary having a "romantic" dinner with our parents calling us several times to wish us well. Sweet, but annoying when you're trying to spend some time alone. I especially can't stand it when people are indignant that you didn't immediately answer their phone calls (after all - they called your cell phone, right?). I'm also careful to never talk on the phone when I'm checking out at a store - I think it's rude to ignore the clerk. In those respects, I could give up my cellphone in a heartbeat.
I like having it in case of emergencies - especially when I'm driving, but I got by just fine without one in high school and college (back in the "dark ages" ten years ago) - and I think answering the phone while enroute is most likely going to be the cause of any emergencies I may have. Besides, here in Texas, on half the 4 hr. drive to my parents' house or the 8 hr. drive to my husband's parents' house, there's no service anyway because we're in the middle of nowhere.
I do appreciate that if you have a cellphone a land line is probably not necessary.
I have a Canadian pay-as-you-go cell phone that I top up once a year for $100 plus tax. If I couldn't do that, I'd recycle the darn thing. Now if only I could remember to charge it up ...
...I ditched my kitchen... lol saves me about $220 a month, I am considering ditching the internet too that's another $65!
redheadedblonde --
The solution is very simple - Just turn the ringer down and let it go to voicemail.
If anyone comes back with "Why didn't you answer the phone", all you have to say is "I was in a restaurant/on a bus/in a store/at work/at the theatre/in the restroom/taking a nap." - and if they insist on pursuing that mode of conversation, you can say "I'm sorry, but I don't take phone calls in restaurants/on the bus/in stores/at work...
...because it's rude."
I ditched landlines and cable when I went into residency. When we got married, we got Blockbuster by mail. Then my job made me get a landline 'for emergencies'. I'd prefer just a cell and internet, but even so, I have minimum services on the landline, so two cells, broadband, and landline runs me just over 115 a month, and work pays for part of it. So it's the lesser of the evils. I think sometimes about cable, but Hulu's gotten really speedy.
Anyone without a dedicated landline is taking an unnecessary risk. Many carriers offer a low cost emergency only landline solution (typically limited to few calls per month, like $10/month fee).
** Landlines have better E911 response, typically providing exact address rather than 50-100m accuracy. In particualr, SKYPE, Vonage and other similar services are known for sometimes having hiccups with providing right caller information.
** In a true emergency, your cell phone will only work as long as it is charged, and many emergencies are accompanied by extended power outages (unless you have a battery or solar back up charger. Do you?).
** Cell phone is only useful in an emergency assuming it is available and can be found fast (i.e. someone didn't leave it in the car, at the office, with friends, lose it, or it is temporarily disabled b/c you dropped it in the toilet, sat on it, or today is the day it just broke) whereas your landline, by virtue of what it is, will always be there, and landline phones break less often then cellular phones.
** Landlines are more likely to be up and provide service in the event of a true disaster (power outage, like those seen in NY and the northeast US a little while ago, or hurricane, tornado, earthquake, wildfires, whatever your local emergencies are). In part, this is b/c 80-100 years of network planning and redundancy have gone into the landline network, it is a pretty reliable and robust network (well, US and North American networks at any rate).
** Landlines were used for the reverse-911 emergency notification/callback system in southern CA during recent wildfires. In this service, homeowners in affected areas got an automated telephone call to evacuate, some receiving it with just seconds to evacuate their home since the fires were moving so quickely. No landline = no warning call to evacuate NOW.
** And there is a time issue. If you are calling to report an intruder, a heart attack, etc. you want to be able to pick up the phone and dial, not power up the PC and wait for it to connect, log in to the service and make a call (this is even harder to do when you are panicing b/c of the emergency), or start your 'emergency plan', depending on what that plan is.
If you are cancelling things to save $, cancel the internet service and use your local library, university service, WIFI cafe etc. instead and keep the emergency landline.
"one could dial 911 from any cell phone, regardless whether or not there was a service provider involved"
pvett - this is still true. As long as a cell phone can acquire a signal, emergency calls will go through. This fails, though, if the cellular network is down, the phone isn't charged, etc.
I don't have a cell. I knew it wasn't cool, but I had no idea that was something that made me a throwback to a distant age.
I had no cell, landline, internet, or tv for most of 2001-2002. It was honestly one of the best times in my life. My job required me to be on the phone or talking to people all day long, and by the end of the day I appreciated the silence. Family & friends knew they could reach me at work my work number, and there was a payphone outside my building where I could make calls if necessary.
I'm also pretty sure you can make a 911 call from a disconnected landline, as this was the case several years ago.
I don't know that I personally would want to live without any phone-but I think a Skype phone qualifies as a phone. People can certainly reach you-just not 24/7. I am not convinced that we actually need to be available at all times. A cell phone definitely is convenient and there are times when it is very useful, but honestly I think it is a little sad that people would be so appalled that one can't be reached at every moment. Although there aren't as many pay phones as there were 10 years ago, they are definitely around-and in fairly reliable places- in my experience. It is all about personal priorities. I personally would rather not be available at all times and have the $ in my pocket to do other things. Yes this isn't what most people choose, but it is a little tiring to have to justify my choice ALL THE TIME. Sigh. Rant over :)
I think the biggest impact it would have on me is other people getting annoyed about not being able to reach me. it seems that anymore, people have high expectations of being able to reach you no matter what, (thank you cell phones), and get annoyed if they can't. I'm infamous for not picking up if I don't feel like talking or if I'm otherwise occupied, (I will never pick up just to tell someone I'm busy-- I find that ridiculous). I'm often greeted with an almost frantic "where were you?!" the next time I speak with people. it's one of my pet peeves: I do not live my life waiting for phone calls, nor will I interrupt for calls on everyone's else's schedules.
I could also see this impacting one's social life. if you're not easily reached, people may stop trying. and it rules out last minute plans if you don't happen to be home.
however, I do love periods of giving up electonics. I've always loved the times when I've been forced to give up my computer and the internet. it's really quite liberating.
I gave up my land line just over a year ago because I got tired of being charged for NOT making at least $5 worth of long distance calls a month. Customer service would always adjust the fees after I threatened to switch plans, but the charge always reappeared a few months later. I was also irritated that the $10 basic local plan ended up being closer to $30 after all the mandatory utility & maintenance fees, taxes, etc.
The only downside is no dial up internet, but I have great connectivity at work and school and can use vpn over nearby waps in case of emergency.
The reduction of the # of pay phones in town finally caused me to get a cell phone about 3 years ago and I've been very happy with my pay per minute plan. My cute little unsubsidized flip phone was only $20 and I don't pay for minutes or other services I don't use or need.
I keep a pay as you go cell phone only, living in a big city as a single woman I feel safer and through Virgin mobile you can gain free minutes as well, so it figures to be about $20 every 3 months...worht every penny...
It's amazing to me how many people claim to be so "victimized" by their electronics. It's your choice to answer your phone, whether it's on you or not. Keeping yourself and those you love safe is also your choice. I choose to have a cell phone because it's practical, easy, and quite frankly - modern. Yes, it's nice to have the silence and peace without one, but on the flip side, that's what the "silence" option is for.
wow, ive been trying to talk myself into cancelling my cell phone and cable/internet the last few weeks to save money, especially since i want to go back to school too. i've honestly been afraid to "cut the cord". its great to see other people trying the same options and all of the info & opinions in this post!
can you text on them though? i dont like talking on the phone except to catch up with friends i dont get to see. i can be reached on my office phone everyday too. i dont get online at home and the only cable channel i use is hgtv or bravo. i could save almost $200 a month! doesn't having this stuff sound like a waste?
ps- i work 2 jobs, 7 days a week right now. saving $200 a month means i could take a day off a month. (so "lab director", in response to the holier than thou comment, its not actually like that for most people. this is our way of being smart.)
My husband and I have never had cable television and utilize antenna and online TV such as Fancast, Hulu, and offerings from network websites.
We've never had a land line phone and have cell phones only. We utilize a prepaid with a major carrier. I spend only about $10/month on one cell and the other is provided through work. We utilize Gmail and Facebook to communicate to most friends and family for short tidbits and even text messaging. I highly recommend switching to a prepaid. They are now easy to manage and if you use a major carrier you can use their in network free calling! I can't believe some people pay 30-70% more for cell usage!
I've never missed having a landline phone or cable television and will never revert!
On a side note my parents haven't paid for trash service in years. My dad makes a weekly visit to the local dump and saves a good deal on that!
When we were in an apartment between selling our old house and moving to our new one, we knew we wouldn't be there long (~3 months) and we hoped to reclaim our old landline numbers when we moved in (which we did). I dispise cell phones and seldom make ANY phone calls, but my partner is a techie (iPhone) and he gave me an old phone of his with "the dollar per day used, ten cents per call" plan from AT&T. He put $100 on it and most of that is still there. But it's reassuring to have in emergencies -- which I DO have.
(I threw out my back in a severe way, horrible spasm, couldn't even get off the bed to reach the landlilne phone two feet away. The cell allowed me to call for help. Not all emergencies are "out in the world".) People with unreliable cars and travel routes where getting stranded would be dangerous, need something. (When my car stalled, a lot of folks with cells offered to call AAA or whatever FOR me, though, so if there is enough traffic that is a way to be covered.)
I also have an elderly father with a bad heart. I do not ever want to be without a reliable way to be reached, just in case.
This was the cheapest service available, once you have the phone.
We also have cordless phones in for our landlines, but we keep an old hardwired phone for power outages -- the phone line works then, but the cordless phones don't broadcast to the handsets.
I want a cell phone for when I get a flat tire in the middle of rural VA where there are no payphones and I need to call AAA. Oh, and because the whole "being a single woman" thing makes cell phones kind of a safety thing.


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Why are we not surprised that you have a question on IDEA's HQT requirements? You will no doubt agree that IDEA's provisions on highly qualified special educators are nothing short of…um, complicated?
The author of the six FAQs below is none other than Marion Morton Crayton of OSEP itself (the Office of Special Education Programs). The questions and answers are adapted from NICHCY's training package on IDEA 2004, Building the Legacy. You'll find them at the end of Module 7.
Here's a quick-jump list to the topics:
- Regular to special educator?
- When a teacher moves to another state?
- Parent recourse?
- Private school teachers?
- HQT for preschool teachers?
- HQT for paraprofessionals?
Question 1: Regular to Special Educator
If a veteran regular education teacher becomes certified in special education and is re-assigned as a special educator, is that teacher considered a "new" special educator under IDEA?
Answer: Yes. Reference the Department's Q&A on Highly Qualified Teachers—specifically, Question A-2—available online at: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C2%2C
Experienced general education teachers may become newly certified in special education as part of their professional development and career plans. Under §300.18(g)(2), when they are first hired as a special educator, they are considered a new special educator.
Question 2: When a Teacher Moves to Another State
If a special education teacher taught in State 1 and now teaches in State 2, is he or she considered "new" in State 2?
Answer: No. As the Department responds in its Q&A on HQT:
A special education teacher who has been teaching in one State and begins teaching in a different State is not considered "new to the profession." States may choose to honor another State's licensure or certification and determination of competence in core academic subjects based on the other State's High Objective Uniform State Standards of Evaluation (HOUSSE) procedures. On the other hand, a State may choose to require teachers from other States to satisfy its own certification or licensure requirements, and to demonstrate competency in the core academic subjects that they teach under the new State's standards and procedures. ( p. 3)
Question 3: Parent Recourse
What recourse do parents have if there are no highly qualified teachers available?
Answer: Here again, we'd like to reference the Department's Q&A on HQT of January 2007 (see Question C-1). A similar question was asked, and the answer is very relevant. The Department said:
Questions about whether a teacher is highly qualified are not ones on which parents or students can get any relief through a due process hearing. See 34 CFR §§300.18(f) and 300.156(e). The language in the regulation that 'nothing in this part shall be construed to create a right of action' means that a claim that a teacher is not highly qualified may not serve as a basis for relief for an individual student or class of students under IDEA. (p. 5)
So what's a parent to do, then? Again, from the Department's Q&A:
If concerns arise about whether a special education teacher is highly qualified, the Department encourages parents to try to resolve issues at the school level. It would make sense for them to talk to their child's principal first, before doing anything else, to find out what the school is doing to ensure that the teacher gets the training that he or she needs to meet the highly qualified standards. If they are not satisfied with the steps the LEA is taking, they could file a complaint with the State educational agency (SEA). An organization or an individual other than a parent of a child served under IDEA may also file a complaint about staff qualifications with the SEA, consistent with the State complaint procedures in 34 CFR §§300.151 through 300.153. (Id.)
Question 4: Private School Teachers
If an LEA sends a teacher to a private school to fulfill a child's IEP, does that teacher have to be highly qualified?
Answer: Yes, any public elementary or secondary school teacher must meet the highly qualified requirements under both NCLB and IDEA. (Id., Question H-2, p. 10)
Note: The provisions regarding highly qualified special education teachers and private schools are found at §§300.18(h), 300.138, and 300.146(b). The module on parentally-placed private school children with disabilities (Module 16) extensively discusses both §§300.138 and 300.146(b).
Question 5: HQT for Preschool
What are the highly qualified teacher requirements for… preschool?
Answer, again from the Department's Q&A:
The highly qualified special education teacher requirements apply to all public elementary and secondary school special education teachers, including early childhood or preschool teachers if a State includes the early childhood or preschool programs as part of its elementary and secondary school system. If the early childhood or preschool program is not a part of a State's public elementary and secondary school system, the highly qualified special education teacher requirements do not apply. (Id., Question E-1, p. 7)
Question 6: HQT for Paraprofessionals
What are the highly qualified teacher requirements for…paraprofessionals?
Answer, yet again from the Department's Q&A:
Qualifications for paraprofessionals must be consistent with any State-approved or State-recognized certification, licensing, registration, or other comparable requirements that apply to the professional discipline in which those personnel are providing special education or related services. Paraprofessionals and assistants may be used to assist in the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities if they are appropriately trained and supervised, in accordance with State law, regulation, or written policy. (Id., Question I-1, p. 11)
The Department also discussed this matter in the Analysis of Comments and Changes that accompanied publication of the final Part B regulations. In addition to answer the question in the same way, the Department went on to say:
In addition, the ESEA requires that paraprofessionals, including special education paraprofessionals who assist in instruction in title I-funded programs, have at least an associate's degree, have completed at least two years of college, or meet a rigorous standard of quality and demonstrate, through a formal State or local assessment, knowledge of, and the ability to assist in instruction in reading, writing, and mathematics, reading readiness, writing readiness, or mathematics readiness, as appropriate. Paraprofessionals in title I schools do not need to meet these requirements if their role does not involve instructional support, such as special education paraprofessionals who solely provide personal care services. For more information on the ESEA requirements for paraprofessionals, see 34 CFR 200.58 and section 1119 of the ESEA, and the Department's nonregulatory guidance, Title I Paraprofessionals (March 1, 2004), which can be found on the Department's Web site at: http://www.ed.gov/policy/elsec/guid/paraguidance.pdf.
We believe these requirements are sufficient to ensure that children with disabilities receive services from paraprofessionals who are appropriately and adequately trained. (71 Fed. Reg. at 46554)
U.S. Department of Education. (2007, January). Questions and answers on highly qualified teachers serving children with disabilities. Washington, DC: Author. Available online at: http://idea.ed.gov/explore/view/p/%2Croot%2Cdynamic%2CQaCorner%2C2%2C


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Why The Oregon Consortium and Oregon Workforce Alliance?
We are committed to ensuring that rural citizens have access to high quality, cost effective and efficient services that meet the needs of businesses by building the skills of the current, transitional and emerging workforce. This commitment is made with the knowledge that this work will assist individuals to achieve their goals for successful employment and quality lives and will build sustainable, vibrant communities.
Our strength and ability to deliver on this commitment is vested in the network of rural contractors and partners with whom we invest our resources and with whom we share a unique level of partnership and support.
The focus of both boards and our local contractor / partners is on building prosperity, as well as effectively connecting individuals to quality services.
To explore current initiatives please visit our Projects page.
What it means for Oregon…
TOC/OWA has built and continues to grow a reliable workforce development system in rural Oregon. We rely on the network of partners and contractors whom we have worked with many years to help nurture the network and to ensure that workforce development services are provided to job seekers in a way that is responsive to the needs of workers, employers and communities.
Services include, but are not limited to, career counseling, training and search assistance. To find out more about services please visit our Partners page.
Our mission is to Help Rural Oregon Workand collectively we are working to accomplish this by assuring that rural citizens, business and industry have the skills necessary, to compete in the global economy.


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Olympus mju 725SW review (Olympus Stylus 725SW)
Review Date : Mon, 4 Dec 2006
Author : WDC Team
- Sample Photos: View sample shots from the Olympus mju 725 SW
Hard-bodied compact, the Olympus mju 725SW (Olympus Stylus 725SW) gets minimal upgrade. Our Olympus mju 725SW review test the camera's features...
|Solid build and feel, Shockproof and waterproof
|Fringing, Lens flare, Noise and camera shake, Priced at a slight premium
Available in a choice of three colours, the Olympus mju 725SW (Olympus Stylus 725SW in the US) is similar to its mju 720 SW predecessor in many ways.
It features a 3x zoom, claims to be shockproof when dropped a distance up to 1.5m, and is waterproof to depths of 5m (the 720 managed three). Its top ISO speed is 1600.
With the back dominated by the 2.5in LCD, there's no optical viewfinder. Attendant controls are small, but responsive. The 725's all-metal body is rugged and slots easily into both palm and pocket.
The 725 powers up instantly. There's little shutter lag and write time is similarly swift, though it's easy for fingertips to stray into shot. If we're nit picking, the LCD displays ghosting under artificial light. Still, the menu screens are very easy to navigate.
Image Quality
Typically, there's evidence of purple fringing between areas of high contrast, and colours are slightly washed out when compared with the vivid default results from competing compacts. Shots in less than bright light are soft due to camera shake - despite the dedicated image stabilisation setting - plus there's visible noise.
Value For Money
The 725 SW is at the top of the price bracket for its class; you're paying a premium for its rough and tumble features and sealed, all-metal build.
Outwardly desirable, but pictures lack punch. Still, when dropped, the Mju 725SW gives hope to the butter-fingered by coming back for more rather than shattering.


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So, starting with Burberry, she got herself, my mother and I an eyeshadow each and couldn't resist the Limited Edition Summer Glow powder!
Left to Right: Midnight Plum (My sister's), Almond (Mine), Antique Rose (My Mother's)
Top to Bottom: Almond, Midnight Plum, Antique Rose
Almond: A medium brown shade a little less warmer than MAC's Cork. This shade is pretty much matte with a tiny bit of sheen which is actually very flattering. This looks fabulous when blending out darker colours, especially cool ones. I know it doesn't look like much but it seriously transforms an eye look.
Midnight Plum: The beauty of this colour is clear in its swatch. I think I'm going to have to get this for myself because I feel as though for olive skin tones it's the perfect purple/plum. Plus these sorts of colours really compliment brown eyes.
Antique Rose: A rosy mauve colour that looks quite demure once applied. I would pair this with a taupe - might sound strange but I'm thinking of Nars' Limited Edition Duo in Grand Palais where they paired a rosy shade with a taupe and it's actually very easy to create a soft wearable look combining the two.
All the Burberry eyeshadows (£23) that I have tried are very pigmented soft and easy to work with - honestly my favourite luxury brand - for a full breakdown on the texture please check out my previous review here!
Burberry Sheer Summer Glow Natural Highlighting Compact
This powder is incredibly soft, long lasting and blends very easily (£42, 10g) - it does not sit on the skin and accentuate pores so can be used on a wide variety of skin types. Unlike other highlighters Burberry's Summer Glow (mixture of peachy and tan tones) has an extremely muted amount of shimmer that intends to add a glow to wherever you use it. Depending on your complexion you might be able to use the darker quadrants to contour your face but I only think that'll work if you are fair. One can definitely use this as a natural highlight or all over the face if your just want to look a little bit more illuminated and glowy/healthy whilst setting your makeup too. The palette can also be used on the eyes very easily.
Squares swatched separately
Swirled all together
All of Burberry's packaging is really something to look at and they pair attention to every speck of their design. Furthermore, all of their compacts have a magnetic closure.
Tom Ford Cherry Lush
Cherry Lush (£36) is a gorgeous, highly pigmented raspberry red. Tom Ford's lipsticks have incredibly luxurious packaging with a creamy finish that is moisturising but surprisingly very long lasting, on me they last around 5 hours and subsequently leave a stain afterwards. They are very expensive and not something that everyone needs (other higher end brands will do) to have but if you do want to try them - you're not going to be disappointed.
Traceless Foundation - Sable
This colour would be comparable to NC30/35 and dries to a semi matte finish. Traceless Foundation is Tom Ford's lighter coverage foundation but buildable to a medium coverage, even still not much is needed but make sure you buff it in well so it looks as natural as possible. I would only recommend this if you are looking for something to even out your skin tone. Additionally, I think this would be best suited for combination skin as the texture is consistency and texture is quite normal (not overly luminous or matte) Nonetheless, if looking from the price perspective (£60) I would say it's definitely not worth it as there are many more foundations offering the similar thing for a lot less - e.g MAC Face and Body, Bourjois Healthy Mix.
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen
Tom Ford Illuminating Highlight Pen: Sable Intense (concealer tone), Lavender Voile (pink based)
Another take on Touche Eclat, these clicky pens come in many different correcting shades. The consistency is thicker and offer more coverage similar to Sleek's Luminaire Highlighting Concealing Pen but around about 10 times the price (£40). Having said that they do blend very nicely and Lavender Voile works particularly well at neutralising dark under eyes.
Tom Ford is available here at:
House of Fraser
Burberry is available at Harrods and Harvey Nichols
Did anything catch your attention?


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Boeing's next twin-aisle strategy: Aspire Aviation has this long article looking at when Boeing will launch the 787-10 and 777X.
Our thoughts on the topic: We are hearing EIS for the 787-10, as Aspire reports, will be 2018 or beyond and that EIS for the 777X will likely be 2020 or beyond. As always, the situation is fluid and things could change. Aspire's projection of a formal 787-10 launch in June is timed, probably not so coincidentally, for the Paris Air Show. (Unlike the boring Farnborough Air Show, Paris already is shaping up as a prospectively exciting show. Bombardier announced first flight of the CSeries is now expected in June [before, during or after the Show?] and Airbus would like to fly the A350 before the show–something that will likely be a challenge.)
We know Boeing continues to wait as long as it can in hopes Airbus will commit to a final design of the A350-1000 before launching the 777X, but time may be running out unless Boeing is willing to extend the gap between EIS of the -1000 and EIS of the 777X.
A 2018 or later EIS of the 787-10 means Boeing will avoid the EIS of two airplanes (the MAX and the -10) simultaneously, which could be a lesson-learned from the 787/747-8 programs. Readers may recall that Jim Albaugh, former CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes, said Boeing would avoid this in the future after experiencing the problems of the two programs.
Perhaps, and this is speculation, extending the time between EIS of the 787-10 and the 777X is partly driven by the same concern.
Given program history, at least some Wall Street analysts we've talked with are already raising the prospect that the 737 MAX EIS (4Q2017) might slip. Why? They are concerned about the broadening design creep as well as development of the CFM LEAP-1B. Can they point to anything concrete? Not yet. Chalk the conversation up to Boeing's poor performance on the 787 and 747-8 programs and the fact that there are still industrial issues with the 787 suppliers, according to the chatter.
You read it here first: Aviation Week reports Lion Air is considering Airbus A320s to supplement its Boeing 737 fleet. We reported this on September 24.


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- Rachel Lehmann-Haupt
- Sausalito, CA
- United States
Senior Editor, TED Books, TED Books
This conversation is closed.
How can we make science, technology, engineering, and math education more fun for kids? Join our live Q&A on February 13th at 3PM Eastern
In "Save Our Science: How to Inspire a New Generation of Scientists," Yale professor Ainissa Ramirez makes an impassioned call for a recommitment to improve science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) education in our schools and throughout our society. She describes what habits we need to change to make STEM fun again, as well as a plan for how to increase every child's participation in these disciplines.
Ramirez notes that the artist Pablo Picasso once said that all children are born artists and that the trick is to stay that way as an adult. She believes that all children have an inner scientist within them, and we need to get them in touch with their inner scientist again.
Buy and read the book:
Or download the TED Books app for your iPad or iPhone . (http://www.ted.com/pages/tedbooks) A subscription costs $4.99 a month, and is an all-you-can-read buffet.
Author and TED Speaker Ainissa Ramirez will be joining us for a one-hour live conversation on Wednesday, FEB 13th at 12PM PST/3PM EST.
Mark your calendars!
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Feb 13 2013: Hello.
I am using LEGO® elements to teach different aspects of STEM to home school students. They have fun building and learn how the model they just built relates to things they have experienced in the real world. If time permits, I challenge them to alter what they have built to create something bigger / more powerful / faster. They have fun and learn at the same time.
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Best and Worst Player
Best Player
Goal Choice
Thiago SilvaPSG Position: Defender
Fan Choice
Thiago SilvaPSG Position: Defender
Worst Player
Goal Choice
HeltonPorto Position: Goalkeeper
Fan Choice
HeltonPorto Position: Goalkeeper
Team Ratings
S. Sirigu
A competent performance by the Italy international, who returned from injury at the weekend. Porto's equaliser was by no means his fault, though one nervy moment in the second half almost saw him concede. Came up big for his side with a fantastic block against Martinez.
Thiago Silva
The captain rebounded from poor performances in the past week to score a fantastic opener. Showed incredible composure to power his header in off the bar and was a solid presence at the back. His booking for a challenge on Martinez was the one blot on his copybook.
The Brazilian was reasonably reliable but he must take some blame for failing to pick up Jackson Martinez for the Porto equaliser. However, that said, the former Chelsea centre-back was a main figure in thwarting the opposition as the match progressed.
Was more of an attacking threat after reverting back to his favoured left-back role for the club. Picked up an assist, but was otherwise not particularly active going forward.
G. van der Wiel
Much improved in attack, his crosses proved more than a handful for Alex Sandro, though his static defensive positioning will again be a concern.
J. Ménez
Again, the main source of PSG's attacking forays, the winger contributed a fair amount to his side's chances. Was well marshalled by Danilo but improved in the second period and tested Helton further.
J. Pastore
Looked isolated on the right during the first half but improved noticeably after the break and was unlucky not to get himself on the scoresheet with a technically superb volley. Replaced with a couple of minutes left.
B. Matuidi
Rebounded from his shock red card at the weekend to maintain his good form for les Parisiens so far this season. A key figure in midfield, he started various attacking opportunities for his side.
C. Chantôme
The defensive midfielder enjoyed a decent outing and can be happy with his energy and composure in a competitive midfield.
Z. Ibrahimovic
Ibrahimovic's influence waned the longer the game went on, and despite early opportunities against Helton - in which he was denied by the goalkeeper - he would generally drop deeper to help carve out chances. Lucky not to have been booked in the opening stages. Missed a glaring opportunity to put the game to bed, prompting boos from some sections of the crowd.
E. Lavezzi
The former Napoli star is beginning to show flashes of his previous brilliance. He was a menace for the Portuguese side to contend with, though he was gifted a goal by Helton's error. Went off with 14 minutes to go for Marco Verratti.
The Brazilian goalkeeper was unusually suspect at the Parc des Princes. Uncertain when to come for the ball, his night went from bad to worse after conceding howler by allowing Lavezzi's weak shot to squirm under him and into the net. A night to forget.
E. Mangala
The Frenchman shrugged off an average start at the Parc des Princes. More solid than his centre-back partner, though he struggled against the strength of Zlatan Ibrahimovic for large swathes of the game.
Alex Sandro
The left-back could not exactly manage to suppress the creativity of Menez, but an assured stint at the back would contribute well to Porto's solid rearguard.
N. Otamendi
The Argentine defender had a busy night In Paris. Lost out physically to Ibrahimovic, though a series of interceptions proved vital for his side. Somehow, easily beaten by Menez for pace but, other than that, could not be faulted for a goalkeeping error that saw the match swing in PSG's favour.
Surprisingly, the right-back was bright, as he found the perfect balance of attack and defence for the Portuguese giants. An unlikely source for Porto's equaliser, he was a threat down the right flank. His game deteriorated towards the end, however.
João Moutinho
The Portugal international was particularly muted in midfield, as he preferred to sit back and leave creative duties to Lucho Gonzalez. Didn't offer much further forward.
The Brazilian midfielder was unassuming in his play. Did his best to assert his authority in the centre of the field before being replaced by the more advanced Steven Defour midway through the second half.
J. Rodríguez
The match-winner the last time these sides met in Portugal on matchday 2, Rodriguez was upstaged by his compatriot, but nevertheless excelled on occasions with tussles with Clement Chantome. Cut a frustrated figure, with his mood only worsening after a silly booking.
L. González
The commanding figure in the middle of the park, 'El Comandante' was constantly creative chances and instigating openings. However, he also missed a glaring opportunity midway through the second half.
Silvestre Varela
The Portugal winger was surprisingly ineffectual and could not dictate attacking play down his flank. Didn't trouble the back four nearly as much as the other front two. Came off for Atsu with minutes to go.
J. Martínez
The Colombian forward was arguably one of the better players on show as he constantly proved to be a threat for PSG's stuttering defence. Tested Sirigu with a powerful effort, before heading in a fine equaliser. He would be denied in the second half by the PSG No.1 again.


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I am selling my 1/1 Bobamaker costume. This is why I am not here much. Too depressing. He has been sitting half complete for a while but now he needs a new home. As you all know Bobamaker is widely considered one of the best Boba prop makers out there. He is a great guy as well.
The paint is not the right color on some of it. It was painted before I discovered the great tutorials, however the chrome on the helmet and shoulder studs came out great and some of the helmet colors look great. I think the armor, top of helmet, maybe cheeks, and shoulder/knee armor need to be different.
The flight suit has been lightened as well. I felt it was too bluish gray like ESB and wanted it more accurate to ROTJ light aircraft gray color. I set it in the sun for a number of days and it worked great. Looks just like ROTJ.
Flight suit and flack jacket are build for me at 5'10" and quite chubby so if your bigger it will fit fine and if skinny you can tighten, etc. I found when I tried it all on Boba just does not look right chubby so I decided it would stay on the mannaquin until I was skinny enough to look good in it.
I figure this will save someone about $300+ which will take care of the gunbelt and girth belt. Awesome versions are available here of course, or it could take a big chunck out of the cost of a Bobamaker jetpack or gauntlets and/or will pay for either a set of Manofwarstudious gauntlets or jetpack which are also considered among the best as you know.
I'll get another Boba down the road along with all that I am still missing. I will have a complete Boba in my collection but for now I need funds for the move and a few props that may not be available in the future.
*******The Blaster is NOT NOT included**********
SORRY NO TRADES and NO PARTING OUT. It all goes or all stays.
What I have is the following:
Chest and shoulder armor
Flack Jacket
Collar and back armor
Cod and Butt Armor
Belt pouches
Knee armor with Darts
Boot spats
Shin tools
Wookie braids
Flight suit.
This would run $1,200 to $1,300 plush shipping from Bobamaker oversees.
$900 shipped in the U.S.


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Keeping live aquatic plants in your home or work environment can be quite a fascinating and visually rewarding hobby. Collecting and growing plants such as java ferns or water wisteria brings the richness and verdancy of natural plant life right to you.
The Fluval Flora Aquatic Plant Kit is equipped with everything you need to create the ideal aquatic environment for natural plants.
A key component in the kit is the CO2 supply system. The Aquatic Plant Kit includes a reliable Mini CO2 system to ensure that nature's most important plant nutrient is available to maintain vigorous, lush and vibrant plant growth.
Aquarium capacity: 30 L (7.9 U.S. gal.)
Aquarium size: 35 x 30 x 30 cm (13.7 x 11.8 x 11.8 in)
- Seamless front panel aquarium with glass top.
- Comprehensive care guide for the advanced or beginner .
- Nano internal filter ensures proper filtration, for clear water and a healthy environment.
- Balanced full spectrum lighting promotes vigorous plant growth.
- Planted aquariums usually lack CO2
- The Fluval Mini CO2 system will ensure that the most important nutrient is available to plants to maintain vigorous, lush and vibrant growth.
- Fluval Stratum is the ideal substrate for aquatic plants to help stimulate plant growth.
- Nutrafin Plant Gro promotes vigorous growth and vibrant colors in plants.
- Rock background is installed and molded from actual rock, adding realism to the kit.


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Jason Frasor Signs with the Rangers
Farewell to the Sausage King! After 9 years with the Toronto Blue Jays, Jason Frasor has signed with the Texas Rangers. Frasor remains as the Blue Jays all-time appearance leader with 505 career appearances.
While he wasn't necessarily the flashiest relief pitcher, Jason Frasor was an often unheralded member of the Blue Jays bullpen.
He was also an incredibly durable reliever during his tenure in Toronto, as Frasor only went on the DL once during his nine seasons with the Blue Jays … and the first time happened just this past year.
Frasor commented how the two brief months he spent in Chicago were among the best of his career, so frankly I'm not surprised Jason decided to sign somewhere else. A $1.5 million contract is a huge bargain and Frasor will do well with the Rangers.
- captainlatte likes this
- bortsmademedoit said: i was pretty bummed out to see that he left today when i got home today :(
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- bluejayhunter posted this