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Here's your nature porn for the day: a long exposure of the night sky over the aptly named Very Large Telescope array in Chile.
Clean Air
Julianne Moore wants clean air for kids
Did you guys know Julianne Moore wrote a children's book? This is apparently the thing celebrities do when they're over 25 (under 25, they start a perfume line). It's about the heartbreak of being a ginger, and not about environmental stuff at all, but that isn't stopping Moore from plugging it in her video for the Moms Clean Air Force. (It's a little labored -- something about polluters being bullies.)
Obama makes strong call for clean energy — oh, and drilling and fracking too
Clean energy rocks. Nice, deserving people get jobs at wind-turbine plants. Solyndra-style investments are critical. Oil-industry subsidies suck. Energy efficiency is an economic engine. We need to drill, baby, drill. And we need to frack, baby, frack.
Those weren't the words, but those were the sentiments in the energy portion of President Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night. He dedicated a significant chunk of the speech to energy issues, making an unexpectedly vigorous appeal for renewable power, cleantech investment, and efficiency -- as well as for natural-gas fracking and oil drilling.
Shocking but true! The director of 'Revenge of the Electric Car' wants to chat with you!
Director Chris Paine chatted with Grist readers about his latest film, Revenge of the Electric Car, which comes out on DVD this week after a nationwide tour.
Paine's 2006 documentary, Who Killed the Electric Car?, told the tale of the EV-1, a prototype electric car created, then buried, by General Motors. Revenge of the Electric Car is the sequel, and follows the saga of four men, all racing to create a plug-in vehicle for the mass market, for the luxury set, or just for the pure awesomeness of it. (Read our review of the film here.)
North Carolina gets great clean air news
Great clean air news out of North Carolina today - the Sierra Club and four of our key allies are announcing a settlement that will retire 1,600-megawatts of dirty coal power. North Carolina has long been a clean air leader, from passing the landmark Clean Smokestacks Act a decade ago, which requires all coal plants in the state to install pollution controls, to taking legal action calling on neighboring states to clean up the coal pollution blowing into the Tarheel State. From the Smoky Mountains to the Outer Banks, the people of North Carolina are passionate about clean air. As …
Critical List: E.U. court OKs airline carbon emission scheme; climate change kills frankincense
The E.U.'s version of the Supreme Court decided that it's totally cool for the E.U. to require flights originating elsewhere to participate in its carbon-emissions trading plans. Later today, the EPA will announce new regulations for power plants that limit mercury and other emissions. Climate change: also killing Christmas. Okay, just the production of frankincense, and to be fair, we're not sure what that's for. But if you need a gift for a magic baby in the future, you might be one-third out of luck. The Interior Department just approved a solar project in Arizona and a wind farm in …
Three cheers for new mercury pollution standards
New mercury pollution standards: something everyone should celebrate.Environmentalists and public health advocates have a reason to stand up and cheer: Finalized rules to cut down on mercury air pollution are set to be announced today by the EPA. But economists can also feel good about this holiday-season gift of clean air: Two decades of agency analysis have found the EPA's new mercury standards for power plants to be overwhelmingly cost-benefit justified. With annual compliance costs around $11 billion, and health benefits estimated to be up to $140 billion per year, even the most hard-nosed bean counter should be feeling festive. …
Critical List: Seattle bans plastic bags; at least 100 million trees died in Texas this year
Seattle is banning retail stores from giving out single-use plastic bags. Paper bags will cost a nickel. Google is investing $94 million in solar projects. As many as 500 million trees died in the Texas drought this year. India could join the U.S. in officially complaining that China's been selling solar panels at too low a price. In the Chinese province of Guangdong, protestors are pinning air pollution on a coal-fired power plant and want it moved.
Finally: New air toxics rules for power plants
Cross-posted from the World Resources Institute. The post was written by Nicholas Bianco, senior associate for WRI's climate and energy program. As the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) prepares to release new mercury and air toxics standards, some people may be wondering about the history and timeline for these standards. One senator recently claimed that EPA is "charging ahead" with them. These standards, however, have been in development for over 20 years. These are standards that many plants are already meeting. Furthermore, 11 of the 15 largest coal utilities, roughly half of the nation's coal fleet, have informed their shareholders …
GOP tries to force Big Coal's poison pill on tax cut bill
Cross-posted from ThinkProgress Green. GOP leadership in Congress has decided to use must-pass payroll tax cut legislation as a vehicle to push key polluter priorities, despite a veto threat from the White House. House Republicans have attached a rider to extend a Clean Air Act loophole for the coal industry, daring a White House veto. The coal-powered poison pill, inserted into Title I, Section B of H.R. 3630 as the "EPA Regulatory Relief Act," would establish a five-year delay in Boiler Maximum Available Control Technology (MACT) rules, striking down four Environmental Protection Agency rules. Section A is Rep. Lee Terry's …


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"You need to change the way you teach in order to integrate OER"
What are the challenges of OER? How are they affecting the academic world? These are some of the questions answered by three professors from The Open University: Patrina Law, Senior Manager for Strategic Projects in the Institute of Educational Technology, Patrick Mc Andrew, Professor of Open Education and Martin Weller, Professor of Educational Technology.
How has been your experience with OER at your university?
Martin Weller: In terms of open access publishing, we were a pioneer a long time ago, with a journal we had called JIME before the term open access publishing was around. That was in 1996 and it's still going on. We also have a few other open access publishings.
Patrick McAndrew: In terms of OER, The Open University launched OpenLearn back in 2006. It was an experiment for us and it succeeded. Since 2008, we've been operating OpenLearn as part of way the University acts. The material is available openly and for free under a Creative Commons license. That has had a big impact on the university in terms of how we work with others and how we make our material available. It has proved to attract students, so we see it as a significant actor in the world of open education.
Patrina Law: We have several hundred course texts on OpenLearn website. The challenge now is that people want our material in different formats. The heavy use of mobile devices is a new challenge. The Open University is in a quite unique position as it publishes its own resources. We have our own publishing house, we don't use external contractors or any other suppliers to achieve these goals, we have it all here, including the most important part: research into OER.
Why is the release of open content that essential for the academic world?
Martin Weller: Open Access has changed since the university was founded in 1969. But it's always been part of our DNA. The aim of an academic community is to get your research disseminated. You're not going to be rich on the back of an academic book but you want to reach as many people as possible. Open Access gives you this opportunity. Every three months, I publish a "metajournal" with articles from different journals on education technologies. This wouldn't be possible with articles behind a paywall because I wouldn't have the right to republish them.
Patrick McAndrew: There's so much available as free access on the internet. We need to be a part of that in order to retain the access that people need to look at what we're doing. We not only need access to be free but also to be open. That allows users to understand how they can republish or reuse it. It's hard to justify now an approach where openness is not part of how we operate. Those who ignore openness close themselves off from opportunities and take the risk of actually being ignored in the world today.
Patrina Law: There are over 600 courses available as OER from The Open University. There can't be a course-writing academic amongst our staff who hasn't come across the concept of OER. However, we're not good at creating courses from open content. It's not currently built into our production processes. So this is something that we'll be looking at this year.
How important will be the OER in the future of education?
Martin Weller: It's difficult to argue for a closed model but I don't think we will move to a completely open world. I think universities will still have something you will have to pay for. They need to have a sustainable business model. Increasingly, the institutions will have policies on open access. Openness becomes a core component of the studies in the university. And the role of the teacher changes because you can't give a lecture on a topic while someone can watch a video from a professor in Stanford who may be more expert than you are. So you need to change the way you teach in order to integrate OER.
Patrick McAndrew: I think a revolution is going to come and this will cause us to rethink what it means to be a learner. I think it's vital to have an open approach; otherwise we cannot meet the scale of the challenge. We have to find new ways in which we can support learners.
Patrina Law: The Open University's approach to distributing OER is quite different from other institutions. For example, we have a partnership with the BBC. So our audience doesn't necessarily come across us through simply googling us or finding us on iTunesU. It could be because they watched an OU collaborative TV programme. The BBC has allowed us to reach millions. So we have a slightly different approach. It has raised the question of: who are the non web informal learners? And how can we best serve them?
How will MOOCs force teachers to rethink their way of teaching?
Martin Weller: I think MOOCs are interesting. We're going to run a few at the OU. For certain audiences, they work very well. But there are some dangers. You might end up with a small number of global providers, which could be an ironic victory for open education, it would be less open than it used to be. Another issue is that they tend to suit experienced learners better. But in general they're a good thing, they're complementary to traditional education. People are scared that they would overturn universities but actually there's a process that makes an informal learner become a formal learner, and MOOCs help do that.
Patrick McAndrew: In Minnesota, they have banned Coursera because it is providing education outside of the rules of the State. It is not approved as an official provider of higher education. That means people have seen it as a threat to the existing education system. The MOOCs show a way that higher education can be made available through the internet.
What we're trying to do is to use a gentle approach to encourage learners. But some current MOOCs are emulating a sort of test-based culture that might put off less experienced learners. So MOOCs are part of the mix but there's a bigger area of open education still to be tackled.
Patrina Law: From an Open University perspective, because we already have the infrastructure in place to create online open courses, the question for us is purely whether or not there is business case for doing so. And that's the thing we need a crystal ball for.
Can OER reduce the inequalities in education?
Patrick McAndrew: Yes it can. We have found that using OER has helped us work with US Community Colleges and charities to support learners from disadvantaged backgrounds or who are struggling with starting to learn at college.
Patrina Law: It depends on the OER. Certain of the large OER projects and initiatives that we see in the US are aimed at those who are already privileged and who have the required educational background to tackle some of the subjects being offered. Hence, this is offering free education to those who have already had access to a good education. Other OER projects do help to reduce inequalities. We learnt at the OER2012 conference in Cambridge this year, that the Indonesian Department of Education is going to use OER to reach its millions of people dispersed on thousands of islands and in doing so, level the playing field in terms of access to higher education. Their challenge was to persuade academics to make their material open, and in meeting the infrastructure requirement of bringing internet connectivity to those thousands of islands.

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Motorists hoping to find downtown St. Charles from Route 370 or Highway 364 after the closure of the westbound span of the Blanchette Bridge will have some help.
The city plans to spend $31,579 on big blue and white wayfinding signs which will be placed at strategic locations.
The signs will point traffic toward the major attractions in the city, identified by a consultant as the Family Arena, Convention Center, Casino and Historic District.
St. Charles is hoping to minimize the impact of the closure of the westbound span of the Blanchette Bridge, which is expected to start in early November and last up to nine months.
While the westbound span of the bridge is closed, westbound traffic will move to the eastbound span of the bridge and there will be three lanes in each direction. The Missouri Department of Transportation is encouraging drivers to use other routes during rush hour.
A committee comprising community members, and representatives from SSM Healthcare, Ameristar Casino, Greater St. Charles Chamber of Commerce and MoDOT worked on the proposal for the signs, which will be located throughout the city.
Carol Felzien, St. Charles director of communication, said the city has also created maps for store owners to use and provide to customers. (Find those maps by clicking the photo above).
Felzien said the city worked with MoDOT to create point-by-point driving directions which people can use or read over the phone to motorists trying to get to the city.
"We're looking forward to people having easy access and not having any difficulty," she said. "I think we've got it covered."
Councilman Jerry Reese, Ward-6, lives on the west side of the city and said he thinks many people aren't aware of the closure or aren't sure what they will do when the westbound span of the bridge closes.
The city and MoDOT have held a number of meetings with but many were poorly attended.
"That first day is going to be a nightmare," he said, adding that when traffic piles up back to Mid Rivers Mall Drive, people's eyes will be opened. "I'm believing that the first week is going to be a nightmare for people to try to get around."
Read our earlier stories about the Blanchette Bridge closure:
- Q & A: Business Owners Ask Questions About Blanchette Bridge Lane Closure
- Business Owners Brace for Blanchette Bridge Lane Closure
- MoDOT Awards Contract for I-70 Blanchette Bridge


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EXCLUSIVE: Women may comprise only 2.9 percent of director hires at Warner Bros. in the past five years, according to a recent viral infographic (the best numbers, over at Disney, hit only 7.4 percent), but the studio is off to a solid start with their female-centric action pic The Athena Project. Neophyte scribe Ashleigh Powell has been hired to adapt Brad Thor's New York Times bestseller about an all-lady commando team, which has UFC fighter Ronda Rousey attached to star.
If you're keeping tabs on up and coming female voices in genre, here's one to add to a woefully short list. Powell landed on WB's radar with the 2012 spec sale of her Black List script Somacell, a dystopian thriller about a female prison guard who discovers that the virtual reality process that rehabilitates convicts is not all it promises to be. Read More »


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Albany- Georgia is one of only two systems in the nation that still requires admission tests for students at two-year schools, but the state Board of Regents is reviewing whether to do away with that and replace it with a minimum grade point average requirement.
Admissions officials at Darton College say even if the board drops the SAT requirement, students should still take it.
"Even if the SAT is eliminated, if you've taken the SAT or you take it, you can still use those scores to place out of placement testing," says Terri Carroll.
Darton officials say dropping testing requirements may be a good move, but raising the minimum GPA a student must have to enroll could be problematic for students wanting to enroll in two-year schools.
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Clinton Herald
RUSSELLVILLE, Ark. —
December 31, 1926 - February 21, 2013
Phyllis Elaine Schumacher, 86, of Russellville, Ar., passed away Thursday, February 21, 2013 in Russellville. The daughter of Golden and Edna (Brown) Davis, she was born December 31, 1926 in Rantoul, Illinois. She was preceded in death by her parents; a daughter Pamela Conover; and two grandchildren: Michelle Brock 1985 and Joshua Howard 1978.
She married Joseph Howard Sr. in 1944 in Biloxi Mississippi. She later married Dallas Fred Schumacher in 1980 in Clinton.
Left to cherish her memory is her husband, Dallas Schumacher of Russellville, two daughters; Patricia Colbert of Sacramento, CA and Phyllis (Stephen) Slattery of Dubuque; a son, Joseph (Rachel) Howard Jr. of Camanche; 7 grandchildren and 17 great-grand-children.
Cremation arrangements are under the direction of Humphrey Funeral Services in Russellville. A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date in Dubuque for family and friends.


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Kenneth Rapoza, Contributor
I cover Brazil, Russia, India & China.
Swiss tennis champion Roger Federer goes to the Shanghai Masters this weekend with security and body guards like he's never had before.
Chinese and international news agencies reported Saturday from Beijing that a tiny niche market newspaper called the Shanghai Youth Daily uncovered a "plot" to "kill Federer in order to exterminate tennis."
Because, yes, tennis is killing us all. It is worse than climate change (a liberal hoax), worse than Islamofascism (a neo-con hoax that is soooo 2004) and worse than Iran's nukes (we're still working on that one).
I am willing to bet that this is the work of a Chinese kid in his parents Shanghai houseboat operating his blog from his Galaxy smartphone and getting his craziness picked up by a smaller paper that later leads to every major newswire — including my crazy self at Forbes — to post a blog about it.
"On October 6, I plan to assassinate Federer in order to exterminate tennis," read a post by "Blue Cat Polytheistic Leader 07″ on a Federer fan website on Sept. 25, the Youth newspaper's website said.
The paper said the post was accompanied by a "very scary" computer modified image showing a decapitated Federer.
Shanghai Youth Daily does not have an English language website. In fact, type in the words in Google and you will see all the articles from Reuters, The Guardian, ESPN, USA Today…the list is long. Everyone is basically the same.
Wish I could provide a link to this phantom newspaper, but can't seem to find it. A search for Blue Cat comes up with the similar links. I tried Google Translate. This is Blue Cat Polytheistic in traditional Chinese: 藍貓多神教的負責人07. It doesn't help matters. A quick search isn't going to find him and I'm not on the FBI or CIA's payroll to work that hard. As much as I like Federer. I just don't think his life is in any real danger.
The fact that the alleged assassin thinks he is going to save the world from the evils of tennis tells me this is a joke by a lone gunman looking — and getting — international media attention. Unfortunately, Federer will have to be surrounded by body guards and the Shanghai Masters will have to protect itself from Mr. Blue Cat until he leaves the mainland after the Masters.
What an extraordinarily stupid and glib piece of writing. Perhaps go and ask Monica Seles whether death threats to tennis players are somehow amusing. Anyone that has been to a tennis tournament understands how close the stars and public are to one another and how light security generally is.. for Gods sake the 2009 final of Roland Garros had some lunatic managing to get on court with Federer… luckily he was just a harmless nutter.
Kenneth Rapoza you are clearly an idiot.
Obviously the actual threat to Federer is very, very low, but it was posted on Baidu's message board (tieba), not a newspaper. I found the post — now deleted — and also the accompanying picture that "Blue Cat Polytheistic Leader 07″ posted of a decapitated Federer (don't worry, it's been blurred out): http://beijingcream.com/2012/10/picture-of-decapitated-roger-federer-in-shanghai/


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People familiar with The Bulletproof Executive soon come to realize that I am obsessed with things that cause a big impact with little effort. Call it enlightented laziness or the relentless pursuit for personal perfection, if there is any difference between them. It's time to write about Modafinil, the performance-enhancing smart drug that belongs in your bag of biohacker tricks, at least some of the time. This post shares the experience of several people who use it, including first time users and an interview with a biomedical engineer who, like me, is a long-time Modafinil user.
I'm not shy about the fact that I use smart drugs and have for years. I used Modafinil (aka Provigil) when I got my Wharton MBA while working full time at a startup that sold for $600 million. I even hazard to mention it in my LinkedIn profile which made more than a few Silicon Valley exec friends open up to me that they had used it, at least on occasion. More and more people are becoming aware of the positive effects Modafinil can have on their cognitive performance and overall wellbeing. Students are starting to hack their intelligence too. There are numerous stories about college students using Modafinil to get an edge on their schoolmates. It worked for me as a student.
Unlike some college studying tricks, there's a good deal of evidence to back up the effects of Modafinil. It has been shown to increase your resistance to fatigue and improve your mood. In healthy adults, Modafinil improves "fatigue levels, motivation, reaction time and vigilance." A study published by the University of Cambridge found Modanfil to be effective at reducing "impulse response", i.e., bad decisions. Modafinil even improves brain function in sleep deprived doctors. There is some evidence Modafinil only helps people with lower IQ, but after years of experimenting (and upgrading my IQ), I can tell you this is not the case. In fact, we have another post coming up outlining how Modafinil works.
I'm a fan of using food and supplements before drugs, but unlike some health experts, I'm not dogmatic about it. I decide to use something to improve my performance or health by looking at risks and rewards. It's the same calculation whether I'm looking at a laser to speed wound healing (really) or a food, drug, herb, or supplement.
Recently over lunch with a few friends, including a very successful television producer, a top artificial intelligence researcher, a hypnotherapist, and a published author, I shared some info about how I used Modafinil. All decided to get some (with prescriptions or legal mail order). The next week, as I expected, I had some excited phone calls.
- In one night, the TV producer finished a proposal for the Dalai Lama Foundation that had been evading completion for months, and believes the proposal is far better than it would have otherwise been.
- The AI expert said he was able to make new connections he hadn't made before and suggested Modafinil should be widely available.
- The author powered through his writer's block and made more progress on his current book than he had in months.
- My hypnotherapist friend felt she had huge breakthroughs in cognitive performance and made new connections in her mind on a new hypnotherapy technique she is perfecting.
These aren't unusual responses to Modafinil. The reason you don't often hear about them in mainstream blogs is that people are worried they will be seen as "cheating" or somehow weird. I admit it, I am cheating, and I'm weird too. But you're reading this anyway. I get these reports from people because I "outed" myself as a Modafinil user.
I recently interviewed Jonathan Reilly, a biochemical engineer and longstanding user of Modafinil, about his experiences with it. He eloquently explained what it did for him, and I've done my best to record it here.
Jonathan is a very successful biochemical and biomedical engineer in LA who works on med devices and does project management. He used modafinil for years but switched to a newer analogue of it called Nuvigil. As he explains, "I un-f*ck things for a living. On Nuvigil I can see connections in a system even when I don't know the process I am troubleshooting." He says it helps with systems thinking, one time letting him double the capacity of a manufacturing line in one week, even though he didn't know much about what was being manufactured.
Interesting. Applying systems thinking to the process of upgrading myself is what led me to create the Bulletproof Executive. I have no doubt that Modafinil has helped me make some of my personal breakthroughs.
When he started taking Provigil, Jonathan says he felt like he was in a scene from "Flowers for Algernon," the famous book about a retarded man who becomes a genius using technology. Except Jonathan was already successful and certainly not lacking in cognitive skills. He says, "For the first time in my life I felt like I was awake; I got stuff done that I had put off, and I felt optimistic and energetic." But he says that Nuvigil is, "like 2x Provigil." (Sadly, I haven't tried Nuvigil because it's not available in Canada where I live.)
He continues, "I'm not an 8am morning person. I naturally perk up at 11 am and do great to 3:15, then nap, then I'm good from 7pm-10pm. Those aren't hours that work for my career. Modafinil lets me go to bed normally get up and get to work functional and coherent in the morning. In my work with implantable devices, everything starts at 6:30am, so you have to be there when it's open."
"Career-wise Modafinil has let me work at my best at any hour of the day. I'm inquisitive, I'll dig, I'll write great things. It makes any time of the day high performance. I don't have the 'I am a great golden god' feeling but I feel good all the time."
"It has let me see connections I wouldn't have seen before. Is it because I'm more awake? Or some activated level of understanding unavailable without lots of sleep and nutrition. Without it, I'm still good, but it's a bandwidth expander. It lets you step back and learn things. The effect doesn't go away when the chemical leaves your blood. The connections it gives you stay with you. It helps me have a rational not emotional response to irritants."
More reecntly, Modafinil was featured in an article from Tech Crunch titled,
"How Many Silicon Valley Startup Executives Are Hopped Up On Provigil?"
I have two answers, "Not enough" and "More than are admitting it." Here is a quote from the author,
"For me the most memorable thing was that I was about to brush my teeth and realized that instead of passing the toothpaste from one hand to the other, I had tossed it. The effect for is an extra dose of energy or jauntiness, not a speediness."
Another actual user of modafinil was a writer who needed to draft a proposal for the Dalai Lama Foundation. After taking 70mg of modafinil, he smashed through his writer's block and finished the proposal.
"I can say categorically that 1/3 of a pill (70mg) helped me break through a writer's block I was having to complete a draft proposal for the Dalai Lama Foundation."
As much as I love my Bulletproof Coffee and the boost in performance it gives me, I'd never trade it for my Modafinil. Both are parts of my high performance morning regimen. If you have serious energy lags during the day, or if you suffer from jet lag (and sleep hacks don't work), or if you are just staying up late to drive somewhere, you should have Modafinil in your backpack. I'd never head out on a business trip without it
videos, and deals you won't find anywhere else.


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John Greathouse, Contributor
I offer street-smart startup advice.
I recently suffered through the worst conversation with a consultant of my entire career.
The consultant was a rather hapless soul who was seeking my help networking within Santa Barbara's startup community. Fortunately, this particular call was brief. In the fifteen minutes that we chatted, the caller made some shocking networking mistakes.
It started when a well-intentioned colleague introduced me to the caller via email, without first confirming with me that the intro was welcomed. As described in Why Blind Intros Suck, it is more often than not a waste of everyone's time: mine, the person making the introduction and the person being introduced.
Lesson: Always allow your contacts to opt out of a proposed introduction by first asking their consent.
Affinity? – Effective salespeople understand that establishing affinity at the outset of a conversation is extremely important. However, rather than ask me how I knew the person who introduced us, the caller launched into his consulting pitch. If he had asked, he would have learned that I had not spoken with our "mutual acquaintance" in over 10-years and I frankly was hoping the caller could shed some light as to why the long-lost acquaintance connected us.
Lesson: Similarities breed liking and liking leads to a desire to help. Seek similarities when making small talk.
The Ask? – During our email exchange before our call, I had to ask the caller what he wanted. Ideally, he would have made this clear without me having to inquire as to his intentions. It turned out that he was seeking consulting projects at startups. If he had spent any time reading my blog, he would have learned that I am not a fan of consultants, especially at startups.
Lesson: Succinctly state what you want. It is acceptable to politely ask for something when you are networking. Busy people don't have the time or patience to decode vague requests.
Research? – I do not expect everyone I speak with to be a fan of my humble blog. Thus, not knowing my position regarding startup consultants is understandable. However, I do expect someone looking for a favor to spend a few minutes exploring my background.
Despite the ease with which anyone can determine my investments and past operating roles, the caller asked me if I knew the CEO of RightScale. "Yes", I replied, "I was a seed investor and an Advisor to the company." I should have completed the sentence with, "as is clearly noted on LinkedIn." He then asked me if I knew the Co-Founder of Expertcity (creator of GoToMyPC and GoToMeeting, acquired by Citrix). "Yes", I replied, "we worked together for five years." Again, this would have been clear to him if he has spent 30-seconds reviewing my bio.
The caller had apparently met both gentlemen recently, but had not connected the dots between them and me. An important aspect of effective networking is to understand how the person you are speaking with relates to other members of your network. Significant affinity can be created by drawing lines between yourself and friends of the person with whom you are networking. However, in order to draw such lines, you must first do a bit of homework.
Lesson: Understand how the other party is connected with your network. As noted above, significant affinity can be created by uncovering common friends and acquaintances. However, in order to make such connections, you must first do a bit of homework.
Proactive – Not only had the caller not done any research on me, it was clear he also had not properly canvassed Santa Barbara for potential prospects. Rather than ask for my opinion on particular companies, he wanted me to do his market research for him, asking, "What's going on in Santa Barbara? Are there any companies I should contact?"
Lesson: Don't make the other party do any heavy lifting. Suggest specific, potential referrals.
Wow! That one was epic, John. Brings up painful memories of similar chats. I'm really glad you wrote this. (although the clueless are highly unlikely to read). My all time (un)favorite was the guy laid off of a VP position at local bank and called insisting he get "the next open 30 minutes on my schedule" to brainstorm with him how he would find a new job. I felt his pushiness was uncalled for, but because we served at a common association I agreed to give him an appointment a week away. He missed it. Then called AGAIN asking for the next available 30 minutes he could get. I declined. He sent his resume and I noted with irony that the greatest accomplishment on his resume was "increasing efficiency of communication between marketing and PR department by 90%". Not a word about leads, customers or revenue gained. Meetings conducted and papers pushed. No wonder his position ended. He ended up out of work and snaring odd consulting jobs where he could get them for an entire two years. Why am I not surprised?
Thanks for another great post.
Hi John,
Great article! I learned quite a bit from your explanation of the networking 101 techniques that anyone should use when properly talking with people they don't really know. As a marketing agency for start ups here in Miami, i do see why some some founders and advisers have a skeptical position on consultants. Ultimately, not every start up (or business) needs consultants but it is great to be able to ask questions to someone who can see things from a different perspective. This article gave me great perspective, thank you! Richard (The Greenside Agency)
I was disappointed to find a complete lack of kindness here. Is this typical of the culture in the "Forbes community"? I hope not. It might be a good idea for all concerned to have someone else screen such requests for you; I recognize you probably don't have a lot of time to offer the many people who contact you for advice and help. Maybe an assistant could be prepared with digital resources that could be shared with people who get screened out for you, with the objective of building a brand of kindness or compassion for you. Just my two cents.
I have to agree with Rosanna the lack of kindness and border line arrogance can be felt throughout the article and by both comments by 2 Forbes contributors
People sometimes old or young might not know how to approach things properly or do it your way or might not meet your expectations- so if you are a thought leader or just as a human being take their hand to show them the way. Kindness goes a long way – "Emotional Intelligence" goes a longer way then looking down at people. If you didn't mean to be unkind in your article – this is what was felt from it – I hope that it was just one of those "oops" moments for you. It just made me sad to read this. Read the humbleness in this article
John Thank you for responding I always ask when in doubt and I am relieved to know that my assumption wasn't what you meant – I guess it is also good that you kind of felt how others that do not know you might feel. I totally appreciate the way you handled it. I am a business advisor for small businesses at SBDC (SBA) in Los Angeles that is why it kind of touched me – All the best to you!


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BD-F5500E 3D Networking Blu-ray & DVD Player (White)
BD-F5500EChoose a Blu-ray player that gives you incredible Full HD 3D viewing as well as a new world of home entertainment options. The Samsung BD-F5500 Smart Blu-ray Player lets you make the most of online content including Catch-up TV and video-on-demand movie services. You can also easily connect to your Samsung PC and mobile devices to stream movies, music and photos stored on them, as well as accessing content on USB sticks and external hard drives. 4 5 1 reviews
Recycling Batteries Responsibly
The European Directive on Batteries and Accumulators aims to minimise the impact of batteries on the environment and encourage the recovery of the materials they contain. In the UK, regulations on the recycling of batteries and accumulators (rechargeable batteries) were Introduced in 2009. The Waste Batteries Regulations aim to significantly increase UK collection and recycling of used portable batteries from 3% in 2007 to 25% by 2012, rising to at least 45% in 2016.
The battery symbol on a product or on its packaging indicates that the product must not be disposed of with general household waste. Instead, it is the consumer's responsibility to dispose of their waste batteries at a designated collection point so that they can be recycled. The separate collection and recycling of batteries at the time of dispo sal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that they are recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. A comprehensive list of battery recycling centres can be obtained from: www.recycle-more.co.uk
All Samsung products that are subject to the Batteries Directive are compliant with the UK battery and accumulator Requirements. In accordance with national law, SAMSUNG Electronics (UK) Ltd is a member of an approved batteries producer compliance scheme. This scheme collects, treats and disposes of batteries on Samsung's behalf.
- Explore great online content and smart services
- Enjoy 3D Blu-ray entertainment in stunning Full HD
- Share and enjoy content using AllShare Play
- Watch videos from USB and external HDD sources
Awards & Warranty
Watch movies from your USB
Experience the next level of Full HD 3D entertainment
Enjoy content from USB memory drive or external HDD
Anynet +
General Information
- Deck TypeTray
- Control ButtonTouch Key
Playable Disc Type
- 3D Blu-rayYes
- Blu-ray VideoYes
- DVD-Video/DVD±R/DVD±RWYes
- CD DA/CD-R/CD-RWYes
- VCD 1.1Yes
Video Decoding Format
- MPEG 2/4Yes
- DivXYes
- DivX HDYes
- AVCHDYes
- MKVYes
- WMVYes
- JPEGYes
- RMVBNo
- MPONo
- BD WiseYes
- BD Wise WebNo
- 4K upscalerNo
- Movies & TV ShowsNo
- Dual Core ProcessorNo
- BD Profile5.0
- Video Up-Scale (DVD)Yes
- Hyper Real EngineNo
- Quick Start Mode (0.5 Sec)Yes
- Full ScreenYes
- Smart HubNo
- Remote Application (Smart Phone Control)No
- Web BrowserNo
- CD RippingNo
Audio Decoding Format
- Dolby DigitalYes
- Dolby Digital Plus / TrueHDYes
- DTS SurroundNo
- DTS-HD Master Audio DecodingNo
- DTS-HD High Resolution Audio DecodingNo
- DTS-HD Bitstream OutputYes
- LPCMYes
- AACYes
- MP3Yes
- WMAYes
Audio Decoding Output
- Dolby Decoding Channel2Ch
- DTS Decoding Channel2Ch
- Anynet+ (HDMI-CEC)Yes
- EthernetYes
- Wireless LAN Built-inNo
- AllShare PlayNo
- AllShare (DLNA)Yes
- Wi-Fi DirectNo
- USB Host 2.01EA
- HDMI Out1EA
- Composite OutputNo
- Component OutputNo
- Optical Digital Audio OutputNo
- Coaxial Digital Audio OutputYes
- Analog 7.1ch Audio OutputNo
- Product Dimension (WxHxD)360 x 39 x 196mm
- Package Dimension (WxHxD)401 x 91 x 283mm
- Product Weight1.2kg
- Package Weight1.89kg
Power Consumption
- Stand-by0.4W
- Operating8.8W
- Energy Star 2.0Yes
Power Specification
- Rating Voltage100 - 240V
- RCA CableNo
- MicNo
- BatteryYes
- User ManualYes
- Remote ControlYes
Ratings and Reviews (1)
Wales - Gender: - Age:
This player is stylish to look at and performs as it should. It can be a bit noisy when loading discs. I would personally have preferred wifi over ethernet but I was able to set up an extender to get it to work in the room I intended it for.
My biggest criticism are the apps that it features and that you cannot change or choose which you want on the machine. It doesn't feature Lovefilm which for me is the biggest let down. Overall its a nice machine but I hope Samsung take on board adding Lovefilm to it, its a complaint I've seen on many reviews on the internet for this machine - and that it can be noisy.Show more +
9.1 MB, pdf, ENGLISH, GERMAN
8 Jul, 2013
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CE DoC
0.01MB, pdf, ENGLISH
19 Mar, 2013
User Manual
6.35 MB, pdf, ENGLISH
28 Feb, 2013
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Win XP/Vista/Windows 7, 35.55 MB, exe, ENGLISH
22 Aug, 2013
Install Guide
Win XP/Vista/Windows 7, 3.67 MB, pdf, ENGLISH
22 Aug, 2013
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Upgrade File(USB type)
All OS, 98.76 MB, zip, ENGLISH
21 May, 2014Close tooltip pop-up< Firmware update>
This Firmware update provides the following benefits:
Ver.1019.2 May. 21. 2014
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Ver.1004.0 Mar. 19. 2013
- Improved System stability
Upgrade guide
All OS, 0.04 MB, pdf, ENGLISH
21 Mar, 2013
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Republican businessman Mike Burns announced Wednesday his intention to run in the special election to fill the S.C. House District 17 seat vacated by Tom Corbin.
Corbin was elected to both the House and Senate seats in the general election on Nov. 6, resigning his House seat on Nov. 12.
Filing for the House seat begins Nov. 30 and closes Dec. 10, according to the State Election Commission. Primaries will be Jan. 22, with runoffs, if needed, set for Feb. 5. The special election will be March 12.
Burns, 60, said he appreciated the previous leadership provided by Corbin and wants to represent his neighbors of northern Greenville County.
Burns, a Travelers Rest native, said he decided to seek the House seat "to both serve and stand up with common sense with smaller, but smarter, government."
Burns has spent three decades building six businesses. Burns and his wife, Anne, have four children and three grandchildren.
S.C. House District 17 covers much of northern Greenville County, spanning from Travelers Rest to Greer.


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All undergraduate students pursuing a non-business degree have the option of choosing a minor in business. Students interested in earning a business minor should discuss additional requirements with their academic advisor. Students may transfer a maximum of 30% of the coursework required for a minor.
Students in degree programs have the option of pursuing a minor in Management Information Systems. In an era of expanding technology, this minor will assist decision makers with their use of computer-generated information. This option includes the following courses:
ISM 110 Information Systems Theory and Practice
ISM 330 Business Intelligence
ISM 400 Analysis and Logical Design
ISM 410 Physical Design and Implementation with DBMS
ISM 420 Data Modeling and Warehousing
ISM 450 Project Management and Practice
SEC 210 Principles and Practices of Information Security
Please refer to the academic catalog for the year you began your degree program.


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An open letter to the Senators and Representatives of CT
The "Constitution State's" state constitution says: "Every citizen has a right to bear arms in defense of himself and the state." (Article I, SEC. 15)
The Hartford Courant front page on Thursday Jan 17th indicated that Connecticut is behind the proposals adding additional restrictions to arms ownership by the President.
I am not in favor of the proposals and neither are most people I know. The
author provides no facts backing up his opinion that "Connecticut"
supports them.
Our state representatives (Senators and House members) have a duty and take an oath attesting to their responsibility.
You swore: "You do solemnly swear (or affirm) that you will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the
State of Connecticut, so long as you continue a citizen thereof; and that you
will faithfully discharge, according to law, the duties of the Office of State
Senator/Representative to the best of your abilities; so help you God."
I believe each of you has taken this oath. As a result I would ask that:
asking is it effective? Will it do harm? Would it have had an impact on
the tragedies in Connecticut in the last 10 years? Does the restriction of
freedom inherent in all laws outweigh the benefits in a time tested
they reflect your educated, informed opinion?
infringed? Is your position in conflict with the State and Federal
I have not read any proposal before you that, if enacted, would have changed the outcome of the recent spate of senseless killings.
I am a law-abiding citizen and responsible gun owner.
I am saddened by the tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, but I believe that efforts to impose new restrictions on me and other lawful and responsible owners like me are a misguided result and does not reduce the potential of a similar tragedy happening again. It is playing to fear.
Are you aware that violent crime with firearms has declined since the Federal "assault weapons ban" expired in 2004? If you have a question regarding the
efficacy of any aspect of a proposal did you seek an informed opinion?
Your focus should be on strengthening mental health care, improved reporting of a person's threat potential and improving the quality of data supporting NICs checks (National Instant Criminal Background Check System). Do NOT pass more gun laws; instead, work to enforce the more than 20,000 gun laws already on the books.
I am your constituent and I vote. Please represent me.
I ask what is the legislature doing other than promoting a platform of more restrictions on legal firearm ownership?
If it is the standard to pass something "that may save
even one life" you are fooling the public and yourself and that is
shameful. With similar logic can we expect that more restrictions should be put
forward raising the driving age to 21, Connecticut recently experienced a 42%
increase in driving fatalities (319 people in 2010 were killed in CT) or
licensing owners of backyard swimming pools (600 children drowned in 2009 in
the US) or licensing trampolines or imprisoning adults who have carelessly left
poisons under the kitchen sink that are ingested by children or prosecute
people who have allowed unsecured proscription medications to be stolen from
homes by thieves and teenagers. We cannot continue to pile on ineffective law
and generally restrict our freedoms when any activity or incident causes harm. Yet
this is the natural progression of law and legislation. This is not the legislative
philosophy I wish to govern my life or guard my liberty. Note that the state
and federal constitutions offer no protection for these subjects and pursuits
but we expect that common sense should prevail.
Please use your good sense to not be bullied by those souls who would chose "pseudo" security at the expense of freedoms especially those that are constitutionally protected. Think it through and always walk away when the promoter of a solution requires "immediate" action. They are usually selling emotionally charged bunk. Represent me well.
David Stahelski
Madison CT


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Coming out of a long winter, the most common hair problems are flat, dry, brittle and dull hair.
Masks and intensive treatments are what are needed to bring hair back to life and be ready for pretty, flirty spring clothing and bouncy, glossy, smooth and shiny hair to go with them! Click through the slideshow above for our favorite masks and oil treatments to get your hair ready for spring in no time.
Comments (
Check out Gloss Moderne treatments to kick that winter hair! It is the newest luxury keratin treatment, but its not a straightener! Their Gloss Lisse treatment is like lip gloss for your hair and there is no heat so it won't damage it.


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I'm going on vacation the first half of next week. John's taking me to his lake cabin in Idaho. You'd think he'd get enough of me here in Seattle. So, last night I saw the rockin'-est show in the UNIVERSE. Thee Emergency played a private show at the Whiskey Bar and Dita was dancing and singing up on the bar and, as usual, Sonic Smith was writhing on the floor while mascerating his guitar. I always end up screaming at the top of my lungs every time I see them so my voice is a bit scratchy today. I also found out something interesting about my office-mate last night at the show. I already knew about his straight-boy man-crush on the Thee Emergency guitarist Sonic Smith. But, I did not know that he has 5 man-crushes (he keeps a list!) and Scott Weiland is on that list!!!!! Must be the heroin sheek thing. Anyway, it's hard to look at him the same way now. I mean, Sonic Smith and Jeff Tweedy are one thing...but, Scott Weiland!!?? There's not enough of that skeletal frame to have a crush ON. To each his own. I'm not one to judge. I wish them well. Tell me who your crushes are and I'll tell you mine!
All In! KEXP's Music Match!
Listen Live:
KEXP AND THE UWKEXP is a service of the
University of Washington
iTunes and KEXPYou can now find KEXP under "Eclectic" in iTunes after the demise of the "Public" category, to better represent the diversity of our daytime variety shows and numerous specialty programs.
KEXP Suggests


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I love the way this "quilt" looks - but it doesn't have batting and is more of a "quilted" bedspread than an actual quilt. If you are looking for an incredibly lightweight coverlet that can act as a bedspread - five stars. If you want a "quilt" - let's call it two. There is also a strange odor, not bad but as though the fabric has been treated with something. Guessing a wash will fix it.
They did a very good job of making it appear fluffy and gorgeous in the picture. It's still pretty on my bed but it's a thin blanket as opposed to a real quilt. I do hate that I paid *** bucks for it. The picture oversells it. So, well done, photographer!
This quilt/bedspread looks nice from a distance, and that's about it. The package was delivered ripped and the quilt was dirty because of the rip. The quilt had a weird smell and definitely had to be washed promptly. I purchased the king size quilt, and the pillow shams were not made for king sized pillows. The quilt is cheaply made and not the quality I was expecting for the price. I would pay up to $60 and NO MORE for this product. Definitely disappointed... I didn't return this product, but should have.
Bought as a gift,daughter loved it,very pleased. cover was thick and well stitched.I understand it laundered,very well too.
This is a well-made, vibrant, "feel-good" patterned quilt. It really livened up my dark, cherry, antique furniture and brought a new life to the bedroom. Great price. My husband even commented about how much he likes it (which rarely occurs with bed linens).
Bought his for my daughter, the fabric is washable and so colorful. Just a beautiful throw.
Usually leaves our warehouse in 1-2 business days. *
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** Most Oversize orders are delivered within 1-4 weeks. Some orders may take 6 weeks to be delivered.


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Bush's 'Bipartisan' Mirage
For President Bush, the new spirit of bipartisanship lasted just long enough for two photo ops with the new Democratic leaders in Congress.
We should have known. It is always the decider, not the unifier, in the White House. On most issues, Bush remains stubborn and relentless.
First, the president stuck his thumb in the eyes of the Senate by renewing a call to confirm John Bolton as ambassador to the United Nations. Bush had to recognize this was a nonstarter, leaving him looking for a new fight.
Bolton has done nothing at the U.N. to justify his confirmation. He hates the international body, and his public persona is always snarling and uninspiring. On diplomacy, he gets a huge F.
The president then extended his hand of friendship by calling on the Senate to confirm a number of right-wingers to the federal judiciary. Some friendship.
Again, he knew that the incoming chair of the Senate Judiciary Committee, Sen. Patrick Leahy of Vermont, was unwilling to go along. It was another bid for a fight.
Also, Bush seems bent on pushing through an eavesdropping bill he says is essential to homeland security. However, he realizes there is strong opposition by some to a lack of safeguards against snooping on U.S. citizens.
All of this makes a joke out of his summons for reaching across the aisle after the November 7 "thumpin'" from the voters.
Finally, Bush's words on the war in Iraq indicate he doesn't want to hear that message. His calls for a victory seem lined up with a prolonged war rather than a way to get out of a mess. His definition of victory is a blur.
He continues to act like nothing has changed since the voters delivered that message on Election Day. He just doesn't get it.


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DETROIT (AP) — Individual creditors who fear losing their pensions and paying more for health care were among those who began filing objections on Monday to Detroit's request for bankruptcy protection, the largest municipal filing in U.S. history and a move aimed at wiping away billions of dollars in debt.
Federal Judge Steven Rhodes set Monday as the eligibility objection deadline in the bankruptcy petition by Detroit emergency manager Kevyn Orr.
Attorneys for creditors — including bond holders, insurers, banks, employee pension funds, individuals and companies that provided services — have until just before midnight to file objections electronically. City residents filing for themselves began dropping off their objections Monday morning at the court.
A restructuring team representing Detroit's Police and Fire Retirement System and General Retirement System, the city's two largest creditors, was expected to file objections by Monday's deadline.
Bankruptcy filings show the pension systems are the top two unsecured creditors. The city has about 21,000 retired workers who are owed benefits, with underfunded obligations of about $3.5 billion for pensions and $5.7 billion for retiree health coverage.
"I need my pension for basic human needs," wrote Mary Dugans in her one-page filing Monday. "Additionally, I'm 80 years old with age related medical conditions. Therefore, I have to pay for medical co-pays as well as for prescribed medications. Please consider my situation as you approach this important matter. Thanks."
Michael Benson, a retired water department employee, objected to the use of retiree pensions "for any purpose other than retirees."
"I believe the bankruptcy filing ... is illegal and morally wrong," he wrote. "Surely there are other options available to the city."
But Orr, hired in March by the state to fix Detroit's finances, has said there are no other options for Detroit. The city's budget deficit has chronically hovered near or above $300 million over the past few years,


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Narrow your search
Navigate the ins-and-outs of Windows 8 with how-tos, troubleshooting, news, and reviews.
The Office for iPad apps are a great middle ground between desktop and smartphone versions, and are a must-have for frequent Office users.
Pricing not available
For iPhone photographers who want to get closer to the world around you, this is the lens to do it with.
We're tracking all of the rumors on specs, size, release date, and more for Apple's next iPhone.
Pricing not available
In addition to wide-angle and fish-eye lenses, the new Olloclip 4-in-1 tacks on two macro lenses for your iPhone.
Windows Phone 8.1 is the best update yet, thanks to its revamped design and modern features, but it lags behind iOS and Android.
Pricing not available
These tips will help you discover new features in Microsoft's latest mobile operating system.
The 10-incher is another moderate Windows 8.1 release in HP's latest lineup of slates.
Manything can't match the video quality and options of some traditional Wi-Fi cameras, but there's no easier way for iOS users to experiment with DIY home security.
Pricing not available
With its powerful processor, great camera, decent screen and gorgeous, waterproof design, the Sony Xperia Z1 Compact is the best small Android phone around.
Pricing not available
Scan your iPhone at nearly any credit card reader and pay for what you want: magic, or just weird? We tried LoopPay around town, and it really worked.


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Though most area schools reached their Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) targets, five Roswell schools did not, according to the Georgia Department of Education's AYP report released yesterday. The annual report is used to help ensure students throughout the country are proficient in math and reading by 2014.
, , , and Holcomb Bridge Middle School each failed to meet their AYP goals for the 2010-2011 school year. It was the second year in a row Mimosa, Centennial and Roswell did not reach their targets, according to the report. Both Hillside and Holcomb Bridge met their goals during the 2009-2010 school year.
"We are still so proud of what we have done and the community is still so supportive of the school," said incoming Roswell High School Principal Jerome Huff.
Huff told Roswell Patch he knows testing is important, but he still believes the school "is so much more than AYP scores."
The five local schools were among 32 within the Fulton County system that failed AYP, which looks at how public schools met specific goals on standardized tests over the course of a year. The state-set standards for academic performance are measured by elementary and middle school students' the Criterion-Referenced Competency Tests (CRCT) scores, test participation rate and school attendance. High schools' AYP status is measured by Georgia High School Graduation Tests (GHSGT) scores, test participation rate and graduation rate.
If a school goes two or more years without meeting AYP it is considered a "needs improvement" school. At that point the state imposes sanctions to allow parents the option of transferring their students to another Fulton County School and/or provides free tutoring for students. A school must make AYP goals for two consecutive years to remove the "needs improvement" label.
Centennial is currently the only Fulton County school in Roswell that has been forced to offer the school choice option to parents because of state sanctions.
According to Fulton County, several schools may be able to improve their scores in several weeks as re-test results for CRCT and GHSGT are calculated. Re-tests were given after remediation in May and during summer school.
"This report helps our schools see exactly where to focus their efforts," said Robert Avossa, Fulton County Schools superintendent. "We will examine the data and see how it might be used to improve our instructional approach. Overall, this is an opportunity for us to find ways to help all students be more successful."
Schools not mentioned reached their AYP targets for this year.


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The MyNova portal allows users to have access to many of Villanova's applications such as email, Banner, Blackboard, Novasis, and more without having to seperately log in to those applications. The portal can be reached at http://mynova.villanova.edu.
Your portal is designed to provide relvant information based on your role within the university. Instructions on how to add and delete channels, tabs and create channels are in the Quick Start Guide.
If you have questions about MyNova you can look for answers to your questions on the MyNova FAQ. If your question is not answered in the FAQ, you can open a ticket using the Self Service Help Desk, or by calling 610-519-7777.
Comments? Click here.


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The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has released three new funding opportunity announcements (FOAs) to develop approaches to engage researchers and prepare them to thrive in NIH-funded research careers.
The American Dental Association (ADA) released the latest edition of their Dental Admissions Test (DAT) Newsletter.
Rachel Henry, RDH, M.S., an Assistant Professor in the Division of Dental Hygiene at The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, has co-authored a dental hygiene textbook titled Dental Hygiene: Application to Clinical Practice.
Assistant Surgeon General of the U.S. Public Health Service Commissioned Corps, William D. Bailey, D.D.S., M.P.H., has been appointed by The University of Colorado School of Dental Medicine (CU SDM) as the Endowed Chair in Prevention of Early Childhood Caries.
Early last month, nearly 600 students in the University of Washington (UW) health sciences schools formed teams and discussed the fictitious case of patient "Gregory," a 31-year-old male seen in the UW Dental Urgent Care Clinic for tooth pain.
More than 500 volunteers from the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Dentistry (UAB SOD), the UAB School of Nursing, Cahaba Valley Health Care and other local dentists, health agencies and companies cared for more than 350 people recently as part of the first UAB Dentistry Cares Community Day.
IPEC is pleased to announce the next Quality Improvement and Patient Safety Interprofessional Faculty Development Institute taking place January 12-15, 2014.
The Dental Quality Alliance (DQA) is pleased to announce the availability of its 2013 Conference Compendium: Improving Quality Through Measurement.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released a major report on health disparities and inequalities.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) welcomes participants to the join the CDC's Public Health Grand Rounds.


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Learn how to make tantalizing Sephardic selections that gracefully combine Mediterranean and Levantine influences, such as Shurba w'Kibbeh (Smooth Tomato-Rice Soup with Stuffed Meatballs), S'fiha (Stuffed Baby Eggplants with Ground Meat and Rice) and Imwarrah b'Jibn (Cheese-Filled Filla Triangles).
Enjoy a private Sephardic cooking class in the intimacy of your home. Groups of up to 12 students can also make arrangements for instruction at Poopa's New Jersey residence. Schedule an Aleppo cooking lesson today and make your next Shabbat a feast of the senses.


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Calif. university may merge campus police forces
By Matt Krupnick
BERKELEY, Calif. — The University of California is considering merging the UC Berkeley and UC San Francisco police departments under common leadership.
With each campus facing state budget cuts of up to $100 million, the proposal could lessen the effects on academics and key operations at the two schools, said UC Berkeley spokesman Dan Mogulof.
Full story: ...
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*United Way ID #208
When: Friday, August 15th
Where: Al Lorenz Park
*We are currently collecting school supply donations and are in special need of backpacks this year. Please drop off all donations to the CCLC office. For more info contact Tammy at 658-4466.
More Info to Come!
Read More
Our Mission
Read More
Rooted in Scripture and tradition which emphasizes the dignity of every human person, especially the poorest among us, Catholic Charities of Livingston County provides direct assistance, advocates for social and economic justice, and encourages self-sufficiency through education and support.
*United Way ID #208


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This is a video of a new Ford plant in Brazil. One look at this and each of you will instantly be able to tell what is wrong with the manufacturing plants of the US car makers and why there will probably never be another one built in the US. It will also point out why more will go off shore. But, I consider this video to be revolutionary to understanding the value of free trade and what is needed to get American manufacturing off their butts.
Thanks Win S.


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Wise words…
"I like light, color, luminosity. I like things full of color and vibrant" -Oscar de la Renta
"I'm human. If I didn't make mistakes, I'd never learn. You can only go forward by making mistakes." – Alexander McQueen
"I just want to make people more beautiful and happy." -Alber Elbaz
"Fashion is the armor to survive the reality of everyday life." -Bill Cunningham
"My goal is to create shoes that add music and movement to the way a woman walks." -Christian Louboutin
"The goal I seek is to have people refine their style through my clothing without having them become victims of fashion." -Giorgio Armani
Images via: OscarPRGirl / StyledByThao / PersonalUniform / WendysLookBook, PeopleStyleWatch / Esquire


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Search ASCD EDge
Happy New Year! As we enter the decade of educational transformation (d.e.t.) http://goo.gl/yemgX here is my proposed action plan for working to transform education. It is a practical plan, but not an easy plan. There are many institutional and financial forces in play that will oppose this plan. That in and of itself is a good indicator that the plan is on the right track!
Get all the stakeholders to the table
Get everyone involved and invested in education to the table. Not for a panel discussion or a brain dump or a free-for-all….but for decision-driven examination of the following issues listed below: public officials, private interests, parents, students, educators….everyone at the table and not in their traditional roles, because all their roles are changing. Who should call this gathering of stakeholders? Whoever has the vision and gumption to speak up first. Who should set the agenda? The group will set the agenda at the table. Whether it starts at the national level, state level or locally, it has to start somewhere, if it hasn't already.
Put children first
The single focus of stakeholders at the table must be meeting the needs of our children. Children need to be rested, nourished, healthy, safe, secure, loved, supported, challenged and engaged to be successful. In addition, children must be empowered to learn using all the information and resources they have at their disposal. They should not be held back by the limited vision, expertise and resources of a teacher, school or district. When children have their needs met, they flourish.
Redefine teaching
Don't even bother to come to the table unless you are willing to rethink everything you've ever learned about being a teaching professional, because when this action plan is implemented your job will be markedly different. If you got into education to help children learn and grow, you will be able to shift your thinking. If you do not want to have this discussion, perhaps you need to revisit why you are in education. Teachers must become flexible facilitators, possessing the skills and experiences to support students in learning and growing as each child is ready to do so.
Adopt a campus model
Take your technology budget and turn it on its head. Plan to move to an open campus model where students bring their own technology to schools and hop onto your network for access to resources and information. Phase out break/fix services and hardware budgets and reallocate those funds into a robust wireless environment that welcomes portable technologies while maintaining user safety and data security. I know there are lots of logistical questions. I understand this is not the model K-12 has used heretofore, but that model can no longer be justified fiscally or instructionally.
Individualize learning
It is all about student learning. Not achievement scores. Not closing statistical gaps. Not putting technology in their hands in the name of some digital utopia. Learning here and now, accepting for the first time in western education that every student deserves a personal learning plan with the resources provided to ensure success. It's time to put aside the standardized classroom model and put in place individualized learning for every student. We know enough about individual cognition and learning styles to tailor learning for each child, and the tools are available to make it happen.
Learning doesn't just take place between 8:00 AM and 3:30 PM, and educational access issues do not only exist outside of school. Instead of viewing a "school day" and time out of school as mutually exclusive portions of a student's life, we must redefine learning time so that it recognizes learning taking place seven days a week, twenty-four hours a day. We are at a point where we can no longer ignore all the learning going on outside of school hours, both locally and globally. We either open the schoolhouse doors and welcome in the 21st century, or public education is doomed to irrelevance.
K-20 Competency-based Learning Continuum with no age/grade benchmarks
The ultimate goal is to provide learning experiences for students that span their formative years and provide a strong bridge into adult learning and productivity. No grade levels. No age levels; students moving along as they master specific skills and information and are ready to learn. K-12 nicely aligned with higher education and the workplace, making each connection a natural transition for students to realize their full potential. Project-based learning and problem-solving experiences embedded in every student's learning plan. Finally a system of education that allows all children to be successful; no one settling for meeting minimum standards or being held back from reaching their full potential.
These are the action steps that need to be taken. The details of union involvement, teacher contracts, restructuring finances and redesigning facilities to meet this new model will all need to be meted out, but they should not be used as excuses for not being able to move forward. I have every faith that current decision-makers are capable of working out these details once they are no longer acting as guardians of the status quo. They have learned how to work the current system to sustain their staffs and facilities. It will be an entirely different proposition to rethink funding formulae, staffing positions, school law, and the like. But I have every faith that those who choose to be part of the transformation can get the job done. To the rest? Our children will have 15 or more different jobs in their lifetimes. Perhaps it's time you consider a career change too.
Walter_McKenzie, 3 years ago | FlagMark yes I had addressed the report via my blog when it came out. Are you saying you are looking for case studies? If so, ASCD is working with a number of schools adapting these tenets to their unique programs via Whole Child and Healthy School Communitie
s. Have you spoken with Molly or Sean?
Mark_Schneiderman, 3 years ago | FlagA very good roadmap. Many of these points are made in the recent report produced in collaborat
ion with ASCD (along with CCSSO and SIIA): "Innovate to Educate: Systemic Redesign to Personaliz e Learning" See www.siia.n et/pli for the report along with an archive of the August 2010 Symposium, including session videos, presentati ons and summaries. The report outlines 5 essential elements and 5 key policy changes agreed to by the education leaders participat ing in the event. It calls for fundamenta l redesign around the student. Looking for case study examples of schools and districts implementi ng such a model.
Jeff_Johnson, 4 years ago | FlagRight on the money Walter! I agree that, in order to truly transform schools and the process of education (i.e to have institutio
ns to best prepare children for their futures), we need to rethink *everythin g* - from time structures and time limitation s to profession al developmen t and expectatio ns for educators to technology to leadership . Everything needs to be on the table.
If we were going to create a school from scratch and could do whatever we thought was important,
what would we come up with?
Richard_Meyer, 4 years ago | FlagCouldn't agree more Walter! I particular
ly agree with you about your model for technology . 1-to-1 computing with mobile devices will soon be a reality in my opinion. However, the BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) makes much more sense that providing a device for each student. Most of our students already own mobile devices and would gladly bring them to school if we provided the infrastruc ture for them. We could also provide devices for those students who were unable to afford to purchase their own device. This would allow schools to invest resources in infrastruc ture and profession al developmen t for teachers in how to use the devices to accelerate student learning.
Cyndy_Woods-Wilson, 4 years ago | Flagas usual, right on the points! good job, my friend.
will share with the stakeholde
rs here.....
smiles, cyndy
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Winning on today's racing circuits requires more than an exceptional driver and a well-built car. It takes high performance racing fuels that are willing to go the distance—fuels like those produced by Sunoco.
Sunoco Race Fuels
Sunoco race gas is unparalleled in the industry. More engine builders, racers, tracks and sanctions or series choose Sunoco over all other racing gasolines combined. For decades, Sunoco Race Fuels have been associated with racing excellence. Since the mid-60s, when Sunoco and the Roger Penske Racing Team with Mark Donohue forged what would be a long and successful alliance. Sunoco Race Fuels has grown into an industry powerhouse. Today, Sunoco has a 40-year track record of innovation and winning performances, and distributes gasoline to more than 500 race tracks and 50 racing series in the United States.
Find more information at www.racegas.com
Off the racetrack, Sunoco produces top quality fuels for everyday drivers who want the best performance from their cars. Learn more about Sunoco fuel.


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Directory of Library Services or Facilities for Library Users with Disabilities
The UWM Libraries is committed to providing access to materials and services to all members of the UWM community. In addition to the services available to all students, the following special library services are available to students with disabilities.
ADAPTIVE TECHNOLOGY ROOM – W110N Please use this form to reserve the room.
Kurzweil Reading Edge - Scans print material and reads it out loud.
Computer - with access to the Libraries' online catalog and databases, the Internet, Word, Excel, Access, and Acrobat Reader: ZoomText, Jaws, Kurzweil 3000, Dragon Dictate
CCTV - Aladdin Ultra Pro 75 Telesensory document viewer
Large Screen Monitor - available to hook to your laptop for larger screen viewing of files.
All of the computers in the 1st floor, West Wing have accessibility software.
Dell PCs: The following software is available:
- Jaws screen reading software
- Zoomtext magnifying software (2-36x)
- Microsoft suite of accessible software: Magnifier, Narrator (screen reading software) and an on screen keyboard are available.
- Kurzweil 3000 screen reading software (ONLY with the computers with the desktop scanners) Under the Start Menu – Choose Accessibility.
Mac's: The following software is available:
- Voiceover screen reading software
- Zoom magnification software.
The Media Library has over 4000 videos and DVDs available with closed-captioning; English subtitles for the hearing impaired (SDH) or English subtitles. A listing of captioned videos is available at http://www.uwm.edu/Library/media/mediagraphy.html
Viewing equipment is also available in the Media Library for captioned videos and dvds.
The UWM Libraries have some large print books in the collection. Consult the online catalog using the subject heading "large type books" to locate them. Large print books not included in the Libraries collection may be requested through Interlibrary Loan.
If you are unable to retrieve library materials you can request that the items be retrieved and held at the circulation desk. The maximum hold time is ten days, after which the items will be reshelved. Requests are made through the online catalog, Panthercat. http://millib.wisconsin.edu/vwebv/ui/en_US/htdocs/help/callslip.html
You can also inquire at the Circulation Desk to arrange for additional assistance.
Books can be renewed through the Library's online catalog by clicking on the "personal record" link at the top of the screen and following the directions. http://millib.wisconsin.edu/vwebv/searchBasic
- Automatic Doors to entrances and corridors are available on all floors.
- Cutout Study Tables are available in the 1st Floor, East Wing ; Media Library, Lower Level, West Wing;
and 2nd Floor, East Wing.
- Automated Height Adjustable Tables (push button raising and lowering) are available in the South Commons by the windows facing Bolton Hall and in the North Commons by the windows facing the Library's east wing.
- On-Line Catalog Stations with lower height access are available on every Floor
- Restrooms with automatic door access are located on the 1st Floor, East Wing and restrooms with automatic door access, wide stalls and Braille signage are available in the Lower Level, West Wing; 2nd Floor, East and West Wings and 4th Floor.
- Drinking Fountains are located on all floors.
- Campus Telephones are located the Lower Level, West Wing; 1st Floor, East Wing (with hearing control); 2nd Floor, East and West Wings and 3rd Floor, West Wing.
Research assistance is provided by the UWM Libraries Research and Instructional Support Ask aLibrarian desk located on the first floor, west wing. Research help is available by telephone, email, IM, Text, or live chat. For more information consult the Ask a Librarian website at http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/ask/
If your research requires very specialized and/or lengthy consultation, you may wish to make an appointment with a reference librarian for a research consultation through the online form at http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries/ris/consultation.html or by calling the Ask a Librarian Desk at 414-229-4659 to set up an appointment.
Faculty, staff and students should contact the Instruction Coordinator, Kate Ganski at 414-229-6828 or email at email@example.com at least 2-3 business days prior to the library instruction sessions for accommodations.
E 159 has an Adaptive Technology workstation for scheduled library instruction. W190 (B) and W194 (A) instruction classrooms have the following software available: Jaws screen reading software; Zoomtext magnifying software (2-36x); the Microsoft suite of accessible software: Magnifier, Narrator (screen reading software) and an on screen keyboard are available.
A list of scheduled lectures and workshops about how to use library and information resources is available at the 1st floor Welcome Desk as well as on the Libraries' website at http://www.uwm.edu/Libraries Those requesting accommodations should contact the Library at 414-229-6202 at least 2-3 business days in advance and outline the accommodation request. The Libraries will arrange with the Student Accessibility center to provide the requested accommodation.
Student Accessibility Center – UWM
American with Disabilities Act Document Center
ADA Advisory Committee at UWM
Wisconsin Regional Library for the Blind and Physically Handicapped
Recording for the Blind and Dyslexic
Sources for Online Books
Content is the compilation of information from various Library areas by Beth Traylor (email@example.com)
Students needing other specialized assistance should contact the UWM Student Accessibility Center (Mitchell 116) for appropriate assistance (V/TTY (414) 229-6287) http://www4.uwm.edu/sac/
This information can be made available in alternative formats upon request to the UWM Libraries Administrative Office.
Updated September, 2009


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Who doesn't love shopping for school supplies? Well maybe kids. But parents it's time to get shopping because things are already starting to look picked over at some of our local stores
In a couple of weeks Woodinville kids will be going back to school.
And what will those students need for the new school year? Pencils, paper, rulers, crayons, glue, etc. To find a complete list of what the schools suggest for elementary students, check out the following links.
Bear Creek Elementary: 2011-12 K-3 Supply Lists
East Ridge Elementary: 2011-12 Supply Lists
Kokanee Elementary: 2011-12 Supply Lists
Hollywood Hill Elementary: 2011-12 Supply Lists
Woodin Elementary: 2011-12 4-6 Supply Lists
Cottage Lake Elementary: 2011-12 Supply Lists
Laura Ingalls Wilder Elementary (LWSD): http://www.lwsd.org/school/wilder/For-Parents/Pages/default.aspx
Most teachers also gratefully accept donations of boxes of Kleenex and hand sanitizer.
So where can you go for the best buys on school supplies (unintentional rhyming aside)? You don't have to go far, or even leave Woodinville.
Target is having sales and the Woodinville location now has groceries so you can also shop for supplies for kid lunches.
has lots of school supplies on sale some for as little as 20 cents. There are three Fred Meyer locations close to Woodinville, Kirkland, Bothell and Redmond.
The first day of school for Northshore students is Sept. 4, for students at in the Lake Washington School District, the first day of school is Sept. 5.