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A very sad ending to the day and to the legislative session.
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URGENT! Gov. Bullock will decide within a couple of days whether to veto or sign SB 411, the bill to close the Montana Developmental Center.
SB 411, the bill to close MDC, is now on the governor's desk. Please ask him to veto it. Call 444-3111 to leave your message.
After more shenanigans in the Montana House of Representatives, the session's key infrastructure bill is dead.
Free Conference Committee adopts amendment to fund state employee pay plan
On their first 2d reading of SB 411 yesterday the House got it right by voting the bill down. Then the House voted to reconsider.
Lowell Bartels, a committed life-time advocate for our disabled citizens, wrote the following guest opinion. Today HB 411, the ill-advised bill to close MDC, will be heard in committee.
MDC provides treatment and care for Montana's most disturbed citizens - including those with developmental disabilities as well as mental illness. Most of them could not be treated in community settings. Many would have nowhere to go if MDC closes.
Through the Teacher Leadership Initiative (TLI), the National Education Association (NEA) is partnering with the Center for Teaching Quality (CTQ) and the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (National Board) to support 300 teachers across 14 sites in advancing as leaders in the profession. TLI is designed for teachers—like you—who want to expand your impact by building your knowledge and skills and then activating your leadership through a culminating capstone experience.
We are hosting our 2nd annual NBC JumpStart conference June 22-24 in Missoula. JumpStart is are new NBC facilitation process. It brings together teachers for an intensive workshop that is designed to prepare them to be successful NBC candidates. Our program is modeled after a long standing program in Washington State that has facilitated thousands of successful NBC candidates.
Montana state employees respond to House majority's failure to take action on HB 13: state pay plan.
Dozens of state employee members participated in a news conference on HB 13, the state pay plan, today at noon. Statement by MEA-MFT Secretary-Treasurer Rich Aarstad.
3-30-15 Last week the Republican-controlled House Appropriations Committee tabled the state pay plan, HB 13. Then the House majority refused to blast it to the floor for debate. It's not over yet.
Is your local sending its share of delegates to MEA-MFT Representative Assembly?
If bills were passed strictly on the basis of public support, the governor's public preschool plan, Early Edge, would have passed long ago.
Jeff Laszloffy, head of the right-wing Montana Family Foundation, has been a ubiquitious presence at the 2015 Montana Legislature. One of the group's main goals is to pass bills that siphon public funds from public schools to private schools.
At long last, the House Appropriations Committee held its hearing on the pay plan – House Bill 13 -- for Montana state employees, including university employees.
Montanans are clearly opposed to tax benefits for private schools. Which legislators are listening?
HB 511 would be a boon to people like Bozeman tycoon Greg Gianforte, who is on the board of the private religious Petra Academy in Bozeman.
MEA-MFT strongly opposes SB 143. Can you imagine a Cat-Griz game where fans have guns?
At long last, HB 13 (Swanson), the state employee pay plan, had its hearing March 16.
Nominate now: Nomination deadline is April 30, 2015.
It's disappointing, but this isn't the end for Early Edge.
After three hours of testimony most of which supported HB 249 (Noonan) – Governor Bullock's Medicaid Expansion proposal - House Human Services did the expected. It killed the bill with a "Do Not Pass" motion. But Medicaid expansion might not be dead for this session.
MEA-MFT strongly opposes SB 107. So does the Billings Gazette. Read on. Then please get ready to help fight this bill in the House. It has already passed the Senate.
we want our pay plan to be enacted by the legislature, we need to contact our legislators and tell them to hear and support HB13!
Montana's 2015 legislature is approaching the halfway mark. It has been a tough session. MEA-MFT leaders, staff, and members are front and center at the legislature every day
Representative Debra Lamm (R) – Livingston – formerly the primary lobbyist for the anti-public school Montana Family Foundation and then head of the failed Montanans Against Common Core but now state legislator, has introduced a bag full of anti-common core, anti-board of public education bills.
YOUR union, OUR union is at extreme risk right now. Help stop this dangerous bill.
State employees will once again converge on the state capitol Monday, Feb. 16, for the second State Pay Plan Half Dollar Day of Action. Join us!
Late Friday Feb. 6, the House Education Committee passed HB 322 out of committee and Senate Education passed SB 107.
House Bill 377 (Sponsored by Debra Lamm, R-Livingston)is a direct attack on Montana's academic standards for math and English. And it's unconstitutional.
Supt. of Public Instruction Denise Juneau gave an outstanding State of Education address yesterday in the MT House of Representatives.
Dues proposal and more to be decided at RA 2015.
Nomination deadline: April 1, 2015
Longtime Republican leader Bob Brown of Whitefish has it right on HB 5, the governor's bonding bill, which helps Montanans from the Bakken to Whitefish, including the Montana Historical Society.
"Expanding high school districts and constructing new facilities less than five miles from three existing high achieving schools may increase local control, but in reality it only limits the options for local families."
What does school "choice" really mean? It means taking tax dollars from public schools, giving the money to private schools.
MEA-MFT member Denise Juneau's wildly successful Graduation Matters program has helped boost our state's high school graduation level to the highest in history!
Privatization of Montana's public schools is one bad idea, not justified by the quality of our schools, and blatantly unconstitutional.
Thirty-two Montana teachers have been selected to participate in the national Teacher Leadership Initiative, a program to develop a new generation of leaders within the teaching profession.
The vote is in: MEA-MFT's state employee members have ratified the state employee pay plan agreement.
Graduate teaching and research assistants at MSU Bozeman will get a fairer deal on the job now that they have bargained and ratified their first contract.
Seven more Montana teachers recently joined the ranks of the nation's top certified teachers.
The team representing Montana's state employee unions and the team for Governor Bullock's office reached a tentative agreement on the state pay plan today.
Your family's future depends on who gets elected Nov. 4. Find out which candidates your fellow MEA-MFT members recommend.
Craig Beals has a message to deliver: "Those who can, teach."
Three MEA-MFT members star in the first of several videos featuring Montanans talking about the Montana Common Core Standards. More to come!
Congratulations to Bozeman Education Assoc. President Tami Phillippi and BEA for securing this major grant from one of MEA-MFT's two national affiliates, the National Education Assoc.
Montana Governor Steve Bullock has this inspirational back-to-school message for Montana's kids.
The MEA-MFT Board of Directors voted August 2 to elect Melanie Charlson as the new vice president of MEA-MFT.
Seven Montana Teachers Chosen as State Finalists for Presidential Science and Math Teaching Awards
First-ever "ECET2-Montana" event (Elevating & Celebrating Effective Teaching & Teachers)
Bozeman math teacher Anne Keith is a National Board Certified Montana Teacher of the Year. She wrote this essay supporting Montana's Career and College Ready Standards, once upon a time referred to as "common core."
Montana PBS did a great documentary on how the right-wing American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) is working in secret to pass its bills in state legislatures -- including Montana's. Don't miss this!
MEA-MFT member Anna Baldwin, Montana Teacher of the Year, brought her students from Arlee High School to spend part of the day with Governor Steve Bullock yesterday. It's quite a story.
The American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) claims its education mission is to "promote excellence in the nation's educational system," yet its "model" legislation advocates for policies that defund public services, distort the curriculum, and undercut our educators.
MEA-MFT, Montana's largest labor union, today applauded Montana U.S. Senator Jon Tester for introducing a bill to increase the number of school nurses in America's k-12 public schools.
In honor of Public Service Recognition Week, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution introduced by Senator Jon Tester (Montana) honoring federal, state and local government employees, both civilian and military, for their dedication and continued service to the United States.
Congratulations to MEA-MFT member Bruce Brumley, technology teacher for City College at Montana State University Billings.
MEA-MFT members Susan Irion and Kristie Martin have received a $5,000 Learning & Leadership Grant from the NEA Foundation.
Members of the Year are leaders in their professions and in their local MEA-MFT unions. They are extraordinarily dedicated to the Montana citizens they serve and to their coworkers.
MEA-MFT recently created a Hall of Fame to honor the heroes and trail blazers who made this union the stronghold of hope that it is today.
"Energy, excitement -- people were buzzing."
Some faculty and students at Montana Tech plan an unprecedented boycott of the university's spring commencement in protest of the ceremony's featured speakers, a wealthy couple from Bozeman whose critics say have radical social and religious views.
Initiative 170 (I-170) will make health coverage through Medicaid available for an additional 70,000 low-income Montanans. It would create thousands of jobs in Montana. It's the right thing to do.
LR 127 is gone. A good day for voters' rights.
Montana's new state health centers are saving money for state employees and taxpayers alike. And they're improving state workers' health. The results are even better than expected.
MEA-MFT is working in partnership with the Montana Digital Academy, School Administrators of Montana, and the Office of Public Instruction to help schools implement the standards smoothly and on Montana's terms.
MEA-MFT member Brent Lonner, a wildlife biologist with the Montana Dept. of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks, is prominently featured on the front cover of AFT's Spring 2014 Public Employee Advocate.
Governor Steve Bullock has tapped Anaconda teacher and the chair of the Montana Board of Regents, Angela McLean, to serve as Montana's 31st Lieutenant Governor.
Montana School Boards Association (MTSBA), School Administrators of Montana (SAM), MEA-MFT, and the Montana Rural Education Association (MREA) are pleased to come together in support of the Montana Unified School Trust (MUST), whose sole mission is to provide health benefits to Montana's public schools.
The Tea Party legislators who want to undo Montana's current defined benefit pensions for public employees should read this:
Good news: The litigation that MEA-MFT helped sponsor has resulted in reduction of GABA (Guaranteed Annual Benefit Adjustment) for PERS & TRS retirees being suspended for now.
Congratulations to the 17 Montana teachers who recently achieved National Board Certification, thus joining the ranks of the nation's top K-12 educators.
Elizabeth Matthews, Gallatin Gateway School, Gallatin Gateway (Science)and Melissa Romano, Four Georgians Elementary, Helena (Math)are presidential winners.
Important tax notice: You can deduct your MEA-MFT dues from your taxes, but only if you itemize deductions, and only if your dues plus other miscellaneous deductions add up to at least 2 percent of your adjusted gross income.
Late in the afternoon of Dec. 27, Judge Mike Menahan granted MEA-MFT's request for a preliminary injunction that prevents the state from implementing a serious GABA reduction come January 1 in the Teachers Retirement System.
It's December, and it's cold in Montana! Don't forget: the deadline for Montana income tax deductions is December 31, 2013. But don't wait.
MEA-MFT and its state employee members have launched a new project to build power within state employee locals.
WASHINGTON, DC – MEA-MFT member Eileen Sheehy will be recognized as one of the nation's top teachers in February.
Please check out what one of Montana's most distinguished educators has to say, yet again, about Common Core and the wrong-headed myths opponents like to spread.
As expected, as a result of HB 454 passed in the last legislative session, the Montana Public Employees' Retirement [Pension] System now amortizes. This is great news.
Pursuant to our belief the 2013 legislature unnecessarily stepped over constitutional and statutory lines when it amended reductions in guaranteed annual benefit adjustments into HB 377 that has amortized and saved the Teachers Retirement System as a pension system, this morning in a Helena district court, MEA-MFT and individual named plaintiffs filed a Complaint for Declaratory Judgment and Relief.
Effective July 1, 2014, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana will begin processing medical, dental, and vision claims for all MUST members.
In an unprecedented move, 22 Montana Teachers of the Year have banded together to make a statement. These teachers strongly support Montana's Common Core Standards.
due to recent cost containment measures for the State's employee health care plan and an increase in the state share, employees' cost for health care will decrease in January 2014.
Anna Baldwin "basically didn't believe it" when she got the phone call from Eileen Sheehy at 8:00 last night, telling her she had been selected as the 2014 Montana Teacher of the Year.
Dr. King's legacy was about public education & unions as well as civil rights.
The folks who invest and manage your pension dollars are doing a great job. Here's proof.
MEA-MFT member-leaders Shannon Bender and Jill Cohenour led the charge today at a rally urging Congress to stop corporate tax dodging and restore funding for education and other crucial public services.
Nationwide, Head Start programs will have to eliminate services for 57,265 children in the coming school year -- including 221 in Montana -- due to sequestration's automatic, across-the-board spending cuts.
MEA-MFT members working at the Montana Developmental Center (MDC) in Boulder joined with clients and their families August 9 to celebrate MDC's pursuit of excellence.
"We are working right now with other advocate organizations representing current and future retirees on a common, comprehensive legal challenge," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver.
Governor Steve Bullock's administration and Montana's state employee unions have reached an agreement to institute pay raises over each of the next two years.
Bob Anez to Corrections employees: "No matter how anonymous you are and no matter what you do, the ripples from your role in ensuring the public safety of Montanans reach all corners of this state every single day. Don't forget the work you do saves lives."
The 2013 Montana legislative session was do-or-die time for saving Montana's public employee pension systems and making them actuarially sound. Working with Governor Steve Bullock and other allies, we did it.
Today, Governor Steve Bullock signed SB 175 (L.Jones) - to fund public schools - as passed by the legislature. This is the bipartisan bill that MEA-MFT and the rest of Montana's public school community worked so hard together to pass this session.
MEA-MFT agrees with the Billings Gazette on this.
The Senate has adjourned sine die. Session over. The news on this strange day should be very interesting.
Unfortunately, before adjourning the House passed SB 81 (Lewis) – to authorize tax credits for private and religious education school scholarships.
HB 377, the bill to amortize the Teachers Retirement System, just passed its final vote.
HB 454, the bill to amortize and save the Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) just passed House 3d reading.
HB 13 (Swanson) – the state employee pay – has officially passed the legislature.
The state pay plan, HB 13 (Swanson) just advanced again.
Congratulations to Alex Schaeffer, Michael Hoffman, and Marilyn Besich!
MEA-MFT Representative Assembly delegates elected a new vice president April 5: Tammy Pilcher.
From Libby to Wolf Point, East Glacier to Glasgow and all points in between, MEA-MFT members from across Montana came to Helena for the annual MEA-MFT Representative Assembly (RA) April 5 and 6.
An amazing couple of days at the Montana Legislature.
Yesterday the last bill to create a parallel, expensive system of so-called "public" charter schools died in House Education Committee.
The following businesses proudly display flyers proclaiming their support for Montana state employees. Please wear your 5/5 pins to these businesses and THANK THEM FOR THEIR SUPPORT!! And please give them your support.
MEA-MFT members and others testified eloquently in support of HB 13, the state pay plan, before the Senate Finance and Claims Committee April 9.
MEA-MFT staff member Diane Fladmo's son-in-law produced this song, written with help from Diane. It debuted at MEA-MFT Legislative Contact weekend and Representative Assembly this year.
Locally elected MEA-MFT from all over Montana came to Helena for the annual Representative Assembly April 5 and 6.
MEA-MFT created this program back in the 2007 legislative session. It has already assisted hundreds of qualifying Montana public school teachers. Check it out. You may qualify. Applicatinon deadline: April 30, 2013.
Faculty at Montana State University Bozeman are voting now on the issue of whether to keep their four-year-old union, the Associated Faculty of MSU (AFMSU). Union supporters on campus produced this great video about their choice to vote YES for AFMSU.
Good news: HB 13, the state pay plan, has passed the House. This means it's still alive, still in play, and we still have a chance to fully fund it and restore 5 & 5 for all state employees.
The Montana House has just passed the state pay plan, along with the governor's bills to amortize and thus save the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) and Public Employees Retirement System (PERS).
The Montana Developmental Center survived another close call in the legislature yesterday. The bill to close MDC (SB 254) was originally killed in committee on a bipartisan vote. The bill's sponsor then succeeded in passing a "blast" motion to bring it to the floor of the House for debate and a vote.
(Caferro) was just revived. Please take action
This legislative session, Montana teachers, school administrators, trustees, and other public school advocates are working together as never before on behalf of Montana's children and their education.
House Appropriations Committee finally acted on HB 13, the state pay plan.
Senate Bill 374 (Lewis) is a bill to take taxpayer dollars away from Montana's public schools and give the money to "charter" schools. It's bad for our public schools, children, and MEA-MFT members.
Great news: the bill to close the Montana Developmental Center was just voted down in committee.
"HB 13 is not dead. Wounded, but not dead."
The House Education Committee voted No on MEA-MFT's Head Start funding bill (HB 353) on a party line vote. Democrats voted yes, Republicans no.
Good pension bills advance, bad bill dies
SB 175 is the main k-12 school funding bill of this session. Watch a video of Eric Feaver talking about the bill.
More than 30 Montana state employees lined the halls outside the House Appropriations Committee today during their lunch break, holding signs saying, "Free HB 13." The signs showed House Bill 13 behind bars.
For MEA-MFT, protecting our members' pensions is a top priority for the 2013 legislative session.
MEA-MFT and our allies in Montana public education have been working together as never before during the 2013 Montana Legislature.
We are seeing an all-out assault on public schools this legislative session. To date, six bills meant to privatize public schools have been introduced. And so far, they are passing.
SB 175, sponsored by Sen. Llew Jones, is the k-12 school funding bill of this session – and it passed the Senate Feb. 23. Now it must pass the House.
The Montana Senate has passed SB 81 (Lewis) – a "tuition tax credit" bill to create taxpayer funded public, private, and religious school scholarship organizations and scholarships.
State and university employees from across Montana gathered at the state capitol for the second Pay Plan Day of Action today.
House Bill 315, the charter school bill, just died on third reading in the House this afternoon.
The truth about charter schools.
MEA-MFT and our partners in the education coalition have been very involved in working on this bill. It's a work in progress. We support SB 175, the bill described in this article.
Some legislators in the 2013 Montana Legislature are talking seriously about closing the Montana Developmental Center in Boulder.
Protecting public employees' and teachers' pensions is one of MEA-MFT's top priorities this legislative session. Some legislators are gunning for your pension.
The notorious right-wing, billionaire Koch brothers sent their minions to Montana's capitol yesterday, in their attempt to tear down Montana's quality public schools.
Several MEA-MFT members testified yesterday at the hearing on HB 13, the state pay plan. Along with other state and higher education employees, they did an excellent job of making the case for passing HB 13 and lifting the salary freeze.
Buckle your seatbelts. It's going to be a bumpy legislative session. MEA-MFT is ready for the ride.
More than 200 Montana state and higher education employees took part in the State Pay Plan Day of Action.
MEA-MFT member and legislator Amanda Curtis shares this timely quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. -- just in time for the State Pay Plan Day of Action:
MEA-MFT had a huge impact on making this successful program a reality.
This new Bill Moyers documentary shows how the private sector and state politicians are teaming up to enact laws that increase corporate profits at public expense without public knowledge. They're doing it in Montana, too. Right now.
"Did You Know...Stories About the Great Work of Montana's Schools" was created by asking parents, administrators, teachers, and others about some of the innovative programs taking place in their local schools.
MEA-MFT recently teamed up with other other education advocacy groups in Montana to produce a major new document, "Essential Truths About the Great Work of Montana's Public Schools."
MEA-MFT member and state employee Cheryl Parker, a compliance specialist at the state's Child Support Enforcement Division in Missoula, shares this wonderful story of holiday giving:
Republican Sandy Welch is dropping her request for a recount in the state schools superintendent race that she narrowly lost to incumbent Denise Juneau.
Public employees shouldn't be held liable for determining whether a person is a legal immigrant or not. That's why MEA-MFT has joined with the Montana Immigrant Justice Alliance in a lawsuit to challenge and enjoin Legislative Referendum 121.
Ongoing saga of our Unfair Labor Practice charge saying the 2011 Legislature failed to bargain in good faith when it didn't pass the state pay plan.
Cecil B. Crawford, MEA-MFT board member and 2012 Education Support Professional of the Year, was featured recently in a full-length article in the Missoulian.
With the provisional ballots now in, Denise Juneau wins the superintendent of public instruction race. Great news!
MEA-MFT member Amanda Curtis wrote the following guest editorial debunking myths about charter schools. Amanda teaches math in Butte and has been elected to serve in the 2013 Montana Legislature.
MEA-MFT member Jan LaBonty has written an excellent guest editorial exposing on the myth of charter schools.
Here is "the rest of the story," the real story about unfunded liability in the Montana Teachers' Retirement System
MEA-MFT and our members worked our hearts out for our endorsed candidates, the candidates who believe in public services, public education, and employees' rights. It paid off.
Congressman Rick Hill wants to be Montana's next governor. And he clearly wants Montana to look more like Wisconsin.
Republican candidate for Montana governor Rick Hill said Montana's award-winning teachers are second worst in the nation. (Bitterroot Star, 7-11-12). See what Steve Bullock, MEA-MFT's endorsed candidate for governor, has to say about that.
"Won't Back Down" is a dishonest Hollywood portrayal of the problems in our educational system. The movie was funded by the very people who want to privatize and profit from our schools.
Congratulations to Montana's newest Teacher of the Year!
Learn more about the Montana Health Center, a primary care and urgent care clinic for State of Montana employees and their dependents covered on the State's health plan. The Center opens in Helena Friday August 31.
Jim McGarvey, former vice president of MEA-MFT and longtime president of the former Montana Federation of Teachers, passed away this morning.
Charles and David Koch, the infamous right-wing billionaires who are trying to destroy unions, are also out to get public schools. Watch this telling video.
The Montana Supreme Court ruled today upholding the District Court decision that Legislative Referendum 123 is indeed blatantly unconstitutional and therefore will not appear on Montana's November ballot.
Fifteen folks from MEA-MFT particiated in the AFT convention July 27-30 in Detroit, MI.
Remember ALEC, the corporate group that secretly spoon feeds bills to state legislatures? Including bills to privatize public schools, take away public employees' bargaining rights, and kill teacher tenure? Watch this new video, showing ALEC's efforts to divert public school dollars to private CEOs' bank accounts.
MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver has sent the following letter to the Montana Policy Institute regarding its new web site that broadcasts state employees' compensation.
Legislative Referendum 123 is a ballot measure that gives tax rebates to the richest Montanans even if it means slashing funds for schools, public safety, and all other public services. It is slated to appear on Montana's November ballot. We can stop it. You can help.
Ed Jasmin, a longtime Montana businessman, banker, and Board of Regents member, recently penned this guest editorial against Legislative Referendum 123.
MEA-MFT members working in Montana's Indian reservation schools do heroic work for children. They do it in the face of overwhelming poverty, isolation, and harsh conditions most Americans can't even imagine – including the politicians in Washington, DC who make policy decisions about education.
With just days to go before the final deadline, members of Congress reached a deal to stop interest rates on student loans from doubling.
Congratulations to Carol Pleninger and Tammy Johnson, Montana's two new national presidential awardees for science & math teaching.
Rank-and-file state employee members of MEA-MFT and our fellow unions have voted overwhelmingly to ratify the pay plan agreement negotiated earlier this month.
If you suspect a child has been physically, mentally, or emotionally abused or neglected, the law requires you to report it to DPHHS.
In Wisconsin, unlimited corporate money carried the day in the recall election of Gov. Scott Walker.
Listen MEA-MFT's 2012 Members of the Year -- Cecil B. Crawford, Shannon Bender, Kari Cargill, and Sandy Osborne -- on radio news.
Tax Day is here. It's the day we pool our resources as citizens to buy the things that create a civilized society.
MEA-MFT supports the governor's plan to do what must be done to eliminate unfunded liability in the Teachers' and Public Employees' Retirement Systems.
Welcome to the nearly 600 graduate assistant employees at MSU-Bozeman, who have voted by a whopping margin to form a union and join MEA-MFT!
Note that without the able and committed leadership of Attorney General Steve Bullock, there would have been no deal at all.
MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver testifies before the Legislative Finance Committee on public employees' and teachers' retirement.
More than 400 MEA-MFT delegates rocked the Hilton Garden Inn in Missoula March 30-31 at the MEA-MFT Representative Assembly.
Should Montanans keep the right to elect their state supreme court justices and chief justice? Some legislators don't think so.
Reclaim Wisconsin! On Saturday March 10, 2012, more than 62,000 Wisconsinites returned to their state capitol to mark the one year anniversary of the passage of Gov. Walker's union-busting bill.
Each year, MEA-MFT honors several members who have made outstanding contributions in their jobs and as MEA-MFT leaders. MEA-MFT recently named our 2012 members of the year.
Our public employee retirement systems are not going bankrupt today or tomorrow or in the immediate future. We have plenty of time to address unfunded liabilities if our legislature would abandon pension-envy politics and hysterical, too predictably partisan, rhetoric.
Remember Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker who championed legislation last year that stripped public employee unions of much of their bargaining power? Things aren't going his way right now.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. dedicated his life to working for a more just and equal society. He believed that public education was the great arm of justice. He honored public servants as heroes. He believed in labor unions.
Our hearts go out to the family, friends, co-workers, and students of MEA-MFT member Sherry Arnold, a high school math teacher in Sidney who has been missing for several days.
MEA-MFT member & Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau writes a moving story about her grandfather and other public employees who give to others.
Head Start has been in the national news a lot lately. And the results are good.
The vote is in, and history has been made: Members of the Associated Faculty of Montana State University (AFMSU) have ratified their first collective bargaining agreements. Members voted on the agreements Wednesday, Oct. 26. The vote was counted today at MSU.
Today is a big day in the history of MEA-MFT and especially for our affiliate at MSU-Bozeman as members there vote to ratify their first contract.
MEA-MFT has worked extensively with the regents and Commissioner of Higher Education Sheila Stearns to put university and faculty salaries first. "Montana faculty salaries already are among the lowest in the nation," said Tom Burgess, MEA-MFT's field consultant for higher education locals.
MEA-MFT has joined other groups in filing a lawsuit against a dangerous ballot measure.
Congratulations to Tom Pedersen, science teacher at Capital High School in Helena, Montana Teacher of the Year for 2012!
President Obama announced that states can opt out of the most rigid requirements of the No Child Left Behind law.
MEA-MFT Faculty Member of the Year Grant Mitman recommends the following resources on workplace bullying, from a special session at this year's NEA Representative Assembly.
A minute of your time can help generate $5.2 million for Montana's public schools and higher education. Deadline: Sept. 30, 2011.
Sponsored by MEA-MFT and our fellow unions: MPEA and AFSCME, to say "THANK YOU" to the public employees who do Work That Matters for Montana's people! Sept. 15 at the state capitol, south lawn.
Good news for Montana state employees! MEA-MFT, the Montana Public Employees Association, and AFSCME have worked a deal with Governor Schweitzer to freeze, for the next plan year, increases in state employee health insurance costs.
Americans admire and respect public school teachers more than ever. They respect the teaching profession, they like their local schools, and they recognize the role funding plays in school qualtiy.
This week, several communities in Montana will be attacked by one of the most ruthless anti-worker organizations in America: Americans for Prosperity. This right-wing PAC (political action committee) is planning a series of "Running on Empty" demonstrations around Montana. Real Montana working people are fighting back.
Montana Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau recently took on the U.S. Dept. of Education and the supremely flawed No Child Left Behind law -- and won.
The American Dream movement is busy this summer telling Congress what Americans really want when it comes to government spending and the economy. There's a Contract For The American Dream that lays out a progressive alternative to austerity policies.
Read the article below, and know that after several legislative years of trying, MEA-MFT created the Montana student loan repayment program for teachers in the 2007 legislative session.
Wisconsin voters go to the polls today to recall six of Gov. Scott Walker's (R) closest state Senate allies. The "Walker 6" spearheaded his move to take away the collective bargaining rights of public employees and ram through a budget devastating to working families.
Montana Superintendent Denise Juneau has taken on a huge task, but if anyone can lead Montana toward real schools of promise, she can. And MEA-MFT will help every step on the way.
Who's behind efforts to destroy public employee unions in Wisconsin and elsewhere, shove right-wing legislation through state legislatures, and turn over public services to for-profit corporations? Meet ALEC.
"Millions of us are behind you. We love you!" actor Matt Damon told public school teachers at the national "Save Our Schools" march and rally in Washington, D.C., July 30.
MEA-MFT is evaluating exactly how badly the newly adopted federal deficit/debt ceiling act will impact Montana public programs and services.
As we begin this fiscal new year, it's a good time to think about what your state legislators are working toward: Long-term prosperity for Montana? Or pulling the rug out from under those trying to make a better life for themselves and their communities?
A class act MEA-MFT member doing Work that Matters!
July 21 - The "Cut, Cap, and Balance" bill passed by the U.S. House of Representatives July 19 would have devastating consequences for Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid.
MEA-MFT agrees with Billings Gazette opinion: The threat of NCLB sanctions makes no sense. The law is years past its intended reauthorization date with no congressional update. It needs to be significantly revised.
Many of the remedies being misapplied to the nation's ailing economy are nothing more than public policy myths that grew out of the oil-shock recessions of 40 years ago, Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman told an AFT TEACH conference audience on July 11.
The grades are in for the 2011 Montana Legislature. How did your legislators do on our issues? Read the MEA-MFT 2011 Legislative Voting Record and find out.
Montana's executive branch responds to the Unfair Labor Practice charge filed by MEA-MFT and our fellow unions.
All through the 2011 session, MEA-MFT said the money was there to fund public education and public services. And it was. Every dollar of destructive cuts made by the 2011 Legislature were completely unnecessary.
Students of MEA-MFT member Delena Norris-Tull know to pull on their boots before class.
PASS for paras MEA-MFT's acclaimed course to help Montana paraprofessionals meet the "high quality" definition in the No Child Left Behind Act
Please help keep the spirit of our April 1 No Fooling with our Future Rally strong!
MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver submitted the following open letter to Governor Brian Schweitzer to newspapers across Montana in May.
Montana's Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau recently drew a line in the sand with the No Child Left Behind Act.
It was almost so much worse.
The 2011 Montana Legislature has finally ground to a halt. Final bill status report
MEA-MFT member leader Mona Bilden of Miles City talks about teacher appreciation in the face of historic teacher bashing.
Despite the outcry from conservatives about taxes, tax collections are in fact at historic lows and tax rates for the rich have been declining for years.
Two Montana teachers have been named as 2010 outstanding math and science teachers by President Obama.
The House rejected SB 315 (Ripley) - a bill to redefine good cause and truncate due process in the teacher tenure statutes.
The Montana House voted to reconsider the state pay plan, HB 13, today. Then, following heated debated, the bill died on second reading, 42-58.
Listen to the radio spot, and call your legislators beginning Monday, April 18.
im McGarvey, executive secretary of the Montana State AFL-CIO and former MEA-MFT vice president, announced plans to retire this week.
Apr. 18 - Today, the only real jobs bill – HB 439 (Hollenbaugh) - is up for what could be its final vote, in the House. It must receive at least 67 or a 2/3ds vote. You can help.
Several MEA-MFT members, governance, and staff walked across the street from MEA-MFT's headquarters office in Helena to attend Governor Schweitzer's branding party today.
For the second time, the Montana House has passed consideration of SB 315 (Ripley), the attack on teacher tenure. Your e-mails are working. Keep it up!
Apr 13 - Where the budget battles stands now. All cuts hurt!
Great news: HB 603, the insidious school privatization bill, was tabled Apr. 11. SB 315 remains and needs your URGENT ACTION.
The largest MEA-MFT Representative Assembly (RA) in history took place in Helena April 1-2. More than 350 delegates attended, representing 97 MEA-MFT locals.
More than 350 MEA-MFT members from across Montana honored three of their peers at a gala celebration in Helena April 1.
Once again, MEA-MFT and our members have stopped an attempt to close and privatize the Montana Veterans Home in Columbia Falls.
"The money is there. Where are your VALUES?" That's the message participants sent to the Montana Legislature at our "No Fooling with our Future Rally."
MEA-MFT is part of a coalition called the Partnership for Montana's Future, which just completed a video that puts a face -- many faces, actually -- to the Montana Legislature's needless budget cuts. Take a look.
Four BAD bills wait legislative action, maybe today. Please contact legislators!
The Senate has killed SB 403 (Jones) – the latest k-12 school funding bill. Schools contemplate layoffs due to legislative gridlock.
HB 603 is one of the most dangerous school privatization bills ever introduced.
At least a thousand Montanans from all over the state are expected to attend the rally against the legislature's senseless cuts to state services and education. Join us April 1 for the rally!
Mar. 22 - News Flash – At 4:00 p.m. today, House Appropriations Committee TABLED HB 13 (Hiner) – state employee pay plan.
SB 315, an attack on teacher tenure that severely curtails due process rights, is being heard March 21. Please take action!
More than 500 Montanans braved the winter weather to travel to Helena Feb. 21 for a Rally to Save Public Services and Education.
Montana Governor Brian Schweitzer gave an eloquent defense of public employees and teachers unions on MSNBC today.
Legislatiave Fiscal Analyst says the State of Montana will collect $97 million more in revenues over the next 2½ years than he projected in mid-November. Yet still the majority party insists on draconian cuts.
These two editorials speak to a phenomenon we're seeing in Montana too – and MEA-MFT is fighting back.
SB 315 passed weakens Montana's tenure laws for teachers for no good reason. We'll keep fighting it.
HB 569, sponsored by Wayne Stahl (R-Saco), would roll back state employee salaries to October 1, 2005.
MEA-MFT member and Montana 2011 Teacher of the Year Paul Andersen spoke to the Montana Legislature Feb. 9 about his ideas for improving education. Wow!
As of Feb. 3, 2011, the Republicans who control the Montana Legislature have made cumulative decisions that will cut the next state budget $1.3 billion below the governor's proposed budget.
Governor Brian Schweitzer said it all when he spoke about public education during his State of the State address Jan. 25: "The best path to a higher paying job is a good education. If you choose to cut funding for public education, you do so as a reflection of your values, because we have the money in the bank." Listen for yourself.
More than 100 people from around Montana rallied Jan. 28 against legislative committees' cuts to budgets for education and health and human service programs.
Nearly 100 state and university employees from across Montana participated in our Work That Matters Day of Action, Jan. 17, 2011.
Jan. 10 - In a job-killing move, majority Republicans at the 2011 Legislature voted to chop some $500 million from Democratic Gov. Brian Schweitzer's proposals for the next two-year period.
Seven more Montana teachers – all MEA-MFT members -- recently joined the ranks of the nation's top certified teachers.
Bozeman teacher and MEA-MFT member Paul Andersen has been selected as one of four finalists in the National Teacher of the Year Program – the highest honor a U.S. teacher can achieve.
Public school teachers are some of the most creative folks on the planet. MEA-MFT asked some of our teacher/members for examples of innovative teaching, and we received dozens of replies. Here are a few of them. Move over, Superman.
State pay plan, House Bill 13, and the state legislature
The following op-ed by MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver appears in the Jan. 2, 2011 Helena Independent Record. A legislated cap on state employee pay will be one of the many serious challenges we face in the 2011 legislature.
Across the nation, educators and others are pointing out the foibles in the film "Waiting for 'Superman.'" Here are some examples:
Teacher bashing sank to new depths this fall with the release of Waiting for "Superman," a film that claims to analyze the failures of the American public school system.
From high stakes testing to charter schools, Waiting for "Superman" is full of super myths.
Now seeking nominations: MEA-MFT Faculty Member of the Year
Diane Fladmo is MEA-MFT's new research director and member benefits and retirement coordinator. Dave Severson replaces Fladmo as field consultant for local affiliates in the Northwest 3 region.
One hundred MEA-MFT members from across Montana gathered in Helena Dec. 4-5, 2010, for MEA-MFT's annual Committee Weekend.
For most teachers, isolation is one of the biggest obstacles they face when it comes to improving their teaching. But a new pilot program called "Take One" is helping Montana teachers break the isolation in several areas across the state.
Rank-and-file members of the joint bargaining team for Montana's state employee unions voted today to accept the State of Montana's latest pay plan proposal.
Sen. Dave Lewis, R-Helena, a retired longtime state employee and budget director, is having a bill drafted to ask voters to limit the pay and benefits of state workers.
CI-105 is bad for Montana's people. That's what locally elected delegates -- MEA-MFT members from around the state – decided at MEA-MFT's annual Representative Assembly in Billings March 26-27.
Election 2010 is all about the future: The future of public schools, public services, public employees, and the suvival of the middle class in Montana. In other words, YOUR future. Your vote matters! Read about candidate and initiative recommendations.
"We're not waiting for Superman; we have our own superheroes, and they're right here."
Republican Party Treasurer Gary MacLaren resigns over his own party's mud-slinging tactics.
Dave Severson replaces Diane Fladmo as
"Stick together." That was MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver's advice to state employees as they began a new round of contract negotiations with the governor's office this fall.
MEA-MFT's Work That Matters campaign traveled to Bozeman for the third in a series of work site tours Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2010.
Bozeman science teacher Paul Andersen has been named 2011 Montana Teacher of the Year!
Several dozen MEA-MFT members from around Montana gave up part of their summers to help set national policy at the national meetings of MEA-MFT's two national affiliates: the National Education Association (NEA) and American Federation of Teachers (AFT).
President Barack Obama has signed the legislation saving educator jobs and helping help states cope with the Great Recession.
The MEA-MFT Board of Directors, meeting in Helena July 29-30, took action to oppose "CC2" -- the constitutional convention initiative that will appear on the November ballot this year.
August 3, 2010 - Pensions, corporate accountability and public image issues were front and center at the AFT Public Employees program and policy council's recent meeting in Louisville, Ky. The AFT (American Federation of Teachers) is one of MEA-MFT's two national affiliates, along with the National Education Association. AFT represents state and county government employees along with educators.
Guest Editorial by Superintendent of Public Instruction Denise Juneau
Head Start statewide meeting to held June 21-22, 2010, in Helena.
MEA-MFT worked closely with Superintendent Denise Juneau and Governor Brian Schweitzer on Montana's application for federal Race to the Top grant funds. Unfortunately, Montana did not receive a grant. Read Eric Feaver's letter to the U.S. Dept. of Education.
Some MEA-MFT members in the MUST insurance plan will see huge increase in rates. Montana Sen. Jon Tester pleads our case before Congress. Read message from MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver and watch Sen. Tester's testimony.
Sponsored by The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching, the U.S. Professor of the Year program...
MEA-MFT's Work That Matters campaign for public employees is back: MEA-MFT celebrates with help from a special national guest.
Your union, your voice! Hundreds of locally elected MEA-MFT members will gather to determine budget, dues, and priorities for their state union -- AND to celebrate MEA-MFT's 10th anniversary. Read more.
Mar. 24, 2010 - Congress has finally done something re health insurance -- even if not anything like what it should be doing (single payer). U.S. Senate is presumably poised to follow.
Obama Admin. releases blueprint for public schools. Teachers have severe concerns.
Student loan forgiveness: Need help paying your student loan? Many Montana teachers and licensed professionals may qualify for loan assistance programs.
MEA-MFT turns 10! A decade of victories
Proposed cuts available online
AFT President Randi Weingarten was a special guest at our kick-off party Jan. 21. Read more. And watch a short video of Weingarten's visit.
Nominate by Jan. 15, 2010. Nomination info
Race to the Top? MEA-MFT and other education leaders have serious misgivings about the Obama Administration's proposed grant guideslines.
Oct. 09 - For decades, Montana's public colleges and universities have been like 14 different islands, isolated and competing against each other for funding and resources.
Innovative prescription drug plan will save money for state & university employees.
he American Federation of Teachers, one of MEA-MFT's two national affiliates, has created a new e-newsletter dedicated to the AFT's Faculty and College Excellence (FACE) campaign and other issues related to academic staffing in higher education.
Oct 7, '09 - After more than ten months of bargaining, MEA-MFT members in the University Faculty Association (University of Montana) have a tentative agreement for a new collective bargaining agreement.
MEA-MFT member Anne Keith is named as 2010 Montana Teacher of the Year!
In September, Anne Keith of Bozeman received that highest honor when she was named Montana Teacher of the Year for 2010.
DPHHS members learn workplace problem-solving skills
Congratulations, AFMSU!
MEA-MFT brings suit against the Montana Department of Corrections to require it to follow state law before outsourcing work that has historically been performed by public employees.
MEA-MFT members at UM Western win major grants for biomedical research.
MEA-MFT member Karen Giuliani featured in national publication
Two stories follow. All about Montanans - traditional and nontraditional students - pursing Montana higher education opportunities.
April 14, 2009 - "MEA-MFT is proud to welcome our newest members and local bargaining units, the Associated Faculty of Montana State University in Bozeman," said MEA-MFT President Eric Feaver today.
New Montana History textbook has MEA-MFT members' fingerprints all over it.
Defending their rights.
The good, the bad, the ugly
House Bill 13 -- a very good deal for our state employee members.
MEA-MFT reactivates our award-winning Work That Matters ad campaign.
Correctional Officers at Montana State Prison keep us safe, despite tough conditions.
Members learn to stop toxic leaks.
Escaped prisoners illustrate why privatization doesn't work
MEA-MFT's Stand Up For Education campaign took Montana by storm last spring. And it took top honors in a national award program this winter.


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Spring 2015
You Have a Dream
Following your passion means finding a balance between the priorities of your daily life and taking the steps to achieve your goals.
By Adam Hill
Winter 2014
Defining Your Own Reality
If what you're doing feels like work, you should learn new ways with which to enjoy it, so you can fully master your craft.
Fall 2014
The Right Direction
Just like actors, casting directors are talented individuals who should be respected and revered as such.
Summer 2014
Say What You Mean to Say
By first understanding what it is that your character's dialogue means, you'll better learn how to deliver your lines in a far more effective manner.
Spring 2014
Answering Important Questions
Knowing what it takes to succeed as an actor—in any medium—all comes down to having the confidence in yourself to pursue and achieve your goals.
Winter 2013
What a Character
By studying the backgrounds of the roles that we're playing and looking at the actual person, actors and actresses can gain an edge in developing their own uniqueness.
Fall 2013
A Message for the Parents
When a child dreams of becoming a big star in the entertainment industry, focusing on that goal can actually open more options than expected.
Summer 2013
Picture Perfect
Taking the right headshot is an important decision for any aspiring actor or model.
Spring 2013
Use Your Imagination
As children we learn to develop our creative skills, and to become a great actor it might just help to channel your youth.
Winter 2012
Many people are familiar with the art of acting, but they're lost when it comes to actually preparing and learning.
Fall 2012
To Each His Own
It's fine to emulate the celebrities that you admire, but the most important thing you can do is embrace your own unique qualities.
Summer 2012
Following Your Bliss
Doing whatever it takes to be happy shouldn't have to be an unreasonable goal for anyone in the entertainment industry.
Spring 2012
Getting over your Fears
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself... unless you can learn to conquer it and move on to success.
Winter 2011
Your Real Victories
By simply working to achieve your dreams, you're taking away your critics' ability to call you a loser.
Fall 2011
Off to Work you Go
You could learn a lot about work ethic and a positive outlook by taking a page from Snow White's Seven Dwarfs.
Summer 2011
It's All about Objectives
When we play characters we set goals for them, and that should be no different when it comes to our real lives.
Spring 2011
Exposing your Self Image
A positive self esteem can go a long way in the entertainment industry, as long as you don't let negativity get in your way.
Winter 2010
It's a Scary World Out There
When it comes to selecting an acting coach or teacher, there's no true way to protect yourself from the phonies.
Fall 2010
Picturing Your Success
By acting like a professional, you'll be able to win over entertainment professionals and achieve your career goals.
Summer 2010
Making the Sacrifice
In order to achieve your dreams, you have to be willing to do whatever is necessary.
Spring 2010
Best Friends Forever
In the entertainment industry, success is only as strong as the bond between the talent and the supporting cast.
By Jim Purdy
Winter 2009
Knowing your Role
If you're an actor, model or music artist, your success ultimately relies on your dedication and passion for being prepared.
Fall 2009
She's an American Girl
Jasmine Murray's experience as Miss Mississippi's Outstanding Teen helped prepare her for American Idol fame.
By Ashley Burns
Spring 2009
Knowledge is power
It doesn't matter which industry you're looking to break into—if you don't do your homework, you'll find most doors are shut.
By Tisha Savage
Summer 2008
Nailing the Interview
Total success through self-confidence, personality and a rock solid delivery.
By Lisa Maile
Winter 2007
Why Not YOU?
Pageants can bring out the best in someone looking for an entertainment/showbiz-industry career, but they also can create a few initial pitfalls to success. Here's how to deal with it.
By Bob Luke
Fall 2007
Waiting in the Wings
Miss Teen USA 2003 Tami Farrell teaches lessons that all star-struck hopefuls should know by heart. By Tami Farrell, Miss Teen USA 2003
Summer 2007
Billboard's Dance-hit Queen
By learning the art of competition through pageantry, Kristine W went from small-town Miss Washington to breaking Madonna's record for consecutive hits atop the Billboard Club Play chart.
By Scott Kearnan
Winter 2006
Breaking into Showbiz - Authoring Your Success
As this pageant-savvy agent tells it, your Hollywood destiny rests in your own hands as well as with other key industry players. Knowing your part in the process can make all the difference.
By Dawn Reese
Fall 2006
Breaking into Showbiz - The Nine
School of success: Nine young breakthrough actors shine a reality spotlight on what it takes to fulfill dreams of becoming Hollywood stars. Their experience teaches lessons any up-and-coming performer can use.
Summer 2006
Who Am I?
Every promising performing artist asks themself that single question. Our veteran SAG/AFTRA actor/instructor guides you toward the answer in this virtual classroom based on his own decades-long stage and screen career.
By Perren Page
Spring 2006
It's All In The Packaging
Seeking success as a performer or model isn't easy, right? This international runway model and actress knows just how you feel — and she's grateful to teach you her success secrets.
By Suzanne Von Schaack
Winter 2005
Profiles in Acting
These women will tell you what the job is really all about... and how you can get started, too!
By Cathrine Goldstein
Fall 2005
The 'Instant Success' of Tyler Patrick Jones
A 7-year-old boy discovered at a birthday party becomes a major acting prodigy in a matter of months.
By Martin Weiss
Summer 2005
The Career Can Wait Until You Educate
We think we know actors and understand the mechanics of their profession. It looks glamorous and appealing. It looks effortless! It ain't.
By Konnie Kittrell
Spring 2005
Pop Music's Woes Good News for New Acts
Music-industry groove master Gary Haase explains why the record industry's song-downloading daze may provide the greatest chance in decades to spin the rock 'n' roll roulette wheel — and win big!
By Gary Haase
Winter 2004
Here We Come, Commercials, TV & Film! But How?
A talent manager and specialist in child performers explains the teamwork needed to maximize a young star's Hollywood success.
By T.J. Stein
Fall 2004
How To Be a Beauty School Drop-in
A Southern California-based beauty, education, and staffing expert offers her advice to those considering a career in makeup artistry.
By Christina M. Kane
Summer 2004
Breaking Into Showbiz: A Master's Class in Acting
Throughout the 20th century, the actors' art has had a number of innovative, if prickly, practitioners. Adam Hill advises you to learn from all of them.
YOU CAN GET IT ALL! Click and see for yourself!
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subset: commoncrawl


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Membership status: Member
I am a "twentysomething"-year-old therapist in California. Come find me over on LiveJournal if you want to know anything else. :o)
If you're looking for any fic updates or outtakes that haven't yet been posted, they'll all be posted on either of my LJ accounts. My personal and fandom LJ is here and my fic journal is here.
I am thrilled to have received the following awards (and shiny banners!) from The Quidditch Pitch:


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The thumbnails on the new tab page are missing - how to get them back
The Firefox New Tab page shows pictures of the sites you visit frequently. Sometimes, some or all of these images are not displayed. We'll explain why that happens and how to get them back when it's possible.
Important: If your new tab page has been unexpectedly changed to display a website, see Remove a toolbar that has taken over your Firefox search or home page.
Toggle the images back on
There is a small grid button in the upper-right corner of the page that toggles the images on and off. You may just need to click it to turn them on.
Turn on the new tab page
To turn on the new tab page, click on the gear icon in the upper-right corner of the page and choose
or from the menu.Make Firefox create new images for the new tab page
The images will get re-stored as you use the new tab page to go to those websites again.
- Open the new tab page by clicking the button on the tab strip.
- Click on one of the blank images to go to a website. Note, that it works only for left-click, opening in new tab doesn't do the trick.
- This is important - let the website finish loading (wait for the spinning greenblueorange loading icon in the tab to stop).
- Open the new tab page again and you will see a new image for the website you just went to.
- Repeat this process for the rest of the missing images.
Note: Some websites don't allow images to be generated and saved so they'll show up blank even after doing the steps above. Also, clearing your browsing history (manually or automatically when Firefox closes) will delete the images.
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text:
Myers Lab
The Myers Lab is developing algorithms and software for the automatic interpretation of images produced by light and electron microscopy of stained samples, with an emphasis on building 3D and 4D "atlases" of brains, developing organisms, and cellular processes.
While biologists have been interested in development and anatomy for a very long time, three recent shifts have transformed the experimental landscape: (1) the sequencing of all the common model organisms, (2) rapid advances in light microscopy, and (3) an expanding panoply of genetically encoded reagents. Together these open up the possibility that we can map anatomy and developmental trajectories in terms of molecular agents on a comprehensive scale. Given such data sets, we further believe it may be possible to begin to make real breakthroughs on how the genomic program creates specific shapes and patterns reproducibly.
While there are significant obstacles to be overcome in terms of imaging technology and molecular reagents, the most significant bottleneck in this vision is the existence of robust and reliable algorithms and software for interpreting the information that is present in the tens of thousands of 3D stacks and time-series movies that are produced by such projects. The Myers lab began to focus on this informatics specialty after Gene left Celera in 2002, based on the belief that it holds the greatest potential for big breakthroughs in molecular and cellular biology. Today our entire research focus is along these lines and we have even begun to foray into the development of microscopes and robotics to realize high-throughput pipelines.
The lab is highly collaborative and works with many investigators on computation problems for specific investigations. The list below gives only the broad direction and themes for the group.
A Light-Based Map of Every Neuron in the Fly Brain
Fly brains, after deformable registration to the pattern of neuropil, are stereotypic to within 1-2 microns. By using promotor driver lines and Cre-recombinase constructs, we plan to capture 3D stacks of 100,000 randomly sampled neurons from the fly core brain that contains about 20,000 neurons. In effect, we are performing a 5X shotgun sampling of the neurons in the fly brain, and with our algorithms and software expect to be able to provide a model of almost every neuron in the brain along with information about variance in the structure of the brain.
Perfect Cell Lineage Tracking Through the First 24 Hours of Development of a Fly or Zebra Fish
Next generation SPIM microscopy portends a sampling rate and resolution that may make it possible, with sufficiently sophisticated software, to trace the lineage of every single cell in a developing embryo for about 24 hours. For a fly, this would imply one could monitor development up to the point where the embryo is about to hatch and become a larva. With such a platform in hand, one can then imagine an incredible variety of markers (e.g. every transcription factor) that one might like to monitor through this important developmental arc.
A Comprehensive Library For In-Vivo Monitoring of Intra-Cellular Processes
Monitoring intracellular processes is difficult because of the scale involved. Nonetheless, we have had significant success monitoring things such as centrosome formation, microtubule growth, nuclear envelope breakdown, etc. We continue to solve these kinds of problems on a case-by-case basis with our collaborators, but I still imagine a project in which a set of systematic and comprehensive assays for various cellular functions are realized and widely employed to gain a deeper understanding of the biophysical and signaling processes within a cell.
Diffraction-Limited Imaging of a Mouse Brain Volume in a Day
We have built a multi-photon microscope that is 60 times faster than a conventional multi-photon and have begun engineering an onboard microtome that will enable us to image the entire volume of a mouse brain in six days with no supervision after the initial set up. A next-generation version that we are contemplating may do this in a day. We are currently exploring with collaborators the important questions of (a) how to best prepare samples histologically and (b) what range of experiments one can perform with this capability.
Janelia Publications
A major limitation in understanding embryonic development is the lack of cell type-specific markers. Existing gene expression and marker atlases provide valuable tools, but they typically have one or more limitations: a lack of single-cell resolution; an inability to register multiple expression patterns to determine their precise relationship; an inability to be upgraded by users; an inability to compare novel patterns with the database patterns; and a lack of three-dimensional images. Here, we develop new 'atlas-builder' software that overcomes each of these limitations. A newly generated atlas is three-dimensional, allows the precise registration of an infinite number of cell type-specific markers, is searchable and is open-ended. Our software can be used to create an atlas of any tissue in any organism that contains stereotyped cell positions. We used the software to generate an 'eNeuro' atlas of the Drosophila embryonic CNS containing eight transcription factors that mark the major CNS cell types (motor neurons, glia, neurosecretory cells and interneurons). We found neuronal, but not glial, nuclei occupied stereotyped locations. We added 75 new Gal4 markers to the atlas to identify over 50% of all interneurons in the ventral CNS, and these lines allowed functional access to those interneurons for the first time. We expect the atlas-builder software to benefit a large proportion of the developmental biology community, and the eNeuro atlas to serve as a publicly accessible hub for integrating neuronal attributes - cell lineage, gene expression patterns, axon/dendrite projections, neurotransmitters--and linking them to individual neurons.
Rodents move their whiskers to locate objects in space. Here we used psychophysical methods to show that head-fixed mice can localize objects along the axis of a single whisker, the radial dimension, with one-millimeter precision. High-speed videography allowed us to estimate the forces and bending moments at the base of the whisker, which underlie radial distance measurement. Mice judged radial object location based on multiple touches. Both the number of touches (1-17) and the forces exerted by the pole on the whisker (up to 573 μN; typical peak amplitude, 100 μN) varied greatly across trials. We manipulated the bending moment and lateral force pressing the whisker against the sides of the follicle and the axial force pushing the whisker into the follicle by varying the compliance of the object during behavior. The behavioral responses suggest that mice use multiple variables (bending moment, axial force, lateral force) to extract radial object localization. Characterization of whisker mechanics revealed that whisker bending stiffness decreases gradually with distance from the face over five orders of magnitude. As a result, the relative amplitudes of different stress variables change dramatically with radial object distance. Our data suggest that mice use distance-dependent whisker mechanics to estimate radial object location using an algorithm that does not rely on precise control of whisking, is robust to variability in whisker forces, and is independent of object compliance and object movement. More generally, our data imply that mice can measure the amplitudes of forces in the sensory follicles for tactile sensation.
The GFP reconstitution across synaptic partners (GRASP) technique, based on functional complementation between two nonfluorescent GFP fragments, can be used to detect the location of synapses quickly, accurately and with high spatial resolution. The method has been previously applied in the nematode and the fruit fly but requires substantial modification for use in the mammalian brain. We developed mammalian GRASP (mGRASP) by optimizing transmembrane split-GFP carriers for mammalian synapses. Using in silico protein design, we engineered chimeric synaptic mGRASP fragments that were efficiently delivered to synaptic locations and reconstituted GFP fluorescence in vivo. Furthermore, by integrating molecular and cellular approaches with a computational strategy for the three-dimensional reconstruction of neurons, we applied mGRASP to both long-range circuits and local microcircuits in the mouse hippocampus and thalamocortical regions, analyzing synaptic distribution in single neurons and in dendritic compartments.
MOTIVATION: Automatic recognition of cell identities is critical for quantitative measurement, targeting, and manipulation of cells of model animals at single-cell resolution. It has been shown to be a powerful tool for studying gene expression and regulation, cell lineages, and cell fates. Existing methods first segment cells, before applying a recognition algorithm in the second step. As a result, the segmentation errors in the first step directly affect and complicate the subsequent cell recognition step. Moreover, in new experimental settings, some of the image features that have been previously relied upon to recognize cells may not be easy to reproduce, due to limitations on the number of color channels available for fluorescent imaging or to the cost of building transgenic animals. An approach that is more accurate and relies on only a single signal channel is clearly desirable. RESULTS: We have developed a new method, called SRS (for Simultaneous Recognition and Segmentation of cells), and applied it to 3D image stacks of the model organism C. elegans. Given a 3D image stack of the animal and a 3D atlas of target cells, SRS is effectively an atlas-guided voxel classification process: cell recognition is realized by smoothly deforming the atlas to best fit the image, where the segmentation is obtained naturally via classification of all image voxels. The method achieved a 97.7% overall recognition accuracy in recognizing a key class of marker cells, the body wall muscle (BWM) cells, on a data set of 175 C. elegans image stacks containing 14,118 manually curated BWM cells providing the "ground-truth" for accuracy. This result was achieved without any additional fiducial image features. SRS also automatically identified 14 of the image stacks as involving ±90-degree rotations. With these stacks excluded from the data set, the recognition accuracy rose to 99.1%. We also show SRS is generally applicable to other cell-types, e.g. intestinal cells. AVAILABILITY: The supplementary movies can be downloaded from our website http://penglab.janelia.org/proj/celegans_seganno. The method has been implemented as a plug-in program within the V3D system (http://penglab.janelia.org/proj/v3d) and will be released in the V3D plugin source code repository.
Digital reconstruction of neurons from microscope images is an important and challenging problem in neuroscience. In this paper, we propose a model-based method to tackle this problem. We first formulate a model structure, then develop an algorithm for computing it by carefully taking into account morphological characteristics of neurons, as well as the image properties under typical imaging protocols. The method has been tested on the data sets used in the DIADEM competition and produced promising results for four out of the five data sets.
The centrosome is a dynamic structure in animal cells that serves as a microtubule organizing center during mitosis and also regulates cell-cycle progression and sets polarity cues. Automated and reliable tracking of centrosomes is essential for genetic screens that study the process of centrosome assembly and maturation in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans.
Automatic alignment (registration) of 3D images of adult fruit fly brains is often influenced by the significant displacement of the relative locations of the two optic lobes (OLs) and the center brain (CB). In one of our ongoing efforts to produce a better image alignment pipeline of adult fruit fly brains, we consider separating CB and OLs and align them independently. This paper reports our automatic method to segregate CB and OLs, in particular under conditions where the signal to noise ratio (SNR) is low, the variation of the image intensity is big, and the relative displacement of OLs and CB is substantial. We design an algorithm to find a minimum-cost 3D surface in a 3D image stack to best separate an OL (of one side, either left or right) from CB. This surface is defined as an aggregation of the respective minimum-cost curves detected in each individual 2D image slice. Each curve is defined by a list of control points that best segregate OL and CB. To obtain the locations of these control points, we derive an energy function that includes an image energy term defined by local pixel intensities and two internal energy terms that constrain the curve's smoothness and length. Gradient descent method is used to optimize this energy function. To improve both the speed and robustness of the method, for each stack, the locations of optimized control points in a slice are taken as the initialization prior for the next slice. We have tested this approach on simulated and real 3D fly brain image stacks and demonstrated that this method can reasonably segregate OLs from CBs despite the aforementioned difficulties.
The V3D system provides three-dimensional (3D) visualization of gigabyte-sized microscopy image stacks in real time on current laptops and desktops. V3D streamlines the online analysis, measurement and proofreading of complicated image patterns by combining ergonomic functions for selecting a location in an image directly in 3D space and for displaying biological measurements, such as from fluorescent probes, using the overlaid surface objects. V3D runs on all major computer platforms and can be enhanced by software plug-ins to address specific biological problems. To demonstrate this extensibility, we built a V3D-based application, V3D-Neuron, to reconstruct complex 3D neuronal structures from high-resolution brain images. V3D-Neuron can precisely digitize the morphology of a single neuron in a fruitfly brain in minutes, with about a 17-fold improvement in reliability and tenfold savings in time compared with other neuron reconstruction tools. Using V3D-Neuron, we demonstrate the feasibility of building a 3D digital atlas of neurite tracts in the fruitfly brain.
Linking activity in specific cell types with perception, cognition, and action, requires quantitative behavioral experiments in genetic model systems such as the mouse. In head-fixed primates, the combination of precise stimulus control, monitoring of motor output, and physiological recordings over large numbers of trials are the foundation on which many conceptually rich and quantitative studies have been built. Choice-based, quantitative behavioral paradigms for head-fixed mice have not been described previously. Here, we report a somatosensory absolute object localization task for head-fixed mice. Mice actively used their mystacial vibrissae (whiskers) to sense the location of a vertical pole presented to one side of the head and reported with licking whether the pole was in a target (go) or a distracter (no-go) location. Mice performed hundreds of trials with high performance (>90% correct) and localized to <0.95 mm (<6 degrees of azimuthal angle). Learning occurred over 1-2 weeks and was observed both within and across sessions. Mice could perform object localization with single whiskers. Silencing barrel cortex abolished performance to chance levels. We measured whisker movement and shape for thousands of trials. Mice moved their whiskers in a highly directed, asymmetric manner, focusing on the target location. Translation of the base of the whiskers along the face contributed substantially to whisker movements. Mice tended to maximize contact with the go (rewarded) stimulus while minimizing contact with the no-go stimulus. We conjecture that this may amplify differences in evoked neural activity between trial types.
Full reconstruction of neuron morphology is of fundamental interest for the analysis and understanding of neuron function. We have developed a novel method capable of tracing neurons in three-dimensional microscopy data automatically. In contrast to template-based methods, the proposed approach makes no assumptions on the shape or appearance of neuron's body. Instead, an efficient seeding approach is applied to find significant pixels almost certainly within complex neuronal structures and the tracing problem is solved by computing an graph tree structure connecting these seeds. In addition, an automated neuron comparison method is introduced for performance evaluation and structure analysis. The proposed algorithm is computationally efficient. Experiments on different types of data show promising results.
The C. elegans cell lineage provides a unique opportunity to look at how cell lineage affects patterns of gene expression. We developed an automatic cell lineage analyzer that converts high-resolution images of worms into a data table showing fluorescence expression with single-cell resolution. We generated expression profiles of 93 genes in 363 specific cells from L1 stage larvae and found that cells with identical fates can be formed by different gene regulatory pathways. Molecular signatures identified repeating cell fate modules within the cell lineage and enabled the generation of a molecular differentiation map that reveals points in the cell lineage when developmental fates of daughter cells begin to diverge. These results demonstrate insights that become possible using computational approaches to analyze quantitative expression from many genes in parallel using a digital gene expression atlas.
Volume-object annotation system (VANO) is a cross-platform image annotation system that enables one to conveniently visualize and annotate 3D volume objects including nuclei and cells. An application of VANO typically starts with an initial collection of objects produced by a segmentation computation. The objects can then be labeled, categorized, deleted, added, split, merged and redefined. VANO has been used to build high-resolution digital atlases of the nuclei of Caenorhabditis elegans at the L1 stage and the nuclei of Drosophila melanogaster's ventral nerve cord at the late embryonic stage. AVAILABILITY: Platform independent executables of VANO, a sample dataset, and a detailed description of both its design and usage are available at research.janelia.org/peng/proj/vano. VANO is open-source for co-development.
MOTIVATION: Caenorhabditis elegans, a roundworm found in soil, is a widely studied model organism with about 1000 cells in the adult. Producing high-resolution fluorescence images of C.elegans to reveal biological insights is becoming routine, motivating the development of advanced computational tools for analyzing the resulting image stacks. For example, worm bodies usually curve significantly in images. Thus one must 'straighten' the worms if they are to be compared under a canonical coordinate system. RESULTS: We develop a worm straightening algorithm (WSA) that restacks cutting planes orthogonal to a 'backbone' that models the anterior-posterior axis of the worm. We formulate the backbone as a parametric cubic spline defined by a series of control points. We develop two methods for automatically determining the locations of the control points. Our experimental methods show that our approaches effectively straighten both 2D and 3D worm images.
Prior Publications (2)
The fly Drosophila melanogaster is one of the most intensively studied organisms in biology and serves as a model system for the investigation of many developmental and cellular processes common to higher eukaryotes, including humans. We have determined the nucleotide sequence of nearly all of the approximately 120-megabase euchromatic portion of the Drosophila genome using a whole-genome shotgun sequencing strategy supported by extensive clone-based sequence and a high-quality bacterial artificial chromosome physical map. Efforts are under way to close the remaining gaps; however, the sequence is of sufficient accuracy and contiguity to be declared substantially complete and to support an initial analysis of genome structure and preliminary gene annotation and interpretation. The genome encodes approximately 13,600 genes, somewhat fewer than the smaller Caenorhabditis elegans genome, but with comparable functional diversity.


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Ian Atkin
I type lots of itty-bitty characters in the hope that they'll do something useful.
I develop applications for the web that serve thousands, and sometimes millions, of users.
I specialize in back-end fun these days, but have a long history of trying to make Internet Explorer do something approaching sensible, and other activities generally described as front-end.
I love to read and study the hardcore concepts of computer science, as well as the whole shebang/gamut of computing history. Areas of particular interest are SmallTalk, Lisp, and the amazing work done at Apple in the late 70s and early 80s.
I also do nerdy stuff with electronic music, and when I find time I also read the mainstay of all geeks: science fiction. I guess I'm true to type. I also enjoy watching vintage movies of all sizes and subjects, but have a fondness for B-movies and dystopic tales.
Cue the Zombie Apocalypse!
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"Defy Convention: 20 Years of DC"
Acclaimed skateboard lensman Mike Blabac is coming off one of his grandest distillation projects, a 136-page coffee table book covering 20 years of DC Shoes. "Defy Convention" is a hardcover, premium-bond volume measuring 12-inches by 12-inches, and it features more than 150 color and black-and-white images of the brand's athletic range. What follows is a selection of photos from the book.


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Thin is in. The Real Good Chair is as skinny as an up-and-coming model—but far less wobbly. This seriously sexy seat is made from powder-coated steel in a Fab exclusive color. Plus, this stylish seat is smart too. It ships flat and folds along laser-cut lines to create a dynamic and comfortable chair.
Powder-coated steel seat and back with painted carbon steel legs. Seat height 18". Legs include protective rubber floor guards.
Enjoy 10% off your first order*


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Young graduates ace their first work assignment: the Hummer HX concept
January 15, 2008 Talk about hitting the ground running - three young design students, fresh out of college, fronted up for their first day of work at GM and instead of a week of fetching coffees, their first assignment was to produce concepts for a new, compact, youth-oriented off-road Hummer. The three students' input drove the design of the new Hummer HX concept, which has sparked a lot of excitement among Hummer fans. Open-topped, with a configurable rear roof section, removable body panels and an E85-capable engine, the HX concept will debut shortly at the 2008 North American International Auto Show – and it's rumored to be the base for the upcoming H4 production SUV.
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Local couple wins wedding at Lewis Ginter
Richmonders Jim Morgan and Dan Stackhouse were married at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden in Lakeside Mar. 7 month after winning the Say I Do! With OutRVA wedding contest in February. The contest was open to LGBT couples in recognition of Virginia's marriage equality law, which took effect last fall. The wedding included a package valued at $25,000.
Morgan and Stackhouse, who became engaged last fall on the day marriage equality became the law in Virginia, have been together for 16 years. They were selected from among 40 couples who registered for the contest. The winners were announced at the Say I Do! Dessert Soiree at the Renaissance in Richmond in February. > Read more.
Fourth-annual Healy Gala planned
The Fourth Annual Healy Gala will be held Saturday, Apr. 11, at The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
The event was created to honor Michael Healy, a local businessman and community leader who died suddenly in June 2011, and to endow the Mike Healy Scholarship (through the Glen Allen Ruritan Club), which benefits students of Glen Allen High School.
Healy served as the chairman of Glen Allen Day for several years and helped raise thousands of dollars for local charities and organizations. > Read more.
Ruritan Club holding Brunswick stew sale
The Richmond Battlefield Ruritan Club is holding a Brunswick stew sale, with orders accepted through March 13 and pick-up available March 14. The cost is $8 per quart.
Pick-up will be at noon, March 14, at the Richmond Heights Civic Center, 7440 Wilton Road in Varina.
To place an order, call Mike at (804) 795- 7327 or Jim at (804) 795-9116. > Read more.
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Weekend Top 10
It's that time of year – charity races are popping up everywhere! On Saturday, St. Joseph's Villa will be the site of the sixth annual CASA Superhero Run and the fifth annual Richmond Free to Breathe Run/Walk will be held in Innsbrook. Also in Innsbrook, the 2015 Richmond Take Steps for Crohn's and Colitis will take place on Sunday. If you're more into relaxation than exercise, check out Wine for Cure's Dogwood Wine Festival or the Troubadours Community Theatre Group's production of "West Side Story" at the Henrico Theatre. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
There are several fun events this weekend taking place outside including the third annual Virginia Firefighter Games at Short Pump Town Center; Twin Hickory Park's "April Showers: A Celebration of Spring" event; the Young Life Richmond West 5k in Innsbrook; and the Gold Festival on Broad which benefits Prevent Child Abuse Virginia. Fingers crossed for no rain! For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
Weekend Top 10
The University of Richmond will host its annual Global Family Concert this weekend – a free, family friendly concert featuring Japanese, Indonesian, West African, Indian, and Brazilian music and dance performances. Country music fans can head to The Cultural Arts Center at Glen Allen for "An Evening of Country" featuring The Honky Tonk Experience. Enjoy the spring weather at Meadow Farm for "Sheep to Shawl" or join the Henrico Hiking Club at James River Park. For all our top picks this weekend, click here! > Read more.
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The fourth annual We Heart Harlie and Friends 5K and Fun Run will start at 9:15 a.m. at Glen Allen High School. We Heart Harlie and Friends' mission is to… Full text


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Young female singer seeks acoustic guitar player (Dublin city centre)
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Philadelphia 76ers Gear
Philadelphia 76ers Jerseys
Philadelphia 76ers Jerseys Swingman
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Product ID: 1161544
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THIS IS A MANUFACTURER DIRECT ITEM. THIS ITEM SHIPS ON OR BEFORE Monday, May 4 th
Add some authentic b-ball style to your wardrobe with the adidas® Revolution 30 custom Swingman® jersey. Designed to resemble on-court NBA attire, it's crafted with breathable mesh material and features a customized name and number; back neck taping and an updated Swingman® jock tag are also displayed. Due to the customized nature of this product, this item cannot be returned or refunded. Once an order is submitted, changes cannot be made and the order cannot be cancelled. Damaged items will be exchanged for the same item.
- 100% Polyester
- Athletic-cut jersey fits closer to the body through reduced body length and width
- Back hem of jersey hangs two inches (2") longer than the front
- Back neck taping – no irritating stitch on the back neck
- ClimaCool ® technology conducts sweat and heat away from the body
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- Name & number is heat applied for a performance feel that matches the on-court jersey
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Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention
Mumps is an infection of the parotid glands. These glands are located on the side of the face, near the ear. Because of the mumps vaccine , this condition is not as common as it once was in the United States.
Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.
The virus is usually spread through contact with an infected person's saliva. The mumps virus spreads easily among people in close contact.
Mumps are more common in children and adolescents between the ages of 10-19 years. Other factors that may increase your chance of mumps include:
About one-third of cases do not have symptoms. Symptoms often occur 2-3 weeks after exposure to the virus.
Mumps may cause:
Other areas may also be affected, such as:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will diagnose the mumps based on these findings.
There is no specific treatment for mumps. Viruses cannot be treated with antibiotics.
In general, mumps will last about 10-12 days. Try these comfort measures:
In most healthy children, complications are rare. When complications do occur, they may include:
Getting vaccinated is the best way to prevent mumps. The vaccine contains live viruses that can no longer cause disease. The mumps vaccine is usually given in combination with:
The regular schedule for giving the vaccine is at age 12-15 months and again at age 4-6 years.
Ask your doctor if the vaccine is right for you. In general, avoid the vaccine if you:
If you are not vaccinated, avoid contact with someone who has mumps. Discuss the benefits of vaccination with your doctor.


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On Wednesday, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives unanimously adopted HR 277, recognizing the role of physical therapists in promoting the health of women. The Pennsylvania Chapter, with help from the Section on Women's Health, assisted in drafting the resolution, which was introduced by Rep Chelsa Wagner in conjunction with National Women's Health Week.
"We're pleased that Rep Wagner spearheaded this effort and that the members of the House of Representatives acknowledged the physical therapist's role in women's health care," said Ivan J. Mulligan, PT, DSC, SCS, chapter president. I would like to thank her and her staff for reaching out to the Pennsylvania Chapter and the Section on Women's Health to assist her on this important issue. We look forward to continuing to educate the Commonwealth's residents about the benefits that the physical therapy profession can offer in regard to women's health care."
"After my own pregnancy, I was fortunate to have been able to take part in a physical therapy regimen which allowed me to recover from childbirth and return to my normal activities more quickly," Wagner said. "In my discussions with other women, I have found that the benefits of physical therapy after childbirth are not widely known. Through this resolution, I hope to call increased attention to the benefits of physical therapy for women. My own experience has shown me that such treatment may be of benefit to many other women."


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2010 Review of Professional Payroll Systems
Growing Profits with Payroll: Which Model is Right for Your Firm?
From the Sept. 2010 Issue
Over the past two decades, payroll processing has had an ebb and flow relationship with many professional practices. Small and mid-sized business owners or management either try to manage payroll themselves without assistance, or they instinctively turn to their public accountant. In the first case, most will inevitably face penalties for missing due dates or reporting deadlines or experience other compliance errors. As far as those who have turned to their accountant, the result has greatly depended on the professional, the firm and their conception of the payroll service.
Few will disagree that managing payroll effectively is a critical element of running a business. After all, the fines can be painful and missing a payroll run can be destructive to the relationship between the business and its employees. But for many, keeping up with changing payroll tax issues, reporting and payment deadlines, and other issues can be a challenge.
[Product Reviews Start Below]
While most accountants certainly have the skill and knowledge to manage the processes, professionals have developed several views of the service over the years, with firms adapting different strategies for handling payroll. Many practices have found success in developing very profitable payroll offerings as a fully managed in-firm service, having developed a strategic workflow that uses a combination of technology and appropriately paid data-entry staff. In fact, some firms can see six-figure profits from models with only two staff dedicated to managing payroll for 50 to 100 clients.
Other firms, however, have preferred to leave most payroll functions to their clients, sometimes advising them toward using one of the national payroll service companies. For some, this allows them to dedicate limited staff toward other engagements, while also ensuring that clients have reliable payroll processing functions. There are also many variations in between, where professionals can use automated systems that maintain the firm's presence in the payroll process, but with little investment of time or resources.
For this year's review of payroll systems, we identified four general models of payroll programs, some designed for use by professional accountants to service multiple clients, while others are primarily for use directly by businesses, so we start each review by identifying which type of product it is (see the box for how we identify each payroll model). You know your firm's capabilities and interests, so you're in the best position to determine which model is best suited to your practice and your clients.
Payroll services have the potential to be very profitable and can be one of the strongest relationship-building services you offer, with clients and their employees frequently interacting with the firm and the firm's brand through web-based self-service portals. The same advances in technology over the past decade that have made the national payroll companies so successful are now available to professional accounting practices; it's just a matter of integrating those payroll services into your firm's workflow.
----------------- 2010 Review of Professional Payroll Systems ----------------
Full-Service Payroll Systems
Advanced Micro Solutions - 1099-Etc A-T-F Payroll
CCH Small Firm Services - ATX Payroll & TaxWise Payroll
CheckMark Software - CheckMark Payroll
Cheque-Mate International - Insta-Pay for Windows
CYMA - CYMA Accounting for Windows
Intuit Inc. - Online Payroll for Accounting Professionals
PenSoft - Payroll Plus Accounting Edition
Red Wing Software - CenterPoint Payroll
Thomson Reuters - Accounting CS Payroll
Partially-Assisted Payroll Systems
AccountantsWorld - Payroll Relief AC
Intuit Inc. - QuickBooks Enhanced Payroll for Accountants
Paramount Software Solutions, Inc. - Crest Payroll
Direct Client/Business Use Payroll Systems
Cougar Mountain - CMS Professional Payroll
Mangrove - Workforce Empowerment
Outsourced/Referral Payroll Systems & Programs
CompuPay - XpressPayroll for Accountants
Thomson Reuters - myPay Solutions


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If you are looking for a Wedding Venue in
Bolton, Britannia Hotel is the perfect choice!
Our professional and attentive staff are always available to offer
the expertise and guidance which will make your special day a
perfect one.
Britannia Bolton Wedding Venue can accommodate 10 to 200 guests in any one of our elegantly appointed function suites. Only after viewing our rooms and discussing your requirements can we advise you of the most suitable rooms for your reception. Our magnificent facilities make Britannia one of the best Bolton Wedding Venues!
The following are included in the cost of your Wedding Package, our gift to you...
- Red carpet arrival
- Glass bucks fizz on arrival
- 2 glasses house wine with meal
- Sparkling wine to toast
- 3 course meal with coffee & chocolates
- Cake stand & knife
- Manager to act as a toast master
- Accommodation for bride & groom with Champagne in Room