text:
Libya attacks: White House feels pressure to respond with attacks
WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House, under political pressure to respond forcefully to the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi, is readying strike forces and drones but first has to find a target.
And if the administration does find a target, officials say it still has to weigh whether the short-term payoff of exacting retribution on al-Qaida is worth the risk that such strikes could elevate the group's profile in the region, alienate governments the U.S. needs to fight the group in the future and do little to slow the growing terror threat in North Africa.
Details on the administration's position and on its search for a possible target were provided by three current and one former administration official, as well as an analyst who was approached by the White House for help. All four spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the high-level debates publicly.
In another effort to bolster Libyan security, the Pentagon and State Department have been developing a plan to train and equip a special operations force in Libya, according to a senior defense official.
The efforts show the tension of the White House's need to demonstrate it is responding forcefully to al-Qaida, balanced against its long-term plans to develop relationships and trust with local governments and build a permanent U.S. counterterrorist network in the region.
Vice President Joe Biden pledged in his debate last week with Republican vice presidential nominee Paul Ryan to find those responsible for the Sept. 11 attack on the U.S. Consulate in Benghazi that killed U.S. Ambassador Chris Stevens and three others.
"We will find and bring to justice the men who did this," Biden said in response to a question about whether intelligence failures led to lax security around Stevens and the consulate. Referring back to the raid that killed Osama bin Laden last year, Biden said American counterterror policy should be, "if you do harm to America, we will track you to the gates of hell if need be."
The White House declined to comment on the debate over how best to respond to the Benghazi attack.
The attack has become an issue in the U.S. election season, with Republicans accusing the Obama administration of being slow to label the assault an act of terrorism and slow to strike back at those responsible. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Monday night that the security of State Department operations was her responsibility.
The White House is "aiming for a small pop, a flash in the pan, so as to be able to say, `Hey, we're doing something about it,'" said retired Air Force Lt. Col. Rudy Attalah, the former Africa counterterrorism director for Defense Department under President George W. Bush.
Attalah noted that in 1998, after the embassy bombing in Nairobi, the Clinton administration fired cruise missiles to take out a pharmaceutical factory in Sudan that may have been producing chemical weapons for al-Qaida.
"It was a way to say, `Look, we did something,'" he said.
On the subject of developing a special operations unit, U.S. officials received approval from Congress well before the Benghazi attack to reprogram some funding in the budget that could be used for the commando program in Libya. But the details are still being discussed with the Libyans and also must get final approval from Congress, according to the defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly.
The initial cost is estimated at about $6.2 million.
The defense official said U.S. leaders have recognized the need to train Libyan commando forces, but details such as the size, mission and composition of the forces are still being finalized.
A Washington-based analyst with extensive experience in Africa said administration officials have approached him for help in connecting the dots to Mali, whose northern half fell to al-Qaida-linked rebels this spring. They wanted to know if he could suggest potential targets, which he says he was not able to do.
"The civilian side is looking into doing something and is running into a lot of pushback from the military side," the analyst said. "The resistance that is coming from the military side is because the military has both worked in the region and trained in the region. So they are more realistic."
Islamists in the region are preparing for a reaction from the U.S.
"If America hits us, I promise you that we will multiply the Sept. 11 attack by 10," said Oumar Ould Hamaha, a spokesman for the Islamists in northern Mali, while denying that his group or al-Qaida fighters based in Mali played a role in the Benghazi attack.
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Nov 23, 2007
Why is my robot not perfect? (part 2)
There were a few different points of view with the theory so what better way to proceed than some real live tests.
Test Setup:
NXT robot, 2 wheels on a smoothish table.
2 white lines, 500mm apart
Program was written to wait 2 seconds then drive forward 1024 degrees. (the 2 seconds allowed the robot to settle and let me get my hand out of the way before it started driving)
1st test
75% power 1024 degrees, unloaded. I ran this 3 times and it was spot on in every case.
2nd test
50% power 1024 degrees, unloaded. I wanted to try and eliminate slippage with the surface of the table. If there was slippage at high power, it would be less at low power. Again all 3 runs were spot on.
3rd test
75% power 1023 degrees fully loaded. I found a nice heavy book to place over the top (2.2kg). The wheel does deform by a noticeable amount.
This time when I ran it, the robot came consistantly 30mm short. Vary the power and get the same result, 30mm short.
So if there is no slippage with the table, and changing of the wheel diameter does not affect the distance the only thing left is slippage between the wheel and the tyre.
I got some whiteout and marked both the hub and the tire and ran the experiment again. Turns out there is a small amount of slippage, although not enough to account for all the error.
I think it's a combination of hub/tyre slippage and slightly deformed wheel diameter. The rubber is soft enough to compress itself slightly changing the diameter.
What do you think? Post in the comments.
Damien Kee
8 comments:
- Talking Chimp said...
I have noticed the same thing when using the "View" program to measure motor rotational degrees. (E.g., for a 90-degree turn). The number of degrees varies depending on how hard I press down on the robot when rotating the tire (i.e., making the turn manually)
- Nov 23, 2007, 5:43:00 PM
- CATpit contractor said...
I assume that when running your tests with the white-out, you ran it with both loaded and unloaded robots?
How did they compare?
- Nov 23, 2007, 11:59:00 PM
- Damien Kee said...
Yes I did a test with the whiteout unloaded and got no noticeable deflection over that distance. I might do another test over a much larger distance with it unloaded.
- Nov 24, 2007, 7:45:00 AM
Is the robot being dragged or are you using a caster for a third wheel.
-- just wondering how much dragging would contribute to wheel slippage.
- Nov 26, 2007, 12:31:00 AM
- Damien Kee said...
There is a castor there and only a straight line track. No dragging that I can see.
- Nov 26, 2007, 4:09:00 PM
- AlexD said...
Do you think there may still be energy stored in the deformed tyre? Not enough to move the robot the last 3 cm, but there if you unload it. I've been experimenting with wind-up motors lately, and I notice that they tend to retain some residual energy which is not enough to push the whole car, but if you lift it it can spin the wheels for a while.
- Nov 30, 2007, 6:48:00 AM
1.7mm deflection is the cause!
The Math:
(1023/500)*360=175.95mm Wheel Circumfrence
175.95/(Pi*2)=28.00mm Radius Unloaded
With Load:
(1023/470)*360=165.40mm effective circumfrence
165.40/(pi*2) = 26.32mm Radius Loaded
Meaning the load deflects the wheel by 1.7mm, Measured as axle to table.
note that the wheel is defelected at the bottom only so is not round. The circumfrence of the wheel does not actually change but is distorted so appears smaller. It is the rolling radius that changes.
(see http://www.club80-90syncro.co.uk/Syncro_website/TechnicalPages/TRC%20calculator.htm)
- Dec 9, 2007, 6:53:00 AM
P.S if you noticed that the whiteout marks also rotated in the wrong direction, this would be caused by mechanical precession (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Precession_%28mechanical%29)
- Dec 9, 2007, 7:11:00 AM

subset: commoncrawl


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David Edelstein |
NPRFriday, February 28, 2014
Washington Fire Update: Threat To Lake Tahoe Towns Subsiding
2015 Fourth Of July Events And Fireworks Displays In Sacramento
Gov. Jerry Brown Signs Strict School Vaccine Legislation
Washington Fire Update: Containment Grows To 45 Percent
All California Workers Now Eligible For Sick Pay
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The Australian bank reworks its digital strategy to improve sales and experiences.
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The money management firm has figured out how to cut publishing time to market by 50%.


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For 2003, breakthrough suspension technology is the Chevy Corvette's Magnetic Selective Ride Control. It's not just our Bow-Tie bias that provokes that statement. We've driven several '03 Vettes with that system and it's effect on ride and handling is revolutionary.
We are not alone in this belief. Popular Science magazine announced Magnetic Selective Ride Control winner of its prestigious "Best of What's New in Automotive Technology" award for 2002. The Society of Automotive Engineers magazine, Automotive Engineering International, named it one of its "Top 10 Technologies" for 2002.
Magnetic Selective Ride Control (some call it "MagneRide" or just "MR") is a computer-controlled shock absorber system but that's not really news. Corvette has had computerized ride control systems since 1989 and some Chevy trucks have had them since the late '90s.
Previous systems used conventional hydraulic shocks. A servo-operated bypass or pressure control altered their valving, but the damping was still done by a piston forcing shock oil through small orifices.
MagneRide's breakthrough is that not only is the damping varied electrically, but some of the shock absorber hardware is replaced by electronics, too. Also, there's no oil in a MR shock. And, GM does this for 1,700 bucks-a hell of a bargain.
Secret SauceThe shock oil is replaced by magnetorheological (say "mag-knee-toe-ree-oh-lodge-i-kul") fluid. Manufactured by the Lord Corporation, "MRF" is a staggeringly complex, synthetic-hydrocarbon-based liquid having 20 to 40 percent "carbonyl iron" particles (CIP) in suspension.
CIP are microscopic, iron spheres of very high purity and have excellent electromagnetic properties. BASF is the only manufacturer of CIP we found selling a product intended for MRFs. BASF told us that one grade, "...'Carbonyl Iron Powder CR' is designed to meet the requirements of the magnetorheological fluid in shock absorbers."
When asked for more information on CR, BASF was not accommodating, however, it hinted it was similar to another product, "CM" which varies in diameter from four to 22 microns with at least 50 percent of it being about 7 microns in diameter. A micron is 39 millionths of an inch (.000039) so, we're talking way small particles. Lord Corporation also declined to provide specifics about its MRF citing proprietary concerns. Whatever the source of Lord's CIP, we believe it's similar to BASF CM.
Before the particles are added to the fluid carrier, they look and feel like black flour. Once MRF is formulated, it looks and feels like dirty engine oil. The key property of this high-tech witch's brew is its flow characteristics, or "rheology" changes, when subjected to a direct-current, magnetic field. CIP are attracted to each other and the magnet's poles forming a sort of fibrous matrix that changes the fluid's yield stress. The magnitude of this effect is proportional to the field strength. A little magnetism and MRF is like thick oil. A little more, it's like heavy gear lube. When the field is strongest, the fluid is like grease.
MRF reacts to changes in field strength in a couple of milliseconds. MagneRide's overall system response is slower but, still quicker than any other production, electronic ride control system. Other systems may have a potentially wide range of damping but, in practice, can't switch rapidly or accurately enough to make such a range effective.
Magnetorheological fluid was discovered more than a half-century ago but it wasn't until about 1990, once digital processors became fast enough and cheap enough, that MRF in automotive suspension dampers became practical. It took Lord and Delphi Corporation, which manufactures the shocks and controls for GM, over a decade to take MRF from a product around which scientists would stand and speculate, "Uh yeah, dude, this stuff is sweet. It could work in, like...a shock absorber on a car," to where they could put it in a production Chevrolet.


text:
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Rainbow OTK
Also found in:
♠ Over The Knee ♠ Rainbows ♠ Tabbisocks ♠ Burning Man
These rainbow knee socks give you a full spectrum of stripes down to your feet with contrasting black heels, toes and cuff.
The selected size and color is currently out of stock.
All sizes and colors are out of stock.
The selected size and color is currently out of stock.
Sizing Tips
The usual "one size" of women's socks: should fit US women's shoe sizes 6-10 and men's 5-8.
About 23 inches long from heel top of cuff.
Additional Info: Made in Japan.
Fiber Content: 100% nylon.
Machine wash warm, tumble dry low.
Label: Tabbisocks
Rainbow OTK is rated out of 5 by 3.
Rated 4 out of 5 by Nicacarrots from Pretty colors! I love the colors in these rainbow socks. But I really don't think they should say they can go in the washing machine. I put them in the washer and was going to hang dry, they didn't hold up well in the wash at all. They seem a little thinner in spots and they must have snagged on something because one got a small run. They are still wearable (the run was small enough to carefully fix with tweezers and some patience) but they really took the washing hard, they definitely didn't come out looking the same. If I get a second pair I will treat them more like nylons than socks.
Date published: 2013-10-11
Rated 4 out of 5 by Emphy from Pretty colors and very soft but... These knee/thigh highs work well on me as knee highs or scrunched up as mid-calf socks (if I pull them any higher, they stretch out too much and don't look nice). They are absolutely gorgeous and they have a really nice and soft texture to them and I don't see them wearing out any time soon. They are also perfect for gay/GSRM pride events and they definitely made a statement when paired with some black and rainbow shorts. They do have a few problems that need to be addressed on the other hand. One is that they don't seem like they would be machine washable so you need to wash them by hand after every time you wear them and all stains from your feet or shoes seem to come out pretty easily. But if you wear them multiple days, your feet sweat will turn the foot part crunchy and it gets really uncomfortable really fast. I also don't suggest wearing them with loose fitting or smooth shoes because they are so soft that your feet will slide around inside if your shoes. Especially if the socks were just washed and the fabric is really clean. Lastly, these don't stay up AT ALL at least on legs like mine. They want to roll when any thigh pressure is put on them whatsoever. Do you see how in the display picture it shows a person in grass wearing them and they have a small black bar at the top? That black bar is actually over an inch long but the stockings have rolled down from being worn on their thighs so you are only seeing a small piece of them. Sock garters or a garterbelt will be absolutely necessary for wearing these if you intend to wear them above your knee and/or you have thick thighs.
Date published: 2013-12-09
Rated 5 out of 5 by braincheese from Super fun! These socks are a bit thinner than I thought they would be, but they are fantastic nonetheless! They're a little bit tight at the top, but nothing too uncomfortable, and they stay up almost all day. I wear these with shorts quite often and they make quite a statement. Treat them gently, but not as if they will fall apart. I've had them over a year and they're still just fine.
Date published: 2014-08-07
If they can put socks on me, they can find your size. Trust the Dreamers.
~ Lindsay L.


text:
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text:
Imagine an engine whose acceleration slams you into your seat every time you change gears. Imagine an exhaust note so loud you have to communicate with your passenger via sign language. Imagine a car so thoroughly outrageous it makes your jaw drop. Then double it. Welcome to the world of Paul Pavlou's 700hp Sting Ray.
Model year 1965 was one hell of a time to get a Corvette. For instance, it was the only year you could buy a Sting Ray with a 375hp fuel-injected small-block, disc brakes, and side-mounted exhausts. And starting at just over $4,000, the car was an incredible performance bargain. The buying public thought so, too: Sales reached a record (at the time) 23,564 units, 15,378 of them convertibles, according to the Corvette Black Book.
Jump forward 40 years and to a different country, where we recently came face to face with one of the 15,000-or-so '65 convertibles Chevrolet produced-albeit in a slightly different form than the day it rolled off the line.
We first heard, then saw, this '65 Sting Ray as it disappeared in a cloud of tire smoke outside the Ace Caf one summer night last year. To say the sight was impressive is an understatement. Although heavily modified, the car remained honest to the Sting Ray formula from the '60s: Small car; big, powerful engine-in this case, a really big, powerful engine. We had to find out more about this monster Vette and its creator.
A few weeks later, we met up with car owner Paul Pavlou at his house. Over a cup of coffee and a cream cake, we learned more about the blue Vette sitting in his garage among some cool-looking bikes and other toys. "It was in 1988. After having a number of fast cars, including a V-8-powered Capri and a nicely tuned Bauer BMW, I decided I wanted to get something different, something a bit special," Paul tells us with a wink.
After scouring hundreds of classified ads and driving a roughly equal number of miles, the 19-year-old Paul and his friend, Tony, finally came across an ad for two Corvette Sting Rays: a black '64 and a red '65. A phone call later, and the two friends were on the road to Aversham from North London. En route, the lads hoped they weren't going to find yet another of the "dogs" they had seen up until then.
As they pulled into the drive, the sight of a beautiful, shiny black Corvette greeted them. "We were so surprised to find something that good that we almost didn't bother checking out the other Vette," Paul says. "But we did, and were even more surprised when we clapped eyes on this bright red Vette with a huge hoodscoop and puffed-out wheel arches. It looked like nothing we had ever seen before," he says excitedly.
After a bit of negotiation, Paul and Tony jumped into the red '65, turned the ignition, and the 327 rumbled like distant thunder as they headed home. They made it, but not before suffering through a couple of detours, being caught in the rain without working wipers, despite the car's up-to-date MOT [short for "Ministry of Transport," an MOT is the UK's equivalent of a state-issued vehicle-inspection sticker], and twice being stopped by the police. It seems the bemused bobbies simply wanted to know what kind of car they'd just passed. "One of them even asked if it was an AC Cobra," Paul remembers, laughing.
More misfortune followed. A few years later Paul and Tony were belting down the road when the lefthand rear-wheel nuts sheared, sending the wheel careening into the other lane. "It bounced off the railings outside Winchmore cop shop and plowed into a Fiesta coming the opposite direction. Luckily, no one was hurt," Paul says, shaking his head.
One of the friends made a phone call, and another turned up in a Transit [a type of Ford van sold in Europe] to tow the Vette home. The only problem-they didn't have a trailer. After a few minutes of "lateral" thinking, the guys came up with the idea to "liberate" a shopping trolley from the nearest supermarket and substitute it for the missing wheel. The plan worked surprisingly well until the guys burned out the clutch on the van and were once again stranded. Finally, a passing Jeep owner took pity on them and towed the Vette home.


text:
July 8th, 2015
Browse Archive by Day
Archive: News / Pics & Flix / Entertainment News (39 Stories)
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08/01/2013 12:20pmAnthony Rapp has joined "If/Then," the new musical led by Idina Menzel from the creative team behind "Next to Normal."
Drama veteran Andre Braugher loves getting laughs
08/01/2013 12:23pmAndre Braugher has had two decades of acclaim for his serious TV roles, ranging from "Homicide" to "Last Resort."
Fox to adapt popular British drama 'Broadchurch'
08/01/2013 1:13pmFox says it's launching an American version of a popular British crime drama _ and U.S. viewers will get to sample the original series beginning next week.
Playboy, Penthouse get the ax at military stores
08/01/2013 1:16pmPlayboy, Penthouse and other sex-themed magazines will no longer be sold at Army and Air Force exchanges _ a move described by the stores' operators as a business decision based on falling sales, and not a result of recent pressure from anti-pornography activists.
A shark talk show highlights Discovery's week
08/01/2013 1:38pmComic Josh Wolf may not want to hear the word "shark" after next week, much less bump into one.
Teen Choice awards to feature Cyrus, Bullock
08/01/2013 2:27pmDarren Criss of "Glee" and Lucy Hale of "Pretty Little Liars" will co-host Teen Choice 2013, which will include a performance by country group Florida Georgia Line.
Pay attention when playing peek-a-boo with sheers
08/01/2013 2:30pmAn unexpected flash of skin under a sheer fabric can be sexy and sophisticated on a date, at a party, even in the office.
Fox animated shows loaded with celebs this fall
08/01/2013 3:15pmKristen Wiig, Zach Galifianakis, Rachel Maddow and Daniel Radcliffe will be among the celebrities lending their voices to a new season of "The Simpsons" this fall on Fox.
Colo. police seek help with high-profile cold case
08/01/2013 3:22pmColorado investigators are asking for help finding a man suspected of killing Sid Wells, a 22-year-old college student who was dating actor-director Robert Redford's daughter when he was shot to death three decades ago.
Experts: Health risks higher from packaged greens
08/01/2013 3:43pmThe outbreak of a stomach bug two states have linked to bagged salad came as little surprise to food safety experts, who say the process of harvesting, washing and packaging leafy greens provides numerous opportunities for contamination.
Rajskub, Sutherland to reunite on '24' miniseries
08/01/2013 3:57pmFan favorite Mary Lynn Rajskub is reteaming with Kiefer Sutherland for a 12-episode run of "24: Live Another Day" to debut next May on Fox.
Valerie Harper starts work on TV movie
08/01/2013 4:04pmDespite suffering from incurable brain cancer, actress Valerie Harper is back at work.
Renovations at NY Public Library strike a nerve
08/01/2013 4:07pmLike the famous marble lions out front, the New York Public Library's flagship building has long symbolized serene endurance in the service of knowledge. But plans for a major change within the landmark have kindled an intellectual culture clash over its direction and the future of libraries themselves.
Ramsay holds his tongue working with kid chefs
08/01/2013 6:36pmGordon Ramsay's, dare we say it, softer side comes out when the formidable chef presides over aspiring kid cooks on a new reality show.
Fox sitcom 'Dads' blasted weeks before its debut
08/01/2013 7:19pmIt doesn't debut until next month, but the Fox sitcom "Dads" is already taking heat in early reviews for being crass, sexist and exploiting racial stereotypes.
Lawsuit against Shakira by ex-boyfriend dismissed
08/01/2013 8:26pmA lawsuit by Shakira's ex-boyfriend seeking tens of millions of dollars from the singer was dismissed Thursday by a judge who determined the case should not be heard in California.
Lawsuit against Shakira by ex-boyfriend dismissed
08/01/2013 8:44pmA lawsuit by Shakira's ex-boyfriend seeking tens of millions of dollars from the singer was dismissed Thursday by a judge who determined the case should not be heard in California.
Cowell says 'X Factor' female judges reflect music
08/01/2013 8:51pmThe mostly female judges' panel for "The X Factor" reflects the "girls' world" of today's music business, Simon Cowell said Thursday.
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News for April 2014T'ai Chi
Apr 24, 2014
Got Shabbat?
Apr 23, 2014
Coming Events in the Community - Squirrel Hill
Apr 11, 2014
Summer Food Service Program in Squirrel Hill, MonroevilleThe Jewish Community Center is particiapting in the Summer Food Service Program. Kosher and kosher-style meals will be provided to all children, ages 18 and under, without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age…
Squirrel Hill Open House
Apr 11, 2014
Squirrel Hill Open House - Open to everybodyPlease stop in anytime on Sunday, April 27, and see what the JCC is all about! You can: Bring a Friend for FREEWork out in our Fitness Center and treat yourself to our whirlpool, steamroom and sauna! (must be over 18+)Try our Family GymPlay…
Pickleball at the JCC South Hills
Apr 11, 2014
Pickleball Comes to the JCC South Hills Pickleball, which is part tennis and part badminton, is a simple paddle game played using a large paddle to hit a special perforated, slow-moving ball over a tennis-type net on a badminton-sized court. Easy to learn, appropriate and fun for all ages, the sport…
Pittsburgh Jewish Community Scorecard
Apr 8, 2014
Are enrollment numbers in our Jewish schools growing or declining? How many people attend Kol Nidre services in Pittsburgh every year? How many seniors live in a Jewish residential facility in the community?To learn more about our community and to follow the trends, sign up for updates from the Pittsburgh Jewish Community…
The JCC Wins Six Awards
Apr 4, 2014
JCC of Greater Pittsburgh Wins Six Awards from JCC Association The Jewish Community Center of Greater Pittsburgh won six JCCs of North America Biennial Excellence Awards, awarded at the Biennial held in San Diego, March 28 to April 1. Three are Zahav Awards, which recognize outstanding, visionary initiatives with maximum impact or…
South Hills Newly Renovated Locker Rooms
Apr 1, 2014
Locker Rooms Open April 1 (No Fooling!)Improvements to the men's and women's locker rooms include replacing the floors, walls, ceilings, lighting, and benches. Slip-resistant tiled floors, safety grab bars, HDPE lockers and bathing suit spinners are just some of the many upgrades to the locker rooms. The $500,000 project, announced…


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Just a good PC for gaming etc.
Absolutely no knowledge of computers so please don't judge.
Stumped between picking the Intel core i7-3820 with the Asus p9x79-LE mother board (2011 socket) or the intel core i7-3770K with the AsRock z77-Extreme 4 Intel z77 (1155 Socket)
Prices differ by like 40 bucks, where the 1155 is cheaper.
I hear things about overclocking etc. but i don't know if it's easy to do and maintain etc. Also the 2011 cpu doesn't come with heatsink so i need to add another 20 bucks for a fan/heatsink cooler.


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Narrow your search
ViaForensics says unprotected data on phone could be used in a social engineering attack, but only if someone got root access to the device.
A range of mobile apps examined by security firm ViaForensics found a significant number storing user names unencrypted and a smaller number storing passwords the same way.
A new study from ViaForensics has found that there are a slew of popular applications that are currently "failing" at securing sensitive user data.
Financial firms say they are addressing problems that research firm found with security of mobile apps.
PayPal iPhone app users need to download the update or risk a man-in-the-middle attack on their accounts over unsecured Wi-Fi networks.
Apple's included support for a variety of disk images in OS X is one of the more convenient aspects of the operating system, allowing you to easily encrypt or otherwise compartmentalize your data for easy organization and management. While disk images


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Space of His Own (SOHO), an Alexandria creative mentoring program is seeking diverse adult males to mentor local youth. The program, sponsored by Alexandria's Juvenile Court Services and Seaport Foundation, meets throughout the school year on Wednesday evenings, from 5:30-8:00 p.m. providing fifth grade boys in need of positive adult male role models with one-to-one mentoring. Through hands on activities such as carpentry, fishing and sports activities, SOHO teaches valuable life skills and provides healthy meals. Similar to its sister program, Space of Her Own, the program culminates in June with a renovation of each boy's bedroom. We are seeking 12 diverse, fun & caring adult males to start this September. No mentoring or carpentry experience is required; training will be provided. Mentor one child & change two lives. You won't regret it.
Register for an upcoming mentor orientation on Wednesday, September 18, from 5:30-7:30 p.m., at the Seaport Foundation, located at 2 Duke Street. E-mail email@example.com to register.
Mentor one Child. Change two Lives.
Here is the commitment:
We ask that mentors commit to missing no more than three SOHO sessions and to arriving at each group meeting promptly at 5:30 p.m.
Those who successfully complete this initial process and pass the criminal background check are invited to attend two mentor training sessions, two initial group meetings, and to participate with youth on our kick- off weekend camping trip at Camp Kekoka in Kilmarnock, VA. Mentors are matched with mentees after this entire process is complete.
No mentoring or carpentry experience is required. A SOHO mentor demonstrates a positive and enthusiastic attitude, is reliable, and is able to arrive on time for meetings. The ability to bond with SOHO boys and fellow mentors is essential. Successful SOHO applicants are flexible, roll with the punches and are able to embrace diversity in cultures, thoughts and behaviors.
SOHO staff members provide training, support and guidance throughout the program year.
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Valparaiso University's honors college—Christ College—is a place where talented and motivated learners in every field of study find personal attention and inspiration within a vibrant academic community. Christ College, known as "CC", offers an honors environment where faith and learning are cherished, where interdisciplinary education fosters independent critical thinking, and where virtues such as charity, humility, and courage are nurtured. Students in Christ College find a spirited, inclusive learning community, and earn an education that features comprehensive preparation - not to mention competitive advantage - for future plans for employment or graduate school. Explore the Christ College website to learn more about CC's stimulating curriculum, diverse student profiles, and dynamic co-curricular opportunities.
CC Calendar Highlights
2014 - 2015 Academic Year
Beauty and Spiritual Vision in Orthodox Iconography
Fr. Maximos Constas
Scholar of Eastern Christianity
Thursday, March 19, 2015
6:30 - 7:30 pm
Harre Union Ballrooms
Freshman Debates
March 24
March 26
April 9
The Masterworks Program at Christ College reaches out to the community. More...
Give to the Dean's Annual Fund. More...
Christ College Freshman Debates March 24 & 26 and April 7 & 9. More...


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Carry this color and show your support for breast cancer research. Learn more about the Vera Bradley Foundation for Breast Cancer.
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A perfect way to showcase your sentimental photos, special letters and other notes. The cute, new square shape with grosgrain ribbon looks lovely alone or grouped with other boards.
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- Gene Doray
- Salmon Arm
- Canada
Vice Principal, Educator - High School
This conversation is closed.
What is the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher?
I am curious to know what people consider the attributes that separate good from great. I would also like to know what you think would motivate a person who is a good teacher to aspire for that same greatness. Thanks for your ideas!
Closing Statement from Gene Doray
Firstly, I am deeply appreciative of the thoughtful commentaries by all. As both a teacher and an administrator, I have a strong investment in finding out what motivates people to improve their practice. Passion for their subject area? Passion for student success? A combination of both? For me it boils down to the desire to make a positive impact and improve the life chances of all students. I believe it is an honour to have the opportunity to play such an important role in the lives of our children.
When I posed the question, in the back of my mind I was thinking about a quotation that I had heard that sought to explain why we had so few "great schools". It was something like, "the reason we only have a few great schools is that we have so many good ones." The statement first caused me to ponder what traits the speaker used to differentiate the two, but later I focused on the notion of "complacency". So, I wondered "aloud" what it is that causes a person to strive for more. Once again, thanks for sharing your ideas and insights with us all. I apologize for not being involved for the past several weeks as I was enjoying some family time on an island with no computer in sight!
Jul 2 2011: I love reading these comments. I am an educator and I know that I am not great for all students all of the time. Most days, if I can "do no harm" first and then build on that in some way, it was a successful day. I can speak to the fact that as a teacher, if you study hard and work hard and put in the time AND are really lucky, you will have moments of greatness with your students. You will live for those, you will live ON those, for days and weeks, and sometimes years.
A lot of things contribute to this: budgets, large classes, more responsibilities than can fit into a day, families - both the ones that actively harm their children and the ones that do it just by cordial neglect..
For me, a great teacher is one that never stops trying, never stops learning, and never stops caring. There is never just one answer - for us or our students - and never just one way to solve a problem.
Jul 3 2011: Sushan, without question teaching is a vocation of the heart, and I hope that you continue to share yours with your students. You are absolutely right about the many ways to solve a problem - problem solving often seems to be an integral part of teaching. Do you see the role of the teacher changing in the not-too-distant future? Words like "facilitator" and "guide" are often used to describe the shift we are being prepared for.
Jul 3 2011: The teaching role has changed in the 10 years I have been in education and I think continues to do so. When i was in school, the switch was from "the sage on the stage" (the teacher as expert, impart-er of knowledge and lecture-style classrooms) to "the guide at the side." I don't think there is a name yet for what teachers will have to become in the future, digital, mobile model of education.
Jul 3 2011: Sushan, I am intrigued by the hybrid model that you work within. What are the structures that support it? Do you still have regular bell schedules and homerooms? Are students assigned mentors? Is there a sense among students that one version (classroom or virtual) is "easier" than the other?Jul 3 2011: Hi, Gene - Students belong to an advisory group based on their individualized curriculum, ability, age, and social-emotional dynamics. One teacher has about 15 students per advisory group; middle school students are on campus two days a week, high-schoolers are there the other two. Fridays are teacher workdays for collaboration and training with some extra activities for college-bound students. Students work from home (or in our open computer lab or in parent-led study groups) whatever other hours are needed to stay on target in their lessons.
On their days on campus, students do have "lab time" - they also receive hands-on, direct instruction in Math, SS/Sci, and LA in the morning and participate in SmartLab, Service Learning, and Global Studies (learning a foreign language via Rosetta Stone and studying about the regions that use that language - we are still trying to link up with classrooms in other countries if anyone has info on that).
To answer your final query, I think our students would say that this type of learning is harder than a regular classroom. They get to move at their own pace, but a lot is expected in terms of accountability and student-ownership. the pride that they feel at the end is exciting - they know exactly how much they have accomplished.
Jul 3 2011: Do your high school students have to write standardized exams (other than the SAT) at the completion of their schooling or do you have different ways for students to demonstrate their learning? Is your school a charter, private, or public school? Students are at school 2-3 days per week? Could you provide a school website so I can learn more about the philosophy and the practical applications. Thanks, again, for your input.Jul 4 2011: Briefly, because obviously I love to talk shop: I work at Taos Academy Charter School. Because we are chartered and funded directly by the state of NM, we are considered our own district for funding and enrollment. Enrollment is by lottery and is free as we are a public school. More can be found at:
I think this link has a copy of our charter attached as well.
Testing: Students complete three short-cycle assessments plus NMSBA testing (mandated by the state) per year. 11th graders take proficiency tests (also mandated by the state) for graduation requirements.
On campus time: Students are on campus 2 days/week in their advisory groups. We also have an open computer lab available during off-days and 10th-12th graders often take dual credit courses at UNM campus.
Jul 4 2011: Thanks for the link. What do your Fridays look like? Is it truly the professional learning communities at work? Do teachers feel connected to students the same way they would in a more formal schooling situation where you see your students on a daily basis?Jul 5 2011: Hi, Gene - Love all your questions. I am actually hoping our students can spearhead a TEDx event in the next year or so, so hopefully then you can see some of the amazing things they do for yourself. Til then, I'll keep trying to answer:
Two Fridays/month are staff days for staff development - training, collaboration, best practices sharing. One staff meeting/week is an EQ one, devoted to increasing communication and raising emotional intelligence in our staff and curriculum.
As to if teachers feel connected with their students in the same way, I have talked about this to many of my colleagues - most of us come from a traditional classroom setting and yes, there is definitely a difference and a transition to a new style of teaching. That said, I can speak knowledgeably to how any one of my students is doing in all four of their core classes (LA, Math, Sci and SS plus foreign language) at any time. Parents receive narrative progress reports for the advisor teachers weekly, plus an automated one from the learning platform. I do not think that that is the norm in most public schools, especially high schools, where a teacher could see up to 150 students/day in just their one subject area.
So, yes, you do feel connected to your students and especially to their families as a whole. Because of the two-day nature of the school, this HAS to be a collaborative effort. My students communicate with me often via email, phone, and Skype as needed - just because they are not on campus doesn't mean they do not have access to their teacher!Jul 5 2011: I love what you say about never stop trying. Maybe we as teachers have tried many ways to give students what they want, however, we may not totally reach their heart and give they what they really need. Although with a little bit of frustration, I believe the energy and courage keep coming from inside as a teacher keep fighting.
Jul 5 2011: Thanks, Karen - I think one of the toughest times as a teacher is when you are so emotionally invested in your students that what they want vs. what they may need from you are a bit harder to figure out. It is also a sign of a truly important "teaching moment" on the horizon...
The students have to have the trust that if you ask them to do something, it is because you know that they can do it (might still be hard, though!).Jul 1 2011: Good teachers - and I had many - taught me the subject matter: science, math, languages.
Great teachers - and I had only a few - taught me what matters: passion, discipline, justice.
What would motivate? I guess the sparkle in students' eyes.
Jul 1 2011: A nice definition - interesting how the most inspiring teachers don't necessarily adhere to delivering solely curriculum content.
Jul 1 2011: My best teachers always treated the curriculum the way a skilled tailor treats a coat hanger. A useful tool but something that needs to be adorn to be relevant. And of course some of my greatest teachers weren't teachers.
Jul 1 2011: I agree - a qualification on paper does not necessarily endow someone with the skills to be a great teacher.
Also, a good point about the curriculum. In NZ, we're lucky to have a flexible curriculum that focuses more and more on skill acquisition and, what the Ministry of Ed here terms, Key Competencies.
This allows for a semblance of structure without dictating everything to teachers and students.
Gene Doray
Jul 3 2011: When I reflect on some of the best teachers I have had, and many that I have worked with, what becomes clear to me is what they share in common: passion for their subjects and compassion for their students.
- +2
Jul 2 2011: With regards to English Language Arts
- +5
A good teacher will teach you how to write.
A great teacher will teach you how to enlighten via any medium.
In general
A good teacher goes through the motion of their job: cover the curriculum, keep students quiet, mark tests etc.
A great teacher emphasizes the "why" and "how" of the answers instead of just the "what".Jul 6 2011: Top 5 (+14) Characters of Great Teachers by Students (Survey)
1. Inspired me and never let me settle for anything less than my best
2. Compassionate, caring, made me feel important and welcomed, made a personal connection with me
3. Were demanding, pushed me hard
4. Had a great sense of humor
5. Knowledge of the subject matter
Other specifics
1. Wasn't afraid of what other people thought
2. Passion for the subject matter
3. Challenged me to think beyond just the answer in the textbook
4. Listened to my ideas
5. Taught me new things
6. A terrific fund raiser
7. Kept things interesting
8. They were interactive
9. Added personal elements to the classroom
10. Organized
11. Wasn't fake or shallow with comments to students
12. Discipline
13. Confidence
14. They were problem solvers, rather than simply problem identifiers
Jul 6 2011: Nice addition Shokrullah! Thanks for including the student based perspective.
Jul 7 2011: Thank you; I always believe in a beneficiary oriented strategiesJul 5 2011: Like how the Chinese proverb goes - Give a man a fish, and he'll eat for a day; Teach a man to fish, and he'll eat for a lifetime
May be that's the difference between a good and a great teacher
Concluding - Great teachers not just enlighten, but empower too
Jim Moonan
Jul 5 2011: Yes I think great teachers do that.
- +1
I teach theatre/performing arts to children and I have two quotes that sum up what I aspire to be as a teacher.
The first:
"It's not, 'How smart is the child?' It's, 'How is the child smart?'" -Jim Greenman, author & educator
The second:
"Teach a child to fish and he will know how to fish. But teach a child to BE a fish - Now you've taught her something!" -Me (something of a "play" on the quote you mentioned)
Jul 6 2011: Agreed Jim
Its like "doing different things v/s doing things differently"Jul 6 2011: Yes, Krishna I agree. Nice insight.Jul 4 2011: This is an interesting discussion but first lets get away from good to great shall we... it was a book but perhaps there are other ways to measure successful teachers. I think that a lifelong commitment as a learner is first in foremost in being a successful teacher. Most teachers begin their careers in their undergraduate studies as tutors or in a lab setting assisting students of various ages. At this point the capacity of learning content is being built but not quite applied... the desire to learn and grow through trial and error and exposure to advanced content allows the young teacher to advance into the beginning of the craft... you have to be committed to learning for a lifetime first before you can lead others down that path. education is the one area that recieves all types of media attention for its failing system in America. we build relationships, we teach content, we differentiate, analyze data, prpvide feedback, basically work hard at the education process... with all this in my mind why do we not evaluate the lifelong learning process that we all go through? Great teachers never stop questioning or learning outside of their educational setting. College professors teach but also write, research, and continue to advance thier content... why are we not doing that in all settings and why are we only evaluating a small segment of our population in their academic progress? sucessful teachers are lifelong learners who share their learnings with all of those around them... thier students, colleagues, bureacratic administrators, etc... It all comes down to the the Socratic question of "why?" and then the pursuit of knowledge and the sharing of that knowledge with a community of active learners.
Jul 4 2011: Thank you, Adam, if I could I would give your comment more thumbs-up,
keep learning and sharing, may be it'll help you to succeed as a teacher, if not, never mind, you'll enjoy the ride anyway.Jul 5 2011: Adam, I respect your opinion and description of what teachers ought to be: models of lifelong learning, passionate about their subject area and even more so the students that they teach (those points were inferred); however, I wonder what it is that causes a person to continue to self reflect and self motivate. As both a teacher and an administrator for the past twenty years, I have seen many examples of teachers who do that very thing, and many who have mastered their curriculum and are simply content to deliver it again and again with little thought to improving the opportunities/methods for learning. We know that motivating others is a challenging and perhaps fruitless task, so what impetus do you think exists for a teacher - who is clearly competent - to self motivate to improve from the status quo? What do you think about professional learning? Do you know if it is mandated where you are from or is it left to individuals? I have worked with a staff to create our own "This We Believe" statements as the framework that connects our words to our actions, and while many staff members were engaged in the process - sharing ideas, discussing best practices, and gaining a feeling of collective purpose, there were those who were uninvolved either because of the "been there, done that" mentality or didn't feel connected. Any suggestions as to how to encourage staff to become lifelong learners and model that which they espouse? Thanks for your thoughts!
Jul 6 2011: Gene, I'm not sure if this is appropriate, if I am barking up the wrong tree, or if you do this anyway - but as a counsellor and psychotherapist I am required professionally to have regular 'supervision' sessions every two weeks with another trained supervisory psychotherapist. These sessions allow me to offload all the client issues that I am finding bothersome at the time - and also to discuss and affirm good practice, and to keep me working professionally.
I am just wondering if similar, mandatory discussion sessions such as this with teacher supervisors would also be appropriate in the teaching profession?
Jul 6 2011: Allan,
As administrators, we do try to embed time for collaboration within the school day - in some schools this is easier to do than others. However, we also look to support team teaching, mentorship, and conversations around best practice. The isolation of teachers is a challenge as they can go entire careers without seeing their peers in action. We also offer to cover classes so that teachers can work together and help one another to improve their respective practices. The idea of professional learning communities has been with us for some time, but it isn't necessarily in place in many schools. As a former high school counsellor, I remember fondly what you describe as those routine meetings where we "unloaded" and shared our ideas to support one another. I saw it as an essential aspect of my own professional learning. Thanks for your comments.Jul 13 2011: Gene,
Havent had time to post in a week or so, but i wanted to comment on the time set aside for teacher collaboration and design. I have only been in education for fourteen years, but in that time I have been fortunate to work in the elementary, middle, and high school settings. It is always the goal of the administrator to provide adequate time for collaboration but the reality is that time during the school day with students in the building is limited. Making copies, calling parents, scheduled IEP/504 meetings, staff-development and other items can often interfere with that planning time. There are many factors that we must consider in looking at our educational system and creating a series or processes or protocols that will engage teachers to be more collaborative. You can provide two hours or uninterrupted planning tiime but if the team capacity is not built then collaboration will not occur. Working independently in your classroom does not foster collaboration also teachers are a lot like students in that they do not want to wait for others and may prefer to do the work and planning themselves. First, I beleive we must address the length of the school day and the school year for both students and teachers. In my state of North Carolina students attend school for 185 days starting this year. i think we should consider a 190 day year with scheduled strategic breaks for students and families. Teachers should have their work days and work year extended to allow time to meet with no students in the school building and with no pre-determinded staff development assigned by the local education agency. Teachers need strategic time to plan, analyze student work samples, and to design engaging units that teach skills but engage students in projects that foster a deeper level of critical thinking skills and integration of knowledge into their daily lives. We need to stop looking at education as a fall /spring opportunity but instead a year long opportunity.Jul 2 2011: A good teacher does his best to give knowledge to his students. A great teacher makes his students love learning.
Jul 3 2011: A great definition! How do you think the great teacher achieves this success?
Jul 3 2011: This question is actually really challenging one. Answer is complicated, but here is what I think:
I think that great teachers are born to be that way. But at fundamental level or at 'classroom' level, a great teacher can see the world from their students' eyes, and find best way of teaching every single one of his students. Finding a different and best approach is crucial. The key for becoming a great teacher is realizing that every student is actually unique and they all have their own perspective of the world, and that no student prefers to be taught in a way that he doesn't like.
Jul 3 2011: I once heard that a great teacher is one who makes learning likely, not just possible.Jul 2 2011: Agree with Caleb, Jaime & Scott and want to rephrase as below
Good teacher make students understand best the things herself / himself undertands best.
Great teacher knows strengths & weaknesses of her/his student and work accordingly and let them grow with their own potential.
Jul 2 2011: A complaint from many teachers is that with so many students under their supervision, it is hard to really get to know their students' potential. Any thoughts as to how great teachers are able to get to that goal? Thanks for your ideas.
Joe Delsen
Jul 2 2011: Gene, let children learn under their own pace with khanacademy.org then more time can be devoted in personally engaging and caring each student.
- +1
I agree with with the idea of knowing more and understanding more our students because the students don't care what you teach unitl they know how much you care.
Gene Doray
Jul 3 2011: Joe, I have seen the khanacademy.org sight recently and I am sure that it has a lot to offer many kids. However, having recently had the experience of working with an exceptional student that chose a "blended" program - part of her coursework at our school, and a few additional courses through a similar on-line version - her comments about the lack of meaningful face to face interaction with peers and adults caught my attention. The socialization of the classroom, and the "real time" participation aided in her understanding...according to her. Certainly technology has many advantages, but it is still "just a tool". And, the point that you bring up about caring was entirely absent from the online relationship. I do see merits to both virtual and "bricks and mortar" education, but I wonder how the role of the teacher will change, and how to balance learning and connecting.Jul 3 2011: @ Gene. I work at a hybrid model school that attempts to leverage technology (including Education 2020 and knanacademy and mathsnacks and many more online resources....) with face-to-face instruction; plus classes in environmental ed, outdoor experiential learning, and emotional intelligence training. The balance can happen and when it does, it is beautiful to see!Jul 2 2011: Well Gene , thats a usual complain from average teachers (not even good teachers) I guess.
- +1
It's a "half full , half empty" glass story.
Might be lucky to come across a couple of great teachers in my life with whom still I am conneceted with though I finished my Masters level many years back.
My formula is simple, even if the class size is 100 (only usual in 3rd world country I guess , where I am from), in a year at least teacher have 200 working days, so easily they can allocate 2 days to know a student more closely instead of just going to class with book and start teaching.
Though great teachers are neither bound to calendar days nor to the curriculum. They are really rare ...Jul 2 2011: I think that dividing the class into groups would be better in that case ( for the students and teacher). The students could then teach and learn from one another and that way it's easier for the teacher to have an overview. By looking at the smaller group dynamics the teacher can then see the individuals strengths/ weaknesses.
Jul 2 2011: Hi Anita , yes thats another way of handling big group. Well thats why the saying "when there is a will , there is a way" is there.
Rare Great Teachers find out many other ways also.
Thanks for your idea.Jul 2 2011: Gene - time to get hard with the politicians and their ridiculous attempts to run schools according to business models.
Reducing class sizes is the one thing we could do to immediately deal with this issue - I'd prefer 1:5 ratio but most politicians would scoff and sneer at the cost.
And (in the case of my country) go and pump $350 million tax dollars into the rugby world cup! It's obvious what's important to our politicians..
Jul 3 2011: Scott, I have nothing but the utmost respect for the challenges that face our teachers - especially when one considers the lack of funding in many jurisdictions. However, I was interested to find out that research seems to suggest that class size has little to do with achievement. This to me seems counterintuitive - especially when one begins with the starting point that relationship building is essential for student success. Thoughts?Jul 3 2011: A good teacher teaches students - a great teacher shares ideas, knowledge, wisdom and understanding with all people. A great teacher is someone who not only knows their subject well, but who can share an understanding of that subject with someone else and instill a curiosity and inspiration for that subject.
A good teacher has an invested interest in their subject - a great teacher has an invested interest in their student and their students growth. It takes an incredible ability to be able to understand that everyone is an individual and thus each have unique requirements - especially when it comes to learning. And it takes an even greater ability to be able to know people to such an extent that you are able to communicate to them in a way that they will fully understand and challenge them in a way that encourages growth, yet is just enough so that they'll still be able to achieve it.
People don't become great teachers - they are born great teachers...
Jul 4 2011: @ Malcolm - I both agree and disagree. A teacher has to have some natural aptitude, sure. I know a lot of people in other professions that I call "kid whisperers" - they "get" my students and how to interact with them in an effective, exciting way. However, on the flip side I have known a lot of natural teachers that failed in the classroom because they couldn't organize themselves or their ideas in a meaningful way for students.
Jul 4 2011: Perhaps I didn't explain clearly enough - there are definitely many facets to being a great teacher, including being organized, knowledgeable in your subject, etc - but in my opinion out of all of them one of the most critical would be, as you put it, the ability to be a "kid whisperer". That natural affinity to connect with people and explain things in a way that that specific person can understand definitely gives an edge to teaching. But of course, as you mention, that in itself does not guarantee that they would be able to teach. It is a combination of both talents which can be acquired (speaking in front of a group of people for example) and an inborn ability to connect with people that makes good teachers great.
Jul 5 2011: Now I get you!Jul 2 2011: In response to the 'original' question of, "What is the difference between a good teacher and a great teacher?", while adhering to the adage that 'brevity is the soul of wit', I will answer::
One should either step up their game, or be doing something else for a living ... :) :) :)
Eintein once said, "Every child is born a genius." I would agree with this statement, however, adults, parents, teachers, family members and peers are the root cause of stealing 'genius' from 99% of people who grow up to become non-geniuses ... remember, Einstein said every child is born gifted, he did not state that all humans develop that way or achieve thier full potential --- in fact, many of his quotes about humanity would certainly indicate that he did not hold all adults and their activities in very high esteem.
In summing up my thoughts ... geniuses are being born on this planet every minute, but society is set up to crush these people's genius and spirit, and it is the duty of GREAT teachers to save as many as we can.
Lux et Veritas!
Jul 2 2011: What incentive would you give these teachers to 'step up'?
Almost every teacher I have worked with has been on less than enviable salaries and usually end up providing resources for their classroom out of their own pocket.
Forget overtime pay or bonuses - it doesn't happen.
Given the stresses that go with the job - dealing with anger/behaviour issues, complaining (and often misguided) parents, the demands of delivering individualised programmes to 30+ kids and the planning and prep that this requires, assessment practice that effectively reduce teaching time (but insisted upon by govt), self reflection and professional development (another govt requirement), registration and professional standards requirements, handling budgets and overseeing areas beyond the classroom (sports, arts, cultural), is it a any wonder that kids 'slip through cracks'?
If the bureaucrats and policy makers stopped their love affair with (meaningless) stats and numbers and measurement practice, then teachers could get on with their reason for being - teaching kids.
Jul 3 2011: Hey Scott,
There is not a single 'rewarding' career which does not have challenges.
In response, to your question: SUCCESS is its own reward.
If money is high on your value scale, then you should not be a teacher ... the poor pay is a well known fact ... nobody is trying to hide the low pay from the public ... people don't get into teaching FOR the pay, they become teachers in SPITE of the pay ... :) :) :)
If teachers were rewarded like CEO's and entrepreneurs, North America would indeed have higher calibre people teaching because the best and brightest often go for the bigger money. Our society, in general, has become over taken by media and people believe that monetary wealth and material possessions are more important than our felllow human beings, their health, their education, etc.
English was always my worst subject and I live in an area of Canada where the English language is butchered for sport ... what I meant to convey was that GREAT teachers should keep doing what they are doing, and GOOD teachers should step up thier game by becoming more intereted in doing everything they can to become a GREAT teacher or do something they are more suited to do.
Here is a list of some of my all time favorite teachers: Pythagoras, Socrates, Diogenes, Confucius, Jesus and Tesla. These are the GREATEST of the great ... they all taught what they knew, what they discovered and were focused on TRUTH ... they all loved to teach ... they all shunned money and saw the silver linings in living a life in relative financial poverty.
Teaching was never about money, it shouldn't be today and it certainly won't be in the future.
I taught math, physics and calculus in high school for 5 years before leaving to pursue business interests. I left because of many of the reasons you outlined, however, I did manage to make a difference for the students I did teach and they taught me a great deal as well.
I hope you find my words at least somewhat useful.
Lux et Veritas!
Gene Doray
Jul 3 2011: I found it interesting that you chose the term "step up" as it was the term that a previous staff that I worked with suggested in response to what our school goals should be. It is always most powerful when a group of people come up with a solution. Despite the fact that it lacked formal measurement (something that we usually have to comply with), it allowed each member to look at what they were doing - in all facets of their school life - and seek ways to improve. It may not have created statistics to show our improvements, but it was felt in the improved relationships within the building. Students recognized it without being told. Teachers, like every other group of professionals have weakness, goodness, and greatness, but I see many of the "best and brightest" among them - and I am happy that they have made the choice to forego other more lucrative job opportunities for a vocation where they can display there passion on a daily basis. My appreciation for great teachers has heightened as my own children now enter the system. It is a massive leap of faith for all parents to drop off their children at school each morning - but for me it has been made easier by the way they are welcomed each day. Glenn, I am sorry the profession lost you, but I am glad to hear that you gave and received many valuable lessons. Teachers should be paid fairly - and in some places they are. Dan Pink talks about taking money off the table so it isn't a motivational issue. I agree with you that teaching isn't about the money - but I would say that its critical importance suggests that we take the issue of money off the table. What would have kept you in the profession? What did it lack or how did it frustrate you? Perhaps something was a stronger calling?Jul 3 2011: Hey Glenn - I am in full agreement with the money thing.
- +2
They have been mooting performance pay for teachers in NZ as a way to 'reward' the best teachers. This of course would be unhelpful as teachers would start to become precious about sharing resources and knowledge. Not a good environment for education all round.
I don't believe that higher salaries are the solution in and of itself but attracting more people to the job, alongside more money being spent on spaces and resources will enable the reduction in class sizes.
I firmly believe that doing this would solve a lot of the issues around teacher-student relationships.
The fact that teaching is a job is part of the problem - teachers are not free to focus solely on their students as their time is largely taken up with organisation and paperwork, insisted upon by tradition, bureaucrats and business models.
Some deep changes are required but I believe we are seeing the beginning.
The kids are alright!Jul 3 2011: Hey Gene - we used to use "Step Up" as a motto for our middle school kids to encourage them to think independently and manage themselves well!
I like the way you guys implemented that approach with little regard for evidence and paper-trails. I don't think things always need to be broken down into formal action plans and reflection, especially when that can be achieved through informal discussions and so on.
In fact, when people 'buy in' (to use a terrible example of jargon), I think that reflection and professional sharing just happens as a result of the enthusiasm that your sort of approach can generate.
I am a HUGE fan of the type of approach you have described as it brings the focus onto teachers and students instead of the systems of planning, assessment and so on.
Keep it up!Jul 4 2011: The idea that success is its own reward is a nice one; however, sometimes I feel like holding someone financially hostage because they love what they do is one of the dumbest ideas I have ever heard come out of smart peoples' mouths. I imagine being a neurosurgeon is also highly rewarding. I truly consider teaching to be equally as important a calling.
Making a compromise between my students and my family in terms of time is hard enough. Doing it in terms of money is even worse.
Anita Yoo
Jul 3 2011: I agree with glen. For one it's not like teachers are having problems paying their bills- they just can't spend as much as they'd like to in the USA. In Germany teachers get paid VERY well and are civil servants meaning they can't get fired and have good pensions- And still they complain about not receiving payment increase (for a few years) despite the slight inflation.
- +1
From my experience all the worst teachers I have had were in Germany. In Germany almost no teacher spends any extra money on his/her student and if they do they tell the student and expect everyone to say thank you.
One time I mentioned the issue about teachers in Germany ( international schools and bilingual schools are different) and all the teachers pretty much ganged up on me an told me that I expect too much of them. I could go on and on with my stories in Germany!
Jul 3 2011: Anita, I am unfamiliar with the German education experience - though you certainly provide an unfortunate picture of what it was like for you. I have heard many say that a great teacher is invaluable and should be paid handsomely, but I have also heard that a poor teacher is paid too much at whatever the rate. I know that merit pay and incentives have been tried in the U.S. with little to no success. What are your thoughts as how to encourage the great ones to stay and the good ones to become great? As to teachers spending their own money on their students; a recent study in our province showed that on average, teachers spent around $1000 per year on their students. While I think that shows a rather significant level of commitment on behalf of the teachers, I wonder if it also suggests that the system is underfunded to the point that teachers are being "asked" to make up the difference. How much money does an accountant (or other profession) spend on her clients (other than advertising to gain clients)? Thanks for your input.Jul 4 2011: @ Scott, couldn't agree more. In addition to classroom responsibilities, I do the data reporting to the state for our school, which is directly tied to our funding. We have 2-3 two-day meetings per year and at none of these data conferences have I ever heard how this information-gathering is making a difference in our classrooms.
Jul 6 2011: I could never bring myself to care much about the formal reporting and the admin side of teaching. I think that's best left to the politicians and accountants - unfortunately (and I don't think the general public realises this) teachers are expected to do a whole lot more than 'teach' and a lot of that does nothing for the individual learners.
As a colleague of mine used to say: You don't fatten a pig by weighing it.Jul 6 2011: Hey Scott,
Unfortunately the psychological literature is not very supportive of 'incentives'. Much of the literature reports that 'rewarding' behaviours that are most desired and most integral to positive outcomes often demoralizes the person and causes eventual extinguishing of that behaviour. When people choose to volunteer for example turning it into a paid position often makes it less satisfying rather than more satisfying.
I think it might be the same for teachers. Those who naturally love to teach have been crowded out by those who are there for the summers off and the pay cheque exclusively.
Not sure how to circumvent this phenomenon and I am interested in your thoughts about what I have written above.
**I just reread your posts above and have to add that a basic level of earnings where one does not need to supply the student resources is certainly a requirement. I am not supporting underpaying teachers- that only short changes the kids.
Jul 6 2011: Hey Deb,
yeah, it's a tricky one. I still think the real problems in schools are coming from the bureaucratic end, rather than the teachers themselves.
I think the idea of teaching for altruistic reasons is the ideal (but I also think the same for lawyers and doctors) and that as well as teachers doing it for the love of it, all business and service providers to schools should be doing the same thing.
It's the best 'investment' any community can make.
Debra Smith
Jul 2 2011: As a mother of 5 grown children, I found that each of my children had one exceptional teacher. An exceptional teacher is one who really 'sees' the children, raises above the constraints of the system, still embodies a love of and excitement for learning and has their own ego in check. These people are gifts not only to the children but to the world. They are rare.
- +2
Jul 2 2011: Very true, dear mother Debra! with our information age today I'm still amazed why we have rare great teachers. Let's all do our part to transform our world. http://Bit.Ly/KeyPower
Jul 3 2011: Please. We need you!
Anita Yoo
Jul 1 2011: I agree that good teachers know how to teach the facts and that great teachers don't just teach what's part of the cirriculum. However, after attending 11 different schools in Germany and the U.S.A. I think that it is more than that.
- +2
I think what seperates the two is that great teachers follow a moral code, enjoy their jobs (consider it fulfilling) and put a lot of thought into their classes and students. It's almost as though their goal is to inspire students by being creative with their teaching methods. Great teachers are also able to admit their weaknesses, apologize (a good role model) and "think outside of the box".
"What could motivate a good teacher to aspire for the same greatness?" - Before a good teacher can aspire to be a great one, he or she has to 1) be happy 2) realize that he/she is making a difference 3)has to be passionate about the job.
But maybe the good teacher just doesn't know how to teach creatively. Hmmm...have you asked the good teachers if they aspire to be a great one? If they don't then why not? I think you should ask them first....Jul 6 2011: I think the best teachers I've had were not merely knowledgable, but conveyed a real sense of interest and excitement in their subject matter, which was contagious. Acquiring a grade was secondary, at best, to acquiring knowledge.
It's been four decades since I sat in a classroom, but I'm still using these great teachers as a jumping off point, and consider myself fortunate to have been encouraged to engage in a lifetime of learning.
Jeremy Ho
Jul 6 2011: a good teacher gets you good grades. a great teacher motivates and inspires you to reach heights you have never thought you could reach.
- +1
Jul 6 2011: Jeremy, I hope that the good grades are merely the result of learning, not the reward. Our students have been conditioned to believe that achieving the 'A' is the goal, and don't recognize the grade is merely the product of the learning. I believe what that often results in has been described as "eductional bulimia". What do you think motivates a student to reach the heights you describe?
Jul 7 2011: Dear Gene,
Malaysia, very bluntly, has a horrible education system. The focus of every student from kindergarten all the way to college is on the A's. In fact, it's not just about getting an A, it's about getting straight A's in all public examinations. Our education system is flawed in such a way that it tests a student's memory rather than his/her understanding on the subject, which is something i totally despise. Therefore, in school there are mainly 2 kinds of teachers; a normal teacher and a good teacher.
A normal teacher blurts out hours on end of classroom material, not necessarily with the students understanding and at the end of the day sends them home to complete their homework. A good teacher on the other hand makes sure they understand the study materials at school and pushes them harder to excel. However, the commonality in both teachers is that they are goal-ed towards getting the students to score the elusive "A". I must honestly say, I got bored of school towards the end and I really gave up on learning altogether. In fact, it was stressful especially when students and parents started comparing results.
It wasn't until university that I met my dean, a great teacher who really changed the meaning of learning and inspired me to perform beyond my boundaries. I realized then that learning wasn't necessarily about getting an A. It's the entire process and what we have gained along the way. Life in fact isn't just about academics but rather a person as a whole. Soft skills (leadership, judgement, teamwork etc) are crucial.
During my 1st year at Uni, with the motivation, guidance and his faith in my potential and abilities, I managed to form a society to provide a learning platform for student engineers, complete a few research projects and even co-authored my very own research paper and presented it at a conference. It was by far more than anything I had accomplished in my entire life, all in just under a year and I must say,


text:
For 65 million years, the world has changed, and those in the human race interacted with one another. People change where they live for convenience, and most of all, for personal choices, and to seek happiness and quality of life.
From personal experience, after having been an expat in the US for 23 years myself, I can surely and candidly say that moving to a different country which brings you their best and opens their doors for you is a gift. Not everyone can enjoy that experience. Now, in our golden years, we chose to go back to Panamá to care for my in-laws, but always distributing our time between our "two homes" and our precious family.
Your personal attitude is what it will make you happy or unhappy; it´s your choice. Embracing the culture of another country will make you live a unique experience; not comparing, but enjoying every detail of that country that offers you everything they have. You have the freedom of always returning to your country of origin, or to build your "kingdom" the best you can, wherever you feel more comfortable: beach, mountain, valley, country, city, small or big town, a cabin or big mansion, an island or a boat; its up to you. Panama offers it all. Its just matter of looking for your preferences.
Living a bi-cultural experience is your choice, nobody else's. Lots of people around the world have experienced that, and live happily ever after. Besides, you can contribute a great deal to your new country, and feel so good about it. We have many expats friends who live a full life in Panamá, and enjoy it to a maximum day by day.
-Story courtesy of Best Places In The World To Retire. To see more stories like this, copy this into your web browser: www.bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com
Fecha de publicación: 01 November 2013
Escrito por: Lourdes Townshend
One of the wonderful advantages of living in Panamá is the variety of lifestyles and environments in this small country. Think of California on a smaller scale. You can live in one of the Pacific Coast beach communities, in the cool highlands of El Valle or Boquete, the islands of Bocas del Toro on the Caribbean side, in a country home in the interior, or in one of the most cosmopolitan cities in Latin America. When my wife and I first moved to Panamá we settled on the Amador Causeway on the outskirts of the city. The Causeway, Albrook, Clayton, and other areas in the reverted areas of the former Canal Zone are attractive suburban communities for Zonians and expats.
With so many of our business contacts, attorneys, accountants, developers, clients, and doctors in the city we decided to move near downtown. We found a large apartment on the 34th floor on Avenue Balboa with breathtaking views facing Panamá Bay. Across the Cinta Costera is the Panamá Yacht Club. Fireworks are sometimes shot from the breakwater which also has two helipads for the helicopters that land there. The Cinta Costera is a large landscaped boulevard that has numerous recreational facilities like basketball/soccer/volleyball courts, walkways for biking, roller blading, jogging, walking, designated fitness areas for all ages, a new restaurant, stages, and other entertainment venues. My wife and I particularly enjoy walking to the fish market.Outdoor Fitness Center & Athletic Courts on Cinta Costera – Best Places In The World To Retire – International Living
Traffic is heavy in the city, but we sometimes save up to an hour of time getting to appointments compared to when we lived on the Causeway. If we have flexibility in our schedule we just look out our windows to check if the traffic is light. People have remarked to us about how loud the traffic must be. Yes, when you are down at street level it's quite loud, but the higher you go the quieter it is. It actually was louder on the Causeway with the truck traffic, motorcycles on Thursday night, and rumba buses on the weekend.
-Story courtesy of Best Places In The World To Retire. To see more stories like this, copy this into your web browser: www.bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com
Fecha de publicación: 01 November 2013
Escrito por: Bob Gugel
I have met and spoken with many North American ex-pats while in Panama. I'm a curious guy, and one of the questions I often asked was why they were there. The answers weren't all that surprising to me.
A guy waiting to get at his safety deposit box, in my Panamanian bank, told me he retired to Panama at age 58 because he could. He could never, he said, do that in the United States. Was he happy with his decision? Yes.
There are a lot of people like him, younger than 65, living on peanuts (actually oranges and bananas and mangoes and pineapple and great Panamanian beef) and having fun. They no longer have to pay exorbitant rents, extortive property taxes, and heating and other utility costs.
Some people are there because they like the ecology and the diversity of flora and fauna. Nowhere in the country are you ever more than a couple of hours from either the Pacific Ocean or the Caribbean Sea, or both. Pristine jungle areas are available for exploration. Scuba diving and snorkeling is available everywhere. Got a boat? Anchors aweigh!
How about the political climate? Pretty darn stable, and the Panamanian government is probably much less likely to step on more of your rights than the bandits at home, wherever that might be. The economy? Booming along at 6% or 7% annual growth or more.
Is the economy likely to keep growing? According to a market research expert I met at breakfast at the Hotel El Panama in 2006, yes. He was in the country doing research for an international insurance company. His recommendation? Jump in. Above average growth is expected in Panama for years to come, according to his research.
Worried about currency depreciation? You should be. It is increasingly an international world, and currencies fluctuate in value against each other all the time. What will happen if the Panamanian currency declines? After all, devaluation and hyperinflation are all too common in Central and South America. The Panamanian currency will indeed fall against the Euro and the Yen and the Deutschmark and other strong currencies, but only because it is pegged one-to-one with the American dollar which I think is doomed. That's what you carry in your jeans, in Panama -- greenbacks. What you get back in change is usually a combination of American coins and their Panamanian equivalents. They are interchangeable. The advantage of all this is that if you get an American pension or other American income, it is always going to get you by in Panama even if it is worthless against other currencies.
I am not planning on moving to Panama full time myself. I have too much going on in Canada and would have too many things to unwind. I will, however, invest there, have a second home there for when I visit, and have friends there.
Panama is worth a look. It's worth a look simply because it is beautiful, friendly, cheap and accessible, much like an ideal date or mate.
-Story courtesy of Best Places In The World To Retire. To see more stories like this, copy this into your web browser: www.bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com
Fecha de publicación: 31 October 2013
Escrito por: Sieg Pedde
Many people have this idea that Panama is a backward place with grinding poverty, poor infrastructure, political instability and lots of risk for investors. In fact, while there is poverty there in relative terms, the people are happy, relaxed, friendly and open.
Much of the country is pretty much like parts of California or the American south, and was so, long before swarms of gringos arrived at the start of the current economic boom.
What is happening in Panama is truly amazing. The entire country is a beehive of activity. Billions of dollars are pouring into the country and those dollars are being spent on projects of every description. The increased tax revenues to the Panamanian government allow for dramatic improvements to infrastructure. In much of Panama, there is low unemployment and everyone who wants to work is working. Panamanians are industrious and quite entrepreneurial, so this generation is going to benefit significantly. The next generation will benefit beyond what we can imagine. All this while some other Central and South American countries are moving sideways or backwards and the so-called 'first world' is approaching bankruptcy. The difference is entirely due to the infusion of capital because of the welcome given to capitalists and their money and the fact that so many individuals are 'getting out of Dodge' in North America because they are tired of being taxed to death or manipulated by over-bearing governments.
One of the things I like in Panama is that everyone is treated the same. There is no racial tension, at least not that I have seen. Blacks and whites and Hispanics and orientals all mix and live together and treat each other with respect. I'm sure that if Martians or Vulcans showed up in Panama some day, they would get a few curious glances for a day or two, then become part of the general milieu in no time.
Panama is worth exploring for anyone who is looking to move abroad, whatever the reason.
-Story courtesy of Best Places In The World To Retire. To see more stories like this, copy this into your web browser: www.bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com
Fecha de publicación: 31 October 2013
Escrito por: Sieg Pedde
Panamá is a charming city. Bordering the warm Pacific Ocean and at only an hour and a half from Colón on the Atlantic Ocean on the northern side, the breeze embracing your body is one of the most comforting things you can experience, day or night.
If you add the biggest park in the city to your neighborhood, San Francisco is blessed to have an oasis, where you can go from 4 AM to 10 PM to do exercises like yoga, tai-chi, sports, walking, jogging, running; whatever you feel like to take stress out. In addition the park has a nice place where you can enjoy musical events, like ballet, musicals or international presentations, especially in the summertime (December through April).
With a free gym, a public library, seniors groups that enjoy field trips to different places, a big swimming pool, and on a 42 acres (very similar to Central Park in NY), the park has well taken care of grass and old trees like Guayacanes, blooming especially in the month of March.
Located in an upper class neighborhood, the park is the center for all events, long walks, children's fairs, Christmas season village, natural fruits shakes,vegetables and fruit markets at lower prices, and much more, offering a safe place to go, bring your children, and enjoy life.
-Story courtesy of Best Places In The World To Retire. To see more stories like this, copy this into your web browser: www.bestplacesintheworldtoretire.com
Fecha de publicación: 31 October 2013
Escrito por: Lourdes Townshend