text:
Follow houstonisdwatch on Twitter
Use comment tag to express your opinion. houstonisdwatch wants to
hear from you, especially HISD insiders.
Terry Grier gets his wish: HISD will takeover NFISD
NEW ALLEGATIONS OF CORRUPTION AGAINST HISD OFFICIALS: from KTRK.com
STUDENTS GRADING TEACHERS? From myfoxhouston.com
So will students who have been sent out of class for disruption be allowed to grade the
teacher who exited them? Will students with level II, III, and IV discipline infractions
be allowed to grade their teachers? How about students found with drugs, will they
be allowed to grade their teachers? This is another crackpot idea from Terry Grier,
who has no clue about effective student discipline.
Has there been an HFT outcry? Did we miss it?
Two of Grier's ardent supporters on the
HISD board have had ethics issues of their own
You know David Medford of Fort Bend Mechanical is having some sleepless nights
lately. If Larry Marshall, another fervent Grier supporter on the HISD board, had a
conscience, he, too, would be tossing and turning as the evidence against his blatant
misuse of the public's trust for selfish, personal gain mounts up. It's no coincidence
that other Grier supporters have been tainted by their own moral lapses and poor
Paula Harris took a trip to Italy with buddy Nicole West. We taxpayers will never know
you footed the bill for this excursion, as Paula Harris never released the receipts, even
though during the heat of her 2011 reelection campaign, she she said she would do so.
Greg Meyers was accused of cruelty to his ex-wife who just happened to be an HCCS trustee
with friends in the local media. Meyers also used Grier's connections at the University of
St. Thomas to land himself a job when no one else wanted him.
According to testimony by Fort Bend Mechanical's David Medford, he also paid "pay to
play cash" to Grey Meyers and Paula Harris' election campaign. Medford is brazenly
suing HISD for failing to do its part to help Fort Bend Mechanical finish contracted
projects on time. If you ever worked with HISD's Construction and Facilities Services
department, at times as inept as any sector of HISD could possibly be, you would agree
Medford's lawsuit has merit.
Medford keeps running his mouth, digging the proverbial hole deeper and deeper. Wayne
Dolcefino is helping Gil Ramirez, Jr., in his lawsuit against HISD and Fort Bend Mechanical.
Reading the latest updates on the case, it's easy to see Dolcefino's handiwork. He just
put two and two together by releasing taped comments about Medford and in the process
uncovered more dirt on Meyers and Harris.
There's no shortage of ethics issues (see Transportation Department scandal below) in the
Grier administration.
TEAM Grier announces three new Haberman principals...and they will last how long??
The day-to-day scandal that is TEAM Grier's management of HISD
Grier got rid of administrators who actually knew how to get things done, replaced them
with Haberman hacks who can't even organize a graduation
Westside friends and family members treated badly by HISD officials, refused entrance
to the arena for graduation
Grier's favorite principal, James McSwain, appears to be running an out-of-control
high school where students misbehave, get a little write up, and the discipline records
stay clean, just the way Grier likes it
Graduation requirements just got easier for Texas seniors: from TexasTribune.org
HISD has been obstructing the release of information pertinent to this houstonisdwatch
Texas Public Information Request made on November 27, 2012:
*Information concerning E.E.O.C. complaints filed against Scott R. Gilhousen and Patricia L.
Collins over the past two years
*Documentation of these complaints
*Disposition of these complaints if any has been reached.
Please include complaints made directly to the federal office of the E.E.O.C. for which
HISD should have received notice.
Please redact any information mandated as private by Texas and federal law.
To date, HISD has only released one document relevant to this request after being directed
to do so by the Texas Attorney General's Office.
houstonisdwatch sent a certified letter of complaint to the Texas Attorney General's
office regarding HISD's incomplete response. houstonisdwatch also notified HISD's
Chief Legal Counsel Elneita Hutchins-Taylor that Ms. MarDock, HISD Assistant General
Counsel, failed to comply with the entirety of the Texas Attorney General Office's order.
Subsequently, the Education and Enforcement Section of the Open Records Division, Texas
Attorney General's Office, ordered Katheryne MarDock to refer houstonisdwatch's complaint
to an enforcement attorney in the Open Records Division by today, June 13, 2013.
houstonisdwatch has asked Ms. MarDock to confirm that such referral has been made.
It's no accident that Grier's ready supporters on the HISD board are linked to Marshall's corruption scandal
by allegations
*Waiting for Marshall's case "to run its course" is not an acceptable defense for trustees who refuse to take
action now to disassociate themselves from Marshall, the most corrupt HISD trustee in recent memory
*School trustees are to be held to high ethical standards and are to serve the public WITHOUT COMPENSATION
*Incriminating evidence against Marshall has been entered in court documents and by Marshall's own claim
he is being investigated by the FBI, SO WHY DOES HE CONTINUE TO HAVE A VOTE ON THE HISD BOARD?
Read the latest from the Houston Chronicle's Ericka Mellon
Grier claims discipline is better in HISD but fewer recorded incidents of
student misbehavior probably means principals are afraid to report them
Read complaints from North Carolina parents and Grier's habit of skewing stats
in his favor
North Forest ISD administrators
We are pleased to announce the following principal selections for the North Forest schools. Following
these announcements, below, you will also see that we are planning to make several changes in building
utilizations in the North Forest area.
Dr. Kimberly Agnew-Borders, Principal -- Fonwood Early Childhood Center
Dr. Agnew-Borders is a proud product of H.I.S.D. schools, and served the district first as a teacher at Marshall
Middle School beginning in 1993, and went on to become a Reading Facilitator, Assistant Principal, and then
Principal of Ryan Elementary, the T.S.U. Lab School, and for the past eight years has served as the Principal of
Wesley Elementary School. Under her leadership, Wesley has maintained a Recognized or Exemplary status.
Dr. Agnew-Borders received her Bachelor of Education from the University of Texas and both her Master's and
Doctorate in Education from the University of Houston.
Tammie Daily, Principal -- Shadydale Elementary
Tammie Daily has been a member of TEAM HISD since 1992. Ms. Daily began her career at
Fonville Middle school as a Reading Specialist and then moved into administrative roles as
Assistant Principal at Durkee Elementary and then as Principal of Highland Heights, Wesley,
and Montgomery Elementary schools. The former Region IV Elementary Principal of the Year
went on to lead the Yates/Lamar Feeder pattern elementary schools as Executive Principal.
She then spent two years at Neighborhood Centers, Inc., as Head Start Senior Director, before
returning to H.I.S.D. as Principal of Bonham Elementary. Ms. Daily is a graduate of Mississippi
State University with a B.A. in Accounting and received her Masters of Education from the
University of Houston.
Maggie Gardea, Principal -- B.C. Elmore Elementary
Maggie Gardea joined TEAM HISD in 2004, after having taught 10 years in Galena Park I.S.D
She served as an Elementary teacher and Assistant Principal, before being named Principal of
Gallegos Elementary in 2009. Under her leadership, Gallegos was named an NCEA Higher
Performing School and was in the top 10% of elementary schools for the 2013 Children at
Risk rankings. She has served as a Mentor Principal for new leaders and also as a member
of the District Advisory Committee for the new Teacher Appraisal and Development System.
Ms. Gardea received her Bachelor of Science from Texas A & M University and her Master's
in Supervision and Leadership from Stephen F. Austin University.
Hilarion Martinez, Principal -- Thurgood Marshall Elementary
While studying to become a teacher at the University of Houston, Mr. Martinez joined H.I.S.D. as a teacher
assistant at Sutton Elementary in 1997. After earning his Bachelor's Degree at the U. of H., he became a
bilingual teacher at Ketelsen Elementary. Mr. Martinez then served as an Assistant Principal before being
named Principal of Browning Elementary. Currently, he is the Principal of Burbank Elementary, where he
has lead the school in meeting A.Y.P., grown enrollment, and has seen a great increase in value added
scores. Mr. Martinez earned his Master's Degree in Education from Sam Houston State University.
Mike Walker, Principal -- Hilliard Elementary
Mr. Walker, the current principal of Fondren Elementary School, was just recently named the 2012-2013
HEB Elementary Principal of the Year. He joined TEAM H.I.S.D. in 2006 when he was named principal at
Fondren. Prior to joining H.I.S.D., Mr. Walker was a classroom teacher in Dallas, and served in administrative
capacities in Hempstead and Spring Branch I.S.D. He received his B.S. in Political Science from Florida A&M
University and his Masters in Educational Administration from Texas A&M. He is currently pursuing his
Doctorate in Educational Administration through Walden University.
Rick Fernandez, Principal -- Forest Brook Middle School
After graduating from Sam Houston University with a Bachelor's Degree in Kinesiology and having been
named to the Southland Conference All Academic team as a Bearkat basketball starter, Rick began his
teaching career at Westside High School. He continued teaching English at Taylor High School in Katy
before being named Assistant Principal at Cardiff Junior High. He also served three more years as a
High School Assistant Principal before returning to H.I.S.D. as Associate Principal of Scarborough High
School. In collaboration with the Scarborough team, Rick has helped raise student achievement across
the board. Rick received his M.A. in Educational Administration and will receive his Doctorate from Sam
Houston State at the end of the summer.
Pam Farinas, Principal -- North Forest High School
Upon graduation from North Carolina's Bennett College with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics,
Ms. Farinas joined H.I.S.D. in 1994 as a math teacher at Burbank Middle School. She went on to become
Dean of Instruction at Sharpstown High School before being named Principal of Foerster Elementary.
After a brief stint as Deputy Head of Schools at KIPP Schools, Ms. Farinas returned to TEAM H.I.S.D. as
Principal of Gregory Lincoln Education Center, where she has lead the turnaround effort there and
increased test scores dramatically. Ms. Farinas received her Master of Education in Educational
Administration from Texas Southern University.
Changes in Building Utilization
1. Fonwood Elementary will be re-purposed as an Early Childhood Center for this area.
2. Thurgood Marshall Early Childhood Center will be re-purposed as an elementary school. Thurgood
Marshall was originally build as an elementary school and this change allows us to have an elementary
school in the Northwest portion of the North Forest area.
3. Elmore Middle School will be re-purposed as an elementary school.
4. Elmore Middle students will be zoned to Forest Brook and Key Middle Schools.
5. Lakewood students will be zoned to Hilliard and Elmore Elementary Schools.
6. Lakewood Elementary will be closed and not used. We will recommend that the building be t
In addition, we plan to recommend attendance zones for the North Forest area and some modest changes to
HISD school attendance areas that adjoin the North Forest area later this summer. This will allow us to make
better use of school space in these areas.
Please call should you have questions. –Terry Grier
Sam Houston HS parent writes comment supporting the observation of very lax
discipline in Grier's high schools (comments have already been written about
Austin, Westbury, Lamar, Madison and their discipline issues & wide-open cell phone
use on tests)...
The high cost of harassing HISD teachers who fight back
(The following information was obtained through a Texas Public Information Act
In a case shrouded in secrecy, Pamela Etienne-Branch (Etienne-Branch Pamela R F Thomas
Middle School Tchr, Math Thomas Middle School Regular Teacher 10 Months 60,592.00 10/5/1988)
filed a grievance against HISD which escalated all the way to a TEA hearing.
HISD did not win the hearing and was ordered to make a compromise settlement with Ms. Branch.
HISD was trying to terminate Ms. Branch.
Her case is another example of HISD administrators pursuing terminations to meet a Grier-set
quota of some sort..
The majority of trustees who voted for this termination failed to do their due
diligence by launching an independent investigation. They simply accepted the Grier
administration's recommendation and, in the process, injured the district's reputation
and exacerbated the harassment of a district professional employee.
Here is the compromise settlement which ordered HISD to reinstate Ms. Branch as a
classroom teacher. Although Ms. Branch was to have the option of being assigned
to a school other than Thomas, her assignment for 2012-13 indicates she is still teaching
HISD wasted $59,242 pursuing this termination, a sum which represents the utter
ineptitude of all HISD parties involved, especially the HISD trustees who voted to
support this termination.
Court Reporting Cost: $5,217.50
TEA Hearing Examiner Brendettae Payne: $7,331.55
TEA Hearing Examiner James G. Gumbert: $1,967.50
Kaye DeWalt, Attorney for HISD: $44,727.00
More on new principals in HISD:
Hartsfield Elementary
Alecia Bell has been selected as the principal of Hartsfield Elementary School. Ms. Bell started her career
with Team HISD in 2003 as a reading teacher at Cullen Middle School.
Mading Elementary
Lawrence Williams has been selected as the principal of Mading Elementary School. Mr. Williams began
his career in HISD as an elementary teacher in 2004.
Clemente Martinez Elementary
Daniel Hernandez has been selected as the principal of Clemente Martinez Elementary. Mr. Hernandez is a
long standing product and graduate of HISD having proudly served in the roles of teacher aide, teacher and
assistant principal.
Felix Cook Elementary School
Angel Kirby has been selected as the principal of Cook Elementary School. Ms. Kirby, a product of HISD, graduated from
Madison High School.
--Terry Grier
houstonisdwatch obtained three pages from former HISD School Support Officer
and Welch Middle School Principal Anastasia B. Lindo's personnel file.
(The following information was obtained through a Texas Public Information Act
Ms. Lindo, who began her employment with HISD in 1993, officially resigned under
pressure from HISD effective June 7, 2013.
Few tears were shed when she was removed from her SSO position and
appointed interim principal at Welch Middle School. Grier charged her
with the task of making dramatic improvement in Welch's STAAR scores (pg. 9).
From 2012 to 2013, sixth grade reading declined by three percentage points to
20% passing; sixth grade math declined 10 percentage points; seventh grade
reading declined two percentage points; seventh grade math declined three
percentage points.
Writing scores declined five percentage points.
Only science and social studies showed increases at eleven and two percent
Lindo would not have volunteered to give up her job ($125,867). She was forced out
for ineffective leadership and failing to make academic progress on standardized testing
at the campuses assigned to her.
The interfering parent? You bet!
Harvin Moore's most recent Facebook entry:
Boarding the bus at River Oaks Elementary for Quinn's last day at the
Mandarin Chinese Language Immersion Magnet School. Bittersweet moment
both for him and his parents! He will miss both the school and the bus this summer! —
at River Oaks Elementary School.
Harvin Moore's Facebook page proudly boasts his support for "Waiting for Superman"
Need we say more about why he is unfit to serve on the HISD board?
Where is the NAACP on Larry Marshall?
Marshall has admitted accepting kickbacks through his secretary and campaign manager.
He will probably soon be indicted for federal crimes. He is being sued, along with HISD,
by a former HISD contractor. Isn't it time the HISD Board of Education makes a public
condemnation of his actions? And shouldn't the Houston Chapter of the NAACP
voice its displeasure with Marshall's actions?
Anna Eastman's Facebook page: "Vote Anna Eastman" Getting a head start of what
is expected to be a contentious campaign
Anna Milliken Eastman's page
It's June. That means the HISD trustees will rubber-stamp Grier's planned expenditures with
lucrative giveaways to the College Board, Haberman, iSphere Innovations Partners, LLC, and
Grady Middle School, paying back Harvin Moore for the two contract extensions and
lucrative bonuses Moore snaked through a sleepy school board
(Refer to HISD board agenda for June 13, 2013, for reference points)
The second bonus Harvin Moore snaked through the disengaged board awarded Grier for
taking HISD students and teachers away from the task of teaching and learning (and STAAR
scores, whenever HISD decides we the public deserves to see them) will show any distractions
from teaching and learning were detrimental to HISD's academic progress.
Real, measurable progress isn't really necessary. Grier will state his belief that he is doing
a great job, throw money at his board supporters, and they will vote to approve whatever
he wants, public be damned.
Given Houstonians lack of interest in real accountability in HISD, the charades will continue.
Grier's friends and benefactors will continue to make money.
College Board "College and Career Readiness: Not to exceed $686,715
Grier sits as a College Board Director. He has forced all students to take College
Board exam products. There has never been a discussion among board members
if forced test taking is a positive experience or results in increased academic
Haberman Educational Foundation: Haberman is probably the biggest fraud perpetrated
on U.S. public schools ever. Haberman was nothing more than a crackpot, an idealist
who never had any outside agencies analyze his questionnaire or surveys. Blaming
the classroom teacher for everything that is wrong in public schools was an idea
Haberman and his fellow neo-liberal reformers already embraced.
The Haberman pipeline for principals has resulted in some of the worst principals in
HISD history. The constant turnover in personnel, and the complete disengagement from
the community the Haberman carpetbagger principals cause contributes significantly
to the decline HISD has experienced under Grier's leadership.
The HISD trustees will approve the proposed 2013-2014 local calendar for teacher appraisal.
The use of EVAAS in teacher evaluations remains as obtuse as ever, yet the trustees will
allocate $1,400,000 to iSpheres Innovations Partners, the software developer for HISD's
grotesquely ineffective TNTP-inspired teacher evaluation monster. Bloggers have
commented that HISD - at Grier's insistence - will allow student evaluations of teachers
to play a much larger role in teachers' evaluation. This change, along with the new
rule of treating students with suspected disabilities as a disabled student in assigning
student discipline, will further weaken the student discipline system, Schools like
Lamar, Westbury, Austin, and Deady will become more dangerous places.
This spring the discipline system at Sam Houston HS completly collapsed, causing the
campus to go into full lock-down mode. Expect more of the same.
Grier and Haberman believe students should not be disciplined as discipline undermines
the "learner's desire to learn." The campaign waged in North Carolina's Guilford County
Schools to remove Grier was based largely on Grier's lax approach to student discipline.
Grier is shielded somewhat from the worst effects of his discipline philosophy and
practice by the large number of charter and private schools in the Houston area.
Parents who care have already selected an environment safer than their local public
HISD school.
HISD board agenda for June 13, 2013 meeting
Houston A+ Challenge announces new middle school in museum
Students struggle on state exams: from HoustonChronicle.com
New HISD principals
Perry signs high school curriculum, testing bill: from TexasTribune.org
TEA head Williams, HISD's Grier pro-expansive testing views defeated
Update on Open Records Requests
houstonisdwatch appreciates requests for Texas Public Information Act documents
held by HISD. The process for obtaining documents, however, can be quite lengthy
if HISD cites protected privacy concerns and houstonisdwatch is forced to file
complaints with the AG's office
Regarding requests for special education information, houstonisdwatch was not
able to obtain information about the conflict between the Groogans and HISD - a
conflict which was resolved in the Groogans favor. FERPA concerns and family
protections made the release of any information impossible.
houstonisdwatch is currently working with HISD in the formulation of a request
to ascertain the nature and number of complaints made against HISD's special
education department.
Requests for information about Terry Grier's travel and funding for that travel are
being formulated at this time.
Today houstonisdwatch received notice from the Open Records Division concerning
a request made in early January about Pat Collins and Scott Gilhousen in HISD's IT
HISD refused to release records. The Texas AG told them they had to release
records, but they chose to release only one document. houstonisdwatch
knew there were two relevant documents, at least, and filed another complaint
with the Texas AG.
The Enforcement Section of the Open Records Division has told HISD to
refer this case to an enforcement attorney, and gave the district five days from
June 7, 2013, to take this action.
The wheels turn ever so slowly, but they do turn.
TEA claims passing rates stable on 2012-2013 STAAR
STAAR report from DallasNews.com
Rod Paige's name involved in another fradulent project, this time in Louisiana
"...But judging from the track record of its CEO, Rod Paige, no one should be surprised if things aren't
completely on the level. While he was serving as Secretary of Education under the younger Bush, a
major scandal erupted when it was learned that while he headed up the Houston Independent School
District, the fifth largest district in the nation, the district falsified its dropout statistics..."
Read louisianavoice.com's report
Mike Williams, TEA commissioner, said we need to do better, oblivious to
changes passed by Texas legislature reducing testing requirements
When HISD trustees ask probling questions about Terry Grier's management of the
district, they are told they are out of line. Usually the admonishment comes from
Larry Marshall or Paula Harris who shield Grier as part of whatever quid pro quo
agreements they've made with him.
Paula Harris has regularly interfered in the selection of District IV principals. She
is at it again, but this time her focus is on summer reading lists.
She wants HISD's librarians to take up the task of ensuring HISD students complete
their summer reading, and she doesn't care if librarians are off contract. Of course,
by assigning librarians this impossible task, she is giving material to HISD
administrators for future non-compliance conferences for the record.
Will Governor Perry restore school funding? from HoustonChronicle.com
HARVIN MOORE "Public school trustee" praises KIPP
KIPP Care: Allowing parents to shun even more of their parental duties by trusting
(and paying) KIPP to do it all
New KIPP:Care Will Include Child Doping Benefit
Since corporate school cult leader, Mike Feinberg, left his KIPP superintendent's duties in Houston for the
full-time pursuit of national brand saturation, KIPP teachers report chaos at a number of the KIPP stores
schools around Houston, with mass retentions, administrative meltdowns, faltering test scores, and mass
teacher resignations. What will it take to restore order?
The KIPP marketing team may have come up with an answer with the new lucrative KIPP:Care, which promises
to offer KIPPster treatment for everything from anxiety to zits. That will include testing, evaluation, and prescribing
for behavioral disorders like depression (what compliant child could be depressed at KIPP!), hyperactivity, and, of
course, that catch-all for any child who can't remain still for 10 hour stretches, ADD or ADHD.
Continue reading "New KIPP Care will provide child doping benefit"
Lead Principals?
houstonisdwatch received a tip from an HISD principal on January 28, 2013, concerning
the lead principal position. At that time Grier had talked about the ineffectiveness of
the School Support Officers and the need to provide principals with more instructional
assistance rather than just monitoring for compliance issues.
TAKS Exit Level Performance 2013 (issued May 24, 2013)
HISD TAKS Retesters April 2013 performance
Bellaire High School STAAR scores
While it is sad that Larry Marshall is being investigated for wrong doing, its worse that he continues to
sit on a school board of a public school system. HiSD would remove someone from their position if they
thought someone took a paper clip or an empty envelope out of a school or office. But I guess its ok for
Larry Marshall to be investigated amd have the district pay for his defense to boot. While everyone is
innocent until proven guilty, why has Larry Marshall not been removed until this investigation is over? H
ISD ought to be ashamed of themselves. Wake up TEA cause these are the people you want to hand NFISD to?
oh my goodness!!!
by Right On?
Westbury teacher, under fire for an entire year, represented by HFT's highest
paid attorney whose recent email to her essentially said "you're on your own,"
was given a last minute reprieve this week
The lesson to be learned from this case (teacher did not want name used here)
is simple: Fight HISD at every turn in the termination process; be professional with
your principal but challenge every derisive comment written or spoken about
you; enlist professional legal help, whether the union or private attorneys; and
debunk HISD's case against you to every ally you have ever had in HISD, including
your local HISD trustee if you live in the district.
houstonisdwatch lent support to the teacher by filing a Texas Public Information
Act request for information about her service record in HISD and the reasons her principal
put in writing for carrying out this termination. HISD does not like defending terminations
to the public because, in many cases, there is no defense for forcing principals to find more
and more teachers to dispose of.
TEAM Grier's hatred of teachers and its obsessive-compulsive behavior to terminate
more and more employees are the epitome of its anti-Christian, anti-humanist, anti-
employee, pro 1% elitists, and anti-children belief and practices.
The war on teachers waged by the unethical Grier administration won't be stopped
until a new board is elected in November - that is, if a new board can be elected.
No matter the outcome of the upcoming election, teachers on the termination
block have to wage a war of words (Part 13, Know your enemy: The Intelligence Strategy)
against HISD.
FYI: houstonisdwatch will submit a Texas Public Information Act request for the
final 2012-2013 employee roster which should include administrative reassignments and dismissals
made by Grier since the last employee roster posted on this site (April 2013).
North Forest graduation ceremoney bittersweet: from HoustonChronicle.com
HISD tutor accused of punching student on the last day of school: from click2houston.com
Westbury HS EOC scores
Algebra 1
2012 66%
2013 64%
Change -2%
2012 83%
2013 83%
Change 0
2012 65%
2013 62%
Change -3%
Read 1
2012 45%
2013 53%
Change 8%
Write 1
2012 35%
2013 32%
Change -3%
Under Bertie Simmons' leadership, Furr is working hard to change image
Mom outraged when son fractured skull at an HISD school and no one called 911; HISD
in excuse mode now from KTRK.com
HISD trustee Larry Marshall asked a federal judge Thursday to put a bribery lawsuit against him on
hold as a criminal investigation is underway, according to court records.
U.S. District Court Judge Keith Ellison in turn has ordered Marshall to produce "documents proving
that he is under criminal investigation regarding issues that overlap with this lawsuit."
Read Ericka Mellon's report posted on chron.com
Please note: I have visited the Pearson site. The only 2013 STAAR information there is what HISD
released to houstonisdwatch through a Texas Public Information Act request.
The Pearson site has historical HISD testing information.
The TEA site has state averages, not district results.
The information about the HISD Transportation Department comes from a highly placed insider
who knows all the players. Grier and his buddy Bobadilla know all about Nathan Graf's
abusive management but refuse to do anything about it. Graf is one of Grier's loyal
soldiers. In the Grier administration, loyalty alwyas supercedes doing the right thing.
The HISD trustees, as usual, are afraid to speak out or have made trade-offs with
Grier, the benefits for which require their silence.
With trade-offs to the College Board and Teach for America allowing Grier and Harvin
Moore, respectively, to hold directorships, the involvement of the Greater
Houston Partnership in running HISD, making decisions that benefit its membership
above the needs of Houston's children, and the corruption of Larry Marshall NO trustees
have publicly condemned, the current HISD administration is probably the most corrupt in history.
Imagine if you are a parent of a Bonham Elementary School student and your child is
going to have to deal with another new principal, the sixth in five years.
But, hey, as long as the economy in Houston is good, no one gives a damn, right?
It's make a dollar and screw everyone else, isn't it?
The following members of the Houston ISD Transportation Department have left in the last two years
due to the incompetence and mis-management of the department by Nathan Graf:
Aric Taylor - over 10 years at Houston ISD - now Assistant Director at Conroe ISD
Jerry Marquez - over 10 years at Houston ISD - now Director at Coldspring-Oakhurst ISD
Laura Villanueva - over 10 years at Houston ISD - now Assistant Director at New Caney ISD
Paul Youngjohn - over 15 years at Houston ISD - now Director at KIPP Houston
Jeff Prowell - 2 years at Houston ISD - now Assistant Director at Humble ISD
All of these individuals left in the last couple of years since Nathan has been the director. Nathan has
stated publicly that he will no longer hire management staff from the outside because he only wants people
that will be loyal to him. This is why he is hiring people from HISD food service with no experience in
transportation. He only wants loyal servants. All of the individuals above would still be at Houston ISD if it
were not for Nathan Graf.
Nathan Graf is trying to get rid of his number two man, Larry Allen, Senior Manager of Transportation Support,
because Mr. Allen is ethical and stands up for what is right. Nathan hired Larry Allen from the outside and
Larry has a significant amount of transportation experience. Nathan is trying to eliminate this position as a
way to get rid of Larry Allen. In fact, Larry Allen was supposed to be gone June 1, 2013 but that was put on
hold due to the investigation by OIG and EEO. Nathan is trying to eliminate the position of the whistle blower
and he will probably succeed. Larry Allen's position ,which he is trying to eliminate, is the same position that
Nathan Graf held for several years under Bonnie Russell before he was promoted to General Manager.
Chester Glaude, Senior Manager of Transportation Operations, is now Nathan's right hand "yes" man. When
the transportation department was reorganized in 2010, Glaude was not selected to be one of the two remaining
terminal managers. Before the reorganization, there were four terminal managers and after the reorganization
there were two terminal manager who would each manage two motor pools. At that time Nathan Graf stated that
Glaude was a 4 or a 5 on a scale of 1 to 10 when it came to being a terminal manager. Glaude was moved to
Transportation Safety. Several months later, Nathan Graf promoted Glaude to be the Senior Manager of
Transportation Operations. The Senior Manager supervises the two terminal managers who Graf stated
Glaude was not qualified to be one. Figure that out. Not good enough to be a terminal manager but good
enough to be their boss. Why? Simple, Graf had found him a loyal servant.
The department is completely dysfunctional and the staff work in fear on a daily basis. True leadership is needed
New data shows school reformers like Grier are just plain "full of it"
Major education bills headed to Governor Perry's desk: Will he sign bill that alienates
testing giant Pearson and further the prospects of ambitious Dan Patrick?
Will World History and World Geography be combined in new curriculum?
HISD: 18 principal openings; 481 teacher vacancies as of June 6, 2013
Position Type:
Cert. Administrative - Principal/Principal
Date Posted: 5/30/2013 Location: Sugar Grove Academy
Date Available: 08/01/2013 Perfomance Contract
Months: Salary Minimum: Salary Maximum: 12 $74,460 $119,410
The HISD board used to be interested in loyalty and stability…
Seems like a lot of HISD children are already plagued with instability in their lives,
so how does more help them?
Principal (2013-2014) JobID: 5581
Position Type:
Cert. Administrative - Principal/Principal Date Posted: 6/3/2013
Location: Bonham Elementary Date Available: 08/01/2013 Performance Contract
Months: Salary Minimum: Salary Maximum: 12 $69,360 $114,310
Lamar's McSwain under fire from parents for his handling of I.B. Program
What was really eye opening for me as a parent....an I.B. teacher predicted
my daughter would get a high score on her history exam. She didn't. We spent
all last summer dealing with the fallout from Lamar's poor in-class preparation,
and I.B. teachers who are new at their jobs and, obviously, woefully underprepared.
This is really what is going on at Lamar. Experienced teachers--who cost more--are shoved out for
younger, cheaper paid teachers. One of the best teachers my daughter had--David Weiss--longtime IB
Spanish teacher--cared about the kids, had a wonderful IB pass rate....got shoved down to freshman
grade level Spanish. He retired.
It is really sad what Dr McSwain is doing to Lamar. It's been going on for years...but to me...last year's
IB diploma stats are a clear sign of the destruction.
McSwain's Theory of Knowledge class is another waste of time. Teacher does not really know
the material. Kids are suffering as a result.
Lamar is my neighborhood school but I will not be sending any more of my kids there (I have
three young ones). James McSwain is so buy pleasing Terry Grier he is neglecting the
needs of his own students
Thank you.
Frustrated Lamar I.B. Parent.
Lamar's McSwain has a surefire solution to student
cell phone use during class time: Ignore the problem
Lamar Principal James McSwain's solution to student cell phone use? Ignore it
Check out the Lamar Student Handbook. There is not one mention of student use
of electronic devices during the school day. When I visited Lamar several years
ago, I noticed students on cell phones in the hall and during gym classes.
Remember Lamar's riot last spring caused in large part by student use of social
Makes you wonder about I.B. students use of social media during I.B. exams,
a topic I.B. would be very interested in exploring.
Do you believe Westbury students used cell phones during exams?
Why not, especially since a Westbury student was able to call in a bomb
threat from in-school suspension on the Westbury campus
Job openings in Spring ISD
Job openings in Spring Branch ISD
Job openings in Fort Bend ISD
Job openings in Clear Creek ISD
Job openings in Cy-Fair ISD
Job openings in Katy ISD
Gregory-Lincoln finally free of Pam Farinas...but pity the poor kids and
parents in NFISH who may have to endure her if the merger goes through...
NATHAN GRAF (Graf Nathan J Transportation Gen Mgr, Transport Administrator 12 Months (Ex) $122,100.00)
Nathan has been under investigation from the Office of Inspector General and EEO for over
a month. He is under investigation for workplace violence and lying to the state about transportation
reimbursement rates. Transportation Senior Manager Larry Allen has a tape recording of Nathan Graf
telling him to lie on the state report.
Also, Nathan just hired a food service employ for the position of Senior Manager of Transportation Terminals.
Two years ago Nathan hired Chandra Robertson from food service in to the same position. All the Senior
Management in HISD Transportation has no experience in transportation What would the public think of
this? It is a joke! Grier and Leo Bobadillo have known about this malfeasance and just stood by and watched.
Unfiltered First Blush STAAR Results Late April 2013 Testing
Includes HISD middle school campuses
Yes, HISD is taking its time releasing any spring testing results
However, HISD is not being held accountable by the state for this year's results.
Principals, teachers, and students are, however.
In response to an Open Records request regarding STAAR results, houstonisdwatch
was given the following information:
*STAAR results for grades 3-8 are still being processed and will not be available until mid-June.
*STAAR EOC results for grades 9 and 10 will likely be available at the end of June/beginning of July.
HISD is looking for 477 teachers
STAAR Scores
houstonisdwatch has also submitted a Texas Public Information Act request for
STAAR scores. No word yet on when they will be released.
An Texas Public Information Act has been submitted by houstonisdwatch to obtain
copies of her transition paperwork. houstonisdwatch has information that the
paperwork is a formality. Grier sent Lindo to Welch to process her out of HISD.
Gayle Fallon infuriates special ed. parents
"...Just because you don't testify doesn't mean you don't talk to people," said Gayle Fallon, head
of the Houston Federation of Teachers. "We asked special ed teachers and not one of them
wanted cameras in their classrooms. Not that they are doing anything wrong: it's just an
uncomfortable work environment."
She said she communicated to lawmakers that the bill was an over-reaction to a rare problem.
The Texas American Federation of Teachers registered opposition in committee but did not testify..."
Read the complete Houston Chronicle report.
Waiting for Grier to defy jude's orders by naming NFISD principals
Grier conducts a tele-town hall with NFISD
It's late in the day for Grier to make principal appointments and get the full district's attention
Contact email@example.com
Link to previous pages
Use comment tag to express your opinion. houstonisdwatch
wants to hear from you, especially HISD insiders.
Thanks for voting!
With all the information the HISD trustees have now about Larry Marshall, should they censure him?
207 responses


text:
This is the third book in the "Sojourns In Nature" series featuring the work of Gustav W. Verderber and Rob Servranckx. "Closer to Home and Farther Afield" is a lavish portfolio of landscape, wildlife, and macro images, from the north woods, the Boreal Atlantic coast, as well as destinations farther afield.
In over 150 images, you'll experience the grandeur of New England's fall foliage, be thrilled by close encounters with moose and owls and bears and bobcats and whales, and find yourself transfixed before magnificent waterfalls, dazzling sunrises, and breathtaking landscapes from frozen wilderness to steamy glacial bogs inhabited by meat-eating plants! The lion's share of images in this book come from Gustav and Rob's home ground: Northeastern U.S., Southern Quebec, and the Maritime provinces.
If you live in the Northeast (or wish you did!), if you appreciate superb nature photography and find fulfilment in the natural world, or if you simply want to own a collection of some of the finest images of nature taken by two of the Northeast's foremost nature photographers, this book belongs in your library.
Gustav W. Verderber and Rob Servranckx are award-winning nature photographers whose images and articles have appeared in numerous regional, national, and international publications including Inner Reflections, Nature Photographer, Outdoor Canada, and the covers of Natural History and Nature's Best magazines. In 2003, Gustav photographed Yellowstone National Park on assignment for Kodak. His book, "Photographing Yellowstone National Park" (Countryman Press, 2007) is available on the Sojourns In Nature website and through Amazon.com. Gustav W. Verderber is a naturalist, author, professional nature photographer, photography and ecotourism leader, and adjunct professor of environmental science. Rob Servranckx is the creator and web master of the Sojourns In Nature and Visions In Nature web sites. He is passionate about nature photography, adept in all things digital, and has a full-time job as a Project Manager in the IT industry.
Comentario publicado.
Inicia sesión o crea una cuenta para publicar un comentario.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Content here to stay updated on the latest from Foster Friess
Obama's Budget Loses By a Nose—414 to 0
Content here to stay updated on the latest from Foster Friess
He still deserves a trophy for showing up
Is it bad form to kick a guy when he is down? At first I thought that this was a joke. A drumming of 414 to 0 definitely qualifies the Barack Obama budget for the Worst Ideas Ever Hall of Fame. Joining the president's budget proposal in this year's induction class will be the underwater toaster and the donut-shaped parachute.
Also, the deficit reduction plan that President Obama tasked former White House Chief of Staff Erskine Bowles and former Senator Alan Simpson to come up with was shot down 382-38. They could have handed in a blank piece of paper two years ago and probably would have gotten a better response.
Washington Times has the full story (500 words/1 page)


text:
Join Dr. Chester DePratter and his team from the South Carolina Institute for Archaeology and Anthropology for a tour of the Camp Asylum archaeological dig site on the Bull Street campus. These tours are offered on Fridays from February 14 through April 25 at 11 am and 1 pm, each one hour tour will give an inside look at Dr. DePratter's efforts to discover what life was like at Camp Asylum, a Civil War prison camp built for the incarceration of Union Soldiers from December 1864 to February 1865. This Friday's tour and next Friday's will be the final tours of the site.
All attendees will be required to submit a release form to attend this tour. The form will be sent to you after you register. There will be no tours on Friday, April 4. Tickets can be obtained online or by calling 803-252-1770 ex 23. Cost of the tour is $10.
If you would like to receive email updates when new articles are posted, please click the "subscribe" button at the bottom of the page.
Asylum Building
The Asylum building, designed by Robert Mills, is used by the Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) .There is a rooftop garden that was used when the building was a hospital.
Babcock Building
The Babcock Building, with its trademark red dome, is abandoned and deteriorating. Despite its deterioriation, the Babcock Building is specifically mentioned for preservation in the Developers agreement with the City of Columbia.
Babcock building deterioration
A close-up of the deterioration of the Babcock Building.While the building will be protected, there are several proposals for its use, including as a hotel or a movie theater.
The Chapel of Hope
The Chapel of Hope,. like the Babcock Building, is mentioned for preservation in the Development Agreement with the city of Columbia. Back in the day, it was the non-denominational chapel for the State Hospital.
food service building
This building served as some kind of food service location or possibly as a store of some kind as evidenced by the DHEC stickers on the front door. There were also advertising stickers dated 1997.


text:
TC TO JANE WELSH CARLYLE ; 3 October 1850; DOI: 10.1215/lt-18501003-TC-JWC-01; CL 25: 244-246
Chelsea, 3 Octr, 1850—
Well, my Dear, here you see I am; some seven or eight hours, I suppose, before you knew of my intention: your exclamations of surprise I expect tomorrow morning!—
Mrs Marshall, a good kindhearted soul (tho' privately, a great fool), so soon as she heard of my afflictions in the way of sleep, shifted me into a totally quiet room, where on Tuesday night I had good sleep for six hours, which was a mighty comfort to me; and, with the bright sky (for our weather too had cleared itself), produced a great alteration in me; so that I was privately not indisposed to have staid another day, and still other days, had I been asked: but none asked me,—really I believe I was not wanted, nothing except the name of me which was already got: so the former resolution stood; I had to hire my own private "clatch" from the neighbouring inn; fare off to Windermere (12 miles or so, "James Dear" hospitably attending me so far, and forcing me to talk, whh was small favour); and then, by aid of the Express Train, I was shot off far enough,—and have nothing to do with Marshaldom for some time coming. You shall have my narrative of all that in due season (only be discreet!); in the meanwhile I have done with it, and with the astonishingly admirable lights and shadows, and vallies, and Langdale Pikes,1 and a worship of the Picturesque in all its branches, from all and every of which, for the future, good Lord deliver huz!2 Oh my poor Goody, it is a great blessing to be born a person of sense, were it even with the "temper of a rat-trap"! One must put up with the temper; the other is not to be put up with.— On the whole, tell Mrs Taylor, who will be asking you, that I found Coniston the beautifullest place conceivable,—picturesque to a degree;—that I liked the people too (which is true in a sense);—and that, in fine, here I am, it being there. All this, in a discreet manner, at your peril!3—
The Tennysons are lodged in what they call "the Cottage," a place similar to a Factor's House or Minister's house as I judged; one of the several little Properties whh Marshall has bought as they fell in, "to keep them out of bad hands." There Alfred lives with his new better half, for the present; does not mean to stay above "a couple of weeks" more: indeed I shd judge it much more charming for the Marshal's than for him: "Sir, we keeps a Poet!"— Softest of soft sowder plus a vacant Cottage and to dinner as often as you like: "magna est PECUNIA et prevalebit."4— — For the rest, Alfred looks really improved, I should say; cheerful in what he talks, and looking forward to a future less "detached" than the past has been. Poor fellow, a good soul, find him where or how situated you may! Mrs. T. also pleased me; the first glance of her is the least favourable. A freckly round-faced woman, rather tallish and without shape, a slight lisp too: something very kleinstädtisch [provincial] and unpromising at the first glance; but she lights up bright glittering blue eyes when you speak to her; has wit, has sense and, were it not that she seems so very delicate in health, "sick without a disorder," I shd augur really well of Tennyson's adventure.5— Other news if there were other, will keep till we meet. Aubrey de Vere was expected there on Thursday (today): I had a glimpse of him, of Monteagledom, and of Henry-Marshaldom, in a highly romantic Island residence of Keswick Lake, last Sunday (as indeed I think I told you!)—after whh T. Spedding and I rowed to a poor Dr Leitch, frightfully disfigured in face, but rational, hopeful, and overjoyed to see us. On the whole my Lake Excursion was decidedly not worth the trouble it cost. Enough of it.
The ride hither was—Ach Gott! Yet let me admit that it was far within my anticipations; there being room in the carriage, fresh air attainable in it: snatches of food, such as a hungry dog falls in with, were likewise vouchsafed. I noticed Brougham6 in the same vehicle, just behind my compartment; his face grew redder and redder, poor old fellow;—his cab I perceived went cheek by jowl with mine in the Piccadilly regions.
Poor Emma was duly awake, and did get me tea and even bacon to it; all things that she could do were faithfully done: a house clean as a new pin, and quiet, which was far the best feature of it for me. Nero, after an instant or two, manifested a most respectable degree of enthusiasm, to the length even of barking, and leaping very high; whh humour still continues with him. Poor wretch, I was really a little obliged to him. The cat sat reflective, without sign of the smallest emotion more or less;—and poor Emma herself (a very amiable poor little creature, as you described) seemed sad at the thot of being obliged to leave,—which, however, I suppose you find to be wise in respect of her. And the House—O Goody, incomparable Artist Goody! It is really a "series of glad surprises"; and this noble grate upstairs here:—all good and best, my bonny little Artistkin! Really it is clever and wise to a degree: and I admit it is pity you were not here to show it me yourself; but I shall find it all out too. Thank you, thank you, a thousand times! I made no figure at sleeping last night, have accordingly a headache &c; but I shall do better tonight. Write, write
Ever yours
Postie called with modest offers from Mrs P.7—but I shall not need her at all.


text: and of the ones youve played, which ones do you think are the best for online multiplayer gaming? So far Ive only played three ~ Halo, TRON 2.0, and RTCW. Theyre all fun in different ways so I have no complaints. I had a couple of gripes for TRON multiplayer, but theyve already eliminated just about every problem with the upgrade patches and theyve got more on the way (if only ALL developers were so quick to fix problems ). To log into gamespy arcade, one would think that Halo is the only online game anyone ever plays so it would be nice to see people talk about other online games you play.


text: Type 2 Diabetes What is type 2 diabetes? Type 2 diabetes is a metabolic disorder resulting from the body's inability to make enough, or to properly use, insulin. It used to be called non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM). Without enough insulin, the body cannot move blood sugar into the cells. It is a chronic disease that has no known cure. It is the most common type of diabetes, accounting for 90-95 percent of diabetes cases. What causes type 2 diabetes? The exact cause of type 2 diabetes is unknown. However, there does appear to be a genetic factor which causes it to run in families. And, although a person can inherit a tendency to develop type 2 diabetes, it usually takes another factor, such as obesity, to bring on the disease. Prevention or delay of onset of type 2 diabetes Type 2 diabetes may be prevented or delayed by following a program to eliminate or reduce risk factors -- particularly losing weight and increasing exercise. Information gathered by the Diabetes Prevention Program, sponsored by the National Institutes of Health and the American Diabetes Association, continues to study this possibility. What are the signs and symptoms of type 2 diabetes? The following are the most common symptoms for type 2 diabetes, however, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Diabetes may have a variety of signs and symptoms, including: Frequent infections that are not easily healed Frequent urination Extreme hunger but loss of weight Unusual thirst Blurred vision Extreme weakness and tiredness Irritability and mood changes Nausea and vomiting High levels of sugar in the blood when tested High levels of sugar in the urine when tested Dry, itchy skin Tingling or loss of feeling in the hands or feet Some people who have type 2 diabetes exhibit no symptoms. Symptoms may be mild and almost unnoticeable, or easy to confuse with signs of aging. Half of all Americans who have diabetes do not know it. The symptoms of type 2 diabetes may resemble other conditions or medical problems. Consult your physician for a diagnosis. What are the risk factors for type 2 diabetes? Risk factors for type 2 diabetes include: Age - people over the age of 45 are at higher risk Family history of diabetes Being overweight Not exercising regularly Being a member of certain racial and ethnic groups, such as African-Americans, Hispanic Americans, and Native Americans History of gestational diabetes, or giving birth to a baby that weighed more than 9 pounds A low level HDL (high density lipoprotein -- the "good cholesterol") A high triglyceride level Treatment for type 2 diabetes Specific treatment will be determined by your physician(s) based on: Your age, overall health, and medical history Extent of the disease Your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies Expectations for the course of the disease Your opinion or preference The goal of treatment is to keep blood-sugar levels as close to normal as possible. Emphasis is on control of blood sugar (glucose) by monitoring the levels, regular physical activity, meal planning, and routine health care. Treatment of diabetes is an ongoing process of management and education that includes not only the person with diabetes, but also health care professionals and family members. Often type 2 diabetes can be controlled through losing weight, improved nutrition, and exercise alone, but sometimes these are not enough and either oral medications and/or insulin must be used. Treatment often includes: Proper diet Weight control An appropriate exercise program Proper hygiene Insulin replacement therapy (under the direction of a physician) Untreated or inappropriately-treated diabetes can cause problems with the kidneys, legs, feet, eyes, heart, nerves, and blood flow, which could lead to kidney failure, gangrene, amputation, blindness, or stroke. For these reasons, it is important to be on a strict treatment plan.


text:
Group Booking Terms and Conditions
Because you are making a Group Booking, there are additional Terms and Conditions that apply. Please read them and click 'I Accept' below to continue with your booking
Hostel Specific Terms & Conditions
The remainder of the amount due will be charged to your credit card ???? Should numbers or room selection change, the per person deposit times the number of people who actually travelled will be deducted from the total accommodation charge levvied by the hostel.
The following group types are not accepted by this hostel: Holiday with Friends, Junior / Primary School, High / Secondary School, College / University, Business Trip, Stag/Hen/Bachelor Party, Sports Group, Cultural Group If you have misrepresented the type of group you are booking for, your booking may be cancelled by the hostel.
Any cancellations resulting from agreement to these terms and conditions under false pretences will result in loss of deposit.
General Group Booking Terms
By making a group reservation through Hostelworld.com you agree to the following terms and conditions as set by Hostelworld.com and as set by the hostel in question.
- In order to make a group reservation on Hostelworld.com it is necessary to pay a deposit. The balance is due directly to the hostel according to their payment conditions.
- The booking deposit is non-refundable
- Hostelworld.com are not responsible for changes or amendments to your reservation once it has been processed. All correspondence with regard to changes to your booking need to be dealt with directly with the hostel.
- Cancellations for reservations must be made directly with the hostel and must conform with the individual hostels cancellation policy (see below)
- It is your responsibility to pay the balance of your accommodation cost to the hostel in accordance with their payment conditions (see below). Failure to do so may result in your reservation being cancelled by the hostel.
- Individual hostels may have special booking conditions relating to group stays, please read the hostel booking conditions carefully before making your reservation.
Tükenmek üzere
özellik Açıklama
Son Değerlendirme
" Negative : - The room and sheets were very old. - Strong humidity in the room where it was very stincky. We left the room at midnight to find another hostel. - poor breakfast - very expensive for the accomodations Positive : - good location - small bar with Panda doing some Caipirinas - safe "- laurentalm
Hostelworld Mobil Uygulamaları
Yeni Hostelworld mobil uygulamalarıyla hareket halindeyken rezervasyon yapın.


text:
"Our assessment is that Hezbollah and Iran will both continue to maintain a heightened level of terrorist activity and operations in the near future," said Daniel Benjamin, the US State Department's counter-terrorism coordinator.
U.S. judge orders Iran, al-Qaida, Taliban to pay $6 billion over 9/11
Al-Qaeda, the Taliban and Iran should pay $US6 billion ($A5.75 billion) to relatives of September 11 victims for aiding in the 2001 terror attacks, a US judge has recommended in a largely symbolic decision.
Even though it will be nearly impossible to collect damages, plaintiff Ellen Saracini, whose husband, Victor, was the captain of one of the planes that struck the World Trade Centre, told the Daily News that she is happy about Manhattan Federal Magistrate Judge Frank Maas' recommendation.
By Way of Deception: 9/11 and the Mossad
Mossad, the Israeli intelligence force, has an Old Testament motto that is described two ways. Politely as, "For by wise guidance you can wage your war." Or, from a former agent critical of the agency, "By Way Of Deception, Thou Shalt Do War."
I didn't know a thing about Mossad until I had to research them for what comes next. Did you know that the Israeli military attacked a U.S. ship (the Liberty) off the coast of Egypt in 1967? Injured 171 Americans, killed 34 and said it was an accident? They said they mistook it for some other country's large military vessel. But all U.S. soldiers who were interviewed said, "No freaking way. They saw us, they shot us and they killed a lot of us."
Bold and Brilliant: Top Police Intelligence Analyst Challenges the Gov't 7/7 Narrative
Sometimes it takes just one individual to step forward and 'speak truth to power' to break the spell of public denial and silence surrounding a tragic and unspeakable event.
At least one police professional in Britain has stepped forward to refute the government's orthodoxy of 'Radical British Muslims' carrying out one of the worst and violent atrocities in the country's history, and this is his story…
9/11 Vancouver Tribunal expected to issue Indictments in 9/11 events around Labor Day 2012
The 9/11 Vancouver Tribunal is a citizen's tribunal of conscience that was duly constituted by the 9/11 Vancouver Hearings June 15-17, 2012 in Vancouver, B.C.
Alfred Lambremont Webre, one of the Judges on the Tribunal states, "As a duly constituted citizen's tribunal of conscience for the events of September 11, 2001, the 9/11 Vancouver Tribunal has jurisdiction under natural law and justice; declarations of natural law, such as the U.N. Declaration of Human Rights; international humanitarian law such as the Geneva Conventions; and national laws such as national, state and provincial criminal statues prohibiting murder and conspiracy for any jurisdiction whose citizens died in the World Trace Center on 9/11.
Former Head Of Star Wars Program Says Cheney Main 9/11 Suspect
Bowman outlined how the drills on the morning of 9/11 that simulated planes crashing into buildings on the east coast were used as a cover to dupe unwitting air defense personnel into not responding quickly enough to stop the attack.
"The exercises that went on that morning simulating the exact kind of thing that was happening so confused the people in the FAA and NORAD….that they didn't they didn't know what was real and what was part of the exercise," said Bowman
"I think the people who planned and carried out those exercises, they're the ones that should be the object of investigation."
New NSA docs contradict 9/11 claims
The material contains much new information about the hunt before and after 9/11 for bin Laden, the development of the drone campaign in AfPak, and al-Qaida's relationship with America's ally, Pakistan. Perhaps most damning are the documents showing that the CIA had bin Laden in its cross hairs a full year before 9/11 — but didn't get the funding from the Bush administration White House to take him out or even continue monitoring him. The CIA materials directly contradict the many claims of Bush officials that it was aggressively pursuing al-Qaida prior to 9/11, and that nobody could have predicted the attacks. "I don't think the Bush administration would want to see these released, because they paint a picture of the CIA knowing something would happen before 9/11, but they didn't get the institutional support they needed," says Barbara Elias-Sanborn, the NSA fellow who edited the materials.
More Articles...
Page 9 of 73


text:
Backstage at the Downtown Hoedown, we discover that Miranda Lambert is as excited for the event as the fans waiting for her to take the stage. "I'm so much happier 'cause I didn't like it when we were so far above the fans; they're way way way down there, so this is cool, they're right up close. So I was just watching Jerrod's (Niemann) set so I could get the vibe of the stage." For her third appearance at Hoedown, Miranda gives us her stamp of approval and says that she is "just glad that I can see people."
From a small but comfortable Airstream trailer, gutted and vintage remodeled by her good friends the Junk Gypsies, Miranda is at home to answer a few questions with WYCD personalities Chuck Edwards & Linda Lee. She talks of her kindred spirit friendship with the Junk Gypsies and how they gutted this trailer and made it into a bar – there's no dressing room so it's "basically just a place to hang."
To start off on a light note, she answers some questions about her workout routine on the road. She did work out as soon as she arrived at Comerica Park for the evening concert. "I have a trainer out with me, and I have a video coming up so I can't skip." We are betting that video is for our future hit pick "Fastest Girl In Town." Watch more of the interview in the video below to find out about Miranda's take on hygiene habits at the gym.
Just this past week, Miranda Lambert was awarded CMT's Best Female Video award for her emotional "Over You." Congratulations were extended and a gracious Miranda replied "Thank you, got to be with my 'Annie girls' so it's always so much fun."
Chuck Edwards jokes with Miranda about whether or not she and husband Blake Shelton are working on a new Three's Company episode with their recent 'adoption' of RaeLynn from The Voice's Team Blake. She explains that with every season Blake does of The Voice (there have been two so far) "we end up with more family members." "Dia (Frampton) and Xenia last year, and this year RaeLynn and Gwen Sebastian."
Miranda tells us why she took such a strong a liking to RaeLynn "so excited to see that a country girl that has a little edge to her was coming out as a new artist." The biggest question she gets asked is whether or not RaeLynn, who Miranda has dubbed 'baby Annie,' is in the band. "She's not in the band – we're too advanced she doesn't need to be seeing the behind the scenes of the Annies, that's not for young eyes, but she's an honorary Annie."
She goes on to say that it does get crazy backstage with her Pistol Annies. "We've got a coal miner's daughter that's from like the hills of Kentucky – for real – the no shoe side of the state, and we've got an East Tennessee girl – grown up in the Tennessee mountains right around Dollywood so she's got this little attitude – when we get together it's a force to be reckoned with for sure."
Chuck Edwards asked Miranda if the rumor was true that she checks up on hubby Blake's twitter account. (@blakeshelton) She jokes about giving him a hard time, "why are you following like 45 hot girls, what do they have to say that's so interesting honey?"
Does Miranda get jealous? "I used to, but not anymore, actually I don't care, I'm glad somebody else gets to endure his humor for a minute." She does admit however that she does 'unfollow' him sometimes "when he gets on one of those tangents. Sometimes I'll call him and say, you really said that in public?"
"He's not gonna stop anything, it's pointless, I knew that 7 years ago." Linda Lee adds, "and you married him!" They both laugh as Miranda says "I know!" "He's got good points and he's an awesome guy and he's hot, but he's kind of a goofball."
Miranda also admits that she can be a bit of a 'bad girl' sometimes. "If I could have a twitter that wasn't actually me I would probably say more stuff that I shouldn't say, but I don't want to hurt people's feelings. . . just got to a million followers, that's crazy." Follow @Miranda_Lambert to keep up with her latest tweets.
Another thing Miranda proudly talks about is her foundation MuttNation which she started in 2009 to build more shelters, increase pet adoption and provide care for animals in need. She tells us the reason she started her own foundation instead of just backing another was to raise money that she has control of. "I don't want to give to these big organizations, that Im not sure where every dollar goes."
Miranda and Blake have seven dogs. Because they live out in the country in Oklahoma, it seems a likely place for people to desert their animals. (Or perhaps they know exactly who will give them a home!) Miranda tells us that animals are her passion and now that they are married, they are Blake's dogs too. She joked that he asks her "Do we have to sleep with four dogs in the bed?" she quickly replies, "no, you can sleep in the guest room!"
You can watch the full video interview on Miranda's trailer at the Downtown Hoedown here:
Kid Rock is what, or should we say 'who' comes to mind when Miranda thinks of Detroit. "I got to hang out with him at the Kennedy Center – and he's so cool, so down to earth and so country… and I was a little intimidated…but he's just a sweetheart – I know he's from here – so when I think of Detroit I think of him."
CLICK HERE to see photos of Miranda Lambert at the Downtown Hoedown!
Read the full concert review of Sunday night at the Downtown Hoedown!
Nanci Haskin/99.5 WYCD


text:
I'm trying to insert an icon using the font awesome icon plugin, via the
Customisations > Appearance > Site Title
But this just displays the code, not the icon.
Anyone know the solution to this? Thanks!
That setting is html escaped, it means that all the html special chars are converted in the realated html entities, so e.g.
To print correctly you can use
However be aware, that


text:
Outdoor enthusiasts of all ages are invited to enjoy a weekend on an original American landscape—the tallgrass prairie—at the Missouri Prairie Foundation's Gayfeather Prairie in Vernon County on June 7 and 8. At this free event, adults and children with enthusiasm for the outdoors will team up with biologists to explore and document plants and animals from Gayfeather Prairie, named …Read More »
Tag Archives: prairie
Watch for Monarchs in Flight
America's most recognizable butterfly — the monarch — is poised to make its long southern migration to Mexico, and many of the beautiful orange, black, and white monarchs should be visible flying across Missouri as fall approaches. While our remaining prairies and other open habitats provide both food sources for the caterpillar larvae and nectar sources for the adults, loss …Read More »
Grow Native! Keep Missouri Looking Like Missouri
First Lady Ladybird Johnson once said, "I want Texas to look like Texas, and Vermont to look like Vermont." The first lady, known for her love of flowers and who has a wildflower research center in Texas named for her, would be proud, I think, of Missouri's Grow Native! program, which strives to ensure Missouri looks like Missouri. Missouri is …Read More »


text:
O'Neal Is A Whiskey Rock-A-Roller
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. – Don O'Neal returned to his home-state of Indiana on Saturday night and won the Whiskey City 50 at Lawrenceburg Speedway.
It was O'Neal's sixth Lucas Oil Late Model Dirt Series win of the season and O'Neal continues to close the gap on current point leader, Jimmy Owens, who came home sixth.
O'Neal grabbed the lead on lap four from his Clint Bowyer Racing teammate Steve Francis and charged to his 39th career LOLMDS victory. Francis finished second followed by polesitter, Scott Bloomquist. Steve Casebolt drove by Earl Pearson Jr. on the final lap to take fourth, as Pearson would round out the top five.
"The car was on a rail tonight, no doubt," said O'Neal. "I have to thank Lance and Barry Wright, Jeremy Justice, and Tony Trent for all of the hard work they do. Clint's going to be real happy with this one-two finish here tonight."
"We started fifth and the bottom was working real well there early on. I had a few moments there in traffic, but everybody gave each other plenty of room. It's good to come back here and win, especially after missing last year's race. I didn't know how far Steve (Francis) was behind me, I was just concentrating on the traffic ahead."
"We had a pretty good car last week at Batesville, led a lot of laps, but finished fifth. Then Thursday Night, we wound up sixth. We took last night off and the crew went over everything on the car. It handled really well tonight from start to finish. I am real proud of everyone with the CBR Team."
Francis, who was victorious in this race a year ago, was extremely happy with his second place finish.
"We had a really good car tonight. Our setup was not all that different from Don's. Congrats to him on the win, and he deserves it. He ran a really good race," Francis said. "We tried to stay with him and I thought I may have a shot at him in traffic, but he was able to get through it cleanly. I want to thank Georgia Boot, Peak Antifreeze, Crawford Supply, and everyone else on the CBR Team. We hope to finish up the season strong."
The finish:
Don O'Neal, Steve Francis, Scott Bloomquist, Steve Casebolt, Earl Pearson Jr., Jimmy Owens, Jared Landers, Dennis Erb Jr., Scott James, John Blankenship, Duane Chamberlain, Eric Jacobsen, Jason Hughes, Brandon Overton, Dustin Linville, Eddie Carrier Jr., Brandon Kinzer, Dan Schlieper, Jason Papich, Zak Blackwood, Bill Blair Jr., Kent Robinson, Mike Marlar, Ted Nobbe.


text:
Electronic Information
Penn State Access Account
The Penn State Access Account—found at its.psu.edu/accounts—enables students to access a wide range of online Penn State and Internet services. Students can request a personal web page at work.psu.edu/webspace.
Internet Access
Students can access Internet services such as the web, e-mail, libraries, online advising, and academic records. These services are available at computer labs on campus or can be accessed on your personal computer.
See www.rescom.psu.edu under "Email Setup" on the web for information on using e-mail to communicate with friends and colleagues at Penn State and around the world.
Undergraduate Education: Current Students
The Undergraduate Education Current Students website provides a single point of reference for the complete academic information needs of undergraduates. Find easy access to program and course information, the academic calendar, schedule of courses, exam information and much more. Set the Undergradute Education Current Students page as your browser's default home page, and from there explore Penn State. Find the Unergraduate Education Current Students website at www.psu.edu/oue/current_students.html.
The Advising@PSU website provides a central source of information about academic advising and related educational topics. This site includes material developed specifically for the site as well as links to other websites with relevant academic information for students, faculty, and staff. Visit Advising@PSU at advising.psu.edu.
eLion is Penn State's primary web-based service for students to access their own academic records and receive informed advice as they pursue their academic goals. Through eLion, students can register for classes, check the status of their financial aid, explore possible majors, pay their semester bills, check their grades, and much more. To learn more about the services available through eLion, visit elion.psu.edu.
The Undergraduate Degree Programs Bulletin is a comprehensive source of academic information. It describes the University; admission policies; tuition, room, and board; fees; and services. It also outlines course requirements for the majors offered in each college. The Undergraduate Bulletin is located at bulletins.psu.edu.
The Schedule of Courses is located on the web at schedule.psu.edu. It contains the courses being offered, meeting times/places, and course availability. For additional information, call 814-865-6357.
Policies, Procedures, Rules and Regulations
Faculty Senate Policies - www.psu.edu/ufs/policies
Academic Administrative Policies and Procedures - www.psu.edu/oue/aappm
Code of Conduct - www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/codeofconduct
Off-Campus Misconduct Policy - www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/policies/offcampus.shtml
University Alcohol Policy - www.studentaffairs.psu.edu/conduct/policies/alcohol.shtml
A list of these courses can be viewed by using the Schedule of Courses (schedule.psu.edu) and selecting "Campus: University Park," "Location: University Park Campus." Like daytime courses, these courses can be scheduled using eLion (elion.psu.edu).
The World Campus provides adult learners worldwide with over 70 of Penn State's most highly regarded graduate and undergraduate degrees, certificates, or courses available anytime, anywhere. Course information and online catalog are available at www.worldcampus.psu.edu.
Penn State's Education Abroad offers students more than 170 programs for a semester or year abroad in nearly 45 countries. Participants, normally juniors or seniors, earn Penn State credits, and in most cases maintain their financial aid while abroad. For details, visit the EA office in 410 Boucke Building, call 814-865-7681, or visit the EA website at http://gpglobalea.gp.psu.edu.
Published each weekday during the semester, this student newspaper is a source of world and local news, sports information, student editorial opinion, and special-interest stories. The Daily Collegian is available at many University Park campus locations, including the HUB. It is also accessible at www.collegian.psu.edu.
Penn State University's Official Athletic Site, partner of CBS College Sports Network. The most comprehensive coverage of Penn State University Athletics on the web.
Event Calendars
This useful website provides date, time and location information about university events. Events can be sorted by campus, college and event type i.e. academic, diversity, entertainment, lectures, etc.
Academic Calendars
When is Summer Graduation? When does Spring Break begin next year? How long is the holiday break between semesters? The answers to these important questions and much more can be found at the official Academic Calendar website maintained by the University Registrar. This multi-year calendar is available for all Penn State locations except the Penn State Hershey Medical Center, the Pennsylvania College of Technology, and the Dickinson School of Law.
In addition to the electronic and print information resources, new students are encouraged to contact and talk with the staff at the following academic advising centers:
|Phone (814 area code)
|Agricultural Sciences
|101 Agricultural Administration Building
|Arts and Architecture
|104 Borland Building
|Smeal College of Business
|202 Business Building
|204 Carnegie Building
|Earth and Mineral Sciences
|14 Deike Building
|228 Chambers Building
|208 Hammond Building
|Health and Human Development
|5 Henderson Building
|Information Sciences and Technology
|104 IST Building
|The Liberal Arts
|101 Sparks Building
|Eberly College of Science
|213 Whitmore Lab
|School of Nursing
|210 Health and Human Development East Building
Division of Undergraduate Studies
|Lobby, Grange Building


text:
April 17, 2010
TUSCALOOSA, Ala. -
Crimson Cabaret Coordinator Marion Powell announced the 2010-2011 Crimson Cabaret squad following tryouts on Saturday. A total of 16 women were selected representing seven states. The upcoming season's team includes:
Briana Baisden – Humble, Texas Caitlin Brunell – Pontevedra, Fla. Amber Burnett – Enterprise, Ala. Elizabeth Davis – Tuscaloosa, Ala. Courtney Dover – Tuscaloosa, Ala. Caroline Elliott – Moulton, Ala. Alexandria Giannini – Mobile, Ala. Amanda Hoeffner – Suwanee, Ga. Alyssa Holley – Loxley, Ala. Alyssa Macini – Hackettstown, N. J. Stacy Patterson – Pleasant Grove, Ala. Liz Pears – Brentwood, Tenn. Ashley Robertson – Madison, Miss. Morgan Vice – Pelham, Ala. Abby Southerland – Hoover, Ala. Chanley Wynn – Vestavia Hills, Ala.


text:
Jul 21, 2014 9:30 AM
This Caravelle New York by Bulova Gold-Tone Bracelet Watch ($120) isn't necessarily an everyday watch (unless you wear business attire to work, in which case, we bet it'd fit right in with your smart suits and power heels). Reach for it when you need an elegant touch to your outfit as you run out the door to Sunday brunch, your BFF's fancy b-day bash, or date night with your other half.
If you've got a product or service that you'd like to promote on Outblush, click here to find out about our advertising opportunities.
Outblush is a blog for girls who love to shop. Our staff digs up the best clothes, home stuff, beauty items, and more. New items are posted every day — bookmark us and check out:


text:
In a move that might leave liberals and conservatives in shock, on Friday, Fox News host Megyn Kelly of The Kelly File legitimately pushed Mike Huckabee over his controversial comments about "Uncle Sugar's" role in libido enabling in regard to women and the role of contraceptives.
And despite the fact that Huckabee is also a Fox News host, Kelly made some surprisingly difficult arguments that seemed to bolster the position of women's health, and she offered a few criticisms to try and force Huckabee to be more specific, and she also asked him some straightforward questions.
Huckabee made his controversial remarks during a speech given to the Republican National Committee.
His full comment said:
"Democrats think that women are nothing more than helpless or hopeless creatures whose only goal in life is to have the government provide for them birth control medication. Women I know are smart, educated, intelligent, capable of doing anything that anyone else can do. Our party stands for the equality of women and the capacity of women. That's not a war on them, it's a war for them."
"And if the Democrats want to insult the women of America by making them believe that they are helpless without Uncle Sugar coming in and providing for them a prescription each month for birth control because they cannot control their libido or their reproductive system without the help of the government, then so be it. Let us take that discussion all across America because women are far more than the Democrats have played them to be. And women across America need to stand up and say: 'enough of that nonsense.'"
Huckabee tried to defend and clarify his comments to Kelly saying:
"Everything I was accused of saying, I was actually saying the polar opposite. This was an affirmation of the intelligence, of the capability of women. Like my wife, my daughter, my daughter-in-law, I'm insulted for them, and they are insulted, when the Democrats portray them as victims of their gender."
"It wasn't even about contraceptives. It was about the way that Democrats have accused Republicans of having a war on women when Republicans believe that women are equal. We don't think that it somehow is gonna be necessary for them to have a government subsidy and government support or they're not gonna be able to make it."
Kelly responded:
"This is where some women and others have taken issue with you, that the Democrats would say they don't view women as the victims of their gender. They view them as living, functioning, human beings who have a reproductive system and the ones who have to carry the babies."
"And by the way, sexual beings, and, therefore, to be responsible when having sexual relations, they need birth control even if they're not having sexual relations for the purpose of enjoyment, then they might need birth control because they have a health issue. And it's not about seeing women as victims. It's about getting them the medical coverage they need."
Huckabee responded by highlighting the fact that he signed a state bill when he was the Governor of Arkansas that included contraceptives, as he said that he is not opposed to women having contraceptives that are not abortion related.
He followed up by placing the sexist blame on the conniving Democrats accusing them of marginalizing women because they (Democrats) believe that women are either cognitively or morally incapable of functioning without the "Uncle Sugar" Democrats coming in to bail out the crazed libidos of women, which is really about the results of the female libido, not the libido itself.
No matter how big government is, it cannot realistically legislate the actions of any libido, but it can and will come into play based on the possible product of the female libido, which is a baby, even though the male libido is just as much to blame for such a result.
So the question then becomes: Is Huckabee mad at "Uncle Sugar" and the Democrats for enabling contraceptives, or is he mad at the female libido for producing more children for the welfare state? The answer to that question remains unclear based on his original "Uncle Sugar" comment.
Kelly continued to press Huckabee saying:
"You put it in terms of having to control — that the Democrats believe that women need the government in order to control their libidos, and that sounded to many like you were placing a judgment on it."
"You would acknowledge, the vast majority of people in this country, of adults in this country have libidos and act on them, and that the vast majority of those people use birth control when they do not desire to have a baby as a result of those libido instincts — correct?"
"And are you passing any judgment on that – the use of birth control by couples having intercourse who are not looking to have a baby?"
Huckabee vehemently stated that he has no issue with birth control being used by couples to prevent pregnancies. Instead he went back to what he called the Democrat's "phony war on women."
But in an impressive, savvy move, Kelly then listed health issues like endometriosis and polycystic ovary syndrome as two other valid reasons that women point to that can be helped through birth control – issues that are not about the temperature or the morality of the female libido.
Kelly also said:
"There are all sorts of reasons why women take birth control, and there's no reason that they shouldn't be able to get it from their employers. That's what they say. And they say it's not the government paying for it. It's the women paying for it when they pay their premium under their policies and so they take issue with you characterizing it as "Uncle Sugar" having to step in and control their libidos."
Huckabee then denied that he was disparaging women with his "Uncle Sugar" comments, and blamed people for not listening in context.
And what seemed to be taking a page out of Mitt Romney's "binders full of women" comment, Huckabee continued to make his case that he is about "elevating" women and "affirming" that women are "quite capable as equals to men," by letting it be known that he, as governor, "appointed more women to executive level positions in state government (Arkansas) than any governor" in the state's history, including Bill Clinton.
There is no doubt that Huckabee tried to make a strong case against the Democrats and their so-called "phony war on women," by accusing their party of being sexist, political chauvinists, but there is one element that Huckabee and the Republicans/conservatives cannot outmaneuver.
By conventional wisdom, the Democratic Party is overwhelmingly considered to be the premier, political party for women based on elected officials and voters.
So if Huckabee's charge that the shifty Democrats are purposely belittling and bamboozling women with phony, gender-based propaganda, it means that women are either too unsophisticated, too aroused by their erratic libidos, or they are too conditioned by "Uncle Sugar's" government handouts to realize what is being done to them by the so-called sexist Democrats.
Or, they (women) do realize what is being done to them, and they are happily going along with it possibly to satisfy the needs of their libidos, which implies the imagery of something along the lines of a promiscuous, easily duped band filled with women like Sandra Fluke and a lot of 47 percent moochers.


text:
#1 Ranked Children's Hospital by U.S. News & World Report
MyPatients provides referring primary care providers with secure access to their patients' information.
Boston Children's has launched the world's 1st program dedicated to offering hand transplants to children who qualify.
Innovation insider is a semi-monthly e-newsletter analyzes innovations at Boston Children's, other academic medical centers and from industry.
Read the latest blog by a Boston Children's doctor, clinician or staff member.
There are many ways you can help children and their families get the care they need.
The Deaf and Hard of Hearing Program sees patients at Boston Children's at Waltham. We are open Monday through Friday from 8:30am-5:00pm. To schedule an appointment call 781-216-2215, or you can email us at firstname.lastname@example.com
9 Hope Avenue
Waltham, MA 02453
Voice: 781-216-2215
Email: email@example.com
The future of pediatrics will be forged by thinking differently, breaking paradigms and joining together in a shared vision of tackling the toughest challenges before us."


text:
- About
- School & Community
- Project Youth ArtReach
- Artists
- Project
- Join Our
What is the booking process?
Once you have chosen an artist and a date has been confirmed with a Class Acts Arts Outreach Coordinator, you will receive a contract with relevant materials by email or mail. You will sign that contract and return it to Class Acts Arts by mail or fax, with a deposit if stated in the contract. After the performance you will mail a check to our office in Silver Spring, MD, made out to Class Acts Arts, within the time frame stated on your contract. Alternate forms of payment may be arranged, such as credit card payments or wire transfers. See Scheduling for additional tips, or call our office at 301-588-7525.
How long is the program?
Most programs are 45 minutes long, and can be adjusted as needed.
Who are your new artists this year?
Every year our artist directory (also available on our homepage as a downloadable PDF file) clearly marks new artists. If you would like to know more please see the individual artist pages on this website.
Is there individual funding to support my program?
Many of our artists participate in the Maryland State Arts Council's Arts-in-Education grant program, which is open to Maryland schools. Additionally, other sources of funding may be available for schools throughout our region. Please contact us to learn if there is funding available for your school, and to explore ideas about how you can raise funds for your programs. For more information please see Funding Resources.
Where do you come up with the fees for programs?
Class Acts artists spend a great deal of time training, developing and rehearsing their programs. School program fees are based on a number of factors, including experience, educational and entertainment value and competitive market rates. Class Acts Arts works to balance the goal of providing artists with opportunities to earn living wages while keeping programs affordable to the community. Please note that these school fees represent a significant discount from public performance fees. If you are booking a non-school program, call Class Acts Arts for more information.
Can your artists donate their time for my organization?
Every artist we work with is a professional who makes a living by providing educational and cultural arts programs and so they are not available to provide free or reduced programs through Class Acts Arts.
Can you provide clowns or licensed characters for my child's birthday party?
No. Class Acts Arts provides high-quality educational and cultural performances for schools and other community groups. If you would like to book one of our artists for a private event please call the Class Acts Arts office.


text:
Feb. 28, 2012
Purchase Dodgertown Classic Tickets Here
2012 UCLA Baseball Media Guide | Follow on Facebook
WALNUT CREEK, Calif. - Jeff Gelalich of the UCLA baseball team has earned Pac-12 Player of the Week honors for the week of Feb. 20-26, as announced by the conference office on Tuesday.
Gelalich batted .500 in four games last week, going 7-for-14 with three home runs, five RBI and seven runs. The junior outfielder from La Verne, Calif., totaled a .611 on-base percentage and 1.143 slugging percentage and did not strikeout in 18 plate appearances.
Gelalich captured his first-ever Pac-12 Player of the Week award after belting two homers in a 19-7 win at Cal State Northridge last Tuesday before going 5-for-10 in UCLA's three-game series victory over Baylor last weekend.
In the Bruins' 9-3 triumph on Saturday, Gelalich put UCLA on the board with a towering two-run home run in the first inning. He went 2-for-3 with two RBI and one run in that game. Gelalich went 2-for-4 with two runs, including the game-tying run with two outs in the Bruins' four-run eighth inning, in Sunday's 8-6 comeback victory.
Gelalich becomes UCLA's first Pac-12 Conference Player of the Week selection since Beau Amaral earned the weekly honor May 10, 2010, during his freshman campaign.
UCLA returns to action this week, hosting Long Beach State on Tuesday night (6 p.m.) before playing a three-game series at home against Sacramento State from March 2-4.


text:
The WWE held their "Royal Rumble" pay-per-view, and the event that usually has fans excited with the results ended up with the fans in attendance booing and angry and Twitter filled with complaints about the outcome. According to PWS on Jan. 27, even Rumble winner Batista was angry and upset some company officials with his response after the show.
The problem is that the WWE teased fans with a Daniel Bryan WWE title run at "Summerslam" last August, but they pulled the rug out from under him. For the next three pay-per-views, they continued to screw over Bryan in the matches and the fans began to rebel. After that, the WWE chose to remove Bryan from the title picture and put John Cena and Randy Orton in it.
The fans remained on Bryan's side and have been turning on both Orton and Cena ever since. It came to a head last night at the "Royal Rumble." Daniel Bryan and Bray Wyatt fought in the opening match and put in the best match of the night. The fans were ecstatic, even with Bryan losing.
However, the fans quickly turned on Orton and Cena, letting their voices be heard. According to PWS, there was a moment in the match where one fan at ringside heard Orton called it the "worst crowd ever," which saw Bryan respond by telling him not to worry about it. Despite that, Orton was reportedly very angry backstage.
It got worse in the Royal Rumble match. Though he was not advertised, fans expected Daniel Bryan to be a surprise entrant. Starting with the 19th entry, fans started cheering for Bryan. When the 30th and final entry was Rey Mysterio, the fans all started booing him. When Batista won the Rumble by eliminating Roman Reigns, the fans turned on the returning star.
When Batista grew tired of the abuse, he started yelling at fans and even flipped some off. Batista then went to the ramp, and to top things off, he started taunting the fans by doing the Daniel Bryan "Yes" chant at them. That is what angered some WWE officials.
After the show, some superstars even went to Twitter to complain. Hurricane Helms said the WWE doesn't seem to be paying attention to what the fans want and Armando Estrada said he can't believe how the WWE ignores its own customers.
WWE Hall of Fame legend Mick Foley was even more adamant. He said that if Daniel Bryan was not in the Rumble match he would throw a brick through his television. He went on to say that he would do it and that TMZ offered to come film him as he threw the brick. He then said that he feels sometimes that the WWE hates their own audience.
"WWE Monday Night Raw" tonight will be an interesting one, especially as far as the crowd response is concerned.
Suggested Links
- WWE rumors: Hulk Hogan not expected to wrestle at 'Wrestlemania 30'
- WWE 'Royal Rumble' live stream coverage and preview
- Ring of Honor 'Wrestling's Finest' results and recap
- WWE news: Sin Cara refused to learn English for the WWE
- WWE rumors: Kurt Angle could possible head back to the WWE when contract expires


text:
Welcome to First United Methodist Church of Salt Lake City. I'm excited that you've chosen to visit our web-site and I hope that you will visit us in person very soon.
First United Methodist Church is a growing, multi-ethnic, and dynamic congregation that seeks to worship God with all our hearts and to serve the world through mission and witness. Currently we are made up of over ten different nationalities that have come together to form one common culture in the power of the Holy Spirit. We celebrate our diversity in worship and in fellowship knowing that we are all brothers and sisters in Christ.
From our worship comes our deep desire to serve those in need here in the Salt Lake valley and around the world. The people of FUMC are consistently engaged in mission/service work here in the city. We are proud supporters of The Crossroads Urban Center, the Salt Lake Rescue Mission, Family Promise, and a host of other service organizations. Moreover, we are engaged in mission work here in the USA. For several years now we have worked to support a small Native American elementary school in Fort Hall, Idaho. And finally, we are active in mission work in Guatemala and in Pakistan.
Since 1870 the people of First UMC have been a vital part of the fabric of downtown Salt Lake City and we believe that we will continue to be in years to come. I want to personally invite you to participate in the many ministry opportunities here as, together, we spread the abundant grace of Jesus our Lord.
Peace and Blessings.
Rev. Eun-sang Lee


text:
An introduction to the history of science
My blooming interest in the history of biological sciences in general and of malacology specifically has led me to a 1944* book by F.J. Cole, History of Comparative Anatomy from Aristotle to the Eighteenth Century. I have been able to get a cheap used copy of it from Amazon. The 1st chapter has been highly readable and informative. Hopefully, the rest of the book will follow suit.
In the 1st paragraph of the 1st chapter, Cole laments the common lack of interest in the history sciences by the scientists themselves and then introduces a subtle warning (italics mine):
The scientist may admire, but cannot accept, the paradox that the beliefs and knowledge of antiquity have been superseded only by the more rational ignorance of to-day. It is thus the necessity of the man of science, if it is also his misfortune, to focus his efforts on the prospect that lies in front.Cole goes on to explain why it is nevertheless good study the outdated, incomplete and often grossly mistaken science of our predecessors:
Wherefore let us bear in mind that this ancient knowledge still has its uses, if only as a warning of the dangers of research indifferently planned and weakly followed up. It behoves us therefore to examine the works of the early anatomists, to learn from them what we can, and, above all, to take heed lest we sow as they had sown and reap a similar harvest.Well, I am for one following his advice.
*My copy is a 1975 republication of the 1949 edition.


text:
I am going to present a funny gift to my friend. What is the best sentence which will describe the item? Is the following sentence correct?
Be prepared to get a gift which you never had before.
I am going to present a funny gift to my friend. What is the best sentence which will describe the item? Is the following sentence correct?
I would use this:
To stir up the most turmoil within the recipient, that would work. Or something like this:
It's really up to you. The sentence that you gave doesn't convey the meaning that you're trying to get across (be ready for anything) as well as the above examples, since it simply means be ready for a gift that you haven't had before, which could be something like a piece of chalk, which is not necessarily funny, but simply something they have never received. My examples do not convey the exact meaning (be ready for a funny gift) because I think that you'd be giving away too much information. A gift should be a surprise!
If you want to keep the same sentence, you just need to change the form of have to make it read Be prepared to get a gift which you've never had before. But a native speaker of British English would be more likely to say something like I've got a surprise for you. It's a present which I bet you've never beeen given before.
A never-before gift. The collocation 'never before' is quite popular and widely used for dramatic effect.