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Office of Federal Student Aid
Functional Statements > Federal Student Aid
E. Chief Information Officer
The Chief Information Officer (CIO) has primary responsibility for promoting the effective use of technology to achieve FSA's strategic objectives through sound technology planning and investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development and production support. CIO core business functions and processes include:
In addition, the CIO front office also manages the integration of all business process re-engineering and systems implementations across the enterprise to ensure that the developed and deployed capabilities align with the enterprise business architecture and meet Federal Student Aid's performance goals. Integration activities include: developing and maintaining the enterprise vision, sequencing plan, and related integration artifacts and coordinating and tracking integration activities.
The Application Development Group is responsible for full life cycle development of mainframe and distributed applications for FSA, in support of the channels and functional areas. Providing a suite of online services and information to meet the specific needs and interests of the student financial aid community by using the technology of the Internet and other electronic functions and processes to reduce costs, cycle time, and paperwork. Identifying opportunities to develop innovative tools and services to improve customer service, reduce the overall cost of delivering student aid, and improve employee satisfaction. Specifically, Application Development:
- Designs, tests, and implements computer systems to support the needs of the channels and functional areas.
- Administers related databases to assure data integrity and reliability.
- Manages and coordinates interagency projects.
- Provides systems configuration management and change control.
- Provides user training as part systems implementation and roll-out.
- Coordinates the production installation of new applications into the target production operational environment.
- Maintains systems documentation and procedural manuals in accordance with established standards and guidelines.
- Provides the necessary resource, financial, and procurement planning to support the design and development of computer systems.
- Manages special application development projects, as required to support FSA's strategic objectives.
- Provides leadership and direction for innovation activities.
- Plans, develops, and implements internal quality control and productivity analysis.
Enterprise IT Management Group
Enterprise IT Management Group is responsible for providing enterprise-wide technology planning and oversight, development and maintenance of technology architecture, development and promulgation of technology standards, and providing the necessary processes and discipline to ensure that FSA is investing in and using information technology wisely. Enterprise IT Management performs the following major functions and activities in coordination with ED/CIO:
Technology Planning:
- Develops and communicates a consolidated, consistent information technology
vision and strategy for FSA.
- Researches, analyzes, tests, and plans for the implementation of new techniques.
- Provides expert analysis, advice, guidance, and support for the acquisition of technologies and technology related services.
- Conducts in-depth research and analysis and forms partnerships with industry experts, other Federal agencies, and Departmental staff, to identify proven "best practice" processes and tools.
- Facilitates the transition of proven tools and services to FSA customer Channels.
- Keeps up-to-date with emerging technology and Internet trends and recognizes and acts on the implications of technological changes prior to and when they occur.
Technology Architecture:
- Develops and maintains the FSA enterprise information technology architecture.
- Works with Channels and functional areas to ensure the FSA architecture supports business requirements.
- Provides enterprise-level configuration management.
- Ensures new technologies comply with the established architecture and approve exceptions.
- Provides expert analysis, advice, and guidance to Channels and functional areas in evaluating and selecting appropriate technologies to meet their business needs.
Technology Standards:
- Defines information technology standards, principles, and protocols to ensure interoperability of technologies across FSA.
- Evaluates and recommend technologies to be used in business solutions within channels and functional areas that are consistent with established standards and protocols.
- Performs contract-related functions and monitor contractor performance as appropriate. Develops and maintains overall web user interface standards.
Enterprise IT Services Group is responsible for planning, managing, operating, and maintaining FSA's development, test, and production environment technical infrastructure, including the Virtual Data Center, and FSA internet and intranet infrastructure. Enterprise IT Services performs the following major functions and activities in coordination with ED/OCIO:
FSA Web Master:
- Coordinates content development with business areas owning the content.
- Maintains the Internet and intranet sites and manages the change control process for implementing changes to the production environment.
- Provides liaison with the Department's Office of the Chief Information Officer to ensure appropriate telecommunication services are provided to support program delivery.
Data Center:
- Provides technical support associated with the Virtual Data Center, including:
- Database management.
- Security management.
- Hardware and software support.
- Configuration management and change control.
- Systems training.
- End-user technical support.
Operations & Scheduling:
- Coordinates production job schedules across FSA major systems.
- Provides system processing activities and production support to meet the needs of the Channels and functional areas (e.g., application processing, payment processing, loan servicing, consolidation, collections).
- Develops operational policies and procedures for data processing activities.
- Reviews and evaluates processing activities to ensure compliance with established standards.
- Performs contract-related functions and monitor contractor performance for enterprise-wide systems.
- Plans, develops, and implements internal quality control and productivity analysis.


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AMTRAK's Michigan Services trains provide several convenient options for getting around the Wolverine State, and beyond, linking the Dowagiac area with many points in Michigan as well as over 450 cities and towns in the United States. Michigan Services include the following trains: The Pere Marquette with daily service between Grand Rapids and Chicago, The Wolverine with daily service between Pontiac and Chicago and The Blue Water with daily service between Port Huron and Chicago. Our station hours are 8:00am - 10:00pm Monday - Friday and 10:00am - 10:00pm Saturday and Sunday. Station amenities include enclosed waiting area, restrooms and payphones available during station hours. No Ticket Office at this location; no QuikTrak machine and no Checked Baggage Service at this location. Times for train arrivals and departures may change due to unforeseen circumstances. Please check the AMTRAK web site or call AMTRAK at 1-800-USA-RAIL to verify your train's schedule times before arriving at the station.
100 East Railroad Street
Dowagiac, MI 49047
Driving Directions
Reservations: (800) 872-7245
Phone: (269) 782-3300
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people who receive the free Pure Michigan e-newsletter.
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© 2016 Michigan Economic Development Corporation
300 N. Washington Sq., Lansing, MI 48913

subset: commoncrawl


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SiriusXM Drives Straight Race to $3 a Share
NEW YORK ( TheStreet) -- Sometimes just staying the course is a bullish indicator, and a near 3% stock surge by SiriusXM(SIRI) after the satellite radio giant affirmed its third quarter guidance bodes well for the company as it heads into a 2013 that will bring about big changes.
Already, the company has made impressive gains in 2012, as it grows profits and subscribers far faster than some analysts expected. A surging auto market and an expected in satellite subscriber growth from used car sales bodes well for the company, as its chief executive officer Mel Karmazin prepares to step down from the company at year end. Earnings momentum may also help investors see a change in ownership that will effectively put Liberty Media (LMCA) in control of the company's board and possibly its day-to-day management.
In third quarter earnings released on Thursday, SiriusXM posted revenue of $867.4 million, slightly beating analyst estimates, while profits came in at $74.5 million, or 1 cent a share. The company retired nearly $1 billion in bonds during the quarter, taking an earnings hit of just over $100 million for the debt reduction.
While the charge caused profit growth to slow from 2011 levels, analysts saw little reason to temper their optimism on the company's outlook and investors cheered the earnings report.
According to Bryan Kraft of Evercore Partners, the company's revenue and earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization came in better than expected, as per user subscription profit margins rose. A higher than expected turnover in customers, signaled to Kraft that SiriusXM may be favoring its pricing power over subscriber retention rates.
Staying the course may be enough for SiriusXM to drive to new post-crisis highs above $3 in 2013, and Kraft saw no reason to change a recently raised $3.20 price target and 'overweight' rating on the company's shares.
After nine months of M&A speculation and quarterly earnings beats colored a near 60% rise in SiriusXM's(SIRI) stock, analysts running the numbers on the satellite radio giant's earnings outlook expect current gains may carry over into 2013 .
In mid-October, Bank of America analyst Jessica Reif Cohen added the company to the bank's list of top stocks, highlighting the company's exposure to a recovering market for new and used cars, in addition to expectations of up to $3 billion in stock repurchases in the next year.
"From a fundamental perspective, SIRI is growing faster than any company in our media universe," wrote Cohen in a note to clients. Bank of America gives SiriusXM shares a price target of $4 a share, a more than 40% rise from current levels.
The analyst projects SiriusXM's annual revenue, EBITDA and free cash flow growth will rise steadily in the coming years to reach 47% by 2016, as auto sales grow faster than expected and the company begins to tap the used car market. By 2017, Cohen notes SiriusXM's satellite ratio service may be in 100 million cars, roughly double its present installed base.


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The much-awaited grand jury report has finally arrived after nearly two years of bitter rumor and speculation in Shohola Township with two sides lining up in favor or against the Walls.
Shohola supervisor Eleanor "Nelia" Wall and her husband Donald Wall, a former zoning officer and fire chief of the township, are facing a variety of corruption charges at the recommendation of the Pike County Grand Jury that has been investigating the Shohola couple for three years.
They surrendered themselves to the court to avoid public arrest.
The Walls were accused on Wednesday, January 18 of using their official positions to further their own private financial gain between 2006 and 2009.
"This vindicates [chairman of the Township Board] George Fluhr Jr. and [township supervisor] Greg Hoeper," said resident and attorney Eric Hamill, who first brought the questionable activities by the Walls to the township board nearly two years ago.
Fluhr and Hoeper subsequently fired the Walls from their township positions: Donald from his office as zoning officer and Nelia from her two positions as secretary and treasurer of the township, which caused an outpouring of public anger from the Walls' supporters that has been aimed at Fluhr and Hoeper.
"We realized that something unlawful was going on in the township," Fluhr said. "It appeared to us that the laws of the Commonwealth were being violated and that we had no choice but to act the way we did. Because the investigation was on-going, we could not jeopardize it and that's why we remained silent."
The Walls own a company called TLC Landscape, which handled excavation, snowplowing and other tasks. Donald, acting as
both a contractor and zoning officer, approved his own work.
It is alleged that Nelia, as township secretary and treasurer, encouraged permit applicants to use her husband's business.
She is also accused of approving her husband's time sheets, which overstated the hours spent on zoning officer jobs.
Donald is also charged with several counts of conflict of interest, and promoting his business while exercising his duties of zoning officer.
This information is contained in a 31-page criminal grand jury report.
The allegations are based on the testimony of 13 Shohola Township residents who sought various permits and ended up using TLC for the proposed construction or plowing work.
Donald is charged with eight counts of conflict of interest, one count of theft by deception, one count of theft of unlawful taking, one count of criminal conspiracy to commit theft, 14 counts of tampering with public records or information and one count of criminal attempt by extortion.
Nelia is charged with eight counts of conflict of interest, theft by unlawful taking, theft by deception, restricted activity and criminal conspiracy to commit theft and one count of deception.
Unsecured bail was set at $25,000 for each of them. They were subsequently released and ordered to appear at a preliminary hearing on February 21. They must surrender any firearms in their home to the Pike County Sheriff and notify the court if they intend to transfer any assets over $10,000.
No one who testified at the grand jury, with the exception of Hamill, appeared at the monthly meetings of the township board to complain.
The Walls did not respond to requests for comment.


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INGREDIENTS:3/4 cup slivered almonds 1/3 cup pecan halves 6 single, boneless, skinless chicken breasts as needed, olive oil to taste, salt and pepper 6 fresh ripe California nectarines 1 fresh lemon 1 medium shallot finely choppedBasil Aioli: ½ cup mayonnaise 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 2 tsp. gingerroot, grated to taste, salt and white pepper DIRECTIONS:Preheat oven to 350°F. Spread almonds on one end of baking sheet and pecans, well-separated, on the other ...
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Prep boys basketball: Belpre drills Waterford, 73-48
BELPRE – Senior point guard Dakota Hoffman scored a career-high 30 points-20 in the second half-as Belpre rolled over visiting Waterford by a 73-48 margin Friday night, finishing a win short in its quest for a second straight TVC Hocking Division title.
After Hoffman, the Golden Eagles, now 12-9 overall, got 14 points from Bryce Pittenger and 12 from Nick Therriault, while Waterford (7-12, 4-11 TVC Hocking) was led by Austin Shriver with 12 points, followed by Brian Moore with 11 and Cody Paxton with 10.
Belpre, at 12-4 in the league, came in second, a game behind new Hocking champion Federal Hocking with three losses.
Friday, the Golden Eagles got off to a good start on Senior Night, bursting out to an 11-2 lead while dominating the boards.
The score mounted to 16-5 on a Pittenger hoop at 6:23 of the second stanza, before the Wildcats rallied behind Paxton to cut their deficit down to 18-12 by the 4:36 mark,
But then Belpre got rolling again in the final 4:13 of the half with a 16-2 run up to the halftime horn to zoom out to a 34-14 spread at intermission. In the spurt, Therriault and Hoffman scored all the points, each with eight, to fuel the run.
The third quarter saw Hoffman can three of his five treys as Belpre moved ahead by 25.
And although a Shriver 3-ball with 58.5 seconds left in the period made it only a 14-point (49-35) game, 15 of the next 18 points belonged to the Golden Eagles, who soared out to a commanding 64-38 lead with 4:14 to play with Hoffman's nine points sparking the decisive run.
Belpre head coach Jordan Thornhill praised Hoffman's work ethic after the game. "He's worked extremely hard and his confidence has come such a long way that he deserves tonight.
"I think too our seniors were determined for maximum effort on every defensive possession on Senior Night tonight, and Dakota was the difference in the game.
"It was also the first time that our big guys (Ryan Leasure and Pittenger) played like dominant big guys. We had 30 rebounds between the two of them, Ryan with 17 and Bryce with 13."
Belpre next plays on Tuesday in the Division III sectional tournament at Athens High School versus River Valley at 6:15 p.m.


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Kissaluvs has one more new product they wanted me to share with you- this is my personal favorite since my baby, like it or not, has decided she wants to start using the potty. Meet the Kissaluvs trainer- solid color PUL outer with a super soft and (mildly) absorbant flannel inner (there is a soaker sewn in between the inner and outer layers)- to contain accidents but to let your child feel the wetness.
I received the white trainer with the flannel bicycle fabric inner in 2T. I've had it on her a few times and so far, I think its great. No need to undo the snaps unless you have a mess to clean up- which makes my girl happy because she is all about being a 'big girl' right now (I would prefer she stay a baby a while longer but apparently, I don't get a vote!!??) The stuffable pocket at the back of this is great- if we're doing to be in the car a while and I think she may fall asleep, or for naps, etc- perfect time to stuff an extra insert into the pocket and be sure there's more absorbancy, so no baby waking up too early from nap soaking wet from a leak!!
The baby really seems to like these because in her mind, I think they look less like a diaper and more like her brother and sister's underwear. She loves doing whatever they do and having what they have so she's one happy camper!!
Waterproof, Stuffable & Kid friendly… what's not to love!
Kids will enjoy the big kid underwear feel and the super cute prints inside.
Along with the smart design that makes pulling them up and down easy, moms
will love the convenience of side snaps that make accident clean ups a
breeze! A pocket in the back ensures you can stuff it for night-time or long
* Available in 2T (fits 20-32lbs) and 3T (fits 28-40 lbs).
* Adjustable design with 4 snap settings- adjust legs and waist
openings as needed.
* Designer printed flannel inner add a cute factor and helps create
the 'wet' feeling for quicker transition.
* Waterproof, durable PUL outer to contain small accidents.
* Convenient pocket opening to add absorbency when needed.
* Side snaps help make clean ups a breeze.
* Pull up or snap on.
* Doubles as a Pocket Diaper when stuffed!
Made with love, right here in USA.
MSRP: $14.95 ($12.95 Introductory price until end of June)
Available at: Kissaluvs.com and all Kissaluvs retailers starting June 15th
3 Colors with printed cotton flannel inside: Lagoon Blue and Gold (each has Dino
print inner), White w/ Cycles print inner
Fabric Info: Outer 100% PUL (custom milled to our specs in the USA), Inner:
100% Cotton Flannel, Soaker: 2 layers of thirsty Microfiber
THREE of my readers will win one of the brand new Kissa Newborn AIO diapers from Kissaluvs!!
Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment with your name and be sure to leave a valid email in the comment form
Extra Entry:
Visit Kissaluvs and tell me another item you'd love to try.
Like Kissaluvs on Facebook or follow Kissaluvs on Twitter +1 entry each
Share this giveaway on any social networking site: @Kissaluvs has new #trainers #pullups #clothdiapers and @mamatomjr is giving 3 away #win http://wp.me/p1qA6G-1Mp (can be done 2x/day at least 1 hour apart per share site)
Like Mom on Dealz or Madame Deals on Facebook +1 entry each (if you comment on their wall and tell them I sent you, grab another bonus entry!!)
This giveaway will end on June 11 , 2011 at midnight, EST. US only. Winner has 48 hours to respond to initial contact or a new winner will be chosen.
I received a sample of this product to facilitate my review. Opinions expressed within are my own. [ad#glam between posts]


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Dismiss NoticeLike to discuss POLITICS? Come join us at PUNNDITS.com!If you like discussing politics and other related topics then your new home (hopefully) for doing just that can be found on Punndits.com! Come join us and help us grow Punndits into a wonderful and safe place to discuss politics with everyone.
Breakdown on Romo contract - really 4 for 65.5
Discussion in 'Fan Zone' started by Matts4313, Mar 29, 2013.
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This is the training aid that dispenses treats with the push of a button from up to 25' away to reward a dog for good behavior. It consists of a wireless keychain remote control and a wall-mounted or freestanding dispenser whose hopper is filled with dry kibble or treats. Harnessing the conditioning techniques Ivan Pavlov discovered with salivating canines, owners can direct the dispenser to release a treat whenever a dog behaves well, reinforcing good habits and teaching dogs to equate them with food. The 25' range eliminates the need to always have treats nearby and provides training opportunities throughout a home. The dispenser can emit a tone before releasing a treat, which strengthens the connection between good behavior and a reward. Includes training guide. Requires four AA batteries and one 3V lithium battery. 7 1/4" L x 5 3/4" W x 4 1/4" D. (2 lbs.)
Lifetime Guarantee
The Wireless Pavlovian Canine Trainer comes with The Hammacher Schlemmer Lifetime Guarantee at no additional charge. If this product ever disappoints you, for any reason, you may return your Hammacher Schlemmer purchase for exchange, credit, or refund.Should you have any questions, we are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Please call 1-800-321-1484 to speak with a product specialist or email us at email@example.com to receive a response within one hour.
Shipping charges noted in parentheses apply in addition to our standard shipping & service.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available. Please call 1-800-395-7006 for Premium or Express delivery rates.
Oversized items scheduled for expedited delivery (Premium or Express) may incur additional shipping and services charges because of their unusual size. Please call 1-800-321-1484 for an estimate of S&S charges. International callers, please call 1-513-860-3397.
We're sorry, but gift wrap is not available for oversized items.
Shipped via truck and may require customer assistance upon delivery. You will be contacted to make an appointment for delivery.
We're sorry, but gift wrap and gift cards are not available.
GST still applies and will be charged upon processing. For complete shipping & service charges please call Customer Service at 1-800-321-1484.
May we recommend:
COPYRIGHT © 2016 HAMMACHER SCHLEMMER & COMPANY, INC. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. W105147 E. 57th ST • NEW YORK, NY • 10022 • 1-800-_321-1484


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I had the privilege of serving in the law enforcement community in and around Karnes County for 10 of my 15 year law enforcement career.
During those years I met many people who I dealt with on a professional and personal level.
Not one time in my entire career was my integrity brought into question.
I left the Texas Department of Public Safety almost two years ago to pursue my own business venture but I still value the friendships of the county officials and citizens that I forged through my years of serving in Karnes and surrounding counties.
Earlier this week it was brought to my attention that Barbara Shaw commented in front of several witnesses that all of the old cases I had filed in Karnes County should be dismissed because I was no longer a credible witness.
At first I laughed it off but then began to think about who was making this comment.
The only thing laughable Barbara Shaw is the joke of a court you run.
I will not refer to you as Judge because in my opinion you do not deserve the respect that comes with that title.
I have not filed a case in Karnes County in over four years.
My question to you is, "What happened to a citizen's right to a speedy trial?"
Do you even know what that is?
How do you expect any person who may have witnessed very important facts to prove another's guilt or more importantly innocence to remember these facts over four years?
Do you even care?
Instead of making defamatory, untrue remarks about a former law enforcement officer who has not filed a case in Karnes County in over four years, why don't you concentrate on doing the job you have been elected to do?
The comments you made about me are defamatory and are about the worst thing you can say about a person that swore a majority of their life to serving the citizens of the State of Texas and I will not sit back and take it like most of the people you try and walk over.
I do not get involved in politics and never have.
You however are a true politician that blames others for your shortcomings.
I have never had a conversation with you and do not feel as if I ever needed to.
You display your true color every day.
I will however defend myself from a completely baseless and false description and I truly do not care what your title says.
A title does not make a person and you have a long way to go before you deserve any respect for the one you place before your name.
The truth behind you dismissing the hundreds of cases you have been dismissing is that you do not care to see justice served.
If you truly cared about justice these cases would not be drug out over the four years it has taken you to finally call them to docket.
That, Barbara Shaw, is a fact unlike the deceptive description of me you are running around telling people both in and out of the courtroom.
That, Barbara Shaw, is a disgrace to me, to justice and to all law enforcement that worked long hard hours to keep the citizens of Karnes and surrounding counties safe at night.
Craig Semlinger


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Solymár Hungary Businesses For Sale
Searched the MergerNetwork database for Solymár Hungary Businesses For Sale and found no matches. Expanded the search to nearby areas and found the following matches.
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Oktoberfest faces heftier price tag from city
Oktoberfest brings La Crosse a lot of attention, tourists and bratwursts every year.
But it also brings with it a lot of work on the city's end.
Now the city plans to charge Oktoberfest a heftier price for it.
It's not easy preparing for 150,000 people to line the streets for the Maple Leaf Parade. Setting up barricades and detours, filling in potholes and shooing away parade squatters take time and money. So does disposing of the three tons of trash collected after the parade is over.
"All of that together in this past year totaled about $24,000," said City Public Works Director Dale Hexom.
The Board of Public Works agreed not to charge Oktoberfest anything for that in 2012.
"Nothing. Zero," said Hexom.
So the Oktoberfest Board knew it would be reaching deeper into its pockets for the 2013 Fest to help pay the city for its work.
Based on previous estimates of overtime, Oktoberfest Executive Director Tina Severson expected it would be about $4,000.
So she was surprised when the Public Works Board voted to charge the Fest $11,000 instead.
"The numbers obviously shocked me a little bit. I knew that there was a number. The size was shocking," said Severson.
That $11,000 price tag includes not only overtime labor, but incidental labor and equipment costs as well.
But that dollar amount isn't final. Oktoberfest can chip away at it if they can get volunteers to do some of the things the city is currently on the hook for, like barricading and trash pick-up.
"Later this week, my street superintendent will be meeting with the Oktoberfest executive director and they will be talking about and trying to find ways in which perhaps Oktoberfest could assist with some of those types of clean-up activities," said Hexom.
The Oktoberfest Board is also looking at ways it can cut expenses without cutting into the quality of the Fest.
"We're kind of in the same boat as we were last year. You know, how much can you continue to push forward, depend on sponsorships? How many expenses can you cut and still have a good event?" said Severson.
Last year, Oktoberfest threatened to cancel its big Maple Leaf Parade during a dispute with the city over parade fees. Severson said she's not ruling out that happening again this year.
The next Board of Public Works meeting is Nov. 26.
The La Crosse Police Department has an agreement already in place to charge Oktoberfest about $10,000 for the 2013 Fest. That's the same as 2012. Oktoberfest provides some of its own security to help offset that cost.
Copyright 2012 by WKBT News8000. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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Enrolment Services
Key Dates for Winter Term 2013
Feb 22/13
The following is a list of key dates for students to be aware of during winter term. Be sure to familiarize yourself with all the important Academic and Other Important Dates that are listed, by term, in the online Undergraduate Academic Calendar.
March 1-April 28 - Academic program counselling period for fall 2013
March 8 - Last day to drop/withdraw from 12-week courses without failure
April 8 - Winter term and full-year lectures end
April 9-10 - Study days
April 11-30 - Final examinations
April 30 - Winter term ends


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In life she was a high-profile model. In death she is the focus of a media firestorm that's demanding action from Lucas Davenport. One of his own men is a suspect in her murder. But when a series of bizarre, seemingly unrelated slayings rock the city, Davenport suspects a connection that runs deeper than anyone had imagined - one that leads to an ingenious killer more ruthless than anyone had feared....
©2001 John Sandford (P)2012 Penguin Audiobooks
Book lover
"Disappointing for Sandford"
I love John Sandford's books. I especially like the ones featuring Virgil Flowers but I also enjoy the Lucas Davenport series (especially the ones written in the past 10 - 12 years). The problem with "Easy Prey" is that the plot is all over the place, the murderer isn't really introduced until the last 25 - 50 pages, the motivation is contrived (even for a genre novel) and then there are the WOMEN. One of them is Weather, who, imo, is an attractive character with flaws - in other words, realistic and appealing. Then there is a woman who is intrinsic to the plot and since Weather and Lucas are broken up why shouldn't he have a little fling? But the third woman is just added weight - she's boring and tiresome and I did not for a second buy into the attraction Lucas supposedly has for her. In short, I think there are way better Sandford books available on Audible (I give 5 stars to ALL the Virgil Flowers books) and I recommend choosing one of them and passing on "Easy Prey".
"Easy prey"
They just get better. Some of the other reviews had me worried. They said to many potential suspects to twisted. I started to not buy this book, I almost skipped over it. I'm sure glad I didn't. Yes there are a lot of suspects and yes it takes a lot of twist and turns but isn't that what a good book is to do? You'll get your money's worth with this one. Enjoy
"Another great John Sandford novel."
Loved this one, great pacing and characters, as usual. Very enjoyable for listening while exercising.
Long haul commuter. Audiobooks keep me from causing serious physical harm to my fellow commuters. Bless you, Audible!
"Not as bad as all that"
Strange book, I will say that. The plot is disjointed at times. Some scenes are overtly implausible. There is coarse language and taboo topics. I did get some real laughs and there is a sub-plot with Lucas struggling as a man that may upset some. Not the best Davenport book but a transition to a new Davenport.
"can't believe this was written by Sandford. . . ."
Even if you are a hard core John Sandford fan as I am, this book is just about unreadable. Don't know what happened here. Where were Sandford's editor's? What was he thinking? It's painful to write this as there are so many great Davenport books before and after this one. I can't even recommend this to a fan. Will take a listen again in a year or two, but this is the one you hope one of your favorite author never writes. Makes sense that it is the last in the this unabridged series to get issued on audible. On the other hand, one clunker out of 20 plus is an amazing record. This book is only interesting in Weather making an appearance, although just a smidgeon, in Davenport's life again.
"Easy Prey - Not an easy read"
One (or three) too many potential villains make Easy Prey a difficult read. I love the series and am reading all the books in order. Unfortunately, this one is not up to the level of the rest.
Read/listen for completeness. Otherwise, skip it. You won't miss it.
"Convoluted but fun"
Too many characters and false leads - hard to follow but still enjoyable in the continuing growth and development of Davenport
"not his best work"
the narrator was great the story just didn't catch it me like if you have in the past I will try the next one and see
"Not My Favorite!"
I'm a huge John fan but this wasn't my favorite book. I can't wait for the next one to load!
"Like it was written by intern of john sanford"
Like my title says... A little boring. A little Jack reaher-ish where everything is revealed at the end. I prefer to play detective throughout the book and figure out who it is. Thus i cannot stand jack reacher and this book kinda had that too.
Report Inappropriate Content
If you find this review inappropriate and think it should be removed from our site, let us know. This report will be reviewed by Audible and we will take appropriate action.


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Television-Radio (B.S.)
Careers in television and radio are not limited to broadcasting anymore. Media consumers watch their favorite programs via cable, satellite, and Internet services such as Hulu.com. We listen to music mixes on our iPod and tune in to satellite radio, or stream services such as Rhapsody or Pandora on our cell phones.
You'll find Ithaca's television-radio (TV-R) graduates working throughout new and emerging media as well as building successful careers in the film, broadcast, and cable industries. They work in front of the camera and behind, as broadcasters, sportscasters, production managers, line producers, executive producers, directors, filmmakers, videographers, editors, sound designers, scriptwriters, media managers, and new media entrepreneurs. You'll find Ithaca grads in music studios, film studios, broadcast networks such as ESPN and NBC, production companies, Internet start-ups, and radio and television stations from New York to Los Angeles.
Your TV-R education begins as soon as you arrive at the College. From your first semester, you will start building your professional media skills, storytelling ability, and artistic style through a wide range of production coursework. You'll also explore media theory, economics, and law, and expand your intellectual capacity for media analysis by participating in the Park School's award-winning student media, through valuable internships, or by spending a semester in our popular Los Angeles program.
TV-R majors make full use of the Park School's extensive production equipment and instructional facilities. This includes two large television studios and two radio production studios; dozens of portable SD and HDV digital video cameras; multiple digital nonlinear video editing stations with the Final Cut Pro Production Suite, Avid, and motion graphics software; a multi-track audio production studio; multiple Pro Tools audio production stations; a master control complex; and a fully equipped television remote-broadcast truck. You'll take classes in our computer-based labs and produce audio, video, motion graphics, journalism, media research, and multimedia projects. Our technical staff will assist you every step of the way.
When it comes to internships the opportunities are virtually endless. For example, our students have interned at MTV, CBS, MSNBC, ABC, Fox, and the BBC in London; the Colbert Report, Columbia Records, New Line Cinema, E! Entertainment Television, Warner Bros., Cavelight Films, ESPN, and with NBC Sports at the Turin, Beijing, and Vancouver Olympics. What's more, it's not unusual for our students to parlay their internship experiences into jobs after graduation. Whatever your career goals, you'll leave Ithaca with the skills you need to succeed and an outstanding alumni network that's ready and willing to give you a leg up.


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She was preceded in death by her husband, Julian DeLeon Jr.; her parents; a brother, Israel P. DeLeon; and a sister, Nancy P. Castillo.
Survivors include a daughter, Deborah D. DeLeon; two sons, David Jaydee (Pam) DeLeon and Julian (Ruby) DeLeon III; a sister, Eva P. Adamos; two brothers, Lupe (Sue) DeLeon Jr. and Samuel P. (Esmeralda) DeLeon; nine grandchildren; and three great-grandchildren.
A prayer service was held Sunday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. at Dobie Funeral Home Chapel.
The funeral service was conducted Monday, Aug. 11, at 2 p.m. at Calvary Mennonite Church. Burial followed in Cenizo Hill Cemetery.


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A voice against proposition one
October 23, 2013 —
Ramsay Adams knows that a lot of important people in Sullivan County and beyond are in favor of gaming. They want people to vote "yes" on Proposition One in November and change the state constitution to allow up to seven casinos in the state. But Adams' reluctant position is to oppose the proposition, because he believes casinos in Sullivan County will bring more harm than good.
Adams is the executive director of Catskill Mountainkeeper, an organization dedicated to preserving the environment in the Catskills. His opinion is that our region may end up getting three or more casinos. While the language of the referendum regarding casinos would limit the number of casinos in the state to seven, there's nothing about where the casinos would be located. And while the related bill limits the number of casinos in Sullivan County to two, once the referendum has passed that number could change because the bill could change.
Because of the deal Governor Andrew Cuomo made with various Indian tribes with land claims, the majority of counties in the state would not be eligible to host a casino, and many areas do not want a casino. Therefore, in Adams' view, it is possible that this region could get three casinos, located at the Concord site in the Town of Thompson, the Grossinger's site in Liberty and the Nevele site in Ellenville.
Adams said that even one casino, and certainly two or three, would mean an increase in environmental impacts such as increased traffic, and also an increase in social ills such as crime and gambling addiction. The fallout from the social impact would have to be paid for at least in part by local taxpayers, who can't afford it.
Adams is certainly not alone in his view that casinos make a great deal of revenue from problem gamblers. According to information on the website stoppredatorygambling.org, "A 2004 study prepared for the Ontario Problem Gambling Research Centre found that 60% of machine revenue was derived from problem gamblers and that 35% of total gambling revenue was derived from moderate and severe problem gamblers."
Adams said in a phone interview, "Multiple casinos in rural areas are absolutely predatory engines, and we end up with drugs, prostitution and crime."
There is also the concern that because of the casino push, gaming interests have an overly influential impact on the political process. Adams cited the report by Common Cause, NY issued on October 8 which said, "during the last two years, in which the legislature voted twice to approve casino style gambling, the industry has contributed a total of $3.2 million to individual politicians and political committees."


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Peter Hart
The elitists among us are found in progressive ranks
It's simply that they think they're head and shoulder's smarter than the average voter and – the "and" is critical – know what is best for them. Now certainly there are likely those on the right that feel that way too, but I'm talking about a whole movement on the left. Progressives are of the opinion, especially given their dedication to nanny-state measures, that we simply are unable to take care of ourselves. That belief, driven by their activism translates into a further belief of inferior intellect among the masses. Think about it – if you truly believe that most everyone else can't make the proper decisions for themselves and it takes the wise progressive and a benevolent government to guide them through their life and ensure they're looked after, are you going to actually try to argue that those people are as bright as you are?
Of course not. In fact, you may consider them to be stupid. And, if you're really arrogant, you might let the mask slip and blurt it out every now and then as did University of Wisconsin political scientist Charles Franklin in an interview about the midterm election results (Byron York reports):
Franklin was responding to a question from Bill Lueders, news editor of Isthmus, a weekly alternative newspaper in Madison, Wisconsin. In an account published Thursday (H/T Ann Althouse), Lueders says he asked Franklin why "the public seemed to vote against its own interests and stated desires, for instance by electing candidates who'll drive up the deficit with fiscally reckless giveaways to the rich."
"Franklin, perhaps a bit too candidly, conceded the point," Lueders writes. "'I'm not endorsing the American voter,' he answered. 'They're pretty damn stupid.'"
Lueders writes that he responded, "Thank you, professor. That's the answer I was looking for." The rest of Lueders' account explains that smart voters support things like high-speed rail and higher taxes for the rich, while dumb voters support "an obvious phony like [Republican senator-elect] Ron Johnson over Russ Feingold."
It's instructive to note that Franklin blurted out the truth as he conceived it and Lueders got an apparent affirmation of his belief on the matter. And note how Franklin has also adopted the subtle but evident principle that the money of the rich doesn't really belong to them. Words like "giveaways" give the clue.
Shocking? Hardly. In fact pretty main-stream for progressives. Think back about how the progressives among us tried to label the Tea Party. In fact, that's still going on as witnessed in this exchange between progressive Matt Taibbi of Rolling Stone and David Gergen and Peter Hart in the wake of the midterm election results:
Taibbi: To me, the main thing about the Tea Party is that they're just crazy. If somebody is able to bridge the gap with those voters, it seems to me they will have to be a little bit crazy too. That's part of the Tea Party's litmus test: "How far will you go?"
Gergen: I flatly reject the idea that Tea Partiers are crazy. They had some eccentric candidates, there's no question about that. But I think they represent a broad swath of the American electorate that elites dismiss to their peril.
Hart: I agree with David. When two out of five people who voted last night say they consider themselves supporters of the Tea Party, we make a huge mistake to suggest that they are some sort of small fringe group and do not represent anybody else.
Taibbi: I'm not saying that they're small or a fringe group.
Gergen: You just think they're all crazy.
Taibbi: I do.
Gergen: So you're arguing, Matt, that 40 percent of those who voted last night are crazy?
Taibbi: I interview these people. They're not basing their positions on the facts — they're completely uninterested in the facts. They're voting completely on what they see and hear on Fox News and afternoon talk radio, and that's enough for them.
Gergen: The great unwashed are uneducated, so therefore their views are really beneath serious conversation?
Taibbi: I'm not saying they're beneath serious conversation. I'm saying that these people vote without acting on the evidence.
Gergen: I find it stunning that the conversation has taken this turn. I disagree with the Tea Party on a number of issues, but it misreads who they are to dismiss them as some kind of uneducated know-nothings who have somehow seized power in the American electorate. It is elitist to its core. We would all be better off if we spent more time listening to each other rather than simply writing them off.
Booman at the BooMan Tribune says of the exchange:
What's ironic is that Gergen is dismissing the Tea Partiers by taking them seriously. People like Matt Taibbi take them much more seriously, as they should, but they don't ascribe any merit to their views. They take them seriously because they are .going to do grave damage to the nation.
I have no idea what he means by his first sentence, however it is irrelevant whether or not Matt Taibbi ascribes any "merit" their views, their views are the views, as David Gergen points out, of "40% of those who voted". So you can throw all the pissy little elitist hissy fits you want, call Tea Partiers every name in the book, but that fact remains true and is obviously incredibly relevant to the electoral future. And the progressive answer to that truth isn't to attempt to engage and persuade, it's to call them crazy and dismiss them.
That is arrogance. That is elitism. It's also not very smart. But, at the moment, that is the progressive movement in a nutshell. Naturally they're unable to see that, as demonstrated by Booman as he concludes his post (and joins the new progressive narrative I pointed too the other day):
The GOP may not want to help the economy while a Democrat is in the White House, but they don't know how to help the economy regardless. We saw this during Bush's two terms in office. And when Bush finally faced reality and took the obvious steps to save the economy, the Republicans went Full Metal Teabagger in response.
David Gergen thinks it is elitist to dismiss the threat presented by this rise in Know-Nothing foolish ideology. What he forgets is that our government will no longer work starting in January. If elites like Gergen are good for anything, they should be good at protecting our institutions. They didn't. And now we have a really big problem.
Those two paragraphs are a case study in progressive elitism and filled with enough logical fallacies for a semester's worth of work in a logic class, not to mention classic projection. But you have to hope this incredible cluelessness continues if you're at all interested in returning fiscal sanity to this country. As long as the Taibbis, Boomans, Franklins and Lueders of the progressive world believe that everyone who votes for the other side is "crazy" and/or "stupid", they'll make no attempt to engage and persuade. And that leaves a pretty open field for their opposition.
You'd think, as smart as they claim to be, they'd have picked up on how, well, stupid that approach is in electoral politics. They used that approach frequently and vocally prior to the midterms and 60 seats plus went to the opposition. A smart person would analyze that outcome and modify their approach. But not progressives. Those smart guys are doubling down instead.
But remember you're the dumb one.


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/ how to tie off a belay plate....
Even Osprey Europe's HQ isn't immune to the internet. The staff over at Talon House (Osprey Europe headquarters)... Read more
We asked Niall Grimes to give us a run down of his favourite podcasts that he has recorded, since he started the popular 'Jam... Read more
We recently reported on Dave Sharpe and John Crook's expedition to the Miyar Valley area of the Indian Himalaya. The pair... Read more
12 years in the making, our fully waterproof and breathable Definition Jacket is engineered to cope with whatever you, the... Read more
Located on the upper Peuterey Ridge in the western corner of the Brenva Glacier basin, this is a remote and spectacular part of... Read more


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I've been really sick with a stomach bug the past 3 days, and am just able to keep food down today.
I'm really only eating crackers and rice cakes today - most other foods still make me nauseous.
I did manage to continue breastfeeding my 7 month old through all of the vomiting, etc. but now I'm afraid she's constipated today.
We have been feeding her 1-2 times a day and last night I gave her some oatmeal cereal mixed with banana.
She normally poops a couple of times a day, but had only passed gas a few times today and looked like she was trying to poop without success.
She's also been very fussy and is not napping. (I only managed to get her to sleep a total of 50 minutes all day!)
Anyone have any suggestions?
My sister thought I should try giving her some pureed prunes.
Aside from everything I wrote above, she's actually in pretty good spirits right now - bouncing up and down and playing in her exersaucer.
That's why I'm not sure if it's constipation.


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Bringing My Corporate Vanity Back Home and Hello Muji Storage!
This is what greets me every morning when I arrive at the office. Cheery, isn't it? =D
Haha and I don't think there is such a thing as 'corporate vanity'. I just coined the term because these are the things on my work-cum-vanity table.
I'm moving on to a new job and I decided to do a post on what had been my vanity corner for the past couple of years.
From a little cosmetics bag, to a larger cosmetics bag, to a slightly bigger box, and then to a 2-tier cabinet, I've amassed a makeup collection that has shocked myself when I put them altogether for their photoshoot.
And this is only for the office.@_@


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Governor Scott Walker's is proposing to charge state employees who smoke extra for health insurance.
Employees would see an additional $50 on their insurance bill every month under the governor's budget proposal. It's being proposed as a way to offset the additional costs that can come with smoking.
Health experts see it as the incentive a person needs to finally quit. "If you are a smoker, the number one thing you can do for your health is stop smoking. Through your life, there are a number of chronic conditions that can start because of your smoking condition," said Sarah Havens from Gundersen Lutheran's Preventative Services.
Havens says $50 a month probably won't fully offset the associated costs.
If you are a smoker and looking to quit, there are a number of programs in the area, including one through Gundersen Lutheran.


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James Bond debuts in theaters, the Beatles release their first single, PBS is founded, and Tylenol capsules are recalled amid seven deaths from tampering, all on this day.
1956: The epic film "The Ten Commandments," directed by Cecil B. DeMille and starring Charlton Heston as Moses, premieres in theaters. The film, which was DeMille's last, was a box office success and would go on to receive seven Academy Award nominations including Best Picture, winning only for Best Visual Effects.


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May 19, 2011 —
Clearly, the folks at the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts ( www.Bethelwoods.org [2] ) had their thinking caps on when dubbing the "Event Gallery." My dictionary describes "event" with words like "momentous," "important" and "exciting."
Grammy-winning fiddler Eileen Ivers and her band, Immigrant Soul, who performed to a sold-out crowd at the venue this past Saturday, were (IMHO) above and beyond any musical "event" that I have ever personally attended.
Prior to the concert, I had done some internet research, including at the official web site ( www.EileenIvers.com [3] ), but the quotes and superlatives attributed to Ivers' performances were so extraordinary I had a difficult time accepting them at face value.
After the concert, I stopped reading what others have already said in the fear of blotting out original thought—and keeping in mind that I had jotted down over 20 pages of notes, in between leaping to my feet, screaming, crying and clamoring for more.
The opening act, talented duo Nathan and Rebecca Bliss, known as Barnaby Bright, were introduced by Tia Schaeffer as the "Grand Prize Winner of the fifth annual song-writing contest" sponsored by Song Circle Music ( www.songcirclemusic.com [4] ). Barnaby Bright ("This day the sunne is in his chiefest hight/With Barnaby the bright," in the words of the 1595 Spenser Epithalamion l. 266) was a perfect choice to warm up the crowd and ready us for Ivers and company as it expressed its own brand of indie/folk/Celtic feel-good tunes that warmed the cockles of my heart.
Nathan Bliss summed up the emotion the two of them felt appearing at Bethel Woods by sharing that when he was 10, "My mom took me to see the Woodstock movie, and I was bitten by the bug, determined to make music my life... so it's amazing to be standing on this very spot, where the 'Woodstock Experience' forever changed and influenced the music world."
Checking my notes, I see that words like "beautiful," "melodic," "mellow," "haunting" and "original" were scribbled down as I conjured up images of the Scottish moors during their performances of "Don't Look Down" and "Wake the Hero," from their new CD of the same name.
Then Ivers and the band (Tommy McDonnell, Buddy Connolly, Greg Anderson and Leo Traversa) leaped onto the stage—and the rest of the evening is a rhapsodic blur. "We are absolutely thrilled to be back at Bethel Woods," Ivers told the crowd, grinning from ear to ear. Acknowledging that her family was in the house, she continued, "Irish music is very interactive, so please, join in, participate. Feel free to whoop it up as we share the resiliency of the Irish people and the musical heritage that inspires us."
The vibe was indeed incredibly interactive, with a raw and emotional tug at my heart that was so energetic and infused with such depth that I was literally overwhelmed. Ivers appeared at times to be a marionette, since the music lifted her into the air and the audience could actually see how the strings moved her and the band, the five seeming to act as one in a symbiotic display of (again, my notes) "exhilarating, thrilling, playful virtuosity." It made me wish that the entire world could see what we saw that night, hear what we heard and feel as much a part of the experience that Ivers desires to (and succeeds in) expressing so brilliantly.
Thankful that we had been invited to share our enthusiasm, I could not sit still, and joined Woodstock icon "Duke" in the aisles as the crowd danced and stomped their feet with growing enthusiasm, feeling the music rise through the roof of the gallery and become a visceral part of the universe, knowing that the sounds of the enchanted fiddle would continue to swell and spread through the sheer magic that flowed from this woman's fingers.
There were times when Ivers' bow and fretwork appeared to take on a frenetic life of their own as she and her band blended classical, jazz, rock and fusion into a heady explosion of joy and rapture that (ok, I'll quote one) drove The New York Times to call her the "Jimi Hendrix of the violin." (Wish that I had said it, but glad that someone did.)
This was one of those inspiring evenings that remind me of how fortunate I am to be a part of the Catskills legacy and landscape. I'm still vibrating, tingling and shouting to the rooftops about the evening that (I know it sounds corny, but...) changed my life. It's not that I'm at a loss for words (that will be the day) but that I simply don't have room here to express them all. I believe (hope? pray?) that Eileen Ivers & Immigrant Soul will return—and I, for one, can hardly wait.


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Cat Planet Cuties
I Dropped By
Episode 2 | TV-MA
When Eris is taken captive by one of the many secret organizations on her tail, Kio springs into action and organizes a rescue attempt. Of course, with alien technology at her disposal, Eris might just be able to take care of herself.
Official Site: www.funimation.com/shows/cat-planet-cutiesHide Details


text: In 21 Days To A Slimmer Younger You with Dr. Kellyann, she tells you how to undergo your own life-changing transformation in just 21 days. You'll learn all about the super-foods that renew your cells so you erase wrinkles and become a fat-burning machine. You'll discover the power of bone broth—the "liquid gold" that takes years off your skin and melts pounds off your body. And you'll see how short, painless mini-fasts can take your weight loss to a whole new level.


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Officials in Nashua, New Hampshire, are pledging to investigate why public workers racked up big tabs for sausages at a local restaurant while working on a sidewalk project.
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"Listening to your programs, I have learned a lot about apologetics and have enjoyed playing broadcasts for my youth group, friends, and family who are looking for answers. Your ministry is invaluable. I hope to continue as a Radio Club member forever."
~ Sean, Highland, NY
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"It is the peculiarity of progress for a thing to be developed in itself; and the peculiarity of change, for a thing to be altered from what it was into something else."
~ Vincent of Lerins, Saint, noting the essential difference between development and alteration of the deposit of faith, over 1,000 years before Protestantism radically altered the face of Christianity. (Commonitorium, I, 23; see P.L., L). (see "Science and the Church")


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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs during Women's History Month and Throughout the Year
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Empowering Women Entrepreneurs during Women's History Month and Throughout the Year
Note: This blog is by Erin Andrew, Assistant Administrator for SBA's Office of Women's Business Ownership
Although Women's History Month only comes once a year, year round the SBA works to improve our outreach and services for women entrepreneurs, and to identify opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs to start and grow businesses. As a part of this effort, we continue to counsel and train roughly 500,000 women through SBA's extensive resource partner network, including our Women's Business Centers.
We are ready to hit the ground running with several key events for Women's History Month and invite you to join the conversation:
- Twitter Chat on 'Office Hours' - March 12 from 2-3pm ET | Hashtag #AskSBA
- Twitter Chat on 'STEM and Growing Hi–Tech Firms'- March 24th 2-2:30 ET
We also are committed to continuing to identify opportunities to the challenges they continue to face. As Assistant Administrator for the Office of Women's Business Ownership, I have met women entrepreneurs around the country and they've told me about the challenges they face including access to capital, access to markets, and limited resources to scale their businesses.
To address these challenges, SBA continues to work with the National Women's Business Council to identify opportunities to empower women entrepreneurs as they access capital, access markets and to take their businesses to scale. Let's start with access to capital. SBA continues to help provide access to capital opportunities for women. More than 25 years ago, women still needed a male relative to co-sign a loan for commercial credit. We've come a long way. Between January 2009 and December 2013, SBA made 57,831 loans worth $17.2 billion to women-owned businesses. In 2013 alone, SBA made $3.8 billion in capital available to women, a 31% increase since 2009. SBA has also improved its policies around underwriting loans worth $350,000 or less, which will allow for more loans to women-owned businesses.
This is important because among nascent women-owned firms with employees, over 50% started with less than $10,000 in capital. When looking at self-employed women (i.e., those without employees), that percentage soars to 89%. Across all women-owned businesses, this averages out to 84% that start with less than $10,000. However, among women-owned firms that received loans from the government, only 25% started with less than $10,000. And among firms that received government-backed loans, such as SBA's 7a program, only 10% started with less than $10,000. Women are accessing more capital, but we can still do better.
Although we've worked hard, there is more to be done. We look forward to leading the charge to help even more women entrepreneurs by bridging the gaps and creating more business-to-business partnerships that support entrepreneurship for women. Women's History Month is an important celebration and we are thankful to the many strides women have made. However, we plan to make this a commitment that goes beyond the celebration of one month.
We need women entrepreneurs to thrive with their diversity of product in the government market space, we need them to grow with additional opportunities for access to capital and we need them to scale their businesses to create jobs and fuel the American economy. Please join us this month and throughout the year as we move the needle forward on empowering and growing women entrepreneurs as they strengthen America's economy.
About the Author:
Stephen Morris
SBA Official


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The last adjustments have been made and the final functionality tests have been completed. Following the successful installation of MASCOT into the Hayabusa-2 spacecraft in Sagamihara, the final preparations have taken place at the Tanegashima launch complex in Japan. The attachment of the solar sails – carefully folded up above MASCOT for the launch – offers the last opportunity to see MASCOT.
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Late in the evening, just as the launch window opened at 23:36 CEST, the Ariane 5ECA VA207 launched successfully with the EchoStar XVII and MSG-3 satellites on board. About 34 minutes later, the two payloads were injected into geostationary transfer orbits. This was the 49th successive successful launch of an Ariane 5, and the third one this year.
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The overall program is expected to fund 250 new or renovated school buildings, all of which will be required to abide by the sustainable building standard described above. Over 270 buildings have been funded/registered, with 2 Platinum, 17 Gold,12 Silver and 1 Certification received.
Provisions in S.B. 221, which became effective July 31, 2008, directed the OSCF to adopt "solar ready" requirements and guidelines for schools. In response, the OSFC passed Resolution 08-164 in November 2008 providing requirements and guidelines for "solar ready" schools, where solar ready means capable of accommodating the eventual installation of roof-top, solar photovoltaic energy equipment. The requirements were incorporated into the Ohio School Design Manual. In June 2012, the OSFC proposed new rules for the "solar ready" standards.


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Richard Childress Racing
Recent News
Sprint Cup Series Preview for Texas
October 29, 2013
Richard Childress Racing
NASCAR Sprint Cup Series News and Notes
Race: Texas AAA 500
Date: Sunday, November 3, 2013
Location: Texas Motor Speedway
RCR at Texas ... In 74 starts at Texas Motor Speedway dating back to 1997, RCR has recorded one win (Jeff Burton, April 2007), eight top-five and 28 top-10 finishes with drivers Burton, Clint Bowyer, Dale Earnhardt, Kevin Harvick, Jeff Green and Paul Menard. Prior to TMS's inaugural season in 1997, Richard Childress, a former driver in NASCAR's top division, earned a pair of top-10 finishes at the now defunct Texas World Speedway in College Station, Texas. RCR NASCAR Sprint Cup Series teams boast a 20.5 average starting position, a 16.3 average finishing position and have completed 23,927 of the 24,749 contested laps (96.7 percent) with 139 laps led at the 1.5-mile Fort Worth-based race track.
RCR in the NSCS ... In 2,372 Sprint Cup Series starts dating back to 1969, RCR has amassed 43 pole awards, 104 wins, 448 top-five finishes and 943 top-10 finishes, with an average starting position of 17.9 and an average finishing position of 15.8. RCR has earned 14 total championships (six Sprint Cup Series championships with Earnhardt in 1986, '87, '90,'91, '93 and '94, five NASCAR Nationwide Series titles, two NASCAR Camping World Truck Series titles and one ARCA Racing Series presented by Menards title) and was the first organization to win titles in NASCAR's three national series.
RCR Martinsville Rewind ... In the Sprint Cup Series event at Martinsville Speedway last weekend, Harvick collected his 18th top-10 finish of the 2013 season (sixth-place) while Burton crossed the finish line in 11th and Menard 22nd.
The Collective RCR ... Throughout the season's first 33 races, RCR's Sprint Cup Series entries have earned one pole award with Harvick at Kansas Speedway in October and collected three wins with him at Richmond International Raceway in April, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and at Kansas Speedway in October. Collectively, the organization has notched 13 top-five and 33 top-10 finishes with drivers Burton, Austin Dillon, Harvick, Menard and Brian Scott. Harvick is representing RCR in the 2013 Chase for the NASCAR Sprint Cup and is currently fourth in the standings. RCR's other two full-time Sprint Cup Series drivers rank 17th (Menard) and 19th (Burton) in the driver championship point standings.
Interactive RCR ... For up-to-date news and exclusive content, visit RCR's Twitter page - @RCRracing - along with the RCR Sprint Cup Series team Twitter pages - @RCR3ADillon, @RCR27PMenard and @RCR29KHarvick, and driver Twitter pages - @KevinHarvick, @JeffBurton and @AustinDillon3. Information about the 14-time championship winning organization can be found on Facebook at www.facebook/RichardChildressRacing and at www.RCRRacing.com along with official driver pages: www.facebook.com/PaulMenard27, www.facebook.com/OfficialKevinHarvick www.facebook.com/OfficialJeffBurton and www.facebook.com/austindillon3.
Catch the Action ... ESPN's live coverage from Texas Motor Speedway begins Sunday, Nov. 3 at 2 p.m. Eastern Time. The race will also be broadcast on the Performance Racing Network and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, channel 90.
Paul Menard
No. 27 Quaker State/Menards Chevrolet SS
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week's Quaker State/Menards Chevrolet at Texas Motor Speedway ... Paul Menard will pilot chassis No. 427 at Texas Motor Speedway. This No. 27 Chevrolet SS was previously run this season at Kansas Speedway, Michigan International Speedway and Pocono Raceway. It was also utilized in a two-day test session at Texas last week.
Menard in The Lone Star State ... Menard has 14 starts at Texas Motor Speedway. His best start of fourth and best finish of fifth came in 2011. The Wisconsin native has completed 4,502 of 4,687 laps attempted (96.1 percent) at the 1.5-mile oval, leading two of them.
The No. 27 to have Different Look in Texas ... The No. 27 Quaker State/Menards Chevrolet SS will sport a different look this weekend carrying a special paint scheme combination of Quaker State green and Menards yellow.
About Quaker State ... Quaker State® motor oil has a 70-year history as a leader in consumer automotive products and vehicle care. Quaker State is among the industry's most innovative motor oil brands and offers a full line of products to meet every type of vehicle engine need. Quaker State is one of the first brands to develop high mileage engine motor oil. For more information about the full line of Quaker State products, visit www.quakerstate.com.
Meet Menard ... Fans can participate in a question-and-answer session with Menard on Saturday, Nov. 2 at 11:45 a.m. Central Time at the Team Chevy Stage located in the midway at Texas Motor Speedway.
Race Rewind ... Menard started in the 27th position in last year's AAA Texas 500 and ultimately finished 27th after struggling with handling issues throughout the event.
Menard's Thoughts on Racing at Texas Motor Speedway:
"I'm excited to go back to Texas Motor Speedway. We tested there for a couple of days last week, and I feel like we learned a lot that we can apply to the Quaker/State Menards Chevrolet this weekend. We had a good car there in the spring, but had a mechanical issue late in the race that prevented us from finishing well. Texas is a track that has a lot of character to it, with a lot of bumps. It's a fun, fast 1.5-mile race track and after all the testing we did last week I feel good about our chances on Sunday. Racing will be tough this weekend with the season winding down; everyone wants to finish out the season with a win."
Kevin Harvick
No. 29 Budweiser Chevrolet SS
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week's Budweiser Chevrolet SS at Texas Motor Speedway ... Kevin Harvick will pilot chassis No. 431 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable in the AAA Texas 500. Harvick drove this RCR-prepared machine to Victory Lane at Kansas Speedway and to a sixth-place result at Charlotte Motor Speedway in October.
Racing in the Lone Star State ... Since 2001, Harvick has made 21 Sprint Cup Series starts at Texas Motor Speedway. Throughout the years, the California native has collected three top-five and 10 top-10 finishes, has an average starting position of 21.1 coupled with an average finishing position of 12.5, has completed 99.8 percent (7,011 of 7,025) of the laps contested and has five laps led to his credit. In addition to his Sprint Cup Series stats, Harvick has visited Victory Lane five times (March 2007, November 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2012) in the NASCAR Nationwide Series and once (November 2011) in the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series.
Race Rewind ... Harvick and the No. 29 team salvaged a ninth-place finish in the 2012 AAA Texas 500 after starting from the 23rd position and battling handling issues for the majority of the event.
How important is qualifying and track position at a place like Texas Motor Speedway?
"Qualifying is definitely very important on the 1.5-mile race tracks. Texas (Motor Speedway) is one of those places where the tires wear out, but track position is so important to keep the handling on your car. We tested there last week and hope that the information we gathered will allow us to go back to the track with a good balance on our car. We tried some different things and I'm hoping we learned enough to not only make me comfortable in the race car, but be able to put ourselves in a position to run in the top five and possibly even win the race."
What is the race at Texas Motor Speedway like from the driver perspective?
"There is never a dull moment because you're trying to drive the car to the edge every lap. You're trying to make the car go as fast as you can. When you're in traffic, it's harder to drive the car than it is when you're out there by yourself for the fact that it takes downforce off of the car and it feels like the car is lifting out of the race track. These cars become even harder to drive in traffic. It's definitely a challenge every lap."
Jeff Burton
No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This week's No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet SS at Texas Motor Speedway... Jeff Burton will race chassis No. 372 from the Richard Childress Racing NASCAR Sprint Cup Series stable this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway. This No. 31 Chevrolet was utilized four times this season at Bristol Motor Speedway in March, Kentucky Speedway in June, Michigan International Speedway in August and Atlanta Motor Speedway in September.
No Stranger to Victory Lane ... Burton was Texas Motor Speedway's first two-time Sprint Cup Series race winner after visiting Victory Lane in the inaugural NSCS event in 1997 with Roush Fenway Racing and again in 2007 with Richard Childress Racing. Burton has also tallied three top-five and nine top-10 finishes while leading 180 laps at the 1.5-mile facility.
Featured Cat Dealers ... Warren CAT and Mustang CAT will be featured on the deck lid of the No. 31 Chevrolet this weekend at Texas Motor Speedway.
- Warren CAT proudly serves customers throughout 16 locations in west Texas and Oklahoma. Dedicated to providing customers complete solutions for their equipment needs, from heavy machinery to industrial engines, Warren CAT is segmented by five divisions to better serve the needs of our customers: Heavy Construction/Governmental, Rental/General Construction, Engines/Generators/Vocational Trucks, Ag, and Parts & Service. Warren's capabilities extend beyond their ability to offer the leading name in heavy equipment by dedicating their focus to providing customers with the finest service in the industry. As part of the Caterpillar dealer network, Warren's product support capabilities are vast, offering customers universal support at a local level.
- Mustang CAT is the southeast Texas authorized sales, parts and service dealer for Caterpillar construction equipment Mustang Cat is the southeast Texas authorized sales, parts and service dealer for Caterpillar construction equipment and engines. The family of Mustang companies is comprised of: Construction Machinery - Caterpillar construction equipment and a selected group of allied lines, Power Systems - Caterpillar engines as well as the design, engineering and fabrication of state-of-the-art engine packages in a vast range of power ratings, Rental Services - The Cat Rental Store, offering Caterpillar and allied lines of large and small equipment for the building construction industry. For more information, visit www.mustangcat.com or call 1.888.NEXT.CAT.
Q&A session ... Burton will be appearing on the main stage of Texas Motor Speedway's No Limits Garage Party for a fan question-and-answer session. The season ticketholder event, held in the NASCAR Nationwide Series garage on Sprint Cup Series raceday, will feature a motorcycle Wall of Death, extreme circus stage acts, The Cannon Lady shooting herself over the garage, and more.
Race Rewind 2012 ... Burton and the No. 31 Caterpillar Chevrolet team battled back to finish 19th last November at Texas Motor Speedway after untimely caution-flag periods trapped them multiple laps down to the leader.
What are your thoughts heading into Texas Motor Speedway this weekend?
"Texas Motor Speedway is a place that is different every time we go there. The asphalt has gotten to where it is really slick like the old Darlington Raceway and the track radically changes from one day to the next. That's why we've seen so many different winners there recently. I expect that to be the case again this weekend. I think half of the garage has tested there, including RCR, and that will play a huge role in who will be up front. It will be interesting to see who the winners and losers are from the test sessions."
Austin Dillon
No. 33 Boot Barn Chevrolet SS
Event Preview Fact Sheet
This Week's Boot Barn Chevrolet SS at Texas Motor Speedway ... Austin Dillon will pilot chassis No. 418 in the AAA Texas 500 at Texas Motor Speedway. Dillon drove this Chevrolet SS to a 19th-place finish at Atlanta Motor Speedway in September, a 26th-place finish at Indianapolis Motor Speedway in July and an 11th-place finish at Michigan International Speedway in June. This former No. 27 entry was also driven by teammate Paul Menard to a 13th-place finish in the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte Motor Speedway in May and a 17th-place finish at Texas Motor Speedway in April.
Dillon at Texas Motor Speedway ... In addition to competing in the Sprint Cup Series race at Texas Motor Speedway in April (finished 33rd in a Phoenix Racing entry), Dillon has made three NASCAR Nationwide Series starts at the track, with a best finish of third in April 2013, and four NASCAR Camping World Truck Series starts, with a best finish of second in November 2011. He earned a pole award in the Truck Series in June 2010.
Welcome Boot Barn ... Dillon and the RCR team will be racing by with Boot Barn, America's largest Western and Work store. Since 1978, Boot Barn has been honoring America's western heritage - our heritage. Boot Barn operates 150 stores in 23 states with the addition of RCC Western Stores and Baskins stores to the Boot Barn family. For more information about Boot Barn, visit http://www.bootbarn.com.
Last Time Around ... In his last Sprint Cup Series start, Dillon drove Stewart-Haas Racing's No. 14 Chevrolet to a 26th-place finish at Talladega Superspeedway after flying airborne on the final lap while running in the third position. Dillon was drafting with fan favorite Dale Earnhardt Jr at the time of the incident. The two drivers were making a plan to overtake race leader Jamie McMurray when Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. dove low to make a move. Dillon tried to defend his position and chaos ensued.
Double Duty ... In addition to competing in Sunday's Sprint Cup Series race, Dillon is scheduled to drive the No. 3 AdvoCare Chevrolet Camaro in the Nationwide Series event on Saturday, Nov. 2. The race is scheduled to air live on ESPN2 beginning at 3:30 p.m. Eastern Time.
Do you feel like you learned a lot in the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series race in April that you can apply to the fall race?
"Anytime you can sit in a race car you can learn, which is one of the reasons my brother and I have embraced dirt racing so much throughout our career. I feel like I learned a lot racing at Texas Motor Speedway in the spring, and I hope I can use some of the things I learned in April this weekend."


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About the Author: Peter Kranstover serves as Senior Conflict Prevention Officer in the Office of the Coordinator for Reconstruction and Stabilization (S/CRS).
In 1998, as Colombia's government (GOC) continued an interdiction campaign with U.S. support to eliminate coca cultivation across thousands of hectares of Colombian territory, then-President Andres Pastrana responded to the increasing strength of the FARC and other illegal armed groups with Plan Colombia. Plan Colombia, which would eventually average over $500 million dollars a year, was and remains the largest counternarcotics, security, and social and economic assistance package in the Western Hemisphere.
Although Ecuador has been able to effectively prevent a "spillover" of drug cultivation into its Sucumbios and Esmeraldas border provinces, those areas have a decidedly frontier character with insufficient Ecuadorian government presence. As such, the Colombian government's policies increasingly made it more attractive to the FARC to establish safehavens on the Ecuador side of the border. In 2008, Colombian forces bombed a FARC camp in Sucumbios, killing over 20 people, including FARC leader Raul Reyes. The resulting break in diplomatic relations between Colombia and Ecuador is only now being slowly repaired.
After breaking diplomatic ties with Colombia in response to the bombing, Ecuador's President Rafael Correa increased army and police presence in Sucumbios, the heart of the petroleum industry, to address the heightening crisis in the area. President Correa also sought to establish civilian government presence in Sucumbios and elsewhere along the largely open 365 mile border between Ecuador and Colombia. According to the Ecuadorian government, military financing and operations in this area cost approximately $100 million a year, reflecting the approximately 11,000 military personnel now along the border, a substantial increase over the past two years.
In 2007, President Correa proposed a "Plan Ecuador" -- a policy of protecting Ecuadorian sovereignty. With an Executive Director but no regular budget, the plan establishes a unit attached to the Presidency charged with bringing the benefits of central government ministries to previously ungoverned and conflict areas. Plan Ecuador received its first official funds in 2009 to pursue its goal of bringing a strengthened central government presence to the northern border region through a conscious application of government resources to the economic and security issues there. While Plan Ecuador marked a large step towards progress in the northern border, it has not yet managed to effectively address the region's myriad challenges.
Establishing an Ecuadorian government presence along the northern border is now of even more strategic importance than 10 years ago. A new pipeline branch terminating in Esmeraldas was completed in 2004 and a bridge near General Farfan -- a new international crossing -- was completed in 2006, increasing the flow of people and commerce into the area. Alongside these infrastructure developments, Ecuadorian authorities and the media have voiced concern about growing numbers of Ecuadorians displaced by illegal armed groups along the border in the last three years.
At the invitation of U.S. Ambassador to Ecuador Heather Hodges, S/CRS sent an interagency assessment team in January 2010 to evaluate the needs of the northern border region. Hoping to supplement current U.S. development assistance to the border towns, S/CRS's strategic planners are using this assessment to inform a proposal to the Ecuadorian government for a new 1207 program that could improve governance performance, essential services delivery, and security capabilities in Ecuador's north border.


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Striking while the iron is hot.
Making hay while the sun shines.
Mrs. Purser hated clichés when she taught me readin' and writin' at KCHS in the 1980s, but their ubiquity offers testimony to their poignancy. Plus her red pen won't see this before the printer does, although she told me she still grades my work!
I learned more about writing from two years under Mrs. Purser's watchful eye and red ball point than four semesters in Austin. As a long-haired transfer student from the beach, the halls of KCHS provided important educational opportunities and memories. Mrs. Pat Lyssy, whose husband drummed geometry into so many thick skulls for years, told me those halls opened in January 1961 and the kids carried their books from their old school to the new building.
Clichés aside, the timing is perfect for voters in KCISD to approve a bond package that enlarges, improves, and modernizes all of the campuses to meet the educational needs and goals of Karnes City students for decades to come.
Last August, the KC School Board appointed a Facilities Advisory Committee (FAC) to evaluate the current facilities and provide recommendations for the future. The committee, composed of teachers, contractors, business owners, and numerous KCHS graduates, met over a six-month period. The first phase involved information gathering and analysis, from the macro view of the financial environment to the micro view of each campus.
The big picture
Real property appraisals in KCISD have increased nearly 20x in the past four years, that whole Eagle Ford Shale thing you may have heard about. That means property tax revenues have sky-rocketed, which should be a boon for the schools, right? Well, that's when we learned about M&O versus I&S taxes.
M&O (Maintenance & Operations) are revenues generated to run the schools and what our current property taxes fund. In 2008, the State of Texas decreed that KCISD should receive approximately $4,500 to educate a student multiplied by the number of students, the minimum funding level set by the state. The figure was based upon historical averages, but note, other districts across the state received higher funding based on their historical averages – some schools over $12,000 per student.
For years, KCISD didn't raise enough in tax revenues, so other wealthier districts chipped in their excesses to fund our operations – Robin Hood. That changed recently and this year KCISD will be sending over $20,000,000 to the state to fund other districts. Seems we can't raise our threshold despite our increased revenues.
It's poor manners to complain when we've been receiving help for so long. But, there's nothing wrong with wanting to keep some of that windfall for our kids either. Enter the I&S tax.
Interest and Sinking fund tax revenues are generated by property taxes as well, but are specifically reserved for voter-approved projects within our school district. None of it goes to Austin or anywhere else. So, a bond approved by KCISD voters directly benefits KCISD students.
And bond interest rates are at or near historical lows, so funding any I&S project is about as inexpensive as possible from a debt perspective.
District report card
Not surprisingly, KCISD has seen a steady enrollment increase over the same period of time, especially at the elementary level. If growth trends continue, RES elementary would be at maximum capacity in about five years, the junior high in ten and the high school in nine. The increased enrollment on the larger elementary campus will "bubble-up" into the smaller secondary campuses. Capacity is a square-foot-per-student measure set by the state, but our district has lower guidelines more concerned with student-teacher ratios and smaller class sizes.
Currently, some elementary students must cross the street from remote classrooms to go to P.E. or the cafeteria and the junior high has gone to two lunch periods.
While none of the existing structures are in danger of collapsing on anyone's heads, not even in answer to prayers during STAAR testing, the junior high school has some structural issues to address in the near future. And the high school, God bless it, is past fifty and dealing with what architects call "age-appropriate structural concerns." At nearly the same age myself, I think I know how the building feels. So, the district will likely need to spend significant I&S funds on repair in the near future anyway.
The FAC first reviewed conservative measures, specifically remodeling and modernization. Since I've remodeled several homes, I wasn't surprised to learn that the costs were more than half what entirely new facilities would run. And we'd still have an over-fifty building to contend with. So, discussion turned to new construction.
The committee tasked the architect with two primary concerns - campus security and no school interruption. The goal was to have campuses with restricted pedestrian and vehicular traffic and controlled ingress and egress. And to design the projects so students didn't spend any time in portable classrooms or listening to jack hammers while attending classes.
The bottom line
After several back-and-forths with the architects, the committee approved a recommendation presented to the School Board in February. The proposal essentially calls for an additional primary elementary facility located where the old North Elementary once sat, housing grades pre-K through second, with their own cafeteria, library and small gym, so they aren't traipsing across the street any longer. The older grades would stay within RES.
The secondary campuses would be in a multi-phase process to avoid educational interruption and provide additional classrooms in the existing junior high, plus a new high school on the eastern edge of the campus with a new cafeteria and gym. The final construction would include a new auditorium and band hall located between the two schools. The existing junior high, cafeteria, gyms, locker rooms and newest classrooms remain integrated into the plan.
Classrooms with all of their associated requirements cost $170-$200 per square foot, pretty close to many homes in San Antonio and Austin. The auditorium is closer to $300. Technology updates alone run $1.6 million, but we need our students on the cutting edge of technology. With architect and engineering fees, traffic surveys, and contingencies, the proposal in front of the voters is for $45 million and includes furnishings.
Bond structure and payment
The FAC opted to recommend a shorter-term bond for several reasons. Although optimistic property values will remain high in the near term, if oil and gas production does fall off, we didn't want the district saddled with long-term payments and extra debt service, preferring to pay off the new bonds as quickly as feasible.
The applicable I&S tax rate is estimated at 12.05¢ per $100 of valuation, or about $120.50 per year (ten bucks a month) on a $100,000 home; unless you are over age 65 in which case you are exempt from the tax increase. Actually, the new tax rate would be lower than the 2006 rate thanks to the increased valuations.
If you refer to the table on this page, you'll note that all of us homeowners in the KCISD will only end up paying for 0.67% of the bond package, or about $300,000. Our combined farms and ranches only contribute an additional 2.41%.
Oil companies and mineral interests will foot over 85% of the costs of the bond!
Now is the time!
I simply can't envision a better time for the voters of KCISD to improve our school facilities. High appraisal values and low interest rates coincide to keep debt service low. Increasing enrollment will continue to strain our existing campuses. Technological tools are critical to the future success of our graduates.
What was good enough for us may not adequately prepare them. Now is our time to build for future generations.
Please join the FAC and school administrators at the KCISD auditorium on Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 p.m. for a more detailed description of the proposal in front of the voters.
Early voting runs April 28-May 6 in the courthouse annex and Election Day is May 10 at the Karnes City Hall Auditorium.


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About B Direct
B Direct offers a wide range of new products that are hard to find at reasonable prices in Australia. Their mission is to make the latest technology affordable for all Australians. The direct business model cuts out all the 'middle men' and ensures customers always get the best deal!


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Contact: Nancy Dunker, associate director of public relations, 630-637-5306
Sept. 23, 2010--North Central College will host a Visit Day on Monday, Oct. 11, at its Naperville campus. Open to all high school students and their parents or guardians, the program is of special interest for those beginning a college search for fall terms 2011 or 2012.
The day begins with registration at 9:15 a.m. in Wentz Concert Hall at the Fine Arts Center, 171 E. Chicago Ave., and concludes with lunch at approximately 12:30 p.m. Visitors can attend informative sessions on financial aid, academic highlights and student life, and take a walking tour of campus.
For more information about North Central College and to register call 630-637-5800 or visit www.northcentralcollege.edu/visit. Students can also register the day of the event. The Office of Admission welcomes individual appointments throughout the year.
Founded in 1861, North Central College is an independent, comprehensive college of the liberal arts and sciences that offers more than 55 undergraduate majors and graduate programming in six areas. With more than 2,900 undergraduate and graduate students, North Central is recognized as one of "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Report, which cites it as one of the top six schools in the Midwest for "Strong Commitment to Undergraduate Teaching"; as "a college for high-achieving students" by Peterson's Competitive Colleges; and as one of "America's Best Colleges" by Forbes. North Central College is located in Naperville, Ill., and affiliated with the United Methodist Church.
Photo: North Central's newest building, a combination recreation center and residence hall. We call it Res/Rec.
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Tips to save on holiday shopping
Santas are making their way into malls and Black Friday is about a week away, meaning you need to set your holiday budget now.
First, set a spending limit. You can base it on what you spent last season. Then, as you make purchases, write down each one you make. It will help you stay on track and commit to your spending limit.
Make sure you are following stores on Twitter and Facebook. Many stores offer special web-only sales and discount codes to reward their loyal followers.
Target, Macys and thousands of others stores are taking part in 'Free Shipping Day' on Dec. 17. Head to FreeShipping.org to see what stores are offering the deal.
© 2012 KXLY.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without prior permission.


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Watch Sports: Rams Coach Stresses Focus
The Watertown Rams have struggled so far this year, their most recent loss coming Tuesday night in Amsterdam, 17-0.
One of the people working to make the team competitive is Chris Glynn, a former infielder who is about the same age as many of the players and is now working as an assistant coach.
Glynn told Mel Busler he's telling the players "to be focused everyday. It's hard everyday, coming out, playing."
To see, hear more from Chris, as well as outfielder Joe Maroney - and get an update on the Rams' schedule this weekend - click on the picture to watch Mel's report.