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Downtown Bend welcomes new businesses
The Downtown Bend Business Association announces business changes and the current occupancy rate for the end of the third quarter of 2013. Four businesses hung new signs in Downtown Bend and the occupancy remained at 95% for the third consecutive quarter.
The occupancy rate is based on the number of leased retail/restaurant spaces in the downtown district.
"We are seeing a stabilizing in the restaurant/retail market that is encouraging. We are encouraged by the current mix of businesses as we head into the crucial holiday season, "says DBBA Executive Director Chuck Arnold.
Franklin Avenue
300 Franklin – DoubleTree By Hilton is the new "rebranded" hotel property that was formerly the Phoenix Inn. While not a new business, the change of "flags" (what rebranding is called in the hospitality industry) will really change the landscape in Downtown Bend. The property has received a facelift and will increase its offerings.
431 Franklin – Salud Raw Food takes over the space formerly held by Pastrami Old World Deli. The restaurant offers raw food and juices including salads, wraps, and desserts for lunch in a casual setting.
Minnesota Avenue
5 Minnesota – bhuvana offers yoga classes and retail items in the Firehall Building across from The Oxford Hotel.
Wall Street
850 Wall – Lotus Moon Boutique, offering jewelry, clothing and other accessories relocates from 933 Wall to 850 Wall in the location long occupied by At The Beach.
The DBBA is a private nonprofit organization representing approximately 350 businesses and 85 property owners working to keep Downtown Bend vibrant. The organization is responsible for downtown beautification, cleaning and maintenance, marketing, events, and keeping the business environment healthy. More information is available at DowntownBend.org.


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June 3, 2013
Mike Kirlan hugs Oliver Cardillo during Monday afternoon's memorial service for Kirlan's son, Asher Lesyshen-Kirlan at the base of Howelsen Hill. The boys came on stage to sing the "Star Spangled Banner" as part of a tribute to the 9-year-old boy who died last week. Oliver's father, John Cardillo, middle, and his brother, Henry, also were on stage for the tribute.
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subset: commoncrawl


text: Hey, I bought a rigid industries 20" light bar for my truck(2010 silverado LTZ), and my first thought was to install it in the front bumper, above the license plate and below the grille. There's 2"x25" gap which I was told was like an air dam that allows cold air in to cool the radiator etc.. Now I'm having seconds thoughts and am thinking about putting it behind the grille. Has anyone else done this yet? If so, was it very difficult? Please share pics if you have em'


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After all we wrote about Sequenom, it looks as if we are somehow destined to further tackle this firm. Sequenom's story is still unfolding. What happened to this firm's stock this month reflects a general reality that goes beyond Sequenom, on Wall Street and off Wall Street. When some influential leaders decide to become misleaders, sincere observers and followers must develop protective strategies that help them accept or reject what the influential try to feed them. In the stock market, negative speculators have the advantage of possessing a superior weapon called fear, which positive analysts do not really have. Under some circumstances, by definition, negative becomes the synonym of fear. When people fall to fear, they cannot wait for rational explanations of negative speculation. They believe they have no time to lose in resorting to common sense. They feel compelled to escape from the source of their fears. In the stock market, this translates into selling the stock that somebody labeled as bad.
Assessment of public firms by positive and negative analysts is the kinetic energy behind the millions of shares traded daily, which makes the stock market so interesting and attractive. The war between the two opposing groups is excellent for traders who know how to synchronize their buying and selling with optimistic and pessimistic articles. Serious investors, though, those who really care about investing in promising firms, must have a plan to protect themselves from developing unfounded fear or baseless euphoria. The plan is simple. Look for facts that support the claims.
In the past few weeks, investors in SQNM got lost between the positive and negative analysts. The stock was around $5 when some analysts upgraded it, with one putting $16 as his SQNM target price. Investors rushed to buy SQNM. As the stock crossed $8 with very strong momentum, suddenly, negative articles demeaning the stock emerged. We were not convinced. The only fact they cited was the firm's financials, which had nothing to do with our positive feeling towards the stock. As we said in our previous article, what motivated us to love Sequenom in the first place was our belief that the firm's promises could generate billions of dollars for its shareholders. These promises are supported by the firm's successful marketing of three tests; two of them relate to Sequenom's non-invasive nuclear prenatal program. Moreover, one of Sequenom's tests has enabled the distinction between maternal and fetal DNA for both male and female fetuses, which led us to believe that there is sufficient validation of the firm's technologies behind the non-invasive prenatal test program.
After enormous efforts to cause a sell-off of SQNM through incessant negative campaigns of fear, the fear finally supervened. Helped by preprogrammed selling the stock lost around one third of its value. Today, we heard that Lazard Capital Markets analyst Dr. Sean Lavin upgraded his outlook to "Buy" from "Hold" with a $13 price target, citing the potential for the company to create a test for Down syndrome. The stock rebounded fiercely through a different kind of fear this time, i.e. losing a huge investment opportunity. Lavin said the company will likely create a test for Down syndrome with third-party data showing it to be more accurate than current screening. He said the nearly 30 percent drop in the stock value last week is an opportunity for investors. "We anticipate Sequenom finishing development of a Down (syndrome) test this year, running external trials in 2011, and launching a test in late 2011 or in 2012," he said in a note to investors. He said the company has risks, but its target markets are "too immense" and a successful test is too likely. In the U.S., the company could target a market worth more than $4 billion. With all that said, he added, an investment in the stock is "speculative and risky."


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Just saw it last night in IMAX 3D...
Needless to say my mind is blown.
If you are a fan of these type of films you will LOVE this movie guaranteed.
Non-stop action, some hilarious moments, and whenever the audience gives a standing, clapping ovation after a movie you know it's good!


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Was wondering if any of you dip any of your new wood frames just like you do your boxes?
Building new deep frames. Since it generally takes a long time for the bees to walk all over the equipment to the point where the wood is "sealed" from all the wax and propolis floating around their house we have been considering taking the newly built frames and "dipping" them (Paraffin, Beeswax, Microcrystalline wax, rosin solution) just like people do with their new boxes. Hoping to increase their lifespan. Once out we will toss in plastic foundation.
Any recommendations as the wisdom of this? Any help on the wax formulations would also be appreciated.


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- Capital Projects At A Glance
- Fact Check: Courthouse Construction Costs
- Building California Courthouses
- Temples of Justice
New San Bernardino Justice Center
The new San Bernardino Justice Center opened in mid-May 2014. Completed on time and on budget after eight years of planning, design, and construction, this 11-story, 35-courtroom building greatly improves access to justice for San Bernardino residents. The courthouse has now been certified LEED Gold by the U.S. Green Building Council. More >>


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I am planning on ordering around 100 wood frames and so I wanted some opinions from people who have used several suppliers for comparison purposes as to who makes the best all around frame.
I have already searched the archives but since it has been a while since many of these posts I thought it would be good to revisit.
I am looking for a grooved top grooved bottom frame.
I have used Brushy MT and Dadant, out of the two of them I think dadant is better as the top bar is slightly thicker so that the plastic foundation does not wiggle around or pop out.
MANN Lake--have they improved since a few years back? I like the free shipping but there were alot of negative posts about the quality. What kind of wood do they use--I hear it is not pine?
Betterbee--this one I am interested in alot as now that betterbee is under new ownership the buying experience should be good. I like the fact that the side bars actually have a little "tooth"for the bottom bar groove--I thought walter kelly was the only ones who did this still ( I would by from Walter kelly as their frames appear the best, but I live too far away)
Thanks alot!


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Craniofacial Surgery Doctors in Smyrna, Georgia
(1 results)
COMPARECheck the boxes to compare.
- Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic Surgery, Vein Treatment
Keith Jeffords, MD
- Paramount Plastic Surgery
- 3964 Atlanta Rd Se
- Smyrna, Georgia 30080
Keith Jeffords, M.D., D.D.S. brings an unusual perspective, depth of knowledge and experience to the practice of both plastic surgery and surgery of the head and neck. He has studied dentistry and medicine and has trained in multiple surgical disciplines. With his unique background, Dr. Jeffords brings a different creativity to the practice of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Dr. Jeffords has formally trained in both Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery as well as Plastic Surgery. There are fewer than fifty surgeons in the United States with his background.
- Keith Jeffords, MD
Paramount Plastic Surgery
- Location: 3964 Atlanta RD SE Smyrna, GA 30080
- Click here for phone number
- Languages Spoken:
- Spanish
- Financing:
- CareCredit
- SurgeryFinancing
- Keith Jeffords, MD


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Newport Rhode Island Wedding at Belle Mer from Kelly Dillon PhotographyThis adorable duo? They have a fabulous story. The kind of fabulous story that involves a workplace romance, a helicopter meets the Empire State Building proposal and a drop-dead gorgeous Belle Mer wedding. A sort of movie-eque beginning with sooo much pretty, it's like a
View CreditsRead More


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Thank you. Nice work - on the inset and the tutorial!
Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Thank you. Nice work - on the inset and the tutorial!
That is fantastic. I might now try some quilts that require the circle or a portion thereof. Thanks for sharing your experience.
You did a wonderful job on the tutorial.
Glad you can use it. Funny thing, I actually had to do the process 3 times. First time, the closeup pictures were fuzzy. Second time, I actually rushed and ironed the freezer paper to the wrong side (what a dunce!). Third time was a charm. The hardest part was setting things up with my left hand holding the bits and taking the picture with my right hand. I am not ambidextrous apparently,
Thanks for Tutorial - I am definately going to try this. :thumbup:
thanks not only for the tut--but the great pictures that say it all!
Very nice of you to share! That's great! The pictures were very good (and worth a 1000 words!)
Thanks so much for posting this tute! I've bookmarked it and will be using it at some point for sure!!!
Wow great instruction, I might even try it now.
Can someone tell me how to bookmark this? Thanks
Thanks for sharing I`ve always wanted to try but wasn`t sure either.


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Seattle Opera Celebrates Wagner Bicentennial in 2013
Under General Director Speight Jenkins' 30 years of leadership, Seattle Opera has become known as "America's Bayreuth," drawing worldwide audiences to its acclaimed productions of all of Richard Wagner's major works, especially to the company's signature work, Wagner's ambitious four-opera cycle, Der Ring des Nibelungen. To date, opera-goers from 22 countries and all 50 states (plus the District of Columbia) have purchased tickets for Seattle Opera's 2013 Ring.
Educational and community engagement programming honoring the composer's bicentennial year begins well in advance of the Ring performances. The celebration kicks off on January 13, at a Seattle Youth Symphony Concert starring former Seattle Opera Young Artist Adina Aaron, who will sing the "Liebestod" from Tristan und Isolde as well as Wagner's Wesendonck Lieder. In February Sue Elliott, Seattle Opera's Education Director, presents Inside the Ring at the Frye Art Museum, a series of fascinating three-hour seminars on each opera for those wanting to explore the Ring in depth. On May 22, Wagner's 200th birthday, anyone and everyone-especially the shower-singers among us-are invited to sing along with Seattle Opera in the Armory at Seattle Center. The celebration includes a "Ho-jo-to-ho" competition, Ring costume contest, and cake! And on August 3, the day before Ring performances begin, a free, family-friendly open house at McCaw Hall, featuring performances of Seattle Opera's newly-commissioned Our Earth opera trilogy, will encourage us all to "Make Some Noise."
As performances of the Ring get underway on August 4, a wide variety of new and cherished education programs will enthrall and delight diehard Wagnerites and newcomers alike. Hosted in the Nesholm Family Lecture Hall at McCaw Hall, Seattle Opera's three signature Symposia bring together artists, scholars, and authors to explore the complexities of Wagner and the Ring. Asher Fisch, Seattle Opera's Principal Guest Conductor and conductor of the 2013 Ring, speaks at all three Symposia; other presenters include Lydia Goehr, Roger Parker, Kenneth Reinhard, Stephen Wadsworth, Michael Hackett, Mark Berry, François Rochaix, Pamela Rosenberg, Arthur Groos, and Peter Kazaras. Sue Elliott gives her Inside the Ring presentations the morning of each performance day. Immediately before each performance, patrons can attend the entertaining, hour-long Pre-Performance Talks given by Community Programs Manager Robert McClung. And all patrons are welcome to join the discussion at the free Q&A with Speight Jenkins after each performance of Die Walküre, Siegfried, and Götterdämmerung. Following performances of Das Rheingold, Speight Jenkins will host Rheingold Revelry, an exclusive champagne reception and late supper open to all Ring full-cycle buyers. Other Ring-related opportunities include investigating technical solutions to the top 10 "problems" in producing any Ring cycle at the Tech Talks with Robert Schaub, the company's Technical and Facilities Director; a night of new comedy, Wagner Sketches, at Seattle Repertory Theatre once each cycle; and a 2013 special: Speight's Retrospective, a personal exploration of life with the Ring. And BRAVO! Club's popular Laser Ring returns to the Pacific Science Center's Laser Dome for one night only on August 11!


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Years ago, my granddaughter Caroline couldn't be trusted to not make a run for it in a crowd.
As a toddler, she was notorious for breaking loose from my daughter's grasp and taking off running. She was also fearless and overly friendly when it came to approaching strangers and, if given the chance, would follow anyone anywhere, especially if offered candy or a puppy or a sip of Diet Coke.
As a crime, identity theft is anything but new. It dates back to biblical times, when Jacob pretended to be his brother to deceive their father, Isaac.
The term itself was coined in the mid-1960s, but it found new life with the popular rise of the Internet. Now, barely a month passes without news of another breach of personal information that often affects millions of Americans.
Over the years I've heard hundreds of stories from people about how they came to faith in Christ, or how God delivered them from something that had them bound or how they were drawn closer to God because of a certain situation.
More often than not, the circumstances that precede the turning point or the epiphany or the moment of surrender or rescue are dire, tragic, painful. Sometimes the painful situation is what God uses to bring a person from no faith to new faith or running from God to running to him.
About a week ago, state officials released the latest annual report on the quality of a resource we too often take for granted: our drinking water.
In short, the news is good for those who rely on the treated water provided each and every day by our nearly 450 public utilities.
I love free stuff.
When we lived in California we lived near scads of big- box warehouse stores that always gave away free samples. Sometimes, if you got there on the right day at the right time, you could eat enough free samples and be too full to eat lunch or dinner when you got home.
I wasn't thinking of free stuff a few Sundays ago when I stopped at a little Pentecostal church I had never visited before, even though I've talked to the pastor many times.
And what to my wondering eyes should appear? Free goodies and coffee!
Three months ago, when the Washington Post ran a story comparing peak broadband internet speeds among the states, the news for Kentucky was not good: We came in last, behind Arkansas. Our rate is half of what can be found in Virginia, which placed second.
I have reached the point in my life where my "memory" is as reliable as the weather in our fair commonwealth. If I don't put it in my phone or slap a note on the wall I can and will forget. I'm constantly feeling the startling shock of awareness that I have forgotten something; and that something is usually critical to my well being. My kids have learned to remind me repeatedly of things I've forgotten or they know I will forget. They have been down this particular road too many times to not accommodate their mother's leaky memory.
My friend Mike loves kitschy stuff and he loves God. So, anything that combines kitsch and God is a slice of heaven to him.
Recently, someone gave him a Moses and the Ten Commandments clock. Moses, holding a stone tablet in each arm, is looking off into the distance, all holy-like, and there's lightning behind him.
Every hour, but not quite on the hour, the clock will play some light piano music and a voice — could be God, could be Moses — announces a commandment. "Thou shalt not kill" or "Honor your father and mother."
The approval of new laws may be a wintertime activity, but in most cases, this legislation doesn't actually take effect until the heat of summer.
Unless a law has an emergency clause or a specific enactment date, it becomes official 90 days after the General Assembly completes its work. This year, that falls on June 24th.
"I'll need a head shot." The editor informed me. Inwardly cringing, a parade of photographic nightmares paraded before my Mind's Eye. The Eye closed in horror. In addition to nearly requiring a warning label due to my coordination anomalies, I am absolutely, totally, completely, unapologetically and forevermore unphotogenic. It would appear that I am both physically and facially awkward. In short, I put the bomb in photobomb.
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The Trimble Banner is your source for local news, sports, events, and information in Trimble County, KY and the surrounding area.


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Here is a couple of photos of my first bag, made out of 16 - 5' charms squares
Welcome to the Quilting Board!
Here is a couple of photos of my first bag, made out of 16 - 5' charms squares
I love your new bag.You did a great job. Where did you find the pattern? Was it a freebie? I would love to make some as christmas gifts. Was it easy to do? Hope you don't mind the ?'s.
Vonda-Texas MiMi of 4 Beautiful Grandbabies
Very cute! Looks like the Schlep bag - google for free instructions. That pattern uses 8" squares.
Hi it was call sweet sixteen I will try to send it. sorry it is a black and white copy. I made the lining by four 5" squares and traced the pattern on to a full piece of matterial, that means the linning has no seams expet the ones to the top squares. It can also be reverseable.
Sweet sixteen .pdf
Last edited by Lyn Hut; 10-11-2012 at 06:31 PM.
What a great bag!!! Thanks for sharing!!
That is such a cute bag. Thanks for sharing the pdf!
Directions ended on page 4. Were there any further ones?
I apologies to those that I only put up half the pattern here is the full pattern
Hope you all have fun making it as I did.
It is on a site called freebies for crafters.
Nice bag. Well done.
Aloha Karen


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Town Square
"A Great Day for Good Teachers"
Original post made by Nomad, Another Pleasanton neighborhood, on Aug 7, 2012
It is worth noting that the sponsor of the legislation is (D) State Sen. Teresa Ruiz who said "But we can't sit back and do nothing." And note the Senate President Stephen Sweeney (D) said "We can't have the bad ones in the schools anymore, one bad teacher is one bad teacher too many."
More details are in the Wall Street Journal here (Web Link).
Before anyone thinks about supporting either of the two multi-billion dollar tax hike initiatives this November that purport to support CA schools, ask yourself what really is going to improve the schools......more money for a failing system.....or reform that will increase the quality of the teachers?
Maybe if Governor Brown, the Democrat dominated CA Legislature, and the teachers unions would focus on improving education first, they would garner fiscal support from the citizens. As it stands now, doing what is right for our students seems farthest from their minds.
Too bad.
Comments (28)
a resident of Avila
on Aug 7, 2012 at 10:39 pm
Lets see. So many parents on here were devastated about the staggered reading program and the shortened school day for K - 3. Imagine what it's going to be like if the tax is not passed? Staggered reading will be the least of your problems.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 7, 2012 at 10:46 pm
The cuts made this year were made because they are assuming the taxes won't pass. It's already been accounted for.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 8, 2012 at 10:02 am
Good, a step forward for the children in New Jersey. Better if Christie could have held out for the seniority fix, but at least inched forward on the tenure job guarantee.
a resident of Castlewood
on Aug 9, 2012 at 8:55 am
New Jersey also has the highest starting teacher salary in the nation - but before you jump out of your seat, that salary is a whopping $44K. I doubt that creating more hoops and obstacles for young college kids to become teachers is going to attract more superstars to the profession. It is just not economically feasible anymore. It is expensive to become a teacher in California - so this type of reform is not going to be very effective unless there is some financial reward associated, besides the carrot of "just hang in there for 25 years and you will get a pension."
The pipeline of college students choosing to enter the teaching profession is disproportionate to the market need - so though this grabs headlines, is most likely going to be counterproductive at this time.
Web Link
a resident of Del Prado
on Aug 9, 2012 at 9:23 am
We keep talking about how there are "bad" teachers. Think back when scores throughout
California were much higher--we did not have the multi-language situation where some children now enter school with English as their second language and parents come to school and have their children interpret for them or the school district needs to hire an interpreter.
I am not against giving education to all children, but we can't keep blaming all the teachers.
When tests are taken to see how the children score - is language or the understanding of the English language taken into consideration.
In France you use to be proficient in French before entering their schools. One of our friends had to have their daughter go to a school to learn French before entering their school system. I do not know if they have this same standard - but it sure would help if we had it in California!!!c
a resident of Foothill High School
on Aug 9, 2012 at 9:59 am
Everybody with understanding in basic economy knows how increasing already high taxes influences on businesses and total revenue. They know what would happened if the tax increase would pass: more of the richest will 'redistribute their wealth' between places where their money would generate more money for them, more small businesses will be forced to shut down, more cities will file a bankruptcy, more capable to work youth will flee out of the state, more good teaches will run away with them, more school programs will be cut, government will ask for more taxes.
California is in a position where there is no quick fix solution to its' problems, but it's still possible to fix these problems step-by-step.
The first step toward rebuilding America and California is to *vote them all out!
a resident of Amador Valley High School
on Aug 9, 2012 at 10:39 am
Yes Nomad, it WOULD be a joy for us to open our newspaper or turn on the TV to hear a similar story but I'm not expecting to hear it any time soon.
We had an opportunity to at the very least begin the process that would modify the current process for dismissing teachers or administrators after they have engaged in sex, violence or drug offenses with children
or that had been convicted or accused of other crimes. But guess what? Our esteemed teachers unions and their complicit cohorts in the democrat controlled state legislature made sure that never happened and killed SB1530.
So if you really think that we will EVER have a mandate that puts teacher accountability, performance and a review based formula ahead of seniority based or simple tenure when we can't even get rapists, child molesters and drug dealing teachers at least reprimanded for their behavior (don't even consider firing them) well you my friends are truly delusional.
a resident of Happy Valley
on Aug 9, 2012 at 11:32 am
Hurray, Hurray!!! New Jersey teachers will now have yet another disincentive for entering or staying in the profession.
For all the blustering from the Christie Whale's blow-hole, that's what New Jersey ends up with? An extra year to be under the gun, frightened by the prospects of having either incompetent administrative supervisors, zealous witch-hunting right wingers, or both.
Well, this one is pretty amusing. By the way, note the discrepancy between media treatment of the blow-hole fattie and how New Jersey citizens are voting. Every public opinion poll -- left, right, and in-between -- shows Obama in the lead by at least 13 points. Do Jerseyans want a Republican at the nation's helm. Nope.
a resident of Danville
on Aug 9, 2012 at 1:06 pm
Yes, I agree with you, Tony. Christie has stated time and again that he wants to abolish seniority as a criterion for lay-offs, thereby eliminating security for all teachers. This is not education reform. This is union busting at the expense of teachers being able to experiment, create, without fear of a numbers-crunching supervisors or hostile parents. Christie is out of control, and should begin reeling himself in with a weight watchers' diet. Can he do it? Maybe not, as he doesn't seem to have done so in the past. He's neurotic, depressed, and probably so unhappy with himself that the only 'anitdote' is to vent his anger towards others who tend to exercise more self control than he does, teachers. He's a very unhappy man who wants to make others unhappy, and unfortunately there are all too many crusaders who are just as unhappy and mean as he is.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 9, 2012 at 10:07 pm
Upping tenure to 4 years is but a tiny baby step on the way to reform, but an important step..creating a tiny bit larger window to detect incompetent or perverted teachers, before their absurd lifetime guarantee kicks in.
Tony and Peter are so obvious PUBLIC union gatekeepers with their petty illogical 'union protectionism' blather.
Peter, you must have a crystal ball where you brain should be.
Amazing trick how you know what goes on inside Christie's head, i.e. 'neurotic, depressed, and unhappy' and 'who wants to make others unhappy'. What an amazing gift of idiocy you have.
Keep protecting the molesters.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 9, 2012 at 10:38 pm
....and speaking of blowholes, Peter, commenting on christie's weight, your comment about fatties couldn't be elected president.
Teddy Roosevelt and William Howard Taft, were Christie's size. John Adams almost.
President isn't about weight, taxes, nothing except leading a nation in trouble, and a person who can fix the problems....with knowledge suited to the problem in that time.
a resident of Foothill High School
on Aug 10, 2012 at 5:58 am
Hm, so as the comments ramble on from the various anonymous folk, the true reason for "teacher reform" slips out: breaking the teachers' unions. This has nothing to do with improving our schools.
The unions in New Jersey should have contributed a lot of money to Governor Christie's election campaign. I'm sure the Governor's views on "education reform" would be a lot different then.
If you want true education reform, we should look at the model of Finland. In Finland:
This is from an article in The Atlantic (excerpts quoted under the Fair Use provision of copyright):
"The answers Finland provides seem to run counter to just about everything America's school reformers are trying to do.
For starters, Finland has no standardized tests. The only exception is what's called the National Matriculation Exam, which everyone takes at the end of a voluntary upper-secondary school, roughly the equivalent of American high school.
Instead, the public school system's teachers are trained to assess children in classrooms using independent tests they create themselves. All children receive a report card at the end of each semester, but these reports are based on individualized grading by each teacher. Periodically, the Ministry of Education tracks national progress by testing a few sample groups across a range of different schools.
...what matters is that in Finland all teachers and administrators are given prestige, decent pay, and a lot of responsibility. A master's degree is required to enter the profession, and teacher training programs are among the most selective professional schools in the country. If a teacher is bad, it is the principal's responsibility to notice and deal with it."
Web Link
p.s.--Finland has what is regarded as the best public education system in the West and *very strong* teachers' unions.
I do agree that the digs at Governor Christie's weight are absurd and uncalled-for. What is this, middle school?
a resident of Foothill High School
on Aug 10, 2012 at 6:05 am
By the way--the #1 predictor of a child's success in school is the social class/economic status of his parents. Poor kids often do poorly in school, and the further up you go on the social status and income scale, the more likely it is that children will get good grades and graduate.
The final paragraph of that article from The Atlantic states what a lot of "education reformers" in the USA would rather ignore:
"The problem facing education in America isn't the ethnic diversity of the population but the economic inequality of society, and this is precisely the problem that Finnish education reform addressed. More equity at home might just be what America needs to be more competitive abroad."
Education reform, divorced from broader social reform, is doomed to failure. But again, "education reform" in the USA, with its obsessive focus on standardized testing and breaking teachers' unions, isn't really about education at all, but about grabbing political power.
a resident of Foothill High School
on Aug 10, 2012 at 6:07 am
Another article, this time on the role of the strong Finnish teachers' unions:
"More than 95% of teachers in Finland are unionized, paying 1.2% of their gross salary to support the Trade Union of Education in Finland, OAJ.
The organization aims to influence policies that benefit educators, much as the state's largest teachers union, the Wisconsin Education Association Council, does in Wisconsin.
But in Finland, the OAJ negotiates on the national level with employer groups to create 14 universally binding agreements that spell out everything from minimum salaries to working hours for teachers and the length of the school year (currently 190 days).
"We have a philosophy: happy pupil, happy parent, happy teacher," said Nina Lahtinen, development manager for OAJ."
Web Link
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 10, 2012 at 8:15 pm
Daniel - You have some good points. Can you help us understand the process by which Findland's principals fulfill their responsibility to notice and deal with a bad teacher? how does that compare to the California process?
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 10, 2012 at 11:05 pm
Daniel, you must be part of academiz...your article is very scary...
""values equality more than excellence". Scary and absurd ! Excellence is everything. I certainly hope I never see that change here in my lifetime!. You're one of those that doesn't want grades, or names on jerseys, no valedictorians, etc.
Well, I'm sitting here cheering loudly at the Olympics...and, ESCELLENCE MATTERS ! ! ! Some will make it and some will NOT ! That's reality. One is 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd !! Your concepts have been practiced in our schools for 35 years. That's when our schools started to deteriorate...coincidence? I don't think so ! The ONLY coincidence in timing is that was when school 'unions' started, and suddenly, for teachers, teacher's unions became more important than students ! ! !
a resident of another community
on Aug 11, 2012 at 7:45 am
Tell ya what, Mr. Bradford. If you like Findland that much why don't you move there? When's the last time the Finds have defeated Japan, and North Korea, or Vietnam, or Russia, or Iraq? How did we do it? Education. And now we're tittering on the edge of defeat because of unionized school teachers.Let me tell you something about your logic, Bradford. You have none. And your a coward as well.
a resident of Pleasanton Heights
on Aug 11, 2012 at 10:01 am
I fail to see that tenure serves any purpose at all. It guarantees that the most incompetent teachers can have lifetime employment. What other job sector does that?
Teachers should be subject to performance reviews like anyone else. If they fail, then tenure should not be able to keep them in their jobs.
a resident of another community
on Aug 12, 2012 at 6:56 am
I also fail to see what purpose tenure serves. Just put in a good conservative administrator, find out whether the teachers are socialists or not -- easy to tell by their party affiliation -- and just sweep the school clean of all the Marxist vermin.
Tenure, like (elitist) education, is waaaaay overrated. I never had tenure. In fact, I didn't graduate from High School. But look how successful I am!
a resident of Amador Estates
on Aug 14, 2012 at 10:49 pm
"Poor kids often do poorly in school, and the further up you go on the social status and income scale, the more likely it is that children will get good grades and graduate."
I would agree that income scale is perhaps the single best indicator of academic success of children, however, one problem is that we know that intelligence (at least how we currently measure it) is based on genetics. Therefore, smarter people are generally going to be more wealthy and also have smarter children.
This argument would imply that if all people in the US (or around the world) all had exactly the same financial status then all of the children would have the same academic success. Everyone know that to be ludicrous because we all know of families where on child has lots of success in school and another child does poorly.
This does not mean we should constantly be looking at ways to improve schools.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Aug 14, 2012 at 10:55 pm
"Teachers should be subject to performance reviews like anyone else. If they fail, then tenure should not be able to keep them in their jobs."
They are subject to performance review and if they fail they can be removed from their jobs. Sure, it is difficult to remove a teacher, the that is up the the school administration. Please educate yourself before posting lies.
a resident of Amador Estates
on Aug 14, 2012 at 11:00 pm
"Can you help us understand the process by which Findland's principals fulfill their responsibility to notice and deal with a bad teacher? how does that compare to the California process?"
Are you not educated enough to figure that out by yourself or are you just to lazy? I'm guessing the real truth is that you are trying to make some sort of point to Mr. Bradford without any real evidence or effort on your part.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 15, 2012 at 12:19 am
Children in a 'poor' family means thoughtless parents continued to selfishly breed beyond their ability to provide...very irresponsible and cruel.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 15, 2012 at 8:33 am
Beeky - I'll ignore your incorrect assumptions and personal attacks.
Daniel Bradford linked to two articles which I read and from which I did more research. The Atlantic article made a claim about how Findland's principals perform their duty. Daniel should be able to back his claims and cited references in an adult discussion. As I will back mine.
Are you willing to join the adult discussion?
a resident of another community
on Aug 15, 2012 at 11:21 am
And you just KNOW that anyone who does research on what principals do in "Findland" is to be trusted. Thanks for your research, Nomad. Your my hearo. Have you attended any of the tea party fests? Great food.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 15, 2012 at 11:42 am
Jimfol - I have not. Seems you have? How are they?
a resident of another community
on Aug 15, 2012 at 11:49 am
Great Sweedesh meatballs, and Findish kafelter fish, and Polesh goolosh, and Norweegean pickelled hairing.
But I think, No (not really) Mad (honest), that you would enjoy most the corn dog and pickelled eggs that was the hit of the last party.
a resident of Another Pleasanton neighborhood
on Aug 15, 2012 at 11:16 pm
I was at the last gathering and I thought the food was the best ever. I do have some concerns about exactly how much was paid out of the kitty for the tea bags placed near each paper saucer and the over-sized American flags that sat atop the cone hats that were passed around. Wondering if all the fancy stuff like that was sustainable in this hurting because of Obama economy. As the party of responsible citizens we need to be zealously responsible with the way we spend our dues. I mean, just how much does a total of $22.37 get you in the way of flags, tea bags, and cone hats?
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Truth for Friends was known both through the revelation of scripture, which they insisted was interpreted through the aid of the Spirit that gave it forth and the direct experience of God's continuing revelation in the individual and the faith community. They did not adopt the creeds of past generations. Rather, Quakers testified to the truths discerned through their own individual and corporate experience of God's leading. These "testimonies" grew and changed over the centuries as Friends wrestled with their own leadings into truth, the changing culture around them and fresh insights into scripture.
As the testimonies developed, they were compiled in books of faith and practice that were used by Friends for guidance. Advice was offered about what others had found helpful in their spiritual journey; questions (also known as "queries") based on the testimonies were asked of Friends as a means of enabling deeper reflection on one's growth in faith.
We have given a brief explanation of each of the five normative testimonies. Each section begins with a query related to that particular testimony from the Quaker Faith & Practice of Britain Yearly Meeting, the Religious Society of Friends in Britain. A sampling of ways that each testimony is expressed in campus culture is also provided.
Take heed, dear Friends, to the promptings of love and truth in your hearts. Trust them as the leadings of God whose Light shows us our darkness and brings us to new life.
– Advices & Queries #1, Quaker Faith & Practice
Primary to Quaker faith is a conviction that God continues to communicate with all that God has created. Quaker faith assumes that God is and that God chooses to be in dialogue with His creation. The experience of Friends, confirmed both in scripture and the experience of others throughout time, is that we are in relationship with a spirit and power greater than ourselves. Most Friends describe God's nature as consistent with the revelation of Jesus Christ. Some Friends are more comfortable saying what God is not, rather than saying what God is.
However God is described or experienced, Friends are clear that we have direct and immediate access to that power. This means there is no need for an ordained priest; no need for a book; no incantations, rites or rituals to summon the Deity. As helpful and comforting as these may be, Friends have found that God is always present and chooses to communicate if we simply listen. Quakers use such terms as "that of God within" and "the inward Light" to describe the presence of this inherent capacity to be in contact with the Creator of the universe. Other common expressions are "the inward Christ," "the inward Teacher" or "the Holy Spirit."
If this reality is taken seriously, it has implications for religious practice. For Friends, worship is based on "waiting" on God, attending to God's voice and direction in the silence of the body, soul and mind—making space for God to communicate through "the still, small voice." The truth of what is communicated is discerned both through the experience of the individual worshiper and that of those in the worshiping community, as well as the written record of God's dealings with humanity throughout history: the scriptures. The experience of "authorities" is not assumed to take precedence over one's own experience of the divine; the scriptures are seen as declarations of the Source, not the Source itself. Outward forms are seen as secondary to a direct and inward experience.
An expression of these convictions may be seen in traditional Quaker meetinghouse architecture. The building is plain, unmarked by anything that would declare it "sacred," as God may be met anywhere. Inside, there is no stained glass, nor are there icons, statues or pictures—nothing to distract one from looking inward. There is no pulpit from which the Word is preached by an ordained authority. Friends understand that Christ is the Word and is present to lead, instruct and direct each worshiper inwardly. Ministry arises out of the silence, as individuals are obedient to the promptings of the Spirit, rise and share. There is no altar where Holy Communion is offered. God is the Real Presence in the midst of the worshipers, communing directly in the silence.
Moments of silence before gatherings. Most meetings, committees and many classes at the College begin with a moment of silence. Along with providing a beneficial space to catch one's breath, focus and prepare for the work ahead, these moments reflect the Quaker commitment of Guilford to the immediate presence of a spirit greater than ourselves that may gather us together in a common search for truth.
Decision-making by consensus ("sense of the meeting"). If each person has direct access to God's truth, then it becomes imperative that each person be given the opportunity to express the truth they may be given; the one person out of many may be the one voicing what the group needs to hear. It is then the duty of the group to discern the validity of expressions in light of members' experience, the group's history and other sources of truth. Decision-making at Guilford is modeled after this process.
Informal worship and worship space. Consistent with Quaker tradition, College-sponsored worship is typically marked by the use of silent meditation, absence of written liturgy and inclusion of a variety of expressions of God's movement in people's lives. Worship spaces are likewise informal and reflective of Quaker simplicity and plainness. Friends avoid the use of outward symbols, focusing rather on an experience of the reality that symbols attempt to embody.
Openness to different ways of expressing revealed truth. While Quakerism is an expression of Christian faith, Guilford encourages and supports the practice and expression of a wide variety of faith traditions on campus. This is not the result of an unthinking relativism but is rather a commitment to experiencing the many ways in which God speaks to and through His creation.
Small seminar and "circle" classes. Student input and discussion is valued in the classroom at Guilford, not only because it is good pedagogy, but also because there is a profound belief that everyone in the classroom has access to truth that may benefit the group.
Do you respect that of God in everyone though it may be expressed in unfamiliar ways or be difficult to discern? Each of us has a particular experience of God and each must find the way to be true to it.
– Advices and Queries #17, Quaker Faith & Practice
The Quaker testimony of equality has its origins in the spiritual experience of Friends that each person has the capacity to know and respond to the will of God. All have equal access to God through the provision within each person of a measure of God's own light. Early Friends found it in themselves when they despaired of any outward authority to lead them into right relationship with God. They found it in others as they shared the experience of God's working in their lives.
Robert Barclay, the 17th century Quaker theologian, expressed in Proposition 6 of his Apology, "There is an evangelical and saving light and grace in everyone, and the love and mercy of God toward mankind were universal, both in the death of his beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ, and in the manifestation of the light in the heart." He goes on to say that this saving light is universal, and that "…if they allow his seed and light to enlighten their hearts, they may become partakers of the mystery of [Christ's] death, even though they have not heard of it."
John Woolman, an 18th century Friend, stated, "There is a principle placed in the human mind which is pure and proceeds from God. It is deep and inward, confined to no religion, nor excluded from any where the heart stands in perfect sincerity." As lived out, this testimony meant that early Friends recognized the equality of men and women in spiritual terms. Women's speaking as public ministers was justified by their possession of God's spirit. Women were encouraged to take an active role in the decision-making of the Quaker movement with the establishment of separate men's and women's business meetings. Culturally shy about speaking in front of men, women were thus enabled to develop their own voice and comfort with exercising authority.
From recognizing the Light in women, it wasn't a leap to seeing it in others who were different from the predominantly European first Friends: the Native Americans who befriended Quakers in the Americas and the native and enslaved Africans who witnessed to a deep and abiding spirit of God in their lives. Friends built the first mental hospital, the Retreat in York, England, to provide a setting for the humane treatment of those formerly locked away as demon-possessed. Friends contributed to a new style of prison, the penitentiary, with the "Quaker model" emphasizing the possibility of redemption and restitution.
Where Quakers are mentioned in social histories of the United States, it is often in the context of reform movements: abolition of slavery, women's rights, Indian affairs, prison reform, civil rights. This work arises out of a deep response to "that of God" in the other, and a desire to remove the impediments to fully realizing our God-given potential. It is also informed by the biblical injunction of equality, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."
First-name basis of all relationships on campus. Friends avoid the use of titles that designate artificial rankings of superiority. Historically, Quakers have used a person's full name in formal address rather than "Dr.," "Mrs.," or "Mr." In informal address at Guilford, all are on a first-name basis.
Absence of a Greek system. Quakers have long opposed secret societies or other organizations that exclude and include based on perceived worth and place in society.
A welcoming and affirming attitude about different races, nationalities, faiths and sexual orientations. Guilford has committed itself to be an anti-racist, multicultural institution, welcoming of a wide variety of people and opinions, including those hired for College positions. There are strong policies in place regarding harassment, and clubs and organizations on campus are required to be open to all. Consensual decision-making encourages participation. Fair labor practices are openly discussed.
Programs and academic offerings. The Native American program, Africana program, international program, Guilford Council on Religious Organizations, multicultural education, community learning, women's studies and courses in queer studies, religious studies and African-American studies, to name but a few, all flow out of a commitment to human equality.
Are you honest and truthful in all you say and do? Do you maintain strict integrity in business transactions and in your dealings with individuals and organizations? Do you use money and information entrusted to you with discretion and responsibility? Taking oaths implies a double standard of truth; in choosing to affirm instead, be aware of the claim to integrity that you
are making.
-Advices and Queries #37, Quaker Faith & Practice
Typically, the concern for integrity is articulated in terms of honesty and truthfulness. Quakers are known for their history of refusing to swear an oath, in recognition both of Jesus' clear statement on the subject ("Let your 'yea' be 'yea' and your 'nay' be 'nay'," Matthew 5:33–37) and of Friends' opposition to two standards of truth-telling.
Indeed, Friends' concern for integrity has been reflected in a reputation for honesty. Quaker merchants flourished, in large part because of their innovation of a single price system for products. Customers knew they could trust the quality of the Quakers' merchandise and that it would be fairly priced. Similarly, Quakers became involved in the banking, accounting and insurance industries as people entrusted their funds to these honest brokers. Barclays, Lloyds, PriceWaterhouse and Friends Provident are results of these financial endeavors.
More than honesty and truthfulness, though, the testimony of integrity points to a fundamental Quaker impulse to "let your life preach," to be authentic enough that others might see what one's beliefs and commitments are by the way life is lived. John Woolman, the 18th century "poster child" for Quaker integrity, writes in his Journal, "The substance of true religion is to harmonize practice with principle." For him, that meant using nothing connected with the slave system he deplored—even wearing undyed clothing to avoid the slave-produced indigos. It meant walking 200 miles of Pennsylvania wilderness at the height of the French and Indian War to meet with Native Americans—because he felt a motion of love toward them.
Thomas Kelly, a 20th century Friend, writes in A Testament of Devotion, "If the Society of Friends has anything to say, it lies in this region primarily: Life is meant to be lived from a Center, a divine Center." The Quaker testimony of integrity might be compared to a circle, the definition of which is "a locus of points, each of which is equidistant from an invisible point—the center." For Friends, God is that invisible Center. The circle of one's life is to be organized around the will and nature of that Divine Presence: a will characterized by the desire for a restored harmony in creation; a nature defined by love. Quaker integrity is about integrating those values into one's life.
The honor code. Students are asked to affirm their honesty on academic work by including the statement "I have been honest and have observed no dishonesty" in the materials they turn in to professors. Implied in this statement is a responsibility to maintain personal integrity and to encourage others to do so. In recent years, Guilford has also been moving toward developing a social honor code, "The Community Agreements Initiative," that would reflect a more authentic attempt to live in community based on shared values and commitments.
The academic curriculum. Quaker principles and testimonies are embedded in the College curriculum, integrating the values of Guilford's heritage into the core mission of the institution. From the introduction of these principles in First Year Experience classes to core requirements in diversity, social justice, environmental responsibility and multicultural awareness, Guilford courses reflect Quaker commitment. Such majors and concentrations as African-American studies, international studies, women's studies, environmental studies, peace studies and other areas reflective of Quaker testimonies give further witness to this integration, as does a focus on interdisciplinary approaches to knowledge.
We are called to live 'in the virtue of that life and power that takes away the occasion of all wars.' Do you faithfully maintain our testimony that war and the preparation for war are inconsistent with the spirit of Christ?
– Advices and Queries #31, Quaker Faith & Practice
For Friends, the peace testimony is not essentially a political statement. It is a testimony to the power of a divine experience that does away with the root of all violence—our own selfish passions—and excites our endeavors to mend the world. When George Fox was approached in prison with the opportunity for an early release if he would serve as a captain in the army, he refused with a response that is now included as a quote in the advice and query above. He went on to say that he knew the origins of violence, citing James 4:1-2: "What causes wars, and what causes fighting among you? Is it not your passions that are at war in your members? You desire and do not have; so you kill. Any you covet and cannot obtain; so you fight and wage war. You do not have, because you do not ask."
The implications for the Christian are clear: simplify your life to remove desires inconsistent with a Christ-centered life; trust God for your needs; seek the good of others; display your faith through works inspired by Christ's example of love.
Ten years after Fox expressed this first understanding of the Quaker peace testimony, the "official" peace testimony was articulated in a declaration to King Charles II of England in 1660: "That spirit of Christ by which we are guided is not changeable, so as once to command us from a thing as evil, and again to move unto it; and we do certainly know, and so testify to the world, that the spirit of Christ which leads us into all Truth will never move us to fight and war against any man with outward weapons, neither for the kingdom of Christ, nor for the kingdoms of this world."
This statement was largely political in nature, in spite of the clearly religious language used to deny war; however, it became a universal principle for Friends during the succeeding two centuries. No Friend could remain a member of the Religious Society if s/he "appeared in a warlike manner," as the Quaker disciplines often put it. Yet on occasion some Friends opted for the subtext of the 1660 Declaration and bore the sword in defense of self and community. For example, several hundred "fighting Quakers," including Greensboro's namesake Nathaniel Greene and seamstress Betsy Ross, supported the Revolutionary War.
The American Civil War helped create a sea change in Quakerism, as many young Friends, caught up in the excitement of the war and committed to the anti-slavery cause, chose to fight on the Union side. After the war, most were taken back into their meetings without the previous requirement of confessing their "sin." The popular revivals of the late 1800s deeply affected American Quakerism and helped sweep away many of the Quaker distinctives, including plain dress, plain speech, silent worship and the expectation of refusing military service.
Expressions of the traditional peace testimony, however, remained in the books of discipline of the various Quaker bodies—and are still there today, even while the majority of Quaker men of military age chose to serve in some capacity in the armed forces during the 20th century. The American Friends Service Committee was formed in 1917 to offer Quakers opposed to war a peaceful alternative. Thousands of Friends were conscientious objectors during World War II, as were many during the conflicts in Korea and Vietnam. Numerous Friends have refused to register with the Selective Service System since the re-instatement of draft registration in 1975. But many more have served in branches of the military, and there are numerous Quaker meetings that have plaques and ceremonies honoring their veterans.
So, is there a consistent peace testimony among Friends? Yes. On paper, at least, Friends have been consistent in expressing the belief that God's will is to bring in "the peaceable kingdom," that swords will be beaten into ploughshares and humankind will study war no more, and that Jesus provided the supreme example of one who willingly bears the cross rather than doing violence to others.
For some, the peace testimony has morphed into political pacifism and social activism. For others, it is an expression of faith in Jesus Christ. Others, still, find the notion of Biblical nonresistance hopelessly naïve in a broken and fallen world. Suffice it to say, debate over the traditional Quaker interpretation of Christian teachings about peace is lively in the wider community of Friends and on campus.
Peace and Conflict Studies. Guilford has a vital, interdisciplinary program in the study of the causes of conflict, conflict transformation and nonviolent direct action, incorporating all of the Quaker testimonies. An active Conflict Resolution Resource Center serves members of the College community and beyond. Co-curricular programs are regularly sponsored on matters of social justice; discourse, rather than debate, is encouraged.
Response to issues of war. During times of war and preparation for war in the United States, the College typically responds with peace vigils, "learn-ins" and speakers and programs articulating interpretations of the historic Quaker peace testimony.
Restriction of military recruitment and education on conscientious objection. By tradition, military recruiters are not invited on campus. Information about military service is available in the Career Development center. Programs on preparing for a claim of conscientious objection to participation in war are offered at the College. Counseling by faculty, staff and students who are conscientious objectors is made available.
Student clubs and activity. Student groups are often active around issues of peace and the active attempt to "remove the occasion of war." The Guilford Action Network, Amnesty International, Quaker Concerns and the Guilford Council of Religious Organizations are among those often organizing activities focusing on nonviolent response to conflict. Student volunteerism in programs of social concern on and off-campus is often related to peace issues and members of the college community are connected with such area initiatives as the Truth and Community Reconciliation Project and the Peace & Justice Network.
Try to live simply. A simple lifestyle freely chosen is a source of strength. Do not be persuaded into buying what you do not need or cannot afford. Do you keep yourself informed about the effects your style of living is having on the global economy and environment?
– Advices and Queries #41, Quaker Faith & Practice
Other than the peace testimony, no other value tends to identify Quakers in the popular mind as much as simplicity. In some people's minds, one is not a real Quaker unless dressed in basic grey with a bonnet or broad brim hat, pinching a penny until it screams, and looking altogether like the Amish.
Indeed, up until a certain time in Quaker history, one could pick a Quaker out of a police lineup by the way s/he dressed. While never actually wearing a "uniform" the way Hutterites or Amish do, Friends were advised to distinguish themselves from "the world's people" by avoiding the changing fads and fashions of popular culture. The dress of one generation became standard for succeeding ones, and plainness was measured, literally, in the width of lapels and collars or in the color of one's clothes. That fell out of custom by the late 1800s, and few Friends today dress distinctively plainly, although most still avoid ostentation.
The real roots of simplicity, however, do not lie in saving money or avoiding a display of wealth—as beneficial as those virtues may be. Fundamentally, the testimony of simplicity is a spiritual one. If the primary focus of a Quaker's life is to harmonize that life around the promptings of the Inward Light, then all that distracts from that focus needs to be pruned away. As Caroline Stephen said in 1890, "In life, as in art, whatever does not help, hinders. All that is superfluous to the main object of life must be cleared away, if that object is to be fully attained." (Quaker Strongholds, 110)
Friends also recognize the interconnection of lifestyle and the impact on others and the environment. If the resources of the world are to be shared equitably, can I continue to consume more than my fair share? If each child is a child of God, and "the earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof," then "living simply so others may simply live" is a spiritual mandate.
One of the linguistic mistakes often made is to say, "Quakers practice a simplistic way of life." To paraphrase the quintessential plain Friend, John Woolman, simple living is not simplistic; it requires a clear understanding of priorities and the discipline to place the proper boundaries on our desires so that all we do and possess may be turned into instruments of betterment for ourselves and the world.
Plainness of buildings and grounds; environmental concerns. While Guilford's campus is among the most delightful in academia, care is taken not to pour money into making a "show" of the grounds and buildings. There are no soaring Gothic structures, no "putting green" lawns, no excessive architecture. Sustainable practices are encouraged to lessen our "footprint" on the earth.
Faculty and student appearance. Some may decry the fact that members of the Guilford community don't tend to "spruce up," to put it mildly, but rather than emphasizing "vain and outward appearances," the College has nurtured an environment that emphasizes inward beauty and qualities of mind and spirit rather than artificially enhanced physical appearance.


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Hi all,
I'm from the UK and want to make a point of coming to at least 1 game a year. Managed to grab tickets to the Greenbay game this year (Nice!) but paid $220 for $110 worth of ticket!! This year I wouldnt mind getting better tickets and buying them legit so no goon makes a quick $$$ where he shouldnt!!
Can someone tell me the best place to get FACE VALUE tickets and when they'll fo on sale for 2013/2014 season?!?


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UNCW Press Release
WILMINGTON, North Carolina – Brett Koehler allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings as William & Mary topped UNCW, 5-1, to even the weekend series between the top teams in the Colonial Athletic Association standings on Friday at Brooks Field.
The Tribe ran its record to 32-18 overall and 15-8 in the league while the Seahawks dropped to 35-16 and 16-6. UNCW still holds a one and 1/2 game lead on W&M.
Koehler (6-3) dominated after allowing a pair of walks in the opening inning. The righthander set the Seahawks down in order from the second through the fourth innings and escaped a jam in the fifth when Michael Bass lined into a double play with the bases loaded.
UNCW's Jordan Ramsey (6-5) lowered his league-leading earned run average to 1.96, allowing a pair of unearned runs on five hits over seven innings. He struck out five and did not walk a batter.
Ryan LaGrange and Andy Austin had two hits apiece for the Seahawks.
Ryan Hissey and Jonathan Sarty also had two hits apiece for the Tribe. Michael Katz had the game's only extra base hit with a double in the sixth inning.
Next up: The two teams close out the weekend series with a 4 p.m. start on Saturday.
How it happened: With the game in a scoreless deadlock in the fifth, Hissey and Sarty reached base with one-out singles. Jackson Shaver then hit a ground ball to first base, but the feed to Ramsey covering was high and glanced off his glove allowing Hissey to score. Sarty came across one batter later as UNCW was unable to complete a potential double play.
Inside the numbers: UNCW was able to get its leadoff batter on in 5-of-9 innings, but moved runners in just 6-of-20 at bats … The Seahawks recorded 10 fly ball outs … Koehler held UNCW to 1-of-7 hitting with two outs … The Tribe landed its leadoff hitter on base just once, a leadoff single in the first by Ryan Brown.
Notes: Ramsey has received just one run of support in his last two starts covering 15 innings with a 0.60 ERA … Terence Connelly and Matt Keeler extended their on base streaks to 20 and 13 games, respectively … The top four hitting spots in the UNCW lineup went 2-for-15.
Tommy Jones Takes First Round Lead in PBA Xtra Frame Wilmington Open
CFCC's Jacque Brown joining Seahawks


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The Manta Sun Shelter by Picnic Time is portable and compact. Designed to set up in seconds, this open-front tent can be used wherever you might need protection against the sun or wind and has a UPF 50+ rating. It also has a built-in floor to act as barrier to the sand, hot cement, or wet grass. A zippered mesh window allows cross-ventilation. Bring the Manta to the beach, the park, or the lake. You'll be glad you did!
86.6" x 47.25" x 39.37" Lightweight polyester shell and fiberglass "wire" frame; Metal stakes and tie-down cords to keep tent anchored; Convenient storage/carry bag with shoulder strap (31.5" diameter x 1.5")
UPF 50+ sun protection rating; Fully-assembled; Easy set-up and take-down; Folds in on itself with a few turns of the wrist and it's ready to be stored away; A double-zippered mesh window.
Please note this is a custom made item and is not returnable or refundable.
This product is direct shipped from the manufacturer's warehouse.
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text:
The Problem With Political Polarization
Ralph Goodale | Posted 02.08.2013 | Canada Politics
Read More: Peter Van Loan, Peter Van Loan Fight, Tea Party, Stephen Harper, Prime Minster Harper, Conservative Party, Canadian Politics, Peter Van Loan Parliament, Political Polarization, Peter Van Loan Politics, Canada Politics News
MPs watched in disbelief last Wednesday as Conservative House Leader Peter Van Loan faced-off against his NDP counterpart, Nathan Cullen, and Party Leader Thomas Mulcair. The altercation followed a fairly minor procedural argument. But it reflects a deeper problem. Since the last election, both the Conservatives and the NDP have pursued a strategy of partisan polarization.


text:
Finstiens bill has no grand fathering and her bill will take away everything
Last Call For Full Capacity Magazines!
The Nanny Statists are on the war path, here in the United States. While their incessant calls for a ban on semi-auto firearms will probably fail, I predict that a bipartisan compromise in Congress will result in a new ban on full capacity magazines. This renewal of the 1994 to 2004 ban will likely have a grandfather clause, but no sunset clause. So TODAY is the day to do your best to round out your family's multi-generational supply of magazines. Even if you' don't already own an AR-15 or and AK-47, buy a dozen magazines for each. And for all of the guns in your battery that can accept 11+ round magazines, consider six magazines per gun to be a bare minimum, and 20 per gun to be a comfort level. Do not hesitate on this, folks. Prices are likely to gallop, once the details of Senator Feinstein's ban bill are announced! And even if common sense prevails in congress, at a minimum we can still expect an executive order that will ban the importation of 11+ round magazines. So this makes buying magazines for your foreign-made rifles (AK, FN PS-90, FN-FAL, FNAR, Galil, HK, etc.) or handguns (Beretta, FN, Glock, HK, SIG, etc.) your highest priority.
Last Call For Full Capacity Magazines! - SurvivalBlog.com
When you're born you get a ticket to the freak show. When you're born in America , you get a front row seat. - George Carlin
Finstiens bill has no grand fathering and her bill will take away everything
Like I said yesterday, I want the NAME of the person who is going to come and actually try to take my weapons. Not the politician's name. They haven't got the balls to try it.
local sheriff, prosectutor, chief of police, they all want power and will be given great latitude. and if you say they won't do that your head is in the sand, the fed's will cut their funding, promise over ride them, take over even
you know their names,
Sprat and sprat1 are one and the same.
-the full ban of all semis and mags parts and ammo will keep being re-introduced till it does pass or they can find a way to force it through.
eventually the USA will be so weak and diluted as to let it through i am afraid.
sort of like how the current administration got in power in the first place --everybody is just looking the other way and let it happen.
the USA is no longer the republic of 1776 it is a new socialist/capitolst nanny state that primarily looks out for big biz and throws a few freebies to the lazy hordes.
the horror is most people in the US now seem to want "a do it all for every one all the time government"--they fail to see that a government that has the power to supply everything to them also has full control over every aspect of their lives. this is not freedom it is a type of enslavement .
we once owned the government and it worked for us.
today all but the very top the elite class --- OWE it.
it is a big shift for all the wrong reasons.
TALK IS CHEAP. IF AN WHEN THE DAY COMES THERE AT YOUR DOOR AT 4 AM AN YOUR THERE IN YOUR UNDER WEAR AN YOUR FAIMILY IS THERE MOST WILL RELIZE THAT THE THERE NOT GOING TO DIE OVER IT AN WILL SURRENDER THERE GUNS.Like I said yesterday, I want the NAME of the person who is going to come and actually try to take my weapons. Not the politician's name. They haven't got the balls to try it.
apex appears to be ut of steel ak mags copes has only the bulgy bho it appears.
i ordered a long wanted saiga 308 mag from csspecs for $44 + 5 shipping 49 dollars for a 15 round mag there out of the 20 rounders. i wanted a 15 any way. i didnt want to buy it now an i sure hope i get to keep it. i only have the orignal 10 rounder so i wan ted to at least have a spare mag. ill worry about the 5 rounder later for hunting or might have toi cut the 15 rounder down in banned.
figured long as people were playing looney tunes i dropped a half dozen new GI ar mags and the same in AK mags at the local shop to co-sign, might as well make some money
I'm glad I sold all my mags last week
Gunco Member #10
The "original" Boltcutter Rivet Squeezers:
Project Pink - the Pink and Blue AK-74:


text:
English Language Studies Center
66 West 12th Street, 6th Floor (Map)
New York, NY 10011
Fall Semester: July 15
Spring Semester: December 1
Summer Semester: April 15
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (MA)
Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (Certificate)
English as a Second Language (Certificate)
ESL + Design (Certificate)
ESL + Food (Certificate)
ESL + Music (Certificate)
The New School offers English language instruction from the low-intermediate to the advanced level for speakers of other languages. This immersion program is taught by ESOL professionals and covers grammar, conversation and listening, and reading and writing.
The School of Language Learning and Teaching offers courses in English as a second/foreign language (ESL) for speakers of other languages who wish to improve their English communication skills. The courses are designed for students attending a college or university in the United States, professionals working in English-speaking environments, and anyone who needs to speak and write better English for personal or career purposes.
The New School awards a Certificate in English as a Second Language to students who successfully complete a minimum of 100 hours of ESL classes. Students work with an English Language Studies advisor to build a full-time curriculum (18 hours per week) based on a selection of courses at the appropriate level. The classes provide intensive instruction in grammar, conversation and listening, and reading and writing. All students who complete the certificate program can expect to emerge with improved fluency and independent learning skills.
Grades of AP (Approved) or NA (Not Approved) are assigned for each course, and certificate students are entitled to a transcript of record. Students who choose not to enroll in the certificate program can register for individual ESL courses, but please note that The New School will maintain permanent academic records only for students enrolled in the certificate program.
All members of our English language faculty are trained and certified professional teachers of English to speakers of other languages. Many are published in the field of language education. Some are credited with developing innovative teaching methods and materials.
All ESL students must contact the Department of English Language Studies for placement advising before they can register for courses. There are no courses for beginners. New students must test at least at the low-intermediate level (level 3). The program can be taken full-time (18 hours per week for 12 weeks) or part-time. International students who are studying English at The New School under a student visa must study full time.
Apply to the Certificate Program in English as a Second Language (PDF).
Tuition is charged per course, and the tuition for each course is stated in the course description. The program can be taken on a part-time basis. Certificate students pay $80 university services fee per semester.
The New School has been accredited by the
Middle States Commission on Higher Education since 1960. For more information, visit
Accreditation and State Regulatory Authorizations. Middle States Commission on Higher Education, 3624 Market Street, 2nd Floor West, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 216.284.5000
See More Events
Read More News


text:
(Photo by Beto Gonzales)
More than 5,000 guests expected this summer at UTSA Visitor Center
By Omar Hernandez
Public Affairs Specialist
(July 3, 2009)--If you happen to notice an influx of visitors on the UTSA Main Campus, here's why. Since May 1, the UTSA Visitor Center has introduced 2,500 potential students and parents to the UTSA experience. The office is expects upwards of 3,000 more students before the fall semester. The Visitor Center sees the extra traffic on campus as an opportunity to make a great first impression.
The UTSA center's main goal is to provide a positive experience for visitors and to answer any questions prospective students and parents have about UTSA. The center staff members conduct tours of the campuses, utilizing their knowledge about every college, department, student service and UTSA event. The tours often are customized for the particular group to enhance the tour experience.
"When parents and students come they have specific goals," says Evelyn Betancourt Martinez, Visitor Center coordinator. "We do our best to figure out what those goals are and make sure we've provided everything to showcase the dynamics of their specific area of interest."
The Visitor Center and the Office of Admissions have dedicated staff that help in the recruiting efforts for UTSA. But, Betancourt says it is important for the UTSA community to realize that everyone should be involved in attracting students.
"If you see a tour on campus -- smile, wave, introduce yourself -- anything like that helps," said Betancourt. "I've been on tours where professors greet the visitors and that is something I've noticed the students and parents really enjoy."
Besides a busy schedule this summer, the Main Campus Visitor Center is adjusting to a new location. The move from the Business Building to the Multidisciplinary Studies Building happened more than a year ago, but this is the first full summer the office is in its new location. Guiding visitors from the parking lot to the center of campus has been the only adjustment, but Betancourt said the new office is bigger and better adapted to receive large groups of people.
Betancourt also is in the process of hiring more student tour guides to help with the large number of visitors they are expecting this summer. To pick up an application, full-time students who would like to be tour guides can stop by the Visitor Center in Multidisciplinary Studies Building Room 2.02.36. Above all, Betancourt wants students who love being a part of the UTSA community.
"If the students are passionate, that message and spirit will convey to parents and prospective students," said Betancourt.
>> For more information visit the UTSA Visitor Center Web site or call (210) 450-5145.


text:
John PenceFor John Pence, the road to becoming the triple threat of chef/proprietor/entrepreneur really began at the age of 20. Growing up in Chester, New Jersey with six siblings and a mother that overcooked most meals, cooking for a living was just not something that initially came to his mind while watching his father barbecuing. While watching the chef one day, John discovered that he had an interest and an aptitude for cooking. The chef quickly recognized the young man's talents and was soon mentoring him. With John's excitement and enthusiasm for cooking growing daily, his mentor encouraged John to apply to the Culinary Institute of America (CIA) at Hyde Park where he was accepted into the two-year program in 1982. There was nothing that John encountered during his two years at the CIA that he didn't love, especially meeting his future wife, Caprial.
When John graduated in 1984, while interviewing for positions in Seattle where he would soon join Caprial. His first position in Seattle was at the French bistro, Crepe de Paris, before being wooed away by Fullers, at that time, Seattle's most prestigious restaurant. After his son's second birthday, an opportunity presented itself to return to Fullers as co-chef with Caprial. Her new celebrity status meant that she was frequently traveling and the restaurant needed another top chef to maintain its consistency. For the next year, the young couple worked side-by-side, sharing the responsibilities of running the kitchen.
In late 1991, John and Caprial, who was pregnant with their daughter Savannah, started looking for a space to launch their own restaurant and simplify their lives. Wanting to move closer to family, he investigated a small bistro in Portland that was up for sale and the Pences took the plunge. As a guiding force in the conception of Caprial's Bistro, John used his business and culinary acumen to oversee the evolution of the restaurant. Focusing on Pacific Northwest seasonal produce, seafood, poultry and game, the multiethnic menu includes many dishes influenced by classic French, Mediterranean and Pacific Rim cooking. From its simple origins in 1992, John has masterminded the bistro's development with his vision and many talents. In 1998, he oversaw the restaurant's expansion to its present size; the staff has grown from eight to 50 employees.
John's business philosophy is based on his own life experience: "create your own opportunities; provide a great atmosphere for people to work and be part of it yourself." With a thriving business, a wonderful family and home, John is enjoying the fruits of his work while giving back to his employees, customers and his community.


text:
Deschutes SO plans DUII holiday enforcement
BEND, Ore. - The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will participate in a statewide traffic safety campaign focusing on DUII enforcement during the 2013 holiday season.
The campaign will run from December 13, 2013 through January 2, 2014. As part of the campaign, the sheriff's office will increase traffic patrols directly focusing on DUII related investigations.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office along with the Oregon Department of Transportation encourages all drivers and passengers to make a conscious effort to use their seatbelt at all times while traveling in a motor vehicle regardless of the distance traveled.
Furthermore, we encourage all drivers to drink responsibly. If drivers intend to drink, please plan ahead and use a designated driver, taxi service, or public transportation.
The Deschutes County Sheriff's Office will be partnering with agencies throughout the State of Oregon for this campaign.


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At some point, most toddlers will develop a fascination with Thomas the Tank Engine. (Check out Sophie's post yesterday for more on Thomas!) For my son Toby, the introduction was the natural progression from my need to buy him books with his name in the title: Toby is a tram engine in the Thomas stories. Then came the wooden toys, the wooden track, the bubble bath, the magazine, the socks and so forth. For me Thomas the Tank Engine evokes the dulcet tones of Ringo Starr, who narrated the series in Britain during my childhood. It brings thoughts of my Great Aunt's house where my cousins and I played, and the stories my family used to tell about working on the railway. Now it will always make me think of that fateful day in May when we visited Thomas Land in England, the day my baby rode on his first roller coaster.
Thomas Land is a small portion of a larger theme park, in the middle of the British countryside. There are rides suitable for all ages, and after measuring my son and realizing he was the requisite minimum height, off to the Troublesome Trucks he went. Troublesome Trucks is a Stell Gerstlauer roller coaster that has been in place only since March 2008. At its highest it is 18 ft tall, and at 755 ft in length it isn't a long ride, though you do get two go-arounds of the track for each ride. Its maximum speed is 20.5 mph and, as I quickly found out, that is fast enough for you to lose a baseball cap.
Continue Reading "Travel Week: Thomas Land Part Two — My Toddler's First Rollercoaster" »


text: A team of JOES in Manila is hot on the trail of an international arms dealer, but find themselves opposed by...Snake Eyes? Back in The Pit, a new enemy reaches from across the world to strike at the home base of the JOES. This is their first encounter with Destro...and maybe their last.


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Home › Forums › General Forums › Philosophy & Technique › Best way to survive bug season?
Feb 19, 2013 at 12:49 am #1299453
Evan McCarthyBPL Member
@evanrussiaLocale: Mid-Atlantic
I wanted to "bug" you all with a new flying insect thread. Anyone have any unique tried and true ways of staying happy on the trail during the height of bug season (say, for gits and shiggles, June in Arctic Sweden).
I'll be rolling with head net and complete net protection at night (inner net and Duomid) but was wondering what else, DEET, light gloves, etc. would help make the trip more enjoyable.Feb 19, 2013 at 5:26 am #1955927
David NollBPL Member
@dpnollLocale: Maroon Bells
I have found shirts that have been factory pretreated work pretty well.Feb 19, 2013 at 5:39 am #1955928
Mike VBPL Member
@deadboxLocale: Midwest
Treat your clothing and headnet with Permethrin, use DEET on any exposed skin. Wear tightly knit fabrics that bugs can't bite thru. Use a netted shelter. Avoid areas where biting insects will be most likely to be, ie. low laying shaded areas, near standing water, etc.Feb 19, 2013 at 5:52 am #1955930
Michael BMember
@mbenvenutoLocale: Vermont
I usually do ok wearing long pants and dense shirt while hiking, as long as you can move fast and it is not too hot. I can't stand wearing a head net, so having a treated bandana to attach to my hat for neck protection can really help.
But where most folks go crazy is cooking and eating. The arctic in June may be even worse than the north woods in June, but either could be miserable. So for paddling trips at that time of year, I take a bug tent of some sort. Being able to throw it over your head, stick your poles in the ground for some support, and being able to eat in reasonable peace is priceless. Even the cheap mosquito nets for beds (Coghlan's for example), don't weigh that much, pack small, and can really make a difference. The bugs will come in under the bottom edge, but once inside will mostly fly up into the corners out of the way. I can't tell if your inner tent is big enough to sit in, and it appears to have bottom, which makes it slightly less useful since you may not want to cook in there, so you may want to try sitting in that, and/or thinking about carrying something more for use while sitting, cooking, and taking breaks.Feb 19, 2013 at 7:13 am #1955965
Miles BargerBPL Member
@milesbargerLocale: West Virginia
I worked for a few years as a guide in Denali. In certain areas at certain times, the mosquitoes were pretty bad.
What worked for me:
- Lightweight, woven long sleeve shirt and pants.
- Headnet (Peter's headnets are the best I've found).
- Light shortie gaiters (otherwise, your ankles will get tore up, even through thick socks).
- 100% DEET on my hands. I prefer not to use chemicals but compromised here. Gloves can work, but you have to go with leather or something with a tight-woven membrane (example).
- Look for higher, drier spots for breaks and camp.
- Take meal breaks when a nice breeze kicks up.
For true arctic travel, many of my friends used and recommended The Original Bug Shirt.Feb 19, 2013 at 1:21 pm #1956080
Stuart RBPL Member
@scunneredLocale: Scotland
Translation required please: gits and shiggles are what?Feb 19, 2013 at 1:39 pm #1956094
Jeremy and AngelaBPL Member
@requiemLocale: Northern California
It's a Spoonerism; the leading 'g' and 'sh' have been swapped among the words.Feb 19, 2013 at 11:09 pm #1956259
Evan McCarthyBPL Member
@evanrussiaLocale: Mid-Atlantic
Well, it looks like I'll need the full litany of items, from headnets to treated clothing to DEET . . . to mental toughness.
Does anyone know what the worst part of the bug season usually is? We'll be hiking the Kungsleden the last two weeks of June. If there is an early spring, I assume it is worse, but if we have a late spring (and colder hike), will this spare us the worst of bug season?Feb 20, 2013 at 8:15 am #1956349
Mark VerberBPL Member
@verberLocale: San Francisco Bay Area
My recommendations are pretty much the same as everyone else's. Tight woven clothing treated with Permethrin. short gaiter to protect ankles. Hat and a headset, I like little fly designs but there are lots of good choices. I haven't found a glove solution I like so I do chemicals here. I typically use >=20% Picaridin which I have found is just about as effective as DEET without that slimy feeling and plastic destroying nature.
As other have noted, pick stopping locations that are up a bit and are have strong breezes. For the end of the day I REALLY like a bug free space, so for me whatever shelter I use has a fully enclosed space that gives me room to move – sit up, eat when there isn't a danger of bears, take a bandana bath. At the end of a long day I am often running hot so it also needs to provide plenty of ventilation, so tarp with perimeter bug netting doesn't work so well. This means either a classic double wall tent, good size bug tent + tarp, or hybrid shelter with lots of netting such as the hexamid (what I use) six moon designs skyscape, etc.
–markFeb 20, 2013 at 8:42 am #1956362
d kBPL Member
Does stretchy fabric such as is used in Dirty Girl gaiters and the like provide ankle protection from bugs, or can mosquitoes bite through that fabric? Now that I am doing more hiking in low top shoes, I probably need to find something to protect my ankles.Feb 20, 2013 at 9:04 am #1956375
jeffrey armbrusterBPL Member
@bookLocale: Northern California
Sun grubbies on your hands are pretty effective for skeeters. Push come to shove I'll spritz the back of the grubbies with deet, which I hate. Then I can remove the grubbies when eating/filtering water.
Sun precautions make a Solumbra drape style sun hat that looks…interesting but boy is it great for mosquitoes. I don't even treat mine with Permethrin. It hangs loose about your face and skeeters can't get to you. Zip it up (velcro)to cover almost your entire face when you enter a swarm and then un-velcro when you've moved on.Feb 20, 2013 at 10:39 am #1956425
Dena KelleyBPL Member
@eagleriverdeeLocale: Eagle River, Alaska
I'm not a fan of DEET or other chemicals on my skin. I go nowhere in Alaska without long pants, long sleeves, gloves, hat and a good head net. I rarely need it (even a light breeze will keep the skeeters away) but when I do need it it's a sanity saver.
I started experimenting with permethrin last year. I can't say I've noticed a difference in how the skeeters behave. Maybe it doesn't affect them.
I carry DEET as a back up. If it were bad enough, I'd use it.Feb 20, 2013 at 10:43 am #1956426
Randy MartinBPL Member
@randalmartinLocale: Colorado
My input would be to focus more on coverage and less on chemical use. It seems every generation has chemicals that are touted for their amazing properties and then 10 years down the road we find out they cause cancer. For that reason I won't use DEET or whatever the latest chemical is if I can at all avoid it.Feb 20, 2013 at 10:54 am #1956434
Brian LewisMember
@brianleLocale: Pacific NW
Michael B, Mark Verber, and Randy Martin capture my feelings on this best.
During the day, if you're a strong enough hiker then just take no breaks, keep moving (doesn't necessarily have to be really fast). Long pants, sleeves, sun gloves, headnet kept handy.
Take a decent length lunch break, in part to make up for no breaks along the way. Ideally somewhere windy, or sometimes you find a spot that's just mysteriously low in bugs and/or the bugs aren't too aggressive. Backup plan: put up your tent!
Evening: eat cold meals only, or if you must, be efficient at cooking the meal quickly. Put up the tent, get in the tent, and stay in the tent. Use a pee bottle. If the bugs are bad enough, skip brushing your teeth for this particular night.
This strategy works best for me when hiking solo, or hiking with one or more hiking partners that have a similar approach. In an ad hoc group setting, if you feel inclined or required to stay with the group, you're sort of screwed — probably need the chemicals.
Look on the bright side: in the comic books whenever someone falls into a vat of nasty chemicals, they always develop super powers, right? !Feb 20, 2013 at 10:59 am #1956438
Brian LewisMember
@brianleLocale: Pacific NW
One more thought about camping in really buggy conditions: if you're the type that is on a regular "#2" morning schedule, dig your hole the night before, unless you're confident that the morning will be too cold for bugs to be out yet.
Very nice in the morning to have that much less time to draw a horde of bugs before you expose all of that skin. It's also a good idea, btw, if you anticipate rain/snow/sleet/hail in the morning, or just cold and/or windy conditions.Feb 21, 2013 at 11:48 am #1956940
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