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|12th Dec 2012, 23:59
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
[Project]: Big Bro' Prodigy (E-ATX mod) FINAL PICTURES: 12th March - 2014
The latest update is 12/03 2013.
Please find it, thanks
Hello and welcome to my project and my build/project log named " Big Bro 'Prodigy ."
In this project, a well-planned and excecute modification of computer chassis named "BitFenix Prodigy" will be performed.
The modification will be performed in a manner so that the end result is something I've never seen before.
I hope you readers will find my project interesting, both the arrangement, modification, the idea and the final product.
To make this project possible, I have a couple of business partners with well-known names.
Let me introduce you to them and thank them for supporting my work and giving me this opportunity:
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
GIGABYTE has provided me with the following product:
AquaTuning have provided me with the following products:
BitFenix has provided me with the following products:Products of at Inet (Swedish retailer).
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Dustin Home has provided me with the following product:
BeQuiet! has provided me with the following product:
Mountain Mods has provided me with the following product:
Thank you again! Without you, this project would not be able to be done.
Photos, videos, and more will reviews of the products will presented in this project.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
"To Do" list:
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
Introduction - What and why? - 9/12 2012
Welcome to my introduction to my project " Big Bro 'Prodigy "!
I will now present my project and tell you what it will be about.
The idea:
What kind of project will I do?
What kind of modification will I make to the BitFenix Prodigy?
The reason I wanted to do a project and a modification of this particular chassis is because I, when it was announced, was very interested in this chassis. In my last project I modified one of the prettiest chassis available in my opinion, the PowerMac G5.
When I saw BitFenix Prodigy, it felt like a "little brother" to the PowerMac G5 because of how the front and handles on the top and bottom looked.
I felt that this is a chassis I want to deal with.
I looked at acquiring myself a m-ITX motherboard but I found nothing that suited me. I am in need of 4x RAM slots (m-ITX has only 2x) and I love overclocking and general stuff with computers, so m-ITX unfortunately was no choice for me.
Many have wished that this chassis would be released as at least m-ATX chassis and I also wished for that because I've got a mATX board.
That's when I figured I should take matters into my own hands and fix me a Prodigy that fits my needs.
But no, I will not modify the chassis to fit a mATX motherboard, sorry guys. Many have guessed at it, and I'll admit, it was actually my first idea for a while. Then, however, Isaw that there is already a guy out on the wide internet that has done this.
I felt I want to be unique and do something that nobody else has done, so I decided to not make a m-ATX chassis by Prodigy.
__________________________________________________ ___________________________
What am I going to do?
Thanks for asking
My modification will become something even greater, something even more extreme and something even more unique.
I'm going in my project and in this log modify a BitFenix Prodigy so much so that it fits with a ..
Wait for it ...
m-ATX ...
and ...
and even ...
You read that right. I'll modify my BitFenix Prodigy so it keeps an almost complete E-ATX motherboards. This is a form factor greater than ATX (which is the motherboard "noramal" size). An m-ITX chassis that will swallow a E-ATX motherboard! >
However, the "standard" for E-ATX is 30.5cm x 33cm, and this will unfortunately not fit physically. I will fit motherboard up to 30.5cm x 28cm, which is larger than the standard "ATX". Many E-ATX motherboards are 30.5cm x 27cm, for example the GIGABYTE GA-Z77X-UP7.
I can, with even more modification, fit a motherboard that is a full size E-ATX, which is 30.5cm x 33cm. I will however not do this, but it is possible with some extending of the case (I wan't to keep the exterior original).
The reason I will perform this modification is because I want to make room for larger motherboards than the intended m-ITX (17cm x 17cm). This is an aesthetically attractive chassis that is very capable of doing much. With the help of my modification, I will be able to get the motherboard that is almost four times as large as intended. Not bad!
The chassis is very popular among enthusiasts and making a modification as extreme like this of this chassis I will be extremely exciting! My goal is to show what the Prodigy can actually go for and what it is capable of.
Hope you do as well and are eager to follow my project log.
Any form of constructive criticism are welcome! Positive and negative.
Thanks in advance
Hope you like it here in my little project log
Best Regards
Last edited by Nikkop; 12th Mar 2014 at 09:08.
|13th Dec 2012, 00:00
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
The Prodigy and emptying it - 13/12 2012
First and foremost, I want to present my latest collaboration partners. It is a reputable company and you have certainly come across their name many times and maybe even used their products.
Let me introduce:
Gigabyte will provide me with a monstrous motherboard, their top model for socket 1155, by the name of GA-Z77X-UP7 .
This motherboards color theme will suit perfectly to my project as I will use hot colors such as - Yellow, Orange and Red.
The GA-Z77X-UP7 also allows for QUAD SLI/CF (four graphics cards ), has dual 8pin for the CPU and holds the world record for overclocking "Intel Ivy Bridge" processor (7.102GHz).
For more information, unboxing, review, overclocking, photographs and use of the product in my modification will happen when I get the motherboard from Gigabyte . Until then, we must content ourselves with excitement waiting for it!
On to some pictures!
__________________________________________________ ______________________
Here I come with an update that will involve:
BitFenix Prodigy
This update will include products from:
Let's take a look at the chassis!
Now that we have seen how the chassis looks like, let's empty it!
__________________________________________________ ________________________
Emptying the chassis
Let's get down to business!
This is how the chassis looks without the side panels and everything else default.
I begin by removing the upper HDD cage. Very easy to do because of the "clips", small handles are pressed together and then goes on to pull out. Very easy and takes a few seconds, no need for screws and the like. Even cradles where the hard drive are placed are made in the same way, nice!
To remove the lower hard drive cage it is required that we turn the chassis over and remove a couple of screws from the bottom. Not too difficult either.
After two hard drive cages are removed I pick off the front panel of the chassis. This is easily done with a pair of "clips" on the inside of the chassis in the front. Poke at them in the right direction and release it. There are a total of 4 pieces.
I also want to remove the 5.25" mount because I do not use an optical drive (I'm a USB-man!) I also need to remove it because of the modification. Simple done with a number of screws on the outside in the front and a few on the inside. (I'm sure you can fix an optical drive mount in another way if you want to follow this project).
The chassis looks pretty stupid and ridiculous without the front panel, so we'll make sure not to lose it!
I then pick out the two included fans. I guess they are 120mm Spectre.
On top of the chassis there is a "fan grill" where you can attach 2x 120mm fans, or an entire 240 radiator for water cooling. We get rid of this one aswell
There, now is the chassis relatively empty! What remains is the motherboard plate for m-ITX motherboard that sits inside the chassis in a rather unique way. This is a rather massive piece of metal. Let's remove this one too!
This motherboard tray is stuck with quite a few rivets. Rivets can be removed easier by drilling them apart, right through it. Then loosens the "head" and pop rivet releases. This is done as said most easily with a drill, but then I do not have such a tool at the moment so I solve using a dremel/multifunction tools and a drill.
Sometimes it happens that the drill stuck, so a real drill is recommended.
This is what the metal piece when it is removed from the chassis and laid on the desk looks likes. Getting it off was a pain, partly because I had the wrong tools, but also my dog got really angry and barked a lot because of the sound of the tool.
Now the case, BitFenix Prodigy, is completely empty of content, and the "body" and the feet are what is left. This gives me the opportunity to start my modification that will happen.
The chassis felt a lot much easier on the weight after it was emptied, which is quite understandable. As we can see in the picture below, pretty much was taken out, everything from the motherboard plate to hard drive cages, fans, front panel, side panels, etc.
__________________________________________________ ____________
That was my update which was about the chassis and the emptying of the chassis. Henceforth modification start and I hope you look forward to it as much as I do!
I'm going tomorrow to record a video and hopefully make an soon. Here, I will show prototype images of how I thought that this project will look like, while I'm in the video will show it "live" and how I'm going to do. I'll embed the video in this projectlog, of course.
We can then using prototype images imagine how it will look like, and thus know how it will be with the finished product!
I'm extremely psyched and looking forward to this project a lot!
If you have questions or concerns, or just criticism, please write in this thread!
Thank you for reading.
See you soon,
Best Regards
|13th Dec 2012, 02:58
Join Date: Apr 2012
Location: Kajaani, Finland
Posts: 87
Nice start, i really wait to see how you are going to fit the motherboard in there :P and i really could learn quite a lot of how to make the "project log" cause it's clean simple and really well made and it tells really much of this mod before even seeing much of the mod
Good luck mate
-Mini-PC http://forums.bit-tech.net/showthread.php?t=248203
|13th Dec 2012, 15:06
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Las Vegas
Posts: 33
I love the wave of Prodigy builds!!! It's such a great case with so much potential!!! Looking forward to the progress of this build. *sub'd*
|13th Dec 2012, 15:23
What's a Dremel?
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: UK
Posts: 6
The prodigy case is a little bit of awesome, personally I think its a shame that so many mods turn the MB on the vertical, I personally would love to see a prodigy mod that keeps the overall design on the horizontal MB layout..
That being said I am looking forward to the rest of your build!
|13th Dec 2012, 15:46
What's a Dremel?
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
I have been build the same setup as you in sketchup. It is possible to do a raven motherboard placement and do 4x crossfire /quadsli.
Even watercooling to everything if 2x2 120 rad is placed in the back of the case.
Looking forward!
|13th Dec 2012, 19:13
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
I focus a lot on having a clean, detailed and professional looking project log. That way people can follow it easily and even perform the steps themselves if they wish to do so
About fitting the motherboard. I planned on releasing another update today with a video but unfortunately my memory card for the camera got corrupt, so I've struggled with it all day
Tomorrow however I'll record a clip and then make an update about it!
Thanks for following this build. I hope you'll like it!
Fitting an E-ATX motherboard in this case is something I look forward to a lot, hope you do too!
Best Regards
|14th Dec 2012, 14:22
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
But why is it a shame to place it vertically, like in a regular computer case?
Placing it like it's supposed to be in the Prodigy, lying down, limits you a lot when it comes to using PCI-E ports and a lot of other stuff. You can't even fit an ATX that way I'm afraid
So to use an ATX/E-ATX you must place it vertically
Oh you have? Cool, haha.
Yep 4x graphics card won't be an issue, neither will watercooling.
I have just recorded some videoclips showing how and what I'll do. I'll hopefully get it edited tonight or on saturday, and the post it here togheter with my prototype images as an update
I would like to see your prototypes too, just too see if we've thought the same or how you've thought If you'd like you could PM me those sketchups.
Other than that stay tuned and look for the updates!
As I said one is coming up today or tomorrow!
Best Regards
|16th Dec 2012, 11:14
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
Here's an update for all of you!
Prototype images and Video - 16/12
Hi! Hope you're all good.
Please enjoy my update and comment!
To be able to visualize my ideas and how this modification is going to end up like I've decided to make a couple of prototype images and a video clip where I explain what I will do.
I've done these so I can show you what I'm going to do in this project log, but at the same time for myself to be able to see what I want the final product to look like.
As you probably know by now my modification will consist of putting an ATX/E-ATX motherboard into a m-ITX case.
Please have a look at my video and my images and you'll find out how I've planned this modification.
Please have a look at my video describing the modification!
First I'll show you the orignal pictures for each part and then my prototypes
Let's start by looking at how the case will look from the front.
I will paint the front panel yellow to match my computer speakers (KRK Rokit G2 5").
At the same picture we see the window on the side that will be fixed as well.
Here's a picture of what the case will look like with the side panel removed.
It's also this motherboard, the GA-Z77X-UP7, that I will use in this project.
We see that the motherboard has been angled 90 degress (compared to "standard). This is a must to fit a ATX/E-ATX motherboard.
I'll have a few centimeters/an inch free of the sides.
This also means that the back of the motherboard (I/O, PCI) will be on top of the case.
With the side panel in spot with a modified window a lot of the computer content will be visible from the outside.
As I mentioned the motherboard tray and all it's I/O and PCI-slots must be on top of the case.
This means I must remove the 120x2 fan spots to be able to fit this tray.
The tray will let me use all seven PCI-slots, which is many more than one PCI-slot that m-ITX motherboards offer.
This is seen from above.
Last but not least we have the backside where the I/O, PCI-ports and PSU are placed.
I will remove this part and replace it with an aluminum mesh with a thickness of 1mm, which I will paint dark gray/black.
The mesh will also allow for good airflow and fans will be attached.
Doing this extreme modification with fitting an ATX/E-ATX motherboard into this case brings a few negative stuff.
I will not be able to use as many hard drives as the un-modified Prodigy can hold. This is because of all space the hard drive cages take.
However, I will be able to fit a few and that's more than enough for me. If you have ten hard drives maybe you have to think it over tho.
These were my prototypes of what the final product will look like.
What do you think about it?
Thanks for reading
Best Regards
|16th Dec 2012, 12:17
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: East Sussex / Swansea
Posts: 293
Looks like a great mod, very ambitious to try and fit that goliath of a motherboard in there! Where will you be mounting the power supply?
Main box: i5 4690K @4.5GHz, Corsair H80, 8GB Value RAM, Powercolor 280X with Kuhler 620 on G10 Bracket, OCZ ARC100 240GB, 2x500GB Seagate Barracuda, Silverstone PS07, Win7
|16th Dec 2012, 12:31
I *am* the guy with two left hands
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Bratislava, Slovakia
Posts: 6,685
I wonder where you will place the PSU. The only place i can think of is above the CPU/RAM area, and use a closed loop with single 120mm radiator or a low profile cooler. But it would make a window option pointless, as it would cover the RAM and CPU area.
|16th Dec 2012, 12:40
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
About the Power Supply.
I have a few ideas and options to choose from. The reason I didn't present any of them in the video and pictures is because I'm not really sure which option to go with.
When I cut the hole for the motherboard tray and when I receive the motherboard (GA-Z77X-UP7), that's when I will be able to try the options out and decide which to go with.
I have to admit, the placement of the power supply is a hard one, but I think I'll manage it just fine
As I said, once I get the motherboard and cut the hole for the tray, that's when I'll present the placement of the PSU, I have a few ideas.
Other than that, do you think the mod will turn out awesome? I hope it does, I'm very thrilled.
Thanks again,
Best Regards
|17th Dec 2012, 13:23
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
Just wanted to let you know I've found the perfect place for the PSU where it wont be seen at all!
I will show you once Im there with the project
Best Regards
|17th Dec 2012, 19:40
What's a Dremel?
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Norway
Posts: 2
Looking forward to it!
|17th Dec 2012, 22:06
What's a Dremel?
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
I like the mesh in the back of the case very much!
I will send the sketchup modul of my version!
|17th Dec 2012, 22:21
What's a Dremel?
Join Date: Dec 2012
Posts: 3
Because of the forum rules, im not allow to PM you before reaching 10 posts
So you are getting a few Pictures here, if it's not okay, i will remove them Again.
Here is a Picture of the E-ATX mobe with 4x 7970
The psu mounting and one of the potential watercooling mounting Places
|18th Dec 2012, 08:48
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
That is exactly the PSU placement I found out two days ago and that I'm probably going with haha
We are thinking the same it seems
I haven't decided where to have my radiator though, I have a few options that I will try out.
Best Regards
|18th Dec 2012, 20:53
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 143
As a recent owner of a Prodigy system I feel obligated to crap myself after having seem your plans, and for the record you've made me feel completely inadequate as my plans for tweaking the case are nowhere near as ambitious.
Bravo! I can't wait to see how this turns out.
|19th Dec 2012, 19:10
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: Sweden
Posts: 146
Recent owner? :O Why did you get rid off your Prodigy?
Thanks again! I just thought that I'd like to do something revolutionary with a popular case like the Prodigy, at the same time as I was disappoint that it was only available for m-ITX.
I hope you find this project interesting enough to follow it!
Best Regards
|19th Dec 2012, 19:23
Join Date: Jan 2008
Posts: 143
Definitely following this build if just to see how the insanity turns out!
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Pain is an extremely disabling condition leading to an annual cost of $65 billion lost in work productivity and 4 billion work days. It also accounts for 40 million visits per year to physicians for "new" pain and $3 billion in sales each year of over-the-counter analgesics. Scientists studying animal models with support from the National Institutes of Health have found that a chemical, called neurokinin A, may be responsible for the body's response to moderate-to-intense pain. This finding, reported in the March 26, 1998, issue of Nature(1), may eventually lead to new treatments for pain.
Under the leadership of Allan I. Basbaum, Ph.D., neuroscientists at the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF) and the University of Minnesota have found that mice with a mutation in a gene that encodes for two chemicals, peptides called substance P and neurokinin A, have a reduced response to increased pain stimuli.
The experiment suggests that these peptides play a role in the body's pain responses and are essential components in the production of moderate-to-severe pain.
"After seeing this change, we now believe that substance P and neurokinin A must work in combination to account for pain responses in the body," said Dr. Basbaum, Chair of the Department of Anatomy and Physiology and the Division of Neuroscience at UCSF.
The scientists interrupted the gene encoding for preprotachykinin, whose peptide products include substance P, long believed to play an important role in pain response, and neurokinin A. They observed that the colony of mutant animals maintained the same response to mild pain as their non-mutant mouse counterparts. The mutant mice, however, exhibited a reduced response when subjected to stimuli producing moderate-to-intense pain. Scientists believe that neurokinin A, along with substance P, is released directly in response to intensified pain stimuli.
The study authors received funding from several institutes at the National Institutes of Health, including the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), the National Institute of Dental Research, and the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Additional support came from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute.
"Although pain can in most cases be effectively treated, it is still a major health problem. More than 50 million Americans are partially or totally disabled by pain, from the occasional migraine headache to chronic back pain to the pain that accompanies diseases such as cancer," says NINDS Acting Director Audrey S. Penn, M.D. "There is a pressing need for more compounds in the arsenal of pain medications available to physicians and patients. This study puts us one step closer to correcting this very serious problem."
Certain chemicals, glutamate, for example, act in the transmission of pain messages by stimulating pain receptors. It has been previously demonstrated that when glutamate receptors are blocked, experimental mice exhibit a reduction in their responses to pain, providing scientists with compelling evidence of the chemical's role in transmission of pain messages.
Together with glutamate, substance P is known to stimulate pain receptors, but its precise action is less clear and its function complex. In the current study, release of substance P and neurokinin A causes inflammation and a pain response that is markedly reduced in the mutant mouse colony. Release of neurokinin A, the scientists believe, is required to produce moderate-to-intense pain.
Neurokinin A is a tachykinin, a type of peptide belonging to a family of chemicals known as kinins. Kinins play a role in inflammation and, in the case of pain, are thought to stimulate pain receptors in the body.
The study authors believe that drugs involved with the release of neurokinin A, called neurokinin antagonists, might one day be used in combination with morphine as a treatment for moderate-to-severe pain.
"There are many factors present in pain perception," says Cheryl Kitt, Ph.D., a health scientist administrator at the NINDS. "This research is a first step in looking at the role of tachykinins in moderate-to-intense pain. Although the findings have great potential for the development of new drugs for treating pain, we still need to investigate the roles of other factors, such as additional kinin genes."
"These results, if demonstrated in clinical studies, might result in a combination of neurokinin A antagonists and morphine for the treatment of moderate to intense pain. Such a treatment would have fewer side effects and would enable lower doses of morphine to be used," said Dr. Basbaum.
The NINDS, one of the National Institutes of Health located in Bethesda, Maryland, is the nation's leading supporter of research on the brain and nervous system and a lead agency for the Congressionally designated Decade of the Brain. The Institute is also one of 21 NIH components participating in the recently-established NIH Pain Research Consortium.
(1) Cao, Y.Q., Mantyh, P.W., Carlson, E.J., Gillespie, A.M., Epstein, C.J., Basbaum, A.I. Primary Afferent Tachykinins are Required to Experience Moderate to Intense Pain. Nature, Vol. 392, March 26, 1998, P. 390-394.
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text:
This will be my Third summer beekeeping. I started with two hives. One is going strong and lost the other one last summer.
It never really did very good. Got plans to buy two more nuc's this spring and hopefully do at least one split from my strong hive
for a grand total of four. I enjoy beekeeping and the way it keeps me in tune with the seasons and the other things that are growing
around me. I am much more serious about keeping bees this year and have started studying and reading more. This forum looks
like a good place for advice and infomation. I hope I can stay active on this bulletin board.


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Notts County manager Kevin Nolan says plenty rests on Saturday's match against Luton - even though his side can no longer go up nor down.
Matt Tootle is looking forward to the challenge posed by promotion-chasing Portsmouth as they visit Meadow Lane on Easter Monday.


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julia the love barb's Blog
Mon, Mar 17, 2014 at 8:24 AM
thanks from julia
thanks for loving me!
Fri, Mar 14, 2014 at 12:19 PM
looking for someone to talk to cuz...
i am back in my sad side again because that bitch can`t stay away from me! i am crying...boohoo!
Fri, Mar 14, 2014 at 12:01 PM
you can call me...
what ever you think fits me:)
Thu, Mar 13, 2014 at 11:22 AM
time to smile and say...
Thu, Mar 13, 2014 at 10:40 AM
feeling so better and loved by you! i feel so special and hot for the first time! LOL! the girl is still being mean but, i am ignoring her:) i love you guys
Wed, Mar 12, 2014 at 10:58 AM
crying and unhappy :(
this is your girl julia and i am not happy at all with school. i am getting bullied and harassed by 2 students. i have tried ignoring,telling my mom and more adults,i have told the vp office and they don`t seem to get why i am not happy at all. please someone talk to me because i need people to talk to. thanks for your support, julia with love
Mon, Mar 10, 2014 at 8:14 AM
anyone up???
this is ur girl julia! this is what makes me sad and happy; i can`t stop myself from being who i am and people hate me right now due to that but, god made me who i am so, here i am. i hate when people bully each-other because then, they bully me too. i came here to make friends and meet new people. i am someone who likes to help people. SORRY THIS IS LONG:) i just cant help but say that...
Thu, Mar 6, 2014 at 12:14 PM
i know this is crae-crae but....
I love all my friends here! love julia! xoxoxo
Wed, Mar 5, 2014 at 7:11 AM
getting sad because...
I`m getting bullied at school and i am not getting help so, i came to everyone here for help. i don`t know why i am getting bullied but, it has been this entire year. almost 10 people are bullying me. what am i? i feel like i am not anything! if you comment on this blog or on my home page, i1`ll email and comment you back. thanks, julia alexander minaj
Thu, Feb 27, 2014 at 7:11 AM
hi my pink friday friends! i have been thinking of you all a lot and i am so grateful i have friends here! if you ever need me, i will be glad to help! xoxoxo julia :)


text: Say,I was wondering if anyone here remembers this Pairs Team,and if so,might know what there doing now, and were they are. Their names were Ashley and Raymand (I think they were a Brother/Sister Team. But I'm not sure). I myself don't remember much about them. But I know they had a Website once and were skating Pairs at 11 and 12 years of age. I'm not sure though what Club they represented or what level they were. But if anyone should know anything about these two. I would really appreciate it. Thanks.


text:
I have a 2006 GMC Envoy Denali and after I put fuel in my electronic fuel gauge and reagular fuel gauge shows that I have not put any fuel into my tank. What do I do? My instrument panel on my driver door goes on and off at the wierdest times while I am driving, what do I do about this?Thanks,Matt
Trip to the dealer?
My 2002 Grand Prix GT had that fuel gauge problem(amoung many other problems) It turned out to be the fuel level sensor. Problem for you is it's located in the tank. On the GP it was inseperable from the pump, so the whole pump must be replaced( I just got rid of the car).The reason I said its location is a problem for you is because on my car the pump access was in the trunk floor. For you there may be a need to drop the tank! I'm not sure on this though so dont quote me. But I would guess a Truck would need the tank dropped if you need access to the pump.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------You should be buying a manual, because driving a muscle car without that visceral command you get from using your left foot to connect that massive engine to the wheels is pointless. DUB Magazine on the Mustang GT 5.0
Hello,my name is ray I have an envoy Denali 2006 with 82,000 miles .my engine light came on and my on star people told me that its a rough acceleration ..can someone help
it sounds like the sending unit... its a part that is in the fuel tank that reads how much fuel you have and sends it to your gauges... it is defective in our vehicle as i have read others online who have the same problem with the sending unit... easy fix, but nothing's cheap...
rlsanchez14:Hello,my name is ray I have an envoy Denali 2006 with 82,000 miles .my engine light came on and my on star people told me that its a rough acceleration ..can someone helphow does onstar know it's accelerating rough?i'm scaredbest take it in, they'll figure out the problem. probably just a dead sensor or something.
--------------------I'm working on a scifi-adventure webcomic!


text: I have an 05 1500 Suburban. Since it's gotten cold, I've started noticing an intermittent buzzing (sounds/feels like a small pump or electric motor) around the driver's side foot well. It seems to only occur when I pull away from a stop, and it hums for about 2 seconds. Any ideas?


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New Misfit Nursery Rhymes Collection, Handwriting Alphabet & Spoonflower Plush!
We are so excited to finally be able to introduce our brand new Misfit Nursery Rhymes Collection!
For those who loved our Dark Fairytales series, and our previous Primitives style series, this is like all of those combined in all the best ways. This series pulls together everything that was both cute and… lets admit it, a little bit creepy about the old vintage nursery rhymes. Wide eyed characters from all your favorite tales are rendered in a beautiful illustrative style that is perfect for kids or folktale lovers alike, stitched in vintage shades and with just that light twist of macabre we so love here at Urban Threads.
Featuring 9 of your favorite nursery rhymes, Mother Goose, the Cat and the Fiddle, Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, Three Blind Mice, Little Bo Peep, Three Little Kittens, Jack and Jill, and Three Men in a Tub, Each design also has a light stitching accent design featuring the name of each famous rhyme perfect for adding that extra touch to your series.
That's not all that's brand new about this collection though. In a fun first, we created three custom plush dolls to match Little Miss Muffet, Humpty Dumpty, and the Cat and the Fiddle that you can get from our Spoonflower store!
Each doll was digitally painted for beautiful print detail that brings each character to life, and they're quick and easy to assemble. Check out this post to see all the dolls and find out how to put them together!
Finally, you've been asking for it pretty much since we began, and certainly after our first Alphabet release… now the Handwriting Alphabet is here! Light stitching and whimsical, this new alphabet was designed to give your embroidered writing a natural, handmade feel. It's available in 1 inch, 2 inch and 3 inch sizes for all your project needs.
If you're wondering how to use our alphabets to create your lettered creations, check out this tutorial to learn about perfect placement techniques. They're the perfect way to add a little ones name to your new nursery rhyme creation!
Pair your designs with a matching plush doll to create the ultimate gift set, or stitch just your favorite designs for one of a kind whimsical creations.
These designs are perfect for creating a whole set of amazing children's decor!
Use your favorite stitched character paired with a framed version of their lighter accent piece for a look that can span the whole nursery.
4×4 versions of each design make them perfect for tiny accents like bibs and onesies, but each design is also available in big and beautiful 6×10 detail.
Just because they're nursery rhymes doesn't mean that everything has to be for kids! The slightly dark vintage style illustrations means they can make beautiful accents and pillows in any room of the house.
Of course, the easiest way to enjoy them all is to just frame up your favorite, and perhaps pair it with his matching doll. Either way these darkly whimsical designs are sure to bring tales of old back to life in a whole new light, and for a whole new generation of fairy tale fans.
So what's the really good news? Well of course, they're all on SALE now through May 20th 2012, with fantastic deals on individual designs and even better deals on packs. That sale includes both the Misfit Nursery Rhymes series and the new Handwriting Alphabet! The sale does not cover the dolls, as they are a special purchase through our Spoonflower store, but each doll only requires the purchase of a Fat Quarter of fabric to create.
So what are you waiting for? Go visit the sale page (or our Spoonflower store) and get shopping!


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Has any one tried and succeed to overwinter small mating nucs in the northern states?
After I was done wrapping my 5 frame nucs, this week I noticed that some of my mini matting nucs were still alive and some still had some honey, they were the ones sold by Bee works in Canada, bigger than Apidea and Man Lake.
At the end of the season I let these small nucs alone. Most were dead and I was cleaning the frames making them ready for next season. In one particular beeyard I was surprised to see that a number of these nucs were still alive and heavy in honey.
I do overwinter plenty of 5 frame nucs but dont have any experience overwintering these matting nucs.
I understand the challenge but has any here in the North tried successfully?


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First, how does the top bar hive differ from other hives in terms of pest problems and pest control? How exactly do you apply whatever pest control is necessary in a top bar hive?
Second, I have seen a lot of conflicting opinions on entrances, bottoms, and ventilation. Thoughts on these three things would be greatly appreciated. I haven't actually built my hive yet, it is still in the planning stages so I want to get everything straight now so I can build it optimally the first time, rather than having to fix it later.
Third, most of the plans that I have seen, including the one that I have chosen, are approximately 44 inches in length. Aside from the awkwardness of it, is there any reason that I couldn't build one larger? 8 - 10 - 12 feet long?


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I woulden't even be against trading up for another pass rusher like Jackson Jeffcoat, if thats who they like.. Sure, we are gonna need a S, but this teams built on pass rush..
But, I still do not trust him as a LDE until I can see him keep contain against the run. It is paramount for a LDE.
Btw, Tuck is not really a "strong side" DE. He is just a LDE. He does not move around based on the offensive formation. However, it is a common term for LDE since most QBs are right handed and therefor most offenses favor the defenses left side, so you arent wrong to use it. I just thought it was worth clarifying.
wow, Stanford beat USC??lol Another game, where its hard to watch as all u see is dropped passes, including about 4for WASH and 3by STAN that would make u wonder how the players are at bigimte college programs.. Ty Montgomery made 2drops that my unborn child could make with his/her hands tied behind his/her back..lol
Ty Mont-loser has pretty much cost em a game.. God some of these idiots are lucky i'm not there teammate.. I would not be Ok with the type of drops he continues to have in such a big game.. I woulden't keep giving him chances either.. Theres another kid sitting on the pine why that bafoon is dropping balls left and right...
Last play of the game for Stanford, and they do what teams do way to much and throw a crazy High arcing lofty pass which is so difficult to complete.. All u have to do is run alittle slant or roll out maybe u get the first with ur feet..etc I'm so sick of coaches calling these super difficult plays.. Why do they think that is such a good play call? Give me a break!
Ok, i've seen it all now! This moron Ben Gardner jumps offsides on 3rd and 5 like a tool and gives Stanford no chance to get ball back..lol I thought these kids at Stanford were smart??lol Holy crap!


text:
List Price: $5,243.00
See Final Price In Cart
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Description & Highlights
Ice-O-Matic 1,054 lb. Ice Flaker Attachment - Silver
Get beautifully-flaked ice with the Ice-O-Matic 1,054 lb. Ice Flaker Attachment (MFI1256R). This ice flaking system allows for up to 1,054 lbs of ice to be produced per day, while the SystemSafe load monitoring system constantly checks workload on the gearbox. This system shuts down before problems arise and develop, preventing costly maintenance and repair.
The built-in water sensor eliminates failures as a result of low or no water issues, and the industrial-grade roller bearings and heavy-duty gearbox helps the system to run for years without any problems. The front and rear air exchanges allow for the machines to be run side-by-side without worrying about obstructed air flow.
Water Sensor:Eliminates low or no water failures
SystemSafe:Featured load monitoring system automatically regulates workload to prevent costly repairs
Quantity:Can produce up to 1,054 lbs of ice per day
- Model: MFI1256RIce-O-Matic 1,054 lb. Ice Flaker Attachment
- Brand: Ice-O-MaticIndustrial-grade roller bearings
- Produces up to 1,054 lbs of ice per dayHeavy-duty gearbox
- SystemSafe load monitoring system9,000 BTUs
- Built-in water sensorAmps: 15.3
- Require remote condenserInput voltage: 230 V/60 Hz
- Stainless steel evaporator and augerWeight: 230 lbs
- Warranty: 2 yearsDimensions: 27" H x 21" W x 24" D
- Height: 27"
- Width: 21"
- Depth: 24"


text:
On this episode of The Young and the Restless, Victoria surprises Billy at work. She is wearing a red wrap dress similar to the ones found below.
Biker Wrap Dress in Black or Red
$445.00$311.50 by Diane von Furstenberg at DVF.com
$128.00$89.99 at Ann Taylor
Merona® Women's Faux Wrap Knit Dress - Red
$29.99$22.49 by Merona at Target
If you think Victoria's dress looks familiar, a reader pointed out in the comments section that Lily previously wore this dress on the February 14, 2008 episode.
(Sorry the picture is so small and not very good quality.)
On this episode, Victoria also wants to make a baby with her husband Billy.
Her black lingerie is similar to the ones found below.
Kiki De Montparnasse Cage Slip
$495.00 by Kiki de Montparnasse at shopbop.com
$79.20 by Triumph at Figleaves
Triumph Shape Sensation Suspender Belt
$36.30 by Triumph at Figleaves
DKNY Camisole, Ravishing Romance 631027


text:
[quote user="JPizzack"][quote user="Kase-1"]

L.I. BBQ Joint Will Pay For Your Super Bowl Party If Giants*Win

Ribs from Smokin Als

BAY SHORE, NY (CBSNewYork) -*The Giants*take on the Patriots in Indianapolis next weekend for Super Bowl XLVI*and there is a party promotion on Long Island*that is almost too good to be true.

WCBS*880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs On The Story

Al Horowitz of Smokin Als BBQ Joint in Bay Shore will reimburse the cost of your Super Bowl party order if the Giants win.

Pick up the food. You put it on a credit card, and if the Giants win, we rip up all the credit cards. We cancel them all out and the food is free on Smokin Als, he told WCBS*880 Long Island Bureau Chief Mike Xirinachs.

LINK: Smokin Als Website

And if thats not crazy enough, Smokin Al himself is rooting for the Giants.

Go Giants. I want them to win. This thing only works great for us if the Giants win, he said.

Smokin Al says itll be a pleasure to lose thousands of dollars in food to his customers.

Smokin Al has a second location in Massapequa Park.

Super Bowl Sunday, both locations will be buzzing, he said. We cook all night. We smoke all night.

Im def getting a ton of food from Smokin Al's, its 5mins from my place and they make the best BBQ on LI by a freakin mile
haha that's pretty ****ing awesome.

The bar i go to happens to be a bbq joint actually. My favorite thing they have there is called PiggyMac....
It's the most bangin' home made mac and cheese ever, with bread crumbs baked on it, served ON TOP OF a ton of bbq pulled pork. the dish is massive and it's so hard to finish. But after eating it the first time, i'm pretty sure any other meal i'll have for the rest of my life fails in comparison. lol
Oh, and they have $5 pitchers of bud light, so that's a win too...haha
[/quote]Mac and cheese rules. $5 pitchers is just icing on the cake. Nice


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Volume IV
The Brighter Choice Charter Schools
What's New
- From the U.S. Department of Education
- From the Office of Innovation and Improvement
- Arts in Education
- Charter Schools
- Publications
- Raising Student Achievement
- Recognizing Achievements
- School Facilities
- School Reform
- Teacher Quality and Development
Innovations in the News
- Arts in Education
- Charter Schools/Choice
- Raising Student Achievement
- School Reform
- Teacher Quality and Development
Companion Charter Schools Bring Brighter Choices to Students and Families in New York
Inside the gymnasium, 35 students parade to the syncopated beat of popular music and their families' applause. Balloons sway tethered to metal chairs and a slideshow is projected onto a large screen, showcasing pictures of the students from their infancy through their current fourth grade year. While students in most other public and private schools in Albany, New York have been on summer vacation for weeks, these students don caps and gowns to celebrate a milestone. They represent the first graduating class from the Brighter Choice Charter School for Boys and the companion Brighter Choice Charter School for Girls. Housed under one roof, these schools share administration and staff, a rigorous instructional design, an extended academic calendar, and the unique distinction as two of the first elementary charter schools in the nation to educate boys and girls in separate classrooms.
The Brighter Choice Charter Schools were born in 2000 when a group of community leaders, parents, educators, and charter school leaders came together to create a high-quality educational opportunity for Albany students who were attending low-performing public schools. The group submitted a 500-page charter application to the New York State Board of Regents and in December 2000, the application was approved. In order to perfect the curriculum and operational design, the schools extended their planning process for a year. In September 2002, the schools opened to 90 students in kindergarten and first grade, most of whom lived in Albany's poorest neighborhoods.
Currently, the combined schools serve approximately 250 students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Both schools consist mainly of African-American students, and although all students residing in Albany are eligible to apply, special preference is given to students from low-income families. As public charter schools, there are no tests or tuition fees required for enrollment. Instead, an open lottery determines admission, and the schools add two classes of 25 new kindergarten students annually. During the 2005-2006 academic year, the schools received 1,100 expressions of interest for 50 open slots.
The Brighter Choice philosophy is one of high academic and behavioral expectations where all children achieve academic success. The schools believe that every student can learn when provided with sound and challenging educational opportunities. The schools also understand that students learn in various ways and at different paces. For this reason, when the schools were created, the founders paid special attention to research that has pointed to the potential benefits of single-sex education, particularly for traditionally under-served populations such as minority and low-income students.
A 1992 report, for example, from the American Association of University Women (AAUW) entitled How Schools Shortchange Girls asserts that girls are at a disadvantage in school because they are called upon and encouraged by teachers with less frequency than their male counterparts in coeducational settings. American University professors Myra Sadker and David Sadker backed this claim in 1994 with their report, Failing at Fairness: How America's Schools Cheat Girls, which was based on a three-year study involving structured observations in more than 100 classrooms in several states.
More recently, reports have focused on the downward trend in performance for boys. Christina Hoff Sommers, resident scholar at the American Enterprise Institute for Public Policy Research and author of The War Against Boys, argues in a new article that America is "strikingly better at educating young women than young men." Ms. Sommers points to minority boys' low scores on the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) and states that today, for every 100 women who earn a bachelor's degree, just 73 men earn one. Newsweek also ran a cover story entitled The Trouble With Boys, which asserts that boys across the nation and in every demographic group are falling behind. The author writes that in elementary schools, boys are two times more likely than girls to be diagnosed with learning disabilities and twice as likely to be placed in special-education classes. A new study by the Manhattan Institute hones in on performance at the high school level, noting that nationwide, only 65 percent of boys in the high school class of 2003 earned diplomas, compared to 72 percent of girls. Leaving Boys Behind: Public High School Graduation Rates PDF, (1.97 MB), reveals that this "gender gap" is even more prevalent among minorities. In 2003, 59 percent of African American girls, but only 48 percent of African American boys earned diplomas. Among Hispanics, the graduation rate was 58 percent for girls and 49 percent for boys.
After taking into consideration the research related to the performance gaps between boys and girls, the Brighter Choice Charter Schools set out to explore gender differences in learning by creating two single-sex schools. Through his research, Cornelius Riordan, an education researcher and associate professor of sociology at Providence College, has found that single-sex education positively effects the academic achievement of both female and male African-American and Hispanic children. According to Riordan's research, the achievement levels of these students in single-sex schools are higher on all academic tests and, on average, these students score nearly a grade level higher than similar students in coeducational settings. The Brighter Choice Charter Schools do not rely on generalizations regarding the abilities of boys or girls, but rather hold all students to the same high expectations for academic achievement and behavior.
Brighter Choice boys and girls take advantage of the same course offerings, and have equal access to the schools' resources, but are grouped separately for the purposes of classroom instruction. Principal Melissa Jarvis-Cedeno notes, "There is a sense of empowerment here. Girls don't feel competitive with boys. Boys don't feel they have to impress girls. Parents know their children are learning." Unlike traditional elementary schools where one teacher instructs all subjects within a given grade level, Brighter Choice teachers instruct only the subjects that they have mastered through post-secondary study. There is a teacher who instructs kindergarten mathematics and another teacher who instructs kindergarten English language arts. The Brighter Choice schools also hire separate teachers for history, science, special education, performing arts, visual arts, and physical education. For most classes, students are based in one homeroom classroom, and the teachers travel to meet the students when specific class times begin.
A rigorous liberal arts curriculum guides instruction, which is tied to grade- and subject-specific learning standards. The schools align their standards with the 28 New York State Learning Standards as well as standards developed by the Core Knowledge Foundation. The concept of "Core Knowledge" was envisioned by University of Virginia linguistics professor E.D. Hirsch, Jr. who posits, "Literacy depends on a shared knowledge…to be literate means, in part, to be familiar with a broad range of knowledge taken for granted by speakers and writers." The Core Knowledge philosophy is based on the idea that sequentially building knowledge helps ensure that children enter each new grade prepared to learn and prevents learning gaps and repetitive instruction. In line with the idea of broad, intensive learning, Brighter Choice students study a wide range of topics in each subject. For example, students examine the classics in their English language arts classes, but also focus on contemporary works by reading William Shakespeare, Robert Frost, Miguel de Cervantes, and Maya Angelou. In mathematics, students learn basic principles, but also focus on the application of mathematics in real-life situations, such as calculating temperatures, distances, speed, and time.
Along with the challenging curriculum, the schools offer an extended academic day and year. Students attend classes each weekday from 7:30 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Teachers also are available on Saturdays to schedule enrichment classes on an as-needed basis for selected groups of students. The academic year runs for 205 days, compared to the average 180 days in other Albany public schools.
The schools are so confident in their instructional approach that they provide families with a unique "Learning Guarantee" not offered by any other public school in New York State. Brighter Choice students who fail any State exam in reading, mathematics, or science after three years of solid attendance are entitled to privately funded scholarships that they may use to complete their elementary education at other public or private schools in Albany. The scholarships are worth the lesser of full tuition, or $2,000 annually. Later this month, the Brighter Choice schools will receive results for their first State exams in English language arts and mathematics.
Based on results from the fourth grade TerraNova exams in September 2005, students at Brighter Choice are experiencing marked academic gains. In 2002-2003, the schools' opening year, girls scored in the 26th percentile in mathematics and in the 41st percentile in reading. By September 2005, girls scored in the 71st percentile in mathematics and in the 66th percentile in reading. Gains also were strong for boys. In 2002-2003, boys scored in the 44th percentile in mathematics and in the 20th percentile in reading. Three years later, boys ranked in the 83rd percentile in mathematics and in the 76th percentile in reading.
As a result of test score gains, a positive school culture, and high attendance rates, the Brighter Choice schools recently received approval from the New York State Board of Regents for a five-year extension of their charters, the maximum allowed in New York. The Regents also authorized Brighter Choice to expand to 250 students each for the boys' and girls' schools.
Due to this expansion, in 2007, the boys' school will move out of the current building to a different facility located less than one block from the original site. This new building was secured through the Brighter Choice Foundation, a nonprofit group that provides fundraising and technical assistance for the two Brighter Choice schools and manages the schools' "Learning Guarantee" scholarship program. The Foundation also has constructed new school facilities for the charter schools it has helped to establish in Albany over the last few years.
The creation of six of these charter schools was aided by the work of the Brighter Choice Public School Choice Project. The Project works to expand public educational options in Albany, as well as in Buffalo, New York, with the intent of effecting widespread school reform across the State. In 2002, the project received a Voluntary Public School Choice grant from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Innovation and Improvement to help achieve this mission. Working with the companion Brighter Choice Foundation, the project has spread awareness about public school choice through television and radio advertisements, brochures, and postcards. Additionally, the project has posted toolkits related to supplemental educational services (SES) on its website so that interested groups may begin the application process to become SES providers in Albany and Buffalo.
Last fall, the Brighter Choice Foundation and the Brighter Choice Public School Choice Project helped open three new charter middle schools in Albany: KIPP (Knowledge Is Power Program) Tech Valley, Achievement Academy, and Albany Preparatory Charter School. Two more elementary schools are slated to open and, in fall 2007, the first charter high school in the city, Green Tech High, will open. Currently, the Brighter Choice partnership works with eight charter schools in Albany. Starting this fall, the Brighter Choice Foundation will offer free, unused space in the new charter school buildings to local SES providers.
Chris Bender, Executive Director of the Brighter Choice Foundation, states, "By concentrating our efforts mainly in one city, the Foundation and the Project have been able to support charter schools by providing start-up capital, new facilities leased to schools at cost, short-term cash-flow loans, coordinated searches for school leaders, and crucial community connections. Additionally, we believe that our approach will maximize the opportunity for sustainable high academic achievement."
Last month, Mr. Bender joined families and graduates of the Brighter Choice Charter Schools to celebrate a successful venture into single-sex education and the bright future of the overall Brighter Choice movement. In the fall, 32 of the 35 Brighter Choice graduates will attend Albany charter middle schools. (Two graduates are moving out of the city and one will attend a private school.) Principal Melissa Jarvis-Cedeno notes, "Brighter Choice is living up to its name. It has taught parents that they have options regarding the education of their children."
- Brighter Choice Charter Schools
- Brighter Choice Foundation
- Brighter Choice Public School Choice Project
- Voluntary Public School Choice Program
What's New
From the U.S. Department of Education
U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings issued a statement regarding the award of 33 new grants totaling more than $20.5 million that will benefit Hispanic-serving institutions of higher education. (Aug. 7)
Secretary Spellings announced new regulations for Part B of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The final regulations further the President's goal that no child - including children with disabilities - is left behind. (Aug. 3)
Education programs in seven states have been selected to receive funds from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Indian Education's Professional Development program. Funds will be used to provide training programs to recruit and graduate new American Indian teachers and school administrators, U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings announced. (Aug. 3)
Secretary Spellings issued a statement regarding the reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Vocational and Technical Education Act. She praised Congress for making needed reforms to the program, noting, "For the first time, Career and Technical Education [CTE] programs will be held accountable for continuous improvement in performance, measured by the academic proficiency of CTE students." (July 29)
Secretary Spellings announced a partnership with states to improve and develop fair and accurate assessments designed for limited English proficient (LEP) students. The Department immediately is inviting about 20 states to work on these assessments, but all states are welcome to participate in the LEP Partnership. (July 27)
Secretary Spellings issued a statement regarding the introduction of legislation for America's Opportunity Scholarships for Kids . The President's proposal would help low-income students in under-performing schools transfer to the private schools of their choice or enroll in intensive tutoring after school or during the summer. Secretary Spellings noted, "We've already seen the power of choice in Washington, DC when we launched the first federally funded opportunity scholarship program. (See Innovator, May 2006) With this new legislation, we will spread that success to communities across the country." (July 18)
At the commencement of the University of Notre Dame's Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Master's Program, Secretary Spellings delivered an address where she discussed the important role Catholic educators play in reaching out to students, families, and communities in need. (July 15)
Teachers who attended the Teacher-to-Teacher workshop in Hopkinton (MA) heard Secretary Spellings deliver remarks regarding the importance of high-quality teaching. Secretary Spellings was joined by Massachusetts' Lieutenant Governor Kerry Healey. Representatives from EMC2 and TechNet, organizations that co-sponsored the session, also were on hand. (July 12)
Deputy Secretary Ray Simon announced the extension and expansion of two supplemental educational services (SES) pilot programs. The pilots, which were initiated by the Department last year, focus on increasing student participation in SES provisions offered under the No Child Left Behind Act. (July 26)
Schools in 13 states and Washington, DC will share $15.5 million in grants from the Partnerships in Character Education Program at the U.S. Department of Education. The grants are designed to help schools implement programs that teach the principles of strong character and good citizenship. (July 26)
According to the newly released Reading First Implementation Evaluation: Interim Report, children in Reading First classrooms receive significantly more reading instruction, and schools participating in the program are more likely to have reading coaches. The report, issued by the U.S. Department of Education, shows significant differences between what Reading First teachers report about their instructional practices and what non-Reading First teachers report who teach in similar Title I schools report. (July 24)
The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) has issued a report presenting information on the postsecondary educational experiences of students from the high school class of 1992 who participated in career and technical education (CTE) while in high school. (July 20)
NCES has released an issue brief that examines how often young children are exposed to arts education in the general classroom from first to third grade. The brief also analyzes the differences in exposure by the children's level of poverty and/or the schools' urbanicity. (July 18)
A new NCES study compares mean 2003 National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) reading and mathematics scores for public and private school students in fourth and eighth grades, statistically controlling for individual student characteristics (such as gender, race/ethnicity, disability status, identification as an English language learner) and school characteristics (such as school size, location, and the composition of the student body). (July 14)
The U.S. Department of Education's Office of Indian Education announced the winners of the 2006 Native American Student Art Competition. Winning entries may be viewed beginning July 17 at the U.S. Department of Education in Washington, DC. In September, the exhibit will travel to the Smithsonian Institution's National Museum of the American Indian. (July 13)
Nineteen school districts in 14 states have received grants as part of the Safe School/Healthy Students Initiative. The program is a joint effort by the U.S. Departments of Education, Justice, and Health and Human Services to support schools in their effort to create safe learning environments that promote healthy childhood development and prevent youth violence and drug use. (July 11)
NCES has created a forum guide that provides recommendations for collecting accurate, comparable, and useful data concerning virtual education at both the elementary and secondary levels. (June 29)
The latest report in the NCES series on dropout rates in the United States has been released. The report is based on several data sources and provides details on high school dropouts and high school completers during 2002 and 2003. The report also traces trends regarding high school dropout and completion, dating back to the 1970s. (June 22)
A new study from NCES presents the averaged freshman graduation rate for public high schools for the 2002-2003 and 2003-2004 academic years. Information in the study is based on data reported by state educational agencies to NCES. Forty-eight states and Washington, DC submitted data. (June 20)
Public speaking engagements for Secretary Spellings and news announcements from the U.S. Department of Education for the month of June, during The Education Innovator's break, are available online. (Aug. 2006)
From the Office of Innovation and Improvement
Five new grants have been awarded under the Professional Development for Arts Educators grant program. The purpose of this program is to strengthen standards-based arts education programs and to help ensure that all students meet challenging State academic content standards and challenging State academic achievement standards in the arts. (Aug. 4)
The Transition to Teaching program awarded 31 grants to assist high-need school districts recruit and retain highly qualified mid-career professionals, paraprofessionals, and recent college graduates who have not majored in education to teach in high-need schools. (Aug. 4)
Arts in Education
The Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum released the second year findings of a three-year study that evaluates the impact of arts education on literacy among elementary school children. The study found that students who participated in the Guggenheim's Learning Through Art program performed better in several categories of literacy and critical thinking skills than students who did not participate in the program. (Aug. 1)
The Education Commission of the States (ECS) has released from the Governor's Commission on the Arts in Education. The report includes a summary of current State arts education policies, a summary of policymakers' perspectives on arts education, current research on the benefits of arts instruction, and recommendations to strengthen arts programming. (July 2006)
Charter Schools
Indianapolis Public Schools Superintendent Eugene White and Decatur Township Schools Superintendent Don Stinson are featured in an interview in the summer 2006 edition of the Greater Educational Opportunities (GEO) Foundation's newsletter, Charter Schools Today. This quarterly publication documents the growth of the charter school movement in Indiana. (Summer 2006)
A new report from the Charter School Achievement Consensus Panel examines existing research on student achievement in charter schools and suggests how future research could be improved. (May 2006)
The Center on Education Policy (CEP) has produced a primer PDF, (1.80 MB), that compiles data, mainly from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). The primer is intended to give background information about public education and encourage interest in education issues and schools. (2006)
Phyllis Blaunstein and Reid Lyon have edited a new book entitled, Why Kids Can't Read: Challenging the Status Quo in Education. The book includes a collection of 12 essays. The essays contain individual stories, information for teachers and parents, and advice for policymakers. An essay by Dr. Sally Shaywitz (see Innovator, June 2006) includes information about neurological research as it relates to reading instruction. (2006)
Raising Student Achievement
The National Association of State Directors of Special Education (NASDSE) has launched a new website featuring recent documents from NASDSE's Project Forum, which is funded by the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Special Education Programs. (July 2006)
World history standards for most States are weak, according to a report from the Thomas B. Fordham Foundation. Walter Russell Mead, the Henry A. Kissinger senior fellow for U.S. foreign policy at the Council on Foreign Relations, conducted the Fordham Foundation's review of States' academic standards for K-12 world history. Mr. Mead found two-thirds of States earn grades equal to a "D" or an "F." Fully passing "A" grades went out to only eight States. (June 6)
Ron Fairchild, director of the Center for Summer Learning at Johns Hopkins University, urges parents to seize "teachable moments" during these hot months when many families are taking trips to the beach. Research shows that students typically lose one to two months of reading and mathematics skills during summer break. In a new handbook, Mr. Fairchild examines high-quality summer programming and reminds parents that summer learning does not have to be expensive or arduous to be effective. (June 2006)
A new report from the Alliance for Excellent Education examines why a plethora of different graduation rate formulas and statistics currently exists. The report also addresses the limitations and benefits of each method and offers suggestions for policy changes. (June 2006)
Recognizing Achievements
ClassLink Inc., a technology provider for K-12 schools, recently announced the winners of its College Scholarship Program. The program is open to high school seniors in participating ClassLink schools. Scholarship selection is based on a written essay, academic standing, extracurricular activities, and recommendations. (June 22)
School Facilities
The American Architectural Foundation (AAF) and KnowledgeWorks Foundation have collaborated to release a new report on school design. The report reflects recommendations made during the National Summit on School Design held earlier this year. (June 12)
School Reform
The Aspen Institute's Program on Education and Society has issued a new paper PDF, The paper draws on the expertise of teachers, principals, superintendents, policymakers and researchers and offers a framework and suggestions for a different approach to high school improvement. (May 2006)
Teacher Quality and Development
The College Board's Center for Innovative Thought is calling for a new "compact" between America and its teachers. In Teachers and the Uncertain American Future PDF, (1.86 MB), the Center proposes the establishment of a public-private Teachers' Trust, which would finance a pay increase of 15 to 20 percent for teachers as well as targeted programs to increase the number of qualified math and science teachers. (July 12)
The Teaching Skills Assessment Program (TSAP) is an online assessment of competencies associated with effective teaching that alternative teacher preparation programs across the country are finding useful. The simulation and scenario-based modules assess novice teachers' existing knowledge and skills as a means to identify their strengths and weaknesses. TSAP was developed by Eckerd College in St. Petersburg (FL). (Aug. 2006)
Innovations in the News
Arts in Education
Puerto Rican artists will work with teachers and students in Springfield (MA) classrooms through the city's "Explorations in Puerto Rican Culture" project. The project aims to create a culturally sensitive curriculum that encourages students and parents to become involved in education. More than 50 percent of Springfield's population is Latino, with a large proportion of that group consisting of individuals from Puerto Rican descent. A new U.S. Department of Education grant will help Springfield launch the program. [More-The Republican] (July 21)
You are sixteen and an aspiring artist. Imagine the thrill of receiving feedback about your artwork from some of the most successful animators in Hollywood. For many students across the country, this dream has become a reality through the work of ACME Animation, a program that uses technology to link professional artists with high school students, and sustains this connection through college . During live telecasts, students present their work to a panel of animators. In order to "earn" a critiquing session with an expert, a student must first review the work of his peers using the tools on ACME's website. Former high school art teacher, Dave Master, and the ACME Network, a nonprofit organization, created ACME Animation. ACME Animation has received a three-year grant from the Arts in Education Cultural Partnerships for At-Risk Children and Youth Program in the Office of Innovation and Improvement at the U.S. Department of Education. [More-Edutopia] (July 2006)
Charter Schools/Choice
The small Persian Gulf nation of Qatar is home to a new charter-like public education experiment. Since 2004, more than 30 autonomous, government-financed schools have opened offering a variety of options to families accustomed to the rigid, highly centralized educational system dictated by the Ministry of Education. Thirteen additional schools will open this fall. The schools operate under three-year renewable contracts approved by a new government entity called the Supreme Education Council. The schools have considerable freedom in design and operation, but must meet standards in Arabic, English, mathematics, and science. [More-Education Week] (July 26) (paid subscription required)
Charter schools are gaining popularity in New Jersey. Thirty groups have applied to open charter schools in the state in the next two years. The application pool is the largest since 1997, the first year charter schools were approved in New Jersey. At least 50 charter schools will operate this fall, serving about 14,000 students. The U.S. Department of Education awarded a $10.1 million grant to New Jersey, one of nine states selected for funding. The money will go to both new and existing charter schools and is aimed at improving instruction, planning, and training. [More-New Jersey Star-Ledger] (July 26)
Charter schools in New York City are outperforming district schools in their neighborhoods, according to the preliminary release of an Education Department report. The report shows that, in 2005, students in 11 of 16 city charter schools outperformed students in district schools on the State's fourth grade English and mathematics exams. The 2004-2005 Annual Report on the Status of Charter Schools in New York State provides information on student enrollment, student performance, and finances for the 61 charter schools in operation during the 2004-2005 academic year. The report also makes recommendations for changes to the State's charter school law. [More-The New York Post] (July 25)(subscription required)
After experiencing success with the Chesapeake Bay Foundation's Bay School Program at Morrell Park Elementary/Middle School in Baltimore (MD), nine teachers banded together two years ago to form their own school rooted in the same environmentally focused curriculum. The Green School of Baltimore will open as a free, public charter school this fall with 60 students. The school will begin with single kindergarten, first, and second grade classes. Over the next three years, the school will add third, fourth, and fifth grade classes, and eventually aims to serve 240 students. The school is already wait-listing kindergarteners and is close to capacity in the other two grade levels. [More-The Examiner] (July 25)
Senators Mary Landrieu (D-LA), Richard Burr (R-NC), and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) praised local education officials in New Orleans (LA) for their efforts to significantly restructure and improve their public schools after the devastation of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. "New Orleans has an opportunity out of this tragedy that no city in America has," said Senator Alexander, chairman of the Senate Subcommittee on Education and Early Childhood Development. Noting that 34 of 57 schools opening later this summer will be charters, the Senator added: "New Orleans will be the leading big city in America creating new charter schools. The idea of giving free market choice to families of New Orleans primarily benefits low-income people because people with money often (only) have those choices." [More-The Times-Picayune] (July 17)
Indianapolis Mayor Bart Peterson's charter schools initiative leverages the power of his office and his accountability as an elected official to make him the only mayor in the nation authorized to create and oversee charter schools. This unique role helped Mayor Peterson win "The Innovations in American Government Award" from the Ash Institute for Democratic Governance and Innovation at Harvard University's John F. Kennedy School of Government. The award is administered in partnership with the Council for Excellence in Government and recognizes local, State, and Federal programs that are creative, effective, meet a significant need, and can be transferred to other jurisdictions. The award comes with a $100,000 prize, intended to help winning programs disseminate their model to other areas of the country. Mayor Peterson's program earned recognition for its novelty, strict evaluation of charter schools (both before and after they are approved), and track record. [More-The Indianapolis Star] (July 10)
Pennsylvania expanded its existing corporate Education Tax Credit Program by $10 million. Two-thirds of the increase will go toward scholarships that will expand educational options for more than 6,000 students in the State. The remaining third will go toward education improvement organizations. Currently more than 27,000 students in Pennsylvania participate in the tax credit program, along with more than 2,200 businesses. [More-Alliance for School Choice] (July 3)
Arizona legislators recently passed school choice measures that would allow low-income, disabled, and foster-care children to receive education scholarships. Each measure provides families with funds that they may use to pay tuition at a school of their choosing, whether it is public, private, or charter. [More-The Arizona Republic] (July 1) (Editorial)
Governor Donald L. Carcieri signed into law the Rhode Island budget for Fiscal Year 2007. The budget includes a tax credit program that the Governor proposed to encourage businesses to contribute to scholarship funds for non-public schools. The tax credit is aimed at providing students and their families with more school choice. [More-State of Rhode Island Office of the Governor] (June 30)
Iowa Governor Tom Vilsack has signed the Educational Opportunities Act (EOA), which will enable thousands of children in the state to attend a school of their parents' choice. The program establishes a 65 percent tax credit for individuals who make contributions to approved school tuition organizations, which distribute scholarships to families. Families then use these scholarships at a school of their choosing. To qualify for the program, families must have an income that does not exceed 300 percent of the Federal poverty level. School tuition organizations must spend 90 percent of funds raised on scholarships, and the scholarships may not exceed tuition at the chosen private school. The program is capped at $2.5 million for 2006, but the cap will rise to $5 million for subsequent years. [More-The Milton & Rose Friedman Foundation] (June 2)
Raising Student Achievement
The Neshaminy School District (PA) is sponsoring special mathematics and reading tutorial camps for the first time this summer, offered through the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment. More than 80 elementary school students and 35 middle school students are enrolled in the five-week program, which wrapped up at the end of July. Classes consist of ten students each, and according to first grade teacher Kristy McDonough, the students are benefiting from the individualized attention. [More-The Bucks County Courier Times] (July 24)
School Reform
Interest in single-sex schools has sharpened with recent reports indicating that American boys are not performing as well academically as American girls. Some of the research has indicated that boys encounter more discipline problems, drop out of high school at higher rates, and attend college in fewer numbers than girls. In this editorial, the author asserts that students perform the best when schools and teachers give each child the individual tools he or she needs to succeed, and that single-sex schools should be allowed to exist if they help achieve this outcome. (See Feature) [More-The Tennessean] (July 24) (Editorial)
"Best practices" used by elementary and secondary schools in 20 states have been pinpointed in a new report from the National Center for Educational Accountability at the University of Texas in Austin. Researchers at the national center based their findings on studies from the last six years that included more than 250 schools across the country. From that initial pool, the researchers focused on 140 schools that consistently outperformed demographically similar schools for at least three consecutive years and across grade levels on State exams. Researchers found, for example, that successful schools anchor their instruction to the curriculum standards in their States, differentiate instruction, and use practices such as "looping," in which teachers stay with the same group of students over the course of two or more years. [More-Education Week] (July 14) (paid subscription required)
What can a foundation with an endowment of more than $29 billion do with an extra $30 billion donation? This question has been circling the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation since last month when investor Warren E. Buffet announced his plan to give the foundation most of his $44 billion fortune. Mr. Buffet's gift will go out in annual contributions of stock from Berkshire Hathaway, the Omaha (NE) company he founded. The Gatses have not offered any specifics for how the Buffet gift may influence their investments in education. Since 2000, the foundation has committed about $1 billion to support the creation of small high schools or the restructuring of large high schools into smaller learning communities. Increasingly, the foundation has been investing money to help urban districts with broader efforts to revise high school curricula and instruction. [More-Education Week] (July 12) (paid subscription required)
Denver (CO) kindergarten teacher, Linda Alston, has won the $100,000 Kinder Excellence in Teaching Award. Named for its donors, Houston (TX) philanthropists Nancy and Rich Kinder, the award is thought to be the largest single unrestricted award given to an American pre-collegiate teacher. The KIPP Foundation, the group associated with the Knowledge Is Power Program (KIPP), administers the award competition. Teachers are eligible to apply who teach in public or private schools where at least half the students qualify for free or reduced-price meals. Ms. Alston has been teaching for 25 years and plans to use her award to visit Martha's Vineyard, attend a Carly Simon concert, and buy orange geraniums for her garden. [More-Education Week] (June 26) (paid subscription required)
Teacher Quality and Development
Christine Hutchins majored in Chinese in college and lived in Taipei for a year. She currently teaches privately at Spaulding University (KY), but is unable to teach Chinese in the public school system because she lacks education courses required for a teaching certificate. Northern Kentucky University is helping individuals like Ms. Hutchins who want to teach in the public schools but lack the appropriate coursework by offering a six-week summer program, which is the equivalent of five graduate-level courses. [More-The Enquirer] (July 24)
Dawn Robertson, who teaches fourth to sixth grade students at the Boston Renaissance Charter Public School (MA), hopes to bring more hands-on experiences into her classroom. "[I'm] basically competing with the video age, so [I've] got to be fascinating," she notes. Ms. Robertson is one of about 250 teachers who attended a two-day, teacher-led session on instructing mathematics and science hosted by the U.S. Department of Education at the EMC Corporation in Hopkinton (MA). This workshop was one of 14 free sessions held this summer that are part of the Teacher-to-Teacher Initiative. Teachers receive hands-on professional development and practical advice from their peers. Presenters share effective practices along with research regarding their effectiveness. [More-The Christian Science Monitor] (July 20)
In an effort to boost mathematics and science test scores and attract and retain teachers in those subjects, Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD) has launched a new initiative. New teachers who are fully credentialed in mathematics or science, or teachers in those subjects who transfer to low-performing schools, will receive a $5,000 recruitment bonus. The incentive program also includes money to encourage teachers to obtain credentials. The district will offer up to $5,000 in reimbursement for education. In addition, a handful of high schools will have a staff member available to support new teachers. This program is open to special education teachers as well, another area of need for the district. The program is a result of a deal between LAUSD and its teachers' union, and is funded by an $11.2 million three-year State grant. [More-The Los Angeles Times] (July 17) (subscription required)
The Teacher Advancement Program (TAP) has been highlighted in Business Week's recent top-ten list of best practices in education. TAP was created in 1999 by the Milken Family Foundation and has received a grant from the Office of Innovation and Improvement's Teacher Quality Programs office. TAP promotes veteran teachers to become mentors or "master teachers." These master teachers work with junior teachers to improve their instructional practices. TAP also promotes performance-based bonuses and encourages schools to use financial incentives to attract mathematics and science teachers. [More-Business Week] (June 26)
Last Modified: 07/10/2009


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Paddling Through The Boundary Waters
Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters • Grand Marais, MN
Escape Kit
- A Four-Night Outfitted Canoeing Adventure for One Adult ($196) or One Child Aged 4 to 12 Years ($98)
- All Accommodations Including the First Night in a Private Bunk House and the Subsequent Three Nights in a Tent
- All Equipment Including a Royalex Canoe, Paddles, Life Jacket, Food, Cooking Equipment, Planned Routes and Maps, Parking, and Post-Trip Showers
- All Trips are Self-Guided without Assistance from Gunflint Staff
- Combine Vouchers to Extend Stay Up to Fifteen Nights
The Destination
Located within the Superior National Forest of northeast Minnesota, the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness straddles the border between the United States and Canada. Here, moose, beavers, and bobcats roam a million acres of pine-filled boreal forests and leafy deciduous woodlands. When it comes to recreation, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing attract winter sports enthusiasts, while the region opens its waterways and trails to canoeing, camping, boating, hiking, and fishing in the clear, cool lakeside air.
The Digs
A corridor into the crystal lakes of Boundary Waters, the Gunflint Trail winds alongside hundreds of rocky shorelines and shaded pine groves. Located 43 miles up this scenic stretch, Gunflint Northwoods Outfitters. Nearly 50 distinct canoe routes wind through this wilderness—one for every skill level. Rustic yet comfortable campsites along the BWCA come equipped with a fire grate and a latrine, so you can pitch your tent and get cooking as soon you pull in your paddles from your self-guided canoe trip.
"This is truly a place to relax, be quiet, and observe nature's beauty...There are lots of hiking trails that lead to great photo opportunities. It's also a bird-watcher's paradise."-- TripAdvisor
escapes 30-day promise
LivingSocial gives you up to 30 days to return your unused voucher for a full refund. Once you've made a reservation, you are subject to the merchant's cancellation and refund policy. If you want to secure your preferred dates of travel, we strongly recommend that you complete reservation with the merchant within 30 days of your purchase—after that, LivingSocial will not issue any refunds.
the fine print
- Limit 9 per customer, additional as gifts; up to 5 vouchers may be combined to extend stay
- Voucher valid for 1 guest
- Multiple vouchers may be used to build a group trip - minimum group size is two (2) people and the maximum is nine (9) people
- Only valid for stays between May 15, 2013 through October 20, 2013
- Reservations required and subject to availability
- Not valid toward existing reservations
- Voucher includes night-before adventure in a private bunk house, four-day/three-night completely outfitted boundary waters canoe trip, Royalex canoes, paddles and PFD vests, tent, pack, food and cooking equipment, maps, route planning, car parking and post trip showers
- Nights must be spent consecutively; all inclusions must be redeemed during one stay
- Merchant cancellation/rescheduling policy and fees apply once booking is made; voucher subject to forfeiture
- Taxes not included; payable directly to the property
- Upgrades available; please inquire with merchant at time of booking reservation
- Incidental charges, charges for additional services and gratuity at the property are not included
- Children must be accompanied by an adult 18 years of age or older
- BWCA travel permit is not included in price; available for an additional $6 fee plus camping fees: $16 per adult and $8.00 per child for entire time in the wilderness
- Maximum party size in the BWCA is 9 people
- These are self-guided canoe trips and are not guided by Gunflint staff
- Other conditions apply • PAID AND PROMOTIONAL VALUES EXPIRES ON October 20, 2013 • PAID VALUE DOES NOT EXPIRE • PAID VALUE EXPIRES ON October 20, 2018 • PROMOTIONAL VALUE EXPIRES ON October 20, 2013 • Enjoy By October 20, 2013
Other conditions apply
Except where noted in the fine print:
• Cannot be combined with any other offer or promotion
• Tax and gratuity are not included
• Merchant is responsible for the quality of the products or services provided to you at redemption
• LivingSocial Terms and Conditions - https://www.livingsocial.com/terms
Original Price:
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Wellmont Health System, United Healthcare reach agreement
KINGSPORT, Tenn. - Wellmont Health Systems has reached an agreement with United Healthcare -- that means patients with United Healthcare's Medicare Advantage plans can continue to use Wellmont's hospitals in Tennessee and Virginia.
That contract was due to expire on Monday. Earlier letters let beneficiaries know that unless something was worked out, patients would not be able to use Wellmont facilities under United Healthcare's insurance.
Todd Norris, senior vice president at Wellmont, told us more about the deal. "We are very happy at Wellmont that we were able to work out something with United Healthcare that would allow a seamless transition and a continuation of care for our patients that have United Medicare Advantage and some of the AARP plans associated with united healthcare," he said.
20,000 patients across our region in Northeast Tennessee and Southwest Virginia use United Healthcare at Wellmont facilities.


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Also know as Yossy or Yoshi, this girl is also looking for excitement and is always fun to be around, there is never a boring moment with her. She loves meeting new people. She is a true friend and you can always count on her for whatever no matter what! She is hilarious,energetic,crazy,loud,fun, There is never a boring moment with this lovable girl even though she has a wild awsome side she can also be sweet at heart, understanding,caring,generous. Anyone would be lucky to have her has a friend. Yossy can easily make friend and charm them with her personality, same thing with guys. She is a beauty, she is beautiful, gorgeous,stunning,phenomal,sexy, all that is of beauty. When having Yossy as a friend never let her go, she is a friend to cherish and if you have her as a bestfriend your the most luckiest person ever.
Yosselyn aka Yossy is thhe bestest friend anyone could ever have.<3
by BeeDuhhVee26 August 11, 2011
Cleveland Steamer Plush
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush
A beautiful girl who takes beautiful pictures. She is not follower but a lover. She cares about everyone and everything. She is really funny and loves to make friends. Yosselyn takes awesome photography and can make anyones day.
by xAnonx13 May 31, 2011
The vengeful act of crapping on a lover's chest while they sleep.Buy the plush


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Million-dollar shoplifting ring busted in Colorado Springs
Five men arrested on felony charges
In November 2012, detectives from the Stetson Hills Division's Property Crimes Unit developed information that stolen property was being sold to a business. The business was identified as Just Computers, located at 2506 E. Platte Ave. Property being sold included items shoplifted from retail stores, property stolen from motor vehicles and property stolen during home and business burglaries.
In December 2012, coordination of the investigation began through the efforts of the Colorado Springs Police Department, El Paso County Sheriff's Office, Fountain Police Department, El Paso County District Attorney's Office, the Safeway Corporation, Home Depot and the United States Postal Service.
This investigation revealed that Just Computers, under the direction of owner, Clay Schaner, would receive stolen property to include retail gift cards, and then re-sell the items mainly on Ebay. Their investigation revealed that over a four year period, Mr. Schaner conducted over $1.3 million in Ebay sales.
The investigation also revealed that Mr. Schaner was the primary conduit for disposing of stolen property in Colorado Springs as well as suspects travelling from Castle Rock, Denver and Pueblo to conduct sales. The merchandise stolen from retail outlets was the result of organized "crews" of shoplifters; this aspect of the operation is still under investigation.
Mr. Schaner was working in conjunction with at least three other individuals to include his son, Clinton Schaner. These individuals conspired to receive, sell and package for delivery, the stolen items taken in and sold on Ebay. Items were shipped all over the USA and there is indication of international sales as well. Evidence obtained established that this was an organized criminal enterprise and the investigation will conclude with the anticipated filing of all charges under the Colorado Organized Crime Control Act.
Earlier today (Friday), 11 search warrants were executed at specific locations; 5 warrants for financial records and additional warrants for web based service records. Arrested during the take-downs were: Clayton Schaner, Clinton Schaner, Caleb Butler, Tommie Bradley & James Driscoll.
Charges include Colorado Organized Crime Control Act/Prohibited Activities {F2}, Money Laundering {F3}, Theft by Receiving {F3}, Possession of a Weapon by a Previous Offender {F6}, Conspiracy {F6} and Theft Detection Devices {M6}.
Literally tens of thousands of dollars worth of stolen property was recovered today. We won't have a total until investigators complete an inventory list.
Further arrests are anticipated but those individuals will not be identified at this time.
This criminal organization provided a lucrative market for the disposal of stolen property as well as providing an incentive for persons to commit property crimes. It has been determined, through interviews and a thorough investigation that the primary motivator for persons doing business with Just Computers was to finance their drug habits.
This was a very complex and extensive investigation relying on the partnership between several area law enforcement agencies and the various private retail organizations.
Investigators are working to identify the owners of the recovered property and return it to them. If the public's assistance is needed to identify the rightful owners, investigators will do so through a future Press Release. Please do not call asking if your items have been recovered.


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RBS Leads European Banks Higher on Preparations for Citizens IPOGavin Finch
Royal Bank of Scotland Group Plc, Britain's biggest government-owned lender, led European bank shares higher as it prepared to sell a stake in its Citizens Financial Group Inc. unit through an initial public offering.
The stock climbed 8.4 pence, or 2.4 percent, to 353.4 pence as of 9:49 a.m. in London, the biggest increase in the 40-member Bloomberg Europe Banks and Financial Services Index. The government paid the equivalent of 502 pence a share when it provided a 45.5 billion-pound ($67 billion) bailout of the lender in 2008.
The lender will announce its intention to sell a 15 percent to 25 percent stake in U.S.-based Citizens when it reports earnings on Feb. 28, said a person with knowledge of the plans. The process will probably take two years to complete, said the person, who asked not to be identified because they weren't authorized to speak publicly on the matter.
"Plans to sell Citizens would probably be taken well by the market as it would potentially enhance RBS's dividend-paying potential and bring forward the likely privatization timetable," Michael Helsby, a Bank of America Corp. analyst, wrote in a note to clients this morning.
Chief Executive Stephen Hester said in August that the bank would keep control of Rhode Island-based Citizens because it's a "core" part of the company that will be more valuable in three years. RBS acquired the consumer and commercial lender in 1988.
The Scottish lender may also announce further cuts at its investment-banking operation to reduce the size of its balance sheet by as much as 30 billion pounds, the Telegraph reported, without saying where it got the information.