text:
Zones will be successfully funded if they reach their goal by June 30, 2018.
Read Baltimore Sun Op-Ed Click Here submitted by members of the campaign. This explains in more detail our campaign and our partnership with the city.
How Can You Participate
Background: This campaign is in response to a survey and community meeting indicating resident dissatisfaction throughout Baltimore with currently available choices for broadband (how you connect to the Internet) and their associated prices. The campaign started in a church basement at a community meeting in Roland Park, it soon spread to multiple communities in north Baltimore and now is citywide. We desire broad participation. This is a grassroots campaign open to all living or working in Baltimore.
Motivating this Campaign
Campaign Goals
Campaign Strategy
Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaltBroadband
For More Background and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you prefer to join by mail, you can do so by writing a check for $10 made out to the Baltimore Broadband Campaign and sending the check along with your name, address, email, phone number to: RPCL Office, 5115B Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at email@example.com
Help bring fiber to your Baltimore neighborhood! Encourage your neighbors to support as well for if you reach your neighborhood goal of 20%, your neighborhood will receive priority in the request for proposal to vendors to create fiber instructure. You will get a big thank you from our team, and your name will be listed as a backer on our website.
I pledged at that level because I feel strongly about the BBC and am happy to help push the effort!
Join at the "Gigabit" supporter level and you will be helping to fund bringing high speed internet to parts of the city that may not have the resources to fund their own neighborhood contribution to this campaign. You will receive special recognition when we reach our campaign goal.
Cheaper faster Internet is not a luxury for businesses, it is a necessity.
Read Baltimore Sun Op-Ed Click Here submitted by members of the campaign. This explains in more detail our campaign and our partnership with the city.
How Can You Participate
Background: This campaign is in response to a survey and community meeting indicating resident dissatisfaction throughout Baltimore with currently available choices for broadband (how you connect to the Internet) and their associated prices. The campaign started in a church basement at a community meeting in Roland Park, it soon spread to multiple communities in north Baltimore and now is citywide. We desire broad participation. This is a grassroots campaign open to all living or working in Baltimore.
Motivating this Campaign
Campaign Goals
Campaign Strategy
Follow on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaltBroadband
For More Background and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you prefer to join by mail, you can do so by writing a check for $10 made out to the Baltimore Broadband Campaign and sending the check along with your name, address, email, phone number to: RPCL Office, 5115B Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at email@example.com
Here's a list of everyone who has backed this campaign.
5:58am March 2, 2016
Today, Wednesday, March 2, 5pm. City Council Judiciary and Legislative Investigations Hearing on Improving Broadband Internet Access in Baltimore. Please attend and bring your comments and questions. City Council Chambers, 4th floor City Hall
Jason Hardebeck
Co-Chair, Smarter City Task Force
Baltimore City Broadband Coordinator
Joseph Carella
Broadband Consultant
Mayor's Office Of Information Technology
Ken Thompson
Chief Information Technology Officer
Baltimore City Public Schools
William H. Cole
President and CEO
Baltimore Development Corporation
Philip Spevak
Baltimore Broadband Coalition
Casey Lide
Principal, Baller Herbst Stokes & Lide, P.C.
Chuck Dobry
CWA member
Deb Tillett
President and Executive Director
Emerging Technology Centers
8:01pm February 21, 2016
Council Judiciary and Legislative Committee Holding Broadband Hearing March 2
All Council members have come together to co-sponsor a resolution, "Improving Broadband Internet Access in Baltimore". Their unanimity speaks to the importance they see for this issue. Please come with your comments and questions next Wednesday, March 2, 5 PM City Council Chambers, 4th floor City Hall, 100 North Holiday Street.
Save Money
While we continue to work to bring fiber into Baltimore, here are 6 ways you can reduce your cost for Internet, phone and TV service until real competition arrives.
Making Sense in this Mayoral and City Council Election The Baltimore Broadband Coalition does not support candidates; but, it's clear the candidates have different positions or in some cases, no position on the important issues of broadband. Ask them the key questions. What is their vision for broadband? How will they bring fiber deployment to Baltimore? How will it be financed? Over what time period? What should be the City's role? Elections matter but only if those elected have vision and the ability to execute.
5:30pm November 29, 2015
The Mayor's Office of Cable and Communications is hosting a public meeting concerning the current renegotiation of the Comcast franchise, this Tuesday, December 1 at 6:30 PM at the War Memorial building across from City Hall. Please attend and give your input and ask your questions.
What Is the Comcast Franchise?
It is a non-exclusive agreement between Comcast and Baltimore City allowing Comcast to provide cable television services. To do so, Comcast receives privileged access to city right-of-way. The current franchise ends in December, 2016.
What Is the Comcast Franchise NOT?
It is not exclusive. Another company could apply for a similar franchise but apparently hasn't. The franchise does not apply to Comcast's provision of Internet or telephone services.
What Does the City Get in Return from Comcast?
Comcast pays 60 cents per cable TV subscriber per month plus 5% of gross revenue for cable TV services. Comcast also pays an additional fee when using city conduit or poles and provides public access TV stations.
What is the Relevance of the Franchise to Broadband?
Some say not very much and stress that the franchise applies only to TV. That isn't entirely true since the cable that carries TV now also carries for most, Internet and/or telephone. To the extent providers like Comcast are exclusive within an area and control content and to the degree services like Internet are bundled along with TV and/or telephone, these huge corporations may exert unfair and anti-competitive pressures. In Baltimore, there is no choice beyond Comcast for broadband. Learn more about this by reading FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler's comments, "The Facts and Future of Broadband Competition."
Are Baltimore Customers Satisfied with Comcast?
The ongoing Baltimore Broadband Coalition survey shows strong dissatisfaction among the 900 Comcast customers who have responded. When asked if they were satisfied with their current cost, performance and customer service, the percent dissatisfied was 75%, 58% and 86% respectively. Most importantly, 96% were dissatisfied with the lack of choice they have in broadband in Baltimore.
Please pass this update on to friends and neighbors.
5:32am August 27, 2015
Broadband Coordinator
Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake announced on Wednesday that Jason Hardebeck will be the city's "Broadband Coordinator". He recently co-chaired the Mayor's Smart City Task Force whose final report was released yesterday. The leadership of the Baltimore Broadband Coalition previously met with Mr. Hardebeck and looks forward to working with him. In a quote by the Baltimore Sun, he said "We're going to develop a strategy to more effectively provide municipal broadband".
Use Knowledge of What Your Neighbors Pay to Reduce the Costs You Pay
See the results from our BBC survey so you know what others pay for triple (Internet, phone, television), double (Internet, phone) and single (Internet alone) "play" options. The variation in cost paid for similar service is striking. Make sure you're not the one paying more. Click here to see those results (choose item 3, "reduce your costs")
11:34pm July 19, 2015
Today, the coalition submitted our ideas on the smart city task force report.
We encourage you to read those comments accessible from the BaltimoreBroadband.org home page
We attached as appendices, the current survey results (now over 1100 respondents) and free text comments of respondents. We believe you will find these interesting.
If you have yet not done so, please let your elected city officials know the importance of this issue to you and to Baltimore City. This is important as the Council and Mayor review the task force report and comments.
11:44am July 12, 2015
The Mayor's task force on smart cities has released a draft report that includes discussion on broadband and they have requested public comment by July 19. You can link to that report at http://baltimorebroadband.org/
We need you to write to your elected officials emphasizing the importance of this issue.
Here are suggested talking points:
Fast broadband is now essential like other utilities such as electricity and water
Broadband is broken in Baltimore
Elected officials must get involved with this important issue. What is critical now is moving from words to effective actions
An entity should be established to lead the city's effort. This can be city government itself but would more appropriately be a non-profit organization recognized, supported and facilitated by the city.
Create a balanced broadband plan. All must benefit.
Work towards an open fiber infrastructure promoting competition among Internet service providers
Understand that deployment of fiber requires public and private investment. Fiber deployment like other infrastructure is expensive but is necessary and economically wise.
You can access the email and mail addresses for the City Council at http://www.baltimorecitycouncil.com/members.htm
You may contact the Mayor at email@example.com or through http://archive.baltimorecity.gov/OfficeoftheMayor/MayoralOffices.aspx
Please copy firstname.lastname@example.com on your submissions.
Congratulations to Guilford. They reached their neighborhood campaign goal this past week! Thanks to Anthony Gill who is leading their effort.
7:47am June 21, 2015
832 have responded to our broadband survey so far. This is what respondents says:
To see the full results with graphics, click here
If you have not yet taken the survey, please do so by clicking here
It's very important for all interested in broadband to join the Baltimore Broadband Coalition. This is an effective way to bring change and to stay up to date on this issue.
Please let your elected officials know your opinion about the state of broadband in Baltimore and encourage friends and neighbors to join our coalition. If you send an email to your elected officials, please send a copy to firstname.lastname@example.com
7:06am June 15, 2015
The city will soon release its broadband taskforce report for public comment. We will alert you when that happens. We need you to let city government leaders know how important this issue is to you and that you back our Baltimore Broadband Coalition.
Below is a sample of comments entered by respondents to our broadband survey illustrating why the issue is important to them and to Baltimore:
What are we waiting for? We need fiber. I would consider moving my company headquarters to Baltimore if the tech infrastructure was in place. I've lived all over the world, and for a developed country we have the worst and most expensive Internet I've ever used. If competition improves the absurd services we're currently offered, I'm 100% in favor.
Baltimore desperately needs to improve its broadband infrastructure and we are so grateful that you are attending to this critical issue.
I am a strong advocate for this cause. Slow and costly broadband service is simply unacceptable and will limit the growth of our city. We need to break the stranglehold of the two big players that now control our broadband service in Baltimore City. MORE COMPETITION IS NECESSARY.
As I near retirement, I know that I will be using the Internet more, I will want to avail myself of newer technologies, and currently, due to the lack of competition, I do not see myself being able to enjoy technology as well or as completely as my friends and family in other jurisdictions. It is particularly a shame since my costs for living in the city are more than theirs. It is wrong.
The city should have better Internet especially for the children's educational purposes, all children deserve access and their lives require this more than ever now.
I'm a candidate for City Council in (edited) District and look forward to being a strong advocate for improved broadband access for Baltimore. I'd appreciate the opportunity for a more in-depth conversation with BBC leaders to better understand exactly what policy changes need to happen at the council level.
It is very important that the City of Baltimore realizes that just because 1000 people signed up {for the campaign} doesn't mean that only these 1000 are interested. The reality is that everybody I know wants it but they have lost hope that it could happen. If it is built I am absolutely sure that at least half of the current hi-speed users would switch to it immediately (at least 100,000 people).
Click here to our web page to take the survey if you have not yet done so.
Punch Through Your Magic Number
Remember that neighborhoods reaching zone goals receive priority in our next step to achieve fiber deployment. Examples of neighborhoods close to zone goals along with their remaining magic number are: Guilford 18, Mt Washington 185, Homeland 69, Wyndhurst 12 and Hoes Heights 49. Check if your neighborhood has reached its goal or encouage friends to join at http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
8:37pm April 12, 2015
We now have been contacted by fiber providers asking for information regarding how they might provide service to the coalition. This is good news and reflects the overall number of our campaign backers (~1000) but also, the sufficient aggregate demand within neighborhood zones to attract investment interest.
We expect to complete and publically release within 30 days, a Request for Information (RFI) to fiber providers to pursue these opportunities as part of a balanced request to reflect the overall goals of the coalition.
We continue to present our ideas to representatives of the Mayor's Office and the Mayor's Smart City Taskforce. The Taskforce is expected to release its report within ~ 1 month along with that of their consultant, Magellan Advisors. As soon as these reports are available, we will update campaign backers since there will be a one month period for public comment. We anticipate that these reports will present the City's view of options and the potential role of local government.
To provide background information for our RFI to fiber providers and to provide additional input to the city process, please take 3-5 minutes to complete our campaign survey available at https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/ZV2Q5Q2
The survey is open to anyone living or working in Baltimore City. Please pass on this update to friends and encourage them to participate and if they have not yet done so to back our campaign by going to http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
8:15am October 6, 2014
The Baltimore Broadband Coalition is visiting the Mount Royal Improvement Association Meeting tomorrow night, Tuesday Oct 7 at 8pm (Memorial Episcopal Church 1401 Bolton Street).
All are welcome.
Spread the word to friends and colleagues. This is a good way for folks to hear our plan to bring competition for Internet servces to Balitmore. We need to stop paying more and getting less for Internet services in Baltimore.
Learn more at http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition Follow us @BaltBroadband and friend at https://www.facebook.com/BaltimoreBroadband
Please ask your neighborhood association to invite us to present our ideas.
11:52pm September 1, 2014
If you prefer to join by mail, you can do so by writing a check for $10 made out to the Baltimore Broadband Campaign and sending the check along with your name, address, email, phone number to: RPCL Office, 5115B Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210. If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at email@example.com
11:37pm August 24, 2014
Getting the Campaign Word Out
We've been asked by the leaders of the Federal Hill organization to present at their community meeting on September 16. We welcome invitations from other organizations with good size meetings. Please spread the word. New backers can join at this link.
Other frequently asked questions about "Speed and Performance"
What speed do I have? Go to "Test Your Broadband Speed" at the Maryland Broadband Map and click on "Begin your Test". Your speed will be measured both in bringing data down and in sending data up to the Internet. Speed is measured as Mbps or how many millions of bits that travel (down or up) per second. It would be smart to check see if your performance matches the speed for which you are paying.
What speed do I need? What you need varies by application, by how many applications are running and by the number of users or family members at the location. The information below is from the New America Open Technology Institute and the CTC Technology and Energy and provides reasonable estimates (The Art of the Possible: An Overview of Public Broadband Options) The table below shows the speeds in Mbps to achieve OK, good and best performance
Download MP3 music
500 MB software
HD Movie download
Video call
Stream HD Video
Online higher education course
Video Conference with several users
What can DSL, cable and fiber achieve? Below are speeds achieved by DSL and cable in Baltimore and in a city with fiber. Note the big differences particularly in upload speeds.
Verizon DSL
0.384 -0.77 Mbps
0.5 – 7 Mbps
Comcast Cable
Not quoted but likely 2-20Mbps
6 – 105 Mbps
Fiber (E.g. Chattanooga)
100-1000 Mbps
100-1000 Mbps
The speed influences how long a task takes. Downloading a HD Movie takes 12-15 hours with DSL, 7-34 minutes with cable and 40 seconds with gigabit fiber. Anyone uploading large amounts of data like photos would notice even greater differences.
We need fiber both to support the needs now and the larger expected needs in the future but we also need a neutral fiber network to allow competition to result in price pressure. Stop paying more for less - spread the word about our campaign.
For More Background and Answers to Frequently Asked Questions
If you prefer to join by mail, you can do so by writing a check for $10 made out to the Baltimore Broadband Campaign and sending the check along with your name, address, email, phone number to: RPCL Office, 5115B Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at firstname.lastname@example.com
10:35pm August 17, 2014
Campaign support continues to build with backers from new neighborhoods joining. Please continue to spread the word.
With many new backers we will continue to answer commonly asked questions.
How is fiber different from cable (Comcast) or DSL (Verizon) and why is fiber deployment critical to our campaign? Fiber optic cables contain small flexible glass strands over which data travels as light. Fiber can be deployed above or below ground. Comcast uses coaxial cable, which you see connecting to your television. DSL uses standard copper phone lines. Both coaxial and copper send data as radiofrequency signals rather than light. Currently, fiber carries data between 20-50 times faster than coaxial cable and typically greater than 100 times faster than DSL. Imagine you wanted to rapidly fill a pool and could choose a fire hose (analogous to fiber), a garden hose (cable) or an eye dropper (DSL). As data transmission requirements continue to increase, fiber is the future. Fiber deployment also increases competition for high speed Internet services. Comcast owns their cable, but fiber will open the market to new Internet providers.
How, where and when will we see fiber deployment occurring? Our campaign is citywide and inclusive; we believe fiber should be deployed to all Baltimore neighborhoods and should occur with every city utility and work project along major corridors. Currently 20-40% of Baltimore residents do not connect to the Internet and we believe that Internet access is a necessity in today's world.
How does this campaign influence the type of fiber deployment? Fiber deployment is not one-plan-fits-all, however. We understand that fiber is expensive and use our Crowdfunding campaign to demonstrate the size and patterns of potential market demand. Where demand is sufficiently strong, we favor immediate fiber deployment; where market demand is less strong, fiber could extend along corridors (so-called middle mile) and then connect to individual homes and businesses (so-called last mile) with other technologies like high-speed wireless. Connectivity is critical even in neighborhoods where demand does not drive the need for fiber connections to all homes.
Who owns the fiber and manages the fiber and what difference does it make? Fiber is organized in cities in multiple models of ownership and management. There are very important tradeoffs. Municipal ownership of fiber offers cities most control (Chattanooga). Private ownership (the Google model) releases control but a city could by so doing reduce its risk and upfront cost. It may also be releasing important revenue streams which is critical. Then there are public-private partnerships. Also important is whether the fiber ownership model allows and facilitates more than one ISP to use it. This article http://nextcity.org/daily/entry/fast-Internet-speed-wifi-municipal-broadband describes what many cities are doing. Our campaign will help to motivate and influence this discussion.
Public Meetings to Explain the Campaign
We are looking for opportunities to explain and answer questions about the campaign. These can be neighborhood association meetings or gatherings in schools, faith based organizations, business meetings or clubs – really any good size meeting (at least ~50 people). Please help us to find such opportunities and share that information with us at firstname.lastname@example.com.
1:07pm July 20, 2014
This week: Baltimore Broadband Campaign (BBC) backer numbers increased to nearly 800; another neighborhood, Keswick, reached its goal; commercial stakeholders now joining the campaign.
With a number of new backers joining the BBC, we thought it useful to review answers to common questions.
Why ask backers to pay $10? To cover the low-budget marketing costs of our all-volunteer campaign. Paying even a small amount shows commitment to potential fiber investors whom we wish to attract. We do pay Amazon, who we use to collect donations, 55 cents for the $10 transaction.
What do I get for my $10? Immediately nothing except becoming another red dot on our map of backers. The campaign strategy is based on what has been true in multiple other cities. Investment comes to those cities showing sufficient market demand. We believe that will be true in Baltimore. So far, three fiber providers have contacted the campaign (two directly and one indirectly through an intermediary). We make no promises to backers but putting in $10 is a good bet unless one is satisfied with the status quo. Our backer numbers also attract interest from our political leaders and this is already happening. Our partnership with elected officials is essential in bringing changes to public policy related to Internet services.
What is CrowdFiber's role? We use the web site CrowdFiber as a platform to sign up campaign backers and as a means to organize our broadband advocacy and funding. BBC is the campaign owner and has been entirely responsible for the community organizing aspects of the project. CrowdFiber is not using the platform to determine demand in any area of the country – only to support its campaign owners' efforts to improve broadband in their areas.
Are campaign funds being used to pay CrowdFiber (or its parent, Civitium) for use of the platform, consulting or other services? No. As an early beta customer for CrowdFiber, BBC has had use of the platform at no cost. Neither CrowdFiber nor Civitium has been paid any fees for the use of the platform or for consulting or other services. CrowdFiber has provided extensive advice, guidance and support to BBC as part of its product development and beta efforts. We thank them.
What can I do to help? Campaign backers remain our best way to spread the word. Talk up the campaign in the neighborhood, at work and wherever you get together with friends.
We welcome any questions and will answer common or important issues on these updates.
When important national issues relevant to the BBC occur, we will alert backers. This week Congresswoman Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn) secured an amendment to the Financial Services Appropriation Bill that would prevent the FCC from using its authority to facilitate community owned broadband. Read about the issue from the International Business Times and from a press release from Congresswoman Blackburn. Chattanooga, in the Congresswoman's home state, has a community owned fiber utility, Chattanoogagig, an example of a municipal broadband utility. The amendment has not yet been considered by the Senate.
10:47pm July 13, 2014
It's been a good week. Backer numbers increased to over 700; the campaign is now citywide. Welcome to backers from Charles Village, Inner Harbor, Federal Hill, Medfield, Hampden, South Baltimore and a number of others.
Last Sunday, the Baltimore Sun published an Op-Ed written by some of our campaign leadership. If you have not already read the commentary, please do (click here). You should also read the response by Tom Coughlin, senior vice president for Comcast in which he claims "Comcast operates in a highly competitive environment". A number of residents responded to Mr. Coughlin. Please read one from a neighbor in Canton.
We need your active involvement. This past week, one member of a garden club in Mt. Washington brought along campaign information and many club members signed up. A board member of the Village at Home, an organization helping seniors safely remain in their homes, brought the issue to her board and all board members joined. These results speak to the effectiveness of individual action and the importance of this issue.
This week, we ask you to look for opportunities like this and send this update to friends and neighbors telling them why you backed the campaign and why you encourage them to do so. Pass on this message widely throughout the city. Below is the key information:
Join the campaign at http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaltBroadband
Friend on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BaltimoreBroadband/
The message is "Bring Competition for Internet Services to Baltimore – Stop Paying More for Less"
If you prefer to join by mail please send a check to the Baltimore Broadband Campaign and along with your check, provide your name, address, email, phone number to: RPCL Office, 5115B Roland Avenue, Baltimore, MD 21210. A minimum contribution of $10 is required to back the campaign but additional contributions are appreciated.
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at email@example.com
12:18am July 4, 2014
There is symbolism in that today, the Baltimore Broadband Campaign goes citywide. Our new zones generally follow the Community Statistical Area (CSA) boundaries developed by the Baltimore Neighborhood Indicators Alliance. Using CSAs allows our campaign more effective use of rich Census data and facilitates our ability to demonstrate that Baltimore is ripe for deployment of fiber optic technology.
Our campaign is inclusive. It is grassroots. Any individual living or working in Baltimore may join.
We have grown to nearly 700 backers over the past few weeks. We ask each of you to be our messenger. Through email, social media and word of mouth please spread the word. We hope champions will emerge throughout the city to lead recruitment efforts in their zones. Volunteers can write to us at email@example.com
Our message is simple: Bring Competition for Internet Services to Baltimore - Stop Paying More for Less"
Join the campaign on line at http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition/
Follow us on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaltBroadband
Find us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/BaltimoreBroadband/
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at firstname.lastname@example.com
9:38pm July 1, 2014
5:42am June 30, 2014
The message is clear; residents want competition for their Internet services and are tired of paying more and getting less than those living in surrounding counties where competition exists.
Your support allowed this initial campaign phase to be successful with over 600 campaign backers. Thank you. Communities including Roland Park, Poplar Hill and Roland Springs have exceeded their neighborhood goal. In Roland Park alone, 255 have joined so far. Other neighborhoods are close to their goal and we intend to help those neighborhoods reach their goal over the next few weeks.
Those who have already supported the campaign ask us, what will happen now? We do not want to promise what cannot be achieved. Tomorrow, your Internet services will likely be the same as yesterday; the only change is that you will represent one of many dots on a map of interested residents. Our campaign strategy is based on what has been successful in other cities. Infrastructure improvement in fiber comes to those cities showing sufficient market demand. We believe this will be true in Baltimore and with the success of phase 1, now is the time to open the campaign to the entire city allowing these added communities time to participate. We expect all participating communities to build support internally with the assistance of the leadership of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign. Our Crowdfiber.com web site requires some changes to allow citywide participation so we expect to open the campaign citywide later this week.
Change will depend on working with our political leaders, which we are doing, and convincing them of the importance of this issue. Please write to your Councilmember and to the Mayor and express your support for the objectives of the Baltimore Broadband Campaign.
We are also reaching out to commercial stakeholders and encouraging them to back the campaign. Slow and expensive Internet, whether at home or at work, is painful.
All of these actions are consistent with the strategy of this campaign; demonstrating potential market interest to fiber providers and working towards an open fiber infrastructure.
Please suggest to those who have not yet joined to do so by going to
If any trouble enrolling, ask for help at email@example.com
Follow the campaign on Twitter at https://twitter.com/BaltBroadband
Or on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/BaltimoreBroadband/
The message is "Bring Competition for Internet Services to Baltimore – Stop Paying More for Less"
6:54am June 28, 2014
You are one of the 220 in RP who has backed the campaign. Thank you. Phase 1 of campaign closes tomorrow night.
Please reach out to friends in RP today and ask them to back the campaign.
Join by going to http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
Many of our other neighborhoods are very close to their goal. More neighborhoods will be joining us.
Please send this message to all on your distribution lists by email or other social media.
You can provide the case for the campaign by using this link http://www.rolandpark.org/Broadband/BBC_Statement.pdf
A link you can print out and provide is: http://www.rolandpark.org/Broadband/BBC_Statement_Print.pdf
We will have an update next week as we proceed to the next stage in our campaign to bring cheaper faster Internet to Baltimore. The news is good.
3:52pm April 10, 2014
12:29pm November 3, 2013
Here is some information to share with neighbors to convince them to back the Campaign.
Cheaper and faster Internet by bringing fiber optic cable to our homes is the goal of our multi-community north Baltimore effort.
On November 3 if you purchased new service in Roland Park for Internet, telephone and television, you would pay $159.99 per month but if you lived in Annapolis, where there is competition, you would pay $99 per month. Add up your bills and see what you pay.
The above prices are for Internet speeds of 50 Mbps (megabits per second download) which are likely faster than what most in Baltimore actually achieve. Test your speed and see if you are getting what you are promised by going to www.speakeasy.net/speedtest
To better understand what competition can accomplish, check out the recent report from the New America Foundation, The Cost of Connectivity, 2013 http://gigaom.com/2013/10/28/more-proof-that-without-competition-u-s-broadband-costs-more-and-delivers-less/
254 have backed the campaign so far. Learn more and join the campaign by going to: http://www.crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
Please address any questions or concerns about the campaign to firstname.lastname@example.com
7:01am October 14, 2013
Some updates related to our efforts to bringer faster and cheaper internet to Baltimore with fiber to our homes.
Kevin Litten, Staff Reporter from the Baltimore Business Journal, summarizes recent news in Baltimore. He references our own campaign and interest by Baltimore City in fiber infrastructure.
What's happening in Austin Texas speaks to the importance of market demand in motivating providers to lay fiber to neighborhoods. Thomas Gryta of the Wall Street Journal reports that ATT will go head to head in competition with Google but will focus their build of high-speed fiber in those neighborhoods demonstrating the most demand.
We have not yet reached our campaign goal to demonstrate sufficient market demand. Please continue to inform neighbors and friends in your communities about the importance of this campaign. Spread the word --- faster and cheaper internet – back the Baltimore Broadband Campaign!
11:25pm September 18, 2013
Hello everyone.
My name is Greg Richardson and I am a co-founder of CrowdFiber. Last night, you received an email from our website indicating that the Baltimore Broadband Coalition (BBC) campaign you backed had ended "on December 31, 2013". As you might have surmised from the reference to a future date, you should not have received this email. It was sent because of a bug in the notification feature of our public beta software. We are very sorry for any confusion this has caused and would like to clarify the status of the campaign and your backer contribution.
First, we want to assure you that the Baltimore campaign you backed has not ended. While yesterday (9/18/2013) was established as the original campaign end-date, your campaign manager (BBC) has elected to extend this date until 12/31/2013. New backers will still be able to come onboard and show their support up until the end of the year.
Second, the email also stated that your credit card would not be charged for the amount of your contribution due to the fact that your campaign's zone (neighborhood), had not reach its goal. This is also incorrect. Your campaign was set up to collect all contributions from backers, regardless of whether a zone reached its stated goal, and these funds will be used by BBC for campaign promotion. For all backers who came onboard prior to the campaign's original end-date (midnight last night, September 18th), your credit cards will be charged early next week.
Finally, we are taking steps to correct the bug that caused this email to be sent, and we appreciate your patience and understanding during this beta perdiod. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me directly at email@example.com or your campaign manager, Phil Spevak at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Greg Richardson
Co-Founder, CrowdFiber
Twitter @crowdfiber
7:13am September 18, 2013
Like probably all of our other backers, I too received a confusing announcement this morning from our partner, Crowdfiber, that our Baltimore Broadband Campaign has ended.
The campaign has not ended and I have contacted Crowdfiber to determine why their erroneous announcement came out. I apologize for the confusion. We now understand how Truman felt when he read he lost to Dewey.
Our campaign originally was to have ended September 19 but all of the organizers decided last month to extend the campaign through December as it is taking more time to explain our message. Many did not know what broadband, fiber, bandwidth, DSL, cable, dish and other such terms meant. Once folks understand the message they have joined.
The good news is that the support is building. We are now up to 25-30% of the way in the larger zones. Also, we have actually had one fiber provider contact the campaign with questions as to the potential for their business involvement. That is huge and a very good sign of what this campaign will eventually accomplish (we told them that we will be in touch as the campaign proceeds).
We do very much need your help since we are still short of our goal and without your help, the campaign may not succeed. If every one of us convinced 3 of our neighbors to back the campaign we would achieve our goal in most zones. Please help. The message is very simple - Back the campaign if you are dissatisfied with existing choices and prices and you want what is available in many communities across the country, fiber optic cable to the home to allow improved performance, pricing, and competition. Baltimore City is surrounded by counties that already have this. Make it clear that by backing the campaign, your friends and neighbors are not obligating themselves to purchase services now or in the future but simply saying they would wish to have the option to consider improved services brought by fiber if they were offfered at competitive prices.
Remember this campaign's success is the first step for releasing a request to fiber providers to asssess their interest in extending fiber to our homes. We need the strength of this campaign to show there is a reason for them to respond.
Use word of mouth, email, facebook, listservs. If you can spread the word in our schools please do as well. Kids doing homework on slow internet especially as bandwidth requirements increase are as affected like those who work from home or those who want better bandwidth for entertainment. We all likely pay more without effective competition.
Again, sorry for the confusion and please help to build campaign support. We all succeed or not on this together.
If anyone has any questions or needs any help in supporting the campaign, they can write to firstname.lastname@example.com
Best wishes,
Phil Spevak
10:36pm September 2, 2013
Only a few weeks to go in the North Baltimore Broadband Campaign. Thank you for your support but we need your help!
While nearly 200 like you have supported the campaign, we are still short of our goal of achieving 20% of households in each neighborhood as backers. Without reaching that goal, you might loose out on the opportunity for improved service if your neighborhood does not achieve the 20% mark.
Please encouraging your neighbors to back the campaign like you have.
Emphasize that in Baltimore, there is currently but one vendor for the faster service options and this impacts the price we all pay and the available options we have to choose. Explain that faster service is available in areas surrounding Baltimore but is unavailable in our neighborhoods.
Explain that by supporting the campaign, residents are only agreeing to consider purchasing improved services in the future if they became available at competitive prices.
Please email and speak with friends and neighbors and encourage them to act by going to http://www.crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
9:54am June 20, 2013
We have had an excellent start! Thanks to all of you for blazing the trail.
Roland Springs is the lead so far followed by North RP and then Roland Park. Good work. Please contact neighbors in your neighborhood and others in the campagin zones. Encourage them to back our campaign. Provide the link to http://www.crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition
Use Facebook, Twitter, Email, and yes, even, face to face. Get info onto listservs.
We need to get to goal. We need your help.
You must be logged in to comment
4:12pm January 7, 2016
Is the BBC looking into how new G.Fast technology could be helpful with pushing the broadband issue with Baltimore?
8:02am June 28, 2015
Can't seem to become a backer. The "Check Address" button doesn't work, just keeps going around ~ never loads.
3:17pm June 15, 2015
Julie, we'd welcome your support and are sorry if you had a problem doing so. Please send an email to firstname.lastname@example.com and we will help. We are not aware of problems with the Amazon payment portal.
3:10pm June 15, 2015
I'd like to support this but your Amazon payment portal is broken. I'm happy to put the word out on the Mt. Washington Google group, but not until people can actually sign up and support it.
7:11pm November 12, 2014
Thank you for starting this campaign. The city needs more options for internet. Comcast is ripping off people and it needs to stop.
11:40pm June 26, 2014
As phase 1 of our campaign draws towards its close over the next few days, we really need your help by finding a few friends and influencing them to join you in backing the campaign. They can enroll by going to http://crowdfiber.com/campaigns/baltimore-broadband-coalition Over 500 have joined so far and many of our neighborhoods are very close to their goal. Other neighborhoods are interested to join us. Also please send this message to all on your distribution lists by email or other social media. You can provide the case for the campaign by using this link http://www.rolandpark.org/Broadband/BBC_Statement.pdf A link you can print out and provide is: http://www.rolandpark.org/Broadband/BBC_Statement_Print.pdf We will have an update next week as we proceed to the next stage in our campaign to bring cheaper faster Internet to Baltimore. The news is good.
10:53am March 29, 2014
Emil, We hoped from the beginning that interest in the broadband campaign would spread to other communities who saw the importance of this issue. In fact, other communities have come on board since we started. If Charles Village or other communities wish to join, we do require the backing of the neighborhood organization for that community and we need a small group of committed volunteers within the community to lead their effort. Please write to email@example.com if those conditions are present or you need more information. We welcome your interest and agree Charles Village with the density of housing would be a good source of campaign backers.
11:33pm March 24, 2014
Could Charles Village be added as a zone of the campaign? I think you might find supporters. I wish you success in your neighborhoods!
8:53pm February 27, 2014
Joe, our campaign also believes there is a "tipping point" at which fiber providers may wish to invest in Baltimore. As you read over our BCC material on Crowdfiber you can see we see that tipping point at around 20% of homes in our neighborhoods and in fact, this is the goal for each of our neighborhoods. Roland Springs has reached their goal and Roland Park and Guilford are at over half way. So far, one fiber provider has already contacted the campaign and we know of another that has inquired about investing. Showing sufficient aggregate market demand is critical. We can use all current backers to "call a friend' in their neighborhood and encourage them to come on board. Thanks for your support.
6:19pm February 27, 2014
I'm new to this site and it is certainly a worthy cause, but I have 1 suggestion/comment. Google Fiber and C Spire's FTTH projects in Mississippi both rely on achieving a certain percentage of homes in a neighborhood ("fiberhood in Google Fiber parlance) to sign up and commit in advance. These "pre-subscription" thresholds are usually in the 30% - 45% of homes passed range. It would seem that any serious potential provider of a new FTTH network in these areas of Baltimore would require something fairly close to the same 30%- 45% thresholds to be met. It does not appear that the current BBC campaign is measuring the same type of percentage thresholds. There would probably also be a certain minimal critical mass of homes "committed" that would need to be achieved to make a project of this type financially feasible, perhaps in the multiple tens of thousands of homes range. Am I missing something? Thanks.
3:43pm January 5, 2014
Raul, yes, we would very much welcome the ideas and the involvement of students from Poly and from the other schools in the campaign area. You or interested students can write to email@example.com and we can coordinate. Students and our existing campaign backers may be interested to look at the link below. The US Chamber of Commerce spoke to the transformative potential of broadband on education. http://www.uschamber.com/sites/default/files/about/US_Chamber_Paper_on_Broadband_and_Education.pdf Phil Spevak
10:51am January 4, 2014
Has there been any thoughts about involving Polytechnic students in this effort? These young men are out future technical leaders. They may have innovative ideas and surely will learn something, too,
10:26am September 3, 2013
Hello, I want to voice my support for broadband installation. Our household will sign up for BB if it becomes available.
8:17am July 8, 2013
Stan Wilson, the campaign now shows the correct $ amount raised. We have also decided to make a change to display the $ amount raised broken down for each zone. Previously, $ amount raised for zones was only displayed for zones that had a goal-type of "$ amount raised." I agree with you that it would be helpful to also view this for campaigns (like Baltimore) where zone goals are defined by people-count. Thank you for your feedback on this issue.
12:21pm July 7, 2013
John Moy, in response to your other two questions: 1. $10 covers some campaign costs and it demonstrates the interest of a neighborhood. I get that. Why charge at all when there's no promise of improved service? Our multi-community effort is all volunteer but we do have small costs to cover in the RFP development and execution. We hope this tiny $10 backing charge will not influence those who are interested. 2. Is there any likelihood Verizon will install FIOS in Balt City? Is this part of the goal? Is having Comcast change to fiber a possibility? Is this part of the goal? Both are technically possible but at our community meeting, both Verizon and Comcast representatives participated and neither spoke of plans to lay fiber. The goal of our campaign is fiber to the home and is not directed towards any single provider. If Verizon or Comcast shows interest that's good but is not essential. We wish for competition. Most residents probably do now know that there are over 800 companies nationally that can place fiber and in this area, we are fortunate to have multiple potential providers. John, please join our campaign as we work towards 20%.
12:14pm July 7, 2013
John Moy, in response to your first two questions: 1. What happens once the 20% campaign goal for a neighborhood is reached? A request for proposals will be released to fiber service providers Participating neighborhoods reaching their 20% goal will receive priority in the RFP. 2. Is there any guarantee of upgraded service to that neighborhood at that point? No but experts have advised our campaign that if at least 20% of households demonstrate interest in fiber that that can be the tipping point in attracting provider interest to lay the fiber. Once the fiber is in place, ISPs then have the opportunity to compete for provision of services which we believe is critical. The consumer doesn't pay until the new services are offered. While we make no guarantee of success, you have to ask yourself if the status quo is sufficient for you. We believe backing this campaign is your best option Will answer your other two questions in a separate reply.
6:19pm July 5, 2013
It would be helpful if the Crowdfiber web site had an up-to-date summary of the funds pledged. For example, the BBC summary shows only $19 pledged, and the details for Homeland (where I live) show zero pledges (I pledged $100) for the 5 folks who have signed up. If this were done, it would be helpful to be able to measure our performance as we proceed toward through the campaign. Is there any way I can get the email addresses of the other four who have signed up in Homeland: Michael Newman, Kerri Kerr, Dave Neumyer and Valerie Hood? I think that - if the 5 of us worked together - we might be able to reinforce each other's efforts in Homeland and proceed more effectively. Thanks, Stan email@example.com
9:47am July 1, 2013
I'm missing something here, hence the following blunt questions. What happens once the 20% campaign goal for a neighborhood is reached? Is there any guarantee of upgraded service to that neighborhood at that point? $10 covers some campaign costs and it demonstrates the intent of a neighborhood. I get that. Why charge at all when there's no promise of improved service? Why should I pay to show interest? Paying to show intent doesn't strengthen my interest. It feels a little greedy. Internet providers already charge a great deal. Why not ask neighborhoods if they want improved service, and take a list of signatures to market? Show signatures, not $. Folk may be willing to pay some amount if they were told something like "You showed your interest by signing petition. We spoke to providers and have intent from XYZ fiber companies to install improved service in your n'hood. We recommend the following provider for these reasons, and to further show our support, suggest paying a refundable $10 fee." Finally, is there any likelihood Verizon will install FIOS in Balt City? Is this part of the goal? Is having Comcast change to fiber a possibility? Both have seriously looked at this market and made their choices. Comcast and Verizon folk (home installers, linesmen, utility repairs) are not friendly to each other. Why would a another company's lines on the utility poles be welcomed by these two bickering foes? Mostly curious about the fee.
6:12am June 25, 2013
Bill, to your point, fiber has the potential to change the competitive landscape which should benefit all. Second, our RFP will be mindful of participating communities who don't necessarily see the need for the fastest gigabit speeds by incorporating with fiber, the application of associated technologies including wide area WiFi, which improve broadband services at slower speeds and at lower costs. Finally, we need to set this goal of fiber now since data requirements continue to increase, and it takes time to implement fiber technology. Starting now will best position our City for the future. There are already more than 100 communities with fiber to the home and more join every week. More than 800 providers supply fiber to the premises nationally Thanks for your comment and your support. Spread the word to neighbors to join the campaign and to other communities that may wish to ask to join. We want the campaign to spread but we have been careful to wait for communities to ask to be included before so doing
10:00pm June 24, 2013
I agree with Matthew Riesner, I don't need the fastest network in the world, just decent speed (better than 3mb) at a reasonable price.
11:42am June 18, 2013
Matthew, the campaign started with these neighborhood because they participated in the community meeting and came to our organizing meetings. We started here, that's it, but as we say our material on CrowdFiber, we very much want the campaign to spread. On CF-Baltimore look at FAQs and select "How Can Other Communities Join?" for instructions. Look forward to seeing the campaign spread.
10:13am June 18, 2013
It seems kind of backwards that this campaign excludes Charles Village, Hampden, and Remington. For the most part there are very few choices for broadband in these parts of town as well plus there is a younger population (than Homeland or Roland Park) that demands faster service. We don't exactly need FIOS but for Verizon to update it's existing DSL lines (which they completely abandoned 10 years ago when they brought out FIOS), so that they can run at a consistant high speed (10-15mbs+), would be a good start.


text:
Standards for Mathematical Practices
for All Math Levels
1. Making sense of problems and persevere in solving them.
2. Reason abstractly and quantitatively.
3. Construct viable arguments and critique the reasoning of others.
4. Model with mathematics.
5. Use appropriate tools strategically.
6. Attend to precision.
7. Look for and make use of structure.
8. Look for and express regularity in repeated reasoning.
Intermediate Algebra/Geometry
The Number System
Expressions and Equations
Statistics and Probability
8th Grade Teachers
Ms. Earlywine - Room 503
Ms. Leiva - Room 506
Ms. Marti - Room 501
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Algebra Teacher
Ms. Morison - Room 504
Math 7
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
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Mr. Anderson - Room 301
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Ms. Marti - Room 501
Math 6
Ratios and Proportional Relationships
The Number System
Expressions and Equations
Statistics and Probability
6th Grade Teachers
Mr. Harriff - Room 609
Ms. Otillio - Room 506

subset: commoncrawl


text:
|Re: [editres] for Qt?
|Tim Dewhirst
|Thu, 09 Mar 2006 08:38:50 +0000
Hi, J S wrote:
Hello everyone, I know that someone must have asked about this. I am having trouble finding anything that could access Qt widgets in an application. Something like what "editres" is for X11. Does such a program exist?
I think either KDExecutor or Squish can do something like this (please correct me if I'm wrong...)
Failing that, perhaps you could use a function intercept/preload trick to get the necessary information? I haven't tried this, but I imagine that if you intercepted the call to, say, QApplication::exec(), and dumped the widget tree at that point that may give you what you want.
http://lattice.umiacs.umd.edu/files/functions_tr.pdf Again, I haven't tried this, but it may work. Tim -- To unsubscribe - send a mail to qt-interest-request@xxxxxxxxxxxxx with "unsubscribe" in the subject or the body. List archive and information: http://lists.trolltech.com/qt-interest/
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Bright Zinc Plated Self Drilling Screw (Dia)5.5mm (L)45mm, Pack of 100
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text:
Dear Colleagues:
The intent of this Interpreter Handbook is to offer guidelines, clarify expectations and responsibilities of the interpreter, and give a basic understanding of some of the objectives, policies and procedures of Disability Resource Center (DRC). With the general information presented in this handbook and good judgment, interpreters should have a reliable guide as to what is expected of them. If you do not understand any portion of the material or if questions come up that are not covered here, please contact me.
We look forward to working with you here at UALR and hope you will enjoy it as well.
Ann Marie Lott, NIC
Interpreter/Transcriber Coordinator
Hiring and Schedule Procedures
Qualification Criteria
The following list outlines the minimum criteria to be hired as an interpreter at UALR:
- Certification from RID or NAD, or
- QAST level (Quality Assurance Screening Test); level III or higher preferred
- Graduate of an Interpreter Education Program preferred
- Three years interpreting experience, in the postsecondary educational arena preferred
Hiring Procedure
DRC provides quality access to all programs and services of the university. In the area of communications access, we endeavor to use the most qualified interpreters. When hiring, DRC will generally contact interpreters based on certification, starting with those nationally certified, continuing through QAST Levels 5, 4, and 3, and equivalent levels from other states. Student preferences and seniority are also considered.
It is critical for UALR interpreters to commit to assignments accepted. If an interpreter is habitually tardy or absent, it has an adverse effect on the student. Such a lack of commitment will impact the interpreter's placement in future assignments.
Scheduling Procedure
DRC has no control over students adding, dropping, or withdrawing from classes. Scheduled hours could change at any time. If a full-time staff interpreters' hours drops below an acceptable number, she/he will occasionally be required to replace hourly interpreters. In addition, on rare occasions, an interpreter with a higher certification level who loses a class may replace an interpreter with a lower level of certification. This will be done at the discretion of the Interpreter Coordinator. These replacements will in no way reflect negatively on the hourly interpreters.
Some classes, because of length or some other factor, may at the onset look as if they require two interpreters. However after the first few classes, it may be obvious that one interpreter can do the job. It is the responsibility of the interpreters to inform the Interpreter Coordinator of this situation. At this point the Interpreter Coordinator will determine if it would be best to alternate the two interpreters or to keep only one interpreter.
The interpreter is scheduled until the end of class. If an instructor goes past the designated time, or if a student needs to speak to the instructor after class, the interpreter may stay if her/his schedule allows. If the time goes over the scheduled class time, call DRC to inform the Interpreter Coordinator. If the interpreter has another class or assignment, she/he may leave at the end of the scheduled time. If the interpreter has to leave, and the instructor continues teaching, the interpreter should inform the instructor that she/he has to leave and inform the Interpreter Coordinator of the situation.
Only assignments that are scheduled through DRC will be paid. A student may ask an interpreter if she/he is available, but the interpreter must be given the assignment through Disability Resource Center. DRC maintains the right to move interpreters within their scheduled time. All interpreter requests must come through the Interpreter Coordinator. Students must request an interpreter in advance from the Interpreter Coordinator (the exception is for interpreting that takes place immediately after class that runs over the scheduled class time). Students are made aware of this procedure.
Interpreters should not make other commitments that would force them to leave UALR early, or accept a UALR assignment if they know they must leave early.
During the semester, interpreters may be needed for such events as dorm meetings, lectures, and pep rallies. As these requests come in, the Interpreter Coordinator will contact interpreters to fill these requests.
Group meetings with interpreters may be held prior to the beginning of the semester. These meetings are mandatory for any interpreter who wishes to maintain a schedule of interpreting classes. The interpreter will be compensated for these meetings at a two-hour rate.
There may be times when it is also necessary for the interpreter to meet individually with DRC staff. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory and part of the interpreter's responsibility while working for UALR. There will be no compensation for these meetings, however they usually will be brief. Reasons for meetings may include, but are not limited to, discussion of performance; meeting between student, interpreter, and DRC staff; or discussion of schedules for upcoming semesters. DRC will attempt to schedule these meetings at a time that is convenient to all parties.
Student Absences/Cancellations
If a student has not appeared at the beginning of class and has not indicated that he/she will be arriving late, the interpreter is required to wait 20 minutes outside of the classroom. After waiting the allotted time, the interpreter must report to DRC personnel by phone or in person and inform them of his or her availability and indicate "no show" on his/her timesheet (e.g. "no show" 1.0 hour). If DRC is lacking an interpreter in another class at that time, the interpreter will be reassigned. [This should be reported on your timesheet as (student initials) "no show", (student initials) 1.0 hour]. Failure to report to DRC will result in no payment for that class period. The one exception is classes that begin when DRC is closed.
If the student wishes to attend the class after the interpreter has left and the interpreter has not yet been reassigned and is still available, she/he will go to class with the student (e.g. if the interpreter is in the Donaghey Student Center and a student informs the interpreter that she/he will attend the end of the class, the interpreter must interpret the remaining class time).
Interpreters are not to bill for assignments cancelled with at least 24 hours notice. Announcements in class are considered 24-hour notice. In daily classes the day before is considered 24 hours notice. Interpreters should also ask the professor for a class syllabus, and any classes designated in the class syllabus as canceled should be considered as notice.
If 24 hours notification is not possible, the interpreter will be paid for the assignment. However, if a documented good faith effort to contact the interpreter at least 24 hours in advance is made and DRC is still unable to contact her/him, the interpreter will not be paid for the assignment.
For evening classes after DRC closes and for weekend classes, the interpreter is free to leave after waiting the required time. Interpreters should exchange phone numbers with students (if both agree) so that students may notify interpreters of an absence prior to class.
Consistency throughout the semester is very important. When an interpreter accepts classes for the semester, DRC expects the interpreter to maintain that schedule of classes throughout the semester. However it is understood that substitutions may be needed from time to time for emergencies, illness or doctor appointments.
Requesting a substitute in order to accept an off-campus interpreting assignment is not considered an appropriate request. Exceptions may be approved by DRC on a case-by-case basis.
When a substitute is needed, the interpreter is responsible for making a formal request by emailing the Interpreter Coordinator. Interpreters should make all substitution requests in advance if possible. For emergencies and illness, notify the Interpreter Coordinator by phone or text as soon as possible.
Chronic absences may result in dismissal for the remainder of the semester. Reliability will be a consideration when filling classes in future semesters.
Team Approach
DRC, the student, faculty, notetaker, transcriber and interpreter work together as an educational team for the purpose of creating a fully accessible learning environment. Each member of the team has a vital and specific role. In order to create an equitable learning experience, all team members must actively fulfill their respective roles.
- follow the RID Code of Professional Conduct
- interpret lectures, discussions, movies and all asides in the classroom setting
- provide interpreting services to the best of her/his ability
- keep all information regarding interpreting assignments confidential
- facilitate communication between persons who are hearing and persons who are deaf or hard of hearing as accurately as possible
- show up on time for assignments
- be professional in all aspects of the interpreting assignment
- dress appropriately wearing clothes that contrast with skin color and are not distracting to the student
- prepare for class by reviewing textbooks, handouts and movies ahead of time
- if student is absent or late, stay 20 minutes unless notified otherwise
- remain outside of the classroom until the student arrives, which will lessen any disruption to the classroom if the student is absent and the interpreter has to leave
- any problems with the student should be discussed directly with her/him before coming to talk to a DRC staff person
- contact the Interpreter Coordinator with comments or concerns
- meet with DRC staff person for initial appointment
- for interpreter requests outside of regularly scheduled class times, complete the Interpreter Request Form two weeks prior to the event (or as soon as the need for an interpreter is discovered)
- on the first day of class or in any new situation, identify yourself to the interpreter
- be on time for all classes, labs and meetings
- sit in a place that provides the best distance, lighting, background, and angle for seeing the interpreter
- direct questions relating to the class materials to the professor, not the interpreter
- personal conversations with the interpreter should not occur during class
- complete academic advising and registration for classes as soon as possible
- notify the Interpreter/Transcriber Coordinator of your schedule at least 10 business days prior to the first day of class (students who do will be given priority when scheduling services).
- pick up notetaker flyers to give the instructor the first day of class
- request Faculty Notification Letters
- any problems with the interpreter should be discussed directly with her/him before coming to talk to a DRC staff person
- notify the Interpreter Coordinator if the interpreter does not come to class
- inform the interpreter of any planned absences, if the class is cancelled or is late, if there will be a video shown in class, or if the student will be making a presentation
- know and abide by all UALR and DRC policies, rules and regulations.
- provide qualified interpreters
- help students determine which accommodations are appropriate and explain how these services will be provided
- assist faculty and staff members in working with interpreters
- meet with students and/or professors as needed
Interpreter Responsibilities
Ethics and Confidentiality
Interpreters are expected to adhere to the RID Code of Professional Conduct. They are to provide interpreting services to the best of their ability and not allow personal feelings to interfere in the interpreting process. When interpreters socialize with students outside of the classroom, they should keep all information about interpreting assignments confidential, regardless of how inconsequential the information may seem.
Here are suggested phrases to maintain confidentiality:
- I am not at liberty to say.
- I am sorry, that information is confidential.
- I am not sure.
- I don't know.
- I only see the student in class.
- I don't know the student personally.
- I am not able to discuss that information.
- I can't answer that question, but I would be happy to interpret if you would like to ask the student directly.
- The student could probably answer that better than I could.
- DRC could probably answer that question for you. Let me give you their phone number.
- I am sorry, I am not able to step out of my role of interpreting during class time.
- If you have concerns you would like to address concerning the interpreter in your class you might want to talk to DRC. Let me give you their phone number.
First Day of Class
It is important to start out the semester on the right foot. Here are some recommendations for the first day of class:
- Arrive ten to fifteen minutes early to introduce yourself to the instructor and student.
- Discuss with the student his/her preferred mode of communication.
- Use the team approach to best establish preferred placement within the classroom (i.e. standing by the board, sitting near the desk).
- Obtain a syllabus in order to be better prepared.
- After class has been dismissed, solicit feedback from the instructor. Encourage continued open communication throughout the semester.
- Promptly communicate any changes in room or instructor to the Interpreter Coordinator.
Messages/Exchange of Information
We ask that all interpreters who work for UALR provide updated contact information to the Interpreter Coordinator. If your email address or mobile number changes, please notify the Interpreter Coordinator. This information is needed for hourly interpreters to receive possible schedule changes and any non-emergency phone messages.
In case of an emergency phone call, every possible effort will be made to contact you wherever you are on campus. Therefore, it is important that the office know if your scheduled class has been cancelled or changed location.
Interpreter/Student Interaction
Interpreters should not have conversations with deaf students or other students during class time. Visitation should be done before and after the class. If another student in the class asks for information about what the interpreter is doing, the interpreter should politely let the student know she/he is not able to discuss it during class, but could answer before or after the class. When answering questions about interpreting from faculty and other students, the interpreter should provide only general information, keeping in mind the importance of confidentiality regarding the deaf student.
Interpreters should be careful when talking with students (both deaf and hearing) before and after class. Interpreters should not discuss anything related to the class. Comments made may influence the students' class work and/or their original ideas. As a result, the work the students provide is not 100% their own.
Team Interpreting
Due to duration or intensity, some classes require two interpreters. Team interpreters should support one another on assignments. At all times, both interpreters are "on duty" and should not take care of personal business until there is a break. While one interpreter is signing/voicing, the other interpreter should be attentive, supportive, and ready to feed information when needed. Cues for requesting assistance should be agreed upon prior to the start of the assignment. The task of interpreting should be equally distributed between both team members whenever possible.
When in a team interpreting situation, it is only necessary for one interpreter to be present on test days. The team should decide which one will interpret on a given test day (e.g., alternating days or one interpreter taking all test days). If no decision can be made, the Interpreter Coordinator will make the final decision. When a staff interpreter is in the class, the staff interpreter will interpret on test days unless otherwise arranged.
On non-test days, both team interpreters are expected to stay until the end of the designated time. Because of the interpreter shortage, exceptions may be made. Interpreters should make these arrangements in advance with the Interpreter Coordinator. If an interpreter does leave before the class or assignment ends, she/he should bill only for time worked.
If a class is longer than an hour and 15 minutes, and DRC has not been able to find a team interpreter, the interpreter may then request to take a break. The Interpreter Coordinator will clarify this with the instructor and the interpreter.
Interpreting Videos
DRC is making every effort to ensure that videos on campus are captioned. If a video is captioned, the interpreter is not responsible for interpreting the video. If the video is not captioned, the interpreter is responsible for interpreting the video to the best of her/his ability.
The interpreter should refer the professor to the DRC office for information on captioning videos. Captioning films on campus is a very lengthy process. Interpreters should not give the impression that a video can be captioned in a short amount of time. Interpreters should inform DRC of any concerns related to videos in the classroom as soon as possible.
Dress Code
Although there is no formal dress code at UALR, Disability Resource Center supports the RID Code of Professional Conduct regarding appropriate and professional dress. Interpreters should dress in a manner that is consistent with the general dress of instructors on campus. This does not include sweats, shirts with holes, mini skirts, mini shorts, or jeans that are worn out, have holes or are frayed. Interpreters should wear clothes that contrast with skin color and are not distracting.
Mobile Devices
Interpreters should take care of personal business at times other than during assignments with UALR. Because mobile devices can interfere with the quality of interpreting services and disrupt the setting, interpreters are expected to turn them off or silence them during the assignment. Interpreters may check their devices if a break occurs, but should not respond to calls or texts during an assignment.
The Interpreter Coordinator will send several evaluations during the semester: student evaluation of the interpreter, faculty evaluation of the interpreter, and interpreter evaluation of the semester. Student and faculty evaluations will assist the interpreter in identifying strengths and areas for improvement. Student evaluations of the interpreter will be administered at mid-term and near the end of each semester. Faculty evaluations of the interpreter will be administered near the end of each semester. DRC will attempt to provide evaluation summaries in a timely manner. Interpreters, as part of the DRC team, will complete an interpreter evaluation of the semester in order to provide valuable feedback to the Interpreter Coordinator for future planning.
Due Process
If DRC receives a complaint about an interpreting situation from students, faculty or staff, the Interpreter Coordinator will meet with the interpreter involved. If a complaint about the same problem is reported more than once, the interpreter involved will meet with the Interpreter Coordinator and the Director of DRC. If this specific complaint continues, the decision may be made to terminate the interpreter's services. Depending on the nature or seriousness of the complaint, a decision may be made to terminate services at an earlier stage in this process.
UALR interpreters interact with students, faculty, staff and the community. Relationships with a variety of people will inevitably develop, and positive professional relationships and networking within the profession are strongly encouraged. However certain personal relationships with students are unacceptable within the context of a working relationship.
Interpreters will not be placed in assignments that could threaten to compromise their commitment to the RID Code of Professional Conduct. Examples of this include but are not limited to interpreting for family members and romantic interests. As stated in the RID Standard Practice Papers, "The relative may have attitudinal or emotional issues that could affect objectivity and impartiality and prevent accurate communication." The deaf person's right to privacy and confidentiality could easily be compromised.
Any questions about the ethics of a relational situation should be directed to the Interpreter Coordinator.
Continuing Education and Licensure
Nationally certified interpreters must maintain their certification through participation in the RID Certification Maintenance Program. All other interpreters are expected to maintain their Quality Assurance Screening Test certification. Interpreters, regardless of their certification level, are encouraged to join professional organizations, attend workshops, and keep abreast of issues, standards and practices within the interpreting profession. Licensure must be maintained in order to interpret at UALR.
Health Tips
Interpreters are encouraged to maintain good health habits on a routine basis. Attention to diet, exercise, and positions when seated or standing can help prevent syndromes associated with overuse (cumulative trauma disorder).
Just as an athlete warms up before engaging in physical activity and cools down afterward, interpreters should physically prepare themselves with simple exercises for a few minutes before interpreting, during the day, and at the end of the day. One such exercise involves gently moving each wrist up and down and from side to side. Another is a handshake exercise, to be done with a partner. Another suggestion is to squeeze a soft tennis ball, or manipulate Silly Putty. When seated for interpreting, sit straight in the chair. Do not cross your legs. This helps prevent stress on the back and shoulders. Other interpreters have suggested that prior to interpreting in a cold classroom, running hands under warm water or a hand dryer is helpful. Wearing thin gloves (liners) after interpreting can also be effective.
Note: The above information comes from a presentation by Chiropractor Peter Biondi (Franklin Park) at the Illinois Registry of Interpreters for the Deaf Convention, June 7, 1986.
Random Observations
Random observations of each interpreter may take place a various times throughout the course of the semester. Observations may or may not be announced in advance. The purpose of these observations is to document the interpreter's attendance, promptness, professionalism and to note whether the interpreter is staying in his/her role while in the classroom setting.
IEP Students
DRC supports the Interpreter Education Program by allowing students to observe classroom interpreters as part of their practicum experience. The Interpreter Coordinator will attempt to inform interpreters ahead of time when a student will be in the class. The practicum student will be instructed to identify himself or herself to the interpreter. The interpreter has no responsibility to the practicum student. However if the student asks questions, and the interpreter has time to respond, it would be of great benefit to the student (future interpreter) to answer appropriately. Practicum students are required to follow all aspects of the UALR Interpreter Policy and the RID Code of Professional Conduct. If the practicum student fails to do so, the interpreter should talk with the student to resolve the problem. If the problem persists, the interpreter should talk with the Interpreter Coordinator, who will then speak with the student and/or the practicum supervisor.
Inclement Weather
If the weather appears hazardous, please refer to the inclement weather policy for UALR. Information regarding school closings will also be posted on the UALR website, ualr.edu.
Pay Scale
|RID Certification
|RID Hourly Rate
|NAD Certification
|NAD Hourly Rate
|NIC Certification
|NIC Hourly Rate
|QAST Level
|QAST Hourly Rate
|CI or CT
Increases in pay rate due to the interpreter successfully achieving a higher certification level will be implemented at the beginning of the next pay cycle. The Interpreter Coordinator must first be provided with written confirmation from the testing organization.
|50 min
|1 hour
|1 hr 15 min
|1.5 hours
|once a week
|2 hr 40 min
|3 hours
For other classes that meet once a week (for example, a 2 credit hour class), round the actual time up to the nearest quarter hour. For example, if a class is scheduled for 2 hours and 10 minutes, the interpreter would bill 2.25 hours.
If an interpreter is going to be late for a class, she/he should inform DRC or the Interpreter Coordinator and arrive as soon as possible. Interpreters should only bill for time worked, to the nearest quarter hour (e.g., if 5 minutes late for a 50 minute class, bill for .75 hour (45 minutes).
Time Sheets
Timesheets must be filled out properly and submitted on time, weekly by close of business Friday.
It is the interpreter's responsibility to fill the time sheets out correctly. If there are any questions, the interpreter should feel free to come to the interpreter office (DSC 113) for assistance, or to the Office Manager in DSC 103. Submitting time sheets filled out incorrectly or turned in late will result in a delay of payment of at least one pay period.
Misrepresenting time worked is considered stealing and will result in immediate action, possibly including suspension or termination of services.
Checks/Direct Deposit
Interpreters must complete a direct deposit request form (available in the DRC office).
Checks are deposited on the 15th and the last day of each month. Pay stub information is available on the web at www.boss.ualr.edu.
We have collaborated with various departments across campus to gain hourly interpreters some additional perks:
- free admission to the fitness center
- 10% bookstore discount on most items
- access to health care through Health Services
- free admission to many cultural events on campus
- parking
Acknowledgement of Policies and Procedures
All service providers are required to submit an acknowledgement of agreement form indicating that they have read, understand, and agree to follow all UALR policies and procedures. Please follow this link to the agreement form.


text:
He is, you sense, trying not to misbehave, while remaining human and not becoming a Royal cyborg.
And yet it is the privilege of the prince and the sultan to misbehave.
But he was not drunk,—not as yet so drunk as to misbehave himself openly.
And if you try to hook it, or misbehave anyways, you get put in solitary.
Mr. Bonteen, in his troubled spirit, certainly did misbehave himself.
He discovered that when his mother or father was in the room she was terrified lest he should misbehave.
If I misbehave, she should make a pretty good bargaining point with Ihelos.
If you don't hurry she will get old enough to misbehave herself.
Shall God and his holy angels see thee like a bedlam lay by thy reason and misbehave thyself?
To allow the child to misbehave without instantly making it unpleasantly conscious of the fact would be to spoil it.


text:
But right now? Unpacking boxes. Moving is kind of tiring...
And I suppose I am relatively skilled at writing and acting, too.
Oh, and learning different languages is definitely a strong point for me! ...Or that's what the teachers keep on telling me, at least :D
Also, I'm a kitchen ninja. And a ninja in general. Ask anyone, they'll vouch for me.
Seriously speaking though, it probably would be my bunny hat, brightly dyed hair, the general spaced-out look I have to me, flaily, uncoordinated hand movements when I talk and a very lopsided, dorky smile. And ridicilous facial expressions.
Yup, my first impressions tend to make people think I'm insane :D
I like the Harry Potter-series and the LOTR-trilogy as well. And as a recent obsession I have started reading The Hunger games. Liked it so far.
Mainly I like the fantasy and sci-fi genres, but I can be occasionally (and not so occasionally) be found reading plays and some painstakingly realistic and dark-themed books. I just love reading :D
When it comes to movies, I'm not picky. I like most, because I'm easily entertained, but I rarely feel like watching films again. Memento, Se7en, X-men: First Class, Inglorious Basterds among many others have earned a place in my heart, though. I also love Disney's and Dreamwork's production. The Road To El Dorado is practically my entire childhood :D Any movie starring Nic Cage is usually something I like as well, because he is just awesome. I can sit through even movies that are total rubbish if he stars in them. I just like to study the way he acts.
I don't watch all that much TV, but Doctor Who, Dark Angel, Torchwood, Supernatural, Merlin, Sherlock Holmes and Psych I tend to watch almost religiously (if I remember ^^").
I really just listen kind of everything. Many say my playlists are bipolar :D I seriously listen to anything from hard rock to light pop to classical to dubstep to soundtracks/game music. I rarely listen to rap though and heavy metal only occacionally, if I find a song I like. Also, most of teenager pop tends to go straight to the "Never Going To Put On My MP3"-list.
My personal motto is that good food is good food. Ergo I pretty much eat anything as long as it tastes good. I do love Asian food culture though. Especially Chinese and Thai food. And Mexican and Mediterranean foods. And I have a penchant for Russian food too.
Seriously, good food is good food :D
....Then there are the days I barricade myself in our separate living room space with a PS3 and have a game night :D


text:
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 27/8/2013 (1429 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
The River East Personal Care Home has taken on the challenges of changing times.
The home, located at 1375 Molson St., is marking its 20th anniversary this year with a come-and-go wine and cheese event on Sept. 18. The reception will take place from 7 to 9 p.m. and will feature musical entertainment, speeches, and appearances from local politicians. As well, service awards will be presented to staff reaching milestones.
The centre was opened by Michael and Irene Baron in 1993. The Barons opened their first home, Baron Nursing Home, in 1954 and went on to open five others, including River East and its neighbour, the Irene Baron Eden Centre in 2008.
Administrator Ron Parent, who has worked at the centre for three years, said the health care industry has seen plenty of evolution in recent years.
"The only thing that's been constant is change itself," said Parent, noting everything from the standards expected by the Winnipeg Regional Health Authority and by families, equipment, and the needs of staff have changed.
Parent said one of the major changes the facility has seen is the Eden Alternative, an American holistic philosophy adopted by the centre about a decade ago.
"Their focus is alleviating the three plagues, is what they refer to them, of boredom, helplessness, and loneliness," said Parent, noting the approach is meant to work alongside medications and treatments. "They support the daily activities of companionship, of having animals in the home, of making time for the elders."
Another change has come more recently. Earlier this month, the centre finished expanding its five lounges, one in each "neighbourhood" of the facility, into dining areas. The smaller areas are meant to give residents an option for quieter, cleaner, and closer meal times as opposed to eating in the large communal dining area.
"It's the type of thing our elders and families have asked for, and we've made it a strategic priority," Parent said. "There are always a few blips when you introduce a change, but so far the response has been positive."
River East is home to 120 seniors, while another 48 live at the Irene Baron Eden Centre. River East has one wing of the centre devoted to helping people with Alzheimer's disease and dementia.
Parent estimated well over 500 seniors have lived in the facility, which has seen its staff increase from 100 to 150 over its history. Parent also noted the majority of residents are from the neighbouring areas of the city.
In addition to the wine and cheese, the facility will hold a tree-planting ceremony this fall where five trees will be planted to represent each of the its neighbourhooods.
For more information, visit www.rivereast.ca
Twitter: @HeraldWPG


text:
Date of Release: June 20, 2007
RE: July 3, 2007 Fireworks Parking Restrictions
(Rain Date is July 5, 2007)
Chief Michael J. Magnant of the Portsmouth Police Department is invoking his "Emergency Powers" and orders that NO PARKING will be permitted on the following Portsmouth Streets on July 3, 2007 (with the exception of residents only) due to the annual fireworks display:
The Dog Park will be closed from 6:00 AM on Monday, July 3, 2007 to 10:00 AM on Tuesday, July 4, 2007. Dog owners are reminded of the city ordinance forbidding dogs from any park where the Recreation Department holds scheduled programs. This includes Leary and Central Fields, South Playground and the Connie Bean Playground.
Vendors will be permitted on the north side (Portsmouth Junior High School side) of Parrott Avenue only. Vendors must be properly licensed by the City of Portsmouth.
Residents are reminded that fireworks, including sparklers, are not permitted as per City Ordinance. Heavy traffic and delays lasting up to 2 hours are expected after the fireworks.
The Annual Fireworks Celebration is an alcohol free family event (the fireworks are scheduled to begin at 9:15 p.m. sharp). Chief Magnant and members of the Portsmouth Police Department wish everyone a safe and happy 4th of July holiday.


text:
4 colors
Anniversary Sale
Sale: $15.90
After Sale: $24.00
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text:
10 Recommendations
hwb's recommendation
Mix up intoxicating concoctions and play the role of the cocktail expert or doctor of love with this hilarious mad science bartending set.
misonyc's recommendation
Mix up intoxicating concoctions and play the role of the cocktail expert or doctor of love using our hilarious mad science bartending set. Your guests will smile widely and cheer as you shake up wild and crazy drinks using the cocktail shaker with a built-in strainer, or combine various liquors and mixers to make the ultimate cocktail in the large glass beaker, and then serve them in the toxic glass test tubes. A great way to get the conversation flowing, and a truly imaginative way to mix up those cocktails. Contents: High-gloss plastic silver cocktail shaker, glass beaker, glass stirrer, 4 glass "test tubes", and the black metal display / carrying tray.
ion_dog's recommendation
Even diabolical geniuses need to relax now and then...
My Collections:
carolineoncrack's recommendation
Because mixing cocktails is a science: mixology. Great gift for that fan of the cocktail. Comes with: * 1 Shaker (Measures: 6 1/2" tall x 2" wide, holds 10oz./plastic) * 1 Beaker (Measures: 7" tall x 3 1/2" wide, holds 20oz./glass) * 1 Stirrer (Measures: 8" long/ glass) * 4 Test Tubes (Measures: 6" tall x 1" wide, holds 2oz. each/glass) * 1 Stand (Measures: 5" tall x 13 1/2" wide/metal)
Soupnazi's recommendation
I don't even drink & want one!
Either do I, and I want one as well! I'm not a science geek eithher, but yet still want one.
- mindyerstockings
szlea's recommendation
The debate will go on for eternity⦠is mixing the perfect drink an art or a science? Have the best of both sides of the debate with this Chemistry Cocktail Set! $38.99
This is cool. Makes me feel like the scientist I never was.
- hapa_lee
Ranen's recommendation
The only thing I love more than science is drinking! Ha! *wipes tear* This is the WAY to mix up fun new drinks to experiment on your self and your friends with. Goodbye Dr. Jekyll, hel-lo Mr. Hyde.
My Collections:
ttownqt's recommendation
if you're gonna get drunk and act like you're 12 anyway you might as well do it with a chemistry set.
My Collections:
whitrose02's recommendation
Are you a mad scientist? Well try your hand at martini's with this set!
revolutionarygirl's recommendation
Puts a whole light on "mixed drink".
My Collections:


text:
Few months have provided more unclear sales data than November 2007. One reason is the shift in the reporting calendar by one week from last year. The second reason is the wide array of large-scale distractions and pressures consumers face, including increasing fuel prices, continuing war, sub-prime mortgages and the uncertainty of the presidential campaign. Thirdly, retailers found themselves with over-plan inventories, particularly in apparel, the much over-hyped Black Friday and the unknown threat of competitive reaction in the weeks ahead.
All of these factors make it virtually impossible to determine who is serving their customers well and who is not. For example, Target reported a 10.8% comp-store increase for November. On a calendar-adjusted basis, the increase was only 1.1%. Until the year-end tallies are in, it will be very difficult to determine who the winners and losers actually are.
Buried in all of this confusion are some continuing trends. Customer-focused retailers like Nordstrom, Saks and The Buckle are powering ahead. The large-scale factors seem to have a very limited effect on their continued profitable growth. In contrast, retailers such as Sears, Kmart and Chico's are paying an ever-increasing price for their lack of understanding the customer they are trying to serve. To view the entire Trending Report, go to


text:
Having knee problems? If you are, you might be surprised on what this doctor had to say. My Doctor would just give me some Motrin and send me on my way. Now why can't my family physician be this cool?
Colorado orthopedic surgeon Dr. James Holmes says there are three things you must do to strengthen your knees, "Bicycle, bicycle and bicycle."
Read more HERE.


text:
COMPUFOX GLC-GE-100FX – Cisco SFP 100BASE-FX 2km transceiver is 100% compatible with Cisco and comes with lifetime warranty. Free shipping!.
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- Fiber Type: SMF/MMF
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- DDM: Without DDM
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