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I pay just under £20 a week for a network ticket that secures me "6 consecutive days" of travel between Cumbernauld and Glasgow, at least it says this on my ticket.
normally I get a bus at between 8-9 am and another between 5-6. no problem there, other than the time keeping. However I found myself In glasgow late at night after helping a friend move flat "not to worry" I said to my friend, "I have my trusty bus pass which guarantees me safe passage home on any of the fine services run by First Glasgow" or something like that. anyway, I knew there was a night service N36 at 1:30 so headed to the bus stop at cathedral st. I was ten minutes early and it was a bit cold by the time the bus arrived I was deliriously happy to be boarding the big warm hunk of metal. I boarded the bus and proudly displayed my bus pass to the driver. he solemnly shook his head and pointed to a sign in his cab window, printed on an A4 sheet of paper in a delightful arial font and held fast by some tape read a sign "single fares only £2/3, no other fares accepted"
having no other cash on me, my anguish was paramount. I attempted to reason with the driver and explain the concept of "6 consecutive days". futile. I was ordered off the bus by the driver.
I called a taxi, it took me to a cash machine near my home and £16 later I was in my bed. fuming.
at my next convenience I called customer service. I may as well have called batman for all the use these cartoon characters were "oh, we're sorry but it's policy. check our website for T&Cs"
First as a company are a monopoly that relies on bullying its clients and Councils to provide a service they think we need instead of providing a service that is actually required. a 2 person return from Yate (area 3), means an £18-00 ticket and over an hour travelling time. A car journey, parking costs to Bristol 20 minutes and £8-00. First state they have to pay reasonable wages, pay for vehicle maintenance etc, leading to high costs.Drivers are rude, foreign, non english speaking and aggressive in their driving styles. Busses are purchased by the Councils due to bribery of removing the service. Perhaps G4S should consider bus services too! Couldn't get worse could it!
I am a regular traveller on the No. 42 bus. I usually travel on the 06:58 from Anniesland Road to Charing cross. The last driver and the current one are a credit to First Bus, being curteous and well mannered and generally on time. however, on my homeward journey to-night the service was not up to standard. I was waiting at the stop in Bath Street, outside the Kings Theatre since 15:35. At 15:50 a 42 bus came. I put my hand out to indicate to the driver that I wished to board the vehicle. The driver took no notice of my intentions and drove straight past. I know that he saw me as he glanced at me in passing. I wish to lodge an official complaint re: this particular driver. Please acknowlege this complaint. I look forward to your reply. Mr. M. McLean, 27 Kinellar Drive, Glasgow. G14 0ET. e-mail email@example.com
Ah......an angry glare and the smell of stale urine in the morning. Who could ask for more? Good job I'm getting on a First bus and get both included in the cost! OK, to be fair, most of the buses don't actually smell like stale urine but that's possibly the only good thing going for them!
First Bus, if you don't already know, is a nationwide travel company that also operates some rail services now, as well. They pretty much have a monopoly on the bus services in many areas of the UK, my area being one of them unfortunately. They are easily recognisable as they have a definite brand identity (the buses are white/cream with a stripe of colour running along the side).
A bus is a bus, surely, though. If it gets you from A to B, then what else is there to complain about. Well, with First Bus there's quite a long list. I'll detail some of their finer points below:
--First of all they seem to have the most horrible drivers. I'm sure that the drivers are just as depressed about working for First Bus as we are having to ride on a First Bus and their attitude to customers reflects this. My dad is a bus driver (not for First Bus!) and so I always make a point of smiling at bus drivers and saying 'thank you' when I get off the bus and I can count on the one hand how many times a First Bus driver will smile or acknowledge me in return. When using non-First Bus buses this is rarely the case. Usually the drivers will always be polite and will reply with a 'bye' or something when you say thanks as you leave the bus.
--The buses are rarely on time or as frequently as they promise them. Today I waited 40 minutes for a bus that is meant to run every 10 minutes!
--They are not the cleanest of buses. Some are worse than others, to be fair, and they tend to get more gross as the day goes on as I'm sure the buses don't have time to be cleaned during the day. Chewing gum squished into seats or onto the back is common as are empty cans or bottles rolling around the floor. If you're really lucky you'll get to step in someone else's spit as you walk on or off the bus.
--Prices are extortionate! I know the cost of fuel is rising but the prices are extortionate. Not so long ago there were 4 competing bus companies in the area and the cost of a return to Glasgow was £1.90 on one of the competing companies. Now that First bus has a monopoly here the cost has sharply risen to over £5.
--Their complaints procedure is rotten. A few years ago I was on a First Bus with a friend. We were actually travelling into Glasgow to do a sponsored sleep outside to raise money for a homeless charity so we had our sleeping bags with us. Some little troublemakers came on the bus and wouldn't leave us alone. It was only ourselves and the troublemakers and they were far from quiet so I'm sure the driver would have noticed them. They were throwing things at us, flashing us and all sorts and then started trying to set fire to our sleeping bags. The driver ignored all of this but when they called him a name, he proceeded to get out of his cab and chase them down the street. I wasn't going to complain but when I told my dad (as I say, he's a bus driver), he said that if that had been him driving and he'd seen girls being tormented like that he'd have shouted at the boys as a man intervening might be all that it takes for them to leave. He phoned First Bus to complain and they basically told him to shut up. OK, fair enough, the driver maybe didn't want to get involved but surely the driver should have some control over who is on his bus and surely the least First Bus could have done was be polite to someone who is making a complaint about an incident that could have resulted in injury or worse that happened on their buses.
For those of you who have never had the pleasure of using a First Bus, I particularly recommend getting one late at night when the drunks climb aboard, screaming and shouting at the top of their voices. OK, fair enough, that isn't really the fault of the company, I suppose but still makes for an unpleasant experience for the rest of us. I often travel on local trains and on trains conductors ask people who are being overly unruly to shut up or get off so I don't see why bus drivers can't do the same thing.
The other particular little trick First Bus likes is to wait until you get on and then start moving, usually very quickly and usually swerving at a sharp angle. This is particularly charming when you are elderly or in charge of a person with mobility issues. I used to work as a carer and one day I boarded a First bus with a client who used a wheelchair but was able to walk a few steps. It was easier for her and myself to walk onto the bus with another worker folding up her chair and carrying it on, so this is what we did. It was very clear that she was, however, a wheelchair user and struggled to walk. Still, the driver drove off before she had sat down (and we were by no means taking a long time to do this as usually me and the client would go on first while the other worker would sort out the tickets behind us, so the driver would have only needed to have waited an extra ten seconds or so for her to sit down). Another time, with another client, we were getting off a bus and the driver told us to hurry up, although in slightly more flowery language. Again, the client clearly had mobility issues. A wonderful disabilities policy in place here!
First Bus really enrages me. They are an awful company who often come into an area, monopolise it and then reduce the services available and increase the prices as soon as they've killed off the competition. They care very little about their customers and offer a terrible service. If you have a choice between getting a First Bus or using boot leather, do the walking!
First is a major bus company within the Uk. First Glasgow is part of the First Group. My review concentrates on the service provided to Greater Glasgow but moreso Lanarkshire.
As I live in Lanarkshire, First Glasgow is the main bus company who operate here. This part of the company also service areas such as Glasgow City Centre and the surrounding areas such as Renfrewshire. First Glasgow run throughout the day with many services on a restricted timetable after 7pm. There are local, express, night time and special attraction services. First Glasgow also run services to London and have a wedding fleet for hire.
Some of the buses run local ie within the certain areas of Glasgow or Lanarkshire. In my loca area of Lanarkshire, there are buses offering connections with Glasgow, Eastkilbride, Wishaw, Hamilton etc. The bus services are of course numbered with the local area buses being 201, 240, 241, 242, 243 etc up to 267. There is an express bus from Newmains to Glasgow which makes use of the motorway.
The bus services are regular midweek often operating on a 10min interval basis. Night time and Sundays limit services to every 30mins - 1hour and a few of the local buses (241, 245 etc) do not run after 7pm. Local depots include Overtown and Blantyre whilst it is common for drivers to change shifts at Motherwell on certain routes.
First Glasgow offer a wide fleet of buses including single and double decker style buses as well as the occasional coach. Recognisable by their white, pink and blue design, the buses have central heating, various seating options, are no smoking and offer windows which open. Many of the buses operate a low floor for wheelchairs and prams (in specific areas) and have a ramp in some cases. Metro newspapers are offered mid week for light reading.
Each bus has a screen to the front showing the bus number and destination (or in some cases sorry I'm not in service). Boarding the bus, you find the driver behind a glass screen and a rather chunky machine for slotting your coins in to! There is also a machine for those with bus passes to place their pass on and this produces your ticket. Notices about service changes and advertisements are dotted around each bus.
Local prices vary compared to the city of Glasgow. First Glasgow often change their prices..well up their prices really! The best value options if you use the services regularly, are weekly or monthly bus tickets which can be purchased on board the bus. Other tickets which require your photo can be purchased at the travel centres in various towns.
There cheapest fare is for short distances starting at 90p and then jumps to £1.55 before going on to £1.80 (dependant on area). Returns are available from £3.00. First Day tickets offer unlimited travel within certain areas from £3.00 - £5.00. First Week tickets can be purchased for 1week, 4weeks or 10weeks and are priced from £10-£136 depedant on which area you wish to travel within. Child fares are set at 75p single or £1.00 unlimited. Students also receive a discount and concessions go free. Night services often incur a surcharge.
~My Thoughts~
As I said, First Glasgow is the main service in my area and I really do not have a choice to use it or not. If I need a bus, First it is. I travel a lot on buses either to do my shopping, visit my parents or go to the dentist or other appointments. More services used to be available but have gradually been run off the road due to popularity of First Glasgow.
There is no denying First offer plenty of services. I can go quite far afield from my doorstep by purchasing just one ticket. The buses are a decent size but do get busy during peak times ie rush hour, school finishing, bingo coming out! The buses are usually quite clean though some windows could do with a good scrub. I always wonder why the buses are freezing cold mid winter - this is down to them using their heating allowance during the summer!
~Getting Places With First~
Whilst there are many timetables at bus stops locally, I never rely on them as the buses very rarely run on time. Despite the 240 service being every 10minutes, I have often waited 30mins for 3 to turn up at the one time. Trying to get a bus at night time isn't easy. My sister stays in the outskirts of Motherwell and they don't run to her at night time which seems silly. We are lucky to have 3 buses per hour at night time going down our way though 2 of them turn up at the same time from different directions..if you miss one you miss them both!
Whilst I can get in to Glasgow from my doorstep (near enough), the bus takes 50mins as it has to go through various schemes before reaching the city centre. This isn't a comfortably ride and one which I no longer appreciate. Despite being a little more expensive, I prefer jumping on the train and being there in 25minutes. When my son was in a pram, I would never rely on a bus on a Sunday. Many a time we would wait ages for a high stepped bus to arrive. Not ideal to have to fold a pram down and get a baby on a bus! The pram and wheelchair spaces are limited to 2 per bus though some drivers only allow one whilst others seem to allow three on!
The drivers are a hit and miss (literally). Despite having an uncle who works for them, I am often annoyed by the rudeness of some. Many run so late they try and run past the bus stops and then huff and puff if they need to stop. The amount of times I have been nearly sent flying down a bus by a grumpy driver is unreal. Is it so much to ask for a smile? Customer service is long gone with First! It often feels like you are inconveniencing some of them when wanting off the bus to go home. I have had many an argument with them over their complete lack of respect for their customers.
~Short Hop or Long Hop?~
First Glasgow can easily get away with charging so much for certain journeys but some seem to make prices up as they go a long. With the prices changing every few months, it can be difficult to keep up and you end up having too little money ready to slot in the machine. The latest fare system is flawed. If I need to go to the town centre (approx 5 stops away) I pay 90p single. If I need to go to Asda (6 stops away) it costs £1.55. 65p for one extra stop?? Yet it costs £1.55 to go the doctors which is 9 stops away.
If I will be on and off buses, I usually buy a First Day ticker for Lanarkshire. It is £3.50 which isn't too bad and gets me as far as Eastkilbride. If I will be going out several times during a week, I sometimes buy the First Week Lanarkshire for £13.00. This allows me unlimited travel for 7days around my area and can be decent value for money. I do feel the weekly tickets are ideal if you work and have to travel daily as it takes the hassle out of keeping change by for the bus.
~Knocking Out The Competition~
I have to add this in to show how competitive this company actually are. I was on a First bus one day, coming from my sisters home. Another service called Whitelaws operate here on a half hourly basis. The drivers literally competed each other to see who could get to the town centre first and pick up as many passengers on the way. I have never seen so much glee in one mans face as I did that day when our driver took over! I feel sorry for the other companies as they really cannot compete as none of them operate at night or on weekends!
With regards to customer services, I have had to contact them a few times about missing buses, rude staff and the lack of buggy buses in certain areas. The staff at my local First centre were decent enough though complaints usually need to go through head office. All the timetables and route information can be found on www.firstgroup.com.
You only need to peek in Buchannan Bus Station to see how big First Glasgow actually are. The prices may not be cheap and the drivers may be immature and grumpy (not all of them though) but there is no denying they are popular, regular and connect those inn Great Glasgow and the surrounding areas. It is a service which I sort of need to put up with come rain or shine. Just don't expect courtesy!
Thanks for reading :)
PS A quick bit to add - I haven't experience every service within Glasgow so it would be difficult for me to comment on them all. As far as city centre services go, they appear to be more reliable due to the fairly organised and time tabled nature of Buchannan Bus Station and run all around Glasgow and further afield.
Ah yes, buses - the poor relation of the great national transport family. Often rather neglected when talk turns to public transport, but actually important to far more people on a daily basis than are trains, trams, boats or whatever. It doesn't help that national media coverage is so poor; I'm consistently astounded by the number of pieces which focus on London, possibly because of sheer journalistic laziness: it's a city which is *massively* unrepresentative, not least because it was the one place exempted from the (largely disastrous) deregulation of the bus industry in 1986. All we've really done, now that so much consolidation has taken place in the sector, is gone from a nationalised near-monopoly to a set of regionalised private near-monopolies.
Of the major bus groups, First is the one I have the most experience with, seeing that they have become the dominant player both in my home area of Worcestershire and in a city I know very well, Bristol. In Worcestershire they took over Midland Red West, and over the course of several years progressively diminished the prominence of the proud old Midland Red brand (why do they *do* this? You don't see "Volkswagen" in huge letters on Bentleys) until now the only sign that it was ever there is the legal name of the operation, "First Midland Red Buses". That means we get the usual, and extremely dull, First livery of mostly white with a couple of bizarre pink-and-purple stripes at the bottom.
Service standards on First are generally okay, if rarely anything special. In both areas I'm familiar with, there are a few long-standing grumps which don't seem to be addressed, generally to do with the age-old "nothing for ages, then three come along at once" problem. This is not quite so bad in Bristol because being a large city it has quite an intensive service on the major routes, but in Worcestershire it can mean the difference between waiting ten minutes and hanging around for three quarters of an hour. There is no easy way of finding out what's happening unless you are at an actual bus station (some Bristol bus stops have electronic displays, but they're not very accurate) and the driver of a no. 1 rarely has any idea why the 1A didn't turn up 20 minutes ago...
The bus fleets themselves aren't too bad, although there are problems. Some of the Worcestershire buses are now more than 15 years old, dating from pre-First days (you can tell by their "MRW" number plates!) but these are generally quite comfortable - old-fashioned bench seats really are better! The very newest ones aren't bad either, though we don't see many of those on the Kidderminster routes. The buses that cause the problems are those from around five to ten years ago, when the people in charge of specifying them seemingly lost the plot entirely and ordered buses with seats so hard you go numb within ten minutes, almost no knee room for anyone over four foot three, and horizontal bars near the bottom of the windows that only work if passengers remember not to possess shoulders!
The situation is broadly similar in Bristol, although here the problems are slightly different, as there are a lot of double-deckers in the city, a form of bus almost absent from Worcestershire these days. Again, though, lack of space is a big problem on the "nearly-new" buses, with First seemingly having followed Travel West Midlands' disastrous example of about a decade ago of getting double-deckers with so little leg room that someone like me (five foot 11) literally could not wedge myself in without sitting diagonally! Happily, the very latest Bristolian buses are really remarkably comfortable, and although like just about all buses they suffer badly in the summer when the large glass area makes them oven-like, the rest of the time they're more than acceptable.
There are a couple of points on which I will happily praise First. The first (no pun intended!) is that they haven't followed many other operators in completely banning eating and drinking on board, instead simply asking passengers not to eat takeaway-style food, or drink hot or alcoholic drinks. I suffer from coughs and dry throats, and on a hot summer's day find a 90-minute bus trip with nothing to drink extremely uncomfortable. To be fair, I have never been told off for having a gulp or two from a bottle of water, but I'm always conscious that I'm not quite sticking to the rules. First this summer put up a poster actually *advising* passengers to drink plenty of water in order to stay cool, and I think that is the better way to go, despite the litter considerations. (On that score, the press adverts that try to equate leaving a clean, current issue of Metro folded on your seat to leaving piles of empty crisp packets there are quite, quite absurd - especially as it's the transport companies that put the papers there in the first place!)
The other praiseworthy thing is that, certainly in the places I use them, First buses give change. And yes, that includes on busy routes in central Bristol, which rather gives the lie to certain other companies' plaintive cries that they can't possibly do the same, for speed and security reasons. Of course they could if they *wanted* to, but I suspect that they just want to make a bit of extra money from passengers who don't have the right coins! Not that I use cash for my own travel very much now anyway: the recentish "First 10 Journey" ticket, which as its name suggests is valid for 10 single journeys anywhere in a specified area, is exactly what I need and has certainly saved me a considerable sum of money since I started buying it. It's available in advance from PayPoint outlets, which I find convenient.
That takes me on to the fares themselves, and here my opinion is rather more mixed. Bristol is the problem: it is, I believe, the largest city in England without a Passenger Transport Executive, and this means that there is no equivalent to (for example) the West Midlands' Daytripper, allowing travel on almost all local public transport for a lowish price. The fares in Bristol seem to me to be consistently a little higher than they really ought to be; for example, an off-peak adult day rover costs £4.00, as opposed to £3.50 for the equivalent in the West Midlands, which covers a significantly larger area. Fares in Worcestershire seem mostly to be considerably more reasonable, and in fact in some cases are lower than they were a decade ago!
In general, the attitude of First bus drivers is quite good, perhaps because the need to give change means they are required to interact a little more with passengers than in places where they act as little more than driving machines. The usual toughened glass panels around their cabs are present and correct, but they're often left open, at least in the daytime, and this certainly creates a less intimidating atmosphere. Although it is quite rare for this to be needed, they do when necessary intervene with passengers who are causing a nuisance, for example asking them to use headphones rather than speakers to listen to music. My one real complaint is that one or two of them spend so much time smoking! Not in their cabs these days, of course, rather getting out briefly at stops, but you can certainly tell from the waft of air when they get back on...
At least in Worcestershire, there has been a small campaign this summer with First putting up posters explaining how to use buses: how to ring the bell, make sure you hold on tight, etc. I'd like to think that this was because more people were starting to use public transport, but I am decidedly sceptical about that. It's a somewhat imperfect campaign: for example, one poster tells passengers who've rung the bell to remain seated until their bus actually stops, which a) nobody ever does, b) risks the driver thinking it was just an inquisitive child playing about and so not stopping in the first place, and c) is rather a problem if it's standing room only! (To be fair, this is something I encounter less these days than I used to when thoroughly inadequate minibus-sized vehicles were quite regularly used on many local journeys.)
So overall, I think that First provides a reasonable service. I don't feel any connection with the brand in the way I used to with Midland Red (another thing the corporate types don't seem to care about), and they are a long way from being the perfect bus company. However, I have very rarely become utterly furious with their ineptitude the way I did a few years ago with one of their railway relations, First Great Western. Their bus division seems to me to be an absolutely middle-of-the-road undertaking (not literally, one hopes!) and if pushed I would probably say it was better than having Stagecoach doing the honours. I'm bracing myself for the possibility of the Bus Service Operators Grant being cut by the government, which will have a severe effect on a lot of people with no practical alternative to the bus, but for now First provide a fair service. Not wonderful; not dreadful; but okay.
absolutlely without doubt the most diabolical bus service i have ever had the misfortune to have to use they dont stop when you put your hand out they miss out not just one bus but four buses so i was waiting for an hour,not for the first time,many tmes this has happend.FIRST TRANSFORMING TRAVEL ha what a joke!!
First buses are terrible, in Bristol they have the second most expensive fares in the UK. It is cheaper to catch a taxi than a bus and quicker and more pleasant. FilthyIrregularRudeSlowToo expensiveI have had enough of First, and will not stand it any longer, from now on when I am forced to get on a bus I will only pay what I think the service is worth! I am fed up of being spoken to with such disrespect, driven past and sworn at, overcharged and intimidated. I cannot feel any sympathy with the bus drivers when they obviously get a massive kick out of being rude c**ts at every opportunity. If I treated the customers in my job like they do I would be sacked on the spot. I'm also sick of never getting a response to my complaints ever!!!
Today I travelled on a first bus into Manchester town centre.
The bus showed up on time and I was greeted by a miserable driver. He just looked at me with a blank stare and waited for me to request my ticket. I got a £4 all day bus saver ticket which means I could use the same ticket all day. I had to get this ticket as if I had got a single or a return ticket then it would have cost more than £4 which I found extremely strange. The driver took my money, issued by ticket and didn't speak a single word to me.
When I went down the bus there were only spaces towards the back of the bus so I went to sit down. There was old newspaper on the aisle and the seat next to me was dirty from where someone had clearly been putting their feet on it.
The bus seemed to be running slightly early so the driver decided to wait at a couple of the stops for over five minutes, we then left those stops late and due to traffic right in the town centre it means we arrive at 9.10 and we were supposed to arrive at 8.48 which meant I was late for my appointment, but then again that's probably my own fault for getting a bus that was only due to arrive just before 9!
My return journey was a lot better, the bus was on time again and I found a seat straight away as I was one of the first on it at the station. It seemed like a cleaner bus which was strange as it had been running all day and the one I got this morning would have surely been cleaned at the end of the night? There was a few things on the floor but this was acceptable as it was clearly from people who had been on the bus all day and I understand that the drivers don't have time to go around cleaning the bus. The driver was also friendly and I noticed him having a joke with some of the other passengers, maybe the one I had this morning was just tired or having a bad day?
My previous experiences on first buses have always been good and I will continue to use them. My main problem with them is the frequency that they run to my area is poor, yet they have a bus to Bolton something stupid like every 6 minutes and there is often three or four buses all going there! Another problem is the prices, but as petrol costs are going up I can understand this.
I say I will continue to use them, but there isn't really an alternative bus I could use so I can't compare them to other buses. Still I think I can say it is fair to say the service I receive from them is average.
First Buses are terrible!
Where do I start!? Some of the bus timetables are invalid in the Bristol area, one time the bus driver was ill prepared with change and gave me a ticket for the next day that he said would discount me for the change he was supposed to give me. The next day when I got on to the bus the driver rudely said ''we don't take those''. I explained the situation the day before as he refused to accept the discounted ticket I didn't have any more money to pay for the journey. I was forced to walk to college and in adition I then lost my EMA money I should have been intitled to for being late!
Also I find the bus drivers rude, unable to co-operate, the buses are often dirty, and there is no way that they can justify their monoply prices. £5.60 is the cheapest deal I get get with First Buses from Portishead to Bristol and back again with a student discount.
This should be sorted out. Bring another bus company to compete!
So, my Husband got a new job and therefore I lost my lift to work, his new work was in completely the opposite direction to where I work. So, until we had the funds to buy a little run around for me I had to get the bus.
On the face of it the bus service from my house isn't too bad on paper - buses at 0708, 0718, 0734, 0739 in a morning and 1559, 1614, 1624, 1644 etc in the afternoon. Also the bus takes exactly the route I would drive and doesn't go round loads of housing estates, so again a positive for the bus. I think this is where the positives end!
I had to get the bus to work for 2 weeks, in those 2 weeks no bus was on time - the excuse given by the bus company was that they had just changed the route and route numbers, passengers were confused so drivers were having to explain which buses to get at the stops and this was causing delays to the service. Why didn't they put better signage at the bus stops?!
I went out every morning to get the 0718 bus, if it was there by 7.25 I was lucky! One morning it didn't turn up at all and I had to get the 7.34 bus - it's a good job I work flexi-time otherwise I'd have been stuck!
The buses in the evening weren't so bad for timing as I caught it from the bus station so at the start of the journey, However I never reached my destination at the time it stated on the timetable! Bad traffic apparently?! If it's everyday why don't they alter the timetables?!
Bus Drivers - well, there are some lovely drivers out there and no doubt it is the minority that give them a bad name! Generally most of the drivers were okay and had manners and were pleasant and on the whole drove sensibly.
However...I did witness one girl being left at the bus stop - the driver had shut the doors at the bus station, the girl came running up and knocked on the door and the driver refused to let her on, saying according to the time the bus had departed, .it was still stood on the stand!! There was no need for it!
Some drivers seem to think they're Jenson Button and forget they're driving a double decker bus!! One tried to overtake a van on hill, needless to say he didn't manage it but he had built up so much speed he nearly didn't stop at a bus stop and everyone on the top deck nearly went flying trough the window!!
Price...well this is one of the main reasons I got a car! £18 for a weekly bus pass or I can park in a car park 5 minutes from work for £7.50 for the week - even with petrol on top for an 8mile run and the convenience of being able to go where I want after work, it's about the same! Where is the incentive to go on a bus?!
All the buses I used were very old buses - I live outside the city centre so we don't get the nice shiny buses they do - they were a disgrace, seats coming off, marks all over them, heating either on full blast or not at all.
Now I'm not a snob and I don't mind using public transport but they really need to sort it out, I know they can't help the sort of people that travel on the bus, but maybe the time has come where they have a conductor or steward type person on them, you get one group of teenagers and they intimidate everyone on the bus, you get
someone who has a grudge against paying the prices of a bus and starts tearing there ticket up and throwing it at everyone on the bus, you get the old guy that really should be in a care home shouting obscenities at all the woman on the bus because they should be at home cooking and cleaning and not out and about having fun! Some
of it has to be seen to be believed!
So, my experience of travelling by bus for 2 weeks wasn't really a very pleasant one, if I have to I don't mind travelling by bus, I certainly don't mind using public transport, the tram and the train set better examples for the buses to follow, but given the choice I would choose my car every time.
I work an hours bus journey from where I live and simply refuse to pay the prices that First Scotrail charge for the journey so for over 2 years I had no other option than to use First Bus and thank goodness all is over with my need for anything from them.
Like I say my bus journey is an hour long (each way) on a daily basis through the week (thankfully I don't work weekends). Each morning I would jump on an old and dirty bus with a driver who could not care less about the fact he saw you each and every day of the working week.
The company charges for a weekly pass for Greater Glasgow £14.50 which I always thought was excellent value as they charge £3.50 for an all day pass but boy was I ever wrong. Recently McColls buses started to operate on the same route and whilst the buses are of the same age they are always clean, the drivers are good and remember you and for a weeks pass it is £7 or £2 for an all day ticket for the same travel.
The bus drivers for First are very grumpy and never offer you any kind of help or warmth with myself having experienced a driver who spoke to himself throughout a journey and seemed drunk, a driver stall whilst turning onto a dual carriageway and nearly crashing into the central reserve and even a driver complain at me for using change in the form of 5 and 10 pences which is due to the company not offering change (McColls thankfully offer change).
I have always hated using First as the bus drivers make the journey feel unsafe thanks to their ridiculous speeds yet they feel it is ok to sit and wait at a bus stop for 10 minutes to run to their timetable.
I have never liked First as a company and thankfully now don't have to deal with them.
- Regular buses
- Numerous routes
- Poor drivers
- Unclean and uncomfy buses
- Expensive
- No change offered
- Lack of customer care
I have not had many good experiences of First and now don't use them so can stop having all of the negative experiences.
I'll be reviewing the First Bus service in Bristol.
I lived in Bristol for 22 years and when I moved to London a year ago, my goodness, were my eyes opened or what!
First don't operate in London, and that becomes apparent pretty quickly.
In Yate, about 11 miles from Bristol City Centre, the buses run approximately every half an hour on a weekday. On Sundays you're lucky to get one.
In Bristol, different drivers price journeys differently. One day a journey cost me £1.80, and the next day, the driver attempted to charge me £2.30 for the same journey. I explained that I'd paid less the day before, and he replied, saying that it was my problem. £1.80 was all I had, so I ended up walking the three miles home.
When we had that heavy snowfall earlier this year, First buses shut down for the day. I was doing a day's work in Bristol but had to get a First bus to the bus station, then the coach to London. The roads were gritted first thing in the morning, and barely a few snowflakes fell throughout the whole day. First cancelled all buses that day, despite the beautifully clear roads, so I had to slide the two miles down the hill to the bus station, because the paths were covered with ice and snow. The paths hadn't been gritted, they were about five inches deep in snow. When I got to the bus station, it was buzzing with National Express drivers and coaches. I got to London early on my National Express coach.
There's also the delightful fact that First put their fares up every year. Twelve years ago an adult single to go two miles in Yate was fifty pence. Now it's £1.25. At least they tell us first; they have posters on their buses headed "We are changing our fares". Note it's changing, not increasing.
Yes, even with the recent plunge in fuel prices, fares have still gone up.
If you are going to Yate from Bristol Bus Station, beware. The buses are always at least ten minutes late leaving the station, and that's if they arrive at all. On more than one occasion I've been at Bristol Bus Station at 7PM when I was supposed to be getting a 5:30PM bus.
The real jewel in the crown though, is when you don't have the correct change. It's not always possible for us passengers to have £4.45 on us; we may only have five pound notes or ten pound notes on us. If that ever happens to you, you'd better start praying. First bus REFUSE to give out change on their buses. Yes, that's right. They do NOT dispense any change on their buses. What you get is a change ticket that can only be exchanged for your money at Bristol Bus Station. So even if you only want to go somewhere in Yate, you still have to pay the £7 to go to Bristol Bus Station to change it up.
First have systematically eaten up most of the small, independent bus companies around Bristol. They are a greedy, psychopathic corporation who only care about the money they can make off us vehicle-less suckers.
Their service is disgusting and I think they should be taken over by the Government.
The only good thing about them is that they have some genuine, kind drivers who will use their discretion to treat their passengers fairly. Only some though.
First Group are one of the biggest bus operators in the country and control a monopoly of the market in the city I live in. It could be First, or last, choice but either way you have 'no choice' whatsoever if you need to catch a bus. This is my review of whether they meet expectations: -
The city I live in has many villages, and First pretty much cover them all, as you would expect, and on paper offer regular services, some up to every 10 minutes. The buses are generally clean inside and they appear up with technology with a screen that tells you where you are and what is the next stop. This is on the Future travel buses (bendy bus) which also has customer service hosts to take your money so that the driver can continue driving - making it a quicker service. These all point towards a decent service but...
Why do bus drivers/hosts never have any change???!!? You feel guilty if you hold a £10 note as you know they will be difficult because they dont have any change. Banks dispense £10 notes so why should we in this day and age have to go to a shop and get change? Being a molopoly makes the company, in my opinion, very arrogant and complacent. Buses can be late with no apology and sometimes rudeness but they know full well that you cant get another bus!
Another bad point is the price. £3.70 for a day pass is extortionate, and even £3 for a single is excessive. They try to claim that price rises (regular occurance) is due to hikes in petrol, or adding a lick of paint to the bus but this is a money making exercise if ever you have seen one. I went travelling in Oz few years back and travelled by bus/coach in most places and even a small journey would be 3 times the distance of first group yet 1/4 of the price. Service with a smile was always paramount to the journey.
Dont get me wrong, there are some good bus drivers out there who do a great good in customer service and you dont mind so much passing over your hard earned cash but these are few and far between and I think First represents an over confident company. The country and media are forever getting people to car share, bus to work to save the environment perhaps First could help with a better service which includes more competitive price range to be in line with society!


text:
A MYSTERY Lotto winner from Gloucestershire has banked a huge prize on the EuroMillions without ever touching a ticket.
The lucky man, known only as Mr I, matched five main numbers and one lucky star in the EuroMillions draw on Christmas Eve and won £216,893.40.
Mr I was playing EuroMillions through National-Lottery.co.uk and has become one of over six million players that win each week on The National Lottery's range of games.
Winners have the opportunity to release their name, remain anonymous or like this winner, release some details through partial publicity.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Reaching Consumers through Nontraditional Methods: What Can WorldCat Do for You?
This event has passed.
Recorded at the ALA Midwinter 2010 conference
Meeting Overview:
Librarians, library users and industry leaders share strategies of how WorldCat.org helps them reach consumers, researchers, developers and partner organizations through social tools, mobile apps, APIs and more.
- Jasmine De Gaia, global product manager for WorldCat.org
- Roy Tennant, senior program officer for OCLC Research, OCLC Developer Network co-founder
"WorldCat for developers"
- Jennifer Friedman, Collections Manager at the Rotch Library of Art and Architecture, MIT
"WorldCat for academic libraries"
- Graeme Williams, superpatron from the Waltham Public Library, Waltham, Massachussets
"WorldCat for end-users"
- Andrew Yu, Mobile Platform Manager and Architect, Information Services and Technology. MIT
"Mobile Computing: Lessons learned to inform library approaches"
- Cindy Cunningham, director of Partner Programs at OCLC
"WorldCat partners: Extending libraries' reach online"
Start Date
16 January 2010
End Date
16 January 2010


text:
San Rafael, CA, US
Over the past 5 years, I have developed and cultivated a strong and versatile skill set through my work experience and passion for the technical and design realms. As an effective and creative problem solver, I continuously prove my ability to deliver exceptional results. I am especially talented at making design decisions involving schedule, budget, and technical resolution. My education has also given me an enormous understanding of the value of teamwork in achieving long and short term goals. By undergoing an architectural education, I've also learned how to produce visually appealing graphics, clear and thoughtful layouts, and dynamic, exciting presentations.
University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, US, BArch, Architecture


text:
1 Vehicle Found
Used 2017 Dodge Journey Crossroad Plus
Vestal Internet Price $22,980
See Important Disclosures Here
Pricing Information
- Vestal Internet Price $22,980
- Stock Number
- Miles
- 6550
- Exterior
- Gray
- Interior
- Black W/premium Cloth Low Back Bucket Seats Orange
- Drive Wheels
- Engine
- 2.4L 4 cyls
- Transmission
- Automatic 4-Speed
Add vehicles to compare. You can compare up to 3 vehicles at a time.
Tax, title, license and dealer fees (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance or lease offers. Price may not include Dealer Installed Accessories. Tax, title, license (unless itemized above) are extra. Not available with special finance, lease and some other offers.
Your 2016 used Dodge Journey Vehicle Resource Serving High Point
At Vestal Buick GMC in Kernersville, NC, we have an unbeatable selection of Buick, GMC vehicles. Proudly serving Kernersville, Winston Salem and Greensboro customers, we are sure to have something for you whether it be a new Buick, GMC car, truck or SUV.
Browse our inventory of new and used Buick, GMC vehicles here at Vestal Buick GMC or visit us at our Kernersville location today. You can always get in touch with a sales representative by phone at (336) 996-5780 or email us online.
View Our Buick, GMC Showroom | Start Over: Search All Buick, GMC Vehicles | Start Over: Search All Used Buick, GMC
Customer Reviews (19 Reviews)
My husband called to report a battery...
My husband called to report a battery problem to your service department and was advised to bring our Terrain in as soon as possible. The service dep...
Bruce M. Kernersville
Everyone is always friendly, they provide...
Everyone is always friendly, they provide fast and quality service!
Diane G. Winston Salem
Russell J. Colfax
Always a great experience at vestal....
Always a great experience at Vestal. Friendly and quick.
Bonnie M. Kernersville
Great job
Great Job
Curtis M. Kernersville
Was really good. Disappointed in the tahoe...
Was really good. Disappointed in the Tahoe itself in that it has been to the shop for a new a/c compressor and now catalytic converter with oxygen sen...
Kristin J. Kernersville
Very quick and helpful.
Very quick and helpful.
Angela S. Kernersville
I went in to have the oil changed and...
I went in to have the oil changed and tires rotated. Everyone was great in getting this done for me.
Betty G. Kernersville
The representatives we kind and prompt in...
The representatives we kind and prompt in servicing my Chevrolet (Traverse) vehicle. They vacuum it out and assured me that the work was done and read...
William T. Winston Salem
Very helpful and professional
Very helpful and professional
Timothy G. King


text:
Posted 7 years ago
(5 items)
Picked this piece up at an auction in Glen Rock PA for $1. beause my daughter wanted the paper Japanese fan it was auctioning with. My Wife and I just began picking and have no idea about this item
Elephant Ashtray made in Occupied Japan.
This piece is in excellent condition with no chips on the piece.
There are 4 separate ashtrays which fit into a unique holder attached to the elephant.
Detailed in all one color, glossy brown.


text:
Davis has never had much of a face-up game — though that term is a bit of a misnomer. Ed certainly plays facing the basket; just not in the sense that he's going to beat someone off the dribble or consistently step into jumpers. Luckily for him, this reputation often leads to this:
Defenses and scouts still haven't caught up with how athletic and skilled he is. The lane seems to open up like that all the time because no one expects him to attack it. Players in the post relax because Ed isn't known as "that" type of player that's going to make them pay. But Davis can explode towards the basket with finesse from 12-15 feet out like few guys with his length can — even if he isn't going to get confused for Kevin Durant any time soon.
Ed has quietly been dominant at times while Toronto. So much so that he attempted to screw with the cosmos when he dropped 24 & 12 on the Nets on 12/12/12 last December. Even in Chapel Hill Ed always had the 'go-to' move that's the mark of an eventual long-time pro, but just in the last few months has his game fully fleshed-out and proven to be ridiculously polished at times for what would be his rookie season had Eazy E been in college four years. Davis was just shredding the Nets on #Mayans day with all sorts of combos that don't really fit in with his prescribed "shot-blocker/rebounder" trope:
Toronto had to make the Rudy Gay deal, but Davis will do fine in Memphis. He foils perfectly alongside the bruiser Zebo, and the pass-happy Spaniard Gasol has to be salivating over Ed's soft hands (or whatever excited Spaniards do).
The Davis legacy will always be sketchy at UNC — part NCAA Title, part Larry Drew, part Lottery. But Carolina fans might have to warm back up quickly, Ed is going to be one of the better Heels in the NBA for a while.


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Lunar New Year Celebration at Disneyland Resort
Each day of the celebration the Pacific Wharf area of Disney's California Adventure will feature cultural experiences, food, merchandise and performances by dancers, musicians and martial artists. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Mulan and Mushu will also be celebrating. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 8-13. Disney's California Adventure, 1313 S. Harbor Blvd., Anaheim. One day, one park: adult: $87; kids (3-9): $81; one day park hopper: adult: $125; kids (3-9): $119.
The Union of Vietnamese Student Associations (UVSA) hosts the official Tet Festival of Southern California for the 32nd year with three days of traditional foods, live entertainment, games, ceremonies and customs celebrating the Lunar New Year. 3-10 p.m. Feb. 8; 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 9; 10 a.m.-9 p.m. Feb. 10. $5 per person. Garden Grove Park, 9301 Westminster Ave., Garden Grove.
Chinese New Year at Pretend City
Children and families can celebrate and learn about the traditions and customs surrounding the Chinese New Year with Pretend City. The celebration will include New Year's dinner, a Chinese New Year's parade and more activities.10 a.m. Feb. 10. Adult and kids (2 and up): $11; military and family members: $8. Pretend City Children's Museum, 29 Hubble, Irvine. 949-428-3900.
Celebrate with entertainment, cultural village, kid's corner, Mr. Vietnam San Diego and Ms. Vietnam San Diego pageants and more. 5-10 p.m. Feb. 15, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Feb. 16 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Feb. 17. Adult: $5; kids: $4. Balboa Park, 1549 El Prado, San Diego. 858-215-4838.
Irvine Chinese School 2013 Chinese New Year Celebration Performance
Each year more than 200 students and around 100 volunteers dedicate their time to this event. This year's performances include Yunnan folk dances, Kung fu, musical play, Chinese YoYo and more. 7 p.m. Feb. 16. Irvine Barclay Theatre, 4242 Campus Drive, Irvine. Call for tickets; 949-559-6868, ext. 502.
Chinese New Year Celebration at The Dragon Institute
Join the Dragon Institute for a fun-filled morning that will include a Lion Dance performance, adult and kids Kung Fu demonstrations and much more. 10 a.m.-noon Feb. 16. The Dragon Institute, 34241 Pacific Coast Highway, Dana Point. Free. 949-542-8470.
3rd Annual Lunar New Year Celebration
Take part in the annual event with family and friends to experience the colorful celebration and to have good luck for the coming year. 1-4 p.m. Feb. 17. Free. Tustin Library Outdoor Courtyard, 345 E. Main St., Tustin. 714-544-7725.
Chinese New Year: Year of the Snake
Enjoy a Chinese New Year celebration with entertainment and traditional Chinese cuisine. Sponsored by Irvine Evergreen Chinese Senior Association; all proceeds will be donated to Irvine Senior Services. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Feb. 22. $10 per person. Lakeview Senior Center, 20 Lake Road, Irvine. 949-724-6900.
35th Annual Los Angeles Chinatown Firecracker 5/10K
Celebrate the Chinese New Year of the Snake at the 35th Annual LA Chinatown Firecracker 5/10k. Firecracker Nite n' Day activities include free live entertainment and music all weekend. All registered participants will receive a souvenir T-shirt, goodie bag and medal. 7:30 a.m. Feb. 24. 5 and 10K: $35; 1K kids run: $10. Chinatown Central Plaza, 947 N. Broadway, Los Angeles.
For more events, visit events.ocregister.com


text:
Pat Green, 'Even the Losers' – Song Review
Pat Green's cover of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers' 'Even the Losers' sets a great example for artists considering the inclusion of a cover track on their new album. The Texas country singer delivers a passionate performance of a lyric that is not his own — but it sure feels like it.
Green's rendition is more orchestral that the original, yet it never loses touch with the spirit and melody of Petty's hit. The country hitmaker begins slowly, starting with just a piano and an acoustic, before building into the first chorus with strings.
"Baby, time meant nothing, anything seemed real / Yeah, you could kiss like fire and you made me feel / Like every word you said was meant to be / No, it couldn't have been that easy to forget about me," Green sings. At the two-minute mark, the song begins to swell. Fifty seconds later, Green is reaching a climax not built into 1979 rock hit.
"Baby, even the losers get lucky sometimes / Even the losers keep a little bit of pride / They get lucky sometimes," he sings.
It's not easy to create a cover that's met with approval from fans and critics — especially one of a well-known and still relevant song like 'Even the Losers.' Green is an experienced musician who adds just enough of his own soul to the song to make it unique, yet he doesn't tamper with the hallowed fabric. Look for this song on Green's 'Songs We Wish We'd Written II' album.
Listen to Pat Green, 'Even the Losers'


text:
Kitchen gadgets: everyone has them taking up room in their drawers, cupboards and pantries. If you're like me, you have five pieces of kitchen junk for every one gadget that you use regularly. I have a whole drawer in my kitchen dedicated to the gadgets that see the light of day once or twice a year, some that may never even leave the drawer. Some have come to me as gifts, while others I may have purchased thinking it was the miracle solution to some kitchen conundrum that I had. When we moved two years ago, many got purged and donated, but just as many odd gadgets have come to take the place of their predecessors.
To think I had not two, but THREE of those egg boiling timers (you know, the ones that look like eggs and change color). Do you think I've ever used them? Maybe once, only to discover that they're pretty hard to read at the bottom of a boiling pot full of eggs! I have three completely different solutions to peeling garlic, although I only really use the knife-smashing method. I have bowl scrapers, bench knives, pasta measuring tools, an avocado scooper/slicer, TWO boiled egg slicers (one was clearly not enough) and on and on. While I should just purge them, who knows when I'll need an extra egg slicer? What this makes me realize, though, is how many gadgets I use frequently and absolutely love- like my zester/grater and my immersion blender. What gadget do you break out frequently and love?
In honor of another gadget that I love, even if I only use it on choice occasions, I'm giving away a classic rolling pin. Just a plain and simple, wooden rolling pin. To make it an even sweeter prize, I'm throwing in a set of flour-sack towels and a classic whisk, too. You can truly never have enough towels in a kitchen, especially soft light towels. I use these towels for everything from pressing tofu to covering bread dough while it rises.
How to enter:
Simply leave me a comment here on the blog (comments on the Facebook post will be counted as well) and tell me your favorite kitchen gadget. It doesn't have to be fancy or long, just a plain and simple "I love my ___." I'll select a winner at random from all who enter by 11:59 pm on 07/18/11.


text:
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Yeah, I tend to agree. I have been in Cleveland just over three months and I can tell you that these fans are on a whole other level than Indy fans. Their teams suck but they still support them with enthusiasm. It's really great to see it actually, and I wish Indy fans were a little better in that regard. I think I have a bad taste in my mouth from this whole Pacers episode. When they were winning, they were the toast of the town and the Colts were afterthoughts. When the tables turn, suddenly we have the worst attendance in the league and apathy is running rampant through the streets of Indy. It just kind of pisses me off.
Well yeah, that column was spot on at the time. Manning was at the top of his game in 2010 and was showing no signs of slowing down. He looked like he easily had 4-5 years left in him. That column was written before Peyton even had the surgery.
In 2010 he has his lowest passer rating since 2002 (just 10th best in the league), his highest number of interceptions since 2002, his lowest number of yards per attempt in his career, his lowest number of yards per completion in his career.
20/20 hindsight, I know, but there was pretty clear evidence that he was not physically right last year, especially late in the year.
Those are the numbers you get when you're passing to players like Blair White and Jacob Tamme.
Ryan Kerrigan, a rook for the Redskins, had this exact procedure. (from what I've been told) He was a DE at Purdue, and is now playing linebacker for Wash. If a player taking that much contact can hold up, I would think Peyton has a pretty good shot at it.
Wait a minute...so... was...wrong about something?!
He had one more interception (17) than he did in his spectacular 2009 MVP season (16). He threw for the same amount of touchdowns in 2010 as he did in 09 (33). He's thrown 33 three times (00,09,10), which is the second highest total of his career. He also threw for 4700 yards last year, the highest of his career.
He had a couple of really bad games that put a dent on his stats. He was dealing with a revolving door of injuries and a bad o-line with no run game. Not making excuses, just stating facts. Overall, he was spectacular as usual. Yeah it was his lowest rating sine 02, but like I said, it was a couple of games that dragged him down. Besides, 03-09 are a collection of some of the greatest passer ratings ever. He was still a fantastic QB last year.
EIGHT of Manning's 17 picks last year came in the SD and Dallas games (4 each). So he basically had half of his season picks in those two games. He threw 4 TD's total in those two games. So that means he threw for 29 TDs and just 9 picks in the other 14 games. See, overall he was superb last season. Not his best season ever, but still a pretty darn good one. A typical Manning one. If weren't for those two godawful games then he would have had a QB rating in the mid-high 90's.
There was no reason to think Manning was on the downside last year.
Have the Pats started planning for life without Brady? He's only 17 months younger than Peyton, you know.
Last edited by Sollozzo; 09-09-2011 at 01:09 PM.
IT pretty tough to separate the forest from the trees here. The Colts had to many injuries on the offensive side of the ball to really point to his lower production.
He had a operation though last year so it was something that was nagging IMO at some point well before the season started.
More form Kravitz, consider these statements
Kravitz in May (linked earlier):
It's hard to pinpoint exactly when the Colts should begin looking for Manning's replacement, but I know this much: not now and not for another year or three. (Note; there was nothing in the article indicating he was against this idea!)
Kravitz, in August:
The Colts continue to play with fire with their backup quarterback spot....If Manning does go down, and the Colts are stuck with their current pair, I retain the right to say, 'I told you so.'
wow, just wow.
What a writer!
Schefter says if worse comes to worst we can basically terminate that big new contract.
Do you even want there to be a season? The whole "no season/a lot of games missed" nonsense is really old now.
More progress that things will be resolves sooner than later.
In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!
You coming in here and telling us to "Jump the Pacers bandwagon...oh sorry for Peyton" when at this point there isn't even another bandwagon to jump to is kind if silly, though.
Just kind of struck me the wrong way, I suppose.
Also, of course I want a basketball season. Just doesn't look too good right now.
Super Bowl XLI Champions
2000 Eastern Conference Champions
I'm not telling anyone to do anything. I think you took it the wrong way.
I would think the last thing I'd try to do on PACERS Digest is try to convert people to be Pacers fans.
Disregarding the NBA ****, the Pacers clearly have a much brighter future than the Colts do which will be an appealing thing for Indy fans.
I'm just throwing a little humor out there because it's going to happen soon or later and I also feel bad for Peyton. Nothing wrong with that, right?
In 49 states it's just basketball, but this is Indiana!
This says it all. I wish it was also all that had to say.
There's a difference between looking for Manning's permanent replacement and having an adequate backup for him. Kravitz isn't necessarily contradicting himself here.
Of course they have ever since he tore his ACL/MCL 3 years ago. Belichick isn't attached to anyone if he can find someone younger and better than Brady he'll dump him ASAP.
They think ahead and plan for everyone.
The Colts clearly have not otherwise we wouldn't be having this problem right now.
They didn't even ask him to take a physical before signing that contract how stupid are they for that?


text:
670 Convertible — By George L. Petrie
— September 2001
Quality Time
|Familiarity breeds respect aboard the new Bertram 670 Convertible.
The world debut of Bertram's 670 Convertible was preceded by a thunderous ovation--literally. For a week thunder and drenching rain had soaked Great Abaco Island and the flotilla of yachts gathered there for the Bahama Billfish Challenge. I had wangled an invitation to sea trial the yacht as she made the 100-mile trip from Marsh Harbor to Paradise Island, site of the next leg of the tournament. I figured the lengthy trip would let me put the yacht through her paces in a variety of sea conditions--maybe swells from the previous day's storms or fresh chop from the next weather front moving through the islands. But it was not to be. Not only did the sky clear, but the wind also died, leaving the sea as placid as a millpond.
Even though the seas were calm, I have no doubts about the yacht's rough-water capability. She is a Bertram, after all, with a classic deep-V hull form that's indelibly associated with her name but, equally as impressive, fine-tuned to improve on her legendary predecessors. Her forefoot is sharper and deeper, with more bow reach at the stem to punch smoothly through the sea. Slightly convex sections aft should soften the ride, while chine flats that widen to 10 inches at the transom are designed to keep spray down and provide efficient lifting surfaces.
The smooth trip did provide an excellent chance to study the flow lines around the hull. Forward, in the strike zone (the area of the hull that first hits the water), oversize strakes are canted up at a 45-degree angle, and I could see how they deflected the spray into a clean sheet that washed well outboard of the chine. Aft of the strike zone, there's clean flow separation at the chine all the way back to the transom, with blue water extending well outboard of the hull, then folding into a smooth sheet of spray. The net effect was an exceptionally clean whitewash, critical to chasing down a prize tuna.
Schedule constraints prevented us from going after gamefish en route, but we did make a stop for lunch near Hole in the Wall, at the southern tip of Great Abaco. Maybe we were just lucky, or maybe the Bertram's a fish magnet, but within 20 minutes, deep jigging in 700 feet of water, we hauled in two large black grouper and an impressive pair of yellow-eye. We were back underway so quickly I barely had time to take in all the features of the 168-square-foot cockpit.
This article originally appeared in the January 2003 issue of Power & Motoryacht magazine.


text:
UPLAND - Retiring Councilman Ken Willis was honored Monday night by his fellow council members for his military service.
Willis, who helped bring the Blue Star banner program to the city, served in Vietnam from 1966-68.
Following the recognition of several other Uplanders who serve in the military, the council surprised Willis with his own certificate of recognition.
"While serving as Councilman Ken Willis spearheaded the recognition of the Upland military residents for their current and past service," said Mayor Ray Musser.
Since the program began in 2006, 435 residents serving and veterans recognized for their service.
Blue Star banners became popular during World War I, Willis said.
Willis helped bring the program to the city because of his experience coming home from serving in Vietnam about 45 years ago.
"Like a lot of other Vietnam vets came home from a very unpopular war and it was fairly ordinary for people to make unkind remarks to us as we might pass by in the airport or bus station wherever in our uniforms, and it made for feeling welcome at home very important to us," he said.
Willis wanted the Upland residents serving in the military to feel supported.
"After 9/11 with so many young people enlisted and being commissioned in the service, I did not want to see the situation where a long-drawn-out war became very unpopular and before you knew it people were starting to say unkind things to our new veterans," he said. "It was in hope this program would be a means from preventing that or curtailing that from happening."
Residents recognized on Monday:
Marine Sgt. Christopher Aleman
Navy Aviation Specialist Cole Bennett
Army Pvt. Kenneth Carlson
Navy Electronics Technician Second Class Van Erwin
Navy Lt. Commander Lisa Gibson
Navy Airman Nicholas Hanna
Navy Petty Officer Second Class James Hopper
Navy Corpsman Dylan Loria
Coast Guard Seaman Travis Mondrala
Army Sgt. First Class Andrew Rodriguez
Air Force Airman First Class Paul Sanchez
Marine Cpl. Jesus Santana
Army Pvt. Thomas Scarpelli, Jr.
Air Force First Lt. Spencer Shibler
Air Force Airman First Class Timothy Shibler
Army Pfc. Shane Slaght
email@example.com 909-483-8555 @UplandNow


text:
Maryland casino table games arrive at Hollywood Casino Perryville
ANNAPOLIS, Md. (AP) - Hollywood Casino Perryville is the first casino in Maryland to have table games like blackjack.
Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency Director Stephen Martino signed the operations license on Wednesday allowing the casino to open table games to the public.
The casino, which is owned by Penn National, is offering 20 table games. Twelve of them feature variations of poker, blackjack, craps and roulette. The casino, which is off Interstate 95 in Cecil County, also has an eight-table poker room.
The casino, which was Maryland's first to open with slot machines in September 2010, held a controlled demonstration of its table games on Tuesday in a test run.
Lawmakers held a special session last year to expand gambling to allow table games. Voters approved the expansion in November.


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For April, we're celebrating Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous. If you've not tried pearl couscous, also known as Israeli couscous, you'll find it to be more pasta-like than its Moroccan relative. Couscous is simply a pasta made from wheat flour. Typically couscous is made from durum wheat in the United States, but it can also be made from semolina or regular hard red spring wheat flour. You can read more about how couscous is traditionally made here. The main difference between Israeli couscous and Moroccan couscous is the size. Israeli couscous has much larger pearls closer to the size of tapioca pearls and the wheat flour is often toasted. Moroccan couscous is very small, closer to poppy seeds and is usually not made with toasted flour. Both are delicious, but for April, we're focusing on our pearl couscous made with whole wheat flour. If you can't eat couscous because you follow a gluten free diet or are sensitive to wheat, many of these recipes could be adapted to use quinoa or millet. They'll be a little different, but the textures will be similar.
Today's recipe comes from our good friend Janel of Eat Well with Janel, to kick off our month-long couscous celebration. Janel is a Boston-based registered dietitian who loves helping people reach their nutrition goals, one bite at a time. Janel shares her culinary adventures in her blog Eat Well with Janel, Facebook fan page, and loves to tweet @DietitianJanel.
Lemony Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous with Broccoli and Salmon
Time: 30 minutes
Serves 5 (as an entrée dish)
- 1 ½ cups Whole Wheat Pearl Couscous
- 1-12 oz bag Broccoli Florets
- 1- 6 oz can Salmon, skinless, boneless, no salt added
- 3 Tbsp Capers, drained
- 2 Tbsp Olive Oil
- Juice from 2 Lemons
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cook couscous according to package directions. Meanwhile, steam broccoli florets in the microwave by placing them in a microwave safe bowl with two tablespoons of water. Loosely cover with a lid. Cook on high for three minutes.
When couscous is cooked, drain broccoli and add to the couscous. Add olive oil, lemon juice, capers, flaked salmon, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix to combine. Enjoy hot or at room temperature.


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CLEARANCE - The ChessCafe Puzzle Book 3
Test and Improve Your Defensive SkillProduct Code: B0042RE
Publisher: Russell Publishing
Author: Karsten Muller
Year of Publication: 2010
Pages: 216
Notation Type: Figurine (FAN)
Book DescriptionOne of the most important skills a chessplayer needs is the ability to defend a position that is under siege.
In this third volume in the highly acclaimed, best-selling ChessCafe Puzzle Book series, International Grandmaster Karsten Mueller, along with International Master Merijn van Delft, examines and expounds upon the vital defensive concepts and techniques used to repulse enemy attacks.
Major topics include:
(1) Principles and methods of defending
(2) Defending against a direct attack on the king
(3) Countering the initiative
(4) Saving the draw
(5) Passive versus active defense
(6) Use and development of counterplay.
Many of the world's greatest players - Steinitz, Lasker, Petrosian - were famous for their legendary defensive skills.
Now International Grandmaster Karsten Mueller along with International Master Merijn van Delft will show you how you can Test and Improve Your Defensive Skill.
Returns & Exchanges
This is a clearance Item and All Sales are Final. No refunds, returns or exchanges are allowed.
Media Mail Eligible
Media Mail® shipping from the US Postal Service is the cost-effective way to ship Books, Software and DVDs. With shipping rates starting at only 4.00, it's the most affordable shipping method available.


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This is my first blog. I've been reading these blogs for a while and thought i'd try my hand at one. Let me know what you think.
Vince should bring back...........
Shane Douglas. Yeah I said it. Shane "The Franchise" Douglas.
Now before you crucify me with your comments, hear me out.
Now, I'm not talking about bringing him back as a wrestler,


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The Duckling's last quack of the tour...
Quack! Hello everyone, sorry I haven't been in touch for a while but I have been travelling the country alongside my good friend Ugly who has been performing Ugly Duckling in the North & South!
My wings are very tired but I have had a very exciting journey. In the past few weeks we have been to Newcastle & Woking and i even had the chance to visit a few duck ponds along the way.
Before the performances of Ugly Duckling at New Victoria Theatre Woking, lots of children from the local area took part in open workshops. There was leaping, jumping and plenty of feathers to play with.
I also met Lily Amy, Northern Ballet's Company Stage Manager and she told me all about what happens backstage. I didn't realise there was so much to think about – the team have to sort out set, props, costume, sound & lighting!
I even had the chance to visit the tech box – this is a room where the technicians make sure everything happens on stage during the show. I got to see how the lighting and sound desk worked - there were so many button and controls! It all looked very confusing but thankfully the Northern Ballet technicians know exactly how everything works and what should be happening on stage. It was great finding out about how they make everything happen during the performance! It's just like magic! They even found a head set smaller enough for me to try on.
It's the last performances of Ugly Duckling at Nottingham Theatre Royal today, if you can come along and give all the ducklings, frogs, cats, and even the fox a great send off!


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Alfred Hitchcock's The White Shadow
Early Hitchcock silent makes its online debut
The White Shadow was one of Alfred Hitchcock's earliest directoral efforts—sort of. It was technically directed by Graham Cutts, with Hitch on board as a highly active assistant director, art director, and co-writer. The film was considred lost for many years; now half of it has been uncovered by the National Film Preservation Foundation and brought back to sparkling life. Few films made in 1924 have been made to look this good. And you can watch it right now, free of charge. The NFPF have put the whole thing streaming online, a striking olive branch to the world of digital distribution from a group so wedded to the celluloid strip. A timely reminder that modern modes of distrubution don't have to threaten the status of film as a physical object—that they can, perhaps, give preservationists a larger audience than they've ever had before.
Ken Burns' The Central Park Five
DOC NYC announces competition winners
New York's biggest doc-only festival had a tough but rewarding third year: it expanded into a second theater, hosted more films than ever before, brought in Ken Burns for a closing-night gala, and managed to make it through through the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Yesterday, the jurors announced the year's winners. "For its Rashomon-like investigation of a terrorist crime that did or didn't happen," the Grand Jury prize of the Viewfinders competition went to Jamie Meltzer's Informant. The equivalent prize for the NYC-themed Metropolis sidebar went to Mary Kerr's Radioman, "a documentary that demonstrates a great level of craft and an astute directorial eye in producing a complex, heartfelt portrait of a very special individual." For a full press release containing more prizes and winners, visit the festival's website.
Andrew Haigh's Weekend
TLA Releasing launches Italian distribution arm
TLA Releasing, one of the primary US-based distributors for LGBT cinema, has opened its first Italian branch. "TLA Releasing Italia," said company president David Kurl, "will give LGBT films much-needed visibility… in a territory where [they] still struggle to find sufficient distribution." The group will be based in Turin, and headed by former Atlantide Entertainment Head of Distribution Cosimo Santoro; its first slae of releases is set to include Andrew Haigh's breakthrough hit Weekend.


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Pena starts in place of hot-hitting Mesoraco
PITTSBURGH -- Although Devin Mesoraco is riding a career-best 10-game hitting streak entering Tuesday, backup catcher Brayan Pena started behind the plate with Johnny Cueto pitching for the Reds against the Pirates.
Pena worked very well with Cueto in his previous start on Thursday, which was a three-hit complete-game shutout over Pittsburgh.
"And he needs to play, too," manager Bryan Price said of Pena, who entered the night batting .308 in 10 games. "We didn't bring him over here to catch one out of every 10 or 15 games. Devin is swinging the bat unbelievably well and doing a great job behind the plate. But we want him to be healthy and strong all year, and we want Brayan to also be sharp when we need him. The relationship between he and Johnny is good, but I'm not at all afraid to use Devin with Johnny either."
Mark Sheldon is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Mark My Word, and follow him on Twitter @m_sheldon. Teddy Cahill is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter at @tedcahill. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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The most useful and practical education in a rapidly changing society is one that is grounded in liberal arts, says President Falk. Luncheon presentation at Asia Society Hong Kong this Friday, June 28.
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Asia Society takes no institutional position on policy issues and has no affiliation with any government. All views expressed in its publications and on its website are the sole responsibility of the author or authors.


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The stuff kids really need for high school
Here are some easy tips to help you upgrade your childs supplies for high school. more
Teaching children to read is one of the most important gifts we can give them, but raising our kids to love and value books isn't always easy. It can take more than just a nightly story book to foster both a love of reading as well as getting the most of what reading and books have to offer. "While book reading contributes to literacy skills, it is also crucial in developing a child's language development, their vocabulary," says psychologist Heidi Hosking.
"Using books to point out and define new words for your child is one thing, but then going and finding that object, action or concept out in an everyday scenario to point out again, will really help your child to generalise what they have learnt."
According to Hosking, reading isn't just for quiet time and it doesn't even have to involve books. "Think about ways you can show your child what you use reading for. Point out that you're reading the menu or recipe, what you wrote on the shopping list and finding a word on a map."
Any effort you can put into raising your child to be a reader is well worth your time. Research shows the more a child is read to, the more likely they will be to attend university. And before that, the benefits of reading relate to constantly increasing their vocabulary and narrative skills.
This all contributes to an easier time for your child when it comes to writing their own stories and assignments at school.
"It's very important to me that my kids enjoy books," says mum-of-two Sheri Walls. "I've always tried to make reading to them fun. For Callum that meant reading books that were of his choosing or of interest to him. Alesha is happy to read any book!"
Walls says she's been reading to both of her children from an early age, but it wasn't always easy. "Callum wasn't really interested in sitting with me to read until about a year ago."
Like most things, when it comes to reading and books, some kids love it, others aren't so willing. But there are ways to encourage a resistant reader to develop an interest. "As a speech pathologist, I have dealt with many kids who have not been so keen on books," says Hosking. "This has mostly been because they were not regularly read to from a very young age, they might have had less attention skills than another child or their parents did not know how to engage their child."
But Hosking says even the most resistant child can be captured by a book, whether it's by starting out with interactive books with buttons, sounds or flaps or using technology.
Hosking suggests the following:
For Walls, that meant giving her son the choice of which books they would read; so going to the local library to borrow books that were interesting to him. "Once we found a series of books that he liked, we would read all the books in the series together. He is now happy to lie in bed at night with a stack of books and read to himself."
This article was written for Kidspot by Nicole Madigan with additional information from I Raise My Kids.


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Limoneira Co. is promoting lemons through a contest with a hot dog fast-food chain.
The contest highlights National Lemonade Day (Aug. 20) through August. The Santa Paula, Calif.-based Limoneira's promotion takes advantage of Hot Dog on a Stick's notoriety for fresh-squeezed lemonade.
To partipate, diners who buy any size lemonade at Hot Dog on a Stick upload photos of their receipts to Limoneira's Facebook page and post why they like the fast-food chain.
The winner of "best post" receives Apple iPad and will be featured in a video.


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Brilyn Jo Peterson - August 15, 2012
To Scott and Kayla Peterson of Gothenburg on Wednesday, July 25, 2012, at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney, a daughter, Brilyn Jo, weighing seven pounds, nine ounces, and was 21 and one-fourth inches in length. She was welcomed home by a sister, Ashlyn.
Grandparents are Tim and Kerri Miller and Cherry Alger, all of Gothenburg.
Great-grandmother is Donna Kimball of Callaway.


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The world won't be a better place with one less dome and one more sporting goods store.
The CinéArts Theater in Pleasant Hill, known as "the Dome," likely showed its last movie this past weekend, which is a sad development for those of us who grew up in central Contra Costa County and a sad development for anyone who loves movies.
Pending an appeal scheduled for next month by some seriously devoted people, the iconic theater will be demolished to make way for a large Dick's Sporting Goods store and its accompanying revenue stream for the city.
One often hears city officials talk up the idea of expanding cultural arts offerings, not tearing them down. While few movie theaters qualify as cultural arts facilities, CinéArts for years has shown foreign and high-quality, limited-run films that people would otherwise have to drive through the Caldecott Tunnel to see.
Big loss for many
While a few other theaters in Contra Costa show some art house films, losing one still hurts. Distinctive theaters like the Dome have been disappearing for years, which is bad news for anyone who likes unusual, well-made and provocative movies.
There's a historical aspect to this loss as well. Economic expansion — if that's what yet another sporting goods store represents — is one thing. But severing a community's relationship with something that has been a constant for nearly five decades is plain sad. The Dome, which was a huge deal when it was built in 1966, represents wonderful memories for thousands of people.
I saw my first noncartoon, real nighttime sort of movie in the Dome when I was 8 years old: "Midway." Witnessing all that loud, World War II action on that huge (this was pre-Imax, so the screen seemed really huge back then) was-mind blowing. Later that same year, I saw the first remake of "King Kong" there. Even at age 9, seeing Jessica Lange running around in torn clothes on that ginormous screen burned an image into my brain that probably will remain as long as I live.
Even when folks aren't going to the movies there, the Dome is a huge presence. It's likely the most identifiable landmark along the Contra Costa County stretch of Interstate 680, and it has been so my entire life. (I'm old enough to remember Pleasant Hill's drive-in on the other side of the freeway. Once, during a nighttime traffic jam, I considered myself pretty lucky to catch a few minutes of one of the "Planet of the Apes" movies for free).
Worth a journey
The Dome was so head-and-shoulders above other theaters, we'd drive up from San Ramon in high school to see movies, bypassing our city's brand-new theater. It was where you took a date to impress her. I saw "Star Wars," "Star Trek" and "Jurassic Park" movies there, because there was no way any regular theater could do justice to the special effects the way the Dome could. The last movie I ever saw in a theater with my grandmother was "E.T." at the Dome. In my 20s, I would meet friends at the bar next door, then go see movies such as the director's cut of "Apocalypse Now" and "Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas." The opening scene of "Saving Private Ryan" was absolutely mind-blowing on that screen.
And now seeing the marquee, which says the theater is closed, is terribly sad. I promise you, nothing that eventually occupies that spot will create so many wonderful moments. Unless one has a strange attachment to sporting goods.
On May 6, the Pleasant Hill City Council is set to hear the appeal of its decision to grant the use permit for the site. For more info about the Save the Dome movement, go to www.savethedome.org.
Contact Tony Hicks at Facebook.com/BayAreaNewsGroup.TonyHicks or Twitter.com/insertfoot.
Share your favorite memories of the Cinearts "Dome" theater at www.mercurynews.com/tony-hicks.


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In Regional Roundup, we've gathered the top stories from each of our eight weekly newspapers each week. Here are the regional stories you don't want to miss from May 8 to May 14, 2014.
Buddy benches to be unveiled at Miller, Craddock schools in Aurora
A buddy bench isn't just for sitting outside. It has a much bigger purpose, according to Tami Mazzella, school counselor for Miller and Craddock elementary schools.
Flood clean-up offered for all Cuyahoga Falls sanitation customers
Due to Monday night's storm, there will be a Special Flood Cleanup for all Cuyahoga Falls sanitation customers, announced Mayor Don Walters.
Time Warner Cable to change HCTV channels starting May 6
Time Warner Cable is making some changes to its local public access basic cable channels which will affect viewers of Hudson Cable Television.
Area mopping up after storm; estimated $3 million in damage to Holy Family
After the May 12 storm, area officials and property owners are cleaning up the damage.
11th Tallmadge Relay For Life set for May 16
The 2014 Tallmadge Relay For Life is set to kick off its 11th consecutive year of fundraising for the American Cancer Society.
Nordonia High School student in jail on $500,000 bond after alleged threats
A Macedonia resident enrolled in Nordonia High School's "Digital Knights" online program was charged with one count of inducing panic, a second-degree felony
City planning four railroad crossing replacements this summer
By the end of the summer, it will be smooth travel for motorists traversing four of the city's railroad crossings.
Lineup set for Twinsburg's 2014 Rock the Park concert series
Running the gamut from rock tributes to country and everything in between, a lineup of high-energy musical performances are scheduled to take the stage at Perici Amphitheatre this summer for the 2014 Rock the Park Concert Series.


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SCHOOLCHILDREN have been warned to be extra vigilant after a fourth case of men following girls home has been reported in just over a week.
Last Friday, a male was arrested for the second time after police received reports of a man following girls in school uniform in the Nythe and Greenbridge areas.
The man has remained in police custody, and on Monday and Wednesday of this week girls have reported unrelated incidents, including one man asking a girl to get in his car.
A safety alert has now been circulated to all schools in the town from police while they investigate, and they are appealing for anyone who has seen any suspicious activity to contact them.
In particular they would like to speak to a man seen acting suspiciously outside Dorcan Academy on Wednesday afternoon, driving a silver or blue car.
A spokesman for Wiltshire Police said: "On July 7 a female school pupil was asked by a male if she wanted a lift home. She declined and the male left the area.
"On July 9 a male was seen outside a school in east Swindon acting suspiciously. He is described as a white male, in his 20s, wearing a pink or red top with black tracksuit bottoms.
"As a result of these incidents, patrols have been increased in the area and will continue until the end of the school term.
"It is not yet clear if these two incidents are linked. Officers are asking all school pupils, parents and teachers to remain vigilant and to contact Wiltshire Police on 101 if they see anything suspicious."
Simon Neads, deputy headteacher at Dorcan Academy, said: "The main thing is making sure all our children are safe. We have the police in regularly and our community beat manager contacted me at about 10.30pm on Wednesday evening.
"If we have any suspicious activity reported we share it with the police immediately, and the message will then go out to all other schools in the town.
"It is not just our school that is warned, it is each one in the borough. We operate School Safe, which is a messaging system from police. Yesterday all children were spoken to regarding the safety messages, which will warn children of the dangers and advise them to be careful and vigilant. This is a regular procedure we follow and we work consistently with police.
"It is a two way process because we are also in a position to give them information. This matter comes under the School Safe procedure, so we have to make sure our children hear about it in our school, and the police will pass the message on to other schools."
Mr Neads added any report made by pupils would be passed on immediately for police to investigate.
"The message is to be vigilant and not talk to strangers or get in any strange cars," he said.
"It is a general safety message, but the one thing we can be sure of is that if our children see anything suspicious they will be straight in to talk to us about it.
"There have been a couple of these reports recently, and when you put out a warning message you do get lots of sightings after the event. We have to make sure we are not chasing shadows, because it could be perfectly innocent, but we pass that information on to police for them to look into. The important thing is children will tell us about it. Any concern is taken very seriously and referred to police."


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New York • Just two months after recovering the last of its losses from the financial crisis, the Dow Jones industrial average charged higher Tuesday, closing above 15,000 for the first time.
It was another milestone in the market's epic ascent of 2013. Good economic reports, strong corporate earnings and fresh support from central banks have eased investors' concerns about another economic slowdown. Many had been on the lookout for signs that a spring swoon would derail the rally, as happened in each of the past three years.
Instead, Wall Street has climbed almost 15 percent since Jan. 1.


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October 30th is National Candy Corn Day and who doesn't love that stuff?!? I know I sure love the it!
Every week Momondealz brings you a fun, educational, and frugal kids craft! This week's is centered around cutting and pasting which is a huge skill for pre-K and Kindergarten children.
Candy Corn Person:
White, yellow, and orange construction paper
crayons or markers
1. Draw and cut a candy corn shape from the white paper.
2. Cut up the yellow and orange sheets into little pieces for your child to glue onto the candy corn shape, leaving one space white.
3. Cut (4) 6X1 inch strips from the black paper for your arms and legs. Fold them to make them even more cute.
4. Add eyes and a smiley face to finish off your "person".
5. Use the white space to write your child's name, a Fall message, a Bible Verse, etc.
For the educational activites that coincide with this craft, visit Momondealz!0


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It's that time of year — even if it does not feel like it — for the 61st annual Suwannee River Youth Livestock Show and Sale.
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Higher Learning Commission -- Accreditation, Fall 2012
Site Visit
Muskingum University will undergo its comprehensive visit for its PEAQ accreditation on October 22-24. Muskingum University has engaged the campus community in the self-study report required for re-accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission. Through this process Muskingum has learned much about its strengths and opportunities. Muskingum looks forward to the visit by the peer evaluators, and requests that it be re-accredited for a period of 10 years.
The Self-Study Process
In September 2010, President Anne Steele met with Dr. Mary Breslin, who was the HLC liaison for Muskingum University, to discuss the University's upcoming PEAQ accreditation. In February 2011, President Anne Steele appointed Dr. Todd Lekan, Professor of Philosophy, as Director of the North Central Accreditation process. Dr. Lekan attended the April 2011, annual conference of the Higher Learning Commission. Also in April 2011, the President appointed a Steering Committee consisting of the Officers of the University and the Academic Division Coordinators. The Steering Committee began to meet regularly and engaged in four off-campus retreats between March and August 2011. In July 2011, the President and the Director of North Central Accreditation appointed faculty, students, and staff to five Criterion Committees, which also began to meet regularly.
In March 2012, the Director of North Central Accreditation, the Vice President for Academic Affairs, the Vice President for Graduate and Continuing Studies, a Division Coordinator, and two members of the faculty attended the Higher Learning Commission's 2012 Annual Conference in Chicago and met with Dr. Eric Martin, the HLC Liaison for Muskingum University. Muskingum is deeply appreciative of Dr. Martin's visit to campus in July 2012 to meet with senior administrative leader, the self-study Steering Committee, an editing team, and a group of staff members responsible for site visit logistics.
The Criterion Committees collected and organized evidence pertinent to the five criteria of accreditation. They drafted criterion reports and submitted them to the editing team in March 2012. Using these reports, the editing team, working with the Steering Committee, prepared the Self Study document for submission. A group of reviewers drawn from faculty and administration commented on the final drafts of the Self Study document during the summer of 2012.
Purposes announced at the outset of the self-study:
Criterion Committee Members
During the 2011-2012 year, Muskingum University created a Steering Committee to oversee the self-study process. Committees comprised of faculty, staff, and students were created for each of the five criteria of accreditation. These members are listed here.
Overview of Self-Study Report (PPT)
Muskingum Today
In pursuit of its mission, Muskingum currently offers 59 undergraduate majors. Combining strong classroom curricula with fieldwork, independent study, and experiential education opportunities rarely encountered in an undergraduate setting, Muskingum promotes active engagement among students, faculty and staff. In the classroom and laboratory, on the stage or playing field, in the residence and dining halls, and through internships and study-abroad experiences, Muskingum offers the environment of a true learning community.
Graduate education grounded in the liberal arts and sciences is an integral part of the University's mission. Muskingum currently offers three graduate degrees—Master of Arts in Education, Master of Arts in Teaching, and Master of Information Strategy, Systems, and Technology (MISST)—and has just received approval to establish an Education Specialist graduate degree.
With a student-faculty ratio of 14:1, Muskingum encourages and supports student learning with a wide variety of curricular and co-curricular opportunities that address individual needs and potentials. The University employs 100 full-time faculty, 6 part-time faculty, and 94 adjunct faculty. Muskingum's current annual operating revenue is $52 million and its endowment is valued at $64 million. A comprehensive campaign has raised more than $86 million, far exceeding its $55 million goal.
Over the past decade, Muskingum has experienced unprecedented growth and transformation. The most visible symbol of the transformation is the institution's 2009 name change from "college" to "university." In the past ten years, Muskingum has added 13 new undergraduate majors, 12 new graduate programs, launched the Muskingum Adult Program (MAP), and began offering two new degrees: a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Information Strategy, Systems and Technology.
Five new educational facilities have been constructed, adding 80,000 square feet of built space to the campus: Philip and Betsey Caldwell Hall, Walter K. Chess Center, Otto and Fran Walter Hall, Ruth and John Neptune Art Center; and the under-construction Louis O. Palmer Gallery.
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