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Global Issues: Harmful Economic Systems 2009--the Major Barrier to People's Welfare and Development
The standard economic model of how things work is that people produce and exchange goods. Governments exist to provide "government goods"— things that people cannot provide for themselves, such as national defense. Thus the standard economic view is that activities are essentially productive. While this view has made for a thriving profession of economics, it is not a correct view of reality. The principal difficulty is that there is economic activity that is unproductive and harmful (from the point of view of those being harmed), and that this is a key feature of the economic organization of societies. What follows is a brief analytical description of these societies.
Many societies are run on this basic set of principals. Take and maintain control of the government. Use powers of the government to obtain income. Key elements of this process are described in five sections:
A fifth section International aspects/imperialism discusses international aspects of harmful economic systems, which many would say is the key part of harm. A sixth section discusses the Impact on development. A final section Reducing harm gives a too brief discussion of what people are doing to improve matters.
The influence on development of poor nations is profound. For many governments, the government/people in the government, in spite of lip service to the contrary, are not principally engaged in helping the people of the country, but rather in helping themselves. This has had and continues to have a disastrous effect on development and the incomes of poor people. The final section of this article discusses this more fully. This article exists to provide an analytical framework to understand the situation and events in many countries, which, considered separately, may be confusing.
The basic idea and activity in productive societies is helping to produce goods— things that are useful to someone— food, light bulbs, cars— and then exchanging the income received for goods that are desirable to you. This fundamental economic mechanism exists in "harmful" economic societies as well. Unfortunately, also existing, and why we describe these societies as harmful, a certain strata— usually the top— also exists to obtain goods through means which may be described as unproductive or extractive.
The principal ways in which income is obtained in a harmful economic system are twofold: 1) obtain it through the government, or, 2) use the government to maintain, consolidate and increase sources of income that are (apparently) obtained in other ways. The first is most typical or at least most evident in developing countries.
Armed conflict--typically the fight for control of the government or territory, frequently with natural resources, by groups deserves a separate discussion, because it has been throughout history the principal way in which harmful economic societies have been established and because of its importance in the world today.
Obtaining income through the government There are a wide variety of means in which government officials and others obtain revenue from the government. The first thing to recognize is that people at the top of government, or those who have significant control over the government but who are not government officials--often entrepreneurs or corporations) can and do plunder resources coming into the government. Government revenue is often not devoted to productive services but siphoned off by those in control of the government. A nation expects that its national resources will be used for the benefit of the nation. However very large amounts of such revenue are often used to enrich those in charge of the government. People at lower levels of government can plunder resources too, by not providing services which they are paid to provide, by charging for services which they should provide, or by taking goods, such as medical supplies or automobiles/trucks, which should be used for government service.
Use the government to maintain, consolidate and increase sources of income that are (apparently) obtained in other ways. This is more difficult to understand. Slavery would be an important and relatively clear example. The slave-owner is able to obtain an increased income from his slave's labor. This income is not income from the government. Nonetheless, a government--the United States before the Civil War, for example--is necessary to maintain a legal, administrative and police/military structure to permit and enforce slavery.
Land ownership would be another key example. In many countries there is highly unequal distribution of land. This ownership is typically derived from a period of conquest where land ownership was based on military force or other aspects of power. Land ownership, in spite of the passage of many years, has continued in a highly unequal fashion, essentially due to the continuance of highly unequal access to sources of power and wealth.
Forms of slavery--now without a strong basis in law--has continued to this day. In the present, a key term is "forced labor." An invaluable International Labor Organization report, Forced Labor describes the various types of forced labor. More than 12 million are trapped in forced labor worldwide. ) Certainly other aspects of society such as religion, prejudice, or 'scientific thinking' can reinforce the governmental role. For example, the Indian caste system is a system of stratification of human beings, with the Dalits or untouchables being the lowest caste, and this system has a strong religious component, as well as also being sustained by the people that benefit from the system (Wikipedia Dalit, Caste system in India).
There is also "private enterprise" harmful economic activity, where individuals, groups, and firms play a key role.
Drug cartels are a very important subset of "private enterprise" harmful economic activity where activities such as bribery, intimidation and murder are frequently employed.
Soldiers moved into Ciudad Juarez to try to regain control of a city in which more than 2,000 people have been murdered over the past year. Officials say they intend to have 7,000 troops and police in position by the end of the week. Photo: Associated Press
Mexico troops enter drug war city BBC News March 2, 2009
Guinea-Bissau assassinations: Is Colombia's drug trade behind them? Scott Baldauf Christian Science Monitor March 3, 2009
Crime and looting are examples of harmful economic activity in which poor people can participate. Crime, frequently a terrorist activity--using terror to obtain income ("your money or your life")--happens everywhere. Even legitimate governments such as in the United States typically deal only partially with crime. Many neighborhoods in the United States are subjugated to gangs that sell drugs, kill people, and maintain control of their activities through intimidation and murder. This is frequently even more true in developing countries. Not only neighborhoods, such as Brazilian favelas, but also broad areas of a country can fall under the control of groups that essentially use force and intimidation to maintain control, though they may set forth an ideological justification for their actions. Colombian paramilitaries are an example.
El Salvador grapples with rising bloodshed--per capita homicide rate is 10 times US Tracy Wilkinson Los Angeles Times May 13, 2009
Armed killings cost nations billions of dollars each year, UN-Swiss study says Elaine Engler Associated Press/Denver Post September 12, 2008 See study executive summary and main webpage.
A high level of "private enterprise" violence can lead to the desire for a more authoritarian government, a government that may restrict personal freedom, but also provides a more orderly society. As crime increases in Kabul, so does nostalgia for Taliban Pamela Constable Washington Post September 25, 2008 (You will leave this site.)
The Somali pirates have been an interesting new development in privately-run harmful economic activity, which very possibly caused by fishing fleets from various developed countries fishing illegally in Somali waters and depriving coastal Somalis of their livelihood. Behind the bare brick walls of a desolate former British colonial prison, five jailed Somali pirates didn't seem very fearsome at all. Anarchy in Somalia has not only meant pirates but also vessels from countries such as France, Spain, Indonesia, and South Korea illegally gobbling up hundreds of millions of dollars' worth of fish from Somali waters, leading to destitution among Somali fisherman, and consequently piracy Shashank Bengali Christian Science Monitor May 5, 2009 Piracy symptom of bigger problem: Somalis have faced hunger and violence for many years BBC News April 15, 2009 Somalia: Inside a pirate network IRIN News January 13, 2009
Keeping People Oppressed/Preventing Revolution
In essence, there is part of the population that is living well because of their control of assets and people. The people whose assets and income have been reallocated don't like this and thus there is the threat of revolution— overturning the minority in benefit of the majority. This is prevented in a number of ways.
One favorite way of maintaining oppression is to stay in power for a long time, frequently by manipulating or subverting an ostensibly democratic legal framework. Election fraud/rigged elections is a principal way of staying in power. A second way— certainly a very clear way— of keeping people oppressed and unable to move to a situation that might be characterized as democratic, is terrorizing the subject population, including beatings, murder and torture. Especially important is killing leaders of the subject population(s) or otherwise keeping them from being a source of unrest (by such means as imprisonment, exile, or bribery). Controlling how people are able to communicate, including tracing what they say for possible reprisal, is also important.
Leading Chinese dissident, Liu Xiaobo, gets 11 year term for subversion after he helped draft a petition known as Charter 08 that demanded the right to free speech, open elections and the rule of law Andrew Jacobs New York Times December 24, 2009 With harsh sentence of Liu Xiaobo, China threatens democracy and human rights activists and signals to the West that its concerns don't matter much Andrew Jacobs New York Times December 25, 2009
Leonel Gómez, 68: Salvadoran activist led probe into killing of 6 Jesuit priests Patricia Sullivan Washington Post December 15, 2009 T
Three accused in 1981 murder of Chilean president Alexei Barrrionuevo New York Times December 7, 2009
Gunman kill union leader in Mexico Elisabeth Malkin New York Times November 1, 2009
North Korea's military gets priority over civilians for essential supplies. It also keeps the government in power. Photo: AP
UN envoy calls North Korea's human rights record abysmal, saying one-third of the country's population was going hungry needlessly, principally because of its 'military first' policy BBC News October 22, 2009 The murky process of hereditary succession in North Korea seems to be suspended for now due to leader's improved health Blaine Harden Washington Post September 11, 2009
In a cellphone photograph given to The New York Times, soldiers surrounded a woman on the ground on Sept. 28 in Conakry, Guinea. Several images appear to show attacks on women.
In a Guinea seized by violence, women are prey Adam Nossiter New York Times October 4, 2009 Guinea protests will continue after 150 people killed by army BBC News September 29, 2009
Web censoring widens across southeast Asia--technical means, coercion and intimidation are used in efforts to suppress criticism. China, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Vietnam are among countries doing so. James Hookway Wall Street Journal September 14, 2009
There are two powerful ways of changing a harmful economic system--through revolution, or through democracy. Revolution has been the most common way to attempt to do so in the past--though frequently thwarted by successful opposition by the existing government and its allies or by a revolutionary movement evolving into an oppressive government. Currently the most frequently used method is by democratic change. See the further discussion under Reducing harm below.
This is very similar to preventing revolution. However, what is emphasized in this section is preventing overthrow by others who would maintain a structure of harm. There are two important issue areas:
The struggle for control of the government
Armed Conflict. There are many examples of armed conflict in the world today. Examined more closely this conflict is typically over control of the government or specific territory--often territory with natural resources. Thus this conflict is over who will establish control over government/territory and subsequently over control over resources, including the power to tax, arrange oil leases, and so on. In conflict, in addition to the struggle for control over resources, there is typically great harm done to ordinary people, such as murder, amputation of limbs, rape, taking of family food and other resources. (This can be so bad that an end to conflict, even if it then means establishment of an organized system of oppression, is preferable to people.)
Revolution against an unjust government (see section above) also causes conflict. It is often difficult to decide if armed conflict is a way to gain resources, or a reasonable reaction against injustice, or a reasonable reaction by government to what is viewed as dismemberment of its territory. This in a particular circumstance is usually debatable, however it is possible to form an opinion based on the evidence. Were severe human rights violations in Bosnia, or Rwanda and Burundi justified for example? Who is correct, the government of Sudan or the people of Darfur? What is the current conflict in Somalia about?
Armed conflict is ongoing in Sudan, principally in its Darfur region. The conflict has multiple roots and extends to Chad and the Central African Republic. Making sense of Chad by Alex de Waal (February 7, 2008) does a good job of describing the roots of the regional conflict. Also see Hunger Notes section Darfur on this region for further 2008.a and Chad.
The conflict in Somalia also has ethnic and multi-country roots. See Hunger Notes section on Somalia.
Coup d'etats, 'revolutions,' and other means
There is a substantial amount of more or less violent, more or less legal, rearrangements of governments.
Paraguay president sacks army head BBC News November 5, 2009
Deal set to restore ousted Honduran president Ginger Thompson and Elisabeth Malkin New York Times October 25, 2009
Pakistan's real battle: government vs. Army. Though the situation in Swat Valley is improving, the military's success is upsetting Pakistan's fragile internal balance of power. Kathryn Allawalla Christian Science Monitor July 21, 2009
Honduran military ousts President Zelaya William Booth and Juan Forero Washington Post June 29, 2009 Honduran president fires armed forces boss BBC News June 25, 2009
Guinea-Bissau military kills politicians BBC News June 6, 2009
President Joao Bernardo Vieira had ruled intermittently since 1980. Guinea-Bissau is one of the world's poorest states. It has a history of coups and has become a major transit route for smuggling cocaine to Europe. Photo: BBC
Guinea-Bissau president shot dead by soldiers--an apparent revenge attack for the killing of the army chief BBC News March 2, 2009 Guinea-Bissau assassinations: Is Colombia's drug trade behind them? Scott Baldauf Christian Science Monitor March 3, 2009
How is a structure of harm maintained?
One way is by installing supporters in key areas.
Ahmadinejad reaps benefits of stacking agencies with allies Neil MacFarquhar New York Times June 24, 2009 This article describes how the President of Iran has created a pervasive network of important officials in the military, security agencies, and major media outlets.
Honduran president Zelaya dismisses the armed forces chief after he refused to give logistical support for a referendum on constitutional change BBC News June 25, 2009 This story describes how the Honduran president wants to hold a referendum that would allow him to serve a second term. Both the courts and the legislature have said the referendum is illegal, and when the armed forces chief of staff refused to provide logistical support for the referendum, he was fired.
As noted above, a key way is by killing, imprisoning, or otherwise marginalizing opponents.
A second key way is by controlling sources of wealth and then distributing the resulting income. Those who are responsible for maintaining the structure of power get paid.
Kenyan minister resigns (temporarily) over accusations that he sold a government hotel for one-third of its value BBC News July 8, 2008 (You will leave this site)
Sanctions on businessman target Syria's inner sanctum Robin Wright Washington Post February 22, 2008 (You will leave this site, be required to register once with the Post and thereafter sign in using your email address.)
Countries have "elites" and people.
Here is a description of Sudan's elite. Sudan's Unbowed, Unbroken Inner Circle Emily Wax Washington Post May 3, 2005 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
A major barrier to entry is limiting access to worthwhile employment, as well as other social advantages such as education and ability to marry outside of one's class.
Johnny Williams has scrubbed his résumé of any details that might tip off his skin color. Photo: Damon Winter/The New York Times
In job hunt, college degree cannot close racial gap Michael Luo New York Times November 30, 2009
For example, the Indian caste system is a system of stratification of human beings, with the Dalits or untouchables being the lowest caste, and this system has a strong religious component, as well as also being sustained by the people that benefit from the system (Wikipedia Dalit, Caste system in India). A 'broken people' in booming India: low-caste Dalits still face prejudice, grinding poverty Emily Wax Washington Post June 21, 2007
African-American Names Penalized During Employment Process, Study Finds Richard Morin Washington Post, August 3, 2003. (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
Other barriers to entry are lack of education, poor health, not being sufficiently 'presentable'--all 'natural' barriers that arise from poverty.
In prisoners' wake, a tide of troubled kids Erik Eckholm New York Times July 4, 2009
Stopping intellectual genocide in African universities Prince Kum'a Ndumbe III University of Yaoundé, Cameroon July 18, 2007
Another way is "putting people down." Typically minorities/ordinary people have been disparaged in some way--for their supposed (lack of) intelligence, personal appearance or for some other reason. People can be marginalized because of their skin color, ethnic origin, income level or indications of same, such as names This diminishes people's sense of self-worth, and, combined with actual labor market discrimination based on the same sort of factors, is a major barrier to entry. There has been a reaction against this in many ways in many countries, but it still persists.
Ethnic pageants restyle the American beauty contest Robertha Budy heard the insult when she was a little girl, and now, even at Georgia State University in Atlanta, she still hears it. "You're Liberian? Isn't that in Africa? You don't look like it. You're pretty." Darryl Fears Washington Post October 19, 2005 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.)
International aspects/imperialism
There are major international aspects to harmful economic systems. In fact many would say that international aspects are the most important. In order to focus attention on these international aspects, we mention these aspects in a separate section. However international aspects could as well have been included in specific sections above.
Farmers in Segou. Rice producer Siaka Daou from Niono, 300km north of the capital Bamako, is among those farmers concerned that they will be reduced to being day laborers for foreign-owned concerns. "The way the government is parceling out land from Office of Niger [region] is worrisome. This will stamp out small producers. We will no longer have land to cultivate and will be forced to work for industrial agriculture producers." Photo: Phuong Tran/IRIN
Mali leases 395,000 acres to foreign investors, setting aside farmers' fears that they will be pushed off the land IRIN News December 2, 2009
African producers may litigate over US cotton subsidies Reuters Africa December 1, 2009 Brazil wins cotton war, but the US cuts no subsidies Ann Crotty Business Report December 2, 2009 Cleaning house at the WTO: the US and other developed countries continue to defend their own interests rather than addressing the development concerns of poorer countries (opinion) Kevin Gallagher and Timothy Wise The Guardian.co.uk December 1, 2009
A mother feeds her malnourished child in the malnutrition ward in a hospital in the town of Kebri Dehar, in the Somali region of Ethiopia. Photo: David Bebber/The Times
Wealthy nations flock to farmland in Ethiopia, locking in food supplies grown half a world away, with alarming implications for hunger in Ethiopia, critics say Stephanie McCrummen Washington Post November 23, 2009
A new megafarm in Western Ethiopia, for palm-oil trees, sugar cane, rice and sesame. All through the Rift Valley region, there are new fence posts signifying the recent rush for Ethiopian land. In the old days, farmers rarely bothered with such formal lines of demarcation, but now the country's earth is in demand. One fence stretched on for a mile or more, very possibly belonging to Sheik Mohammed Al Amoudi, a Saudi Arabia-based oil-and-construction billionaire who was born in Ethiopia and maintains a close relationship with the Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi's autocratic regime. Photo: Simon Norfolk/New York Times
Is there such a thing as agro-imperialism? Andrew Rice New York Times November 16, 2009 For further information on the takeover of developing country land by developed country investors see the Grain website.
Niger's president, Mamadou Tandja, far right, next to Alain Joyandet, France's secretary of state for cooperation. French president Sarkozy promised "a new relationship" with Africa three years ago, saying it would be "equal, and freed of the scars of the past." His first cooperation secretary, Jean-Marie Bockel, later reinforced the message, saying he wanted to "sign the death warrant" of the old France-Africa relationship." But Mr. Bockel was soon out of his post after offending Gabon's President Bongo's father with his anticorruption declarations. His replacement, Mr. Joyandet, has been careful to moderate his tone when speaking of African autocrats. Photo: Boureima Hama/Agence France-Press — Getty Images
Anger against France grows in countries formerly part of France's colonial empire as France sides with autocratic country rulers and not the people Adam Nossiter New York Times November 10, 2009
Rwanda's move into Congo fuels suspicion: some in mineral-rich region see broader motives than disarming Hutu militiamen Stephanie McCrummen Washington Post February 13, 2009
Spain and South Africa both "gave the green light" for a failed coup in oil-rich Equatorial Guinea, British mercenary tells court BBC News June 17, 2008 (You will leave this site.)
The politics of United States aid in Venezuela Tom Barry Americas Program, Center for International Policy August 7, 2007
US military involvement is extensive in developing countries. Afghanistan is a major example. Others include:
Corruption as a form of gaining income for international firms is described in the Lynch article.
U.N. Panel Says 2,400 Firms Paid Bribes to Iraq. Oil-for-Food Program Report Alleges $1.8 Billion in Payments Colum Lynch Washington Post October 28, 2005 (You will leave this site and be required to register [once] with the Post.) Oil-for-food scandal: key reports BBC News (You will leave this site.)
The Bond article presents the idea that resource wealth has been taken from Africans to the benefit of developed countries.
Dispossessing Africa's Wealth Patrick Bond November 24, 2005
The impact on development of harmful economic systems has been enormous. Try to think about some of the consequences of what has been described above. They include war, continued devastation over centuries, and control of the government and productive resources, that have left hundreds of millions confronting starvation, while those who "govern" and "own" live very well. A recipe for disaster! And we should not blame the victims--poor people across the world. Rather we should think about how we can help them.
Neglect of ordinary people.
Elites, in control of the government, have directed resources toward themselves, and not towards the poor.
Millions in Kenya free primary education funds appear to have been stolen--World Bank, British government suspend funding Afrique en ligne December 19, 2009
25 years after Live Aid, Ethiopia tries to cover up a new famine Times Online November 18, 2009 Also see Ethiopian government inaction, repression, and obfuscation is a major cause of the developing Ethiopian famine (opinion) Alemayehu G. Mariam Huffington Post November 25, 2009 See Hunger Notes special report: Harmful economic systems
High food prices force Kenyan slum dwellers to go hungry IRIN May 27, 2009
The real hunger crisis--persistent poverty in rural Africa and South Asia Robert Paarlberg Foreign Affairs May 24, 2009
Tanzania's ruling elite neglect agriculture and poor farmers Ng'wanza Kamata University of Dar es Salaam May 24, 2009
Half the people in Zimbabwe will be dependent on food aid by the end of the year, humanitarian groups warn Al Jazeera February 7, 2009
Seven-year-old Sinikiwe cradles her young brother Simba. Hunger stalks their family. Their local church, supported by the charity Tearfund provides what little food, clothing and seed they have. Photo: BBC
Disease and starvation in Zimbabwe Paul Martin BBC News January 15, 2009
War War, caused by armed groups seeking to control the government, or territory or resources, has devastated vast regions of the world, and more importantly, vast numbers of the people of the world.
Fifteen years of conflicts have cost Africa around $300 billion--equal to the amount of international aid received Oxfam International October 12, 2007 See the full Oxfam study
Where is there major armed conflict now? These countries include Iraq, Afghanistan, Sudan, Somalia, and Israel/Palestine. Where has there been major conflict in the past which has abated (in varying degrees), but which has still greatly affected the society and its progress? The Democratic Republic of the Congo, Angola, Mozambique, Liberia, Rwanda, Burundi, Sri Lanka, Peru, El Salvador, Guatemala, Northern Uganda, and Colombia--to name a few. Governments, including tax collection, essential public services, and a fair judiciary, are not easily reestablished after a war (if they ever were established in the first place).
How many people live lives of greatly diminished productivity (and happiness) due to conflict!
Misery hangs over Gaza despite pledges of help Ethan Bronner New York Times May 28, 2009
Pakistan seeks aid for 2 million displaced Al Jalazeera May 21, 2009
In Kenya camp for Somali refugees, opened 18 years ago, many people have never left, others arrive daily BBC News May 15, 2009 Some 600,000 displaced in Kenya BBC News February 11, 2008 (You will leave this site.)
Death of rebel leader marks end of years of fighting in Sri Lanka Emily Wax Washington Post May 19, 2009 'More than 1000 civilians killed' in attacks on Sri Lanka safe zone--UN says feared bloodbath has become reality Gethin Chamberlain and Mark Tran The Guardian May 11, 2008
Armed Conflicts Now the Leading Cause of Hunger Emergencies, FAO Says (May 23, 2005) See also the excellent earlier study by Messer, Cohen and D'Costa Armed Conflict and Hunger.
Continued Devastation over Centuries
The past five centuries or so have seen considerable hardship for the people living in many (now often past) societies. Africans may be taken as a key example
There has been a struggle for thousands of years by human beings in many different ways against the sort of subjugation described above. To name just one very important example, the world's religions have worked to establish a set of principles for human relationships that were very much against oppression, and though the religions were persecuted for doing so, they did manage to establish at the very least a set of guidelines for human behavior. In all countries of the world there has been a struggle against injustice, and attempts, which have met with increasing success, to establish the societal frameworks for a more just and equitable society. This is a long (and inspiring) story which we cannot recount here. The current efforts in the world to reduce harm include reducing corruption, moving to more democratic governments with established rights and processes (by means such as reducing the influence of the military and improving the fairness of elections--and having them! and reducing police brutality), and, internationally, reducing the advantages which developed nations have assigned to themselves through their control of international institutions, such as United Nations, the World Bank, and the World Trade Organization.
In recent years, there have been important efforts to have elections that express the will of the people and to implement policies that reflect an electoral mandate. Nations are evolving from power structures that have been based on some combination of military, economic and political control to ones that reflect the wishes of the (often very poor) people. This evolution has not been easy. One publication that attempts to track this evolution is Freedom House's annual survey. Survey finds world freedom reduced in 2007 with one-fifth of countries showing declines Freedom House January 18, 2008
Leonel Gómez, 68: Salvadoran activist led probe into killing of 6 Jesuit priests Patricia Sullivan Washington Post December 15, 2009
Bolivian president Morales reelected with 61 percent of the vote; plans to deepen social revolution James Painter BBC News December 7, 2009
Zimbabwe prime minister Tsvangirai says that his efforts to restore democratic freedoms and the rule of law to Zimbabwe have so far failed Al Jazeera May 31, 2009 More Zimbabwe stories
The countries of Latin America are countries where a minority have, since the Colonial period, controlled the government and sources of income and wealth. Venezuela, Bolivia and Ecuador are three countries where dissatisfaction with government policies has led to voters installing more populist governments. (Others include Brazil, Argentina, and Peru.) These governments are now under severe strain as they have tried to implement policies favoring the majority.
South America's constitutional battles Monte Reel Washington Post January 18, 2008 (You will leave this site, be required to register once with the Post and thereafter sign in using your email address.)
The policies of the previous governments of these countries (and many others, including Brazil and Argentina) have been described as 'neo-liberal,' meaning ones that
The citizens of a country own the national resources of the country. (This may be difficult for people in the United States to understand, given that the United States has typically given these rights away to individuals and corporations in the United States.) Examples include land, mineral rights (the right to extract what lies under the land--a somewhat strange concept, as it divides up land rights, but nonetheless, one that exists in U.S. law), and the broadcast (radio, TV, and other communications) spectrum. One important issue is that these governments are attempting to improve the benefit that citizens receive from these rights.
Bolivian president Morales reelected with 61 percent of the vote; plans to deepen social revolution James Painter BBC News December 7, 2009
Harmful economic systems 2008 (last year's version of this page)


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What a stupid-ass question.
Every profession has its conferences, and in some professions, there are many. When the conference happens, adjustments must be made because many go to said conference. The conference costs money, and those attending the conference usually get paid to go, and/or get their expenses covered, or get a stipend to defray the costs.
But when teachers try to act like professionals, questions are raised. Our local news "good question" spot, where a reporter takes on a question and tries to answer it, asks if the annual Minnesota Teacher's Association/Union meeting, at which teachers engage in professionalization activities, is "worth it." Schools take off Thursday and Friday. Some but not all teachers go to the meetings. Typically, newer teachers go to a few meetings in a row, then taper off their attendance, until they become specialized in some area where meeting attendance makes sense again.
In other words, teachers do EXACTLY what other professionals do. There is no way to have a multi-day conference without taking days of schools off, given the way schools are run. Asking if professionalization and a professional meeting is "worth it" is absurd. It is what is done, it is common practice, it is important, worthwhile, and the fact that it inconveniences parents who need to take care of their kids is not a function of the conference happening, but rather, a function of the schools being funded the way they are.
It is quite possible to have this professional meeting occur without kids being sent home for two days. But it will cost. But if the all suffering whiny faced boo-hoo tax payer is not willing to fund having reasonable classroom sizes and decent teaching resources, they are certainly not going to fund hiring the staff necessary to keep the kids in schools during the professional conferences.
The best solution, of course, is to treat the MEA meetings (as they are called, even though the professional association is no longer called "MEA") as a holiday and take advantage of it. As we are doing right now, with Amanda off because she's a teacher and Julia off because she's a student, we are spending a long weekend at the lake. (Oh, and yes, Amanda does several days of professionalization work a year, including the MEA or other meetings now and then .. and she's not taking today off anyway; She's in the other room as I write grading fifty papers and arranging for an out-of-town field trip. ). Trying to hold teachers to task for having their own professional meeting is cynical, ill informed, and anti-education. In this regard, and in many other areas, teachers are not given the same basic respect that other professions demand. Is our culture really that anti-knowledge? Apparently so.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
NCROOTS-L ArchivesArchiver > NCROOTS > 2000-12 > 0976665952
From: "Ann Hawks" <>
Subject: [NCROOTS] James Hart in NC
Date: Wed, 13 Dec 2000 00:05:52 -0000
There was a James Hart and family in Edgecombe County, NC ca late
1700s-1800s. Came across them in census records, though they are not
related to my Harts. Perhaps, however, that is the James Hart you are
looking for.
Get more from the Web. FREE MSN Explorer download : http://explorer.msn.co
This thread:
|[NCROOTS] James Hart in NC by "Ann Hawks" <>


text:
Four-star Louisville (Ky.) Trinity quarterback Brian Brohm was named Kentucky "Mr. Football" by The Associated Press on Wednesday.
Brohm (6-3, 205, 4.65) received 18 of 23 votes from a statewide panel of sports writers and broadcasters. Five other players each received one vote for the honor.
He's the second member of his family to win the award, joining brother Jeff, who claimed the title in 1988 before moving on to play for the University of Louisville and a brief career in the NFL.
Article Continues Below
Jeff Brohm is now a member of the UofL coaching staff and recruiting his brother. Louisville, Kentucky, Tennessee and Notre Dame are the four schools contending for his services.
A member of the Rivals100 Team, Brohm has led Trinity to its second straight Class 4A championship game. The Shamrocks will face arch-rival Louisville St. Xavier on Saturday for the title. As a senior, he has thrown for 3,554 yards and 32 touchdowns. His career numbers are 10,413 yards and 118 touchdowns, second in state history only to Tim Couch.
The other finalists for the Kentucky "Mr. Football" award included: Louisville Seneca quarterback Andy Clark, Corbin running back Jarrod Lawson, Pulaski County quarterback Cole Draughn, Warren Central wide receiver Lonnell Dewalt, Paducah Tilghman running back Joe Casey, Owensboro Catholic running back Craig Lanham, Hazard quarterback Stephen Sizemore, Mason County quarterback Dustin Grutza and Prestonsburg wide receiver Nick Jamerson.


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Couldn't tear yourself away from the Final Four? Husband out of town? Fall asleep after the opening prayer? Don't worry — read my notes from priesthood session and you'll be able to talk with your family and friends tomorrow about that great joke that President Monson told.
Notes from Priesthood Session
Anything in quote marks is probably not an exact quote.
Music was by a BYU priesthood choir — I got to the ward building a few minutes late, so I'm not sure if it was BYU Men's Chorus or some other group.
Elder Holland
Began by quoting from a talk by Pres. McKay, in which he asked the question, "If at this moment you were asked to say in one sentence what the distinguishing feature of the LDS Church is, how would you answer?" Pres. McKay answered his own question by answering "divine authority by direct revelation."
Then quoted Pres. Hinckley: "It is a delegation of divine authority, different from all other powers and authorities on the face of the earth. Small wonder that it was restored to man by resurrected beings who held it anciently, that there might be no question concerning its authority and validity. Without it there could be a church in name only, lacking authority to administer in the things of God. With it, nothing is impossible in carrying forward the work of the kingdom of God." (from this talk).
And then a quote from Pres. Faust along the same lines. Taking these three quotes as the foundation of his remarks, Elder Holland said that the priesthood, with its keys, ordinances, sealing power, and divine origin, is not only a uniquely identifying feature, but is indispensable to the Church.
He then recounted the story of the priesthood on the earth from the time of Christ's mortal ministry, starting with the bestowal of keys to Peter:
Matt 16:19: "And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven."
He then talked about the transfiguration and the appearance of Moses and Elijah to the Savior. The death of the apostles led to the loss of the priesthood on the earth for 1400 years, until the restoration of the Aaronic Priesthood to Joseph Smith and Oliver Cowdery in May 1829, which came after they prayed concerning a question about baptism that they had as they worked on the translation of the Book of Mormon. This was followed some weeks later by the restoration of the Melchizedek Priesthood by Peter, James and John, which included the keys of the apostleship.
On April 3, 1836, the rest of the keys were restored to this dispensation by visitation in the Kirtland Temple by Moses, Elijah, and Elias.
The priesthood authority derives from more than "mere social contract." One does not obtain it by ecclesiastical training or commission from a congregation. This was understood by many in Joseph Smith's day, people who longed for sanction from God to act in his name. The Restoration should have "eased centuries of anguish" for these people seeking divine authority to act. Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley, expressed it thusly:
So easily are Bishop's made,
By man's or woman's whim;
Wesley his hands on Coke hath laid,
But who laid hands on him?
Within the priesthood, lines of authority from even the newest deacon can be traced back to Jesus Christ.
He then recounted the story of Robert B. Thompson, who had been called to travel as a missionary with Heber C. Kimball. This was in 1837(?), a time in Kirtland when the Saints were struggling financially, politically, and internally. In the midst of these struggles, Joseph Smith sent many priesthood holders on missions, which ultimately proved to be a great blessing to the Church, but which in the short term required great sacrifice on the part of the men being called, and even greater sacrifice on the part of their families, who would be left without support. Elder Thompson recalls walking into the Kimball home to meet his companion, and happnening upon a very moving scene, in which Elder Kimball was praying with his family for their protection and support while he served the Lord as a missionary, He then blessed his wife and children as a father and a priesthood holder, It was an extremely emotional and moving scene.
Elder Holland said that such scenes have been replayed hundreds of thousands of times in homes around the world, and that he had had similar experiences both in his personal life and in his apostolic ministry. He testified of the priesthood's capacity to bring blessings into our lives.
Note: He uses the full name of the Melchizedek Priesthood near the end of the talk.
Elder Neil L. Anderson
Addresses his remarks to the Young Men of the church. Begins by recounting the story of an unnamed friend who works as an FBI agent working on organized crime. On a drug bust, he broke into an apartment. There was a man at the door, and two people in the apartment. The people in the apartment were trying to destroy evidence — the man at the door surprisingly smiled at the FBI agent, who made an instant judgment that the smiling man was not a threat, and proceeded to move towards the people at the table who were destroying evidence. After the FBI agent was inside, with the man at the door at his back, he got the impression, "Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes." He turned around just in time to stop the smiling man at the door from drawing his gun and shooting him.
The talk revolves around the theme "Beware of the evil behind the smiling eyes."
All good comes from God, and evil from the devil. "The devil is a liar and a loser." There is great inequity between the power of the source of good and the source of evil, but evil is allowed to have influence on this earth so we can have a choice. "The opportunity to choose good over evil is precisely why we are here."
Some suggestions:
- Talk to your parents. They love and care for you.
- Follow the prophet.
- Let the Holy Ghost be your guide
- Gain your own testimony of the Savior. "Read the Book of Mormon when no one is watching." Joseph Smith searched the scriptures because he desired knowledge. He went to the Sacred Grove by himself.
Elder Robert C. Oaks
Takes as his text "Who's on the Lord Side, Who? Now is the Time To Show."
There are 3 million priesthood holders: 50% Aaronic Priesthood, 50% Melchizedek Priesthood
Many are AWOL.
We all made covenants when we received the priesthood. What is the priesthood? The power to act in God's name. What does this mean? For Aaronic Priesthood holders, it means in part preparing and administering the sacrament. Remember that Jesus Christ administered the first sacrament. We stand in for the Savior when we perform this function today. Melchizedek Priesthood holders are referred to the 84th section of the D&C.
One of the great accounts of the sealing power being granted in the scriptures is that of Nephi, son of Helaman (Hel. 10:7).
Heavenly Father trusts us to share his power. We have been given careful instruction on how to transmit that authority — by laying on of hands.
Story of army of Helaman, with reference to their physical and spiritual strength. We see picture of Elder Oaks, 11 year old grandson Andrew, who is in a wheelchair. He is handicapped physically, but this is not a handicap to his ability to receive and exercise priesthood power when he turns 12.
Elder Oaks was a pilot in the USAF. His squadron was a very close-knit group. "Take care of your wingman. Constantly check his 6 o'clock." they would say, meaning be sure to watch for enemies coming up behind your fellow pilots. Similarly, we should take care of our fellow quorum members.
Pres. Hinckley has said of our day, "I don't know that things were any worse in Sodom and Gomorrah." Elder Dallin H. Oaks said in a recent devotional that the signs of the Second Coming are all around us, and this was said even before the recent hurricane season, and the tsunami in the Indian Ocean. We should prepare ourselves.
Notes: This talk made extensive use of pictures and video. They were distracting to me. You can tell that he is military — lots of military metaphors throughout. We know one of his sons, apparently.
Choir and Congregation sing "High on the Mountaintop". Surprisingly, the congregation in our chapel managed not to race two measures ahead of the choir.
Pres. Faust
Comments on the the new members of the Quorums of the Seventy, certifies that they are worthy to serve.
Question of a young man: "What will be my place in this world, and how will I find it?"
Awaiting a mission call, and then serving a mission are short-term answers to this question. His mission became like a North Star to guide him in his other pursuits in life. If we faithfully persevere in church callings, the Lord will bless us beyond our dreams. A mission can help us learn this lesson.
Some lessons learned as a missionary as recounted to him by someone:
- How to organize time
- The importance of hard work
- Leadership skills
- People skills
- The importance of gospel study
- Respect for authority
- Value of prayer
- Humility and dependence on the Lord
Many of his high school peers who were talented failed to reach their potential because they did not learn to persevere, while others with fewer gifts succeeded because they worked hard (Note: includes plumbers and electricians with the doctors and lawyers as successful people).
Marie Curie persevered in trying to isolate radium from pitchblende. Her husband Pierre, after their 480th failed attempt, was frustrated, but she would not give up.
Story of President Snow, who in 1864 as a missionary to Hawaii capsized and nearly drowned. Onlookers felt he could not be revived, but his companions refused to give up on him (including Alma Smith, who was shot in the hip at Haun's Mill). They performed the then novel process of mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, which proved effective. (Note: any Terri Schiavo commentary here? I doubt it, but someone is sure to read into this).
Examples of perseverance from Joseph Smith, Brigham Young, Gordon B. Hinckley
Some might wonder, "How long do I have to be a home teacher?" George L. Nelson served as a home teacher until he was 100 years old.
Pres. Monson
Also welcomes new Seventies, thanks those released to emeritus status.
Tells Pres. Faust he likes to read obituaries, which often say "Gone Fishing" or "Gone Hunting." He saw one the other day that said "Gone Home Teaching."
Quote from Joseph F. Smith on the priesthood: it is the power and authority delegated by God to man. It must be loved and respected.
The oath and covenant of the priesthood applies to all of us. Melchezidek Priesthood holders are required to obey laws of God and magnify our callings. Aaronic Priesthood holders should study oath and covenant to prepare now for future duties and responsibilities.
Quote from Pres. Romney.
Quote from Pres. Kimball on how we can fail not only through transgression, but by inaction, failing to do our duty.
It's best to work for a cause. Doing one's duty brings happiness and peace.
Quote from Rabindranath Tagore:
I slept and dreamt that life was Joy.
I woke and saw that life was Duty.
I acted, and behold, Duty was Joy.
part of our duty is to learn what the Lord wants.
Magnify our calling: build it up in dignity and importance, to make it honorable and commendable to all men (My notes are a bit garbled here, but I found it interesting that the definition seemed to focus on the opinions of others, and not the Lord.)
How do we magnify our calling? Perform service that pertains to it. "Learn your duty, then do it."
Robert Louis Stevenson: "I know what pleasure is, for I have done good work."
Serve inactives. Act on promptings now. However, patience may be required. Story of Harold Gallagher, whom Pres. Monson visited as a bishop. Bro. Gallagher turned him away at the door, but the guilt of the experience haunted him and prompted him to return to church later in life.
Quote from Stephen L. Richards: "For practical purposes, the priesthood is the perfect plan of service." Story of Adele, a widow whose home was renovated by volunteers. All were blessed by the experience. (Funny aside: He was invited to attend at her request, because he had taken her to the hospital at the birth of one of her children. Her husband was on a hunting trip: Before he left, he told Pres. Monson that he had $90, with which he could either buy food, or go hunting. He chose to go hunting, but asked Pres. Monson, then his bishop, if he would take his wife to the hospital if she went into labor, as she was due in five days. He then went hunting, and came back empty-handed).
If you are shy, remember that you are on the Lord's errand, and you are promised His help.
Somewhat irrelevant story of a youth temple trip.
Quote from Shenandoah: "If we didn't try, the we don't do, and if we don't do, then why are we here?"
Pres. Hinckley
There are hundreds of worthy men that are capable of being General Authorities. His 63 year old son was called this morning to be a Seventy. He did not advance his name, and recused himself from discussions involving him. He is very sensitive to nepotism. His son is worthy and qualified to serve. "He had a great and wonderful mother. I wish I could recommend his father."
Addresses gambling, which is a topic of many letters and conversations he has had recently. We are against it.
Poker, betting on races, slots, roulette, etc. It is addictive, leads to other destructive habits and practices, can lead to the loss of lots of money, robs wives and children of support and security.
References the recent poker craze, quoting extensively from NYT article. TV poker programs are popular, and online poker is popular as well. (Note: he speaks here as if he's speaking to a Utah audience specifically, not the Church as a whole. Probably unintentional.)
Reads letter from mother of 19 year old online poker player.
Utah and Hawaii are only states without legalized lotteries and gambling of some form. Poker is a gateway. Kids learn to get something for nothing, then travel outside the state to gamble legally.
Gambling is a process that takes money but does not offer a fair return in goods and services (note: this seems to be the fundamental objection).
Comments on state-run lotteries. Twenty years ago he remarked upon it.
Tithing is a blessing. Recounts a conversation with a leader from another church which raises money through bingo. Pres. Hinckley asked, "what about tithing?" The other leader said that he wishes it would work, but does not expect it to.
Some say, "I pay $5 to see a movie, I pay $5 to play poker. What's the difference?" They are not the same thing. The difference is that in poker, you do not receive value in return.
From the early days of the church, gambling has been disowned. Quote from Joseph Smith, 1842, on how the Saints did not participate in horse racing and gambling, among other things, with other Missourians, and were they were therefore targeted for persecution.
1844, Brigham Young calls for closing of gambling houses in Nauvoo. Other quotes from Joseph F. Smith, Heber J. Grant, Dallin H. Oaks (from a Ricks College Devotional, 05 Jan 1987 "Gambling–Morally Wrong and Politically Unwise" can't find it online).
Pres. Hinckley adds his own: it seems like harmless fun, but intensity is evident on the faces of the players, and can lead to addiction.
If you don't gamble, don't start. If you do, quit now.
You should be doing something better with your time. Read — you're not likely to get too much of that. Good music, dancing, hiking, cycling (Note: interesting how dancing makes it onto this list).
He is currently reading Soul Searching:The Religious Spiritual Lives of American Teenagers from Oxford University Press (for a good review, seeRomney Biddulph's post here). The study notes that LDS youth know more about their faith, are more committed to it, and are more likely to abide by its teachings than their peers. We ask more and are more likely to get it. Early morning seminary is cited as an example. It is hard, but blessings come. There is no time to play poker for these high school students.
It's a waste of time.
The keys of the ministering of angels are promised to us, but playing games of chance will drive them away.
(Note: Pres. Hinckley continues his excellent tradition of ending meetings a few minutes early).
Then he announced that Sunday School was being eliminated from the three-hour block.


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Who's waiting for an awesome tutorial based on the most popular video game character in history tod
by Dawn | 7 years ago | Comments | 1 Love It | Novice
I thought I would have a little fun today and upload a tutorial I drew yesterday on two very popular
by Dawn | 7 years ago | Comments | 2 Love It | Intermediate
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DragoArt members upload artwork and drawing tutorials! They are also allowed to leave comments on tutorials, profiles, etc. Many more features, as well; it's way better than just being a boring guest! Register Now!


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Senior Spotlight for March 5, 2012: Scrapbooking
March 5, 2012
My daughter, Jane, is making a scrapbook for me, about me and what I've done, the different organizations I've worked with, etc.
It brings back a lot of memories.
The pictures bring back faces of people I still remember doing things with and going places with, but names and dates sometimes escape me.
Sometimes the event will come to mind, and yeah, I can recall the whole thing.
Volunteers are among the nicest people.
Happy birthday to Lavene Smith, James Barrientez and Wendell Brown.
Recommended Stories For You
Get well/speedy recovery to Richard Brenton, Bridget Krause, Elaine Bradley, Elna Yoast, Deb Jacobo, Brian Hoza, Virginia Miller, and Della Baldwin.
The noon potluck is Friday at Sunset Meadows I, 633 Ledford St.
Bingo follows.
Call me with news, birthdays, anniversaries, etc., at 824-2139.
Mary Jo Brown
Click here to have the print version of the Craig Daily Press delivered to your home.


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Deniz Houses
Select your stay dates to check availability at Deniz Houses
Deniz Houses
About the Hotel
Property Location
With a stay at Deniz Houses in Istanbul (Sultanahmet), you'll be minutes from Little Hagia Sophia Bath and Hippodrome. This family-friendly hotel is close to Blue Mosque and Basilica Cistern.
Make yourself at home in one of the 27 air-conditioned rooms featuring minibars and LCD televisions. Complimentary wireless Internet access keeps you connected, and cable programming is available for your entertainment. Private bathrooms with showers feature hair dryers and slippers. Conveniences include phones, housekeeping is provided daily, and you can request cribs/infant beds.
Rec, Spa, Premium Amenities
Make use of convenient amenities, which include complimentary wireless Internet access and tour/ticket assistance. Guests can catch a ride to nearby destinations on the area shuttle (surcharge).
A complimentary hot/cold buffet breakfast is included.
Business, Other Amenities
Featured amenities include express check-in, express check-out, and dry cleaning/laundry services. A roundtrip airport shuttle is provided for a surcharge (available on request), and free self parking is available onsite.
Hotel Facilities
- Express check-out
- Airport transportation (surcharge)
- Year Built 2010
- Safe-deposit box at front desk
- Number of floors - 4
- Dry cleaning/laundry service
- Free self parking
- Area shuttle (surcharge)
- Express check-in
- Smoke-free property
- Free WiFi
- 24-hour front desk
- Number of buildings/towers - 2
- Multilingual staff
- Laundry facilities
- Tours/ticket assistance
- Total number of rooms - 27
- Free breakfast
Room Facilities
- Air conditioning
- Cribs/infant beds available
- Phone
- Shower only
- Cable TV service
- Daily housekeeping
- Slippers
- Hair dryer
- Private bathroom
- Minibar
- Free WiFi
Hotel Policy
The following fees and deposits are charged by the property at time of service, check-in, or check-out.
- Airport shuttle fee: TRY 75 per vehicle (one way)
The above list may not be comprehensive. Fees and deposits may not include tax and are subject to change.Show all hotel policy Show less hotel policy


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I have gone to Setting > Writing....but do not see remainder of the path Remote Publish > XML-RPC
Blog url: http://beartreks.wordpress.com/
Need help? Check out our Support site, then
How do I authorize my blogpress app to post to my blog??
I have gone to Setting > Writing....but do not see remainder of the path Remote Publish > XML-RPC
At WordPress.COM not WordPress.ORG http://support.wordpress.com/com-vs-org/ note that XML-RPC is always active.
OK...Thanks for the reply. So, how do I get my BlogPress app on my iPhone 4S to post a blog to Word Press???
The link you will be connecting through will be http://beartreks.wordpress.com/xmlrpc.php .
Thanks....Modified the URL setting in my BlogPress app by adding the /xmlrpc.php and Saved......BUT it does not save this......URL setting reverts back to just ....wordpress.com
What now??
I have no idea.
I use the WordPress App for my phone and tablet.
Talk to blogpress.
Thanks for the replies........I'll keep working it......:)
Topic Closed
This topic has been closed to new replies.


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This content has been marked as final. Show 3 replies
1. Re: Solaris Volume Manager or Hardware RAID?Mramcha-Oracle Jul 20, 2012 7:54 AM (in response to JulianG)If you are using SVM, then I'd consider using RAID, but I'd create ABE partitions so that I could use Live Upgrade so that I can get my back out plan through the magic that is Live Upgrade.
However, if I were you, I'd use ZFS as my boot filesystem, I'll completely ignore RAID and hand a pair of disks to ZFS. That way I can use the snap, clone, rollback functionality of ZFS to enable loads of boot environments.
If you have not looked at how much ZFS helps you operationally, I'd urge you to have a look.
2. Re: Solaris Volume Manager or Hardware RAID?JulianG Jul 20, 2012 10:43 AM (in response to JulianG)Thanks - just going through the 300 page ZFS admin guide now. I want to ditch SVM as it's clunky and not very friendly whenever we have a disk failure or need to O/S patch as mentioned. One thing I have just read from the ZFS admin guide is that:
"As described in "ZFS Pooled Storage" on page 51, ZFS eliminates the need for a separate volume
manager. ZFS operates on raw devices, so it is possible to create a storage pool comprised of
logical volumes, either software or hardware. This configuration is not recommended, as ZFS
works best when it uses raw physical devices. Using logical volumes might sacrifice
performance, reliability, or both, and should be avoided."
So looks like I need to destroy my hardware RAID as well and just let ZFS manage it all. I'll try that, amend my JET template and kick of an install and see what it looks like.
Thanks again - Julian.
3. Re: Solaris Volume Manager or Hardware RAID?Mramcha-Oracle Jul 20, 2012 10:57 AM (in response to JulianG)Hi Julian,
It is subtly different for the disks in the rpool, as the boot loader needs to see slices. So what actually happens is that a single slice is allocated on the disk and used by ZFS.
The JET ZFS section is pretty straightforward, and once a value is filled in the base_config_profile_zfs_disk is filled in, it'll just ignore the UFS settings lower in the template. The comments in the template should make your options pretty clear.
But in short, if you want ZFS to be able to repair itself, it needs a pair of disks, so don't use H/W RAID.


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Discussion in 'Disney World Tips' started by karters*mom, Feb 3, 2008.
I see a lot of posts relating to pin trading..what is that?
Is is something a 7 years old should do?
Pin trading is addicting, that is what it is! Cast members have lanyards full of pins that you can trade for official Disney pins you purchase. Many people get them from eBay before their trips, being sure to get authentic Disney pins, others won't trade in the parks, and then trade for favorites from Cast members. You can also buy lanyards with "starter sets" on them at the hotels and parks and use those to trade. My DD and DS have loved doing it since they were 4 years old. Now DS is 13 and he still gets into it. There are many more complete description on the boards, do a search and you'll find lots of information. Our family loves it!
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Pin trading is one of our favorite things to do at Disney. It has replaced the autograph seeking my kids did when they were little. Buy a lanyard with some trading pins, go to any park, hotel, gift shop and find a cast member wearing a lanyard. Ask to see their pins, they will be happy to show you. If you see a pin on their lanyard you like, take a pin off your lanyard and trade. They have to trade with you no questions asked. The only rule is they can not trade a pin from you if they have that pin on their lanyard. The cast members who have green lanyards on can only trade with children.
Be prepared to have the money fly out of your pocket if you get hooked on trading. We have been trading for years and my kids are hooked, and so am I. The first trip we purchase the sets in the gift shops, they are expensive. The sets run about $25-50, depending on how many pins are in the pack. On average you will spend $5-$6 per trading pin. My girls could burn through 10 pins per day.
What happens is the cast members have pins that are cast member exclusives and you can only get them by trading with a cast member. My girls would trade all there pins for cast member pins and want more. They are a bit obsessive, they will run down cast members to look at pins. We trade pins like some people get autographs.
I now buy pins on ebay and buy lots of 10-20pins at a time. I try and make sure I don't get scrappers, and they are authentic Disney trading pins. So far I have had no problem trading the pins in the parks that I have bought on ebay. I can get pins on ebay for $2-$3 per pin.
Good luck and happy trading, if you have any more questions feel free to pm me.
My daughter turned 6 on our last vacation and started pin trading and LOVES it!
I'm intrigued by this as well.
I ordered a grab bag of 25 pins from http://www.mousepinsonline.com/tp40/default.asp?ID=18157 He's running a February special: they're $1.75 each, so it came to under $50 with shipping.
I think my kids will love the whole thing!
edited to add: I ordered on Feb 1, they came on the 4th... they're just adorable!!
We do pin "collecting". As many pins as we've purchased over the years, my kids have NEVER traded at WDW. They are pretty attached to the pins they already have and can't imagine them wanting to trade, eventhough we always take our lanyards. I think I will purchase some "extra" pins from ebay or such and have the kids trade those. (thanks for the suggestion.) My kids are 8, 10 and 12 and I think they would have a blast doing this!
How do the CMs get their pins? Are they given a lanyard when they are hired or do they purchase their own?? Actually, my kids might feel guilty about trading pins if they think the CMs might miss them.
CM do not purchase their own pins. They have a large box of pins from which to choose from (at least this is how it was in 1998 in WDW). Some they earn and some are very rare...but this is NOT out of pocket for the CM.
So trade away and be merry while you do it!
I pin trade. It is fun and a great way to make friends.
Just an FYI...be careful what pins are included in the grab bags and in Ebay auctions!
Some people have got pins buying this way that were not official Disney pins, and therefore, were not tradeable in the parks/to CM's!
I have bought from Ebay, however, I am careful, check feedback, specifically ask about what each pin back is stamped, and have even been known to ask for pictures of the pin backs!
I'm 40 and I approve this message. DONT DO IT!!! JUST SAY NO!!
My 7 Year old son has been trading pins for over 3 years and he LOVES it! It is the highlight of his trip. He usually trades with castmembers only though. We have had a few people take advantage of him. Anyway - he likes to collect the "castmember pins" with the hidden mickeys on them! He has quite the collection. His favorite is his "castmember" monorail collection. Each trip - this April will be his 11th trip - he brings pins from home that he is not too crazy about just to trade. He saves money to buy new ones each trip as well! He really loves it! Plus you get to meet some really great castmembers!
I Highly recommend pin trading for your 7 year old but beware - it can be VERY expensive and VERY addicting! Have Fun!
Pin trading... it's addicting! Ask my 13 year old!
and is VERY profitable for Disney.
think about it - at $10 a pop, less than an inch square, with probably 99% profit, I'm glad I'm a shareholder.
My son and I only ever traded with CM's. Do park visitors randomly trade with one another? I never knew that people did that. I love going to the CM's... you know right off that they have to trade with you, there is no pressure or embarrassment! I am sorry to hear about your son's experience... that people would take advantage of a young child... ugh! I agree... it is a wonderful way to meet CM's and interact!
very addicting
No different then a lot of stuff out there that we spend money on. I would much rather WDW get my money, then somewhere else. I guess I look at it different. I look and think about what they have made, and how much it costs to maintain the WHOLE WDW property... Roads, landscape, sewer, water, electric, parking lots, trains, hiring the transportation system, boats, hotels, pools, plus paying everyone, property taxes, income taxes etc etc. Whew.. I'll happily let them make as much money as they can on me, just so I can go back
Pin trading is great fun - my whole family does it, including my son, who started at age 5.
Yes, guests do trade with one another; usually, this happens around the pin stations. Think about it; they enjoy pins as much as you do! If someone has a nice lanyard, just ask to see their pins, like you would any cast member. I have noticed that almost everyone, even "pro" pin traders, are usually happy to show off their collection.
Of course, guests like you want value for value; unlike cast members, a guest probably won't take a starter set Mickey head in exchange for a hard to find limited edition pin. However, a did once have a "pro" trader swap a limited edition, out of print Chip & Dale Christmas pin... in exchange for an easy to find Aristocats. Why? He was a nice guy, and enjoyed helping my son add to his personal collection.
The secret is this: most pin traders are just like you. Offer them a fair deal; they may take it, they may not. My daughter (9 at the time) traded with a lady while we were waiting for the Festival of the Lion King. She gave the lady a Princess Aurora pin she had kept from a previous trip to Disney (which was no longer available in stores), and the lady gave her a really nice Maleficent pin. Both were happy.
I had a guy offer me a very nice Lion King pin I had never seen (and never seen since), but he wanted in exchange a pin I had from a previosu trip. I decided I'd rather keep what I had.
Here's a little primer for pin trading:
I LOVE to talk pin trading... feel free to post any questions here, or to PM me!
We are also going to be pin trading!!! I just read some threads on it about 2 weeks ago and decided my kids would love to do this when we go. I can see how it can be addicting, I ordered 4 pins from disneyshopping.com, just got those yesterday, I'm very excited. Now i'm waiting patiently for 3 that I orderd from mousepinsonline.com. I have 4 kids , so by the time our trip arrives we'll be all set with pins and lanyards, especially at the rate i'm going 14 months before the trip. I'm going to the mall tonight and will check out what they have in the disney store there, i called last week and they said they had a limited selection, so we'll see, i'm sure i'll find something I like.
Has anyone ordered from mousepinsonline.com and knows that the pins are good? I'd love to let my girls do this, but don't think I'm willing to spend a lot of money on it (well, my dh is the one that doesn't want to spend the $). But, of course, I don't want to just waste the money on getting unusable pins.
Thanks in advance!
and recommend it. I was going to order today, unfortunately, I had to buy oil. After the $600 for that, well, the pins will wait but I did order 12 of them from disney store online last week using a promo code and only purched the ones on sale.
I'll see if I can find the post that recommends the mouspins.
Separate names with a comma.


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The barn owl's ethereal appearance matches its silent hunting style. Soft and light, this Barn Owl puppet's feathery plush in shades of brown, gray and white will charm you with its beauty while you animate its head and wings. 10 inches tall.
Puppet play is as good as it gets!As the folks and Folkmanis say: "When it comes to children, old-fashioned, open-ended play patterns are the best, and the simplest toys are really the healthiest gifts one can buy for a child. That is why puppets are so firmly in the 'good toy' category – not just that they encourage and inspire imaginative play, but that they represent a thoughtful and fun gift that is more than 'just' a toy."
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Aaron Cook, Kevin Youkilis pose questions
Credit: AP
Nearly an hour after last night's game, Ben Cherington emerged from behind a closed door to manager Bobby Valentine's office and announced only that he had nothing to announce.
Clearly, though, the Red Sox have decisions to make.
Start with right-hander Aaron Cook, who could trigger an opt-out clause in his contract if the Red Sox don't call him up from Triple-A Pawtucket by today. But even then, the team would have 48 hours either to release Cook or summon him to the majors.
Then, there is third baseman Kevin Youkilis, unable to play for the past three games because of stiffness in his lower back. The Red Sox recalled shortstop prospect Jose Iglesias from Pawtucket to give them an additional infielder last night against the Oakland Athletics, a move that left them with 11 pitchers after reliever Junichi Tazawa was optioned to Triple A.
Youkilis appeared to be getting ready to pinch-hit in the ninth inning of last night's 5-3 loss to Oakland, but Valentine said it merely was a decoy. Asked if Youkilis will need to go on the disabled list, Valentine didn't rule it out.
"I can't tell," he said.
According to Valentine, Youkilis' back has flared at different times during the past few days. He was scratched from the lineup Sunday in Chicago because his back tightened when he took batting practice. On Monday, it acted up on Youkilis during infield practice.
Youkilis wasn't available for comment.
"There are times where it's pretty sore," Valentine said. "Different movements. He's doing everything he can in the training room. I'm not sure where we are on it. It seems like he has a situation that we just have to get over."
Meanwhile, right-hander Clay Buchholz developed a blister on his pitching hand Monday night. He has pitched through blister issues in the past, and in a meeting yesterday with Valentine and pitching coach Bob McClure, he described the situation as "chronic" (it typically arises when he throws his curveball).
The Red Sox aren't unconcerned about the blister, but Buchholz also has an 8.69 ERA in five starts. Valentine said his pitches have been sharp, particularly Monday night against the Athletics, but the club is looking for an explanation as to why the results haven't been better.
Even if he's able to withstand the blister, it might present an opportunity for the Red Sox to skip Buchholz' next start, give him a chance to throw an extra bullpen session and plug Cook into the rotation rather than putting him in the bullpen.
"The idea that (Buchholz) can improve is absolutely paramount in all of our minds," Valentine said. "The pitches that he's featuring should be correlating to better numbers. Not a lot of the other arms in the league are featuring the pitches he's featuring. There's no doubt that he has plenty of room for improvement.
"I'm not sure that he's totally comfortable with all of his pitches yet. We just had a talk about what's going on, and it was the most relaxed that I've seen him all year, the most natural, so I think that's a good sign."
Given Cook's track record during the past 10 seasons with the Colorado Rockies and the lack of pitching depth across the majors, it's unlikely the Red Sox would allow the veteran sinkerballer to become a free agent. And he likely would have several suitors if he reached the market.
The Red Sox cleared a roster spot after last night's game by optioning first baseman Lars Anderson back to Pawtucket.
Jose makes strides
A cursory glance at the statistics would seem to indicate Iglesias hasn't made any progress at the plate.
But that isn't how he feels.
Upon rejoining the Red Sox yesterday, Iglesias claimed his .200 average, .274 on-base percentage and .212 slugging percentage at Pawtucket aren't indicative of his improved approach to at-bats, an opinion that is consistent with most evaluators in the Red Sox organization.
"There's no question, every year you grow up like a person, you grow up like a player," Iglesias said. "Same thing with hitting. Every year, you learn something. You know yourself a little better year to year. I'm very happy with my approach at the plate."
From a defensive standpoint, Iglesias is ready to play in the majors. But he barely has 700 at-bats in the minors, and although he impressed Valentine in spring training, the organization believed he was best suited to return to Triple A and continue to mature as a hitter.
It's unclear how long the 22-year-old shortstop prospect will remain with the Red Sox, although it largely is tied to Youkilis' health.
"I'm seeing the ball very well, putting on some good contact. Unfortunately, I haven't found a hole yet," Iglesias said. "But I've put in some good ABs. You hit it hard, there's nothing I can do after that. I try to stay positive the most that I can."
Grand larceny
A big part of Oakland's offense last night involved the running game. The A's stole third base four times en route to their 5-3 victory.
"I know they're an aggressive team," catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia said. "They've got some guys who can run a little bit. They just picked good times to do it. We've just got to do a better job of holding them." . . .
Lefty reliever Rich Hill bounced back after a rocky return Sunday from Tommy John elbow surgery. Hill struck out three batters in 12â"3 innings, his longest outing since Aug. 15, 2006 with the Chicago Cubs.


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Set of 2 Gold Geo Glass
These Modern and clean design tall glasses come in a set of 2, they are hand - blown in clear glass with gold print. Perfect for everyday use or special occasions.
Recommended Care: Dishwasher Safe
Dimension: 6.5" H x 2.75" Diam.
This item is not Available until January 2017


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Writing an Opinion - Drafting
Lesson 4 of 7
Objective: SWBAT write a first draft of an opinion piece by using a graphic organizer.
Big Idea: Students use their planning graphic organizers to write their opinion about the best movie
I started the lesson by asking students what we did in writing the day before in order to set the stage for today's lesson. They stated we wrote why we liked our favorite movie on a graphic organizer (GO). I reminded them that that was the planning stage and asked what comes next. "The draft!" they yelled. I told them they were correct and I was going to model using my planning GO to write a draft of my opinion about my favorite movie.
I placed my GO on the document camera and reviewed it with students. I reread the topic and concluding sentences and my supporting three reasons. I began writing the draft with examples for my supporting reasons. I intentionally wrote short, choppy sentences and made spelling and other errors for future lessons on revising and editing. Students tried to correct my spelling, but I reminded them this is just the drafting phase where I get all my ideas on to paper. I would edit for errors later.
Independent Practice
After I completed modeling my draft, students took out their writer's notebooks and began writing their drafts. I reminded them to use their planning graphic organizers and to add examples to support their reasons. I conferenced with students individually as they worked.
Students assessed their writing using a rubric. It was written in student-friendly language on a scale of 1-3. Students were on assessed on whether or not they had stated their opinion, wrote reasons to support their opinion, and provided a concluding statement. As a review, they also assessed on subject-verb agreement. This encouraged students to write using proper English.
This quick-check of their work gave students ownership of their writing. This encouraged them to assess themselves before handing their work off to a peer or the teacher for feedback.
Resources (2)
Resources (2)
To close the lesson, students read their draft to a neighbor. This gave them the opportunity to hear their writing read aloud and think about revisions for the following day.


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The annual Winterfest IN Gatlinburg event will begin November 7th, 2011 and will be celebrated through February 28, 2012. The festivities are diverse with revelers having the chance to experience Gatlinburg's more than 2 million holiday lights, which will begin on November 9th. Other activities include the Festival of Trees featuring dozens of decorated
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Have you ever wondered what it would be like to be in the Smoky Mountains in the Fall? Crisp, autumn air, vibrant yellow, orange and red leaves in the trees If you are interested in knowing exactly when the leaves will change, you can call the Fall Color Hotline at 1-800-697-4200. The mountain views that we all love become breathtaking in
If you are in Sevierville September 5th through the 10th, don't forget to go to the Sevier County Fair TN! They have lots of amazing rides and entertainment this year. Here is some good information on the Fair: Monday: gates open at 3PM Tuesday-Friday: gates open at 5Pm Saturday: gates open at NOON Fair closes at 10PM each
If you will be in the Smoky Mountains in early July, don't miss the 36thAnnual First Independence Day Parade in the Nation! In Gatlinburg, TNthere will be a huge July 4th parade at 12am. There will be over 100,000 viewers at the parade, and many members of the US Army, Air Force, Marines, Navy and the Coast Guard will participate this year. There will
Do you love Country Music? Will you be visiting the Pigeon Forge TN area soon? If so, you should make time to go see Country Tonite, rated "The Best Show in the Smokies" by NACMAI, and the "Best Show in the Smokies" and "Best Live Country Show" by CMAA three years in a row!! Country Tonite is a
Sometimes people have posted that we have higher rates than some rental companies in the area and this is true. However, is a very good reason why. We offer more than just cabins. We offer some of the best cabins combined with the absolute best service in the area. We have also been in business
Are you interested in antique cars or hot rods? Do you love chrome and engines and the smell of leather? If so, you may want to come to Pigeon Forge, Tennessee this year for a car show! Come and see some amazing vintage cars like Model T's, Corvettes, Studebakers, Fords and Gold Wings. You'll see many classics kept in pristine condition. Here
When travelers begin planning a business trip, most envision staying in a standard hotel room with the same standard services offered. While this may be advantageous for an overnight stay, other options are available that can be beneficial to the business traveler. Extended stay hotels can be utilized for long business trips, but travelers should
If you enjoy hiking, the Smoky Mountains are a great adventure. Located on the border between North Carolina and Tennessee, the Smoky Mountains are home to some of the most beautiful hiking trails in the country. There are many different hiking trails with different features and levels of difficulty. Some are known for their wildflowers, others lead
Imagine looking out of every window and seeing an open vista of indescribable beauty – trees and mountains in every direction. Who wouldn't rather stay in a cabin? In Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge, Tennessee delighted vacationers will find more than they ever dreamed possible, staying in luxury cabins numerous amenities; Jacuzzi, and hot tub, pool


text: 2010 French Open - Justine Henin and Rafael Nadal lead betting markets ghfgh fghfghfg in Tennis News 26 May 2010 0 share Share Tweet Email Share RedditJustine Henin. (credit: HWeidemannPhotography) Updates for futures odds best prices as the second round begins. The 2010 Roland Garros tennis tournament is heading into its 2nd round on day 4 as both Roger Federer and Andy Murray are scheduled to see action. They are both among the favorites to win at Roland Garros as we update the futures market for the outright winner in men's singles. 1. Rafael Nadal, -250 (2/5), Bodog2. Roger Federer, +400 (4/1), Extrabet3. Novak Djokovic, +2200 (22/1), Boylesports4. David Ferrer, +3300 (33/1), Sportingbet 5. Andrew Murray, +5000 (50/1), Sportingbet6. Fernando Verdasco, +5000 (50/1), Sportingbet7. Robin Soderling, +6600 (66/1), Sportingbet8. Jo-Wilfried Tsonga, +12500 (125/1), Boylesports This market has not undergone substantial change at the top as Rafael Nadal's price and Roger Federer's price both remain at about what they were pre-tournament. The only major change is that Ernests Gulbis, who was a 4th favorite pre-tournament, has been eliminated. Without solid clay courters Nikolay Davydenko and Juan Martin Del Potro in the draw, there is a huge dropoff in price after second favorite Roger Federer. Andy Murray can be found priced with reputable sites like bet365 as short as +2000 (20/1) and that implies that the Sportingbet price on him of +5000 (50/1) has significant value. Paddy Power have priced an Andy Murray vs Rafael Nadal final at +1400 (14/1) and that is a good line for those that think that Murray can beat Federer in a semifinal match but are skeptical about the Scot can beating Nadal in a final. On the women's side Justine Henin won her first round match however she did not look exceptionally sharp despite winning. As a result many sportsbooks have lengthened her price a little bit. Here efforts may fall short of making the finals however as her quarter is jam-packed with talent including Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. Here are the updated odds for the top 8 favorites: 1. Justine Henin, +225 (9/4), extrabet2. Serena Williams, +500 (5/1), Ladbrokes3. Jelena Jankovic, +650 (13/2), Boylesports4. Venus Williams, +900 (9/1), bet365 5. Aravane Rezai, +1600 (16/1), Boylesports6. Svetlana Kuznetsova, +2000 (20/1), Stan James7. Elena Dementieva, +2200 (22/1), Coral8. Caroline Wozniacki, +2500 (25/1), William Hill This is a market with a lot of variance at this point and it should be pointed out that THREE of the top four favorites may be overrated. Henin's form heading into the 2010 French Open does not resemble her form from the years when she won the event and there is no way +225 is a good price on her. How exactly Serena Williams or Venus Williams are going to stumble at the French isn't clear however with the exception of 2002 (EIGHT years ago), they always seem to find a way and their odds can be avoided. Jankovic at +650 (13/2) is a good price to hit up as is Rezai at +1600 (16/1) and both prices are available with Boylesports (MAXIMUMBONUS is your promotional code). Rezai is not new to Grand Slams at all but she's never been mentioned as a favorite before and in winning Madrid she defeated both Justine Henin and Venus Williams. Maria Sharapova is not mentioned in the above list but she's a contender and she can be picked with Boylesports as well at +4000 (40/1). Interestingly enough bwin.com have Sharapova at a short price of +1000 (10/1) so do not mistake the value of having her in your pick list at 40 to 1. She could be the one to take out Justine Henin as both players are but one victory away from setting up what would be a fantastic 3rd round match. Register with Boylesports to bet on the 2010 Roland Garros event - MAXIMUMBONUS is your promotional code for a free bet that can be used on the women's final.


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The Dallas City Council is considering rezoning a nine-acre parcel of land at the center of a federal investigation into County Commissioner John Wiley Price.
Developer W.O. "Bill" Henry purchased the land from Price late last year, but not before federal agents swooped in and seized the proceeds.
In all, agents have taken more than $230,000 that Henry paid Price for the property at Grady-Niblo Road and Spur 408 in southeastern Dallas.
Despite that, Henry owns the land and is moving forward with plans to construct a massive apartment complex at the site.
Council member Scott Griggs, who represents the area, is leading a council effort to rezone the property, though he says it is probably too late to stop Henry's development.
Griggs said his effort has nothing to do with the Price investigation. Instead, he's concerned that the semi-rural area simply can't support a large apartment complex.
"There are only single-family homes that tend to be on very large lots. In much of the area, the residents are still on septic tanks," Griggs said.
He is also concerned that there isn't adequate bus service for schoolchildren who might occupy the future apartments.
Deanna Metzger, who lives a block from the planned development, echoed those concerns.
The two-lane, two-way blacktop road leading into the development can't support heavy traffic, she said.
"It's basically a farm road," she said.
There's also uneasiness in the area about the scandal surrounding the land.
"It's just a shady deal," Metzger said.
Griggs expects the council will vote on June 13 to call a public hearing to rezone the land to single-family use. A final vote on rezoning could take weeks or months.
The property has been zoned for multifamily development for years. In 2011, the city issued Price a building permit for the "Patriot Ridge" development. With that permit in hand, Henry can proceed with the development even if the property is rezoned.
According to Griggs, Henry has broken ground on the project and appears likely to build soon.
Griggs said he has tried to discuss his opposition to the plan with Henry but hasn't had success.
"I reached out to him, and he has not returned my calls," Griggs said.
An attorney for Henry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.


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Holland, Rangers make five-year commitment
Holland, Rangers make five-year commitment
SURPRISE, Ariz. -- Derek Holland, still wearing his world-famous moustache, brought his parents into the Rangers' makeshift press tent on Tuesday morning. Rick and Wendy Holland were there along with their other son, Greg, who was a role model for Derek growing up. There was also Derek's fiancee, Lauren. "I know the moustache has done a lot for me, but we started dating eight months ago," Holland said. "She is my good-luck charm, not the moustache." There have been many who have done much for Holland, and he tried to thank them all after the Rangers signed him to a five-year, $28 million contract on Tuesday. The contract, which runs through the 2016 season, also contains two club options for '17 and '18.
"I just want to thank everybody for giving me this opportunity," Holland said as he pointed out Minor League pitching instructors Terry Clark, Danny Clark and Keith Comstock in the back of the tent. The Rangers asked them to attend the news conference because they were instrumental in Holland's development from a 25th-round Draft pick in 2006 to a 16-game winner last season and the club's No. 2 starter going into the '12 season.
"There are a lot of people who helped make this happen," Holland said. "That's the big thing ... I want to thank them ... I want to thank everybody."The Rangers rewarded Holland with a new contract and view it as a symbol of their commitment to scouting, drafting and developing young pitching. "His work ethic is impressive and how he handles adversity," Rangers manager Ron Washington said. "There wasn't a time when Derek faced adversity that he didn't fight back. That's what I like about Derek. He cares about his team, he cares about his teammates and he cares about winning." Holland, who has two-plus years of service time, would have been eligible for free agency after the 2015 season. With the two option years, he could now have to wait until after '18, but Holland said he's not worried about that. "It's all about being in Texas, wearing the Texas uniform and winning championships," Holland said. "I just want to be a good role model. When I was coming up, I had guys like C.J. Wilson and Michael Young to look up to. Now it's my turn. I want to be that guy." The Rangers have had ongoing discussions with Holland's agent, Mike Martini, since the offseason. But Holland's road to a multiyear contract really began in the middle of last season. After starting 6-4 but with a 5.10 ERA in his first 17 games, Holland went 10-1 with a 2.77 ERA in his final 15 starts. He followed that up by going 2-0 with a 3.38 ERA in four starts and two relief appearances in the playoffs. That included a 4-0 victory over the Cardinals in Game 4 of the World Series, when Holland pitched 8 1/3 innings, allowing two hits, two walks and seven strikeouts. "His work ethic, his conditioning ... he has really jumped to the head of the class," general manager Jon Daniels said. "He's a free spirit, but the thing people miss with the moustache is how hard he works, how much he cares and how much he does to succeed." The Rangers have discussed long-term contracts with multiple players this spring, but Holland is the first they have been able to reach agreement with since camp opened. "In this particular situation, it's something we talked about during the winter," Daniels said. "Both sides wanted to do it, and both sides were willing to make compromises."
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com. Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields, and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Tenure Rights Restored in Chicago
Teachers won an important battle in the war for quality schools today. The right for teachers to due process in terminations--tenure--has been restored. President Lewis urged CPS to take this opportunity to begin building trust with its teachers and PSRPs by implementing a fair recall policy immediately as ordered by the court today. CPS fired 1,300 teachers and 500 PSRPs last summer.
"We hope that the nation is watching," said President Lewis. "The concerted efforts in Wisconsin, Florida, Indiana and here in Illinois to turn teaching into a low-wage, high-turnover job cheats students and only serves business interests that want education on the cheap. Experience counts and we must value the expert knowledge that comes with that experience once again. All students deserve the most highly-qualified, experienced teachers available."
Today's decision upholds the October ruling by the U.S. District Court which ordered the Board to:
(1) rescind the discharge of tenured teachers, giving fired teachers the opportunity to be part of the recall process once established,
(2) develop a recall policy, and
(3) forbid the Board from any similar unlawful discharges in the future.
According to CTU lawyer Tom Geoghegan, "This is the second court in a little over five months to rule that the Board of Education has fired hundreds of teachers in violation of their constitutional rights. We think the Board should end this litigation now and establish a recall policy consistent with the weighted criteria in the Illinois School Code and return these unlawfully fired teachers to their jobs."
In the News:
From Progress Illinois: Federal Court Sides With CTU In Layoff Battle
From WBEZ: CPS and CTU have a different interpretations of court ruling.
From Chicago Tribune: Court upholds ruling on improperly fired CPS teachers
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What has the court ordered CPS to do?
The court agreed with the previous district court decision that CPS has to create an opportunity for our members who were "honorably terminated" to fill vacant positions as they arise.
2) Does this mean I get my job back?
This means that CPS is required to create a recall policy that will give our laid-off members a chance to apply for upcoming vacancies. We do not yet know what this procedure will look like, however, the CTU will be making the case for a strong recall policy that gives our laid-off members with tenure and the proper qualifications the first chance to fill any open positions.
3) Since the dismissals are rescinded does that mean I can go back to my old school?
No, this only means that CPS must withdraw the termination notices that were distributed over the summer and acknowledge that the employment relationship has not ended. They must do this by creating rules that allow you to show your qualifications for new vacancies "for a reasonable period of time."
4) Will I get back-pay and benefits from this decision?
No, the federal decision only addresses tenure and recall rights. Our Union has grievances in arbitration and an Unfair Labor Practice charge which ask for back-pay and benefits as a remedy to the illegal firings of our members over the summer.
5) Why is this important?
CPS cannot treat tenured employees as if they have been terminated for cause, i.e. because they were fired for pedagogical reasons or for violating the employee discipline code. A tenured teacher, who is laid off, still has a "property right," to have privileged access to future employment opportunities as they arise.
6) What do I need to do moving forward?
We are still waiting for a recall policy and hope to have an organized and streamlined process for which recall will be managed.
Oral Argument was heard Friday, January 7 on CPS's Appeal of Judge Coar's Order granting relief to the unlawfully dismissed teachers.
Click this link to download an mp3 audio recording of the Oral Arguments before the appellate court.
On October 4th, Judge Coar declared that the firing of tenured teachers under the Board's June 15, 2010 resolution granting CEO Ron Huberman the power to fire teachers without regard to seniority or tenure was illegal. The judge further barred the Chicago Board of Education from "conducting future layoffs or 'honorable discharges' in a similarly unlawful manner." The judge ordered the Chicago Board of Education to negotiate a set of recall rules.
Update- Although mediation was unsuccessful, CTU is pursuing the next legal round to bring justice for our members. CTU maintains that Judge Coar's ruling should still stand. CTU will continue our fight until a recall policy is implemented.
Chicago Teachers Union v. Chicago Board of Education will be heard on Friday, January 7th, 2011 at the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, 219 S. Dearborn Street Chicago, IL 60604.