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Immigration issue draws lobbyists — and their money
- There are currently 11 million illegal immigrants in the U.S.
WASHINGTON — As Congress prepares to tackle the massive issue of immigration, legislators understood that the central issues have not changed much since their last attempt failed in 2007.
But Jennifer Korn, executive director of the conservative Hispanic Leadership Network, said the motivation to change the nation's law on legal and illegal immigration has definitely changed.
"There's two things that speak to elected officials: one is money, and the other is the vote," said Korn, who was President George W. Bush's director of Hispanic and Women's Affairs during the 2007 negotiations.
The election results provided all the attention needed to the importance of the Hispanic vote. President Obama beat out Republican challenger Mitt Romney 71%-27% among Hispanics, and Republicans, led by House Speaker John Boehner, have since embraced the need to alter the nation's immigration laws.
And now comes the money.
Shortly after the election, a group of influential Republicans announced the creation of Republicans for Immigration Reform, a super PAC designed to help GOP members of Congress who support a comprehensive immigration solution. The super PAC was created by Carlos Gutierrez, former Commerce secretary for President George W. Bush, and Charlie Spies, the treasurer of Restore our Future, the primary super PAC that backed Romney's presidential campaign.
"There's never been money put behind this to really have an impact and have influence and have some dollars behind the effort," Gutierrez said. "That's what we plan to do with the super PAC."
Convincing enough Republicans to embrace any plan that includes the legalization of the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants will be at the heart of the immigration debate. Many in the party, including Rep. Lamar Smith, R-Texas, and Rep. Steve King, R-Iowa, decry such attempts as "amnesty" for people who have broken the nation's laws.
And while Democrats have widely embraced a plan that includes a path to citizenship for illegal immigrants, a group of powerful Hispanic Democrats are creating their own organization to hammer the point home.
Led by actress Eva Longoria, San Antonio architect Henry Muñoz and Democratic National Committee member Andres Lopez — all big fundraisers for Obama — the group will focus on delivering their message on immigration legislation to voters around the country.
"In politics, it's all about right timing. And this is an idea whose time has come," Lopez said.
Lobbying and advocating for immigration legislation on Capitol Hill has always been a unique endeavor, bringing in a wide, varied group of interests who usually don't share much in common. For example, business leaders have worked closely with groups they usually don't get along with.
"The (U.S. Chamber of Commerce) has long had a working relationship with the unions and liberal groups in support of comprehensive immigration reform, in which we have often allied with the Democrats," said Chamber Vice President Randy Johnson. "But we recognize that a bill has to be bipartisan and we will spend time working both sides."
Agricultural companies looking for reliable workers from Central and South America have worked with high-tech business leaders looking for computer engineers from China and India.
On Dec. 4, the National Immigration Forum hosted a conference in D.C. where conservative religious leaders joined law enforcement officials to call for a pathway to citizenship for the nation's 11 million illegal immigrants. While the pastors were explaining the moral imperative of treating those immigrants fairly, the police chiefs were explaining how legalizing those people would help them fight crime.
Bringing together so many voices also leads to major headaches.
Vivek Wadhwa, a former Silicon Valley entrepreneur who is now a fellow at Stanford Law School, said entrepreneurs developing smaller start-up companies are being drowned out by larger companies.
In the 2012 election, President Obama's re-election campaign received more than $7 million from computer and Internet companies, according to the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics. That doesn't count million-dollar checks donated to the pro-Obama super PAC Priorities USA Action from Reid Hoffman of LinkedIn, Mark Pincus of Zynga and Sun Microsystems co-founder Vinod Khosla.
"The big companies have hired their Washington, D.C., people. They have their lobbyists," Wadhwa said. "But Microsoft doesn't speak to represent the start-ups here. The students at Stanford, the venture capitalists and the angel investors — there's no one to speak on their behalf."
One constant throughout the process has been the illegal immigrants themselves and groups who advocate on their behalf. Young illegal immigrants won a victory earlier this year when Obama announced that he would halt the deportations of many of them. And many feel that momentum, and that experience, can help carry through to a broader bill putting most of the 11 million immigrants living in the U.S. illegally on a pathway to citizenship.
"There are deeper roots in affected communities, and there's a more active base than there might have been in 2007," said B. Loewe, spokesman for the National Day Laborer Organizing Network. "Now you see sustained and ongoing organizing and community-level infrastructure around this issue."
Little is certain about how an immigration solution will look like in the end. House Republicans led by Boehner want to pass small bills, one by one, while Obama wants a comprehensive bill that includes different issues. There are major disagreements over how much more the country should spend on building up the southwest border with Mexico, how to screen job applicants for their immigration status and how to treat the nation's population of illegal immigrants.
Frank Sharry, who has worked on immigration legislation for years, said whatever happens, the money involved and the built-up momentum will lead to a loud debate.
"My own experience, painfully, is that it's hard to pass immigration legislation with a quiet, special-interest push. It's too controversial," said Sharry, executive director of America's Voice, a group that supports legalizing the country's illegal immigrants. "The measures that pass are those are litigated in public, in a loud debate."


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ATLANTA -- Hawks forward Josh Smith will miss Sunday night's game at Oklahoma City because of a right ankle sprain.
Atlanta says Smith won't travel with the team. There was no mention of the injury after Smith played 41 minutes in the Hawks' season-opening 109-102 loss to Houston on Friday night.
The Hawks said on Saturday that Smith was injured during the game. Smith had 18 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots against the Rockets.
Smith set career highs by averaging 18.8 points and 9.6 rebounds last season.
The Hawks say backup center Johan Petro will also miss Sunday's game because of a lower back injury. He wasn't in uniform on Friday night.

subset: commoncrawl


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Bosch Rexroth Opens 11th Mexican Facility
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Saturday, December 1, 2007
In response to its steady growth in the North and Central American markets, Bosch Rexroth has opened a sales and technical service center in Monterrey, Mexico. The firm, a provider of hydraulics, electric drives and controls, and linear-motion and assembly technology and equipment, now has 11 locations in Mexico. The Monterrey office will provide repair, field service, training and sales support; by year-end, it will be ISO 9001 registered.
See also: Bosch Rexroth Corp.
Related Enterprise Zones: Quality Control
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The Manchester and Wabash boys tennis teams trekked to Peru Thursday to battle for the sectional title. After a half hour delay because of rain the Squires topped the Apaches 4-1 for the crown.
The win was the first sectional crown for Manchester since 2006.
1 Singles Connor Eichenauer, Manchester Def. JD Boone, Wabash 6-0, 6-2
2 Singles Max Karg, Manchester Def. Edward Dillard, Wabash 6-2, 6-0
3 Singles Kody Fuller, Wabash Def. Brayton Spann, Manchester 6-3, 6-2
1 Doubles Noah Cain & Morgan Metzger, Manchester Def. Aaron Hartley & Thomas Grier, Wabash 6-1, 6-3
2 Doubles Dalton Day & Branden Scott, Manchester Def. Taylor Vigar & Jalen Grier, Wabash 5-7, 7-6, 6-2
Max Karg pushed his record to 17-1 on the season with a convincing 6-2, 6-0 victory. Up 1-0, the 1 doubles team of Morgan Metzger (14-3 on season) and Noah Cain (11-4) won their first set easily 6-1 and had to hold off a scrappy Wabash team to win set two, 6-3. Just minutes after Metzger and Cain made it 2-0, the Manchester fans erupted in cheers when #1 singles player Connor Eichenauer hit a winner past JD Boone to seal the title.
Dalton Day and Branden Scott needed 3 sets to defeat a determined Wabash team, 5-7, 7-6 (7-5), 6-2.
"What an outstanding feeling! To watch our guys celebrate victory and enjoy the rewards of their hard work makes all the hours and effort worthwhile. I want to thank the parents and community fans that support and cheer our team on to victory. Many past graduates and local friends have enjoyed this victory along with us. And a special thanks to Jeremy Markham, our athletic director, for his support and assistance in bringing our program a championship. Coach Erny and I are excited to advance to the Culver Regional." -Joel Eichenauer
The Squires are now 13-2 and head to the Culver Military Academy regional Tuesday @ 5:00
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IMH necesitaba un nuevo diseño de logotipo y lanzó un concurso de diseño en 99designs.
Un ganador ha sido elegido entre 59 diseños de 27 diseñadores freelance.
Mascot logo needed for new website containing helpful articles, information and how-to's.
Hosting Help Guy/Girl
We are in need
of a cartoon style mascot for a technical help website that we will soon be
launching. The mascot will drive the persona of the site and serve as the focus
of our branding efforts.
The mascot will
need to be a vector cartoon style and we need both a male and female version.
Both characters should be in the 25-30 age range, provide a smiling, friendly
feel and both should be drawn in similar fashions so that they are recognizable
as similar.
The male
character should have a techy/geeky look and the female character should have a
geeky/cute look. The male version should be accompanied with the text "Hosting
Help Guy" while the female version should be accompanied with the text "Hosting
Help Guy Girl" with the "Guy" portion crossed out and "Girl" appearing
to have been handwritten in lipstick.
Both versions
of the characters (or portion of) will need to be able to be clear and
recognizable when scaled down to 125x125, 50x50 and 16x16 for use as avatars
and favicon.ico. Just the head may be used in the scaled down versions for
clarity's sake.
The style that
we are looking for is something very similar to the following existing artwork:
The male character should be much younger,
as described above, and a bit more "cool". The female character should not have
eyeglasses and should be cute but preserve the computer geek persona and should
convey a sense of "girl power". Varied use of clothing to achieve the desired
effects is ok.
help segment the contest the competition will be presented in stages as
detailed below.
1st Place - $700 & Free Year of our Pro Hosting Plan (Worth $227)
2nd - 5th Places - Free Year of our Pro Hosting Plan (Worth $227)
~EDIT~ Just to clarify: All work needs to be original and not modifications of existing work, clip art, etc.
- Stage 1
Full version of either one of the
Once the desired style has been achieved for one of the characters the
designer can then move on to Stage 2.
- Stage 2
Full version of the remaining
Once the desired style has been achieved for one of the characters the
designer can then move on to Stage 3.
- Stage 3
125x125 versions of both characters
50x50 versions of both characters (avatar)
16x16 versions of both characters (favicon)
- Earth tone
color scheme (browns, dark reds, oranges, yellows, etc.)
Glassy "2.0"
style artwork or effects
Descubre cómo funciona un concurso de diseño u obtén más información sobre nuestros servicios de diseño de logo.


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Diablo III
Blizzard Entertainment, Inc.
Full Game Released Sep 3, 2013
Twenty years have passed since the Prime Evils were defeated and banished from the world of Sanctuary. Now, you must return to where it all began—the town of Tristram—and investigate rumors of a fallen star, for this is an omen that the End Times have begun.
1-4 players
12MB minimum save size
HDTV screen resolution: 720p
Network Features
Network Players 2-4
Purchase or use of this item is subject to the PlayStation®Network Terms of Service and User Agreement and this item's use restrictions. This item has been sublicensed to you by Sony Computer Entertainment America. One-time license fee for downloads to up to 2 console systems that are associated with the purchasing account.
Diablo III © 2013 Blizzard Entertainment, Inc. All rights reserved.


text:
Tracking Sensors Invade the Workplace
Devices on Workers, Furniture Offer Clues for Boosting Productivity
A few years ago when Bank of America Corp. wanted to study whether face time mattered among its call-center teams, the big bank asked about 90 workers to wear badges for a few weeks with tiny sensors to record their movements and the tone of their conversations.
The data showed that the most productive workers belonged to close-knit teams and spoke frequently with their colleagues. So, to get more employees mingling, the bank scheduled workers for group breaks, rather than solo ones....
Sponsored Offers


text:
Indian River
Mackinac City
Home>Plan Your Trip>Whites Canoe Livery
White's Canoe Livery has been serving canoeists on the Rifle River for over forty-years. As the largest paddlesport and camping operation in the state of Michigan, White's Canoe Livery offers a variety of opportunities for the avid outdoor adventurist. Whether your interest lies in canoeing, tubing, rafting, kayaking, camping or camping cabins, we have the accommodations to serve you.
This campground offers the most up-to-date facilities for persons with tents, campers and motor homes. Our new bathhouse facility features well lighted showers and restrooms, a laundry room and dump station. Primitive and group camping are available, as well as limited electrical and water hookups in the riverside areas. Playground equipment, ball diamond, hiking trails, bathrooms, horseshoe pits, volleyball, basketball courts and convenience store are all within short walking distance. Cabins, picnic tables, ice and firewood are available and we have a special picnic area at this park, great for one day canoers. Try one of our log camping cabins.
Available in Spring Available in Summer Available in Fall
Viewing this on a mobile device? Use the mobile edition of this website!
Copyright © 2015, Northeast Michigan Council of Governments | Contact the US 23 Heritage Route!
This website powered by Community Center software from LIAA


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A.L.S. December 4 [post 1878]. R.E.G. [Roxana Chapin Gerdine] to �Dear Sister� [Emily McKinstry Chapin]. West Point, MS. 4pp. Note: Part of the last page continues onto the front of the first page.)
my dining room covered stoves put in order thirty cords of wood cut at the door and a well full of water children well. Tom still doing well and after all that forgot when Thanksgiving day came taught school and had a poorer dinner than usual. I am ashamed of myself: had intended to make some �Aunt Parker� cake. I am so delighted with your steamed pudding have one regularly every Sunday for dinner R.E.G.)
West Point Dec. 4th"
Dear Sister"
I felt much relieved upon receipt of your letter day before yesterday stating that you were all well. I had a presentment that you were sick or some of the family. I am very sorry that you are putting yourselves to so much trouble about the potatoes. I hope you have abandoned the idea now it is too cold to ship. They will freeze if sent now many thanks for your trouble. I regretted it the day after sending and wrote you a letter but see it is here in my writing desk so if you have not shipped them yet


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Lakeland University
Site Search
Follow the Malawians in the
Lakeland College M.Ed. Program
On December 8, 2016, the eleven Malawian graduate students of Cohort 2 gathered in Lilongwe at Ufulu Gardens, a convention center in the capital city to celebrate with family and friends their graduation from Lakeland University. While this day marks not only the end of their master's degree program, but also the end of the formal association between Lakeland and the Government of Malawi, these graduates also have new work to begin. Soon, they will start to assist in the literacy development of their nation. That is why a graduation ceremony is often called "Commencement," the beginning. The Lakeland graduates will now begin the rest of their professional journey.
L to R: Yowasi Nkhambala, Frank Mbwana, Marget Mandala, Edson Dzimwe, Mary Florence Mzama,
Henderson Ngwira, Mavuto Chiwale, Mike Kumwamba, Aleme Chitanje, Elizer Kalilombe, Nancy Nyirenda
The graduation ceremony opened with the eleven students, in their graduation gowns and led by Professor Brian Frink, entering the auditorium to the inspiring sounds of Edward Elgar's Pomp and Circumstance, a piece of music common to American graduations. A color guard completed the procession and placed the US and Malawian flags alongside the podium. It was a moment of gravity and uplift. An invocation was offered by the Reverend Michael Mkandawire to the 65 people in attendance to bless the proceedings.
Professor Jeff Elzinga began the program by speaking of the students' 12 months of study at Lakeland University in Wisconsin, their four months of field research conducted in Malawi, and most recently, their thesis defense meetings. These defenses took place December 5-7 at the offices of USAID before a panel of faculty members, including their thesis advisor and friend, Professor Mehraban Khodavandi, who joined the discussions (in the middle of the night, Wisconsin time) via Skype technology from his office on campus. "The students all did well in their defenses," commented Prof. Elzinga to the audience, "and we know the sky is the limit as to the good work they can perform in raising literacy levels in Malawi."
Ms. Florence Sepula, Participant Training Specialist for USAID/Malawi, spoke next. She began her remarks with a quote from William Butler Yeats, "Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire." At one point, a sudden downpour outside pounded so forcefully on the building's metal roof that the noise threatened to drown out all competing sounds, but Ms. Sepula would not be deterred. She noted that having been present for the thesis defenses, she is quite certain that this group already has what it takes to improve the quality of early grade reading instruction in Malawi. "These reading specialists could not have come to us at a better time," she said.
The final speaker was Mr. Valentino Zimpita, Chief Education Officer for Higher Education at the Malawi Ministry of Science, Education, and Technology. Mr. Zimpita was clear that going forward all the graduates will be put to the best possible use so that primary school teachers—and ultimately learners—will benefit from their knowledge and skills. He gave profound thanks to both Lakeland University and USAID for initiating this program, and he ended with a quote by Frederick Douglass: "It is easier to build strong children than to repair broken men." Then, Prof. Frink called the graduates forward to receive their diplomas, and the master's degrees were officially conferred.
Prof. Elzinga closed the program with these words, "Since 1999, Lakeland has graduated 75 students from Malawi. This has been a partnership of love, hard work, and the shared desire to imagine a world where every tomorrow will be brighter than any yesterday. Part of Lakeland's mission has always been to 'prepare men and women of diverse backgrounds to lead ethical, purposeful, and fulfilling lives.' Lakeland University is proud to have fulfilled this part of its mission over the past 17 years through our Malawi Program and these 75 graduates. Thank you, Malawi," he concluded, "for giving us such fine individuals to work with."
A buffet lunch followed the ceremony and under a newly sun-filled sky, family and friends took countless photos and celebrated the past achievements of these eleven graduates and also their work yet to come.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland University. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
On August 9 and 10, Lakeland University and USAID hosted an Early Grade Reading Workshop at Ufulu Gardens in Lilongwe, Malawi. Lakeland faculty members Professors Jeff Elzinga and Joshua Kutney led the proceedings. This gathering was similar to an event held in August 2015 at the same location. I was able to travel to Lilongwe this year and observe some of the discussions. I also connected with all my Malawian friends and was inspired to hear about the current status of their efforts to improve early grade reading instruction in their country.
The first day of the workshop provided a chance for the members of Cohorts 1 and 2 to reconnect with one another, since they live and work across the country. Cohort 1 members reported on their involvement in the roll-out of the new National Reading Plan, MERIT. Each of them has contributed to this effort during the past several months in some way: advising on the national curriculum, supervising training teams, training the trainers, and writing a new first grade textbook that supports the initiative. Their achievements gave the Cohort 2 students a boost of added confidence, seeing how valuable the skills of the Lakeland-trained educators are. As Mavuto Chiwale said, "If Cohort 1 is doing it, why not me?"
Cohort 1 members also spoke of areas they have found to be challenging, for example, finding ways to provide differentiated instruction to special needs students, and keeping in touch with one another. The workshop gathering certainly was one way to remedy the latter. As Ndamyo Mwanyongo said, "This gathering makes me feel confident we are a family. We are able to stay united and do something great."
The members of Cohort 2 had the opportunity that first day to ask their predecessors for advice as they begin their action research this coming fall. They also asked for tips on how to best prepare for their thesis defense meetings in early December, just prior to graduation. This much-anticipated graduation event will mark the official completion of the LU/USAID partnership.
On Day 2, the audience for the workshop expanded to include individuals invited from different organizations (USAID, MoEST, GIZ, and DTED), one children's librarian from Mzuzu University, and principals from Teacher Training Colleges in Lilongwe, Machinga, and Phalombe.
Presentations were made by four members of Cohort 1, Elias Lyson, Margret Mulaga, Michael Simawo, and Elymas Tembwe. Earlier this year, these four had their thesis research accepted for presentation at the International Conference on Learning, held from July 13-16 at the University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada. Dr. Kutney had encouraged and guided them in their efforts. He was pleased that all four of them had been accepted to this conference that historically only accepts 30-40% of all submissions. He felt this was clear recognition of the quality of their scholarship.
Also presenting at the workshop was Gift Dube, the head children's librarian at Mzuzu University who received his undergraduate degree from Lakeland in 2003. He spoke on the successes and challenges of getting children to make better and more frequent use of the library. Gift also updated participants on the rebuilding of the main library at Mzuzu University, since a fire completely destroyed it in December 2015.
The Lakeland students and graduates enjoyed two full days of conversation and discussion, and everyone was in agreement with Mike Kumkwamba, who said, "This meeting is so inspiring. It shows our efforts have moved from local exposure to national to international." Benjamin David added, "We are an asset to the nation."
On Tuesday afternoon, Aleme Chitanje and Yowasi Nkhambala delivered a moving tribute to program leaders, Professors Jeff Elzinga and Mehraban Khodavandi by presenting them with carved wood plaques to thank them for all they have done over the years to support literacy in Malawi. (Dr. Khodavandi was not able to make this trip to Malawi). As Bertha Singini said, "We are very grateful to Lakeland for organizing this degree program. Thank you, Lakeland University, for empowering us."
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland University. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland University and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
Where in Wisconsin could you find a potluck buffet that included nsima—a corn meal dish similar to grits or polenta—and fried bread balls called mandazi, alongside mac n' cheese, lasagna, Jello, and tater tot casserole? At Lakeland College, of course.
On Friday, June 3, the Malawian graduate students gathered on campus one last time with their host families, church families, Lakeland faculty and staff, and other friends to share goodbyes and a parting meal.
Professor Jeff Elzinga and Dr. Mehraban Khodavandi spoke to the crowd of more than 60 guests, lending their insights about what an enriching experience it has been on so many levels these past two years to have the Malawian M.Ed. students at Lakeland College.
Professor Elzinga thanked the host families and church families for their generosity and kindness to the students. He pointed out that while the experience here in Wisconsin has changed the graduate students, their presence in our midst has also changed us.
He spoke about the long history of the college's relationship with Malawi, a partnership that goes back to 1999 when the first cohort of five undergraduates from Malawi came to study at Lakeland. Then, in 2014, the program transformed into the current M.Ed. early grade reading program. "Now, after 17 years," he said, "the program comes to an end, and the feeling is bittersweet."
Dr. Khodavandi then talked about what it was like working with these students in the classroom. He remarked on the high level of scholarship he saw blossom among them during the year and how all 11 of their thesis projects had been accepted by the college's Institutional Review Board on first presentation. "That doesn't always happen with thesis proposals," he said.
Toward the end of the evening, the students shared a Malawian call-and-response song to bid their friends farewell, and Yowasi Nkhambala, the spokesperson for Cohort 2, thanked everyone for all that had been done to make the Malawians feel at home in Wisconsin. Everything about the event made it difficult to say goodbye.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
The M.Ed. graduate students have arrived at the end of the 12-month stay in Wisconsin and are preparing to return home to Malawi on June 7. Last week, I had brief exit interviews with all of them. I began with the question, "if you had to pick one word to sum up your experience at Lakeland this past year, what would that word be?" I heard words such as "awesome," "wonderful," "marvelous," "great," "productive," "enlightening," "eye-opening," and "success." As we continued to talk about their Lakeland experiences, the students shared more specifically what they had learned. They talked about the importance of assessment, differentiated learning, and reading across the curriculum. I heard their passion for teaching and new confidence in being "agents of change." I also heard how grateful the students have been for the kindness of the people they have met here in Wisconsin. I could not report everything that everyone said during these interviews, as much as I would have liked to. Instead, I provide a summary, a "slice" of what I heard, the essence of each person's commentary about his or her time with us and what the students plan to do when they return home.
Nancy Nyirenda
"I learned that I should not be satisfied with the knowledge I have; I should be a life-long learner, always striving to improve myself, always trying to be a better teacher. I plan to be a more self-reflective teacher in the future, one who focuses on the learner and what that individual learner needs to be successful. Those of us who have been here, exposed to new strategies and knowledge, we need to work together, to help one another. In oneness there is strength."
Yowasi Nkhambala
"I have realized that people are the best resources for making something happen. It is people that make a program work or not, their attitude, their feeling about what they are doing. We should work hard to train teachers as the #1 factor in improving the quality of reading instruction in Malawi. I also hope, as an individual, that I can help to prioritize early grade reading instruction at the government level. I feel more confident now, than I did before, that I can be an agent for change in Malawi."
Henderson Ngwira
"I can say today that I am more knowledgeable about how to teach reading, through the strategies of phonemic awareness, de-coding, book concepts, and bringing prior knowledge to the text. At Northview Elementary [in Howards Grove], I learned about reading workshops and the value of discussing texts with learners in a way that is fun and flexible, not rigid. I am dedicated to lobbying at the curriculum development level in Malawi for devoting more time for reading in the early grades, for creating true interaction around reading."
Mary Florence Mzama
"While I have been at Lakeland, I have been struck by the farms nearby and by the hugeness of these farms. I have also learned something new about myself, that I am a slow reader. I have always read slowly because I read to understand, not simply to finish quickly. Being here has improved my reading curiosity. I have been exposed to so many new books. I look forward to extending the opportunities for reading to children in Malawi. Pamphlets, flyers, even an advertisement for soap! All these things can provide reading material to young learners. Once I return home, I know I will implement everything I have learned here."
Frank Mbwana
"One of the best experiences for me at Lakeland was developing my philosophy of education in Dr. Kutney's class. I am also so much more aware now of the importance of assessment. Reading does not go on alone; you must assess for learning and create running records so you can identify challenges for each individual learner. My experience here in Wisconsin has changed me a lot. I know now that when I look at something, I need to think outside the box. I've learned to view things from many perspectives."
Margret Mandala
"While here at Lakeland, I realized that I really do enjoy working hard. If I can continue in that spirit, I will be successful in the future. I am excited to go back to Malawi and get more involved in the field of educational research. I want to gather data that will help us replace less effective practices with more effective ones. Lakeland has given me an opportunity to feel more confident in myself, and to know that I can make a difference. I am determined to improve students' reading in Malawi. Change will be gradual, but with effort, we will push on."
Mike Kumwamba
It was enlightening to me to see young learners at both Northview and Longfellow elementary schools who were able to read in kindergarten. If we can help our children in Malawi read at that early age, the world will open up to them. When children can read, they can write their own stories. When we empower them to write their own stories, they can then share their lives. We must look at the gaps we have in Malawi and begin to design programs that will support learners to read at that very early age. By focusing on reading first, a child's struggle through his or her academic career will be greatly lessened."
Elizer Kalilombe
"In Malawi, we have a 'one size fits all' approach to our classroom reading instruction, but I have learned that this is not how children learn. We must differentiate when teaching reading. Also, reading is not one thing; it is made up of many component parts: comprehension, fluency, accuracy. Each of these parts must be assessed, in order to help the individual learner be successful. Everything we have learned here in Wisconsin, we can adjust to suit our kids and our particular challenges in Malawi. I know as a teacher that I must have passion for what I am doing. If anything fails in a classroom, it fails because of the teacher."
Edson Dzimwe
"We were so busy in the fall this past year, it was like pushing a mountain. But we made it. I learned that teaching reading requires thorough preparation. You must know your learners strengths and challenges through ongoing assessment. We also need to extend and elongate the time devoted to reading. This is one of the major things I hope to accomplish when I go home. I have been teaching a long time, and I know now that there were things that I was doing wrong. I will make adjustments. There will be challenges ahead, of course. Malawi is a poor country and resources are one of the challenges, But, I know I've got the potential now to do something better so learners will learn."
Alemekezeke Chitanje
"While I have been at Lakeland, I have learned that I love kids and I love teaching. I feel a passion for them. I am also aware that we need to dedicate 75% of the learning time to reading instruction, practice, and independent reading in Malawi. We need to set targets and make our kids aware of those targets. We also need to create more reading materials for the children in Malawi. I would like to see the students in the upper classes writing stories that the younger kids can read. Finally, our attitude toward teaching needs to be more positive overall."
Mavuto Chiwale
"For me, this year at Lakeland has been a year of success. Lakeland College is a culture where people are socially interactive. Most people are so loving and caring here. Rapport is good between people, despite differences of race or culture. And the professors! They are dedicated to helping their students succeed. There is also a culture of learning here. I will remember this dedication of our Lakeland instructors and I will cherish it. When I go back to Blantyre, I would like to explore the idea of creating a reading laboratory at the Teacher Training College. This would be a place where reading workshops can happen. There will be six of us in Blantyre who have been trained at Lakeland. Working together, I think we can really make a difference.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
Graduation is not called "Commencement," or beginning, for no reason. While some things are coming to an end, so much more is yet to come. This is true for all 750-plus students who walked across the stage and received their diplomas in the Wehr Center Fieldhouse on May 1 for the 154th Commencement ceremony of Lakeland College. And it is especially true for the eleven Malawians of Cohort 2 who will head home in one month's time, ending their year in Wisconsin, but beginning the next chapter of their lives as early grade reading specialists. They are the ones who—by putting into practice the knowledge and skills gained at Lakeland —will help to change the face of early grade reading instruction throughout Malawi.
Left to right: Henderson Ngwira, Frank Mbwana, Elizir Kalilombe, Mavuto Chiwale, Yowasi Nkhambala,
Mike Kumwamba, Aleme Chitanje, Mary Florence Mzama, Margret Mandala, Edson Dzimwe, Nancy Nyirenda.
The excitement for the Malawian graduate students on Sunday, May 1, was rooted in their having the opportunity to be recognized as members of the graduating class of 2016. As Aleme Chintanje said, "It was an honor to be included in the graduation ceremony even if we have not yet completed all of the requirements of our master's degrees."
When the graduate students return to Malawi, they will reunite with their families, friends, and colleagues. Then, they will undertake their field research projects, collecting and analyzing data, completing their theses, and in December, defending their findings.
Aleme noted that her best memory of the Commencement day is "the happiness [expressed by] professors, host parents, and friends. You could see it in their faces," she said, "and it was overwhelming, really. They showed that they love and care about us and the Malawi master's degree program."
When I asked Aleme what she looks forward to, now that she has gotten past the first hurdle of finishing her coursework, she said, "I look forward to finishing the May Term, going back home to my family, and of course doing my research to finish my thesis. Most importantly, I look forward to being able to disseminate the knowledge I have acquired here."
I know from talking with several of the graduate students after the ceremony that they all share this feeling of elation and anticipation. Elizir Kalilombe summed it up, saying, "I just feel so happy. It is a truly a great feeling."
I think each of the graduate students would agree that something great has taken place for them at Lakeland College this year, and that more great things are yet to come.
Commencement is only the beginning.
The group of graduating students is joined by Dr. Joshua Kutney (far left), Dr. Mehraban Khodavandi (center),
Professor Jeff Elzinga (back row), and adjunct reading instructor, Ms. Geralyn Leannah, (far right)
an early grade reading specialist at Longfellow Elementary School in Sheboygan
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government
As the spring semester winds down and another commencement nears, the Malawi M.Ed. graduate students remain extremely busy. What follows is a brief update on some of the activities the Malawians have been experiencing outside of class discussions, research, and writing during their final weeks at Lakeland College.
The graduate students recently had the opportunity to sit in on classes at various local public schools, observing teaching strategies that they will take home with them. They watched reading being taught in a large group setting at Longfellow Elementary School in Sheboygan and also saw differentiated instruction in action at several schools in the Plymouth School District. Yowasi Nkhambala said, "It was so exciting to observe a sixth grade math class. The lead teacher had an assistant teacher who moved around the room, helping students work out the problems. Differentiated learning was able to take place through the use of these flex groups."
Regarding his visit to Plymouth High School, Frank Mbwana commented, "I observed how differentiation for content, process, and product is done. I had an opportunity to interact with the teachers to learn how they organize their flexible groupings and prepare the learning materials." He went on to say, "Malawian schools are increasingly diverse classrooms where differentiated instruction is necessary. With the knowledge gained, I will be able to share with my teachers-in-training how to differentiate instruction so that it aligns with learners' readiness, interest, and learning profiles."
The Malawians took a break from their studies on Thursday, April 14 to participate in Lakeland's tenth annual International Night. This is a very popular campus event each spring, during which Lakeland's international students join forces to present imagery, fashions, words, songs, and dances from their respective countries. The evening is organized by the Global Students Association. This year, 20 countries were represented: Brazil, Cameroon, China, Congo, Germany, India, Italy, Ivory Coast, Jamaica, Japan, Kenya, Liberia, Malawi, Malaysia, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Russia, and the United States. You can see a photo album of the entire event here.
Aleme Chitanje reported on the contribution of the Malawians, saying, "Nancy Nyirenda and I each balanced a 20-liter pail full of water on our heads. This was to show how Malawian women in the villages work hard to multi-task. Girls learn how to balance things on their heads so that they can use their hands for things like holding a child, carrying firewood, and other chores."
All of the graduate students performed a group dance called mnjedza. This is a dance that is traditionally performed by village chiefs to "prepare the ground," as Edson Dzimwe described it, for what comes next, a dance called gule wamkulu (literally a "big dance.") This second dance has a spiritual component to it, and the main dancer appears in disguise, as seen here.
Regarding International Night, Yowasi said, "I felt very happy being part of the International Night program. The performances by all the participants were really good. I enjoyed most watching the Soran Bushi dance from Japan. It was well-executed, and truly a marvel to watch."
Lakeland's International Night introduces the entire campus community to the customs and traditions of people from all over the world. "It was amazing to see students from so many countries performing their traditional activities," Aleme said. "We learned a lot and strengthened our connections with students from other places."
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
For nearly two years, the story of the Malawian graduate students has been told in words and pictures on this blog. Today's entry is a follow-up to Tuesday's post, "Reading Strategies in the Elementary Classroom." Below are images of the graduate students and their young learners at Longfellow Elementary School. The smiles on their faces tell the story, almost better than words.
Alemekezeke Chitanje
Mavuto Chiwale
Edson Dzimwe
Elizer Kalilombe
Mike Kumwamba
Margret Mandala
Frank Mbwana
MaryFlorence Mzama
Henderson Ngwira
Yowasi Nkhambala
Nancy Nyirenda
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
Recently, the library on the second floor of Longfellow Elementary School in Sheboygan has been the site of special relationships built around reading. The Malawian graduate students have come twice a week for several weeks to Longfellow to lead after-school reading enhancement for students in grades 1 through 5. They've put into practice an array of teaching approaches learned in ED 792 Reading: Instructional Strategies taught by Geralyn Leannah (early intervention lead reading teacher at Longfellow school) and Lori Roelse (data coach at Jefferson and Pigeon River schools), both adjunct instructors in Lakeland's M.Ed. program.
At one table, the children are playing with the prefix "re." A girl who looks to be about seven tells me, "Re is a prefix that means backwards or again. You use it in front of a word to do it over. Reuse, repay, replay. Return means you come back." A boy about the same age reads me his sentence, "I repaint my picture because I messed up and need to do it again." The laughter and enthusiasm of the children sitting with their teacher, Margaret Mandala, reminds me how rewarding and refreshing it is to unlock the secrets of words.
Margaret said, "My experience at Longfellow has been really satisfying. I had a lot of fun seeing the children successfully completing tasks which I had prepared for them using the different strategies." As Frank Mbwana outlined for me later, those strategies included phonemic awareness, vocabulary, fluency, decoding, comprehension, and learner response. Frank said, "The children had fun reading stories and at the same time, playing around with words…The experience will be a lifetime memory for me, as I was able to interact with learners from a different background."
Nearby, two fifth-graders sit with Mavuto Chiwale. They are constructing sentences with words like "imply" and "realization." First, Mavuto has them define the word they have selected. "What does 'imply' mean?" he asks his young learner. "Imply means that you say something without really saying it," the boy answers and then shares the following sentence: "The way the teacher looks at me implies I am doing a good job."
Elsewhere in the room, children are sounding out words in books about whales, owls, and the A to Z of grandmothers. Mike Kumwamba is having the children look carefully at the illustration on the cover of one book and asking them to predict what they think the story is going to be about, based on what they can see. With Yowasi Nkhambala, the students are deciding who is going to read the part of the mouse in a short play and who will be the wind. With Aleme Chitanje, the students are exploring a text about a superhero, taking turns reading aloud line by line. Everywhere, reading is happening.
Instructor Geralyn Leannah shared her thoughts about the experience. "The Malawi students have demonstrated their passion and enthusiasm for literacy and learners time and again over the past month and a half," she said. "With humor and diligence they have drawn out the very best in their young charges during the After School Program tutoring sessions. It is amazing how fluidly they have adapted the learning from Lakeland into seamless practice at Longfellow."
Not only are the Lakeland graduate students learning more about how to teach reading, they also have had the chance to develop friendships. Henderson Ngwira noted, "There has been a warm reception every time we arrive at Longfellow school. The interaction with the children has been very good, and all the teachers are warm and supportive."
Regarding the overall experience at Longfellow, Edson Dzimwe commented, "It has been great and I've really enjoyed the opportunity to work with the children on reading comprehension, trying out the various teaching strategies. I look forward to taking this home with me."
Based on what I heard and saw, I'm sure all eleven graduate students would agree.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
Recently, Aleme Chitanje shared a photo that had been taken of her at the Wisconsin Antique Power Reunion's annual show in Saukville, Wisconsin, which was a good reminder that our graduate students from Malawi also have lives outside the classroom.
In case you might be wondering, the picture with green grass and leaves on the trees is not an indication of an early spring in Wisconsin. Rather, the lush scenery and short pants are indicative of the fact that the photo was taken last July, when the second cohort of Malawian graduate students had recently arrived at Lakeland. The photo appeared not long ago, however, on the Farm Collector website, and Aleme was reminded of how much fun she had that day in July, driving her first tractor.
Aleme reports that she was visiting the Antique Power Reunion with her host family, Lakeland alumni Fred and Barb Seefeldt, both class of 1960. Through the generosity and warm hospitality of families like the Seefeldts, the Malawi students enjoy many "outside the classroom" experiences of American life. Friendship families, such as the Seefeldts, provide a place for the students to go to share an occasional family meal, especially at the holidays, as well as participate in other family activities. Over the past two years, the Malawians have gone horseback riding, sledding, tubing, and ice fishing, and have been taken on trips to cities such as Oshkosh, Madison, and Chicago.
Aleme had quite a good time driving an old but restored tractor, one of many that were on display at the fair. "It was wonderful experience," she said. "They exhibited tractors and other equipment that farmers used here in Wisconsin before modern technology. I had a lot of fun."
Fred and Barb first met Aleme at an 1862 Society dinner on campus seven years ago when she was here as a Lakeland undergraduate. At the dinner, the Malawian students were making a presentation about their country to the gathered guests. Barb recalls,
In talking with Aleme, we realized that she didn't have a place to go for the Thanksgiving holiday so we invited her to join us. The rest is history. She spends almost all of our celebrations with us and more. We learned about how an outsider views us and our abundance. We learned about the educational system in Malawi and how our two countries share similar frustrations and concerns when it comes to the teaching of our children. We feel we are a part of her family in Malawi, as she shares with us the happenings there. Aleme has filled our lives with love and great joy and we don't look forward to bidding her farewell once again in June. She will live in our hearts forever.
The story of Aleme Chitanje and the Seefeldt family is just one of many similar stories, where American host families and Malawian students at Lakeland College have come together to spend time outside of the classroom. In so doing, they provide each other with glimpses of what life is really like day to day both here and there.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
Despite last week's dropping temperatures outside, the graduate students were keeping warm indoors and continuing to make progress towards their degrees. They are currently enrolled in four graduate courses, and last week they began practicum teaching at Longfellow Elementary School in Sheboygan. They also are exploring several new projects that may aid their efforts to improve early grade reading in Malawi. It was informative to sit in on a recent bi-weekly roundtable meeting to get a picture of what they are thinking about as they get closer to the end of the school year. Professor Elzinga meets with the students every other Friday morning to discuss their experiences and progress in the program.
The students were happy to report that they had received a warm welcome from the children and staff at Longfellow Elementary School during a recent Valentine's Day party. There were refreshments, music, and dancing at the party. Many of the children remembered the Malawi students from Cohort 1 who worked with them last spring and were excited to make new friends with the members of Cohort 2. Each graduate student was assigned to work with two or three young readers over the next six weeks.
During the roundtable meeting, the graduate students also learned about a new program being introduced at Northview Elementary School in Howards Grove. It is called Academic-Parent-Teacher-Teams (aptt) and is designed to help parents become more involved in their child's reading progress and other learning activities. More information will be known about the program in the coming days to see if it might be a useful strategy to try in a Malawian context. If so, the Malawians will be invited to attend actual aptt sessions with parents and teachers at Northview School to learn how these sessions are conducted.
There was also a great deal of discussion at the roundtable meeting about the recent visit to Lakeland and visit with Cohort 2 by fellow-Malawian Keni Banda. Banda is the former men's head soccer coach at UW-Madison but lives in New York now. His father is the former Malawian ambassador to Germany. The family is from the Nkata Bay area on the shore of Lake Malawi, and Keni has a great passion to help the children of his country improve their literacy skills. Banda's non-profit foundation Banda Bola Sports has begun a project near Nkata Bay that engages children by using soccer as an incentive to keep kids in school and keep them on track with their reading skills. His project addresses the physical as well as the educational fitness of Malawi's children. The Lakeland graduate students could see a lot of value in what Banda is doing, and they are exploring ways to see if his methods could be applied at the demonstration schools at Teacher Training Colleges in Malawi. The students plan to continue looking into those possibilities and to investigate funding sources for such an endeavor.
In the coming weeks, we will report more on the work the graduate students are doing at Longfellow Elementary School, as they put into practice the new teaching techniques they are learning in their Instructional Strategies course.
This post is written by Lisa Vihos on behalf of Lakeland College. The program is made possible by the generous support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this blog are the responsibility of Lakeland College and do not necessarily reflect the views of the USAID or the United States Government.
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DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) Former Boston College point guard Jordan Daniels is transferring to Drake.
The Bulldogs say Daniels will be eligible at the end of the fall semester next season. Daniels will have three seasons of eligibility remaining.
The 5-foot-9 Daniels averaged 6.4 points and 2.6 assists for the Eagles in 2011-12 while starting 25 games. Daniels, a native of Fontana, Calif., had a career-high 21 points in a victory against Florida State last season.
Drake coach Mark Phelps says Daniels is a quick, composed and poised point guard who is also an outstanding 3-point shooter.
Drake announced the addition of Daniels on Wednesday.


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Crisp whites for this contemporary reception.
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Super Flatbread Wraps
"These are my family's favorite! My kids will eat anything we roll up in this. The original recipe called for all white flour and a lot of salt. I added whole wheat flour to make it healthier and cut back on the salt." Fay Strait - Waukee, Iowa
Total TimePrep: 40 min. + rising Grill: 15 min.
Makes4 servings
- 1/2 teaspoon active dry yeast
- 1/2 cup warm water (110° to 115°)
- 1 teaspoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/3 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 beef flank steak (1 pound)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup sliced ripe olives
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- In a small bowl, dissolve yeast in warm water. Add the oil, salt, whole wheat flour and 3/4 cup all-purpose flour; beat on medium speed for 3 minutes. Stir in enough remaining flour to form a firm dough.
- Turn onto a lightly floured surface; knead until smooth and elastic, about 6-8 minutes. Place in a large bowl coated with cooking spray, turning once to coat the top. Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 45 minutes.
- Punch dough down. Turn onto a lightly floured surface; divide into 4 portions. Roll each into an 8-in. circle.
- Heat a large nonstick skillet over medium heat; add a portion of dough. Cook for 30-60 seconds or until bubbles form on top. Turn and cook until the second side is golden brown. Remove and keep warm. Repeat with remaining dough, adding cooking spray as needed.
- Lightly oil the grill rack. Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper. Grill, covered, over medium-high heat or broil 4 in. from the heat for 6-8 minutes on each side or until meat reaches desired doneness (for medium-rare, a thermometer should read 135°; medium, 140°; medium-well, 145°).
- Let stand for 5 minutes before cutting steak thinly across the grain. Serve on warm flatbreads with lettuce, olives and cheese.
Nutrition Facts1 each: 348 calories, 11g fat (4g saturated fat), 56mg cholesterol, 770mg sodium, 32g carbohydrate (1g sugars, 3g fiber), 28g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 2 starch, 1/2 fat.
Every product is independently selected by our editors. If you buy something through our links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
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May 18, 2012
The flatbread was really yummy. It made the sandwich really special. I marinated the steak in Greek dressing for several hours before grilling it.
Jun 7, 2010
We added ranch dressing and substituted spinach and used MOntreal Steak Seasoning
Oct 19, 2009
we loved this recipe! it's super easy and it's the only yeast recipe that has ever worked out for me. the flat bread is delicious and it's nice that it makes a small quantity. perfect for two
Aug 19, 2008
I am assuming the Nutrition Facts on this recipe include the Fillin of Beef Flanks. Can you give the Nutrition Facts of the Flatbread wraps only?


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EVDV needed a new logo design and created a contest on 99designs.
A winner was selected from 43 designs submitted by 22 freelance designers.
Logo, Business Cards and Letterhead needed for our new business.
Sunpak Foods, LLC
Desired Color Scheme:
Open, but would like a fresh feel to the color scheme
Desired Style:
Fresh, Simple, Eye Catching
Accepted File Formats:
Standard Web Formats (.jpg, .gif or .png); Vector Formats (.eps, .pdf or .ai); Layered Formats (.psd or .tiff)
We are in need of a Logo, Business Card and Letterhead design for our new food packing company.
The company name is Sunpak Foods, LLC. We will be packing all types of fruits, vegetables and other foods under various brands. But, this logo and stationary design will be for our parent company.Â
 We are looking for something simple yet eye catching. We are open as far as colors go but would like them to portray a fresh feel.
Prize is $400 for logo, business card & stationary design.
Feel free to ask any questions that you might have.
Find out how a design contest works or learn more about our logo design services.


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This library contains research reports produced by the Building America program and other building science resources used to support this Solution Center. The materials cover both new construction and existing homes. Use the search box and/or the filters to explore hundreds of residential building resources. Access to some references not produced by Building America may require purchase from the publisher. Documents are listed alphabetically. While we continually update our database, links may have changed since posting. Please contact our webmaster if you find broken links.
Document providing a case study of commissioned performance measures that justify costs for these demonstration and "live" show homes.
Report investigating the status of the geothermal heat pump (GHP) industry and technology in the United States, assembling GHP energy savings potential, identifying key barriers to application of GHPs, and identifying actions that could accelerate adoption of GHPs.


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January's decision by the California Public Utilities Commission limits the number of TRECs that can be used to less than 25% of the state's renewable portfolio standard (RPS) requirements. California, home to nearly 40 million people and one of the world's largest energy economies, has an RPS that requires utilities to produce 20% of their energy from renewables by 2020.
Some see the ruling as an effective way to kick-start a much-needed development of wind and other renewables in California. Inadequate transmission and severe permitting hurdles have produced a sluggish market, while at the same time newly elected governor Jerry Brown struggles with a $40 billion budget deficit.
However, there are fears that the flourishing wind power markets in Oregon, Washington and several other states will no longer have California as a major customer.
The new rule creates a clear distinction between bundled transactions, where energy and renewable energy credits are sold together, and unbundled transactions where energy and their associated credits are separate items. The rule also redefines bundled contracts for out-of-state renewable energy. It now requires that the first point of delivery for renewable electricity produced in neighbouring states must be to a substation within California. Long-distance projects are unlikely to meet that qualifier.
Legal action
Speaking about the new policy, Iberdrola said: "We remain very concerned about the discriminatory treatment of renewable energy delivered to California from outside the state. The commission has a comprehensive record on which to base a decision to add real-time deliveries on firm transmission to the bundled category but it has yet to act."
Relief could come in the form of legal action over whether the ruling breaks interstate commerce laws in the US Constitution.
"The commerce clause of the Constitution says that states can't say no to interstate commerce," says John Audley, deputy director of Renewable Northwest Project, an Oregon-based advocacy. "Is power any different than beef, just because its route is a transmission line and not the freeway?"
The rule, which puts a $50 ceiling on TRECs, extends through to the end of 2013. One interim fix might be an increase in California's RPS, which would effectively raise the state's overall need for megawatts from renewable generation. "California can change the state's RPS and make this issue moot," Audley says. "We'll see whether or not the legislators have an appetite for it."


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Life is unpredictable, so in an emergency, you want to feel confident in the care you and your family will get in your local emergency room.
If you live in one of our communities, you can take comfort knowing Banner Health offers a variety of emergency care services, from treatment of minor illnesses and injuries to urgent care and comprehensive trauma care.
Our Emergency departments feature health care providers, specialty-trained nurses and support staff who are well equipped to diagnose and treat your specific injury or illness.
Our Emergency department is required by the Federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act (EMTALA) to medically screen each patient to determine his or her need for emergency medical treatment. If you have an emergency medical condition or are in active labor, EMTALA mandates that the medical center provide stabilizing care within its capabilities regardless of your ability to pay.
Urgent Care and same-day care can be a good alternative to Emergency department care. You can visit Urgent Care if you have an immediate medical need and can't get in to see your regular doctor or for the treatment of:
In a health emergency, it's comforting to know that your nearby Banner Health facility offers Emergency Care with qualified and dedicated medical personnel.
As part of your community, we are here for you when you need us.
The Emergency department at Banner Baywood Medical Center is proud to serve the emergency care needs of the residents in the far East Valley communities of metropolitan Phoenix.
We recognize that emergencies are often stressful situations. We take pride in ensuring your visit to our Emergency room goes as smoothly and quickly as possible.
The triage process helps determine the severity of the patient's condition to assure that the most urgent patients are seen by a health care provider first. As in most hospital emergency rooms across the country, patients receive treatment based on the severity of their emergency, not the order of arrival.
Language and interpretive services are available at all Banner facilities; please ask your nurse or Emergency department receptionist about them.
Specialized Pediatric Emergency Care
The Arizona Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AzAAP) has certified Banner Baywood's Emergency department through its Pediatric-Prepared Emergency Care, a voluntary program recognizing hospitals that have demonstrated their ability to stabilize and/or manage pediatric medical emergencies.


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BOULDER, CO/THEALE, UK - October 9, 2008
Webroot, a leading provider of security solutions for the consumer, enterprise and SMB markets, today announced the signing of a worldwide strategic partnership with Integralis, Europe's Leading Security Systems Integrator and trusted security partner to over half of the FTSE 100. Integralis will become a premier member of the Webroot® Channel Edge Partner program, which helped Webroot earn CRN Magazine's Security Vendor of the Year (2007) award. As a premier partner, Integralis will now deliver Webroot Security Software as a Service (SaaS) as an integrated part of their security and risk management portfolio.
"We are proud that Integralis has selected Webroot Security SaaS as the choice security solution for their customers," said Peter Watkins, chief executive officer, Webroot. "Being selected by a company that has the extensive security industry expertise like Integralis really validates our commitment to delivering network security in the cloud. Now companies of all sizes can benefit from a scalable enterprise-class security solution that is easy to manage and provides better protection and value than traditional appliances and software."
Integralis joins the Webroot Channel Edge Partner Program at the premier level and can now provide Webroot Security SaaS solutions globally, via its 19 offices throughout Europe, North America and the Middle East. With a unique structure and unrivalled experience in integrating security solutions, Integralis advises and guides companies through the implementation of IT security and risk management solutions. Their portfolio covers security systems integration services such as consultancy, audits, risk management and security policies. With Webroot Security SaaS, Integralis will broaden its managed services portfolio and be positioned to take advantage of the rapidly growing security SaaS market.
"The decision to enhance our portfolio with Webroot was easy," said Jason Humphreys, director of Managed Security Services & Development at Integralis. "Our customers need a security solution that can address the very complex nature of web and email content today – that stays ahead of malware threats. Webroot Security SaaS is a technically advanced offering that more than addresses the critical needs of the market; increased protection, greater manageability and reduced cost of ownership."
In a recent survey of technology decision-makers, industry research organization Forrester found that SaaS is continuing its fast-paced growth as buyers seek shorter deployment times, faster ROI and pay-as-you-go pricing. In addition, adoption is now at 16 percent, up 33 percent from last year globally. The increased protection and manageability, improved technology and fast deployment of SaaS security is ideal for businesses of all sizes, from the SMB to the large enterprise, but it is especially well-suited for the small business that cannot afford the costs for enterprise-type redundancy, in-house security expertise and technologies chosen by their larger competitors.
Integralis AG (listed in the Prime Standard of the German stock exchange, ticker symbol AAGN, ISIN DE0005155030) is the leading IT security service provider. With a total of 17 branches and about 400 employees across Europe and the United States, Integralis provides its customers with secure and protected communications and e-commerce transactions via private and public networks. Integralis' range of services encompasses strategic IT security consulting, audits, risk management, the definition of security policies, implementation and configuration of high-quality third-party products as well as comprehensive support right up to 7/24 managed security service. The Company's satisfied customers include small and mid-size companies, multinationals as well as large public-sector bodies.


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(CNN) -- Wind turbines are becoming an increasingly important piece in the energy puzzle, contributing a growing percentage to our overall energy needs. Critics argue that wind farms are an inefficient blot on the landscape, but new revolutionary designs may make these arguments disappear. (Full story)
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An oversimplified explanation of the mind-numbingly paradoxical Banach-Tarski theorem states that a solid sphere can be cut into non-overlapping pieces (geometricians would say that such a ball has been "decomposed"), and reassembled in a new arrangement, such that the end result is two identical copies of the original sphere — conservation of mass be damned.
Confused? BoingBoing's Maggie Koerth-Baker gives a good rundown:
Imagine a ball. Now imagine cutting that ball up into a finite number of pieces. Six, maybe. Or five. The Banach-Tarski paradox proposes that you could take those pieces and, without stretching or expanding them in any way, use them to form two balls identical to the first. Basically, you've just created mass out of nothing. That is, to put it mildly, not supposed to be able to happen. Thus, the part about the paradox.
Still confused? Me too. But don't let that stop you from appreciating the video up top. In it, members of the University of Copenhagen mathematics department exploit the Banach-Tarski paradox, decomposing and reassembling a multitude of oranges to the (slightly modified) tune of Duck Sauce's "Barbara Streisand." On a related note, this video will make you realize how much more you wish you partied with mathematicians.
[Spotted on BoingBoing]


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Kaid Benfield
Kaid Benfield is the director of the Sustainable Communities and Smart Growth program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, co-founder of the LEED for Neighborhood Development rating system, and co-founder of Smart Growth America.
Three years ago, Kansas City's metropolitan planning organization, the Mid America Regional Council, designated a disinvested urban district of some 150 blocks as a "Green Impact Zone." The idea was to align potential funding from several government sources, including federal stimulus legislation, in such a way as to create jobs, spawn green business, and establish a foundation for a brighter future in the district's neighborhoods. The initiative, which was conceived and championed by Congressman Emanuel Cleaver and quickly endorsed by other community leaders, has begun to make a difference. But, today, the money is running out and the project's continuation is in doubt.
I first wrote about the Green Impact Zone as it was just getting started. Among the objectives initially contemplated for the district (some of which had plans that predated the designation) were these:
It was also hoped that the Zone would stimulate private investment.
When the Zone was conceived, reportedly fewer than half its homes were owner-occupied and 20 percent of its mortgages were delinquent. The median home price was $30,000, and statistics suggested unemployment could be as high as 50 percent. About a third of the population lived below the poverty level, and median household and per capita income were only slightly more than half that of Kansas City as a whole. The area suffered from a history of crime.
Indeed, in a thoroughly researched and documented 2010 master's thesis at MIT, Leila Bozorg makes a compelling case that the district, 90 percent African-American, is "an area of the city that was historically the target of formal, racist policies that were meant to physically and socially marginalize the populations therein." (Bozorg's paper is an excellent discussion of the conceptual underpinnings of the innovative project.)
Viewed from the perspective of today, there is no doubt that the Green Zone has, in fact, had a beneficial impact on the five neighborhoods in the district. A "summary of key results in three priority focus areas over the past three years" attached to the Zone's most recent progress report lists an impressive array of accomplishments, all of which begin to lay a foundation for the Zone's revitalization.
In particular, many of the district's curbs and sidewalks have been repaired or rebuilt, some with previous pavement to absorb stormwater, thanks to a $26 million "TIGER" grant from the federal Department of Transportation. A significantly enhanced bus line (if not quite true BRT with a fully dedicated lane) was established. With the assistance of Department of Energy funds, workers weatherized (I hate that word, but I can't think of a better one) and retrofitted older buildings for energy efficiency.
Kansas City Power & Light stepped up in a big way, installing 2600 in-home "smart meters" to assist residents in monitoring and managing daily electricity usage and associated expenses. The utility also worked with neighborhood youth to install solar panels on a local high school. In addition, KCP&L established a "SmartGrid Innovation Park" in the district that opened in October, as an educational complement to the work on efficiency infrastructure. From the Green Impact Zone's blog:
"The SmartGrid Innovation Park contains a walking path and sitting plaza that surround a large, sophisticated lithium ion battery and a solar panel array — both of which help the grid meet the energy needs of people who live and work within the SmartGrid Demonstration Area. It also houses an electric vehicle charging station and an information kiosk. The park is open seven days a week and admission is free.
The investment in infrastructure has supported significant new attention to revitalization in the district. Fifty new affordable, green (LEED platinum) rental homes are being constructed in the Manheim Park neighborhood on the site of the former Bancroft School, which (sadly) has been vacant since 1999. The project, which includes rehabbed units in the historic school building, is being developed by a consortium of partners including the Make It Right Foundation; it will feature a number of community amenities including an auditorium, a gymnasium and locker rooms, a technology lab, a job-training center, a mobile medical clinic and community gardens. A solar-power array is being built on the school's roof.
(I'm not a huge fan of the architectural design either here or in at least one other Make It Right project, because it tends to overlook opportunities to blend more seamlessly into traditional neighborhoods. But the green housing goals are laudable.)
In the Southeast Ivanhoe neighborhood, the neighborhood association is beginning to implement a long-in-the-works master plan for housing along a key corridor. The Ivanhoe plan includes new single-family and detached homes, new senior cottages, restoration and repair of older homes, and several mixed-use buildings. In another part of the district, the new Blue Hills Community Service Center will include a training and business Incubator for the construction trades.
Throughout the district's five neighborhoods, the Green Zone staff successfully worked to bring the Google fiber-optic broadband network to the community. Police presence in the neighborhood has been strengthened and crime is down. Neighborhood organizations have been strengthened with targeted investments in legal support, equipment, special events and capacity building.
It should be noted that implementation of the Zone's ambitious initiatives, though hugely successful in some ways, has not been perfect. A story written by Mike Hendricks and published in The Kansas City Star earlier this month suggests that the weatherization program was never fully implemented because of problems with its implementation. The initiative created a few hundred new jobs, not the one thousand that was hoped for.
But the real point is the progress that has been made. Any neighborhood revitalization takes years, even decades, to be fully realized, and many of these initiatives and others are currently in progress. Yet funding for the Green Zone's administrative structure, including a seven-person staff established by the Regional Council, has been on a three-year timeline and is about to expire. According to Hendricks's article, local tax dollars will no longer go to pay the salaries and expenses of the Green Impact Zone staff after the current budget year ends on April 30. Then what?
Kansas City Councilwoman Cindy Circo told Hendricks she gives the project an 'A' grade for creating positive momentum, including extensive community engagement that "has really changed the philosophy of the neighborhood" in a much more positive direction. But, although she has been a strong supporter of the Zone, she adds that "in my mind, there needs to come a day when the focus switches elsewhere."
In a way, that's hard to argue. There is no more federal stimulus money. And the very concept of the Green Impact Zone in Kansas City was an effort to channel to one particular needy area federal funds that might otherwise be spread around. Hendricks writes that combined public and private investment in the Zone over three years amounted to $178 million. Fairness would seem to weigh in favor of other areas and other initiatives at some point.
But it still seems a shame to walk away from unfinished business, even if that's what the budget demands. Community leaders are exploring possibilities for new sources of private funding to fill the gap.
Watch the video below to get a sense of the initiative through the eyes of local residents and officials:
This post originally appeared in the NRDC's Switchboard blog.
An Apartment List report reveals the cities apartment-hunters are targeting for their next move—and shows that tales of a California exodus may be overstated.
As the city's real estate market heats up, neighborhood groups say that cash investors use building code violations to encourage homeowners to sell.
The automaker-turned-mobility-company announced last week it wants to build a living, breathing urban laboratory from the ground up in Japan.
Boosted by big sustainability wins, Mayor Anne Hidalgo is pitching bold plans to make the city center "100 percent bicycle" and turn office space into housing.
As bed-in-a-box startup Casper files for an IPO, the buzzy mattress seller is betting that the next big thing in sleep is brick-and-mortar retail outlets.


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As more and more electronic equipment has been digitized and networked recently, the importance of standard logic ICs such as level shifters and bus switches, especially those with an enhanced interface, has increased. Toshiba has over 40 years of experience in General Purpose Logic ICs, and not only offers standard logic ICs in conventional packages but also meets new customer needs quickly.
Toshiba offers one-gate logic ICs, high-speed bus switches (for USB 3.0, PCI Express 3.0, etc.) and other devices housed in a ultra-small leaded package (1 × 1 mm fSV). This package is designed for mobile applications to help reduce their size and thickness and to realize low-voltage operation.
Level Shifters


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- Parent Category: News
Soybeans progress, Illinois Crop Report
There are almost twice as many soybeans planted than there were last week.
Almost 80 percent of the soybeans in Illinois have been planted. That's well ahead of the five-year average, which is 37 percent. Corn had similar success. Nearly all the corn has been planted and 88 percent has emerged, according to this week's USDA crop progress report.
USDA crop statistician Brad Schwab says farmers could start harvesting corn by August, and there's a similar opportunity for soybeans as well.
"I would say that opportunity exists depending on how the rains play out for the rest of the year," Schwab says. "They certainly can."
However, he says the chances of an early harvest for soybeans still aren't as likely as corn. Schwab says the impressive week was due to nearly seven full days of suitable fieldwork conditions.


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If you want to avoid stripping and refinishing the woodwork in your home, try cleaning it first. Sometimes all it needs is a good scrubbing!
For painted surfaces: Simply scrub with soap and warm water.
For Clear Finishes: Mix equal parts paint thinner and a mild soap, like Murphy Oil Soap. Apply to the area with a sponge or paint brush. Wipe the Solution off with a clean rag to remove the dirt. You might remove a thin layer of varnish or shellac, since the grime may have
I dont know about you, but it seems like I never have a place for recipes Ive cut out, or a shopping list, or any piece of paper that might be in my kitchen. However, Ive discovered a remedy!
All you need are self-adhesive cork tiles and patience. You can find the cork tiles at any craft or home improvement store, but here is an example that I found on Amazon:
I recommend putting these on the inside of your cabinet doors
Summer is pretty much in full swing and I bet a lot of you guys are spending time outdoors in gardens and yards. Well, if you want to make the most of your hard work outside, you need the right tools. Ive compiled a list of some the best tools for gardening, so keep reading for
First off, you need a good pair of gloves to protect your hands.
The Nitrile Weeding Glove is great for women. These gloves are light weight and generally fit
Do you have any of those rectangular air vents in your home, whether they're on the floor or the wall? Well if you do, and you hate having such an eyesore, I have the perfect remedy! And best of all, it's cheap!
If you choose to purchase a vent cover for your air vent, it's going to cost you a pretty penny. However, follow these steps for a pretty and cheap alternative!
You'll want to measure your vent to make sure you get a mat
Even the best trained cats/dogs can have accidents. My two cats are pretty well trained, but one of them peed on the rug this weekend, so accidents can and do happen!
Don't worry, it's relatively easy to get rid of the stain and odor left behind after an accident. There are numerous methods for stain and odor removal, but I'm going to detail the method that I found to work best for me. Keep reading for the steps!
You will need white vinegar, hydrogen peroxide, liquid hand


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Android Pay and Samsung Pay availability to Arvest debit and credit cardholders has been delayed. Arvest is not able to move forward with the launch of Android Pay and Samsung Pay until our card processing partner completes its work. At this time we do not have a release date. We understand this is disappointing for you, our valued customers, and for us. We apologize for previously communicating Android Pay and Samsung Pay would be ready in late 2016.
Paul - We apologize for the delay and are looking forward to bringing you Samsung Pay as quickly as possible. The release time frame has changed because we're waiting on our card processing partner to complete their work. We're enthusiastic about the convenience of this upcoming service and will be sure to post on social media once it's available, so you can begin using it as soon as possible!
Austin - We hate to hear you're considering switching banks. Please give us another chance and email firstname.lastname@example.com your phone number and the branch you frequent, so we can have local management connect with you. We appreciate your business and want to keep you as a valued Arvest customer.
Dear Arvest - You have been spewing the same canned response for well over a year now. There is ZERO excuse for not having this up and running yet. Even worse is you cannot provide an ETA? Seriously? Who is in charge over there? A first year business school student can put together a timeline with an ETA. Does your "card processor" not know what the h*** they are doing? They don't know the issue? They don't know when it's going to be fixed? Have you asked them? Did you accept their incompetence? Do you actually pay those clowns for accomplishing ZERO over the past 18 months? Enough already. I think the other customer was right - you probably signed an exclusive with Apple and have been lying to the rest of us this whole time. Beyond frustrated.
*Comment edited by Blog Admin for vulgarity.
This is ridiculous. Thanks a lot for being one of the last banks ever to have this feature. It is very disappointing that it is still not here! In the middle of MARCH 2017!! Fire whoever is in charge of making this happen. They have their head up their a** and they are wasting everyone's time! Come on. Fix your company's only flaw!
*Commented edited by Blog Admin to remove vulgarity.
Paul – We appreciate your longtime business with Arvest. We're sorry to hear you're disappointed. Please give us another chance and email firstname.lastname@example.com your phone number and the branch you frequent, so we can have local management connect with you. We'd like to keep you as a valued Arvest customer.
Jeffrey - We're sorry to hear you don't feel like you can switch to Arvest. We'd love to have one of our account reps contact you to discuss the features we currently offer with our various accounts. Please email firstname.lastname@example.com your phone number, so we can get in touch. We'd like the opportunity to earn your business.
James - We're sorry to hear we've let you down. We'd hate to see you go. We'd like to connect you with local management. Please email firstname.lastname@example.com your phone number and the location where you opened your account. We'd like the chance to keep your business.
Sean - We understand it's frustrating not to have a specific timeframe when Samsung Pay will be released and apologize for the inconvenience. We'd hate to see you go. Please give us another chance and email email@example.com your phone number and the branch where you opened your account, so we can have local management connect with you. We appreciate your business and want to keep you as a valued Arvest customer.
Dear processing partner, it is almost 5 months into 2017, and years after Apple pay became available. Get to work!
Comment edited by Blog Admin 4/28/17 to remove vulgarity.
Robert - We're sorry we've let you down. We'd like to connect you with local management to discuss your concerns. Please email firstname.lastname@example.com your phone number and the the branch you opened your account at.
Is there any ETA on when Android and Samsung pay will be available? We all just want a simple answer, besides "I don't know". We have been waiting 2 years for this. PLEASE tell us something about the release date. Please tell us the truth!! We just want to know, and you are just letting us down. Android pay just added 30 more banks to their list, and you were not one of them. WHY?!?!?!? Guide us through your process, and explain the struggle of your processing partner. Don't just shut us out like corporate b*******. If you would just explain, and tell us why you are having trouble with your processing partner, we would understand, but your not answering the question we are all asking. When will Arvest gain support for Android and Samsung Pay? When? Not why cant you. WHEN?!?!?!
Blog comment edited by Blog Admin on 5/15/17 because of vulgarity.
Tom - We still plan to bring you Samsung Pay and Android Pay and are working to make this happen. We understand this delay is disappointing for you, our valued customer. We apologize for the inconvenience.
Brandon - We're sorry to hear of your frustrations and sincerely apologize we haven't been able to bring you Samsung Pay and Android Pay earlier, as we'd hoped. Despite the delays we're still working to bring you these features. We don't yet have an ETA but will be sure to post on social media once these features are available.
Chris - We value your business and are sorry this is taking much longer than we anticipated. We don't have agreements in place that prevent us from implementing Android Pay and Samsung Pay. We hope you'll stay with us as we work to bring you this much desired feature.
Submitted questions will be answered by an Arvest banker and may appear on the Arvest Blog.
All Arvest banks are Equal Housing Lenders and Member FDIC.
Investment products and services are provided by Arvest Investments, Inc., doing business as Arvest Asset Management, member FINRA/SIPC, an SEC registered investment adviser and a subsidiary of Arvest Bank. Trust services are provided by Arvest Bank. Insurance products are made available through Arvest Insurance, Inc., which is registered as an insurance agency. Insurance products are marketed through Arvest Insurance, Inc., but are underwritten by insurance companies.
Securities and Insurance Products: Not Insured by FDIC or any Federal Government Agency, May Lose Value, Not a Deposit of or Guaranteed by a Bank or any Bank Affiliate.


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A step by step guide on drawing Quentin Tarantino in a comic book style, as he appeared in From Dusk Till Dawn as the character Richard Gecko.
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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|Play and Learn
Event Type: Children's Program
Age Group(s): Family
Date: 8/9/2019
Start Time: 10:00 AM
End Time: 11:00 AM
Help your child develop pre-reading skills, social skills and confidence through interactive, play-centered learning. Each week we will explore a different theme through sensory activities, dramatic play, crafts, books, games and fun! Siblings welcome.Where are we located?
Location: Children's Program Room A/B
Contact: Karen Stern


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Tajiks account for 78pc of Anti-Riot Force
Tajiks account for 78pc of Anti-Riot Force
KABUL (Pajhwok): Two officials have been suspended and five others are being interrogated over a leaked letter that asks for the recruitment of personnel from ethnic groups except Tajiks to the Anti-Riot Force.
Seventy-eight percent of the Anti-Riot Force (ARF) personnel, including the Public Order Police (POP), are from the Tajik community.
The letter demands personnel from other ethnicities should be recruited to the forces to ensure balance and social justice. Five individuals are being interrogated while the POP commander and chief of staff -- both Tajiks -- have been suspended.
Formation of the Anti-Riot Force
Documents received by Pajhwok Afghan News show that former interior minister Taj Mohammad Jahid in July this year suggested to the Presidential Place the creation of Anti-Riot Force units.
Jahid had proposed the creation of a 500-member Anti-Riot Force in Kabul, a 100-member force at the police headquarters in the seven zones and a 50-member force in POP units in 26 provinces.
The president approved the suggestion three days later. In line with the presidential orders, no foreigners could be recruited into this force. "Approved with the context and attached schedule from the structure of Interior Ministry's POP."
But a letter issued from the headquarters of Kabul's first Brigade says: "In line with the presidential orders, the Anti-Riot Force comprised of 500 personnel has been formed."
The letter asked that a list of officers and staff sergeants should be prepared within 24 hours. Members of Hazara, Uzbek, Pashtun and Tajik communities are excluded from this process."
The presidential orders regarding ARF formation said nothing about the ethnic structure of the force.
A reliable source, whishing anonymity, confided to Pajhwok Afghan News the name of POP commander -- a Tajik -- had been written in the letter, without his signature.
"Director Pezhand Col. Mohammad Qavi, who arranged the letter and signed it, is a Tajik resident of Kabul, Chief of Staff Brig. Gen. Syed Hassan Ali Hassanzada Sadaat also signed the letter," he revealed.
The official said 78 percent of the 500-strong Anti-Riot Force personnel functioning within the framework of the 101st Azmayee Zone were Tajiks.
The source claimed the Tajik tribe's representation in the force was never ignored as they had strong presence in it.
Pajhwok has learnt the president has tasked a team of representatives from the Interior Ministry's military attorney generals, intelligence personnel and investigators to investigate the issue.
Disclosure of the letter has sparked an outrage. A letter issued on November 21 by the office of the first deputy interior ministry indicated investigation by the delegation resulted in the suspension of POP Commander Lt. Gen. Abdul Fatah and POP Chief of Staff Syed Ahmad Ali.
POP Pezhand Director Col. Abdul Qavi, First Brigade Communication head Mael Agha, Battalion chief Mohammad Aman and Deputy Director Mohiuddin and General Directorate officer Col Abdul Hayee are being investigated since Nov 22.
According to the source, of the seven officials under interrogation one belonged to Sadaat and the remaining to the Tajik community.
The percentage of Tajiks is high in the POP -- an issue raised at a time when half of the force personnel are Tajiks.
The source revealed the actual POP strength is 13,049, with 12,357 positions currently filled.
"I hope media will cooperate on dissemination of these documents and reflecting the facts in order to avoid disturbance of public minds and politicising the issue," the sources added.
The Interior Ministry called the issue a typing error. Minister Wais Barmak said: "I want to assure the people the ministry under my leadership will move in a professional direction."
Related Article
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The grandiose perfection of Seville Cathedral
View of Seville Cathedral from the side
Turismo de Sevilla
Cycle touring beside Seville Cathedral
Choir in Seville Cathedral
Seville is home to Europe's largest Gothic building, a colossal church with the UNESCO World Heritage designation. Come and discover this architectural gem. Inside there are 500 priceless works of art. We are talking about the Cathedral, one of the many treasures to be found in this southern Spanish city. What are you waiting for? Come and see for yourself!
There are many reasons to come to Seville, the capital of Andalusia. This city has unique character. You will soon notice this special magic if you take a stroll through the streets of the centre. Right in the heart of the city you will find its most important artistic treasure: the Cathedral. This huge construction, along with the Indias Archive and the Real Alcázar (citadel), constitutes an extraordinary monumental site.
The first thing you will notice is the sheer size of this Gothic church, the world's largest in its style, and the third largest church in the world. Tradition has it that, when it was approved for construction in the 15th century, a priest said the following: "Let us build a church that makes people think we are mad". This was no exaggeration.
Arches, doorways, towers and windows make up this creation that was completed in the 16th century. The most outstanding element on the outside is the Giralda, the church's bell tower that is Seville's universal symbol. It is over 100 metres high, crowned by a weather vane known as "El Giraldillo", that represents the victory of the Christian faith. The tower is built on what was the 12th century Moorish minaret, and its profile is an imposing figure on the city skyline. Head up to the top of the Giralda and enjoy a bird's eye view of Seville. From there you can look out over the rooftops, squares, streets, gardens, and, of course, the Guadalquivir River.
Now go into the Cathedral. Although the church seems austere and stern at first sight, between the vaults and columns you will find hundreds of artistic gems of all types: paintings by artists like Murillo, Zurbarán and Francisco de Goya; statues such as the 13th century Virgen de los Reyes, patron saint of Seville; the mausoleum of Christopher Columbus; its gigantic Main Altarpiece, the world's biggest; the Choir Stalls; treasures in the form of books and documents; precious metal work; iron work, sculptures and stained glass windows in a range of styles - real works of art... Be sure to visit the Cathedral cloister - there you will find a very special spot: the Patio de los Naranjos. Feel the peace and calm of this garden of Moorish origin. It once formed part of the city's old mosque.
Come and visit. You will not be disappointed. Besides this set of monuments, it is worth taking your time to explore the whole of Seville's historic old town. This is the best way to immerse yourself in the passion, joy and vitality of this unique city.
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