text:
He is obviously a clueless eediot..
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I don't know if this is a joke or the best video I've ever seen for anti-concealed carry.
The guy wants comments on carrying a full size gun? He shouldn't even be allowed to carry a sharpened pencil.
That's where I lost it, uncontrollably. :yup:Quote:
You can give it the ole' spin, ya know, that's how you gotta do it!
At least his son can for the most part keep his finger off the trigger though he tags his hand almost the entire video and sounds as ridiculous as his father while doing so.
His friends come over and there's guns laying everywhere? I'm glad my kid won't be going there to hang out.
He's got a vid for all of you "TROLLS and HATERS" lol.
The anti gun folks will have a great time with that video.
So I clicked on the link in the OP. I've seen it a while back but wanted to refresh my memory on what not to do. I open it up and maybe a few minutes go by. My son, who is 10, comes in from the other room, walks up to me and starts watching. I clicked PAUSE and told him that I didn't think I wanted him to watch this because I didn't want him to learn any bad habits and didn't think it would be good for him to see a grown person handling a firearm this way. He insists on me letting him watch to see how long it will take him to find out what he's doing wrong. I agree and the conversation went something like this:
Dad - Click Play and 4 seconds went by.
Son - Finger on the trigger!
Dad - Yep
Son - And he's a cop?
Dad - Nope
Son - Then why is he wearing a badge?
Dad - See what I mean?
Son - Yep. This guy's an idiot and is going to shoot the cameraman.
Dad - Well there's no cameraman, it's just on a stand. He's filming himself.
Son - OK, well then he's going to shoot himself or his neighbor. And it's not a clip, it's a MA GA ZINE!
I think he's going to do just fine. :yup:
He would have shot himself re-holstering more than once with his finger on the trigger. Also does anyone actually train to draw there gun in that fashion. Other than training for an injury?
No words. Should've sent a poet. That's just --- no words.
He is a Brady Campaign Manchurian Candidate. No doubt about it.
Like watching a train wreck.
I though it was a goof. Crazy. And the G21 riding in an $8 Uncle Mike prints like he's carrying a basketball on his belt.
Love the badge though. It proves that he's gone through some pretty extensive training. The kind of training that makes it alright to leave you finger on the trigger ALL THE TIME.
Watched the troll and haters video... this guy sure does seem to enjoy making an idiot of himself.
He even said he was tempted to put the gun in his mouth to stress how safe it is.. this guys a ND waiting to happen.


text:
Graduate ProgramProgram Overview
Field-Specific Courses
Application and Admission
Graduate Teaching Assistant Handbook
Faculty and Research
Official Program Policies
Financial Aid and Housing
Official Program Policies
(Adopted 29 November 2007, updated Fall 2013)
Table of Contents
- Statement of General Purpose and Policies
- Prerequisites
- Course Requirements for Plan A and core courses
- Plan A Thesis
- Course Requirements for Plan B
- Plan B Papers
- Seminar
- Degree Program and typical programs of study
- Criteria for Satisfactory Progress
- Student Conduct
- Registration Requirement
- Limitations on S/N Credits
- Credit Transfers
- Graduation Procedures
- Time Limit
This is the official graduate program policy of the Chemistry and Biochemistry Department. Graduate students in chemistry will be held responsible for the information contained therein. Official University disclaimer: The information in this handbook and other University catalogs, publications or announcements is subject to change without notice. University offices can provide current information about possible changes. Refer to the Graduate School's web pages for more information about policies and procedures of the Graduate School of the University of Minnesota.
- University of Minnesota Duluth Graduate Office, www.d.umn.edu/grad. 431 Darland Administration Building, email: firstname.lastname@example.com.
- The Graduate School section of the U MN Duluth catalog, http://www.d.umn.edu/catalogs/current/.
Statement of General Purpose and Policies
The Chemistry and Biochemistry Department offers both Plan A and Plan B programs for the Master of Science degree.
- For the Plan A program, research leading to a thesis is required. Areas of research include Analytical Chemistry, Biochemistry, Inorganic Chemistry, Organic Chemistry, and Physical Chemistry.
- For Plan B, the emphasis is on a broad program of course work, and includes a project consisting of the preparation of three papers in the major and related fields.
As well as being suitable for students who wish to go on for further advanced study elsewhere, the programs are designed to fulfill the needs of those planning to make a career of teaching chemistry in liberal arts colleges, junior colleges and state colleges, or those seeking industrial or government positions.
Undergraduate course work
Entering students should have the following minimum preparation:
- Major in Chemistry or Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, including physical chemistry with calculus and junior-senior level inorganic chemistry. If an applicant's record does not demonstrate competency in one of the areas - analytical, organic, physical, advanced inorganic - the student's preparation will be labeled deficient in that area. The deficiency must be removed during the first year in residence. The deficiency can be removed either by passing a proficiency examination in the same field above the 20th percentile level or by passing the equivalent course in the undergraduate curriculum with a grade of B or better.
- Mathematics through calculus.
- One year of university physics, taught using calculus.
Proficiency Examinations
The background of the student will be tested by a series of four required examinations, one in each of analytical, inorganic, organic, and physical chemistry, with the option of a 5th exam in the area of biochemistry. The exams will be administered in the fall semester orientation sessions preceding the start of classes and at one other time during the year. These are standardized ACS exams.
The material covered in proficiency examinations corresponds to that contained in the respective undergraduate courses. As indicative of the level of the examinations, the following texts are recommended:
- Analytical: A standard text on introductory quantitative analysis such as Skoog et al., "Analytical Chemistry," or Harris, "Quantitative Chemical Analysis." Approximately one-third of the material covered will come from a standard text on instrumental analysis, e.g., "Instrumental Methods of Analysis" by Willard, Merritt, Dean and Settle or "Principles of Instrumental Analysis" by Skoog et al.
- General and Inorganic Chemistry: For General Chemistry, a standard freshman chemistry text; for Inorganic Chemistry, an advanced inorganic text, such as Shriver and Atkins, "Inorganic Chemistry"; Wulfsberg "Inorganic Chemistry"; or Housecroft, "Inorganic Chemistry."
- Organic: Any modern textbook of organic chemistry used in a one-year course, such as "Organic Chemistry" by S. Ege, or Bruice, or Brown and Foote.
- Physical: An undergraduate text such as "Physical Chemistry" by Atkins and DePaula; by Engel and Reid; or by Levine.
- Biochemistry: An undergraduate text such as "Biochemistry" by Berg and Stryer, or Voet and Voet.
The Department requires the student to pass all the exams with acceptable scores by the beginning of the second year of the program. Furthermore the exam in the student's Major Field of study is to be passed at the 50th percentile level or higher and an exam in another field must be passed at the 40th percentile level or higher. The proficiency examination in biochemistry is optional but can count as the major or minor field exam. The student, their advisor and the director of graduate studies will agree upon the areas that constitute the Major and other fields of study for each student. If an examination is not passed on the first try, it may be taken again one half or one year later, often after the completion of a relevant course. A student's degree program form will not be signed by the advisor and DGS until this proficiency exam requirement is fulfilled.
Graduate Adviser
Initial advisement will be by an assigned group of graduate faculty chosen from fields related to the student's expressed interests. As soon as possible a permanent adviser with expertise in the student's area of interest should be chosen.
For complete details of the general University requirements for the Plan A and Plan B programs, the Graduate School section of the current UMD General Bulletin should be consulted.
Course Requirements for Plan A
Students must complete a minimum of 14 semester credits in the major, not counting thesis and seminar credits. Students must complete at least 6 semester credits in one or more related fields and at least 10 thesis credits [in the course Chem 8777 (Thesis Credit- Masters)]. Students who wish to elect a minor (rather than a "related field") must complete 6 or more credits in graduate courses in an outside field which has a free-standing graduate major on the Duluth Campus. If a minor is chosen, at least one member of the student's thesis committee must be on the graduate faculty of the minor field.
Registration is also required in Chem 8184 (Seminar) for 1 credit, as noted below.
The course program in chemistry is built around a group of seven core courses covering the fields of modern chemistry. These are
- CHEM 5424, Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5524, Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5624, Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5650, Computational Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714, Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 5725, Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- IBS 5101, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (3 credits)
All students are required to take at least four of the core courses. Appropriate additional courses are included in the program to meet the best interests and individual preferences of the student, and to fulfill the Graduate School requirements given above.
Plan A Thesis
The student is required to write a thesis embodying the results of original research. A thesis adviser should be chosen as soon as possible after passing the proficiency examination in the field in which the student intends to do research. Normally this will be by the end of the first semester, so that research can begin in the second semester of residence. A student doing research must have medical insurance, either insurance provided by the University or insurance obtained independently by the student.
A final oral examination of the thesis will be given by a faculty thesis examining committee. Several weeks before the exam, the student should inform the UMD Graduate School office of intent to graduate, pay the graduation fee, and submit the thesis title.
Refer to The ACS Style Guide, 2nd edition, Janet S. Dodd, Editor (American Chemical Society: Washington, D.C.; 1997; ISBN 0841234620) for writing and reference style. The Graduate School office furnishes detailed instructions for preparing the thesis.
Draft copies of the thesis should be given to the student's examining committee members two weeks before the examination date. After the examination the thesis can be corrected as necessary and then submitted to the Graduate School.
Course Requirements for Plan B
A minimum of 30 semester credits in graduate courses are required by the Graduate School, of which at least 14 credits are to be in the major field and not fewer than 6 credits in related fields. Students who wish to elect a minor must complete 6 or more credits in graduate courses in an outside field. Registration is also required in Chem 8184 (Seminar) as noted below, raising the minimum total credits to 31.
Four of the core courses discussed above for Plan A are required for Plan B, with additional courses included in the program to serve the best interests and individual preferences of the student, and to fulfill the Graduate School requirements.
Plan B Papers
Students electing the Plan B program are required to complete a project consisting of the preparation of three papers in the major and related fields. Each of these is prepared under the supervision of an appropriate member of the graduate faculty.
An examination for Plan B students (oral or written at the discretion of the faculty examining committee) will be given. The Plan B Papers in final form are to be made available to members of the student's examining committee after each paper has been certified as satisfactory by the appropriate supervising instructor and at least one week before the examination.
Guidelines for the preparation of Plan B papers are given in Appendix I .
All graduate students are required to participate in the Departmental Seminar, including registration in Chem 8184 (Seminar) for one semester at the end of the program, and attendance at regularly scheduled seminars. Each graduate student shall present a seminar in the final year of residence.
For a Plan A student, the seminar may be in the student's research area (preferably upon the actual thesis research problem), or, at the student's option, may be upon a topic completely unrelated to the area of thesis research.
For a Plan B student, the seminar shall be on the material in one of the Plan B papers (see the guidelines in Appendix I).
Degree Program
Graduate students must file a program listing all courses that will be completed and used to satisfy degree requirements. The program must be approved by the adviser, the Director of Graduate Studies in the major (and minor, if designated), and the Graduate School. Ordinarily, master's degree candidates are required to file their programs after completing 10 semester credits and not later than the second semester of registration. The program form is available in the UMD Graduate School Office and on the web in pdf format, http://policy.umn.edu/forms/otr/otr198.pdf.
Students pursuing a Chemistry MS degree typically choose courses in a Major Field of Study. A total of 14 credits of courses in the Major Field are required, with 6 more credits needed from outside the field. Fields of study may be customized by the student, their research mentor, and the Director of Graduate Studies. Below is a list of regularly offered courses that fit into typical Major Fields of Study. In addition, Chem 8750 Special Topics in Chemistry is a frequent option. Every Plan-A program will also include Masters Thesis Credits, CHEM 8777, and Seminar, CHEM 8184. Students completing a Plan-B Masters degree must add 10 course credits plus Seminar, CHEM 8184, to each of the programs below.
Analytical Chemistry:
Typical Major Field Courses (minimum 14 credits)
- CHEM 5725 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5624 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714 Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 8224 Advanced Analytical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 8720 Modern Mass Spectrometry (3 credits)
Sample Related Field Courses (minimum of 6 credits)
- CHEM 5150 Organic and Stable Isotope Geochemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5510 Polymer Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5524 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- LIM 5004 Field Limnology (2 credits)
- LIM 5102 Chemical Limnology (3 credits)
Biological Chemistry:
Typical Major Field Courses (minimum 14 credits)
- CHEM 5424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5524 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5624 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714 Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- IBS 8101 Cellular Biochemistry (3 credits)
- IBS 8202 Chemical Biology (3 credits)
- IBS 8203 Methods in Molecular Biosciences (2 credits)
Sample Related Field Courses (minimum of 6 credits)
- CHEM 8424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 5650 Computational Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5725 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- MATH 5233 Mathematical Foundations of Bioinformatics (3 credits)
Inorganic Chemistry:
Typical Major Field Courses (minimum 14 credits)
- CHEM 5424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 8424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 5624 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5650 Computational Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714 Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
Sample Related Field Courses (minimum of 6 credits)
- CHEM 5510 Polymer Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5725 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5524 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 8524 Advanced Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
Organic Chemistry:
Typical Major Field Courses (minimum 14 credits)
- CHEM 5524 Advanced Organic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 8524 Advanced Organic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 5624 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714 Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
Sample Related Field Courses (minimum of 6 credits)
- CHEM 5510 Polymer Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5725 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (4 credits)
- CHEM 5650 Computational Chemistry (3 credits)
- IBS 8202 Chemical Biology (3 credits)
- IBS 8203 Methods in Molecular Biosciences (2 credits)
Physical Chemistry:
Typical Major Field Courses (minimum 14 credits)
- CHEM 5624 Advanced Physical Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5650 Computational Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 5424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry I (3 credits)
- CHEM 5714 Applications of Spectroscopy (4 credits)
- CHEM 5725 Advanced Analytical Chemistry I (3 credits)
Sample Related Field Courses (minimum of 6 credits)
- CHEM 5510 Polymer Chemistry (3 credits)
- CHEM 8224 Advanced Analytical Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 8424 Advanced Inorganic Chemistry II (4 credits)
- CHEM 8720 Modern Mass Spectrometry (3 credits)
- IBS 8203 Methods in Molecular Biosciences (2 credits)
Once approved, the program must be followed to meet graduation requirements. Alterations in the program, including change of adviser or other committee members, must be requested in advance. Changes in courses are requested with a Graduate School petition form. Petition forms are available in the UMD Graduate School Office and on the web in pdf format, http://www.d.umn.edu/grad/current-students-forms-documents.php. Committee changes are handled through the "Assign or Update MS Committee" process.
Criteria for Satisfactory Progress
In general, satisfactory progress implies registering for and successfully completing a full load of courses (usually 6-10 credits per semester) until the course requirements are met, and, for a Plan A program, choosing a thesis adviser as soon as possible in order to get started on research, so that completion of the degree requirements may be achieved promptly. To this end it is expected that a graduate student will make good use of those times when formal classes are not in session.
In regard to course grades, no credit is given for grades below C and a grade-point average of at least 2.80 must be maintained over all courses included in the approved formal degree program. The G.P.A. refers to grades in courses not graded S/N and is exclusive of seminars, proficiency examinations, and research. It should be emphasized that in judging a student's performance, the full course record, including course work not included in the approved formal degree program, is taken into consideration. Unfavorable action may be taken, even where the performance on the degree program meets the minimum requirement, if the full course record falls significantly below this level.
Student Conduct
All graduate students must abide by the Student Conduct Code, which is posted at http://www.d.umn.edu/conduct. Informal resolution of violations will be attempted through discussions involving the student, the Director of Graduate Studies, and the Associate Graduate Dean. In the event that no satisfaction is obtained, the matter will be brought before UMD's Student Behavior Judiciary Committee.
Expectations specific to graduate students are available from the University of Minnesota Graduate School at http://www.grad.umn.edu/ethics/ethics_brochure.html
Registration Requirement
The University of Minnesota requires that graduate students holding appointments as teaching or research assistants or administrative fellows must register for at least 6 A-F or S-N credits in the Graduate School each term that an appointment is held. See http://www.duluth.umn.edu/grad/Maintaining Active Status.html for further information. This does not apply to summer terms. Exceptions to this can be done via petition to the program's director of graduate studies.
Limitations on S/N Credits
The Graduate School uses two grading systems: A through F and S-N. The "S" stands for "satisfactory" and "N" stands for "no credit." Graduate School policy dictates that at least two-thirds of the credits (excluding thesis credits) on a student's official degree program must be taken under the A-F system. Only courses for which A, B, C and S grades are received may fulfill degree requirements. S-N grades are not calculated in grade point average.
Credit Transfers
With the approval of the adviser and director of graduate studies of the major field (and the director of graduate studies in the minor field if the courses are to be applied to a designated minor) and the Graduate School, the transfer of up to 40 percent of the degree coursework from other recognized graduate schools, or from quick enroll and Continuing Education status at the University of Minnesota, is permitted. Thesis credits are excluded when calculating the 40 percent limit. A Plan-A master's program typically includes 21 credits of coursework, in addition to thesis credits, of which no more than 8 credits may be transfer credits.
The work to be transferred must be post-baccalaureate graduate level that was taken for graduate credit and taught by faculty authorized to teach graduate courses. Continuing Education courses must bear transcript entry verifying that they were completed for graduate credit. Credits transferred from other institutions must appear on official transcripts. Any transfer course which will be used to satisfy degree requirements must be included on the proposed degree program.
For further details, see the UMD Graduate Office's web page and the "UMD Graduate Student Handbook".
Graduation Procedures
Clearance for Graduation.
Degrees are awarded at the end of each month. To qualify for graduation for a particular month, a student must submit the "Application for Degree Form" on or before the first workday of that month and must complete the examination and all other requirements (including necessary forms and fees and submission of the thesis if Plan A) by the last workday of that month. Get the "Application for Degree" form from the UMD Graduate School Office, not from the Campus Center Information Desk.
Final Examinations
Final examinations are required for both Plan-A and Plan-B degrees. At least one week prior to the exam the Chair of the committee should contact the Duluth Graduate School Office so that necessary forms can be prepared.
Commencement Exercises.
The University of Minnesota Duluth has a graduate commencement exercise at the end of spring semester. Graduates are encouraged, but not required, to attend. If you with to participate in the ceremony, you must apply for graduation by the first working day of March. For further information see the "UMD Graduate Student Handbook".
Time Limit
The maximum time allowed by the Graduate School for completion of the master's degree is seven years. The seven-year period begins with the oldest work included on the official degree program, including any transfer work applied.
Procedures and Timetable for Plan-A Progress
The procedures and timetable are to clarify expectations and provide timelines to students and advisers. The procedures are to guide students in their research work on the MS thesis, beginning with adviser selection, and culminating in the successful defense of a thesis which describes a significant contribution to the greater body of scientific knowledge. A table of time points precedes the text outline. The time points are for Chemistry MS students following the thesis option (Plan A) and do not apply to students taking the non-thesis option (plan B).
Time Points
learn about research activities available in the Chemistry MS program
talk with faculty, choose adviser
end of final exam week
submit Adviser and Project form
end of week 4
submit Degree Program Form
end of semester
committee review of progress and plan
per seminar schedule
early in the semester
committee review of progress and plan
early in the semester
apply for degree at Grad Office if attending commencement
when student and adviser agree thesis is ready for defense
distribute thesis
two weeks after distributing thesis
thesis research presentation and thesis defense
Process Outline
Selection of the research adviser and project.
- Familiarization with the research of various faculty members
- Faculty research presentations serve multiple purposes.
- recruiting students to research groups
- informing students of expertise and equipment in groups other than their own
- informing faculty members about colleagues' research
- Presentations may be given during the first two weeks of the semester.
- Faculty should have a brief description of ongoing research projects for which they are seeking new students, either posted on the departmental web site, or provided as handouts during the presentations.
- Interviews with prospective research advisers: Students should interview three or more faculty members about MS thesis research.
- Timing: during the two weeks following the conclusion of the faculty research presentations.
- Students who enter the program in the spring semester should complete interviews by the end of the fourth week of the semester.
- Students who already have a research adviser (e.g., by agreement prior to matriculation) may choose to interview potential examining-committee members.
- By mutual agreement, one of those interviewed becomes the student's adviser.
- Student-adviser agreement on a thesis project.
- Student and adviser agree on a tentative thesis topic
- Student and adviser sign the Chemistry MS Adviser and Project form.
- The student submits the form to the Director of Graduate Studies.
- Timing: The form is due to the DGS by the end of final-exam week of the first (ordinarily fall) semester.
Planning the research project.
- Introduction to the research lab and procedures to conduct the proposed thesis research. As soon as possible after selecting a research adviser, the student commences work in the lab, learning the procedures to be used in the proposed project, attending group meetings, etc. Starting research promptly is important to graduating in good time.
- The student prepares a brief (e.g., a few pages) thesis project proposal. The proposal is a description of the research project, including its background, significance, goals, methods and appropriate references to literature. This document will be based on discussion with the research adviser and reading of the literature.
Selecting the thesis committee, and coursework.
- Select members of the thesis examining committee. The student is responsible to meet in person with potential committee members to request service on the committee. Each potential committee member should be offered a copy of the research project proposal prepared earlier. A potential member must agree to serve before being listed as a committee member. 1. The committee has at least three members. 2. The chair of the committee is the thesis adviser. 3. One member of the committee should be an "outside member," which means they do not have an academic appointment in the UMD Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. The outside member may have a graduate appointment in Chemistry, but not an academic appointment. Graduate faculty memberships can be determined by the Graduate Faculty roster."
- Plan coursework in consultation with the adviser.
- Complete the Graduate School Degree Program form. (form GS89a) 1. Submit the completed form, signed by the adviser, to the Director of Graduate Studies for approval. 2. Timing: The degree program form is to be submitted to the Director of Graduate Studies by the end of the fourth week of the second (ordinarily, spring) semester.
- Satisfactory progress to this point is a prerequisite (not necessarily the only prerequisite) for departmental funding in summer and during the second academic year.
Presentation and approval of progress and intermediate plan.
- With the adviser's approval, the student schedules the committee to meet with the student by the end of the second semester in residence to review progress (committee meeting #1). The student prepares and presents the progress to that point, including plans for the coming summer's work. Progress in coursework stipulated on the Degree Program is also discussed.
- Satisfactory progress to this point normally is a prerequisite for recommendation for departmental funding for a second year of study.
Progress and final plan.
Progress toward the thesis during summer of year 1 and fall of year 2 is reviewed again by the committee (committee meeting #2) during the beginning of the spring semester of year 2. With the adviser's approval, the student schedules the meeting. The student updates the committee on progress, and the committee and student discuss plans to complete the project in a timely manner. Projection of completion date is made, with consideration of plans for work and writing during second summer in residence as required.
Seminar (Chem 8184)
Spring semester of the student's last (usually second) year, he or she registers for the Seminar course: Chem 8184, and presents a seminar to the department. The seminar will be scheduled by the instructor of Chem 8184. Seminars will be evaluated by the faculty members in attendance and comments will be given to the student. The Chem 8184 seminar is not a thesis defense. It may be a research progress report or a literature presentation.
Thesis preparation.
- The student prepares his or her thesis in accordance with Graduate School rules.
- When the student and adviser agree the thesis is ready for the committee, the student distributes printed copies to all members of the examining committee.
- Timing: Printed copies are distributed at least 14 days prior to the thesis research presentation and thesis defense.
Thesis research presentation (open part of defense) and thesis defense (closed) is presented (committee meeting #3).
- This is scheduled by the student when adviser and student concur that the work is ready to be presented and defended. The student informs the Director of Graduate Studies and the chemistry office of the time and location of the defense. The student sends an abstract to the chemistry office for circulation.
- The time, location and title of the thesis research presentation will be announced and publicized by the chemistry office to invite attendance.
Procedures and Policies for Graduate Assistants
A graduate assistant may normally expect a maximum of two nine-month (academic year) half-time appointments.
Funds permitting, renewal of fellowships and assistantships is contingent only upon satisfactory evaluation of performance of the duties of the position and satisfactory progress towards the degree (see section on Satisfactory Progress under Requirements, above). Salary payments are made bi-weekly. Also, some support is usually available during the summer months; priority is given to first year students. It is recognized that special circumstances may require exceptions to the above general policies. To hold an academic year assistantship a student must be registered in the Graduate School.
Nine-month academic year appointments do not include entitlement to a vacation during the nine-month period.
As noted previously, it is expected that a graduate student will use those times when formal classes are not in session to work toward completing graduate study as promptly as possible and may have duties assigned in preparation for the coming semester. Written permission by the Department Head is required before a student is allowed to do tutoring in Chemistry courses.
Because graduate assistants serve in the role of part-time faculty, as well as being students, they may expect to be consulted in matters of educational planning and policy making.
Duties of graduate teaching assistants.
Assignments for a given semester are made as soon as possible. Whenever possible, this will not be later than completion of registration for the semester, at which time the instructional picture in terms of numbers and times of lecture and laboratory sections should become clear. The Department Head works out the assignments in consultation with everyone concerned, so as to take account of individual preferences and needs to the greatest possible extent.
Job descriptions and satisfactory standards of performance.
The graduate teaching assistants carry out the same types of functions with respect to the teaching mission as do the permanent faculty. The primary assignment will generally consist of laboratory supervision in both elementary and advanced courses and the conducting of recitation-quiz sessions. Both of these are essential in the educational process and must be handled competently and professionally. In addition to these responsibilities, graduate assistants will help with the grading of papers and examinations, preparation of unknowns, testing of experiments, and such other assignments as are necessary for the completion of the instructional mission of the Department. Graduate assistants are professional members of the staff and their performance is expected to satisfy professional standards. The Handbook for Graduate Assistants details these expectations.
Hours of work.
Teaching assistantships are half-time appointments, which implies a load of 20 hours per week. Assigned duties usually include laboratory supervision, conducting recitation sessions, grading, holding office hours, and preparation.
Duties of graduate research assistants.
The assignment under the research assistantship will be performed under the grant from which support is provided. However, acceptance of a research assistantship does not require that the grant administrator be the thesis adviser.
Job description.
Research assistantships are half-time appointments. The specific duties of a research assistant will vary according to the needs of the individual grant administrator but will generally consist of laboratory work and/or computation and preparation of periodic progress reports.
Grievance procedures.
See item 5 of the attached statement (Appendix II) of recommended policies which was prepared by an ad hoc committee on Grievance Procedures and approved by the Executive Committee of the Graduate School. A graduate assistant who is disciplined or discharged will receive written explanation of the cause and a statement of avenues of appeal.
Notice of reappointment or non-reappointment.
To the extent that budget and other essential information permit, actions on appointments, reappointments, and non- reappointments will be completed and written notification given by April 1 if possible, and not later than April 14. The Department operates under the Resolution of the Council of Graduate Schools in the U.S. regarding freedom of the student to resign an accepted appointment through April 15, and includes the Council's official statement when an assistantship offer is made before April 15.
Pre-service orientation and instruction.
The week before classes start serves as a period in which proficiency examinations are given and orientation sessions are held. As stated earlier, all new students take proficiency examinations in the areas of analytical, inorganic, organic and physical chemistry. The remainder of the week is devoted to orientation sessions in which TA responsibilities and duties are discussed, and specific duties are assigned, laboratory and stockroom procedures are outlined, safety demonstrations are presented, practice recitation sections are held, with video taping for evaluation and discussion, student faculty meetings, including discussion of various research areas, are arranged, advisement and registration periods are held, and informational matters are taken up, such as room and mailbox assignments, distribution of keys, accessibility to departmental clerical staff, supplies and equipment, etc.
In-service orientation and instruction.
Faculty members and graduate teaching assistants work closely together on teaching assignments. For large classes, conferences are held on a regular basis (usually weekly). Faculty members visit laboratories and recitation sections, and the teaching assistants are encouraged when possible to attend lecture sections.
Evaluation and recognition of performance.
Evaluation of academic performance.
The Graduate Committee meets as a whole to review student progress. Standards of performance as set forth in the UMD official catalog in the section on Graduate Programs and in the Satisfactory Progress section above are required for satisfactory progress. Students whose academic performance is unsatisfactory will be notified by the Director of Graduate Studies.
Evaluation of performance as a teaching assistant.
This is achieved through direct observation by the faculty member for whom the student is assisting and by use of a student course evaluation form.
Guidelines for Preparation of Plan B Papers
Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, UMD, September 1981
- Three papers representing the quality but not the range of the Plan A Master's thesis are to be prepared in the major or related fields.
- One paper should be a current review of an area starting with a brief historical account, and understandable to a researcher in that area.
- One paper should adequately cover an area so as to be understandable to individuals in any area of chemistry. Upon completion, this paper will be presented by the student at a department seminar.
- One paper should include a discussion with recommendation for future research. It may include specific experiments with conclusions based on the possible results of the suggested experiments.
The student shall report the selection of topics for papers to the major adviser, indicating which topics fulfill the requirements outlined in 1a, 1b, and 1c. The final examination may include questions on any or all of the papers.
- Before undertaking preparation of a paper, the student should consult with the member of the graduate staff under whose supervision it is to be written regarding the suitability of the proposed topic to the particular paper (1a, 1b, or 1c).
- Once the topic has been selected, the student should prepare an outline and present it to the supervising instructor for suggestions and criticisms.
- The papers in final form are to be made available to members of the student's examining committee after each paper has been certified as satisfactory by the appropriate supervising instructor and at least one week before the comprehensive examination.
Recommended Policis with repsect to Graduate Assistant and Instructor Appointment, Assignments and Performance of Duties, and Non-Reappointments or Terminations.
- On appointment, or on any subsequent change in the terms or conditions of appointment, the graduate student assistant should receive a copy of the appointment form, or a formal statement of the essential conditions and terms of the appointment.
- The appointee should be informed, in appropriate detail, of the expectations of the department as to what characterizes (a) satisfactory performance of the assigned duties, and (b) satisfactory academic progress as a graduate student. And further, the student should be informed periodically by the department as to how his performance is viewed.
- The department should give timely notice of reappointment or non-reappointment as soon as the decisions can be made with respect to these positions. In normal circumstances, April 1, or earlier, should be the appropriate deadline. When budget or other uncertainties arise, the general principle should be to notify as many as possible as soon as possible of the decision in each case.
- Termination of or modification of the terms or conditions of appointment before the end of the term of appointment, save by mutual agreement, should follow procedures similar to those protecting the rights of the regular faculty, and should be initiated only for stated cause, given to the appointee in writing.
- Grievances arising in the employment of graduate assistants should have a clear channel and a known procedure for settlement. Grievances arising out of assignment of duties, work load, promotion, etc., should insofar as possible be handled by informal or formal departmental procedures. But in cases where mutually satisfactory settlements are not made, appeal to formal grievance should be available and made known to all student assistants.
For such appeals, an ad hoc committee at the college level for each such case seems the most appropriate at this time. Normally such a committee appointed jointly by the Dean of the College and the Dean of the Graduate School should consist of (a) a member of the department (a faculty member not a party to the dispute or involved directly in the bases for the grievances); (b) a representative from the Graduate Group Committee (of the area, but not from the department involved); (c) a representative from the office of the College Dean; and (d) a graduate student (not in the field involved).
APPENDIX III. Chemistry MS Adviser and Project Form (Plan A)
This form is also available as a one-page pdf document. AdviserProjectForm.pdf
- Students must discuss Chemistry MS thesis research with three or more members of the graduate faculty. The graduate faculty roster is available on the web site of the Graduate School.
- Students agree to do a masters thesis project with one member of the faculty as indicated by the signatures of both parties below.
A tentative working thesis title is also entered below.
Signatures below signify mutual agreement.
- Students send the completed form to the Director of Graduate Studies for the Chemistry MS program. This completed form is due by the end of final-exam week of the student's first semester.
Tentative thesis topic:
Name ________________________________________ Date __________________
Signature ____________________________________ Date __________________
Name ________________________________________ Date __________________
Signature ____________________________________ Date __________________
The Degree Program Form is available at the UMD Graduate School Office and on the web as form otr198.pdf.
The Graduate School petition form to change the Degree Plan is available at the UMD Graduate School Office and on the web as form otr190.pdf.

subset: commoncrawl


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Changing the "Sage on the Stage" to the "Guide on the Side"
The CTE Fall Kick Off, entitled "Changing the Sage on the Stage" to the "Guide on the Side": Strategies for Student-Centered Instruction, will be held on Wednesday, Sept. 25 from 9 a.m. to 12 noon in the Sansbury Campus Life Center Ballroom.
Since Alison King coined the phrase "from sage on the stage to guide on the side" in her 1993 paper (College Teaching, Winter 1993), educators in all disciplines and at all instructional levels have been grappling with the challenges and rewards of student-centered instruction. In this approach, the focus of activity is shifted from the instructor to the students, placing the student at the center of the learning process.
The workshop presenter, Dr. Lisa Bullard, Teaching Professor and Director of Undergraduate Studies in the Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, will discuss the motivation for student-centered instruction as well as typical student responses and faculty concerns. In particular, examples of active learning will be demonstrated, including: asking strategic questions, cooperative learning, think-pair-share, structured handouts, in-class demonstrations, writing assignments, concept tests, case studies, jigsaw, think-aloud pair problem solving (TAPPS), simulations and role-plays, and flipping the classroom.
Dr. Lisa G. Bullard received her BS in Chemical Engineering from NC State and her Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University. A faculty member at NC State since 2000, Dr. Bullard has won numerous awards for both teaching and advising, including the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) Raymond W. Fahien Award, John Wiley Premier Award for Engineering Education Courseware, NC State Faculty Advising Award, National Effective Teaching Institute Fellow and others. She is a member of the editorial board for Chemical Engineering Education and is Chair-Elect of the Chemical Engineering Division of ASEE. Dr. Bullard's research interests lie in the areas of teaching and advising effectiveness, academic integrity, process design instruction, and the integration of writing, speaking, and computing within the curriculum.
This workshop is sponsored by the Center for Teaching Excellence and welcomes all faculty, staff, students and visitors.
R.S.V.P. appreciated to email@example.com
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Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Silence in counseling
According to Knapp (2008), silence is a normal and beneficial component of therapy. Accommodating comfortable silence gives the client time for reflection, or gathering his or her thoughts. Additionally, it provides the time and quietness for deeper feelings and emotions (Knapp, 2008). Knapp (2008) claims silence is essential in the therapeutic alliance and counselors must provide a space for it, honor it, and work toward being comfortable with it.
Silence is used to demonstrate counselors' patience, their anticipation of additional information, or a further response from the client (Knapp, 2008). When used with attentiveness and appropriate eye contact, it solicits further response and conveys the counselor's genuine interest (Levitt, 2001).
For example, when clients self-disclose, they may experience hesitation, apprehension, or difficulty telling their story appropriately and coherently. The counselor can nod and keep silent, in effect, encouraging clients to take their time and proceed as they can, reflecting and gathering thoughts as necessary. Throughout the silence, the counselor maintains proper eye contact and other aspects of attentiveness. This conveys the counselor's openness for further information.
Silence, as in pausing, allows clients to stop and think as well as feel possible deep emotions released in therapy. It lets the client put thoughts in order or sequence prior to their conveyance to the counselor. Knapp (2008) refers to this as a sorting process. Above all, silence provides a fertile ground for reflection from the client as well as the counselor. Ladany, Hill, Thompson, and O'Brien (2005) believe a strong therapeutic alliance contributes to an easier use of silence. For example, as the client feels comfortable with the counselor, silence is better tolerated and not perceived as critical or invalidating (Ladany, Hill, Thompson, & O'Brien, 2005).
Duba (2004) explains how silence can be instrumental in encouraging self-reflection, but also self-direction. In a group interventions, Duba (2004) perceives silence as a challenge to members to take a risk in disclosing something about themselves. Considering this, it would seem to me that even in the dyadic communication of counseling one individual, counselors' silence can create a platform on which clients may, in essence, take a risk and self-disclose. Without some silence, it may be more difficult for clients to find the right moment to interject an important piece of information.
I like to think that we do not always simply use silence, but we accommodate it. When we accommodate it, we are acting consciously and with awareness, allowing a natural flow wherein silence applies itself in its appropriate time and place. Simply "installing" it as a device loses its poignancy and purpose. I am comfortable with silence, in myself and with others. I believe, as does Ladany et al. (2004), that there are conditions and contraindications that set the stage, so to speak, for its effective use in counseling. Only through authentic attentive consciousness and awareness can we make that determination accurately.
As a future consideration, it seems important to mention that Duba (2004) believes in the importance of counselors learning how to navigate the comfortable as well as the uncomfortable aspects of silence. When it is mostly uncomfortable or non-existent in therapy, seek supervision. Silence has an important place in every therapeutic alliance and counselors should be able to accommodate it comfortably.
Duba, J. D. (2004). Using silence: "Silence is not always golden." In L. Tyson, R. Pérusse, J. Whitledge, J. Duba, P. Neufeld, & J. DeVoss (Eds.), Critical incidents in group counseling (pp. 265–270). American Counseling Association.
Knapp, H. (2007). Therapeutic communication: Developing professional skills. Los Angeles: Sage Publications.
Ladany, N., Hill, C. E., Thompson, B. J., & O'Brien, K. M. (2004). Therapist perspectives on using silence in therapy: A qualitative study. Counselling and Psychotherapy Research: Linking research with practice, 4(1), 80–89.
Levitt, D. H. (2001). Active listening and counselor self-efficacy: Emphasis on one microskill in beginning counselor training. Clinical Supervisor, 20(2), 101–115.
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JWoww: Snooki will always be reality star
Snooki will be doing reality TV until she's 90, says her co-star JWoww.
The Jersey Shore castmates are starring in their spin-off series Snooki & JWoww. Snooki is currently six months pregnant with her first child, but JWoww insists nothing will stop them appearing on the small screen for years to come.
"She'll do [reality TV] till she's 90," JWoww quipped. "We're going to have the nursing home reunion."
Snooki and JWoww star alongside Pauly D, Mike 'The Situation' Sorrentino and Vinny Guadagnino on hit MTV show Jersey Shore. The group are currently filming for season six of the series. JWoww says pregnant Snooki is still the same as the previous five seasons.
"She still complains the same as she did when she was hung over, but now it's the 'I'm pregnant' excuse," she laughed, before adding: "She's made such a transition [Now] she's a very over-concerned, first-time mom."
Snooki, who is engaged to Jionni LaValle, says her pregnancy wasn't planned, but is looking forward to becoming a parent. The pint-sized star says although she's struggling with some aspects of the big transition, she is excited to welcome her little bundle of joy.
"This wasn't planned," she told USA Today. "We're not even thinking about a wedding right now. We just want to have the baby first, and then maybe in about a year and a half, we'll start planning and have the baby in the wedding.
"Obviously, there's a lot of symptoms that [stink], but then again, you're creating a baby inside of you, which is just so amazing. I think the best thing is having that excitement of being a mom. It's something I've never felt before."
© Cover Media


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Production of a guide on accessing federal funds for improving bicycling and walking opportunities
Neighborhoods in the U.S. are not designed for the pedestrian or bicyclist but for the automobile. This design standard has contributed to increased use of the automobile even for short trips that could easily be made on foot or by bicycle. If rates of physical activity are to increase, including safe pedestrian and bicycling options in communities will be a necessary component to a comprehensive public health campaign. Some $2 billion in federal transportation funds have been allocated for walking and bicycling opportunities, but lack of knowledge has kept these funds from being fully utilized.The purpose of this project is for the National Center for Bicycling and Walking to develop a "TEA-21 Funding Guide" for public health agencies and professionals. The Guide will be designed to provide easy-to-use information on the types of funds available through the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century and how to prepare proposals to obtain these funds for increasing opportunities to walk and bicycle. The Guide will provide the public health community with information on federal/state transportation legislation and programs, information on how the programs are managed, and a step-by-step plan for developing successful project proposals. This project will be considered successful if the guide is produced, it presents needed information in an accurate and accessible format, is disseminated via the Web, and helps catalyze better use of the funds.
Grant Details
Amount Awarded $50,711.00
Awarded on: 7/2/2001
Time frame: 7/1/2001 - 9/30/2002
Grant Number: 42089
Bicycle Federation
8120 Woodmont Avenue
Bethesda, 20814-2766
William C. Wilkinson
Project Director


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Division of Maintenance
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns or controls 350,000 acres of Right of Way and maintains 15,133 centerline miles of highway and 13,063 state highway bridges. Caltrans also inspects over 12,200 local bridges.
Submit a Customer Service Request
Submit Customer Service Request OR
ADA Access Service Request
You can use the form below to submit a request for customer service. Requests are limited to the drop down list. If you do not find what you want to report on the drop down list then submit your request using the Traffic or Work Zone Concern form.
Most of the fields on the form are required fields. Please fill out the information completely and submit the service request. The location will be reported to the nearest maintenance facility for evaluation.
Customer Service Requests are handled Monday through Friday, 8AM to 4PM. This form should NOT be used to report any kind of highway emergency. Report highway emergencies to 911 or the California Highway Patrol immediately.
Statewide Alerts and Other Information.
Division Links
- Maintenance Home Page
- What We Do
- 2005 Highway Maintenance Customer Survey Results
- Roadside Maintenance Program
- Maintenance Manual
- Pavement Program
- Structures Maintenance and Investigations
- Work Zone Safety
- Caltrans Auxiliary Radio System (CARS)
- Current Road Condition Information
- Integrated Maintenance Management System
Contact Information
Physical Address:
California Department of Transportation
1120 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Mailing Address:
California Department of Transportation
1120 N Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
General Information:
(916) 654-2852
Media Line:
(916) 657-5060
Current Highway Conditions:
(800) 427-7623


text: Don't forget the shelter kitties this holiday! Send a case of Stretch & Scratch cage scratchers to your favorite cat rescue or shelter and get 10% off now through January 1, 2013. Plus, every box will include a free cat toy! Enter discount code MODERNCAT when placing your order at stretchandscratch.com.


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Other reasonable alternative routes were proposed for the sewer lines, but Lebanon officials have rejected them. Indeed, Lebanon has not been open nor transparent in making its decision, and threatens to employ the right of eminent domain to invade the Donnell farm and shove its plan to completion.
Why can't our local government listen to its citizens, resolve disputes in a peaceful, just manner, be committed to the common good and respect all living things including the environment, and especially including the Bladderpod.
Peggy HazelMt. Juliet


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Shares of Apple (NASDAQ: AAPL) crossed the $500 barrier for the first time Monday, finishing at 502.60. With shares inching up further early Tuesday to 505.23, Apple's stock could remain above 500 for awhile.
But even though Apple is the most valuable company in the world, with a market capitalization of $460 billion, it's not even the most expensive tech stock on a per-share basis.
That distinction goes to Google (NASDAQ: GOOG), which was trading early Tuesday at 608.00 after closing Monday at 612.20. The search giant's stock climbed as high as 670.25 in early January. Google currently is valued at $197 billion.
Hot on Google's heels is venerable discount travel site Priceline.com (NASDAQ: PCLN), which hit an all-time high of 588.56 in Tuesday morning trading after closing Monday at 571.15.
Which, of course, places Apple third. From there it's a big dropoff, though you won't be buying any single share of the companies below with change hidden in your sofa, unless you're one of these people (and even then, you're more likely to be stockpiling gold):
Shares of online retail giant Amazon.com (NASDAQ: AMZN) were at 193.57 early Tuesday.
IBM (NYSE: IBM), coming off an all-time high price of 194.90 last Thursday, was trading Tuesday at 192.60.
Shares of enterprise software player Salesforce.com (NYSE: CRM) were at 134.73 Tuesday, off the 52-week high of 160.12 set last July, but well above the 52-week low of 94.09 from late December.
F5 Networks (NASDAQ: FFIV), a maker of network appliances, saw shares trading Tuesday at 125.66, near the 52-week high of 127.81 set almost a year ago. (By the way, if you bought FFIV last August near its 52-week low of 69.01, you'd be closing to doubling your money.)
Business intelligence software vendor MicroStrategy (NASDAQ: MSTR) was trading Tuesday at 124.78, well below the 52-week high of 178.58 set last July.
Netflix (NASDAQ: NFLX) was trading Tuesday at 122.58, well below its all-time high of 304.79 set last summer before the rate-change fiasco sent shares as low as 62.37.


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A window into health in California.
« Full episode for
Jul 18-20, 2014
Reporter: Susan Valot
An electric guitar version of the national anthem cuts through the air at the Honda Center in Anaheim like the jagged edges of black makeup slash through the white-paint on the face of Kiss star Gene Simmons onstage. Except here, Simmons' makeup is nowhere to be seen. Instead, the Kiss logo is plastered everywhere: on the arena football field, on the end zone and on the flame-emblazoned jerseys in the stands. This is an LA Kiss arena football game.
The team, in its inaugural season in the Arena Football League, is owned by a group that includes Simmons and fellow Kiss frontman Paul Stanley. It is indoor football with a rock-and-roll theme, even including the national anthem.
"I love it," said Denise Chavez, a season ticket holder. "I love football and I think this is great." She said the team brings together her two favorite things: football and Kiss. "I like everything about the atmosphere," she says.
During breaks between plays, entertainment ranges from an '80s cover band on a stage at the end of the field to the Kiss Girls dance- squad in black leather. It's not all adult themed. During some breaks in play, a dog catches flying discs and a kids' dance squad goes into action. Through the entire game, scantily clad women dance around poles in cages hanging over the end zones.
"I think it's fine, but other people think it's a little overboard," said season ticket holder Raymond Mackey. He holds a Kiss doll that he bought for use as a mascot.
"I had somebody, one of my friends, sit in my seats and (he) turned around and said he was waiting for the kitchen sink to come out," Mackey said with a chuckle.
Mackey said it's like going to a concert and a football game at the same time -- there's always something going on.
A few rows up, Barbara Rollinson and her friend yell at the players. They are football fans and couldn't care less about the girls dancing or the music, which they joke about.
"Oh God, and that one band, what was it?" Rollinson said as she kept an eye on the game. "Rock Your Pelvis? Or Give Me Your Pelvis? I'm looking at her saying, 'Did I hear that?'"
But Rollinson said this is the only place she can come watch live football when the colleges are in the off-season. There is no NFL team in LA. The Arena Football League plays during the spring and summer.
"We wanted to see football when it was available, and it happened to become available with the Kiss, so it's fun. It's interesting," Rollinson said. "It's not quite geared for a 71-year-old! The football part's good."
Rollinson and her friend bring earplugs to the games to deal with the loud pyrotechnics and music. And they shake their heads at the pole dancers.
"Some of these girls, I wonder what their poor moms say," Rollinson said with a laugh. "You know it's not geared for me. Gene Simmons doesn't believe I should probably be out of the old-age home, so I don't think he was looking for me to become a season ticket holder."
But she did anyway. Still, Rollinson says she understands the Kiss branding and why it's needed to attract younger fans.
About an hour up the freeway, Jeff Fellenzer is a professor of sports, business and media at the University of Southern California. He said the LA Kiss have entered a crowded marketplace and need to set themselves apart.
"You don't sell winning today when you market sports teams, because you can't be guaranteed of winning. So you sell the fan experience. You sell entertainment. You sell fun."
Fellenzer said the team isn't just competing against other sports like pro baseball and basketball. It's competing against movie theaters, concerts, even high-definition TVs.
"You just have so many options," Fellenzer said. "Mark Cuban addressed this when he bought the Dallas Mavericks in 2000, that we're not competing with the other sports teams in Dallas, like the Rangers, the Cowboys or the Stars. We're competing with other forms of entertainment. And that was 14 years ago. So you look now and that's just ratcheted up even more."
Fellenzer said there's no longer a line between sports and entertainment - they're one and the same. He said the LA Kiss, being in a less popular sport, have blasted through the entertainment wall by branding its games as a wild and crazy time.
Back at the Honda Center in Anaheim, the LA Kiss have a losing record. But during a 70-25 blowout, fan Jeff McClure said that's okay.
"Let's be honest. This is not a close game. But you know, there's girls in cages to watch. There's always something going on in between the plays, with the cheerleaders and the stunt team. So even if we lose, which is sad, you still don't walk away going, 'I don't feel like I got my money's worth.'"
McClure pointed to a Van Halen cover band onstage by the field.
"Just like right now, we've got a band playing, at a football game. Where else does that happen?" he asked.
The LA Kiss are not the first arena football team in the LA market. The LA Avengers played for a few years at Staples Center and then folded. But the LA Kiss have something the Avengers did not: the pull of a rock band.
Never miss an episode of The California Report.
The California Report is a production of KQED Public Radio.
Generous support for The California Report is provided by:
Eric and Wendy Schmidt |
The James Irvine Foundation |
Barracuda Networks |
The California Endowment |
California HealthCare Foundation |
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Blach Construction |
The Westly Foundation |
Digital Foundry


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Free Music People From Venus's "Light War" and the Last Show of the Year
When the guys first landed on planet Miami a couple years back, People From Venus were sort of the dark horses of the local scene. They started off slowly, preferring to perfect their blend of British glam-influenced power pop in the studio rather than trotting it out endlessly on the usual local circuit.
This proved to be a wise strategy. When the the group's debut album, Toot Toot Yeah, came out earlier this year, it still sounded fresh. The album mined some familiar Anglophilic turf, but its flirtations with electronics, its vaguely New Age lyrical mysticism, and frontman Paul Isaac's flawlessly reedy vocals set it apart.
Of course, too, there is its undeniable, pleasantly icy polish. Group masterminds Paul Isaac and Ari Eisenstein have already been around the major-label circuit, and their professionalism in recording and songwriting set the disc in stark contrast against usual local-debut crop.
With the record out, too, People From Venus set out to perfect its live shows, which are as much a feast for the eyes as for the ears. The latest addition to the group, unofficially, is VJ Psyberpixie, who mixes visuals alongside the musicians.
It's something you should check out this Friday at Bardot -- especially because it's the band's last show of the year, and one of its last few in Miami for the near future, at least. The band's now being managed by John Tovar (he of Marilyn Manson fame-making), the labels are sniffing, and the song "Girl From Planet Earth" has hit rotation on L.A.'s famed KROCK radio station. Starting early next year the band will be hitting the road, showcasing for A&R reps in L.A. and New York, and playing SXSW.
All that said, the free gig seems like a good deal. As a bonus to whet your appetite, enjoy this free new track, "Light War," and this video for "Warrior Punk," created by Psyberpixie.
Fri., Dec. 17, 8 p.m., 2010
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Any future dated wires you have set up will NOT convert over. If you have wire transfers scheduled during or after conversion weekend, they will need to be reestablished. Please plan ahead for wire transfers that need to be made around this time.
Beginning Monday, August 18th, in order to complete a domestic or international wire transfer, you will need to have the receiving bank's name, address and ABA number. The system will verify that the ABA number you entered is accurate; however, it will not prefill the bank name and address.
You will be able to initiate same-day online wire transfers until 4:30 p.m. with the upgraded system.
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As farewells go, it was a pretty extraordinary press briefing given by a manager who was wondering whether he should have seen the writing on the wall earlier. Roberto Mancini might have started the day still believing that the reports of his likely sacking were "stupid", but come the evening he was starting to change his mind.
In a little room just off the tunnel at Wembley Stadium, Mancini recalled the last time he had been in this position. He had just won the Serie A title with Internazionale in 2008 and had long considered the suggestion in the newspapers that he would lose his job with derision until something changed his mind.
"I read the Corriere della Sera, a newspaper which is very close with Inter, and one journalist wrote that Inter will probably sack me. In that moment I understood that maybe it was true. For this reason I don't know about my future, you ask me this [about Manuel Pellegrini]. I don't know whether it's true or not."
By yesterday lunchtime, he will have been only too aware that it was true. Yet at Wembley on Saturday, still digesting a shattering FA Cup final defeat, he looked like a man who was preparing to walk the plank. The club's chief communications officer, Vicky Kloss, also a club director, and now something of a veteran of City's bloody managerial sackings, asked Mancini on more than one occasion if he wanted to stop. He carried on.
In his previous set-piece press conference, Mancini had asked why the club had not moved to quash the suggestions that there had been meetings with Pellegrini in Spain. In this subsequent briefing he went further and asked why it should be him who takes the blame for the club's failings this year, when there were so many others involved.
Mancini has never held back when it comes to what he sees as the failings of those in his own club. As his club's title defence has collapsed this season he has picked out Samir Nasri as culpable, and he has turned on the club for their failure to make bigger, bolder, earlier signings in the summer. He has pointedly said that Txiki Begiristain, the technical director, and chief executive Ferran Soriano, were not above him in the club's structure.
He was wrong about that. As City warmed up for the FA Cup final on Saturday, Mancini stood next to their chairman, Khaldoon al-Mubarak, on the touchline at Wembley. There was some conversation between the two men but there were long periods when there was not. If this was once the rock-solid relationship at the heart of City, it certainly did not look that way any more.
In his time at the club, Mancini's fallings-out with staff and colleagues were endless. The former chief executive Garry Cook and the football administrator Brian Marwood – an absurd title deliberately chosen in order that the manager did not feel like he was lower down the hierarchy – were often in the firing line. His own medical staff copped it, especially over what Mancini saw as mistakes over injuries to Micah Richards and Sergio Aguero. And that's before you even get to the players.
He was a perfectionist in an imperfect club and that was always likely to cause problems when the level of expectation rose so quickly and the rivals, no more so than over the fence at Manchester United, were so fearsome. But nonetheless, Mancini's City last year won the club's first title since 1968 and he delivered an FA Cup in his first season at the club. Apologies, or admissions of regret, however, were not forthcoming.
"I don't have any problem, I am very proud of my job in this year, very proud," he said. "What we did and my staff. We had always the support from the chairman [Khaldoon] that I consider a top man. Anything can happen.
"I have been happy with the team. I think that this team needs more players – that's normal. We can't think in three years we will be the best team in the world because we need the time for this. We are not like United, who have done this for 50 years, Chelsea for 20 years. Arsenal? No. Tottenham? No. Milan, Barcelona have the time to work. If one year we don't win, OK the world is not finished. We start to work [again]."
And finally there were the supporters, whose loyalty to Mancini has been unwavering as the wheels have moved against him. "This is normal because I don't think there will be another manager who will win 6-1 at Old Trafford against Ferguson ... because Ferguson has retired. I think I was the first manager who, after 30 years, pulled off the banner from Old Trafford.
"We won one Premier League, we won one FA Cup, we won a Community Shield. We lost this FA Cup, unfortunately. And for this reason we are very popular with the support. I love them, they love me and I'm happy for this. If in the end I will leave I will be the first supporter of Manchester City in the future. Now I can say nothing on all this. I don't know..."
By the end of the 13 minutes for which he had talked, he appeared to have grudgingly accepted his fate. "Some players, some important players, didn't play well this season." No one outside the club could fault him for his frankness, although it was probably just another reason for the City hierarchy to push him out the door.
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We are providing best software development service provider.
Ulix Technology
Lig Ii, 78, Manickampalayam Housing Unitrnnarayanavalasu, Tamil Nadu - 638011, India
VAKSAL Infotech Web development encompasses many different skills and disciplines in the production and maintenance of websites. The different areas of web design include web graphic design, interface design, authoring, including standardised code.
Himac Software Solutions
35, Chidhambaram Colony, Periyar Nagar, Erode, Tamil Nadu , India
We give Best in class websites and custom web applications development services in India. RIS provide services at affodable price with high quality of corporate touch.
106, Sengodampalayam, Thindal(po), Erode, Tamilnadu, India, Tamil Nadu , India
Web Designing Services, Web Applications Development..
We provide an unrivalled range of high quality websites. Our website developmentteam use latest technologies and work to the web standards. We build basic static websites, content management systems, blog systems and customized dynamic websites / applications. We pride ourselves in building high quality lucrative websites. our coding skills are stretched along the following html5 php css3 xhtml jquery xml/xsl mysql l
Brahma E-solutions
138, Nalli Plaza - First Floor, Sampath Nagar, Tamil Nadu - 638011, India
Post your Buy Requirement
Deals in email hosting, missed call service, Multimedia Website Design, Responsive Website Design, domain transfer, logo design, open cart, windows application, Corporate Identity, News Portal Development, Promotional SMS, Long / Short Code, shared hosting, seo content development, Domain Renewal, keyword research, drupal, Tomato Cart, b2b portal services, vps hosting
Radian Infosystems
106, Sengodampalayam, Tamil Nadu - 638012, India
Laboratories Research Services
Deals in laboratories research services
Microcore Research Laboratories India Pvt. Ltd.
9th Km, 30 Feet Road, 204-a, Poondurai Main Road, Checkmedu, Tamil Nadu - 638115, India
Deals in Software Customization Services, web Design Software, Web Applications, website maintenance, Website Designing, Web Development, Web Hosting Solution, software accounting services, Software Solution, Seo Services, software design, website management software, Domain Name Registration, Software Development, ERP Software Development
Ulix Technology
Lig Ii, 78, Manickampalayam Housing Unit Narayanavalasu, Tamil Nadu , India
Deals in attendance software, mobile software applications, Software Development, payroll processing software, Installation Service, ERP solution, Erp Software Solutions
Data Thumb Thechnologies
A-6/818, New No:1,145th Street Tnhb, Phase:2, Muthamizh Nagar, Tamil Nadu , India
Deals in Software Development
Webroo Technologies
504, 4th Floor, Manjari Building, Nalli Hospital Road, Tamil Nadu - 638001, India
Deals in blog design services, web publishing, Seo Services, Web Development, web seo services, Web Marketing Services, Website Designing, website maintenance, Web Solution, seo content development, outsourced staffing, outsource solutions, facebook page design
Infotech Solutions
112 A 15, Moogambiga Complex, Agilmedu 6th Street, Erode, Tamil Nadu - 638001, India
Deals in Software Development Services
Pg Solutions
630, South Street, Uttar Pradesh , India
Deals in Brochure Design Services, Logo Designing Services, chip level service, Software Development Services, Website Designing Services
Faster Technologies
No.675,nethaji Road, Tamil Nadu - 638001, India
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R.p.p Infra Projects Ltd.
140, Perundurai Main Road Erode, Tamil Nadu - , India, Tamil Nadu , India
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Kgm Softwares Private Ltd
Mohan Complex, 235, Mettur Road, Tamil Nadu - 638011, India
Gk Enterprises
No 68/9, Kattabomman Street Engineer Thottam, Railway Colony, Erode - 638002, Near Lotus Hospital, Tamil Nadu , India


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What's New
First and Second Mortgages Available
Take advantage of our excellent rates for both 1st and 2nd mortgage products. Click here for more info
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Serving the employees of CR Bard
We are a financial services organization chartered in 1976 to provide banking services exclusively for the employees of C.R. Bard, Inc., its subsidiaries and divisions.
Membership is open to all employees and their immediate families, spouses, Children (grand), parents (grand) and siblings.
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Phone: 908-277-8130
Fax: 908-277-8302
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Friday, December 7, 2007
Schiano Gets an Interview
(Do be sure to read the M Go Blog link, in particular. It's maddening.)
Edit: I just came across this post at Quo Vadimus (linked from a nj.com story) that -if true- appears to scuttle the Schiano possibility. Bill (Abner, not Sailboat) must be enjoying this.
7 comments:
- bill abner said...
He already turned this down, FYI. Heard it on Mike and Mike today as well as Forde's report.
Sorry Todd.
Remember -- Tressel was our 3rd choice..
- December 7, 2007 at 10:53 AM
- todd brakke said...
Heh. Posted my edit to the post before I saw your comment. Yeah, I guess I'll have to have faith in the power of "the third time's the charm". Though, I'm not sure the Les Miles fiasco counts since it was Michigan itself that scuttled that.
- December 7, 2007 at 10:56 AM
- Chris said...
Bill, I can't remember, who were Ohio State's top two choices?
- December 7, 2007 at 11:03 AM
- bill abner said...
Mike Belotti and Glen Mason.
Belotti had a TERRIBLE interview. He said, "So, Michigan is your big rival, right?" Bad, bad answer.
Mason was fine. Former player. Played for Woody.
Then Tressel interviewed and blew the AD away. Geiger said it was the best interview he had ever conducted in his time as an AD. Tressel got the gig and Mason was stunned.
And and I will get some CH2K8 stuff this weekend. Promise.
- December 7, 2007 at 11:34 AM
- Chris said...
nice, looking forward to your thoughts and possible slider adjustments.
Since this is my first time using the 360 controller I'm having a good time playing on the second easiest level out of the 5 (I think its starter).
- December 7, 2007 at 12:16 PM
- bill abner said...
Well, I'm on All Con.
You dont need a *lot* of slider changes, really, just a few tweaks.
- December 7, 2007 at 1:00 PM
- Chris said...
The only annoying thing I'm noticing is that some reallllly easy lay ups are missed on a large scale...but for me it happens to both human and AI so I don't think its a game breaker by any means
- December 7, 2007 at 1:34 PM


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Tekken 7 punches on in
Best Microsoft Game Studio Games for £10 - £30.
31 May 2006
If you've been waiting for a new and innovative RTS, your wait is over.
24 August 2015
Back to the beginnings of the ultimate badass saga
16 December 2011
The magic of Disney meets the magic of Kinect. Take the family for some Disneyland Adventures.
14 December 2011
With six more events for your Kinect delectation, can Kinect Sports 2 give Wii Sports and Wii Sports Resort the boot?
04 October 2011
Can it still be Halo without Master Chief? You bet it can, and then some!
10 April 2012
Fear is the path to the dark side. Conquer yours and you'll love Kinect Star Wars.
19 September 2011
Once upon a time on Kinect came a deranged spaghetti Western with plenty of True Grit. We review The Gunstringer for Xbox 360 Kinect.
09 November 2005
The third installment of one of the most popular RTS games around looks better than ever, but Stuart Andrews wonders about the substance beneath its good looking exterior.
04 February 2014
Lionhead's classic gets an HD remake. Has it stood the test of time?
13 August 2012
A jet-powered spin on the online-shooter, but is being different enough?
13 June 2007
Too little, too late?
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More young mourners showing love, remembrance with 'RIP' shirts
By Mary Wisniewski
CHICAGO (Reuters) - At the crowded funeral of 13-year-old Demureye' Macon, who was shot on a Chicago street, older mourners wore sober suits and dresses in beige and black.
But Macon's peers came dressed in colorful tributes to the seventh-grader, sporting T-shirts, jackets and bandanas bearing the deceased's photo, his birth and death dates and messages including "Long Live the King" and "RIP Demureye."
"He was like my little brother," Macon's friend Joshua Reynolds, 16, said at the funeral last week. Reynolds wore a shirt that read "My Brother's Keeper."
Custom-made "RIP" shirts for young victims of violence, accident or illness have become increasingly popular in recent years, according to the head of a national support group for families who have lost children. The shirts have become ubiquitous at the funerals of young victims of gun violence in Chicago, which had 414 murders in 2013.
"There's been a paradigm shift with younger people," said Alan Pedersen, executive director of The Compassionate Friends, based in Oak Brook, Illinois. "They're proud to display their grief and that they love and miss somebody."
William "Surf" Ryals, owner of T.B Customs on Chicago's South Side, said people began asking him for custom memorial shirts in the 1990s. At that time, mourners did not wear them to funerals but to meals after services or on the deceased person's birthday. The shirts were artistic and expensive, with rhinestones and poems.
Over the past five years, he said, young mourners have increasingly chosen to wear them to funerals. The shirts are now 40 percent of his business, he estimated.
"It's become the latest fashion," said Ryals, who fears some people don't take the shirts as seriously as in the past. Continued...


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Crafts For Kids
Looking for adorable crafts for kids? We know that kids love to make fun craft projects, especially things that they can show off to friends and family. Not only do we have a large selection of craft supplies and school items, but a great variety of kids projects, allowing them to make just about any craft they can imagine. Kids can find just about any craft project supply they might want on Designed 2B Sweet, including many crafts that can be given as gifts! Some of our most popular projects include design your own caps, or making their own ornaments for Christmas. All of our projects are designed for kids in mind and are a hit with kids of all ages!
Along with traditional kids' crafts, we also have a variety of themed craft projects. We are excited to make craft time more fun for kids not only in regular school, but Sunday school as well with our variety of religious craft projects. With our great selection, kids of all ages (or their parents) can find craft projects to keep themselves busy all weekend long! Since we are always looking for awesome crafts to add to our selection with new craft projects, check back often to offer your kids the chance to have even more fun with craft projects from Designed 2B Sweet!
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Assorted Paint And Fly Craft Kits - 4 Kits$7


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Wiki Writing is Here!
Drum roll please....Wiki Writing: Collaborative Learning in the College Classroom has arrived! I just got my advance copy today and couldn't be more pleased with the production. U of Mich Press did a fantastic job putting this thing together, and of course all the chapters are must-reads for any teacher interested in wikis, if I do so say myself.
If you do get a copy please let us know what you think!
- Matt Barton's blog
- Log in to post comments
another one?
Matt, do you do anything other than write books?
Seriously, though, congratulations! As soon as Wall Street is back on its feet, I will ask our library to order multiple copies.
- Log in to post comments


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Heart attack risk shifted by daylight saving time
By Gene Emery
BOSTON (Reuters Life!) - Clocks spring ahead and fall back when adjusting in and out of daylight saving time. A study published on Wednesday finds that heart attack rates do the same.
The research, based on heart attacks in Sweden, concluded that the chance of a heart attack goes up during the first three weekdays after the springtime shift to daylight saving time, possibly because of sleep deprivation.
But on the autumn Monday after clocks go back and people can get an extra hour of shuteye, the heart attack risk declines.
"Our data suggest that vulnerable people might benefit from avoiding sudden changes in their biologic rhythms," said Drs. Imre Janszky of the Karolinska Institute and Rickard Ljung of the National Board of Health and Welfare, both in Stockholm.
In a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine, they said the culprit may be the one hour of sleep lost in the spring, when the clocks are shifted ahead.
"The earlier wake-up times on the first workday of the week and the consequent minor sleep deprivation can be hypothesized to have an adverse cardiovascular effect on some people. This effect would be less pronounced with the transition out of daylight saving time, since it allows for additional sleep," they wrote.
The protective effect in the fall may last for just one day because, "Monday is the day when most of us will use this extra hour," Janszky said by e-mail.
During the shift to daylight saving time, women seemed more vulnerable to heart attacks than men. Men were more likely to be protected during the Monday in the autumn, the researchers said. Continued...


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- Personal Protection
- Distinguished Alumni
- Faux Walls
- Cinco de Mayo
- Tin Man
- Retirees
- Retirees
- CNA Class
- Natatorium
- Commencement
- Student of the Year
- Student of the Year
- Career
Scholarship Gala
CONTACT: Myrna Whitehead
(806) 716-2212
Spring 2013
SPC Scholarship Gala yields record community support
LEVELLAND – Community leaders, former students, faculty, staff and friends of South Plains College turned out last Saturday to recognize the importance of scholarships for future SPC students and raised more than $180,000 for that cause at the 15th Annual Scholarship Gala.
More than 500 people attended the evening that was highlighted by a stellar country music performance by the faculty and students of the Creative Arts Department. The scholarship gala was hosted by City Bank and the South Plains College Foundation. Great Western Dining served as underwriting partner for the event.
"The turnout and support from the community for South Plains College was just tremendous," said Dr. Kelvin Sharp, president of South Plains College. "The success of the gala highlights the overwhelming generosity of this community, our friends and our alumni and the support they have for South Plains College. We are so very appreciative of everyone who helped make the gala a record-breaking success."
During his opening remarks, Dr. Sharp spoke about the continued growth of the college, focusing on the event's theme "Picture the Opportunities."
"There is great energy in this room tonight," Dr. Sharp said. "We are here to do great things for helping SPC students achieve their dreams."
Sharp provided the audience a progress report of major college accomplishments. "Last year we opened the Center for Allied Health Education in Gentry Square and Nathan Tubb Hall, the first student residence hall built in 30 years," Dr. Sharp said. "This year we will renovate 20,000 square feet of space in Gentry Square for a new cosmetology school." To meet the demand for on-campus student housing, the College Board of Regents has approved the construction of a second residence hall for young men that will be built next to Tubb Hall.
Dr. Sharp also announced to the recent purchase of 134 acres of land south east of the college off A&M Lane that will become the future home for the College Farm. This move will enable the College to use the eastern edge of the campus for future growth.
"Our main goal is to offer more opportunities for students to attend South Plains College," Dr. Sharp said. "Your support does make a difference for SPC students and we are glad you share our vision to improve each student's life."
Participants were served a four-course gourmet meal and had the opportunity to participate in a live and silent auction that featured unique items donated by local businesses and friends of the Foundation. The menu was prepared by executive chef Mike Rodreick and the staff of Great Western Dining, Inc.
One highlight of the evening was the sharing of SPC student testimonials by Oyuki Perez of Morton, Ashlen Albus of Whitharral and Jordan Bowler of Lubbock.
Dinner music featured the 16-member South Plains Big Band and Dance Orchestra, composed of faculty and students of the Fine Arts Department at SPC. The group performed the popular big band music of the 1940s and 1950s and was directed by Jon Johnson, professor of music.
Opening with an act from the "Blues Brothers," faculty and students of the commercial music program provided stellar entertainment that was high energy with a comedic twist. Commercial music student Karleigh Porterfield of Levelland wowed the audience with her rendition of "Chain of Fools." Kurt Weldon of Jacksboro performed an original ballad he wrote, "I Can't Fix You." The show ended with a rousing performance of "Mama Don't Allow" that featured all musicians on the stage.
The evening included the introduction of the 2013 recipients of the SPC Foundation's Pacesetter Awards, which recognizes exemplary philanthropy and support of the Foundation. Honorees included Pat and Annette Sykora of Ransom Canyon, the Paul and Verna Musslewhite Family of Levelland, the Spencer and Irene Ellis Family of Levelland and United Supermarkets.
The Sykoras are owners of Smith-South Plains Ford, Lincoln and Dodge and were recognized for their contributions to the college's initiative to raise impact scholarships through their sponsorship of the Scholarship gala and support of its fundraising auctions. Additionally, they have supported the automotive technology program as advisory committee members and as employers of SPC graduates.
The Paul and Verna Musslewhite Family were recognized for their support of the College through the establishment of the Paul and Verna Musslewhite Scholarship Endowment. The late Paul Musslewhite was recognized for the instrumental role he played in the 1970s to establish the South Plains Chapter American Petroleum Institute Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships for students in technical education programs. Representing the family during the award presentation were daughters, Jan Whitley and Nancy Joplin of Levelland.
Family members of the late Spencer and Irene Ellis were recognized for establishing two endowed scholarship programs. In 2004, Richard Ellis established the Spencer and Irene Ellis Memorial Scholarship Endowment to honor his grandparents who served the Levelland community for more than 40 years as owners of Ellis Pharmacy. Son Neal Ellis took over the business and operated Neal Ellis Pharmacy and Gift Shop for 18 years before moving to the Dallas area where he continued to work as a pharmacist until his unexpected death in 2006.
Carolyn Ellis, Neal's widow, along with his children, established the Neal and Carolyn Ellis Scholarship Endowment to assist students majoring in pre-pharmacy. The Ellis family members have continued to support both scholarship funds. Representing the Ellis family during the award presentation were Richard and Carrie Ellis of Levelland.
United Supermarkets was recognized for a $150,000 corporate grant the company provided to equip the Nursing Skills Lab in the new Center for Allied Health Education. The funds were used to equip the 14-room training suite that is set-up like hospital patient rooms. Accepting the award were Eddie Owens, director of communications, and Jim Mara, manager of the Levelland United Supermarket store.
Fifty-two businesses and individuals joined the SPC Foundation as contributing sponsors for the event. An additional 68 individuals joined the Foundation as gala benefactors for the evening.
"We thank all our sponsors and attendees for their continued support of this event," said Julie Gerstenberger, director of development. "I am thrilled that the event was such a great success. The community's support is what allows South Plains College to continue to provide opportunities for the young people of our region to obtain a college education."
For the 15th consecutive year, City Bank served as corporate host. Great Western Dining served as this year's underwriting partner.
Diamond-level contributors included Benchmark Business Solutions, Eagle Rubber & Supply, Hockley County School Employees Credit Union, K-Bar Texas Electric, Lattimore Farms, Smith-South Plains, South Plains Community Action Association, Success Lake SEO with George & Iris Keeling and KLVT Radio, G&C Contracting with Ag Products, Inc., Worley Welding Works, Inc., Xcel Energy, and ZM Interiors with McCutchin Construction.
Platinum-level contributors included AIMBank, Prosperity Bank, Ameriprise Financial-Mike Mamantov, BGR Architects-Engineers, Mike Box, Brock's Carpet and CleanCo., Coldwell Banker-Paxton Real Estate, Covenant Hospital Levelland, Earl and June Gerstenberger, Levelland and Hockley County News-Press, Lou Dee's Floral & Gifts with Your Shop, Thunder on the Plains, Wade and Lori Wilson, Drs. Weerachai and Suvipa Wiri, Amazing Space Storage Solutions, Ray and Donna West, Larry and Helen Roberts, Plains Motor Supply, and Phi Beta Kappa Association of West Texas and Eastern New Mexico.
Gold-level contributors included Stueart's Pit Stop, Dunn Crop Insurance, Chris and Susan Roberts, Levelland ISD, Bobby and Ann Capps, Tommy Parkinson, Ag Texas Farm Credit Services, Farmers Co-op Elevator Association, Dr. George Payne and Dr. Amanda Neal, Treanor Architects, A&H Supply and Macha Insurance Company.
Seventy-one businesses and individuals served as sponsors and provided 58 unique and finely crafted items that were offered in the live and silent auctions, which netted $90,500.
"We are so grateful to all our volunteers and sponsors who made this year's gala a record-setting event," said Gerstenberger. "As the college continues to grow, it's great to know that our friends in the community want to help the college accomplish its educational mission."