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Top Items:
Nik Fletcher / The Unofficial Apple Weblog:
Apple: "we plan to have an iPhone SDK in developers' hands in February" — That's right folks. You read it correctly. Cats & dogs are living together, and in other news Steve Jobs has, via Apple's 'Hot News' page, announced that Apple will, FINALLY, support third-party development of native applications for the iPhone.
Chris Gilmer / Download Squad: iPhone and iPod Touch SDK coming in February
Michael / michael parekh on IT: ON APPLE GIVETH IN...FINALLY
Kristen Nicole / Mashable!: Steve Jobs' Change of Heart: iPhone SDK on its Way!
Philip Elmer-DeWitt / FORTUNE: Apple 2.0: Steve Jobs: Apple Will Open iPhone to 3rd Party Apps in February
Leo Blanco / 901am: iPhone will open to third-party developers this Feb 08
Robert Scoble / Scobleizer: iPhone SDK is coming...
Paul Miller / Engadget:
Apple planning iPhone SDK for February! — Well, would you look at that. Apple apparently wants third party applications on the iPhone and iPod touch just like every other sane individual on the planet. The company just announced on its Hot News feed (and we'd say this certainly qualifies as such) …
Discussion: last100, Digital Daily, Gadgetell, John Carroll, Valleywag, TeleRead and Digg
Daniel Langendorf / last100: Apple to open iPhone to third-party developers. Why did it take so long?
John Paczkowski / Digital Daily: So Who's Working on Skype for iPhone? Anyone?
Indraneel Purohit / Gadgetell: Apple to release iPhone and iPod touch SDK
Bryan Gardiner / Epicenter: Developers Rejoice! Apple to Release SDK in February
Tom Krazit / Webware.com:
Discussion: Tech Check with Jim Goldman and TechSpot News
Justin Mann / TechSpot News: Apple says iPhone SDK due in February
Thomas Ricker / Engadget:
Nokia's N810 makes first appearance, drops jaws — We're still waiting for the press release, but that's Nokia N810 Internet Tablet in the fo' realz. Yeah, sexy is an understatement. We peeped this model in a spyshot back in July and appears to be the same lovely recently revealed by the FCC.
Discussion: Scripting News and Digg
Dave Winer / Scripting News: Nokia N810?
Stay in touch and on the right track with the new pocket-sized …
Stay in touch and on the right track with the new pocket-sized …
Discussion: Wi-Fi Networking News, dailywireless.org, Gizmodo and The Mobile Gadgeteer
Glenn Fleishman / Wi-Fi Networking News: Boingo for Nokia and the State of Boingo
Charlie White / Gizmodo: Portable Media: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet Officially Announced
Ryan Block / Engadget: Nokia N810 gets official
Reggie / Internet Tablet Talk:
The Nokia N810 Internet Tablet
The Nokia N810 Internet Tablet
Discussion: jkOnTheRun, Gizmodo, TeleRead, Mobility Site and GottaBeMobile.com
Kevin C. Tofel / jkOnTheRun: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet with QWERTY is peeped!
John Overleaf / Mobility Site: Nokia N810 Internet Tablet - Looks like an HTC
Warner Crocker / GottaBeMobile.com: Nokia N810 Shows Its Face (and Keyboard)
Philipp Lenssen / Google Blogoscoped:
Google Docs Mobile Released — Google Docs Mobile went live now, after traces of it were spotted a month ago. It's a minimalist reformatting of the "Google Office suite" for cellphone display. What you will see is a search box as well as recent documents - word processing, spreadsheets, or presentations - below it.
Josh Lowensohn / Webware.com: GOOGLE DOCS GOES MOBILE
Marshall Kirkpatrick / Read/WriteWeb: Telephony News Abounds: iPhone SDK, Google Docs Mobile, Skype on MySpace
Chris Gilmer / Download Squad: Google Docs Mobile goes live
Ionut Alex Chitu / Google Operating System: Mobile Google Docs
Nathan Weinberg / InsideGoogle: Google Docs Gets Mobile Document Viewer
Loren Baker / Search Engine Journal: Google Docs Mobile Launched
Adam / A Media Circus: Google: Everywhere you want to be! — Google forges forward with their goal of ubiquity.
Scott Gilbertson / Compiler: New Mobile Site Puts Google Docs On Your IPhone
Ashley / CyberNet: Google Docs is Now Mobile
Kevin C. Tofel / jkOnTheRun: Google Docs is one step closer to mobility
Gina Trapani / Lifehacker: Release: Google Docs Mobile Now Available
Adam Ostrow / Mashable!: Google Docs Introduces Mobile Version
Greg Sterling / localmobilesearch.net: Google Docs to Go — Microsoft Office is mobile; now too are Google Docs.
Warner Crocker / GottaBeMobile.com: Google Docs Goes Mobile
Zach Lloyd / Official Google Docs Blog:
Docs on the go — I track a lot of work related tasks …
Docs on the go — I track a lot of work related tasks …
Discussion: WebProNews and rexblog.com
Doug Caverly / WebProNews: Google Docs Goes (Sort Of) Mobile
Rex Hammock / rexblog.com: Is that a spread sheet in your pocket?
Greg Sterling / Search Engine Land: Google Docs Now Mobile
New York Times:
Silicon Valley Start-Ups Awash in Dollars, Again — Silicon Valley's math is getting fuzzy again. — Internet companies with funny names, little revenue and few customers are commanding high prices. And investors, having seemingly forgotten the pain of the first dot-com bust …
Ashkan Karbasfrooshan / HipMojo.com: My Bubble's Bigger Than Yours
Mark Hendrickson / TechCrunch: If Only Users Were Gold: Skype Hits 10M Simultaneous Users Mark
Paul Glazowski / Profy.Com: Tech Bubble #2: To Burst, Or Not To Burst?
Donna Bogatin / Insider Chatter: Startups: Who Needs Business Plans? Draper Fisher Jurvetson, Mayfield, Sequoia...
Sebastien Provencher / The Praized Blog: We're Not in a Dotcom Bubble Yet...
John Blossom / ContentBlogger: Evaluating Bubble Talk: What's Real and What Isn't?
Richard MacManus / Read/WriteWeb:
Microsoft Partners with Atlassian & NewsGator - SharePoint Goes Web 2.0 — Today Microsoft is announcing two strategic partnerships, with enterprise software company Atlassian and RSS solutions vendor NewsGator. The partnerships link togther Microsoft's SharePoint product …
Discussion: elliptical, eWEEK.com, Irregular Enterprise, Radiowalker, Between the Lines, Scobleizer and Atlassian News
Darryl K. Taft / eWEEK.com: Atlassian, Microsoft Make Web 2.0 Connection
Dennis Howlett / Irregular Enterprise: Microsoft does the Atlassian pogo dance
Dan Farber / Between the Lines: Atlassian, NewsGator hook into SharePoint
Robert Scoble / Scobleizer: Microsoft goes Web 2.0 with Sharepoint
AMAZON ONE-CLICK PATENT REJECTED BY THE US PATENT OFFICE AS A RESULT OF MY REQUEST — In a recent office action, the USPTO has rejected the claims of the Amazon.com one-click patent following the re-examination request that I filed on 16 February 2006. — My review resulted in the broadest claims of the patent being ruled invalid.
Rafe Colburn / rc3.org: Amazon.com one-click patent rejected
Brad Linder / Download Squad:
US Patent Office rejects Amazon one-click patent
US Patent Office rejects Amazon one-click patent
Discussion: Ars Technica
Jacqui Cheng / Ars Technica: Amazon's 1-Click patent picked apart by US Patent Office
Jason Roth / Apple:
iTunes Plus Now Offers Over Two Million Tracks at Just 99 Cents — DRM-Free Tracks with Higher Quality 256 kbps AAC Encoding — Apple® today announced that it has expanded its iTunes® Plus offering to over two million tracks and lowered the price of all iTunes Plus tracks to just 99 cents.
Brad Linder / Download Squad: Apple:Over 2 million DRM-free tracks now on iTunes
Dan Frommer / Silicon Alley Insider: Amazon MP3's Buzz-Building Plan: Pay Affiliates 4X What Apple Does
Jacqui Cheng / Infinite Loop: Apple's DRM-free catalog now the "largest in the world"
Philip Elmer-DeWitt / FORTUNE: Apple 2.0: The Hole In Apple's iTunes Price Cut
Nick Mokey / Digital Trends: Apple Slices Prices on DRM-Free Tunes
Dan Moren / MacUser: Putting the 'DRM' in 'drama': iTunes Plus drops to $0.99, but upgrades will cost you
Dennis Sellers / Macsimum News: iTunes Plus now offers over two million tracks at 99 cents
Oly Villegas / 901am: iTunes Plus now offers 2 million tracks for just 99 cents
Wilson Rothman / Gizmodo: Apple: iTunes Plus Tracks Really Officially 99 Cents Each
Thomas Ricker / Engadget: Apple lowering DRM-free tracks to $0.99 — embracing Indies?
Rob Mead / Tech.co.uk: Apple cuts cost of DRM-free music
Steve Laser / Mobility Site: Apple Offers DRM Free Tracks for $.99
Daniel Lyons / Forbes:
Hassle-Free PC — Personal computers were supposed to make our lives easier. Instead, these beasts have turned us all into part-time IT administrators, our lives given over to downloading upgrades, installing patches and updates and drivers and antispyware, decrypting error messages and screaming at stalled applications.
Discussion: mathewingram.com/work, InfoWorld and Zoli's Blog
Zack Urlocker / InfoWorld: Zonbu: Hassle Free Linux Box?
Zoli Erdos / Zoli's Blog: Zonbu, a $99 Green PC that will Cost You $249
Vince Veneziani / CrunchGear:
How to get Mac OS X Leopard for as low as $40 — Last night, I remembered something that you will no doubt thank me for later. When Mac OS X Tiger came out a few years ago, I was ready to buy it. I had my $130 in hand and was waiting in line. But as I approached the cash register …
Discussion: GigaOM, Tom Raftery's Social Media and Valleywag
Om Malik / GigaOM: Mac OS X Leopard: Your Favorite Feature Poll
Tom Raftery / Tom Raftery's Social Media: Is Mac OS X Leopard's Mail App Junk?
Peter Svensson / Associated Press:
Sprint to introduce touch-screen phone — NEW YORK - It's official: touch screens are the big new thing in cell phones this holiday season. — Sprint Nextel Corp. announced Wednesday it is jumping on the bandwagon with the Touch by HTC. Like Apple Inc.'s iPhone, this smart phone …
Discussion: ExtremeTech
Joel Durham Jr / ExtremeTech: Sprint to Introduce Touchscreen Phone
First High Speed Wireless Device to Offer Full, Intuitive Touch …
First High Speed Wireless Device to Offer Full, Intuitive Touch …
Discussion: dailywireless.org, The Mobile Gadgeteer, I4U News, Podcasting News, Digital Trends, Mobile Technology News and Phone Scoop
Matthew Miller / The Mobile Gadgeteer: Sprint announces the Touch by HTC
Luigi Lugmayr / I4U News: Sprint announces HTC Touch
Geoff Duncan / Digital Trends: Sprint to Offer HTC Touch on November 4
Joanna Stern / Mobile Technology News: Hands on with Sprint's HTC Touch
Craig Rubens / NewTeeVee:
Next New Networks Ponies Up for its Crush on Obama Girl — Next New Networks has acquired BarelyPolitical.com for an undisclosed sum, adding the creator of viral video phenomenon Obama Girl to its growing array of niche channels. BarelyPolitical, founded in June by Ben Relles …
Discussion: VentureBeat, paidContent.org, Beet.TV, TechCrunch and Silicon Alley Insider
Matt Marshall / VentureBeat: Next New Networks enters politics, buys BarelyPolitical
Andy Plesser / Beet.TV: Next New Networks Acquires BarelyPolitical.com as Online Video Network Expands
Duncan Riley / TechCrunch: Next New Networks Acquires BarelyPolitical.com
Alex Woodson / Hollywood Reporter:
Obama Girl's latest crush: Scannell's startup
Obama Girl's latest crush: Scannell's startup
Discussion: Fast Company Now and Howard Lindzon
Michael Arrington / TechCrunch:
Private BuyOut Of Ancestry.com For $300+ Million — Spectrum Equity Investors has led a $300 million investment to acquire a majority interest in Provo Utah-based The Generations Network (the parent company of Ancestry.com, MyFamily.com and other sites) according to a source with knowledge of the deal.
Discussion: Andy Beal's Marketing Pilgrim, VentureBeat, alarm:clock, WebProNews and paidContent.org
Matt Marshall / VentureBeat: Ancestry.com launches DNA testing, gets $300M investment
Doug Caverly / WebProNews: Ancestry.com Sells For $300 Million
Bryan Gardiner / Wired News:
Astrophysicist Replaces Supercomputer with a Cluster of Eight PlayStation 3s — Suffering from its exorbitant price point and a dearth of titles, Sony's PlayStation 3 isn't exactly the most popular gaming platform on the block. But while the console flounders in the commercial space …
Associated Press:
Best Buy ends sales of analog TVs — Best Buy ends sales of analog TVs — MINNEAPOLIS - The nation's largest consumer electronics chain says it has pulled all analog televisions off store shelves. Flat panel and high-definition screens have taken their place. — Jobs: iPhone SDK coming in February
Discussion: TECH.BLORGE.com
Jonathan Schlaffer / TECH.BLORGE.com: Best Buy to stop selling analog TVs


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American Honda Thanks Justin Brayton
September 19, 2012 10:55am
Torrance, CA: American Honda would like to extend our thanks to all of our 2012 Team Honda Muscle Milk motocross team members and sponsors. It has been a great year and we look forward to 2013.
In particular we would like to thank Justin Brayton for his efforts in 2012. It was a difficult season for a number of teams this year due to injuries, but Brayton put in a strong effort all year long despite riding a number of races with an injury that would have sidelined some riders.
"Justin rode his heart out this season," said Honda Team Muscle Milk Manager Erik Kehoe. "Despite a lot of challenges this year, he really stepped it up and the team really appreciated his efforts. We wish him all the best as he moves on to the JGR team in 2013.

subset: commoncrawl


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Killara High School
This exploration was inspired by the work of Yves Klein. Here I attempted to re-imagine the famous photograph Le saut dans le vide, as well as Klein's work with the colour International Klein Blue (IKB) in the form of a video incorporating Parkour. A series of photographs expands on the theme, with a suit as a linking element. An imprint of the suit in IKB completes the series. Parkour, a philosophy involving overcoming obstacles of any kind, allowed me to recapture the iconic shot without subsequent manipulation of the image.
Note: As a result of copyright problems, this work has been modified by replacing the soundtrack.
Why might artists choose to use time-based media to express themselves? What does this type of art-making offer the artist and the viewer? Research an artist who uses this media and compare their work to that of Shaun Gladwell and Samuel Margalit.
Research performance art with reference to Gladwell's and Margalit's works. Evaluate the significance of this art style. Create a timeline focusing on key artworks and artists from the 20th century that have redefined the meaning of art.
Consider the influence of urban environments on artists. Create a visual diary based on this theme with examples of a variety of artists and art styles.


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bpclarke Bio
I have been doing fractal art since January of 2005. I got hooked when I started using Apophysis to create backgrounds for some of my Photoshop watercolors. Now, I work in other programs as well. Incendia, Fractal Explorer and Groboto. Anything that will allow me to make an image that hopefully will something in your heart or soul go "twang". Eye candy for the soul is my goal. :o)
My main hobbies are photography since I was eight years old (I've got grandchildren now) and art since around the same age. I did some work as a commercial artist for a few years, but found the work unsatisfying due to the creativity restraints.
You can see some of my photography and other art at: http://bunnyclarke.my-fractals.com
Life is to be lived grandly, and that's how I live. I love being around people and out around nature.


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Old Penang Guesthouse is a heritage guesthouse that combines the charm of Penang's yesteryears with modern amenities. Conveniently located in the heart of Georgetown, a UNESCO world heritage site, the guesthouse is a stone's throw from Penang's major historical landmarks and tourist attractions. Old Penang Guesthouse offers amazing value for travelers who seeking for comfortable and unforgettable heritage stay on budget.
Old Penang Guesthouse is a beautifully restored pre-war building in the historic city of Penang, Malaysia. The building is believed to have been constructed more than 80 years ago. It is especially important as an example of a very early shophouse prototype. From the original mosaic-tiled flooring, intricate artwork, inner courtyard and to wooden shuttered windows, every aspect echoes the history of the region.
As a respect of its original design and history, we have retained much of the building's old world charm during the conversion. The design integrates old with new, modern with historic, ensuring that the total experience is one that is authentic, honouring the past while bringing every modern convenience to bear.
All our rooms are air-conditioned, spacious, clean and thoughtfully furnished with modern day amenities. The room is fitted with authentic antique lamps, mirror and decorated with picture by renowned local artist.
The ground floor is a spacious lounge area with central courtyards which sunlight is come into. Most of the guesthouse utilize the floor area by maximizing the number of rooms, however we keep the ground floor with inner courtyards as space for guests to relax and interact. Moreover, it is also one of the way to retain its original design and purpose. You can watch movie, surf internet, drive into book or enjoy tea break here.
Old Penang Guesthouse features include:
-Free Towels, Linens and Duvets
-Free Breakfast
-Free Coffee and Tea, all day
-Free Powerful Hot Water Shower
-Free WiFi and Internet access
-Free Lockers for Dormitory (Bring your own lock pad)
-Free Maps and Tourism information
-Free Satellite LCD TV and films
-Free CD/DVD Burning Facilities
-No curfew, 24-hour reception
-Near 7-Eleven store
Check In time: 2.00pm
Check Out time: 12.00pm
*Our guesthouse is in a heritage building which is over 100 years old. The wooden floor and thin wall may not be sound proof. For light sleeper, please take note.
*Some of our rooms does not have a window.
*Our quiet hour starts from 11pm.
*Please take note that we are a backpacker's hostel. Our place might not be suitable for those who is not used to backpacking experience. Most of the facilities in the guesthouse are on a sharing basis. Our place also not suitable for travelers below 12 years old and above 65 years old as we do not provide child care and elderly care facilities in the guesthouse.
*** Announcement ***
The 80's Guesthouse by Old Penang Guesthouse is now open at 46, Love Lane.
Min rate:
Max rate:
14986 Hostels in Penang (Malaysia)
starting from €
Our team is your service to help you with your booking issues or answer any related questions


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Dancing With The Stars Nominated For Seven 2014 Emmy Awards
We're waiting for Emmy.com to update with a full list of their nominations, but, for now, we know that Dancing With The Stars has been nominated for "Outstanding Reality Competition". WOO HOO! We'll update this post if there are more nominations. Stay tuned.
Derek Hough has been nominated for "Outstanding Choreography" for three routines: Human, Macy's Stars Of Dance Paso/Flamenco Ameksa, and Too Darn Hot. More info on the routines at Pure Derek Hough.
Tom Bergeron for "Outstanding Host For A Reality Or Reality-Competition Program"
Also, Dancing With The Stars has been nominated for "Outstanding Hairstyling For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special", "Outstanding Lighting Design", "Outstanding Makeup For A Multi-Camera Series Or Special (Non-Prosthetic)", and "Outstanding Technical Direction, Camerawork, Video Control For A Series"
For a complete list of the nominations, see Emmy.com here, here, and here. The winners will be announced on Monday, Aug. 25, during a ceremony at the Nokia Theatre LIVE in Los Angeles, California. The show will be broadcast live on NBC at 8 p.m. ET/ 5 p.m. PT.
Wow! So fantastic and so deserving for all who are nominated!!! Let us know what you think in comments!!!


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|I am Malebolgia, Lord of hell! I am darkness and spite and hatred and deceit! I am unholy wrath! Look at me! Look at me and despair! I am the black heart of the universe!
The Demon Malebolgia was one of the most powerful rulers of Hell, and reigned unchallenged in the 8th circle of Hell for 70,000 years. He struck a deal with Albert Simmons to make him the newest Hellspawn. He was only one of Hell's many rulers forming an army in its forthcoming Armageddon war against Heaven and God.
Malebolgia was responsible for the creation of the newest Hellspawn, Al Simmons. Malebolgia was respected and feared as the most powerful of the rulers, and thus the de-facto grand master of Hell. His powers include energy projection, matter manipulation, enormous physical strength, recuperative abilities, and abilities to morph and induce hallucinations. His standing in Hell's hierarchy gives him nigh-unlimited power while in the 8th Sphere. His mastery of Necroplasm gives him the exclusive ability to create Hellspawn and during his rule, he created an army larger than anything Heaven could handle.
Powers and Stats
Tier: 3-A
Name: Malebolgia
Origin: Image Comics
Age: Unknown
Gender: Male
Classification: Demon, Lord of Hell
Powers and Abilities: Superhuman Physical Characteristics, Flight, Regeneration (Low-Godly; even after he was killed in his own realm, he returned albeit much weaker; Hellspawns are able to return even if their physical form and disembodied soul is ripped out, taken to hell, and completely disassembled), Life-Force Absorption, Intangibility/Phasing, Fire Manipulation (can manipulate conjure and even set souls on fire), Light Manipulation, Animal Manipulation, Power Nullification (can depower and repower demons), Soul Manipulation, Shapeshifting, Size Alteration, Time Manipulation, Hallucinations, Technopathy, Telepathy (multiverse range), Telekinesis, Psychometry, Materialization, Life and Death Manipulation, Transmutation, Precognition, Clairvoyance, BFR, Teleportation, Evil Manipulation (can use and manipulate the corrupted hearts and sins of others to either materialize creatures corresponding to the level and nature of their evil to kill them, bestow it on someone else, or use it to fuel his own energy), Summoning, Reality Warping, Energy Manipulation, Spatial Manipulation, Mind Manipulation, Magic, Immortality, and others.
Attack Potency: Universe level (Holds absolute control over the 8th Circle of Hell, which is universal in size)
Speed: Unknown, likely MFTL+ (Hell Kings are superior to any other being in existence besides gods), Nigh-Omnipresent within his realm (The 8th Sphere of Hell is an extension of himself)
Lifting Strength: Unknown
Striking Strength: Universal Class
Durability: Universe level. Regeneration makes him difficult to put down.
Stamina: Infinite
Range: Universal
Standard Equipment: None
Intelligence: High
Weaknesses: Weapons forged in Heaven
Notable Victories:
Notable Losses:
Inconclusive Matches:


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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Bighead carp DNA has been discovered in eastern Ohio's Muskingum River, raising concerns the invasive fish might have found a new route to Lake Erie.
A report released Friday indicated the genetic material was found in 10 of 222 water samples taken from the river last fall, various news outlets reported.
Researchers found the DNA 80 miles upstream of the river's mouth at Marietta, along the Ohio River. No fish have been found.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service plans to conduct additional tests in the Muskingum River in June.
Invasive carp pose a threat to local ecosystems and to Lake Erie's $1 billion-a-year fishing industry and $10 billion-a-year tourism industry.
Authorities worry that fish living in rivers could reach the lake, especially during flooding.
Copyright 2014 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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No incidents reported
We are aware of an issue with the bulk import and export results list where customers will receive an error message upon initiating a bulk import or export. Please be aware that the imports and exports ARE running, however the results will not show up in your dashboard. You WILL receive an email to your primary account email address with a link to the results file once it is complete. We have determined the cause of the error but will not be able to push the fix until approximately 12:00GMT Jan 3rd.


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Works of Art - Width - 31,50 cm
We supplement our virtual gallery with new works by well-known and lesser-known Czech artists, mostly the artist of the 20th and 21st centuries. We chose authors who are artistically close to us. We have organized authorial or group exhibitions with many in the past. We focus mainly on smaller works on paper, such as drawings, graphic prints, collages, pastels or photographs. Most of the works are directly available in our stone shop. Sometimes we also present larger works, such as oil on canvases, sculptures or objects. For some works, we do not state prices for obvious reasons. You can write your questions about art to us on following emails: firstname.lastname@example.com. or firstname.lastname@example.com
Zdeněk Burian - Taje Amazonských prales, black and white illustration
For price information please contact us
0 Kč


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In yet another example of the extent to which California's public officials have lost touch with reality, the state legislature has passed a law that prevents public schools from laying off any teachers during the 2011-1012 school year.
On the surface this is a noble act. After all, California has the highest student-teacher ratio in the nation; why would anyone want to see it grow?
The problem, of course, is that the state has once again failed to fund public education anywhere near its needs.
This year's allocation looks to be down about 10 percent from last year's woeful number. The $3 billion owed to public education from years past, well that will have to wait.
U.S. & World
News from around the country and around the globe
It's in this context that schools must balance their budgets--budgets that spend more on teachers' salaries than any other category.
If teacher layoffs are eliminated, that means making draconian cuts in other areas of administration and support, or worse yet, borrowing money school districts have no way to pay back.
Beyond the legislation is the larger issue of the difficulty associated with school district ability to raise funds to overcome the state shortfall.
Under current law, it takes a two-thirds vote in a school district election that would use funds to pay for instruction. Oddly enough, it takes only a 55 percent vote to pass a proposition that would build the classrooms where teachers work.
How strange that we're building all these schools without enough money to adequately staff them!
The answer to this quagmire lies with changing state law to at least allow local voters the right to fund schools through ballot propositions that would pass with reasonable thresholds.
A majority vote would be terrific--after all, it was good enough for Proposition 13 in 1978, the ballot proposition that set up the two-thirds requirement.
But that was in a time when the state was flush with a budget surplus to make up for local district shortfalls, which is hardly the condition today.
Clearly the legislature has the right to make state law on public education conditions and requirements.
But if the state is going to set rules regarding teacher layoffs, districts should at least be allowed to propose local comprehensive solutions that will pass under reasonable circumstances.
After all, while preserving teachers may be laudable, others will have to go. What good will it do if the school can't pay for basics such as electricity or have on-staff plumbers or janitors?
There is no magic wand that will wave away California's financial shortfall.
Legislators should consider another avocation before the public figures out the extent that they have been duped by a clumsy sleight of hand trick


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NASA / JPL-Caltech / Ken Kremer / Marco Di Lorenzo
A photographic mosaic shows the Curiosity rover's surroundings at a Martian location known as Yellowknife Bay. This view has been assembled from black-and-white images captured by the rover's navigation camera on Sol 132 (Dec. 19). Gaps in imagery of the Martian sky have been filled in, and the whole scene has been colorized. Click here or on the image to see the complete 360-degree panorama.
The cameras on NASA's Curiosity rover have been clicking away over the holidays — gathering enough pictures for a 360-degree panorama of its rocky surroundings at Yellowknife Bay, plus a close-up view showing a "Martian flower" seemingly sprouting from the surface.
The panorama was assembled from pictures snapped by the rover's navigation camera system on the 132nd Martian day of Curiosity's mission on the Red Planet, also known as Sol 132 or Dec. 19.
In this case, the folks doing the assembling are Ken Kremer, a New Jersey-based journalist, research chemist and photographer; and Marco Di Lorenzo, a physicist who's a high-school educator and photographer in Italy. They stitched together the black-and-white images, filled in the gaps in the Martian sky and colorized the scene to reflect what an observer on Mars might see.
We've featured the efforts of Kremer and Di Lorenzo several times before: They're part of an active online community that makes use of the raw images provided by Curiosity and other Mars probes, and then shares them via websites such as UnmannedSpaceflight.com. Even now, the folks at UnmannedSpaceflight are posting plenty of amazing pictures from Yellowknife Bay, including a must-see, zoomable GigaPan version.
Another picture from Sol 132 has stirred up some buzz at the Above Top Secret discussion forum. The picture focuses in on a bright, crumpled object that's sitting on a Martian outcrop, as seen by the rover's Mars Hand Lens Imager, or MAHLI. The translucent shape is reminiscent of a flower's pistils, which led one of the forum's members to call it a "Martian flower."
NASA / JPL-Caltech / MSSS
An anomalous bit of bright material can be seen left of center in this view captured by Curiosity's Mars Hand Lens Imager on Sol 132 of the mission (Dec. 19).
Update for 8:30 p.m. ET: I initially suspected that the flower was a tiny shred of plastic from the rover itself. Such a shred popped up in October. At that time, experts at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory surmised that the plastic may have been a bit of wrapping that was knocked loose from the Mars Science Laboratory's descent stage during the spacecraft's August landing. The plastic was thought to have fallen on top of the rover, and then dropped to the ground weeks later.
That's what led me to go with the plastic-scrap hypothesis. However, some of the folks commenting on the pictures noted that the object seemed to be embedded in the rock — which would argue against my hypothesis. So I put in an inquiry with Guy Webster, who serves as JPL's main spokesman for NASA's Mars missions.
A couple of hours later, Webster emailed me the verdict: "That appears to be part of the rock, not debris from the spacecraft."
Mystery solved? It's certainly an intriguing bit of mineral that stands out prominently in the MAHLI picture. If I find out anything more, I'll be sure to pass it along. And if it turns out that flowers are really sprouting up on Mars, you'll know it's time to cue up the "X-Files" theme. Either way, the truth is out there.
The Curiosity rover has released more images of Mars, including a self-portrait created with more than 50 images. NBC's Kate Snow has more.
More pictures from Kremer and Di Lorenzo:
- Scenes from Mars' 'Promised Land'
- Rover checks out its belly on Mars
- Curiosity adds color to Martian peak
- Mars rover points to its destination
- Still more from KenKremer.com
More about Martian anomalies:
- Opportunity's rover rotini
- Spirit's 'Mermaid on Mars'
- Opportunity's bunny ears
- Phoenix's Martian spring
Alan Boyle is NBCNews.com's science editor. Connect with the Cosmic Log community by "liking" the log's Facebook page, following @b0yle on Twitter and adding the Cosmic Log page to your Google+ presence. To keep up with Cosmic Log as well as NBCNews.com's other stories about science and space, sign up for the Tech & Science newsletter, delivered to your email in-box. You can also check out "The Case for Pluto," my book about the dwarf planet and the search for new worlds.
Trace the Curiosity rover's journey to Mars and see the pictures that the six-wheeled robot has sent back from the Red Planet.


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The OSCE photo contest aims to raise awareness about sustainable energy and transport. Will you take part? The deadline for submission of entries is 31 July 2011 and the top prize a trip to Prague and photo equipment.An OSCE photo contest invites photographers, the importance of development of sustainable energy and transport.
On the occasion of the Concluding Meeting of the Economic and Environmental Forum, which will be held in Prague from 14 to 16 September, the OSCE and the Chairmanship are organizing a photo contest to raise awareness about the importance of sustainable energy and transport. Both professional and amateur, residing in the OSCE area including in Partner for Co-operation states, are invited to submit up to three images of their interpretation of the theme. This could involve topics such as renewable energy, innovation and new technologies, international and trans-boundary co-operation, sustainable vehicles and fuels, environmental protection, adaptation of users' behaviour and more.
An international jury will select two winners in the photo contest; the 3rd prize winner will be selected by online voting. The 1st prize winner will travel to Prague for the award ceremony on the margins of the Economic and Environmental Forum on 14-16 September 2011 and will receive a prize comprising photographic equipment; 2nd and 3rd prize winners will also be awarded photographic equipment. A selection of 12 photographs by finalists will be presented at a special exhibition at premises of the Forum in Prague.
The Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europ (OSCE) is the world's largest regional security organization. It offers a forum for political negotiations and decision-making in the fields of early warning, conflict prevention, crisis management and post-conflict rehabilitation, and puts the political will of its participating States into practice through its unique network of field missions.
For a list of UN & Partner Competition:
Connect with OSCE:
The Brussels based United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe - UNRIC provides information on UN activities to the countries of the region. It also provides liaison with institutions of the European Union in the field of information. Its outreach activities extend to all segments of society and joint campaigns, projects and events are organized with partners including the EU, governments, the media, NGOs, schools and local authorities.
United Nations Regional Information Centre for Western Europe (UNRIC Brussels)
Residence Palace, Rue de la Loi/Wetstraat 155, Block C2,7th and 8th floor, Brussels 1040, Belgium
Tel.: +32 2 788 8484 / Fax: 32 2 788 8485


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Hi there,
I am checking the latency between when I call an auditory stimulus to play and when it actually occurs - using the auditory inputs on the Cerdrus stick tracker.
I labelled my event trigger as '151' and see this trigger appear in the trigger line along the bottom of actiview when recording. I also see an event '12' appear in actiview which I assume is the stim trackers marker for actually playing the sound.
However when I try and view the events in EEGLab sometimes '151' appears sporadically and sometimes not at all. I also never see the trigger 12 and instead see either 2199 or 2048 (interestingly the difference between the two is always 151- not sure if this is relevant ?).
I was wondering how to know if the trigger i sent was actually received and recorded ? How do I ensure the triggers I send can be viewed ? And how do I know when trigger represents the stim trackers marker for auditiory input?
On a side note I also think the occurrence of the trigger seems to depend on the settings through which I present my sound. I present my sounds using psychopy which has two settings 'pygame' and 'pyo'. The latter is known to suffer less latency issues. However the trigger is always visible when using pygame and not always visible when using pyo.
Thanks in advance,


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Networking is a great way to grow your business, so we've made it simple to find a local event that speaks to your business needs by aggregating tons of great local entrepreneurial, tech, and business development events into one easy-to-use calendar.
Note: Many events are imported to StartWheel's calendar automatically. Event details are subject to change without notice to us. Please be sure to visit event organizer's website to confirm event details.
- This event has passed.
1 Million Cups Greater Williamsburg
June 12, 2019 @ 9:00 am - 10:00 am
An event every week that begins at 9:00 am on Wednesday, repeating until October 2, 2019
We meet regularly at the Launchpad Greater Williamsburg Business Incubator, but on occasion we may host at a different location.
Visit 1 Million Cups Greater Williamsburg's website to confirm details
1 Million Cups is a fantastic community to get involved with. 1MC generally hosts two pitches each week (Wednesdays at 9am), after which attendees in the audience offer their input, suggestions, and feedback. It's a great way for entrepreneurs to practice their pitches in a low-key environment and among peers. The application process is super simple and you'll probably get contacted within a day to schedule your pitch.
Based on the notion that entrepreneurs discover solutions and network over a million cups of coffee, the Kauffman Foundation developed 1 Million Cups – a free program designed to educate, engage, and connect entrepreneurs with their communities.
StartWheel's mission is to centralize and mobilize efforts that foster the growth of entrepreneurism in our regional innovation economy. We aim to support and cultivate an entrepreneurial network in HRVA where talent, resources, information and leadership come together.


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2003 CALA Scholarship Awards
(May 5, 2003)
The Scholarship Committee is pleased to announce the recipients of the C.C. Seetoo Traval Conference Scholarship and the Huang Tso-ping and Wu Yao-yu Scholarship. Ms. Dori Hsiao has been selected as the recipient of the C.C. Seetoo Conference Travel Scholarship, and Ms. Yu Su has been selected as the recipient of the Huang Tso-ping and Wu Yao-yu Scholarship. We have had very outstanding applications this year, and would like to thank all participants.
Dori Hsiao: recipient of the 2003 C.C. Seetoo/CALA Conference Travel Scholarship
With a BA in English from UC Berkeley, Ms. Hsiao is planning to receive the Masters of Library & Information Science (MLIS) from the Department of Information Studies, UCLA, this June. Her library experience included working at the Harrison Memorial Library in Carmel, California, and volunteering at San Francisco Public Library's Chinatown branch. She also worked at the Walt Disney Imagineering Information Resource Library. Currently, she is an intern at the UCLA Fowler Museum of Cultural History. Her professional focus is primarily with the metadata, thesauri, and digital resources. She is interested in developing innovative and elegant library tools, and providing efficient reference services to support public's needs for joyful learning experience.
Yu Su: recipient of the 2003 Huang Tso-ping and Wu Yao-yu Scholarship
Yu Su is currently a Master's degree candidate at the School of Library Science, University of Arizona. She received her B.A. in Economics from the University of International Business and Economics in Beijing. At the University of Arizona, Yu has worked as the Student Assistant in the East Asian Collection and as a Graduate Research Assistant. She has distinguished herself with several research projects, among them one on "Digital Library of Information Science and Technology," which has been accepted by the International Poster Session at the 2003 ALA/CLA Annual Conference.
The Scholarship Committee:
Wen-ling Liu, Co-Chair
Yu-Lan Chou, Co-Chair
Annie Lin
Yan Ma
Shixing Wen


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SUBSCRIBE for Auto Delivery. We will auto ship product(s) each year starting on a date you choose. Simply hit SUBSCRIBE in the shopping cart, then choose your delivery start date and frequency. Your credit card is charged only when your order is processed. This will be a recurring charge unless you cancel your subscription.
Micronutrient fertilizer that is ideal for most any landscape planting, including lawns, it contains a comprehensive collection of micronutrients to combat stress and has beneficial bacteria to feed the soil that feeds your plants naturally. BioPak Plus Micronutrient Fertilizer is ideal for promoting rich green color, and quicker plant establishment. Whether getting new plants off to a great start or providing additional treatment for plants that appear stressed - this 3-0-20 BioPak Plus formulation is the ideal solution to many nutrient deficiencies and stress-related symptoms!
Key product benefits of Roots BioPak Plus Micronutrient Fertilizer 3-0-20:
The PDF documents on this page may require the Adobe Reader to be viewed.


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Did you hear the good news? You can now register for the world's largest conference for professional fundraisers, AFP ICON 2019! Join us in San Antonio, March 31 - April 2, 2019.
AFP ICON 2019, formerly the International Fundraising Conference, provides you an unforgettable 3 days of education, networking, and inspiration alongside thousands of fellow nonprofit professionals.
Our closing keynote speaker will be award-winning journalist, documentarian, news anchor, producer, entrepreneur and philanthropist, Soledad O'Brien!
When planning your conference experience, please be sure to stay until 2:30pm on Tuesday, April 2, to enjoy the full closing general session.For more information and to register click the link below.


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CHARLOTTE, N.C. - College Football Performance Awards, the largest awards organization in D-I college football, recently announced its watch list for the 2013 CFPA Placekicker Award, and Tennessee State senior Jamin Godfrey earned a spot on the list.
The preliminary watch list highlights 32 returning performers, vying for the top individual placekicker award in the Football Championship Subdivision.
Godfrey joins TSU defensive back Steven Godbolt III and tight end A.C. Leonard on the 2013 CFPA Watch List.
"Congratulations to Jamin Godfrey on earning a spot on the 2013 CFPA Watch List," said CFPA Executive Director Brad Smith. "Godfrey has produced some of the nation's top individual placekicking performances. As a senior, he will be one of the nation's top placekickers to watch."
Godfrey is no stranger to CFPA awards as he won the publication's National Placekicker of the Week honors in 2012 after converting 5-of-5 field goals in a 22-21 win over Tennessee Tech.
Last season he was second on the team with 81 points and made 16-of-20 attempted field goals. His season long field goal was 46 yards versus Arkansas-Pine Bluff on Homecoming.
All CFPA recipients are selected exclusively based upon objective scientific rankings of the extent to which individual players increase the overall effectiveness of their teams. All players are eligible for awards at their respective positions; players are not preemptively eliminated from consideration.
More than 130 CFPA recipients have signed professional contracts, and twenty-one have been first-round NFL Draft selections. CFPA recipients performing as NFL placekickers include: Alex Henery (Nebraska), Blair Walsh (Georgia), Caleb Sturgis (Florida), Randy Bullock (Texas A&M), Dustin Hopkins (Florida State), David Buehler (USC), Brandon McManus (Temple), Quinn Sharp (Oklahoma State), Zach Brown (Portland State), and Adi Kunalic (Nebraska).
Last season, Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel earned the 2012 CFPA National Performer of the Year Trophy, while Harvard quarterback Colton Chapple earned the 2012 CFPA FCS National Performer of the Year Trophy. Multiple award presentations were broadcast live nationally on ESPN, CBS, Fox Sports, Big Ten Network, Pac 12 Network, as well as internationally on BYUtv.
The full list of 2013 recipients, including the 2013 CFPA FCS Awards, will be announced on January 8, 2014.


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Between shopping almost exclusively online and working with eCommerce sites, I tend to see a few common problems repeatedly. This post is about the ones I have come across most commonly. Many of them are pretty basic SEO issues, like having clean URLs while others are a bit more involved, like stacked URLs. In this post, I cover:
- Ugly URLs
- Yearly Products
- Product Variations
- Homepage Redirects
- Improper Homepage Links
- Stacked Redirects
Ugly URLs
While URL best practices have been around for quite some time, poor URLs are pervasive problem. For example, there is no good reason for the following URL to exist: http://www.bikes.com/main+en+01_101+NomSousCategorie.html?CATID=1&SCATID=7&Y=2012
This URL should be rewritten as one of the two following:
- http://bikes.com/gravity-freeride-bikes/
- http://www.bikes.com/downhill-freeride-bikes/.
Best Practices
Keep in mind the following best practices when creating URLs:
- Don't use dynamic URLs, create clean/pretty URLs
- Avoid using parameters in static pages
- Use dashes instead of spaces or underscores
- Use all under case letters in your URL*
- Use relevant keywords in the URL**
- Users should be able to guess what the page will be about by the URL
- Shorter is better
*Capitalization impacts how search engines handle URLs and can create duplicate content. Further URLs with capitals in them should 301 redirect to the correct URL. Using all under case letters will not improve your search engine rankings but is the norm on the internet and should be used for the sake of consistency.
** Be careful to avoid keyword cannibalization in your URLs.
While there are many nuances to how a URL can be best formatted, here are typically the best ways to format URLs for ecommerce sites:
- Category Page: site.com/category/
- Sub-Category Page: site.com/category/sub-category/
- Sub-Category Page: site.com/sub-category/
- Product Page: site.com/category/sub-category/product-name
- Product Page: site.com/product-name
URLs for Yearly Products
Many companies have products that are revamped yearly. Cars are probably one of the best examples of this – Models are changed or significantly revamped frequently. Another example is bikes and bike parts. Every year, a new model is released that is "improved", redesigned, or at least a different color. As such, many bike retailers create new pages every year and 404 the old pages when they sell them out.
An example of this is the RockShox Recon Gold RL fork. Every year PricePoint creates a new page for this for including the year:
Let's ignore the ugly URL for the moment and assume the URL is:http://www.pricepoint.com/Accessories/RockShox-Recon-Gold-RL-Fork-2012.htm
Instead they should have one page for the fork, creating an authoritative page for the product:
This will concentrate link equity on one page, instead of spreading it across different pages associated with year model year, which increases the ability for the site to rank for the model name. When the new version comes out, replace the content and specifications on the one model page. Then the old model should be moved to an archives page, which would include the date. This could look like the current URL or:
EVO does a good job with this. As you can see, they put the 2012 models on the authoritative model page. When the new model year comes out, a new page is created for the old model, containing the year, and the product is moved to their outlet:
When the old model year sells out, the page should be 301 redirected to the authoritative model page.
Product variations
Much like having static, pretty URLs, having one page for each product seems quite simple, but I have come across way too many sites doing it wrong. There should only be one page for a model. This means, you don't create a different page for every different size, color, or other variation.
An example of this is WorkingPerson.com. With their shirts, they create a different page for every different color:
A really similar version of the above page exists for the black version of the shirt: http://workingperson.com/carhartt-shirts-pocket-t-shirt-k87blk-88443.html
On the above pages, you can see additional colors. Clicking one of these images takes you to a new page instead of simply changing the color. Creating all these different pages creates a significant duplicate content problem for your site. Further, giving people a page for every different color allows users to spread link equity across multiple pages. Combining these options onto one page will concentrate your inbound links on one page, increasing the ability for that particular page to rank for the model name.
There are a lot of sites doing this well. One example is Target, where they use JavaScript to simply display a different color rather than taking you to the homepage.
Homepage Redirects From the Root
Like the number of sites that have terrible URLs, it is shocking to see the number of sites that have their homepage set to something other than the site root. One example of this is http://lecreuset.com which redirects to http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/TopCategoriesDisplay?storeId=10151&catalogId=20002&langId=-1
Another example is http://www.acehardware.com which redirects to www.acehardware.com/home/index.jsp
The primary problem with this is that redirecting your homepage will result in a dilution of link equity – about half of the people who want to link to your homepage will link to the redirected page and half will link to the root. This creates a significant problem when you are trying consolidate link equity and make sure that it flows properly throughout the site.
What makes this problem worse is that in most cases I have come across, these redirections are utilizing 302 redirects rather than 301 redirects so link equity associated with the root become atrophied at that page and isn't passed to the acting homepage.
Check the types of redirects through HTTP header checking tools like:
- SEObook
- Check My Headers (will only show the first HTTP response though)
- Live HTTP Headers - FireFox
- HTTP Headers - Chrome
So what causes this problem? In most cases it is the CMS; for some reason some CMS's will redirect the homepage to another page. When this issue is brought up to developers, the common response is that this can't be changed. This statement typically needs a little interpretation. What "We can't make it not redirect" usually means is "It will take a lot of time". This is a big difference. To get a better response from your dev team, you should not only explain what you want them to do but why. Tell them conceptually why it helps (the atrophied link equity) and what they will help accomplish (strengthen the page, improve rankings, improve revenue).
Improper Homepage Links
While many sites are set up properly so the root doesn't redirect to a different homepage (as discussed above), the header logo still links to an improper page. An example of this is Kohl's – the homepage is properly displayed at http://www.kohls.com/ but if you click on their logo, it links you to http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/home.jsp.
This creates the same problem as redirecting your homepage, splitting your link equity. Additionally, this creates a duplicate content problem. This should be remedied by changing the logo to link directly to the homepage and 301 redirecting the old page to http://www.kohls.com.
Kohl's is using session IDs in the URL instead of using cookies. This combined with using an improper link associated with the logo can create even greater duplicate content and canonicalization issues. While the above action is the way it should be handled, a short term solution could be to add the canonical tag, pointing to http://www.kohls.com, on http://www.kohls.com/upgrade/webstore/home.jsp.
Stacked Redirects
Another frequent issue with ecommerce sites is stacked redirects (having several redirects in a row – either 301's or 302's). Stacked redirects are often found when the homepage redirects to another page – frequently this will redirect through several different pages first. An example of this is http://lecreuset.com (one of the sites in the previous section). The homepage redirects through the following path:
http://lecreuset.com >>302 Redirect>> http://cookware.lecreuset.com/ >>301 Redirect>> http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/StoreView?langId=-1&store Id=10151&catalogId=20002
In this example, the first redirect should not exist and should redirect via one 301 redirect:
http://lecreuset.com >>301 Redirect>> http://cookware.lecreuset.com/cookware/ StoreView?langId=-1&storeId=10151&catalogId=20002
This is a pretty mild example; in circumstances where new versions of pages (or products) are continually built out, it isn't uncommon to see five redirects in a row.
These stacked redirects can create a few problems. The first of which is a reduce amount of link equity ends up at the final page. Every time you do a 301 redirect, some amount of link equity is lost – the amount lost is thought to be in between 5% and 15%.
Secondly, if you have a lot of redirects, it can be easy for a 302 to slip in there and prevent any amount of link equity from being passed to the final page.
Finally, having stacked redirects takes a toll on performance; removing these (especially if you have several) can help speed up your site.
Detecting Stacked Redirects
It is pretty hard to detect stacked redirects as they can't be observed through browsing or automatically flagged by a tool. To detect these, you need to:
- Look at a crawl report such as Screaming Frog or SEOmoz crawl and manually run pages through a header checker. The bulk header checker on SEObook can be really helpful for this
- Monitor the development process and have an active role. Make sure you understand how added features or pages are going to be implemented on your site
If you are looking for stacked redirects, many problems can be found by looking categorically at pages, testing page types rather than every individual page. Though this won't catch all problems, it can be a good start.
Thanks for making it to the end - Let me know what technical issues you guys see most commonly when working on an ecommerce site!


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After an evening of enjoying libations at your local speakeasy, do you really think you'll be of sound mind to find your way home using your phone? Probably not, and maybe that's what inspired this beautiful line of hand-etched tumblers featuring the intricately webbed maps of large metropolitan cities.
The first wave of the 10 ounce tumblers are adorned with maps for Los Angeles, Boston, and South Boston—with seven other major cities promised in the near future. The cups' creators, Theuncommongreen, also do custom orders if your hometown isn't represented, and presumably that won't raise the already steep price tag of $25 per glass. For that much money you'd think they'd at least highlight all the local watering holes. [Theuncommongreen via Notcot]
Update: You actually get two glasses for $25, which is slightly more reasonable.


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Hi Everyone,
I just received notice from the Lake County Genealogical Society of Illinois that they have relocated. They had formerly been located at the Fremont Library in Mundelein, IL.
The society is now relocated to Vernon Hills, IL at the Vernon Hills Village Hall.
If you have ever worked with the society or used its collection, you will need to make a mental note to work with them at their new location in Vernon Hills, IL and not in Mundelein, IL.
Please take a look at the following link to a PDF file of the announcement I received from them:
Lake County Genealogical Society of Illinois Announcement of Move to Vernon Hills, IL
Also, please take a look at the website of the society that I have linked to below. You will see details about the society in general as well as information on the relocation. It also does appear that the meetings of the society will occur in a different location than previously held.
Meetings appear to now take place at the Mundelein Park District at 1401 N. Midlothian in Mundelein, IL on the 2nd Tuesday evening of the months of January through October. It appears that no meetings/programs are held in November or December.
Visit the society website at:
Lake County Genealogical Society of Illinois
Tony Kierna
Genealogy Coordinator
Schaumburg Township District Library


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Carpets accumulate the dirt you bring from the outside over time. They also absorb particles that enter your home through the air duct system and can get soiled by other factors such as food or beverage spills, pet waste, and even sweat.
Carpet Cleaning is one of our most popular services. Many clients call us when they move into a new home and they have concerns about the cleanliness of their carpets. To make sure they really start fresh, they usually call a wall-to-wall carpet cleaning service.
Our services are not limited to new homes as accidents and usual wear have an impact on a home´s carpeted surfaces and upholstery. Foot traffic, spillages, pet accidents, you name it. A soiled carpet is not only unsightly, but also can be the cause of many respiratory problems in the long run.
Even a seemingly harmless water soaking can become a huge problem. Carpets are known for being hard to dry out. There are many solutions to liquid spillages, but if the liquid is not completely absorbed and removed, it can stain your carpets or even lead to mold growth. This silent threat can expand to your furniture and walls without you even noticing until it is too late.
But never fear again. Our Galveston Carpet Cleaning experts can provide fast and efficient services depending on your needs. Our services include deodorizing, steam cleaning, water removal, mold removal, and the application of fabric conditioners to keep your carpets and rugs in great shape.


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- Connected Learners: Teachers and learners of all ages are connecting more than ever. In 2013, we will see teachers expanding their Personal Learning Networks (PLN) using social media. They will be telling more stories and sharing their journeys as they personalize learning. Learners will be using mobile devices for learning in and out of school. We will be seeing learners involved in more global collaborative projects in 2013.
- Mobile Devices: When any learner uses a mobile device, it is personal. That is, unless the learning has been "adapted" to the learner by algorithms detecting performance and click rates. Mobile devices provide the learner opportunities to access learning resources, but the learner need to understand how they learn best so they know which resources are the most appropriate for them. Technology can support the learner but not lead the learner down paths that may not meet their learning goals. The learner needs to take responsibility for their learning so they drive it. Not the technology driving their learning. More schools will be moving to BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) and changing AUPs to include the use of mobile devices. Even the White House created a BYOD Toolkit. We'll be writing more about how this impacts teaching and learning.
- Communities of Practice: Teachers are reaching out to connect with each other to talk about best practices. They discuss issues in their faculty rooms, halls, and at conferences. Now they are joining online communities to share and learn from others around the world. We started a Community of Practice on Personalized Learning in LinkedIn that is growing daily with educators around the world. We are setting up Communities of Practice in My eCoach for schools and organizations who want to discuss, learn, and share ideas about personalizing learning in a private and secure area online. They also wanted a place to co-author lessons aligned to Common Core State Standards and publish for their learners. We setup a Community of Practice for the state of Iowa and look forward to some lively discussions there. We will see more Communities of Practices set up in 2013.
- Evidence of Learning: Assessment will look different in 2013. It will happen AS learners are learning. They will be collecting evidence and reflecting on the evidence all along instead of waiting until a test. More schools will be moving to Common Core standards-based grading and using ePortfolios. In some cases, learning will be competency-based where learners will demonstrate mastery using authentic assessment strategies instead of standardized tests. We plan to write more on competency-based approaches and share ePortfolios of teachers and learners. We predict assessment will be one of the biggest changes in education in 2013. Look for more feedback loops, libraries of lessons, and ePortfolios.
- Taking Risks: Teachers will have more flexibility in their schedules to try new strategies. Administrators are changing how they do teacher evaluations and not basing evaluations only on test scores. We did this too long and it didn't work. We believe districts will take a stand on how important teachers are and the impact they make on children's lives. Some teachers are flipping the classroom and spending more time in the classroom on real-world project work. We believe that more teachers will start flipping the learning so learners take charge of their learning. Learners will be involved in designing their learning with teachers as partners in their learning. We will see more teachers being showcased, because they took risks and had the support they needed so each learner could reach their learning goals. We believe that 2013 will have some very exciting examples and models to share.
- Storytelling: It's really all about the stories. Gillian Locke, a senior in Wisconsin, shared her story about having freedom to choose how she learns. Here's a quote from her blog:
"Every student is different, and each one needs different things. Every school in the US has the potential to deliver personalized learning to each of its students-it will just take some creativity, some time, and some dedicated students, administrators, and teachers."
- Learner Voice and Choice: The expert learner has a voice and choice in their learning. They self-regulate and drive their learning. We know this takes time and developed the Three Stages of Personalized Learning. Stage One is teacher-centered with learner voice and choice. Moving from a traditional or legacy approach of teaching to encouraging learner's to have a voice in how they learn and a choice in how they express what they know is a huge culture shift for schools. Because more teachers and learners will be more connected than ever, we will hear their voice. In 2013, look for more YouTube Channels of teachers with example lessons that include how learners have a voice and choice in their learning.
- Unpacking Standards: Common Core State Standards open doors to more creativity and flexibility in learning. More real-world connections make the standards more authentic for learners. We are also seeing this in standards from other countries: the UK, Australia, Canada and others. The world is getting smaller and flatter. Learners want to own their learning very early and can do that by unpacking the standards with their teachers. It is time to bring back inquiry and encourage questions that have no right answers. We believe that in 2013 we will see lessons driven by questions that learners thought of that will blow your minds. Children are amazing and it's time to give them responsibility for what they need to learn to meet their learning goals.
- Transforming Learning Environments: When teachers move to Stage One Personalized Learning Environments, they realize they are not the expert any more in the room. The environment of desks facing forward just doesn't work a work. Kevin McLaughlin started personalizing learning one year ago and realized that to personalize learning, you need to allow the learners to move around, to interact with their peers, to sit anywhere with anyone, to use the floor space as well as a table and not to use groupings of any sort unless there is a specific reason for it. Chris Edwards saw how it worked for Kevin and transformed his classroom of year 2 learners. He calls it "messy learning." His story about getting lost in Greenland is priceless. Lisa Welch and Wanda Richardson are Kindergarten teachers in Wisconsin as part of CESA #1 who co-teach in a K-2 team. They opened doors and created inviting and engaging environments. Look for more stories in 2013 from CESA #1 and other places around the world where they are transforming learning.
- Building a Common Language: Over the past few years, we have been hearing about personalized learning with different definitions. Is it about technology or not? We have a consensus from some of the leaders around the world who take a similar position that Personalized Learning is the umbrella or big picture that connects the dots. The dots are initiatives, programs, and methodologies a school or district are currently implementing. From the participants in our 5 W's of Personalized Learning eCourse, we now know that the most important piece is building a common language around Personalized Learning before you start transforming learning. We have seen districts spend money on 1:1 programs, but not change teaching strategies. 2013 is the year we will see and participate in exciting discussion about this common language.
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Monday, December 31, 2012
10 Predictions for Personalized Learning for 2013
The main change that will happen in teaching and learning in 2013 will be about empowerment. Teachers and learners will be more empowered to take charge of their learning. We will see this through the evidence they share as they learn.
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Humans invented vehicles to take us anywhere from the corner store to the stars! Discover the secrets of fuel, machines and aerodynamics to find out how the vehicles we build keep us on the move.
Exhibit Highlights
Clean Power
Get up to speed on the latest fuel cell technology, and find out what it means for the future of transportation in California and beyond.
Solar Car Competition
Race using the power of light in this solar slot car race. Just use the joystick to put your car in the spotlight and watch it go!
Wind Sailors
Catch the wind in your sails to find out which sail angles send you gliding along and which leave your boat high and dry.
Auto Design Tradeoffs
Design a car from engine to seats in this moving computer game.
Wind Tunnel
Find out which aerodynamic vehicle designs go the distance and which ones leave you stalled.


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As an aside, you can read the previous 3 Finch tales following the links in the handy Librarium, should you be intrigued as to how she got here. Link Here
Enjoy. I am hoping to write the fifth story this winter. Should be fun.
I felt like I'd been there before.
It was cold; my breath clouded the air. I looked up towards the curved ceiling of the chapel, down at the stone floor and gazed unseeing at delicate tapestries; anywhere but at her. Single strands of winter sunlight cut through the stained glass windows and cast green and red images on the opposite wall.
Evgene Worhle shifted behind me and his boots squeaked against the polished floor tiles. I cleared my throat and cast around for the right words to say. I coughed and adjusted my gaze by fractional increments until finally I was looking at her.
They had cleaned her up, hidden her wounds and now she lay in peace, her hands clasped on her breast and cradling her rosette. Her white skin glowed, ethereal in the pale light and her lips were a bruised purple. Her black hair was arranged carefully across the white velvet pillow and the delicate lace of her black bodice was trimmed with glittering gold thread. Even in death, she was magnificent. I cleared my throat.
'I hate you,' I said. 'You cost me everything, became everything I had and now you've ducked out of even that responsibility.' A grim smile parted my lips. I reached out, placed the gloved knuckles of my left hand gently against her cheek. 'But it was a good death.'
I turned around and caught Worhle's eye.
'I don't do dead people,' I said and stalked past him, out through the archway and into the snow. I had to get away from that place, wreathed as it now was in agonising memories.
Outside the chapel the wind had got up. Thick black clouds scudded across the sky, wearing at the fading sunlight. Fresh snowfall beckoned. I fumbled in a pocket of my black, waxed parka, fingers shaking as I struggled to slide a lho stick from the case. I sheltered it from the wind with my hands and lit it with my battered, promethium-fuelled lighter.
'What will you do now, Finch?' Worhle asked. He had followed me outside and was wrinkling his nose at the acrid smoke wafting from the 'stick. I glanced at him and fought to control my irritation. He was a tall, arrogant man, sporting a thin, dark moustache and slick black hair. I didn't like him, but at Zalkamar's bequest I'd tolerated him and now we were united in our grief.
'Find out who killed her,' I replied. 'And seek vengeance.'
'But you weren't responsible,' he said. He stuffed his hands into the pockets of his trench coat and hunched his shoulders against the cold.
I drew on the lho stick until it was a glowing ember between my fingertips and cast it away into the snow. Fresh flakes were beginning to fall now, glistening on Worhle's hair and coat.
'Am I not?' I replied, sudden anger cracking my voice. I started walking towards the waiting Rhino, craving its warmth, needing to be away from this place. 'If we aren't responsible for our failings then who is?'
'Inquisitor Zalkamar died bravely,' he replied. 'We were ambushed. We all took wounds. We could have done no more.'
'Bravely?' I was incredulous, shouting now. 'Zalkamar is dead. We were ambushed, Worhle, ambushed. We thucked up. We are all responsible and I am going to make up for my failure.'
We reached the rhino. I banged hard on the rear ramp. After a couple of seconds, it lowered with the groan of near-frozen hydraulics. Saris ducked out of the compartment, her face wrapped in a scarf and her eyes covered by goggles. She was wearing full carapace armour and a Cadian-pattern helmet, both in a nifty winter urban camouflage pattern of pink and grey smears. She was holding my much modified autogun. I reached out for it, casually checked the chamber and racked the slide. Worhle didn't react but then it wasn't unusual behaviour; outside of its bulbous hive cities, Limbyr was untamed and these snowy wastes were home to vicious, often starving predators.
Worhle was still standing near the bottom of the ramp. He wasn't coming with us. He had chosen to spend the night here, holding a candlelit vigil and praying for Zalkamar's soul. I admired his devotion, but I knew her soul was safe. No daemon from the warp could get between Lady Eliza Zalkamar and her rightful place with the Emperor. A lifetime of personal sacrifice and ruthless servitude to the highest cause had seen to that.
'So what will you do?' He asked again.
'Vengeance is not in my nature, but now it's all I've got.' I levelled the autogun, stared not unkindly, into Worhle's widening eyes and shot him.
Twice. To make sure.
He stumbled backwards, grasping at the holes punched through his coat. The snow behind him was splattered with his blood. He dropped to one knee, breath squeaking in his throat as his respiration system failed.
I shot him again. He collapsed onto his back. I followed Saris into the welcoming warmth of the rhino. The ramp groaned shut behind me. I left Worhle's body out in the thickening blizzard.
I sat down on the hard metal bench, carefully set the autogun in the rack above my head and let out a breath.
'She would have approved, Finch.' Saris said, her blue eyes and squat features now revealed from behind scarf and goggles.
'Vengeance? She would have classed it as atonement. It may take the rest of my life,' I said, 'but I will do it.' I ran one hand through the metal tresses of my coppery bionic hair, and the strands curled and crackled with static.
'Worhle was their insider?' she asked.
'Worhle was their pawn. Worhle was a moron. Now he's dead, we'll have a real fight on our hands.'
'Good,' Saris said, 'because that last fight, when Zalkamar was killed and we all nearly died; that wasn't a real fight.'
I looked at her, but her lips were split in a wry smile. I reached into my inside pocket, withdrew a flask of cheap amasec and raised it.
'To Eliza Zalkamar,' I said, 'the damndest bitch I ever knew.'


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Memo to Hollywood: Based on reader reaction to last week's column, "Will Hollywood Lock up Our Movies? ," you may actually be able to avoid the online fate of the recording industry (in March, 275 million songs were downloaded illegally versus 25 million online song purchases). But you're going to have to choose copy protection that gives buyers flexibility, along with a whole lot of consumer education. And under no circumstances use Brad Pitt and Jennifer Lopez as spokespeople for the cause.
The reader reaction, in an unscientific way, suggests a distinct attitude shift since I last addressed the issue of digital piracy in 2003. Back then, my suggestion that the music industry had a right to protect its intellectual property brought a barrage of e-mail, ranging from self-righteous to outright nasty, running more than 90 percent against the industry.
This time — with movies folded into the mix — there's been another barrage of e-mail, but this time about 60 percent is in favor of reasonable digital copy protection. It's not quite clear what's triggered this change of heart, but it would seem that the rise of legal alternatives like iTunes as well as the greater perceived value of movies are part of the shift.
James H. Smith, Cary, NC: I have to agree with the artist and corporations, even though I am dismayed by the proposed "broadcast flag" and built in control chip concepts. However, it is the thieves that are causing these "innovations" to be developed. I'm not an artist or a media company, but stealing is still stealing, no matter what kind of "liberation" you want to call it. The artist and studios didn't take the time, energy and expense to create their products for nothing. They did it to earn an income and a profit so that they can create more of what we enjoy.
Jeff Tigner, Kent, WA: Why should anyone be able to obtain movies/music, etc., without paying "royalties" to those involved in the production/distribution of said products? You wouldn't walk into a Wal-Mart store and just pick up what you wanted and walk out, and expect there to be no ramifications, would you?
Casey, Montana: This is a real bummer for those of us who follow the rules. I buy movies, CDs and digital television with cash. I have never pirated any of them, as I feel that it is a slap to the face of the talented people who bring us these entertainments. Unfortunately, it is a rising trend that American's feel that they entitled to anything they can get for free.
Daylynne Starr, Tacoma, WA: This is bad news for us who love our movies and TV in the home! However, piracy is getting SOOOOO bad that you can hardly buy a legal copy of a DVD on EBay! The industry must do something so we can continue to get high quality shows.
Of course, some familiar arguments in favor of personal media piracy still arise:
Ashley, Woodland Hills, CA: If the entertainment industry is so unhappy with consumer piracy, they should start producing buy-worthy products. If they make music or movies that are worth the money I would have to pay, then I will pay.
Somehow this reminds me of the old Woody Allen joke about the two women dining at a resort: "This food is terrible," says one. "Yes," replies the other, "and the portions are so small."
Randy, Hillside, NJ: The day that J.Lo stops buying her $12 million jewels, and has to fight to live paycheck to paycheck like the rest of us, I will respect her. Celebrities taunt us with their multimillion dollar decadent lifestyles, while the great majority of Americans are living well below a comfortable standard of living. Yes, I do download music. Why? Because I don't think that I should pay for someone else's lavish lifestyle. The day that Brittney Spears works eight hours like I do to make $10 an hour and has to worry about feeding her baby and paying the mortgage, I will stop.
Anonymous: I have worked 21 years as a journeyman union stagehand, mostly live concert venues. It sickens me to see the top-heavy pay structure in the music industry, while guys like myself risk our lives and work endless hours for miniscule pay. I take whatever music I want. I won't pay the overblown CD prices to make the bloated fat-cat pigs richer.
Joe, Everett, WA: The simple solution to the problem would be lower prices which, when translated into lower profits, is unacceptable to the Hollywood fat cats. They can't justify their zeal for "protecting" artists' income when all they actually pay the artists is a pittance. Part of the huge money Hollywood generates goes straight to the pockets of politicians who then pass all kinds of bills to protect their own source of income, always under cover of artists' rights. I hope the general public will be wise enough to see what is really going on and act accordingly.
Greg, Oregon: The media companies are on a slippery path downhill if they stay the course. They are spending tons of money trying to protect their content. This cost is being passed onto consumers. As prices rise on content, more and more consumers are going to be pushed out of the legal market for media content and into the illegal market. There is no way that I would pay $5 for a hacked CD if I can get a legit one for $6. However, if you were to change the equation and say I have to pay $15 for a legit CD vs. $5 for a hacked one then my decision may not be as easy.
What you say may be a practical consideration for media companies when they think about pricing, but it's not a very ethical argument for consumers to advance. If you think a Lexus GS is priced too high, that doesn't make it right to buy a stolen one for less.
Matt Dotseth, San Diego, CA: Listen, as a technology professional, I have to disagree with the majority of your article. It is IMPOSSIBLE to stop digital piracy. As long as music comes out of your speakers, and a video signal is displayed on your screen, there is ALWAYS a way to make a copy of anything. The industry needs to shift their focus from "Protect the intellectual property" to "If you can't beat 'em, join 'em" and find a way to peacefully co-exist with today's technology. The fact of the matter is there is nothing that can stop digital piracy, short of shutting down all computer networks. That is the plain, awful truth, and it's high time that reporters like yourself are privy to the facts, not the RIAA and MPAA rundown. They simply have got no clue.
Oh, I think the RIAA and MPAA have plenty of clues, and I think they would agree that stopping all piracy is impossible. In the end they simply want to make piracy far more difficult and painful than legal purchases — as the following note reflects.
TG, Moore, SC: I would like to comment on your rhetorical question "How does any business model compete against free?" As anybody who ever tried to download movies from the Web can tell you, this is an enterprise that usually takes many hours, even some days. There is no assurance that what you get in the end is what you were looking for (you might get another movie or just a block of a file, or something nastier like a virus). But let's suppose you are lucky. First, as far as quality is concerned (not to consider packaging) we are way off from DVD standards. Your download (e.g. a DivX file) usually requires special arrangements to run on your TV set. I'll skip the rest except to say that you need more than average technical know-how, plenty of free time and even so you have no guarantee of success.
Several writers took issue with my assertion that with file sharing, a whole generation has been taught that music should be free:
D, Charles Shiderly Coppell, TX: I think you're wrong about the "digital generation." These people do not think media is free, they simply don't have the money to make any purchases. In this case, any pirated media is no loss at all, as there was no sale to be made in the first place. In my experience, once the consumers of pirated materials actually have the means to afford to purchase, they do so.
Of course, just because you don't have the money doesn't justify theft. But perhaps there is a turn toward legal sources:
Devin Leonard, Albuquerque, NM: I am 24, and I admit that for a while I used free Napster and Morpheus. This was mainly due to the fact that I didn't think it was fair to pay 15 bucks for a CD with only 2 or 3 good songs on it. I didn't download hundreds of songs like the people who are getting sued, and I also tended to feel somewhat guilty when I did download songs free. Then iTunes came along and I stopped using free services like Morpheus, because it made me feel better, plus those free services put all kinds of adware and spyware on your computer. If the studios and music companies come up with a fair solution that punishes pirates and protects the rights of valid users like me, I am all for it. But if they are going to say screw everyone, just so they can continue to have all their money (our money) then we will either boycott or defy them.
Evan, Las Vegas, NV: I use illegal file sharing and I feel that a major role in the reason why users are still illegally downloading is because it is so inconvenient to change our ways. We, as the so-called digital generation, have become accustomed to downloading for free but more importantly without a credit card. The use of credit cards is hard because it requires an adult to have one. If there was a way to download legally without a credit card I would no longer be a criminal.
Georgicus Henrique, Watertown, MA: I felt the article was very well balanced. However, I do take issue with the characterization that "the Digital Generation of Lasica's title ... have been taught that digital music is free." Not so fast — that same generation that spent many hours downloading from FTP sites, then Napster, then Kazaa, has also simultaneously spent billions on purchasing music over the past couple of years, including traditional CD sales and the latest generation of "legal" digital downloads, such as iTunes. The RIAA and the rest of us argue each year about whether revenue has declined or increased for the recording companies, but it certainly hasn't come close to disappearing. The truth is, this generation has learned not only that the world of music is bigger than top-40 radio and the handful of artists that record biz shoves down their throats, but is willing to shell out for music when the price is right (and even when it isn't right).
Some interesting opinions came in over the notion of the proposed "broadcast flag" that might limit users' ability to record programming, and the notion that without copy controls, current free broadcasts might become pay services:
Michelle, Tooele, Utah: I'm addicted to media just as much as any other person. But if all of a sudden I had to pay for the new season of a show, I would be a lot less likely to watch it, and a lot more likely to do something productive. Maybe I'd play with my brothers and sisters more. Maybe I'd actually get outside and get a little bit of exercise. For the most part, I watch TV because it's there. Media companies could lose out big by moving to a subscription program. Someone like me wouldn't waste their money to watch those mediocre programs. They would simply find something else to do.
D. Evans, Portland, Oregon: What do you mean restricting TV access to those who pay is "bad for consumers"? We take everything for granted in the US. Why not pay subscriptions for all TV? In Japan, if you have a TV in your house, you pay. Period. As a nation, we spend too much time in front of the thing anyway.
Readers were concerned about how copy protection could — or already is — changing the way they use media:
Andrew Milner, Columbus, OH: Copyright protection has already gone too far! I have a nice collection of DVD's, but at least half of them don't work because my little sister scratches them up. I legally own a copy of each of the movies I have bought on DVD and I should be able to back up these DVD's so that when one gets scratched I can burn a new one.
Anonymous: My concern is a plan by some companies such as Disney to make purchased videos with an expiration date. If I legally buy a movie (and I am a collector of legal movies) then I should own it for eternity. Whatever happened to the customer is always right?
Mike, Louisville, KY: One issue that I have is that those who actually BUY products are punished for those who do not. I was outraged the other day when I opened up a new video game that I purchased and read a warning that said not to "Copy or LEND" this disk. I showed it to my wife and we both wondered at the audacity built into that one statement. I cannot LEND my disk to a friend. "Does this extend to one's spouse?" we joked. Can playing a movie I purchased for myself, my wife, and my children now constitute illegal activity? One of my personal pet peeves is the videos that now come on the front of purchased DVDs that explain how illegal copying of movies is a crime. I get to watch it every time I play my purchased copy of the movie. I'm sure the pirates cut that right out on their copies. I don't know the cure, but aggravating those of us who are paying top dollar (or even bargain-bin pricing) for movies cannot be sound business.
And finally, a note from a fellow writer:
Mike Belzer, Brooksville, FL: I noticed you put in this phrase: "It's worth noting that "Darknet" is a book rather than a documentary film. Writers tend to be less concerned about digital piracy than other content creators." However you failed to note that the library has been around for thousands of years, sharing writers' work without any profit. And yet writers do not protest ... we view literacy as a right, and the libraries as the guardians of knowledge.
Libraries also loan CDs and DVDs, but only one copy at a time, and that's the different between a library and file sharing. When libraries loan e-books, they loan only as many copies as they have licenses for. If libraries bought one copy of a book, then made a thousand copies to loan, you can bet writers would protest.
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Sometimes parents and their teenage children disagree. (Only sometimes!) And sometimes it can get quite rancorous. There can be yelling, screaming, storming out of rooms and the slamming of doors.
We're shocked and appalled. "Where is your common decency?!" we rant. "How about honoring your parents?" we rave. "How could you have such chutzpah?!" And the ultimate "When I was your age I never…."
Is that really so? Pick up the phone, call your mother and ask her how you behaved. Maybe it's time for a reality check.
Disagreements, clashes, struggles are an inevitable part of growing up. Whether they result in animosity or deepened relationships is in our hands.
Even if things really were different when we were growing up, it doesn't matter. We're parenting now.
We need to take off our gloves and be prepared to negotiate with our teenagers. Even if things really were different when we were growing up, it doesn't matter. We're not parenting 30, 40 years ago. We're doing it now. We live in a very open society that has impacted the way our children think and their expectations, and we must respond and parent accordingly.
We need to master the skill of negotiating in order to be a more effective parent. (And to survive adolescence!) It will deepen our relationship with and understanding of our teenagers. And our adolescents need these skills for future success.
What does negotiating involve?
1) Start with patient and active listening. What is my son saying? What point is my daughter making?
2) Negotiating requires the ability to recognize the legitimacy of another point of view. Maybe I was wrong on the facts. Maybe I didn't have the full picture.
3) We need the insight to perceive how important this issue is to our child. Prioritize it. Rate it on a scale of 1 to 10.
4) It's crucial to have the clarity to determine which issues we're prepared to go to the mat for. There should be very few.
5) Most of all, we need the courage and confidence to say, "I've changed my mind." Why? Either our adolescent made a persuasive argument and we respect his/her point of view, or our teenager presented us with new information that significantly altered the situation, or we appreciate that this is much more important to our child than it is to us.
It is not a diminishment of our roles as parents. It enhances rather than decreases our child's respect for us. And it paves the way for future open discussions.
Both sides need to learn to listen with respect, not to interrupt, to explain their point of view and the power of the counteroffer or compromise. Rigidity or inflexibility on either side will be damaging.
Sarah had an 11:00 p.m. curfew. But it was the night of the school song and dance performance. The girls had been working hard for months and wanted to have a small party afterwards to celebrate. Although her parents were strict about her curfew, they appreciated how much this meant to Sarah and they made a one night exception of 12:00 a.m. They hadn't received so many smiles and hugs in a long time.
We are teaching our children skills they will need and use all their lives. We are providing our teenagers with an open and productive venue for expression. Without room for negotiation, their viewpoints, their needs, their desire, goals and wishes are completely shut out.
Although we want to play this card very rarely, we reserve the right to say, "Because I said so."
Having mastered the art of negotiation (!), we have to remember we're still the parents. Although we want to play this card very rarely, we reserve the right to say, "Because I said so." Sparingly, but sometimes it is necessary. Since we retain the authority to negotiate, we retain the authority to put our foot down, in a calm voice and calm manner.
When a friend's son was in high school he was invited to a Purim party. Sounds harmless, right? But my friend knew that the boys would be very rowdy and that there would be heavy drinking. Frankly he was terrified. He offered to drive his child there and even park two blocks away (thereby skirting the teenage embarrassment issue). But that wasn't enough. His son insisted on driving himself. My friend stood his ground. "I only have one of you," he said. "You're too precious to me to take any chances."
His teenager screamed and threw a tantrum, storming out of the room. But his father was adamant. Negotiations had failed and he was unwilling to budge. He had to play his parental trump card.
One scene does not an at-risk child make. As long as there is a healthy atmosphere of negotiation, the occasional strong assertion of parental authority is not dangerous. And the opposite is true: If we're too permissive because we're afraid of our child's displeasure, they are at risk of feeling unloved and uncared for. Many of the anti-drug billboards today are simply promoting involved parenting. Saying "no" shows we care -- as long as we know when to say "yes" as well.
Explain to your teenager the reason for your rules. They may not always understand. They may not always agree. They probably won't acknowledge after the fact that we were right. But we'll be amazed at what we witness when they become parents themselves. (At least that's what I've heard!)
Our rules need to be rational. Make sure all viewpoints are expressed with respect and derech eretz (good manners). Be a benevolent dictator.
Only an ineffectual boss has to keep asserting his authority. If we've done our job well, constant reminders are unnecessary and counterproductive. The very fact that our teenagers know they need to negotiate with us is a statement of respect for us and our authority. Don't abuse it.
Negotiating is empowering to both parents and teenagers. Each stage of life has its joys and challenges. While there are certainly challenges and struggles ahead in this bargaining process, there is also the joy of seeing our child emerging as a thoughtful young adult with whom we can have reasonable discussions and informed debate.