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Helping Students Embrace Deep Learning
Teachers are more comfortable in the classroom when they can use multiple methods; students learn in depth when they are stretched beyond their comfort zones.
Just as a video recorder catches a teacher's classroom behaviors on film, a learning styles inventory captures the intangible and invisible aspects of what a teacher believes (and enacts) about learning. Understanding the impact your own learning style has on your teaching helps you respond to the students of today—and tomorrow. Kolb's Learning Styles Inventory (LSI) is a valuable guide for teachers seeking to teach effectively, assess learning in meaningful ways, use technology efficiently, and pursue theory-based classroom research.
Interestingly, there seems to be some confusion in the literature about what "learning styles" really are. Some models address the senses as in visual, kinesthetic, aural, and oral. Others address the environment. As we have worked with college teachers we have come to define learning styles as information processing, which makes the Kolb LSI applicable because each term used in Kolb applies directly to the processing of information, skills or operations in the typical classroom.
Kolb describes an "experiential learning" cycle, starting with concrete experience (CE), working through reflective observation (RO), abstract conceptualization (AC), and ending with active experimentation (AE). Individual students' learning cycles may start on any of the four poles and proceed in any direction, not necessarily circular, indicating a preference for a particular order of cognitive processing. A learner may prefer to proceed by AE, RO, AC, AE, for example, or if he has equal scores on two poles may seem to process information via, for example, CE and AC simultaneously.
Some writers who focus on Kolb's work describe the "learning styles" as functions of the quadrants, that is as divergent (CE/RO), assimilating (RO/AC), convergent (AC/AE) and accommodating (AE/CE). The quadrant into which one falls seems to create a valuing of one's own style above that of others.
Oliver Wendell Holmes, apparently a diverger, says, "A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to its old dimensions." Stendahl, the French novelist, falls squarely in the assimilator quadrant when he claims, "I see but one rule: to be clear. If I am not clear, all my world crumbles to nothing." Football coach Lou Holtz is definitely a converger, "I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions." Eric Hoffer on the other hand, seems to be a clear accommodator when he notes, "There can be no real freedom without the freedom to fail."
One's learning style can only be apprehended in the truly novel learning experience—when the learner encounters content or operations that he has never before encountered. In the novel stage, a learner likely will proceed through the experiential learning cycle in his preferred order, but once he has mastered the materials, with guidance and encouragement, he can teach and learn related material in any order.
When we examined the learning order of students' favorite teachers, we found that the teacher's order tends to map directly onto the student's preferred order. This discovery led us to hypothesize that if we introduced new material in varying orders, we might reach more students.
My work over the years with 50 Lead Graduate Teachers per year from all disciplines has shown that learners with high scores on any of the four quadrants define what they are "doing" when they are learning in different ways. Learners with a high score on concrete experience define "doing" as figuring things out on their own, responding, creating, conversing, or taking action. Reflective observers define "doing" as pondering, observing, reflecting, considering, imagining, or foretelling. Abstract conceptualizers define their "doing" as following or giving directions, accumulating knowledge, organizing, or analyzing. Active experimenters define "doing" as questioning, manipulating, testing, doubting, rejecting, or playing devil's advocate. It is important to note that all of these descriptions refer to cognitive processing, which leads me to suggest that Kolb's model could be renamed as the "Information or Content Processing Model."
The Kolb Learning Styles Index gives teachers a useable guideline to ascertain if they have covered all aspects of a particular topic. And it allows teachers to engage learners thoughtfully by respecting their students' individual orders but encouraging them to develop their weakest area or pole. The LSI also provides teachers with an objective view on their own weaknesses in teaching, leading to opportunities for individual teaching development.
Redefining Deep Learning
I submit that the poles and the questions that are laid out in Kolb's learning styles theory can serve as a functional guide for faculty who are attempting their first excursions into learner-centered teaching and deep learning. In our work preparing inexperienced teachers, we've asked teachers to use the Kolb LSI as a guide to develop learning activities and assignments for deep learning.
To begin, we ask teachers to pose and answer four questions that are important to the four quadrants. Divergers want to know the import of the activity or content; convergers what the parameters or limits of the assignment are and what the assignment is useful for; assimilators which facts they need to know to complete the assignment; and accommodators what the end product, performance or procedure will be.
We ask teachers to figure out how they can move the student around the poles of the Kolb LSI, again in any order. For example, if students must figure out what kind of rocks they are dealing with in a geology lab, they may be asked to refer to a chart (abstract conceptualization); reflect on what they already know about rocks and from where these particular rocks may have come (reflective observation); test the rocks in the laboratory to determine their makeup (active experimentation); and, lastly, figure out on their own, using the rocks they have in front of them and the data they have gathered (concrete experience) how the rocks should be categorized. The goal is to get students to try out aspects of each pole rather than only the one they're comfortable with.
Differences in Learning Styles
Differences in preferred content processing styles sometimes lead to conflicts. Questioning students may irritate reflective teachers. Teachers who play devil's advocate may be frustrated when their reflective-observer students don't respond. Teachers who value concrete experience may focus on service learning activities, neglecting the careful analysis that might make the experience more valuable. Teachers who value abstract conceptualization may try to be super-organized, forgetting that some students need to figure things out own their own. Working with teachers to help them become more comfortable with the four questions and four poles has created teachers who can reflect on their students' learning and on their own performance.
As one of our lead graduate teachers noted, "Applying the Kolb LSI in courses allowed me to create better teams, motivate more students, increase their ability to question material and make it their own, and perform well in classroom discussions. As a teacher, I'm more accepting of students' questions; I practice more when I have to make a demonstration; and I make a stronger effort to tie theoretical concepts to aesthetic or real-life material."
References & Resources
Biggs, John B. (1999) Teaching for Quality Learning at University, SHRE and Open University Press. Buckingham, England.
de Jesus, Helena T. Pedrosa, Almeida, Patricia Albergaria, Teixeira-Dias, Jose Joaquim, and Watts, Mike. "Students' Questions: Building a Bridge between Kolb's Learning Styles and Approaches to Learning," Education & Training. Vol. 48 (2-3), pp. 97-111. (2006)
Entwistle, Noel J. (1988). Styles of Learning and Teaching. David Fulton.
Johnson, John A. "Beyond the Learning Paradigm: Customizing Learning in American Higher Education: 10 Bellwether Principles for Transforming American Higher Education," Community College Journal of Research & Practice. Vol. 30 (2), pp. 97-116. Feb 2006.
Kolb, David, Experiential Learning, Prentice-Hall, Inc., Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey. 1984.
Kolb Learning Styles Inventory, http://www.haygroup.com/ww/About/Index.asp?id=495
Long, Holly E. and Coldren, Jeffrey T. "Interpersonal Influences in Large Lecture-Based Classes: A Socioinstructional Perspective," College Teaching. Vol. 54 (2), pp. 237-243. (2006).
Shulman, Lee S. (2004). The Wisdom of Practice. Jossey-Bass. San Francisco.
Svinicki, Marilla D. (2004). Learning and Motivation in the Postsecondary Classroom. Bolton, MA: Anker
Villaverde, J. E. and Godoy, D.; Amandi, A. "Learning Styles' Recognition in E-Learning Environments with Feed-Forward Neural Networks," Journal of Computer Assisted Learning. Vol. 22 (3). pp. 197-206. June 2006.
Weimer, Maryellen. (2002) Learner-Centered Teaching: Five Key Changes to Practice, Jossey-Bass. San Francisco.


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The world depends on mariners. Mariners depend on SCI. And we depend on you.
Photos of SCI staff and visitors at the International Seafarers' Center in Port Newark taken November 4, 2011.
Photos by the Rev. David Rider, President & Executive Director.
SCI maintains a staff of professional chaplains with interfaith and cross-cultural backgrounds. Chaplains and volunteers assist thousands each year, extending a hand of friendship and hospitality.

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Announcers picked for Final Four 'teamcasts'
Recommended Video:
NEW YORK (AP) -- Rob Bromley once called a Kentucky high school basketball game that Rex Chapman won on a last-second shot.
That's the sort of history, the sort of knowledge that TV executives wanted from the local commentators who will appear on the school-specific broadcasts of Saturday's Final Four games. The announcing teams revealed Tuesday include Bromley, a longtime sports anchor in Lexington, and Chapman, a former Wildcats star.
Turner Sports and CBS are experimenting with airing two additional telecasts of both NCAA semifinals. Along with the main coverage on TBS, there will be separate versions on TNT and truTV with different announcing crews connected to each program.
For the early game, the Florida broadcast will be on TNT and UConn's on truTV. Kentucky will be on TNT and Wisconsin on truTV for the second semifinal.
--For Florida, play-by-play will be handled by David Steele, who has previously hosted Gators basketball and football TV and radio coverage and is the current voice of the Orlando Magic. He will be joined by Mark Wise, a longtime analyst for the Gator Basketball Network, and reporter James Bates, a former Florida football player.
--For UConn, the play-by-play announcer will be Connecticut native Eric Frede, a studio host for regional network Comcast SportsNet New England who also calls Huskies women's games for New York cable station SNY. He will work with two former UConn stars: Donny Marshall, a commentator for Brooklyn Nets games on YES Network, and reporter Swin Cash, who won two national titles with the women's team.
--For Kentucky, Bromley, who has worked Wildcats games for the UKTV Network since 1980, will do play-by-play. The analyst will be Chapman, and the reporter will be Dave Baker, Bromley's colleague at CBS affiliate WKYT.
--For Wisconsin, Big Ten Network announcer Wayne Larrivee will be the play-by-play voice. The analyst will be former Badgers guard Mike Kelley, who played in the 2000 Final Four.
Each "teamcast" will be a unique production with its own TV truck, producer and director. Four additional cameras will offer school-centric angles, and each will also have its own replays, graphics (in team colors) and halftime show.
Network executives ideally would have loved to hire local radio announcers for the broadcasts, but they knew that was unlikely because of the commentators' responsibilities to call the Final Four games for their radio employers. They had a long list of potential hires even before the tournament started.
Once the Florida-Dayton game ended last Saturday to stamp the first ticket to the Final Four, they started contacting announcers. Everyone was lined up by about 5 p.m. Monday, less than 24 hours after the semifinal matchups were set.
The commentators will start arriving in North Texas on Thursday for meetings and will do a rehearsal Friday. Production meetings will emphasize that the "teamcasts" don't need to look alike, said Turner Sports senior vice president Craig Barry.
"Florida is not like UConn," said Barry, who oversees production and serves as executive creative director. "Kentucky is totally different."
Announcers will be encouraged to get excited when their team hits a huge shot, to delve into minute details on the history of the team and its players. On a play like the reviewed possession call at the end of the Wisconsin-Arizona regional final, they'll mostly talk about how the possible outcomes would affect their program.
It will be a very different feel from the main coverage on TBS from Jim Nantz, Greg Anthony and Steve Kerr.
"They live and breathe the non-biased delivery," Barry said. "It's different. We want the biased delivery."
Bromley has been to a half-dozen Final Fours as a sports anchor but has never done a national broadcast, which he calls "a big thrill and honor."
He doesn't consider himself a yeller, but he can just imagine what it would have been like to do a "teamcast" of Kentucky's close wins over Wichita State, Louisville and Michigan in the last three rounds. Now he gets that chance.
"I'm sure there will be a lot of energy in it directed Kentucky's way," Bromley said.


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Install the PCI Express* adapter:
1. Turn off the computer and unplug the power cord.
2. Remove the computer cover and the adapter slot cover from a slot that matches your adapter.
3. Firmly place the adapter edge connector into the slot until it is fully inserted. Secure the bracket to the chassis.
4. For the Intel® QuickAssist Adapter 8920DCC only, connect the external power connector—a six-position connector derived from the PCI Express* x16 Graphics 150W-ATX power connector definition.
5. Replace the computer cover and plug in the power cord.
Note: Some Intel adapters utilize the PCI Express* bus. You may utilize a slot that is longer than your adapter's connector with no harm but do not attempt to install it in a slot shorter than the PCI Express* connector.
Intel achieves 112G PAM-4 I/O performance with transceiver built with Intel 10nm fab technology.


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I would sit here typing my own opinion on the new Mac Pro lineup but why bother when I can simply plagiarize, err quote, Nat Jencks' FCP-L post:
I agree that it's a bit of a dissapointment, but the thing is, that to integrate high quality usb3, esata, SAS, Bluray, HDMI, would bump the price significantly. Typically when this stuff is built into the motherboard it's a fairly low quality component.
The beauty of a tower is that you have the ability to add these on as cards without paying for what you don't want.
That said, I agree, a disappointment. Apple's benchmarks showing ~1.3 speed increase from the last generation are underwhelming given that its been a year and a half.
I think these machines are an afterthought for apple at this point. i've noticed that apple has removed the towers from most marketing pictures that show their lineup. Apple has started to frequently refer to itself as a "portable computing company"… I think that its clear to apple that there's not much innovation to be to done in this sector, and the hardware is essentially the same that you would get from any manufacturer.
Also a bit frustrating that Apple is continuing to push ATI GPUs.
For better or worse, almost all the high end applications that heavily lean on the GPU seem to be optimized for Nvidea Quadro's, and use Nvidea's CUDA architecture. It seems like there is some politics going on there, as Apple is pushing it's "OpenCL" standard. The end result of all this seems to be that Apple likes ATI, and works with them to create good drivers for the ATI cards, but most developers are developing for the Nvidea cards, but the drivers are comparitively poor compared to their windows couterparts.
Blech. The whole situation is a FAIL for the user.
Here's hoping that developers start optimizing for the ATI cards, or that Nvidea starts prioritizing their mac drivers.
Well put Mr. Jencks. From the comfort of my Final Cut Studio & Adobe Creative Suite Production Premium centric edit suite, I'm still quite happy with my current Mac Pro and don't see a compelling reason to upgrade. 2 x 2.8 GHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon with 12GB RAM and an ATI Radeon HD 3870 running Final Cut Studio 2 (FCP 6.06) and Adobe Production Premium CS4 is all I need to keep cranking out 720p YouTube videos. Throw in a Kona 3 and a monitor of your choice for broadcast work and you're set for the next however long.
The only feature request I have for Apple at this point is update FCP to allow for real time playback of H264 files from my 5dmarkii. Seriously, that's it. And by-the-by, has anyone considered the fact that Apple's minimal update with FCS3, which many also considered to be underwhelming, was actually a favor to the small production house business owners? In this economy Apple hasn't unleashed a beast that everyone has to buy. Instead we get to keep racking up the profit margin on already paid for hardware and software.
proactively • thank you Mr. Jobs • peter
Disclosure, to comply with the FTC's new rules
None of the manufacturers listed above are paying Peter Salvia to write this article and, so far, none have sent him any samples or demonstration items. Peter is a B&H Sales Affiliate and receives a commission from items linked to B&H and purchased through this site. Oh yeah, and he's an Apple Certified Trainer so you can derive his bias for yourself.
Brook Willard has written the post EVERYONE is reading and talking about. Read this snippet for a glimpse of the awesome and click thru for the full, thorough read:
Thanks to Oliver Peters' kind words and linkage on the FCP-L, I felt compelled to put a few more thoughts out into the blogo-listserv-er-sphere:
Oliver, thank you for your kind words. I just finished reading Brook's post and it is extremely thorough and well thought out. The history he walks us through does a lot to support his perspective. I can only hope the right eyes read what he said about the importance rally car racing has for Subaru, that NASCAR has for Ford, etc. The last thing Apple needs to do for the long run is "strap a V12 to a Yugo."
For the post production needs of my employer and of many shops in the DC market FCP 6 on a year old Mac Pro with sufficient RAM and GPU to cut 3 or 4 streams of 1920×1080 ProRes in real time is totally acceptable. Ethernet based SANs have come a long way so we don't even need to use FW800 except for transferring footage to and from Rugged LaCie's or logging and transferring P2 media. I think we are all familiar with the multitude of shows making it to broadcast on Discovery, Travel Channel, History, etc based on workflows as dated as this.
My only requested upgrade from Apple at this point is software based: real time playback of H264 footage in FCP's timeline. That would help make the next 6 months of my life easier with all the Canon 5D Mark II footage I'll be working with (and I'm sure a lot of other people out there too).
At some point I do want to see the hardware / software FCP Extreme or Phenomenon that's been rumored forever. While I was trained on Avid I grew into my own with Final Cut Pro and I'm much happier doing more complex editing, compositing and grading in the Studio suite of applications. With almost 10 years of FCP editing experience, growing again with one app to rule them all driven by a Volkswagen R32 would be awesome. Stick shift please.


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Books of the Week:
- Nightshifted, Cassie Alexander
- Possession, Kat Richardson
- Night Broken, Patricia Briggs
- Sparrow Hill Road, Seanan McGuire
- Derek's Bane and Wolf at the Door, MaryJanice Davidson
Nightshifted was an unexpectedly appealing book. It sounded interesting, and I bought it on a whim. Paid off in spades! Cassie Alexander's first book about Nurse Edie Spence is dark and energetic. Edie Spence works at much-despised County Hospital because she has made a deal with the Shadows who inhabit it; her addict brother's life is safe as long as she works on ward Y4. Y4 has its own elevator, it's so secret. This ward is for supernatural creatures with medical problems. Edie is new, and she makes mistakes. Mistakes on Y4 can have dreadful consequences. You'll really enjoy this book; I'm looking forward to reading the others in the series.
Kat Richardson is long-time friend of mine, and I'm an admirer of hers. I think Possession is the best book in her Graywalker series in a long time. Not that any of them have been slouches, because Kat is a very good writer – but Possession is baffling and exciting. Three "vegetative" patients suddenly start exhibiting talents they've never had, with no awareness they are acting. Harper is called in by the sister of one of them, and as she explores this phenomenon she becomes more and more aware that something terrifying is going on, something that must be stopped at any cost.
I hesitated over reading Night Broken, because I personally dislike old girlfriend/first wife reappearing plots. But Patricia Briggs can make such a tired trope sing. Mercy's Adam has a first wife that is so frustrating you want to scream, because Christy has a talent for making other people love her and want to help her. And she's not evil. She's "just" manipulative in the extreme, perhaps not completely consciously. There are pack members who still think Christy was a more desirable wife for Adam than Mercy is. Of course they're wrong, and we proceed to find out in the course of a truly harrowing book why Mercy is the lead female in the pack, though she's a coyote.
Sparrow Hill Road is Seanan McGuire's May book. In fact, it comes out the same day mine does. This is a departure for McGuire, as "Midnight Crossroad" is for me. Other than that, they're completely different. Sparrow Hill Road is about a ghost, Rose Marshall, and her struggles to live in the ghost world and to avenge her own death. It's fascinating, the way anything by Seanan McGuire is, but it's not as lighthearted as her Incryptid books. Enjoy the story of Rose and her tribulations in the afterworld.
I needed a dose of funny last week, so I reread MaryJanice Davidson's Derek's Bane (werewolf Derek is charged will killing Dr. Sara Gunn, whom a visionary werewolf believes is the reincarnation of the evil Morgan le Fay), and Wolf at the Door (werewolf accountant Rachel is sent to Minnesota to spy on the Queen of the Vampires, our very own Betsy, but in the process meets another accountant, Edward Batley, who is trying to make his life more interesting. He succeeds beyond his wildest dreams. Davidson is always fun, and somehow I feel more optimistic about things in general after I've read a book of hers.
While watching the news recently, I saw a few minutes of testimony in the Oscar Pistorius trial in South Africa. I'm sure most of you are familiar with this case, that of the Blade Runner and the young woman he shot to death, Reeva Steenkamp. Whatever your opinion of his state of mind at the moment of shooting (Did he truly think there was an intruder in his house, or did he knowingly kill Steenkamp?) you have to be aware he's putting on the performance of his life. So is the prosecutor.
How much does being watched change the event being watched? Do you think televising a trial make it a different event altogether? While theatrics in the courtroom are nothing new – lawyers have been summoning up the drama since there was such a profession – having a crowd of onlookers in a courtroom can't compare with the thousands, hundreds of thousands, millions, who are passive participants in a televised trial.
Is it remotely possible to block that from one's awareness?
Since the words said in that courtroom are echoing around the world, in effect, the defendant is on trial twice: once in the courthouse, and in secondly in the court of public opinion.
Sure, it's always been that way, at least to some extent. I don't imagine Lizzie Borden was a popular dinner guest after her acquittal – but most likely if she travelled, she would not be recognized. Reaching further back in time, probably no one was anxious to sip tea brewed by Scotland's Madeleine Smith, who ended her days in America in secret. And these two were acquitted, as possibly (though not probably) Pistorius may be.
Now that we have such universal and instantaneous information networks, I don't believe there's any way for the verdict reached in a courtroom to be the final one. I think we've all joined in being judge and jury.
Charlaine Harris


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Distorting: The Facts
The line between overdrive and distortion pedals can be even fuzzier (no pun intended) than between overdrives and boosts. After all, both types of pedals distort the sound, add volume, and often have tone controls. Some pedals, like the classic Pro Co Rat (street $94, procosound.com), offer a range of grit from smooth overdrive to near-fuzz rasp, but a distortion pedal generally squashes the wave flatter than an overdrive. As mentioned previously, this distortion of the sound wave is called clipping. An overdrive pedal engages in "soft" clipping, while a distortion effect is said to produce "hard" clipping.
The oft-asked question, "What is the best distortion pedal?" is impossible to answer (as it is for any pedal). The aforementioned 50 distortion pedals available on a single website represent a range of "flavors" equivalent to a Penzey's spice catalog. It's like asking, "Which is better—cumin, tarragon, cinnamon, or cardamom?" Distortion pedals impart distinct character to your tone. Some impart a British-style attitude, while other add a heavier, more saturated flavor reminiscent of Mesa/ Boogie's famous Dual Rectifier amps.
Because of that, you're going to have to try a bunch to get a feel for what suits you, because the names can be pretty confusing. While it is a good bet that the Rocktron Zombie Rectified Distortion (street $79, rocktron.com) is suitable for modern metal, you might never guess that the Coffin Case BDFX-1 Blood Drive Distortion (discontinued) is a very warm- and classic-sounding distortion that will work well for everything from blues to hard rock.
Distortion pedals are best used with a minimum of amp gain, otherwise it's easy to end up with a muddy and indistinct tone. Distortion boxes do not respond as well as overdrives to attack and guitar-volume control, but they are great for placing before a volume pedal in order to get massive rock sounds at a volume that's comfortable for a wedding or Bar Mitzvah gig.


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R&B singer, rapper and actor Tyrese quietly picked up a brand new Mediterranean-style mansion at an incredibly steep discount, according to TMZ.
Tyrese scored an awesome deal on the Woodland Hills, California mansion, which was originally listed for $1.499 million, but was sold to the former fashion model for about $1.038 million this past July. The L.A. mansion boasts five bedrooms, a huge tropical backyard that includes a waterfall, private pool, and basketball court, as well as a garage that can fit up to 10 cars. And, lucky for Tyrese, the house was built just this past year.
Woodland Hills is located in the southwestern area of the San Fernando Valley. While Tyrese certainly bought his new crib at an enviable discount, he still paid well over the median sale price of homes in the area, which according to Zillow was a modest $459,900 over the last five years.
Copyright LXTVN - LXTV


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Ask any Canadian "Who is Walt Wingfield?", and you will likely be met with a delighted smile of recognition. Comic actor Rod Beattie has been bringing the iconic character of stockbroker-turned-farmer to life on stages throughout Canada for the past 20 years. Now these performances have been collected on six DVDs, and are available for checkout at the Lane Library. Featuring Beattie's remarkable impersonation of over a dozen characters from Larkspur in the Persephone Township, each of these single-actor plays shines with a humor reminiscent of Will Rogers and the best of Garrison Keillor.
In describing the first play, "Letters from Wingfield Farm", theater critic Connie Meng says "Mr. Beattie is able to change characters in the blink of an eye. Using only a few hats, an amazingly flexible voice and terrific body language, he plays Walt's stammering neighbor Freddie, the old Squire across the road, the newspaper owner, a maudlin Irishman, a confused old lady and a preoccupied mechanic. By the end of the evening we feel that we know these residents of Persephone Township.
Using the format of Walt's letters to the editor of the weekly newspaper, playwright Needles ties together various anecdotes about Walt's attempts to return to a simpler life. Among them are trying to plow with his horse that only turns to the left, his misguided attempt to milk a heifer, and his anxiety about an ailing duck. There are a couple of touching moments, but Mr. Beattie's timing is perfect and he never allows the material to become maudlin."
Lane Library patrons may reserve any one of these DVDs by following the links below in our on-line catalog.


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Kitchen confidential: Ian Donohue, West Main
Ian Donohue, Executive Chef, West Main
The secret to great cooking is... to imagine exactly what you want the finished product to taste, smell, and look like.
The secret to success in the restaurant business is... the same as any other business: hard work and determination
The secret to making West Main's pork tenderloin medallions with sweet potato mash is... not to overcook the pork. The medallions should be at least a little pink in the middle.
West Main's Pork Tenderloin Medallions with Sweet Potato Mash
1 lb pork tenderloin, 8oz per person, sliced into 1-inch thick medallions
2 tsp rubbed sage
2 tsp summer savory, dried
About 1/2 cup flour for dredging
8 oz. sweet potato, peeled and diced into 1/2 inch pieces
2 oz. red onions, diced
2 oz. fresh red bell pepper, diced
1 Granny Smith apple, cored and sliced into 12 wedges
1 tbsp light brown sugar
1/2 stick butter, divided
2 tbsp vegetable oil
salt and pepper
Preheat oven to 350F.
Toss the sweet potatoes in 1 tbsp vegetable oil with salt and pepper. Roast on a sheet pan in a single layer, tossing with a spatula every 10 minutes until soft and cooked through, about 30-40 minutes. They can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated, if necessary.
Mix the savory and sage with a little salt and pepper. Place the flour in a wide shallow bowl and season with a little salt and pepper.
Melt 1 tbsp butter in a heavy non-stick sauté pan and add sweet potatoes, red onion, and red pepper. Cook over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally until the peppers and onions are soft and the potatoes are starting to brown, 8-10 minutes.
Meanwhile, melt another tablespoon of butter in a small sauté pan and cook the apples over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until cooked through but not mushy, about 8 minutes. In the last minute, sprinkle the brown sugar over the apples and toss until melted.
Once the apples and potatoes are started, heat a large heavy-bottomed skillet over medium-high flame and add 1 tablespoon butter and 1 tablespoon of oil. Dredge the pork medallions in the flour mixture, shaking off any excess, and add to the hot butter/oil mixture one at a time. Cook until golden brown, turning once to brown the other side, about 4 minutes per side. They should be about medium, but if they seem too rare, you can cover the pan for the last couple of minutes to trap some heat and help them cook through.
To plate, first divide the cooked hash between two plates, piled high in the center. Then lay the medallions over it in a circle around the edge. Top each one with a slice of apple and serve.


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* Get to know your neighbors
* Work together to plan community events
* Support local businesses
* Contribute to the growth of our community
* Have a voice in future projects
* Help us build a better Main Street
If you want to get to know your neighbors, form lifelong friendships, and have an impact on the community at large, there's no better place to be than a RIA meeting.
Reisterstown Improvement Association
P.O. Box 856, Reisterstown, Maryland 21136
Copyright © 2018


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Enjoy a mouth-watering version of a typical Eastern dessert from the island of Santorini for 8 people!
Ingredients for the dough:
300 gr. plain flour
¼ cup sunflower oil
a pinch of mastic crystals, ground in a mortar with a pinch of salt
lukewarm water
Ingredients for the filling:
350 gr. granulated sugar
350 gr. unsalted soft cheese, such as mizíthra or anthótyro
2 eggs
2 sachets of vanilla powder
a pinch of mastic crystals, ground in a mortar with a little sugar
½ cup plain flour
½ teaspoon baking powder
Sieve the flour, add the mastic-salt mixture and then gradually mix in the sunflower oil until the dough becomes smooth and firm. Set it aside for half an hour and preheat the oven to 165-175o C. Then prepare the filling. In the bowl of an electric mixer, beat the sugar, the cheese, the vanilla, the mastic and the egg whites together for 10 minutes. Slowly whisk in the flour and the baking powder. In the bowl of another electric mixer beat the egg whites until stiff but not dry, and quickly (but gently) fold the cheese mixture into the egg whites.
Using a rolling pin, roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface. The dough should be rolled out as thin as possible. Place the dough in the prepared tart pan and, using your fingertips, evenly press it onto the bottom and up the sides of the pan. Place a heaped teaspoon of cheese filling in the centre of the dough and pinch the edges of the dough together to make an ersatz tartlet. Repeat with the remaining dough and filling. Bake for 50 minutes until the cheese mixture has solidified or until the crust is golden brown.
Store covered in the refrigerator and serve cold.
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"I'm going to choo-choo you up and spit you out." / "HA! I'm going to fin-ish you, mackerel-breath."
Shark vs. Train by Chris Barton, illustrated by Tom Lichtenheld; LB Kids (April 2010); ISBN 9780316007627; 40 pages;
Book Source: Copy from local library
You know that toy box full of toys in your home? Buried deep within you might just find two rivals ready for some friendly competition - shark and train. At least that's the case in a new picture book by Chris Barton called Shark Vs. Train. Two kids rummage through their toy box and bring out a toy shark and a toy train that face off in various silly competitions. Who rules the ocean? How about the tracks? The card game, "Go Fish?" OK, those scenarios are fairly easy to call. But who would prevail in a game of hide-and-seek or a burping contest? You'll need to read the book to learn the outcome of those match-ups. Lichtenheld's comical illustrations, complete with snarky narratives in word balloons, portray the hilarious expressions of both the shark and train at moments of glory and defeat. The caboose even makes a few funny comments. It's so very clever, you'll need to page through it multiple times to catch all the humor.
My kids quickly searched their toy box for a shark figure and a train right after reading the book and played out their own shark vs. train scenarios. The battle became quite heated at one point and one shark attack left the train derailed. (I quickly reminded the competitors that even though they may have ornery and cantankerous dispositions, the book shows mainly friendly, non-contact sports.) Shark: 1 ; Train: 0. A strange result considering both my kids wanted the train to win in the book. That's imaginative play at its best, prompted by a creative and fun book. I wonder which of our toys will tangle next?
Related Links:
Chris Barton - Author Website
Tom Lichtenheld - Illustrator Website
Blue Rose Girls: Beyond the Book
Downloadable Shark Vs. Train poster and activity sheets [pdf]
Shark Vs. Train Activity Guide
Want more children's shark activities, projects, crafts?
National Geographic Coloring Pages (includes a few sharks)
Enchanted Learning - Sharks
SeaWorld - Shark Teacher's Guide
Make Your Own Dorsal Fin
Robert Sabuda Shark Pop up Card
Highlights for Children Snapping Shark
I am an Amazon affiliate and may receive a very small commission for products purchased through my Amazon links. (View my full disclosure statement for more information about my reviews.)


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We're stacked full with radio controlled cars, boats and helicopters and recently just in are petrol powered remote controlled toys including mini motos. All of our products are guaranteed, so buy that special someone a special something with added peace of mind - and remember you can have it delivered direct to their door!
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Editor Emeritus
Posts: 3245
Joined: December 31, 1969, 08:00:00 PM
Location: Kaukauna, Wisconsin (USA)
My Pet Montster Challenge
Breakfast Cereal Commercials. Most parents blame them; Reggie Webber, age eight, was grateful for one particular one.
"... New Purple People Cereal! Made with Sucralose so your parents don't have to worry about the sugar! You'll love them - they're yummy!"
So blared the TV throughout the Adventures of the Purple People cartoon show. So, of course, Reggie 'had' to have them when they went shopping. Mrs. Webber shrugged. The cereal was no health food, but it wasn't the worst thing on the shelf either. Reggie was a good kid and really had modest wishes anyway, so $13.77 of cereal a week was not something to fret over. Reggie snuck a box into his room so he could eat while watching the cartoon show on the TV in his room before everyone else was up. Mr. Webber taught his son how to set ant traps, and a little carpet cleaner every month or so could handle the rest.
On the Saturday before Easter, Reggie finished his show, but then a voice sounded.
"Reggie... Come down to help decorate the eggs!"
He rushed downstairs, forgetting to put his cereal away in his drawer. The bowl on the bed-tray had a few bites left floating in a bit of leftover milk.
Reggie worked hard on the eggs for a whole hour. Mr. Webber adjourned to hide the plastic eggs for the following day, and Reggie was free again, so he went back to his room.
The bowl was clean. Everything else in the room was the same.
Now, Reggie was a bright boy, but he couldn't figure this out. He remembered rushing down to help prepare for Easter, and was *sure* he'd been called away before finishing. But since everything else in the room was fine, this felt like a Detective Jerry show, so he didn't tell his parents. Pretending to be the hero of the show, he got down on hands and knees and Snooped For Clues. (Detective Jerry always did his Snooping on hands and knees, because the clues that Adults left were always on the ground. )
Reaching into the closet where he threw his dirty laundry when he was supposed to be cleaning his room, Reggie stuck his hand under a mound of tshirts and felt around. Something licked his fingers, which were still sugary from Easter Egg glazing.
"Glaaah!" yelped Reggie.
The voice floated up the stairs, "Reggie, did you say something?"
"Uh... No Mom. I just ... uh... knocked over something in my room."
"Okay sweetie".
This was definitely a Clue! Real careful, Reggie shone a flashlight into the closet and poked at the tshirts. The pile moved. A purple snout with a little horn and one baleful eye peered out.
"Awww. You're cute. Let me lock the door so Mom won't see you." So done, the purple creature emerged with a little coaxing. It was about the size of a portable heating unit with the approximate build of the smaller dinosaurs Reggie had seen on a trip to the museum. On its back were neatly folded purple wings. The creature shook loose a cramp and flew little circles around the room.
Reggie was delighted, and whispered, "Sshh, okay? Don't make any noise or Mom will come upstairs." The creature was also smart - it whimpered a subdued response, and settled on the bed next to the bowl.
"Oh, YOU ate my cereal That's okay. I'll get you some more later. We're going to be friends, okay?"
The creature snuggled itself under the blankets and went back to sleep.
Years passed. The creature, which Reggie eventually named Sheb when he caught on to the fantastic coincidence with the song, was very good at hiding. Reggie was very good at keeping secrets. (Uncle Sam would have been proud!) If anything, Sheb was even smarter than Jerry, but the creature had a humble heart and never gloated. In return for a cozy home under an old Disney blanket, a pillow, his namesake cereal, and a friend, Sheb helped his friend Reggie when they did homework together. Sheb couldn't speak, and apparently couldn't exactly read, but he had a knack of sorta finding the clue to homework problems that occasionally had Reggie in tears. (Maybe it was all the Detective Jerry episodes they had watched together.)
Reggie had taken to reading his assignments aloud, "because he liked to hear how things sounded". (He didn't say that Sheb also liked to hear how things sounded.) When faced with a typically tough question in history, Reggie would reread the assigned selection. Sometimes it took Sheb two readings to get the feel of it, but the third time he was usually right on target with a whimper at the important passage.
For math problems, Jerry explained his line of thought aloud. Sheb listened intently, scrunching his snout into a frown when it "felt wrong", and blinking his eye brightly when things "felt better". Again, in his own coded fashion, Sheb was "Darn Sure of himself" as Detective Jerry always said on the show. Sometimes they both gave up, but the teacher gave partial credit, and that was usually enough on one or two problems.
Although they had a couple near crises, Sheb was never discovered and remained a secret.
With Jerry acting as class proxy, Sheb listened to his textbooks on CD through headphones. While Jerry had grown into more of an English Literature fan, Sheb showed real talent with a major in geology. He graduated with modest B+ grades, and later single-wingedly created his own field of XenoGeology, where he studied the differences in amino acids wedged in rock bands formed by meteor impact craters.
[align=center]The End[/align]


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You may have seen Melanie Waddell's April 18 story on AdvisorOne about the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's report detailing its concerns about the myriad "confusing" designations for advisors who work with seniors. Given the Report's title, "Senior Designations for Financial Advisers: Reducing Consumer Confusion and Risks," the CFPB is more than a little concerned. Yet its list of remedies is more notable for its omissions than for what it includes—which should be cause for concern by seniors themselves and by professional advisors who serve them.
The Bureau cited more than 50 such designations and listed three major concerns: "The names and acronyms of senior designations confuse consumers; there is a wide variety of required training, qualifying exams and oversight associated with different designations; and there is a lack of comprehensive supervision and enforcement." It's hard to take issue with any of these specific complaints. Yet it's a list that raises way more questions than it answers.
For the moment, let's set aside the question of why, out of all the challenges facing financial consumers today, the Bureau decided to focus on this one. Seniors certainly are a huge and growing demographic, and I think we can all agree, are all too easily—and often—taken advantage of. So let's let that pass.
It does seem fair to wonder whether the admittedly confusing keypad of "senior advisor" designations is really the most pressing challenge that senior investors face. Not the ridiculously high fees charged by many 401(k)s, IRAs and annuities? Nor the myriad of "nontraditional" investment products with questionable financial potential, inordinate risk and even higher loads? Or the onslaught of downright investment frauds that perennially prey on the elderly? A more skeptical mind might conclude that the CFPB's assault on "senior designations" amounts to nothing more than punting on these more politically risky issues.
Finally, there's the Bureau's focus on these three specific issues; are confusion, lack of training and adequate supervision really the problem with the financial advice that seniors get?
For that matter, don't these three issues also plague most retail investors who seek financial advice today? Why has the CFPB chosen to separate out seniors from the rest of the herd?
We get some insight into this conundrum when we look at the three remedies that the Bureau's Report offers for the plight of seniors seeking investment advice: "Implement rigorous training standards; set strict standards; and increase supervision and enforcement. Again, hard to argue with, as far as they go. But the bureaucratic bug in this ointment lies in the description of those "strict' standards: "Such standards could include prohibiting senior designees from characterizing sales events as educational seminars, and selling financial products and services at events that are advertised or described as educational or informational events."
That's right: while the entire financial services industry and its regulators are embroiled in the debate over how to expand a fiduciary standard to cover all financial consumers, the CFPB is worried about misleading seminars for seniors! This isn't a case of punting; rather, it's not showing up for the game. Apparently, the idea that requiring advisors to the elderly to first and foremost put the interests of their clients first didn't occur to the Bureau. What could be a more important protection for those most vulnerable of investors? Kind of makes you wonder what the "P" in CFPB really stands for, doesn't it?


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Auto News - Pro Modified - Mopar Drag News
New Stratus-FearThe much-anticipated Pro-Modified Dodge Stratus campaigned by the formidable new Can-Am combination of Al Billes and Jim Oddy has hit the track at a record smashing pace. The all-new Hemi-powered machine, which is sponsored by Summit Racing Equipment, placed runner-up at its recent debut during the IHRA AC/Delco Nationals at Virginia Motorsports Park near Richmond. Enroute to that finish, Canadian-based driver Al Billes recorded the fastest speeds ever seen in Pro Modified class history, including a national speed record setting of 236.22 mph. For team owner Jim Oddy, the all-new Stratus is the first Dodge in his colorful and lengthy racing career.
"After we won the Pro Modified Shootouts for a couple years when Mopar was the sponsor, it got me thinking," said Oddy. "Then in 2003, we evolved to the Hemi engine, and it began to make even more sense. I watched closely what Jack Roush was doing with these Stratus bodies, and that was a real attraction to me. I saw they were working well in Pro Stock, and I thought it would be a good application over here in Pro Modified."
Power for the Summit Racing Equipment Stratus comes from a 526-inch Brad Anderson motor equipped with Ken Veney cylinder heads. Of course, the package features the very latest in Jim Oddy's own supercharger technology, his long-time specialty.
Billes and Oddy, who are two of Pro Modified classes' most respected individuals, will use the Jerry Haas-built Dodge Stratus to chase the 2005 IHRA Hooter Drag Racing Series World Championship.
Econo Record HolderIndiana's Dale Spencer, a respected race car chassis builder, has enjoyed some great success with his unique mini-motored dragster. Spencer reset both ends of the NHRA national record for the F/ED class during a recent event held in Louisiana. Running on a national index of 8.99 seconds, Spencer reset the national records to 8.35 and 156.46 mph. That impressive time came driving a four-cylinder, 187ci, Mopar-powered machine that produces a rather amazing 440 hp. Spencer is trying something rather rogue within the sport. He has taken a motor intended for circle track midget cars to a drag racing application.
"I'm about the only one out here trying this," affirmed Spencer. "These blocks are intended for circle track use, but we've converted them. We run a bigger camshaft and a reworked W9 cylinder head. Almost everything on this car is a one-off. With some help from my friends, we've built pretty much everything, including the intake manifold and the oil pan. We also use two 500-cfm two-barrel carburetors. I was told that couldn't be done, but I think we are proving otherwise."
Spencer's machine has already been recognized for the mechanical marvel it truly is. He was the recipient of a prestigious "Best Engineered Sportsman Car" award during a NHRA national event held at Joliet, Illinois, last season.
Virginia Is For VictoryMopar Sportsman proponents Bernard Weaver and Myron Piatek both earned significant victories during recent IHRA national event action held at Virginia Motorsports Park.
Weaver, from Virginia, mowed down a massive 75-car field in the Super Rod (9.90) category driving his reliable 493-powered '84 Dodge Daytona. The former 2001 IHRA World Champion won seven grueling rounds of competition and capped his victory with a final round 9.902 at 143.93 mph decision over opponent Mike Sparacino. Weaver's victory came from the pole position in the class. He ran the only perfect 9.900 during time trails to pace the field.
Piatek's win came in Stock eliminator, driving his familiar Florida-based "Locomotion" 360 crate-motored '75 Dodge Dart. Myron ambushed the field from the 47th qualifying position with a dazzling display of consistency. The Stock eliminator title bout was all-Mopar, with Piatek's 11.92 on an 11.90 dial-in prevailing over the 360-powered FT/SA Dodge Dakota driven by Michigan's John Lovins.
EventsAugust 28- Chicago, IL: Mopars on the Mississippi brought to you by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com.
September 3-4-Nebraska City, NE: 17th annual National Dodge Charger Meet, sponsored by The Dodge Charger Registry. No entry fee. Info: Wes Pieper, (830) 981-5383 (Texas); Wes Wayne Wooten, The Dodge Charger Registry, P.O. Box 79, Meherrin, VA 23954; (434) 223-1305; www.dodgechargerregistry.com.
September 3-4-Garland, TX: 21st annual Southwest Mopar Mini Nats hosted by the Dallas Mopar Club. This is a two-day All-Mopar judged show, with food and auto product vendors, a swap meet, and other exciting events. Info: Jerry Reed, (972) 271-6189; firstname.lastname@example.com; www.dallasmoparclub.com.
September 10-Atco, NJ: 9th annual Mopar Car-B-Que. All Mopars welcome from primer to pristine. No judging, just relax with fellow Mopar enthusiasts. Display your car for $5. Dodge Coronet Registry. Features include Emerald Society Pipes and Drums, The Original Sox and Martin Duster, and the Tactical Unit S.W.A.T. Van. There will be a model car show, hot food, snacks and drinks available. Proceeds benefit "The Tactical Unit Funding Foundation" in memory of James "Zeke" Fabrizio. Info: www.moparcarbque.com.
September 11-Omaha, NE: The 24th All Mopar Auto Show held at the Nebraska Crossing Outlet Mall, Interstate 80, Exit 432. This is the area's original and largest Mopar event, featuring twenty classes, a long distance award, goody bags, dash plaques and many drawings. Info: Dan, (402)593-6080; http://rtsomaha.tripod.com.
September 16-Caryville, TN: Seventh annual Fall at Cove Lake Mopar show, Cove Lake State Park, Exit 134 off I-75, 26 miles north of Knoxville, TN. Join us for Hospitality Night, Friday, September 16, at Super 8 Motel at Exit 134. For reservations call (423) 562-8476 and mention Mopar Show for special rates. Judging begins at noon, awards presented at 4:00 p.m. Free spaces for non-food vendors and swap meet vendors, free parking for spectators. Info: Classic Auto Glass, (800) 659-6158; Gary Shepperd, at 423/562-1066.
September 16-18-Norwalk, Oh: 8th Norwalk Chrysler Classic at Norwalk Raceway Park, MCG Points Series finale featuring Chrysler product car show, swap meet, A-100 reunion, Quick 16, King of the Street, and more! The world's largest Chrysler product drag race. Info: (614) 268-1181; www.classcevents.com.
September 17-Chicago, IL: Hogs 'n' Hemis brought to you by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com.
September 25-Chicago, IL: The Party in Plano brought to you by the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com.
October 2-Chicago, IL: Fox Lake Chrysler Swap Meet with the Chicagoland Mopar Connection. Info: www.chicagolandmopar.com.
November 13-Chicago, IL: Chicagoland Mopar Connection presents Plain 'o'. Info: www.chicagoland.com.


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FERPA Online Library
June 28, 2006
Ms. Jeanne-Marie Pochert
Deputy Assistant General Counsel
Clark County School District Legal Department
2832 East Flamingo Road
Las Vegas, Nevada 89121
Dear Ms. Pochert:
This responds to questions raised in your December 30, 2004, email regarding the disclosure of education records to a contractor for the Clark County School District (District). This Office investigates complaints and violations under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), 20 U.S.C. §1232g, and provides technical assistance to ensure compliance with the statute and regulations, which are codified at 34 CFR Part 99.
You asked whether FERPA permits the District to disclose education records, without a parent's prior written consent, to Edline, a company that operates an online system that allows parents to access their child's current grades and class attendance reports, as well as school and class news, assignments, calendars, school menus, etc., that have been provided to Edline by District staff. According to your email, Edline provides secure hosting facilities that use encryption, firewall protection, and password codes that parents and students must use to access the student's records. You asked whether Edline is correct in its opinion that the District may disclose education records to Edline, without prior written consent, because it is an agent or contractor of the school and not a third party.
This Office asked you follow-up questions in January 2005, and on February 14, 2005, you forwarded responses provided by Marge Abrams, a representative of Edline. Ms. Abrams explained that Edline has a strict policy against sharing any student information with third parties. Further, according to Ms. Abrams:
When schools publish private information pertaining to specific students (such as grades) at their website hosted by Edline, the school configures exactly who has access to the student information (which is transferred to the school's website via secure SSL connection and stored in encrypted format). Thus, the school itself (not Edline) will provide access to student information only to the people it chooses (members of the school staff, parents, etc.) on an individualized basis through password-protected user accounts. No person that doesn't receive a specific account (with specific access) from the school itself will ever have access to student information (public or private) at the school's Edline website. Edline never grants third parties access to private reports (such as grades) or any other information, because Edline simply facilitates communication on behalf of the school.
There is no sharing of data between schools (or with any other agency or institution) by Edline. All access to student information, whether by other schools, agencies, or any other third parties - is configured and determined by the school itself.
Under FERPA parents (or "eligible students," as defined in § 99.3 of the regulations) have a right to inspect and review their children's education records and to seek to have them amended in certain circumstances. 34 CFR Part 99, subparts B and C. FERPA provides further that no funds administered by the Secretary of Education shall be made available to an educational agency or institution, such as a public school district, that has a policy or practice of releasing or permitting access to personally identifiable information from education records (other than "directory information") without the prior written consent of a parent (or eligible student) except as authorized by law. 20 U.S.C. §1232g(b)(1) and (b)(2). Accordingly, a parent (or eligible student) must provide a signed and dated written consent in accordance with the requirements of §99.30 of the FERPA regulations before an educational agency or institution discloses education records. Exceptions to this requirement are set forth in 34 CFR §99.31.
"Education records" are defined as records that are directly related to a student and maintained by an educational agency or institution or by a party acting for the agency or institution. 34 CFR §99.3 "Education records" (emphasis added). This means that records directly related to a student that are maintained by contractor or other party acting for a school, including records created by that party, are subject to all FERPA requirements.
"Disclosure" in the FERPA regulations means "to permit access to or the release, transfer, or other communication of personally identifiable information contained in education records to any party" by any means and includes access to education records by school officials. Indeed, one of the exceptions to the prior written consent requirement in FERPA allows "school officials, including teachers, within the agency or institution" to obtain access to education records provided the educational agency or institution has determined that they have "legitimate educational interests" in the information. 34 CFR §99.31(a)(1). Although "school official" is not defined in the statute or regulations, this Office has interpreted the term broadly to include a teacher; school principal; president; chancellor; board member; trustee; registrar; counselor; admissions officer; attorney; accountant; human resources professional; information systems specialist; and support or clerical personnel.
In addition, an educational agency or institution may disclose education records without consent to a "school official" under this exception only if it has first determined that the official has "legitimate educational interests" in obtaining the information to perform specified services for the agency or institution. An educational agency or institution that allows school officials to obtain access to education records under this exception must include in its annual notification of FERPA rights a specification of its criteria for determining who constitutes a "school official" and what constitutes "legitimate educational interests" under §99.31(a)(1). See 34 CFR §99.7(a)(3)(iii).
As noted in your email, FERPA does not specifically address disclosure of education records to contractors, consultants, volunteers and service providers who are not employees of an educational agency or institution. However, the statutory definition of "education records" appears to recognize the use of outside service providers in calling for the protection of records maintained by "a person acting for" the agency or institution." Indeed, the Joint Statement in Explanation of Buckley/Pell Amendment (120 Cong. Rec. S39862, Dec. 13, 1974) refers specifically to materials that are maintained by a school "or by one of its agents" when describing the meaning of the new term "education records" in the December 1974 amendments. Accordingly, this Office has advised that agencies and institutions subject to FERPA are not precluded from disclosing education records to parties to whom they have outsourced services so long as they do so under the same conditions applicable to school officials who are actually employed.
Note that an educational agency or institution may not disclose education records without prior written consent merely because it has entered into a contract or agreement with an outside party. Rather, the agency or institution must be able to show that 1) the outside party provides a service for the agency or institution that it would otherwise provide for itself using employees; 2) the outside party would have "legitimate educational interests" in the information disclosed if the service were performed by employees; and 3) the outside party is under the direct control of the educational agency or institution with respect to the use and maintenance of information from education records. Further, under §99.33(a) of the regulations, any party, including a "school official," that receives education records may use the information only for the purposes for which the disclosure was made and may not redisclose the information to any other party without prior written consent, except as authorized under §99.33(b). As noted above, education records maintained by a party providing services for an educational agency or institution, including records created by that party, are subject to all FERPA requirements. An outside party that does not meet these requirements may not be given access to personally identifiable information from education records without meeting the prior written consent requirements.
Critically, an educational agency or institution must ensure that its service provider does not use or allow anyone to obtain access to personally identifiable information from education records except in strict accordance with the requirements established by the agency or institution that discloses the information. In that vein, the agency or institution that outsources services under these requirements remains completely responsible for its service provider's compliance with applicable FERPA requirements and liable for any misuse of protected information. For that reason, we recommend that these specific protections be incorporated into any contract or agreement between an educational agency or institution and any non-employees it retains to provide institutional services.
The disclosure of education records to school officials without consent under §99.31(a)(1) is ordinarily excepted from FERPA's specific recordation requirements under §99.32(d)(2) because these disclosures are identified in the school's annual FERPA notification. An educational agency or institution that has complied with the notification requirements in §99.7(a)(3)(iii) for disclosure of education records to contractors and other outside service providers retained as "school officials" under the above conditions may exclude these disclosures from the recordation requirements in accordance with §99.32(d)(2). If the agency or institution has not listed contractors and other outside service providers as "school officials" in its annual §99.7 FERPA notification, then it is required to record each disclosure to a qualifying contractor in accordance with §99.32(a).
Based on the information provided, it appears that the arrangement schools within the District have with Edline meets these requirements for disclosing specified information from education records to Edline as a "school official" under this FERPA exception. In particular, 1) Edline provides online hosting services that permit parents to view some of their children's education records, and Edline uses the information from education records to perform those services that would otherwise be provided by school employees; 2) Edline's online access services provide it with "legitimate educational interests" in the information disclosed to Edline by each school; and 3) Edline's use and maintenance of personally identifiable information from education records is subject to the direct control of each school within the District. Each school or the District must ensure that Edline does not redisclose or permit the redisclosure of any personally identifiable information from education records except as specifically authorized by the school or District that is responsible for the contract. The school (or District), in turn, remains responsible for any FERPA violations committed by its service provider. In that regard, we note that Edline takes reasonable and appropriate steps to ensure that information from education records is not disclosed or made available to other parties and does not use the information for any other purpose.
I trust that the above information is helpful in explaining the scope and limitations of FERPA as it relates to your concern.
LeRoy S. Rooker
Family Policy Compliance Office


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(OLD) (ARCHIVED) Puppy Linux Discussion Forum
Puppy HOME page :
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SwitchPup - puplet for the severely disabled
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 13:44
Post subject:
SwitchPup - puplet for the severely disabled
Subject description: Pup controlled by a single switch
is intended to be a series of pups which include the "radar" (or alternatively the "navbar") scripts written by SFR. These are just my own versions based on my own experimentation. They are not "official releases" in any way, but I hope you find them useful.
**** Please check all of the first 3 posts for different SwitchPup styles****
They allow a user to control all functions by using only a single switch (eg a chin operated switch etc), and this switch is currently required to be connected onto the Pause/Break key on the keyboard as requested by forum member standard7452 here:
(also there are other good alternative suggestions being discussed there and there will no doubt be better-constructed isos than mine
Tutorial discussing possible keyboard mods to attach external switches here:
Radar versions :
****** New version *******
September 2 2013
This version is based on Pemasu's Upup-raring188.8.131.52 which is a good match for all my hardware.
(It is functionally very similar to the previous Precise version but also includes an Abiword version that can write docx). It may also have improved booting on some machines.
- Includes "DragWindow" functionality for greater useability.
Download here:
md5: b00857dc91591016c8faded99691cdb8
these Radar_firstrun puppies are configured to allow Radar to start earlier during the boot process so that the disabled user can interact with the firstrun setup screen to choose different keyboard or language etc. It also includes SFR's Keyhunter script which automatically sets up the correct "event" and "keycode" number for the keyswitch that is being used. This means that the system can be used without having to be set up manually by someone else first and means that it is easy to use a simple pluggable usb version of the keyboard mod if trialling switchpup on a variety of systems.
I prefer to make these isos "RAM only" versions so that you can test them safely without them grabbing any pre-existing savefiles. You can create a savefile at shutdown time if you wish to install permanently.
Other version based on Precise puppy:
August 7 2013
md5: 512215b60ad24c96b11176648938c8f3
- Solved bug with Abiword not opening a file when icon clicked.
- Repositioned desktop icons to allow better navbar geometry.
- Included "DragWindow" function (allows you to grab the window anywhere - much easier than trying to grab the title bar)
- Screenlock icon no longer a problem (per Ted Dog request).
- Tap-to-click disabled to avoid accidental mouse jumps.
- pupdesk.flg disabled to improve booting.
- welcome splash moved upwards to minimise clash with initial keyhunter dialog.
Previous versions of Radarfirstrun_RAMonly:
(These earlier versions not recommended due to an Abiword bug - but temporarily included here for reference)
August 1 2013
md5: 364657f6b7442cbc2079fd70440157b0
July 29 2013
md5: 0761879124b87b6e5282cc441f429edc
Earlier version:
April 11 2013:
Download here:
This version uses SFR's radar1b, which includes the gui for changing radar parameters if required. I have positioned radar to allow a clear space for vertical scrollbars, and xfce window controls keep the windows in useful places.
It starts up with leafpad open so the user can start typing a message immediately, and if desired the user can use the radar menu to select xvkbd mode to "scan" across the xvkbd keyboard for faster typing.
The Opera font pet is in /root (just doubleclick it) for users who want to improve the readability of the inbuilt Opera. (which comes set up with flashblock and also works ok with youtube)
Radar gui is in /usr/local/apps/radar1bmod (look for radar-config). If you want to use the zoom slider at the bottom right of opera it is worth using the radar gui to move the radar screen to bottom centre so it doesn't overlap the zoomer.
Original version:
April 5 2013
My first version is based on RacyNOP532 and includes radar 0.8
It has basic functionality and is aimed at being a "sampler" so that end users can easily get to grips with the way a "one-switch" pup operates. It will not be everyones cup of tea as it uses XFCE and has had major browsers and word processing stripped out of it - allowing the user to select their preferred versions from elsewhere.
It does have Opera - but I have not yet added the font improvements that will enhance readability. I would recommend SeaMonkey.
Backup download link and md5 (thanks o1micko!)
o1micko wrote:
Here's another download link:
30dbd28412e611e603bc507c1277a10d SwitchPup_RacyNOP532_Radar0.8_Basic.iso
8839 Time(s)
Last edited by greengeek on Wed 04 Sep 2013, 03:48; edited 37 times in total
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 14:02
Post subject:
NavBar versions :
I have used an early version of SFR's Navbar to make a simple communicator which can be used as a live CD or for install. It is configured to start with Leafpad open so the user can begin typing immediately and the text appears in leafpad. (I decided to configure Navbar for visual simplicity using the "4-arrow" system and a slower "roll speed". Also, leafpad is configured with wordwrap on, so as long as there are spaces between words it will not be necessary to be using the horizontal scroll bar to view the whole text)
Users can still add their preferred word processor, browse the internet or use other programs as needed.
Download here:
dda0300febfde723ddab107d489e2857 SwitchPup_RacyNOP532_Navbar0.4_CommunicatorBasic.iso
I will be adding other versions incorporating the broader functionality found in newer Navbar versions, but will be away from my PC for about a month.
I have also included an "Opera font improvement" pet which some users may want to install to improve the usability of Opera (This pet can be found stored in /root - just doubleclick the font pet file and wait for it to self-install and update it's help file). Opera font thread here:
9147 Time(s)
Last edited by greengeek on Thu 11 Apr 2013, 15:25; edited 6 times in total
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 14:02
Post subject:
Updated 26th July 2013
AUTOSTART version
I have made an "Autostart" version based on Precise 5.6.1 with the intention of making it possible for the disabled user to get started without waiting for someone else to do the configuration. In the simplest case, just place the CD in the drive, boot the PC and wait for the desktop. The "firstrun" wizard completes by itself and leaves the desktop ready for use.
It can be run from a LiveCD or installed as a frugal and run without a savefile.
This is set up to ignore any savefiles at boot time - which has the advantage of better safety during trials, as well as some disadvantages like inability to add new bookmarks etc(although it includes a small list of useful ones...) but I am hoping this 'Live boot straight to desktop' proves useful because of the simplicity of booting a PC without having to tinker with configuration screens. (Actually you don't even have to be disabled to derive benefit from that feature. I'm hoping to finetune this to be a good general purpose Live pup for other users too...)
****New version :****
August 1 2013
Switchpup_precise561_AutoStart_RAMonly_0.0.5 available here:
md5: 80fe83361ecbf43454c80cae911d45f6
- fixed problem with second boot failing start of X server due to pupdesk.flg incorrectly set.
- moved screenlock icon.
- flsynclient modified to turn off tap-to-click
- Added a couple of Oneswitch links to bookmarks
This version now contains the "keyhunter" function from SFR - which means that you can use the internal keyboard, external keyboard or a hotpluggable oneswitch interface plugged into any usb port and keyhunter will identify the "event number" and "keycode" straight after booting. No external help is necessary. Very quick to get functional with this release.
On my system (hooked up via network cable to a normal ADSL router) the internet connection is immediately available without any configuration requirements, so that should be the case for most other people as well I expect. Just click on the browse icon and you are online. Obviously wireless connection would require use of the internet connection wizard.
I recommend users click on desktop 1 for activities requiring the keyboard, and desktops 2 and 3 for mounting/unmounting, file manipulation and other activities (especially when using smaller screen resolutions)
The inbuilt "quicksetup" routines during the boot process seem to do a very good job of selecting resolutions (at least on my machines...)
I am keen to receive any feedback regarding which machines this works well on (it is mostly targeted at PCs around 5-10 years old...) and would also like to know what features users would like added in (preferred bookmarks, window positions etc etc). It seems to work reasonably well but there is a lot of further finetuning to do...
(Thanks SFR for the scripting help, ETP for MagooPupV6 which I use for remastering and initrd.gz editing, and Mikeslr for ongoing ideas)
Previous versions:
July 26 2013
Switchpup_precise561_AutoStart_RAMonly_0.0.4 available here:
md5: 615e1196013fe8cbfb6fbf677cd08c05
Switchpup_precise561_AutoStart_RAMonly_0.0.3 available here:
md5: 09d5fee7793a29c30af7a879710ae80d
(This version needs to use the internal or ps/2 keyboard defaulting to event0 and keycode119 unless an external user adjusts the oneswitch settings to accomodate any other keyboard. The newer version handles other hotpluggable keyboards automatically)
8415 Time(s)
Abi screenie.jpg
8377 Time(s)
Last edited by greengeek on Thu 01 Aug 2013, 14:20; edited 15 times in total
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Joined: 19 May 2012
Posts: 1983
Location: lincoln, uk
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 16:42
Post subject:
FYI, unable to download
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 16:59
Post subject:
ally wrote:
FYI, unable to download
Hi Ally, not sure why that is. I'm seeing other downloads going out ok. Could you give it another go please? thx.
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Joined: 19 May 2012
Posts: 1983
Location: lincoln, uk
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 17:14
Post subject:
hey GG
get the following:
You are not authorised to access the web page at http://184.108.40.206/tr8g5zaxaamg/q0ulcvsd08xdnxj/SwitchPup_RacyNOP532_Radar0.8_Basic.iso. You may need to sign in.
HTTP Error 403 (Forbidden): The server refused to fulfill the request.
I have tried clearing browser cache and alternative browser too, will keep trying
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Joined: 26 Oct 2011
Posts: 1802
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 18:03
Post subject:
Nicely done.
And no probs with d/l here.
@Ally: long shot - maybe right-click & save as..?
Or try through
[O]bdurate [R]ules [D]estroy [E]nthusiastic [R]ebels => [C]reative [H]umans [A]lways [O]pen [S]ource
Omnia mea mecum porto.
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Joined: 11 Oct 2008
Posts: 8787
Location: qld
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 18:08
Post subject:
Coming down ok here too, when done I'll upload.
SFR's idea is good, there may be some weird UK filter ..
Puppy Linux Blog
- contact me for access
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Joined: 19 May 2012
Posts: 1983
Location: lincoln, uk
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 18:17
Post subject:
hey sfr
thanks for the proxy link, worked a charm - wan't able to get to webpage previously
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Joined: 11 Oct 2008
Posts: 8787
Location: qld
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 19:37
Post subject:
Hi greengeek
Here's another download link:
I couldn't see a checksum so here it is: (checked after successful boot and seems working ok)
30dbd28412e611e603bc507c1277a10d SwitchPup_RacyNOP532_Radar0.8_Basic.iso
Puppy Linux Blog
- contact me for access
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 20:20
Post subject:
Thankyou. Much appreciated.
I have also been trying to remaster THINSlacko2012 with radar and xvkbd, but not quite there yet. I keep getting "sfs not found" error during boot. I am wondering if it might be that I am using mksquashfs with only default parameters and maybe I'm getting incorrect block sizes or compression or something. Will come back to it and try again soon after a bit more research.
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Joined: 11 Oct 2008
Posts: 8787
Location: qld
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 20:24
Post subject:
Why don't you put the extra packages in an Adrive? (which is just an ordinary sfs with the special "adrv_slacko_5.5.01.sfs" name and it will autoload on boot.)
I can't quite understand why a manual remaster isn't working though..
edit: OH, you mean the older thin based on 5.3.3?
Puppy Linux Blog
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Thu 04 Apr 2013, 20:28
Post subject:
01micko wrote:
edit: OH, you mean the older thin based on 5.3.3?
Yes, I love that 5.3.3t version. It runs great on all my gear, even recent netbooks.
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Joined: 20 Jul 2010
Posts: 5834
Location: Republic of Novo Zelande
Posted: Tue 09 Apr 2013, 15:01
Post subject:
Added a "navbar" version into my second post above. Designed as a simple communicator, or for broader usage with browsing etc, it works nicely as either a live CD or installed.
In this version Navbar is configured for slow speed and simplicity. Other versions to follow later.
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Joined: 23 May 2010
Posts: 2549
Location: near here
Posted: Wed 10 Apr 2013, 16:07
Post subject:
Great project.
I have a friend who has limited upper body strength. He can't sit up to use a keyboard but can use a game controller. Could this pup be adapted to work with a game controller. Also, is there a program for zooming in to the part of the screen? the best I've seen is a hack using xrandr modes.
Currently he can uses the PS3 browser interface well. But his computer is sitting unused.
helping Wiki for help
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text:
EEOC Wins Rare Summary Judgment Verdict In Disability Suit Against Creative Networks
Court Rules Employer Refused to Provide Reasonable Accommodations and
Failed to Hire Hearing-Impaired Applicant
PHOENIX -- A federal judge ruled yesterday ruled in favor of the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) that a Phoenix company that provides services to the disabled illegally discriminated against a hearing-impaired job applicant.
Judge David Alan Ezra of U.S. District Court for the District of Arizona held as a matter of law that Creative Networks had failed to accommodate and hire a hearing-impaired applicant, Rochelle Duran, because of her disability. In its lawsuit filed Sept. 28, 2009, the EEOC charged that Creative Networks violated the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) by adhering to a rigid policy or practice of denying hearing-impaired applicants' requests for interpreting services costing more than $200 to complete its pre-employment orientation and training. (EEOC v. Creative Networks L.L.C., 09-CV-02023, D. Ariz.).
According to the court, "Creative Networks denied Duran an employment opportunity and the denial was based on her need for reasonable accommodations. Indeed, Defendant's failure to offer Duran reasonable accommodations foreclosed her opportunity for employment by preventing her from proceeding further in the application process."
Such conduct violates Title I of the the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which prohibits private employers from discriminating against qualified individuals with disabilities in job application procedures, hiring, and job training, and also mandates that employers provide reasonable accommodations to people with disabilities absent undue hardship. With this decision by the court, the case will go to trial on the issues of damages and injunctive relief.
EEOC Regional Attorney Mary Jo O'Neill said, "It's plainly against federal law for employers to refuse reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities. Employers should take advantage of the skills and assets that disabled individuals can offer, rather than denying them their rights under the law. Employers need to train and educate their work force on the need to treat disabled individuals lawfully and fairly rather than closing the door of opportunity on them."
Rayford O. Irvin, district director of the EEOC's Phoenix District Office, added, "I cannot emphasize enough how important it is for employers to take seriously their obligation to respect the rights of disabled applicants and employees. The EEOC will continue to exercise its mission to protect the rights of workers against discrimination."
Creative Networks, with over 1,000 employees, is a Phoenix-based subsidiary of ResCare, Inc. and a company that that provides services to disabled clients.


text:
Roast Chicken with Celery Root & Apple Glaze
I believe in using the best chicken and to make this wonderful dish, my choice is Bell & Evans grain-fed chicken, available at the Whole Foods markets. These pale creamy looking chickens have deservedly won top honors at many tastings. Here chicken halves are marinated, then roasted at high temperature for better browning and concentrated flavor along with a mixture of Fuji apples, celery root and red onions and topped with an apple cider glaze. It's a good dish for a party, because it's sure to please, everything can be made ahead with only unattended oven roasting while you greet your guests and it's inexpensive to make even if you use top quality grain-fed, free-range or organic chicken.
Serving Size: 6
Apple Cider Glaze
- 1 quart apple cider
- 1 quart rich chicken stock, homemade if possible
- 1 tablespoon chopped thyme
- ½ peeled yellow onion
- 2 bay leaves
- 2 teaspoons peppercorns
- 2 teaspoons coriander seed
- 2 teaspoons fennel seed
Bring all to the boil and reduce till the liquid is syrupy and equals 2 to 3 cups. Strain and keep warm.
Marinated Chicken
- ¼ cup finely minced shallots
- 1 tablespoon finely chopped rosemary
- 2 teaspoons finely chopped thyme
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- ¼ cup vegetable oil
- 6 chicken halves
Combine marinade ingredients and rub all over chicken halves. Refrigerate overnight or up to two days.
Apples, Celery Root & Red Onion
- 1 celery root, pared and cut into wedges
- 2 large Fuji (or other firm red-skinned apples), cored and cut into thick wedges
- 2 small red onions, cut into wedges
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Blanch celery root for 1 minute in boiling salted water. Drain and reserve. Toss apple wedges with lemon juice. Combine with red onions and reserve.
- Apple Cider Glaze
- 2 to 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, optional
- Apple mixture
- Marinated chicken halves
- Polenta, rice or mashed potatoes, optional
Preheat oven to 450 Place celery root, red onion and apple wedges into the bottom of a roasting pan. Wipe excess marinated from chickens and place over the vegetables, skin side down. Roast till ¾ cooked, about 25 minutes. Turn chicken half over and roast until chicken is skin is browned, and the internal temperature has reached 165 (74 C) at its thickest point or the juices of the thigh run clear when pierced.
To serve, place polenta, rice, or mashed potatoes into the bottom of serving plates or pasta bowls, preferably heated slightly, if desired. Arrange chicken and apple mixture over top. Ladle Apple Cider Glaze over top. (Note that for a fancier dinner, heat the Apple Cider Glaze till bubbling and stir in two to four tablespoons of butter to enrich the sauce and give it that "restaurant-style" shine.)
(from Starting with Ingredients)


text:
This section contains details of publications which provide guidance on cognition (ways of thinking) and emotion in people on the autism spectrum.
If you know of any other publications we should include in this section please email firstname.lastname@example.com Thanks!
Please note: The fact that we have included a link to a publication in this section does not necessarily mean that we agree with all of the information within it.
Please note that we are unable to supply publications unless we are listed as the publisher. However, if you are a UK resident you may be able to obtain them from your local public library, your college library or direct from the publisher.


text:
In the American mind, renting has long symbolized striving rather than achieving. But as we climb our way out of the Great Recession, it seems something has changed. Americans are getting over the idea of owning the American dream; increasingly, they're OK with renting it.
Homeownership is on the decline, and renting is on the rise. But the trend isn't limited to the housing market. Across the board, Americans are increasingly acclimating to the idea of giving up the stability of being an owner for the flexibility of being a renter. This may sound like a decline in living standards. But the new realities of our increasingly mobile economy make it more likely that this transition from an Ownership Society to a Rentership Society.
The unsentimental fact about the American dream is that Americans never really owned it in the first place. For the past three decades, especially, consumers haven't so much bought their quality of life as they've borrowed it from banks and credit card companies.
Now consumers are following the example of corporations, becoming more efficient. And it starts at home.
Housing is the biggest single component of consumption in the U.S. economy and the source of much of our present misery. The typical consumer spends about 32% of his or her budget on shelter. In the last decade, that generally meant borrowing a lot of money to take "ownership" of a home.
During the boom, the home ownership rate grew steadily, peaking at a record 69% in 2006.
Ownership-boosters failed to note that homes purchased in 2005 and 2006 with no-money-down, interest-only mortgages weren't really bought. They were simply rented until the "owner" flipped them or walked away from the mortgage.
In the post-bust climate, renting has emerged as a much more economically efficient way to pay for housing. A one-year lease represents a far less onerous financial obligation than a 30-year mortgage. It's difficult to get into too much financial trouble as a renter. The home ownership rate has fallen from its peak in 2006 to 65.4% today.
For an increasing number of Americans it makes more sense to rent. According to Moody's, by late 2011 it was cheaper to rent than to own in 72% of American metropolitan areas, up from 54% a decade ago. And the more people who do it, the more socially acceptable and desirable it becomes. The decline in the ownership rate means that about three million more households rent today than did at the height of the bubble.
It's tempting to view the rise of renting as an economic step backward. But many would argue the rise of renting is a sign of a system adapting to new realities.
The U.S. economy needs the dynamism that renting enables as much as, or more than, it needs the stability that ownership engenders.
And the rising popularity of renting is hardly contained to the housing market.
Finally, perhaps, Americans are absorbing a piece of wisdom from Thoreau: "And when the farmer has got his house, he may not be the richer but the poorer for it, and it be the house that has got him."
Read more information on Rent Vs Buy, visit our website by clicking HHHunt.
Wall Street Journal


text:
DSM Dyneema acquires Cubic Tech
By acquiring Cubic Tech, DSM Dyneema will further extend the brand into high-performance fabrics.
Cubic Tech Corporation has specialized for more than 23 years in the custom design, development and production of innovative high performance ultra-lightweight flexible laminates and fabrics (known as cuben fiber)— most of them based on Dyneema®.
Cuben Fiber
Cuben Fiber is the original company and product name that was sold to North Sails for the use in sailcloth. Outside of sailcloth the company was restarted as Cubic Tech Corporation. Even though, Cubic Tech promoted their product portfolio under the name CTF3, the industry continued to use Cuben Fiber as a reference to Cubic Tech's product portfolio.
By acquiring Cubic Tech, DSM Dyneema will further extend the brand into high-performance fabrics, reinforcing the position as one of the leading brands in ultra-high performance materials. Going forward, Cubic Tech's product portfolio will be integrated into the Dyneema® brand family and referred to as Dyneema® Composite fabrics.
Dyneema® Fabric benefits
Dyneema® fabrics unmatched strength-to-weight ratio and outstanding abrasion-resistance and durability increase the areas in which technical fabrics can be used successfully.
By collaborating with the leading brands in denim, apparel, footwear, sports equipment and lightweight outdoor products and accessories we aim to take innovation to the next level, with a new generation of high-strength, lightweight fabrics.
Dyneema® fabrics: freedom, style, protection… and choice
Dyneema® is available in four types of fabric:
Dyneema® Knitted Fabrics: Dyneema® Knitted Fabrics are available in various circular and warp knits that are tailored to the specific needs of the final application.
Dyneema® Woven Fabrics: Rigid and stretch woven fabrics with Dyneema® are ideal for making lightweight but strong outdoor apparel, footwear, and accessories.
Dyneema® Composite Fabrics: Flexible composite fabrics take strength and durability to new highs. Dyneema® Composite Fabrics increase tear, puncture, and abrasion performance dramatically compared with 500D nylon, while cutting weight and reducing bulk.
Dyneema® Denim: In addition to a 'traditional' technical woven fabric, Dyneema® is also available as Dyneema® Denim. This comes in two forms: as a filament yarn for reinforcement, or with Dyneema® blended into the cotton.