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Personal finance expert Deborah Ross Nayrocker is determined to help families live debt-free lives. In her book, The Art of Debt-Free Living: Living Large on Less Than You Earn (Pleasant Word), Deborah provides tips and strategies to help people manage their money.
But Deborah is more than a financial expert: She's also a parent and a strong supporter of Christian colleges. Deborah's a graduate of Bethel College in Indiana, and her husband graduated from Taylor's Fort Wayne, Indiana, campus. Their daughter recently graduated from Indiana Wesleyan University, and their son starts at Taylor University's Upland, Indiana, campus this fall.
In this interview, Deborah answers common questions about preparing financially for college, finding financial aid, and teaching your high school student money management skills for college and beyond.
How should a family prepare financially for the college years?
Families pay for college using yesterday's money, today's money or tomorrow's money. Yesterday's money comes from savings, today's money comes from a family's current income, and tomorrow's money is the money borrowed for a student's education. As their children approach their freshman year in college, parents need to pay off as much credit card debtas much of yesterday's moneyas possible. This provides more of today's money to go toward college tuitionand will hopefully reduce the amount of tomorrow's money going toward loans.
Sometimes parents are tempted to invest in high-risk stocks, thinking that investing more may leave them with a larger amount to spend on college. But that can backfire. I recommend that parents invest more conservatively, opting for certificates of deposit, money market funds or low-risk mutual funds.
What are some concrete ways of freeing up more of "today's money?"
Look closely at household expenses. Try to keep your cost of renting or owning a home to less than 25 percent of your income. Also, look for ways to lower household expenses. Look at your grocery bill. Are there changes you can make in your food budget to save money? Assess your family's transportation needs. Do you have more cars than you really need? Could selling one and carpooling or taking public transportation free up some money?
You may also be able to rethink your insurance coverage. For example, when it comes to health insurance, car insurance and other kinds of insurance, you can lower your monthly payments by paying a higher deductible. For example, collision coverage is 15 to 30 percent less with a $500 deductible than with the $250 deductible. That's a strategy that can also work with health insurance.
Finally, look for ways right now to simplify your lives. Don't buy items that will become garage sale items or clutter. Form a strategy so that each purchase you make is a wise one. Preparing a year or two in advance helps you improve your cash flow so that when your student starts college, the financial adjustment won't be quite so dramatic.
Many parents believe strongly in the value of a Christian college education, but may already struggle to make ends meet. What advice do you have for these parents?
Don't be scared by the "sticker price" of a college. Financial aid formulas do take a parent's income into account, and they also include federal aid. Instead of focusing on that sticker price, work on getting federal aid. You start that process by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It's the only form used to calculate federal aid. So it's important to fill that form out as soon as possible after January 1. Follow the deadlines to make sure the information is sent to the schools your student is interested in early in the aid process.
What factors can help bring that "sticker price" down?
One factor is the date the financial aid application is filed. It's so important to file financial aid applications like the FAFSA and the applications for specific schools as early as you can. That way, you'll be considered for aid early, when the most funds are being awardedinstead of hoping for what's left after most of the money has already been awarded.
A second factor is the student's academic record, which affects their eligibility for scholarships, grants and loans. Third are the student's special talents or achievements. Many scholarships and merit awards are based on these talents. Financial need is a fourth factor, and that's based largely on the parents' income. Fifth is the student's year in college. Federal programs and financial aid packages tend to offer more aid for freshmen, and it's important to plan ahead for the possibility that tuition may increase, even as the financial aid package may be smaller.
A sixth important factor is the amount of federal and state money the college has. The more money that's available, the more generous the college can be with the student. Also, larger schools may have more money available for work-study programs. Seventh is the college's recruitment goals, and a final factor is the size of the college's endowment.
Are there ways parents can get a sense of how much money their student may be eligible for?
When you and your student start visiting colleges together during sophomore and junior year, you can usually get a brochure from each campus explaining how merit scholarships are awarded. My son will start college this fall, but we were able to get a sense of how much he would be eligible for during the search process, based on his grade point average and SAT scores.
Every school is different, so it's important for parents to familiarize themselves with a school and what types of grants and scholarships and merit awards their students may be eligible for.
So far, we've talked about things parents can do to make sure their students can afford college. How can students help with this?
There are five ways high school students can cut college costs. First, students can work for a high grade point average. A higher GPA helps students qualify for more scholarships and grants. In the long run, it may be worth it to encourage your son or daughter to focus on grades rather than a part-time job. While a job might help your student save money, it could also hurt his or her grades. And this could potentially hurt your child's chances for scholarship and grant money.
Second, strong SAT and ACT scores will give your child an edge, not only when it comes to getting admitted to their top college, but also when it comes to qualifying for grants and scholarships to that school. Third, if your child is a strong student, encourage him or her to take Advanced Placement (AP) courses. Students who take these courses are offered a test through the College Board (the group that administers the SAT). If they score well, they can earn college credit. With enough of these credits, a student can "test out" of a full semester's worth of credits before they even move on to campuswhich saves a lot of money.
Summer school is a fourth option. By taking a summer class at a local community college, your student can earn a few hours of credit that may be transferred to the college he or she attends. Be sure to have your teen call the colleges he or she's interested in to make sure those credits will transfer. Finally, your student may be able to save money by being flexible in choosing a college. If a second-choice school offers a financial aid package that would allow them to avoid loans, it may be worth looking closely at whether that second-choice school could be a good fit.
What about incurring loan debt?
Sometimes we have no choice but to get a student loan. If you do need a loan, it's better to get it through a federal loan program, because the interest rate is lower than most private loans. Do everything you can to keep the amount you take out in loans as small as possible. Right now, the average college student graduates with $20,000 in student loans. That's a lot to repay. Still, a student loan can be seen as an investment if your student will be able to make more money than they would without the degree and if they have a workable plan to pay it off.
What are some personal finance skills parents can teach their high school and college students?
I recommend teaching your child to ask themselves three questions before making a purchase: First, is what I am buying a need, a want or a luxury? That helps them make wiser choices. Next, how many hours of my life is it worth? If your child works for an hourly wage, that really puts things into perspective. Third, teach them to ask if the purchase helps advance any of their goals. If your son or daughter plans to go to college and knows they'll need some savings, this question will steer them toward wiser decisions. If they can develop a habit of answering these three questions, they'll have a head start in being wise consumers as adults.
Sit down with your kids and help them figure out how to budget their money for items like clothing, school supplies, entertainment, and other expenses they can be responsible for if they have an allowance or work. Help your son or daughter learn how to use a debit card and how to balance a checkbook. Also, if your son or daughter uses a credit card, teach him or her to use it wisely. I read recently that the average college student accrues more than $2,700 in credit card debt while in school, and about 10 percent owe more than $7,000. These statistics show that we need to help students understand the importance of paying off a credit card balance within a short timelike two to three months.
How can parents encourage high school students to save money toward school?
If you can afford it, set up a "match your savings" plan. For example, you could promise your daughter that if she saves $1,000 for school from her summer job, you'll match itor double it, even. Give your kids incentives so that they'll realize there's a reward for saving. If your child is constantly careless with money, consider using consequences, like taking away privileges. Again, remind your children of their goals, and help them see how they can work toward the goal of going to college through actions like saving money.
What kinds of mistakes do college students tend to make with money, and how can parents help them avoid those mistakes?
Kids often run into problems with the "miscellaneous" category of the budget, because they often don't realize how much they've spent. Kids like to have fun and they want to treat their friends so they might buy pizza for everybody, or they might do something like go on a ski trip because they want to hang out with their friends. Help them realize that if they spend their whole miscellaneous budget one weekend, they won't have any money the next.
I was reminded of a second major money problem when I had a book signing at my alma mater, Bethel College. The bookstore manager shared that students often charge the semester's books to their credit cards knowing they won't be able to pay the balance off at the end of the month. The attitude is Oh, when I get out of college I'm going to be making all this money, so I'll be able to pay it off. But these are students who are planning careers in social work or music or art where they shouldn't expect to make high salaries. As you deal with issues of budgeting, credit and loans, it's important to help your student to be realistic about the realities of the economy and how factors like occupation affect the availability of jobs and what kind of salary a student can reasonably expect to make at an entry-level job. If they can think realistically, they can plan, spend and save accordingly.
For some college students, credit ratings and payment history seem like something you worry about in the futureafter graduation. How can parents help students see money management as something with more immediate consequences?
Talk to your son or daughter about how their spending habits now will affect their futuresnot far in the future, but just a few years ahead. One trend I've noticed is that Gen X and Gen Y college graduates are more inclined than older workers to leave jobs or to start their own businesses if they aren't happy at work. Today's college grads are looking for the "right fit." They're more concerned with having the right match in an employer or in the workplace. But if money hasn't been set aside in an emergency fund or savings, this could lead to financial hardships. So these grads need a bit more in savings or emergency funds than older grads.
In my book I talk about the roadblocks to debt-free living and the benefits of debt-free living. And one benefit of not having loads and loads of debt is that you are free to make a career change, or you are free to search out what you think you'd enjoy doing more in life without feeling confined to that paycheck. Graduating with fewer loans and less credit card debt gives your child more freedom to make choices after graduation.
Do you have any final thoughts to share with parents?
This whole process of looking at Christian colleges and figuring out financial aid can be interesting and exciting. We've enjoyed learning how the financial aid process works and observing how different schools prepare the parents for what to expect. For my family, it's been fun visiting college campuses so our children can decide which school is the best fit for them. I think the Christian college atmosphere is so important, because it can help your student define who he or she is as a Christian and meet friends that will be there for them throughout their lifetimes.


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Dr. Conni Wehausen, DACVECC, has been a wonderful addition to AERC. I have worked with her on many mutual patients and have nothing but positive things to say. She is always available for consultation on any case whether I end up referring the patient to her or not. She is an excellent clinician and highly skilled veterinarian, but more importantly she is compassionate and treats our patients and their owners with respect. The feedback I have received from clients has been very positive and I will continue to refer my critical and highly complex cases to her.
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subset: commoncrawl


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Portrait of a Cowboy...
The Longbranch area of North Georgia
(the end of 400) has long been known for its independent
people. Stan Gabriel, one of the owners of Sunny
Farms, looks like he just finished taking part in
a rodeo. This 200 plus pound, barrel chested man
looks like a steer wrestler. When you see Stan,
imagine him leaping from his speeding horse onto
the head of a steer, grabbing him by the horns and
wrestling him to the ground in record time.
If you can imagine this...that is as far as it goes.
In reality, Stan is satisfied with seeing kids and
adults enjoying themselves atop his horses.
You would be impressed seeing Stan
care for his horses -- his own and boarders'.
Care of the horses comes first with Stan and maybe
that is why his stables are almost filled.
If you need a place to board your horse where it
will get excellent care, have lots of room to exercise
and a unique barn roof over it's head, then call
Stan at 706-867-9167.
Stan's Dad has a 40-acre stable on
Browns Bridge Road. Horses have been in the
family for many years, mainly because of the Gabriel
family's love and respect of their four legged friends.
Smiling from under his cowboy hat, Stan gives the
image of the cowboy, but he has a gentle nature
that is valuable when dealing with horses and people.
Stan's business card is great and
says it all:
"We have fast horses for people
who like to ride fast. We have slow horses for people
who like to ride slow. We have big horses for big
folks & we have little horses for little folks.
For those who have never ridden before, we have
horses that have never been ridden".
Written by Bob Merritt, Published
in "400 Edition, What's up in North Georgia",
May/June 2004 edition.


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Discover Adionomy, Your Online Radio Advertising Campaign, Fast, Easy and Custom-Made!
VCV is one of two groups: (1) VCV, the duo of David Tagg and Brian Granger. Guitar-centric drone/ambient/improvised space suites. From discogs.com: "David Tagg and Brian Grainger formed VCV in Autumn, 2006. The band focuses on live improvisation for most of it's works. They usually only employ dual guitars (one positioned in the left stereo channel, and one positioned in the right) to give the listener the feeling that they are in the same room as the two performers.
0 played on Radionomy


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Circe - Sorceress from Colchis
In Greek mythology, Circe was a sorceress and lesser divinity known today for her scenes in The Odyssey where she turns Odysseus's men into pigs. Much like later witchcraft traditions, Circe employs the use of potions and a magical wand.
Circe was the daughter of Helios (the sun god) and Perse (an Oceanid) and was married to the prince of Cholchis before she murdered him and was marooned on the island of Aeaea.
Other famous womn in Circe's family include her sister Pasiphaë, who gave birth to the Minotaur, and the murderous sorceress Medea.
Image: Circe Offering the Cup to Odysseus by John William Waterhouse
Notes: Circe was requested by i-never-said-thankyou.
If you have any requests, drop them in my Ask Box.


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With offices all over the globe, we are where you are.
Contact an IFC office.
IFC's Access to Finance Advisory helps increase the availability and affordability of financial services for individuals and micro, small and medium enterprises. Our priorities are to help our clients provide broad-based financial services to individuals (such as credit, savings, payments and insurance products) and to promote growth and employment generation by supporting sustainable lending to small and medium enterprises. We also help build the necessary financial infrastructure such as credit bureaus and collateral registries.
At the end of FY11, Access to Finance Advisory Services had an active porfolio of 244 projects in 67 countries valued at almost $294 million. Our FY11 project expenditures totaled $63.3 million, 67 percent of which were in IDA countries and 10 percent in fragile and conflict-affected countries.
For more information, contact us.


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Be one of the 20 lucky Fairchild members on this special after-hours tour (wine and tramette shuttle service provided). Need plants for your garden? Planning to attend the Members' Day Plant Sale on October 2nd? Not really sure what plants to buy? Join Fairchild's Marilyn Griffiths on a one-of-a-kind pre-sale tour where you will learn more about the plants being offered. This tour will take you on a journey through the Garden to see mature examples of many of the sale plants. We'll talk about what conditions each needs to grow so that you can create a list of ideal plants for your home. We'll also take a sneak peak at the plants in the sales area and suggestions will be given for a successful Members' Day experience.
6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Thursday, September 30 (one session)
Registration deadline: Monday, September 20
Fee: Members of Fairchild only, $15
Please call Marilyn Caputo 305-667-1651 ext. 3322 to register


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David Harris Selected as 2012 Racial Justice Awardee
The YWCA of Greater Pittsburgh has selected Pitt Law Professor David Harris as a 2012 Racial Justice Awardee in the legal category. He will be recognized at the 21st annual Racial Justice Awards banquet on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012, to be held at the Westin Hotel and Convention Center.
More information about the awards event is available at www.ywcapgh.org.


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For my first journal entry, I thought I'd write a bit about my trademark style, which is inspired by the vibrancy of stained glass and the jagged geometry of mosaics - but is achieved with mere pen and paper. I love combining the technique with my favourite themes from fantasy and mythology: dragons and snakes, great birds, mountains and lakes, warriors, goddesses and enchantresses.
This technique actually started out as a solution to a common problem: lack of space. I badly wanted to paint, but was finding it increasingly hard to lay out all the equipment where I wanted it - plus there was the inevitable mess! And then I hit upon the idea of fibre-tip pens. Often regarded as just for children, this much-neglected medium can actually create beautifully intense colour combinations. They are also easily portable, and can be ready to use or packed away in a moment. And so I began to experiment…
1) Materials
The materials are fairly simple. My essential kit presently consists of the following:
• fibre-tip coloured pens;
• metallic markers;
• gold and silver gel pens;
• black pens of varying thickness;
• correction fluid;
• heavyweight watercolour paper;
• plus, of course, HB graphite pencil and eraser for the preparatory bit.
2) The basic technique…
• I begin by drawing the outlines and adding the jagged "tiles", all with an HB pencil. (If these tiles are kept fairly small, the final picture becomes more vibrant and sophisticated.) It's a good idea to plan the design in a sketchbook first: no point in wasting high-quality watercolour paper!
• Then the really fun part starts: the colouring in. For each distinct section of the painting (e.g. a creature's wings), I typically choose up to seven colours, which I first test to see how well they harmonise. Once I am happy with the combination, I fill in that section, distributing the colours partly at random, but also according to my own preferences for whichever shade(s) should predominate. I usually try to avoid having the exact same colour on adjacent tiles.
• I then go over the outlines in black ink, with thin lines between tiles and thicker lines between sections.
• Finally, I highlight the most important areas (e.g. the shape of a creature against the background) using correction fluid with a fine paintbrush and/or white gel pen.
• Et voila!
Naturally, my technique has evolved over time. I've found, for example, that the texture of watercolour paper combined with soft fibre-tip pens (as opposed to plain cartridge paper and cheap scratchy pens) creates an irresistible velvety richness, and I wholeheartedly recommend Letraset metallic markers for their soft glimmer - plus they're great for covering errors.
There's a real pleasure in trying to find that elusive alchemy of colours out of the myriad possibilities. In "Winged Enchantress", for example, I'm really happy with the way that the orange, pink and yellow work together to create the sun's rays. But things can go wrong as well: I once thought it would be a great idea to use the seven colours of the rainbow in one section, aiming for an iridescent, prism-like effect. It ended up garish, like a child's coloured bricks, and totally devoid of atmosphere. Live and learn…
I really hope you enjoy the artwork here. Please feel free to get in touch: I'm always delighted to get feedback!


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22 U.S. Code § 285n - Authorization of appropriations to provide United States Special Resources
Source(Pub. L. 89–369, § 17, as added Pub. L. 92–245, § 1,Mar. 10, 1972, 86 Stat. 58; amended Pub. L. 93–189, § 28,Dec. 17, 1973, 87 Stat. 732.)
1973—Pub. L. 93–189substituted "$100,000,000" for "$60,000,000 for the fiscal year 1972 and $40,000,000 for the fiscal year 1973".
The table below lists the classification updates, since Jan. 3, 2012, for this section. Updates to a broader range of sections may be found at the update page for containing chapter, title, etc.
The most recent Classification Table update that we have noticed was Tuesday, August 13, 2013
An empty table indicates that we see no relevant changes listed in the classification tables. If you suspect that our system may be missing something, please double-check with the Office of the Law Revision Counsel.
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Google, Facebook and the Social Media War
Nate is a member of The Motley Fool Blog Network -- entries represent the personal opinion of the blogger and are not formally edited.
In a move to directly confront social media titan Facebook (NASDAQ: FB) and it's dominance of the market, Google (NASDAQ: GOOG) announced that users of Google+, it's rival social media service, will be able to log in into various sites using a new social log-in feature similar to Facebook's.
You know the system, or you should. You've likely seen it a thousand times on the web. Websites offer you the opportunity to log in via your Facebook username and so forth. Twitter does it, as well. Now, websites can allow users to do so with their Google+ accounts as well. Google is at some pains to point out the difference between the two services, painting Facebook's service as allowing a more out of control 'spam' style of sharing and so forth. But the long and the short of it is that it's the same basic functionality for most users.
So where does this take social media? It's another step in the coming war between Google and Facebook. The two have different product lines, and apparently the senior folks get along. But getting along isn't the same as cooperating or not competing. Compete they do, as well as other social media systems angling to come out of the coming struggle intact.
Any discussion of social media right now must begin with Facebook. But I'm not convinced that'll be the case in five or 10 years. The service is very popular, but users are notoriously fickle and the company still hasn't figured out how to make money. Earnings per share sit at one lonely penny, and that's not going to cut it. The firm is trying to innovate its way to advertising dollars and that's good, but I think the jury is out on whether it can pull it off.
The stock is the most famous investment story of 2012. I won the hearts of several of my clients at the brokerage by talking them out of getting involved in the IPO, thank goodness. It opened at 38 and hasn't seen that level since. Heck, since July 13, 2012 it's only been over $30 for 11 days by my (too hasty) counting. Combine that initial drop with an P/E of 1,845.29 and you're looking at a stock that's way overbought and over-anticipated based on hopes and dreams. Facebook is the sort of story that teaches us that many people never learned the lessons of 1999.
Google is a lot more than just social media, of course. It's search and shopping and email and blah blah blah. The main advantage that Google will have over Facebook is that the company actually makes money. I encourage all of you reading this to absorb that statement. Google makes money, Facebook doesn't. You'd think that wouldn't be hard. If Google wants to promote and expand Google+ it has the time, muscle and money to do so.
Most famously, Google shares exceeded $800 a few days ago. That's a hefty amount but not as impressive as it might be. A few splits might make it more affordable to the rank and file investor and create a little additional investment lubrication. Still, a reasonable P/E of 24.36 and share growth of 29% this year make Google still seem like a good bet. It won't be safe to count the company out of upcoming social media dominance if it wants it badly enough.
LinkedIn (NYSE: LNKD)
Sort of the forgotten network, LinkedIn offers a specialized form of social media aimed at promoting career prospects and advancement. It also provides a healthy dose of networking opportunity for those who want to know and be known. I actually find that useful in my day-to-day lives, even if it's not as entertaining as other, more chatty social media. By establishing a niche and doing it well the firm is showing signs of going someplace good.
LinkedIn shows some signs of being overbought with a P/E of 826.78. Still, the firm is presenting an EPS of 0.19, which exceeds Facebook's significantly. It's also seen significant share growth over the last year, going from $89.23 to $157.88. There are far worse technology firms in which to invest right now. You should give LinkedIn a good long look when deciding about social media investments.
Angie's List (NASDAQ: ANGI)
An interesting idea, Angie's List takes the ability to gossip about contractors and takes it global. It allows users to to share information and experiences with service providers in near 200 markets around the United States. I'm only surprised that someone didn't do it sooner.
Angie's List is an interesting study for an investor. Firm's brag about getting a high rating, and the stock has lately done well. Still, there's no way I could advise anyone to invest money into Angie's List that they weren't prepared to lose. The firm is still early in its maturation and has a terrible EPS of -0.92. The trend on the stock looks good, and I like the concept; but this is a stock only for your riskiest money.
Yelp (NYSE: YELP)
Another review site, Yelp allows users to share experiences and reviews about local businesses. Most prominent in its reviews of restaurant, users can share info about other types of businesses, too. Like Angie's List, Yelp is the neighborhood gossip taken to the national level. That might sound bad, but there's clearly a market for its services, and it's trying to fill it.
Even with some positive reviews on the firm's stock, I'm going to again put it in the 'risky money' only category. It's very early in the lifecycle for this dot-com to be considered any form of safe investment. Approaching the one year anniversary of it's IPO, the stock has gone up and down and is a few dollars off it's open. Combine that with a negative EPS and a -13.64% operating margin and you have a firm that might make it...but might not. Tread cautiously.
Social media is going to grow up sometime. It's got to happen. There's too much demand for it from the technologically dependent for it not to happen. But nothing, nowhere says it has to happen through one of the current players. Remember, at one point or another people worshipped Friendster, MySpace and AOL. Anyone else flinch when I mention those names? Yep, that's what I though. So, if you're looking to invest in social media make sure it's for reasons other than short-term gain.
Good luck!
Follow Nate on Twitter: @natewooley
More columns by Nate Wooley:
- Which Tablet Makers Should You Invest In?
- Carnival Will Be Fine … Don't Believe Me?
- Amazon, Streaming Video and the Future
Nate Wooley has no position in any stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool recommends Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn. The Motley Fool owns shares of Facebook, Google, and LinkedIn. Try any of our Foolish newsletter services free for 30 days. We Fools may not all hold the same opinions, but we all believe that considering a diverse range of insights makes us better investors. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Is this post wrong? Click here. Think you can do better? Join us and write your own!


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Picked up knitting after my second daughter and going stir crazy at home! I have since learned how to crochet and quilt, and love creating things! Who knew this working mom would stay home and turn so domestic! :)
Need Help? Visit our Help Center.
© 2014 Craftsy and Sympoz Inc.


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Environmental Defense Action Fund is the lobbying arm of viagra canda the Environmental Defense Fund, and it seems they are turning to the people to help get their message across, namely: we need a carbon cap and trade system.
The EDAF is offering a $10,000 prize to anyone who can put together a clear, articulate video or graphic explaining how a carbon trading system will reduce our need of foreign oil. The way the tramadol cod 180 prescription EDAF puts it:
"We need your help conveying this concept to wow it's great inexpensive cialis the American people in a clear, brief, convincing and memorable way to stick in the public's consciousness—like the well-known shot of an egg frying that depicted 'your-brain-on-drugs.'"
Hmm. Boiling down a cap-and-trade concept into something as simple as "don't do drugs?" I suppose anything is possible. However, as someone who took two semesters of economics in college, I remain skeptical.
One nice thing, in my opinion, is that the contest rules make it very clear that the EDAF doesn't want this to be about global warming, and they don't want this to be a partisan message, either. I think most people believe that cap-and-trade only makes sense if you DO believe in global warming, so if you can make a convincing argument that cap-and-trade makes additional sense from an energy independence perspective, that could be a powerful educational tool.
Of course, the EDAF leaves no room for opponents of cap-and-trade to make a video about their perspective… or at least win a prize for it.
Via Green Supply Line, edf.org
written by mpad, September 26, 2008
written by Steve N. Lee, September 26, 2008
I'm pleased they are making it about a clear issue and taking politics and global warming out of the equation - both areas that people can argue about at length without any progress being made. Keeping to the subject will definitely help the cause. In fact, it's a pity we can't do that in general. So many vital issues are clouded by people going off topic, more often than not to only best offers online cialis prescriptions fulfill some hidden agenda! Yes, these criteria are a clever move.
$10,000 isn't a vast sum of money, but I dare say it's enough to get many people interested. I'd certainly have a bash myself if I knew enough about the subject to do it justice.
Let's hope someone really does know his stuff and comes up with a simple educational package that really can move people enough to want to do something positive about how we power the planet and see to our waste.
Steve N. Lee
author of http://jaygalbraith.com/buy-levitra-in-new-zealand eco-blog http://www.lionsledbysheep.com
and suspense thriller 'What if...?'
written by EV, September 26, 2008
The EDAF is offering a $10,000 prize to anyone who can put together a clear, articulate video or graphic explaining how a carbon trading system will reduce our need of foreign oil.
If someone could explain to me, in any number of paragraphs, how this would work. It might help.
written by Emily Diamond-Falk, September 26, 2008
Essentially, a carbon cap is a ceiling or limit on greenhouse gas pollution. The cap obligates companies to pay for the buy cheap online viagra carbon they emit—the less they emit, the less they pay—therefore, it is in their best interests pollute less.
You can check out background information on cap and trade on our Climate 411 blog here: http://blogs.edf.org/climate41...rade-work/
Please note that EDAF wants submissions to click here cialis sale buy emphasize just the cap.
Emily Diamond-Falk
written by EV, September 26, 2008
written by Clinch, September 27, 2008
Maybe someone should point them the in the direction of Wikipedia.
But joking aside, how is this comparable to "don't do drugs"? The whole "don't do drugs" campaigns are aimed at a wide audience, who aren't that smart (well, they can't be if they're doing drugs), whereas cap-n-trade (not to be confused with cap'n (cpt.) trade) is something aimed at big businesses, that should already know, and understand these things.
I'm also quite sceptical about how well the cap-n-trade will work, as it will create a kind of economy for pollution, because as more companies lower their pollution levels, they will be able to sell more pollution-trade-credits, meaning that because there are more credits available, their price will go down, and other companies will be able to buy a lot of them, and pollute even more, which will negate the reduction of pollution by the http://www.tenasys.com/online-order-levitra other companies, and effectively just keep pollution levels constant and stable.
But that's basically what cap-n-trade is, a limit on the total pollution, so in order for one company to increase their pollution, they pay another company to reduce theirs.
The reduction of foreign oil from cap-n-trade isn't a direct link, but more of tramadol cod no prescription overnight an assumptive one, in that if companies reduce their pollution in ways that use less power, and have less trucks on the road, then it will also reduce the need for oil (to fuel the trucks [because there's less of them]).
written by sQuee, September 29, 2008
written by EV, September 30, 2008
The reduction of foreign oil from cap-n-trade isn't a direct link, but more of an assumptive one, in that if companies reduce their pollution in ways that use less power, and have less trucks on the road, then it will also reduce the need for oil (to fuel the trucks [because there's less of them]).
Sorry, bug I don't see how a company using less power means that they will have less trucks on the road, unless the company is going out of business. Otherwise, you still need to move any goods the buy viagra us company produces, which requires trucks and trains. You can move some of that movement to trains, but not all of it.
written by Clinch, September 30, 2008
1-In order to reduce their pollution, companies use more efficient* or fewer** trucks, which would mean less oil is used to fuel the trucks.
*By buying new trucks, or modifying existing ones
**By having 'less goods to cost levitra move' by either concentrating the goods, or 'concentrating the packaging' (and by that, I mean something like http://www.ecogeek.org/content/view/1834/85/ or by just reducing the unnecessary packaging).
2-By using less power in their factories, the resources that would have been use to create that power, could alleviate some use of oil for power.
written by Jeff, October 17, 2008
Isnt that what we're talking about? Starting with the big consumers, the industries, who have money, and persuading them to find new energy solutions, it will trickle down and they can use their money to fund development of new solutions, that we can all benefit from, and in the end curing us of levitra doses our dependance on oil and coal. And, not importing oil we dont need anymore. get it?
What i couldnt find is any data that says how much oil or coal industry uses for production. Not just transportation, but in manufacturing or processing.
All in all, theres no single solution. Its a global problem and initiatives like this are welcome. Regardless if it's over the long term or only certain sectors of the population.
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Enjoy driving through over 1 mile of lights with hundreds of thousands lights on display. Included in the admission to the Light Show is a 50% discount on Douglas Fir Christmas trees sold at night.Read More
Elizabeth Farms Christmas Season
Christmas Trees by Horse-Drawn Wagon
A Family Tradition!
Pick Out Your Tree The Old-Fashioned Way!
Our Horse-Drawn Wagons, complete with Sleigh Bells, will guide you through the boundless fields of evergreens. Choose from thousands of trees as you roam the fields in search of your family's perfect tree. Then return to the barn to browse the Gift Shop, enjoy complimentary hot chocolate, and explore the Christmas Fantasy Barn, featuring Santa's Workshop, Bloomingdale's Holiday Window Display and Model Train Room. Relax and enjoy delicous food at the Corn Crib Cafe. Bring your family and enjoy the tradition of Elizabeth Farms, the area's largest live Christmas Tree Farm, located in the heart of historic Lancaster County, Pennsylvania.
Nov. 29 - Dec. 21
- Hours of Operation:
- Black Friday: 9am-9pm
- Closed Mondays
- Tues-Fri.
- Saturdays
- Sundays
- NOTE: Last Wagon @ 4pm Each Day
Service is an Important Component of our Operation. Your tree will be shaken to remove loose needles and dirt, and then baled for easy transport. Your tree can also be drilled to fit one of our Stand-Strait™ tree stands at no extra charge.
Live Balled Trees and Fresh Precut Trees are Also Available
Winter Time Train DisplayProvided By:
Re-live those curious childhood memories where everything came alive in traintown. The Winter Time Train Display will capture the imagination of both young and old.
Click here to view the Train Room!
Great food available from local businesses
Be sure to grab a bite while you're at the farm at Mr Sticky, Grills Gone Wild and Brewster's BBQ! Get there fast! The best food always draws a crowd!
New to the Farm this year is NiCE SiZE FRiES! Treat the family to some hot, fresh, delicious french fries this season
Santa's Workshop
Provided by
- Santa's Hours:
- Black Friday:
- Monday-Thursday:
- Fridays:
- Saturdays:
- Sundays:
*Last Santa Day is Dec. 15th


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»Simon Boccanegra« ends with an ardent plea for peace. This is preceded by the vigorous portrayal of a seemingly insoluble conflict, a tangled web of political and private problems, which demands victims on both sides. In Genoa of 1339, Maria, the daughter of the venerable patrician family Fiesco, and Boccanegra, a corsair of plebeian birth, have fallen in love. Maria's father forbids the relationship; the baby daughter of Maria and Boccanegra is abducted by unknown assailants. Twenty years later Boccanegra is elected Doge of the Sea Republic with the sole intention of marrying Maria and reconciling their respective families. Yet in the meantime Maria has died. As Doge, Boccanegra attempts to forge peace between Genoa and Venice and to resolve the conflict within the city between the patricians and the plebeians. He also fights for the happiness of his newly found daughter, Amelia, who has fallen in love with an ally of his arch enemy, Fiesco. Boccanegra pays for his efforts with his life when he is poisoned by a traitor from within his own ranks.
»Simon Boccanegra« is doubtless one of Verdi's darkest and most fatalistic operas – yet at the same time one in which, at the end, a happy young couple looks optimistically towards the future. To a time of peace.
Melodrama in a prologue and three acts Performed in Italian with German supertitles
Running time 2 hours 35 minutes
Premiere 30 May 2014


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Narrow your search
CNET editors choose and review the best thin and light laptops, notebooks, and ultrabooks.
While the small updates to the 2014 model aren't enough for most existing users to upgrade, Apple's excellent 15-inch Retina MacBook Pro is still our go-to laptop of choice for shoppers at the high end.
If you own a MacBook Air from the past couple of years there's really no need to upgrade, but a small spec bump and minor price cut make the most-current Air even more attractive.
Microsoft made a direct comparison between the Surface Pro 3 and the MacBook Air 13", so we're throwing them into the Prizefight Ring to settle the score once and for all. Let's get it on!
Apple's 11-inch Air gets a CPU speed bump and a decent price cut over the already excellent 2013 version. If you have a recent model there's no need to upgrade, but for anyone else, it's now a better deal than ever.
In this episode, learn how to improve your MacBook Pro's performance, add custom art to your laptop lid, and pump up the volume while you listen to music or watch movies.
The slimmer body and higher-res screen of the original Retina MacBook Pro were a revolutionary leap. This revamp adds modest internal upgrades for modest improvements, but price cuts to both the 13-inch and 15-inch models sweeten the deal.
Microsoft says its Surface Pro 3 is a better option for people who want a laptop replacement and the freedom to go mobile.
A photo from a Chinese Apple Store shows changes to Apple's MacBook Pro, but whether it's the real thing is unknown.
Dress your iGadget in a sleek handcrafted sleeve from Oregon-based Grovemade. A free one.
Is it possible to be a cheapskate and still buy a MacBook? This model makes a compelling argument.


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Linen Wedgewood & Ivory Slub Plaid Scarf
As part of our very first spring scarf collection we felt that this amazing linen slubby plaid would make a great addition to the group. The medium size plaid of wedgewood blue and ivory is perfect for the spring and summer months and also very denim friendly. Washed to perfection this scarf has a refined but decidedly comfortable feel to it.
60" x 21"
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Photo reblogged from NAKEDCOMEDY.ORG with 99 notes
I've got nothing to lose so I'll just ask you, the internet: I want to start a new comedy club in Los Angeles. Something with the taste of Largo, the affordability of UCB and the staying power of the Improv. The climate is right: comedians and audiences a like are looking for the new hub of comedy and I think I can bring that to LA.
If you are a venture capitalist/probono business manager/probono real estate mogul and are interested in investing in the comedy club that is going to take this Alt Comedy explosion to the next level please contact me. I have a location in mind, a great plan, and I know I can pull this off, but I can barely pay rent and I don't have any powerful or rich family members to help me get the things I want. All I have is a vision, a location in mind, a business plan that needs a professional rewrite and an understanding of the comedy scene both from the audience and performer perspective that will ensure this club becomes the next big comedy hot spot.
Admittedly, I need a lot of help: I will need business managers, real estate people, and big venture capitalists to pull off the location I have in mind, as well as bar staff, managers, and all that good stuff that goes into operating a business. My goal is to get the word out to comedy aficionados or now rich comedians that would be willing to help me get the money and help that I need without compromising the integrity that I want this club to have, so I'm trying to go out to the comedy community to make this happen. I want this to be our club, a club for performers, a club for fans, and just really a club for people who want to enjoy comedy. Plus, as we enter this weird comedy boom time with podcasts getting TV shows and whatnot, this is the perfect time to make this happen!
So if you're cool, get comedy, or just want to make money but will trust me to run the place the way I think will be best for growing a supportive comedy community of returning happy patrons then won't you please contact me and give me your money? Or just click on the picture to donate some $$ until I figure out a better way to collect funds because I'm not sure how to set this up as a Kickstarter without breaking their rules.
GOAL #1: I have 59 days to make $10,000 or refund people's money on PayPal. 60 days being the number of days you have on PayPal to refund people's money, starting from yesterday, 8/26/12; $10,000 being the amount when you need to justify the donations to PayPal so it seems like a good starting goal as real estate in LA will be much more than that I'm sure.
As this plan grows I will be able to provide more substantial information (i.e. fundraising goals, time tables, formal business plans) but as of right now all money donated is going directly towards: Fees for meeting with lawyers, business planners & realtors. The first 60 days it's going to be mostly about getting the word out to try to reach some business advisers and realtors interested in working on this projects as well as trying to spread the word to wealthy investors or comedians who would want to invest in this project. Any money raised in these first 60 days will not be spent unless I make over $10,000, in which case I will be investing the money in the above mentioned expenses so I can figure out exactly how much will be needed to get this club going.
(Like I mentioned earlier I would totally have this set up as a Kickstarter but technically funding a business venture breaks their rules. I will be talking to them to see if there is a way I can do this through them but until them all I can do is PayPal)
If you don't have money but want to help, please Reblog, Retweet, Reddit, Share it, email it to your family and friends, and otherwise help me get this message out there. I have the vision but this club will be a group effort, born out of the comedy community that wants this to be a reality, so every little bit helps! You're reblog might get this to the desk of a powerful venture capitalist/comedy fan who can help make this dream a reality!
Let me be your food consultant…
Reblogged for Ryan Hitchock.
Great idea! Let's help out.
make it happen, ya'll!
SOMEONE INVEST IN ME PLEASE (Updated to reflect IndiGoGo plans) I've got nothing to lose so I'll just ask you, the...
Sam is awesome & would run an amazing club. Few people are more dedicated to comedy than she is, comedians included.
This would be amazing!!!


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20 Years Younger: Oprah's Trainer Bob Greene Shares Youthful Insider Secrets
Written on October 13, 2011 at 1:19 pm , by Karla Walsh
Bob Greene is best known for helping teach Oprah how to live her "Best Life." Now he's sharing what he learned then, and through extensive research since, to help the rest of us live younger, healthier lives. His new book, 20 Years Younger, claims that if you pinpoint four areas of your life, you can quickly and easily turn back your body clock. "It's all about consistency," Greene says. "If you make healthy choices day after day, they really add up."
While Greene admits that he hasn't always lived a perfectly healthy life (exhibit one: the UV skin damage he sustained as a young adult and discovered during a recent scan at the dermatologist), he revamped his routine after scouring medical research and interviewing experts. After doing so, he noticed almost immediate improvements in energy levels, immunity and youthful appearance.
We scored the inside scoop from Greene about how we too can look, feel and live years below our biological age!
- Snack on these surprising superfoods. You've heard a lot about the antioxidant powers of blueberries and dark chocolate. But don't discount the lesser-known nutrient-packed counterparts like kale, eggs, pomegranate, grapefruit and quinoa. Greene also suggest limiting saturated fats and cutting out trans fats.
- Work up a real sweat. To maintain health, you can get by with less, but for the best weight-loss, fitness and immune-boosting results, "strive to work out a minimum of five times a week," Greene says. "I ran into Jack LaLanne at the airport a few years ago, and in his 90s, he looked like he was 60. He had a great spirit and amazing energy—he is a walking testament to the power of being active!"
- Give your skin some TLC. Sunscreen is a daily must, as we know, but it's not too late if you've already experienced some skin damage. Greene swears by a sea salt skin polish (we like one that's a mix of equal parts fine sea salt and olive oil) and recommends visiting a dermatologist to ask about vitamin C or vitamin A treatments to nourish sun-aged skin.
- Get some shut-eye. "I close myself off from the world when it's time to sleep," Greene says, although sometimes that has caused him trouble! "Oprah was trying to reach me soon after we first became friends, and when she tried to call my phone, it was off. She said, 'How do people reach you?' I told her that if she had called my doorman and said she was Oprah, I think he would know who that was and pass the call along!" Greene, a Tempur-Pedic fan, thinks sleep is the "forgotten step-child" of the wellness world, and suggests seven to eight hours in a room without dogs, ambient light or electronics.
More from FITNESS:
Categories: Fitness, Health, Healthy Eating, The Fit Stop | Tags: 20 Years Younger, Bob Greene, health habits, longevity
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Manchester Art Gallery is open until 9pm every Thursday evening.
This summer, Thursday Lates are inspired by our big summer exhibition and the city-wide season of music and art We Face Forward – Art from West Africa Today.
This Thursday, come and enjoy our exhibitions and displays. Meet up with friends, drop in for food and drinks, browse the galleries and shop at your leisure.
Art Bites, 6-6.30pm
Join our informal chat about art. Have your say about what's on display or just come along and listen.
Music, 7.30-9pm
All the way from The Gambia, Jali Nyonkoling Kuyateh plays haunting melodies on the Kora, an African harp, in the gallery atrium. Get a flavour of what you'll hear here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=01flExwJM98
Cafe, until 9pm
Relax, unwind and take advantage of the cafe's special evening menu. Enjoy tasty nibbles such as marinated olives, bowls of chips and breads with olive oil and balsamic vinegar, as well as some delicious sharing platters.
We look forward to seeing you.


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Labor unions see the future in white-collar workers
Rising job pressures are prompting more professionals to consider organizing, and that's not going unnoticed.
As an overall trend, union membership rates in the U.S. are declining. The Department of Labor reports just 11.3% of America's wage and salary workers were union members last year, down from 11.8% in 2011. Compare that with 1983, the first year comparable data became available: The overall U.S. union membership rate was 20.1%.
The U.S. labor movement's roots were traditionally found in manufacturing, service and public-sector jobs. But as that factory work diminishes and the economy changes, more white-collar workers are looking at organizing.
According to the Los Angeles Times, professionals now make up 62% of the U.S. workforce, up from 15% in 1977. Given the still-challenging economy and the many companies demanding more time and effort from workers to keep profits up while demand is lackluster, a lot of professionals are unhappy.
"Employers have been downsizing, asking employees to take on larger roles, making them work more hours," Nicole Korkolis, a spokeswoman for the Office and Professional Employees International Union, told the Times. "People are feeling like they need an advocate."
Gary Chaison, a professor of industrial relations at Clark University, says white-collar workers tend to see themselves as individuals who should be promoted for their accomplishments in the workplace -- and who tend to leave jobs when they don't like the situation rather than protest conditions. But that's changing.
"There is a great deal of unrest among professional workers, who don't have a history of union-joining behavior," Chaison told the newspaper. "They represent the frontiers of unionization in America."
Most big unions haven't given much thought to workplace professionals, preferring to concentrate their efforts on sectors that employ large numbers of workers, like hotels and fast-food restaurants. But some recent labor disputes are apparently drawing their attention.
Earlier this week, members of a union representing more than 200 attorneys, paralegals, secretaries and other professional voted to strike against their employer, Legal Services NYC, for the first time in nearly 20 years. That happened after the company called for cuts to health care and retirement benefits. And in California, professional health care workers at five University of California medical centers staged protests Wednesday, demanding increased staffing and higher pay.
Gordon Deane, the president of the National Organization of Legal Services Workers, tells the L.A. Times he's seeing more interest in unions among professionals who are feeling pushed around at the office.
"People are aware of how management decisions are affecting their work life," he said. "They are taking a stand and saying enough is enough."
We don`t want unions.We want to slave away until age 90 or we drop.$2 an hour is plenty.
How do you think Romney got so rich?Take the clock back to 1850.No benefits, no
retirement, crappy wages,no hope.Who needs hospitalization?We can all buy new cars
at $2 a day.Just work a few more decades.
Trade unions were started by Skilled Craftsmen and others like Cops and Firemen who organized for better wages and benefits otherwise known as the 40hr work week, company paid insurance, time and a half and double time. There was a time when cops, firemen, carpenters, plumbers, welders, aircraft mechanics ect could work a regular week and live a good, decent life.
Thanks to corruption on the both sides, big corporations/Washington busting the unions and the unions leaders themselves, it is getting harder and harder to make a living. Deregulation destroyed the airlines and trucking.....you union trashing people are talking out your **S. Plain old greed ruined everything. I took home more money at $13hr working at a union job than I have at a non union job making $25hr (I'm an aircraft mechanic) Insurance coverage is the biggest chunk out of my check and that is almost $1000 a month family coverage (Scam !!)
White collar unions......what a joke. A scam by scammers to protect scammers. The regular workers will all be working 30 hour work weeks with 3 different companies (no benefits) and be paying for obamacare. The wages will be $7.00hr while the top 1% live like the robber barons of the 1800s. Workers will work until they die and the companies will hire 2 people at lesser wages to take their place.
Hopefully, I can get my social security that I worked my butt off to pay into (12 more years) and leave all this drama behind me. Corporations, Unions ect....!!
The trust fund baby liberal governor in MN is trying again after a failed attempt to unionize daycare in the state.
Will probably work since they now have both house and senate.
Unions are demanding payback for getting these people elected, they wont stop until they get a cut from everyone's paycheck.
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Bring potatoes to a boil in a medium saucepan of well-salted water. Reduce heat and simmer until tender, about 10 minutes. Stir in kale and cook until wilted, 1 to 2 minutes. Drain.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add potatoes and kale. Cook, stirring, until potatoes are golden brown, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook about 1 minute. Season with salt and pepper; serve warm or at room temperature.
It came out really good BUT I seriously doctored it up... I thought it sounded too plain and also I thought the kale would overcook and the potatoes would never brown.. so I did the first half the same but then I browned the potatoes first in the pan before adding the kale (as the last comment suggested)... And I also added lemon juice, honey, and some stock so that it had more flavor. ...Reply
Looks awesome! To have potatoes browned like in the photo while not overcooking the kale, in step 2, I would throw the potatoes in the oil till they brown and then the greens.Reply


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DoIT provides a free calendaring service called WiscCal to UW-Madison students, faculty, and staff. Campus departments and organizations may register for WiscMail Plus to create role-based accounts for a shared position within your department, interact with users who are not affiliated with UW-Madison.
Features for students, faculty, and staff
- Schedule meetings with any of the 70,000 users on campus
- Manage multiple calendars
- Schedule resources and equipment
- Use web or desktop clients
- Share your calendar with Share URL
- Schedule time with Faculty using the Scheduling Assistant


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Marquez Bakery Parking
1730 E. Division St., Arlington, TX 76011
New Orleans Saints at Dallas Cowboys
Sun, Sep 28 4:30pm + 1hr after event
Amenities Included:
Upon arrival, please hand the ParkWhiz parking pass to the attendant for validation.
Easy outbound exit.
*** GREAT Mexican food to eat before the game at Marquez Bakery ***
209 people Recommend Parking Here
145 Left Comments
"Convenient and Quick in and out!"
"Easy access and safe"
"Nice proximity to Stadium. Very friendly and courteous. The food was also good (tamales)."
"Awesome in and out to freeway. Not for folks with walking issues"
"Easy access and quick in/out from the stadium"
"EZ In and Out - Good food at the restaurant after we parked and helpful staff ! After the game only a short wait until traffic died down enough to exit ! Would definitely recommend it to anyone attending an event at ATT Stadium in the future."
This is the parking lot on the west side of Marquez Bakery. This location is just a couple of blocks southeast of Cowboys Stadium.
This location is a business.
This lot is located on E Division St, just a little west of Stadium Dr E and approximately lined up with Michener Dr across the street. The entrance is on the south side of E Division St between Jack in the Box and Sonic Dive-In. Look for a large "Marquez Bakery" sign spelled out on the top of the building.


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Blue Book® Suggested Retail Value
Fuel Economy (city/hwy)
Tell us what you think...
The community thinks...
A great old people car by Mable%20stl on 06/12/2012. Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS Luxury, Owned less than 1 year.
Pros: comfortable
Cons: I have had it for 2 weeks so nothing yet.
Overall review: great
Review ID: #560517 Is this review offensive?
keep making it by Tom from Savannah on 11/29/2012. Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS Premium, Owned 1 year.
Pros: Still build it! A mistake to go smaller.
Cons: Cup holders are not big enough or plentiful. This is the best road car out there and hardly anywhere to put a large coffee.
Overall review: There is not another luxury car available for anywhere near the price. Great performance,handling, and riding comfort. This is the only car I've ever owned that melted the miles away. Keep your imports,which I have owned most of, this is the cadillac of luxury cars.
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The Best Car I Have Ever Owned by Miatatoy on 08/12/2012. Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS Premium, Owned less than 1 year.
Pros: Best ride of any car out there. The seats are top grade and 8 way power adjustment with lumbar and massage make the miles melt away.
Cons: That they woun't be making it after 2011. A mistake Cadillac. There are baby boomers looking for a nice big car with a V8 and a huge trunk. Hyundai Genesis? Nope RWD and the ride of Fred Flintstone's car.
Overall review: Best car I have ever owned. I don't think it can be matched by anything out there.
Review ID: #563086 Is this review offensive?
Enjoyable. by An MSN Autos Consumer on 08/19/2013. Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS Luxury, Owned 2 years.
Pros: Quality of ride is great, smooth & quiet. Overall size is accommodating for 5.
Cons: Brakes, chatter & vibrate,similar to all GM vehicles, exceptionally thin rotors.
Overall review: Great size, great ride, great styling.
Review ID: #575401 Is this review offensive?
Big on space and comfort .... Best US luxury car but trails imports by Brian on 04/05/2013. Trim: 2011 Cadillac DTS Premium, Owned 1 year.
Pros: This care defines comfort. This is my 4th Cadillac and by far the most comfortable. It is difficult to find a car with this much room. These are are very well padded and comfort takes precedent over everything else in this particular model. You can not find another car with these types of options for the price. Runs fine on regular fuel, and I am surprised at the mpg I get for a heavy car with a V8. I average 22 mpg, but on the highway exclusively can push 27. The bells and whistles are pretty comprehensive. There are only a few things I feel were missed. Overall a great car if you are looking for comfort and size. Ride is excellent.
Cons: It doesn't handle nearly as well as my former sts. The sts was a fun car to drive... Better handling, more power, dynamic acceleration. In this car you give up some of those things to have size and comfort. I wish it had push button start and "pull on door handle unlocking" like my sts. Loved never having to remove key from my pocket. Navigating in type spaces is a little difficult but after you get used to it, parallel parking it is even easy thanks for the parking sensors and drop down mirrors. I'm under 40 and the car feels "old" to me (like the 4 speed auto) but I love taking it on trips and it is so comfortable for my daily commute.
Overall review: If you are a luxury comfort buyer, who favors traditional space and a predictable ride,this is a great car. Very traditional handling, great price for the amount of luxury you get. Don't buy this car if you are looking for performance. This cars best attributes are its ability to coddle you, and get you and your passengers to their destination in complete comfort. You have plenty of room in back even with the front seats completely back. The quality of materials is very good for a GM US made car. Gm has come a long way. Fit and finish does not match Lexus or importe but it is more solid than in years past. Even the standard leather now is better... It it the same leather you used to pay extra for in Cadillac. I'd feel better about the car if it was more exciting to drive... Don't get me wrong it has plenty of power, but it does feel like driving a boat. That said, I knew going into it I was buying for comfort not handling. Make sure you know this as well and you will love the car.
Review ID: #571603 Is this review offensive?
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University Relations
ABERDEEN, S.D. – One professor in the Northern State University School of Education has been selected to present at a national conference, and another has successfully completed online training.
Dr. Kathie Courtney's proposal to present at the 2012 Conference of the American School Health Association, or ASHA, has been accepted. Courtney's presentation is titled "Infusing Multicultural Awareness Activities into Health Education." The conference will be in San Antonio in October.
Courtney is associate professor and co-coordinator of health and physical education at NSU.
Dr. Alan Neville is officially a peer reviewer for MERLOT, or Multimedia Educational Resource for Learning and Online Teaching. Neville successfully completed the online training (GRAPE camp, or Getting Reviewers Accustomed to the Process of Evaluation) and will be reviewing learning materials specific to teacher education.
Neville is an associate professor of education and chairman of elementary, secondary and special education at Northern.


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According to a new study conducted by the Mayo Clinic, cases of melanoma in young adults are on the rise, particularly among women in their 20s and 30s.
Dr. Kumar sat down with us to talk about this increase and how people can prevent melanoma.
KTBC FOX 7119 East 10th StreetAustin, TX 78701Phone: (512) 476-7777Fax: (512) 495-7001


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My pores are so large that my skin sags and looks like fine wrinkles. If I were to have a facelift, would it have an adequate effect on tightening them? I would assume they would soften, just like any other facial wrinkles. I am aware that a facelift is not a solution for acne scarring, but my main concern is pore size.
Will a Facelift Tighten Pores?
Doctor Answers (22)
Pores and Facelift
A facelift will improve some of the "sagging" you describe, but pore size and acne scarring will generally not be substantially improved.
This has been a vexing problem for facial plastic surgeons, often addressed with fairly aggressive procedures like full face dermabrasion or those that don't seem to work at all light superficial laser resurfacing.
The best results with the least amount of down time and expense appear to be with deep fractionated laser treatments combined with selective excision or elevation of deeply pitted scars. Depending on your individual skin type and other related health concerns, this approach can be tailored specifically to you.
A face lift does not affect the fine lines or skin pore quality
Thank you for the question. A face lift procedure tightens and repositions the tissue deep to the face skin and in the process removes some excess skin that has resulted from the skin tightening process. The skin quality itself: pore size, pigment, fine lines will not be changed by a face lift procedure.
All the best,
Dr. Remus Repta
Web reference: http://drrepta.com
Facelifts Do NOT tighten pores - but Resurfacing procedures do
NO, a facelift surgery will not tighten pores. Only a resurfacing procedure such as laser or chemical peels will do this. We personally prefer the Obagi Blue Peel due to its safety and quick recovery.
You might also like...
A facelift will not improve pore size
Hi Sebastiana. No, a facelift will not affect pore size. It may improve the overall appearance of your face and neck skin and skin texture, but pore size itself will not change.
Web reference: http://www.pearsonmd.com/facelift-surgery.htm
Facelift and pore sizes
A facelift will not change your pore size. Try some medical grade skin care, like retin-A, or laser resurfacing, like CO2 pixel.
Facelift and Pore Size
There is no anatomic explanation on how a facelift can reduce pore size. Pore size is one of the most difficult areas to treat. I have found intradermal Botox to be a good treatment for some patients with enlarged pores.
Web reference: http://www.shahfacialplastics.com/botox_pore_reduction.html
Facelift will not affect pore size
A facelift will not affect pore size. To affect the pore size, the skin would have to be stretched too far and would look too artificial. Deep acne pock scarring can be helped with a facelift by stretching the actual scar as well as dermabrasion to the actual affected skin.
Web reference: http://www.seattlefacial.com
Fat Grafting Is Better Than Facelifting For Pore Size.
Since you describe laxity that causes wrinkling along the large pores you might see some improvement in the appearance from a facelift because the laxity will be less. I notice in many patients the a facelift will "iron out" irregularities especially along the cheek skin.
I would strongly suggest adding fat grafting to your procedure as this will transfer stem cells which appear to rejuvenate the skin and reduce pore size.
In summary, you will almost certainly improve your appearance with a facelift, but add fat grafting to also help pore size. The importance of fat grafting to add back missing volume in the face and rejuvenate the skin can not be overstated. After 15 years of doing facelifts, I feel it truly raises the bar to a new level.
Fat grafting, laser resurfacing, IPL are better options
Some newer studies and results from physicians more recently are showing that these modalities may be more beneficial to reduce pore size for people. A facelift will not effectively do this but it can improve your wrinkles to an extent. Fat grafting has been shown by some to regenerate the skin including reducing the size of your pores. Stem cells in the transferred fat can rejuvenate the skin for years. Laser resurfacing through the creation of new collagen can also reduce the size of the pores as well. IPL is another newer treatment for pore size. Out of all the options fat grafting might be the best option for pore size and acne scarring. More and more surgeons are using fat grafting as a way to improve acne scarring.
Many options for IMPROVING pores, but facelift is not one of them
Hi Sebastiana,
You have already received excellent advice here, but I would like to throw my two cents worth in since this is a special interest area of mine.
As you can see there are many ways inlcuding lasers, dermabrasion, fillers, chemical peels and(my personal favorite) intra-dermal Botox to help improve the appearance of pores. I emphasized "improve" because that's really all they can do - make improvements on how the pores look, nothing can or should permanently eliminate pores. Pores are an integral part of our skin's anatomy and they serve a purpose throughout our lives, we need them but we don't need them to be so large and noticeable!
Lastly tightening skin does make certain wrinkles, scars and pores look better - but if that is done via a facelift you will most assuredly be unhappy with how unnatural and excessively tight your face would look.
Take care,
Dr. Kamran Jafri
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.


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Thread: Drivers having a CDL what do you think?
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Posts
- 87
Drivers having a CDL what do you think?
I want to have opinions on Drivers having to carry a Commercial Drivers License.???
- Join Date
- Jul 2001
- Posts
- 277
What exactly is a commercial drivers liscence in your area? On my department, all firefighters must have at least class 3 and 4 or class 2 which covers both. Class 4 is a liscence for taxi and ambulance drivers. Class 3 is what you need to drive a large truck with tandem rear axles(I think?). Class 2 is a bus liscence. These are the same liscences that commercial drivers must get here and I think that if we are going to drive a large vehicle, we should be as diligent and competent as they are. I have seen a lot of firefighters come on the job with very little experience driving large trucks and they get their bus liscence because it is the easiest. The ones who have the prior experience make far safer drivers. It really does not look good when we are side swiping Joe Public because we don't feel we should have the same liscence as a commercial driver.
CT has what is called a "Q Restriction". It is an endorcement on your regular license. It is the same as a regular CDL except it doesn't go into hitches and trailers. If you are going to operate an apparatus that is a tiller, you need a CDL.Even the burger-flippers at McDonald's probably have some McWackers.
- Join Date
- Sep 2000
- Posts
- 6
If fire apparatus were the size and weight of 20 yrs ago, I would lean toward saying no. However, with the size and weight of pumpers, heavy rescues, and particularly aerials today, I would have to say yes to the CDL. Even pumpers today are 40,000 lbs+. The CDL threshold is 26,000 lbs and we're looking at typical pumpers and rescues that are approaching 20,000 lbs beyond that threshold.
I watch some guys who have no truck driving experience and no CDL start driver training and a large percentage have a difficult time, a fair number decide that driving isn't for them.
It's not that the CDL itself makes the difference, but those with it typically have had some trucking driving experience and I think it makes a difference on the average.
No matter which way you go on the CDL issue, drivers should take part in a well-developed driver training and qualificaiton program. I think obtaining the CDL is a good 3rd party verification on that program and that helps in verifying skills/competence.
Motor vehicle operation is one area where the FD has no immunity from liability - our training and qualifications should be very comprehensive in this area.
- Join Date
- Jun 1999
- Posts
- 245
From a liability stand point I don't think it's a bad idea. Realistically, I don't think it would make a differance.
I've seen too many "profesional" truck drivers that can't drive worth a you know what. Even it you limit driving to people with CDL's, I would still require in house training and qualifying on each vehicle.
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Location
- Mound House, NV
- Posts
- 2
I think CDL training should be mandatory. If but only to learn the basic fundamentals that are necessary to understand large vehicles. I certainly am not going to turn over the keys of a 30,000 lb + deadly weapon on wheels to someone who doesn't even know how an airbrake system works. And you may think I am being rediculous with that statement but if your unqualified driver wipes out a minivan on the way to an emergency...it's your behind as well as the driver. Not worth the risk. But under the same token, just because you have CDL training does not grant you the privelege of driving a fire apparatus. Our former chief was a professional truck driver with decades of experience. And I have yet to see anyone more destructive with a piece of equipment. Bottom line: Fundamentals, attittude and motivation are key things the chief officer needs to look at.
- Join Date
- Nov 2002
- Location
- Pennsylvania
- Posts
- 83
In my department we require all drivers to hold a valid CDL and pass annual dirvers quailification on all the appratus they wish to drive. I agree that the CDL testing gives a person some basic knowlege of a larger vehicle but its not the do all end all, it has to be combined with good in house training as others have already pointed out.
- Join Date
- Jan 2002
- Location
- Hanover Twp., Beaver Cty, PA
- Posts
- 56
In Pennsylvania, there is a specific exemption for firefighters; we don't have to carry a CDL to drive fire apparatus. That said, there's two competing issues to consider. One, being in a small volunteer department, having to get a CDL to drive would effectively drive away (if you'll forgive the inadvertent pun) more people. On top of fire training, medical training (for those of us who are First Responders, EMT's, etc.) and vehicle rescue training, we have to have driver training too. Yes, I could probably study up and take the test next week, but there's no advantage to just taking the test but not having the professional training that goes with it.
Of course the next point is the need for the training getting a CDL should entail. We SHOULD take the driver training professional truck drivers take. But we SHOULD spend more time on fire ground training, we SHOULD spend more time practicing our medical skills, but we only have so much time. The truth of the matter is I don't think spending the time to get a piece of paper saying I have the CDL is going to make me a better driver. I hope I already have the mind set that makes me remember I'm driving a truck that weighs 40,000 pounds and is 102" wide. I'd rather spend my time refreshing my SCBA training, renewing my CPR card, or practicing vehicle rescue.
There is one more issue to consider... I believe the motor vehicle laws concerning some violations are much more strict when you have a CDL. An infraction that would only cost you some money with a "normal" licence could cost you your licence if you have a CDL. How many of your firefighters are willing to take that risk in addition to all the risks we take on the fireground?
Be safe out there; after all, that's what this whole thread is about!
CDLs in the U.S. (I believe across the board) fall into three catergories
A for Tractor-trailer
B for Straight-frame trucks over 26,000#
C for Straight-frame trucks under 26,000#
Then there's endorsements, such as air brakes, haz-mat, tandem trailers, school bus, etc.
My state requires a minimum of a "2Q" -- A "2" is a standard drivers license Joe Citizen gets. A "Q" consists of the same road test as a CDL driver gets, but not the physical requirements, written test, or stiffer penalties/thresholds (like lower BAC of a CDL). Of course with a "Q" you can only drive fire apparatus and farm trucks and a few other non-commercial, non-transit vehicles.
My department strongly encourages the CDL and works with the Town Highway Department to provide the training and use of a town dump truck for the CDL B test.
Oh, and unlike most other fire service training, you can actually make money with a CDL if you had too
What I would like to see is a special endorsement from the state for driving fire apparatus. While I think *some* of the information learned in a CDL class would be beneficial... I don't plan on driving an 18-wheeler EVER. I do plan on driving pumpers & ladders for much of my career. We need specific training for the specific job of driver.
- Join Date
- Jan 2003
- Location
- Henniker, NH
- Posts
- 2
New Hampshire, and perhaps all states, exempt emergency services drivers from the CDL requirement. Having said that our department requires that drivers of our (large) equipment have a valid CDL. Our feeling is that exempt or not if your drivers were not qualified the driver, Chief, and municipality may not fair well in court when there is an accident.
I'm sure we all agree that driving a 30,000 pound engine is not like driving a pickup. Add a touch of adrenal, and snowy roads, and the driver had better be well qualified.
- Join Date
- Dec 2002
- Posts
- 12
If your department requires a CDL do you also put them in the random drug test pool with the rest of the CDL drivers (public works, etc.)?
Several good observations here...
CDL penalties. If I get 1 DUI/DWI I loose my CDL. If you have a normal (class C) license, you usually only get a fine and manditory rehab on a 1st offense. Not that I'm planning on getting a DWI, but it is one example of stiffer penalties for CDL's.
Drug testing, good question, I'm not sure what the answer is. I work for two different companies that I drive CDL for, both must keep me in a random drug testing pool (so I get tested often). My best guess would be since CDL's are not required for fire departments, you do not need drug testing. If CDL's became manditory, then there may also have to be drug testing.
CDL's in small dept's, I don't think that will drive people away. As has been pointed out, you can make money off your CDL (unlike most other FD training) and the process is not overly long. The problem is the small FD paying for it, a driver's training course is not cheap, and you need an experianced CDL driver to teach the others.
Air Brakes, not GVW, are my biggest concern (although, weight does worry me as well, just not as much). I feel that many of us do not understand enough about how they work and what the implications are for us when the brakes start acting funky. One of my Lt's asked me why there were two needles on the air pressure gauge. Do you know? Do you know what it means if one or both starts going down? I like the idea of requiring the written CDL test (there is a whole chapter on air brakes) with a waiver for the road test, leave that to the FD's.
For the record, out newest pumper tilts the scales at 53,000lbs (single rear axle), and the tower is 73,000!(tandem rear). By comparison, my 3000gal oil tanker truck is about 31,000 with a full tank.
- Join Date
- Jun 2002
- Posts
- 41
Need for CDL?
Greetings and Happy New Year
Take any commercial highway rig, add code 3 lights and siren, throw in an air horn. Make it fully loaded 100% of the time that it is on the highway. Add extra loading so that 25% of these units exceed GVWR and the legal weight limits of the local commercial fleets. Expand the need for driving expertise while driving code 3 that far exceeds the requirements of a standard CDL.
I would expect that any fire department would demand a minimum of a CDL while driving a code 3 equipped apparatus. Why then is it suggested that the fire department then reduce the requirement to that of driving mom's Honda?
In California, the State practices the National standard for CDL issuance. Class A = Tractor Trailer rigs; Class B = two and three axle straight trucks of 26,000 GVWR and above; Class C = all autos and trucks below 26K GVWR. They also have a Class B Passenger vehicle endorsement and a Class B FF which is a Firefighter endorsement which is a permit to drive FireDepartment vehicles only (non commercial)in the CDL training format and less costly in license expense. Class B FF covers TDA's, as the trailer does not detatch and is considered as a single vehicle.
The reason for the need for CDL has many answers. All in favor of CDL. Item: Professional training required = professional drivers; Item: Daily inspections required (pre-trip or post-trip)(In a volunteer system where the unit might sit for a period, inspection is required at least weekly. If the unit is inspected after a call, that post-trip serves as the pre-trip for an arriving driver on an immediate need call); Item: Local agency exemption from CDL requirements is in force only while responding to and returning from an emergency. Travel to the store to pick up ingredients for lunch, inspections, and training operations are NOT covered in the exemption. At the times of non emergencies, the apparatus fall under the laws of commercial vehicles even though they technically are not for hire.
My arguement is: ***If a driver is driving a code 3 equipped fire apparatus, s/he MUST be properly trained to do so. ***If the driver is properly trained, then that same driver has been trained to the minimum standards of a CDL licensed driver. ***If the driver has been trained to meet the minimum CDL standards, then it follows that the driver can easily pass the CDL test and attain the CDL. (Why the worry or hesitation?) ***Try this: Notify your insurance carrier and advise them that you have no drivers with a CDL and get their opinion on your insurance status. ***Tell the same insurance carrier that you have taken steps to license every driver to CDL standards and expect a drop in rates (or maybe the insurance carrier is already led to believe that the drivers are in possession of the CDL for your State). ********If the driver cannot pass the minimum standards of a CDL, should they be behind the wheel of your code 3 apparatus?********
My belief is: ***All fire departments already train to Minimum CDL requirements and that the only real thing missing is paperwork. File the paperwork and get every driver licensed. Be able to show the public that we serve that we are professionals and are permitted to drive these apparatus.
If you are on this medium, you are among those of us that read, regularly, about what is occurring with apparatus drivers that are involved in accidents (major or minor) and are found to be carrying a license that does not match the job that s/he is perfoming at the time of the accident. Apparatus drivers are paying the price. Not the agency they drive for. Some have even gone to jail.
Oh, yes, that little item on our license plate that says "Exempt" simply means that the vehicle is exempt from highway taxes and regularly is a government vehicle. The exempt has nothing to do with exemption from the laws of the highway.
The easy solution: If we already perform to the minimum standards of the CDL, do the paperwork and get the CDL. Applause for those that have already seen the simplicity and reason of it.
Respectfully submitted,
- Join Date
- Oct 2002
- Posts
- 87
I have been reading with interest all the coments that have been made to this. I do have a CDL and have had for 22 yrs. I think that all Fire Departments should reqiure it. We are no better then anyone else who drives large trucks in fact we may even be worse. Why well most of us only drive every three days, and put on what 50 miles each day maybe a little more. If you can not pass this test you should not be driving it is not that hard. As far as Drug and Alcohol testing this should be getting done also, most cities do cause there public works employes have to have CDLs. If you get a DUI and loose your job you should have thought about that before you drove. I know mistakes happen and most places are not going to can you the first time this happens. Also most of the states if you read the law they have about this it is for emergency's only, its just that it has not been challenged by anyone. I think someday a good Lawyer will so lets be prepared before hand. As of this time my department does not require it I am pushing for it and some other reqirements.
Be safeGFIRE
- Join Date
- Jan 2002
- Location
- Hanover Twp., Beaver Cty, PA
- Posts
- 56
If I'm catching the general drift of this thread, it seems that most states aren't requireing a CDL to drive fire fighting apparatus, but some departments are. I don't think I've seen any of the posts mention if they are career or volunteer members. Can (or should) that make a difference? As a volunteer, I just don't have the time (at least a few weeks, if I understand correctly) to take a CDL course. As it was, I had to take vacation from my real, paying job to take the Emergency Vehicle Operations course, and that's just a 16 hour course. I don't think simply memorizing a few facts from the licence manual and taking the written test makes anyone a better driver. While I don't buy into the "Career vs. Volunteer" argument much, I can at least acknowledge the difference your status might make. A career FF is getting paid to drive, and if his/her department requires a CDL, the department should pay for it and provide training time.
I am concerned that making to much noise about this will cause lawyers ears to perk up, and what is now a department by department decision (and what works for one department won't work for another) might become a mandated law. And I've got to tell you, if Pennsylvania comes up with a law that says FF have to have CDL's, there's going to be a lot of idle fire trucks in our area.
Our department requires the Emergency Vehicle Operations course, which includes things like air brakes, breaking, traffic movement, (you all probably have it too) and we have to demonstrate to the Chief our ability to safely operate any deparment vehicle before we're allowed to drive solo. I'm confident that in our situation, at our department, that is the correct way to go.
Having a CDL license does not nessicarily qualify you as a good driver. There is no experiance requirment to get your CDL. I know a kid who got his CDL with virtually zero hours behind the wheel of a big truck, if he were a firefighter he might rack up a total of 10 hour per year driving. Is he really better off as a CD? I have a Master's license to operate as a ship's captain, a program with a minimum apprenticship before you are even allowed to take the test. It typlically takes most people 3 years to get their "smallest" license. I know people who've had their license for years yet still cannot drive a boat. Point? Having a certification does not nessicarily make you a better driver.
That said, I think they should have to get a CDL, if for no other reason than the above stated test, and along with the basic class B all fire drivers should have to get a tanker and airbrakes endorsement.
The CDL is a federal program, and they have one exception to the requirments, that is firefighters. Anyone else who operates a Class B or larger vehicle on public roads must get a CDL. Some states (appearently CA is one) may require CDL's for FD's.
Requiring a CDL would hamstring a lot of departments around here. 1st off, the department would have to pay for it. Some FD's can't afford to buy turnouts for all their guys. 2nd, a truck would have to go to the DMV for the day for testing (you are required to test in a vehicle simular to the one you will drive as part of the job), unless you could borrow one from an FD near the DMV. For some departments, that may mean driving 100miles to get there! 3rd, not everyone wants to be a CDL, as I mentioned in an earlier post, punishments for driving infractions are more severe for CDLs, even if you are in your POV when the infraction occured.
Bravo to your state for instituing the Class B FF, but what what is the advantage of that? Is it an easier test? If I get my Class B, then I want to be able to use it to make money, having the FF endorsement would prevent me from doing that.
You say your plates have "exempt" on them, our apparatus don't have plates at all, not required (yearly inspections are however).
I know I might sound like I'm sending a mixed message so let me clairify it.
Should the Fed require CDL's for all FDs? No, I don't think so, not unless they are willing to pay for it.
Should FD's try to get CDL drivers? I think that would be a very wise move, although one with mixed results.
- Join Date
- Jun 2002
- Posts
- 41
CDL continued
Great responses. No offence taken. I can see that this can go either way. If no action is taken, it remains as is. If you go for the CDL, you take a step up in the eyes of the public you serve. It can be a PR coup.
In CA the FF B license is paid for by the Fire department and costs about $50 less than a standard class A or B. The fire department will not pay for a standard class A or B so that you can go out and make money on their dime. However, and FF that wants to acquire a standard class A or B for use in his/her business is welcome to do so and that personal Class A or B is good for use as a Class B FF. Some smaller agencies have their personnel acquire their own license, and usually fully volunteer agencies. Not all agencies follow the standard practice.
And, you are so correct about simply having a CDL does not make for a better drive. In the FD's in CA, there is a litany of other things that go into a full FF B licensing format, usually mandated by the insurance carrier AND the CA Department of Motor Vehicles AND the CA Highway Patrol. Vehicle inspections, daily pre-trip inspections, Code 3 driving skills, etc. It is the full 'package' of what goes into a professional code 3 driver. Our personnel are not permitted to drive for the first year, during driver/engineer training. Classroom, in the field, daytime, nighttime, rush hour traffic. The full range of situations are covered.
CA may be a little more restrictive on who is permitted to drive code 3 vehicles. Our department is partially paid and partially volunteer.
And, we actually get the job done with all these enhancements in place. Why does any particular State not require a CDL? Does everyone in the State have heavy truck driving skills, negating the need for the CDL to set them apart? Believe me, if you have acquired the skills to drive code 3, you can easily pass the test. In this state, it is common practice to have to meet the in-house proficiency test for code 3 driving before you are ever permitted to take the department paid Class B FF test down at the local DMV. The State will not issue the test without a written authorization from a recognized agent of the Dept.
I still think it makes for a more professional driver if ALL the steps are completed. And, usually, ALL the steps are already in place, with the exception of the paperwork and the fee. Good luck convincing your agency on the desire for a CDL.
For me it is no issue. If I choose to be employed in this profession, I will be able to acquire and hold a Class B (FF) CDL.
Respectfully submitted,
As a volunteer, I just don't have the time (at least a few weeks, if I understand correctly) to take a CDL course.
If you're going to tractor-trailer school, maybe...
At least in my state (CT) the road test is the same whether you're going for a CDL-B or 2Q, so you need the same skills. The CDL-B adds the written tests, which for most people can be self-study.
2nd, a truck would have to go to the DMV for the day for testing (you are required to test in a vehicle simular to the one you will drive as part of the job), unless you could borrow one from an FD near the DMV.
CT's take on it changed a few years ago.
They figure a CDL allows you drive any commercial vehicle (of the appropriate license class) and a Fire Truck isn't representative of that.
If you go for a 2Q (Fire apparatus only), you take it in a fire truck.
If you go for a CDL-B, you have to take it in a more typical straight truck like a delivery truck or dump truck. Our members going for CDL train on & borrow for the test one of the Town Highway Department's dump trucks.
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