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Red Barn Renovation: Energy Efficiency Tax Breaks
(Two weeks ago, I kicked off a series of posts in which I'll document the transformation of an old barn into my future workshop.)
As the world's big wigs convene in Copenhagen to address climate change, it's important that we do our part here at home. For this little wig, that means renovating the barn in an energy-efficient manner. Fortunately, the recent stimulus package includes plenty of tax incentives to do just that.
Politics aside, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 has kick-started a new wave of responsible renovation. No longer is "green" construction all about the Benjamins baby! In fact, the economic stimulus brings new meaning to the word "greenback": Americans are currently eligible for a 30% tax credit towards the cost (up to $1,500 per year) of energy-efficient home improvements. Now, we needn't sacrifice sustainability in renovating the barn — the tax break turns a new wood stove, insulation and Energy Star windows into affordable solutions for curbing our energy bills. Below is a longer list of eligible products:
Biomass Stoves – Wood, wood pellet and biomass stoves that offer a minimum 75% "thermal efficiency value" are eligible. Installation costs are included in the tax credit.
Heating, Ventilating, Air Conditioning (HVAC) – Energy-efficient circulating fans, heat pumps, central air units, boilers and furnaces are covered. Speak with an HVAC specialist for further details on eligibility. Installation costs are included in the tax credit.
Insulation – Installing insulation is a quick and easy way of improving your home's energy efficiency. The tax credit covers insulation that meets IECC code, but does not cover installation.
Roofs (Metal & Asphalt) – Only Energy Star certified roofs qualify for the tax credit. These metal and asphalt roofs better reflect the sun's rays, improving energy efficiency in the summer months. Installation is not covered.
Water Heaters (non-solar) – Heating your home's water can amount to a quarter of your energy usage. Look for a model that has a "thermal efficiency value" of 90%. Installation costs are covered.
Windows, Doors & Skylights – Installing Energy Star certified doors or windows will significantly lower your monthly heating bills. Installation costs are not included.
Window Coverings – Currently, Hunter Douglas brand Duette Architella shades are the only energy-conserving window shades eligible for energy efficient tax breaks.
For further details on the tax credits, visit the Energy Star site here.
Images: 1 Treehugger , 2 RAIS , 3 Henderson & Daughter
Johnny is currently blogging his experience as a student and amateur woodworker. You can keep track of his projects on his blog, Woodlearner.
11 Comments
Oh, brother. I mean, Oh Big Brother! Is there no end to the arrogance of government thinking they can make better decisions than the individual citizen? If it's in my best interest to make home improvements, it should be my responsibility to pay for it.
Perfect timing for us, as we're replacing some drafty, old windows. Too bad installation isn't included. That can cost as much or more than the windows themselves.
seriously doctor? you don't see where it benefits everyone to encourage this kind of thing?
don't you realize that oil companies and energy producers have been government subsidized for years?
These stimulus subsidies are in place to encourage spending during the recession and to especially encourage spending on environmentally friendly building practices.
I don't know about you, but I have a bigger problem with "Big Brother" telling gay people that they don't have the same rights as heterosexuals. Maybe that's just me though.
The barn is looking great!
ec05, Yes, I do realize that many companies are subsidized by the government and it is wrong in every instance. The government exists to protect our rights, not to "encourage" certain behaviors.
Vanessa in New York, Encourage spending during a recession? That's like encouraging an alcoholic to take another drink. Not a wise move.
By the way, I agree that the government should recognize all marriages between two consenting adults, regardless of gender.
doctor I guess you're right, energy independence doesn't have anything to do with national security or anything else of interest.
dumb government.
I'm happy to see that our government is encouraging responsible behavior. My home needs several improvements; I'm looking forward to the tax breaks.
Applying for tax credits is optional. You are free to make improvements to your home without applying for the credits.
Johnny, "little wig" cracked me up. Marry me.
True, applying for the tax credits is optional... but, paying the taxes (and therefore other people's home improvements) isn't. What if I want to build 10 windmills in my backyard? Where's the tax credit for that? Government subsidizing window coverings, skylights, and biomass stoves... please excuse me if I find this all a bit weird, unnecessary, and unconstitutional.
CallDoctorBison - Given your user name, you may be a doctor, you may even be an Indian chief, but obviously you're not a lawyer. There's nothing unconstitutional about these tax credits, just as there's nothing unconstitutional about the existing tax breaks for health insurance (you know, the kind that pays you "doctors") or tax deductions for losses on investments or gambling. You may not like them (in which case, by all means, vote against those who enacted them), but their constitutionality is not a subject of serious debate.
As for whether they are good policy, that's another question. I think that on balance, they're probably a good idea -- they add value to the economy not only by spurring demand at the nadir of a recession (and obviously the "Doctor" isn't an economist either -- one needn't be a diehard Keynesian to realize that government spending can take up some of the slack in private spending in a recession), but by directing some of that induced spending toward energy-saving investment that should yield continued savings in the year to come. (Even if one believes, as one suspects the good "Doctor" does, that the US ought to be burning coal like mad to fuel its economic progress, the energy conserved by households' weatherizing is energy that can be put to other uses, whether that use consists of making widgets, or driving humongous SUVs to distant shopping malls, or simply saving some leftover fossil fuel for a rainy day.) Moreover, many of investments make economic sense in the mid- to long-term, but are expensive to consumers in the short term. If consumers have a long time horizon and access to cash or credit to make the improvements, for the most part, these improvements make economic sense -- but with both cash and credit in shorter supply for consumers these days, the tax breaks will likely encourage some energy-saving improvements that make economic sense, but nevertheless wouldn't happen without the breaks.
That said, these don't seem like the most surgically-directed tax credits, and there's undoubtedly a fair amount of non-energy-saving waste associated with them. E.g., if I opt to replace 15 of my leaky old windows with plain-vanilla energy-efficient ones, I could get a $1500 tax break. Or I could take a nicely-insulated wall, cut 3 new holes and add 3 fancy-schmancy low-e windows that cost 5 times as much as the vanilla ones, and get the same tax credit, while actually reducing efficiency. So not every recipient is going to end up saving energy. And of course, many people might have been planning to make these improvements anyway, so for them, the tax credits are just a lucky windfall. (Those of us who still think Keynes's ideas hold some water can see that even the improvements that don't improvement overall efficiency can still help stimulate the economy, though.)
Anyway, to those whom the tax breaks are spurring to improvement their energy efficiency, good for you. And to those who were planning to improve your home's energy efficiency anyway, good for you, too. And to those of us who will benefit from having many American households using less energy to heat and cool their homes, good for us!
Oh, and Johnny, nice barn!


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If the hustle and bustle of Georgetown become too much, visitors to Penang have the luxury of escaping to two peaceful sanctuaries not far from town. Penang's Butterfly Garden and Spice Garden are both popular attractions in their own right, yet both can be visited in just one morning.
Penang's Butterfly Farm and Spice Garden
September 9, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Galeria Perdana, Langkawi
Galeria Perdana in Langkawi proudly displays the gifts, awards and souvenirs received by the former Malaysian Prime Minister, Tun Dr. Mahathir and his wife, Dr. Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali. Located in Kilim to the north east of the island, this unique museum opened in 1955.
August 26, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Lok Kawi Wildlife Park
Situated 25 kilometers from Kota Kinabalu, The Lok Kawi Wildlife Park is one of the largest wildlife parks in Malaysia, covering an area of 280 acres. The park is managed by the Sabah Wildlife Department and the emphasis is on raising awareness and the conservation of Malaysia's natural environment and wildlife.
August 12, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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8 Must-Try Malaysian Foods
Malaysia is a food lovers heaven. Influenced by the surrounding ocean and nearby cultures there is a myriad of different dishes and desserts to try while you are visiting.
July 29, 2014 by Cailin O'Neil
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Wind Cave and Fairy Cave, Kuching
Located just 22 kilometers from Kuching in the old gold-mining town of Bau, a visit to Wind Cave and Fairy Cave makes for the perfect day trip from the city. These limestone caves were created by water gradually carving out a series of tunnels and both are filled with dazzling stalagmites and stalactites.
July 15, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Kek Lok Si Temple
Kek Lok Si Temple is the largest and most famous temple on the island of Penang. Also known as the 'Temple of Supreme Bliss', it was founded in 1890 by an immigrant Chinese Buddhist.
May 20, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Mashuri's Tomb
Mashuri's Tomb (also known as Makam Mahsuri) is the shrine dedicated to a Langkawi born girl said to be the most beautiful girl on the island. Many versions of the legend of Mashuri exist but what is known is that Mashuri's Thai parents immigrated to Langkawi from Phuket, perhaps in the 18th century. While some accounts maintain that Mashuri was born into a farmer's family, others claim she was a princess.
April 22, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Gaya Street Market
Every Sunday morning in the center of Kota Kinabalu, the roads are shut off to traffic and the streets are instead filled with market stalls offering fresh food, souvenirs, arts and crafts and much more besides. The Gaya Street Market runs from early in the morning until lunchtime, but as there is so much to see and do it's wise to get there as early as possible.
March 25, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Cultural Festivals in Malaysia
Due to the diverse ethnicities and religions that make up Malaysia, the cultural festivals throughout the country are incredibly varied and unique. As a result there are more festivals in Malaysia than we can list, but here's a very small cross-section of some of the festivals that could be happening during your visit to this fascinating part of South East Asia.
March 11, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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Outdoor Adventures in Langkawi
Opportunities to embark on action-packed outdoor adventures in Langkawi are everywhere. Whether you want to be on the water, beneath it – or even away from the shore and amid the jungle – here are some outdoor adventures in Langkawi to satisfy your adventurous side.
February 11, 2014 by Kirsty Stuart
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subset: commoncrawl


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I did some serious tweaking on this one, but it's pretty good... I added a can of tomatoes that I drained, and I added a tsp of chili powder in addition to the cumin the recipe calls for. I super seasoned the chicken (I used boneless/skinless breasts, and I'm sure this would be just as good with thighs) before I browned it (Tony's and a little cumin/chili powder). I also added the chiles and the tomatoes to the onion and garlic mixture while I was sauteeing it, and sprinkled two or three Tbsp of flour over that to help thicken it once it was all together. I cut the broth to two cups... It does NOT need the extra liquid!!! And I only put it in the crock pot for about 3 1/2 hours; they're canned beans for chrissakes. And finally, when I took the breasts out to shred them, I hit the mix with my immersion blender rather than take any out and put it in the blender. Honestly, I might've done the same with my potato masher, too. I hate dirtying up my blender.
White Bean and Chicken Chili
Photo: Charles Schiller; Styling: Tara Bench
Yield: Serves 6
Cost per Serving: $1.97
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Recipe Time
Cook Time:
Prep Time:
Nutritional Information
Amount per serving
- Calories: 296
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated fat: 0.0g
- Protein: 17g
- Carbohydrate: 52g
- Fiber: 15g
- Cholesterol: 0.0mg
- Sodium: 410mg
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 whole bone-in chicken breasts (about 3 lb.)
- Salt and pepper
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, chopped
- 2 4-oz. cans roasted green chilies, drained
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 15-oz. cans white beans, rinsed and drained
- 4 cups low-sodium chicken broth
- 1. Warm oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper, and place skin side down in skillet. Cook 6 minutes, turning once. Transfer to a plate; remove skin. Drain all but 2 Tbsp. fat from pan. Sauté onions and garlic for 5 minutes. Stir onion mixture, chilies, 1 cup water, cumin, chicken, beans and broth into slow cooker.
- 2. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring twice. Remove 1 cup beans plus 1/2 cup liquid from slow cooker. Puree in a blender; return to slow cooker. Shred chicken and return to slow cooker. Serve hot.
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White Bean and Chicken Chili Recipe at a Glance
- COURSE: Main Dishes
- CUISINE: American
- MAIN INGREDIENT: Poultry
- DIETARY CONSIDERATION: Low Cholesterol, Low Fat, Low Saturated Fat, Gluten-Free
- COOKING METHOD: Blender, Slow Cook
- PUBLICATION: All You
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Outdoor emergency care: comprehensive prehospital care for nonurban settings
National Ski Patrol System, Aug 1, 1998 - Health & Fitness - 643 pages
What people are saying - Write a review
Good price. Perfect condition.User Review - shopperxo - Overstock.com
I needed this book and found it for the best price here at Overstock. It arrived in mint condition, and was exactly as described. Read full review
Introduction 1
Patient Assessment and Life Support
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Dora - Local Area Photos and Information
Local Area Photos | Local Business Directory | Local Real Estate | Local Employment Center
Dora is a populated place located in Coos County at latitude 43.156 and longitude -123.956.
The elevation is 148 feet. Dora appears on the Dora U.S. Geological Survey Map. Coos County is in the Pacific Time Zone (UTC -8 hours).
Coos County: Cities & Towns | ZIP Codes | Schools | Features (airports, churches, hospitals, etc.)
BOUNDARY MAPS: | Myrtle Point Division | Coos County
Dora - Searchable Map, Aerial Photos & Driving Directions
|BIG Map |
Driving Directions |
Data Source - USGS GNIS FID: 1136227
BOUNDARY MAPS: | Myrtle Point Division | Coos County
Nearby Cities, Towns & Census Designated Places
Dora, OR
(< 0.1 mile)
McKinley, OR (4.1 miles WNW)
Sitkum, OR (4.7 miles E)
Gravelford, OR (7.1 miles WSW)
Fairview, OR (7.2 miles NW)
Bridge, OR
(9.5 miles SSW)
Norway, OR (10.8 miles WSW)
Remote, OR (10.9 miles SSE)
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Coquille, OR (11.8 miles W)


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Dr. Larry Benson is treating Osgood Schlatters Syndrome, also known as jumper's knee.
This problem stems from breaking a bone in childhood or adolescence.
This causes pain and inflammation at the anterior knee. It is typically caused by repetitive running or jumping during a growth phase.
Anti-inflammatory meds can help, but do not help much over long periods of time. It may take 6 months to a year for symptoms to completely resolve.
Copyright 2012 WWBT NBC12. All rights reserved.


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Date of Award
Degree Type
Degree Name
Master of Arts (MA)
Wallace Clement
The present study has attempted both a linear and a structural analysis of the development/underdevelopment of Atlantic Canada. The necessity of the "evolution" of capitalist industrial production and its subsequent transition to competitive corporate capitalism and finally monopoly corporate capitalism was deduced from a structural model of "capital". In conjunction with this "movement of capital", propelled ahead by inherent contradictions within the production of capital, we have traced its phenomenal correspondence -- the creation of a capitalist state and a national economy, the rise of new classes and fractions of classes and the decline and fall of old classes and fractions thereof, and the concentration an centralization of units of financial and productive capital. Concurrent with these developments we saw the development of industrial production in Central Canada and the rise and demise of industry In Atlantic Canada. These two events the development of industry In Central Canada and the deindustrialization of Atlantic Canada -- it was shown were not distinct, but rather mutually conditioned.
What this study indicates, with regard to development studies in general, is the methodological bankruptcy of the neo-classical perspective, the analytical shortcomings of staple theory, and the possibilities of Marxism as an alternative mode of approach. In particular, it shows the importance of a wholistic, historical and structural approach.
Recommended Citation
Baker, John F., "The Underdevelopment of Atlantic Canada 1867-1920: A Study of the Development of Capitalism" (1977). Open Access Dissertations and Theses. Paper 5480.
McMaster University Library


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It is one o'clock in the morning and Kyle Kendrick is pitching for the Phillies. I don't think that anyone needs me to tell them what happened next. Ronny Paulino went 5-7 with the go ahead RBI in the top of the fourteenth inning. Phils lose 2-1 and Kyle Kendrick is trying to ruin everything. I am going to bed. More in depth review of the game tomorrow, hopefully.
Next Phillies Game View full schedule »
Tuesday, Sep 2323 Sep7:10at Miami MarlinsBuy Tickets
Tags: Kyle Kendrick New York Mets Philadelphia Phillies Ronny Paulino Tired


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Please Register as a New User or Login as Existing User to gain full access to all the photos on this site. Registration is quick and completely free.
Unregistered users can only view full size photos that have been added this month.
Senor Martinez back in the homeland.
© Rich Kirby, Dec 2010
Route: Fiesta de los Biceps
Climbers: Eddie Martinez
Camera used: Ixus 750


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'Tis the Season To Be ... Fluffy?
Guest blogger JJ Virgin: Ah, Thanksgiving. I can envision it now: sitting around a blazing fire with family and friends; watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and countless hours of football; the delicious food. It all seems so comforting, bright and warm. Who cares that you won't be able to button your jeans the next day? Your less-than-toned body will be hidden under sweaters for at least the next four months, so it's OK to allow yourself to get a tad "fluffy" -- right?
Wonderful contribution,In my opinion you've absolutely assembled a site I would like to read on a regular basis. Thank you.
I can't say I completely agree, thanks for having the initiave to come up with it


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Ione Post Office
419 Main St, Ione, WA 99139
Phone: 509-442-3615
Toll-Free: 1-800-Ask-USPS® (275-8777)
Monday-Friday 8:00am - 12:30pm
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Properly Replacing Your Window
Replacing windows is a home improvement project to do if existing windows are not energy efficient. This is a common option for homeowners wishing to reduce energy costs. However, a standard or custom replacement window can be ordered at a home improvement store or from a local window company – like Home Exterior Systems in Houston.
Measure the Window
Proper measurements are required before beginning any window replacement project. A measurement is needed of the width and height of the existing window opening. This will need to be done from inside the house, as replacement windows are not installed from the outside. Windows need to be measured from the jamb on one side to the jamb on the other; measure from the inside of each jamb to obtain the width. Make sure to get a measurement at the top, the middle, and the bottom. The smallest measurement will need to be used. The height of the window is measured from the inside top of the sill to the inside of the top jamb. Record each measurement to use later when ordering the new replacement windows.
Remove Old Window
Remove the decorative trim around the perimeter of the window by using a pry bar. Remove the stops on each of the sashes. This can be done with a screwdriver or by using the pry bar. Removing the stops will need to be done carefully to limit damage to the window opening. Save the stops because they can be used when the new window is ready to be installed. The sash should be removed next. Look to see if the window has a sash cord or rope that will need to be cut. The outside sash will then need to be pulled down before taking off the parting beads. Take off the outside sash, but make sure to leave the stops in place.
Clean Window Opening
Scrape off old paint and take off any pieces of trim that surround the window opening. The jambs will need to be examined for any holes and splintered wood. Sand the wood smooth and fill holes by using wood putty. Pieces of fiberglass insulation can also be used as this will help with heat loss. Clean using a vacuum or brush to remove any debris from the sill.
Dry-Fit New Window
Place the new window in the opening to test the fit. This will determine if shims or other measures are needed when securing the window. Look on each side of the window to locate the mounting holes. Remove the window and set it aside.
Prepare Window Frame
Apply a bead of silicone caulk to the perimeter of the window frame. The caulk helps to weatherproof the window by keeping out air. Set the header piece on top of the replacement window and apply caulk across the top.
Install the Window
Set the new replacement window in the window frame. Check with a level. Square the window by placing shims in-between the window and the frame. The shims should stick out at three to four inches. Insert the mounting screws and tighten with a power drill. There may be gaps between the window and the frame. These gaps can easily be filled by using spray foam insulation. Open and then close the window to test its operation. Adjust the screws if the sashes are difficult to open. The last step is to knock out the shims.
This article was written by Billy Dunham, an avid home improvement blogger who loves to share his knowledge. He writes this on behalf of Home Exterior Systems , an owner operated company which strives for complete customer satisfaction. Check out their website today to see what they can do for you and your home!


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Truly awsome! The fit and style of this vest reminds me of vests worn in the 1930's. The suprise is when you look at the back. Volcom really out did themselves with the volcom pattern on the back. Really hate to cover up this vest with the jacket as it is a true statement all in itself.
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'Bully' Documentary Exposes the Criminal Negligence Threatening Kids' Lives
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For the past few years, Americans have become hyper-aware of the issue of school bullying, a cause celebre among stars like Lady Gaga and relationship columnist Dan Savage. But even with the prevalence of It Gets Better PSAs—not to mention copious tragic tales of young children driven to suicide constantly in the news—we might not feel the immediacy of how bullying actually feels in the day-to-day. With the perspective of time, even those of us who were brutally bullied as children might not remember the visceral pain of it once we become adults.
Illuminating and reminding us of that pain is what Bully does best. Directed by Amandla documentarian Lee Hirsch, the film follows the lives of several children being bullied in different American cities during the 2009 school year. All of them are incredibly sweet: Alex of Sioux City, Iowa, has a good sense of humor; Kelby of Tuttle, Oklahoma, appears confident and smart despite it all; Ja'Meya of Yazoo County, Mississippi, is shy and mild-mannered. Their dispositions make their tales that much starker, particularly in the case of Alex, who's shown riding the bus as several older, bigger boys call him names until it escalates to prodding, poking him with pencils, punching and choking him.
It's a devastating, close-up look at what bullied kids go through—which may encompass physical blows but likely inflicts worse violence upon their self-esteem. Alex takes it all with a smile, sometimes asking why the kids are poking him, but doing nothing to stop it, as though he's been worn down. Some of the other kids around him laugh, which is infuriating, but most disturbing of all: the bus driver, who would be blind not to see what's going on, does absolutely nothing, day in and day out. It comes to the point where the filmmakers, seeing the real harm that's being inflicted upon Alex, show their footage to his parents, who intervene.
At that moment the point has been driven home. We hear from Kelby, a bright, well-adjusted girl who's been ostracized by her entire community since she came out as a lesbian. We hear from the parents of children who committed suicide, including the parents of Georgia's Tyler Long, who hung himself at the age of 17 after being bullied; and from the parents of Ty Smalley, who shot himself when he was a heartbreaking 11 years old. Within the stories, a disturbing pattern emerges: though all the parents attempt to stop the bullying by speaking to school officials and in some cases the police, they are consistently met with widespread apathy, and kept at bay by empty promises.
We witness as much in real time when Alex's parents take a meeting with his middle-school assistant principal, who not only pooh-poohs their concerns, but actually interrupts their meeting to show them a photo of her new granddaughter. It's a moment of extreme narcissism and you'll hope she got fired the second this movie was released, but it also illustrates what parents are up against. Even with all the bullying awareness movements happening in the country, there will always be administrators who apparently don't care enough about the children they supervise to protect them. Potentially they could chalk it up to school overcrowding, to "No Child Left Behind" fall-out, to exhaustion or any number of excuses, but in Bully's cases, these teachers are working in small towns with small school populations. There is no tangible justification for their behavior. It's criminal negligence.
There's been a bit of a brouhaha about Bully's MPAA rating—which was an R, until the Weinstein Company, unsuccessfully having lobbied for a PG-13, decided to release it without a rating. Watching the film only underscores how conservative and hypocritical the dread MPAA actually is: there is barely any cursing, and though the violence is real, it isn't even close to the scale of violence in popular teen franchises like Transformers (PG-13) or Twilight (PG-13).
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" Hercules XPS 2.0 40 Slim - PC multimedia speakers - 5 Watt (Total) - black lacquer "
* Prices may differ from that shown
The XPS 2.0 40 ultra slim speakers bring harmony to your home and to your ears. The XPS 2.0 40 Slim blends in with your interior décor elegantly and subtly providing you with more work space and less clutter. Hercules has specifically adapted their technology so that the slender shape of the XPS 2.040 Slim is integrated with perfectly clear sound previously achieved only through bulkier sound systems. The speakers are also magnetically shielded so as not to disturb anything in its surrounding environment.
|Product Description:
|Hercules XPS 2.0 40 Slim - speakers - For PC - wired
|Product Type:
|Speakers - PC multimedia - wired
|Dimensions (WxDxH):
|5.8 cm x 7.2 cm x 23.5 cm
|System Components:
|2 speakers
|Speaker Type:
|Nominal Output Power (Total):
|5 Watt
|Audio System Max Output Power:
|10 Watt
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|Speaker System Details:
|2 - 2.5 Watt
|Black lacquer