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Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind." This is the first and greatest commandment. —Matthew 22:37-39 read more
Charisma Magazine
All Stories in Culture
Page 5 of 37
{ Day 51 }
For this reason I remind you to fan into flame the gift of God, which is in you through the laying on of my hands. For God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, of love and of self-discipline. —2 Timothy 1:6-7 read more
{ Day 52 }
Why do the nations rage, and the people plot a vain thing? The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against His Anointed, saying, "Let us break Their bonds in pieces and cast away Their cords from us." —Psalm 2:1-3, NKJV read more
{ Day 53 }
Be self-controlled and alert. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings. —1 Peter 5:8-9 read more
{ Day 54 }
We know that anyone born of God does not continue to sin; the one who was born of God keeps him safe, and the evil one cannot harm him. We know that we are children of God, and that the whole world is under the control of the evil one. We know also that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know him who is true. And we are in him who is true—even in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life. —1 John 5:18-20 read more
{ Day 55 }
Therefore the people wander like sheep oppressed for lack of a shepherd. My anger burns against the shepherds, and I will punish the leaders; for the Lord Almighty will care for his flock, the house of Judah, and make them like a proud horse in battle. —Zechariah 10:2-3 read more
{ Day 56 }
I will declare the decree: The Lord has said to Me, "You are My Son, today I have begotten You. Ask of Me, and I will give You the nations for Your inheritance, and the ends of the earth for Your possession. You shall break them with a rod of iron; you shall dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel." —Psalm 2:7-9, NKJV read more
{ Day 57 }
I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. —Ephesians 3:16-17 read more
{ Day 58 }
Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship. Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. —Romans 12:1-2 read more
{ Day 59 }
Now therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed, you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling. —Psalm 2:10-11, NKJV read more
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The Beckham Boys Are Brotherly and Well-Mannered
by POPSUGAR Moms 8 Reactions 0 Shares Print
As the Beckham boys learn the ins and outs of being famous, they are also learning proper etiquette. Mama Victoria recently proudly spoke to The Times about her sons' good manners. She said:
"My mum and dad were real sticklers for good manners and so are me and David. People are always remarking on how well-behaved the boys are. They've all got their own headed notepaper for thank-you letters."
Good manners are a lesson for life and if you teach them to your kids early on, they become automatic. Saying "please" and "thank you" and writing notes goes a long way.
We've all got our own parenting styles, but are you a stickler for manners?
Victoria Beckham
SpeakLike-aChild 5 years
Good for them! I think it's great that parents teach their children good manners from a young age, but I'm not a mother so I don't know how difficult that might be. btw Spanish speakers consider rude saying things like "me and David", I mean naming yourself before other people, there's even an old saying about that. But probably it's different in English grammar
Greggie 5 years
Because nonposh people can't be polite and teach their kids the same?
Vaadsfweytes 5 years
Victoria Beckam tries so hard to be posh. Does she not realize that when people hear her accent, it reveals her background?
Greggie 5 years
I think it's all subjective to who we're talking to, where we are, etc. I don't find "Miss" to be respectful. I don't find it disrespectful at all, I just prefer the child and parent ask me what I want to be called. I'm fine with my first name, or Mrs Lastname if we don't know them well. Ours kids call adults what they request to be called, which nine times out of ten is the first name alone, or their first name with Aunt/Uncle in front if it's a close friend. We teach please and thank you very strongly, but if it's a stranger they're uncomfortable talking to I'll say it for them. They aren't allowed to grab an item and run, for instance, but I don't force them to speak to strangers either. If it's Grandpa and they don't say thank you, that's another story.
MissSushi 5 years
I really like good manners and proper titles. Aunt such and such and Miss, etc. A good friend of mine has raised her two children so well, and they always call me Miss Katrina. Its just so respectful and polite.
weirdy 5 years
i dont have kids yet but i am a stickler for manners as well.. and one thing i cant stand and would not tolerate is rudeness :)
weirdy 5 years
i dont have kids yet but i am a stickler for manners as well.. and one thing i cant stand and would not tolerate is rudeness :)
MartiniLush 5 years
I also am a stickler for manners. And I think this is great, I have to say that I am not a huge fan of the Beckhams, but the more I see them with their kids and hear about their parenting style, the more I am starting to respect and like them!
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subset: commoncrawl


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Theme Park Insider giveaways coming later this week
Written by Robert Niles
We've got too much stuff in the office: T-shirts, books, theme park publicity swag. Time for it to go!Tweet
That means it is time for a Theme Park Insider giveaway. Rather than make this some complicated contest, we're going to do this the easy way: First come, first served.
But to give all Theme Park Insider readers a chance, we're giving you a few days' notice of the giveaway. You'll need to be a registered member of the site to be eligible for any of the loot, so if you haven't registered with us yet (it's free!), here is the registration link. If you have registered, you can use that link to make sure that your email address is up to date. We will be using that email address to contact the people who are getting the stuff, so that's why registration with a live email address is necessary.
Here's how it will work: On Friday, we'll put up a blog post listing what Theme Park Insider T-shirts we've got available to claim, and we'll give them away, first-come-first-serve, to whomever posts in the comments to that blog post to claim a specific shirt.
It's one shirt per registered member, and we have only certain sizes available. If there's nothing available in your size, don't worry — you still might come away with some stuff. We've got some signed copies of our Theme Park Insider books as well as some publicity trinkets that we'll throw into the T-shirt packages until we run out. If your size isn't available, go ahead and respond anyway, and, if you respond quickly enough, we'll send you one of these ride-along goodies, even if we don't have a shirt for you. Again, it will be first come, first served, so be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and Google+ and RSS, as we'll let people know through those channels when the giveaway post goes live on Friday.
As always, thank you for reading Theme Park Insider, and let's see if we can get some of you wearing Theme Park Insider this summer, too!
Readers' Opinions
From Wok Creative on May 27, 2014 at 5:08 PM
What a great thing to do. Thanx for all you do through this site.
From N B on May 27, 2014 at 5:23 PM
Luckily, I work from home... Hopefully, I'll be one of the first and proudly wear it at USF (and post a pic).
From Jay R. on May 27, 2014 at 5:42 PM
I hope I get something. Curious about the time zone.
From Rod Whitenack on May 27, 2014 at 6:10 PM
I just want to hear something about Wonder Mountain's Guardian! It's like Canada is on another planet as far as the Internet is concerned! No POV videos! No detailed reviews! I wish TPI had a good writer up there.
From James Koehl on May 27, 2014 at 6:15 PM
Rod, there is a VERY good chance that a few Team TPI members might be making a road trip late this summer/early fall to Toronto to check out Canada's Wonderland. Hopefully I get my passport card in time ;+) If anyone gets there first, let's hear about it!
From Anon Mouse on May 27, 2014 at 6:25 PM
Me me me.
From Erin Amador on May 27, 2014 at 8:20 PM
This is awesome!!!Hope I get a T-Shirt to show the world how much i love Theme Park Insider!!!
From Robert Niles on May 27, 2014 at 8:47 PM
I do need to get on making contact with the PR crew at Canada's Wonderland. But first, are there any TPI readers in the Toronto area who'd like to help us cover that park?
From Kelly Muggleton on May 28, 2014 at 1:28 AM
One word. Awesome.
From Doug Jenkins on May 28, 2014 at 3:35 AM
GREAT T-Shirt! Hope I am fast and lucky enough to wear one this summer! Have 3 Universal Florida trips planned so far!
From Alan Hiscutt on May 28, 2014 at 10:53 AM
Is this limited to N. America or can brits get some love?
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Insider's Pick: Ever wondered what it would be like to work at the Walt Disney World Resort? Stories from a Theme Park Insider offers more than 100 pages of fun, insightful, and even sometimes touching stories from people who've worked at Disney World's Magic Kingdom. It's a great way to get in the mood for your next trip to Orlando, or just to keep the memories of a Disney World visit alive.
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Seriously, go watch all the DeFranco videos on youtube and read his site.
Printable View
Seriously, go watch all the DeFranco videos on youtube and read his site.
If you want speed, there's NOTHING you can do in a weightroom, under a bar that is as fast and explosive as running or jumping. There's no use for DE work as an athlete because you already get it with running, drills, etc...
Singles make zero sense because there's never an all-out, max effort in sport.
I disagree. You can still gain "explosiveness" and "power" through lifting heavy. Put it this way:
If you can bench 400 pounds, but you're only working out with 225, you'll be able to get 225 like it's nothing.
If you can bench 550 pounds, no matter if you do singles or not, you'll be able to get 225 more times (and quicker) 99.99999999% of the time, even if you haven't touched 225 in years.
My PERSONAL belief is that EVERY athlete in EVERY sport should powerlift. Just my opinion.
EDIT: Plus, if you're good, EVERY play should be full-out max effort. if not, then you don't have a high motor, and chances are you will not make it very far in football.
Case in point, Louie took an Ohio State lineman over a summer and when he went back he dominated all of the physical tests which he was subjected to. Another former Ohio State player set the L drill record at the combine beating Michael Vick's previous mark.
He has worked with many, many, many other football players over the years and has never failed to enhance their performance.
Curious how those guys wound up as players? Did the improvement in said drills equate to better on field performance?
Excellent publish! many of individuals get stuck on the specifics and ignore how great their individual achievements really are. Its seems to be fantastic perspective to have and I'm grateful you approved it on to us. Thanks for sharing
You looked stiff in your stride length. You popped up to rapidly. Your hands even indicated tightness. You need to do some bounding, hip mobility, among other things. If your squat goes up 50 ,but your 40, 5_10_5 , single leg hopes and other tests dont improve are you doing the right things.


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Steve Daulby
(The Beeman)
Gender: Male
City: Wrexham
Stand: Main Stand
Country: United Kingdom
About Steve
a True Blue, say no more!
First Game
v Newcastle at home. Trip from school and Bally was warming up doing his tricks right in front of us in th Upper Bullens.
Favourite Everton Moment
The fantastic support we gave the team after the final whistle of the Final in 2009.
Favourite All Time Player
Mikel Arteta. He just shades it over "Bally". So much time on the ball it's as if the opposition are in slow motion!
Favourite Current Player
Marouane Fellaini. on his day he is unplayable.
Favourite Manager
David Moyes. He has probably saved from relegation or even bankrupcy with his fantastic ability to buy players for 2/6 (12.5p for the yougsters) and bring them on. I wish him well at Man Utd
Favourite Game
v Fiorentina at home. I thought we were going to do it!
Favourite Goal
Pinnear last season at Arsenal
Favourite Kit
not bothered really.
Favourite Chant
"Follow, follow......."


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If you'd like a see a vehicle in person, click on Dealership: Directions for step-by-step driving instructions to our site, or give us a call. We look forward to serving you!


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I'm 16 years old and I've been writing for years. I really love to write and I especially like when others enjoy my stories. I'm also into computers. I've been working with computers since I was 10 years old and I know a large number of programming languages.
The Dark AgesThe Dark Ages is set in the distant future in which the church has taken over the government and now governs the everyday lives of the citizens. The United States has become the Holy Republic.
Shades of BlackThe realm of Caelum is in trouble and only Knox can help save it from being cast into the blackness of Nigerdo! He must find out how to awaken the power of Sanguis and use it to save humanity, Earth, and all of Caelum!


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reviews & comments (12)
I have made this soup 4 times now and it's always a hit! The rouille is a must, I leave out the added potato though. I use halibut and combination of clam juice and vegetable or fish bouillon for the stock. Absolutely delicious! ENJOY
Very nice. I used fish stock, and it needed a bit of salt, which the respie doesn't call for. Mix some of the rouille into the broth when eating.
The soup is bland. The rouille is bland. When you mix the two together the taste is slightly improved. If you are considering making this recipe you should experiment with other bases besides fish stock. However, don't be fooled by the positive reviews for this recipe. This soup is not worth the time or the money. Very disappointed. Would not feed this to my dog.
I have now made this soup twice with very good results. It has a bright, fresh flavor. I think the saffron, orange peel, fennel and tomatoes work really well together. I made a few modifications in my last batch. I seeded the tomatoes. I used snapper as there was no lingcod at my market. I substitued 1 lb. of mussels for 1/2 lb. of fish. For stock, I used a combo of shrimp stock and clam broth from my freezer as well as some purchased frozen fish stock. I think any combo of these would give good results. I also added some additional olive oil to my rouille as it was too thick. I think this is a good recipe as is or modified.
I modified the broth as the other reviews suggested with 2 8 oz. bottles clam juice, two 14 1/2 oz cans chicken broth and one 14 1/2 oz can vegetable broth. No need to peel the red potatoes. Added celery because none of my groceries stores had fennel bulb. The Italian parsley really is a must for adding a nice flavor. Also added ground white pepper, some Bay seasoning. Was not intrepid enough to add the orange peel, so instead added lots of lemon zest which was definitely a great addition.
The rouille was gummy and bizarre. I would have used much less potato. The soup was pretty good, but nothing special.
Es una sopa reconstituyente, especialmente cuando uno se siente decaído. Magnífica !!!
Made it for Ash Wednesday and it was a hit! The rouille was so good we could not stop dipping bread in it. I took the above advice and did half water and half clam juice. I would have like a bit more flavor in the broth. Next time maybe I will cut with chicken stock instead of water. I will serve this again as first course on Easter.
Excelent it has a mild seafood aroma,just rigth on the pallete. Clam juice with fish, and fennel gives a unique taste in the soup. My family loves it.
A comforting summer dish. I had to make several adjustments: I used some cherry tomatoes since I've got tons in my garden, used 20oz of gourmet clam juice plus 30oz of water due to cost considerations, and used orange roughy because it was the most workable fresh fish available at the time. Thawed halibut would likely be a good choice as well. The broth has a subtle, harmonious taste - the ingredients aren't duking it out for dominance. Frankly, I think if I used 50oz of clam juice, the taste would be too fishy. The broth is nicely contrasted by the garlickly rouille. Raw garlic is powerful!


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MADISON (WXOW) -- Wisconsin wildlife officials are urging duck hunters to make sure they don't kill trumpeter swans and whooping cranes.
Despite being removed from Wisconsin's endangered species list in 2009, it is illegal to kill trumpeter swans due to the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. According to DNR reports two trumpeter swans were shot lost year. One died, and the other recovered at the Minnesota rehabilitation center and was released.
As well as being protected in the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, whooping cranes are also protected under state and federal endangered species laws. Currently, whooping crane chicks are moving through the state behind an ultra-light plane on their way to their winter home in Florida.
The Department of Natural Resources is warning duck hunters to make sure they identify their targets before pulling the trigger.
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Categories > TV > Thunderbirds > Scott Cooks Up a Slight Storm
4 - Keeping a Tracy Fed0 Reviews
Back at Tracy Island, Scott needs to watch out for Grandma. I'd feed them, but I don't own them
Thunderbird One's change to vertical flight woke Scott,
and by the time he was fully alert, she was back in her
silo. He and Alan both got onto the retractable walkway
and it carried them back to the villa, where they
squeezed through the revolving picture panel together.
"Nice flying kid." Said Scott. "Sorry for the hassle, I
guess I just worry about her."
"That's alright Scott. You're overtired, that's all."
"Welcome back boys." Jeff's gravelley voice greeted them
from behind his desk. "That was good work."
"No Father. I left my kit where it got buried under a
roof-fall, I fell asleep on duty..."
"Scott. You got the job done. I don't blame you for
falling asleep while you were waiting. There was nothing
you could do anyway and I guess Ned knows the set up well
enough. You made him comfortable first - Virgil tells me
you gave him your shirt and froze yourself? Well I can't
ask more of my boys than that. I'm proud of you. You were
alert when it mattered. I'd say a bit of sleep helped the
rescue more ultimately than trying to stay awake."
"Thanks Father. I don't believe you, but thanks."
"Go to bed Son, you still look as if you're about to
collapse. Grandma's got something good cooking." Suddenly
Alan piped up,
"Boy, is Virg going to be for it! He had that pack of
cookies from Grandma still in Thunderbird Two. I made him
wait till we got Scott, and we forgot. I bet he's eaten
"I'm too tired to care, I'll grab something from the
kitchen now. 'Night Father, 'night Alan." Scott wandered
off to the kitchen. As he came through the door he could
see a flurry of activity on the opposite side of the
room. He sneaked open the door of the refrigerator and
pulled out a chocolate tart, cut into neat slices. He was
just about to make off with it, when a chilling voice hit
him across the room.
"Scott Tracy, you put that right back! I don't care if
you've been out thirty-six hours on twelve different
rescues, you don't steal my chocolate tart! That's for
the party tonight. You can have toast or soup, Tin-Tin
will bring it to you, and when you get up tonight you can
wait for your pudding like everyone else. Now get out of
my kitchen when I'm busy." Scott retreated under this
"Soup please Grandma, sorry, I..."
"Get out!" Scott almost ran out of the kitchen, Tin-Tin
giggling in the corner, and went to his room. He showered
quickly and got into his pyjamas and was sat up in bed
when Tin-Tin knocked and entered with his soup.
"Well, you look a little better. Here, have your soup.
You should know better than to try to steal food while
Grandma is actually in the kitchen." Scott smiled,
soothed by the soft sounds of Tin-Tin's accent. She sat
on the side of his bed while he ate.
"You've had a pretty rough day. What did you say to Ned?"
Scott coughed,
"What do you mean?"
"Well, about him always getting into trouble. Your Father
was moaning about people who don't know when to get out
of somewhere."
"Oh Ned's alright. He. Well, he's been asked nicely and
I'll keep at him..." Scott trailed off, looking at Tin-Tin
out of the corner of his eye to see if she had noticed
anything. She looked confused for a second, but then
"Well I'm glad you're safe. I was worried about you, and
Virgil; being on a rescue when you were so tired. It
could be dangerous." Her soft hand stroked Scott's arm
and then moved up to caress his face, rasping slowly over
the line of stubble on his cheek.
"We've probably been more tired before. It was just that
the adrenaline had gone down when we thought we were
going home, so it was hard to build that up again. Tin-
Tin, hands off, honey. I've told you before. Alan's in
the lounge debriefing. If you want to flirt, go do it
with him." Tin-Tin pouted a little, then smiled,
"Poor Scott, always so serious. You ought to get yourself
a date."
"You stop messing Alan about and I might be prepared to
take your advice. Here, I've finished my soup. Thanks for
that, Tin-Tin." She took the tray from him and they
kissed on the cheek.
"Sleep well." Said Tin-Tin, and left, the door sliding
shut behind her.
Scott lay back, closed his eyes and slept.
He woke six hours later with the Image of Ned Cook
blazing brightly in the forefront of his mind. He closed
his eyes again and thought as his mind raced through
snatch after snatch of dream narrative, seconds contained
hours as he plunged through the last selection of dreams
from his sleep.
He was with Ned, they were in the chamber, but it was the
cockpit of Thunderbird One, which he was flying, except
he wasn't because he was talking to Ned, so Alan must be
flying, but there was too much room, maybe they were in
Thunderbird Two, anyway, it didn't matter where they were
because he was sat next to him with his arm through Ned's
and they were in the lounge in Tracy Villa and he was
trying to explain to his father about him and Ned, but he
kept bottling out and coming back to the same point
again, and trying again, and bottling out, and it wasn't
Ned, it was Virgil, Ned was in the kitchen and Grandma
was shouting at him for making a chocolate tart, no she
was shouting at Scott, but Ned was behind him with his
arms round his waist and he turned round and kissed him,
but Tin-Tin was pulling Ned away and telling him that
Scott loved Alan because he had a voice just like Ned's,
and Scott was protesting that this wasn't the case and
they were back outside and falling down a hole on Tracy
Island, which was the chamber again and he was holding
hands with Ned, but not doing anything and he was outside
the hole looking down at Ned even though Ned was next to
him and they could see Jeff and Alan in the swimming pool
and Scott was on the diving board and he dived in. And
woke with a jerk.
His back was stiff from lying on the cold rock and his
arms were indeed feeling the effects of being stretched
between two lumps of metal in a gale. The front of his
mind was worrying itself with his dreams and the future,
but way back at the base of his brain was a warm, snuggly
feeling, like he had a blanket wrapped round him,
protecting him from the worst. He looked at the clock:
6.45pm. He was pretty sure it was still 'today', and
certain that his stomach had not finished with 'today',
it was rumbling like a truck and making him feel like his
insides were knotting up. Clearly one bowl of soup was
not enough to sustain a hungry Tracy boy on two
missions...at least not a Tracy boy with the first name
Heaving himself out of bed, he touched his toes a few
times to loosen up, swung his arms from side to side, and
nearly clouted Gordon as he came through the bedroom
"Hey! I surrender!" cried Gordon, ducking down rather
"Sorry Gord. But if you will sneak into a fella's room..."
"Dad said to come and get you up before you sleep right
through dinner. It's in half an hour. Like we need the
competition at the table!" Scott swung another playful
clout at him, and regretted it as his shoulders twinged
"I'm up. When was the last time you saw me miss dinner
kid? In fact, I might just go and check out what's in the
kitchen. Just...make sure it's alright, you know." Gordon
"Well don't let Grandma catch you. She's still muttering
something about a chocolate tart."
"Oh boy! I guess I'm still in hot water then?"
"Not as much as Alan. He took a load of Grandma's lemons
down to the pool to further lighten his hair when she
wanted them for cooking! I'm not even sure he's coming to
dinner! Tin-Tin's gone to find him. I'm going to get
Virgil up."
Gordon left and Scott pulled on his blue roll-neck and
check jacket. Maybe he could get Tin-Tin to make him
another jacket soon, he'd nearly worn this one through,
and it was the third she'd made for him. Still, it was
his favourite and very comfortable. He wandered
nonchalantly into the kitchen and put his arms round his
Grandma's waist. She jumped violently and looked round.
"Scott Tracy! You do that to me and I'll..." But she didn't
look like she meant it.
"What's for dinner Grandma?"
"A good old-fashioned country stew, packed with
nourishment, with Kyrano's special bread; then a choice
of dessert. One you tried to steal this morning, and one
your dear brother nearly stopped me from making at all.
Honestly, you boys give me such a time of it. You're all
as bad as your father." Scott leaned over the cooker and
pulled the lid off the hot pot sitting there. "Oh no you
don't! I told you this morning, out of my kitchen.
Dinner's not for twenty-five minutes, and that's when you
get it. Go on."
Scott kissed her on the forehead and went to the lounge.
Alan was sitting there, looking huffy, with Tin-Tin
stroking his shoulder softly.
"Did you get anything Scott?" Tin-Tin asked with a
"No such luck. I was rumbled before I could get so much
as a taste. Tin-Tin tells me you're in the soup too
"I didn't know she wanted the darn things! Besides, how
else am I supposed to keep my hair this blond?"
"You are a natural blond Alan. You really don't need to.
Does he Tin-Tin?"
"I think he looks lovely with it a bit lighter. It suits
you Alan."
"You see?" said Alan.
"You missing dinner then kiddo?"
"Not on your life Scott. Nice try. Mind you, I'd rather
face a dozen dangerous rescues than Grandma in a bad
mood. I just hope she's cooled off a bit by now."
"Well, she seemed alright when I went in there...until I
tried for the stew."
Virgil came into the room from the hall, as Jeff came up
from the pool, his hair wet, a towel draped over his arm.
"Good evening boys. Feeling better?"
"Yes thanks Father." Said Scott and Virgil together.
Scott looked at his brother.
"Did you tell dad about what Gordon did?"
"No. I went straight to bed. I was falling over, Scott."
"What's this boys? What did Gordon do?" So Scott
explained about the girl and Gordon diving in to save
her. Jeff looked concerned.
"You all had quite a day didn't you? I hope he got
properly warmed up once you were back on board?"
"Sure Dad." Jeff hummed as Gordon came in.
"That was a mighty brave thing you did today Gordon. I'm
proud of you."
"Gee, thanks Dad. I wasn't sure. I thought maybe it was a
bit too risky. I...I wasn't going to tell you."
"You risked your life to save someone else's life. It's a
bad deal if it comes off badly, but that's what we're
signed up for. I'm glad to know I can trust my boys.
Hell, I'd be mad if you risked it for something material,
or just for a stunt, but a life's a life." Gordon sat,
rather red-cheeked, next to Scott on the couch. Scott
asked, carelessly,
"Was everything okay with Ned and Taylor when you dropped
him off Virg?"
"Yeah. Taylor had got back alright. He sure was glad to
see Ned safe. Oh, by the way, your top's in my room, I
brought it up with me. Ned said there was something you
wanted to get out of it."
"Uh, yeah. I, um, sewed a...thing into the hem and I don't
want it washed out."
"Oh, that reminds me Scott," piped up Tin-Tin, "I found a
note in your pocket when I took the rest of your uniform
to wash. Do you need it?" Scott almost gasped out loud,
but managed to keep an even head,
"Yes please Tin-Tin. Ned behaved himself then Virg?"
"Sure. He was fine. He's not a bad guy actually. I
thought he was kinda stupid before, but maybe he just
gets a bit too worked up over his reporting. He seemed
pretty level-headed today. We'll have to watch his show
this week, see if he mentions it - or if he's too
embarrassed to."
"I can't honestly see Ned Cook getting embarrassed over
Just then Kyrano came in to announce that dinner was
served and they all hurried through to the dining room,
Scott in the lead.
The next week, the Tracy family was sat in the lounge,
waiting to see The Ned Cook Show. Virgil was sat on his
piano stool, restlessly picking at notes, Alan and Tin-
Tin sat on one of the couches, Gordon on another. Scott
was clinging to one of the poles that ran up from his
father's desk, while Jeff sat in his usual chair behind
it. The announcer brought their attention to the start of
the programme, and Virgil took his hands off the keys.
The titles ran and Ned came running onto the stage,
waving at the audience and hushing them, smiling and
bowing slightly at their protracted applause and cheers.
Scott's stomach did an uncomfortable little flip and he
stared resolutely at the screen.
"Good evening folks. What a great show we have for you
tonight!" Ned shouted as the audience finally calmed
down, "But first, I'd like to say a few words. Many of
you will remember how, not all that long ago, I was
rescued from the ruins of the Empire State Building by
the brave men of International Rescue. Well folks, your
intrepid reporter just can't seem to help getting himself
into trouble, and last week, I once again found myself in
mortal danger, stuck down a hole in the freezing cold in
the middle of nowhere. I owe my life once again to those
fearless men. I can't tell you anything about them,
firstly because I know so little, and secondly because no-
one has the right to betray the trust of their rescuer,
but I cannot miss this opportunity to let the world know
how fantastic they are. I spent a lot of time with one of
them. We had to wait for rescue gear to arrive and it
left us chatting for a while. I tell you now folks, if
ever you need to be rescued, pray that whoever comes to
your aid is as charming, highly trained and reliable as
the man who saved me. If you're listening out there
buddy, thanks, and get yourself some leave, you deserve
it. Now on to the show, first we're going to se a man who
has wowed the world with his..." Jeff turned off the screen
and turned to face his sons.
"I guess that's enough. Well, all credit to the man, he
knows what we did and he knows to keep his mouth shut...I
wouldn't have believed it of him. I thought he was
generous last time, but he seems to have a soft spot for
Scott." Jeff said, chuckling, then Virgil piped up,
"Yeah Scott, how come you got singled out for special
mention? As far as I remember all you did was go down a
hole and fall asleep! How did you come out of that
as...what was it? Oh, 'Charming, highly trained and
reliable?" Scott turned quickly to his brother, but saw
the twinkle in Virgil's eye and laughed,
"Well Virg, I must be a very charming sleeper. I tie a
more comfy rope harness than you ever did too, so he was
probably grateful."
"My harnesses are fine."
"Yes, except that if you happen to be a boy, you come out
with two meat and four veg!"
"Boys!" Interrupted Jeff, warningly.
"Sorry Father." Muttered Scott, "But I can answer you
actually Virg, Ned remembered me from the last time. I
had to chase him for his film of Thunderbird, remember?
He thought it was quite nice that I apologised to him for
having wiped it." Scott stopped, not sure whether he
wanted to have said this. Virgil looked at him and rolled
his eyes, Gordon decided to put his oar in
"I recall something about not being supposed to get
ourselves remembered." Jeff looked sharply at Gordon.
"Back off your brother Gordon. He didn't tell anything he
shouldn't. You can interfere when you come out with such
a glowing report. You all did well last week. I'm not
having any sniping in this house.
Scott got up and went to leave. Tin-Tin called him to
"Do you want that note Scott? I've got it in my room,
shall I come and get it for you?" Scott nodded,
"Thanks Tin-Tin." Virgil was playing softly on the piano
as they left the room, Alan gazing wistfully after Tin-
Tin, but too comfortable to get up and follow.
Scott followed Tin-Tin down the corridor to her room and
stood at the door while she rummaged on her dressing
"I put it here somewhere. I didn't know I'd put so much
stuff down on here! Oh come in Scott, for goodness'
sake!" Scott stepped into the room as Tin-Tin found the
scrap of paper. She turned round and gave it to him,
standing very close.
"There you are. Ned's phone number. I didn't tell. Your
father would blow his top." Scott took a small step back
and bumped into a chair. He sat down hard and struggled
to get up.
"I've only got it so I can tell him off if he forgets to
leave us alone or puts himself too much at risk. He
admitted he's stupid sometimes."
"You're blushing Scott. I'm not convinced. I won't say a
word, but you could stop telling me off in return."
"What? I don't understand, Tin-Tin."
"Fancy saying I flirt with you."
"You're not saying it's not true?"
"Well..." Tin-Tin looked at her hands coyly. "Oh, but you
know I don't mean it Scott."
"Doesn't that make it worse?" Tin-Tin ignored him.
"I mean, I'd be a saint not to in a house with five brave
and handsome boys. But I'm not that bad, you're lovely,
but you're not Alan, and I'm pretty certain you're not
"What do you mean?" But Tin-Tin just smiled sweetly at
him and walked out of her room, back to the lounge and
Alan, leaving Scott to make his own way out.
"Father?" Scott asked as he came into the lounge later
that evening.
"What's up Scott?" His father asked in return. Scott bit
his lip, he knew what the answer to his question was
going to be, but he had to try. Not doing anything was
driving him mad. The lurching sensation every time Ned's
face floated into his mind, the dreams, the daydreams
that had his brothers looking at him oddly. Maybe seeing
Ned again wouldn't change any of this; maybe it would
make it worse, but he had to ask.
"Father, can I take a couple of days' leave?"
"When Scott?"
"Well I was kinda hoping this week." Jeff looked at him
appraisingly and wandered out onto the balcony with him
for a chat.
"No Scott. You know Alan's going up to do his stint on
Thunderbird Five tomorrow. I can't replace you with John,
he's just not experienced enough to go out on his own,
and he can't really cope with the speed of Thunderbird
One. You'll have to wait till Alan gets back."
"Can't you trust John at all? He's been out a few times
now. Virgil would look after him"
"No Scott. You know I can't. John's a great kid, and good
at what he does, but he doesn't have the training the
rest of you have. He can be a bit erratic. That's just
what he is, but there isn't room for the sorts of errors
he makes on a rescue. He needs someone to command him,
and Virgil can't do everything on his own. Why the sudden
need for leave anyway? Not listening to Ned Cook are
"I...I'm tired I guess. I just wanted to get away for a
bit. That last rescue with Ned and being so tired
already. It scared me a bit. I just thought it might do
me good to get away."
"Sure Scott. But you'll have to wait. It's only a month.
I depend on you for this. You understand that."
"Sure, Dad." Scott looked out to sea, leaning on the
balcony, his father's hand on his shoulder. 'I depend on
you': words Scott was usually happy to hear, happy to
feel that he could help his father, that he could take
some of the strain of running International Rescue off
his shoulders. But today... Scott cursed himself inwardly:
'Pull yourself together. Nothing's changed here, so don't
expect what you have no right to.' Jeff looked at his
eldest son,
"You've been a bit preoccupied this last week, it's not
like you. Anything you want to tell me?"
"No. I'm off to bed. Sorry to bother you Father."


text:
BabyNamesWorld / Message Boards / General Chat / Strategies for a clean and organized home
I love this.
i keep Gigi's closet organized with a near religious zeal.i never have to look for anything, i have even man proofed it.
the rest of the house not so much.
How *do* you man-proof a closet??
i got tired of hubby taking my baby out in public looking like she was dressed by a color blind hobo so i take a 2 pronged approach.
1. all "approved outfits" are hung as such. everything you need for the outfit (minus socks underware or outter wear) is on one hanger. if you have to go looking for something then you are in the wrong section. for jeans and a t-shirt it's fairly easy but for some outfits, say one the has an undershirt tights and a dress, i keep those outfit and pants hangers you get from the store when you buy clothes.
2. the closet is divided into 4 sections; (left to right) Pjs, school clothes, play clothes and other. other usually consists of coats and items that arent hung with an outfit at the moment. for example she might have a shirt that only matches one or two pairs of jeans, but those jeans are hung with other outfits atm, so the shirt has to wait until laundry gets done to go back into rotation.
this is also great for making clothes last longer b/c i can look in and see that i have X number of outfits left so i dont need to do laundry right now. the same clothes dont get worn 3 times in a week, they get washed less often so they last longer.
That's a great plan, gaamy! LMAO @ color-blind hobo. So glad I'm not the only one married to one of those! If Morgan didn't have so much mix and match stuff I would so do that. Though I guess I still could, and then mix it up between washings. Hmmm. I do have it meticulously organized, otherwise, so it wouldn't be too hard.
i find it has a lot of benefits, you have more space in your closet, it's actaully EASIER to put up laundry b/c the only stuff that goes in drawers is socks and undies and as i mentioned before, the clothes last longer and i find it cuts down on how often i do laundry. for example if i'm running out of outfits but i have 7 loose shirts hanging in the "other" section i know all i have to wash is pants so i wash one load of pants instead of 3 loads of whatever is down there.
That does sound like a good strategy, Amy! Yeah, things get a little scary sometimes when DH picks out the boys' clothes. I'm not sure why since he dresses himself fine …
Good tips! We pretty much do all of that.
@twosaphires, be glad he dresses himself just fine. my hubby is a terrible dresser. last year he bought himself a pair of slightly SHINY black cargo pant-cut jeans. i told him he is no longer allowed to shop for himself by himself.
it also took me years to convince him that it is NOT ok for the kid to run around with sticky hands and food on her face just b/c she's a kid.


text:
Archer Season 4 Discussion
It's almost time, Next Wednesday Season 4 of Archer premieres on FX.
Re: Archer Season 4 Discussion
like Justified, I plan on watching this. Starting with season 4 on both but hopefully a friend has the other seasons first.
Re: Archer Season 4 Discussion
Can't wait. One of my fave shows on tv.
One of my favourite shows. Can't wait for new season just keeps getting better and better
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text:
There has been only scant attention to the cuts to pre-k proposed by Gov. Nathan Deal. Pre-k is also funded by the Georgia Lottery and is in line for serious cuts. Deal is proposing to slash the school day to four hours. (A new study released today affirms the value of pre-k to the state.)
Here is an op-ed from Alan Essig, the executive director for the Georgia Budget & Policy Institute, on why the cuts to pre-k are a bad idea for the state:
By Alan Essig
No one can argue that Georgia's prized lottery-funded HOPE program is in desperate need of reform—the structural deficit demands it. Unfortunately, current debate regarding reforming HOPE tends to ask the wrong questions. The conversation has been preoccupied with preserving the HOPE Scholarship as much as possible in its existing form. But is this the best educational investment for Georgia?
Instead of focusing on how to maintain HOPE, we should ask ourselves how to get the greatest educational bang for our lottery dollars. Georgia will be better served by prioritizing its limited lottery dollar investments in pre-K and the technical college system, first, and HOPE scholarships, second.
Everyone gains from a better educated workforce, and that starts in pre-K. Georgia must continue to invest in the pre-K program to ensure that our youth enter kindergarten with the critical cognitive and social skills necessary for a lifetime of learning and development. What end goals are we really attempting to achieve by cutting the number of pre-K hours by one-third? Research shows that for every $1 invested in early education, $7 in benefits are realized. Thus, prioritizing quality pre-K programs – particularly for at-risk youth – serves as a valuable asset on the front-end of our K-20 education pipeline. At a time when we seek opportunities to reduce costs in K-12 education and simultaneously increase student achievement, investing in pre-K presents an ideal opportunity to do so early in the learning process.
Likewise, investing in technical colleges allows Georgians to stay agile in a rapidly, ever-changing world. The state has been a national model for providing broad access to technical colleges through HOPE grants, which has allowed Georgia to create one of the top technical college systems in the nation. Broad access to technical colleges allows low-skilled workers an opportunity to remain viable job candidates and to provide businesses with a readily-available, trained workforce—a critical asset for companies looking to expand or relocate. It is indeed likely that restricting access to technical colleges will result in undesirable outcomes for economic growth and economic security in Georgia.
In addition to investing in pre-K programs and HOPE grants, real reform must take a pragmatic approach to the HOPE scholarship. To obtain the biggest educational bang for the lottery dollar, the Hope Scholarship must be focused on those who can least afford a college education. Georgia gains little when lottery dollars subsidize the tuition of students whose families can afford to pay for their college education. Placing an income cap of $100,000 on Hope Scholarship eligibility would allow lottery funds to go to those who will most benefit by the investment, and to help ensure that funds are available for investment in pre-K and technical schools.
There is no such thing as a free lunch. In order to get something one likes, one must be willing to give up something in return. Reforming how we spend lottery funds does not escape this core economic principle.
The late American author Mark Twain stated, "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do." As we implement fundamental reform to the HOPE program, we must bear in mind the impact of those decisions on the future opportunities for our youth and our economy. Twenty years from now, we don't want to be left asking ourselves "what were we thinking".
–From Maureen Downey and the AJC Get Schooled blog
March 1st, 2011
3:20 pm
Simply put, I agree that protecting Pre-K is more important. Though it won't be easy, an 18 year old can get a part time job if they need to bridge the gap between the HOPE allocation and their tuition. A 4 year old does not have that option.
March 1st, 2011
3:22 pm
Pre-K is absolutely key to getting disadvantaged kids ready for school. But, a four hour day doesn't seem like a terrible thing, and may even be more developmentally appropriate for the little ones.
March 1st, 2011
3:36 pm
I'm not sure your assertion would hold up to rigorous research and more than ad hominem argument, but it is debatable certainly. I would rather see the money go to keep smart young people IN the state, and I just think that the college payments do a better job of that. Pre-K is glorified Play Skool.
March 1st, 2011
3:41 pm
A four hour day is not enough time to prepare children for the rigors of kindergarten. Yes, I said "rigors" of kindergarten. If you have not had a child in kindergarten in the past 10 years, you have no real concept of what is being taught or what expectations are for 5 year olds. I left the kindergarten classroom 9 years ago. If I went back to teaching Kindergarten today, I would have to "relearn" how to teach. Children are expected to write their full name, identify colors, shapes, ABCs and numbers. Have an understanding of rhyming words while recognizing sight words preferred and expectations are that students are reading by Halloween. Problem solving is a must! Just to name a few skills that kinders are expected to have upon entering school. If your idea of kindergarten is all play, a snack, and a nap, you are way off base.
March 1st, 2011
3:48 pm
Thank you Alan Essig! Pre-K is NOT free daycare or 'glorified Play Skool'. http://www.ajc.com/news/georgia-pre-k-cutting-857164.html
We here a lot from teachers that students are not at grade level. They don't get behind overnight. I think getting them the right track from day one is money well spent. I think it would be better to have an income cap than cut the instruction day. I would pay for it.
March 1st, 2011
3:50 pm
That should say hear and not here. I don't want to get slammed from the grammar cops.
March 1st, 2011
3:55 pm
Several states (that rank better than us educationally) have only half day kindergarten. I know that full-day helps low-income folks, but until someone can show me research on academic gains of a 6.5 hour day over a 4 hour day, I'm going to think this is a pretty good way to save money. Honestly, of that 6.5 hour day, 1 hour is spent napping and .5 is eating lunch. Important activities no doubt, but I don't see them leading to solid academic gains in the future. I believe in Pre-K and would love to see more, but I think this is a prudent cut that will focus lottery dollars more. In better economic times, we can use general funds to expand Pre-K.
March 1st, 2011
3:57 pm
I have a child in private pre-k now and it is a half day program. He has already learned to read, write all of his letters (upper case and lower case), do basic math, and is now learning how to count money. He can count by 2s, 5, and 10s as high as you will let him go. He can recite and write his full name, phone number, and address. He will be more than ready for kindergarten next year, and he still manages to get home before lunch each day. There is absolutely no reason the pre-k can't be cut to 4 hours a day.
March 1st, 2011
3:57 pm
South of Macon is right about the expectations in strong kindergarten programs today, except for one thing: I administer the kindergarten at one of the top-rated independent schools in Atlanta, and I can tell you that we do not expect the children to be reading by Halloween.
I can also tell you that having a child participate in a quality Pre-K program makes a significant difference in how prepared they are for kindergarten. I believe HOPE is a very worthwhile program for Georgia, and my only concern with it is that the availabilty of state money has spurred the creation of many "Pre-K" programs at daycare facilities, churches, etc. that are of poor quality.
March 1st, 2011
3:58 pm
I'm sorry a lot of the problems with pre-k some parents cheat their way in. This is not a baby sitting service I've seen fake birth certificates, social security cards all from from illegals. It is not right when they come into a school and want to force they're way in. Some try to cover up the year of birth. They need to stop letting them sign up if they don't have everything and if they are illegal too bad. We can't go into other countries and do this
March 1st, 2011
3:59 pm
I started pre-k at 3 (with my mother at home) many decades ago.
I could read by the age of 4. Parents need to do their jobs.
They should teach their kids the alphabets, shapes, etc.,
before their kids even enter pre-k.
Is there data to support that pre-k is having a positive
impact in APS? The truth is that many pre-k facilities
are little more than gloriifed daycare centers..
March 1st, 2011
4:01 pm
I would rather see more, smaller classrooms at kindergarten. In Minnesota, which is one of the top states in K-8 education, there is no pre-K and kindergarten is a half day. There are plenty of disadvantaged and ESOL kids there, include rural disadvantaged. "Developmentally appropriate" has been thrown out the window in Georgia. Stop bragging about your 4-year-old who can operate a DVR or TiVo and give them books to play with, not dumba$$ computer games and cell phones – for real, there are kids with these things at age 4 – and watching some stupid video on Mom or Dad's smart phone while shopping. What the what? Kids love looking at grocery items, handling them, talking about them – involve them in learning everywhere you go. Nothing sticks with toddlers like the sound of their parents' voicing reading, counting, and singing rhyming songs with them. That's how humans are wired, and we should take advantage of it.
March 1st, 2011
4:03 pm
anotheratlantamom… how much of that can you attribute to your child's upbringing, home environment, and life opportunities..not just 4 hours a day of private pre-k?
March 1st, 2011
4:09 pm
And another thing. For every "early bloomer" who read at age 3 or 4 (or by some accounts, 2!), there are others who read at age 7 or 8 (Waldorf method doesn't even teach reading until age and guess what? They nearly all end up at the same level of ability by age 18 if they read consistently through those years. It just isn't that hard to find everyday teaching opportunities – "oh, Binky, what color is the light when we stop?" "Snooky, how many cans did mommy put in the grocery cart?" "what sound does Sweetums' name start with?" Get off your cell phone and engage your child.
March 1st, 2011
4:10 pm
If the original intent of pre-k was to prepare at-risk students for kindegarten, then we need to make sure those students keep an all-day pre-k. My son went to pre-k because it was available and free. However, if my middle-class son had been exempt from pre-k based on my household income, he would have stayed in private daycare. If our at-risk students lose the pre-k opportunity, many, or even most of them, will not have that option. I'd rather add income restrictions to pre-k requirements than cut program hours.
March 1st, 2011
4:12 pm
I agree. If parents would simply read just one book each day to their children until they are starting 1st grade, the education scores in the state would skyrocket and it wouldn't take tax dollars to make it happen.
March 1st, 2011
4:12 pm
South of Macon, you are correct in your assumption that my child has a life filled with learning opportunities. However, I attribute much of what he has accomplished this year to his fabulous teachers.
March 1st, 2011
4:19 pm
Pre-k cuts haven't received as much attention, but they are going to have much more of an impact on parents, kids, and businesses who will in some cases have to adjust to their employees new situation.
March 1st, 2011
4:24 pm
Very well said, Lisa B.
JM- I teach Pre-K. Unfortunately there are some parents who are not literate themselves. I am the only person who reads to those children.
March 1st, 2011
4:31 pm
anotheratlantamom… I agree. I am sure he has had fabulous teachers. However, your son had a strong foundation to begin with… but for many the playing field is very unlevel.
March 1st, 2011
4:31 pm
I am concerned about students. I believe in the Pre-K program even if some people don't understand its importance. But I will admit I am also concerned about my own well being as a teacher who already makes 25% less than K-12 Georgia teachers despite having the same education. I'm not complaining about that, but a 30% pay cut on top of that would be a huge blow to my family.
College students can take out small loans to cover the balance that HOPE doesn't cover or find a part time or summer job (which is what I'll do if my hours and pay are cut 30%). Pre-K students AND teachers are hanging in the balance right now. There aren't any open full time teaching positions for Pre-K teachers to turn to. Many will need government aid to make up for loss of income.
There have been some articles indicating that several counties where their Pre-K classes are housed in public elemtary schools may decide to eliminate Pre-K altogether because the cost of adding midday bus transportation would be detrimental to their budgets. Governor Deal thinks he is so smart for opening up 5,000 more slots, when he is actually hurting teachers and forcing thousands of existing slots to possibly be eliminated by counties/systems that can't afford that bus transportation.
March 1st, 2011
4:36 pm
College students are no longer the legal financial responsibility of their parents. Four year olds are. Parents of college students cannot substitute engagement for classroom learning. Parents of four year olds can. Taking scholarship money away from college students and spending it to subsidize parental neglect is beyond foolhardy.
There are myriad inexpensive private options to lottery-funded Pre-K, and parents can choose the cost by choosing the provider, the number of days and the number of hours their child will spend in those classrooms. College is far more expensive and the options to hold down those inflated costs are extremely few.
Pre-K should not be a substitute for either day care or for DFCS intervention into parental neglect. There should be an income qualifier for lottery-funded Pre-K, and a rubic established to determine the program's worth. Right now (and as seen on this blog), we can only guess at its efficacy and tell those who don't agree with our point of view that they're ignorant. Let's cut the hours, define eligibility and study the results to see if it is worth our investment at all.
March 1st, 2011
4:44 pm
Always consider the source. Alan Essig claims to be nonpartisan but he is often in favor of increasing taxes and liberal speding. Here's just one of his quotes of recent years: "…the governor and General Assembly need to raise revenues through increasing the cigarette tax, imposing a 1 percent income tax surcharge on higher-income Georgians, reinstating the estate tax, lowering the cap on various income tax credits…". http://www.onlineathens.com/stories/010809/opi_374971938.shtml
March 1st, 2011
4:46 pm
I am with Shar! Clarence has it right also!
Both my kids attended private pre-K in the same building as lottery-funded public pre-K children were housed. So glad I spent the little money it costs to do the right thing for my children, because it IS a glorified babysitting serice. I have seen it with my own eyes – twice!
March 1st, 2011
4:46 pm
My children are both in college now & although they both qualify for Hope, the lack of knowledge the financial aid offices have in implementing & qualifying students for HOPE, has derailed my youngest daughters chance of receiving it, at least for this semester. Back when it came time to vote for the lottery, I was very excited that some day both of my kids would get a chance to further their education if they made the grades to qualify, therefore my wife & I supported the lottery. I never knew that pre-k would be included (surprise) and had I known that it would one day become a drain on the HOPE Scholarship, I would have been adamantly against it. I raised both of my children to understand the importance of a good education & we turned off the TV, read to them every night, used flash cards to teach them math and basically took their education to heart & realized it was OUR job to ready them for kindergarten. Pre-k has essentially turned into free day care for people who have not realized their role as a parent. I cannot speak to the statistics stated in the article, but based on my experience, pre-k has allowed some parents to become lazy by taking away their responsibility as a parent to teach their children the basics needed for kindergarten. The fact that my children are probably going to be slighted after the promise that we were sold for a HOPE scholarship is infuriating. I firmly believe that if any changes are to be made to HOPE that it excludes students that are already in college. I know that raising children is hard, but it should be up to the parents to either begin the education process at home or to at least pay for it themselves.
March 1st, 2011
4:47 pm
Shar, you must not have clicked on the link in this article:
March 1st, 2011
4:51 pm
There are many comments here, some good, some exaggerated and some ill informed. Head Start, federally funded, provides a quality program for the disadvantaged. Pre-K, funded by the Georgia Lottery, offers a similar program, giving 4 year olds an organized day of age-appropriate activities just like Head Start. If the pre-K program is cut to 4 hours a day, many parents will have to find a way to fill the lost hours. Have any of the pre-K operators seen an opportunity here? Keep your normal day and find a way for the parents to pay for it – 67% from HOPE, 33% from parents. They're looking for alternatives anyway. So, sell them on your program and keep them. The economically disadvantaged won't be hurt. They're already eligible for Head Start.
March 1st, 2011
4:52 pm
I would like to respond to the uneducated person who put that Pre-K is glorified Preschool. He does not know what he is talking about. I have seen what a tremendous impact Pre-K has had on children. I have students come in not knowing the numbers, letters, shapes, color, patterning, or even how to write their name. That is just a few examples. They leave Pre-K a very different child and ready for Kindergarten. Here is a concept for those of you complaining about Hope cuts, why don't you get a job and pay for school. I did it and it made me respect my education that much more. Children need all the advantages they can get and we would be doing them a great injustice by cutting the Pre-K program.
March 1st, 2011
4:53 pm
College isn't any more of a right than Pre-K is. If you get to whine about your kids having to take out loans for college, then I get to whine about making $20k per year instead of 30 or 40k when my hours are cut.
We can all say "if I had known…" Well, if I had known that my husband would be laid off from teaching because of budget cuts I would have told him to forget getting his college degree. If I had known that I'd be making $20k per year with a degree in education I would have taught in public schools so I could make $40k instead or gotten a degree in something more promising. Now there aren't any open teaching positions for qualified Pre-K teachers to turn to, and I'll be using my college degree to take on a part time retail job or something along those lines to be able to make ends meet.
We all have to tighten our belts. Tell your kids to make sure they get a four year degree in something other than education, and they will be able to pay back the small student loans they have to take out due to the changes in Hope.
March 1st, 2011
4:54 pm
Teachers were astounded that my daughter could spell her full name at age 2 1/2. Many kids in her pre-school class didn't even KNOW their full names at that age. Is she a genius? Nope. We taught her to spell her name by doing a spelling cheer every time she went p**py in the potty when toilet training. You know, "Gimme a V.." etc. delivered enthusiastically every time she went. Not only did she learn to spell her name early, she also potty trained sooner than many of her peers because she loved watching her silly parents spell out her name (like you spell out "Y-M-C-A" in the song) and cheer for her. So many opportunities, if you'd just put down that cell phone and unplug for your kids.
March 1st, 2011
4:58 pm
My kids are grown now (high school age(, but when they were small I paid for private pre-k. They went 1/2 day. The pre school teachers offered an after school play date opportunity (lunch to 3:30) for an extra fee. They asked though that parents only use it once or twice a week because they felt that all day more than twice a week was too much for a 4 year old.
All three of my kids only went to 1/2 day kindergarten as well and they were fine. My oldest was even exhausted after a 1/2 day of kindergarten.
I've subbed as a pre-k teacher in the Atlanta area and after lunch, they nap for an hour, wake up and spend a while tidying up and going to the bathroom, they have a snack, go outside to play, then its time to go home. So no learning takes place after lunch–its just relaxation and play from that point.
I think the issue is not length of the day though. The issue is (as others have pointed out) whether or not low income people will send their kids to pre-k at all if isn't free and easily accessible–meaning a bus comes to their house in the morning and back again in the afternoon.
I agree with the poster who said it would be better to have an income cap on Hope Pre-K than cut the length of the day. The kids who need it the most are the least likely to get it at all otherwise.
March 1st, 2011
4:58 pm
Awfully convenient timing for this article (and study)
March 1st, 2011
4:59 pm
I'm sorry you saw it as glorified babysitting. I know that in my classroom it is NOT. I think one of the problems that caused the misconception about it being free daycare is that Bright From the Start (DECAL) only just recently made it a requirement to have a Bachelors in Education to teach Pre-K. I do admit that you can usually tell the difference between a Pre-K teacher with an Associates Degree and one with a Bachelors. Don't get me wrong, there are many with AA's who do a wonderful job, but I think a 4 year program gives teachers a better foundation in teaching math and literacy.
March 1st, 2011
5:03 pm
In my class, we have 30 minutes of learning time after nap. It does vary in each classroom but just because the class you saw doesn't "learn" after nap doesn't mean they weren't using their time throughout the day wisely.
Nap time may seem like sleeping to you, but for the teachers it is planning time. We are required to do lesson plans with content standards and assessment that is simliar to Kindergarten.
March 1st, 2011
5:05 pm
"it would be better to have an income cap on Hope Pre-K than cut the length of the day. The kids who need it the most are the least likely to get it at all otherwise."
The lower incomes are precisely the ones abusing it! Let's keep the enititlement mentality alive and well for all the single moms out there and take away HOPE from those college kids that have proven they can succeed! (rolling my eyes!)
March 1st, 2011
5:11 pm
Clear to me this is a state of the Bubbas, by the Bubbas, and for the Bubbas. But you people keep electing them. They are the sheep dogs who keep herding you and you silently submit.
As far as USG expenses, yeah the system is bloated. Probably no more or less than any other system. But two wrongs rarely make a right. So Peter robs Paul and reduces funding to you. Then you find a way to make it work and live within your means. Paul shouldn't in turn rob Mary (the students/families) and continually raise tuition. In case you haven't heard, inflation in this country has been dead for many, many years. Except for medical and educational institutions, both of whom feel a warped sense of entitlement. Tuition was raised $1,000 last year. This was covered by HOPE. Institutional fees are now up to $200 per semester. This is nothing more than an amount to be thrown into the tuition bucket. Call it what you want. So if they decide to increase it again (which they will), this will now be unfunded by HOPE. People. They could easily say they need an extra $5,000 a year and this will come out of your pockets. There are absolutely no checks and balances. There would be no recourse by students and parents being held hostage.
I checked the USG salaries of faculty. Yeah, they do make a good living. Less than the private sector? Who knows, but that was their choice. More or less than other systems, probably, but cost of living, etc., factors into this as well. Comparatively speaking, you reside in lower cost of living areas than many parts of the country with similar institutions.
Some have complained about furlough days and changes to the health plan. Have to say the hit for the furlough days is really an insignificant amount compared to what you would get standing in the unemployment line. .38 of 1% for each of up to 6 days max. As far as your benefits, they probably still far exceed what the private sector has done to their employees the past few years. I've read your 2011 plan offerings and would not complain about it for a second.
As far a Pre-K, yes it is nursery. That is what is was called before the advent of the term Pre-K. No point in getting beat up by the Pre-K teachers who don't want to feel threatened about their choice of profession, but will link a position paper on the subject. It caught my interest because there are some observations made by Ed Zigler, co-founder of Head Start and part of the Yale faculty when the article was published. A portion of his observations from the link below:
"Zigler describes the danger in assuming benefits for middle-class children: There is a large body of evidence indicating that there is little if anything to be gained by exposing middle class children to early education… Those who argue in favor of universal preschool education ignore evidence that
indicates early schooling is inappropriate for many four-year olds and that it may even be harmful to their development. Zigler cites research showing that conversations children have at home with parents, siblings, and family may be the richest source of linguistic and cognitive enrichment for children from all but the most deprived backgrounds. He also cites research showing that premature schooling can slow or reduce a child's overall development by replacing valuable playtime."
Funny, but Georgia is still testing near the bottom of the nation in many areas on education, including National Assessment of Education Progress tests given in the 4th grade. Georgia ranks in the bottom 10, yet none of the states in the top 10 have universal preschool programs. We have dumped $4 billion from lottery proceeds into Pre-K and we still rank at the bottom. People. This is a parent problem. Period. Without our having spent $4 billion for Pre-K on 4 years olds, Georgia could likely have given full rides (including room and board) to the students. It just doesn't make sense. If a low income parent needs nursery, then you have Head Start or other programs. If you are middle to upper income, then there are many private facilities to provide a nursery/Pre-K service at "your" expense.
Lastly, I've just read the Georgia Lottery financial report from November 1992 thru June 2010. This is a joke. Only 13.9 cents of every dollar went to HOPE. Of this, 1.8 cents for books and 2.0 cents for fees is being eliminated. So, appears now about only 10 cents per dollar is going to HOPE.
You got what you voted for Bubbas. One of the highest foreclosure rates in the country. One of the highest bank failure rates in the country. One of the highest unemployment rates in the country. Near the bottom in education. A shadow over some of your elected officials. Bubba is as Bubba does.
March 1st, 2011
5:15 pm
CG, we were all led to believe that the lottery would provide a scholarship to qualified students GOING TO COLLEGE. I never once considered it a right since both of my children had to make the grades in order to qualify. I think it's quite selfish of you to insist we keep a program in place that is a drain on the HOPE scholarship for college students so you can get more hours. What gives you that right? I am sorry you chose education as your path and understand why you're whining about it, but most teachers aren't in it for the money, so maybe you are better off in retail.
why can't parents take out a loan to send their kids to day care?
March 1st, 2011
5:26 pm
"The lower incomes are precisely the ones abusing it! Let's keep the enititlement mentality alive and well for all the single moms out there and take away HOPE from those college kids that have proven they can succeed! (rolling my eyes!)"
Entitlement mentality?? And what "abuses" are you referring to? I really would like to know.
March 1st, 2011
5:27 pm
Just as you feel you were "led to believe" that the lottery would provide free schooling to your children, I was led to believe that teaching Pre-K was a full time teaching position where I'd be able to use my own hard earned college degree. I have a right to complain about empty promises as much as you do. We essentially received the same empty promise. Nice try on that one.
I think it is a complete JOKE to say "most teachers aren't in it for the money." Do you do your job for free? Would you stand back and take it if your job was suddenly facing a 30% paycut when you already make less than other people who have the same degree as you?
There are MANY other college degrees where people make a MUCH higher starting salary out of college, so obviously I wasn't in it for the money when I got into education. I love teaching. Believe it or not teachers have bills to pay too, so please do not judge me for wanting to make a wage comparable to the degree I obtained.
Honestly I LOVE teaching, but if I can't make a living off of it then I may be forced to give up on my dreams and goals. It would be different if this happened a couple of years ago when there were still other teaching positions available. There is literally NOTHING unless you are a relative of a principal or someone high up.
Most of the parents of the kids I teach wouldn't qualify for a loan as they are living near, at, or below the poverty line. I hope that some of the parents will be willing to pay a small fee to support a full time day, but many won't, so even if I can somehow still work a full day, many of my teacher friends won't and I am trying to fight that.
March 1st, 2011
5:28 pm
Let me clarify that I just realized I have posted as Gabriel and CG, the second time I logged in I used a different screen name. Same person though, not trying to hide an identity.
March 1st, 2011
5:34 pm
@ Shar
Many bloggers concur that many pre-k facilities are glorified daycare
locations or nurseries. The truth hurts! Of course, there are
exceptions to every rule.
March 1st, 2011
5:42 pm
There are a multitude of studies that clearly show the benefits of Pre-K. That there is still a debate is troubling. That people STILL refer to it as "glorified pre-school" is depressing. There are volumes of articles/studies/books–all extolling the benefits of a robust pre-k program. Other studies point to the potential long term economic benefit to states who invest in early childhood education suggesting that, for every dollar spent investing in quality Pre-K, a state can potentially save taxpayers between 5 and 7 dollars.
March 1st, 2011
5:44 pm
CobbVoter got the key point here on the first try.
March 1st, 2011
5:44 pm
@Double Zero Eight
Bloggers? Can you share with the group? And do these bloggers submit their assertions about Pre-K to be peer-reviewed and debated like, say, Yale University or The RAND Corporation? What bloggers are you talking about??
March 1st, 2011
5:49 pm
Pre-K simply isn't needed and never was. Kindergarten is meant to prepare children for learning in a classroom environment so that they may successfully navigate their way through 1st grade, and so on. I went to private pre-school and you know what I remember from that? Cookies, playtime, nap time, and the Pledge of Allegiance. Seriously. Now what do I remember from Kindergarten? A LOT more useful information.
What I'm saying is that kids should be able to learn just fine with the normal grades as long as they have decent instruction and parents who give a crap. If the parents don't care, no amount of pre-k, or pre pre-k, or whatever they have going on now, will do any good.
It's all about the parents and solid curriculum taught by teachers who are given a little freedom to actually TEACH. This has always been the case. I'm thankful I grew up outside of the metro area where teachers were allowed to teach and, for the most case, parents and administrators stayed out of the way and let them do their jobs.
Although I don't support pre-k, I must point out how incredibly hypocritical it is of our government to slash education budgets. They preach all the time about how important an education is, and even make it illegal to keep children away from school during a certain age range (unless they're being home-schooled). Then the economy goes south and the first place they look for cost cutting is education. Letting teachers go, forced furloughs, larger class sizes….I don't even have any children and it pisses me off. These politicians should simply be ashamed of themselves and run out of office.
March 1st, 2011
5:54 pm
@ James Palmer: Why are you worried about scientific studies when "many bloggers concur" that pre-K is glorified daycare (see Double Zero Eight)? (sarcasm, of course)
March 1st, 2011
5:54 pm
@James Palmer
Well, since you bring up the peer-reviewed and debated point, along with Yale University, perhaps you can click my link above with an observation by Ed Zigler, co-founder of Head Start and Yale professor. This guy wrote the book on early childhood education.
March 1st, 2011
6:07 pm
"Nap time may seem like sleeping to you, but for the teachers it is planning time. We are required to do lesson plans with content standards and assessment that is simliar to Kindergarten"
Too funny! Yes, I have to admit "nap time" does seem like "sleeping" to me! I do realize you use it for a planning time, but it is still sleeping for the kids.
Gabriel, I'm on your side–I think we should keep all day pre-K. But lets not make false arguments about how important the afternoon time is for learning and preparing for school. Naps and snacks and 30 minutes of story time or whatever, will not justify the extra expense in these tough times. BUT the fact that without the full day and without transportation, many low income kids will miss out all together, is an argument that you can defend, and that reasonable people will understand and believe.
"Naptime is not sleeping" will not get you the same results however! (Though I am sorry you will face such a huge pay cut with few alternatives. I would be very upset.)
March 1st, 2011
6:10 pm
But if pre-K is so great, why not pre-pre-K or even pre-pre-pre-K??? Why not just take children away from their parents at birth and have the state raise them?
We look at kids failing in schools and decide that parents have failed. We don't look at the fact that rampant government spending, high property taxes and the like have forced both parents to have to work and thus are not as available to do the pre-K work at home. We look at how our schools cost virtually nothing no matter how many kids you send and will tollerate any kid no matter how poorly prepared or how misbehaved they are and wonder why parents don't care, don't prepare, and don't disciplin.
These are the schools that socialist policy creates. It should come as no surprise that when the failed system studies itself, it finds that more money is always the answer and more government intervention into the lives of children is always the favored approach.
Both my parents worked full time. Despite that they both read to me, taught me to read, did basic math with me, and all the other basics before I even entered kindergarten. They did the work because they put a value on education. When there is no cost, there is no value. When school is seen as "free", there is no value.
More government is never the solution, but it almost certainly is the problem.
March 1st, 2011
6:21 pm
Mom, thanks for your support. I realize my statement sounds pretty ridiculous. Maybe I should have said that even though the kids are asleep, it doesn't mean I'm asleep too! I need that hour to work and to get paid so I can put food on the table for my own family. People are mostly looking at it from the perspective of "well the kids don't need it" when the teachers DO.
My idea for a possible solution would be to give EVERYONE whose job is funded by the lottery to take something like a 5 or 8% paycut. That is more managable than 30% for teachers obviously, and it would be fair to ask that the higher officials who manage Pre-K, Hope and the lottery take a pay cut too. I don't believe they are according to any plans I've read about. I've only heard that lottery officials wouldn't have as big of bonuses. Oooooh!
I would also like to point out that Pre-K teachers are not provided any insurance or retirement through the lottery funds. Thank goodness my husband (whose current job only requires a high school diploma) provides insurance! So we are not as big of a cost as it may seem to some.


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