text:
- Dale Retter
- Scottsdale, AZ
- United States
This conversation is closed.
Present democracy is like a verdict by a mob that does not attend a trial. Tribunocracy is a better way.
The single thing the world most needs now is better government. Our present system of mass public elections selecting government leaders and voting on referendum is equivalent to verdicts rendered by jurors that do not attend a trial. Better government requires a better system.
There is growing dissatisfaction with our election process, the role of money, and the ineffective government it produces Nevertheless reverence for the present form of democracy has largely precluded consideration of modifications substantial enough to significantly improve its substance. Tribunocracy is such a modification.
Tribunocracy utilizes Tribunes randomly selected from all the willing eligible potential voters. Like jurors in a court trial the selected Tribunes attend a public trial-like Tribunal Convention before voting. The majority vote of the Tribunes is a proxy for the majority vote of the entire pool of eligible voters. Tribunes serve only briefly, are dismissed after voting and retain no special power.
Tribunocracy reduces the role of money and shallow campaigning.
All Tribunes attend a public trial-like Tribunal Convention, before they vote. Like jurors in a trial, Tribunes are exposed directly to the candidates and testifying parties for hours, over a period of days. Thus it greatly reduces the need and value of paid advertising, and shallow slogan based campaign rhetoric. Dishonest claims, incorrect facts, and shallow arguments will be much less common; because the opposition will have adequate time and opportunity to dispute them by presenting better more persuasive evidence and arguments during the Tribunal Convention.
A quick dramatic change to Tribunocracy is not possible. However its gradual adoption is. Tribunocracy should and will first be introduced and tested in small special limited non-threatening non critical situations. For example, Tribunal Conventions might initially select officials not now elected such as city managers, or judges
Barry Palmer
Dec 12 2012: This might be a small improvement to the process, but it would require a lot of work to assure that the tribunes actually reflected the demographics of the electorate. Most of your volunteers would be retirees with good incomes. You would have to ensure proportional representation of all groups, at all income levels, especially minorities. The minority of one would get no vote (or possibly get a much bigger influence, if she is a tribune). This system would negate a person's right to not vote. Since a tribune would be representing a large number of people, and the tribune is a volunteer, we can presume that all tribunes would vote on every issue.
- +1
The biggest problem with any system of self rule is education. Would there be an educational requirement to become a tribune? If so, that would be disenfranchising the less educated. If not, then the tribunes would have to reflect all education levels, as well as other demographics.
With all its problems, I think this would still be an improvement. This is the type of change that should be tried on a small scale. If people like it, it will grow and spread. Of course, even that would require an amendment to the Constitution.
Dec 13 2012: Was switching from a verdict by a mob to a trial by a jury a small improvement? Does anything in the present system insure that those choosing to vote are proportional to the demographics of all eligible voters? Like serving on a jury, Tribunes would receive compensation for their time, their employers would be required by law to not obstruct or penalize the Tribunes serving. Most Tribunal Conventions would be short perhaps a single day, and even the longest not more than a week…less than some legal trials.
Just as for mass voters and jurors there are no special requirements for Tribunes. The extra education of jurors comes solely from their attending a trial. Likewise the educational gain of the Tribunes is that they attend the Tribunal Convention before they vote.
I believe technically and functionally it complies with both the letter and spirit of the constitution. Where individual votes do not now directly determine election outcome this will not even be an issue. For example, selecting officers not now elected by public voting such as some judges and city managers.
Under the Constitution most decisions are delegated to elected representatives. For example representatives vote as a proxy for every citizen on war, taxes and most laws. An indirect process that employs delegation is not undemocratic or unconstitutional. Our Constitution provides Representative Democracy not Direct Democracy.
An important part of our democracy is that citizens directly determine the quilt or innocence in criminal trials. However, they don't exercise this power as part of a massive mob, but rater individual citizens are selected as proxies for the rest of the citizens. Tribunocracy operates in essentially the same way.
Because Tribunes are selected at random from all the eligible potential voters who are willing to serve, equal protection requirements are fulfilled.Dec 12 2012: i think it is a false assumption that the terrible governments we have are results of defective election processes. the assumption is that people actually want to do the right thing, but the election process does not make sure that politicians follow what people demanded. i think this is a false view.
though election processes could be improved, the current systems are ensuring the compliance with popular demands in satisfactory degree. therein lies the true problem. the very idea of "public" decisions is a fallacy. when people asked whether they prefer safety at the price of drone-bombing some unknown nations, majority says hell yeah. when they are asked whether our own fellow farmers should be protected by law and tariffs against mexican/brazilian/chinese farmers, the answer is sure thing! people are truly in favor of these horrid decisions. because they are not educated enough to understand the true consequences. they buy the broken window fallacy on face value.
ask yourself: which election process would not lead to the reelection of W for his second term, or the recent reelection of obama? or what kind of election system would negate the war on terror? people new exactly that obama is in favor of drone attacks, they voted him to office anyway. it is not the fault of the system. it is the fault of people.
for that reason, tweaking the system can bring about some results, but can not resolve the core of the problem.
Dec 13 2012: People are not perfect and often make decisions you or I might disagree with. However a randomly chosen group of jurors, who attend a trial before they vote, are more likely to make a better decision than a larger group that does not first attend a trial. Tribunocracy is not perfect…but it is an improvement. One must not let the lack of a perfect solution preclude the adoption of a better solution.
PS regarding Bush's reelection see: noel akin;s comment prior to yours and my recent answer to it
noel akins
Dec 12 2012: Well, I think democracy worked rather well this last time around.
- +1
Dec 13 2012: Yes the tyranny of...
A government that requires that it "borrows" (by force) from Peter to pay Paul can always depend on the support of Paul.
Dec 13 2012: With all due respect, Mr. Gilbert, you don't live under tyranny.
Dec 14 2012: A fear expressed variously by Plato, Aristotle, Madison, Tocqueville, and J. S. Mill. If the majority rules, what is to stop it from expropriating the minority, or from tyrannizing it in other ways by enforcing the majority's religion, language, or culture on the minority? Madison's answer in The Federalist is the best known. He argued that the United States must have a federal structure. Although one majority, left to itself, would try to tyrannize the local minority in one state or city and another majority, left to itself, would do the same in another, in a country as large and diverse as the United States there would not be one national majority which could tyrannize over a national minority. But if there was, the powers which the states retained would be a bulwark against it. The separation of powers among legislature, executive, and judiciary at federal level would be a further protection against majority tyranny.
California has the highest taxes in the country, 33% of the welfare in the U.S. goes to Southern Calif, the unions own the election process and have created the highest salaries in the U.S. for public employees of all stripes.
With all due respect Mr Akins It is definitely a tyrannyDec 13 2012: Even a broken clock is right twice a day. When Bush was reelected 70% of voters believed that Iraq had direct involvement in 911. If all the randomly selected Tribunes attended a Tribunal Convention where video tapes of Bush, Chaney and the director of the CIA saying this was not true were shown as evidence, we might have gotten a more fact based decision.
Dec 13 2012: The problem is Bush and Cheney would not have decided whether or not to invade Iraq, a tribunal would have, a tribunal that could very well have been composed of fringe elements with particularly hawkish tendencies.Dec 14 2012: John brings up a good point. Any randomly selected person is still capable of having the wool pulled over their eyes. I would rather elect someone I know that at least has an a college education.
Dec 14 2012: Tribunocracy does not replace elected officers with Tribunes.
Tribunocracy is only an improvement in our democratic system based on two new methods of its practice.
1. A randomly selected group of Tribunes may serve as a proxy for the full body of eligible voters.
2. The Tribunes must attend a trial-like Tribunal Convention before they vote (just a jurors must attend a trial before they vote)
I would trust a jury selected at random to vote on my guilt or innocence after they witnessed a full formal trial, more than a mob composed of any eligible voter who had an opinion and chose to vote without bothering to witness my trial. Why not have the same requirement for electing government officials? Tribunal Convention would reduce the rolle of money, shallow campaigning, voter ignorance. It will increase exposure to facts, argument, and allow for controlled group deliberating,Dec 18 2012: Based on the comments I have received, it is clear that I invited the misconception that Tribunocracy is intended to change more than our present system of mass public voting. It is not.
Tribunes do not vote on legislation! Tribunocracy is only a system for improving the existing election process. Tribunocracy does not require or advocate other changes in government.
Dec 20 2012: "Tribunocracy reduces the role of money and shallow campaigning."
Except it doesn't do this because corporations have a monopoly on media, so you get things like fox news and pro market, pro corporate ideology and anyone elses thoughts dismissed as "radicals", or "people not to be taken seriously".
Dec 20 2012: At present many parties especially those who have money or can earn money by gathering an audience advocate for their particular beliefs or personal best interests. Part of this, especially its funding is motivated because they believe it will affect voters and thereby help get the candidates they favor elected. Tribunocracy reduces this because the influence of what is said before a Tribunal Convention begins will be much less. This is because much more of each Tribune's decision will be based on what they see and hear over the hours or days they spend listening to the candidates in person, and the witnesses they present at the public presentations. This information will be better because it will be in much grater depth, given under oath, and subject to cross examination and rebuttal. Tribunes will be instructed to give priority to information presented during the Tribunal Convention. Just as jurors are instructed to base their verdict only on the information they obtain from witnessing the trial. This will not eliminate the biases or affect of everything Tribunes are exposed to before the Tribunal Convention begins, but it will greatly reduce it.Dec 17 2012: Trial by Jury is a terrible system that often produces bad results. However it is better than the alternatives. If accused of a crime would you prefer trial by a mob listening to outrageous assertions that would never stand up in a trial, or a jury trial? We are conducting our elections by mob voting. Tribunocracy randomly picks some of the mob as a representative sample then has them attend a public Tribunal Convention (like a trial) before they vote.Dec 17 2012: I'm not sure I would characterise representative democracy as mob rule.
Is it perfect. No. Can it be improved, I guess so.
Not sure I'd prefer randomly selected tribunals to make complex policy decisions. But it is ASN interesting idea. Thanks.
Dec 17 2012: Tribunes do not make policy decisions! Tribunes only vote as an educated proxy for what is presently voted on by all eligible voters choosing to vote.Dec 16 2012: Henry,
If the guilt or innocence of accused persons was to be put on a public referendum, urging the entire voting population to become to "put more work into it" would not in my opinion even come close to providing the required information necessary for even a majority of the voters to make an intelligent information based decision. Having a sampling of then (i.e. a jury) attend a trial before voting is much better. A jury may put in days of focused attention to what presenters spend days or weeks preparing and presenting. You are right that is important. It is not possible to do that for everyone but you can do that for a Jury, or for a Tribunal Convention for an election. See: www.tribunocracy.orgDec 16 2012: Based on the comments received, it is clear that I should have said is: Our present system of public elections is like a verdict from a mob that does not attend a trial.
Tribunes do not vote on legislation! Tribunes only serve as a way for a random selection of willing potential voters to attend a tribunal convention before they vote as a proxy on a ballet that is otherwise the same as in our elections now open to all eligible voters; just as jurors serve as a proxy for all the citizens eligible to be jurors.Dec 16 2012: Sounds like a grand jury. Let me remind you we tried that. These grand juries had problems with power trips and corruption as well.
These groups would be easy targets for organized crime and things of that nature. I guess they could be regulated to death...so nobody tampers with the group...but I don't think it would provide enough substantial legislation in an appropriate amount of time. Not all Americans should be making decisions for everybody else.
Dec 16 2012: Tribunes do not vote on legislation! Tribunes only serve as a way for a random selection of willing potential voters to attend a tribunal convention before they vote as a proxy on a ballet that is otherwise the same as in our elections now open to all eligible voters; just as jurors serve as a proxy for all the citizens eligible to be jurors. If accused of a crime, would you accept a mass public vote on your guilt or innocence instead of a verdict by a jury that fist attended your trial?
Do you think moat jurors are corrupted by jury tampering? Do you think it would be easier to corrupt a larger group of sequestered Tribunes?
Dec 16 2012: I think people just need to educate themselves on how the current process works. Otherwise you are replacing one system that doesn't work...with another system that doesn't work.
The value of our government is based on how much work the people are willing to put into it.Dec 16 2012: You assume randomly selected tribunes will not be subject to undue influence by the wealthy and powerful. Not much chance of that. In fact there can be no democratic systems that are not influenced by money. Whether by advertising, lobbying or outright bribery, money talks, and always has.
So I think the problem to solve isn't influence so much as undue and secret influence. The way representative democracies are set up, only the super-wealthy can use their money to influence decisions. The only way to create an equitable system is to balance direct democracy against the plutocrats, actively and publiclly redistributing their lobbying money back to the people - who can use it to exert influence in their turn.
I felt strongly enough about this to implement it myself as a Facebook app. The system is in public alpha right now - see http://www.doshmosh.com - all feedback very welcome.
Dec 16 2012: The greatest direct influence of money and power in our political process is exercised by providing candidates with the money they require in order to pay for the campaigning they must do to be reelected or by spending money directly campaigning for a candidate. If a Tribunes alone determined the outcome of an election only after attending the public Tribunal Convention the importance of money spent on pre Tribunal campaigning will be relatively minimal.
Most juries are not frequently influenced by money and power because doing so is a crime. The jurors are sequestered and serve only briefly. In a some jury trial a single juror might affect the outcome. If a juror is bribed to vote not guilty in a criminal trial it will prevent a guilty verdict and the briber will be able to know if the bribed juror failed to do so, if they are found guilty. If there are dozens of Tribunes and it is a crime to bribe them or accept a bribe the risk to reward ratio of trying to bribe them will be small. Like jurors Tribunes are sequestered, the may keep their vote confidential, and they serve only briefly. Tribunocracy will greatly reduce the roll of money an power in deterring election outcome, and the behavior of candidates influenced by the need to raise money.
Dec 16 2012: If tribunal members are drawn from the general population, money invested in influencing that population will affect them too. Since they are also susceptible to corruption through personal threats or incentives they're more susceptible to influence than the general population.
Of course doing that would be criminal, but in the USA you have congressional leaders on record passing out checks on the floor of the house to influence votes (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MAC2xeT2yOg) - do your really think sequestration would prevent such people from having their way?Dec 15 2012: Think of this scenario: The tribunes are voting on legislation that gives them absolute power. What happens when the tribunocracy turns into a dictatorship? The influence of money won't be reduced as the those who lust after power will inevitably acquire it. They will begin to rig the selections. Soon the decisions will be made by only those who have the money, and after that the tribunes themselves will become dictators, who will also try and kill each other in order to seize ultimate power.
Power in the hands of few will only end in a dictatorship no matter the original intentions.
Dec 15 2012: Tribunes do not vote on legislation! Tribunes only serve as a way for a random selection of willing potential voters to attend a tribunal convention before they vote as a proxy for what would have been an election open to all eligible voters. Just as jurors serve as a proxy for all the citizens eligible to be jurors. If accused of a crime, would you accept a public vote on your guilt or innocence instead of a verdict by a jury that fist attended your trial? Does trial by jury lead to dictatorship?
When eligible voters register they will indicate the Tribunes they would be willing to sever on if selected and given a number like a lottery ticket. Selection will be by live public drawing of numbers...like occurs in a public lottery. Like jurors after tribunes vote once on the same questions that mass voters now vote on (such as which candidate they think would be the best elected official). After their single vote they are dismissed and retain no special power.
The present mob of mass voters is more susceptible to influence by money and shallow irrational arguments than a Tribune that will get prolonged exposure to all the facts and argument the contending parties think most relevant. See www.tiribunocracy.orgDec 13 2012: It does not address the tyranny of a democracy.
But as stated the core problem is no education on the subject, which would only be addressed in a perfunctory manner with your system.
The first thing to know, which you have missed, is that there is something to know about this subject.
Dec 13 2012: The constitution and guaranteed rights for individuals and minorities does address the tyranny of democracy, and Tribunocracy does nothing to reduce that. For Tribunocracy to be an improvement it does not have to fix everything.
Attending a jury trial before voting on the quit or innocence of defendant, is arguably only a "perfunctory education" however if you were on trial, do you think it would be important to require jurors attend your trial before they voted?
Dec 13 2012: It usurps the Republic by virtue that your "tribunocracy" draws from the majority, which is democrat, with extremely preconceived ideas which are not going to be phased by a perfunctory education.
The Republic also would go this way if more of the democrats could be bothered to vote but fortunately they aren't. The original intent of the framers was to resolve this problem by giving as much power to the states as the Federal government which included state appointed senators as well as the right to secede as well as 10th amendment.
As to a jury trial as afforded by the 6th amendment the two are apples and oranges. There are many appeal possibilities and the jury has to decide on a single issue that is presented to them by professionals geared toward the layman and the jury has to be approved by the defense and the prosecution.
As opposed to an election that can produce such things as Obama care and Frank Dodd and Social Security and Medicare and Sarbanes Oxley that will no doubt be the undoing of the country the problem is that appeal is next to impossible and as you can see last into perpetuity or the demise of the country what ever comes first.
The problem is an ignorance of government and liberty as a way of life.Dec 17 2012: What is the performance rate of of these juries your speaking about?
Don't they often send innocent people to jail?Dec 12 2012: @Dale Retter
Your website does not explain how the agenda will be set for the tribunals (who will decide what to discuss and when?), the system is also likely to devolve into randomness with things like abortion being stuck in a loop of being legalized one week and being criminalized the next (this is the reason there are years in between elections). The one thing less reliable than politics are trials.
Dec 13 2012: Thanks for visiting the web site. The constitution does not specify every detail and many of the necessary mechanics had to be worked out and evolved over time. Tribunocracy will need to start small with experimentation in non critical arrears before its practice has gained enough refinement to assume more importance. Basically there would be equal time for candidates to speak, offer witnesses (other people speaking and presenting information on their behalf) rebuttals. Tribunes would after deliberation in small groups offer written questions and comments.
If you were accused of committing murder, would you consider a trial by mass public opinion manifest by voting on a referendum, more or less reliable than a trial by jurors who witnessed your trial?
Dec 13 2012: I understand that any system has to evolve but you have to lay down some guiding principles to start. Tribunocracy lacks a guiding principle for setting agendas, it simply won't work without one, you have to fix that.
"If you were accused of committing murder, would you consider a trial by mass public opinion manifest by voting on a referendum, more or less reliable than a trial by jurors who witnessed your trial?"
I really hope I never get accused for a trial by jury (thank god my country doesn't have those), period. The American justice system is a farce with judges and especially juries who judge people by their appearance and don't know the first thing about technology, science and statistics, and lawyers (the most clever ones only available to the rich) who know how to exploit those weaknesses. I'd rather have trial by computer, I would at least stand a chance then.
And seriously, what if the science budget is up for debate and the tribunal presiding over it is composed of 100% inbred, evangelical teabaggers? Also, in politics there often is no single right answer: which is when the voice of the people is the only measure you can go by. How much money should be spend on security, how much to development aid? This is when it really matters to hear the voice of the people instead of the voices of a handful of people who were randomly picked and may thus very well represent a minority opinion.
Dec 13 2012: Some of the guidelines for the agenda are detailed at www.tribunocracy.org. Like any new laws and regulations they should be public set well before the event and subject to revision based on experience.
Initially the objective of Tribunocracy is to replace mass public voting by eligible voters choosing to vote with a random sampling of eligible voters who indicate they would be willing to serve as jurors if selected. The advantage is not that they are any different from the group of eligible voters they represent, but rather that the process of attending the Tribunal Convention before they vote would provide them more information, exposure to the candidates and arguments, before they vote. It does not require that Tribunes assume any greater participation.
Seriously I view trial by jury a poor form of justice, but as Winston Churchill said of democracy, its only virtue is that it is better than the alternatives.Dec 12 2012: The reality is human beings don't have the knowledge or wisdom to govern themselves. America is divided on priniciples, religion and morality. You can't have consensus given that atmosphere because a significant sizable portion of the population lives in illusions and lies and their judgement is not based in reality.
Any solution to problems would be perceived as a "threat" to one or more groups, hence problems are intractable because human beings are incapable of accepting the truth. Most would rather live in denial or their version of reality. Religion is proof of this.
Dec 13 2012: Assuming everything you say is true, a verdict rendered by a jury that has witnessed a trial is likely to better, more fact based, and well thought than a verdict rendered by a mob. The process improves the outcome even with the same imperfect participants. Today our elections are decisions rendered by a mob, a Tribunal Convention would be an improvement.
Dec 16 2012: Human reasoning doesn't work on enlightenment principles:
Lastly one doesn't even have to go far to see that americans are so wedded to free market ideology in the face of enormous corruption and unchecked power of corporations they are basically in no position to figure out solutions. A person who had any inkling of intelligence would select a "citizen king" give that good citizen absolute power and immunity, total access and ability to print money an go kick ass and take names.
As an example: I would go and buy a majority stake/buy out all the irresponsible companies and either 1) liquidate/sell off assets 2) Use that majority ownership to kick out irresponsible management. 3) If the company is public (on the stock market) take it private (out of the stock market) so there is no pressure to cut corners and develop criminally underhanded ways to make money.
The problems are intractable _because_ of human irresponsibility at all levels. The only way to stop it is to be able to remove/jail/punish/prevent irresponsible humans from inflicting damage against future generations.
That is unlikely to happen even though it would be the best solution because even too many educated people are too mired in morals and ideology, right now we just need to be able to put a stop to miscreants and confiscate their money/power/property as punishment for being a irresponsible member of society.
America has a problematic ideology of worshipping the individual and respecting the "rule of law" and property rights but we've seen this worship of these things are both failures in practice and the current political climate is the result.
Both parties in the US are so corrupt and irresponsible you need an outside third party to go in and nullify the privileges they've given themselves.Dec 12 2012: Voter apathy is caused when voters know deep inside that it doesn't work.
They can sense it and the sane ones see it, with their own eyes. They don't lie to themselves.
What many still cannot do is reason it out. Thus:
voting fits perfectly a description of insane behavior, i.e. doing the same thing over and over,
and expecting different results.
Politicians will never deliver solutions to human living problems. They will only create them and benefit off of them.
If you are speaking about creating a just system to replace the broken and unjust system we have, then I am for that.
But, your system must not have any features or elements that create reasons for crime, greed, corruption, inequality, poverty and so on. That is possible and is what a just system is. The system has to be just. If you retain or have reasons, causes or climates for the unjust problems I listed, then it is not a just system, it will not function as a just system and it cannot become a just system. You will have to start again and figure out how to make a just system from the very beginning.
Getting rid of money will eliminate all of those negatives I listed. It's true, but most people will scoff at that immediately and not even entertain thinking deeply about it.
Not my loss, but for those of you who will be alive in the next 10 years on up, it will be devastating if you don't devise a just system. Either that or many may think that somehow they will become part of the ruling or financial elite or will somehow benefit from the love of finally having, loving, compassionate, fair, just, ethical, moral, inclusive and wise leaders, politically and financially, who, in an unjust system, will not fall prey to the corruption of power and money, simply to keep from squirming around in the muck the rest of humanity will be forced to eat and live in.
I don't know if a "tribunocracy" can do or be that, but that is what is needed. Not a new name, a new system built that is just. Just that.
Dec 13 2012: As you can read in more detail at: www.tribunocracy.org I believe human nature has not and will not change significantly. However, our culture and social political systems do change and improve. The introduction of modern democracy is a good example. Although far from perfect, it did produce a systemic improvement. As Gandhi said, even the greatest journeys must be taken one step at a time. Tribunocracy is also far from perfect, but it is a better system and will be a meaningful step forewarned. What is needed is not an unachievable leap to perfections, but meaningful steps to something better.Dec 12 2012: My knee-jerk reaction was positive. Then I read about your fatalistic view of the American system of voting. The "verdict by a mob" theme does not apply to our current crisis in low voter turnouts. The problem is that eligible voters have been duped into believing their vote does not matter, a theory with which you agree, and are promoting. Every eligible voter has an impact on the outcome of every election. . . some by voting, and some by not voting. QUOTE: "Always vote for priciple, though you may vote alone, and you may cherish the sweetest reflection that your vote is never lost."-- John Quincy Adams.
Dec 13 2012: Regular citizens chosen at random as jurors in a trial, enhances citizen participation and meaningful democracy. Imagine a system were jurors were replaced by a mob vote were everyone willing to cast a vote even if they were not willing to attend the trial. Would this be a better way to practice democracy? Would it provide us better decision making? Is a jury trial less democratic than trial by mob? Would your contribution to our democracy be lesser or grater if instead of casting votes along with thousands or millions of other voters, you served as a Tribune in a Tribunal Conventions. Are a million votes by a mob, worth more than 12 votes by a jury that attends a full court trial before voting? Is the mob more democratic just because its bigger.
Noel Akins, yesterday had questions similar to yours and you my find them and my answer in this conversation relevant.
Dec 13 2012: I understand your analogy of the absentee juror, but I do not understand how adding another level of representation will solve anything. The legislative process is not the court process. Jurors are jurors and voters are voters. I have read Mr. Akins' comments. The great American experiment is at a low, maybe the lowest ever, ebb right now. You may find the conversation on replacing the Electoral College now pending germane. I appreciate your concern for our nation, but I remain a staunch supporter of our current system as it is. Thanks!Dec 12 2012: I believe here would be little difference between tribunes and currently elected members of congress congress. Bribes do not have to be in cash. Democracy works best when more people become engaged in the process, not less.
Dec 12 2012: Tribunes are like jurors in a trial; they are sequestered during the Tribunal Convention, and have no residual power afterwards. It is revered dogma that the more who vote the better. From Tribunocracy the Poem:
As the number of voters grows,
down in value each vote goes.
Where a vote of ten thousand is small,
the value of one vote is infinitesimal.
Though it may cause despair,
one vote is not worth bus fare.
The noble vote is now like a cheer
from a spectator seated in the rear.
To vote
is to emote
without hope
worth note.
One vote is not worth great concern,
when it will never an election turn.
Where a vote is cheap,
some behave like sheep.
Rightly fearing Bullyocracy,
most engage in hypocrisy.
Our leaders say,
to vote does pay.
With heads tucked below reason,
they say disbelieving is like treason.
Yet it is from the soup of logic and reason,
that good government gets its season.
If mass public voting is the best way to reach a democratic decisions, why bother with jury trials? Why not let the parties make their case in the media and through paid advertisements, and then have everyone who wants to cast a vote? Hopefully, that would seem like a terrible idea, because you have already witnessed a much better system. Why is a jury trial necessary for a meaningful verdict, and not for an election. Could it be because we have not yet witnessed a better system?Dec 12 2012: Thanks for your interest! Individuals must indicate that they would be willing to serve as a Tribune if selected before they become part of the group from which they may be chosen. Many people care about the outcome of elections and would greatly value the opportunity to potential influence it in a quantitatively meaningful way. Tribunes get a "front row seat" at an important event were they can view the candidate and witnesses in person. Tribunes have the right to ask questions and make comments. After Tribunes vote they will have the opportunity to make relevant comments that will then become part of the permanent public record. One thing I can state with grate certainty is that there will be more than enough people volunteering to serve if selected.Dec 11 2012: Seems like the persons who votes would not be motivated to do so, similar to people who get summoned to court juries.


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An ideal netbook for work
This product is currently unavailable. Please find our recommendation for a comparable system below.
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The combination of "LED" to show adoration for the legendary group LED Zeppelin and "Apple" to represent the freshness of idols make "LED Apple"! Let's look closely into LED Apple's unique charms.
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As seen in Cosmopolitan and Seventeen magazines
Perfect for your off-duty days, these lace-up booties add instant edge to any outfit. Gold-tone hardware gives them a luxe finish and the chunky heel delivers street-style appeal.
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INDIANAPOLIS (Jan. 8, 2013) — Two sites in north central Indiana earned the title of 'shovel ready' today, paving the way for businesses to quickly locate new operations on property ready for development.
The two new sites located in Elkhart and Marshall counties join the list of more than 85 other 'shovel ready' sites identified by the state since 2006 that have undergone extensive title work, proof of ownership, legal and environmental review and qualify for expedited permitting with state regulatory agencies.
"For businesses, time is money and more and more companies are looking for sites where they can have a shovel in the ground as quickly as possible," said Dan Hasler, Secretary of Commerce and chief executive officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation. "This program continues to be yet another vital tool in our economic development toolbox that gives Indiana the edge when attracting new investment to the state."
Recently, Amazon.com announced plans to locate its fifth Indiana facility in Clark County's 'shovel ready' Crossdock Site in the River Ridge Commerce Center, creating up to 1,050 new jobs. Last fall, Living Essentials, the producer of 5-hour ENERGY®, announced it would build a manufacturing plant in the Wabash Business Complex 'shovel ready' site in Wabash County, adding 200 new jobs, and Tsuda Industries broke ground on its first North American facility in Mt. Comfort Air Park East, a 'shovel ready' site in Hancock County, creating 116 new jobs. Also, ITR America announced plans in November to expand its headquarters in Lake County's 'shovel ready' site in North Wind Crossing Business Park.
Passed in the 2005 legislative session as part of Governor Daniels' jobs agenda, 'shovel ready' sites are certified by the state's Fast Access Site Team that consists of representatives from the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, governor's office, Indiana Office of Rural and Community Affairs, Indiana Department of Natural Resources, Indiana Department of Environmental Management, Indiana Department of Transportation, Indiana State Department of Health, Indiana State Department of Agriculture and the Indiana State Department of Homeland Security.
Certified sites have been eligible for matching grants to assist with eligible costs associated with applying for the shovel ready program. These sites are listed on the Indiana Economic Development Corporation's Site and Building Database at http://statein.zoomprospector.com/. This online resource allows site selection consultants and businesses to research available commercial and industrial properties that are available for quick development and investment.
For information on the new 'shovel ready' sites, please see the attached PDF.
About IEDC
Created by Governor Mitch Daniels in 2005 to replace the former Department of Commerce, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation is governed by a 12-member board chaired by Governor Daniels. Dan Hasler serves as the chief executive officer of the IEDC.
The IEDC oversees programs enacted by the General Assembly including tax credits, workforce training grants and public infrastructure assistance. All tax credits are performance-based. Therefore, companies must first invest in Indiana through job creation or capital investment before incentives are paid. A company who does not meet its full projections only receives a percentage of the incentives proportional to its actual investment. For more information about IEDC, visit www.iedc.in.gov.
Media Contact:
Katelyn Hancock (IEDC) – 317.234.2294
Indiana Economic Development Corporation • Site Map • Contact Information
p 800.463.8081 p 317.232.8800 f 317.232.4146
One North Capitol, Suite 700 Indianapolis, IN 46204


text:
Greenfab's New Prefab Model Home in Seattle Aims for LEED Platinum
The 3 bedroom, 2 3/4 bath home includes non toxic and environmentally friendly materials for good indoor air quality. Recycled and local materials were sourced extensively and existing concrete from the yard was used to create the gabion wall and landscape pavers in the front yard. The home also encourages urban homesteading with a chicken coop, edible landscaping in the yard and garden boxes on the rooftop. A 2.4 kW photovoltaic system on the roof provides 23% of the home's energy usage, which is already low due to the use of energy efficient appliances, lighting and systems. Rainwater is collected and stored in a cistern for use in water efficient showers and toilets, and a rain garden and koi pond infiltrate grey water.
Greenfab's aim with their new prefab homes is to offer green and healthy living to more people at lower prices. Prefabrication of the home took place in a factory outside of Seattle in only two weeks. Meanwhile the site was being excavated and prepped. Once the modular parts arrived, assembly and finish work took only 45 days. All said and done the 1,790 square foot home cost about $180 per square foot to build, not including land costs.
Via Jetson Green
Images ©Greenfab
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5 Comments
March 7, 2011 at 11:22 am
Are there any planned projects in the SoCal or NorCal area? I would like to experience these design endeavours in person.
In the article you elude to a few things that were not shown, like the roof, the full bathrooms, the rain collecting systems and the solar array, are there pictures?
Also, when you mentioned the cost of $180 per sq. ft. did that include the solar system, tankless water heating, the rain collecting cisterns and landscaping…?
March 7, 2011 at 9:43 am
Are there any planned structures in SoCal or NorCal, I would love to see and experience this architecture and building project without having to trek way up to Seattle…
I find all this utterly fascinating and want to know and learn much more…
March 6, 2011 at 4:59 pm
Hi Greenfab, looking forward to that! It's all about the journey in sustainable design, much more than any set destination. But I think I'm preaching to the choir on this one Keep us posted!
March 5, 2011 at 2:15 pm
We were pursuing the Living Building Challenge early in the process and even hosted a design charrette to layout a plan for it. Unfortunately budget got in the way for this project. Stay tuned for future projects however, we are envelope pushers! Thanks for the comment.
March 5, 2011 at 4:43 am
Nice. Sort of. Well, as far as it goes I guess. But come on Greenfab: LEED?? Why not leap beyond and truly benefit the community (and grab some market position in the process)? The Living Buildings Challenge, based pretty much in your own backyard, has set the goalposts where they should be: "What if every single act of design and construction made the world a better place? "
Don't get me wrong; LEED is a huge step forward for the building industry, but our understanding of, capability for, and need for more sustainable design and build has already moved beyond "minimizing negative impact". We have to get focused on maximizing positive impacts. There's a lot of rebuilding, reconnecting and regeneration needed now, and the Living Buildings Challenge has developed an impressive set of tools, frameworks and other tools to support that. http://bit.ly/9sz2Ld
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What are the drawbacks (if any) of using a 4-gallon batch with a 5-gallon kegging system? And what if the batch is only two gallons?
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Homebrewing Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for dedicated home brewers and serious enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
Go for it. There's no harm as long as you purge the keg of it's air, replacing it with CO2. At some point, every keg of beer has only two gallons in it. Whether it's right at the start or if it's after 3 gallons have been consumed makes no difference. If you don't purge the keg of air though, your beer will become oxidized.
To purge, prior to racking your beer into the keg, hook up the gas-in line set to about 3psi and open the bleeder valve. Let it run for about 30 seconds. Then depressurize, remove the lid, and rack your beer into it. After you put the lid back on, pressurize to your desired psi to meet your volumes of CO2 target, bleed off the gas, pressurize, bleed, etc. for four bleed-offs.


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This conversation is closed.
Idea: "Country-in-a-country" special economic zone
The reason for outsourcing is usually cheaper labour costs.But the people who are doing this work are actually having a good quality of life. Because in real terms even though their wages are lower ( eg: in Bengaluru, India) compared to a developed country ( eg:USA), the cost of living is lower as well. At same time jobs are lost in USA. If americans unemployed due to outsourcing can go and work in India they have beter quality of life. But this is always not possible ,due to family commitments , distance etc.
My proposal is special economic zone similar to Charter city , but in reverse. This will be in a developed county ( Say USA). To start with set aside a few thousand hectares of land in say florida for this economic zone - call it CIC ( country in country). It will be a replica of eg: Bengaluru. It will have offices, houses,schools, health care , shopping , entertainment , banks etc. The crucial issue it will have indian rupee as currency. With all these similar to the Indian city , the cost of living and working should be on par with Bengaluru. Now companies can establish call centres in these CIC zones. The pay for call centre operatives will be same as in Bengaluru and paid in indian rupees. So from the company's point of view this call centre on american land costs the same as if it were to be in India.
But the people employed here will be americans who chose to move to this mini India in USA. They have jobs, relatively good earnings as cost of living is less with all amenities. Most people would stay and work in this CIC zone say for one or two years and then move on to jobs in america.
It is bringing american jobs to america while maintaining standard of living and cutting through the barriers of currency exchange rate etc.
It appears to be a win win situation.
But I have a feeling that there must be a fundamental flaw in this idea. I hope somebody who knows these things will be able to point it out.
Nov 19 2012: I believe to a degree what you are describing is already happening. If you want to be a farmer in Nebraska or a factory worker in rural Atlanta you will probably earn less than a bar tender in New York, but the cost of living in Omaha versus Manhattan is strikingly less. We have these regions in the United States known fro doing less glamorous work and those areas typically have a lower cost of living. The problem with entirely replicating India's cost of living is complex. From my understand, part of the problem is the quality of life a job at a call center in India will get you in India is lower than people in the US for the most part are willing to accept. Whether it be because of Unions or Government regulations or government subsidies for unemployment or just a different understanding of what people deserve.
Lejan .
Nov 11 2012: To find the 'flaw in this idea' it may help to reduce the complexity of your scenario.
- +2
Find the source of the 'purchasing power' of rupee and dollar and 'what' and 'who' defines it.
This will tell you, why the workforce of 1.241.491.960 Indians is considered 'less in value' than those of 311.591.917 US Americans. You may find, that this difference is more artificial in its nature than it seems to be on first sight.
Nov 11 2012: Can you please elaborate on the "purchasing power" and " less in value" or give links where there are discussed in simple terms.?
Lejan .
Nov 11 2012: You could have a start here:
- +1
And if I was you, i would not expect those terms to be simple... :o)
Good luck!
Dec 2 2012: it is not simple. I suppose one needs to be an economist to under stand this.
it would be interesting how cost of living varies on huge ships? CIC is like a big ship moored in the county for long time.
Lejan .
Dec 3 2012: You don't have to be an economist to understand that, enough interest would do just fine.
- 0
But if you wan't to understand the scope of your own idea, you should possess this knowledge- :o)
John Smith
Nov 11 2012: "The reason for outsourcing is usually cheaper labour costs.But the people who are doing this work are actually having a good quality of life. Because in real terms even though their wages are lower ( eg: in Bengaluru, India) compared to a developed country ( eg:USA), the cost of living is lower as well."
- +1
It's true that to some extent you can have the same standard of living in India for less money because, for example, land prices are lower (so homes are cheaper), but in the end a barrel of oil will still cost just as much in India, as does advanced technology. There is also the little matter of many things in India being cheaper because there is a labor class that really does live in poverty because of very low wages, this cannot (and should not) be recreated in a "special economic zone". If you really want to change something you should bring down land prices in the developed world so most people can maintain their standard of living with lower monetary wages (of course a few rich people would see their income from land trading fall) and make sure that in developing countries no children are working and adults are not working 12 hours per day, then it should only be a matter of time before wealth grows even around the world (unless of course some governments are paid to keep local wages low).
Nov 11 2012: You say down below that: "Businesses don't need to be pampered as long as they can still afford to give away tens of millions to executives."
First, is lowering taxes and red tape really pampering? In my opinion it is not, so if we consider SEZ as zones were taxes are low and bureaucracy limited no one is pampering anybody.
Second, giving ten of millions to executives while underpaying workers is shameful, but then again, it is a matter of personal culture, not business regulations.
greg dahlen
Nov 11 2012: Well, they would be paid in rupees, but wouldn't they have to buy most of their goods and services in America at American prices? For example, the food that came into the city would be grown on surrounding American farms outside the special city, and the American farmers would place the same price on it as they expect to receive from all the rest of the Americans. Even if the special city had its own farms, they would still have to buy farm machinery and seeds from the rest of America at prevailing American prices. Thus the rupee wouldn't stretch as far here.
- +1
Do you have any other ideas of how to create more jobs? How is the employment in India? If it is better, do you know why?
I have the idea more employment would be created if more people bought organic food. I'm thinking it takes more care and manpower to grow organic food, although I'm not sure. If it takes more people to grow it, that means more employment.
Nov 11 2012: May be this special area would grow its own food later on.
For the first few years at least, grocery items and energy ( petrol / natural gas etc) would be bought in international market at prevailing prices. This would be same for any other county - USA /India / Mexico. The same applies to machinery - all in international market - probably some made in China. For example consumer durables cost the same or nearly same in most countries. This should not put the special city at any disadvantage compared to rest of USA.
As per services, most will be available with in the economic zone and will be paid for in rupees. These including health care, should be cheaper in the special city as by their nature the service industry is labour intensive.As the cost of living of these service providers will be cheaper , in turn their services will be less costly than mainland USA. Does it make sense?
Nov 13 2012: Mmm, this is getting big, if they are a city and also an agricultural area. Land is rather expensive, how would they pay for it, wouldn't they have to pay American prices? Then they will pay their property taxes in American prices.
But you know, it's a good question. I think my friend and I discussed this once, why the dollar buys more in other countries. I think we concluded it's because many people in other countries are willing to live in very poor conditions, to not get very good wages and thus not be able to live very well. Would you agree? This is in contrast to America, where most Americans expect a high quality of life. I'm thinking the Indians in the Indian city in America would observe the high standard of living of Americans, and not be willing to live poorly.
Dec 2 2012: real estate / land/ property price is an issue. This is all artificial any way - like game of Monopoly. though i do not propose capping / contolling land price in any way - some mechanism is to be found to over come this.
Air is free (till now!).
a person employed in this CIC will have a better quality of life / higher standard of living than an unemployed person in nearby AmericaDec 4 2012: Muralikrishna, I'm still seeing problems with your idea, although I'm sorry to be a downer. One is the problem of taxation discussed below.
Here is another problem: what would you do if workers in the city became psychologically depressed and unable to work, or disabled from a car accident, or a similar situation? Are they to return to India? Who will pay?
Also, you must consider that there is some resentment of outsourcing in America, and the people in your city might be very disliked here. This would be psychologically hard.
Also, you must consider the cost of transportation of goods into your city. For example, it is conceivable that clothes could come from India for these people, but transporting them into your city would add large costs to them, costs that people who buy them in India will not have to pay. It is conceivable tht people in your city could make their own clothing, but then they will not get what they call economy of scale. Economy of scale means that things are cheaper when you make them in large quantities, for example a clothing company makes thousands of shirts, or thousands of pants, and because they make so many, they are cheaper.
To my mind, your idea would take a great deal of effort to implement, and the rewards would not justify the effort.
Dec 8 2012: one essential requirement is - people who work in the CIC should be citizens of the country where it is located. Americans in this example . Goods including clothing will come from international markets be it Mexico,China,India or America.Nov 27 2012: Well, considering that there are aprox 248,752 cities in the world, at what point does the USA, or whatever country (since there is no such thing as no-mans land today) stop being the USA and begin being a completely universal territory, only owned by people from a "country" full of CIC's? And What about the government? Laws? Borders and limitations? Religion? What if Nahre Sarraaj, the most dangerous city in Afghanistan, wants to have a CIC close to Washington? What are the permits? What are the limitations? Its a cool idea, but like many, it would work only in a specific reality in a specific world.
Dec 2 2012: CIC will be integral part of the country it is created in . it will have its own GovernerNov 19 2012: It is a noble idea and a very good one to kick start a discussion.
Apologies for pointing the negatives. But it is impractical purely for the very reason of its establishment - the ECONOMIC one. It will cost a lot more to replicate a city in a developed country than a developing one.
The scenario under consideration is too narrow - using a singular outsourcing issue from a particular country. As this would mean creating many different CICs for each outsourcing issue (eg. China for mfg, etc.)
Also, will these SEZ areas be dynamic as to adopt other currencies as other countries come up with cheaper and better solutions/services in future (eg. Vietnam, Myanmar, etc.).
Then there is this whole arena of Political Will and considering soft costs (eg. environment pollution control costs, parallel economy costs, etc.)Nov 19 2012: My concern with this idea is how would a state like Florida get funds.
For things outside the state. Say Florida was trying to improve there streets and wanted to build bridges. They would need to buy supplies from outside the state. Since their currency is rated so low they won't be able to get supplies from the US.
Dec 2 2012: most of supplies for building - iron, cement etc will come from international markets. initial cost will be by a development company set up for the purpose. Given scale of the project this company should have some collaboration / backing from governmentNov 17 2012: Not fundamentally flawed provided you control the currency (eg all electronic money, tagged to each individual, so not swappable or it just dissipates into nearby communities). The people in this 'new land' would of course have to do everything within it as the outside will be a no go area as they will not have any external currency to spend. Imports and exports would require tight control both physically and monetarily for it to work.
I have done a fair bit of similar thinking, for regeneration areas of high unemployment.
see: Job Hubs, from welfare to work:-
:Nov 17 2012: This idea is of creating this community is ideally a great idea. This problem as always comes in the implementation. There have been many comments pointing out all the reasons for it not to work. Maybe if you set it up an a way that that money that these individuals would be getting from the government would be put towards supporting the difference in costs of living. This would allow individuals to work and build up experience thus not being a total drain. It would keep the jobs in the country and promote individuals to get back on their feet. If they wanted benefits from the government they would have to go to one of these areas located around the country. There would be a time limit of two years promoting those to move forward. Training and education would be offered maintaining the standard of work. The housing and accommodations would be moderate but not lavish promoting upward movement.
Dec 2 2012: "This would allow individuals to work and build up experience thus not being a total drain. "
Makes it more workable.Nov 13 2012: i understand your premise, and it sounds nice on the surface, but it couldn't possibly work. to achieve a good standard of living on low wages, the goods must also be low. they couldn't be 'imported' into the area because they'd be too expensive, and if they were produced inside the area at low cost, they'd get bought out by the people outside the area on higher wages.
outsourcing really is bad for all but a few execs. they say they are making things cheaper for their customers, but people who are well employed don't need things to be cheaper - they only need cheap stuff because their jobs have gone. they say they are providing jobs to developing countries, but really they are just exploiting them. india is a good example - many indians are producing an american salary's worth of goods or services, but receive only an average indian salary, and everything they have made likewise goes overseas meaning their country gets nothing.
tax outsourcing so rich countries can't benefit from cheap labour (make them pay the difference in labour cost), and ban outsourcing in developing countries too. have them work for the better of their own country, not their rich masters!Nov 12 2012: Probably it's a nice idea, but it really hard to establish due to cross-market competition:)
Comment deleted
Nov 11 2012: like European union?
Nov 11 2012: EU is not a special economic zone unless we mean 'a special economic zone of indolence'.
For me SEZ means first and foremost low taxes and business friendly regulations, so that entrepreneurs do not waste their time on the unnecessary paperwork.
Nov 11 2012: "For me SEZ means first and foremost low taxes and business friendly regulations"
That's just code for corporate welfare and making a (bigger) profit at the expense of the environment and future generations. Businesses don't need to be pampered as long as they can still afford to give away tens of millions to executives.Nov 11 2012: Sorry for accidentaly removing the original statement to which muralikrishna garikipati refers above. The statement was:
Special Economic Zones should be extended over the whole world.


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Comic Book Cartography: Maps of the Worlds of Comics
We admit -- we are huge nerds for maps. Whether we were poking through the U.S.S. Enterprise schematics that teched the tech or following Frodo's path through Middle Earth, we have always been way, way down with maps that enable us to get even more immersed in the fantasy worlds we enjoy


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View Product Reviews
Classic Series Gift Membership - Classic Series Gift Membership
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|Product Rating: Date Posted: 2009-12-24 18:03:14
|Great Gift Idea for a Wine Lover
|Posted By: Kimono
|Location: Jersey City, NJ United States
Great Idea as a Gift. I am a receipient now, but I am considering to be a Gift Giver in a shortly... Thanks
|Product Rating: Date Posted: 2009-12-25 03:01:26
|Great Gift
|Posted By: Tom Maddox
|Location: Woodbine, NJ United States
Gave this last year to each of my two sons who live in California. Combined it with the Cheese of the month club. Every month they call to thank me and tell me how they look forward to receiving this gift. The products are good quality and worth the money. Just renewed another year for them for Christmas.
|Product Rating: Date Posted: 2011-05-07 18:49:58
|Best 60th B-Day Gift!
|Posted By: Mel Connley
|Location: Huntington Beach, CA United States
Only one of the wines we received did not meet our expectations and it was promptly replaced the next day with another! It was the gift that kept on giving!


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Welcome to Chef2Chef!
Chef2Chef brings together an interactive community of culinary professionals and foodies alike, connecting them through in-depth news stories, student blogs, recipe sharing and job opportunity listings. This site connects prospective students to the best culinary arts Programs & schools in the country, matching student interests to the right educational program. Online cooking classes can help kitchen novices learn the basics about cooking. From our culinary school directory to our chef job board, commune with fellow food lovers and find the resources you need.
In short, Chef2Chef is your one-stop destination for all-things food and culinary training.
Popular culinary careers
With more than $683 billion in annual sales, restaurants are major players in the culinary industry, employing 13.5 million individuals across the country. Indeed, the culinary scene is a behemoth and only growing, fed by a growing appetite for all things food. Driven by 24-hour food-focused television channels, popular chefs have become the food superstars of today, helping to spur the popularity of and expand interest in culinary careers and education.
But, whether you want to become the next Mario Batali, Gordon Ramsey, or Rachael Ray, open a Michelin star-rated restaurant, or capture a James Beard award, training is the first step. Because careers within the culinary arts are so varied, you can pursue multiple educational and professional opportunities in the field.
Popular careers in the culinary arts include the following:
Pastry chef. Pastry chefs call upon their creative baking skills to prepare a host of culinary delights, from cakes to pies, gelato to chocolates.
Executive chef. Responsible for keeping a finger on the pulse of every operational element of a kitchen, from supervising food preparation to managing food costs, selecting a menu to hiring staff.
Hospitality manager. Within the travel, tourism and hotel industry, the hospitality manager helms operations, dealing with the minutiae of customer experience, from the prices a tourist sees on a menu to the staff hired to greet them at the front desk.
Restaurant manager. Tasked with ensuring the daily functions of a restaurant are organized and efficient, restaurant managers handle a variety of tasks from designing menus to staff scheduling, managing public relations to event planning.
Sous-chef de cuisine. The right hand of an executive chef, sous-chefs are responsible for managing the daily functions of a kitchen, from overseeing food presentation to training junior chefs.
Culinary career outlook and opportunities
The culinary arts industry is as big as it is diverse, presenting culinary arts school graduates with the opportunity to pursue careers in a variety of locations and work environments. Common culinary establishments include restaurants, hotels, wineries, bakeries, schools, private households, spas and more.
Nationally, the job outlook for culinary professions is muted, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting single digit employment growth between 2012 and 2022 for several occupations, including chefs (5%), food service managers (2%), pastry chefs (2%), and hotel managers (1%). However, these nationwide statistics are misleading. Although the overall demand appears to be tempered, culinary arts professions remain in demand in numerous states throughout the country, especially in Idaho, Texas, Arizona and Colorado.
Below is a list of 2012 and 2022 employment growth projections by profession for several culinary occupations:
|Chefs and head cooks
|Food service managers
|Private chefs
|Idaho: 26%
|Arizona: 21.2%
|Arizona: 32%
|Nevada: 16.7%
|Texas: 20.8%
|Utah: 19.5%
|Texas: 30.6%
|Colorado: 16.7%
|Georgia: 19.8%
|Texas: 19.4%
|Idaho: 28.3%
|Connecticut: 15.4%
|Colorado: 18.5%
|Washington: 18.4%
|Utah: 27.5%
|Texas: 14.5%
|Utah: 17.8%
|Idaho: 17%
|New York: 26.2%
|Florida: 13.6%
Education in the culinary arts
The culinary industry doesn't discriminate. Whether you are a recent high school graduate, a career changer, a college student thinking about switching majors, or someone looking for advancement, you can find a learning environment that's right for you. The most important eligibility requirement for prospective culinary arts student is passion, passion for food, passion for the opportunity to serve others.
If you have this passion for food and are ready to chase a career in an at once challenging but rewarding industry, then consider enrolling in an educational program in the culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, culinary and restaurant management, or hospitality and hotel management.
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Chefs and Head Cooks, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/food-preparation-and-serving/chefs-and-head-cooks.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Food Service Managers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/food-service-managers.htm
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Lodging Managers, http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/lodging-managers.htm
- Projections Central, http://www.projectionscentral.com
- National Restaurant Association, Facts at a Glance, http://www.restaurant.org/News-Research/Research/Facts-at-a-Glance
Prepare for Culinary School
10 Best Cities to Start a Restaurant
There are many factors when considering where to open a restaurant, so we've crunched the numbers and found the top ten best cities for chefs to start their next venture.
Smells Like Bean Spirit: Who Drinks the Most Coffee?
Americans drink 350 million cups of coffee per day. Take a look at the infographic, and you may find that you work in a coffee-guzzling profession.
Culinary Schools by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- District of Columbia
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
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- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
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- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania


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Nb: infants must be under the age of 2 and
children must be under the age of 12 at the time of
Chalet Midland is the perfect choice for skiers keen to be close to the centre of St Anton. It is in a quiet cul-de-sac on the edge of the pedestrian zone and the closest of our chalets to the superb nightlife of St Anton (just 130 metres approx from the nearest bars in town). The main lifts (Galzig and Gampen) are only 500 metres (approx) walk away. Formerly a pension, all the rooms in Chalet Midland are comfortable, en suite and of a similar standard and aspect. All have satellite TV and are light and airy and most also have a balcony. It is an excellent choice for groups because of the similarity of all the bedrooms. The lounge/dining room has comfortable bench-style seating around the tables and whilst compact, is a popular venue for evening gatherings before the short stroll to the excellent bars and nightlife of this outstanding resort.Please note - Due to local regulations, we are no longer able to offer social skiing by our staff in St Anton. We are able however to offer one day's social skiing in Sonnenkopf (for a small transport fee, subject to demand and weather conditions).
Chalet staff from Midland and other Skiworld chalets live on lower ground and first floor. The friendly owners live in an apartment on the top floor and share the main entrance and stairwell.
Iglu acts as a travel agent for disclosed principals/tour operators, further details
of which will be made available at the time of booking. Your holiday contract will
be bound by the tour operators terms and conditions.
Prices are shown for a basic room or unit, can be subject to change and are indicative
until time of booking. Please call on 020 8544 7114 for prices for other travel
and room options for this property.
The price shown includes 7 nights accommodation,
with flights from Gatwick.
Prices shown are per person per week based on maximum occupancy. Descriptions and
quality ratings are provided by the Tour Operator (or one of the Tour Operators
where similar holidays are offered by more than one supplier). We reserve the right
to make minor adjustments to the description or rating based on staff and customer
feedback. For payments by credit card, a 2.5% credit card charge (4% for AMEX) will
be added to your invoice. If you pay by a UK issued debit card, there is no charge.
All bookings are subject to a £5 per person Passenger Admin Fee charged by Iglu.com.
Please note: the above prices are not inclusive of tourist tax which in this instance
is payable in resort (approximately £3 - £10 per person per week in local currency).


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Discover toys for kids that are age-appropriate and will have your child using their imagination to explore their world and just play.
From newborns to school-age kids, imaginetoys.com has fantastic toys that encourage imagination, exploration and discovery. Shop for wonderful toys that can grow with your child as they learn new things and find new ways to play with toys. Imagine toys has hand-selected these high-quality toys that are sure to be very special to your child.
Shop for toys by age, to find toys that are appropriate for your child's development and the stage they are in. We have a collection of baby and toddler toys that will teach them valuable things about the world around them as they learn through play. For the preschooler we have playful learning toys that get them excited to learn and also prepare them for elementary school. For school age and older children, imagine toys has a selection of science toys, STEM toys, arts and crafts and pretend play toys to enhance your child's storytelling. No matter what your child is interested in, you are sure to find something that is fun and engaging and allows them to hone their skills while they learn and play. Check back often as we constantly introduce new, fantastic toys.


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|News » Archives
Crimson Tide fire away in 114-77 win over Bucs
Wednesday, December 01, 2004TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (Dec. 1, 2004) -- Junior forward Dillion Sneed (Chicago, Ill.) had a career night with 30 points and 14 rebounds but it was not enough to stop a torrid Alabama scoring attack as the Crimson Tide defeated ETSU 114-77 Wednesday night from Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. Junior point guard Tim Smith (Newport News, Va.) also added 24 points and a team-high six assists in the loss.
It was a record night for the No. 22 Crimson Tide as the team broke four offensive school records. In addition, the 114 points scored by the Tide marked the second highest point total in school history and the most scored since the 1977 season. Alabama improved to 5-1 for the season while the Buccaneers fell to 2-3.
As a team, Alabama set new school records for three pointers and three point attempts, hitting 19 for 41 from beyond the arc. The Tide also set a team game record with 30 assists, led by an impressive performance from Ronald Steele. The true freshman broke the school record with 18 assists, just one shy of the Southeastern Conference record.
From the beginning of the game, Alabama was hot from the floor, hitting 58.3% of its shots from the field in the first half on its way to a 31 point halftime lead. The Tide's hot shooting continued in the second half as the Tide connected on 54.1% of its shots to take as much as a 41 point lead before settling for the 37 point victory.
In addition to Steele's night, Kennedy Winston paved the way for the Tide with his third career double-double. The junior scored 21 points and grabbed 10 rebounds in 27 minutes of action. Earnest Shelton and Chuck Davis also led the Tide scoring with 24 and 17 points, respectively. Justin Jonus and Jean Felix combined to hit seven of 14 from three point range in scoring 14 and 13 points each.
In additon to Sneed and Smith's strong outings, senior point guard Sam Oatman (Neenah, Wis.) scored nine points while junior forward Chris Mitchell (Chicago, Ill.) added eight points and five rebounds.
East Tennessee State returns home for their Southern Conference opener Saturday at 4:30 p.m. against rival College of Charleston. The game can be seen regionally on Fox Sports Net South and as always can be heard on the Mountain States Health Alliance Buccaneer Sports Network.


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Center for Multicultural Education Book Club
The CME Book Club will discuss Through It All: Reflections on My Life, My Family and My Faith by Christine King Farris. Marcia Riggs, who will deliver the evening address for Martin Luther King Jr. Day, will attend the discussion. Everyone is welcome to attend even if they have not read the book.