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Published in Investing on 30 January 2012
A round-up of the best buying opportunities from January.
After last year's poor showing, the market has started 2012 in positive form, with 2% gain so far this month. Indeed, let's hope the so-called 'January effect' comes good and we can go on to enjoy further gains throughout the year. Just so you know, the FTSE 100 has to top 5,900 to recoup all the losses from 2011.
As always, the market's ups and downs during January provided numerous share ideas from your favourite investment website and, just in case you missed them first time, we've rounded up a selection to help you profit in the months and years ahead.
Once again, we're providing a range of ideas, including some well-known FTSE large caps as well as the usual selection of smaller companies. We hope all the names prove rewarding during January -- and beyond!
No surprise Tesco (LSE: TSCO) tops this month's round-up. The supermarket watched its shares plunge 16% after warning of slower profit growth, which prompted Alan Oscroft to remind us the business "still commands a 30% market share", was "focused on the long term" and looked on course to pay a 4.7% income. Alan then reported Warren Buffett had bought in immediately after the slump around the 320p mark. On the downside, however, Prabhat Sakya suggested Tesco's turnaround may be protracted and told us to take a 'wait and see' approach.
Here's another falling knife, this time courtesy of Charly Travers. He described Invensys (LSE: ISYS) as an "intriguing share right now" after the price slumped 17% the day after Tesco's warning. Charly reckoned Invensys was actually a "fundamentally sound business", and noted the group's blue-chip customer base, overseas growth prospects, cash-flush balance sheet and price-to-earnings (P/E) multiple of less than 10.
By the way, Charly has also pinpointed a retailer that's defying the downturn and making great strides across Europe.
David Holding also risked his fingers this month by trying to catch yet another FTSE falling knife. David said Man Group (LSE: EMG), the hedge-fund specialist, had seen its shares halve during the last three months, and they were now trading at a decade low of 113p. However, David noted the forecast P/E was just 6, the yield was 13% and the balance sheet showed net cash of $733m. His gut feeling? The shares were "worth buying".
Still with David Holding, but this time with RSA Insurance (LSE: RSA) and the possibility of securing a reliable 9% income. According to David, the insurer's 108p shares offered a forecast income of 9.2% assuming "the fundamentals remain in place". Other attractions highlighted by David included RSA's 106p net asset value, reassuring comments about trading, low exposure to eurozone debts and sizeable profits from Canada, Scandinavia and various emerging markets.
Alan Oscroft remains a fan of miners, especially after fears of a Chinese economic slowdown caused a fresh wave of share-price selling. Alan's mini-sector review showcased plenty of single-digit P/Es, and pinpointed Rio Tinto (LSE: RIO) at £36 and BHP Billiton (LSE: BLT) at £20 as the "most undervalued". According to Alan, "it looks like investors are still favouring precious-metals miners and the more speculative explorers, while shunning the major producers of everyday commodity minerals."
Balfour Beatty (LSE: BB) caught the eye of Tony Luckett during January when the 273p shares sported a P/E of 8 and 4.6% yield. Tony mentioned how the engineering, infrastructure and consultancy group had enjoyed a good recession, with sales, profits and the dividend for 2010 all higher than that registered during 2006. Tony suggested Balfour's overseas operations and government spending on projects such as High-Speed Two Rail would keep the share firmly on his watch list.
G A Chester unearthed sausage-skin specialist Devro (LSE: DVRO) as a popular mid-cap pick among eight top professional funds. The City experts apparently liked the group's "defensive qualities, the simplicity of its business and its cash generation". At 260p, the dividend was also attractive to the fund managers, and a "kicker for growth" could be exposure to emerging markets. "A fairly low-risk opportunity for long-term growth and income" was G A's conclusion.
Prabhat Sakya cited Teva Pharmaceuticals (NASDAQ: TEVA.US) as a potential hedge against expiring patents at major pharmaceutical groups. He explained how Teva, an Israeli manufacturer of generic treatments, had doubled its revenues to $16 billion between 2006 and 2010... and was aiming to double them again by 2015! Indeed, Teva reckons pharmaceutical treatments with sales of $150 billion could lose their patents during the next few years. A $46 stock price came with a trailing P/E of just 13.
GVC Holdings (LSE: GVC) was among the 10 AIM shares David O'Hara found that boasted yields of 7% or more. According to David, GVC has paid "consistently high dividends for the last five years" and its 138p shares currently offer a forecast 12.5% income. What's more, dividend projections for next year are apparently as high as 37p per share, suggesting a 27% yield! Before you ask, GVC runs gaming websites aimed at punters in countries where online gambling is, at best, a grey area.
January's punt of the month comes from David Holding, who this month proposed four high risk-reward small caps that had the potential to double. Carbon-credit company Camco (LSE: CAO) was among David's punts, and recent news that it had sold a business for £4.5m prompted him to buy more. David's sums indicated Camco's 7.1p shares equalled the firm's net cash position and he believed the valuation made "little sense". But David did admit he had been wrong before!
We hope you liked this round-up of share ideas from January. As always, don't buy blindly, but instead use the articles as starting points for your own further research. However, if you can't decide what to buy, or don't like this particular selection, then you may wish to read Malcolm Wheatley's article about backing a broad spread of blue chips via this FTSE index powered by income.
We'll be back this time next month for another round-up of our favourite investment ideas. Until then, happy investing... and good luck!
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I am not happy with RSA Insurance. Sharescope confirms the dividend yield, 8.25% on Friday. But it also points out the 1.1 times dividend cover. There is no point in buying a share for income if there is a strong probability of the dividend being cut. I prefer Aviva with its 2.6 times cover. MadDutch
One ordinary Joe's view...TESCO - I agree with Prabhat Sakya, still a wait and see for me, I think there is a small fall yet to come as the management response will lag the Christmas and the next set of results.INVENSYS - I have b burden of knowledge of this industry having worked in it for years and hence too close to it, hence staying away from it (hope that make sense)MAN GROUP - No, too nervous about what these kinds of companies can hide (think MF Global)RSA INSURANCE - Purchased a stake last January, just topped up more last week, still 18% down on today's value. But not complaining at this high a yield.MINERS - RIO and BHP - Still feel there is a bottom to be reached for miners.Balfour Beatty - picked up a stake in Dec, currently 7% up.Devro - just not convinced that this has a 'moat' around it or has a barrier to entry for other companies. Having said that, it might just be a great takeover target exactly because it has a market lead and might be a great pick up for some large behemoth. One to 'watch'.TEVA - Would be a great one, but all I am using now is my ISA allowance, which means this is a no-invest for me :-(GVC Holdings - seems too risky + can't be bought in an ISA :-(Punts - checked them all out - not my bag personally.
only 2 are of interest and on a watch list, but not time to buy now.
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Home » Sci Fi & Fantasy » Alan Saunders » Antola's Saga
Antola's Saga
Book One of the Chronicles of the S.U.N.
On Terra—an earthlike planet in an alternate dimension—life is about to change forever. The Merged One has arrived. It is a creature of unimaginable power and inscrutable motivations, and nothing can stand in its path and survive. Suddenly, everything that was once certain becomes the great unknown. An air of panic and fear swirls uncontrollably through the Terran society, and now no one can be trusted. In a blending of science fiction, fantasy, and horror, this bizarre new world is explored from both within and without. In the far-distant future of a world very much like our own—but simultaneously completely alien and mysterious—the people of Terra must now band together if they have any hope for survival. But when even hope is consumed by the Merged One, what is left? Welcome to the worlds of the Chronicles of the S.U.N., a twisted journey through time and space in which one possible future is examined—and threatened by extinction.

subset: commoncrawl


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Seven perfect scores were recorded in the third week of the Jamestown Area Wednesday Night Men's Pool League.
Bobby Holland, Steve Hinkley, Joe Wetzel, Kevin Patterson, Vern Wielandt, Dan Smith Jr. and John Robbins delivered perfect 24s.
Team-wise, Crescent Inn I beat Crescent Inn II, 127-114; Road House I over Road House II, 131-109, and Fifth Wheel defeated Anderson's, 126-114.
Dugan's and Cadili's drew a bye.
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There were 10 perfect totals in week four of the Jamestown Area Tuesday Night Men's Pool League.
Jamie Eaton, Matt Peterson, Ralph Tidd, John Walker, Brian Gibbs, Scott Meacham, Chuck Meacham, Rick Elardo, Vern Wielandt and O. Acevedo shot 24s.
The Q prevailed over Crescent Inn, 121-116; Goodtime Saloon and Road House tied at 123-123; Falconer Moose I downed Dash Inn, 131-123; The Bar overwhelmed Cadilli's, 131-98; Patsy's topped The Swamp, 130-119; Dugan's took Waddington's, 126-115 and Falconer Moose II came away with a 124-120 decision over VVA.
Puzzle Lounge and Crescent II failed to report a score.


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Q. My son has been unemployed for over a year. I paid off two credit card bills for him for a negotiated settlement offer that came from a collection agency. He received two tax forms from the collection agency which indicate that he is going to have to pay income taxes on the forgiven part of the balance. Is that right?
A. Debt settlement has become a popular approach to resolving problem debts without having to file bankruptcy. With this approach, creditors agree to accept a portion of what you owe and the remaining balance is forgiven.
"As with anything, there is no free lunch, and creditors are required to report canceled debts to the IRS on Form 1099-C when the canceled balance is $600 or greater," said Andrew Novick, a certified financial planner with Condor Capital Management in Martinsville.
That means the IRS will consider forgiven debt to be taxable income.
He said the tax consequence of settling debts is typically just a minor issue.
First, Novick said, the total of what your son paid the creditor, plus any taxes, will still be much less than what he owed to begin with. Second, the great majority of people who settle their debts are not required to pay taxes on the forgiven part of the balance because of the "insolvency" rule, described in IRS Publication 908.
"Basically, 'insolvent' is having a negative net worth — liabilities are more than assets,'' he said. "The type of debtor that is able to negotiate a reduction in their debt is often also insolvent.''
The 1099-C may come from the original creditor, or if it was purchased by a collection agency, from the debt collector.
It doesn't really matter how much the debt buyer paid for the debt. Instead, the relevant question is how much debt was forgiven, said Gerri Detweiler of Credit.com. In the case of credit card debts, that amount may include interest and penalties.
Your son should calculate whether he meets the IRS standards for insolvency — simply determining whether his liabilities were greater than his assets at the time the debt was settled.
Detweiler offers this example: Let's say his assets at the time he settled were $500 and his debts totaled $5,000. He would be insolvent to the tune of $4,500, and he probably would not have to pay taxes on any amounts forgiven up to $4,500.
To demonstrate to the IRS that he was insolvent when he settled, he will have to fill out Form 982 and include it with his tax return, she said. But note that this is a complex form, and he should use a tax professional to make sure it's filled out accurately so he can minimize or eliminate any additional tax liability.
"It's bad enough to owe a credit card company, but much worse to owe the IRS,'' she said.
—Karin Price Mueller
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Gainesville's creeks and waterways are an integral part of the natural environment and character of our community. Take the opportunity to recognize the contributions which the creeks and waterways make every day to our health, safety, comfort, and quality of life and the blessings they bestow on us, our lives, and the heritage we pass on to our children . Join your community in celebrating our creeks by taking part in a creek clean-up, by visiting one in Gainesville's beautiful nature parks, and by taking steps to protect these precious resources.
To learn more about water resources in Alachua County, visit our partner site www.alachuacountywater.org!
Did you know that Gainesville's creeks are all part of the Orange Creek Basin? A group made up of local governments, businesses and citizens has worked togehter to create an Orange Creek Basin Management Action Plan (BMAP) to address pollutants in our watersheds. The BMAP presents management actions and options for addressing high bacteria levels in Hogtown Creek, Sweetwater Branch, and Tumblin Creek and too many nutrients in Alachua Sink, Orange Lake, Newnans Lake, and Lake Wauberg. The plan was developed to address pollutant loading targets (also called Total Maximum Daily Loads) developed by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for these waterbodies. The final draft of the Orange Creek BMAP is available - click here to download the BMAP. For more information on the Total Maximum Daily Load program, see Gainesville Clean Water Partnership.
Artwork by Jan Adkins
Elvis Otter is alive and well in Alachua County! Watch Elvis Otter and the Creekside Gang Movie now !
Water is our most precious resource and YOU are the solution to water pollution - so help keep our local waters clean by following a few simple steps.
Who is gainesvillecreeks.org?
Gainesvillecreeks.org is your source of information on the interdependent creeks, watersheds and wetlands in Gainesville, Florida. Learn how our community cares for water through stormwater management, and learn how you can help keep your local waterways beautiful and healthy.Learn more about the Gainesville Clean Water Partnership.
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Syracuse, NY -- Syracuse police say they plan to discuss their investigation into the May 31 homicide on Fage Street at a news conference Tuesday morning.
Police have been investigating the death of Arthur D. Bullock, 54, since he was shot at 142 Fage Ave. Officers have said the shooting happened in the home. Bullock later died at a local hospital.
Neighbors said Bullock had lived on Fage Avenue for many years, and was well-liked. They also described him as a handyman.
After the homicide, police said one or two suspects shot Bullock. They also said suspect information was limited, and declined to say whether the victim knew the suspects.
Bullock was the 10th person murdered in Syracuse this year. Since then, there have been three more homicides.
On June 2, Andre Rossario-Claudio, 21, died after he was shot in front of 118-120 Sabine St., across the street from he lived with his grandparents. His younger brother, Edgardo, also was shot, but is expected to recover. Two men -- Maximino Alvarez, 26, and Efrain Santos, 29, -- have been charged with Rossario-Claudio's murder.
On June 23, Corey Hill, 33, was killed inside 128 Steuben St. by the estranged husband of a co-worker. The husband, George Alfred Jr., has been charged with murder.
On July 2, Jermaine L. Davis, 36, was stabbed to death by two strangers who felt he didn't belong in the neighborhood near Pioneer Homes. Davis was in the 1100 block of South Townsend Street, heading to a relative's house when he was killed. Two men --
Dondre L. Cannon, 18, and Daywon J. Adair, 22, -- have been charged with his murder.
No arrests have been made yet in Bullock's death.


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By BARNETT SHEPHERD
The cultural landscape of our beloved and battered Staten Island has seen remarkable improvement in the years since the fall of 1972, when I came to live here.
Despite Hurricane Sandy's fury, our built environment and our natural environment stand in testimony of our resilience. Witness the Greenbelt, Snug Harbor Cultural Center, Historic Richmond Town, Alice Austen House, restored Roosevelt Boardwalk, Fort Wadsworth Overlook, new ferry terminals, 9/11 Monument and St. George Theatre.
We now have over 100 designated New York City Landmarks and three Historic Districts. Many Staten Island sites are listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
The preservation of the historic environment is vital to the success of our community. In these past 42 years, I have also seen the destruction and defacement of many historic buildings.
The storefront, residence and barn standing at 848 Castleton Avenue, West Brighton, since 1900 are in danger of demolition.
The Preservation League of Staten Island will hold a vigil on the sidewalk in front of the building every Saturday from 1-2 p.m., beginning on March 2. Everyone interested in preserving our historic environment is invited to join us.


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- The Jefferson Parish Council has scheduled a special meeting Thursday (May 9) at 10 a.m. to rehash the failure of two property tax renewals at the polls. Some officials think the taxes actually expired last year, calling into question their presentation to voters as renewals.
- Although the federal investigation of River Birch Inc. ended without the owners being charged with crimes, WWL television has determined that the landfill company paid $250,000 to a company with ties to former Parish Councilman Byron Lee. Four years later, Lee voted to give the company a $160 million contract to accept almost all of Jefferson's household garbage.
Tax failure handwringing, Byron Lee questions in Jefferson Parish politics links
Byron Lee.jpg
Byron Lee, former Jefferson Parish Council member (The Times-Picayune archive)


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Final steps for the first new high school in the Catholic Diocese of Charleston in more than 50 years are being taken.
John Paul II Catholic High School, which will be built on a roughly 70-acre tract of Diocese property on S.C.
A lawsuit was filed by two Hardeeville parents against the Jasper County School Board of Trustees in an attempt to halt the Jasper County school consolidation.
In a Democratic primary runoff Tuesday, Jasper County residents voted to keep Gregory Jenkins as sheriff. Jenkins took 52.03 percent of the vote, while his opponent, Sam Woodward, garnered 47.97 percent.
Jasper County Council approved a trimmed down budget, but kept the deputy county administrator position in tact.
Despite a year of arguments over the position, the position will not be cut from the FY2013 budget.
Beth McNeer wants Jasper County to know of the importance of libraries. So do the libraries' thousands of users.
Jasper County Council will meet Thursday at 3:30 p.m. in a special called committee meeting to discuss the tax rates in the county. The public is invited to attend, but no questions or comments will be allowed.
Jasper County's new deputy county administrator says he's ready for the job.
George Hood, a 69-year-old retiree and Jasper County resident since 1994, said his time as an administrator at various schools has prepared him.
Tim Czura is not a man who minces words. As the owner of T.C. Realty of the Low Country, Inc., Czura has seen a lot of changes in Jasper County, but he says the past few years have taken a heavy toll on commercial properties.
Three killed in wreck; one charged with felony DUI
Three men were killed Wednesday night after a wreck at the intersection of Highways 321 and 601, 15 miles north of Ridgeland.
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Michael N. Castle
- Party
- Republican
- Latest Office Sought:
- US Senate, DE
- Lobbying Activity
- See also: Lobbyist profile for Michael N. Castle
Michael "Mike" Newbold Castle (born July 2, 1939) is the former U.S. Representative for Delaware's At-large congressional district, serving from 1993 until 2011. He is a member of the Republican Party.
Source: Wikipedia
Some of this data may be out of date
State influence data from the National Institute on Money in State Politics changed in format and availability during the 2013-2014 election cycle. While we work to integrate their new style of data release, state-level campaign finance data for the 2014 cycle and beyond will be unavailable. We apologize for the inconvenience, but heartily recommend trying out their snazzy new site at FollowTheMoney.org!
Campaign Finance$8,759,692 Received
Figures are based on itemized contributions reported to the Federal Election Commission and state agencies. Please note that:
- contributions under $200 are not reported, and so are not included in totals.
- only contributions from individuals and organizations to candidates are included. Various accounting measures and more exotic contribution types are excluded.
- contributions are matched based on organization and recipient name reported within each election cycle. Contributions using an incorrect or non-standard version of the name may be missed.
- corporate name changes and mergers may cause figures to differ from those of the Center for Responsive Politics.
- organization totals include known subsidiaries of the organization.
For more information, please see our campaign finance methodology page. Lobbyist bundling data is described on our lobbyist bundling methodology page.
state-level data is not available in bulk for 2014. for current state data, browse http://followthemoney.org/
Top IndustriesOpenSecrets.org and FollowTheMoney.org classify contribution data into about 100 industries.
In State vs. Out of Statecontributions from individuals, in dollars
Individuals vs. PACsin dollars
Top Contributors
- PAC Color Block
- Organizations' PAC(s)
- Employee Color Block
- Associated Individuals
Bundled Lobbyist ContributionsLobbyists and lobbying firms that raised money from multiple donors on behalf of the politician. Contributions from the lobbyist or firm itself are not included.
Bundler Amount H. P. Goldfield, Albright Group $20,300


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Interested in financing an energy efficiency, renewable energy or water efficiency project? Use this interactive tool to find PACE programs in your area. (Not familiar with PACE? Skip to the FAQs.)
Step 1. Choose your building type
Step 2. Type in your address/jurisdiction or click on the map below.
If you live in an unincorporated area, select your county. Each jurisdiction approves its own PACE program(s).
|PACE Provider
|Contact Info
| (844) 589-7953
CaliforniaFIRST is an innovative partnership between your county government and a private financing company that allows you to receive upfront funding for energy efficiency, renewable energy and water efficiency improvements for your home or business -- and to repay through your property taxes over the course of up to 20 years.
|Ygrene Works
| (916) 444-9700
Sacramento is becoming a hub of clean technology and economic growth. Ygrene provides financing to residential and commercial property owners for renewable energy and energy efficiency upgrades. Financing is repayable over the long term via property taxes, making projects profitable – an innovative approach that unlocks massive job creation, economic stimulus and environmental impact potential. It's easy to participate for contractors and building owners alike, and the program's web tools lay out the process so all stakeholders know where they stand.
|Figtree PACE
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Solar, HVAC, Roofing, Lighting, Windows, and other energy efficiency or water conservation improvements can be funded through the Figtree program.
|Green Finance San Francisco
| (415) 355-3761
As part of Energy Upgrade California, owners of commercial properties (including nonprofit-owned and multifamily rental properties with five or more units) in San Francisco have access to GreenFinanceSF, an innovative financing program that uses Property
|HERO Program - Residential
| (855) 437-6411
Communities across California offer HERO to eligible homeowners for energy efficient upgrades and improvements such as solar, HVAC, windows, roofing, water savings products and more.
|Los Angeles County PACE program
| (877) 785-2237
firstname.lastname@example.com, firstname.lastname@example.com
PACE is available to Los Angeles County commercial, industrial and multi-family property owners to fund on-site energy efficiency, renewable energy and water-saving improvements.
|mPower Placer
| (877) 396-7693
mPOWER is a regional program to promote more efficient use of water and energy, enable property owners to reduce energy costs, and strengthen our local economy through job creation. All residential, commercial, industrial, agricultural, or multi-family residential (5 units or more) property owners located in any of Placer County's incorporated cities or towns, the unincorporated areas of Placer County, or the City of Folsom who receive a secured property tax bill are eligible to apply.
|Clean Energy Chula Vista
| (877) 819-4736
Clean Energy Chula Vista, managed and funded by Ygrene, provides 100% financing to commercial and residential property owners for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements. Financing is repayable over the long term through your property tax bill.
|Sonoma County Energy Independence Program
| (707) 565-6470
The Sonoma County Energy Independence Program provides money to finance energy efficiency, water conservation, and renewable generation improvements to existing homes and business properties.
| (877) 819-4736
Any energy-saving or renewable energy-producing improvement that is permanently affixed to the property is eligible for funding through PACE. Eligible project groups include energy efficiency retrofits, water conservation measures, and renewable energy generation systems.
|mPOWER Folsom
| (877) 396-7693
mPOWER Folsom enables local residential and business property owners save money by reducing energy costs.
| (855) 431-4400
The AllianceNRG ProgramTM offers commercial and residential property owners across California financing for energy efficiency improvements, renewable generation projects, water conservation measures, seismic strengthening and electric vehicle charging infrastructure
|LA County PACE - CaliforniaFIRST
| (877) 785-2237
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is a financing option available to Los Angeles County property owners fund energy efficient, water-saving and renewable energy upgrade projects through an assessment on their property tax bills.
|LA County PACE - HERO Program
| (877) 785-2237
Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) financing is a financing option available to Los Angeles County property owners fund energy efficient, water-saving and renewable energy upgrade projects through an assessment on their property tax bills.
|Clean Energy CV Upgrade
| (877) 819-4736
Clean Energy CV Upgrade, managed and funded by Ygrene, provides 100% financing to commercial and residential property owners for energy efficiency, renewable energy, and water conservation improvements. Financing is repayable over the long term through your property tax bill.
|HERO Program - Commercial
| (855) 228-8224
The Commercial HERO Program finances renewable energy projects plus eligible energy efficiency and water conservation products for all types of commercial properties.
|CSCDA Open PACE
| (800) 531-7476
CSCDA's Open PACE program is a turnkey resource for residential and commercial property owners to finance energy efficiency, renewable energy and water conservation. CSCDA developed qualification criteria to select PACE Program Administrators to be included in the CSCDA Open PACE platform.
|PACE Funding
| (844) 873-7223
The Commercial HERO Program finances renewable energy projects plus eligible energy efficiency and water conservation products for all types of commercial properties.
To see a list of all PACE providers in California, visit our Clean Energy Financing Programs page.
Frequently Asked Questions on PACE
What is property assessed clean energy financing?
Property assessed clean energy, or PACE, financing allows property owners to fund energy efficiency, water efficiency and renewable energy projects with little or no up-front costs. With PACE, residential and commercial property owners living within a participating district can finance up to 100% of their project and pay it back over time as a voluntary property tax assessment through their existing property tax bill.
Why use PACE financing?
First, by offering up to 100% financing on qualifying improvements, PACE can eliminate the need to pay out of pocket for your project. Second, depending upon the type of improvements installed, repayment may be amortized for a period of up to 20 years, keeping your monthly payments low enough that your utility savings may exceed your payment, creating a net positive cash flow. Third, the interest may be tax deductible. Finally, because PACE ties the loan to the property and not an individual, the loan may transfer upon sale or refinancing of the property. In other words, you may not need to be concerned about recouping the cost of your improvements if you decide to sell the property before the loan is repaid.
Who can take advantage of PACE?
PACE financing is only available to property owners in certain cities or counties that have adopted a program. In general, PACE programs offer competitive financing terms to property owners with at least some equity in their home or business and have not been delinquent on their property tax or mortgage payments. For further details concerning property eligibility (residential, commercial and municipal) and financing terms, contact the individual PACE provider in your area.
Which property types can access PACE?
PACE financing can be used for residential, commercial or municipal properties, depending on what has been authorized by the local jurisdiction. Publicly owned or non-profit property owners should contact the local commercial PACE provider in your area.
Which cities and counties have PACE programs?
Click on the map to see which cities and counties have authorized PACE. (County PACE programs are available only to unincorporated parts of the county.) Many jurisdictions are working to bring PACE to their area, so be sure to check back for updates.
What products and improvements can be financed with PACE?
Eligible products that can be financed with PACE may vary by individual PACE providers and administrators. In general, most products that can be permanently affixed to a property and reduce on-site electric, gas or water consumption will be considered eligible. Some examples include attic insulation; heating, ventilation and air conditioning replacements; solar photovoltaic and thermal systems; and low-flow toilets. For questions regarding specific product eligibility, contact the individual PACE provider in your area. Often, your project must be performed by a contractor participating in the PACE program to be eligible.
What is the history of PACE in California?
In California, the first commercial and residential PACE programs were established in 2008.
The residential programs soon encountered a significant hurdle. The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) was concerned that residential PACE assessments had a lien status superior to that of existing mortgages underwritten by Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. This meant that, in the event of a default, any outstanding PACE assessments (though not the entire amount financed) would be paid off before other liens such as first deeds of trust.
In 2010, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac stated that they would no longer purchase mortgage loans secured by properties with outstanding PACE loans. This effectively stopped residential PACE programs, with the exception of a few pilot programs.
Since 2010, a number of developments have facilitated a resurgence of residential PACE programs in California – including the passage of state legislation (SB 555), the implementation of legal instruments to address FHFA concerns and disclose the consequence a PACE lien can have on an existing mortgage, and the establishment of a PACE loss reserve program. Many cities and counties now have PACE programs for all three sectors (residential, commercial and municipal).
For more details, read Residential and Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (PACE) Financing in California, a report prepared for CSE under the U.S. Department of Energy's Rooftop Solar Challenge Program.
The Department of Energy (DOE) published Best Practice Guidelines For Residential Pace Financing Programs (updated 7/16/16), which provides additional insight into effective PACE program design and consumer protection.
How do I get started with PACE?
View the map to check if your jurisdiction has a PACE program or view the provider list for contact information for PACE provider(s).
For questions on PACE contact Ryan Carney.
Are there any financing options beside PACE programs?
Visit our Clean Energy Financing Programs page.


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DSGi crosses fingers on new store format
Struggling retailer DSG International (DSGi) is hoping the overhaul of its computer and electrical barns will help turn its fortunes around after it was hit with an unfavourable tax ruling by HMRC. The company said today that its new store formats for Currys and PC World in the UK pulled in gross profits between 15 per cent …
Barmy City
"Shares in DSGi, which is Europe's second biggest electrical retailer, are currently trading up 9.59 per cent at 20.00 pence following the firm's optimistic strategy update"
Either a barmy public or a barmy city. If you want to pay a premium and buy from a retail outlet, you want advice from the retailer. You don't want some youth who has an ICT GCSE grade B advising me for a 10% uplift in price.
Lower Prices
Lower the prices in the stores would be good as well to compete with online stores.
And sell people PCs who just want a pc not half a dozen extra bits they will never use!!!
Couldn't happen to a nicer sales group......
"the firm revealed sales had gone into reverse at its computer retail business."
So does that mean that the PC World are now paying the public way over the market value for knackered old shite? Seems only fair after years of the reverse process......
So Steve - your recipe for retail success is to sell fewer items at a lower price? The shareholders would love that cunning plan.
Crosses Fingers
"DSGi crosses fingers on new store format "
I'm surprised. Normally they just flick the middle one up at customers and staff alike (unless they're the board-member-staff-types).
DSGi is, and probably will remain, a haven for the uninitiated to purchase over-priced tat from undertrained monkeys.
bye bye
*wavies to pc world*.. what a pity.... *grins*.
@Lower Prices
"Lower the prices in the stores would be good as well to compete with online stores."
They assume that until you've bought a computer, you can't access the online stores. So there's no need to compete with them.
Even Paris could work that out.
PC World Salesmen
Have you ever noticed how you get ignored in PC World until the exact moment that you shove something onto your trolley, then all of a sudden a member of staff appears and offers to put it through the till for you?
If I was a cynic, I'd say that their customer service was directly proportional to the amount of commission available to the staff. Lucky I'm not a cynic.
Don't lower the price increase the quality.
Not sure what the new stores are like but 2 years ago I worked on the help desk of a PCW (very easy money for a student).
The model was to make bugger all or even a lose of the PC's and make up for it by selling lots of paper, warranties and other crap. Most of those PC's and laptops you see have almost no margin.
They need to get their heads out of there ass and fire all the shit managers. It's full of shit managers because they have a policy of only recruiting from within the company. So in most cases the shop managers used to be sales people. It's not a good model, it means there are no new ideas or fresh blood. It almost means most of the time they do not know how to think for themselves. I remember one who couldn't get his head around the idea that when your fixing PC's all day you don't have the time or opportunity to sell warranties.
They should also take the focus away from selling warranties with PC's and realize they shouldn't give a crap if they don't have the cheapest on the market they should just get the best quality and advertise them as an internet machine, a games machine and a business machine and stop blinding the customers (and sales people) with meaningless specs.
There also needs to be more people who have been trained to float around the accessories area and talk about routers, USB hubs etc to encourage the very easy quick sales with high margins and at the same time reducing the HUGE return rates because the customer doesn't know what they need.
And fire the employees who turn up drunk or stoned from the previous night.
Big jump needed
They need to stop pressure selling software and extended warranties to get me back in there, and training their staff to recognise something more detailed than a cardboard box would really help them!
Their stores are barns full of box shifting sales morons. They should just shut up shop and do us all a massive favour.
business plan
Stop Lying to customers
stop selling people stuff they dont need
lower prices
to all the idiots with no idea how a business works
"Lower the prices in the stores would be good as well to compete with online stores." <-- great idea, reduce the profuit margin, how do you make your money how, how do you pay the staff who give advice (somethign online stores don't have) come, lets see a business plan!
"And sell people PCs who just want a pc not half a dozen extra bits they will never use!!!" <-- counteracts your previous point, most of the cheap pc world pcs are sold at a loss already.
Get some business sense please k thanks and remmeber , if you are reading this, its highly likely you are not pc worlds target market!
They just dont get it
As customers we want knowledgable sales staff unlike the current crop of youfs - not fancy stores.
To be fair to them on pricing their online store can be a reasonable way of getting same day collection of much needed electrical gadgets the you just *need* on a saturday
TV World
If my local PC World is anything to go by then "New Format" means a PC World and a Currys next door to each other, both of which devote at least 50% of their floor space to LCD TVs.
PC World Business
I know I am in the minority, and it may be that I have struck it very very lucky, but at the company I work for we have a PC World Business account, and the account manager there (in our local store) is knowlegable, and not pushy, and will adjust the margins when we get quotes. usually for most to the IT kit we buy, he is cheaper than 2 other major channel suppliers we also use.
however if it were not for our account manager I would certainly not use them, for anything.
just goes to show that 1 man can make a difference...
Sort out Customer Service
I think it's good that DSG are trying to keep at least some high-street (/retail park) presence and revamping their stores accordingly, but the main reason I don't shop in any of their outlets is the appalling customer service. If something goes wrong with anything you buy from Currys/Dixons/PC World, then you are in for a world of pain trying to get it repaired/replaced/refunded.
Whereas, if I buy from (e.g.) Debenhams, or Comet, I know that my problem will be dealt with sympathetically and efficiently. I'll happily pay a 5% mark-up for that!
They're pretty good...
they get my vote on reasonable prices, I recently brought an Eee Box there and it was cheaper than any of the usual sites i purchase from.
One of the worst retailers
.. issues a warning about profits.... No shit!
A fool and his money are easily parted, the only reason this company didn't go BANG years ago.
The company I work for is part of an international group and PCW are our direct competitors.
Anyway. We work hard for excellent customer service and excellent technical support pre & post.. We would rather sell the customer what they need and have a happy customer rather than selling them what they don't and having a grumpy customer.
It works for us. We get repeat business and a good rep.
I can't wait until PCW and teh rest bugger off and die.
Undertrained staff
I think you might find that people who would be knowledgeable enough about the computers and gadgets in the stores generally have better paid jobs elsewhere in the industry. While I'll admit my bias, after all I do work for them, I'll ask you to remember that they're paid just over minimum wage with no commission.
However, you all complain that the service is so crap and that you get served by teenagers... because someone with an IT qualification is totally going to work in retail when they can get a £25k job elsewhere...
Mine's the one with a manual on how to keep one's expectations realistic in the pocket.
@Eric the Girl
Apple make profit. They have educated staff, who are keen. It must be possible.
A new coat of paint...
A new coat of paint on a heap of shit doesn't stop it from still being shit underneath.
Sales in reverse at PC World
That'll be because the nation is becoming more technologically savvy and realises that PC world sells cheap shit at overinflated prices and we haven't started on the abysmal service...
@Anonymous Coward
But do Apple staff get paid minimum wage?
It's hard for Apple not to make profit, their cheapest laptop is £719...
I agree
@They just dont get it - Gordon.
If I need 'bits' over the weekend, I always check out their 'web only prices' and then select 'store pick-up'. Wait 1 hour and drive to the local store and purchase my 'bits'. Really useful for this, otherwise 'box shifting droids'.
@TV World - Gerard.
Same format where I live. Could never understand why they compete on goods/duplicate staff and are next door to one another. Sound business planning? I think not!
. . . so that's why it's 'International'
I used to wonder where Dixons group got its 'international' status from and then of course realised that it's thanks to that model of international online retailing, Pixmania -- the outfit that doesn't seem to abide by UK consumer regs and can only be sued in a French court.
As to the City giving Dixons Group the thumbs up, er, that's supposed to be good news? The City is still largely composed of youfs as mature and sophisticated as those lurking within the staff canteen of the average PCW. If Lehman Bruvvers was still around they'd still think it was wonderful. Or Northern Rock. Or RBS. (The only difference between a bank and an electronics barn is that the money earned in the former is called a "bonus" and at the latter, a "commission". )
Let's hear it for Comet though. For years it seemed mired in the same kind of cavalier disregard of customer needs as Currys. A coupla years back though it underwent a major change for the better.
Where I live, there's a Currys barn next door but one to a Comet barn. Walk in Currys and it's damn near empty. Walk in Comet and it's three or four times busier. The message has clearly gotten through to customers. . . even if it still hasn't dawned on all those City plonkers.
ok then
right, i work for currys.digital, as u are all aware, a part of dsgi
few things, the 'new format', is not shoving a currys and pc world next door to each other, throughout the county in almost every retail park you will have found the above sitting next to each other for years.
i see many of you prefer comet. our main rival they may be, but i have no bad words to say about them, i have a good friend who jumped ship from dixons (as was) to comet, and they havent seen anything in the last 3 years that suggest we are any different, and are both in a big heap of trouble, massive reductions in conversion and bad reports on customer service
this is where we are different, comet (so far) are not addressing this, dsgi are, but in my opinion, most the staff in my stores opinion, and on the dsgi staff facebook, really, really hate the new sales technique we'll call it....all about planting the seed in 'guests' minds, bringing things ti their attention, ten leaving it in there to be mulled over before bringing it back later in a sale...to bring this around, trying to get all staff to change their selling techniques, without any kind of staff feedback at all, is totally wrong, i may even leave or be fired for not using the new sales patter, thas how bad it is
it just realy annoy's me how many people have bad words to say about our company, you may have had bad experiences or received bad customer service somewhere, but that isnt everywhere, we receive a lot of letters from customers wishing to have their good feedback forwarded to head office (for which we never do since we get no recognition) , but its nice to see were doing our jobs well, but to then see the amount of shit people come out with on sites like this, plain and simple, pathetic.....yes we are struggling, but why attempt to kick us when we are down?
and vulcan v5, are you under the assumption that we earn commission??? well, we used to be, 3 years ago....what is it that you do may i ask? i doubt it is working in a sales driven environment, with little incentive, no commission, for minimum pay? but if you like wat you sell, you can get past that, as i do, the only thing that would get me to leave currys would be the pressure of having to work with the new selling techniques, or, that at 23 years old, i want more hours for better pay
DSGi Strong Arming Competition
DSGi is, as many of you will know, a major supplier in the channel as well as a retailer. I work for one of their retail competitors who, like many others, purchases from their B2B end. They recently told us that they'd pull millions of pounds worth of business from us and make life difficult if we didn't stop highlighting the fact that we're cheaper than PC World and Curry's. That's about their only effective means to deal with competition.
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2003 Insignia
- Tech Sheet
- Show Reviews
- Vineyards
Joseph Phelps has been an iconic producer of great Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon for over three decades. That fact jumped out at me when I looked at the 2003 Insignia (30th Anniversary), and I remember that all - with good reason. The 2003 a blend of 84% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Petit Verdot, 3% Merlot and 3% Malbec, aged 24 months in 100% new French oak, is a stunner. Velvety-textured, full-bodied, and opulent with abundant notes of crème de cassis, licorice, incense, flowers and subtle background oak. This rich, impeccably pure, well-balanced Cabernet is just about everything you would want in a world-class red. Drinking well already, it should continue to provide immense pleasure for another 20-25 years. Keep in mind that I once predicted that their 1974 Insignia (the debut vintage) would not last past ten years. I gave it a great review and told readers to drink it up. Well, it's still drinking well at age 39! The 2003 is a staggeringly great Insignia that is performing better now than it did early on - always a sign of great winemaking. (Original score when released in 2006: 94 points)


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In all honesty, Steve Bernier does not know what kind of reaction he will get when he steps onto the Prudential Center ice for the home opener on Jan. 22 against the Philadelphia Flyers.
Do Devils fans see him as their own Bill Buckner, having made a mistake that perhaps cost his team a championship? Or will they forgive and forget a hard-working player who helped get the Devils to the Stanley Cup Finals and then courageously faced the fire after his costly penalty in Game 6 against the Los Angeles Kings?
"I still don't know. I'm hoping for the best," Bernier told The Star-Ledger today. "I'm hoping they understand it's a hockey game. It's a physical game and everything is coming so fast. You want to do the best you can and sometimes you try harder. That's exactly what happened.
"I'm hoping everything is going to go well, that they are going to forget about it and we have another good season. We have a chance to do something good."
There are, undoubtedly, some who still want to blame Bernier, the 27-year-old fourth-line winger, for ending the Devils' chances at a miracle comeback in the Finals. They had lost the first three games in the best-of-seven series, but won Games 4 and 5 to keep their slim hopes alive.
A victory in Game 6 in L.A. would've sent the series back to Newark for a winner-take-all finale, but 10:10 into the first period Bernier ran Rob Scuderi into the end boards. Scuderi was bloodied when his head hit the glass and Bernier was given a five-minute boarding major and a game misconduct penalty.
During the penalty, the Kings scored three power play goals. The game and the season was all but over. The question was whether Bernier's career might be, as well.
"For sure I lost sleep. It was very tough," Bernier recalled. "Not only is it my dream to win the Stanley Cup. It's my teammates' dream, the fans' dream, my family's dream. We were so close. And to have that weight of the hit after which they scored three goals on the power play is not fun.
"I'd do it differently if I had a chance, but I don't have that chance."
His teammates and coaches rallied around Bernier, assuring him they didn't blame him for what happened.
"I think I addressed it that night briefly with him," coach Pete DeBoer said. "My thought walking out of that rink, and I believe every player on our team had the same opinion, was we laid no fault at his feet for that. At the end of the day he was asked to do what we had asked him to do the entire playoffs. Get in on the forecheck and finish your hits. It was an unfortunate play."
The support meant a lot.
"For sure. When something like that happens you don't think about yourself. You think about other people and what they think," Bernier said. "When somebody comes to you and tells you you did something good on the ice but things happen, it is very important. Lou (Lamoriello) signing me right after that was a big plus and a big confidence boost. The last thing I need to do is be scared of hitting people on the ice."
Lamoriello made it a point not to make Bernier wait until free agency on July 1 before signing him to a two-year deal at $775,000 per season.
"There wasn't even a question. In fact, I was aggressive in actually trying to get him signed right away to show him that we appreciated who he is and what he did," the GM said. "He deserved to be rewarded with a contract. That play could happen at any time. It happened in that game. I don't want him to change the way he plays under any circumstances."
This brief training camp and the first few games of the season are important for Bernier, to re-affirm his place on the team and to get past the Game 6 incident for which he hopes he will not be remembered.
Rich Chere: email@example.com; twitter.com/Ledger_NJDevils


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Sorry but this is not Halo 2 this time they had enough time to make the game, the graphics look great, they got to make a better story and the multilayer looks great.
But lets say ti did fail, then the 360 would be dead and the Wii would win with no problems but this wont happen and thats good. I want both systems to be great so I get more great games.


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The prospects will undergo the usual battery of physical examinations, X-rays, orientation, interviews, measurements, media sessions, psychological tests, more interviews more psychological tests and then finally – physical workouts.
Below is the workout schedule for each position along with a list of the familiar faces hoping to raise their stock in preparation for the NFL Draft April 28-30.
Workouts will be televised by NFL Network and repeated throughout the day starting at 6 a.m. for each session.
Specialist. None from Oregon.
Offensive linemen and tight ends.
Julius Thomas (6-5, 251), tight end, Portland State: The former basketball player played one season of football at Portland State but that was enough to impress NFL scouts with his potential. Thomas caught 29 passes for 453 yards and two touchdowns last season. He scored a touchdown and two-point conversion in last month's East-West Shrine Game. He's projected to be a seventh-round pick.
Jacquizz Rodgers (5-7, 192), running back, Oregon State: Rated as the sixth-best running back in the Draft, Rodgers is projected to go in the second or third round. Rodgers rushed for 3,714 yards and 46 touchdowns in three seasons at OSU.
Quarterbacks, wide receives and running backs.
Jeff Maehl (6-1, 185), wide receiver, Oregon: Maehl tied the Ducks' all-time touchdown reception record with 24. He's the 36th-ranked wide receiver in this class and projected to be a seventh-round pick or an undrafted free agent.
Owen Marecic (6-0, 246), fullback, Stanford/Jesuit High School (Portland): Rated as the top fullback in the draft, Marecic is projected to be selected in the fourth round. He also played linebacker at Stanford.
Defensive linemen and linebackers
Casey Matthews (6-1, 232), linebacker, Oregon: The Ducks leading tackler looks to follow his older brother, Green Bay linebacker Clay Matthews into the NFL. While Clay is a former first-round pick, Casey is rated as the seventh-best inside linebacker in the draft and projected to be a fifth-round pick.
Brandon Bair (6-6, 274), defensive end, Oregon: Bair is a projected sixth-rounder as the 18th-rated defensive end in the draft. Bair can improve his stock by demonstrating improved speed, something he is perceived to be lacking enough of to play defensive end in the NFL.
Defensive backs
No participants from the state of Oregon.
All players will have a second chance to impress scouts at their school's respective Pro Days. Here's the dates for those events:
PSU: Mar. 9
UO: Mar. 10
OSU: Mar. 11


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Monthly Archives: March 2011
Extended audio: Roger Schmidt
Roger Schmidt, executive director of Alaska Arts Southeast, presented to the Sitka Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday (3-9-11).
With 90 days to go, Camp "leverages heart" to rebuild SJC
The boards are off the windows on the historic Sheldon Jackson Campus in Sitka. Roger Schmidt, the executive director of Alaska Arts Southeast, says his organization plans to have the former college ready to house five hundred students and eighty staff when the Sitka Fine Arts Camp opens on June 1st. Schmidt told the Sitka Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday that the campus was on a ninety-day plan.
Bears stymied by chained trash can
There are some modifications to be made, but a new bear-resistant trash can tested Wednesday in Sitka appears to be a success. That's the word from city and state officials who watched as two captive brown bears took a crack at breaking into one of the cans.
Coolers advance SE mammal research
For the past few weeks, listeners to public service announcements in Sitka may have been wondering why a local scientist is collecting old coolers and ice chests. Jon Martin, an assistant professor of Biology at the University of Alaska Southeast is NOT hosting the biggest tailgater of all time. Martin and colleagues at the University of New Mexico are compiling a genetic database of Southeast mammals, to learn how living on isolated islands may alter a species over time.
Appeal uncertain in Tongass 'roadless rule' decision
It's unclear whether the federal government will appeal a judge's decision to apply the roadless rule to Southeast Alaska's Tongass Forest. A federal judge on Friday lifted an exemption to the nationwide logging-limiting rule that had been in place since the Bush administration. Plaintiffs say the ruling will protect fishing and tourism jobs. Critics say it will hurt the timber industry, as well as mining and hydropower development.
Dove Island letter to city ordered released
The city of Sitka will be required to release a confidential letter from Dove Island Lodge's attorney, under a decision announced today in Sitka Superior Court.
Commentary: Time to reconsider Long-Range planning
I'm Mim McConnell, and this is my opinion. This is about Sitka's long-range planning process. I became a member of the Long-Range Planning and Economic Development Commission in 2008 and changed my membership to Assembly liaison in 2009. I am presenting this information to you in that current capacity. The Assembly's prevailing opinion on long-range planning is different from my own.
Ridley remembered with more laughter than tears
Friends and family members mourned the passing of Sitka Tribe of Alaska Tribal Council member George Ridley over the weekend, during a ceremony at the Alaska Native Brotherhood Hall.
Commentary: Grant to help preserve wooden boat tradition
I'm Linda Blankenship and this is my opinion: Have you ever noticed how beautiful the old wooden fishing boats are? There are several reasons for this: Their graceful curves are shaped the way wood likes to bend. Also, the low-powered propulsion of the past encouraged slender, smooth hullforms. The fishing boats of Sitka and this region are about the most shapely, elegant and refined in the entire world. The demanding ocean of this area tested boats to the limit and only the best could survive.
Fisherman medevacked after fall from dock
A Sitka man is in critical condition at Harborview Hospital in Seattle after sustaining injuries in a fall off a dock Wednesday (3-2-11) afternoon. Longtime resident and commercial fisherman Jay Clifton was carrying mail down the ladder at Seafood Producers Cooperative when he slipped and dropped the remaining twenty or twenty-five feet into his Carolina Skiff.


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Mr. Gentile is a shareholder in and the chairman of the firm's Government Investigations & Business Crimes Department. Mr. Gentile has represented clients nationwide and internationally and is regarded by his peers as a formidable force in the courtroom. He possesses unequaled expertise in the areas of civil, criminal, securities and commercial fraud investigations and litigation, speech and press issues, and professional licensing and disciplinary matters. Like Gordon Silver, Mr. Gentile's legal roots run deep in Nevada and many of the State's top criminal defense attorneys have been mentored by him.
Mr. Gentile is the founder and publisher of La Voce – the Voice of Las Vegas' Italian-American Community. He is a founder of Nevada Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the Augustus Society, and he served two terms on the Board of Directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has also served two terms as a Governor of the State Bar of Nevada and is a charter and current member of the prestigious Nevada Supreme Court Bench-Bar Committee.
Mr. Gentile was formerly an Associate Dean of the National College of Criminal Defense Lawyers and Public Defenders and is currently an Adjunct Professor of Law for the University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) William S. Boyd School of Law. He has been teaching trial advocacy and trial evidence at law schools throughout the United States for over thirty years.
Mr. Gentile was also named a Best Lawyers "Lawyer of the Year" for Criminal Defense: Non-White-Collar and Criminal Defense: White Collar, Las Vegas in 2012 and 2013.


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Excellent, wouldn't you agree?
(h/t Super Punch)
From Christopher Niemann.
Here's what cities could look like in 10 years
More "The Next 10" »
Brothers share what it was like quitting their corporate jobs to sell ties on the beach and cofound Vineyard Vines, a company worth nearly $1 billion
More "Transformations" »
Available on iOS or Android


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The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency has released a common application for several preschool programs, including Kalamazoo County Head Start, which is for 3- and 4-year-olds in families with incomes below the poverty line; the state-funded programs operated by Kalamazoo County school districts for at-risk 4-year-olds, and KC Ready 4s, a new countywide network that offers high-quality subsidized preschool for low- and middle-income families.
The new system offers a big advantage for families: They only have to fill out one application, and it will make it easier and more likely that they will be placed in a program.
For instance, there are an estimated 1,200 Kalamazoo County children who could qualify for Head Start, which only has about 626 slots. Under the current system, children on a Head Start waiting list are ineligible for programs such as PEEP, the preschool for 4-year-olds run by Kalamazoo Public Schools. The new system will allow for children who don't get into Head Start to be placed in PEEP or similar program.
The goal is to fill the programs by June 1, so parents are encouraged to fill out applications at soon as possible. They can be turned into KRESA's main office at 1819 Milham Road, Portage, 49002. For questions or to obtain an application, call (269) 250-9640.
Click here to download a copy of the common application: preschool.pdf


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Free Subscription & E-newsletter
Diane Pyle, RNC
Hemoglobin, hematocrit and WBC are just the beginning--don't overlook erythrocytes, leukocytes and thrombocytes for important assessment data.
If you don't use it you lose it! That aptly applies to interpreting the complete blood count (CBC) and differential (diff). Most of us are well acquainted with hemoglobin, hematocrit and white blood cells (WBC), but perhaps the rest of those numbers are insignificant to the particular patient being tested ... or are they? What is the meaning of those other components of the CBC and diff?
Blood Components
Blood is made of two major components-plasma and cells. Plasma is the liquid part of the blood in which the formed cells are suspended. The plasma consists of water, plasma proteins (a few of which are serum albumin and globulin and fibrinogen), and other constituents. Plasma makes up more than half of the total blood volume.
The cells are the blood components that will be discussed in this review. Cells of the blood include the erythrocytes, which are the red blood cells (RBC); the leukocytes, which are the WBC; and the thrombocytes, also known as platelets.
Blood cells are produced in the bone marrow by a process called hematopoiesis. Red blood cell production is regulated by erythropoietin, a hormone released by the kidneys. When blood oxygen is low, erythropoietin stimulates the bone marrow to produce more RBCs.
What Does the CBC Test Analyze?
The CBC tests for the amount of RBCs, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration. Usually, platelets will also be checked with the CBC.
Red blood cells: RBCs are the number of erythrocytes in 1 cubic mm of whole blood. The RBC count will be low with iron deficiency, blood loss, hemolysis and bone marrow suppression. Increases may be found when one moves to a higher altitude or after prolonged physical exercise, and can also reflect the body's attempt to compensate for hypoxia. Normal levels in men and women are 4.6 million-5.9 million and 4.1 million-5.4 million, respectively.
Polycythemia vera, a pathologic condition which is a proliferative disease of the bone marrow, causes an increase in total RBCs as well as an elevation in white cells and platelet count. Mild polycythemia may be corrected by increasing vascular fluid volume, while more severe cases require frequent phlebotomies or even radiation or chemotherapy to suppress bone marrow production.
Mature RBCs have a life span of about 120 days. In hemolytic anemia, the cell life span may be shorter. It is important to know this for patients desiring autologous transfusion (receiving one's own blood), as red cell survival may be an issue. A hemolytic anemia patient should seek further medical advice before making an autologous donation.
Autologous transfusions are often considered before surgery to reduce the risk of blood borne infections and transfusion reactions. Patients should deposit their blood up to 6 weeks prior to surgery.
Hemoglobin: Hemoglobin is the oxygen-carrying pigment of red cells. There are millions of hemoglobin molecules in each red cell. This blood component carries oxygen from the lungs to the body tissues. Decreases in hemoglobin occur for the same reasons as decreased RBCs. Normal levels in men and women are 14-18 g/dl and 12-16 g/dl respectively.
Hematocrit: The test for hematocrit measures the volume of cells as a percentage of the total volume of cells and plasma in whole blood. This percentage is usually three times greater than the hemoglobin. After hemorrhage or excessive intravenous fluid infusion the hematocrit will be low. If the patient is dehydrated, the hematocrit will be increased. Normal levels in men and women are 42 percent-52 percent and 37 percent-47 percent respectively.
Reticulocyte: These are the new cells released by bone marrow. The reticulocyte count is therefore used to assess bone marrow function and can indicate the rate and production of RBCs. Normal to slightly elevated reticulocyte counts may occur with anemia demonstrating an underproduction of red cells (such as with iron or folate deficiencies), depending on the staging of the disease. Elevated levels may indicate blood loss or hemolysis. Normal levels are 0.5 percent to 1.5 percent.
Indices measure the average characteristics of the erythrocyte. The indices usually noted include the mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC) and red cell distribution width (RDW).
MCV: This measures the average size of the RBC and can be calculated by dividing hematocrit X10 by RBC count. Normal values are 80-100 fL.
Low values indicate the cells are microcytic (small cells) and are often evident with conditions such as iron deficiency, lead poisoning and the thalassemias. High values greater than 100 fL indicate macrocytic cells (large cells), and are found with such conditions as megaloblastic anemia, folate or Vitamin B12 deficiency, liver disease, post-splenectomy, chemotherapy or hypothyroidism. The MCV can be normal with a low hemoglobin if the patient is hypovolemic or has had an acute blood loss.
MCH: MCH is the average weight of hemoglobin per red cell. Normal level is 27 to 311 picograms (pg) or 28-33 pg, depending on the reference.2
MCHC: MCHC is the average concentration of hemoglobin per erythrocyte. Normal levels can be seen with acute blood loss, folate and Vitamin B12 deficiency; these cells will still be normochromic. Hypochromic or "pale cells" will be seen with conditions such as iron deficiency and the thalassemias. Normal levels are 32 percent-36 percent.1,2
RDW: This index is a quantitative estimate of the uniformity of individual cell size. Elevated levels may indicate iron deficiency or other conditions with a wide distribution of various cell sizes. Normal levels are 11.5 percent to 14.5 percent.1
Platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are small elements formed in the red bone marrow. They are actually fragments of megakaryocyte cytoplasm (precursor cell to the platelet.) Platelets help to control bleeding. There are two means by which platelets are able to do this: one is by forming an occlusion at small injurious openings in blood vessels; and the second by a thromboplastic function which stimulates the coagulation cascade. Both platelet number (measurable by platelet count) and platelet function (not measurable by platelet count) play a role in the effectiveness of the platelet in controlling bleeding. Note that platelet count measures only platelet number, not function.
In the cases of thrombocytopenia, the patient will have decreased platelets and can experience severe bleeding. Thrombocytopenia may occur for many reasons, a few of which are:
Certain conditions also reduce platelet function.
Many conditions can elevate platelet number, a few of which include:
Other conditions may enhance platelet function, a few of which are atherosclerosis, diabetes, smoking and elevated lipid and cholesterol levels. These situations can enhance the patient's chances of developing thrombosis. The normal level of platelets is 150,000-350,000/cubic mm.
White Blood Cells
WBCs, also known as leukocytes, are larger in size and less numerous than red cells. They develop from stem cells in the bone marrow. WBC function involves the response to an inflammatory process or injury. Normal levels of WBCs for men and women are 4,300-10,800/cubic mm.
When the white count is abnormal, the differential segment can measure the percentage of the various types of white cells present. Differential counts add up to 100 percent. The differential usually includes neutrophils, bands, eosinophils, monocytes and lymphocytes.
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Thalassemias and hemoglobinopathies vary by type, location and severity
Neutrophils: The function of neutrophils is to destroy and ingest bacteria. Neutrophils arrive first at the site of inflammation; therefore their numbers will increase greatly immediately after an injury or during the inflammatory process. Their life span is approximately 10 hours, then a cycle of replenishing neutrophils must occur. Besides during inflammation, neutrophils increase with such conditions as stress, necrosis from burns and heart attack. Normal levels range from 45 percent-74 percent.
Bands: These are occasionally referred to as "stabs" and are immature neutrophils which are released after injury or inflammation. The presence of bands indicates that an inflammatory process is occurring. An increase in the release of immature cells is known as a "shift to the left." In the days of written reports, lab personnel would write the bands in the left margin, hence the lasting name some sources claim, which represents an increase of bands or stabs.2 However, other references say the shift to the left refers to the early release of younger white cells such as bands and metamyelocytes from the bone marrow reserve into the blood stream (a shift from the right, meaning mature cells, toward the left of the maturation series, meaning less mature cells). Normal level ranges from 0 percent-4 percent.
Eosinophils: These are found in such areas as skin and the airway in addition to the bloodstream. They increase in number during allergic and inflammatory reactions and parasite infections. Normal blood levels range from 0 percent-7 percent.
Basophils: Called basophils when found in the blood, these cells are also known as "mast" cells when found in the tissues. Tissue basophils are found in the gastrointestinal and respiratory tracts and the skin. They contain heparin and histamine and are believed to be involved in allergic and stress situations. Basophils may contribute to preventing clotting in microcirculation. Normal blood levels range from 0 percent-2 percent.
Monocytes: These cells arrive at the site of injury in about five hours or more.3 The monocytes are phagocytic cells that remove foreign materials such as injured and dead cells, microorganisms and other particles from the site of injury, particularly during viral or bacterial infections. Normal levels, which vary depending on the source, range from 2 percent-8 percent3 to 4 percent-10 percent.2
Lymphocytes: Lymphocytes fight viral infections; B cells and T cells are two major types. Lymphocytes have a key role in the formation of immunoglobins (humoral immunity) and also provide cellular immunity. Normal levels range from 16 percent-45 percent.
Diane Pyle is a labor and delivery nurse at Kennedy Health Systems, Washington Township, NJ, and an RN to BSN student at Widener University.
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Al-Zohaib Textile, which is the largest manufacturer and retailer of women's fashion garments in Pakistan, has already launched several collection for the several seasons and events. Al-Zohaib Textile is all set to provide you another stylish, elegant and beautiful dresses collection. After his release a few months ago Monsoon lawn 2013, Al-Zohaib Textile Festivana Monsoon all set to launch a collection of 2013.
This collection has embroidered fabrics for shirts, printed fabrics for dupattas and plain trouser fabrics in each dress. There are 2VS Textile Summer Lawn 2014 Volume 2 Collection. Read more ... »-3Firdous Summer Lawn Collection 2013 For Women. Read more ... » different colors for each of the designs in Al-Zohaib Textile Monsoon Festivana 2013 collection. Thus, for fabrics for creating stylish clothes, check out Al-Zohaib Textile Monsoon Festivana 2013 collection. Al Zohaib Textiles Monsoon Festivana LawnMonsoon Lawn 2014 Volume.2 by Alzohaib Textiles. Read more ... » will be available from 27th May 2013 on all the leading stores of the country. Let's have a look over the collection believe me ladies it would be hard for your to leave even a single piece of the collection without purchasing.


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Thanks jennf. Time for a trip to Whole Paycheck.
Just wanted to pass the word that WF will have wild-caught Atlantic shrimp on sale tomorrow, October 14 only, for $7.99/lb. Stock up!
Last edited by jennf; 10-13-2011 at 07:02 AM. Reason: add web link
Thanks jennf. Time for a trip to Whole Paycheck.
People too weak to follow their own dreams will always try to discourage others.
Thank you! I went and signed up for their newsletter also.
Positively Radical Pigeonholes are for Pigeons!
I just found out that it's not coincidental, they do something w/ a meat or a fish item every Friday. I'm usually in on a Thursday and there's usually something worth stocking up on, it's the only way to play WF. Today it was organic kale, canned pumpkin and bottom round @ $3.99/# (not grass fed)
Wheat is the new tobacco. Spread the word.
Not to be a buzzkill, but according to Mark's posts on seafood, there really is no benefit to wild caught shrimp vs farm raised shrimp. That goes for oysters, scallops and other filter-feeder types since the farmed habitat is nearly exactly the same as their natural habitat. That being said, if $7.99/lb is a good deal for shrimp, go for it. I don't buy shrimp very much because for that money I can get wild caught coho salmon from Trader Joe's And wild sockeye for $10.99/lb...they raised their price $2/lb
Don't put your trust in anyone on this forum, including me. You are the key to your own success.
this article. I've actually never seen USA farmed shrimp in any of my local markets and the wild-caught shrimp is usually prohibitively expensive.
I got fresh wild caught salmon in another one of these WF deals several weeks ago and am looking forward to mixing it up with some shrimp
Sigh. My shrimp/prawn allergy (which is intermittent and had been dormant for a few years) has returned lately, so as much as I'd love to use this as an excuse to stock up, I'd also have to stock up on allergy meds. For someone who loves shrimp, the return of this allergy is depressing.
My local WF also has a special on sheet cakes today. Needless to say I won't be hitting them up for that, either.
"Sometimes, you need to make sure the angel on your shoulder has a wingman." -Me
My primal log


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Jimmy Carter has a system for signing books. He writes his name with his right hand while looking up at the person who's receiving the book, then slides the book down the table and moves on to the next one. Sign, smile, slide, repeat.
The former president was at his book-signing best Sunday afternoon at Powell's, autographing 1,600 books in a little more than two hours. Most of them were his new book "A Call to Action: Women, Religion, Violence, and Power," but his fans were allowed to buy or bring a total of six copies of any of his 28 books (no memorabilia allowed). Even with time out for breaks and slippage, Carter was signing a book every 10 seconds or so, an amazing physical feat for an 89-year-old.
"Sometimes I cramp up," Carter said with his classic aw-shucks grin. "After about two hours I cramp up. It doesn't hurt your arm, it hurts your shoulder."
Nothing is cramping Carter's style these days. He's been on a media blitz the past couple of weeks, using a combination of relaxed charm and serious policy talk to winning effect on David Letterman, Stephen Colbert, Piers Morgan and anyone else who'll have him. His bookstore appearances have been attracting thousands of fans, and Powell's was stuffed with patient, good-natured people waiting for a few seconds with the former leader of the free world.
Donna Sanders was the first person in line to see Carter, and made friends with Hollister Dixon and his mother Leila Cassidy, who were second and third.
"I don't mind waiting," Sanders said. "I've met a half-dozen of the most interesting people."
"How many opportunities do you get to meet a president?" Dixon asked, a popular feeling among many in line.
Two hours before Carter arrived, the line to meet him snaked through every room in the store. Secret Service agents checked and re-checked the arrangements and dogs sniffed packs and bags in the media waiting area. Carter walked in about 1:45 p.m., looking a little stooped but otherwise healthy and alert. After signing for about 10 minutes, getting the kinks out of the assembly line of books, he stopped and greeted the media, smiling and shaking hands.
" This is my 28th book, and by far the most important I've ever written," Carter said. "I hope you'll read it."
Carter was asked about the problem of sex trafficking, particularly in the Northwest.
"My Carter Center is in Atlanta," Carter said, "and we have the center for sex trafficking in America (in Atlanta) because we have the largest airport in the world and we are down near the southern hemisphere. Girls sell cheap to pimps and brothel owners. You can buy a girl with brown skin for about $1,000, whereas one from the northern part of the world will cost about $2-8,000."
It sounded a little strange to hear a former president and a great-grandfather say "girls sell cheap to pimps and brothel owners," but Carter was just getting warmed up.
"This is a very serious problem all over America. The State Department estimated last year that 100,000 girls were sold into sexual slavery. The only way to do it is what I recommended in the back of the book. Sweden has tried a process that can work anywhere: they don't prosecute the girls; they just prosecute the pimps and the brothel owners and the male customers, and that is working in Sweden, so that's something we could do."
Carter went on to talk about some of the problems with sexual assault in the U.S.
"We also have a terrible amount of sexual abuse on college campuses, including every university in America ... Only about 4 percent of the rapes on college campuses are reported because the presidents of universities and the deans and so forth don't want the reputation of the university to be hurt by saying that sexual assaults are occurring.
"The other place where we have a lot of sex abuse in America is the military. The year before last, the last data we have, there were 26,000 sexual assaults in America in the military alone and only about 300 of them resulted in punishment for the rapist, which is about 1 percent."
Carter was asked why these problems are so persistent.
"Because people look the other way. They don't want to admit that it's going on, and the girls in the brothels or whorehouses, whatever you want to call them, some of them are forced there but the general assumption with your mayor -- who I don't know -- and the city council and the police is that it's something that everybody wants to not see interrupted.
"There's no whorehouse in America that the police on that block don't know what's going on. They see men going in and out and staying for an hour or two. Then they either get bribed or they get sexual favors free or their chief of police and therefore the mayor and city council have said just don't disturb the situation. So it's very bad."
Wayne Havrelly of KGW asked Carter about how religion affects the subjegation of women, and Carter interrupted him.
" The distortion of religion. I happen to be a Christian, and Jesus Christ set a perfect example of treating women equally with men or even superior to men. But some of the interpretations of the Old Testament and New Testament in Christianity -- you could take one verse out of 36,000 or so verses if you're a male-dominant person and prove that wives have to be subservient to their husbands and that kind of thing.
And of course some of our major institutions like the Catholic Church, which I really admire, don't permit women to be priests or be deacons of the church. So a man who wants to abuse a woman -- say, an employer in Portland who wants to pay his female (employees) less for doing the same kind of work -- can say they're not equal in the eyes of God so why should I treat them equally?"
After one more question, Carter said "I'm gonna go sell some books" and went back behind the table. The assembly line cranked up: sign, smile, slide, repeat.
-- Jeff Baker


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Dicentra Spectabilis
A selection of articles related to dicentra spectabilis.
Original articles from our library related to the Dicentra Spectabilis. See Table of Contents for further available material (downloadable resources) on Dicentra Spectabilis.
- Bleeding Heart: Correspondences
- Dicentra spectabilis or D. formosa Folk Names: Gender: Feminine Planet: Venus Element: Water Deity: Power: Love...
Herbalism >> Herbs dictionary B
- Dutchman's Breeches: Correspondences
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Herbalism >> Herbs dictionary D
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- Sandy's Garden ... Bleeding Hearts
- Lamprocapnos, although the specific name … the equivalent of the plant's forename, or Christian name … spectabilis, meaning 'spectacular' … is given to both; and the name by which it used to be universally known … Dicentra spectabilis … is still ...
- Connecticut Garden Journal: Bleeding Hearts
- Its red, pink, or white colored flowers hang down from three- to four-foot-tall plants from cascading branches. The flower shape is a dead giveaway to its common name, bleeding hearts.
- What's in a name, you ask
- Its old Latin name of Dicentra had become a popular common name but is no longer accurate so botanists reclassified it to Lamprocapnos spectabilis.
- Growing beyond hostas: Enliven your shade garden with something new
- "I also love Primula veris (English cowslip) with Lamprocapnos spectabilis (old-fashioned bleeding heart, formerly Dicentra spectabilis) — pink and yellow together is a favorite.
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Every kid loves tacos; they're the only meal they get to make the way they want. Unfortunately, it's been next to impossible to find a set of play food that has the stuff a kid needs to make tacos until now. This Melissa and Doug felt food set is built to last; high quality felt pieces are washable and safe for kids of all ages.
You'll find everything a kid needs to make tacos in this kit. Shells, toppings, and event sauces are included. Your child will have hours of fun with this set. It's perfect for supplementing the food in a play kitchen or as a toy set on its own.


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Dax Shepard, the actor, says goodbye to his father who recently died of cancer at age 62 in a riveting, humorous, and tear-jerking blog post that you need to read.
At a time when the 38-year-old actor seemed to be living every possible dream he could have, in love with the talented gorgeous actress Kristen Bell, the two of them expecting their first child together, and his career both on TV and in the movies in Mach 3 mode, Shepard writes eloquently about the news that his 62-year-old dad, Dave Robert Shepard Sr, a man who had come and gone during Dax's childhood, announced that doctors had found a 'mass' in his neck and how strangely unexpected it was.
But, beyond the shock and awe of a loved one's cancer diagnosis crash landing down upon your daily life, Shepard, who currently appears on NBC's Parenthood, really nails a blunt reality rarely captured when he explains how the days he spent with his dying father in the last few months of his life were, quite frankly, the best days they had ever really shared.
We had a lot of fun together during those four months. We took long car rides through the back roads of rural Michigan. We spent a weekend visiting every single house and apartment the two of us had ever lived in. There were 28 between the two of us. Together we had only shared three of those places: a single-wide mobile home from 0-1 years-old, a small, brick ranch on a few acres in the middle of nowhere from 1-3 years-old, and a modern, middle-class home in a McMansion-ee neighborhood from 15-16 years-old. It was that gap between 3 and 15 years-old that caused most of our issues. He was a selfish asshole, and I lived to hold a grudge, so it was a thoroughly symbiotic pairing.
To be honest, in simply writing his tale, Dax Shepard highlights quite a bit about the conflict so many other people in this world deal with on a daily basis. Those of us who were let down in really big ways by a parent often struggle later in life with re-connecting with them. How do we do it? Do we even want to? But what if they die before we at least try and patch stuff up?
They are tough questions and although I'm not sure that that is really what Shepard was chasing here when he wrote this comical touching account of his final memories with his father, he happened upon it anyway. And, by a blue and cancerous default, he bottled something really kind of meaningful along the way when he wrote:
One of the hidden benefits of cancer is that it can erode grudges the way WD-40 dissolves rust. It just finds it's way into all the nooks and crannies and starts loosening. Before long, the once formidable chip on my shoulder had melded into something the size of a nicotine patch. Apologies were exchanged. Tears were had. Hugs were frequent and lingering. I spent the majority of our time together running my hand lightly over the tiny little hairs peaking out from the back of his soft, bald head. He let me do that for hours. Without any awareness of it at the time, the trips home turned into a proper Alexander Payne Movie. It became one of the more beautiful experiences of my life.
That's food for thought for so many of us caught in that strange Middle Earth between being someone's parent and someone else's kid, huh?
And I am actually really sorry that he had to write it, but at the same time, I'm glad that he did.
Info source and Image : Don't Try (Dax Shepard's blog)


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When most people think of pets that a family in Webster City might keep, their thoughts might go to cats and dogs, fish or small rodents. However, Chris Huseman of Murray McMurray Hatchery said more city-dwellers are choosing to house chickens in their backyard.
Huseman and a couple other speakers from the hatchery hosted a program Thursday evening at Kendall Young Library about their new book, "Chickens in Five Minutes a Day." The book, published about a month ago, discusses the benefits of raising chickens, choosing chickens and how to raise them with a relatively small amount of effort.
"It's a very easy reading book and it's very down to earth," Huseman said. "We really wanted to give the basic nuts and bolts of what you're going to need to home chickens."
The title, according to Huseman, has been criticized by several reviewers online because they say you can't just spend five minutes with your chickens each day. However, Huseman explained the criticism comes from reviewers who feel they want to spend more time with their chickens out of pure interest in them, not from having to do additional work. Once you have a proper home built for the chickens, you can spend just a few minutes each day feeding them.
Bud Wood, also of the Murray McMurray Hatchery, touched on the history of the hatchery that has been hatching chickens since 1917. The presentation included some of the history of raising chickens, which included a World War II flyer about the positives of backyard-raised chickens. While larger, commercial flocks are more common now, Huseman said that smaller operations are coming back in style with celebrities like Martha Stewart and Oprah Winfrey owning backyard coops.
However, many towns and cities have legal restrictions on owning chickens inside their limits. Huseman said this has created communities of closet chicken owners who own coops despite those laws and codes.
"There are very specialized groups of people that even though it might be illegal for them to own chickens, they have them in their city limits and in their yards," Huseman said.
Wood said that he has spoken to the City Attorney of Webster City, Gary Groves, and Groves told him there was nothing on the books about chickens within city limits. However, the hatchery has contacted the city inspection department who cites Chapter 85, Section 85.07 of the city code titled bothersome animals. While the section lists barking dogs, bees, cattle, horses, swine and sheep, the department has interpreted chickens to be a nuisance as well.
"If you want chickens in your backyard, I know there are chickens in Webster City, and I know that if you're responsible and you take care of them, they are not a nuisance," Wood said. "Now, you may not want a crowing rooster, but you don't want a barking dog either."
While chickens are usually thought of as a production or farm animal, Huseman said that many who bring them into their home view them as pets. He said the animals are small in size, low cost, gentle, enjoy human interaction and can help teach children responsibility. Huseman said he and his daughter have worked to raise chickens themselves.
Huseman said that some have taken chickens in as pets more seriously, with leashes and diapers available for chickens. However, the presentation focused on creating an outdoor space for chickens and what the presentation attendees could do to help raise them. The hatchery's book is available online and at Kendall Young Library.


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Luscious reds, purples and pinks on lips, cushions and frocks
– and in my garden . . .
And there are berry shades wherever you look this year – Sweetpeas,
lovely to keep cutting every day and filling all my favourite pottery jugs
Even the spuds want to be purple – 'Edzell Blue'
That's as spectacular as those spuds get – I was seduced by the colour again. I forgot that a) I'd grown them before and they were rubbish; and b) Rebsie's review wasn't that enthusiastic about their culinary qualities either. I decided to use Fiona's recipe, in the hope some of the colour would remain – it didn't. They took ages to cook, frustratingly delaying our supper; and they didn't even taste like new potatoes :-) If anyone can suggest a recipe for small very floury potatoes, I'd love to hear from you.
And, before I go, there are a few hours left for you to enter the opening of my online gallery prize draw. Just leave a comment in the guestbook (lots of you have already done so – thank you so much) and tomorrow I'll draw a name from the hat to receive a selection pack of my cards.
Entry for the raffle is now closed - the draw will be made shortly, with the help of my glamorous assistants . . .
27 minutes ago


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Hartridge's biggest issue with Kurdys was her role in the ouster of Superintendent Marsha Wells.
As part of that, Hartridge decried Kurdys' frequent talking point that test scores are declining in Portage, suggesting that Kurdys was maligning the district's image. He also criticized Kurdys' continual skepticism of administrative recommendations.
"We have an outstanding school district, and our board is taking us down a very destructive and very dangerous path, " Hartridge said during a candidate forum last April. "I think the role of the school board is to be a cheerleader for the district."Hartridge and Tom Eddy went on to crush Kurdys and board President Kevin Hollenbeck in the May 2011 election. The two new trustees took office last summer on the same day that Ric Perry, the district's assistant superintendent for instruction, took over as Wells' interim replacement.
Here is what's interesting: Since joining the school board, Hartridge has voiced views and concerns that are surprisingly reminiscent of Kurdys.
To be sure, their personal style is very different: Hartridge is much more circumspect and much less long-winded than Kurdys. He does not dominate discussion or drag out board meetings with questions, as she tended to do.
Still, it's hard not to see some parallels.
At Saturday's board retreat, for instance, Hartridge was one of the three trustees who wanted to give Perry a one-year versus two-year contract.
In explaining his rationale, Hartridge cited the drop in test scores.
"Ric has been in charge of educational instruction for 11 years; his signature is on that," Hartridge said. "To me, we have seen a decline in that."
And on Monday, it was Hartridge who questioned administration's proposal to purchase new textbooks for English-language arts, suggesting it was math and science where instruction needed to improve.
Actually, it may not be surprising that Hartridge is a school board member willing to challenge administration. It also happened during his previous stint on the board, when he filled a vacancy during the 1999-2000 school year. At the time, Hartridge was president of the Academic Boosters Club, a group pushing for academic reforms in the district.
When Hartridge ran in 2000 to fill the remaining two years of the term, he was defeated by Alan Reiff, who was personally recruited by then-Superintendent Jim Rikkers who viewed Hartridge "as a threat" and wanted him off the board.
Says who? That assertion is on page 220 of a 2008 doctoral dissertation titled "Dissatisfaction theory and superintendent turnover: An exception to the rule." The dissertation, on file at Eastern Michigan University, analyzes a half-century of administrative maneuvering in Portage Public Schools.
The author: Ric Perry.
Julie Mack is a reporter for the Kalamazoo Gazette. Contact her at firstname.lastname@example.com or 269-350-0277, or follow her on Twitter at Twitter.com/kzjuliemack For all posts by Julie Mack, click here.