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Looks like you meant to put 2.0 in the WSP48 column and put 0.2 instead.
Otherwise, really awesome chart. Thanks for putting this together guys!
Mason Ginsberg, Hornets247.com
In order to provide a point of reference for the many advanced statistical categories, we have created a chart that differentiates, by position, the good from the bad.
Below is a chart that attempts to standardize some of the advanced statistical categories to allow people to easily distinguish, in a nutshell, what is good from what is not. If an advanced statistic is referenced with which you are unfamiliar, refer to this post to help determine how to interpret it.
Standardizing Advanced Statistics
When utilizing this guide, remember to look at all statistics in the proper context. For example, the listed levels of assist rate are given with their respective positions in mind; while a 55% AR for a PG would be considered elite, an 18% AR for a center would be almost equally impressive (Marc Gasol had an assist rate right around 20% last season). Similarly, while a DRR of 12% would be considered very bad for a big man, a similar DRR for a guard would actually be viewed as a strong mark by most people (James Harden had a defensive rebound rate of just over 12% last season).
As always, leave any questions in the comments section, and we will be sure to address them as soon as possible.
Looks like you meant to put 2.0 in the WSP48 column and put 0.2 instead.
Otherwise, really awesome chart. Thanks for putting this together guys!
I really like this chart. Can it be stickied?
Emeka Okafor - Joe Smith - Carmelo Anthony - Manu Ginobili - Jason Williams
Al Jefferson - James Posey - Aaron McKie - Shaun Livingston
Mason actually made it after we had a conversation about how people know off-hand that averaging 20 rebounds or 10 points or 10 assists or whatever is good, but when it comes to the more advanced and arguably meaningful statistics, they're largely clueless as to what is excellent and what is terrible. Hopefully this proves to be a nice reference going forward.
audaci favet fortuna (Thanks, Harvey)- Fortune favors the bold.
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Glad people are finding this helpful. Joe, not sure if you can edit the first post, but I corrected the chart to fix the win shares/48 minutes box.
Working on it.
For those interested, here's another site for some more advanced stats plus/minus stuff.
Is this basketball advanced stuff in any recommended book form? I like to learn from a book then poke around websites, at least that strategy worked for me with baseball and sites like fangraphs.
What's better, efg% or ts%?
Looking at Durant last night, he posted a efg% of .425 which would be "poor" but a ts% of .633 which would be "elite."
TS% includes FT%.
It's not a matter of better. The two stats say that he did really well from the line and got there a ton, but his actually shooting while the clock was running was not good, even giving `extra credit' for the threes.
Now to the data . . . 20/21 for 1, 4/10 for 2, 3/10 for 3.
The stats together give you the rough outline of that picture.
"Aime la vérité, mais pardonne à l'erreur." - François-Marie Arouet (Voltaire)
This is a very helpful post.
Everybody should pay attention to this man, joe. Eric gordon follows him on twitter
nba.com has a great tool to compare players' advanced stats.
A couple of observations: AD and Jrue both have "elite" turnover ratios. if i'm reading it right. Makes me excited to see efficient basketball
Bigs usually drop off some their 2nd year, rebound wise. However, AD is above "good" in DReb rate and above average in offensive reb rate. Jrue is "elite". This makes AD at center sound better to me. Anderson in between "poor" and "average", but he doesn't play under the basket much, so it's not tooo concerning.
Last edited by Writhe; 09-24-2013 at 02:52 AM.
Really random request, but I would love if Mason or some other BSS writer could expand the chart on the original post to incorporate additional advanced statistical measures, mainly offensive rating, defensive rating, steal rate, block rate, opp efg%, and ft rate.
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Last edited by pelicanchamp; 11-05-2014 at 02:58 AM. Reason: g
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For those who are not aware, Google Glass is a wearable computer with an optical head-mounted display (OHMD) that is being developed by Google in the Project Glass research and development project, with a mission of producing a mass-market ubiquitous computer. Glass is a truly amazing technology and years before its time.
|Google Glass 2
After unknowingly trying out Google Glass 2 several weeks before it was announced, I was sold and could not wait to get my hands on a pair. I jumped at the opportunity to be part of Google's Glass Explorer program and have been using the latest version of Google Glass for several days.
|New Google Glass Rear
Unlike the first iteration of Google Glass, which had to be picked up in person from one of three locations, the latest version can be shipped or picked up. According to the information provided during the checkout process, Glass orders may take up to 48 hours to process. I ordered Glass at 7:03 PM EST on Monday, it shipped at 11:10 PM EST Monday and arrived at my front door at 9:56 AM EST on Tuesday. I could not believe how fast my shipment arrived. I don't think anything has ever arrived so fast. You can bet Glass fulfillment is something currently being tested and monitored.
|Google Glass 2 in box
In addition to new shipping options and awesome packaging, the latest iteration of Glass includes several new accessories. According to Google, "Each Glass comes with a protective pouch to store your Glass. To store, simply slide Glass in so that your display is snug within the hard protective housing at the bottom of the pouch."
|Glass Pouch
|Google Glass Pouch
The pouch is soft, high quality and well designed except for the fact that my Glass does not seem to fit inside with the Shade accessory attached.
|Glass is larger than pouch with Shade attached
Google Glass 2 also includes a detachable glass "Shade" by Maui Jim and Zeal Optics. "Shades" appear to be very high quality, custom made for Glass and include a custom made protective case with Glass logo. Attaching Shades to Google Glass is easy.
|Google Glass Shade
|Google Glass Shade
As shown in the video below, attaching Shades to Glass could not be easier:
In addition to the Pouch and Shade, Glass 2 also includes an earpiece which attaches to the same micro-usb port used for charging. I can hear Glass fine and have not used this accessory yet. Contrary to a number of reports I have read, using the new earpiece is optional.
|Google Glass Earpiece
|Google Glass Earpiece
In addition to these new accessories, Google Glass 2 also comes with a charger. The charger is solid, high quality and features the Glass logo.
|Glass Earpiece
Setting up Glass 2 and syncing it with my Motorola Moto-X only took a few minutes. That said, I did accidentally take a photo and somehow post it online without having any idea that I had done so while setting up Glass. Note to self, use caution when setting up Glass. It probably is not a good idea to setup Glass in the restroom or similar situation.
|Photo taken with Glass
Contrary to claims I have heard in the past, Glass does not get in the way of seeing the world around you. Walking into poles, parking meters or other things is not really a problem. In reality, Glass is actually really small and in some ways even difficult to look at for extended periods of time. People don't look at you weird on the street when you are wearing Glass. Some folks will try to stop you to ask questions about Glass. Several strangers have even asked to try on my Glass. I suspect that it is only a matter of time before thieves start using this approach to steal Glass. As a result, it is probably a good idea not to wear your Glass in some locations and/or to have a good excuse ready.
All in all Google Glass is an amazing piece of technology and seems to have almost unlimited potential in terms of apps, covers, cases and other accessories. I can't wait to see proximity based Glass apps or apps like night vision, thermal imaging, range finders, compasses, altimeters, pedometers, activity monitors and the like. I have never use a Bluetooth headset before but, anyone who does will absolutely love Glass.
|Designed By Google
As much as I hate to say it, so far I'm more than a little mixed on the latest version of Google Glass and I have even considered returning it. In the past when I have tried out Glass, it was always a Google test device that I was told was "not fully enabled." As a result my expectations appear to have been a little out of line with the reality of the current device.
|Google Glass Explorer Card
While trying out Glass in the past, I don't remember ever seeing a phone. When you see folks jumping out of airplanes wearing Glass but no phone, you don't realize how dependent Glass is on your phone. My expectation was that Glass would be more of a replacement for my phone than an amazingly souped up Bluetooth headset. I can't wait to see 4g integrated into Glass.
Battery life is another issue. According to a number of reports, battery life was supposed to be addressed in the latest version. I am not sure it has been addressed. My new Glass takes 2 hours to fully charge but the battery dies after an hour and a half of use. Because of the position of the charger, wearing Glass while it is charging is not really an option.
|Google Glass Battery
From a search marketing / web design perspective, Glass clearly illustrates the importance of responsive design. Sites (like this one) that are not responsive are an absolute nightmare to navigate on Glass. Instead of scrolling through search results like you can on most mobile devices, Glass uses black and white cards that remind me of unix. On Glass you scroll from side to side rather than up and down. Interestingly there are no ads in search results on Glass.
|New Google Glass
For those who are interested, the user-agent for the new version of Google Glass is "Mozilla/5.0 (Linux; U; Android 4.0.4; en-us; Glass 1 Build/IMM76L; XE10) AppleWebKit/534.30 (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/4.0 Mobile Safari/534.30."

subset: commoncrawl


text:
- Order by 4PM EST and this Part Ships TODAY!
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Taillight Taillamp Brake Light Passenger Side Right RH for 10-16 Cadillac SRX
Detailed Applications
Lighting Features & Benefits:
- Direct Fit Replacement
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- Fits RH (Passenger Side)
- Includes lens & housing
- Direct replacement
- Built to strict quality control standards
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Unless otherwise noted, our lights do not include bulbs, though occasionally lighting manufacturers do include bulbs in the lights. If you happen to receive a lighting product (Headlight, Tail light, parking light, fog light etc.) that comes with the bulbs, the bulbs are not covered under our warranty. Our warranty applies only to the light assembly.
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This item is backed by a 10 Year Warranty. In the event this item should fail due to manufacturing defects during intended use, we will replace the part free of charge (excludes shipping charges) for the original purchaser.
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- 2010-16 Cadillac SRX Tail Light Passenger Side
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News Release
Media Contact: TPWD News, email@example.com, 512-389-8030
Sept. 4, 2012
Three New Public Fishing Access Areas Open on the Guadalupe River
AUSTIN—Texas Parks and Wildlife Department has signed temporary leased access agreements with three Guadalupe River property owners to expand public fishing access to the trout fishery downstream of Canyon Lake.
Access is now available through Mountain Breeze Campground, Rio Raft and Resort, and Whitewater Sports.
Recognized as one of the top 100 trout streams in America and the southernmost trout stream in the United States, this segment of the Guadalupe River is managed through special fishing regulations (http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/action/fishregs2.php?water=1244) and is stocked in the winter months by TPWD (http://tpwd.texas.gov/fishboat/fish/management/stocking/guadalupe.phtml) and the Guadalupe River Chapter of Trout Unlimited.
The new leases will provide anglers with free access to the Guadalupe River at the three properties from 30 minutes before daylight until 30 minutes after dusk from now until the end of February 2013. Anglers will be able to use the properties for bank fishing and to launch non-motorized watercraft such as rafts, kayaks and canoes for the purpose of fishing. The three leases were made possible with grant funding provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Voluntary Public Access and Habitat Incentive Program.
For additional information or directions to the leased access areas, call or visit the following websites.
Mountain Breeze Campground (http://mountainbreezecamp.com/site/)
201 Mountain Breeze Camp, New Braunfels, TX 78132, (830) 964-2484
Rio Raft and Resort (http://rioraft.com/index.php)
14130 River Road, New Braunfels, TX 78132, (830) 964-3613
Whitewater Sports (http://www.floattheguadalupe.com/)
11860 Farm to Market 306, New Braunfels, TX 78132, (830) 964-3800
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[Look for the podcast play button below.]
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Our most versatile waterfowl bibs employ a body-mapped fleece and flannel interior wrapped in a rugged waterproof GORE-TEX® shell, balancing warmth, breathability and weather protection for varied waterfowl pursuits. Ripstop reinforcement in the seat and knees resists abrasion while shielding the hunter from the frozen ground, and innovative new GORE-TEX® with STRETCH technology in the upper side gussets enhances mobility without sacrificing the pant's complete waterproof properties. Removable kneepads and bellowed shell pockets add ergonomic functionality for long days of shooting when the ducks and geese are on the move.
Features & Benefits
GORE-TEX® with STRETCH Technology
Completely waterproof and breathable, the bib features a rugged GORE-TEX® laminate combined with GORE-TEX® with STRETCH Technology mapped to facilitate absolute freedom of motion in tight quarters. Inside, body-mapped micro-grid fleece traps additional body heat where you need it while reducing bulk for total freedom of movement.
Body-Mapped Interior
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Paul Maitland
Now this is a helpful article, and I will definitely be taking these points on board when dealing with clients in future.
I have always believed that it's a sound idea to educate the clients as much as possible, explaining the advantages compared to the cost.
The only downside is that some clients simply just can not see past the price tag. There has been a number of occasions where, despite my best efforts to explain what they will be getting, they keep referring back to the price quoted on a budget site. You can explain the technology, SEO benefits etc, but sometimes, its all just a matter of price with some people.


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Grasshopper.com is a telephone service for entrepreneurs. They recently changed their name from GotVmail.com — and it's become a classic case study in well-done rebranding and high-quality blogger outreach. What they did: 1. Chocolate grasshoppers: They mailed a buzzworthy gift to bloggers — a bag of ready-to-eat chocolate covered insects. 99% of the time, us […]
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|a division of Home School Legal Defense Association
|January 20, 1999
Home School Freedom Threatened in South Africa
South Africas Ministry of Education issued a disastrous new home school policy in December, over the protests of home schoolers and the Pestalozzi Trust (South Africas legal defense fund for home education). The policy essentially allows home schooling only when department of education heads deem it to be in the best interests of the child. Under this policy, home education has become little more than an extension of public school education, and parents have become agents of the education departments to be monitored, assessed, and inspected.
A recent newspaper article indicates that the government knew exactly what it was doing (RAPPORT, Afrikaans Sunday newspaper, December 5, 1999):
While the Coalition of Home Schoolers expressed its concern about the [new home education] policy, and accused the government of including as many restrictions as possible in the policy, the Department of Education warned that this is just the beginning of the beginning.
The new policy will apply in all provinces and should result in a general return to main stream schools. Until now, children could be taught at home in more or less uncontrolled fashion.
The Pestalozzi Trust is prepared for a legal battle, and HSLDA is committed to supporting our fellow home schoolers.
Heres how you can help:
- Please pray for Gods protection over these dedicated families and the leaders who are preparing a defense: Pestalozzi Trust board members Leendert van Oostrum, Dr. Hans Visser, Christopher Klicka, and Henri Slabbert and Trust attorney Jan Badenhorst-Schnettler.
- Also, write or call the Embassy of South Africa at 3051 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Washington, DC, 20008; telephone (202) 232-4400; fax (202) 265-1607; or e-mail firstname.lastname@example.com. Convey this message: Home schooling freedom works. Please do not regulate home schooling out of existence. Rescind the new national home school policy.
In 1993, letters from American home schoolers to this embassy helped gain an early release for Andre and Bokkie Mientjies, sentenced to two years in jail for home schooling. And in 1995, when South African families were working for the right to direct the education of their children, home schoolers in the United States provided support and encouragement through letter-writing campaigns targeting key legislative decisions in Parliament. Our solidarity with South African home schoolers has made a difference and we need to stand with them again.
The Pestalozzi Trust can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com, website http://pestalozzi.org .


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A 17-year-old student in Glenolden, Pa., wants to go to her junior prom solo, but her school won't allow it, according to KYW-TV in Philadelphia. When her date backed out, Amanda Dougherty discovered she could not go without one, according to the Philadelphia Archdiocese, which is over Archbishop John Carroll High School.
"For them to say not that we're not good enough to go unless we have a guy standing next to us, it's just kind of sickening," said Amanda.
"Amanda has been waiting for this for two years, to not be able to go, I feel horrible," said her father.
Amanda already paid the $95 for the prom tickets, add that to the cost of the dress, the shoes, flowers and she says it's close to $1,000.
The office of Catholic Education would not comment, KYW reported.


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Here is the third post to the Homemade Thor costume. This is the instructions on how to make Thor's hat!
Here's what you need:
- Any plain cotton baby/toddler hat
- one sheet gray felt
- yellow pom pom/yarn
- silver spray paint
- hot glue
- needle and thread
- black sharpie marker
The first thing you are going to do is make the little spike at the top of the hat! You can make it as big or small as you like! Just roll a piece of gray felt as pictured below and hot glue it together!
After this step, I leveled out the bottom edge with a pair of scissors.
Then I hand stitched the "spike" to the top of the hat!
Next, you will make the wings for the side of the hat. I just drew out this shape on a piece of paper and then traced it on the gray felt four times. You can make these as big or as small as you would like depending on your hat. *Example: The longest line on my wing is about 2 1/2 inches long.
I then hot glued two of the wings together so they can be a little more sturdy. If you only used one it would be to floppy and wouldn't stick up! Then on the side of the wing that is going to show on the hat, I drew the lines to the wings with a black sharpie.
Then, simply hot glue the wings to the hat!
Next, I put the hat on a glass jar. you don't have to do this but I found it easier to paint this way. Then spray paint your hat silver!
I wanted to have some hair sticking out of the hat. The dollar store is the best place to look for something that looks like blonde hair. Sometimes they have play yellow play dress up hair but they didn't have it when I went. However, they had these cool yellow and white pom poms! I just separated out the yellow from the white! You could also use yellow yarn for the hair.
I simply hot glued the yellow pom pom strips to the back of the hat. The hot glue is hard and I didn't want it to hurt my baby's head so I then glued a piece of fabric over top of it! What I am thinking of doing is once Halloween is over I am going to take off the hair so my son could still wear this cute hat during the winter!
This hat is the CUTEST!!! The hair adds such a great touch for Halloween but for everyday wear just leave off that step!
I love my happy chunky Thor baby! <3
If you would like to see how I made the costume click HERE!
If you would like to see how I made the plush hammer click HERE!


text:
Dental implants come in different shapes and sizes. Webster Dental Group offers a variety to best meet your needs and fit in your budget.
Dental implants can allow you to
throw away your dentures and get your teeth back.
Did you know that dental implants in Webster, NY are frequently the best treatment option for replacing missing teeth? A beautiful smile is something we all hope to achieve, and many men and women throughout Webster, New York are finding that dental implants at Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY are just the solution for broken, damaged and missing teeth in Webster.
Statistics show that 69% of adults ages 35 to 44 have lost at least one permanent tooth to tooth decay, gum disease, a failed root canal or simply by accident, and by age 74, 26% of adults have lost all of their permanent teeth. If you are facing the prospect of dental implants, feel confident that Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY can help you achieve a naturally beautiful smile.
Advances in dentistry and dental technology have enabled dentists to replace missing teeth with more stable, long-lasting results. How? With dental implants. Unlike dentures, this tooth replacement method isn't removable, therefore implants never move or cause patients discomfort. They also continue to stimulate the jawbone like a natural tooth root, promoting good oral health and preventing bone loss over time.
Before undergoing a dental implant procedure at Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY, it is first important to be aware of the different types of dental implants and how each can benefit you:
Traditional Implants. When traditional or standard implants are placed, they are implanted directly into the jawbone. Patients with thin jawbones may require bone grafting prior to treatment in order to successfully bond the implant. After a healing period of a few weeks to a few months, the implant bonds to the bone. Once bonded, the tooth restoration (crown, bridge, denture) can then be placed, giving patients the look of a naturally growing tooth.
Mini Dental Implants. When compared to traditional implants, the mini dental implant procedure at Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY's office in Webster, NY is faster, less invasive and provides immediate results. Because of the smaller implant size, bone grafting is rarely needed. The mini implants are placed in the jawbone and fixed with a special attachment that makes it easy to attach any number of tooth restorations.
Mini dental implants are similar to traditional implants, but can be placed in a single procedure. Traditional implants, by contrast, require a two-part procedure and a significant healing interval before results can be seen.
Whether you choose traditional implants or mini dental implants, the result will be a long-term replacement for missing teeth. Rather than resting on the gum line like removable dentures, or using adjacent teeth as anchors like fixed bridges, dental implants are long-term replacements for broken, damaged and missing teeth.
If you are in the Webster, NY area and need to replace one tooth, several teeth, or all of your teeth, there is dental implants at Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY for you. Call us today to set up a consultation and see how easy it can be to restore your naturally beautiful smile.
If you think dental implants or mini dental implants may be the solution you've been looking for to replace missing teeth or to secure loose, uncomfortable dentures, contact Dental Implant Solutions of Webster, NY today.
Schedule your Evaluation HERE


text:
NCLB Anniversary
Appropriations Bill
Race to the Top
From the Midwest
Civic Learning and Engagement
Odds and Ends
Quote to Note
Upcoming Events
NCLB Anniversary
Following are excerpts from Secretary Duncan's op-ed on the 10th anniversary of the No Child Left Behind (NCLB) Act.
"NCLB, for the first time, exposed achievement gaps and created a conversation about how to close them. The law has held schools accountable for the performance of all studentsno matter their race, income level, English proficiency, or disability. Schools can no longer point to average scores while hiding an achievement gap that is morally unacceptable and economically unsustainable. But, NCLB has significant flaws. It created an artificial goal of proficiency that encourages states to set low standards to make it easier for students to meet the goal. The law's emphasis on test scores as a primary measure of school performance has narrowed the curriculum, and the one-size-fits-all accountability system has mislabeled schools as failures even if their students are demonstrating real academic growth. The law is overly prescriptive and doesn't allow [school] districts to create improvement plans based on their unique needs. It also has not supported states as they create teacher evaluation systems that use multiple measures to identify highly effective teachers and support the instructional improvement of all teachers."
"President Obama is offering states flexibility from NCLB in exchange for comprehensive plans to raise standards; to create fair, flexible, and focused accountability systems; and to improve systems for teacher and principal evaluation and support. This flexibility will not give states a pass on accountability. It will demand real reform. So far, 39 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have expressed interest in this flexibility. The Education Department is working with the first group of applicants."
"Even as we work with states to offer flexibility from existing law, the Obama Administration will support a bipartisan effort by Congress to create a law that supports a well-rounded education while holding schools, districts, and states accountable for results. We all need to work together so that10 years from nowAmerica's children will have the sort of federal education law they so richly deserve, one that challenges them to achieve to high standards and provides them with the highly effective teachers and principals who can prepare them for success in college and the workforce."
Appropriations Bill
On December 23, 2011, the President signed into law an omnibus appropriations bill (H.R. 2055) providing funding for the U.S. Department of Education. Overall, after a 0.189% across-the-board rescission, the bill appropriates $68.1 billion in discretionary spending for the agency's programs, a decrease of $233 million from Fiscal Year 2011. Specifically, the bill includes:
- $14.5 billion for Title I grants to local education agencies, a $74 million increase;
- $11.6 billion for special education state grants, a $112 million increase;
- $2.47 billion to help states improve the quality of their teachers and leaders;
- $160 million for the Striving Readers (PK-12) literacy program; and
- $22.8 billion in discretionary funding for Pell Grants for low- and middle-income college undergraduates, which will support maintaining the maximum grant at $5,550.
Among other key programs, the bill includes $549 million for a new round of Race to the Top (see below); $149 million for the Investing in Innovation Fund; $60 million for the Promise Neighborhood initiative, which is double its FY 2011 funding level; and $534 million for the School Improvement Grant program.
Race to the Top
Also on December 23, the Department announced that seven statesArizona, Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, New Jersey, and Pennsylvaniawill each receive a proportional share of $200 million in Race to the Top phase three funding to advance targeted K-12 reforms aimed at improving student achievement. As high-scoring finalists in the 2010 Race to the Top competition, these states were eligible for new grant awards to invest in a portion of their phase two plans. This third round of competition focused on supporting efforts to leverage comprehensive statewide reform while also improving science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education. With these seven, 21 states and the District of Columbia have been awarded grants through the Race to the Top program, which includes the Race to the Top-Early Learning Challenge Fund. Winners also include California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Washington, and the District of Columbia. These states serve 65% of the country's children and 59% of the low-income students across the nation.
In addition to appropriating $549 million for Race to the Top, the omnibus bill includes language that will allow the Department to create a district-level competition and continue the investment in early learning.
Meanwhile, this week, the Department issued state-specific reports profiling first-year progress on the reforms underway in Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, and the District of Columbiathe 12 states that secured Race to the Top funding in 2010 through the competition's initial two phases. These reports supply summaries of accomplishments made and setbacks experienced by states in pursuing reforms around Race to the Top's four assurance areas: raising academic standards, building robust data systems to improve instruction, supporting great teachers and leaders, and turning around lowest-achieving schools. Each report and progress achieved is unique to a state's plan, with some states using year one to engage stakeholders, secure contracts, or establish key partnerships that will help implement large-scale reforms in years two through four while other states have put into place new systems or policies that have reached districts or schools within their state. Throughout year one, the Department's Implementation and Support Unit (ISU) partnered with states' teams to track progress and offer feedback, guidance, and overall support for their reform work. As state plans encountered delays and obstacles, the Department worked with grantees to thoroughly and thoughtfully review, deliberate, and approve changes to budgets and timelines that help states move forward with their Race to the Top plan. (Note: Today, the Department is convening with grantees to provide support and encourage reform work across state lines. Teams will be comprised of state and district representatives. A focus will be on supporting great teachers and leaders and transitioning to college- and career-ready standards.)
From the Midwest
Over the last couple of days, Secretary Duncan traveled across the Midwest, participating in several events. First, he delivered a keynote address at the National Collegiate Athletic Association's (NCAA) Convention in Indianapolis. His remarks focused on encouraging college sports programsespecially football and basketball programsto strike a healthier balance between academics and athletics. He directly appealed to college and university leaders to work collectively through the NCAA and conference leadership to do more to support the educational interests of student athletes, simplify NCAA rules, and develop faster and better-targeted enforcement. Next, he hosted a town hall on education and the economy with students and educators at Miami Valley Career Technology Center in Clayton, Ohio. On site, he discussed adult education and the role that career and technical training plays in rebuilding the economy. He was joined by the Department's Assistant Secretary for Vocational and Adult Education Brenda Dann-Messier. Then, he joined Vice President Biden at Lincoln High School in Gahanna, Ohio, to discuss the importance of college and steps the Administration has taken to keep college affordable across the country.
Also, today, Deputy Secretary Miller will join the Vice President at Central Bucks High School-West in Doylestown, Pennsylvania, to discuss college affordability.
Civic Learning and Engagement
On January 10, at an event at the White House, Secretary Duncan and several Administration and education officials launched a national conversation on the importance of educating students for informed, engaged citizenship. This special event focused on the release of two papers: a Department report, "Civic Learning and Engagement in Democracy: A Road Map and Call to Action," and the final report by the National Task Force on Civic Learning and Democratic Engagement, "A Crucible Moment: College Learning and Democracy's Future," which was commissioned by the Department. "Road Map" notes that the need for a national dialogue is clear: although America's democratic ideals remain a model for the world, U.S. civic knowledge (on the 2010 National Assessment of Educational Progress, less than 30% of fourth-, eighth-, and twelfth-grade students were proficient in civics) and voter participation (on a 2007 international ranking of 172 democracies, the U.S. ranked 139th in voter participation) are far from exceptional. It highlights nine steps the Department will take to advance civic learning and engagement, such as adding civic indicators to student surveys, promoting public service internships and careers, and leveraging federal programs and public-private partnerships. (Note: As part of the event, over 75 organizations, institutions of higher education, and scholars and philanthropists announced statements of commitment.)
Odds and Ends
This year marks the 40th anniversary of Title IX, the civil rights law ensuring educational institutions that receive federal funding do not discriminate on the basis of sex. To kick-off the celebration, Secretary Duncan and Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights Russlynn Ali joined Lisa Maatz of the American Association of University Women for a Tweetup. They received questions on Title IX from Twitter users and then responded via Twitter.
The next in a series of blog posts on the Green Ribbon Schools' pilot year presents examples of schools that are taking advantage of grants, volunteers, education resources, and other helpfrom innovative business partnerships to overnight field trips at nearby outdoor education centersto go green and save green.
On January 18, Doing What Works will host a webinar on one of the What Works Clearinghouse's Practice Guides: "Developing Effective Fractions Instruction for K-8." The practice guide outlines five key recommendations intended to help educators improve students' understanding of fractions. The webinar will build upon the recommendations by presenting real world examples.
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) recently issued a white paper, titled "The Arts and Human Development: Framing a National Research Agenda for the Arts, Lifelong Learning, and Individual Well-Being," based on a March 2011 research convening that the NEA co-sponsored with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The NEA also announced the creation of an interagency task force to coordinate and promote research and evidence-sharing about the role of the arts in human development. Moreover, the NEA's Office of Research and Analysis will sponsor a series of webinars to spotlight research about the arts and human development, drawing from projects supported by partner agencies.
Under Summer Jobs+, the federal government and private sector are committed to creating nearly 180,000 employment opportunities for low-income youth in the summer of 2012, with the goal of reaching 250,000 employment opportunities by the start of summer, at least 100,000 of which will be placements in paid jobs and internships.
Quote to Note
"The narrative for 2012 in college sports is all about the deal. It's all about the brand. It's all about big-time college programs saying 'show me the money.' Too often, large, successful programs seem to exist in a world of their own. Their football and basketball players, sometimes even their coaches, are given license to behave in ways that would be unacceptable elsewhere in education or in society at large. And nothing, I mean nothing, does more to corrode public faith in intercollegiate sports than the appearance of a double standard for athletes or coaches in big-time programs. This narrative is a threat to the core principles of the NCAA, the mission of higher education, and the amateur tradition. Without decisive action by college leaders, that storyline, and the challenges it creates, is likely to become even more embedded in the public's mind."
|Secretary of Education Arne Duncan (1/11/12), addressing an audience of about 500 NCAA delegates
Upcoming Events
President Obama is currently scheduled to deliver his State of the Union address on January 24 and release his FY 2013 budget on February 6.
The Corporation for National and Community Service is asking Americans to appropriately honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s legacy on January 16 by making the holiday a day ONversus a day off. King Day became a national day of service in 1994, when Congress passed legislation to give the holiday even greater significance. A dedicated web site enables organizers to register projects nationwide.
January 21-24, the Department will exhibit at the National Title I Association's Conference in Seattle. If you are attending this event, please stop by the Department's booth.
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To be added or removed from distribution, or submit comments (we welcome your feedback!), please contact Adam Honeysett. Or, visit http://www2.ed.gov/news/newsletters/edreview/index.html.
This newsletter contains hypertext links to information created and maintained by other public and private organizations. These links are provided for the user's convenience. The U.S. Department of Education does not control or guarantee the accuracy, relevance, timeliness, or completeness of this outside information. Furthermore, the inclusion of links is not intended to reflect their importance, nor is it intended to endorse any views expressed, or products or services offered, on these sites, or the organizations sponsoring the sites.


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Kaye Beach
June 25, 2014
I know my blog posts have been few and far between these days. You know how I like to tell and I look forward to being able to tell you everything and begin posting frequently and freely again.
(My small talk news is that I am proudly working at a great local vape store! I only applied at one store and that was because of the owners and crew's commitment to activism and helping smokers choose a safer alternative. I am excited to be helping others make the transition from smoking to vaping as I have done after almost 30 years of smoking. I am enjoying this work immensely and will be posting more on this soon!)
I am writing this post in order to bring you up to speed on my lawsuit in Oklahoma opposing mandatory biometric identification in order to be issued a state driver's license or ID card and make an urgent request for your support.
If you wish to contribute to my legal fund online through Paypal.com Here is the link: https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online All you need is my email, which is email@example.com
By US mail, you can send a check or money order to;
Kaye Beach
P.O. Box 722381
Norman, Oklahoma, 73070
Biometric ID
'Biometric means "measurement of the body." This is technology is used to measure aspects of an individual and transform this personal data into digital code for the purpose of identification. With biometrics, your body IS your ID.
Biometric identification creates a perfect connection between our bodies and information about us. It is also used to control access to places, services and goods and it is being implemented around the world through deception, coercion and stealth. Industry experts predict that within five years, the majority of the world's population will be enrolled into one or another biometric identification scheme.' (Dec. 9, 2013, AxXiom For Liberty https://axiomamuse.wordpress.com/2013/12/09/help-me-stop-mandatory-biometric-id/)
I was honored to be interviewed by Oklahoma Journalist, Patrick McQuigan recently. (OK Woman battles 'mandatory biometric' required for drivers' licenses 19-Jun-2014 )
And as I explained to Mr. McGuigan;
"I filed a lawsuit against this policy in the first place because I believe it is a violation of my right to freedom of religion, as well as my right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure, both of which are protected under Oklahoma law,"
(Press Release from the Rutherford Institute: Rutherford Institute Challenges Oklahoma's Mandatory Biometric Photo Requirement for Drivers' Licenses As Infringement of Religious Freedom)
I was also very pleased and surprised to see my story make the front page of the City Sentinel today. I owe a debt of gratitude to Mr. McGuigan for delving into my story.
Recap As some of you may be aware, I began my battle back in the summer of 2011. Yes, the wheels of justice do indeed move slowly — especially in comparison to the rapid expansion in the use of the biometric technology.
In 2011, my driver's license came due and because of all I had learned about the nature of biometric ID and my Christian faith, there was no way I could voluntarily and passively accept biometric enrollment. I had worked hard to gain a thorough understanding of the policy and technology behind the collection of our biometric data and I learned that this biometric identification system is not merely a state level nuisance, or even simply a reviled national identity system. This is a global system of identification and financial control. It will apply to everyone. Right now, the people of the world are well on their way to total global enrollment. I am determined not to be one of them! Furthermore, I intend to prove that this is a violation of our rights as individuals so that we can protect these rights!
Regardless of our political or religious persuasions, a great many people oppose mandatory biometric enrollment and they do so on a variety of grounds. The common thread is preserving individual freedoms. We must not allow ourselves to be trapped in this unbearably intimate, body-based system of government control!
In the spring of 2011, I was cited for driving without a valid license and with the help of my lawyers, I fought that citation in city court. The Norman City Attorney, apparently reluctant to try and settle such a serious matter in a city court, dismissed my case.
Still, without a valid license or government issued photo ID, the normal duties of life become very difficult. Purchases, banking, health care, travel and more, become extremely challenging and in the future, these things are intended to become impossible without a government issued biometric ID.
The state of Oklahoma patently refused to consider my religious objections and issue a non-biometric license and since I am certain that I have a right to freely live my life and follow my faith without having to submit the measurements of my body to government databases, my battle could not stop at a city court dismissal. Ultimately, my lawyers filed a lawsuit on my behalf against the state to protect my right to religious freedom and against the unwarranted collection of my biometric data.
(Petition filed on Sept. 21, 2011 http://constitutionalalliance.org/xfiles/Constitutional-Alliance_Kaye-Beach_Petition-Suit-as-Filed.pdf If you would like to read more about the beginning of this battle, please see My Real ID Reckoning, June 28, 201)
We are NOT criminals!
In a recent interview with local FOX news affiliate, I explained to the Reporter that one of the benefits to being a law abiding citizen is that we get to go about our business without having the government constantly looking over our shoulders, monitoring, evaluating and controlling our lives. When we are arrested, we are fingerprinted and our digital mug shot is captured along with scads of other personal information. These details are entered into a database allowing the government to keep track of criminals and suspects for the purpose of protecting public safety. Now, at the DMV, we are fingerprinted and this along with our digital 'faceprint' and biographical information is captured and stored for use with facial recognition technology. This data, like criminal data, is also used to keep an eye on us. Tell me, where is the benefit of being a law-abiding citizen when we are all treated as criminals and suspects?
I am, of course, somewhat limited in what I can say but to bring you up to speed on my lawsuit here is what I can share;
June 18, 2013, we filed a Motion for Summary Judgment which is a pre-trail motion that presents the undisputed facts of my case to the judge asking that based on these undisputed facts that the judge rule in my favor. Page 1-10 lists 36 statements of undisputed facts. The rest of the petition is legal justifications and exhibits. I encourage everyone to read pages 1-30. (Motion for Summary Judgment, June 18, 2013, http://constitutionalalliance.org/xfiles/Kaye-Beach_Motion-for-Summary-Judgment-as-to-Count-1_6.19.13_reduced.pdf )
Then there were depositions. The state had its opportunity to thoroughly question me about whatever they wished and I had to answer each of their questions honestly upon my oath. Likewise, my lawyer had the opportunity to perform a deposition on the state.
On April 1st, 2014, the state responded to my Motion for Summary Judgment and made a counter motion. The series of documents that comprise the state's response is publicly available on the Oklahoma State Court Network which I have copied and pasted here for your convenience.
|DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND COUNTER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT / FOR SCANNING PURPOSES, DOC SPLIT INTO 3 PARTS / PART 1: MAIN PLEADING THROUGH EXHIBIT 2 (PAGE 59 OF TRANSCRIPT) Document Available (#1024392582)
|Apr 2 2014 8:19:59:360AM
|$ 0.00
|PART 2: EXHIBIT 2 (PAGE 60 OF TRANSCRIPT) THROUGH EXHIBIT 6 / DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND COUNTER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Document Available (#1024392578)
|Apr 2 2014 8:20:32:300AM
|$ 0.00
|PART 3: EXHIBITS 7-10 / DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO PLAINTIFF'S MOTION FOR PARTIAL SUMMARY JUDGMENT AND COUNTER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Document Available (#1024392574)
As you can see, the state's response was a lengthy one – nearly 300 baffling pages.
My legal team's response to the state's response filed on June 17th, at a total of 31 pages, is relatively short and sweet – as the truth tends to be.
PLAINTIFF'S VERIFIED REPLY TO DEFENDANTS' RESPONSE TO HER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT, AND PLAINTIFF'S VERIFIED RESPONSE TO DEFENDANTS' COUNTER MOTION FOR SUMMARY JUDGMENT Document Available (#1025965247)
So where are we now?
Very Close! The state will have an opportunity to respond once again and then this Motion for Summary Judgment should go before the District Judge. It should be 60 days or less till the Judge sees and rules on this pre-trial motion. I believe that the law is clear and that my rights are being violated. I believe my Counsel has done an excellent job in stating my case.
"Kaye Beach's lawsuit, is the only substantial challenge to government mandated biometric ID, to my knowledge, that exists anywhere in our country."–The Constitutional Alliance
We are very fortunate that my legal challenge attracted the attention of the Rutherford Institute, a nationally respected civil liberties organization. I count this organization as the 'best of the best' when it comes to protecting the rights of all in our country and John Whitehead has long been a personal hero of mine. I am so grateful that the Rutherford Institute is providing their experience and support in my lawsuit
My personal attorney is Benjamin Sisney, a man that I have great faith in. He has a heart for this case and has worked diligently in representing me every step of the way. I truly believe that I could not have better representation in this case than Ben Sisney and know that my case is in the best of hands. It is important for you to understand how strongly I believe in my Attorney because this leads me to my purpose for writing to you today.
My excellent legal representation is not free
Right now I have an outstanding balance of about $17,000 for the hard work Mr. Sisney and his firm has done on my behalf and that balance must be paid up and quickly! I must honor my debt to these good people as they deserve to be paid for their labors. In my past fundraising efforts, you have come through for this cause and even though I know that money is tight for all, I am counting on you again.
I am on a very short timeline to get this debt cleared and am pleading for your help to get it done.
For those who think that this issue is too complicated or somehow does not apply to them personally, please pay attention to John Whitehead's (President of the Rutherford Institute) quote that Patrick McGuigan chose to include in his article about my case. (In bold below) I think it neatly pins the crux of the problem with mandatory biometric ID, to the wall.
"Whatever one's belief systems — whether a person views a biometric ID card in the form of a driver's license or other government-issued form of identification as the mark of the Beast or merely the long arm of Big Brother, the outcome remains the same — ultimate control by the government,"
If you support my effort to stop mandatory biometric enrollment, please, share this message with others and give as generously as you can today!
"As more and more of us are enrolled it is safe to predict that the balance of power that exists between the people and their governments will correspondingly shift further away from the people and towards government. History shows us that, unerringly, that such power will be abused and the window of opportunity to resist this system of human identification and control is closing."
Here is how to contribute:
You may make a donation online through Paypal.com Here is the link:
https://www.paypal.com/us/webapps/mpp/send-money-online All you need is my email, which is firstname.lastname@example.com
By US mail, you can send a check or money order to; Kaye Beach P.O. Box 722381 Norman, Oklahoma, 73070 (Please make the check out to "Kaye Beach". You may write "legal defense fund" in the memo section of your check or money order)
Thank you for all you do for freedom!
Kaye Beach


text:
Some leading political theorists have been suggesting that in recent years, our world's future power cores, and ultimate centres of influence will, once again, shift to our cities -- essentially reverting to the way things used to be up until the Middle Ages, when cities really ruled the world. This gradual move of the centres of gravity away from broader jurisdictions, like provinces, states, federations, or even larger political unions like the E.U., is said to be happening again because cities typically provide for much tighter, and more immediately identifiable community of interest among their citizens.
New Yorkers, Londoners or Montrealers tend to identify much more easily with their local citizen brand, values, and concerns, whereas Ontarians, Floridians or Western Australians might not really "live" their unique jurisdictional character in their everyday lives. Exceptions abound, of course, but sometimes even those exceptions help illustrate the validity of this theory.
Last week I had the pleasure of spending a few days in beautiful Newfoundland. My work there involved launching some truly world-leading programs that encourage citizens to use public transit. As I roamed from one press interview to another, I began to notice something fascinating about how our story was being picked up -- it wasn't just ordinary news; instead it was news that was intended to trigger citizen pride!
The fact that Newfoundland was the first place where these types of incentives were coming to life was suddenly the main message. Those who heard it on the radio, saw it on TV, or read about it in the papers seemed to only want to focus on, and celebrate the "us first" part. As I reflected on it, I realized the story was resonating that way because it's so easy to ignite Newfoundlanders' unique, and very consistently shared sense of pride of identity.
On my final evening in St. John's I was invited to a large fundraising dinner. Not surprisingly, at the start of the proceedings the guests were led into singing our national anthem. But then, at the end of the evening, we were also led into singing the "Ode to Newfoundland" -- and that was truly a moment I will never forget. The sense of pride, meaningful connection, and powerful identification that filled that room was truly overwhelming. A colleague turned to me and said: "My goodness, why don't we have an 'Ode to Ontario?'" Very telling indeed.
Tightly shared heritage, values, and pride can obviously drive a solid sense of alignment, and common identity in a community. And those types of cohesive civic societies can be dynamic, creative, and very powerful sources of leadership, and innovation for our world. To the naked eye Newfoundland might look like an aberration to the urban powerhouse theory because it's a province, not a city -- but its incredibly tight culture, and solid sense of self-identification is precisely the type of secret sauce that urban powerhouses are built on. It now makes even more sense to me why they call that province "The Rock."


text:
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Mon, 06/22/2015 - 12:12pm.
Over the past few months, WI members have adopted some new friends to their families. All of these pets were the first noted adoption at the time of their release. Please join us in welcoming the following new additions to our WI Family.
In May,
adopted the Cauliflower Sheep. Floret is pictured (left) with her Pet Specific Item (PSI), the Salad Dressing Fountain. The Cauliflower Sheep's Pet Specific Food (PSF) item is Fresh Garden Salad. The Cauliflower sheep is a deluxe eStore exclusive pet, and available at the Ganz eStore for 10,000 estore points (to deluxe members only).
adopted the rare Timeless Wolf as part of the
10 day rare pet event
during Webkinz 10 year Annivesary. AlphaWolfMeister is seen here with their PSI, the Timeless Touring Car. The Timeless Wolf's PSF is the Celestial Stroganoff. This pet is no longer available for purchase, as it was a limited time event.
Enscats adopted the African Black Rhino this month. Milo is pictured here with his PSI, the Slippery Water Slide. The African Black Rhino's PSF is the Sunny Smoothie. This pet is new this month, and available through the Ganz eStore or your local Webkinz retailer.
As always, you can find more information about any current, retired, or seasonal Webkinz Pets through our WIki.
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Webkinz World to debut "Webkinz X" This Summer
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Webkinz X
Submitted by MissGnomie on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 7:21pm.
Webkinz World may have just celebrated its tenth anniversary, but GANZ has further plans in store for Webkinz World members. A new secret project, titled "Webkinz World X", will be previewed over the coming months and is expected to release this Summer. GANZ has announced that this project will bring "a huge leap forward in the look and feel of the game" while "keeping everything you love" still within Webkinz World. The first preview for Webkinz X was the image included on the left, which is to "play an important part of the new Webkinz X."
Stay tuned to Webkinz Newz throughout the coming weeks,
as Ganz has promised more sneak peeks and information in the near future.
It is uncertain at this time what kind, and how much of Webkinz World, will be changed. Although this change may be unwelcome by some long term players, especially with so much uncertanty about the changes and direction of this beloved game, it should also bring members some comfort that GANZ appears committed to improving and updating Webkinz World. A welcomed change to the online world of gaming, and what one could consider to be a great sign for a game who has just entered its eleventh year of existence.
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WI Member Adopts Sold Out 10 Year Magic W Pup
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 6:48pm.
Congrats to WI Member
on their adoption of the 10 Year Magic W Pup. Webster is pictured here in his Pet Specific Item (PSI) The Happy Ten Years Bed. This pet comes with an additional two PSI items: The Happy Ten Years Wallpaper, and Happy Ten Years Flooring (also pictured). The Pet Specific Food for the 10 Year Magic W Pup is the Magic Ice Pop.
Is the 10 Year Magic W Pup one you want to add to your collection? If so, you may want to pick it up soon!
alerted the WI Community earlier this week, that Ganz has announced (via their Facebook page) this popular pup has sold out of its warehouse. If you are interested in adding this special plush pet to your collection, you are strongly advised to purchase it as soon as possible from your local Webkinz Store.
For our members who are unable to find the 10 Year Magic W Pup in store, or would rather a vitual only option,
Ganz has released an online only version of this pet on the Ganz eStore
. The virtual only version of this special pet includes the same PSI items and PSFs. The only thing that is not included is the Plush toy! For a collector of virtual pets, or someone unable to find the Plush toy, this is a fantastic option to celebrate Webkinz World's tenth anniversary!
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Webkinz Announces New App: MEERKINZ
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Wed, 04/01/2015 - 10:52am.
Earlier this week,
Webkinz Newz announced via Twitter
a new app titled 'MEERKINZ' which will be launched for Android, Windows, and iOS devices in May 2015. This app is the first in a new series of Webkinz Media apps which will allow users "to interact with their pets in new and exciting ways." Thanks to the new technology available through the live-streaming app Meerkat, Webkinz Users will be able to explore new features in Webkinz World without the need of a computer.
to the press release
, Webkinz World is a very active environment, even when users are not logged in and participating: "What users don't realize, is that outside of the time they play in Webkinz World, their pets are very active -- and enjoy visiting their friends around Webkinz World." Once installed, MEERKINZ connects with your Webkinz World account to enable live-streaming video of your pets daily activity. You can check in throughout the day, and see what mischief your pets are causing as well: "We didn't want to tell our users about this secret world of webkinz. Many users have reported over the years disappearing items, redecorated rooms, and pets in new outfits. This was all done by the Webkinz while the user is offline. It is not uncommon for pets to trade items among each other."
For more information,
. Beta testing will begin later this month, with further information to be released later today.
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WI Member Adopts Blue Avenue Pomeranian
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Sat, 01/03/2015 - 12:11pm.
Congratulations to WI Member
on their adoption of the Blue Avenue Pomeranian. The Blue Avenue Pomeranian's Pet Specific Item is called the Uptown Lounge. The Uptown Lounge is a bed, but Zaffre can be seen pictured here waving from it. The Pet Specific Food for the Blue Avenue Pomeranian is the Diamond Cupcake.
The Blue Avenue Pomeranian is a virtual members only pet, an can be purchased through the Ganz eStore for its regular price of 10,000 eStore points. For more information on Webkinz Pets visit
our WIki.
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WI Member Adopts Cheer Pup
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Sat, 01/03/2015 - 12:10pm.
Congrats to WI member
on their adoption of the Webkinz Cheer Pup! Kate can be seen pictured here with her Pet Specific Item, the Confetti Launcher. The Pet Specific Food Item for this pet is Rah Rah Ravoli.
The Cheer Pup was originally released in July of 2014. You can purchase the Cheer Pup through WI's partner store of
For more information on current, retired, or seasonal webkinz pets
visit our WIki.
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WI Member Adopts Polar Unicorn
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Sat, 01/03/2015 - 11:58am.
Congrats to WI member
on their adoption of the Polar Unicorn. Frost is pictured here with their Pet Specific Item, the Enchanting Winter Tower. Blessedx5 shared that the tower is animated and interactive, Frost can be seen sitting on the tower here, with snow continuously falling around the tower. The Pet Specific Food for this pet is the Polarberry Pie.
The Polar Unicorn is a virtual only pet, and can be purchased for 12,500 eStore points. If you are interested in purchasing this pet, please
visit the Ganz eStore today!
As always, more information about Webkinz Pets can be found in
our WIki.
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December Retirement is the Webkinz Husky
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Pet Retirement
Submitted by MissGnomie on Mon, 12/15/2014 - 8:32pm.
Webkinz is continuing its new monthly retirement celebrations with the retirement of the Webkinz Husky. Husky owners will be able to participate in weekly activities, including the
counting sailboats
game to earn special items. For a list of retired, current, or seasonal webkinz pets be sure to
visit our WIki.
If you are a Webkinz Husky owner, or plan on adopting a Husky this month, be sure to log into Webkinz world on December 28th to claim your exclusive Retirement Gift Box with additional prizes.
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Webkinz Insider Member Adopts Earth Dragon
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Mon, 12/15/2014 - 8:25pm.
Congratulations to WI member
on their adoption of the Earth Dragon. The Earth Dragon's pet specific item (PSI) the Forest Hallow Cave can be seen here with Earthbound. The Earth Dragon's pet specific food is the Wild Herbal Tea.
This eStore exclusive pet is part of the on-going presale of Summer/Fall 2015 pets. This presale will end on January 4th (2015), and the specific date or season of its return is unknown at this time. If you are interested in owning this pet any time soon, it would be wise to purchase it (or any other presale eStore pet) as soon as possible!
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WI Member Adopts Stache Dach
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Submitted by MissGnomie on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 11:26am.
Congratulations to WI member
on their adoption of the Webkinz Pet Stache Dach. Tesla is pictured here in their PSI the Mustache Mobile. The PSF for this pet is the Refined Rootbeer Float. If you are interested in learning more about current, retired, or seasonal webkinz pets be sure to
check out our WIki.
Interested in purchasing this funny pet? Don't forget to check out Webkinz Insider's partner store,
features a $5 flat shipping rate to consumers in the United States, and $8 to those shipping to Canada. Check out their great selection of Webkinz pets today!
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May is National Stroke Awareness Month
Lori K.
Friday, April 4, 2014
By: Lori Krouse
I had the BEST week of my life in January 2014 but I also had the WORSE one the following week. How could that be in such a short period of time?
I had taken a family vacation to Oahu, Hawaii in January for a week. My husband and I were celebrating our 25th anniversary and we decided to bring our two college boys with since I found a good deal on airfare and we wanted some quality family time. We snorkeled, parasailed, skydived, hiked, visited Pearl Harbor and relaxed on the beach by the ocean. The weather was warm and sunny and it was nice to escape the Minnesota winter if only for a week. It was paradise and the vacation of a lifetime.
The only drawback was the long flight to Hawaii which was about ten hours each way. There wasn't any room to stretch your legs since everyone was packed in their seats like sardines. I remember thinking that I wish I could get up and walk around since my feet and legs wanted to move around but there really wasn't any room for that.
We returned to Minnesota a week later and went back to work and our normal routine. That's when an unexpected, horrible event happened to me ...
I was getting ready for work and just finished my shower when I stood in front of the mirror and couldn't remember what order to put on my make-up and I was very confused. I looked back and forth from one vanity drawer to the other not realizing that most of my makeup is in my purse. After several minutes, I figured it out and went into my room to get dressed. Then, what I did next really shocked me. I put on my sweater and then put my bra on over my sweater! I realized in a few seconds that something didn't look right so took it off before going anywhere. I was grateful that I noticed it was backwards before I left for work. Then, I made my bed but remember having tunnel vision and could really only see the bed and had no peripheral vision.
I attributed my confusion all morning to being tired and forgetful so headed out the door to my car for work. Little did I know that these were all warning signs that something was drastically going wrong.
I got about a mile from home and started singing to the radio and that's when I knew something was terribly wrong! The words were not coming out right and didn't even sound like words! I knew what I wanted to say but I couldn't understand any of them when they came out. I quickly pulled over to the side of the road and called my husband who had just got to work. I was able to tell him that I couldn't speak right and he called 911 for me. The paramedics checked me out by doing an EKG and simple arm movements and everything seemed fine but they recommended we go to the ER at the hospital in town to get looked at more closely so we left immediately.
The doctors rushed me into the ER since my speech seemed to get worse. I couldn't repeat any phrases the doctor wanted me to say which was very scary to me. I started to cry since I knew something was drastically wrong. The doctors did a CT scan and everything came out fine so they weren't sure why I was having problems.
I asked if it could be a stroke since my speech was so bad but the doctor said I had none of the 10 risk factors associated with stroke so there was a very slim chance that's what it was according to them. While I was in the ER, I had a migraine with auro, which are blind spots in my vision that I get every few months but with no headache. I had two of these migraines in the ER room so my doctor thought that it was probably a migraine that I had earlier since sometimes there are speech impairments with migraines so I felt somewhat better. I was sent home from the ER two hours later since my speech came back to normal.
The doctor recommended I see a neurologist in a few days which I did. My neurologist was very thorough and did an MRI which found that I actually had 3 areas of my brain that showed I had a stroke! How could that be? I was shocked and broke down crying since I was under the impression that I just had a migraine. The ER doctor told me I had no risk factors for stroke and yet I had one at the age of 49!
The neurologist recommended that I see a cardiologist and get an echocardiogram which is a scope that goes down the throat to look at the heart. What they found next also shocked me!
They found a small hole in my heart called a PFO (Patent Foramen Ovale) or Atrial Septal Defect. It is a heart defect present at birth. We are all born with a hole in our heart but for most people it closes shortly after birth. It is very common defect since 1 out of 5 people have it but don't know it unless a stroke occurs, especially for people like me who have no other obvious risk factors.
I asked how this PFO related to my stroke and the doctors believe that I probably had a blood clot in my leg after my long 10 hour trip from Hawaii that slowly traveled up to my heart and the clot went through this hole and up to my brain causing a stroke.
They also did some blood tests and found that I have a prothrombin mutation gene that was positive and makes me more likely to have a stroke in the future so they put me on Plavix which is a blood thinner to hopefully prevent future strokes.
The cardiologist recommended that I have surgery to get the PFO closed up. Before 2003, they would have to do open heart surgery but now there is a non-invasive surgery that only takes an hour and the recovery time is very quick.
I had this surgery on March 4th and the procedure only took 20 minutes. They put a catheter in my vein in my groin and follow it up to the hole and put an implant device in place to close the hole. There was an hour recovery time since I was put under general anesthesia and an overnight hospital stay to make sure there were no complications since there are risks to every surgery.
The surgery went great and I felt good after a few days. The only issue that bothered me was a scratchy throat for a few days since there were two tubes down my throat during the surgery to help me breathe and also a scope to see the heart. I have a few lifting and activity restrictions for a few weeks but other than that, it went very well.
I always considered myself very healthy and only saw my doctor once a year for a checkup. During this event, I had seen a neurologist, cardiologist, hematologist, surgeon, and several doctors and had a ton of blood tests and procedures done.
I will be on Plavix for the rest of my life mainly because I'm allergic to aspirin which many people take on a daily basis to prevent strokes since they help with blood clots.
I have been told that I was very lucky that this awful event happened the way it did since I had no permanent damage from the stroke and it was a warning sign that something wasn't right in my body.
Looking back, I wonder if having this stroke was worth the long plane trip to Hawaii but I have to say that it was since it was the best vacation ever for our family and for me personally, since I found out something about my health that needed to be fixed before it was too late. It makes you really appreciate the important things in your life like family and friends since they were all there to support me throughout this difficult time.
Thanks for your time and consideration.
Display of the Faces of Stroke stories does not imply National Stroke Association's endorsement of any product, treatment, service or entity. National Stroke Association strongly recommends that people ask a healthcare professional about diagnosis and treatment questions before using any product, treatment or service. The views expressed through the stories reflect those of the authors and do not reflect the opinion of National Stroke Association.
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ASHEVILLE NC – Gift cards are big business. In fact, by most estimates, gift card sales for 2012 will top out at around $91 billion in the U.S. At $25 per card, which is the most common gift card value sold, that is a whopping 3.64 billion cards.
While 95% of American adults have given or received a gift card, only about 20% choose to refill cards after the value has been expended. This leaves a lot of depleted cards headed to the trash. How often have you had a clerk ask, "Since this is empty, do you want me to throw it away?"
Gift cards are just one type of wallet-sized plastic card. About 17 billion total cards are produced to be used by American consumers each year, including gift, loyalty, discount, membership, debit, store charge, and credit cards. As a result, as much as 75 million pounds of plastic cards, most of it PVC, are discarded each year.
At least one company, Earthworks in Ohio, has begun to accept used plastic cards for recycling. The cards are recycled in a closed-loop process, with old cards melted and turned into the plastic sheets used to make new cards. Individuals can mail in empty or expired cards. However, Earthworks hopes to work with stores, hotels, and other businesses that would collect customer cards and send in larger quantities for recycling. To learn more about Earthworks, visit www.earthworkssystem.com.
Ask retailers whether they will accept your depleted cards for recycling. Other waste-reducing ideas include refilling existing gift cards and giving virtual or electronic gift certificates instead.
Also, be sure to use up the funds on your gift cards. The average amount left on cards is $2.30, which adds up to about $5 billion in unspent value each year!
Tags: asheville


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- Page 1 Panasonic HDC-TM900 Review
- Page 2 Performance and Verdict Review
- Comprehensive manual settings and enthusiast features
- Great image quality in most conditions
- Option for 3D shooting
- No 24Mbits/sec AVCHD mode
Key Specifications
- Review Price: £824.60
- 3 x 1/4.1in CMOS sensor with 3.05Mpixels
- 1080/50p Full HD
- 32GB flash memory built in
- Lens ring and full range of manual settings
- Compatible with 3D attachment
Panasonic's camcorders have topped our list for videomaking enthusiasts for a couple of years now, with the HDC-TM700 and HDC-TM300 before it. The progression hasn't been a huge one between each step, but when the core features are all present, there's not so much to improve. The HDC-TM900 is another incremental enhancement, but it does have features to make it worth choosing over its predecessors.
The most significant difference is the ability to shoot 3D. Whereas Panasonic's first 3D-capable consumer camcorder, the HDC-SDT750, was a full package including the 3D converter, with this generation Panasonic has switched to selling the VW-CLT1 attachment separately, and merely built in compatibility to key models from its latest range. These include the HDC-SD90 we looked at recently, and the HDC-TM900 on review here. The lens attachment will set you back a fairly hefty £280, but this still makes the combination cost around £200 less than the HDC-SDT750 did when it was released.
The same drawbacks apply, though. Calibration is advisable each time you remove and reattach the adapter, and this takes around 30 seconds. Virtually all the manual features are disabled in this mode, too, including the zoom. So you're left with a single framing option and automatic exposure. Video is recorded in the side-by-side format directly onto the sensor, effectively using half its area for each of the two stereoscopic portions, so low light sensitivity is halved as well. Nevertheless, in adequate lighting results are decent, with a clear sense of depth, and good colour fidelity, although the level of detail is slightly impaired over 2D footage.
(centre)"'The Panasonic HDC-TM900 with optional VW-CLT1 3D lens attachment"'(/centre)
Other than its compatibility with the 3D attachment, however, the HDC-TM900 is far more of a mild improvement to the HDC-TM700 than a groundbreaking new model. It is very slightly larger and heavier, but this is almost entirely due to the inclusion of a 3.5in LCD instead of a 3in one, which is a trade-off we're quite willing to accept. Inside, the TM900 has identical specifications to the TM700. It's built around a trio of 1/4.1in CMOS sensors, each with 3.05Mpixels. The lens has the same specification as well, providing a 12x optical zoom and 35mm equivalent wide angle, so you can capture more of the action at close quarters.
Panasonic has made slightly more use of the extra sensor pixels for its Intelligent Zoom system, however. This now extends the factor to 20x, rather than 18x. In theory, the Intelligent Zoom is better than a traditional digital zoom because it crops into the sensor rather than blowing up the picture electronically, and thereby preserves more detail. The image stabilisation system also takes advantage of the extra CMOS resolution. Now called Hybrid OIS, this combines optical and electronic systems for even greater vibration smoothing. We found this quite effective during testing, at least as good as competitor alternatives, and subjectively it seemed a little better.
Unlike other sites, we thoroughly test every product we review. We use industry standard tests in order to compare features properly. We'll always tell you what we find. We never, ever accept money to review a product. Tell us what you think - send your emails to the Editor.


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Q: How do I know when I can feed my koi again? – Jim in Michigan
A: Now that we're at winter's peak, many of us begin to think about the coming spring. As we start the spring to-do list, we remember those poor little koi that are out in the water garden. Since you've kept a hole open in the ice all winter, you really have nothing to worry about, right? But your koi seem to be a little more active lately with the approaching spring and look like they have a mighty appetite since they haven't eaten all winter. Should you start feeding now, or later? This all comes down to water temperature. Let me explain.
During the winter months koi go into a state of near-hibernation where their bodily systems are doing just enough to keep them alive. Much like the frogs and turtles, koi typically do not eat during this time. This is because their digestive tracts have slowed down so much that food cannot be fully digested by their stomachs. It is for this reason that we recommend that you stop feeding your koi altogether once water temperatures dip down below 40ºF. As water temperatures being to climb between 40ºF & 55ºF the optimum food to feed your koi is a wheat germ based fish food like Spring & Fall Fish Food. Wheat germ is specifically designed to be easy on the digestive tract for koi as they transition in and out of winter.
So in summary, during the spring thaw watch your water temperatures. As they approach 40ºF, you will notice the koi becoming more active. At this point, throw in a very small amount of Spring & Fall Fish Food to see if they are interested. Once they start eating the pellets, you can begin ramping up the spring feeding. As the koi eat, continue to increase their rations (never more than they can clean up in a few minutes) until the water temperatures reach their normal levels for the summer. At this point, switch them over to a higher protein fish food like Growth & Color or Professional Fish Food.
POND TALK: When do you start feeding your fish?
Filed under: Koi & Goldfish, Water Gardens & Features, Wheat Germ Fish Food | Tagged: feeding koi, fish food, koi |


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In the cost-driven business environment that exists today companies are always
looking for a competitive edge. This invariably means looking at the fixed costs
associated with back-office operations and driving efficiency initiatives to get
more "blood out of the stone". Doing more with less is a common philosophy
and process automation is one of the key objectives to achieving a lean
In Accounts Payable the ideal scenario is to achieve straight through processing
(STP) of supplier invoices, and in this paper the author gives a clear
understanding of what 'Straight Through check here Processing' is, how it can be of benefit
and what to consider before implementing a solution.
A here true Straight Through Processing (STP) Solution website allows an invoice to enter
your accounting system and pass straight through for payment without any
manual intervention from staff or management. The invoice will have been
matched to its original Purchase Order, Delivery Note or GRN where required. It
will have been automatically coded, allocated and approved by your system and
made ready for payment in time to gain the most advantageous terms.


text:
Create an Account - Increase your productivity, customize your experience, and engage in information you care about.
The Orange County Office for the Aging is committed to meeting the special service needs of Orange County's senior population, their families and friends who care for them. Orange County Office for the Aging offers services, either directly or through sub-contracts, designed to maintain the quality of life of those aged 60 and over.
The primary goal of the Office for the Aging is maintaining the dignity, well-being and independence of senior citizens through the Office's distinctive role as advocate and community partner.
The Office for the Aging's web page offers a list of links that give a brief explanation of the services available. For additional information call 845-615-3700 or visit the office. Assistance will be provided by one of our Aging Services Specialists. Home visits can be scheduled for homebound seniors. Bi-lingual assistance is also available.


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Santa Maria Beach is a district to the south-west of the city center of Los Santos, and is controlled by the Grove Street Families. Carl Johnson owns a home in the area, although he primarily lives in the Johnson House in Ganton. The beach is based on the Santa Monica Beach.
As mentioned above, Santa Maria Beach is a stronghold for the Temple Drive Families. Usually, members of the Temple Drive Families and the Temple Drive Ballas have skirmishes near this area, as Verona Beach, a Ballas-controlled district, is just east of Santa Maria Beach. Later on in the storyline, upon the player's return to Los Santos, this area belongs to the Ballas, but can be reclaimed as GSF territory through gang warfare.
Besides Verona Beach, surrounding areas are Marina, Rodeo, Los Santos Inlet and Flint County.
Events of GTA San Andreas
Santa Maria Beach plays a relatively small role in the storyline of Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas. In High Stakes, Low Rider the finish line for the race is on the pier offshore. Santa Maria Beach features during the Life's a Beach mission, where Carl Johnson steals a sound van for Jeffrey "OG Loc" Cross. During the mission, Carl also dances with the DJ. Later on in the storyline, Frank Tenpenny sends Carl to follow and kill an informant in the mission Snail Trail, who goes to the end of the pier in Santa Maria Beach. The beach also appears during the mission Cut Throat Business, where Carl Johnson and Madd Dogg chase OG Loc across parts of Los Santos and Flint County. Santa Maria Beach is also the starting point for the triathlon events that take place in Los Santos.
Known Residents
- Carl Johnson (can buy a house there)
Places of Interest
- The Beach House
- The Brown Starfish Bar and Grill
- Carmel Corn
- Gelatto Splatto
- Hippy Art Shit
- Muerto-Mex
- Pay 'n' Spray
- Pier Pressure Pizzeria
- Pizza
- Son of a Beach
- Substandard
- Teatro Broadway
- Grenades - Midway down Yacht Harbor, behind a building on the east side.
- Pistol - On the balcony of a beach house near the sea, west side of Yacht Harbor.
Stationary vehicles
- BF Injection (occasionally)
- Clover (occasionally)
- Flash (occasionally)
- Feltzer (occasionally)
- Greenwood (occasionally)
- Oceanic (occasionally)
- Perennial (occasionally)
- Previon (occasionally)
- Primo (occasionally)
- Raindance (after the mission Learning to Fly)
- Washington (occasionally)
- Voodoo (occasionally)
- Two Gang Tags
- One Oyster
- One Unique Stunt Jump
- Chilli dogs vendor
- During Amphibious Assault, Carl reveals to Wu Zi Mu that when he was a child, he once got a condom stuck to his face whilst swimming in the sea off Santa Maria Beach.
- If Carl is standing under a bridge whilst it is raining, the rain will pass through the bridge.
- The Pay 'n' Spray in this area has an incorrect address. Next to the main Pay 'n' Spray logo, a Verona Beach address is written on the sign, even though the Pay 'n' Spray is located in Santa Maria Beach.
- Santa Maria Beach is a reference to the Santa Maria, one of the ships in Christopher Columbus' fleet when he discovered America in 1492.
- Vespucci Beach, Santa Maria Beach's HD Universe counterpart, is named after Amerigo Vespucci, the man after whom America was named.


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BATON ROUGE — Should lawmakers and governors be allowed to redirect money from a special health care trust fund for the elderly, mainly in nursing homes, to cover unrelated expenses during a deficit?
BATON ROUGE — Should lawmakers and governors be allowed to redirect money from a special health care trust fund for the elderly, mainly in nursing homes, to cover unrelated expenses during a deficit?
That's the first of nine constitutional questions voters will be asked on the Nov. 6 ballot, and the proposed amendment could have an immediate impact considering Louisiana's recent budget shortfalls and health care cuts.
Constitutional Amendment No. 1 would prohibit the Legislature and executive branch from sweeping money out of the Medicaid Trust Fund for the Elderly when there are financial needs elsewhere in the budget.
While this kind of financial redirection hasn't occurred since the fund was created in 2000, state Sen. Sherri Smith Buffington, R-Keithville, said she wrote the amendment to alleviate the fears of lawmakers. It's not uncommon; in past sessions, some accounts have been emptied by lawmakers trying to fill budget holes.
The account was established to provide care for the poor and elderly using start-up cash from the federal government. Its market value last fiscal year exceeded $500 million, and its investment earnings, used to underwrite increases in nursing home and home-care services, was more than $22 million during the same time frame.
Joe Donchess, executive director of the Louisiana Health Care Association, an advocacy group for nursing homes and other medical providers, said the amendment is all about protections, both for the account and the elderly.
He said the account fund doesn't drain state resources, since all of the money originated from the federal government or investments.
"The trust fund has been a successful force in the advancement of quality for our senior citizens," he said.
Another group, the Advocacy Center, opposes the bill, arguing that "this amendment really preserves funds for nursing homes." The center, which advocates for the rights of people with mental or physical disabilities, has staked out the following position: "Protecting this fund restricts elected officials' flexibility to allocate funds based on what is needed. Home- and community-based services should not bear the brunt of budget cuts, while funds for nursing homes remain exempt."
Of all nine constitutional amendments, this is the only one that the Council for a Better Louisiana, a Baton Rouge-based policy and research group, is not taking a position on.
"From CABL's perspective this constitutional amendment is unnecessary," CABL president Barry Erwin said. "While its passage would probably have little or no impact, it is another example of cluttering up the constitution with prohibitions and requirements that are best left to the judgment and implementation of the Legislature."
According to the Public Affairs Research Council, which has published an analysis of the proposed amendment, the fund allows nursing homes to avoid some of the state budget reductions hitting other health care providers.
Another constitutional amendment adopted in 2007 authorizes the state treasurer to invest as much as 35 percent of the fund in the stock market and other equities. Two-thirds of the earnings from the investments is spent on nursing-home care, and the remaining third goes toward home- and community-based services, primary care and other purposes, based on PAR's findings.
PAR points to supporters' arguments that any use of Medicaid trust-fund money for purposes other than health care could lead federal authorities to claim the money was misspent and must be paid back.
On the other hand, PAR President Robert Travis Scott said some opponents are concerned "this amendment would add yet another exception to Louisiana's cluttered constitution."
Plus, many other funds established by the state for specific interest groups also would like protection under the constitution, he said, which could become even more clogged with "unnecessary exceptions and minutia," based on the arguments presented thus far by opponents.
Constitutionally prohibiting the use of money in the Medicaid trust fund to help alleviate dire budget circumstances also could "limit the Legislature's flexibility to address future crises," he said.
Jeremy Alford can be reached at email@example.com.