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An Ode to a Book Lover
By Kamal Sunavala

I don't know or don't perhaps remember who said this but somewhere in one of the many bookshops in Prague I had chanced upon these words and I paraphrase: All mankind is a book. When one man dies, the chapter is not over, it is merely translated. I remember that afternoon perfectly. I was in one of the alleyways just off Narodni Divadlo. I remember walking into a bookshop simply because it said rozebrané knihy.

The reason I am writing this is my strange relationship with a seventy-year old gentleman called Pavel. He owned a bookstore in Prague, not in the fashionable parts, but in Českomoravská. I sat with his son at an airport coffee shop in Dubai. He was passing through and I went to meet him while he waited to continue on to Alexandria. Pavel had requested it, saying I owed him that much for wasting his time most Friday afternoons. Pavel was my source of rozebrané knihy. Out of print books. Thanks to him I own a 100-year-old edition of John Donne. Something I could never have found here. Pavel's son, Vítek was on an antiquarian expedition for books in Egypt and was delighted to meet with the woman who spent so much time wandering around his father's near-dilapidated bookstore. Shelves so dusty it was a wonder my asthma didn't come on. The wood so old, I could practically see the years of snow embedded deep into the planks. And cream coloured heavy pages bound in old smelly leather littered haphazardly while Pavel wrote letters on an old typewriter to people who were probably dead.

Vítek asked if we could go to the airport bookstore and I nearly had a panic attack. I warned him. He said he was up to the task. But I knew he was being merely brave. After about half an hour, I saw a grown man about to cry. Now you may think I am exaggerating but does pain have to translate into tears? He asked if people here read at all and I said yes. What did they read, he asked. New books, I replied. Popular books, prize winning books, books about poppadums and flirty girls and Lonely Planet guides and business books about people who'd like to buy the world a Coke. We smiled sadly and I patted his hand in sympathy while we returned to drinking coffee.

What about classics, he pressed on. I assured him that Magrudy's, the local bookstore chain, had them. If you mean Austen and Shakespeare, certainly, we had them. If you meant Landor and John Donne and C S Lewis and Yeats and Pepys then you would have to order them. Don't people browse while they have a cup of coffee and a cigarette, he asked, as he saw people rushing through books and aisles and ringing up the bestsellers. I had to suddenly battle tears as I thought of my time at his father's bookshop and for that matter even at the Globe with my like-minded friends. I told him of the time when his father was unwell and there was a group of American tourists looking for Bohumil Hrabal and Vladimir Nabokov. And he nudged them toward me. They thought I was the salesgirl in the shop. To me, that was my most precious memory in the store. I guided them to the section on the left and then to the section at the back, which had a few books of Nabokov with his notes on Lolita. They were amazed and bought all the copies. As I proudly handed them their purchases, his father joked and said that if ever his son were to go into an ugly business which had nothing to do with books, he would leave his bookshop to me. Vitek smiled at his father's sense of humour and tears filled his eyes. We sat quietly, lost in our thoughts. He told me, quickly, regretfully that the bookshop was no longer functioning. Everyone had left, for better money, for greener pastures, and the debts were large.

I wondered how many such bookshops had met with the same fate. As I looked at the gleaming Magrudy's, I thought, why don't horrid 'megastores' like that go out of business? Why is literature cruel to those who love it? It was time for Vitek to go.

We hugged and I noticed that he had begun to smell like his father. He handed me a small package before he went out of sight. I tore it open in the cab on my way home. A first edition of C. S. Lewis' Surprised by Joy.

Thank you, Pavel. Rest in peace, you old, romantic fool.

Read Kamal's Tongue-in-Czech stories from Prague.


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Tuesday, June 3, 2014

Trip to Special Children's Center: A Taste of The Mission

Last Sunday, Yeshivah of Flatbush students led by Rabbi Besser along with several families from the Adult Chessed Mission, took a trip to Special Children's Center in Lakewood, New Jersey. We had the opportunity to interact with some of the world's most adorable children. We sang and danced together and did sand-art and other projects. Everyone from ages two to sixty was beaming. From the minute we walked into the beautiful, colorful center we were greeted by smiles. We split up into different classrooms with children of all ages. My friends and I went to room one and met three children and quickly made new besties with these three year olds. The staff was excited we were there, and we were all thrilled to be a part. We took kids on pony rides and pet animals. They giggled as they touched the soft fur of the rabbits and heard the squawking of the giant goose. A special guest appearance kept us dancing like Miriam at the Red Sea. When I reluctantly left, I said that I wanted to come back everyday. What a fantastic morning with our new friends. The experience had been so fun, and seeing the children's faces light up made us all feel special. ~Raquel Shalam
Raquel Shalam and her new friend

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Blog Header

July 2014

Dok pop-up bar Ghent beach
DOK, Ghent pop-up bar
July 27, 2014

Head out of the historic city centre, away from the tourists, and you’ll find Ghent pop-up bar DOK, a real hidden gem.

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Op de Tuin restaurant Amsterdam
Op de Tuin restaurant Amsterdam
July 20, 2014

Why wait till summer to check out the garden area of the friendly Op de Tuin restaurant in the De Pijp neighbourhood of Amsterdam.

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Gouda at Alkmaar cheese market
Alkmaar cheese market in Holland
July 13, 2014

The Dutch are famous for their cheese. See why for yourself at Alkmaar cheese market, the biggest of its kind in the Netherlands.

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Grenache restaurant North Manchester
Grenache restaurant Manchester
July 6, 2014

Chances are you won’t have a clue where Walkden is in Manchester. But it’s worth finding out as it’s home to Grenache restaurant.

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Saturday, May 24, 2014

CBC Calgary Reads Book Sale 2014

My mother is going to kill me when she reads this post.

A constant theme on this blog is that 'I have a thing for books'. Like a serious love affair. Some people might even say a hoarder like tendency. But I just can't get enough of them. Reading them and buying them. Since moving to Calgary, with about 6 boxes full of books, my collection has grown to well over 300, of which I'd guess I've read 95%. Last night I even took the time to begin to log all my books into Good Reads.

This morning, before 10AM I added another 25 books to that collection. Going to the CBC Calgary Reads Book Sale may have been a bad life choice.

So while I may now be drowning under a pile of books to read this summer (did I say drowning, because I really can't think of anything I'd enjoy more), I'm going to have to insist you get yourself down to the book sale and indulge yourself. All the while supporting a good cause.

Where: Calgary Curling Club 720 3ST NW
When: Today May 24 until midnight
What: Pretty much all the books.
How Much: $3 hard covers and $2 soft covers. Plus $2 admission.

Monday, May 19, 2014

My new computer chair

Since I moved into my apartment (some 2 and a half years ago) I'd been using one of my dining table chairs as a computer chair in my room. Carrying it to and from every time I had people over. Eventually, I claimed, I would pick up a chair intended for my desk.

Turns out I'd rather upcycle one.

I picked up this old school looking chair in the free stuff area in the lobby of my building about 8 months back, with the intention of painting it and recovering it.

Originally the intent was to wait until summer so I could sand and paint the chair outside. Instead I opted for a drop cloth in my living room and a glass of wine.

Step 1: Pull of the seat, and toss the old fabric and foam (which was crumbling to the touch).

 Step 2: Elbow grease and sand paper. Make sure you have some good tunes playing.

Step 3: wash and dry, all that sanding grit needs to some off before the paint can go on.

Step 4: Paint, pictured above is the chair after 1 coat. Looks pretty thin and uneven. I opted to do 3 full coats, drying the chair for a couple hours in between (if you don't live in super dry Alberta, you might want to wait overnight in between coats.)

Step 5: Recover the seat. Essentially the seats on these chairs are just a board, some foam and a piece of fabric. The foam and the fabric (a half yard is more than enough) came from Fabricland. I spray glued the foam in place, the stretched the fabric on and stapled it in place underneath (no sewing required).

Over all the project was pretty easy, and cost me about $30 for painting supplies, the foam and the fabric. And left me wishing two things:

1) that I had grabbed the second chair like this as well
2) that I had more things in my apartment which I could paint green

Have you done any interesting DIYs or UpCycles lately? Let me know in the comments!

Sunday, May 18, 2014

Creative Writing Level 1

Am I a writer?

I know I am a reader, between scientific papers and text books, fiction and non fiction novels, blog posts, news articles and magazines. My day is thoroughly filled with the written word. I could curl up in the library and spend the rest of my life with words.

But am I a writer?

As a scientist I write up my observations, I write papers and review articles, proposals and theses. I may one day write text book chapters. Prepare written materials for courses. And will certainly write grant applications, year after year.

For the past few years I've slowly come to identify myself as a blogger. Writing about my interests, about events in my life, whether small or profound, which I feel the need to share broadly with who ever out there might be reading.

A few months back I wrote about how all of the inspiring memoirs I've read (often by remarkable women) leave me wondering and wanting to one day write my own. And it seemed as though by committing that idea to text, I great part of me decided that yes one day I will do it.

So am I a writer?

Maybe not quite yet, but now I am determined to be.

And so, like many other great decisions in my life, last week I spontaneously signed up for a Creative Writing class at Mount Royal University, which was starting the following evening. I paid my tuition, picked up my textbook (Imaginative Writing: The Elements of Craft by Janet Burroway) and somewhat nervously embarked upon learning a new skill.

Keep in mind that I haven't taken, in the whole of my life, more English or writing classes than the bare minimum 1 per year high school requirement. Science and the arts tend to seem mutually exclusive no?

Bare in mind that I have always considered written communication to be my weak suit. Perhaps the years of (and still continuing) feedback that I can't spell to save my life have convinced me of this. Even after revisions anything I write remains littered with typos which I cannot seem to see.

But so far I've found the class to be quite interesting, and a breath of fresh air towards the end of the week spent in the lab. I've been pleasantly surprised by some of the bits and pieces I've written in during the class itself. And I hope that it will translate into new fevor for posting on my blog, I know I certainly intend to share some of my 'creative writing' in this forum.

Sunday, May 11, 2014

My dog Flurry. On Thursday May 1st my parents called to say the unsayable. They had to put him down. What a horrible choice of words, how can you describe saying goodbye to a member of your family, releasing him from the pain of age and likely kidney failure, with words like 'put him down'. He'd been my dog for most of my life, and suddenly he was gone. The worst part, I was half way across the country when it happened.

For the past two years, each time I'd go home to visit I'd tell my aging puppy, to just hang in there until Christmas, or summer, the next time I'd be home. Since February every time I talked to my parents I reminded them to tell Flurry I'd see him in June.

The thought that when I come through the door next month he wont be there to great me, the first thing I always do when getting home, sit down and put his head between my knees and rub his sides, his curly white tail waving crazily. The way he'd be so happy and smiling he'd snort when he breathed. I'd reprimand my dad for letting the fur in front of his eyes get so long you'd wonder how he could even see.

In the last year or so, he wouldn't come running, his blindness and deafness lead to him sleeping right next to the door, either in the closet or on his favourite blanket. Sometimes he'd wake up on his own when you came in, other times you'd have to wake him up. But either way he'd always be thrilled. Even if I hadn't been home for months, he always knew it was me, and loved me.

Losing Flurry is more than just losing my dog. I feel as tho with him gone now my childhood is well and truly remote. I have in the past two weeks felt lonelier at times that I ever have since moving away from home. And I still cry to think of him. I sat down to write this post 5 times during those days only to freeze at the keyboard, tears freely flowing from my eyes. I can't imaging what going home on June 6th will feel like. But I know in my heart it cannot possibly feel right.

Flurry, you were always a good dog. I wish I could go back and spend more time kicking a soccer ball for you in the back yard. More time petting your belly on the couch. More time playing tug-a-war with your favourite blanket. More time playing the oven-mitt game. More time sneaking you pieces of cheese. More time taking you for walks and letting you root around in the ditches. More time chase rabbits. More time going for car rides. More time to play with Jovi and Sadie, and all your other dog friends. No dog can ever replace you because you were my first dog, and you taught me how to be me.

So I'm off to watch Marley and Me, and cry about my dog a little more. Maybe not the best choice of post for mother's day. But I'm glad to have finally gotten it out. For everyone out there with a dog who loves you more than anything else can ever love you. Spend a couple extra minutes with him or her tonight.

And Mom, I love you. I'll be home soon.


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A Few Non Sequitors

A Few Non Sequitors

First, I hope, to one day, grasp blogger’s new format. I cannot, for the life of me, figure out how to format crap on here. But, then again, I don’t read owner’s manuals, and I still cannot lock the Saab from inside the car or turn off the daytime head lights.

Second, I discovered this new musical group through what I consider to be a successful venture in facebook stalking and google searching(one, I have this irrational and insane pull toward chefs, celebrity and local alike) & (heck, after seeing multiple mug shots of Parker and learning about his second (which is also his current) prison term (yep, my former boyfriend AKA Rugby Fellow, is in prison for the second time. If I had google searched him I could have saved myself a lot of money and disappointment)…. I might not ever allow a man to kiss me without google searching him first, after this clusterfudge….

Thirdly, I’m so appreciatively grateful for those very few of friends who determine, through texting, a phone call is necessary, even whenthe hour of her night is frightfully late and she is several time zones ahead, because she can recognize the veiled mayday in my “im okay” SMS. (okay, I’ll be true here; I have loads of friends willing to help me carry my burden of grief, but mine and Amy’s conversation was too perfect for the moment).

Lastly, I’m trying to rationalize any way to determine that spending the $$ on a plane ticket to San Francisco to take my beautiful friends up on their offer to stay on their houseboat in Sausalito for a weekend in May while they are in Europe is a responsible use of my budget. Granted, San Francisco saves me, and is also my undoing, and I am right now thinking of my first introduction to Sausalito, thanks to an adorable Midwestern pilot who is not only the captain of airplanes but knows how to sail a boat, and we spent a perfect weekend sailing in the San Francisco Bay (and I learned I will survive not showering for three days — thus, a camper, and later, a backpacker, was born)!

Finally, I am still surviving my first pool party of the season and seriously, seriously, considering my carb and sugar intake. It was already 106 degrees this weekend, really. Shiiiiiit? Seriously. Seriously.

Policemen measuring Peggy Graves’s swimming costume, to check whether it meets minimum clothing requirements, 1933
© SZ Photo / Scherl / Bridgeman Education

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My Pretty Obsessions | Dallas Fort Worth Beauty Blog: Review: GurlyGirl by Iris Jerry 5 Piece Eye Brush Set

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Review: GurlyGirl by Iris Jerry 5 Piece Eye Brush Set

Today I want to share with you an adorable set of eye brushes I found on Instagram! If you know me, you know that I can't pass up or refuse anything that's pretty in pink! Big shout out to Miss Iris Jerry, the creator of these cute brushes! Follow her Instagram account @gurlyiris17.

In the GurlyGirl five piece brush set, you get the following brushes:

  • Highlight Brush
  • Tapered Blending Brush
  • Blending Brush
  • Eye Shader Brush
  • Pencil Brush
According to the bio of Iris's Instagram, GurlyGirl brushes are made from goat/synthetic hairs all handmade by Miss Iris herself. All five brushes are very soft, dense, picks up pigments well. I've had these brushes for a couple of weeks now, they've all already have gone through 3 washes, and no shedding! After the first wash, one or two hairs came out but since then, I have not had any more shedding happened to these cuties.

I picked out the Blending and Tapered Blending brushes to compare to my MAC 217 Blending brush and my MAC 222 Tapered Blending brush. Below are the comparisons:

GurlyGirl Blending Brush compared to MAC 217 Blending Brush
GurlyGirl Tapered Blending Brush compared to MAC 222 Blending Brush
Comparing the GurlyGirl blending brushes to my MAC blending brushes, the brush hairs feel the same in terms of texture, density, and application. I am going to dub these GurlyGirl blending brushes to be awesome dupes for MAC!

Below are up close pictures of the Highlight, Pencil, and Shader brushes (please click on the images to enlarge, I wanted them to all be next each other so I had to keep the images a bit smaller):

The brushes are so soft, the handles are strong and sturdy, overall the quality is excellent! I find these brushes to be well worth my money spent, and even more!

Miss Iris Jerry sells the brushes as a set and the price varies because she'll have specials on them! If you are interested in purchasing a set, I recommend you to follow her on Instagram, @gurlyiris17. Let her know that yo girl @itzlizzo sent you over! She is a darling and a hard worker that's for sure (seriously go and check out her Instagram!)! Once you place your order, you should get your brushes within a few days.

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Elise Esthetics Institute and Spa

Elise Esthetics Institute and Spa

About Elise Esthetics Institute and Spa

Elise Esthetic's Institute is the first approved online/hybrid skincare school in the state of Florida. We provide quality skincare education allowing our students to graduate as confident, competent, licensed skincare professionals. Nestled in the heart of Maitland, Florida, Elise Esthetics Institute is conveniently located and offers a variety of class time options to working professionals, stay at home moms and those desiring to transition in the beauty industry.

Elise Esthetic's Spa is a spa where you can call home. We provide a tranquil, peaceful spa escape where you can relax and experience pure bliss. Because no one’s skin is alike, we believe in providing our clients with a professional, targeted treatment that is customized with you in mind. Elise Esthetics Spa is by appointment only so call today to schedule your treatment.

What differentiates us

We specialize in skincare.

Why we love what we do

Simply put, we love skin! We enjoy helping clients realize that beauty is from the inside out. Our students and professional skin therapist study the intricacies associated with skin diseases and disorders and we love helping clients experience visible results.

903 Lake Lily Dr Ste A103, A105
Maitland, FL 32751
Business hours:
9:00am – 2:00pm

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Nada Mucho

Grandpa Goes to Sasquatch 2016: Day 2 Recap

Posted by May 30th, 2016 1 Comment »

Sasquatch Music Festival
Saturday, May 28, 2016
The Gorge Amphitheater
By Andy Bookwalter; Photos Lynae Cook

On Saturday morning, the Canadians lost their drugs.

The Canadians aren’t a band, they’re actual Canadians camping next to me in the Sasquatch shanty town. I’m not sure why people from Canada need mood elevators in the first place – they’re already insufferably pleasant – but there you go. Someone should invent a drug that makes them angry and rude. (Or maybe they did and it’s called “beer?”)

Speaking of beer, how does someone get to a point in their life where they can spend $350 for festival tickets only to drink themselves into a stupor and spend much of the day leaning against a Honey Bucket as though it were a trusted friend?

I set out to kick off Saturday’s entertainment off with Brother From Another, but The Dip was warming up a horn section behind the Yeti stage RIGHT IN FRONT OF ME! How am I supposed to resist that?

I was glad I decided to split my time, because The Dip excelled with blue eyed soul reminiscent of pre-sucking Chicago and Brother From Another won with a set of throwback hip hop.

The Dip @ Sasquatch 2016 by Lynae Cook for Nada Mucho

The Dip

Somewhere in there the Beecher’s mac and cheese stand caught on fire more or less right in front of me. So long, lunch.

For some reason, actor John C. Reilly was hanging around this weekend too. He introduced Nathaniel Rateliff and the Night Sweats. Nathaniel is neither a garden gnome come to life nor a member of one of those earnest vest rock bands, but he kind of looks like both. He and his band are a Stax-style soul machine.

Next came another split set for me, alternating between Digable Planets and Shannon and the Clams (pictured at the top of this article.) The two groups are polar opposites, but paradoxically great. You can’t go wrong with classic hip hop or trashy, gold suit wearing garage rock.

Neither M83 or Major Lazer appeal to me, but my kids were sick with envy that I was going to see the latter and I needed to kill time, so I staked out a spot during the former.

Major Lazer @ Sasquatch 2016 by Lynae Cook for Nada Mucho

Major Lazer

I was surprised by how much I loved both bands. I’m a sucker for a huge bombastic stage show and neither disappointed in that regard. I also forgot how cool it is when the whole amphitheater fills with happy people. Screw you, stripped down punk rock played with integrity. Apparently I love overblown electro pop and EDM now. I want huge spotlights and techno dancehall!

A brief note on sleeping in an RV instead of a tent: there’s no comparison. No more crouching in the dirt eating under-cooked food like Gollum (or the Canadians next door), I made a huge breakfast and coffee…on a stove.

Andy's Saturday Breakfast

Andy’s Saturday Breakfast

Related content:

Sasquatch 2016: Day 2 Photo Set

Grandpa Goes to Sasquatch 2016: Day 1 Recap

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Nada Mucho

Some Cheese with your Melodrama? Barcelona’s “Love You” EP

Posted by April 20th, 2014 1 Comment »

In case you forgot, I didn’t exactly love Barcelona’s EP, Love Me, which the band release earlier this year as part one of a three-part series called The Melodrama. But recently, with fresh ears and some time elapsed since I thought about the new Barcelona sound, I immersed myself in the second EP: Love You.

Love You starts with “Fall in Love,” which features a soft synth sound, some very light auxiliary percussion and a little flare of louder synth, but nothing intrusive. It lulls you into the EP, with easy (albeit not immediately identifiable as frontman Brian Fennell) vocals—and then the drums come in, which sound like very cheesy electronic drums.

The song goes downhill from there. I like the simple vox and synth parts the most, but they can’t outweigh those unpleasant drums and, later on, a guitar riff that’s a bit too repetitive and uses a less-than-appealing tone.

“I Choose You” starts with similar soft synth and Fennell’s vocals, but he pushes the singing a bit more on this song, and it sounds more like him, which I like…until about 30 seconds into the song. At about 30 seconds, the drums come in, and at 37 seconds, you hear a waterfall of chimes. I’m immediately reminded of cheesy ‘80s and ‘90s love songs from boy bands, like “This I Promise You” from Nsync, way back in the day. (I loved the song then, but I was also ten years old. And I think I still like it better than “I Choose You.”)

Cheesy seems to be the theme of this EP, from the awful drums to the overly used sentiments in the lyrical content. The songs sound too similar, even though I understand that each EP is something of a short concept album, creating a fuller concept as a series. I wouldn’t say Love You is worse or better than Love Me, but both showcase a sound gone wrong for a band trying to fit itself into a niche that only serves listeners who want something easy, familiar, and typical—a soundtrack for drama-saturated teenage dramas and terrible “retro” movies.

I miss the old Barcelona.

Read Adrienne’s thoughts on the other EPs in the series:

One thought on “Some Cheese with your Melodrama? Barcelona’s “Love You” EP

  1. Steve says:

    You said it it all in 5 words. “I miss the old Barcelona” Me too

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Namahoro is getting rolling

Posted on Posted in 5 Reasons Social Entrepreneurship is so Important, Blog, Social Impact, Uncategorized
Actions speak louder than words

The days pass faster that we can understand, but there is an emotion we can’t help but feel each day. We keep getting closer to our goal; creating a better world through our social enterprise. This Tuesday 27th of June 2017 the shareholders of The Namahoro Investment Group bvba got together and signed the notary act, thus launching the creation of the company. In the next weeks we will invest in our first business in Belgium and our story will be on the way.

We are open to ideas of investments in Africa that will have a great social impact and will be economically viable.

Maybe our first hunt will be one for a ‘name’ people know and for new members. So keep a lookout for our next activities. The Namahoro Investment Group is coming through Brussels.

Hoping to hear from you all soon.

Guillaume De Keijser

The Namahoro Investment Group


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 Consulate-General of Japan in Nashville

Basic information about the Louisiana Economy

Overview of the state’s economy

  • Louisiana is the 31st largest state in the nation and is approximately one-third the size of Japan.
  • Louisiana is the 25th most populous state in the U.S. with a total population of 4.6 million. Though 95% of the land is considered rural, 73% of the population resides within the remaining 5% of land that is classified urban.
  • The civilian labor force in Louisiana is composed approximately 2.1 million people. Nearly 62% of the workforce is concentrated in the 1) trade, transportation &utilities, 2) government, 3) education & health services, and 4) leisure & hospitality sectors. Only about 1.8% of the state’s employed work in agriculture. The Louisiana unemployment rate was 4.9% in May 2014.

Priority economic sectors of state government

  • - After recent declines in funding, Louisiana has increased education spending by nearly $150 million in the FY2015 budget.
  • A $40 million Workforce & Innovation for a Stronger Economy (WISE) fund was also created during the 2014 legislative session. This fund will provide competitive grants to two- and four-year colleges in the state to develop or enhance educational programs in high-demand fields. A portion of the funding will be distributed based on the schools’ ability to secure federally-funded research projects. Schools will also need to partner with a business that will provide a 20% private matching grant for each grant-awarded program. Gov. Jindal hopes that this initiative, which he proposed, will produce more workforce-ready Louisiana students and lure more advanced industries to the state.
  • A new Louisiana Board of International Commerce is responsible for the state’s master plan in international business and will oversee its implementation to enhance Louisiana’s imports and exports, manufacturing development, and recruitment of foreign direct investment. The 23-member Board is made up of state agency heads and representatives from regional economic development organizations, business groups, airports, ports, and other relevant groups. The master plan focuses on infrastructure, trade outreach, workforce development, and lead generation.
  • Louisiana also established five new trade representative offices in high-potential overseas markets. Offices were created in Japan, the United Kingdom, Germany(E.U), China, and South Korea. Louisiana officials hope that these offices will raise the state’s profile overseas and attract FDI in their most competitive sectors.

Japanese companies in Tennessee:

  • State government reports nearly 4,000 people are employed by Japanese owned parent companies.
  • Shintech, subsidiary of Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd, operates two facilities in Louisiana. Last year, they announced a $500 million expansion of their Louisiana operations that is scheduled to be complete sometime in 2015. Additional investment is being considered in order to produce ethylene internally, rather than purchasing from partners. However, that decision is not yet final.
  • There has been significant Japanese investment in export terminals for Liquefied Natural Gas(LNG). In June, Cameron LNG in Hackberry, Louisiana moved one step closer to being able to export LNG to non-Free Trade Agreement countries. Japanese partners included in that project include Mitsubishi and Mitsui & Co. If regulatory approvals go as hoped by Cameron, construction will begin later this year and operations will begin in 2017 and 2018.

Basic economic indicators

  • Louisiana’s real GDP is 222 billion dollars, the 24th highest in the United States. The real economic growth rate rose 1.3% from 2012. Per Capita Personal Income in 2013 was nearly $41,000,91% of the national average. Louisiana ranked the 31st among the states in personal income average.
  • The seasonally adjusted state unemployment rate was 4.9% in May 2014, better than the national level of 6.3% for May.
  • GDP ratio by industry for 2013: manufacturing 20%, government 11%, real estate, rental & leasing, 11%, mining 8%. Agriculture is 1%. (Please refer to the Jurisdictional Information section of our webpage for details.)

Economic relations with Japan

  • State government is currently working to improve their tracking of foreign direct investment. Currently, they report that four(4) Japanese parent companies have operations in the state, employing about 4,000 people.
  • Imports and Exports: Major exports to Japan include agricultural products, chemicals, petroleum & coal products, and beverages & tobacco products. Louisiana exports to Japan total about $2.8 billion annually. Top imports from Japan include petroleum & coal products, primary metal manufacturing, chemicals, and machinery (excl. electrical). Annual imports from Japan were $289 million in 2012 and $366 million in 2013.

Contact information about Louisiana’s Representative Office in Japan

Mr. Masao Kumori, Director State of Louisiana Japan Office

21F Shiba-Rikyu Bldg, 1-3 Kaigan, Minato-ku,

Tokyo 105-0022 JAPAN

Phone: 011-81-(0)3-5403-5948

FAX: 011-81-(0)3-5403-5959

Email: Masao.Kumori@LA.gov


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Financial issues

Our services include:

    • Division of assets on separation, divorce or dissolution
    • Disputes over properties, investments, pensions and trust/inherited assets
    • Financial provision for children
    • Spousal maintenance
    • Legal advice/representation
    • Mediation

We provide specialist advice to clients on disputed financial issues, including advising on complex and high-value cases.  Wherever possible, we negotiate a favourable financial settlement and avoid court proceedings.

We specialise in the issues which arise for same-sex couples, and financial provision for children conceived through assisted reproduction.  We have been involved in a broad range of financial cases, including high-value and complex finances, and high-profile disputes on child maintenance involving sperm donors.


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Kenya climate plan to cost KSh225bn

Friday December 18 2009

Mt Kenya's snow area. Mountain glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and if this continues, the fun of climbing this mountain may vanish forever.  FILE

Mt Kenya's snow area. Mountain glaciers are melting at an alarming rate and if this continues, the fun of climbing this mountain may vanish forever. FILE

By DAVE OPIYO in Copenhagen, Denmark

Kenya requires at least US$ 3 billion (KSh225 billion) to adequately roll out the first phase of its recently launched climate change response strategy, the Nation has established.

Environment minister John Michuki said their financing requirements will however shoot up to US$ 20 billion by 2030 as they intensify their campaigns against global warming.

Kenya, like other developing countries, has been severely hit by the negative effects of climate change. It has, for instance, been experiencing the worst drought in three years leading to massive water and food shortages.

This follows the failure of short rains in the south eastern and coastal marginal agricultural lowlands and central highlands.

Even though weather experts had predicted that the country would experience El nino rains, this has failed to occur meaning that the country could now face an unprecedented food crisis next year, even higher costs of electricity and worse shortages of water because of poor rains.

Mr Michuki spoke in Copenhagen, Denmark during the re-launch of the strategy that outlines the steps the government intends to take to tackle the negative effects of climate change in the country.

He was accompanied his Cabinet colleagues Noah Wekesa (Forestry) and Moses Wetangula (Foreign Affairs) amongst other senior government officials.

The strategy was developed following six months of intensive countrywide consultations, where more than 5,000 representatives including the civil society, private sector, the media, indigenous communities, faith based organizations amongst others gave their views.

The document says key emphasis will be given to key sectors of the economy, which have so far been worst hit by the crisis. They include health, agriculture, fisheries, tourism, energy amongst others.

The Fourth Assessment Report of the Inter-governmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says climate change will threaten economic growth and long-term prosperity, as well as survival of the most vulnerable populations, most of who live in developing countries.

Said Mr Michuki: “We have determined what we as a country must do to combat climate change. These are actions that must be taken immediately, even as we focus on a longer term horizon of 20 years.”

“This is an ambitious and comprehensive programme. It will not only address the adverse impacts of climate change on Kenya, but will also contribute significantly to taming global warming.”

According to the plan, the government intends to undertake the construction several health centres for pastoralists communities, coupled with the recruitment of about 24,000 technical staff to strengthen public health services across the country.

This, Mr Michuki said, was necessary due to an increase in climate change-driven ‘nomadism’, cross-border migrations and spread of diseases to new territories.


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Professions still reluctant to reveal complaints, statistics show

Professions still reluctant to reveal complaints, statistics show

Professional bodies in the fields of law and medicine make more information available on conduct of their professionals

Transgressions by lawyers and medical practitioners are more openly reported than those in other professions, an investigation has revealed.

Research by Nation Newsplex  shows that certain regulatory bodies readily publish information on complaints against the professionals they oversee and the outcomes of those complaints.

Some regulatory bodies are more guarded, while others do not publish any information. Investigations show that professional bodies in the fields of law and medicine make more information available on conduct of their professionals.  Other bodies in the study are accounting, insurance, engineering, architecture, surveying and media.

Research revealed complaints against lawyers in recent years dropped by more than 26 per cent from 1,114 to 884 between 2012 to 2015. Complaints against lawyers are contained in the Advocates Complaints Commission ACC) database.

According to the commission’s secretary James Marienga, they receive five to seven complaints a day, but only a few are actually serious enough to warrant opening a file.

The data shows only 14  to 16 per cent of the complaints have a file opened, while the rest, which constitute the majority, are dealt with at the preliminary stage.  For example, in 2015, only 134 of the 844 complaints received had a file opened.

Mr Marienga says most lawyers observe professional conduct, but a few taint the profession. One reason for the number of complaints, he says, is the adversarial nature of the legal profession, in which one party wins while the other loses.

“You know when you go to a lawyer, you are already aggrieved and you must have a winner and a loser, that is the nature of our justice system. The loser will often complain,” he says.

Ineffective communication by lawyers is also a source of problems. Lawyers, Mr Marienga says, do not communicate clearly to their clients, particularly when their client has a weak case.  Still other lawyers keep their fees secret from clients until the case is over.

Of the 134 complaints that the commission opened a file on in 2015, 67 cases were for withholding funds from a client, while 32 were for failure to render professional services. This is where a lawyer receives money but fails to carry out instructions as required. Another 10 per cent of complaints are for failure to account for client funds.

In one case adjudicated by the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) Disciplinary Tribunal in 2015, lawyer Japheth Chidzipha Chijumba who had received Sh60,000 in legal fees to file a suit wrote to his client, claiming to have filed the suit at the Malindi Law Courts and requesting Sh400,00 in additional fees.

It later emerged that the suit had not been filed and the case number he had given the client was fictitious.

Last year, 20 lawyers were struck off the roll of advocates and another 12 suspended.  There are 6,228 lawyers currently practicing, according to the LSK.

Anybody aggrieved by a lawyer can choose among three avenues: the LSK Disciplinary Tribunal, the Advocates Complaints Commission or a private prosecution through the courts.

The investigation shows keen interest in reporting misconduct in the health-care sector. Between 1997 and March 2017, 936 complaints were lodged against medical practitioners and dentists, according to numbers given to Newsplex by the Kenya Medical Practitioners and Dentists Board Chief Executive Officer, Mr Daniel Yumbya.

Since 1997, one doctor has been deregistered by the board and four doctors have had their licenses cancelled, while another six have had their licenses suspended for a period of six to twelve months for misconduct.

Nearly one in four of those complaints is connected to obstetrics and gynaecology, while 16 per cent had to do with internal medicine. Cases touching on surgery were reported at 14 per cent, while finances, the biggest cause of complaints against lawyers accounted for 10 per cent of the complaints. Cases on paediatrics were at 10 per cent.

Of the 936 cases lodged, 41 are pending and 895 have been determined, 97 per cent of them by the preliminary inquiry committee.

The one doctor who was de-registered in 2013, William Omondi Oduor, was found to have attended to a patient while drunk, leaving her with an open belly during surgery, from which she died.

Active practitioners stand at 64 per cent of all registered doctors and dentists who number 12,019, according to numbers that the board made available to Newsplex.

Journalists have also come under increasing scrutiny. Most complaints at the Media Council of Kenya (MCK) are filed for “inaccurate and biased reporting”.

According to the MCK website, a total of 23 complaints have yet to be fully resolved. Of these, eight were lodged in 2016, 18 in 2015 and seven in 2014.

Another eight have been resolved with the offending media houses required to make retractions or apologies, or pay fines ranging from Sh200,000 to Sh1.5 million. Another two cases were resolved through conciliation between a media house and the aggrieved party.

Regulators in the insurance and accounting industries also provide complaints data to the public, but remain silent on disciplinary outcomes, unlike in medicine, law and the media.

For example, the 2015 annual report of the Insurance Regulatory Authority of Kenya (IRA) shows the regulator received 620 complaints that year, down 13 per cent from 715 the year before.

Although the authority reveals 80 per cent of the complaints were resolved during the year, there is no word on disciplinary measures.

However, the IRA provides a comprehensive complaints section on its website and even provides an online form to fill and submit.

The Institute of the Certified Public Accountants of Kenya (ICPAK) oversees the accounting profession in Kenya. According to its 2015 report, ICPAK received 19 complaints in 2015.

Of these, five were deemed to require mediation, while 14 were found to be suitable for investigation and disciplinary action.

Notably, last year Mr Jonathan Ciano, the former chief executive of Uchumi was forced to resign as chairman of the Institute’s disciplinary committee, after an audit revealed he had manipulated financial statements to hide losses. A search for his name on the institute’s online database came up empty. Newsplex called senior ICPAK officials to ascertain his current status, but the calls were not answered.

In 2009, ICPAK published the name of an accountant, Charles Tela Alusala, whom it had reprimanded, in the Kenya Gazette, for failing to undertake an audit, despite having been paid professional fees amounting to Sh85,000. He was found guilty of failing to keep client funds in a separate banking account.

Information in the fields of engineering, architecture and quantity surveying is sparse. Newsplex reached out via email to the Engineers Registration Board and the Board for the Registration of Architects and Quantity Surveyors of Kenya, which regulates architects and quantity surveyors.

By the time of going to press, Newsplex had not received any information on complaints from these two bodies.

Editor's Note: The number of active lawyers refers to the number of lawyers who had valid practising certificates from LSK at the time of writing this story.


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Women struggle to seek help after sexual violence

Women struggle to seek help after sexual violence

Women in their twenties face the most risk, with one in 10 assaulted in the 12 months preceding the survey

More than half (53 per cent) of women who suffer from sexual violence never tell anyone or seek help, reveals a Nation Newsplex review of domestic violence data.

More than half of women who live in North Eastern region (57 per cent) and younger women aged between 15 and 19 are the most likely to keep mum, neither seeking help nor telling anyone about the assault.

That may help to explain why these communities report the lowest number of sexual assaults.

Better educated women seem to suffer less from sexual violence.

According to the latest Kenya Demographic and Health Survey (KDHS), 0.6 per cent of women in North Eastern said they experienced sexual violence. This was 36 times lower than the reported rates in Western and Nyanza. The two regions had the highest rates.

Seven per cent of the younger women reported experiencing sexual violence, compared with 18 per cent of women aged from 40-49. Older women were three times as likely as teenagers to report having been sexually assaulted.

Overall, one in seven women aged 15 to 49 said they had experienced sexual violence, with eight per cent saying they had experienced sexual violence in the 12 months preceding the survey.

For eight years, 22-year-old Mercy Chebet was scared of disclosing to anyone that she had been sexually and physically assaulted. She was afraid of her abuser and uncomfortable with sharing her ordeal experience with anyone.

Like Chebet, half of women aged between 15 and 19 never seek help or tell anyone, compared with a third of those aged 40-49. But as women grow older they open up about their ordeal in greater numbers.

“We are on standby 24/7. They call us through a helpline 1195; it has come in handy for our women in this country,” Fanice Lisiagali, a helpline administrator, told Newsplex about the survivors of gender-based violence.

“The culture of these women, anything bordering on sexual violence, they don’t want to come out, the word rape is hard for them. The helpline is empowering them in terms of breaking the silence.”

One factor that influences how likely a survivor is to disclose violence or seek help, whether physical or sexual, is religion. Women with no religious affiliations are the likeliest to open up, at 75 per cent, more than Roman Catholics (61 per cent), and Muslims, Protestants or other Christians (59 per cent).

In August last year, Jackline Mwende, whose husband chopped off both her hands, told the Nation that her pastor advised her to pray for her abusive marriage when she sought advice.

By geography, more than half of women from Eastern, Central and Western regions reported seeking help after suffering violence, be it physical or sexual, at rates of 54, 53 and 52 per cent respectively. They were followed by Nairobi (42 per cent), Rift Valley (39 per cent), Nyanza and Coast (38 per cent). In the

North Eastern region, only 19 per cent, less than a fifth, seek help.

“The government has done a lot, we have gender recovery centres, safe spaces, a raft of laws and policies against gender-based violence,” says Zeinab Hussein, the principal secretary in the Ministry of Public Service, Youth and Gender Affairs.

But Gathoni Kimondo, a gender activist, says such help is not available to many women. “We found out there are many services for survivors of violence—medical, psycho-social—and these women do not know where to get the help they need. That is when we set up a link to breach the gap between the people who need the services and the people who offer these services. We inform, empower and empathise,” she says.

Experts also say that problems will persist as long as male attitudes remain unchanged. “We don’t have enough mentors for our young men, we need to empower girls and sensitise boys at the same time. How can we empower girls and leave out the boys and then send them back to get married to them?” says Oscar Githua, a forensic psychologist.

According to the 2014 KDHS, which was released this year, the age group of 25 to 29 faces the most risk, with one in 10 women saying they experienced sexual violence in the 12 months preceding the survey.

The likelihood of being sexually assaulted increases with age among women. While about seven per cent of women aged 15 to 19 said they had experienced sexual violence, 18 per cent, almost triple that proportion, had been sexually assaulted among women aged 40 to 49.

This suggests that women become more vulnerable to sexual violence while living independently as adults.

While 93 per cent of women aged 15-19 have never experienced sexual violence, the percentage of the unscathed plunges to 87 per cent for women aged 20-24. That sudden dive shows this age group is particularly at risk.

Seven per cent of women aged 25-29 said they had been subjected to sexual violence by the time they were 22, while eight per cent of women aged 30-39 said they had already been sexually assaulted by the time they were 22.

Better educated women seem to suffer less from sexual violence. While one in 10 (10 per cent) women who had at least completed secondary education reported ever having suffered sexual violence, nearly double the proportion (18 per cent) who had only completed primary education said they had been sexually assaulted.

In the 12 months preceding the survey, five per cent of women who had at least a secondary education reported sexual violence, compared with 11 per cent of those who had completed primary education, double the rate of better educated women.

The more money women have the less likely they are to face sexual violence. Just over one in nine of the wealthiest women (11 per cent) is likely to experience sexual violence, compared with 16 per cent of the poorest women.

While it is clear that having money does not keep women completely safe from sexual violence, it allows women to live in safer neighbourhoods, work during hours when chances of sexual violence outside the home are lower, and avoid jobs with a high risk of sexual violence. In addition to commercial sex work, jobs like street vending expose women to high risks of sexual violence.

“What do we mean when we say rape?” asks Stanley Githua, a psychologist. “Our society only classifies those who attack us in dark corners as rape. How about husbands not seeking consent from wives, parents abusing children, and friends and young people going on a drinking spree and not asking for consent?”

“I experienced rape when I was 19,” says Janes Amondi Owuor, 21. “I was having a get-together with my friends, whom I had known for quite a while. Little did I know that my drink was spiked that night until I woke up the next morning when I was alone and all sore.”

Mercy Chebet, 22, a university student, was raped by the manager of her family’s farm. Her parents were missionaries and were hardly available. The farm manager was her guardian, who was also responsible for managing the house when the parents were away.

“Parents must be there with their children. Most of the cases we are getting is that a very close relative who stays in that house is the one violating this child; it is up to their parents to become friends of their children,” says Lisiagali, the 1195 administrator.

More than half (55 per cent) of women who have been married in their lifetime and have experienced sexual violence said the perpetrators were their current husbands or partners, while more than a quarter (28 per cent) said the offenders were former husbands or partners.

Most of the time, these perpetrators tend to commit these acts in order to exercise control on their victims. “In the crime of rape, it’s a man trying to control a woman, or a woman trying to control a man without their consent for their power of control,” Mr Githua said.

Women who have never been married face greater risks of sexual violence from different groups of people, namely strangers and friends or acquaintances.

Whereas among women who are or have been married, only six per cent reported sexual violence by a stranger, 44 per cent of women who have never been married reported being sexually attacked by a stranger, nearly eight times the proportion of women who have been married in their lifetime. Fourteen per cent of never married women said they were attacked by a friend or acquaintance, more than three times the proportion of ever married women.


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Prawit, Anupong, Chatchai to remain in Cabinet: PM

Breaking News November 17, 2017 16:02

By The Nation

2,759 Viewed

Deputy PM and Defence Minister General Prawit Wongsuwan and Interior Minister General Anupong Paochinda, military senior classmates of the premier, would remain in the Cabinet, Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha said on Friday.

He was reacting to reports on the upcoming Cabinet reshuffle, without elaborating on whether they would retain their current portfolios.

Another close friend of Prayut, Agriculture and Cooperatives Minister General Chatchai Sarikulya, would also remain in the Cabinet the PM said while keeping mum on his portfolio.

Prayut was also non-committal on whether he would take over the Defence Minister post.

“It’s a non-issue for now,” he said.

The new Cabinet list is ready but some procedures were still to be completed, he said.

“But I’ve done my best. And I did it [manage the list] alone, as it’s my authority,” he said.

He declined to reveal the number of new faces in the new Cabinet.

Most view


text:
When Did Globalization Begin?

Kevin H. O'Rourke, Jeffrey G. Williamson

NBER Working Paper No. 7632
Issued in April 2000
NBER Program(s):Development of the American Economy, International Trade and Investment

Some world historians attach globalization big bang' significance to 1492 (Christopher Colombus stumbles on the Americas in search of spices) and 1498 (Vasco da Gama makes an end run around Africa and snatches monopoly rents away from the Arab and Venetian spice traders). Such scholars are on the side of Adam Smith who believed that these were the two most important events in recorded history. Other world historians insist that globalization stretches back even earlier. There is a third view which argues that the world economy was fragmented and completely de-globalized before the 19th century. None of these three competing views has explicitly shown the difference between trade expansion driven by booming demand and supply within the trading economies (e.g., the underlying fundamental, population growth), and trade expansion driven by the integration of markets between trading economies (e.g., the central manifestation of globalization, commodity price convergence). This paper makes that distinction, and then offers two novel empirical tests which allow us to discriminate between these three competing views. Both tests show: there is no evidence supporting the view that the world economy was globally integrated prior to 1492 and/or 1498; there is also no evidence supporting the view that these two dates had the economic impact on the global economy that world historians assign to them; but there is abundant evidence supporting the view that the 19th century contained a very big globalization bang. These tests involve a close look at the connections between factor prices, commodity prices and endowments world wide.

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Document Object Identifier (DOI): 10.3386/w7632

Published: O Rourke, Kevin H. & Williamson, Jeffrey G., 2002. "When did globalisation begin?," European Review of Economic History, Cambridge University Press, vol. 6(01), pages 23-50, April. citation courtesy of

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Action Step 2: Establishing and Maintaining Oversight

Establish oversight over language access programs through the development of a state or district language access plan, creation of an oversight body, and/or creation of a language access coordinator position.

Action Step 2 details recommendations on how to establish effective oversight, including the creation of an oversight committee, the establishment of a language access coordinator position, the development of a state Language Access Plan (LAP), and or the revision of an existing plan.

Over the past 5 years, jurisdictions have made impressive strides in establishing oversight and maintaining pre-established oversight. The majority of jurisdictions stated in the survey that they currently have an oversight body, a statewide coordinator, and/or a statewide language access plan.

Oversight Bodies and Language Access Coordinators

The existence of an oversight body and a language access coordinator is arguably one of the most important indicators of a jurisdiction’s commitment toward improvement.  Establishing an oversight body, such as a language access office and/or a coordinator greatly assists with the coordination of services, facilitating the development, communication, and monitoring of language access policies and procedures.

Almost 80% of jurisdictions report that they currently have an oversight body that provides language access-related policies and programs.  (Figure Q5 below.)  Also, 81% of jurisdictions stated that they have a statewide language access coordinator position. (Figure Q6 below.)  As seen in question 42, jurisdictions overwhelmingly attributed their overall success and improvements to having a full time language access coordinator.

Language Access Plans (LAPs)

At the Summit, there was a great deal of focus on the importance of developing a state Language Access Plan (LAP), and/or the revision of an existing plan.  In the years following the Summit, many resources, through funding efforts, have been put toward supporting creating LAPs or updating existing LAPs.

This intensive focus and support for LAPs has yielded extremely successful results.  Most jurisdictions, 84% of respondents, report that they currently have a statewide LAP.  (Fig. Q7.)  In addition, 64% of respondents stated that they have updated or revised an existing LAP in the last five years. (Fig. Q8.)

LAP Oversight

Jurisdictions assign the duty of overseeing the implementation of their LAP to a variety of persons or entities.  At the Summit, when developing steps to implement their LAPs, jurisdictions were asked to identify the individual or entity that would kick off and implement the LAP.  This pre-planning created consensus among the key stakeholders attending the Summit and assisted with the immediate implementation of the plans.

Jurisdictions have a number of options of who is best situated to oversee the LAP.  The survey asked respondents to identify who is responsible for LAP oversight.

Q9:  Who (person or entity) oversees the implementation of the LAP?

Some jurisdictions reported that both a point person and an entity were charged with overseeing their LAP:

  • LAP Implementation Coordinator and the LEP Committee.
  • Statewide Language Access Coordinator and Interpreter Advisory Committee.
  • Language Access Coordinator, Division Director, Clerk of the Court, Executive Officer, Language Access Committee, Standing Committee on Fairness & Access.

Other jurisdictions reported having either a specific person or entity that oversees their LAP:

  • Language Services Director
  • State Court Administrator
  • Court Access Coordinator
  • Administrator of Courts
  • Manager, Court Language Access Services
  • Administrative Director of the Courts
  • Coordinator Court Access
  • Language Access Program Coordinator and Manager
  • Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force
  • The Office of Court Interpreters
  • AOC/Court Interpreter Program
  • Access to Justice Department
  • Supreme Court/Office of the Judicial Administrator
  • State Supreme Court
  • Office of Court Administration, Office of Language Access

Components of an LAP

A successful LAP should provide both a strategic framework with realistic goals and procedures and policies to improve meaningful access for LEP court users.  Jurisdictions reported on the key components their plans include.

Q10 What Components does your LAP include?  Check all that apply:

Listed below in the chart are the most frequently included components, including services, training, and notification procedures.

Jurisdictions have gone well beyond the list of components listed above.  In the survey, respondents detailed the following additional components in their plans that were not listed as multiple choice options:

  • The Language Access Plan's 8 goals: 1. Improve early identification of and data collection on language needs; 2. provide qualified language access services in all judicial proceedings; 3. provide language access services at all points of contact outside of judicial proceedings; 4. provide high quality multilingual translation and signage; 5. Expand high quality language access through the recruitment and training of language access providers; 6. provide judicial branch training on language access policies and procedures; 7. conduct outreach to communities regarding language access services; and 8. identify systems, funding and legislation necessary for plan implementation and language access management.
  • The Branch's Policy Statement of Commitment Regarding Limited English Proficiency, the charge to the LEP Committee, the function of the Interpreter and Translator Services Unit, including the description of its centralized scheduling system for statewide language requests, pilot projects.
  • Statutes, orders, rules for governing use of interpreters. Code of professional conduct.
  • Governing laws, rules and policies.
  • Standards for ethics, training and testing of court interpreters.
  • The Plan notes that Administrative Rule 6 was revised in 2016 to provide interpreting services by the court for all civil and criminal cases regardless of ability to pay.
  • Statement of legal basis for LAP, enumeration of "General Principles of Language Access" for Pennsylvania's courts.
  • Certification process; CEU requirements; reporting of expenses for language access; description of language providers and where they can provide services; info about complaint process
  • The state court system’s adoption and implementation of successive rule amendments has (1) strengthened interpreting standards in both court and court-related proceedings; and (2) increased the pool of registered and official state-level designated interpreters. The expanded use of shared remote interpreting promotes intra-state interaction and sharing of resources.
  • The history of the program in Nevada, certification requirements, what has been done, complaint process, bench card, LAP template and guide for courts to develop separate LAP.
  • US Census data Language Access Data & survey results Governance structure Remote interpreting descriptions and data Translation descriptions and data Complaint process.

Most Effective Components of an LAP

Next, the survey asked respondents to identify the most successful aspects of their LAPs, which they would recommend to other jurisdictions.

Q11 What have been the most effective components of your
LAP that you would recommend other jurisdictions adopt and why?

Goals and Standards

  • Manageable milestones that fulfill 5 year goals. This makes progress measurable and steady accomplishment of plan objectives.
  • The Policy Statement from the Chief Court Administrator reflects the Branch's commitment, the mandatory LEP training to all staff outlining the procedures for accessing language assistance.
  • Quality of interpreting services has been strengthened given adoption/implementation of increased interpreting standards in both court and court-related proceedings through successive rule amendments. Expanded use of remote interpreting technology has improved efficiency in case processing through reduction of court delays, improved effectiveness of service delivery by maximizing use of state certified interpreter resources, and increased the opportunity for intra-state resource sharing.
  • Identifying language needs, and types of language assistance currently provided are one of the most effective components of the LAP in identifying priorities and developing protocols for hiring additional staff interpreters and assigning staff interpreters to at least one Regional Justice Center.

Language Access Coordinators

  • Hiring of a full-time Language Services Coordinator to schedule and monitor interpreting services. A case management system that captures the need for interpreting services. The increased use of video remote interpreting to provide qualified interpreters in those regions of the state with adequate bandwidth.
  • Statewide LAP has been recently adopted, so its effectiveness is still being evaluated. The local LAPs have been in effect for 2 years, and the appointment of local language access coordinators has been very effective and is recommended.
  • Court Interpreting Testing Program, Registry of Interpreting Resources, and the creation of county interpreting units led by a Coordinator of Interpreting Services who also coordinates with the manager of the Language Services Section.

Interpreter Training, Certification and Recruitment

  • Holding mandatory onsite orientation sessions for prospective interpreters helps identify those interpreters who are serious about becoming qualified.
  • We have been successful with training, outreach and public relations surrounding the importance of language access services, as well as state and federal requirements and how to work effectively with interpreters in court proceedings.
  • Training for judges and staff. Ensuring language access at all points of contact: outside the courtroom such as court-ordered services, legal fairs sponsored by the courts, clerk's office, customer service, self-help centers.
  • More active approach to the recruitment of certified interpreters increasing the level of access to qualified individuals leading to accurate interpretation in court; educating court staff to increase knowledge of federal and state laws.
  • Internship for prospective court interpreters has generated immense interest and enthusiasm, from both college students, their faculty and court staff. It is also a helpful tool for outreach and recruitment.

  • Centralized scheduling of all language access requests, defining the very specific role of the sworn proceedings interpreter, outlining the state's responsibilities in translating vital documents and defining what 'vital document' actually means.
  • We recently transitioned from local, county-level LAP plans to one, statewide LAP plan with centralized oversight and monitoring.
  • The establishment/formation of the Language Access Plan Implementation Task Force, comprised of balanced stakeholders in the membership and defining the Task Force's goals and objectives to carry out the implementation of the LAP's 75 recommendations.

  • The most effective component of Tennessee’s language access plan that we would recommend other jurisdictions adopt, is the collection of data.  Having a system that can help the court system know the languages needed in the court system so that the interpreter program can recruit interpreters in these languages is invaluable.

  • Standardization of services, best practices documents.
  • Block pay-instead of hourly, block pay provides services by an interpreter for as little as one case to ten or more cases for the block period.
  • 1) In April 2014, the Hawaii State Judiciary launched enhancements to its website to make it easier for LEP persons and the general public to access important information about language access services. All information about language access services is consolidated under a "Language Access" tab. LEP persons can easily access multilingual content in their language; with just one click from the Judiciary's homepage, LEP persons can get to one of 14 language-specific web pages that compile all documents translated into a specific language in one place. 2) Language ID Cards are business-sized cards that read, "Hello, my name is. I speak ____. Please find someone who can speak my language so we can talk." in English on one side and in language on the other. Developed by the Hawaii State Judiciary under a U.S. Department of Justice grant, Language ID Cards are available in 14 non-English languages frequently encountered in the Hawaii State Courts, including several "rare" Asian and Pacific Island languages. This allows LEP persons to quickly and proactively identify their language need to facilitate provision of language services.

Overall Impact of LAP

The survey then asked respondents if their LAP helped improve the language access services they provide in their jurisdictions.  The majority of jurisdictions, over 82%, reported that their LAP improved their language access services.  (Fig. Q12.)

Each jurisdiction then provided an explanation or detail on how their LAPs improved their language access services.  One of the most common themes was that the LAP served as a roadmap or guide in implementing policies and standards and establishing clear direction in providing language access services.  Also, increased accountability and awareness was essential to making concrete changes and improvements.

Roadmap and Guide

  • The Plan serves as a roadmap for making improvements in the delivery of language services. The process of updating the plan gives administrative staff an opportunity to review progress, discuss new challenges, and set new goals.
  • The LAP is a roadmap to promote a consistent statewide approach to implement language access services throughout the 58 counties. Also, progress made in the expansion of court interpreter in civil proceedings outlined in the following graphics: (as of December 31, 2016) and (as of September 30, 2015).
  • Yes, included in the LAP are Action Steps which serve to guide the Trial Court's progress in providing language access services.
  • Yes, the LAP has improved language access as it has guided the Committee on Language Access in putting policies and standards in place to ensure equal access for all.
  • The Hawaii State Judicairy recognizes that the LAP is an important component that guides the Judiciary's efforts in working with LEP populations. The LAP ensures that all staff understand the need to identify and address the language of LEP persons in a timely manner to reduce delay, frustration, and costs. Through mandatory staff training, the Judiciary ensures that all staff working across departments know how to identify LEP persons and provide appropriate language access services in a consistent and uniform manner which, in turn, has strengthened the Judiciary's efforts to ensure access to justice for all.
  • We identified the areas in which we needed to work to provide equal access to our courts: services provided outside the courtroom and court-ordered services, translation of the judiciary's website and DV and DR forms, training for judges and staff, developed a training and certification program for Navajo and Pueblo languages, which are widely spoken in some specific areas of the state.
  • Staff and judges are trained about the services we provide and how to recognize and interact with limited English proficienct individuals. The Plan provides clear direction to judges and staff.

Increased Accountability

  • The development and revisions of the written documents has resulted in more accountability within the Branch and increase in awareness of services that need to be provided.
  • LAP provides high profile written document that includes accountability measures.  We have been able to leverage the LAP to gain grant funding to assist in fulfilling goals: a) stakeholder surveys, b) sustainable language access training for statewide court personnel and judges, c) statewide courthouse language identification tools, d) increased training for interpreters of languages of lesser diffusion, e) improved public counter language access, and f) further implement the use of technology to deliver services.

Increased Awareness and Understanding

  • The LAP has raised awareness of language issues, and increased visibility of the Office of Language Access (OLA) and the services and assistance that we can provide; court users are also made aware of the services that are available, through takeaway cards, signage, website, etc.
  • Increased awareness and improved understanding of language access policies.
  • It has made the staff more aware and better trained to handle requests for language assistance.
  • Increased attention to issues like signage, translated materials, website, etc.
  • By bringing clarity to language access and its relation to services in the court system.

  • The creation of local LAPs has allowed me to develop a local point of contact in each circuit court, and has required acknowledgement from each Chief Judge that interpreters be provided for all legal proceedings, civil and criminal, and court-annexed proceedings. Having a point of contact has also allowed me to educate court staff about the importance of using qualified interpreters. The LAPs have also standardized the methods of determining the need for an interpreter and data collection practices.
  • Yes, our language access plan has helped improve language access services the Tennessee court system provides. We have discussed the Plan and the need for the plan at statewide trainings and conferences for court system stakeholders. It helps them understand the why and need for a Plan and language access services.
  • It has streamlined the assignment of interpreters going into the courtroom and outside attorney appointments, counseling, etc.
  • We have been able to develop a robust data collection program to monitor performance and to evaluate the depth of the program.
  • The policies and implementation of court interpreter training and testing have resulted in lists of qualified court interpreters by language for use by all Louisiana courts, attorneys, and related parties. The adoption of Louisiana's "Code of Professional Responsibility for Language Interpreters" in the Louisiana Rules of Court has created uniform ethical standards.
  • It provides local eyes-on, ears-on to better ensure services are provided and provided as efficiently as possible.
  • It is a clear articulation of the Nebraska Supreme Court's outstanding commitment to language access in Nebraska courts and probation services, and it provides a firm foundation upon which to build the program.
  • The Plan is descriptive of what is already in place through statute or court rule. It does not add or expand on those rights and responsibilities. It is helpful to the extent that it compiles information from various sources into one document.
  • Our Language Access Program is still relatively new. Having a registry of qualified interpreters has assisted both courts and foreign-language-speaking litigants.

Jurisdictions that did not answer affirmatively that their LAPs led to improvements referred to a lack of data to support improvements or that their LAPs were newly implemented.

  • Being a centralized office for language access, it is hard to tell if the LAP has had an impact, or if we are successful because everything comes through our office and we are able to control the quality of interpretation as well as maintain the statistics.

Go to next section.


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Waterwise Wednesday: Natural Clog Buster

Got a slow moving drain? Skip caustic chemicals and flush the drain with vinegar and baking soda. Vinegar and baking soda can clear out grease and dissolve organic material trapped in your pipes.

Start by pouring a pot of boiling water down the drain. Then sprinkle one cup of baking soda into the drain, quickly followed by a cup of vinegar. Insert the drain cap or a rag to keep the bubbles working in the pipe. Let the mixture sit in the pipes for 15 minutes to an hour Finish with one more flush of boiling water down the pipes.

Waterwise Wednesday: Levees of Leaves

  Falling leaves signal the official arrival of Autumn. Put leaves to good use as insulating mulch in a garden bed, make them into compost, or shred them across the lawn as a natural fertilizer. Left to lie in gutters, leaves quickly clog storm drains leading to flooding in a Fall storm and nutrient pollution as the leaves degrade in the storm sewer. Pile ’em up and enjoy the benefits of leaves next spring!


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Stabilized Entrance

Construction sites should implement a stabilized entrance, commonly referred to as a ‘rock entrance,’ in multiple cases:

  1. Where dirt or mud can be tracked onto roads
  2. If they’re adjacent to water bodies
  3. If they have poorly compacted soil
  4. Where dust is a problem during dry weather

The City of Kearney has detailed specifications on rock entrances in the Public Works Department link at the sediment and erosion control details page.


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Soaproot Saddle - SOAP

Site Type

Relocatable Terrestrial

California, D17, Pacific Southwest

Site Host

U.S. Forest Service

Map Legend
Click the check boxes to filter results on the map
NEON Sampling Boundaries
Tower Airshed Boundary
Tower Location

This map depicts the spatial layout of this field site. Please note that some locations may have moved over time due to logistics, safety and science requirements. This map was updated on December 06, 2017

Construction Status for this Site

Civil Construction Sensor Installation Field Sampling Data Status
Partially Available

The site encompasses 582 hectares (1,438 acres) of mixed conifer forest, ranging in elevation from 998 m to 1383 m (3,274 – 4,537ft). The terrain is relatively complex, with coarse hills, steep slopes, and narrow drainages. NEON has designated SOAP as one of two relocatable terrestrial sites for Domain 17 - Pacific Southwest. The domain’s relocatable aquatic site, Upper Big Creek, is just north of the terrestrial site boundaries.

The climate is typical of the Sierra Nevada, with hot, dry summers and fairly mild, wet winters. Precipitation occurs primarily in the form of rain during the winter and early spring, with limited snowfall. Temperatures in December through February range from 1 to 12 °C (34 to 54 °F), with an average of 6 °C (43 °F). Frost is common beginning in mid-November through early March. Spring is mild, with average temperatures around 10 °C (50 °F). The summer months of June through August range from 15 to 28 °C (59 to 82 °F), with an average of 22 °C (72 °F), though temperatures often reach or exceed 32 °C (90 °F) during the day.

Site History and Management

Soaproot Saddle is part of the Sierra National Forest, federal public land administered by the U.S. Forest Service. The land is managed for multiple uses and benefits, ranging from renewable resources, such as timber and forage, to recreation and research. Targeted research addresses a range of concerns and provides much of the direction in resource management. Wildland fire is of particular concern at SOAP, where foresters use a combination of prescribed fire and mechanical fuel treatment to minimize damage while maintaining a healthy fire regime.

Site-specific Topics SOAP is home to a flux tower associated with the Southern Sierra Critical Zone Observatory (CZO), which collects data on water, carbon and nutrient cycling across the rain-snow transition in the southern Sierra Nevada. CZO eddy covariance flux towers also operate at the Pacific Southwest core site, San Joaquin Experimental Range (SJER) and Lower Teakettle (TEAK), the other relocatable site.

The National Land Cover Database (NLCD) characterizes SOAP as a mix of evergreen forest and shrub scrub vegetation types. Ponderosa pine (Pinus ponderosa) and incense cedar (Calocedrus decurrens) dominate the overstory, with co-dominant canyon live oak (Quercus chrysolepis) and California black oak (Quercus kelloggii). However, the interaction of long-term drought and warming has exacerbated the outbreak of pine bark beetles, leading to high Ponderosa pine mortality and a potential shift in the forest community. Mariposa manzanita

(Arctostaphylos viscida ssp. mariposa) are interspersed throughout the understory and often form dense thickets in open areas, whereas deerbrush (Ceanothus integerrimus) and poison oak (Toxicodendron diversilobum) are common in the shaded understory. Mountain misery (Chamaebatia foliolosa) provides dense groundcover throughout much of the site. Herbaceous plants include annual and perennial grasses, as well as a range of native forbs.

Soils are weathered from granite or granodiorite, primarily from the Holland and Chaix series, and to a lesser extent, the Chawankee and Tollhouse series. Soils are moderately deep and well-drained on mountain slopes, with shallower and excessively drained soils on steeper slopes. Exposed bedrock punctuates the landscape. Intermittent streams of the watershed drain into Big Creek, just north of the site boundary and home to the domain’s relocatable aquatic site.

Dialog content.


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T1 service offers a high-bandwidth dedicated digital connection with stringent Quality of Service (QoS) capabilities. A single T1 connection provides Internet connections up to 1.544 Mbps of bandwidth. NetCarrier offers both full and fractional point-to-point leased line T1s and frame relay T1s.

Larger corporations with greater bandwidth needs may be candidates for bonded multiple T1s or an Ethernet connection. Bonded T1s are two or more T1 circuits combined as one larger circuit. Ethernet circuits are delivered using high bandwidth fiber optic circuits which allows you to start small and increase your bandwidth as your needs grow. To find out more about this reliable service and how it can improve your business while saving you money, please email or call 1-888-255-7733 for a consultation.

For Private Line:

Private Line circuits are private circuits that connect 2 or more locations together. These circuits can be delivered as T1 or Ethernet, and can be used for voice or data. Pricing factors are determined based on the distance between customer locations and the type of bandwidth required. Contact a NetCarrier representative here contact us to learn more.


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Digital Literacy Corps & The Verizon Foundation to Increase Computer Access to 10,000 Hoosiers

Net Literacy’s ( digital literacy corps of student volunteers are repurposing hundreds of computers that will be donated to senior centers, youth centers, and community centers throughout Indiana’s rural counties.  Thanks to a generous grant by the Verizon Foundation, Net Literacy has rented additional storage space and has repurposed and staged over 200 computers with hundreds of additional computers still in process.

The Lt. Governor’s office has asked Net Literacy to help increase computer access in Indiana’s rural counties, and student volunteers from several schools are working hard so that 500 computers are completed by February 15, 2010 to launch this initiative.

Lt. Governor Becky Skillman joined Net Literacy’s Honorary Board of Directors in July, 2009, showing her support for “student empowered community service” and the importance of reducing the digital divide.  Increasing computer access throughout Indiana’s rural counties and at senior centers are two of the Lt. Governor’s digital inclusion priorities.

For additional information, contact [email protected]


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Thursday, 26 May 2011

Saturday, 21 May 2011

Criteria Of A Wonder

What makes a Wonder?

At the simplest level, the word “wonder” itself captures the essence of what I'm after - a monument or structure that imbues a sense of awe. Never mind that we get the word from a mistranslation of the original Greek, which more accurately meant “must-see”, wonder should be the primary impact of these landmarks. They should be impressive, and upon viewing should make us take a step back and say something along the lines of “Bloody hell.”

So what makes us react like that? Sudden and unexpected nudity from a pretty lady, for one, or an obese man on a trampoline. But in terms of being impressed with man-made monumentality there are a few criteria that can give us the “wow” moment.

Saturday, 7 May 2011

The Ancient Wonders and Motives For A New Selection

What are the Seven Wonders of the World?

It's a famous and prestigious title, but how many people can actually identify all seven? Until recently I, like most people, could have come up with a handful, perhaps five if I was feeling particularly inspired: The Pyramids of course, the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, the Colossus of Rhodes, the Lighthouse of Alexandria, the Statue of Zeus of somewhere. Which am I missing? No, The Great Wall of China isn't one, or The Colosseum. There's a mausoleum there, and a temple...

More accurately, the Seven Wonders are the Seven Ancient Wonders, all based around the Classical world of Greece, the Mediterranean and the Middle East, and as the name suggests they are pretty old. Or were pretty old. You see, the thing is, apart from the Pyramids, all the other ancient Wonders no longer exist. The Hanging Gardens possibly never existed in the first place. All were destroyed hundreds of years ago, with nothing or virtually nothing remaining. So if we feel like a little trip down mankind's memory lane, or just a little wonder in our lives, we don't have much to go on.

Sunday, 1 May 2011

Travel Plans

In September of this year I am going to go travelling for two or three years around the world, visiting man-made monuments, to determine what the actual and existing Seven Wonders of the World are.

As such, I have selected about ninety-three of what I consider to be the best candidates, ranging from the ancient to the modern, the sacred to the unholy, the graceful to the brutal, and from the crumbling ruins of mysterious civilisations to the gleaming showpieces of modern capitalist powerhouses. One thing unites them: they are, quite literally, monumental. These are the most remarkable buildings known to man.

For a few years now I have been researching each location, to understand the history, the feats of engineering, the manpower (and cost to life) and the - sometimes entirely insane - motives behind building such epic structures. I want to understand the story behind each, so that I know exactly what I'm seeing, rather than wander around with a slightly glazed expression admiring really large piles of bricks. I want to know who built each place, and when, and how, and why.


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Grading? Get Rid Of It!

I recently had a graduating student confide in me that he only had one regret about his education so far.  He wished he had focussed less on marks and more on learning.  I was sad for him for realizing he’d missed the boat, and also astonished that he realized his straight A report card wasn’t really worth the time he’d spent earning it.  Schools aren’t set up for students to take the kind of risk it takes to focus on learning.  The almighty letter grade can mean getting in to your university of choice – or not.

Deep learning is messy and wrought with failures and setbacks.  High marks don’t always take students on that kind of a journey.  In general, if you do the work with mostly the “right” answers and participate well in class, a good mark is coming your way.  Just follow the dotted line and you’re golden.

I just can’t like that.

This article from the Globe and Mail, by Elyse Watkins, is interesting and more evidence that we need to change the focus back to learning and away from letter grades.  She argues that “we need to prevent this “currency” from being misused as the only worth of a student’s learning”.  I couldn’t agree more!

If we want better students, end the 19th-century ‘grading game’

Letter Grades Again…

b-school-letter-gradeLetter grades, and their value in learning, are being brought into question with increasing frequency.  You may recall that I am not a supporter of letter grades in our schools.  They are subjective and relatively meaningless.  And, worse, they take the focus away from LEARNING and put it on COMPARING.  Jordan Tinney, Superintendent/CEO of the largest school district in BC, has written a piece about letter grades – what do letter grades have to do with performance? He asks where, in the real world, are we ever evaluated with a percent and a letter grade. It’s worth a read!

What Do Letter Grades Have to Do With Performance?

Motivation Doesn’t Come From Focussing on Grades

Kids need to dream big dreams in order to grow and learn.  “A” just doesn’t seem quite big enough to me.  What does “A” really mean?  I think it means you remembered a lot.  I don’t think it necessarily means you grew and learned.

Research into “growth mindset” can help us understand some ways we can raise kids to be hardy, resilient, and persistent. It’s good for human brains!

Single Stories Are Not Fair to Learners

In her article, Mitigating the Dangers of a Single Story:  Creating Large-Scale Writing Assessments Aligned With Sociocultural Theory, Nadia Behizadeh says:

If a child does not perform well on [one timed large-scale assessment essay], there will be a single story told about this student: he/she has below basic skills in writing, or maybe even far below basic skills. Yet this same student may be a brilliant poet or have a hundred pages of a first novel carefully stowed in his/her backpack. However, when a single story of deficiency is repeated again and again to a student, that student develops low writing self-efficacy and a poor self-concept of himself/herself as a writer. . . . [T]he danger of the single story is the negative effect on students when one piece of writing on a decontextualized prompt is used to represent writing ability. (pp. 125-126)

Large scale assessment needs to change – particularly in how it’s used.  It really doesn’t tell us about learning.

Final Exams – Do they support learning?

Exams have evolved over recent years.  It wasn’t long ago that every academic grade 12 subject was concluded with  BC government-issued exam.   Teachers were clear about the “pressure to teach to the exam”.  Students were stressed by having to study for an exam that was heavily content based.  Little was revealed about deep student learning or their ability to create meaning.

But some teachers continue the tradition of final exams because that’s what’s always been done.  Chris Kennedy, Superintendent of Schools in West Van, outlines this well in his blog entry (well worth cruising through his whole blog, by the way).

It’s time to assess assessment!  Final exams are one very narrow way to assess student learning.

Improving Standardized Test Scores….

…. doesn’t necessarily improve cognitive abilities.  A new MIT study has found that schools that are very good at improving test scores (labelled “crystallized abilities” in this study) don’t necessarily see the same improvements in abstract or creative thinking (labelled “fluid thinking”).

Improving test scores isn’t a bad thing.  Better Math and Reading abilities can do nothing but help our kids.

AND it’s time for us to focus on improving creativity, inductive reasoning, executive function… fluid thinking.

What Do Letter Grades Tell Us About Learning?

Earlier I said that letter grades don’t say much about learning.  Here’s one quick example to get you thinking about that.

A student takes a course and gets the following marks out of 10:

  • 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 9 and one missing assignment
  • And then writes the final exam and gets 95%.
  • Assignments = 31/80       Exam = 95/100

Depending on how the teacher thinks about this, the student could get some very different final grades.

  • Some teachers would say that 126/180 is 70%    “C+”
  • Some teachers might put more weight on the exam and come up with a “B”
  • Some teachers might note the growth over time and the fact that the student had mastered the content for the exam – therefore 95%   “A”
  • Some teachers might note the missing assignment and say “incomplete” or “fail”

But what did the student learn?

Letter Grades on the Way Out

And it can’t happen soon enough.

I remember when I started as a Principal in the Gulf Islands many years ago.  We didn’t give letter grades then – right up to grade 8.  We kept a mark book.  Parents could have the letter grades if they wanted them.  We even gave them the option of a report card with no letter grades and a sealed envelope with the letter grades inside – so the parents had them but the students didn’t compare themselves.  Most parents opted to NOT receive letter grades for their kids.  They understood how little a percent or letter grade actually means and they felt like they understood their own child’s learning and progress.  It also allowed students to develop at different rates without comparing themselves to others with a number.

A few years later it was legislated that we MUST put letter grades on report cards.  That was tough.  Suddenly report cards became less meaningful for students.  All they looked at was the grade with no thought given to how that grade might have been generated.   Learning became less about learning and more about achieving – two different things.  And families became more focussed on the letter grade than on the learning.  I get that.  It’s all people know about how to measure learning.  Letter grades feel comfortable because we’ve seen them before in our own schooling.  But letter grades say almost nothing about learning.

Fast forward to now.  The BC Education Plan is sending us in a promising direction of personalization.  Letter grades become even LESS meaningful in a personalized education.  And some big districts in BC are experimenting with what we were doing years ago.  I am so hopeful about this change!  Now, how long until we figure out how to do this in the graduation program?

Surrey and Maple Ridge Schools Set to Rub Out Letter Grades


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One more juror needed in Lane trial

By Jack Stephens
Published in News on June 17, 2005 1:45 PM

One final alternate was needed before testimony could begin in the first-degree murder trial of Eric Glenn Lane in Wayne County Superior Court.

Prosecutors and defense lawyers accepted the two alternate jurors on Thurs-day, both women. The selection process resumed this morning.

If the final alternate is found today, opening statements and testimony would be-gin Monday morning.

Lane is charged with raping and killing 5-year-old Precious Whitfield three years ago.

He could face the death penalty if convicted.

Judge Gary Trawick is ex-pected to recess court early today to accommodate defense lawyer Richard McNeil of Jacksonville. McNeil is defending a woman in a military court hearing this afternoon at Cherry Point.

Trawick has said he wants three alternate jurors for the case. Most trials involve only two.

But the Lane case has proved difficult to get started. A mistrial was declared in November because of juror misconduct and a jury seated for this trial was dismissed last month after the selection process was compromised.

Most prospective alternate jurors have been excused for cause. Many have said they may have formed an opinion about Lane's innocence or guilt and said they could not follow the law during a possible sentencing phase. The same jury that decides whether Lane is innocent or guilty will decide what punishment he will get.

The prosecution, represented by District Attorney Branny Vickory and Assistant District Attorney. Terry Light, have three peremptory challenges remaining that they can use to excuse jurors without reason. Defense lawyers Glenn Barfield of Goldsboro and McNeil have two peremptory challenges left.

The last four of the 12 regular panelists were seated Tuesday.

In addition to the murder, Lane also is charged with first-degree kidnapping, first-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense, indecent liberties with a child and a lewd and lascivious act.