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Rural Border Schools Face Unique Challenges During The Pandemic
By Mariela Jimenez-Rivero, El Paso Matters/INN
This is the first in a series of stories examining how school districts around the country are coping with the coronavirus pandemic. You can read the whole series here.
FORT HANCOCK, Texas — Rural schools along the U.S.-Mexico border face challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic that are common to small, isolated districts across the United States — broadband access and other digital divide issues, family support for at-home learning, staying connected with students over a far-flung area. But these challenges are amplified with a predominantly low-income immigrant population that is used to moving to meet economic needs.
At small schools in a remote part of Far West Texas, educators say they're up to the challenge, in part because their students have overcome obstacles all their lives.
"Most (students) in Fort Hancock have learned English as a second language and have still succeeded on standardized tests that were created for native English speakers. Some have learned English as teenagers and are going on to succeed in college," said Amber Moseley, who teaches dual credit high school-college English courses at Fort Hancock High School. "Our students have not known comfortable, perfect lives, and they are stronger for it."
Rural schools in the Far West Texas borderlands resumed classes as early as Aug. 3, still using only online instruction. The return of face-to-face instruction is scheduled for September, but uncertainty abounds. The Texas Education Agency is allowing school districts to do up to eight weeks of online-only instruction.
These rural border districts ended in-person instruction in mid-March, as the novel coronavirus began spreading through Texas.
In preparing for a new school year, rural border schools drew on lessons from last spring, when they had to build a distance learning system from scratch.
The Rural U.S.-Mexico Border
Most of the 2,000-mile-long U.S.-Mexico border is rural, with ranching and farming among the key occupations. Two small towns in Far West Texas — Fort Hancock and Tornillo — are typical of the rural school districts that dot the U.S. side of the border.
Both have international border crossings connecting to neighboring Mexican towns. Families have long been used to moving back and forth across the border. Many have homes on both sides of the Rio Grande. Many rural border residents are dual citizens or live in households with mixed nationalities.
Imelda Robles points to the landscape at the Miller Farms in Fort Hancock. Agriculture is one of the largest employers in rural areas of the U.S.-Mexico border. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
In Tornillo, 99.7 percent of its 1,000 students are Hispanic and 93.8 percent are considered economically disadvantaged, according to the Texas Education Agency. Fifty-nine percent are considered English learners.
Fort Hancock's 400 students have a similar makeup — 97.2 percent Hispanic, 89.9 percent economically disadvantaged, 58.8 percent English learners.
Tornillo is probably best known as the location of a controversial detention camp that held more than 6,200 migrant children in tents from June 2018 to January 2019. The detention camp cost $2 million a day to operate, meaning the federal government spent more in a week at that facility than Tornillo schools spend in a year.
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Tornillo means screw in Spanish. The town draws its name from a tree native to the Chihuahuan desert that produces screw-shaped pods. Its school board recently was one of five in the state to be recognized as Honor School Boards by the Texas Association of School Administrators.
Fort Hancock won five Texas state titles in six-man football in the late 1980s and early 1990s. A water tower visible from Interstate 10 celebrates those championships.
Just after the 2016 election, Fort Hancock's volleyball team was the target of racist taunts when it played Archer City from North Texas in the state playoffs. Archer City students holding Trump/Pence signs chanted "build that wall" to their opponents on the other side of the gym. Archer City administrators apologized for the behavior. (The author of this story was a member of that Fort Hancock volleyball team.)
Fort Hancock's name comes from an Army post that was named for Civil War general Winfield Scott Hancock and abandoned in the late 19th century.
Although adjacent to each other, Fort Hancock is in Hudspeth County and Tornillo is in El Paso County. Both districts had "B" ratings on state accountability measures in 2018-19, the most recent year available.
Hudspeth County, which has fewer than 5,000 people, has reported 35 COVID-19 cases through Aug. 15. In April, Tornillo had one of the first COVID-19 outbreaks in Far West Texas. It has had 76 confirmed COVID-19 cases among its 4,500 residents.
Unique issues Facing Rural Border Districts
In Hudspeth County, only 45.6 percent of the population had a broadband internet subscription in 2018, according to the Census Bureau. Fort Hancock Independent School District worked to close the technology gap by purchasing 400 Chromebooks and 200 wi-fi hotspots, investments that were later reimbursed through CARES Act funding.
The neighboring Tornillo Independent School District also invested in hotspots. It already had begun efforts before the pandemic to equip all students from fifth-grade and higher with tablets or laptops, an effort it called "one-to-one."
Tornillo Independent School District hosted a book and computer drive-by delivery on July 30. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
"We had begun the one-to-one initiative two years ago. Grades 9-11 were already one-to-one; we only needed 12th grade and fifth grade. We surveyed the students to figure out who needed a hotspot and computer, and set that up for them as quickly as possible," Tornillo Assistant Superintendent Rodrigo Portillo said,
The realities of border life presented challenges to the technology plans of rural school districts. When face-to-face instruction ended, many students went with their parents who found work in other areas of West Texas or Northern Mexico.
"A lot of the students left for Odessa and Midland to be with their families. Others attended class from the bordering town of El Porvenir in Mexico," Fort Hancock Superintendent Jose Franco said.
Hotspots didn't work in many cases in Mexican towns like El Porvenir or Caseta, which is across the border from Tornillo.
"Students whose hotspots didn't work in Caseta always found a way to turn in their work one way or another. It required a lot of constant communication with the parents and patience," Tornillo Elementary School Principal Myrna Lopez said.
Franco said he expects a number of Fort Hancock students to continue to live with family in El Porvenir as school resumes.
"Students are fortunate to have the opportunity to be bilingual and attend school in Fort Hancock; we hope we do not lose anyone," Franco said.
Alonso Muñoz is a teacher in Mexico and has a son attending Fort Hancock Middle School. He is concerned about what will happen when students are asked to return to the classroom because border crossings have been strongly curtailed by the Mexican and U.S. governments during the pandemic. Only U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents are allowed to come into the United States at the Mexican border.
"Since only people who have a resident and citizen status can cross the border, I will not be able to take my son to school every day," Muñoz said.
Adjusting To Online-Only Education
During the spring, Fort Hancock ISD acquired new instructional material, but teachers did not receive training to fully apply the resources to their classrooms.
"There was a great availability of online resources, and the school acquired them because they did not know what would work. We provided a lot of feedback back and forth to figure out what was best. Maybe if we had more financial resources, we would have more online tools tailored to our needs," said Aurelio Saldaña, a history teacher at Fort Hancock High School and researcher at the University of Texas at El Paso.
Manuel Jimenez-Rivero, a Fort Hancock seventh-grader, exercises in his backyard for his live physical education class. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
Through trial and error, rural border districts identified which online tools would be the most beneficial for the students and will be working with them in the months to come.
Cecilia Aceves, an English and social studies teacher at Fort Hancock Middle School, used online platforms in her sixth-grade class prior to the pandemic. Her students were familiar with the learning tools, so the transition to online-only learning was not as fraught compared to other classes. "Technology is now part of our instruction; it is no longer an option," Aceves said.
"Digitalizing the classroom has not been a priority, just something extra—something for a new generation of teachers." she said.
This fall, Fort Hancock and Tornillo will manage their classes through Google Classroom, which represented a challenge in the spring because students and teachers had little experience with the platform.
"The transition was stressful because there was a lot of background work that had to be done, such as training the parents and teachers to use Google Classroom," said Amber Moseley, the dual credit English instructor at Fort Hancock High School.
Tornillo High School senior Vanessa Silva said she had mixed experiences with online learning in the spring. "I was frustrated because I couldn't ask as many questions during the Zoom session, but I had less homework and more time to turn in my work," she said.
The spring struggles should pay dividends in the fall because time previously spent "figuring out" Google Classroom will now be spent teaching, Moseley said. "These first few days have been much smoother than last year's abrupt change," she said.
Staying in touch with parents
Communicating with students and their parents will be another challenge throughout the 2020-2021 school year. In March, reaching out to parents was difficult because many are essential workers and sometimes left their children either with a grandparent or unattended.
Parents sometimes did not keep track of their child's learning because they were not present or did not know how to navigate the online platforms themselves. In addition, some parents became frustrated when their child needed help with homework because they did not understand the material nor the language.
Chavez said that her experience during the spring was very difficult. "My children often had questions, and felt lost, and when they would ask me for help, I did not know what to answer or how to help them," she said.
This literacy and technology divide is another issue that rural border school districts will be addressing.
Yvonne Samaniego, Fort Hancock's director of curriculum and instruction, has been hosting training for instructional aides in the district.
"We are growing our instructional aid to provide help for the teachers when we open the school. Everyone will have to pitch in," she said.
Samaniego has been working all summer preparing teachers virtually on platforms such as Zoom and Google Classroom. "We are all working toward a common goal, and teachers will be showing the parents how to use the online resources," she said.
Fort Hancock teachers will record their class sessions and training, and they will provide the links to the parents to adjust to their schedules.
Keeping Students Engaged
Keeping students engaged throughout the semester will be challenging, especially for rural districts. According to data reported by the Texas Education Agency in the "Summary of Student Engagement in Virtual Learning in School Year 2019-2020," students in the Hispanic and Black communities were about 10 percent less engaged than their White and Asian counterparts. Additionally, schools lost the engagement of economically disadvantaged students. Rural areas along the border are predominantly Hispanic and low income.
Alessandra and Manuel Jimenez-Rivero looked for something to watch on YouTube while waiting for their next class to begin in the spring. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
Student disengagement is driven by many factors. The home situation of many students prevents them from participating fully in classes. Some students have to babysit their younger siblings during school hours while parents work.
Aceves said one of her sixth-grade students in Fort Hancock had to take care of his younger siblings while his parents worked. "The child is not old enough to provide good, essential care to his siblings, but ever since the schools closed, that is just the way it is. Even some older students still need someone to look over their work before turning it in. One can only imagine how tough it is to babysit a child when the babysitter is still a child himself," she said.
Students' home situations also impact their engagement. Psychologist Bryan Robinson from the University of North Carolina said having a designated space to work on leads to productivity. However, many students in rural border areas don't have that option. Cecilia Aceves said some students refused to open their cameras because they were ashamed of their situation at home.
"Some students had family members always interrupting their classes, and others just worried about what their classmates would have to say about their home," she said. "I spoke to some of my students about the issue, and I was able to comfort students by telling them that they will not be judged for the way they live."
The key to online-based education — technology — is itself a distraction for many students. Without adult supervision and virtually no limits on screen time, students spent a lot of time on social media and entertainment sites. Aceves and other teachers said they often received assignments as late as 3 a.m.
School districts are considering training parents on how to reduce screen time for their children, which can cause eye strain and sleep deprivation.
Educators have labeled the loss of educational growth since the pandemic began as the "COVID slide." They fear continued regression in student learning will disproportionately affect Black and Hispanic communities.
"We cannot afford for COVID to yield another repercussion, especially in education," Tornillo Superintendent Rosy Vega-Barrio said.
Tornillo and Fort Hancock plan to assess their students current educational state at the beginning of the school year. Fort Hancock will prepare a controlled environment for assessment while maintaining social distance, Franco said.
"If our students will be moving forward, then we have to have some type of measurement system. We cannot provide a quality program if we do not know where to start," he said.
Moving Forward In The Fall Semester
Sports are an important component of the education and social experience for rural border communities. The inability to practice and play with classmates since the spring took a toll on many children.
Fort Hancock freshman Alessandra Jimenez-Rivero practices her basketball skills in her backyard. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
"My older daughter really wants to go back, especially to play sports," Fort Hancock parent Dalila Estrada said. "I am scared, but we do not know what will happen. We have to learn how to live with COVID."
Vega-Barrio said Tornillo plans to offer sports activity this fall, "Sports are so valuable to the community, and we are taking it one day at a time. TISD is being creative with continuing workouts while social distancing. Sports will be essential to bringing back normalcy to the school districts."
Tornillo Assistant Superintendent Portillo said the district plans to follow the University Interscholastic League guidelines and allow fans at games.
Schools will continue to provide counseling and other mental health resources for students and families. Tornillo has four counselors, one for each campus, and they will have Zoom meetings with students and parents throughout the school year.
"We want to be there for the parents during this time. We will reach out and help them by hosting afternoon sessions and virtual training," said Alicia Alvarado, the counselor at Tornillo Intermediate School.
Despite the challenges and difficulties, rural border educators vow to meet the needs of their students. "Tornillo is a big community of learners, and we are lucky that we are still changing lives. We will get through it, make it work, and move forward. Now is not the time to shut down," Tornillo Superintendent Vega-Barrio said.
Changes For The New School Year
In the fall semester, Tornillo is using a "flipped classroom" setting, where students complete assignments and then have class based on those assignments. Additionally, the district is proposing an "A/B day" system to limit screen time to two or three hours each day, providing a collaborative day and an asynchronous day.
"This will encourage 'student agency,' allowing students to be advocates for themselves and own their learning," said Portillo, the Tornillo assistant superintendent.
Tornillo also will include a "zero period" that will focus on college preparedness and critical thinking skills. The district also will focus on a more interactive, project-based curriculum to encourage student engagement and learning.
In June, Fort Hancock sent a survey to the parents to determine if they would allow their children to return to school. "About 60 percent of the parents in the district will allow the children to return to school. This has helped us make a plan on how to divide the classrooms and allow for social distancing," Superintendent Franco said.
The district is planning on providing face-to-face instruction starting Sept. 8 to students who are allowed. In the meantime, students from grades third to 12th will attend class synchronously on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. The other two days, teachers will be available to provide support online and assign educational packets for students to work on throughout the day. Children from pre-kindergarten to second grade will only be receiving packets.
Tornillo Elementary School places social distancing marks on the floors of the building. (Mariela Jimenez-Rivero/El Paso Matters)
That schedule will remain in place for students whose parents opt for continued online-only instruction after Sept. 8. Students heading back for in-person instruction will be in the classroom five days a week.
Instructional packets will be available for contactless pickup at Fort Hancock schools for those students who are not available to complete their work online. It's not an ideal situation, said Aceves, the middle school English and social studies teacher.
"The packets are not as effective as remote learning. We will not be able to guide those students in real-time. Also, providing constructive feedback does not happen with packets because it takes longer to grade. Some students will not be able to turn them in on time because their parents are not there. Teachers will need to be flexible and comprehensive in a case-by-case situation," she said.
Parents are also concerned about the efficacy of the packets.
"My son is in second grade, and he received packets in the spring. He focused sometimes. I would divide his work, but it was hard sometimes because his teacher taught him different methods than I did, and he would get confused," Fort Hancock parent Dalila Estrada said.
Because of her experience, she will allow her children to return to school in September. Estrada said, "I am a little scared, but yes. Although I enjoyed spending time with my children, they did not learn the same, especially my younger son," she said.
Other parents are worried about sending their children back to the classroom while the novel coronavirus continues to spread.
"I do not want my children to return because many people are infected, and I am afraid that the school will not take the necessary precautions to prevent the spread," Fort Hancock parent Marisol Chavez said.
Results So Far
Tornillo students resumed their education on Aug. 3 and Fort Hancock students started a week later. Parents and teachers are reporting challenges. Vega-Barrio is particularly concerned about low enrollment at the youngest grade levels.
"Low enrollment for pre-kinder and kinder is significant. Parents are opting not to enroll students," Vega-Barrio said. "This is not good at all. We offer full day pre-kindergarten because we know that we need to provide all of our students a fair playing field for an opportunity to have a successful start to an academic future. We need our parents to know how important this is."
Moseley, the Fort Hancock dual-credit English teacher, said English as a second language students are having difficulty with online-only learning.
"I can tell ESL students are struggling without having a friend beside them to translate. They will have to learn new strategies to succeed in the classroom," she said. Moseley is translating her instructions for ESL students.
Fort Hancock teacher Amber Moseley's children played beside her as she taught a recent asynchronous class. (Photo courtesy of Amber Moseley)
She said educators are having to adapt as they teach from their schools to remote students. District policies do not allow teachers to eat together or interact during the day. "I like being able to compare notes with teachers and getting some adult conversation to break up the day, but we are not getting that," she said.
Fort Hancock parent Yadira Macias said she's seeing new issues in her sons' classes.
"My sons spend a lot of time behind the screen, and my younger son does not know how to navigate windows on Google. Some of the children do not have online etiquette and often distract the other students," Macias said.
Many of the frustrations of the spring are still present in the new school year.
"There are still challenges at the home front for a handful of families that have different aged students that need their support throughout the day to complete their work. Or the families that have both parents working and having to come home to help their children engage in learning for the day," Vega-Barrio said.
Overall, the Tornillo superintendent said the education experience so far this school year is a vast improvement over the spring.
"In the spring we were all in reactive mode and were navigating through this new form of instruction as best as we could. However, now our teachers and staff have received extensive professional development throughout the summer and continue to receive weekly, therefore they are prepared to do an outstanding job considering the situation," she said.
This story is part of a collaborative reporting project that includes the Institute for Nonprofit News, Charlottesville Tomorrow, El Paso Matters, Iowa Watch, The Nevada Independent, New Mexico in Depth, Underscore News/Pamplin Media Group and Wisconsin Watch/The Badger Project. The collaboration was made possible by a grant from the Walton Family Foundation.
This article first appeared on El Paso Matters.
Tags: BorderchallengesfacePandemicRuralschoolsUnique
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Home » What you need to know about filing for unemployment in PA right now
Posted inBroke in Philly, News, Philly's coronavirus response
What you need to know about filing for unemployment in PA right now
by Layla A. Jones March 18, 2020 January 17, 2023
If you're out of a job because of coronavirus-related business closures, you could get unemployment or worker's comp pay.
Apply for benefits immediately if you're in that situation, Philly and Pennsylvania officials say. In the wake of the global COVID-19 pandemic, the state has changed requirements so more people will qualify for benefits. (See below for what steps to take.)
But for applicants like Nicole DeJessa, a restaurant server who lives in Philly's Pennsport neighborhood, the typical unemployment application questions are causing confusion during this atypical situation.
Some of the industries hit hardest by the global pandemic's arrival in the Philly region have been hospitality, events and food service. Restaurants, which felt the strain even before the city and state mandated they close, are now reeling after being limited to pickup and delivery service.
DeJessa said that before the business shut down, her final paycheck with tips was one-tenth of its usual rate because of the coronavirus slowdown. Still, her unemployment application required her to input the amount of money she made the week before her last day of work on Monday.
The application also asks for the date a worker will return to work, which no one knows, DeJessa said.
"I love where I work. I can't wait to go back to work," DeJessa told Billy Penn. "But I don't have a letter that says we're going to reopen on this date. I don't want to put down anything untruthful, because that can delay my claim."
Questions on the application didn't reflect COVID-19-related job loss, and still ask about an applicant's ability to search for a new job even though this shutdown should be temporary and a note on the benefits webpage said work search requirements are suspended.
Either way, for many left in the coronavirus career limbo, unemployment is the best route for some source of income. Several employers within the city, including ShopRite and ALDI, are also hiring temp workers to manage increased demand.
According to Spotlight PA, more than 120,000 people filed for unemployment in just two days at the start of the shutdown.
Here's what we know about how to do it.
Who's eligible for unemployment?
Philly workers left scrambling may be eligible for unemployment benefits if:
Your employer temporarily closes or goes out of business because of COVID-19.
Your hours have been reduced because of COVID-19.
You have been told not to work because your employer feels you might have or spread COVID-19.
You have been told by your doctor to quarantine or self-isolate
You live or work in a county under government-recommended mitigation efforts.
Am I eligible even if I'm not laid off?
Philadelphians can also file for worker's compensation if they 1) believe they've been exposed to COVID-19 at work or 2) believe they have a higher risk of COVID-19 exposure due to job requirements.
To get this benefit, though, you can't be the one to file. The instigation has to come from your employer, who'll need to submit a "disease-as-injury" or "occupational disease" claim.
What benefits changed because of COVID-19?
According to Pa.'s Office of Unemployment Compensation's COVID-19 and FAQ pages, the state has eliminated the normal week-long wait time, so eligible residents can get paid for the first week they're affected.
The office is also waiving work search requirements, so people don't have to prove they're looking for a job in order to receive benefits — but so far the application hasn't been updated to reflect this.
Susan Dickinson, director of policy at the Unemployment Compensation Office, said inapplicable questions like that, and the one about when workers expect to return to their jobs, won't hold up a claim.
"They can put in an estimate," Dickinson said on a phone press briefing.
There's no way to know when the application language will be updated, Dickinson said, because it's very difficult to change the benefits application system. "We're trying to get the word out there…the rules have changed," Dickinson said.
Officials said the best way to ask specific questions about benefits is via email at uchelp@pa.gov, as phone lines have been flooded with new unemployment applicants.
The unemployment office will be holding live Twitter and Facebook chats to answer questions that way.
How do I file?
The quickest way to file is online, but workers can also file via mail, over videophone every Wednesday from noon to 4 p.m. for deaf applicants, or over the phone.
Make sure you have these necessary documents and info:
Your home address and, if different from the home, your mailing address.
Your phone number and email address.
Employer info and employment history including gross earnings during your last week of employment, if available.
When will I get money?
If approved, benefits should arrive two to four weeks after filing an application. They'll come via direct deposit or a debit card.
How much will I receive?
Weekly benefits should equal about one-half of your full-time weekly wage, according to the unemployment benefits website.
Where can I apply for a job right now?
GoPuff, a goods delivery service launched in Philly, is hiring dozens of jobs in the city. Apply here. They're also hiring thousands of delivery drivers around the country. Learn more about GoPuff driver positions and apply here.
Amazon is hiring for more than 400 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia Metro area, a spokesperson told Billy Penn. Apply here.
ShopRite is hiring workers "displaced from [their] regular routine." Apply here.
Giant and Giant Heirloom have immediate openings for cashiers, stock clerks, drivers (no CDL required), cashiers and fulfillment center positions. A spokesperson could not say how many positions were being hired locally. Apply here or see a store manager for more info.
Aldi is hiring in all of its stores and warehouses. Right now there are 35 job listings for Philadelphia on the jobs site. Apply here.
Fresh Grocer is hiring additional staff due to increased shopper volume, a spokesperson told Billy Penn. According to the website, the store is hiring for cashier, clerk, maintenance and overnight positions in each of its Philadelphia locations. Apply here.
Philadelphia- and New Jersey-based produce delivery service Misfits Market is immediately hiring 100 Philly area workers at a rate of $16 an hour, no skills required. Apply here.
A Domino's spokesperson said the company wants to fill 700 jobs across the Philly region. Apply here.
Acme Markets has been hiring with immediate openings at all of its locations. Apply here or visit your local Acme grocery store.
Walgreens is hiring customer service associates, pharmacy technicians and shift leads in locations across America and in Philadelphia stores, according to its website. Apply here.
CVS seeks to hire 1,000 store associates, home delivery drivers, distribution center employees and customer service professionals in the Philadelphia area starting immediately, a spokesperson told Billy Penn. The pharmacy chain will hold virtual interviews and job fairs to make it happen, according to a release. CVS is prioritizing hiring workers furloughed by CVS Health clients including Hilton and Marriott. Apply here.
Tagged: Jobs
Layla A. Jones
Layla A. Jones (she/her) was a general assignment reporter for Billy Penn from 2019 to 2021. Her work has helped underserved community organizations, earned free repairs for property owners who sustained... More by Layla A. Jones

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Hard-up families struggling to afford school uniforms for their children will face a postcode lottery in September after the Welsh Government scrapped a grant worth £700,000.
This helped pay for new school uniforms for pupils going to secondary school who were unable to afford new uniforms.
The decision by the Labour Government in Cardiff will mean additional hardship for thousands of low-income families across Wales. In my own region of North Wales alone, there are more than 1,000 families affected by this cut.
We all know the underlying reason for this is ongoing austerity and the spending squeeze from the Westminster Government, but this is a cut that specifically hurts the poorest families in our communities. It's also the same Welsh Government that was able to spend £1.8 million – double this grant cut – on the corporate credit card that went on luxury hotels, fine dining and limousine hire for ministers.
The grant cut has left councils with a dilemma – do they protect the fund and take money from their already squeezed education budget or do they abandon the idea of ensuring these pupils get the best start possible in secondary school?
School uniforms, rightly or wrongly, are seen as a way of ensuring that pupils don't get discriminated against or bullied due to their clothes. Youngsters are fashion conscious and expensive designer clothes is one way to make a statement. It can also be very distressing for those unable to afford such clothes and uniforms are seen as a way to maintain an equilibrium within schools. The Bevan Foundation has made it clear that this is a real problem in schools.
But from September pupils will face a postcode lottery across Wales as this grant is scrapped in some counties and maintained in others. Gwynedd has announced that it will continue its policy of helping pupils pay for school uniforms at a cost of about £18,000 a year – it already goes above and beyond by helping pupils in years eight to 11 as well. This helped a total of 810 young people last year and the good news is that Gwynedd Council is continuing this policy.
By contrast, pupils in Wrexham will see the grant vanish completely with no replacement funding for the £16,000 lost annually due to this Government cut. Anyone with concerns about bullying will know how not having the right school uniform can impact on children, especially as they take that important step up to secondary school.
The cut was taken without consultation and is effectively a further hit to schools and councils already facing year-on-year funding pressures. It's a mean-spirited decision taken by a government that's lost sight of what's right and what's wrong.


Thanks – I am pretty happy how they came out.
Beautifully done Brian. The superb brushwork aside, it really is a smart-looking uniform.
I liked it too. And I had a box of those plastic cuirassier so…. but still have to remember that they are Spanish cavalry, which means under most rules they will probably scarper when first shot at.


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Personality and social psychologists study basic group, individual and organizational-level processes such as responses to discrimination, procrastination, happiness and deriving benefit from adversity, as well as applications to personal and social topics such as romantic relationships or the long-term effects of abuse.
Forensic psychologists deal broadly with the research and application of psychological knowledge to the justice system, such as understanding the development of criminal behaviour, the classification and rehabilitation of offenders, eyewitness testimony and police psychology.
Cognitive psychologists are interested in basic and applied processes related to memory, attention, perception, speech and language, decision-making and human performance.
Developmental psychologists study theoretical and applied issues in the development of children from early childhood through adolescence, such as shyness, relational aggression, body image in early adolescence and the development of language, literacy and mathematics knowledge.
Health psychologists study the psychological, social, and behavioural factors associated with health and illness, such as stress and coping, forgiveness, the effects of gambling, experiencing loss, employment transition and personality factors associated with wellbeing.
Applied Psychologists focus their efforts broadly on an examination of how psychological theory and an understanding of human capabilities can be used to solve practically-oriented, "real-world" problems, which is done in laboratory and field settings, including educational, business, government, military and health contexts.
Ottawa, the nation's capital, is home to first-class medical facilities such as the Ottawa Hospital, the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario and the Royal Ottawa Hospital, which provides specialized mental health assessment and treatment for adults, adolescents and children with a mental illness.
If you are interested in becoming a professional psychologist, you should consider one of our Honours programs.
The Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences offers an Honours program leading to a BA (Honours) in Psychology. The Faculty of Science offers an Honours program leading to a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree in Psychology. Both the BA (Honours) and the BSc (Honours) in Psychology require 20.0 credits for the degree; nine of these credits are from psychology. In addition to a number of core courses in fourth year, Honours students either design and carry out a supervised research thesis or complete an essay on a topic in psychology.
When you study psychology at Carleton, you will have an opportunity to explore all of psychology's major areas including social, personality, cognitive, health, developmental, applied and forensic psychology, as well as specialized topics such as attitudes, abnormal behaviour, perception and criminal behaviour. For students wishing to focus on one of these major areas, we offer concentrations in Cognitive Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology and Well-Being, Organizational Psychology, and Social/Personality Psychology.
Cognitive Psychology focuses on basic and applied processes related to memory, attention, perception, decision-making, human performance, and speech and language.
Developmental Psychology centres on the physical, social, and emotional changes that we experience across the lifespan, considering such topics as shyness, emerging adulthood, bullying, positive youth development, and the development of language, literacy and mathematics skills.
Forensic Psychology looks at the relationship between psychology and the justice system in order to improve our understanding of such topics as the development of criminal behaviour, the classification and rehabilitation of offenders, eyewitness testimony, and police psychology.
Health Psychology and Well-Being involves the study of the psychological, social and behavioural influences on health and illness, covering such topics as stress and coping, forgiveness, life-changing experiences, health decision-making and our relationship with nature.
Organizational Psychology looks at individuals and groups in workplace settings, examining issues such as occupational health and employee morale, with the ultimate goal of enhancing organizational effectiveness and individual well-being.
Social and Personality Psychology involves the study of the complex interplay between our characteristics and the environments in which we live, including a wide range of phenomena such as close relationships, procrastination, happiness and relationships between groups.
The BA (Combined Honours) in Psychology program allows you to combine your studies in psychology with studies in another discipline. There is also a minor available in Human Resources Management. It is designed to give psychology students additional skills in management, human resources, and marketing that are highly transferable to the workplace.
Six of your 15.0 credits will be in psychology. You may choose your other courses from other disciplines of interest. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) provides a good foundation for occupations that deal with psychological issues, but is not intended to prepare you for a career as a professional psychologist.
No matter which one of these programs you choose, your first year will include an introductory course that highlights what psychology offers and describes its basis as an experimental science. In second year, you will take courses in research methods, statistics, and specialized areas within the discipline. In third year, you will take courses that deal with specific areas relating to your own interests and will receive additional training in research methods and data analysis.
Through co-operative education, Bachelor of Arts (Honours) students may gain applied knowledge in the workplace in a variety of settings including community agencies, government departments and the private sector.
First-year Seminars First-year BA students are strongly encouraged to include a First-year Seminar (FYSM) in their first-year course load. Our First-year Seminars will get you away from the lecture hall and give you the chance, in a small class of no more than 30, to discuss and debate topics with your classmates and your professors.
Many of our graduates wish to become professional psychologists. Most Canadian provinces, however, require you to have a PhD degree and be registered by a provincial college or board of psychologists before allowing you to use the professional designation of psychologist. Carleton's Honours programs in Psychology provide you with the foundation you need for graduate study leading to a doctoral degree.
What can you do with a degree in Psychology? Our students can also apply their knowledge of the discipline and their research, statistics, critical thinking and information literacy skills in careers such as human resource management, corrections, counselling, research, health services, early childhood education and more.
Graduates of our program are well qualified to go on to graduate studies in a variety of fields including experimental psychology, clinical psychology, counselling, social work, education, criminology and medicine.
With its variety of concentrations, special topics seminars, peer mentorship program and hands-on learning experiences with community practicums and co-op options, Carleton's Psychology program is one-of-a-kind. Not to mention the phenomenal faculty and staff, research opportunities, and great selection of student support services that make for an unparalleled post-secondary journey.


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McKeesport National Bank (now McKeesport City Hall) located at 5th Avenue and Sinclair Street in McKeesport, Pennsylvania, was built from 1889 to 1891.  It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on August 29, 1980, and the List of Pittsburgh History and Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks in 1981.

References

Bank buildings on the National Register of Historic Places in Pennsylvania
Buildings and structures in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania
Commercial buildings completed in 1891
Romanesque Revival architecture in Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation Historic Landmarks
National Register of Historic Places in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


Deciding to move in together is a big step for any couple — and for some, it can carry extra weight if done before marriage. Ensure you make the right choice by considering these pros and cons.
If you've decided to take the next step and move in together, chances are you feel pretty confident in your relationship. But no matter how well you think you know your guy, there is no doubt you will find out plenty more about him once you're living under the same roof. Things like his tendency to let the dishes pile up or the toilet bowl to remain unseemly grimy will finally come to light. This isn't to say that these issues are make-or-break in a relationship — they are simply conflicts that need to be addressed. And being able to deal with them before marriage can be helpful. Once you're married, there will be plenty of disputes over what your mother-in-law said last week or where to spend Christmas, so getting the little things out of the way earlier can aid in making the relationship run more smoothly.
The process of moving in with your guy is sure to be exciting. But it's extra exciting when it involves bringing thousands of dollars worth of wedding gifts into a new place. Between engagement parties, bridal showers and the wedding itself, the two of you will wind up with more household appliances and decorations than you know what to do with. And moving into a new place with all those new items is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If you move in together before marriage, you will certainly be overjoyed at living in the same space, but you'll simply be merging all your old stuff together.
If you live in the same city and you're at that stage in your relationship where you spend virtually every night together at one or the other of your places, then moving in together might be the right choice financially. Pooling your funds for one exceptional home might be a far more savvy option than living separately.
Many cultures and generations place a stigma on living together before marriage. So, choosing to do so may very well have some family and friends raising their eyebrows at you. Ultimately, though, everyone is entitled to their own opinions — and if you feel good about your decision, that's what really matters.
There is no true right or wrong answer when it comes to deciding whether you and your man should live together before marriage or not. All you can do is assess your relationship, determine where you stand and proceed accordingly. When it comes down to it, it's about the two of you, so make the decision that is right for you.


The number of people employed in Switzerland rose less-than-expected in the last quarter, official data showed on Thursday.
In a report, Federal Statistical Office said that Swiss employment level rose to a seasonally adjusted 4.200M, from 4.192M in the preceding quarter.
Analysts had expected Swiss employment level to rise to 4.210M in the last quarter.


As you go through life, you meet many challenges, curves, and obstacles – lemons. Think how boring life would be if you never make mistakes, everything goes exactly as you want all the time, and you never encounter challenges. You may be inclined to choose to surrender and let things have negative impacts on yourself and other people in your social and family circles. On the other hand, you can decide now to make lemonade out of life's lemons by taking a positive approach to life's many challenges. The decision is yours in how you react to life events.
You will make mistakes; we all do and none of us like them, and reversing mistakes is usually not an option. Mistakes, blunders, and errors are necessary in helping you grow and learn. As a manager, I encounter employees who make mistakes, repeatedly apologize for the errors, and then spend hours beating themselves up for them. I always encourage a different approach by searching for positive impacts. When mistakes do happen, admit to the error and seek out ways to learn from the experiences. Ask yourself questions as to what was done or not done to cause the errors, how can the situations be handled differently, and what knowledge did you gain from the experience. With this approach, your attitude will be positive, you will be able to get past the situation, and you will find that the rest of your day will be better. Learn from your mistakes and experiences. If you do so, chances are that you will never make the same mistakes again.
One of the most challenging things any parent can teach a child is patience – patience in recognizing that life will not always go exactly the way they want it to go. Practice using patience by not "forcing" events to happen when things are not working the way you want them to work. I believe everyone has the gift of some level of personal intuition. Listen to your inner voice and use your intuition to analyze what is happening around you. I am sure you have experienced situations such as having a delay in travel plans only to realize that if you had travelled when planned, you might have been stuck in a traffic jam, in the midst of bad weather or a storm, or involved in an accident that occurred. Plan now to be flexible and always have a backup plan – a Plan "B". Redirect your thoughts and have a positive attitude when things do not go as planned.
Life events are going to happen. Many times things happen that are out of your control and you may not understand why they are happening to you. You may feel bombarded when something happens and before you can get that event figured out, one or two additional things occur. It is very easy to find yourself with a negative attitude and constantly wondering why bad things are happening only to you. As a child, my parents stressed that I would never encounter more than I could handle. I sincerely believe this, and that knowledge has helped me through many challenging times. When life events happen, pray for strength, wisdom, direction, and a positive attitude. You may find yourself surprised with life's outcomes and in finding that the negative things that happen to you have many positives benefits and outcomes in the end.
You have heard the old cliché – life is what you make it. Guess what? It is true! Practice getting over mistakes, learning patience in going with the flow, and meeting your many challenges with a positive outlook. You will still get some lemons along the way, but you will also enjoy lots of sweet lemonade.
UMHB seeks to equip students with an education for life and an experience of a lifetime. At UMHB, you'll learn how to make the most out of every situation! We invite you to check out our website for more information, or stop by for a visit to see why UMHB would be a great fit for you!


Futura's cable harness tester (PHTM99) tests Cable Harnesses, Cable Looms, Cable Forms upto 320 points. Number of cable data stored is 99 as against other PHTM models it is 25. PHTM locates interchange, short, and open connections, and extra points. Net-list is stored by learning a good harness or from PC through serial. It also analyses continuity checking, board checking, displays pass count, changing cable number and displaying the learnt data. PHTM stores data for 99 cable harnesses. Complete Harness Test System with test fixtures and Harness Test Boards can also be supplied by Futura.
Futura's cable harness tester (PHTM) tests Cable Harnesses, Cable Looms, Cable Forms. There are three models PHTM 320, PHTM 640, and PHTM 960, depending on number of points to be tested. PHTM locates interchange, short, and open connections, and extra points. Net-list is stored by learning a good harness or from PC through serial. It also analyses continuity checking, board checking, displays pass count, changing cable number and displaying the learnt data. PHTM stores data for 25 cable harnesses.


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PRESS RELEASE September 12, 2013
Burberry Uses iPhone 5s to Capture Spring/Summer 2014 Runway Show
Burberry & Apple Collaborate to Share Runway Show Experience
CUPERTINO, California and LONDON—September 12, 2013—Apple® and Burberry today announced that iPhone® 5s is being used to capture and share beautiful photos and video before, during and after the Burberry runway show in London on Monday, September 16. Using the all-new iSight® camera on iPhone 5s, Burberry is shooting high quality photos and video for runway and beauty looks, product details, and backstage moments. The collaboration is reimagining how Burberry engages consumers, paving the way for significant changes in how they capture and share their content.
"iPhone 5s makes it even easier to take great photos with the world's most popular camera," said Greg Joswiak, Apple's vice president of iPhone & iOS Product Marketing. "We're thrilled to see the amazing photos and HD video Burberry has captured with the incredible all-new iSight camera."
"This collaboration celebrates our relationship and shared foundation in design and craftsmanship. We have a mutual passion for creating beautiful products and unlocking emotive experiences through technology, which has made it intensely exciting to explore the capabilities of iPhone 5s," said Christopher Bailey, Burberry Chief Creative Officer. "We're inspired by what this could mean for the future as we continue to explore the merging of physical and digital experiences."
Through photos and video shot exclusively on iPhone 5s, consumers globally can share in the anticipation of the show build up, as well as the excitement of the day itself, across Burberry social media channels and on www.burberry.com starting today. In addition, customers can watch the show live on Monday, September 16, at 2:30 p.m. GMT+1 at www.burberry.com.
iPhone 5s comes in gold, silver or space gray, and will be available in the US for a suggested retail price of $199 (US) for the 16GB model, $299 (US) for the 32GB model and $399 (US) for the 64GB model*. iPhone 5s will be available from the Apple Online Store (www.apple.com), Apple's retail stores, and through AT&T, Sprint, T-Mobile, Verizon Wireless and select Apple Authorized Resellers. iPhone 5s will be available in the US, Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Japan, Puerto Rico, Singapore and the UK on Friday, September 20.
* For qualified customers.
Apple designs Macs, the best personal computers in the world, along with OS X, iLife, iWork and professional software. Apple leads the digital music revolution with its iPods and iTunes online store. Apple has reinvented the mobile phone with its revolutionary iPhone and App Store, and is defining the future of mobile media and computing devices with iPad.
Burberry, the world's leading digital luxury brand, is headquartered in London. Founded in 1856, it is listed on the London Stock Exchange (BRBY.L) and is a constituent of the FTSE 100 index.
The Burberry Prorsum Spring/Summer 2014 runway show will take place on Monday, September 16, at 2:30 p.m. GMT+1, and will be available to view live and on-demand at www.burberry.com.
Sarah O'Brien
sarahobrien@apple.com
Jenna Littler
press@burberry.com
Apple, the Apple logo, Mac, Mac OS, Macintosh, iPhone and iSight are trademarks of Apple. Other company and product names may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Apple Newsroom
The latest news for journalists.


Welcome to the BIG IMPACT Podcast, where we celebrate inspiring, innovative, insightful people who make an impact in our culture. Our goal with every episode is to encourage, uplift, and enlighten every listener to help offset the overwhelming amount of cynical, negative, destructive conversation heard all too often on a national scale.
Life is too short to be miserable and angry, so enjoy the wisdom and stories of our guests on the BIG IMPACT Podcast!
BIG IMPACT Podcast Episode 65 offers a unique "inside" visit to one of the more than 30,000 gatherings across America to celebrate the National Day of Prayer. We'll share the history of the event and then take you to the gathering held in Genesee County, Michigan. You'll hear the thoughts of the local Chairman as well as the prayers of a handful of everyday citizens who came together to pray for unity, strength, healing, wisdom and much more. Will you help keep the Big Impact going strong by joining our family of supporters? You can make a 1-time gift via GoFundMe or become a monthly supporter via PATREON and contribute anything from $5 on up each month! PLEASE SUPPORT THE BIG IMPACT PODCAST!
The Big Impact Podcast injects positive and uplifting conversation into a culture needing to hear from people of insight, influence intelligence and inspiration. Many of our featured guests are well known personalities, others are everyday people with a powerful and encouraging story to share.


In the year 49 AC, a human named Fellweather Galewyck arrived on Aetaltis from the Atlan homeworld. Joined by a small army of loyal mercenaries, he claimed a plot of land in a deep valley in the northwestern forests of the region that eventually became the Free Kingdoms. A scholar by trade and curious by nature, Galewyck established an academic retreat, a sort of monastery of knowledge, dedicated to providing a secluded environment for the pursuit of "the greater universal truths."
Over the next thirty years, his mercenaries fortified the site while Galewyck expanded the retreat. He added a library and scriptorium, lured other academics both from Aetaltis and beyond to join him, and even hosted an Aetaltan branch of a prestigious magical college from the Atlan homeworld.
Although the public explanation for the retreat's remote location was a desire for solitude, Galewyck had another reason for his choice. Not far from the retreat, in the oldest part of the forest, was a cold, dark hollow. It was strangely difficult to find, and one was more likely to stumble upon it by chance than by design.
In the hollow stood a massive oak tree. Ancient and gnarled, it rose up out of the ground like thick fist, its bark black and its leaves a midnight green. Twisted branches wove together overhead creating a nearly impenetrable canopy, and the entire tree emanated powerful wild magic.
Finding the tree was only the first challenge, however, for a small tribe of fey also inhabited the hollow. The majority of the fey were sprites and fairies, but a few elves lived among them as well. They lived wild in the woods around the hollow, and if any sought to harm the tree they rose to defend it.
When Galewyck first encountered the fey, they let him pass unmolested. Although he did not intend to hurt the tree, he made no indication of his intentions. He never understood why they did not even approach him as they often did with others. They simply watched him from the trees, following in the shadows from the moment he entered the hollow until the moment he left.
Galewyck spent the majority of his time studying the tree (when he could find it), making notes, performing experiments, and working to unlock its secrets. He suspected it was more than just an enchanted plant, but rather a living embodiment of essence. In his later writings, he even speculated that it might be something even stranger—perhaps a doorway to another world.
Unfortunately, Galewyck never found a way to make money with his retreat. In time, his once prodigious fortune ran out, the unpaid mercenaries left, and his students moved on to more prosperous institutions. By his last days, in the year 85 AC, he lived almost completely alone in the huge, drafty fortress.
Too weak to travel to the hollow any longer, he spent his time in the library, poring over his notes and writing essays based on his work. That is until one cold winter morning, when he no longer had the strength to even rise from his bed.
On that bleak day, three strangers in dark green robes arrived at the door to Galewyck's keep. The lead figure reached out with a long, oaken staff, and tapped the keep's massive doors. With a thump and a creak, they opened to him. The three entered and navigated the keep's empty halls as if they were their own. They soon arrived at Galewyck's bedside.
Galewyck opened his eyes and looked at the strangers. "Who are you," he croaked, his voice soft and weak.
"We are your brothers. You are and always were one of us, although you did not know it," the lead man said.
The two other robed figures put their arms under Galewyck and gently raised him.
"Your work is done," the lead figure continued. "You've earned your rest. We will take you home and then we will take up your sickle. Your task will be ours."
"But this is my home," Galewyck said.
The three did not answer. Rather, they helped Galewyck into his cloak and hat and gloves. Then they lifted him from the bed, for he'd grown small and light in his age, and took him out of the room.
Into the forest they went, and Galewyck smiled, for it had been a long time since he'd seen the sky or felt the wind on his face. They took him deep into the woods, to the strange hollow where the mighty oak stood. With the fey gathered close around then, they set Galewyck down, his back against the tree.
"Goodnight, brother," they said to him before turning and leaving the hollow.
Those were the first druids to come to Galewyck's Bastion. Since that day, they've been the guardians of the forest, the hollow, and the ancient oak. When one druid becomes too old to continue their work, the mantle of Keeper is passed on to another.
Which brings us to the present day, the year 423 AC, when Maleil the Raven-Haired took up the silver sickle and inherited command of this strange kingdom. For centuries Galewyck's Bastion has taken a largely isolationist stance, although they did sign the compact of the Free Kingdoms. Whether that continues under the new Keeper remains to be seen.
Objects uncovered at the site in recent times suggest that a relatively steady flow of pilgrims visited the shrine throughout much of its history. Around fifty years before the Alliance arrived, however, the site was abandoned. The reason for the abandonment remains a mystery.
In 63 AC, an elven cleric of Grethken studying at Galewyck's retreat rediscovered the shrine. She set about restoring it, an effort that took her more than ten years to complete. During that time she attracted a small group of followers who aided her in her restoration and ongoing protection of the shrine in the following years.
When the druids took control of Galewyck's Bastion in 85 AC, the clerical keeper of the shrine agreed to pledge fealty to the druids in exchange for their aid and protection should the shrine find itself in need. An agreement was struck resulting in a mutually beneficial relationship that has remained strong over the intervening years.
Today the shrine is led by Kynus of the Golden Shield, a cleric of Grethken who studied at the High Temple in New Erinor. Kynus maintains the pledge of fealty with the Bastion and rules a small, fortified monastery of clerics, priests, priestesses, and worshipers who maintain and protect the shrine. Very few pilgrims travel to the shrine, but those that do are welcomed and cared for by the shrine's keepers.
The shrine is not without its troubles. For reasons as yet unexplained, an unreasonably large number of monsters wander into the monastery's territory, often attacking it and its occupants. As followers of Metias, the residents are more than able to fight off these attacks, but it makes life at the monastery difficult at times.
Some scholars suggest that the creatures are drawn to some aspect or aura of Llyzinok that remains at the site, but the idea remains unproven. In the meantime, it is suggested that pilgrims come armed and bring guards if they aren't warriors themselves.
Galewyck's Bastion is largely untamed forest and has a weak infrastructure. Transportation routes are dangerous and difficult to use. In fact, due to the forests thick undergrowth, much of it is impassable except on foot. With its focus on other matters, the kingdom maintains only the most rudimentary government programs and improvements. They have a loosely organized army that might be better described as a militia.
The kingdom's few government officials are passable at their jobs, and corruption isn't out of control. That said, they can still enact new economic policies quickly, and they adapt easily to sudden financial changes. The Bastion has established a few networks and resources that might be employed to strike at an enemy from afar, but it isn't a strength.
The people of the Bation are quite resilient and can overcome many of the hardships they experience. Most are healthy and recover from war, plague, or famine if given a little time.
Thanks to the scholarly roots of the Bastion, its people are very well-educated. Almost everyone knows how to read, and most are schooled in other areas as well, especially in matters of the natural world. Wizards in the land receive excellent training, and the population has an enlightened view of magic and the arcane.
The people of the Bastion have strong traditions rooted in druidism. Knowledge is systematically passed down from one generation to the next, providing the people with a rich store of wisdom to draw upon in times of need. They draw great strength from their faith and the gods smile upon them for their piety. They are also deeply respectful, perhaps even worshipful, of Aetaltis itself, which they believe is a living being like the Enaros.
The Bastion is known for demonstrating moments of great diplomatic acumen and has a good reputation among other kingdoms. It often comes out as one of the beneficiaries after engaging in critical diplomacy, and its network of alliances and relationships serve it well in times of crisis. Thanks to their library and scholarly nature, they maintain a good store of information on both enemies and allies giving them the upper hand in some types of negotiations.
Galewyck's Bastion and the Shrine of Metias are official parts of the World of Aetaltis, but they are also player controlled kingdoms and fiefdoms from the Tales of the Free Kingdoms interactive adventure game! Click here for more information on the Tales of the Free Kingdoms game!


Merry Christmas to you too!! Hey, I listen to you every evening on Aahaa from Salt Lake City, Utah. You rock!
WISH U A MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO !!! And ofcourse my wishes to all our sincere blog "COMMENTERS" who (just like me) check into chinmayisripada.blogspot.com even before checking their mail-boxes !!!
BTB, Cninmayi, VIJAY's reply for your YEN VIJAY IPPIDI INDA CLEAN SHAVE FOR TIS SONG made me rool down to laughter and also your reply VIJAY IDHU MARANA KADI WERE cute in the Airtel Super Singer show yesterday .... Man I look at your energy with an awe !!!
Keep rocking and MERRY CHRSITMAS and ADVANCED NEW YEAR WISHES !!!!
Happy Christmas Chinmayi . I like all of your movie songs.
You are doing great at Aahaa Fm. I Listen to it through the Web Daily.
Wish you the same. Santa is on his way!!
Wish you to meet the santa with a gift which you were longing so long for. Merry christmas.
Merry Christmas to you too Chinmayi! What would you ask for, if you met Santa?
Merry christmas..Did you say you would ask for an interview, when you meet santa? That sounds incomplete.. an interview with whom?
wish you an advanced happy new year. you do a great jop of super singer. i wanna know one thing.
I am a regular at your blog but my first time writing you. Want to make sure you know that you make Airtel Super Singer enjoyable -- i think one reason is because your pronunciation is impeccable of which ever language you choose to speak in. The other is that you make the show more personable.
Anyway, the reason for me writing today is to introduce you to another singer's blog. Her name is Christine Kane and she's not just a singer, she's a song writer, public speaker, many other roles as well... and i also believe that she's on the spiritual quest (anyone who's intimate with the Autobiography of a Yogi -- can't be NOT on the quest) as well.
My word for 2009 is LISTEN. What's yours?


but to exceed most existing privacy standards.
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Two suspects in custody, authorities still searching for third man involved
Two Newton County schools were placed on lockdown for students' safety Tuesday morning after robbery suspects fled their vehicle in the area of Fairview Road.
According to Conyers Police Chief David Cathcart, an older woman was approached in the Bank of America parking lot on Ga. Highway 138 by one of the suspects who reportedly asked her if he could borrow some money. When she told him no, he allegedly pushed her and grabbed her purse.
The suspect, along with another man and a woman, fled the area in a tan 1997 Oldsmobile, followed closely by the victim's son-in-law. When the suspects reached Access and Fairview roads their vehicle died and two of the three fled the area on foot.
As a precaution, both Fairview Elementary School and Clements Middle School were locked down from approximately 10:45 a.m. until roughly 1:45 p.m., letting no one in or out of the schools.
Deputies from the Newton County Sheriff's Office, officers and K-9 units from the Conyers Police Department and the Georgia State Patrol's air unit joined forces to search the area. The female suspect, identified as 25-year-old Shemika Williams, stayed with her vehicle, according to Cathcart, and one of the male suspects, 30-year-old Tommy Davis, was captured less then 15 minutes after he fled the area. As of press time the third suspect, a black male in his 20s who authorities would not name, has yet to be captured.
"This is one of those instanced that crosses jurisdictional boundaries," said Cathcart. "We are all in this together and with the help of the Newton County Sheriff's Office and the Georgia State Patrol we were able to apprehend the suspects. It was a total team effort on everyone's part and we really appreciate their assistance and all that they did. If they ever need us we are there for those agencies as well.
The missing suspect is described as a black male in his 20s, last seen wearing a white shirt and jeans and white tennis shoes. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Conyers Police Department at (770) 483-6600 or online at http://www.conyersga.com/Living/Police.aspx. All tips can remain anonymous.


TYPE LOCALITY [Democratic Republic of Congo], Congo Belge (Zaire), Parc National Albert, Massif Ruwenzori, Kalonge, Gîte Ruwenzori, 2080 m, 15.ii.1953, leg. Vanschuytbroeck & Kekenbosch.
TYPE SPECIMEN(S) Holotype ♂, genitalia slide C. Gielis 1848♂, RMCA.
COMMENT Transferred to Picardia by Gibeaux (1994b: 121).
PUBLICATION Gielis C. 1991a. Oidaematophorus ruwenzoricus n. sp. from Zaire (Lepidoptera: Pterophoridae). - Entomologische Berichten, Amsterdam 51(1):13–14.


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'Shawn Mendes' tops the U.S. album chart
0 0 Saturday, June 9, 2018 Edit this post
Recording artist Shawn Mendes arrives for the 2018 Billboard Music Awards on May 20 in Las Vegas. He has the No. 1 album in the U.S. this week. File Photo by Jim Ruymen/UPI | License Photo
By Karen Butler, UPI
Shawn Mendes' eponymous record is No. 1 on the U.S. album chart.
Coming in at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 is Post Malone's beerbongs & bentleys, followed by Pusha T's Daytona at No. 3, A$AP Rocky's Testing at No. 4 and Cardi B's Invasion of Privacy at No. 5.
Rounding out the top tier are BTS' Love Yourself: Tear at No. 6, Lil Baby's Harder Than Ever at No. 7, Juice WRLD's Goodbye & Good Riddance at No. 8, The Greatest Showman soundtrack at No. 9 and J. Cole's KOD at No. 10.
Entertainment - U.S. Daily News: 'Shawn Mendes' tops the U.S. album chart
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Photography: Rory Gardiner
Location: Kulturforum, Berlin
Architect: Ludwig Mies van der Rohe
Construction: 1965-1968
The Neue Nationalgalerie (New National Gallery) is part of the cultural center Kulturforum, situated between the Landwehr Canal, Potsdamer Platz and Tiergarten Park in Tiergarten, central Berlin. The site was once a residential area built in the 19th century but parts of it were torn down by the Nazis to give place to Hitler and Speers vision of a new Berlin, Welthauptstadt Germania (World Capital Germania).
After World War II and the division of Berlin most of the cultural buildings had ended up on the East German side of the wall. As a result of this plans of making a new cultural center for West Berlin started in the 50s. Kulturforum was to become a modernist answer to Museum Island and the New National Gallery to become its centerpiece.
Mies van der Rohe was invited to design the museum in 1961. However the idea behind the building's design originated from an earlier project of Mies. Five years before, Mies had been commissioned to design a new office for Cuban liquor brand Bacardi, in their hometown of Santiago de Cuba. The design he proposed, a large roof plate supported by two columns on each
side, although different in scale, and in concrete instead of steel, was almost identical to design he would later propose for the New National Gallery.
The Bacardi project was abandoned in 1960, but by then Mies had already done numerous scale model studies of the construction principle, which he then got use for in the New National Gallery.
The building has obvious classical references - standing on a podium like a Greek temple overlooking the street. It is said to be an homage to Schinkel's neoclassical Altes Museum (Old Museum) completed in 1828 on Museum Island.
The main gesture of the building is without a doubt the upper exhibition hall and the giant floating 1,8 m thick, 65 m square, black painted steel roof plate, resting on two cruciform steel pillars on each side leaving its corners free. The glass walls and the open floor plan create a space that effortlessly floats between inside and outside under a seemingly levitating ceiling. To make this space possible Mies put three fourths of the building's 10 000 sq m program submerged inside the podium, including all service areas, offices, exhibitions spaces, café, shop etc. getting natural light only from the Sculpture Garden in the west.
The New National Gallery houses 20th-century Modern Art including Cubism, Expressionism, the Bauhaus and Surrealism and works from artists like Pablo Picasso, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Joan Miró, Wassily Kandinsky.
In April of 1967, Mies who had just turned 81, visited the building site to see the 1250 ton roof lifted into place by 8 hydraulic jacks. When later being asked to make a statement he said:
"It was agreed that nobody would speak more than five minutes. What humbug that was! I want to thank the men who worked the steel, and the ones who did the concrete. And when the great roof raised itself up without a sound, I was amazed!!" (1)
Mies who lived and worked in Chicago was not able to attend the official inauguration of the building when finished one and a half years later and he passed away in august 1969 less than a year after the building was completed.(1) Neue Nationalgalerie was Mies last major project and the only commission he got from the government of West Germany. Mies started his architectural practice in Berlin in 1912 and with the Neue Nationalgalerie he now got the chance to close the circle.
The monumental structure can be seen as the final statement of Mies lifelong architectural ambition - as a temple of modernism and of floating space and light – rather than a temple of art as it has also been called.
The architecture, from totality of the vast floating roof, to the smallest details seem to strive for a purity so refined that even the art it was built to house easily gets in conflict with it. When asked about difficulties with using the main exhibition hall Mies commented:
"It's such a large hall that of course it means great difficulties for the exhibiting of art. I am fully aware of that. But it has such potential that I simply cannot take those difficulties into account." (1)
Perhaps this final work of one of modernisms founders stand as much as a symbol of modernism as a symbol of its end. With "form follows function" no longer referring to the building's content but to the idea of the building itself. A new formalism.
The Neue Nationalgalerie is now closed for at least four years of renovation led by David Chipperfield Architects who are now working to restore the building after almost 50 years of use.
(1) Mies Van Der Rohe: A Critical Biography, New and Revised Edition by Franz Schulze
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Wouldn't a parents' night out be nice? But what about the kids? Well, we have an answer for you! Enjoy an evening out while your kids enjoy a night of active play, exploration, arts and crafts, games and more – all in a safe and fun environment. From three- to four-hour programs to overnighters, here are some options to check out.
Get some much-needed time off and drop off the kids for hours of fun at The Alaska Club in Anchorage, Eagle River or Wasilla. The kids will enjoy dinner, games, coloring, crafts and more from 6-9 pm. For ages 3 and up. Members and nonmembers welcome: invite a friend! Preregistration is encouraged to reserve your spot. $25 for the first child, $20 for each sibling. (Child must be potty trained to attend.) For info or to register, visit thealaskaclub.com/parentsnightoff or call 907-365-7393.
Fun for kids and great for parents! Drop off the kids for an evening while you head out for time on your own. Weekly Friday night drop off (6-10 pm) for kids 1 year (walking) and older. Four spots are available for babies under the age of 3, and 20 older kids (3 and up and potty trained). $30 for the first child, $20 for each sibling. Call the Gym to reserve a spot (starting two weeks prior to the date). Visit aurorakidsak.com, email gym@aurorakidsak.com or call 907-345-0093.
The Anchorage Museum is a magical place at night when imagination rules. Fifth- through eighth-graders can have their own night at the museum to stay up late discovering and deciphering clues in the galleries. Who will be first to crack the code that solves the mystery? Late-night snack and breakfast provided. Overnights are offered mid-September through mid-May, Saturday through Thursday nights. Cost is $75 per person (approximate ages 10-14); One free chaperone (age 18+) for every five students and extra chaperones above the ratio are $75 each. For more info, visit anchoragemuseum.org/overnights, email overnights@anchoragemuseum.org or call 907-929-9276.
Let the kids enjoy an overnight adventure at the Alaska SeaLife Center where they'll spend the evening honing observation skills and participating in hands-on marine science programs. At night they'll fall asleep with the seabirds, Steller sea lions, and harbor seals. Each Nocturne Sleepover includes dinner, a light breakfast, free time to tour the Alaska SeaLife Center, and a choice of two programs. Nocturnes start at 5 pm and last until 9 am the next morning. Nocturnes are available year-round and must be booked at least 30 days in advance. Cost: Fall/Winter Nocturnes (September-February): $55 per person; Spring/Summer Nocturnes (March-August): $65 per person. (Minimum 12 paying participants; one chaperone at no cost for every 10 students. Maximum of 60 students and 15 chaperones.) For info, visit alaskasealife.org/day_nocturne_programs.
Spend a night at the museum! Kids will enjoy after-hours special activities and night-time gallery explorations. They'll get to create, explore and sleep among the exhibits. Cost is $75 to $175, depending on group size. Price includes: exclusive nighttime access and activities in the Museum of the North, evening snack, interactive exploration, arts and crafts activities, and light breakfast. Ages: 7-13 year olds with accompanying adult (1 adult can accompany up to 3 kids max). For the upcoming sleepover date or to schedule private sleepovers for groups, visit uaf.edu/museum/education/kids-families/sleepover or email ua-museumlearn@alaska.edu.
Schedule your next date night at JEC's licensed childcare facility. The Parents' Night Out is offered the second Saturday of each month for 19 months-15 years. Monthly sessions are from 5 pm-9 pm. Each themed program includes a movie, craft or activities, plus a healthy kid-friendly dinner, friends and fun to make every child thrilled with your night out. Cost: $35/child ages 19 months-15 years. Monthly and annual passes also available. For info, visit jecalaska.com/date-night or call 907-337-1672.
On the first Friday of every month, drop your child off at the Fairbanks Children's Museum for a Kid's Night from 5:30-8 pm while you take a well-deserved Parent's Night Out. Enjoy the First Friday activities downtown or have a date night. Kids will be provided a pizza dinner and playtime with the museum educators. Cost: $25/child for ($5 discount for siblings and Museum Member families). Ages: Children must be 4 years or older, and need to be able to use the restroom independently. For info, visit fairbankschildrensmuseum.com/kids-night-in or call 907-374-6873.
Once a month, drop off your kids for a night of painting from 6-9 pm. New paint projects every month and a teacher to help kids with the painting steps. Cost is $35 per child (ages 5+) includes all supplies and their finished piece. Light snacks and drinks provided. For info, visit anchorage.colormemine.com/events/kids or call 907-349-6463.


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Restaurant Review: Umi in Camps Bay offers perfect service, 'divine' food, and 'Fifty Shades of Grey'!
Katie Friedman and I chose a picture perfect day to try out Umi (which means sea or ocean in Japanese) restaurant in Camps Bay for lunch yesterday, which opened a month ago. The service is very slick and friendly, if not a little over-enthusiastic, the view outstanding, plating unusual, and the food very good, and even 'divine' according to our waiter!
The restaurant space is massive, seating 250 patrons on a terrace section which flows into an intermediate section, as well as the inside of the restaurant, being the space which was previously Summerville, and then Pepper Club on the Beach, in addition to a shop or two next door. Everything is grey, the chairs being a mix of light and dark grey, the lounge couches being white with a grey pattern, and the waiters wear a smart branded golf-shirt with a blossom print, and grey apron. There is a massive wooden counter inside the restaurant. In the far left corner are rose gold steel lanterns, that look as if they are made of orange plastic, while the rest of the lighting is individual glass bulb hanging lamps. The menu cover is grey, with yellow design features, as is the wine list cover. Unusual in terms of the colour scheme is a massive collection of cherry blossom branches in pink and white inside the restaurant, and each table has a large pink Barberton daisy in a vase with a long green leaf, the leaf used on the food plates too. The wooden topped tables are laid with a sideplate, serviette and a set of chop sticks, which the waiter removes from its paper cover and puts onto a chopstick stand. No cutlery is offered, and was not needed for our lunch.
The décor for Umi, and The Marly 11 bedroom boutique hotel above it, which once housed a nightclub which caused huge strife between the former club owner and the Bay Hotel next door due to noise levels, was done by Gregor Bremer of Soda Creations. The entrance to the hotel is via a lift next to the Post Office on the same level as Umi, and one arrives in an open lounge, with a massive couch probably seating 10 persons, covering the length of the space. The decor looked similar to that of the Alphen Hotel, but hotel GM Hanouschka Hoffeldt (previously at Zevenwacht) assured me that they used a different decorator for the Alphen. There are 11 bedrooms, six of which are seafacing, and two have a bedroom with a jacuzzi on the terrace. The view onto Camps Bay beach is to die for from the hotel and restaurant. The design approach is less is more, and all frills have been removed. Bedding is white, as is the leather seating. Everything else is grey. Charcoal sketches of famous persons, e.g. Yoko Ono, are in each room, Riaan van Zyl having done the art for the hotel. The passage leading to the bedrooms is long, and looks like a library at its starting point, with a laptop, and books on the shelves. A private pool for hotel guests only is smallish, but has a view onto the ocean too, and all the walls are covered with plants – succulents in pots, to create a design feature, on one wall, and another fully grown plant wall. Hotel guests can drive into the Promenade parking, and stop in front of the hotel door from their dedicated parking area.
Brian Leighton-Buys (who boldly has taken his wife's maiden name as his second surname) comes from London, where he worked in the hospitality industry for 20 years, Carluccio's being well- known and pumping, Katie said. He also worked at Young's, previously a brewery, in London, and at The Taj hotel in Cape Town before joining the 'Kovensky group', my name for Paul's empire. He provided interesting input as to how Nasty Neil Pendock manages to get around the liquor licence regulations in selling wines from his petite Wine Gallery @ The Taj! An awning that was meant to be fixed in the restaurant area just as we sat down appeared to be in order or was fixed while we checked out the hotel, a clever move by Brian. We were surprised when Paul Kovensky, owner of the Kove Collection (the official company name), came to say hello, not knowing that we were lunching there as we had not booked. He also owns Paranga, Zenzero, Bungalow, and The Alphen Hotel with its 5 Rooms and La Belle restaurants. I asked him if he sleeps well at night, and he said he does, raving about his little boy. He already has a new project up his sleeve, but is staying mum about it, wanting to get through the summer season first. We spoke about the departure of Sensei Deon, his Umi sushi chef, after just three weeks, who had left Glenwood and L'ermitage in Franschhoek after short periods of time too. Chef Julian Gabriel, previously at Delaire Graff's main restaurant and at Café Roux in Noordhoek, is the Executive Chef. Paul has contracted Scott Hallsworth, who worked at Nobu in London and in Melbourne, to do staff training and to compile the menu, and to check on things every month.
Paul told us that Amber Deetlefs, previously a partner in Pinotage restaurant in Beijing, has joined them as chef at Paranga. Chef Neil Norman returned for a very short stint at Zenzero, and has been replaced by Judy Tewnion, whose husband Richie is the chef at Kloof Street House.
The menu looks very Nobu-ish, was Katie's first reaction, having been told that Umi's prices are cheaper than those of Nobu, but having recently eaten there, she felt that the prices are on a par. Our waiter Gradwill handed us the menu, and a minute later shared his favourites with us, each of the recommended dishes being 'divine', interrupting us regularly as we were chatting and catching up. We were offered Miso soup, and one is not sure if this is complimentary, but it is charged (at R50) the waiter said when I asked. We were told that the dishes would arrive when ready, and that in Japanese family style cuisine we should share our dishes as they were served. We were also told that they do not have soy sauce on the table, but that one can request it, It is poured from a jug in a little container at the table, my request for it having been forgotten.
I had ordered prawn tempura, and did not understand from the menu that it was sushi, of which two slices had a tiny prawn tempura in them more for design effect, and quite misleading as a menu description. Brian immediately offered to replace this was something else, and I chose the Tempura Prawn hand roll with avocado (R75), large in size and with quite a bite, wasabi mayonnaise being used, which I did not see in the fineprint description for the dish. I felt it to be a little dry, with not enough mayo. Katie's starter was Charred Asparagus, served with Yuzu truffle egg sauce and Ikura (salmon roe, at R90). Other 'divine' appetiser choices include beef, salmon or tuna tataki (R90); Lobster rice paper rolls served with avocado, spicy mayonnaise and tempura cocktail tomato (R120); sashimi tacos, with tuna and salmon (R100) or lobster (R150); and oysters (SQ). Salads are expensive, starting at R75 for 'Field Greens' to R150 for a shrimp and lobster salad. In the 'Crunchy' section, different tempura dishes are offered, including crayfish (R150), vegetable (R50), and rock shrimp (R120).
For her main course Katie ordered sushi, and I ordered the slow cooked BBQ pork belly, which was topped with spicy miso, a highlight of the lunch, and the favourite of Brian too. Other Grill options include baby chicken (R150), beer marinated beef fillet (R170), teriyaki fillet (R185), and tea smoked lamb (R180). Seafood includes some SQ dishes, as well as Norwegian salmon (R150), steamed line fish (R130), and East Coast sole (R150). Ten sushi roll options are offered, costing R85 – R125. Nigiri costs R50 – R85, salmon and tuna roses cost R50, handrolls cost R75 – R100, and sashimi costs around R55. Desserts are expensive, at R55 – R 85, including more traditional dishes such as apple crumble, ice creams or sorbets, fruit platter, and Valrhona chocolate fondant. I had to run to check in guests, so we did not indulge.
The winelist cover is in grey leather, with the Umi logo in grey and yellow, and yellow touches on each page. Sake costs R300 – R700. The list of nineteen Champagne starts at R950 for Veuve Clicquot NV, Moët & Chandon NV, and Louis Roederer NV (available by the glass too at R250), peaking at R10000 for Armand 'De' (sic) Brignac Rosé! Only four MCCs are available: Pongrácz Brut (R60/R260) and Rosé (R70/R300), and Graham Beck Brut (R280) and Brut Rosé (R340). The winelist won't feature on the Diners Club Winelist of the Year Awards, not offering vintage nor origin information. Shiraz starts at R50/R200 for Durbanville Hills, peaking at R360 for Rijk's Private Cellar R360, with Delaire Graff, Raka Biography, Saxenburg, and Zandvliet Kalkveld also offered. A nice change is that no alcohol brand is associated with the restaurant, its umbrellas and staff clothing being restaurant-branded only.
Although the same criticism I levelled at KOI Restaurant at The Ambassador about no Asian chefs being visible (one cannot see the food preparation at Umi) should apply to Umi too, I had a much better feel about the quality of the food and its plating at Umi. The friendliness of all the staff in the Umi restaurant as well as The Marly hotel was impressive, starting at the top with owner Paul. Brian came to check on us frequently, something managers rarely do these days. While the prices are on the high side, the Umi menu does offer a good spread of dish prices, as is typical of the Kove Collection restaurants, allowing one to choose more affordable dishes if one wants to. Umi can be rated as the best restaurant in Camps Bay. Our waiter was the only off-putting part of our experience, being over-confident, and presumptuous enough to want to choose 'divine' dishes for us. All of this in a 'Fifty Shades of Grey' setting, with a wonderful view onto Camps Bay beach!
Umi Restaurant, 201 The Promenade, Victoria Road, Camps Bay. Tel (021) 437-1802 www.umirestaurant.co.za No Twitter for Umi, @TheMarly. Free wi-fi.
Chris von Ulmenstein, Whale Cottage Portfolio: www.whalecottage.com Twitter: @WhaleCottage
Published by Chris von Ulmenstein, in accommodation, Camps Bay, Cape Town, Chris von Ulmenstein, design, Restaurant news, Tourism news, Whale Cottage Portfolio.
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China says Xi urged Trump to ease North Korea sanctions
BEIJING, July 12 (Reuters) - Chinese President Xi Jinping urged U.S. President Donald Trump to ease sanctions on North Korea during their meeting in Japan last month, China's Foreign Ministry said on Friday.
China has signed up for strict U.N. sanctions following North Korea's repeated missile and nuclear tests but has also suggested sanctions could be eased to reward North Korea for good behaviour.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters that Xi briefed Trump on China's position on North Korea when they met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Osaka.
"In the meeting with President Trump in Osaka, President Xi briefed him on China's principled position on the peninsula issue, and pushed the U.S. side to show flexibility and meet the North Koreans half way, including easing sanctions in due course," Geng said.
Xi and Trump have both held talks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un recently - Xi before the G20 summit during a trip to Pyongyang, and Trump after the summit, when he met Kim at the Demilitarised Zone along the North's border with South Korea.
The United States hopes to see a freeze in the North Korean nuclear programme as the start of a process of denuclearisation, the State Department said on Tuesday, ahead of fresh talks with Pyongyang supposed to take place this month. (Reporting by Cate Cadell; Writing by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Nick Macfie)
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Ohio State students questioning clock tower
Oct 27, 2017 at 4:35 PM Oct 27, 2017 at 5:13 PM
Construction equipment and barriers are beginning to disappear on Ohio State University's north campus, as the newly constructed Tom W. Davis Tower is completed.
The 75-foot-tall, brick clock tower was possible thanks to a $1.4 million gift from Davis, a Columbus businessman. Planners wanted a focal point for the North Residential District near Lane Avenue and High Street, where new dorms were completed last year. The tower will be an anchor for the area and an "iconic" landmark, university officials have said.
Now that it's standing tall in the middle of the north campus sky, student opinions on the structure are flying fast.
Some weren't sure why it was necessary.
"I don't really think people are going to look up at the clock; we have it on our phones," said Julie Cohen, a sophomore health sciences major from Carroll.
Others have questioned why the money wasn't used for something else.
"I feel like a lot of people have a really deep hatred for it," said Pat Frecker, a sophomore accounting major from Upper Arlington. Students have questioned it, he said, "because they think the money should have been used for scholarships" or other programs.
OSU students want:
- Less construction
- Open sidewalks
- More bars
- More scholarships
- More professors
OSU: Here's a clock tower
— Spooky Ghoul (@bhollz7) October 26, 2017
Others lightheartedly speculated on how the tower's 20-foot-by-40-foot vertical video display might be used. One Reddit user on the Ohio State University Subreddit page shared an image of the tower with a provocative allegation on the screen: "afro-ducks (sic) death was an inside job," referring to the January 2016 death of the Mirror Lake duck known for the tuft of white feathers on the top of his head.
Another user posted an image of the tower with a clear message for that team up north.
"THE SPOT WAS GOOD," it read, harkening back to last year's rivalry football game between Ohio State and Michigan, when a controversial first-down call led to the Buckeyes' game-winning touchdown.
Some actual images were shown on the tower's screen this week, students said, including a photo of the clock tower itself.
is there really a picture of the clock tower..... on the clock tower
— ashley (@ashleanna_) October 25, 2017
The university has said the tower's screen won't be used for outside advertisements, but some students seemed skeptical. One posted an edited image of the tower with an ad seeking those affected by mesothelioma.
Expectation vs Reality pic.twitter.com/C5ptMwzUOe
— Jimmy Franklin (@JimmLF) October 25, 2017
There were calls for action, too.
One Ohio State Reddit user suggested a petition to allow students to play Tetris on the tower's giant screen. Another requested willing volunteers to tilt the tower slightly, a la the Tower of Pisa.
"The foundation is fresh; this is possible," the Reddit user posted. "We need volunteers."
Another Reddit user sought to move ESPN's College GameDay program, which will broadcast from Columbus Saturday ahead Ohio State's game against Penn State, to the clock tower. A student on Twitter asked if football games will be shown on the tower's screen.
On a real note, do you think they'll play the game on the clock tower screens on Saturday??
— kayyyyy (@KaylaHopkins8) October 26, 2017
The tower's design incorporates four oval carved-stone tablets that were removed from the William Oxley Thompson Memorial Library during a 2009 renovation. Beneath the tablets are quotes from well-known figures about public service.
A formal dedication of the tower is scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Sunday.
It remains to be seen whether the tower will be the "iconic" structure officials had hoped, but it's certainly generating buzz this month, which one Reddit user has declared "Clocktober."


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