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Tag: Coronavirus
Coalition reveals five priorities for the Comprehensive Spending Review
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has called on the government's Comprehensive Spending Review to solve a problem that has plagued the country for generations.
The submission sets out how fuel poverty could be all but eradicated within the lifetime of this Parliament.
Evidence from Public Health England shows that fuel poverty puts households more at risk from the worst effects of Covid-19.
Therefore, ending fuel poverty is now an urgent public health priority, which can only be solved through economic measures.
The benefits of ending fuel poverty include a faster transition to a just net zero, the levelling up of the economy and a green stimulus to aid the recovery from lockdown.
On the other hand, with energy use rising as people stay at home more and the predicted income squeeze, it is estimated that the numbers in fuel poverty could soar by 200,000. The recent National Energy Action / Energy Action Scotland monitor revealed a significant hardship for fuel poor households in the coming winter, as a potent combination of higher energy use resulting from staying at home for longer is mixed with reductions in income.
One in three British households are already concerned about the health impacts of living in a cold home this winter. And should a second wave of Covid-19 hit during cold weather, the impact could be catastrophic for individuals and our health services.
As a result, the Coalition urges the Government to commit to five main spending priorities:
1) Rapid roll-out of large-scale energy efficiency programmes
2) Urgent delivery of government promises on tackling fuel poverty
3) This unprecedented level of investment needs to be coupled with large scale training programmes
4) Immediate steps to improve energy standards in the private rented sector
5) Fuel Poverty Debt Relief to ensure fewer people will have to choose between heating and eating this winter
The full submission can be read online: https://www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/End-Fuel-Poverty-Coalition-CSR-Submission-FINAL.pdf
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 24 September 2020 22 September 2020 Categories NewsTags Budget, Comprehensive Spending Review, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Government
Hundreds of thousands set to be forced into fuel poverty
Over 200,000 households are set to fall into fuel poverty as the economy struggles to recover from lockdown, according to new estimates. [1]
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition is warning that as the numbers in fuel poverty soar, a future wave of COVID-19 striking during colder weather could be catastrophic for individuals and health services.
Public Health England have declared that there is "clear evidence on the links between cold temperatures and respiratory problems. Resistance to respiratory infections is lowered by cool temperatures and can increase the risk of respiratory illness." [2]
The Coalition has launched a petition calling on the government to build on announcements in the Economic Statement and take urgent action to save lives and help address the financial impact of the current crisis.
Fuel poverty is caused by low income, high fuel prices, poor energy efficiency, unaffordable housing and poor quality private rental housing. At least 2.4m households in England are already in fuel poverty, affecting 10% of the population. [3]
William Baker, from Solutions to Tackle Energy Poverty and member of the Coalition, commented:
It has never been more important for the government to fix the roof while the sun is shining.
While it is summer now, colder temperatures are on the way and hundreds of thousands more people will feel the harsh reality of fuel poverty. In just a few months we could see a perfect storm of cold homes, high winter fuel bills and a future wave of COVID-19 hitting the NHS during winter – a period when it always struggles to maintain services.
The Coalition wrote to the Prime Minister on 23 June setting out four steps for the government to take to tackle fuel poverty before the winter.
The Chancellor's Economic Statement of 8 July introduced partial measures to help improve energy efficiency, but the Coalition argues that the government must go further.
Jacky Peacock, from Advice4Renters, said:
Ending fuel poverty is a public health priority, but it can only be solved through economic measures.
The government must deliver its full manifesto pledge to invest £9.2 billion in building energy efficiency, extend the Warm Home Discount and introduce wider Home Upgrade Grants. It must also take further steps to improve energy standards in the private rented sector, alongside improved security and affordability for private tenants.
Finally, we must see a Fuel Poverty Debt Relief, not deferral of payment, programme introduced to ensure fewer people will have to choose between heating and eating.
Ruth London from Fuel Poverty Action added:
The Chancellor's £2 billion for energy efficiency retrofits could have done wonders to relieve fuel poverty. Instead, targeted at homeowners and landlords, it will do very little for renters. And without clear protections, homeowners will be at the mercy of high-pressure sales teams and unskilled retrofitters, who can leave them colder, and poorer, than before.
The public have been asked to show their support for steps to tackle fuel poverty by signing the petition https://www.change.org/EndFuelPoverty.
[1] End Fuel Poverty Coalition calculations. Unemployment is predicted to rocket from 1.29m to 3.08m people by late 2020, with the OECD predicting even higher figures. 3.08m people equates to 1.17m households. 148,000 or 30% of households with an unemployed HRP were fuel poor in 2018 (Government data). This will increase to 351,000 households in late 2020, assuming the fuel poverty rate for the unemployed is still 30% – a growth of over 200,000 households. Furthermore, many more households are likely to be forced into fuel poverty due to both reduced income and higher fuel bills arising from fewer working hours and spending more time in the home.
[2] PHE, 2014. Warm homes enable immune systems to better fight off viruses, improve the likelihood of people with viruses only suffering 'mild' symptoms and help improve the recovery process. See: Baker, Ambrose et. al. https://extra.shu.ac.uk/ppp-online/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/stuck-home-cold-covid-19-fuel-poor.pdf
[3] https://www.endfuelpoverty.org.uk/latest-fuel-poverty-data-published/
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 15 July 2020 14 July 2020 Categories NewsTags Coronavirus, Covid 19, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Fuel Poverty, Government, Petition, Winter
Coalition responds to Chancellor's Economic Statement
Ending fuel poverty is a public health priority, which can only be solved through economic measures. We hope that the plans set out in the Chancellor's Economic Statement are the first step towards an ambitious programme to end fuel poverty.
The Green Homes Grant and the social housing decarbonisation fund are welcome, but must be expanded to become long-term programmes. And the government must go further and faster.
The government must deliver the full manifesto pledge to invest £9.2 billion in building energy efficiency, extend the Warm Home Discount and introduce wider Home Upgrade Grants. It must also take further steps to improve energy standards in the private rented sector, alongside improved security and affordability for private tenants.
Finally, we must see a Fuel Poverty Debt Relief programme (not deferral) introduced to ensure fewer people will have to choose between heating and eating.
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 8 July 2020 8 July 2020 Categories NewsTags Coronavirus, Covid 19, Economic Statement, Energy Efficiency
End Fuel Poverty Coalition writes to Prime Minister
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition has written to the Prime Minister, Boris Johnson, warning of the risks of a future wave of COVID-19 striking during colder winter months.
In the letter, copied to Minister Kwasi Kwarteng MP, the Coalition write:
Dear Prime Minister,
Urgent action is needed now to prevent tens of thousands of needless deaths which could overwhelm the country this coming winter.
Evidence from Public Health England (PHE) shows that fuel poverty puts households more at risk from the worst effects of Covid-19.
However, policy to end fuel poverty has been frozen for three years.
Should a second wave of Covid-19 hit during cold weather, the impact could be catastrophic for individuals and our health services.
Energy use is rising as people stay at home more, incomes are being squeezed and improvements in energy efficiency of housing are on hold.
This means the numbers in fuel poverty are set to soar.
While there is currently no cure for Covid-19, cold homes are entirely preventable and four clear actions must be taken to save lives and help address the financial impact of the current crisis:
Rapid roll-out of large-scale energy efficiency programmes which would also deliver a green economic stimulus that is shovel ready (e.g. retrofitting of people's homes and improved heating systems). The Government must confirm their manifesto pledge to invest £9.2 billion in building energy efficiency and bring forward £2.8 billion to invest in the next two years which can support 42,500 jobs across the country and help a million households save an average of £270 on their energy bills. 150,000 jobs could be supported to 2030.
Urgent delivery of government promises on tackling fuel poverty, such as extension of Warm Home Discount, introduction of the promised Home Upgrade Grants and social housing decarbonisation programme.
Immediate steps to improve energy standards in the private rented sector, alongside improved security and affordability for private tenants.
Fuel Poverty Debt Relief (not deferral) to ensure fewer people will have to choose between heating and eating.
The End Fuel Poverty Coalition campaigns to influence government and other bodies to take action to end fuel poverty and thereby improve people's health and quality of life as well as seeking to reduce the cost of living, create jobs and negate carbon emissions in the process. It is a broad coalition of over 20 anti-poverty, environmental, health and housing campaigners, charities, local authorities, trade unions and consumer organisations.
We would welcome the opportunity to discuss this further or to hear your views on this vital issue.
A campaign on the potential devastating impact of fuel poverty combined with COVID-19 this winter will be launched by the Coalition shortly.
To be kept up to date – or join with this campaign – please email info@ endfuelpoverty.org.uk.
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 23 June 2020 Categories Letters, NewsTags Coronavirus, Covid 19, End Fuel Poverty Coalition, Fuel Poverty, Prime Minister
Emergency measures to support those in fuel poverty announced
New emergency measures have been agreed to protect the domestic energy supply of those most in need during the disruption caused by COVID-19.
From 19 March 2020, customers with pre-payment meters who may not be able to add credit can speak to their supplier about options to keep them supplied. This will benefit over 4 million customers.
This could include nominating a third party for credit top ups, having a discretionary fund added to their credit, or being sent a pre-loaded top up card so that their supply is not interrupted.
More broadly, any energy customer in financial distress will also be supported by their supplier, which could include debt repayments and bill payments being reassessed, reduced or paused where necessary, while disconnection of credit meters will be completely suspended.
Customers that are unable to top up their pre-payment meter are advised to contact their supplier immediately to discuss how they can be kept on supply.
Ofgem recommends consumers leave the meter box unlocked if they need someone else to top up the meter.
Smart meter customers should be able to top-up remotely, such as by phone, mobile application or online.
The government and energy industry have agreed to prioritise those existing customers most in need, while identifying customers whose circumstances may have changed as a direct or indirect result of COVID-19.
In addition, Ofgem has published full guidance on COVID-19. It states:
The government has also launched an emergency package with energy suppliers to ensure you don't face any additional hardships in heating or lighting your home during the coronavirus outbreak. If you are struggling with money problems or are repaying a debt, options will include:
reviewing bill payment plans, including debt repayment plans
payment breaks or reductions in how much you pay
giving you greater time to pay
in some cases access to hardship funds
No credit meters will be disconnected during the outbreak.
If you think you can't afford to pay for any extra gas or electricity used because you're having to self-isolate at home, support will be available through your energy supplier. Your supplier must take into account how much you can afford, and will explain your options.
For further general advice on household energy bill support, see our guide Who to contact if it's difficult paying bills.
Information on the employment and financial support announced by the government on 20 March is available on GOV.UK. This includes the Universal Credit, Employment and Support Allowance and your rights if your hours are cut or you are laid off.
Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, Dame Gillian Guy, said:
This is an uncertain time for many people. Energy suppliers need to play their part by communicating clearly and supporting their customers as much as possible. Keeping people on supply, making sure they have warm homes and don't face additional financial or other stresses about their energy supply will be essential.
The measures set out and agreed will be implemented immediately by energy suppliers to alleviate pressure on energy customers. Citizen's Advice has published guidance to energy suppliers on best practice.
Chief executive of Energy UK, Audrey Gallacher, said:
The sector is very conscious of the potential consequences for customers confined to their homes for prolonged periods and in particular those customers in vulnerable circumstances or on prepayment meters who may need additional help.
Suppliers will be doing all they can to identify such customers and provide additional support wherever possible.
Ofgem will continue to ensure suppliers meet their regulatory obligations.
You can read about National Energy Action's response to this announcement on their website.
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 19 March 2020 27 March 2020 Categories NewsTags Coronavirus, Covid 19, Fuel Poverty, top-up meters
Emergency measures needed to protect people pushed into poverty by Covid-19
Ahead of the government publishing emergency legislation to tackle the coronavirus pandemic, Citizens Advice is calling for measures to ensure that vulnerable people and low-income families are not pushed into financial hardship as a result of the outbreak.
These include immediate changes to Universal Credit and the extension of the Cold Weather Payment to households that are self-isolating.
Those at particular risk include seven million people in the UK without savings to fall back on; five million self-employed people; and those in 1.5 million low-income jobs that don't qualify for statutory sick pay (SSP).
The charity warns many will also face higher energy bills and other essential costs as a consequence of having to self-isolate or stay at home to look after dependents.
Without action from the government, Citizens Advice fears the public health response to coronavirus could be undermined by people who feel they just cannot afford to self-isolate.
Citizens Advice has set out temporary emergency measures that could be taken to protect the most vulnerable during the outbreak, including:
Sick pay: Legislating to provide Statutory Sick Pay (SSP) at 80% of their wage for people earning less than the Lower Earnings Limit. Temporarily increasing SSP and the level of benefits to support people facing sustained drops in income.
Universal Credit: Suspending the Minimum Income Floor for all self-employed people. Making advance payments a grant for those making new claims and advised to self-isolate. Making use of repayment pauses for benefit debt and third party deductions.
Household bills: Extending the existing Cold Weather Payment to provide support for self-isolating households in receipt of Universal Credit or legacy benefits.
Housing: Legislating to suspend section 21 to temporarily stop no-fault evictions for private renters. Amending the grounds under which section 8 can be used to ensure people aren't being evicted as a consequence of being in arrears due to coronavirus.
Dame Gillian Guy, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said:
The government has made it clear that it will do everything in its power to support the public health response to this virus, but financial protections are crucial to ensure people can follow guidance to self-isolate.
Millions of families across the country are already balanced on a financial cliff edge. Their biggest worry right now is that the knock-on effects of the coronavirus could send them tumbling over, with missed bills and rent arrears.
No one should fear being pushed into poverty if they fall ill or need to self-isolate. Yet without further emergency measures to protect society's most vulnerable, this will be the reality for millions of people.
Author End Fuel Poverty CoalitionPosted on 17 March 2020 Categories NewsTags Citizens Advice, Coronavirus, Covid 19, Fuel Poverty, Poverty

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


VISIT HARROGATE TO see the Turkish Baths or Betty's Café Tea Rooms and stay at our brand new motorhome Nightstop to save money!
Please welcome the newcomer to our Practical Motorhome and Motor Caravanners' Club Nightstops scheme – The Moody Cow restaurant (formerly called The George Hotel) in Ripon Road, Wormald Green, Harrogate HG3 3PR.
It's an ideal place to stay when you visit Fountains Abbey, which is a World Heritage Site, with its adjoining Studley Royal Water Garden. The Lightwater Valley theme park is close by and Mother Shipleys Cave is another tourist magnet in this area. You could also visit Ripon, which has been dubbed the Cathedral City of the Yorkshire Dales. Or see Ripley Castle, which dates back to the 14th Century. If all this makes you feel thirsty, Masham, with its two breweries, is not far away.
To check availability at this Nightstop before turning up, please ring Martin Spalding on 01765 676 620 between 11am and 11pm. Please note that this is now a restaurant, not a pub. If you're eating a meal at The Moody Cow restaurant, you will be able to park up and camp free in your motorhome overnight, but otherwise the fee will be £5 per night.
As with any of our motorhome Nightstops you will need to use your motorhome's on-board facilities, particularly when the restaurant is closed. However you will be able to top up with fresh water, pop in to the restaurant's toilets during opening hours, use the chemical disposal point and rubbish bins. Dogs are allowed and there is a suitable exercise area. This is a flat site with hardstanding, though there are no electric hook-ups. The restaurant is disabled-friendly.
The Moody Cow Restaurant, with its overnight motorhome parking Nightstop is open all year round and there's good access through the entrance gates, which are 30ft wide. All camper vans, motorhomes and RVs are welcome, and this venue is now legally permitted to take up to five motorhomes overnight.
To find The Moody Cow, just drive along the A61 to Wormald Green, which is between Ripon and Harrogate.
There is a shop within a mile of The Moody Cow Restaurant and a supermarket within four miles.
If you like fishing holidays, walking holidays and waterside strolls, you'll like the river and canal walks available near here. You could also make it your Nightstop before heading off for walks in Nidderdale, the Yorkshire Dales, and the North Yorkshire Moors.
The Moody Cow restaurant has been reviewed and rated on Trip Adviser and the recent reviews are excellent. Please see 'Restaurants in Harrogate' for The Moody Cow reviews.
Other recent additions to our Nightstops Scheme include The Tipple Inn situated in the High Street, Collingbourne Ducis, Marlborough SN8 3EQ. It's on the A338 between Andover and Marlborough.
The Enmore Inn in Somerset has also just become a motorhome Nightstop. The Enmore Inn is in Enmore Lane, Enmore, Somerset TA5 2AH. If you'd like to stay here, please ring Emma Twigg on 01278 433858 between 11am and 10pm to check availability.
It is up to each landowner or landlord to decide how much to charge per night, but it tends to be quite a modest fee. In the case of pubs and restaurants there may be discounts on the nightly fee if you're buying a meal from them.
The full list of current Nightstops appears in Practical Motorhome magazine every issue and you can see them plotted on our Nightstops map online, with phone numbers and post codes.
We hope you will enjoy using the Nightstops in our joint scheme with the Motor Caravanners' Club.


Many fundraisers and donors are concerned about the as-yet still largely unknown impact of donor-advised funds (often referred to as DAFs) on the philanthropic economy, particularly their ethical and policy implications. "I think the discussion about donor advised funds, like the discussion of overhead, is long overdue," says Karla A. Williams, M.A., ACFRE, principal of The Williams Group in Charlotte, North Carolina. While there may not be an economic argument against saving money instead of spending it, Williams believes there are other, more compelling arguments against doing so. "Given the historically low patterns of charitable distribution in this country, we need to look at the charitable distribution of donor advised funds," Williams says. "If the money is not being distributed, is it, or is it not, a charitable act?" The available evidence suggests that DAFs may not, in fact, be boosting charitable giving as much as advocates have hoped.
While public foundations report that the average annual disbursement of advised funds is significantly higher than the federally mandated 5-percent floor required of private foundations, this number is an aggregate of the entire corpus of donor advised funds. According to the 2012 study An Analysis of Charitable Giving and Donor Advised Funds from the Congressional Research Service, more than 70 percent of DAFs paid out less than 5 percent annually, and more than half made no payments at all. In practical terms, the explosive growth of DAFs mean that while a lot of money is still being designated for charities, a lot less of it is being distributed to them.
"In a world of urgent needs, we are encouraging the saving of money, not the spending of it for charitable purposes," Williams says. The rapid rise of charitable savings accounts, she argues, is forcing the profession to confront a novel, but vital, ethical question: Do the benefits of saving money outweigh the benefits of spending it?
One way to ensure that donor advised funds are distributed is to set a time limit on them. Ray D. Madoff, a professor at Boston College Law School, suggests requiring funds to pay out completely in seven years. When he was chair of the House Ways and Means Committee, Michigan Representative Dave Camp proposed a five-year cap on DAFs. In his article "Avoiding Misuse of Donor Advised Funds" (Cleveland State Law Review, 2010), Michael J. Hussey of Widener University argued for reforming DAFs along the lines of IRAs, requiring penalties if regular distributions are not made after a certain period, and termination of the account four years after the death of the donor.
Cantor also argues that savings vehicles like DAFs, endowments, and private foundations are being oversold to donors at the expense of the nonprofits they are designed to support. He argues that, ultimately, the issue is one of public policy, not of economics. "Investing money now lessens the need to invest even more later," he says.
In addition, Cantor is calling for greater transparency and accountability in public foundations with ties to commercial financial firms to ensure that the interests of the fund advisers aren't at odds with the philanthropic interests of the donors or the ethical standards of the fundraising profession. Do the management fees that fund advisers receive, for example, violate the AFP Code of Ethical Principles and Standards? Without proper oversight, says Cantor, fundraisers can't be certain that they do not.
Do the objections make sense?
Do the proposals align with the objections?
Can the proposals be implemented reasonably and fairly?
And, where does this leave fundraising professionals?
Founded in 1915, The Chicago Community Trust is one of the nation's oldest community foundations. It is also one of the largest, disbursing millions of dollars to Chicago-area nonprofits in the arts, human services, health care, education, and more.
The trust is also a firm believer in the need for healthy diversification of funding sources. "Whenever we see that a nonprofit has support from a wide range of sources, we can immediately tell that this is an organization that has a wide number of investors," says Ngoan Le, the Trust's vice president of programs. "We see that as a sign of strength, that this nonprofit has a low probability of going out of business." Le says that when the Trust considers funding a nonprofit, it looks at the applicant's program and administrative budgets to see if they are funded from a mix of sources. "We never want to be the only source of revenue for a budget," she says.
Diversity of purpose, which encompasses restricted funds such as facilities, programs, and endowment, and unrestricted funds.
The key, says Philippe, is to find the right balance of these three elements for a particular organization. For example, a membership drive is typically a fairly modest source of revenue, but its method is labor is intensive. However, membership funds are typically unrestricted. Special events are also labor intensive too, but the revenue is potentially greater, even though the funds raised may be restricted to a particular program.
The Trust encourages nonprofits to explore alternative revenue sources due to the economy, such as social enterprises and counseling services, but notes that these ventures can require fundamentally different approaches, a shift in the organizational culture, new staff, and possibly even changes to the mission. It even encourages nonprofits with similar missions or constituencies to consider mergers. "If merging helps you do your mission better and get a better base of support, then you are doing your mission well," says Le. However, mergers should not be sought when in a position of weakness. "A merger can still work then, but it's not a strategy for growth," she says.
The Chicago Community Trust's belief in diversified funding isn't simply philosophical.
"Diversification is very relevant to us," Philippe explains. "Community trusts are one of the few types of foundations that have to proactively raise money." The Trust is currently in the middle of an endowment campaign, and is seeking a broad range of funds to continue serving an equally diverse spectrum of community nonprofits. "If it's done well, we don't think there's such a thing as too much diversification," she adds.
Nonprofits should always be ready to capitalize on "overnight sensations" — such as the social media storms that catapulted the Bard Prison Initiative's surprise debate victory over the national-champion Harvard team and the University of Mississippi's 2014 upset victory over the University of Alabama — to promote other programs that donors might want to know about too.
The Humane Society seized the opportunity to build momentum for some of its other core issues as well. For example, it encouraged people to call on airlines and UPS to ban the transportation of hunting trophies; ultimately more than 40 airlines worldwide agreed to implement the ban. The Humane Society also alerted its supporters and social-media followers to legislation being considered in Congress that, among other things, would permit the importation of polar bears killed by hunters.
A vice president instructs staff to drop what they're doing and prepare a response to a breaking story.
Communications and program staff meet to hammer out the organization's messaging.
The organization issues a press release and sends out an initial tweet.
An action alert or donation form is created and made available to supporters.
Staff prepare and roll out a formal marketing plan that includes assignments for all communications channels.
Strategies are shifted in response to daily reports.
This post was adapted from "Expect the Unexpected," by Paul Lagasse, Advancing Philanthropy, Summer 2016 (reprinted with permission). You can read the whole article here.
Development officers know how to prepare for the uptick in giving that accompanies planned events, but sudden and unexpected surges in publicity like the one that hit the Bard Prison Initiative following its debate victory over the national-champion Harvard team last October can send staff scrambling to capitalize on them before the moment passes and people's attention shifts elsewhere. "The vast majority of nonprofits don't consider what will happen when something unexpectedly goes viral," says Justin J. Ware, Vice President for Digital Fundraising Strategy at ScaleFunder, a Los Angeles-based digital fundraising platform for universities and nonprofits. "And when it does happen, they don't know the first place to start." Ware says that nonprofits can avoid that problem by taking three steps right now.
Ensure that you have, or can call on, enough people to staff up in response to a surge.
Develop a formal response strategy that identifies who is responsible for doing what and when.
Employ a multi-channel communications approach for mobilizing stakeholders and staying in front of the story as it spreads.
That plan should include taking photos and even video of events. Not only will you have something to distribute through your own social media channels, but you will also have something ready for the press should it come calling. Also, prepare background materials such as participant bios and histories of the organization and its mission to hand out when needed. The responsibility for curating these materials should lie with a person whose is tasked with anticipating media needs.
Ware understands that it's not easy for development and communications staff to make a winning case for developing a strategy to respond to extreme-case scenarios that may never come to pass. In an era of tight budgets, "better safe than sorry" just isn't persuasive enough. Ware counsels clients to try buttressing their arguments with persuasive data, such as the overlap between the organization's programs and popular trends, or accounts of recent media attention elsewhere.
To illustrate, Ware shares what can happen when you have the staff, strategy, and outreach tools in place to capitalize on an unexpected opportunity. Following the 23-17 victory of the University of Mississippi's football team against longtime rival the University of Alabama on October 4, 2014, jubilant fans stormed the field and tore down the goalposts, resulting in a $75,000 fine against Ole Miss Athletics, which it promptly paid. Hours after the event, however, Ole Mis Athletics director Ross Bjork tweeted a photo of the celebration and joked that the people in the photo should help cover the expense. The tweet went viral, and donations immediately started flowing in, accompanied by significant media attention. The Ole Miss development office decided to capitalize on the response by launching the Victory Celebration Fund campaign on the fly.
Fortuitously, at that moment the development office was putting the final touches on its new crowdfunding platform called Ignite. "We had to hurry up and finalize everything for the launch of the campaign," recalls Angela Avery, annual giving coordinator at Ole Miss. "We finalized the layout and testing of the platform on Monday, October 6th and we started planning the campaign with the Athletics Department at 3:30 pm the same day. The project launched the next day at 1 pm" — less than 72 hours after the game had ended.
The results were impressive: the $75,000 goal was met in less than four hours, and when the campaign was suspended two days later it was funded at 140 percent.
Taking advantage of the campaign's momentum, the department simultaneously launched another campaign, "I Wear 38" (after the jersey number of the late defensive back Roy Lee "Chucky" Mullins) to raise funds for the Chucky Mullins Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to students with physical disabilities or exceptional financial need. This campaign raised just under $103,000 in its first day, and reached its full $150,000 funding within a week.
Based on the lessons learned from the two impromptu campaigns, Avery and the development staff now encourage project teams to build in time to prepare a campaign while also timing them to coincide with significant events that are likely to have significant audience response. "It's all about creating a personal connection with the donor to inspire them to be a part of the campaign," Avery explains.
What was surprising, however, was the sensation the story caused when it unexpectedly went viral several weeks later. At first, when an article about the debate in the Wall Street Journal briefly spiked as the site's number-one story, BPI's small staff was able to easily field the media and donor inquiries that followed. But then word began to spread on social media. First, there was a brief Twitter exchange about the Wall Street Journal story between then-Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who is producing a film about the Bard program. Then, the news website Vox published a feature on the debate that was widely shared. From there, the story exploded on Facebook and Twitter and on other media outlets, catching Liebman and the rest of the Bard staff off guard.
In addition to reporters seeking interviews, the calls included donors eager to make gifts and grantmakers inviting BPI to apply for grants. What had started out as simply an inspiring underdog story morphed virtually overnight into a tremendous fundraising opportunity for the institution. But would BPI's staff have the time and capacity to take advantage of it?
When the dust settled, BPI calculated that the media attention had resulted in a 40 percent increase in gifts and a 40 percent increase in new donors. Not only that, but the geographic distribution of the donor base has widened dramatically as a result of the international attention. "It looks like I'm going to be doing a lot more traveling!" Liebman says.


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Hip In Detroit: Talkin' with Vic Victor of The Koffin Kats and Givin' You a Chance to Win "Born of the Motor"!!!
Talkin' with Vic Victor of The Koffin Kats and Givin' You a Chance to Win "Born of the Motor"!!!
Detroit's own Koffin Kats are getting ready to release a new album. Born of the Motor is the 7th release from the band with the last album released just last year. The album will be available this coming Tuesday on vinyl, CD, and of course as a digital download. The band's label, Sailor's Grave Records, is actually running a pretty sweet deal too. You can get a CD, shirt, poster and 4 stickers for $20. Plus, every 25th person that grabs that bundle will also get 2 tickets to see The Koffin Kats.
Hip In Detroit- Tell us about the new album. What can fans expect?
Vic- "Well, to quote Road House... Expect the unexpected. Actually any fans of ours reading this probably know by now that we don't like to record the same album twice. I felt the last release set the bar really high, so the challenge was to not ribcage it on the bar with this new one. We just wanted to put out a solid album, where every track has some kind of hook in it that sticks your brain."
Hip In Detroit- You guys recorded this album with John Kay at Stu Stu Studio. How was that? Why did you decide to record there?
Vic- "This isn't our first rodeo with ole' John. Haha. Back in '07 he recorded, mixed, produced another release of ours. Since that time we have been in and out of Stu Stu doing most of our tracking there. John knows his stuff. We work great with him. Plus he only a few miles from where we live. He also has really comfortable couches in the studio. So the question is... what's the real reason we record there?"
Hip In Detroit- Speaking of John Kay, I heard that you guys kind of switched places over the summer and helped John out with a song that's a tribute to our friend Jason Lockwood. Can you tell us about that?
Vic- "Well... he needed some manly voices for some group vocals and we were conveniently in the studio doing gang vocals for our album that day. On a serious note though, it's a great song and a very nice tribute."
Hip In Detroit- The band has toured A LOT over the years and it doesn't seem like you are slowing down anytime soon. Where's the best place you've ever played and is there anywhere you haven't played yet that you would like to?
Vic- "Honestly, a "best stop" can be any town that has a crowd that knows who we are or is at least receptive. I mean I'll never forget our first visits to SoCal and seeing huge crowds that knew our music. But, you learn that "huge" doesn't always mean it's a memorable stop. We have had a blast with 2 people in front of us. We need to play Alaska and Hawaii so that we can officially say we've done every state in the U.S."
Hip In Detroit- So there's one thing I always want to ask people that play the stand up bass, especially in this case. And I'm pretty sure from the question you can tell that I'm not a musician. How did you learn? Did you just start off playing the regular bass guitar and it really isn't that different? I can't imagine you were a jazz band kid in high school, were you?
Vic- "I picked up playing guitar when I was 12. Once I figured out that I wasn't going to be the next Dimebag Darrel or Brian Setzer, I decided to think out of the box. Besides, almost all of my friends growing up played guitar to some extent. Once I started listening to bands like Reverend Horton Heat and Living End, I really started digging the sound of the upright bass. The problem was that you couldn't exactly walk into the pawn shop and pick one up. So when I was 17 I worked a terrifying holiday shift at Toys R Us and after the season was over I had enough saved up to order a bass. I figured out the basics from watching local players, like Pete from Twistin' Tarantulas. But really it wasn't until we started touring that I learned all the tips and tricks to handling an upright bass. If you understand how the neck of a guitar works, you can translate that over to the neck of an upright. The slapping part comes in time. It's a bloody and painful process."
Hip In Detroit- Who are some of your biggest influences musically and why?
Vic- "Bad Religion got me into the world of punk rock the first time i heard them on the radio back in '94. Reverend Horton Heat got me into the whole "billy" thing when I saw them on Beavis and Butthead as a kid. I remember I only listened to Bad Religion and Pennywise during my freshman year of high school. These days I listen to a lot of music spanning a many genres. But one of my all time favorites is Waylon Jennings. As a musician, the worst thing you can do is keep a closed mind to other styles of music. Granted, you wont be hearing me on a rap or dubstep album. But in order to expand your ability of writing and performing, you have to keep an open mind."
Hip In Detroit- What's next for the Koffin Kats?
Vic- "Well be back home from this current tour right before Christmas... then we hit the road again in mid January. Well be out for most of 2014 doing North America and Europe."
Hip In Detroit- Any chance Detroit fans can plan on seeing you at Black Christmas this year?
Vic- "Chances are very good. We had a blast last year. So many great local bands in one night."
Hip In Detroit- We like to ask most bands that we talk to what some of their favorites in Detroit are. So do you have any Detroit bars, restaurants, shops that you have to hit while you are home or any Detroit bands that you love?
Vic- "Small's! We've done quite a few shows there over the years. Honestly, I don't have a car and I'm over in Garden City. So whenever I am home I don't venture into the downtown all that often like I used to. So I'm out of the loop when it comes to what is still in Detroit or what's new. As far as food, I love Greektown. Pegasus to be specific. Or if you're on 8 mile just East of Woodward there is this drive through coney place that has "fish dogs." A "must stop" after closing time! As far as bands go, oh man, I could fill this page up with shout outs. But I'm going to say what's most relevant to the time of doing this interview. The last few weeks I've been on a Detroit Cobras kick. I do enjoy them."
Born of the Motor comes out this Tuesday, October 22nd. In honor of the release we are giving two lucky winners the chance to have a free copy of the CD delivered to their doorstep. All you have to do to enter is email your name and address to hipindetroit@gmail.com. If you want to double your chances of winning, you can also tell people about Koffin Kats' new album on Facebook, twitter, or Instagram. If you tag us in the post so we see it, you'll be entered again. We will draw our 2 winners early Tuesday morning. That way if you don't win, you can still head out to the store and pick it up the day it's released. Good luck!!!


JJ Heller | Whizbang Inc.
For JJ Heller, every album is a bit like a yearbook. Each new collection of songs is an accumulation of real experiences and stories gathered along the way. Heller's latest release, Sound of a Living Heart, was brought to life under the production of Jonny Macintosh (Third Day, Lead Us Back). The 11 brand-new songs describing the pursuit of a whole-hearted life, is like a well-textured story, inviting the listener into a deeper journey that continues long after the final song ends.
Departing from the seasoned songstress's more tranquil love songs and lullabies of her 2014 release, I Dream of You, the new record is a wholly original vision with universal appeal. Starting with the opening measures of the first track, "Let Down Your Guard," it's clear JJ isn't settling for the same old safe way of doing things, and she's inviting her listeners to join her. Lyrics like "You don't have to hide, you can be alive," speak right to the heart, while strong rhythm tracks and hooky pop melodies make it impossible to resist tapping your toes.
Although Sound of a Living Heart reaches into fresh sonic territory, long-time listeners of Heller's music will recognize the signature writing style of JJ and her songwriting/performing partner and husband, Dave Heller. Together they meld honest lyrics and vulnerability in their own trademark style.
"I'm a recovering perfectionist," Heller says with a laugh, "but I'm learning to press into the discomfort and messiness of life. I know I'm going to make mistakes and experience pain, but God is always there to put the pieces back together." Sound of a Living Heart is JJ's invitation to journey with her through life's less-than-perfect times.
Within each of us resides a story waiting to be told as we journey toward our most authentic and fulfilled life. JJ Heller's new offering might just be the perfect soundtrack for the one you're telling.


text:
Fat Man & Little Boy
On the 75th anniversary of nuclear weapons, Dr. Michael Shermer presents a moral case for their use in ending WWII and the deterrence of Great Power wars since, and a call to eventually eliminate them.
eSkeptic for August 7, 2020
In SPAS-005, the researchers asked, "Do attitudes about language differ by political party affiliation?" PLUS: On the 75th anniversary of nuclear weapons, Dr. Michael Shermer presents a moral case for their use in ending WWII and the deterrence of Great Power wars since, and a call to eventually eliminate them.
The Moral Arc: How Thinking Like a Scientist Makes the World More Moral
In this, the final lecture of his Chapman University Skepticism 101 course, Dr. Michael Shermer pulls back to take a bigger picture look at what science and reason have done for humanity in the realm of moral progress. Watch The Moral Arc: How Thinking Like a Scientist Makes the World More Moral.
eSkeptic for July 3, 2020
Pathways to Evil, Part 2
In his lecture on Pathways to Evil (Part 2), Dr. Michael Shermer fleshes out the themes of Part 1 by exploring how the dials controlling our inner demons and better angels can be dialed up or down depending on circumstances and conditions. Are we all good apples but occasionally bad barrels turn good apples rotten, or do we all harbor the capacity to turn bad?
eSkeptic for May 15, 2020
In his Skepticism 101 lecture on Pathways to Evil (Part 1), Dr. Michael Shermer considers the nature of evil in his attempt to answer the question of how you can get normal civilized, educated, and intelligent people to commit murder and even genocide.
eSkeptic for May 8, 2020
In his lecture on Pathways to Evil (Part 1), Dr. Michael Shermer considers the nature of evil in his attempt to answer the question of how you can get normal civilized, educated, and intelligent people to commit murder and even genocide. PLUS, this weekend only, Skeptic magazine back issues (in print or digital formats) are on sale for only 99 cents each!
Katherine Stewart — The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism
In Science Salon # 114, Michael Shermer speaks with Katherine Stewart about her new book The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism.
In Science Salon # 114, Michael Shermer speaks with Katherine Stewart about her new book The Power Worshippers: Inside the Dangerous Rise of Religious Nationalism. PLUS: Frank S. Robinson reviews The Tyranny of Virtue: Identity, The Academy, and the Hunt for Political Heresies by Robert Boyers.
Brian Greene — Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe
In Science Salon # 108 Michael Shermer speaks with Brian Greene about his book Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe.
eSkeptic for March 17, 2020
In Science Salon # 108 Michael Shermer speaks with Brian Greene about his book Until the End of Time: Mind, Matter, and Our Search for Meaning in an Evolving Universe. PLUS, during the Coronavirus outbreak, while many schools are closed, Shermer shares one of his Chapman University lectures, taught remotely, free for everyone to view.
Is a Good God Logically Possible?
In this excerpt from his book Is A Good God Logically Possible? (New York: Palgrave Macmillan, 2019. Pp.xi, 209.) James P. Sterba provides his answer to the question: "Is there a greater good justification for God's permitting significant and especially horrendous evil consequences of immoral actions?"
eSkeptic for March 3, 2020
In Science Salon # 106 Michael Shermer speaks with Daniel Chirot about his book You Say You Want a Revolution? Radical Idealism and its Tragic Consequences. PLUS: An excerpt from Is A Good God Logically Possible? by James P. Sterba.
How Would You Design a Code of Conduct?
Carol Tavris avers that organizations' Codes of Conduct that try to specify each and every possible behavior they wish to prohibit (or encourage), will find themselves in linguistic and psychological quicksand.


text:
<?php

use Ratchet\Server\IoServer;
use Ratchet\WebSocket\WsServer;
use Ratchet\MessageComponentInterface;
use Ratchet\ConnectionInterface;

require 'errorMessages.php';

class SubItemHandler
{
    private $clients;       // Reference to the the server clients
    private $subItem_m;     // Subitem model
    private $listItem_m;    // List model

    public function __construct(&$clients)
    {
        $this->clients    = &$clients;
        $this->subItem_m  = new SubItemModel();
        $this->listItem_m = new ListItemModel();
    }

    /**
     * Create an subitem
     * @param ConnectionInterface $from
     * @param object $model
     * @return void
     */
    public function create(ConnectionInterface $from, $model='')
    {
        if (is_null($model)         || !is_object($model)      ||   // Are the model OK?
            !isset($model->title)   || empty($model->title)    ||   // Do we have a title?
            !isset($model->item_id) || $model->item_id <= 0    ||   // Do we have a item id?
            !isset($model->list_id) || $model->list_id <= 0)        // Do we have a list id?
        {
            // Bad message from the client
            global $_JSONError;
            $from->send(json_encode($_JSONError));
            return;
        }

        $subItem = $this->subItem_m->save($model, $from->user_id);

        if (is_null($subItem))
        {
            global $_UnauthorizedError;
            $from->send(json_encode($_UnauthorizedError));
            return;
        }

        // Inform the user that everything went well
        $from->send(json_encode(array(
            'status' => 200,
            'fire'   => array(
                'name' => 'subItem:createFromForm',
                'args' => $subItem->toArray() ))));

        $owners = $this->listItem_m->getOwner((int)$model->list_id);

        // Inform the other users (who also share the current list)
        if (count($owners) > 1)
        {
            $json = json_encode(array(
            'status' => 200,
            'fire'   => array(
                'name' => 'subItem:create',
                'args' => $subItem->toArray() )));

            foreach ($this->clients as $client)
            {
                if (in_array($client->user_id, $owners) && $client->user_id != $from->user_id)
                {
                    $client->send($json);
                }
            }
        }
    }

    /**
     * Delete an subitem
     * @param  ConnectionInterface $from
     * @param  object $model
     * @return void
     */
    public function delete(ConnectionInterface $from, $model='')
    {
        if (is_null($model)         || !is_object($model)    ||
            !isset($model->id)      || $model->id <= 0       ||
            !isset($model->list_id) || $model->list_id <= 0)
        {
            // Bad message from the client
            global $_JSONError;
            $from->send(json_encode($_JSONError));
            return;
        }

        if ($this->subItem_m->delete((int) $model->id))
        {
            $owners = $this->listItem_m->getOwner((int)$model->list_id);

            // Inform the other users (who also share the current list)
            if (count($owners) > 1)
            {
                $json = json_encode(array(
                    'status' => 200,
                    'fire'   => array(
                        'name' => 'subItem:delete',
                        'args' => $model)));

                foreach ($this->clients as $client)
                {
                    if (in_array($client->user_id, $owners) && $client->user_id != $from->user_id)
                    {
                        $client->send($json);
                    }
                }
            }
        }
    }

    /**
     * Update an subitem
     * @param ConnectionInterface $from
     * @param object $model
     * @return void
     */
    public function update(ConnectionInterface $from, $model='')
    {
        if (is_null($model)           || !is_object($model)       ||
            !isset($model->id)        || $model->id <= 0          ||
            !isset($model->list_id)   || $model->list_id <= 0     ||
            !isset($model->item_id)   || $model->item_id <= 0     ||
            !isset($model->completed) || ($model->completed != 0 && $model->completed != 1) ||
            !isset($model->title)     || empty($model->title)     ||
            !isset($model->order)     || $model->order < 0)
        {
            // Bad message from the client
            global $_JSONError;
            $from->send(json_encode($_JSONError));
            return;
        }

        $status = $this->subItem_m->update($model, $from->user_id);

        if (!$status)
        {
            global $_UnauthorizedError;
            $from->send(json_encode($_UnauthorizedError));
            return;
        }

        $owner = $this->listItem_m->getOwner((int)$model->list_id);

        // Inform the other users (who also share the current list)
        if (count($owner) > 1)
        {
            $json = json_encode(array(
                'status' => 200,
                'fire'   => array(
                    'name' => 'subItem:update',
                    'args' => $model)));

            foreach ($this->clients as $client)
            {
                if (in_array($client->user_id, $owner) && $client->user_id != $from->user_id)
                {
                    $client->send($json);
                }
            }
        }
    }
}

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaGithub


Updated with breaking news: Goodbye, Sir Terry Pratchett, and thank you for everything.
NASA has a Flickr account, and is asking for photos of today's MMS launch. If you're there, contribute to the pool!
Remember when Google and Yahoo! looked like the most basic of websites?
There are plans afoot for Brooklyn libraries which look really interesting.
Retraction Watch keeps an eye out for studies which aren't all they're cracked up to be.
Masking tape with a book spine design? It's on Etsy. I wonder if there's a wallpaper border like this.


THE TALK hosts their annual "Million Dollar Baby Shower" show filled with giveaways for an audience of first-time expectant mothers. THE TALK co-hosts, Julie Chen, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Sheryl Underwood, welcome special guest, mom-to-be Jamie-Lynn Sigler, to help host the festivities and surprise the audience with an exciting hour of gift-giving to provide them with everything they need to prepare for their new arrivals. The audience was showered with more than $1 million in gifts, Friday, April 26, 2013, on the CBS Television Network. Sheryl Underwood, from left, Sara Gilbert, Sharon Osbourne, Aisha Tyler and Julie Chen, shown. Photo: Sonja Flemming/CBS ©2013 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.


Because I don't have a motorcycle endorsement on my driver's license, going along for the ride is mostly what I do. I sit on the back of our Victory and delight in the scenery around me. I smell the fresh air, lift my face to the sun and sing. Such was the case a week ago Saturday, when Ralph and I joined riders from Hosanna! Lutheran Church in Lakeville. The occasion was the annual Blessing of the Bikes. (We figure you can never have too much insurance when you're riding a motorcycle.) This time, both of us were along for the ride, which began at the church in Lakeville. The Lakeville police escorted our group of 75 bikes out of town. It was kind of nice to have them go ahead and change all the traffic lights as we approached. It kept the group together. From Lakeville we rode to Hastings, where we stopped to take a look at Vermillion Falls. We've had ample rain in Minnesota this spring, so the falls were cascading in full force. From Hastings, we followed the Ravenna Trail to the outskirts of Red Wing. On the way, we passed the Prairie Island Indian Community, where the Mdewakantan Dakota have built their homes in circles. We passed Treasure Island Casino, then turned right onto U.S. 61 for a short ride to the Welch Road. I was so busy looking at horses grazing in pastures sprinkled with daisies, Holstein cattle that turned their heads to watch us ride by and woods filled with bright purple phlox that I forgot to keep track of the roads we were riding on (that's true relaxation!). When we came into Cannon Falls, the group headed north out of town. Soon we came to a one-lane bridge that neither Ralph nor I knew existed. It was the highlight of the ride. This weekend, Ralph will join hundreds of riders for the Patriot Ride at Anoka County Airport. I won't be along for this ride, however. I'm staying behind to sell copies of Ride Minnesota.
Posted on June 16, 2015, in Motorcycles, Ride Minnesota, Victory motorcycle and tagged Cannon Falls, Hastings, Hosanna! Lutheran Church, Lakeville, Patriot Ride, Prairie Island Indian Community, Ravenna Trail, Vermillion Falls. Bookmark the permalink.	Leave a comment.


text:
Canon vs. Fandom
Yu-Gi-Oh! The Abridged Series! "Celebrating" the canon since 2006.
Fandiction: "canon" is considered the official, original material to which fans devote themselves. See the anime episodes of Yu-Gi-Oh! (canon) versus, for example, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Abridged Series fan videos (fandom). The fan love for the canon is proclaimed through acts of ridiculous/wonderful fanfiction, art, fanvids, endless forums, and entire websites—all which contribute to the wealth of the fandom. However, the relationship between fans and the canon also can be… rocky. The Yu-Gi-Oh! fandom can be said to have a mock-love relationship with its own canon, as various texts poke fun at the show's deep seriousness of card games and its ridiculous amount of friendship-talk. But despite all the wank, at the end of the day, they're still watching it.
Fanessays are also a part of fandom, thought they make up a much smaller percentage of the fan-love. Fanessays are like a rant, just less CAPSLOCK, !!1!, and they maybe even academic! or formal!language. Some fans go the distance, using footnotes and referencing their sources. Some useful fanessays include:
"Hurt/Comfort: a Confession and a Celebration"
"Rape in Yaoi" and "Fanfiction's Use of Sexual Assault"
"Fangirls: the fetishization of homosexuality and 'authenticity'"
"Duel Puzzle"
Or the entirety of The Fanfic Symposium
Other useful fandiction:
wank: When fans indulgently argue about mind-screwy off-the-wall theories related to the series canon. Taken to the point where an outsider might go, "Oh! Come on! Seriously! You're arguing about this?" The "this" usually meaning who's with who, family tree speculations, or who's the best at XYZ...
squee: squeal + glee. Meaning (unnatural) noises of happiness. Signifies a severely positive effusive love triggered by something awesome happening (in canon or fandom, or even in the real world). What one fan squees at, another may...
squick: squeamish + ick. Meaning a negative reaction triggered by encountering something disgusting. Again plays to a personal palate.


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Fractal paint  Abstract desktop wallpaper, Paint wallpaper, Fractal wallpaper, Abstract wallpaper - Abstract no. 43319. Download this Fractal paint  Paint Fractal desktop wallpaper in multiple resolutions for free.


text:
There are currently 1,111 active closings or delays <% if ( weatherAlerts > 0 ) { %> Severe Weather <% var weatherAlertsMessage = "There " + ( weatherAlerts > 1 ? "are" : "is" ) + " currently " + weatherAlerts + " active weather " + ( weatherAlerts > 1 ? "alerts" : "alert" ); %>
17-year-old arrested for bringing gun to school, sheriff says
Quinderaus Lindler, 17, was arrested Thursday
Updated: 4:36 PM EDT Oct 26, 2017
Newberry County Shriffs Office SOURCE: Newberry County Shriffs Office
A student was arrested Thursday for bringing a gun to school, according to the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.Quinderaus Lindler, 17, was arrested and will be charged with carrying a weapon on school property, Sheriff Lee Foster said. Foster said the school resource officer and an administrator at Newberry High School secured and safely removed a gun that was brought to the school by a student. The weapon was found in the student's backpack and was not displayed, Foster said. Foster said no threats were made to anyone with the weapon. The 9mm pistol was discovered as part of an unrelated investigation and there were bullets in the clip but no round was in the chamber, Foster said."I would like to commend both the staff and SRO at Newberry High School for their safe and professional handling of this situation," said Sheriff Foster. "This is certainly a very serious situation and this is clear proof that our partnership and training with the school district is critical to handling such incidents." "Ensuring the safety and security of District students and employees is our top priority, and the situation that occurred on Thursday morning was handled immediately by the District and local law enforcement in compliance with the District's established safety procedures," said School Superintendent Jim Suber. "Matters involving firearms are handled in accordance with Newberry County School District's student disciplinary policies and state law. To that end, the District is not able to comment on any action taken with respect to any individual students." Both leaders said why and how the gun was brought to the school were still under investigation, but at this point there was no indication of a specific threat to any staff or students. "The District continues to properly monitor the protection and well-being of our students and employees, which is paramount. We encourage our families to speak with their children about safety and to reiterate that the District has an open-door policy with regard to any individual concerns or complaints about these types of issues that affect our community and our schools. We stand committed to the success of our students, which includes providing a learning environment that is safe and secure for everyone," Suber said.
NEWBERRY, S.C. —
A student was arrested Thursday for bringing a gun to school, according to the Newberry County Sheriff's Office.
Quinderaus Lindler, 17, was arrested and will be charged with carrying a weapon on school property, Sheriff Lee Foster said.
Foster said the school resource officer and an administrator at Newberry High School secured and safely removed a gun that was brought to the school by a student.
The weapon was found in the student's backpack and was not displayed, Foster said.
Foster said no threats were made to anyone with the weapon.
The 9mm pistol was discovered as part of an unrelated investigation and there were bullets in the clip but no round was in the chamber, Foster said.
"I would like to commend both the staff and SRO at Newberry High School for their safe and professional handling of this situation," said Sheriff Foster. "This is certainly a very serious situation and this is clear proof that our partnership and training with the school district is critical to handling such incidents."
"Ensuring the safety and security of District students and employees is our top priority, and the situation that occurred on Thursday morning was handled immediately by the District and local law enforcement in compliance with the District's established safety procedures," said School Superintendent Jim Suber. "Matters involving firearms are handled in accordance with Newberry County School District's student disciplinary policies and state law. To that end, the District is not able to comment on any action taken with respect to any individual students."
Both leaders said why and how the gun was brought to the school were still under investigation, but at this point there was no indication of a specific threat to any staff or students.
"The District continues to properly monitor the protection and well-being of our students and employees, which is paramount. We encourage our families to speak with their children about safety and to reiterate that the District has an open-door policy with regard to any individual concerns or complaints about these types of issues that affect our community and our schools. We stand committed to the success of our students, which includes providing a learning environment that is safe and secure for everyone," Suber said.


text:
GdM Issues
GdM Gear
Covid Lockdown Policy
Elizabeth Tabler
Elizabeth Tabler runs Beforewegoblog and is constantly immersed in fantasy stories. She was at one time an architect but divides her time now between her family in Portland, Oregon, and as many book worlds as she can get her hands on. She is also a huge fan of Self Published fantasy and is on Team Qwillery as a judge for SPFBO5. You will find her with a coffee in one hand and her iPad in the other. Find her on: instagram.com/elizabethtabler https://beforewegoblog.com/ https://www.pinterest.com/scottveg3/ https://www.goodreads.com/Scottveg3 https://twitter.com/BethTabler
REVIEW: Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction by Matz, Jean-Marc Rochette
Graphic Novel Reviews
I very much enjoyed the Snowpiercer movie, and thus when I saw at the library there was a three-part series of graphic novels called Snowpiercer The Prequel: Extinction to go along with the brilliant...
REVIEW: Where the Drowned Girls Go by Seanan McGuire
There is a lot of magic in Seanan McGuire's Wayward Children series and her newest addition, Where the Drowned Girls Go. Magic in the characters' hearts and magic in the worlds and doors she has built. And...
SFF books We Are Excited About for 2022
With the nightmare of 2020 and 2021 starting to recede into our rear view vision mirror, SFF in 2022 is looking very exciting and folks, it is time to start adding to those already...
An Interview With Benedict Jacka
When you talk about great urban fantasy, you have a lot of choices as a reader. It could even be said that we live in a golden age of options. However, many series start...
An Interview With Ken Liu
Ken Liu is an author of both long and short-form speculative fiction; his short story collections The Paper Menagerie and Other Stories and The Hidden Girl and Other Stories each won Locus awards for best...
REVIEW: Risen by Benedict Jacka
Risen is a shattering final book of the Alex Versus series by Benedict Jacka; we say goodbye to the titular character Alex. It is all done. Finito. Endings can be difficult; it is hard...
REVIEW: Under the Whispering Door by T.J. Klune
TJ Klune's books have become a place where my heart can get a zap like a defibrillator pedal. Both Under a Whispering Door and Under the Cerulean Sea tread the line between sentimental and...
REVIEW: Trailer Park Trickster by by David R. Slayton
Let me introduce you to one of my favorite series from last year, the Adam Binder, and the newest book in the series, Trailer Park Trickster. In the first novel of the series, White Trash Warlock,...
REVIEW: A House at the Bottom of a Lake by Josh Malerman
The House on the Bottom of the Lake by Josh Malerman is a lovely novella full of nostalgia and wonder with just a touch of horror that takes it from saccharin to sweet. I remember...
An Interview with Neal Stephenson
Thirty-odd years ago, Neal Stephenson changed science fiction forever with his novel, Snow Crash. The language used in the story such as Avatar representing the human form used online, or Metaverse as an online virtual...
Diversity and harassment policies
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text:
News|ISIL/ISIS
Assad forces stage vast offensive in western Syria
Syrian army targets "terrorist positions" in the central province of Hama, killing 32 fighters, state media reports.
Russian warships launched rockets for the first time into Syria from the Caspian Sea on Wednesday [Russian Defense Ministry/AP]
Government forces advanced in western Syria in a "vast offensive" against armed opposition groups, as NATO voiced alarm at escalating Russian military activity in the war-torn country.
Government forces appeared to have regained ground on Thursday, after its chief of staff General Ali Abdullah Ayoub announced "a vast offensive to defeat the terrorist groups" and restore control over opposition-held areas.
Although Ayoub did not specify where the operation would take place, Syrian state TV reported that the army had targeted "terrorist positions" in the central province of Hama, killing 32 fighters and destroying four armoured vehicles.
At least 13 government fighters and 11 opposition fighters were killed in the clashes, the UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said.
Rebels shot down a low-flying military helicopter, but it was unclear if the aircraft was Syrian or Russian, Rami Abdelrahman, the director of the Syrian Observatory, said. He could not confirm what had happened to those inside.
Elsewhere in Syria, backed by Russian air strikes, government forces fought heavy battles with armed opposition groups for control of a hilltop in an mountainous range close to President Bashar al-Assad's coastal heartland.
RELATED: Analysis: Is Russia flexing its missiles in Syria
The fighting was centred around Jeb al-Ahmar, a highland area in Latakia province which if captured would allow the army to more effectively pound rebel positions in the nearby Ghab Plain, said Abdelrahman.
Talk to Al Jazeera – Has Russia saved the Assad regime from collapse?
A Syrian military source told AFP news agency on Thursday that the army, backed by Russian raids and allied groups including the Lebanese group Hezbollah, had advanced into the key mountain range.
"They have seized most of the hilly region of Jeb al-Ahmar" which overlooks the strategic Sahl al-Ghab plain to the east and Assad's coastal stronghold of Latakia to the west, the source said.
The plain has been the focus of a months-long offensive by a rebel alliance including al-Nusra Front.
Russia has dramatically stepped up its nine-day-old air war against foes of Assad, with heavy bombing by warplanes and cruise missile strikes from the Caspian Sea.
Russia says it is striking the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) group and "other terrorists".
The US has accused Russia of targeting groups other than ISIL or al-Nusra in more than 90 percent of its raids.
'Consequences for Russia'
US Defence Secretary Ashton Carter said on Thursday Russia would soon begin to suffer casualties.
"This will have consequences for Russia itself which is rightly fearful of attacks … in coming days, the Russians will begin to suffer from casualties," Carter said at a NATO defence ministers meeting in Brussels.
NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg said there had been a "troubling escalation" in Moscow's air campaign.
"We will assess the latest developments and their implications for the security of the alliance," he added.
"This is particularly relevant in view of the recent violations of NATO's airspace by Russian aircraft," Stoltenberg said.
Tensions between Russia and NATO member Turkey shot up this week after Russian aircraft infringed on Turkish airspace at least twice.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on Thursday warned Russia risked losing a deal to build his country's first nuclear power plant and its status as its main gas supplier, as the diplomatic row intensified.
Infographic: Syria: A Country Divided [Al Jazeera]
Russian warships join Syria war with rocket attacks
President Vladimir Putin says warships in the Caspian Sea targeted ISIL in Syria with 26 rockets.
Russian air strikes in Syria cause 'civilian deaths'
At least four dead and dozens injured in attacks in Hama province and in areas bordering Idlib province, activists say.
Russia: Strikes in Syria exclusively targeting ISIL
Foreign Minister Lavrov rejects accusations that Moscow's air strikes in Syria are aimed against Western-backed rebels.


Heparin sodium is an anticoagulant, commonly known as a blood thinner, which prevents blood clot formation and stops blood clots from growing larger. It is frequently given intravenously to patients undergoing kidney dialysis and heart surgery and to treat or prevent other serious medical conditions, like deep venous thrombosis and pulmonary emboli.
Recently, serious adverse events have been reported in patients who received heparin manufactured by Baxter HealthCare Corporation, a company that manufacturers about half of the heparin used in the United States and sells about $30 million every year in the United States.
The adverse events usually occur very shortly after high-dose heparin therapy is given. These adverse events include severe allergic-type hypersensitivity reactions such as severe hypotension that may result in death. Other types of adverse reactions that have occurred include swelling, nausea, vomiting, sweating, shortness of breath. In fact, from mid-December 2007 through January 2008, over 350 adverse advents were reported with Baxter's heparin usage, including four deaths.
Due to the large increase in reported adverse events, in January 2008, the FDA inspected Baxter's manufacturing plant in New Jersey, and Baxter decided to recall nine lots of their multiple-dose heparin vials. According to the FDA, reports of serious adverse events have continued to pour in, indicating that the adverse events were not limited to patients receiving only the recalled lots of heparin. Thus, Baxter announced on February 11, 2008 that it would suspend production of multiple-dose vials of heparin.
While the cause of the adverse events is currently unknown, the investigation into heparin is now focused on whether the raw material for the drug, which is made from pig intestines and manufactured in China, was contaminated.
Attorneys at Robins, Kaplan, Miller & Ciresi L.L.P. are currently investigating claims related to heparin. If you or someone you know has been injured or killed following use of heparin and you wish to consult with a lawyer, please call Kate Jaycox at 612-349-8452. You can also reach Kate toll-free at 1-800-553-9910, or by e-mail by clicking on this link: contact us.
 FDA Public Health Advisory: Important Warnings and Instructions for Heparin Sodium Injection (Baxter), Feb. 11, 2008, available at http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/PostmarketDrugSafetyInformationforPatientsandProviders/DrugSafetyInformationforHeathcareProfessionals/PublicHealthAdvisories/ucm051133.htm.
 Baxter Provides Update on Heparin Reactions, available at http://www.baxter.com/about_baxter/news_room/news_releases/2008/02-11-08-heprin_update.html.
 Public Health Advisory: Important Warnings and Instructions for Heparin Sodium Injection (Baxter), Feb. 11, 2008, available at http://www.fda.gov/cder/drug/advisory/heparin.htm.
 David Barboza and Walt Bogdanich, Twists in Chain of Supplies for Blood Drug, The New York Times, Feb. 28, 2008.


Punching the door, slapping siblings, kicking an adult—it is difficult to imagine the nice little baby your child once was. Is there such thing as bad seeds, or are there people who were just really born violent?
Just like the color of our eyes, skin, and hair, violence has a lot to do with our DNA. However, there are also a number of contributing factors that could lead to developing violent behavior in children, like the child's environment, the people he or she interacts with, and the media that the child is exposed to.
With all the factors that affect a person's behavior, we can not necessarily say that people are just born that way. As a parent, there are a lot of things that you can do to prevent violence—and it is going to start in the four corners of your home. Tell your children that violence will not be tolerated and that they are going to face consequences, should they turn their aggression into violence.
Here are some tips to consider in dealing with violent, aggressive, and abusive behavior in children.
Don't give in to your child's violence.
Children who are violent has turned into what they are today because they have found out they are gaining power by being violent, and so far, it has worked successfully. If your child is getting the shortcut to power through being violent, take that power away from him. Do not let any form of violence slide because if young children ages five, six, or seven are acting aggressively, there is going to be a fat chance that they are going to turn into violent teens or adults.
Eliminate aggressive and violent media from the house.
Exclude all violent children shows, movies, music, videos, and games from your home. Don't give the kids the idea that violence and aggression are glamorized in your family. Children are keen observers and if they are constantly exposed to aggressive and violent media then don't be surprised if you children start mimicking what they see.
Form a healthy bond with your children.
Studies show that children need five caring adults for them to grow up healthy and happy, so make sure that your children are surrounded by people who care for them. Aside from parents, and other family members such as aunts, uncles, grandparents can act as positive role models to your children. Don't make your children feel isolated. Always encourage compassionate, ethical, and kind individuals to be part in your children's lives.
Teach your children calming techniques.
Violence is the end product of aggression, but take note that not all aggressive children become violent. A violent child is one who still hasn't learned any other strategy to solve his or her problem other than striking out onto anything or anybody. Teach your children the best strategies to chill out when they are upset. Working with violent children is about demonstrating your own coping and problem-solving strategies. By no means is it encouraged to hide your feelings or act tough. Our aim is to teach your child how to handle conflict in his or her own life without the use of violence.
If you or your partner are hurting each other or the children, it is only normal that your kids will jump on the bandwagon. If you find that your child is turning into a violent kid or teenager, don't punish them harshly. When parents are abusive, insensitive, or violent to their children, the parents are leading them by example. As parents, guardians, and caretakers, we must foster our own faith and compassion in our children's goodness.


text:
Mălăiești este un sat în comuna Vutcani din județul Vaslui, Moldova, România. Se află în partea central-estică a județului,  în Depresiunea Elanului. La recensământul din 2002 avea o populație de 430 locuitori.

La recesământul din 2011 s-a inregistrat o populație de 370 de locuitori.

Populația este incontinuă scadere , inregistrând peste 2-3 decese pe an si nici o nastere.
Populația este îmbătrânită, varsta medie fiind de 49 de ani.

Poze.
Momentan nimic in galerie...

Note

Mălăiești, Vutcani

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


On September 11, 2010. I took the Daley Academy kids in my Urban Initiatives soccer program to watch the football game: Northwestern Vs. Illinois State. My students had a great time. They were excited and happy to be there. When they returned to school on Monday Sept. 13, 2010, they were very excited and other teachers informed me about it. It was a great trip and we hope to go to other events in the near future.
Once again, thank you for your assistance and support in making this day an unforgettable experience for all of us.
Click here to see the kids' cheering in action.


Results: 1 to 5 of about 5 for Sports Apparel in Mast Business Directory.
Buy surf clothing and accessories online from leading brands such as Animal clothing, Hurley and Quicksilver.
Offer great selection of Men's sportswear, women's sportswear, childrens sportswear, men's athletic apparel, women's athletic apparel, children's athletic apparel, men's workout clothes, women's workout clothes, children's workout clothes and more. Visit the site for online shopping.
Looking for Mopar Apparel? This company carry apparel with Mopar designs and logos. Your Mopar apparel and other gifts for the Mopar enthusiast.
UK based online store where you can buy running shoes and other different types of shoes for men, women and children.
Offer technically advanced sports apparel engineered with superior fabric construction, exclusive moisture management and originator of performance apparel - gear engineered to keep athletes cool, dry and light throughout the course of a game, practice or workout.
Sports have a great role in shaping and individual and there is hardly a person who is not into sports. Sports have travelled a long way from being a leisure activity of the past. Today the outlook towards sports has completely changed and is even looked upon as a career option and has opened door for many business opportunities. There are competitions at every level and schools and universities have started giving much importance to sports activity. There are many coaching centers available today for all forms of sports and they are attracting many sportsperson. Sports is taught very professionally today and due importance is given to all aspects from fitness training to correct equipment and right apparels and gears. To add to this there are also fans and casual wearers who like retail shopping for sports apparels.
Studies have shown that sports apparel plays an important role in player's performance. Just to give you an example in every Olympics you find great changes in the body suits worn by swimmers. Players today have become extremely cautious about their apparels. All tournaments have dress codes and all gymnasiums, schools and universities make sports apparels compulsory for players. Considering the huge population of people shopping in retail for sports apparels the business in this sector is growing steadily.
Sports apparel retailing is a huge business. There is a demand for all kind of apparel from cheap wear to costly quality ones. One can consider retailing for common sports or deal in one specific sport. One can consider the popularity of sports before entering the retail market. There will be a good shopping for baseball apparels in American cities but would find a few takers in Asia. Manufacturing and exporting sports apparels are also a good option.
Every sport apparel has its unique identity. You can easily distinguish a cricket T-shirt from that of hockey. While bright striking colors is received well in football and basketball it will be offensive for an elegant game like golf. One has to study the requirements of each sport while designing and manufacturing apparels. Feedback from players and regular survey of retail shopping trends will help you come up with new styles. This sector is very dynamic and even a small amount of stagnancy can take you many years in business.
The sector has tremendous potential and there are many established brands in the apparel business. Almost all major clubs or teams in every sport have an apparel of one of these brands. The popularity of their designs is so huge that it has created its own counterfeit market. People love shopping for these apparels as they get to wear the same style at much cheaper cost however they have to compromise on quality. However counterfeits are an illegal business and you should not consider taking the risk. You can consider obtaining legal manufacturing contracts or franchisee from these premiere brands for the local market. This way you can maintain the quality and sell apparels at cheaper rate. People would prefer shopping your products over counterfeits if the prices are competitive.
If you are already in business of retailing sports equipment or accessories you can consider apparel as a good add-on. As the target customer is same you do not have to look out for new customers but can increase sales. Also people will find shopping convenient as they can find everything under one roof and will prefer to visit again. You can carefully plan the market strategies and promotional activities. You should also be active in sports activities in your locality.
The business involves specialized customer group and retaining customers become extremely important. Quality of products and service play a major role in sales and acquire trust. Even a small gesture like autographed goodies by sportsmen for your regular customer will make a lasting impression on customer. He will always remember the shopping experiences at your store and spread a good word about your store. Sport is here to stay and keep growing. It will be the same thing for its allies which also include sports apparels.
A sport is nothing but a physical activity which is governed by a set of rules. People of recent days are paying more attention towards sports due to their mechanical life of working all days in a week. They engage their children also in many sports activities. Apart from this group of people, there are many professional sports players also. People have understood that apart from education things like sports also is very important. So this gives an exuberant chance for people who are interested in taking up Sports Apparel Business. There are many sports types of apparel available in retail market which are very trendy and kindles the shopping mood of people. These apparels are used for protection in cases of extreme sports. Every sport will have its own sportswear.
In order to start this retail or wholesale business you should have idea about the various sports apparels like shirts, shorts, pants, jackets and so on. Every year thousands of such products are manufactured and distributed. There are also many famous quotable brands whose products are sold all over the world. A few brands include Nike, Reebok, Champion and Adidas. Your shopping standard should be very high enough that it will attract even people with no sports interest. Make sure that you find your products are having variety of comfortable, functional clothing that will work for your retail customers which is very important. There are several ways of meeting potential buyers for your new clothing line. First of all you have to find out sales agents and buyers of major department stores, retailers or boutiques. Talk to them and know what kinds of clothes they are looking for, and determine if there is a fit between your product and their design philosophy. After you have surveyed the retail market landscape, you can decide on how best you are going to distribute your products.
You have to consider certain sports apparel information in order to excel in this business. A few are mentioned here. Try to find a variety of sports apparel providers so that you can provide a wide range of products. As already mentioned, brand is very important. Carry a selection of team branded sports apparel. This will create a good impression that your standards are high enough on the minds of the people who come for window shopping. And one more is make sure that your apparels are trendy and tends every people for a regular shopping at your retail store. One useful advice for this business is you should have larger sizes on all of your products. People of all shapes and sizes will come for shopping so they should not get cheated if they cannot find a suitable size for them.
You have to decide about the focus of your business. The retail market is varied to a great extent. Your focus can be based upon various things. A few are quoted here, gender, age, category like school or professionals. You have to be sure about all these things since the market is so wide and varied. This is a very important thing to succeed in this business. The type of distribution should also be considered. Decide upon where you are going to sell your products. You may sell your products exclusively in pricey boutiques or in a discount store. You may aim at middle-income people or high-class. Your pricing is very important for business. People who come for a shopping should not be deceived because price is a hinder for them so always have a look on the price. Look for deals when buying in large quantities. Contact the wholesaler directly to ask about these discounts. This can reduce the costs of your products and attract customers.
Marketing is the keyword for every business so do Sports Apparel Business. You have to intelligent in this part to attract customers. You may also wish to sell your products in your own retail store. It is a good idea but make sure that your shop is designed in such a way that it will tend people to do shopping at your shop. However this requires more capitalization. Today, internet can be deemed as the best method of business. It is more suitable for online shopping. Create an attractive website which includes your company profile and details about your products. Add a shopping cart so that people can do online shopping very easily at their desk. Optimize your website and bring it high in Google so that your website will be the first one viewed by people who wants to do online shopping.
Go to www.sportsanddesign.com for cheap sportswear.
What Everything To Sell In Sports Apparel Business?


A total of 2,055 Mongolians committed suicide in between 2012 and 2016, most of them were males, a recent survey showed on Tuesday in Ulan Bator.
According to the survey on suicide by the General Prosecutor's Office of Mongolia, 84 per cent of the suicides were male.
Several circumstances led to the suicide, including unemployment, domestic disputes, relationship problems and financial problems.
According to a 2015 report from the World Health Organisation, the East Asian country with a population of over three million is one of the most suicidal countries in the world, with 28.1 suicides per 100,000 people.


Team HARD has announced that it will join the Renault UK Clio Cup. Currently competing in a number of race categories including the British Touring Car Championship – 2019 will mark the team's debut in the Clio Cup.
Driving for the team will be Max Coates and Ethan Hammerton. Coates narrowly missed out on 2018's Clio Cup title, winning four races and leading the points standings up to the final rounds.
Team HARD boss Tony Gilham said, "We've wanted to join the Clio Cup for some years and the timing is just right with Max and Ethan – both will also test our BTCC car during the championship's mid-season official tire test.


Employee Resources: Hiring Manager FAQs . Once Human Resources has approved your account, you will need to email the job description to Jennifer Burns.... -When you are asked back for a second interview it means that you are considered a viable candidate for the position and you are qualified to do the job.
Human Resources (HR) Resume Sample Bachelor of Arts in Human Resource Do not add skills that are not pertinent to the job. An HR employer does not care that... 2014-04-09 · What does it mean when a job application online says "under consideration same JOB. In a Human Resources data status mean on job application?
Frequently Asked Questions: Staff Hiring Process. When Human Resources receives the position authorization, New internal job opportunities are posted daily.
Below you will find answers to frequently asked questions What kind of jobs does the Department of Human Resources Where can I obtain a job application?


Last week, I shared 6 tips to simplify meal planning — because even though meal planning does save a bunch of time, money, and stress, I know first-hand that Summer is definitely not the most fun time to meal plan.
I've slacked off a little this past month — but I'm getting back on track with a whole bunch of super simple meals that don't even require recipes (my favorite way to cook).
One of the meals that has shown up on our meal plan a few times already this summer is Baked Potatoes.
Dave and I are huge potato fans — we like them in all forms (mashed, boiled, baked, fried, deep fried, etc. etc.) And since potatoes are one of the very few things Nora will actually eat, we eat potatoes A LOT. Nora's favorite is mashed potatoes, but Dave and I are pretty big on baked potatoes — specifically loaded baked potatoes.
As I've mentioned in the past, we really enjoy leftovers, and baked potatoes are one of our favorite leftover foods. I usually cook up 8 or more at a time so we can eat the leftovers for lunch or as a sidedish for another meal later in the week.
Best of all, Russet Potatoes (the type I almost always use) are extremely inexpensive — usually less than $2 for a 10 pound bag!
The most traditional way to bake potatoes is in the oven… but there are many other no-oven-required recipes, perfect for hot summer days.
Our favorite way to make baked potatoes.
Scrub potato skins and rinse.
Prick potato with a fork several times.
Rub skins with oil and sprinkle with salt.
Place on a shallow baking sheet/pan (I cover mine with tin foil).
Great for hot summer days or when you don't have access to an oven.
Place in a slow cooker (you can stack them if necessary) and cover.
Wrap potato in a double layer of aluminum foil.
Burry potatoes in the hot fire coals and cook for 30-60 minutes.
Perfect if you already have the grill going — and much quicker than some of the other grilled recipes I've seen.
Cook potatoes in the microwave until almost done.
Cut potatoes in half and rub cut size with olive oil, salt, and peper.
Grill over medium heat for 8-10 minutes or until potatoes are very soft and have nice grill marks.
So as you can see, there are many, many ways you can work baked potatoes (and the leftovers) into your weekly menu plans. It's such a simple meal, it's very customizable based on your family's taste buds, and you can make them almost anywhere!
What are your favorite ways to eat a baked potato?
Pizza Sammies: A Recipe from Dave!
I personally don't wrap my slow cooker baked potatoes in foil — but I do rub them with vegetable oil and sprinkle salt over top. They've always turned out fine for me!
Thank you for the potato recipes! We LOVE potato in any form, too!
Question – Do you need any amount of water in the slow cooker to cook the potatoes? In fact, do you always have to use water when using the slow cooker to cook anything?
I don't use water when I cook potatoes in the slow cooker — however I can't say you "never" or "always" have to use water. It would just depend on what the specific recipe calls for I guess.
This is not about potatoes, but I wanted to thank you. I tried your pest-free tip of using a Bounce dryer sheet in my pocket when I weeded and it worked !! Thank you so much.
Baked potato with taco meat–that sounds pretty yummy! Will have to try. My husband is obsessed with potatoes and tacos. Maybe he'd like them together?
My favorite way to eat potatoes right now is to scrub them, slice them longways, then slice each half into 3 or 4 wedges, depending on the size of the potato. Bake at 425 for 10-12 minutes. It's faster than waiting on a whole baked potatoes and a super fast, easy side for almost any meal.
I usually boil potatoes when we make them. They never come out dry and they taste just like baked. It's faster than the oven and tastier than the microwave.
Andrea, have you made baked potatoes in the slow cooker before using the method you describe? We are doing a big camping trip this weekend and I was going to do a baked potato bar for one of the meals, but the recipe I have recommends wrapping them in foil before putting them in the slow cooker. If I don't have to do that, I'd rather not!
Yes, I've made potatoes in the slow cooker with no aluminum foil many times and they always turn out fine.
Love…love…LOVE potatoes!!! Thank goodness I' m from Idaho! We make 'Idaho haystacks' a lot…bake your potato…pile it with ground beef or chili, then top with lettuce, tomatoes, olives, cucumbers, cheeses, what ever really…then finish off with ranch :). We also love Red potatoes,favorite way with them is to cut them into edges…mix with olive oil, parm cheese, garlic powder, and salt and pepper. Put on a cookie sheet and bake @350 until tender…yummy!
Andrea, do you ever make Sloppy Joe's for dinner? (with canned Manwich or homemade?) It's inexpensive AND with just 2 of us, makes enough for leftovers. I love the sloppy joe meat on a baked potato with a slice of american cheese and sour cream. If you have onion chip dip in the house, that is even better that sour cream! So delish.
Mmm, now I want baked potatoes for dinner. I scrub, prick, and microwave my Russets on high for ten minutes, then rub them with oil and salt and pop them in a 500 degree oven for ten minutes right on the rack. You just have to make sure the oil is rubbed in well and won't drip on the coils. They are SO good, and it's quick when I don't have time for full-on oven baking.
We love potatoes, too! We like baked potatoes with mushrooms and cream, or with bacon and cream on top.
I LOVE potatoes but unfortunately i'm not supposed to eat them 🙁 but I still do sometimes. French fries (homemade baked in the oven), scalloped, bakes, mashed… all ways are delicious!
and more. Potatoes are a cheap and easy way to balance out a meal. Thanks for sharing your baked potato tips and ideas. Hope you have a wonderful day!
I cut up our leftover baked potato and pork tenderloin and fried them in coconut oil until crispy and had fresh green beans with a little butter, Parmesan cheese and sliced almonds. Our favorite!


Helpline has been established in the personal office of the Education Minister, Naeem Akhtar to ensure timely disposal of grievances of the stakeholders including teachers, students, parents and other concerned.
Feedback, grievances and suggestions regarding the education department can be sent through SMS and Whatsapp on cell no: 09419013675 or the same can be mailed on educationministerjk@gmail.com. The helpline will be available 24×7.