Wednesday, March 28, 2007

As a kid...



  1. If I ate oranges and swallowed the seeds by mistake, I would not drink water...I was scared that it would grow into plants in my stomach ( thanks to my brother's threats!)

  2. My dad is the tallest and strongest man in the whold wide world ( My Daddy Strongest!)

  3. When I am all grown up, I can wear high heels, have long painted nails and wear duppattas...and it was a big deal for me! ( now I know its no big deal and doesnt even matter!)

  4. I wanted to marry a guy who has a factory of chocolates or icecreams or both ( S is sooooo much better than even chocolates and icecreams)

  5. If you are naughty and behave badly, god curses you with babies ( actually, God blesses you with babies! :D)

  6. when I attained puberty, I thought I had cancer ( talk about ignorance!)

  7. I would rant and rave that I wanted to wear lipstick when we would go for weddings. ...and refuse to eat or close my mouth, so that it does't wear off!! ( Amma had a tough time convincing me to eat!)

  8. I would look at Amma longingly, getting ready to go to work, all dressed up....and I could'nt wait to start working!!! (Little did I know...)

  9. I would want to have a little brother/sister....on the condition that s/he never grows up and remains a baby forever...(yeah, right!!!)

  10. I hated my brother and thought he was such a bully, like a lot of other people ( he is such a wonderful guy!! :D Love you, anna!)

Saturday, March 24, 2007

Feeling Happy.... :-)

Feeling very happy for no reason today!...of course, S is back tomorrow :D He is my like my 'home sweet home', the love of my life...I know , I know, off late all my posts have been about S and I sound like a love-sick puppy!!! :-) Well, once he is back, I will get back to other things...he he..till then bear with me!!

Just a while ago, was talking to my mom and was telling her I feel like I am enlightened nowadays, I don't really bother about trivial things, they don't really bother me much anymore. I have realized and decided to focus on the 'larger picture'. Though, it sounds cliched, I have understood that in pursuit of satisfying unimportant things in life, I tend to miss the present and the blessings I have in various forms. God! I wholeheartedly thank you for everything you have given me so far in life. I feel contented!!

I am listening to some wonderful music, and feeling very upbeat and can't stop smiling!!! :-) Infact, am dancing as I write this post! Music is such a wonderful thing that can make you so happy or comfort you when you are feeling restless,isnt it?? I wish I could bring that kind of happiness to the people I love!!!

Life is so wonderful, with all its ups and downs, indeed...its wonderful!!! :D

Thursday, March 22, 2007

Flashback...


My life is filled with good as well as bad memories...like everyone else!! Depending on my mood, I choose to mull over the past. I have come a long way, in every sense - physically, emotionally and personality-wise.


I understand my parents and value them much much more than I used to...Being a parent is a selfless act and my Amma/Appa have been the most wonderful , giving parents in every sense. I think, I will always be their little girl. Sometimes, I do say "I am not a kid anymore..." but I definitely look up to them for their unconditional love and support. My heart goes out to kids who have lost both or one of their parents in their early years. I can't imagine my life without my parents. Lots of people comment on my good upbringing, confidence and personality. I silently thank my parents for instilling that confidence in me....Appa is very proud of his little girl, he says and Amma goes through the same excitement and joy like I do, sad at all my tribulations.....I love you with all my heart, AMMA and APPA! :-)..I wish I could be as selfless and as giving as you are!!! Words do not suffice to express what I feel for you...its difficult to explain how i feel about you clearly..am at a loss of words


I had an interesting conversation with shyamala yesterday when we were talking about my SRM days ( my first job!). Work was like a picnic for me and I thoroughly enjoyed myself and the attention from all the guys too ( we were like, 'the one-eyed man is the king of the blind!). When you are young (read stupid) superficial things in life give more happiness and a sense of personal gratification. I liked that phase too..


I believe in enjoying every phase in life. I don't want to look back, i have no regrets. College, school, first job were all different phases and were nice. Married life, new people, new surroundings, new outlook, maturity are all recent developments and I really like this phase too...


'Change is the only constant in life'

Friday, March 16, 2007

Inspired 2 Blog!

Tess introduced me to the concept of blogging a few years back when I was in HP...and I got hooked on to it and would read a lot of blogs then, when I wanted a break or something from work! ....

Then, I started my own blog ( verbalism best expressed!) with the intention of improving my language and better communication, and now surprisingly, its my profession and for the nth time I am saying this, I LOVE it!

When I read my ex-manager, Anu's blog I realized its a wonderful medium to reminisce your fond memories about your loved ones. She would write entries about her little daughter and her precious memories with her child everyday! It was a joy to read her experience as a mother! Raaga writes her experiences as a single working woman in different cities, which is interesting too, especially for me, coz I have absolutely no idea how it is like...Also, when you read shyamala describe her childhood, you think "Hey! I did that too, or felt that way.." Lipstick is quite outspoken and has strong views, very poetic too...I learnt a new word from ritu's blog...vivify!!!! It has a good meaning....Its a whole new world here....and you feel like you are part of the same family, dont mean to sound cliched.... ( you know what I mean...) what i have mentioned here are just a few blogs, from the numerous ones I enjoy reading...

I like to write or express my thoughts here, so that some day I can look back and smile or ponder...cheers to blogging!!!

Thursday, March 15, 2007

Help Your Teenager Get Organized For Back To School



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]



MBA Online (Master's of Business Administration)

Online MBA (Master's of Business Administration) programs allow for flexible long-term or short-term studies - 16 months, in some cases - to earn an MBA degree online. Courses offer combinations of web-based learning modules for at-home study; team learning, which allows for interaction with fellow students and teammates; and in-person learning, with virtual learning technology.

Programs in Online MBA allow for concentrations in different areas of study, such as accounting, management, finance, and risk management. Courses are designed to develop and enhance skills necessary for business, organizational management, and public service. Courses in Online MBA programs concentrate on business development, managing fiscal resources, and organizational philosophies.

Online MBA programs develop management skills, assessment skills, and understanding of theories and principles that determine business practices. Courses will allow students to practice making decisions to solve a broad range of problems that may arise in various areas of business operations. Studies in Online MBA programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and outlook necessary for leadership and performance with creativity, ethics, and effectiveness within any organization or industry.

With Online MBA programs, you can learn from professors who regularly teach in classrooms, use the same textbooks as used for the regular campus classroom courses, and earn the same degree as students earn in campus settings.

You can find an Online MBA program of study that meets your needs by searching the many options right here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find MBA Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

Your Best Five Options As A Student In Need Of Financial Aid



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]



The U.S. Department of Education makes available 67 billion dollars in grants, loans as well as campus-based aid each year to help out students pay for their postsecondary education. The fact is, graduate school can be very expensive and student financial assistance plays a significant role in the students decision-making process.

1. How it works

Student financial aid helps and aimed to make up the difference concerning what amount your family could afford for college and the exact college costs. Currently, more than 50 percent of college students enrolled receive some type of financial assistance so to help them pay college expenses. The system of student financial aid is based primarily on the objective of equal or access. Meaning anybody must and is entitled to go to college, in spite of financial situations.

Students as well as their families actually are anticipated to contribute or make a payment to their college cost to the amount that they are able to. If, therefore the students family is not able to supply the whole cost, then student financial aid is obtainable so to connect the gap.

2. The Federal Pell Grant program

Federal Pell Grant provides grants unto undergraduate students that needs financial help and also meet other FSA assistance requirements. This is a need-based form of financial aid and not like a student loan, the money need not be repaid.

Qualified students generally receive a particular amount every year under the Pell Grant program, where formulas decide how much a student can receive as well as FSA determines the students EFC or Expected Family Contribution.

Whereas schools are not in the position to make certain decisions regarding who can receive Pell funds and how much will they receive, schools still have a lot of responsibilities in overseeing the program, and are primarily responsible for making certain that each student is qualified for any assistance they disburse.

3. Scholarships

Scholarships are reserved generally for students who have special qualifications like athletic, academic and artistic talent. Likewise, awards are accessible for students interested in specific areas of study, members of under represented groups, those living in specific locations in the U.S. or those demonstrating financial need.

Scholarships are financial assistance that need not be repaid by students making it the second most excellent way to compensate for your education in college.

4. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity FSEOG

FSEOG or Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is generally for undergraduates having exceptional financial necessity. Meaning, students who have the lowest EFC or Expected Family Contribution thus giving top priority unto students who are receiving Federal Pell Grants. FSEOG need not be repaid.
The U.S. Department of Education ensures that every participating school receives adequate amount of money in order to compensate the Federal Pell Grants of its qualified students. Take note however, that there is no assurance every qualified student is able to obtain an FSEOG because students are awarded FSEOG based on fund availability of the school.

A student can acquire 100 to 4,000 dollars a year that depends on when the applied, the level of financial need, youre attending schools funding level and the guidelines of the student financial aid headquarters where you are attending school.

Generally, either your school pays you directly by check or credit to your account or combine all methods, paying you typically once per semester, term, quarter or trimester.

5. Federal WorkStudy

While you are in school, you can fund your education through working part-time, whether you are a graduate or an undergraduate student. This is called the Federal WorkStudy program and is governed by participating universities and colleges, providing beneficiaries with a particular number of paid hours of work throughout the school year.

Not only does work-study programs offer students the funds they need, but also provides them with excellent work experience. In particular, Co-ops, that are work-study arrangements that include off-campus employment, can actually help you to make get in touch with possible employers that can lead to work after graduation.

6. Federal Perkins Loans

These loans generally are awarded at a very low interest of usually 5 percent on a per need basis by the Student Financial Aid office to qualified students attending in at least a half-time degree program.

This is funded by the U.S. government therefore repayment postponed while schooling and no interest accumulates until you start repayment that is after your college graduation. College is your investment for your future. There are a lot of available choices for financing this investment, check out the internet or the office of your local government for details. Make your move today.

Help Your Teenager Get Organized For Back To School



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]



You can create a better homework environment for your teenager by providing at least six feet of desk surface. The old three foot desks aren? large enough to hold the computers, printers, cell phones and oh yes, the books, that are a daily part of your teenager? school life. Teach them how to deal with their school papers, this skill will be used for the rest of their life.

Organizing Solutions For Teenagers Heading Back to School - Tips From a Professional Organizer

Educational tools have certainly changed in the last decade. The old three foot desks aren? large enough to hold the computers, printers, cell phones and oh yes, the books, that are a daily part of your teenager? school life.

Many older desks have a row of small shallow drawers and no space for hanging files. These inefficient small drawers usually become junk zones.

Create a better homework environment by providing at least six feet of desk surface. This space will accommodate a computer and leave a large open surface for book studies, homework and special projects. Make sure to leave at least 4 feet of open surface.

Keep the hard drive off of the desk surface as well as the keyboard and mouse if possible. Place the hard drive below the desk and off to the side. Use a keyboard tray. If the desk doesn? come with a keyboard tray, purchase it separately and install it under the existing desktop.

Stagger two?hree shelves above the desk opposite the computer. Shelves that are12 inches deep will fit three ring binders, dictionaries and the printer. The printer shelf will need a groove cut into the wall edge to accommodate the cables. These shelves will hold binders, textbooks and memorabilia without cluttering up the desk surface. U-shaped shelves that have side brackets built in help keep the larger books upright without the need for wobbly bookends.

Install the first shelf 8-10 inches above the desktop and the other shelves staggered above and to the sides of the centered shelf. The space below the lowest shelf will accommodate items used regularly.

If there is a telephone on the desk, mount it on the wall. If there is a cell phone, mount or place the charger off of the desk surface as well.

A small drawer for tape, scissors and pens along with a file drawer will complete the study area. Consider teaching your kids a filing system this year. This skill will be used for years.

A file drawer will help sort papers by subject. This is the perfect time to develop paper flow skills. Work with your child to create a file system that makes sense to them. Possible organizational categories for folders could be: by the subject, by the project, or simply homework completed, current projects etc. Make sure there are extra tabs and empty folders in this drawer so they can easily add new folders throughout the year.

Every summer sort through the file drawer with your child and purge the old papers to make way for new files the next school year. Developing the regular habit of purging old books and paperwork is an invaluable skill and worth the time and resistance you might encounter as you exercise this new habit.

Teach your child how to save and file warranties and manuals for all of the electronic gadgets they own. Again ?a valuable life skill to impart. Do this for your own records and lead by example. Staple the receipt into the front cover of the manual for easy access with warranty concerns.

Install a few hooks on the wall or a coat rack by the desk area to keep backpacks and other gear off the floor.

Help your teenage organize their backpack with plastic folders and small satchels for pens and discs.

There are amazing new organizational products designed specifically for school lockers. Check out all of the magnetic bins and discover all of the endless options for designing a custom locker space. Have fun shopping, you will be amazed at all of the options!

Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Something I learnt today...

I learnt that when you expect the worst from something, it might end up being a good thing, after all !!! Today, I had an interesting day...in what sense, you ask? well, I have taken up a new job in a new company and I had already made up my mind about the office and how I would have to cope with everything there....

But, surprisingly, the office is pretty good, people are really nice and the work is interesting too. I really enjoyed my time working and I realised it was not at all bad, after all!!! and didnt miss S too much like I usually do!!!

I know that 'Happiness is a state of mind' , and to hell with learn to find happiness within you and all that crap! Right now, my happy moments definitely start, if not end with S .I cant imagine how life would have been without my man! ! Yup! he is MY man! I sound possessive?? I care a damn, if i do! There are times, he does things that bring a lump in my throat. He has been my biggest strength in the worst of times, always smiling and my pillar of strength. Though, i hate to admit it, I am far more independent now, thanks to him. He has goaded me time and again, to be brave and not to deter! There are no words to describe what I feel for him.

I have been very angry with God for a certain incident in my life that i will carry to my grave. But, I cant thank you enough GOD for S! I love you with all heart, and like you always say "I love and accept you as you are and as you are not.." unconditionally, just like you do!


Monday, March 12, 2007

My appy Birthday!!!

I had the most wonderful birthday as ever...S was supposed to be travelling abroad the day before my birthday, and I was quite gloomy that he wont be there to spend it with me,but surprise, surprise!!! He was there with me the entire weekend "Princess Weekend"....all my wishes would come true and we did everything I wanted to do...

I got diamonds for my birthday which was a whooping surprise, and my finger is gleaming with it....

S is leaving today in the evening....and I shall wait in anticipation for his return!! Like these lyrics in the lovely song sung by Sona!

abhi nahi aana, sajna....abhi nahi aana...sajna!
mohe thoda marne de....intezaar karne de...

This time, some new friends wished me on my birthday....I had a wonderful day and I look forward to such good things this year!!! :-)

Discrimination??!!!

I am in-between jobs right now and have been attending interviews here and there...I am appalled at the kind of questions people ask, in their 'so called' rounds. In on of the interviews,she introduces herself as someone from recruitments, and chats me up for some time. I have an affable smile on my face and speak to her as cordially as possible. .....And then she goes, " So you have been married for 4 years now, so you will be keen to start a family, when do you plan to have a baby?? You know how girls are nowadays, either they get married or get pregnant...so are you going to tell me you are pregnant next month??".I want to scream out "That's none of your business!!!!" I dont want her to think i am insane or hysterical, so with great difficulty and a straight face, I try to smile and say "Dont you think you are getting too personal?" Dont get me wrong, am not being presumptuous here. I do understand that women have such personal commitments, and it can get difficult for the company to go through the whole recruitment rigamarole...but that doesnt mean you have the right to ask me blatant personal questions, and trivialise motherhood. Would you stay single and devote yourself to your current job for the rest of your life? If you would do that, its up to you...do what you want..rather, get a life!! :D ( btw, this topic alone continued for about 20 minutes...she asked me the same question in different ways!!!) This company works on saturdays, something I was not comfortable with...coz I have never worked on Saturdays so far...and will need to do a lot of adjusting in my personal life. So I had asked them if they are flexible about saturdays and if there is an option of working from home. This was something I had asked in the earlier round, so in the final round, one of the questions, the lady asks is that " You dont seem to be comfortable working on saturdays, so how can I be assured of 100 % commitment from you....wont you be thinking about your husband?" I wanted to laugh out loud. But I calmly answered that all of us are mature enough to balance our personal and professional lives well. Considering, I decide to take up this position, I am well aware of the Saturday-working part and would give my 100 % and work accordingly. ( I was thinking to myself, so does that mean that I wont think about my husband on other days!! Are you lost for a topic, or are you really being serious?? :D) A friend of mine was telling me that married women have been asked to certify that they are not pregnant at the time of joining their company. WHOA!!!!!! I am not a feminist in any sense, but what do you mean???? Single women will get married some time, married women will have kids sometime....does it mean it is the end of the world, in terms of their career?? It is a natural progression and even you wouldnt be here if your mom thought so! So quit being so silly and create an enviroment that truly provides fair and equal opportunity to both men as well as women. People are very funny and I am not really amused. I really hope I dont have to go through even more interesting conversations further...

BTW, I did'nt get that job, but I am joining somewhere else in a couple of days!! :-)

Wednesday, March 7, 2007

Getting Your Preschooler Ready To Learn To Read And Write



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]








I recently took a class with my daughter I found very educational, and I thought I would share some of what I learned with you. The class was aimed at 3-5 year olds and was on helping preschoolers get ready to learn to read and write.

Obviously, and as any parent these days knows, one important thing to do is read regularly to your kids. However, only about half of the activities each day had to do with reading to the kids. The rest focused on helping the kids build the skills they will need as they learn how to read and write.

Muscle development is very important, but you can? just expect a preschooler to develop their hand and finger strength out of the blue. First they need to develop their larger muscles. The first class they had us doing wheelbarrows (holding the kids by their legs or ankles and having them walk on their hands) or throwing a balloon for the kids to hit with a stick they held with both hands, one hand on each end.

Tactile play was also very important. Play dough, sand, salt, even shaving cream were all used as example of things to use to encourage kids to do things with their hands. The different sensations really engaged the children? curiosity.

Some of the activities encouraged the kids to create their own stories. They warned all the parents to not change their children? words as they wrote them down. Sometimes they would have stamps or magazines to cut up to make pictures for the stories the kids would tell and have their parents write down, but there would also be crayons or markers so the kids could draw their own pictures.

Making a book for your child is pretty easy. Take a couple pieces of paper, fold them in half, then staple the folded ends together, keeping the staples near the edge. Most of the children loved creating their own books.

One very important thing I noticed during these classes is how differently each child learned. Some of it was very distinctly related to age; the younger children simply had no interest in some of the activities, but there were always plenty of options.

These classes really emphasized that you are teaching your child skills that will help them learn to read and write even when you are not actually teaching them anything at all about their letters. There are many skills that must be learned first.

Everything I learned in the class was something that could easily be done at home. One of my daughter? favorites, for example, was the day they had us fill a balloon with flour, then tie it off and let the kids squeeze it. Of course, my daughter wondered why I couldn? make the balloon big, and I don? know if she really believed my explanation. But she did have a blast squeezing it, which builds those hand and finger muscles so necessary for learning to write.

Helping your preschooler get ready to read and write is really not terribly difficult. Just take a little time and encourage them to play with things that build the muscles they will need and, of course, read to them every day.

Financial and Political Problems Plague the Troubled St. Lou



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]







The 2006-2007 school year for the St Louis schools brings with
it a financial deficit and accreditation problems carried over
from the previous board majority. Additionally, superintendent
Creg Williams' proposed budget was voted down on June 13,
so currently there is no budget for the upcoming school year.

Financial Deficit

The current financial deficit was caused by the state, when
it refused to honor its contract with the St Louis schools
under the desegregation agreement of 1999. Abruptly
during the 2002-2003 school year, the state cut off the
funding and flatly refused to honor the agreement to pay
the required funding -- and has not paid a cent since.

The St Louis schools sued the state and won the lawsuit
in circuit court. The state appealed the decision and has
been dragging out the process ever since, delaying any
decision on the appeal. The total amount in arrears that
the state owes the St Louis schools is more than $120
million. This is the sole cause of the deficit for the
upcoming school year.

Politics within the St Louis Schools

Adding to the financial troubles are the political problems
that began in 2003, when board control of the St Louis
schools was taken over by members loyal to Mayor
Francis Slay. Voter support that was previously enjoyed
by the St Louis schools was almost immediately lost.

There was nearly three years of disastrous performance in
the St Louis schools. This majority essentially gave control
of the St Louis schools to the New York management,
consulting firm they hired, which resulted in the following:

* There were three different superintendents within just one
budget year; * They closed 16 schools without regard to
educational or community considerations, basing their
decisions solely upon the recommendations of a Houston
subcontractor; and * In the first two years, the learning
environment deteriorated to the point of the whole system
being exposed to losing accreditation -- they lost 25
accreditation points.

Before 2003, the students were making steady academic
progress over the previous four years. Additionally, the St
Louis schools were close to regaining full state accreditation,
falling short by only two accreditation points.

The current St Louis schools board majority gained control
in April of 2006. Though overall improvements are expected
in the next few years, the St Louis schools legacy from the
last board majority is a poor learning environment, larger
class sizes, greater reliance on uncertified substitute
teachers, serious student discipline problems, and poor
staff morale. What improvements have been made during
the short tenure of the new majority have been greatly
overshadowed by the problems.

Budget Voted Down

The budget for the 2006-2007 school year proposed by the St
Louis schools superintendent was shot down due to its broad
spending of nearly $500 million with no coherent, detailed plan
of action, oversight or accountability.

Williams must trim down his proposed budget or locate new
funding sources to support it, as well as create a detailed plan
with oversight and accountability. The St Louis schools board
believes that the public, parents and the board have a right to
know how scarce monies are being spent.

Currently, the most urgent need for the St Louis schools is a
measurable plan for solving the current problems, while providing
the greatest possible opportunities for learning within a
dependable and stable educational environment.

Article written by Patricia Hawke.

How To Make Art School Work For You



The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
[L'art de corps humain - la belle artiste de femme colle le diagramme]
[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]





When I was in school I had a graphic design professor ?a very smart individual who graduated from Yale and whose expertise was fonts. I spent two hours a day for an entire semester building fonts with a pencil and a clipboard. As the professor did not know how to use a computer, he did not require any of his students to either. This class was boring, but what was worse is that it was completely useless.

Rarely is a real company going to pay for a font. They are going to pay for business cards, logos, web sites, CDROMs and commercials but not a font. Many professors at prestigious schools with good reputations are relics of a past age. Graphic design requires technology, and technologies change and adapt. Oftentimes those that teach graphic design remain stagnant and enforce archaic concepts and methods. Academic graphic design is much closer to fine art than commercial graphic design (the type that makes money).

Avoid classes with names like ?he History of Byzantine Graphic Design,??he Stencil as Design Tool?or ?imension in Design.?br />
You should design your schedule around your portfolio, your web site and your resume. The best classes are those that teach software and can provide tangible art that employers will want to see. Look at the want ads and then look at your schedule. If the class teaches or requires Photoshop, Adobe Premiere, Flash, or HTML then take it immediately. Look for teachers who have worked in the world of graphic design and understand concepts like deadlines, client needs, and real world application.

The most important way to jumpstart your career is by establishing a web site early and constantly adding to it and improving it. Your web site should be the crown jewel of your arts education. If you can improve the site each year by adding flash animation or streaming video then you will have a job magnet when you are ready to graduate.

A college degree is a wonderful thing to have, but sometimes software certification is more important for finding a job. A Flash developer certification from Macromedia can lead to a job much faster than a graphic design degree from even the best university. Software certification can open doors that a degree cannot. You have four years of art school to learn and improve yourself. You will never again have the time and resources to pursue certifications. The best part is that you can probably receive academic credit for anything that you do if you just fill out a little of the correct paperwork.

Monday, March 5, 2007

In a state of flux!!!

Weekend was very eventful, at the same time relaxed??!! confused?? so am I! I am absolutely in a state of flux, about what is ideal? I am waiting to see a lot of things settle down!! :-) So that i can move on confidently sans worries....

Had an interesting conversation with S, when we both went for a long drive ,late at night on a whim about forgiving someone...as they say, "To err is human, to forgive is divine". Well, I am definitely human!!! I can forget easily...forgiving is way too far!!!

Sunday, March 4, 2007

Philadelphia Schools Partner With The Community



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MBA Online (Master's of Business Administration)

Online MBA (Master's of Business Administration) programs allow for flexible long-term or short-term studies - 16 months, in some cases - to earn an MBA degree online. Courses offer combinations of web-based learning modules for at-home study; team learning, which allows for interaction with fellow students and teammates; and in-person learning, with virtual learning technology.

Programs in Online MBA allow for concentrations in different areas of study, such as accounting, management, finance, and risk management. Courses are designed to develop and enhance skills necessary for business, organizational management, and public service. Courses in Online MBA programs concentrate on business development, managing fiscal resources, and organizational philosophies.

Online MBA programs develop management skills, assessment skills, and understanding of theories and principles that determine business practices. Courses will allow students to practice making decisions to solve a broad range of problems that may arise in various areas of business operations. Studies in Online MBA programs provide students with the knowledge, skills, and outlook necessary for leadership and performance with creativity, ethics, and effectiveness within any organization or industry.

With Online MBA programs, you can learn from professors who regularly teach in classrooms, use the same textbooks as used for the regular campus classroom courses, and earn the same degree as students earn in campus settings.

You can find an Online MBA program of study that meets your needs by searching the many options right here at www.schoolsgalore.com.

Michael Bustamante, in association with Media Positive Communications, Inc. for SchoolsGalore.com

M. Bustamante is a staff writer for Media Positive Communications, Inc. in association with SchoolsGalore.com. Find MBA Online at SchoolsGalore.com; meeting your needs as your educational resource to locate schools

An 8-Year-Old's Marching Orders for the Upcoming School Yea



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[人體藝術-美女藝術家貼圖]
[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
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[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]





In my opinion, based on my own personal experience, kids function best when they're real clear about exactly what's expected of them in any given situation or under any particular set of circumstances.

Every year since he began school, in the day or two prior to the beginning of each new school year, I've sat down with my son, who's now eight years old, to "lay down the law", so to speak, about exactly what I expected of him in school and to issue him his "marching orders" for the upcoming school year.

This year won't be any exception. Although my expectations for him haven't changed over the last few years, with a new school year about to begin, I've been thinking about them in preparation for our annual talk and thought I'd share them with you.

Here they are:

Expectation #1 - I expect him to behave himself and treat others as he'd like to be treated.

The first and single, most important thing I expect of him in school is to be polite, mind his manners, and treat others as he'd like to be treated.

All three elements of this expectation are very closely related and because he understands *why* they're important, he has no trouble whatsoever living up to them.

Here's why...

One summer day, shortly before he started school, we were driving somewhere (probably a toy store :-)), when, seemingly out of nowhere, he asked me what I knew about this "God thing", as he phrased it.

As simply as I could put it, I shared with him my personal belief...

Essentially...

That One is All and All is One. That one Intelligent Substance manifests itself as what appears to be many elements of the material world.

Simply put...

We're all made from the same Stuff, a Thinking Stuff.

After I finished my simplified explanation of this concept, he sat there quietly for a moment or two, staring out the car window, then he looked at me and said...

"Daddy, that makes sense!"

And, with "ah-ha" written all over his face, he added...

"So that's why you're always telling me to love my neighbor as myself and to treat other people the way I want to be treated, because we're all one, right Daddy"

At age five...

He got it! :-)

Expectation #2 - I expect him to do his best.

Unlike many, if not most, parents and teachers, I could care less what his grades in school are...

Really!

You should see the look on people's faces, especially his teachers, when I tell them this. :-)

So, what do I expect

Simple...

I expect him to put everything he's got into everything he does and do the best work he can do.

Throughout his writings, Wallace D. Wattles, best known for his classic masterpiece "The Science of Getting Rich", repeatedly stresses the importance of doing all you can do each day and doing each separate act in the most perfect manner possible.

That's *exactly* what I expect of him!

If, everyday, he does *all* he can do that day and if, everyday, he does each separate thing he does in school in the most *perfect* manner possible, with the purpose of learning...

And that, in the opinion of his teachers and/or the school system, earns him an "A"...

Great!

If it earns him a "B"...

Great!

If it earns him a "C"...

Great!

If it earns him a "D"...

Great!

If it earns him an "F"...

Great...

I really don't care! :-)

Why

Because doing everything you can do each day and doing each separate thing you do in the most perfect manner possible with a purpose is the secret to success in anything and if he just learns this one lesson and applies it, he'll be successful in life regardless of what his grades in school are.

Expectation #3 - I expect him to have fun.

Life is meant to be fun, not a bore, and I expect him to have fun in school.

Now...

Please understand...

I don't expect him to be the "class clown" or a "wise guy"...

But, I do expect him to look for ways to make his "work" fun.

If he learns how to make his "work" fun, he'll never have to "work" a day in his entire life.

Well...

There you have them...

My eight-year-old's "marching orders" for the upcoming school year.

In prior school years, because he's been very clear about exactly what I expected of him in school and because he's been very clear about exactly why I expected those things of him, he's never failed to live up to my expectations and make me very proud of him...

I don't expect this school year to be any different. :-)

Fashion Design School Degrees



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Fashion Design School Degrees

The world of fashion design encompasses more than design. If you love the world of fashion and want to make your mark on it there are many other ways to do it other than to become the next Vera Wang.

Fashion design schools offer courses in fashion and retail management, fashion merchandising and fashion marketing.

If you can't design fashion but have an eye for putting the look together and knowing intuitively what the next "hot" look will be, perhaps you'd want to look into a fashion design school with an eye towards becoming a fashion purchasing manager in the retail sector.

Every big department store such as Nieman Marcus and Saks has fashion buyers. Everything that is in a department store that is offered for sale was picked out by a buyer.

These fashion purchasing managers or fashion buyers choose and buy the products that are sold in retail stores. Imagine for a moment attending the latest fashion shows in the US and Europe. Seeing first hand the latest fashion offerings of the big name couture design houses such as Lauren, Dior, Gaultier, or the ready-to-wear collections of Balenciaga and Herrera.

Don't think for one minute that the life of a fashion buyer or fashion purchasing agent is all glitz and glamour and hobnobbing. A fashion buyer must have a solid education and expertise in sales and store management.

Fashion buyers are usually graduates of a fashion design school and are hand selected by stores such as JC Penny to enter their training programs. They need a bachelor's degree in marketing and merchandising. Some stores require that a buyer hold an MBA.

There is a hierarchy that is followed in fashion buying. Generally stores will hire new employees as junior buyers to help associate buyers. A fashion buyer usually starts out responsible for one or two different fashion brands. It may take years of experience before associate buyers become senior fashion buyers.

Fashion Buyers must be able to develop strong working relationships with manufacturers reps. They must be able to negotiate prices and be able to communicate with a wide variety of people. Strong work ethic and a positive attitude are also required.

Saturday, March 3, 2007

Three Arizona Schools Candidates Hold Differing Views



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[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
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[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]







Three candidates are running for the post of Superintendent of Public Instruction for the Arizona schools in the September 12th election. Current Superintendent Tom Horne is running as the unopposed Republican candidate, seeking his second term in office. Two Democrats are challenging Horne Slade Mead and Jason Williams. Mead is a sports agent, a former state senator, a former Kyrene School District board member, and a former Republican. Williams is a former middle school math and science teacher, and a former executive director of a nonprofit organization that recruits teachers for low-income and rural areas.

Two major issues that will be facing the newly elected superintendent are the Arizona Instrument to Measure Standards (AIMS) tests and school vouchers.

AIMS. This year was the first to require all high school seniors in the Arizona schools to pass the AIMS test in order to graduate. The candidates have differing views on AIMS and its use.

Horne is a strong advocate of the graduation requirement, believing that it makes students accountable for what they learn. He commented that it makes Arizona schools students take their education seriously, because they will not be handed a diploma if they fake their way through school.

Williams would like the graduation requirement eliminated and to use AIMS as a benchmark for learning, gauging just how well Arizona schools students are retaining knowledge. He believes this would take the pressure off students, when used as a diagnostic tool. Williams disagrees with Horne concerning students taking learning more seriously because of AIMS. He noted that 15,000 students, who enrolled as Arizona schools freshmen in 2002, had dropped out of school before the Class of 2006 graduated.

Mead agrees with Williams that AIMS would make a better assessment tool for the Arizona schools and that the passing requirement for graduation be eliminated. He has stated that the current administration of AIMS is a hamwith only a passing grade requirement of 59 percent. A average student within the Arizona schools only need answer six mathematics questions correctly out of 56. He also would like to see AIMS administered as the state of Wyoming does its testing students take the test directly on a computer, the results are instantly scored, and then the scores are immediately sent to the teachers for evaluation.

School Vouchers. Another hot button for many educators, parents and the community are school vouchers, whereby some students may attend private schools funded by the taxpayers. Under a newly passed budget, that state has authorized $5 million in private school vouchers for disabled and foster-care students. All three candidates are opposed to vouchers for private schools.

Incumbent Horne stated that Arizona schools already are the leading proponent for parental choice in the nation, with charter schools, open enrollment policies, and tax credits. He noted that the Manhattan Institute ranks the Arizona schools as number one out of 50 in parental choice. He also pointed out that the state constitution prohibits the use of public funds for religious or private schools.

Because the state legislature already passed the use of school vouchers into law, Mead only stated his opposition to them and that, if elected, he would ensure that the Arizona schools accounted for every cent used for school vouchers.

Williams pointed out that private schools do not automatically do a better job than public ones. He sees the voucher system as a way of giving up on public education in the Arizona schools.

Though these are the two hot-button issues in this upcoming election, undoubtedly there are many more for which the parents and communities of the Arizona schools should be concerned. Ensure that you check out the three candidates and what they have to say about all of the issues and make your voice heard in September by voting for the candidate of your choice.

Three Boston Schools To Extend School Day For 2006-2007 Scho



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[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
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[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]





In the fall of 2005, the Boston schools began exploring the education reform strategy of extending the school day for its middle schools. The extended school day gives students more time for learning at a crucial time in their education. The middle school years provide the much-needed preparation for students to enter high school, college and the workforce. Last year, the Boston schools applied for and was awarded a $40,000 planning grant for three schools.

The Boston schools have been awarded grants again this year for another three schools. These three Boston schools were among ten schools across the state that included five school districts. The other four districts are Cambridge, Fall River, Malden, and Worcester, who shared with the Boston schools a total of more than $2.2 million in implementation grants to extend the learning time at the ten schools.

The three Boston schools are:

Clarence R. Edwards Middle School in Charlestown;
Umana/Barnes Middle School in East Boston; and
James P. Timilty Middle School in Roxbury.

Beginning in September 2006, Edwards and Timilty middle schools will begin class at 7:20 a.m., Monday through Friday. They will end school at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and at 11:40 a.m. on Friday. Umana/Barnes will begin classes at 7:35 a.m., Monday through Friday; end school at 4:30 p.m., Monday through Thursday; and end at 11:40 a.m. on Friday.

As with the schools last year, the Boston schools enlisted the assistance of Boston schools administrators, union representatives, teachers, counselors, principals, parents, and community partners. They worked together to develop the plans and implementation of the extended day at each school. Additionally, the non-profit organization, Massachusetts 2020, gave support to the planning and implementation process. The 2020 group is dedicated to expanding educational and economic opportunities for children and their families within the state of Massachusetts.

The Boston schoolsinterim superintendent, Michael Contompasis, noted that both the students and the teachers benefit from this extra school time. Students receive more classroom instruction time in the core academic subjects that are crucial for their success in high school and college. More time also will be available to students for tutoring, the arts, and recreation. Additionally, teachers are given more time for lesson planning, setting schedules, and for professional development activities.

The Massachusetts Department of Education provides the grants from its xpanded Learning Time to Support Student Successgrant program.

The Boston schools have more than 58,000 pre-kindergarten through 12th grade students at 145 schools. The hopes of all concerned is to continue to expand this reform strategy of extended school time; so that student achievement will continue to rise, with students being better prepared for high school, college and the workforce.

Three Houston Schools In TroublePublic Upset Over Possible



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Three Houston schools have been persistently rated as unsatisfactory by state guidelines for three or more years. As with most school closing warnings across the nation, the parents, community, and elected officials with a political stake in the area are up in arms over the possibility.

Though parents want their children to attend schools within their own neighborhood, I believe the community must look at the cost of keeping these three schools open the students are failing, unable to meet the bare minimum requirements of the state! With their futures at risk, I would think that parents would want their children at better performing schools.

The Houston schoolsratings are based on statewide student achievement tests and the overall dropout and graduation rates of each school. If a proposed policy by the Texas Education Agency is adopted, then the state education commissioner will be able to close in the near future any school that is rated unsatisfactory for four consecutive years. Thus, Houston schools Superintendent Dr. Abelardo Saavedra is only preparing the public, in case the schools do not gain a satisfactory rating at the end of the 2006-2007 school year.

In 2005, Saavedra warned that Kashmere High School, Sam Houston High School, and McReynolds Middle School needed to improve their ratings or drastic measures would be taken. Privatization of the schools was mentioned then; however, the Houston schools currently are preparing for closing the schools, if they again are rated unsatisfactory.

During the last school year, the Houston schools changed administrators at several chronically unsatisfactory schools and a large percentage of the teaching staff at each school. Though tremendous improvement was seen at Kashmere, Sam Houston, and McReynolds, there was not enough progress made and they were again rated as unsatisfactory.

For the 2006-2007 school year, the Houston schools have developed a year-long campaign in hopes of saving the three schools. School hours will be extended in order to provide more instruction time to the students, top-rated teachers have been hired to co-teach in problem classes, and an educational achievement plan will be created for each student. All three schools for this year will be under the supervision of Dr. Karen Soehnge, the Houston schoolschief academic officer.

The Houston schools have looked at several strategies to save these schools. The ones they have implemented up-to-now have failed. If this current campaign fails as well, then the schools will be closed. It is a mprove immediatelyor lose the doorssituation for the schools, the students, and the educators.

All students deserve a quality education, and it is obvious that schools, which continue to be rated unsatisfactory, are not providing such. The Houston schools must do better for these children.

Friday, March 2, 2007

California Schools Audit Shows Excessive Spending And



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She is an outstanding human body artist, she is has the artistic dayshare and the artistic value artist very much We now saw is she isworking the several pictures.
The human body art - beautiful woman artist pastes the chart
[人体艺术-美女艺术家贴图]
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[Искусствоо человеческого тела - красивейший художник женщинынаклеивает диаграмму]
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Superintendent of Instruction for the California schools, Jack Oonnell, initiated an audit more than a year ago into the fiscal concerns of the Options for Youth and Opportunities for Learning (OYO) schools. The OYO is a chain of independent study charter schools within the California schools system, which are privately run but funded by the state.

The OYO California schools serve students who have dropped out of the traditional high schools. They currently have about 15,000 students in 40 storefront locations across the state. These California schools students do most of their work at home, meeting with teachers twice a week. According to state records, student achievement test and high school exit exam scores are above average, as compared to other alternative high schools within the California schools system. According to a Los Angeles Times article of August 10th, only 11 percent of OYO students graduated during the 2003-2004 school year. The remainder of students that left school that year either dropped out, were expelled, or transferred to other schools.

The California schoolsaudit was conducted by the Fiscal Crisis and Management Assistance Team, who concluded their analysis and presented their findings in a report that was released in August 2006. The audit cites accounting defects, overpayments by the state, conflicts of interest, nepotism, excessive compensation, and mixing private business concerns with public schools.

The OYO was founded and still operated by John and Joan Hall, former teachers from Hollywood High School. They have fully cooperated with the California schoolsaudit, but dispute most of the findings.

Some examples from the audit report are:

ccounting Defects and Overpayments. The Halls count each of their teachers as 1.92 full-time positions. Their spokesperson, Stevan Allen, stated that this is a common practice for charter schools in the California schools system and is a legitimate method for compensating school staff for longer days and year-round schedules. California schools superintendent Oonnell believes teachers should be counted only as one full-time position each. The auditors disagreed, citing that traditional California schools teachers spend much less time working each year than those at OYO. However, the auditors believed the 1.92 amount is inflated. This example, alone, accounts for more than half of the $57 million overpayment.

Additionally, the report noted several questionable expenses. One example of unrestrained spending, given by the Times was an $18,000 staff party held at Disneyland. Allen defended that event as an attempt at relationship building between staff members, who are scattered across the state. He noted that the costs was less than $50 per staff member.

onflicts of Interest and Mixing Private Business with Public Schools. Besides the charter schools, the Halls own and operate several private businesses that sell materials and services to schools. The Times noted that the Options in OYO was the nonprofit part of the setup, with the Opportunities part being for-profit. The audit calls this practice and setup into question.

xcessive Compensation. The audit also questions the combined salaries for the Halls, which is $600,000 annually. The report states that it may be excessive for the amount of time the couple actually works.

epotism. The Halls created a separate charity with $10.8 million of the California schoolsfunding, called Pathways in Education. The charity is run by their daughter, Jamie Hall. Little money has been spent toward education thus far.

The Halls contend that they previously had requested guidance on their operation from the California schools many times, but never received any response. Thus, they tried to follow California schools requirements as best they could with their understanding of the policies. Even Oonnell conceded that none of the cited practices are illegal.

The audit recommends the California schools should attempt to recover the $57 million in overpayment from the OYO. Oonnell has sent the report to the state attorney general office for review and any necessary action.

Candidate Ford Proposes New School Site For Chicago Schools



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The old Brach plant is located at 401 N. Cicero, just north of Lake Street, in a community that has seen many of its Chicago schools closed and others placed on academic probation. The 30-plus-acre property has been vacant for three years.

LaShawn Ford is the owner of Ford Desired Real Estate and candidate for state representative of the 8th district. The democrat has an ambitious plan to use the Brach property for a new school.

In June of 2006, Ford convinced Chicago schoolsofficials to join him in a walkthrough of his plan at the site. Though he had prior permission for the walkthrough with the Chicago schoolsofficials, there was no one present to give them access through the 30-foot fence that surrounds the property. As with most politicians, Ford improvised by driving through a hole in the fencing to gain access.

Chicago schoolsofficials found that the property was close to Chicago Green Line, and it had some great parking space. Ford emphasized that a school located there could cater to many students from many areas of the city Chicago schoolsbuses could transport students in from different districts. The Chicago schoolsofficials saw that the location and amount of property could attract a multitude of students with diverse economical, cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

Ford further pointed out that the Chicago schools had recently invested $30 million into Austin High School for Renaissance 2010 upgrades. He noted that had they foregone those renovations, they could had invested in a new school at the Brach location that would provide much more to the Chicago schoolsstudents over the long term.

The biggest problem facing Ford ambitious plans for the Chicago schools is zoning. The old Brach plant sits in the city Protected Manufacturing District. That means that sites within the district can be used only for industrial development. When presented with other plans in the past, the city has been reluctant to rezone the area for commercial or residential development.

The second problem is financing. The property currently is listed at the Paine/Wetzel INCOR International web site for $10 million. The Chicago schoolsofficials have suggested that the best scenario would be for a donor to purchase the Brach property and give it to the Chicago schools for further development. Even this, of course, is contingent on whether or not the Chicago schools have enough surplus funds to build the school. The estimated cost of building is from $20 to $40 million. Of course, the perfect solution would be for donors to cover the cost of building, as well.

As it currently stands, Ford proposal is being considered by the Chicago schools. The Chicago schoolsofficials stated that further study on the project would be needed before any decisions could be made.

Los Angeles Schools Strongly Opposed To Takeover By Mayor Vi



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She is an outstanding human body artist, she is has the artistic dayshare and the artistic value artist very much We now saw is she isworking the several pictures.
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[El arte del cuerpo humano - el artista hermoso de la mujer pega lacarta]





There is currently legislation AB 1381 in the state legislature that, if passed, will give the okay to Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa to take over a subset of the Los Angeles schools. Recently, the mayor school reform team announced its latest round of changes to the bill in order to sidestep some possible problems to it passing.

Last month, according to the Los Angeles TimesAugust 8, 2006 article, Los Angeles Chief Legislative Analyst Gerry F. Miller made certain speculations about the bill. He believes, if the bill is passed, the following may occur:

Some power could shift from the City Council to Villaraigosa;
Additional costs may be incurred by the cities that are served by the Los Angeles schools; and
These same cities, as well as the Council of Mayors, could incur certain legal liabilities.

Legal responsibilities and costs could shift with the power, since the bill gives responsibility for the subset of Los Angeles schools directly to Villaraigosa, who dominates the Council of Mayors with an 80 percent vote. The Council of Mayors consists of Villaraigosa, representatives from the County Board of Supervisors, and representatives of 27 other cities that are served by the Los Angeles schools.

The recently announced changes to the bill are to placate the officials and representatives of the 27 other cities concerning Miller speculations, as well as protect the legislation from being defeated due to criticisms from opponents who are aligned with the Los Angeles schools officials, who are strongly opposed to the takeover.

The new language added to the bill does the following:

Budget administration for the Los Angeles schools will remain with the City Councils of the cities served by the school district, as it currently stands. This eliminates the possibility of additional costs being incurred by any of the cities served.

Responsibility for any lawsuits or legal issues will remain with the Los Angeles schools, even though Villaraigosa will be making most of the decisions. This ensures that the County of Los Angeles and the cities involved will be held blameless.

The takeover of the Los Angeles schools subset is now likened to a school district authorizing a charter school. It is hoped by Villaraigosa team that this language will sidestep the state constitution provision that requires public schools to be overseen by established school systems.

Kevin Reed, general counsel for the Los Angeles schools, was quite critical of the bill new language, especially concerning legal responsibility. He also said the comparison of Villaraigosa takeover to a charter school, which was developed by Villaraigosa legal advisor Thomas Saenz, was erroneous. Charter schools submit to more oversight than will Villaraigosa, if the bill becomes law.

Reed also pointed out a conflict of interest for Saenz, who is also an appointed board member of the County Office of Education. A spokesperson for the mayor said Saenz would resign, if the bill becomes law.

Villaraigosa has some backers for his bill, which will soon be reviewed by the legislature. The bill, however, has many questionable provisions in its language and many strongly opposed to it. Opposition comes not only from the Los Angeles schools officials, but also from many of the city representatives on the Council of Mayors, who already see Villaraigosa controlling too much of their concerns.
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