WV Lottery - 01.31.11

9-0-1

2-7-3-4

01-07-11-13-23-24

GSC Nonprofit Program Changes Name

The Glenville State College American Humanics Program has changed its name as a result of a two-year national rebranding effort by American Humanics, Inc. headquartered in Kansas City, MO.

The name change to Nonprofit Leadership Alliance, reflects the increased interest in nonprofit leadership programs across the country and solidifies the relationship between the organization name and mission.

The 62-year-old organization provides certification for nonprofit management and leadership skills development.  The Nonprofit Leadership Alliance (formerly American Humanics) currently enrolls almost 3,000 students nationwide who are preparing for nonprofit management and leadership careers.

Glenville State College has been affiliated with Nonprofit Leadership Alliance since August 2009.  Even in the program’s infancy, eight students are actively seeking certification through the Alliance while 30 students have enrolled in coursework in anticipation of earning a minor in Nonprofit Leadership and Management through Glenville State College, according to Meredith Gillett the GSC Nonprofit Leadership Alliance Coordinator.

“As an alumna of the American Humanics Program, it is difficult to let go of tradition and transition to a new name,” states Gillett.  “However Nonprofit Leadership Alliance better characterizes the organization with whom we are affiliated and will require less explanation to potential students and the community.”

For more information about the Nonprofit Leadership Alliance program at GSC, contact Gillett at 304.462.6260 or “meredith.gillett@glenville.edu”.

G-InMyOpinion™: If It Is Happening in Egypt, It Can Happen in Gilmer County, WV

If effectiveness of the information highway and its electronic dissemination of news are questioned, consider evolving events in Egypt.

Change can occur too in Gilmer County if we challenge members of the self-empowered elite who have served our collective interests poorly.

Some examples of their failure to serve the public are perceived to be:

•  The local law has been administered selectively even to the extent that the city attorney interfered with duties of a City policeman investigating allegations of a rape of a young high school girl

•  The interstate was not routed through Gilmer County because of opposition of a highly empowered minority

•  GSC has fallen to fourth tier status

•  There are reports that we have corruption in the court house involving elections, changing of official records, and jury tampering

•  A political campaign contribution occurred in the name of Madge Butcher who was dead for more than a decade and it is on official government documents that she was retired and resided at PO Box 100 to cause citizens to believe that fraud was committed by the responsible party

•  Reportedly the A. J. Woofer estate and others were plundered by individuals in positions of power

•  Our K-12 school system is not up to par

•  The GCHS principal installed by the power structure could not survive a vote of public confidence

•  News from GSC is carefully controlled including details about the lawsuit involving GSC’s Board of Governors versus Scarlett Kellerman et al. and the federal lawsuit pertaining to land below the I. L. Morris Bridge

•  There is the unsolved murder of Fred Hill for which details remain undisclosed

•  We have an unabated illegal drug problem

•  With reports on the World Wide Web about rampant sexual misconduct and wild parties, Gilmer County has the infamy as an epicenter of moral decadence

•  A 28-million dollar bond issue for a GSC dorm of questionable need occurred without permitting citizens to vote

•  ad infinitum.

Fortunately, the Gilmer Free Press serves as a public service conduit which can help us channel our energies for common good achievements.

We won’t stoop to violence and we will be law abiding, but by making it a solemn civic duty to keep ourselves informed we can use the ballot box wisely to affect change for the better.

Universally, an informed populist is equivalent to a force de frappe to self-serving members of an entrenched power structure.

~~  By Anonymous - Information on File ~~

Red Flags for WV: Debt, Jobless Figures

West Virginia recently received two pieces of bad news, one Economic and one Fiscal, just in time for the unfolding special election race for governor.

The state’s seasonally adjusted unemployment rate rose to 9.6% last month. That was the worst monthly rate of 2010. It’s also the first time that West Virginia’s rate was higher than the national rate since the Great Recession began.

A Wall Street bond rating agency, meanwhile, identified West Virginia as having one of the highest debt loads among states. Moody’s Investor Service last week began ranking states for both their taxpayer supported debt and pension funding shortfalls.

West Virginia officials say the state’s jobs picture is improving. They also cite ongoing efforts to pay down debts.

G-Fin™: U.S.A.: Economic Brief – 01.28.11

Regional and State Employment and Unemployment (Monthly)

In December 20 states had over-the-month unemployment rate increases, 15 states and the District of Columbia had decreases, and 15 states had no change.

Nonfarm payroll employment decreased in 35 states and the district and increased in 15 states.

Consumer Confidence

U.S. consumer confidence improved more than expected in January to its highest level in eight months, underscoring the brightening economic outlook, even though the housing market remains on shaky ground.

The Conference Board said its index of consumer sentiment jumped to 60.6 in January, the highest since May, from 53.3 in December.

The index, which came in above economists’ expectations for 54.3, reflected an improving outlook for employment and manufacturing, and a sense the economy is now on a firmer footing.

Usual Weekly Earnings of Wage and Salary Workers

Median weekly earnings of the nation’s 100.1 million full-time wage and salary workers were $752 in the 4th quarter of 2010.

This was 0.5% higher than a year earlier, compared with a gain of 1.3% in the Consumer Price Index for All Urban Consumers (CPI-U) over the same period.

Employment Cost Index

Civilian workers compensation, wages and salaries, and benefit costs all rose 0.4%, seasonally adjusted, from September to December 2010.

Over the year, compensation rose 2.0%, wages and salaries 1.6%, and benefits 2.9%.

GDP, 4th Quarter and Annual 2010 (advance estimate)

Real gross domestic product—the output of goods and services produced by labor and property located in the United States—increased at an annual rate of 3.2% in the fourth quarter of 2010, (that is, from the third quarter to the fourth quarter), according to the “advance” estimate released by the Bureau of Economic Analysis.

In the third quarter, real GDP increased 2.6%.

Mass Layoffs (Monthly)

In December employers took 1,483 mass layoff actions involving 137,992 workers.

Layoff events decreased to its lowest level since April 2008.

Annual totals for 2010 events and initial claims declined from record levels reported in 2009.

GRANTS AND FUNDING OPPORTUNITIES - 01.31.11

Critical Exposure: Through Your Lens
The 21st Century School Fund, Critical Exposure, and Healthy Schools Campaign are inviting students, teachers, and everyone with a view of our nation’s school buildings to show the world what you see every day at school: the good parts, the troubling parts, the things to be proud of, and the things to change.
Contest launches February 01, 2011.

Blue Man Group: Invent An Instrument Contest
The Blue Man Group Invent An Instrument Contest challenges students to use their ingenuity and creativity to invent an instrument out of repurposed or everyday objects.
Maximum award: $5,000 and a trip to New York City.
Eligibility: students grades 5-9.
Deadline: February 09, 2011.

Siemens: Ultimate Cool School Science Day
Siemens invites teachers to enter for a chance to win an Ultimate Cool School Science Day Assembly—an assembly for your school that is not only fun and interactive, but also underscores the importance of science literacy.
Students will participate in interactive demonstrations and conduct experiments with a leading science guru and personality.
Teachers will discover hands-on activities and stimulating resources to excite students in a special professional development workshop.
Maximum award: an all-school science day assembly from Siemens Foundation and Discovery Communications, LLC.
Eligibility: legal U.S. residents who are educators at an accredited public, private, or parochial elementary school in the United States and teach students from Kindergarten through Grade 6.
Deadline: February 24, 2011.

Gilmer County Senior Center Upcoming Events - 01.31.11

Canadian Geese Outnumber Ducks in WV

Wildlife biologists counted 5,044 ducks and 6,147 Canada geese during the annual mid-winter waterfowl survey in early January, according to Steve Wilson, Waterfowl Biologist for the Wildlife Resources Section of the West Virginia Division of Natural Resources.

“The number of ducks counted increased significantly compared to last year while the number of Canada geese decreased slightly,” Wilson said.

“Despite the decrease in Canada geese from last year, their numbers are still 30% above the 10-year average, and duck numbers are 51% above average,” Wilson noted.

The 10-year average has been artificially high since the record numbers in 2001. Now that the 2001 numbers are no longer included in the average, the percent above average figures for 2011 are more significant. The increase was not unexpected due to the amount of snow and cold weather that occurred in December.

Canada geese, mallards and black ducks, as usual, were the most commonly observed species in the 2011 survey.

Other waterfowl observed include:  canvasback, scaup, ring-necked duck, redhead, bufflehead, wood duck, mergansers and snow geese.

Thirteen bald eagles, two golden eagles and eleven unidentified eagles were also observed.

The survey was conducted on January 05, 06, and 07, 2011, and included portions of the Kanawha, Ohio, Shenandoah and New rivers as well as Tygart and Bluestone lakes.

Another Win for Lady Pioneers by Defeating Lady Cardinals

Glenville State used its offensive firepower to race past Wheeling Jesuit Saturday 96-74.

GSC canned 39 shots in the game and made all 11 charity tosses in the win.

Mishae Miles led the team with 20 points and 10 rebounds in just 24 minutes.

Danielle Woodmore added 19 and dished out six assists.

Tenisha Wilson posted 15 points and seven rebounds for the victors.

WJU’s Lauren Myers tallied a game-high 25 points to go along with eight rebounds.

Kourtney Booth totaled 22 points and 10 rebounds while Bridget Buskirk accounted for seven assists.

————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
VISITORS: Glenville State 6-11 (5-8 WVIAC)
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
01 WOODMORE,Danielle… *  9-18   1-2    0-0    1  1  2   3  19  6  3  1  2  22
02 STEPHENS,Kim…..... *  3-6    2-5    0-0    0  1  1   1   8  0  0  0  0  19
04 WILSON,Tenisha…... *  6-14   1-3    2-2    1  6  7   4  15  4  2  0  1  19
40 HAMBRICK,LaToya….. *  4-8    0-0    1-1    2  2  4   2   9  0  0  0  3  14
44 GOLDEN,Kristen…... *  1-4    0-0    2-2    5  4  9   3   4  1  3  1  1  19
05 HUFFMAN,Tiffany…..    0-3    0-1    0-0    0  5  5   0   0  3  1  0  0  15
10 GOODSON,Kenyell…..    2-6    1-2    0-0    0  3  3   0   5  0  0  0  2  21
12 REED,Miranda….....    2-6    0-2    4-4    0  0  0   1   8  0  1  0  4  18
20 BUTCHER,Catherine…    0-1    0-1    0-0    1  0  1   1   0  1  0  0  0  14
21 DEREN,Beth….......    3-7    2-4    0-0    0  2  2   2   8  0  1  0  0  15
30 MILES,Mishae….....    9-15   0-2    2-2    8  2 10   1  20  0  0  0  2  24
   TEAM….............                         2  1  3
   Totals…...........   39-88   7-22  11-11  20 27 47  18  96 15 11  2 15 200
 
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 20-46 43.5%   2nd Half: 19-42 45.2%   Game: 44.3%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  5-14 35.7%   2nd Half:  2-8  25.0%   Game: 31.8%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  2-2  100 %   2nd Half:  9-9  100 %   Game: 100 %    0
 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
HOME TEAM: Wheeling Jesuit Univ 13-6(11-3 WVIAC)
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
05 Lauren Myers…..... *  7-16   2-3    9-10   3  5  8   0  25  4  1  0  0  34
13 Bridget Buskirk….. *  1-4    0-1    0-0    0  4  4   1   2  7  8  0  1  24
15 Megan Stuvek…..... *  3-6    0-0    2-2    1  5  6   4   8  2  1  0  0  20
22 Chrissy Pavlik…... *  2-5    1-3    0-0    0  1  1   2   5  3  3  0  0  24
23 Kourtney Booth…... *  7-16   4-9    4-4    4  6 10   1  22  2  3  0  3  33
03 Kelsey Deming…....    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  1  1  0  0   3
10 Cassy Sanderson…..    4-10   0-1    0-0    2  1  3   0   8  0  2  0  0  26
12 Sam Pecnik….......    0-1    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   1   0  1  0  0  0   7
31 Taneka Lewis….....    1-1    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   2  0  0  0  0   1
32 Alyssa Headley…...    0-1    0-1    1-1    0  0  0   0   1  0  1  0  0   6
40 Jenn Rennell….....    0-4    0-0    1-4    1  4  5   1   1  0  3  0  0  20
   TEAM….............                         2  3  5
   Totals…...........   25-64   7-18  17-21  13 29 42  10  74 20 23  0  4 198
 
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 11-28 39.3%   2nd Half: 14-36 38.9%   Game: 39.1%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  4-11 36.4%   2nd Half:  3-7  42.9%   Game: 38.9%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half: 12-13 92.3%   2nd Half:  5-8  62.5%   Game: 81.0%    3
 —————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————-
Technical fouls: Glenville State-None. Wheeling Jesuit Univ-None.
Attendance: 520
Score by Periods                1st  2nd   Total
Glenville State…............   47   49  -   96
Wheeling Jesuit Univ….......   38   36  -   74

High Quality Fur in West Virginia

West Virginia not only has an abundance of wildlife, but the quality of our animals is also among the best. 

Rich Rogers oversees furbearing critters for the West Virginia DNR.  He says the trained fur buyer will know the story of West Virginia’s furs, especially beaver, and will be on the lookout for them.

The quality of the beaver began with a disaster.  During the late 1800’s beaver disappeared from the landscape of West Virginia.

“One of the myths is and the first thing you’ll read in any wildlife management book about the elimination of species will list unregulated hunting and habitat destruction,“ said Rogers on West Virginia Outdoors. “I would counter by saying habitat destruction was the number 1 cause because Lord knows we’ve tried to overharvest a number of animals in modern times and it’s impossible to do.“

However, the combination of the over harvesting and the habitat destruction drove the beaver out of the Mountain State.  However, as that habitat improved, the DNR re-introduced beaver to the state and in doing so created a very vibrant brand of beaver.

“Most of them came from northern climates,“ explained Rogers. “Our beaver here genetically are very good, and the pelts are exceptional.“

The average beaver in West Virginia weighs 30 to 35 pounds.  Rogers says he’s trapped some in the 50-pound range, but they are rare.  He also knows of one trapped in the eastern panhandle around 60-pounds.  Northern beavers are known to range up to 100 pounds. 

The quality of the West Virginia beaver hide is at times handicapped however.  Most fur buyers aren’t aware of the history of the beaver in West Virginia—therefore pelts are often handicapped by our neighbors.

“People go to sell, they generally get classed as being in this mid-Atlantic range and unless you send it off to somebody who knows what they’re doing, you could get ripped off,“ he said. “You don’t sell pelts by region, you sell them by quality and we have some high quality beaver here.“

Rogers adds the raccoon in West Virginia is also of high quality as well.  The West Virginia coons are prized for their exceptional color among fur buyers worldwide.

~~  By Chris Lawrence – WVMN ~~

WV Seeks To Run Its Own Health Exchange

West Virginia officials want the state to embrace a key mandate of the federal health care overhaul, but first must win over the Legislature.

WV Insurance Commissioner Jane Cline is asking lawmakers to allow West Virginia to run its own insurance exchange.

This marketplace would offer individuals and small businesses private health coverage plans.

Cline considers a state-run exchange the best option for both consumers and insurers.

Cline is meeting Monday with House Republicans. She is citing how West Virginia was preparing its own exchange well before the federal law.

She has also become an authority after heading the National Association of Insurance Commissioners last year.

But GOP lawmakers oppose the overhaul and raise abortion concerns.

Legislative Update – by – Delegate Brent Boggs - House Majority Leader - 01.31.11

The State Capital didn’t get much snow last week, but I was greeted late Friday evening at home with lots of snow, ice and downed tree limbs on the property.  Still, it was just a minor inconvenience, as many central WV counties are still experiencing power outages from last week’s snow and ice.  As February has just arrived, we’ll likely see more winter weather before spring.

Friday January 28 marked the Day 17 of the 2011 legislative session.  As of that date, delegates in the House has introduced 941 bills for consideration.  Of those, fourteen passed the House and now move to the Senate for its consideration.

They include:

•  HB 2075 Relating to acquisition of a municipal business license

•  HB 2345 Changing the membership of the PEIA Financial Board

•  HB 2464 Adding additional requirements to the Ethics Act

•  HB 2475 Including certain records of the Division of Juvenile Services in the exemptions from disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act

•  HB 2648 Increasing the faculty senate allotment for classroom teachers and librarians

•  HB 2521 Eliminating the requirement of serving domestic violence orders by certified mail

•  HB 2370 Removing the Commissioner of the Bureau for Public Health from professional licensure boards

•  HB 2556 Resetting the expiration date of provisions that allow the employment of retired teachers as substitutes beyond the post-retirement employment limit

•  HB 2520 Relating to centers for housing young adult offenders

•  HB 2525 Relating to the practice of social work

By contrast, the Senate has introduced 340 bills and has passed three bills which are now being considered by House of Delegates committees. They are:

•  SB 60 - Authorizing probation officers’ supervision of sex offenders pending availability of multi-judicial officer

•  SB 71 - Making child neglect creating substantial risk of bodily harm a misdemeanor

•  SB 80 - Redefining basis for disqualification of prospective jurors

Overall, one bill, House Bill 2001, has completed legislative action and awaits action by the Executive.

Recently, I mentioned the Marcellus Shale, and development potentials.  Continuing in that vein of what will be a very important development in West Virginia; lawmakers here in Charleston received a report this week from the WVU Bureau of Business and Economic Research which said that gas industry employment jumped 34% between 2001 and 2009, mainly because of Marcellus drilling, which accounted for around 7,600 jobs.

Marcellus drilling also contributed some $2.3 billion in business volume to the overall economy in 2009, the report stated, and some $14.5 million in sales, income and business franchise taxes.  The WVU study says more than 2,800 permits have been issued in West Virginia for Marcellus wells, and drilling is under way in 45 of the 55 counties. According to the projections in the study, jobs related directly to Marcellus Shale drilling could grow to 19,600 by 2015.

The report further stated that the economic and revenue impacts of the natural gas industry and the Marcellus Shale development are substantive. We were also told that similar studies will be conducted in the coming years, so we will be learning more about these matters from the results of these studies.

The House Finance and Judiciary Committees also held this week a joint hearing to better inform members of other facets regarding this issue.  It was the first in what we hope will be a series of meetings designed to provide House members with a sort of crash course on what could be the biggest gas natural gas discovery in our lifetimes.

The Marcellus Shale, according to numerous sources, holds enough recoverable natural gas to meet the nation’s needs for 20 years.  It is critically important that we fully understand the scope of this issue before we legislate.  I want to encourage the development and production of oil and gas in West Virginia, but we want to make sure it’s done responsibly, creating West Virginia jobs, with the rights of all affected parties, landowners, drillers and others, in mind.

How to Contact
Please send address your inquiries to the Capitol Office at: Building 1, Room 226-M, Charleston, WV 25305.  Or, call the Capitol office at 304.340.3220 or my Assistant to the Majority Leader, Mr. Tom Bennett at 304.340.3262 or fax to 304.340.3213.  If you have an interest in any particular bill or issue, please let me know.

For those with Internet access, my e-mail address is “Boggs34@aol.com”. You also may obtain additional legislative information, including the copies of bills, conference reports, daily summaries, interim highlights, and other information from the Legislature’s web site at www.legis.state.wv.us/.  If you write or leave a message, please remember to include your phone number with your inquiry and any details you can provide.  Additional information, including agency links and state government phone directory may be found at www.wv.gov and on the Facebook site of the West Virginia Legislature.

Conclusion
Remember to thank a veteran for their service to our nation and continue to remember our troops - at home and abroad - and keep them and their families in your thoughts and prayers.  Until next week – take care.

G-Comm: To Really Learn, Quit Studying and Take a Test

The research, published online in the Journal Science, found that students who read a passage, then took a test asking them to recall what they had read, retained about 50% more of the information a week later than students who used two other methods.

One of those methods — repeatedly studying the material — is familiar to legions of students who cram before exams.

The other — having students draw detailed diagrams documenting what they are learning — is prized by many teachers because it forces students to make connections among facts.

These other methods not only are popular, the researchers reported; they also seem to give students the illusion that they know material better than they do.

In the experiments, the students were asked to predict how much they would remember a week after using one of the methods to learn the material. Those who took the test after reading the passage predicted they would remember less than the other students predicted — but the results were just the opposite.

“I think that learning is all about retrieving, all about reconstructing our knowledge,” said the lead author, Jeffrey Karpicke, an assistant professor of psychology at Purdue University. “I think that we’re tapping into something fundamental about how the mind works when we talk about retrieval.”

Several cognitive scientists and education experts said the results were striking.

The students who took the recall tests may “recognize some gaps in their knowledge,” said Marcia Linn, an education professor at the University of California, Berkeley, “and they might revisit the ideas in the back of their mind or the front of their mind.”

When they are later asked what they have learned, she went on, they can more easily “retrieve it and organize the knowledge that they have in a way that makes sense to them.”

The researchers engaged 200 college students in two experiments, assigning them to read several paragraphs about a scientific subject — how the digestive system works, for example, or the different types of vertebrate muscle tissue.

In the first experiment, the students were divided into four groups. One did nothing more than read the text for five minutes. Another studied the passage in four consecutive five-minute sessions.

A third group engaged in “concept mapping,” in which, with the passage in front of them, they arranged information from the passage into a kind of diagram, writing details and ideas in hand-drawn bubbles and linking the bubbles in an organized way.

The final group took a “retrieval practice” test. Without the passage in front of them, they wrote what they remembered in a free-form essay for 10 minutes. Then they reread the passage and took another retrieval practice test.

A week later all four groups were given a short-answer test that assessed their ability to recall facts and draw logical conclusions based on the facts.

The second experiment focused only on concept mapping and retrieval practice testing, with each student doing an exercise using each method. In this initial phase, researchers reported, students who made diagrams while consulting the passage included more detail than students asked to recall what they had just read in an essay.

But when they were evaluated a week later, the students in the testing group did much better than the concept mappers. They even did better when they were evaluated not with a short-answer test but with a test requiring them to draw a concept map from memory.

Why retrieval testing helps is still unknown. Perhaps it is because by remembering information we are organizing it and creating cues and connections that our brains later recognize.

“When you’re retrieving something out of a computer’s memory, you don’t change anything — it’s simple playback,” said Robert Bjork, a psychologist at the University of California, Los Angeles, who was not involved with the study.

But “when we use our memories by retrieving things, we change our access” to that information, Dr. Bjork said. “What we recall becomes more recallable in the future. In a sense you are practicing what you are going to need to do later.”

It may also be that the struggle involved in recalling something helps reinforce it in our brains.

Maybe that is also why students who took retrieval practice tests were less confident about how they would perform a week later.

“The struggle helps you learn, but it makes you feel like you’re not learning,” said Nate Kornell, a psychologist at Williams College. “You feel like: ‘I don’t know it that well. This is hard and I’m having trouble coming up with this information.’ ”

By contrast, he said, when rereading texts and possibly even drawing diagrams, “you say: ‘Oh, this is easier. I read this already.’ ”

The Purdue study supports findings of a recent spate of research showing learning benefits from testing, including benefits when students get questions wrong. But by comparing testing with other methods, the study goes further.

“It really bumps it up a level of importance by contrasting it with concept mapping, which many educators think of as sort of the gold standard,” said Daniel Willingham, a psychology professor at the University of Virginia. Although “it’s not totally obvious that this is shovel-ready — put it in the classroom and it’s good to go — for educators this ought to be a big deal.”

Howard Gardner, an education professor at Harvard who advocates constructivism — the idea that children should discover their own approach to learning, emphasizing reasoning over memorization — said in an e-mail that the results “throw down the gauntlet to those progressive educators, myself included.”

“Educators who embrace seemingly more active approaches, like concept mapping,” he continued, “are challenged to devise outcome measures that can demonstrate the superiority of such constructivist approaches.”

Testing, of course, is a highly charged issue in education, drawing criticism that too much promotes rote learning, swallows valuable time for learning new things and causes excessive student anxiety.

“More testing isn’t necessarily better,” said Dr. Linn, who said her work with California school districts had found that asking students to explain what they did in a science experiment rather than having them simply conduct the hands-on experiment — a version of retrieval practice testing — was beneficial. “Some tests are just not learning opportunities. We need a different kind of testing than we currently have.”

Dr. Kornell said that “even though in the short term it may seem like a waste of time,” retrieval practice appears to “make things stick in a way that may not be used in the classroom.

“It’s going to last for the rest of their schooling, and potentially for the rest of their lives.”

~~  By PAM BELLUCK – The New York Times ~~

WV Attorney General Accusing DirectBuy of Tricking WV Customers

The West Virginia Attorney General’s Office has accused DirectBuy and a local franchise of tricking consumers into joining the buying club.

The Charleston Gazette reports that the office’s Consumer Protection Division sued Indiana-based DirectBuy, DirectBuy of Charleston-Huntington and the local franchise’s owner this week in Kanawha County Circuit Court.

The lawsuit claims the company uses bait-and-switch tactics. It asks the court to bar the company from engaging in high-pressure sales tactics or entering into any contracts without first disclosing their full terms.

A DirectBuy spokeswoman told the newspaper that the company wouldn’t comment on pending litigation.

Foundation Aims for New Music Instruments Across West Virginia

In the nine years Leigh Ann Smith has taught music in West Virginia’s Mingo County, she’s had to do it with a misfit collection of used instruments: a few trumpets, some saxophones and a snare drum.

It was never enough to start a full-fledged band at Mingo County’s Kermit Area School. That changed when the school got $30,000 in instruments and equipment from the VH1 Save the Music Foundation.

Smith said she knew from her students’ reactions at an assembly to announce the donation that lives were about to change.

“When the kids came to class, they were just bouncing off the walls,“ she said. “This was a great boost for our music program. Most of these kids couldn’t afford instruments on their own.“

Kermit is one of eight schools in West Virginia to get a boost from the foundation, which for the first time since its inception in 1997 is aiming to get new instruments at a school in every county in one state.

“We’re looking to at first take the program statewide so that we have a footprint in all 55 counties,“ said Rob Davidson, the foundation’s program director. “And then long-term the goal is to fully restore music education K through 8, which is where our mission is, throughout the state. That will take many, many years. But that’s our end goal.“

That’s a lot of instruments. While the foundation fully funded the instruments for the first eight schools, officials hope state and local agencies will match future donations.

Save The Music, dedicated to restoring instrumental music programs in public elementary and middle schools, has donated $47 million in new musical equipment and helped music programs in 1,700 schools in 100 cities nationwide. The foundation requires schools to have an instrumental music teacher and provide music instruction.

Randall Reid-Smith, commissioner of the state Division of Culture and History, said foundation officials have committed about $1.7 million to equipping one school in every county with instruments over the next six years.

At Kermit, all 28 of Smith’s sixth-graders now have something to play. VH1’s donation included 11 clarinets, eight flutes, six trumpets, four trombones, three alto saxophones, and a ready-made percussion section with snare and bass drums, cymbals and marching bells.

Music is more fun now for sixth-grader Brittany Block, who said she often takes her trumpet home to practice.

“When I get bored, I pick it up and start playing it, and when I get my chores done,“ she said.

Classmate Joseph Sturgell had never played an alto sax before he was handed one in Smith’s class. Now he’s hooked.

“I just looked at it and thought it was cool,“ he said.

That’s music to their teacher’s ears.

When the instruments arrived, “I heard a lot of ‘I can’t do this,‘“ Smith said. “Some of them have really surprised me. They’re finding out they have the confidence to do this.“

They even persuaded her to let them perform “Jingle Bells” at a Christmas concert, even though she didn’t think they were ready.

Kermit students now practice in class and once a week after school, and they’re looking forward to performing at the school’s spring concert. Many say they want to continue playing into high school and perhaps college. However, Davidson said the goal isn’t creating future musicians - but making kids passionate about learning.

“If nothing else, music engages kids in school,“ Davidson said. “It gives them a reason to want to be in school. It gets them to come to school, which is the first step in getting them a great education is getting them in the door.“

~~  AP ~~

Another Defeat for Pioneers, This Time by Cardinals

Wheeling Jesuit tickled the twine on 42 of its 60 shots on the night (70%), helping the squad knock off 104-76 Saturday evening.

GSC was paced by Justin Caldwell’s 17 points.

Jeffrey Lewis came off the bench to account for 15 points and eight rebounds in 19 minutes of action.

Nick Dent added 14 in the loss.

WJU raced out to a 55-34 halftime advantage behind a 76.7% performance in the first 20 minutes from the field.

Steve Catich led the way with 21 points, 15 of which came from behind the three-point line.

Brad DuPont added 16 while Andre Harris and Ben Siefert each netted 14.

Obi Ukwuoma and Joe Suchy both reached double figures. WJU sank 11 threes in the contest.

——————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
VISITORS: Glenville State 3-12 (3-9)
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
01 Nick Dent…........ *  5-16   3-14   1-2    1  0  1   1  14  1  4  0  1  29
05 Nate Cash…........ *  1-2    0-0    2-2    4  2  6   1   4  0  1  2  1  21
15 Justin Caldwell….. *  6-15   1-4    4-4    1  1  2   1  17  1  2  0  0  25
21 Jonathan Bevins….. *  1-2    1-1    4-6    1  1  2   3   7  0  0  1  1  19
24 Brantz O’Briant….. *  0-2    0-2    0-0    0  1  1   0   0  1  1  0  0   9
02 Zach Burkhammer…..    0-1    0-1    0-0    0  1  1   0   0  1  0  0  0   4
03 Octavius Hinnant….    0-2    0-2    0-0    0  0  0   4   0  1  1  0  0  15
04 Filip Milcnovic…..    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  2  2   0   0  1  0  0  0   8
11 Delorean White…...    3-5    1-3    0-0    1  1  2   1   7  1  1  0  1  20
20 Janko Popovic…....    2-7    1-5    2-4    3  0  3   1   7  0  1  0  1  16
22 Jeffrey Lewis…....    5-7    0-0    5-7    4  4  8   4  15  2  4  0  2  19
23 Antuane Richardson..    2-2    0-0    1-2    1  0  1   1   5  0  1  0  1  15
   TEAM….............                         1  1  2
   Totals…...........   25-61   7-32  19-27  17 14 31  17  76  9 16  3  8 200
 
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 12-33 36.4%   2nd Half: 13-28 46.4%   Game: 41.0%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  4-15 26.7%   2nd Half:  3-17 17.6%   Game: 21.9%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  6-10 60.0%   2nd Half: 13-17 76.5%   Game: 70.4%    4
 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
HOME TEAM: Wheeling Jesuit Univ 9-6 (6-6)
                          TOT-FG  3-PT         REBOUNDS
## Player Name            FG-FGA FG-FGA FT-FTA OF DE TOT PF  TP  A TO BLK S MIN
11 Brad DuPont…...... *  6-8    4-6    0-0    0  3  3   1  16  3  3  1  2  26
20 Ben Siefert…...... *  6-6    2-2    0-0    0  3  3   1  14  5  3  0  2  30
21 Andre Harris…..... *  5-7    2-2    2-2    0  3  3   2  14  4  0  0  1  31
30 Steve Catich…..... *  8-11   0-0    5-9    1  3  4   2  21  1  2  0  0  25
40 Obi Ukwuoma…...... *  6-9    0-0    1-2    0  4  4   2  13  2  1  0  0  24
10 Philip Green….....    1-2    1-1    0-0    1  0  1   0   3  0  2  0  0   8
24 Pete Brogdon….....    1-3    1-3    0-0    0  0  0   2   3  1  0  0  0   8
25 Joe Suchy…........    5-7    1-3    0-0    3  2  5   1  11  2  1  0  0  13
31 Marquis Moore…....    1-1    0-0    0-0    0  2  2   4   2  3  0  0  0  11
34 Joe Prati…........    0-1    0-1    0-0    0  1  1   2   0  0  0  0  0   9
42 Tyler Ferrell…....    2-3    0-0    1-2    1  0  1   2   5  0  3  0  0   9
44 Justin Andes….....    1-2    0-1    0-0    0  1  1   0   2  0  0  0  0   3
45 Chris Gomes…......    0-0    0-0    0-0    0  0  0   0   0  0  0  0  0   3
   TEAM….............                         1  1  2
   Totals…...........   42-60  11-19   9-15   7 23 30  19 104 21 15  1  5 200
 
TOTAL FG% 1st Half: 23-30 76.7%   2nd Half: 19-30 63.3%   Game: 70.0%  DEADB
3-Pt. FG% 1st Half:  5-7  71.4%   2nd Half:  6-12 50.0%   Game: 57.9%   REBS
F Throw % 1st Half:  4-9  44.4%   2nd Half:  5-6  83.3%   Game: 60.0%    3
 ———————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————————
Officials: Brad Roos, Todd Gallupe, Charlie Harford
Technical fouls: Glenville State-None. Wheeling Jesuit Univ-None.
Attendance:
Score by Periods                1st  2nd   Total
Glenville State…............   34   42  -   76
Wheeling Jesuit Univ….......   55   49  -  104

Poll Result: Shelter for Abused Women

•  They just need to start packin’ 38’s, problem solved.
•  Gilmer Co. is too small to guarantee their safety. Anyone would be able to find them.
•  WV is reported to have one of the highest rates of abuse and Gilmer is not immune.
•  How about a place for abused men? There are more of them abused by women!
•  If Hough did his job the abusers would be GONE.
•  Maybe safe houses for abused women but not a large shelter .
•  One of the closet shelters is in Harrison County. That’s too far away.
•  If we can’t stop the high rate of domestic violence, yes.
•  I would hope not - guess there’s more abused women than we know about - so maybe yes.
•  Since HOUGH made it open season on the rape of white women at the college!

Bon Appétit: Slow Cooker Italian-Style Meat Loaf

Ingredients:
1 pound lean ground turkey
1 medium onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup fresh, soft whole wheat bread crumbs (from 1 slice) 
1/2 cup sliced mushrooms
1 egg
1 tablespoon dijon mustard
1 tablespoon Penzeys Spices Pizza Seasoning
2 cups marinara sauce
1/2 cup reduced-sodium chicken broth
2 cups brown rice, cooked

Directions:
COMBINE the turkey, onion, bread crumbs, mushrooms, egg, mustard, and seasoning in a large bowl.
Form into a round loaf.
COMBINE the marinara sauce and broth in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Place the meat loaf on top, spoon sauce over the meat loaf, and cook on high for 4 hours, turning and spooning sauce on the top after 2 hours.
SERVE over the brown rice.

Daily G-Eye : 01.31.11

Stargazing - 01.31.11

The Big Dipper wheels around the North Star like an hour-hand on a giant clock, ticking off the hours of the night.

And winter is an especially good time to watch it, because it’s in good view pretty much all night long.

Meditation Moment - 01.31.11

‘Happy are the poor in spirit.’

What could this possibly mean?

Surely God isn’t asking us to be spiritually poor?

The first reading from Zephaniah urges the people of God to ‘seek integrity, seek humility’.

If we are truly humble, seeking integrity and fullness of life in God, we cannot do this by ourselves.

We need to become as little children, dependent on God for our spiritual food.

We need to become dependent on the message of Jesus to guide our way.

We need to become dependent on God, using our gifts with integrity, humble in our gratitude for that which God has gifted us.

The kingdom of heaven is here and now.

If only we could recognise that we are ‘poor’—forever hungry for God.

For it is only our loving God who can feed us spiritually.

Zephaniah 2:3; 3:12-13. Happy the poor in spirit; the kingdom of heaven is theirs! Ps 145(146):7-10. 1 Corinthians 1:26-31. Matthew 5:1-12.

Georgia Viola Jett

Georgia Viola Jett
Age 99, of Harrisville, WV, passed away, Sunday, January 30, 2011, at Parkersburg, WV.

She was born June 08, 1911 at Washburn, WV, a daughter of the late Ira and Bessie Reed Rexroad.

Georgia had been employed by the Economy Industries, of Harrisville, WV, for 40 years.

She was a member of the Harrisville Apostolic Church for more than 50 years.

She is survived by two daughters, Pearl Mackey, Harrisville, WV, and Mary Goodnight, Pike, WV; three sons, James Robert Jett, Central City, KY, Army Command Sergeant Retired Carl Jett, Uhrichsville, OH, and John Jett, Finley, OH; sixteen grandchildren, including two special grandchildren, Glenda and Cathy; several great grandchildren and several great great grandchildren; care givers Theresa Hartness, Roberta Foster and Cheryl.

In addition to her parents, Georgia was preceded in death by her husband, DeWitt Jett, brother, Ashford Rexroad; sisters, Maude Fredrick, May Garver, Ruby Kiser, Mable Tanzey and Mildred Basnet; and one grandchild.

The family would like to say thank you to Jason for his kindness.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, February 01, 2011 at the Harrisville Apostolic Church at 11:00 AM with the Rev. Alan Adams and Carl Jett Officiating.

Burial will be in the Harrisville I.O.O.F. Cemetery.

Friends may call at the Raiguel Funeral Home, Harrisville, WV, from 4:00 until 8:00 PM on Monday, January 31, 2011 and at the church one hour before the service on Tuesday.

01.31.11

Today - January 31, yyyy

Today is Monday, Jan. 31, the 31st day of 2011. There are 334 days left in the year.

Thought for Today: “We live in a moment of history where change is so speeded up that we begin to see the present only when it is disappearing.“ - R.D. Laing, Scottish psychiatrist (1927-1989).

Today’s Highlight in History:

On Jan. 31, 1961, NASA launched Ham the Chimp aboard a Mercury-Redstone rocket from Cape Canaveral; Ham was recovered safely from the Atlantic Ocean following his 16 1/2-minute suborbital flight.

On this date:

In 1606, Guy Fawkes, convicted of treason for his part in the “Gunpowder Plot” against the English Parliament and King James I, was executed.

In 1865, Gen. Robert E. Lee was named general-in-chief of all the Confederate armies.

In 1917, during World War I, Germany served notice it was beginning a policy of unrestricted submarine warfare.

In 1929, revolutionary Leon Trotsky and his family were expelled from the Soviet Union.

In 1944, during World War II, U.S. forces began a successful invasion of Kwajalein Atoll and other parts of the Japanese-held Marshall Islands.

In 1945, Pvt. Eddie Slovik, 24, became the first U.S. soldier since the Civil War to be executed for desertion as he was shot by an American firing squad in France.

In 1950, President Harry S. Truman announced he had ordered development of the hydrogen bomb.

In 1958, the United States entered the Space Age with its first successful launch of a satellite into orbit, Explorer I.

In 1971, astronauts Alan Shepard, Edgar Mitchell and Stuart Roosa blasted off aboard Apollo 14 on a mission to the moon.

In 2000, an Alaska Airlines jet plummeted into the Pacific Ocean, killing all 88 people aboard.

Ten years ago:
•  A Scottish court sitting in the Netherlands convicted one Libyan, acquitted a second, in the 1988 bombing of Pan Am Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland. (Abdel Basset Ali al-Megrahi (AHB’-dehl BAH’-seht AH’-lee ahl-meh-GRAH’-hee) was given a life sentence, but was released after eight years on compassionate grounds by Scotland’s government.)
•  Without any fanfare, the state of Georgia hoisted its new flag above its statehouse, one featuring a smaller Confederate battle emblem.
•  Michel Navratil, one of the last known survivors of the sinking of the Titanic, died in Montpellier, France, at age 92.

Five years ago:
•  In his State of the Union address, President George W. Bush declared that America had to break its long dependence on Mideast oil and rebuked critics of his stay-the-course strategy for the unpopular war in Iraq.
•  Supreme Court nominee Samuel Alito was sworn in after winning Senate confirmation.
•  The Senate approved Ben Bernanke as chairman of the Federal Reserve.
•  British ballerina and actress Moira Shearer died in Oxford, England, at age 80.

One year ago:
•  The annual World Economic Forum concluded a five-day meeting in Davos, Switzerland, with widespread agreement that a fragile recovery was under way but no consensus on what was going to spur job growth.
•  Roger Federer easily beat Andy Murray 6-3, 6-4, 7-6 (11) for a fourth Australian Open championship.
•  The AFC beat the NFC 41-34 in the Pro Bowl, played ahead of the Super Bowl for the first time.
•  Beyonce collected six trophies to become the most decorated female artist at a Grammy ceremony; Taylor Swift won four Grammys, including album of the year.

Today’s Birthdays:
Actress Carol Channing is 90
Baseball Hall-of-Famer Ernie Banks is 80
Composer Philip Glass is 74
Former Interior Secretary James Watt is 73
Queen Beatrix of the Netherlands is 73
Actor Stuart Margolin is 71
Actress Jessica Walter is 70
Former U.S. Rep. Dick Gephardt, D-Mo., is 70
Blues singer-musician Charlie Musselwhite is 67
Actor Glynn Turman is 65
Baseball Hall-of-Famer Nolan Ryan is 64
Singer-musician Harry Wayne Casey (KC and the Sunshine Band) is 60
Rock singer Johnny Rotten is 55
Actress Kelly Lynch is 52
Actor Anthony LaPaglia is 52
Singer-musician Lloyd Cole is 50
Rock musician Jeff Hanneman (Slayer) is 47
Rock musician Al Jaworski (Jesus Jones) is 45
Actress Minnie Driver is 41
Actress Portia de Rossi is 38
Actor-comedian Bobby Moynihan is 34
Actress Kerry Washington is 34
Singer Justin Timberlake is 30

WV Lawmakers Renew Seat Belt Bill

West Virginia is in the minority among the 50 states without a primary offense seat belt law, but Senate Judiciary Chairman Corey Palumbo is making a third straight effort to change that.

Palumbo introduced another in a series of such bills Friday, hoping to reform the law so that police can write a traffic ticket for any motorist not wearing a seat belt.

As a secondary offense, an officer must spot a moving violation of another variety before issuing a ticket for failure to wear a seat belt.

Palumbo isn’t sure how his bill, always passed in the Senate, will be greeted if it advances to the House of Delegates.

“I have no idea,“ he said. “It just never gets any traction in the House for some reason. We’ve been able to pass it out of the Senate the last two years.“

Thirty-one states now have primary offense laws on their books. Texas imposes the largest fine of $200. In West Virginia, the penalty is $25 as a secondary offense.

Two years ago, the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration learned that more than 23,000 people died as occupants in accidents, and 55% were riding unrestrained. The agency says lap/shoulder belts cut the risk of fatal injuries to front seat passengers by 45% and the possibility of moderate-to-critical injuries by 50%.

Moreover, the NHTSA says that states with primary seat belt enforcement laws witness use rates that are 10 to 15% higher than those with secondary offense statutes.

The NHTSA says that some 13,250 lives were saved in 2008 and 12,713 others in 2009 by the use of seat belts. If all passenger vehicle occupants over the age of 5 had been restrained, another 4,152 lives would have been spared in 2008 and 3,688 more in 2009.

“And there is a certain amount of medical expenses not being incurred because of the reduction in those injuries,“ Palumbo said.

For some time, the state would have been able to draw down $2 million a year from the federal government with a primary offense law, he pointed out. “We may have blown the window on that,“ Palumbo said. “I’m not sure if that’s still available.“

~~  AP ~~

Gilmer County’s Birthday‏

Gilmer County, WV will be 166 years old on February 03, 2011.

Marion Reed, representing the Historical Society is having a Birthday Party for Gilmer County.

She will be having cake and refreshments on Thursday, February 03, 2011 at the Gilmer County Courthouse from 12:00 Noon to 2:00 PM.

Everyone is Welcome to this celebration.

WV Governor Announces Drop-Out Prevention Initiative

Governor Earl Ray Tomblin along with Department of Education State Schools Superintendent Ted Mattern, and Higher Education Policy Commission Chancellor Brian Noland today announced a drop-out prevention initiative and legislative proposal.

“I am deeply concerned that too many of our young, bright minds are disconnected from the benefits of a good education,” Gov. Tomblin said. “This Legislative Session, I have proposed a program that will enable schools and communities to come together and develop localized drop-out prevention programs so they can meet the needs of their students and hopefully and make a significant impact on the drop-out rate. My proposal, if passed by the Legislature, will enable these programs to apply for state funding.”

A report prepared by the Everyone Graduates Center at Johns Hopkins University, with support from the National Governors’ Association, and issued in November 2010, shows West Virginia students begin to show warning signs of dropping out of school as early as middle school. The most prevalent signs are low attendance, behavior issues, and course failure. Using individual student level data from the 2008-2009 school year, the report looked at sixth and ninth grade students across the state. The report identifies the number of students-in-need, their location by individual school and specific county-by-county data. In addition to the Everyone Graduates Center report, a recommendation report entitled Achieving Graduation for all West Virginians can be found at:

https://www.wvhepc.org/resources/Drop_Out_Prevention_Report.pdf
https://www.wvhepc.org/resources/Drop_Out_Prevention_Report_Appendix_A.pdf
https://www.wvhepc.org/resources/Recommendations_from_NGA_Planning_Grant.pdf

“One dropout is one too many.  We have created a holistic approach to dropout prevention that includes the development of an early warning system, expanding credit recovery opportunities and creating earlier access to career and technical programs,” State Superintendent Ted Mattern said. “The governor’s proposal is an extremely important step in our plans to mobilize local community partnerships, such as we have on the state level. It is through partnerships that we will create an environment in our communities where we all own the issue of graduating all students ready for college and/or careers.”

“In order to ensure that students are able to capitalize on the opportunities presented by higher education, we must guarantee that more students receive proper tools and training in secondary education,” Chancellor Noland said.  “If drop-out prevention methods are provided and applied, we can open the doors to college access for at-risk students who may forgo their pursuit of a quality education and future opportunities.”

The Governor’s proposal, known as Senate Bill 228 is sponsored by Acting Senate President Jeff Kessler (D- Marshall) and Senate Minority Leader Mike Hall (R- Putnam). The proposal in the House of Delegates, HB 2739, is sponsored by Speaker Rick Thompson (D- Wayne) and House Minority Leader Tim Armstead (R- Kanawha).

West Fork Conservation District Supervisors Meeting – 02.01.11

The West Fork Conservation District Board of Supervisors monthly meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 01, 2011 at the USDA Service Center, Mt Clare, WV.

The meeting starts at 9:00 AM.

Contact Dinah Hannah, Administrative Officer, at 304.627.2160 for further information.

The West Fork Conservation District in West Virginia is comprised of the following four (4) counties located in the northern-central portion of the state:

•  Doddridge County
•  Gilmer County
•  Harrison County
•  Lewis County

Recalls - 01.28.11

PAINTBALL MARKERS
KEE Action Sports LLC is recalling BT SA-17 Paintball Gun/Marker sold nationwide from May 2010 to August 2010.
When users attempt to pierce the CO2 cartridge by closing the lever to the cartridge chamber, the cartridge can fly out of the marker, posing an injury hazard.
The marker is made of aluminum and resembles a pistol.
It is black with model number BT SA-17 printed on both sides.
It uses a horizontally-fed magazine and requires a 12g CO2 cartridge.
Consumers should return the markers to KEE or the retailer from which the product was purchased for a free repair or contact KEE at 800.220.3222 between 9 AM and 5 PM CT, or visit www.paintballsolutions.com for the repair parts and installation instructions.

CRIBS
The Land of Nod Recalls is recalling Rosebud drop-side cribs sold nationwide from January 2003 to September 2004.
The drop-side rail hardware on the cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib.
When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side rail and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing risks of suffocation and strangulation.
This recall includes “Rosebud” cribs manufactured by Status Furniture.
“Status Furniture” appears on crib labeling on the lower portion of the headboard.
Model number “910” appears on the assembly instructions.
Consumers should contact The Land of Nod at 800.933.9904 between 8:30 AM and 5 PM CT Monday through Friday, or visit www.landofnod.com to receive instructions on how to receive a merchandise credit.

TOY TANKS
Family Dollar Stores Inc. is recalling remote-controlled toy tanks sold exclusively at Family Dollar stores nationwide from September 2010 to December 2010.
The tank’s controller can overheat and melt, posing a burn hazard.
This recalled product is the Authentic Heroes Target Practice Tank play set, a remote-controlled green toy tank attached by a cable to a gray battery-powered controller.
The controller is marked “Target Practice Tank Play Set.“
Consumers should return the toy to a Family Dollar store for a full refund.
Consumers can also contact Family Dollar at 800.547.0359 between 8:30 AM and 5 PM ET, Monday through Friday, or visit www.familydollar.com.

BUTTERFLY PLUSH TOY
Kang Sheng Group is recalling butterfly push toy sold at flea markets in North and South Carolina from May 2020 to October 2010.
The plastic balls on the butterfly’s wings can break, causing small metal balls inside to come free.
These metal balls pose choking and aspiration hazards.
The recalled toy is plastic.
It has a 21-inch long handle hooked like a cane.
At the end of the handle is a butterfly with two movable 1 1/2-inch balls in each wing.
The item number L185819 is on a sticker on the package.
Consumers should return the toy to the place of purchase or contact Kang Sheng Group at 877.485.7285 between 9 AM and 5 PM ET to receive a full refund or replacement.

SWIVEL CHAIRS
Steelcase Inc. is recalling Cachet Swivel Chairs sold nationwide from May 2002 to November 2009.
The front seat support part of the chair can crack and fail, posing a fall hazard.
This recall involves all Steelcase Cachet swivel chairs with model number 487 manufactured between May 2002 and October 15, 2009.
The model number and manufacture date are printed on a label on the underside of the base of the chair.
Consumers should contact Steelcase at 800.391.7194 between 8 AM and 5 PM ET Monday through Friday or visit recall.steelcase.com to arrange for replacement.

Election of WV Governor‏

As of right now House Bill 2552 introduced on January 19, 2011 has not moved in this legislative session.

I would like to ask that all registered voters of any party in Gilmer County and throughout the state contact your legislators regarding your desire whether to have a public primary election for the office of WV Governor or to have members of party convention decide your candidate.

In addition, February 17, 2011 is WV Women’s Day at the Legislature.

If you are interested in attending please contact me at 304.462.8118 as we are trying to set up transportation to and from the event.

Respectfully,
Norma Hurley
President, Gilmer County Democrat Women

NASCAR Makes Changes for 2011

G-Comm: U.S. Slips to 9th Freest Economy

We’re No. 9!

America has slipped one spot since last year — from Earth’s eighth freest economy in 2010, according to 2011′s Index of Economic Freedom. This 17th annual report, jointly published by the Heritage Foundation and the Wall Street Journal, sifts through the wreckage caused by government’s turbocharged acceleration during the Bush-Obama years. America’s slumping score (down from No. 5 in 2008) confirms the urgent need for Washington, D.C. to revitalize free markets and restrain government intervention.

Among the Index’s 179 countries, Hong Kong is rated first, followed by Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Switzerland, Canada, Ireland, and Denmark. These nations all outscored the US across 10 categories, including taxes, free trade, regulation, monetary policy, and corruption.

America barely made the Top 10. Bahrain was tenth, with 77.7 points, one decimal point behind America’s 77.8 rating. Chile reached No. 11 with 77.4, just 0.4 points behind the US.

Even worse, with a score below 80, the US is spending its second year as a “mostly free” economy. As it departed the family of “free” nations in 2010, it led the “mostly free” category. Even within this less-than-illustrious group, America now lags behind Ireland and Denmark.

How did our once unassailable country wind up so winded?

“The national government’s role in the economy has expanded sharply in the past two years, and the federal budget deficit is extremely large, with gross public debt approaching 100% of GDP,” explain the Index’s authors, Terry Miller and Kim R. Holmes. “Interventionist responses to the economic slowdown have eroded economic freedom and long-term competitiveness. Drastic legislative changes in health care and financial regulations have retarded job creation and injected substantial uncertainty into business investment planning.”

Miller and Holmes also criticize Washington for abandoning the free-trade posture of earlier years, an area where former Democratic President Bill Clinton boldly guided his party, starting with the NAFTA trade pact. Washington Democrats these days scorn Clinton’s successful example. As Miller and Holmes write: “Leadership and credibility in trade also have been undercut by protectionist policy stances and inaction on previously agreed free trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia.”

On fiscal freedom, the Index marks the U.S. below average. The top American federal income-tax rate is 35%, versus a worldwide average of 28.7%. At 35%, America’s federal corporate tax outpaces the world’s 24.8% average and increases US exports…of jobs. America’s overall average tax burden was 26.9% of GDP, compared to 24.4% globally.

America also suffers a below-average score for government spending. Worldwide, such expenditures average 33.5% of GDP; in the US: 38.9%.

Compare America to Rwanda, the Index’s most-improved nation. This landlocked African nation leapfrogged 18 spots, from No. 93 in 2010 to No. 75 today. How?

“Rwanda scores relatively high in business freedom, fiscal freedom, and labor freedom,” Miller and Holmes observe. “Personal and corporate tax rates are moderate. With a sound regulatory framework that is conducive to private-sector development, Rwanda has achieved annual economic growth of around 7% over the past five years.”

As I noted on my visit there last month, Rwanda remains poor, with a long list of challenges. Yet there is no denying its self-confidence and unflagging commitment to pro-market modernization, Rwanda is moving on up.

America remains blessed with wealth, durable institutions, and creative, clever, industrious citizens. Yet its self-doubt is fueled by an insatiable state that constantly devours more of the nation’s output, and with little to show for its gobbling. Depleted, America stumbles downhill.

Miller and Holmes surveyed the globe and reached this conclusion: Rather than multi-billion-dollar stimuli and 2,000-page regulatory behemoths, “The best results are likely to be achieved instead through policy reforms that improve incentives that drive entrepreneurial activity, creating greater opportunities for investment and job growth.”

The path back to American prosperity and pre-eminence lies in Washington’s bipartisan leadership abiding by the previous paragraph.

~~  By Deroy Murdock ~~

Weekly Horoscope: 01.30.11 - 02.05.11

Aries (Mar 21-Apr 19) - Put time and thought into what you do on the 30th. A lot is expected of you and its best if you are upfront about what you can and cannot finish. Focus on pleasantries on the 31st and 1st. It’s important to get along with everyone but don’t put up with a bully or anyone who puts pressure on you. Your demeanor will set the mood of others. You may encounter a wild ride on the 2nd and 3rd. Stick to what and whom you know best and you will stabilize the situation quickly. You are best to keep whatever you’ve been told a secret on the 4th and 5th. Being accused of spreading a rumor will hurt your reputation and cause a problem between you and someone you love.

Taurus (Apr 20-May 20) - Take a short trip to visit friends or relatives on the 30th. The people you share time with will give you plenty to think about along with some worthwhile suggestions that could potentially make your life easier. A change regarding your professional position is likely on the 31st and 1st. Don’t fret the outcome will be good for you regardless of what happens. Composure and acting responsibly will be what keeps you in the game. Don’t expect someone to help you out on the 2nd and 3rd without wanting something in return. Put more effort into gathering information on the 4th and 5th. Its what you know that will keep you out of trouble and in a position to fight back.

Gemini (May 21-Jun 20) - You will be tempted to spend what you have on the 30th. Discipline will be required and a good budget set in place. Your intuition coupled with favors owed will help you get ahead on the 31st and 1st. Make a move that allows you to use skills to the fullest. Become the master of your destiny and you will be successful. A partnership will make a difference to your future and the way you do things on the 2nd and 3rd. Put everything you want on paper before you decide to celebrate your victory. Expect someone to get in your way or cost you time and money on the 4th and 5th. Don’t pay for someone else’s mistake or make a donation to a cause you know little about.

Cancer (Jun 21-Jul 22) - You’ll tend to overreact on the 30th especially with matters pertaining to an important relationship you have with someone. Think before you say or do something you’ll regret. A positive change in your status is apparent. A money matter can be taken care of on the 31st and 1st that will ease your stress and enable you to plan for the future. Make a creative change to your living arrangements on the 2nd and 3rd and you will find a way to cut your overhead. Added discipline will help you take care of financial and medical concerns. Act on impulse on the 4th and 5th instead of hemming and hawing about what to do next. Your actions will let everyone know you mean business.

Leo (Jul 23-Aug 22) - You should be having fun with friends or your lover on the 30th but that doesn’t mean you should overdo it. Avoid being affluent or indulgent. A short trip to visit someone who has information or skills you would like to acquire will pay off on the 31st and 1st. An interesting proposal can easily turn into a partnership with added benefits. Consider what you have to offer monetarily on the 2nd and 3rd and you will be able to make a worthwhile investment that will bring a high return as well as put you in good company. Find ways to add comfort to your life on the 4th and 5th or to use unusual methods in order to accomplish personal goals that can help you improve your life.

Virgo (Aug 23-Sep 22) - Sharing your thoughts, knowledge and skills on the 30th with people who have similar agendas will help you get that much further ahead. Think outside the box on the 31st and 1st and you will come up with an alternative plan regarding personal improvements you want to make. Weed out what no longer works for you. Utilize a workspace at home on the 2nd and 3rd and you will get put a big dent in your to-do list. A progress nutritional lifestyle change should be incorporated into your everyday routine. Avoid overreacting overdoing and overindulging on the 4th and 5th as well as the people you know who tend to take you for granted or influence bad habits.

Libra (Sep 23-Oct 22) - Get out and about on the 30th. The less time spent at home or with family the less hassle you will face. Focus on you and your needs for a change. Your intuition won’t let you down on the 31st and 1st. Putting thought into what you would like to be doing and you will find your niche. Learning traveling and collaborating with creative people should be your intent. Make plans to get out with friend or colleagues on the 2nd and 3rd. Much can be accomplished if you share your ideas with potential business or personal partners. Take care of minor health issues on the 4th and 5th. Check out the latest natural remedies and nutritional diets. Better health will lead to greater efficiency.

Scorpio (Oct 23-Nov 21) - Don’t allow the past to haunt you on the 30th. You have to let go of what’s already transpired if you plan to move forward. Getting involved in conversations or taking a vacation that will bring you in contact with creative people on the 31st and 1st will pay off in what you learn and who you meet along the way. Problems at home will develop on the 2nd and 3rd if you have been neglectful or insensitive. Do something to compensate for any lack of acknowledgement you may have overlooked. Take care of a to-do list that will please the people who are near and dear to you on the 4th and 5th. Your gesture will save you from a difficult situation and potential loss.

Sagittarius (Nov 22-Dec 21) - Your erratic behavior on the 30th will not be viewed favorably by friends or family, before you make a promise make sure you can honor it. You’ll be questioning a professional decision on the 31st and 1st. If you made a mistake you are best to do whatever you can to fix what went wrong. Make contact with whoever was involved and make a new deal. Face-to-face meetings on the 2nd and 3rd will have a far greater impact. Do your best to keep up with technology but do not lose the human touch. Emotional problems will surface on the 4th and 5th if you haven’t shared your intentions with people affected by your decisions. You may want to backtrack.

Capricorn (Dec 22-Jan 19) - Secrets will get you into trouble on the 30th. Don’t divulge information or get involved in rumors that may hurt someone. Protect the ones you love. Don’t limit what you can and cannot do on the 31st and 1st because of a promise or responsibility you made or took on. You may have to do double duty to fit everything in but it will be worth your while. Mix the old with the new on the 2nd and 3rd and you will come up with a workable solution for whatever problems you face. Let technology help you move forward. Putting a little pressure on others on the 4th and 5th to be more supportive will help you accomplish something you’ve wanted to do for a long time.

Aquarius (Jan 20-Feb 18) - Ask for favors on the 30th and you will get the help you need. Someone you miss having around will be interested in your progress. Don’t give in to bad habits on the 31st and 1st. You have to protect your health wellbeing and your financial position if you want to avoid trouble with authority figures or people you are responsible to or for. Added discipline will help you accomplish your personal goals on the 2nd and 3rd. Your desire and determination will please the people who care about you most. Reaching out and making a difference to a cause you believe in on the 4th and 5th will encourage others to follow suit. You will impress someone who can change your life.

Pisces (Feb 19-Mar 20) - Don’t wait to be told what to do on the 30th or you will end up being criticized as well. You have to show initiative if you intend to fit in. You can make a difference on the 31st and 1st by offering your time, skills or cash to a worthwhile project. Your contribution will take someone important to you by surprise. A partnership looks quite favorable on the 2nd and 3rd. Do your best to discuss what you can offer and what you expect in return. Honest communication will lead to a good deal for both of you. You’ll be emotional on the 4th and 5th when it comes to personal relationships and how people treat you. Impulsive action will not help your situation. Observe for now.

NATIONAL and Local FEEDER & STOCKER CATTLE SUMMARY - WEEK ENDING 01.28.2011

RECEIPTS:        Auctions    Direct    Video/Internet     Total
This Week         312,000    62,400        24,500        398,900   
Last Week         354,400    83,700        68,500        506,600   
Last Year         275,300    60,200        13,600        349,100

Compared to last week, feeder cattle over 600 lbs sold weak to 5.00 lower with mounting pressure from lower CME cattle futures and losses in the cash fed cattle trade.

Steer and heifer calves under 600 lbs traded unevenly from 4.00 lower to 2.00 higher, but the number of auction markets and trade areas with lower prices outnumbered the higher locations by far.

This marked the first predominantly lower weekly nationwide feeder cattle market trend in ten straight weeks, since early November when prices began their vertical trajectory to all-time record highs.

The market finally ran out of steam; after shrugging off higher feedcosts, winter storms, and holiday interruptions.

The main culprit for lower feedlot replacements is the fact that no matter how liberal the estimation of feedlot performance, cattle would no longer hedge a profit or even a breakeven at last week’s highs.

Lighter calf prices were also pressured by the lower futures market, but more so by yet another snowstorm that crossed the country early in the week and the plainer offerings available as most of the top quality strings of lightweights have already been sold.

Direct fed cattle sales were mostly at 105.00 this week and have lost 1.00 in each of the last three weeks, while on-hoof slaughter cow prices have gained at least 10.00 over the same period of time in most areas.

Ground beef demand has recently risen as movement of the expensive retail cuts has slowed with boxed beef cut-out values struggling to maintain levels over 170.00 that are needed to keep live cattle prices from falling.

Higher beef prices are starting to hit home with many restaurants including McDonalds looking into raising menu prices.

Most showlist closeouts are still in the black, but cattle feeders are starting to get into finished pens that were higher priced feeder cattle - plus feedcosts have steadily risen.

Last Friday’s cattle-on-feed report was slightly bearish with higher than expected December placements as winter grazing was extremely short, but this Friday’s cattle inventory report showed another 1% drop in the overall size of our cattle herd (now only 92.6 million head, the smallest since 1958).

Feeder cattle prices may have reached a plateau on current beef, feed, and fed cattle prices.

But, many expect stocker calves to get even higher as spring approaches and most industry members feel that our cattle numbers are tighter than these published reports depict.

However, despite the lower market this week feeder cattle are still selling at outlandish levels as Valentine, Nebraska quoted a fancy load of 703 lb steers at 136.25 and Denison, Iowa sold 150 head of top quality 856 lbs steers at 126.00.

This week’s reported auction volume included 51% over 600 lbs and 43% heifers.

Auction Receipts:  312,000   Last Week:  354,400   Last Year:  275,300

Cattle Receipts:  27

Slaughter cows made up 40% of the offering, slaughter bulls 4%, and feeders 56%.

The feeder supply included 78% steers, 15% heifers, and 7% bulls.

Near 4% of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Feeder Steers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    215-215    215       127.00         127.00
    1    285-285    285       132.50         132.50
    1    295-295    295       110.00         110.00   Exotic
    1    360-360    360       138.00         138.00
    1    370-370    370       112.50         112.50   Exotic
    6    425-440    430    124.00-137.50     132.90
    6    465-476    472    134.50-136.00     135.51
    3    588-590    589    115.00-118.00     117.00
                             Medium and Large 2
    1    465-465    465       115.00         115.00

Feeder Heifers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    260-260    260       118.00         118.00
    3    382-382    382       120.00         120.00

Feeder Bulls                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    535-535    535       120.00         120.00
    1    700-700    700        52.00          52.00   RWF

Slaughter Cows                Breaker 70-80% Lean
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1   1550-1550  1550        71.50          71.50
                               Boner 80-85% Lean
    5   1365-1390  1376     63.50-68.00       65.36
    9   1450-1845  1614     65.00-67.50       65.94
                                Lean 85-90% Lean
    2   1180-1225  1203     54.50-59.00       56.79
    1   1035-1035  1035        45.00          45.00   Low Dressing
    1   1565-1565  1565        62.75          62.75

Slaughter Bulls                Yield Grade 1-2
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    2   1615-2205  1910     69.75-71.00       70.28

Cattle Receipts:  43   Total 55 head

Slaughter cows made up 79% of the offering, slaughter bulls 2%,
other cows 5%, and feeders 14%.

The feeder supply included 17% steers, 67% heifers, and 17% bulls.

Near 83% of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Feeder Steers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    720-720    720       102.00         102.00

Feeder Heifers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    3    620-620    620       100.00         100.00
                             Medium and Large 2
    1    420-420    420        96.00          96.00

Feeder Bulls                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    660-660    660       101.00         101.00

Slaughter Cows                Breaker 70-80% Lean
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1   1710-1710  1710        67.00          67.00
                               Boner 80-85% Lean
    6   1250-1355  1308     63.00-66.50       64.89
    3   1240-1380  1308     67.50-69.50       68.52   High Dressing
    5   1195-1315  1258     58.00-63.00       61.44   Low Dressing
    5   1410-1530  1469     63.00-66.50       64.68
    4   1420-1525  1475     67.50-72.00       69.53   High Dressing
    4   1405-1875  1585     60.50-63.50       62.24   Low Dressing
                                Lean 85-90% Lean
    6   1105-1330  1193     61.00-63.00       62.00   High Dressing

Heiferettes
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    2    950-975    963     72.00-74.00       72.99  

Slaughter Bulls                Yield Grade 1-2
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1   1380-1380  1380        70.00          70.00   High Dressing

Baby calves returned to the farm
 Head           Beef        Dairy
   2           102.50       130.00

Slaughter Hogs
 Head        Wt Range
   2         300-350lbs       56.00

Cattle Receipts:  107

Slaughter cows made up 21% of the offering, slaughter bulls 3%,
replacement cows 6%, and feeders 70%.

The feeder supply included 17% steers, 57% heifers, and 25% bulls.

Near 15% of the run weighed over 600 lbs.

Feeder Steers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    440-440    440       131.00         131.00
    4    456-480    462    123.00-134.00     125.86
    1    490-490    490       121.00         121.00   RWF
    3    510-510    510       125.00         125.00
    1    570-570    570       121.00         121.00
    1    862-862    862       104.00         104.00
    1   1045-1045  1045        92.50          92.50
                             Medium and Large 2
    1    600-600    600        83.00          83.00

Feeder Heifers                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    3    340-345    342    117.00-121.00     118.35
    3    395-397    396    115.00-120.00     116.66
    6    406-420    411    112.50-122.00     115.06
    8    450-472    458    114.00-117.00     116.01
    6    536-545    538    110.00-114.00     112.66
    6    551-595    562     96.00-110.00     104.26
    1    560-560    560        85.00          85.00   RWF
    4    610-610    610    107.00-111.00     109.00
    1    720-720    720        96.00          96.00
                             Medium and Large 2
    4    355-363    361    112.00-117.00     113.23
    1    510-510    510        76.00          76.00   Thin

Feeder Bulls                Medium and Large 1
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    4    431-445    435    126.00-131.00     127.28
    2    400-425    413    117.00-122.00     119.42   Red
    2    490-490    490       123.00         123.00
    2    450-485    468    105.00-126.00     115.89   Red
    2    552-552    552       114.50         114.50
    3    550-550    550        99.00          99.00   Smoke
    1    605-605    605       101.00         101.00
    1    690-690    690       100.00         100.00
    1    700-700    700        91.00          91.00   Red
                             Small 1
    1    425-425    425        97.00          97.00

Bred Cows                  Medium and Large 1 - 2 Young
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1    775-775    775       710.00         710.00   Per Head  4-6 Months Bred
    1    945-945    945       725.00         725.00   Per Head  4-6 Months Bred
    1   1525-1525  1525       960.00         960.00   Per Head  4-6 Months Bred
                            Medium and Large 1 - 2 Middle Aged
    1   1235-1235  1235       800.00         800.00   Per Head  1-3 Months Bred
    1   1190-1190  1190       850.00         850.00   Per Head  4-6 Months Bred
                            Medium and Large 1 - 2 Aged
    1    990-990    990       580.00         580.00   Per Head  4-6 Months Bred

Slaughter Cows                Breaker 70-80% Lean
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    5   1005-1265  1167     62.00-78.00       70.57   High Dressing
    3   1420-1550  1475     67.00-76.00       69.96   High Dressing
                               Boner 80-85% Lean
    1    790-790    790        30.00          30.00
    1    810-810    810        52.50          52.50   Low Dressing
    8   1030-1330  1140     51.00-67.50       57.73
    4   1080-1220  1138     61.50-66.50       64.54   High Dressing
                                Lean 85-90% Lean
    1    790-790    790        30.00          30.00   Low Dressing

Slaughter Bulls                Yield Grade 1-2
 Head   Wt Range   Avg Wt    Price Range   Avg Price
    1   1455-1455  1455        69.50          69.50
    1   1955-1955  1955        74.00          74.00
    1   2100-2100  2100        66.00          66.00   Low Dressing

Fat Cattle
 Head
    5   67.50-92.50

Baby Calves
 Head
    9   40.00-100.00

Goats
 Head
    13
    Kids      25.00-53.00
    Nannies  110.00-150.00
    Feeders   87.00-130.00
    Bucks    100.00-185.00

Slaughter Hogs
 Head 
    1     61.00

Daily G-Eye : 01.30.11