Classroom incident probed
By Melissa Pamer, Staff Writer
Article Launched: 03/28/2008 11:30:17 PM PDT
SOUTH PASADENA - District officials are investigating an incident in which a substitute teacher allegedly reprimanded a student inappropriately, authorities said Friday.
Police were called to South Pasadena Middle School on Wednesday following a report that a teacher had assaulted a child, said Cpl. Craig Cooper of the South Pasadena Police Department.
After investigating, police closed the case, determining no abuse had occurred, Cooper said.
The teacher "used the tip of her finger and patted (the student) on the forehead," Cooper said. "She was all, `Come on, you, you can do better than that."'
School officials, who also made a complaint to Los Angeles County child services representatives, are continuing to look into the case, said South Pasadena Unified School District Superintendent Brian Bristol.
"There was a substitute teacher that engaged in conduct that we consider to be physically and verbally assaultive," Bristol said, declining to confirm details about the alleged forehead-tapping.
The incident was reported by students to other teachers, who told school administrators.
The substitute teacher, who was set to teach another class, was removed from her classroom, Bristol said.
"She made a poor choice, and we do not tolerate that. Such conduct is unacceptable," Bristol said of the teacher, adding that she will not be allowed to teach in the district again.
Bristol declined to give the names of the teacher or student involved, citing privacy.
Officials have contacted the parents of students who were in the classroom where the incident took place, he said. The district is also consulting with its legal counsel as to how to proceed, he said.
School employees are required under state law to report evidence of child abuse, said Stuart Riskin, a spokesman for the county Department of Children and Family Services.
Details of such complaints and related investigations are confidential, he added.
melissa.pamer@sgvn.com
(626) 578-6300, Ext. 4475
Monday, March 31, 2008
Hard to find skilled workers in the U.S. - Blame our wonderful government education system.
AT&T CEO says hard to find skilled U.S. workers
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080327/tc_nm/att_workforce_dc
Wed Mar 26, 9:39 PM ET
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) - The head of the top U.S. phone company AT&T Inc (T.N) said on Wednesday it was having trouble finding enough skilled workers to fill all the 5,000 customer service jobs it promised to return to the United States from India.
"We're having trouble finding the numbers that we need with the skills that are required to do these jobs," AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson told a business group in San Antonio, where the company's headquarters is located.
So far, only around 1,400 jobs have been returned to the United States of 5,000, a target it set in 2006, the company said, adding that it maintains the target.
Stephenson said he is especially distressed that in some U.S. communities and among certain groups, the high school dropout rate is as high as 50 percent.
"If I had a business that half the product we turned out was defective or you couldn't put into the marketplace, I would shut that business down," he said.
Gone are the days when AT&T and other U.S. companies had to hire locally, he said.
"We're able to do new product engineering in Bangalore as easily as we're able to do it in Austin, Texas," he said, referring to the Indian Publish Postcity where many international companies have "outsourced" technical and customer support workers.
"I know you don't like hearing that, but that's the way it is," he said.
Stephenson said neither he nor most Americans liked the situation, and the solution was a stronger U.S. focus on education and keeping jobs. Business needed to help, such as AT&T's repatriation of service positions and education grants, he added.
(Reporting by Jim Forsyth; Editing by Gary Hill)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20080327/tc_nm/att_workforce_dc
Wed Mar 26, 9:39 PM ET
SAN ANTONIO, Texas (Reuters) - The head of the top U.S. phone company AT&T Inc (T.N) said on Wednesday it was having trouble finding enough skilled workers to fill all the 5,000 customer service jobs it promised to return to the United States from India.
"We're having trouble finding the numbers that we need with the skills that are required to do these jobs," AT&T Chief Executive Randall Stephenson told a business group in San Antonio, where the company's headquarters is located.
So far, only around 1,400 jobs have been returned to the United States of 5,000, a target it set in 2006, the company said, adding that it maintains the target.
Stephenson said he is especially distressed that in some U.S. communities and among certain groups, the high school dropout rate is as high as 50 percent.
"If I had a business that half the product we turned out was defective or you couldn't put into the marketplace, I would shut that business down," he said.
Gone are the days when AT&T and other U.S. companies had to hire locally, he said.
"We're able to do new product engineering in Bangalore as easily as we're able to do it in Austin, Texas," he said, referring to the Indian Publish Postcity where many international companies have "outsourced" technical and customer support workers.
"I know you don't like hearing that, but that's the way it is," he said.
Stephenson said neither he nor most Americans liked the situation, and the solution was a stronger U.S. focus on education and keeping jobs. Business needed to help, such as AT&T's repatriation of service positions and education grants, he added.
(Reporting by Jim Forsyth; Editing by Gary Hill)
Mother: School Took Girl's Crutches
When 13-year-old Amber showed up at her government middle school with crutches, it took no time at all for government school employees to find something wrong with the situation. Amber was on crutches after dislocating her kneecap. But her injury may have gotten worse after a school nurse decided to take a power trip.
The government school nurse took away Amber's crutches and made her walk around all day without them and without the use of an elevator to get upstairs. The nurse took away Amber's crutches because of a government school policy "prohibiting them without a doctor's note and that the intent is to prevent other students from being injured." In fact, Amber's mother even called the hospital to fax a doctor's note to the school so that Amber could use her crutches ... but the school fax machine was broken.
Apparently there is no district policy requiring doctor notes for crutches, but the government school health supervisor decided this would be the policy in an email sent to the principals. But even in the email, there is nothing that says that the crutches can be taken away until a note is produced. This is just a government bureaucrat letting her position as a government employee go to her head. It's a power trip.
The family, needless to say, is suing the Hillsborough County School District and will pursue a claim against the school nurse for violating Amber's civil rights.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/29/me-mother-school-took-girls-crutches/?news-breaking
By VALERIE KALFRIN
The Tampa Tribune
Published: March 29, 2008
TAMPA - Patricia Elalem said she couldn't believe her daughter's kneecap dislocated after what at first seemed like a minor injury.
Even more troubling to Elalem is what might have caused the injury to worsen. Elalem says a nurse at Walker Middle School in Odessa took away 13-year-old Amber's crutches last month, forcing the girl to walk in pain.
Patricia Elalem said the nurse told her she had to remove the crutches because of a school policy prohibiting them without a doctor's note and that the intent is to prevent other students from being injured.
"I was floored," Elalem said. "You don't take medically prescribed treatment away from a child."
Elalem has filed a notice of intent to sue the Hillsborough County School District. The notice is required by law for legal action against a government entity and gives the school district 180 days to respond.
Her attorney, Tom Parnell, said he did not know what damages he would seek because Amber is still recovering from surgery to repair her knee. "I'm hoping at her age she's able to recover," he said.
If Amber walking without the crutches has caused long-term damage, Parnell said, he will pursue a claim that the school nurse violated the girl's civil rights.
School district spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said the district's office of professional standards is investigating a complaint Elalem filed about the licensed practical nurse, Denise McKee.
"The school and the parent have two different stories," Cobbe said, noting she could not elaborate because of the pending litigation.
There is no district policy requiring a doctor's note for crutches, but the district's supervisor of school health has issued an e-mail to principals stating students must produce a doctor's note to use crutches or a wheelchair, Cobbe said.
"We ask for a doctor's prescription or a doctor's note, but there's nothing that says take away the crutches," Cobbe said.
Amber is an avid athlete who participates in basketball, track and soccer, Parnell said. She had orthopedic surgery March 13 to repair her knee after walking without the crutches and now carries a doctor's note at all times about using the crutches, he said.
The girl initially hurt her knee while kicking a ball Feb. 3, her mother said. The injury seemed minor until the next day, when Amber complained to McKee about the pain. Elalem said when she picked Amber up from school, she spoke to McKee about taking Amber to Tampa General Hospital, where Elalem works as a registered nurse.
Amber was diagnosed with a strained ligament; the teenager's knee was placed in a brace called an immobilizer, and she received crutches, with instructions not to put weight on the knee, Elalem said.
On Feb. 6, when Amber returned to school, McKee phoned Patricia Elalem asking for a doctor's note for the crutches, Elalem said. Elalem said she didn't know the note was required but phoned the hospital to have a doctor fax a note to the school.
The school fax machine wasn't working, so McKee never received the note, Parnell said.
That morning, McKee took away Amber's crutches, Parnell said.
"She didn't give her access to the elevator. So Amber was forced to walk up and down the stairs until about 1:30 p.m., when she couldn't take the pain anymore," he said.
Elalem said her daughter called her, saying, "I can't walk. Come and get me."
On the way home, Amber said, "You know, the nurse took my crutches this morning and made me walk all day," Elalem recalled.
"I got home, took her immobilizer off, and her kneecap was on the side of her leg," Elalem said.
Amber tried physical therapy for a few days but needed knee surgery, her mother said. She had a reaction to the pain medication and was admitted to the hospital for three days. She now is taking medication and watching her diet because she has developed symptoms of an ulcer, her mother said.
"It's been a nightmare. It hasn't stopped," she said.
Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.
The government school nurse took away Amber's crutches and made her walk around all day without them and without the use of an elevator to get upstairs. The nurse took away Amber's crutches because of a government school policy "prohibiting them without a doctor's note and that the intent is to prevent other students from being injured." In fact, Amber's mother even called the hospital to fax a doctor's note to the school so that Amber could use her crutches ... but the school fax machine was broken.
Apparently there is no district policy requiring doctor notes for crutches, but the government school health supervisor decided this would be the policy in an email sent to the principals. But even in the email, there is nothing that says that the crutches can be taken away until a note is produced. This is just a government bureaucrat letting her position as a government employee go to her head. It's a power trip.
The family, needless to say, is suing the Hillsborough County School District and will pursue a claim against the school nurse for violating Amber's civil rights.
http://www2.tbo.com/content/2008/mar/29/me-mother-school-took-girls-crutches/?news-breaking
By VALERIE KALFRIN
The Tampa Tribune
Published: March 29, 2008
TAMPA - Patricia Elalem said she couldn't believe her daughter's kneecap dislocated after what at first seemed like a minor injury.
Even more troubling to Elalem is what might have caused the injury to worsen. Elalem says a nurse at Walker Middle School in Odessa took away 13-year-old Amber's crutches last month, forcing the girl to walk in pain.
Patricia Elalem said the nurse told her she had to remove the crutches because of a school policy prohibiting them without a doctor's note and that the intent is to prevent other students from being injured.
"I was floored," Elalem said. "You don't take medically prescribed treatment away from a child."
Elalem has filed a notice of intent to sue the Hillsborough County School District. The notice is required by law for legal action against a government entity and gives the school district 180 days to respond.
Her attorney, Tom Parnell, said he did not know what damages he would seek because Amber is still recovering from surgery to repair her knee. "I'm hoping at her age she's able to recover," he said.
If Amber walking without the crutches has caused long-term damage, Parnell said, he will pursue a claim that the school nurse violated the girl's civil rights.
School district spokeswoman Linda Cobbe said the district's office of professional standards is investigating a complaint Elalem filed about the licensed practical nurse, Denise McKee.
"The school and the parent have two different stories," Cobbe said, noting she could not elaborate because of the pending litigation.
There is no district policy requiring a doctor's note for crutches, but the district's supervisor of school health has issued an e-mail to principals stating students must produce a doctor's note to use crutches or a wheelchair, Cobbe said.
"We ask for a doctor's prescription or a doctor's note, but there's nothing that says take away the crutches," Cobbe said.
Amber is an avid athlete who participates in basketball, track and soccer, Parnell said. She had orthopedic surgery March 13 to repair her knee after walking without the crutches and now carries a doctor's note at all times about using the crutches, he said.
The girl initially hurt her knee while kicking a ball Feb. 3, her mother said. The injury seemed minor until the next day, when Amber complained to McKee about the pain. Elalem said when she picked Amber up from school, she spoke to McKee about taking Amber to Tampa General Hospital, where Elalem works as a registered nurse.
Amber was diagnosed with a strained ligament; the teenager's knee was placed in a brace called an immobilizer, and she received crutches, with instructions not to put weight on the knee, Elalem said.
On Feb. 6, when Amber returned to school, McKee phoned Patricia Elalem asking for a doctor's note for the crutches, Elalem said. Elalem said she didn't know the note was required but phoned the hospital to have a doctor fax a note to the school.
The school fax machine wasn't working, so McKee never received the note, Parnell said.
That morning, McKee took away Amber's crutches, Parnell said.
"She didn't give her access to the elevator. So Amber was forced to walk up and down the stairs until about 1:30 p.m., when she couldn't take the pain anymore," he said.
Elalem said her daughter called her, saying, "I can't walk. Come and get me."
On the way home, Amber said, "You know, the nurse took my crutches this morning and made me walk all day," Elalem recalled.
"I got home, took her immobilizer off, and her kneecap was on the side of her leg," Elalem said.
Amber tried physical therapy for a few days but needed knee surgery, her mother said. She had a reaction to the pain medication and was admitted to the hospital for three days. She now is taking medication and watching her diet because she has developed symptoms of an ulcer, her mother said.
"It's been a nightmare. It hasn't stopped," she said.
Reporter Valerie Kalfrin can be reached at (813) 259-7800 or vkalfrin@tampatrib.com.
Friday, March 28, 2008
The ten most unreasonable parking fines of all time
Most drivers vent a little steam when they get a parking ticket - and the number who appeal successfully proves they're often right to be annoyed.
But a new list of the most ridiculous parking tickets ever issued shows that almost nothing will stop the determined parking warden from slapping a ticket on a vehicle.
Indeed, it suggests a host of ways that officious officials can take advantage of drivers when they are at their most vulnerable.
1. The pit-stop ambush
Lorry driver Michael Collins was on his way to collect a skip in London's Belsize Park when the road beneath him collapsed. A burst water main had created a deep hole where the front wheels of his 17-tonne lorry were now stuck.
While he was waiting for roadside assistance, a parking attendant appeared. To the astonishment of nearby residents - and despite Mr Collins' protests, she stood on tiptoe and plastered a parking ticket on his windscreen - while helpfully telling him: "You can appeal".
2. The trunk road swoop
If a tree fell on your car and you escaped death by inches, you might expect some sympathy from your local council. But there was no sign of compassion from Wychavon District Council for Nicky Clegg of Stoulton, Worcs, after when a tree crashed down on her car as she drove her 82-year-old mother and 11-year-old son.
Police dragged the wrecked car - with crushed bonnet, smashed windscreen and broken wing mirrors - to the roadside and told Mrs Clegg she could leave it there and pick it up the following day. When she came back, a parking ticket was stuck on the window.
3. The knock-down surprise
Think that being badly injured is an excuse to park illegally? Think again. When Nadhim Zahawi of South London was thrown from his scooter and left lying in the road with a broken leg, a heartless warden from Lambeth Council slapped a £100 ticket on his bike.
4. The cavalry attack
You leave your horse in the street and what do you expect to find when you get back? A small pile of manure perhaps, but not a parking ticket.
Yet this is exactly what happened to Robert McFarland, a retired blacksmith from Yorkshire, when he left his horse Charlie Boy for a few moments.
Under the vehicle description on the ticket, the over-zealous warden had written "brown horse".
5. The daylight robbery
It was a terrifying ordeal for Fred Holt, 77, when he went to the bank and two masked men burst in brandishing an axe and a machete.
The robbers held the axe to a young cashier's throat while money was handed over, and the customers were forced to lie on the floor. Later, they had to give statements to police.
It seems traffic wardens had not listened when officers told them about the raid and asked them not to issue tickets. Mr Holt found a £30 parking ticket pinned to his windscreen for staying 20 minutes longer than allowed.
6. The donor kebab
"Do something amazing today" runs the slogan of the National Blood Service. In Sutton, a traffic warden did just that - by ticketing a blood donor lorry.
The mobile National Blood Service truck had parked at the same spot in Sutton, Surrey, for four years when the zealous parking attendant issued a ticket while donors gave blood inside.
Sutton council eventually waived the fine, saying the parking attendant had made a simple error of judgment. Or to put it more aptly, a rush of blood to the head.
7. The bus stop gambit
Manchester bus driver Chris O'Mahony pulled up at a bus stop in his No 77 to let passengers on. While he was handing them their tickets, a Manchester City Council parking attendant handed him one.
Passengers looked on in disbelief as the warden joined the queue to prepare the parking ticket, deposited the £40 notice and walked off.
The driver, apparently, had parked in a restricted area. The attendant said he'd been told to issue tickets to buses that park.
Council bosses cancelled the ticket and the warden was sent for retraining - hopefully as something other than a warden.
8. The heart attack attack
David Holmes felt chest pains as he was driving and headed for hospital, where he was forced to park on the roadside and was treated for a heart attack.
A nurse thoughtfully left a note on the windscreen explaining the emergency and saying Mr Holmes's daughter would pick the car up later.
It proved futile. A parking attendant slapped a parking ticket on the car and despite an appeal to the local council the £40 fine was not cancelled.
9. The random posting
Krister Nylander was dismayed to receive a parking ticket in the post for parking in Warwick.
But he knew the ticket had to be wrong - he lives in Sweden and had not visited England since he was 16.
The offending vehicle was his 20-ton snowmobile, which had barely ever left his barn, let alone Sweden.
How did it get the ticket? Absolutely no Idea.
10. Driving home the lesson
A driving instructor was issued with a CCTV parking ticket when his pupil stalled while attempting a three-point turn and could not restart the car.
The offence? Parking more than 50 centimetres from the kerb.
But a new list of the most ridiculous parking tickets ever issued shows that almost nothing will stop the determined parking warden from slapping a ticket on a vehicle.
Indeed, it suggests a host of ways that officious officials can take advantage of drivers when they are at their most vulnerable.
1. The pit-stop ambush
Lorry driver Michael Collins was on his way to collect a skip in London's Belsize Park when the road beneath him collapsed. A burst water main had created a deep hole where the front wheels of his 17-tonne lorry were now stuck.
While he was waiting for roadside assistance, a parking attendant appeared. To the astonishment of nearby residents - and despite Mr Collins' protests, she stood on tiptoe and plastered a parking ticket on his windscreen - while helpfully telling him: "You can appeal".
2. The trunk road swoop
If a tree fell on your car and you escaped death by inches, you might expect some sympathy from your local council. But there was no sign of compassion from Wychavon District Council for Nicky Clegg of Stoulton, Worcs, after when a tree crashed down on her car as she drove her 82-year-old mother and 11-year-old son.
Police dragged the wrecked car - with crushed bonnet, smashed windscreen and broken wing mirrors - to the roadside and told Mrs Clegg she could leave it there and pick it up the following day. When she came back, a parking ticket was stuck on the window.
3. The knock-down surprise
Think that being badly injured is an excuse to park illegally? Think again. When Nadhim Zahawi of South London was thrown from his scooter and left lying in the road with a broken leg, a heartless warden from Lambeth Council slapped a £100 ticket on his bike.
4. The cavalry attack
You leave your horse in the street and what do you expect to find when you get back? A small pile of manure perhaps, but not a parking ticket.
Yet this is exactly what happened to Robert McFarland, a retired blacksmith from Yorkshire, when he left his horse Charlie Boy for a few moments.
Under the vehicle description on the ticket, the over-zealous warden had written "brown horse".
5. The daylight robbery
It was a terrifying ordeal for Fred Holt, 77, when he went to the bank and two masked men burst in brandishing an axe and a machete.
The robbers held the axe to a young cashier's throat while money was handed over, and the customers were forced to lie on the floor. Later, they had to give statements to police.
It seems traffic wardens had not listened when officers told them about the raid and asked them not to issue tickets. Mr Holt found a £30 parking ticket pinned to his windscreen for staying 20 minutes longer than allowed.
6. The donor kebab
"Do something amazing today" runs the slogan of the National Blood Service. In Sutton, a traffic warden did just that - by ticketing a blood donor lorry.
The mobile National Blood Service truck had parked at the same spot in Sutton, Surrey, for four years when the zealous parking attendant issued a ticket while donors gave blood inside.
Sutton council eventually waived the fine, saying the parking attendant had made a simple error of judgment. Or to put it more aptly, a rush of blood to the head.
7. The bus stop gambit
Manchester bus driver Chris O'Mahony pulled up at a bus stop in his No 77 to let passengers on. While he was handing them their tickets, a Manchester City Council parking attendant handed him one.
Passengers looked on in disbelief as the warden joined the queue to prepare the parking ticket, deposited the £40 notice and walked off.
The driver, apparently, had parked in a restricted area. The attendant said he'd been told to issue tickets to buses that park.
Council bosses cancelled the ticket and the warden was sent for retraining - hopefully as something other than a warden.
8. The heart attack attack
David Holmes felt chest pains as he was driving and headed for hospital, where he was forced to park on the roadside and was treated for a heart attack.
A nurse thoughtfully left a note on the windscreen explaining the emergency and saying Mr Holmes's daughter would pick the car up later.
It proved futile. A parking attendant slapped a parking ticket on the car and despite an appeal to the local council the £40 fine was not cancelled.
9. The random posting
Krister Nylander was dismayed to receive a parking ticket in the post for parking in Warwick.
But he knew the ticket had to be wrong - he lives in Sweden and had not visited England since he was 16.
The offending vehicle was his 20-ton snowmobile, which had barely ever left his barn, let alone Sweden.
How did it get the ticket? Absolutely no Idea.
10. Driving home the lesson
A driving instructor was issued with a CCTV parking ticket when his pupil stalled while attempting a three-point turn and could not restart the car.
The offence? Parking more than 50 centimetres from the kerb.
Sweden regulates pet ownership
Things must be pretty slow in Sweden, if they have time to pass government regulations on how pet owners should treat their dogs and cats.
Published: 26 Mar 08 15:47 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/10716/
Sweden’s Board of Agriculture has issued an extensive set of new guidelines regulating how pet owners treat their dogs and cats.
* Court rules in favour of man and his snakes (26 Mar 08)
* Swedish town swept up in world's biggest sled dog race (9 Mar 08)
* Australian growers fighting H&M wool boycott (18 Feb 08)
Among other things, the 15 pages of new guidelines set specifications for how often dogs and cats receive food and exercise, the size and design of their living quarters, as well as the quality of the air Swedish pets breathe.
The rules have been in development since 2005 and are designed to ensure that dogs and cats “have the opportunity to feel good and behave in a natural manner.”
“We had rules for the care and handling of livestock, as well as for small caged animals, but nothing for dogs and cats,” said Cheryl Jones Fur, a zoologist with the Boards division for pets.
She explained that the rules came about to fill a gap in existing regulations, rather than because of any specific spike in cases of animal abuse.
“If anything we were a bit behind in developing the rules,” she said.
The guidelines mandate, for example, that dogs and cats should be checked on at least twice a day and “should have their need for social contact satisfied.”
Pets kept indoors should be within view of a window allowing sunlight, and dogs kept outdoors should have access to both sunny and shaded areas, as well as protection against wind and rain.
Levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the air must also be kept below 10 parts per million and 3000 parts per million, respectively.
In addition to regulating individual pet owners, the rules also extend to “doggie daycares” which are required to ensure that dogs which can’t get along with one another can be separated in order to “avoid conflicts.”
Officials hope the new set of rules will make it easier for animal inspection authorities who investigate cases of animal cruelty.
“Previously, inspectors had no regulatory support to which they could refer. It’s hard to convince owners to change their behavior without having something that specifies what is acceptable and what isn’t,” said Jones Fur.
Most often, those convicted of crimes against animals result in fines, though Jones Fur said it’s not unheard of for people to receive prison time as well.
Sweden already has some of the world’s toughest animal welfare laws, and Jones Fur believes the new guidelines will ensure that life as a dog in Sweden is good.
“Most animals have it pretty good here,” she said.
David Landes (david.landes@thelocal.se/+46 8 656 6518)
Published: 26 Mar 08 15:47 CET
Online: http://www.thelocal.se/10716/
Sweden’s Board of Agriculture has issued an extensive set of new guidelines regulating how pet owners treat their dogs and cats.
* Court rules in favour of man and his snakes (26 Mar 08)
* Swedish town swept up in world's biggest sled dog race (9 Mar 08)
* Australian growers fighting H&M wool boycott (18 Feb 08)
Among other things, the 15 pages of new guidelines set specifications for how often dogs and cats receive food and exercise, the size and design of their living quarters, as well as the quality of the air Swedish pets breathe.
The rules have been in development since 2005 and are designed to ensure that dogs and cats “have the opportunity to feel good and behave in a natural manner.”
“We had rules for the care and handling of livestock, as well as for small caged animals, but nothing for dogs and cats,” said Cheryl Jones Fur, a zoologist with the Boards division for pets.
She explained that the rules came about to fill a gap in existing regulations, rather than because of any specific spike in cases of animal abuse.
“If anything we were a bit behind in developing the rules,” she said.
The guidelines mandate, for example, that dogs and cats should be checked on at least twice a day and “should have their need for social contact satisfied.”
Pets kept indoors should be within view of a window allowing sunlight, and dogs kept outdoors should have access to both sunny and shaded areas, as well as protection against wind and rain.
Levels of ammonia and carbon dioxide in the air must also be kept below 10 parts per million and 3000 parts per million, respectively.
In addition to regulating individual pet owners, the rules also extend to “doggie daycares” which are required to ensure that dogs which can’t get along with one another can be separated in order to “avoid conflicts.”
Officials hope the new set of rules will make it easier for animal inspection authorities who investigate cases of animal cruelty.
“Previously, inspectors had no regulatory support to which they could refer. It’s hard to convince owners to change their behavior without having something that specifies what is acceptable and what isn’t,” said Jones Fur.
Most often, those convicted of crimes against animals result in fines, though Jones Fur said it’s not unheard of for people to receive prison time as well.
Sweden already has some of the world’s toughest animal welfare laws, and Jones Fur believes the new guidelines will ensure that life as a dog in Sweden is good.
“Most animals have it pretty good here,” she said.
David Landes (david.landes@thelocal.se/+46 8 656 6518)
Distracting Billboard Talks About Road Distractions
The taxpayers of Milwaukee paid for a hideous and distracting billboard in order to remind people about the dangers of distractions while driving.
Keep your eyes on the road? A billboard reminding drivers of the danger of distractions, is itself turning some heads.
Oh, if you are wondering; Milwaukee Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is a Democrat
Keep your eyes on the road? A billboard reminding drivers of the danger of distractions, is itself turning some heads.
Oh, if you are wondering; Milwaukee Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. is a Democrat
Couple barred from living in £1million house for year after protected newts move in after flood
Imagine that your house floods. You move out. When you are ready to return, you are told that you can't ... because great crested newts have decided to move in.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=546432&in_page_id=1770
Since floods ruined their £1million home, John and Margie Histed have been squeezed into a caravan in the grounds.
That was eight months and £250,000 worth of repairs ago.
Yet the couple still can't move back into the house - because the great crested newt apparently got there first.
The slippery squatter was discovered when a blocked drainage ditch near the couple's garden sent water coursing through the property again last week.
Scroll down for more...
Frustrated: Margie and John Histed have been forced to live in a caravan since last year's floods
This time, because carpets have yet to be laid and renovations incomplete, the damage was minimal.
But the Histeds' plans to unblock the defective ditch have been refused - because officials suspect a family of great crested newts has settled in to it.
They have ordered a three-month survey to look for the protected species but this cannot even begin until June.
Work to remove any amphibians found would then take several more months.
This means the Histeds have had to put their renovations on hold, terrified that the ditch could flood again.
"I know it's the law but it's very frustrating and bordering on the ridiculous that the fate of newts takes precedence over humans," said Mrs Histed, a 68-year-old retired doctor.
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Rare: The great crested newt is protected by British and European legislation
"Is it reasonable for us to just sit here and watch if the ditch floods our home again just because there may be some newts there?"
The Histeds' six-bedroom farmhouse is close to the M4 at Dauntsey, Wiltshire.
Last July, a drainage ditch which runs through their garden became blocked with debris nearby and burst its banks.
Three feet of water gushed into their home and the couple have spent the last eight months re-wiring the house and replacing the kitchen, boiler and central heating system.
They were just starting the final stages of repairs when they were flooded again last week.
It then emerged that the drainage ditch, which takes run-off away from the motorway, is still blocked.
They wrote to the Highways Agency asking for permission to unblock it but this was refused.
Instead, officials ordered the newt search, saying staff would have to comb the water by hand to look for the three-inch creatures.
However, the survey cannot start immediately because the newts might be breeding and birds in hedges and trees along the ditch might be sitting on eggs.
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Flood damage: The couple's Wiltshire home pictured in July last year
It is estimated that work will not begin for three months and that any operation to remove newts will not start before the autumn.
This leaves the Histeds contemplating a long summer of discontent in their caravan.
Mr Histed, 71, a retired computer consultant, said the couple already had a healthy newt population in a pond on their ten acres of grounds.
"It's not that we're not sympathetic towards wildlife - in fact, we're very keen on it and understand the need to protect certain species," he added.
"But it seems ridiculous that we can't protect our property from more flood damage for many months because newts may be there."
The great crested newt is protected under EU law as well as the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is illegal to capture or kill it or disturb its habitat.
Last month, work on a £15million bypass for the village of Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, was suspended so £1.7million could be spent to protect one single great crested.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that under EU law, anyone who intended to disturb any watercourse had a duty to check for newts first.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=546432&in_page_id=1770
Since floods ruined their £1million home, John and Margie Histed have been squeezed into a caravan in the grounds.
That was eight months and £250,000 worth of repairs ago.
Yet the couple still can't move back into the house - because the great crested newt apparently got there first.
The slippery squatter was discovered when a blocked drainage ditch near the couple's garden sent water coursing through the property again last week.
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Frustrated: Margie and John Histed have been forced to live in a caravan since last year's floods
This time, because carpets have yet to be laid and renovations incomplete, the damage was minimal.
But the Histeds' plans to unblock the defective ditch have been refused - because officials suspect a family of great crested newts has settled in to it.
They have ordered a three-month survey to look for the protected species but this cannot even begin until June.
Work to remove any amphibians found would then take several more months.
This means the Histeds have had to put their renovations on hold, terrified that the ditch could flood again.
"I know it's the law but it's very frustrating and bordering on the ridiculous that the fate of newts takes precedence over humans," said Mrs Histed, a 68-year-old retired doctor.
Scroll down for more...
Rare: The great crested newt is protected by British and European legislation
"Is it reasonable for us to just sit here and watch if the ditch floods our home again just because there may be some newts there?"
The Histeds' six-bedroom farmhouse is close to the M4 at Dauntsey, Wiltshire.
Last July, a drainage ditch which runs through their garden became blocked with debris nearby and burst its banks.
Three feet of water gushed into their home and the couple have spent the last eight months re-wiring the house and replacing the kitchen, boiler and central heating system.
They were just starting the final stages of repairs when they were flooded again last week.
It then emerged that the drainage ditch, which takes run-off away from the motorway, is still blocked.
They wrote to the Highways Agency asking for permission to unblock it but this was refused.
Instead, officials ordered the newt search, saying staff would have to comb the water by hand to look for the three-inch creatures.
However, the survey cannot start immediately because the newts might be breeding and birds in hedges and trees along the ditch might be sitting on eggs.
Scroll down for more...
Flood damage: The couple's Wiltshire home pictured in July last year
It is estimated that work will not begin for three months and that any operation to remove newts will not start before the autumn.
This leaves the Histeds contemplating a long summer of discontent in their caravan.
Mr Histed, 71, a retired computer consultant, said the couple already had a healthy newt population in a pond on their ten acres of grounds.
"It's not that we're not sympathetic towards wildlife - in fact, we're very keen on it and understand the need to protect certain species," he added.
"But it seems ridiculous that we can't protect our property from more flood damage for many months because newts may be there."
The great crested newt is protected under EU law as well as the Wildlife and Countryside Act. It is illegal to capture or kill it or disturb its habitat.
Last month, work on a £15million bypass for the village of Earl Shilton, Leicestershire, was suspended so £1.7million could be spent to protect one single great crested.
A spokesman for the Environment Agency said that under EU law, anyone who intended to disturb any watercourse had a duty to check for newts first.
Successful schools will be forced to take pupils expelled for violent and disruptive behaviour
Successful government schools in Great Britain will be forced to take students who have been expelled for violent and disruptive behavior. That's government education for you.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=546228&in_page_id=1770
Popular schools will be forced to take on pupils who have been expelled for violent and disruptive behaviour.
Under a Government plan, all heads who expel a pupil will be expected to admit a child who has been thrown out of a neighbouring school on a "one out, one in," basis.
Sought-after schools which would have given their vacant place to a child on the waiting list would instead have to admit an unruly youngster.
They would also have to accommodate disruptive children at other times in "managed moves".
The plan, which Children's Secretary Ed Balls wants to enshrine in law, would prevent classroom hooligans from becoming concentrated in struggling schools.
But critics warned last night that discipline problems would be imported into schools which have so far managed to keep order.
The move was being seen as a fresh strike at faith schools, days after some were accused of breaking admissions rules by taking "voluntary" payments in return for places.
This plan could force them to accept pupils of a different religion instead of believers on their waiting list.
Many schools already participate in voluntary partnerships, in which they agree common rules and pool resources for dealing with disruptive children.
But Mr Balls said some groups were not operating particularly well and some schools had not signed up.
Michael Grove, the Tory children's spokesman, said: "What head teachers need is the power to exclude troublemakers without having their decision over-ridden."
Balls
School's Secretary Ed Balls said he would change the law 'at the earliest opportunity'
Sir Alan Steer, head of Seven Kings High School in Ilford, was given the task of looking at government reforms aimed at raising discipline standards and recommended some schools — particularly popular faith schools — should now be forced by law to join local "behaviour partnerships".
He said a number of schools including those independent of local authority control were avoiding taking in excluded or so-called 'difficult' pupils and demanded a change to the process.
In a report published today, Sir Alan said: "A school that permanently excludes a child should expect to receive a permanently excluded child on the principle of one out, one in.
"It remains my firm view that all secondary schools — including new and existing academies, foundation schools and pupil referral units, should participate in behaviour partnerships."
Mr Balls told the NASUWT teachers' union conference in Birmingham that he accepted Sir Alan's recommendation and added: "Schools require support — from each other, from the specialist services in their local authority such as educational psychologists and youth workers, and above all from parents."
Sir Alan said schools had a "social responsibility" to work together to deal with the most badly behaved pupils, although mainstream institutions-would not always be the right place for them.
"I don't want a situation where schools were exporting without accepting their responsibility to import, where they could," he added.
Some parents with children on the waiting list for places at popular schools might protest that, if a vacancy were to become available, their offspring should get in ahead of a child whose behaviour was so bad he or she had been expelled.
But Sir Alan said that, as headteacher of a school that was three or four times over-subscribed, he would still take the expelled pupil over the child on the waiting list.
And even the most out of control children could change his or her ways if moved to a different environment, particularly if the "critical mass" of pupils were well-behaved, Sir Alan said.
"It is easier for me actually to take a child with difficulties than it sometimes is for another school because the critical mass is positive. We shouldn't say every child that gets excluded is an irredeemable villain," he said.
Hard evidence of headteachers of successful schools refusing to take in problem pupils is difficult to find but plenty of anecdotal accounts suggest the avoidance tactic is widespread as schools seek to preserve their league table positions and popularity.
The law change could create new discipline problems in schools that have been able to improve behaviour by ejecting the children responsible.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/news/news.html?in_article_id=546228&in_page_id=1770
Popular schools will be forced to take on pupils who have been expelled for violent and disruptive behaviour.
Under a Government plan, all heads who expel a pupil will be expected to admit a child who has been thrown out of a neighbouring school on a "one out, one in," basis.
Sought-after schools which would have given their vacant place to a child on the waiting list would instead have to admit an unruly youngster.
They would also have to accommodate disruptive children at other times in "managed moves".
The plan, which Children's Secretary Ed Balls wants to enshrine in law, would prevent classroom hooligans from becoming concentrated in struggling schools.
But critics warned last night that discipline problems would be imported into schools which have so far managed to keep order.
The move was being seen as a fresh strike at faith schools, days after some were accused of breaking admissions rules by taking "voluntary" payments in return for places.
This plan could force them to accept pupils of a different religion instead of believers on their waiting list.
Many schools already participate in voluntary partnerships, in which they agree common rules and pool resources for dealing with disruptive children.
But Mr Balls said some groups were not operating particularly well and some schools had not signed up.
Michael Grove, the Tory children's spokesman, said: "What head teachers need is the power to exclude troublemakers without having their decision over-ridden."
Balls
School's Secretary Ed Balls said he would change the law 'at the earliest opportunity'
Sir Alan Steer, head of Seven Kings High School in Ilford, was given the task of looking at government reforms aimed at raising discipline standards and recommended some schools — particularly popular faith schools — should now be forced by law to join local "behaviour partnerships".
He said a number of schools including those independent of local authority control were avoiding taking in excluded or so-called 'difficult' pupils and demanded a change to the process.
In a report published today, Sir Alan said: "A school that permanently excludes a child should expect to receive a permanently excluded child on the principle of one out, one in.
"It remains my firm view that all secondary schools — including new and existing academies, foundation schools and pupil referral units, should participate in behaviour partnerships."
Mr Balls told the NASUWT teachers' union conference in Birmingham that he accepted Sir Alan's recommendation and added: "Schools require support — from each other, from the specialist services in their local authority such as educational psychologists and youth workers, and above all from parents."
Sir Alan said schools had a "social responsibility" to work together to deal with the most badly behaved pupils, although mainstream institutions-would not always be the right place for them.
"I don't want a situation where schools were exporting without accepting their responsibility to import, where they could," he added.
Some parents with children on the waiting list for places at popular schools might protest that, if a vacancy were to become available, their offspring should get in ahead of a child whose behaviour was so bad he or she had been expelled.
But Sir Alan said that, as headteacher of a school that was three or four times over-subscribed, he would still take the expelled pupil over the child on the waiting list.
And even the most out of control children could change his or her ways if moved to a different environment, particularly if the "critical mass" of pupils were well-behaved, Sir Alan said.
"It is easier for me actually to take a child with difficulties than it sometimes is for another school because the critical mass is positive. We shouldn't say every child that gets excluded is an irredeemable villain," he said.
Hard evidence of headteachers of successful schools refusing to take in problem pupils is difficult to find but plenty of anecdotal accounts suggest the avoidance tactic is widespread as schools seek to preserve their league table positions and popularity.
The law change could create new discipline problems in schools that have been able to improve behaviour by ejecting the children responsible.
He dries (with a little help from his friend)
He dries (with a little help from his friend)
$1M earmark boon to ex-rep’s home
Dave Wedge By Dave Wedge
Thursday, March 27, 2008
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1083143
U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt(D) has pushed through $1.1 million in federal earmarks for a controversial Cohasset pond clean-up meant to stop flooding in a pricey waterfront neighborhood where his former congressman pal lives, the Herald has learned.
The taxpayer-funded project would convert Treat’s Pond from fresh to salt water but would also alleviate widespread flooding on Atlantic Avenue, where Delahunt’s longtime friend, former U.S. Rep. Amory “Amo” Houghton, 81, lives part time in an a historic estate with his wife, Priscilla.
“There’s terrible flooding down there that not only affects my wife’s house, but many houses down there,” Houghton, a Republican from New York who left the House in 2005, told the Herald. “Somebody’s got to do something.”
The project dates back to 2003 ,when Delahunt and Houghton met informally with members of the Army Corps of Engineers shortly before Congress approved $300,000 for a study of the pond. During two of the meetings, Priscilla Houghton served croissants to the engineers, according to internal ACE e-mails obtained by the Herald.
Since those early meetings, Delahunt has secured $1.1 million in federal earmarks for the $1.7 million project, which is part of an ongoing federal salt marsh restoration effort.
The project calls for a new pipeline into the nearby harbor to allow salt water to circulate into the pond to improve the ecosystem. The new pipe would also reduce flooding in the area.
But opponents say the project is a sham because the pond has been freshwater for as long as anyone can remember. Critics also point out that Selectman Robert Dormitzer, who supports the project, also lives on Atlantic Avenue.
“Treat’s Pond has always been freshwater. It’s been sleight of hand to call it a salt water restoration project,” said opponent Peter Whittemore, who lives in the neighborhood. “It’s a flood control project for two very connected, very well-off politicians.”
The plan has hit a snag because the town needs to come up with $300,000. If that happens, the state could be asked to chip in the other $300,000. Cohasset voters will decide Saturday whether to approve their share.
Houghton, the wealthy former head of Corning Glass company, acknowledged he met with officials while he was in Congress to try to obtain federal money for the pond but denied any personal motivation.
“I really don’t benefit from this. It’s a community issue and Priscilla happens to be a part of this thing,” he said. “I talked to people (in Washington) and said if there was any extra money available, I would help Bill Delahunt out.”
Delahunt spokesman Mark Forest said the congressman handled the project like any other federal aid request and noted that it had to meet strict guidelines, including a requirement for local funding.
“The federal funds are available ,but if the town does not approve the project then nothing goes forward,” Forest said.
$1M earmark boon to ex-rep’s home
Dave Wedge By Dave Wedge
Thursday, March 27, 2008
http://news.bostonherald.com/news/regional/general/view.bg?articleid=1083143
U.S. Rep. Bill Delahunt(D) has pushed through $1.1 million in federal earmarks for a controversial Cohasset pond clean-up meant to stop flooding in a pricey waterfront neighborhood where his former congressman pal lives, the Herald has learned.
The taxpayer-funded project would convert Treat’s Pond from fresh to salt water but would also alleviate widespread flooding on Atlantic Avenue, where Delahunt’s longtime friend, former U.S. Rep. Amory “Amo” Houghton, 81, lives part time in an a historic estate with his wife, Priscilla.
“There’s terrible flooding down there that not only affects my wife’s house, but many houses down there,” Houghton, a Republican from New York who left the House in 2005, told the Herald. “Somebody’s got to do something.”
The project dates back to 2003 ,when Delahunt and Houghton met informally with members of the Army Corps of Engineers shortly before Congress approved $300,000 for a study of the pond. During two of the meetings, Priscilla Houghton served croissants to the engineers, according to internal ACE e-mails obtained by the Herald.
Since those early meetings, Delahunt has secured $1.1 million in federal earmarks for the $1.7 million project, which is part of an ongoing federal salt marsh restoration effort.
The project calls for a new pipeline into the nearby harbor to allow salt water to circulate into the pond to improve the ecosystem. The new pipe would also reduce flooding in the area.
But opponents say the project is a sham because the pond has been freshwater for as long as anyone can remember. Critics also point out that Selectman Robert Dormitzer, who supports the project, also lives on Atlantic Avenue.
“Treat’s Pond has always been freshwater. It’s been sleight of hand to call it a salt water restoration project,” said opponent Peter Whittemore, who lives in the neighborhood. “It’s a flood control project for two very connected, very well-off politicians.”
The plan has hit a snag because the town needs to come up with $300,000. If that happens, the state could be asked to chip in the other $300,000. Cohasset voters will decide Saturday whether to approve their share.
Houghton, the wealthy former head of Corning Glass company, acknowledged he met with officials while he was in Congress to try to obtain federal money for the pond but denied any personal motivation.
“I really don’t benefit from this. It’s a community issue and Priscilla happens to be a part of this thing,” he said. “I talked to people (in Washington) and said if there was any extra money available, I would help Bill Delahunt out.”
Delahunt spokesman Mark Forest said the congressman handled the project like any other federal aid request and noted that it had to meet strict guidelines, including a requirement for local funding.
“The federal funds are available ,but if the town does not approve the project then nothing goes forward,” Forest said.
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