Today's RAC "Fun": Submitted by Phil (and Liz)

To contact us Click HERE
WEDNESDAY:  1/09/13    19 Degrees, Clear, No Snow
I made several phone calls this morning before leaving the house at 8:10am for the equipment yard where I checked the broken fan belt (772D).  It was an old, after-market belt.  All the necessary covers were taken off the engine compartments and that’s when I discovered that, apparently, the machine had been to different shops for work because the bolts are mixed -- standard and metric.  That's a no-no!  I started the 644K to warm it up and took it down to the yard. 
I finished troubleshooting the electrical.  We're ok. 
I want all of you to know that I have done what Colorado Machinery should have done before the machines were delivered.  If I had been given the chance to inspect the equipment before taking delivery, as I had requested, we could have avoided this problem. 
Afterwards, I went back to administration building and met with Laura.  We got the insurance squared away with Sentry Insurance.  Both machines are now covered by Sentry **. 
I went back down to the equipment yard and installed the fan belt on the 772D and then returned home at 4:10pm. 
** Liz Note:  The cost to the association will be $ 7348 for Loader for 47 months. This amount is going to be financed and added to the monthly loan payment at 0% interest. The grader insurance is $5611 for 30 months (the life of the loan) and that was paid in full today (pre-paid insurance) so we don’t have to pay any interest.
 ** Laura Added: The damage insurance is more inclusive than the Travellers insurance we have cancelled.  The insurance carries damage, fire, flood, collision, wind, roll-over, theft, earthquake, rock ingestion, etc. and carries a $1,000 deductible. Our equipment is under the UltraGard commercial use.  We should receive the policy details in a few days.

It's a Dirty Job but Somebody's Doing It!

To contact us Click HERE

THURSDAY: 1/10/13                            5 Degrees     Cloudy
At 8:15 am, I left for the equipment yard and met up with Dave L.  Dave volunteered his time to grease the 644K and install the hydraulic hoses protection guards which protect the hoses from the dozer blade.  The service technician and I continued the rest of the maintenance on the 772D grader. 
I ordered one complete set of grease fittings for the grader because several of them had failed.  I also ordered a complete set for the 644K (they are metric-we cannot use standard).  Like it or not, we will have to purchase a steam cleaner because both machines need to be kept clean -- a little like the living room in our homes. 
One other thing - in order for us to be able to use the rippers on the 772D grader, we'll need a Transmission Bottom Side & Rear Guard.  The cost of which is $2,530.00 not including labor for installation.  I returned home at 3:30pm. 
Tomorrow, I will try to go and meet with the Well Commissioner to iron out the details on commercial well usage.  As I promised, I will keep all of you posted.

All in a Day's Work... Submitted by: Phil

To contact us Click HERE
  SATURDAY: 1/12/13                   4 Degrees    Clear I left for the equipment yard at 5:10 am to start the 772D and 644K.  Dave L. arrived at 7:30.  Fully inspected the 772D grader.   At 8:02 he began plowing from Forbes Park Road to McNaughton using the snow wing only.  From McNaughton, he drove to Soubry.  He spent 2-1/2 hrs clearing drifts on Soubry.  He left Soubry, went down Wagon Mesa Loop to Forbes Park Road.  Dave then started clearing drifts all the way up to and including Forbes Park Loop.  From there he went up to Petito and Vent.  He finally returned to the equipment yard about 6:00pm.  

Options: Full Sail University What's the Cheaper Option?

To contact us Click HERE
Full Sail University (Winter Park Campus)

Tuition at Full Sail University:

B.S. is maximum $75,000

Or


Attend Valencia Community College for two years:
They have an Arts & Entertainment Programs.
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/default.cfm


* Digital Media for Video and Motion Graphics
* Entertainment Design and Technology
* Film Production Technology
* Graphics Technology
* Music and Sound Technology



Tution at VCC:

Florida Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $87.36 per credit hour
Out-of-State Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $330.88 per credit hour
http://www.valenciacc.edu/finanserv/fees.cfm

(Still Cheaper then Full Sail as a Out of State Resident)


Florida has a reputation for a strong statewide commitment to community college transfer. The state’s community colleges have historically been the primary point of access to public postsecondary education. Close to 85% of the state’s undergraduate enrollments are in public institutions, with 55% in 28 community colleges and almost 30% in 11 four-year institutions (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2000)From my research there is a local University in the Orlando area called UCF (University of Central Florida) That has a strong entertainment and arts program as well.


Scenario: If you attend Valencia for two years in Film Production as a resident.

Film Production= 60 credit hours (Amount needed to be awarded Associates) times $87.36 equals $5,241.60 in tuition alone. Let's throw in there 2,000 more for books and other school related needs.


So 2 years at Valencia CC: $7,241.60

Your transfer to UCF to join their BFA in Film or Cinema Studies: $7,000 for two more years in tution alone. At $105.85 per credit hour (60 credit hours) plus $10,000 for other school related needs
http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/character/current_tuition.html

In this scenario the total cost for a Bachelors would be around $25,000.

STILL A MUCH CHEAPER OPTION THEN FULL SAIL.

Don't dare to trespass -- I think.

To contact us Click HERE


This sign is leaning against a railing in the company parking lot behind the post office downtown. I just couldn't believe how crappy-looking it is. It probably fell down years ago and someone just propped it up there, and over time it's become more and more weathered and illegible. It's kind of hard to take the warnings inscribed on it seriously, since you can barely read them! Someone should really invest in a new sign.

What the Obama administration predicts for gun control regulations

To contact us Click HERE
From The Hill Newspaper:

The gun lobby is citing the nine-page memo in ads running in 15 states, including several swing states with Senate elections next year. In the ad, the NRA says the memo proves that the administration “believes that a gun ban will not work without mandatory gun confiscation” and thinks universal background checks “won't work without requiring national gun registration,” according to the AP. . . .

NMHSC Raffle, 6/16--> 'The Homeschooling Handbook'

To contact us Click HERE

by Mary Griffith, Paperback, 1997, Printed by Prima Publishing ---Image of book is on main website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

This is a virtual raffle drawing for the book. The book is in excellent condition with some writing in the back near the group listings. It is older and some of the groups and links might be out of date but the general information itself is timeless for those that need a boost in the reasons why they are homeschooling and those new to homeschooling. Mary Griffith is a wonderful writer and has many books that all homeschoolers should read! Here is her website--the book in this raffle is the original edition http://www.marygriffith.net/Site/homeschooling.html

Entry is $3

You can enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!

You add more to donate to the NM Home School Community. Proceeds will go to support the efforts and future projects of the NM Home School Community.

Go to my website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com or http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/ and hit the Paypal donate button. Checks and cash also accepted, email me for details.

Please include 'The Homeschooling Handbook' Raffle in the paypal subject line and your name, email, address and phone number(s) for contact (this information will not be shared or viewed except by myself)


Entries must be received by Friday, June 20 at midnight.

Virtual raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2008 and winner will be announced via email!

I will cover shipping. Or I will make arrangements to meet you in town if you live in the Albuquerque Area.

The raffle entries will vary in amount depending on the prize being offered.

If you have curriculum, books and/or educational related items that you would like to donate to be raffled off please contact me at NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

Blog: Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers

To contact us Click HERE
http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/facebook-says-yes-to-homeschoolers.html

Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The world would go on just fine if this announcement had never been made, but for 1000's of homeschool kids it has now become easier to join the popular social networking site, Facebook, without compromising the verification process or site security. From the Facebook Blog,

Back in September 2006, we decided to open up Facebook to everyone. Well, almost everyone.We realized Facebook would be most useful if more people were allowed
to join, but we also weren't willing to compromise the security of the site by removing all methods of verification, especially for high school students and minors. Unfortunately this meant that most homeschoolers weren't able to register. For security purposes, users under the age of 18 were required to affiliate with their current high school, but it was nearly impossible to extend this system to homeschooled users.

We've been working on ways to solve this—we want minors to use Facebook safely above all. Today, we're happy to announce that we've recently come up with a way for homeschoolers to join. We've created a new verification system—one that doesn't depend on being in a high school, but still provides the level of security we believe is required. So welcome, everyone, to Facebook.

Don't dare to trespass -- I think.

To contact us Click HERE


This sign is leaning against a railing in the company parking lot behind the post office downtown. I just couldn't believe how crappy-looking it is. It probably fell down years ago and someone just propped it up there, and over time it's become more and more weathered and illegible. It's kind of hard to take the warnings inscribed on it seriously, since you can barely read them! Someone should really invest in a new sign.

Options: Full Sail University What's the Cheaper Option?

To contact us Click HERE
Full Sail University (Winter Park Campus)

Tuition at Full Sail University:

B.S. is maximum $75,000

Or


Attend Valencia Community College for two years:
They have an Arts & Entertainment Programs.
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/default.cfm


* Digital Media for Video and Motion Graphics
* Entertainment Design and Technology
* Film Production Technology
* Graphics Technology
* Music and Sound Technology



Tution at VCC:

Florida Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $87.36 per credit hour
Out-of-State Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $330.88 per credit hour
http://www.valenciacc.edu/finanserv/fees.cfm

(Still Cheaper then Full Sail as a Out of State Resident)


Florida has a reputation for a strong statewide commitment to community college transfer. The state’s community colleges have historically been the primary point of access to public postsecondary education. Close to 85% of the state’s undergraduate enrollments are in public institutions, with 55% in 28 community colleges and almost 30% in 11 four-year institutions (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2000)From my research there is a local University in the Orlando area called UCF (University of Central Florida) That has a strong entertainment and arts program as well.


Scenario: If you attend Valencia for two years in Film Production as a resident.

Film Production= 60 credit hours (Amount needed to be awarded Associates) times $87.36 equals $5,241.60 in tuition alone. Let's throw in there 2,000 more for books and other school related needs.


So 2 years at Valencia CC: $7,241.60

Your transfer to UCF to join their BFA in Film or Cinema Studies: $7,000 for two more years in tution alone. At $105.85 per credit hour (60 credit hours) plus $10,000 for other school related needs
http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/character/current_tuition.html

In this scenario the total cost for a Bachelors would be around $25,000.

STILL A MUCH CHEAPER OPTION THEN FULL SAIL.

New piece at National Review: "Ted Cruz Sets the Record Straight on Guns"

To contact us Click HERE
My new piece at National Review starts this way:

Newly elected senator Ted Cruz has jumped right into the fray. So far he is the only senator who has dared challenge the many blatant falsehoods President Obama and many congressional Democrats have been pushing regarding guns, in particular the bogus claim that 40 percent of gun sales are done without background checks. 

Unsurprisingly, his willingness to speak out has recently made Cruz a target of the media. While he has come in for a range of attacks from the New York Times, recently Politifact has focused on his statement: “the jurisdictions with the strictest gun-control laws, almost without exception . . . have the highest crime rates and the highest murder rates.” In the last case, they labeled his statement “false.” 

Is the “false” rating deserved? In Politifact’s explanation, it becomes more than a little bit obvious that their verdict is seriously strained, not least because they do acknowledge that context clarifies Cruz’s point. When using the term “strictest gun-control laws,” the senator was referring to gun bans (either a ban on handguns or all guns), and he was referring to so-called panel data as the evidence. 

This makes a considerable difference  . . . .

NMHSC Raffle, 6/16--> 'The Homeschooling Handbook'

To contact us Click HERE

by Mary Griffith, Paperback, 1997, Printed by Prima Publishing ---Image of book is on main website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com

This is a virtual raffle drawing for the book. The book is in excellent condition with some writing in the back near the group listings. It is older and some of the groups and links might be out of date but the general information itself is timeless for those that need a boost in the reasons why they are homeschooling and those new to homeschooling. Mary Griffith is a wonderful writer and has many books that all homeschoolers should read! Here is her website--the book in this raffle is the original edition http://www.marygriffith.net/Site/homeschooling.html

Entry is $3

You can enter more than once to increase your chances of winning!

You add more to donate to the NM Home School Community. Proceeds will go to support the efforts and future projects of the NM Home School Community.

Go to my website www.NewMexicoHomeSchoolCommunity.com or http://nmhomeschoolcommunity.blogspot.com/ and hit the Paypal donate button. Checks and cash also accepted, email me for details.

Please include 'The Homeschooling Handbook' Raffle in the paypal subject line and your name, email, address and phone number(s) for contact (this information will not be shared or viewed except by myself)


Entries must be received by Friday, June 20 at midnight.

Virtual raffle drawing will take place on Saturday, June 21, 2008 and winner will be announced via email!

I will cover shipping. Or I will make arrangements to meet you in town if you live in the Albuquerque Area.

The raffle entries will vary in amount depending on the prize being offered.

If you have curriculum, books and/or educational related items that you would like to donate to be raffled off please contact me at NMHomeschoolCommunity@gmail.com

Blog: Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers

To contact us Click HERE
http://spunkyhomeschool.blogspot.com/2008/06/facebook-says-yes-to-homeschoolers.html

Facebook Says 'Yes' to Homeschoolers
Thursday, June 19, 2008
The world would go on just fine if this announcement had never been made, but for 1000's of homeschool kids it has now become easier to join the popular social networking site, Facebook, without compromising the verification process or site security. From the Facebook Blog,

Back in September 2006, we decided to open up Facebook to everyone. Well, almost everyone.We realized Facebook would be most useful if more people were allowed
to join, but we also weren't willing to compromise the security of the site by removing all methods of verification, especially for high school students and minors. Unfortunately this meant that most homeschoolers weren't able to register. For security purposes, users under the age of 18 were required to affiliate with their current high school, but it was nearly impossible to extend this system to homeschooled users.

We've been working on ways to solve this—we want minors to use Facebook safely above all. Today, we're happy to announce that we've recently come up with a way for homeschoolers to join. We've created a new verification system—one that doesn't depend on being in a high school, but still provides the level of security we believe is required. So welcome, everyone, to Facebook.

Don't dare to trespass -- I think.

To contact us Click HERE


This sign is leaning against a railing in the company parking lot behind the post office downtown. I just couldn't believe how crappy-looking it is. It probably fell down years ago and someone just propped it up there, and over time it's become more and more weathered and illegible. It's kind of hard to take the warnings inscribed on it seriously, since you can barely read them! Someone should really invest in a new sign.

Options: Full Sail University What's the Cheaper Option?

To contact us Click HERE
Full Sail University (Winter Park Campus)

Tuition at Full Sail University:

B.S. is maximum $75,000

Or


Attend Valencia Community College for two years:
They have an Arts & Entertainment Programs.
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/default.cfm


* Digital Media for Video and Motion Graphics
* Entertainment Design and Technology
* Film Production Technology
* Graphics Technology
* Music and Sound Technology



Tution at VCC:

Florida Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $87.36 per credit hour
Out-of-State Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $330.88 per credit hour
http://www.valenciacc.edu/finanserv/fees.cfm

(Still Cheaper then Full Sail as a Out of State Resident)


Florida has a reputation for a strong statewide commitment to community college transfer. The state’s community colleges have historically been the primary point of access to public postsecondary education. Close to 85% of the state’s undergraduate enrollments are in public institutions, with 55% in 28 community colleges and almost 30% in 11 four-year institutions (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2000)From my research there is a local University in the Orlando area called UCF (University of Central Florida) That has a strong entertainment and arts program as well.


Scenario: If you attend Valencia for two years in Film Production as a resident.

Film Production= 60 credit hours (Amount needed to be awarded Associates) times $87.36 equals $5,241.60 in tuition alone. Let's throw in there 2,000 more for books and other school related needs.


So 2 years at Valencia CC: $7,241.60

Your transfer to UCF to join their BFA in Film or Cinema Studies: $7,000 for two more years in tution alone. At $105.85 per credit hour (60 credit hours) plus $10,000 for other school related needs
http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/character/current_tuition.html

In this scenario the total cost for a Bachelors would be around $25,000.

STILL A MUCH CHEAPER OPTION THEN FULL SAIL.

Who's In Control? - Subimtted by: Carol

To contact us Click HERE
Some say that the BOD in Forbes Park has all of the control. If this is the case then I ask you why the following has happened recently:

• A resident landowner calls a GENERAL MEETING OF LANDOWNERS….and the Park Manager sends an email out to “who knows who” at the landowner’s request…with attachments.
• NAG doesn’t like the PROPOSED guidelines for use of the FP Center so they join forces and go to the Center, removing all of the items that they DONATED to the Center.
• A group of dissidents is causing trouble by sending out emails using the FP email list. I don’t have an email list of the lot owners…do you?
• I could go on…………..but will spare you.

Looks like a classic case of the tail wagging the dog.Carol N. McElmurray

Options: Full Sail University What's the Cheaper Option?

To contact us Click HERE
Full Sail University (Winter Park Campus)

Tuition at Full Sail University:

B.S. is maximum $75,000

Or


Attend Valencia Community College for two years:
They have an Arts & Entertainment Programs.
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/default.cfm


* Digital Media for Video and Motion Graphics
* Entertainment Design and Technology
* Film Production Technology
* Graphics Technology
* Music and Sound Technology



Tution at VCC:

Florida Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $87.36 per credit hour
Out-of-State Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $330.88 per credit hour
http://www.valenciacc.edu/finanserv/fees.cfm

(Still Cheaper then Full Sail as a Out of State Resident)


Florida has a reputation for a strong statewide commitment to community college transfer. The state’s community colleges have historically been the primary point of access to public postsecondary education. Close to 85% of the state’s undergraduate enrollments are in public institutions, with 55% in 28 community colleges and almost 30% in 11 four-year institutions (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2000)From my research there is a local University in the Orlando area called UCF (University of Central Florida) That has a strong entertainment and arts program as well.


Scenario: If you attend Valencia for two years in Film Production as a resident.

Film Production= 60 credit hours (Amount needed to be awarded Associates) times $87.36 equals $5,241.60 in tuition alone. Let's throw in there 2,000 more for books and other school related needs.


So 2 years at Valencia CC: $7,241.60

Your transfer to UCF to join their BFA in Film or Cinema Studies: $7,000 for two more years in tution alone. At $105.85 per credit hour (60 credit hours) plus $10,000 for other school related needs
http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/character/current_tuition.html

In this scenario the total cost for a Bachelors would be around $25,000.

STILL A MUCH CHEAPER OPTION THEN FULL SAIL.

Don't dare to trespass -- I think.

To contact us Click HERE


This sign is leaning against a railing in the company parking lot behind the post office downtown. I just couldn't believe how crappy-looking it is. It probably fell down years ago and someone just propped it up there, and over time it's become more and more weathered and illegible. It's kind of hard to take the warnings inscribed on it seriously, since you can barely read them! Someone should really invest in a new sign.

Home on the range

To contact us Click HERE


I don't know the name of this ranch east of town, but I'm guessing it has a K in it.  I captured this shot at twilight as we left the Drennan School (see the previous two posts).  It was freezing cold and the sky was full the lovliest, soft pastel colors.

To see other Skywatch Friday images from bloggers all over the world, visit http://skyley.blogspot.com/2013/02/skywatch-friday-season-6-episode-33.html.

Leapin' Lizards!

To contact us Click HERE



San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA:


Last week Team West spent a few hours with Park Rangers from all over the County of San Diego. The collective will be returning to their individual parks and sites with strategies and tactics of how to best connect the messages of Leave No Trace into their visitors' experiences. Getting together with this many rangers and sharing their personal struggles and successes in the challenging task of leading park guests toward their own sense of stewardship is an awesome venue for teaching and learning Leave No Trace.

After our training we snatched the opportunity to stroll the paths at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center. Contrasting its proximity to some major roads and development the lagoon is an absolute oasis of life. A short walk revealed shore birds, waders, ducks, spiders, hummingbirds, and flowers. By far the most obvious form of animal life were the scores of lizards sunning themselves in the sweet Southern California sun.
Recreate your recreation.Mark and Tara

Don't dare to trespass -- I think.

To contact us Click HERE


This sign is leaning against a railing in the company parking lot behind the post office downtown. I just couldn't believe how crappy-looking it is. It probably fell down years ago and someone just propped it up there, and over time it's become more and more weathered and illegible. It's kind of hard to take the warnings inscribed on it seriously, since you can barely read them! Someone should really invest in a new sign.

A stylish jogger

To contact us Click HERE


Pat and I saw this lady jogging on the west side the other day. At first we thought she was wearing some kind of costume, but then we realized that the cotton candy bleached blonde hair, the black running suit and the pink accessories were all part of her distinctly personal look. Hey, whatever floats your boat! Good for her for expressing herself, even when doing something as mundane as going for a run.

The Drennan School

To contact us Click HERE

Pat and I noticed the Drennan School listed on the National Register of Historic Places for El Paso County a couple of weeks ago, and we were very intrigued.  Since neither of us had ever heard of it we decided to take a drive and check it out, even though the weather was forboding.  It got progressively colder and windier the farther we got from Colorado Springs, but we really enjoyed discovering a part of El Paso County's history that we hadn't known of before.  Apparently this little school served much of the rural area outside of Colorado Springs from 1917 to 1955 -- and I think it was kindergarten through 12th grade!  I found the original NRHP registration form online HERE, and it includes a fascinating description of the building.  Apparently it's got three classrooms upstairs, and downstairs there is a bathroom, a kitchen and some bedrooms.  Yes, the teachers lived in the basement!  There was also a "library" upstairs, which according to the description was the size of a closet.  Oh, how schools have changed!

I'm glad this building has been preserved and is still in use.  These days it's a community center.  That part of El Paso County is still sparsely populated, so it's good that there's a gathering place where everyone can get together and socialize, and a historically significant one at that.


And just for fun, here's a picture of the Drennan School in its heyday. It hasn't changed a bit!

University of North Carolina

To contact us Click HERE
https://uncjobs.northcarolina.edu/applicants/jsp/shared/position/JobDetails_css.jsp?postingId=260177
**THIS IS A CONTINUOUS RECRUITMENT POOL FOR ADJUNCT FACULTY POSITIONS NOT SPECIFICALLY ADVERTISED. PLEASE SPECIFY THE DISCIPLINE AREA FOR WHICH YOU ARE APPLYING ON THE EPA APPLICATION.** We invite applications to be submitted for potential openings.

Minimum Qualifications:
Ph.D. or Master's degree with 18 credit hours in the desired teaching discipline. Experience with Online Education delivery is beneficial. All degrees must be from accredited institutions. Individual programs require specific licensure/certification.

Options: Full Sail University What's the Cheaper Option?

To contact us Click HERE
Full Sail University (Winter Park Campus)

Tuition at Full Sail University:

B.S. is maximum $75,000

Or


Attend Valencia Community College for two years:
They have an Arts & Entertainment Programs.
http://www.valenciacc.edu/asdegrees/arts/default.cfm


* Digital Media for Video and Motion Graphics
* Entertainment Design and Technology
* Film Production Technology
* Graphics Technology
* Music and Sound Technology



Tution at VCC:

Florida Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $87.36 per credit hour
Out-of-State Residents (beginning Fall 2009) $330.88 per credit hour
http://www.valenciacc.edu/finanserv/fees.cfm

(Still Cheaper then Full Sail as a Out of State Resident)


Florida has a reputation for a strong statewide commitment to community college transfer. The state’s community colleges have historically been the primary point of access to public postsecondary education. Close to 85% of the state’s undergraduate enrollments are in public institutions, with 55% in 28 community colleges and almost 30% in 11 four-year institutions (National Center for Public Policy and Higher Education, 2000)From my research there is a local University in the Orlando area called UCF (University of Central Florida) That has a strong entertainment and arts program as well.


Scenario: If you attend Valencia for two years in Film Production as a resident.

Film Production= 60 credit hours (Amount needed to be awarded Associates) times $87.36 equals $5,241.60 in tuition alone. Let's throw in there 2,000 more for books and other school related needs.


So 2 years at Valencia CC: $7,241.60

Your transfer to UCF to join their BFA in Film or Cinema Studies: $7,000 for two more years in tution alone. At $105.85 per credit hour (60 credit hours) plus $10,000 for other school related needs
http://www.iroffice.ucf.edu/character/current_tuition.html

In this scenario the total cost for a Bachelors would be around $25,000.

STILL A MUCH CHEAPER OPTION THEN FULL SAIL.

Today's RAC "Fun": Submitted by Phil (and Liz)

To contact us Click HERE
WEDNESDAY:  1/09/13    19 Degrees, Clear, No Snow
I made several phone calls this morning before leaving the house at 8:10am for the equipment yard where I checked the broken fan belt (772D).  It was an old, after-market belt.  All the necessary covers were taken off the engine compartments and that’s when I discovered that, apparently, the machine had been to different shops for work because the bolts are mixed -- standard and metric.  That's a no-no!  I started the 644K to warm it up and took it down to the yard. 
I finished troubleshooting the electrical.  We're ok. 
I want all of you to know that I have done what Colorado Machinery should have done before the machines were delivered.  If I had been given the chance to inspect the equipment before taking delivery, as I had requested, we could have avoided this problem. 
Afterwards, I went back to administration building and met with Laura.  We got the insurance squared away with Sentry Insurance.  Both machines are now covered by Sentry **. 
I went back down to the equipment yard and installed the fan belt on the 772D and then returned home at 4:10pm. 
** Liz Note:  The cost to the association will be $ 7348 for Loader for 47 months. This amount is going to be financed and added to the monthly loan payment at 0% interest. The grader insurance is $5611 for 30 months (the life of the loan) and that was paid in full today (pre-paid insurance) so we don’t have to pay any interest.
 ** Laura Added: The damage insurance is more inclusive than the Travellers insurance we have cancelled.  The insurance carries damage, fire, flood, collision, wind, roll-over, theft, earthquake, rock ingestion, etc. and carries a $1,000 deductible. Our equipment is under the UltraGard commercial use.  We should receive the policy details in a few days.

It's a Dirty Job but Somebody's Doing It!

To contact us Click HERE

THURSDAY: 1/10/13                            5 Degrees     Cloudy
At 8:15 am, I left for the equipment yard and met up with Dave L.  Dave volunteered his time to grease the 644K and install the hydraulic hoses protection guards which protect the hoses from the dozer blade.  The service technician and I continued the rest of the maintenance on the 772D grader. 
I ordered one complete set of grease fittings for the grader because several of them had failed.  I also ordered a complete set for the 644K (they are metric-we cannot use standard).  Like it or not, we will have to purchase a steam cleaner because both machines need to be kept clean -- a little like the living room in our homes. 
One other thing - in order for us to be able to use the rippers on the 772D grader, we'll need a Transmission Bottom Side & Rear Guard.  The cost of which is $2,530.00 not including labor for installation.  I returned home at 3:30pm. 
Tomorrow, I will try to go and meet with the Well Commissioner to iron out the details on commercial well usage.  As I promised, I will keep all of you posted.

All in a Day's Work... Submitted by: Phil

To contact us Click HERE
  SATURDAY: 1/12/13                   4 Degrees    Clear I left for the equipment yard at 5:10 am to start the 772D and 644K.  Dave L. arrived at 7:30.  Fully inspected the 772D grader.   At 8:02 he began plowing from Forbes Park Road to McNaughton using the snow wing only.  From McNaughton, he drove to Soubry.  He spent 2-1/2 hrs clearing drifts on Soubry.  He left Soubry, went down Wagon Mesa Loop to Forbes Park Road.  Dave then started clearing drifts all the way up to and including Forbes Park Loop.  From there he went up to Petito and Vent.  He finally returned to the equipment yard about 6:00pm.  

Who's In Control? - Subimtted by: Carol

To contact us Click HERE
Some say that the BOD in Forbes Park has all of the control. If this is the case then I ask you why the following has happened recently:

• A resident landowner calls a GENERAL MEETING OF LANDOWNERS….and the Park Manager sends an email out to “who knows who” at the landowner’s request…with attachments.
• NAG doesn’t like the PROPOSED guidelines for use of the FP Center so they join forces and go to the Center, removing all of the items that they DONATED to the Center.
• A group of dissidents is causing trouble by sending out emails using the FP email list. I don’t have an email list of the lot owners…do you?
• I could go on…………..but will spare you.

Looks like a classic case of the tail wagging the dog.Carol N. McElmurray

The Political Arena - Submitted by: Skip B.

To contact us Click HERE


Do you feel like you are being drawn into a political arena?  In this world there is much that divides us.  Political strategy is used to obtain some given objective.  An organized body of like-minded individuals will develop certain tactics in order to promote their agenda.  The following tactics are currently being used by some FPLOA landowners in order to achieve their objective: 


·         Associate your opponent with undesirable activity·         Attach derogatory labels to your opponent·         Bury your opponent with accusations·         Get surrogates to do your dirty work·         Get the information “Out there”·         I scratched your back, now you scratch mine·         Make yourself look good while hurting your opponent·         Position your opponent as undesirableThese tactics have been chosen by those who wish to divide our community in order to conquer.  They have misused the private FPLOA e-mail list of our landowners which they have acquired as past officers and chair people.  They call themselves “Concern Citizens”.  They won’t use their names but inspire others to do the dirty work for them by using theirs.  The objective is to change the balance of power from the current Board back to themselves for their own self-interests.  Someone is Right and someone is Wrong.  It is your choice/decision to seek out the Truth.  It will not be that hard to do.  Skip Bunn

Today's RAC "Fun": Submitted by Phil (and Liz)

To contact us Click HERE
WEDNESDAY:  1/09/13    19 Degrees, Clear, No Snow
I made several phone calls this morning before leaving the house at 8:10am for the equipment yard where I checked the broken fan belt (772D).  It was an old, after-market belt.  All the necessary covers were taken off the engine compartments and that’s when I discovered that, apparently, the machine had been to different shops for work because the bolts are mixed -- standard and metric.  That's a no-no!  I started the 644K to warm it up and took it down to the yard. 
I finished troubleshooting the electrical.  We're ok. 
I want all of you to know that I have done what Colorado Machinery should have done before the machines were delivered.  If I had been given the chance to inspect the equipment before taking delivery, as I had requested, we could have avoided this problem. 
Afterwards, I went back to administration building and met with Laura.  We got the insurance squared away with Sentry Insurance.  Both machines are now covered by Sentry **. 
I went back down to the equipment yard and installed the fan belt on the 772D and then returned home at 4:10pm. 
** Liz Note:  The cost to the association will be $ 7348 for Loader for 47 months. This amount is going to be financed and added to the monthly loan payment at 0% interest. The grader insurance is $5611 for 30 months (the life of the loan) and that was paid in full today (pre-paid insurance) so we don’t have to pay any interest.
 ** Laura Added: The damage insurance is more inclusive than the Travellers insurance we have cancelled.  The insurance carries damage, fire, flood, collision, wind, roll-over, theft, earthquake, rock ingestion, etc. and carries a $1,000 deductible. Our equipment is under the UltraGard commercial use.  We should receive the policy details in a few days.

It's a Dirty Job but Somebody's Doing It!

To contact us Click HERE

THURSDAY: 1/10/13                            5 Degrees     Cloudy
At 8:15 am, I left for the equipment yard and met up with Dave L.  Dave volunteered his time to grease the 644K and install the hydraulic hoses protection guards which protect the hoses from the dozer blade.  The service technician and I continued the rest of the maintenance on the 772D grader. 
I ordered one complete set of grease fittings for the grader because several of them had failed.  I also ordered a complete set for the 644K (they are metric-we cannot use standard).  Like it or not, we will have to purchase a steam cleaner because both machines need to be kept clean -- a little like the living room in our homes. 
One other thing - in order for us to be able to use the rippers on the 772D grader, we'll need a Transmission Bottom Side & Rear Guard.  The cost of which is $2,530.00 not including labor for installation.  I returned home at 3:30pm. 
Tomorrow, I will try to go and meet with the Well Commissioner to iron out the details on commercial well usage.  As I promised, I will keep all of you posted.

All in a Day's Work... Submitted by: Phil

To contact us Click HERE
  SATURDAY: 1/12/13                   4 Degrees    Clear I left for the equipment yard at 5:10 am to start the 772D and 644K.  Dave L. arrived at 7:30.  Fully inspected the 772D grader.   At 8:02 he began plowing from Forbes Park Road to McNaughton using the snow wing only.  From McNaughton, he drove to Soubry.  He spent 2-1/2 hrs clearing drifts on Soubry.  He left Soubry, went down Wagon Mesa Loop to Forbes Park Road.  Dave then started clearing drifts all the way up to and including Forbes Park Loop.  From there he went up to Petito and Vent.  He finally returned to the equipment yard about 6:00pm.  

Who's In Control? - Subimtted by: Carol

To contact us Click HERE
Some say that the BOD in Forbes Park has all of the control. If this is the case then I ask you why the following has happened recently:

• A resident landowner calls a GENERAL MEETING OF LANDOWNERS….and the Park Manager sends an email out to “who knows who” at the landowner’s request…with attachments.
• NAG doesn’t like the PROPOSED guidelines for use of the FP Center so they join forces and go to the Center, removing all of the items that they DONATED to the Center.
• A group of dissidents is causing trouble by sending out emails using the FP email list. I don’t have an email list of the lot owners…do you?
• I could go on…………..but will spare you.

Looks like a classic case of the tail wagging the dog.Carol N. McElmurray

Leapin' Lizards!

To contact us Click HERE



San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center, Cardiff-by-the-Sea, CA:


Last week Team West spent a few hours with Park Rangers from all over the County of San Diego. The collective will be returning to their individual parks and sites with strategies and tactics of how to best connect the messages of Leave No Trace into their visitors' experiences. Getting together with this many rangers and sharing their personal struggles and successes in the challenging task of leading park guests toward their own sense of stewardship is an awesome venue for teaching and learning Leave No Trace.

After our training we snatched the opportunity to stroll the paths at the San Elijo Lagoon Nature Center. Contrasting its proximity to some major roads and development the lagoon is an absolute oasis of life. A short walk revealed shore birds, waders, ducks, spiders, hummingbirds, and flowers. By far the most obvious form of animal life were the scores of lizards sunning themselves in the sweet Southern California sun.
Recreate your recreation.Mark and Tara

Today's RAC "Fun": Submitted by Phil (and Liz)

To contact us Click HERE
WEDNESDAY:  1/09/13    19 Degrees, Clear, No Snow
I made several phone calls this morning before leaving the house at 8:10am for the equipment yard where I checked the broken fan belt (772D).  It was an old, after-market belt.  All the necessary covers were taken off the engine compartments and that’s when I discovered that, apparently, the machine had been to different shops for work because the bolts are mixed -- standard and metric.  That's a no-no!  I started the 644K to warm it up and took it down to the yard. 
I finished troubleshooting the electrical.  We're ok. 
I want all of you to know that I have done what Colorado Machinery should have done before the machines were delivered.  If I had been given the chance to inspect the equipment before taking delivery, as I had requested, we could have avoided this problem. 
Afterwards, I went back to administration building and met with Laura.  We got the insurance squared away with Sentry Insurance.  Both machines are now covered by Sentry **. 
I went back down to the equipment yard and installed the fan belt on the 772D and then returned home at 4:10pm. 
** Liz Note:  The cost to the association will be $ 7348 for Loader for 47 months. This amount is going to be financed and added to the monthly loan payment at 0% interest. The grader insurance is $5611 for 30 months (the life of the loan) and that was paid in full today (pre-paid insurance) so we don’t have to pay any interest.
 ** Laura Added: The damage insurance is more inclusive than the Travellers insurance we have cancelled.  The insurance carries damage, fire, flood, collision, wind, roll-over, theft, earthquake, rock ingestion, etc. and carries a $1,000 deductible. Our equipment is under the UltraGard commercial use.  We should receive the policy details in a few days.