The number doesn't count underemployed, discouraged workers and unemployed who have fallen off the benefits roles. The unemployment rate is a weak barometer of true employment and economic growth. Many of the jobs that are open are for underskilled non-college educated individuals. Moore county still has a highly concentrated number of employers tha include First Health , Pinehurst Resort and local municipalities. Don't take these numbers on their face.
Regardless, can someone remind me why we keep the least succesful sport around at Pinecrest?
Invest more in wrestling, M&W's soccer, tennis and golf. The sports have consistently performed at a very high level in state competitions year after year These sports have the largest number of TRUE student athletes.
As a conservative, I long for a conservative tsunami in Congress and the White House. Unfortunately there are significant headwinds in the election of conservatives:
47% of the electorate pay ZERO income tax in this country and have no vested interest in ending the nanny state. It's always OPM (other people's money);
A little less than 50 percent of the people in this country depend on some form of federal payment, some form of government benefit to help provide for them. After Obamacare, it will not be less than 50 percent; it will be 100 percent. These voters don't want any level of austerity;
The conservative base is not energized around Romney. On many conservative message boards, conservatives are looking to change the political landscape through the election of state legislators, governors, congressmen and senators. Conservatives consider Romney a true-blooded RINO.and
Tea party activists, like those in Wisconsin, can sway state and local elections regardless of the of money coming from outside sources. In Wisconsin,approximately 46-47% of the voters were decided well before the recall. The fight was over the remaining 6-7%. The win by Walker was not dictated by outside money but rather by a ground game organized by Tea Party activists. These activists are none too excited about Romney as a candidate.
Where was the Pilot when the legislature was dominated by the Dems?;
Elections DO HAVE consequenses and as a result, the people of NC have ceded control of the redistricting process to the GOP. Why should the GOP compromise on anything?;
I believe polarization is a good for the country. The moderates in both parties have led us down the path of compromise. I believe that this is why this country is in this poor state today. One cannot feel strongly both ways on an opinion. Let the liberals and conservatives make their respective cases and let the voters decide;
As was displayed last night in the WI recall election, voters do have stong and unwavering opinions on government. I have always lumped moderates into two categories..a group of uninformed voters who cannot make a decision or individuals who lack of conviction. As Reagan said: "bold colors, not pale pastels".
Having attended my H.S., undergraduate and graduate school commencements, I can really say that I remember little, let alone, who the speaker was. I will be attending this year's ceremony at Pinecrest for my son; who frankly considers it an obligation to attend. Even though the event is scheduled in the early morning, I'm not looking forward to the heat and humidity. The last thing anyone needs is another long-winded speach.
As this will not be my son's last graduation (he's moving on to university in August), this ceremony holds little more meaning than his middle school graduation.
On a final note, if your son or daughter needs the inspiration to move on in life through a graduation speech, there is something very wrong.
Would have liked to hear more about patents and licensing of Polarmax fabric (believe Mountain Hardware incorporates Polarmax fabric in their line). Understand the niche that Longworth operates in which appears entirely focused on military and public sector customers. Most of the larger manufacturers have offshore facilities which make them non-compliant with the Berry Act. As a result, margins can be less tight and they have less competition in the space. In the retail market, the company doesn't have the muscle (pricing/costs/advertising) to capture an adequate number of retail SKU's which means it means it is improbable that the can compete in the retail market. The niche is very small and defined but see little upside in domestic manufacturing if they want to compete with large brands.
I am happy that this study is being funded by private sources rather than public. The quotes from BCF are full of "consultant speak" such as iterative, sustainable, measuring progress and public-private context. Having seen hundreds of feasibility studies over the past twent years, they're not worth the paper they're written on.
As I commented on the Pat Corso piece, there is no draw for young STEM graduates to either come back home following university or for new graduates to migrate to Moore County. Even CLT, which has far more ammenities to offer STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, soes not compete effectively with RTP.
In terms of entreprenurial endeavors, there is little support, even from the triangle, for angel investors, venture capital, research and major university support as they are already prevalent in RTP/RDU.
In terms of industry concentration, there is little sense in subsidizing more defense oriented R&D as there is already a heavy concentration in the defense sector in Moore County (one of the largest sector employers after healthcare). Again, the community suffers from competing geographic areas (especially on the East Coast) from Lockhheed/Marting, Boeing and Gen Dynamics.
While it sounds glamorous, trying to attract incubator/entreprenurial tech firms is a pipe dream. From a business perspective, Moore County needs to "scratch where it itches" in terms of investing in infrastucture that we already have including military contractors and healthcare. Tech is clearly way down on potential opportunities.
As far as additional investment in education in Moore County for a STEM academy does not make sense due to the existic cirriculum and the proximity to the NC Math and Science Academy in Durham for gifted students.
There will never be true equity in anything whether it's sports or life. You start moving onto the slippery slope when you start trying to define fairness. If your line of thought were taken another step, do schools start limiting athletic budgets in order that their is fairness in player development? I'm originally from Chicago where athletics are governed by the IHSA. Parochial and public schools and have equal success regardless of the recruiting policies by the PS's. In the case of an all boys school, the school size should be adjusted 2x due to exclusion of girls. Otherwise, I see no reason to level the playing field whatsoever.
I laud Pat Corso and Moore County in their attempts to try to encourage STEM based education but there are some basics that are missing from their discussion:
1. Schools such as Pinecrest already have rigorous programs in both honors and AP for students wishing to enter STEM fields such as chemistry physics, and engineering although they lack an AP course in computer science;
2. There is a dearth of tech jobs as opposed to those in RTP (NC State, Duke and to a lesser extent UNC), Atlanta (GA Tech), the I-95 corridor running from Washington D.C. to Richmond (VA Tech, VA Commonwealth and Univ. of MD) and an incubator corridor now being formed in the New River and Shenandoah Valleys (VA Tech);
3 The lack of a major research/engineering school close in or near Moore County;
4. Major technology companies base their operations in MSA’s where newly minted STEM graduates would like to live…there is little attraction to Moore County with an older demographic, lack of entertainment, sports and other things that attract young grads (Atlanta, RTP, DC, Boston, Austin and Palo Alto are far more attractive alternatives);
5.The recognition that STEM, especially engineering, which has an attrition rate of nearly 70% from university from freshman to senior years and is extremely difficult even if the student is well prepared. Many students view this rigorous curriculum as too difficult a road to follow and choose LAS or business where the road is easier and GPA’s are higher; and
6. I believe MCS provides an excellent grounding in the sciences and math to prepare willing students who wish to move on the university level in STEM already. Many good students out of MCS have little difficulty in being accepted into major engineering programs including GA Tech, VA Tech, NC State, Purdue and others. A magnet school is a waste of money given the already limited resources of MCS.
In a perfect world, Moore County Schools can train STEM graduates but you cannot keep them down on the farm. That is the reality and to try to reposition our area is impossibility.
Newton 11 months, 2 weeks ago
April Jobless Rate Drop Falls More Than Expected
The number doesn't count underemployed, discouraged workers and unemployed who have fallen off the benefits roles. The unemployment rate is a weak barometer of true employment and economic growth. Many of the jobs that are open are for underskilled non-college educated individuals. Moore county still has a highly concentrated number of employers tha include First Health , Pinehurst Resort and local municipalities. Don't take these numbers on their face.
by Newton
Newton 11 months, 2 weeks ago
Two Patriots Selected for USA Football Camp
Great honor for these two kids.
Regardless, can someone remind me why we keep the least succesful sport around at Pinecrest?
Invest more in wrestling, M&W's soccer, tennis and golf. The sports have consistently performed at a very high level in state competitions year after year These sports have the largest number of TRUE student athletes.
Newton 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Could It Be Dewey-Truman Again?
As a conservative, I long for a conservative tsunami in Congress and the White House. Unfortunately there are significant headwinds in the election of conservatives:
Newton 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Don't Shunt Aside Redistricting Reform
A number of observations from your editorial:
Newton 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Pinecrest Seniors Denied Graduation Speaker
This is a tempest in a teapot.......
Newton 11 months, 3 weeks ago
Pinecrest Seniors Denied Graduation Speaker
Having attended my H.S., undergraduate and graduate school commencements, I can really say that I remember little, let alone, who the speaker was. I will be attending this year's ceremony at Pinecrest for my son; who frankly considers it an obligation to attend. Even though the event is scheduled in the early morning, I'm not looking forward to the heat and humidity. The last thing anyone needs is another long-winded speach.
As this will not be my son's last graduation (he's moving on to university in August), this ceremony holds little more meaning than his middle school graduation.
On a final note, if your son or daughter needs the inspiration to move on in life through a graduation speech, there is something very wrong.
Newton 11 months, 4 weeks ago
'Next to Skin': Niche Products Help Apparel Firm Grow
Would have liked to hear more about patents and licensing of Polarmax fabric (believe Mountain Hardware incorporates Polarmax fabric in their line). Understand the niche that Longworth operates in which appears entirely focused on military and public sector customers. Most of the larger manufacturers have offshore facilities which make them non-compliant with the Berry Act. As a result, margins can be less tight and they have less competition in the space. In the retail market, the company doesn't have the muscle (pricing/costs/advertising) to capture an adequate number of retail SKU's which means it means it is improbable that the can compete in the retail market. The niche is very small and defined but see little upside in domestic manufacturing if they want to compete with large brands.
Newton 11 months, 4 weeks ago
Business Leaders Take on New Initiative
I am happy that this study is being funded by private sources rather than public. The quotes from BCF are full of "consultant speak" such as iterative, sustainable, measuring progress and public-private context. Having seen hundreds of feasibility studies over the past twent years, they're not worth the paper they're written on.
As I commented on the Pat Corso piece, there is no draw for young STEM graduates to either come back home following university or for new graduates to migrate to Moore County. Even CLT, which has far more ammenities to offer STEM graduates and entrepreneurs, soes not compete effectively with RTP.
In terms of entreprenurial endeavors, there is little support, even from the triangle, for angel investors, venture capital, research and major university support as they are already prevalent in RTP/RDU.
In terms of industry concentration, there is little sense in subsidizing more defense oriented R&D as there is already a heavy concentration in the defense sector in Moore County (one of the largest sector employers after healthcare). Again, the community suffers from competing geographic areas (especially on the East Coast) from Lockhheed/Marting, Boeing and Gen Dynamics.
While it sounds glamorous, trying to attract incubator/entreprenurial tech firms is a pipe dream. From a business perspective, Moore County needs to "scratch where it itches" in terms of investing in infrastucture that we already have including military contractors and healthcare. Tech is clearly way down on potential opportunities.
As far as additional investment in education in Moore County for a STEM academy does not make sense due to the existic cirriculum and the proximity to the NC Math and Science Academy in Durham for gifted students.
Newton 1 year ago
High School Sports: Let's Keep the Playing Field Level
There will never be true equity in anything whether it's sports or life. You start moving onto the slippery slope when you start trying to define fairness. If your line of thought were taken another step, do schools start limiting athletic budgets in order that their is fairness in player development? I'm originally from Chicago where athletics are governed by the IHSA. Parochial and public schools and have equal success regardless of the recruiting policies by the PS's. In the case of an all boys school, the school size should be adjusted 2x due to exclusion of girls. Otherwise, I see no reason to level the playing field whatsoever.
Newton 1 year ago
Finding and Keeping High-Tech Talent
I laud Pat Corso and Moore County in their attempts to try to encourage STEM based education but there are some basics that are missing from their discussion: 1. Schools such as Pinecrest already have rigorous programs in both honors and AP for students wishing to enter STEM fields such as chemistry physics, and engineering although they lack an AP course in computer science; 2. There is a dearth of tech jobs as opposed to those in RTP (NC State, Duke and to a lesser extent UNC), Atlanta (GA Tech), the I-95 corridor running from Washington D.C. to Richmond (VA Tech, VA Commonwealth and Univ. of MD) and an incubator corridor now being formed in the New River and Shenandoah Valleys (VA Tech); 3 The lack of a major research/engineering school close in or near Moore County; 4. Major technology companies base their operations in MSA’s where newly minted STEM graduates would like to live…there is little attraction to Moore County with an older demographic, lack of entertainment, sports and other things that attract young grads (Atlanta, RTP, DC, Boston, Austin and Palo Alto are far more attractive alternatives); 5.The recognition that STEM, especially engineering, which has an attrition rate of nearly 70% from university from freshman to senior years and is extremely difficult even if the student is well prepared. Many students view this rigorous curriculum as too difficult a road to follow and choose LAS or business where the road is easier and GPA’s are higher; and 6. I believe MCS provides an excellent grounding in the sciences and math to prepare willing students who wish to move on the university level in STEM already. Many good students out of MCS have little difficulty in being accepted into major engineering programs including GA Tech, VA Tech, NC State, Purdue and others. A magnet school is a waste of money given the already limited resources of MCS. In a perfect world, Moore County Schools can train STEM graduates but you cannot keep them down on the farm. That is the reality and to try to reposition our area is impossibility.