Atlanta Schools Are Models

Everyday educators, whether they are teachers, administrators, or board members, are striving to improve the services they offer. Teachers attend in-service training; principals meet with other administrators in their district, state, or even the nation; and board members travel to see what other districts are doing right All with the intention of gleaning the best methods and practices for their own schools. Atlanta Schools are no exception. As of the 2006-07 school year, Atlanta Schools were made up of the following:

* Traditional schools (89)* Elementary schools (59)* Middle schools (16)
* High schools (14)* Nontraditional programs (2)* Charter schools (7)
* Adult learning centers (1)* APS Learning Institutes (99)*Title I Schools (89)
* Year-Round Schools (3)* Schools of Excellence (2) * Magnet Schools (7)

Atlanta Schools serve a large number of students. The enrollment for the past school year (2006-2007) was 49,392. The students of Atlanta Schools represent many diverse, ethnic groups:

* African-American 85.98%* American Indian/Alaskan .03%
* Asian .59%* Caucasian 8.37%
* Hispanic 4.10%* Multiracial .93%

The operating budget in the past school year was $582,839,767. Atlanta Schools employ a total of 6,536 employees. 3,465 of these are full-time teachers, 226 are members of the Student Support Staff. 1,900 of Atlanta Schools teachers hold advanced degrees, and another 42 have achieved National Board Certification. The beginning teacher salary for the ’05-’06 school year was $40,157.

Atlanta Schools have embraced many models of school reform, and have implemented them throughout the district, to serve individual areas as needed. Samples of these models are:

America’s Choice: This model enables all students to reach internationally benchmarked standards. Learning is focused on getting all students to standards, varying only the time and resources needed. Atlanta Schools teachers use prevention, early intervention and acceleration techniques, as needed.

Core Knowledge: This reform model provides Atlanta Schools students with a curriculum based on what every educated citizen should know and understand to function in an educated society.

Direct Instruction: Direct Instruction (DI) is a model for teaching reading in several Atlanta Schools that emphasizes well-developed and carefully planned lessons designed around small learning groups. Teaching tasks are clearly defined and prescribed. The philosophy is based on the theory that clear phonics instruction – eliminating misinterpretations – can greatly improve and accelerate learning.

International Baccalaureate: This Atlanta Schools program is in place to develop students who are critical and compassionate thinkers and who are informed participants in local and world affairs.

Making Middle Grades Work: This program is designed to give Atlanta Schools middle school students intensive attention to raise achievement through alignment of content and standards, high expectations, extra help and time, and engaging classroom practices.

Project GRAD: Targeted to Atlanta Schools high school students, this program helps raise achievement through family support, school discipline, college scholarship and emphasis on reading and math.

Talent Development: Atlanta Schools that are implementing this model are ones that have established a strong culture for learning, curricular innovations, advanced work, parent involvement and professional development.

Body Stocking Instead of a Thong

Use a Body Stocking Instead of a Thong

You may find yourself one day doing a catalog or fashion photo shoot with a very tight fitting outfit. How do you get rid of those bulging lines under your clothes?

Many models simply wear no bra and a thong to get rid of lines. This works fine in most cases but an interesting alternative is wearing a body stocking instead. The body stocking accomplishes the same effect without the problem of going bra-less, especially if you are a little timid.

The body stocking is an article of lingerie that is often neglected by female models when doing a photo session. This wonderful accessory is a must for any adult model's wardrobe and will come in handy during the photo session. This garment is similar to a leotard in that it fits snugly against the skin. Some people equate the body stocking to a kind-of cat suit because it is so skintight.

The benefit of a body stocking for model photos is that it can be discreetly worn beneath just about any outfit and fashion models make good use of this body stocking "secret" as well as those doing a catalog photo session.

A body stocking is usually made out of material that is similar to tights or pantyhose. Some come in a sexy fishnet design which has a very sexy presence during a glamour or lingerie photo session. The fishnet designs are usually reserved for the daring enthusiasts.

Most women prefer the sleek look and clean lines found in the sheer material of a body stocking. The sheer fabric is appealing to models who want to model tight clothing to keep from panties and bras buldging from under their wardrobe.

Hiding lines is not the only benefit of wearing a body stocking in model pictures. The sexy lingerie is also quite efficient as well. The body stocking can give you an extra layer under your clothing without creating ugly bulges.

This is especially important during fashion photo shoots where you want to show your best assets. Even your most clingy garments will rest easily on top of the thin, sheer material of the body stocking. The lingerie can also help give your figure a subtle boost and your model photos will definitely show a slimmer you.

You can order a body stocking with or without sleeves. Short sleeves are also available in some styles. The legs are usually covered by the garment simply because it is designed to cover most of the body.

The sheer unobtrusive fabric is a delight so it really doesn’t matter if it covers you from head to toe. It is still quite comfortable to wear. You can wear the body stocking as is or as an undergarment in your model photos depending upon the photographic effect you're looking to achieve.

Plus-size ladies also benefit from using a body stocking in fashion and catalog photos to enhance their curves. The lingerie offers coverage from head to toe but still keeps things interesting through its sheer sexiness.

Ladies of all shapes and sizes do themselves a service by adding a body stocking when preparing a wardrobe for a model photo session.

By the use of the body stocking technique you should look and feel your best and keep the photo advisor happy.

Big Beautiful Women

Top 40 BBW (Big Beautiful Women) of All-Time

As Hollywood continues to pressure beautiful women to lose more and more weight to be considered beautiful, I think it is time to celebrate "real women." Real women are confident, sexy and beautiful no matter their shape or size. There is a phenomenon that started on the internet a few years back called BBW. BBW stands for Big Beautiful Woman.

This does not necessarily mean a fat woman. A BBW is a woman who is proud of who she is and isn't ashamed of her body. Contrary to what Hollywood would have the world to believe, not every man wants a pencil thin woman. Many men want their women to be real. They want their women to have curves. A true BBW is confident, sexy and real. She is a Big Beautiful Woman. The following list is presented by the internet's premier online dating site for BBW's and their admirers (http://www.BBWSinglesFinder.com) which has been online since 2003.

Here are our Top 40 BBW’s of All-Time:

1. Marilyn Monroe - Considered one of the sexiest women of all-time, and by today's standards, she would be considered a BBW.

2. Oprah Winfrey - Although Oprah's weight has gone up and down, she is beautiful no matter how much she weighs.

3. Queen Latifah - An accomplished musician, actress and BBW.

4. Delta Burke - Her character on Designing Women was a BBW and yet, she who was the sex symbol of the show.

5. Wynonna - One of the most successful female country music singers of all-time and a sexy BBW as well.

6. Emme - The most famous "Plus-Size" model of all-time. Living proof that you don't have to be thin to be attractive, sexy and successful.

7. Aretha Franklin - The queen of R&B and a beautiful BBW.

8. Melissa Peterman - Barbara Jean from the sitcom, Reba.

9. Ann Wilson - Lead singer from the rock band, Heart. She was miserable until she decided to live her life as a BBW.

10. Jamie Lee Curtis - Why is she on this list? Because of her stand a few years back when she refused to let her pictures be air brushed and manipulated anymore on magazine covers. She is not really a BBW, but her principles are in line with what a BBW stands for... Be yourself and love your body no matter your shape.

11. Serena Williams - She's athletic, successful, beautiful and a BBW. She's not fat, but she is a Big Beautiful Woman.

12. Trisha Yearwood - One of the top country music singers of all-time and married to Garth Brooks.

13. Elizabeth Taylor - She is right up there with Marilyn Monroe as one of the sexiest women of all-time.

14. Nell Carter - The lovable house mother on Facts of Life and a beautiful BBW as well.

15. Missy Elliott – Popular Rap and R&B singer and beautiful African American BBW.

16. Camryn Manheim – Actress best known for role on the Practice.

17. Rosie O'Donnell – Probably the most famous plus-size comedian of all-time.

18. Kathy Bates – One of the best actresses in the business.

19. Mia Tyler – Sister of actress Liv Tyler and famous plus-sized model.

20. Sophia Loren – Just like Marilyn Monroe, one of the most beautiful women of all-time.

21. Carnie Wilson – Singer from the band, Wilson Phillips.

22. Kate Winslet – Star from the movie Titantic and voluptuous superstar.

23. Roseanne Barr – Comedian, actress and formerly married to Tom Arnold.

24. Sally Struthers – Former star from All in the Family.

25. Mo'Nique – Star of the movie Phat Girlz and her own hit sitcom, The Parkers.

26. Mama Cass – Famous singer from the Mamas and the Papas.

27. Toccara Jones - She won Tyra Banks' Top Model contest on VH1.

28. Countess Vaughn - Star of The Parkers TV show with another BBW, Mo'Nique

29. Della Reese – African American actress, singer, model and activist.

30. Mona Lisa - Subject of the most famous painting of all-time.

31. Kim Coles - Actress from In Living Color fame.

32. Yvette Wilson - Beautiful BBW Actress from Moesha.

33. Margaret Cho – Famous comedian, actress and activist.

34. America Ferrar – Star of the film, Real Women Have Curves and the new ABC series, Ugly Betty.

35. Lindsey Hollister – Actress most well-known for role on Boston Public.

36. Mayim Bialik – Former star of the NBC sitcom, Blossom, who blossomed into a BBW.

37. Pearl Bailey – Famous African American Singer, Performer and Actress.

38. Mae West – Burlesque star in the early 1900’s.

39. Barbara Brickner – A beautiful plus-sized model who works with Eddie Bauer, Lands End and Nordstrom to name a few.

40. Kimberley Locke – Pop singer introduced by American Idol and a plus size fashion model.

Teenage Girls

8 Keys to Improving Self-esteem for Teenage Girls

Experts on facial expressions are not fooled by the big smiles of teen-age girls. It is evident when a girl is truly happy inside, because she has a “Duchienne smile.” With this smile the involuntary muscles around the eyes are wrinkled. And those muscles do not lie.

On the other hand, fake, superficial smiles reveal a smiling mouth only, there is no twinkle and not a wrinkle. Looking at many of the photos in today’s magazines where the models often reveal fake smiles with sad eyes. BUT, this is not what teen girls notice. They focus on the perfect figure, airbrushed skin, hair and slick image. Then, unfortunately, they want to emulate that MYTH of happiness.

Dr. Linda Miles has spent over thirty years as a psychotherapist dealing with such issues. In addition she has discussed this subject numerous times on national radio and television. She has a passion for helping girls and women “de-program the myths” of our beauty queen culture.

She herself, as a teenager, bought into fake personalities at Leon High in Tallahassee , Florida . Faye Dunnaway writes, in her autobiography, about her trauma at the same school, where your worth was based upon your looks and money. Ironically both Faye Dunnaway and Dr. Miles were "popular" and won beauty contests, yet they both knew they were faking happiness.

Dr. Miles dedicates her work to her 12 year old grand-daughter, Merritt, in hopes she can help her keep smiling from the inside-out, because, according to long-term research based only upon yearbook pictures, teen-age girls with Duchienne smiles grew up to have more fulfilling lives, better jobs, happier families and more successful marriages.

Dr. Miles 8 keys for teenage girls to help improve self-esteem include:

1. LIVE PASSIONATELY AND NOT FOR PASSION: Mother Theresa wrote our best protection is a joyful heart. Ironically, research shows that teen-age girls laugh more around boys than with one another. Too many girls buy the “Cinderella fairytale” that they need the perfect Prince to be happy.

2. WAKE UP WITHOUT MAKE-UP: Girls need help to ask the questions and find the answers to- Who am I? and Why am I here? They need help and understanding as they discover their gifts and talents, and learn to share them with the world. While adolescence forces pull them toward following peers, they need help to learn how to be their own leader who follows their internal values.

A young girl of 17 was recently arrested in North Carolina for armed robbery and murder, because she helped her boyfriend rob a convenience store. Violence is increasing for girls as they are influenced by peers and media images. We can provide the tools and guidance to help them wake up from feeling worthless; a state that prevents purposeful leadership and integrity.

3. STOP THE WORTHLESS DANCE: Girls decide they are worthless for many reasons, some are - comparison games, childhood traumas such as sexual abuse, the cultural beauty queen trance, or abandonment. Many young women that Dr. Miles has worked with decided they were worthless when their fathers left the family, their mothers were overly critical, they had a more beautiful sister, etc. It is important to re-trace when each girl first decided she was worthless and work on healing that lie. They need to see how they made this decision and why they developed false selves and made that real.

4. WHATS THE BRAIN GOT TO DO WITH IT?Top of Form TBottom of Fhere are huge changes in the adolescent brain as information it does not need is pruned and other connections are strengthened. The brain does not fully mature until we are in our twenties leaving teens with too much acceleration and not enough brakes!

A Duke neuroscientist once shared with Dr Miles that although he was a tall adult he still thought of himself as short because he had been so short in middle school. Girls who liked themselves in elementary school often develop a false shell against the middle school assault on the developing brain. They need help to focus their brains in the direction of their purpose and dreams. To accomplish this Dr. Miles uses many techniques from journaling, self-hypnosis and affirmations.

5. DO NOT DESPISE, VISUALIZE: Dr. Miles has young women visualize their ideal life. Using a practice of meditation to relax and connect with the inner self to affirm what each girl wants, she has the girl focus on development of neural pathways toward high self-esteem. The unconscious mind is filled with negative thoughts. Many girls have few models of confident women who live with a higher purpose. A famous neuroscientist once observed, "In the brain practice makes perfect."

6. SWEET INSPIRATION: Since the brain does not fully mature until age 23, teens are drawn to high levels of stimulation, yet lack the experience to deal with life situations. We need classes like Life 101 or Relationships 101! Instead, we spend more time teaching our children how to drive a car than how to have healthy relationships and lives!

Maya Angelo should be required reading as a role model who talks about her mistakes and how she grew. She has a wonderful story about getting fired at 16 and how her Mother explained "fired "was just a word and she needed to get back out there.

7. PRACTICE THE PRESENT: Dr. Miles has girls ask themselves what is real in the present moment. She recalls wasting hours wishing she was having a good hair day! The fact is that her hair was not going to change unless she cut it off during Home Economics.

Self-esteem is a construct built on the absurd...I SHOULD be thin, have straight hair, green eyes, blah, blah, blah. Girls need to be helped to deal with, What is, and NOT, What if. Dr. Miles writes in her book, The New Marriage, Transcending the Happily Ever After Myth, about her near death experience at age 52. She felt peace and self-acceptance as she KNEW the only thing that mattered about her life was how much she had loved.

8. LOVE THE SPIRITUAL AND IT WILL BE DIFFICULT TO DESPISE THE EARTHLY: Young girls need to develop a spiritual practice to focus them on the forces greater than themselves. Readings , prayer, meditation can be done alone or shared.

2008 Mercedes B Class

2008 Mercedes B Class: American Introduction Delayed?

Mercedes has long looked at the entire U.S. auto market as fair game, meaning it is not just a place where it can sell luxury vehicles, but a place to market “low budget” vehicles too. Unknown to some American motorists, the Mercedes name is much broader than simply being a luxury make. Like its German rival, Volkswagen, Mercedes sells cars in Europe that compete directly against the Golf as well as against the luxurious VW Phaeton. Still, introducing a “budget Benz” to America is a psychological hurdle that parent DaimlerChrysler is delaying making a commitment to. Let’s take a look at the proposed B Class and the reasons why the model not make it to the U.S. anytime soon.

For starters, the proposed B Class is based upon Mercedes A Class line of cars. Okay, that tells you a lot! In short, the A Class is a true line of compact cars that are popular in Europe. If you were to give serious consideration to purchasing a Volkswagen Golf you would consider the A Class to be its logical competitor. A slightly larger model, the B Class, makes better use of engine placement and design to produce a car that isn’t much larger than the A Class on the outside, but is almost as roomy as the S Class is on the inside [when configured as a wagon].

Beyond all of that, the B Class will be built with Mercedes’ electronic stability program and come equipped with more standard features of any car in its class. Basically, the B Class would be about the size of a Rabbit with all the typical Mercedes gadgets and trim that Mercedes owners prefer. So, if the B Class were to sell in the U.S., most models would likely retail for around $25,000, which is well above the price of a fully loaded Golf.

Published reports via automotive sites and blogs are indicating that the car may not make it to the U.S. due to several concerns. These include:

Cost factor. Mercedes lost plenty of money in 2005 and the company is doing all it can to return to profitability as soon as possible. Preparing any car for the U.S. market takes time and costs money; DaimlerChrysler is loathe to expend money on a project that may not be profitable at the start.

Consumer perception. A very strong psychological aspect must be overcome first and that is consumer perception. While the Mercedes name adorns a variety of vehicle levels in Europe the name is perceived as “pure luxury” in the U.S. Mercedes remembers Cadillac’s attempt in the past to produce a budget Caddy [remember the Cimarron?] and how those attempts failed miserably.

BMW. BMW is also considering importing a budget model, the “1 Series.” Expect Mercedes to get serious about the B Class if BMW imports the 1 Series.

Presently, only the sedan and wagon would be imported to the U.S. and any hatch versions would stay in Europe. With available diesel power, the B Class might thrive as customers gravitate to a car capable of cracking 40 miles to the gallon. Introducing the B Class to the American market is a risky proposition, but what is there about selling cars that isn’t?

Model Posing Tips Photographer

Model Posing Tips from a Professional Photographer

Whether you are searching for a career in fashion modeling or glamour modeling, it is very important for you to realize that there is more to becoming a model than just standing there looking beautiful.

One very important factor in becoming a good model is posing, and in order for you to learn the different poses needed for the type of modeling career you are seeking it will take practice, practice, practice.

Make Your Posing Look Natural

When preparing for your photo shoot, there are numerous steps you can take to ensure you are comfortable while posing and your photos will look more natural.

Get Posing Ideas

Before you head to your photo shoot, pick at least ten poses you really like from fashion or glamour magazines, or poses you’ve learned from previous photo shoots. Take time to practice each pose in front of a mirror until you feel comfortable and have the confidence of knowing you look great doing these poses.
Hands and Facial Expression

Also, focus on what to do with your hands and pay attention to facial expressions. A pose is virtually dead and unimaginative without a “look”. You should be able to close your eyes, imagine a thought, open your eyes and sell that thought. Practice this technique and your photos will come alive.

Become an Idea Factory

Unless you are shooting for an advertising agency or some other type of special interest session many photographers recommend that you bring some of your own posing ideas to the shoot. In addition to your ideas, the photographer may have his or her own idea of how the session should go.

Rapport with Your Photographer

Always work with a photographer you feel you can trust. This will make communication between the two of you easier and give you the confidence to express your own ideas.

Always listen to what the photographer tells you. If you are really uncomfortable with the pose, let your photographer know how you feel, in a nice way. Remember, he is looking through the camera lens and might see something you don’t.

If the photographer says she wants something different in the pose, try looking away from the camera or giving a unique facial expression. This is where your practice in front of the mirror really pays.

Posture

When posing you should always keep good posture unless the photographer instructs you to do otherwise. Hold your stomach in to give your abdomen a more toned appearance. If you have gained a few pounds stick out your chin a little to avoid the appearance of a double chin in your photos.

Keep your fingers slightly apart and pointed away from the lens. Let your hands fall naturally into position whenever possible. Remember, you want to be yourself – on purpose.

Now that you have learned what to do, consider these things you should try to avoid while posing.

Things to Avoid when Posing for a Photographer

Misplaced Body Language

Body language and expressions come naturally but the language you are projecting might not be what your photographer wants in a particular pose. You need to conciously focus on ways to prevent these habits while posing.

Don’t hold your breath during a pose. Stay relaxed and your photos will look as if you just happened to be sitting this way when the photographer walked up.

In most pose situations you want your arms, legs, wrists, etc. slightly bent unless you are directed to do otherwise Most people don’t stand or sit with their arms and legs completely stiff. A good point to remember is, if it will bend, bend it.

Mona Lisa Smile?

Another posing tip to remember is that you don’t always have to smile. You should have a good variety of smiling and serious looks. But, sometimes you will want to give a large, open-mouthed laugh. If you are susposed to be happy, look the part!

Your Eyes are the Windows to Your Soul

Don’t always look straight into the camera. When you cut your eyes to the left or right, you create an air of mystery. When you look up and away, you are annoyed. Tilt your chin slightly down and look straight ahead for a sexy look.

About Blinking

Beware of the Blink! If you have to blink, try to blink between exposures. This is not always easy, especially if you are working in a photography studio. Some models get into a habit of anticipating the strobes and start to close their eyes when the picture is about to be snapped.

Get into the habit of not paying attention to the flash and concentrate wholy on the pose, your body language, hand position, etc. and your images will come out as you expect.

Be Bold!!

Never be afraid to try out some of your own poses in front of your photographer. Most photographers are glad to hear suggestions from you.

How do You See Yourself?

When you look at your final images don’t be critical of yourself. Find positive ways to improve your posing. Discover your strengths and weaknesses and shoot for the stars.

I am certain that Tyra Banks still works on her appearance and her posing artistry even though she has achieved a degree of stardom. Shouldn’t you?

Glamour Modeling

Welcome to the wonderful world of glamour. Never before has their been so much opportunity for all, regardless of age, sex and looks now virtually anybody with a little ambition and perseverance can be part of this exciting and developing industry.

The dictionary defines glamour as ´making the eyes see things as fairer than they are : fascination : enchantment: groomed beauty and studied charm. If you think about this then it is evident that glamour not only embraces those of us that are fortunate enough to have the looks to be considered glamorous but more importantly those who have the ability to project not only others as glamorous, but also locations, circumstances, clothes, makeup, magazines, TV and films, the list goes on and on.

Let´s look first at modelling, probably the most obvious glamour related activity. Catwalk models, photographic fashion models, catalogue models, girlie magazine models, male models, exhibition and display stand models, nude models, outsize models and the sub categories who are employed just to model only their hands or legs or busts or faces. In the category of glamour modelling alone the personnel needed to provide the infrastructure is extraordinarily diverse. Specialist glamour photographers, make up artists, hairdressers, set designers, location finders, dress and swimsuit designers and fitters, magazine and newspaper editorial and layout staff, advertising agency campaign creators, etc,etc.

In film and TV the actors and actresses, whether stars or extras, will hope to look as glamorous as their part will allow, it is as much a boost to their self esteem and confidence as it is in the hope of getting noticed to further their careers. Again they are aided by the back up teams of make up, clothes and hairdressers and by no means least the team that shoots their most glamorous camera angles.

You can make it as a model even if you haven’t got a fabulous figure. If you have just one glamorous feature such as great legs, lovely face, wonderful eyes, elegant hands, even if you feel the rest of your body is not quite perfect you can still enjoy the rewards of modelling and this applies to men as well. Male models make big money. Think of the glamour that a sexy male or female voice over on a TV or radio advertisement evokes, another rewarding activity associated with modelling.

To get started, first consider your attributes and if you think you might have that certain something then start by seeing the top model agencies, they are always on the look out for the next talent. Otherwise choose from the many other careers in the glamour industry. Either way perseverance will pay off.

To sum up glamour modelling is a financially rewarding team effort with a vast number of career opportunities for both sexes irrespective of looks, as usual ability and perseverance offer the best opportunities to ´ make the eyes see things fairer than they are´.