ROANOKE TIMES
Copyright (c) 1996, Roanoke Times
DATE: Tuesday, April 23, 1996 TAG: 9604230120
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
COLUMN: What's On Your Mind?
SOURCE: RAY REED
Q: An item on the paper's commentary page on Wednesday titled "Don't let the bureaucrats run schools" used the abbreviation "SOL" repeatedly. What are SOLs? Usually when reading an article I can figure out the abbreviations.
M.G., Roanoke
A: SOL is educationspeak for standards of learning, in the context of that article. It was written by a teacher.
To its credit, the article did spell out standards of learning on first reference.
These standards set specific goals for what should be taught in each grade.
No payoff
Q: I'd like to know how much Rusco Window Co. donated to the campaign of Del. Richard Cranwell, D-Vinton, in light of Cranwell's bill that would have paid $50,000 toward Rusco's moving expenses.
M.S., Roanoke
A: There's no record of a donation to any candidate by Rusco or its president, James Brock, in the campaign finance database we checked.
Dryer fires
Q: A photo in the paper recently showed a house fire that resulted from lint behind a clothes dryer. It is the second such accident I know of. What should a homeowner know about the fire hazards of dryers?
J.L., Roanoke
A: First, vent the dryer outdoors using a hose kit available in hardware stores.
As an alternative, a water-filled lint collection device is available that sits on the floor next to the dryer.
David Rickman, a Roanoke fire marshal, says a warning sign for homeowners comes when a load of dried clothes feels hotter than usual.
That could mean the vent is obstructed and is holding in moisture and heat. Rickman said the homeowner should disconnect the vent hose at the discharge point and shake any lint into a garbage bag. At the same time, check for lint buildup in the dryer's discharge outlet.
Have a question about something that might affect other people, too? Something you've come across and wondered about? Give us a call at 981-3118, or e-mail us at Roatimes@Infi.Net. Maybe we can find the answer.
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