text:
Pragmatics Inc.
B-407320.2,B-407320.3: Mar 26, 2013
Additional Materials:
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Kenneth E. Patton
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Pragmatics Inc., of Reston, Virginia, protests the issuance of a task order to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of McLean, Virginia, by the Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) under request for proposals (RFP) No. E200474.00 for National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) programs system engineering and technical assistance (SETA) support work. Pragmatics argues that Booz Allen has an actual or potential impaired objectivity organizational conflict of interest (OCI) that cannot be adequately mitigated, which requires Booz Allen's exclusion from the competition.
We deny the protest.
The decision issued on the date below was subject to a GAO Protective Order. This redacted version has been approved for public release.
Matter of: Pragmatics Inc.
File: B-407320.2; B-407320.3
Date: March 26, 2013
Karen R. Harbaugh, Esq., Robert E. Gregg, Esq., and Jeremy W. Dutra, Esq., Squire Sanders-US LLP, for the protester.
Kara M. Sacilotto, Esq., Rand L. Allen., Esq., Brian Walsh, Esq., and Laura E. Sherman, Esq., Wiley Rein LLP, for Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., the intervenor.
Brandon D. Porter, Esq., Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency, for the agency.
Nora K. Adkins, Esq., and Jonathan L. Kang, Esq., Office of the General Counsel, GAO, participated in the preparation of the decision.
Protest alleging that the awardee has an unmitigable impaired objectivity organizational conflict of interest is denied where the agency reasonably concluded that the awardees performance as a subcontractor on a prior software development contract would not affect its ability to render impartial advice to the government.
Pragmatics Inc., of Reston, Virginia, protests the issuance of a task order to Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., of McLean, Virginia, by the Department of Defense, Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) under request for proposals (RFP) No. E200474.00 for National Ground Intelligence Center (NGIC) programs system engineering and technical assistance (SETA) support work. Pragmatics argues that Booz Allen has an actual or potential impaired objectivity organizational conflict of interest (OCI) that cannot be adequately mitigated, which requires Booz Allens exclusion from the competition.
We deny the protest.
The RFP, issued on March 29, 2012, to all ENCORE II contract[1] holders, sought task order proposals to provide SETA support for NGIC programs. The RFP anticipated the issuance of a cost plus fixed-fee task order with a 1-year base period and two 1-year options. The RFP advised that the task order would be issued to the best value offeror based upon the evaluation of three factors: (1) technical/management approach, (2) past performance, and (3) cost. For purposes of award, the RFP stated that the technical/management approach factor is more important than past performance, and when combined, the non-cost factors are significantly more important than the cost factor. RFP, Amend. 1, at 2-3.
The solicitation described the SETA support requirement for the NGIC programs as a comprehensive, iterative management process that includes: translating operational requirements into configured systems; integrating the technical inputs of design teams; managing interfaces; characterizing and managing technical risk; transitioning technology from the technology base into program specific efforts; and verifying that designs, analysis, techniques, tactics, and procedures meet operational needs. RFP, Performance Work Statement, at 1-2. The solicitation explained that SETA support is essential in order to provide system engineering and technical consulting support for software programs and integration analysis across the NGICs mission. Id. at 1. The solicitations performance work statement listed four SETA support tasks to be completed by the SETA contractor: (1) NGIC programs technical project management, (2) biometric programs technical oversight and system support, (3) counter insurgency programs technical oversight and system support, and (4) enterprise programs technical oversight and system support. Id. at 2.
As relevant here, the biometric programs technical oversight and system support task requires the SETA contractor to provide oversight and support for the production operation of the NGIC biometric applications and IT infrastructure. Id. at 3. This work required the SETA contractor to provide software engineering and systems engineering oversight to support NGICs biometric identity intelligence resource (BI2R) program.[2] The SETA software engineering oversight support for the BI2R program will involve monitoring the software development contractor and providing technical information exchange between the Government and the software development contractor to ensure Government objectives are understood and implemented. Id. at 4. The SETA systems engineering oversight support for the BI2R program will include support for the BI2R software development contractors testing, which involves reviewing and approving the software development contractors test plans, monitoring testing activities, and documenting and assigning priorities to defects. Id. at 5. Also relevant here was the requirement under the enterprise programs technical oversight and system support task for the SETA contractor to provide indirect enterprise support to the NGIC programs, which includes information assurance support. Id. at 8.
In response to the solicitation, the agency received proposals from four offerors, including Pragmatics and Booz Allen. The agency reviewed and evaluated the proposals and selected Booz Allen for award. On September 6, the agency advised Pragmatics of its award decision.
Pragmatics received a debriefing on September 10. Two days later, Pragmatics filed its initial protest with our Office, alleging that Booz Allen had an actual or potential impaired objectivity OCI that could not be adequately mitigated to prevent Booz Allens conflicting roles from biasing its judgment in performing the SETA work contemplated by the solicitation. Specifically, Pragmatics argued that Booz Allens role as SETA support contractor will require the awardee to review work it performed under a subcontract to Northrop Grumman, where it provided systems analysis, requirements analysis, and software development assistance on NGICs BIR development program. On October 3, in response to the protest, the agency advised our Office that it intended to take corrective action by reviewing the OCI allegations concerning Booz Allen. On October 4, we dismissed Pragmatics initial protest as academic, due to the agencys corrective action.
On December 17, the agency informed Pragmatics of the results of its corrective action and issued a new award decision, again awarding the task order to Booz Allen. In its notice to Pragmatics, the agency explained that the contracting officer (CO) had concluded--based upon her review of the OCI allegations--that no significant potential OCI exists than cannot be adequately mitigated or avoided. On December 21, Pragmatics filed the current protest with our Office.
Pragmatics contends that Booz Allen has an actual or potential impaired objectivity OCI that cannot be adequately mitigated to prevent Booz Allens conflicting roles from biasing its judgment in performing the SETA work contemplated by the solicitation. Pragmatics asserts that DISAs OCI investigation and analysis unreasonably concluded that Booz Allen--in its role as SETA contractor--would not be in a position to evaluate the software and systems development work it completed as a subcontractor on the BIR program.[3]
DISA contends that its investigation and analysis meaningfully considered Pragmatics allegations, and reasonably concluded that no significant actual or potential OCI exists as a result of Booz Allens previous subcontract performance on the BIR program. Additionally, DISA contends that its analysis reasonably determined that to the extent that Booz Allen will provide oversight of the BI2R program, these activities do not pose an OCI because oversight of the BI2R program will commence with software release version 3.12 for which Booz Allen was not a developer. Finally, the agency states that the awardee proposed additional assurance regarding any potential concerns because Booz Allens SETA support staff will not be selected from its previous BIR development team. For the reasons discussed below, we find no basis to sustain the protest.
The Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) requires that contracting officials avoid, neutralize, or mitigate potential significant conflicts of interest so as to prevent an unfair competitive advantage or the existence of conflicting roles that might impair a contractors objectivity. FAR §§ 9.504(a), 9.505. The responsibility for determining whether an actual or apparent conflict of interest will arise, and to what extent the firm should be excluded from the competition, rests with the contracting agency. Aetna Govt Health Plans, Inc.; Foundation Health Fed. Servs., Inc., B-254397.15 et al., July 27, 1995, 95-2 CPD ¶ 129 at 12.
The situations in which OCIs arise, as described in FAR subpart 9.5 and the decisions of our Office, can be broadly categorized into three groups: biased ground rules, unequal access to information, and impaired objectivity. Organizational Strategies, Inc., B-406155, Feb. 17, 2012, 2012 CPD ¶ 100 at 5. As relevant here, an impaired objectivity OCI arises where a firms ability to render impartial advice to the government would be undermined by the firms competing interests. FAR § 9.505-3; Aetna Govt Health Plans, Inc.; Foundation Health Fed. Servs., Inc., supra at 13. The concern in impaired objectivity situations, including evaluation of products or services, is that a firms ability to render impartial advice to the government will be undermined by its relationship to the product or service being evaluated. PURVIS Sys., Inc., B-293807.3, B-293807.4, Aug. 16, 2004, 2004 CPD ¶ 177 at 7.
A protester must identify hard facts that indicate the existence or potential existence of a conflict; mere inference or suspicion of an actual or potential conflict is not enough. TeleCommunication Sys. Inc., supra, at 3; see Turner Constr. Co., Inc. v. United States, 645 F.3d 1377, 1387 (Fed. Cir. 2011); PAI Corp. v. United States, 614 F.3d 1347, 1352 (Fed. Cir. 2010). An agencys evaluation of conflicts of interest is a fact-specific inquiry that requires the exercise of considerable discretion by the agency. Guident Techs., Inc., B-405112.3, June 4, 2012, 2012 CPD ¶ 166 at 7; see Axiom Res. Mgmt., Inc. v. United States, 564 F.3d 1374, 1382 (Fed. Cir. 2009). We review an agencys OCI investigation for reasonableness, and where an agency has given meaningful consideration to whether a significant conflict of interest exists, we will not substitute our judgment for the agencys, absent clear evidence that the agencys conclusion is unreasonable. See TeleCommunication Sys. Inc., supra, at 3-4; PCCP Constructors, JV; Bechtel Infrastructure Corp., B-405036 et al., Aug. 4, 2011, 2011 CPD ¶ 156 at 17.
Pragmatics asserts that Booz Allen has an actual or potential impaired objectivity OCI in relation to two of the SETA performance work statement tasks: (1) task 2, biometric programs technical oversight and system support, and (2) task 4, enterprise programs technical oversight and system support. As relevant here, these tasks involve SETA software engineering oversight support for the BI2R program, which requires monitoring of the BI2R software development contractor and providing technical information exchange between the Government and software development contractor; SETA systems engineering oversight support for the BI2R program, which includes support for the software development contractors testing; and information assurance support to the BI2R program.
On December 17, the CO concluded her investigation into these claims and memorialized her analysis of the actual or potential impaired objectivity OCI. The COs assessment concluded that no significant potential OCI exists . . . that cannot be adequately mitigated or avoided. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 1-9.
With regard to Pragmatics allegations that Booz Allens work on the BI2R program will require it to evaluate its prior work on the BIR program, the CO concluded that Booz Allen will not be in a position to make decisions favoring its former work on the BIR program while performing the SETA support. Id. at 7. In reaching this conclusion, the CO reviewed Booz Allens work as a subcontractor to Northrop Grumman on the BIR program in which it assisted in the software development life cycle, analysis design, code, test, and deployment, throughout the duration of the task order--including work on BIR version 2 and BIR version 3. Id. at 5. The CO found that at the time of its proposal submission, Booz Allen was performing as a subcontractor on the BIR program and had seven staff deployed to this effort. Id. at 5; AR, Tab 4, Booz Allen OCI Plan, at D-7. The CO confirmed with the BIR CO representative that Booz Allens performance under the BIR program contract ceased on September 10, 2012, upon the completion and delivery of BIR version 3.11. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6-7; AR, Tab 4, Booz Allen OCI Plan, at D-7. The CO noted that a follow-on contract had been awarded to Northrop for the continuation of the BI2R software development beginning with version 3.12, for which Booz Allen will not be a subcontractor.[4] AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 5.
The CO also reviewed the requirements of the SETA solicitation and concluded that there is no requirement for the SETA contractor to provide direct oversight of BIR software prior to version 3.12, as there is no requirement for review or rework of previously existing software code. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6. As explained in the COs analysis:
SETA support does not entail software development but rather involves oversight and/or assistance to help software development contractors get their software into production, working it through the NGIC software development lifecycle and change management process. As the process works, the first line identifier of software defects is user and prime contractor/developer. When a problem is identified, the developer is responsible for evaluation and resolution: they map it back to technical issue and consult users as necessary to refine and devise a solution. Once complete, the SETA contractor then does technical review of the resolution (new software release) before requesting final approval from the Government; all contract reporting system performance evaluation receives Government inspection, acceptance and final approval.
Id. at 7.
In addition, the CO reviewed Booz Allens OCI management plan, which provided that the awardee will take extra precautions to ensure that Booz Allen staff who supported the development of the current releases of the BIR system (up through version 3.11) will not be assigned to any SETA activities related to the BIR version 3.11 system. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6; AR, Tab 4, Booz Allen OCI Plan, at D-2-3. The CO also noted that Booz Allens plan further explained that no current Booz Allen employees supporting the BIR program will participate in an oversight capacity relative to releases to which they were contributing developers." AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6; AR, Tab 4, Booz Allen OCI Plan, at D-7. Booz Allens plan also required all SETA team members to execute a non-disclosure agreement, complete OCI training, and certify in writing that they are presently unaware of any OCIs regarding the SETA support work for the NGIC programs. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6; AR, Tab 4, Booz Allen OCI Plan, at D-8.
Based upon the COs analysis of the solicitation, Booz Allens prior work on the BIR program, and Booz Allens OCI proposed staffing approach to avoid any potential conflict, the CO concluded that no significant OCI exists as a result of Booz Allens previous BIR program work that can not be adequately mitigated or avoided. Id. at 9.
Pragmatics argues that the agencys OCI analysis was unreasonable because, as the incumbent SETA contractor performing under similar performance requirements, Pragmatics was required to review past software releases to recommend future requirements/changes.[5] Pragmatics contends that its evaluation of BIR software releases identified defects in earlier releases that resulted in Pragmatics making recommendations and offering constructive criticisms of the prior system design/architecture. This retrospective criticism, Pragmatics argues, could hinder the previously released software/system developers reputation and its ability to secure future software/system development work with the Government or as a subcontractor. Thus, Pragmatics alleges that Booz Allen could not provide objective advice to the government in its oversight role as the SETA contractor since it may implicate its performance of prior software and system development.
Here, we think that DISA reasonably found that there is no significant OCI as a result of Booz Allens previous work that can not be adequately mitigated or avoided. As the COs analysis explained, Booz Allens work on the BIR program ceased with version 3.11. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 5. This software is now integrated into the overall BI2R system. Id. at 5-6. SETA oversight of each software release is a distinct and independent effort (i.e., BIR version 3.9 was assessed by the SETA team independently of BIR version 3.10). Id. at 5. In preparation for release of a new BIR version, the Government, with SETA support, approves the software changes to add new requirements and resolve defects. Id. For each new release, new code is written for additions and defects, and there is never a requirement for review or rework of previously existing software code. Id. SETA oversight of each new release assesses the software updates and/or changes made to determine if these additions met the new requirements and resolved the defects. Id. Significantly, with regard to Pragmatics arguments, the SETA contractor is not required to identify when a defect was introduced or which contractor is responsible for the defect. Id. at 6.
Furthermore, DISA explains that while the SETA contractor may look at the system in its entirety when identifying defects in new software releases, such a review does not require the contractor to reanalyze the code of a completed version of the software that has been accepted by the government. AR, Tab 15, CO Representative Supp. Decl. (Feb. 8, 2013), at 1. In the agencys view, the discovery of a defect in a new software version has no impact whatsoever on the acceptability of code released in a previously accepted software version. Id.
In any event, even assuming Booz Allen may be required to review its own work as alleged by Pragmatics, the CO determined that the awardee had provided an additional safety measure to avoid any potential OCI because Booz Allens SETA support staff will not be selected from the staff who performed development work under the firms BIR subcontract. AR, Tab 8, COs OCI Analysis (Dec. 17, 2012), at 6. The COs analysis specifically referenced Booz Allens statement that current [Booz Allen] staff members who have participated as BIR developers will not review artifacts for releases up to and including release of Version 3.11. Id. The CO concluded that although such additional measures were unnecessary in light of the absence of an OCI, the awardees OCI plan provided additional assurance that the award to Booz Allens would not give rise to an impaired objectivity OCI. See id.
In sum, the record shows that the CO conducted a thorough investigation of Pragmatics OCI allegations. As discussed above, CO reviewed Booz Allens performance on the BIR program, which included questions to the NGIC and BIR CO representatives regarding this work. The CO also reviewed the SETA requirements and reviewed Booz Allens OCI plan submitted with its proposal. After reviewing all of the information, the CO concluded that no significant potential OCI exists that cannot be adequately mitigated or avoided. While Pragmatics challenges the manner and extent of investigation, we find nothing unreasonable about DISA investigation or conclusions.
The protest is denied.
Susan A. Poling
General Counsel
[1] ENCORE II is a multiple award indefinite-delivery, indefinite-quantity contract currently awarded to twenty-six firms. Agency Report (AR), at 3.
[2] The BI2R program was previously named the biometric intelligence resource (BIR) program.
[3] Pragmatics initially argued that the award to Booz Allen gave rise to an actual or potential OCI with regard to other NGIC programs it alleged were part of the SETA solicitation--automated identity management system (AIMS), digital production program (DPP), and biometrics intelligence program support (BIPS). As the agency explained, however, these programs are not part of the review required by the SETA contractor, and, as a result, are not part of our review. Pragmatics also raised, but subsequently withdrew, a supplemental protest allegation that the agency failed to issue an amendment based upon the removal of the AIMS, DPP, and BIPS programs from the solicitation, or in the alternative, that the solicitation contained a latent ambiguity with regard to these programs. Supplemental Comments (Feb. 13, 2013), at 1 n. 1 (Pragmatics concedes that the Supplemental Agency Report renders its Supplemental Protest filed on January 28, 2013 moot.)
[4] As detailed in the CO Representatives OCI statement, Northrops follow-on contract for BIR work began with version 3.12 because DISA, with SETA support from the prior SETA support contractor Pragmatics, had already accepted version 3.11. AR, Tab 9, CO Representative OCI Statement, at 8. In this regard, after September 9, when Northrop released version 3.11 to the Government, any new requests for modifications or changes that require additional software development are considered an entirely new software release--which, as relevant here, will be version 3.12. Id. at 3. This is because once version 3.11 goes into production the code is locked and no vendor can access or modify the source code. Id.
[5] While we do not address all of Pragmatics arguments with regard to the agencys OCI analysis, we have considered each of them and find them without merit.
Feb 16, 2018
CSI Aviation, Inc.
We deny the protest.
Heskett and Heskett Services
We deny the protest.
Feb 15, 2018
OST, Inc.
We deny the protest.
Feb 14, 2018
Castro & Company, LLC
We sustain the protest.
SysVets, LLC
We deny the protest.
BAE Systems Technology Solutions & Services, Inc.
We sustain the protest.
Department of Labor, Employee Benefits Security Administration: 18-Month Extension of Transition Period and Delay of Applicability Dates; Best Interest Contract Exemption (PTE 2016-01); Class Exemption for Principal Transactions in Certain Assets Between Investment Advice Fiduciaries and Employee Benefit Plans and IRAs (PTE 2016-02)
Feb 13, 2018
Al Baz 2000 General Trading & Contracting Company W.L.L.
We deny the protest.
S. E. James & Company
We dismiss the protest.
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Chilean journal of agricultural research
versión On-line ISSN 0718-5839
ALFARO, Marta et al. Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium Losses in a Grazing System with Different Stocking Rates in a Volcanic Soil. Chilean J. Agric. Res. [online]. 2008, vol.68, n.2, pp.146-155. ISSN 0718-5839. http://dx.doi.org/10.4067/S0718-58392008000200004.
In Chile there is little information on nutrient losses in livestock systems. The experiment was carried out between 2004 and 2006. Two stocking rates (3.5 and 5.0 steers ha-1) were tested under rotational grazing with Black and White Friesian steers on a permanent pasture (67.5 kg N and 40 kg P ha-1 yr-1). To quantify surface runoff losses (N, P, K), three surface lysimeters (5 x 5 m) per treatment were established. N and K leaching losses were estimated with ceramic cups. Runoff and leachate samples were individually analyzed for available and total N, reactive (RP) and total P, and K. Dissolved organic N (DON) and organic P (OP) were estimated as the difference between total and available forms. The stocking rate did not increase total N, P and K losses (P > 0.05). Losses in surface runoff were < 0.5 kg N, < 0.05 kg P and < 0.6 kg K ha-1 yr-1, respectively, due to the low amount of runoff measured. Nitrogen leaching losses were high (11 up to 71 kg ha-1 yr-1) and K leaching losses were low (3 to 5 kg ha-1 yr-1). Nitrogen in runoff was mainly lost as DON (50%). Nitrogen leaching losses were mainly as nitrate (70%). Phosphorus was lost as RP (70%). Thus, stocking rates of 5.0 steers ha-1 are plausible, but fertilizer application should be avoided in rainfall periods during the year to reduce incidental nutrient losses.
Palabras clave : eutrofication; water quality; grazing; Andisol; beef production.


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Assemblyman Sweeney, Senator Thompson Call To Defend New York's Environmental Protection Fund
(ALBANY, NY)—Assemblyman Robert Sweeney (D-Lindenhurst) and Senator Antoine Thompson (D-Buffalo), chairs of their chambers' respective Environmental Conservation committees, joined environmental groups, farmers and business owners today to defend New York's primary resource stream for green projects, the Environmental Protection Fund. The lawmakers called on their colleagues and Governor David Paterson not to reduce dedicated funding for environmental projects in a shortsighted attempt to help plug the state budget deficit.
"A clean and healthy environment provides countless benefits to New Yorkers. The environment is an important economic engine. Taking into account the harsh fiscal realities facing New Yorkers and the state, I urge careful consideration of the economic benefits generated by the Environmental Protection Fund before it goes under the knife," said Assemblyman Robert Sweeney.
"New York's environmental assets are irreplaceable and raiding the Environmental Protection Fund would turn back the clock on the progress of the environmental movement in New York State," said Senator Antoine Thompson.
The Fund generates big economic benefits. For example, solid waste programs help support an industry with $1.3 Billion in revenue and 30,000 jobs. New York's wildlife watchers contributed an estimated $1.6 Billion (and $250 million in state sales tax revenue) to the state's economy in 2006 supporting thousands of jobs. In addition, state parks, beaches, zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums—all supported by Environmental Protection Fund dollars—play a leading role in New York's travel and tourism industry.
The lawmakers were joined by the Friends of New York's Environment, a partnership that includes more than 100 organizations from across the state. The group released a new report, The Environmental Protection Fund: Preserving New York's Natural Heritage & Quality of Life
highlighting Fund-supported success stories. The Friends of New York's Environment have criticized Governor David Paterson's budget proposal for State Fiscal Year 2009-2010 as disproportionately cutting the Fund, thus derailing projects already approved and years in the making.
The Friends report includes projects from every corner of New York, including working farms, wildlife preserves, community gardens, the historic restoration of the Ephesus Seventh-day Adventist Church in Harlem, and New York businesses that have successfully leveraged Fund resources to create jobs and reduce waste, among others. Like most projects supported by the Environmental Protection Fund, those included in the report have used its monies to secure matching funds from private and public sources.
Paul Hartman, Director of Government Relations for The Nature Conservancy in New York stated, "The Nature Conservancy commends the Legislature for having the foresight and commitment to create the EPF in 1993. Over the last 15 years New York has protected natural resources, promoted tourism, safeguarded our agricultural economy and provided property tax relief to localities through EPF programs and services. It is that same foresight and commitment that we need the Legislature to embrace again this year during these troubled times. The EPF stands out amongst the crowd of worthy state-funded programs for its ability to impact every region of the state and provide benefits to every New Yorker. For a very small cost to the state (only one-quarter of one percent of the State Budget) New York can fully fund the EPF, fulfill past commitments and safeguard our environment, economy and public health."
The Governor's budget proposal also includes changing the Environmental Protection Fund's funding formula by updating New York's bottle deposit law to include non-carbonated beverages such as bottled water and sports drinks, and requiring beverage companies to transfer unclaimed bottle and can deposits to the Fund. An estimated $118 million in unclaimed deposits would replace the Fund's current revenue source—the Real Estate Transfer Tax (RETT). These deposits represent a great source of supplemental revenue, but should not serve as the primary source of Environmental Protection Fund dollars.
"Governor Paterson is faced with some tough choices this budget season and we'd be fools not to anticipate cuts to critical programs and services. What we didn't expect were changes to the Environmental Protection Fund's funding formula," said Alison Jenkins, Fiscal Policy Program Director, Environmental Advocates of New York. "The Governor's proposed budget will undermine the stability of environmental funding in New York and make it impossible for the state to meet its green goals in the years ahead."
Earlier this year, Governor Paterson proposed a 20 percent reduction to the Environmental Protection Fund appropriation, from $255 million to $205 million. Cuts to the Fund will derail hundreds of projects that range from conservation and recycling to public health and water quality across the state.
"At The New York Botanical Garden, we are environmental stewards and environmental educators. The Garden is also good for the economy via jobs, vendors and tourism. Cutting the EPF and eliminating the State's ZBGA funding will harm the Botanical Garden and Bronxites. If this drastic budget cut to zero funds is enacted, New York State will force the Garden to reduce free hours of visitation, severely scale back on environmental education programs for youth, shrink exhibitions and public programs and cut people's access to collections and facilities. The Garden's economic impact as a tourist attraction will take a hit. An investment in the Garden is an investment in the State's economic and environmental health. We support a fully funded EPF that maintains our traditional funding source, the RETT. Dismantling the ZBGA program after almost 30 years would strike a damaging blow to environmental education in New York State," said Gregory Long, President and CEO, The New York Botanical Garden.
According to Glenn Hoagland, Director of Mohonk Preserve, "Last year the EPF's Zoos, Botanical Gardens, and Aquaria (ZBGA) program funded four of the Mohonk Preserve's education positions, in part, providing more than 3,180 students with 12,000 hours of engaging learning experiences and 42,000 visitors with insightful exhibitry at the Preserve's Visitor Center."
"Support from New York's Environmental Protection Fund sparked the birth of a community park where hundreds of children and families spend countless hours enjoying baseball, softball and soccer games. Sharing this natural space has been positive for our entire community," said Andrea Aldinger, Development Director for the Chris Martin Field of Dreams in Alexander. "As we develop the park, we are very concerned with the proposal to cut and change the Environmental Protection Fund's funding formula; because without it, the Chris Martin Field of Dreams may never realize its full potential."
"The Environmental Protection Fund has been a tremendous investment for New York State, funding protection of special places across the Adirondacks, the Catskills, the Hudson Valley, and New York City," said Leslie Wright, NY State Director with The Trust for Public Land. "This report articulates the very real economic and public health benefits of the fund's successes, and makes clear the need to preserve and protect this investment in the current economic climate."
"As a family farm, we have always worked hard to be good environmental stewards and we place a high value on protecting the land and water resources around us. The grant we received from the Environmental Protection Fund made it possible for us implement environmental practices that go even further to protect local aquifers and streams to better safeguard drinking water and tourism opportunities," said Mike McMahon, EZ Acres Farm.
"With the Real Estate Transfer Tax as its primary source of funding, the Environmental Protection Fund was designed to be a source of monies for critical environmental projects in good times and bad," said Tim Sweeney of Parks & Trails New York. "Replacing these dedicated funds with another funding scheme, as Governor Paterson has proposed, will have far-reaching negative consequences for the state's environment and economy."
"New York State has been a strong partner in the environmental recovery and economic development of the Beacon waterfront," said Andy Bicking, Director of Public Policy for Scenic Hudson. "Through the Environmental Protection Fund, local government, the State of New York, and Scenic Hudson attracted a world class artist to design and develop a prominent park which is free to the public and has helped to attract outside investment in the community."
"We ask Governor Paterson and Albany to be fair and strategic as they propose a state budget," said John Calvelli, Executive Vice President of Public Affairs, Wildlife Conservation Society. "Just as President Obama and Mayor Bloomberg are calling for more investments in green jobs, education and environmental efforts, our state is cutting them disproportionately in the EPF. All our living museums educate millions of students each year on the environment and we pump millions of dollars into local communities. Investing in zoos, botanical gardens and aquariums is smart for our economy, our environment and education system."
"The Environmental Protection Fund makes up less than one-quarter of 1 percent of the overall state budget. For every $100 New York government spends, it dedicates less than 24 cents to environmental needs," said Brian L. Houseal, Executive Director of the Adirondack Council, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to ensuring the wild character and ecological health of the 9,300-square-mile Adirondack Park. "Yet, Governor Paterson has proposed reducing this already inadequate amount to a mere fraction of itself. Other areas of the budget are being cut by 10 percent. Proposed cuts to the EPF amount to nearly 80 percent. It's not fair and will hurt both the environment and our tourism economy."
"Andela Products is providing long term solutions by providing green collar jobs in the recycling industry - particularly glass recycling. The EPF has made this possible and should be funded as a successful strategy to revive New York's economy while making the state a better place to live, said Cynthia Andela, President, Andela Products, Ltd."
"The cuts and changes being proposed to the Environmental Protection Fund will only delay the day of reckoning with New York's environmental challenges," said Marcia Bystryn, president of the New York League of Conservation Voters. "The long-term protection of New York's environment is too important to sacrifice, especially now when EPF dollars generate vital economic activity in every corner of the state."
"The Sierra Club Atlantic Chapter urges the Legislature to fully fund the Environmental Protection Fund at $300 million, with revenues from the Real Estate Transfer Tax as the law currently provides," stated Norreida Reyes, Conservation Director. "We must not cut these proactive programs that enhance and protect our air, land and water. Those programs are much less expensive than the costs associated with environmental clean-ups, public health impacts, and lost revenue from recreation and tourism. Cuts to the EPF will provide only an illusion of budget relief—the lost economic opportunities associated with the proposed cuts, especially in upstate economies, are in the tens of millions of dollars. It's just not worth it."
"The EPF not only helps New York acquire green space, it provides the stewardship funding needed to maintain these wild places and make them accessible to the public," said Neil Woodworth, executive director of the Adirondack Mountain Club. "The Adirondacks, Catskills, Finger Lakes and other natural areas attract thousands of hikers and other outdoor enthusiasts to New York each year, but if we don't do a better job maintaining backcountry trails and protecting our assets, they'll stop coming."
According to Brad Rogers, President of the New York Association of Conservation Districts, "On behalf of our member Soil and Water Conservation Districts, NYACD is pleased with the release of the EPF report. It is a great tool to use to promote the value of the EPF, and how the EPF contributes to New York State as a whole, in terms of protecting the water and land resources that are invaluable to the economy of our state. For example, New York Soil and Water Conservation Districts have made great progress partnering with local municipalities, farmers, and conservation organizations using EPF funds to put conservation best management practices on the ground. On their behalf, NYACD is asking the State to maintain 2008 EPF levels for 2009. To justify this request, past success of the EPF-funded Agricultural Non-point Source projects netted another 88 project applications totaling $25 million in the current Round XV call for proposals. The statewide need is there - this is 2 times what is currently in the proposed budget."
"The Environmental Protection Fund has enabled the Onondaga County Resource Recovery Agency (OCRRA) to recycle over two million tons of material in the last decade. In addition, over 2,500 barrels filled with household hazardous waste have been kept out of the waste stream and properly managed thanks to the financial support provided by the EPF. Composting equipment purchased with EPF support has kept over 100,000 yards of organic material out of the waste stream. The greenhouse gas reductions thanks to these programs and others are astounding. The best news of all, is that communities across New York State can proclaim similar environmental successes as a direct result of the financial support from the EPF. Such funding must continue to improve our environment for future generations," said Andrew Radin, OCRRA.
"All of us in public life, the Governor, legislators and advocates will be judged on how this historic crisis is handled," said Richard Schrader, the New York Legislative Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). "We have to stop drawing an erroneous distinction between economic development and the protection of our vital natural resources. Both goals can be accomplished by the investment of $300 million in clean water and air as well as the preservation of our public lands—this is a direct and galvanizing investment in the state and local economies."
"Allowing the degradation of our parks, zoos, beaches and bays, recycling programs and other environmental resources in New York will increase our fiscal pain. These assets will cost more to restore in the future and New York will loose the critical revenue that they generate. Cutting the EPF is merely an emotional response to the budget crises, it's not a smart nor beneficial action," said Adrienne Esposito, Executive Director of Citizens Campaign for the Environment.
The Environmental Protection Fund was created in 1993 as a dedicated trust fund to preserve New York's natural and historic heritage. Currently, the Fund is not dependent on state budget fluctuations and is supported by revenue from the state's Real Estate Transfer Tax, which has been tested in previous economic downturns and remains a source of increased investment in environmental programs and protection. In 2007, a law was passed to grow the Fund to $300 million in the 2009-2010 State Budget.


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Back in 2003, I was determined to avoid the Harry Potter craze at all costs. I'm not one for trendy things and reading a juvenile fiction series hardly seemed a reason to break my rule. Then our friends, Zeke and Maggie, went for broke. They decided to give to us books 1-4 in the series, in all their hard-bound glory, to help me see the error of my ways. (They had recently married and each had a set.) They assured us that if we just gave it a try we would be hooked. We graciously accepted the gift (thanks again!) and reluctantly agreed to read.
They were absolutely right in predicting our addiction.
Reading Harry Potter became one of the greatest activities we'd enjoy together. We read each one out loud to one another at the park, on the couch, in the car (on long trips), becoming completely engrossed in the saga. When books 5-7 came out, we pre-ordered our copies and stayed up late finishing chapters. We were captivated by this incredible story.
Our love for the movies was never quite as strong, but as the last few entered the theater we became increasingly more excited to see them, especially for the special effects. Yes, I love to imagine the scenes myself, but if someone is going to put it to life on the silver screen with the latest CGI magic (pun intended) then I'm all for it.
Which is why when Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Part 2 came out this summer in 3D IMAX we just had to make a date to see it in the theater.
But we're not fanatical. It's not like we're not first-in-line, midnight showing junkies or anything, mostly because we're old and have too many children that wake us up early. We at least waited until the week after it opened. But we did see it on a Thursday afternoon. A 3PM showing, to be exact, so Colin had to leave work early. A showing where the next youngest moviegoer in the theater was approximately 60 years old. There were only roughly 10 people in the theater. It was not your tween's movie viewing experience. I thought conditions were perfect.
Say what you will about the deviations from the book (always one of my biggest complaints when you've experienced both print and film) I thought the show was excellent. And I cried. With my hokey 3D glasses on I wiped some big tears.
When it was over, we walked next door to Panera Bread and dined on sandwiches and fresh-baked cookies as we tried to process the visual/audio/emotional overload we'd just experienced. Epic.
But this fine date could not have been possible without the truly amazing babysitting efforts of Julianna, Super Mama Extraordinaire. She not only watched our four but also had her three with her, too. Seven kids for nearly 4 hours all by herself. What a woman. (Jules, you know I owe you so cash in any time!)
And now, with this last movie, we've reached the end of an era in pop culture. Goodbye, Harry! We'll catch you again sometime on DVD. Or better yet, in the books as we read them all over again, this time with our children.


text: Blog. Time is odd, we walk along it always going into the future, if we ignore the past it comes back to haunt us, if we only ever look to the future the present beats us around the head with realities that will ever get worse. "The past is history, the future a mystery and the present is a gift". No. The past is very much the dominating factor on the present, the future can surprise you but its just the past again coming to haunt you. As for the present being a gift, its a double-edged sword.


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Let's meet Alessandro Cordova and Niccolo' Costantini, both 21 and from Italy. Alessandro studies Intercultural Communication at the University of Rome and he plans to work in the field of International Cooperation for Development and Humanitarian Aid. Niccolo is also studying the same discipline as well as Modern Languages. These two very intelligent and motivated Italians have found their way to Palestine to assist at the Excellence Centre. Why?
Alessandro wanted to get an 'insiders' view on the Palestinian issue and what better way to do that while improving his Arabic both through lessons and real-life communication. He wanted to:
"…live an amazing life experience that could make me grow academically and personally".
Niccolo participated in the Teach English Speak Arabic program because he wanted to improve his Arabic speaking skills and to get to know about Palestinian culture and history, which he was studying at university.
For both, experiencing the 'Palestinian situation' first-hand was a very important motivation to come to Palestine. So what was it really like for them both?
According to Allesandro, Hebron is a safe city, easily comparable to many European towns, with a very low rate of petty crime in the streets. He never felt in danger even at night. The situation in the old center can be:
"…surprising at a first sight, because of the presence of soldiers in the streets, but I never felt threatened by that. This applies to basically every city in the West Bank. They're all normal and beautiful cities, full of life and amazing things, absolutely not a war zone".
Niccolo also felt really safe despite the dire warnings he'd received from people back home who had told him that he was risking his life travelling to Palestine. He soon discovered that these dire warnings had no basis at all, as:
'…apart from a rough check performed by Palestinian authorities when coming back from a trip to Jericho, I had absolutely no trouble either with Israeli forces or with Palestinian authority'.
Both strongly recommend learning Arabic before coming to the Excellence Centre. While it is not essential to speak Arabic it enables you to make the absolute most of your experience as, according to Allesandro:
"Direct contact with Palestinians is an essentially important part of the experience. Moreover, even if starting from a basic level, living and studying here is the chance to get an incomparable improvement, especially in oral communication skills."
Niccolo agrees, saying:
"It will make your learning here way more productive and satisfying: I saw some people coming here with no prior knowledge and being disappointed when leaving since their level was not as high as they expected. Arabic is a particular language and you cannot expect to each an A2 level in just a month or two"!
Both Allesandro and Niccolo take lasting memories back to Italy with them. For Allesandro it was his visits to Umm Abed, an amazing woman who lives in the center of Hebron. Simple pleasures, like listening to her stories and tasting her amazing handmade food and the fact that she was genuinely happy every time he visited her are memories that will live on. Hopefully Umm Abed can teach him the art of cooking Maqluba before he returns home.
For Niccolo his lasting impressions are also centered on the people he met. He got to know so many smiling, humble, welcoming and generous people:
"I will always remember their hospitality, it is the most precious memory I could collect".
A particular example is when he visited the Dead Sea and met a guy named Fares, who was so kind that the two men became friends. Another astonishing memory was a trip to the desert with some Bedouins, a precious memory, indeed!
Niccolo also learnt some movements of Dabke, a traditional Palestinian dance, which some kids at the summer camp where he worked as an English teacher taught him. Unfortunately Allesandro was not so successful with learning Dabke.
Thanks to Niccolo and Allesandro there are now lasting links between some Palestinian people and two guys from Rome!


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After my visit to Tahiti and Huahine, our boat was at sea, with nothing in sight but the vast Pacific Ocean: no land, no ships, and no flying fish. My next destination was the Cook Islands, a tiny chain of only 15 islands.
The Cook Islands were first by 8 ancient tribes. They all worshipped the same gods: Tangaroa, creator and sea god; Tane, god of crafts and warfare; and Rongo, god of fertility and crops.
The first European to arrive was Captain James Cook, who discovered one of the southern Cook Islands on his last voyage. He was very thorough in mapping the Pacific Ocean, as well as documenting nature and the culture of the different peoples. Captain William Bligh was the first European to visit Aitutaki in 1789, just a few weeks before he was set adrift in Tonga by the mutinous crew of HMS Bounty.
Today, the people of the Cook Islands live in villages along the beaches.There are no highrises and few signs of the western industrialized world. As a matter of fact, no building is higher than a coconut tree, and people get around mostly on motor scooters on the one road that skirts the island. The small native population is supported by New Zealand as part of the British domain.
Environmentally protected, these remote islands are one of the few places left that are still pristine, idyllic, and a paradise to see, with palm-shaded white beaches and crystal-clear waters in the protected lagoons. Inland, there are paw-paw fields, with coconut, banana, and pineapple plantations still exist. Life is laid back, there is no crime to speak of, the scenery is natural, and the natives are friendly. The weather is warm and the sea reasonably calm. I was looking forward to swimming, snorkeling, and spending time on the several of the Cook Islands.
After a day and night at sea, the boat slowed and carefully entered the lagoon of Aitutaki, where we dropped anchor. The most noticeable feature of this island is the distinct volcano, rising high above and surrounded by tropical vegetation, as you can see in my photo at the top of this blog post. The island is only 8 square miles in area, with a population of 2, 500 residents.
I could see smoke rising above the thick vegetation: a sign of people with cooking fires or burning brush. Our crew took down a tender from our boat, and soon I went ashore, where I walked along the road of the one-street village. The village had a large community hall, several churches, a market, and schools. The people mostly farm and fish for their own families and hang on to some of ancestral traditions. The people are laidback and many of the younger people go to New Zealand for education or work opportunities and don't return. It is far from any international airport, and its lagoons have no big ports or docks.
The barrier reefs are filled with colorful fish and plant life. Aitutaki is a swimmer's paradise. The climate is warm and the water clear. This was a dream come true for me to be here, spending time in the water.
After a quick walk in the village, I went on the small motorized tender, to the most beautiful beach of a tiny island called Honeymoon Island. As I walked along the beach, tiny crabs darted into holes. Although it was raining at Aitutaki, perhaps a mile or two away, the sun was shining here. There were a few tropical trees in the center of the atoll, and several red-tailed tropical birds flew overhead. To my surprise, I found an egg on the ground, under a tree. There were no crowds here on this hot, sunny day on this fine sand beach. After a few hours, the tender came back. Imagine a pristine island on a warm day, with the clearest water for swimming, and no crowds. All alone! This was paradise.
(posted February 9, 2016)


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Even if your affairs are uncomplicated, making sure you leave a properly drafted will should be a priority, says Emma Simon
One in three people die in the UK without making a will, potentially bequeathing family and friends nothing but acrimony, confusion and costly legal battles. But of the two out of three who do make a will, many fail to do so properly, which can be just as calamitous for those left behind.
There is an old saying in the legal profession that goes: "Where there is a will there is an argument; or better still, litigation". This does not mean that there is no point in making a will; it simply refers to the fact that too many people make elementary mistakes with this basic legal document. These mistakes may mean disgruntled relatives can challenge the will after your death, helping generate more work - and fees - for the legal profession. But even a well-drafted will can be challenged, as the recent litigation involving the widow of a multi-millionaire banker shows.
Lady Caroline Cox-Johnson won a battle in the High Court against her three stepsons who had challenged their father's £10m will. Although no judgement was given - the two sides reached agreement on the sixth day of court action - this case demonstrates how both children and spouses can challenge a will if they believe that insufficient provision has been made for them. This is just one of the reasons why it is a good idea to seek legal advice. But thanks to the boom in do-it-yourself wills, it seems far fewer people are taking this option.
High street stores such as WH Smith and Tesco sell will-writing kits for as little as £10. For those with fairly uncomplicated financial affairs this may seem like a cheap and cheerful way of putting your affairs in order. A solicitor is likely to charge a minimum of £95 for a basic will, £150 for a pair of "mirror wills" and up to £500 for those looking to set up a basic trust.
Of course, those with complicated financial affairs will pay substantially more. Anyone opting for a DIY will needs to ensure this document is accurate, unambiguous and comprehensive (see below).
It also needs to be updated if there is any change in circumstances - for example if you remarry, divorce or have more children.
Helen Clarke of the Law Society says: "It is surprising how many people make DIY wills that are inaccurate or ambiguous. For example, people may name someone in their will, but this does not match the name that appears on their birth certificate. Similarly, the will may state the intention to leave their watch to a named recipient, for example a favourite grandchild. But if they have more than one watch this can create problems."
These are not the only mistakes. People may try to bequeath assets that are jointly owned: most couple who buy a house together are known as "joint tenants". On the death of one partner, the other half of the property is automatically transferred to the surviving owner. But if you have bequeathed your half of the property to someone else, for example a child from a previous marriage, you need to ensure that you own the property as "tenants-in- common" for these wishes to be enacted. Too many people also leave money to non-existent charities, because they have not correctly stated the name of the organisation: "cancer relief" being a common example.
Many wills are challenged because they are drawn up by one of the main beneficiaries, rather than someone who does not stand to gain anything from the will. Elderly parents may ask one of their children to help them write their will. But if this child inherits, the will could be challenged.
However, one of the most common misconceptions is that if you do not have a will, your nearest and dearest will decide how your assets are split. Sadly this is not the case. As the diagram above shows, the state applies a rigid set of rules to determine who gets what when a person dies without a will - or dies intestate.
It is particularly important for unmarried couples to draft a will - an unmarried person will receive nothing if their partner dies intestate, regardless of how long they have lived together or whether they have children.
Anyone with more complicated financial affairs is advised to seek proper legal advice, rather than rely on a DIY option. This would include anyone who has children from a previous marriage or whose estate is liable for inheritance tax - currently any estate worth more than £285,000, including the value of any property.
Clarke adds: "Many people are concerned about inheritance tax, and this might prompt them to look at making a will. But for most people, tax is often not the most important factor. They use a will to ensure that their spouse or partner is provided for after their death and any surplus assets beyond this are passed on to their children, or their nearest relatives." When drafting a will it is important to ensure that the following issues are dealt with.
It is important to name one or more executors. It is the role of the executor to ensure that your wishes are carried out after your death and that the estate is divided as specified in your will. Most people choose a trusted family member, as an executor can also be one of the main beneficiaries of a will. It is advisable to appoint more than one executor in case of death or serious illness. Some people will appoint more than one family member; others will appoint a family member and a professional, such as their solicitor.
One of the most important parts of any will is specifying which family members will inherit your assets after your death.
These directions must be are clear and unambiguous. If you state in a will, for example, that a child is to receive the proceeds from the sale of your business, but the business is sold before your death, then unless you redraft your will the child concerned will inherit nothing: they will not automatically inherit the financial equivalent. If you are bequeathing assets to children you may want to think about setting up a trust. In this case, you will need to appoint trustees to manage the money and assets on behalf of a child until they reach 18. It is possible to set up a trust that does not give children access to their inheritance until they are older, for example 21 or 25, although this could be taxed differently.
A will should also set out who should be responsible for any children under 18 who survive you. In most cases it is assumed that a surviving parent will look after the children. But it is also important to appoint a guardian should both of you be killed.
It is possible to appoint more than one guardian, although it makes sense if both guardians live together in a stable family unit. The normal choice is to appoint family members, particularly where very young children are involved. As children grow the appointment of friends may be more appropriate as they are more likely to share your lifestyle and perhaps live nearer than family. This can be a difficult subject to think about and according to solicitors it is one of the reasons why many people put off making a will.
Funeral plans
Many people like to specify in their will what type of funeral they would like. For example they may want to specify whether they want to be cremated or buried, have a church service or even a green funeral.
- Reader offer: For a free copy of The Sunday Telegraph Guide to Inheritance Tax, sponsored by Skipton Financial Services, call 0870 382 4402


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Hunt, Michael H. The Making of A Special Relationship: The United States and China to 1914. New York, Columbia University Press, 1983.
Isaacs, Harold. Scratches on Our Minds: American Views of China and India. Armonk, NY: M. E. Sharpe Inc., 1980. (orig. published 1958)
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Damarcus Beasley scored twice in the first half as the United States men's national team routed Cuba 6-1 at RFK Stadium in Washington to clinch a berth in the final round of World Cup qualifying for the CONCACAF region.
Landon Donovan, Brian Ching, Jozy Altidore off the bench and Oguchi Onyewu also tallied for the Americans, who moved to 4-0 in Group 1 play, good for 12 points and a spot in the six-team final round with two matches to go.
Sacha Klejstan had two assists for the United States.
Pachuca midfielder Jose Francisco Torres of Longview notched his first cap for the United States. He came on for defender Heath Pearce in the 68th minute.
The Americans join Costa Rica as teams already qualified for the final round.
The Ticos clinched their spot earlier Saturday with a 4-1 win at Suriname to total 12 points in Group 3.
Mexico lost 1-0 at Jamaica and will have to wait until at least Wednesday to clinch.
Elsewhere in CONCACAF, Honduras eliminated Canada from competition with a 3-1 win in Group 2. And El Salvador routed Haiti 5-0.
Check out CONCACAF scores and standings here.
Check out other scores, including wins by England, Germany, Argentina and Paraguay, by clicking here.
Looks like the Dynamo's Kei Kamara started and played 90 in Sierra Leone's 3-1 loss at Nigeria.
Thoughts on the match(es)?


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The dynamics of a transforming society
The vision to significantly transform the Liberian society must first deal with changing behavior, attitude and mindset of people at the bottom of the social strata. Change can never come to Liberia with the majority of its people believing that public officials do not have their best interest at heart as a collective; or the majority of the people being stuck at the bottom of the socioeconomic ladder.
The lack of adequate healthcare, difficulties accessing education, employment, social marginalization, inadequate sanitation, unsafe drinking water, indecent hygiene practice, and treated garbage means that many Liberians are dying unnecessarily or living in destitution.
The real problem with injecting change in Liberia is the lack of new ideas and boldness amongst government functionaries, the press and civil society groups to inspire and stimulate change in behavior, attitude and mindset amongst the majority of our people.
Significant Social Transforming must first and foremost remove social rejection as a daily reality for the majority of our people. Secondly, improvement in sanitation, water, hygiene, health, education and livelihood must not remain stalled. Thirdly, it is immoral to continuously subject ordinary Liberians unnecessarily to conditions of abject poverty, given the enormous amount of mineral resources and wealth our country is endowed with.
Our society cannot and will not change unless and until we ourselves fundamentally change. By change, the author refers to social makeover, improved livelihood and provision of basic services to improve standard of living. The idea here is that if in fact Liberian leaders desire real change, then the livelihood of those living at the bottom of the social strata must fundamentally and strategically be improved.
In other words, the conscience of our people must be appealed to in order for real transformation to occur. Our society needs to be injected with appropriate new thinking with bold new policy formulation to basically root change in the people from the bottom up.
This author does not see 'change' necessarily as building fancy hospitals and school; when there are no sufficient personnel to run them properly or set the roadmap for restructuring the social order within which them mus operate.
In order for Liberia to fundamentally change and go through this kind of significant transformation that the author is pointing towards, the government must first engage in some fundamental restructuring of its own, and lead the charge. The government must strategically and methodically take the lead in lifting people out of poverty, misery and hopelessness.
Those whose whole focus is based on using the government as a springboard to acquire personal wealth must immediately be castigated and internally exiled, and the government must become the escort in a massive campaign to castigate such individuals by confiscating ill-gotten property and wealth. If this isn't done and we are not careful, disenchantment could undermine the huge support base that President Sirleaf has vigorously championed over the years. Liberia cannot, and will not, and must never again allow itself to be seen as a war-ravaged country ruled by thugs, or governed by authoritarian or autocratic leaders.
This author is of the firm belief that if nothing is done to fundamentally change Liberians from the bottom up, then the country could be faced with the reality of hope being turned into despair. In other words, if we are not careful, our post-war hopes and aspirations could be turned into despondency, with corrupt, incompetent and divisive individuals claiming the higher ground once again as they successfully did for over 20 years.
The creeping in of a democratic framework of governance, and rearranging the socio-economic order after decades of burdens under debased tyrannies and autocracies must not be silenced. If nothing else, transparency, accountability, respect for the rule of law, decentralized democratic practices should be our guiding policy if stability and growth are to be sustained and sincerely rooted in the social order of the day.
The new political dispensation, which elected Ellen Johnson Sirleaf as President, was intended to change and evolve into a democratically driven society where the personification of integrity, honesty and a deep sense of purpose and nationalism would be achieved.
But what went wrong with the excitement and enthusiasm with which Liberians embraced the roadmap to change, and the beacon of hope which President Sirleaf personified? Did the cadre of intellectuals and technocrats become visionless? Did the new administration get duped? Did Recycled Politicians overwhelmed the process and offered no new ideas to transform the society?
Except for the President and a handful of committed and dedicated individuals, the majority of policymakers and bureaucrats have not produced much in terms of creativity and innovation over the past three years. The author believes that is the reason why ordinary Liberians have seen little in terms of progress.
What has most of those who have lead ministries and public agencies done over the years that have assisted in the Dynamics of a Changing Society? Many seem very comfortable riding around the countryside in SUVs with tinted window and trying to make every effort to impress the little people with their temporarily acquired influence and power.
Over the past three years, there have been revelations of gross misuse of public funds at a time when Liberia needs every dime for monumental reconstruction. The majority of our policymakers seem all too ready to rely exclusively on the ideas of President Sirleaf without offering any of their own. The President is one person, yes she is the visionary, but where are all the progressives?
No public official, past or present has the right to squander public funds and get away with it. Liberians must stand up, speak up and be counted on the side of real change. For example, property obtained by ill-gotten wealth must be confiscated; officials who knowingly rob the national treasury or the coffer of a public agency should not be allowed to keep stolen loot and walk around the society displaying illegal and ill-gotten exploits. What sort of example would that set for younger generation who make up over 46% of the population? Could this be the reason why ordinary Liberians call their public servants, 'Recycled Politicians'?
The time has come for all to work together to raise our expectations and transform our country into world-class, high-performing communities, not just for some, but for all our people. This author believes that change is illusive unless and until it touches the lives of real people.
The author believes that by introducing multi-party elections at the county, metropolitan, municipal and district levels, would ensure the election of competent people to manage the urban, rural or local economy. This belief is premised on the assumption that the electorates would be informed, and would vote for competent persons base on their dedication and commitment to uplifting, advancing and improving livelihood, standard of livings, health and basic services.
Because good local governance and democratic decentralization has not been widely broadcast or implemented by the Sirleaf administration, our people are not fully realizing their social aspirations. According to UNDP, Sustained Poverty Reduction requires equitable growth—but this author would suggest that it also requires poor people to have political power that allows them to decide their future given applicable resources and political will.
And the best way this author believes that Liberia should achieve significant social transformation consistent with human development objectives is by building strong and deep forms of democratic governance at all levels of society, especially at the local and rural levels.
Francis W. Nyepon is managing partner of DUCOR Waste Management in Liberia. He is a policy analyst and vice chair of the Center for Security and Development Studies, and serves on several boards of humanitarian, environmental and human rights organizations in the United States and Liberia. He can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com
Category: Featured Articles, News Headlines, Viewer Articles


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Looking for something to do this weekend… in Lynwood? I got a press release in my inbox about the grand re-opening of the Macy's at the Alderwood Mall. (They are giving away prizes – everyone loves free stuff!)
Macy's Alderwood Mall in Lynwood ~ Friday, Oct. 24, and Saturday, Oct. 25
WHAT: Macy's Alderwood Mall store will celebrate its grand re-opening with special activities on Oct. 24 and 25. The celebration will include live entertainment, hors d'oeuvres and refreshments along with fabulous giveaways!
Grand re-opening activities will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 24, and Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 25. The store has grown by more than 30,000 square feet. Renovations include an updated Men's department now offering additional merchandise, an expanded Dress department and a new Tommy Hilfiger department for her.
Giveaways include:
We'll be giving away a $500 Macy's gift card to two lucky winners, one on Friday, Oct. 24, and one on Saturday, Oct. 25.
Enter for a chance to win a three-night stay for two at Suncadia Lodge in Cle Elum, Wash. The stay also includes two rounds of golf and $300 worth of spa services. (Trip value: $1400 including taxes.)*
You can also enter for a three-night stay for two in Palm Springs, Calif. that includes deluxe room accommodations at the Marriot's Rancho Las Palmas Resort and Spa, airfare, mid-size car rental, two rounds of golf at Rancho Las Palmas Country Club and $300 in spa services at Spa Las Palmas. (Trip value: $2600 including taxes.)*
Seattle Seahawks/Sounders FC prize package, which includes: –
– One autographed helmet
– One autographed football
– One autographed mini-helmet
– Pairs of Tickets – two Club seats to the following games for this season (total value $1700): 11/16 vs. Arizona Cardinals, 11/23 vs. Washington Redskins, 12/21 vs. New York Jets
– One pair of season tickets for the 2009 Sounders FC home season


text: The Yes Or No Tarot is the perfect tarot reading for those who are seeking for a simple yet accurate answer to a yes no question. If you have any question in mind that can be answered with a yes or no then this is the perfect place for you to get started. You can use this tarot card reading for free and unlimitedly but please ask only yes and no questions for you to get the best result. You can get your free tarot yes or no now to get a greater understanding with your yes no questions to feel at ease.


text: There's something so chic about wide stripes. Perhaps it's the stripes, or maybe it's the silhouette, but this skirt is quickly becoming a favorite in my closet. I also wore red lipstick because as Gwyneth Paltrow once said, "Beauty, to me, is about being comfortable in your own skin. That, or a kick-ass red lipstick."


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Is Evgeny Plushenko gay or straight?Here you find the sexual orientation of Evgeny Plushenko.
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Valentines Day is a great way to introduce the kids to the harsh reality of spending a lot of money on cards, flowers and chocolates, especially the boys. It was always a tense time for myself because I was never sure if I was going to get any Valentines since I didn't like any of the girls in my class.
Some kids are even terrified of giving another kid the slightest hint that they like them. (Just wait until they start to price what a dozen roses go for!)
Heart shaped invitations are easily made by the kids for the smaller parties while homemade flyers and posters are ideal for attracting a larger group. Many desktop drawing programs have clip art or even ready-to-print invitations already made.
Valentines parties for younger kids should take place during the day on the Saturday or Sunday closest to February 14. Older kids may prefer the Friday evening of the week of February 14 or, to give everyone more time to prepare, have the party on the evening of the closest Saturday.
A Valentine's party should not emphasize the "I love you" or boyfriend/girlfriend aspect. Many kids would not feel comfortable and may not want to attend because of that. The party should focus on fun, using the Valentine theme as an excuse to have a party. This also means that some of the traditional kissing and spin the bottle type games should be discouraged.
Activities, Games and Crafts
When the kids arrive invite them to make a valentine for their parents, brother, sister or anyone else while they wait for the other guests to arrive. Provide an area with colored paper (lots of red), crayons, markers, scissors, glue and any other miscellaneous items that can be used for a Valentine (ribbon, lace, stickers, etc.)
Look over the Games section and add a Valentine theme to it. Building A Story can start off with "Once upon a time on Valentine's Day…". A Scavenger Hunt can have the kids looking for specially made hearts of different sizes. The larger hearts are valued at two points while much smaller ones are worth 20 points. Use your imagination and the kids will take care of the rest.
Try the Valentine Pocket, Paper Bag Basket and the Valentine Wreath in the Crafts section.
Music is popular at many parties for older kids but please note that you have an obligation to observe and if necessary, interfere with anything that may look suspicious during the slow dances. This form of "adult supervision" has been passed down from generation to generation. Using a ruler to indicate the amount of space between kids when they dance is always a nice touch!
Food and Drink
Sandwiches can be cut into the shape of hearts with a sharp knife and a steady hand. Heart shaped cookie cutters can also make quick work of the sandwiches as well. Many bakeries can offer bread that is colored red. If you prefer to make your own, try adding a little food coloring to your batter before baking.
Cookies and cup cakes are always special when they are decorated with white and red frosting. The more advanced bakers may want to draw a heart shape on each with red frosting.
Adding dry ice to a red punch can turn any drink into a "love potion."
Loot Bags
What is Valentines without chocolate? Start looking for deals immediately after Christmas. Stickers, pencils, erasers and small note pads are also available with a Valentine theme.
Have the kids cut-out large red hearts and decorate with lace and place around the house. Red and white balloons are also available in heart shapes. Fill them with air and tape to walls and doors or have them filled with helium at your local party supply store.
You can also make your own balloon decor easily by following our simple instructions HERE.


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The Roma Through History, Music, and Film
Europe's largest minority, commonly known in English as "Gypsies," more properly referred to as Roma, Sinti or Gitano, have been enslaved, hunted down, imprisoned, and generally reviled; at the same time, they have fascinated members of the majority, and writers, artists, and composers have exploited the exotic flavoring they find in the image of "Gypsiness." Roma musicians are also indispensable to folk and popular music practices around the European continent. This course will survey historical events in Roma history and address problems in writing about a people whose culture is perceived as predominantly oral. We will also examine both how this "mysterious" group has been represented, especially through music, and how its members have responded creatively to these representations.
Readings for this class are in English, though students with proficiency in other languages will be encouraged to explore additional sources in their research.


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Simon, I wouldn't want to get on the wrong side with the Tax Office so this morning I prepared the sleeping place for your cat and dog: not one but two layers of carpet (sorry, no underfelt!) and there'll be a night-light and a bowl of water by the door.
You'll be lucky if they want to come back to Canberra with you after two weeks of that kind of luxury! Long may they reign!
See you on the 18th!
P.S. I hope you will come more often to motivate me to clean out my workshop more often ☺


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The Many Loves of Dobie GillisThe Chicken from Outer Space - Season 1, Episode 23 - Dec 15, 1959 - Mar. 8, 1960 - As hard as he tries, Dobie just can't seem to get rid of Zelda Gilroy, the one girl he doesn't want but wants him. Zelda is aware of Dobie's failings, such as not being a very bright student and thus not having any future career prospects. Zelda compensates for that by mapping out their future: they will live on a farm after they get married so that Dobie will at least be able to provide food. In being a farmer, Dobie has to take biology class, with which Zelda will help him.
Back to the Many Loves of Dobie Gillis Library
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