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Daily Archives: January 27, 2014
A Tale of the Emirates Stadium, the Home of Clean Sheets
It's really disheartening to know that the Gunners haven't won anything since their move to the magnificent state-of-the-art Emirates stadium in 2006. The club's eternal home, Highbury, witnessed trophy-laden years under so many managers from the days of football revolutionary, Herbert Chapman, to the club's current stalwart on the dugout, Arsene Wenger.
Under Arsene Wenger, the club has won three Premier League titles, four FA Cups and a couple of Community Shields but there have been some near misses in the forms of the 2006 Champions League final, the 2007 Carling Cup final and not so long ago, the disappointing 2011 Carling Cup demise against Birmingham City.
However, there's a renewed sense of optimism brewing among the manager, players and fans alike, and they unanimously feel that this may be the season the club ends its long-standing trophy drought. This can only be actualized by the club's performances on the pitch and despite an early Capital One Cup exit in the hands of Jose Mourinho and his Chelsea team, the Gunners are currently in pole position in the Premier League, recently surged to a FA Cup fifth round berth with a tasty clash against Liverpool and there's still some business in the Champions League against the almighty Bayern Munich.
Since defeating the Bavarian outfit in the tail end of last season, the Gunners went on a hot away streak before suffering a stinging defeat to one of the poorest Manchester United sides you'd ever see. Gooner of Steel celebrated the team's scintillating away form with a well-written and researched article that's worth a read.
This season, Arsenal harbored hopes to make the Emirates Stadium a fortress but the performances at the Emirates Cup raised a few eyebrows. The campaign went to a worst possible start when Aston Villa grabbed all three points at the Emirates courtesy of a brace from Christian Benteke and some horrendous refereeing from Anthony Taylor. That defeat sparked an outage on social networking platforms and the Wenger Out Brigade were in full voice.
The Gunners next home game was against a Fenerbahce side they had dismantled in Turkey and it took an Aaron Ramsey brace to put the encounter to bed. The only downside to a satisfying victory was the hamstring injury suffered by Lukas Podolski which dented his chances of a regular place in the first team.
On transfer deadline day, Andre Villas-Boas and his new-look expensive Tottenham side arrived at The Home of Football, as those folks in Arsenal Arsenal call it, but it took an Olivier Giroud deft finish to settle the contest. After securing two clean sheets in the first three games at the Emirates, Stoke City's Geoff Cameron dented the record when he scored the consolation goal in the game tagged as the "Mesut Ozil" show.
Ozil opened his goalscoring account as the Gunners kept a clean sheet against Napoli in the Champions League but despite the fact that the Gunners ran riot past Norwich with goals from Ozil, Jack Wilshere and Aaron Ramsey, the visitors managed to score what proved to be a consolation goal, thereby denying Wojciech Szczesny a clean sheet bonus.
Arsenal's next two games at the Emirates were nothing to write home about as they slumped to a 2-1 loss against Dortmund and this was followed with a Capital One Cup defeat to Chelsea. Wenger had not defeated his Portuguese counterpart, Jose Mourinho, in eight outings, and the defeat in October made it nine.
November turned out to be the month of clean sheets for the Gunners and their defense faced their sternest test yet when they came up against the world-famous "SAS" (Luiz Suarez and Daniel Sturridge) combination but the Arsenal defense kept them at bay all game long. Giroud and Wilshere scored braces in the routine 2-0 wins over Southampton and Olympique Marseille respectively.
In December, the Gunners kept another clean in the home victory over Hull City but the impregnable run of clean sheets was ended by a powerful strike from Gerard Deulofeu in the 1-1 disappointing draw with Everton and this was followed by a goalless stalemate against Chelsea (Wenger fails to win Mourinho yet again).
In 2014, Wojciech Szczesny and the Arsenal defense have done their parts in ensuring that they haven't conceded any goal at home and in the clashes against Cardiff, Tottenham, Fulham and most recently, Coventry, the Gunners haven't conceded any goal. This means that in 18 games played at the Emirates this season, the Gunners have kept a whooping 12 clean sheets, with just a goal conceded in their last 10 home matches.
While the clean sheet record at home can be lauded as a truly remarkable feat, Arsenal's resolve will be tested when Manchester United (February), Bayern Munich (February) and Manchester City (March) come to town.
Nonetheless, kudos must go to Wojciech Szczesny for his tremendous saves, Laurent Koscielny and Per Mertesacker for their telepathic understanding, Nacho Monreal/Kieran Gibbs and Bacary Sagna/Carl Jenkinson for balancing their attacking and most importantly, defensive play superbly.
The midfielders like Aaron Ramsey, Jack Wilshere, Mikel Arteta and Mathieu Flamini also do their bits in protecting the back four but I must commend the ageless Czech maestro, Tomas Rosicky, for his tireless running, amazing work rate and of course, those crunchy tackles.
Finally, Olivier Giroud also deserves some credit for being Arsenal's first line of defense and even though he's not scoring in industrial quantities like Robin van Persie, you can't doubt his commitment to the cause, his superb linkup and his aerial prowess that is used both offensively and defensively.
Here's to the Emirates Stadium, the home of clean sheets.
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DNR announces funding for Cape Girardeau drinking water improvements
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
For 14 years, Cape Girardeau has been working on upgrading the water system to end reliance on the Mississippi River. On Friday, the last piece of the financing needed to complete the job arrived.
Second census notice to be mailed soon
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
Cape Girardeau County and Missouri are ahead of the national average on returning census forms, but some people may have been missed when the questionnaires were mailed and the federal government wants to count those people, too. A second mailing to households that have not returned their forms is due to go out in coming days, said Rich Gerdes, assistant regional Census Bureau manager in Kansas City. ...
Designers provide artist's rendering of Cape water park
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
Cape Girardeau Parks and Recreation Department officials received a full-color artist's rendering last week of what the new Family Aquatic Center will look like when it is completed this spring. The rendering was provided in electronic format to the city by Markey and Associates Inc. ...
Easter egg hunt for adults raises funds for Southeast Hospice
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
The words "Easter egg hunt" conjure images of children racing across fields of grass, finding colorful eggs scattered about. However, at Saturday's adult Easter egg hunt, the youngest Easter egg hunter was 21 years old. The adult Easter egg hunt was a fundraising event that benefited Southeast Hospice and was hosted by Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation, a philanthropic organization dedicated to raising funds for health and wellness programs at Southeast Missouri Hospital.
Roy Leighton, Steeplechase, Gate Invitational
(Submitted Photo ~ 03/28/10)
Roy Leighton, a junior at Cape Central High School, powers his way through the water pit on his way to a first place finish during the 2000 meter Steeplechase held at the Gateway Invitational, Washington University, St Loius, MO, Saturaday, March 27, 2010...
Cape Girardeau School District's yearlong journey on bond issue comes to end next week
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
When the Cape Girardeau School District went to the public with its facilities planning in spring 2009, many issues were on the table. District officials considered reconfiguring grades, shifting school boundaries and building a new elementary school east of Interstate 55, ideas that gained little traction. During three forums, the community sent strong signals in other areas like projects at the high school and maintaining a neighborhood school with Franklin Elementary...
Southeast Missouri State University revisits strategic plan
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
In light of financial constraints statewide and locally, Southeast Missouri State University is taking another look at its goals. Friday, Dr. Bill Weary, president of Washington, D.C.-based Fieldstone Consulting, met with several campus groups, including Student Government, the Board of Regents and the budget review committee, to revisit the university's strategic plan...
Tee time nears at Jaycee
(Community Sports ~ 03/28/10)
The million-dollar makeover nearly is complete at Cape Jaycee Municipal Golf Course, and what largely remains is for Mother Nature to work her annual spring magic. The 18-hole course has undergone its most dramatic transformation since its creation as a nine-hole course in 1955. ...
Carter - Pulley
(Engagement ~ 03/28/10)
Pat and Carey Carter III of Cape Girardeau announce the engagement of their daughter, Erin Alicia Carter, to Christopher Lee Pulley. He is the son of Jimmy and Sandra Pulley of Thebes, Ill. Carter is a 1999 graduate of Central High School. She is employed at East Missouri Action Agency...
Wilson - Poston
(Engagement ~ 03/28/10)
Mike and Rose Wilson of Rochester Hills, Mich., announce the engagement of their daughter, Gabrielle Wilson, to Anthony Poston, both of San Francisco, Calif. He is the son of Larry and Sharon Poston of Fair Oaks, Calif., formerly of Cape Girardeau. Wilson is a graduate of Michigan State University. She is a product manager at CBS Interactive in San Francisco...
Lindsey - Schneider
(Engagement ~ 03/28/10)
Craig and Denise Lindsey of Huntsville, Ala., announce the engagement of their daughter, Danielle Nicole Lindsey of Cape Girardeau, to Aaron Lee Schneider. He is the son of Dr. H.L. and Brenda Schneider of Cape Girardeau. Lindsey is a 2005 graduate of Ste. Genevieve High School. She expects to receive a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University in December. She is employed at Southeast Missouri Hospital...
Williams - Campbell
(Engagement ~ 03/28/10)
CHAFFEE, Mo. -- John and Cindy Williams of Morley, Mo., and Stephanie and Steven Pledger of Chaffee announce the engagement of their daughter, Jennifer Rebecca Williams, to Joseph W. Campbell. He is the son of Sue Campbell of Chaffee and Daniel Campbell of Missouri...
Owen - 60 Years
(Anniversary ~ 03/28/10)
Mr. and Mrs. Don Owen of Cape Girardeau will celebrate their 60th wedding anniversary with a dinner April 4 at the home of a daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Stephen Cardin of Cape Girardeau. Owen and Delores Ellis were married April 4, 1950, in Plainfield, Ind...
Thorne - Summers
(Engagement ~ 03/28/10)
Diane Thorne of Jackson announces the engagement of her daughter, Laci Thorne, to Christopher Summers. He is the son of Victoria and Eddie Goodin of Jackson and Gary Summers of Bernie, Mo. Thorne is also the daughter of the late Orval Thorne. Thorne is a 2006 graduate of Jackson High School. She expects to receive a bachelor of science degree in nursing from Southeast Missouri State University in May. She is employed at Southeast Missouri Hospital...
In the footsteps of Moses, climbing Mount Sinai
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
ST. CATHERINE, Egypt -- In the Bible, Moses climbs Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments. But he was the chosen one, and I am a mere mortal. Divine intervention seemed unlikely as I stood at the base of the mountain, chilled to the bone at 2 a.m., with only the faint light from a spattering of stars and sliver of moon on the dark rocky terrain...
State spending
(Editorial ~ 03/28/10)
Whenever governments find themselves in a financial pinch -- most states and the federal government fall into that category -- one of the first responses from many taxpayers is that elected officials should feel the pain as they consider laying off government employees, combining agencies and eliminating programs...
Chess returns to Central Middle
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Central Middle School reinstated its afternoon Chess Club this year by popular demand after a year hiatus. Forty-five students signed up. On March 6, the top four chess club players met at Broadway Books and Roasting Co for the tournament to determine the next school champion...
Four-E plan for healthy children
(Letter to the Editor ~ 03/28/10)
I am working to keep our children healthy for life. Childhood obesity is a troubling problem. With the onset of spring, it is the perfect time to put my plan into action. Help me to educate children to learn healthy food choices. Let's encourage these choices by removing junk food from our homes and using fruits and vegetables as our snacks. ...
'Republican idea' is vindicated
(Letter to the Editor ~ 03/28/10)
The "Republican idea" has once again been vindicated, even though Republicans don't like it. GILBERT DEGENHARDT, Cape Girardeau
Speak Out 3/28/10
(Speak Out ~ 03/28/10)
NOW that the Democrats have passed the health care bill, we all know we're going to have to pay more taxes to pay for all this. So when do the taxes go up? Do they go in 2010 or do they start going up in January 2011? We're in a recession. That's going to take away more jobs and more people are going to be unemployed. Then the government's going to need more money for more unemployment. Then the taxes will have to go up again. This sounds like a bad spiral...
Exit 102 signs are erroneous
(Letter to the Editor ~ 03/28/10)
The motoring public deserves an explanation of the erroneous Missouri Department of Transportation signs on Interstate 55 at exit 102. These signs defy any logic that I can apply to them and would seem to be grossly unfair to the motoring public. This would appear to be the only exit between Memphis and St. ...
Celebrating Missouri's women veterans
(Column ~ 03/28/10)
This month is the 30th anniversary of Women's History Month in the United States. In Missouri, women veterans have played a crucial role shaping the freedoms we celebrate today. Missouri's women veterans have always answered the call even to the point of disguising themselves as men to serve in the military. ...
Adopt CJ
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
CJ is a boxer mix. He is an altered male around 3 years old. He is housebroken and was raised with children. For more information, contact the Humane Society at 334-5837. ...
Adopt Dozer
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Dozer is a 6-year-old orange tabby. He loves children. He is neutered and up-to-date on his shots. For more information, contact Safe Harbor at 243-9823. ...
Bible quiz team places second
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Cape Girardeau residents McKenna Lee and Alexis Johnson of the Apostolic Promise Church beginner Bible quiz team recently placed second at the statewide quiz tournament in Hillsboro, Mo. McKenna was named second place high scorer for the tournament. The coaches for the team are Joan Kaufman and Kathy Lee...
Sean M. Sargent completes basic training
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Sean M. Sargent has graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Sargent completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. He is the grandson of Don Sargent of Cape Girardeau...
Perryville students collect aluminum tabs to pay for playground equipment
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Students at the Perryville Elementary School in Perryville, Mo., set a goal in the beginning of the school year to help their school. In an effort to raise money for improvements to the school's playground, the students collected aluminum soda tabs. ...
Olive Branch man finishes training
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Henry J. Franklin of Olive Branch, Ill., recently graduated from the basic field artillery cannon crew member training course at Fort Sill in Lawton, Okla. The course was designed to train Franklin to maintain, prepare and load ammunition for firing; operate and perform operator maintenance on prime movers, self-propelled Howitzers, and ammunition vehicles; store, maintain, and distribute ammunition to using units as a member of battery or battalion ammunition section; perform crew maintenance and participate in organizational maintenance of weapons and related equipment; and establish and maintain radio and wire communications. ...
Cairo man graduates basic training
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Lawrence E. Huff of Cairo, Ill., recently graduated from basic military training at the Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio. Huff completed an eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. He is the son of Lawrence Huff of Cairo and Deborah Huff of Cape Girardeau...
Prayer 3/28/10
(Prayer ~ 03/28/10)
Blessed is the King who comes in the name of the Lord. Amen.
Bird is the word: Swamp Candle Birders brings local birdwatchers together for outings
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
When an Illinois birding group visited the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center in September for a migratory bird event, local volunteers began asking one another why there was no similar group in this area. Ellen Hahs is president of the group that was formed a short time later. ...
Centenary donates to Shelter of Hope
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Centenary United Methodist Church recently donated $2,000 to the new Shelter of Hope, an eight-bed emergency shelter at 320 S. Sprigg St. Pictured from left are Centenary missions chairman Jerry Siemers; Chaplain Terry Wildman of Shelter of Hope; the Rev. Jeff Long, Centenary pastor; and the Rev. Karen Nothdurft, associate pastor...
School menus: March 29-April 2
(Menus ~ 03/28/10)
MONDAY--Chicken bites & bread or ham & cheese on bun, broccoli with cheese sauce, mixed fruit cup, wafer cookie. TUESDAY--Crispito with nacho cheese sauce or turkey & cheese on bun, corn, pears, granola trail mix, cookie. WEDNESDAY--Breaded pork chop with country gravy or turkey & cheese on bun, whipped potatoes, hot roll, cinnamon applesauce...
Fire report 3/28/10
(Police/Fire Report ~ 03/28/10)
Firefighters responded to the following calls Thursday:...
Police report 3/28/10
(Police/Fire Report ~ 03/28/10)
The Cape Girardeau Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI The Cape Girardeau County Sheriff's Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWIs...
Esther Nussbaum
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Esther M. Nussbaum, 97, of Cape Girardeau died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born March 7, 1913, in Dutchtown, the daughter of Arnold E. and Elizabeth L. Koehler Geiser. She and Emil P. Nussbaum were married July 22, 1934, in Cape Girardeau...
Clara Cracraft
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Clara V. Cracraft, 93, of Cape Girardeau passed away Friday, March 26, 2010, at the Lutheran Home. She was born Jan. 4, 1917, in Jackson to Jesse and Ida Gerecke Quade. She and W. Howard Cracraft were married Jan. 4, 1936, in Benton, Mo. They had one daughter, Saundra, who preceded them in death March 9, 1968, at the age of 21. Howard passed away March 6, 1979...
Hattie Slinkard
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
On Thursday March 25, 2010 at the age of 90 years, our mother, Hattie Ferne "Hap" Slinkard was called to be with her Lord in heaven. She was born Nov. 25, 1919, in Jackson, a daughter of William Lynn and Alta Idler Hall Allen. She was married to Boyd L. Slinkard on Aug. 13, 1939, and he preceded her in death Dec. 31, 1966...
Ruby Sander
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Ruby E. Sander, 83, of Jackson, passed away Friday, March 26, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau. She was born July 9, 1926, in Tilsit, daughter of Edwin and Emilie Voges Peetz. She and Raymond Sander were married June 18, 1948. He passed away Feb. 22, 1981...
Camille Matney
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Camille Marie Lyons Matney, 49, of Memphis, Tenn., formerly of Kaskaskia, Ill., died Wednesday, March 24, 2010. She was born April 6, 2010, in Lancaster, Calif. She and Michael Matney were married June 16, 1984. Camille grew up in Kaskaskia and attended school at the Kaskaskia Consolidated Grade School, graduating in 1974. ...
Ruth Sample
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Ruth Jane Sample, 73, of Cape Girardeau died Friday, March 26, 2010, at her home. She was born Jan. 27, 1936, at Patton, Mo., to Harley Andrew and Mettie Mary Grindstaff Pulliam. She married James R. Sample on Feb. 18, 1967. Ruth was a member of the VFW Post 3838 Women's Auxiliary and was also a longtime member of the Festus Women's Auxiliary...
Joan E. Hayden
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Joan E. Hayden, 72, of Perryville died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Perry Oaks Nursing and Rehabilitation in Perryville. She was born Feb. 20, 1938, in Perry County, Mo., daughter of Edward and Stella Moore Esselman. She was married July 27, 1957, to Harvey H. Hayden...
Evelyn Warner
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Evelyn M. Warner, 82, of Cape Girardeau died Tuesday, March 23, 2010, at Southeast Missouri Hospital. She was born March 17, 1928, in St. Louis, to Albert and Clara Welker Warner. Evelyn and James R. Warner were married Sept. 29, 1945, in Cape Girardeau...
Owen Tuschhoff
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
Owen Anthony Tuschhoff, infant son of Nathan and Sarah Tuschhoff of Jackson, died at birth Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in Town & Country, Mo. He is survived by his parents; a sister, Audrey; maternal grandparents, Chris and Sue Owen; paternal grandparents, Terry and Cheryl Tuschhoff, all of Jackson; maternal great-grandparents, Don and Dee Owen of Cape Girardeau; and paternal great-grandmother, Lillie Kraemer of Jackson...
James Sanders
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
COBDEN, Ill. -- James Ray Sanders, 59, of Cobden died at 6:35 p.m., Thursday, March 25, 2010, at St. Lukes Hospital in Chesterfield, Mo. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Cobden and after 9 a.m. Saturday at New Life Tabernacle Church in Murphysboro, Ill...
John Crawford
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
ANNA, Ill. -- John Clay Crawford, 88, of Peoria, Ill., formerly of Anna, died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Bickford Cottages in Peoria. He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II. The funeral was held Saturday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna, with the Rev. Tony Foeller officiating. Burial was in Cana Cemetery at Goreville...
Edith Dillow
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
ANNA, Ill. -- Edith Louise Dillow, 92, of Anna died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Union County Hospital. Visitation will be from 6 to 8 p.m. today at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. The funeral will be at 1 p.m. Monday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Bon Reynolds officiating. Burial will be in Anna Cemetery...
Births 3/28/10
(Births ~ 03/28/10)
Son to Seth Garrett and Emily Marie Gallimore of Jackson, Saint Francis Medical Center, 12:51 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24, 2010. Name, Cameron Glen. Weight, 7 pounds, 15 ounces. First child. Mrs. Gallimore is the former Emily Hutchens, daughter of Kevin Hutchens of South Fulton, Tenn., and Kellie Thayer of Union City, Tenn. Gallimore is the son of Kevin and Ellen Bowden and the late Glen Gallimore of Union City. He is a manager at Applebee's...
Iva Surina
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Iva M. Surina, 87, of Perryville, formerly of Leawood, Mo., died Saturday, March 27, 2010, at Perry Oaks Nursing Center in Perryville. Visitation will be at 5 p.m. Tuesday at C.E. Boyer & Son Funeral Home in Leawood. The funeral will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Robert Eggers officiating. Burial will be in Licklider Cemetery, Sullivan, Mo...
Steven Schulz
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
ANNA, Ill. -- Steven Roger Schulz, 55, of Anna died Friday, March 26, 2010, at his home in Makanda, Ill. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Rendleman and Hileman Funeral Home in Anna. Burial and funeral services will be private at a later date...
John Mills Sr.
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
John T. Mills Sr., 86, of Jackson died Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Veterans Hospital in Poplar Bluff, Mo. He was born Feb. 12, 1924, in Fredericktown, Mo., son of William and Nellie Scott Mills. He and Jane Cook were married Oct. 28, 1945, in Fredericktown...
Phares Martin
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
ANNA, Ill. -- Phares W. Martin, 78, of Anna died Friday, March 26, 2010, at his home. Visitation will be from 2 to 4 p.m. and from 6 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at Mount Pleasant Mennonite Church. The funeral will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday at Anna Heights Baptist Church in Anna. Burial will be in Mount Pleasant Mennonite Church cemetery...
Out of the past 3/28/10
(Out of the Past ~ 03/28/10)
Always one to avoid fanfare, Verna Lee Landis, who served in Cape Girardeau city government for more than half a century, quietly retired within the last two weeks; for the last 37 years, Landis served as city clerk. A $500,000 Community Development Block Grant to be used toward construction of the Southeast Missouri Regional Port Authority port on the Mississippi River has been approved by the Missouri Department of Economic Development...
Audit: Mo. overbilled Medicaid by $20.5M
(State News ~ 03/28/10)
ST. LOUIS -- A federal audit has found the state of Missouri overbilled Medicaid by about $20.5 million. At issue is billing for administrative costs in schools associated with services for low-income students or those with disabilities. The audit, released this past week, recommends Missouri refund the money...
Dorothy Deck
(Obituary ~ 03/28/10)
GLENALLEN, Mo. -- Dorothy Lela Deck, 92, of Glenallen passed away Thursday, March 25, 2010, at Woodland Hills Nursing Home in Marble Hill, Mo. She was born May 23, 1917, in Wyatt, Mo., daughter of James W. and Mabel Hinton Blackburn. She married Roy M. Deck, who died in 1990...
Correction 3/28/10
(Correction ~ 03/28/10)
n The reduction in funding from the United Way of Southeast Missouri received by the Southeast Missouri Chapter of the Red Cross was incorrectly calculated in Friday's paper. The Red Cross recently experienced a 34 percent reduction in the funds it receives from the United Way. The Southeast Missourian regrets the error...
Palin to tea party rally: Don't sit down and shut up
(National News ~ 03/28/10)
SEARCHLIGHT, Nev. -- Sarah Palin told thousands of tea party activists assembled in the dusty Nevada desert Saturday that Sen. Harry Reid will have to explain his votes when he comes back to his hometown to campaign. The wind whipped U.S. flags behind the former Alaska governor as she stood on a makeshift stage, holding a microphone and her notes and speaking to a cheering crowd. She told them Reid, fighting for re-election, is "gambling away our future."...
After Iraq election upset, winner turns to negotiations
(International News ~ 03/28/10)
BAGHDAD -- The secular challenger who garnered a razor-thin parliamentary election win turned his attention to negotiations over a future government Saturday even as supporters of the prime minister vowed to fight the results. Former prime minister Ayad Allawi won by two seats, but the closeness of the race meant his road to regaining the premiership was anything but guaranteed...
Landmarks, cities unplug for Earth Hour
(International News ~ 03/28/10)
LONDON -- Europe's best known landmarks -- including the Eiffel Tower, Big Ben and Rome's Colosseum -- fell dark Saturday, following Sydney's Opera House and Beijing's Forbidden City in joining a global climate change protest, as lights were switched off across the world to mark the Earth Hour event...
Shelter plan emerging ahead of Haiti donor meeting
(International News ~ 03/28/10)
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti -- Aid officials say they have finally figured out where to put hundreds of thousands of Haitians who lost their homes in a cataclysmic earthquake: right back where they came from. Dreams of vast relocation camps have largely evaporated due to a lack of available land. And nobody wants to leave people living in the streets under makeshift tents of plastic and bed sheets with the official May 1 start of the rainy season looming...
MoDOT names interim director during search
(State News ~ 03/28/10)
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. -- Chief engineer Kevin Keith has been chosen to serve as interim director of the Missouri Department of Transportation. Keith has been with the department for 25 years. He will lead the department while officials search for a replacement for director Pete Rahn...
Obama: Loan changes overcome 'politics of the moment'
(National News ~ 03/28/10)
WASHINGTON -- Big changes in the student loan program will help make college more affordable for students and their debt load more manageable after graduation, President Barack Obama said. After a week when the loan program overhaul passed in the shadow of the health care law, the president cited expected benefits for young people: more student lending, caps on those repayments and more money for minority colleges and universities...
Part of Interstate 55 reduced to one lane for repairs
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
According to a release by the Missouri Department of Transportation, northbound Interstate 55 in Scott County from Interstate 57 in Sikeston, Mo., to Highway 77 in Benton, Mo., will be reduced to one lane with a 16-foot width restriction while MoDOT crews perform pavement repairs...
New homeless shelter operates at temporary location in Gordonville
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
Although Shelter of Hope's building at 320 S. Sprigg is still undergoing renovations, the organization provided lodging to local homeless men for the first time Friday night at a temporary location. After receiving meals at the Salvation Army, local homeless were transported by van to Amazing Grace Worship Center in Gordonville where they stayed overnight, said Terry Wildman, president of Shelter of Hope. ...
Cape County, Jackson to share energy grants of $11.3 million
(Local News ~ 03/28/10)
Cape Girardeau County and Jackson are among 58 communities and counties in the state awarded grants for energy efficiency projects. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the grants will help pay for projects intended to assist in reducing energy use, cutting down on fossil fuel emissions and creating and retaining jobs, according to a news release Friday from the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
Heralding spring on a windy day
(Column ~ 03/28/10)
Depicted here is a close-up of the harbinger of spring, which most of us gladly welcome. Silver maple trees will bloom in spring before most other trees. A reddish tinge surrounding the outer limbs of the tree is visible at quite a distance. The setting sun shining through the limbs of a silver maple in bloom is quite beautiful...
Believe you're something when you have nothing
(Column ~ 03/28/10)
"Who am I?" you ask when you've just lost your job. Along with the loss of your job, you feel you've lost everything. How can you keep feeling worthwhile when your identity is gone? When someone used to ask who you were, you answered, "I'm a nurse or I'm a professional golfer or I'm a secretary." You added your name, but you wanted others to know you were something, besides just a person. Without that title you feel devalued. Now when another person asks your name, you feel like you're nobody...
Needs don't always meet expectations
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
A while back my wife and I wanted to buy a new DVD player. We wanted a player that was small and had clean lines because it was going to sit out on a shelf and be easily seen. We found a silver DVD player that met all of our criteria, plus it had matched other things on the shelf where it would find its new home. Perfect...
Club news
(Community News ~ 03/28/10)
All 15 members of the Lamplighters FCE assembled at the home of Karen Eakers for their March 18 meeting. Karen McLane, president, called the meeting to order. The hostess presented thoughts for the day: "This Natural Instinct" and "My Get-Up and Go"...
Republicans: Blind opposition
(Letter to the Editor ~ 03/28/10)
It was painful to watch the Republicans make fools of themselves during the House of Representatives debate leading up to Sunday night's vote on health insurance reform legislation. During the time I worked for Senate Republicans 30 years ago, Republican congressional leadership was in the hands of people like Howard Baker, Robert Dole, Mark Hatfield and the man I worked for, Sen. ...
Jackson fire report 3/28/10
(Police/Fire Report ~ 03/28/10)
Firefighters responded to the following calls Wednesday:...
Jackson police report 3/28/10
(Police/Fire Report ~ 03/28/10)
The Jackson Police Department released the following items. Arrests do not imply guilt. DWI...
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
The Jackson Parks and Recreation Department is holding a Jackson Park Day beginning at 8 a.m. April 24. The Jackson Park Day will be a community cleanup day, and it will start at shelter No. 1 on Parkview Street in the main city park. All participants will receive a T-shirt and lunch that will be served at 11 a.m. Individuals and service groups are welcome. Call Jackson Parks and Recreation at 204-8848 to help on other days or for more information...
High school roundup: Scott City powers past Eagles
(High School Sports ~ 03/28/10)
All the scores from Friday that were reported to the Southeast Missourian.
Redhawks roundup: Softball team rebounds to earn split
(College Sports ~ 03/28/10)
All the Southeast scores for Southeast Missouri State from Friday and Saturday.
Penny pitches six sharp innings in Cards win
(Professional Sports ~ 03/28/10)
JUPITER, Fla. -- Brad Penny had enough of his repertoire working to turn in a solid spring start Saturday. The right-hander threw six strong innings to lead the St. Louis Cardinals to a 3-2 victory over the Florida Marlins. "My breaking ball wasn't as sharp today as I would have liked it, but my splitty was there again. That's huge for me," Penny said...
Sweep evades Southeast baseball team
(College Sports ~ 03/28/10)
The Southeast Missouri State baseball team opened its Ohio Valley Conference schedule in wild fashion Saturday in Morehead, Ky. At the end of the day, the Redhawks had to settle for a doubleheader split as their eight-game winning streak came to an end in the nightcap...
Pet of the week
(Community ~ 03/28/10)
Pet name: Lucy Owner: Bethany Preusser Favorite activities: Looking out the window and taking long naps. ...
High school roundup: Notre Dame runs well at own invite
(High School Sports ~ 03/28/10)
All the scores from Saturday that were reported to the Southeast Missourian.
Stories from Sunday, March 28, 2010
Browse other days

subset: commoncrawl


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Osbourne Cox is a Balkan expert writing his memoir after being fired at the CIA. A disk of Osbourne's writings is lost at a Georgetown fitness center and found by two employees who try to exploit it for cash. They try to sell the disk back to Osbourne, who has a short temper and fights back. To add intrigue, they involve the Russian embassy, and they decide they need more of Osbourne's secrets. All roads lead back to Osbourne's house.
Director: Ethan Coen, Joel CoenGenre: Comedy
Status: completed
Release Year: 2008
TRT: 96 minutes
Territories: Czech Republic, Slovakia
Other Comedy
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Jun 13, 2011
I'm coming up on two years of working out. When I say two years, I mean that I did not do anything....no exercise.....nothing until two years ago when I turned forty. That was the start of my transformation. I'm really not trying to toot my horn, I'm just saying that I was really lazy before. The most exercise I got was cutting the grass. That brings me to my topic for today......
So I have been working out for two years, ran probably a couple thousand miles, have gone through many pairs of shoes for for this I have only had one tiny blister on my toe from running. So you can imagine my surprise when I notice this yesterday:
And the real bummer about this? I got it from working out in my yard, trimming bushes and cutting the grass and not from running! Haha! What an idiot!
I usually put bodyglide on my feet when I run so blisters stay away. Did I use it when working in the yard? No, why would I think I would need that for three hours of working? Oops.
Question of the day: Do you put anything on your feet before running? Besides shoes and socks that is!
Have a great day and.....Keep Running!!!!!
8 comments:
I usually don't even put on the shoes and socks:)ReplyDelete
But when I do...I put Vaseline on them if anything...gross I know.
No I don't put anything. Last year after the marathon the only places I didn't have blisters were where I didn't tape up my left foot. I had coolmax socks on but it just wasn't great. BUT my love of my Ironman Express socks has proven to be very helpful. No problems this year. *knock on wood!*ReplyDelete
If I wear wicking socks, I don't put anything on my feet, but regular socks require bodyglide!ReplyDelete
Sucks about your blister dude!!! I wouldn't have done anything before working in the yard either!!! I've been doing body glide on my feet and it's definitely been helping out a lot. I love it!! I'm really hoping that at the 2 yr mark you post some pretty sweet before & afters, including pictures, weightloss, endurance, diet, etc. I love that stuff. You've been kicking @$$ and taking names!!ReplyDelete
I never thought to put anything on my feet before socks. I don't usually have blister problems (hope I didn't just jinx myself). The irony of your blister... stinks.ReplyDelete
OW!! That's how I am, too. After all the running I do, what do I get sore feet from? Wearing high heels!ReplyDelete
I do not use anything on my feet. I've only gotten a couple blister from running. One was after Bayshore! I just pop it with a needle and gently push to drain. it's usually dried up by the next day.ReplyDelete
Wow, that's a big one! I usually put Body Glide on my feet before a marathon which has worked well.ReplyDelete


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Grandia + Grandia II HD Remaster for Switch, has been announced by publisher GungHo Online Entertainment America and will launch this winter.
Grandia II HD Remaster will be playable for the first time at PAX West 2018 from August 31 to September 3.
Grandia follows the adventure of Justin from Parm and Grandia II follows Ryudo the GeoHound mercenary. Both games feature "iconic compositions, stellar voice acting, and intricate battle systems."
*Note* The company announced Grandia HD Remaster will be coming to PC via Steam as a standalone product to accompany the already available Grandia II Anniversary Edition.


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The Bloomery Line - Smoker Oven
The Bloomery Line - Smoker Oven
Sale Sold out
Regular price $632.38 USD
Regular priceUnit price per
Sale price
With this multi-functional oven smoker, you can smoke meat, fish, and even sausages. Throw a feast and enjoy an outdoor get-together with your family and friends!
The furnace is made of a coated, heat-resistant steel. This smoking barrel is equipped with a thermometer to check the chamber temperature. The double door design minimises heat loss when access to food. The supply and exhaust air can be regulated individually. Thanks to the side handle, it is easy for transportation.
- Color: Black
- Material: Steel
- Dimensions: 21.7" x 18.7" x 39.6" (W x D x H)
- With chrome-plated grids
- With enameled steel bowls
- With 2 hooks
- Assembly required: Yes


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IAVA Spelling Bee 2023
Who is the next IAVA Spelling Bee 2023 Champion?
IAVA is proud to introduce "IAVA Spelling Bee 2023" contest for children in grade 2 through 8.
Throughout 2023, children all across the country and all over the world will be participating in various Regional Bees and the National Bee. IAVA is proud to introduce this platform to encourage children to participate in such contests and also give them an experience of what it takes to participate in such contests. "The IAVA Spelling Bee 2023" contest would be conducted in two categories:-
First Category :- Grade 2 - 5.
Second Category :- Grade 6 - 8.
Children/ Guardians interested to know more about "The IAVA Spelling Bee 2023" can find detailed rules at the following link.
Click here to see the words list for 2nd to 5th grade students & here for the word list for 6th to 8th grade students. These lists will help your child to prepare.The words in the spelling bee will be from but not limited to the these lists.
Click here to download the information session presentation.
Registration Fees
- Children of IAVA Member - $10.
- Children of Non-IAVA Member - $15.
For questions, please email us at email@example.com or firstname.lastname@example.com
- Registration for the event is final and No Cancellations are allowed.


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Immigration has become controversial around the world. The diverse views on the topic are tearing the European Union Apart and adding to the hostility of the American political dialog. Just like they did with Barack Obama, the US Supreme Court will almost certainly be reviewing President Trump's immigration ban order.
The U.S. Supreme Court rarely goes out of its way to consider a Constitutional question not raised by the parties. However, when the justices addressed the validity of President Barack Obama's immigration policy last year, they went straight to the heart of the matter — whether the President's executive action violates his duty to faithfully execute the laws of the United States.
United States v. Texas
The Supreme Court granted certiorari in United States v. Texas on January 19, 2016. The suit revolved around guidance issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) regarding a practice known as "deferred action." The Secretary has the discretion to forbear, "for humanitarian reasons or simply for [his] own convenience," from removing particular aliens from the United States.
As part of President Obama's 2014 executive orders on immigration, the Secretary of the DHS issued a memorandum (Guidance) directing his subordinates to establish a process for considering deferred action for certain aliens who have lived in the United States for five years and either came here as children or already have children who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. The new policy, known as DAPA (Deferred Action for Parents of Americans), sparked a flurry of lawsuits across the country, including suits by 26 states.
In its suit, the State of Texas sought declaratory and injunctive relief against implementing the Guidance. In granting a nationwide injunction that halted the enforcement of the DAPA policy, the district court and the federal appeals court held that the Obama Administration failed to comply with the Administrative Procedure Act (APA). Accordingly, neither court reached the constitutional claims raised in the challenge.
On appeal to the Supreme Court, the federal government presented the following questions: Whether a State that voluntarily provides a subsidy to all aliens with deferred action has Article III standing and a justiciable cause of action under the APA to challenge the Guidance because it will lead to more aliens having deferred action; whether the Guidance is arbitrary and capricious or otherwise not in accordance with law; and whether the Guidance was subject to the APA's notice-and-comment procedures. The justices granted review on all of the above issues, but also asked the parties to brief and argue the larger Constitutional question: whether the guidance violated the Take Care Clause.
The Constitution's Take Care Clause
Under the Take Care Clause of the Constitution, Art. II, Sec. 3., the President "shall take Care that the Laws be faithfully executed." The clause has been interpreted to mean that the primary responsibility of the President is to faithfully execute the laws passed by Congress. In enforcing the law, the Executive Branch must do so as exactly as Congress has detailed in law.
While separation of powers issues are relatively common, the Take Clause has not been frequently interpreted by the Court. In 1952, the U.S. Supreme Court partly relied on the Take Care Clause in Youngstown Sheet & Tube Co. v. Sawyer to invalidate President Harry S. Truman's seizure of the country's steel mills by executive action. "The President's power to see that the laws are faithfully executed refutes the idea that he is to be a lawmaker," Justice Hugo L. Black wrote. While Justice Black took a hardline approach, concluding that the president's authority must stem either from an act of Congress or from the Constitution itself, Justice Robert Jackson's concurrence adopted a more flexible framework that is more frequently used in executive power cases.
The Supreme Court's Immigration Decision
The Supreme Court often receives criticism for sidestepping complex or controversial Constitutional questions in favor of the easy way out. However, in this case, the justices were proactive in raising whether Obama had the authority to issue the Guidance in the first place.
While the Court received some backlash for its judicial activism, the question did not come out of nowhere. In fact, the Take Care Clause has been raised in a number of other lawsuit's challenging the Obama's Administration's new immigration policy, although the not addressed by the federal courts. On a larger level, the Obama Administration's widespread use of executive action as a means to sidestep an uncooperative Congress has raised questions regarding whether the President has violated his Constitutional duties under Article II.
Accordingly, the Court's decision could dramatically reshape the doctrine surrounding executive action.
It is just a matter of time before President Donald Trump's Muslim immigration ban gets a hearing by the nation's top court.
Donald Scarinci is a managing partner at Lyndhurst, N.J. based law firm Scarinci Hollenbeck. He is also the editor of the Constitutional Law Reporter and Government and Law blogs.


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PGA Championship 2017: Rory McIlroy wows on tee box, not on score board
Scott Halleran
CHARLOTTE — Golf's "Drive for show, putt for dough" proverb has taken a punch in recent years. Advanced statistics have proven the long ball superior to the short game, and a rundown of the world's top 10 reflects this notion.
But, as we're so often told, majors are a different animal, and -- at least with the American majors -- what you do on the dance floor still means something. Which partially explains the current plight of Rory McIlroy.
This was supposed to be McIlroy's PGA to lose. Two wins at Quail Hollow with a runner-up to boot. The layout -- open, long and wet -- is the setup the 28-year-old has historically dominated. Throw in recent top-fives at Birkdale and Firestone, and planets seemed aligned for Rory to raise his third Wanamaker Trophy.
Instead, McIlroy should consider himself fortunate to make the weekend, needing birdies on his 16th and 17th holes to give him some breathing room from the cut line. He heads to Saturday two over for the tournament, 10 strokes back of clubhouse leader Kevin Kisner.
Not that you'd know it by Twitter. Social media works itself up in a frenzy over McIlroy's drives, his shots seemingly out of scope of a rangefinder. On Wednesday's PGA preview, Golf Channel caught Rory carrying his 3-wood over 300 yards; during tournament play, McIlroy has nuked a handful of shots over 350 yards. Projectiles that make grown men swoon, his competitors shake their head in wonderment. Along with an engaging personality, it's what makes McIlroy -- when he's feeling it -- one of the most exciting players in the game.
But Rory had plenty of head-shaking moments of his own, albeit in different connotation. Those gestures were directed at his putter.
Warren Little
Even at the height of his powers, McIlroy was never known for his putting prowess. But the current state of his short game, a condition he has been in for well over a year, isn't improving. A sentiment seen at Quail Hollow, where McIlroy ranked 132nd in the field in strokes gained: putting after his second round.
To be fair, the flat stick isn't the only issue. Since making an equipment switch in May, McIlroy has been mediocre at best with his irons; in a field of less than 80 last week, McIlroy finished T-58 in approach. The results have been the same in Charlotte, where he has hit just 20 greens in regulation and ranks 91st in approach. It's hard to record birdies when you're not giving yourself a chance.
Surprisingly, from McIlroy's vantage point, it's his driving accuracy that's the problem.
"I probably didn't quite hit it as well off the tee as I did yesterday, and wasn't putting myself in positions where I could go at a lot of pins," he said. "But greens are firm. Some of the pin positions are really tricky."
He's not totally wrong; McIlroy hit just half of his fairways in Round 2, and Quail Hollow's new bermuda rough can take its toll on errant shots.
Moreover, there are whispers that McIlroy's rib injury continues to hamper him. It certainly doesn't appear to be an issue on his 365-yard drives, so give as much credence to that as you deem appropriate. Conversely, anyone who has dealt with that ailment knows consistency can be a struggle.
What is clear: Save for a miraculous comeback, McIlroy's about to extend his major drought to three years. What he does off the tee box continues to wow fans. But his performance on the score boards leaves much to be desired.


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Gardena Master Unit 1000
The GARDENA Master Unit 1000 is the starter component of the GARDENA Micro-Drip-System. The Master Unit reduces initial pressure to an operating pressure of approx. 1.5 bar for optimal operation of the connected Drip Heads and Nozzles. The water flow is approx. 1,000 litres per hour. The Master Unit also filters the water. The Master Unit is equipped ready-to-connect. Thanks to the patented "Quick & Easy" connection technology, installation of the Master Unit is especially easy.


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The United States, Germany, and the Netherlands have the happiest employees, according to research released by global staffing firm Robert Half.
The results are published in a new report: It's Time We All Work Happy™: The Secrets of the Happiest Companies and Employees. For the study, Robert Half worked with leading happiness and well-being expert Nic Marks and Saamah Abdallah of Happiness Works. Marks' team evaluated the levels of employee happiness among more than 23,000 working professionals across Europe, North America and Australia.
The report shows the United States, Germany, and the Netherlands have the happiest employees among the countries included in the research, ranking 71.8, 71.2 and 69.9, respectively, on a happiness scale of 0 to 100, with 100 being the happiest. The countries studied with the lowest levels of employee happiness are France (63.8), Belgium (65.2), and the UK (67.2).
The research also shows that the top drivers of employee happiness vary by country. In Canada, the United States, and the UK, the highest-ranking factors are having pride in one's organization, feeling appreciated and being treated with fairness and respect. In France, Belgium, Germany, and Australia, being treated with fairness and respect is the top happiness factor. In the Netherlands, a sense of accomplishment is the most important driver of happiness.
"Happy employees are at the heart of successful organizations; they're engaged, motivated and ultimately support a more innovative, productive work environment," said Greg Scileppi, president of Robert Half, International Staffing Operations. "Managers can improve happiness levels in their companies by frequently recognizing staff contributions, and making sure employees understand how their roles fit in with overall company goals."
The research also examined how average stress and interest levels at work vary across geographies. Among employees surveyed, Germans rate the level of interest they have in their work highest, followed by Dutch and Americans. Professionals in the Netherlands report the least stress on the job, with Australians ranking second and the UK coming in third.
The research is based on survey results of more than 23,000 working professionals who are currently employed on a full- or part-time basis, across eight countries, with the results segmented by geographic location.


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Neutron Radiation Therapy
Fast Neutron (High-LET) radiation treatment is a very unique type of radiation that when compared to standard photon radiation (X-ray, Low-LET) shows some therapeutic advantages for treating ACC and other head and neck solid tumors. Neutron radiation is currently only available at The University of Washington Medical Center in Seattle, WA. Many ACC survivors have been referred to this facility for treating ACC, especially for primary tumors in the head and neck region.
Overview Explanations of Neutron Radiation Treatment
Overview, Features and Benefits of Neutron Therapy for Treating ACC
A Review of Conclusions from 22 Neutron and Photon Treatment Medical Papers
Overview Experience of Neutron Treatment at the University of Washington from Dr. Laramore
Neutron Treatment Information Brochure from Fermilab
Univ of WA Published Medical Papers on Neutron Treatment for ACC
Neutrons for Minor Salivary Glands 1996
Neutrons for Major Salivary Glands 1998
Neutron Treatment with Gamma Knife Boost Reported Experience 2007
Neutron Treatment Center Recent Improvements 2007


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Langbords petition Supreme Court over double eagles
- Published: Nov 11, 2016, 3 AM
The Langbord family filed a petition with the United States Supreme Court on Nov. 4, asking the nation's highest court to overturn a District and Appellate court who each held that the family's 10 1933 Saint-Gaudens double eagles were stolen government property.
The filing repeatedly warns that the issues at hand are bigger than the 10 coins that were allegedly found by Joan Langbord in her family's safe deposit box in 2003 and directs the Supreme Court to two key questions.
First, the petition asks whether the government can avoid the rules set forth in the Civil Asset Forfeiture Reform Act of 2000 (CAFRA) when it seizes property from private citizens and intends to keep it by asserting that it was stolen government property and declaring that it has no intention of seeking forfeiture. The second question is whether the government can avoid CAFRA's protections by waiting for years and then filing a declaratory judgment claim that seeks the same relief.
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In asking these two questions, the filing states that the court would give clear guidance to the government, property owners and lower courts in determining when CAFRA's timelines and protections are triggered. Assessing a broader interest beyond a specific pattern is crucial in making a persuasive request to the Supreme Court, who only hears a small fraction of the cases presented to it.
Parties who disagree with a lower court's decision are allowed to petition the Supreme Court to review a case. The petition for a writ of certiorari was submitted on behalf of Joan Langbord and her sons, Roy and David, by the family's longtime attorneys Barry Berke and Eric Tirschwell.
The family and its attorneys hope that the Supreme Court accepts the case, "To make clear that in contested situations: (1) the government may not confiscate and retain property based on nothing more than its unilateral claim that it is the rightful owner, and (2) if it does so, it must suffer the penalty that Congress thought necessary and appropriate to deter government overreaching — i.e., loss of its ability to seek forfeiture of that property."
The petition warns that absent the Supreme Court review, "the government will now be free — in every case involving allegedly stolen government property — to seize and keep that property without following CAFRA's dictates."
CAFRA and coins
At the core of the petition is CAFRA, which Congress passed in 2000 to provide added protections to individuals by shifting the burden of proof to the government to prove when property can be subject to forfeiture.
CAFRA established procedures, deadlines and penalties to ensure that disputes over seized property were fairly and promptly resolved through legal channels. The filing warns that as it was applied in the Langbord case, "the purposes and principles of this groundbreaking law are thus turned upside down, granting the government virtually unfettered powers to delay, harass and burden the rare citizens who attempt to fight back against government overreaching."
Joan Langbord allegedly found the disputed coins in 2003 when looking through property that had belonged to her father, Israel "Izzy" Switt.
Through Berke, she voluntarily turned the coins over to the U.S. Mint for authentication. The petition frames this action, writing that in performing this act, "the Langbords trusted that they would be treated fairly. Unfortunately, the government instead violated their constitutional rights and confiscated the Coins without affording the Langbords any process whatsoever."
A Sept. 21, 2004, letter from the Langbords' attorney to the Mint cited in the petition sought to confirm that the coins were being submitted for authenticity while the family reserved all rights and remedies with respect to the coins. While the government had explored forfeiture, ultimately on May 19, 2005, the family was informed that the coins would be returned to the U.S. Mint and would not be the subject of forfeiture proceedings, and this was confirmed later that summer.
The Langbords filed a civil action against the government in December 2006 to recover the coins and in July 2009 a District Court directed the government to either return the coins or initiate a judicial forfeiture proceeding.
The government's forfeiture claim was the subject of a jury trial in a Philadelphia District Court that started on July 7, 2011. On July 20 the jury ruled in favor of the government, which was later overturned this August at the Appeals level by a three-judge panel. The full panel of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals reached a different result and affirmed the District Court's judgment, finding "a seizure alone does not initiate a forfeiture proceeding because it does not implicate a transfer of legal title."
The most recent decision, made Aug. 1, found that the government "had merely repossessed its own property" and "asserted its ownership rights to the coins."
A tricky situation
The 1933 double eagles are problematic in that while 445,500 were struck between March and May 1933, they were not intended to be released. Some may have been released in exchange for gold deposits at the Philadelphia Mint Cashier's Window during what has been characterized as a "window of opportunity" while others possibly left through more clandestine channels. The mintage was supposed to have been melted, yet examples remained in the channels of numismatic commerce.
The U.S. Mint and Secret Service actively sought the return of these coins from the 1940s into the 1950s, with many of the confiscated coins being linked to Switt, a Philadelphia jewelry and scrap gold dealer with a rather mixed reputation.
The government has a long history in seeking to reclaim these coins. In 1947 a court held that an example of a 1933 double eagle was stolen government property, and in the mid-1990s when another example turned up, the government pursued it as well. In that case the government settled, connecting the found example with a coin formerly owned by Egypt's King Farouk. (In 1944, the U.S. government had granted the Egyptian government an export license for the coin, but a short time later reached the conclusion that license should not have been granted.)
The Farouk example sold for $7,590,020 at a 2002 Sotheby's/Stack's auction and it remains the only example of the 1933 double eagle that is available for private ownership.
Two more are in the collection of the National Numismatic Collection at the Smithsonian Institution.
Beyond the coins, the resolution of these questions on what triggers CAFRA's protections would impact a wide variety of cases involving allegations of theft of government property.
In short, the filing states, "There is no dispute the government seized the Coins from the Langbords; indeed, the government did so unconstitutionally, as the District Court found (in a ruling the government has not yet appealed). Nor is there any dispute that, once it determined the coins were authentic, the government proclaimed itself their owner and made it clear it intended to keep them. The question is whether — notwithstanding these undisputed facts of a seizure followed by a clear declaration of ownership and intent to keep the property — the government's statement in its August 9, 2005 letter that it 'has no intention of seeking forfeiture' is enough to render the protections of CAFRA inapplicable."
The Supreme Court receives as many as 10,000 requests to hear cases per year and only accepts 80 to 100 cases in a typical year. While the chances are small, the Langbord family is hoping that the broader implications presented will persuade the highest court to hear its case.
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From the archive
The lure of Lord's
HQ still has an atmosphere no cricket ground can equal. The idea of it may irritate, but the actuality placates and uplifts, never disappoints
HQ still has an atmosphere no cricket ground can equal. The idea of it may irritate, but the actuality placates and uplifts, never disappoints
Thomas Lord's old cricket ground has an effect upon every cricketing person to set foot in it. Steeped in history, remembering past glories, knowing the giants and the gnomes of the game, distinctive with its slope and Father Time, formerly stuff and now merely a fraction stiff, it has an atmosphere no other cricket arena can equal. To arrive at Lord's on the day of a big match is to feel a rare warmth, a wealth of expectation, a depth of knowledge; it is to see a hundred famous faces and a hundred thousand runs. More democratic souls may sense the embrace of the establishment, but such sentiments tend to be swept aside by the weight of cricketing tradition.
To enter the dressing rooms is to observe their size, simplicity and sense of service. The rooms, with their hairbrushes, attendants and nearby baths and showers, have not changed much over the years, or needed to. Although built long before cricket teams adopted such large retinues, they are ideally suited to them. In every respect Lord's was built on the grand scale, by visionaries confident of their game and their place in the world. Even the small balconies between the rooms and the field have glories of their own, high above the action and yet open to the public gaze. It was here that Sourav Ganguly tore off his shirt and waved it above his head as India celebrated a victory. Here was a blow for the scorned! But Lord's survived. Actually the ground has a secret. It does not take itself quite as seriously as it pretends (which is just as well).
Lunch is taken upstairs, in the pavilion, and requires a walk down corridors lined with photographs and little rooms that house unknown persons with small parts to play in the scheme of things. Players mingle with members as they progress, and the shy can feel intimidated. It is not that members are hostile; quite to the contrary. Mostly they are understanding and discreet. Doubtless they have scored ducks in their time, and know about the imminence of man's fall. Just that the creaking corridors seem to talk of Plum Warner and Lord Hawke and Ranji and CB Fry, and humble country boys tend to feel inhibited.
Everyone has read the books, everyone knows the story. It is the story of cricket, and they yearn for a little part in it. Lord's is a museum, a ghost house and a great cricket ground. By the way, lunch is usually a feast.
Likewise the journey out to bat is itself an experience that can become an ordeal. Of course it is a nervous time anyhow, but Lord's adds to the effect. To leave the security of the rooms is to embark on a trip so daunting that stepping onto the grass comes as a relief. The doors to the dressing rooms are large and located in the corners, so a batsman must walk past opened cricket cases and benches and bowls of fruit and whatnot even to get that far. Meanwhile he can sense the opposition awaiting his arrival, the fieldsmen gathered in the centre, the crowd applauding the fallen and discussing the prospects. Hereabouts a fellow can start to feel inadequate, unworthy of the occasion. Lord's forces players to examine themselves. Who would walk in Bradman's footsteps? At no other ground does the thought arise.
Upon departing the rooms the batsman walks down some wide steps. Again, it is not a private moment. There is not much privacy at Lord's. In that regard it is not unlike a public school. Instead he passes numerous members going in both directions, talking about this or that, some unaware that a wicket has fallen. The batsman may need to thread his way past some descending at a leisurely pace, in the manner of visitors to an art gallery.
The first staircase has two sections, an arrangement that famously confused David Steele when this stalwart was plucked from county cricket and asked to block the path of the 1975 Australians. Steele kept going down the stairs until they ran out, whereupon he looked around and found himself in the basement. It is not as hard as it sounds because the staircases look the same and the mind is somewhat preoccupied.
Then comes the next ordeal. Still in the middle of a throng of smartly dressed members of various ages, some of them ancient and a few of them young (physically at least), the batsman must enter the fabled Long Room, home of portraits and paintings and bats and other paraphernalia of the past. Upon entering, he may hear a smattering of sympathetic applause for his incoming colleague, and otherwise a hush that is meant respectfully but can come across as confronting. Most likely he will enter the Long Room alone, feeling his isolation. Naturally he will sense that all eyes are upon him, assessing his merits, pondering his place in the pantheon. In some respects it's easier for village cricketers and schoolboys. Nothing much is expected from the villagers, least of all by themselves, whilst schoolboy illusions are not as easily shattered.
It's a long walk through the Long Room, across the uncarpeted floor, between the chairs, trying to think about batting, trying to look composed, and all the while feeling under the spotlight. At last natural light beckons and the player stands at the top of the stone stairs that lead to the small swing gate already held open by the attendant. Now the batsman is exposed to the crowd and the occasion, and the opposition is ready to be swallowed up. The private time of preparation is over and he must face the full glare of the game. He makes his way down, between spectators with their Telegraphs and flasks, hearing encouragements, more sensitive to them than usual. At last he walks through the white picket fence and onto the field, to begin the advance to the middle. And it is quite a journey at Lord's because the straight boundaries are lengthy. Already it's been exhausting and he has not taken guard, let alone faced a ball!
Only now can the batsman truly start to settle his nerves; only now can he apply the habits that attend other innings in the same company. He might accustom his eyes by looking skywards, swing his arms around, practise a few strokes or talk to himself. For some reason partners seldom come across to offer advice at Lord's.
Everyone, too, seems to be on their best behaviour. It does not seem the place to become embroiled in controversy. Apart from anything else, the world's cameras are watching, or on lesser occasions, one's parents. The Siddles, Hugheses and Haddins will be amongst those sitting proudly in the stands watching the first Test match. It's a good time to score a hundred or take wickets, not much of a time to curse.
Great batsmen have often responded to the unique challenges of Lord's with great innings. World Cup and domestic 60-over finals played at the ground have been decorated by wonderful performances from Clive Lloyd, Viv Richards, Aravinda de Silva and others. Lesser lights can need time to adjust to the ground's apparent expectations. At first they can feel like county councillors called upon to speak in the House of Lords. Lord's has a way of extracting the truth.
Visiting teams rarely feel any such inhibitions. Rather, and somewhat to England's disadvantage, they are inspired by the surroundings. Australians, especially, play well at Lord's. Indeed they have not lost a Test match at the ground since 1934. Even weaker Australian sides have relished the opportunity. Partly it is a sense that Lord's is England's stronghold. Once taken, the team must totter. Partly it is that the ground represents the Empire, and the new country is eager to prove it can stand alone. Mostly it is the response of players suddenly surrounded by all the things they had heard about whilst growing up on their banana plantations or on vast cattle farms in remote outback places. Plain and simple, Lord's is it, the game's past, its traditions; these blokes want to be part of that. Lacking old buildings and a long story, Australians have always been more respectful towards history and traditions than their image allows. And is what they expect from England.
No less importantly, Lord's lives up to expectations. Visitors may be surprised by the slope but never disappointed by the venue. Lord's has an ability to still the tongues of even the more radical amongst us, including notorious leftists and republicans like your correspondent! The idea of Lord's may irritate, but the actuality placates and often uplifts. And it's not easy, because Lord's tends to be judged by higher standards than elsewhere, and it is run by a private club with its own strict rules.
And so the Australians arrive at Lord's, still a feared opponent but more familiar in these days of Home and Away and exposure in county cricket. No longer are the Australians cast as gum-chewing creatures with grim features from a dry and distant continent. Nowadays they are regarded merely as an especially rugged brand of homo sapiens. The newcomers will be inspired by the location, and though the team must manage without Glenn McGrath, whose tall nip-backers were so superbly suited to the slope, the visitors can be expected to put on a good show. As so often, Lord's will bring out the best in them.


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In this article, we will present how we built a simple twitter feed in Drupal 8 with custom block and without any custom module. This block will display a list of tweets pulled from a custom list as in the example shown in the side bar.
As a prerequisite, you need to have a twitter account and a custom list in your feeds.
1) Get code from "twitter publish"
First, we need to get the code that is generated by twitter publishing api.
On this page, enter the needed url for the list of tweets you want to display as in the example below:
The code will be generated from the url and you can add some custom format:
Once you have updated your options, you can just coy the custom code:
We will use this code to create the block.
2) Custom block
In custom block library (/admin/structure/block/block-content), click on "+ Add custom block" button.
In the custom block body (full HTML), copy the code generated previously in "<> source" mode and click save:
You now have a custom block that you can place anywhere in your site. To do so go to /admin/structure/block and click on the "Place block" button where you want to display your block.
The result :
For more advance block creation, see also this article.
You could also just use…
You could also just use this module:

it is bad practice to…

it is bad practice to allow editors to do full html and inject inline script tags into a WYSIWYG.

Practice of permission
Well, if full HTML is restricted to site "Administrator" like in the comments, you should be able to trust someone to do it with minimum risk. Editor is another permission.


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UPDATE: Maynard Institute's Richard Prince has more on this subject.
PBS's Gwen Ifill, the only woman and person of color to moderate any of the debates sponsored by the Commission on Presidential Debates, is under attack from conservatives for moderating the vice presidential debate tomorrow night and being the author of a book titled "The Breakthrough: Politics and Race in the Age of Obama."
Ludovic Blain at Stop Dog Whistle Politics posted earlier today a link to a Wall Street Journal blog entry. And Media Matters reviews the issue saying:
On Fox News' America's Newsroom, Megyn Kelly falsely suggested it was publicly revealed that PBS' Gwen Ifill was the author of the forthcoming book, The Breakthrough, only after it was announced she would moderate the upcoming vice presidential debate. In fact, media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that Ifill was the book's author well before the announcement.


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Villa: sleeps up 10
Villa + Dependance: sleeps up 15
Bedrooms: 10
Bathrooms: 8
Large portico for outdoor dining, barbecue
Mosquito screens - ceiling fans
Weekly rates Villa / Villa + Dependance
Peak season (July & August): € 5300/6300
High season (June & Sept): € 4800/5800
Medium (May, Xmas/Easter): € 4000/4400
Low season (rest of the year): € 3400/4200
Set in the heart of Umbria's countryside, Villa Altea is a former stone-built house including a mediaval watchover tower, a spacious villa for families or friends considering a holiday in the undisturbed countryside.
Its peaceful setting is also conveniently close to Todi (8kms - 10 minutes drive), Orvieto (30 kms) and Perugia (35 kms) for restaurants, shopping, art galleries and nightlife; to Montefalco (35 kms) and the wine district of Umbria and to Spoleto (50 kms) and Assisi (50 kms), for medieval architecture, white truffles, olive oil production and Franciscan itineraries trough woods and hillside retreats of hermits.
Nearest supermarket, restaurant, bar and shops are in the town of Ponterio (7 kms, 6 minutes drive) where there is also a connection to free motorway E45 leading to the South (Rome) and the North (Perugia, Tuscany). The area is included in the natural park of Tiber River.
The property has 3 different entrances, the main one with electric gate and secondary entrances on the opposite sides of the garden, with 8 covered and safe parking spaces.
The property consists of 2 parts: the main villa and the annexed dependance.
The villa is rented to a maximum of 10 people, for larger groups is possible to rent also the dependance (up to a total of 15 people) at an extra cost.
Renting just the main villa, the guests would have exclusive use of the park and pool, none would stay in the dependance.
The property is very spacious. Interiors are carefully furnished in a traditional country style conserving the traditional charm of the classic Italian life: wooden-beamed ceilings, pastel colours, terracotta floors and modern facilities.
The ground floor consists of a very large and bright living area including a billiard room, this area is connected to a spacious sitting room with fireplace, continuining in the dining area (2 tables seating up 16) and the open kitchen with food storage room. An arched large window in the sitting room offers beautiful country views and French windows of the kitchen and dining area, open directly to the park, the barbecue and outside dining area. Two bedrooms (one double and one single) sharing a bathroom with bathtub and shower head, complete the floor.
The first floor consists of a cosy sitting room with fireplace, from this central room is possible to reach a double bedroom with en suite bathroom (shower), another double bedroom with en suite bathroom (shower); on the other side there are 4 bedrooms sharing 2 bathrooms (shower): a twin bedroom (beds can be joined to obtain a double bed), a single bedroom, a double bedroom and another single bedroom. The first floor has direct access to the garden and a wooden staircase leads to the tower, where there is a ovely reading rooms with library and sofas (2 flights of steps, not ideal for young children, if required in advance, the tower access can be closes for safety reasons).
The double bedrooms of the first floor have ceiling fans.
The dependance has 2 independent apartments with separated entrances, the first apartment has a dining room with open kitchenette, a bouble bedroom and a single bedroom (extra single bed available) sharing a bathroom with shower. The second apartment has a dining room with kitchenette (sofa bed in the dining room preferably for 1 or 2 children), a flight of 14 steps leads to the double bedroom and private bathroom (bathtub with shower head). The double bedrooms of the dependance have ceiling fans.
The garden is encircled by a great variety of trees, flowers, bushes and rolling hills - including 3 centenary olive trees dating back to the Middle ages. There are plenty of outdoor spaces at the property: a large al fresco dining area under a huge portico with 4 tables that can be joined in different ways, to accommodate up to 18 people, a hammock and a service bathroom with shower; a barbecue area, numerous sun loungers and a shading pergola by the pool, ideal places to relax and appreciate a view.
In addition to the manicured garden, the entire private land of the villa, 7 hectars, includes olive grove, a portion of forest and walnut trees.
The generously sized pool is close to the property, reached by a paved path. Roman staircase, 6 X 12 metres, from 1,50 to 2,50 metres deep.
- WiFi internet connection
- ceiling fans in the double bedrooms of the first floor of the villa and the dependance
- Smart TV
- Washing machine
- Dishwasher
- Toaster
- Electric water heater
- Coffee machine
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Fans
- Hairdryers
- Barbecue
- Mosquito screens (all the windows)
- Swimming pool (12x6 meters, 1.5 to 2.5 meters deep)
- Outdoor shower
- Sunloungers and deckchairs
- Large patio with dining tables and bathroom
- Pergola by the pool
Pets permitted on request, (50 euros for extra cleanings), preferably small well behaved dogs.
The villa is not ideal for peope with wheelchair, some bedrooms are preferable for old people or people with restricted mobility, please enquiry
Umbria delights its guests with its stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Local truffles, olive oil, asparagus, funghi porcini, and famous Sagrantino wine, will ensure food lovers will be in for a treat when visiting one of the region's many excellent restaurants.
The villa is short distance from the paved country road that in around 10 minutes leads to Todi, to supermarkets and restaurants and to the free motorway E45. The villa is easily accessible.
RENTAL RATE - minimum stay 1 week
• Welcome pack and toiletries • Weekly sets of linens and towels • Utilities (except for heating) • internet wifi
Does NOT include
• cleanings: 350 euros/week for the villa and 450 euros/week for villa + dependance (weekly clanings for reservations of 2 or more weeks and final cleanings)
• Heating, if used, is metered and payable locally
• extra services on request (cooking service, guided tours, extra change of linens and towels)
• COVID-19 VIRUS, treatment
Should the Coronavirus restrictions be in place or should a guest be tested positive during the holiday, a treatment against Covid-19 virus would be compulsory at the check out and the extra cost should be paid by the guest, locally in cash. The cost for the villa is 400 euros/reservation + vat (22%), for a total of 488 euros. The cost for villa + dependance is 450 euros + vat (22%) for a total of 549 euros. The treatment is done by an external company, in addition to the normal cleaning carried out by local cleaning staff, the treatment is done inside and outside the villa, including sofas, blankets, pillows, all surfaces, outdoor dining furniture and the garden.
Guestbook | Contacts


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Local versus offshore costs of RUTF and LNS
Summary of Research1
Segrè J, Liu G and Komrska J. (2016) Local versus offshore production of ready-to-use therapeutic foods and small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. Matern Child Nutr, doi: 10.1111/mcn.12376.
Location: Global
What we know: UNICEF is the largest purchaser of ready-to-use therapeutic food (RUTF) and supports local production, and has aimed to reach 50% sourcing from countries with acute malnutrition treatment programmes by 2016.
What this article adds: A recent study explored key benefits and challenges to local versus offshore manufacture of RUTF, through analyses of UNICEF procurement and the Nutriset Plumpyfield producer network. Prices and estimated costs of locally produced product have consistently been higher than offshore prices. Local manufacture faces challenges in taxation on imported ingredients, low factory utilisation, high interest rates, long cash conversion cycle and less convenient access to quality-testing labs. In a tax-free environment, local production is closer to cost parity for RUTF. Expansion of RUTF producers into the production of other ready-to-use foods (RUF) may close cost and price gaps further. Local RUF production is encouraged by a favourable tax environment, assistance in lending, consistent forecasts from buyers, investment in reliable input-supply chains and local laboratory testing.
Ready-to-use-foods (RUF) include ready-to-use therapeutic foods (RUTF) and ready-to-use supplementary foods (RUSF), which largely refers to a range of lipid-based nutrient supplements (LNS) used in large, medium or small quantities (LQ-LNS, MQ-LNS and SQ-LNS respectively). Nutriset produces about half the global supply of RUTF (Plumpy'Nut®). Its patented formulation is shared with other manufacturers via its PlumpyField Network, which now comprises seven partners in low-income countries, and a US-based, non-profit organisation. UNICEF is the largest purchaser of RUTF and supports local production, and aimed to reach 50% sourcing from countries with acute malnutrition treatment programmes by 2016. Perceived advantages for local production include: long-term cost reduction; increased availability; economic benefits to farmers and manufacturers; and ability to customise to suit locally available ingredients, taste preferences and distribution channels.
Objectives and method
This study explored the economic benefits and challenges of local RUF production through analysis of RUTF procurement and production, specifically the ~80% of the RUTF market procured by UNICEF, and the ~70% of global market produced by Nutriset and the PlumpyField network. It involved analysis of UNICEF Supply Division data, published and grey literature review, and site visits and interviews with local and offshore manufacturers.
As of July 2015, UNICEF reported an RUTF supplier base of 15 manufacturers. Nine were local producers in programme countries, of which seven had local prices, two provided products both locally and for export, and two exclusively exported. The average price from offshore producers was USD$47.48 per 13.8kg carton ($42.06-$61.41/carton) versus the average local-for-local price of USD$53.21 ($46.77-$59.25); all prices are exclusive of international transport. The price gap has been narrowing since 2003.
Analysis of taxation found that UNICEF imports RUTF into high-need countries free of both import duties and value-added tax (VAT), but local producers in some countries must pay import duties for specific inputs they cannot source locally and VAT on all inputs, regardless of origin. An estimate of 2012 tax rates on standard inputs in six countries with local RUTF production showed that tax rates constitute 6-35% of total input cost. This made offshore RUTFs less expensive in some cases, after shipping, than local production.
Tax-free environments are relatively rare and the authors illustrate a cost-comparison of RUTF manufactured in Ethiopia by Hilina Enriched Foods against RUTF produced offshore by Nutriset, with and without cost of freight. Both the offshore product and imported ingredients for the local producer were exempt from import duties, making local production near parity with offshore production plus sea freight.
Across 20 suppliers in 2014, offshore manufacturers had three times the total production capacity of local manufacturers (75% of total production). In the first half of 2015, UNICEF purchased 14,714 metric tons (MT) of RUTF, with 74% from offshore manufacturers. Cost of debt was a challenge raised in interviews by local producers, with working capital in short supply and interest rates variable on borrowing capital needed to operate. Credit is more readily available to European and US producers, and banks in low-income countries typically charge higher interest rates. Local producers are more likely to have to pay for inputs in advance, wait longer for imported inputs, and must use offshore laboratory analysis and quality control facilities. An analysis of cash-conversion cycles showed a two-month difference in production time. In the most extreme case, the estimated cost of debt1 for a manufacturer in Madagascar ($30,000 per 100,000 USD of principal) is two orders of magnitude larger than the cost of debt for a manufacturer in the United States ($275 per 100,000 USD of principal).
UNICEF's aim to reach 50% local production by 2016 was closest in 2012 with a high of 45% from manufacturers based in Africa. However, this share fell to 31% in 2014 and was at 28% in mid-2015. As far as local economic benefit, a total of 91 full-time jobs had been created in three local producers for which UNICEF had employment data. PlumpyField estimates the creation of new jobs through its network to be 500 since 2005, not including indirect employment in laboratories, agricultural supply chains and related industries.
Challenges for local producers
Results from pricing data show that locally produced RUTF has been more expensive than offshore production to date. Price disparity, excluding shipping costs, decreased to less than 5% in 2015, but local production does not yet meet local global demand. The authors identified taxation, low factory utilisation, cost of debt and quality assurance as key challenges.
Local producers are subject to taxable, imported inputs due to lack of local availability (e.g. special milk powder) or quality standards (e.g. aflatoxin-free peanuts). Tax exemptions from both import duties and VAT would encourage cost competitiveness. Low factory utilisation may also contribute to production cost (high utilisation means lower fixed costs per unit), but spikes in demand for RUTF due to response to emergencies or variations in donor funding make this challenging for RUTF producers. Moreover, introducing large new producers may risk increasing the price for RUTF because the market is still relatively small. High-volume offshore producers are better able to aggregate demand spikes across multiple products, whereas capacity utilisation among both offshore and local suppliers to UNICEF remains low.
Other barriers for local producers are working-capital constraints, since most cannot afford to have capital tied up in product sitting in warehouses. Quality assurance poses specific challenges in local production environments. The detection of microbial contaminants in RUTF samples led to increased testing and production shortages among local manufacturers, resulting in a decrease in procurement from UNICEF programme countries in 2012-2013.
Rising costs of laboratory analysis for both inputs and finished products particularly affect local manufacturers, since samples are usually sent overseas due to a lack of certified local laboratories. One exception is Ethiopian local manufacturer, Hilina Enriched Foods, which has set up a new laboratory for local analysis that is expected to benefit RUF manufacturers across East Africa. Strict aflatoxin limits often require local RUF producers to import peanuts even when there is a domestic peanut supply. Some local producers have invested in upgrading local agricultural practices to improve their supply chain, incurring immediate costs but with potential long-term benefits.
Other potential benefits of local production
While local manufacturing creates local employment, there is little data on such indirect economic benefits to communities. As yet, products are largely not customised to local inputs, tastes and distribution channels, although there is active research and development (R&D) on new formulations with locally available or preferred ingredients that meet the same nutritional requirements. Examples include lipid-based products using lower cost, locally available inputs like chickpeas, and Vietnam's programme using a locally developed RUTF formulation based on bean paste. Local production may help national governments integrate programmes addressing malnutrition, with local ownership potentially improving coordination in manufacturing, agricultural supply chains and health systems.
Small quantity, lipid-based nutrient supplements (SQ-LNS)
The authors suggest that expanding production of RUTF to RUSF could help local producers achieve sustainable scale, since all RUF require similar raw materials and safety standards, requiring limited further investment. SQ-LNS is composed of the same ingredients as RUTF has a larger potential market (as a preventive product) and, although it is likely subject to taxation (as a non-emergency product), would have a more predictable demand. Spikes in RUTF need could be met by adjusting volumes of SQ-LNS. Only 25-50% of the economic value of the inputs for today's RUTF or SQ-LNS formulations is likely to be sourced in-country. Producing more SQ-LNS would likely require additional employment. Local and offshore producers for SQ-LNS may benefit from private sector partnerships with local food producers and distributors.
The study concludes that despite the challenges of local production, RUF should be produced by local manufacturers. In some countries, the opportunity to procure from local manufacturers can be instrumental in getting national governments to consider allocation of funding for RUTF purchase. The PlumpyField network is accelerating the transition from offshore to local production, including pooling procurement across producers to benefit from volume discounts, standardising production equipment, providing technical and quality assurance assistance, and supporting local product pilots. A number of actions are suggested to help accelerate the shift to local production of RUF:
- Governments could waive duties and VAT on inputs for RUTF;
- High-volume buyers of RUTF and SQ-LNS could consider measures to shorten cash-conversion cycles for local manufacturers;
- Buyers could make greater efforts to forecast their order volumes, enabling better matching of production capacity with order size; and
- Investment in local quality-testing facilities would reduce the length of cash-conversion cycles and testing costs.
1Total cost of debt was estimated using World Bank 2014 lending rates and loan duration of six months for local and one month for offshore manufacturers.
1Segrè J, Liu G and Komrska J. (2016) Local versus offshore production of ready-to-use therapeutic foods and small quantity lipid-based nutrient supplements. Matern Child Nutr, doi: 10.1111/mcn.12376.
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Reference this page
Local versus offshore costs of RUTF and LNS. Field Exchange 54, February 2017. p36. www.ennonline.net/fex/54/costrutfandlns