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THE SQL Server Blog Spot on the Web
When you write a query to return the first few rows from a potential result set, you'll often use the TOP clause. To give a precise meaning to the TOP operation, it will normally be accompanied by an ORDER BY clause. Together, the TOP…ORDER BY construction can be used to precisely identify which top 'n' rows should be returned.
Thinking about how this requirement might be implemented in an executable query plan, we might expect to see a Sort iterator followed by a Top. In reality, the query optimizer can often collapse these two related operations into a single iterator: a Sort iterator running in Top N Sort mode:
That's an idea you might find familiar if you read my previous post on Row Goals and Grouping. In that entry, we saw how a Sort followed by a Stream Aggregate can sometimes be collapsed into a Sort iterator running in Sort Distinct mode.
SQL Server's normal sorting algorithms are suited to a very wide range of ordering requirements. They work extremely well regardless of the data types involved, the size of data to be sorted, or the number of sort keys specified. They also make good use of available memory resources, and can spill to tempdb if required.
It is a common misconception that SQL Server will try to perform a sort entirely in memory if it can. In fact the algorithms used are much more complex: they aim to achieve a balance between memory usage, average response time, while maintaining high levels of resource concurrency. Memory is a precious resource in the server, so SQL Server may spill a sort to tempdb, even if sufficient main memory is available.
As sophisticated and highly-tuned as the main sorting algorithms are, they do assume that the full set of sorted rows is always required. When we use a TOP expression, the FAST N query hints or even an EXISTS clause, we indicate that we would prefer a plan (or part of a plan) optimized to produce the first 'n' rows quickly.
Say we have a million-row table, and we just want the first ten rows (in some particular order). It seems wasteful to fully sort all one million rows when we know that a maximum of ten rows will ultimately be needed. SQL Server addresses this problem by providing a second algorithm, optimized to return a small number of rows quickly. This second method must still examine all candidate rows of course, but it knows only to keep the 'n' highest-ranked rows as it goes.
It is important to realize that the two sorting approaches are complimentary. The second method only works well in a fairly narrow set of circumstances, and is particularly unsuitable for large sorts since it cannot spill to tempdb. This alternative algorithm can be used by a Sort iterator running in Top N Sort mode – normal Sort iterators always use the default sorting method. To be clear, the Top N Sort iterator may use either algorithm. Sadly, the query plan does not currently expose any information to identify which algorithm was used in a given query execution.
As you might imagine, determining the optimal algorithm to use in a particular circumstance depends on some very complex considerations. You might further imagine that SQL Server performs a number of fairly hairy calculations to determine the optimal choice, and those calculations might depend on heuristics as well as statistical information. No doubt, you may reason, many extremely clever people have given the best years of their careers to find a great way to make this important choice.
You would be quite wrong. SQL Server always uses the alternative algorithm where the TOP 100 (or fewer) rows are requested. In all other cases, the normal sorting routines are used. It really is as simple as that.
In many cases, this simple heuristic works well, though it is not at all difficult to engineer situations where it comes unstuck.
This first example is based on a question originally asked on the MSDN forums in December 2009. At the end of this post, you will find links to the original forum thread (with important contributions from Brad Schulz among others), and subsequent blogs on the subject by Adam Haines and Fabiano Amorim.
As usual, we will need a test table and some sample data:
The table consists of a clustered primary key on the identity column RowNum, an integer SomeId column containing random numbers, and a CHAR(1000) padding column named SomeCode. Here's the code necessary to create the above table and populate it with 50,000 rows:
IF OBJECT_ID(N'dbo.TestData', N'U') IS NOT NULL DROP TABLE dbo.TestData;GOCREATE TABLE dbo.TestData ( RowNum INTEGER IDENTITY NOT NULL, SomeId INTEGER NOT NULL, SomeCode CHAR(1000) COLLATE LATIN1_GENERAL_CI_AS NOT NULL DEFAULT (REPLICATE('X', 1000)), CONSTRAINT [PK dbo.TestData RowNum] PRIMARY KEY CLUSTERED (RowNum) );GOINSERT TOP (50000) dbo.TestData WITH (TABLOCKX) ( SomeId )SELECT SomeId = CHECKSUM(NEWID())FROM master.sys.columns C1, master.sys.columns C2, master.sys.columns C3;GOUPDATE STATISTICS dbo.TestData ([PK dbo.TestData RowNum]) WITH FULLSCAN;CREATE STATISTICS [stats dbo.TestData SomeId] ON dbo.TestData (SomeId) WITH FULLSCAN;CREATE STATISTICS [stats dbo.TestData SomeCode] ON dbo.TestData (SomeCode) WITH FULLSCAN;
We are asked to take a range of rows (based on RowNum) and return the first 'n' rows in SomeId sorted order. We'll run two tests, which are identical except one specifies TOP 100, and other TOP 101:
CHECKPOINT;DBCC DROPCLEANBUFFERS;DBCC FREEPROCCACHE;GO-- Test 1DECLARE @RowNum INTEGER, @SomeId INTEGER, @SomeCode CHAR(1000); SELECT TOP (100) @RowNum = TD.RowNum, @SomeId = TD.SomeId, @SomeCode = TD.SomeCodeFROM dbo.TestData TDWHERE TD.RowNum < 30000ORDER BY TD.SomeId ASCOPTION (MAXDOP 1);GOCHECKPOINT;DBCC DROPCLEANBUFFERS;DBCC FREEPROCCACHE;GO-- Test 2DECLARE @RowNum INTEGER, @SomeId INTEGER, @SomeCode CHAR(1000); SELECT TOP (101) @RowNum = TD.RowNum, @SomeId = TD.SomeId, @SomeCode = TD.SomeCodeFROM dbo.TestData TDWHERE TD.RowNum < 30000ORDER BY TD.SomeId ASCOPTION (MAXDOP 1);GO
Both produce identical query plans, which use a range seek to find the rows, and a Top N Sort to perform the sort:
Despite this, we find that the two methods have very different performance:
In this particular test, the TOP(101) query is over six times slower than the TOP (100) version.
One clear difference between the two runs is that the 101-row example spilled to tempdb (as indicated by the sort warning), whereas the TOP (100) version (using the alternative algorithm) did not. In fact, the TOP (101) example will always spill to tempdb with the sample data set, regardless of the amount of memory available to SQL Server.
This behaviour is by design. As I mentioned earlier, SQL Server does not always attempt to grant enough memory to a sort to ensure it occurs entirely in memory. The behaviour seen is a result of a careful compromise between the performance of one individual query, and the needs of the SQL Server instance as a whole.
The exact formula used to compute the memory grant for a sort operation is quite complex (and undocumented, so the details may change at any time). I'll explore the precise formula currently employed by SQL Server in my next post.
It is interesting that if we change the test to use a CHAR(100) padding column instead of CHAR(1000), the spill to tempdb does not occur, and the performance difference between TOP (100) and TOP (101) disappears.
Since it seems that spilling to tempdb is the problem, we might think of artificially modifying the query to fool the server into giving it a larger memory grant. This is usually a misguided approach in my view.
From the actual execution plan, we can see that the intermediate result set flowing into the Sort iterator is 29MB (30,000 rows of 1015 bytes each). Just twenty concurrent executions of that query would require 580MB of (non-AWE) memory. If you enjoy debugging RESOURCE_SEMAPHORE waits and unpredictable query performance, larger memory grants might be the option for you :)
That aside, it turns out that SQL Server gives even the standard-algorithm query a memory grant of almost 11MB. This seems excessive considering the task at hand: we are only sorting on 30,000 integer SomeId column values, which ought to fit within 120KB or so. This implies that the normal sort algorithms require a memory grant at least as big as the entire data set (not just the sort keys) to avoid spilling to disk.
By excluding the large padding column from the sort, we can reduce the memory grant to just 2.75MB. We can modify our query to execute in two stages:
In the sample implementation below, I have used a common-table expression to find the 101 rows:
WITH Top101AS ( -- Top 101 rows, excluding the padding SELECT TOP (101) TD.RowNum, TD.SomeId FROM dbo.TestData TD WHERE TD.RowNum < 30000 ORDER BY TD.SomeId ASC )SELECT Top101.RowNum, Top101.SomeId, TD2.SomeCodeFROM Top101JOIN -- Fetch the padding column for just 101 rows dbo.TestData TD2 ON TD2.RowNum = Top101.RowNumORDER BY Top101.SomeId ASCOPTION (MAXDOP 1);
The query plan produced shows a Top N Sort of the key values, followed by a Nested Loops lookup to fetch the SomeCode column values:
There are many ways to rewrite the query following the same general idea (using APPLY, a subquery, or a ranking function like ROW_NUMBER). Brad Schultz suggested one particularly compact approach (though with slightly different semantics that are not important in this case):
SELECT TOP (101) TD.RowNum, TD.SomeId, (SELECT TD2.SomeCode FROM dbo.TestData TD2 WHERE TD2.RowNum = TD.RowNum)FROM dbo.TestData TDWHERE TD.RowNum < 30000ORDER BY TD.SomeId ASCOPTION (MAXDOP 1);
A further solution is to create an index to avoid the sort altogether:
CREATE UNIQUE INDEX [IX dbo.TestData SomeId, RowNum]ON dbo.TestData (SomeId, RowNum);
This is a very compact index – just four bytes (plus overhead) to store each SomeId value. The original TOP (101) query now produces this sort-free plan:
Rows are acquired from the index in SomeId order, and the RowNum predicate is applied as a residual. The first 101 rows that match result in a Key Lookup to fetch the padding column, and we're done.
Each of these solutions has its advantages and disadvantages, so each might be considered 'best' depending on the wider circumstances. For example, the index-based query is the only version which does not require a memory grant; if the design goal is predictable (rather than absolute best) performance, only the last version can guarantee that it will not wait on a memory grant.
It seems only fair to present a case where TOP (100) performs significantly worse than TOP (101).
It turns out that the alternative sort algorithm's worst case performance occurs with long similar sort keys which are presented in exactly reversed order. To demonstrate this, we'll use the CHAR(100) version of the test rig:
CREATE TABLE dbo.TestData ( RowNum INTEGER IDENTITY NOT NULL, SomeId INTEGER NOT NULL, SomeCode CHAR(100) COLLATE LATIN1_GENERAL_CI_AS NOT NULL DEFAULT (REPLICATE('X', 100)), CONSTRAINT [PK dbo.TestData RowNum] PRIMARY KEY CLUSTERED (RowNum) );
The test queries are modified to reflect the change to CHAR(100), and to sort by SomeCode ascending, and then by RowNum descending. This provides the long keys needed, and ordering by RowNum descending helps ensure that the rows arrive at the sort in exactly reversed order:
SELECT TOP (100) @RowNum = TD.RowNum, @SomeId = TD.SomeId, @SomeCode = TD.SomeCodeFROM dbo.TestData TDWHERE TD.RowNum < 30000ORDER BY TD.SomeCode ASC, TD.RowNum DESCOPTION (MAXDOP 1);
Again, both queries produce exactly the same query plan:
But the Profiler results are very different:
This time, the TOP (100) query is more than ten times slower than TOP (101).
As an aside, notice that the cost of key comparisons is crucial. I deliberately chose a compound key which differs only in the final few bytes, and which requires comparison using the expensive Windows collation rules.
SQL Server provides a secondary sort algorithm which is used by the Top N Sort iterator when 100 or fewer rows are requested. This alternate algorithm uses less memory than a full sort, but can perform poorly if the sort keys are large and similar, and if the keys happen to be presented to the Sort iterator in reverse sorted order. The nature of the algorithm makes it unsuitable for larger or more general sorting needs.
Naturally, absolute best sort performance is obtained when the sort can be performed entirely in main memory, regardless of which algorithm is used. However, large sorts (or many concurrent smaller sorts) can quickly consume all of a SQL Server's available query execution memory.
System designers may choose to create indexes to avoid some sorting operations altogether. They may also choose to reduce the average row size of intermediate result sets that pass through a sort iterator to minimize memory grant requirements – though this may require careful query design, and may incur extra logical reads and higher CPU utilization on average. For many systems, good, predictable performance with high concurrency will be preferred over a wide range of best-case/worst-case execution times, and relatively poor resource concurrency.
Next time, I'll look more deeply into memory grants, and specifically at the details of the current algorithms used by SQL Server to calculate those grants.
Paul White
Email: firstname.lastname@example.com
Twitter: @SQL_Kiwi
The original MSDN thread
blog entry by Adam Haines
blog entry by Fabiano Amorim
A related Connect Item
Books Online: Top N Sort Iterator
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This is a great Blog. I have added your blogs to my Fav.
Thanks Roy, I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Really helpful post! thanks
Great article Paul! Thanks for your work and detailed analysis.
Thank you Robert Cook (sqlmashup), Jag Thind, and Mike Lutz. I appreciate the encouragement :)
Excellent, as always.
Thanks especially for the very clear explanation as to WHY this Top 101 phenomenon (slowdown) occurs.
That MSDN thread last December was a lot of fun.
Did you ever get around to posting the mentioned future article on memory grants?
I can't seem to locate one?
Hi Martin,
No, not yet. It's not interesting enough on its own for a whole post, so I need to tie it in with something else at some stage.
This is a post for T-SQL Tuesday #43 hosted by my good friend Rob Farley . The topic this month is Plan
Hi paul,
thanks a lot to keep it here..really valuable
Great article but I don't understand this part:
"In fact, the TOP (101) example will always spill to tempdb with the sample data set, regardless of the amount of memory available to SQL Server."
Doesn't the above somewhat contradict this later passage:
"This implies that the normal sort algorithms require a memory grant at least as big as the entire data set (not just the sort keys) to avoid spilling to disk."
The latter says if estimated output=actual output it won't spill but the former says it will still cause a spill due to the way it's designed?


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subset: commoncrawl


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ELLICOTT CITY, Md. (AP) — A murder trial starts this week in Howard County for a man charged in the 1991 death of his wife.
Robert Arnold Jarrett, Jr. was arrested last year and charged with first-degree murder after human remains were found at the Elkridge home that they shared.
Authorities say Jarrett reported his wife missing in 1991, saying she had walked away from their home after an argument. Police say they had long suspected foul play, but lacked the evidence at the time to prove it.
He was arrested after authorities searched the home and found the remains of a woman believed to be Christine Jarrett under the floorboards of a backyard shed.
He's on trial in Howard County Circuit Court.
(Copyright 2013 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)


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I generally take AA to the USVI's. Has anyone taken the small commuter planes between STX and SJU or STT and STX (that's San Juan to St. Croix, and St. Thomas to St. Croix)?
I called and asked if they could accomadate golf bags, and they said yes, under 50 lbs. The weight limit is no issue for me, but the size of the bag itself may be.
It doesn't help that my golf bag is large - 155 cm. I may trade for a smaller one.


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New Medical Approach Helps Baby With Rare Disease
A novel use of technology at St. Louis Children's Hospital has extended the life of a baby suffering from a fatal and extremely rare developmental disorder.
Ten-month-old Eleni Scott, of Florissant, Mo., had alveolar capillary dysplasia with misalignment of pulmonary veins (ACD/MPV), a condition affecting the development of the lungs and their blood vessels. There is no known cause or cure, and the National Institutes of Health reports only 200 documented cases of the diagnosis worldwide.
"She's doing fantastic," says Eleni's mother, Karen Scott. "We knew that she might not make it, but she's beaten the odds. The people at St. Louis Children's Hospital have been fantastic, and her surgeon, Dr. Boston, has saved her life. We feel very fortunate, very blessed."
Eleni benefited from an experimental lung assist device called a Quadrox. The device performed the work of her lungs for four days until her lung transplant June 12. She's doing so well that she's scheduled to go home from the hospital in mid-July.
Eleni had a normal birth at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and appeared healthy at first. Two months ago, however, her doctor referred her to St. Louis Children's Hospital. Her lungs were deteriorating.
A lung biopsy indicated Eleni's deadly condition. Her future looked bleak, but a technological advance provided hope.
Eleni was placed on extra corporeal membranous oxygenation (ECMO) in May. The machine, for children with severe heart and lung failure, uses a pump and oxygenator to deliver oxygen to vital organs.
While ECMO can be successful for this purpose, it is a temporary solution. Extended use past a week or two can pose serious health risks, including permanent organ damage.
Once stabilized with ECMO, Eleni's surgical team – including pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon Umar Boston, MD, and lung transplant program director Stuart Sweet, MD – decided to use the Maquet Quadrox-iD Pediatric Oxygenator (typically used in neonatal ECMO) in a configuration that does not require a pump. In this way, the Quadrox-iD served as an artificial lung to "bridge" Eleni from ECMO to a lung transplant.
In 2010, doctors at St. Louis Children's Hospital were the first in the world to implant a similar artificial lung device called a Novalung on a 2-year-old child. The Quadrox is different in that it is small enough to fit a newborn.
"A year ago there would have been no hope this situation, and now we've shown the technology can work," says Pirooz Eghtesady, MD, director of cardiothoracic surgery at St. Louis Children's Hospital, and the co-director of the St. Louis Children's and Washington University Heart Center. "Whether that translates into altering outcomes in the future, only time will tell. Now that we know this can work, other kids in similar circumstances might benefit in some way."
Eleni's health improved dramatically. She now weighs about 19 pounds and appears to be a healthy little girl with big blue eyes. She smiles as she plays with her doll.
The only sign of past sickness is the surgical scar on her chest.
Eleni's mother and father, Karen and Nicholas Scott, have been by her side at the hospital for seven weeks. Fortunately, they're both teachers who have the summer off. A sacrifice for them during this ordeal has been leaving their other child, Niko, with his grandparents.
"Niko just wants his sister to come home," Karen says. "He's happy now that she got her new lungs."
St. Louis Children's Hospital is the world's leading center for pediatric lung transplants, having performed almost 400 lung and heart-lung transplant procedures since the program's inception.


text: 1000Miglia 2018 Edition Information for participants Mille Miglia The Original Mille Miglia race The sporting tradition Competitions organized by the A.C. Brescia since 1899 In transit competitions in Brescia since 1899 Antique car events since 1958 Presidential honors board Automobile car manufacturers How the Mille Miglia began The sociale and cultural context The world context Brescia and Monza Car races in that period The four musketeers The "Gazzetta dello Sport" and "'A.C. Brescia" Creation of the race The1926 The reaction of the press The first Mille Miglia: the organisation The approval of Turati and Giarratana Giarratana's statement Giarratana's route Relationship with Csai and Mercanti The first Mille Miglia The roll of Honour 1927-1961 The Mille Miglia from 1927 to1961 Glamour Officina Mille Miglia Rosso Mille Miglia Previous Editions 2013 Edition General Information Norms e regulations Program Route Live route Partner Sponsor Patronage Media Partner Business partner Charity 2014 Edition Norms & regulations Programme Route Supporter Sponsoring Patronage Business Partner Media Partner Sponsor Starting List Official Ranking 2014 Official Ranking - Legs 2014 2015 Edition General Information Norms & regulations Route Notices for participants Supporter Sponsor Media Partner Business Partner Sport Partner Local Promotion Roma Verona Franciacorta Rimini Parma 2015 Book Mille Miglia from the people Notice board Ranking Starting list 2015 2016 Edition Program Route Detailed route 2016 Starting list Final Results General Information Norms & regulations Eligible Cars First Roberto Gaburri Trophy Partner Sponsor Business Partner Media Partner Sport Partner 2017 Edition Final rankings Route Detailed route 2017 General Information Provisional starting list Norms & regulations Eligible Cars Sponsoring 2017 2018 Edition Provisional starting list Tracking Online Information for participants Program 3D ROUTE 1000 Miglia The Night Communication to the participants Real Time Ranking Guest Car Real Time Ranking General Information Norms & regulations Eligible Cars Detailed route 2018 Roberto Gaburri Trophy Enjoy Mille Miglia Photogallery Register to Newsletter Official Partner 2018 Sponsoring 2018 Awarding of the attribution of the number 1 in the starting order Public notice sponsoring 2018 Trophy Race Sponsor - Categories: banking insitutions, private banking, investment fund Business & Corporate Partner News News 2017 News 2016 News 2015 News 2014 News 2013 News 2012 Area Media Presskit Press Area Press Rooms Opening Times Contacts Information for participants Find out the communications for the participants to the Mille Miglia. Briefing of the Clerck of the Course Safety Rules Mandatory documents


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As part of the ongoing FIFA statutory reform process, the House of European Football in Nyon is hosting a meeting of the presidents and general secretaries of UEFA's member national associations on Thursday.
The meeting will review in detail various proposed amendments to the FIFA Statutes, and has been requested by FIFA as part of a consultation process with all member associations regarding possible statutory amendments. It will be followed immediately by a press conference attended by UEFA General Secretary Gianni Infantino, which will be broadcast live on UEFA.com.
"UEFA wants to ensure that the FIFA statutory reform process maintains its good governance objectives and that this is explained to our member associations in a clear and transparent way, to enable them to make their position clear," the UEFA General Secretary said. "These matters have been discussed at confederation level, but we now need our member associations to put forward their views. Once we have heard the UEFA member associations' opinions, these will be presented to the UEFA Executive Committee at its meeting on the following day."
The main points on the agenda are:
• Review of the amendments to the FIFA Statutes approved at the 2012 FIFA Congress
• Discussion regarding the remaining proposed amendments to the FIFA Statutes
• Discussion regarding other potential amendments to the FIFA Statutes
• Position of the UEFA member associations regarding these proposals, to be presented to the UEFA Executive Committee at its meeting in Nyon on Friday
©UEFA.com 1998-2017. All rights reserved.


text:
BOGOTA, Colombia (AP) — Colombia's army says a private helicopter on a mission for the military has crashed in the country's northwest, killing all five people aboard.
Gen. Leonardo Pinto said Saturday that two soldiers, a police officer, a military priest and the aircraft's pilot died in the crash in the rural region of Anori, about 180 miles (300 kilometers) northwest of Bogota.
RecommendedBlue Wave Receding? TX GOP Wins Special Election In District Held By Democrats For 139 Years
Matt Vespa
The craft owned by the Sociedad Aeronautica Santander SA had been missing since Thursday.


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text:
General Comments: Futures closed higher on what appeared to be speculative buying. Ideas are that USDA can show smaller crops due to the greening disease that has been reported in Florida. USDA has cut production potential in the previous two estimates and might be forced to trim the estimate a little more next month. Weather remains good in Florida. Temperatures remain mild in the state, and conditions are mostly dry. Forecasts call for mostly dry conditions and mild temperatures to continue after some overnight showers and storms. Forecasts do not call for any threatening temperatures, but dry weather is creating ideas that more fruit can be lost. Fruit is holding for now, and irrigation is being used by producers to hold crop condition. Harvest in Florida of mid and early oranges is continuing, and the Valencia harvest is underway. Weather in Brazil is reported to be good. Brazil is seeing near to above normal temperatures and scattered showers. Harvest is continuing, so an increase in supplies should be expected at this time of year.
Overnight News: Florida weather forecasts call for mostly dry conditions. Temperatures will average near to above normal.
Chart Trends: Trends in FCOJ are up with objectives of 123.00, 125.00, and 131.00 March. Support is at 116.00, 113.00, and 110.00 March, with resistance at 123.00, 126.00, and 128.00 March.
General Comments: Futures were lower after a session with little news to push prices one way or another. Prices remain in the recent trading range, with bulls talking about the losses from rust in Central America and the bears noting that there is more than enough coffee being produced in other countries to cover the losses seen in Central America. The problem is serious there, with all countries being affected. Conservative crop estimates put the losses at about 25%, and some say the percentage lost is higher and could be 35% or more. Current crop development is good this year in Brazil, and production areas are getting beneficial showers for the developing crop. Production ideas remain big there, and also remain big in Vietnam even though producers there talk about the potential for 25% crop losses. Central America crops are mostly harvested. Colombia is reported to have good conditions.
Overnight News: Certified stocks are higher today and are about 2.618 million bags. The ICO composite price is now 134.41 ct/lb. Brazil should get mostly dry conditions this week and scattered showers and storms this weekend and into next week. Temperatures will average near normal. Colombia should get mostly dry conditions, and Central America and Mexico should get mostly dry conditions. Temperatures should average near to above normal. The ICO said that world Coffee exports were 9.42 million bags in December, up 3.1% from December, 2011. Year to date exports are now 28.3 million bags, from 24.6 million the previous marketing year.
Chart Trends: Trends in New York are mixed. Support is at 145.50, 142.50, and 141.00 March, and resistance is at 151.50, 154.50, and 158.00 March. Trends in London are up with objectives of 2010, 2070, and 2100 March. Support is at 1985, 1980, and 1960 March, and resistance is at 2020, 2040, and 2050 March. Trends in Sao Paulo are mixed to down with objectives of 179.00 March. Support is at 181.00, 179.50, and 179.00 March, and resistance is at 185.00, 188.00, and 190.00 March.
General Comments: Futures closed higher again in consolidation trading. The market now is in a trading range. Most traders still note that big supplies appear to be available to the market, but supplies might be dropping as Brazil said it will increase the ethanol in its gasoline blends in May. There are ideas that this could help work off a lot of the surplus production in Brazil and could tighten world balance sheets. Most buyers are not worried about prices and are not chasing rally attempts. Most statistical organizations continue to look for a big surplus production for the year. Production has been strong in Brazil so far this year, and reports say that the new crop production looks to be strong as well. Exports from Brazil continue to be very strong after the delayed start to the program. The Thai crushing season is underway with good production expected, but the crushing pace remains slow. It is possible that the crop size there has been overestimated. Traders wonder if and when India will cut offers to the market due to the lower prices and perhaps less than expected production due to some dry weather at the beginning of the growing season.
Overnight News: Scattered and light showers are expected in Brazil through this weekend. Temperatures should be near to above normal.
Chart Trends: Trends in New York are mixed. Support is at 1825, 1805, and 1770 March, and resistance is at 1895, 1905, and 1920 March. Trends in London are mixed. Support is at 490.00, 480.00, and 475.00 March, and resistance is at 501.00, 503.00, and 515.00 March.


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Frungillo has worked in the dust collection and air filtration industries for 18 years. He joined Camfil Farr APC in 2000 as a regional sales manager and has held a succession of posts in sales management as well as bio/pharma and other special market management. In his new position, Frungillo has a dual role overseeing the company's focus market programs in the pharmaceutical, mining, and thermal spray industries, as well as handling all of Camfil Farr APC's Latin American sales operations. Frungillo is a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE) and the International Thermal Spray Association (ITSA). He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in business administration from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Camfil Farr APC is a leading manufacturer of dust collection equipment and is part of Camfil Farr, the largest air filter manufacturer in the world. For more information, visit www.farrapc.com.


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Super Rugby
Give it to Izzy: Cheika
February 15, 2013
Israel Folau is making great strides for the Waratahs © Getty Images
NSW Waratahs coach Michael Cheika wants to ensure Israel Folau sees more ball, given the fullback's impact from limited opportunities in three trial matches since switching to his third football code.
Folau has scored three tries, and he goes into the Waratahs' season opener against Queensland Reds in round two on the back of a Man-of-the-Match performance in the 16-14 loss to the Crusaders in Sydney on Thursday night.
The fullback opened up the respected Crusaders' defence on a number of occasions with jinking runs, and also produced a burst to bump off big and well-regarded centre Robbie Fruean.
The former NRL star's every touch lifted the crowd and created an air of expectation and excitement not seen at a Waratahs game in some time.
Crusaders coach Todd Blackadder described the code-hopper as "a player with immense potential".
Cheika is thrilled with Folau's efforts in the trials, and now he wants to maximise the threat the player poses to opponents.
"He looked dangerous when he got the ball, which is really good," Cheika said.
"He had a few good counter-attacks.
"I think we've got to try to get him into the game a bit more from our set piece. We have to work out how to do that. We've got a few ideas on what we can do, but all in all his first three games have been very positive for his entry into rugby, I'd say. I think everyone would agree."
© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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Americans Who Tell the Truth
"Living" Timelines
After hearing or reading a biography and having some class discussion of it, ask your class to get into groups of eight to ten students. Students can decide cooperatively upon the events in the biography they would like to portray as a group and the specific role each individual will play for presentation to the class.
With the help of the group, each student then prepares to represent her portion of the biography. Included in the brief presentation would be relevant dates, importance of an event in the life of the person and/or its significance to our broader study of truth tellers. For example, students presenting Lincoln's biography would be asked to make connections to the significance of events in his life for our country and also share related events and information from other parts of the study.
After preparation is complete, students then form a line in front of the classroom to create their "living" timeline. The rest of the class will also have prepared the same biography. Each group is asked to critique each presentation based upon criteria set out in a rubric that is provided in advance and created by the teacher and/or students. Suggested criteria would be the presence of a chronological series of events, the ability to portray their significance in the life of the individual and related study and general knowledge of the historic events.
When all the living timelines have been shared, each group can determine what they missed or want to change and put those in their class notes along with the timeline.
You can ask students to present the timeline in their notes using a different color for each person in their group. If you are using the "sketchbook journal" methodology of note taking and record keeping for class (see below), have students enter the living timeline there.
On the following day, have each group form again. Have one group return to the front of the classroom. Ask them to line up as they were the day before. A great way to stimulate memory and deepen knowledge is to extend this activity in using the following variations:
- You can repeat this assignment several times over a period of days using different biographies.
- Give students one minute to rearrange themselves. Next, ask them to restate the living timeline in their new roles to stimulate knowledge of the biography in its entirety, rather than merely their original role. In effect, they are "trading" parts with someone and can be each other's teachers.
- Have one group return to the front of the classroom out of order. Ask someone to volunteer to put them in the correct chronological order.
- Put eight to twelve students (as needed for a biography) in the front of the class. Ask a student to volunteer to arrange them based on any biography you have studied thus far.
- Do the timeline from the end of the life and work forward to its beginning. Presenting information in reverse is an excellent strategy for memorization for some students.
- Line up two or more biographies from the same time period or based upon another criterion. For example, line up students representing the biographies of Martin Luther King and Malcolm X. Have other students insert themselves in the timeline as representatives of other events in our country's history.
This kinesthetic, spatial approach to representing a life and timeline presents a powerful visual image for students and aids in retention of knowledge. Overtime this activity can be used for review or extended studies.
Role Playing and Dramatization of Biographies
- Invite students to take on the role of one of the Americans. Provide ample time in advance for students to research and practice. Following the actor's presentation, enter into a forum of discussion with the "audience." Students in the "audience" can be press members (an excellent way to work with the responsibility of the press in a democracy) and ask questions of the individuals about their life's work. For example, ask Dorothea Lange about the subjects of her work or Samantha Smith about her need to travel to Russia.
- Many individuals risked their lives for their work or cause. Set up a panel of those individuals (Lincoln, ML King, Jr., Malcolm X, Mother Jones, etc.) and have them discuss why and for what they risked their lives. Allow this panel discussion to eventually engage the "audience" through questions or debate.
- You might also set up a similar panel on the issue of civil disobedience using, for example, Thoreau's writing as a basis. Assemble "Americans Who Tell the Truth" who engaged in civil disobedience and were willing to go to prison or lose employment for their efforts. Again, have participants hold a forum on the topic and discuss causes and beliefs for which they might risk employment and endure imprisonment. Then open this topic up to the class or small groups for discussion and sharing.
- To engage further in drama, ask students to choose one or more interaction(s) or event(s) in the life of an individual that had some special meaning for them personally. Have them dramatize the event(s) in writing and then perform them for the class with assistance from fellow students where needed. If there is time, these could be developed and performed as a longer-term project.
Citizenship Projects
Each student chooses five individuals from the community to interview about citizenship. Questions need to be open ended rather than true/false, multiple choice, or yes/no inquiries. Following the interviews, students "portray" their subjects in a visual way. They can use a photograph or video or create a sketch, sculpture, painting, etc. If possible, enlist the help of a local photographer or artist to instruct the students. Given one month to prepare this assignment, students assemble their interviews, reports in essay form, and portraits in a binder or portfolio. At the end of this project, you might culminate the unit with a forum on citizenship.
Citizenship Forums:
Holding a public forum on citizenship in your school compliments and deepens students classroom learning. The interview project and forum work together to empower students in their communities.
Each student chooses one interview question to ask the audience during the forum. The interview questions should be examined carefully in preparation for the event. If time permits, each student could be encouraged to make a brief statement before they begin discussion of their question with the group. As students form their statements, they reflect upon and share with peers which interviews sparked new thinking for them or surprised them. Additionally, they share which portrait from Americans Who Tell the Truth stirred or disturbed them most and why. Students could also select a quote from Americans Who Tell the Truth series that meant the most to them and recite it to the forum audience.
Preparing for the forum in class is not limited to the formation and evaluation of questions and statements. Students practice their statements, quotes and questions nightly for about two weeks prior to the forum. Attention should be given to elements of public speaking as well as to the purpose and content of a forum. Include a discussion regarding the role of media in a forum and how media assists or hinders the accurate representation of events.
Following the forum, students were asked to write about the experience, evaluate its effectiveness and reflect on personal growth.
Sketchbook Journals
The use of sketchbook journals has become a wonderful way to bring color, visual representation of knowledge and visual spatial constructs into classroom work. Eric Jensen, among others, writes about the brain's love of color and its use in retention, organization and study. Organizing a space graphically to share knowledge of a subject is an important capacity for all students but in some, is the primary learning style. The opportunity to create a journal of this type allows students to go beyond the less complex task of rote note copying and on to the higher level thought process of organizing information into specific visual representations through the use of space, form and color.
How to:
Provide sketchbook type journals, colored pencils, crayons, oil pastels, chalks, etc.
Students choose which of the biographies told, heard, read or seen by the class will be represented in their journal. Students create a simple artistic rendering of the individual and write a poem, song, composition, haiku or other piece to accompany the portrait in order to demonstrate their knowledge. Individual tasks can also include composing essays based upon the quotes used in the portraits. For variety, cooperative groups or partners can create a poem together, share notes, or brainstorm ideas to write a representative. Varying the writing task daily affords diverse writing experiences and encourages the creative use of class notes that deepens understanding of the material.
Students might also create a page that is a timeline or series of timelines with different themes. One timeline might show the life in chronological form; another might involve different colors depicting the person's life in terms of relationships he/she had and their significance. Another way to illustrate and use color is to map the person's life, showing their journey both literally and figuratively. All pages in the sketchbook journal are begun with a border that frames the space. For many students who are challenged in this way, drawing the frame with a ruler and then decorating it, creates a visual boundary and allows for much more intentional use of the page. For some students a blank page can be overwhelming; the border seems to provide a much-needed "beginning" to the work. All of these are ways to create a journal that represents the lives studied in Americans Who Tell the Truth. Rob's book serves as his journal of the study.
These curriculum materials are adapted from the work of Michele Hemenway.
See the full set of Robert Shetterly's portraits at .
Artist Statement: read more from Robert Shetterly about the inspiration for this project.


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|Main > Movies > Hernando DeSoto In America Movie > The Expedition Arrives
|Site Map
The Hernando DeSoto expedition landed on the east coast of Florida in 1539. This segment summarizes Spanish exploration of the New World.
Movie credit: Segment from the movie "Hernando DeSoto in America." Original video provided courtesy of the DeSoto National Memorial.
|Main > Movies > De Soto in America > The Expedition Arrives
|Site Map
Florida: A Social Studies Resource for Students and Teachers
Produced by the Florida Center for Instructional Technology,
College of Education, University of South Florida © 2004.


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Customers Select SAP HANA® With Dell Hardware and Services to Gain Efficiencies, Scale and Better Decision-Making
LAS VEGAS and ROUND ROCK, Texas — Customers of all sizes, across geographies and vertical industries have selected solutions from Dell and SAP AG (NYSE: SAP) to help speed decision-making, scale new heights and deliver real-time analytics. Organizations are utilizing Dell hardware and services with SAP HANA® software to help them achieve quick data insights, maximize efficiencies and deliver competitive advantage to their business. Aareon AG, Atos and Gesellschaft für Information und Bildung (G.I.B) are a few of these pioneering customers. The announcement was made at SAP® TechEd, being held October 21-25 in Las Vegas.
Organizations require proactive insights into their business operations to respond quickly to changing market conditions. However, the sheer volume of operational data available often exceeds the amount of data that traditional disk-based systems can process within a reasonable time, resulting in inadequate access to information and unacceptable lag times. With Dell Active Infrastructure Solutions for SAP HANA, customers have a cost-effective and optimized way to help see fast results, maximize efficiency, increase scalability and availability and reduce risk.
Aareon Makes Business Processes Four Times Faster
Aareon AG, a leading consultancy and provider of IT systems for the property sector, has offices in more than 27 locations across Europe and manages around 10 million rental units. Aareon deployed SAP HANA on Dell PowerEdge servers to drive growth by giving decision-makers faster insight to business data.
"When we looked for an IT provider to deliver solutions for SAP HANA, Dell came closest to our demands," said Christian Sanger, team leader, SAP division, Aareon AG. "Our customers' employees can now complete reporting much more quickly than before because SAP HANA running on Dell servers makes their business processes four times faster."
In addition to faster business processes, Aareon completed its implementation with expert support for SAP HANA from Dell Services. "As a result of the workshop on SAP HANA from Dell, personnel gained deep insight into the software and knowledge to begin working with the technology when it went live," said Sanger.
Atos's 10,000 Consultants Quickly Gain Skills With SAP HANA
International IT services company Atos supports around 5,000 systems running SAP software globally and more than 1.3 million people who rely on the technology to deliver their business goals. In order to maintain its leading expertise in SAP solutions, Atos turned to Dell solutions for running SAP HANA to give its consultants worldwide access to SAP HANA.
"There's a lot of interest in SAP HANA worldwide and it's great that our consultants can offer the expertise that customers require using our Dell hardware," said Michel Mertens, head of the Atos, Customer Center of Expertise for SAP solutions. "This really adds value to our innovative initiatives at the Atos SAP HANA Lab and Innovation center."
G.I.B Gives Customers Access to Critical Data in Seconds
Based in Germany, G.I.B has been an SAP software solution and technology partner for more than seven years and develops solutions designed to help companies remain competitive in a challenging business environment. By installing SAP HANA on Dell PowerEdge servers and using Dell Services to help the project stay on schedule, G.I.B provided customers with faster access to supply chain data to help them increase efficiency and make better decisions.
"With SAP HANA running on Dell PowerEdge servers, we have data access down to just seconds, helping customers get business insight faster for better decision-making," said Nikolaj Schmitz, IT manager, G.I.B. "We would recommend this configuration to companies because it delivers the power and stability to maximize the performance of business-critical large-scale SAP software environments."
Dell and SAP: Better Together
For more than a decade, Dell has collaborated with SAP to successfully deliver hundreds of SAP solutions across many industries. More information can be found at www.dell.com/hana.
For more information, including additional announcements and coverage from SAP TechEd Las Vegas, visit the SAP SAP Newsroom.
SAP® TechEd in 2013: Las Vegas, Amsterdam, and Bangalore
SAP customers, partners, and technical experts are expected to convene at SAP® TechEd in 2013, the company's premier technical conference. Hands-on workshops, demo-driven lectures, and Q&A sessions on the latest developments in analytics, mobile, cloud, database, and in-memory computing enable SAP TechEd attendees to enhance their skills while making valuable connections with peers and IT experts from the SAP community. SAP TechEd is being held in Las Vegas, Nevada, from October 21-25, and will be held in Amsterdam, Netherlands, from November 5-7; and Bangalore, India, from December 11-13. Follow SAP TechEd on Twitter at @SAPTechEd and join the conversation at #SAPTechEd.
About SAP
As market leader in enterprise application software, SAP (NYSE: SAP) helps companies of all sizes and industries run better. From back office to boardroom, warehouse to storefront, desktop to mobile device – SAP empowers people and organizations to work together more efficiently and use business insight more effectively to stay ahead of the competition. SAP applications and services enable more than 251,000 customers to operate profitably, adapt continuously, and grow sustainably. For more information, visit www.sap.com.
About Dell
Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services that give them the power to do more. For more information, visit www.dell.com.
Dell World
Join us at Dell World 2013, Dell's premier customer event exploring how technology solutions and services are driving business innovation. Learn more at www.dellworld.com and follow #DellWorld on Twitter.
Note to Editors:
Webcasts, announcements, media roundtables, keynote presentations and blog posts from SAP TechEd will be available on the SAP Newsroom at: www.news.sap.com. To preview and download broadcast-standard stock footage and press photos digitally, please visit www.sap.com/photos. On this platform, you can find high-resolution material for your media channels. To view video stories on diverse topics, visit www.sap-tv.com. From this site, you can embed videos into your own Web pages, share video via email links and subscribe to RSS feeds from SAP TV. Follow SAP on Twitter at @sapnews.
Any statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are forward-looking statements as defined in the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "expect," "forecast," "intend," "may," "plan," "project," "predict," "should" and "will" and similar expressions as they relate to SAP are intended to identify such forward-looking statements. SAP undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are subject to various risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from expectations. The factors that could affect SAP's future financial results are discussed more fully in SAP's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), including SAP's most recent Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the SEC. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of their dates.
©2013 SAP AG. All rights reserved.
SAP and other SAP products and services mentioned herein as well as their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of SAP AG in Germany and other countries. Please see http://www.sap.com/corporate-en/legal/copyright/index.epx#trademark for additional trademark information and notices.
For customers interested in learning more about SAP products:
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Dorit Shackleton, SAP, +1 (604) 889-7841, email@example.com, PDT
Julie Metting, Dell Inc., +1 (512) 203-1860, firstname.lastname@example.com
SAP Press Office, +49 (6227) 7-46315, CET; +1 (610) 661-3200, EST; email@example.com


text: Aiming to bang and get covered with spunk, Nikki Chase arrived at the Cum Fiesta. Jmac gave her attractive body a quick review and quickly okayed. She moved her rear end all over in a strip show and began having fun with herself. Right after rubbing schlong she got on the top and worked out her slit.


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SOURCE: Quantum Corporation
February 27, 2013 04:00 ET
SAN JOSE, CA--(Marketwire - Feb 27, 2013) - Quantum Corp. (NYSE: QTM)
Quantum Corp. (NYSE: QTM), a proven global expert in big data management and data protection, today announced that Framestore, a leading visual effects and computer animation studio, has selected Quantum's StorNext® File System and StorNext Storage Manager™ for its high-performance workflow and digital content archive. With StorNext software, Framestore can collaborate seamlessly on its entire workspace of 130 TB of content, as well as automatically migrate assets across the entire workflow from edit to archive, resulting in a 30-60 percent increase in productivity.
Framestore uses a variety of edit and finish tools, including Apple Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Autodesk Flame, Smoke and Smoke on Mac. StorNext provides Framestore with high-performance shared access to its entire workflow tool set across a variety of platforms, including Linux, Mac OS X and Windows OS. Additionally, because StorNext enables collaborative work to occur without moving large files from one workstation to another, there is less strain on the network and less time used in getting data where it needs to be.
To address the management challenges and costs of handling growing amounts of content, Framestore leverages StorNext Storage Manager and Quantum's Scalar i500 tape library to provide robust asset protection throughout the workflow process. Removing a manual process for managing archives, StorNext Storage Manager automatically moves terabytes of content through primary to near-line storage and also highly cost-effective tape. With this policy-based migration, Framestore frees up resources, improving content management efficiency up to 60 percent and providing more time to deliver projects on schedule.
In the future, Framestore plans to make use of StorNext Storage Manager to replicate assets automatically between its U.K. and New York facilities. Benefits from replication will include enabling seamless sharing of workloads between the two facilities, strengthening the company's disaster recovery capability, and providing employees with familiar equipment and processes as they move between offices.
Supporting Quotes
Andy Howard, head of Engineering, Framestore
"Quantum truly understands the challenges we experience in the post production world and knows how to work with the customer to deliver the ideal solution. Two or three years ago, people tended to work in isolation on projects, but now it is all about collaboration and huge numbers of files being shared by everyone. Having the StorNext File System really speeds up the workflow greatly, and with StorNext Storage Manager we are able to protect all of that content. It's very clever software that really makes a difference."
Alex Grossman, head of Media Industry Segment, Quantum
"Media content management continues to evolve rapidly. Post and broadcast facilities are increasingly dependent on high-performance collaborative workflows to improve the efficiency of their businesses. For over a decade, StorNext technology has helped customers in the media and entertainment industry address their specific needs for managing, sharing and archiving their massive libraries of video content. Framestore is an excellent example of how StorNext seamlessly fits with existing workflows and delivers the performance and scale to maximize productivity and return on investment."
Additional Resources
About Quantum
Quantum is a proven global expert in data protection and big data management, providing specialized storage solutions for physical, virtual and cloud environments. From small businesses to major enterprises, more than 100,000 customers have trusted Quantum to help maximize the value of their data by protecting and preserving it over its entire lifecycle. With Quantum, customers can Be Certain™ they're able to adapt in a changing world -- keeping more data longer, bridging from today to tomorrow, and reducing costs. See how at www.quantum.com/BeCertain.
Quantum, the Quantum logo, Be Certain, Scalar, StorNext and StorNext Storage Manager are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Quantum Corporation and its affiliates in the United States and/or other countries. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
"Safe Harbor" Statement: This press release contains "forward-looking" statements. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements. Specifically, but without limitation, statements relating to 1) customer benefits and value to customers from using StorNext software and Scalar tape libraries and 2) customer demand for and Quantum's future revenue from such software and libraries are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor. All forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Quantum on the date hereof. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Quantum's actual results to differ materially from those implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks include operational difficulties, unexpected material deviation in product operation, unexpected changes in market conditions and unanticipated changes in customers' needs or requirements, as well as the risks set forth in Quantum's periodic filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including, but not limited to, those risks and uncertainties listed in the section entitled "Risk Factors," in Quantum's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on February 8, 2013 and Quantum's Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on June 14, 2012. Quantum expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contact:Alice Borda
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Quantum Corp.(408) email@example.com
Contact:Alice Borda
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Expo visitors have chance to win ATV or lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
International Migratory Bird and Plant Conservation Day at the OKC Zoo
Quail conservation efforts receive important donation
Oklahoma's quail conservation efforts received an important boost from the Northeast Oklahoma Chapter of Quail Unlimited at the May meeting of the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission.
The Chapter donated $6,500 to an exciting ongoing project being led by Mike Sams and Sara Bales, biologists for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The biologists are using GIS (Geographic Information System) tools to identify large areas of habitat appropriate for quail restoration projects, then will work with local landowners to improve quail habitat and populations on their property through farm bill incentive programs.
"We have always enjoyed working with the Wildlife Department over the years and we know that this donation will help to restore Oklahoma's quail populations," said Bob Hayes, with the Northeast Oklahoma Chapter of Quail Unlimited.
In other business, the Oklahoma Wildlife Conservation Commission approved a resolution to designate June 4-5 as Free Fishing Days in Oklahoma and recognizes June 4-12 as National Fishing and Boating Week. Oklahoma was the first state in the nation to offer free fishing days 23 years ago and has since been followed by dozens of other states that have established similar free fishing days.
"Free fishing days are a great opportunity to introduce family and friends to fishing," said David Warren, information and education chief for the Wildlife Department. "This is also a good time to acknowledge the tremendous economic impact that fishing has in our state. Oklahoma's 774,000 anglers pump approximately $1 billion into the state's economy each year."
Resident and non-resident fishing licenses are not required on the free fishing days, although anglers should note that local or municipal permits may be required on those days. Anglers must also follow all other fishing regulations.
Also at the May meeting, Commissioners accepted a donation from the Green Country Buckmasters Club of a building shelter for Cookson Wildlife Management Area. The group will donate all materials and provide the labor to build the 24' x 30' shelter.
"Last year our group cooked meals for the disabled hunters during the controlled hunts at Cookson. At that time we recognized the need for a shelter from the wind and rain for this event and other events like it," said Gene Pittman, with the Green Country Buckmasters Club.
In other business, the Commission recognized a pair of Department employees for their outstanding service to the sportsmen of the state. Employees recognized were:
Ian Campbell, northeast Oklahoma private lands technician, for 20 years of service; and Randy Draper, assistant manager at the Durant State Fish Hatchery, for 20 years of service.
Also at the meeting, the Commission approved the donation of a pickup truck from the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. Forfeited as part of a plea agreement, the truck is valued at over $19,000 and the Wildlife Department will pay the lien of $8,811.
The Wildlife Conservation Commission is the eight-member governing board of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. The Wildlife Commission establishes state hunting and fishing regulations, sets policy for the Wildlife Department, and indirectly oversees all state fish and wildlife conservation activities. Commission members are appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
The next scheduled Commission meeting is June 6 at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation headquarters (auditorium), at the southwest corner of 18th and North Lincoln, Oklahoma City at 9:00 a.m.
June 4-5 offers two days of fishing for free - sort of
Free is what most people key in on when they hear "Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days." However, while you don't need a license to fish June 4 and 5, when it comes to fishing's impact on the state, you could say there is certainly no free lunch.
"Free Fishing Days offers anglers a great chance to introduce someone new to fishing, and it also offers a good opportunity for us all to take a look at the numbers behind fishing," said Nels Rodefeld, assistant chief of information and education for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Conducted every five years, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's National Survey of Fishing, Hunting and Wildlife-Associated Recreation, reveals some fascinating information about our nation's anglers. The American Sportfishing Association also looks at the Fish and Wildlife Service's national survey data, analyzing it to reveal some economic figures that we can all relate to.
Nationally, 44 million Americans fish. That means more Americans fish than play golf and tennis combined. In Oklahoma, 774,000 people fish (that's almost 1 in 4).
Oklahoma anglers generated more than $484 million in retail sales, which rippled through the economy to generate $992 million in economic output for the state and supported 11,000 jobs. Fishing-related purchases in Oklahoma generated $27.5 million in state tax revenues and $25 million in federal income tax.
"When we begin talking about the economic impact of anglers, sometimes it's easy to forget that anglers are also the primary source of funding for fisheries management and aquatic conservation activities," Rodefeld said.
Through their purchase of fishing licenses, and through special federal taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat fuel – by way of a program called the Sport Fish Restoration Program – anglers fund fish habitat and stocking programs, public fishing and boating access improvements and aquatic education events. In Oklahoma, where the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation does not receive any general state tax appropriations, Sport Fish funds generate between $4 million and $5 million annually for fisheries conservation and management.
"As important as it is to discuss these numbers, it is important that we remember the underlying message of National Boating and Fishing Week," Rodefeld said. "Fishing is a healthy social pastime that provides quality recreation, helps improve our aquatic resources, and enriches all our lives."
During Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days, June 4-5, state fishing licenses (including trout licenses and fishing and hunting legacy permits) are not required for anyone, anywhere in the state. Although most municipalities, such as Oklahoma City, waive city licenses in celebration of Free Fishing Days, anglers should check with local authorities before fishing in city-managed waters. Those headed out for a trip will want to pick up a copy of the "2005 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" because all other statewide regulations still apply. Fishing Guides are available at Department installations and hunting and fishing license dealers across the state, as well as the Wildlife Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
International Migratory Bird and Plant Conservation Day at the OKC Zoo
The fifth annual International Migratory Bird and Plant Conservation Day (IMBO) will be Saturday, May 14, at the Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden. Activities from 6:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. focus on spring bird migration and the way plants and birds rely on each other and the earth's important resource, water, to maintain Oklahoma's natural world.
The festival kicks off with a free, early-morning bird count from 6:30 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. where participants will learn how to identify plant and wild bird species on zoo grounds. Registration begins at 6 a.m. at the Zoo's Global Plaza, and participants are encouraged to bring binoculars.
The bird counts will be led by several plant and wildlife guides from the Zoo and the Department of Wildlife Conservation such as the Wildlife Department's Information Specialist Jenny Thom.
"May is possibly the best time of year to view our neotropical migrants," Thom said.
Neotropical migrant birds are those that winter in Central and South America and trek to North America to nest and raise their young. The orange and black Baltimore oriole and the solid blue indigo bunting are only two of about 60 birds that migrate hundreds of miles to Oklahoma each spring.
"The morning bird count would be great for a beginning birder to get a feel for what birding is all about. We'll see migrants like purple martins and scissortail flycatchers, our state bird, but we'll also spot year-round residents like the Eastern bluebird and American goldfinch," Thom said.
Hosted by the American Association of Zookeepers, the Zoo's Horticulture staff and the Association of Zoological Horticulture, event activities continue from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. and are free with regular Zoo admission. Interactive and educational displays focus on gardening tips that provide details about plants that are drought-tolerant, favorites to birds, and native to Oklahoma. There also will be self-guided garden tours (Zoo admission required) and free temporary tattoos for children while supplies last. The first 100 people to visit the Plant Conservation Display in the Zoo's main plaza beginning at 9 a.m. will receive a free IMBD 2005 poster.
The Oklahoma City Zoo and Botanical Garden is located at 2101 NE 50th Street, Oklahoma City, OK. Visit the Zoo's Web site at www.okczoo.com or call (405) 424-3344 for more information. To register for the bird count, please call the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation at (405) 521-4616.
Sponsors make inaugural Wildlife Expo possible
The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is hosting one of the most unique educational events ever held in the state – the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo. The inaugural event will be held August 27 and 28 at the Lazy E Arena just north of Oklahoma City and the ambitious project is receiving generous financial support from sponsors across the state and nation.
"It has certainly been encouraging to receive so much backing from so many businesses and individuals. This Wildlife Expo is a big event and it's great to see that so many others share our vision," said Greg Duffy, director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "This truly shows the importance these folks place on conserving our natural resources and teaching everyone about the fantastic opportunities available in the Oklahoma outdoors."
To date more than 33 sponsors have donated at least $2,500 cash or in-kind services to the Expo and other partners have also made important contributions. The Weatherby Foundation and the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation serve as Founding Sponsors for this unique event.
Their donations have helped in the development of Expo exhibits including a large water feature that will be built inside the Lazy E Arena. Other sponsors have donated items that will be given away at the Expo including an ATV donated by P&K Equipment. Thanks to sponsor donations, nine lifetime fishing or hunting licenses, along with 32 annual licenses will be given away at the Expo.
With more than 100 different booths and activities already confirmed, there will be plenty to do during the free, two-day event. Young and old alike will be sure to find something that interests them, from shotgun shooting to a live butterfly exhibit, to fishing, to training retrievers.
For more information about the Wildlife Expo, hosted by the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, log on to wildlifedepartment.com or call (405) 522-6279.
Current 2005 Wildlife Expo sponsors:
Heritage Sponsors – $10,000 donations and up
Bill and Carol Crawford
Continental Ponds
Carlisle Syntec Systems
Hackberry Flat Foundation
Maguire Brothers Inc.
National Fish and Wildlife Foundation
Oklahoma Correctional Industries
Pacific Echo
Raven Industries
Conservationist Sponsors – from $5,000 to $10,000 donations
Bank of Oklahoma
Chuck Devereaux's Bass Tubs Inc.
Enid Radio Stations
ING Investment and Management Company
Jayzee Foundation
National Wildlife Federation
Oklahoma Wildlife Federation
P&K Equipment
Oklahoma Station of the Safari Club International
Sportsman Sponsors – from $2,500 to $5,000 donations
Bass Pro Shops
CenterPoint Energy
Citizen's Security Bank, Okmulgee
Ducks Unlimited
Kimbell Ranch
NRA Foundation
Silverleaf Shotgun Sports
Terry's Taxidermy
United States Fish and Wildlife Service
Wheeler Dealer Bicycles
Pond fishing gives anglers a chance to get back to the basics
With more than 250,000 ponds in the state, it's no wonder that ponds are popular destinations for thousands of anglers. In fact, some of the state's best fishing can be found at small, out-of-the-way farm ponds.
"It's hard to beat a day of pond fishing. It's where many of us started fishing and it is always enjoyable to get back to the basics," said Barry Bolton, assistant chief of fisheries for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
According to Bolton, now is a great time of year to give pond fishing a try.
"And the nice thing is that you don't need a boat or a bunch of equipment to be a successful pond angler," Bolton said.
Those interested in learning more about pond management will want to come to the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo, August 27-28 at the Lazy E Arena. Langston University's Aquaculture Extension Program specialists are hosting a special seminar which will include information on identifying and controlling pond vegetation, stocking, management, and even pond construction.
Ponds provide Oklahoma's sportsmen ample opportunity for a good fishing experience, but don't forget to obtain permission from the landowner.
Before heading out, anglers should consult the "2005 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" for regulations and license requirements. Among various license exemptions, farm pond owners and their immediate family members are exempt from having to purchase a fishing license provided they are Oklahoma residents and fishing only on property they own. Specifically, resident owners or tenants, their spouses, parents, grandparents, children and their spouses, grandchildren and their spouse who fish in private ponds on land owned or leased by such owner or tenant are exempt from purchasing a fishing license. However, persons residing in another state who own land in Oklahoma but do not live on that land are not exempt. The guides are available at fishing and hunting license vendors across the state or by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Exotic beetles used to fight invading weeds
Officials at the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation are teaming up with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry to kick out an alien invader in several Oklahoma City lakes. Alligatorweed, an aquatic plant originally from South America, is as menacing as its name implies.
"The main problem with alligatorweed is its invasive nature. It can grow in large mats in water up to six feet deep. It just takes over and that is not good for fish, boating, aesthetics and it's certainly not good for native plants," said Gene Gilliland, senior fisheries biologist for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Gene Doub couldn't agree more. Doub is a homeowner near Lansbrook Lake on Britton Road.
"It is one of fastest growing plants I have ever seen. In the past three years it seems like it has grown exponentially," Doub said.
Doub and other homeowners in the area formed the Spring Creek Lake Alliance to find a way to control the alien plant. Of the 14 lakes in the Spring Creek drainage area, seven are infested with alligatorweed. Members of the Alliance have tried several methods to rid the beautiful lakes of the ugly weeds including mechanically removing them and spraying them with herbicides, but these efforts have been ineffective.
"No matter what we do, it just keeps growing and growing," Doub said.
Fortunately, alligatorweed has an Achilles heel – the alligatorweed flea beetle also native to South America. The voracious beetles feed exclusively on alligatorweed, and they don't stop eating until the alligatorweed is gone.
"These beetles have been used since the 1960's to control alligatorweed infestations in other states like Texas, North Carolina, Florida and Alabama," said Jeanetta Cooper, pest survey coordinator at the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry. "Using biological controls versus other forms of control such as mechanical or chemical reduces the expense of treatments and potential environmental risks."
The beetles, which are yellow with black stripes, are being shipped free from a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers office in Jacksonville, Florida.
"All we have to do is open the Styrofoam containers, set them next to the alligatorweed and hope the beetles are hungry," Gilliland said.
Homeowners on several of the area lakes will be assisting with the release, scheduled for Friday, May 13.
"It may take a little while to see results, but we are very optimistic about this," Cooper said. "The beetles do not overwinter this far north, so if we need to release some more beetles next spring then we will."
Staff from the two state agencies will be monitoring the success of the beetle release throughout the coming months.
The alligatorweed infestations were likely the result of intentional or unintentional releases of plants from a backyard water garden that spread downstream through the Spring Creek chain of lakes. The Wildlife and Agriculture departments are joining forces in combating the spread of aquatic nuisance species by educating water gardeners and aquatic plant retailers and nurseries through a program called "Don't Free Lily."
The Oklahoma Department of Agriculture, Food, and Forestry Plant Industry Division must review and approve permits that request the shipment of plants, diseases, and insects not indigenous to Oklahoma.
A list of illegal aquatic plant species and those that the agencies consider "Species to Watch" are listed on the ODWC Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com. For more information contact the Oklahoma Fishery Research Lab in Norman at (405) 325-7288.
Expo visitors have chance to win ATV or lifetime hunting and fishing licenses
Could you use a brand-new ATV? How about a lifetime fishing license or some duck decoys - all these prizes and much more will be given away at the Wildlife Expo August 27 and 28 thanks to generous sponsors.
"The Expo is going to be a fantastic event for participants, and the fact that you might be able to walk away with one of these great prizes is just icing on the cake," said Greg Duffy, director of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Thanks to P&K Equipment, one lucky Expo participant will win a brand new John Deere 500 ATV. The ATV features automatic transmission and four wheel drive and will be given away at 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 28.
"Without the support of outside sponsors we would never be able to give away so many great prizes," Duffy said.
A total of 32 annual and nine lifetime hunting, fishing licenses will be given away at the event. The doors open at 8 a.m. and first license giveaways will begin at 10:30, so get there early to increase your odds.
Individuals will also have some extra motivation to participate in the unique hunter education course offered at the Expo. One of the Expo hunter education course participants will win a lifetime hunting license.
With more than 100 different booths and activities already confirmed, there will be plenty to do during the free, two-day event, which will be held August 27 and 28, at the Lazy E Arena near Guthrie. Young and old alike will be sure to find something that interests them at the Expo from shotgun shooting, to a live butterfly exhibit, to dog training.
Participants who pre-register for the Expo will be eligible for a special lifetime combination license giveaway. Pre-registration will be available soon at wildlifedepartment.com.
For complete details on Expo giveaways, including rules and eligibility log on to wildlifedepartment.com
Report violators to "Operation Game Thief"
On the whole, Oklahomans who hunt and fish are an upstanding group of men and women, but like any large group there is an occasional bad apple. Thanks to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation's "Operation Game Thief" program, hunters and anglers have a method to report those who may not respect our natural resources.
"Operation Game Thief" allows a citizen the opportunity to anonymously report wildlife violations and receive cash rewards for arrests that lead to convictions.
"Thanks to the help of concerned citizens, 'Operation Game Thief' has led to the conviction of over 50 individuals since January 2001. The program is a great way to help protect our state's wildlife and fisheries resources for future generations," said Dennis Maxwell, assistant chief of law enforcement for the Wildlife Department. "The 'Operation Game Thief' program is supported by donations from private citizens, but the program also receives donations from organizations such as the Oklahoma State Game Wardens Association."
Anyone with information regarding illegal harvest of fish and wildlife is encouraged to call the Wildlife Department's Operation Game Thief Hotline at 1-800-522-8039 Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Callers may remain anonymous and are eligible for a cash reward.
State Wildlife Grants receives support for 2006 funding
Senator James Inhofe pledged his support again this year for the State Wildlife Grants program, the most important new conservation program in the past 50 years for keeping fish and wildlife populations healthy. Fifty-five other Senators and 128 members of the U.S. House of Representatives also signed letters urging continued funding for the program.
"The State Wildlife Grants program is one of our nation's greatest opportunities to prevent species from needing the emergency care of the Endangered Species Act. Taking action to conserve wildlife before it becomes endangered is environmentally sound and fiscally smart," Sen. Inhofe said.
The State Wildlife Grants program works by giving each state federal funding for wildlife species not hunted, fished or already endangered. In Oklahoma, the program benefits 82 percent of the wildlife from songbirds – whose populations have declined dramatically over the past 30 years - to horny toads, to wildlife species that occur nowhere else but Oklahoma.
Andy McDaniels, executive director of the Oklahoma Wildlife Federation, was among a team of six Oklahomans who traveled to Washington, D.C. to speak with Oklahoma's Congressmen about funding the program for 2006.
"By supporting State Wildlife Grants, Sen. Inhofe is a true champion for America's fish and wildlife," McDaniels said.
In spite of across-the-board budget cuts, Sen. Inhofe says "State Wildlife Grants is a valuable investment in prevention" and supports the President's budget, which recommends funding the program at $75 million dollars. That would allocate approximately $930,000 to the Wildlife Department in 2006.
McDaniels has spoken to hundreds of sports club members and other citizens throughout Oklahoma. He said they overwhelmingly agree State Wildlife Grants is vital to conserving Oklahoma's Wildlife.
"There's annual federal funding for hunted, fished and endangered species, but State Wildlife Grants is the only federal program for the others. It's existed for five years, but it's not automatic. State Wildlife Grants gets appropriated at different funding levels each year," McDaniels said.
Nationally, the number of species on the federal threatened and endangered species list has increased by 35 percent since 1992 and now numbers more than 1,000 species according to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. State Wildlife Grants works to reduce the number of species placed on that list by restoring rare and declining wildlife populations.
The Wildlife Department has received $4.6 million since 2001 from this program. Distributed in the form of cost-share grants to wildlife researchers and other partners, the program has already contributed to keeping the swift fox off the candidate list for endangered species listing.
The State Wildlife Grants program is also working to benefit approximately 350 species of songbirds and has helped to begin the Great Plains Trail of Oklahoma. It also has funded both paddlefish population surveys and comprehensive wildlife surveys on several Oklahoma wildlife management areas, in addition to other projects.
To learn more about State Wildlife Grants in Oklahoma, look in the May/June 2005 issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma," or view the magazine article at www.wildlifedepartment.com by selecting the Natural Resources link.
Don't miss out on Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days June 4-5
A fishing trip with friends or family is likely one of your oldest and dearest memories from your childhood. You can pass those memories on to the next generation by taking a kid fishing during Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days, June 4-5. State fishing licenses or permits are not required by anyone, anywhere in the state these two days.
"You don't have to make a grand excursion of it. Just go somewhere close and fish for sunfish and you don't have to have a bunch of fancy equipment – you can have a lot of fun with a fishing pole and some worms," said Barry Bolton, assistant fisheries chief for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "It may seem like a simple afternoon trip to you, but that child might remember it forever."
During Oklahoma's Free Fishing Days, June 4-5, state fishing licenses (including trout licenses and Fishing and Hunting Legacy Permits) are not required for anyone, anywhere in the state. Although most municipalities, such as Oklahoma City, waive city licenses in celebration of Free Fishing Days, anglers should check with local authorities before fishing in city-managed waters. Those headed out for a trip will want to pick up a copy of the "2005 Oklahoma Fishing Guide" because all other statewide regulations still apply. Fishing Guides are available at Department installations and hunting and fishing license dealers across the state, as well as the Wildlife Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Wildlife Expo featured in "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine
If you've heard a little about the upcoming Wildlife Expo and want to learn more about this great free event – then you need to pick up the latest issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine.
"We tried to pack in as much information as possible about the Expo. In fact we have 20 full pages of Expo information in this issue," said Nels Rodefeld, editor of "Outdoor Oklahoma" magazine, the official bi-monthly publication of the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "I think everyone will be encouraged to attend this unique event, because there is a little something for everyone."
Whether you are seven years old or 70, it's never too late to catch your first fish, paint a wildlife picture, or try shooting a bow and arrow. Best of all, you can do these activities and much, much more at the Oklahoma Wildlife Expo. The free, inaugural event will be held August 27 and 28 at the Lazy E Arena just north of Oklahoma City between Edmond and Guthrie.
Included in the issue is an article on a unique hunter education class that will be held in conjunction with the Expo. The class will consist of hands-on activities and best of all, one lucky class participant will win a lifetime hunting license. The Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation is coordinating the monumental event, which is designed to promote and perpetuate Oklahomans appreciation of the state's wildlife and natural resources.
The current issue also features a special profile on the Red Slough Wildlife Management Area in far southeastern Oklahoma. The story chronicles the area's rich history from an historic rice farm to a wildlife paradise.
Also included in the May/June issue is a comprehensive article on State Wildlife Grants, a unique federal program designed to keep all of Oklahoma's wildlife healthy.
Individual copies of the May/June issue of "Outdoor Oklahoma" are available for $3 if picked up at any of the Wildlife Department's offices, or $4 by mail (mail request with a certified check or money order to Outdoor Oklahoma, P.O. Box 53465, Oklahoma City, OK 73152). One-year subscriptions, for only $10, are available by calling (800)777-0019, or you can order over the Internet by logging on to the Department's Web site at www.wildlifedepartment.com.
Sixth annual UCO Endeavor Games scheduled for June 9-12
The sixth annual Endeavor Games for athletes with physical disabilities, conducted by University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) Disabled Sports and Events, will be held June 9-12, 2005. Approximately 300 athletes will participate in a wide variety of sports including air rifles and archery target shooting.
"This is a great event and we are looking forward to being a part of it," said Lance Meek, hunter education coordinator for the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation. "I've heard there will be some outstanding shooters participating this year."
The Endeavor Games is hosting 10 members of the U.S. military services who acquired permanent disabling injuries while serving for the United States of America in Iraq and in the global war on terrorism. The Endeavor Games is providing airfare, lodging, meals, travel expenses and full passes for all events of the 2005 Endeavor Games to the 10 soldiers and their guests.
"We are honored to have the chance to host these 10 amazing soldiers for the weekend at the Endeavor Games," said Katrina Shaklee, Assistant Director of UCO Disabled Sports and Events. "The entire City of Edmond is rallying behind this unique opportunity and we hope to provide the soldiers with a weekend full of inspiration and opportunity."
To receive additional information on the event, please contact UCO Disabled Sports and Events at (405) 974-3144.


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WASHINGTON — The number of federal background checks for firearm sales declined unexpectedly last month following a surge toward the end of the year as Washington considered new gun control measures.
An Associated Press analysis of new FBI data published early Tuesday shows the National Instant Criminal Background Check system processed more than 2.78 million checks in December. That was a 12-month peak following an upward trend through last fall. The number fell to 2.48 million in January, still greater than any other month last year.
The 10 percent drop between December and January comes amid a fierce national debate on gun control after the horrific school shooting in Newtown, Conn.
Louisiana, Alabama and Mississippi saw the largest declines in background checks from December to January, by about one-third.
Local & State
Police investigating Madison crash
Woods takes 3-shot lead at Tour Championship
Local & State
Art of sheep shearing returns to Common Ground Country Fair
UMaine football falls to Central Michigan, 17-5
Nation & World
Travel remains dangerous in flooded North Carolina


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Hooksett signs: Variances no more?
November 11. 2013 7:07PM
Hooksett has a history of granting variances that allow some businesses, often big-box stores, to escape the constraints of the town's tight sign ordinance. With the granting of yet another variance for a high-profile business - this time for the new Bass Pro Shops - it clearly was time to do something about the ordinance. Finally, it is getting a review.
The town has formed a committee to study the sign ordinance and recommend changes. It is to be a top-to-bottom review. The goal is to come up with an ordinance that makes sense, treats businesses equally, and fits the town.
To see how problematic the ordinance is, just drive down Route 3 and try to read the names of the businesses. The sign sizes are all over the place. Some businesses got variances, some did not. Even some that got variances have signs that are too small to read from the road.
The ordinance has been a pain for businesses and customers for years. It is good to see the town addressing the problem at long last.