text:
Voters say yes to levies, no to recreation district, bond
Preliminary special election tally shows voter overwhelmingly rejecting a ballot measure to create a Methow Valley Recreation District
Local company set to grow pot
Legally grown marijuana has arrived in North-Central Washington. Monkey Grass Farms began bringing plants in to its Wenatchee facility Monday after announcing it has received producer and processor business licenses from the state Liquor Control Board.
Pot farm starts
Company: Omak growing location slated for 2015
A North-Central Washington company plans to start growing recreational marijuana in its indoor Wenatchee facility tomorrow and anticipates receiving a license soon for its outdoor operation in Omak. But by the time Monkey Grass Farms puts the finishing touches on the Omak facility, 14 Monkey Grass Road Suite A, it will be too late to start growing this season. Marijuana will start being produced there next spring, co-owner and Omak facility manager Lynette Key said. "We've had a lot of questions about what's going on up here," Key said. "Initially we wanted to do it up here in Okanogan County, and then when they (the state Liquor Control Board) cut the licenses, we knew it would be restricted. "We decided to start with the indoor because we knew it would be a perpetual crop," she said. "As soon as we get that up and running, we'll continue down the road here, get the surveillance system up and running." Monkey Grass Farms is the first company in North-Central Washington to receive producer and processor business licenses from the state. In the first year, the company projects it will pay the state $1.3 million in sales tax revenues, Key said. Key is one of the company's five owners. The others are Eric and Mary Cooper, Katie Cooper and Joni Elder, she said. "I moved here from Utah specifically to do this two years ago," Key said. "Eric Cooper has been in the medical marijuana business in Wenatchee for 10 years. I was just kind of a little grower for him, and we teamed up." Key said she's a good friend of the Omak landowner, Richard "Bud" Vest, who "made us such a great deal and let us come out here." "Without him, we wouldn't have come this far, this fast," she said. "He's been super supportive of our venture and is giving us great leeway." "I guess I'm the guinea pig. I'm willing to help anybody," Vest said. The 88-year-old has lived in Omak since 1932. "I've never used it; it will not be in my house," he said of the marijuana. "But if I've got a chance to lease a little land …" A longtime member of the Shriners, Vest said he plans to use the money he makes from the lease to help build a new restroom in the Spokane Shriners temple. When Key proposed the idea of a marijuana-producing business on his property, Vest said they went together to speak with his attorney and the Okanogan County Sheriff's Office to start ironing out the details. Law enforcement visited the site as well, he said. The three-acre parcel already has an 8-foot-tall wooden fence surrounding it, and the land has been graded and water lines have been installed, Key said. A 30-by-40-foot shop sits on the northeast corner of the fence, which is visible from U.S. Highway 97 north of town. Much of the crop will be covered by greenhouses and hoop houses, Key said. An estimated 3,000 plants may fit inside the area, depending on their size. In the future, another three acres adjacent to the parcel will be fenced in and readied for marijuana production. "As soon as we have the license, we'll get it up to speed as fast as we can," she said. "Next year, everything grown here in Omak will be sent to Wenatchee to be processed." Harvest season for an outdoor crop will last from springtime until October. Vest's property falls outside of Omak city limits, which relieves Monkey Grass Farms of a potential local battle to get all the necessary paperwork for its facility. The city has maintained it will not issue licenses to businesses with operations that are illegal under local, state or federal laws. Marijuana growing and use is legal in Washington, with certain restrictions, but remains illegal under federal law. "We wish Omak would reconsider their position because we feel like this is a good revenue (source)," Key said. The Wenatchee facility is located in the former Budweiser plant, 3710 Highway 97A. With a Tier 3 restricted producer license, Monkey Grass Farms will be able to grow recreational marijuana in a 21,000-square-foot canopy. Processing will be done on-site, Key said. The producer license is noted as "restricted," because the state revised its guidelines to lower Tier 3 producing areas temporarily from 30,000 square feet to 21,000. "We're going to produce as much as we can in that 21,000 given space," Key said, noting that the pending license application for the Omak facility is for Tier 3 as well. "We initially planned on building all of Monkey Grass in Omak, and it just got bigger and bigger as we got started," she said. That prompted the company to start looking into other producer-friendly locations. About 2,500 plants will be moved into the Wenatchee facility to start. From there, it takes about 90 days to cultivate the plants before they'll be ready for processing. There are no plans just yet to hire employees, Key said. "For now, the owners, we're just doing it ourselves until we get it up and running," she said. As of Tuesday, 12 companies had been granted producer licenses in the Spokane area and on the west side of the Cascade Mountains. Ten companies – the majority of which received the producer licenses – also received processor licenses. No licenses have been given to retailer applicants yet. A lottery will take place in Okanogan, Douglas and Ferry counties next week, and in other counties around the state, to determine which qualified applicants will receive retail licenses to fill the limited quotas. In all three counties, the number of applicants exceeds the number of available licenses. Okanogan County has been allocated five retail licenses, one of which must be located within the city of Omak; Douglas County is allocated three licenses, one of which must be located in East Wenatchee; and one license is up for grabs in Ferry County.
Ballots due Tuesday
Special election ballots are due Tuesday for a handful of issues in Okanogan and Douglas counties. Okanogan County sent out 5,659 ballots and 2,452 were returned as of Friday afternoon. The Douglas County Auditor's Office mailed 847 ballots, because the only two items are for Fire District No. 15 and the Bridgeport School District. As of Friday afternoon, 358 ballots had been returned. Douglas-Okanogan County Fire District No. 15 is asking voters to continue its emergency medical service levy for another six years at the same rate, 47 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. The cities of Pateros and Brewster are asking voters to approve EMS levies for the same amount, but that money will be given directly to EMS. The ballot notes that each city still has a contract for EMS services with Fire District 15 even if the measures are defeated. EMS is primarily funded through property taxes and private payments, EMS Director Tonya Vallance said. The levy "basically guarantees 24/7 coverage for the patrons in the area," Vallance said in a previous interview. "Once the tone goes off, the taxpayer switch – for lack of a better word – kind of goes off, and the individual is paying for it then." Okanogan and Douglas counties' ballots also includes a request from the Bridgeport School District for a $3.9 million, 20-year bond issue to rebuild a portion of the elementary school that is comprised of portable buildings. Per property owner, the measure breaks down to about $1.84 per $1,000 of assessed value. The portables were intended to be temporary when they were installed in 1977 and have since become leaky and moldy, Superintendent Scott Sattler said. Electrical wiring and other safety issues also have become a concern, aside from the need for more space for a growing student population. Tearing down the portables would make way for 16 classrooms, a music room, computer lab, an improved playground and multi-purpose room, as well as an updated kitchen to provide breakfast and lunch for all 820 students district-wide. The entire project is estimated to cost about $8.5 million, but the state would contribute $4.6 million of that. This is the second attempt for Bridgeport to pass the bond request. Voters turned it down in the Feb. 11 special election. Although 54 percent of voters supported it, bond issues need a supermajority of more than 60 percent to pass. In the Methow Valley, voters living within the school district will decide whether to create the Methow Valley Recreation District. It would be a junior taxing district within Okanogan County, allowing it to collect a portion of property tax revenues for operations. The district's purpose would be to not only seek funding for new recreational opportunities and projects in the Methow Valley, but help provide funding for already existing facilities such as the Wagner Memorial Pool in Twisp and the Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink. Thirteen candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to fill five commissioner seats on the recreation board, if it is created. They are Don Fitzpatrick Jr. and Julie Palm, Position No. 1; Christine Holm and Kevin Van Bueren, Position No. 2; Brent Walker, Steven Stacy and Camden Shaw, Position No. 3; Mike Fort, Bart Bradshaw and Kristin Devin, Position No. 4; and Paula Stokes, John Northcott and Julie Muyllaert, Position No. 5.
It takes a village to dye Easter eggs
Eagles Club puts out 80 dozen eggs for annual hunt
It takes a lot of people to dye 80 dozen eggs. For the past eight years, the Quad City Eagles have enlisted the help of area residents of all ages to help get ready for the annual Easter egg hunt in Marina Park, 801 Jefferson Ave. It's a big job, with hundreds of children turning out for the Saturday morning event. Volunteers prepare the hard-boiled eggs, stuff even more plastic eggs with candy and create prize baskets. This week, help came from about 15 residents at Harmony House Health Care Center, 100 River Plaza in Brewster, as well as parents, other adult volunteers and the children themselves. "They enjoy it. They look forward to it," said Harmony House Activities Director Melody Ervin. Donning their bunny ears for the occasion, Harmony House residents made quick work of 15 dozen eggs. "I think it's fun doing this," resident Gwen Armbruster said as she dipped an egg into blue dye Wednesday afternoon. "I always enjoyed helping my kids color eggs. This makes us remember doing it with our kids." Eagles member Pat Schweigert said dying eggs with the seniors every year is "just as much fun as doing it with the kids." "To me, the most fun part is seeing them with their ears," she said. "And they just love it, and that's what it's all about." Ervin said the residents also fill plastic eggs with candy for an Easter egg hunt hosted at Harmony House for the employees' children. "It gets them into the spirit of Easter," Ervin said. "Of course they eat a few (pieces of candy). Why not?" "I enjoy watching them," Ruby Field, president of the residents' council, said of the children who visit. Thursday at the Eagles Club, 1030 Columbia Ave., there was a bigger turnout this year of children looking to ingest some sugar and paint 65 dozen eggs. "I'm making a bunch of Seahawk-colored eggs," 5-year-old T.J. Mosier declared as he plopped two more eggs into cups of green and blue dye. Other children didn't seem to have a particular coloring method. "I'm just colliding colors together," said Cambria Swogger, 11, of Bridgeport. She and Estrella Toga, 11, carefully applied dye to their eggs using brushes. Toga said this was her first time coloring eggs at the Eagles. "It's so random," she said of her technique, swirling a brush through paint. "I'm just going with the flow." Eagles member and egg hunt coordinator Dianne Sleeper said she thought this year's event was a success. "The kids all had fun, they did a great job," she said. "Thanks to all the adults who came and helped." While children listened to high-tempo dance music, ate cookies and drank juice, they were careful to avoid the pool table where 30 prize baskets sat waiting for Saturday's hunt. Ten baskets would go to the winners in each of three age groups: 1-3, 4-6 and 7-8. While the egg-coloring events are a fairly new tradition, the Eagles' egg hunt has been ongoing for more than a decade, Sleeper said, noting that it usually draws families from Brewster and other towns as well. Easter egg hunts were planned in several area towns Saturday, including Pateros, Mansfield, Omak, Tonasket, Grand Coulee, Riverside, Winthrop, Conconully and Oroville. Egg hunts are planned today at 10 a.m. in Nespelem at the Colville Tribal Convalescent Center, 1 Convalescent Center Blvd., and at 1 p.m. in Republic at the Eagle Track Raceway, on Airport Road south of town.
Weather prompts burning delay
Weather prompts delay in spring burning in Methow Valley
Burn planned to start Thursday west of Winthrop
The Methow Valley Ranger District is gearing up for a prescribed burn Thursday on about 20 acres 10 miles west of town.
Consulting firm alters website after Chronicle probe
Consulting firm alters website after Chronicle probe
The consulting firm that had counted Three Rivers Hospital's CEO among its principals has removed his information from its website.
Cattlemen oppose fish project
Colville tribe plans project in Johnson Creek drainage
The first phase of a proposed fish barrier passage project along Johnson Creek will not begin construction in June as planned, but some residents are objecting to the project.
Mayoral recall headed to summer ballot
Resident collects more than enough signatures in less than two weeks
Local residents will be able to vote this summer on whether to recall Mayor Marilynn Lynn.
Three Rivers CEO contract on agenda
J. Scott Graham to be offered salary plan April 28
Three Rivers Hospital commissioners will wait until their regular meeting month's end to consider a contract before formally hiring a new administrator.
MedStar sets up shop in Brewster
Critical care company plans May opening
Northwest MedStar plans to open a new, full-time base at the city-owned Anderson Field Airport next month.
Student raises money for overseas school
By Jennifer Marshall The Chronicle MANSFIELD – A ninth-grader is enlisting the help of her fellow Mansfield High School students to raise money for a new one-room schoolhouse in a disadvantaged country. "I think it's sad that there's a bunch of kids who don't get to go to school… and I just wanted to help them so they get the opportunity we get," Samantha Conrad said. Conrad, 15, said she was inspired after attending We Day in Seattle last month. She and 16 other Mansfield students heard presentations from several celebrities, including Martin Luther King III, actor Edward Norton, rapper Flo Rida, Seattle Seahawks players Russell Wilson, Derrick Coleman, Bobby Wagner and Jermaine Kearse, and more. The event was hosted by Free the Children, an international charity that encourages youth to take an active role in their communities. "The main point is it's not just about you, it's about everybody," said teacher Jessica Schultz, who accompanied the students on their trip. Conrad said the message she took from We Day was "that not everybody has the opportunities that we get and we should be more open to help people." The basis of Conrad's idea was a program called We Create Change, one of several service-oriented programs Free the Children organizes. In We Create Change, youth are tasked with raising $20 worth of change to purchase one brick to help build a school. Conrad's goal is to raise at least $1,000, she said. To that end, she has placed fliers and piggy banks around the school and hopes to start gathering donations from the community soon. "I even got my little sister involved in it and everything," she said. Shaylyn Book, a second-grader, has talked to her classmates about the fundraiser and "took all this money she was saving for a toy she really wanted and put it in the piggy banks," Conrad said. As of last Thursday, about $50 to $60 had been raised. Donations are funneled through a special fund in the Associated Student Body, and Schultz said they're still working on the legalities of accepting community donations. The schoolhouse to which Mansfield contributes could be built in one of several areas, such as Ecuador, India, Africa or Asia, Schultz said. Taking the effort a step further, she said she'd like to help build the schoolhouse and plans to raise money as well for that. Schultz said the cost for a three-week trip could be about $4,000. Conrad is also spearheading a food drive. As of last week, students had chipped in about three boxes of non-perishable food that will go to the Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council. The food drive ends Saturday.
Crews poised for wildfire season
Fire Chief Kevin Bowling said it's still too early to tell what this year's fire season will bring. "Omak fire has responded to nine brush fires this spring," he said, noting that's "a little above average."
Garden blooms love of learning
Pateros school links gardening
Local students are spending their afternoons learning about Pateros School District's fledgling garden, which could be finished by the end of the day Monday.
More residents object to land buys
Some Douglas County residents are growing concerned about state land acquisitions in their neck of the woods.
Hearing set for Winthrop pot store
The Town Council will host a public hearing next week to consider an appeal by a potential recreational marijuana retail business owner.
Pot lottery set for April 21-25
The state Liquor Control Board has set the week of April 21-25 for the lottery to select recreational marijuana retail applicants who may receive business licenses.
County moving forward to create board
Okanogan County commissioners are planning a work session on the future Fair Advisory Board at 2:30 p.m. today.
Chronicle selected as official county newspaper
Publication will print required Okanogan County legal notices
The Omak-Okanogan County Chronicle will continue for another year as Okanogan County's official newspaper of record.
Talks begin in CEO hiring
Embattled Graham begins negotiating hospital contact
Three Rivers Hospital has begun contract negotiations with J. Scott Graham to potentially take over as CEO this month.
Hospital leaders to meet
Consolidating districts will be the topic of pending discussions
A committee comprising local health care representatives may finally meet for the first time this month, but at least one hospital official is still skeptical of the main topic, consolidating the three hospital districts.
Highway on track for mid-May opening
Snow threatens, avalanches remain a possibility
At the end of the first week clearing snow from the North Cascades Highway and more snow forecast for this weekend, the state is still on track to reopen the road in mid-May.
BPA biologist gets earful on land buys
Commissioners want more details on federal projects
A Bonneville Power Administration biologist got an earful Tuesday from Okanogan County commissioners and several residents about the agency's land purchases for fish habitat restoration.
City gets new fishing access
Boat launch will
The city will soon have another fishing access area with a nearby campsite and walking trails along the banks of the Columbia River.
Commission seeks new lease
Bridgeport State Park may stay open
The state Parks and Recreation Commission decided last week that it will seek a new 25-year lease to continue operating Bridgeport State Park.
Carlton woman found not guilty of dog theft
Jury finds she obstructed law enforcement
A jury has found a Carlton woman not guilty of stealing another family's dog, but she will be sentenced next week following a conviction on obstructing a law enforcement officer.
Board backs CEO choice
Coulee Medical's top administrator tapped for Brewster
Three Rivers Hospital commissioners are standing behind their selection of embattled Coulee Medical Center Administrator J. Scott Graham as their new CEO.
Boards due for change
County to expand Parks and Recreation duties
The Okanogan County Parks and Recreation Board will soon be repurposed to serve the entire county, and a new board in charge of overseeing the county fair will be created.
Orozco joins City Council
Animal control officer asks for new anti-cruelty provisions
The City Council is complete once again with the appointment of a new fifth member last week. Sergio Orozco was selected and sworn in during the March 26 meeting, Finance Director Karen Brown said.
Winthrop may hear marijuana applicant's appeal
The Town Council is slated to set a public hearing date tonight for a hopeful marijuana retailer who would like to set up shop in the town's industrial zone.
Three Rivers chooses Graham for CEO
Three Rivers Hospital commissioners offer job to Scott Graham; contract negotiations planned
Wolves attack family dog near Twisp
Family dog, Shelbie, attacked by two wolves about 40 yards from the front door of their Poorman Creek home
Three Rivers Hospital commissioners interview CEO candidates
Three finalists selected for Three Rivers Hospital's CEO position; board continues to keep most identities secret
Community turns out as Nannies depart for state basketball tournament
The Pateros High School girls basketball team received a warm send off this morning for the state 1B tournament this weekend in Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena
Three Rivers to interview four CEO candidates
Three Rivers Hospital officials narrow CEO applicant list to four semi-finalists
One dead in crash south of Pateros
Van, logging truck collide; one dead south of Pateros
Hospital commissioners affirm CEO search process
Newpaper challenges process as a likely violation of state law
Concerns over hospital CEO selection process prompt special meeting
Three Rivers Hospital officials to review culling of applicants in CEO search process
One killed in vehicle crash
Timmi J. Schweigert killed in U.S. Highway 97 crash south of Pateros
Okanogan school celebrates 10 years of Valentine's tradition
Students treated to Crush sodas by secret admirers
Water leak closes Bridgeport road
Traffic is being detoured onto Conklin Hill and Columbia Avenue
Chelan prosecuting attorney reviewing case involving Methow Valley athletic director
Okanogan County Sheriff's Office hands off case after completing investigation of incident in Chelan County
Judge hears from resident seeking mayoral recall
Resident Michael Knox awaits a decision on whether his complaints about Mayor Marilynn Lynn have sufficient grounds for a recall election.
Four arrested in Bridgeport drug raid
Three people are facing drug-related charges, a fourth is being held for allegedly for illegally entering the U.S.
Fires kill two
Saskatchewan snowbird perishes in Oroville RV blaze
A Saskatchewan man died in an early Saturday morning RV fire that officials believe was caused by a space heater.
No appeal for Enloe license
Conservation groups hope to work with utility
In an effort to open discussions with Okanogan County Public Utility District about the future of Enloe Dam, American Whitewater decided not to file an appeal of the dam's federal 50-year, power-generation license.
Bridgeport mayor subject of recall effort
City Council to consider whether to pay her legal costs
Upon finding out a local man has filed a request to recall the mayor, the City Council planned to meet Tuesday to consider whether the city should pay for her defense.
Fans chill to hockey
Rink could use refrigeration unit
If Winthrop Ice and Sports Rink gets a new refrigeration unit, its director predicts a boon for local recreation and businesses.
Ballots mailed to Okanogan County voters
Voters to decide on tax levies and bonds in Feb. 11 special election


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Soria ready to throw batting practice
By T.R. Sullivan and Master Tesfatsion / MLB.com
ARLINGTON -- Joakim Soria, who has been on the disabled list since the beginning of the season, is scheduled to throw batting practice on Friday at the Ballpark. Soria, who has been working out in Surprise, Ariz., joined the Rangers on Thursday and will be with the club for the rest of the homestand.
Soria is expected to throw two or three BP sessions. If those go well, he could begin a Minor League rehab assignment with the aim of joining the Rangers' bullpen at some point in July.
"I can't wait," Soria said. "I have been working hard in Arizona, but I'm really happy to get here and be around a Major League club again -- start living this life again, the atmosphere, getting excited for a game. That pushes me even more."
Soria spent five seasons as the Royals' closer and was a two-time All-Star before missing all of last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery on April 3, 2012. The Rangers signed him as a free agent in the offseason with the hope that he would be recovered and in the bullpen by now, but he had a setback in May, when he strained a muscle in the front of his right shoulder. Now he is healthy again.
"It has been great," he said. "No need to worry about it any more."
Ogando to resume throwing on Friday
ARLINGTON -- Alexi Ogando, who is on the disabled list with a strained right shoulder, is scheduled to resume throwing on Friday. It will be his first time throwing since being shut down last week in Toronto.
This is the second time that Ogando has been on the DL this season. He was sidelined from May 16 to June 5 with tendinitis in his triceps as he tries to transition from his role as a reliever last season back to his former role as a starter.
Despite Ogando's two trips to the DL, the Rangers still plan on using him as a starter when he returns. They might take it a little slower this time getting him back, but he is still considered a part of the rotation.
"He wants to be a starter, and he's good at it, so why shouldn't he be a starter?" general manager Jon Daniels said.
Colby Lewis is also planning on taking another step on Friday when he throws off the front of the mound. Lewis has been limited to playing catch and long-toss this week while waiting for the soreness behind his right elbow to subside, but this week has gone well, so he is ready to start climbing back up on the hill.
"Everything has gone really good this week," Lewis said. "I'm definitely encouraged by this week."
Lewis, who had surgery to repair a torn flexor tendon on July 27, has made three rehab starts in the Minors. The most recent one was on May 25, with Triple-A Round Rock, and he was shut down after that because of the soreness.
Berkman brings veteran perspective to team's woes
ARLINGTON -- Lance Berkman hasn't gone through a regular season without dealing with offensive struggles, and the Rangers currently find themselves in that situation, scoring fewer than three runs in eight games this month. They trail only the Astros, who have accomplished the troubling feat nine times, in that category.
"It's fairly typical for any team to have a stretch like this," Berkman said. "You just try to minimize it."
Berkman said that in his experience, starting pitching has typically been the way out of a team's rough hitting stretch. He feels that starters need to go deep in their outings without allowing runs to keep the team in the game.
"As funny as it sounds, you need your starters to keep the thing close so there's an opportunity to break through," he said. "That's how you win baseball games."
Berkman added that scheduling can also help a team out of a slump. The ability to play every day gives players a chance to redeem poor outings. And even with the amount of young players on the Rangers, Berkman doesn't think that mentality changes.
"I remember as a young player, it doesn't matter if you're doing great or not doing great, you feel the same," he said. "You're trying to survive. You're trying to prove that you belong and establish yourself. It's really up to the veteran guys to keep an even keel and tell the guys to keep going out there, keep playing hard, and hope it turns around."
Moreland progressing toward on-time return
ARLINGTON -- Mitch Moreland, recovering from a strained right hamstring, said on Thursday that he's right on schedule to return from the 15-day disabled list on June 21.
Moreland ran the bases on Thursday, making turns and running straight through first base. He felt he's "80-90 percent running."
He added that Friday will be his big day on the bases, as he'll include more situations, such as running from first to third. Manager Ron Washington said that Moreland could face batting practice against Joakim Soria, who is also working toward a return from injury.
Moreland said that he hasn't had a setback since he was placed on the DL on June 6. Although there isn't a tentative date for his rehab assignment, Washington said that he will likely play a few games next week in the Minors before he's activated.
"We've talked about some things, but if it keeps progressing like it should, it won't be any longer than 15 [days]," Moreland said.
Worth noting
• Jeff Baker, who made his first start at second base on Wednesday night, has started at six positions this season, including designated hitter. He is the only player in the Major Leagues to do that. Baker had a 15-pitch at-bat against Indians closer Vinnie Pestano in the ninth inning on Wednesday. That's the most pitches in a plate appearance in the Majors this season.
• The Rangers have been told that pitcher Sean Labsan, a 17th-round pick from Sarasota (Fla.) Riverview, will not sign but instead will attend Florida Atlantic University. The Rangers have signed catcher Sherman Lacrus, their 27th-round pick from Western Oklahoma State.
• Pitcher Randy Henry has been activated off the disabled list at Double-A Frisco.
T.R. Sullivan is a reporter for MLB.com Read his blog, Postcards from Elysian Fields and follow him on Twitter @Sullivan_Ranger. Master Tesfatsion is an associate reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
Summaries of EU Legislation
Summaries of EU legislation: direct access to the main summaries page.
- Archived: true
European development and external assistance policy: 2009 Report
The Commission presents a report on action carried out by the EU in 2009 concerning development aid for third countries. In the context of food and economic crises, the European Union took concrete and rapid measures to support its partners. It is to continue its efforts to increase the effectiveness of its aid and the coherency of its policies in order to meet global development goals with its partners.
Report from the Commission to the Council and the European Parliament - Annual Report 2010 on the European Union's development and external assistance policies and their implementation in 2009 [COM(2010) 335 final – Not published in the Official Journal].
In 2009, European Union (EU) cooperation activities with third countries took place in a difficult context. Developing countries had to face the economic and financial crisis and rising food prices.
The EU reacted quickly, creating a financial facility to improve production of and access to food. It also created an instrument to combat vulnerability – FLEX – to support public expenditure in the most vulnerable countries. Furthermore, the EU has established an instrument to finance the adaptation of these countries to climate change.
International relations
Existing relationships with several global regions were strengthened in 2009, particularly in the course of:
- strategic summits on development, held with India, China and Russia;
- the adoption of a new strategic framework for Latin America and an Investment Facility;
- the launch of negotiations to revise the Cotonou Agreement with ACP countries, and the mid-term review of the European Development Fund (EDF);
- the strengthening of dialogue with South Africa on peace and security;
- the holding of the EU-Pakistan summit;
- the conclusion of the first partnership agreement with Iraq;
- the implementation of the European Neighbourhood Policy (ENP) and its investment facility.
Millennium Development Goals (MDGs)
Some progress has been made since the adoption of the MDGs in 2000, but some countries are significantly behind, particularly due to the international context in 2008 and 2009. The EU intends to adopt a global approach to accelerate progress with a view to meeting the MDGs before 2015. It will present a joint position at the UN summit in September 2010 for the international assessment of the MDGs.
Coherence of policies with development goals
The Commission and EU countries should apply the principles of the European Consensus on Development and improve the coordination of their actions. The impact of European policies on development must be taken into account. The Council has identified a number of priority areas: trade and finance, climate change, food security, migration, and peace and security.
Partner countries must also improve the effectiveness of their policies, good governance and the protection of human rights.
Increased and more effective aid
The Commission and Member States should increase the quantity but also the quality of their aid. Together they supply more than half of global Official Development Assistance (ODA).
In order to increase the effectiveness of aid, the EU implements measures planned at the Accra summit in 2008:
- division of labour and coordination of donors;
- the use of national development systems;
- quality of technical cooperation.
The EU must also work more closely with international organisations, local authorities and civil society. The next summit on the effectiveness of aid is to take place in Seoul in 2011.
Budget support for developing countries
The Commission promotes the deployment of aid through budget support strategies, i.e. the transfer of aid to the national treasury of its partners. Budget support guarantees that their national priorities are met. It also reduces the costs of financial transfers.
In 2009, EUR 2.4 billion were allocated to:
- general budget support (GPS) – 35% of operations – for national development policies;
- sector-specific budget support (SPS) – 65% of operations.
Public finance management (PFM) systems in developing countries should be efficient enough to receive this type of aid. However, the Commission proposes that certain fragile States might benefit from it under certain conditions.
Evaluation of results
The Commission has adopted stricter standards to control the quality of its actions and ensure that results are monitored. Assessments made in 2009 showed that the effectiveness and sustainability of cooperation actions are still to be improved. It is also essential to foster ownership of projects by partner countries.
Last updated: 27.08.2010


text:
Since yesterday, I keep getting this error message when I try to retrieve mails using Icedove 10.0.5!
The folder Inbox is full, and can't hold any more messages. To make room for more messages, delete any old or unwanted mail and compact the folder.
Can't seem to find solutions on the internet... Any help?
Thank you!
P.S.: OS is LMDE 64 bits (ext4, plenty of space available on HDD).


text:
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, April 4, 2008, 12:00 AM
Town Square
Fundraising continues for incorporation studies
Original post made on Apr 4, 2008
Read the full story here Web Link posted Friday, April 4, 2008, 12:00 AM
Comments (6)
a resident of another community
on Apr 4, 2008 at 8:03 am
Dear neighbors,
The Alamo Foundation Community, a technical discussion group concerned with the status of foundations in various buildings, will not hold their May meeting in April. The May meeting was planned for March but had to be postponed to another month not yet invented.
One HAL of a Pal
a resident of another community
on Apr 4, 2008 at 4:19 pm
Dear neighbors,
After rereading the original story, I am confused.
I understand FUN, but what is DRAISING? In long ago times, Drayage was horses pulling heaving wagons. Should we consider there is FUN in DRAISING as some form of drayage.
It could be that, without batteries included, we are just horsing around.
One HAL of a Pal
a resident of another community
on Apr 6, 2008 at 5:06 pm
Posted from several previous postings by Iron Horse neighbors
Dear neighbors,
The many neighborhoods within the Diablo Vista (Alamo) region that wish to contribute indicates that surrounding neighborhoods of the AIM boundaries see the value in knowing the costs, benefits and impact of incorporation within our region. Sunday morning e-exchanges continue discussing donations to the costs of the Contra Costa LAFCo incorporation studies being performed for Alamo Incorporation Movement (AIM).
Many neighbors (2,197) signed the AIM petition as a promise of feasibility studies to allow evaluation of local government formation and its financial benefits. The studies will not likely answer the important questions of structure, operations, staffing, commissions, committees and services that warrant consideration in any incorporation election. In reviewing the LAFCo response recently circulated, the only information to be provided is financial and specifically LAFCo noted that no structure for a local government is part of the study.
Please read Alamo Today, delivered April 3 and available at various stores in the Alamo business district. In the tabloid, Mr. David Dolter, AIM committee member, provides AIM's position on neighbors' request for defined structure, operations, staffing, commissions, committees and services in a Town of Alamo incorporation proposal at time of election. Mr. Dolter clarified AIM's incorporation proposal for an independent town council and the formation of government after incorporation has been elected.
We suggest serious consideration of what such LAFCo studies can provide and how donations can make such defining information available.
Iron Horse neighbors,
Posted at the request of Kathy Bell
a resident of another community
on Apr 7, 2008 at 7:24 am
Dear neighbors,
"He or She that pays the piper, names the tune!"
If only the small minority of AIM participants and supporters raise the funding for Contra Costa LAFCo studies, then the resulting choice in any incorporation election will be as described by Mr. Dolter in Alamo Today, April 3, 2008. If, in addition to being the majority of signatures on the AIM petition, neighbors are the major contributors to Contra Costa LAFCo studies and application process, neighbors may demand a defined incorporation proposal at time of election from Contra Costa LAFCo.
Contribute and demand definition,
Hal Bailey
CDSI Research Fellowship
Community Courtesies
Submitted to Iron Horse neighbors and Diablo Vista region e-exchanges via email@example.com
a resident of Alamo
on Apr 9, 2008 at 9:27 am
Posted and edited with permission of the author
Dear (Iron Horse neighbors),
I am curious about how a certain portion of AIM volunteers and supporters created the Alamo Community Foundation (AFC) and claim they are wholly separate from AIM. While I appreciate the ability to only contribute to the financial studies in progress by Contra Costa LAFCo, it is quite clear that ACF volunteers are part of the overall AIM activities over the last year.
It would seem to me that ACF is a method to fulfill a promise made to neighbors signing the AIM petition than only feasibility studies would result. Beyond the tax status of ACF, is there any real difference between ACF and AIM.
Sharon in Tice Valley
Posted from Iron Horse neighbors e-exchanges
a resident of John Baldwin Elementary School
on Mar 20, 2017 at 3:41 pm
Due to repeated violations of our Terms of Use, comments from this poster are automatically removed. Why?
Salami, Salami … Baloney
By Tom Cushing | 24 comments | 485 views
Time for new collaboration between city and school district
By Tim Hunt | 2 comments | 431 views


text:
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - The U.S. job market isn't just growing, it's accelerating.
More jobs were created last month than analysts expected, sending the unemployment rate to a four-year low.
Employers added 236,000 jobs in February and drove down the unemployment rate to 7.7 percent.
The jobs report released Friday pushed the Dow to a new record high. The report also showed big gains in several key industries.
Retail employment is absolutely soaring, adding more than 20,000 jobs in each of the last three months. The health care industry continued to add jobs -- 32,000 in February. Leisure and Hospitality gained 24,000 jobs.
And the housing comeback provided a real shot in the arm for construction jobs -- 48,000 were added last month.
Those numbers translate locally.
The project to add a Panera Bread and Boost Mobil in San Marco is expected to be complete in a few months thanks to construction workers like Miguel Torres, who says he's grateful for the gig.
"Jobs are hard to get and construction is great," Torres said. "I mean, it's a hard job but, it's a good-paying job, actually. It's just sweat, dirt."
Many more are now happily fighting through the sweat and dirt, according to the jobs report.
"We're in an exciting time when the economy truly is gaining power, and I think we're going to have a great year this year and frankly the next several years," Torres said.
The unemployment rate is the lowest it's been since 2008. Locally, those numbers are even better.
"Our unemployment is down about 0.4 of a percent less than the national average," said Jerry Mallot, president of the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce. "So our economy is growing, jobs are growing, and we're seeing a lot of new business activity."
The most local job growth is in financial services, information technology, aviation and construction, which is good news for the Northeast Florida Builders Association.
"We've gone for five years without anybody walking through model homes, and now we're starting to see people come back out there and kick tires and figure out if they want to move up because they feel a little bit better about the future," said Daniel Davis, executive director of the association.
As the economy hopefully continues to improve, Mallot said living in the River City is the right spot.
"I think it says a lot about our future," Mallot said. "We've got a combination of a great business environment, great quality of life, and I think the right place to be as our nation grows and recovers."
And thanks to more construction jobs, there will soon be more places for northeast Florida residents to go.
"This is going to be a great place for San Marco, for the people here to enjoy, especially a Panera. It's going to be great, wonderful," Torres said.
Also good news for the River City, last week Forbes Magazine rated Jacksonville second in the nation for technology services job growth.
Copyright 2013 by News4Jax.com. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


text:
Criminal charges against a former Ignacio High School principal have been dismissed in Arizona.
Gary Witherspoon, who served as principal from August 2011 to April 2012, was suspected of possession of prescription pills, drug paraphernalia and failure to appear in court.
All three charges were dismissed earlier this month, according to court records.
Witherspoon, 41, who now lives in Williams, Ariz., said Monday the charges amounted to a misunderstanding.
Basically, what I had were prescription pills that were not in the bottle, Witherspoon said.
The incident occurred in July 2009 on the side of a road near Amado, Ariz., about 30 miles from the border with Mexico.
Witherspoon pulled over to rest when Santa Cruz County deputies approached his vehicle and found him asleep inside. They woke him, and he appeared to be confused and disoriented, according to a police report.
It was apparent that Mr. Witherspoon possibly had a medical issue or was under the influence of an unknown substance, the police report said.
He was taken to a hospital for observation, but he was not immediately arrested, even though he was in possession of 377 carisoprodol pills and two white medicine bottles. No dangerous drugs or narcotics were detected in the medicine bottles, according to a scientific examination report.
Witherspoon said he used the prescription pills to treat a back injury.
Within a year, Witherspoon was arrested for driving under the influence of prescription drugs in Eloy, Ariz. He was ordered to pay a fine and complete counseling.
Other charges against Witherspoon include driving with a revoked license, driving without insurance, failure to register his vehicle and six speeding violations dating back to 1995.
Witherspoon eventually moved to Colorado to take the job as principal of Ignacio High School. It was several months later that he found out an arrest warrant had been issued for him for possession of dangerous drugs, he said.
Witherspoon said he did not lie about his arrest record because his employment application asked only whether he had been convicted of a felony.
The school district placed Witherspoon on paid leave citing personnel reasons. Superintendent Rocco Fuschetto said Witherspoon was placed on leave before the felony warrant and criminal history surfacing.
His termination was done before all the other stuff surfaced, Fuschetto said during an interview Monday.
Witherspoon has filed a notice of intent to sue the school district. He and his Durango attorney, Lynne Sholler, declined to discuss the potential civil litigation. The school district declined to release a copy of the letter Monday.
A prosecutor in Santa Cruz County did not return a phone call Monday seeking comment about the drug charges being dismissed.


text:
Free Tours of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum
On the first Sunday of the month, from April through October, meet us in the lobby of the Haggerty Education Center for a free tour of the grounds of The Frelinghuysen Arboretum. Learn some of the history and enjoy the beauty of this exceptional horticultural site with a knowledgeable tour guide. If you are interested in becoming a tour guide, give Marge a call at 973.631.5049 or email her at firstname.lastname@example.com
- 1005 reads


text:
Submit News
Lucy's Family is Complete: Hominid Trio Offer Insight Into Human Evolution
Jason Mick
June 22, 2010 10:38 AM
Recipient E-mail
Sender E-mail
An artist's scupting of A. afarensis, based on the earlier Lucy skeleton.
(Source: Educa Madrid)
The bones of "Big Man"
(Source: Y. Haile Selassie et al./PNAS 2010)
"Whatever we've been saying about afarensis based on Lucy was mostly wrong."
Much like the revolution of modern astronomy in the late 1400s and early 1500s dissolved the notion that the Sun revolved around the Earth, a renaissance in paleontology is dissolving virtually any doubt that remained about man's origins. Another new discovery has just been completed, the latest of several high profile publications over only the last year.
new skeleton
is a male
Australopithecus afarensis
, which has been discovered in Ethiopia's Afar region. The skeleton joins the celebrated "Lucy" skeleton, unearthed by paleoanthropologists in 1974, and a child skeleton unearthed last year.
The ancient male, an ancestor of modern man, lived approximately 3.6 million years ago in the plains of Eastern Africa, according to several dating techniques. Yohannes Haile-Selassie of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History, who led the team, says the skeleton offers some major new insights into the species.
The skeleton has been nicknamed "Big Man" as it towers at 5 to 5½ feet tall over the much shorter 3½-foot-tall Lucy, who lived 3.2 million years ago. That large height deviation raises questions over which of the specimen is the norm in terms of height. The new skeleton was unearthed between 2005 and 2008 at a dig site only 48 km from where Lucy was found.
The skeleton also reveals new insights into the bone structure of the species. Big Man's 32 discovered bones reveal long legs, a narrow chest, and a inwardly curving back. All of these indicate that he walked much like a human and enjoyed a ground-based lifestyle. This is very different from the awkward gait that Lucy was thought to have. Lucy also had been thought to climb trees a great deal.
The shoulder blade of Big Man is quite different from chimpanzees or gorillas. And the ribs also appear human-like. All of these factors indicate a far different chest shape than the chimplike, funnel-shaped chest that reconstructions of the Lucy skeleton indicated.
While confusing perhaps in context with Lucy, the conclusion that ancient hominids were
chimplike is consistent with the analysis of the
Ardipithecus ramidus
that was conducted last year.
Professor Haile-Selassie states, "Whatever we've been saying about
based on Lucy was mostly wrong. The skeletal framework to enable efficient two-legged walking was established by the time her species had evolved."
Carol Ward of the University of Missouri in Columbia seems to agree with these conclusions, stating, "This beautiful
specimen confirms the unique skeletal shape of this species at a larger size than Lucy, in what appears to be a male."
While the discovery may have cleared up debate about whether Lucy was more chimplike or humanlike, the debate about gait is sure to continue. Harvard University anthropologist Daniel Lieberman states, "There's nothing special I can see on this new find that will change anyone's opinion."
Anthropologist Owen Lovejoy of Kent State University, however, believes that the discovery shows Big Man to be a good runner, which could have made the 3.6-million-year-old footprints found more than 30 years ago at Laetoli, Tanzania. Among the evidence supporting this hypothesis are Big Man's pelvis supported humanlike hamstring muscles and human-like arched feet.
The full study on the Big Man discovery is published
in the journal
Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences
A separate 3.3 million year old skeleton of a 3-year-old baby female
A. afarensis
was presented four years ago. Nicknamed "Selam" (the word for "peace" in several African languages), the near-complete skeleton was found in 2000 south of the Awash river by a team led by Zeresenay Alemseged of the Max Planck Institute for Evolutionary Anthropology in Leipzig, Germany.
The paper on that discovery was published in a 2006 edition of
and can be found
These discoveries add to the aforementioned recent discovery of "Ardi", the
discovery of
Australopithecus sediba
, and the completion of an early
draft of the Neanderthal genome
. All of these wonderful discoveries have helped to blow away the fog of uncertainty surrounding human evolution and offered a much clearer picture of how man arrived at its current form after a slow process of evolution that took millions of years.
"It seems as though my state-funded math degree has failed me. Let the lashings commence." -- DailyTech Editor-in-Chief Kristopher Kubicki
Related Articles
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May 7, 2010, 10:47 AM
"Sinful" Missing Human Evolutionary Ancestor Discovered in Africa
April 9, 2010, 9:46 AM
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October 2, 2009, 9:11 AM
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text:
Liquid Metal Cologne
By Paco Rabanne for Men
Liquid Metal Cologne by Paco Rabanne, This is an aromatic fragrance for men . Refreshing and cisp this scent is composed of top notes are mandarin orange and mint; middle notes are and coriander; base notes are amber and musk. All products are original, authentic name brands. We do not sell knockoffs or imitations. ... Read More
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About Paco Rabanne
History and background of Paco Rabanne. Paco Rabanne was born in San Sebastian, in the Spanish Basque country. I pent my childhood under a hail of bombs in Spain, then in France where we took exile because my family was republican. Before that, my mother worked as a chief seamstress for Balenciaga. Read more about Paco Rabanne
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text:
http://www.wired.com/wiredscience/2010/ ... re-horses/
"In the last 50 years, breeders have made very good progress at making a very small horse, but they periodically hit these speed bumps," said Brooks. "It takes a while to work them out so that you end up with a horse that not only fits in the palm of your hand but is happy and healthy."
In it, they discuss that in the next century, we will likely get teacup ponies. So, that's the idea behind this poll.


text:
ACParadise Network: American Cosplay Paradise American Cosplay Experience American Cosplay Snapshots
Cosplayer ninjagal6 > Costume of Mari Illustrious Makinami (Evangelion 2.22)
- Most Recent Photo
- 03-16-2014
- Series
- Evangelion 2.22
- Character
- Mari Illustrious Makinami
- Special Variation:
- Unit 05 Plug Suit
- Year Completed:
- 2013
- Construction Difficulty:
- Very Difficult
- Costume worn at:
- Anime Expo 2013
- Anime LA 2013
About this Costume
- Construction Details:
The whole suit is pretty much one piece. The grid fabric was a really lucky find at the downtown fabric district. I used the Kwik sew bodysuit pattern. With the help of the Revulotech figure, I drew all the borders of the color change one. Afterwards, I cut along these lines and used the white as pattern for the green and yellow. Lots if the details had to be hand stitched on which was exhausting. All the little buttons are painted milk carton caps (lol) that were hot glued onto bobbins hand sewn into the suit.
Cuffs: Foam can holder from Michael's covered by green vinyl on all sides. The long parts are layered craft foam also covered in vinyl. Tubing is PU tubing from ebay.
Gloves bought online
Back armor is Vinyl covered craft foam with lots of weird mitering.
Shoes: White flats with the grided lines drawn on
This costume is not finished in any shape or form. So much needs to be fixed and I was kind of disappointed with myself for not being able to do a different job.
- Personal Thoughts:
- I decided to take on a pretty different costume from my normal as a challenge. Unfortunately, I think I should have waited just a little bit longer to solidity my skills. I'm pretty happy with it but it needs some major fixing/ finishing before the next wear.
Add a Comment


text:
Gracie Sweeden, Classified Personnel Policy Committee (CPPC) president, said more than 75 percent of classified employees voted on a bonus instead of a raise.
"We want the bonus because it's the fairest thing," she said.
Superintendent Mark Gotcher said he met with the Personnel Policy Committee (PPC) for licensed employees, whose president was unable to attend the meeting. Gotcher said the majority of the PPC voted for a bonus as well. He said the main concern was a base raise eliminating the Christmas bonus.
"No one knows the future, but based upon our current situation, I'm confident that we can still do both," Gotcher said.
Gotcher presented the board with a salary report for teachers and principals based on the average salaries of 20 school districts closest in size to Atkins — 10 larger districts and 10 smaller.
Atkins' salaries for teachers and the elementary school principal were close to the average, while its middle and high school principals' salaries fell below the average. The Atkins High School principal's salary is nearly $6,400 less per year than the average, and the middle school principal's is nearly $3,000 less than the average.
"We're going to have to get our base up to where its competitive with these other schools," board member Philip Haney said.
Board Secretary Mark Coffman said he was reluctant to support a raise because the PPC and CPPC didn't seem to favor it.
"I am afraid that we will do nothing if I voted 'no,' and I don't want us to do nothing, so that's why I supported this," he said.
In other business Monday, the board unanimously approved:
• Expelling a middle school student for the rest of the semester.
• Resignations from Norma Windle, Amy Covey, Leann Ennis, Diane Kelley and Sharon Henke.
• Appointing Hope Petty as district webmaster, Marie Harris as afterschool credit recovery instructor and Jennifer Binnie as ABC director.
All board members were present. The board's next regular meeting will begin at 6 p.m. May 12.


text:
" Brand: Penn State / Type: Snacks "
In my search for interesting and different snacks to offer my choosy 'fed-up-of-crisps' teenagers, I discovered these pretzels recently. The packaging is now cream coloured rather than black but the Penn State logo is still displayed prominently on these large sharing bags of pretzels. Penn State pretzels come in different flavours but I have been buying the original salted version.
The product and my experience of it:
I found the 175g sharing bag surprisingly large. It was more than ample for the four of us to share. The pretzels themselves are quite big, nicely browned and have little chunks of sea salt clearly visible here and there. Individually these pretzels provide at least a couple of mouthfuls for me. They are crunchy, taste good and despite being able to see the salt - they are not overly salty to taste. The glazing on them is delicious and smooth on my tongue. They are also appealing to the eye - they look like a good quality pretzel should and are formed into a nice heart shaped twist. They made a pleasant change from crisps and were enjoyed by all members of the family.
The only thing to note about these - and this is something which applies to most salty snacks - is that they are quite dry and personally I eat them with a drink in my hand too.
Wheat Flour, Rapeseed Oil, Sea Salt, Dextrose, Dried Yeast.
Dietary information:
Each 30g serving contains Calories 116 6%, Sugar 0.2g <1%, Fat 1.1g 2%, Saturates 0.1g <1%, Salt 0.8g 13% of an adult's guideline daily amounts.
A 175g pack contains 5-6 servings of pretzels.
Suitable for Vegetarians
Contains Gluten
Contains Wheat
These snacks were produced in a nut-free factory
A 175g bag of Penn State Salted Pretzels is available at Sainsburys for £1.60 and £1.59 at Tesco.
Final thoughts:
So long as you don't over-indulge in these (bearing in mind the salt content) I think these make a great snack and offer something different and interesting. If you like the taste of pretzels then give these a go. They are one of the nicest pretzels I've had.
Since the sharing bag provides up to six servings then I would say they are also very good value for money.
Would recommend.
These are my fave brand of pretzels! I have tried a few others, supermarkets own etc, but these in my opinion are the best. They are just the right amount of crunchy with just the right amount of salt.
Personally I prefer these original salted ones but there are other flavours available. Most supermarkets seem to stock them (I have seeen them in Asds, Sainsburys, Morrisons & Tesco) at varying prices. I bought some just yesterday in Sainsburys which were on offer at only 79p for the 175g bag. Prices can generally vary from about £1 upwards however.
They will last a couple of days once the bag is open, providing you scrunch it closed in between snacking, but to be honest they don't normally last more than one day in my house! I tend to eat them just on their own, but they are also nice with a little sour cream dip or anything like that really. They are lovely to snack on whilst enjoying a few alcoholic beverages and I also often have these instead of popcorn when watching a film. I assume they are slightly better for you than crisps - at least that's what i tell myself!
Pretzels are something that not everyone likes, it is a bit of an odd taste I suppose, but if you've never tried them give them a whirl!
I am currently trying to eat a little healthier but it doesn't seem to last long as my biggest downfall is crisps! As I work long hours in a pretty boring job I tend to just want to snack throughout the day so I decided I had to find something better than a bag of crisps or peanuts. At Christmas time my mum would always buy packets of pretzels and I absolutely adore them, but they weren't something that was usually readily available throughout the year. However, Asda (and other large supermarkets) now seem to sell them all year round so I have started buying them to replace my other snacks.
Penn State Pretzels come in a foil packet which will keep them fresh once opened. On the front of the packet there is a large picture of a bowl full of the pretzels and at the top it tells us that the pretzels are "baked with an authentic American recipe". As with most packaging these days there is a small nutritional guide on the bottom which tells us the content per 25g serving:
* Calories 94
* Sugar 0.6g
* Fat 1.0g
* Saturates 0.1g
* Salt 0.6g
The pretzels are large, round and twisted into a knot type shape. I would describe them as smooth in texture with small grains of crunchy white salt on top of them. Pretzels are quite dry to eat so I would definately advise you to have a drink on hand when eating them. I really like how salty the pretzels are which probably not really a good thing but it does make you drink more. I like how the crunchiness of the pretzels does kind of make me think I am eating crisps because while I do really enjoy pretzels its not quite the same as a bag of crisps!
As they are giant pretzels I do find that I normally only need two or three to satisfy my snack craving but they are quite moreish so sometimes it is a little difficult to stop eating them! There are other varieties available, standard size pretzels, sour cream and chive or sweet and spicy salsa flavours. I have never tried any of these as I can't imagine flavoured pretzels. I'll stick to the original salted. A bad of Penn State Pretzels is usually priced at around £1.49 at most supermarkets.
All in all I would really recommend Penn State Pretzels as a good alternative to other more unhealthy snacks but they still just remind me of Christmas!
Thank you for reading my review.
I'm a big fan of salted pretzels and usually when we want to get some in our weekly shop 'Penn State' is the brand to pick up (it's either that or supermarket's own). The 'Original Sea Salted Giant Pretzels' pack comes in a 175g bag with the recognizable 'Penn State' logo at the top, the product name below that in a dark red font and a photo of the large pretzels taking up the rest of the front. This packaging is very noticeable in the shops and the photo gives you a good idea of how large these pretzels are. The package keeps these pretzels fresh enough, and I should mention it's best to finish the pack 2 days after opening them otherwise they taste a bit stale.
Each pretzel is exactly like a normal-sized one, but with the diameter of a digestive biscuit- so they aren't "giant" like the ones in bakeries, but definitely thrice the size of a normal Penn State pretzel. They are a smooth, light brown colour with large salt crystals covering them, so they look very nice to chomp onto!
When you bite into these pretzels you'll notice they have a crunchy texture which becomes smooth after a lot of chewing. The taste is a nice balance of the plain baked pretzel base mixed with the salt crystals, making it salty enough to not be overpowering. With each one being the size that they are eating quite a few of these should fill you up for a while!
Overall the Penn State Giant Pretzels are an excellent savoury snack. Obviously if you want to watch what you eat it's best to be careful of these due to the high salt content. You can find them at ASDA for £1.10 or Sainsburys and Tesco for £1.29, which I think is decent value for the amount available!
Penn State Pretzels are a renound brand within the pretzel world, there are not many supermarket brands out there so this one tends to be only one is some supermarkets apart from their own brand. These are a great alternative to crisps providing you like a salty snack and are happy with the flavours.
The look?
These come in large 175g bags, although these are half full of air to deceit you slightly into thinking there is more content than there actually is. The pretzels are shiny in appearance with little salt cubes attached to each individual pretzel. The inside of the bag is foil lined to keep freshness and the exterior has a simple photo of a bowl of pretzels.
Most of the top supermarkets, Tesco Ocado Sainsburys sell these for £1.29 per 175 gram bag. Asda do not stock these as they have their own brand. These I feel are fairly good value for money as these will not be as easy a process to make as say crisps are. As these are specialist food I think this is a fair price.
About the taste?
These can to some taste dry but this is part of the pretzel experience hence why they are in a lot of bars in America to encourage people to drink more. These are really delicious I find, this brand is quite salty but I like this in all my savoury snacks. These taste great with a nice bottle of beer but again this is preference.
These are a healthier alternative to ready salted crisps; the fat content is miles better having only 4.1g per 100 grams with sat fat bring 0.4g per 100 grams, 376kcal per 100 grams of Pretzel. These are not bad for you apart from the salt content so I suppose this is something to watch out for having 3g per 100 grams. Another thing to note is the protein level at 10.5g per 100 g.
These are a healthier alternative to crisps, great snack for eating with beer, high in protein
I love all sorts of snacky foods and usually on a weekly shop will buy lots of bags of crisps to work my way through. However I am trying to bin that rather unhealthy diet and so when I spotted these thought that I would try and ween myself off slow and get something instead of my usual crispy delights to try out!
The Packaging:
Mainly black foil and plastic bag and on the front of said bag there is a photograph of the pretzels and I am told that they are Penn State Original Sea Salted Giant Pretzels 'Baked with an authentic American Recipe' and there is an at a glance nutritional chart shown. On the back of the bag other information listed includes being told the ingredients and allergy advice is given, there is a full nutritional chart shown, the size is stated (which in this case is 150g), I am told that they are suitable for Vegetarians and contact details for the manufacturer are given. Nice enough bag, easy to open, however they are not easy to reseal!
The Pretzels:
Large and round these light golden/brown 'knots' are smooth and shiny in texture with little grains of hard white rock salt all over them. Made from wheat flour these are crunchy and fresh tasting and a bit bread like in flavour and although you can visibly see the salt on them they really are not harshly salted but pleasantly so.
These are light, crunchy and terribly moreish and full of good quality and flavour! I like these and will certainly purchase them again in the not too distant future!
Nutritional Information Per 25g Serving:
Calories: 95
Sugar: 0.4g
Fat: 1.0g
Saturates: 0.1g
Salt: 0.6g
Available in all good supermarkets etc priced at about £1.00 a bag.


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Tigers buy out Renteria's option
Glover, Sardinha outrighted, become Minor League free agents
By Jason Beck / MLB.com
Team president/general manager Dave Dombrowski announced his intentions on that at season's end, but left the door cracked open for a return under a new deal. However, Renteria's agent, Barry Meister, said earlier this week that the two sides have not talked since then.
"I think Edgar's going to kind of point himself in a different direction," Meister said.
Detroit also outrighted right-hander Gary Glover and catcher Dane Sardinha, allowing both of them to become Minor League free agents.
Glover joined the Tigers in August after spending the first half of the season with the Rays. He enjoyed some early success in Detroit's bullpen before struggling down the stretch, finishing with a 1-1 record and 4.43 ERA in 20 1/3 innings over 18 outings.
Sardinha served as Detroit's backup catcher over two different stints -- first in June when Brandon Inge went on the disabled list with an oblique injury, then in August after the Tigers traded Ivan Rodriguez to the Yankees. His first Major League hit ended up being a key two-run triple against Colorado on June 29. He played in 17 games with the Tigers, batting .159 (7-for-44) with three RBIs.
On the scouting side, the Tigers promoted Bruce Tanner to Major League scout from advance scout, a role he had filled for the past two years. He fills the opening created when Al Hargesheimer resigned at season's end.
Jason Beck is a reporter for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Discussion in 'Fan Productions' started by Potemkin_Prod, Jan 11, 2010.
We're pleased to announce that our next vignette, "Ashes," will be shot next Sunday, 11am - 2pm, in Americus, Georgia. This short vignette, written by Randall Landers, involves a landing party as they beam down to a Preserver-seeded planet and find a tragedy in progress.
Our thanks to the City of Americus and Angie Singletary for cutting through the red tape to allow us to film near the historic Windsor Hotel.
We are looking for extras to wander up and down the street. No costuming required. No decorated T-shirts, please (this planet undoubtedly has been spared the unmatched benefits of Meat Load, to be sure). But regular street clothes will be perfect!
We hope to have pictures from this shoot sometime next week!
Will be posting pics from the Americus shoot soon. Right now, though, we've got news:
Our newest production is now available on Vimeo at https://vimeo.com/46406288.
"Miscommunication" features Stephanie Burke, Richard Hope Thornton, Hannah Ruiz, Thomas Walker and Steve Gallant. It was written by David Eversole and directed by William Walker. VFX by Chris Cameron and William Walker. Music by Neal Manning.
Hope everyone enjoys!
Coming Soon: The Engineer's New Clothes
A situation arises with new uniforms from Starfleet Command, and Lt. Yilmaz may find he has met his match on the Potemkin.
Those flying pyramids sure looked familiar.
That's an amazing coincidence! I've never seen anything like them before.
In all fairness, I had the original story idea come to me while driving across state to see my son's football game. We passed through an extensive bit of farmland, and occasionally you'd see a field with these giant orange pumpkins. That had me thinking that what if we had our landing party being chased by these flying orb things.
I turned the idea over to David Eversole, and somehow he came up with making them pyramids to make them even more alien. He completed the script, and we turned the idea over to Bill Walker to see what he would come up with. Bill created original artwork based on David's description, and I had Bill add some of the details such as the fleshy protuberances that appeared on each face. The faces actually glow eerily before the lightning bolt is fired.
While I concede the similarity, I can assure you that it was entirely coincidental.
You'll notice the characters running through a field of them. Those were made of varying sizes of 65# astrobright cardstock, and cut and folded.
Here are the URLs for viewing all our productions to date, including Portuguese (BR) subtitles:
English Versions at YouTube:
S01-A "The Old Guys" http://youtu.be/PWU1b171n4s
S01-B "Care for a Lift?" http://youtu.be/way9rJYixFU
S01-1 "The Void" http://youtu.be/ebTotgoAWLk HQ Version: http://youtu.be/svIS9SL8MPM
S01-C "Doctor's Orders" http://youtu.be/cLl5QiVZvA0
S01-D "Delivery" http://youtu.be/cxsHHbEDAyM
S01-E "Miscommunication" http://youtu.be/c5CDKW4maGA
S01-F "The Engineer's New Clothes" http://youtu.be/2ZDK3FDSkeU
English Versions at Vimeo:
S01-A "The Old Guys" http://vimeo.com/16837307
S01-B "Care for a Lift?" http://vimeo.com/18451791
S01-1 "The Void" http://vimeo.com/34186027
S01-C "Doctor's Orders" http://vimeo.com/34273949
S01-D "Delivery" http://vimeo.com/37374022
S01-E "Miscommunication" http://vimeo.com/46406288
S01-F "The Engineer's New Clothes" http://vimeo.com/47406506
Portuguese (BR) Subtitled Versions:
S01-A "Os Velhos Camaradas" http://vimeo.com/34187872
S01-B " Cuidado com o Elevador?" http://vimeo.com/34188161
S01-1 "O Vazio" http://vimeo.com/34147493
S01-C "Ordens Médicas" http://vimeo.com/34188396
S01-D "Entrega" http://youtu.be/i9TpENDYwY4
S01-E "Falha de Comunicação" http://youtu.be/OF2ThHOrQJg
S01-F "A Nova Roupa do Engenheiro" http://youtu.be/3qFIvNq6s4s
Also updated the main Potemkin website with news and photos from upcoming productions. Be sure and continue to check out our open group on FaceBook for daily reports and updates on our productions.
Randy, did you steal the design for the pyramid?
My attorneys, Dewey, Cheatam and Howe, have advised me to inform everyone that those designs were NOT stolen from Mr. Imhotep, and that any claims that they were are simply scurrilous.
I also like how they're not bothering to turn her around so her face is not in the dirt.
LOL That's actually Director William Walker's son, Thomas Walker, who's face down on the surface of planet Gaius XI. The makeup for the Andorian was quite effective from a distance, but we've noticed that for some reason, even though we matched it to the blue nitril gloves, it shows up as a different color in the video footage than it does in real life.
Secret Voyage had incredible Andorian make-up. Maybe they'll share how they do it?
I actually noted a different problem with their approach, and it's one I noted with S02-C "Second Contact." Andorian antennae can wobble while running. Definitely rethinking the antennae for Project: Potemkin.
Yep. He stole it from the Dashur Necropolis, (was being built around 2600 BCE) and it flew him to the afterlife and back... just like it did the Pharaoh and the Andorian. Lucky for him, the Pharaoh's copyright ran on it about 5000 years ago, just 50 years after his patent.
Barb, you live in Manhattan and have time to meticulously compile over a thousand fan films?
That has to do with the differing material qualities of the gloves and makeup. You always have to do camera tests to make stuff like that match.
Wasn't just that (which we should have done and didn't), but different cameras gave us different looks as well.
^^^Hence why I said "camera tests".
I haven't counted them in over a year. I know there are over 500. Where'd you get the 1000 figure, and who said I was meticulous?
If you want meticulous, look at Orion Press. Beautiful lay-outs, etc. For me, it's all quantity.
To address the intent of your question, I'm ill. Not deathly, but I have a heavy cough (you can't catch it, it's complicated) which means people find me obnoxious in group events. For many years I thought I would overcome it, in spite of the comments by my doctors I would never overcome it. But, 17 years after I got it, I now do accept the fact that however long I live, group events are not on my menu.
I do attend science lectures anyway. I sit near the door so I can duck out if I feel a coughing fit coming on. But some people resent me being there, too.
I'm lucky that online came along just when my ability to meet people in real life became difficult.
I wish I could clear my plate enough to renovate and rent out my Manhattan apartment and move somewhere cheaper. Maybe someday. I thought I'd do it when my father died, but he's 92 and there's nothing wrong with him that is likely to kill him anytime soon.
I hope that addresses your comments.
Oh, by the way, did you count my films? Are there 1000 of them now? I have no idea. I just say, "Hundreds" ....
Project: Potemkin is pleased to announce its attendance and involvement with TrekTrax Atlanta 2013 to be held April 19-21, 2013 at the Holiday Inn Perimeter in North Atlanta.
Tentatively representing Potemkin at this convention will be Randall Landers, Bill MacKenzie, Sara Higgins MacKenzie, Tim Carr and Renda Carr. In addition to having a dealer's table, Project: Potemkin attendees will be involved with two Potemkin-related panels and a few others as well.
Project: Potemkin also is delighted to announce that we will be filming a short vignette to be filmed Friday evening at the bar. We plan on shooting this vignette around 10pm. Filming will last around 3 hours, perhaps 4 if things don't go well. We're presently developing a short script, and the vignette will be directed by Sara Higgins MacKenzie and edited by Randy Landers.
We will be featuring a few of our cast members as well as other individuals dressed in time-line appropriate costumes (around the time of Star Trek: The Undiscovered Country) . We would love to have a bar full of Klingons, Romulans, Orions and other unique aliens as well as officers and crew from other contemporary starships! The more, the merrier! All we ask is that you sign a release and be cooperative with our production team! And if you'd like to have some lines, please contact us! We'll be glad to include you!
On Saturday, the Potemkin production team will be editing the video into shape, including using pre-prepared VFX, music and credits. It is our desire to exhibit the event Sunday afternoon at 2pm
For more information about TrekTrax Atlanta 2013, please visit their website at http://www.trektrax.org/
Separate names with a comma.


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DETROIT - Dry weather returns Wednesday morning for Detroiter. However, cold weather does too. Morning lows will be in the 20s to around 30 degrees. The afternoon will be partly sunny, chilly and brisk with highs in the upper 30s. Parents and children will need their winter coats and accessories again with a northwest wind blowing 10 to 15 mph.
Wednesday night will be sub-freezing with lows in the 20s.
Thursday will be just about as chilly with highs near 40. Partly sunny skies will return, but showers are in the forecast for Friday and part of the weekend. Daytime temps will be in the low and middle 40s, and nighttime lows will be just above freezing. Therefore, a chilly rain will fall.
The Local 4Casters have your latest weather forecast at JustWeather.com and on Local 4 News.


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TORONTO — Kids from junior kindergarten through Grade 8 arrived by the busload to the grounds of the Prosserman Jewish Community Centre last Thursday to celebrate the Robbins Hebrew Academy's (RHA) 50th anniversary.
The school celebrated its milestone birthday earlier this year with a gala event for parents, staff and alumni, but Thursday's outdoor activity-filled celebration was just for kids.
"The school is really about the kids," said Claire Sumerlus, the RHA head of school, adding that it was important to her that the children get the opportunity to celebrate the school's half-century mark in a way that would be fun for them. "We figured, 'What's better than a field day, or a fun day?'" she said.
Fun was certainly on the agenda as the students swooped around and through hula hoops, kicked soccer balls and knocked down plastic bowling pins, hardly noticing the chilly spring weather.
The students, who were bussed in from both the Bathurst Street and Bayview Avenue campuses, were also treated to hotdogs, cake and lemonade to keep up their energy for the obstacle courses and sports activities.
"Even though this is only a snapshot of these 50 years, this is what the school is about," said Sumerlus, motioning to the students playing together, the older students guiding the younger ones through the activities.
Sumerlus, who has been the head of school at RHA for the last three years, explained that an outdoor, active celebration was chosen as a way to promote physical activity among the students. This is part of the school's ongoing effort to increase physical activity, which is most noticeable in the recent implementation of a 20-minute exercise period before the start of the school day for students in grades 1 through 5.
Another important aspect of the event was the leadership of the grades 7 and 8 students. Many of these students arrived early to set up the obstacle course stations, and later they were leading and instructing the younger grades through their rotations at each of the stations.
"They are the leaders of the school," said Sumerlus proudly of the older students. She also noted that although the students had come from two different campuses, many of them had gotten to know one another through joint school events, and were able to get along well and to work together. Sumerlus said that she hopes to increase the number of joint campus events, so that the students are able to bond more.
RHA began at its Bathurst campus location as a Beth Tzedec Synagogue school in 1957 and became an independent school, under the name United Synagogue Day School (USDS), in the 1961-62 school year.
Today, the Bathurst campus still operates out of Beth Tzedec, and since 1969, the Bayview campus has been running out of Beth Tikvah Synagogue. A Richmond Hill campus was opened in 1987, but was closed in 2006. The school is an affiliate of the Conservative movement's Schechter Day School Network, but teaches students from all branches of Judaism.
USDS became RHA in 2010, after Toronto builder and USDS grandparent Larry Robbins gave a $4-million gift to the school in memory of his late wife, Miriam.
Throughout its history, RHA has continued to provide Judaic and general studies education to hundreds of children each year from preschool through Grade 8, something that Sumerlus takes great pride in. "It's a really exciting place to be," she said of the school. "It's an amazing feat to say we've been educating Jewish children for 50 years."


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Chesterfield homeowners once again welcome visitors to be dazzled -- and to help out a worthy local cause
CHESTERFIELD, N.H. -- It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas in town.
John and Rita Chakalos have once again adorned their estate at 140 Pond Brook Road with holiday lights for all to see. The couple traditionally has their property decked out with festive decorations and opens the gates to drivers the final three weekends of December.
Anyone is welcome to drive the meandering driveway of the estate between 6 and 9 p.m. on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays, and admire the lights that stretch as far as the eye can see. All guests are asked to bring a monetary donation, or more preferably a non-perishable food item, which is collected for Joan's Food Pantry, an organization of Asbury Methodist Church.
John Chakalos said he began the light display for the enjoyment of his daughters and grandchildren. It eventually blossomed into a charity effort the whole town could enjoy.
"My wife suggested we put it to good use. We get a lot of pleasure out of it," he said. "We're grateful for Christmas."
John was born and raised in Keene before moving to Connecticut in the 1940s. He and Rita claim residency in Chesterfield, though they also live in Connecticut.
He said about 4,000 cars passed through his estate -- known as "The Farm" -- last year and the food pantry came away with 800 bags of groceries.
"And this year should be even greater," John said. He and his wife have decided Sunday, Dec. 30, will be the final day for guests this year.
The decorations, which rest on trees and on structures throughout the estate, run along the driveway and even behind the house and near the tennis courts.
Val Starbuck, of the all-volunteer Joan's Food Pantry, said more than $3,000 was generated last year and the display is a huge gift to the community.
"It's a magnificent estate," she said. "It's a Godsend. We don't have a lot of money so it helps us stock our shelves without having to worrying about where (the food) will come from."
Joy Washburn, the Chakalos' caretaker in New Hamsphire, and her family put up the lights and decorations with the help from some workers from Connecticut. She said the owners have 82 acres and almost all over the 27 acres of lawn are used for the lights display.
"(People) very much enjoy it," she said standing outside the Chakalos' house Thursday night. "The pantry really feels they get a lot of benefit out of it."
Washburn, who grew up on the property before the Chakalos' bought it and built their home, said there are 214,681 new LED light bulbs at a cost of $18,000 this year alone. There is also a poinsettia display that is new.
She mentioned she started putting things together in late October -- and it took between 3,500 and 4,200 hours (or 145 to 175 full days) to complete.
"Every year he adds more," she said with a smile.
Domenic Poli can be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com, or 802-254-2311, ext. 277.
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