text:
$2.6M for train station design included in Ann Arbor's proposed capital budget
Ann Arbor officials are proposing tens of millions of dollars in capital improvements over the next two years, including final design of a new Amtrak station and more renovations to city hall.
City officials also are considering hundreds of thousands of dollars in upgrades to fire stations, even as City Administrator Steve Powers says closing some stations remains an option.
The city's staff presented its recommended capital projects budget for fiscal years 2013-14 and 2014-15 at a special work session of the City Council Monday night.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
That includes nearly $28 million for a long list of street and bridge projects, and nearly $45 million for work related to the city's water, sewer and stormwater systems.
Nearly $7.4 million falls under the alternative transportation category, including $160,000 for a bike share program and $2.6 million for final design of Ann Arbor Station.
Train station costs
Ann Arbor Station is the name given to the new train station city officials have been talking about building on Fuller Road in front of the University of Michigan Hospital.
As part of the required planning phase, the city is taking a second look at using the site of the existing Amtrak station on Depot Street, but Mayor John Hieftje and the city's transportation program manager believe Fuller Road would better accommodate the growing demand for passenger rail.
The city's long-term Capital Improvements Plan anticipates construction of a new train station could cost $44.5 million, and the city is counting on federal funding to come through for that.
The city was successful in securing $2.8 million in federal funding for the planning work being done right now, but the city still has had to contribute hundreds of thousands of dollars from its general fund cash reserves. The capital budget presented Monday night suggests as much as $520,000 more might have to come from the city's general fund in 2014-15.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
"This is quite a large item," said Council Member Mike Anglin, D-5th Ward. "I'm a little confused as to the direction that staff thought they had here from council."
Council Member Sumi Kailasapathy, D-1st Ward, said she's concerned about the city investing its money in a new train station. She said many uncertainties remain, including how the new Southeast Michigan Regional Transit Authority might connect Ann Arbor and Detroit with buses.
"We really need to pause and take a deep breath and figure out whether we need to be pouring more money into a railway station," she said, suggesting it could be a waste.
Eli Cooper, the city's transportation program manager, cited the council's 2009 adoption of a transportation plan update that include 20 years worth of transportation improvements that were reviewed by the Planning Commission and adopted as part of the city's master plan.
"We currently have a grant for the preliminary planning environmental study of Ann Arbor Station," he said. "We anticipate that work will be complete within 12 to 18 months. The logical sequence to that is a final design project. And looking at the adopted city transportation plan and the current funding strategy, we felt it was our responsibility to identify the next step within the CIP program."
Cooper said the city anticipates the Federal Railroad Administration's High Speed Intercity Passenger Rail Program will cover 80 percent of the overall costs for the train station project with the remaining 20 percent provided from local, non-federal funds.
"Recognizing the project is in the early phases of planning, the cost estimates are very preliminary, as are the anticipated non-federal funding sources," he said.
Commuter rail parking
The capital budget also shows $540,000 being spent over the next two years for temporary parking for a proposed commuter rail service between Ann Arbor and Detroit.
The Southeast Michigan Council of Governments and the Michigan Department of Transportation have been hinting at the potential launch of demonstration trains later this year.
Cooper said the plan is to use a portion of the MichCon site next to the Amtrak station for a temporary 100-vehicle parking lot for two to three years. He said the city would be looking to MDOT and SEMCOG to provide funding out of their demonstration project grant.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Council Member Sabra Briere, D-1st Ward, asked why the bridge rehabilitation project, which was supposed to be funded in 2016-17, was moved up to 2014-15.
Nick Hutchinson, interim manager of the project management unit, said it was moved up after looking at bridge inspection reports that indicated doing the work sooner would be more cost effective.
"In addition, there's also a project in the works for the improvement of that intersection there and we wanted to get all that into the same year," he said.
The capital budget shows nearly $3.8 million being spent over the next two years for intersection improvements at Fuller Road and Maiden Lane/East Medical Center Drive.
Other transportation-related expenses shown in the capital budget include $800,000 over next two fiscal years for more solar-powered ePark pay stations downtown.
City hall and fire stations
Also contemplated in the budget is $2.7 million worth of work on city-owned buildings, including $600,000 for asbestos abatement on floors 2-5 inside city hall and $500,000 worth of renovations to the City Council chambers and other areas on the second floor of city hall.
City officials also are planning for more than $538,000 in upgrades to city fire stations, including a $150,000 renovation at Station 2 in the next fiscal year.
Station 2, located at Stadium and Packard, was closed more than a decade ago, but there are talks of bringing it back into service if the Ann Arbor Fire Department switches from a five-station model to a three-station model. The city's community standards unit is using it right now.
Powers acknowledged the placement of renovations to Station 2 in next year's budget is tied to the station restructuring plan. If the council decides not to go forward with the plan, he said, then the project could wait, but the city still should plan on putting a new roof on the building regardless.
The City Council ultimately will decide which capital projects get approved and which ones get put on the shelf when it adopts its budget for the next fiscal year in May.
Nearly $6.9 million worth of projects fall under the category of parks and recreation, including $400,000 for the creation of a greenway park with new trails at 721 N. Main.
The capital budget also shows $650,000 for the future re-use of 415 W. Washington, a city property where city officials hope to create another greenway park and arts center.
Airport runway expansion
The Ann Arbor Municipal Airport, which is located in Pittsfield Township, has $2.9 million worth of capital projects shown in the budget, including a $2.1 million runway extension next fiscal year. At least two residents opposed to the project showed up to Monday night's meeting.
Matt Kulhanek, the city's airport manager, said an environmental assessment done in advance of the expansion has been under review with the Federal Aviation Administration since September. It was expected to take up to six months and the city is still waiting to hear back.
Briere said she doesn't see how the council could approve a budget that includes going forward with the runway expansion without first hearing back from the FAA and seeing the assessment.
Wet weather mitigation
Council Member Stephen Kunselman, D-3rd Ward, noted the capital budget shows $2.5 million in costs linked to the city's footing drain disconnection program next fiscal year, but that zeros out in the years after that. A total of $2.5 million is anticipated to be spent in 2014-15 on long-term "wet weather mitigation," followed by $48 million worth of additional work in that area in future years.
The city's staff said there's potential to spend a significant amount of money on capital projects aimed at dealing with storm events. Systems Planning Manager Cresson Slotten noted the city's stormwater drainage system "just can't handle all of that rainwater" during heavier storms, and the result is surface flooding in some areas, which the city is actively studying right now.
The budget also includes $100,000 in the next fiscal year to study how to best replace 1930s-era infrastructure at the Water Treatment Plant, a project that could cost tens of millions of dollars.
Street construction
Some of the street projects included in the proposed capital budget for the next two years:
- Stadium Boulevard (Hutchins to Kipke)
- Stone School Road (I-94 to Ellsworth)
- Ann Arbor-Saline Road (Oak Valley Drive to Eisenhower Parkway)
- Geddes Avenue (Apple Way to Huron Parkway)
- Pontiac Trail (M-14 to Skydale)
- State Street (Eisenhower to I-94)
- Forest (South University to Hill)
- Pauline (Stadium to Seventh)
- Fifth Avenue (Kingsley to Catherine)
- Packard (Anderson to Eisenhower)
- Scio Church (Main to Seventh)
- South Maple (Jackson to West Stadium)
- Washington (First to Fourth Avenue)
- Division (Madison to Huron)
- Liberty (First to Main)
- Newport Road (Sunset to city limits)
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at firstname.lastname@example.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Retiree Newcomer
Wed, Mar 13, 2013 : 3:27 p.m.
Ann Arbor elected officials seem to be lacking common sense. First priority is to make sure that the citizens are safe, ie fire and police. 2nd make sure that a good education is available to all. 3rd fix infrastructure, roads and bridges. Why are these basic needs going to the bottom of the agenda? This is a wakeup call for those who really care about the citizens of this city. Many of the projects are frills and the train station should not be done at this point in time.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
$2.6M for train station design? No problem! We're rolling in money!
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:47 p.m.
Why can't we spend the money for the train station instead on bulldozing downtown and making it into a park??? Then we could build giant, sprawled development in the suburbs, build a bunch of new roads, tear up the countryside, and brag about how unique we are because no other MI community is developed around automotive sprawl...
Larry Baird
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 1:47 p.m.
"The capital budget also shows $2.5 million for rehabilitation of the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane/East Medical Center Drive bridges..... City officials said those are longstanding needs separate from the train station project." If this claim is true, than city officials need to clearly demonstrate why this road project appears to be "leapfrogging" other sections of city roadway that are in much worse shape. This project reminds me of the major utility work recently completed on the Fuller Rd. site which also took precedent over severely neglected sections of the water and sewer system within the city. Where is the justification (if not for the potential train station site?) for the continued diversion of financial resources away from more deserving city projects and basic funding needs?
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 1:33 p.m.
I can hear that train a coming, it is coming round the bend and what is says is: "Spend, spend, spend, spend, spend, Woo hoo" (to the tune of the Johnny Cash Song - Folsom Prison Blues)
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
Great photo of Ms. Briere!
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 12:22 p.m.
Will they still be skimming a percent for art from each of these capital projects?
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 7:05 p.m.
Of course we will - after all we need a brass choo-choo train for city hall with the names of the city council members engraved on it.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 5:11 a.m.
It's amazing how the anti-everything trolls show up here but not at the polls. If your voices were truly representative of the electorate things would be different. Thank goodness they are not.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 6:12 a.m.
ordmad - Oh, really? Here are some "differences" with City Council as a result of the last two elections: Jane Lumm Sumi Kailasapathy Sally Hart Petersen Chuck Warpehoski Hmmm.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 4:20 a.m.
Let us hope that the present City Council with four new members added in the last couple of years will not be rushed and bullied into approving construction of a railway station which is not needed and poorly located (except for those working at the University Hospital). In 2009 railway preliminaries were approved by former City Council members having their own agendas. The new City Council members won election on the basis of their dedication to representing their constituents who have clearly and frequently expressed their disagreement with spending money on a new railway station.
Pete Warburton
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 4:15 a.m.
Let us start spending money on a plan and design for a new train station when the feds have the first 25 miles of high speed track and right of way complete. We should have a decade from that point in time to get the station complete.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:50 p.m.
There is more than 25 miles of high speed track complete in western MI, and the state has taken ownership of the line and is presently fixing it.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 3:19 a.m.
How many police officers and firefighters could be hired instead? How many property taxpayers would appreciate getting a little money back instead of spending it on planning for a station we don't need and can't afford? Just say "no" to the train station!
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:29 a.m.
Hieftje has become the epitome of a self-serving mayor. He is only concerned about leaving a legacy, in the tangible forms of un-needed train stations and crappy art projects.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:09 a.m.
Can anyone guess who will be getting the money to design the train station? I am SURE it will be a competitive and transparent process to award that contract. NO WAY would it ever go to a city hall crony company.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
My guess is that you're not betting more than $1
buvda fray
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 1:56 a.m.
This has evolved into Ann Arbor's Winter Festival: Top of the Pork.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 1:04 a.m.
1) I thought they built the new Justice Center because the old City Hall was beyond any financially feasible repair and was unusable; weren't all those terrible stores they kept going on about part of that whole deal? Leaking roofs, smelly corners, cramped cubicles, asbestos? Am I getting my buildings mixed up? Was the plan always to build the new Justice Center, then reonate the entirety of city all and continue using it anyway? How muc office space, exactly, is necessary to run a town of this size? 2) If the citizens of Ann Arbor don't start attending these sessions and emailing councilmembers and the mayor en masse, they will continue throwing millions and millions of dollars on this ridiculous train station idea. You see, don't you, that they simply will not quit because of common sense, or responsibility, or sense of shame or propriety? 3) We need more airport now? Seriously? Let me guess, all these glowing job projections are anticipating new employees flying into Ann Arbor; then they'll take the train home because the new station, right? Fix the roads. Driving down State is an incessant bumpy back-and-forth embarrassment. Stop trying to figure out NEW ways to spend money, and spend it on the stuff that actually needs work. You do know our roads are humiliating, right? Like when visitors come here from beautiful towns that have 1/3 of our property taxes, and we have to figure out a way to explain to them why our roads are so horrendous and we should drive our car so they don't damage their car, and oh, to your right you see our gorgeous $750 million (and counting) fountain.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:17 a.m.
Our roads are a joke. They re-did my street three years ago and it is already falling apart, no kidding, there are a dozen pot holes in our block, none smaller than 18" diameter and 3" deep. Someone from engineering should take a look, clearly it was a shoddy job the first time. Sue the contractor, make them stand behind their work.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:43 p.m.
"The capital budget also shows $2.5 million for rehabilitation of the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane/East Medical Center Drive bridges near the U-M Hospital..." How nice it must be for the U to have a dedicated employee/paid lobbyist as mayor of Ann Arbor.
Nicholas Urfe
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 3:52 a.m.
Have you been under those bridges?
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 2:18 a.m.
Those bridges appear to be in decent shape, I can't figure this item at all.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:26 p.m.
It is of little surprise that an article like this follows two articles on our mayor begging UM for money. Although the 2012 city audit shows revenues are up, Mayor Hieftje wants more, more, more for his longterm pet projects. The problem is that although the city has ability to further debt load astronomically, it has little capability to repay the debt. Funding capital items is the tip of the iceberg. Funding operations is the rest of the untold story. The solutions: Cut services. Collect more taxes. Although a recent council retreat produced a back-to-basic philosophy, unabated folly* foolosophy remains. So, dear Ann Arbor residents: now is the time to contact your council person and mayor to share your views on the matter. All aboard, or not? *Refers to: - Lack of ethics policies for council, mayor, and DDA - Unfunded pensions and healthcare - Reduction of public safety personnel below recognized minimums - Closure of fire stations - $80-million-dollar underground parking structures - Diversion of dedicated millage funds to non-related endeavors - Use of parkland for anything other than parks, without voter approval - Amtrak stations not paid for by Amtrak - WALLY paid disproportionately by city residents - Countywide bus services paid disproportionately by city residents - Airport expansion enabling larger jets to fly low over Ann Arbor neighborhoods - Conference centers and other DDA projects to be subsidized by city residents - Destruction of established and clear pedestrian law - Choices not to enforce established housing code, traffic laws, and other ordinances - Diversion of DDA tax collections from public schools, libraries, and city general fund - Recycling program that is founded on crony no-bid contracts, accepts less material than old program, and then sends much collected material to landfills - General prevailing mindset by elected leaders that basic municipal service provision is no longer required in Ann Arbor
Basic Bob
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:52 p.m.
Apparently you approved of the perpetual use of parkland as a gravel parking lot for hospital employees.
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:58 p.m.
On the justifcation for staff spending millions more on the unapproved train station, we get the circular logic that it is okay because we've already spent money on it. This is how a preliminary study snowballs into the assumption to greenlight millions upon millions, all without taxpayer approval: "We currently have a grant for the preliminary planning environmental study of Ann Arbor Station," he said. "We anticipate that work will be complete within 12 to 18 months. The logical sequence to that is a final design project. And looking at the adopted city transportation plan and the current funding strategy, we felt it was our responsibility to identify the next step within the CIP program."
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
Three words: sunk cost fallacy
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:55 p.m.
"Cooper said the plan is to use a portion of the MichCon site next to the Amtrak station for a temporary 100-vehicle parking lot for two to three years." I thought that was going to be a park? Are we again repurposing our public park land for a parking lot?
Tom Whitaker
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:51 p.m.
The piece of land just on the other side of the tracks from the current Amtrak station, where Amtrak passengers currently park, is owned by Amtrak, not MichCon. This strip would not automatically be included in any park deal arranged between the City and MichCon. Mr. Cooper always seems to fail to clarify the ownership of the land across from the current Amtrak station whenever he's given the opportunity to do so. Perhaps this is to downplay the viability of that site for a new Amtrak station?
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:48 p.m.
Ryan, do we need parking for am track? Ridership numbers are about the same as they were in the late 90's
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:28 p.m.
The plan is to make the riverfront portion that was cleaned up (and where new vegetation is being planted) into a city park, and that hasn't changed. I can't imagine that would be paved over. But I think a good portion of the MichCon site will be reserved for redevelopment (there have been talks of office space, a restaurant, etc.) It seems the city is thinking it can have an interim parking lot there. FYI - there's a map of the cleanup area here: http://www.annarbor.com/news/dte-energy-calls-michcon-cleanup-success/
Nicholas Urfe
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:50 p.m.
"The capital budget also shows $2.5 million for rehabilitation of the Fuller Road/Maiden Lane/East Medical Center Drive bridges near the U-M Hospital and the potential site of the new train station" Why isn't the University paying for those bridge improvements? Isn't it enough that taxpayers are bankrolling their railway station and parking?
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 3:30 a.m.
I believe that road changes are often paid in whole or part by a large business when the change significantly benefits the business.
Nicholas Urfe
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 12:06 a.m.
Yes, Bob. Please keep that in mind for when I become a billion+ dollar business that does not pay taxes.
Basic Bob
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:55 p.m.
We'll keep that in mind when they replace a major bridge near your house and make sure the city adds it to your property tax bill. Many people use the Fuller Road bridge to get downtown as well as the hospital.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
EXACTLY my thoughts. Why should the city pay for road/intersection changes/improvements that solely benefit the U? Especially with the entitled attitude displayed by U administration on the subject of PILOT programs, etc.
Unusual Suspect
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:49 p.m.
"South Maple (Jackson to West Stadium)" By my estimation, that's about 500 feet.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:47 p.m.
It's in terrible shape.
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:24 p.m.
It seems short, yes. But it's still a $400K resurfacing project for 2013-14.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:34 p.m.
More money wasted on things that the residents of this town neither need nor want. We definitely need some new people and ideas in our city government.
Kathy Griswold
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:24 p.m.
Regarding funding for the Ann Arbor Station, the article states: "Eli Cooper, the city's transportation program manager, cited the council's 2009 adoption of a transportation plan…" Given that we have a very different Council in 2013, maybe we need to listen to new council member Sumi Kailasapathy, D-1st Ward: ""We really need to pause and take a deep breath and figure out whether we need to be pouring more money into a railway station," she said, suggesting it could be a waste." I appreciate the contributions of the the new council members, especially time spent studying a very complex budget and asking for appropriate justification.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:01 p.m.
Just say NO to a train station on Fuller!
Stephen Landes
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 8:55 p.m.
So the entrenched staff want to spend $2.6 million doing final design on a railroad station for a piece of land they cannot currently use and likely would not get voter approval to use? This is brilliant, just brilliant. We've been slowly pulled down this path by the Mayor, his cronies, and city staff for years, one little drip of money after another. Now they want to spend all this money on a final design so they can tell us that we HAVE to vote to change the parkland into railroad land or else we will have wasted millions. NOTHING they propose in the area of Fuller and the Hospital is disconnected from their main goal -- the Hieftje Memorial Railroad Station. Time for Council to say "NO" in a big way to this deceptive approach to dealing with voters.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 3:52 a.m.
Federal funds aren't a certainty. I believe there are better uses for Federal funds than a new train station.
Stephen Landes
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 1:29 a.m.
Ryan, Who in their right mind would plan a budget around the Feds providing 80% of the money when we are looking at a sequester of $1 Trillion over ten years and $17 Trillion in debt? That, right there, disqualifies city staff from further work on this subject.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:30 p.m.
it's the city's expectation that the feds would put up 80% of the costs It's not like the Cities expectations have ever been wrong!
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:02 p.m.
Just for clarification: As Eli Cooper stated in the story, it's the city's expectation that the feds would put up 80% of the costs, so the local share of the $2.6M final design would be $520,000 that could come from the city's general fund or another source.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 8:48 p.m.
$2.6Million to design an Amtrak station that has been roundly criticized!? But, only 100k to figure out how to replace the antiquated water treatment plant?! One of these things is actually important to all residents of the city, the other is not
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:08 p.m.
I don't believe the $100K to study the water plant is going to come back with a final design for a project. My understanding is that the study will give the city some good information about options for new technology, and then a project would have to be planned out from there.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 8:36 p.m.
Any details available on "$500,000 worth of renovations to the City Council chambers and other areas on the second floor of city hall?"
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:22 p.m.
How about how much of a shortfall the city has, or is projected to have, in its mandatory pension system contributions? While they are redecorating their offices, gifting UofM with more city-funded road projects (Maiden Lane/Medical Center Drive) and compiling their wish lists, how much money they are already required to spend are they diverting for non-essentials?
Ryan J. Stanton
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 9:06 p.m.
I'm trying to get more information on that right now. Stay tuned. Anything else you want me to find out?
Dog Guy
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 8:22 p.m.
Future Ann Arborites shall be paying for Boss Hieftje's fantasies long after most of these have been removed, rescinded, or covered over. Oldsters recounting the moralizing Oompa Loompa choruses to these follies will scarcely be believed.
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 7:54 p.m.
1) Turn the entirety of the Michcon land into a park. 2) Turn the current train station and parking lot into parking for the park. 3) Open up the berm beneath the tracks to link the new park with the parking along depot for pedestrians and cyclists and to prevent flooding. 4) Turn the Fuller parking lot into a train station and parking lot. 5) Convince U of M to finance a some form of public transportation between Plymouth Road and Briarwood.
Wed, Feb 13, 2013 : 3:53 p.m.
I agree with foobar and Bob, but also understand that people feel very strongly that the current site being considered for a train station is park land and should be voted on by the citizens. So put it to a vote.
James D'Amour
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 10:50 p.m.
@Basic Bob: While the land South of Fuller is currently being utilized as a parking lot, it is indeed city parkland and a repurpose of the land from park purposes would need a public vote of its citizens.
Basic Bob
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 8:57 p.m.
I can agree with this. Finally someone who can see that the so-called park land for the proposed train station is in reality a gravel parking lot.
Joe Hood
Tue, Feb 12, 2013 : 7:36 p.m.
Yeah on fixing Stadium between the Main and the bridge! I don't understand how the buckets of money work in the City of Ann Arbor (but I certainly will try). And a a big fat "NO" to making the Michcon property into an immense parking lot!


text:
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subset: commoncrawl


text:
Social Security is a progressive system that usually pays middle- and lower-income workers a higher return on their contributions to the system than it pays to the highest earners. And if you don't believe me, just ask Cindy Brady—the pigtailed baby of the family in the loved-by-many, mocked-by-more 1970s sitcom "The Brady Bunch."
Cindy is the putative number-cruncher whose analysis is featured in "Is Social Security Regressive?," a spoonful-of-pop-culture-sugar study released this week by analysts Jim Kessler and David Brown of the centrist political think tank Third Way. The paper aims to rebut the argument that richer Americans get a sweetheart deal from Social Security because their payroll taxes are capped at a level far lower than their total income (currently $113,700)—a theme that has emerged during ongoing debates over how to keep the program solvent.
To make this argument more—colorful? palatable? Hollywood-friendly?—Kessler and Brown couch it in a tale involving the grown-up Brady kids—now edging gradually into their 50s. The premise: Marcia, now the highest-earning and most successful of the stepsiblings, asks Cindy – a "math savant" – to do some calculations that compare Marcia's Social Security contributions and likely withdrawals to those of her stepbrothers Greg and Peter. Conveniently enough, Marcia (an architect) earns exactly twice as much as middle-class Greg (an assistant at Marcia's architecture firm), and four times as much as working-class Peter (a butcher).
Cindy runs four scenarios, and her conclusions generate two cheers for the status quo: In all of the scenarios, Peter sees the best return on investment on his contributions, Greg the second-best, and Marcia the worst, and this remains true even in scenarios where Peter dies relatively young or retires relatively early (both things that working-class people are more likely to do).
But while the math looks sound, the arcs of the Brady characters as portrayed by Kessler and Brown may come as a surprise to anyone who kept up with the surprisingly numerous sequels that appeared between 1976 and 1990, as the Brady kids navigated adulthood. For those who aren't Brady cognoscenti (and, full disclosure, neither am I), here are some of the salient points that emerge when comparing Kessler and Brown's report to TV "reality":
- First of all, congratulations to Cindy for honing her math skills. When last seen in the 1990 sequel "The Bradys," she was working at radio station and dating her much-older boss, neither of which seemed a promising life path. Actuary, on the other hand, has recently been ranked in at least one survey as the best job in America, and Cindy apparently now has the skills to land that kind of gig.
- In "The Bradys," Greg was an obstetrician, while Marcia was a stay-at-home mom struggling with alcoholism. Clearly, there's been a reversal of fortune for each in the ensuing decades, but that fact doesn't appear to have been included in Cindy's analysis. Could Greg's earlier, higher-earning years mean bigger checks when he retires?
- As teenagers in the 1970s, the actors playing Greg and Marcia were romantically involved, as both have subsequently acknowledged. As long as we're blurring fiction and reality, I've got to ask: Is it really healthy for those two to be working together at the architecture firm, sharing long nights over their CAD workstations and maquettes? I fear a scandal.
- What do the authors have against Jan? Kessler and Brown have little to say about her—so little, in fact, that in the paper's preamble, one that involves Marcia arguing with "her sister," they appear to be unable to remember her name.
- In later Brady sequels, Mike, the Brady patriarch, wins election to the city council. But Kessler and Brown reveal that the Bradys never contributed to Social Security on behalf of Alice, their loyal housekeeper. Scandals like that have been stumbling blocks for many a promising politico. Will Mike's career survive? Stay tuned for…well, I guess for the next Third Way policy paper.


text:
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NEMA is composed of seven divisions, representing major categories in the electrical manufacturing industry. Each division is composed of a number of product-specific sections.
Section activities are facilitated by industry directors and specialists in NEMA's three core areas: technical, advocacy, and business intelligence reflecting the principles of managed projects and teamwork.
Activities of divisions vary in relation to the programs conducted by their sections, as well as the desires of their memberships. Each division has its own board of directors, which review and guide section level activities.
Finding product-related information


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My Most Recent Book
"A hard-hitting, carefully documented analysis. . . This text stands out among the many other recent, serious titles dealing with trafficking."
A Sampling of Reviews
"...a thorough and in-depth analysis of the complex issue of human trafficking...well researched and eye opening...." --praise for Human Trafficking
"The presentation is superb..." --praise for Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Women's Liberty
"One of the best recent books on the subject of women and the vote." --for Women's Suffrage in America
"...a highly readable and fascinating portrait of the many ways the law has affected women's lives." --for Women's Rights on Trial
"...engaging prose style enlivened by frequent quotes from primary sources...." --for the Encyclopedia of Women's History in America
"Nearly 100 women speak through these pages...Their voices are strong and compelling" --for American Women Activists' Writings
Brief Background Notes
Recipent, New York Public Library's "Outstanding Reference Book"
Recipient, New York Public Library's "Best Book for the Teen Age"
Consultant on Women's Issues to Grolier's New Book of Knowledge Encyclopedia
Member of the advisory board for the Primary Source Media CD-ROM American Journey: Women in America
Member of the Authors Guild
Member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors
All best,
Kathryn Cullen-DuPont
Kathryn Cullen-DuPont is the author of Global Issues: Human Trafficking (Facts On File, 2009), American Women Activists' Writings (Cooper Square Press, 2002), The Encyclopedia of Women's History in America (Facts On File, 1996, revised 2000), and Elizabeth Cady Stanton and Women's Liberty (Facts On File, 1992). She is also the co-author, with Elizabeth Frost Knappman, of Women's Suffrage in America (Facts On File, 1992, revised 2005) and Women's Rights on Trial (Gale, 1997). At present, she is working on a book about women and religion, which will be published by Facts On File.
Kathryn holds a B.A. from New York University and an M.F.A. from Goddard College. She serves as lead steward of the Clockhouse Writers' Conference, as publisher of the literary journal CLOCKHOUSE, and as assistant chairperson of the Department of Humanities and Media Studies at Pratt Institute.
Contact Information
Pratt Institute
Department of Humanities and Media Studies
200 Willoughby Avenue
Brooklyn, NY 11205


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Israel News - Stay Informed, Pray Informed
Muslim Arabs marked Jerusalem Day on Wednesday by violently attacking Jews throughout the capital's Old City.
The violence began atop the Temple Mount, where a mob of Arab youth heckled Jewish visitors and hurled stones at Israeli police, injuring one officer.
As more security forces entered the compound, the perpetrators barricaded themselves inside the Al Aqsa Mosque, from where they continued to hurl stones and firecrackers.
Police quickly closed to the holy site to all Jews and Christians for fear of further Muslim violence.
Nearby, another gang of Arab youth attacked Jewish high school students who were visiting from the Golan Heights to celebrate Jerusalem Day. As the group of students passed through the Old City, they were suddenly attacked with stones and tear gas. No serious injuries were reported.
Despite the grave nature of the attacks, a group of rabbis who managed to visit the Temple Mount before it was closed said they were actually heartened by the violence, which demonstrates that Islam fears what the future might hold.
"We believe that the rebuilding of the Temple will be a miracle, and that if we stand up for our rights, G-d will deliver a miracle to us," Rabbi Chaim Richman of the Temple Institute told Arutz 7. "Seeing the opposition makes us laugh, because it is clear that they are afraid that the Jewish people are returning to the Temple Mount."
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered a number of Jerusalem Day speeches insisting that Israel would never again allow the city to be divided.
"Jerusalem is Israel's eternity, it is our heart, and we are guarding our heart - the heart of the nation. We will never divide our heart," Netanyahu said during a traditional Jerusalem Day visit to the Mercaz Harav Yeshiva, a bastion of religious Zionism.
The Messianic blog "One for Israel" has a strong article on additional reasons why Jerusalem remains centrally important for local Israeli believers.
This Jerusalem Day marks the 47th anniversary of the reunification of the city in the 1967 Six Day War. For the 19 years prior, the city was divided, and the eastern half illegally occupied by neighboring Jordan.
PHOTO: Israelis celebrate the start of Jerusalem Day, a commemoration of the reunification of their ancient, biblical capital
Want more news from Israel?
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Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The Farrell Center for Corporate Innovation and Entrepreneurship was formed in 1992 through a generous endowment from Michael J. Farrell, President and Chief Executive Officer of Farrell and Company, an investment banking firm specializing in manufacturing. Mr. Farrell envisioned promoting and supporting entrepreneurship and innovation as fundamental management disciplines that can be applied at any scale of enterprise, from start-up companies to global corporations. The Farrell Center has three major roles within Penn State's Smeal College of Business: the creation and management of educational programs in corporate innovation and entrepreneurship, research, and outreach.
The Center is dedicated to enabling and cultivating industry partnerships to benefit companies, students, and faculty. As such, participating companies may benefit from the talents, skills, and expertise of our students and faculty through an array of partnership opportunities. The Center fosters partnerships by providing an engaging portfolio of educational opportunities, research initiatives, consulting programs, events, and other collaborative solutions to help companies and students improve their innovativeness and successfully launch new ventures. The Center is also uniquely dedicated to teaching students about corporate innovation and entrepreneurship to provide them with the skills, knowledge, and experience to prosper in today's business world.
Innovation Spotlight
Innovations in Medical Genomics: How to Enable Advances While Managing Privacy and Security Risks?


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Building Information Modeling (BIM) is a framework for integrating technologies, processes and engineers to drive end-to-end efficiency in Engineering and Construction (E&C) operations. Often mandatory in public procurement, BIM is becoming an indispensable capability industry-wide and, increasingly, the key to driving digital transformation.
But BIM is not a solution in its own right. It's a methodology that enables E&C businesses to keep control of increasingly complex construction projects through enhanced integration of activities at every phase.
So how can companies realize BIM's benefits, which include up to 20 percent lower costs and 80 percent reduction in tendering time? The twin imperatives are choosing the right BIM ecosystem architecture and starting the BIM journey in the right place.


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Bambi argues that every couple needs to set up a "Financial First Date."
Here are some of her ground rules, with my own comments tossed in:
-- 1. Respect differences: Look for common ground while appreciating each other's differences.
Frugal Duchess comment: But watch out for major Grand Canyon-style differences. In college, I once dated someone with views about money, gender roles, finance & household chores that were miles apart from my views. Differences that were charming at first, became really annoying.
-- 2. Speak naturally: Like any first date, you want the conversation to flow naturally and spring from issues and ideas that matter strongly to you. Don't try to trump your partner by talking like Alan Greenspan.
- 3. Don't fall into the common-interest trap: Avoid the joyful "You like tomatoes? I like tomatoes, too!" response to superficial points of common interest that first daters fall into. A false sense of commonality can poison a relationship.
Frugal Duchess: That's a good point. I've been a girl parrot and that's not smart.
-- 4. Compromise, compromise, compromise: Just because one of you voiced an opinion or has strong feelings about something doesn't mean that the other must or will give in or tiptoe around an issue. Workable compromises are still necessary in order to make your partnership more solid and your financial life more effective.
Frugal Duchess: Compromise, but don't sell out your soul.
-- 5. There are no winners and losers: Winning an argument is not the objective here, there are no right answers, just workable compromises.Frugal Duchess: From interviews to dates, I wish that I had listened more and talked less. And I've learned to listen to silence also.
-- 6. Listen up: Show that you're listening and that what your partner is saying is important to you.
I recommend studying these clues/issues:
1. How does your date tip?
2. When was the last time your date went shopping?
3. How do they feel about thrift stores?
4. How often does your date eat out?
5. Would they buy jewelry at Costco or a pawn shop?
6. Where do they buy books?
7. How much do they spend on holidays?
8. Do they like garage sales?
9. How much money do they donate to charity?
10. What's their favorite vacation spot?
Earlier I also featured a post about questions to ask before getting married.
The Frugal Duchess Boutique


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Monday, April 23, 2012
World (Osaka, Japan) - Discography (1996 - xxxx)
"Both singers ... perform their own songs independent of each other. While Right is singing a song by one name Left is singing a different song with a different name, including different starting and stopping points. So for every World release there are two tracklistings, one for Left and one for Right playing at the same time."
I'll explain: World is a dead noise/grind band from Osaka, Japan! The line up consisted of Hiroshi Zen on noise & vocals, Akira Wakabata on second vocals, and Tadahiko Aono drumming on all of 'em (except for Kaname Ohara who filled the spot on Why Who What, their very first EP). That's right - three demons - two clutching microphones, one behind the kit, which also means that all the noise is produced by Zen's magic microphone. As for why that's such an amazing feat... Son, had you heard any of their songs, you would not be asking such questions. Revered for a reason, this is harsh, harsh noise with fierce drumming exhibitions, from the expected noisy bursts resembling blastbeats, to rhythms more primitive, tribal. I might've (re-)written the phrase too many times in too short a while, but have you heard that the blastbeat is the apotheosis of rhythm?
Why Who What 7" (1996)
- first EP
- download
Why Nobody Understand? 7" (1996)
- tracks from the split w/ yesmeansyes
- download
Space (Grind Osaka) 7" (1998)
- second EP
- excellent
- download
New World 7" (1998)
- tracks from the split w/ Cripple Bastards
- download
Snarl Out (1997) & Osaka War (2000)
- tracks from compilations
- download
Why deprive the world of World??? digipack (200x)
- AKA "18 Minutes and 2 Seconds CD"
- a collected World discography [Space, Why Who What, New World, and...]
- nice sound quality (!)
- download
[is this the correct cover art?]
Also got a track from an alleged split with CSMD of which there is zero info to be found anywhere; judging by the actual sounds, I think somebody got something wrong with that one. That said, Akira Kawabata (I think) now plays as a solo noise act and/or in Osaka grind band Red according to a comment on this here blog on this here post. Perhaps it is Hiroshi Zen who does one of those things, and Kawabata - the other.
15 comments:
- DesiccatedVeins said...
Damn, I love this. I have no idea why I hadn't sought them out before.
- April 27, 2012 at 5:42 AM
- Zmaj said...
I find it weird how lonely your comment is! And I thought, "now that's a post everyone will enjoy." Huh. :)
- April 28, 2012 at 1:59 PM
- DesiccatedVeins said...
Yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I first saw it. Felt the same way about my post on the new Kill EP, though; such a goddamn great release, and apparently nobody cared.
- May 1, 2012 at 6:36 AM
Calling all Italian/ Greek/ Euro punks and squatters: our friend Christophe is missing.
On May 1st our friend Christophe "Noizemaker" from Lyon, France, left for a three weeks Euro tour with his solo noisecore project MORGANE DESBEET. He was supposed to play in Napoli, Italy, on the 3rd of May, but it seems he didn't show up to the gig. Then he was supposed to be in Greece on the 5th but he didn't show up either. For the moment last time he was seen was in Roma, Italy. Christophe is travelling by himself, with no credit card, no cell phone, and not much money. He's also known to have some serious health problems, so we are extremely worried about him. If you've seen him/ talked to him in the past few days and can give us ANY infos, please write to email@example.com and email@example.com. Also, please forward this message to everyone you know in the noise/ crust/ grind/ squat scene in Italy and Greece.
- May 7, 2012 at 9:04 PM
- Sore Throat and headache said...
Yeah, that's exactly what I thought when I first saw it. Felt the same way about my post on the new Kill EP, though; such a goddamn great release, and apparently nobody cared.
- May 27, 2012 at 5:31 PM
- DesiccatedVeins said...
Dude, that was me posting the last thing, I have no idea why it linked it that way. WEIRD. But yeah, that's the way I felt about my Kill review, like I said.
- June 6, 2012 at 2:59 AM
- Da5e said...
You know I have two(count em!) World shirts? I am awesome
- October 6, 2012 at 6:56 AM
- Evan said...
if it's possible to re-upload "Why deprive the world of World?", i'd REALLY appreciate it! thanks!
- January 6, 2013 at 5:01 PM
- Mia Mossberg78 said...
HipHop recording sensation Provy Suflayy released " A Star Burnin Brite" featuring Rachel Schryvers- during world peace month to commemorate the loved ones lost in Hiroshima & Nagasaki.
Watch Music Video now on youtube!!
Go buy "A Star Burnin Brite" on iTunes for only $.99 cents!!
- May 19, 2013 at 8:08 PM
Hey there! we are chainfuck records. We're searching new projects. please check our website, can download stuff and view some projects:
Chainfuck records
- May 11, 2014 at 6:43 AM
any chance of a re up of the discog ????
- April 10, 2015 at 8:24 AM
- Unknown said...
Can someone re-upload this?
- September 13, 2016 at 5:01 PM
- Dr. Faustroll said...
Please re up!!!
- April 6, 2017 at 1:11 AM
- huda noor said...
الرائد من افضل شركات الخدمات المنزلية في المملكة وخدماتها تغطى كل المنطقة العربية للمزيد قم بزيارة
شركة تنظيف خزانات بمكة شركة تنظيف خزانات بمكة
افضل شركة تنظيف منازل بالمدينة المنورة افضل شركة تنظيف منازل بالمدينة المنورة
افضل شركة تنظيف بمكة بالبخار افضل شركة تنظيف بمكة بالبخار
شركة نقل عفش من جدة الى الاردن شركة نقل عفش من جدة الى الاردن
شركة تنظيف مجالس بمكة شركة تنظيف مجالس بمكة
- October 8, 2018 at 1:20 AM
- Fastest Bike said...
Top 12 Fastest Bikes in The World Owning or riding a superfast motorcycle is the dream of many But the question arises that which bike would you buy if you have enough money in your bank
- December 20, 2018 at 4:51 PM


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During his time aboard the International Space Station, astronaut Chris Hadfield has taken and shared some of the most amazing photos of our planet on his Twitter account. And in this video clip, he explains how he snaps those beautiful photos of Earth, and the wonderful camera equipment at his disposal.
Most of us will probably never have a chance to visit the International Space Station—at least while it's still in orbit—but that doesn't make seeing the unique challenges that face photographers 230 miles above the Earth any less fascinating. [YouTube via PetaPixel]


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If you have lost your license tag or suspect it was stolen, file a police report and get a case number. You won't be able to replace your tag without that case number.
Call the Broward Sheriff's Office's non-emergency number at (954) 765-4321 and a deputy will stop by to take a report. If you reside outside BSO's jurisdiction, contact your local police department. Once you have the case number, apply for your new tag at the nearest Department of Motor Vehicles office. Click here to find the office nearest to you.


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"A shimmering work, an audacious debut; a gem."
-Edna O'Brien
"A dream of a book—hypnotic, poetic, transporting the reader through time and space. . . . Moon Tide is the thinking woman's beach book."
—The Charlotte Observer
"Moon Tide is a haunting meditation—reminiscent of Louise Erdrich—on family, place, love, mourning, and memory. . . . It feels like a dream."
—HAVEN KIMMEL, author of A Girl Named Zippy
"Meticulously observed . . . A rich, tumultuous wave of natural lore and dailiness, love, loss, and revenge . . . all rendered by a young writer of impressive talent and heart."
—The Providence Journal
"[A] smooth, sorrowful beauty of a first novel."
"Sensual and visceral . . . Impressively researched and often hypnotic."
—The Boston Globe


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This website archives the research, print materials and publications of the North American Alliance for Fair Employment. It also lists the network's former members and staff people.
Strategy & Working Papers
NAFFE's research and strategy papers connect contingent work with its impact on the well-being of workers in general. The papers start from the practical struggles and innovations of working people in confronting bad jobs, the labor market and challenging institutions like the US and Canadian immigration regimes. The topics range from the organizing of workers' centers, to legislative strategies, to the World Social Forum process.
Member Organizations & Research Centers
NAFFE grew rapidly to involve 65 US and Canadian organizations organized into Action Groups focusing on different types of contingent work: Temp and Day Labor, Contingent Faculty, and Technology & Professional Work.
News & Comment, the NAFFE Newsletter
The first issue of News & Comment summarized its ambitions: "We hope to produce several issues each month. Our goal is to summarize important news, and to report on significant activities of NAFFE and its members. News & Comment will appear in hard copy and electronically." It also appealed to member organizations: "But, we need your help. Tell us what kind of news you want included. Send us stories or comments.
NAFFE Coordinators, Staff & ResearchersSubmitted by staff on Wed, 09/29/2010 - 20:33
Founded by Jason Pramas and Tim Costello, the network staff grew to include 4 network coordinators, Tim Costello, Kim Foltz, Suren Moodliar, and Brendan Smith. Much of NAFFE's research and organizing was also carried out by Reem Assil, Lauren Meehan, Erica George, Gail Nicholson, Jason Pramas, Rachel Running, and Carlha Vickers.
NAFFE in the media
This entry will link to select articles about NAFFE.


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In a somewhat unusual occurrence, a book review was our most popular story this past week: Before the Lights Go Out, which focuses on renewable energy, efficiency, and our electric grid, set off a lively discussion, as well. Other popular stories included plans for Mars exploration that date from the 1960s, as well as an application to create a "commercial Cape Canaveral" on the coast of South Texas.
Why you should read the book Before the Lights Go Out: In her book Before the Lights Go Out Maggie Koerth-Baker (science editor at BoingBoing) presents a realistic look at the state of energy and hard choices that need to be made regarding the energy crisis in the United States.
NASA's 1966 plan for a mission to Mars: Serious plans for a surface exploration of Mars were underway as early as 1966. The ideas that ensued were prescient, if sometimes simplistic.
Tennessee governor allows bill targeting science education to become law: Tennessee has become the first state to pass a law protecting educators who "teach the controversy" about evolution and climate change.
SpaceX considering a new 'Commercial Cape Canaveral' in Texas : After announcing last year that it was searching for at least one more launch site, SpaceX appears to have settled on Cameron County, Texas. The choice may cement Texas as a new world player in commercial space flight.
It wasn't your imagination: US experienced warmest March ever: NOAA has released its data on the US temperatures in March. If you got the shorts out of the closet early this year, you weren't alone.
New autism studies find new mutations, many genes behind the disorder : Researchers have now sequenced every protein coding gene in groups of autism families, and the results suggest that new mutations are a major contributor to the disorder.
Surprising Indonesian earthquakes set record: A pair of massive earthquakes occurred earlier today off the coast of Indonesia, setting a new record for strike-slip faults.
An open Bering Strait blocks off sudden swings in climate: The film The Day After Tomorrow is (extremely loosely) based on the climate impacts of shutting down ocean circulation in the Atlantic. A new study suggests that this is less likely in the future than it was when sea level was lower.
Composite material brings metal-air batteries a step closer: Scientists are developing a new catalyst that results in a metal-air battery with better stability over charge-discharge cycles.
Elusive Majorana fermions may be lurking in a cold nanowire: Majorana fermions are particles that act as their own antiparticles: if two of them collide, they annihilate. Researchers may have found quasiparticles (particle-like quantum states arising from multiple particles) that act like Majorana fermions in a thin wire connected to a superconductor.
A pair of geologic clocks get updates: Two papers published recently in Science present changes to a couple of radiometric dating techniques that will tweak the ages we've previously assigned to events that took place early in our planet's history.


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Cryptographic module validations
All Apple FIPS 140-2 Conformance Validation Certificates are on the CMVP vendor page. Apple actively engages in the validation of the CoreCrypto and CoreCrypto Kernel modules for each major release of T2 Firmware. Validation can only be performed against a final module release version and formally submitted upon OS public release. CMVP now maintains validation status of cryptographic modules under two separate lists depending on their current status. The modules begin in the Implementation Under Test List and then proceed to the Modules in Process List.
T2 Firmware (2018)
Apple is actively engaged in the validation of the CoreCrypto v9.0 modules used in T2 Firmware coming later in 2018.
T2 Firmware (2017)
Related validation


text:
And, we're still cleaning out! We had planned to go to the Vikings game with friends on Sunday, but the snow even put a stop to that. Translation … we had a nice lazy weekend at home {minus all that shoveling} to end the semester.
We also learned two important home-owner lessons:
1) Buy another shovel. We only have one.
2) Make sure you pull out your snow blower and get it working before the first snow.
This is the 5th snowiest snow storm of all time. The only other snowy storm that I recall was the Halloween Blizzard of 1991.
This last week was wonderful, but so busy. Cooking was the last thing on my mind – so it was a great treat to have my husband, mom and sister make a delicious pot of baked potato soup!
We also enjoyed:
B – Buttermilk Pancakes, Veggie Scramble
D – Cheesy Spinach Lasagna Soup, Whole Wheat Bread
Dessert – Cherry Cake
B – Granola
D – Chicken Pot Pie with Herby Biscuits
B – Leftover pancakes
D – Turkey Tetrazzini {new}
Wednesday {Hosting dinner with our small group}
B - Granola
D – Baked Potato Soup, Meatball Tortellini Soup, Artesian Bread
Dessert – Mint Pie
B – Leftover Potato Doughnuts {freezer}
D – Leftovers
B – Gingerbread Muffins
D – Brown Rice Bake with Spinach
L – Crockpot Baked Potato Bar
D – Roasted Butternut Squash Lasagna
So… do you have snow yet where you live?


text:
- Publish date:
- Updated on
- Year
- 1799
George Washington dies at Mount Vernon
A major landholder and promoter of western settlement, George Washington dies on this day in 1799 at his Mount Vernon home along the banks of the Potomac.
From an early age, the future first president of the United States had a passionate interest in the vast unsettled territories of the West. Like many other aristocratic Virginians, Washington coveted land, and most ambitious young men of the eighteenth century had one way to acquire land: they went west.
As a 16-year-old in 1748, Washington made the first of several long journeys into the West, working as a skilled surveyor in the Shenandoah Valley. Unusually tall and strong, Washington loved the wild western lands of Virginia and was an excellent frontiersman. From the start, Washington's ambitions were unabashedly mercenary, and he could not gaze on any tract of pristine land without considering its potential for development and profit. To that end, Washington had little tolerance for the remaining bands of Indians he encountered during his travels, writing in his journal that he found their war dances "comical." Washington also had a strong distaste for the illegal pioneers who squatted on western lands they did not own, calling one group of Pennsylvania Germans as "Ignorant a Set of People as the Indians." Washington believed both the Indians and the illegal squatters would need to be removed if the land was to be properly settled and exploited.
After joining the colonial military to defend British interests in the West, Washington moved quickly to increase his own land holdings and develop them for profit. As a reward for his military service, Washington claimed 30,000 acres of prime agricultural land along the Kanawha and Ohio rivers west of the Appalachian Mountains (an area that lies in modern-day West Virginia and Ohio). To solidify his claim and begin generating a profit, Washington advertised for settlers and purchased indentured servants to colonize his holdings.
The outbreak of the Revolutionary War in 1775 and Washington's growing political responsibilities often interfered with his personal plans for western expansion during the following years, and he rarely had time to visit his distant landholdings. Not surprisingly, when he became the first president of the United States, Washington strongly endorsed the idea that the young nation must expand westward and settle the Trans-Appalachian regions of the Ohio and Mississippi valleys. It remained for Washington's successors to fully realize his vision, but the first president led his countrymen in speculating on and profiting from the sale and rent of western lands.


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1. Purpose of Internet Access and E-Mail Services
Mansfield ISD provides limited Internet access to school campuses in support of their educational mission.
2. Definitions
For the purpose of these Terms of Service ("TOS") and the Acceptable Use Policy ("AUP"), "Internet Access" or the "System" refers to the Internet Access and E-mail Services provided to Users by Mansfield ISD and Participants as described herein. "Participant" refers to school campuses, or other entities who are provided Internet services by Mansfield ISD. "Teacher" includes teachers as well as school librarians and other school employees, contractors, and consultants responsible for computer labs or other computer facilities provided for Users of Internet Access, or who use the System. "User" refers to students or other individuals, including Teachers and other School employees, using the services described herein, as allowed by any Participant.
3. Conditions
Mansfield ISD provides Internet services to Participants under the conditions described in this document and the applicable Acceptable Use Policy. In order to provide as secure, stable and educationally profitable service as possible, Mansfield ISD requires all Participants to agree to these Terms of Service and the applicable Acceptable Use Policy. Mansfield ISD reserves the right to limit, restrict, or deny service to any Participant, Teacher, employee or student if Mansfield ISD in its sole discretion determines that continued provision of service is detrimental to its ability to provide a quality, stable, secure and valuable service. Participants with repeated violations of the applicable Acceptable Use Policy which result in damage or disruption to the System requiring additional staff hours to correct the problems may be assessed costs of $100 per hour for such work, not to exceed $25,000 per incident.
4. Participant responsibilities
Participants are responsible for:
5. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability
Mansfield ISD Internet Access and E-mail services are provided on an "as is," "as available" basis. Mansfield ISD makes no warranties of any kind, whether expressed or implied, including, without limitation, those of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose with respect to any of the Internet services provided by Mansfield ISD, including any information obtained through the Internet. This limitation of liability includes loss of data, service delays or interruptions, and is in addition to any other limitations of liability as may be provided by law. Mansfield ISD specifically denies any responsibility for the accuracy or quality of information obtained through Mansfield ISD Internet Access and E-mail services, or for access or receipt by Users of inappropriate content. Use of any information obtained through Internet Access and E-mail services is at the Participant and User's own risk.
6. Indemnification
Participants agree to indemnify and hold Mansfield ISD, and its affiliates, officers, agents, or other partners, and employees, harmless from any claim or demand, including reasonable attorneys' fees, made by any third party due to or arising out of use or misuse of Internet Access or E-mail services by any Participants or Users, or out of any Participant's violation of these Terms of Service, or out of any User's violation of the applicable Acceptable Use Policy.
7. Acceptance of Terms
By virtue of their use of the Internet Access and/or e-mail services provided by Mansfield ISD, Participants agree to abide by these Terms of Service and to abide by and enforce the applicable Acceptable Use Guidelines. Mansfield ISD provides Internet Access subject to these Terms of Service, which may be updated from time to time by Mansfield ISD. Participants may review the most current version of the TOS at any time. In addition, Participants shall be subject to the applicable Acceptable Use Policy, and any posted guidelines or rules applicable to Internet Access which may be posted on www.mansfieldisd.org or otherwise communicated to Participants from time to time. All such guidelines or rules are hereby incorporated by reference in the TOS.
Failure of a Participant to abide by the TOS may result in the revocation or suspension of Participant's access to Internet Access, and/or assessment of costs as provided herein.
605 East Broad Street • Mansfield, Texas 76063 • (817) 299-6300 Terms of Service | Accessibility | Site Map | Contact Us©


text:
Thaitranslated Services
We have built our reputation on the fact that we focus solely on the Thai language. That means you get the best possible service without the added costs of middlemen often found with large, multi-language translation companys. We offer the following services to you;
Translation: Our translators have years of experience which they bring to your project. Whether it be English to Thai or Thai to English, we will provide you with accurate translations that are second to none.
Interpretation: Whether business or personal in nature, we have interpreters who can assist you. Make sure you know what's being said and that others understand what you are trying to convey. Our interperters can make all the difference.
Email Translation: Email translations are nothing short of magic in drastically taking your communication to a new level. See for yourself why customers have called this service a lifesaver.


text:
Boss Lily Hay Newman Around!
Members: Tell Slate's Future Tense blogger what tech service she should give up for a week.
What's up? I'm Lily, the Future Tense blogger and a staff writer here at Slate. I generally do my reporting in the future and then send dispatches back in time to you, but I also enjoy hanging out with Slate Plus members in the here and now. You may have observed my love of Pokémon, The Simpsons, and practical jokes. Or perhaps you have not observed it because you have other things to do. Totally reasonable! If you're behind the Lily curve, there's still time to catch up because this member takeover is going to get personal.
This week you can vote on which tech service you want me to give up for seven days. For you I would do anything, even go cold turkey on all computers, but I think Slate probably needs me to work this week. Again, understandable! Instead the choices are nonessential services. But don't worry, there will still be plenty of drama. I've chosen tech that I use heavily, either for fun or for life. Vote below and look out for the detailed account of my withdrawal. It'll be on Future Tense next week!


text:
How can we help you?
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Steven Spielberg is returning to the charged terrain of real-life American events, with the "Lincoln" director announcing Thursday he'll tackle the story of U.S. sniper Chris Kyle as his next directorial project. Bradley Cooper will star as the late Navy SEAL.
The news clears up the uncertainty over Spielberg's immediate future that arose when he decided not to move forward with the large-scale sci-fi adventure "Robopocalypse" earlier this year. A spokeswoman confirmed the new film, titled "American Sniper," and said it would be based on a script from screenwriter Jason Hall ("Spread") as well as Kyle's own memoir of the same name.
Cooper, for his part, recently opted not to star in "Jane Got a Gun," the troubled revenge drama featuring Natalie Portman. The star is currently finishing shooting his follow-up with "Silver Linings Playbook" director David O. Russell, a movie about the ABSCAM operation and scandal of the late 1970s and early 1980s with a similar title to his new film, "American Hustle."
In addition to Spielberg and Cooper, the movie will be produced by Andrew Lazar ("Get Smart") and Peter Morgan ("Identity Theft")." A co-production between Spielberg and Stacey Snider's DreamWorks and Warner Bros., the movie will aim to film this winter in an as-yet-unspecified location.
PHOTOS: Hollywood backlot moments
Kyle's story has been making headlines for several months. Known as the most accurate sniper in U.S. military history, the Texas native served for several years in Iraq, where his lethal aim earned him the nickname "the Devil of Ramadi" from Iraqi insurgents after one of his more high-profile kills.
After leaving the Navy in 2009, Kyle moved back to the Lone Star state, where he ran a security corporation and wrote his autobiography, which became a bestseller when it was published last year. But his story ended tragically. In February, Kyle and a friend were shot and killed by a 25-year-old military associate named Eddie Routh apparently suffering from PTSD when the three went out for shooting practice. Kyle was 38.
With the film, Spielberg is moving into the complicated and topical arena of gun rights. "Sniper" shares some themes with another upcoming prestige project, Bennett Miller's "Foxcatcher," the true story of Olympic wrestler Dave Schulz and John du Pont, and a movie which also involves a well-liked American figure shot by a man with apparent psychological issues. And it follows a number of other movies with guns at their center, including the theatrical release this fall of the Sundance hit "Blue Caprice," about the so-called Washington, D.C. sniper John Muhammad.
PHOTOS: Faces to watch 2014 | Movies
ENVELOPE: The latest awards buzz
DOCUMENTARIES: 10 best of 2013, and a new crop in 2014


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California Department of Transportation
Date: September 27, 2012
District: Caltrans - District 3
Contact: Mark Dinger
Phone: (530) 741-4572
California Transportation Commission allocates $236 million to drive state's economic growth and improve transportation
$21 million in unspent federal funding also approved for alternate projects
MARYSVILLE -The California Transportation Commission (CTC) today allocated $236 million in new funding to 32 projects that will improve the state's transportation system and strengthen California's economy.
"From one end of the state to the other, transportation projects are providing jobs while at the same time reducing traffic congestion for people and businesses in California," said Caltrans Director Malcolm Dougherty.
The allocations include $81 million from Proposition 1B, a transportation bond approved by voters in 2006. In total, nearly $14.5 billion in Proposition 1B funds have been distributed statewide.
The remaining $155 million in allocations came from assorted transportation accounts funded by state and federal dollars.
Among the projects that received funding allocations today were:
- $4.04 million was allocated to the State Highway Operation and Protection Program (SHOPP) for the seismic retrofitting of the West Branch Feather River Bridge on State Highway 70 near Oroville.
- $4.8 million was allocated to the State Highway Operation and Protection
Program (SHOPP) to construct new water quality and collection and treatment
facilities along U.S. Highway 50 west of South Lake Tahoe.
the CTC today also redistributed $21 million in federal funding to 22 alternate projects chosen by transportation agencies statewide. The funding comes from $43 million that was originally allocated to other transportation projects but was not spent. The outstanding $22 million in unspent funding will remain with the original projects and must be authorized by December 31.
Please see the attached file for more information about the alternate projects that received redistributed funds and the projects that received allocations today.
# # # #


text:
In the US, Briellyn (ethinyl estradiol/norethindrone systemic) is a member of the following drug classes: contraceptives, sex hormone combinations and is used to treat Birth Control.
US matches:
Ingredient matches for Briellyn
Ethinyl Estradiol
Ethinylestradiol is reported as an ingredient of Briellyn in the following countries:
- United States
Norethisterone is reported as an ingredient of Briellyn in the following countries:
- United States
Important Notice: The Drugs.com international database is in BETA release. This means it is still under development and may contain inaccuracies. It is not intended as a substitute for the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of any medication in any country is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult with your healthcare professional before taking any medication.
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text:
Leave Fridays alone!
I am writing to express my feelings about proposed changes to Fridays After Five [News, "Freebie no more," March 13, 2003] (http://www.readthehook.com/93178/news-freebie-no-more-fridays-after-5-ey...). As a long-time participant, I am apprehensive about charging admission every week and booking national bands. I am against altering the very successful format based on other cities' way of doing their activities.
I used to attend Richmond's Innsbrook Wednesday event. I no longer do so. When they started charging $3 to attract better acts, it seemed reasonable. However, the occasional $10 fee originally set for major bands is now the norm.
The real problems there, and I fear will be here, are the huge crowds and expense. The long lines for admission, drinks, and bathrooms that occurred at the Eddie Money concert were not a pleasant experience. Most people I talked to said thank goodness the secret band happens only once a year.
I don't think the Charlottesville Downtown Foundation has the staff and space to handle that kind of crowd on a regular basis. It was a real nightmare to leave the amphitheater to get a drink or go to the bathroom because of the elbow-to-elbow jammed-packed audience. Trying to find friends was impossible. This is CDF's idea of an improved festival experience?
I ask that before such drastic changes occur, CDF get public reaction. Announcing the changes this late with bands already booked gives no chance for people to react. They need to try the new format a few times and ask people how they feel about the long lines and fighting through the crowd to find a seat, get a drink, or use the bathrooms. The CDF committee members need to go to Richmond on a few Wednesdays and see how crowded and unpleasant the experience has become there.
While Fridays is run by CDF, it is a people's event. We feel we have a right to be asked if we want our event to be unique or like all the events in other cities. Bigger is not better to us regulars.
Bob Crytzer


text:
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text:
There are lots of templates out there in blogland for this and mine was inspired from this post I made here for us Europeans that have different sized c/s to our International partners. I must point out that I haven't bought this template from anyone or seen how it is made, I've purely looked at the one Lauren Meader made and came up with my own from one sheet of A4 cardstock.
So, firstly one template.
This may look a little small on blogger but if you click on the template is should pop out in a separate window. I'm working on it being in a larger format so bear with me for now.
So in short there is no cutting of the A4 sheet of cardstock. Simply score at 2.2cm & 4.4cm on the two long sides and one short side. On the remaining short side score at 6.6cm and 8.8cm. The measurement are a bit odd but it's the best way of doing it to ensure the holder can take the envelopes as well as the cards, trust me it will be perfect. When you've scored your cardstock it will look like this.
You then need to cut out the grayed areas as shown on the template and make cuts on the red lines as also indicated. Your A4 sheet should then look like this. Before you start sticking the box together, fold and crease the bottom score line and using a 1 1/4" circle punch, punch out half a circle. Which will give you this... Score all the remaining score lines ready for sticking together. At this point I would glue the flap at the bottom where the half circle was punched out. I've used Tombow Adhesive to stick the box together because it gives a bit of movement when sticking bits together instead of that instant bond with d/s tape. It also has a mega strong bond when dry.
Once you've done this add glue to the outside of the little tabs. ..and stick to the inside of the box sides. Then add more tombow to the inside of each side and tuck these flaps in place. I used a bone folder with the glue edge flat on a surface to smooth over and ensure a nice firm bond has taken place and there's no inside edges lifting up.Your card holder will then look like this... Finally add more tombow to the inside of the two long tabs........and stick to the outside of the cardholder. And there you have it! This is the decorated cardholder with 3 matching cards. Well I hope you can make use of this and I'd love to see what you've created. You can leave a link with Mr Linky below if you like and I'll pop by and have a look.


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Top White House aides, including chief of staff Denis McDonough, were informed of the forthcoming report on the IRS' targeting of tea party group but decided not to inform President Obama in advance, White House spokesman Jay Carney said Monday.
Previously, the White House had said that the White House counsel, Kathryn Ruemmler, had been told of the coming report from Treasury's inspector general but no other aides had been mentioned.
The acknowledgement is not central to the question of whether the Obama administration knew far in advance about the misbehavior at the IRS, but rather raises questions about how the White House has managed what has emerged as the biggest crisis moment of the second term.
Democrats on Capitol Hill have quietly lamented that the White House didn't move fast enough to condemn the actions at the tax agency. Carney defended the decision not to inform the president on Monday.


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Having said that, over the last few days there has been some wild speculation on the internet about finds from the Lion Tomb at Amphipolis. Again, I will limit myself to discussing the sphinx sculptures flanking the entrance, photos of which were released today because Greek PM Samaras visited the site.
The sphinxes and the entrance can be seen quite clearly in this news video:
The seated sphinxes - as opposed to the lying sphinxes in Egyptian art - are unusual. The closest parallel I can think of are those from the Hecatomnid Androns at Labraunda (photo below), about a quarter of a century earlier. The Hecatomnid figures are bearded and Archaising, and very much a reflection of Persian royal iconography; fragments of similar figures have been found at Sidon, where the sarcophagi in the royal tomb in turn copy the elements from the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus.
The Amphipolis sphinxes seem not to have beards, and since we have not been shown the pieced heads it is difficult to tell if they were similarly archaising. The Macedonian sculptures are also of higher quality, and are more Classicising. The wings also appear to have been pieced. The Amphipolis seated 'sphinxes' also are in the same pose as the colossal lion that crowned the tomb.
Phillip II arranged an engagement between his son Phillip (later IV) and the daughter of Pixodarus, the heiress of Caria. Alexander (later the Great) tried to step in and pinch her - and her kingdom - for himself. There were strong artistic as well as political links between Macedonia and Caria from the time of Phillip II onwards, for example the sculptor Leochares working first on the Mausoleum of Halicarnassus' sculptures, and then creating the portraits of Phillip and his family for the Philippeion at Olympia.
The mound is huge, as is clear from this photo, indicating that someone extremely powerful was buried there, and this is supported by a perfectly circular retaining wall of fine masonry.
By now I hope people are noting "round wall, mound of earth ... hmmm, that's a bit like the Mausoleum of Augustus"
Who was buried in it? There's a board in the local cafe where they are laying odd on everyone from Alexander the Great to Roxanne to Lysimachus and a dozen others.
What I can tell you 100 % for sure is that Alexander the Great was not buried in the Lion Tomb at Amphipolis as every single ancient source says that Ptolemy hijacked the body on it's way back to Macedonia and that Alexander lay well into the Byzantine period in Alexandria.
But - and I must stress that this is very much my personal opinion and should not be taken as the opinion of the archaeologists working hard on the site - if Alexander was on his way to being buried in Macedonia when Ptolemy pinched his body ... to me that suggests that there was a tomb that had been or was being prepared for him in Macedonia. It need not have been at Vergina, and for a number of reasons would more likely to have been at a 'new' city.
This would be almost impossible to prove without an inscription, but after a big chunk of my career spent looking at fourth century tombs ... if I were to imagine what kind of a tomb Alexander the Great might have planned for himself and his family, then it would pretty much look like the Lion Tomb of Amphipolis.
Colour photos are all of Amphipolis from here.
Update - the dromos frescoes have now made it into the press.
Greece says vast, significant ancient tomb unearthed in north | Reuters:
Archaeologists have found two sphinxes, thought to have guarded its entrance, a 4.5-metre-(yard)-wide road leading into it, with walls on both sides covered by frescoes. It is circled by a 497-metre-long marble outer wall.
And again it is worth repeating that this is by far the largest tomb ever excavated in Greece, in case I didn't make that point clear.


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Thanks everyone for participating! I've given you all 10 community points. And congrats to our random winner Harriett!
Back to basics this week. I love tags, but I often forget to put them on my layout. If you're a pro at using tags, see what new and interesting ways you can think of to use them.
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Tag: challenge tags may 2013
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Having sat through strife-filled hearings and town hall meetings as a former USDA acting- and under-secretary, Chuck Conner is used to taking heat over farm policy positions. This time around, though, instead of taking heat, Conner will be giving it in his role as president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives.
Considering the rush to finish the last farm bill, the problems with implementation (which continue to this day), and regional problems with certain programs (see: Southern row crop farmers and SURE), Conner says it is wise to start the next farm bill debate so early.
For more, see Chuck Conner.
Conner spoke with Delta Farm Press on Sept. 17 about the importance of co-ops, the need for agricultural factions to stick together, the necessity of expanding agricultural trade, and antitrust concerns. Among his comments:
As we enter the next farm bill debate – and, obviously, you've had great experience with the machinations that go into making a farm bill – I wonder if you would contrast (your former job at USDA) with your position now?
"I'm now president and CEO of the National Council of Farmer Cooperatives. We represent all the farmer-owned cooperatives in the country that have a great, very diverse, stake in the farm bill debate. (Concerns) range from the cotton, rice and grain interests who have always had a big stake in Title 1 (dealing with price supports for farm commodities).
"We also represent all the producers of specialty crops who market their produce through farmer-owned cooperatives. They have a big interest in making sure fruits and vegetables are treated fairly in the debate.
"I'd also add all our producers are interested in sustainability and conservation. That farm bill title is huge for them, as well.
"The trade title (is also important). I represent commodities like some of the tree nuts where 70 percent of their output is exported.
"So, we have a huge stake in the farm bill debate. This will be my seventh farm bill. I'm anxious to get into it and look at it from the perspective of the co-ops."
On the push-and-pull between the specialty crops and row crops (traditionally those most dealt with in the farm bill)…
"We hope the relationship is a positive one.
"Broadly speaking, I think in the next farm bill debate, commercial and family farm agriculture really need to stick together. We're under attack in commercial agriculture from a number of outside interests. We don't need a lot of family fights and feuds to divide us.
"There are a number of threats to agriculture, in general, going on in the world and we need to work together to fight against (them).
"In terms of the conflict, certainly specialty crop producers I talk to and those we represent aren't interested in getting into the Title 1 debate in terms of farm price supports.
"Historically, where there has been some conflict is just the dollars allocated to each title. Do we use Title 1 dollars for other purposes including help for specialty crops?
"I don't know we can predict how that'll play out because we just don't know the budget situation for the farm bill yet. And we won't know for a while."
Writing farm bill with huge deficit
"It's no secret that we have a $1.6 trillion debt in this country. I don't think anyone believes that is sustainable. So, there will be a lot of pressure on the new Congress, no matter who is in power, to reduce the deficit and control spending. We don't know how that will impact the farm bill's available resources let alone how those will be allocated between each title.
"I will say that, from our standpoint, we'll be quick to point out that the cost of the farm portion of the farm bill versus the nutrition portion is down substantially from historical levels. The early farm bills I worked on, help for farmers – no matter what they were growing – accounted for a substantial percentage of the farm bill. Now, it's a very, very small percentage. The cost of the farm programs has come down and most of (the savings) have been consumed by the nutrition titles.
"So, we'll point that out so that, when Congress does deal with the deficit, they give some (weight) to the fact that the farm program portion has already taken huge reductions in spending. That's kind of unprecedented in the federal budget because most everyone has seen substantial increases (in spending), which is why we have the current deficit."
Speaking of the deficit, President Obama has told the USDA to increase ag exports. Do y'all have a position on the opening of trade with Cuba and the trade deals pending with Columbia, South Korea and Panama? I know those deals were a topic of conversation when you were at the USDA.
"They were, indeed. When I was at USDA, I led a delegation to Columbia after the signing of the U.S./Columbia free trade agreement.
"Exports are an important part of what co-ops are up to and important to the farmer-owners we represent. Whether it's cotton, almonds or wheat, exports account for a substantial percentage of what we're already selling.
"And our membership does take note that there will be a big population boom on the planet, most not in the United States. So, the future growth potential for American agriculture and co-ops will be overseas.
"We'd like to see an easing of trade restrictions with Cuba. There's an opportunity there to increase sales of commodities, particularly rice. There's a great competitive advantage for the United States to ship products to Cuba and we've been unable to do that…
"With regard to the individual free trade agreements, our membership generally favors (them). We wish we could have a multilateral round of successful trade negotiations. There, all the world players would be required to trade under the same set of rules.
"We favor, first and foremost, trade agreements that everyone participates in. Having said that, we're aware that the Doha Round is stuck in the mud.
"I think in the cases of Panama and Columbia, we've acknowledged as an organization that those (deals) represent only upside potential in terms of exports. Any easing of restrictions on their imports into the United States has already been implemented. By passing those agreements you're only providing the same benefits to our growers that their growers already have."
Cooperation between farm groups…
"I don't think there's any question that there's been an attempt to get an early start on this farm bill. The last one was put in place way too late.
"After all the dust settled, implementation was fast and furious. That isn't how the process should work.
"The (last farm bill) should have been passed earlier. USDA should have more time to do a better job of implementing (farm bills) without pressure to deliver benefit within a few months. That isn't the way the system is supposed to work.
"So, it's understandable that a lot of groups have gotten out there early on the farm bill. (Minnesota Rep.) Collin Peterson, chairman of the House Agriculture Committee, has led the charge to get an early start. His committee has already held a number of hearings on that.
"There are two problems.
"First, we don't know what the makeup of the House and Senate agriculture committees will be next year. Obviously, there's an election coming up in about six weeks. The makeup and heads of those committees could well change. Even if the leadership doesn't change, there will be a lot of new committee members who have never been through a farm bill debate. There will be a huge education associated with those new members.
"Second, again, is the budget and resources available for the farm bill. That will be determined by broader macro-economic policy for the country.
"Serious farm bill debate can't begin until those two issues are settled. Despite wanting to get an early start, despite hearings and getting out the chute early, there's only so much that can be done without those two issues settling out.
"My guess is, once again, we'll be right up against the deadline before finishing the next farm bill."
Capper-Volstead Act
"From the co-op standpoint, we'll be very careful to watch for anything in the area of competition – or a competition section of the farm bill.
"The Department of Justice and USDA have been having workshops all over the country to review competition issues in agriculture. Part of that review has (involved) provisions under the Capper-Volstead Act, which is the very limited antitrust exemption that enables co-ops to form without fear of prosecution under U.S. antitrust laws.
"Obviously, any effort to change Capper-Volstead or get into a big debate on competition issues is something we take very seriously. It goes to the heart of co-ops. Without some of the antitrust immunity we're unable to bring farmers together as a group and market products (collectively).
"We hope the workshops lead to an affirmation that co-ops are doing a good thing versus any recommendations coming out of the DOJ, or elsewhere, that say we need to look at changes in these competition issues."
Any indication when a decision or statement from the DOJ is coming down?
"Not yet. They've held four workshops, so far, in Iowa, Wisconsin, Alabama and Colorado. They'll hold the fifth, and final, workshop in Washington, D.C., in December. After the last workshop, we assume we'll begin to hear what they intend to do."
For more, visit http://www.ncfc.org/


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Comodoro Rivadavia is at the heart of one of Argentina's main oil producing areas in Chubut province.
The four kilometer diameter oil slick struck the coast of Chubut province at Caleta Córdoba near an offshore oil loading platform where tankers line up to transport crude oil pumped locally to refineries in Buenos Aires about 1,740 kilometers to the north.
Tanker ready to take on oil at the Termap facility Chubut province. (Two photos courtesy Termap)
The platform is operated by Termap, Terminales Maritimas Patagonicas S.A. The corporation was formally accused before a court of justice by the province of Chubut in a formal proceeding on Friday, Raimundo said.
The corporations formally accused of the incident are Repsol-YPF, Sociedad Internacional Petrolera of Chile, and Pan American Energy Iberica that jointly hold the majority of Termap.
The Argentine government is analyzing satellite imagery to determine the cause of the spill, but has not yet located exactly where the oil originated.
The spill reached the coast Wednesday night, causing significant environmental damage and affecting sea birds and shellfish beds.
"The overall spill is made up of several slicks, two to three kilometers wide along a total extension of approximately 40 kilometers," reports the local newspaper "El Chubut."
Fearing an environmental disaster, officials have convened a federal-provincial crisis committee. Rescue teams have been sent to the area, and oil companies have been asked to report to the committee on their latest activities.
Oil holding tanks at the Termap facility, Chubut province.
The crisis committee in Buenos Aires is made up of the environment secretary in coordination with Chubut province authorities, the Coast Guard and representatives from the regional oil corporation.
A team from the Hazardous Residues Office has been dispatched to investigate the accident and report on proposed sanctions and fines in line with current legislation.
Oil spill cleanup is taking place under the direction of the Argentine Navy. Since early Thursday morning several crews totaling a hundred people armed with buckets and shovels are working to collect as much of the oil as possible.
A team is working to contain the spread of the spill using solvents and dispersants and another group will assess the extent of the damage and report on possible compensation for the affected areas.
After visiting Caleta Cordova Wednesday, six days after the spill, Chubut Governor Mario Das Neves said that there has been a very important step forward in the task of remediation on the affected beaches. He said he hopes the investigation by the federal justice system to determine who is responsible for the spill will be successful.
An oiled Megellanic penguin (Photo by Dee Boersma)
The International Fund for Animal Welfare, IFAW, based in the United States, has been asked to help manage the wildlife response and has sent veterinarians and oil spill responders to help rehabilitate affected wildlife.
The Argentine government is supporting the development of an on-site facility as well as supplies and equipment needed to care for animals and birds.
IFAW is working with the nonprofit Fundacion Patagonia Natural on-site. Currently the center is caring for 430 birds, while an estimated 500 birds have died.
IFAW says there are steamer ducks, Magellanic penguins, silvery grebes, cormorants and crested grebes among the birds in care. "The steamer ducks and Magellanic penguins are the highest conservation priority as both are listed as Near Threatened by Birdlife International," said IFAW.
An organized search and collection of oiled animals is underway, and IFAW says oiled animals are coming in from as far as 40 kilometers away.
Patagonia is inhabited by penguins and many rare bird species. The president of a local citizens group, Rene Tula, described the situation to Mercopress as a "serious tragedy."
Governor Das Neves said he is satisfied with the cleanup effort. "We are very happy with all the work that is being done in the remediation," he said, "and the magnificent job that takes in all birds."
Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2008. All rights reserved.