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New York, N.Y. -- U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck and Congressional Representative Rodney P. Frelinghuysen today announced the completion of a system to treat contaminated ground water at the Rockaway Borough Wellfield Superfund site in Rockaway Borough, New Jersey. The officials were in Morris and Essex Counties to review and assess progress on Superfund cleanups at six hazardous waste sites. They were joined by State and local officials to highlight the success of the federal Superfund law in protecting the health of people who live and work near contaminated sites, creating jobs and boosting local economies.
Superfund is the federal cleanup program established by Congress in 1980 to investigate and clean up the country's most hazardous waste sites. The Superfund program operates on the principle that polluters should pay for the cleanups, rather than passing the costs to taxpayers. When sites are placed on the Superfund list, the EPA looks for parties responsible for the pollution and requires them to pay for the cleanups. Cleanups are only funded by taxpayer dollars when those responsible for the pollution cannot be found or are not financially viable.
"Congressman Rodney Frelinghuysen and I got a first-hand look at how the ground water treatment system at the Rockaway Borough Wellfield site and other Superfund cleanups are protecting people's health and the environment," said EPA Regional Administrator Judith A. Enck. "Cleaning up toxic waste sites in New Jersey not only protects public health and the environment, but in 2011, federal Superfund cleanups created about 2,300 local jobs.
The Rockaway Borough Wellfield Superfund site includes three municipal water supply wells that supply drinking water to 11,000 people. The EPA recently completed work on a ground water treatment system to address perchloroethylene-contaminated ground water in the East Main Street/Wall Street area of the site. Perchloroethylene is a suspected cancer causing industrial solvent that can also cause short-term health effects such as respiratory distress and sore throats.
In 1985, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection investigated the Rockaway Borough site and concluded that contamination found in the municipal water supply was coming from multiple source areas within the borough. EPA initiated a followup investigation to identify the sources of contamination, determine its extent and evaluate potential cleanup methods. These investigations confirmed the perchloroethylene contamination and determined that a facility belonging to Klockner and Kockner was responsible for contaminating the soil with tetrachloroethene, a commonly used industrial solvent that can have serious health impacts, including liver damage and an increased risk of cancer. The EPA subsequently removed the contaminated soil and sent it to a facility certified to treat and dispose of it. The EPA installed a treatment system to clean up the ground water contamination. Work to remove and treat soil contaminated with lead at the Rockaway Borough site will begin later this year.
Volatile organic compounds such as perchloroethylene and tetrachloroethene are a common concern at the sites visited on today's Superfund tour. Many volatile organic compounds are known to cause cancer in animals and can cause cancer in people. The extent and nature of potential health effects depend on many factors, including the level and length of exposure.
Ground water, which collects underground in the spaces between dirt particles and cracks within rocks, flows underground and may empty into rivers, lakes or streams. Many people in New Jersey rely on ground water as the source of their drinking water. Public water supply systems are routinely tested to ensure compliance with federal and state drinking water standards, but contamination can make underground sources of drinking water unusable. To date, the cleanup has created 181 jobs and cost approximately $30 million.
In addition to Rockaway Borough, the other sites visited on the tour include:
The Radiation Technology, Inc. Superfund site in Rockaway Township is a 263-acre site that was used for testing and developing rocket motors and developing propellants. Ground water at the site is contaminated with volatile organic compounds. EPA is planning to excavate and remove pieces of deteriorated drums that were buried in a waste disposal area at the site to prevent them from further contaminating the surrounding soil with heavy metals. EPA's cleanup of the Radiation Technology site has been conducted in phases to facilitate the long-term restoration of the area. The work is being done by the company responsible for the pollution, Alliant Techsystems, with EPA oversight. During the first phase of the cleanup, the company installed wells to measure and monitor ground water contamination. Nearby residential drinking water wells were also sampled to ensure that drinking water was not affected. To date, the sampling has shown that the drinking water is not contaminated and monitoring of the residential wells continues. The second phase of the cleanup involved the removal and off-site disposal of the deteriorated drums. Continued sampling of residential wells has not found contaminated drinking water. To date, the cleanup has cost $4.3 million.
The Rockaway Township Wells Superfund site, located in Rockaway Township, is a two-square-mile wellfield containing a cluster of three municipal wells within 100 feet of each other that are contaminated with various volatile organic chemicals. A cleanup plan called for the treatment of the contaminated ground water and the replacement of the township's air stripper, which forces air through polluted ground water to remove harmful chemicals. The air causes the chemicals to change from a liquid to a gas, which is then collected and cleaned. Sampling of several buildings revealed that chemical vapors were impacting the indoor air quality of some buildings on the site. To address these problems, a system was subsequently installed in two buildings to prevent soil vapors from entering them. Two of the public water supply wells have been taken out of service and water from the other is treated to remove the contamination and provide the community a safe source of drinking water.
The Dayco Corp./L.E. Carpenter Company Superfund site is located in the Borough of Wharton. This 14.5-acre property housed buildings, warehouses and the remnants of disposal areas associated with a former vinyl wall covering manufacturing facility. The soil and ground water were contaminated with volatile organic compounds, lead and PCBs. The initial $26 million cleanup included the removal of 16 storage tanks, demolition of the various former manufacturing buildings and excavation of more than 46,000 tons of contaminated soil and liquid industrial waste. Residual volatile organic compound contamination in the ground water and a small area of soil are currently being addressed. All cleanup activities have been funded by the party responsible for the contamination. To date, the cleanup has cost approximately $26 million.
The Dover Municipal Well No. 4 Superfund site is a former public water supply well located in the town of Dover. The ground water is contaminated with volatile organic compounds. The well is not in service, but it is located 1.5 miles away from three municipal wells serving approximately 22,000 people. The EPA demolished a building formerly occupied by a dry cleaner, excavated and disposed of over 2,100 cubic yards of contaminated soil, and treated the remaining contaminated soil and shallow ground water to remove harmful chemicals. The EPA also tested nearby homes built above the contaminated ground water to ensure that vapors were not entering the houses. Soil sampling conducted at the site determined that three houses were situated in very close proximity to the contaminated material and were in such a poor structural condition that they needed to be demolished. The acquisition of these houses and relocation of the tenants was completed in August 2008. Ground water samples taken during the treatment process have demonstrated that the technology is effective. The EPA will continue monitoring to ensure that concentrations of ground water contamination are decreasing. To date, the cleanup has cost approximately $16 million.
The Caldwell Trucking Co. Superfund site is a former sewage hauling site occupying 11 acres in Fairfield. The Caldwell Trucking site consists of properties and ground water contaminated by the disposal of residential, commercial and industrial septic waste. Caldwell Trucking disposed of this waste in unlined lagoons from the early 1950s until 1973. After 1973, Caldwell installed underground storage tanks for the storage of the waste. Other industrial facilities in the area may also have contributed to the ground water contamination. The parties potentially responsible for the cleanup removed the contaminated soil and sludge from the lagoons and installed wells to monitor ground water quality. All contaminated soil has now been removed or no longer poses a risk and impacted wetlands have been restored.
There are about 500 single family homes located in a populated area within one mile of the site. Since 1981, over 300 private wells in the area have been taken out of service due to contamination. The affected residences have been connected to the municipal drinking water supply system. A system of pumps is used to bring the polluted ground water to the surface where it can be cleaned. In addition, testing of about 100 homes showed that in about 18 homes chemical vapors were impacting the indoor air quality. To address the problem, systems were installed in these homes to prevent these vapors from building up to harmful levels. To date, the cleanup has cost approximately $32 million.
At all sites at which ground water is contaminated, the EPA requires periodic collection and analysis of ground water samples to verify that the level and extent of contaminants are declining and that people's health and the environment are protected. The EPA also conducts reviews every five years to ensure the effectiveness of the cleanups.
For more information about Superfund sites in New Jersey and across the country, please visit: http://www.epa.gov/region02/superfund.
Follow EPA Region 2 on Twitter at http://twitter.com/eparegion2 and visit our Facebook page, http://www.facebook.com/eparegion2.


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Saving the tiger – crime prevention training for frontline staff in Central India
The International Fund for Animal Welfare provides training, equipment and insurance to rangers and forest staff who work on the frontlines of tiger protection in Central India. Jose Louies, head of this IFAW-WTI project, filed this report about training personnel in Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh state. - JK
Pench (Madhya Pradesh), February 21, 2013: I am in Kharamajhiri, inside Pench National Park and Tiger Reserve in Madhya Pradesh, Central India. As I look around, I can't help wonder how the scene would appear to someone if they were to cross our path at that moment – three miserable-looking people arguing along the river, a tiger trap on a blood-stained newspaper and a few snares scattered around.
I was amused at the thought of convincing the outsider that the trap was a dummy, the newspaper had been smeared with watercolour and no animals had been slaughtered and that the three gentlemen were 'suspects' detained by the investigation team during a mock exercise conducted during a Crime Prevention Training by the International Fund for Animal Welfare - Wildlife Trust of India (IFAW-WTI) under their Van Rakshak Project.
The arguments were real enough of course, with the members of the investigation team referring books and discussing what to do with their suspects, to ensure that their case does not come under the purview of the mock court later in the day.
It was not all fun and games, as the members got better acquainted with wildlife crime and more specifically, the Wild Life Protection Act, 1972.
This is our first batch of trainees from the Kharmajhiri range, led by Range Officer B P Tiwari. On the very first day we had a class-room session, where we discussed the various laws related to wildlife and talked about the tiger poaching gangs of central India.
Deciding to teach by example, we discussed an actual tiger poaching case with them to not only give them a realistic idea of what to expect out there, but to induct them into the world of tiger poaching and give them an idea as to what a tiger poacher will look for when his gang is out for a hunt.
When the Deputy Director of the park, Mr Jagdish Chandra, was asked what he thought of the programme, he said, "The training was an eye-opener for us. My staff had attended a few theoretical trainings earlier on wildlife crime, but when it came down to applying it practically, they could see themselves committing the usual mistakes and overlooking evidences which had been cleverly placed by the 'poachers'.
It's only through practical training sessions like these will they be able to effectively remember and apply what they learn."
We had camped in Pench from February 10 to 18, with various aspects of training divided amongst the members. Field kits had been specially put together for the training which included a back pack, a rain suit, a winter jacket, a field cap, a water bottle and a flash light.
Each participant was given a kit.
During the training we also updated the IFAW-WTI insurance database, which exists to give each frontline staff a supplementary insurance coverage of up to Rs. 100,000 INR in case of injuries or accidental death on duty.
Started in 2000, this unique Group Accident Insurance Scheme now covers more than 19000 frontline staff across the country.
The final days of the training had been specifically designed to give the members an idea of what it would be like to fight an actual case.
The staff, divided into three batches, was present in a 'court room' where the investigation teams presented their case in front of the trainers and senior officers, who in turn acted as the defense for the 'suspects'.
Every loophole and missing piece of evidence was immediately spotted by the trainers and good work - like impeccable paper work or following the ideal course of investigation - was rewarded with 'gifts', which in this case was a copy of Vivek Menon's 'Field Guide to Indian Mammals' in their regional language.
The participants learnt valuable lessons on accuracy to ensure effective prosecution. "In our report, we wrote 'pig' (a domestic animal), instead of using the correct term 'wild pig'.
Of course, we lost the case before we could even argue it," said a member of the team, when they were asked to spell out their own mistake, after their 'case' was 'dismissed' within the first minute of presenting it.
"With the central Indian landscape being an important for tigers, with iconic tiger areas like Pench, Kanha, Tadoba etc., training, equipping and insuring the frontline staff goes a long way in motivating them to perform better," commented Alok Kumar, Field Director, after observing the proceedings and the obvious immediate results.
We left Pench on the 18th, having trained three batches of over 200 frontline staff and the dates fixed for the next training dates, to be held in Kanha Tiger Reserve where over 400 frontline staff will receive training in multiple batches.
Although, we didn't leave without seeing the animal we were here to protect.
We had a day off on February 13 and despite the fact that a heavy rainstorm the night before had led to fallen trees everywhere, blocking game roads, all of us were keen on going into the Tiger Reserve and spotting the big cat.
With a common story of 'This is the land of Sherkhan' (reference- a character from Rudyard Kipling's famous 'Jungle Book') resonating amongst all, we went around the roads and couldn't spot anything other than herds of spotted deer happily gorging on the fallen trees!
We were driving back dejectedly after striving to hear alarm calls, when someone saw a huge male tiger walking barely 30 feet in front of us.
Officially named as T8 (as we later learnt), this tiger was out for his morning walk. The tiger strolled out on to the road, sniffed the tree trunk to his pleasure, gave us a fleeting look and went on his way, with every step a swagger.
We couldn't take our eyes away, as that minute felt paradoxically long and too short, and we watched him till the stripes merged with the bushes and we could see no more.
With no alarm calls of even a chital or langur anywhere, had we not come across this chap we would have easily missed watching him. Of course, as officer commented, Sherkhan probably paid us a courtesy visit to indicate he appreciates our good work around here.
Regional Head
South India; Project Lead
Enforcement, Assistance and Law
One of the most versatile members of Wildlife Trust of India (WTI), Jose is also Officer-in-Charge of the Enforcement, Assistance and Law division. He specifically handles the wildlife trade control section that works with enforcement authorities to tackle wildlife poaching and trade across the country.
A graduate in computer sciences, Jose started his career in a multi-national company, working as a network techie.

subset: commoncrawl


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Not Going Granite: Considering Quartz Surfacing
The recent post on today's remodeling choices sparked some great comments regarding granite counters, among other possible trends in residential design. Whether you love or hate granite, it's safe to say that it's dominated the residential market for the past decade or more, and doesn't appear to be phasing out quite yet. For those looking for something different, yet still in a similar price range, quartz surfacing is a great option. Here's why...
First off, there are tons of countertop options besides granite and quartz. From laminate to marble, the options are plentiful and worth looking into if you're on the verge of a remodel. That said, quartz is a great mid-range option that often lends itself to a more modern look.
Stain Resistant. Quartz counters are composed of 93% natural quartz and 7% resin. These surfaces are non-porous, meaning they won't absorb liquid or stains, which makes them ideal for an application where food and liquids are prevalent. Here are a few of the advantages of quartz:
Low Maintenance. Unlike granite, quartz surfaces don't need to be sealed. Once they are installed, they only require soap and water for maintenance.
Scratch Resistant. Quartz is an inherently durable material which makes a lot of sense for areas of high use, like the kitchen.
Sustainable. Most manufacturers offer options with some recycled content from demoed counters, like the example in image 4.
•Ultimate Guide to Choosing Countertops: Pros and Cons
(Images: 1.Cambria in Torquay via 7th house on the left, 2. Caesarstone in Absolute Noir, 3. Cambria via Atlanta Homes & Lifestyles, 4. Caesarstone in Mosaici Carbone, 5. Caesarstone in Blizzard, 6. Zodiaq in Bianco Carrara, 7. Silestone, Nebula series.)


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Editor, the record:
Editor, the record:
Here is a question for our Monroe County commissioners, John Moyer, Charles Garris and Suzanne McCool: After speaking with several people in our community, I wonder about ways we might consider lowering, or eliminating altogether, the outrageous property taxes here in Monroe County. If this question seems as if I am fishing for solutions and answers, then you are correct, as it appears evident that those we have voted for do not.
How does the notion of putting a referendum on the 2014 ballot, about a "luxury tax'" on certain visits, and visitors here to the Poconos, sound? As they say, we are a "destination" location that everyone enjoys.
People can't wait to visit us here for weekends and holiday, while leaving all of their discarded trash for us to clean up. Would there be any harm in looking into such a tax on some visits and some services? Could commissioners perhaps answer how a luxury tax is defined, and what would be the pros and cons of such a tax? I myself have some very good pros.
How could we get the commissioners to put this question as a referendum on the ballot in 2014? As we continue to bring businesses here such as the Kalahari Water Park, and offer them tax breaks, my question of our own local government asking "us" our opinion for a change would be, as they say, "transparent."
Take a look at all of the faces who are sure to enter the races for various offices here after the great new gerrymandering redistricting maps have been drawn, and let's see what they think.
Is this viable, and is it something that we can at least explore on the ballot?


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|Saturday, Sep 15, 2012 - 10:00 AM
"Stack It with Style"
On today's show, Chef Keller shows how to add great pizzazz to food presentations by creating Beautiful stacks. First, he's pairing corn pancakes with two different kinds of salmon plus a dab of caviar. His second stack includes crab, avocado and tomato. D
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Since when is failing to check in for a urinalysis for three days while on probation through the Grand County Drug Court more deserving of a prison sentence than a violent crime?
There are two sentences worth looking at that have been handed down in the last couple of months here in the Seventh District Court in Moab!
The first case, a repeat offender who failed to report for a UA while on probation within the Drug Court was picked up and placed in the county jail for 33 days and then sentenced to one to five years in prison. He is serving that time now.
The second case involved the pistol whipping and beating of a person at least 20 years one's senior. Not only one's senior, but the fire chief of Moab. The attacker was his own son and a Grand County Deputy Sheriff. The attack was severe enough that a medical helicopter was used to transport the victim to the hospital in Grand Junction. The deputy was arrested for attempted murder and felony aggravated assault, placed in the San Juan County Jail for two days, and then was released without bail.
Those charges have since been "re-evaluated" to class A misdemeanor counts of assault and assault against a police officer. This second case was sentenced to 24 months on probation and $826 in fines. Both cases were heard in the Seventh District Court by the same judge.
One wonders what happened to the deadly weapon portion of this second case. One also wonders how it is possible for a non-violent crime to receive prison time, and yet for a violent offender to receive nothing more than probation.
What has happened to justice?
—Darlene Slade


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Face it: When most people think of the commercial real estate industry, they do not think of philanthropy projects. Such stereotypes as the greedy developer and the penny-pinching property manager are firmly entrenched in the minds of many. However, while there are certainly some who are consumed with making a fortune and making it fast, commercial real estate also is home to some very big hearts.
From projects such as tutoring underprivileged children to raising money for breast cancer research, many real estate professionals are working hard to make a real difference in the lives of those who need a helping hand. "To serve others, that's the purpose of life," said Rick Lackey Jr., executive vice president and managing director of the Atlanta office of Northbrook, Ill.-based Grubb & Ellis. "If you don't have that in your work environment, then there's something flawed there."
During the past several months, National Real Estate Investor has examined the philanthropic efforts of a dozen commercial real estate individuals and companies. What follows is a series of vignettes detailing some of those undertakings.
This piece is not intended to be a comprehensive collection of all the charitable projects in the industry, or a ranking of the largest ones. Rather, it is simply intended to provide a snapshot of how some in commercial real estate are giving back to the communities around them.
A round of golf, anyone?
There were times in the year 2000 that Paul Hatcher felt much more like an event coordinator than the president of a Wixom, Mich.-based design and construction firm. That is because he and the employees of Oliver/Hatcher Construction & Development Inc. spent a great deal of their energy organizing the first annual Oliver/Hatcher Mulligan Masters golf tournament, held in September at the Bay Pointe Golf Club in West Bloomfield Township, Mich.
The charity event benefited the Child Life Services group at the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital in Ann Arbor, Mich. Following the tournament and a corresponding dinner, the Child Life Services group accepted a check in the amount of $44,000, "When I'm spending a great deal of time trying to organize a golf outing, I know I'm not doing what I should be doing in terms of the company, but that's OK," Hatcher said. "I made a conscious decision to do it that way."
The genesis of the event was a visit that Hatcher's partner, Paul Oliver, made to the C.S. Mott Children's Hospital to see the daughter of one of the company's employees. The girl had contracted a rare liver disease. While there, Oliver was able to see the Child Life Services group in action.
The group provides a series of recreational and therapeutic services for not only the children who are sick, but also for their siblings. For example, kids can participate in games and crafts, and they can communicate via computers with other children in other hospitals.
"The program made a real impact on my partner, and so we then started to get involved as a company," Hatcher said. About once a month, volunteers from the company would visit the hospital, located about 30 minutes from the Oliver/Hatcher office, and assist with the various activities.
"As a result, we saw that they had certain needs, such as the upkeep of the computer systems and craft items," Hatcher said. "We felt we could raise some money and that we could do it via a golf outing." And so, a little less than a year before the event, the company began planning the tournament.
The company charged an entry fee of $1,200 for a foursome and filled the field primarily with business associates. After the tournament, the participants attended a dinner and silent auction, the proceeds of which also went to the Child Life Services group. The auction featured items ranging from coffee table books about golf to Detroit Red Wings tickets. Joe Falls, a popular and longtime sports columnist for the Detroit News, spoke at the dinner and received an award for his work with the Special Olympics.
This year, Hatcher said the company will again oversee the preparation of the tournament, rather than outsource the management. "We've already created the recipe," he said.
Hatcher admitted that organizing the event is a ton of work, but said the money raised and the emotional benefits the company receives easily justify it. "The people within our organization got a tremendous amount out of it," he said. "There was a team-creating aspect to it. That's probably the biggest appreciation that we got out of it."
Boosting the learning process
Life can be quite busy at Carter & Associates•ONCOR International, an Atlanta-based commercial real estate services firm. But that does not prevent approximately 25 employees from taking an hour or two out of their hectic schedules to tutor students at Capitol View Elementary, a school of approximately 300 students in grades K-5 in inner-city Atlanta.
"People leave in the middle of the day, work with the kids and then go back to their jobs," said Noel Mayeske, a graphics manager and Web-page creator with the company. "All of a sudden you're in another world for an hour, and it actually refreshes you for the rest of the day."
Seven years ago, Carter adopted the school through a program run by The Metropolitan Atlanta Chamber of Commerce. Company officials say the partnership could not be more rewarding. "We thought it would be good for our people to work with some people who perhaps were less fortunate than they were, but were still wonderful people," said James B. Carson Jr., Carter's vice chairman. "I tell you, it's heartwarming to work with these kids."
The tutoring is the core activity of Carter's relationship with Capitol View, but that is far from the only way the company works with the school. Carter has purchased computers and books for the school, and partnered with Capitol View's PTA to build a new playground. The company also hosts several parties at the school each year.
Carter also recently sponsored a "Career Day," during which fifth-grade students were transported to the company's offices and shown what the various departments do. "We told them that the world was open to them, the world was theirs, and that there was no reason they couldn't do what we were doing," Carson said.
Both the school and Carter derive enormous benefits from their relationship, Carson added. "The principal was telling me the other day that, because of how concentrated the tutoring effort is this year, the kids are reading more outside of school on their own than ever before," he said. "For us, it makes people proud of the company that they work for. This is a company that wants to give back to the community. We just think that is very, very important."
Can't start a fire without a spark
According to Jerry Feldman, president and CEO of Agoura Hills, Calif.-based CallSource, "what began as a spark has grown into a bonfire." What Feldman is describing is the growth in support of his company's effort to raise money for breast-cancer research.
The campaign began to take shape last July, when Feldman, whose company tracks the advertising efforts of multifamily companies, attended the Washington, D.C.-based National Multi Housing Council's (NMHC) Executive Leadership Program at the University of North Carolina. There, he attended a discussion of corporate ethics and responsibility headed by Aygmunt Nagorski, president of the Washington, D.C.-based Center for International Leadership Inc.
On the plane ride home to California, Feldman was consumed with the idea of creating an industry-wide philanthropic program. After discussing possible efforts with CallSource officials and other industry figures, the idea for the breast-cancer fund-raising drive was born.
The reason the company settled on a breast-cancer effort is simple. "It became clear that with nearly 85% of the work force in [the multifamily] industry being women, breast-cancer research is a hot button for all of us," Feldman said.
At the annual Brainstormers convention, a gathering of multifamily leaders and marketing officials held last November in Reno, Nev., CallSource unveiled the program. To promote interest in its campaign, the company distributed breast-cancer awareness stamps that the U.S. Postal Service issued several years ago and lapel pins emblazoned with a replica of the stamp.
In all, the company spent approximately $25,000 on promotional materials for the Brainstormers show. Around the same time, the company placed launch ads in numerous trade publications, and the NMHC published an open letter to the multifamily industry penned by Feldman.
At the heart of CallSource's fund-raising drive will be the "Pennies from Home" program. The company has spent the first part of this year preparing promotional kits to send to multifamily organizations that encourage and detail a method for soliciting penny donations from employees.
Later this year, more kits will be sent out to launch a similar drive among apartment residents. CallSource is also working to create an umbrella relationship with the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation, American Cancer Society and/or the YMCA's Encore Breast Cancer Program. The alliance will oversee the program.
According to Feldman, the average American household contains $10 to $13 in pennies. "If we're able to get the residents to really participate, there's an awful lot of money that we can raise," he said, noting that no fund-raising goal has been established. The program will be an ongoing effort, not just a year-long initiative, he added.
Feldman believes the drive has the potential to create better relationships between apartment managers and residents. "The hot button for some of the property owners and management companies is that potentially we're going to engage the residents, and the residents will see that the owner or the managers are giving something back," he said. "We expect there will be more of a community feeling."
Gone fishin'
For those looking to reel in a hefty catch of the world's great sport fish, it is hard to find a better place to be than Cozumel, Mexico, in the spring. That is why Rick Lackey Jr. of Grubb & Ellis takes his top five brokers — whom Lackey prefers to call "advisers" — there each year as a reward for their work.
But the relaxing days spent chasing sailfish and blue marlins amidst the clear, shimmering water and the brilliant blue sky have a purpose other than a reward for success. When the trip is over, Lackey and other Grubb & Ellis employees will fry a good portion of the fish — along with mountains of onion rings, french fries and other goodies — and feed them to the homeless.
Last year's top brokers returned with 70 pounds of mahi mahi fillets, which company employees served the Friday before Father's Day at an Atlanta shelter for sick, disabled and elderly homeless people. After the fish fry was over, Grubb & Ellis employees handed out bags containing socks, toothbrushes, T-shirts and other toiletries, and then spent the night at the shelter. The next morning, the employees prepared breakfast for the residents.
Upon taking over the Atlanta office about 14 months ago, Lackey instituted a philosophy of "work hard, play hard and give back," he said. "As I see it, you've got to have a real bond and a real close relationship with the people in your office. There is no better way to form that bond than when you go and give to others when they can't give back. There's a real special feeling that's created inside."
The fish fry is but one of the many charity projects that Grubb & Ellis' Atlanta office has participated in recently. Last Christmas, through the HOPE Worldwide program, the office adopted a family of seven children that lived in Atlanta's inner city and was responsible for providing the kids with presents. The response was overwhelming, as the contributions were enough to fill the entire cargo bay of Lackey's Ford Expedition.
The company also is planning to hold an annual art auction in the lobby of its office building, with the proceeds benefiting the St. Jude's Children Hospital, which is headquartered in Memphis, Tenn. Several other projects are in the works as well. "What we're trying to do is do things right," Lackey said. "That's one of our major themes: We want to do things the way they ought to be done."
Working for justice
Jim Kier, chairman of Odgen, Utah-based Kier Corp., a construction, development and property management company that serves the office, retail and multifamily sectors, says community involvement always has been a staple of his organization. Those involved in juvenile justice in Utah are certainly glad that is so.
In the late 1990s, Jim, his wife, Norma, and Kier Corp. aided in the establishment of the Weber/Morgan Children's Justice Center in Odgen and the Davis County Children's Justice Center in Farmington, Utah. At the centers, juvenile justice investigators and prosecutors interview children to gather information about alleged crimes such as sexual and physical abuse.
According to Kier, the process started when the boards of the Weber/Morgan center, which was then seeking to move, approached Kier Corp. to help identify and spruce up a new location for the center. An older home was found, and Kier Corp. remodeled it. Later, the company helped establish the Davis County facility by renovating another old home. The company raised money for the efforts and recruited several subcontractors to donate their time. Each home cost $60,000 to $80,000 to renovate, Kier estimated.
The goal was to make each facility feel as much like a home as possible, said Kier. That way, children are much more likely to open up and discuss difficult issues. Some of the rooms contain hidden video and audio recording equipment, allowing investigators the chance to record a child's version of events without the child being intimidated by a camera or recorder.
Meanwhile, Kier, his wife and his company are gearing up again to move the Weber center into a new facility, as it has already outgrown the current location. Once again, the Kiers will remodel an existing structure.
The Kiers and the Kier Corp. have received awards and plenty of publicity for their work, but Kier maintains he is simply performing his obligations as a successful businessman. "If you take out of the community, then you need to put it back in," he said. "That's the way I was raised, and that's the way I've always felt."
Take a little time off
Maurice Riley, an account manager in the Arlington, Va., office of Claritas Inc., recalls that he was shocked at how quickly and decisively his boss responded to his fairly bold proposal. At 5:15 p.m., Riley had fired off an e-mail to Bob Nascenzi, president and CEO of the San Diego-based market research firm, proposing that each company employee be allowed to take off one day per quarter to participate in a charitable activity.
Only 30 minutes later, a reply was sitting in Riley's in box. "Bob embraced the idea wholeheartedly," Riley recalled. "He said, 'I want this enacted immediately.' In fact, he thought some elements of the proposal were too formal."
Specifically, Riley had proposed creating a database of Claritas-approved organizations that employees could volunteer for on their day off, but Nascenzi told Riley that he wanted workers to be able to work for whomever they wished. "We're on the honor system," Riley said. "A manager only has to have enough advance warning that an employee is going to be out for the day."
Last year, Claritas formally unveiled its quarterly program. Riley said the benefit is simply a crystallization of a long-time attitude that both Nascenzi and the company's employees have had toward volunteerism. "One of the objectives that Bob has always set forth for this company has been the idea that Claritas should give back to the community through charity or volunteer works," he said.
Other companies have similar programs. For example, Charlotte-based Summit Properties holds a "Community Service Day" in September in which the company closes its operations so that employees can participate in projects ranging from cleaning up community centers to building homes for low-income families.
Another side of the industry
The predominant image of the commercial real estate industry is that of one consumed by greed and the desire to make the fastest possible buck. But one can see that a philanthropic spirit is alive and well.
Summing up this principle, Feldman of CallSource said: "In this industry, there are very good businessmen who realize where they are in life and know they have an obligation to give back to the community around them."
Stephen Ursery covers multifamily and industrial real estate for NREI. © 2001, IndustryClick Corp., a PRIMEDIA company. All rights reserved. This article is protected by United States copyright and other intellectual property laws and may not be reproduced, rewritten, distributed, redisseminated, transmitted, displayed, published or broadcast, directly or indirectly, in any medium without the prior written permission of IndustryClick Corp. ------------------------------------------------------------------------ Print-friendly format E-mail this article E-mail brought to you by: About Us Contact Us For Advertisers Privacy Policy User Agreement ©2001 IndustryClickTM, an IndustryClickTM community. All rights reserved. IndustryClick is A PRIMEDIA COMPANY


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Four very British Race Rows..Almost
If , like me, you keep an eye on the British media and the way that it reports race, then you will not have let events of December 2011 go unnoticed.
Seasoned observers of the media will recognise that headlines seem to be on a perpetual carousel, every now and again racism rears its ugly head. This December there were four prominent articles regarding racism all at the same time. The way the media handled each one was different let's take a look.
Firstly, we had the race row that erupted during the football match between Liverpool FC and Manchester United. In this match Mr Patrice Evra said that Mr Luis Suarez racially abused him Mr Suarez denied the claims the press would very quick to side with ever, was this right ? you look at this later .
Then we had the re-trial of the suspects accused of murdering Stephen Lawrence back in 1993 back in football, we had John Terry accused of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand.
Then in the world of politics. Labour MP Diane created a storm amongst voters and political opponents with a very foolish tweet.
The way that the media handled all of these cases was completely different.The reason for writing this post so far after the facts is simplyt to look at the hypocrisy that exists within the British media, and to reflect on how some of us in the British public seemed to just love to go along with it all.
People of colour have been subjected to racism for years, it's nothing new to us. that doesn't make it right. However, if we are to remain credible all cries or claims of racism have to be objectively substantiated. If someone cries racism and that accusation results in someone being punished because of that claim, then it is paramount that claim must be true, it must be proven to be true, by the presentation of facts. In the absence of facts, all we have is our memory, our account, however accurate is not evidence or proof.
Presenting our account without facts, should really be completely invalid as evidence in a court or tribunal. Anyone who cries racism when there is no proof of racism, is only making a statement, they are retelling their version of events.
To have someone punished on the basis of a claim of racism without any substantiated evidence seems to me completely bogus. Would you want to be convicted or found guilty of committing a crime when there was no evidence other than an unsubstantiated claim of someone who said that you did something.
Racism in Football
The Evra / Suarez case is particularly unique because none of the other footballers on the pitch heard any racial slur come from Mr Suarez It is my opinion that this counts as one man's word against another. So many people condemned Suarez before the Official report even came out. When you read the F.A's report Suarez admits saying the word "Negro" (Neg-ro). I think that it is important to get the use of this word into context. We must be clear that the Spanish use of "Negro" (Neg-ro). The way the Spanish use (Neg-ro) is not the same as the word The British and Americans use the word Negro (knee-Grow).
The crux, in this case basically rests on the fact that Suarez made reference to the other players colour. That is what got him bang to rights, this is what made him guilty, it wasn't about whether he meant offence, whether the word was offensive in his country or in Britain, but the fact that he made a reference to another players colour. To claim that this was racist is not correct in my opinion, What were his motives, check Luis Suarez's family history, his own grandfather was black. Maybe you have already made up your mind based on the facts presented by the media. I'd recoment that you read the Report, and then search around the Football Forums and make up your own mind. I enclose a link to the FA's report:
Terry V Ferdinand
Then there was John Terry and Anton Ferdinand. Apparently John Terry, the England Football Captain racially abused Anton Ferdinand of QPR. People posted video footage online claiming it as evidence of abuse. The CPS are taking this allegation seriously, Terry has been charged and will appear at Magistrate's Court. Yet Prior to the notification by the CPS did you notice little the F.A said about this perhaps it is because John Terry is the England captain. Racism in this case has not been proved yet but it's surprising how much vitriol Suarez recieved from the press as opposed to Terry. Is it because Suarez is from Uruguay and Terry is English? It certainly seems like double standards to me.
I am of course glad that the F.A is now taking a more robust stance on racism. I remember Everton fans throwing bananas at John Barnes, in the 1980's, and we have all seen the disgusting treatment England's black players get when they travel to Eastern Europe. Yet I can't help thinking that the suarez verdict was a perfect way for the F.A to cock a snook at Sep Blatter's disgusting dismissal of racism. I only hope that if John Terry is found Gulty, that he will recieve the same treatment as Suarez. Should he be found innocent, he should be supported by the F.A and not thrown to the baying mob.
BBC News – Terry -Ferdinand – Disputed Remarks
Stephen Lawrence Trial
Then we had the conviction of the Accused Gary Dobson and David Norris for the murder of Stephen Lawrence, 17 years ago at the bus stop in Eltham. Finally these two were back in court, again charged with the murder of Stephen Lawrence, this time they were found guilty and the press went to town. Despite their crowing. very little was said about how despicable it is that it took 17 years to bring the killers to justice. At least they are behind bars now, yet it will be interesting to see if the media keep the pressure on the existing suspects because there are still several members of the original accused who are still at large.
Dianne Abbott causes Twitter Storm
If that wasn't enough news on the Race category, Hackney MP Diane Abbott got herself into a storm over making "racist" comments on twitter she tweeted that "white people love to play divide and rule", is it just me or was this a stupid tweet? If miss Abbott thinks white people love to play divide and rule she would be sensible to keep such thoughts to herself, given that many of her constituents are White. A politician should not be seen to be discriminating against any racial group. In her defence Miss Abbott said that the tweet was taken out of context, but she is an intelligent woman who holds a degree, and is an experienced a politician. Opposition politicians, the press and the Twitterati called for her head, she was lucky to have survived and to have kept her place in the shadow cabinet. As someone who no longer cares about the political parties in Britain, it is my conclusion that Ms Abbott has damaged her credibility, she is quick to vocally attack racism when ift affects black people, yet seems to think that making sweeping generalisations about the white race can be somehow excused.
When it comes to racism we black people have to be objective. It is no good sticking up for Diane Abbott when she makes stupid mistakes, she shames herself and ridicules the cause of anti racism. It is no good crying "racist" without providing evidence to prove that someone behaved in a racist manner. It's simply degrades the cause and fight against real racism.
We live in a country where racism is supposedly dead. Yet it is telling indictment upon our society when we read the reason why Neville and Doreen Lawrence buried their son in Jamaica because they were so scared that if they had buried him in England his grave would have been desecrated by those who would glorify the acts of the racists.
As a final though if only the media only taken a stronger stance on racism before the 1990s Stephen Lawrence may still be walking amongst us today. It took his death for the establishment to open one eye.


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This article has an interesting storyline, giving a glimpse into the the business and personalities behind a new concept restaurant coming from Chicago to New York: Next. The menu is expected to change completely every three months. Grant Ashatz, the chef, seems like an interesting guy, and he's painted in the article as a true artist (like a culinary Warhol). I suppose I'll have to save up and plan well in advance for my next trip to the Big Apple to find out how true that is. I would be interested in hearing if anyone has had Achantz's food, and what they thought.
http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/16/dinin ... ref=dining


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Marvaddin wrote:Im playing already, looks nice
But, the ships being called in the xml and targets list "M Gaia", "I Dis", etc, instead of Gaia, Dis, etc... its more a problem than a help to me. Someone?
Yes Marvaddin...as Wisse commented above, the one letter in front of the names in the xml was so that people would easily identify by looking at the legend what tert they were looking for.
I think it works well, as i am finding it quite useful in my game.
Some of those names are very similar, and they are crowded so close together i thought this was a good suggestion provided by the forum.
Thanks for comments.


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uppiez on Family Tree Circles
view: full | list
Journals and Posts
Looking For Coronor's Inquest for Adam HINDMARSH 1938
My grandfather, Adam Mason HINDMARSH, died on the 15 March 1938 from a railway accident at Eastern Railway between Clara Vale Crossing and Ferry Crossing at Ryton. His Death Certificate states that an Inquest was held on the 17 March 1938 but I haven't been able to trace it. I would like to know if it could have been suicide or an accidental death.
The death was registred in Gateshead, the sub-district was Winlaton in the county of Durham. Any information would be greatly appreciated.
Post Office Robbery - 1920
This story was taken from Papers Past. It is an item about my uncle Arthur WHITBURN and my grandmother, Helen WHITBURN, the Postmistress at the time of the robbery, 1920.
Another sensational post office robbery is reported, the locality this time being Runciman, a small township on the Waikato railway, 23 miles south of Auckland, New Zealand. It is stated that about dusk on Tuesday evening, a stranger, armed with a revolver, held up the Runciman letter-carrier (who is the son of the Runciman postmistress), at a spot about half a mile from the office, demanded the keys, and after having got them from the lad, told him to clear off home, and fired a shot after him. The post office was subsequently robbed.
Arthur Charles WHITBURN, aged 17 years, son of the postmistress at Runciman, Mrs Helen WHITBURN, made a statement reviewing the incidents of the affair. He said he was letter-carrier, and in the habit of opening up the post office at 7 o'clock each morning, remaining there until relieved by his mother two hours later. The usual procedure was followed yesterday, with the exception that his sister Florence, relieved him instead of his mother. His duty when relieved was to deliver the rural mail, which occupied his time until 3.20, when he returned to the office, and stayed until 5p.m., in company with his sister. When she left at 5p.m., he took charge, sorted and delivered the evening mail over the counter, finally closing the office at 5.30p.m. He left for his home, which is about a mile and a half distant on the Karaka Road, and was riding his bicycle. He had covered about half a mile, when he was met by a young man whose head was wrapped in a muffler, who called upon him to stop. WHITBURN alighted, and the man said he wished to get a letter out of the post office, and for that purpose demanded the keys. The lad refused, but offered to return to the office and get the letter. The stranger replied: "I will go myself," at the same time drawing a revolver, and adding, "Hurry up and give me the keys." Being rendered nervous by seeing the revolver, WHITBURN handed over the keys. The man also took WHITBURN's bicycle, and as he rode away, called out "Hurry home immediately." As WHITBURN turned in the direction of his home, the stranger fired a shot, but in what direction the weapon was aimed is not known, as WHITBURN's back was towards the man. Having secured the keys and bicycle, the man road off towards the post office. Ten minutes later WHITBURN returned with assistance but only to find that the door was open and that thirty pounds in cash and twenty seven pounds in cheques had been stolen. Attached to the keys handed over was one that fitted the safe, and this was used to gain access to the money.
Sergeant COWAN, of Pukekohe, and Constable WOLFENDALE, arrived on the scene within a very short time.
Constable JOHNSTON of Papakura, was communicated with by means of the telegraph to the railway station, and was informed that the thief was riding the stolen bicycle on the main Runciman-Drury Road towards Papakura. Constable JOHNSTON kept a close watch as he went to Runciman, but did not see the man. That the thief did go by that route is proved by the fact that the stolen bicycle was found on the main road in the ditch about 100 yards from the Constable's residence.
Detectives McHUGH and O'SULLIVAN, of Auckland, arrived at Runciman this morning to assist the local police.
Runciman Post Office is on the main road close to a store and a drapery shop. These are not occupied after closing hours.
Further details in connection with the Runciman robbery go to show that events moved with rapidity, particularly in the case of the bold adventurer, who can be said to have made a very lucky escape after what must have been a very hazardous bicycle ride over a slippery, muddy road and without the aid of a lamp to light his way.
After leaving the post office, the robber set out on his dash, which was evidently full of incident, for since the evening of the occurrence, a lady has come forward with a report that she saw a fleeing figure on the stolen machine, riding at break-neck pace on the main road between Runciman and Papakura. He was taking practically the whole width of the road to accomplish his task, the bicycle and its rider taking a zigzag course in the darkness. His course was so erratic that the lady anticipated until the man had passed her, that an accident was inevitable.
He is also reported as having been seen crossing Slippery Creek bridge en route, but the police have not as yet ascertained the name of the person who saw the stranger at this stage of the journey.
Once at Papakura, the man abandoned the stolen bicycle on the side of the Papakura township main road, adjacent to Richardon's picture theatre, and evidently diverted to the railway line, for on the stretch between Papakura and Takanini, several cheques missing from the post office were found. It is thought probable that the man continued the journey towards the city by train.
Looking for UPFOLD and STREET of Shalford, Surrey
I am looking for William UPFOLD b. c1742 who married Sarah STREET b. 1748, on the 6 December 1768, also in Shalford, Surrey.
I am trying to find who William UPFOLD'S parents were. Sarah's parents were John STREET and Sarah BALCHIN. Any information regarding the UPFOLDS from Surrey would be appreciated.
Looking for CHESHIRE and GHOST of Picotsend, Hemel Hempstead, Hertfordshire
I'm trying to find information about Thomas CHESHIRE b.1790 and Rebecca GHOST whom I believe were married on 12 May 1811 at Hemel Hempstead or St. Albans. Thomas was the father of John CHESHIRE who married Eliza Clara INSKIP at Hemel Hempstead on 22 June 1837. I believe that the Thomas CHESHIRE who married Rebecca GHOST is the correct one that I am looking for but I have no proof. Any help would be appreciated.
Looking for LEES OF Birmingham
Trying to find John LEES b. between 1815-1820, occupation Iron Moulder. He married a Mary ?. She was born c.1823 and died 10 March 1895 at Birmingham. Her surname was then HEELEY. Mary had a sister Caroline LEES (Carrie) who never married.
Their daughter was Mary Ann LEES b. c1840 at Birmingham and died c1867-1871 at Tuakau, South Auckland, New Zealand. Mary Ann married John Henry CHESHIRE b. c1838 St. Albans, Hertfordshire, England and died 19 November 1912 at Graytown, New Zealand. They had 4 children - Eliza Tamar CHESHIRE who married Thomas PATON, Ellen Jane Spenser CHESHIRE who had a child by Benjamin COSSEY (unmarried), Alfred Ormond CHESHIRE who never married and finally Henry CHESHIRE who married Emily HALL.
Looking for John HINDMARSH b.1800 in Northumberland
I am looking for any information about a John HINDMARSH b.1800 in Northumberland. He is my gr-gr-grandfather who married Mary Jobling. I have no details about Mary but they had 11 children including my gr-grandfather, Edward Hindmarsh.
I think John's father and mother were called Ralph Hindmarsh and Sarah Scott but I have no proof of this as yet.
Edward Hindmarsh was born on 26 July 1838 at Killingworth, the son of John, a Pitman and Mary Hindmarsh, nee Jobling. The informant of the birth was the baby's mother Mary, resident at Killingworth Colliery. She signed with a cross.
Looking for Jane Ann APPLEBY of Newcastle-upon Tyne
Jane Ann Appleby born 17 August 1845 at Achlington, Warkworth, about 50 kilometres north of Newcastle. She married Thomas WARDLE born c1836 at Newcastle-upon-Tyne. They had 9 children, one of whom was my grandmother, Elizabeth Wardle born 1878. She married Adam Mason Hindmarsh, born 5 May 1876.
I am researching the Appleby family and I think Jane Ann's father was called John Appleby, a mason or a miner and her mother was Barbara Appleby, nee Jobson, but I cannot confirm this. According to the Marriage Certificate, Jane Ann signed with a cross which meant that she couldn't write. The witnesses were Matthew Hindmarsh and James Ketch. It seems that Matthew was the uncle of their future son-in-law, Adam Mason Hindmarsh.
Looking for INSKIP of Hertfordshire
William Inskip was christened on 31 March 1788 at Northill, Beford.
He died on 26 March 1839 at Verulam Road, St. Albans. He was a Coachman in the Parish to St. Michaels, Hertfordshire.
He was married on the 15 October 1814 at Old Church, Saint Pancras, London, to Judea Johnson. She was christened on 8 November 1795 at Guiseley, Yorkshire. She died on 12 March 1861 at 30 Ormond Street, Birmingham.
Their children were John, Eliza Clara, Mary Ann, William, Harriet and George.
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It was the second Wednesday of the season. A blip, really. But there is no grace period for this team, not when the expectations are high and the fan base is agitated.
So, barely one week into a season that lasts 26 weeks, the manager demanded five outs from his closer.
"I said, 'You know what? We've got to win this game today,'" the manager said. "We've got to show people we mean business."
On Wednesday, the Dodgers deployed closer Kenley Jansen for five outs, the first five-out save of his career. But the manager talking was Terry Collins of the New York Mets, who got five outs from Jeurys Familia on the same night.
Dave Roberts, the...


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Editor's note: Sue Sweeney, executive director, starts her third year of leadership at the Sun City Hilton Head Community Association. Before arriving, Sweeney served as general manager/chief operating officer at Sun City Shadow Hills in Indio, Calif.; vice president of community association management for Pulte Homes/Del Webb, Southern California; community manager for Shea Homes in LaQuinta, Calif.; and chief operating officer and general manager for Del Webb's Sun City Palm Desert, Calif. Her certification as a Professional Community Association Manager (PCAM) places Sweeney in the top 5 percent in the Association Management industry. This designation is the highest of the advanced levels of recognition awarded by the Community Associations Institute (CAI).
Q. What can Sun City residents look forward to in 2012?
A. With the addition of new amenities and quality of performers for the Star Entertainment Series, 2012 is going to be an exciting year. There are many things residents have to look forward to.
We have already seen how the additional Pickleball and tennis courts in the new northern section of the community have created another social circle within the community. When the Lake House at Argent Lakes opens this summer and the Argent Lakes Golf Course opens as a full 18-hole golf course, there will be a real buzz of activity going on at that site.
Residents can also look for improvements to our communication programs. We'll introduce a substantially-improved website as well as new guest pass system. Also, there is our annual election for one position on the board of directors and one-half of the neighborhood and alternate representatives this spring.
Q. What are the big projects?
A. One of the most anticipated projects for 2012 will be the installation of new lights around the Hidden Cypress Pool. The pool is an important social spot for the community. As they say, if you want to know what's going on in Sun City, hang around the Hidden Cypress pool.
Other important projects include the addition of parking spaces at Riverbend Lodge and the Nature Trail. Permanent croquet court shelters, four new Bocce courts and replacement covered seating at Court No. 1 in the tennis center. More garden plots will be installed for Okatie Farms and a bike trail will be built to connect the community to the Bluffton Parkway. Finally, site plans and architectural drawings will be developed for a storage facility and woodshop expansion.
Q. How will these projects enhance Sun City's lifestyle?
A. The lights at the Hidden Cypress Pool will allow that facility to be open after dark once the association receives a permit from the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control. Croquet court shelters, new Bocce courts and covered seating at the tennis courts will encourage more participation in these popular clubs and sports. More garden plots will allow more residents to participate in the Okatie Farms, and the bike trail will provide our bikers safer access to Bluffton Parkway. The projects total $791,000. The association will use $559,000 from the right-of-way sale of S.C. 170 for some of those projects.
Q. Many residents are concerned about Sun City's golf courses, specifically the business operations. What can you tell residents about the management company plans to improve the bottom line?
A. First, the association has a new director of golf business operations who started this month. We were able to recruit a seasoned golf business professional to get this program in better shape. Shannon Archer, because of his knowledge of the Hilton Head golf market and experience, will be able to help the community almost immediately. Our goal is to enhance the golf experience for the golfers in Sun City and attract golfers from surrounding communities. We look forward to drawing more golfers out with special events such as the superintendent's revenge. The two courses were generally full that day and most everyone had a great day. I think the resident golfers will be well-satisfied with the programs we will put in place.
Q. What do you say to the skeptical resident about the 2012 Sun City golf pricing plans?
A. We believe they are highly competitive as long as you are comparing similar golf courses. Sun City's golf courses are three of the most well-maintained in the area and we intend to keep it that way. This is a plan put together using the comments from residents at the August golf workshop and refined with the help of the golf advisory committee, finance committee and board of directors, so there was significant resident input to the plan development. We know some would like to get a better deal for themselves. However, given the information we had, we believe this a great plan for Sun City residents. We may make some tweaks to the plan after Shannon starts. However, we believe at the end of 2012, Sun City Golf Business operations will be in much better shape than they are now.
Q. What are SMART goals?
A. We use the acronym SMART to describe the goals the association has adopted as a means of implementing the strategic objectives established by the Board of Directors. For the association, these 45 Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely (SMART) goals for 2012 fall into the six strategic areas established by the Board: Communication, financial and operations management, golf, infrastructure, lifestyle and transition.
Staff will develop a comprehensive communication and a crisis management communication plan, enhance quarterly budgeting and long-term financial planning, develop a golf marketing strategy and a long-term golf plan, adopt best management practices for road and lagoon maintenance, maximize volunteer opportunities and review lifestyle needs that may be affected by median age changes, and continue to acquire all documents needed to manage and govern Sun City Hilton Head after Pulte transitions the majority of the board seats to residents.
Q. How will these goals affect the day-to-day lives of residents?
A. Most residents will not notice in any dramatic fashion the implementation of these goals. They will see their community continue to be well-maintained and operated efficiently. We will continue to improve upon our management practices for our lagoons and roads. This will help the community extend the life of our infrastructure. Residents will see incremental improvements in communication, particularly with the association website. We are looking forward to seeing the work of an energy task force to help identify ways the association can save money on utilities. The new amenities have been constructed using the latest efficiency standards for commercial buildings.
Q. What were some goals reached in 2011?
A. We introduced a new, simpler golf plan that is now in effect. A document task force was established to collect the necessary documentation needed for when the majority of board of directors seats transition to residents. All gates leading into the community and a number of facilities (including the mulching center and dog park) are integrated with an updated database of current residents. We developed a seven-day programming schedule for Sun City TV and can now stream SCTV live through our community website, www.schhnews.com. News Brief and eNews Weekly are delivered to residents' email inboxes twice a week with all the need-to-know information going on in the community, and SunSations is consistently being delivered at least three days before the first of each month. We also have two new media partnerships, with WHHI-TV and The Sun Today/Bluffton Today to help us communicate important information to residents.
Q. What wild and woolly rumors do you wish to address?
A. That's an interesting question. Through my experience in four active adult communities, I have learned that no matter how much information you provide, there will always be rumors. I think one of the more concerning things I hear is that Wentworth is taking over the community.
As the management company, we were hired by the board to run the day-to-day operations. Our resident board members are actively engaged in the strategic direction of the association. The board appointed committees are actively engaged in what happens here. These resident volunteers put in many constructive hours helping us improve and maintain the community.
Our role in managing the whole community association is to protect and enhance the value for all residents. Sometimes this may involve changing the way one group or another uses community facilities. I think that's where we, as Wentworth Management Company, may create some anxiety.
Fundamentally, our No. 1 goal is to be more responsive to community needs. And in 2012, our team is looking forward to working in partnership with the board and hundreds of resident volunteers to improve our service and help residents enjoy this fantastic Sun City lifestyle.


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Terrebonne Parish government wants the State Bond Commission to approve a roughly $11 million public improvement bond for a major road, drainage and bridge project in Houma.
Terrebonne Parish government wants the State Bond Commission to approve a roughly $11 million public improvement bond for a major road, drainage and bridge project in Houma.
The money will be used to extend and connect Westside Boulevard from Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard to La. 311, which would provide a direct access route across Houma.
The Parish Council, which is expected to back the plan, will hold a public hearing on the matter at 6 p.m. Wednesday in the Government Tower, 8026 Main St., Houma.
"If we are successful with this, it will allow a direct, unimpeded trip from the St. Louis Canal Road all the way to the Valhi Extension, which takes you across La. 24, Martin Luther King and La. 311," said Parish Manager Al Levron.
This will include drainage needs along the road, as well as a bridge to cross Little Bayou Black.
If money is left over, Levron said it may be spent on further improvements to the sports complex to be built off La. 311 near the Terrebonne Lakes Subdivision.
Parish officials said this is an economically sound investment because interest rates are low.
Revenue from a quarter-cent sales tax, which is a reoccurring tax that has been in place in Terrebonne since 1979, will be used to pay off revenue bonds within 20 years, said Chief Financial Officer Jamie Elfert.
The biggest local public improvement bond was in 2011, at $49 million, for the Morganza levee project, Elfert said.
"This will not result in a tax increase," Levron said. "We are going to utilize our existing taxing authority to borrow the money. We have been able to pay off bonds for previously improved projects, and we have identified that we can borrow more money to work on this project."
Levron explained the money lending in terms of a cash account.
"We got money coming in and we're going to go to the bank and borrow money so we can pay for it all right now."
Levron said he expects the bond commission to approve the request because Terrebonne is financially stable.
"We have a very high bond rating, so that makes us a very good investment."
If the bond commission approves the parish's request, the parish will then divvy out bids.
"The person who offers the lowest interest rate we will accept their proposal," Levron said.
Levron said the quarter-cent sales tax has been used to finance other things in the parish such as the Terrebonne General Medical Center and the Civic Center.


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Lake Chatuge Lodge
Lake Chatuge Lodge is a peaceful retreat located on US 76 in Hiawassee, GA. We are on beautiful Lake Chatuge in the heart of the Southern Blue Ridge Mountains. The Lake Chatuge Lodge is a charming north Georgia Mountain inn convenient to boating, swimming, fishing, waterskiing, hiking, rafting, horseback riding, wineries and vineyards, shopping, and golf. The Lake Chatuge Lodge is a fantastic Georgia lodging venue and gateway to lake vacations in Georgia. All of this within an easy two-hour drive of Atlanta, Chattanooga, Asheville, and Greenville.
Relax and enjoy the time you spend with us. The minute you walk into our lodge, you will be amazed by our stone fireplace and vaulted ceilings. We have a gorgeous panoramic view of the glorious mountains and Lake Chatuge. Our friendly staff will make your stay a memorable one.
Come and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in our lobby by the stacked stone fireplace or settle into a rocker on the veranda and enjoy the stunning view of Lake Chatuge and the Blue Ridge Mountains. You can create your own personal mountain and lake vacation experience. You will also be able to enjoy the relaxed atmosphere in your room.
Book Reservations
Check out our current hotel specials and vacation packages.
You can check rates, availability and make a reservation by calling 1.800.613.4349.
Georgia Mountain Hotel
The Lake Chatuge Lodge is a pleasant Georgia Mountain hotel. We are the perfect center for your Georgia Mountain getaway. The North Georgia Mountains can be a romantic getaway, a relaxing and peaceful getaway, or an active getaway where you partake in the many activities that Hiawassee, GA has to offer. Your Hiawassee Georgia Mountain getaway can fill up a week and then some. Or, your Hiawassee Georgia Mountain getaway can be a weekend getaway. Hiawassee accommodates many types of travelers and the Lake Chatuge Lodge is a lovely hotel in the mountains. Come to our north georgia lodge for your mountain vacation in Georgia.
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Grizzlies recall Josh Selby from D-LeaguePosted by Inside Hoops
Dec 22
The Memphis Grizzlies recalled guard Josh Selby from the NBA Development League's Reno Bighorns, Grizzlies General Manager and Vice President of Basketball Operations Chris Wallace announced today.
Selby (6-2, 183) posted 22.0 points, 6.5 rebounds and 7.0 assists on .439 shooting in 34.0 minutes in two games for Reno after being assigned on Dec. 17. The 21-year-old finished with 23 points and scored the Bighorns' final 10, including the go-ahead free throws with 5.0 seconds remaining, in a 98-97 win on Dec. 21 at Austin. He totaled 21 points in his season debut for Reno on Dec. 20 at Rio Grande Valley.
Drafted by Memphis in the second round (49th overall) of the 2011 NBA Draft, the Baltimore native has logged a total of 15 minutes in five appearances for the Grizzlies this season.
Selby will join the Grizzlies for tonight's tilt with the Houston Rockets at 7 p.m. at the Toyota Center, where Memphis will seek its fifth consecutive victory.


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The Department of Human Environmental Studies offers a wide array of accredited and certified programs that train professionals to meet the demands of the 21st century workforce at the associate, bachelor and master levels. Programs include:
Experiential learning is a high priority in Human Environmental Studies. Students are integrated into the following programs operated by the department:
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SANA via EPA
People gather at the site where a car bomb exploded in the Al Rawda area of Jaramana, southern Damascus, on October 29, 2012.
SANA via EPA
People inspecting damage at the site where a car bomb exploded in the Al Rawda area of Jaramana, southern Damascus on October 29, 2012.
SANA via EPA
A general view of the site where a car bomb exploded.
NBC News wire services report — Syrian jets bombed suburbs of Damascus and a car bomb killed 10 people in the capital on Monday, the last day of a four-day truce that U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon acknowledged had failed.
Each side blamed the other for breaching the Eid al-Adha truce arranged by international envoy Lakhdar Brahimi, who nevertheless promised to pursue his peace efforts.
Syrian state television said women and children were among those killed or wounded by a "terrorist car bomb" near a bakery in Jaramana, in the southeast of Damascus. Local residents say the district is controlled by Assad loyalists. Read the full story.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Pictures released by the state-run Syrian Arab News Agency.
SANA via EPA
People gathering at the site of the explosion.
SANA via EPA
An injured girl on a stretcher after receiving first aid.
SANA via EPA
People in a damaged building at the site of the explosion.
Related content:
- One street in Aleppo: Life goes on as death lurks around every corner
- Slideshow: Conflict in Syria
- The fragility of life in Syria's borderlands
- Amid Syria's civil war violence, a strange calm in the capital
- Slideshow: The lives of Syrian rebels
- The battle for Aleppo: My 18 days with the Syrian rebels
- Who are the Syrian rebels?
- Are children fighting on Syria's rebel front lines?
- 'Catastrophe': Journalist behind the lines in Syria sees no end to war
- On the road with Syria's rebel motorcycle army
- Glimpses of escalating conflict in Syria
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text: Hey I am looking for a few friends. I have been hammocking for a while and have only really gone with my brother and a friend who is annoying. I am looking to meet some people my age "16"guys who would like to go hang out and go camping. Please no Old creepers, I just really want to get to know some people my age who enjoy the outdoors as much as I do. And I live in the irmo area so no people too far away.


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The process of buying a new Infiniti car or truck can seem overwhelming if you don't know where to begin. Edmunds.com can get you started on the right track with a convenient directory of Infiniti car dealerships in and around Reseda, California. Compare online price quotes on the new or used car, truck, SUV, minivan, or wagon of your choice to locate the best deals. Edmunds.com makes it easy to find trusted Infiniti car dealers in Reseda, saving car buyers time and money on what will be an important purchase.
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A road safety partnership is urging drivers to watch out for bikes.
Derby and Derbyshire Road Safety Partnership has revealed new research indicating that more than half of drivers are 'often surprised when a rider appears from nowhere'.
Mike Ashworth, of the road safety partnership, said: "Our advice is to look twice for bikes."


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Katie Holmes gears up for the pitch while throwing an orange on the set of her new film Mania Days on Wednesday (July 24) in the East Village neighborhood in New York City.
The 34-year-old actress was joined on set by her co-star Luke Kirby.
Mania Days is about two manic depressives who meet in a psychiatric hospital and begin a romance that brings out all of the beauty and horror of their condition.
Katie and Luke were spotted on the set of the film the day before as well.
FYI: Katie is wearing Levi's cutoffs and an Alternative Apparel shirt while throwing an orange.


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As much as we like to believe we live in a safe country for women, we know this is not the case. Women and girls across the country are subject to rape, abuse, intimidation, and sex trafficking, with the number of victims growing each day.
Progress has been made over the past decades, thanks in part to the Violence Against Women Act. This policy protects women by providing everything from funding for rape crisis centers to increased collaboration with law enforcement to hold perpetrators accountable. VAWA is our country's promise to women and girls that we will not allow them to be violated and abused.
The Violence Against Women Act is up for a vote in the Senate next week, and Americans from every corner of the country are calling our policymakers to reauthorize this important legislation. Since it was first passed in 1994, VAWA has received strong bipartisan support and shown its effectiveness in making communities safer, healthier, and better stewards of their resources (in the first 6 years since it was introduced, VAWA saved communities $12.6 billion).
VAWA expired in 2011, and has yet to be reauthorized. Last year's debate in the House of Representatives centered around protections for undocumented immigrants, the LGBT community, and Native Americans, with many policymakers seeking to exclude certain segments of the population from protection.
This can't happen again. The Violence Against Women Act must be reauthorized, with equal protection for all women. Sojourners, along with hundreds of other national and local organizations, recently signed a letter which reads, in part:
VAWA has unquestionably improved the national response to these terrible crimes. Nonetheless, much work remains to be done to address unmet needs and enhance access to protections and services for all victims. We urge you to follow the lead of VAWA's chief sponsor and vote for S. 47 and against harmful or non-germane amendment as we all work to build upon VAWA's successes, continue to enhance our nation's ability to promote an end to this violence, to hold perpetrators accountable and to keep victims and their families safe from future harm.
Let's work together to support and protect women in the United States and around the world. Call on your senators to pass this important legislation that keeps women across the country from harm.
To support healing for women around the world, consider participating in the One Billion Rising campaign this Valentine's Day, building a movement of global support and solidarity with those who call for an end to violence against women.
As people of faith, we must work to end the horrible crimes directed at our sisters and create a world where all people enjoy safety, liberty, and justice.
Janelle Tupper is Campaigns Assistant for Sojourners.
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Macross 7 Discussion Thread
:eek: New Macross 7 releases by Anime-In-Action :p
I think they're great! But they release too slow.
I still download the ASS versions because they are released lightyears faster. But I will replace every episode with AIA versions (because ASS subs suck, a LOT of errors. And because AIA subs the songs ( Yippie :D )) eventually (don't know what year yet).
I think every Macross has the ASS versions, just so they can watch it sooner.
I don't know if there are AIA staff members on this forum. If there are any, please answer this question.
Why don't you just release "Dynamite", "Encore", "P-L-U-S", "The Movie" and "Macross 7 00 Macross's Fastest Liftoff!" before the normal episodes? That way we (the Macross 7 fans that haven't seen everything yet) can at least watch something new.
ASS actually did release Dynamite 7 and the unaired/Encore eps - since I have them. ;p They might have done the movie as well, but I only have the RG release of that saved since what RG did of Macross 7 was generally higher video quality. Just in case you want to go hunt those down. ^^
Ah, OK. Well I still think the ASS subs are awful. So I will be waiting for AIA versions anyway.
Some time ago I downloaded the Dynamite eps from Kazaa Lite. I don't know which group subbed them, but the font was somewhat difficult to read and they called Basara Boxana (???). So I've deleted those versions from my HD already. The video quality wasn't very good, sometimes the picture was scrambled.
I don't know much about fansubgroups... who are RG? Do they use bittorrent?
Yeah, ASS happens to be a DVD ripping group, so they just took the subs in the HK bootlegs and ripped them, that's why the subs are so horrible.
Anyway, their Macross 7 rips are pretty old actually, they were done a few years ago I believe. They only started releasing them on BT because BT is a fairly new invention :p
So they'll probably release Dynamite etc. on BT too?
Firstly, thank you for the compliments. I'm glad people are finally enjoying a PROPERLY done, HQ fansub or Macross 7. It's been too long. I remember seeing the series in .RM, and Dynamite off of 4th gen VHS fansubs. Seeing it in virbrant, bright colors, with a clear picture is like rediscovering the series all over again.
However, I do take issue with your "slow" comments, and comparing my work with ASS's work. I consider myself, and our group fansubbers. ASS however is just that. They're ass-quality DVD rippers. They do straight rips of Hong Kong DVD's, which are notorious for bad quality in audio, video, and most importantly...translations and scripts. If you're familiar with digital fansubbing at all, you'd know ASS's work takes at max as long as is needed to rip, and then encode the DVD. Say, an hour or maybe 2 per ep. One person with minimal computer skills can learn to do it.
I, on the other hand, actually WORK on Macross 7. While I did take a semi-shortcut by using Central Anime's original VHS scripts, there is still a LOT of work we do to the scripts to improve them. A lot has changed since the VHS days, and the limitations imposed on subbers then. I reveiew all the songs, make sure anything NOT originally subbed is added (for example, Ep 6 alone has 2 songs not done by Central), typeset, include a full OP/ED, etc etc. Plus a decent amount of work is done in the encoding process, as the video still needs a bit of "clean up" IMHO. Not to mention I've never found scripts for any of the P*L*U*S episodes, so each of those are fully translated.
All this equates to time. It takes TIME to get things RIGHT. Now, if you're satisfied with half-ASSed encodes that have horrid HK subs, and bad video quality, then so be it. But my Macross 7 is done as expediently as possible with the resources and staff I have available.
As for the other stuff in your main question; I'm currently having Ep 0 translated. It has always been my intent to release EVERY bit of Macross 7 available subtitled. So that means the Encores, Movie and Dynamite. P*L*U*S I am releasing in order, about every 5-6 eps, depending, since thats how they came with the LD's/VHS/DVD release. PLUS 02 was released with Episode 5 of the TV series. As for why I didn't release them first is simple; Why release middle/end episodes of a series BEFORE the first? You may have already seen Macross 7, but that doesn't mean EVERYONE has. I'm releasing the episodes in a coherant order, which follows the STORY. Movie will come out towards the latter half of the series, the Encores in sequence with the series itself as well. Dynamite LAST, where it belongs.
I don't mean to sound harsh, or like a bitch, so don't take my post that way. However, you must understand how many times I've heard this in forums, or in the channel. DO NOT COMPARE MY WORK TO ASS'S. We're not on the same level. If you want a PROPER release, download and enjoy and support mine. If you want a HK DVD rip, go get ASS's.
Channel Co-Founder, Macross 7 Project Leader
I just wanna put in a word here in defense of ASS. I was talking to the guy who runs that project recently, and he is one hell of a nice guy.
So OK people, you can say the subs suck all you want, but as long as the ENCODE is good, ASS is doing their job, considering they have nothing to do with the subs on their M7 releases. Don't blame ASS for that, and don't diss on ASS, because they haven't done anything wrong.
Also, I'd like to point out that between the encodes for ASS and AIA, ASS's encodes play liquid-smooth on my machine (Which is somewhat low-end. Pentium II 400MHz), and AIA's encodes play like choppy crap (Mostyl due to the fact that my machine is slow. However, the only reason that happens is because whoever encoded it pt the quality settins too damn high. Like, unnescessarally so. I play back a lot of stuff that looks like just as good as a DVD on this machine, and it all plays plenty smooth, so I wouldn't think that ANYTHING should be that choppy.) , so with all due respect I think ASS does a better encoding job. The choppy video is a definite turn-off for me. Fact is, though I have all the releases so far by ASS and AIA, I haven't watched a single AIA release because the video is just too damn choppy.
I own the HK DVDs of M7 and I found the sub is 80% useless since most of them make no sense even to someone like me who knows only a bit japanese. I know chinese and I found they basically did japanese -> chinese -> english translation and you know how bad the english sub can be. The picture quality is not good since they have to squeeze all the TV, OVA series and extras in 6 disks. And worst of all, the previews were cut due to the limitation of the space. :(
I love M7 and I don't really regret getting the HK DVDs since that's the only way I can watch it even with the crappy sub. However, I'm currently collecting all R2 M7 DVDs to replace the HK DVDs so I can watch M7 in HQ and with the proper preview and Op/Ed. I applaud AiA's effort to fansub M7 and hope they can complete the project and introduce this great anime to more fans.
But still, I like ASS for their Gundam releases which are better than M7 in terms of quality and they actually release them in a timely matter (though it's true that they are also rips of HK DVDs). For example they have almost completed Victory Gundam while MSG-AG is releasing theirs at a pace of 3 episodes per year which means the series will probably be finally be complete when I'm in my 40's. :bash:
whats episode 00 about???
We can't win with you people... I had a nice long reply typed out to post, but the stupid browser lost it and I don't want to waste more time on leechers who may or may not even understand what I wrote.
The basics are... we're FANSUBBING for us, yeah, but for the people who enjoy what we do, too. While we try to do things consciensiously, your tastes, computers, attitudes, they're not our concern or responsibility.
So if you like how or what we're doing, then it's great to serve ya; if you don't, you really do belong with the speedy over-subbers and cheap DVD-rippers, we don't need you.
Thanks for your time :P
It's an interesting little tidbit, that deserves subbing.
I cant believe there are some who actually DEFEND the quality of the ASS work! Its not even a Frickin' FANSUB, ITS A STRAIGHT RIP FROM A BAD HK DVD!!!!! The translations BARELY RESEMBLE ENGLISH at all! Are you all STUPID?????!!!!!
The Name of teh Group says it ALL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Meh, it's better than the .rm set of Macross 7 I had before ASS stepped in, especially for me considering I don't need the subs very much anyway having studied Japanese for several years. ^^ It's not like anyone has defended the subs. Indeed the only mentions of subs before Mylene's post said they were bad or AiA's were better. ;p I've seen some fansub tapes of Macross 7 floating around, but that would cost money without even directly supporting the creators and still the video quality would be below what ASS released for free.
So considering I like Macross 7, but not enough to order the Japanese DVDs as I do some shows, it was great having those encodes there and I appreciate it. The biggest factor for me liking an anime is actually the artwork and what neat stuff they can do visually. I read sci-fi and manga, both of which can pull story lines and concepts the animated format could never handle anyway IMHO. So getting to see the series in decent video quality as I did helped a lot in deciding to buy it if it ever comes out in the US.
Ripping, encoding, and distributing does take plenty of work, not as much as fansubbing, but it's still ungrateful to claim otherwise especially of something provided free for fans. If someone had complained ASS does US licensed stuff and distributes to people in the US or that buying that hkdvd hurt the sales of the series that little bit and supported pirates they would at least have the high moral ground to stand on. Instead I see mainly a bunch of pointless bashing with a sentence or two of facts that pretty much everybody already acknowledged anyway. Sad how often this sort of situation comes up.
Edit: spelling mainly, yuck
I am not comparing your work to ASS either, that would be a waste of time 'cause your work is clearly superior in every way.
About this topic... I did not mean to start a fight... I am just a curious M7 fan.
I hope I have made my point.
For me, AIA's release doesn't have any discernable benefit over ASS's. Subtitles can only ever give you a general idea of what something means in Japanese anyway, and the hilarious errors kind of help you keep that in mind. For a real fanatic of the series, I'm sure they would highly appreciate AIA's extra work though.
However, on the issue of them not having done anything wrong...well, let's just say they don't have a terrribly strict policy regarding licensed vs. unlicensed anime. In fact they probably release more licensed stuff than not.
I can understand the harsh feelings towards the ASS version of Mac7, since it's just aa straight rip of the HK bootlegs. I think their intentions are good, just want to share the magic, and all that. Still, it just doesn't sit well with me to see people calling it a fansub, when it's really not. I think we can also all appreciate Anime in Action's most excellent efforts towards giving fans of the series a good quality encode with good subtitles.
(Of course, as big of a fan as I am of Macross 7, Gao Gai Gar is the reason that AiA's my hero!)
BDB666 - I'm not singling anyone out, so don't take what I say personally (Unless it applies to you ;))
cbm5 - do you mean AiA or ASS does licensed? I'm not really sure who that was aimed at.
And thanks Radd. One problem fansubbers face is that their work is rarely acknowleged as anything more than being an off-the-shelf product, so hearing nice things always brightens our day.
I think the big problem facing fansubbing these days, aside from a glut of groups all doing the same thing, is that the crowd now tends to value speed over quality. We're not a large subbing-machine like Aone or anime-keep, but we do honest work, even if it takes a little more time.
It's just really obvious that none of these kids remember the days when fansubs were HARD to find and to even get in any kind of good quality.:help:
And yeah, let's keep making the distinction between fansubbers and DVD rippers, shall we?;)
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