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The final subtle nod and the rap of the gavel that signify the winning auction bid are the same as they've been for decades, but today's farmland prices are anything but ordinary.
"We have set all kinds of records," says Bruce Brock of Brock Auction Company, Le Mars, Iowa. "In the past six months, farmland has taken a good jump."
Continued record-breaking sales — including two in Iowa this fall that topped $16,000/acre — have heads shaking, tongues wagging and Federal Reserve officials warning of a price bubble ahead. That warning has ag economists, farm lenders and land brokers on the defensive as they explain the economics supporting today's hot market and the risks that lie ahead.
"This is not a bubble," says Murray Wise, a longtime farmland broker and auction company owner. "The economics of this [market] are pretty rock solid."
But the possibility of a speculative bubble is a "nagging concern," says Purdue University ag economist Craig Dobbins. "Is there potential for a bubble? Yes. Has it started? It's hard to know. Bubbles are easier to discern after the fact. Otherwise, they wouldn't be bubbles."
Double-digit price hikes
Talk of a farmland price bubble has grown as record-breaking sales have accumulated over the past two years. After Midwest farmland prices stalled out between 2008 and 2009, prices began climbing at an escalating rate, culminating in a two-year increase approaching 50% in some areas.
Iowa farmland values, now pegged at $5,600/acre on average, led the pace with a 24.4% increase over the past year. That's on top of a 16.9% increase from 2009 to 2010, a two-year price hike of 45%, according to a USDA report on farmland values released in August.
Irrigated Nebraska cropland has been up a similar amount over the two-year period. Irrigated cropland was up 23.8% to $3,900/acre from 2010 to 2011, on top of a 16.6% increase the previous year.
Price increases in other Corn Belt states have been lower, but still up double digits over the past year in many cases. These include Illinois, up 16.3% to $5,700; Indiana, up 11.6% to $4,800; and Minnesota, up 12% to $3,350, according to USDA. Farmland value increases have been more moderate in Michigan, Ohio, Missouri and Wisconsin, where they were up by 5.5 to 8%, to $3,850, $4,300, $2,530 and $4,050, respectively.
The double-digit trend extended into the western Corn Belt, where in addition to Nebraska, Kansas farmland was up 13.6% to $1,250; South Dakota, up 13.4% to $1,100; and North Dakota, up 15.3% to $980.
As in recent years, operating farmers continue to be the major buyers of farmland. Outside investors are showing strong buying interest, too, but are largely being outbid by farmers, Wise notes.
"We are in an area where there are a lot of established farmers who are expanding their operations," Brock adds. "It's the same old story; you need more land to stay efficient."
Puncturing bubble worries
Federal banking regulators began warning of a farmland price bubble early in 2011.
Thomas Hoenig, then president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City, testified in February before the U.S. Senate Agriculture Committee that distortions in capital markets, including historically low interest rates, could lead to a farmland price bubble that could damage the U.S. economy when it collapses.
He warned that farmland prices could drop as much as a third if interest rates return to historic averages.
Since then, the Farm Credit Administration, the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Kansas City Fed all have hosted sessions addressing a potential farmland price bubble. Federal Reserve regional bank examiners and the FDIC are focusing more on lending standards and risk-management practices at rural banks.
Ag economists who follow farmland price trends acknowledge there is reason for concern if farmland prices continue to heat up, but they argue that current price levels aren't in bubble territory.
"There is a bubble somewhere, but it is not farmland," says Gary Schnitkey, an ag economist at the University of Illinois. "I can see why they are concerned about asset prices going up, but they have picked the wrong market."
Schnitkey says that current Illinois farmland values are roughly in line with capitalization values, which are calculated by dividing average land rent by long-term interest rates.
Rabo Agrifinance reached the same conclusion in a July report that evaluated farmland values across the U.S. It said that recent land price increases are not linked to speculation or other factors that traditionally lead to a bubble and that strong crop prices and low interest rates support recent price gains.
"Our definition of a bubble is an asset that is not supported by a fundamental value," says Sterling Liddell, vice president for food and agribusiness research for Rabo Agrifinance." With the dramatic increase in commodity prices, land values are supported by fundamental values.
"What we are saying from an asset value perspective is not that there is no risk," Liddell says. "There clearly is risk. But we do not see this as a classic bubble."
However, if the hot land market continues into 2012, prices could reach speculative heights, Schnitkey says. "If we have another year of 20% increases, you are getting into the speculative area," he acknowledges.
A drop ahead?
There's a good chance that farmland values could drop at least modestly in the coming years if interest rates go up or commodity prices fall below trend-line projections of $4.50/bu. for corn and $10.50/bu. for soybeans, as some experts expect.
"We anticipate land prices to fall over the next three to seven years," says Liddell of Rabo Agrifinance. "Our most clear and present danger is interest rates."
Schnitkey sees little reason for concern in the short term. "Farmland values could drop, but I don't see that happening in the near term," he says. "Commodity prices are hanging in there and interest rates are low. Something pretty dramatic would have to happen to see a 30% drop in land values."
If interest rates rise after the Federal Reserve's plan to hold interest at today's historically low levels expires in 2013, interest-rate bugaboos could come into play.
"If interest rates would go up two percentage points, that would conceptually mean a 30% fall in land prices," Schnitkey says.
The strength of commodity prices is another critical factor that will determine the rise or fall of farmland values. There's considerable downside potential as recent high prices attract more resources and higher production, says Dobbins of Purdue.
"If you were a pessimistic person, you could put together a pretty dire scenario of what could happen to crop prices and thus to land values," he says. "I am absolutely convinced that these high crop prices will result in a worldwide response to increase corn and soybean production. It is fairly likely that supply will overshoot demand."
Learning from the 1980s
Today's go-go land market reminds many people of the farm crisis of the 1980s, which was spurred by high commodity prices and rapidly increasing farmland prices beginning in the mid-1970s.
But lessons learned in the '80s, combined with the strong balance sheets of most farmers, weigh against a similar calamity in the near term, observers say.
"In the 1980s, farmers' balance sheets had become very laden with debt," Liddell says. "Today, farmers have historically low debt-to-equity levels."
Lenders also are wary of a repeat of the '80s. "A number of lenders who are now in management were just getting started in the '80s," Liddell says. "They remember what it was like. That is why lending standards have remained relatively conservative."
"There is no way you can't remember those times," says Joel Larson, a loan officer for AgStar Financial Services, a Farm Credit affiliate serving Minnesota and northwestern Wisconsin. "It left a mark on many of us. I think it has made us cautious about how we approach financing in this market."
To reduce loan risks as land values have heated up, AgStar has begun basing loan amounts on the ability of a typical rental rate for a parcel to cover the payment. A number of farm financial ratios also are evaluated in developing a final loan package, which typically is amortized for more rapid payoff as the amount of debt increases, Larson says.
With many farm purchases now being made with hefty down payments, there's generally far less financial risk from a drop in land values compared to the 1980s, says Brock, the Iowa land auctioneer.
"There are a lot of people leveraging 50% or less for these farms, or even paying cash," he says. "If there was a 30% drop, it wouldn't affect most farmers all that much."
A University of Illinois stress test on the impact of a 30% farmland price drop concurs. It shows that the average Illinois farmer's debt-to-asset ratio would increase only modestly from 0.24 to 0.27 with a 30% land price decrease. However, younger, more leveraged farmers would be at more risk, with debt-to-asset ratios likely to increase from 0.30 to 0.45.


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Today, every business is either already a digital business or in the process of becoming one. So is the case with citizens, with many countries implementing unique citizen identification programs to enable safe, secure and efficient delivery of citizen services. This increasing level of digitization, combined with technological advancements such as 3-dimensional D printing, is leading to profound changes in trade and commerce in terms of customers' channel preferences and purchase decisions.
Watch Brian Moran, global managing director – Public Service Operations & Management, Accenture, explain how customs organizations should evolve to effectively manage the ever-increasing volumes of e-commerce transactions by both, digital citizens and digital businesses.
This video was recorded at the 2013 World Customs Organization IT Conference and Exhibition held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates on May 14–16, 2013.

subset: commoncrawl


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9-0 decision against the EPA!
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Joined: 11 Nov 1993
Posts: 7839
Posted: Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:23 pm
Post subject: 9-0 decision against the EPA!
You guys on the left beat on me for standing up to the EPA on this exact case a few months back. This was govt at its worst.
By James Vicini
WASHINGTON, March 21 (Reuters) - The U.S. Supreme Court ruled on Wednesday that landowners can sue to challenge a federal government compliance order under the clean water law, a decision that sides with corporate groups and puts new limits on a key Environmental Protection Agency power.
The justices unanimously rejected the U.S. government's position that individuals or companies must first fail to comply with an EPA order and face potentially costly enforcement action before a court can review the case.
The opinion by Justice Antonin Scalia was a victory for an Idaho couple who challenged a 2007 EPA order that required them to restore a wetland they had filled with dirt and rock as they began to build a new vacation home near Priest Lake. They were also told to stop construction on the home.
The couple, Chantell and Michael Sackett, denied their property had ever contained a wetland and complained they were being forced to comply with an order without a court hearing.
Their appeal drew support from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Manufacturers, the National Association of Home Builders and General Electric Co, a company that had made a similar challenge to the EPA compliance orders.
The Supreme Court's ruling comes at a time when the EPA has faced fierce criticism from many Republicans in Congress who say it has issued the most ambitious clean air regulations in decades and has become heavy-handed in enforcement actions.
Scalia concluded the Sacketts may bring a civil lawsuit under the Administrative Procedures Act to challenge the EPA's order.
He said that since the EPA's decision was final and the couple faced potential large fines, they had no other adequate remedy but to bring a civil lawsuit.
Reading his decision from the bench, Scalia said that the Clean Water Act does not prevent judicial review of such orders.
Under the law, violations of the Clean Water Act can result in fines of up to $37,500 per day, plus as much as an additional $37,500 per day for violating the EPA compliance order.
The EPA issues nearly 3,000 compliance orders a year that require accused violators of environmental laws to stop alleged harmful actions and repair any damage that was caused.
The justices overturned a U.S. appeals court ruling that a compliance order was not subject to judicial review until later when the EPA has brought an enforcement action and seeks to have a judge rule in its favor.
The court did not reach the broader question of whether the EPA's order violated the constitutional right of due process. It only held that the Administrative Procedures Act, which provides certain rules for federal regulatory agencies, applied.
Scalia said that the Sacketts would not get an adequate remedy if they had to apply to the Army Corps of Engineers for a permit and then file suit if that permit was denied.
He said the Clean Water Act was not "uniquely designed to enable the strong-arming of regulated parties into 'voluntary compliance' without the opportunity for judicial review."
Scalia concluded the 10-page opinion by saying the EPA's orders will remain an effective way to secure prompt, voluntary compliance in the many cases when there was no substantial basis to question their validity.
Justice Samuel Alito wrote a short separate opinion concurring in the outcome. He said allowing property owners to sue was better than nothing, but urged Congress to adopt new legislation clarifying the reach of the Clean Water Act.
Government attorneys had defended the compliance orders as a quick way to stop environmental damage and argued that allowing accused polluters to get a court hearing would tie the EPA up in lengthy litigation.
An attorney for the Sacketts argued that they should not have to wait for years for judicial review until the EPA decides to go to court and said the compliance order was coercive, requiring action to avoid potentially huge fines.
Damien Schiff, the attorney for the couple, hailed the ruling. "EPA is not above the law," he said.
"That's the bottom line with today's ruling. This is a great day for Mike and Chantell Sackett, because it confirms that EPA can't deny them access to justice. EPA can't repeal the Sacketts' fundamental right to their day in court," he said.
Jon Devine, senior attorney in the water program at the Natural Resources Defense Council, said the EPA still can issue compliance orders.
"The Supreme Court did not give anyone a license to pollute. Pure and simple. Those who pollute our waters will still be held accountable," he said. The ruling "grants recipients of such orders, at a time of their choosing, a day in court to challenge them to promote speedy resolution of pollution problems."
The Supreme Court case is Sackett v EPA, No. 10-1062.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2005
Posts: 3598
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 7:28 am
Post subject:
This a decision about procedure in the filing of claims.I am glad they are making easier for folks to file. The discussion here was about the merits of the Sacketts position, which the Court didnt address.
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Joined: 28 Mar 2001
Posts: 3221
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 9:22 am
Post subject:
It seems to me that the Supreme Court's decision put the brakes on one level of government tyranny, and allows clean water issues to be addressed in the courts in a fair and timely manner.
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Joined: 11 Nov 1993
Posts: 7839
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 10:22 am
Post subject:
Righttechno, They put a fine of $37,500 per day on "ANYTHING" they deem as an epa issue, which can be anything we do. Put a toy with a hidden battery in the trash etcetera.
In this case, some anarchist who worked for the govt decided to waive his hand and magically deem this property "wetlands". In modern times, there was no evidence of even a puddle on this property.
Even the worst Supreme could see this in a 9-0 decision. A VERY IMPORTANT DECISION to protect us from the abitrary tyrany of an out of control bureacracy.
The fact that this poor family had to wait 5 years with a $37,500 per day fine dangling over their head with no hearing is outrageous. The fact that the obama admin didn't back them up should show you what they are about.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2005
Posts: 3598
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:02 am
Post subject:
Steve let me understand this. These folks bought designated wetlands and filled them during the Bush years.
Their case is so important that the new President should be coming to their aid personally over something done to them by Bush?
The President has never helped me in a court case either.
What is this world coming coming to?
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Joined: 03 Mar 2007
Posts: 2807
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 11:35 am
Post subject:
stevenbard wrote:
In this case, some anarchist who worked for the govt decided to waive his hand and magically deem this property "wetlands". In modern times, there was no evidence of even a puddle on this property.
Might wanna be careful, Mr. Bard. There's no doubt that you're much smarter and better informed than the EPA, but wetlands are distinguished by the types of soil and vegetation, not the depth of the puddle.
From Wikipedia:
"The primary factor that distinguishes wetlands is the characteristic vegetation that is adapted to its unique soil conditions: Wetlands are made up primarily of hydric soil, which supports aquatic plants."
keycocker wrote:
These folks bought designated wetlands and filled them during the Bush years.
Their case is so important that the new President should be coming to their aid personally over something done to them by Bush?
Remember that above all, the rabid right mantra is
"Blame Obama, credit Bush."
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Joined: 11 Nov 1993
Posts: 7839
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:33 pm
Post subject:
You guys would make very good epa officials.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2005
Posts: 3598
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 12:58 pm
Post subject:
I have not heard a word here in support of the EPA stupid ass bureaucracy.
They are wondering how Obama gets blamed for a clearly Bush clusterfu$k.
I did not support obama, but discussions of his real failings are buried under blaming him for Bush era events, like this and TARP.
If we could focus on the facts we will have a meaningful exchange.
By the way Bard and iso are not buddies. That was uncalled for.
Bard and Bush were not buddies either.
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Joined: 28 Mar 2001
Posts: 3221
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:03 pm
Post subject:
Why are we talking about wetlands? This story has to do with the EPA having the power to tell anyone they think may be impacting the environment in a negative way, that they must cease and desist, and then fining them $37,500 per day with NO recourse for the accused.
This is tyranny regardless of who was in office when the EPA was given this power. I don't know where the political sides stood when the EPA was unleashed, but conservative or liberal, it was wrong. I am glad the Supreme Court finally got their say.
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Joined: 10 Jul 2005
Posts: 3598
Posted: Thu Mar 22, 2012 1:09 pm
Post subject:
I agree.
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Antonio Pollaiuolo, Battle of Ten Nudes
Antonio Pollaiuolo, Battle of Ten Nudes (or Battle of Nude Men). c. 1465, engraving, 15 1/8 x 23 3/16 inches / 38.4 x 58.9 cm (The Metropolitan Museum of Art)
Antonio Pollaiuolo's Battle of Ten Nudes has been called the single most important engraving in European history. Clearly based on Classical Antiquity (the cultures of ancient Greece and Rome), the print is monumental in size (approximately 15 x 23 inches) and, because of its shallow space, resembles ancient Roman relief sculpture. In the picture, five men wearing headbands fight against an equal number of men without headbands. The battle is set in front of a wall of lush vegetation.
Pollaiuolo, Battle of Ten Nudes (detail)
Art historians disagree about whether the print depicts a particular scene from mythology or classical history, but some have suggested that it simply shows gladiators. This is because in the central pair, the men are gripping a chain, a common weapon of gladiatorial combat.
Pollaiuolo, Battle of Ten Nudes (detail)
An exceptional print
The print is exceptional for many reasons. To begin with, over fifty copies of it exist, an extraordinarily high number for a work of art over 500 years old. Additionally, it is believed that Pollaiuolo engraved the print completely by his own hand, and for this reason, the sign set in the far left of the vegetation bears his name (most often the artist's composition would be engraved by a printmaker).
Pollaiuolo's print is, however, important mostly because it shows a new conception of the human body. As many art historians have noted, the Renaissance started much earlier in the fields of sculpture and architecture than it did in painting and drawing. So although Donatello had created his nude David decades earlier, the nude had yet to be mastered in a two-dimensional form. Not everyone was taken with Pollaiuolo's print, and it is believed that Leonardo da Vinci criticized it, saying that the bodies looked like "bags of nuts." Pollaiuolo's nudes may be overly muscular, but they were probably the most naturalistic human bodies created in Italy up to that point.
Attributed to Michelangelo, Crucifix, polychrome wood, 1492, 142 x 25 cm (Santo Spirito, Florence)
The human body
Vasari, the great sixteenth-century Florentine artist and art historian, wrote that Pollaiuolo's understanding of the nude body resulted from his dissection of cadavers. This became a common practice in Florence, and it is reported that a sculpture of the crucified Christ in Santo Spirito was a gift from a very young Michelangelo to the priest there, who basically let him rob graves for the purpose of dissection.
Pollaiuolo's bodies are also derivative of ancient Roman art, an indication that he was looking at the classical past for inspiration, an essential hallmark of the Renaissance.
Because Pollaiuolo was trained as a goldsmith (this was true of many artists of the Renaissance including Ghiberti and Brunelleschi), he was very skilled in working with metal. Apart from its conception of the nude, the print also showcases the artist's technical ability, especially in the modeling, or contouring of light and dark, used to create volume in the men's bodies.
Pollaiuolo, Battle of Ten Nudes (detail)
Although to the modern viewer, the fight between the ten men may look stiff and posed (although, a particularly vivacious passage can be found in the bottom left hand corner, where the man on the ground fiercely strains against the man pressing his head into the ground), later works by Michelangelo and Leonardo owe much to it. It is impossible to think that either Michelangelo's Battle of the Centaurs (below) and Battle of Cascina or Leonardo's Battle of Anghiari could have existed without the prototype of Pollaiuolo's Battle of Ten Nudes.
Michelangelo, Battle of the Centaurs, c. 1492, marble, 84.5 x 90.5 cm (Casa Bunarroti)
An engraving
This print is an engraving. That means that with a sharp tool, Pollaiuolo scratched the drawing into a sheet of metal. Ink was then applied to surface of the metal, and wiped off, leaving only the scratches filled. A piece of moist paper was then set over the plate, which was sent through rollers so that the wet paper could "suck up" the ink. At the end, the sheet of paper would be peeled off, and the image that resulted would be the mirror image of the one that Pollaiuolo drew.
In fact, art historians have identified that two stages of the print actually exist. This means that at some point, the sheet of metal wore down, and the artist had to recarve some of the details back into the plate. The result is that, over time, two different images were pulled from Pollaiuolo's one plate.
Because prints were collected like modern day baseball cards, engravings of The Battle of Ten Nudes ended up all over Europe, and many other artists copied it. Although people in other parts of Europe might read about the great sculptures and buildings being constructed in Florence, Pollaiuolo's print was an actual piece of the Florentine Renaissance that they could hold in their hands. Prints like this did much in helping to spread the Renaissance throughout Italy and to the rest of the world.
Essay by Christine Zappella
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Festival Calendar
The festival in commemoration of Wilfred Owen and of the armistice will run from September 15th to November 17th. Below you will find all events that will be held during this period. If you wish to navigate between months then please follow the link at the top of the calendar. For more information about a particular event please click on the event to view a detailed information page.
- This event has passed.
Artists Trail
23rd September 2018 @ 10:00 am
An event every day that begins at 10:00am, repeating until 17th November 2018
Event Navigation
War & Conflict – Poetry & Peace
A town trail showcasing the work of artists on the theme of War & Conflict – Poetry & Peace at a range of accessible venues throughout the town including – The Willow Gallery, Oswestry Heritage Centre, Oswestry Library, The Memorial Hall. There will be artwork on show in many different mediums and will include work from professional and amateur artists as well as work from schoolchildren of all ages.


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WASHINGTON, D.C. – History and time was not on Gallaudet University's side Friday night at Hotchkiss Field as the Bison suffered a gut-wrenching 45-41 loss to cross-town rival Catholic University of America before a crowd of 900. Gallaudet was within minutes of beating Catholic for the first-time in 26 chances in a series that dates back to 1906.
The Cardinals (2-0) scored three touchdowns in less then five minutes to rip victory away from the Bison (0-2). GU had a chance to win the game in the final minute as it moved the ball 57 yards in seven plays down to the Catholic 19-yard line but a holding penalty and a negative rushing attempt pushed the Bison back to the 30 with a few seconds left. Junior quarterback Gabriel Paulone (Fishers, Ind.) was forced to spike the ball on third down which led to an incomplete pass on fourth down to end the game.
Paulone scored Gallaudet's final touchdown with 9:31 left in the fourth quarter as he ran in from 24 yards out. He ran for a game-high 111 rushing yards on 19 carries and completed 9-of-19 passes for 127 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
GU's 41-24 lead would begin to evaporate as Catholic's quick-strike offense, led by junior quarterback Greg Cordivari, would mount its second fourth quarter comeback in as many weeks. Catholic rallied from 12 points down in the fourth quarter last week against McDaniel to win 39-36.
Cordivari (28-for-44, 304 yards, four touchdowns, one interception) only needed six plays to find Tanner Keefe on a 41-yard pass to cut into the Bison lead, 41-31, with 6:39 left in regulation. On the ensuing possession, Paulone tossed an incomplete pass before sophomore running back Michael Hantge (Hutchinson, Minn.) fumbled away the ball at Gallaudet's own 29-yard line.
Gallaudet continued to hurt its own cause as the Bison got slapped with a pass interference call which placed the ball on the 14 where Cordivari threw the next pass to junior wide receiver Jeff Frusciante for the touchdown. GU still clung to a 41-38 lead but the Cardinals' 14-0 run in 32 seconds definitely swayed momentum to the visitors.
The Bison went back to its rushing attack on its next series and tried to use the clock to their advantage as Catholic was forced to use one of its timeouts to try and stop the clock. GU racked up 245 rushing yards on 51 attempts in the game. Gallaudet was approaching midfield before Paulone coughed up the ball at the 40-yard line and gave the Cardinals a chance to take the lead with 3:55 left in regulation.
Cordivari went back to work and completed four passes to three different receivers as the drive ended with sophomore Mike Pitsenberger (19 carries, 70 yards) running in from a yard out with a minute and 51 seconds left on the scoreboard.
The four-point loss was the closes game between Gallaudet and Catholic since a 23-21 contest back in 1981. The 41 points scored are the most by a Gallaudet team against Catholic. In fact, over the past four games in the series Gallaudet only scored a combined 37 points. The 86 combined points by the two teams are the second most ever in the series since a 91-0 win by Catholic in 1931.
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Matt Damon is Rugby Ready
Matt Damon walks to the set of his new movie, The Informant, in Los Angeles on Wednesday.
Earlier this month, it was announced that Matt will play the role of Francois Pienaar, captain of South Africa's 1995 World Cup-winning rugby team, in a film called Human Factor. Shooting will begin early next year in South Africa and Clint Eastwood is directing. The film is a look at life for Nelson Mandela (Morgan Freeman) after the fall of apartheid in South Africa during his first term as president.
Damon and wife Luciana Barroso's 2-year-old daughter Isabella Damon turned two yesterday.


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The Andromeda Lighting Series is part sculpture and part lamp. Intricately woven string criss crosses between a wooden frame making colorful geometric patterns. Inspired by mid-century modern lighting
AHAlife is committed to help you live a conscious and inspired life.
Many of the items you discover here are exclusive to AHAlife, which is what makes our community of designers and artisans so special.
If you find one of our products anywhere else for less than it's being sold on our site, we will match it.
Our dedicated Concierge Team is here to help. Reach out any time at:


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Good Singapore Food Sites & Blogs
Now that you're keen on coming to Singapore, FOOD must be one key attraction that you must never, ever lose your emphasis on as Singapore is a multi-cultural country with high standards of many culinary dishes.
I'm not a good reviewer when it comes to food but these are the sites which I highly recommend that you could visit before hitting the Singapore shore so you could plan your food itinerary.
Singapore Food Blogs
I Eat I Shoot I Post – The number one site introduced to me by Selina. This ardent site shoots unbelievable food photos and describes the food reviewed down to its bones. Chilling but true, this blog covers most of Singapore hawker food and you JUST HAVE to visit it.
Lady Iron Chef – Brad, a photographer who specialises in food shots has been writing this food blog since March 2007. Great reviews of food joints in Singapore, he also has his ways with his food photos that somewhat makes me drool easily. (Of course he should ain't it? Since he's a photographer.. duh)
J23KBlogs – Reviews of the latest hip food joint to visit coupled with great photo shots by Justin. (I'm starting to wonder if there's any trend to this hmm)
Singapore Food Sites
HungryGoWhere – Another undisputed leader in online Singapore food ratings. Apparently spreading wings to other countries like Malaysia, Hong Kong and Australia.
InSing.com – I was surprised, but InSing is doing well even for its food review sections. Check this review site where the community is getting bigger and opinions are getting stronger for Singapore food.
Have you got any new sites to suggest to this list? Feel free to share with me so it could benefit everybody!


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Justin Bieber: Robin in 'Batman vs. Superman'?
Justin Bieber just posted a picture of himself with a copy of the Batman Vs. Superman script on Instagram!
The 19-year-old singer simply captioned the pic, "#robin ??."
PHOTOS: Check out the latest pics of Justin Bieber
In case you forgot, Batman Vs. Superman is the sequel to Henry Cavill's Man of Steel, with Ben Affleck set to star as Batman.
On the same day, Justin was spotted hugging a gal pal while arriving at the studio to film a Funny or Die skit with Lil Za and Lil Twist in Hollywood. We smell a Funny or Die sketch coming with Justin playing Robin!
25+ pictures inside of Justin Bieber shooting a Funny or Die skit…


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Sunday, August 22, 2010
Map Monday
8 comments:
- Simon Forster said...
I do love your maps. So evocative. Question: how do you get the perspective to work so well. Any tips you'd care to share, or secrets you'd like to reveal?
- August 23, 2010 at 4:25 AM
- Sandman said...
Awesome underground work, as usuall. I've been paying attention to this kind of "beneath the surface" art since your first Hammerfast sketchs (the colored ones) and let me tell you: it's amazing how you can create something so interesting with just a few general lines, or something so complex as your last Hammerfast drawing.
I've said it before and I'll say it again: thanks for sharing your art with us, I personally DO use it for my games, and my players always ask me where I get this detailes images.
Keep it up crazyred!!! ñ_ñ
- August 23, 2010 at 5:24 AM
- aintshakespeare said...
I have to agree that your maps are phenomenal; especially the ones that seem to go deeper and deeper.
I like this Lucky Gnome building too. Very impressive work. I can see this stuff really getting the a DMs imagination going.
- August 23, 2010 at 7:17 AM
- crazyred said...
Thanks for the kind words everyone!
Simon: no secrets, I'm pretty much just winging it and using the 'undo' button a lot. "How to Draw Comics the Marvel Way" was where I first 'learned' perspective.
- August 23, 2010 at 12:59 PM
- Toldamore said...
Best perspective drwing yet. Instantly grasped and draws you right in!
- August 23, 2010 at 7:32 PM
- Toldamore said...
I can just smell the rotting garbage, the pit slime, and the unwashed hairy hobbot feet inside The Lucky Gnome.
- August 23, 2010 at 7:38 PM
- PatrickW said...
I have a very good use for the crypt drawing - it'll fit in well in the Ruined Hills part of my Southern Reaches campaign (http://woodstx.com/qsp).
The Lucky Gnome might help out my DM in the game I play in. He has the Gnome Hill Inn that is our base of operations. It in amongst the ruins of a city, which your drawing can imply.
- August 24, 2010 at 10:48 AM
- Geek Ken said...
Crazy Red, you are a tremendous boon to the D&D community. Love your art, and your willingness to share it is just icing on the yummy artistic cake.
- August 26, 2010 at 3:52 AM


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HUNTSVILLE, Texas (AP) Terrance Motley scored 14 points and James Thomas added 13 to lead Sam Houston State to a 64-50 victory against Liberty in a Legends Classic game on Tuesday night.
Motley and James had eight rebounds apiece for the Bearkats (2-3).
Davon Marshall scored 15 points for the cold-shooting Flames (0-5), who made just 16 of 48 (33.3 percent) attempts from the floor.
Sam Houston had a 24-15 lead at halftime and came out of the break on a 10-2 run. After a Liberty 3-pointer, the Bearkats went on an 11-2 run, keyed by a Motley two-handed dunk, that grew the lead to 45-25.


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You may benefit from an on-site shredding program. One time clean-outs or regularly scheduled service is available.
Simply recycling your electronics may leave your data intact and recoverable. Protect yourself by destroying it first.
Eliminate your liability by securely disposing of anything that might pose a risk to your company or your customers.
According to the Better Business Bureau, most identity thieves still obtain personal information through traditional means, rather than electronic means. Securing the services of a shredding company would go a great distance to stop this aspect of the problem. Where the method of theft is known, almost 70% of information was obtained by dumpster diving and physically stealing the data, versus 12% obtained online. Virtually none of that data had been shredded by a shredding company.
One of the best self-defense measures consumers and small businesses can implement is to shred information before discarding it. Everyone can afford to take the information to a shred drop off location.
Securing the services of a professional document shredding company can be very inexpensive. ShredDropOff Location prices vary but the minimum charges are small compared to the cost of fixing the problems after the fact.
Find the ShredDropOff location in your area and make a habit of getting all your confidential information shredded by a professional shredding company.
Many individuals and even some small businesses buy a small personal shredder and attempt to shred their confidential material themselves. For some, this solution works fine. However, after spending the money, many people realize that this may not be the best solution. Here are a few of the complaints that cause people to stop using their personal shredders.
DANGER: The personal home shredder can also be dangerous to small children and pets.
Personal shredders were at one point only found in office environments. As incidents of identify theft have grown, concerned individuals began buying these paper shredders as a means of destroying their own confidential information. Many of these paper shredders, having been built for adult operation in office environments, lacked safety standards like on/off buttons and had large enough slots for small body parts to touch the blades. As a result, there have been a number of reports of small children injuring (and losing) fingers, and dogs getting ears or tongues caught in the blades.
If you own a personal home shredder, take the necessary precautions to prevent these types of injuries, like keeping it out of reach of small children or pets, keeping it unplugged when not in use, never allow your children to operate the machine, and be careful to remove any and all hanging items or loose fitting clothes when operating it yourself. Or, simply dump your personal home shredder and drop your confidential material off at a ShredDropOff location.
VIDEO: If you hate your shredder, you'll love this video.
A strong paper shredding program can help you protect yourself from being the victum of identity theft caused by your printed material falling in the hands of theives. .
Always destroy any item which could cause harm. The following are some examples of items other than paper, which should be destroyed.
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If you see no cities listed or members listed, then we don't have a member in your area at this time.
If you are a Shredding Company and would like to be listed here, either call David Murray at 800-239-3814 or click the link below.
ShredDropOff.com does not own or manage any of the listed companies.
Thus the buyer accepts responsibility for doing its own due diligence on any firm prior to contracting with them.
Check references (Ask the company for references), and/or check with the Better Business Bureau.


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INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – After starting the day in eighth-place in the team standings, the MIT women's swimming and diving team had a solid outing on the final day of the 2012 NCAA Division III Women's Swimming and Diving Championships, enabling the Engineers finish eighth in the meet. It was the best ever finish at the national meet for MIT, which had a previous best finish of 11th in 1990.
Starting the evening session for MIT in the 1650 Freestyle was freshman Emily Ryan (Indianapolis, Ind.). She continued her outstanding performance at the championships with her third individual All-America performance. She became the first Engineer to break the 17 minute mark in the event, placing fourth with a time of 16:59.05, breaking her own school record by over seven seconds.
Junior Anna Kokensparger (Omaha, Neb.) made it through to the consolation finals after turning in a school record 51.47 in the 100 Freestyle preliminary heats. During the evening race she lowered that mark to 51.30 to finish 12th overall.
Sophomore Christy Rogers (Bend, Ore.) added a third school record for the day for MIT, with hers coming in the prelims of the 200 Backstroke in which qualified for the consolation finals with her time of 2:02.18, lowering her old mark by over two seconds. In the consolation final she touched the wall in 2:04.37 to finish 15th.
MIT capped off their best-ever showing at the NCAA Championships in the 400 Freestyle Relay. The team of Kokensparger, sophomore Christy Rogers (Bend, Ore.), junior Elina Hu (Oshkosh, Wis.) and Ryan qualified for the consolation finals with a time of 3:29.62. In the final race of the championships MIT lowered its time to 3:29.25, finishing 12th.


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Wenger bemoans losing Bacary Sagna
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger suspects defender Bacary Sagna decided to join Manchester City "a long time ago," after expressing his disappointment at losing one of his veteran performers to the Premier League champions this summer.
Wenger was hopeful of keeping Sagna at Arsenal after his contract expired at the end of last season, but he opted to accept what was reported to be a more lucrative contract offer from City.
Ahead of his side's Community Shield match against Sagna and City at Wembley on Sunday, Wenger spoke for the first time about the departure of the full-back he signed in 2007.
"Why did he go to City? You should ask him that question," Wenger told reporters at Emirates Stadium.
"I made him a proposal to stay and he chose Man City. Did he choose that a long time ago? Maybe. It looks like to me it was agreed a long time ago.
"There is always an element of disappointment because he came here as an unknown and he became a French international, but I respect Sagna a lot because until the last day of his contract he was super-professional.
"He decided to go somewhere else, but he was ready to die on the football pitch and I respect that. Ideally, I would have loved him to stay."
Wenger again suggested UEFA need to get tough with club's who flout their Financial Fair Play rules, with City and Paris Saint-Germain among those who fell foul of the rules last season, but he accepts their powers of punishment are restricted by their own commercial deals.
"The best players end up at the richest clubs," stated Wenger. "Man United did that for years, they had superior financial power and they still do.
"Now it looks like these clubs have some restrictions [because of FFP], but they have clever people who can think about how to get around them and they do that very well.
"Time will tell. UEFA have to be cautious as well because of television financial power. If you kick a club like Paris St Germain out tomorrow, the French television companies will go to UEFA and ask for their money back. It's not as easy as it looked at the start."
While Wenger insisted Arsenal are still a long way behind City in the financial battle to pay extravagant transfer fees and wages, he painted a more upbeat view of his club's hopes of signing the best players in the game in a summer that saw the Gunners sign Alexis Sanchez from Barcelona for a reported 35 million pounds.
"We are less vulnerable now, that is for sure," he added. "In the last two years we bought [Mesut] Ozil and Sanchez. Five years ago we would have lost Ozil and Sanchez.
"We have more money available to buy today than we had five years ago. We can compete better. For years we have lost top players without the ability to replace them because of financial management."
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Delaware women rally to beat North Carolina in NCAAs
NEWARK, Del. -- Elena Delle Donne scored 33 points in her final home game, and Delaware rallied past foul-plagued North Carolina 78-69 on Tuesday night to advance to the round of 16 in the NCAA tournament for the first time in school history.
The sixth-seeded Blue Hens (32-3) trailed 50-42 with 15:31 left before coming back to extend their school-record winning streak to 27 games and eliminate No. 3 seed North Carolina (29-7). Delaware will next travel to Connecticut to face either Dayton or Kentucky.
Vice President Joe Biden was among those in the second straight sellout crowd at Delaware's compact arena. Most of the fans wore royal blue, yellow, or a combination of both. Most of them were standing during the final 5 minutes of the game, when it became apparent the Blue Hens and Delle Donne would be playing at least once more this season.
After the final buzzer, Delaware players gathered at midcourt and waved to their fans in appreciation as most in the crowd chanted, "Let's Go Hens!"
Delle Donne missed 18 of 28 field goal tries, but the 6-foot-5 senior went 11 for 13 at the line and now has 3,006 points during a sensational career in her home state.
Trumae Lucas scored 20 for the Blue Hens and Danielle Parker contributed 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Waltiea Rolle scored 23 points for the Tar Heels, but the 6-6 senior was in foul trouble for much of the second half and finally picked up her fifth with 4:08 left.
North Carolina point guard Tierra Ruffin-Pratt, who scored a career-high 30 points against Albany in the tournament opener, played the final 11:55 with four fouls and finished with four points on 1-for-13 shooting.
The Tar Heels were called for 24 fouls compared to 13 for the Blue Hens.
Delaware trailed 48-39 when Rolle picked up her third foul with 16:39 remaining. The Tar Heels slowed down their offense to kill time while their center was on the bench, and she returned 2 minutes later but was whistled for her fourth foul with 12:47 left.
To make matters worse, Ruffin-Pratt got her fourth foul less than a minute later.
With its two leading scorers on the bench, North Carolina came apart. Delle Donne made a basket, Parker scored on a drive and Lucas sank two straight layups to put the Blue Hens up 52-51, their first lead since 30-29.
Xylina McDaniel then scored on a drive for the Tar Heels, their first basket in nearly six minutes, but Delle Donne reached the 3,000 mark with a follow of her own miss to put Delaware back in front.
It was 63-60 when Rolle fouled out, and Lucas subsequently made two foul shots for a 65-60 edge.
Rolle had 15 points and six blocked shots in the first half to offset a 19-point effort by Delle Donne and help the Tar Heels take a 43-35 lead at the break. Although Ruffin-Pratt missed all four of her field goal tries before halftime, she contributed nine assists.
Delaware led 9-8 before Rolle scored nine points in a 15-6 spurt that provided North Carolina with an eight-point cushion.
It was 29-21 before Delle Donne made two free throws and a 3-pointer in a 9-0 run that gave Delaware the lead. Seconds later, Megan Buckland drilled four straight high-arching 3-pointers to put the Tar Heels in front 43-32.
That tempered the crowd's enthusiasm, but Delle Donne provided hope by hitting a long 3 at the buzzer.


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Rosell steps down as Barcelona president
Sandro Rosell stepped down from his role as Barcelona president on Thursday amid the ongoing row surrounding the club's signing of Neymar.
Josep Maria Bartomeu will replace Rosell for the remainder of his term in charge - which runs until 2016.
Reports in the Spanish media have claimed legal proceedings were to begin against Rosell regarding the deal to bring the Brazilian attacker to Camp Nou from Santos in the close-season.
The estimated €57 million deal has come under scrutiny following allegations of a misappropriation of funds, while Spanish newspaper El Mundo Deportivo reported on Monday to have seen documents showing the deal was worth nearer €95m.
Rosell quickly refuted those rumours and said he would be happy to testify in court but, after a special meeting of the board of directors was called to discuss the matter on Thursday, the situation appears to have come to a head, with Rosell confirming a departure from his presidential role.
He bemoaned "attacks" upon him and his family in a press conference, which was delayed by almost an hour and a half.
Rosell said: "Me and my family for some time have suffered attacks that make me wonder if it's worth being president.
"In recent days there has been unfair criticisms against me, coming from the national courts.
"I insist that everything that happened in the transfer of Neymar was correct.
"The club has always got to have an image that defends the club, there is confidentiality we have to expect, it's important.
"If we don't accept confidentiality it is damaging to the club. We don't want unfair publicity to affect the image of the club."


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After an extremely exciting and successful first season, The Amazing Race Australia is back with a new batch of teams that will go to any lengths to win the competition.And if you thought the first Race was gruelling, wait till you see whats in store for the eleven Aussie teams who will compete in the second instance of everybodys favourite adventure reality show.The teams will have to travel more than 65,000 kilometres across four continents and conquer some of the toughest challenges ever conceived in the history of the show for their chance to win the $250,000 prize.Needless to say, their journey will include a mix of iconic sites and surprising destinations never seen on any version of the race.So, without further adieu, let us introduce the lucky Aussies who will get to compete in the second season of The Amazing Race Australia.Adam and DaneCousins - Qld & NSWThese fun-loving cousins grew up together in Tweed Heads and are determined to make their mark as the first indigenous team in the Race.James and SarahDating - VicThe 9 year age difference between James, 23, and Sarah, 32, is something their friends and family sometimes find hard to overlook.Joseph and GraceBrother and sister - NSWSydney siblings Joseph and Grace still live together under the same roof, but these days they rarely spend much time together.Kym and DonnaEngaged - QldDescribing themselves as a couple of old knuckleheads in love, recently-engaged Kym and Donna have only been together for just over a year and are still finding it hard to keep their hands off each other.Lucy and EmiliaSisters - NSWLarger-than-life Sydney sisters with a strong Italian heritage, Lucy and Emilia do everything together.Michelle and JoCheerleader twins - NSWThey may be bubbly, blonde cheerleaders, but these identical twins from Sydney are out to prove theres more to them than meets the eye.Paul and SteveWorkmates - VicThese workmates from Victoria spend their days together and share a ruthless competitive edge, but thats where the similarities end.Ross and TarrynFather and Daughter - VicThis father and daughter duo from Melbourne have experienced their share of sporting triumph, but will their competitive instincts be enough to help them win The Amazing Race Australia?Shane and AndrewCops - VicThese policemen from Melbourne may have very serious jobs as crime scene officers, but they love nothing more than having a laugh.Sticky and SamFlatmates - TasGeoff, or Sticky to his mates, and Sam met at school in Launceston 12 years ago and have been best friends ever since.Sue and TeresaHairdressers - WAThese hairdressers from Geraldton, Western Australia, think they may become the Earth mothers of the Race.
When Primere? No date not yet?
11 NEW teams of Aussie racers are ready to tackle the challenge of a lifetime in the big new series of The Amazing Race Australia, returning soon to Seven.This year's Race promises to be longer, tougher and even more challenging as teams vie for the $250,000 prize.Grant Bowler returns as host for the second season of the reality TV show."Every day brings the unexpected and a huge amount of adrenaline. But that's the challenge and that's where the buzz comes from", says Grant.This year's diverse bunch includes a set of blonde cheerleading twins from Sydney, a volatile Melbourne couple with a nine-year age gap, Indigenous cousins from Tweed Heads and a couple of crime scene officers from Melbourne, just to name a few." They're a really eclectic, funny, interesting bunch that I believe is unmatched by any other show on the box", Grant hinted of the mixed bag of contestants.The teams will travel more than 65,000 kilometres across 4 continents.Who will you peg to win this year's series of The Amazing Race Australia?
Nice!I know no premiere date has been mentioned, but how long does it usually take for an episode of the show to hit Youtube?
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Home > News & Events > Wayland Press Release Archives > 2012 News Releases > November 2012 > Eaves Honored at AFP Meeting
Eaves Honored at AFP Meeting
November 9, 2012
LUBBOCK – Representatives from Wayland Baptist University attended the 17th annual National Philanthropy Day Awards Luncheon at the Lubbock Country Club on Thursday, where longtime Wayland supporters Cary and Sally Eaves were recognized for their contributions to and support of the school and its mission.
In a prepared statement that was read in recognition of the Eaves, university officials said, "Wayland Baptist University has no better friends and supporters than Carey and Sally Eaves. They are a complete package as they generously volunteer their time, share their resources and truly support every aspect of the university."
A longtime, Plainview businessman, Cary, who graduated from West Texas A&M, is a partner in the Morgan-Eaves Agency. Sally, who graduated from Wayland in 1975, currently serves as a member of the WBU Board of Trustees. She is also president of the Association of Former Students and a charter member of The Sally Society, a women's philanthropy group at Wayland.
"Every university should be so fortunate to have the energy and enthusiasm of Carey and Sally Eaves working on their behalf. For their loyal and committed efforts, Wayland Baptist University is honored to recognize this humble, gracious couple for their extraordinary, philanthropic spirit."
The Eaves were among a group that was recognized for their philanthropic spirit at the annual event held by Lubbock Area Chapter of the Association of Fundraising Professionals. Along with the honorees recognized by individual organizations, the AFP chapter also recognized Texas Tech Chancellor Kent Hance as the 2012 Outstanding Philanthropist. Scott Cooksey, who works for Texas Tech, was named the 2012 Outstanding Fundraising Professional. KOHL's was recognized as the Outstanding Philanthropic Organization, and Kay and Tommy Davis were named the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraisers for their work with the YWCA of Lubbock.


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Welcome to the Education and Educational Psychology Department
We appreciate your interest in our programs and hope that you will find the information for which you are looking on these pages. Our Conceptual Framework describes our educational vision, commitments and values, and it reflects the philosophy, mission and objectives of the University, the School of Professional Studies, and the Education & Educational Psychology Department. On the undergraduate level, WestConn offers programs that lead to certification in elementary education (K-6), health education (PK-12), music education (PK-12) and secondary education (7-12). Our Certification Only program helps students who already have the baccalaureate degrees meet Connecticut requirements for teacher certification at both the elementary and the secondary levels.
WestConn's masters level programs include two options in Counselor Education that are nationally accredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Students in Counselor Education can choose between the school counseling option that leads to certification as a school counselor or the community counseling option that prepares professionals for careers in a variety of community agencies. WestConn also awards masters degrees in education, with options in curriculum, instructional technology, reading, special education. Our doctoral program in Instructional Leadership is designed for teachers already holding masters degrees who want to become leaders in their schools and districts.
The Education and Educational Psychology Department has a close relationship with the public schools in Danbury and the surrounding communities, and these relationships enrich our teacher preparation and counselor education programs. We have an active Education Club and honor societies in both education and counseling. If you are a current student, we encourage you to familiarize yourself with the program requirements and explore the clubs and activities available to you as future teachers, counselors and school leaders. If you are a prospective student, we hope that you will contact us with any additional questions you have about our programs.
Mission Statement
The mission of the Education and Educational Psychology Department is to prepare candidates for careers in teaching and counseling professions. We believe initiating and maintaining professional relationships with the broader educational community and are committed to the continuous support and development of cooperative projects and services with area schools and community agencies. We embrace the broader mission of Western Connecticut State University to empower students to " attain the highest standards of academic achievement personal development, and ethical conduct". Candidates in our teacher and counselor preparation programs must achieve the following objectives:
- demonstrate academic competence in their selected fields,
- complete a general program of studies (in Education) in addition to a recommended content area major other than Education,
- know the historical, social, economic, political, comparative and philosophical foundations of education or school counseling,
- understand the variety of patterns of human growth and development
- value and infuse cultural diversity,
- demonstrate a proficiency in and working knowledge of the Connecticut Common Core of Teaching (with the embedded Connecticut Competency Instrument), Connecticut Common Core of Learning, Curriculum Frameworks K-12, the Connecticut Code of Professional Responsibility, and effective practices in the profession,
- demonstrate a spirit of inquiry, the use of critical thinking skills, and the habits of the reflective practitioner, and,
- demonstrate the ability to incorporate appropriately the use of technology in instructional practice.


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Ad hoc disaster assistance bills have proven to be tough nuts to crack in recent years, and passing permanent disaster assistance legislation won't be that easy either, judging from the first meeting of the farm bill conference committee.
A proposal by House conference committee members, who were only appointed Wednesday night, provided no funding for a permanent disaster program that is the centerpiece of the Senate farm bill.
"The Senate bill includes and funds a key initiative to help compensate farmers and ranchers for disaster losses in a wide range of crops and livestock," Iowa Sen. Tom Harkin, chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee, said in his opening statement at the conference committee meeting Thursday.
"The program is one to build upon and strengthen the assistance we have previously enacted in crop insurance, crop loss and livestock compensation programs. Including a disaster program in this farm bill is of course a single priority for the Senate."
House leaders, including Agriculture Committee Chairman Collin Peterson, have said they did not think Congress could afford a permanent disaster program under the pay-as-you-go budget rules it now operates under.
But farm organizations were quick to criticize the lack of the program in the House farm bill proposal.
"While I am pleased to see the House-Senate Conference Committee finally begin the process that will result in a new farm bill, I am disappointed by the latest House proposal outlined at today's meeting," said National Farmers Union President Tom Buis.
"The House proposal provides zero funding for a permanent disaster program which, in my opinion, is the only significant improvement in the commodity title of either bill. Farmers and ranchers are facing unprecedented increases in production costs, thus their financial risks are greater than ever."
Buis said that with a reduced crop, producers would not be able to offset these increased costs in the marketplace. "It does not matter what the price of the commodity is if you have nothing to sell," he said.
Congress attempted to pass disaster legislation on three occasions following natural disasters in widespread areas of the country in 2005 and 2006. Those failures led Sens. Max Baucus, D-Mont., chairman of the Senate Finance Committee, and Kent Conrad, D-N.D., to begin pushing for a permanent disaster program in the 2007 farm bill.
Harkin said the disaster provision is one of a number of differences that must be reconciled in the House and Senate farm bills.
"There are significant differences and disagreements, to be sure, yet we also have a lot of shared goals, objectives and interests," he said. "And these differences can be resolved and reconciled — and, in fact, many of them already have been in the hundreds of hours of informal staff discussions over the past weeks."
Harkin said both versions of the bill continue and strengthen the current system of farm income protection. "Both bills address additional national priorities: filling the gaps in nutrition assistance, investing in farm-based renewable energy, helping farmers and ranchers conserve our natural resources, devoting substantial new funding to initiatives for growers of fruits, vegetables and horticultural crops — this is the first farm bill to ever really do that."


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Tuesday February 5, 2013
Kiefer Sutherland has been named Man of the Year by Harvard University's Hasty Pudding Theatricals.
The Touch star will be roasted and receive his ceremonial pudding pot at a ceremony scheduled for Friday February 8th.
Kiefer, 46, has been in dozens of films - including The Lost Boys and Flatliners - but is perhaps best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the television series 24, for which he won Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy awards. He is currently starring in the television drama Touch.
The 2013 Woman of the Year, Marion Cotillard, was honoured last week.
Last year's male Hasty Pudding winner was Jason Segel.
Hasty Pudding Theatricals is the nation's oldest undergraduate drama troupe. The awards are presented annually to performers who have made a lasting and impressive contribution to entertainment.


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Wednesday, 21 May 2014 05:21 PM
The Senate Finance Committee voted overwhelmingly Wednesday to approve Sylvia Mathews Burwell's nomination to become the nation's next health secretary and oversee implementation of the new health law.
The 21-3 vote sent her nomination to the full Senate, where it likely will come to a vote next month.
Burwell, who has served as President Barack Obama's budget chief, would replace outgoing Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius, who announced her departure last month just as the health law was recovering from the disastrous rollout of HealthCare.gov website to post stronger-than-predicted enrollment numbers.
Despite expectations that Burwell's confirmation hearings would become an election-year trial of "Obamacare," there were no fireworks as she won support from senators of both parties.
Voting against her Wednesday were Republican Sens. Pat Roberts, John Cornyn and John Thune.
Burwell, 48, seen as a competent insider, promised senators she would be more responsive to Congress than Sebelius. She will face significant challenges in sustaining the momentum of the health care law, including news she can't control in the months ahead as insurers announce premiums for next year.
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Contributor • New York, NY
Nora Maynard is a freelance writer based in New York City. Her recent work has appeared in Salon, Drunken Boat, and The Millions. She recently completed her ninth marathon and her first novel, Burnt Hill Road. Nora wrote for The Kitchn from 2006 to 2011.


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Sir Christopher
Sterling Silver Flatware, Silverware by Wallace Silversmiths
First introduced in 1936, Sir Christopher was designed by William Warren, easily Wallace's most famous designer. Mr. Warren also designed Grande Baroque, which is the most popular pattern in sterling silver.
4pc Place Setting Includes:
- Salad Fork
- Place Fork
- Place Knife, HH
- Teaspoon
5pc Place Setting Includes:
- Items in 4pc setting
- Oval Soup Spoon or Cream Soup Spoon
20pc Starter Set Includes:
- (4) 4pc Place Settings
- Butter Knife HH
- Cold Meat Fork
- Serving Spoon
- Sugar Spoon
46pc Place Setting Includes:
- (8) 5pc Place Settings
- (1) 6pc Hostess Set
- Flatware Chest
66pc Place Setting Includes:
- (12) 5pc Place Settings
- (1) 6pc Hostess Set
- Flatware Chest
6pc Hostess Set Includes:
- Butter Knife HH
- Cold Meat Fork
- Pie Server HH
- Pierced Serving Spoon
- Serving Spoon
- Sugar Spoon
What chest is included with the 46 and 66-piece sets?
We include the Sterling 365 Storage Chest, but you can also apply that cost to a different chest.
What does "HH" mean?
HH stands for "Hollow Handle", which means that the item has been made with a hollow sterling silver handle, and a stainless steel utensil has been inserted into it. Generally, the dinner knife handle is used for serving pieces, and a smaller version is used for the Butter Knife and Butter Spreader.


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Friday June 3, 2011
Simon Cowell has called in police over claims that Britain's Got Talent is fixed.
The TV judge made the complaint to officers after an anonymous internet blogger alleged that favourite Ronan Parke had been groomed for stardom.
Ronan, 12, is in Saturday's final and the blogger claimed he had been known to Simon's firm, Syco, for two years.
Tthe blogger also alleged the youngster already has a management deal.
Claims that his hairstyle, clothing and mannerisms were all choreographed were also made.
The allegations resulted in Simon's lawyers going to a west London police station to report the offence.
A Scotland Yard spokesman said: "An allegation of malicious communications was made to Kensington and Chelsea police on Thursday June 2.
"The allegation is being considered."
Syco and Sony Music said they would take legal action to "prevent further publication of these unfounded allegations".
Ronan's mother Maggie also dismissed claims that he was auditioned by talent scouts who spotted him performing at a birthday party for a family friend.
"It's laughable, to be perfectly honest with you, and it couldn't be further from the truth," she told BBC Radio Norfolk.


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Shearman & Sterling
Mr. Jonathan G. Katz
Release Nos. 33-8177, 34-47235; File No. S7-40-02
Dear Mr. Katz:
We welcome the opportunity to comment on certain issues raised in the captioned final rule (the "Final Rule"). This letter is addressed to you on behalf of Toyota Motor Corporation, Advantest Corporation and Pioneer Corporation (the "Companies"). We support and appreciate the efforts of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission") to modify the audit committee financial expert requirements for foreign private issuers. While we expect that the Final Rule will facilitate compliance with the audit committee financial expert requirements by most foreign private issuers, it remains inconsistent with major aspects of the Japanese corporate governance system and places a disproportionate burden on Japanese private issuers, including the Companies, as discussed below. In support of Japan Business Federation's comment letter dated February 18, 2003 submitted to the Commission regarding Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002 (the "Act"), we are writing to urge the Commission to extend the board of auditors exemption set forth under 10A-3(c)(2) of the proposed rule for implementing Section 301 of the Act (the "Proposed Rule") to the audit committee financial expert disclosure requirements under Section 407 of the Act.
A. Japanese Issuers with a Board of Auditors Should be Exempt from the Disclosure Requirements under Section 407 of the Act
As we discuss in our comment letter submitted to the Commission as of even date herewith relating to Section 301 of the Act, the duties of the Japanese board of corporate auditors ("Board of Auditors") are defined by Japanese corporate governance standards. Statutory auditors constituting the Japanese Board of Auditors are already subject to various eligibility standards under Japanese law, including independence requirements. We believe the same reasons that underlie the Commission's proposal to exempt Boards of Auditors meeting the standards specified in Proposed Rule 10A-3(c)(2) justify exclusion of those issuers relying on such exemption from the audit committee financial expert disclosure requirements.
The designation of an audit committee financial expert is inconsistent with the function of the Japanese Board of Auditors as it operates as part of the Japanese corporate governance system, and inclusion of an audit committee financial expert as defined in the Final Rule would be inconsistent with the nature and responsibilities of the members of the Board of Auditors envisaged by Japanese law. Under Japanese corporate law, the Japanese Board of Auditors, or each statutory auditor comprising the Board of Auditors, is given the following principal powers and duties:
Accordingly, the statutory auditors comprising the Japanese Board of Auditors are required to perform a wide range of functions including but beyond the oversight of the work of the registered public accountants. The inclusion of a specialized audit committee financial expert would be incompatible with the overall role of the Board of Auditors within the Japanese corporate governance system.
In addition, the requirement to discuss the "independence" of an audit committee financial expert is inconsistent with the exemption provided by Proposed Rule 10A-3, which exempts the Board of Auditors from the independence standard of the rule and relies on home country law or listing standard. Moreover, if the Commission intends to suggest, through this disclosure requirement, that an issuer with a qualifying exempt Board of Auditors should have a member that meets U.S. defined independence standards, we believe this would be truly intrusive into the Board of Auditors system under Japanese law and would create the implication that one member of the Board of Auditors is more independent than the others.
For these reasons, we believe Japanese issuers with a Board of Auditors should be exempt from the disclosure requirements under Section 407 of the Act.
B. Japanese Issuers Should be Permitted to Designate an Expert Familiar with Local GAAP
If the Commission determines nonetheless not to exempt companies relying on the Board of Auditors' exemption of Proposed Rule 10A-3 from the Section 407 disclosures, we urge the Commission to extend to Japanese Companies the same right to have the expert qualify under home country generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"), rather than require U.S. GAAP expertise.
We concur with the Commission's change in the Final Rule, under the Instructions to Item 16A, permitting foreign private issuers who reconcile to U.S. GAAP to appoint audit committee financial experts who are familiar with the GAAP used by the issuer in its primary financial statements filed with the Commission. However, unlike most foreign private issuers, Japanese issuers cannot qualify their expert under home country GAAP, as essentially all Japanese issuers, including the Companies, elect to prepare their financial statements filed with the Commission under U.S. GAAP.
For almost all Japanese issuers electing to report under U.S. GAAP, their Japanese GAAP accountants are the financial experts most familiar with the company and its accounting and controls. Most Japanese issuers prepare the U.S. GAAP financial statements primarily for Form 20-F reporting, while still using Japanese GAAP for purposes of managing the company. Generally, Japanese issuers prepare their Japanese GAAP financial statements first. The Japanese statements are then used as a basis to convert to U.S. GAAP statements.
As a result of such accounting practices, the number of experts resident in Japan who are familiar with U.S. GAAP is extremely limited and those familiar with both U.S. and Japanese GAAP are even rarer. While there are a growing number of persons in Japan who are either U.S.-qualified accountants or otherwise familiar with U.S. GAAP, the overwhelming majority of them are relatively inexperienced and do not yet possess the specialized knowledge and professional experience required under the Final Rule.
Accordingly, if the Final Rule remains unchanged, we expect many, if not a majority of, Japanese issuers to be unable to appoint an audit committee financial expert as currently defined. These Japanese issuers, whose Boards of Auditors are proposed to be recognized by the Commission as meeting the purposes of Section 301 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, would nonetheless be required to disclose their lack of audit committee financial experts despite their compliance with the requirements of Japanese corporate law. Considering that Japanese issuers have assumed the extra burden and cost of preparing their primary financial statements filed with the Commission under U.S. GAAP for the benefit of U.S. investors rather than relying on a U.S. GAAP reconciliation as most other foreign private issuers do, we believe that they should not be disproportionately burdened by the audit committee financial expert requirements relative to most other foreign private issuers, given that both categories of issuers are managing principally on a home country basis.
C. Request for Exemption for Japanese Issuers
For these reasons, we agree with Japan Business Federation's comment letter submitted to the Commission regarding Section 407 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, and recommend the Commission to exempt Japanese issuers with a Board of Auditors from the disclosure requirements under Section 407 of the Act.
In the event that the Commission determines that Japanese private issuers should continue to be subject to disclosure requirements under the Final Rule, we would suggest that the Instructions to Item 16A be amended to permit foreign private issuers to designate an audit committee financial expert who is expert in the GAAP such issuer uses to manage the company, even if the issuer voluntarily elects to report under U.S. GAAP for purposes of filing with the Commission.
* * *
We appreciate the opportunity to comment on the Final Rule. If the Commission or its staff have any questions concerning the foregoing, please call Masahisa Ikeda at (011-813) 5251-1601 or Linda C. Quinn at (212) 848-8747.


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Bolt: 'I can smash world record'
- Usain Bolt tells CNN he can break 100m world record at London 2012
- The Jamaican star set the current world record at 2009 world championships
- Bolt ran the fastest 100m time of the year at a meeting in Rome on Thursday
- Linford Christie says Tyson Gay and Justin Gatlin could challenge Bolt
(CNN) -- Jamaican sprint star Usain Bolt has told CNN he can set a new 100 meter world record at the London 2012 Olympic Games -- and could run as fast as 9.4 seconds.
Bolt took the 100m gold medal at Beijing 2008 in a world-record time of 9.69s, before bettering that mark one year later with a stunning 9.58 at the World Championships in Berlin.
The 25-year-old, who is also the record-holding world and Olympic champion over 200m, is confident he can become the first man to smash the 9.4 barrier in the British capital in August.
"After my trials leading up to the Olympics, then it depends on where my fitness is," he said. "If everything goes well, I can determine, how fast I think I can go.
"Everybody has been talking about this 9.4 all season. If it's possible, I'll be the one to run 9.4 seconds."
Bolt was talking to CNN Olympic contributor Linford Christie, a 100m gold medalist at the Barcelona Games in 1992, after recording 9.76 in Rome on Thursday -- the fastest time this year.
Bolt named IAAF male athlete of the year after world championships double
The Kingston native's electric performances and exuberant personality have made him a global celebrity, with his "lightning bolt" pose now recognized all over the world.
"I think it was God sent," said Bolt when asked about the iconic stance. "But it was slightly originated from an archery pose.
"I just copied it and made it my own and it worked. It's catchy and I'm like the Michael Jordan of track and field really!"
Bolt's charisma on the starting blocks sets him apart from previous generations of sprinters, who would take a far more serious approach to race preparations.
He revealed how an encounter with U.S. sprinter Justin Gatlin, who served a four-year doping ban between 2006 and 2010, influenced his approach to racing.
"For me it never happened until Justin Gatlin," he said. "I ran once with him in Zagreb, he did something which was really funny to me.
"We were walking back and forward and he actually spat across my lane. And when he did it, I knew he was trying to intimidate me and I found it really funny.
"Today it doesn't really bother me. I just go there, enjoy myself and relax. It's just one of those things where over the years the game has changed."
Usain Bolt
Bolt suffered a setback at the 2011 World Championships in Daegu, when a false start in the 100m final allowed his compatriot Yohan Blake to claim the gold medal.
Human to Hero: Champion Blake bids to steal Bolt's sprint swag
In London, Bolt will once again face competition from Blake as well as longtime rival Tyson Gay of the United States -- the 100m world champion in 2007.
Can Bolt be beaten? Gay's golden Olympic goal
Despite fierce competition, Bolt insists he will be focused on his own race if he reaches the London 2012 final on August 5.
"I can't really say who's going to be my main rival but for me the main thing is the seven guys in the lanes beside me," he said.
"You never know what can happen on the day so I'm really focused and I'm not really worried about one thing or one person."
Christie believes Bolt can be challenged at the forthcoming Games, but his rivals with have to be confident if they are to capture his crown.
Gold medal formula: Mind over matter?
Usain Bolt
"There's always a challenge," the Briton told CNN. "It's whether they believe enough to challenge him. Does a challenge mean beating him? That's tough."
When asked about the biggest threats to Bolt's dominance, Christie highlighted the American duo of Gay and Gatlin as the men most likely to mount a serious challenge.
"We don't know what Justin Gatlin is capable of, Tyson Gay hasn't competed yet. We also need to wait until after the Jamaican trials."
Christie said the impact Bolt has had on athletics is similar to that of American legend Michael Johnson, a world and Olympic champion over 200m and 400m, while also comparing him to other sporting icons.
"Not meaning it in a horrible way, but he's one of the freaks in our sport. Michael Johnson came along and everybody thought 'wow.'
"Muhammad Ali was a freak in his sport, now we've got Bolt. Every so many years, someone like that comes along. Pele, Maradona, it's one of those things."
Source: http://rss.cnn.com/~r/rss/edition_sport/~3/lSXbMt2CjJE/index.html


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UK Politician Proposes Motion Against Kicking People Off The Internet
from the some-sanity dept
While a bunch of politicians in the UK had been under the influence of entertainment industry lobbyists in believing that kicking accused (not convicted) file sharers off the internet would somehow magically bring back a working business model, at least there are some who recognize what a futile and backwards effort this would be. MP Tom Watson has put forth an "Early Day Motion" against such proposals:
That this House notes with concern the Government's proposals on file sharing which would allow rights holders to request internet service providers to disconnect for a period of time, or throttle, the internet connection of people who may be accused of copyright infringement via peer to peer networks; believes that disconnecting alleged offenders will be futile given that it is relatively easy for determined file-sharers to mask their identity or their activity to avoid detection; acknowledges that illicit file-sharing only costs rights-holders money when people download infringing content in preference to buying it; further notes that identifying offenders using the Internet Protocol address of a specific machine may punish those who share a web connection; and calls on the Government to ensure that any citizen accused of illicit file-sharing is given the right to legal redress in a court of law before sanctions are imposed.I'd even take issue with the claim that it costs rights holders money when people download instead of buy -- as there's ample evidence that such things can lead to additional purchases down the road. But, still, this is a good start, and great to see some politicians not falling for the industry's claims.


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Nano-Bio-Photonics Simulator
Simulates passage of light through biological tissue having an embedded metallic nanoparticles using FDTD
Version 1.1b - published on 31 Mar 2016
doi:10.4231/D3QV3C506 cite this
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This tool simulates the passage of light through biological tissue embedded with metallic nano-particles. The injected pulse of light obtained at the screen is analyzed to observe spectral redistribution induced due the spatial co-relation of the tissue sample.
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The Lovely Lines of Linocut Prints
One of my favorite things that my fiance has brought to our cohabitation is a vintage linocut print of a town square. With it in mind, I started a search on Etsy today, and I found no shortage of impressive prints done in the technique. Here are just ten worthy samples.
I like linocut prints for their deliberate lines, and I also appreciate the way in which they can be so well done while still having small irregularities. The "imperfections" really only enhance the skill evidenced in the artwork.
1. Boston bull terrier N0.4, $25 from Akoakotomo
2. Boots, $90 from RachelClarkArt
3. City Windows, $78 from ZebedeePrint
4. Pileated Woodpecker, $20 from AnnaSee
5. Mark Twain, $15 from HorseAndHare
6. Mont Saint Michel, $25 from GreenBalloon
7. New Orleans House, $20.92 from VickyDay
8. Red Hens Pecking, $45 from ThreeBearsPrints
9. The Ridge Roof, $90 by MagPrint
10. Redemption Tree - White Oak, $25 by FeralOak
Images: As linked


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Phil Vickery
Not only has Phil Vickery been a part of the This Morning family for over 11 years, but he's also one of Britain's favourite chefs.
Having started out studying cookery at his local college, Phil has gone on to win numerous awards including Michelin Stars and AA Rosettes. He now enjoys showing This Morning viewers how to cook up tasty British fare using locally sourced ingredients wherever possible.


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The novelty of a Newt Gingrich presidency has leveled off as the front-runner's rivals expose his warts.
Will the negativity drag him into the quicksand, or has he become the inevitable ...
Photos: 2012 Iowa caucus day
Photos: Mitt Romney in Iowa on ...
Photos: Candidates stage last-day campaign stops
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Joe Budden Freestyles On ESPN's First Take!
"First Take Host Cari Champion and Slaughterhouse Rapper hook up for a little sports freestyle." - ESPN1stTake
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The Details:
• Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Concept will debut at the IAA
• The 2.0L turbocharged concept is meant to be raced internationally
• Features adjustable suspension, carbon components and AMG high-performance brakes
The Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG Racing Concept will make its world premiere at the IAA in Frankfurt/Main, Germany soon. The decision to unveil the concept was directly affected by the successful launch of the SLS AMG GT3 racecar, which now carries a string of individual race wins and championship titles. The 2.0L turbocharged CLA45 AMG Racing Concept is meant to be raced internationally if the demand is high enough.
Although technical specifications will vary according to the race rules and series, the CLA45 AMG Racing Concept has all the typical features of a racecar. The engine output and power transmission are variable. The features include an adjustable racing suspension, paddle shift gearbox and the AMG high-performance braking system equipped with an anti-lock system.
Carbon fiber bits are abundant and found in places such as the new front and rear apron, flared wings and side sill panels ahead of the rear wheels, which ensure effective cooling of the rear brakes.
The interior features a roll cage, carbon fiber P 1300 GT racing bucket seat from Recaro, and a fire extinguishing system.


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Baruch Professor Cynthia Lee Wong
Selected as "New Voices" Composer
Professor Cynthia Lee Wong
NEW YORK, NY- June 4, 2013 -- Cynthia Lee Wong, a Performing Arts Professor in the Weissman School of Arts & Sciences at Baruch College, was recently named the 2013 New Voices composer.
The New Voices program is a partnership between music publisher Boosey & Hawkes and the two ensembles directed by MTT, the New World Symphony (NWS) and the San Francisco Symphony (SFS), that provides professional development for emerging composers. Each year, one composer is chosen from a selection of invited applicants to participate in a multi-organizational residency that covers areas in career development that include working with a publisher, work-shopping new compositions, and premiering their works on both coasts with the New World Symphony and San Francisco Symphony in orchestral and chamber settings.
Professor Wong was selected by a panel of judges consisting of conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and composers John Adams, Steven Mackey, and Mason Bates, who reviewed her body of work and compositions. Professor Wong is a recipient of accolades in the performing arts including three ASCAP Foundation Morton Gould Young Composer Awards and several prizes from The Juilliard School, City University of New York, and Columbia University. She has studied composition with Samuel Adler, Milton Babbitt, David Del Tredici, David Olan, and Larry Thomas Bell and her current commissions include compositions for the League of Composers/International Society of Contemporary Music and the New York State Music Teachers Association.
After receiving hands-on experience in the preparation of score materials and contract negotiation at the New York offices of Boosey & Hawkes, Professor Wong will collaborate with the New World Symphony in the work-shopping, rehearsal, and performance of two new works in the 2013-14 season commissions that make up the performance-related aspect of New Voices. These New Voices commissions consist of one work for chamber ensemble and one work for orchestra, to be premiered by the New World Symphony in November 2013 and April 2014, respectively. The works will then receive their West Coast premieres by the San Francisco Symphony during the 2014�15 season.
Professor Wong is the second composer selected to participate in New Voices. Zosha Di Castri, a doctoral student with Fred Lerdahl at Columbia University, was the first composer chosen for the program. Her new work for percussion quartet, "Manif," premiered at the New World Symphony (NWS) in March, and her new work for orchestra, "Lineage," premiered at NWS in April.
About Baruch College:
Baruch College is a senior college in the City University of New York (CUNY) with a total enrollment of more than 17,000 students, who represent 160 countries and speak more than 100 languages. Ranked among the top 15% of U.S. colleges and the No. 5 public regional university, Baruch College is regularly recognized as among the most ethnically diverse colleges in the country. As a public institution with a tradition of academic excellence, Baruch College offers accessibility and opportunity for students from every corner of New York City and from around the world. For more about Baruch College, go to http://www.baruch.cuny.edu/.
Manny Romero, (646) 660-6141, firstname.lastname@example.com
Mercedes Sanchez, (646) 660-6112, firstname.lastname@example.com


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DIXON – Supporters of renovating Veterans Memorial Pool preached patience Wednesday.
The community is starting to ask questions about how much the pool will cost to fix and who will be in charge of running it, and organizer Colleen Brechon told about 40 supporters that it could take another month or 2 for them to have answers.
Brechon and fellow organizer Marilyn Trulock said they are meeting with an architectural firm Friday and a lawyer next week.
The historic pool has been closed for about a dozen years and a handful of efforts to reopen it have fallen short.
Trulock held up a copy of the July 25 Telegraph with an article on the front page about the Dixon Park District board discussing a referendum for pool renovations.
The article said park board members will wait to see what Trulock and supporters decide within their group before putting anything up for vote. However, an advisory referendum was discussed by the park board as a possibility at some point.
"Property taxes are off the table completely for us," Trulock said Wednesday. "We're not talking about a referendum now. Property taxes are too high now."
Brechon said the park board likely discussed an advisory referendum for possible property tax increases, in case that option comes into play regarding operations.
Trulock said having a separate commission created to operate the pool with a representative from the park board has been suggested. Still, that's just an idea.
Brechon said there is no plan in place yet, until she and Trulock talk with lawyers and architects to figure out what's possible.
"We need to slow down a bit," Brechon said. "Everyone wants an answer right away, but let's be patient."
The pool is owned by the park district, but park board members said earlier this month that they will cooperate with efforts to reopen the pool.
War veteran Ted Trulock said he is saddened by the shape the pool is in.
"That's a beautiful tribute to veterans," Trulock said. "I'd love to see something with Veterans Memorial attached to it stand up to it."
County Market is hosting a cookout Aug. 17 to raise funds for pool renovations, and Dixon Iron & Metal, 78 Monroe Ave., also said it will create a pool account for customers wishing to donate.
Brechon said the group has about $18,000 in an account at Midland State Bank left over from the last effort to reopen the pool.
One man in attendance said more information has to be shared before the group can expect to collect donations from community members.
"Talking fundraisers without a plan yet is not a good idea," he said.
Brechon agreed, saying the fundraisers, so far, are organized by people or businesses who have asked to donate.


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The ad campaign, created by Rainey Kelly Campbell Roalfe/Y&R, launched during ITV's 'Mr Selfridge' last night and is the fifth ad starring Lenny Henry since he became Premier Inn's brand ambassador in 2008.
To promote the range of reasons why people might want to stay at a Premier Inn, the TV ad shows Henry in a Premier Inn bed at the seaside, at King's Cross station, by a fishing lake and a racecourse, as well as amid a wedding party.
At RKCR/Y&R the copywriter was Rich Fox and the art director was Jamie Woodrington. James Griffiths directed the TV ad through Moxie Pictures. Post production was by MPC with audio post by Wave.
Outdoor, press, digital and social media, will support the TV activity. The planning and buying was by Manning Gottlieb OMD.
The outdoor campaign includes dominating city centre, rail and Underground digital screens in London and large cities with a 70 per cent takeover. Ads will run in The Sun, Metro and the London Evening Standard during January and February.
Russell Braterman, the brand marketing director at Premier Inn, said: "It's the first time Lenny Henry has stepped outside of the hotel environment and the focus of the creative is on Lenny and his enjoyment of sleeping well.
"The ad sees Lenny in his Premier Inn bed, on a whistle-stop tour of the UK. Whether you're a business traveller needing to get a great night's sleep before a big meeting, or if you want to catch a good night of 'zzz's' before attending a friend's wedding, there is a Premier Inn just around the corner."
This article was first published on campaignlive.co.uk


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ONLY two days after being sensationally accused of standing to make $100 million out of an allegedly corrupt government coal tender, the family of controversial Labor kingpin Eddie Obeid was back doing what it does best - completing yet another astonishing deal.
As Mr Obeid prepares to be questioned at the Independent Commission Against Corruption inquiry on Monday, it can be revealed that his family received millions of dollars in ''consultancy fees'' relating to the Top Ryde shopping centre and residential complex.
A Fairfax Media investigation has found that in addition to those payments, alleged to have been paid by the Beville group through an Obeid associate, last year the Obeids acquired five residential apartments in the complex at almost half the cost of neighbouring apartments.
And, contrary to testimony given by Moses Obeid at the inquiry on Friday in which he claimed his father had no involvement in the family's business dealings, Fairfax has confirmed Mr Obeid personally negotiated the purchase of the five apartments with Iwan Sunito.
Mr Sunito's company, Crown Group, bought the residential component of the Top Ryde development from the Beville group two years ago.
''He [Mr Sunito] met Eddie Obeid several times last year to discuss the purchase of the apartments,'' said a source, who said the pair was seen late last year meeting at the shopping centre and the residential site above.
On November 14, two days after being accused of being at the centre of the biggest corruption inquiry since the Rum Corps, the Obeids made a 46.8 per cent return when they sold one of the units for $558,000, having owned it for four months.
Another sold in early December for a 43.6 per cent profit.
Land title records show Pope Property Holdings, whose sole director is one of Mr Obeid's sons, Gerard, bought the five units in June 2012. Settlement was on July 16. The prices paid were $350,000, $370,000, $380,000, $390,000 and $410,000.
But three days before the sale was completed, the Obeids obtained a $4 million mortgage from the NAB using as collateral three of the apartments they had just bought for a total of $1.1 million. The fact that the bank valued the properties at a far greater amount than the Obeids paid suggests either the bank vastly overvalued them or the Obeids got an amazing bargain.
The latter scenario appears more likely, with the profit of almost 50 per cent the Obeids enjoyed when they sold two of the apartments late last year.
For years it was rumoured the Obeids had secured apartments in the complex after assisting the initial developer John Beville. Previous attempts to develop the site had foundered because of traffic issues. But Mr Beville's company, Bevillesta, negotiated a solution with the roads authority and paid Ryde Council $18 million for land access to enable a tunnel to be built under the proposed development.
Rocco Triulcio, a close associate of the Obeid family, was questioned at ICAC last year about ''consultancy'' fees for Mr Obeid's son Paul in relation to the Top Ryde project.
''And the particular services for which he was being paid these sums - and it amounted to millions of dollars - was acquiring local government approval for parts of the project. Is that right?'' counsel assisting the inquiry Geoffrey Watson, SC, asked him.
Mr Triulcio denied the payments were for obtaining government approval. They were for Mr Obeid's property development skills. When asked to detail these skills, Mr Triulcio said: ''Over the years of him being involved in developments he [Paul Obeid] obtained a lot of skill sets.''
Mr Triulcio said the payments were part of the contract ''I had with the Bevilles at the time''.
Mr Beville was recently asked about the Obeids' involvement in his Top Ryde development. ''The authorities know what they're doing and it would be inappropriate for me to comment … And if you were in my position, I can't imagine you saying anything different,'' he told Fairfax Media last month.
After Fairfax revealed last year that Ryde Council had previously given an Obeid-related health company a three-year deal worth $300,000 without going to tender, and had contracted Moses Obeid's company Streetscape to provide multi-function poles despite their being twice the price of a second bidder's, the council has ordered an inquiry into any dealings it has had with the Obeids or any of their associated companies.
Eddie Obeid will be in the witness box on Monday.
Kate McClymont is an investigative journalist at The Sydney Morning Herald.