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New Liturgical Movement has been fighting the sacred music fight for years. We pray they are making a dent in the hearts of the Novus Ordo Catholic crowd (especially those goofy Charismatics) that, more often than not, make a mockery of sacred music and thus make a mockery of the holy sacrifice of the mass. In our humble opinion, the bad music at mass (and at those painful to watch Charismatic retreats) is just a symptom of not believing in the true presence of Christ. Because it is so true and so deep here is the best quote from the article below:
"Music is the very language of the soul, its most intimate and exalted expression. Sacred music is the blood and bone of the liturgy, the carrier of its organic life, the texture of its being, the architecture of its prayer. If something goes wrong with music, as Plato saw long ago, the culture is lost. If something goes wrong with liturgical music, as Ratzinger saw so clearly, the cultus is depressed and devalued."
Please share with your friends to start the discussion.
A Blueprint for Parish Musical Reform
Peter Kwasniewski
This surely isn't because the subject is not hugely important. Part of the reason, I think, is that sacred music is so massively and thoroughly important that it is hard to know where to begin. Music is the very language of the soul, its most intimate and exalted expression. Sacred music is the blood and bone of the liturgy, the carrier of its organic life, the texture of its being, the architecture of its prayer. If something goes wrong with music, as Plato saw long ago, the culture is lost. If something goes wrong with liturgical music, as Ratzinger saw so clearly, the cultus is depressed and devalued. It is like arguing about the sanctity of human life, or heterosexual marriage: if it isn't obvious to you that a child is a person with dignity or that only a man and a woman can marry, then where can our argument go next? There are some things so basic, so close, so intimate, so all-pervasive, that we do not know where to begin, and once begun, we hardly know where to end. Music, and liturgical music, is just like that.
Part of the reason, too, is that one can feel as if everything has already been said (and said well), and that those who want to know already know, and those who need to know have their ears closed, like an immature person in an argument who claps his hands over his ears and says loudly "la la la" until the other person walks away. All the articles are out there, arguing for Gregorian chant (on its own merits or on the basis of Vatican II's re-endorsement of it), for polyphony, for traditional hymnody, and against liturgical novelties, contemporary styles, and worldly instrumentations ill-suited for the divine mysteries. The musical resources are also plentifully available—everything from Latin chant to English chant to newly-composed polyphony (Allen, Dalitz, Kwasniewski, Morber, and other frequenters of the MusicaSacra forum) to thousands of free scores at CPDL and IMSLP. Frankly, it can seem as if the battle lines are drawn in utter clarity, with a vast no-man's land in between. People have made up their minds: either they're sold on traditional sacred music, seeing it as a matter of hallowed principle — "This is simply who Catholics are and what they should do"—or they are vehemently opposed to it, seeing it as a matter of pastoral pragmatism: "This isn't who Catholics are anymore, and we should do whatever 'works.'"
Well, that's all true, as far as it goes — but it's absolutely not a reason to stop the conversation or to stop the grassroots efforts for revitalizing our Church's musical life, which, in general, is still at a deplorable level. There are still people who desire to learn about authentic sacred music. There are men and women of good will ready to embrace the Church's heritage if only it is introduced to them. There are friends to be made and foes to be converted. There are new insights to share and new ways to explain or apply old principles. It is a subject that must not be allowed to descend into the realm of unspoken assumptions but rather must be, again and again, brought into the light. Doing so benefits both those who love sacred music and those who may come to love it if only we are tireless in making the case for it.
Now, the case must be made in two ways. First, in words, as writers have done at NLM and Chant Café and elsewhere. Second, through the introduction and good practice of sacred music in the parish.[1] Precisely because we are dealing with the phenomenon of music, experience is of far greater weight than words. The experience of genuinely beautiful sacred music has its own way of touching minds and hearts, although I am not going to suggest that it will always be easy, automatic, or instantaneous for everyone. So, we need to take whatever opportunities we can find to convince pastors and especially bishops to develop a great concern for the state of music in the Church and to espouse concrete steps of renewal. A shining example in this regard is the pastoral letter Rejoice in the Lord Always of Archbishop Alexander K. Sample, which he issued when bishop of the Diocese of Marquette.[2] In promulgating this document, with its clear explanations and actual legislation for parishes, His Excellency combined the two ways mentioned above: he put the mind of the Church into writing, and, using his episcopal authority, introduced diocesan laws that would establish sacred music at the parish level so that the Catholics of his diocese could at last, in accord with Vatican II's Sacrosanctum Concilium, experience the primacy of chant and of other music from the Church's priceless patrimony.
As with last week's model letter on restoring all-male altar service, what follows is a model or template of the sort of letter that a bishop or other superior might consider sending to his clergy, in pursuit of the liturgical renewal so eloquently called for and expounded in Benedict XVI's timeless writings. This letter briefly addresses the desperate need for elevating the style and quality of music in parishes. May it be helpful in some way to all pastors who are striving to purge what is unworthy of the temple of God and reestablish excellence in sacred music!
Dear Sons in Christ,
"Let nothing be preferred to the Work of God," as St. Benedict memorably says in his Holy Rule. The Father of Western Monasticism left us a clear reminder that, whether we are monks or not, the service of our Lord in the divine liturgy (what Benedict called the opus Dei) is our principal task while on earth, our greatest responsibility before the Creator of heaven and earth, the most profound source of our sanctification, and a work of love handed down from ages past into which it is our joy to initiate each new generation of believers.
Unfortunately, in the decades following the Council, it seemed as if many in the Church became confused. They ran away from this primary task and got preoccupied with what may have been important but was certainly secondary. Their gaze on the sovereign work of the Lord grew weak, and soon they treated the most sacred mysteries in a casual and irreverent way. Many of the treasures of our faith were forgotten or repudiated in the mistaken view that they had nothing to say to modern people. Pope John Paul II and Pope Benedict XVI worked tirelessly against the secularization and forgetfulness of God that simultaneously affected the realms of doctrine, morals, and worship. As all can see, the unraveling of Western society and a corresponding disorientation in the Church have, by now, reached crisis proportions. As pastors, it is our duty to avoid anything that may contribute to this process of self-destruction and to promote, in a clear-sighted and principled way, the sanctification and salvation of the faithful entrusted to our care.
To do so, we must first of all be consistent with our Catholic tradition and with the Magisterium of the Church. Any Catholic church should be, and look and sound like, a microcosm of the one Catholic church; the same is true of the liturgy. That is why the Instruction Redemptionis Sacramentum can say: "It is the right of the community of Christ's faithful that especially in the Sunday celebration there should customarily be true and suitable sacred music" (n. 57). In accordance with the teaching of the Second Vatican Council — "steps should be taken so that the faithful may also be able to say or to sing together in Latin those parts of the Ordinary of the Mass which pertain to them" (Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 54); "the musical tradition of the universal Church is a treasure of inestimable value, greater even than that of any other art" (SC 112); "the treasure of sacred music is to be preserved and fostered with great care" (SC 114); "the Church acknowledges Gregorian chant as specially suited to the Roman liturgy: therefore, other things being equal, it should be given pride of place in liturgical services" (SC 116) — as well as the constant teaching of the Sovereign Pontiffs from St. Pius X down through Benedict XVI, I shall require pastors and music ministers to expand the use of, or to reintroduce if they have fallen into disuse, chanted proper antiphons and chants for the Ordinary of the Mass. This, too, is fully consistent with the advice of the USCCB in Sing to the Lord: Music in Divine Worship (see, inter alia, nn. 30, 61, 72-80, 117).
The "Propers" of the Mass — at very least, in the realm of the Ordinary Form, the Introit or Entrance antiphon, Offertory antiphon, and Communion antiphon — are an integral part of the Roman Rite of Mass and ought to be prominent, as indeed is suggested by their primacy in the General Instruction (see GIRM, nn. 48, 74, 87). The immense scriptural and theological riches of the Proper texts given in the official liturgical books and the wonderful congruency of chanted antiphons with the liturgical action for which they are intended recommends them above all other texts and types of music. While it is possible and at times desirable to use just the proper antiphons with their verses, it is certainly permissible to chant the antiphon and then sing a suitable motet or congregational hymn; I leave the particulars to your own judgment, which must take into account the abilities of the singers and the sensibilities of the faithful. What I am requiring is that the antiphons always be sung at the principal Masses of Sundays and Holy Days, whatever else may be sung. The "Ordinary" of the Mass — the Kyrie, the Gloria, the Creed, the Sanctus, the Agnus Dei, the Lord's Prayer, and the dialogues between priest and people — is likewise to be sung on these days, in English or in Latin (Greek for the Kyrie). When the Ordinary is sung in English, preference should be given to modal melodies that have the characteristics of plainchant. Naturally, it takes time to learn a number of chants, so it may be best to start with a certain core, such as the Kyrie, Sanctus, and Agnus Dei, and add to it as time goes on.
Gregorian chant is not simply one style of church music among many; it is the music of the Roman rite par excellence, and therefore has a certain primacy. Pope Benedict XVI asked us to rediscover our tradition and, at long last, to implement what Vatican II really taught (cf. Sacramentum Caritatis, n. 42). It would therefore be fully appropriate and desirable that chant be used at every Mass at which music is planned, and that we move away from artificial distinctions such as "Folk (or Youth) Mass" vs. "High Mass." Every Mass should be reverent and sacred, as worthy as we can make it of the unfathomable gift and mystery of the Lord's Body and Blood.
In some missalettes and in nearly all hymnals there is at least one Gregorian chant Mass, and often several, that can be employed. Excellent resources for expanding your parish's use of plainchant in Latin as well as in the vernacular (English and Spanish) are available from such publishers as Ignatius Press, CanticaNova, Illuminare Publications, Corpus Christi Watershed, and St. Michael Hymnal. Without prejudice to other worthy publications, I do recommend taking a close look at the Lumen Christi series, The Proper of the Mass, and the Ignatius Pew Missal.
As chief liturgist of the Diocese, responsible for good order and decorum in the house of God, I ask that you instruct music ministers to stand no longer in or near the sanctuary at the front of the church, but to sing from the choir loft, or, if there is no choir loft, from the back of the church. Decades of confusion and poor instructions have caused many to believe that the ideal location for musicians is at the front, visible to everyone, but this contravenes in every respect the true nature and role of the musician at Mass. Musicians are not supposed to be in the foreground but in the background; their essential contribution is to help the Christian people to meditate on the sacred mysteries, which is best accomplished by music that is itself more contemplative, not too loud, strident, or dominating. When placed front and center, singers and instrumentalists cannot avoid becoming performers and drawing attention to themselves, no matter how humble their intentions may be.
In this connection it is also important to recall, as the Popes have done into our own times, that the preferred instrument for musical accompaniment in the Roman rite is the pipe organ (cf. Vatican II, Sacrosanctum Concilium, n. 120; Pius XII, Musicae Sacrae, n. 58; Instruction Musicam Sacram, n. 63). Churches that do not have a pipe organ should be fitted with one at the nearest opportunity; alternatively, if it does not seem possible to raise the requisite funds, a high-quality keyboard programmed to sound like a pipe organ may be utilized. It will be advisable to phase out the piano and the guitar, since the Church has repeatedly taught that instruments associated with worldly music are not suited for use in the liturgy. It is true that these instruments have been around for a long time now, but their abiding cultural associations, the manner in which they tend to be played, and the style of music written for them combine to show that we are dealing not so much with the sacralization of once-secular instruments as with the secularization of once-sacred music. Accordingly, as of Christmas next year, the only instruments that may be played during the liturgy will be the pipe organ (or its digital equivalent as established by the diocese) and traditional string and wind instruments. Of course, voices by themselves are more than sufficient for the singing of the Church's music, and the organ by itself suffices as an accompanying or a solo instrument.
In pursuit of these important goals, which require professional training and continuing education, diocesan funds will be made available annually to assist in sending parish music directors, choir directors, cantors, and organists to the Sacred Music Colloquium, the Chant Intensives, and other events sponsored by the Church Music Association of America and related organizations. We are also making plans to bring teachers into the diocese for workshops on putting into practice the Council's noble vision. Each pastor will be asked to select a certain number of musicians from his parish to attend educational events, in proportion to the size of the parish and the scope of its music program. In the next two months, the Office of Divine Worship will send you more information on these educational events, together with a list of suggested chant settings for the Ordinary of the Mass, a list of permitted hymnals and recommended music resources, and more details on the installation of pipe organs and digital organs.
The requirement to reintroduce the chanted Propers and Ordinary and to alter (if necessary) the location of musicians goes into full effect as of the First Sunday of Advent, any customs to the contrary notwithstanding. By Christmas, all Propers are to be sung (either in simple tones or in fuller melodies), and all parts of the Ordinary by the feast of Candlemas, February 2. The requirement to shift to the pipe organ will go into effect as of Easter Sunday; the long-standing tradition of utilizing no musical instruments during Lent will be of assistance in this regard.
In number 35 of the final list of propositions of the Fathers of the thirteenth General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2012, we read these stirring words: "The worthy celebration of the Sacred Liturgy, God's most treasured gift to us, is the source of the highest expression of our life in Christ (cf. Sacrosanctum concilium, n. 10). It is, therefore, the primary and most powerful expression of the new evangelization. God desires to manifest the incomparable beauty of his immeasurable and unceasing love for us through the Sacred Liturgy, and we, for our part, desire to employ what is most beautiful in our worship of God in response to his gift. In the marvelous exchange of the Sacred Liturgy, by which heaven descends to earth, salvation is at hand, calling forth repentance and conversion of heart (cf. Mt 4:17; Mk 1:15). Evangelization in the Church calls for a liturgy that lifts the hearts of men and women to God. The liturgy is not just a human action but an encounter with God which leads to contemplation and deepening friendship with God. In this sense, the liturgy of the Church is the best school of the faith."
The source and summit of the new evangelization will be the sacred liturgy most worthily, reverently, and beautifully celebrated, drawing upon all that is best and noblest in our Catholic tradition. This, dear priests and deacons, is a demanding and rewarding path for all of us to follow as we strive to adore the Father in spirit and in truth and to lead our people ever more deeply into the unfathomable mysteries of His love.
Cordially yours in Christ,
etc. etc.
[1] Everything I say here about parishes would also apply to college and university chaplaincies.
[2] The full text of Rejoice in the Lord Always is here, at the website of the Diocese of Marquette. Archbishop Sample's pastoral letter is the finest episcopal document on the subject that has appeared in the last 50 years—including in this estimation the documents of national episcopal conferences. The team of writers at Views from the Choir Loft wrote a series of appreciations of this pastoral letter: see here for the first installment and links to the rest.


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Vice President
Your 2019-20 Board members are working away behind the scenes trying to get everything ready for the start of the school year. We're an all new board, so please be patient with us. We're learning as we go and may not have all the answers, but we'll do everything we can to get them for you.
*NEW* Members can now sign-up and pay membership dues online this year. Go to https://www.pt-avenue.com/join/, select "Washington", "Edmonds School District", and "Brier Terrace Middle School PTSA" and it will direct you the rest of the way. You should receive your membership card through your email shortly after registering. Please let us know if you have any issues.
We'll still have paper membership forms to fill out for those who prefer that option. Those can be found in the attendance office as well as at any function that has a PTSA table. You can also print out the form HERE.
Contact any of us here: email@example.com
"Like" us on Facebook for updates and news: https://www.facebook.com/btmsptsa/
There are many benefits of being a part of the PTSA. Not only are you a part of the local association, but also of the state and national organizations! Have you checked out the www.wastatepta.org website recently? Also, the Washington State PTA's premier parent involvement magazine, "The Child Advocate," is now available as an online membership benefit available to all 150,000 PTA members statewide through the website. A link is provided for other membership benefits found on the national PTA website. Check it all out!
FUNDRAISER - click http://squareup.com/store/brier-terrace-MS-ptsa

subset: commoncrawl


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The Vanishing Nurse
Season 2 • Episode 4
Young nursing student Michelle Le vanishes without a trace. An old friend of hers points a finger at Michelle's ex-boyfriend. Cops discover footage that shows Michelle's car driving around the parking lot where she vanished, but who is the driver?
43 min|TV-14|Premiered 03/16/2016


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As a socially engaged artist, community engagement is a vital element of a residency, it is about finding ways for people to have a sense of ownership of a project, bringing people together and creating activities that are inspiring and engaging.
The work process may result in installations, sculptures and performances where the choice of materials, construction methods and form relate to the history or architecture of the place in which the work is situated.
Please visit my website for further information


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This was published 2 years ago
New meningococcal combination vaccine approved for infants as young as two months old
A new combination meningococcal vaccine that protects against four strains of the potentially life-threatening disease can now be given to babies as young as two months old.
The vaccine MENVEO offers immunity for the meningococcal strains A, C, W and Y.
It was approved by the Therapeutics Goods Administration for use in infants from two months old in July.
Its manufacturer GSK had to initially prioritise at risk groups and adolescents but has now increased its stocks to supply pharmacies and GP surgeries with additional doses for infants.
Currently the national immunisation program offers a free vaccine against meningococcal C for 12 month olds.
The new combination vaccine is not subsidised and the cost of the vaccine is likely to vary depending on individual pharmacies and location.
While meningococcal disease was rare, under one-year-olds were at greatest risk and vaccination should be encouraged, infectious diseases expert at Sydney University Professor Robert Booy said.
Under five-year-olds were also at increased risk, with as many as one in 10 children who contract the infection dying of the disease, and roughly one in five could be left with long-term disabilities including brain damage, deafness and limb loss.
"Notifications of meningococcal disease usually peaks in late winter and early spring, so today's announcement is timely and gives parents a TGA-approved combination ACWY vaccine option to help protect their babies from this potentially devastating condition."
Overall incidence of invasive meningococcal disease in Australia has decreased since the C vaccine was added to the immunisation schedule.
The number of meningococcal Y and W cases has risen in the past three years by at least 50 per cent, Professor Booy said.
"Protection against multiple strains is important, as the most common strains can change over time," added Professor Booy.
Meningococcal B is currently the most dominant strain among babies in Australia.
Health authorities have also found the cases of meningococcal W were on the rise, with the NSW government introducing a free vaccine against the strain to all year 11 and 12 students.
The bacterium that causes Meningococcal can infect the blood and membranes around the spinal cord and brain.
Symptoms among infants can include fever, refusing to feed, irritability, tiredness, floppiness, and nausea or vomiting.
If the disease can be fatal if not diagnosed within 24 hours.
The new combination vaccine can also be used in adolescents and adults.
Kate Aubusson is Health Editor of The Sydney Morning Herald.


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Hunted - Frank Spotnitz interview
Interview by Rob Carnevale
FRANK Spotnitz, the legendary co-creator of The X-Files, talks about coming to England to make the spy thriller Hunted and some of the differences between working in America and the UK.
He also talks about plotting the mythology of the show, working with his actors and why the challenge of entering the spy genre was a particularly daunting one for him. He was speaking at the BAFTA launch.
Q. What gave you the idea for Hunted?
Frank Spotnitz: Well, I wanted to come to England to do a TV series and I was trying to think of one I could do here that would sell in the US and around the world. It was that practical. And I thought the spy genre was something that could work anywhere, and that Americans would accept hearing British accents. But it was very daunting because that's my favourite genre. I grew up watching every spy show ever… every James Bond movie, everything. So, the bar was very, very high because so much good work has been done in this field. So, it was two things that I really needed to focus on: one was the character of Sam [Melissa George] and making her interesting and not quite like any spy you'd seen before. And then there was this other thing I stumbled upon, which I don't think we've really seen before, which was this world of private espionage, which is a vast industry. There are thousands of firms, which I didn't know. So, I thought the morality of that, where you don't know who you're working for or why, was something truly new. And I thought it would tie in as well with the privatised age.
Q. Are there companies out there really doing these kinds of things?
Frank Spotnitz: Well, we have a gentleman here with us tonight who can attest to that. Yeah, there are. Obviously, we've taken some licence. They try not to break laws, or at least they're very clever about it. I mean, if there's something that's breaking the law in one country, you can go and do it in another country… things like that. Shooting people may be taking some licence [laughs]. Interestingly, someone I was talking to recently said of this whole News of the World scandal that all they had to do was tap the phones from another territory and they wouldn't have got into any trouble. So, that kind of thing goes on quite a lot.
Q. Did you have an idea from the outset where this was all going? We hear lots of times that writers don't always know the answers to the questions they're posing…
Frank Spotnitz: Yeah, I did The X-Files for something like a million years and you learn a lot doing that. It was one of the first mythology shows and the main lesson I got was that you can't outsmart the audience… however clever you are in your plotting, there is someone out there who is going to be smarter than you and ahead of you. Even if you come up with a brilliant answer they may say: "Well, I like mine answer better." The one thing you have that they don't have is control of the characters and if you can create a really rich, satisfying emotional journey for these characters to go on then I think you can have a satisfying experience for the audience. So, that's the thing I know. I know where the characters are going. I know where Sam's journey is headed and as dense and convoluted as the plotting is at times, it always comes down to her journey and that's what makes or breaks the show.
Q. Does Melissa know too?
Frank Spotnitz: She knows enough. But it's more fun doing it that way. I love watching the actors performances and going: "Oh, I can do this because this actor… look at how brilliant he or she is at doing this one thing… let's write something for that." So, you change course based on the reality of what you're making, rather than: "Here's the map and we're following it rigidly." I think you trust in that creative process and that's the joy of doing it.
Q. You've made massive shows over here and in the States. Did you notice any differences in the way we do things?
Frank Spotnitz: Loads! They're completely different. I mean honestly, they're both television but otherwise everything is different. It's organised in a completely different way. The crews are smaller. They have to work harder. I've actually come to realise that American television is like a factory… and a really good factory; a really well run, industrialised process. And this is more like… we're making this beautiful thing and everybody puts their heart into it and they hope people like it. And so it's hard but it's lovely too – there's a lovely ethic behind it.
Read our interview with Melissa George
Read our interview with Adam Rayner
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- Melissa George interview
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The University of Maryland, College Park (UMD) and Baltimore (UMB) campuses are pleased to announce the joint Research and Innovation Seed Grant Program for 2014. The intent of this initiative is to promote the structured collaboration between UMD and UMB and to advance the institutions' joint goals in research and innovation.
Our UM Research and Innovation Seed Program will:
- Foster creative teams of investigators working across disciplinary boundaries and campuses;
- Support new research foci and the underlying basic science to pursue future health care improvements and/or technologies; and
- Stimulate submission of innovative basic and translational science research proposals to federal, public or private funding agencies.
Projects that promote and further our collaborative interests will be given preference, including but not limited to: those in the fields of personalized medicine, bioinformatics, bioengineering, complex therapeutics, health care optimization, public health informatics, health information technology and health science research.
Submission Guidelines
To be considered for this seed grant opportunity, a proposal meeting the submission guidelines must be submitted no later than 5:00 P.M. EST on March 17, 2014. Basic and Translational Science proposals should address the scientific merits of the proposed research and identify and justify NIH, NSF or other funding programs that would be receptive of a full proposal that contains preliminary results obtained.
The number of awards will depend on the quantity and quality of proposals received, as well as their proposed budgets. The program will have significant financial support from many sources. The maximum per grant award is $75K.
Individual investigators may submit multiple proposals but can participate as a PI on only one awarded proposal. The top-ranked proposal after peer review will be the one eligible for funding. Investigators can serve as collaborators on an unlimited number of proposals. Past awardees remain eligible for this year's competition.
If you have detailed questions regarding application guidelines, please contact Anne Geronimo, UMD, firstname.lastname@example.com; or Sue Hobbs, UMB/SOM, email@example.com.
Proposals must be submitted as a combined pdf file prior to 5:00 PM EST March 17, 2014.
Recent Grants
Recent Awardees and Project Titles
University of Maryland, College Park
- John Fisher firstname.lastname@example.com
- Ken Gertz firstname.lastname@example.com
- Anne Geronimo email@example.com
University of Maryland, Baltimore
- Richard N. Pierson, III (UMB) email@example.com
- Sue Hobbs (UMB) email@example.com
- Tom Hooven (UMB) firstname.lastname@example.com
Web-Related Issues


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Thuylestudio : Color Interaction Study
Color Interactive Study by thuylestudio
Vasari ; raw umber
Color Trend 2017
Benjamin Moore color PalettesColor palettes
My favoirite color from Benjamin Moore
Color Trend "The Cove" Summer 2016
Spring 2015: En Plein Aircooler and softer color choices with subtle warm tones follow a minimalistic en plein air theme, taking a cue from nature.
This season there is a move toward the cooler and softer side of the color spectrum. An eclectic, ethereal mix of understated brights, pale pastels and nature-like neutrals take center stage as designers draw from daydreams of simpler times. Remembrances of retro delights, folkloric and floral art, and the magical worlds of tropical landscapes restore a sense of well-being as we head into warmer months.


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Desk Accessories
Desk Accessories enhance work experience at the office, in school or at home. Have too many files on your desk at once? Select from several desktop organizers and letter files to keep important paperwork from being lost. Is your overhead lighting just not illuminating your desk surface enough? The Vivo desk lamp is energy efficient and has a flexible neck with adjustable brightness settings to add just the right amount of extra light to your desktop. Add any desk accessory to executive desks, teacher desks or student desks for added comfort and productivity.
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Children with disability can get a range of support and funding for their primary school education.
The Disability Standards for Education in the Australian Disability Discrimination Act say that schools must make reasonable changes so that students with disability have the same educational opportunities and choices as all other students.
There are specific funding programs for students with disability. What's available, what the programs are called and how to apply will vary depending on which state or territory you live in and whether your child goes to a government, Catholic or independent school.
The three school systems have different policies about how funding can be used. In general, it can be used to employ an integration aide, but it can also be used for equipment, professional support and training. There are also some funding programs to support students with complex medical and personal care needs.
It's a good idea to ask your child's school about what funding your child might be able to get and how and when to apply.
Here's a guide to the learning support your child with disability might be able to get at primary school.
Student support group
A student support group (SSG) is a cooperative partnership between you, school representatives and professionals who work with your child.
The aim of an SSG is to make sure everyone works together to support your child's educational needs. The group should meet regularly (about once a term) to plan, implement, monitor, review, evaluate and adjust your child's individual learning plan and the support your child needs.
It can help to take a friend or another person to SSG meetings. It can be very reassuring to have a second pair of ears, someone to take notes or remind you of things you want to cover, or just someone for extra support.
Individual learning plan
An individual learning plan is a document that sets out your child's:
The plan should talk about the learning areas in which your child needs extra support. It might also include information from professionals who work with your child. It should ensure that all teachers are aware of your child's specific strengths and difficulties, so that there are both realistic and high expectations of your child's progress.
Your child's SSG will develop his individual learning plan.
Note that plans are called different things in different states and territories.
Other support plans
Your child might have other needs. These might include:
The school should develop plans for managing these needs. The plans should be clear about what needs to be done, when, by whom and where. Very importantly, it should also make sure that your child's needs are managed in a safe, dignified and respectful way.
Integration aides
Integration aides are school staff who support students with additional needs. They work under the direction of the classroom teacher and do things like:
An integration aide can work with your child individually or in a group. The aide can also work with other children in the class when the teacher is working with your child.
Not all children with disability will need an integration aide. It will depend on your child's individual circumstances. Encouraging independence and resilience is also important. For example, a student with high cognitive abilities but severe dyslexia might need multimedia options rather than an aide.
Professional support
Non-teaching professionals might visit and work with your child at school. These professionals might include psychologists, social workers, speech pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists.
Some schools employ nurses or therapists on their staff. Some get professionals through their state or territory education authority. Others use private practitioners, funded by the relevant government program for students with disability.
A policy of inclusion
All schools need to have a written policy of inclusion, which shows that difference is valued and accepted and that there are high expectations of all students, including those with disability.
Home-based education support for your child
Most children with disability can go to school. But sometimes the severity of a child's disability or the fragility of the child's health means the child can't go to school or has long periods away from school.
Some states and territories provide home-based education support programs for children with severe disabilities for the times when they can't get to school.
These programs are developed by your child's school in cooperation with you. Funding can help pay for:
The Australian Government also provides financial support for children who can't go to school every day because of disability or health-related needs or because they live remotely.
Transport support
Many schools are accessible by local bus routes, or have a relationship with a bus company that serves their area.
In some states and territories transport can be provided for children with disability to attend mainstream school if other transport options aren't appropriate.
Many specialist schools have bus or taxi services that your child might be able to use.
In most states and territories the government has a school bus network to supply free bus transport to students living in regional areas. Some independent and Catholic schools have bus services for all students.
Your child might also be able to get a travel allowance from your state or territory education department, or have transport costs funded through the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS).
Outside of school hours care
Outside of school hours (OOSH) care programs can get support and funding from the Australian Government to help them with creating an inclusive environment for children with disability. This funding can cover extra staff, resources, training or equipment.
In some cases, funding support will go towards helping your child's school with teacher professional development, so the staff can better support your child's learning. Sometimes funding might help the school change its physical environment so your child can get around more easily.
Professional development
Schools provide regular professional development opportunities for teachers and other school staff. Professional development covers a wide range of areas including various disability topics.
You can also play a role in helping with professional development for school staff by letting them know about the strategies that you use at home to help your child learn and develop.
Equipment and building modifications
Government, independent and Catholic schools supply and fund equipment or building modifications – like ramps and toilet facilities – in different ways.
Discuss your child's needs with your SSG and the school principal. If the school needs building modifications, it's a good idea to start as soon as possible because they might take a while.
Your state or territory education department can give you more information about school support and funding for your child:


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Thursday, November 22
Mason, OH
Weather – 34 and sunny
Goal: Just run.
Packet pick was small race uneventful and included the almost always too big tech tee. I decided my goal for this race was nothing more than just run. I was oddly relaxed and looking forward to running with Chad on a beautiful day.
The starting line was a combination of 1500-2000 kids, strollers, runners, and walkers all excited and bouncing around to stay warm in the brisk 34 degrees. There was a lot of chatting about running for pie, mashed potatoes and stuffing which made me laugh.
The race started and so did my goal of just running on a beautiful day. This week I started the form drills and short runs in the Newton Gravity for transitioning to natural running and my calves were tight and extremely sore. I was a little worried at first but after a mile or so no problem. I glanced at my Garmin only occasionally. I was still oddly relaxed. I felt good. My breathing was even. I briefly dreaded mile 5. That seems to be about the time when I find out if my inhaler didn't work. Mile 5.1 I was fine. 5.2 still fine. 5.5 I knew the inhaler worked!
Long story short…an unexpected 10K PR! This may be my last race of 2012 and I'd say it's a PERFECT way to end the year. I can't think of anything that would have made this a better race.
Now, I'm off to get dressed for the annual Conyers' Mother-Daughter Black Friday.
Wait, 2 things before you go.
As I may have mentioned a time or 2, I accomplished my 2012 goal of Twelve In Twenty-Twelve this month. It was one of the most challenging and most amazing goals from the beginning. So, what's next? I've teamed up with Jen at Marathon Mom to bring you Thirteen in 2013. As you plan your goals for 2013 think about, "what do I want to do 13 times next year." Details coming soon!
Now the link up…


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One of our professors at Indian Institute of Technology Bombay, Electrical Engineering Dept., has this habit of reading people (student) and keeping some sort of views about them. Perhaps we all do this sort of things. I actually do that. It is impossible for me not judging people I meet – trying to be skeptical and not cynical most of the time. Last time, I talked with him after getting admission back in IIT for Ph.D. program, He asked me 'not to smile' when alone. His reason is simple, in this world filled with normal people, you are not allowed to talk to yourself. It is not that you dont give a damn about them but these people can create trouble if you behave in a way which they do not like. Apparently, he also do this sort of things, suddenly some jokes popout in his head and he start chuckling and then if someone sees him he has to pretend as nothing has happened or he starts looking at some trees as a clown is sitting on them. So, do not talk to yourself, and do not smile. Look angry, thats OK! Mostly, I keep listening to music so even I commit the crime of talking to myself or smiling, I can pretend that I am talking with someone on mobile through earphones. Technology for rescue. This old chap is not fortunate enough.
This all is ok with me. Next thing he asked me if I feel DEPRESSED. I refused plainly and he got me thinking. He simply said if you are sleeping more or less than 7-8 hours, you are depressed. Hmmm.
Its remarkable how much you get confused when you go on to understand something more and more. I tried to read about what exactly is depression and got nowhere. All I got is that its really hard to figure out when someone is depressed or not. A philosopher says something about it, a neurologist sees it differently, a poet have some romantic views about depression an so on.
To understand something, one need to have access to some theory or concept. When one does not have access but wants to use one, she much build her own. Like in case of India, every Indian carry their own idea of India in their heart for its really a hard 'word' to define. Its quite a reasonable arrangement this way. Till things settle down for sure, everyone is entitled to their own theory. So I try to come up with my own tools to explore.
For every living creature, there could only be two collection of states. First is the collection of states of body. Second is the collection of state of mind. Depression is surely is a set of of this 'mind' thing. So I defined depression as a collection of states of 'mind'. This mind, a state machine, may not have a single state at a particular time as we have them in 'digital system'. This state machine – hereafter will be called 'mind' – can have a complex sets of states, overlapping, intertwined, and mostly triggered with 'thoughts' of conscious or subconscious (whatever that mean) part of our being. We have not defined 'thoughts'. But their presence we can be sure of. I can have this certain feeling of having a thought anytime. I might get circular, so I leave it undefined. Now, mind reach to another set of states from her current set of states after processing 'thoughts'. These thoughts can be a aftereffect of our experiences with people, with ideas, with books, with illusions etc.
Now, we need to define one more things, and that is FEELINGS. I like to see feelings a 'thought' which can NOT be understood. Once a thought is understood, it forms a part of logic. You 'know' it so it is not a feeling anymore. If you cherish some feelings, I beg you not to get curious about it. For example, at some age, what we like to call 'love' may turn out to be a simple 'attraction' for beauty, physical desire or hobnobbing with rich and powerful. It's not to say that we can 'understood' it completely anytime. But a more complex feeling of 'love' at some time can be broken down to be less complex feeling after some spending sometime understanding it. That why I say, you love some feelings, do not try to understand it. Ignorance is bliss!
In this definition of feelings, I have classified all the feelings as one. Can I distinguish, which feeling is good (like love, happiness, sympathy etc) and which is bad (anger, envy etc..)?
We now brings in the concept of energy. Almost all of the feelings when active in a alive person needs energy. If one feel anger, one has to loose control over one's brain because one's body now demands as much energy as possible and refuse to grant a share for brain. Mind make it sure that brain does not get its share. (Mind and brain are different things). Anger, is body-friendly feeling. It makes your body active. On the other hand, feelings of love or happiness, kick start your brain and brain demands more energy. Now your body has to make way for your brain. You want to sit down or lay down and contemplate (popularly known as 'feel the moment'). There are other feelings which could be both brain and body extensive, like feeling of motivation. You get up early, work hard and still feel very jolly. Now I can define, which feeling is good or bad.
If you have to work which is very labour extensive like waging a war, yours chance of survival will be much more if you get 'angry'. If you are a philosopher, you need to get rid of these kinds of feelings. Embrace other 'brain-loving' feelings like compassion, seclusion, happiness, depression etc.
Depression is a sort of feeling which have a lot of enemies. Its enemies call themselves 'expert'. Depression is a 'brain-loving' feeling. Higher the depression makes your brain getting over-clocked. Your body start withering, because now your brain is so occupied with itself it does not care whether you need a healthy body. This should be alarming and need attention of yours and then of a trained person. I personally like depression, it gets me thinking and wondering. A little depression is the best thing and must happen to everyone but it should not make you oblivious to your body. Too much of thinking is good for those people who lives tormenting their own soul (known as philosopher – they are respected even if no one wants to live like them). In certain time of history and location, things change their meanings, if for Greeks, hope was the worst of the evil coming out of the pandora box it is now the best of the things. If for old Hindus, satisfaction in small is one of the best trait, now they love making most our of it.
I dont know what kind of definition they have when they portray 'depression' as an enemy of humankind. I see it, under our established definition, as a best thing to have. But one great Indian mystic poet (ironically he was illiterate) Kabir said "too much of anything is bad". Our body as well as our brain have their limits, you can not push them to these limits without hurting yourself. But you must not leave them idle also. A little bit of anger all the time is good your body and a little bit of depression all the time is great for your brain.


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A car stolen out of Westchester that was packed with seven teenage members of a New Haven-based vehicle theft ring rammed a police cruiser in a pre-dawn chase that began in Morris County and ended with another crash at the Willowbrook Mall in Wayne, authorities said.
The seven juveniles captured moments after the crash are part of a crew responsible for dozens of vehicle burglaries and thefts in Morris, Essex, Putnam and Westchester counties (both NY), they said.
Hanover Police Sgts. Paul Gundersdorf and Sgt Anthony Vitanza reported spotting the speeding vehicle exiting onto northbound Route 287 from westbound Route 10 out of East Hanover around 1 a.m. Sunday.
Inside were seven occupants, all between 13 and 17, from the New Haven area, Hanover police said.
The officers tried to pull over the driver. But the vehicle -- reported stolen out of Somers, NY – kept going, they said.
That began a chase of nearly 20 mines, at speeds of up to 80 miles an hour.
The pursuit continued first onto eastbound Route 80, where New Jersey State Police joined the chase.
The thieves pulled off at Exit 53 and the pursuit continued through a few towns, heading along Minnisink Road in Totowa and continuing onto Union Boulevard and Bogert Street, where Totowa police joined in, as well.
The thieves apparently doubled back, heading into Little Falls, where the stolen car rammed a North Caldwell police vehicle.
It then struck a curb moments later near the mall, disabling it, authorities said.
Some of the teens bailed out in front of the Kings Inn Hotel near the "spaghetti bowl" intersection of Routes 46, 23 and 80 in Wayne.
State Police immediately took five of them into custody. Two others briefly remained at large before being captured.
Detectives pegged the group as suspects in at least two motor vehicle burglaries in Florham Park, 15 in Livingston and an undetermined number of others in Somers and in Kent in Putnam County, NY.
All were issued delinquency complaints charging them with eluding, receiving stolen property and possession of pot and drug paraphernalia.
Additional complaints were being drawn up by law enforcement in the various towns they went through, including aggravated assault charges for the police car crash.
All remained held Monday in the Morris County Juvenile Detention Center pending closed-door appearances in the Family Division of Superior Court in Morristown.
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GnuPG (also known as GPG or GNU Privacy Guard) is an open source, free and complete replacement for PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) developed because it does not use the patented IDEA algorithm that is used in PGP, and because it can be used without any restrictions.
An RFC2440 (OpenPGP) compliant application
Being written from scratch, GnuPG is a RFC2440 (OpenPGP) compliant application. It can be used as a filter program and provides far better functionality than Pretty Good Privacy, as well as some security enhancements over PGP 2.
Supports decryption of PGP 5/6/7 messages and numerous encryption algorithms
GnuPG is capable of decrypting and verifying PGP 5, 6 and 7 messages. It supports the DSA, RSA, AES, 3DES, Blowfish, Twofish, ElGamal, CAST5, SHA-1, MD5, TIGER and RIPE-MD-160 encryption algorithms, as well as S/MIME.
The project supports key and signature expiration dates, optional anonymous message receivers and HKP keyservers (wwwkeys.pgp.net). In addition, it allows users to encrypt and sign both their communication and data.
Among other notable features, we can mention a versatile key management system, access modules for all sorts of public key directories, as well as easy integration with other projects. A plethora of front-end applications for GnuPG are available for download on Softpedia.
Under the hood and availability
GnuPG is a GNU project, a command-line application written entirely in the C programming language. It is distributed in two separate branches, version 1.4 and 2.0, available for download as a source archive, but installable from the default software repos of your favorite Linux OS.
Bottom line
Summing up, GnuPG is Linux's best free and complete implementation of the OpenPGP standard as explained on the RFC4880 document located at http://www.ietf.org/rfc/rfc4880.txt.
With the GnuPG installed and configured on your GNU/Linux system, you will be able to send and view encrypted email messages, using any open source email client that supports the GnuPG standard.


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Everyone has probably heard Megan Trainor's catchy and relevant (body image issues are almost the de rigeur topic these days, aren't they?) tune by now. (Watch the video here if you haven't. I won't judge you if you don't judge me.) While the original is catchy as it is, and is one of my guilty pleasures, the covers have been extremely entertaining! Here are a few I thoroughly enjoyed…
Jimmy Fallon always always always has fun!
(Did you see the Daniel Radcliffe version of Blackalicious' Alphabet Aerobics?! Epic.)
The Sam Willows does this strange, quirky, campy version. Looks like they had fun.
I was so captivated by this jazz version that I'm now following the Postmodern Jukebox on Spotify. And hey, there's an actual bass in the video. (Also watch this strange and dramatic version of Royals… unless you're afraid of clowns.)
Emblem3 does this great version. Voices.
Avi Kaplan's voice lends itself really well to this song… in a literal and ironic fashion.


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Now that she herself is approaching household-name status, it's only fitting that Patricia Field is launching a collection on the Home Shopping Network this fall. Unveiling a handful of looks over a lobster roll lunch at Lever House on Tuesday, the dynamo designer - all maraschino locks and micro mini-clad legs - sounded tickled pink to be expanding her reach to HSN's four million (mostly female) viewers.
"This is a project that's about clarity, communication and storytelling," she said of the line, which has been dubbed Patricia Field Destination Style New York and represents, she says, "pretty much the greatest hits" of her long career. (To wit, there's an asymmetrical dress with a positively humongous flower attached to the lone shoulder.) "It's about bringing storytelling and style together in a beautiful way. And it's affordable. Affordable is important to me. Always has been. Because I am, in the end, for democracy."
What Field is adamantly opposed to, however, is airy, ethereal chatter about the deeper meaning of dresses. "When I hear questions about fashion, I'm like, `God, that's so abstract. You've just left the planet.'"
Photo by Jemal Countess/WireImage


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Happy Monday everyone! I hope that you had a wonderful and relaxing weekend. Things were busy here in Houston, but very productive at the house. As I mentioned last week, not only is painting in in full swing at the casa, but the tile in the upstairs guest bathroom is finally being installed and I am super excited to show you how it is turning out! Back in May, I introduced you to our oh-so-loverly guest bathroom and gave you the low down on my plans to give our tiny little "Ode-to-1960's-Wallpaper-and-Tile" guest bath a cool vintage makeover and bring her into the 21st century via the 1920's. I also showed you the newly installed cabinets in my Vintage Bathroom Remodel - Part 2 post here. But, just to jog your memory, here is the layout of the original bathroom below highlighted in yellow:
As you can see, it was a small three piece bath with a single sink, a toilet and a five foot tub. And here are some shots of the bathroom in all her 1960's wallpaper and tile glory:
The first picture shows the view into the bathroom from the hallway. And this next picture is a view of the toilet and tub (with my back towards the vanity):
Although the bathroom had a fun 1960's vintage feel...it was the wrong era for my vision and just too small. In order to allow two people to get ready in the bathroom at the same time, we decided to expand the bathroom so that we would have a vanity room and a separate shower room. The floor plan below shows the new bathroom highlighted in yellow (with a pocket door that can separate the shower room from the vanity room).
After resolving the space and layout issue, my next task was to create a mood board so that I could see how all the different design elements worked together. This is my original mood board that I created for our "vintage guest bathroom (circa 1920) with a hint of modern flare":
One of the major design elements that I wanted to incorporate into the vanity room was a "tile floor mat" using a combination of basket weave carrara marble tiles and 12"x12" carrara marble tiles. The "tile floor mat" in this picture was my original inspiration for the space:
However, in order to work for our guest bathroom, I had to modify the design of the "tile floor mat" from a rectangle to a large "T" shape. This drawing shows the placement of the vanity and linen cabinets as well as the layout of the "tile floor mat" in the vanity section of the guest bathroom:
And here is how the floor looks installed:
I am so excited how it turned out and absolutely LOVE, LOVE, LOVE it!!! It is exactly what I envisioned and feels so crisp and clean! Here is another view where you can see how the floor works with the vanity, linen cabinet and wainscoting:
Happy days, happy days, happy days!!! The shower room section of the guest bathroom was too small for a similar floor mat; so we decided to carry the 12"x12" carrara marble tiles throughout that space. You can see the shower room highlighted in yellow below:
To keep with the vintage feel in the shower room, I chose white subway tiles for the shower surround. However, with the white carrara marble floors and white subway tiles, I was afraid that the space might end-up looking a bit too institutional with all the square lines. So, to break things up, I added a herringbone feature to the back wall of the shower surround, which is illustrated in the drawing below:
I also made sure that the herringbone feature was centered on the pocket door between the vanity room and the shower room so that our guests would see it regardless of which part of the bathroom they were in. This is what she looks like installed (and please note that the herringbone feature is centered on the door, I was just standing at the wrong angle when I took the picture):
Again, I am LOVE with how it turned out!!! The white subway tiles are so bright and cheery and the herringbone feature adds just enough interest and spice keep the space from being boring! Here is a close-up of the herringbone feature. J'adore!!!
I am so giddy-like-a-school-girl with how everything is coming together!!! It totally makes all the heart-ache and stress of this year-long remodel fade into the background when I get to see my visions come to life! Here's to hoping that I am going to be as in love with the rest of the remodel as things continue to progress!!! I hope that you are enjoying the progress and updates as much as I am. But before we go, let's have one more look at the the before and after (well, progress) pictures!
SO much better!!! Thank you so much for stopping by and have a wonderful week!
I have linked this post to Our Delightful Home, It's So Very Cheri, The Blackberry Vine, Him & Her, Funky Polkadot Giraffe, A Stroll Thru Life, Today's Creative Blog, Coastal Charm, A Diamond in the Stuff, Ladybug Blessing, A Bowl Full of Lemons, Elizabeth & Co., Hope Studios, Sugarbee Crafts, Nap-Time Creations, Salt Tree, The Winthrop Chronicles, My Repurposed Life, For the Love of Family and Home; Design, Dining and Diapers


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Specialty Collections
iMS specialises in the management of unique consumer recoveries, including insolvency, bankruptcy, hardship, and deceased estates. iMS maintains close professional relationships with regulatory bodies and interdependent government departments, and applies its specialised knowledge and experience to the portfolios of the clients they serve.
The business' operations model, systems and process have been developed to mitigate risk and achieving optimum outcomes through timely actioning, case management and accurate performance reporting.
iMS leverages years of experience and specially trained employees to perform unique and 'sensitive' recoveries. It was the first agency in Australia to offer third party hardship management services, and continues to be one of the most successful specialty collections agencies in the industry.


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Find Hostels all over the World
Europes charming city
Prague is rich with history
Prague is a capital of Charles IV's Bohemian Kingdom, and it has played a pivotal role in the development of Central Europe since the Middle Ages, situated on both banks of the Vltva River. Its thrilling history and glorious architecture has made Prague one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The popularity of Praha (in Czech) shows no signs of slowing down,20 years after the fall of the comunism and the Velvet Revolution, its become one of the top visited Europe cities.
Its ancient buildings have been transformed into fine restaurants and stylish hotels. Even with its history dating back more than a thousand years, the Czech capital is still a thriving modern city with luxury hotels, excellent restaurants offering traditional Czech and international cuisine, trendy clubs and enchanting pubs.
The city's charms can occasionally be obscured by too many tourists, congested traffic and tacky commercialism. The city is packed with thousands of other visitors, trying like crazy to see the city in few days and worrying about getting ripped off, don't be surprised when you see that the city is overrated. The city center is full of stunning architecture, from Gothic, Renaissance and baroque to neoclassical, art nouveau and cubist, beyond the medieval lanes of the Old Town and the Castle District, there's an entire other cosmopolitan city to explore. Afetr a long walking around and enjoying its art, you can relax and take a deep breathe with a popular glass of beer in some of the old towns bars or cafe shops.
The number of Prague's visitors has been increasing sharply over the last several years. They keep coming back to the beautiful capital just to enjoy together all that Czech Republic has to offer like the wealth, diversity, and accessibility of culture and historical places of interests. That's all concentrated in a relatively small space that boast very serviceable standards of accommodation and dining facilities.
Every part of Bohemia and Moravia has something to offer to its visitors. The social life is rich as well – not just in Prague and other larger cities, but also in Bohemian and Moravian spas.
Its a city with very high standards, offering all you desire, historical and modern venues, hotels, restaurants and places of interests. Often called "Golden" or "Hundred-spired" belongs to the architecturally unique European towns, attractive for tourists from around the world.
Book Hostels in Prague.
Read blog news about Prague - Weekend News in Prague


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PR Newswire
LONDON, Nov. 25, 2013
LONDON, Nov. 25, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Edison Investment Research, a leading international investment research firm, announces the initiation of coverage of PolyMet Mining Corp (NYSE:PLM), a junior mining company focused on developing the 100%-owned copper-nickel-precious metals property in Minnesota.
Edison's comprehensive report, Low-cost polymetallic development project, was published on 21 November and examines the investment merits of PolyMet Mining Corp. Wayne Atwell, an analyst on Edison's mining team, suggests the investment case rests on its ability to secure environmental permitting for its NorthMet Project, arrange financing and complete construction on time and within budget. PolyMet purchased the Erie Plant and associated infrastructure for a fraction of the replacement cost, which positions the project at a low capital and operating cost relative to its peers.
PolyMet's valuation has material upside if it expands its capacity or uses its infrastructure to consolidate the Duluth Complex in Minnesota. Our base case valuation is US$479m or US$1.32/share on a diluted basis. Our upside valuation, based on potential plant expansion to 90ktpd, is US$1,254m or US$3.08 per share (diluted).
For the full report see: www.edisoninvestmentresearch.com/research/company/polymet-mining
The launch of coverage on PolyMet Mining Corp marks a further expansion of Edison's worldwide mining coverage. Edison provides research coverage on more than 80 mining companies across the UK, mainland Europe, North America and Australasia, All reports Edison publishes are available to download free of charge from its website www.edisongroup.com.
About Edison Investment Research
Edison, the investment intelligence firm, is the future of investor interaction with corporates. Our team of over 100 analysts and investment professionals works with leading companies, fund managers and investment banks worldwide to support its capital markets activity. We provide services to more than 400 retained corporate and investor clients from our offices in London, New York, Frankfurt, Sydney and Wellington. Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority (www.fsa.gov.uk/register/firmBasicDetails.do?sid=181584).
Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities.
For more information please contact:
Wayne Atwell
Edison Investment Research
+1 646 653 7026
SOURCE Edison Investment Research


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As a life long insomniac, I have found many tools to cope with sleep deprivation, and I'd like to share one of my very favorites.
Lately, my beautiful Shakey Joy, a 13 year old rescue street dog from Thailand, has been ill and kept me awake more than usual. Here is something that I use during the day, that keeps me focused and calm. It is called Binaural Beat music. There are many channels on You Tube that you can try. One of my favorites is called Brainwave Power Music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2mzSSGrmqps.
They have music to help you study, focus, concentrate, sleep, relieve muscle tension, increase your feel good brain chemicals, improve mood, decrease anxiety, reduce headaches, and help you meditate.
Other channels, such as Magnetic Minds ( https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC9MMsCTn4fJrQyzBmF1yjYQ) use pure binaural beats with no background music and purport to have the ability to cleanse your chakras and decalcify/cleanse/heal your pineal gland, also known as the Third Eye.
Some of these videos last 8 hours so you can listen to them while you sleep, or all day long. The binaural beats balance your brainwaves, and work best if you wear a headset.
Try these out, and have a peaceful and calm day.


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A new theatre for Manchester, £500m more for the arts and smoking back in pubs - just some pledges from the election rivals
Is the Green Party really at home with its new re-brand as the most left party contesting the General Election?
The Green surge means Natalie Bennett's party will now fight all four Northumberland constituencies
Journal columnist David Banks on his radio days with presenter Nick Ferrari - the interviewer in Green Party leader Natalie Bennett's on-air disaster
Rachel Wearmouth talks to Shirley Ford, the lead campaigner for the North East Green Party
Demand for houses is outstripping supply in the region so why aren't more projects underway?
Regional Affairs Reporter Rachel Wearmouth takes a look at how things are shaping up in the North East's key marginal seat
Two North East MPs were among a small group of English MPs who voted against Trident in a Commons debate
Journal columnist Paul Linford says the other party leaders should call David Cameron's bluff. If they do so, the public will be behind them
Jonathan Walker looks back on the events that shaped 2014 in the region
UKIP North East MEP Jonathan Arnott says critics who say the party will slip back have misunderstood how it rose so far in the first place
Andrew Gray, who lodged a petition for the North East to leave England, said it is designed to spark debate over devolved power for the region
Newcastle and parts of Northumberland should join Scotland, according to a political activist
Representatives of the major parties discuss the future of the energy sector in the North East
Labour, Lib Dem, Green, Conservative and UKIP representatives promise to address busy route
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett said 'cheap, affordable, community owner wind farms were the way forward
Green Party leader Natalie Bennett set out what makes her party different, when she spoke to Journal Political Editor Jonathan Walker
On-shore wind is the cheapest form of renewable energy, Green Party leader Natalie Bennett tells The Journal
Ukip made its first major breakthrough in the North East as it carried off one of the region's seats in the European Parliament last night
Stephen Brand, a UKIP candidate, was asked to leave the Park Hotel in Tynemouth following his outburst at North Tyneside Question Time
The Journal
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A key part of the region's business community The Journal has more ABC1 readers than any other quality regional morning newspaper on sale in the area.
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Johnny Depp for Dolce & Gabbana
March 25, 2011 No comments Article
Boy, did I get a lot of comments from all the men I know: "you only write about women and hardly about Men and Fashion".
True! And that is not fair, I completely agree and understand and I will try harder to bring more Fashion and Lifestyle news for you.
Now some good news!: Dolce & Gabbana want you to walk around this Summer with Johnny Depp on your chest! So what are you waiting for? Run to your D&G store and get your own Johnny Depp!;)
Categories: Man and Fashion


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Dustin Diamond -- Screech Sentenced to Jail for Bar Stabbing
Dustin Diamond Screech Sentenced to Jail ... For Bar Stabbing
Dustin Diamond did not get saved by a Wisconsin judge ... who sentenced the actor to 120 days in jail for a bar stabbing incident.
During Thursday morning's hearing, Diamond also got 15 months probation, and cannot return to the scene of the crime or contact the victim. However, he was ordered to pay the victim $1,105 in restitution.
The "Saved by the Bell" star will serve his 120 days in two 60 day stints.
Diamond was arrested in December 2014 for stabbing a man during a bar altercation on Christmas night. He was convicted of carrying a concealed weapon and disorderly conduct ... both misdemeanors.
During sentencing, the judge admonished Dustin for even carrying a knife -- since Wisconsin's such a safe place.
They're gonna LOVE Screech in the yard.
Waiting for your permission to load the comments.


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Providing Comprehensive Real Estate Services to Home Buyers and Sellers
Growing up in a small town you always think when I get older I'm going to leave this place. Well years later I'm still here & loving it! I was born in Durham & grew up here as a child. I lived in Carmel, NY for a few years while in school but came back down once I graduated. It has been a treat to watch the Triangle area grow up. I remember driving through downtown Durham & smelling the sweet aroma of fresh tobacco hanging to dry in the large brick warehouses. Now those same warehouses have been remodeled & turned into condos, retail stores, restaurants & businesses. Enjoying a cool evening at the Durham Bulls Baseball game is one of the best family outings around. There's also plenty of college sports if you are interested. With DUKE, UNC & NC State all within 30 minutes of each other there's always a good game to watch. We can't forget one our newest additions to the area, The Durham Performing Arts Center, DPAC. This award winning theater has been a huge success throughout the Triangle area. As a season ticket holder I can tell you it's absolutely a treat viewing shows that have just left Broadway. Living here is truly something special, the character, charisma & charm of the Triangle is quite unique.
"Cindie is a very proud and professional Realtor, her knowledge and attention to detail is "Outstanding"! You will not go wrong hiring her as your Realtor."
"Cindie worked with me in selling my first home and finding a new one in 1997. I was so impressed with her hard work and dedication that I engaged her to sell my current home this year, and I wasn't disappointed. Her advice and price negotiating skills resulted in a quick sale at a price very close to what I wanted. She was also instrumental in arranging for contractors to conduct timely repairs to the house during the due diligence period. Cindi was also great at keeping me informed as the sale process progressed and was always easy to reach when I had a question. I would recommend Cindie to anyone considering selling a home in the Durham, NC area."
"My wife and I recently moved to the Raleigh area from out of state. Cindie was great to work with and very helpful, especially since when we began our search we were not sure where in the Triangle we wanted to live. Cindie was a great resource to help us understand the state of the market, the differences in communities, and what we could expect to find as far as available inventory. She helped us find a wonderful home in a great community, and also assisted with home inspections and the walk through since we were not in the area for some of those events. Cindie's experience was very valuable in helping us understand what items the home builder was likely to negotiate on. We would HIGHLY recommend Cindie to anyone looking to purchase a new or resale home in the Triangle! "
|Listings Details
Property Address
Beds: 4
Baths: 3fb/1hb
SqFt: 4,010
Beds: 4
Baths: 3fb/1hb
SqFt: 2,864
|Listings Details
Property Address
Beds: 1
Baths: 1fb
SqFt: 630
Beds: 4
Baths: 3fb/1hb
SqFt: 3,448
Beds: 3
Baths: 2fb
SqFt: 2,680


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Blog Archives
As a penance for my birthday indulgence last week, our theme this time was WALKING & RUNNING. 'Cause a little bit of exercise never hurt anyone, now did it? Still, I think painting the town red must have still been on my mind as we opened the program with Lou Reed's WALK ON THE WILD SIDE, from the 1972 album Transformer. It was produced by David Bowie who also sang backing vocals.
Here in Byron Bay, 'doing the lighthouse walk' is a daily excursion for some people. So, Kate Bush's RUNNING UP THAT HILL was dedicated to them. It's a great one to put on your iPod if you're one of those mad people who walk or run as your preferred form of exercise.
Now you all know I love my Motown. So, WALK AWAY RENEE, released in 1968 by the Four Tops, was a given. As was NOWHERE TO RUN, a signature tune for Martha Reeves & The Vandellas, that was released way back in 1965. Check out this video clip from the same year. What to say about the back up dancers? OMG, the outfits, the dance moves!!!
Annie Lennox contributed WALKING ON BROKEN GLASS (ouch!) and then it was another true classic: Johnny Cash singing I WALK THE LINE and to round out the triple play beautifully, it was Fats Domino with I'M WALKING. Although it's not the version we played on the show, take a look at this great clip of Fats Domino performing the song with Ricky Nelson. A great combination. And who is that saxophone player? Brilliant.
A little bit of UB40 followed with DON'T WALK ON THE GRASS and then it was Rufus Thomas with one of his biggest hits, WALKING THE DOG.
Empire of the Sun walked away with lots of awards for their debut album, WALKING ON A DREAM and the song of the same name was perfect for our show this week. As was Raphael Saadiq's very suggestive, LET'S TAKE A WALK. Believe it or not this video, (like the song) was created in 2008. I'm loving the retro feel.
One for all the sleepwalkers – the brilliant R&B voice of Berna Dean singing I WALK IN MY SLEEP. Then it was Jimmy Rogers with WALKING BY MYSELF and a request from Judi, listening in Cairns: Patsy Cline's I GO WALKING AFTER MIDNIGHT.
Did you know that John Lennon disowned the song RUN FOR YOUR LIFE from the Rubber Soul album? He eventually wrote a much more politically correct tune called JEALOUS GUY. But hey, we live dangerously at the Theme Park, so RUN FOR YOUR LIFE it was. We followed with Steve Winwood and the Spencer Davis Group's very appropriate, (if you were one of the Beatles' girlfriends anyway), KEEP ON RUNNING. Check out the very young Steve Winwood in this clip. So cute.
It's impossible NOT to sing along to WALKING ON SUNSHINE by Katrina and the Waves. It's such an optimistic, sunny song that suits the fabulous Summer weather we are having here in beautiful Byron Bay.
WALK A MILE IN MY SHOES by Joe South and The Believers is a great song as is WALK ON from, none other than, Mr Roy Orbison. Then it was the incorrigible Tom Waits with WALKING SPANISH from my favourite album of his, Rain Dogs.
More R&B was on the agenda with the great Sam Cooke and I'LL COME RUNNING BACK TO YOU. He would have been 79 this week (January 22). Sadly he died at 33 years of age, in a shooting incident. He is quite rightly considered one of the pioneers and founders of soul music.
A couple of ballads that couldn't be omitted from our show on WALKING & RUNNING are YOU'LL NEVER WALK ALONE by Gerry & The Pacemakers, (remember them?) and Dionne Warwick's WALK ON BY.
Jack, in Sydney, requested WALK THIS WAY, from Run DMC and Aerosmith. Excellent choice. Love the combination of hard rock and hip-hop. There should be more of it, I say.
Then it was time for some Blues: One of my favourites from last year's Byron Bay Blues Festival was Seasick Steve, so I was happy to play WALKING MAN from his album, I Started Out With Nothin' And I Still Got Most Of It Left. Then it was John Lee Hooker with RUN ON and James Taylor covering Jnr Walker and the Allstars' I'M A ROAD RUNNER.
Grace Jones is unique. She does an amazing version of WALKING IN THE RAIN, originally recorded by Australian band Flash and the Pan. You'll find it on her Nightclubbing album, released in 1981.
A show on WALKING & RUNNING wouldn't be the same without Creedence Clearwater Revival's hit, RUN THROUGH THE JUNGLE. Or The Modern Lovers' ROADRUNNER. Or The Bangles' WALK LIKE AN EGYPTIAN. But my favourite from this week's show has to be an oldie but a goodie, Helen Shapiro's WALKING BACK TO HAPPINESS. Can you believe that she was only 14 when she recorded this in 1961? Wow.
Next week, the show falls on Australia Day so I have no choice but to play some of my favourite Australian tracks. Tune in then if you like your music homegrown or are hoping for some appropriate tunes to compliment your Australia Day party.
And in signing off, I offer you this wonderful piece of graffiti that came to my attention this week: "Be happy today. Why wait?"
Here's this week's playlist:
Also streaming on http://www.bayfm.org
'Tis the season to be jolly, so I did my best with a very funky Christmas show this week with lots of appropriate music and giveaways for our listeners.
Bette Midler opened the show with COOL YULE and that set the mood for what followed. I never thought I would see the day that Bob Dylan recorded a Christmas album, and isn't he collecting some flak for doing so? But I, for one, happen to love the album Christmas in the Heart and appreciate the guts it took to release it. We played a couple of songs from the album. First up it was MUST BE SANTA. Check out the clip. Gotta love a guy with a sense of humour!
Now if you're talking cool, there is no cooler, in my opinion, than 'Keef' Richards. My favourite Rolling Stone gave us RUN RUDOLPH RUN and then it was Patsy Raye & The Beatniks with BEATNIK'S WISH. All Patsy wants for Christmas is a man. Tall order Pats, especially here in Byron Bay!
I've got a question for you. Who's feeling a bit grumpy this Xmas? Go on hands up… Well if you're feeling a little down in the dumps, the perfect song for you is the Staple Singers with WHO TOOK THE MERRY OUT OF XMAS? Another for you mopers is Charles Brown and PLEASE COME HOME FOR XMAS. What you all need is the optimism of Darlene Love's ALL ALONE ON CHRISTMAS. Lifted from the soundtrack to the film Home Alone, the famous sound of the legendary E Street Band and Love's voice make being alone at Christmas almost OK. Check out the video if you don't believe me:
Next up in our Cool Yule show was Bob Seger and The Last Heard with SOCK IT TO ME SANTA. And then it was The Kinks with FATHER CHRISTMAS and The Ramones with MERRY CHRISTMAS (I DON'T WANT TO FIGHT TONIGHT). Whew, that was a rockin' set of Chrissie tunes. The three tracks came from a compilation album called Christmas A Go-Go, put together by Steven Van Zandt who also goes by the name Little Steven. As well as playing in Bruce Springsteen's band and acting in the hit series The Sopranos, he also hosts an American radio program called the Underground Garage . Check out the website where you can listen to archived programs.
Tina Sugandh is also known as TablaGirl. Originally from India, now resident in the US, I love her version of WHITE CHRISTMAS with its Bollywood undertones. We followed with an oldie but a goodie, by Little Esther Phillips and the Johnny Otis Orchestra, FAR AWAY CHRISTMAS BLUES.
I had to include the 80's New Wave group the Waitresses in the show because they recorded a song about something I really do loath: CHRISTMAS WRAPPIING. Yeah, yeah, bah humbug.
Something most of us have to be careful about over the holiday period is drinking and driving. A great song that deals with the repercussions of doing so is The Youngsters with CHRISTMAS IN JAIL from an album entitled Doo Wop Christmas. It wasn't as serious as it sounds, honestly. And neither was the very funny version of JINGLE BELLS from the Electric Prunes, another great track from Little Stevie's Christmas A Go-G0 album.
Rufus Thomas makes this rather scary offer: I'LL BE YOUR SANTA. And then it was time for a little Latin in our Christmas show. First up, The Enchanters with MAMBO SANTA MAMBO and the wonderful Celia Cruz with some salsa, FIESTA DE NAVIDAD.
A complete change of tone followed: Clarence Carter with the brilliantly bawdy BACK DOOR SANTA. This Santa makes all the girls happy while the boys are out to play. Naughty Santa.
Roy Woods was one of the founding members of Electric Light Orchestra and left to form Wizzard. Their song I WISH IT COULD BE CHRISTMAS EVERY DAY was a huge hit for them. Check out the video, with lead singer Mike Morley looking rather like Kris Kringle himself:
The great James Brown injected a little politics into the show with SANTA CLAUSE GO STRAIGHT TO THE GHETTO and then it was the extremely excited Jamaican DJ King Stitt with a little reggae. The song was CHRISTMAS TREE.
For all the cynics listening I had to include I DON'T BELIEVE IN CHRISTMAS from the Sonics. And I'm sure all the rodders would have appreciated SANTA DRIVES A HOT ROD from The Brian Setzer Orchestra.
Were any of you born on Xmas Day? My birthday is in January and that's bad enough, but I've always felt sorry for people born on Xmas Day itself. Like here's your Christmas and your birthday present. Gee thanks. But at least you don't get everyone's Xmas rejects as birthday presents as I do in January. Yeah, yeah, cry me a river. For all of you born on Xmas Day, we played I WAS BORN ON CHRISTMAS DAY from St. Etienne. It's a nice piece of disco-pop, although I do worry about a band that named itself after a footie team.
The Cocktail Slippers, an all girl band from Norway, have been called "The 60's Shangri Las meet the 70s Stooges meet the 80s Go Gos". Loved their Christmas song, SANTA'S COMING HOME. I also don't mind the occasional tribute band as long as they do it well. The Chesterfield Kings heavily mine The Rolling Stones for their garage sound and they do a great job with HEY SANTA CLAUSE.
Here's the delicious Eartha Kitt, with the help of three 'friends' singing her hit of 1953 SANTA BABY. Hilarious.
We closed the show with the amazing Darlene Love with CHRISTMAS, (Baby, Please Come Home). The clip is from the David Letterman show of a couple of years ago. What a voice. Merry Xmas everyone!
Here's this week's playlist:
Also streaming on http://www.bayfm.org


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Main Material : silver |
Other Materials : 18ct gold (yellow) |
Length (mm) : 250 |
One of a Kind : No |
Metal : 18ct gold (yellow) and sterling silver |
Hallmarked : No
Multiple Sphere Bracelet, Oxidised Silver and 18ct Yellow Gold. Matching item to the 'Graduated Multiple Sphere' necklace and 'Large Sphere Stud' earrings.
For the perfect accompaniment.
Graduated Multiple Sphere Necklace by Georgia Wiseman


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Student of the Month: Mariana Fikse
Due to the Feather's upgrade period during the end of March and April both a Male and Female student have been selected for the month of May.
May's female student of the Month is Mariana Fikse, '16, chosen by mathematics teacher, Jared Kaiser for her focus and curiosity in the materials.
"Mariana is a student who knows what it means to be an Eagle," Kaiser said. "She is always willing to help her fellow classmates and is always on task wanting to learn more."
Fikse first joined the FC community at the start of the 2014-15 school year after attending Cross Road Christian in Madera throughout elementary and junior high. Since her arrival, Fiske has kept exemplary grades as well as joined both the varsity basketball and tennis team.
"Mariana is a student who knows what it means to be an Eagle. She is always willing to help her fellow classmates and is always on task wanting to learn more." –Jared Kaiser, mathematics teacher
Sports and athleticism comes naturally to Fikse who spends much of her free time outdoors or riding quads at the track behind her family's dairy (located in Madera). As a first-year tennis player, Fikse says that she originally joined tennis for the team aspect however soon began to enjoy the sport as well.
"It's a fun sport that you can play with almost anyone," Fikse said. "There isn't so much pressure because it is an individual sport so you learn at your own pace. I first tried tennis because I didn't know anyone at the school and I thought it would be a good way to get to know some people. But as the season went on I began to really enjoy tennis."
She first started basketball at Crossroads in the 5th grade and has continued to build and hone in her skills since, as a freshmen on FC's varsity level.
Team mate Olivia Tandadjaja, '16, says that Fikse served as a vital member of this year's girl's basketball program as well as being a supportive teammate and friend.
"Mariana has such a positive attitude and always gives her all," Tandadjaja said. "She definitely makes the most baskets in our team from her three-point-shots. She is also really funny and great to be around."
Fiske hopes to help strengthen the girl's program throughout the next three years and develop close bonds with her team mates.
"My favorite part is just being on a team and having fun and getting to learn the sport better," Fikse said. "My hopes for next season are that we win more games and make it to the playoffs. I think next year we will be good enough to compete with a lot of teams."
When not outdoors or practicing for tennis or basketball Fikse often plays the piano which she learned as a 1st grader. She still continues to take regular lesson and performs at recitals an average of twice a year.
Fikse has attended Cornerstone Community church is Chowchilla throughout her life and plans to become involved with the youth group over the summer.
Fikse wants to discover her future career by taking the classes that interest her. Though she is not yet certain about the exact path, Fikse considers a career in agriculture due to the significant role the family farm played in her childhood. Fikse accredits farming with her strong work ethic and with the appreciation of values and integrity.
"In the summer I work in our office and sometimes I will help my Dad with vet checks on Wednesday," Fikse said. "It (farming) definitely makes you appreciate hard work and not take things for granted. I definitely would want to stay in agriculture. It's like my life, I love it and I have never known anything different I guess."
Friend Jenna Bynum says that Fikse is generally quiet but extremely caring and loyal.
"She's quiet, funny, nice and caring," Bynum said. "She's just an overall awesome friend."
Mother, Marie Fikse describes her daughter as focused and compassionate. Both parents want Mariana to stay strong in her faith and continue to pursue her interests and dreams.
"Mariana is a sincere and kind person," Marie said. "She cares about others and has a sweet personality. She is humble and honest and works hard at whatever she does. She is a self-motivated person, she wants to do things right. She works hard and doesn't give up easily. I see leadership qualities in her and a lot of perseverance. We pray that she will continue to grow in The Lord and seek Him first and His will for her life. Mariana brings joy and fun to our family everyday and we are proud of her and love her."
Interesting facts about Mariana Fikse
• If Fiske was an animal she would be a bird so that she could fly.
• Her favorite food is Pizza
• If Fikse could have any superpower it would be super speed.
• Her favorite restaurant would either by California Pizza Kitchen or In n Out.
• She listens to Christian and Country music.
• She has four Labrador retrievers.
• When Fikse was in elementary school she read and re-read the Narnia Series multiple times.
• Her favorite subject is history because she likes to learn about how the modern connects with the past.
For last month's Student of The Month, view Student of the Month: Roman Endicott.
This writer can be reached via Twitter: @skylerklee.


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|Return to Tax Industry News
|Qualified Farmers for Charitable Contribution Purposes
Post Date: 8/14/2017
|Last Updated: 8/14/2017
|Cross References
- Rutkoske, 149 T.C. No. 6, August 7, 2017
A charitable contribution deduction for individuals is generally limited to 50% of the taxpayer's AGI. Contributions in excess of 50% of AGI are carried over to the next tax year and added to contributions for that year, which in turn are subject to the 50% AGI limitation. If excess contributions are not used up in the carryover year due to the 50% AGI limitation for that year, they are carried forward to the next tax year, and so on. Excess contributions can be carried forward for up to five years.
A special rule applies if the property donated is capital gain property (property that would have produced capital gains if sold rather than donated). Capital gain property donated to a 50% AGI limit organization is subject to a 30% of AGI deduction limitation, unless the taxpayer elects to reduce the value of the property by the amount that would have been long-term capital gains if the property were sold. If the charity is not a 50% AGI limit organization, the 30% AGI limit is reduced to 20% of AGI. Examples of organizations that are not 50% AGI limit organizations are veterans' organizations, fraternal societies, nonprofit cemeteries, and certain private non-operating foundations.
Another special rule applies if the capital gain property donated is a qualified conservation contribution (QCC). A QCC is a contribution of a qualified real property interest to a qualified organization exclusively for conservation purposes. For QCCs, the 30% of AGI deduction limitation is increased back to the 50% AGI limit, and any unused deductions may be carried forward for 15 years rather than the standard five year limit.
Another special rule applies if the QCC property is donated by a qualified farmer or rancher. In this case, the 50% of AGI deduction limitation is increased to 100% of AGI. A recent court case considered the requirements to be a qualified farmer for purposes of being eligible to use the 100% AGI limitation.
The taxpayers in this case were members of a limited liability company (LLC) that owned 355 acres of land. The LLC leased this land to others who used it as farmland. In 2009, the LLC conveyed a conservation easement restricting the development rights on the property to a public charity in exchange for $1,504,960. The bargain element of the transaction (the value of the property that exceeded $1,504,960) was alleged by the taxpayers to be $1,335,040. The taxpayers reported this bargain element as a noncash charitable contribution deduction on their tax returns. Following the conveyance of the development rights, the LLC sold its interest in the property to an unrelated party for $1,995,040. The LLC was treated as a partnership for federal income tax purposes, so the individual members (partners) of the LLC were treated as contributing the conservation easement and selling the property.
The taxpayers claimed they were qualified farmers. As such, they claimed they were eligible to use the 100% AGI limitation for the contribution rather than the 50% AGI limit. A qualified farmer is defined as a taxpayer whose gross income derived from the trade or business of farming is greater than 50% of his or her total gross income for the year. [IRC §170(b)(1)(E)(v)]
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