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United States Senator
June 8, 2004
The U.S. Supreme Court will soon decide whether the First Amendment forbids school teachers across America from leading students in the voluntarily recitation of the Pledge of Allegiance, simply because the Pledge affirms what we all know to be true - that our nation was founded "under God." [Elk Grove Unified School Dist. v. Newdow (2004).]
The Senate has unanimously and repeatedly condemned the Ninth Circuit's contrary ruling striking down the Pledge. A majority of the members of this subcommittee filed the first amicus brief in the U.S. Supreme Court defending the Pledge on the merits. And the vast majority of Americans agree with the Senate - rather than with the Ninth Circuit and the ACLU - on the constitutionality of the Pledge.
But however the Court ultimately rules, the Pledge case reminds us of a broader, systemic problem caused by the Court's previous rulings: an unjustifiable hostility to religious expression in public squares across America. And just as there is bipartisan agreement on the constitutionality of the Pledge of Allegiance, so should there be bipartisan agreement that government should never be hostile to expressions of faith.
Accordingly, our hearing today is entitled "Beyond the Pledge of Allegiance: Hostility to Religious Expression in the Public Square." Our witnesses will examine issues of government discrimination against religious expression generally - including both discrimination against religious versus non-religious expression in government speech, as well as discrimination against purely private expressions of faith.
It's difficult to think of a provision of the Constitution that has been as badly misunderstood and misapplied as the First Amendment in this respect - or with worse consequences for our coarsened culture and discourse.
The First Amendment contains two important provisions with respect to religious liberty. It protects the "free exercise" of religion against government interference or intrusion. And it also provides that Congress shall make no law "respecting an establishment of religion."
The Founders included the Establishment Clause, because they wanted to forbid government from taking any action either to establish an official state church, or to favor a particular religious denomination in any other way.
Notably, nothing in these provisions requires government to be hostile to religion overall. The Constitution nowhere requires government to expel expressions of faith from the public square. Nor does the Establishment Clause forbid government from acknowledging, indeed celebrating, the important role that faith has historically played in the lives of the American people - dating back to the Founders themselves.
This week, the nation mourns the passing of a great man, President Ronald Reagan. I think he spoke for the American people when he said in 1983, and I quote: "When our Founding Fathers passed the First Amendment, they sought to protect churches from government interference. They never intended to construct a wall of hostility between government and the concept of religious belief itself."
After all, references to faith permeate our nation's history. References to faith can be found across our nation's most important institutions of government, in our fundamental legal documents, and on our cherished cultural treasures. Our currency is emblazoned with the phrase "In God We Trust." The public buildings of all three branches of government - including the U.S. Supreme Court - are decorated with numerous references to God. The Declaration of Independence acknowledges the Founders' "firm reliance on the protection of Divine Providence." It talks about "nature's God" and our "Creator," while the Constitution refers to "our Lord."
An act of Congress authorized President Washington to issue the nation's first Thanksgiving Proclamation. Moreover, that Proclamation specifically referenced the "duty of all Nations to acknowledge the Providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor." And on the very day that Congress proposed the First Amendment, it also approved the Northwest Ordinance, which explicitly directed to U.S. territorial governments that "[r]eligion, morality, and knowledge, being necessary to good government and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of education shall forever be encouraged."
So there is ample precedent and strong tradition to support government speech that acknowledges, accommodates, and indeed celebrates the importance of faith in the lives of the American people.
Moreover, the First Amendment specifically protects private religious expression in the public square, by guaranteeing both the free exercise of religion and freedom of speech against government interference. As Justice Scalia has aptly written, "a priest has as much liberty to proselytize as a patriot" - a principle that holds in the public square the same as on private property.
Despite these clear constitutional commands, however, activist courts, led by the U.S. Supreme Court, have demonstrated a clear and unmistakable - if inconsistent and unstable - hostility towards religious expression in the public square.
In a case I argued before the Supreme Court as attorney general of Texas, the Court held - and I quote - that a high school's "policy permitting student-led, student-initiated prayer at football games violates the Establishment Clause." [Santa Fe Indep. Sch. Dist. v. Doe (2000).] Moreover, just this year, the Court upheld overt religious discrimination in the state of Washington, when it allowed the state to provide college scholarships even though they exclude all theology majors from the program. [Locke v. Davey, (2004).]
The hostility towards religion is as inconsistent as it is unjustified. In the Fifth Circuit, which governs my home state of Texas, students may initiate and lead non-sectarian prayer at graduation ceremonies - but not before football games. [Doe v. Santa Fe Independent School Dist. (5th Cir. 1999).] As Chief Justice Rehnquist famously noted in 1985, "a State may lend to parochial school children geography textbooks that contain maps of the United States, but the State may not lend maps of the United States for use in geography class. . . . A science book is permissible, a science kit is not. . . . A State may lend classroom workbooks, but may not lend workbooks in which the parochial school children write, thus rendering them nonreusable. A State may pay for bus transportation to religious schools but may not pay for bus transportation from the parochial school to the public zoo or natural history museum for a field trip." [Wallace v. Jaffree (1985).]
Given this troubling and incoherent jurisprudence, it is no surprise that local governments have far too often demonstrated similar hostility to religious expression as a result. Whether out of ideological motivation, ignorance of the law, or simple fear of litigation, local governments across the nation have repeatedly attempted to banish faith from the public square.
Today, we will hear the personal stories of citizens who have experienced government hostility to religious expression first hand.
In one case, a public school in Muskogee, Oklahoma ordered Nashala Hearn, a 12 year-old Muslim student, not to wear her hijab, or headscarf, and suspended her when she refused to comply, in accordance with the dictates of her faith. It was not until the current Justice Department - which has taken special and admirable steps to champion religious freedom as a basic civil right - intervened on Nashala's behalf, that the school finally backed down and settled the case out of court just last month.
In the small town of Balch Springs, in my home state of Texas, a city-owned senior center barred a group of senior citizens from privately engaging in prayer and singing religious hymns. It took the involvement of public interest lawyers from the Liberty Legal Institute and, once again, the support of the Justice Department for the city to back down.
The examples are countless. Children across America are being barred from sharing candy canes with classmates. Teachers are being reprimanded for circulating the President's Proclamation of a Day of National Prayer through their school e-mail accounts. Schools are specifically targeting religious groups and excluding them from their campuses.
The situation has become so extreme that even patriotic and other nonreligious references to faith have been attacked. It is simply patriotic to recite the Pledge of Allegiance, yet the Ninth Circuit believes it is unconstitutional in public schools. The Los Angeles County seal is under attack by the ACLU because it includes a depiction of a cross - a cross that simply reflects "the historical importance of the Catholic missions" in California.
This pervasive hostility to faith is wrong, and it is without constitutional basis.
I hope that today's hearing will accomplish two things. First, we must reaffirm our bipartisan commitment to religious freedom and liberty in the public square. And second, we must recognize that unfortunate and unjustified hostility to religious expression is pervasive, and it must be stopped.
The restoration of religious liberty and celebration envisioned by the Founders should be a bipartisan effort. The judicial attack on the Pledge of Allegiance has been unanimously condemned by the United States Senate. And both the Clinton and Bush Administrations have issued Department of Education guidelines forbidding discrimination against religion by public schools, consistent with a Congressional mandate in the No Child Left Behind Act.
I began my remarks by quoting President Ronald Reagan. I would like to close with words from President Clinton, who stated in 1995, and I quote:
"Americans feel that instead of celebrating their love for God in public, they're being forced to hide their faith behind closed doors. That's wrong. Americans should never have to hide their faith. But some Americans have been denied the right to express their religion and that has to stop. That has happened and it has to stop."
I agree. Americans should never have to hide their faith. They have the constitutional right to exercise their faith openly - not just at home, but in the public square as well.


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Johnny Cash, an American icon, is captured in this amazing performance from the 1994 Montreux Jazz Festival. Going through 19 of his classics, including a guest appearance from his wife June on "Jackson", Cash gives a history lesson of sorts. - Johnny Cash - Folsom Prison Blues
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April 13, 2013
By Thomas B Haines
Reporting on a recent meeting with FAA Administration Michael Huerta, AOPA President Craig Fuller said support in the agency for the third-class medical certificate exemption seemed to be waning. "High-level FAA staffers told us the exemption was not a priority for the agency," Fuller said, referring to a meeting earlier between FAA executives and leadership teams from AOPA and EAA. The two associations jointly petitioned the FAA last year to allow pilots of four-place, 180-horsepower fixed-gear aircraft and smaller to fly in day VFR conditions using only a driver's license as a medical certificate. The proposal included a requirement that pilots regularly complete online training courses that educate them on their health and how it relates to flying safely.
After the staff-level meeting, Fuller and EAA Acting President and CEO Jack Pelton met with Huerta on April 8. Speaking to attendees at a town hall meeting hosted by Rep. Sam Graves (R-Mo.) at Sun 'n Fun International Fly-In & Expo, Fuller said Huerta seemed interested in the subject and asked good questions, clearly wanting to understand the issue more fully. Noting some eight years of data from sport pilots flying light sport aircraft using only driver's licenses in place of a medical certificate and no resulting decrease in safety, Fuller wondered aloud whether the agency would ever approve such an exemption if not now. "How much more compelling can the data be?" he asked. While the agency may not see it as a priority, Fuller noted that the issue is clearly a priority for his membership and those of EAA. "Do they really think we would be in favor of an initiative that would harm our members?" he asked the Sun 'n Fun crowd.
If the agency can't say yes to the exemption, Fuller encouraged at least a small scale study of just a few pilots for one to two years. If successful, it can then be expanded to more pilots.
The FAA has not said when it will respond to the petition, which garnered more than 16,000 responses from pilots and organizations such as AOPA and EAA.
Topics FAA, Government Agencies, Medical Certificate, Pilot Health and Medical, Medical Petition, Advocacy
Garmin has announced an upgrade making new features and options available to operators of G1000-equipped King Airs in the 200/250/300/350 series.
The GAO released its report "Aviation Workforce: Current and Future Availability of Airline Pilots," and general aviation has a strong interest in its findings.
AOPA staff members updated attendees of the Montana Aviation Conference Feb. 27 through March 1 on the association's involvement in issues that affect pilots.
AOPA thanks our members for their continued support in protecting the freedom to fly.


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For more than just "forced" sex and arm candy. She was also an unofficial business consultant!
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Her personal assistant is well compensated. As is her furrier!
If she spends $1,000 per week on skin treatment now, imagine what she'll need sixteen years from now!


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The Snow Shuttle Xpress goes back and forth from Cascade to several stops in Portage every hour from 9am to 10pm, seven days a week. The cost is $1.75 each way. Stops are at Cascade, Hitching Post restaurant, Best Western, Walmart, Pierces Market, Culvers and the Chamber Mall. For more info about the Snow Shuttle Xpress call 608-742-4700. Please don't call this number for Cascade info. Cascade's Phone number is 1-608-742-5588.


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Does Paralyzed Mom Have a Right to See Her Kids?
March 25, 2011
by Sasha Emmons
On the day Abbie Dorn gave birth to her triplets, the doctor performing her C-section accidentally nicked her uterus. Before doctors could stem the bleeding, her heart stopped beating, a defibrillator they used malfunctioned, and her brain was deprived of oxygen. She ended up paralyzed and unable to speak, although she can communicate by blinking her eyes.
Plus: A Tale of Pregnancy and Tragedy on Facebook
Now her ex-husband, Dan, who is raising the kids as a single parent, is embroiled in a legal dispute with Abbie's parents, who want the triplets to visit their mother regularly. They care for her in their Myrtle Beach home and manage her nearly $8 million malpractice settlement. They believe that she can feel emotions, and has expressed a desire to see her kids. Dan contends that seeing their mother traumatizes the children. Abbie has not seen her children since their birth, aside from one recent 4-day visit that both sides agree went well. However, Dan still thinks it's too rough on the kids to deal with their mother's condition. A judge is expected to settle the case shortly.
Plus: Most Controversial Parenting Stories of 2010
What do you think? Would you want your children to see you in a semi-vegetative state?


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- This style has been known to run small, so if you are in between sizes we suggest sizing up


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Thursday night proved to be a great one for the Bryant Junior High Hornets. Needing a big win over Little Rock Central to stay in contention for the conference title, the Hornets took care of business, and in dominating fashion. After a slow start, the Hornets finished with 24 unanswered points to win 24-6.
For the second week in a row, the Benton Freshmen Panther football lost a heartbreaker by just one point. Thursday night at John McConnell Stadium, Conway Blue upended the Panthers 14-13. The loss leaves Benton 6-2 on the season and 5-2 in Central Arkansas Junior High Conference play. Benton received the game's opening kickoff and after being held by the Wampus Cat defense, Drew Dyer got off a 37-yard punt to pin Conway back at its own 20-yard line.
In 2004, Dana Mattingly was playing racquet ball with her daughter, when the ball hit her on the side of her breast. The injury bothered her for a while. She started to suspect there was something else going on. Mattingly went to get it checked out, and her physician removed a mass from her breast in January 2005. Lab results revealed the mass to be a malignant tumor. Mattingly discovered she had breast cancer a month before she celebrated her 33rd birthday.
Martha Courtney once said that she would rather have a gun pointed at her than have to face cancer. Three months later, she was diagnosed with breast cancer. "I always feared chemotherapy, the pain, and I always feared getting sick. Every horrible thing that I could imagine, I thought that about cancer," she said. "I said that the biggest fear in anything that could come my way, my biggest fear was getting cancer. And here I was; I got cancer."


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Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament, the Council, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on a new Animal Health Strategy for the European Union (2007-2013) where "Prevention is better than cure" {SEC(2007) 1189} {SEC(2007) 1190}
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[pic] | COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES |
Brussels, 19.9.2007
COM(2007) 539 final
on A new Animal Health Strategy for the European Union (2007-2013) where "Prevention is better than cure"
on A new Animal Health Strategy for the European Union (2007-2013) where "Prevention is better than cure"
In December 2004, the Commission launched an external evaluation to thoroughly review the outcomes of EU action on animal health and the direction we may wish to take in the future. A combination of circumstances made it imperative to re-evaluate our policy:
( The main elements of the existing policy were drawn up largely between 1988 and 1995 when we were still a Community of twelve Member States;
( New challenges have emerged. Diseases which were unknown a decade ago have appeared - SARS is an example - while others, such as foot and mouth disease, bluetongue and avian flu, have recently presented new challenges, reminding us that they remain very serious risks;
( Trading conditions have also changed radically with the volume of trade in animal products increasing greatly, both within the EU and with third countries; and
( Science, technology and our institutional framework have evolved substantially.
A challenging EU Animal Health Strategy (2007-2013)
Based on the evaluation results and the stakeholder consultation, the Commission is pleased to present its proposal for a new EU Animal Health Strategy (2007-2013). This will allow further debate in the EU inter-institutional fora, with Council and the Parliament expected to establish their positions by the end of this year.
Overall, the strategy encompasses a challenging 6 year programme of work aimed towards clear outcomes:
( Prioritisation of EU intervention
( A modern and appropriate animal health framework
( Better prevention, surveillance and crisis preparedness
( Science, Innovation and Research
The timetable for delivery of all the specific actions included in this strategy will depend on the position of the Council and the Parliament, and also on our human resources capacity.
1. Vision
Our vision is to work in partnership to increase the prevention of animal health related problems before they happen: "Prevention is better than cure" .
2. Purpose
The strategy provides direction for the development of animal health policy, based on extensive stakeholder consultation and a firm commitment to high standards of animal health. It will facilitate the establishment of priorities that are consistent with agreed strategic goals and the revision of, and agreement on, acceptable and appropriate standards.
3. Scope of the Strategy
The concept of animal health covers not only the absence of disease in animals, but also the critical relationship between the health of animals and their welfare. It is also a pillar for the Commission's policy on public health and food safety.
The strategy covers the health of all animals in the EU kept for food, farming, sport, companionship, entertainment and in zoos. It also covers wild animals and animals used in research where there is a risk of them transmitting disease to other animals or to humans. The strategy also covers the health of animals transported to, from and within the EU.
The strategy is aimed at the entire EU, including animal owners, the veterinary profession, food chain businesses, animal health industries, animal interest groups, researchers and teachers, governing bodies of sport and recreational organisations, educational facilities, consumers, travellers, competent authorities of Member States and the EU Institutions.
The strategy builds on the current animal health legal framework[1] in the EU and the standards and guidelines of the World Organisation for Animal Health (Office international des Epizooties – OIE). It will aim at ensuring consistency with other EU policies and EU's international commitments. It will guide the development of new policies or guidelines and will enhance existing animal health arrangements in the Community based on scientific risk assessments and taking into account social, economic and ethical considerations. It will support the achievement of a high level of environmental protection by considering the impacts on the environment in the development of the policy framework.
4. Goals
The strategy sets out some challenging aims, not just for the EU institutions and Governments, but for all citizens, to improve animal health.
The strategy's goals are:
( Goal 1: to ensure a high level of public health and food safety by minimising the incidence of biological[2] and chemical risks to humans;
( Goal 2: to promote animal health by preventing/reducing the incidence of animal diseases, and in this way to support farming and the rural economy ;
( Goal 3: to improve economic growth/cohesion/competitiveness assuring free circulation of goods and proportionate animal movements[3];
( Goal 4: to promote farming practices and animal welfare[4] which prevent animal health related threats and minimise environmental impacts in support of the EU Sustainable Development Strategy[5].
Simple and reliable performance indicators will help to measure progress towards the strategy's goals, guide policy, inform priorities, target resources and focus discussion. They will be developed in consultation with stakeholders and improved over time as better veterinary and other data becomes available. They will cover both hard indicators of animal health (e.g. disease prevalence, number of animals eliminated) and softer indicators tracking the confidence, expectations and perceptions of European citizens It must be recognised that uncertainties and unforeseeable events may affect achievement of the performance indicators.
5. Action Plan
The action plan will aim to explain the significant breadth of activity which is being carried out or will be carried out at EU level through legislative proposal or other mechanisms in order to deliver the different strategy goals over the next six years.
The action plan to deliver the strategic goals (section 4) will focus on four main pillars, or areas of activity:
1. Prioritisation of EU intervention,
2. The EU animal health framework,
3. Prevention, surveillance and preparedness, and
4. Science, Innovation and Research.
Two key underlying principles will apply to all the work of the Commission: partnership and communication:
Working in partnership
A partnership approach built on trust, openness and a willingness to take difficult decisions is essential for success. The strategy can only bring about real change if everyone involved in animal health works together and with all interested citizens. There are many excellent examples of partnership in action in the current Community Animal Health Policy. We must take advantage of existing collaborations, encourage new initiatives and make more use of non-legislative alternatives to regulation. An "Animal Health Advisory Committee" [6] will include representatives from non governmental organisations across the animal health sector, consumers and governments. The "Animal Health Advisory Committee" will provide strategic guidance on the appropriate/acceptable level of animal or public health protection, and on priorities for action and communication. It will also follow the strategy's progress : it will be consulted on all impact assessments and will advise the Commission on the best means of delivering agreed outcomes.
In collaboration with the Council, the Commission will organise a conference to present the strategy's progress (mid term review – 2010).
Animal health is a concern for all European citizens. This concern stems from the public health and food safety aspects of animal health but also from the economic costs that animal disease outbreaks can trigger and the animal welfare considerations, including the implications of disease control. The Commission is committed to pursue its objectives of clarity and transparency when communicating with consumers and stakeholders what the EU is doing and why. European and national entities need to cooperate to ensure a coherent message and enhance public confidence.
Communicating the strategy
There will be annual reporting on the strategy's progress and wider communication of policies and initiatives. Communication will take different forms depending on the message that is being delivered and the target audience. It will include participation in international or national events, developing relationships with the media and non governmental organisations, improving websites to include comprehensive relevant information for all interested parties, checklists, manuals and a forum for Questions & Answers.
Communication in case of crisis
Good communication on risk to stakeholders/consumers is also of utmost importance, as an incorrect public perception of risk may force the regulator to take unjustified or disproportionate measures in the case of a crisis. The Animal Health Advisory Committee will advise the Commission to further improve communication during a crisis situation.
Pillar 1 | Prioritisation of EU intervention |
The new Animal Health strategy must be seen as an integrated risk assessment and management strategy focusing on biological and chemical risks of EU relevance
1.1. Categorisation of animal-related threats
Profiling and categorisation of biological and chemical risks will provide the basis for decisions on where the responsibility for action lies.
Identified threats to animal health must be assessed to determine:
( their relevance to the four high level goals of the EU strategy;
( the " acceptable level of risk " for the Community;
( the relative priority for action to reduce the risk.
For serious threats to human health and the rural economy, we must strive to reduce the risk to a negligible level. But zero risk cannot be achieved. So even when dealing with high priority threats where a negligible level of risk is sought, we must analyse the cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness of possible interventions to ensure best use of limited resources, both in terms of EU funding and cost to producers. This is critical to our food supply and key to the sustainability of the environment and the rural economies of Member States.
Where a potentially serious threat to health is identified, but there is scientific uncertainty about its likelihood of occurring, proportionate provisional measures should be taken to ensure a high level of health protection pending further scientific information clarifying the extent of the risk (the precautionary principle ).
Profiling and categorisation of risks is an important and difficult process, which has already begun at EU level. Decisions must be based on sound science and appropriate risk assessment (pillar 4). But science alone will not provide all the answers. The Commission will therefore engage representatives of all interested parties in the risk management process to gain the widest possible agreement and shared responsibility for the judgements made and to deliver agreed objectives.
Targets will be set at community level, national level and, where appropriate, regional level. Suitable p erformance indicators will allow the assessment of progress over the next six years.
The appropriate amount of resources to be applied to achieve the desired level of protection, and the development of a responsibility and cost sharing scheme, will be based on the categorisation of biological and chemical risks.
Expected outcomes:
( Categorisation of biological and chemical risks according to level of relevance for the EU
( Agreement on the acceptable level of risk
( Setting of priorities , quantifiable targets and performance indicators
( Setting of the amount of resources to be committed to identified threats
Pillar 2 | A modern animal health framework |
Towards a single regulatory framework, with a greater focus on incentives rather than penalties, consistent with other EU policies and converging to international standards
2.1. A single and clearer regulatory framework
The impact of epidemic livestock diseases such as Avian Influenza or Foot and Mouth Disease can be devastating on farmers and the economy as a whole – in a specific country, a continent or even globally.
International organisations such as OIE and the World Bank consider Animal Health as a global public good. The EU considers the maintenance of "Animal Health Services"[7] in line with international standards (in terms of legislation, structure, organisation, resources, capacities, the role of the private sector and paraprofessionals) as a minimum goal. This is a public investment priority.
Constantly evolving legislation is one of the main mechanisms for EU intervention in animal health, both in the pursuit of Community policy and to implement international obligations. Better regulation principles will be applied through a strengthened partnership and enhanced communication.
The future strategy will aim at replacing the existing series of linked and interrelated policy actions by a single policy framework. The Animal Health Strategy will strive for a single clear regulatory framework converging as far as possible with the OIE/Codex recommendations/standards and guidelines. This regulatory framework will include animal nutrition and animal welfare measures.
The European Commission is responsible for ensuring that unjustified national/regional rules do not constitute a potential obstacle to the internal market. However, the EU regulatory framework also needs to be suitably flexible to allow for judgements of equivalence, settlements of dispute and efficient responses to changing situations. Specific attention must be paid to the position of animals kept on a non-commercial basis (i.e. as a hobby) and wildlife, insofar as this impinges on central goals[8].
Roles and responsibilities will be clearly defined. An incentive-oriented approach is needed at all levels. A revision of the current co-financing instrument is required.
More effective procedures will be used for a number of Commission Decisions. The SCFCAH[9] will focus on Decisions in which MS and stakeholders have a key interest. Non-regulatory tools must be encouraged as far as possible.
Expected outcomes:
An EU Animal Health General Law :
( A single horizontal legal framework will define and integrate common principles and requirements of existing legislation (intracommunity trade, imports, animal disease control, animal nutrition and animal welfare)
( Existing legislation will be simplified and replaced by this new framework as appropriate, seeking convergence to international standards (OIE/Codex standards) while ensuring a firm commitment to high standards of animal health.
2.2. Developing efficient cost and responsibility sharing schemes
Animal diseases
Existing compensation schemes are mainly focused on providing a compensation mechanism for animal owners in the event of a disease outbreak. Appropriate sharing of costs, benefits and responsibilities could contribute significantly to the key objectives of the strategy. It could contribute to preventing major financial risks for Member States and the Community by providing incentives for prevention of animal related threats. It would also seek to strengthen Community economic and social cohesion and specifically to reduce the gaps between levels of animal health in the various regions.
On the one hand, Governments have an important role to play in securing our external borders against disease incursions and leading the response to outbreaks of exotic disease. Provision of state compensation is also of utmost importance to compensate for private property destroyed for the public good at least to the extent that the owner is not responsible for the outbreak. In this the protection of public health is a key consideration.
On the other hand, responsibility for the health of animals lies primarily with animal owners and collectively with the industry. As a result, animal owners and industry are better placed than others to deal with many of the risks of animal diseases.
There is a clear recognition that the policy needs the full participation and commitment of all parties, including the insurance sector. Ownership of risk is a key issue and new mechanisms must be introduced to involve major stakeholders in decision-making on significant policy issues, in particular for emergency measures.
A feasibility study will be necessary to reflect on concrete proposals for the gradual development of an EU harmonised scheme.
Feed sector
In the feed sector, when large-scale incidents occur, public authorities tend to be heavily burdened with the costs of withdrawal, transport, storage and destruction of feed, food and animals, as well as the costs of analysis and other administrative outlay. Feed business operators are liable for any infringements of the relevant legislation on feed safety and for the direct consequences of the withdrawal from the market, treatment and/or destruction of any feed, animals and food produced there from[10]. In 2007, the Commission will submit a report to the European Parliament and the Council setting out the possibilities for an effective system of financial guarantees for feed business operators.
Expected outcomes:
( Animal Diseases: development of an harmonised EU framework of the criteria for responsibility and cost-sharing , on the basis of:
◦ Categorisation of biological and chemical risks according to EU relevance (pillar 1).
◦ Incentives encouraging risk-reducing behaviour from all parties involved.
◦ Possibility of covering indirect losses.
◦ Balancing costs (public/private funding) and responsibilities. Solidarity aspects have to be considered.
◦ Prevention of distortion of competition.
◦ Compatibility with EU international commitments.
◦ Effectiveness and flexibility of implementation at national or regional level.
◦ Consultation mechanism between cost sharing partners, especially during crisis.
2.3. Community influence on international standards
The EU legislation is already largely based on OIE/Codex recommendations/standards and guidelines, respecting its commitments within the framework of the WTO Agreement on the application of sanitary and phytosanitary measures (SPS Agreement). However, there are areas where the EU could improve its convergence with these standards (e.g. disease status, imports, quality and evaluation of Veterinary Services, laboratory testing, animal nutrition, vaccination).
Where OIE/Codex have adopted standards, the EU will comply with these when applying animal health measures. However, if there is a scientific justification, the EU may introduce or maintain sanitary or phytosanitary measures which result in a higher level of sanitary or phytosanitary protection. The EU will continue to be very active in promoting its own standards in the OIE/Codex and ensure as far as possible that they are also adopted accordingly at international level. It is necessary to encourage other members of the OIE/Codex to use the international standards in the setting of their own standards.
With regard to imports, the EU should improve communication concerning its requirements vis-à-vis its trading partners. The EU should also build up its negotiating strength on matters relating to exports. The EU should endeavour to encourage other members of the OIE/Codex to improve the alignment of their legislation to international recommendations/standards and guidelines and to ensure uniform interpretation and avoid potential distortion in international competition.
Given that the Community has exclusive competence in almost all of OIE's areas of activity, in the long term, it is also desirable for the Community to become a member of OIE, as it has of the Codex Alimentarius. This will help reinforce coherence between standards, guidelines and other provisions adopted by the OIE and other relevant international obligations of the European Community.
Expected outcomes:
( Support of EU positions on the basis of sound scientific evidence, whenever necessary.
( Community membership of the OIE in order to strengthen the active role of the Community.
2.4. Towards an export strategy at community level
The high level of animal health within the EU will make a key contribution to growth and jobs in Europe by ensuring that farmers, European companies remain competitive and that they have genuine access to the export markets[11]. We need to ensure that European companies , often small and medium-sized companies (SMEs), are able to compete fairly in those markets. Unjustified sanitary barriers tend to be increasingly important. They are complicated, technically challenging and time consuming to detect, analyse and remove.
Import conditions for food of animal origin and animal products are largely harmonised. However, this is not the case for exports.
The Commission has exclusive competence for negotiation of bilateral agreements with third countries in the SPS field. For certain third countries, common EU export requirements are specifically defined in bilateral veterinary agreements[12]. Ongoing trade negotiations, in particular the negotiations for Free Trade Agreements with Korea, India and ASEAN[13] include SPS chapters.
The Commission is in a discussion with Member States on the implications of the implementation of existing and future policy on SPS negotiations with third countries in relation to exports. The aim is to ensure respect of the Treaty obligations in relation to the Common Commercial Policy and to present a unified Community approach in negotiations with third countries.
The new EU Animal health strategy will contribute to adapt the mix of policy instruments to deliver on export market access, to revive the partnership with stakeholders, and to prioritise in order to make the best use of resources.
Expected outcomes:
( A more efficient and transparent service for businesses, including SMEs, results-oriented and focussing on concrete sanitary problems that EU businesses face in third country markets.
( Better prioritisation of actions against sanitary barriers in order to target human resources and to achieve the greatest economic impact.
( A strengthened role in negotiating EU export conditions and tackling export problems through the development of locally based EU Market Access Teams drawn from Commission Delegations, Member State Embassies and business organisations, where appropriate.
Pillar 3 | Animal-related threat prevention, surveillance and crisis preparedness |
Identifying problems before they take hold, and being ready to manage outbreaks and crisis
3.1. Supporting on-farm biosecurity measures
Biosecurity refers to those measures taken to keep diseases out of populations, herds, or groups of animals where they do not currently exist or to limit the spread of disease within the herd.
Successful biosecurity measures must address isolation of new animals brought to the farm, isolation of sick animals, regulation of the movement of people, animals, and equipment, correct use of feed, and procedures for cleaning and disinfecting facilities.
This responsibility lies with the animal owners, including hobby farmers. However, as some contagious pathogens may easily spread from one farm to another a collective approach must be taken in addressing prevention and biosecurity measures.
Effective on-farm biosecurity measures will constitute an important criterion of zoning and compartmentalisation[14] procedures for disease control and/or trade purposes. Disease free status, biosecurity measures, animal welfare measures and veterinary control will also be possible means of rating holdings and supporting the development of the responsibility and cost sharing scheme.
Expected outcomes:
( Guidelines taking into account the level of risk associated with different types of production systems and species (e.g. intensive production, extensive production, high density area, hobby farmers). These guidelines will be coherent with the EU animal health legal framework.
( Provision of funding to finance and promote on-farm bio-security measures relating to infrastructures, via existing funds.
3.2. Identification and Tracing
The EU traceability framework (identification systems, labelling, and TRACES, the Community TRAde Control and Expert System) aims to improve the quality, accuracy, availability and timeliness of the provision of data on live animals, food from animal origin and feed. It allows for traceability across MS borders.
Currently, individual identification, e.g. for bovine animals, is achieved via identifiers, a paper-based system of animal passports and holding registers combined with national identification databases that are not connected between Member States. Traceability for live animal transport is achieved via a paper-based certification system in combination with TRACES.
The gradual introduction of electronic identification raises the question of how, in the mid to long-term, the different elements of the traceability system for live animals can be combined and an EU integrated electronic system developed. Due to the cost/benefit ratio, small-scale livestock producers face specific challenges to introduce electronic identification. The future system should pay particular attention to the situation of SMEs, building on a thorough impact assessment.
Increasing the accuracy and timeliness of this data should result in improved information for veterinary surveillance and better ways of dealing with disease outbreaks, while efficiency should reduce costs both for industry and government.
Expected outcomes:
( TRACES achieves its objective of becoming a single portal for all veterinary matters .
( Interoperability of national identification databases.
( Introduction of electronic procedures (longer term).
◦ Feasibility study for the introduction of electronic identification (with particular focus on ruminants) on either a voluntary or compulsory basis.
◦ Introduction of electronic certification to replace paper certification for the movement of live animals (intra-community trade and imports).
◦ Creation of a wider, integrated electronic system, with a unified database encompassing all elements of the current system under certification, animal identification, and animal health and welfare status.
3.3. Better border biosecurity
The EU is the biggest food importer in the world. The Member States' responsibility in border control is to protect the community from potential animal and public health risks arising from international trade of live animals and their products. The challenge is to improve border biosecurity without severely disrupting cross-border movement of people and agricultural goods. In fact, the main safety feature of border controls on declared imports for animal health purposes is the document check, and the EU is dependent upon the accuracy and honesty of the declarations in these documents.
Veterinarians need to work more closely with customs, both at border inspection posts and at points of entry to the Community where goods or animals may enter illegally. There are fundamental questions about: the assessment of risk; trust between national governments; and what can and cannot be accomplished in border inspection facilities and other points of entry (efficiency/effectiveness).
On the other hand, it may be difficult for certain developing countries to comply with EU standards and thus engage in trade. The EU should build on ongoing initiatives and improve cooperation with third countries, providing them with technical assistance to help them to satisfy EU animal health requirements for imports and to fight against exotic diseases at source.
Expected outcomes:
( Revision of the current legislation and the development of a policy designed to deliver a better risk-based approach to border inspections and to target illegal trade. Development of EU based risk assessment to target higher risk consignments (products/countries) and assist in selection of containers to be examined physically.
( To optimise the coordination of agencies/services regulating imports (customs/veterinary services).
( To make travellers aware of restrictions and of their responsibilities and to ensure proportionate enforcement.
( To improve risk management at third country level and to provide assistance for third countries (via the external co-operation instruments, training, knowledge sharing and support through regional expertise).
3.4. Surveillance and crisis preparedness/management [15]
Veterinary Surveillance
Veterinary surveillance provides early warning and prompt detection of animal-related threats, together with tracking and analysis of the way diseases occur and spread.
The information generated provides crucial scientific evidence for the EU institutions and governments to support decisions on prevention and control measures, as well as assessing the effectiveness of existing approaches. Surveillance provides the wider public, farmers and pet owners with information which they and veterinary surgeons can use to decide how best to protect their own health and the health of their animals. It is also essential to better understand and assess the impact of climate change on animal health in order to enable better "adaptation" of the veterinary measures.
Animal keepers and veterinarians also need effective training to be able to identify the signs of disease at an early stage.
Emergency preparedness
Animal-related emergencies must be dealt with swiftly and effectively using an agreed approach. The possibility for the Commission to take fast-track decisions for emergency action is of high value in limiting and controlling animal-related threats at EU level.
In response to ethical concerns and the growing demand for improved animal welfare, the EU has already moved to a more flexible approach to vaccination, as well as improving its policy to control major animal diseases. To decrease the number of animals eliminated will be one of the objectives of the new EU animal health policy (goal 4). However, different elements[16] make it important that the decision to use vaccination is taken on a case by case basis.
Preparation, contingency planning exercises and implementation of emergency preparedness plans are the responsibility of the governments. These plans should be agreed in advance with the cost sharing scheme partners.
A key factor in being able to manage an outbreak successfully is knowing where animals and their products are, and controlling their movements.
Expected outcomes:
( To improve surveillance prioritisation according to the categorisation of animal-related threats. Determine appropriate indicators and modalities for data collection.
( To encourage collaborative networks of interested parties, especially through the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control and the European Food Safety Authority, to improve data collection, risk analysis and information to the public, as well as training to allow early detection of animal health problems,
( To provide funding:
◦ to support epidemiosurveillance via existing funds,
◦ to maintain the EU diagnostic capability (e.g. funding of laboratory networking) and,
◦ to provide appropriate training (e.g. "better training for safer food" [17] initiative).
( To adapt the Animal Diseases Notification System (ADNS) to allow better value to be derived from surveillance activities and information to be shared widely[18].
Emergency preparedness:
( Initiative to improve EU preparedness against major threats to animal health. These components may also be useful for identifying and responding to potential bioterrorism attacks:
◦ Rapid response network,
◦ Supporting the diffusion of expertise and tools to allow humane killing of animals in emergency situations,
◦ Communication capacity during crisis,
◦ Crisis management units and community veterinary emergency team,
◦ Reinforcement of the necessary EU antigen/vaccine banks.
( To define and facilitate fast track approaches for EU-wide marketing authorisation of veterinary products (e.g. vaccines) used for the prevention of animal diseases subject to Community emergency measures.
Pillar 4 | Science, Innovation, and Research |
To stimulate and coordinate risk analysis, science, innovation and research, hence contributing to a high level of public health and to the competitiveness of EU animal health businesses
4.1. Science
The Community is committed to scientific excellence, independence, openness and transparency.
A network of Community and National Reference Laboratories dealing with animal diseases has been gradually set up. Scientifically sound and uniform testing is of fundamental importance for appropriate disease diagnosis and for the application of the necessary control and eradication measures.
The European Food Safety Authority and the European Medicines Agency also mobilise and coordinate scientific resources from throughout the EU to provide high-quality and independent scientific advice and risk assessments. This provides risk managers (the European Commission, the European Parliament and Member States) with a sound foundation for animal health policy.
Expected outcomes:
( To strengthen the collaboration between European agencies and national bodies.
( Based on an evaluation, to review and where necessary extend the activities of the Community Reference Laboratories.
4.2. Innovation and Research
For the development of modern research in a global environment, it is vital to organise co-operation at different levels, co-ordinating national or European level policies, promoting networking between teams and increasing the mobility of individuals and ideas. With decisive actions at European level in the area of animal health, the current fragmentation of Europe's efforts can be overcome.
The new 7th framework programme (2007-2013) will be an important tool in support of animal health and welfare research, alongside national efforts and other European co-operative research activities.
A series of initiatives aimed at promoting animal diseases and welfare research have already been launched - including the call for the creation of an ERANET[19] on animal health, an information platform on the protection and welfare of animals and the launch of the European Technology Platform for Global Animal Health (ETPGAH) in 2004.
The industry-led Technology Platform should mobilise both public and private sectors in Europe to commit funds to carry out research through public-private partnerships. It should facilitate the development of new and effective tools (in particular vaccines and diagnostic tests) for controlling animal diseases of major importance to Europe and the rest of the world. A coherent regulatory framework is a pre-condition for an effective Animal Health policy and the development and use of animal medicines and new generation of vaccines.
Furthermore the Commission has proposed in its Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals to establish a European Centre on Animal Welfare. This would coordinate and stimulate research in order to upgrade existing standards.
Expected outcomes:
( To define a research action plan involving the industry and other relevant stakeholders . This plan will prioritise animal-related threats and will identify the "gaps" in existing control tools for surveillance, diagnosis, vaccination and treatment.
( To ensure the appropriate level of funding to implement the research action plan through public-private partnerships.
( To develop a suitable framework at Community level to mitigate disincentives to manufacturers and maintain EU capacities, in particular for the reinforcement of the antigen/vaccine banks.
( To provide support for research in third countries through international cooperation , especially for exotic diseases of high relevance or for neglected zoonoses which have a serious impact on those countries.
[1] Including animal welfare measures.
[2] Referring to animal diseases, food borne diseases and biotoxins.
[3] The movement of animals has to reach a balance where the free movement of animals is proportionate to the risk of introducing and spreading of diseases and to the welfare of the animals during transport.
[4] In coherence with the Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on a Community Action Plan on the Protection and Welfare of Animals 2006-2010 - COM(2006) 13)
[5] The European Council adopted in June 2006 an ambitious and comprehensive renewed EU Sustainable Development Strategy - DOC 10917/06.
[6] The Animal Health Advisory Committee will be created as a working group of the Advisory Group on the Food Chain and Animal and Plant Health – Article 4.2 of Commission Decision 2004/613/EC of 6 August 2004.
[7] Means the Competent Administration, all the Competent Authorities, and all persons authorised, registered or licensed by the Animal Health statutory body (as defined in the OIE code).
[8] e.g. Natura 2000 which is established through Council Directive 92/43/EEC of 21 May 1992 on the conservation of natural habitats and of wild fauna and flora, and Council Directive 79/409/EEC of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds.
[9] SCFCAH - Standing Committee on the Food Chain and Animal Health.
[10] Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 183/2005 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 12 January 2005 laying down requirements for feed hygiene.
[11] Communication from the Commission to the Council, the European Parliament, the European Economic and Social Committee and the Committee of the Regions on "global Europe: a stronger partnership to deliver market access for European exporters" - COM(2007) 183, 18.4.2007.
[12] Including Chile, Mexico, USA, Canada, New Zealand and European Free Trade Association countries.
[13] Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
[14] Zoning and compartmentalisation are procedures implemented by a country under the provisions of the OIE Code with a view to defining subpopulations of different animal health status within its territory for the purpose of disease control and/or international trade. Compartmentalisation applies to a subpopulation when management systems related to biosecurity are applied, while zoning applies when a subpopulation is defined on a geographical basis.
[15] Including collaboration with third countries.
[16] Vaccine availability and effectiveness, demands for valid tests if possible differentiating infected from vaccinated animals, OIE international guidelines and possible trade implications, cost-effectiveness analysis, possible risks related to the use of vaccines.
[17] Communication from the Commission to the European Parliament and the Council on better training for safer food - COM(2006) 519.
[18] And thereby to help EU Member States fulfil international requirements and avoid duplication of effort taking into account the need to report similar information via the World Animal Health Information System of the OIE.
[19] The objective of the ERA-NET scheme, in the context of the European Research Area (ERA), is to step up the cooperation and coordination of research activities (i.e. programmes) carried out at national or regional level in the Member States and Associated States through the networking of research.
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text:
Product Details
Key Benefits of the LAR:
A) You get access a comprehensive source of information about containers used for most animal species
B) Includes all the 2013 updates including text regarding the transport of day old chicks, modifications to shipper's certification for live animals & live animals checklist and modifications to container requirements for turtles and horses as well as updated airline contact information for further information or support.
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Additional Information
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Release Date | Yearly |
Language | English |
List Price | $220.00 |


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- News
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- Home lighting diversifies, led by LEDs (photos)
7 of 10 from Home lighting diversifies, led by LEDs (photos)
The directional light of LEDs makes a lot of sense for spotlights, such as these. I put these into an existing fixture in my kitchen. Another advantage of LEDs over CFLs is that LEDs don't degrade when you turn them on and off quickly. The life of CFLs will shorten if you turn them on and off in less than 15 minutes, according to Consumer Reports.
May 2, 2011 4:00 AM PDT
Photo by: Martin LaMonica/CNET
| Caption by: Martin LaMonica
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After 50 years, mine fire still burns
ROBIN WASHINGTON: Few people would deny Centralia, Pa., was destroyed, but there isn't agreement on the details of its demise. The most accepted version is that embers at the dump spread to an exhausted coal mine, starting a fire that still burns 50 years later.
CENTRALIA, Pa., April 26-28, 1987 — A bird is singing cheerily. A house finch, I will determine years later, after becoming better acquainted with their calls. For now, all I know is it has something to say and does so virtually alone. Very infrequently, a car passes on the main drag, and there aren't many streets beyond it. Nearly all the houses are boarded up.
It is exactly as I expected: a ghost town.
Except don't tell that to the two women chatting on the sidewalk.
"It's a pretty little town," Molly Darrah, the borough president, says outside her home next to the shuttered bank.
"Yes," agrees Mary Lou Gaughan, repeating with Darrah, "nice town," "pretty town." One of the street signs says "Bunny Blvd.," and Gaughan still grows tulips. She shows off her garden, then thumbs through a scrapbook.
"People who left said, 'We got a house, not a home,'" she says. "The government totally destroyed this town."
Her assignment of blame isn't shared by everyone, though few would deny Centralia was destroyed. Neither is there universal agreement on the details of its demise, though the most accepted version is that embers at the dump spread to an exhausted coal mine.
That was May 27, 1962.
It kept burning. Eventually, steam could be seen coming out of the ground. In 1981, a 12-year-old boy was rescued after being sucked into a sinkhole, and the government that Gaughan speaks of derisively began offering to buy homes and relocate people.
She insists those who stayed are happier.
"There (are) some happy people staying over there," she gestures across the way.
By now, 43 families are left out of a previous population of 1,200, and the state and feds have allocated about $40 million for relocation, Steve Jones, the state's project coordinator for Centralia, tells me. The decision to encourage relocation comes after failed attempts to extinguish the fire "ran into funding problems," he says, placing that cost a few years earlier at $100 million.
Relocation, then, is cheaper. But the program is voluntary.
"The government does not want to force people out," Jones says, and for those who stay, the job of his team is to make sure they're safe. I accompany technician Dennis Wolf on his rounds testing the inhabited homes for carbon monoxide.
Gaughan and Darrah put up with it but insist they're fine. So is Maude Howey on Troutwine Street. She's 90, and if the sinkholes and fumes haven't gotten to her by now, she's probably immune.
Gaughan says the efforts are misdirected.
"Get the fire out," she says. "It's burning itself out. … Get the fire out and live content."
It didn't burn itself out. Another quarter-century passes, and the fire is still burning. I never got to tell the story I traveled there to report for the Christian Science Monitor's now-defunct Monitor Radio. Someone accidentally scheduled it for the wrong date, missing the May 27 anniversary that year. The network apologized and cut a "kill fee" check to thank me for my efforts.
Now, an Associated Press report tells of the 50th anniversary. On a lark, I search for my datebook from 1987. Miraculously, I find it, with Darrah's address and directions to her house. There are scribbles of the conversations with her and Gaughan, and with Jones and Wolf.
A note to myself says "Bring News-Chronicles." It's cryptic at first but makes sense in a rush of memory: Of course I would have shared with them the stories of Northland residents recently displaced by the closure of Reserve Mining in Silver Bay.
Maude Howey died a few years later, at 96. A news article says Darrah also passed away, though I can't quite confirm a record of it online. Jones has retired. Gaughan has moved to Mt. Carmel, a stone's throw away, and I can't confirm her number. No one answers the one I try.
The datebook also has directions to David DeKok's house, in nearby Shamokin, and notations indicate we met. A local reporter, for the Shamokin News-Item and later the Harrisburg Patriot-News, he is the author of two seminal books about Centralia, "Unseen Danger" (1986) and "Fire Underground" (2009).
We're in the future now, with innumerable ways to connect. On Saturday, we do so in seconds on Facebook, then the phone.
"There's fewer than nine people left," DeKok says, and the mine is still burning.
"It doesn't seem to be as intense as it was a few years ago. It's possible because it's moved deeper into the mine's workings. There are still places you can see steam coming out of the ground. If you put your hands down there, it's still hot, plus there are cracks in the road."
And it looks even more deserted now.
"If you had only seen it in 1987, there were still a good number of houses left," he says. "Now there are big, empty areas, streets that go nowhere, all overgrown. It's kind of a weird place."
Though there was bitterness over the relocation, many also welcomed it, DeKok continues.
"The problem that people had in the early '80s before the relocation was approved was that people owned their houses but they weren't really valuable. It wasn't that they were holding out for money. They just didn't want to be impoverished," he says.
"In the first relocation, in 1981, they got bad deals. There was such a backlash that when the big relocation happened in January 1984, the government said people would not be penalized. It ended up being one of the most generous disaster relocations ever. I think most people would say the prices were fair."
For the hard-core holdouts, though, "That was not the issue for them. They were very zealous about wanting to save Centralia as a community."
One who still lives in what DeKok calls the heart of the fire area is Carl Womer, 88. Associated Press reporter Michael Rubinkam approached him recently hosing down his front porch in preparation for Memorial Day.
"What mine fire?" Rubinkam quotes him saying. "If you go up and see a fire, you come back and tell me."
I find a number for Womer and give him a call. While keeping my journalistic objectivity, I'm prepared to tell him my take of the fire's effect, or lack of it, on Howey's longevity, positing that it probably hasn't hurt him much, either.
I don't get the chance.
"I'm sorry," he says quickly. "I've had enough. Thank you."
Robin Washington is editor of the News Tribune. He may be reached at firstname.lastname@example.com.
Tags: news, columns, columnists


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BeerAdvocate on your phone?! True story. Try the beta now.
Tickets for American Craft Beer Fest are on sale now! (May 30 & 31 in Boston, MA)
Saigon Export - Saigon Beer Company
Displayed for educational use only; do not reuse. |
Ratings: 120 | Reviews: 76 | Show All Ratings:
Reviews by the Alström Bros:
3/5 rDev +14.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine Issue #34 (Nov 2009):
Bubbly, pale-golden clarity shines in the light. Green apple skin and dried grass hit the nose hard. Delicate crispness balances on top of the light body. Green apple splashes down and leaves quick, dried, husked malt; a hop bitterness with muted flavor is all that really comes to the top. Dry with a nearly clean finish and more dried grass, which is at this point a little astringent, seems to not want to leave ... not too much of a bother.
On its own, this beer will become tiresome; better off just pairing it with a piping hot bowl of canh Chau (Vietnamese sour soup) to counter the astringent finish of the beer.
Serving type: bottle
01-03-2011 15:21:31 | More by BeerAdvocate
More User Reviews:
United Kingdom (England)
2.81/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
355ml Bottle from TESCO's: my second beer from these guys and my third beer on my random beer tasting evening on 23 Feb 14.
Poured into a Leffe chalice: looks a pilsner/lager (which it is of course), golden, clear and clean. The white head refused to stay and became a wisp far too quickly.
Almost odourless; some grainy maltiness and metallic notes maybe: gets my usual score of 3 for a non-smelling pils/lager.
Lawnmower beer, no taste or flavour: thirst quenching and refreshing but lacks flavour and character, might be fine in Southeast Asia, but on a cold Sunday evening in Shropshire it didn't reach the heights for me.
Gives me another tick for Vietnam, but that's about it.
Serving type: bottle
02-23-2014 20:56:23 | More by BlackHaddock
United Kingdom (England)
2.49/5 rDev -4.6%
look: 3 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 2.25 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.5
A 355ml bottle with a BB of July 2014. ABV is stated as 4.9%. Picked up a little while back from a supermarket. I don't really have high expectations for this but I've never had a Vietnamese beer before.
Poured into a tulip pint glass. A clear golden colour with some floating sediment and medium carbonation. Forms a large head of creamy, brilliant-white foam that lasts for a minute or two before disappearing. Aroma of light, stale grain, corn, stewed vegetables and faint leaves. Most unimpressive.
Tastes of weak, watery malt with some nasty off-notes. Hints of grain, corn, overcooked veg, tart apples, faint stewed leaves and cardboard. More that a touch of harsh solvent in the background. Highly attenuated, with little bitterness to speak of. Mouthfeel is smooth and dry, with a thin, watery body and an unpleasant sensation on the palate. Quite astringent, followed by an aftertaste of cardboard, stewed leaves and vague hints of petrochemicals.
Yuck - worst beer I've tried in a while. Looks OKish, but that's the high point of the experience. The aroma is bland and tinged with off-notes, while the flavour is a full-on blend of adjuncts and solvent. Poor body and texture. Deeply unappetising; I don't know if this suffers from low quality ingredients or bad brewing technique but the result is woeful. I suffer so you don't have to - pass this one over.
Serving type: bottle
01-14-2014 00:39:39 | More by jazzyjeff13
2.93/5 rDev +12.3%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
A nice and refreshing surprise from Asia.
Pours a standard clear. golden color and is topped with an average white and foamy head.
The aroma is the most unpleasant thing about this beer. It's really dusty and just not nice. Too bad.
The taste on the other hand is pleasant - slightly sweet, slightly bitter and some grains.
A decent beer all in all.
Serving type: bottle
11-29-2013 18:52:24 | More by MarkoNm
United Kingdom (England)
2/5 rDev -23.4%
10-07-2013 22:27:25 | More by His_Royal_Hoppiness
North Carolina
3.03/5 rDev +16.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.75 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
A: Pours a crystal clear medium yellow in color with heavy amounts of very active visible carbonation and some golden yellow highlights. The beer has a three finger tall very fizzy white head that reduces rather slowly to a thick film covering the entire surface of the beer. Light amounts of lacing are observed.
S: Moderate aromas of grainy malts with some rice adjuncts along with a very light hint of grassy hops.
T: Upfront there are moderate flavors of grainy malts with some rice adjuncts which results in a light amount of sweetness. That is followed by some hints of citrus/lemon rind and light grassy hops which impart almost no bitterness to the beer.
M: Light to medium bodied with moderate to heavy amounts of carbonation. Crisp.
O: Overall this beer is fairly average with a hint more sweetness than other AAL beers. This is probably a better beer than I expected considering the style and I could see how this would pair nicely with Vietnamese food. Easy to drink and I could have a couple of these.
Serving type: bottle
07-30-2013 19:38:11 | More by dbrauneis
2.35/5 rDev -10%
look: 1.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.25
Thin head on a clear, light straw colored body.
The aroma is light, metallic with a little grain.
The taste is all just a moderate white sugar sweetness. One sided and not great.
The texture is crisp with some fizziness; moderate carbonation.
One of the worst beers I've had. Not real aroma or taste.
Serving type: bottle
03-25-2013 03:53:24 | More by Fatehunter
Ontario (Canada)
2/5 rDev -23.4%
look: 2 | smell: 1.75 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.25
Bottle at a food stall in Ha Tien. Served in a plastic mug with tons of ice. From notes.
A - Poured an apple juice colour with mild carbonation and a one finger white head that went fast. No lace or retention.
S - Lot's of corn. Nothing else really.
T - More corn, honey, sweet grain. Big adjuncty corn flavour. Typical macro adjunct yawnfest.
M - Mild carbonation, very light body and sweet finish. Not enough carbonation.
O/D - Tasted this quite a few times before. Same old stuff. Went down smooth though, and seemd OK for what it was, but overall not really good times with this one.
Serving type: bottle
03-09-2013 03:47:36 | More by tbeckett
Saigon Export from Saigon Beer Company
out of 100
based on 120 ratings.


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Explore Minnesota
Acorn Hill Family Resort and Fishing Lodge
4691 Acorn Hill Lane NW, Walker
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Walker
800-237-1015Leech Lake Cabins, RV sites and Camping. Fishing, heated indoor swimming pool, game room, water slide, water trampoline, beach & protected harbor.
Read MoreAdrian Campground
PO Box 190, Adrian
Southern > Prairie Land > Adrian
507-483-2820Nestled in the northwest corner of town, Adrian's Campground offers a quiet night's rest. Electric/water hookups, pull-through sites, laundry, showers, playground, and free swimming.
Read MoreAgency Bay Lodge
8491 Onigum Rd NW, Walker
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Walker
888-547-1755 xMNAkeley City Campground & Park
PO Box 67, Akeley
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Akeley
218-252-4570Aldrich's Aitkin Lake Resort & Campground
21607 - 537th Lane, McGregor
Central > Lakes & Links > McGregor
218-426-3327Alexander Ramsey Park Campground
Ramsey Cir, Redwood Falls
Southern > Minnesota River Valley > Redwood Falls
(507) 644-2333Alexandria Shooting Park
6533 County Rd 87, Alexandria
Central > Glacial Lakes & Hills > Alexandria
320-763-5315All Seasons Resort & Trailer Park
3539 State 84 NE, Longville
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Longville
800-279-1128Allen's Bay Lodge and Sunset Cove Resort
4083 Kangas Curve Rd SE, Cass Lake
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Cass Lake
800-279-4831American Legion Family Campground
810 West Lake Drive Unit 2, Detroit Lakes
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Detroit Lakes
218-847-3759Anchor Inn Resort
55960 Co Rd 4, Spring Lake
Northeast > Wilderness & Lakes > Spring Lake
888-798-2718Anchor Inn Resort offers housekeeping cottages, B&B rooms, RV and tent camping. Come relax at this great Minnesota fishing, hunting and family resort.
Read MoreAnderson's Cove
11246 Portside Court, Walker
Northwest > Mississippi Headwater Lakes > Walker
800-367-0106We would like to invite you to our resort. Fish, family fun and free kids activities. Slip into a vacation you need!
Read MoreAnn Lake Campground and Day-Use Area
Ann Lake, Big Lake
Central > Central Lakes > Big Lake
(866) 857-2757Appeldoorn's Sunset Bay Resort and Event Center
45401 Mille Lacs Pky, Isle
Central > Lakes & Links > Isle
320-676-8834We are your premier family fun resort located on the southeast side of Lake Mille Lacs. From our sandy beach you will have a panoramic view of spectacular sunsets. Enjoy our yard games, in lake waterpark, or let us host your next event in our Lodge.
Read MoreAppleton Campground
Mn State Hwy 7/59/119, Appleton
Southern > Minnesota River Valley > Appleton
320-289-1363Arnold's Campground & RV Park
2031 2nd Ave W, International Falls
Northeast > Wilderness & Lakes > International Falls


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The [206] Live in The [253] ( Special Event )
- Ticket Price: $15.00
- Show Type: Stand Up
18 & over
- Door Time: 06:30 PM
Description: 18+
Doors at 6:30/Show at 8 PM
Tickets available online only!
Pat Cashman - John Keister - Chris Cashman
Featuring national headlining comedian Duane Goad!
The comedy commutes South! The aroma in Tacoma may be gone but we reserve the right to stink up the stage. Join us for a Gluten free evening of laughs and sneak previews of the TV show!
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Sean Kent (March 20-22)
Brian Moote (March 28-30)
Tom Cotter (April 10th-12th)


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Seminar: Consumer Lending Institute10/14/2012 - 10/17/2012 Minneapolis, MN Rescheduled from July 29 - Aug. 1 Make informed credit decisions by developing your ability to evaluate a consumer loan request. This program covers the application process, financial statement analysis, credit analysis, loan structure, compliance, documentation procedures and closing.
Start Time: 2:00 pm Day One Instructor: Jeff Judy Who should attend: Community bank personnel with consumer lending responsibilities ICBA Member: $995 CERTIFICATION TESTING 23 CPE Credits Certification Designation: Certified Community Bank Consumer Lender (CCBCL) Hotel Information: |


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This twin bookcase headboard (39") is both trendy and practical making it well adapted to today's style and storage requirements. The accessible open storage spaces keep bedside items close at hand.
Product Features
- Features open, practical and accessible storage spaces
- Combines with the twin mates bed (39'') (3569080) to make a complete bed
- One hole in the back panel for easy wire management
- The back surface is not laminated
- Comes in 1 box
- Complete assembly required by two adults (tools not provided)
- In order to reduce the risks of damage to a minimum during shipment of your furniture, our packaging is ISTA 3A certified
- Manufactured from eco-friendly, EPP-compliant laminated particle board carrying the Forest Stewardship
- Council (FSC) certification
- Made of non-toxic materials and components
- Made in Mexico
Manufacturer #: 3569098
Manufacturer #: 3569098
Finish: Chocolate
- Shipping dimensions 4" H x 13" W x 47" L
- Shipping weight 40 lbs
- Shipping Restrictions This item can not be shipped to: PO Boxes, APO or FPO Address, Hawaii, Alaska or anywhere outside the continental USA.
- Shipping Note Products ship in their original packaging. Please be aware that its contents will be visible to the recipient upon delivery.


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Long Island Memories
Town Amends Law To Protect Licensed Bingo Town Building Up In December The interests of philanthropic organizations will be better protected against erosion of their share of the proceeds of Bingo games as a result of amendments to the controlling ordinance recently enacted, according to Councilman Ralph J. Marino, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Local Government. Under the amended law, only licensed Bingo organizations are' permitted to lease a hall for the game and maximum rent is $ 150 per game session unless a higher amount is authorized by the State Bingo Control Commission. The new town amendments prohibit rentals to be established on a percentage of r e c e i p t s or profits and requires licensees to procure supplies only from suppliers licensed by the State Commission. Town Clerk William B. O'Keefe, who recommended the amendments and who administers the Bingo ordinance in the town, said that the amendments serve to curb individuals from profiting excessively from Bingo's popularity. There are, he said, about 30 organizations licensed to run Bingo games in the Town. Town Must Find Modern Method For Enforcing Ordinances Councilman Edward J. Poulos, Town Board Majority Leader said that he was encouraged by the strength shown by the building industry during December and particularly by the upsurge in industrial buildings. During the last month of the year, he said, permits were granted for eight industrial buildings at a construction value of $ 1,022,220. The volume of industrial building activity was third largest during 1966. July led with 11 buildings valued at $ 2,416,872 and June was second with 14 buildings, $ 1,905,065. The building department reports, prepared by Manager Edward J. Gaynor showed 28 one-family residences started during December valued at $ 586,- 607; 84 alterations and additions, $ 243,350; 12 other than residences, $ 20,404; 10 commercial buildings, $ 621,968; one two-family house, $ 24,749. The total new construction value in the December report was $ 2,518,298 and it represented 143 building permits. The money value was up from $ 1,- 685,889 in November and $ 1,- 966,282 in October. Stating that the present method of enforcing Oyster Bay Town ordinances is " archaic," Supervisor Michael N. Petito this week asked the Town Attorney to investigate the legality of a Local Law which would give Town Building Inspectors, Park Department Employees involved in anti- litter inspection duties, Sanitation Department inspection division employees, Bay Wardens North and South Shore Beach Managers and Public Works and Highway Superintendents the right to issue summonses for violations of Town ordinances. Petito pointed out that current regulations do not provide the necessary powers to enforce anti- litter and Sanitation laws which should keep communities clean. " We receive continuing complaints from our residents about badly littered empty lots and debris blowing into yards from large shopping centers, yet at the present time our inspectors are hampered in clearing up the situation by ordinances which can only be described as archaic and behind the times. A cleaner Town depends largely on immediate action to implement the new ordinances I have proposed." In a memo to the Town Attorney, the Supervisor asked that if it was not legal for such Town employees to issue summonses under existing State Law, that the Town Attorney prepare all necessary messages, if any, and proposed legislation " which may be necessary" to " accomplish our aim of getting immediate enforcement powers." Petito said that at the present time only Town Dog Wardens have the right to issue summonses for Town Ordinance violations. In order to prosecute violators of other ordinances, he said, the Town Attorney must first file a complaint in District Court. Then the Court issues a subpeona to investigate and a hearing is held. If, at the hearing, the Court finds sufficient evidence to warrant action, the Town Attorney is then authorized to commence an action. " This," the Supervisor said, " is a procedure that takes months and is very costly. Because of it, there are those who violate Town ordinances knowing that it is not only difficult but most often too costly to prosecute them for the violations." " A Town should have on- the-spot enforcement powers," Petito said. " If present State Law says that only a peace officer can issue a summons, then we must try to change the law." Board Hears Petition For New Telephone Co. Office Building A hearing was held by the Town of Oyster Bay Town Board on Tuesday on the application of die New York Telephone Company to change the zoning of additional and adjoining property at the telephone company's new office building site on Broadway, south of Sunrise Highway in Massape-qua. At a hearing held on June 29, 1965, 90 petitions fought the application on the grounds of ' inadequate off- street parking! The Town Board granted the petition in August, 1965 with a restriction requiring the telephone company to provide a two level parking area or to acquire additional land in the vicinity. At Tuesday's hearing, the petitioner came in with an application to change the newly acquired adjoining property to Business « G* from Residence ' D' and Business ' F'. The additional plot is located on Broadway just norm of a filling station at the triangle of Hicksville Road and Broadway. There was no opposition at the hearing. Gilbert Lewis, an ad-j. ining property owner, filed a nctice of consent in favor of the petitioner. The Telephone company will demolish two residences now on the property. The Board reserved decision on this application. Recriuters Seek Help For Embassies United States Department of State recruiters will be in New York City from January 16 through February 3, in search of secretaries and communications clerks for work in American Embassies and Consulates around the world, and for duty in the •• home" offices in Washington, at several ForeignServiceposts. D. C. " We are looking for secretaries with shorthand skill and communications clerks with teletype or cryptographic experience who are willing to serve anywhere they are needed", said one of the recruiters who has served When the New York Jets Parking and Chowder Society met in the reserved parking field at Shea Stadium recently they had as their special guests, Weeb Ewbank, Jet Coach and David ( Sonny) Werblin, Jets President. During the ceremonies, Don Phelan, right, of N. Massapequa Society President and self- styled " supreme chowder-head", presented Weeb Ewbank, left with a pair of new white sneakers for the Jets' star quarterback, Joe Namath. The Jets Parking and Chowder Society is an organization with no dues, no constitution, no meetings and little purpose except camaraderie before the Jets home football games. Membership is limited to season ticket holders. Members, or chowderheads as they are called, feasted on Manhattan Clam Chowder, venison andlasagna. Farmingdale OBSERVER, Thursday, January 12, 1967 Library Files Final Application For Federal The Plainedge Public Library Trustees filed their Plainedge* s final application this past week for federal aid for the construction of the new Library building. It is expected that official word concerning the approval will be received from the State Library in Albany sometime in April, according to a library official. If the application is approved, Plainedge will receive $ 229,785 toward the construction and site acquisition costs of the proposed library project which was approved by the voters on October 22. In the meantime, Gibbons & Heidtmann, the library architects, ard preparing bids, specifications and final working drawings for the project so that work on the building can commence as soon as approval is received. Berner Bits 3y Leslie Toombs " The Foreign Service offers a unique combination of service to our government and the opportunity to live in and learn about other countries", she added, " and those fortunate enough to be selected will find a challenging, rewarding career awaits them." Positions overseas are open to secretaries with shorthand e x p e r i e n c e , communications clerks with teletype or cryptographic experience, and male clerks with typing skills. Recent work experience is required for all positions. To qualify, one must be an American citizen at least five years, 21 or older, and able to pass typing and clerical tests. Women must be single without dependents to be considered, but applications will be accepted from qualified married men who have no dependents other than a wife. Young people who cannot qualify for overseas because they lack work experience or are not yet 21 will be considered for positions in Washington, D. C. and may apply later for overseas assignments. Interviews will be conducted at the Office Personnel Center of the New York State Employment Service, 575 Lexington Avenue, New York, from January 16 through February 3. Hours are 9: 00 to 4: 30, and until 7 p. m. on Monday and Wednesday. For further information call 759- 1020 and ask for the Government Unit. For as long as any Berherite can remember, the burning down of a school was only a chant to sing in elementary school. Now, however, it is a bit of realism. Tuesday morning dawned at about seven, and several students found themselves wondering why they were up and eating breakfast at such an hour. The assumption was that the Christmas vacation was over. Visions of midterms filled everyone's head until the first step into school was taken. " Water, water everywhere,..". But why? At first it seemed unlikely mat someone had actually broken into Berner to set it ablaze, but the smell of smoke, wet shoes, and finally the sight of a once beautiful auditorium verified it. The student body is to be commended for their cooperation, e They sloshed meir way to homeroom and quietly awaited any news. Possibly the worst place to be was die senior cafeteria. It is here that the 500 seniors make their homeroom. Naturally under such circumstances, rumors evoked, and it was soon the belief that the guidance offices had gone up in flames as had. the neighboring library. Fortunately, it was later heard that test scores, college applications, and school records were untouched. At ten o'clock, Berner was dismissed. To other students, an extra day of vacation would be readily accepted, but the Berner-ites took their time in leaving the building. Although it still seemed incredible to many, the fire was now a personal assault on all the students. " What do we have mat we dont have?" We have lost parts of our auditorium and library to excess of $ 25,000. The physical damage to our five year old school can be replaced and restored. January third, however, will remain the day mat 2,600 Berner students banded together in mutual amazement and loss. Members of the Massapequa Adult Education Bridge Class get in a fast rubber just before die crowds arrive for the Annual Exhibit held last Saturday at Berner High School. Players are: ( left to right) Sydney Teeter, Rhoda Knazick, Bernice Krodman, Zelda Krodman and Beverly Siegel. Seventy displays representing the 80 adult courses were on view. Registration for second semester classes is now underway. Page 3
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My mate in Cronulla created this monster. http://surfboardsale.com.au it is pretty good, an alright facebook page for discussing stuff, but it mainly lists all the surfboards from ebay.
i got my first board from a ebay listing from this site. it was second hand and from manly but i only bought it for $125 AU. it is a 7ft2 short. kinda hard to learn on but i got therr.
happy surfing


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