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News Transcript
Release No. 0368.07
Office of Communication (202)720-4623
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Transcript of Remarks by Acting Agriculture Secretary Chuck Conner to the American Seed Trade Association Corn and Sorghum and Soybean Research Conference and Seed Expo
Chicago, Illinois - December 5, 2007
SEC. CHUCK CONNER: Well, Mike, thank you very much for that introduction this morning. And I appreciate all of you having me here with you as well. Coming to Chicago in many ways is like coming home for me, and I enjoy it much. You know that as Mike indicated I'm from the state of Indiana, but I'm actually second-generation Hoosier, and my grandfather was born in Iroquois County, Illinois, which is just not too far south of here. And a lot of that land still remains in Conner hands today there in Iroquois County.
So I'm glad to have a chance to come back here, and it is great to have a chance to speak with you today. I do want to just simply offer, Andy, my congratulations for 125 years of this organization being in business, and it's a great organization, and you have great leadership. And we appreciate working with you.
As seed producers, ladies and gentlemen, you have had a major role in our record agricultural exports that are ongoing, and 2007 makes five years running of setting records in our agricultural exports. I am excited about some of the stunning numbers we just released last Friday. We now have the final numbers for 2007, and our ag exports this year hit a record $82 billion. The good news there is that we're expecting even better numbers in 2008, and we're projecting another record sales year for major commodities with our agricultural trade actually reaching, next year, $91 billion. Obviously, the thought of even approaching the $100 billion mark is something not even on our radar screen at all just a few years ago. So we're excited about that.
Seeds, of course, did play a major role in that in many ways. The export of the seed itself is close to $1 billion this year; we're projecting that number to grow significantly next year, and so this is a very viable business for your industry, that understands the importance of creating strong markets for the quality goods that you produce.
Looking to the markets for guidance has certainly created more efficiency, and it's brought better returns for our producers as we have given them more freedom to choose what they produce, to choose what the market is telling them to produce, in effect getting their signals from the market and not from the government.
Right now, ladies and gentlemen, we have a great opportunity to set agricultural policy on a road to a very competitive future through this year's farm bill. We are fortunate to be enjoying some very strong numbers in terms of our farm economy, with market prices at or near record levels for all of our major commodities. This is something we have never seen in our history, strong, strong prices for all of our commodities. And what's the interesting part is that, as I've just noted, higher prices have not thwarted demand. We're seeing incredibly strong demand coming in from foreign buyers as well.
Just last week our economic Research Service projected net farm income this year to come in at $87.5 billion. Of course that is an all-time record. It's $28.5 billion higher than just last year, and I do remember the days, ladies and gentlemen, when we talked about we needed to push net farm income over $50 billion in order to show that we had a good year. Obviously, those numbers are highly antiquated as we have superseded that by many, many magnitudes. This kind of success gives us a chance really to take a long-term view and to work together to put American agriculture on the strongest possible footing in order to sustain these great economic times and to deal with the competitive challenges that continue to lie ahead of our industry. That is the best way to assure future growth, we believe, and prosperity for our industry.
At the moment, the farm bill is stalled in the Senate, and you all know this. I know this is frustrating for your industry, and it's certainly frustrating for farmers who are eager to make planting decisions based upon all of the details and facts they can gather out there about farm programs. I want you to know that it's frustrating for me too.
Fortunately, we do have three more weeks until the new year begins, and I continue to believe, ladies and gentlemen, that that is still enough time to pull together and produce a good farm bill with an emphasis of course on "good." But the window of opportunity is obviously closing very fast. Every day without action is critical to our ability to get a farm bill.
I can tell you that the President, and I saw him just yesterday, very much wants to sign a strong farm bill, and a strong farm bill by the end of the year. At the moment, we do have still some very important differences over the farm bill, particularly the bill as it stands in the Senate, differences over the substantial tax increases it calls for, over how the actual costs of the bill are being misrepresented, and of course over the lack of any reform that it brings to some of our existing farm programs.
But I think, ladies and gentlemen, it's also important at this point to step back and look at just how far we have already come in this farm bill process, and how much has already been achieved in both the House and the Senate versions of the farm bill.
We believe a great deal has been achieved. Both of these bills offer important gains to American farmers and ranchers and for nutrition programs on which our neediest citizens continue to rely. We should not let our differences obscure the fact that a broad consensus has emerged over what needs to be done in a whole host of vital areas.
Throughout this year those of us at USDA have made the case for what we heard across the country in our 52 Farm Bill listening sessions. We heard that our current system of countercyclical supports failed to deliver help to our farmers – simply put, when they need it the most. As well as that time has come to provide more support, we believe, for our specialty crop sector, which now represents a majority of American agriculture. And finally, we believe it is time to come forward and provide greater help to beginning farmers and ranchers in order to help them get their toe inside the door in this business that has a lot of barriers to entry.
Both the House and the Senate versions of the farm bill have addressed these issues. Their approaches may not have gone quite as far as we would like, but we've acknowledged that they represent important progress. The House and the Senate, for instance, have laid out different paths for reforming our countercyclical program, but both would give us the optional support based upon total revenue to the producers, rather than price levels.
And I want to be sure you understand what I mean by that. Even if you have $11 soybeans, $4 corn, and $9 wheat, if you have no crop it does nothing. The price of wheat might as well be $30 a bushel if you have no crop to sell. The purpose of our reform of the countercyclical program is to simply provide help to producers during those times when they've had a total crop loss, or a large crop loss. That's obviously the time when they need the government help the most, and I understand under our current farm bill in that scenario that's when they get the least amount of help. That simply needs to change.
As well, the House bill would provide $215 million in funding over the next five years for research, competitively awarded research specifically targeted at the challenges of our specialty crop sector.
And both the House and the Senate provide for expanded farm operating and ownership loans for beginning farmers. The Senate bill, it's important to note, would also give beginning farmers and ranchers new priority in terms of access to our conservation programs as well. For agriculture, we believe to have a future, we must make it possible for the next generation of farmers and ranchers to get their start by working their own land. And we believe these provisions are a step in the right direction for some to see that dream materialize.
Expanded funding for conservation is in order to help farmers meet ever-increasing environmental requirements, and it was a cornerstone of the administration's farm bill proposals. These programs deliver important financial support to farmers in a non-trade-distorting way, a non-market-distorting way, while bringing of course greater environmental benefits which we are always under pressure to be delivered. The Senate bill expands the conservation stewardship program, CSP, by enrolling over 13.2 million acres nationwide every year for the next five years. And it would provide nearly $2 billion in funding for this program. Eligibility criteria is based upon local input as well, again in order to address those local environmental pressures that continue to plague many of our producers.
We have also made the case for significantly expanded funding for research and development on renewable energy, particularly for cellulosic ethanol as an alternative, a supplement, to our grain-based ethanol and biodiesel industries. Ladies and gentlemen, renewable fuels have taken a lot of criticism in the press in recent months, and I read each one of these with great interest. But I will tell you as I travel and travel extensively with the support that I find among all Americans for the U.S. continuing to produce more and more of our energy here at home rather than relying upon foreign imports, particularly imports from countries who simply don't like America – that basic notion enjoys broad public support. It has and continues to enjoy broad public support. We remain a champion of biofuels, and we want to see greater emphasis on those fuels going forward, not less.
Both the House and the Senate farm bills recognize the need for greater investment in renewable energy. The Administration's proposal called for $1.6 billion of funding over the next several years, and the House bill would provide nearly $3 billion in new mandatory funding for renewable energy programs, a significant investment.
The House and the Senate bills would provide mandatory funding as well to stimulate the production, storage and the harvesting of cellulosic feedstocks for biofuels, an area we think represents tremendous growth potential in the future. I know a lot of seed you sell in this room goes to corn and soybean producers, so these provisions will be very important to your future business opportunities as well.
The bottom line, ladies and gentlemen, is that there is a lot of good in this year's farm bills, so by not acting responsibly today there is a tremendous amount at stake for our agricultural industry, both to gain as well as to lose.
If I could, let me just offer a few thoughts on where I think we are right now with regard to that farm bill debate and how we can go about capturing the good that has come about in these bills by removing the ill-advised, ill-timed, and in some cases irresponsible provisions that are in this bill.
First of all, I think we all would pretty much agree that farm bills have a very difficult time when they are based upon raising taxes on other Americans and other American businesses. And unfortunately these bills do that. Not since 1933 has a farm bill raised taxes and grown the size of government through greater taxes, and that particular farm bill of course was eventually declared unconstitutional. So this is a path that is unprecedented for all practical purposes, and it is a bad path. Farm bills should not result in higher taxes upon an already heavily taxed American private and business sector.
Secondly, let me just say the farm bill that raises our trade-distorting supports above the already-established levels in the 2002 bill that has already been challenged and been successfully challenged I believe is destined to bring about problems for American agriculture. It is destined to bring about even greater challenges from the international community – again, challenges where there is already a precedent for foreign nations being able to win successful cases against our current programs, to raise them even higher. We have described this as painting a bull's eye on the back of the American farmer. This is not, again, the area that we need to go.
And finally, number three, ladies and gentlemen, is that we must recognize that today's farm programs are providing income support only. They are no longer used as a means by which we control production, control our output. Therefore, we must deal with the fact that under an income support program some of the very wealthiest Americans get taxpayer-funded income subsidies. Now, again, this is something that I will acknowledge to you is highly controversial, but I will tell you I put up a map here that shows farm payment recipients with red dots noted. For those of you in the front, you can see there are quite a few red dots, in fact some big dots on there as well representing some very, very large payments. Now, ladies and gentlemen, if this were Benton County, Indiana, or an agricultural county in Illinois, we'd have no problem here. This is what you'd expect to see because there are obviously a lot of hard-working farmers in those counties. Unfortunately though this map is a map of Manhattan. And I say Manhattan—that is not Manhattan, Kansas, ladies and gentlemen. This is Manhattan, New York City. If you track those very, very large red dots you will note that that yellow line is Park Avenue in New York City.
Now farm subsidies are paid for by tax dollars, ladies and gentlemen. And when we allow farm subsidies to go to situations like this along Park Avenue, New York City, which I am advised represents some of the most expensive real estate that exists in the world today, people who can afford to reside on Park Avenue, can we possibly think that we can justify giving them our very scarce farm program dollars? When we allow payments to go to people with adjusted gross incomes of more than $200,000, simply put we are asking that 98 percent of Americans to pay income subsidies to the 2 percent of the people who represent some of the wealthiest Americans that exist today.
And obviously, ladies and gentlemen, we live in a wealthy country. We have a lot of success stories of people who have done well for themselves, and they have created enormous wealth. Our point is, it's a great country, more power to those folks. Don't ask the 98 percent of the rest of Americans to be paying more income subsidies to these people who have fully realized the American dream. You can't justify that. I believe we risk jeopardizing support for any farm bill for the entire agricultural community and the safety net that I believe is so important to our producers out there. This is the kind of thing that, again, gets people pretty riled up. We've got to put an end to it. We've got to start spending taxpayer dollars to subsidize farmers who are truly in need.
With so much on the table and so much at stake, there should be enough incentive for all sides, I believe, to find a way to narrow our differences, to come together on a bill that will deliver real benefits, a real safety net to American farmers who need it, and of course to the American public who benefits from it.
Three points I've outlined are the strong basis for the beginning of a reform-minded bill, one that is not dependent on the government getting bigger, one that targets benefits toward those most in need, and certainly one that delivers the most help when producers need it the most, not when they need it the least. These are three fundamental points, changes made that I regard as being easy changes to make. If these changes are made, we are well on our way towards wrapping this farm bill up in very short order.
It's taken a lot of work, ladies and gentlemen, for us to get where we are today. I want to note for those of us at USDA this is not a new process. As we began our 52 Farm Bill Listening Forums over two years ago, in fact in the summer of 2005 we began preparing for this farm bill as we collected comments from producers literally from all over the country, over 4,000 comments from producers who came to the microphone to share with us what their thoughts were. This started us off on the road to reform, started us off along the lines of what I've outlined today, to modernize our farm programs in order to respond to these new market conditions which have changed so dramatically for us just in the last two years.
One of those changing market realities that I do want to note for us currently as well as in the future is that growing force again on agricultural trade. That is why I'm very pleased that the Senate voted yesterday to approve the Peru Free Trade Agreement by a strong bipartisan vote of 77 to 18. I don't think the Senate's voted that wide a margin on anything for the last five years that I'm aware of, but a strong, strong vote. This is an important step forward. With the House now having approved the Free Trade Agreement it is ready to go into effect. On the first day that it's in force, 90 percent of our food and agricultural products will enter Peru duty-free, 90 percent. Soybeans, soybean products, range from 4 to 12 percent. All of those duties will be removed. We will export more soybeans, we will export more wheat. All these products, again, have very, very high tariffs currently.
In the end, American producers sold nearly $333 million of agricultural goods to Peru. We believe with their growing middle class, this is a very, very important market, and there's plenty of room to grow this. The American Farm Bureau Federation estimates that we can more than double these gains in a fairly short period of time. That's why we support Peru, why we're going to continue to press as well for other pending free trade agreements that have with Panama, South Korea and Colombia. If Congress ratifies these agreements, our ag producers will enjoy additional markets that represent over $3 billion for us in a very, very short term.
While there is much that can be achieved through these bilateral agreements, I will note as well that the Administration continues to work hard, to work aggressively on the Doha Round of international trade talks for a multilateral agreement involving many, many nations. Reaching a multilateral agreement that lowers tariff barriers, trade barriers around the globe, will simply benefit American ag producers.
An important thing to note, ladies and gentlemen, is in the future there's going to be a tremendous population growth in this world. There's going to be a tremendous increase in the number of middle class people on this planet. But guess what! That is not going to occur in the United States, and if we want to export to these people, want to export to all this new population in places like India, China, elsewhere, if we want to export to this new middle class which is going to be improving and upgrading their diets, we simply have to have trade barriers removed. To me it's absolutely fundamental for future prosperity of American agriculture.
To keep you fully updated on the trade front, do know that I will be heading for China later this week as part of a delegation dealing with trade along with economic and environmental issues as well. As our number one market for soybeans and cotton, China has been moving up, as many of you know, in the ranks. It's now our fifth largest overseas market for agricultural products.
One sign things are rapidly changing is that next year we expect China to move up to fourth place, and they will actually be a larger market for our agricultural goods than all the European Union combined.
You know better than anyone that foreign trade does matter, and that's why, again, we are working hard to maintain our existing export markets while gaining new market access opportunities for our producers going forward. Through the farm bill, through free trade agreements, through Doha we believe we have a tremendously bright future to build together. I just thank you for your organization, for the interest that you have shown in our work at USDA for the support that you have given us through your leadership. We want to continue to work with you. We know that you have interests and want to be vigorously involved as well in these debates. I thank you for having me here today, and really again look forward to that continued dialogue that I know we will have with your organization.
So thank you all very much.
MODERATOR: We have just a few moments. I think the schedule is a little compressed but I believe we still have time for just a couple questions. Is the plan to bring them up on cards?
SEC. CONNER: If I can read your writing, I promise I won't screen these questions. The question is, do you support the limited use of existing CRP acreage as part of the dedicated energy crop for use in cellulosic ethanol production? Great question. This was something that was a part of our farm bill recommendations where we proposed creating a CRP style program that would operate much like the current CRP, have great environmental benefits associated with it, but, but allow some harvesting, timed harvesting, on that land for purposes of producing cellulosic ethanol.
This is something I will tell you that has created a lot of interest on the Hill. We're continuing to press it. I think we still may stand a chance of getting some authorities in the final farm bill for this purpose. There's always going to be demand for a CRP that looks much like the current CRP. We are champions of that. We also feel like there can be additional acreage out there that given an economic opportunity to produce some biomass off that land, you get environmental benefits, you get energy benefits. To me that's a win/win, and we would like to see that happen.
The next question is, does the recent WTO ruling on the U.S. cotton program impact farm policy going forward? It does impact a great deal. I mentioned in my remarks that one of the big concerns we have about both the House and Senate versions of the farm bill is, both of those bills increase our level of trade-distorting supports beyond the current farm bill. And in this WTO cotton case, that was a challenge to provisions in the current bill, and we've lost those challenges. We've vigorously defending our farm bill, appealed it at all the appropriate time, but the simple fact is that we have lost. And now Brazil is contemplating retaliation against us.
To go back and actually add, if you will, fuel to the fire by further raising support prices even beyond the levels that have already been challenged successfully you can argue is going in the wrong direction. It's not going to provide stability in terms of our farm programs out there. It's going to probably result in a lot of consternation around the world, and that's not what our U.S. producers need.
Third question is, How serious are the ethanol infrastructure issues which appear to be stalling planned new production plants?
Great question. I've noted that ethanol has come under some fire of late in a lot of the popular press. Certainly we're in a situation right now where ethanol prices are substantially cheaper than what regular unleaded gasoline is selling for. Having said that, we've had a tremendous growth in ethanol production in this country, remarkable, many felt impossible. But we're going to roughly be by next year in the 8 to 9 billion gallon range, something like that, okay? Understand in this country we consume 140 billion gallons of unleaded gasoline, 140 billion. So if you take a 10 percent ethanol blend, not counting E-85, anything like that, but just a straight 10 percent, that's 14 billion gallons of ethanol right there.
So what is my point? My point is, I still see a tremendous upside potential here. I see Congress as well being very, very interested in following the President's suggestion for a change in the renewable fuel standard. The current RFS is actually 7.5 billion gallons, so we're about there right now and going to exceed that pretty considerably. I see Congress raising that RFS, perhaps in the 20 to 30 billion gallon range.
And so we're going to continue to need biofuel capacity in this country. It's not to say there's not going to be market movements; things go up and down during periods of time where perhaps the market economics will slow down, investment a little bit. These are naturally occurring events in a marketplace. But the long-term projections in terms of where I see demand for these fuels going suggests we're still going to need a lot of capacity out there.
Okay, Mike. Thank you again. It's great to be with all you guys. Thank you all very much.


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Tone Trezure and band practice for an upcoming performance
Tuesday, January 29, 2013 12:57 PM
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Lauren Justice | MLive.com LaTonya Givens practices with her band at her home in Flint Saturday, January 26. LaTonya Givens, also known as Tone Trezure, is a Flint singer who has worked with major names such as Snoop Dogg and Rick Ross. In February, she will release "Pepper Russell: Live In Stereo," a solo album over a collection of previously-released instrumentals by legendary Detroit producer James "J Dilla" Yancey.
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May 26, 2012 at 8:30 AM until 3:00 PM
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Walk/5k Run for Autism! Sponsored by Alive! with Autism- Saturday, May 26th- Run registration begins at 8:30- $20 registration fee- Walk Registration begins at 10- $5 donation- Food by Orlando's, DJ, Prizes, Raffles, Zumba, Bee Bop Clubhouse, Bricks for Kids, Support and Information!


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Our dune-hanging humble abode faces the tip of Cape Cod's Monomoy Island, where this past summer great whites feasted on an overabundance of seals. While shark attacks in our waters are as scarce as hens' teeth, I still found myself looking over my shoulder as I snorkeled and dove here and there.
When I saw the aerial photo of a great white this summer circling the seals in an area of ocean where our family fishes for stripers and blues from kayaks, I determined we should not drag our fish through the water on stringers. It would be like holding the door open to the chicken coop for the local entourage of fox and coyotes.
Rene Lariviere and yours truly, fishing from kayaks, had large stripers pull our small craft through the waters like giant tuna pulling large dories in a Casco Bay surf surging.
Rene's big bass actually pulled his kayak a good quarter of a mile. Can you imagine what speed a railroad size white could pull you at?
The sharks this past summer were tagged by our state marine biologists. In their wisdom the toothy ones apparently winter in Florida as great whites tagged here showed up there this January, according to Massachusetts Marine Fisheries Senior Biologist Greg Skomal.
So why the question whether or not these big brothers to behemoths are interested in me? It could be my fatso factor.
Back to last winter, I was the only one in the waters off Florida's Henderson Island when a woman entering the surf asked me to move out further. I was curious as to why she wanted me to move seaward, my having used a man's deodorant that a.m.
She informed me that she lived high up in a nearby condo and had spotted large sharks cruising just off shore and wanted someone between them and her. Makes sense. For her.
This peeved me for a moment, and I thought of taking a deep breath and swimming underwater unbeknownst to her and grabbing her thigh in a shark like grip. But then I wondered what I would look like without a scalp. But I did move between her and the shore.
Skomal is presently studying info gained on the Massachusetts electronic monitoring tag on the vacationing white possibly filling in a missing link of their travels.
S @ W AND CANCER HOUSE OF HOPE: Smith and Wesson will sponsor a live comedy show and hors d'oeuvres fund-raiser to benefit the Cancer House of Hope.
Chairman Bob Draper said the April 10 event will be at the St. Anthony's Parish Cedars Recreation Hall on Island Pond Road, Springfield.
Jim Colliton, who has appeared on Comcast Comedy Spot Light, Comedy Central Laugh Riots and Ed. McMahon's Next Big Star, will be featured along with John Turco, one of the busiest comedians in the nation, and P.J. Walsh, a leading New England Comedian.
Teddie Barrett of Teddie B Comedy will be host with hors d'oeuvres served from 6 p.m. to 7.15 when the comedy time explodes on scene.
It is a great time for shooters and non-shooters to join a fantastic cause and have a laughing good time. Draper said tickets may be purchased from committee members or from Dick Lanier at 413-335-5434 or the House of Hope art 413-562-0110.
There will also be a cash bar, raffles, fund-raising games and iPod Music.
JOE BUCKHOLZ: If you had to come up with a perfect example of a hard nosed-soft hearted person in the mode of the late hockey and benevolent individual Eddy Shore, it would be Joe Buckholz, who died this week.
I had the good fortune to play with and against him in hockey for several decades. He demanded more of himself and those who played with and against him than any person I've ever met. He was as hard-nosed as a forged steel ax head. Among other things, he led the nation in scoring when he played at American International College.
The hockey-breed band of brothers understood his philosophy of giving better than your best as did fans over the years.
So much for hard nose. As outstanding as Joe was on ice, his heart was all warming embers back on planet earth. His dedication to the Shriners and their Hospital for Crippled Children, and their goal in life, the cost-free treatment of special medical cases from all over the world, was on top of the top self.
I can picture him to this day blazing down the ice, eyes blinking "goal to be scored," as well as the gentleness of his eyes for the kids while playing away with the Shriners "Omp-pah" band, while outfitted in his lederhosen.
Joe could dance on the bench after a hockey victory or on the table for clapping children, catching us all up in his joy of accomplishing.
PISTOL SAFETY COURSE: Holyoke Revolver Club will offer an NRA Basic Pistol Safety Courts Feb. 20 from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at its indoor range at 431 West Cherry St., Holyoke. Pre-registration must be made by Feb. 13. Call 413-539-9345 and leave your telephone number or go to www.holyokerevolverclub.com
Hands on shooting experience, skills introduction and improvement, safety and attitude necessary for owning a gun will be offered. NRA and Massachusetts Certificates of Completion will be issue.
HAMPTON PONDS DERBY: The Waste Management Fishing Derby will be Feb. 7 at Hampton Ponds, Westfield, from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. with sign-up at the state pavilion. Proceeds will go to the Clean Lakes Fund.
Thank you Al Witek for reminding me of the correct spelling of Hampton Ponds.
HEAR RIVERS ADVOCATE: Russ Cohen, MassWildlife Riverways Program, Division of Ecological Restoration, will be speaker at the Feb. 9, 7.30 p.m. meeting of the Trout Unlimited Pioneer Valley Chapter at the West Springfield/Agawam Lodge of Elks.
FREE FLY TYING CLASSES: Trout Unlimited Pioneer Chapter president Paul Beaulieu said free beginners fly tying courses will be held Feb. 10, 17 and 24 starting at 7 p.m. with Rene Huard in charge. All equipment and material will be provided. Call Huard at 413-563-0067 to register.
Free intermediate tying classes are slated for March 3, 10, 17 and 24 starting at 7 p.m. and will be taught by Jim Turcotte. Call him at 413-527-5863. Materials will be supplied, but tyers should bring their own tools.
Classes will be held at the West Springfield/Agawam Elks at 422 Morgan Rd., West Springfield.
QUABBIN SEASON FEES: Quabin Reservoir season parking and launching fees passes will be $50 and are available at the Quabbin Administration Building. The pass is $25 for seniors 62 and over. Passes will also be available at the boat launch areas during the season.
ICE DERBY WINNERS: A 10.77-pound northern pike taken by Sean Johnson was the largest fish landed at the recent South Hadley Sporting Club derby. George Allen reported other category winners were George Dorman II, 1.87-pound bass; Pete Edge, 1.41-pound perch; Foster Webster, 3.89-pound pickerel; Ken Wojcik, 1.52-pound calico bass; Dave Steinbeck, 1.25-pound bullhead.
TO CATCH A CROOK: Ron Hanley of Westfield has a very legitimate complaint about the taking of stocked trout way beyond the limit out of the Westfield River. Ron suggested that we return to a rule of latter days when you had to wear your license on display so law breakers could be turned in.
In part, I agree with him. But the license would have to be much larger than our present one. And perhaps required wearing could only be for fishing. During the hunting season licenses are often torn off clothing in rough cover and without the wearer realizing it.
There is definitely a need for additional Environmental Police Officers, harsher fines and even jail for repeat offenders for those who steal from you and me.
EXTRA SMILES: The whitetail season always brings smiles to my face as thoughts of long gone friends go with me. Smiles always abound as I look around and see sons and grandsons out there with me.
But there is always that extra smile.
This past season there was an extra smile as Joey Snopek, whom I've known since he was a little squirt, emailed his mother Virginia while deer hunting that while he wasn't seeing deer he thought of my philosophy about being smart enough to be out there, soaking sun, considering a nap, enjoying the smells of nature.
During the 2008 season my smile became an outright laugh. I spotted two women walking through the deep woods, one outfitted in a brown jacket with a fur collar.
I went to them, told him of possible problems looking like a deer and all and gave them my orange knit cap to wear out of the woods.
Hunting buddy Rene Lariviere later told me, "You won't believe this, but two women were walking through the woods waving a long stick with an orange hat on it." The alltime tops laugh in the deer woods was years ago while hunting in a heavy, thigh deep snow when I heard loud music and spotted an old gentleman, then 88 years old, "I'm Mister Byrd," sashaying through the snow.
He was wearing 10-foot long wooden skis, had a shotgun slung over his shoulder, ski poles in his hands, and a blaring radio around his neck.
When I asked him, "Doesn't the loud music frighten off the deer?"
His answer, my favorite classic to this day, was, "Aaa-Yup, some it does. Somes like it. Them's the ones I get."
HORNED FEMALES: I've seen a few female devils on wheels over the years, but we're talking about wild bovids, such as antelope.
Biology professor Ted Stankowich, in the most recent UMass Magazine, said his survey of 117 bovid species suggests an answer to a question that even stumped famed evolutionary scientist Charles Darwin might be coming to light.
The study indicates that the evolution of horns in certain females is driven by natural selection to enhance their ability to defend themselves and their young against predators in open habitat, and female territoriality instincts can explain horns on 80 of the 82 species involved.
CROWDED DOWN THERE? Hunting, gun collecting, and his 36-year-old Pontiac were favorites of Lonnie Holloway of Saluda, N.C., who proved wrong the old saying "You can't take it with you.'
Dressed in his best Sunday-go-to-church clothes, complete with a fedora on his head, and a crisp new $100 bill in his pocket, he was lowered into his bulldozer-dug grave.
His rifles and shotguns were in the trunk, and his six handguns were on the passenger seat beside him. Wonder what he expected down there.
The pastor performing the graveside service indicated it would be some time before they saw a similar burial, according to Slugs and Plugs.
That could be the understatement of the year.
QUABBIN BOAT CLEANING: The new Quabbin Reservoir Boat Inspection is required for all vessels which do not currently have an official Quabbin Boat Seal, QBS. To certify your boat you can either have the boat inspected and sealed this winter prior to Feb. 20, or have your boat washed and sealed in early April. Boats currently with a QBS are not required to be re-inspected or re-sealed as long as the QBS is intact when brought for launch.
The Cold Weather Quarantine seals boats to their trailers for a minimum of nine weeks, a period sufficient to kill zebra mussels. To make a required inspection contact the Quabbin Visitor Center at 413-323-7221 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. until Feb. 5 with sealing and inspection to take place prior to Feb. 20. There is no cost to boat owners. Boats and trailers must be clean and in good condition prior to treatment.
What fun it was being a decoy for great white sharks
Am I being pursued by great white sharks?


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The criminals in uniform: Almost 1,000 officers with convictions from drug dealing to perverting justice are still in the police - an article in today's Daily Mail:
And how many criminal records are being whitewashed and ignored?
Even worse: how many criminal records are not even created by lies, perjury, bribes and other 'misconduct in public office'?
What difference does it make whether a judge listening to Maurice as a witness in the Musa hearing calls him a liar or whether he has digital video and photo as proof that he speaks the truth? Maurice said that the Musa case is far more serious than him being in prison for a few weeks... He knew he was being set up to be arrested.
But what difference does it make whether 'ordinary people' with common sense speak their mind thanks to blogs and websites, while 'experts' with their 'coded language' abuse their powers of office? Does "sub judice" make sense in the 21st century and the age of internet?
Or is the "ruling assumption" that the gods in white (doctors), police officers, lawyers and court staff MUST always be right and "the public" IS always wrong? The ruling opinion is the opinion of rulers!
But there is one consolation: on their death bed they will remember! Then their conscience clicks in, even if it has been ignored during most of their life time...
Look Sabine - and with respect; you have posted here previously of being a 'learner' in matters of the law.
'Sub judice' is an important part of the law to both parties in a dispute. The laws are there - they are not being applied correctly that is the problem we all have with the current crop of bent and corrupt judiciarymen - oh and to be oh so PC and judiciarywomen.
Be careful of your own personal bias and conflicts of interest - in how you 'steer threads' / 'new blogs' on Mr Maurice Kirks website - that's good advice so please take it in the manner that it is meant.
It is hoped that the 'intelligence' [?] officer who gave evidence on oath at the recent [mis]trial at Cardiff Magistrates Court on 29th November 2011 - is still taking "screen-shots" of this website.
Her "cherrypicking" of 'only certain' pages from this website - may well backfire [excuse the machine gun pun!] on her Master dictator Mr John Charles very shortly - but legally and lawfully of course! Ho Hum - and humpty dumpty ......
The world of psychiatry and the world view of psychiatry "IMPLODED" when Sally Clark was released from prison.
That Sir Prof Roy Meadows' theory of MSbP was blown out of the sea - was the moment "in history" that the world of psychiatric duplicity was blown up.
What's more is that from that same moment - The Judiciary throughout the Family Court system also blew itself up. why?
Because it was shown that so many of the Judiciary had in "FACT" been using the likes of Meadows to conveniently make judgments and rulings against so many innocents - to make their - the "Judiciary's lifes" so much more easy; rather than have to actually go through a proper court process whereupon factual [absolute] evidence would be used to determine who was lying and who was not lying.
It was a very convenient tool [MSbP] which so many judges used. Their problem is that they are still using the bunkum to close down "The Truth the whole truth and nothing but the truth" - because they as a trade body - are reticent to admit that they - are the ultimate guilty for many miscarriages of justice and the sad death of Sally Clark.
That so many Meadows accolites (Quacks) 'still practice their bunkum and with the nod of the judiciary is a crime against humanity.
The quacks of course are still afforded immunity from prosecution for their lying duplicity in court to date - and why is that M'luds? Why indeed? - Here's one answer - because the Judges have been caught on a hook of their own 'casting' - they just don't want to admit it - because to do so would show that they 'too' are not fit for any purpose in the 21st Century.
There is direct relevance to Kirk's travails:
The Leveson Inquiry (A whitewash being played out every day) with soooooo many "Actors" and "Editors" who themselves have become the story!
Which Editor or invertebrate lower sub ...orned journo / hack / hackette is going to state to Leveson -
But M'Lud we as a trade body [Hacks] are all 'suborned' under the very Media Laws that you lot (The Judiciary) have formed up and tweaked over the decades .... to "protect yourselves above all else" ..... and quite frankly the public have caught us all out - so when push comes to shove -
unfortunately we [hacks] are going to have to run with the masses - and quite frankly - you lot really are the most sick perverts trying to hold onto the belief that you are above the law - when you are not. You lot actually are the only group of people who do need psychiatric examination.
The Times online and the Sun never apologised to Kirk - for smearing him .... in their publications why were they allowed to do it - but more importantly get away with it - if they were not pumping for their cohorts & masters [The Dirty wigged brigade - oh... and The Dirty Digger too] in order to keep the masses oppressed?
Having seen the Restraining Order - it does not specifically state that the Order itself cannot be mentioned here.
There also appears to be no proper "Court Seal" on the Order .....
Furthermore Maurice Kirk has the lawful right to appeal against the conviction for harassment (and therein the follow on R Order) but it appears as if his attempts to launch an appeal - which to repeat he has a lawful and legal right to do - are being 'blocked' - "Unlawfully" and possibly by members of the Prison Service .....
It's not ultimately about the quacks [allowing themselves to be used for ulterior PURPOSES]anymore - its about the Corrupt evil tyrannical Judges - who day by day are 'hiving themselves off' deeper into their spiders web of deceit, deception and duplicity.
Humpty dumpty .... sat on a WALL .....
At the 29th November 2011 Cardiff Magistrates Court hear..(oops) Trial several witnesses and notably only for the prosecution took oath and gave 'testimony' under oath and presumably under the penalty of perjury.
It was noteably noted on contemperaneous notes taken at the trial; as it had been acsertained (during a recess) from the clerk of the court Mr Williams that there was no recording of the proceedings being taken - that not one witness made any reference whatsoever in their oral testimony to the absolute "fact" that Mr Kirk had been acquitted in his Crown Court Criminal Jury Trial - The Machine Gun Trial.
The strange, odd and bizarre lack of "any mention whatsoever" of the Machine Gun Trial acquittal leads to the question of why no reference could be made to the Machine Gun Trial acquittal?
Could it be that it was because the Acquittal ought to have been if indeed it was not - "relied upon" to face off the charges in the lesser court jurisdiction of the Cardiff MAGISTRATES COURT Trial?
Indeed smoke 'n mirrors deception, duplicity and perversions of the course of justice do appear to have come into play(acting). The key is was it to protect the higher so called authorities who have erred despicably in their so called professional capacities?
To be continued .... in the interests of justice not only being seen to be done - but being actually done and in the greater public interest.
District Judge John Charles wants Veterinary Surgeon Maurice John Kirk's head on a platter. To destroy, control and use Mr Kirk as a trophy.
A cat will play with its prey before it eats it.
Telling the truth is a crime. Bro John Charles does not want to hear the truth. He is not going to allow anything in his Court that may possibly be in Maurice Kirk's favour.


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A once vacant lot near Christ First United Methodist Church has been transformed into a usable space by several Girl Scouts.
Led by volunteers Tanya Anderson, Terry Smith and Karen Cotten, and in conjunction with several members of Christ First United Methodist Church in Jamestown, local Girl Scouts completed the renovations this summer.
Upon completing the project, Emily Mager, Xiane Smith, Hannah Anderson, Emily Anderson and Kaitlin Healy received the Silver Award, the highest award a cadette can earn. Chiara Raimondo helped with the project, but was unable to earn the award due to illness.
Article Photos
After renovating a vacant lot near Christ First United Methodist Church on Lakeview Avenue in Jamestown, several Girl Scouts received the Silver Award, the highest award a cadette can earn. Pictured from left are: Emily Mager, Xiane Smith, Hannah Anderson, Emily Anderson and Kaitlin Healy. Not pictured is Chiara Raimondo.
Submitted photo
According to Cotten, in order to earn the Silver Award, the Girl Scouts had to complete a cadette "journey" in addition to the vacant lot renovations. The journey focused on the influence of the media and how it affected them. The journey included the completion of an activity book, which had three badges that formed a cube. It touched on television, social media, broadcasting and stereotypes. It also gave the girls the opportunity to record a commercial. The service project focused on making a lasting impact on the local community, and that's why they chose to renovate the vacant lot.
"They chose this project because that lot was basically bare, and Hannah, Emily and Kaitlin attend church there," said Cotten. "The neighbors were most appreciative because the lot was formerly a house that burnt down. We turned it into a garden area that the church can use. The girls did all the work, and they communicated with the church to understand what they wanted the lot to be. They put in a patio, did some gardening, built a trellis, planted a tree and more. It's not only that they did the project, but also that they developed leadership, organizational and communication skills. And, it's an ongoing project that the girls will continue next year to make sure that everything is still growing and replace anything that needs it."
Charlie Hodges, coordinator of mission and outreach for Christ First United Methodist Church, worked with the Girl Scouts to help them complete the project.
"The church was able to pick up the vacant lot at auction, and as we try to reach outside the walls of the church, it was a logical move to connect with our neighborhood," said Hodges. "When the Girls Scouts came along looking for a project and made a suggestion of turning it into a garden area, we were very receptive to that. Since some of the girls are members of the church, it was a logical connection for us to work in the neighborhood with them to make it a better place to be."
After completing the project, Hannah and Emily Anderson decided it would be their last project as members of the Girl Scouts because now that they are getting older their schedules are becoming much busier.
"It means a lot that we received the Silver Award to put on our vest, because it looks good and it was a lot of work to earn it," said Emily. "It's something to be proud of, and it shows that you care about your community. The vacant lot was just sitting there unused, and now people can go there to enjoy the space."
"There's not a lot of open spaces in the city anymore, and I thought it was important that we have something like that," said Hannah. "We had to design the space first, talk to the elders of the church to see what they wanted, find different local businesses and organizations to contribute to the project, and then track all the stuff that we did. I'd definitely recommend being a Girl Scout to anyone interested because you get community service out of it, you learn lessons and how to be a better person."
According to their mother, Tanya Anderson, the Girl Scout program isn't just great for kids; it's also a great opportunity for parents to volunteer and spend time with their children.
"There are tons of volunteerism opportunities; they encourage program trips and camping," said Anderson. "My girls' vests are full of badges and patches from participating in a lot of events and completing tasks."
In March, Girl Scouts across the nation celebrated the 100th anniversary of the scouting tradition. The Girl Scout program began in March of 1912 when founding member Juliette Gordon Low officially signed on the first 18 Girl Scouts of the United States. According to Low's official biography on girlscouts.org, she believed that the program should give its members the opportunity to develop self-reliance and resourcefulness. She encouraged girls to prepare not only for traditional homemaking, but also for future roles as professional women.
"Nationally a high percentage of women who are in leadership roles were at one time in the Girl Scout program," said Cotten. "It used to be, 'Sell cookies and go camping,' which is sometimes a lost art, but it has become a program that develops leaders. It offers them a whole variety of experiences that they might not get anywhere else."
The Christ First United Methodist Church is located at 663 Lakeview Ave. in Jamestown. For more information on the national Girls Scouts program, visit www.girlscouts.org. For information on the Girl Scouts of Western New York, call 837-6400 or visit www.gswny.org.


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The New York Jets knew which teams they were going to face for a while and now they know in which order.
The NFL released the 2014 regular season schedule Wednesday night. While the draft is still a couple weeks away, the Jets have made all their big signings and --- while head coach Rex Ryan likes to say every position is in play come training camp -- the club has largely taken shape.
Let's take a look at which player will need to step it up each week during the 2014 season.
Week 1 vs. Raiders QB Geno Smith
This, obliviously, assumes Smith is named the starter out of training camp, hardly a certainty. If it hasn't started already in the preseason, the second-guessing and calls for Michael Vick -- who the Jets signed this offseason -- will begin if Smith stumbles this early.
Week 2 at Packers CB Dee Milliner
An injured collarbone forced Packers QB Aaron Rodgers to miss six games. A healthy Rodgers could be trouble for the Jets, who didn't upgrade their defensive backs -- at least in free agency -- who were gashed regularly last season. Ryan said he expects Milliner make strides this season. Here's his first big test.
Week 3 vs. Bears RG Willie Colon
Chicago loaded up on pass rushers this offseason, including Jared Allen. The Jets re-signed Colon to a one-year deal, who is an adequate in pass protection. He'll have his hands full in this game.
Week 4 vs. vs. Lions DT Sheldon Richardson
Richardson, the reigning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, didn't compile many sacks last season. Just 3 1/2. Getting to Detroit QB Matthew Stafford would be a priority here.
Week 5 at Chargers WR Eric Decker
The Jets landed arguably the top receiver on the market. He'll have Smith (or Vick) throwing to him instead of Peyton Manning, but matching up against the Chargers -- who have a solid passing attack -- would be a good measure.
Week 6 vs. Broncos CB Dimitri Patterson
There could be a rookie in this spot if the Jets lean toward nabbing a a defensive back in the first couple rounds of the draft. Patterson is coming off an injury-plagued 2013 season with the Miami Dolphins, so it'll be interesting to see how he handles Peyton Manning and the Broncos.
Week 7 at Patriots RB Chris Johnson
If Johnson wants to return to his 2000-yard days, he should be able to do run all over the Patriots. New England was 30th in run defense in the league last season.
Week 8 vs. Bills WR Jacoby Ford
Ford will likely be a third or fourth receiver, especially if the Jets use one of the picks in next month's draft on a receiver. But Ford, a free agent acquisition, does have speed and could be useful against a stingy Bills secondary.
Week 9 at Chiefs C Nick Mangold
Mangold earned his fifth Pro Bowl selection last season and could be key in this contest. The Chiefs were 22nd in yards allowed against the run, although the additions of LB Joe Mays and DE Vance Walker could pose issues for the Jets' offensive line.
Week 10 vs. Steelers FB Tommy Bohanon
Pittsburgh has missed the playoff two seasons in a row, much of that having to do with a defense that has been anything but a Steel Curtain. The Steelers have tried to address that in free agency, signing defensive lineman Cam Thomas, safety Mike Mitchell and linebacker Arthur Moats. Bohanon, who is adept at catching passes out of the backfield, could be an asset in this game.
Week 11: Bye
Week 12 at Bills NT Damon Harrison
Harrison could be the Jets' biggest bargain on the roster. (His cap number in 2014 is $572,333.) The former undrafted free agent has been one of the Jets' top run stoppers, not a bad thing when going up against a Bills team that averaged the second most yards per game in 2013.
Week. 13 vs. Dolphins TE Jeff Cumberland
The Jets inked Cumberland to a three-year deal this offseason, evidence that he'll likely be the go-to tight end in 2014. Smith/Vick could use his contributions here.
Week 14 at Vikings LB David Harris
Harris compiled a team-high 123 tackles last season and as an interior linebacker will be vital to stopping Minnesota's Adrian Peterson.
Week 15 at Titans DL Muhammad Wilkerson
Sure, this is Johnson's return to Tennessee, but what better way to show the Titans they made a mistake by releasing their former star running back than shutting down the run? Enter Wilkerson, who had his 2014 option exercised by the Jets earlier this month.
Week 16 vs. Patriots S Dawan Landry
There was some talk that Jets may want to upgrade this position, something they could still do in the draft. But Landry has shown to be a solid safety, even if he finished with just one interception last season. Grabbing one against Brady in this game would surely boost how fans feel about.
Week 17 at Dolphins QB Michael Vick
A victory over the Dolphins in Week 17 last year saved Ryan's job. The Jets made some splashy moves this offseason, including bringing in Vick. We'll likely see Vick in a regular season game at some point. Could he be the answer to leading the Jets back to playoffs?


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fashion, October 24, 2016
fashion, October 21, 2016
RESTAURANTS , July 2, 2015
RECIPES, January 28, 2014
So what is it like to dine at the best new restaurant in the country? Thanks to our New Orleans in-laws, we paid a visit to Pêche in New Orleans just before it won the James Beard Award. Book your dinner reservation around the same time you book your plane tickets to New Orleans, and you too should have no problem getting into this friendly, democratic but still fabulous institution. (more…)


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What is in this article?:
"While people love the flavor of peanuts, peanut butter, and other peanut products, they don't always understand how nutritious and healthful they are,"says Sherry Coleman Collins, who discussed major health studies and the peanut industry's new ad campaign at the annual conference of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.
STEVEN BYRD, from left, Byrd Farms, Ariton, Ala.; and Jerry Byrd, Ariton, Ala., George Jefcoat, Gordo, Ala., and Boyd Deal, Ariton, Ala., all with Alabama Peanut Producers Association; were among those attending the annual conference of the Southern Peanut Farmers Federation.
Many don't have needed medication
As many as 30 percent of respondents with school age children say they know someone who has had a severe reaction to peanuts, Collins says, and more than half of those who say they have someone in the household with peanut allergy don't have epinephrine, the life-saving medication for those who actually do have a reaction to peanuts.
"While we're working to offset all misconceptions about peanut allergies," she says, "we're increasing our efforts in three specific areas: case files, media, and consumers. We have an expanded school outreach program; in addition to working with school nurses and dietitians, we're also trying to reach superintendents, school board members, and decision-makers at the top who can help us to offset these misconceptions."
To help with this, Collins says, the peanut organization has a Patient Advisory Committee, which includes food allergy expects, researchers, National Restaurant Association food allergy specialists, and attorneys that specialize in school law.
"A new website, peanutallergy.com, will be a great resource for schools, families, health professionals, and consumers, to help dispel the myths related to peanut allergies. It emphasizes the message that 'America's peanut farmers care,' and they are the ones funding this resource.
"We also monitor the media for common allergy misinformation. Every day, we address errors that appear in the media."
"We have challenges, of course," Collins says, "but there is a lot of opportunity for peanuts, and with the work of the National Peanut Board, we are more and more going to see consumer minds being changed."


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DETROIT -- Count Kenny Rogers among the players dead-set against instant replay in baseball.
The Tigers left-hander was adamant that technology does not belong in the game, and that it's an insult to umpires.
Major League Baseball announced Tuesday it will begin instant replay review with Thursday's games, but only for home run calls.
"I'm against it for a lot of reasons, mainly that it's a slap in the face of umpires who have been here a long time and done a very good job with difficult situations in all aspects of the game," Rogers said before Tuesday's game against Cleveland.
"I say leave it alone, stay where you were and let the guys on the field call the game as they see it."
The decision arose out of a brief period in May where three separate home run calls appeared to be wrong on TV replays. Rogers said baseball overreacted.
"I think we've overshot the mark by far just because, in a Yankee game, I guess, somebody didn't get a homer," he said.
"Nobody wants to make mistakes, especially an umpire, but they're doing the best they can and that's always enough. If its not (enough) for certain hierarchy, I think that's a shame. They don't understand the game the way its meant to be played, with all its faults for every human individual out there."
Rogers doesn't care that replay has proven successful in other sports.
"I don't think we have to follow the direction of other sports," he said.
"I like the individual interpretation of the game to be as valid input as any video. That's part of the beauty of the game."
Tigers catcher Brandon Inge sided with Rogers.
"Where does it stop?" Inge said. "Before long, it's going to be balls and strikes, calls at the plate, plays at first, third and second -- everything."
Odds & ends
Chris Lambert became the seventh Tiger this year to make his major-league debut when he started on the mound Tuesday night. The others were Eddie Bonine, Freddy Dolsi, Michael Holliman, Matt Joyce, Jeff Larish and Clete Thomas. Thats the most by a Tigers team since 2003, when seven players made their debuts. ... Dontrelle Willis left his pitching assignment in Toledo on Monday night after one inning with sitffness in his forearm. He allowed two hits and one run. ... Double A Erie outfielder Wilkin Ramirez has been named to the Eastern League All-Star team. Ramirez is batting .308 with 19 homers and 72 RBIs.


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The latest traffic, travel, weather, sport, entertainment, comment and breaking news updates from WalesOnline, covering the whole of Wales.
You can contribute to the live blog by posting your comment below or you can also tweet us @walesonline to share the news that's breaking in your area.
Our Wales Live service begins at 10am on the weekend and is updated throughout the day.
FIRE: Two men have been taken to hospital following a house fire in Carmarthenshire.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Service were called to a detached, two-storey house in Hafod Road, Tycroes, near Ammanford, at 4.21pm on Monday.
A fire service spokesman said: "The house had been extensively damaged and the cause of the fire will be investigated."
Three crews used two hose jets, two thermal imaging cameras and an aerial appliance to bring the fire under control. The crews remained on site until 8.07pm.
The A483 was closed in both directions with diversions in place as emergency services dealt with the incident.
Mid and West Wales Fire and Service could not immediately confirm local reports that an explosion caused the house fire.
ROADS A494 Park Road: Traffic flowing freely on A494 Park Road between School Road / Market Street (Tesco Roundabout) and Denbigh Road / Clwyd Street (Park Place hotel).
ROADS: Slow traffic reported on A48 inbound at B4237 Cardiff Road approaching the Pont Ebbw roundabout.
Pontypridd traffic update: A broken down bus removed on B4273 Berw Road, around Ynys-Gyfeillon road. The road is now clear.
ROADS A55 Flintshire-westbound: One lane closed and queueing traffic due to overturned caravan on A55 Westbound between J32 A5026 (Holywell) and J31 A5026 / A5151 / B5122 ( Caerwys ). The road was initially closed by the accident, but lane two (of two) re-opened at 15:35.
South Wales Police can confirm that missing teenagers Jodie Bickerstaff and Curtis Palmer have both been found safe and well.
The teenagers who were reported missing from their homes on Wednesday, July 23 were found safe and well this afternoon.
South Wales Police can confirm that the pair were in the Barry area.
BREAKING NEWS: The body of a 70-year-old man has been recovered from the River Ogmore in Bridgend. Police were called to the scene near Bridgend Tennis Club – off Church Road and opposite the Recreation Centre – at 12.40pm today. South Wales Police spokeswoman said the man appears to have fallen down the river bank and has died. She added there were no suspicious circumstances and officers are now trying to contact his next of kin and establish exactly what happened.
Police in Barry want to question this woman following the theft of a DVD from W H Smiths, Holton Road, in Barry.
The DVD was stolen from W H Smiths in Barry on Friday, June 20 at around 2.45pm.
If you recognise her contact South Wales Police on 101 quoting reference number 14002245343.
NEWS: Police are appealing for information after a 30-year-old woman was assaulted in Cardiff.
Officers have released a CCTV image of a man they wish to speak to in connection with the incident.
The woman was assaulted on Sunday, May 11, about 3am.
She was walking down St Mary Street, and along Wharton Street when she was joined by a man. They then walked down across the Hayes before walking down Hills Street between the St David's shopping centres. The woman was then assaulted.
Cardiff CID Detective Constable Chris Lovejoy said: "We are appealing to anyone who may recall seeing anything suspicious in the area in the early hours of Sunday May 11th.
"We also want to hear from anyone who may recognise the person in this CCTV still."
Anyone with any information which may assist police in this investigation is asked to contact South Wales Police on 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
BREAKING NEWS: The notorious country cottage where child killer Mark Bridger is assumed to have murdered five-year-old April Jones has been bought by the Welsh Government so it can be demolished.
The detached holiday cottage in the village of Ceinws, surrounded by hills, rivers and lush green forestry, will be razed to the ground.
WHAT'S ON: Doctor Who fans will get the chance to mingle with the show's stars before the much-anticipated world premiere screening of the first episode of the new series this week - and you could be there too.
We've teamed up with show makers BBC Wales to give away one pair of tickets for Western Mail readers and one pair for South Wales Echo readers.
Peter Capaldi, the 12th Doctor, and Jenna Coleman, his on-screen companion Clara, will be meeting the public as they walk up the red carpet outside Cardiff Central Library at the event this Thursday at 11.30am.
ROADS: In Cardiff the A4055 Cardiff Road is closed in both directions and traffic is slow due to a single car accident between Palmerston Road and Gladstone Road/ Holton Road.
Emergency services in attendance near ARC car wash. A local diversion is in place.
And in Flintshire, an overturned lorry is causing problems on the A55 westbound.
Traffic is queueing and one lane is closed between J32 A5026 (Holywell) and J31 A5026 / A5151 / B5122 (Caerwys).
Emergency services at scene in lane one (of two).
COURTS: A football fan bit off part of his partner's ear, broke her jaw and left her fearing she would be killed in a brutal attack after watching England lose their World Cup opener.
David Barr was jailed for six years for battering, strangling and punching, kicking and biting his terrified victim.
NEWS: We've got more on that crash in Grangetown now...
Two women were taken to hospital after a crash involving a brick wall in Grangetown, Cardiff.
The pair were involved in an accident with a heavy goods vehicle on Ferry Road on Monday, about 12.30pm.
A South Wales Fire & Rescue spokesman said: "We were called to the crash at 12.30pm to the roundabout near Ikea on Ferry Road in Grangetown.
"On arrival we encountered a crash between a heavy vehicle and a private car.
"One female self rescued and one elderly woman was cut out of the car by crews. They were both taken to hospital by ambulance.
"Police were tried to communicate with the driver of the lorry but he was a foreign national and did not speak very much English."
ROADS: The A4244 is closed in both directions due to a two vehicle accident between A4086 (Cwm-y-glo) and Deiniolen.
Emergency services at scene. Nearest sensors suggest traffic is coping well. A local diversion is in place.
NEWS: Wales' World Cup campaign is set to get even tougher when they face Australia, who they have never beaten at a World Cup, tomorrow afternoon at Marcoussis (KO 2pm UK).
Having faced the Aussies in two previous World Cups, Wales are yet to register a victory against the Wallaroos. In 2002 (in Barcelona) Australia ran out comfortable 30-0 winners while four years ago in Guildford they had to work harder before prevailing 26-12.
But Wales have been handed a fitness boost heading in to tomorrow's match with Laurie Harries, Jenny Hawkins and Elen Evans all declared fit to play.
NEWS: Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg will today launch proposals for a new Welsh language broadcaster funded by a tax on advertising.
The pressure group will put forward ideas for a broadcaster that would operate on radio, television and online.
It argues "hundreds of millions of pounds" could be raised through a new tax on advertising and private sector broadcasters which could also support "other public interest channels".
NEWS: On August 4, 1914 - exactly 100 years ago on the day Britain declared war on Germany - the Western Mail carried an editorial titled 'Why There is War' and warning of Germany's 'ambitions of international control'.
NEWS: Here is a photo of that crash in Grangetown, Cardiff we just told you about...
Elderly female driver of the blue Corsa is badly shaken but appears alright and receiving medical attention now. pic.twitter.com/VfrhtsMN7w— I Loves The 'Diff (@ILovesTheDiff) August 4, 2014
NEWS: More now on the body found in the search for Arthur Jones...
A body has been found in the search for a Denbigh pensioner missing in Crete.
North Wales Police have confirmed the family of Arthur Jones, 73, has been informed of the find.
Arthur vanished on a walking holiday on June 19.


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Ibsen and Chekhov on the Irish Stage
National University of Ireland, Galway
Date & Time
6th November, 2009 @ 09:00:00
This is advance notice of a conference to be held at the National University of Ireland, Galway from 6-7 November 2009 on the reception in Ireland of the plays of Henrik Ibsen and Anton Chekhov. Its aim is to contextualise contemporary adaptations and translations of works by Ibsen and Chekhov within the history of Irish drama.
The immediate context for this conference is the work of Tom Kilroy, Frank McGuinness, and Brian Friel. In adapting the plays of Ibsen and Chekhov for the Irish stage, these leading contemporary dramatists engage audience in their literary relationships with these classic authors. Their adaptations pose questions on the cultural relevance of the plays of Ibsen and Chekhov, their historical impact on the Irish dramatic tradition, and their influence on the development of Irish theatre. This conference aims to explore these questions by bringing together major playwrights, practitioners, and leading theatre scholars.
The conference covers the period from 1899 to the present day and will be in two parts. The first will feature papers on the reception of Ibsen and Chekhov and the second those dealing with contemporary Irish approaches to their works. We will also host presentations by playwrights and directors followed by a round table discussion of their work on Ibsen and Chekhov. The conference in investigating the cross currents between native tradition and international influence, and between literary influence and public reception, will it is hoped, shed new light on the history of Irish dramatic writing.
Further information and details of the provisional programme may be obtained from the organisers Dr. Ros Dixon and Dr. Irina Ruppo Malone at firstname.lastname@example.com or by calling 353 91 493974.


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FORT WAYNE, Ind. (NBC33) - Comcast and the Fort Wayne TinCaps are searching for volunteers to help beautify Franke Park next weekend.
The spring cleaning is part of Comcast Cares Day week.
Volunteers from local non-profit organizations will join some 1,500 Comcast employees
Anyone wishing to volunteer may register at ComcastInTheCommunity.com.
The Franke Park beautification is Sat., Apr. 19 from 8 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The Comcast Cares Day is Sat., Apr. 26.
What are your thoughts CLICK HERE to leave us a "QUESTION OF THE DAY" comment.
© Copyright 2016, A Quincy Media broadcasting station. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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The master of oratory was a bit off-form on Tuesday. President Barack Obama said all the right words at the end of his Oval Office meeting with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, but his heart obviously was not in it.
He stuttered slightly, repeatedly failed to make eye contact with the camera and almost fluffed his lines. Mr Netanyahu seemed much more at ease, but then he has a lot more practice than the president at glossing over compromise in public.
Going into the meeting, there was one issue that would obviously be at the top of the agenda - Israel's plans regarding the freeze on building in West Bank settlements, currently scheduled to end in two months.
But after the two leaders emerged from their 79-minute meeting to greet the press - such a contrast to the thieves-in-the-night atmosphere the White House imposed on the previous talks between the two leaders - the settlements issue barely got a mention. Mr Obama preferred to accentuate the positive.
"Once direct talks [between Israelis and Palestinians] have begun, well before the moratorium has expired," he said, "that will create a climate in which everybody feels a greater investment in success."
For Mr Netanyahu, it was a perfect summit. He got American backing for Israel's demand that the Palestinians agree to direct talks, plenty of tough talk on Iran's nuclear programme and an assurance that the US administration would continue to give Israel blanket support in not revealing its own nuclear capabilities. In return, he was not even required to make any commitment to extend the settlement freeze. In public, that is.
Very few details have emerged from the closed session between the two leaders but it is almost impossible to believe that President Obama would have been so positive in front of the cameras if he had not just received some kind of assurances in private that Israel would not resume settlement building in September. To do so would spell the end of this round of negotiations, at the very least. But he understood that in order to preserve political stability for his new friend, he has to observe the omerta, or code of silence, for the present.
Whether Mr Obama is helping Mr Netanyahu because of his own looming midterm elections or whether we are seeing a genuine shift in attitude, the Israeli leader has merely bought a bit of time. In two months, he will not be able to prevaricate any longer. He will be faced with the stark choice: lose his much-sought-after cordiality with the White House, or face a rebellion within his coalition and own party.


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Quality Inn University near Downtown places you within a mile (2 km) of Bobcat Stadium and Aquarena Center. This motel has 54 rooms and welcomes guests with conveniences like free breakfast, an outdoor pool, and free in-room WiFi. Also near this San Marcos motel are Bobcat Ballpark and Strahan Coliseum.
Free full breakfast is included with your stay and awaits you each morning from 6 AM to 9:30 AM.
All 54 air-conditioned rooms provide coffee makers and ironing boards. Guests can expect to find free WiFi and wired Internet. Rooms also include hair dryers.
Property features
At Quality Inn University near Downtown, guests have access to an outdoor pool, free WiFi in public areas, and a business center. If you drive, put free parking to good use. Staff members can answer questions about accommodations, and also provide front-desk service during limited hours. This motel also has express check-out.
- Free full breakfast
- Free WiFi in rooms and public areas
- Free parking
- Outdoor pool
Quality Inn University near Downtown1611 Ih 35 N San Marcos TX 78666
Hotel Amenities
Hotel Amenities
High-speed wireless Internet access is complimentary. A business center is on site. A complimentary breakfast is offered each morning. This San Marcos motel also offers an outdoor pool, express check-out, and RV/bus/truck parking. Onsite self parking is complimentary.
- Free WiFi
- Total number of rooms - 54
- Number of floors - 2
- Number of buildings/towers - 1
- Business center
- Free breakfast
- Express check-out
- Front desk (limited hours)
- RV, bus, truck parking
- Free self parking
- Outdoor pool
Family Friendly Amenities
- Family Hotel
- Outdoor pool
- Free Wi-Fi
Available in all rooms: Free WiFi , Free wired high-speed Internet
Available in some public areas: Free WiFi
Free self parking, RV, bus, truck parking
Room Amenities
Quality Inn University near Downtown offers 54 air-conditioned accommodations with coffee/tea makers and hair dryers. Guests can surf the web using the complimentary wired and wireless high-speed Internet access. Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge) are also available.
- Connecting/adjoining rooms available
- Air conditioning
- Coffee/tea maker
- Hair dryer
- Iron/ironing board
- Free WiFi
- Free wired high-speed Internet
- Rollaway/extra beds (surcharge)
Where to Eat
A complimentary full breakfast is served each morning between 6 AM and 9:30 AM.
Nearby Things to Do
Recreational amenities at the motel include an outdoor pool.
To make special requests for accessibility needs, please note them at check-out when you book your room.
Hotel Policies
Check-in time starts at 2:30 PM
Check-out time is 11 AM
Payment types
- Pets allowed for an extra charge of USD 15 per pet, per night, plus a deposit of USD 100.00 per stay
- Dogs only
- 2 per room (up to 30 lb)
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy.
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card or cash deposit are required at check-in for incidental charges.
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges. Special requests cannot be guaranteed.
No elevators
Optional extras
- Pet deposit: USD 100.00 per stay
- Pet fee: USD 15 per pet, per night
- Rollaway bed fee: USD $15.00 per night
Hotel Name
- Travelodge Motel San Marcos
- Travelodge San Marcos Hotel San Marcos
- Quality Inn San Marcos
- Quality San Marcos
We should mention
Children 18 years old and younger stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding. The property has connecting/adjoining rooms, which are subject to availability and can be requested by contacting the property using the number on the booking confirmation.


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Reclamation Home
Reclamation Offices
Projects & Facilities
About The Database
About Us
Programs & Activities
Water Operations
U.S. Department
of the Interior
Red Willow Dam, located on Red Willow Creek about 10 miles northwest of McCook, is an earthfill embankment with a structural height of 126 feet that forms a reservoir of 86,630 acre-feet. An ungated concrete spillway is located in the right abutment. An outlet works through the base of the dam provides for river and irrigation releases for downstream diversions. The reservoir behind this dam is Hugh Butler Lake.
Public Information Portal Red Willow Dam/Hugh Butler Lake, Neb.
Lying beneath the dam and abutments is the Ash Hollow member of the Ogallala Formation (To), a Mio-Pliocene nonmarine deposit of variably cemented sand, silt, clay, and gravel. The Ogallala is a major aquifer in the area.
Overlying the Ogallala at the abutments are discontinuous beds of Pleistocene Crete Sand (Qcf), which fill shallow paleochannels on top of the Ogallala Formation. (Though detected only during investigations of the left abutment, it is assumed that the Crete Sand is intermittently present at both abutments.) Pleistocene Loveland and Peorian loess (Ql), consisting of silt and fine sand, rest on top of Crete Formation and form the upper part of the abutments.
The foundation of the dam consists of approximately 40 feet of alluvium (Qu and Qal) deposited in the old Red Willow Creek channel on top of the Ogallala Formation. Beneath the Ogallala Formation, at a depth of approximately 120 to 130 feet, is Pierre Shale. A considerable portion of the alluvium consists of saturated, well-sorted sand which may be potentially liquefiable. The upper alluvial zone (Qu) is described as alluvial silt and has much lower horizontal and vertical permeability than the alluvial silty sand (Qal) zone that lies below it.
The spillway and outlet works, located in the right abutment of the dam, are both founded on the Ogallala Formation. Excavation for the outlet works was primarily within the Ogallala Formation, whereas excavation for the spillway was primarily through loessial materials.
There are no known faults in formations exposed in the area, nor are there any landslides of significant size known to exist in the area around the reservoir.


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European Commission
Owner of:
2 datasets ( see more )
14 figures ( see more )
33 external data specs ( see more )
Mentioned as data source for 25 data visualizations:
- Progress towards 2013 and 2020 targets for EU member states under the Effort Sharing Decision
- Percentage soil sealing by country
- Developments in fuel efficiency of an average car alongside trends in private car ownership and greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions
- Member states primary energy consumption and indicative national energy efficiency targets for 2020
- Passenger transport modal split
- Common bird index, EU, 1990-2012
- Estimated future air pollution health impacts of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3) under a current legislation scenario
- Better implementation of common fisheries policy measures and respect for scientific advice have contributed to improvement in status of Northeast Atlantic fish stocks
- Member states progress towards indicative national energy efficiency targets for 2020
- EU development aid with biodiversity as principal objective 2014-2020
( see more )
- Progress of renewable energy sources
- Percentage of people in the EU-27 who have ordered goods over the Internet in the past 12 months, 2011
- Environmental footprint of household purchases of goods and services
- Progress in renewable energy sources by country
- Share of alternative fuel vehicles in the total fleet
- Exposure of forest area to ozone in EEA member countries
- Annual change in soil sealing between 2006 and 2009, relative to sealed area in 2006
- Annual average increase in soil sealing, 2006-2009, relative to country area
- Marine aggregate extraction in Europe
- Road fuel excise duties
- Average age of road vehicles
- Average age of road vehicles per country
- Share of renewable electricity in gross electricity consumption
- Share of alternative fuel passenger cars in the total passenger car fleet
- Renewable electricity as a percentage of gross electricity consumption
For references, please go to www.eea.europa.eu/soer or scan the QR code.
This briefing is part of the EEA's report The European Environment - State and Outlook 2015. The EEA is an official agency of the EU, tasked with providing information on Europe's environment.
PDF generated on 27 Oct 2016, 05:45 PM


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« A (Mount) Pleasant taste | Main | 4-H Centennial Cookbook now available to order »
November 20, 2009
Hass assumes POD leadership
I would like to announce that effective November 13, Dr. Lanny Hass has assumed the position of interim director of Personal and Organizational Development for North Carolina Cooperative Extension.
To the position, he brings 28 years of Cooperative Extension Service as well as a national reputation for expertise in organizational development. Coming to North Carolina after 11 years as an agricultural economist at Virginia Tech, Lanny has served in many roles, ranging from county agent to area farm management specialist to associate director of Personal and Organizational Development.
As the interim director, Lanny will lead the POD team as it continues to focus on building Cooperative Extension's capacity through organizational and individual growth. Please join me in welcoming Lanny to his new position.
--Dr. Jon Ort, director, N.C. Cooperative Extension Service, N.C. State University
Posted by Natalie at November 20, 2009 03:04 PM


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MUSKEGON — The importance of the future redevelopment of the former Sappi paper mill property on Muskegon Lake is as big as the property itself.
The 119-acre industrial site with about a mile of Muskegon Lake shoreline was sold to Melching Inc. — a Nunica demolition company.
Initial reports from Sappi and Melching are that demolition of at least a portion of the paper mill will lead to industrial reuse of the site.
For some Mlive commentors, that is good news as they want to replace the hundreds of industrial jobs Sappi eliminated with the mill's closure in 2009. For others, they ask the question why ever put industrial use back on the waterfront?
STOGamer can't understand why anyone would want to use waterfront for industrial use.
We've got thousands of acres of industrial-zoned properties in industrial parks, in locations all across the county. Why would we need more empty industrial land, especially in an area with the most commercially underutilized lakefront property on this side of Lake Michigan? I sure hope there's a Plan "B."
No more industry on the lakefront is a popular position. Delton1 sees it the same way.
I cannot fathom with all the vacant properties and empty buildings, anyone would consider wasting this prime lake property on an industrial location. Come on, Muskegon! Will we return to the polluted environment of the past century by discounting our resources and going the way of the for-profit-developers who care not for our natural resources? Let us hope the city government will put a firm STOP to this nonsense!!!
With the only deep water port on the west side of the state and 114 acres of already zoned industrial property, a person with a partial grasp of reality and business sense would consider that a great opportunity for some industrial complex. Not to mention the boiler/generator system already there that will create energy from just about any fuel source which could be sold back to Consumer's Energy for a nice payback.
This will be a great opportunity to locate the wind energy companies for constructing the big blades and generators. The adjacent location to Lake Michigan for shipping and offshore wind farms is perfect. The docks can be located in one deep location allowing the rest of the Muskegon Lake shoreline to be restored as natural habitat buffer. This compromise of jobs and habitat is better than another condo/marina development.


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"My favorite hunting experience was an Alaskan DIY hunt for moose in 2000. Our Argo broke down on day 1 and we were forced to make a 9 hour hike back to the truck. Not giving up, we regrouped and hiked 4 hours to a new spot where I shot my first moose the very next morning."
I am a 43 year old full-time firefighter from Illinois that has a bad case of Severe Whitetail Disorder. I have a wonderful wife that supports my "sickness", which allows me to "live the hunter's dream"...a dream that I hope to soon share with my 5 year old son.
My dad got me started in hunting at a young age...chasing pheasants with his old Browning 12 gauge. It didn't take long to realize that hunting was much more than a pastime for me...it was a passion. In 1985 I got introduced to archery and I haven't looked back. Since then I've hunted big game all across the US and Canada and there is no better place to be than spending time in the outdoors.
I filmed my first hunt in 2003 while bear hunting with good friends in Canada. That was also my first experience sitting in a tree with someone. To be able to not only share the excitement as a friend took his first bear, but knowing that it was all on film to be viewed by others lit a fire in me.
I spent the next several years attempting to film myself, with some success, but it wasn't until meeting Ralph and Vicki when everything changed...a GOOD change. I attended the 2007 Archer's Choice Camera school and from there I haven't looked back.
Filming hunts and being filmed has changed everything about the way I enjoy the outdoors. I am so addicted to the difficult challenge of laying down good footage even though the odds are stacked against us. It is so much harder being successful doing it this way, but I wouldn't have it any other way. Sharing the highs and lows of hunting with good friends that have the same passion is one of the most important parts of my life. The thought of hunting alone just doesn't interest me anymore.


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CHICOPEE – Blocked by a truck that trapped them in the middle of a shoot-out, Cecilia Rosado put her bus in park, turned off the engine, laid on the floor and made phone calls.
"I thought it was going to be my last day. I was very scared," she said.
She called the school bus company to warn them not to send any other buses to Chicopee Center. At the same time Tina McCollaum, the bus monitor, laid next to the 8-year-old boy on the bus to keep him calm and phoned the School Department so they could notify his parents.
Those two, crossing guard Deborah Paquette and Joseph Morrissette, a school resource officer from Comprehensive High School, were honored by the School Committee and administrators for their courageous and professional handling of the situation that kept many children safe.
"We are indebted to you," Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. said Wednesday while handing out citations and flowers.
At about 7:45 a.m. on April 13, Carlos Gonzalez-Lauger began spraying bullets from the first-floor apartment at 102 West St. State Trooper John Vasquez was struck by bullets in the left lower leg and right hand and by shrapnel in the right leg. A woman seated in her car at the nearby gas station was struck in the thigh. More than 70 bullets were fired, with eight coming from police. Gonzalez-Lauger eventually committed suicide.
McCollaum and Rosado were on their usual route to Gen. John J. Stefanik School. The bus had one 8-year-old instead of the four children they usually drive because two siblings had overslept and the family of another child was moving and decided not to send him.
"I want to say about my bus monitor, she was so good. She did a great job," Rosado said.
The shooting started just as they were driving down West Street, McCollaum said.
"I saw the man on the porch and I could see him shooting," said McCollaum, who has been a bus monitor and teacher assistant for 18 years.
McCollaum said she grabbed the child, alerted Rosado to get down and asked her to call the bus company. She tried to get the child under the seats to protect him as much as possible and laid next to him.
"I had my head next to the boy and I talked to him. He was scared and he wanted his mother," she said. "I told him I would keep him safe."
The three were trapped in the bus while Lauger and police exchanged gunfire for about 15 minutes.
"It seemed like forever," McCollaum said. "It is very overwhelming. It is still overwhelming."
While they were waiting, Rosado also called her husband, Santiago Rosado, who is also a bus driver. At first he thought she was kidding.
A state police officer eventually rescued the three. He knocked on the door and used a shield to escort each one to safety. A neighbor opened her door to the three to give them a safe place to wait.
McCollaum was the first to be led out. Followed by the boy and then Rosado.
"I crawled down the sidewalk with a state trooper with a shield," she said.
While this was happening, Paquette was standing at her usual corner at Hampden and Center Street. Instead of directing children to school, she told them there was an emergency and sent them home.
She was also one of the first to alert the School Department to the crisis.
"I was very calm, cool and collected," she said. "My concern was for the children."
Her call sparked Rege to call Morrissette, who usually works at Comprehensive High School, and ask him to help teachers at Bowe School.


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Tastes like Chicken!
So, probably the first one you've ever seen and you get a way better picture than I ever have and they spend their summers here, it's just not fair!
Lol, you're right about it being the first time I've ever seen one of these, and so nope, it really ISN'T fair, is it? Just like with the snowy owl a few years ago. (And it seems there's a lot of them showing up this year, too. Bad news for the owls, since it means they haven't been finding food up north.) Lol, I even wondered if you'd been able to get this close to any of your Sandhills. But safe to say, if you got even half as close, your shot would be super sharp and well exposed, unlike mine here.
Beautiful and quite a catch as I understood from the comments above. I got lucky too one time with it's European sister. In 2001 we had one pair breeding successfully in the Netherlands for the first time since 1750. Now there are three pairs breeding in this area and hopefully some more in the next years.
Hi Erik - Thanks! It sure was a cool sight to see - it would be great if some pairs decided to set up house around here! It seems there have been some breeding in Maine in the past - even more off track than this pair is! They certainly were the biggest and most unusual birds I've ever seen around here in the wild - and amazing that they were hanging out so close to a busy street. I'd wasted almost a whole card full of pics when they were further away up a hill, and then they just moseyed on down the hill to start feeding about 30 feet from me. Very cool! Pretty funny to be so close and able to look right through their beak when they were sideways.
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Photo taken in Rowley, MA, USA


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Results tagged ' Holberton '
Astros sign 9th-round pick Holberton
The Astros have signed ninth-round pick Brian Holberton, a catcher from the University of North Carolina.
Holberton's mother, Tobie, told MLB.com on Friday her son signed with Houston on Thursday night in Charlotte, N.C. He will take a physical in the next few days before reporting to rookie-league Tri-City next week.
The signing of Holberton means the Astros have only one unsigned top 10 pick — third-round pick Kent Emanuel, a left-handed pitcher who was a teammate of Holberton at North Carolina.
Holberton hit .308 with 12 homers and 58 RBIs while helping the Tar Heels to the College World Series this year.