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Although Madagascar separated from the African continent millions of years ago and was only recently populated (2000 years ago), it has given life to an amazing flora and fauna. In this "laboratory", isolated from (yet so close to) the African continent and the Indo-Malaysian world, nature has produced and continues to produce unique species. Madagascar is one of the six countries in the world which retain the greatest part of the world's genetic reserves in their rainforests.
The great island is a true Garden of Eden for naturalists and nature enthusiasts: there are 12,000 to 14,000 species of vascular plants, 85% of which are endemic. There are 175 species of palm trees, 170 of which, are endemic. All of the 97 species of lemurs are unique to the island.
Out of the 208 species of tiger beetles (a small carnivorous coleopteran), only two are not endemic. But the biodiversity Madagascar is not just about impressive figures: the specific characteristics of this biodiversity distinguish it from the fauna and flora in other regions of the globe. In other countries, endemism is found only in the lowest level: the species. In Madagascar, endemism is found in higher groups like genus, family and sub-family. From this perspective, very few countries can compete with the Great Island…
6 rainforests of the East of Madagascar, namely, the Marojejy, Masoala, Zahamena, Ranomafana, Andringitra and Andohahela National Parks have unanimously earned their nomination during the 31st session of UNESCO's World Heritage Committee. These very old forests contribute to the ecological process, which is vital for the survival of the unique Malagasy biodiversity. This biodiversity reflects the geological history of an island that drifted away from other land blocks over 60 million years ago, and where fauna and flora have developed in a favorable isolation.
These forests were integrated with a prestigious list, which already includes the Tsingy de Bemaraha (registered in 1990), the royal hill of Ambohimanga near Antananarivo, and the Zafimaniry woodcraft, registered as intangible heritage.
The most representative mammals of the Island are undoubtedly the lemurs. These prosimians have literally "exploded" into nearly fifty species and sub-species, which sizes range from that of the thumb (The Microcebus), to that of a toddler (the Indri). And no one would dare close the inventory, since new species are regularly discovered: The Golden-crowned Sifaka or Propithecus tattersally (1975), the Golden bamboo lemur (1987), the 80gr Allocebus trichotis which was believed to be instinct (1997), the Lepilemur seali and Lepilemur mitsinjonensis (2005)…
The most mysterious Malagasy lemur, the Aye Aye, was saved from extinction in 1966: it is said to feature rabbit's teeth, bat ears, bore bristles, monkey hands and a fox tail.
For the record, lemurs have formed a little diaspora through the cooperation between different conservation organizations. Little Bilbo, for example, has become a celebrity in Sweden. This lesser bamboo lemur from the Stockholm zoo was abandoned by its mother at birth; it weighed 30gr and was 10cm in length and its rescue has almost become a matter of state!
In 2008, Masoala, a female ring-tailed lemur from the Besançon Museum and her daughters Zety and Manja were sent back to Madagascar to stay at the Tsimbazaza Zoo and at Lemurs Park near the capital. Exchanges are frequent in order to reduce the risks of inbreeding. Bekily, a female Greater bamboo lemur also from Besançon, was transferred to the Parc of Ivoloina near Tamatave. Lucky lemurs!
In Madagascar, birds can score endemism rates that are rarely achieved elsewhere. While 285 recorded species can seem low, more than half of them are endemic. Among them are the ground dwelling Giant Coua, the Crested Coua, commonly considered as the most beautiful bird on the Island, or the Vangas recognizable from their hooked beak. There are also 20 species of raptors, including the Red Owl and the Madagascar Fish Eagle which is similar to the American Bald Eagle. The Vangidae are also part of this list of endemic birds; they diversify into 14 species which can be differentiated by size, color and beak shape. The best season for bird watching is from October through December, when birds, through their songs, can be more easily spotted in the forests. Several National Parks like Andasibe, Ankarafantsika, Ranomafana, Montagne d'Ambre are very popular bird watching sites. Those who prefer large bird crowds can chose between several coastal sites (Ramena near Diégo Suarez, the Baie de Baly in the Majunga region, Nosy Ve and Tsimanampesotse in Tuléar…)
The West is the motherland of Baobabs, which are falsely considered African trees (only one species the Adansonia digitata occurs on the continent). Two species are found in Australia, and seven in Madagascar! Among them are the Adansonia grandidieri or the Adansonia rubrostipa. In the North of Morondava, some of these giants seem to be playing pranks, posing as male and female, or intertwine like lovers. The Allée des Baobabs, about twenty kilometers from Morondava was elected first Natural Monument of Madagascar. The baobab has an exceptional lifespan, but one of its most astonishing features is its shape: this is the famous African "updside-down" tree; some also call it the roots of the sky. It is said that the Gods were offended by the pride of this great vegetal column and decided to turn it upside down, so that it would show more humility. In a country like Madagascar, the baobab could not be anything else but worshiped. The Giant sacred baobab of Morondava is the perfect example. The baobab is also used in daily life. Nothing is wasted in the baobab: its bark is used to make roofs and ropes, its leaves are used for their medicinal virtues, the flesh of the fruits is used to make juice, and the seeds are pressed to extract cooking oil.
Madagascar is endowed with an extraordinary fauna and flora. With its unique biodiversity and its ancestral knowledge, the country is a real sanctuary for botanists and pharmacologists. Since the time of the ancestors, Malagasy traditional medicine has revealed the secrets of many plants with exceptional virtues. Malagasy people have always chosen the traditional remedies for their treatments as a cheap alternative to modern medicine. In a context where trends favor natural medicine, which is less polluting but efficient nonetheless, the medicinal plants of Madagascar have opened a path to the design of a new generation of medicines. The Red Island is a sanctuary for medicinal plants: its endemic vegetal species are full of remarkable virtues that contribute to the well-being, the beauty and most importantly, to the health of those who use them.
The southern Bush, Malagasy flora gem, consists of low, dense, drought-persistent vegetation, which adapts an arid climate of less than 500mm of rainfall per year. General Lyautey, who ruled the South at the beginning of the colonial era, was describing the Southern Bush in these terms: "if one is to get an idea of this, one should think of the most fanciful compositions by Gustave Doré illustrating witch stories, or Riou's creations of Jules Verne's imaginary worlds. Not a single familiar plant. This is surreal (…) A forest from sub-marine fantasies, a forest of leafless trees sitting on a bed of cactuses and underneath, a thicket of fantastic trees: the rahondra or sausage tree, the famata where each leaf is replaced by something that resembles a pickle …" We can also mention the scruffy twigs of the Alluaudia humberti, the tentacles of the squid-tree, the tricorne-shaped leaves of the Beharensis, or the scarlet flower clusters of the Aloe Vaombe… But one should not picture the South as a spooky area dedicated only to thrill-seekers! Among the 38 species of Aloes for example, the Aloes Vaombe might be one of the most beautiful plants in Madagascar; its clusters of scarlet flowers scorch its surrounding dry landscape, and it blooms there for all of us to enjoy.
Madagascar has a great variety of chameleons: with approximately 346 species recorded, chameleons are, just as the lemur, an emblem of the country. Completely harmless and very discrete, the chameleon seems to always dissolve in its environment. Its languid way of walking and its perfect camouflage have created the myth of the invisible animal, the little dragon from prehistory. In some regions of Madagascar, people believe it has magical powers and can see the future. This is why it is often feared…
The Indian Ocean was a whale hunting area during the nineteenth century, up until the beginning of the 20th. But since 1979, it has become a sanctuary for whales. Malagasy humpback whales come from Antartica where they spend all summer gorging on krill. Around June, the lactating females and their calves born the year before are the first ones to arrive after a 5000km journey. To the tourists' delight, the observation season extends until September.
It is all the more interesting that humpback whales are the most talented in jumping, also called "breaching". They can thrust their body entirely out of the water, and dive back in in a huge splash. Though no one really knows why whales stick their tail fins on the surface of the water, this facilitates the photographic identification of each individual. Whales can be seen off the shores of Nosy be, Tuléar, Fort-Dauphin or Morondava. Two major sites, however, single out: the Baie d'Antongil that is an important breeding area and the Island of Sainte Marie where commercial observation is thoroughly regulated. The Association CETAMADA and the Group of Touristic Operators offer scientific tutorial whale cruises with onboard explanations and conferences in the evening.
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SAN DIEGO — Don't get your hopes up for comprehensive immigration reform, this year or in the near future.
First, let's commend industry leaders, both from associations and volunteer leaders, for the hundreds of hours of work they've put in on immigration reform.
It's a vital issue in agriculture, and particularly the produce industry, so it's an issue for which it's worth finding solutions.
The work that the Agricultural Workforce Coalition and farm worker representatives have done has been important and shows cooperation.
What follows is not a criticism of what they've done or how they've gone about it.
The fresh produce industry generally agrees growers rely on immigrant labor — many times undocumented — and it's not a good long-term strategy. But there are just too many factors standing in the way of meaningful reform right now.
At a May 15 immigration workshop at United Fresh 2013, a few of these leaders gave us an update on where immigration reform sits in Congress.
In mid-May, the Senate Judiciary Committee began hearings on Senate bill 744, called the "Border Security, Economic Opportunity, and Immigration Modernization Act." As we said in a Packer editorial a month ago, the Senate bill is only the first of many steps that will become harder.
At the workshop, speakers identified that the biggest obstacle for immigration and farm labor reform this year will likely be matching up legislation that passes the Senate with a similar bill in the House.
Barry Bedwell, chairman of the United Fresh government relations council and president of the Fresno-based California Grape and Tree Fruit League, said the coalition is pushing the wording and agreements from the Senate bill to members of the House of Representatives.
That's a good goal, but there's an obvious problem. Many Republican House members oppose any immigration bill that hints at amnesty for illegal immigrants, and it's reasonable to assume that's the way their constituents feel (national polling is generally mixed on immigration and largely influenced by the way the questions are asked).
Bedwell conceded that amnesty is a flashpoint.
He said the industry needs to appeal to House reps who oppose reform by telling them that politics is more important than representing their constituents. Not to pick on Bedwell, but that's an arguable point.
Even so, that's an argument President Obama made to many moderate Democratic reps during the health care reform bill debate, which passed in 2009 on party lines, and contributed to the Republicans retaking the House of Representatives in the 2010 elections.
I doubt there are many Republican reps who are willing to risk their House seat by pushing immigration reform against their voters' wishes.
Another argument several panelists made is that the Senate must pass immigration reform with a comfortable margin, such as more than 70 votes in favor, to send a strong message to the House.
United Fresh president Tom Stenzel said United Fresh set up a hotline on the expo floor May 15-16 for attendees to punch in their zip codes and send a message to their senators saying they support the immigration reform bill. Stenzel said public comments have been about 10-to-1 against the bill, so senators need to hear from their supporters.
Considering the tone in Washington the past few years, I highly doubt anything the Senate does will send an influential message to the House, considering it's led by the other political party.
Another panelist, Chalmers Carr, president of Titan Farms, Ridge Spring, S.C., differed some from the coalition goal of pushing the Senate bill in the House. He said he believes the House needs to pass an immigration bill of any kind — not necessarily the Senate version — which could be improved.
"If we don't get a bill in the House, we can't go to conference committee, and we cannot get an end game," he said.
Carr called this a piecemeal approach compared to a preferred comprehensive approach, but it may be the only way for agriculture to get anything passed on immigration this year.
It's possible the House could pass a guest worker program with no path to citizenship, or other reforms, which would help agriculture in the short term.
But there's another solution.
On the expo floor, I got the rundown on a new film wrapping machine from Ramsay Highlander Inc., Gonzales, Calif.
President and chief executive officer Frank Maconachy said it's primarily for lettuce, and a typical configuration would pack more lettuce in fields than a current crew with field workers, save $600,000 a year in labor and pay for itself in savings in just over a year.
"I'm baffled as to why this doesn't sell better," he said.
I asked him if he appealed to growers on labor grounds, and he said as a member of Western Growers, he knows the immigration problems, and that machines like this could help solve them.
But he said he hasn't gotten much demand on that appeal.
I predict demand for such products will pick up after another immigration reform discussion flames out this year.
Growers are too smart at business to let labor problems keep good product from getting to market, one way or another.
What's your take? Leave a comment and tell us your opinion.

subset: commoncrawl


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Millions of people around the world go hungry every day, and yet as much as half of all food produced goes to waste. That conclusion comes from a new report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers titled "Global food: Waste not, want not."
The authors note the issue will become even more critical as the global population grows toward an estimated 9.5 billion by 2075, placing a severe strain on land, energy, water and other resources.
The report documents several causes of food waste, with each requiring different sets of solutions. In less-developed countries, the losses tend to occur early in the production chain, with inefficient harvesting, inadequate storage and poor infrastructure and transportation for agricultural commodities. As the level of development in countries increases, the waste tends to occur further down the chain, and the report cites issues such as overly strict sell-by dates, buy-one-get-one free offers and consumers demanding cosmetically perfect food. Up to half of the food that's bought in Europe and the USA is thrown away by consumer.
Even in developed countries, unnecessary waste can occur on farms. As much as 30 percent of UK vegetable crops, for example, are not harvested because they fail to meet exacting standards based on their physical appearance.
Demand for water for food production could more than triple by 2050, the authors note, and today about 550 billion cubic meters of water goes to crops that never will reach consumers.
The authors offer three recommendations, which they say potentially could provide 60 to 100 percent more food by eliminating losses and waste while at the same time freeing up land, energy and water resources.
- The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) works with the international engineering community to ensure governments of developed nations put in place programs that transfer engineering knowledge, design know-how, and suitable technology to newly developing countries. This will help improve produce handling in the harvest, and immediate post-harvest stages of food production.
- Governments of rapidly developing countries incorporate waste minimization thinking into the transport infrastructure and storage facilities currently being planned, engineered and built.
- Governments in developed nations devise and implement policy that changes consumer expectations. These should discourage retailers from wasteful practices that lead to the rejection of food on the basis of cosmetic characteristics, and losses in the home due to excessive purchasing by consumers.
Read the full report from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers.


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Star-Banner readers share their thoughts regarding President Obama, sustainable development, Ted Yoho and more.
Conservation concerns
With Marion County's population growing, and Marion County always appearing on the edge of a water crisis, its residents must realize that we have to accomplish sustainable development on the local level.
Sustainable development, defined as "development that meets the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs," means that local government must make every decision with the next several generations in mind.
Local government does not need to exploit the environment to the maximum just to survive. The wealth of natural resources that Marion County has, such as spring water and mineral deposits, must be preserved for future Marion County generations so that they will never have to become reliant on another domestic or foreign government — not even for a drink of water.
The scope of water management districts was never meant to control a Florida county's total environment. The water management districts were designed for flood control and water management. Marion County residents must concentrate on being the watchdog for Marion County's environment.
At the first County Commission meeting for the month of October I was appalled. Not because I was just one of two speakers to speak about the new ordinance for the Carney Island Recreation and Conservation Area, but because the ordinance did not define resource-based recreation.
Marion County's future depends on the residents being environmentally conservative. The residents of Marion County have a history of displaying their conservative values for the environment. These same conservative values for the environment are what make Marion County a beautiful place to live. We do not need flawed county ordinances ruining our conservative values for the environment and ruining conservation efforts.
Patricia Reed
Bruised by Cruz
Ted Cruz, freshman senator in Congress, had no strategy when he pushed 30 of his colleagues to back him on the shutdown of the government.
Cruz could care less about the United States; he only cares about the money lining his pockets. Even Grover Norquist, the one who backs the tea party congressmen and senators with lots of money, has stated, "Cruz pushed the House GOP into traffic and wandered away."
Cruz had no strategy. He thought the White House would collapse with his big mouth. Didn't happen. In the meantime, Cruz has received thousands of dollars for his re-election campaign, money sent by many who can't wait for President Barack Obama to step down. Who is benefiting from this shutdown? I would point to Cruz.
On the budget: The only time the United States had a balanced budget was under Bill Clinton. The Democrats would like to go back to the tax codes that helped the United States toward a balanced budget. That move seems reasonable to me. But then, reason is missing in Congress. We will suffer from their incompetence.
Iris M. Diaz
Yoho's ridiculous ideas
If an economist walked into Congressman Ted Yoho's office and babbled about the diagnosis and treatment of various cattle diseases, the veterinarian congressman would laugh him out of his office. Unfortunately, we cannot laugh Yoho out of his office despite his cockamamy economic ideas about the government shutdown and his threat to never increase the U.S. debt ceiling.
Yoho claims to be concerned about our country's deficit, but he supports the government shutdown that is costing our economy $300 million each day.
Republican and Democratic economists agree that failure to increase the debt ceiling will produce catastrophic results not only in our country, but around the world. The resulting recession will decrease government tax revenues and again increase the deficit. Government computers are not programmed to deal with negative numbers and they may freeze and shut down. If they can function and write checks, the first checks to go out will pay the owners of government debt, then the military and intelligence and law enforcement services that protect us. Anything left over will be divided among everything else, including reduced Social Security checks.
The only good to come out of this will be the defeat of Ted Yoho in the 2014 election.
Daniel Lack
Spiteful Obama
First, the sequester, and now during the government shutdown the executive branch is trying, for political reasons only, to cause as much pain to the American public as possible. In fact, a park ranger admits to being told to cause as much inconvenience to the public as possible.
World War II veterans, most in their 90s, from Honor Flights were denied access to their own memorial. The memorial, an open-air park, was built with private donations, not government money. Leaders who have escorted many flights say there were more security personnel keeping people out of the area than when operating normally. Mount Vernon, George Washington's, a privately funded and run site with no governmental role, shares a parking lot with the government and thus blocks the entrance to the memorial.
Several other venues with only loose governmental association have been closed even though the government pays nothing to keep them open. Government agents have been dispatched to close them down and make sure no one enjoys them. This has never happened during government shutdowns in the past, thus is strictly vindictive measures taken by President Barack Obama to spite the public.
This is an insight of how our president views the people and how they should be treated, and it is not pretty.
Thomas Everett Alton


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Baby Makes Best Grossed-Out Faces Ever [Video]
Usually kids aren't the biggest fans of vegetables. This is why parents have to trick them with "airplane fork" or "choo-choo train spoon". For me, my dad's clever method of "daring" me-- I bet you won't eat that. I'm sure you can't finish your broccoli-- got me every time. Challenge accepted, Pops, I will absolutely kill all this broccoli! Well, the little one in this video is also not a fan of her greens. And you can tell by the absolutely horrendous faces she makes while choking them down.


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The Cartoonists With Attitude gang storms the capital on July 7 with an edgy satirical cartoon slideshow and book signing!
- When:Saturday, July 7, 2 p.m.
- Where:Borders 18th & L Streets NW Washington, DC 20006 ( 202.466.4999)
- Price: Free!
Celebrate Independence Day weekend with a slideshow and signing with edgy, groundbreaking and controversial alternative cartoonists from around the country! Be there or the torturers, bombers, ex-gays and wire-tappers win! Meet:
- Ruben Bolling("Tom the Dancing Bug")
- Matt Bors("Idiot Box")
- Keith Knight("The K Chronicles")
- Brian McFadden("Big Fat Whale")
- Stephanie McMillan("Minimum Security")
- August Pollak("Some Guy With a Website")
- Ted Rall(Silk Road to Ruin)
- Mikhaela Reid("The Boiling Point")
- Ben Smith("Fighting Words")
- Jen Sorensen("Slowpoke")
- Masheka Wood ("Not Just Knee Deep")
And in case you weren't aware, you should really read our group blog (also available as an RSS feed if you want to get all our blogs and most of our cartoons in one convenient place. We also have a not-so-frequently updated Cartoonists With Attitude MySpace page if you want to be our friend.


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Football is a game of opinions. And while everybody has their own on who deserves the FIFA Ballon d'Or for 2012, it's ultimately down to international coaches and captains and media members to decide whether Cristiano Ronaldo, Andres Iniesta or Lionel Messi raises the sport's most prestigious individual prize at the Kongresshaus in Zurich on 7 January 2013.
The victor will be one of several people honoured at the FIFA Ballon d'Or Gala, and the vote to determine which make the FIFA/FIFPro World XI for 2012 is open to all footballers – and you, the supporters, can join in the fun by playing the FIFA/FIFPro World XI predictor. Simply study the 55-man shortlist and pick one goalkeeper, four defenders, three midfielders and three forwards before the 4 January 2013 deadline. If your team matches the one decided upon by votes from over 50,000 professionals, you will enter a Grand Prize draw to win a FIFA/FIFPro adidas jersey signed by all of the 11 players.
One man who delivered his vote was Gianluigi Buffon, who is one of five men nominated as the side's goalkeeper along with Iker Casillas, Petr Cech, Joe Hart and Manuel Neuer. The Juventus and Italy No1 was nominated for all three of the previous editions of the FIFA/FIFPro World XI, but lost out to the Real Madrid and Spain custodian on each occasion (Casillas, Iniesta, Messi, Ronaldo and Xavi have appeared in all three editions). Yet despite his desire to get the nod, and the fact players can vote for themselves, Buffon graciously named Cech in between his sticks when he made his choices alongside Bianconeri team-mates such as Lucio, Giorgio Chiellini and Claudio Marchisio.
Italy-based players have historically struggled to make it into the FIFA/FIFPro World XI – Lucio, Maicon and Wesley Sneijder, who all made the 2010 edition while representing Inter Milan, remain the only ones – but France-based performances have found it impossible. Indeed, Ligue 1 has never been represented.
Jeremy Menez, Javier Pastore, Thiago Silva and their Paris Saint-Germain team-mates were all smiles as they placed their respective XIs in the ballot box. Will one of them, or another of the stars of the French top flight, be grinning with pride at the Gala?
It's not just those employed by teams in the big European leagues who have been voting. Birkirkara and Malta midfielder Gareth Sciberras was delighted make his opinion count.
"I am proud to form part of the big family of footballer, from different countries, who are voting," he said. "Being chosen in the FIFA/FIFPro World XI is a very prestigious achievement for a player since it's the choice of your peers."
Desmond Maringwa, a veteran player and the President of the Football Union of Zimbabwe (FUZ), certainly played his part in accumulating votes from his homeland. "We went to all members of the FUZ at teams in the Premier Soccer League, including Highlanders, Shabanie Mine, Hardbody, Dynamos, Gunners, Caps United, Blue Rangers, Chicken lnn, Monomotapa, Hwange, Quelaton, Motor Action, Harare City and Black Mambas," he explained. "All these players were very grateful to be able to contribute to this prestigious voting process. We, the FUZ, are proud that the players in Zimbabwe can show that they too are part of this big football family."
Your job is now to predict the XI those Zimbabweans and masses of footballers across the globe are determining. Best of luck!


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In the battle of good versus evil, fruits and vegetables represent the golden halo of food groups.
Fresh produce consumption is the path to a higher moral standard, the self-evident natural law for humans looking for sustenance and a trimmer waistline.
We know in our hearts Little Debbie Swiss Rolls are good, but they aren't good for us, are they? We are tempted by French Fries, and artery-clogging burgers, but we know the path of repentance if we stray, and it begins at the salad bar.
The most spiritual among us may only eat veggies grown in their backyard, but mainstream believers are inclusive in their acceptance of all fresh produce, no matter the orientation of organic or conventional, local or far-flung.
Is there any country where fruits and vegetable are not revered? Is there any country were folks believe that eating pork rinds is more noble than eating broccoli? I would not want to live in such a place, if there is.
The human aspiration for fresh produce is proof the existence of a higher intelligence. There is a apple-shaped vacuum in all of our stomachs, one might suggest. So why do we fill it with glazed donuts?
Some eschew the vaunted calling for fruit and veggie consumption, and they are outliers to the higher wisdom. In fact, one lawmaker from Kansas, Rep. Tim Huelskamp recently introduced legislation that will upend the USDA's rule that created the new fruit and vegetable-friendly nutrition standards and will prohibit the USDA's upper caloric limit.
But I suppose that even Huelskamp hears an inner voice that convicts him that such a heretical attack on increased fruit and vegetable consumption in schools is grounds for excommunication from a civilized society still struggling to break the shackles of obesity. In his defense, his office said that Huelskamp's "Nutrition Nannies" page on Facebook has well over 3,500 "likes."
Speaking of the (nearly) universal esteem for fresh produce, I was looking at the website for the European Fresh Produce Association the other day, and the news was foreign and yet familiar.
It was if those folks in Europe were living in a parallel universe to our own. I say this because produce marketers there are also appealing to the same hopes, dreams and aspirations revolve around the supremacy of fruits and vegetables in the diet.
Much like the Produce for Better Health Foundation may plan a social media outreach to promote fruit and vegetable consumption, the folks in Europe are also hard at it as well. Freshfel , the European produce association, was "taking the next steps" in boosting the EnjoyFresh Initiative. Those steps included the launching of a youtube channel called FreshFel TV.
The ministers of the faith are always at work, at home or on the mission field.
If the universal good is fruits and vegetables, it is expected that some would try to hijack the message for their own purposes, to water it down and dilute it.
And like the U.S., Europe and the United Kingdom have processed food manufacturers who try to snatch the halo from fruits and vegetables.
The Fresh Produce Consortium of the United Kingdom issued a news release in July that said in its lead that "the UK Government must sort out widespread inaccuracies of 5 A DAY claims which abuse consumer trust."
The consortium, the leading fresh produce trade association in the United Kingdom, said processors were overstepping their bounds. The FPC said the Channel 4 Dispatches programme "highlighted many of the ridiculous declarations made by processors and the Government's failure to stop unscrupulous hijacking of the 5 A DAY message."
Particularly, a couple of short documentary newscasts illuminated the high sugar content of fruit drinks.
"It's time the UK Government sorted out this confusion. 5 A DAY must return to its core principles, based around the convenience of eating fresh fruit and vegetables, to avoid misleading the public about the nutritional content of their food basket," said Nigel Jenney, Chief Executive of the Fresh Produce Consortium said in the release. "The Government must do more to encourage people to enjoy the benefits of affordable fresh fruit and vegetables."
The release went on to say that research by Oxford University stated thousands of lives could be saved every year "if everyone in the UK followed dietary guidelines." Yes, we have heard that before, haven't we?
Here in the U.S., the Robert Wood Johnson report "F as in Fat" was another reminder of the great costs society bears because of obesity.
Importantly, the report pointed out seven of the ten states with the highest rates of obesity were also in the bottom ten for fruit and vegetable consumption. Can we assume that the ten states with the highest per capita Double Stuff Oreo consumption were also the most obese? I'm betting that is the case.
Even more alarming, researchers found the number of obese Americans could grow from 32% in 2011, to 50% in 2030.
Consumers need to be hit on the head with the fact that they better get serious about eating more fruits and vegetables and eating less empty calories. "More Matters" and "Enjoy Fresh"? Sure. But perhaps a little more hard preaching about the straight and narrow way is in order.
The industry's evangelists must put the fear of the 2030 judgment day into American consumers. With the obesity time bomb ticking, it's time to scare us skinny.


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CB2 Manhattan: Grand Opening Last Night!
- Location: Chicago, Il and online
- Website: cb2.com
Some people want pictures with presidents. We're actually more delighted to meet and get a picture with CB2's and Crate & Barrel's founder, Gordon Segal (below with CB2's product manager, Marta Calle) at last night's opening...
Last night we attended CB2's big opening on lower Broadway - extending the reach of Furniture Alley - and got a peek at how this Chicago hipster does Manhattan.
The store is lovely, the sense that this IS a family business is assured, but you won't find many surprises here. As with Crate & Barrel's offerings, CB2 is well made, colorful and fun, but certainly not edgy design. What stood out, however, aside from the vitalizing and zingy color, is how much of the furniture is scaled for small urban spaces. There are some great catchy solutions for small NYC apartments.
In addition, there are some mix-ins that will make life easier. FLOR tiles are featured prominently on racks in the back of the store (much better than DWR) and there are lovely prints from Marimekko to put a smile on your face. You may also enjoy the fact that the price points at CB2 are lower than Crate & Barrel up the street.
If you want to see how the whole shop works it's colors and furnishings together, don't leave the comfort of your aeron chair, simply take a tour through the shop in our
- Jeffrey & Joseph's Sophisticated Sense of Humor House Tour
- Who Has the Best Holiday Collection This Year? Style Survey
- Wardrobes & Armoires: Stylish Clothing Storage
- Melissa's Beach Town Bungalow House Tour
- Adian & Dave's Quirky Twist on a Grown-Up Home House Tour
- How Safe is the Reclaimed Wood from CB2's Darjeeling Table? Good Question
- Cozy Knits for the Home Roundup
- Gavin's Winning Woodsy NurseryNursery Tour
- Maya & Patrick's Picture-Perfect, Lived-In Home House Tour
- Inspiring Additions for Your Home
- Flexible Bedroom Staple: Daybeds
- Loveseats & Settees: Small Space Solutions
- 5 Artful Abstract Rugs
- CB2 and The Trevor Project
- Are You Feeling it? Felt Storage Boxes and Baskets
- Sneak Peek: New Novogratz Line at CB2
- 10 Sources for a Happy Modern Style
- Crowded Closet Relief: 8 Modern Wardrobes & Armoires
- CB2: Son of Crate & Barrel


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By Amanda Schwarze
Staff Writer
Area residents racked up millions of steps in the 2012 Hennepin County Step to it Challenge.
The challenge is a four-week event that pits communities against each other in a friendly competition to encourage active lifestyles. The cities of Independence, Maple Plain, Minnetonka Beach and Orono were among 22 communities in the county that participated in the challenge.
During the challenge, which ended May 20, participants keep track of the number the steps they take each day. Steps for activities such as walking or running may be monitored using a pedometer. Other activities such as yoga, dancing, basketball and swimming may be converted into steps using a chart that was posted on the challenge's website.
The person in each community who accumulated the most steps over the course of the challenge is recognized and will receive a pair of Twins tickets. In Maple Plain, the person with the most stepped came up a little short of 2 million steps with a total of 1,916,821. The highest stepper in Independence was close behind with a total of 1,210,510 steps. Orono's highest stepper had just more than 1 million steps with 1,034,405 and in Minnetonka Beach the highest stepper logged 378,669 steps. Out of all 23 participating communities, the most overall steps came from a Plymouth resident who logged 2,420,000 steps over the four weeks of challenge.
Independence had a strong showing in the Most Active City – Highest Average Steps Per Participant category. The city came in second with an average of 334,038 steps per participant. The city of Rogers came in first with an average of 403,362. Maple Plain finished in 12th place with an average of 260,721 steps; Orono came in at 14th place with an average of 246,902 and Minnetonka Beach came in at 22nd place with an average of 171,103 steps.
Brooklyn Park is proving to be a powerhouse in the challenge as its residents earned first place in the Most Active City – Most Overall Steps category for the fourth consecutive year. Due in large part to smaller populations, the local cities finished in the bottom half of the category. Orono finished in 16th place with 11,851,297 steps; Maple Plain was right behind Orono in 17th place with 11,221,637 steps; Independence finished in 20th place with 6,747,578 steps and Minnetonka Beach came in at 23rd place with 1,882,138 steps (while there were just 22 communities competing, county residents who lived in a city that was not participating in the challenge had the option of competing together as a 23rd group).


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Mets designate Abreu, recall Nieuwenhuis
NEW YORK -- Bobby Abreu may not be ready to retire, but the 40-year-old's unexpected run with the Mets has come to an end.
The Mets designated Abreu for assignment after Monday's 4-3 loss to the Giants, recalling outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis from Triple-A Las Vegas. Signing with the team as a Minor League free agent earlier this season, Abreu was initially successful, but finished his tenure in an 0-for-13 funk at the plate. Appearing mostly late in games off the bench, Abreu batted .065 as a pinch-hitter.
"It's not that easy coming off the bench, especially when you're used to playing every day," Abreu said.
Regardless, Abreu said he cherished his experience with the Mets after sitting out all of last season, unable to find a job. A veteran of 18 seasons and six big league teams, Abreu is a career .291 hitter with a .395 on-base percentage. He wants to continue playing if possible, and did not rule out joining Triple-A Las Vegas.
At the least, he will participate in Winter Ball in his native Venezuela, hoping someday to become a big league hitting coach.
"I had a good time with the Mets," Abreu said. "I just want to say, 'Thanks for the opportunities.' All I have to do is just wait, see what's going to happen and then after that, make a decision."
Nieuwenhuis, 26, will join the Mets on Tuesday for his fourth big league stint of the season. His respectable production at Vegas -- a .512 slugging percentage with 11 home runs in 57 games -- has not yet translated to the Majors, but Nieuwenhuis should receive plenty of opportunities as the Mets continue their search for an everyday left fielder. Chris Young and Eric Young Jr. have most recently manned that position for the Mets, with subpar results.
Anthony DiComo is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him on Twitter @AnthonyDicomo. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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MIAMI - Some of the best parts of South Florida are the parks and playgrounds where families can meet up and children can play.
We recently happened upon a Northwest Miami-Dade neighborhood whose park was nothing more than three empty lots.
And we're about to change that.
The land has been there for decades, called Gratigny Plateau Park. But the county never developed the park -- short money, resources and a cry-out from a community all too accustomed to bureaucracy.
Now, with the participation of those neighbors, Local 10 is spearheading the development of Gratigny Plateau Park as a fun, relaxing meeting place, especially for all the kids in the neighborhood.
And what was so great about starting the project is the outpouring we received from all over South Florida from people wanting to get involved -- like Miller Construction and others.
This will be a big team effort. That's what building community is all about.
If you want to get involved, let us know by sending us an e-mail at email@example.com.
That's our take on things. Let us know what you think.
Copyright 2012 by Post Newsweek. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.


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... with regards to posts - so that every post is screened for its readability and - if it doesn't stand up to the standards - deleted. What I mean is that when I find a post like THIS:
pls hlp Im trying to cratea a mmorpg in ++c bt whn I puss te littl green bttn all things go red and start blnking my monitor not now wht is going on pls hlp lol
... and try to decipher its meaning my brain gives me an access violation error. It's happening over and over again, which is a shame given that bad punctuation and complete disregard for grammar can make a mess of a potentially interesting message. Shouldn't we then, for our own convenience, set up a standards to ensure that the messages we read on this forum are both cohesive and coherent?
I don't know if they should be deleted, but a stern warning might be in order.
By the way, these standards should go boths ways! I'm getting pretty tired of seeing people, who take their time to join this site and start a thread regarding a problem they have, being told to 'go google it'. Whats the point of forums if all they do is tell you to 'google it'? Sure there are some people who probably should have done some research before posting, but it's not always the case.
I don't totally agree (how can I, I have done it before!). If somebody asks `How do I do shadow mapping', what is the point in giving a brief and unedited answer when many well put resources are a single click away? It is pure lazyness and stands to benefit nobody.
@Kenneth Gorking
I believe that people should have done their due dilligence in finding things out BEFORE they ask questions, basically what Ed Mack is saying.
and I definitely believe that postings should be run thru a spell-checker before posted. I can tell you right now, the more IM-speak I see, the less I take the poster seriously. and like the parent poster of this thread denotes, there are some threads here where they don't even make a comprehensive statement. I'm not knocking on the non-english speakers of this site, I'm talking about the 10-year-olds (whether you are or not, you are 10 years old to me if you can't respect the forum enough to be proper) who write in 100% IM-speak. It is really annoying.
Standards are nice but censoring a post because it might not meet someone elses standards of quality? That is a bit far. I think someone above mentioned a warning. That would be better in my opinion because if they can do better they will the next time, and if they can't they will probably be too embarrassed to continue posting anyway.
I definitely think that minimum written English abilities (complete sentences, no abbreviating words like 'pls') should be expected if the poster wants to get a useful response. If you misspell something or your grammar is a bit off that's one thing, but a paragraph of run-ons with no punctuation or capitalization is not going to cut it. There is just no excuse for that level of poor writing.
Where would you draw the line in any standard? There seems to be a lot of talk about standards and that's shameful. Every noobie question is, in general, met with sarcasm or contempt. Now you complain about "google it" as an answer and bad spelling and grammar or even Star Trek? This isn't english 101 or "get you're [whatever] outta here".
C'mon people, this is DevMaster. Dev as in development and master as in "best at what you do". People come in here looking for answers and opinions and are getting shafted and you want to shaft them even more?
"Read a book!" "Just google it!" "Consult the 3D Engine database!" These responses make "How do I make an MMORPG!" look like rocket science. These are people who want to contribute to your industry. That's great news! As long as people want to learn your trade then your industry will continue to grow!
I know you're tired of the same questions but for crying out loud they don't know so they have to ask! As long as you have knowledge that other want you will always and forever be asked the same questions over and over and over again. If you don't want to answer that's fine, but don't get mad because someone asks a question.
There are hundreds of books out there on game development. There are hundreds of game engines out there. If you goole a topic you get hundreds of hits. How are people who've never done any programming supposed to know which one is what they are looking for? They need people to help them begin to understand what's out there, then maybe the specifics of this or that. That is never going to go away no matter what you do.
Many of these people are the future of the industry or the beginning of a similar industry. If you love and care for your industry then why not help protect your interests by helping, or at the very least not discouraging, anyone who needs help. You have an opportunity to help shape the future of game development and it won't be because you've come up with the coolest algorithm or most non-linear game ever. It will because you contributed time and effort to keep your passion alive for years to come.
The game industry, any industry for that matter, won't survive without talking, learning, innovating, discovering; none of those can happen without sharing.
I mentioned passion before. Just about every game development book I have ever seen mentions something about passion. Game making is a passion. If it isn't your passion then what the hell are you doing here?
You'd have a point, except you should go look at the forums, everyone gets an answer, all from the most recent page:
But if you ask a stupid question...
Every noobie question is, in general, met with sarcasm or contempt.
Not true. See the following threads: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. All of these threads were posted by newbies (some were programming newbies, some with programming experience but newbies to gamedev), and all of them received a friendly and helpful response that did not include telling them to go search google or read a book.
I know you're tired of the same questions but for crying out loud they don't know so they have to ask! ...There are hundreds of books out there on game development. There are hundreds of game engines out there. If you goole a topic you get hundreds of hits. How are people who've never done any programming supposed to know which one is what they are looking for?
You pick one (website, book, engine). You read it, try to understand it, and then go on to the next one. And then the next one.
They need people to help them begin to understand what's out there, then maybe the specifics of this or that. That is never going to go away no matter what you do.
When I started getting interested in programming I didn't have anyone to help me along. My dad got my a couple library books about BASIC and Pascal, but I went from there all by myself. I've learned an immense amount from reading books, websites, and forums like this one and the late Flipcode. I learned from what was posted even if I couldn't immediately apply it to what I was doing. I never asked nor needed anyone to hold my hand through it.
Moreover, this forum is simply not here to be a school.
If we didn't believe in those virtues then we wouldn't have a forum. The issue is one of community quality. If we allow every beginner who wants to make a MMORPG to come in here and post, then the community will go completely downhill - people who are interested in higher level discussion will not join because they will see our forum swamped by these uninteresting questions. Maybe the newbies could benefit from having teachers. But, like mentioned, this is not a school and most of us are not here to be teachers.
Those people who have the most passion, and the kind of people we want in our industry (since you mentioned contributing to the industry earlier), are the people who will have the dedication and personal drive to go out, find information, and learn for themselves, even though it may be hard.
Someone who can ask questions such as those have advanced from beginner to novice.
And you could end up spending 500 buck on ten books that don't tell you a damn thing you want to know. Book reviews are generally useless you actually get someone who knows what the book is supposed to teach. Otherwise it's half who say this book sucks and half who say the book sucks and the other half say it's awesome. If people are encouraged to post what they've read and it's compiled in an easy to find format that's excellent.
Take the 40 things about better game design or whatever it was that was posted recently. That's cool, but in a couple of months it'll be buried a couple of pages back and pretty much forgotten and never seen by "noobs". You can't expect anyone to to look thouroughly through every past post to see if what they want is there. The search engine isn't foolproof either.
Gee, wouldn't the world be lovely if we were all as perfect as you. Oh, but wait, you didn't do it alone. You used a book. I bet that was maybe one of about 2 books on the subject at that time or at best the one book you had. Today there are hundreds and nothig makes it easy on deciding which one is right for you.
Besides, if everyone were able to do it on their own then DevMaster would have a much different purpose I'd think. It may not even exist since everyone would be programming their own engines anyway.
Well, yeah, it is. There is plenty of teaching information here. Oddly enough most "noobs" can't seem to find it so they head straight to the forum. The "How do I make an MMORPG?" "noobs" seem to completely miss the Beginners Guide to Making MMORPG's in the Articles section. I wonder why that is? It also curious that there wasn't one single article posted or even updated in 2006. I'm sure that makes at least some of it obsolete. STill, I'm sure if the article section was made a bit more obvious there may be a significan drop in those types of questions.
If we didn't believe in those virtues then we wouldn't have a forum. The issue is one of community quality.
Quality of an online community is subjective. I initially came to DevMaster because of the 3D engin database and that's all. I browsed the forum and liked what I read and tried to involve myself where I could. The quality of the layout is just awful though. For example newbies who want to make an MMORPG can't seem to fing the outdated article on making an MMORPG.
If we allow every beginner who wants to make a MMORPG to come in here and post, then the community will go completely downhill
Every beginner wouldn't ask that question if they could easily...well, you know.
Maybe the newbies could benefit from having teachers. But, like mentioned, this is not a school and most of us are not here to be teachers.
Well of course, but you don't have to have a curiculum for crying out loud. But this is a community and a forum and it has staff members. Staff members have specific duties. I'm sure at one time there was a staff member in charge of articles, where did this person go? Or why did they stop doing their job? No updates for over a year. That's just bad business. A staff member of a website is supposed to help keep a web site in top condition and improve the overall website if they can. Fill in the blanks, make sure everything is current if they can.
Face it, the problem isn't with noobs asking how to make an MMORPG. Its problem is that noobs ask about making MMORPG's in the forum because what they are looking for is either hard to find, outdated, or simply not there.
You want to solve your problems then her are my suggestions:
Tweak the layout a bit so some things are more obvious (like the MMORPG article, that will solve a lot of forum issues right there)
Update or outright replace articles that are out of date and add newer ones. No one expects everything to be here, but they should expect something other than 2005 leftovers.
Consolidate or group the best links, forum topics, etc so that a link to a great article is never pushed back after two months. Maybe set up a ranking system so the best ones stay on the top.
Have a newbie question of the week or something. Best answer gets to be DevMasters Top Dog for the next week. Encourage people to write articles.
Just don't completely shut out anyone. Who knows, the next noob that gets pushed away might, in five or so years, thank all the wonderful people at GameDev.net for all their help as he accepts his award.
Now that would be a tragedy.
Blame any grammatical erors on it being 3am...
Fair enough. But I still believe that people should be able to make that advancement on their own with the help of the web and books, not by asking others to donate their time to help them out.
And you could end up spending 500 buck on ten books that don't tell you a damn thing you want to know.
Use the library. There are plenty of books on computer topics in public libraries since those kind of books go out of date so quickly. They'll end up learning about old technology first but that's okay, as the basic skills are still the same and one can always update one's knowledge. Another option is Bruce Eckel's Thinking in C++, a free online book. You can also go into bookstores, pick a book and sit down in one of the comfy chairs many bookstores provide and start reading it. You can quickly find out if you like the book's teaching style or not.
Oh, but wait, you didn't do it alone. You used a book....Today there are hundreds and nothig makes it easy on deciding which one is right for you.
Deciding "which one is right for you" is way overrated. It's appropriate if you're picking out a college to go to or a career choice but if we're talking about books or web pages the best way is just to stop worrying what's the best possible book to get, pick one and jump into it. You can learn a lot even from a mediocre book. I learned C from the "Teach Yourself C in 21 Days" book, which I now realize is a horrible book, but it's okay, because it still taught me enough C to get started. And of course in the google age there's no reason to be limited to just one source of information.
I understand where you're coming from and I sympathize with your concerns. It's true we don't want newbies to be turned away from pursuing their interest in gamedev by a bad experience with the community. And I can see how someone with no idea where to start could find the vastness of the programming world overwhelming.
Still, I repeat that DevMaster is not a school. I don't want newbies to be prevented from learning all that they can, this is just not the appropriate place for it. Most of the people on this forum simply do not have the time to spend acting as a mentor for a newbie apprentice. I believe we do not need to cater to newbies here as there are many avenues of learning they can pursue - we've discussed books and websites, and many schools and community colleges and so forth are now offering programming and game development courses, and of course there's GameTutorials and the Game Institute if a physical school's not an option. Those books and websites have been written and those classes created by people who do want to spent the time acting as teachers to newbies, and newbies should avail themselves of all those resources. However, this forum is not for that purpose - it's oriented to back-and-forth intellectual exchange, as opposed to teaching which is a pretty much one-way transfer of information.
If you feel that an online community that has a more newbie-friendly attitude would be preferable, I highly encourage you to create one - maybe some DevMaster regulars would even go join it. If you want to spend your time teaching then I totally respect that. It's just that the kind of environment of intellectual discussion and technical problem-solving we want to create here doesn't also lend itself to the kind of teaching you seem to think we should perform. For what it's worth I accept your criticisms about the state of DevMaster's articles base and useful threads getting pushed back.
I think I've said about all that's useful for me to say here, so I'm not going to respond to this thread anymore. Feel free to have the last word if you like. B)
That's just bad business. A staff member of a website is supposed to help keep a web site in top condition and improve the overall website if they can.
Business? I didn't realize DevMaster.net was raking in enough revenue with the tiny Google Ads banner in the top right corner to support a full-time staff. :worthy:
That aside, I could see how a prominent "Newbie Help" button that links to the Wiki could be usefull. @"DracheHexe"
Consolidate or group the best links, forum topics, etc so that a link to a great article is never pushed back after two months... Have a newbie question of the week or something.
You could implement these and other suggestions yourself. The Wiki is a collaborative effort fully open to your input. You have some good ideas. Why not directly contribute to improving this community?
Nope - the problem is, that the noobs misuse us as google proxies. I have better things to do in my sparetime than to do the reserach they should have done themselfs.
Regarding books: You don't need to buy books. That's what libraries are for.
Here's an interesting thought (or so I think):
Below everyone's name is an item that says Posts:XXX.
Allowing it were possible (and I'm not sure it has the intended effect, but it would be humorous): what if DevMaster added something like "Didn't-Google:", and list a count of how many times their questions were answered on the most simple of Google searches?
Having '0' could be a mark of honor.
Just a thought: I realize it wouldn't be easy to implement/enforce and make-valid (it might even upset some people). Mostly I'm throwing this out there in case it helps someone else think of a better idea.
Couldn't one add a feature link next to all topics being a link opening that topic as a query in google? Most of the time that would be enough!
wow... another one of these threads.
I find myself reading the debate and agreeing with both. So some people want the site to... what's the appropriate word here.. cater to, or maybe some form of inclusion in reference to "newbs". Other don't want to be bothered with them, or see it lowering the overall standards or visual appeal to programmers who at this point in time are more progressed. I personally don't see the situation as a simple question of either/or. Wouldn't it be fairly easy to accomidate both ends?
I'd agree.. not that my opinion here means much, that seeing a post every few lines which ask's questions such as how do you make a "fill in the blank", or my personal favorite.. "I'm a noob.. please help me!!!!", gets very annoying, and with enough of them, kills the desire to come back to a site. I think these types of posts should be controlled in some way, but I'm not suggesting censorship of them.
Here's my idea so take it for whatever its worth to you. I would have two main suggestions. The first, would be, maybe asking some of the community to contribute to the "Articles/Tutorials" section from time to time. Maybe they need a little break from their own work and would'nt mind helping. Tutorials come in many shapes and sizes. Some are written with the intention specifically for the tutorial sections, and others are previously asked questions that have been answered through posts. Maybe in that section, listing commonly asked questions and providing links to the relevent topic. don't like that idea? Newbs will. The second suggestion would be to create a small section specifically for ahem... lower level questions, a "Beginner's area". That way, if they don't find what they are looking for, they still can feel included but it will not interfer with the overall mission/goal of DevMaster.
These are just suggestions I think that would not solve, but drastically reduce this issue to a less pronounced level. I personally have not found a reason where I would need to post to ask questions, but I do realize others very well may. Why should people even bother to put out this much effort? Because I have seen enough threads like this where people could have simply done somthing like these things instead of writing a post either way multiple times to no avail. And a sidenote.. these threads in themselves look bad to begin with, regardless of which side you lean.
I get you now. Quite frankly these are the people you should point and laugh at, but those types of questions do ruin a good forum.


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If the fraction of GDP paid in tax were raised to 3.7 percent, 1 percent above the peak of the Bush2 administration, this would result in about $580 billion of revenue, the additional $300 billion coming out of the $3.6 trillion. The corporate tax could be raised by about $300 billion-500 billion.
The inheritance tax could be raised by $25 billion-50 billion per year, and this would help prevent the formation of an aristocracy in our country, which is an affront to American values.
In 2011 European Union Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso noted that after being fed 4 trillion euros of bailout money from the EU, the banks could afford to pay a transaction tax of 50 billion euros. This tax is in the works now. In our country, such a tax could raise $100 billion-200 billion per year.
According to CNBC's Robert Frank on March 18, wealthy Americans avoid $40 billion-70 billion of taxes each year by offshoring. Collecting this tax will end the flouting of the law by wealthy individuals like Mitt Romney.
According to Sen. Elizabeth Warren on March 26, "too big to fail" banking institutions in the U.S. currently receive a subsidy of $83 billion per year due to their Dodd-Frank-induced lower funding costs. A tax imposed on these banks to recoup this subsidy would raise a welcome $83 billion.
Eliminating what remain of the Bush2 tax cuts would generate roughly $100 billion.
The total revenue generated from these taxes works out to be $648 billion to $1.3 trillion per year, with the mid range being $825 billion. Since the CBO projects an $845 billion deficit this year, if these taxes were passed, the result would be a budget deficit of $20 billion.
These measures satisfy the Republicans' feigned desire to balance the budget and do no harm to the economy. Most importantly, they put a stop to the piling of debt onto young Americans.
As usual, the primary obstacle to repairing our country is the intransigent Grover Norquist idolaters who inhabit the House of Representatives. This group won control in 2012 with 47.7 percent of the popular vote. They offer our country no solutions other than hacking the government to nothing and irresponsible anti-tax fanaticism.
Hank Achor


text: I am doing the graduation and now I am planning to write the admission essay but I heard it contains different types writing format and guidelines. Different resources are providing different information so I am confusing about the marketing essay writing and admission essay writing format. How I will choose proper and and format. Please share your tips and ideas


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Quarterback Cameron Newton will try to make his presence known in spring practice.
Newton, who was at the University of Florida for two years, spent last year at Blinn College in Texas. The 6-foot-6, 245-pounder will compete with for the starting job at Auburn that Chris Todd will vacate in the Outback Bowl against Northwestern on Friday in his final college game. He has two years of eligibility remaining. AuburnSports.com and AuburnUndercover.com and Inside the Auburn Tigers reported the commitment. They're rounding up the quotes.
Newton will join a quarterback race at Auburn that could include incumbents Neil Caudle, Barrett Trotter, Tyrik Rollison and Clint Moseley.
Newton passed for 2,833 yards and 22 touchdowns, and rushed for another 655 yards and 16 touchdowns at Blinn College.
Newton, who visited Auburn a few weeks ago, chose the Tigers over Mississippi State after taking Oklahoma off his list. Newton was attracted to Mississippi State because his offensive coordinator at Florida, Dan Mullen, is now the head coach of the Bulldogs.
In the end, Auburn won the day for the player Rivals calls the nation's top junior college player. He's the fifth player who will be signing in December who will be available for spring practice.
Newton played sparingly behind Tim Tebow at Florida. He completed 6-of-12 passes for 54 yards. He ran the ball 21 times for 113 yards and four touchdowns.
Newton was arrested for stealing a laptop during his second year. The most serious charges were dropped and he completed a pretrial intervention program that typically includes probation. His father, Cecil Newton, said his son didn't know the laptop was stolen when he bought it from another student and panicked when police started questioning him about it, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.


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The Makeover That Proves Bright White Is The Best Color For Kitchens
In the guest room of a North Carolina mountain house designed by architect Ruard Veltman, the satin-covered headboard flows into a faux leather-covered bedside table for a unified look.
"I love the hard geometry of the chest next to the frilly curtains," Nick Olsen says of a Brooklyn studio apartment. To add a soft touch to the metal Heimdal bed from Ikea, he slipcovered a length of foam in Schumacher's Hong Kong for a headboard. Duvet cover and pillow shams by Schweitzer Linen. Because of their large scale, Mercury glass lamps from Circa Lighting make an impact. They're set on vintage end tables — originally brown, Olsen repainted them a bright Chinese red, "because every room needs a touch of red."
Your Favorite Rooms of the Week


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To commemorate the project that elevated the railroad along Superior Street in the post-World War II era, the city of Fort Wayne installed a massive steam locomotive in Lawton Park. In 1979, what was once a broken monument was restored to operation by a group of volunteers called the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society.
No one could have known it at the time, but steam locomotive No. 765 would become an international attraction operating passenger train excursions and appearing all over the country as a larger-than-life sensory experience, teaching tool and ambassador for the city of Fort Wayne.
No. 765 is a rolling Hollywood production, creating, as Walt Disney called it, "a happening" in every town it travels through. This is no ordinary history lesson. It's an icon of Midwest industry and innovation. It is Fort Wayne incarnate.
Few cities can claim they have their own train, let alone one with a proven, 30-year following. No. 765 experienced 50,000 visitors from all 50 states and five countries in 16 days alone in 2011. The engine traveled more than 3,000 miles in 2012, where up to 3,000 people daily enjoyed the sights and sounds of our rocket ship on wheels.
But how can the success of this people-magnet help Fort Wayne?
Enter Headwaters Junction, an idea that has been endorsed and supported by a number of neighborhood and civic organizations for several years, thanks in no small part to the power of the train.
Recognized by the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative as a plan with "community support and catalytic potential," Headwaters Junction is an effort to make mixed-use development along our riverfront unique, entertaining, educational and vibrant with the train.
With yearlong programming and events, and a railroad connecting other area attractions to downtown, Headwaters Junction is an opportunity for Fort Wayne to set itself apart from others in the Midwest with not just its offerings, but with its vision to embrace its own strengths, assets and identity.
Community plans for North River, the undeveloped former railroad yard and scrap site along Clinton Street and the St. Marys River, have long called for the site to eventually host some sort of regional attraction to complement mixed use along the riverfront. This can be that attraction.
For a city once so industrious and hyper-connected because of the railroad, it's an attraction that's authentic, with the capability to bring 100,000 or more visitors downtown every year.
The Legacy Fort Wayne initiative recognized the opportunity to include engine No. 765 and its vintage stablemates, which are stored in a facility east of New Haven when not in use, in initial studies for riverfront development.
What would it be like to have a dinner train downtown or our very own Polar Express? What could a 1944-built time machine and its thousands of visitors do in helping make downtown a destination?
Imagine a street car taking visitors to the zoo; shops, restaurants and river tours set against the dramatic, animated backdrop of the train and its environment; annual programming and events using the train as the centerpiece.
Just as you need not be a fan of baseball to enjoy an evening at Parkview Field, you need not be a student of history to be entranced by an attraction as versatile as the train. Just as a simple baseball game has helped bring the masses to discover downtown, this locomotive and its counterparts are our pied pipers waiting in the wings.
At our current facility east of New Haven, we've had visitors come and picnic in the grass just to watch us work on the train. When's the last time you went back in time on your lunch break?
There is a reason this was one of the top three ideas in public voting and why it survived two years of deliberations on how to promote the "cultural, recreational, public and economic well-being of Fort Wayne," and to help establish the city "as a place of pride and opportunity for all."
This is not another strip mall. It's not a museum. This is one-of-a-kind community potential, the kind the Legacy Fort Wayne initiative said "should not be overlooked."
As City Council and the mayor's office weigh development possibilities, tell them this train deserves to have a home where it can really benefit the city that preserved it.
It's time to take it to the next step.
Tell them that, if we're going to remake Fort Wayne, let's do it in a way that actually says something about our city, in a way that sets us apart and inspires thousands along the way.
You're welcome to stop in at 614 S. Harrison St. at 6 p.m. Thursday to hear a public presentation on Headwaters Junction.
Visit http://headwatersjunction.com and www.fortwaynerailroad.org for more information, or send me a request at email@example.com for a tour of No. 765 at 15808 Edgerton Road, New Haven, and let your imagination do the rest.
Don't let Fort Wayne miss the train.
More Information
Learn moreWhat: Public presentation on Headwaters Junction, a downtown development proposed as a Legacy Fund project.
When: 6 p.m. Thursday
Where: Founders building, 614 S. Harrison St.
Cost: Free
Write a Your Neighbor column
The Your Neighbor column allows a representative of a nonprofit group or organization to tell the community about the organization, its programs or an upcoming activity. To submit a column for Your Neighbor, send to email@example.com.


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Hotel Particulier
A charmed Montmartre hideaway
Nestled in a garden down a secret cobblestone path off Avenue Junot in Paris' Montmartre lies the impossibly charming five-room Hotel Particulier. CH had the privilege of staying there recently (courtesy of the hotel, which just opened its doors in June) and enjoyed the luxuriously appointed rooms and movie-perfect setting—the adjacent pétanque court being the cherry on top of the cake.
With a well-curated art collection adorning the walls, antiques, design objects and coffee table books everywhere, our experience felt something like living in the pages of a shelter magazine for a few days. Considering the building was formerly an actual hotel particulier (the French phrase means "private mansion"), the home-like atmosphere makes sense.
We stayed in the "Vitrine Room," so named for the artwork by Philippe Mayaux (who designed the room) consisting of a glass case filled with pink objects suggesting sex toys and genitalia (pictured left). Spacious and with windows overlooking the pétanque court and gardens, the highlight was the massive steam room in the bathroom. The equally massive bed, ideal for watching a film on the flat screen television and DVD player, also helped encourage relaxation.
The other four rooms, each also designed by a different creative force, were all as inviting and large as the next—except for the huge top-floor loft featuring two bedrooms, skylights and a claw foot tub in the center of the room. We also loved the "Tree with ears†room, featuring custom artist-designed wallpaper and a sound installation enabling guests to leave messages for future guests.
Whether dining al fresco in the garden (designed by Louis Bénech who's responsible for renovating Tuileries) with floral scents wafting by or sipping a glass of red wine in the ground floor salon, we can't think of a more perfect place for the kind of Paris visit that's so enchanted it feels like a cliché. And yes we'd say all that even if our stay hadn't been sponsored.
23 , avenue Junot 75018 Paris


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Johnson set to make season debut for O's
MINNEAPOLIS -- Orioles right-hander Steve Johnson joined the team in Minnesota on Friday afternoon in advance of his first start of the season on Saturday.
"My goal was to break with the team," said Johnson, who suffered a right lat strain late in camp to take him out of the running. "Unfortunately, it couldn't happen. I was just frustrated to not break with any team, to be stuck in extended [spring]. Had to wait and have it heal, and glad to get the opportunity [now]."
Johnson was a pleasant surprise for the Orioles last season, going 4-0 with a 2.11 ERA in 12 games, including four starts. His last Major League start came Sept. 29 against Boston, and the 25-year-old said it helps to have the confidence that comes with a solid rookie season. In Norfolk, he started out on a rehab assignment and pitched two games before he was officially optioned to the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate.
"I've only had a couple of starts, but I've felt good," said Johnson, who went 1-1 with a 4.41 ERA in three Triple-A games. "My command has been there. I haven't walked that many guys. All my stuff felt really good last time. It might be only one of the first couple of starts of the season where they're letting me go all the way, but I feel really good."
The Orioles, who will likely option a reliever to clear a roster spot for Johnson, have off-days on Monday and Thursday and could go with a four-man rotation for a little while.
"It kind of changed the way you look at it," manager Buck Showalter said of the rare two off-days in one week potentially changing the roster construction. "We'll see. [Johnson] looks good. I thought some of the inactivity he had, he had kind of gotten away from some things because he had to physically. He worked hard to get in good pitching shape."
Brittany Ghiroli is a reporter for MLB.com. Read her blog, Britt's Bird Watch, and follow her on Twitter @britt_ghiroli. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.


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Hydrangea Color Me
This item is currently not available.
Additional Information
Grow More Beautiful Pink or Blue Hydrangeas
- Modify and enhance the color of your big-leaf hydrangeas
- All-natural soil additive is safe and easy to use
- Also promotes healthy, vigorous growth
A big-leaf hydrangea in bloom is a sight to behold — especially when it's blooming in your favorite color! Color Me Blue™ and Color Me Pink™ natural soil additives modify your soil's pH, so you can change or enhance the color of your hydrangea's blooms. For many big-leaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla) varieties, the color of the blooms depends on the pH (acidity or alkalinity) of the soil. Color Me Blue lowers soil pH, making it more acidic to promote blue flowers. The lime in Color Me Pink raises soil pH, making it more alkaline to promote pink flowers. The product includes instructions on how much to apply, which will depend on your soil's current pH. (To ensure good results, we recommend testing your soil's pH before adding either product.) Please note that some white or cream flowering hydrangea varieties (including Annabelle, oakleaf and some PeeGee hydrangeas) will not respond to soil pH by changing their flower color, and that other white hydrangea varieties will turn blue or pink.
Product Details
- Color Me Blue™ contains 90% free sulfur (from elemental sulfur), 8% bentonite clay and 2% wetting agent
- Color Me Pink™ contains pelletized lime
- 2-3/4 lbs.
- International delivery is not available for this item


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The Aachen Colloquium "Automobile and Engine Technology" has become the largest automotive and engine technology congress in Europe and the high number of participants shows the existing interest of the automotive and supplier industry. In 2012, we welcomed 1800 participants from 31 countries.
Lotus Engineering is showing the Ultraboost engine and presenting a paper in conjunction with JLR.
Event Date/Time:
7 October 2013 to 9 October 2013


text: This is a wonderful piece done by Specialized Bikes of Meredith Miller being fit for her bike. Most of us won't ever get a custom fit like this, but it's amazing to see all the different components that are measured and the adjustments that are made. If you want to watch more of these, check 'em out here. (Also, more on BG fit here.)


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With Rakestraw- Just FYI
-Said most likely either Gill or AJ will be traded, not Tinsley because 1st year of new contract.
-Said he expects DD to most likely not be back, but does expect JJ to be back (saying he was higher priority and the P's expect Dale not to get a huge offer on the market anyway.)
-Also said in the next 2-3 weeks we should see a 2 for 1 or 3 for 1 trade from the P's.
All in all stuff we've all talked about and speculated here for the most part.


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Burton Line Graphic Sheet Set
No longer available
- Overview
With its freestyle design inspired by a Burton logo sketch, this sheeting has a low-key look that works with almost every other bedding.
- Made of 100% cotton percale.
- 200-thread count.
- Set includes flat sheet, fitted sheet and two standard pillowcases (one with twin XL).
- Twin XL sheeting has a longer fitted sheet to accommodate both standard twin and twin XL dorm mattresses.
- Extra pillowcases are available in sets of 2.
- Pillow insert sold separately.
- Machine wash.
- Personalization on the pillowcase is centered on the side cuff; personalization on the sheet set is centered on the top cuff and placed so it will be visible when the sheet is folded over as part of a made bed.
- Imported.
Mix + match our bedding to create your own unique look with our Design Your Own Bed Tool.
- Dimensions + Care
Twin XL
- Flat Sheet: 66 x 96"
- Fitted Sheet: 39 x 80"; fits mattresses up to 12" deep
- Standard Pillowcase: 30" wide x 20" high
- Flat Sheet: 90 x 96"
- Fitted Sheet: 54 x 75"; fits mattresses up to 16" deep
- Standard Pillowcase (2): 30" wide x 20" high
- Flat Sheet: 96 x 104"
- Fitted Sheet: 60 x 80"; fits mattresses up to 16" deep
- Standard Pillowcase (2): 30" wide x 20" high
- 100% cotton percale interwoven with 5% organic fibers. A percale weave is noticeably denser and wears well over time.
- Fitted sheet has universal elastic (elastic around the entire edge) for a snug, secure fit.
- Machine wash in warm water; gentle cycle.
- Use only nonchlorine bleach, if needed.
- Tumble dry on low heat; remove promptly.
- Warm iron as needed.
- Shipping Info
This item will arrive in 3-5 business days. Please proceed to the Payment & Review page of Checkout for a precise delivery estimate.


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Tumor Hypoxia of Head-and-neck Cancer Underwent Radiation Therapy Measured With F-18-FMISO
This study is ongoing, but not recruiting participants.
Technische Universität Dresden
Information provided by (Responsible Party):
Jörg Kotzerke, Technische Universität Dresden
ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
First received: September 13, 2005
Last updated: March 15, 2016
Last verified: March 2016
- Full Text View
- Tabular View
- No Study Results Posted
- Disclaimer
- How to Read a Study Record
The purpose of this study is to describe the regional and global tumor hypoxia in head-and-neck cancer during percutaneous radiation therapy
|Study Type:
|Study Design:
|Observational Model: Cohort
Time Perspective: Prospective
|Official Title:
|Tumor Hypoxia of Head-and-neck Cancer Underwent Radiation Therapy Measured With F-18-FMISO
Resource links provided by NLM:
MedlinePlus related topics: Head and Neck CancerU.S. FDA Resources
Further study details as provided by Jörg Kotzerke, Technische Universität Dresden:
|Ages Eligible for Study:
|18 Years to 70 Years (Adult, Senior)
|Sexes Eligible for Study:
|Accepts Healthy Volunteers:
|Sampling Method:
|Non-Probability Sample
Study Population
The study includes consecutive patients from the Department of Radiooncology with head and neck cancer (HNC) intended for a curative chemoradiotherapy.
Inclusion Criteria:
- histologically confirmed head-and-neck cancer not curable by surgery
- Karnofsky > 70%
- tumor volume and localisation allow curative radiotherapy
- written consent
Exclusion Criteria:
- metastases
- earlier radiation therapy of head and neck
- pregnancy
- secondary malignancy excluding dermal carcinoma and Tis-carcinoma of cervix uteri
- psychiatric impairment
Contacts and Locations
Choosing to participate in a study is an important personal decision. Talk with your doctor and family members or friends about deciding to join a study. To learn more about this study, you or your doctor may contact the study research staff using the Contacts provided below. For general information, see Learn About Clinical Studies.
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00180180
Please refer to this study by its ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT00180180
|Department of Nuclear Medicine
|Dresden, Germany, 01307
Sponsors and Collaborators
Technische Universität Dresden
|Principal Investigator:
|Joerg Kotzerke, MD
|Department of Nuclear Medicine
More Information
Keywords provided by Jörg Kotzerke, Technische Universität Dresden:
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017
|Responsible Party:
|Jörg Kotzerke, Prof. Dr., Technische Universität Dresden
|ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier:
|NCT00180180 History of Changes
|Other Study ID Numbers:
|Study First Received:
|September 13, 2005
|Last Updated:
|March 15, 2016
Keywords provided by Jörg Kotzerke, Technische Universität Dresden:
head-and-neck cancer
radiation therapy
Additional relevant MeSH terms:
Head and Neck Neoplasms
Neoplasms by Site
ClinicalTrials.gov processed this record on September 21, 2017


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So I'm at Yogi's the other day and I go to the bathroom. I go to wash my hands and what do I find?? Only the GREATEST AIR HAND DRYER IN THE WORLD!!!!
Has anyone else run into these Xlerator hand dyers? I am so pumped up about them! They blow so hard the skin on your hands gets actually dry and warm! It's like a jet engine blasting away at your hands, maybe a rocket engine! And loud, baby! They are so loud you walk out of the bathroom feeling like you just got out of a Joan Jett concert!
You know usually the weak little air dryers don't really dry your hands - or the motion activated towel dispensers just give you a small towel that doesn't really do the trick. I haven't walked out of a public bathroom with warm, dry hands for probably ten years!
You've got to try one of these!
And, no, I am not affiliated with the Xlerator company, althought I might look up their stock prospectus!


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Topic: Klatskin
Hi everyone! It is very helpful reading your stories. My Mom recently had a Interventional Radiology appointment and the doctor is 90% sure she has Klatskin Cancer. She started having pains in her chest and lower back and the pain was becoming more frequent at night and once in awhile she would vomit and feel better. Needless to say she had an ultrasound, ct scan with contrast and ERCP, bile ducts dilated is what they said. The ERCP was not successful, as the blockage was located at the pancreatic duct and common duct and the GI doc was unable to get in. Then she had a MRCP which also was worthless other than YES, she has dilated bile ducts. That is why we had to have the IR doc put in a drain and take a look around and biopsy if needed. The results come in today or tomorrow. She is in pain and is nausious. She is hungry but when she eats the bile comes up and she looses her appetite. I am worried and wonder what could be done. I do work at a hospital and have a expert surgeon that specializes in the Whipple but honestly do not think she will want to do that. She is 76 years old and in 2008 we lost Dad and I think she wants to be with him. Does anyone have any ideas? I am at a loss on what to do. I have had the hospital fax over all her records for a second opinion and all the tests she has had has been inclusive. Now we wait on the biopsy results. I am praying for her every second. After all she is not only my mother but my best friend. Thank you for your support and advice!


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Duck gear makers relieved Oregon drops $500K royalty plan
EUGENE, Ore. - Small companies that produce University of Oregon logo gear are relieved the Ducks dumped a plan to limit trademark contracts to those firms paying over $500,000 in royalties per year.
John Henzie at Triangle Graphics in Eugene, which pays about $20,000 in royalties to the UO, said the changed would have wiped out a quarter his business - and taken a chunk of his employees with it.
McKenzie SewOn in Springfield is also relieved that Oregon plans to stick with the existing policy. The company has tried to diversify among different schools and products.
Matt Dyste, the UO marketing director, said a committee reviewed the proposals and decided a change wouldn't benefit the university.
He added that the goal wasn't to squeeze out smaller companies.