text:
Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, Medicare covers quite a few "preventive medicine" services. Read on to find out what's new.
Medicare often has been criticized for only paying for short-term illness and injury. Although this remains the general rule, there are actually quite a few "preventive medicine" services now covered by Medicare.
And now that the Affordable Care Act is on the boards, it is a fitting time to review the numerous preventive services covered by Medicare, some of which were added thanks to "Obamacare," and all of which are now covered by Medicare and other insurances, also thanks to the ACA.
When Medicare was initiated in 1965, it specifically did not cover any kind of routine physicals or preventive screenings. But over the past 39 years, because of the evolving importance and acceptance of preventive medicine, several exceptions providing for specific preventive services were subsequently added to the covered benefits of Medicare Part B.
Recently, the ACA added an "annual wellness visit" under Medicare. Consequently, Medicare now pays for most commonly performed cancer and other screenings.
Medicare has covered cervical cancer screenings, including Pap smears and pelvic exams, since 1990, while breast cancer screenings have been covered since 1991.
Medicare has covered colorectal cancer screening since 1998. Tests may include fecal occult blood testing, screening sigmoidoscopy or colonoscopy or barium enema.
A digital rectal exam and PSA blood test to screen for prostate cancer are covered in all men ages 50 and older once every 12 months. It should be noted that American Cancer Society guidelines suggest men older than 50 should be offered prostate cancer screenings but only with a life expectancy of greater than 10 years and with an understanding of the risks and uncertainties of such testing.
In addition to cancer screenings, Medicare now covers several others, specifically for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, glaucoma and osteoporosis.
Cardiovascular disease screening refers to a cholesterol/lipid profile rather than tests for actual cardiovascular disease such as an ECG or stress test, though a screening ECG may be ordered in association with the Initial Preventive Physical Examination. Other cardiovascular tests remain noncovered for routine screening in asymptomatic patients.
Diabetes screening includes fasting or postprandial plasma glucose for any individual at risk for diabetes (including anyone older than 65). Individuals with prediabetes may be tested twice per year, and those without prediabetes may be tested once per year. Diabetic testing supplies, therapeutic shoes and inserts and insulin pumps also are covered, along with self-management training and medical nutrition therapy.
Glaucoma testing, including an eye exam and intraocular pressure measurement, is covered by Medicare once every 12 months for beneficiaries at high risk for glaucoma, people with diabetes or anyone with a history of glaucoma.
Osteoporosis screening via bone mass measurements covered by Medicare includes FDA-approved radiologic procedures to evaluate bone density in estrogen-deficient women at clinical risk for osteoporosis. Other eligible risk groups include any individual with vertebral abnormalities, receiving long-term steroid therapy or being treated and monitored with an approved osteoporosis drug.
Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening is the most recently implemented Medicare screening benefit, effective 2007. Beneficiaries must be males ages 65 to 75 and must have smoked at least 100 cigarettes or manifest other risk factors.
Medicare Part B now covers three recommended adult immunizations — influenza, pneumococcal pneumonia and hepatitis B. Any and all other federally recommended vaccinations are covered and have been under Medicare Part D since 2008. One pneumococcal vaccination for patients older than age 65 is generally considered to provide sufficient coverage for a lifetime, but Medicare also will cover a one-time booster vaccine for high-risk persons if five years have passed since their last vaccination.
Influenza vaccine is recommended in all adults 50 years and older and all health care workers. Hepatitis B vaccination is also covered by Medicare, but only for beneficiaries considered to be at high risk for the disease (those with end-stage renal disease or hemophilia, immunosuppressed patients, homosexual men and residents of institutions for the mentally handicapped). The new shingles vaccine is also recommended once for all adults older than 60.
In addition to the aforementioned specific screenings and vaccinations, Medicare Part B now covers two new types of routine exams, though these are not exactly the traditional "annual physicals" typically conducted by physicians. Other than the initial preventive physical and annual wellness visit, Medicare covers no other periodic or routine examinations.
The initial preventive physical examination (also known as the "Welcome to Medicare" exam, the IPPE) was established in 2005 subsequent to the Medicare Modernization Act of 2003. This optional exam, covered only once per beneficiary per lifetime, must be performed during the first 12 months (formerly six months) of Medicare Part B coverage (i.e., usually at 65-66 years old).
This exam includes several mandatory elements: a comprehensive medical and social history, review of risk factors for depression, functional and safety assessment, a focused physical exam including height, weight, blood pressure and visual acuity and education and counseling regarding any issues identified in the previous elements and regarding other available preventive services under Medicare. The IPPE may be performed by a physician or qualified physician assistant, nurse practitioner or clinical nurse specialist.
The annual wellness visit is another new type of routine/annual examination established by Obamacare. This optional visit may be performed one year after the IPPE and then annually. Rather than a routine physical it is really a compilation of geriatric and risk factor assessments, culminating in personalized prevention plan services.
The following components must be included: updated medical and family history; list of current providers and suppliers of medical care and equipment; height, weight, blood pressure and other measurements as deemed appropriate; and detection of cognitive impairment and depression and review of functional ability and level of safety.
A list of risk factors and scheduled preventive services and referrals should then be produced for the patient.
In conclusion, Medicare has appropriately evolved with modern medical practice to include most commonly recommended preventive screenings and vaccinations. Of course, virtually any test or examination may be done and billed to Medicare when medically necessary and accompanied by a relevant diagnosis. However, routine physicals or any routine or screening tests other than those specifically discussed above are not covered by Medicare.
Clinicians and patients should take advantage of these new and evolving Medicare-covered benefits to foster preventive health at any age.
Dr. Todd Goldberg, a nationally prominent board-certified geriatrician, is associate professor of medicine and director of the Geriatrics Program at WVU Charleston (W. Va.) and Charleston Area Medical Center. He formerly was medical director of Pauls Run, the continuous care retirement community in Northeast Philadelphia. This article originally appeared in The Good Life, a Jewish Exponent supplement.


text:
Red Steel
Percentage Guide/FAQ by ravenhood27
Version: 1.15 | Updated: 02/27/07 | Search Guide | Bookmark Guide
| |
| |
| |
______ _____ _____ _____ | | _____ _____ .-_
| \| __|| \ / \ _| |_| __|| __| | |
| || || | | || | | || |`|_|`| | | | | |
| || || |__ | || | | `.__| | | | |__ | |__ | |
| _ < | __|| || | _`. `. | | | __|| __| | `-.
| || || | | || | | || | | | | | | | || |
| || || |__ | || | | || | | | | |__ | |__ | `-.__
|__||__||_____||_____/ \____/ | | |_____||_____| | _ |
| | `, `-.__|
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
| |
\ |
***** Red Steel Percentage FAQ *****
Created By: ravenhood27
E-mail: firstname.lastname@example.com
Copyright (C) 2007 (Axl Surette)
*** Table of Contents ***
A. Version History (vehi)
B. Introduction - The Purpose Of This Guide (intro)
C. Percentage, Ranks, Requirements, and... The Highest Percentage? (perc)
D. The Replay-A-Level Glitch (glit)
E. Wrap-Up: Credits, Legal/Copyright Info. (the usual boring stuff) (cred)
A. Version History (vehi)
v1.15 - Slight change to the Bloody Sunset Requirements
v1.10 - Added basic Samurai Rank requirements to Section C
v0.10 to v1.00 - Began writing FAQ; added all areas and all necessary
information to each
B. Introduction - The Purpose Of This Guide (intro)
This guide's purpose is to explain the percentage system in the Wii game Red
Steel. There has been some confusion on how the percentage system works, so
I've decided to write out how to get the maximum possible percentage, as well
as a few other things.
The main reason for confusion was that many people thought simply beating the
game would result in a 100% file. However, there's much more to it than that.
This FAQ will explain what is needed to be done.
C. Percentage, Ranks, Requirements, and... The Highest Percentage? (perc)
In Red Steel, your progress is tracked not only by level, but also my your
percentage. Most people would think that the percentage is determinded by the
number of levels you complete, eventually leading up to the end of the game.
HOWEVER, that is not the case with Red Steel. Your percentage is a result of
how well you perform on each level, not the completion of each level. This
ends up resulting in a percentage which is actually HIGHER than 100%.
First, I should mention the different Ranks that you can receive. There are
four different Ranks in the game, all dependant on your percentage of each
- Novice
- Disciple
- Warrior
- Samurai
Novice is the lowest Rank, and Samurai is, obviously, the highest.
Now, as for what determines your percentage. There are three categories which
determine what your percentage outcome will be. These are:
- Time
- Accuracy
- Respect Points
The 'time' and 'accuracy' categories are easy enough to understand. Basically,
finish the level as fast as possible, and try not to shoot the walls all the
However, the Respect Points category is where the problem comes in.
Respect Points are obtained in two main ways, which don't have to be dealt
with until later in the game. At first, they are earned when letting an
opponent live at the end of a sword duel. If you kill them, you get nothing.
Later on in the game, you can disarm enemies with the Focus skill, where you
are able to stop time briefly to aim at a number of opponents. If you want,
you can kill your opponents, but you can disarm them for more Respect Points
(this is HIGHLY recommended. Otherwise, you'll probably never get 105%).
Now, for the requirements. The following is a list of all of the levels in
the game, and the requirements needed in each category for the Samurai Rank.
The information on this list was provided by SPV999 of the GameFAQs Message
Also, please note that the information may not be 100% accurate. It isn't
easy to determine the exact requirements for each category, so please bear
this in mind when referencing to the list for help. In addition, when you
see < #, that means less than whatever the number is. > # is greater than
the number. Occasionally (usually for the Respect Points), there will also
be a > or = # (greater than or equal to). Now, without further ado...
Bloody Sunset
Time: < 10:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: 0
Fire Escape
Time: < 20:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 250
Angel's Heaven
Time: < 15:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: 0
Extreme Wheels
Time: < 25:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 300
Broken Wing
Time: < 30:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 400
Time: < 15:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 120
Burning Trash
Time: < 30:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 1200
Fish Market
Time: < 40:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 2000
Tetsuo's Games
Time: < 40:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 1500
Business Plot
Time: < 20:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 1500
Geisha House
Time: < 30:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 3000
Blind Date
Time: < 20:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 1500
Night of the Komoris
Time: < 25:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 3000
In the Name of the Father
Time: < 25:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 2500
Time: < 20:00
Accuracy: > 50%
Respect Points: > or = 1500
So, if you want the Samurai rank and 105% completion, run and gun, quickly and
efficiently, and be merciful whenever you can.
D. The Replay-A-Level Glitch (glit)
Well, not much of an issue yet, is it? Well, I'll tell you the problem here.
After completing any level in the game, you can go back to that level using the
Replay A Level option in the main menu. Here, you're supposed to be able to
try for a better ranking if you need it. There is, however, a glitch in this
option that, in some cases, will prevent you from achieving a higher ranking.
When replaying a level, whenever you enter an area that requires a large load
time (aka. the 'notes' screen; try this, use these buttons, etc.; don't mistake
this load screen for the simple 'loading' word that comes up from time to
time), your current number of Respect Points is COMPLETELY LOST. So, if you're
half-way through a level and find yourself at the loading screen, check your
Respect Points when you can, and they're probably gone. If they aren't, well
lucky you.
NOTE: Kudos go out to efarenas78 for being the first to mention this on the Red
Steel message boards. Good find!
So, how do you get around this? Unfortunately, there's no way to bypass this
glitch. The only way you can guarantee yourself the full 105% is to get a
Samurai ranking on each level in the New Game or Load Game options. Annoying,
I know, but it's not a problem if you get 105% percent the first time around.
Now, there are some that claim there is a total of 103%. So why do I say 105%?
Those that have 103%, with a Samurai rank on each level, are missing one
Samurai Rank that is NOT AVAILABLE on the Replay A Level option. At some point
in the game, you will visit Harry's Bar, and this is one of the shortest
missions in the game. You save the owner, do some target practice, learn the
Focus skill, and find your next mission. I'm saying this now: This level DOES
count towards your overall percentage! You can receive a Samurai rank on this
level and add to your overall total.
While the level mentioned above is very simple, it's easy to simply spray
bullets in the target practice, and lower your accuracy. So don't take that
level lightly.
NOTE: While I'm at it, I may as well mention that there are, in fact, two
different endings for Red Steel. To get the better of the two endings, in the
last level, break _____'s sword (what, you thought I'd say his name? =P). If
you lose to him or let him kill the bad guy, you will receive the bad ending.
If you want to see the good ending, you MUST start a New Game. You CANNOT see
the good ending OR bad ending by using the Replay A Level option.
E. Wrap-Up: Credits, Legal/Copyright Info. (the usual boring stuff) (cred)
Well, that's the FAQ. Not much to it, but it caused quite a bit of confusion
for a while.
Credit goes to:
- efarenas78 for discovering the Replay A Level glitch
- KirbyRockz, for the Red Steel ASCII art (who will also eventually have the
basics of this information in his FAQ)
- SPV999, for the Samurai Ranking Requirements
- GameFAQs and those who run it
- All else on the message boards of GameFAQs who posted on my Percentage topic
- Ubisoft, for making the game in the first place
- and myself, ravenhood27 (Axl Surette), for writing the guide
This guide it NOT to be used anywhere else on any site, for ANY reason, without
my permission. If this guide, or any clearly-altered version of this guide,
is seen anywhere without my consent, then that is a copyright violation and you
will be asked to remove it immediately. This FAQ is for personal use only, and
may not be reproduced, again, unless you have my permission.
All trademarks and copyrights within this FAQ are owned by their respective
owners (in other words, myself).
Copyright (C) Axl Surette 2007
View in:

subset: commoncrawl


text:
A few months ago, during a debate over whether government workers should get benefits for same-sex partners, Passaic County, N.J., Sheriff's Department Det. Cpl. Douglas Laverty revealed that he is gay--something he had kept secret from even close friends.
In the ultramacho culture of law enforcement, he feared the worst: harassment, discrimination, or worse. Instead, what he found was acceptance and support. And he wants people to know he's grateful. "People knew me as Doug; now they know me as 'Gay Doug,"' said Laverty, an 18-year veteran. "The guys were all great. I know how lucky I am; I am blessed that I work with good people."
In July, when New Jersey's domestic-partnership law went into effect, Laverty began wondering whether the policy granting benefits to same-sex couples would extend to the county level. He has been in a committed gay relationship for three years, and refers to his partner of three years, James Roche, as his spouse and husband.
Laverty asked for a meeting with Passaic County sheriff Jerry Speziale, telling the sheriff's aide only that he wanted to discuss a personal matter. The sheriff didn't flinch when Laverty said he was gay, and Speziale immediately put him in contact with county freeholders to discuss the possibility of granting same-sex partners benefits. (That hasn't happened yet.) Soon a local newspaper got wind of his inquiries and profiled him in a front-page article. The night before it was to be published, Laverty couldn't sleep, fearing what he might have gotten himself into.
"It's a macho, very masculine-type job," he said. "For all these years, I had been totally afraid to reveal it to anybody. I know other gay cops that are out that have been received in a very negative manner, having bras and panties hung in their lockers, people refusing to work with them."
When he got to work the next day, his desk was filled with cards and notes, all offering support. "Basically everyone said that 'nothing had changed, you're still our friend, we still care about you,'" he said. "I had a few guys pull me aside and say, 'Doug, why didn't you ever say anything?' Honest to God, there was not one negative thing said or done."
It's a story that is slowly becoming more common in the United States as gays are more visible and accepted, said Michael Adams, a spokesman for Lambda Legal, a gay civil rights group. "It reflects the progress being made in law enforcement and in New Jersey," he said. "New Jersey is becoming an increasingly supportive state for gay people. And we're definitely seeing progress being made with gays in law enforcement, which is encouraging." There are several gay police groups, including the Gay Officers Action League, which has chapters across the country, including New York, Boston, and San Francisco.
His coming-out this year was the end of a journey the 37-year-old Laverty began as a child; he began to suspect as far back as junior high school that he was gay, but he says he didn't want to deal with it. "I started realizing I was attracted to boys; it was very confusing," he said. "I was brought up in a very straight household."
Laverty did things he thought would help steer him in the opposite direction. He joined the military, got married, and had two daughters. When the feelings persisted, he went to a psychiatrist, hoping for "a cure." It was not to be; although he loved his wife and kids, his true sexual orientation was becoming clearer, and he would have flings with men behind his wife's back. "I wasn't being the best husband or father, living all these lies," he said. "I was leading an ugly life."
Finally, after six years of marriage, he decided to tell his wife and daughters the truth, despite his fear he would lose them forever. His wife was upset at first but has now accepted the situation to the point that Roche, a hairstylist, does her hair. She and her boyfriend are friendly with Laverty and Roche.
"It's so much easier that I can be who I am now instead of pretending to be just one of his buddies," said Roche, who recently bought a house with Laverty in Little Falls. "Now when the guys at his work have a Christmas party or have their wives over to dinner, I go with him."
Detective Kevin Niethe, Laverty's on-the-job partner, trusts him with his life. "I feel confident in any situation that he would back me up," Niethe said. "He's a great guy and a good cop. If my life was on the line, I'm not thinking of who he's kissing behind closed doors." Laverty says he and Niethe get along great, engaging in the usual squad car banter and teasing that partners do. "He talks to me about his wife; I talk to him about my husband," he said with a smile.


text:
General feelings around the CFL suggest the Winnipeg Blue Bombers have done a great job of improving their team this off-season.
Although they lost elite punter Jon Ryan to the NFL and leading receiver/kick returner Keith Stokes to the Toronto Argonauts, a new coaching staff and the signing of the best available free agent have gone a long way toward restoring the reputation of a team that sank to an almost unimaginable low in 2005.
The Bombers had the worst defence in CFL history last season, but three very positive things have happened to rectify that situation: They fired Jim Daley, who was personally responsible for the complete defensive collapse after co-ordinator Rod Rust left town, they hired Greg Marshall, whose record as a defensive guru speaks for itself, and they signed star middle linebacker Barrin Simpson.
Bombers' GM Brendan Taman has also thrown a boatload of money at Canadian safety Richard Karikari in an attempt to significantly improve a porous defensive backfield. Unfortunately, Karikari is leaning toward a return to Montreal and if Winnipeg can't land him it will be out of defensive free-agent options.
That possibility has some fans whispering concern. Just how much better can this defence possibly be with addition of one linebacker, Canadian safety Mike Crumb (obtained in a trade for QB Spergon Wynn) and some coaches? Some people are wondering just how many positions Barrin Simpson is going to play.
The defensive backs will essentially be the same and, while they should be improved with another year under their belt, that prospect is a bit scary.
The onus on Taman now shifts to his recruiting ability. He needs to find some players to challenge for spots on the defence, stat.
As he has acknowledged in the past, his job depends on it.
OLYMPIC HANGOVER: As you can see from the letters in the strip (right), feedback came fast and furiously to last week's column about the Canadian men's hockey team's embarrassing performance at the Olympics.
The majority of people agreed the team's putrid result, which included three shutout losses, was unacceptable. However, some people pointed out that there were almost enough good results coming out of the Olympics -- hello, Cindy Klassen and Clara Hughes -- that the men's hockey disaster was insignificant.
I'll agree, the speed skaters, women's hockey players, curlers, skeleton pilots and cross country skiers lessened the blow. Their efforts at the Olympics made millions of Canadians proud and our kudos go out to them, but it wasn't enough to give our millionaire hockey players, coaches and managers a free pass.
This week, Canadians went back to not caring about any of those other sports, but when it comes to hockey the bitter taste will be plaguing their mouths for a long time, say four years.
CROSSOVER STAR? Did you happen to catch those pictures of suddenly fun-loving Barry Bonds parading around spring training in drag? My first thought was: What the hell is Serena Williams doing at San Francisco Giants camp? ... News flash: The Ottawa Renegades are a hopeless mess once again. This is what happens when a league expands to a city that never wanted it in the first place, replaces bad owners with worse ones, and invites football history's most cruel joke -- the Gliebermans -- back into the fold. Of course fold is exactly what the franchise is eventually going to do, so let's just put them out of our misery now ... Speaking of bad jokes, how about that World Baseball Classic? So many players have dropped out, the Americans are considering springing Albert Belle out of jail so he can stalk fly balls in right field ... If even two or three Canadians had played the Olympic tournament with the kind of fire Teemu Selanne displayed, we just might have won a medal ... Finally, in wake of Canadian women winning the majority of our country's Olympic medals, some great advice for our men's hockey program has been circulating around the nation: Play like girls!


text:
Ozarka Brand 100% Natural Spring Water Inspires Runners to Perform at their Best as the Official Bottled Water of the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon Series
Ozarka® Teams Up with Pro Marathoner and 50K Record Holder Josh Cox to Inspire Runners at the 2012 Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon Series
SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 8, 2012 /PRNewswire/ — Ozarka® Brand 100% Natural Spring Water is proud to sponsor the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and ½ Marathon benefitting Susan G. Komen for the Cure. The brand has teamed up with elite marathon runner Josh Cox to become the ultimate hydration partner, inspiring first-time and seasoned runners to perform at their best.
Ozarka Brand 100% Natural Spring Water has supported various running events for more than 10 years, including the upcoming Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon and ½ Marathon on November 11. Ozarka 100% Natural Spring Water, sourced from carefully selected natural springs, will be supplied at the start and finish lines and along the course at official hydration stations. "We're proud to be the official bottled water sponsor of the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon series," says Angela Barile, Group Marketing Manager, Nestle Waters Regional Spring Water Brands. "We're excited to be a running partner for all participants in this year's events and share their passion to be the very best."
Joining Ozarka Natural Spring Water, Josh Cox will be at the 2012 Health & Fitness Expo from November 9 – 10 at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio. Cox, the American record holder in the 50K, four-time U.S. Olympic Trials qualifier and three-time U.S. National Team member, will be at the Ozarka booth sharing his hydration tips and expert training advice. Specifically, he will offer his advice about personal training routines, the importance of staying hydrated and injury prevention – inspiring the runners in San Antonio on their marathon journey.
On Saturday morning, November 10, Josh will take a group of local San Antonio runners from iRun Texas (formerly Run On! San Antonio) on their final training run before Sunday's race. "I'm excited to be a part of their final training session and provide some tips and encouragement to help them perform at their best," says Cox. "One of the biggest factors to their success will be hydration – water consumption is essential to all athletes. That's why, when I'm in San Antonio, Ozarka is an important part of my own training routine." Following the training run, which will take place through the historic Alamo district in downtown San Antonio, the group of runners will have the chance to chat with Josh one-on-one for last minute advice.
Ozarka is proud to sponsor the Rock 'n' Roll San Antonio Marathon series to promote the brand's shared passion for constant betterment with the running community in San Antonio. To learn more information about Ozarka and share your running stories, please visit brand on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/ozarkawater.
About Nestle Waters North America
With 36 years of experience providing refreshment in the bottled water segment, Nestle Waters North America is the nation's leading bottled water company. The company produces six regional natural spring water brands in the U.S., distributes three international brands, produces Nestle® Pure Life®, its nationally distributed purified bottled water, and most recently, ready-to-drink iced teas. The company's dedication to quality products, employee development, bringing shared value to communities, and its commitment to environmental stewardship, especially in the areas of water use, energy and packaging, has led Nestle Waters North America to the third largest non-alcoholic beverage company position in the U.S.


text:
TruTag launches incredible, edible food tracing
TruTags are sensors designed to help food manufacturers, pharmaceutical companies and other product companies thwart counterfeiting—which can be costly in terms of drained revenue, damaged reputation and lost lives.
"The ability to track food items, especially in light of the complex global supply chains of major food product manufacturers, is of high interest," TruTag Technologies representative Paula Page told FoodProductionDaily.com.
Each tag consists of a marking made from pure silica microparticles, digitally coded by a proprietary nano-etching process. Because the material is designated "generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), they can be added in trace amounts to food, drugs, supplements and other items.
Tags can be imparted with a broad range of information; once added to a product, they can be scanned with the company's reading device. Users can use an iPad or iPhone to control the reader, then decode with the TruTag software.
"TruTags function much like a bar code in that they can be serialized to uniquely identify a product—we refer to them as covert 'edible bar codes,'" she said. "It is simply a matter of associating the ID number from the spectral code of the TruTags to a variety of product information in a manufacturer's database, such as date and site of manufacture, expiration date, product dosage or serving size, and country of authorized sale."
Page said that the Tags can be married to a product in one of three ways. They can be mixed into the actual base product, coated onto the item, or attached to or integrated into the product packaging.
Hawaii-based TruTag Technologies recently landed a 2014 Technology Pioneer Award from the World Economic Forum. The honor recognizes companies for technology innovations that stand to have significant impact on business and society.
Page reported that TruTag has launched pilot programs with a number of food and drug companies ahead of commercial launch.


text:
CAROLINA BEACH, NC (WWAY) — Carolina Beach Police Sgt. Chris Chafin is on unpaid administrative leave for time to appeal a personnel decision, the town says.
The town won't discuss any details, but WWAY reported last week Chafin was on leave after crashing a town car.
Meanwhile, retiring Chief Kurt Bartley has been tasked to rewrite the department's standard operating procedures manual. Interim Town Manager Bruce Shell asked for a review of the policies and he found out about Chafin's crash and other issues.
Bartley is set to retired this month. The town has named Det. Harry Humphries interim chief. He assumed that role Friday.


text:
If the 67's decide to pull the trigger and trade co-captain Cody Ceci, the Senators won't stand in their way.
With the 67's floundering at the bottom of the OHL standings and the Jan. 10 trade deadline looming, the Senators' first-round pick is among a handful of veterans who would attract a lot of attention from a contender.
"It's no secret. I'm an older guy and that's what happens every year when your team's not doing well, they tend to move you and bring in some younger guys," said Ceci, an Orléans native.
"I don't think I'll be back (in junior) next year and I think (the 67's) know that, so (a trade) would be something they'd be looking to do. I'd definitely like to stay here and finish the season. I spent my whole junior career here, so it would be big for me to get to stay, but if not, then I'll go wherever and I know I'd be helping out the 67's."
Senators assistant GM Tim Murray said while he's in regular contact with 67's GM/coach Chris Byrne, there haven't been specific discussions regarding Ceci's trade status.
"If they were to come to me, I'd just say to do what's best for the organization. We don't want to interfere or influence the decision in any way. We would never go to them and say trade our guy," said Murray.
"I absolutely have no problem with (Ceci being traded). If it helps Ceci's development and helps the 67's to a quicker rebuild, I think it could be great for both. It would be great for Cody to finish off his junior career with a playoff run, and it would be great for Chris (Byrne) and (owner) Jeff Hunt to maximize what they could get for those (veterans) and hopefully be a contender next year in our building."
Murray said this season has been a "character-building experience" for Ceci.
"Nobody wants to go through a tough year, and it's been extremely tough for them for multiple reasons," Murray said. "We went through it a couple years ago in Ottawa on the big team, and it's not fun. But I think you learn from it as a player and as management. It's certainly not a write-off year.
"They have a lot of young kids who need help, and that responsibility has been hoisted on Ceci, and that can only help him down the road."
If he remains past Jan. 10, Ceci knows that responsibility would only increase.
"I'd be one of the last older guys left so it would be a lot more pressure on me to keep the younger guys together and keep the room in line," said Ceci.


text: I'm planning to make these for my kids' twin size quilts. So I'm working on one and for the backing fabrics alone I need 7 yards. :shock: does that sound right (because of all the seams and all). The quilt I'm working on now is about 68 x 88 (not sure if that's twin but that's all the bigger it's going to be). I have 2 charm packs plus 12 fq for the top and I need to add another 1.5 yards for it. I'm doing 4 patch alternating with plain blocks. I'm attaching what it should be like with 8.5" blocks (they'll be sewn at 9" and the backing/sashing will cover part of them). The sashing isn't colored in but it will be either pink or yellow or a combo of both. I didn't see a fun & done pattern like this which is why I'm trying to figure out my own.


text:
This property is sold, but the property data below gives a unique insight into the pocket of properties around 19 North Point Avenue, Port Lincoln. This will help you get a feel for this part of Port Lincoln in case you're thinking of buying nearby. You can also find out more on the Property 360 page for 19 North Point Avenue, Port Lincoln
With TAXIBOX, you'll never have to drive to a storage facility again. It's easy:


text:
Student Outcomes
Master of Arts in Marital and Family Therapy
Department of Counseling & Marital and Family Therapy
Our Students
Students in our Marital and Family Therapy program include individuals seeking to serve a variety of populations. Our students often have a background in psychology or other social sciences and most are seeking to enter the profession by earning licensure as Licensed Marital and Family Therapists (LMFTs). Click here to view our student profiles or read on to learn more about our student and alumni outcomes.
Alumni Testimonials
"Attending USD for my Marital and Family Therapy degree has been one of the best decisions I have ever made. In this program, not only have I acquired the knowledge and skills necessary to become a good and competent therapist, I have also been reminded of the importance of living a life of integrity and love, as has been displayed to me by all of the faculty and staff in this program. They have taught me that I never know who I am going to meet, and whether it be a new friend, colleague, or client, I want them to leave their time with me feeling that they have been truly heard, and completely loved--the same way I feel completing my time here at USD. I have received more than an education here, but a new way of thinking about, and caring about the world around me."
- Erica Johnson, Class of 2012
"Leaving the USD's Marital and Family Therapy program is bittersweet as it has left an indelible mark on me both personally and professionally. The faculty and staff not only educated me, but helped me safely navigate the ebbs and flows of being a new graduate student. My peers supported me as we explored human relationships amongst our clients and ourselves, and everyone helped me fall in love with a field that I can now boast as a raison d'être. And now, as I enter the field as a young therapist, I am vitalized, excited and confident knowing that I'm standing on the shoulders of exceptionally intelligent and wonderful people."
- Benjamin Inouye, Class of 2010
"As a graduate of this program, I want to sincerely recommend USD to future students considering Marital and Family Therapy. This school truly offers the highest quality professors as well as students, making our education – and our reputation – superior in this community. Its national COAMFTE accreditation has personally proven invaluable, as I now accompany my military husband from state to state. Working with other MFT communities in the country, it seems my coursework and my practicum experience surpass those of other programs, and I credit USD for making me a more marketable therapist and better prepared. And I must admit, our classroom window's view of Mission Bay didn't hurt either!"
- Natalie Smith, Class of 2009
"I was initially drawn to USD's MFT program due to the warm and inviting atmosphere fostered by the faculty. I was further intrigued by the program's emphasis placed on medical family therapy and the frequent reinforcement and application of the "biopsychosocial" model of care. The education I received from the rigorous coursework in conjunction with a stimulating and challenging practicum site within a medical setting exceeded all of my expectations. I am consistently reminded of the strength of this program through the incredible work graduates are involved in around the world and the strong ongoing reputation alumni have built within San Diego and beyond. The variety of challenging coursework and practicum placements, opportunities for international work, and the dedication of the faculty to the program and students are all reasons I feel lucky to be an alumna of such a fine program."
- Shannon Sampson, Class of 2008
"In January 2005, after 15 years in corporate America, I enrolled in the USD MFT program with oneal. My goal was to become a competent marriage and family therapist treating individuals, couples and families in a private setting. In August 2007, after a packed curriculum with classes and practicum hours, I saw my first client as an MFT intern in private practice. Today, as I continue to see clients and build up my clientele base, I realize how well the USD MFT program prepared me for my new career. Most every class I took while a student and every case I saw during my practicum turned out to be invaluable. Hard work, excellent teaching, and a highly regarded, accredited program were well worth the effort."
- Nada Zein, Class 2007
"What strikes me as most impressive about the MFT Program at USD are the constant, untiring efforts put forth by faculty, staff, alumni, and students to ensure that the program continues to improve. In the four years since I have graduated, the program has broadened its practicum site options, further developed and strengthened its partnerships within the local and national communities, and expanded its courses that play an increasingly important role in family therapy today, such as Human Diversity. Having worked for the MFT Program for three years after graduating, I developed a deep appreciation for the level of commitment and passion that it takes to maintain and improve this outstanding, nationally-accredited program. The MFT Program at USD has everything one would hope for - the prospective students are excited, the current students are inquisitive, the alumni are well-prepared and ambitious, the staff are dedicated and attentive, and the faculty are perseverant in their drive to continually improve as professors, clinicians, and mentors. While the MFT Program is constantly evolving to better prepare each class with the skills necessary to succeed after graduation, the mission behind and ethos within the program remain the same."
- Brandina Morrison, Class of 2006
Learning Outcomes
The educational goals of USD's MFT program, which provide for and embody the program's expectation of student learning outcomes, are as follows:
- Prepare future professionals who will identify as marriage and family therapists and practice a biopsychosocial, systems approach to family-oriented mental health care.
- Prepare future professionals who are ethical clinicians and sensitive to the diversity of their clients.
- Prepare future professionals who will draw upon knowledge from a variety of disciplines and integrate empirical based research into their clinical practice.
Regarding expected student learning outcomes, given the above listed educational goals of the MFT Program, it is expected that students will graduate from the program with the ability to do the following:
Student Learning Outcome 1: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program are able to critically analyze field-related research and its applications to practice.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the major concepts in research so that one can evaluate an empirical study.
- can identify the key strengths and limitations in an empirical study.
- know what are the key empirically supported treatments for a variety of issues that MFTs frequently encounter.
- know how to access and use information from research to inform one's clinical work.
- value using research to inform one's clinical work.
Student Learning Outcome 2: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program conduct clinical assessment that is grounded in theory and integrates a biopsychosocial perspective.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts used by major models of family therapy for understanding individual and relational well-being.
- can use theory to guide assessment.
- know the key DSM IV-TR disorders encountered by MFTs.
- can effectively assess and diagnosis DSM IV-TR disorders.
- can recognize the role that biology/physical illness may have on individual and relational well-being.
- are familiar with commonly used instruments in the MFT field.
- can conduct an assessment from a biopsychosocial perspective.
- value using a biopsychosocial perspective for assessment, with particular emphasis put on assessing conceptualizing from a systemic perspective.
Student Learning Outcome 3: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program use theory and current treatments to develop effective treatment plans.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts and interventions used by major models of family therapy.
- can develop an effective treatment plan or treatment focus.
- can use theory to guide treatment and development/use of interventions.
- know the current treatments used to treat DSM IV-TR disorders, including psychosocial and pharmacological treatments.
Student Learning Outcome 4: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program apply individual and family development in the assessment and treatment of cases.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key life cycle issues that families face.
- are able to recognize the role of life cycle issues in the conceptualization and treatment of cases.
- know the key stages of individual development from childhood through adulthood.
- are able to effectively use knowledge of development in the assessment and treatment of cases.
Student Learning Outcome 5: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program demonstrate commitment to the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the MFT profession.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key ethical principles and laws relating to the practice of MFT.
- are able to recognize when a legal or ethical issue exists.
- are able to effectively respond to when an ethical or legal issue exists.
- are committed to following the legal, ethical, and professional standards of the MFT profession.
Student Learning Outcome 6: Graduates of the Marital and Family Therapy program demonstrate competence working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
Indicators assessed in the program assure that students:
- know the key concepts and idea that are necessary when working with clients from diverse backgrounds (e.g., race/ethnicity, gender, religion, socioeconomic status, sexual orientation).
- observed competence in working with clients from diverse backgrounds.
- value looking at contextual factors to understand individuals and relational systems
In addition to the central student learning outcomes, the Marital and Family Therapy program expects graduates who:
- are able to develop an effective client-therapist relationship.
- are able to effectively structure therapy, including setting appropriate boundaries.
- recognize when and how to make appropriate referrals for assessment and/or treatment.
- are able to identify when self of the therapist issues arise in therapy.
- are committed to examining and addressing self of the therapist issues as they arise.
- demonstrate an ability to learn and enhance their skills through reading, workshops, supervision, etc.
These expected student outcomes are facilitated by the program's educational goals, which are ultimately aimed towards achieving the mission and visions of the Program, SOLES, and USD, creating post-graduates who are highly competent, curious, ethical, and prepared to serve diverse communities.


text:
Top News:
Kanye West Trashes Annie Leibovitz Over Wedding Wall Photo — Kanye West says famed photographer Annie Leibovitz practically RUINED his honeymoon with Kim Kardashian ... because they had to spend days fixing the now-famous floral wall wedding pic. — Annie was supposed to shoot the pic …
Discussion: X17 Online, In Case You Didn't Know and Just Jared
Kanye West Charms Cannes With His Moral Take on Brands and Culture Plus, what he thinks about Apple's deal with Beats By Tim Nudd — CANNES, France—Kanye West was roundly ridiculed last year when he likened himself to Steve Jobs in a New York Times interview.
Discussion: Stereogum
Carol Driver / Daily Mail:
Kanye reveals it took FOUR DAYS to perfect first wedding photo the Kiss after Annie Leibovitz pulled out day before — Kanye West has revealed it took him and new bride Kim Kardashian four days to release their first official wedding photo - because they wanted them to look as good as Annie Leibovitz's pictures.
Michael K / Dlisted:
Kanye West And Kim Kartrashian Spent 4 Days Photoshopping This Picture From Their Pre-Divorce Ceremony — We all know that Annie Leibovitz is just a little, old humble photographer who only shoots regular people like Mick Jagger, John Lennon, Meryl Streep, St. Angie Jolie, Demi Moore and Nicole Kidman.
Allison Takeda / Us Weekly: Kim Kardashian, Kanye West's Wedding Kiss Was "Extremely Long," Andre Leon Talley Says
Shannon Leto DUI — Jared Leto's Brother Arrested For Drunk Driving — JARED'S BROTHER BUSTED FOR DUI — EXCLUSIVE — Shannon Leto — brother of Oscar-winning actor Jared and drummer for 30 Seconds to Mars — was arrested Monday night for DUI ... TMZ has learned.
Stephanie Webber / Us Weekly:
Shannon Leto, Jared Leto's Brother, Arrested For DUI, Driving Without License: Report — Shannon Leto was arrested for DUI in Hollywood on Monday, June 16, TMZ reports. The older brother of Oscar winner Jared Leto was pulled over by police around 7 p.m. PST, according to the site.
Kourtney Kardashian Kicks Scott Disick Out of Hamptons Rental Home — THROWS SCOTT TO THE CURB — In Hamptons — EXCLUSIVE — Scott Disick had a rough Father's Day weekend ... Kourtney Kardashian threw him out of their Hamptons summer rental ... TMZ has learned.
Discussion: PerezHilton, In Case You Didn't Know, Reality TV Magazine and The Hollywood Gossip
Perez Hilton: Kim Kardashian's BFF Brittny Gastineau's Brutal Beating Case Ends In The Most SHOCKING Way!
Justin Bieber & Selena Gomez Back Together in a Big Way (VIDEO) — JUSTIN BIEBER & SELENA GOMEZ — BACK TOGETHER IN A BIG WAY (VIDEO) — EXCLUSIVE — Selena Gomez is back on the Bieber train ... clutching and grabbing onto him on Monday night after a day of Malibu fun.
Discussion: The Superficial, The Hollywood Gossip, PerezHilton and I Don't Like You In That Way
Associated Press:
TRACY MORGAN NOW IN FAIR CONDITION AFTER CRASH — NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. (AP) — Actor and comedian Tracy Morgan has been upgraded to fair condition following the New Jersey highway crash that badly injured him and killed one of his friends, his spokesman said Monday.
Michael K / Dlisted: Tracy Morgan's Condition Gets Upgraded
Sophie Vokes-Dudgeon / Us Weekly:
Tracy Morgan's Condition No Longer Critical, Upgraded to "Fair Condition" Following Car Crash — Slowly but surely, things are improving for Tracy Morgan after the horrific car crash on Saturday, June 7, that killed fellow comedian James McNair and left others, including Morgan, seriously injured.
Michael O'Connell / Hollywood Reporter:
Zendaya Coleman to Play Aaliyah in Lifetime Biopic — The 17-year-old Disney star will play the late R&B singer in a new telepic based on a recent biography. — Zendaya Coleman and Aaliyah — Lifetime is loading up on R&B biopics. — Shortly after announcing a telepic based on the life …
Discussion: thebacklot.com and The Moviefone Blog
Andrea Seikaly / Variety:
Zendaya to Star in Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic
Zendaya to Star in Lifetime's Aaliyah Biopic
Discussion: Cele|bitchy and Celeb Gossip …
Allison Takeda / Us Weekly:
Zendaya to Play Aaliyah in New Lifetime Original Movie: Details
Zendaya to Play Aaliyah in New Lifetime Original Movie: Details
Discussion: World of Wonder
Michelle Visage / World of Wonder: Zendaya To Play Aaliyah In Biopic
Esther Lee / Us Weekly:
Mark Ballas Taken to Hospital After Car Crash: Dancing With the Stars Pro Accident Details — Dancing With the Stars pro Mark Ballas was taken to the hospital on Monday, June 16, following a car crash in L.A., TMZ reported. Friends say he'll be okay. — PHOTOS: Meet the cast of DWTS season 18
Discussion: In Case You Didn't Know
Playboy's Shannon Twins — From Bunnies to Burgers [PHOTOS] — PLAYBOY'S SHANNON TWINS — FROM BUNNIES TO BURGERS — Former Playboy playmates Karissa and Kristina Shannon frolicked on the beach in the Pacific Palisades yesterday with some unusual beach accessories ... burgers and fries.
Discussion: tooFab.com


text:
Keane scores in Galaxy's 1-0 win in Indonesia
JAKARTA, Indonesia—Robbie Keane scored in the first half to help the Los Angeles Galaxy beat an Indonesian all-star team 1-0 on Thursday night in the MLS champions' first game on its Asian tour.
Keane took a short pass from Adam Cristman inside the area and slotted a right-footed shot into the bottom right corner of the net in the 14th minute.
David Beckham and Landon Donovan both started for the Galaxy in front of about 30,000 spectators at 80,000-seat Gelora Bung Karno Stadium.
"They're very quick and know how to play the game," Beckham said.
The English star brought down Indonesian striker Andik Vermansyah while going for the ball early in the match, then apologized after the game by swapping jerseys.
"I'm going to frame this!" Vermansyah said. "It was an honor to play with him."
The Galaxy will play the Philippines national team in Manila on Dec. 3, and Australian club Melbourne Victory three days later.


text:
The Californian
The Menifee City Council is forming a Planning Commission to help it work through the myriad of development proposals the 48-square-mile city will consider in the coming years.
With a unanimous vote Tuesday, the council approved the commission's criteria, and a second reading of the ordinance establishing the panel is set for the May 20 council meeting.
The commission will be composed of five members. Each council member may chose one of the commissioners, and no vote is required to confirm those appointments, city documents state.
Each commissioner's terms will mirror that of the council member who appointed them, and two alternates will also be selected by a majority vote of the council, the documents state.
The stipend per meeting will be $75.
The application process began Wednesday and runs through May 22.Applications are available at City Hall, 29714 Haun Road, or onlineat www.cityofmenifee.us .
The council hopes to make appointments in mid-June and have the commissioners trained in July, city documents state.


text:
Wednesday, August 21, 2013
Hood River County's economy is driven by tourism and outdoor recreation, but during Monday night's Board of County Commissioners meeting, department heads raised concerns over how some types of recreation are having a negative impact on county resources.
During the pre-meeting work session, Hood River County Sheriff Matt English and Deputy Chris Guertin brought up how numerous search and rescue operations this year have put a heavy strain on an already thin department. Guertin said lost hikers on Eagle Creek this year have consumed far too much of the Sheriff's Department's time and budget and Guertin recommended improving signage on the popular trail located right near the western boundary of Hood River County.
"Eagle Creek is a large share of our rescues," he told the board Monday evening. "I'd like to shave them off as much as possible. It uses a lot of resources."
English agreed and said this season has been exceptionally busy for recreational rescues.
"This summer is non-stop," he said. "We're averaging two to three search and rescues every weekend. We're working seven days a week and most of the rescues are on the weekend."
Guertin also spoke of how he was "frustrated" with the recent deaths and injuries at Punchbowl Falls and mentioned the cost involved with rescuing injured or stranded climbers on Mount Hood. He reported that during a recent rescue of Polish soldier Sebastian Kinasiewicz, which eventually turned into a recovery effort, $700 was spent on food and water for search and rescue personnel.
A discussion was then held between the sheriff's officers and commissioners on how best to deal with recouping rescue costs. Ideas raised included sending bills for rescue operations to climbers that were hiking irresponsibly or requiring all Mount Hood climbers to wear emergency locator beacons. Board of Commissioners Chair Ron Rivers said something needed to be done and suggested having a joint commission meeting with the Clackamas County, as a large majority of Mount Hood rescues occur there as well.
"If you're going to recreate, recreate responsibly," he said. "And we have a fiduciary responsibility to this county."
Next on the agenda were County Forestry Manager Doug Thiesies and County Engineer Don Wiley, who wished to discuss the impact rally car races were having on county dirt and gravel roads and residents.
The county started allowing the races to occur on forest roads approximately 10 years ago, but Thiesies noted that "since 2009, we've had more events, national events. We've had some neighbors that have voiced concerns. We've started to see more wear and tear on the roads."
Over the years, the event has grown bigger, with 500-600 spectators watching races that feature upwards of 70 cars. Usually, races are held on county forestlands in April and October, with a staging area in Odell.
"This is the first year we really had people complaining about it," Wiley said. "We're wondering if it's still appropriate to have this on forestlands."
Thiesies and Wiley then showed a YouTube video of one of the races, with compact Subarus, Hondas, and other vehicles tearing around dirt and gravel roads, spraying stone and dust everywhere to the delight of spectators. Wiley said the county charges race organizers $400 per mile of track in restoration fees but that the cost of rock has risen to the point that the county will have to charge a significantly higher amount to resurface the roads. Wiley believed the asking number would be too high for the rally organizers to consider and the races would leave Hood River County.
During the public comment period, Matthew Swihart, owner of Double Mountain, said he lived in Odell and has learned to deal with the noise of the races, but also mentioned how the races were good for local businesses.
"The weekend the rally was in town was an exceptionally busy weekend for my restaurant," he noted.
Rivers said it was up to Wiley and Thiesies to decide whether to charge high resurfacing fees, keep the number the same, or disallow the races entirely.
"Get your pencils sharpened and come up with a number," he advised. "You're either going to have to nip this in the bud or let it go."
More like this story
Latest stories
- HRVHS Speech and Debate finds tournament success
- Rocket building class Nov. 22
- Business Notes for Nov. 18
- Church News: Interfaith Thanksgiving service Nov. 20 in White Salmon
- Northwest author pens book of hunting stories
- HAHRC BEATS: Preventing type 2 diabetes begins with changes
- US Postal Service debuts Alzheimer's fundraising stamp
- Oregon State Parks celebrate 'Green Friday'
- Letters to the Editor for Nov. 18
- Kegler's Corner: Randy's Painting Tops Industrial
Latest video:
Blasting on I84
Blasting on I84 Enlarge


text:
About the Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical and Health Professions Program
The Duquesne University Post-Baccalaureate Pre-Medical and Health Professions Program (PB-PMHPP) is designed to assist students, both those who decide later in their undergraduate programs but who lack the basic requirements, or those who hope to enhance their record, in gaining the necessary course work and preparation to achieve higher scores on entrance examinations (e.g., MCAT, DAT, GRE, OAT) needed for admission. The PB-PMHPP features individualized academic plans and comprehensive advisement, as well as unique learning activities for students interested in pursuing further education in:
|Allopathic Medicine (M.D.)
|Osteopathic Medicine (D.O.)
|Chiropractic Medicine
|Physical Therapy
|Physician Assistant
|Occupational Therapy
|Veterinary Medicine


text:
Will F.wrote a review of Louis Garneau Equipe Long Sleeve Jersey on February 24, 2013
Garneau Equpe
Best long sleeve jersey I ever bought. The fit is slim. I am 5'10" and 170 and the large is perfect for me. I plan to order more of these... when they are on sale.


text:
My Nonprofit Reviews
Roxy T.
75 profile views
1 reviews
Review for Hope Stone, Inc, Houston, TX, USA
Hopestone is a wonderful place that cares about the community and kids. They offer scholarships to kiss that can not afford their program, ensuring that all children have access to the arts.
More Feedback
Would you volunteer for this group again?
For the time you spent, how much of an impact did you feel your work or activity had?
A lot
Did the organization use your time wisely?
Very Well
Would you recommend this group to a friend?
When was your last experience with this nonprofit?
Role: Volunteer


text:
Two out of four possible points over the weekend isn't terrible, I guess. Detroit's schedule seems a little more screwed up than usual this season with West Coast trips ending on Long Island and playing a game in Dallas and then a game at home within 36 hours.
Speaking of that game in Dallas, I know it was a few days ago, but I feel like more should be said:
November 18th, 2009: Brad May finds the puck on his stick and shoots it into the net. Ref calls it no goal. The replay shows the puck crossed the line. Over the net cam shows the puck crossed the line. Reverse angle shows the puck crossed the line. No goal.
January 16th, 2010: Steve Ott tries to slide a shootout attempt past Jimmy Howard; he doesn't. The ref calls no goal. The replay shows that the puck was never across the line. Over the net cam shows that the puck never crossed the line. Reverse angle shows that the puck never crossed the line. Goal.
Oh…and both of those scenarios just happened to be against the Dallas Stars oddly enough. Your replay system is broken, Gary, please fix it.
Not really much to say about the Chicago game other than it was a pretty good entertaining game. If Franzen and Kronwall were playing? It might have turned out a little different. Still, it was nice to Detroit let the kids from Chicago know that the team they shut out a few weeks ago is gone forever.
We have yet another chance to climb into the top eight in the Western Conference tonight against the Capitals. That is, if Detroit wins and San Jose beats Los Angeles later tonight.
Detroit hasn't played too well in Verizon Center in recent past. But they did handle the Caps way back on October 10th when Ovi and the boys came to the Joe. They made Ovechkin look human and they won. That, of course, was before Derek Meech was in the lineup. Babcock would do well to make sure #23 or #5 in white is out on the ice when red #8 is on the prowl.


text:
The Clash box set rarities revealed
Unreleased recordings from the first ever recording session by punk pioneers The Clash are to finally see the light of day.
The tracks - along with other early studio sessions and unseen footage from shows at the start of their career - will come out this summer.
They will be part of a box set, Sound System, which draws together all their albums, rarities and tracks which did not feature on LPs.
The band made their first recordings at Beaconsfield Studios Buckinghamshire in 1976 with Julien Temple, the director who had befriended the band and went on to make The Sex Pistols movie The Great Rock And Roll Swindle.
Although the version of White Riot from the session went on to appear on the band's debut album, the versions of London's Burning and 1977 have not been released.
All five songs from their demo for label Polydor at the company's studio in Stratford Place, just off London's Oxford Street, are also included in the box set - three of which have never before been released.
Previously unseen footage from a 1977 show at Sussex University is also included in the package which will come out on September 9.


text:
|daily menu » rate the banner | guess the city | one on one • forums map | privacy policy | DMCA | news magazine | posting guidelines
|General Kenya For the rest of Kenya
|Global Announcement
As a general reminder, please respect others and respect copyrights. Go here to familiarize yourself with our posting policy.
|Thread Tools
|September 3rd, 2009, 08:26 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Kenya Plans Irrigation Scheme To Boost Farm Output
Kenya Plans Irrigation Scheme To Boost Farm Output
The schemes are supported by the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
Kenya plans to invest 12.6 billion shillings ($165 million) on irrigation schemes to reduce its dependence on rain-fed agriculture and grow more high-value crops, President Mwai Kibaki said on Tuesday.
Agriculture accounts for a quarter of gross domestic product in east Africa's largest economy, generating 45 percent of income and contributing more than half of foreign exchange earnings.
The rise in global food prices and fertilisers have driven up local food prices in Kenya, where the annual inflation rate was 28.4 percent in October. Stripping out food items, the rate was 13.0 percent.
"We have the potential to become the grain-basket for this region and beyond. Our farmers are capable of doubling productivity so that we have food security for our people and a surplus for export," Kibaki told an agriculture conference.
Kibaki said Kenya would invest 4.3 billion shillings over the next five years on small-scale irrigation projects and marketing infrastructure for horticultural crops, plus 8.3 billion to expand the Mwea irrigation scheme by 3,500 acres.
The schemes are supported by the African Development Bank and the International Fund for Agricultural Development.
"I urge farmers to take advantage of this investment and grow more high value crops such as flowers, soya beans, French beans, fruits, herbs and spices for sale to the regional and international markets," Kibaki said.
"Nevertheless, we are still far from harnessing our full irrigation potential," he said, adding that government would target new investment in other suitable areas.
Kenya's agriculture minister said on Monday the government planned to raise spending on farming to 10 percent of its annual budget from 4.5 percent.
The extra funding will be used to develop markets for products such as tea and coffee, invest in sugar factories and provide affordable inputs such as fertiliser. Kenya is the world's biggest exporter of black tea.
As part of Kenya's long-term plan to become an industrialised country, the government hopes to expand the area of cultivated land by 1 million acres, boost productivity and build a plant to make fertilisers and agro-chemicals.
|Sponsored Links
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:03 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Food production: State fights to stem hunger, donor dependency
Kenya took a significant step towards freeing itself from donor dependency and erratic rain-fed agriculture.
She shifted her energies to reviving stalled irrigation programmes and declaring total war on depletion of water catchment areas as all around the nation the ugly and devastating effect of current food, water and energy crises bit harder.
Today President Kibaki, who on Monday launched the Sh2 billion National Economic Stimulus Programme on food in Hola, will lead Kenyas cry to the world for Sh24 billion emergency food aid to avert human and animal deaths.
If it pulls through and should the new programmes hold unlike the glamorous ones before, Kenya would have unleashed its own agrarian revolution as well a modest green revolution going beyond Mau Forest pending evictions.
President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga, VP Kalonzo Musyoka and other leaders admire the fish catch during a tour of Hola Irrigation scheme in Tana River District, on Monday. Photo: Maarufu Mohamed/Standard]
President Kibaki directed the Ministries of Agriculture, Forestry, Environment, Finance and Internal Security to immediately take action to stop the destruction of the countrys forest cover to end Kenyas decline into hunger and food insecurity.
Most importantly, these will include revival of key irrigation schemes, securing the countrys forests and wetlands and reforestation to make the country food secure.
Speaking during the launch of the stimulus programme the President said human invasion and wanton destruction of forests had worsened the food crisis in the country.
He also said planting of eucalyptus trees, and interference with river basins had led to the drying up of many of the rivers that watered livestock and kept irrigation projects alive, thus worsening the situation.
Long-term vision
The ambitious plan is to increase the land area under irrigation from the current 120,000 hectares to 400,000 hectares using available water resources, but with a long-term vision to achieve the full potential of 1.3 million hectares.
The plan will call for increased investment in water storage, and will also require the State to secure Kenyas key water towers in Mau Forest Complex and the Aberdares, a thorny political matter.
The directive also implies Kibaki and Prime Minister Raila Odinga have closed ranks on removing squatters from Mau and other water towers.
Indeed, Kibaki declared the coalition had agreed to work together.
"As Kenyans can see, the programme we are launching today is part of an overall strategy of ensuring food security for Kenya within five years through irrigated agriculture," said Kibaki.
"We are determined to ensure Kenya becomes a food surplus nation. With the experience the country has gone through in the last three years, it is time for Kenyans to end their state of denial and accept that climate change is here with us," he said.
The stimulus programme seeks to inspire scientific and modern agriculture, and increase employment opportunities in production, processing and marketing of maize and rice produce. This will reduce dependence on huge food imports that squander valuable foreign exchange.
An additional 40,000 hectares would be irrigated to produce 370,000 bags of maize and 600,000 bags of rice by February next year.
While launching the Hola Irrigation Scheme at Hola Stadium, Kibaki promised other similar schemes, among them Tana Delta, Perkerra, Mwea, Ahero, West Kano, and Bunyala would also be put under maize and rice crops by October.
Since their initiation before a number of them collapsed or shrunk in production capacity Mwea had been famous for its paddy rice.
Tana Delta River irrigation schemes were known for the production of seed cotton, Perkerra for onions and chillies, and Ahero (within the Nyando River watershed) for production of rice and sugarcane.
Bunyala scheme, within Nzoia River watershed was known for paddy rice while West and South West Kano (Lake Victoria watershed) was renown for paddy rice and sugar cane.
Raila said the solution to consistent food shortage lay in irrigation and announced that the Government would buy livestock, which are succumbing to drought to minimise losses to farmers at uniform prices.
Livestock production
Vice-President Kalonzo Musyoka said the Government would build more dams along River Tana to expand irrigation.
"We need to expand irrigation to cover the whole country instead of depending on rain-fed agriculture," said Kalonzo.
Finance Minister Uhuru Kenyatta said the Government would soon distribute Sh20 billion within one year as an economic stimulant factored in the last budget.
The funds would cover construction of markets, Jua kali shades, schools and health centres in constituencies. "I want to assure Kenyans that it is possible to make this funds available within a year," Uhuru said.
The Hola project is to be undertaken by 900 farmers and the National Youth Service. The Sh500 million project would put 2,800 acres under crop production.
Agriculture Minister William Ruto said the total area under irrigation would be expanded over 400,000 hectares in the next five years.
The President said an additional 40,000 hectares would be put under irrigation to produce 370,000 bags of maize and 600,000 bags of rice by February next year.
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:05 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
State outlines plans to irrigate 20,000 acres
The Government and Italy will put more than 20,000 acres of land under irrigation along the Sabaki river in Malindi District.
Regional Development Minister Fred Gumo, also announced a hydropower project would be installed at Mwache in Kinango District.
Mr Gumo spoke when he inspected projects run by the Coast Development Authority and the Italian Government in Malindi, yesterday.
He regretted most development authorities had failed to meet their targets in the last decade due to lack of funds and financial impropriety.
Among the projects he inspected is the Malindi District Hospital X-ray wing, which has been dormant for two years.
Others were Ngomeni primary and secondary schools, under construction at a cost of Sh27 million.
The Westlands MP noted the Sabaki River had enough water to support irrigation. This, he said, would ensure food security.
"The river has the capacity to provide food for more than a million people if its waters are put under irrigation," he said.
Last edited by desert burner; September 4th, 2009 at 03:28 PM.
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:13 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Japan earmarks Sh309m for dam project
Japan will spend Sh309 million to construct dams in a bid to control flooding in Nyando District.
Nyando MP Fred Outa said the money would be channeled through the Japan International Cooperation Agency - JICA.
Mr Outa said water stored in the dams would be used for irrigation and domestic purposes.
"The perennial floods have led to crop failure. The dams would give residents a lifeline," said Outa.
He added more than 20,000 people face starvation due to drought.
He added rice farmers would benefit from the irrigation programme. Outa added residents would also diversify from sugarcane and rice farming to food crops such as vegetables, tomatoes, maize and beans.
Area study
He added JICA experts had done a study in the area ahead of the dam construction. "The experts report would outline how many dams would be set up," he added.
The MP told The Standard that the Overseas Development Assistance (ODA) committee members would monitor the projects to ensure accountability.
The MP said President Kibaki, Prime Minister Raila Odinga and Japan Ambassador to Kenya Shigeo Iwatani had confirmed the construction of the dams were among projects Japan was funding.
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:15 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
State, donors to spend Sh4 billion on Bura, Hola irrigation repairs (another source)
The Government will spend Sh4.2 billion to rehabilitate Hola and Bura irrigation schemes in Tana River to boost food security.
The programme will be implemented under the National Stimulus Project on food production under irrigation.
Ministries of Water, Agriculture, Youth and Northern Kenya Development will oversee it.
The Hola and Bura schemes have an irrigation potential of 8,750 and 13,750 acres, respectively while developed land is only 1,200 and 5,000 acres.
The rehabilitation will be jointly funded by the Government, Kuwait, the Organisation of Oil Producing Countries and the Arab Bank for Economic Development for Africa.
Reconstruction of the scheme, which collapsed in 1989, has begun.
During an inspection of the works yesterday, Water Minister Charity Ngilu regretted Kenya suffered food insecurity while its agricultural potential was under exploited.
She said the situation was made grim by prolonged drought.
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:18 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Food security takes centre stage with major incentives (from another source)
Food security takes centre stage with major incentives
By John Oyuke
The Government has unveiled a stimulus package to reduce reliance on rain-fed agriculture and enhance food production.
Finance Minister, Uhuru Kenyatta said the bold move would mark the beginning of a journey to attain food security in the country so the Kenyans never go hungry again.
The new measures would focus on mechanisation, irrigation, use of hybrid seeds and water harvesting.
Part of the plan is establishing efficient storage and marketing systems and application of scientific farming methods.
As a first step, the Government has allocated substantial resources to ministries responsible for agriculture, irrigation and regional development.
In addition, it allocated Sh3 billion toward rehabilitation and expansion of irrigable land under Bura, Hola, Tarda, Wei Wei and Kerio Valley.
Uhuru said from the investments the Government expects to harvest about one million bags of rice and maize by the end of December this year.
"As we scale up resources toward irrigable agriculture, we are confident that this great Nation will emerge as a net exporter of food by 2012," he said.
Agriculture is the mainstay of the countrys economy and represents 24 per cent of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and about a third of its produce is exported.
However, production in the sector recorded a significant drop, declining by 5.1 per cent last year compared to a two per cent in 2007.
The decline was mainly due to low production of food crops owing to the disruption of agricultural activities during the post-election violence, unfavourable weather and high cost of agricultural inputs, particularly fuel and fertilizer.
Further, the failure of the short rains between October and November last year resulted in a sharp decline in domestic food production, particularly maize.
New plans
To promote agricultural sector and protect wheat farmers from cheap imports, the Government undertook to raise the current import duty rate on wheat from 10 per cent or $50 (Sh4,000) whichever is higher to a rate of 25 percent.
To support dairy farming sub-sector through further incentives, Uhuru announced new plans to grant an exemption of import duty and to zero rate for value added tax (VAT), heat insulated milk tanks, to help dairy farmers in preserving their milk.
He also said the Government would also enhance the national food reserves through encouragement of individuals and groups to store their produce.
Uhuru proposed to zero rate VAT on vatable supplies for the construction of grain silos, in addition to refrigerated trucks.
|September 3rd, 2009, 09:32 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
State to revive stalled water projects
The Government will revive and complete stalled water projects to boost food security.
Agriculture Assistant Minister Japheth Kareke Mbiuki says the perennial food shortage was due to farmers' over reliance on the unpredictable rains.
He said the government would ensure that irrigation was adopted so that enough food for both domestic and commercial use was available.
The Assistant Minister said the stalled Mwimbi/Gitije Water project in his Nithi constituency which has stalled for decades, and which is aimed to provide irrigation water to thousands of families will be revived at a cost of Sh60 million.
He called on farmers benefiting from such government initiatives to exploit the opportunities and engage in horticultural agriculture.
Last edited by desert burner; September 4th, 2009 at 03:32 PM.
|September 4th, 2009, 10:51 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Israel to revive irrigation scheme
Israel to revive irrigation scheme
Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Liberman (left) and Water minister Charity Ngilu exchange a memorandum of agreement on Friday. Photo/LIZ MUTHONI
Israel will rehabilitate an irrigation and research project it started at Kibwezi, but was later abandoned by Kenyans who were managing it.
The rehabilitation of Kibwezi Dryland Farming Research Centre is one of the projects that will be undertaken by the Israelis after the signing of several agreements between their government and Kenya on Friday.
They have come back to help us revive it and that for us is a terrible indictment. Why did we let it collapse in the first place? said Foreign Affairs minister Moses Wetangula.
Kenya will be hoping to learn from the Israelis, who are able to sustain their food supply through irrigation despite the Middle East country being a virtual desert that receives little rain.
Kenya recently launched the National Economic Stimulus Project on Food Production, which seeks to vastly increase the land under irrigation. It is under this programme that collapsed irrigation schemes are being revived.
No new schemes are being created as the government seeks to bring back to life Bura, Hola, Perkerra, Tana Delta, Kibwezi and Ahero schemes, which were established either during colonial times or in the early years of independence.
They, however, stalled due to corruption, mismanagement and political interference.
Kibwezi was established with the help of the technologically advanced Middle East state that depends on a lake that is smaller than Lake Naivasha for most of its water needs.
The agreements were signed in Nairobi on Friday on the second day of a three-day visit by Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Avigdor Liberman.
Mr Wetangula said Israel will also give Kenya technical support in areas such as water management, recycling, purification, and irrigation in dry areas.
Other projects to be undertaken by Israel include the rehabilitation of a unit at Nyanza Provincial Hospital in Kisumu.
Trade between Kenya and Israel was worth $155 million (Sh11.8 billion) in 2008 but 84 per cent of this is in favour of the Middle East country. Kenya exports fish and coffee to Israel.
Speaking on Friday at his Harambee House office, where he met Mr Liberman, who is also Israeli Foreign Affairs minister, President Kibaki said the agreement would provide an opportunity for Kenyans to access technical expertise in irrigation and rain water harvesting.
The technical support in irrigation and rain water harvesting will go a long way towards ensuring that we have sufficient water for all our needs and boost our agricultural production, he said.
The Kenya Government is focusing on irrigation as a long-term measure to boost agricultural production and reduce reliance on rain-fed farming, he added.
The Head of State briefed the Israeli Deputy Prime Minister on the food situation in the country and the various interventions the government was undertaking to cushion Kenyans from the effects of the ongoing drought.
Meanwhile, Water minister Charity Ngilu on Friday announced the launch of the irrigation project in Kibwezi, which will cost Sh8 billion.
The minister accused some politicians of trying to sabotage her efforts in addressing water problems in the region.
Some people are trying to get credit which is not due to them; there are people who keep commenting on everything that my ministry is doing. They sneak in when they get word that I am headed to a particular place to spearhead a water project. There are better ways of seeking fame, she said.
|September 5th, 2009, 01:35 AM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Minister roots for more investment in irrigation
Water Minister Charity Ngilu has called for immediate intensive tree-planting in the Mau Complex to restore water sources.
Ngilu said illegal logging is still going on as debate rages on how to move the settlers from the water tower.
The minister said the formation of a secretariat to oversee the removal of settlers from Mau forest should not hinder measures to contain illegal logging.
She spoke in her Kitui Central constituency during the commissioning of the Katitika water project.
Safaricom CEO Michael Joseph and Kitui Central DC Joshua Chepchieng attended the function.
Ngilu said her ministry has commenced construction of Umaa, Chemusus, Kiserian, and Baldasa dams to harvest rainwater.
More priority
The minister said the Government has not invested adequately in irrigation, which she said should be given more priority in budgetary allocation.
"We need to learn from recurrent drought and inject more money in irrigation to guarantee food security," said Ngilu.
The Safaricom chief said his firm had entered into partnership with pump manufacturer, Grundfos Lifelink, to enable rural communities access safe water and pay for it through M-Pesa.
Joseph said the partnership is in line with the companys commitment to supporting worthy causes within communities and deploying appropriate technologies to solve challenges in communities.
|September 8th, 2009, 12:35 AM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Irrigation projects to cost Sh1.9 billion
Nine small-scale horticultural irrigation schemes have been launched to benefit arid districts at a cost of Sh1.9 billion.
Agriculture Minister William Ruto said the "overall goal of the project is to contribute to poverty reduction and enhanced food security in rural Kenya".
The initiative, he added, will benefit 4.5 million households in Eastern and Rift Valley provinces.
Mr Ruto was speaking when commissioning vehicles and motorcycles for the project at his office in Nairobi, yesterday.
Household incomes
He said the project would cover 2,886 hectares and intends to "increase household incomes of small-scale horticultural producers through increased production and enhanced marketing".
The minister said the project would be funded by the African Development Bank.
It will be managed by a steering committee chaired by the Agriculture PS Romano Kiome besides co-ordinating multi-sectoral committees and units at district level.
Currently, the targeted irrigation schemes are operating on an area of 1,173 hectares of irrigated land, which the project seeks to expand in the districts of Kathiani (Kabaa Irrigation Scheme), Mwala (Kauti Scheme), Narok (Mosiro), Rongai (Lari Wendani), Kajiado (Ngurumani), Loitokitok (Namelok), Marakwet (Kabono/Kapkamak), Mbeere Kathiga/Gacheru ) and Meru South (Mbogoni).
Ruto said the project was part of new policy to increase production in marginal lands through irrigation.
|October 27th, 2009, 06:48 PM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Ngilu Tells of Plan to Build 16 Big Dams
Nairobi The Kenyan Government plans to build 16 large dams in the next 10 years to address the perennial water shortage in the country, Water minister Charity Ngilu said on Saturday.
The minister said the planned dams with a capacity of 405 billion litres will cost Sh59 billion. Speaking on a visit to Chemususu dam in Koibatek District, Mrs Ngilu said Kenya is the most water-deficient country in the region.
But she said the government was determined to change this state of affairs. She revealed that her ministry had already prepared a water storage strategy which will soon be forwarded to the Cabinet for approval.
The stored water will be used for agricultural irrigation, domestic use, and livestock and for power generation, the minister said.
Noting that 75 per cent of rain water goes to waste every year, Mrs Ngilu said mechanisms were being put in place to ensure runoff water is stored. "I am shocked because water starts here and ends up in River Nile where Egypt uses it for irrigation," she said.
|November 10th, 2009, 07:15 AM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Kisumu set to run prepaid water trial
Consumers in Kisumu town and its environs may soon be able to pay for the commodity in advance as the first prepaid billing system in the sector comes under pilot in a years time.
Under the system meant to curb payment default and ease administration costs, residents will purchase water to the value of cards that will be loaded onto their prepaid meters.
Water is sold in the town at Sh50 for 1000 litres of water and consumers will be able to buy prepaid cards based on their estimated consumption.
The managing director of the Lake Victoria Water Services Board Michael Ochieng said that the service would be rolled out in some estates in the town on a pilot basis.
Other areas that are targeted during this initial rollout include the middle class sections of the town and water kiosks in informal settlements.
We will use this to gauge the response before scaling up the service to the rest of the town, Mr Ochieng said.
Illegal connections
The prepaid service, which will be managed by the towns water service provider, Kisumu Water and Sewerage Company (KIWASCO), is expected to be rolled out after the towns water supply is stabilised.
He said he expected the company to double profits within a year of introducing the system.
It will be introduced under the second phase of the Sh3 billion Kisumu Water Supply and Sanitation Project funded by the French Development Agency that kicks off at the beginning of next year. The component that will introduce the prepaid water payment system will cost Sh50 million.
The project, as well a series of other interventions, is intended to increase water supply to 92 million litres by 2012.
KIWASCO managing director David Onyango said that at present, water supply in Kisumu is 23 million litres against a demand of 50 million litres.
In addition, an estimated 60 per cent of the water that is released from the water treatment plant cannot be accounted for due to leaks and illegal connections.
The company is in talks with mobile money transfer service providers to facilitate payments through mobile phones.
The company is also planning to introduce e-billing to inject efficiency into the system and boost revenue collection.
|November 10th, 2009, 07:18 AM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
State in Sh200m water plan
Ms Ruth Nzioka, a resident of Mukuru kwa Njenga, has never known the comfort of using tap water for three decades.
Hers is the fate of the urban poor, who rely on water vendors to supply the precious liquid.
But the agony of paying high tariffs to water vendors is about to end, thanks to the Governments Sh200m innovative plan for next year.
The States move is courtesy of the National Water Services Strategy 2007-2015, that identifies lack of water as a key problem in urban areas, with low-income earners exposed to high tariffs charged by water vendors.
A water kiosk still under construction in Mavoko. Low cost technology wil ensure adequate supply of water to the poor. Photo: John Oyuke/Standard
The plan targets about 1.4 million urban poor with innovative water supply and sanitation solutions over the next four years.
The money will come from the Water Services Trust Fund, (WSTF) a state corporation, established for that purpose.
Eligible Water Services Providers (WSPs) in the countrys Water Services Boards have up to December 15 to apply for the funds, under the parastatals Urban Programme Concept (UPC).
The UPC is a mechanism developed to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, transparency and accountability in the delivery of results through sustainable technologies such as water kiosk in urban poor areas.
The Ministry of Water and Irrigation, together with the European Union (EU) and the German Development Bank (KfW) are implementing another Sh1.7 billion countrywide projects through the WSTF.
Water Kiosks, where formal water providers supply safe water at affordable prices, have proven to be an appropriate and efficient solution, providing water to a large number of residents in urban low-income areas.
Implementation of this low-cost technology is facilitated through multi-donor funds that provide pro-poor funding to commercial utilities, implementation support and monitoring.
Experts say the concept is proving popular in Kenya, since existing standpipes are poorly maintained especially after being vandalised.
Early this year, the WSTF made the first call for proposals, which forecast to finance 15 of the UPC projects at an estimated cost of Sh100 million to provide access to quality water to at least 100,000 residents of the low-income areas mainly in western Kenya.The Funds Chief Executive, Jacqueline Musyoki said the proposals have already been completed and implementation is on in cooperation with the water services providers in the area of Lake Victoria North Water Services Board (LVNWSB).
Ms Musyoki said WSTF is implementing the projects with the water services providers in Eldowas, Nzowasco, Amatsi and Kapsabet under LVNWSB.
Speaking at the launch of the concept in the country last month, German Ambassador to Kenya, Mrs Margit Hellwig, said local water sector institutions will now ensure sustainability of the projects for the benefit of the poor.
The operators will also earn to make the kiosks attractive.
|December 14th, 2009, 05:43 AM
real gooner
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: asia
Posts: 4,649
Likes (Received): 48
Hola scheme gets first harvest in 20 years
more should be done to achieve food security
|Thread Tools


text:
Found a shell! Emergency stop!
If you love an image (whether it's yours or someone else's) and want to make sure others get a chance to see it, you can "feature" it by choosing the "Spotlight" button.
When an image is Spotlighted, it receives enhanced visibility in premium spots throughout the site. Spotlighted images are rotated through these higher-visibility positions to ensure the best opportunity for the images to be seen by JPG users.
Collections are a JPG+ feature. You must be a JPG+ member to create new collections and to add photos to collections.
Sign up for JPG+ to start using collections now!
Photo license: © All rights reserved
What to do with 2 grand-daughters on a beautiful day in November?
Hit the beach! And take a camera.
And what better footwear for the beach than pink boots!?
10 responses
Letitia Baker said (20 Nov 2011):
Ok, so here it looks more like L, whereas the other photo you have of this cutie in the pink dress looks like S. Which one is it?! I'm so ashamed that I can't tell.
Steve Baker gave props (20 Nov 2011):
This is L. S was feeling tied to Mummy today, so she stayed with A and V. She said she'd want to come next time, but not today.
Betty Maxey gave props (20 Nov 2011):
Awwwww, perfect thing to do! Awesome capture!!
John Linton gave props (21 Nov 2011):
Donna Mullins (Deleted) gave props (22 Nov 2011):
very pretty in pink! a lovely photo.
ICU TWO (Deleted) gave props (2 Dec 2011):
Gorgeous..I should be so lucky to have models as sweet and cute!!
Paperini Renato gave props (3 Dec 2011):
Beautiful color contrast and spontaneity
Judy and Wayne Wanamaker gave props (14 Aug 2012):
Grandchildren make the world new again. A joyous capture, and entry!
Leslie Hunziker gave props (14 Aug 2012):
nicely captured!
John Linton gave props (15 Aug 2012):
A perfect fit for JPG's Theme Park.
Also by Steve Baker
Please Login or Sign Up
Login or Sign Up
Need contest credits? Get 'em here!
Payments are processed by PayPal and you will be automatically forwarded to PayPal to complete your transaction. It may take a few minutes after you complete your transaction for you contest credits to update. We will send an email to your registered email address once we have received a successful transaction from PayPal and updated you credits.
Select a Shoot Out contest credit package below.


text:
The last time I bought brake pads was about 2 years ago, as I bought a bulk load of them. I'm now running short, and have heard disco brakes recommended on here.
Now things used to be simple - either sintered or organic pads. But it seems to have got a lot more complicated. There now seem to be Ceramic Hard, Ceramic pro, Medium and Super Light, as well as Sintered.
So what specific pads would the STW masses recommend for Avid Juicy 5s and Shimano XT brakes?


text:
Please do not delete
Nitpicking a bit but the swedish supreme sagamore would not be called Svensdotter, since that means that he is the daughter of Sven.
Svensson would be the proper last name in this case, meaning son of Sven. It also happens to be a very common last name in Sweden today.
Author's Response: Oh! Good to know. I'll go in a fix that right now. I looked up common Swedish names on the web, but I didn't realize the difference. Thank you! Jenny


text:
Policy delay cost India chip plant, says Intel's Barrett
Post a comment
BENGALURU, India Delays in formulating a government policy to encourage chip manufacturing prompted Intel Corp. to look elsewhere, including China and Vietnam.
According to a report in the Hindu Business Line on Tuesday (Sept. 4), Intel chairman Craig Barrett said the delay in announcing a chip policy forced Intel to look elsewhere in Asian to locate its manufacturing centers. "The Indian government policy was not timely for us. The government did not have a well-documented plan when we began discussions with them," Barrett was quoted as saying.
"There are no complaints on issues like [Indian] infrastructure," Barrett added. "Between the time we initiated discussions with India and the announcement of the semiconductor policy, Intel already firmed up its plans in Vietnam and China," Barrett said, according to the report.
Intel reportedly is still considering India. "However, right now we don't have any plan to set up a plant here. There is enough capacity at this point. With enough capacity in our current manufacturing plants, we do not need any new plant," Barrett said.
Intel, which has a large R&D center in Bengaluru, will expand its engineering and software development activities here, Barrett said.
Meanwhile, potential investors continue to wait for details of the semiconductor policy that were expected months ago. For instance, guidelines for setting up semiconductor, electronics and solar cell manufacturing plants have yet to be announced. Details include guidelines for government concessions such as tax breaks, subsidies and interest-free loans.
SemIndia, Hindusthan Semiconductor Manufacturing, Nest Group, Videocon Ltd. and Xenitis have announced or are establishing chip plants. Signet Solar, Moser Baer and Cypress Semiconductor have expressed interest in setting up solar manufacturing plants here.
According to industry executives, government guidelines for seeking incentives will be announced in a matter of days.


text:
This product is no longer available.
You can try these similar gifts instead.
Hiker's 3-Day Meal Kit
Backpacker's Pantry
Before they head out to the great outdoors for another backpacking adventure make sure they are prepared. The trail explorers will love the selection offered in this incredible 3-day meal kit.