text:
Many of us don't spend time thinking about the quality of our pool water until the swimming pool becomes cloudy. When that happens, we look for a solution to the problem that can often be avoided with the proper maintenance of your swimming pool, spa or hot tub.
Before I dive in any further, you need to know what water clarity is. Water clarification is defined as the removal of suspended particulate matter from swimming pools, spas and hot tubs. There are three reasons why water clarity is important.
1. Disease prevention: Cloudy water often contains viruses and bacteria which causes pinkeye, earaches and flu-like symptoms. Giardia and E. Coli (two of the most common bacteria) can cause diarrhea and even death in some cases.
2. Appearance: Cloudy, discolored and unsightly water makes swimming objectionable for many reasons. Would you want to swim in murky water?
3. Swimming safety: Accidents are likely to occur when swimmers entering the pool cannot see those already swimming. Worse yet, if someone is in trouble underwater and he or she can't be seen due to cloudy water, the risk of drowning increases.
As a pool or spa owner, you are probably no stranger to water clarity issues. After all, it's only natural that the pool/spa water will eventually become cloudy. Oftentimes, this cloudiness is caused by a lack of water sanitizers, such as chlorine. If chlorine isn't the problem, then the issue could be suspended particulate matter such as:
- Contamination from swimmers or bathers
- Silt
- Dirt
- Algae
- Organic matter
- Bacteria and protozoa
- Minerals and metals
- Lotions and suntan oils
Water clarity issues are handled through a combination of filtration and chemical treatment. Filters clarify water by removing particulate matter (such as dirt particles, skin flakes and algae) suspended in the water. Most particulate matters vary in micron size, and when it builds up, the pool water becomes cloudy. The type of pool or spa filter you will need depends solely on the type of pool you currently own. You also need to take a few other things into consideration as well, such as the type of problems you will need the filter to fix.
Does your pool suffer from high levels of bacteria? Then the Watersafe Rapid Bacteria Pool Water Test will be best for you. Are you unsure about the water quality in your pool, spa, or hot tub? Then the Pool Water Check Meter (pictured above) is the perfect choice. This water testing meter checks the water quality in your pool and spa and includes a scanner and one bottle of test trips for your convenience.
Regardless of the type of filter you use, the filter must be in proper working condition to ensure sparkling and clean water. If the filter wears out, the filter will lose its ability to properly grab the small particles. To maximize your filters effectiveness, regularly clean and replace the filter according to manufacturer's specifications.
If you are planning on going for a swim at a public swimming pool, keep in mind that most state health departments require that the main drain be visible from the pool deck at all times. If it is not clearly visible, do not get in.
Enjoy the spring and summer months, you've earned it. Keeping a watchful eye on maintenance and the water quality in your pool, spa, or hot tub will benefit you in the long term. We're always here to help and assist in any of your pool/spa filter needs. If you have any questions, concerns, or are in need of friendly advice, leave a comment and our in-house filter experts will be glad to help you out.


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1938 - 1944
- The KdF-Wagen Beetle Registry -
The Verified Original KdF-Wagen Listing
------------------- Mission Statement -------------------
To Record for History All Remaining Vehicles that have Amazingly Survived.
To Honor the Designers, Engineers and all who Built the
KdF-Wagen Beetles, through the Correct Restoration and Preservation of these Remaining Vehicles.
Webmaster Contact
www.ww2vw.com KdF Restorer, Advisor & Supporter.

subset: commoncrawl


text:
ACTA Supporters In Europe Fighting To The Bitter End
from the what-a-cliffhanger dept
As Techdirt has reported over the last few months, the passage of ACTA through the European Union's approval process has been little short of extraordinary. At the end of last year, ACTA seemed almost certain to be approved without difficulty. Then, inspired by the Internet community's success in stopping SOPA, European citizens woke up to ACTA's problems and took to the streets in huge numbers.
The first ACTA rapporteur resigned, and the second later came out firmly against ACTA. The main European political parties announced their opposition to ACTA, except for the largest, the EPP Group. More recently, five out of five European Parliament committees recommended that the European Parliament should reject ACTA in the plenary vote on ratification.
That final vote is scheduled to take place this Wednesday, and the surprises keep on coming. First, we had a rumour that the right-of-centre EPP Group would ask for a secret vote, but that never happened. Then today we heard that the EPP Group would be asking for a postponement of the ACTA vote until after the European Court of Justice has given its verdict on the compatibility of ACTA with the European Union's treaties. That decision probably won't be handed down for a year or two, so this was plainly a delaying tactic. It was believed that the call for postponement would come at the meeting setting the agenda for the coming week, but once more nothing happened.
And then, unexpectedly, the the EPP Group posted the following message on its Twitter account:
#EPP will ask during tomorrow's debate on #ACTA for a postponement of the vote until we have ECJ's ruling.
It's not entirely clearly under what procedure the EPP Group will do this, although Jérémie Zimmermann from La Quadrature du Net suggested it might be under Rule 177 : Adjournment of a debate and vote, of the Rules of Procedure of the European Parliament.
However, there are also some rumors that the EPP Group is divided over whether it should attempt to postpone the vote – understandably, since it would be a huge slap in the face of the European electorate if this procedural trick were used to put off a decision on ACTA for a year or two. So, it's still not really clear what will happen tomorrow once the plenary session of the European Parliament begins. Or rather, one thing is clear: that the ACTA battle is by no means over, and that the EPP Group is fighting desperately to stave off defeat in the final vote on Wednesday.
Follow me @glynmoody on Twitter or identi.ca, and on Google+
Filed Under: acta, epp group, eu parliament, europe, sopa


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Dee Brennan, RAILS Executive Director, will be traveling throughout the RAILS area in the next several months to talk briefly about upcoming plans for RAILS, to listen to member feedback about the system and to answer any questions members have about RAILS. Light refreshments will be served. All RAILS members are invited to attend. Please register so that RAILS knows how many people to expect.Questions can be directed to Mary Witt, RAILS Communications Director at firstname.lastname@example.com or 847.353.7144.Additional dates to meet Dee Brennan:Thursday, May 2 at 10 a.m. - East PeoriaThursday, May 16 at 1:30 p.m. - Freeport Public LibraryWednesday, June 5 at 10 a.m. - Sterling Public LibraryThursday, June 13 at 1:30 p.m. - Galesburg Public LibraryFriday, June 14 at 10 a.m. - Macomb Public Library District
Register by: 5/17/2013
This event is sponsored by Reaching Across Illinois Library System.
Last day to cancel registrations is: 5/17/2013
Questions? Please contact Mary Witt.
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Week 3, Week 2, Week 1, The Mostly 30 Pieces and the Background
Here we are at the end of Week 4. This past week, I was feeling discouraged and painfully insecure about the outfits I picked.
I'm still finding it hard to match head coverings with outfits. When I got to Israel in November, I will look for solid coloured scarves, although I'm not sure if the lack of pattern will help matters. I feel that I am adding too much extra colour or pattern with a scarf on my head and somehow it takes away from the outfit. I don't really look very good in berets and I don't want to start living in 3-4 hats all the time either.
I'm open to ideas...should I just stick to a certain set of colours in my wardrobe? I've received feedback that certain colours definitely look better on me (earth tones, warmer colours, a few of the cooler colours too but definitely in what would be considered neutral/safe tones).
I feel overall, I look best in the tighter fitting skirts. The jean skirt and the brown corduroy skirt has been less of a favourite of mine and also of some readers (please keep in mind I was using what I had in my closet too, so be gentle on me :) ). I'd like to have a basic denim skirt, so I am on the look out for something better. I do have a denim-y pencil that wasn't part of the challenge, but it tends to look dressier which is why I opted for the more casual one.
The green chiffon blouse...sigh, I think that is one I'll have to give up, I think I've given it a bunch of tries and it's one of those, looked great on the mannequin, should have left it in the store. I love all the other blouses (3 recently purchased) used for the challenge (chambray, blue, white, purple/black).
By far, this outfit was one of my favourites. I don't know why, I just really liked the combination of casual with fancy. My black pencil style skirt from Old Navy was also a favourite piece, I guess it's just really versatile. If you've been following along, you know by now I love black and white stripe skirts, and I really like mine and I am looking forward to wearing my newly acquired one (more pencil like style).
I'm glad I gave my sheath style dress some new life by wearing them with blouses (rather than only shells).
Here are the pictures for Week 4. One outfit is missing, striped skirt with dark red t-shirt/white shell. It looked bleh, but I was feeling pretty bleh that day and I didn't care. One of those days.
|I was rushing to get my son ready so I missed the top buttons on the sweater. They got done up later one.
|Taking Sprout out for a little wagon ride
|for sure not my favourite, but i needed something for that day and too much was in the laundry (or previously worn combinations)!
I didn't mind either of these outfits (worn during Yom Tov, thrown back on for picturing purposes). Quite honestly, I think a lot of these outfits would look far better on me if I had on a little eyeliner and concealer.
and for Day 30....


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If we have faith in Christ, faith that we are saved, faith that by God's grace our sins are forgiven, and work out that faith in a love of neighbor, self and God, then there is no other requirement upon us. We can stand firm in our faith as beloved children of the living God!
When we decide that we should stand
firm on something, we think that we must become rigid and inflexible. I see
that way less and less. The rules all look so solid, such great places to
stand on, so certain. Grace looked so mercurial. Where do you stand when
there are no standards for who God loves?
If I have a choice between Jesus and religion, I don't see that it is
a very difficult choice. Accepting Jesus is accepting yourself; so
it! Then let go of whatever gets in your way, including abusive
religion, and move on.
If I had continued to follow the way of the world and deny my transsexualism, I would have become more despondent and bitter against God. By allowing God to show me the path that I was to follow, though it has not been easy I have certainly come to a greater trust and love. These are the lessons I have learned by standing firmly, yet flexibly, in my faith.
From my own personal experience, I can say that I used to spend
hours in chat rooms and conversations among fundamentalists, attempting
to stand my ground. And it led to nothing other than frustration and
often anger, an emotion that hurts me to even feel. But after a while,
I tried a different approach, and began to frequent environments where
there were other kindred spirits as myself, who were hungry and thirsty
to embrace the Loving God and Christ that my faith is based upon.
As God's children, we are to be warriors for God's gospel of love, grace, faith, and inclusiveness. That Gospel is to be heralded throughout the whole world: Jesus saves, no buts attached!
I have heard over and over from my mother the same Bible verses that are used to "destroy" the gay believer. I have been warned of my eternal damnation. Does this make me doubt? NO! I know that my mother means well and I will love her because she is my mother. I also know that my Father in heaven is still there for me just as He is for my mother. I know that He created me just as the Bible states, "He created them one and all."
After feeling the touch of God, after hearing the voice of God, after having seen the truth of the paradise, the heaven that constantly surrounds us, I have never -- I could never --doubt God and Her unconditional love. Myself however, I often have grave doubts about. I know that God does not condemn me, for anything.
I cannot leave, because even if I myself cannot receive ordination in the
church that I love then I will be part of the reason why the next generation
of gay and lesbians who wish to be ordained clergy will be.
Our Brother Jesus has already endured all the hurt and
anxiety, frustration and pain that falls upon us. When we cry out to him as
the cares and pressures of the world threaten to swamp us, Jesus understands
and is there, even if we do not feel his presence. His strong, carpenters
arms are there to bear us up and hold us close to his heart.
We are permanently standing in grace, cemented in the eternal aspect of our provision. This means that we can't pull our feet out of our position. We may fall in that position, but our feet never come out of it. We are standing and we have access to His grace with joy and hope.
We don't have to become some world famous evangelist or teacher. We need to just be steadfast in what we are doing for Christ.
I am personally fed up with the anti-gay hate masquerading as Biblical Morality in the church today, and I simply will no longer tolerate it or run away from the controversy surrounding it. Let me tell you something. I am a Christian, a believer in Jesus Christ as the Son of God and my personal Saviour.
Spiritual violence is a problem of great concern to lesbians and
gay men, and to their loved ones. But it should also be of particular
concern to Latinos regardless of sexuality. Those of us who claim a
Hispanic/Latino heritage represent the intersection of four great
divisions of humankind: the Native American, European, African, and
Semitic peoples. Today's diverse Latino communities are the product of
centuries of genetic and cultural blending of these four races.
Preachers today will single out gay and
lesbian people for public rebuke and ridicule from the pulpit. These
acts of spiritual violence usually go unchallenged by the people who
should know better. I have decided to paraphrase the statement of
Jesus: "They will scourge you in their synagogues" as "They will
humiliate you in their churches."
Karen Dammann, a United Methodist Church clergywoman since 1991, declared on
March 25 that she intends to pursue a church assignment guaranteed to
pastors in good standing -- a guarantee she feels should not be curtailed
because she is a lesbian.
An Easter weekend prayer vigil outside Coral Ridge Church by gay
Christian activist, Richard Murphy, resulted in a meeting with Reverend D.
James Kennedy, Leader of Coral Ridge Ministries in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
A Pacific Northwest advocacy group of United
Methodists today accused their denomination's national lawmaking body of
heresy for its anti-homosexual legislation.
Maybe another way to hear Jesus in this story is that he is saying that there's enough for everybody,
but not enough if some folks think they deserve more. So it doesn't mean a lot to be devoted to the God whose gift is love if we are not also
devoted to the God whose demand is justice.
The devil doesn't want one gay or lesbian to ever be saved. He thinks that by turning the mainstream church against us that he has us locked up and ready for hell. Isn't it a shame that the church cooperates with the devil like this?
We need to acknowledge the Lord's absolute right to do whatever He
pleases with us. We need to surrender to His absolute authority over
our lives. Step three of the 12-step programs tells us that we "made a
decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God as we
understood Him."
Comments? Please fill out our Reader Survey!


text:
Research at Dartmouth-Hitchcock helps battle brain tumors
December 27, 2012
WCAX.COM Local Vermont News, Weather and Sports-
It's a scary diagnosis. Of the 70,000 new brain tumors expected to be diagnosed in the American population next year, more than one-third will be malignant, meaning they're cancerous. And those tumors are difficult to remove because to a surgeon's naked eye, cancerous brain tissue looks like normal brain tissue. It's hard to differentiate and it's critical that doctors not harm healthy tissue during surgery...
...When you compare a portion of the brain under white light with no obvious signs of cancer to the same portion using fluorescence, the cancer shows as hot pink. The technique is improving accuracy tenfold, but it doesn't show smaller, low-grade brain tumors. And that's where a new probe comes in.
"Touch the brain, push a button and it glows through," said Kolbein Kolste of Thayer School of Engineering at Dartmouth.
Developed by doctors at Dartmouth and biomedical experts at its engineering school, the probe is now being studied at just a handful of research facilities nationwide.
"There are certain parts of the brain or tumors that don't glow as strongly and so we use this fiber optic probe to be able to detect the lower levels of light," Kolste said.
It's allowed doctors to use fluorescence technology on a much larger patient population—those with high-grade, low-grade and deep-tissue tumors.


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What's in a number? Not your favorite number. I'm talking about tax money.One of the presidential candidates reported an income of about $3.2 million on his 2010 tax return and the tax paid was $964,000. The tax rate amounted to close to 30 percent. He received a nominal salary and the balance of income received was a pass through from a Sub Chapter S Corporation which does not pay any income tax.
The other had a gross income of $21 million and paid a tax of $3 million and the effective rate was 14.7 percent. Income earned came from investments and sales of stock. What it doesn't show, that the corporations that he invested in already paid a tax at the rate of 35 percent before distribution of dividends.These are the same type of dividends, interest and capital gains that we as mutual fund holders own. If that was all the income we received, we would pay the same rate of 14.7 percent. If the average person pays 15 percent per year that would be equivalent to 200 paid taxpayers. Most importantly the candidates actually did pay the tax when the returns were filed.
Taxes not paid
A new report issued stated that more than 279,000 Federal Employees owed about $3.42 billion in taxes as of Sept. 25, 2010. Doing the math, that breaks down to almost $10,752 per person. Of this workforce almost 1,200 Treasury Department employees owed in excess of $9 million. Isn't that the agency that is the home of the IRS? So, is this a case wherein it says "do as I say, not what I do?" Not to be outdone the Justice Department has a grand total of 2,069 workers that owe a whopping $17 million in delinquent payments.
The report also states that there are 36 aides who work at the White House owing a collective $833,000 or an average of $23,165 each. That takes second place to the Environmental Protection Agency wherein 413 employees owe a whooping $47,000 each for a grand total of $19 million. Congress is not immune as the 684 employees average almost $16,000 totaling almost $11 million. But the granddaddy of them all, the Post Office Service has more than 25,000 employees owing close to $270 million. Holy cow, Batman!
That is a lot of employees and money. At this time of the year, this is not a very good example to set before the general tax-paying population. Perhaps the collection procedures should include forfeiture of their jobs or at least a payment plan to close this gap. A review of the withholding tax taken from the employees salaries should be updated so that this does not continue. What the report did not state was how long a period this has been going on. In private sector, there would have been bank levies (See below) and wage garnishments to try to collect these funds. Information should be released on a continuing basis to reassure the other millions of tax filers that the system is for everyone.
Glossary of IRS terms
A levy is a legal seizure of property to satisfy a tax debt. Before a levy is served, the taxpayer is notified three times to respond to the tax deficiency. It can be issued to banks, employers and third parties for collection.
Observation: When you do a good deed get a receipt (in case heaven is like the IRS).
Edward J. Loughrey, CFE, EA, LPA can be reached at email@example.com or at 843-705-7258.


text:
Department of Industrial and Mechanical Engineering, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801
Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, NM 87545
Alcan International Ltd., Kingston, Ontario, Canada
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Ahrends, Burton and Koralek architects (Peter Ahrends; Richard St John Vladimir Burton; Paul George Koralek)
9 of 11 portraits by Valerie Bennett
© Valerie Bennett / National Portrait Gallery, London
Ahrends, Burton and Koralek architects (Peter Ahrends; Richard St John Vladimir Burton; Paul George Koralek)
by Valerie Bennett
bromide fibre print, 2005
58 7/8 in. x 15 1/2 in. (1495 mm x 393 mm)
Given by Valerie Bennett, 2006
Photographs Collection
NPG x128189
Sittersback to top
- Peter Ahrends (1933-), Architect; co-founder of Ahrend, Burton and Koralek. Sitter in 1 portrait.
- Richard St John Vladimir Burton (1933-2017), Architect; co-founder of Ahrends, Burton & Koralek. Sitter in 2 portraits.
- Paul George Koralek (1933-), Architect; co-founder of Ahrends, Burton and Koralek, architects. Sitter in 1 portrait.
Artistback to top
- Valerie Bennett, Photographer. Artist of 11 portraits.
Placesback to top
- Place made and portrayed: United Kingdom: England, London (Poplar Bridge, designed by the sitters, Poplar, London)
Subjects & Themesback to top
Events of 2005back to top
Current affairsLondon suffers its worst bomb attack since the Second World War when four devises are detonated during rush hour on public transport. Three of the bombs went off on tube trains, and one on a bus killing 56 people and injuring 700. A Leeds-based terror cell of British born or raised Islamic extremists committed the attacks.
John Sentamu becomes the first black Archbishop of the Church of England.
Art and scienceAs part of the international Make Poverty History campaign, ten Live 8 concerts are held simultaneously around the world to coincide with the meeting of the G8 and persuade the world's richest countries to 'drop the debt' owed by the world's poorest countries, increase aid to the world's poorest people and negotiate fairer international trade rules.
International1,836 die in America as a result of Hurricane Katrina and the subsequent flooding. The hurricane was the most costly in US history and one of the most deadly. It caused the levees of Lake Pontchartrain to break, which flooded 80% of New Orleans. About one million people evacuated the city while 25,000 stayed behind, many taking refuge in the city's Superdome.
Tell us more back to top
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If you require information from us, please use our Archive enquiry service. If you wish to license this image, please use our Rights and Images service.
Please note that we cannot provide valuations.
We digitise over 8,000 portraits a year and we cannot guarantee being able to digitise images that are not already scheduled.


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'Annabelle' Outfit Set
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We now ship to over 80 countries worldwide. Shipping is free of charge no matter where in the world you live.
Delivery times to the USA range from 3 business days to 8 business days, depending on the location and date/time placed. Outside of the USA, delivery times range from 5 business days to 13 business days at maximum.


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An allegation that a violation of professional ethics has occurred is a serious matter. While AIPG is willing to pursue allegations, it must first receive a written statement of the allegation accompanied by sufficiently detailed information to pursue a formal inquiry. Failure to provide such information results in no action being taken. The following brief summaries of AIPG Disciplinary Procedure actions are provided to document the number and variety of activities resulting in allegations of ethical violations being brought to AIPG's attention and the results of those allegations. The summaries are arranged from most recent to oldest by the year in which the matter was concluded.
The summaries are brief. Many of the relevant ethical issues have been the topics addressed in the Professional Ethics & Practices column in The Professional Geologist, AIPG's monthly magazine. Discussion of the ethical issues arising prior to 1998 are contained in Geological Ethics and Professional Practices, 1987-1997, AIPG Reprint Series #1 (now included within Geologic Ethics & Professional Practices, AIPG Reprint Series #2, which is a continuously updated CD). The summaries are generic and do not contain the name of the member charged with violating AIPG's Code of Ethics.
The number of cases is not large. This reflects several factors. First and foremost, most geoscientists practice ethically. Second, alleging that someone has behaved unethically is an unpleasant task. It also requires detailed knowledge of the situation in order that the required burden of proof can be met. While the individual making the allegation, who may or may not be an AIPG member, does not have to file a completed investigation, sufficient evidence of unethical conduct is required to warrant pursuit of the matter. Allegations must be substantiated. Several of the matters listed below were dismissed due to lack of sufficient evidence, and, in one case, the investigation established that the individual bringing the allegation was committing the same ethical breaches as the individual against whom the initial allegation was brought. The unpleasantness and effort required to bring charges no doubt reduces the number of matters brought to AIPG's attention. Third, there are situations in which an allegation would be filed except that convincing evidence cannot be obtained for one of a variety of reasons. Neither the world nor AIPG is perfect. However, AIPG does its best to promote ethical and competent practice in the geosciences. Perhaps AIPG is most successful when efforts to educate geoscientists about ethical issues help prevent the occurrence of unethical practice in the first place. And finally, as indicated by the cases of expulsion summarized below, when someone seriously violates the Code of Ethics, the violations are often multiple, egregious, and may result in additional civil or criminal actions.
An AIPG CPG Member, whose AIPG membership and certification were terminated with prejudice in 2014, was charged with securities fraud by the SEC in September. Member provided geologic reports that purportedly complied with NI 43-101 but did not. "member claimed in his reports that Arco Hills could mine 20 billion tons of high quality silica from its mining claims that could be sold for $20 to $30 per ton. Member also represents in his reports the silica in Arco Hills' mining claims contains approximately 460 million ounces of gold within a value of $805 billion." "Member knew this statement was false and misleading as no assay samples had been submitted by him to any laboratory on behalf of Arco Hills." "Members's false statements regarding the gold and valuation amounts are fraudulent. His calculations indicated that Arco Hills' mining claims would qualify as the largest gold deposit ever discovered in North America and the second largest in the world. Member knew or was reckless in not knowing such representations in his 2011 report were patently false and misleading." On 9/13/16, Member consented to the entry of a permanent injunction in this case without admitting or denying the charges against him. This consent flips the burden of proof—Member cannot deny the allegations contained in the SEC's complaint. The 2014 AIPG action against Member formed much of the technical basis for the SEC case.
In January 2016, Member consented to the Arizona's Board of Technical Registration's Letter of Reprimand and agreed to pay penalties for reports Member had written on properties in Maricopa and Yuma Counties. The reports "failed to apply appropriate knowledge and skill in the practice of geology" and had no PG seal. Member's Arizona PG license had expired in 2004.
An inquiry about a Virginia geoscientist who was using the CPG abbreviation but who is not a member of AIPG was resolved by recognizing that Virginia's Professional Geologist's license allows holders to use the CPG abbreviation.
AIPG learned that a CPG's Certification number was being improperly used by another individual. The CPG was provided with as much information about the matter as AIPG had received so that the member was aware of the situation and could take appropriate action.
The President of a public company copied parts of another geologist's report on a Peruvian property while omitted a variety of material information. This individual claimed to be a "Professional Geologist and Qualified Person" but provided no information about professional affiliations, etc. to back up the claim. The matter became the subject of a private lawsuit.
A CPG who had contracted a firm to do work subsequently failed to pay the firm's invoices despite verbal and written promises to pay the invoices. During this time the CPG was paid by the client for whom the work had been done and the CPG paid another subcontractor who worked on the project. An inquiry was instituted whether AIPG Ethics Codes Standards 3.4, 4.1, and 4.2 had been violated. In response to the initial inquiries into the matter, the CPG again promised to make to pay the outstanding invoices along with accrued interest. Although some payments were made, the CPG subsequently became delinquent again. The matter continued into 2015.
An individual's AIPG membership and certification was terminated with prejudice as a result of a resignation during the pendency of a Disciplinary Proceeding in which formal allegations of violating Standard 2.2: Members should be accurate, truthful, and candid in all communications with the public; Rule 2.2.2 A Member shall not issue a false statement or false information which the Member knows to be false or misleading, even though directed to do so by an employer or client; Rule 2.2.3 A Member shall avoid making sensational, exaggerated, and or unwarranted statements that may mislead or deceive members of the public or any public body; and Standard 3.3: Members should serve their employers and clients competently. The case was based on the individual's preparation of a report on a mineral property purportedly prepared using the standards of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 that was found to be deficient in a variety of ways including the estimation of mineral resources that did not comply with the standards of NI 43-101 or accepted mining industry practices. Because the individual holds geologic licenses from several states, a notice was sent to these states notifying them of the termination with prejudice.
During 2104 AIPG received separate information that three former members were still claiming AIPG certification in professional reports. Notification was sent informing these individuals that they could no longer claim AIPG certification.
A potential investor contacted AIPG to verify the credentials of an individual promoting an African mining venture. The AIPG Certification and other credentials claimed by the promoter in fact belonged to a CPG with a different name and address. The CPG who credentials were being misused was provided with copies of all the information AIPG received so that he would be aware of the situation and could take appropriate action. The individual who contacted AIPG was informed that the credentials were being misappropriated.
AIPG received a notice from the Ordre des geologues du Québec regarding a CPG who had claimed Qualified Person status in NI 43-101 reports on properties located in Québec without having obtained full or temporary Québec licenses. This situation was addressed in Professional Ethics & Practices columns 146 and 147.
In mid-November a report written by a CPG asserting that billions of ounces of gold and silver occurred on six essentially unexplored association placer claims in Nevada generated quite a stir in the junior company mining press. Many mining professionals wondered why AIPG had not already taken action against the CPG author in emails that flew around and at the Northwest Mining Association annual meeting in early December. Those expressing this opinion apparently believe that disciplinary procedures, whether AIPG's or those of any other organization, are run by the Queen of Hearts from Alice's Adventures in Wonderland who's "Off with his head" seemed to be her favorite utterance. That's not the way the process works, nor should it.
When a potential ethical violation occurs, the first thing that needs to happen is that you, the person who becomes aware of the problem, needs to inform the appropriate authorities, such as AIPG, that there might be a problem. This initial allegation needs to be supported by documents and thoughtfully written out facts that allow a decision to be made regarding whether or not a potential ethical violation has occurred. Section 1.3 of the AIPG Disciplinary Procedures states: "Allegations shall be made in writing; shall be based on the personal knowledge of and be signed by the person making the allegations, shall identify the member or applicant against whom the allegations are made (the respondent), and shall describe the conduct giving rise to the alleged violation(s). Allegations shall be accompanied by copies of any letters, reports, documents, or statements upon which the allegations are based, and a list of persons (potential witnesses) who have personal knowledge of the matter, including a brief statement of what the knowledge of each such witness is alleged to be."
Once an allegation is received by AIPG (either through the Executive Director or directly to the Chair of the Ethics Committee), it is reviewed to determine what further action is needed. In some cases, the allegation can be dismissed at this stage, but frequently further inquiry into the facts and circumstances is needed as set out in Section 1.4 of AIPG's Disciplinary Procedures. After sufficient inquiry has been made to reach conclusions, which frequently takes time, the case is either dismissed or formal charges can be brought. Bringing formal charges requires that a document be prepared that describes in detail what occurred or how a report violates specific sections of the Code of Ethics. Writing such a document takes time. Once the formal charges are written, they, along with supporting documentation, are sent to the respondent, who then has an opportunity to challenge the specific charges and to request that an adjudicatory hearing be held. If a hearing is requested, the members of the Adjudicatory Board are agreed to, a time, place, and procedures for the hearing are set, and the hearing occurs followed by the preparation of the Adjudicatory Board's findings, conclusions, and sanctions to be imposed. An appeal of the Adjudicatory Board's decisions can be made to the Executive Committee. The point being that this process takes time, frequently months. The respondent has the right to resign from AIPG at any time thereby terminating the process.
In the November case, a couple of CPGs familiar with subject matter provided written opinions based on their examination of the problematic report. These opinions helped in the preparation of formal charges. The formal charges in this case, together with a cover letter and supporting documentation, were 224 pages long. The respondent elected to resign and his membership and certification were terminated with prejudice (Disciplinary Procedures Section 6.2).
AIPG received inquiries from the Ordre des geologues du Québec regarding the certification status of 4 CPGs who had claimed Qualified Person status in NI 43-101 reports on properties located in Québec without having obtained full or temporary Québec licenses. This situation was addressed in Professional Ethics & Practices column146.
AIPG received an inquiry from the Ontario Securities Commission (OSC) regarding the certification status of a former CPG who was listed as a Qualified Person in an NI 43-101 report. AIPG informed the OSC that the individual's certification had lapsed due to non-payment of dues. This situation was addressed in Professional Ethics & Practices column 147.
AIPG received queries regarding two former CPGs whose membership and certification lapsed due to non-payment of dues who were still claiming certification. The standard "cease and desist" letters were sent.
AIPG received information suggesting that a former CPG was still claiming his certification. The former member stated that he had not been claiming certification since his membership lapsed and he didn't know who had inappropriately claimed his was certified by AIPG and such claims were done without his knowledge.
Information was received that a CPG was selling mining properties using unsupported mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates. When an ethics inquiry was initiated, the CPG resigned.
2009 through 2010
No new ethics inquiries were received. The pending action from 2006 was concluded.
A Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) specializing in mining geology prepared a report stating that $billions in gold, silver, platinum, palladium, rhodium, magnetite, ilmenite, and sand and gravel underlay square miles of valley fill in southern Arizona to depths of 100, 500, or 1,000 feet. The report assumed uniform distribution of assay values throughout the extremely large volumes involved. This report ignored a number of critical factors including the fact that uniform distribution of values through such a large volume is not possible due to the known heterogeneity of valley fill, the fact that the underlying assays were of dubious quality and were collected by unknown parties from unknown locations, the fact that multiplying tons times grade times metal price equals value is a fraudulent calculation because the costs of extraction are not included. The CPG was aware of but apparently unconcerned by the fact that his report was being used to raise money in mining claims purportedly covering the square miles of purportedly valuable ground. Following an investigation and the outlining of the potential formal charges of violations of AIPG's Ethics Code, the respondent CPG resigned, thus terminating the case.
The carryover case from 2006 continued throughout the year for a variety of reasons and was continued into 2008.
A CPG was required to take a professional ethics course as part of complying with an order from a state licensing board. Ethics Committee Chairman provided the required course, which included a test.
A Certified Professional Geologist (CPG) prepared an appraisal and valuation of a property purportedly containing one or more beds of a valuable industrial mineral that had a substantial total thickness. The CPG's appraisal and valuation were used by the respondent in a condemnation proceeding in arguing the value of the land to be condemned. The CPG's appraisal and valuation included no samples collected from the tract in question, contained no detailed information on the physical and chemical properties of the allegedly valuable industrial mineral so that its market potential could be assessed, and generally failed to provide the information called for by the Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration's A Guide for Reporting Exploration Information, Mineral Resources, and Mineral Reserves, which was determined to be the most relevant standard guideline for estimates of the type made. Further, the party making the allegations provided documentation, including drilling and sampling done on the condemned tract, demonstrating that there were no beds of the allegedly valuable industrial mineral within 100 feet of the surface of the condemned tract. The resulting disciplinary procedures continued into 2007 and 2008.
A letter was received alleging that a geologist had violated the conflict of interest provisions of Standards 3.1 and 3.2 in connection with the activities of his personal firms and those of his employer. Because the individual against who the allegations were made was not and never has been a member AIPG, no action could be taken. However, the individual's name was recorded along with the letter containing the allegations in case the individual should apply for AIPG membership.
The Institute learned that a prominent geologist who is known for advocacy of professional ethics and for debunking the poor science and practice of others has been publishing papers identifying himself as a CPG when in fact he has never been a member of AIPG at any level. Nor is the individual a member of the AAPG's Division of Professional Affairs, whose 'Certified Petroleum Geologist' title is also abbreviated CPG. Normally, when the Institute learns that someone falsely claims CPG status, usually in a report or correspondence, the individual is sent a letter requesting that the individual cease and desist from using the CPG title and noting that 'Certified Professional Geologist' is an AIPG trademark. However, this case is significantly more blatant. Indeed asked about the use of the CPG title, the individual attempted to bluff the issue aside. A more detailed discussion of this matter was included in the "Professional Ethics & Practices" column 106, published in the November/December issue of The Professional Geologist, p. 20-22.
A member (not a CPG) was disciplined by the California Board for Geologists and Geophysicists (CBGG) for failing "to provide fundamental geologic data, proper site-specific geologic mapping and sufficient documentation to establish an appropriate setback for the geologic conditions for a proposed single family residence site (site). [The member] also failed to provide sufficient geologic documentation or analyses concerning the current Factor of Safety (FS) of landslides that are present adjacent to the slopes on the site and to describe the extent the proposed sub-drains and minimal grading would increase the FS to an acceptable level. In addition, [the member] failed to provide geologic documentation regarding the nature of possible movement within the bedrock, impacts on slope FS and to utilize the findings from earlier geologists' report for the site that documents a prominent site bedrock shear zone. [Member's] undefined proposed building site, inaccurate descriptions and misrepresentations of the geologic conditions at the site are significant deviations from professional standards of practice and are critical to accurately evaluating the geologic/construction safety conditions at the site." The CBGG placed the member's geologist and geophysicist licenses on a 3-year probationary period, assessed a fine, and imposed other conditions on the member's practice. When informed of the foregoing a Disciplinary Proceeding case was initiated but it was terminated when the member resigned.
More than one member specializing in mineral property valuations sent the Ethics Committee Chairman copies of a report prepared by a CPG that claimed to be a valuation for a quarry from which marble tile could be produced. The report contained the following statements about the potential value of the tiles that might be produced.
♦ The property contains 13 million cubic feet of in-situ marble measured vertically from the property boundary.
♦ Approximately 50% of the in-situ marble can be used for producing tiles.
♦ Thus there are approximately 6.5 million cubic feet of recoverable marble that can be cut into tiles.
♦ If the tiles are 12″ × 12″ × ½″ in dimensions, there are 12″ ÷ ½″ = 24 tiles per cubic foot; thus there are approximately 156 million saleable tiles.
♦ If the 156 million tiles can be sold at retail for $13 per tile, the gross value of the tiles that can be produced from the property is over $2 billion.
The owner of the property who requested the report containing the foregoing statements attempted to use the report to obtain loans using the $2 billion value of the tiles as collateral. However, the foregoing statements contain several material omissions to state material facts; among them are:
♦ the calculated 24 tiles per cubic foot allow no space for cutting and polishing each tile. A yield of 12 or 13 tiles per cubic foot is more realistic;
♦ the retail price per tile is more than the value of a tile at the quarry due to shipping costs and retailer's costs and profit margin. Further, the value of a tile at the quarry assumes it is cut, polished, and ready to ship, which is greater than in-situ value of the marble to the property owner; and
♦ no operating set-back is allowed for the quarry. This is not a reasonable extraction plan from either technical or regulatory perspectives and would not receive the required operating permits if proposed.
The foregoing suggests that violations Canon 2 of the AIPG Code of Ethics and Standards that prohibit making false or misleading statements that would tend to mislead investors may have occurred. Further unsolicited information provided by the CPG who authored the report suggested that he knew of the misleading character of the report and knew that the client wanted the report to raise money. This unsolicited information suggested possible violation of Canon 3, which states that "Members should serve their employers and clients faithfully and competently within their overall professional and ethical obligations." When informed of the initiation of Disciplinary Proceedings beginning with an inquiry into the potential ethical violations stemming from this report, the CPG who authored the report resigned, thus terminating the matter "with prejudice" pursuant to Section 2.7.6 of the AIPG Bylaws.
An allegation was lodged that a CPG has improperly interfered with the professional work of the party making the allegations by advising CPG's clients not to co-operate with a planned water well testing program and by disputing the adequacy and interpretations made by the alleging party. Investigation into the matter revealed a long-standing dispute between the parties over the amount of data needed and the interpretation of the data available. Disputes of this type do occur but do not necessarily indicate that violations of the Ethics Code occurred. The matter was terminated because the information obtained during the investigation not only did not support the allegations but in part supported the position taken by the CPG.
An allegation was made that a CPG had misrepresented his professional qualifications. The allegation was apparently based on the belief that in order to obtain AIPG's Certified Professional Geologist title, at least a baccalaureate degree in the geosciences with a minimum number of appropriate hours is required. While this is the general, minimum educational requirement for certification, AIPG has always provided that those who could demonstrate the requisite knowledge without having a degree could be certified if they satisfied the spirit of the education requirement. The matter was therefore dropped.
A CPG who was employed by a consulting firm was found to have billed a client a considerable amount of money for work that was not yet performed. On learning of the over-billing, the consulting firm reimbursed the client and dismissed the CPG for cause. The matter was also criminally investigated but no charges were brought because the client had been promptly reimbursed on discovery of the problem and the CPG who was responsible for the over-billing did not receive any additional compensation as a result of the over-billing. The matter was investigated and the allegations were substantiated. However, the CPG did not renew his membership effectively terminating AIPG's jurisdiction in the matter. Nevertheless, a letter summarizing the allegation and the findings of the investigation were placed in the individual's file should he ever try to renew his membership. A proceeding by a state geologic licensing board into these allegations was pending at the termination of AIPG's proceedings.
A formal complaint against a member of AIPG was filed in December of 2002. The complaint alleges that a Member of AIPG made false statements, under oath, during a deposition. Investigation of the allegations was carried over into 2003 but the matter was eventually terminated with no action. AIPG has received inquiries about two other alleged violations, but no formal allegations have been filed.
No new written allegations were brought to the Institute's attention. A couple of individuals discussed potential allegations with the Ethics Committee Chairman over the phone but no written follow-up was received.
Deception in substituting a blank sample for a sample taken from a property: the complainant alleged that the substitution of a blank sample for a sample actually collected from the complainant's property deceived him. Inquiry demonstrated that the substitution was part of the accepted practice of inserting standard, blank, and duplicate samples into a sample stream as means of obtaining data on the reliability of the sample preparation and analysis. A more detailed discussion of the ethics of the use of standards, blanks, and duplicates is contained in the "Professional Ethics & Practices" column in the December 2000 issue of The Professional Geologist. In this case, the substitution of the particular sample, and other similar acts demonstrated that the complainant's preferred laboratories did not produce reliable analyses.
The matter was dismissed.
Lying during a deposition: the complainant accused a member of lying during the taking of a deposition.
Investigation and related proceedings were continued into 2001.
Solicitation of jobs for a new position while still employed in a previous position: the complainant alleged that the member had solicited work for new consulting entity while still employed by another consulting firm. Also, the member was alleged to have held an undisclosed financial interest in a drilling company used to for client work. The investigation and resolution were continued into 2001.
Practicing without a required state license: a member was found by a state board to have practiced without a required license and was fined $4,000. The member was reminded of Standard 1.1's requirement that all applicable laws and regulations should be obeyed. The case settled with the issuance of a private letter of reprimand.
Competence of work done remediating a tank battery site and the honesty of reporting the site's conditions: the complainant asserted that a tank battery site had not been sufficiently remediated and that the reports filed with the state regulatory agency were inaccurate. The investigation uncovered a difference of professional opinion regarding the required remediation, which was the subject of an ongoing dialog with the regulatory agency. No dishonesty was involved in the reporting. The matter was dismissed.
Failure to properly complete and file required regulatory forms: this case involves accusations that a member regularly failed to properly complete government-required forms for his clients. These failures lead, in some cases, to the clients' inability to demonstrate that required remediation work was properly completed. Such failures could result in the accused member's clients being required to duplicate the work already done. A formal investigation was conducted and the matter continued into 2000. There were technical difficulties with the original complaint and the matter was dismissed on the advice of counsel.
Responsibility for bad science used to support a policy-based government decision: this matter involved a federal government agency implementing apparently policy-based decisions that were purportedly backed by scientific studies performed by a private firm under contract. In essence, the complainant asserted that the agency used the private contractor's work to support a foregone conclusion. The accused AIPG member was an employee of the private firm and his only identifiable act was to sign a cover letter for a document transmission to the agency. Documents provided by the complainant suggest that the private firm's scope of work was limited and did not address all possible geologic aspects affecting the agency's ultimate decision. Because the conclusion allegedly ignored published geologic information and because the accused member worked for the private firm, the complainant believes the member should be found liable for the agency's misconduct.
The documents provided in support of the complaint failed to show that the accused member had practiced improperly in some way. His being an employee and signing a cover letter are not enough. The documents did not provide convincing evidence that the private firm had done anything improper in completing the scope of work it accepted. However, documents do support (although do not prove) the contention that geology was misused or ignored in arriving at the policy decision. The question remains, "Who was responsible?" The common practice in government agencies and private firms of not naming those responsible for doing specifically described parts of a project frustrates inquiry into who did what and who should be held responsible. Unfortunately, AIPG cannot cure all the world's problems. The matter was concluded as "not proved" and no formal charges were initiated against the accused member.
Making untrue, exaggerated, and/or unwarranted statements: a member complained that a Section officer abused his position by (1) making untrue, unwarranted, and exaggerated statements in advocating a particular position regarding administration of regulations affecting the practice of geology in the Section's state, (2) using his position as a Section officer to lend credence to his views, and (3) violating AIPG's Policy on Advocacy by presenting the untrue, exaggerated, and/or unwarranted statements. Sufficient documentation of the alleged activities was provided to permit an inquiry to be conducted. The investigator obtained additional information from the complainant, the respondent, and others having knowledge of the facts. The investigation established evidence supporting some of the allegations but not others. Indeed the investigation demonstrated that the complainant had himself made exaggerated and unwarranted statements in making the complaint. Some of the statements made by the respondent which the complainant alleged to be false were verified as being true.
The investigation provided sufficient evidence to bring formal charges against both the original respondent and the original complainant. The facts of the case suggested that private letters of admonition and, in the case of the Section officer, additional sanctions, would be appropriate. Both members accepted the proposed letter of private admonition, and, for the Section officer, additional sanction, rather than going forward with a formal hearing as provided for by the Disciplinary Procedures, thus terminating the case.
Failure to pay trade bills: a member complained that another member had failed to pay subcontractors' bills and that the member in question had reputation for failing to pay trade bills. Contracting for work without intention of paying for it is dishonest and therefore clearly unethical. However, AIPG is not a collection agency. Billing disputes and/or late payments are not uncommon and the circumstances of individual cases vary widely. As a result, establishing the intent to not pay and thus an ethical violation is quite difficult. In this case, the complaining member was unable to provide sufficient support for his allegations that the member complained about routinely failed to pay his trade bills, and, therefore, no formal action was taken.
Disagreement over applicability of a particular scientific procedure leading to allegations that the other side was doing A bad or incompetent work: two members and their colleagues have been involved in a dispute involving the validity and applicability of a particular scientific procedure. In the course of their dispute, statements were made by one side that the member on the other side viewed as maligning his professional competence. This led to the complaint. The ethical issue presented was not concerned with the scientific procedure being debated--science has a well-developed procedure for dealing with such disputes. Rather the ethical issue was whether the respondent had made unwarranted statements regarding the professional competence of the complainant. Both the complainant and respondent agreed that the ethical issue differed from the scientific and to the impartiality of the investigator appointed. The investigator obtained copies of the relevant publications and other documents and interviewed participants at meetings at which one side or the other had made relevant presentations and answered audience questions. Although the respondent's published papers did contain the phrases the complainant viewed as being derogatory, the investigation concluded that those reading the papers and those who attended meetings where the disputants positions were stated did not view the respondent's written or oral statements as being personally derogatory or as challenging the complainant's professional competence. The sensitivity of the disputants to statements made by the other side appears to have been far greater than the sensitivity of those not involved. The investigation also demonstrated that in making their respective arguments, each side in the dispute was not directly addressing the arguments made by the other side. The matter was concluded by a letter stating that the investigation had not sustained the charges made in the complaint and that in pursuing the debate over the validity and applicability of the procedure in question, greater care be made to avoid words and phrases which could be viewed as inflammatory by the other side.
Application: a member challenged the ethical conduct of an applicant following publication of the applicant's name in The Professional Geologist. The complaint included the names of additional members who had knowledge of the relevant facts and who were willing to confirm the allegations. An investigation produced three written statements supporting the alleging ethical violations and formal charges were brought against the respondent applicant. The charges alleged violations of Standards 3.3 and 3.4 and alleged that the applicant/respondent had (1) deliberately assigned an unqualified individual to a project to "demonstrate" the individual's lack of qualification, (2) failed to transfer work to a branch of the consulting firm for which the applicant worked that was better qualified to perform the services the client requested, and (3) lied to a manager regarding whether a client had been given performance guarantees that were not met and failure to initiate a project. The applicant chose to withdraw the application rather than contest the charges.
Client "ownership": a complaint alleged that a member had "stolen" clients on leaving a consulting firm. The investigation revealed that at the time of the member's departure from the consulting firm, there was no contractual agreement covering clients in effect (an earlier contract had expired). Further, informing clients that one is leaving employment and the resulting change in client contact is good business practice (although the exact manner and timing of such announcements require careful attention to avoid problems). The client is then free to choose whether to continue with the current firm or move with the individual with whom it has been working (assuming the individual is still available to do the work in the new situation). The complaint was therefore dismissed.
This case involves the general area of employment contracts, law, and non-compete clauses. Misuse of proprietary information or techniques may present legitimate ethical problems but were not an issue in this case. Those faced with similar situations should consult with an attorney as the particular circumstances and law vary with each situation and jurisdiction.
No written allegations were received during these years.
A complaint was received but the complainant failed to provide sufficient evidence to warrant an investigation.
Falsified time sheets on a job led to criminal conviction and expulsion from AIPG: a member was convicted of overcharging a client by more than $100,000 through submission of false time sheets.
Expulsion from AIPG was based on Standards 1.1 and 2.2.
Misuse of AIPG Seal: there were two cases in 1991 involving the misuse of AIPG's certification seal by members who had been suspended for non-payment of dues. In one case, it was determined that the use was unintentional and no adverse action was taken. In the other case, the member had joined the Institute in 1973, had been suspended in 1974 for non-payment of dues when payment was made with an NSF check. The 1991 use of AIPG's certification seal prompted a letter to cease and desist from claiming AIPG membership, but as the individual was not a member, no other formal action was taken. If this individual should re-apply for membership, this misuse of AIPG's seal would be taken into consideration in the application review process.
Misrepresentation of professional qualifications: a complaint was received that an AIPG member's Masters degree was in education, not geology. Although the Masters degree was in education, the member had more than sufficient geology credit hours to meet AIPG membership requirements and the complaint was dismissed.
No written allegations were received.
False statements about gold reserves leading to state civil and criminal actions for violation of the securities laws and expulsion from AIPG: a member was president of two small mining companies that had sold investments in gold to investors from a number of states in violation of state securities laws. Thirteen states issued Cease & Desist Orders against member and the companies. The AIPG complaint alleged that the member's geologic reports contained unwarranted claims, omitted telling investors about the various state securities actions, and omitted to tell investors of the criminal convictions of two of the member's associates. Among other representations, the member told investors that the properties contained gold reserves while at the same time telling the County Assessors in the counties in which the properties were located that there were no reserves to avoid paying ad valorem taxes to the counties. Either reserves existed or they didn't; the member couldn't have it both ways. The charges were presented at a hearing, which concluded that the member had violated Sections 2.1, 2.5, and 2.6 of the Code of Ethics and recommended expulsion from AIPG. Subsequent to AIPG's expulsion, the member was criminally charged and convicted in connection with these activities.
Copying a former employer's report and submitting it as new work: an associate member copied a report prepared by a former employer and submitted it as the associate member's own, new work. The associate member resigned following the filing of formal charges.


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METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints scanned the full spectrum of prospects during the final rounds of the NFL draft, bringing in a major college receiver whose father played in the NFL and a little-known Division II defensive lineman.
METAIRIE — The New Orleans Saints scanned the full spectrum of prospects during the final rounds of the NFL draft, bringing in a major college receiver whose father played in the NFL and a little-known Division II defensive lineman.
The Saints selected Oklahoma wideout Kenny Stills Jr. with their fifth round pick, then picked up Tarleton State defensive end Rufus Johnson in the sixth round.
"I've kind of been trained that real good football players come from everywhere," coach Sean Payton said. "Certainly more of them come from the larger conferences. ... That being said, there's no science to this draft."
The 6-foot, 194-pound Stills was New Orleans' first pick on Saturday because the club dealt its fourth-round pick as part of a trade with Miami in order to select Georgia defensive tackle John Jenkins with the 82nd overall pick Friday night.
Stills, the son of former NFL safety Kenny Stills, had a 40-yard dash time of 4.38 at the NFL combine. His uncle, Gary Stills, also played in the NFL, at linebacker.
"Since age six, when I started playing football, I dreamed of playing in the NFL, especially being that my dad played," Stills said. "Now I just have to go out there and prove myself and have a great career."
Last season, Stills was named All-Big 12 after making 82 receptions for 959 yards and 11 touchdowns.
The selection of Stills marks the third straight season that New Orleans drafted a player whose father played in the NFL. Two seasons ago, it was two in the first round in Cam Jordan and Mark Ingram. Last year, it was Nick Toon.
Stills said he believes pedigree can help.
"It's the understanding we have about the business. We know how we have to treat it," Stills said. "We have to come in and work our tails off every single day and nothing less is expected from us."
Stills, who grew up in San Diego and who during high school ran routes for Drew Brees during Brees' offseason workouts, started 38 games for the Sooners. He had 2,594 yards receiving and 24 TDs in his three seasons at Oklahoma. His 204 receptions rank third in school history.
Now he looks forward to running route for Brees in a far more meaningful context.
"It's a prolific offense and a huge opportunity for me to go in and play with veterans, learn and be a sponge," Stills said.
In 2010, he set Oklahoma freshman marks for receptions with 61 and yards receiving with 786. He also returned punts periodically and ran the ball a few times.
He said he would aim to be the first player in the Saints training headquarters every day and the last one out, something that might be hard to do given the long hours Brees spends in the building.
"He better be riding with him," Payton said.
The 6-foot-5, 272-pound Johnson played at Division II Tarleton State in Texas. Last season, he had 50 tackles, including 17.5 tackles for losses, 10 of them sacks. He was named the Lone Star Conference defensive lineman of the year.
"One of the things we try to do in these later rounds is look at size, speed and some measurables," Payton said. "He's got the physical stature that you're looking for. We feel like he's a guy that can rush the passer pretty well. ... You're looking for some traits that stand out and with him that clearly was the case."
In recent years, the Saints have mined contributing players and even starters from the likes of the University of Regina in Canada (Akiem Hicks), Division II Bloomsburg (Jahri Evans) and Division II Tiffin (Chris Ivory), so the club is now hopefully of extending that track record with Johnson.
"Our coaching staff has shown the ability to take players with special skills and find a way to fit them in," general manager Mickey Loomis said. "We are not limited to big schools. We're looking at some of the smaller schools and guys that have been productive at schools that are under the radar."
No one was more grateful for that than Johnson, who sounded choked up as he spoke by conference call to reporters gathered at Saints headquarters.
"I can't even talk right now. My heart is beating fast. I'm sweating and stuff," said Johnson, who added he was sitting in a park with friends when he got the call from the Saints. "I just broke down and started sweating, I couldn't even talk to my dad. This is a blessing to me; it really brightened my day. I just want to thank the New Orleans Saints and make sure to go out there and give it my all in everything I do."
When he gathered himself and gave the news to his family, he said his father, a former Texas Tech player, "just gave me the smile that he's been giving me since I was six years old, ever since I was playing Pop Warner."
"He gave me that smile and told me 'Good job,'" Johnson continued. "He embraced me with a hug, kissed me on my forehead, and told me that now it's time to go to work."
Stills and Johnson joined New Orleans' first-round pick, Texas safety Kenny Vaccaro and its other third-rounder, offensive tackle Terron Armstead of Arkansas-Pine Bluff. The Saints entered the draft without a pick in the seventh round, which had been traded previously.


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In spite of the depth and far-reaching impact of the drought that has gripped more than half of the nation's agricultural production area this summer, farmers should have no worries regarding their crop insurance policy's ability to pay.
"The crop insurance industry is on the ground in the drought-stricken areas, mobilizing loss-adjuster teams," says Thomas P. Zacharias, president, National Crop Insurance Services in a statement released by his office.
"Farmers can be assured their claims will be paid, and that the companies will move as quickly and as efficiently as possible, given the expected volume of claims, to assess damages and get indemnity checks into the hands of farmers," Zacharias says.
Claim volume will be huge. Recent USDA crop report estimates indicated significant losses for corn and soybeans, result of the heat stress and extreme drought that covers much of the Corn Belt.
"Although this was the largest corn crop planted since 1937, production is projected to be down 13 percent, the lowest output since 2006," Zacharias says. "Corn yields are expected to average 123.4 bushels per acre, down nearly 24 bushels from last year, which would be the lowest average yield since 1995. Soybean production is forecast to be down by 12 percent from last year, and if realized, would have the lowest average yield since 2003."
Filing a crop insurance claim: overview for producers
Zacharias says most farmers in drought-stressed areas are covered by crop insurance.
"Some farmers in these affected areas have purchased crop insurance policies for years and have never collected an indemnity. This year, their decision to purchase crop insurance confirms their practice of sound risk management."
No one can predict just how much crop yields will drop because of this lingering drought, and the toll it takes on farm income is yet to be determined. Zacharias says even with the August report, speculation will not provide a precise estimate of crop losses. "We are analyzing the August 10 report and will compare that with reports from the field, along with the crop insurance policy data that is still being processed and reported to the Risk Management Agency."
He says final outcomes will vary from one state to another and on the types of insurance farmers and ranchers purchased.
But he says the system is well-equipped to handle drought losses, even losses in some states that cover two years in a row.
Online FAST Tool calculates crop insurance payments
"In order to be approved to sell federal crop insurance, companies must have adequate surplus and reinsurance at their disposal so that even if a catastrophe of this magnitude strikes, and then one strikes again the next year, the company is still capable of paying indemnities on the policies they sell," he says.
"In addition to company surplus and reinsurance, the federal government serves as the backstop reinsurer for all companies that sell crop insurance. As such, the federal government shares in the gains and the losses of the program. Gains in prior years can and will be used to offset losses in years like this one."
Agents and adjusters are already assessing the situation. "The industry has 5,000 claims adjusters and 15,000 agents working tirelessly right now to help growers cope,"Zacharias says. "These adjusters are working hard to get money to farmers who have suffered losses, already paying out $822 million in indemnities to date. Companies are also mobilizing adjusters away from other parts of the country that have not been affected by drought and sending those adjusters to the hard-hit states."
He says crop insurance allows farmers to endure disasters and continue farming. "Farmers will not only survive this drought but plant again next year, ensuring a continuity of the food, feed, fiber and fuel supply for this nation and an increasingly hungry world."


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Champion Remembered with Theater Prizeby Jim Amidon • October 25, 2005 Share:
On the anniversary of Ryan Champion's tragic death, the Wabash Theater Department has announced the establishment of the Ryan Champion Theater Performance Award.
Champion, a member of the Class of 2007, was killed in an automobile accident in the fall of 2004. Friends and family established an endowment for the award, which will be presented annually by the Theater Department to a student demonstrating excellence in the areas of acting and directing. Ryan's participation in theater production work for the musical 1776 (photo at right), produced at Wabash shortly before his death, set a standard of quality and commitment that recipients of the award will be expected to achieve.
"It was a great privilege and pleasure for me to get to know Ryan and work with him on the production of 1776," said theater professor Jim Fisher. "He was a Wabash man in all of the best senses: bright, talented, and fun-loving, with a truly collaborative spirit and a compassionate nature. Through this award his name will be forever associated with the Theater Department, a fact that gives comfort to all of us who miss him."
"I think this is most fitting considering how Ryan loved theater," his mother, Marsha Champion Tyler told the North Vernon Plain Dealer. "We're very grateful for the establishment of the endowment."
Champion was graduated from Jennings County High School in North Vernon, Indiana in 2003, where he starred in The Sound of Music and other musicals put on by JCHS. At Wabash, he was a member of Beta Theta Pi and was planning to attend medical school. He was a student assistant in the Wabash Admissions Office.
The initial endowment was established by Gregg Theobald, Wabash '92, and Champions friends, family, and classmates. It is hoped that other contributions will be made to the fund. If you are interested in contributing to the Ryan Champion Fund in addition to your regular gifts to Wabash, please contact Carolyn Harshbarger in the Annual Giving Office for further information.


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Saturday, September 23, 2006
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By Tom Andersen< > This Fine Piece of Water - An Environmental History of Long Island Sound
About Sphere & Tom Andersen
This is a blog about environmental issues in the New York area in general and Long Island Sound in particular. I'm the author of "This Fine Piece of Water: An Environmental History of Long Island Sound," which came out in 2002. I wrote about the environment and other issues during almost two decades as a newspaper reporter.
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The Denver Broncos released veteran cornerback Champ Bailey, the team's longest tenured player, rather than pay him a $9 million salary in 2014.
Bailey, 35, will become a free agent for the first time in his career.
"I'm good. It's bittersweet. Now I get to go see what is out there," Bailey told USA TODAY Sports on Wednesday. "I'm looking at the positive side of it."
MOCK DRAFT 2.0: Who will Texans take No. 1?
JIMMY GRAHAM: Packers should go after him
Bailey said the Broncos did not offer him a pay cut. He was set to earn a $1 million bonus if he was on the roster March 15.
Bailey met with executive vice president John Elway and coach John Fox to be informed of his pending release, which became official Thursday. By cutting Bailey, who had the team's second-highest salary in 2013 behind only quarterback Peyton Manning, the Broncos will save $10 million toward the salary cap.
"It sucks, but at the same time, I have to move on. I can't dwell on it. I know they're not dwelling on it," Bailey said.
The team thanked him after making the announcement.
FTW: How does Bailey rate against recent star CBs?
"This was a difficult decision for our team with everything that Champ Bailey has meant to the Denver Broncos and this community over the last 10 years," Elway said in a statement.
"Without question, he's among the best cornerbacks to ever play the game and one of the finest players in the history of the Broncos. You couldn't ask for more in a player than what Champ brought to this team. His combination of elite talent, class, leadership and competitiveness made him one of the all-time greats.
"On behalf of everyone with the Broncos, I wish Champ all the best and thank him for everything he did for this franchise. Champ will always be a Bronco. We look forward to his Ring of Fame and Pro Football Hall of Fame election in the years ahead."
Bailey arrived in Denver in 2004 in a blockbuster player-for-player trade with the Washington Redskins for running back Clinton Portis. He re-signed with the Broncos in 2011 before he could hit free agency.
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PORTLAND RAIDERS? Oregon fans start petition for team
Bailey leaves Denver with 52 career interceptions (34 as a Bronco) and 12 Pro Bowl selections (eight with the Broncos). He was a first-round pick by Washington in 1999.
Bailey is coming off the most difficult year of his 16-year career, starting only three games in the regular season because of a nagging foot injury. He returned to the starting lineup for the AFC Championship Game and played in his first Super Bowl in the Broncos' loss to the Seattle Seahawks.
Bailey said he does not plan to retire and is looking forward to being a free agent for the first time in his career. He said he would like to continue playing cornerback but would consider a position change to safety.
"I just want to see what people will want me to do. My vision is to still play corner, but I'm a little more open-minded about the season I had last year." Bailey said. "I'm a corner at heart. If a situation made sense to play safety, then I would consider it."
Expect the Broncos to focus their free agent attention on the secondary, with starting right cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie set to become an unrestricted free agent Tuesday. Denver's other starter, Chris Harris, is a restricted free agent and is waiting for a tender offer the team that will determine his 2014 salary — and how attractive he might be to other teams looking for a starter.
Harris had surgery in early February to repair the torn anterior cruciate ligament he suffered in Denver's divisional playoff game against the San Diego Chargers.
Follow national NFL reporter Lindsay H. Jones on Twitter @bylindsayhjones.


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There 're a lonely Liquid Force Kite Fish out there in the Alameda bay somewhere.
I lost that Fish after the wind went from 15 to 0 and was too busy to self rescue my weary a.. back to the beach.
If you happened to come by the Fish or heard about it somewhere , please let me know .
It got my name and phone # written on the bottom.
Mucho Gracias and rewards available.
Alex - 408-318-1771


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8-10-2011: Bedard, Aviles and Fields
August 11, 2011 1 Comment
I've been away on vacation, so I just found out a few days ago about the deadline deals that were made. I was very pleased to see that we landed a starter with potential as well as a right-handed hitter off the bench.
SP Erik Bedard and OF Josh Fields for C Tim Federowicz, SP Stephen Fife, RP Juan Rodriguez, and Chih-Hsien Chiang
As I mentioned before, I thought the rotation was the area we needed to improve the most. It would have been ideal to land a quality pitcher without recurrent health issues, but those guys are simply not available unless you trade the farm for them. I was glad to see that we didn't send any real top-tier talent anywhere in this deal. Other than that, Bedard is almost the ideal acquisition – an established (but not too old) AL pitcher who's pitched extensively in the AL East, and he is a middle rotation guy who is capable of being much better than that at times. His contract is expiring, so the Sox have the option of re-signing him or possibly getting draft picks when he leaves. The only other thing he lacks besides health is playoff experience.
Josh Fields' primary function is basically right-handed pop off the bench. He is also a warm body you can stick in the outfield corners. He provides some depth in case something happens to Darnell McDonald.


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Acting Secretary Blank Supports Joining Forces Veterans Hiring Initiative
Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today participated in a Joining Forces Veterans Hiring Event that recognized Veterans Day and the contributions of our men and women in uniform. The event, sponsored by Honeywell and their military recruitment partner Orion International, aimed to identify and match veteran job candidates with open positions at Honeywell and recognized Honeywell's efforts to provide veterans with more career opportunities. Honeywell's Chairman and CEO Dave Cote and Joining Forces Executive Director Todd Veazie also attended.
"The Department of Commerce takes this administration's commitment to hiring veterans very seriously, and we will do our part to support the Joining Forces initiative and the good work of companies like Honeywell and Orion International that are connecting members of our military with the quality private-sector jobs they have earned," said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. "Through the Department's strong relationship with private sector companies all over the country, we will be encouraging other firms to commit to hiring veterans, and we will do all we can to help them make that goal a reality."


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According to my favorite Chicago weather guru Tom Skilling, this April is shaping up to be the least sunny on record. To say I need Vitamin D badly is an understatement. To help ease the pain of sun deprivation is Dr. Dennis Gross' Alpha Beta Glow Pad, a.k.a. the eighth wonder of the world (or perhaps more realistically, this week's Beauty VIP).
This is not just a self-tanning towelette, but rather an anti-aging exfoliating self-tanner with active Vitamin D. In just one Glow Pad, the Vitamin D, microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins deliver color deep into your skin and alpha & beta hydroxy acids exfoliate, tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and help even out your skin tone. It's also completely odorless and streak-free. In short, you want in on these.
I don't tan my face naturally, and often times it's because many self-tanners just aren't right for the face. The Alpha Beta Glow Pads are designed for your face and provides the most natural-looking radiance. I use these and find myself needing less face makeup – which sounds perfect for the summer I'm hoping shows up at some point.
My only complaint is that these aren't available in body versions. Although, I think our good friends at Dr. Dennis Gross are on it…
You can get 20 applications of your Alpha Beta Glow on for $32. This wonder product is available at Sephora, but I purchased mine from Dr. Dennis Gross website where I also received some good samples at checkout.