Saturday, June 28, 2014

USDA Blog » Florida Discovers the Cover and Grows Soil Workgroup

It started as an informal gathering of interested extension agents, agronomists, farmers and staff of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, who came to Gainesville, Fla. to attend an Internet-based conference sponsored as part of this year’s soil health campaign.

But much of the information was based on Midwestern experience. Everyone knows Florida is different, with sandy soils and a longer growing season.

USDA Blog » Florida Discovers the Cover and Grows Soil Workgroup

Friday, June 27, 2014

USDA Blog » Secretary’s Column: Record Trade Supports Strong Rural Economies

Agriculture is one of the brightest spots in our economy, and the American brand of agriculture is surging in popularity worldwide. Trade and market access support good-paying jobs and drives economic growth. A strong rural economy is critical to the overall economic health of the United States.

The past five years represent the strongest in history for agricultural trade with U.S. agricultural product exports totaling $619 billion over five years. Agricultural exports in fiscal year 2013 alone reached $140.9 billion, the highest level on record, and supported nearly one million jobs here at home.

USDA Blog » Secretary’s Column: Record Trade Supports Strong Rural Economies

USDA Blog » Tracing a Path Out of a Costly Trade Dispute

When we shop for items like orange juice at the grocery store, we often take for granted what goes on behind the scenes before we can enjoy these quality foods. Our nation’s producers and processors do not take it for granted. These products represent their livelihood, and the ability to reach new customers—especially through the export market—is critical to their businesses’ success. Recently, the USDA’sAgricultural Marketing Service (AMS) helped four businesses from Florida avert a costly 54% tariff, enabling them to continue to export frozen concentrated orange juice duty free to South Korea.

The US – Korea Free Trade Agreement (KORUS FTA) exempts U.S. orange juice from a 54% tariff when exported to Korea. However, in March 2013 Korean officials questioned the domestic origin of orange juice exported from the Sunshine State to the East Asian country. Without proof that the juice came from the U.S., exporters faced the costly tariff and the volume of exports to South Korea decreased. It was a huge loss for the Florida citrus industry which creates 76,000 jobs and pumps $9 billion into its local economy.

USDA Blog » Tracing a Path Out of a Costly Trade Dispute

Thursday, June 26, 2014

USDA Blog » Opening New Markets, Expanding Menu Choices

America’s ag promotion groups work to educate consumers, as well as research and promote our nation’s agricultural products. Whether potatoes or pork, mangos or cotton, soybeans or almonds, ag promotion groups help consumers make informed choices and learn about new products.

Although all ag promotion groups do have a similar goal and purpose – to pool their resources to increase demand and long-term economic growth for their industries – they all accomplish this in different ways, tailoring their efforts to apply strategies that work best for each commodity.

USDA Blog » Opening New Markets, Expanding Menu Choices

USDA Blog » SNAP Achieves Record High Payment Accuracy Rate for Seventh Year in a Row

Each year, as required by the Food and Nutrition Act of 2008, USDA issues the payment accuracy rate for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nationally and state by state.

I’m happy to announce that the fiscal year (FY) 2013 SNAP payment accuracy rate is an impressive 96.8 percent. This is an all-time high, and is the seventh year in a row with record-breaking accuracy rates. Payment accuracy means providing the correct amount of SNAP benefits to eligible households. The aim is to make sure that no one gets too little or too much in benefits, but gets exactly the amount they are intended to receive under the law. This historically high rate indicates that states are continuing to reduce improper payments in SNAP and are making sure that eligible citizens get the right amount of benefits.

USDA Blog » SNAP Achieves Record High Payment Accuracy Rate for Seventh Year in a Row

USDA Blog » The Spirit of Rural America: Farmers Show Strength in Tough Times

This is the final post of the weekly disaster assistance program feature series on the USDA blog.

For the past few weeks we’ve shared stories of how the farmers and ranchers across the country have been helped by disaster assistance programs restored by the 2014 Farm Bill. These USDA programs are helping thousands of producers and their families recover from natural disasters.

USDA Blog » The Spirit of Rural America: Farmers Show Strength in Tough Times

USDA Blog » NRCS Ag Adviser Recognized for Outstanding Service in Afghanistan

An assistant state conservationist with USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service recently received a top honor for his service overseas in Afghanistan, where he served as an agricultural adviser for two different tours.

Darren Richardson, who works for NRCS in Lubbock County, Texas, was among 72 people recognized by USDA’s Foreign Agricultural Service in late May. Richardson received the Tom Stefani Distinguished International Service Award for brave accomplishments in the face of danger.

USDA Blog » NRCS Ag Adviser Recognized for Outstanding Service in Afghanistan

USDA Blog » The Sunshine State’s Agriculture Remains Bright

The Census of Agriculture is the most complete account of U.S. farms and ranches and the people who operate them. Every Thursday USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service will highlight new Census data and the power of the information to shape the future of American agriculture.

As the new Florida State Statistician, I am excited to start digging into the agricultural data here in the Sunshine State. One of the first things anybody would notice upon glancing over our stats is the wealth of fruits, vegetables, and other unique commodities. According to the 2012 Census of Agriculture, almost 64% of Florida’s total market value of agricultural products sold comes from three categories: (1) fruits and nuts, (2) nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, and sod, and (3) vegetables, melons, potatoes, and sweet potatoes. We are one of the top three states nationwide in sales in all three of these categories, and Florida is also the top producer of sugarcane for sugar. Thus, the Sunshine State definitely lives up to its bright nickname by harvesting a rainbow of commodities.

USDA Blog » The Sunshine State’s Agriculture Remains Bright

Wednesday, June 25, 2014

USDA Blog » Small Farmers Share Land, a High Tunnel and Knowledge

When Jim and Nancy Faulkner bought their small farm in Boxborough, Mass. in 2009, the place was a mess. Buildings were falling down, the soil was poor and the land was covered with invasive plants. Nonetheless, they wanted to turn it into a sustainable farm.

Help came from two very different directions: a government agency and another small farmer.

USDA Blog » Small Farmers Share Land, a High Tunnel and Knowledge

Tuesday, June 24, 2014

USDA Blog » The Sweat Equity Route to Homeownership: Raising Walls & Building a Community!

In celebration of USDA’s annual Homeownership Month, I toured a flourishing neighborhood tucked in the woods of Edneyville, North Carolina. Along with me were families who never thought it possible to own a home or have a yard for their children or a garden. Their dreams were realized by building not only their own home, but the homes of their neighbors too! In the process, they also built enduring bonds of a caring community.

USDA Blog » The Sweat Equity Route to Homeownership: Raising Walls & Building a Community!

USDA Blog » Workshop Discusses Delving Deeper into the Animal Genome

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from the USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

The idea that around 80 percent of human DNA is “junk” DNA with no real purpose never sat well with scientists. So in 2003, researchers funded by the U.S. National Institutes of Health started working on a project called ENCODE, which was designed to study the role of non-coding “junk” DNA in genetic expression and to define basic functional units in the human genome.

USDA Blog » Workshop Discusses Delving Deeper into the Animal Genome

Monday, June 23, 2014

USDA Blog » South Dakota Partnership Helps Native American Families Own Their Future through Homeownership

With their family of eight, Myron Doud and Stephanie Richards were in tight quarters when they were living with Myron’s parents in a four-bedroom house. Like them, Joe and Danielle Donnell and their young one had resided with Danielle’s family.

“Our daughter was very excited about her new bedroom, and she wasn’t even scared to sleep in a room all by herself!” said Stephanie Richards. “The kids now have room to have sleep-overs with their friends and a nice backyard to play.”

USDA Blog » South Dakota Partnership Helps Native American Families Own Their Future through Homeownership

USDA Blog » USDA, Habitat for Humanity Collaborate to Help Rural Virginians Find a Place to Call Home

USDA Rural Development and The Hanover County Chapter of Habitat for Humanity are thinking outside of the box with their new partnership in Virginia. By working together, USDA Rural Development and Habitat for Humanity are able to provide mortgage assistance to low and very low-income rural families. Earlier this month, Agriculture Deputy Secretary Krysta Harden visited Bailey Woods, the first-ever Habitat Development in this area, as part of USDA’s celebration of National Homeownership Month.

Every year, rural families rely on USDA Rural Development’s direct and guaranteed home loans to provide an affordable opportunity to become homeowners. Bailey Woods will provide building lots for eight new houses and a renovation of one. These homes range from 1,500 to 1,700 square feet and feature many energy efficient features, such as ceiling fans, high insulation, and high efficiency heat pumps. These cost reducing systems will provide families in rural areas such as Hanover County the opportunity to purchase a home, while maintaining low operating costs.

USDA Blog » USDA, Habitat for Humanity Collaborate to Help Rural Virginians Find a Place to Call Home

Sunday, June 22, 2014

USDA Blog » US – EU Organic Equivalence Trade Arrangement Opens New Markets

Two years ago this month, the United States and the European Union (EU) implemented an organic equivalence arrangement, meaning products that are certified as organic in the U.S. can also be sold as organic in the EU, and vice versa. This arrangement broke down many of the barriers that organic producers, especially small and medium-sized farmers, were facing in exporting their goods to one of their largest markets. It has also proved to be a good example of how we can recognize each others’ systems and work together across borders to arrive at beneficial agreements.

The U.S. and EU have some of the strongest regulatory protections in the world, and the organic equivalence arrangement recognizes these standards and uses them for everyone’s benefit. Before the agreement, growers and companies wanting to trade products on both sides of the Atlantic had to obtain separate certifications to two different standards, which meant a double set of fees, inspections, and paperwork. Now, if a product is certified organic by one party, it can bear both the USDA organic seal and the EU organic logo, without going through that second certification process. This is possible because the EU and the U.S. have recognized that though our regulatory systems are different, they both produce high quality organic food and agricultural products under rigorous programs. Secretary Vilsack, while addressing the EU agricultural ministers earlier this week, had the same message of cooperation in regards to the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (T-TIP).

USDA Blog » US – EU Organic Equivalence Trade Arrangement Opens New Markets

USDA Blog » Homeownership Becomes Reality at Zuni Pueblo

By mid-morning the wind was howling and blowing the auburn colored sand across Zuni Pueblo located in western New Mexico.

But this was the last thing on the minds of Kay Panteah, Reyanna Nastarcio and Martha Sheche tribal members of Zuni Pueblo. This is the day they celebrate the completion of construction of their new homes—the homes they built with their own hands with the help of family and friends.

USDA Blog » Homeownership Becomes Reality at Zuni Pueblo

USDA Blog » Memphis Girl Wins National Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest

Joyce Qin has some pretty proud grandparents. They made their first trip from China to Washington, D.C., to watch U.S. Forest Service Chief Tom Tidwell honor the 11-year-old Memphis-area student as the national winner of the 2014 Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl Poster Contest.

“Joyce competed against 30,000 contestants. This is quite an accomplishment,” Tidwell said as Qin’s grandparents, parents, brother and a host of Forest Service employees looked on. “We use this contest as a tool to convey our messages about preventing wildfires and caring for the land. Through artistry, we have another way to connect people to the importance of water, air and wildlife.”

USDA Blog » Memphis Girl Wins National Smokey Bear & Woodsy Owl Poster Contest

Friday, June 20, 2014

Walker: Media looking at criminal probe into Wisconsin campaign 'backwards' | TheHill

Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker (R) insisted Friday that the criminal investigation against him has already been dismissed, saying many in the media are looking at the case "backwards."

In documents unsealed Thursday, prosecutors accuse Walker and his aides of a concerted effort to sidestep campaign finance laws and to illegally coordinate with some outside groups, including the Wisconsin Club for Growth.

IRS chief denies a cover-up | TheHill

IRS Commissioner John Koskinen on Friday denied that his agency is covering up Lois Lerner’s emails, at one point flatly refusing to apologize to Republicans who accused him of stonewalling their investigation.  

“I don’t think an apology is owed,” Koskinen said at a hearing of the House Ways and Means Committee.

House passes $491B defense spending bill | TheHill

The House on Friday approved a $491 billion spending bill for the Pentagon that seeks to prevent future prisoner transfers from Guantanamo Bay.

The bill was approved in a 340-73 vote, with all but six of the "no" votes coming from Democrats.

White House scrambles to keep up with child immigrant surge | TheHill

The Obama administration announced Friday it would step up efforts to repatriate a surge of illegal immigrant children as it scrambled to keep up with a burgeoning crisis.

White House officials acknowledged some of the thousands of children seeking refuge in the United States are coming, in part, because they think they would be allowed to stay in the country because of President Obama’s policies.

USDA Blog » USDA Working with Serbian Meat Industry to Facilitate Trade

USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service has the vital mission helping market American agricultural products competitively in the marketplace. One way AMS meets this mission is through our globally recognized meat standards. AMS has participated in the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) for many years to help develop global agricultural quality standards that facilitate trade – essentially ensuring everyone speaks the same trade language.

Recently, AMS traveled to Serbia to provide technical assistance to the Serbian Government and meat industry. In cooperation with the USDA’s Foreign Agriculture Service (FAS), AMS has worked with Serbia to help modernize their meat standards and specifications.

USDA Blog » USDA Working with Serbian Meat Industry to Facilitate Trade

USDA Blog » Addressing the Needs of Working Families in Rural America

Last Wednesday, I participated in a regional forum of the White House Working Families Summit that was held at Virginia State University in Petersburg, Virginia. Coming from a small town in Southwest Georgia myself, I can relate to the unique challenges that rural Americans face. Growing up, my father worked seven days a week on our peanut and cattle farm with help from my mother. To make sure our family had a constant source of income and health insurance, my mother also worked off the farm at the local independent bank. I am fortunate to be the product of hard working parents who provided my sister and me with the best opportunities possible.

All families have a right to have access to a good education system, affordable healthcare and jobs. Our rural families are concerned about creating strong prospects for their children, whether it is on or off the farm. But it is also essential that there are opportunities that will attract young people back to rural areas and help us secure the future of agriculture.

USDA Blog » Addressing the Needs of Working Families in Rural America

Thursday, June 19, 2014

USDA Blog » Exciting New Markets Open Up For Dairy Farmers Across the U.S.

Every June, USDA joins the rest of the country to celebrate Dairy Month. It is a time to thank our nation’s dairy producers and processors for their tireless work to produce quality dairy products like milk, cheese, and yogurt. Here at USDA, besides getting our fill of our favorite dairy products, we celebrate our nation’s dairy industry every day by finding new markets where people can enjoy their products. This often entails working with other countries’ governments to negotiate export and import requirements as well as helping businesses meet these requirements. -

USDA Blog » Exciting New Markets Open Up For Dairy Farmers Across the U.S.

USDA Blog » Agriculture Remains the Backbone of West Virginia

West Virginia’s climate and topography earned our state the Mountain State nickname. Our rugged mountains also ensure our agricultural community remains extremely diverse. Since West Virginia was admitted to the Union on June 20, 1863, farms have been the backbone of the state. According to the first agricultural census, conducted in West Virginia in 1870, there were 39,778 farms with 8,528,394 acres in production, with an average farm size of 214 acres. In the 2012 Census of Agriculture there were 21,480 farms in West Virginia with 3,606,674 acres in production, with an average farm size of 209 acres.

USDA Blog » Agriculture Remains the Backbone of West Virginia

USDA Blog » The Food Bank-Food Hub Connection: A ‘Win-Win’ for Local Economies

Across the country, food banks are committed to providing healthy food for those in need. Food banks also have a vested interest in building stronger local economies and creating additional opportunities for the communities they serve.

There are currently more than 200 food banks in the country, with more than 63,000 affiliated agencies like (food pantries and shelters). This network distributes more than 2.5 billion pounds of food to needy Americans each year.

USDA Blog » The Food Bank-Food Hub Connection: A ‘Win-Win’ for Local Economies

USDA Blog » U.S. Showcases Products at Asia’s Largest Food and Beverage Show

It seemed as though the entire world was in Shanghai in mid-May, celebrating World Trade Week at SIAL China, Asia’s largest food and beverage trade show. The booming, bustling city was the perfect place for a show of its magnitude, where 99 U.S. companies and organizations showcased their products to the main players from China’s food and hospitality sectors.

The USA Pavilion was the largest international venue at the event and, of the U.S. companies exhibiting there, over half (54) were small or medium-sized businesses, 23 were new to the Chinese market, 16 were minority-owned and nine were completely new to exporting.

USDA Blog » U.S. Showcases Products at Asia’s Largest Food and Beverage Show

Wednesday, June 18, 2014

USDA Blog » Final Yearly Snowpack Forecast Divides West into a Wet North and Dry South

Every winter Westerners look to the mountains and may not realize they’re peering into the future. More snow cap means more water come spring and summer. Many lives and livelihoods depend on nature’s uneven hand.

Thanks to USDA’s National Water and Climate Center, what used to be speculation is now science. Through a network of high-elevation weather stations across the West, the center accurately forecasts how much water Western states will receive from snowmelt.

USDA Blog » Final Yearly Snowpack Forecast Divides West into a Wet North and Dry South

Tuesday, June 17, 2014

USDA Blog » USDA Rural Development Housing Programs: The Faces Behind the Numbers

As part of USDA’s ongoing celebration of National Homeownership Month, I visited several communities bordering Illinois and Missouri last week to meet some of the people whose lives have been changed with homeownership.

USDA Blog » USDA Rural Development Housing Programs: The Faces Behind the Numbers

USDA Blog » Turning Up the Heat in Battle Against Chili Pepper Root Rot

This post is part of the Science Tuesday feature series on the USDA blog. Check back each week as we showcase stories and news from the USDA’s rich science and research portfolio.

Good news for those who crave culinary heat. From the chili pepper aficionados who “eat fire” to those who prefer more subtle flavors, researchers have found a way to help ensure that more of their favorite foods will be available on store shelves.

USDA Blog » Turning Up the Heat in Battle Against Chili Pepper Root Rot

USDA Blog » Cultivating Seeds of Success in a Global Marketplace

Did you know that corn and soybeans account for 50 percent of the harvested acres in the United States? Together, these two commodities had $106 billion in sales in 2012—not bad for products that start off as humble seeds. The U.S. seed industry is valued at more than $7 billion, and accounts for 34 percent of the world’s international seed trade. Our top seed exports are corn, soybean and sunflower seeds. And the international seed trade plays an intricate role in what we call the American way of life, providing us the products we know and love.

USDA Blog » Cultivating Seeds of Success in a Global Marketplace

Monday, June 16, 2014

USDA Blog » June is Pride Month, National Homeownership Month: USDA Brings Homeownership Assistance to Rural LGBT Communities

June marks the 2014 celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. USDA is taking this opportunity to recognize the immeasurable positive contributions made by the LGBT community — including our coworkers, partners and clients — to help rural America innovate and thrive, protect our natural resources and promote sustainable agricultural production to help feed the world. In addition, we are demonstrating our commitment to treating our LGBT customers and coworkers fairly and respectfully through educational events, outreach efforts and listening sessions across the country.

USDA Blog » June is Pride Month, National Homeownership Month: USDA Brings Homeownership Assistance to Rural LGBT Communities

Sunday, June 15, 2014

USDA Blog » US Forest Service Waives Fees for National Get Outdoors Day

As chilly winter weather gives way to the green of springtime, thousands of people are expected to experience the benefits of the great American outdoors by participating in the 7th annual National Get Outdoors Day (GO Day), Saturday, June 14, 2014. In the spirit of GO Day, the Forest Service is encouraging outdoor activity by participating in a “fee-free day.”

USDA Blog » US Forest Service Waives Fees for National Get Outdoors Day

USDA Blog » Secretary’s Column: Local Markets, Local Growth

Many consumers want to “buy local” and support their local economy with their purchases. When local food marketing opportunities exist for rural producers, they cause ripple effects throughout the rural economy.

USDA Blog » Secretary’s Column: Local Markets, Local Growth

USDA Blog » Strength in Numbers: USDA Employees Join Delaware Residents Who Are Building Their Homes in Order to “Own” Their Future

A stormy sky didn’t dampen spirits as a crew of us from USDA Rural Development’s national headquarters celebrated National Homeownership Month by helping Mutual Self-Help Housing Program participants build their own homes in Lincoln, DE.

USDA Blog » Strength in Numbers: USDA Employees Join Delaware Residents Who Are Building Their Homes in Order to “Own” Their Future

USDA Blog » Build Your Way to Homeownership With USDA’s Help

More than 50,000 rural families have become homeowners using their “sweat equity” as their down payment on an affordable USDA mortgage.

USDA Blog » Build Your Way to Homeownership With USDA’s Help

USDA Blog » The Promise of a Brighter Future

Recently, I visited southeastern Kentucky, where I joined Rural Development State Director Tom Fern on a whirlwind tour to parts of an eight-county region designated by President Obama as a rural Promise Zone and by Secretary Vilsack as part of USDA’s StrikeForce initiative covering 73 Kentucky counties.

USDA Blog » The Promise of a Brighter Future

USDA Blog » Wildfires at His Doorstep Inspires Meteorologist to Develop a Tool to Help Firefighters

Imagine a research meteorologist focused on developing the kind of detailed weather forecasts that firefighters need to fight wildland fires. Accurate, timely information is critical.

USDA Blog » Wildfires at His Doorstep Inspires Meteorologist to Develop a Tool to Help Firefighters

USDA Blog » June is Dairy Month – a Time to Say Thanks to America’s Milk Producers

The next time you eat a cheese sandwich, drink a glass of cold milk, have an ice cream cone or a cup of yogurt on a walk through the park, thank the dairy farmers who made it all possible. Now is a great time to do that because June is Dairy Month.

USDA Blog » June is Dairy Month – a Time to Say Thanks to America’s Milk Producers

USDA Blog » Farming on the Rise in Connecticut

Connecticut may be the third smallest state in the Union, but it has a large agricultural presence, as the results of the 2012 Census of Agriculture showed.

USDA Blog » Farming on the Rise in Connecticut

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Video: Dschungel extrem – Gepard springt durchs Fenster in den Safari-Jeep - News Ausland - Bild.de

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Video: Dschungel extrem – Gepard springt durchs Fenster in den Safari-Jeep - News Ausland - Bild.de

Wednesday, June 11, 2014

The strippers arrested for drugging, blackmailing rich clients | New York Post

Four exotic dancers and a strip club manager were busted in a plot to drug wealthy professionals and run up $200,000 in charges on their stolen credit cards at Scores in Manhattan and another jiggle joint in Queens, authorities said Wednesday.

The strippers arrested for drugging, blackmailing rich clients | New York Post

Damit sie einen Mann finden: Chinesischen Frauen wurden Füße verstümmelt - News Ausland - Bild.de

For centuries, women and girls in China had their feet bound together. Young women and girls were supposed to have cute little feet. They were called Lotus Feet or Lilly Feet. It was believed earlier that only a woman with small feet would be a good and obedient wife.

Damit sie einen Mann finden: Chinesischen Frauen wurden Füße verstümmelt - News Ausland - Bild.de

Pro Baseball Player Catches Heat For Missing Games For Birth Of Son, Responds Perfectly

Buy these 12 stocks now, big bucks are yours

9 Quotes From Founding Fathers About Economics & Capitalism | The Federalist Papers

10 surprising Tetris facts from the game's creator

Tuesday, June 10, 2014

The wildly expensive and exclusive world of New York preschool admissions - Jun. 10, 2014

Judy Batalion's child was barely six months old when she started getting peppered with questions about preschool admissions.

The wildly expensive and exclusive world of New York preschool admissions - Jun. 10, 2014

Church's Air Conditioner Stolen, Responds With Awesome Sign! | The Federalist Papers

Sunday, June 8, 2014

Retirees Forced Back to Work. Young People Remain Jobless - YouTube

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Retirees Forced Back to Work. Young People Remain Jobless - YouTube

Obama expected to promise student loan relief - Jun. 8, 2014

President Obama will announce on Monday an expansion of a program that helps student loan borrowers manage their debt, a White House official said.

Obama expected to promise student loan relief - Jun. 8, 2014

77-year-old trader: How I made a lot of money - Jun. 7, 2014

Paul Glandorf rattles off stock ticker symbols the way most people talk about popular TV shows and music.

77-year-old trader: How I made a lot of money - Jun. 7, 2014

Lunch with Warren Buffett goes for $2.2 million - Jun. 7, 2014

Lunch with Warren Buffett is a hot ticket item: The winning bidder on Friday at his annual charity fundraiser paid $2.2 million for the privilege.

Lunch with Warren Buffett goes for $2.2 million - Jun. 7, 2014

Boost Mobile Unveils Latest Marketing Campaign Featuring Anthony Davis and Turns Phone Etiquette on its Head | Sprint Newsroom

IRVINE, Calif. (BUSINESS WIRE), June 02, 2014 - Boost Mobile unveils its latest digital campaign today featuring NBA player Anthony Davis and highlights the company’s commitment to offer the latest smart phones including the Samsung Galaxy S®5.

The digital campaign includes two spots starring Davis, with the first spot, ‘Sushi’https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWB16LrfwcY, airing today. Sushi features Davis as a sushi chef who overhears a customer’s story, interjecting that it can’t compete with the Samsung Galaxy S 5, available on Boost Mobile's unlimited data plan, and Milk Music™, Samsung’s new and free music streaming service with 13 million songs.

Boost Mobile Unveils Latest Marketing Campaign Featuring Anthony Davis and Turns Phone Etiquette on its Head | Sprint Newsroom

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Fourth Annual Louisville Youth Science Summit is Saturday, June 14

GE Press Release:

Fourth Annual Louisville Youth Science Summit is Saturday, June 14

June 4, 2014

LOUISVILLE, Ky., (June 4, 2014) -- Kentucky Science Center announced today the fourth annual Louisville Youth Science Summit, which will take place on Saturday, June 14, at GE's Appliance Park.

Created by the Science Center's Youth Infusion Board, the Youth Science Summit provides a platform for middle and high school students ages 11-18to dialogue on hot science topics, to interact with leading professionals in speed mentoring sessions and hands-on industry labs, and to advocate for advancement in science, technology, engineering and math. The event is presented by GE Appliances with support from Time Warner Cable as official media partner.

"There is a growing community of young people across our state who are not only passionate about science, but also see it radically changing the landscape of our communities and want to harness that for future good," said Science Center Executive Director Joanna Haas. "The Youth Science Summit is designed to cultivate that passion and ideation in our community, whether you are a rising 6th grader with a passion for studying astronomy or a high school senior who can't wait to earn her college degree in computer science."

The 2014 Louisville Youth Science Summit will feature on-site lab experiences, distance-learning opportunities with esteemed institutions from across the continent and include interactions with presenting partners in a "reverse science fair" where local STEM institutions present their innovations to attending students.

"We are thrilled to host the fourth annual Youth Science Summit at Appliance Park this year," said Pam Evans, Community Relations for GE Appliances. "GE Appliances and the Kentucky Science Center have a long-standing partnership in STEM education through sponsorship opportunities like the Youth Science Summit, the Advanced Manufacturing Science Celebration, employee volunteerism and representation on the Science Center's Board of Directors."

Participating students will rotate from one experience to another throughout the day, ensuring a diverse and unique conference-like experience for each attendee. Mark Hogg, CEO and Founder of WaterStep, will provide the keynote address in the morning. GE Appliances has a strong relationship with WaterStep, a Louisville-based organization that works to provide solutions to the root causes of waterborne illness through training and readily available technology. The Louisville Water Company, GE employees and retirees have been volunteering their time to help design a water purification system that is more affordable, more compact and easier to install in developing countries, while being manufactured with components and tools typically available at any hardware store.

This year, Youth Science Summit participants will also experience exclusive facility tours onsite at GE Appliance Park. Student facility tours will include GE's state-of-the-art Rapid Prototyping Center, which houses rapid prototype 3D printers with a wide variety of printing technologies that can produce workable models in different materials and sizes. A hands-on presentation and design activity involving 3D printing will be included, as well as visits to the Acoustics Lab and GE's Product Showroom.

The cost to attend the 2014 Louisville Youth Science Summit is $25 per student and includes a light breakfast and lunch in addition to an event t-shirt. The summit begins at 9:00 a.m. and will end at 4:30 p.m. Tickets are available in advance by calling (502) 561-6100, ext. 6111 or visitingwww.KYScienceCenter.org.

About the Kentucky Science Center (KYScienceCenter.org)
Kentucky Science Center is a nonprofit educational institution that encourages people of all ages to enjoy science, mathematics and technology in a stimulating and engaging environment that is educational as well as entertaining. Designated the "State Science Center of Kentucky" by the 2002 Kentucky General Assembly, Kentucky Science Center features interactive exhibit experiences and engaging programs for children, families and adults. Kentucky Science Center is committed to growing a scientifically literate community that investigates, questions, and challenges.

About GE AppliancesGE Appliances is at the forefront of building innovative, energy-efficient appliances that improve people's lives. GE Appliances' products include refrigerators, freezers, cooking products, dishwashers, washers, dryers, air conditioners, water filtration systems and water heaters. General Electric (NYSE: GE) works on things that matter to build a world that works better. For more information on GE Appliances, visitwww.ge.com/appliances.

About Time Warner Cable: Connect a Million MindsTime Warner Cable's (TWC) Connect a Million Minds (CAMM) is a five-year, $100 million cash and in-kind philanthropic initiative to address America's declining proficiency in science, technology and math (STEM), which puts our children at risk of not competing successfully in a global economy. Using its media assets, TWC creates awareness of the issue and inspires students to develop the STEM skills they need to become the problem solvers of tomorrow. TWC's national CAMM partners are CSAS (Coalition for Science After School) and FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology). Local TWC markets are activating CAMM across the country with community-specific programs and partnerships. To learn more about Connect a Million Minds, visit www.connectamillionminds.com.

Friday, June 6, 2014

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What if the Middle Ages Had the Internet? | Mashable - YouTube

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What if the Middle Ages Had the Internet? | Mashable - YouTube

Get Ready For Hurricane Season - Jun 3, 2014

RICHMOND, Va., June 3, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Hurricane season is officially here, and preparing for severe storms is an important part of ushering in the warm summer days. Dominion Virginia Power is making sure it's prepared for the 2014 hurricane season and urging its customers to do the same.

Get Ready For Hurricane Season - Jun 3, 2014

Wilkens Weather predicts below-average tropical weather activity for North Atlantic Basin, above-average for Western Pacific Ocean

Sessions: 7 Million Have Left Workforce Since Obama Took Office | The Weekly Standard

D-Day at 70: Historic photos from the invasion of Normandy - The Washington Post

USDA Blog » At the Intersection of Agriculture and the U.S. Military

Red, white, and blue balloons soared high above the bounty of fresh fruits and vegetables from local farmers and vendors at the opening of the 19th season of the USDA Farmers Market. With echoes of the Star Spangled Banner played by the “President’s Own” Marine Band, we celebrated the service of our men and women in uniform, reaffirming USDA’s commitment to supporting veterans and active-duty service members. We also celebrated several points of intersection between American agriculture and the military community.

USDA Blog » At the Intersection of Agriculture and the U.S. Military

How China Is Erasing Memories of Tianenmen - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Twenty-five years ago, the Chinese army violently suppressed protests on Tiananmen Square. To this day, Beijing uses pressure, censorship and money to stifle all attempts to commemorate the seminal incident in an up-and-coming China.

How China Is Erasing Memories of Tianenmen - SPIEGEL ONLINE

USDA Blog » USDA Helps Landowners Manage for Soil Health, Buffer Drought Effects

Soil health is always important, but extreme weather in the last few years has shown landowners just how important managing for it really is.

USDA Blog » USDA Helps Landowners Manage for Soil Health, Buffer Drought Effects

Horse racing fans may not cash winning tickets on California Chrome - Jun. 6, 2014

Horse racing fans are no strangers to betting. But many of them are apparently making an unusual bet this weekend, planning to not cash in a winning ticket if California Chrome becomes the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

Horse racing fans may not cash winning tickets on California Chrome - Jun. 6, 2014

What I'm reading: How to tackle poverty – Global Public Square - CNN.com Blogs

Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Murkowski Morning Meeting - United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

Senator Lisa Murkowski News Release:

Murkowski Morning Meeting For Thursday, June 5, 2014 - Murkowski Morning Meeting - United States Senator Lisa Murkowski

Thune Lauds FCC Rural Call Completion Enforcement

Senator John Thune News Release:

Washington, D.C. -

U.S. Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota), Ranking Member of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, released the following statement today on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) announcement regarding additional enforcement actions designed to combat call completion issues in rural areas:

“I applaud the FCC for taking action to investigate and resolve yet another of the many instances of long distance calls failing to be completed in rural areas. This is a timely action by the FCC, particularly after two FCC commissioners visited South Dakota last week to hear about and observe the challenges rural carriers face. However, this is only the third enforcement action in 15 months by the FCC to combat this persistent problem. The inability of individuals and businesses in rural America to have reliable telephone service is inexcusable. I have urged Chairman Wheeler and the FCC to continue their enforcement against telecommunication companies who cut corners and expect that additional enforcement actions will be taken in the future.”

Thune, Heitkamp Lead Bipartisan Effort to Support Farmers with Losses Due to Unplanted Crops

Senator John Thune News Release:

Washington, D.C. -

U.S. Senators John Thune (R-South Dakota) and Heidi Heitkamp (D-North Dakota) today led a bipartisan effort to support farmers who are prevented from planting crops due to adverse weather by sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting that approved prevented planting acres are included in each farmer’s and county’s current year calculation to determine baseline revenue.

As USDA implements the 2014 Farm Bill, the senators want to ensure farmers receive appropriate and accurate support, as intended by Congress, from the Agriculture Risk Coverage safety net program by using the correct current year revenue calculation. In their letter, the senators point out that such action by USDA would be consistent with crop insurance calculations and the 2008 Farm Bill’s Average Crop Revenue Election Program, which used prevented planting acres in the calculation to determine its safety-net payment triggers.

“Loss of a crop due to prevented planting can be just as devastating to a farming operation as production losses due to drought, flooding, or other natural disasters. Providing the most accurate picture of farm revenue is critical because the calculated threshold will determine which farms will receive assistance and at what levels under both individual and county Agricultural Risk Coverage programs,” the senators wrote. “If prevented planting acres are not properly utilized in the revenue calculation, we are concerned that the program will not provide an adequate safety net for growers in our states and throughout the country when adverse weather conditions result in crops from being planted.”

The senators also called on USDA to exclude prevented planting acreage when determining the benchmark average yield per farm. This will make sure average production calculations are not skewed by prevented planting.

Thune and Heitkamp were joined in their effort by U.S. Senators Tim Johnson (D-South Dakota), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), and Al Franken (D-Minnesota).

The text of the senators’ letter follows:
__

June 5, 2014
Mr. Tom Vilsack
Secretary, U.S. Department of Agriculture
1400 Independence Ave, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20250

Dear Secretary Vilsack:

Loss of a crop due to prevented planting can be just as devastating to a farming operation as production losses due to drought, flooding, or other natural disasters. The 2014 Farm Bill authorized Commodity Title programs designed to provide a safety net that complements crop insurance. This is achieved through a combination of crop insurance coverage options and programs that are triggered when a farmer experiences qualifying production losses and/or price collapses in any given year.

To ensure the 2014 Farm Bill safety net provisions are consistently applied for production losses, we write to request that acres of approved prevented planting be included in the calculation to determine current year revenue for both the individual and county levels under the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program. For safety net programs to function effectively as risk mitigation tools that serve the needs of all regions of the country, approved prevented planting acres must be used to determine current year revenue. We point out that prevented planting acres were used to determine the farm level payment triggers under the 2008 Farm Bill’s Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) Program. In addition, the prevented planting acres should be excluded in the benchmark yield calculations, as they are in the crop insurance APH yield data base and were in the Average Crop Revenue Election (ACRE) program, for both the individual and county level benchmark yield calculations under the Agricultural Risk Coverage Program.

A point stressed by many members throughout the Farm Bill debate was the need for equitable treatment for producers who lost crops and production due to prevented planting. Equitable treatment can be achieved under the individual and county level Agricultural Risk Coverage Program, only if approved prevented planting acres are used in the calculation for determining current year revenue beginning with the 2014 and for future crop years.

As you implement the Farm Bill Commodity Title programs we ask that you recognize the devastating impacts prevented plant acres have had on past years’ farm revenue and that you do not add to this financial hardship by failing to use approved prevent plant acres to determine 2014 and future years’ revenue.
Providing the most accurate picture of farm revenue is critical because the calculated threshold will determine which farms will receive assistance and at what levels under both individual and county Agricultural Risk Coverage programs.

If prevented planting acres are not properly utilized in the revenue calculation, we are concerned that the program will not provide an adequate safety net for growers in our states and throughout the country when adverse weather conditions result in crops from being planted.

Thank you for your consideration of this request. We appreciate your dedicated service to American agricultural and rural communities, and look forward to working with you on issues related to Farm Bill implementation going forward.

Sincerely,

Hoeven Announces Nearly $1.8 Million for Williston Airport

Senator John Hoeven News Release:

WASHINGTON – Senator John Hoeven today announced that the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has awarded an almost $1.8 million grant to rehabilitate the taxiway at Williston’s Sloulin Field International Airport. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Hoeven has been working to invest in infrastructure and other services to meet the needs of North Dakota’s growing population.

“Our state is now the fastest growing state in the nation, and while that growth brings tremendous opportunities, it also brings challenges. We’re working to ensure that we maintain the high quality of life North Dakotans expect. That includes investing in our roads, bridges, airports and other transportation infrastructure,” said Hoeven. “This grant will help the Williston Airport to make necessary improvements to the taxiway to ensure that the many individuals flying in and out of Williston for business or pleasure are able to do so safely and efficiently.”

The DOT grant is awarded to the City of Williston and disbursed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The funding will be used for airport studies and to rehabilitate the taxiway.

Hoeven and Senator Heidi Heitkamp also hosted FAA Administrator Michael Huerta in North Dakota this spring so he could see the unique aviation challenges impacting western North Dakota.

Blood Feuds Still Prevalent in Albania - SPIEGEL ONLINE

Blood feuds still exist in Albania and those involved have to live a life in hiding. They include people like Leonard Qukaj, who has left his home only rarely in the last four years for fear of being murdered by a rival clan -- or by his own uncle.

Blood Feuds Still Prevalent in Albania - SPIEGEL ONLINE

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Judy Batalion's child was barely six months old when she started getting peppered with questions about preschool admissions.

Sunday, June 8, 2014

President Obama will announce on Monday an expansion of a program that helps student loan borrowers manage their debt, a White House official said.

Paul Glandorf rattles off stock ticker symbols the way most people talk about popular TV shows and music.

Lunch with Warren Buffett is a hot ticket item: The winning bidder on Friday at his annual charity fundraiser paid $2.2 million for the privilege.

Saturday, June 7, 2014

Fourth Annual Louisville Youth Science Summit is Saturday, June 14

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Friday, June 6, 2014

Horse racing fans are no strangers to betting. But many of them are apparently making an unusual bet this weekend, planning to not cash in a winning ticket if California Chrome becomes the first Triple Crown winner since 1978.

Jun 05 2014

Recent Press Releases

Jun 05 2014

As New Farm Bill is Implemented, Proper Treatment of Prevented Plant Acres Important for Upper Great Plains

Jun 05 2014