19 Jan 2012

More than 1,500 Farmer Votes Counted Early in FFA Chapter Challenge

By Geoffrey Miller

Chapters in 12 states can still register to compete for $300,000 in FFA incentives provided by Monsanto

INDIANAPOLIS (January 19, 2012/National FFA Organization) - FFA members in 12 states, eager to win terrific prizes for their local chapter, are off to a very strong start in a program to designed to teach them about today's agriculture by meeting with farmers in their communities.

The 2012 FFA Chapter Challenge, a second-year program now available to more than 3,300 FFA chapters and over 236,000 FFA members, started collecting votes on Monday, January 16. As of Wednesday afternoon, FFA members had already reached 1,541 farmers who voted for their local chapters. Missouri, with 460 votes, led Indiana (309) and Tennessee (308) in the early running. A complete state-by-state leaderboard is available at www.FFAchapterchallenge.com/leaderboard

Sponsored by Monsanto, the premise of the program is simple: chapter FFA members visit and build relationships with local farmers in a bid to learn about a farmer's way of life and to build local support for their chapter's agriculture education endeavors. Afterward, the FFA members ask the farmer to vote for their chapter.

The top 200 FFA chapters that make the most connections and receive the most farmer votes by February 29 will be awarded a line of credit ranging from $1,000 to $2,500 from the National FFA Organization. As a sponsor of the program, Monsanto will provide more than $300,000 in incentives.

But before FFA chapters are eligible for the program, they must register at www.FFAChapterChallenge.com. FFA members in Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Tennessee and Texas are eligible in 2012 - up from just seven states last year. Votes from local farmers and producers will not count until the FFA chapter has completed the registration process.

"Monsanto is very excited to support this program for a second year," said Linda Arnold, customer advocacy lead for Monsanto. "As a company whose only business is agriculture, we are committed to educational programs like FFA Chapter Challenge that generate excitement in learning about farming. We encourage FFA members to reach out to farmers in their communities and learn more about their livelihood."

Chapters can earn monetary credit which can be used throughout the year to buy FFA jackets and merchandise, obtain banquet supplies and send members to events like the Washington Leadership Conference or the national FFA convention, and more. Awards will go to the top 10 chapters in each of the 12 eligible states, plus 80 at-large winning chapters.

The chapter that makes the most connections and receives the most farmer votes of any participating FFA chapter will win the grand prize - an all-expense paid trip for six students and an advisor to attend the 85th National FFA Convention in Indianapolis in October 2012, plus a $2,500 FFA certificate of credit.

"Relationships are central to growing a career in any field, let alone agriculture. We love how this program emphasizes that while also supporting FFA chapters who work the hardest," said Rob Cooper, executive director of the National FFA Foundation. "We're very grateful of Monsanto's support of this program and truly believe it will be a great tool to grow tomorrow's agriculture leaders."

Winners will be announced March 9. For more information - including videos, news releases and more - visit www.FFAChapterChallenge.com.

About National FFA Organization

The National FFA Organization, formerly known as Future Farmers of America, is a national youth organization of 540,379 student members as part of 7,489 local FFA chapters in all 50 states, Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands. The FFA mission is to make a positive difference in the lives of students by developing their potential for premier leadership, personal growth and career success through agricultural education. The National FFA Organization operates under a federal charter granted by the 81st United States Congress and it is an integral part of public instruction in agriculture. The U.S. Department of Education provides leadership and helps set direction for FFA as a service to state and local agricultural education programs. For more, visit the National FFA Organization online (http://www.ffa.org), on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/nationalffa), on Twitter (http://twitter.com/nationalffa) and FFA Nation (http://ffanation.ffa.org).

 

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19 Jan 2012

Grassley on PIPA

By Grassley Press

Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Senate Judiciary Committee Ranking Member Chuck Grassley released the following statement regarding the Senate's Protect IP Act.

"It's critical we protect the intellectual property rights of our businesses and fight online infringement, but at the same time, we can't do harm to the internet, the Constitution, or the ability of businesses to grow and innovate.   Internet piracy is illegal, and we need to find a way that works for all sides.  The current Protect IP Act needs more due diligence, analysis, and substantial changes.  As it stands right now, I can't support the bill moving forward next week."
19 Jan 2012

Join us for Winter Bike to Work Day, Jan. 20

By Ted Villaire

On Friday, Jan. 20, warm up with Caribou coffee, tea and hot chocolate from 6:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. at Daley Plaza in Chicago for Winter Bike to Work Day.

The first 50 bike commuters who come by the event can choose from either a free bike light or a free balaclava. People can also enter a raffle for a folding bike.

Winter Bike to Work Day, organized by the Active Transportation Alliance, commemorates the coldest day in Chicago history--Jan. 20, 1985--when the official temperature at O'Hare International Airport was 27 degrees below zero.

Jan. 20 also marks the opening of registration for one of the best bicycle rides in the nation, MB Financial Bank Bike the Drive. Get a jump on your summer by signing up for this world-class bike ride, to be held on May 27. Save $10 when you sign up for this Active Transportation Alliance fundraiser between Jan. 20 and Feb. 6 at www.bikethedrive.org.

The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. The Active Transportation Alliance is North America's largest transportation advocacy organization, supported by nearly 6,000 members, 1,000 volunteers and 40 full-time staff. For more information on the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.  
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19 Jan 2012

Land Contract Guarantee Program Launched Nationwide

By Elisha Smith

Center for Rural Affairs Offers Farm Bill Help Line to Assist Producers


Lyons, NE - The Farm Service Agency recently announced that the Land Contract Guarantee Program is now available nationwide.
The Land Contract Guarantee Program provides federal loan guarantees to retiring farmers and landowners who self-finance the sale of their land to beginning or socially disadvantaged farmers and ranchers.

"With land values continuing to escalate, beginning farmers and ranchers face ever greater challenges in gaining access to land," said Traci Bruckner, Assistant Director of Rural Policy at the Center for Rural Affairs. "The program is designed to encourage private land contract sales by providing a degree of protection to the retiring farmer whose retirement savings is often in the land and farm.  This protection may be the incentive some need to take that step and self-finance the sale of their land to a beginning farmer and rancher."

In order to be eligible for this program, a farmer needs to self-finance the sale of their land, and sell to either a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer.

The buyer of the farm or ranch must be a beginning or socially disadvantaged farmer or rancher;  not be larger than a family farm (in which most of the management and labor is provided by family members); have an acceptable credit history demonstrated by satisfactory debt repayment; be the owner or operator of the farm or ranch when the contract is complete; and be unable to obtain sufficient credit elsewhere without a guarantee to finance actual needs at reasonable rates or terms.

Under this program, the seller of the farmland has two guarantee options:

  • A "prompt payment" guarantee that covers three amortized annual installments or an amount equaling three amortized annual installments; or
  • A standard asset guarantee that covers an amount equal to 90 percent of the outstanding principle of the loan provided that the seller obtains a servicing agent.

For either option, the loan guarantee stays in effect for 10 years.  The purchase price or appraisal value of the farm or ranch that is the subject of the contract sale cannot be greater than $500,000.  The buyer of the farm and ranch must contribute at least 5 percent as the down payment for the land.

Farmers and ranchers interested in this program should contact their local Farm Service Agency office.

Bruckner also encourages farmers, ranchers and others to call the Center for Rural Affairs' Farm Bill Helpline with questions about the application process as well as other farm and conservation program options that beginning and established farmers and ranchers can access.  Producers can call (402) 687-2100 and ask for the Farm Bill Helpline or send an email to tracib@cfra.org.

Retiring land owners looking to find the right beginning farmer or rancher to sell or transfer their land to can also register for the Land Link Program.

The Center's Land Link program matches beginning farmers looking for land with established landowners, increasing opportunities for new farmers while promoting good stewardship. The process includes retirement planning, new farmer financing, farm business, and environmental assessment in order to ease transitions of family operations from the retiring generation to the next generation of farmers and ranchers.

Parties specifically interested in participating in Land Link should call Virginia Wolking with the Center for Rural Affairs at (402) 687-2103 ext. 1017.
19 Jan 2012

Iowans for Public School Options Supports Legislation Expanding School Choice

By Derek Flowers

Iowans to be offered greater choice in education

Des Moines, Iowa - Today, the Iowa Legislature will begin the process to debate the Governor's education transformation initiatives with a meeting of the subcommittee on HSB 517.  Iowans for Public School Options offers support for HSB 517 and its Senate companion, SSB 3009, which would create expanded options in education to Iowa's students.

 

With initiatives such as greater access to charter schools, online education, and innovative learning models, this legislation gives parents the ability to choose a school that is the best fit for their children.

 

"Iowa has a tradition of pride in its quality public education system.  Giving parents choice through public school options will help Iowa to once again be a leader in education and ensure every Iowa student is getting the best education available.  We support the initiatives to expand school choice found in this legislation," said Brian Kennedy, Chairman of Iowans for Public School Options.

All across the country, state Legislatures are working this spring to allow high-quality options in education to become available to parents and students in their states.  Allowing Iowa families access to these innovative models that have proven successful will continue to strengthen Iowa's public education system.

SSB 3009 and HSB 517 include initiatives to expand school choice:

•    Creates pathways for students to access online education in Iowa

•    Enables multiple authorizers for new charter schools across the state

•    Increases waiver authority allowing schools to innovate and better serve students

About Iowans for Public School Options
Iowans for Public School Options is a chapter of the National Coalition for Public School Options (NCPSO) and is an alliance of parents that supports and defends parents' rights to access the best public school options for their children. The Coalition supports the creation of public school options, including charter schools, online schools, magnet schools, open enrollment policies and other innovative education programs. Additionally, NCPSO advocates for free and equal access without restrictions to these public schools for all children. For additional information, go to www.PublicSchoolOptions.org/Iowa.

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19 Jan 2012

National School Choice week kicks off Saturday

By Ben Velderman
National School Choice Week set to kick off Saturday with a giant rally in New Orleans
By Ben Velderman
EAG Communications
NEW ORLEANS - New Orleans has always been known for its ability to throw a good party.

And these days the Big Easy is also developing a reputation as a showcase for the nation's K-12 education reform movement.
So it's seems only natural that thousands of parents, students and concerned citizens from across the country are gathering in New Orleans for Saturday's kickoff to the second annual "National School Choice Week," which runs January 22-28.
National School Choice Week (NSCW) is an umbrella group comprised of more than 300 organizations and tens of thousands of school choice supporters who join together every year "to shine a spotlight on the need for effective education options for all children," according to the group's website.
Those options include everything from "great public schools, to public charter schools, magnet schools, virtual schools, private schools, homeschooling and more," according to the site. 

Officials involved with NSCW work throughout the year to encourage lawmakers at various levels of government to maximize the number of educational options for children, therefore maximizing their opportunities for success.
The old idea of keeping students trapped in geographic school districts is no longer acceptable. More and more people are starting to understand that the "one-size-fits-all"  approach to education is outdated and ineffective.

"For too long, too many kids have been forced to attend very bad schools, or schools that aren't a good fit for them, just because those happened to be the only schools in their neighborhoods," said Kyle Olson, chief executive officer of Education Action Group and National School Choice Week. 

"What could possibly be wrong with allowing parents to determine the best school for their children, regardless of where it's located? The scope of a child's educational opportunities should not be dictated by their zip code."
New Orleans offers proof that choice works
Andrew Campanella, vice president of public affairs for NSCW, said the Big Easy is the perfect location for the NSCW launch because of its impressive record of increased achievement among students.
After Hurricane Katrina ripped the city apart in 2005, lawmakers decided that education reform was a necessary component to successfully rebuilding New Orleans. 

Chronically failing school districts have been taken over by the state. Families with students in those failed districts have been granted access to a variety of schooling options. As a result, the vast majority of New Orleans students now attend charter schools, which has led to a dramatic rise in student test scores and graduation rates. 

"New Orleans has been at the forefront  of education reform in our country," Campanella said. "It's seen tremendous growth in student achievement because of the choices that have been given to parents - everything from scholarships to virtual schools, charter schools and improved public schools."
New Orleans' public education system has undergone such a renaissance that last year, U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan praised the city for having the most improved school district in the nation.
"I continue to be in awe of the sense of urgency, the sense of commitment, the entire community getting behind the schools,"  Duncan said, according to NOLA.com.
Thousands expected at kickoff celebration
Thousands of school choice supporters - who represent the full spectrum of ethnic groups, income levels and political persuasions - will participate in the kickoff event, which is being held at the Lakefront Arena, located on the campus of the University of New Orleans. 

What binds the different groups together is the shared belief that all families deserve the right to choose the best schooling option for their children, Campanella said.
The NSCW event is meant to rally supporters for the upcoming week, as well as to celebrate the school choice victories that occurred last year, of which there were quite a few.
In 2011, Maine became the 41st state to allow the creation of charter schools. Other states, such as Michigan and Florida, lifted caps on the number of charter schools allowed in their states.
Last week, a judge upheld Indiana's new voucher law that allows low- and middle-income families to use state funding to attend the public or private school of their choice. The Indiana voucher program is the most comprehensive of its kind in the nation.
The new year seems equally promising. Lawmakers in Alabama and Washington state are considering bills that would allow the creation of charter schools, and Louisiana Gov. Bobby Jindal is pushing for a voucher law that rivals Indiana's in scope.
After Saturday's rally, supporters will hold individual events in all 50 states and Washington D.C.
"There will be more than 320 events during the week," Campanella said. "We've tripled the number of participants that we had last year."
While National School Choice Week has a number of high-profile supporters - legendary comedian/actor Bill Cosby being the most recent recruit - the movement's success will be determined by the number of families and everyday citizens who get involved. 

To participate in one of the upcoming events around the nation, or learn more about the movement, log on to www.schoolchoiceweek.com.
"We're getting more supporters every day," Campanella said.
19 Jan 2012

Join Us Saturday!

By Brittany Marietta

Now is the time to explore educational options for the 2012-13 school year!

At Rivermont Collegiate, students are encouraged to stretch beyond their comfort zone and are part of an inspiring environment where learning is exciting.  Drop in Saturday to explore our campus, philosophy, curriculum, and programs.  No pressure - just information!

What: Rivermont Collegiate Open House

When: Saturday, January 21st - 8:30-11:00 a.m.

Rivermont Collegiate is the Quad Cities' only private, independent, nonsectarian college-prep school, serving students in preschool through grade 12.  Rivermont students come from many Quad City area communities and financial aid is available.  100% of Rivermont graduates are accepted to 4-year colleges and universities.

 

19 Jan 2012

Keystone pipeline

By Grassley Press
Wednesday, January 18, 2012

Senator Chuck Grassley commented on the President's decision today to stop the international Keystone XL pipeline project.  This project was approved in 2010 by the Canadian National Energy Board.  The Keystone pipeline would transport 830,000 barrels of crude oil a day and help to counteract both insufficient domestic oil supplies and reduce dependence on less reliable foreign sources.  It's been under review by the Obama administration for more than three years.

Senator Grassley's comment:

"President Obama's decision is stunning for how it favors extreme environmentalism over job creation and an energy partnership with a friendly neighbor, a relationship that could reduce America's dependence on volatile foreign energy sources, including Venezuela, Libya and OPEC.  His decision disregards the fact that unemployment in the United States remains at record high levels, and consumers face the possibility of $5 gas this summer.

"The reality that President Obama has flat out rejected the priorities of grass-roots Americans for job creation and energy production that's close to home means Congress needs to act.  Whether or not the U.S. approves the Keystone pipeline project, the oil will be produced, and if it doesn't come here, China likely will get it.  So, it's impossible to see how President Obama could deny that the Keystone pipeline project is in the national interest."

19 Jan 2012

IHT World Launches Dental Tourism Services For Low Cost Quality Dental Treatment

By Pam Brammann

IHT World announces the addition of dental tourism services as a practical alternative to the high price of dental care in the United States.

LeClaire, IA (PRWEB) January 18, 2012

Dental Tourism services are now available as an option that gives Americans the opportunity to have expensive dental services completed outside the United States, at a much lower cost.

Americans can potentially save thousands of dollars, yet enjoy the same high quality dental treatment they would receive in the United States.

There is no question that a multitude of Americans cannot afford the high cost of major dental services. That's why IHT World is adding customized dental tourism services that will help reduce treatment costs, without compromising quality.

For example: The average cost for a dental implant in the United States is around $2,800. If you needed four implants, the total price will be approximately $11,200.

Using the dental tourism option, the cost is reduced to an average of $1,000 per implant. If you add in the cost of airline tickets for two and hotel cost for four days, the total cost is approximately $5,700. This produces an estimated savings of more than $5,000 from what it would cost in the U.S.

Due to the growing popularity of dental tourism, IHT World expects many Americans who have inadequate dental insurance to take advantage of this cost saving opportunity.

For additional details go to http://www.ihtworld.com/dental_tourism.html

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19 Jan 2012

EMMA'S REVOLUTION ~ CD RELEASE CONCERT in Cedar Rapids, IA on 2/12/12

By Rick Martin
emma's revolution will be performing a CD release concert on Sunday February 12, 2012 at 7pm at the Legion Arts, 1103 Third Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401.Tickets are $12 in advance and $16 at the door. Advance tickets are available at Legion Arts or (319) 364-1580. For more information, email info@legionarts.org. The concert is suitable for all ages.

CD release concert for emma's revolution's latest recording, "Revolutions Per Minute". With RPM, emma's revolution creates an electrifying soundscape ?of their characteristically "rousing and soulful" songs of social conscience, in settings from intimate acoustic to full-on funk.

 

emma's revolution contact: Sue Pate, (207) 272-9899, sue.emmasrevolution@gmail.com

 

ABOUT EMMA'S REVOLUTION

Smart, funny, informative -- like Rachel Maddow and Jon Stewart with guitars. emma's revolution is the, award-winning, activist musicians Pat Humphries & Sandy O. With hauntingly beautiful harmonies and powerful acoustic instrumentals that deliver the energy and strength of their convictions, emma's revolution creates new standards in the art and culture of social justice.

DOANE PERRY (drummer for Jethro Tull and?emma's revolution cds "roots, rock & revolution" & "RPM"): "I consider myself very fortunate to have had the great pleasure and ?honor of working with Pat and Sandy over the last few years. Their music is natural ?and organic and their innate artistic sensibility has the power to communicate ?with intelligence, wit, grace, subtlety and humor."

Their songs have been sung for the Dalai Lama, praised by Pete Seeger and recorded by Holly Near. "Peace, Salaam, Shalom" is sung around the world and has been called the anthem of the anti-war movement. "If I Give Your Name" won Grand Prize in the John Lennon Songwriting Contest and the band's music has been featured on NPR's "All Things Considered" and Pacifica's "Democracy Now!"

RICH WARREN, Folk DJ (Midnight Special and Folk Stage): "...dynamic performance with a social conscience, they continue proving that great topical and protest music is very much alive."

In the spirit of Emma Goldman's famous attribution, "If I can't dance, I don't want to be part of your revolution," emma's revolution brings their uprising of truth, hope, groove and humor to concert halls and peace & justice events environmental, labor, human rights, LGBT and women's rights events. Touring over 200 days a year, emma's revolution has performed at thousands of events throughout the US and abroad in Chile, Korea, Scotland, England, Israel/Palestine, Nicaragua and Cuba. emma's revolution consistently delivers performances that are an uprising of hope and harmony so powerful audiences leap to their feet.

JOETTA, FAN: "Y'all put the 'move' in movement."

emma's revolution has performed by invitation at the First Inaugural Peace Ball, World Culture Open in Seoul Korea, the Scottish Parliament's Festival of Politics, Vancouver Folk Music Festival, School of America's Watch Annual Vigils, Camp for Climate Action in Leeds England, UN World Environment Day, Rallies in Madison WI, Occupy DC as well as conferences, festivals, coffeehouses, schools/universities, churches, benefits and rallies around the world.

JACOB DEAN, ASSOC. PRODUCER, THE THOM HARTMANN SHOW: "I love the grass roots, organic message that emma's revolution delivers with each new album. It's truly a must listen for any activist today! You'll become an instant fan just like I did."

Listen to full song tracks at http://www.reverbnation.com/emmasrevolution and see more performance highlights, quotes, and press at http://emmasrevolution.com/promo/highlights/.

Official Website: http://emmasrevolution.com/

Reverbnation: http://www.reverbnation.com/emmasrevolution

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/emmasrevolution

 

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