The Front Page
Santa Claus is Coming to Town!
Santa will be at 205 North 8th on Friday, December 22, and Saturday December 23, from 6:00 til 8:00.
That is the home of Ray and Jean Findley which can't be missed on North Pole Street... just look for Santa's sleigh in the front yard!
Football Friday 'er Saturday
You've got to be good to be playing football in December much less two days before Christmas!
But what game to go watch? I think that the 3A Division 2 Championship in Waco's Floyd Casey Stadium on Saturday between Celina and Libery Hill might be the game to see. Windthorst and Chilton will match up for another good one in the 1A - 11 Man Divison 2 game in Stephenville Saturday.
Football aficionado, Mountaineer, and Goldthwaite Eagle fan, Tom Guthrie says' "I don't think that Chilton can play with Windthorst. Windthorst is as big and physical as I have ever seen in 1A. I am contemplating going to it. I would like to see Liberty Hill beat Celina. Not sure if they can but would like for them to."
I think I will be staying by the fire and waiting for the fat man to come or maybe I will just go see him on Saturday night and make sure he has me on the list and knows what I want!
February Short Course Focuses on Texas Viticulture
Writer: Tim W. McAlavy, (806) 746-6101, t-mcalavy@tamu.edu
Contact: Ed Hellman, (806) 746-6101, e-hellman@tamu.edu
LUBBOCK - Anyone interested in commercial wine-grape production and vineyard management should make plans to attend the Texas viticulture short course. Texas Cooperative Extension and Texas Tech University's Division of Outreach and Distance Education will present the course Feb. 7-9, 2007 at Baron's Creek Conference Center in Fredericksburg.
"This intensive three-day course is designed as a comprehensive study of principles and practices of commercial wine-grape production in Texas," said Ed Hellman, Extension viticulture specialist based in Lubbock. Hellman holds a joint appointment with Extension and Texas Tech.
Viticulture specialists and faculty from Texas A&M University, Texas Tech and the University of Houston-Downtown will teach the course.
Topics will include wine grape physiology, vineyard establishment and management and pest management. A field trip to a local vineyard will provide hands-on experience in pruning practices and a discussion of vine-training methods.
Registration costs $450 per person before Jan. 15 and $500 thereafter. The fee includes course materials, three lunches, two dinners, refreshment breaks and a wine showcase.
Enrollment is limited to 75 participants on a first-come, first-enrolled basis, Hellman said.
"Those who attend will qualify to earn 2.1 Texas Tech University continuing education units and a certificate and five hours of continuing education units for Texas Department of Agriculture pesticide re-certification," Hellman said.
To register:
- Visit http://www.depts.ttu.edu/ode/viticulture.asp for online
enrollment.
- Print and fax a completed registration form and credit card
information to:
806-742-7220
- Or call 806-742-7200, ext. 270.
"The short course fee does not cover lodging, but we have a block of rooms available at a conference rate at the Fredericksburg Inn and Suites," Hellman said. "Other lodging options are noted on the Fredericksburg Chamber of Commerce Web site."
For more information, contact Wanda Merchant at 830-990-2717 or wanda.merchant@ttu.edu. Persons with disabilities who need additional services should call 830-990-2717 one week in advance of the short course.
NASA'S SPACE SHUTTLE DISCOVERY SET TO LAND FRIDAY
CAPE CANAVERAL, Fla. - Commander Mark Polansky and his crew aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery will complete their 13-day mission to the International Space Station Friday, Dec. 22. NASA will choose one of three potential landing sites based on weather conditions.
The different shuttle landing opportunities are (all times Eastern):
--Kennedy Space Center, Fla.: 3:56 p.m. or 5:32 p.m.
--Edwards Air Force Base, Calif: 5:27 p.m., 7 p.m. or 8:36 p.m.
--White Sands Space Harbor, N.M.: 5:27 p.m. or 7:02 p.m.
Two hours after landing NASA officials will hold a briefing to discuss
the STS-116 mission. The participants are:
--NASA Administrator Michael Griffin
--Associate Administrator for Space Operations Bill Gerstenmaier
--NASA Launch Director Mike Leinbach
A news conference with Discovery's crew will depend on the landing site and time.
For the latest information on the STS-116 mission, visit:
http://www.nasa.gov/shuttle
CYBER CRIMES UNIT INVESTIGATION LEADS TO PRISON SENTENCE FOR BRENHAM CHILD SEX OFFENDER
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| BRENHAM – Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott's Cyber Crimes Unit obtained a guilty plea from Michael Patrick Sutherland, 40, of Brenham, who was charged with stockpiling child pornography. Sutherland received a four-year prison sentence and will be required to register as a sex offender for life upon his release. Assistant Attorney General Grant Sparks handled the State's prosecution of Sutherland, who pleaded guilty to 10 counts of possession of child pornography Tuesday in Washington County before 21st State District Judge Terry Flenniken.
"Texans will not tolerate criminals who exploit our children," said Attorney General Abbott. "The Cyber Crimes Unit will vigorously arrest and prosecute child pornographers and predators who rob our kids of their innocence. Dangerous child predators will be brought to justice for their despicable crimes." Cyber Crimes Unit investigators conducted a search at Sutherland's residence on May 17 after receiving a tip from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Forensic analysis of Sutherland's computer and external media revealed dozens of sexually explicit images of children. He was arrested on May 19. On June 14, a Washington County grand jury issued a 10-count indictment against Sutherland for possession of child pornography, a third-degree felony punishable by up to 10 years in prison and up to a $10,000 fine. Attorney General Abbott has made pursuing sexual predators a top priority of his administration. In 2002, he launched the Cyber Crimes Unit, which targets online predators by assuming the identities of young teenagers in Internet chat rooms, and the Fugitive Unit, which locates convicted child sex offenders who have violated the terms of their parole and could be stalking children. Attorney General Abbott's initiative has resulted in over 500 arrests of such offenders. His office also has obtained convictions against 54 men on child pornography charges. To find out more about Attorney General Abbott's efforts to crack down on sexual predators, visit the Attorney General's Web site at www.oag.state.tx.us or call (800) 252-8011. |
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4-H Reminders - December 20, 2006
Coleman 4-H Club Reminder - Poinsettia Money
Just a reminder for Coleman 4-H Club members .... if you have collected any money for Poinsettias - this needs to be turned in to Synda Smith, Club Leader or the County Extension office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE. Thanks for all your hard
work !
County Food Show Checks - There are a few food show checks at the Co. Extension Office. Those of you who won 1st place at the County Food Show, please come by to get your check. Be sure to bring your thank you note with you.
Shearing Date Announced - Tuesday, Dec. 26th Reminder - Lambs must be slick shorn by December 31st for the County Show. For 4-H AND FFA Livestock Exhibitors - There will be a sheep shearer on hand Tuesday, December 26th at the Coleman Rodeo Grounds from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon. If you need assistance with lamb shearing, this would be a good time to have it done right before the county show. Please keep in mind there will be a small charge for the shearer.
Shooting Sports News - Pistol practice is still on-going. However, due to the holiday schedule, there will not be any practice on Sunday, Dec. 24th or Monday, December 25th. Practice will resume on Sunday afternoon December 31st at 2:00 p.m. , Ben Taylor's Range. If you have questions, contact Steve Hinds at 636-7144.
4-H Club Meetings - At this time - there are no scheduled 4-H Club meetings for the month of January. Watch the newsletter for February meeting announcements.
Four Leaf Photography Club - is scheduled to meet January 9, at 6:30 p.m. at the Santa Anna Computer Lab. If you are interested in attending these photography club meetings please feel free to do so. For more information contact Tex Wright, Club leader, at 325-348-3655.
STOCK SHOW REMINDERS
Listed below are County Stock Show Reminders. PLEASE READ THEM CAREFULLY ! If you have any questions about any of the rules of regulations for the County Show, contact the Superintendent of your show, your Ag Science teacher, or the County Extension Agent.
* NO PASS. NO SHOW. Each exhibitor must be academically eligible.
* Rabbits are to be brought to the grounds for judging on Sunday for the County Show, taken home after the show.
* You must be present for weigh-in and sifting your animals at the county stock show. See the show schedule for details. If you miss weigh-in, you will not show.
* 4-H members are required to sell their own animal at the county sale.
* ALL EXHIBITORS ARE TO MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO STAY AFTER THE SALE & HELP CLEAN UP - NO EXCEPTIONS !
* Once livestock are on the grounds at the County Stock Show, they cannot leave without permission of the superintendents. EXCEPTION - Swine may leave Sunday morning for washing.
* SWINE SHOW - Show weights are 150 to 270. In order to consign your pig to the floor, it must weigh 225 to 270 with a 5 pound variance on the TOP only.
* All lambs must be slick shorn by no later than December 31st, in order to show in the Coleman County Stock Show. Lambs & goats may be washed for the county show as long as it is done before arrival on the rodeo grounds.
* All 4-H members must have exhibitor signs on their pens at the County Show. These are available from the County Extension Office or you can find them out in the show barns during the event.
* STEERS - This will be a blow and show exhibition. No adhesives.
* MANDATORY - YOU MUST CLEAN OUT YOUR PEN(S) BEFORE YOU LEAVE THE STOCK SHOW GROUNDS AFTER THE STOCK SHOW IS OVER.
Chapter Show Schedules
Novice - Saturday, January 6, 2007
* SHOW STARTS at 10:00 a.m.
* SHOW ORDER: Rabbits, Goats, Lambs, Steers, Pigs
Santa Anna - Saturday, January 6, 2007
* Swine Weigh-In: Friday, January 5, by 7:00 p.m.
Pigs can be put in show barn anytime on Friday.
All pigs should be in show barn by 5:30 p.m.
* Lambs & Goats arrive at barn for weighing at 7:30 a.m., January 6th
* Rabbit Show: Will start at 9:00 a.m.
Note: Rabbits should arrive at 8:15 - 8:30 a.m. ( NO LATER )
* Goat Show - 9:30 a.m.
* Lamb Show - Following Goat Show
* Steer Show - Following Lamb Show
* Swine Show - Following Steer Show
* BBQ Lunch Break (12 Noon - 1 PM)
* Approx. 1:15 p.m. - Complete Swine Show
* YOUTH FAIR SHOW - All exhibits will need to be at Ag Shop by 5 p.m. on Friday.
* Baked Goods must be in the Ag Building by 8:30 a.m. on January 6th.
Panther Creek - Friday, January 12, 2007
* Swine Weigh-In: Thursday, Jan. 11th at the Panther Creek Bus Barn from 6 to 8 pm
* Lambs & Goats Weigh-In: will be at 7:00 am to 8:30 am on Friday, Jan. 12, 2007
* SHOW STARTS at 10:00 am : Goats, Lambs, Pigs
* BBQ Lunch @ 11:45 am
Coleman - Saturday, January 13, 2007
* Weigh-In for Goats, Lambs and Pigs will be Friday, January 12, from 4 - 6 pm
* Steers Weigh-In: Friday, Jan. 12, 2007 from 4 - 6 pm at the Coleman Livestock Auction
* SHOW STARTS: 7:30 am Saturday, January. 13, 2007
* SHOW ORDER: Swine, Lambs, Goats, Rabbits, Steers
2007 County Stock Show Schedule
Friday, January 12, 2007
4:00 - 6:00 p.m. Steers weigh-in at Coleman Livestock Auction Barn
Saturday, January 13, 2007
3:00 p.m. All livestock must be in place for the County Show
Sift for swine, lambs, goats will begin.
Sunday, January 14, 2007
12:00 Noon Swine Show
1:00 p.m. Weigh-In for Rabbits
2:00 p.m. Rabbit Show Begins
Little Britches Goat Show - Following Rabbit Show (Approx. 3 PM)
Monday, January 15, 2007
8:00 a.m. Steer Show
Lamb Show Immediately following Steer Show
Meat Goat Show Immediately following Lamb Show
Tuesday, January 16, 2007
12:00 Noon County Stock Show SALE at Bill Franklin Center
Little Britches Goat Show - Sunday, January 14, 2007
Each year the Little Britches Goat Show is a great success with many youth involved. This show will again be part of the county's stock show events. ENTRY FEE IS $1.00. You can enter just prior to the show on Sunday, January 14, 2007. If you have a little brother, sister, cousin, grandson, granddaughter, who is not old enough to be a member of 4-H or FFA, and would like to get them started in the show ring - get them involved at the County Show in the Little Britches Goat Show.
There are 2 classes:
1) Under 5 years of age - This is a COSTUME Contest. Both the animal and the contestant can sport a costume.
2) Ages 5 to 8 years of age - Contestants will go through a showmanship class. Contestants in this class should wear stock show attire.
4-H Calendar
JANUARY, 2007
1 HAPPY NEW YEAR !
3-6 Odessa Stock Show
6 Santa Anna Chapter Show
6 Novice Chapter Show
9 Four Leaf Photography Club Meeting
12 Panther Creek Chapter Show
12 Weigh-In for Steers @ Coleman Livestock Auction, 4-6 PM
13 Coleman Chapter Show
13 Weigh-In for County Show (All Livestock) beginning at 3:00 p.m.
14 COUNTY STOCK SHOW (Swine, Rabbits, Little Britches Goat Show)
14 Little Britches Goat Show
15 COUNTY STOCK SHOW (Steers, Lambs, Meat Goats)
16 COUNTY STOCK SHOW-SALE - Bill Franklin Center
24 - Feb. 2 Ft. Worth Stock Show
The Coleman County Extension Office wishes for you a Merry Christmas and a happy and safe holiday season.
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT ENFORCES TEXAS ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION LAWS
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| AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today took legal action against four Houston-area chemical plants for violating Texas environmental laws. The case is the first in Texas arising out of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) initiative to cut air pollution at chemical plants across the nation. According to documents filed in Travis County district court today, operations personnel at Lyondell Chemical Co., Equistar Chemicals, Millennium Petrochemicals Inc., and Millennium Petrochemicals GP repeatedly failed to prevent the release of harmful pollutants into the atmosphere. The Office of the Attorney General decided to seek civil penalties after its settlement negotiations with the four companies and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) reached an impasse earlier this year. "Texas will vigorously enforce environmental laws that protect the health and safety of its citizens," said Attorney General Abbott. "Industrial growth must be balanced with environmental stewardship in order to ensure a bright future for our state. We are committed to working with industry leaders to protect the quality of our air, water, and natural resources for future generations." The Attorney General's investigation revealed that the four facilities, located in La Porte, Channelview and Chocolate Bayou, released unauthorized harmful emissions, such as volatile organic compounds, nitrogen oxides and carbon monoxide, into the atmosphere over a long period of time. The suit alleges the companies either ignored the long-term release of such pollutants or did very little to remedy these chronic problems over time. For example, investigators found that Millennium may have allowed its pressurized rail cars to vent uncontrolled chemical emissions directly into the atmosphere. The companies' self-reporting indicates that Equistar and Millennium failed to implement required detection and repair programs to address leaks at valves, connectors, pumps and other components. According to the companies' reports, thousands of components were ignored for many years. In some cases, entire plant units were never monitored. Under the EPA initiative, affected states and industry leaders attempt to improve air quality and meet environmental standards by settling long-standing disputes with alleged polluters. For years, the Houston area has been designated an ozone non-attainment zone. Polluters in these areas are required to implement widespread controls and technological innovations to sharply curb emissions that lead to ozone formation in the air, commonly known as "smog." The Lyondell, Equistar and Millennium companies manufacture basic chemicals and derivatives such as ethylene, propylene, titanium oxide, styrene, polyethylene, propylene oxide and acetyls. |
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT SETTLES SPYWARE LAWSUIT
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| AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott today concluded a year-long investigation and legal action against Sony BMG Music Entertainment by obtaining an Agreed Final Judgment that provides restitution to consumers and brings sweeping reforms that will protect consumers nationwide. Texas was the first state in the nation to take legal action against the music giant after determining that Sony BMG released millions of compact discs containing harmful software that was not disclosed to consumers. Today's precedent-setting action prohibits Sony BMG from selling CDs containing XCP, MediaMax or any other content-protection software that hides or cloaks its software files. Sony BMG must also destroy any existing CDs embedded with XCP or MediaMax technology, continue working to withdraw those CDs from the marketplace, and submit to independent, third-party monitoring of any software-enhanced music CDs for the next five years. "Texans deserve to be protected from harmful, hidden files that threaten their privacy or the integrity of their computer systems," said Attorney General Abbott. "Our first-in-the-nation action against Sony BMG shows that consumer privacy will be vigorously protected. Today's settlement removes harmful products from the marketplace, compensates consumers for any harm they have suffered, and sets best practices that we hope will lead to reforms across the industry." In November 2005, the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division brought the first lawsuit ever filed under the Texas Consumer Protection Spyware Act after learning that so-called XCP and MediaMax technologies, which violated Texas' consumer protection laws. Further investigation revealed that the software embedded on some Sony BMG CDs could damage consumers' computers and create security vulnerabilities. The State's lawsuit also claimed that Sony BMG violated the Deceptive Trade Practices Act. Texas consumers whose computers and CD-ROM drives were damaged by XCP software may qualify for restitution from Sony BMG. Today's agreement requires that Sony BMG publish claim forms on its Web site, www.sonybmg.com. Consumers seeking restitution should submit claim forms to Sony BMG, along with repair receipts and other evidence of system damage. Claimants could receive up to $175 each to compensate them for the costs of repairing computers damaged by Sony BMG products. Those without proof of out-of-pocket expenses are still eligible for $25. The judgment also requires that Sony BMG continue encouraging consumers to return XCP or MediaMax-enhanced compact discs. Consumers who return their CDs in accordance with the settlement will receive the following incentives: XCP CDs In exchange for an XCP-enhanced CD, consumers will receive: • A compact disc bearing the same title (by the same artist) that does not contain copy-protection ( DRM) software, AND • An MP3 download containing a data file of the disc bearing the same title (by the same artist) that they exchanged that does not include DRM software; AND • $7.50 cash (debit card) and one (1) free album download (from select titles); OR • Three (3) free album downloads (from select titles) If any download codes are unused or unwanted, consumers can exchange them for $2.00 each. MediaMax 5.0 CDs • Consumers will receive an MP3 download containing a data file of the disc bearing the same title (by the same artist) that they exchanged that does not include DRM software; AND • One (1) free album download (from select titles) If any download codes are unused or unwanted, consumers can exchange them for $2.00 each. MediaMax 3.0 CDs • Consumers will receive an MP3 download containing a data file of the disc bearing the same title and by the same artist that they exchanged that does not include DRM software.
Today's agreement permanently prohibits Sony BMG from manufacturing and selling compact discs that contain the XCP or MediaMax software that formed the basis for Texas' lawsuit. Additionally, future Sony BMG CDs with anti-piracy programs are prevented from including any hidden files and must prominently disclose specific items on the CD packaging and on its Web site. The required disclosures include: system requirements; limitations on the number of times a CD can be copied; limitations on the digital file formats into which music on the CD can be converted; and any potential incompatibility issues. In 2005, Sony BMG distributed millions of copies of 52 compact disc titles that utilized new copyright protection technology. When consumers inserted the discs into their computers, a pop-up window prompted them to enter into a licensing agreement consenting to the installation of a proprietary audio player. Sony BMG represented that accepting the agreement was the only way a consumer could listen to its CDs on a computer. During the installation of the Sony BMG media player, however, the software also installed components of its XCP technology in Microsoft Windows folders. When these files are downloaded onto a computer, they "cloak" or hide themselves, making it almost impossible for a consumer to detect and remove them. The cloaking technique used by XCP and MediaMax undermines the computer's data integrity by rendering it more susceptible to hackers. Investigators soon discovered that files containing XCP and, in some cases, MediaMax software transmitted a unique code identifying the compact disc being played on a user's computer. Once installed, the files remained hidden and active at all times (whether or not the media player was inactive), prompting concerns about the files' true purpose. Investigators also discovered that secret files embedded in the XCP program were continually active in the background, thus using system resources and potentially slowing computers. The investigation has not revealed that users' personal identifying information was transmitted. Sony BMG compact discs containing MediaMax software secretly downloaded large files onto consumers' computers immediately after they were inserted into CD-ROM drives. This download occurred despite a pop-up window indicating users could decline the terms of usage, cause the CD to be automatically ejected, and thereby not download the Sony BMG software, like XCP. In September, the Office of the Attorney General sent a consumer alert warning about an incompatibility issue involving XCP files and certain anti-virus or anti-spyware programs, including America Online's "Safety and Security Center" software and Computer Associates' "Pest Patrol" software. Investigators discovered that Microsoft Windows users who played an XCP-enhanced CD while running those security programs could find their CD-ROM drives were disabled. As a result, some consumers may have spent considerable resources to replace or fix their computer systems. |
NASA AND GOOGLE TO BRING SPACE EXPLORATION DOWN TO EARTH
MOFFETT FIELD, Calif. - NASA Ames Research Center and Google have signed a Space Act Agreement that formally establishes a relationship to work together on a variety of challenging technical problems ranging from large-scale data management and massively distributed computing, to human-computer interfaces.
As the first in a series of joint collaborations, Google and Ames will focus on making the most useful of NASA's information available on the Internet. Real-time weather visualization and forecasting, high-resolution 3-D maps of the moon and Mars, real-time tracking of the International Space Station and the space shuttle will be explored in the future.
"This agreement between NASA and Google will soon allow every American to experience a virtual flight over the surface of the moon or through the canyons of Mars," said NASA Administrator Michael Griffin at Headquarters in Washington. "This innovative combination of information technology and space science will make NASA's space exploration work accessible to everyone," added Griffin.
"Partnering with NASA made perfect sense for Google, as it has a wealth of technical expertise and data that will be of great use to Google as we look to tackle many computing issues on behalf of our users," said Eric Schmidt, chief executive officer of Google. "We're pleased to move forward to collaborate on a variety of technical challenges through the signing of the Space Act Agreement."
Recently, teams from NASA and Google met to discuss the many challenging computer science problems facing both organizations and possible joint collaborations that could help address them.
NASA and Google intend to collaborate in a variety of areas, including incorporating agency data sets in Google Earth, focusing on user studies and cognitive modeling for human computer interaction, and science data search utilizing a variety of Google features and products.
"Our collaboration with Google will demonstrate that the private and public sectors can accomplish great things together," said S. Pete Worden, Ames center director. "I want NASA Ames to establish partnerships with the private sector that will encourage innovation, while advancing the Vision for Space Exploration and commercial interests," Worden added.
"NASA has collected and processed more information about our planet and universe than any other entity in the history of humanity," said Chris C. Kemp, director of strategic business development at Ames. "Even though this information was collected for the benefit of everyone, and much is in the public domain, the vast majority of this information is scattered and difficult for non-experts to access and to understand.
"We've worked hard over the past year to implement an agreement that enables NASA and Google to work closely together on a wide range of innovative collaborations," said Kemp. "We are bringing together some of the best research scientists and engineers to form teams to make more of NASA's vast information accessible."
NASA and Google also are finalizing details for additional collaborations that include joint research, products, facilities, education and missions.
Google's innovative search technologies connect millions of people around the world with information every day. Google is headquartered close to Ames in Silicon Valley with offices through the Americas, Europe and Asia.
For more information about Google, please visit:
http://www.google.com
For information about NASA and agency programs, please visit:
http://www.nasa.gov
Kerr Family
Please remember the Coach Bob Kerr family as their son and brother, Charlie Kerr, recovers from a serious oilfield truck accident this past Saturday in Oklahoma.
Richland Springs Coyotes Win State Title
The Richland Springs Coyotes defeated the favored Rule Bobcats by score of 78-58 for the Division I Six Man State Championship Saturday night at Abilene's Shotwell Stadium.
Coyotes 78 - Bobcats 58
Cindy and I went to the game along with a few thousand more sixman football fans and what a game it turned out to be. We knew it was going to be a good one and the first half proved it with a halftime score of Richland Springs 38 and Rule 34. But Richland Springs finished it off for their second State Championship in three years. The game also set records for the most points scored by both teams and by one team in the title game.
In the first game of the double header the team from Northside defeated the team from Jayton 60-41 for the inaugural Division II state title.
RS spirit... I wonder who this would be if Santa Anna was playing... maybe Dennis and Earl? No, how about Prezell and Phillip?
These Coyotes pray before they play.
Coyotes can't jump!
But this one can!
Six Man Photo Guy http://sports.groups.yahoo.com/group/SixManPhotoGuy2006 aka Santa Anna's Calvin Brown .
SAVING MONEY AT THE GROCERY STORE
Writer: Linda Anderson
Submitted by: Debbie Hailey
Saving money at the grocery store is important. But saving on the grocery bill won't do much good if the food isn't eaten. "An estimated 25 percent of edible food goes to waste,"said Dr. Jenna Anding, Texas Cooperative Extension nutrition specialist. "Food that goes to waste is really money that is thrown away.
"Think about it," she said. "If you could save $20 a week on grocery store expenditures, that would add up to more than $1,000 over the course of a year."
According to figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, consumers and the food service industry tossed out about 91 billion pounds of food in 1995 (most recent figures available), with fresh produce counting for nearly 20 percent of that amount.
It doesn't have to be that way, said Dr. Peggy Van Laanen, Extension nutrition specialist. To get the most from money spent on produce, she said, begin by letting your senses be your guide. "When buying fresh fruits and vegetables, choose those that have a good shape, texture and color, and a fresh smell," she said.
Only buy the amount of fresh produce you will use within a few days, she advised. "This will cut down on the amount wasted because of spoilage."
Avoid buying fresh fruits and vegetables that are bruised, moldy or show signs of injury or insect damage. "Bruises and cuts may allow pathogens to enter a fruit or vegetable and can cause it to spoil quickly," Van Laanen said. To prevent bruising or damaging fresh produce after you get it home, handle it gently, she added When buying pre-packaged fruits and vegetables, make sure they are refrigerated in the store. Don't buy items that have been damaged or opened. Check the use-buy dates on the packages and buy only the freshest items, she said.
To cut down on waste of both food and money, Anding recommended these steps:
- Every few months, inventory the food you already have, and use that inventory as a starting point for meal plans. Meals planned in advance can cut down on the expense of meals eaten out.
- Study grocery ads before going shopping, and use the ads to make a shopping list.
- Buy store brands rather than more expensive national brands. Look for these less-expensive items at the tops and bottoms of grocery shelves.
- Be open-minded when it comes to items that have been reduced in price for quick sale. Some real bargains can be found in these bins. If purchasing meat that is close to its "sell-by" date, freeze it immediately when you get it home to insure its quality.
- Buy fresh produce in season. If it's pre-bagged, weigh the bag before you take it to the check-out counter to make sure it's the right weight.
- Stock up on sale items, but only if you'll use them. Just because something is on sale doesn't mean it's the right item for your family. A sale is no bargain if the food goes to waste.
- Use coupons, but use them wisely. If the coupons are for items you normally buy, go ahead and use them. But remember: Even with coupons, national brands are often more expensive than store brands.
- Watch when your items are being rung up at the check-out counter. If items are rung up incorrectly, point that out to the cashier.
- Don't buy more perishable food than your family will use in a reasonable amount of time. Proper storage of food and use of leftovers can go a long way toward preventing food waste.
However, Anding said, throwing away food sometimes can't be helped.
"We should never put thriftiness before food safety. If you think that a particular food is spoiled or not safe to eat, then the rule ‘when it doubt, throw it out' should be followed."
The USDA recommends consumer education to reduce the amount of food wasted at home. Suggested educational programs would teach how to plan meals and provide appropriate serving sizes, how to determine if food is safe or spoiled, and how to get the most out of leftovers.
Manufacturers date food items to help in evaluating their usability, Van Laanen said. The four different types of dating are:
- "Best if used by" date: Shows when the food will be at its best quality. Foods can safely be eaten after this date if they haven't been stored longer than recommended, have been properly handled and don't show signs of spoiling.
- "Sell by" or "pull date": Shows how long the food can be displayed for sale. After this date, the food is usually safe to eat as long as it hasn't been stored longer than recommended and is handled and prepared safely.
- "Pack date": Shows when the food was packaged or processed.
- "Expiration date": Shows the last date the food should be consumed. Food past its expiration date should be discarded. Eggs are the exception. They have an expiration date that shows the last day a store can sell them as "fresh." Eggs should be bought before this date and stored in the carton in the refrigerator. Use within a few weeks.
Saving money at the grocery store is possible, Anding said, even in light of recent well-publicized price hikes.
So to get the best use from your food dollars, learn to get the best use from your food.
"Remember," she said, "money tied up in food is money that cannot be used for other expenses."
For more information on this and other food and nutrition issues, visit Extension's Family and Consumer Sciences Web site at http://fcs.tamu.edu/ and click on the link to food and nutrition. Or contact Debbie Hailey, County Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, at 325-625-4519.
ATTORNEY GENERAL ABBOTT ANNOUNCES THIRD ARREST FROM LIST OF MOST WANTED CHILD SUPPORT EVADERS
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| EL PASO – Less than one week after naming Stanley Estala to the Top Ten List of Most Wanted Child Support Evaders, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott announced the El Paso father's arrest. Estala, who owes more than $40,000, was arrested yesterday by the El Paso Police Department. Estala's arrest is the third since the Attorney General's new Evader list was unveiled Monday in Austin, Houston and Beaumont. The first Evader arrested since the unveiling of the new Top Ten List was Jesus Silva, who was picked up by authorities in Pasadena less than 24 hours after issuing the new list. The second arrest occurred when Child Support Evader Ricardo Gonzalez was taken into custody by the McAllen Police Department following a tip that he was at a local tire store servicing his vehicle.
"Parents who turn their backs on their children must pay the consequences of violating the law," said Attorney General Abbott. "Stanley Estala can no longer neglect his children by failing to pay child support." The arrest came after a concerned citizen, who learned from local news coverage that Estala was on the Attorney General's new Evader list, contacted Crime Stoppers of El Paso with a possible location. Officers Ruben Mendez and Timothy Fleming found Estala at the address and arrested him without incident. He is currently being held without bond in the El Paso County Jail. In 1992, Estala was ordered to pay $120 per month in child support. In December 2005, after falling thousands of dollars behind in his payments, an arrest warrant was issued because Estala violated terms of his probation to make regular child support payments. A total of 75 evaders, including Estala, have been arrested or located since Attorney General Abbott took office in December 2002. For a parent to be named a Most Wanted Child Support Evader, court-ordered delinquent support must be in excess of $5,000 and an arrest warrant issued. The location of the parent must be unknown, and no child support payments made in the last six months. The parent must not be involved in bankruptcy proceedings or receiving welfare benefits. The parent with custody of the children must sign a confidentiality waiver before the Evader can be added to the list. Attorney General Abbott is still aggressively seeking seven other Evaders from the new Top Ten List. The public is asked to report information that could lead to the arrest of missing Child Support Evaders by calling 1-866-EVADERS (382-3377) or e-mailing evaders@oag.state.tx.us. |
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