Friday, November 20, 2009

“City officials contact 80 companies in Asia - Herald-Bulletin” plus 4 more

“City officials contact 80 companies in Asia - Herald-Bulletin” plus 4 more

City officials contact 80 companies in Asia - Herald-Bulletin

Posted: 20 Nov 2009 07:37 PM PST

Published November 20, 2009 10:33 pm - Alternative energy companies were at the top of local economic development representatives' lists when they took a two-week-long trip to China and Korea to build relationships with businesses there.

City officials contact 80 companies in Asia


By Aleasha Sandley, Herald Bulletin Staff Writer

ANDERSON — Alternative energy companies were at the top of local economic development representatives' lists when they took a two-week-long trip to China and Korea to build relationships with businesses there.

Anderson Economic Development Director Linda Dawson and Board of Works Chairman Greg Graham joined Anderson/Madison County Corporation for Economic Development Director Rob Sparks on the trip, in which they came in contact with nearly 80 companies that could eventually build in the Midwest.

Dawson said 80 percent of the companies the group called on were involved in alternative energy, including batteries, hybrid electric vehicles and solar and wind power. The other 20 percent, she said, were companies that had expressed interest in the United States for their distribution and manufacturing facilities.

The group also visited with investment firms in Beijing, as well as consulting firms and an attorney to try to bridge cultural and financial gaps between business in China and in the United States, Graham said.

"We want to start a global advisory group...that can assist us and assist the companies that are wanting to come here," Dawson said.

To that end, the officials also made a stop at the U.S. embassy in China to try and find out how they could ease the process by which Chinese business people receive visas to visit sites in Anderson.

Finally, Graham signed a document recognizing Anderson's sister-city relationship with the Yuhang District in the Chinese city of Hangzhou. Yuhang's district head also signed the document.

The trip, Dawson said, was productive and busy.

"These aren't junkets," she said. "They're really grueling. Prior to us going on these trips, we try to establish some rapport with these companies."

While many Asian companies locate their U.S. operations on the West Coast because of proximity and a larger population of people of Asian descent, they are becoming interested in the Midwest because of its low cost of living and location in the middle of the country for quick shipping. The alternative energy companies are particularly interested in Anderson, Dawson said, because of its automotive history.

"That's where the future is," she said. "That's where Anderson's forte is. Our labor force is abundant with electrical engineers. Our work force talks the same language that these alternative energy companies do."

Sparks spent much of his time in Asia selling not only Anderson, but Madison County and the east central Indiana region.

"Everything we sell is regional," he said. "It's kind of getting people across the world to know where we're at. You do a lot of door-knocking before you get somebody to answer."

That's why both the city Economic Development Department and CED will continue focusing on Asia for future trips. The most recent trip cost about $8,000 per person — with more than a third of the cost coming from CED — but the cost is necessary to continue local economic development representatives' focus on Asia, specifically Korea and China.

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Mental Health in the Old Pueblo - Tucson Citizen

Posted: 20 Nov 2009 06:33 PM PST

88790173AW007_OBAMA_DISCUSSI believe in karma and what you "put out there, you get back, tenfold."  I think this applies to more than just our actions….I think the intention behind what we say has power as well.  So, when I read about the most recent radical right bumper sticker I was shocked. 

From the Progress Report:  RADICAL RIGHT — NEW RIGHT-WING CRAZE PRAYS THAT OBAMA'S 'DAYS BE FEW': The newest far-right craze is an anti-Obama slogan making its way onto t-shirts, bumper stickers, mugs, and even teddy bears and baby bibs: "Pray for Obama: Psalm 109:8," which reads, "Let his days be few; and let another take his office." It's unclear whether the intent is to hope for an end to Obama's time in office — or an end to his life. But the sentiment of the rest of psalm suggests the latter: "Let his children be fatherless, and his wife a widow." Diana Butler Bass at Beliefnet explains that Psalm 109 is one of the "imprecatory" prayers, "a lament in the form of petition to destroy one's enemies." While perhaps intended to be a joke, she notes that the psalm actually "entreats God to destroy the president." CafePress.com and Zazzle.com, which had been selling "Pray for Obama" items, took them down. Yesterday, however, a Cafe Press representative told The Progress Report that the site was reinstating the merchandise because it deemed it "fair political commentary." Cafe Press is now asking users to vote on whether the merchandise should continue to be sold. On Tuesday, MSNBC's Rachel Maddow spoke with "Patience With God" author Frank Schaeffer, who said that while the psalm was "frightening" in a secular context, it's even "more threatening" in a biblical context.

I know there are many people that don't like our President, but this is not the first time I have heard of slogans and rhetoric that have been openly threatening to him and his family.  What ever happened to "you reap what you sew?'  Or, the power of positive thought?  Some may say that "wishing his days are few" isn't threatening, but what about the intent behind it?  Intent means more than words.

I may not be thrilled with the economy, the wars, the growing deficit, and the current state of healthcare insurance,  but the last thing I wish is for someone, anyone for that matter, is to wish "his days be few."

Oh, and just to end this on a funny note for the holidays…..

Why won't President Obama be having turkey for Thanksgiving?

Vice-President Biden will be out of town!  (now that's the kind of political humor that makes me laugh and no, the intention is not to turn Biden into a turkey!)

 

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What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down - Valdosta Daily Times

Posted: 20 Nov 2009 07:23 PM PST

Published November 20, 2009 10:21 pm - THUMBS DOWN: To all those who would think it's acceptable to shout racial slurs from afar during a peaceful poetry reading.

What We Think: Thumbs up, thumbs down


The Valdosta Daily Times

THUMBS DOWN: To all those who would think it's acceptable to shout racial slurs from afar during a peaceful poetry reading. Poetic Magic experienced just this during a recent event in Lanier County. It is a shame that these poets, men and women of all ages and all races, were denied their right to speak freely, to reveal their poetry as a living art without fear of harm. Their mission is simply to contribute to cultural exchange and social tolerance through the power of the voice, not to spread hate.

THUMBS UP: To the Valdosta Police Department for making an arrest in the Sunday mass shooting at Hudson Dockett. Additional arrests are expected very soon. This incident resulted in the death of a Valdosta teenager and injury to at least 10 others, including children.

THUMBS UP: To J.L. Lomax Elementary School for participating in Plant a Row for the Hungry. This program teaches students about agriculture, where their produce comes from, and the importance of helping those who are less fortunate. The students donated sweet potatoes, tomatoes, eggplant and so much more to America's Second Harvest of South Georgia Inc.

THUMBS UP: To Thomas Yawn for making and reporting weather-related observations on a daily basis from his home in Homerville for 21 years. He was presented the John Campanius Holm Award for his efforts. This is the second most prestigious award given by the National Weather Service.

THUMBS UP: To Lowndes County Commissioner Joyce Evans for hosting the Association of County Commissioners of Georgia District 11 at the new Lowndes County Judicial Complex. The group discussed everything from a possible T-SPLOST for transportation to funding for a statewide Trauma Care Network to water planning.

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Inside Higher Ed - Inside Higher Ed

Posted: 20 Nov 2009 07:09 PM PST

As students protested outside, the University of California's Board of Regents on Thursday reluctantly approved a 32 percent increase in "fees" (what the rest of higher education calls tuition) for 2010-11. "We're being forced to impose a user tax on our students and their families," Mark Yudof, the UC system's president, said during a committee hearing Wednesday. "This is a tax necessary because our political leaders have failed to adequately fund public higher education." Under the budget, which also seeks a $913 million increase in state support for the 2010-11 academic year, undergraduates and graduate professional school students will see an increase of 15 percent, or $585, in the forthcoming winter and spring terms, and an additional 15 percent increase, or $1,334, beginning in summer 2010.

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New contract hasn't diverted Childress' focus - Minneapolis Star Tribune

Posted: 20 Nov 2009 07:30 PM PST

Perhaps if Brad Childress had received a new contract during the offseason he would have found time to celebrate. But when the Vikings coach arrived home Thursday night after signing an extension through the 2013 season he took little time to reflect on what had just happened.

"I talked to my wife for a couple of minutes, didn't even turn on the TV, got into bed, turned on Letterman and the next thing I knew, I was finished," Childress said.

A day after getting a deal that will supersede his current contract and pay him a reported $4 million to $5 million per season, Childress said his preference was to focus on Sunday's game against Seattle.

Childress did admit it was gratifying to receive text messages from a number of players, including former Vikings fullback Tony Richardson, Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald Jr. and Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb, whom Childress coached when he was an assistant in Philadelphia.

"I shared it with the coaches yesterday morning and the players today that I understand they're where the rubber meets the road," Childress said. "I've got a tremendous staff and support group and a great group of guys that are fun to come to work with every day. I don't have any illusions ... players win games."

Hired in 2006 to change the culture around Winter Park, Childress didn't get off to the best start with his players. But that has changed.

"He's obviously gotten more comfortable in the role and his style I think has changed so much," said linebacker Ben Leber, who joined the Vikings as a free agent in 2006. "But it's been such a progression over the years that it hasn't been like one big jump. It's just been every year you can see him settling down and understanding the team better."

Childress' players clearly get to see a different side of their coach. On the Vikings' trip to Pittsburgh last month, Childress dressed up as a female flight attendant. Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe posted pictures on Twitter.

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