Help Heal Mother Earth

Council wants to be rid of rallies

Wed, 28 May 2008 23:38:25 GMT

Posted on Wed, May. 28, 2008

Council wants to be rid of rallies

Mayor: We don't need them

By Lorena Anderson
landerson@thesunnews.com

Furious and frustrated after the weekend shooting of a 20-year-old Coastal Carolina University student, Myrtle Beach City Council members said Tuesday that they do not want motorcycle rallies in the city any more.

A group of local ministers and a bike-rally event promoter spoke to the council at a morning workshop Tuesday and implored the city to help them "do something" about the behavior they witnessed during the past weekend.

Other groups have complained to city officials in previous years after the Atlantic Beach Bikefest biker rally and the Harley-Davidson spring rally.

"I experienced something ... enough is enough," the Rev. Tim McCray told the council on Tuesday. He said he and others had not slept for the past four days during the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, staying up to get a firsthand look at the parties that have for years concerned residents and prompted complaints. "They were up there partying, doing things they shouldn't be doing."

Grand Strand Connection is an umbrella group that is trying to help solve "issues that threaten the harmony of Myrtle Beach," said McCray, the group's founder.

The group is bringing together local officials, clergy, hotel owners, restaurants and other groups that plan and hold events geared toward bikers to make the spring and fall bike rallies more organized.

McCray said he witnessed public sex acts and other behavior, not among the sport bikers who traditionally have come to the area during Memorial Day weekend, but among the 16- to 20-year-olds who arrive by the carload to party during weekend rally.

"We know the NAACP has you locked down," McCray told the council. The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People has sued the city and area businesses for what it has called racist behavior during the Atlantic Beach Bikefest, which is visited predominantly by blacks and happens around Memorial Day weekend.

Others argue that those who come to the Atlantic Beach Bikefest - whatever their race - don't behave properly, don't respect the city and its residents and cause more trouble than they are worth financially.

The NAACP has monitored the Bikefest and the Harley-Davidson spring rally to make sure people are treated fairly at both events.

Myrtle Beach Councilman Mike Chestnut, who appeared visibly upset by the weekend shooting of CCU student Corey Brooks, asked McCray and the others what they expect the city to do to make bike rallies more successful.

"Why should we invest in this event when we don't in any other?" Chestnut asked. "Let me tell you what's going to happen. The City Council is going to shut it down. We're not going to have a 20-year-old shot because someone is too cheap to pay for a $20 parking space."

Police have not confirmed a motive in the shooting.

Hakim Harrell, an event promoter, said he understands the city's concern, but hopes more organized activities scattered throughout the city would draw people away from Ocean Boulevard.

"We don't care which rally it is, we'd just as soon stop them," Mayor John Rhodes told the group.

"We don't need them," Rhodes said. "We can fill all the hotel rooms without bike weeks."

Inside
Boardwalk fund plan proceeds | Page 2A

Contact LORENA ANDERSON at 444-1722.

© 2008 MyrtleBeachOnline.com and wire service sources. All Rights Reserved. http://www.myrtlebeachonline.com

DHEC urges citizens to 'Drive Nowhere' May 30

Wed, 28 May 2008 23:13:49 GMT

DHEC urges citizens to 'Drive Nowhere' May 30

COLUMBIA – As part of the effort to improve air quality statewide, South Carolinians are urged to consider using mass transit instead of single-occupant vehicles on May 30 as part of "Drive Nowhere Day," the state Department of Health and Environmental Control announced today.

Release Date:

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Contact:

Marian Nanney – (803) 898-4852
E-mail – nanneyml@dhec.sc.gov
or
Clair Boatwright – (803) 898-4461
E-mail – boatwrc@dhec.sc.gov

Press Release:

"As summer heats up and ground-level ozone poses a bigger threat to public health, the 'Drive Nowhere' pledge sponsored by Environmental Action has state and local officials asking Americans to take a second look at mass transit," said Myra Reece, chief of DHEC's Bureau of Air Quality. "In early May, nearly 1,000 people took the 'Pledge to Drive Nowhere' on May 30.

"During the summer months, ground-level ozone is the state’s most widespread air-quality concern,” Reece said. "High ground-level ozone concentrations generally occur on hot, sunny days when the air is stagnant. That can create breathing problems for anyone, but especially does so for children, people with asthma or other respiratory problems, as well as for adults who work or exercise outdoors. Ground-level ozone can also cause tree or crop damage."

According to Reece, ground-level ozone forms when emissions from volatile organic compounds and nitrogen oxide, which primarily come from tailpipe exhaust, react in the presence of sunlight.

"Since the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency made the ground-level ozone standard more stringent in March, county and local governments have increased their support for use of mass transit as one of many ways to reduce emissions," Reece said. "For example, the Seneca City Council voted unanimously on April 24 to spend $48,550 for a transportation study aimed at expanding Clemson Area Transit bus routes to Walhalla and Westminster; the Charleston area is looking into ways to expand service for the growing number of commuters driving to the Super Kmart park-and-ride lot in North Charleston to pick up the CARTA Express buses to the peninsula; and the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority has lowered fares for its SMARTRIDE service for commuters from Newberry, Little Mountain and Chapin."

Mass transit has many benefits:

By taking cars off the road, citizens can lower their dependence on oil and reduce air pollution from ozone, particulate matter and greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.
Mass transit also creates economic opportunities and improves quality of life for riders of all stripes.
Public transportation creates opportunities to get ahead for people who don't have the option of driving a car to get to work.
It also provides time for reading, working or relaxing that would otherwise be spent navigating through traffic.

Web pages for all South Carolina regional transportation authorities, with information on bus routes and fares, can be accessed at the Transportation Association of South Carolina Web site at: http://www.go-tasc.org/.

Anyone interested in taking the pledge not to drive on May 30 may do so by logging on to the Environmental Action Web site at: http://www.environmental-action.org/enviroaction.asp?id=2623&id4=ES

For more information about how to get involved with local efforts to improve air quality in South Carolina, please visit the DHEC Bureau of Air Quality Web page at: http://www.scdhec.gov/environment/baq/community.aspx, or call (803) 898-4123.

Lets turn The Grand Strand of SC into the most environmentaly friendly place

Wed, 14 May 2008 23:00:15 GMT

Good Day,
(NOTE: To avoid being redirected from this site, please right click any link and choose to open links in new window or new tab)

-In light of the recent SC SENATE HEARING ON HURRICANES
-Please take a moment to look
-A Custom Super Home is a SMART-MASTER-PIECE...
-Benefits To "Mother Earth"
-Compliance
-Income Opportunity
-See Proof
-Ways we can help our city
In light of the recent SC Senate hearing on hurricanes

In light of the recent SC Senate hearing on hurricanes, I see that the
Officials cite loss in tourism and are lobbying for better building codes to
strengthen structures.

I have an environmentally friendly answer for building better, stronger
and more durable buildings on the Grand Strand, which will last longer than the ones we have now.

Has Built In Equity, it is Fire Proof, Sound Proof, Bullet Proof, Water
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when it is "done our way", there is NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or
any other harmful "side effect".

Environmentally friendly homes and buildings built from recycled material.

There is no charge to get into the members area just go to http://www.massrecycling.com/kandi

And create your own access to the members area, where all the information is, in detail. If you are in real estate, do you do biz on the grand strand, Lets get together. Lets turn The Grand Strand of SC into one of the most environmentally friendly places to live.

Please take a moment to look

Please take a moment to look over what I am offering you, at no cost to
look or gain access to further information. No strings attached.
You can sign in to gain full access to all information and then delete
yourself at any time. When you sign up send me your information.

As soon as it is verified I will send you the no longer available training material, Free.
http://www.massrecycling.com/kandi

There is no other company that can offer all these qualities and benefits
for the same price as "stick homes", PERIOD! Besides, even the three little
pigs knew not to build with sticks!

**Can be used to build any type of building you choose!**

A Custom Super Home is a SMART-MASTER-PIECE...
Benefits To "Mother Earth" Compliance Income Opportunity

Since we are one of the fastest growing areas in the nation why not built Built with recycled materials?

-A Custom Super Home Earns You Income
-Has Built In Equity
-it is Fire Proof
-Sound Proof
-Bullet Proof
-Water Proof
-Hurricane Proof
-Mold Proof
-Termite Proof
-Extremely Energy Efficient
-Systematically Superior
-Sustainable
-Environmentally Friendly when it is "done our way". Built with recycled materials!!

There is no other company that can offer all these qualities and benefits
for the same price as "stick homes", PERIOD!

All at the same price it costs to build the traditional way.

Besides, even the three little pigs knew not to build with sticks!

Benefits To "Mother Earth"
-Minimize the pollution caused by Cement Production
-Minimize the KILLING of trees to extract lumber!
-Mass Recycle materials that would otherwise pollute Mother Nature!
-12.3 million tons of wood waste is dumped in land fills every year. (EPA)
-The US has 1.5 billion waste wood pallets, 6 for every American (Wall Street Journal)
-The US produces over 100 million tons of coal combustion byproducts every year
-The construction of a house can recycle more than 100 TONS of fly ash and wood waste'
-Mass recycling of millions of tons can be achieved and duplicated by people like YOU
-NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or any other harmful "side effect"
-And much...much more!

Compliance
In compliance with International Building Standards (ASTM/BOCA):
Our Proprietary (recycled) Building Materials capabilities, according to
the independent laboratory certifications, are in MUCH MORE THAN JUST IN FULL compliance with applicable ASTM/BOCA building standards:
-ASTM C-518
-ASTM E-136
-ASTM C-78
-ASTM C-666
-ASTM C-67
-ASTM C-140
Complying with ASTM and BOCA standards means that municipalities must allow the use of the system in construction within their city according to the law.

There is NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or any other harmful "side
effect".

We have a COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY performed by independent laboratories certifying that our proprietary building material is 100% in environmental compliance. This means that NO ONE can legally stop us from building anywhere in the USA! (See ASTM book for detailed testing information)

Income Opportunity
On top of this this company is offering an income opportunity for all who
own a building made with this recycled material or just want to spread the word, no investment involved:
Custom Super Homes wants to:
TEACH YOU THE SYSTEM FOR FREE, PROFIT SHARE WITH YOU and BUILD A CUSTOM SUPER SHOW HOME FOR YOU WHOLESALE!

See Proof
Please see these videos that show you exactly what I am talking about:
Custom Super Homes

Enjoy a high quality and energy efficient home that Benefits Mother Earth
http://www.massrecycling.com/kandi
W/ No Money Down Options & Income Opportunities

Ways we can help~

Board set to approve MB grant Trade center expansion sought by city, senator

Thanks For Your Time,
Priestess Kandi Ranson-Wilson
843-267-9311

PO BOX 1151

Myrtle Beach, SC 29578
kandistreasures@sc.rr.com
http://www.massrecycling.com/kandi
_________________
"Knowledge is Power, Yet even more Powerful when shared!" ~ Priestess Kandi

Subject: Tell McCain: Stop insulting women

Sun, 27 Apr 2008 01:59:13 GMT

Subject: Tell McCain: Stop insulting women

Dear Friend,

On Wednesday, Senate Republicans filibustered the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act, a law that would have overturned an appalling Supreme Court decision that practically abolished remedies for gender-based compensation discrimination in the workplace. In opposing this legislation, Senator John McCain said that if women want better-paying jobs, they just need more "education and training." Then, he didn't even show up for the vote.

Let's tell Senator McCain that should stop blocking an up or down vote on the Lilly Ledbetter Fair Pay Act if he wants to ensure equal rights for women under the law.

Please have a look and take action.

http://act.credoaction.com/campaign/mccain_vs_ledbetter/?r_by=-1582168-PsegPB&rc=paste

Thanks!

You know Earth Day is on 4-22-08, right?

Sun, 20 Apr 2008 15:59:16 GMT

Bright Blessings!

I hope this finds you well and in great spirits. Are you enjoying Spring? You know Earth Day is on 4-22-08, right?

Some of you know that I am on the Kluckin Films Krew. Well, I just spent 1/2 that day out in the sun and I'm allergic to the sun! I did my best to stay out of the direct sun and in the shade as much as I could, but being one of the camera operators, that wasn’t always possible.

We were contracted to video tape the First ever Earth Day Event in Myrtle Beach, SC! We arrived around 10:AM and I was only able to stay until 2:PM. I came home and passed out, literally.

That is one of the things that prolonged sun exposure does to me, it makes me pass out. There are many other things like 3^RD degree sunburns in a matter of a few hours (if I’m not careful), disorientation, my equilibrium goes whacky, loss of memory, hives and other skin ailments, just to name a few.

The event was scheduled to start at 11:30AM and end at 6:PM.

The time I was out there I can say that other than being in the sun I liked what I saw. This is the start of something WONDERFUL!

The event was organized by The Wellness Council for Coastal South Carolina and sponsored by some pretty cool people.

Though there weren't as many attendees as we all would have hoped, it was still GREAT for the first ever Earth Day Event in our area.

Mom accused of abusing daughter with car wash power spray speaks out

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 10:12:02 GMT

Mom accused of abusing daughter with car wash power spray speaks out

Educators Resources For Todays Learners

Homeschooling is life changing

http://groups.msn.com/TheMyrtleBeachHomeschoolMeetupGroup

I have posted the articles and links here.

Please look below for my response to this article "You call this child abuse?".

Women Caught On Video Powerwashing Child At Car Wash

Orange County deputies are searching

for two women caught on tape power

washing a young child at a car wash.

Thursday, March 06, 2008 5:40:23 PM

ORANGE COUNTY -- Orange County deputies are searching for two women caught on tape powerwashing a young child at a car wash.

The video was recorded last month at the Magical Car Wash on Bloomfield Drive.

It showed two women pulling into one of the bays in a Hyundai Elantra and then using the high pressure washer to spray the child with cold water all over her body.

A manager at the car wash said she heard one of the women scolding the child and telling them they would continue until their behavior improved.

The manager was not able to get the license plate number.

Deputies said they are now worried this child could be in danger of more abuse.

Click here to comment on this story at cfnews13.com.

Mom accused of abusing daughter with car wash power spray speaks out

ORLANDO, FL -- A Florida mother who was caught on video spraying her daughter in a car wash talked about the incident on Thursday.

Niurka Ramirez, 22, has watched the video, and she said she knows what everyone is saying about her, but she claimed that people don't know the real story.

"It's exhausting. Everything has been very exhausting," Ramirez said.

The video has been broadcast around the world.

The young mother was at an Orange County car wash, using a high-pressure hose on her two-year-old daughter.

Ramirez said it wasn't child abuse.

Her daughter was having a tantrum, and she wanted to calm her down.

"I was thinking by the time I get her to the car wash, and she gets out of the car, she'll relax. It didn't calm her down, so I ended up wetting her, and I asked if she was OK, if she was going to calm down. She was still screaming and kicking. I put water on her. She relaxed. I took off her wet clothes. I wrapped her in a towel. I held her; I kissed her," Ramirez said.

But what was captured on a video camera sent Ramirez to jail.

She was charged with child abuse, and the case sent the community into a frenzy.

Some people are saying the child should be taken away from her mother, but Ramirez disagrees.

"I wasn't hurting my daughter. I was not abusing my daughter. Clearly, I am not perfect, and I made a wrong choice. I am not a monster ... I think I'm a great mom," Ramirez said.

The single mother said once the tape was shown, she turned herself into authorities.

Her daughter was checked out, and the child was never removed from the home.

Ramirez admitted that if she knew she was being videotaped, she would have never done what she did.

She said she has learned from her mistake.

"I have a beautiful, excellent little daughter. She's beautiful, and I'm a single parent. It was just a wrong choice, but I am not a monster like they're portraying me to be," Ramirez said.

Ramirez has voluntarily allowed the Department of Children and Families into her home, and she is taking parenting classes.

Niurka Ramirez Video

Play Video

You call this child abuse?

I call it self restrains and keeping control on Niurka Ramirez‘s behalf!I watched the video of Niurka Ramirez spraying that child. I didn’t see one thing wrong with what she did. Ok , for those of you who feel that she did something wrong, let me ask you…….

Do you feel like she did something wrong, with the action she took, because of the kind of attachment that was on the hose?

What would you have done?

I can see where this paranoid and corrupt society would be able to imagine that Niurka had pulled the trigger and harmed the child by increasing the pressure of the water. But SHE DIDN’T! The pressure from the spray coming out when your not pressing the trigger isn’t enough to harm human skin.

I feel like Niurka was in full control of herself and the situation. She admits being a single mom. How many of you are or have been single parents?

Anyone who is dealing with the stresses of daily life to include temper tantrums (or sibling rivalry and all the other things that come with raising children) and not actually harming or putting the children in any real danger, while keeping control of it all , are heroes.

She said that her daughter had been throwing this tantrum for an extended period of time, while she was driving to the carwash. How many of you have ever had a small child throwing a tantrum while you were driving down the road?

Niurka held her cool, trying to calm the child the whole time, according to her own statements, and this is what it took to calm the child without harming her.

I raised three on my own. There were times when I was at my wits end. Water was one thing that I did use! It got their attention, the feeling of being wet really gets your attention when someone else has just wet you, without your consent or knowing it was going to happen. It works when used properly. And no one gets hurt.

SOME EXAMPLES

When there was a sibling rivalry going on, and there were many, and I could not get them to stop yelling at each other, running after each other through the house - with real intentions of doing bodily harm to the other, once when one of them was throwing a tantrum.

I would get a cup of cold water and just splash it on them. If they were in a rivalry I was able to stop them long enough to get their attentions so we could calm down, sit down and talk it out . Come to a happy medium in the dispute or find out what is bothering them and work it out with the love and teamwork it takes to have a happy loving family bond.

One of the kids (pre-teen) was throwing a temper tantrum in the kitchen. This one was about to get ugly! This child had lost all control of herself and was on the verge of total destruction. She picked up a plate and was getting in stance to throw the plate through the house.

I happened to be standing at the sink at the time. I picked up the sprayer, turned on the water full blast, aimed right at her and pressed the trigger. Bulls eye! I got soaked the back of her head and her shirt. She was able to stop the madness in it’s tracks. She didn’t throw the plate. She looked around the room. Realized what had just happened. Became upset that she had been “gotten” , placed the plate on the table and ran to her room. She was inside the room (which she shared with her sister) alone for about two hours . When she came out her whole world had transformed into the peaceful, calm, caring, loving person she really was.

One of my kids has a hard time with mornings. She was born nocturnal, runs in the family. She hates to get up in the mornings to do anything. If not constantly prompted every few minutes (for many years as a child) she would be late for the school bus, or what ever it was she had to wake for.

I would take a cup of water into her room and pour a small amount of cold water on her head. Not her face, but on her hair. I didn’t put her in danger. I didn’t hit her with anything. I didn’t drag her out of bed and throw her across the room, I didn’t yell at her. I didn’t harm her in any way. It didn’t take too many times of me pouring water on her hair before she would get up when it was time to get up.

Think about it.

How can it be abuse for a parent to do what ever it takes to keep the children in control of themselves, without harming the child or allowing the child to hurt themselves or others?

I look at it this way. I taught my children that you have to stop and calm youself, think it. Do Not allow anger to control yourself you control yourself. I taught them that teamwork only works when you work it.

If you feel I was a “Bad Parent” for incorporating water into a form of keeping control of 3 kids, alone, then so be it.

I can tell you that for the most part they didn’t turned out to be caring, intelligent, strong, independent and self sufficient people.

I heard Niurka say that sees how she “has made a wrong choice“. That tells me that public statement was just to please the public. I can’t see where she made a wrong choice, can you?

Sincerly,

A fellow Single Mom

One-Minute Energy Intelligence

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 11:05:28 GMT

We know we need to reduce carbon emissions 80 percent by 2050 to curb global warming and its consequences, but how? Global warming and energy lingo can be so wonky and complicated -- seriously, what is "cap and trade" anyway? Which are the good biofuels and which are the not-so-good? Is there really such a thing as "clean coal"?

Enter our One-Minute Energy Intelligence videos -- Sierra Club Executive Director Carl Pope unravels these mysteries in a series of one-minute videos.

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How Green Is Your Laundry?

Wed, 05 Mar 2008 10:09:08 GMT

Your mother probably warned you not to leave the house without clean underwear, but are your whites green enough to pass muster with Mother Nature?

These days "clean and green" applies to more than solar power plants -- it's also how we all should do our laundry.

Take our simple quiz and we'll sort you into the right pile. Then when you finish, come back to this message, hit the comment button and share your results with us. We can all learn how to make a difference in helping heal Mother Earth!!

Here was the result of my test, what is yours?

We are curious to know.

Your score: 84 out of 100 points.

A Clean, Green Machine 80-100 points:

Not only does your laundry sparkle, so does your eco rep. You understand that being green involves lots of little things that add up to big changes.

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Even a little exercise has significant health benefits, study shows

Sat, 01 Dec 2007 01:47:53 GMT

Even a little exercise has significant health benefits, study shows

NewsTarget.com printable article

Originally published November 28 2007

by David Gutierrez

(NewsTarget) It doesn't take a lot of exercise to reap significant health benefits, and people should not be intimidated if they can't reach the officially recommended levels, according to a new study conducted by researchers at the University of Ulster, Northern Ireland, and published in the Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health.

According to current health recommendations, adults should engage in at least 30 minutes of moderately strenuous activity at least five days per week, or 20 minutes of vigorous exercise three days per week, in order to remain healthy and reduce their risk of health problems such as cardiovascular disease.

Moderately intense exercise is defined as activity that causes a small increase in breathing or heart rate, including brisk walking, bicycling, gardening, or vacuuming. Vigorous exercise, such as aerobics, running or heavy yard work, causes a large increase in breathing or heart rate.

In the current study, however, even people who exercised substantially less showed enough improvement in health measures after 12 weeks to significantly reduce their risk of heart disease.

Researchers divided 106 healthy, sedentary women and men between the ages of 40 and 61 years into three groups. Participants in the first group went on a brisk, 30-minute walk three days a week. Participants in the second group went on a brisk, three-minute walk five days a week. Participants in the final group were not assigned to any change in exercise level.

After 12 weeks, blood pressure, waist girth and hip girth fell significantly in both groups of walkers, with no significant change in the sedentary control group. Overall fitness also improved in the walking groups, with no change in the control group.

According to the study's authors, these changes are enough to provide major health benefits.

"These results may encourage people who feel they do not have time to exercise ... to consider finding time to commit to a lower weekly target of exercise," they wrote.

BIAFRA JELLO lyrics-Full Metal Jackoff

Fri, 02 Nov 2007 14:35:36 GMT

BIAFRA JELLO lyrics

Talking about Radiohead Goes Green

Wed, 24 Oct 2007 22:20:02 GMT

This is a good point

Quote

Radiohead Goes Green

I've always been confused by physical packaging for digital goods. Why ship hunks of plastic all over the world when I can click and download an identical product without anyone having to leave their homes?
Digital music (and video) has taken off in the last few years. But still, the recording industry is intent on relying on those antiquated slabs of plastic as their premium product.
When Radiohead finished its six-album contract with EMI, they decided to change the system a bit.
Their most recent album (the first in two years) was recently released in pure digital form. The band made the download available for whatever cost people are interested in paying. Apparently the average price paid has been roughly $8 ... significantly more than a band gets from a cut of traditional album sales.
It's a fascinating experience. The recording industry has long believed that people, in the end, want to purchase something physical. As if the plastic and paper of the product is more impotant than the actual music.
Radiohead, however, is asking people what they think the music, and only the music, is worth. The answer: It's worth more, as long as the record companies don't take their cut.
More money for Radiohead, less money for us, and less physical crap existing in the world. That's good news for everyone, right?
Oh, except the record companies. It's not good news for them.
~ Hank Green, 10/24/2007
Find out what CDs are made of >>

Woodsong: A balancing act

Tue, 14 Feb 2006 03:17:07 GMT

Posted on Mon, Feb. 13, 2006

GROWTH

Woodsong: A balancing act
Shallotte neighborhood lauded for blending natural, man-made
By Steve Jones
The Sun News

SHALLOTTE, N.C. - Protecting the environment was not the primary motivation for the way developer Buddy Milliken designed his 38-acre Woodsong neighborhood.

Rather, he says he was after the same feeling of well-being he got from two picture books - "This is How We Live in the Town" and "This is How We Live in the Country" - his 17-year-old son brought home 13 years ago from a Montessori school in Wilmington, N.C.

The approach earned him the first outstanding recognition from the new Cape Fear Stewardship Development Awards program. Based on a program the S.C. Department of Natural Resources has done since the 1990s, the Cape Fear program was designed to recognize developers in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties for exemplary protection of natural resources.

In Georgetown County, the Prince George tract development and Huntington Beach State Park have earned S.C. awards. No Horry County developments have been recognized, said S.C. DNR spokesman Brett Witt.

Those who developed the awards say they provide positive reinforcement for those who come up with plans that balance the desire for economic growth with environmental safeguards.

Wilmington Realtor Chip Berry said he believes the potential for such developments is unlimited.

A native of Murrells Inlet, Berry is a former program coordinator for the land division of S.C. DNR. He was instrumental in getting the stewardship awards program started in South Carolina, and exporting it to the Cape Fear region of North Carolina.

In South Carolina, Berry said, "There were some people doing some pretty amazing things and we wanted to recognize them."

What organizers south of the border found after the awards program began, he said, was that developers would come to the DNR for advice. Organizers of the Cape Fear program hope for similar results.

The Cape Fear program has its roots with Soil and Water Conservation Districts in Brunswick, New Hanover and Pender counties, but includes a broad range of backers from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington to the Wilmington-Cape Fear Home Builders Association to Brunswick County government.

"All of us are in the throes of substantial growth, both residential and commercial," said Bill Hart, an elected supervisor of the New Hanover Soil and Water Conservation District and one of the program's originators.

Low-impact development

Low-impact development, said Margo Thompson, a research associate in environment and energy for the National Association of Home Builders, is that which uses a system of natural elements to control stormwater.

Things such as minimizing impervious surfaces, using grasses and native vegetation and planning the development's layout to move with the natural land contours are each a part.

"What you want to do is slow down runoff," Thompson said.

The narrow streets of Woodsong weren't necessarily designed to reduce the impervious surfaces, Milliken said, although they do. Rather, his idea was to make streets that could be friendly to pedestrians and bicyclists by reducing sight lines, setting intersections slightly off center and giving the eye interesting vistas to encourage motorists to slow down to the 10 to 12 mph the streets are designed for.

The narrow streets wind past homes nudged toward the front of their lots under a canopy of native oaks and pines. "We drove in and we said, 'Oh,'" Woodsong resident Bob Hopper said of the reaction he and his wife had when they happened into Woodsong late one afternoon.

Those streets also dip toward the center, where grates channel stormwater into a system that flows into a small lake and from there into a woodland stream that empties into a natural wetland. Should so much rain fall to overtop the lake, it is designed to spill through a roadside channel into a grassy area and woodland behind it.

Meeting human needs

Woodsong is as much about meeting human needs, about creating a sense of community in which one could live a lifetime, Milliken said.

Available residences range from 400-square-foot apartments that rent for $500 a month to $300,000 homes, and if the next phase of the development is realized as it is now envisioned, to assisted living apartments for the elderly.

His hope is that people who move there will not have to "be uprooted if you wake up one day and realize you can no longer live independently."

Milliken said he doesn't know if developments like his make as much money as other kinds of developments. But he's convinced the protection of natural areas relies on attaching value to wooded areas.

That's what Milliken has done by putting paths for residents through Woodsong's woodlands, said Brunswick Soil and Water Conservation District director Mamie Caison.

Natural and man-made

The Cape Fear awards are to be presented at a banquet Thursday night in Wilmington, where Alex Duran, a national expert on low impact development, will speak.

As in South Carolina, the N.C. winners will be able to use the stewardship award logo in marketing their properties.

Besides Woodsong, Thursday's banquet will recognize New Hanover County's Preservation Park with a significant achievement award for preservation of wooded areas and wetlands.

Hart, who helped originate the N.C. award, said Woodsong is significant because Milliken took the time to involve landscape planners at N.C. State University in his development and for his attention to blending what he built with what was naturally on the site.

"The combination gives you a social benefit," Hart said.

Which is exactly the idea Milliken had as he looked through his son's pre-kindergarten books.

"I like the idea of weaving the man-made and the natural together in a living environment," he said. "[Woodsong] all sort of oozed out."

Contact STEVE JONES at (910) 754-9855 or sjones@thesunnews.com.

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:48:29 GMT

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach  is a group of individuals who genuinely care about the health and welfare of our fellow women, children and men.

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach was founded to create an avenue to information and a support system for our members and community related subjects. Your purchase helps us to continue to provide for those in need .

As A hand woven mat is woven with love and kindness; so are our lives as we continue to help improve  what it is we share with each other in our constant co-existence.

"Make today better than it was yesterday "
~ Priestess Kandi

"Team work only works, if you work it "!
~ Priestess Kandi

So with your support  we can continue to support those in need and help to heal Mother Earth.

Thanks in advance for your support.
~ Priestess Kandi

P.S.
Please do not hesitate to share this  site with others, in support .

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach is attempting to help to close that gap by truning a few frowns up side down!

Look at what we have to offer in the way of Fund Raisers.
Donations Request Once per month:
These are usually collected at the full moon.

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach adopted CASA.

Below is a needs list from them. If you are able to contribute please bring your contributions with you to the feast.
If you are unable to attend the feast and would like to contribute please contact Priestess Kandi for drop off location.
Citizens Against Spouse Abuse Needs list:
Baby Items:

Pedialyte

Baby Wipes (All sizes)

Pull-Ups (All sizes)

Baby toiletries (lotions, shampoo, Q-Tips, Etc.)

Diaper Rash Cream

Baby Formula

Baby Blankets

Baby Clothing in clean/good usable condition

Car Seats, Strollers or other baby items

Bottles, Pacifies, sippy cups with lids etc

Medications:

Pepto-Bismal

Immodium AD

Over the counter pain relievers (adult & children)

Over the counter Cold/Flu/Sinus Medication

Benedryl (adult & children)

Women's Needs:

Hair Care Products for women of all races (regular sizes as you would use in your home) to include shampoos, conditioners, hairs prays, gels etc.

Skincare Products for women of all races (regular sizes as you would use in your home)

Deoderant

Lotion

Nightgowns (all sizes)

NEW undergarments (all sizes)

NEW tennis shoes (all sizes)

Socks and slippers

Feminine hygiene products

Hairdryers and curling irons

Household Items

LG. Plastic storage containers

Paper towels, cups, plates, napkins, toilet paper

Trash Bags

Ziplock freezer bags

Laundry detergent

Dish detergent

Aluminum foil/ Plastic Wrap

Socks and Slippers

Household cleaning supplies

Sponges

Bath Cleaners

Bleach

Miscellaneous

Polaroid 600 Film

Gift Certificates to local Dept stores, Grocery stores Etc

Blank Journals

Night lights

Umbrellas

Any items you would use in your own home

CASA also welcomes monetary donations to be used to most effectively serve their clients. Checks and money orders should be made out to C.A.S.A. (or Citizens Against Spouse Abuse)

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach Food Bank
We are a group of individuals who genuinely care about the health and welfare of our fellow man.
We are accepting donations of food items in order to help to feed the hungry in our area.
Nutritional health is important!
Please contact Priestess Kandi at Donations@sc.rr.com

"Keep 'em warm"

Magic Parents In Myrtle Beach has officially launched our 1ST anual "Keep 'em warm" campaign.

Our Keep 'em warm mission is to help keep those warm this winter that may be less fortunate than others.

Donations of new and gently used coats, gloves, mittens, tabogons, sweat shirts and sweat pants, and scarves in clean and good condition are accepted.

You may leave your donations with

Priestess Kandi,

Donations@sc.rr.com

Good Day,
(NOTE: To avoid being redircted from this site, please right click any link and choose to open in new window or new tab)

-In light of the recent SC SENATE HEARING ON HURRICANES
-Please take a moment to look
-A Custom Super Home is a SMART-MASTER-PIECE...
-Benefits To "Mother Earth"
-Compliance
-Income Opportunity
-See Proof
-Ways we can help our city

In light of the recent SC Senate hearing on hurricanes

In light of the recent SC Senate hearing on hurricanes, I see that the
Officials cite loss in tourism and are lobbying for better building codes to
strengthen structures.

I have an environmentally friendly answer for building better, stronger
and more durable buildings on the Grand Strand, which will last longer than the ones we have now.

Has Built In Equity, it is Fire Proof, Sound Proof, Bullet Proof, Water
Proof, Hurricane Proof, Mold Proof, Termite Proof, Extremely Energy
Efficient, Seismically Superior, Sustainable, and Environmentally Friendly
when it is "done our way", there is NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or
any other harmful "side effect".

Environmentaly friendly homes and buildings built from recycled material.

There is no charge to get into the members area just go to http://customsuperhomes.com/kandi

And create your own access to the members area, where all the information is, in detail. If you are in real estate, do you do biz on the grand strand, Lets get together.

Lets turn The Grand Strand of SC into one of the most environmentaly friendly places to live and play!

Please take a moment to look

Please take a moment to look over what I am offering you, at no cost to look or gain access to further information. No strings attached.
You can sign in to gain full access to all information and then delete your account at any time.
http://customsuperhomes.com/kandi

There is no other company that can offer all these qualities and benefits for the same price as "stick homes", PERIOD! Besides, even the three little
pigs knew not to build with sticks!

Can be used to build any type of building you choose!

A Custom Super Home is a SMART-MASTER-PIECE...
Benefits To "Mother Earth" Compliance Income Opportunity

Since we are one of the fastest growing areas in the nation why not built Built with recycled materials?

-A Custom Super Home Earns You Income
-Has Built In Equity
-it is Fire Proof
-Sound Proof
-Bullet Proof
-Water Proof
-Hurricane Proof
-Mold Proof
-Termite Proof
-Extremely Energy Efficient
-Systematically Superior
-Sustainable
-Environmentally Friendly when it is "done our way". Built with recycled materials!!

There is no other company that can offer all these qualities and benefits
for the same price as "stick homes", PERIOD!

All at the same price it costs to build the traditional way.

Besides, even the three little pigs knew not to build with sticks!

Benefits To "Mother Earth"
-Minimize the pollution caused by Cement Production
-Minimize the KILLING of trees to extract lumber!
-Mass Recycle materials that would otherwise pollute Mother Nature!
-12.3 million tons of wood waste is dumped in land fills every year. (EPA)
-The US has 1.5 billion waste wood pallets, 6 for every American (Wall Street Journal)
-The US produces over 100 million tons of coal combustion byproducts every year
-The construction of a house can recycle more than 100 TONS of fly ash and wood waste'
-Mass recycling of millions of tons can be achieved and duplicated by people like YOU
-NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or any other harmful "side effect"
-And much...much more!

Compliance
In compliance with International Building Standards (ASTM/BOCA):
Our Proprietary (recycled) Building Materials capabilities, according to
the independent laboratory certifications, are in MUCH MORE THAN JUST IN FULL compliance with applicable ASTM/BOCA building standards:
-ASTM C-518
-ASTM E-136
-ASTM C-78
-ASTM C-666
-ASTM C-67
-ASTM C-140
Complying with ASTM and BOCA standards means that municipalities must allow the use of the system in construction within their city according to the law.

There is NO toxicity, radiation, out-gassing, or any other harmful "side
effect".

We have a COMPLETE ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY performed by independent laboratories certifying that our proprietary building material is 100% in environmental compliance. This means that NO ONE can legally stop us from building anywhere in the USA! (See ASTM book for detailed testing information)

Income Opportunity
On top of this this company is offering an income opportunity for all who
own a building made with this recycled material or just want to spread the word, no investment involved:
Custom Super Homes wants to:
TEACH YOU THE SYSTEM FOR FREE, PROFIT SHARE WITH YOU and BUILD A CUSTOM SUPER SHOW HOME FOR YOU WHOLESALE!

See Proof
Please see these videos that show you exactly what I am talking about:
Custom Super Homes

See shop Video
http://customsuperhomes.com/video.wmv
Where Custom Super Homes Start Double click for full screen view

Enjoy a high quality and energy efficient home that Benefits Mother Earth
http://customsuperhomes.com/kandi

W/ No Money Down Options & Income Opportunities

If you haven't seen the RAW "bonfire video" yet
http://customsuperhomes.com/bonfire.wmv
Please do so now and pay special attention to the depth of the emotions
going on there, it is simply fabulous!(PS: this is not an ad, just catching
people catching the vision) Double click for full screen view

Wanna see pictures ?
http://customsuperhomes.com/slide.htm
OF A house being built? Double click for full screen view

Listen
http://customsuperhomes.com/overviewcall.wma
To Custom Super Homes $ back Guarantee

Ways we can help~

Board set to approve MB grant Trade center expansion sought by city, senator

Thanks For Your Time,
CustomSuperHomes.com/kandi
Is brought to you by

Kandi Ranson-Wilson
Myrtle Beach, SC

"Knowledge is Power, Yet even more Powerful when shared!"

~ Priestess Kandi

Site Maintained By Priestess Kandi

Contributers will be acknowledged in our Acknowledgments section with a cirtificate of acknowledgment. Thanks in advance for your participations.

SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:31:24 GMT

Help to heal and strengthen Mother Earth for generations to come.

SIMPLE STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO REDUCE YOUR ECOLOGICAL FOOTPRINT

CALCULATE YOUR FOOTPRINT SAVINGS . . . THEN PLEDGE

http://tinyurl.com/cs2ts

Who we are

Wed, 25 Jan 2006 01:23:36 GMT

Here is where you will find what we are doing, as a community, to help out in our community.

On A Larger Scale:

Helping to heal and strengthen Mother Earth for generations to come.

We are a group of individuals who genuinely care about the health and welfare of our fellow men, women and children and Mother Earth.

As this

MAT

is woven so are our lives as we continue attempt to help improve what we share in each others existence.

"Make today better than it was yesterday"
~ Priestess Kandi

"Knowledge is Power, Yet even more Powerful when shared!"

~ Priestess Kandi

Your Organizer,

Priestess Kandi Ranson