The city is one of three Virginia communities that made the list. The others are Arlington County and Bristol.

The Intelligent Community Forum’s Web site notes Danville’s response to its decline in textiles and tobacco, including its open-access fiber network, nDanville, which brings “world-class connectivity to business and government.” The site also mentions the network’s 125-mile length and its government and school facilities and 150 businesses hooked up to nDanville.

The site also pointed to the city’s partnership with Pittsylvania County to form a business incubator and joined with Virginia Tech to construct the Institute for Advanced Learning & Research.

“These projects have begun building an entrepreneurial base of new employers, while business attraction efforts have brought into Danville IKEA’s first North American manufacturing plant and a new data center housed in an old mill building,” the site states.

The Intelligent Communities Forum is a think tank that studies the economic and social development of communities in the 21st century, according to its Web site. The forum “seeks to share the best practices of the world’s intelligent communities in adapting to the demands of the broadband economy, in order to help communities everywhere find sustainable renewal and growth,” the Web site states.

http://www2.godanriver.com/gdr/news/local/danville_news/article/danville_earns_ranks_on_smart21_list/14768/

Morton, Illinois, population 16,000 is home to the Libby company which controls 80-90 percent of the nation’s pumpkin pie mix.  Last year, their 5,000 acres of pumpkins were stopped from reaching grocery store shelves because of bad weather.  This year, the abundance of rain has soaked the crop, making a large portion of the crop uneligable for harvest.  They have been harvesting 24 hours a day since September, but they said that it’s still going to be a tight squeeze to satisfy everyone’s pumpkin pie needs over the holidays.

Prices are being affected as well.  A normal 15oz. can that normally sells for around $.99 is going for about $1.59 and the 29oz. can is priced this season at $2.29. 

My suggestion to you is two fold.  Either 1) go out and stock up or 2) take a breather and make things the old fashioned way; from scratch.  You might be surprised with the results.

First White Spaces Network Brings Broadband Internet to Rural America over Unused TV Broadcast Airwaves

Wed Oct 21, 2009 11:00am EDT

Industry Leaders, Including Dell, Microsoft, Spectrum Bridge and the TDF Foundation, Join to Improve Education, Economic Opportunity and Quality of Life for Claudville, Va. Residents

WASHINGTON–(Business Wire)–

For the first time in the U.S., unused TV broadcast channels freed up by the transition to digital TV are being used to wirelessly deliver high-speed Internet connectivity to business, education and community users. These unused frequencies are commonly referred to as TV white spaces. Under an experimental license granted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), Spectrum Bridge designed and deployed a wireless TV white spaces network to distribute broadband Internet connectivity in Claudville, Virginia. To ensure that Claudville residents can make the most of this new high-speed connectivity, Dell, Microsoft and the TDF Foundation contributed state-of-the-art computer systems and software applications to the local school, as well as the town`s new computer center. As a result, Claudville residents have already begun to reap the benefits of joining the online community.

“Earlier this year, Jonathan Large, a member of the Patrick County Board of Supervisors, testified before the Subcommittee I chair about the need for broadband service in rural communities like Claudville,” said Congressman Rick Boucher, Chairman of the Subcommittee on Communications, Technology and the Internet. “I am pleased that Spectrum Bridge, Dell, Microsoft and the TDF Foundation are presenting an innovative and promising solution by providing high-speed Internet services to the residents of Claudville through white space

technology. I hope that Claudville will become a model for delivering broadband services to more rural communities in a cost-effective manner in the future.”

TV white spaces are vacant channels in the television band and are ideal for sending broadband signals across long distances and for penetrating walls, trees and other objects. These TV white spaces hold enormous potential for expanding broadband access, particularly in rural and other underserved areas.

“Our students and teachers did not have access to computers or broadband connectivity until now,” said Jerry Whitlow, administrator of Trinity Christian School. “The advantages these new technologies bring to our classrooms will be numerous, including expanded research and information resources, greater understanding of important world events and access to new distance learning opportunities.”

The TV white spaces network is providing the “middle mile” link between the wired backhaul and the WiFi hot spot networks deployed in Claudville`s business area as well as the school. The same network is also providing last mile broadband connectivity directly to end users.

Roger Hayden, Director of Claudville Computer Center and Chairman of the Patrick County Broadband Task Force said, “We have been working for many years to help the people of Claudville get high-speed data services that urban areas take for granted. The citizens here are directly benefiting from the digital dividend created by availability of TV white spaces frequencies. Being able to leverage a TV white spaces network that covers Claudville`s residential, business and the surrounding areas is a major step towards meeting this goal.”

Signals delivered over TV white spaces can cover large areas and are unlicensed in keeping with a November 2008 FCC decision, so device-makers and network operators using TV white spaces frequencies take precautions to prevent interference with licensed television broadcasts. To ensure that the use of TV white spaces in Claudville does not cause interference with local TV signals, the network is controlled by Spectrum Bridge`s intelligent TV white spaces

database system. This database assigns non-interfering frequencies to white spaces devices, and can adapt in real time to new TV broadcasts, as well as to other protected TV band users operating in the area.

“Due to its availability and range, TV white spaces have proved to be a very cost-effective way to distribute high-speed Internet in this heavily forested and hilly rural community,” said Peter Stanforth, CTO of Spectrum Bridge. “The non-line of sight conditions, coupled with long distances between radios, would have posed significant challenges to existing unlicensed alternatives. TV white spaces could prove to be invaluable to those striving to bring broadband access to underserved and unserved rural communities.”

TV white spaces hold promise for other rural communities in Virginia and throughout the country, as well as underserved areas, such as some inner cities. The rapid adoption of TV white spaces rules will allow industry to respond to government initiatives that seek increased broadband penetration on the state and national levels.

“Thanks to innovative leaders such as Dell, Microsoft, Spectrum Bridge and the TDF Foundation, Virginia students in every corner of the Commonwealth have a chance at a 21st century learning experience,” said Governor Timothy M. Kaine.  “Broadband access in particular has the potential to dramatically improve quality of life for our citizens while ensuring our students have the tools they need to succeed. My thanks to Congressman Boucher for his continued leadership

and commitment to advancing the lives of the citizens of Southwest Virginia.”

To discover what white spaces channels are available in your area, the Web site ShowMyWhiteSpace.com offers a free search tool that lists all open white spaces channels at any address in the U.S. This site also contains white spaces news and information, as well as links to FCC documents and other valuable white

spaces resources.

About Spectrum Bridge Inc.

Spectrum Bridge is making wireless spectrum more available, accessible and productive for everyone as part of its Universal Spectrum Access solutions.  Named to Fierce Wireless` Fierce 15 as one of “the most innovative and smart emerging companies in the wireless industry,” the company is privately held and headquartered in Lake Mary, Florida. For more information, contact us at (866)598-7426 or visit SpectrumBridge.com.

About Dell

Dell Inc. (NASDAQ: DELL) listens to customers and delivers innovative technology and services they need and value. For more information, visit www.dell.com.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

About TDF

TDF is a Washington DC-based venture capital fund dedicated to building

industry-leading companies that solve important problems in the Communications sector. TDF established the TDF Foundation to focus on bringing broadband access and computing technology to low-income and unserved communities where it will have a meaningful impact and where results are measurable.

~ 119 deficient bridge structures to be repaired or replaced ~

RICHMOND—Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that 119 bridges across the Commonwealth will be replaced or repaired using funds from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The Commonwealth Transportation Board (CTB) has awarded seven construction contracts to replace 119 structurally deficient bridges across the state that would otherwise have gone unaddressed. The awarded contracts, totaling $50.7 million, are part of the Commonwealth’s continued efforts to invest $694.5 million in highway funding from the ARRA.

“I am very pleased that the President and Congress recognize the value of infrastructure investment and included it in the ARRA. These bridge replacements and repairs will address a significant safety issue in our transportation network and put Virginians back to work,” said Governor Kaine. “While Virginia is consistently named one of the best states for business, we must maintain our infrastructure to stay economically competitive and keep our citizens safe. No state or nation can grow out of a recession with a crumbling infrastructure, and am I very happy that these funds will provide immediate jobs and economic stimulus, as well as long term dividends for the Commonwealth.”

The contracts for bridge repair and replacement were awarded by the CTB at its October meeting, along with a contract to provide much needed improvements to Route 3 in Spotsylvania County.

“Thanks to the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds, Virginia will be able to replace more than 100 structurally deficient bridges,” said Virginia Department of Transportation Commissioner David Ekern. “These funds have helped Virginia continue to make strategic investments during a time of declining state revenues.”

During the next 60 days the VDOT Commissioner is also expected to award contracts for the following projects:

·        Witchduck Road improvements, rail projects and access improvements in Virginia Beach

·        German School Road improvements in the Richmond

·        Fairfax County Parkway improvements in Fairfax County

Virginia has focused its ARRA transportation funding on strategic investments that will create jobs, address congestion and infrastructure needs, and enhance economic development and intermodal solutions. Virginia has met every deadline and requirement set forth in the ARRA legislation. Virginia expects its ARRA funding to be distributed as follows:

·        $175.0 million is targeted to advance much-needed congestion-relief projects resulting in close to 100 new lane miles

·        $100.6 million is targeted toward structurally deficient and functionally obsolete bridges

·        $91.2 million will fund improvements necessary near expanding military installations including 17 new lane miles and two major interchanges

·        $61.7 million is targeted to improve Virginia’s rail network and access to the Port of Virginia

·        $117.8 million of this stimulus funding will be for projects selected by the state’s five large urban metropolitan planning organizations

·        $146.4 million is targeted toward re-paving or overlaying more than 550 lane miles of highway and primary roads in Virginia

·        $20.8 million will be used for enhancement projects

A full list of bridges that will be replaced or repaired is below. For additional information on the Commonwealth’s implementation of the ARRA, please visit www.stimulus.virginia.gov or www.vdot.virginia.gov/.

There are always questions associated with race weekend.  Will traffic be terrible?  Most likely. Will it be cold? Probably. Will you get a sunburn despite the weather? Most Definitely.  Will it be one of the best times you’ve ever had?  No question.  If you’re lucky enough to have tickets, have fun.  If you’re not, you can drive around the block and listen to it on any number of radio stations and prentend, right?  Whatever your method of getting your race in, enjoy yourselves and be safe.

~ Japanese company to open facility and create 39 new full-time positions and 150 seasonal jobs ~

RICHMOND – Governor Timothy M. Kaine today announced that Japan Tobacco International (JTI) Leaf Services (US) plans to invest $19.5 million to establish a tobacco processing facility in the City of Danville, creating 39 full-time jobs and 150 seasonal positions when fully operational. The local company, JTI Leaf Services, will process both flue-cured and burley tobacco in the United States and ship to international markets.

 “In these tough economic times, this multimillion dollar investment and the jobs it creates are especially significant in Southside Virginia,” Governor Kaine said. “Even as we continue to diversify the region’s economy, we’re pleased by the opportunity to build on traditional industries that have historically been important in the Commonwealth.”

JTI is the international tobacco division of Japan Tobacco Inc., the world’s third largest global manufacturer of tobacco products. The company produces two of the top three worldwide cigarette brands: Winston and Mild Seven. Other international brands include Camel, Benson & Hedges, Silk Cut, Sobranie of London, Glamour and LD. With headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, JTI has more than 23,000 employees and sales activities in 120 countries.

“Virginia was a natural choice for our facility given its rich history in the tobacco industry and the seasoned workforce who reside here,” said Steven Daniels, President of JTI Leaf Services. “We look forward to building long-standing relationships with both the Danville community and the Commonwealth.”

The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with the City of Danville to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Kaine approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Opportunity Fund to assist Danville with the project. The Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission approved up to $250,000 in Tobacco Region Opportunity Funds for the project. The Virginia Department of Business Assistance will provide training assistance through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program.

“JTI Leaf Services will offer a tremendous opportunity in Danville for our workforce,” said Mayor Sherman Saunders. “Our history is rich with a tobacco heritage, and with all of the available expertise in the area, JTI should have no problem finding competent and productive employees. This is an exciting project – one that capitalizes on the agricultural strengths of the area and increases our presence in the global marketplace.”

“The Virginia Tobacco Commission was happy to offer assistance to ensure that JTI Leaf Services could take advantage of the region’s natural resources and create new jobs and investment,” said Delegate Danny Marshall, a member of the Virginia Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Commission. “We are pleased that the Tobacco Commission could help bring these new jobs to Southside.”

# # #

Saturday and Sunday offer battle scenes, Civil War sutlers (read battle victual suppliers), food (hopefully not hard tack…perhaps they’ll be more understanding to your 21st century palette), exhibits, Black Rose Memorial Service  which is a really neat memorial service done by the Society of the Black Rose.  Additionally, you’ll be able to see a fashion show hopefully complete with hooped skirts and woolen fashions and dance the night away to the tunes by Slate Mt. Ramblers. 

It sounds like a great time to be had in Patrick County, VA.  And parents, what better way to immerse your children in history than to take them to something like this.  Renactors take their roles very seriously, so it’s an amazing learning experience!  For more information, go to www.jebstuart.org

Shai Cullop

This chair, made out of solid ash was built for Bassett Furniture’s 100th anniversary in 2002.  This chair, which I reiterate the fact that it is huge, will be put on display in uptown Martinsville as a tribute and testament to the area’s unique assets.  The chair is in fact nearly 5,000 pounds, over 20 feet high and more than 8 feet wide. 

The chair will be dedicated with a ribbon cutting ceremony this Friday at 4:00pm.  Other chairlike activities such as a showing of the documentary “With These Hands, The Story of An American Furniture Industry,” (showing Thursday at the Rives Theatre at 6:30)  will take place. To get free tickets for the documentary, call the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation.

Well guess what? I think this is awesome!  I love it when an area can boast its traditional assets such as furniture making or agriculture.  I love that Martinsville is owning its heritage in such a…big way

Actors know that body language speaks volumes, and the good ones use it subtly to persuade the audience.Poses, positions and postures tell the audience what to think about the character.A job interview is no different, said Jodie Bentley, owner and co-founder of The Savvy Actor, a firm that coaches actors on the business of acting and teaches them how to market themselves. Your body language tells the interviewer things about you.”I think it is important to have body awareness before you go into an interview,” she said. There are many actions and habits that we should consider doing or avoid doing to tell the right story during the interview setting.  Actor John Treacy Egan, featured in such Broadway hits as “The Producers” and “The Little Mermaid,” demonstrates some of the body-language tricks he uses and avoids on stage. “Practice these, and you will take it over,” he said. “It’s like muscle matter,”

1) Wardrobe

Bentley emphasized the importance of wearing clothes that show you in your best light during an interview. “I really think that the clothes that you wear impact who you are, and if you wear something that makes you feel fabulous, your body language is going to be so much more comfortable in the moment.”

2) Hold onto a talisman

“Wear a piece of jewelry or a scarf or something that has meaning to you and can ground you in the moment,” Bentley said. “If I get nervous, sometimes I will look at my wedding ring and think of my husband who supports me, and I realize I should be doing this and I am on the right path. When we get nervous, we feel ourselves being removed from our bodies slightly. I think that having that talisman is a great way just to keep us grounded and present in the moment.”

3) Feet on floorEgan recommended that you keep both feet on the floor and sit up straight. Crossing your legs, he said, portrays complacency.

4) Sit still

“Nervous energy isn’t good,” Bentley said. “And so a lot of people cross their legs and shake their legs over and over again. Not that we need to sit with ankles crossed and be stiff.”

5) Hands on knees

 “If you have to make a point,” Egan said, “you can use your hands.” But rather than speaking with your hands, he recommends you rest your hands on your knees until you need to make a gesture.

6) Sit a little bit forward

“You don’t want to sit back,” Egan said. “Leaning backwards can leave the impression that you are overly relaxed and can make you look untidy.”

7) Don’t fold your arms

“I think that is a bad habit that a lot of people fall into. It definitely closes you off (from the interviewer). Not a lot of actors do it,” Bentley said.

Avoid body tics

Don’t crack your finger joints or fiddle with your cufflinks. “I have big, red, curly hair, and I used to twirl my curls when I got nervous,” Bentley said. “It is about really being honest with yourself and saying to yourself: ‘What are my habits when I get nervous, and how can I eliminate them?’ ”

9) No hands in pockets

“If you are standing at all in the interview, then hands in the pockets are a big no-no. That just looks so clumsy and messy,” Bentley said. “Let your hands drop to your side, and talk,” is Egan’s advice. “When you need to use your hands, engage them.”

10) Don’t invade the interviewer’s space

“Some people just get too close for comfort,” Bentley said. “They think that they want to make a connection, so they get closer. Really knowing that boundary is really important.” For example, don’t stretch your hands or body over the interviewer’s desk.

11) Props

“If you need a prop like a pen, use it if it makes you feel a little bit more comfortable,” Egan said. “Start with the place where you feel safest, holding your hands together or holding a prop, but give yourself the chance to step away from that during the presentation or interview. It makes you look stronger.”

12) Don’t stare

“In a conversation, (actors) never fully lock eyes with people,” Bentley said. “We talk, we look people in the eyes, we have a thought, and we look away. We look to the right, and we look to the left.” Sometimes in an interview setting, you focus too much on impressing the audience. “And we start really staring at them, and staying focused so much, that we start to look a little crazy.” Egan concurred: “If you feel like you are looking the person in the eye too long, hold it one more second and break away.”

Karl Rozemeyer is a freelance syndicated columnist, journalist and photographer who has worked as international editor for Premiere magazine in New York and the director of photography for Hachette Filipacchi magazines in Prague. He was born in Zimbabwe and was educated in Cape Town, South Africa.

Many of the girls have been to the World Series before, but for many it was a first time win.  Says one of the girls, “I’ve been to four World Series, and this is my first title, and it feels great.  I wouldn’t trade this for anything except to come back and do it again.”

I think this is absolutely incredible!  When I was growing up, we didn’t have a girl’s softball league, so for these girls to be able to do this and go all the way, that is incredible!  Way to go American Belles!