Andrew Howard

Age: 12 Grade: Fifth Favorite thing to draw: Landscapes

Hanging in a lobby at Moss Hill Elementary School stands a picture that showcases the schools mascot and the artistictalents of one of its students.

Fifth-grader Andrew Howard said he started drawing at age 4 and his father, also an artist, helped spark his intresest in art.

When I saw his drawings, the young artist said, I thought they were neat and the way the appear real.

Howard said he was also inspired by paintings from Germany that hang on the walls in his house.

I look at those and sometimes I will try to draw them, he said.

Howard said a love of art has helped him form a strong bond with his father.

We dont always get to do it together, but sometimes I will draw something by myself, show it to him and then he will help me with it, he said.

Excerpt from:
Meet Me Monday: Moss Hill student finishes commissioned school painting

As the June 3 primary nears, candidates for the 74th Assembly District continue to battle for votes.

U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) endorsed Newport Beach City Councilman Keith Curry for the seat, which represents Newport, Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Irvine, Laguna Beach and Laguna Woods.

"Keith and I have worked together so many times and so well in the past, and I am sure we will be working together in the future for the betterment of coastal Orange County," Rohrabacher said in a news release.

Describing Rohrabacher in the release as a "longtime friend and fellow Reagan administration alumni," Curry added that he looked forward to collaborating with him on increasing jobs and growing the economy.

*

Local PAC snubs Curry

Stop the Dock Tax, a political action committee affiliated with the Newport Beach Dock Owners Assn., announced that it won't endorse Newport Beach Councilman Keith Curry in his run for the Assembly.

Citing Curry's vote on a dock fee increase and the cost of the new Newport Beach Civic Center, the group said it would donate $2,000 to opponent Emanuel Patrascu.

"Curry's style of big government is bad enough here in Newport we can't afford it in Sacramento," association Chairman Bob McCaffrey wrote in a news release.

McCaffrey said the group, now called Residents for Reform, will focus on electing four fiscally responsible council members this November. Nancy Gardner, Mike Henn and Leslie Daigle are termed out. Mayor Rush Hill is seeking reelection.

Originally posted here:
Political Landscape: Curry wins backing of Rohrabacher

by James Muoz / KENS 5

kens5.com

Posted on May 23, 2014 at 2:04 PM

Updated today at 2:22 PM

BULVERDE-- Johnson Ranch is the latest development going up in Comal County.

Eventually 950 homes on 767-acres will become the front porch of the Texas Hill Country in Bulverde.

Johnson Ranch Elementary School in the Comal ISD is at the front of the development.

DH Investments donated land for the school in 2008 when it had to delay plans for the development due to the slow economy. The Johnson Ranch has been a thriving cattle ranch for more than 60 years.

DH Investments is working closely with Johnson family members to preserve the character of the ranch.

"Were doing what we can to help take in some of that history. Were doing things with our amenities plans for our amenities center that really link to their heritage and naming streets and naming neighborhoods after the cattle ranching operation. Theres a lot of ranching heritage on this ranch that were trying to capitalize on," said Charlie Hill, Vice-President of DH Investments.

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Johnson Ranch development in Bulverde to have 950 homes, waste water treatment plant

Okanagan Valley, Vernon, British Columbia (PRWEB) May 19, 2014

While Europeans traditionally schedule a week or two of vacation each year to stay in a health resort, this is relatively a new trend for North Americans, states Hans-Peter Mayr, CEO of Sparkling Hill Resort Wellness Hotel and former general manager of several health destination spas in Austria. With an aging population in Canada and the US, and vacationers today focused on lifestyle values, health and sustainability, more of our guests are beginning to see the value and choose one of our week long health programs offered at our European-inspired, KurSpa. Here in Canada, Boomers 45+ represent 57.1% of the adult population, and with a growing interest in wellness vacations, this past year we have seen a 10% increase in room nights for wellness retreats and we anticipate this number to triple in 2015.

The integrative health clinic at KurSpa is characteristically distinct, innovatively combining all the services and amenities offered within a full-service spa in conjunction with naturopathic, homeopathic, psychology and kinesiology treatments all under one roof at the internationally acclaimed Swarovski crystal-infused Sparkling Hill Resort. Our programs are designed to treat the whole body with a combination of naturopathic and conventional therapies that eliminate chronic pain and inflammation, defy aging, and improve health, relationships, and work-life balance, says Dr. Ray Lendvai, medical director of KurSpa.We create personalized healing programs for our guests, comprehensively designed to improve the quality of ones life. Specialty programs include Cleanse and Detox, Healthy Weight Loss, Whole Body Wellness, 55+ Stay Young and Healthy, SHaRP Relationship Programs, Athletes Recovery and Executive Wellness Retreats. Wellness programs are led by the resorts two doctors, Dr. Lendvai and Dr. Strauss.

KurSpa is a whole body, mind and soul experience - a 40,000 sq. ft. European spa oasis where guests explore a better level of health from walking on the acres of private hiking trails to experiencing 7 unique aromatherapy steam and sauna rooms, and having access to over 100 therapies and treatments, 50% of which are health oriented. Health treatments such as Fango and chelation therapy remove harmful toxins from the body that have built up over the years. KurSpa encapsulates the beauty of the natural landscape outside the floor to ceiling windows surrounding salt water pools, Kneipp hydrotherapy, and relaxation and tea rooms. The abundant natural light and setting in nature is naturally healing and uplifting, ideal for health and wellness retreats.

About Sparkling Hill Resort Sparkling Hill Resort opened in 2010 and is a premier international destination spa resort for extended heath vacations with 149 guest rooms that are in themselves a wellness retreat. World renowned, it is the only resort in the world to incorporate Swarovski crystal elements into every aspect of its design. Located in the Okanagan Valley of British Columbia near Vernon, Sparkling Hill Resort is easily accessible from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) with daily flights from Los Angeles, Seattle, Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto. The valley is recognized for its majestic mountains, refreshing waters, award winning wineries, world-class golf, winter skiing and one of the warmest climates in Canada.

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Sparkling Hill Resort Wellness Hotel Identifies a Surge in Wellness Vacations

May 19, 2014

The waterfall in Lembah Kiara Park. March 19, 2014. "I think having land and not ruining it is the most beautiful art anybody could ever want." Andy Warhol.

The costly exposed HDPE pipes have being dug up for disposal on 16 May 2014 by the Landscape department following the article in the Malaysian Insider "Taxpayers' monies down the drain in Kiara Park".

The solid steel railings which had been lying in wait at a stream in the valley in Kiara Park will also be disposed of, after concerns were raised by park-users that the new steely bridge may not be able to withstand its heavy weight. They will be replaced by nylon nets according to the chief contractor, Haji Yuril, who was overseeing the removal of the HDPE pipes.

How will the public, in the face of rising costs of living, perceived these afterthoughts on the action of the department? Was it a sheer waste of taxpayers' monies washed down the drain? Granted of course that the rectification is necessary to prevent erosion on the slopes and possible collapse of the steely bridge.

Or will they perceive positively that such remedial actions of the Landscape Department signal a step towards consultative management of the people's park?

Park-users had in fact celebrated with jubilation the removal of barbed wire that had suddenly sprouted out along fencing in Bukit Kiara in April 2014 after FoBK ( Friends of Bukit Kiara) highlighted that "barbed-wire has no place at all in a forest". They had mistakenly thought that the " Great Wall of Bukit Kiara " had been dismantled!

The question raised is why does the Landscape department have to wait only after the damage has been done and for park-users, FoBK and TRAKS (Trails Association of Kuala Lumpur and Selangor) to cry and scream before any action is taken, if at all?

The disastrous slope rectification in Bukit Kiara since January 2014 which exposed the hill and park-users to the elements and caused collateral damage to a new Angel Trail on the opposite slope where earth removed had been dumped callously is a classic case in point.

The HDPE pipes removed at the Lembah Kiara Park. March 19, 2014.Will the landscape department and the relevant authorities henceforth move towards a consultative management of Bukit Kiara with stakeholders to ensure its sustainability ? And that hard-earned money of taxpayers are spent wisely and accounted for by the relevant authorities for the benefit of the people?

Link:
The_waterfall_in_Lembah_Kiara_Park.jpg

LAGUINDINGAN Coinciding with the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA)s declaration of the month of May as Heritage Month, May 15, 2014 marked the date of the opening of Misamis Orientals latest ecotourism attraction Oyster Hill which is located in Lapad, Laguindingan town in Misamis Oriental.

Misamis Oriental governor Vicente Yevgeny Bambi Emano, Laguindingan mayor Oliver Ubaub and Dr. Erlinda M. Burton, curator of the Xavier University Museum graced the provinces new eco-tourism destination.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. A display of fossilized oyster shell. (Contributed photo)

While visitors can enjoy the sites clean, fresh air in the hills landscape, nothing could be more beautiful than the seemingly unassuming pieces of limestone at the base of a hill, Oyster Hills fossilized oyster colony.

What makes it special is preserving the colony of fossilized oysters as a natural heritage.

Like all great inventions and discoveries, it was discovered by accident, shares Engr. Raul B. Ilogon.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Misamis Oriental governor Yevgeny Vicente Emano and Dr. Erlinda Burton, curator of Xavier University Museum put their palms on a wet cement to mark the opening of the Oyster Hill heritage place in Barangay Lapad in Laguindingan town in Misamis Oriental. (Contributed photo)

Fossils were first discovered in 1993 by Raul while he had been clearing the land to plant mango trees. Unfortunately, tourism and environmental awareness had still been in its developing stage and the family had at that time been unaware that they had stumbled upon pre-historic treasures, so many of the fossils and giant clams had been used as decorative items at their family restaurant. Emano, in his speech, thanked the family for this contribution to the province. He also shares that while he has personal interest in this natural heritage and furthered that the province is luck to have it readily available unlike in foreign countries where they pay for archaeologists to dig and find fossils.

CAGAYAN DE ORO. Dr. Erlinda Burton, curator of Xavier University Museum and who confirmed the authenticity of the fossilized oyster colony in Barangay Lapad, tells the visitors about the fossil oyster colony during the Oyster Hill inauguration in Barangay Lapad in Laguindingan town in Misamis Oriental on May 15. (Contributed photo)

Emano is optimistic that despite looming difficulty to sell it as a new eco-tourism destination, it would pay off in the future.

Read the rest here:
Oyster Hill and its treasure

SPRINGFIELD, KY (WAVE) Have you traveled around the Commonwealth lately? If so, you may have noticed horse country has taken on a fresh face.

Built in 1848, Maple Hill Manor has more to offer than their critically acclaimed breakfast and well appointed guestrooms. The picturesque landscape comes with an interactive feature.

"Guests enjoy strolling the grounds and interacting with the alpacas," Maple Hill Manor co-owner Todd Allen said.

[SLIDESHOW: These photos of Alpacas will make you smile]

Allen grew up on a dairy farm but turned his attention to alpacas after seeing them at the Kentucky State Fair. He began researching alpaca farms in other states and became one of the first 10 alpaca farm owners in Kentucky in the 90's. Now Allen and his business partner breed, show and sell alpacas.

Loved for their beautiful soft coats with high luster, their luxurious fiber is sheered once a year and turned into everything from sweaters to toy alpacas.

Llamas are used at Maple Hill Manor as guards, protecting the herd of 36 suri alpacas from coyotes.

[SLIDESHOW: Scarves, socks and stuffed animals all made from alpaca fleece]

After all, more than livestock and livelihood all 36 of them are pets with names like Chauncey and Brimstone.

Visitors are drawn to the oversized eyes, diverse colors and gentle dispositions.

Excerpt from:
Alpacas bring a fresh face to horse country

A vital part of any historical property lies in the landscaping.

Mound House on Fort Myers Beach is no different as committee members, volunteers and representatives eye a winter opening of a project that has been many years in the works.

Now that Town officials have approved a master contract for cultural resource management firm Search, Inc. to complete a landscape signage design, fabrication and installation program, the overall project to fully open the property for history buffs is beginning to "come up roses."

BOB PETCHER Mound House foreground landscaping features meadow plantings, such as gaillardia and dune sunflowers. Near the home is a jacaranda tree to the left and a strangler fig to the right.

The design portion of landscape signage has been reported to cost just over $55,000, while the fabrication and installation elements is not expected to exceed $117,484.79. Both task orders are funded by a Lee County Tourist Development Council grant for landscape restoration.

"Landscaping is an integral part of the educational experience that a visitor will get when everything is open to the public," said Barbara Anderson Hill, chairperson of the Town Cultural and Environmental Learning Center Advisory Board. "It is value-added. It talks about the history from the Calusas to the Longs, how that property was utilized and how the landscaping provided an important resource for over 2,000 years. The plants and the trees tell a story."

Hill stated William and Florence Long, the last residents of Mound House, were the ones that developed Shell Mound Park back in the 1950s.

"The other mounds were flattened and the shells were used to pave a large part of the beach," she said.

Signage under the Town's action plan is being designed for plant identification, directory/directional signs and interpretive panels. Templates for each sign type is being developed. Once approved, Search, Inc. will begin full design of them. The program is expected to take many months, well after the property should be fully open for visitation.

"That's the unfortunate part," said Hill, who also stated the landscape lighting will probably not be in as well at that time.

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PLANT PROJECT: Mound House landscaping adds natural beauty

By Sakini Mohd Said

KUALA LUMPUR (Bernama) -- Malaysia has a diverse landscape that offers even the novice thrill seeker an extreme challenge.

There are steep hills and high mountains, challenging rapids and verdant jungles, thus extreme activities like jungle tracking, scaling hills and mountains, whitewater rafting provide the perfect challenge for adrenalin rush seekers.

And what more, many of these places are easily accessible so even the average person feels he is ready for an extreme challenge without any preparation.

A good example is Bukit Tabur in Taman Melawati, at the fringes of the city. This hill is the prominent part of nature reserve with its nature laden trail attracting city folks up to the peak to enjoy fresh air and the panoramic view of the city.

The eastern side has a rock face and it attracts those who want to put their endurance and bravery to test. But since 2009 four people have fell to their deaths and many injured due to falls.

Early this year Soleha Abd Rahman, 25, fell 60 metres into a ravine and died while trying to abseil the rock face. Less than a month earlier a science teacher Ng Pee Tat, in his 30s slipped from a ridge and lost his life. In 2009 Dr Haliza Mohd Shafie and Dr Amin Tai Abdullah believed have fallen to their deaths during while tracking to the Bukit Tabur's peak.

Then there was host of reports of people getting lost while jungle tracking or washed away by strong water currents. This made many to think twice in indulging in such extreme undertakings.

THE BRAVEST OR THE MOST FOOLHARDY

Many of those participating in such risky extreme activities do so without preparation, equipment or event guides. There are literally tempting their fate.

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Challenging Times For Malaysia's Extreme Sports Industry

Pictured above are the current FFA officers. The Bullard Future Farmers of America reflected back on a successful year at the annual FFA Banquet Thursday, May 8, at the Bullard Elementary Cafetorium. Bullard FFA experienced great success, raising over $500,000 in the 2013-2014 school year.

Several teams also advanced to area and state competitions. The radio team won second place at Area and advanced to State, placing 14th. The farm business management team received third place at Area and 15th place at State. The livestock team took home first place at Area and advanced to State, winning 24th place. The nursery and landscape team won fourth place in Area, advancing to State where they were ranked 31st. The forestry team received first place in Smith County, advancing to State and placing 38th. The milk quality team won first place in Area and 41st in State. Bullard FFA had several teams fall short of qualifying for State competition, with the junior creed team place fourth, agriculture issues team placing sixth, agriculture advocacy placing seventh, junior agricultural skills placing eighth, and senior agriculture skills team placing eighth at Area competition.

At right are the retiring officers. Several FFA members placed in individual competition at Area this year. Sean Dempsey placed ninth in Farm Business Management. Kalyn Johnson received the Overall High Individual award in Milk Quality. Tyler Kelly scored as the Overall High Individual in Livestock. Zach May placed third in Livestock. Kristina Parcher placed ninth in Milk Quality. Daniel Shumate received sixth place in Farm Business Management. Sam Spiller received sixth place in Nursery and Landscape. Jane Smith won ninth place in Veterinary Medicine. Hannah Lloyd won first place in Public Prepared Speaking at the District competition, advancing the Area.

Pictured above are the FFA award winners from the annual banquet. The chapter also showed several agriculture mechanics projects at competitions this year. Jake Harris and Chris Barrett exhibited a 32 foot custom built pipe trailer, winning Grand Champion in the Open Shop competition at the Smith County Youth Expo and Blue Ribbon Project at the Houston Livestock Show. Abbey Covey, Rylie Hellman, and Tray Johnson exhibited a small animal surgical table, winning a blue ribbon and fourth in class at the Houston Livestock Show. Karlie Lowe won a blue ribbon for her portable growing stand at the Houston Livestock Show. Tristan Bishop was named Champion of Market Shop Projects for his fire pit at the Smith County Youth Expo. Dillon White won Reserve of Market Shop Projects at the Smith County Youth Expo for his wooden swing.

Also this year, FFA President Juliann Hill received her Lone Star FFA Degree, the highest degree of membership.

FFA members recognize Jan Hill as the chapter's Mother of the Year. PHOTOS BY MICAH MCCARTNEY As a chapter, the Bullard FFA received the National Chapter Award, the Golden Horizon Award, and the Superior FFA Chapter award.

Due to their success this year, several FFA members received college scholarships at competitions. At the Smith County Youth Expo, Harris, Hill, Ryan Sloan, and Mallory Watkins each received $2,600 in scholarships. Hill also received $1,000 from the Audry Owens Memorial Rodeo Scholarship, $500 from the Bullard Kiwanis Club Scholarship, $1,200 scholarship from the Cherokee County Livestock Show, $2,250 from the Smith County Soil and Conservation Scholarship, and $1,000 in scholarship from Texas Farm Bureau. At the San Antonio Livestock Show, Hill and Lloyd each received $10,000, as well as Kelly receiving $14,000 in scholarships. Hill is also a finalist for an additional $18,000 from the Texas FFA Scholarship.

Charlotte Main, FFA sponsor, announced the student recognition awards. Hill was presented with the Dekalb Award. Lloyd received the Star Greenhand award. Braydon McKeethan and Tray Johnson were co-winners of the Star Chapter Farmer Award. Bailey Thomas received the Workhorse Award. Sloan was awarded the Scholastic Award.

Monty Main, FFA sponsor, announced the student proficiency awards. Spiller received the proficiency award for Diversified Horticulture. Jaden Lansford was presented with the proficiency award in Poultry Production. Lloyd received proficiency awards for Prepared Public Speaking and Creed Speaking. Isela Sanchez was presented with the proficiency award in Landscape Management. Harris received the proficiency award for Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication. Smith won the proficiency award for Home and Community Development. Hill was presented the proficiency award for Diversified Livestock Production. Thomas received the proficiency award for Outdoor Recreation. McKeethan won the proficiency award for Sheep Production. Sarah Minton was presented with the proficiency award for Goat Production. Hellman received the proficiency award for Veterinary Science. Kelly won the proficiency award for Swine Production. McKenzie Clark was presented with the Small Animal Production proficiency award. May received the proficiency award for Beef Production.

Awards were also given to parents and sponsors. Jan Hill, curriculum director for BISD, was presented with the FFA Chapter Mother award. The Honorary FFA Chapter Degree was presented to Warren Johnson. Beryl Johnson received the Distinguished Service award.

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FFA banquet recognizes successful year