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Capital Campaigns: The Ultimate Guide for Growing Nonprofits
by Andrea Kihlstedt
Capital campaigns are intense fundraising efforts designed to raise a specific amount of money within a defined time period to build an organization's assets and capacity.
You can use a capital campaign to renovate or build new facilities, fund special projects requiring capital investment, build capacity, and increase endowment. Campaigns invite donors to make special gifts over and above the recurring, annual operating gifts they make to an organization. Most nonprofits conduct a capital campaign every 10 to 15 years.
Quick Links — Use the links below to learn more about capital campaigns:
Capital Campaign Basics
Capital Campaign FAQs
Planning a Capital Campaign
Capital Campaign Timeline
Capital Campaign Consultants
Capital Campaigns in Uncertain Times
Capital Campaigns: The Basics
Successful capital campaigns grow out of a long-range or strategic plan that specifies the need for investments to facilitate the organization's growth. Typically, organizations use campaigns to raise money for the following assets:
Building renovations
Start-up funds for new programs
9 Essential Capital Campaign Practices
Capital campaigns raise money in a very specific way that differentiates them from recurring fundraising practices.
Below are nine practices used in successful capital campaigns.
Raise money for specific objectives
Rely on one-on-one, personal solicitation (in-person or virtually)
Require a compelling case for support
Encourage donors to make multi-year pledges
Rely extensively on large gifts with approximately ten gifts accounting for at least half of the goal
Engage top level volunteers in asking for gifts
Raise at last 65% of the money before announcing the goal publicly
Ask for gifts that are over and above ongoing annual gifts
Use a strategic order of solicitation, starting with the largest donors and those closest to the organization
What You Need for a Successful Capital Campaign
Capital campaigns are not the right fundraising approach for every organization. But if you can check off all six items below, then capital campaign fundraising is right for you.
A high-functioning board
Effective and willing volunteer leadership
Involved leadership level donors
A well-organized development office
A clear plan and a compelling case
A positive image in the community
Let's go through all six necessities one-by-one.
Need #1: A High Functioning Board
Is your board active in fundraising right now? Do all of your board members make meaningful contributions? If board members aren't committed enough to make small annual contributions to your organization, chances are good, they won't do much to support or help with your capital campaign.
A fully committed board active in fundraising now, is critical to the success of your campaign.
Need #2: Effective and Willing Leadership
Can you identify potential campaign leaders? Are they influential in your community? Do you have a plan to engage and enlist them? The right people chairing your capital campaign can make your success inevitable.
Need #3: Involved Leadership Level Donors
Can you identify a donor who is likely to make a gift of 20% or more of your campaign goal? Can you identify at least 20 other donors who have the ability to make a large gift, the inclination to do so, and are involved in your organization? If so, you're on track for a successful campaign.
Need #4: A Well-organized Development Office
Have you allocated funds to staff up for your campaign?
Do you have gift acceptance policies and a process for stewarding donors once they've given? Is your development staff experienced? These are critical elements for a successful campaign. Make sure your development office is well-organized and effective before beginning your campaign.
Need #5: A Clear Plan and a Compelling Case
Do you know what you are going to raise money for? Is the need urgent? Can you articulate the need in a way that is clear and compelling? If so, you're on your way to a successful campaign.
Need #6: A Good Image and Reputation
Is your organization a leader in your service area? Do people in your community have confidence in your work? Do you communicate your results to the community? Your campaign will build on the sense of trust you have created in your community.
Capital Campaigns: Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do you start a capital campaign?
Most capital campaigns grow out of a strategic planning process that determines what the campaign will raise money for and how much you want to raise. Once you know that, you will be able to develop the case for supporting the campaign and start to work on identifying the people who might be the top donors to your campaign.
Q: Will a capital campaign cannibalize our annual fundraising results?
If you plan your campaign correctly, it will not cannibalize your annual fundraising. In fact, most organizations find that their annual funds increase during the campaign period.
The reason annual funds tend to rise during a campaign is because you'll be in closer touch with your major donors and your relationships with them will grow. If they support your capital campaign, they are likely to want to continue to support your operations generously.
Q: How much will it cost to conduct a capital campaign?
Capital campaigns are the most cost-effective way of raising money. The budget for your campaign will likely be under 10% of your campaign goal. Although a very small campaign may cost more, the budget for a campaign with a goal $10 million or more is likely to be under 5% of the goal. In addition to being cost effective, your campaign expenses will be included in your campaign goal and not come out of your organization's operating budget.
Q: What does a capital campaign consultant do?
Because organizations conduct campaigns only every 10 or 20 years, very few nonprofit professionals have had extensive experience planning and implementing campaigns. Therefore, a good campaign consultant brings years of experience working on multiple campaigns, along with an outside perspective to your planning and implementation.
There's a wide range of services a consultant can provide, ranging from on-site, full-service work, to more minimal support (usually at a premium price).
We'll look more closely at capital campaign consultants (and alternatives) later in this guide.
Q: Should we conduct a feasibility study before we go ahead with a campaign?
You should conduct a feasibility study to help assess the likelihood of raising the money needed for your project.
Feasibility studies are often completed by a consultant who is retained to interview the campaign's largest potential donors. Some organizations, however, prefer to speak with their largest donors themselves and engage a campaign expert to help them plan that process. The Capital Campaign Toolkit has been an innovator in this Guided Feasibility Study approach.
Q: What is a case statement?
The case statement is a simple statement of why donors will want to support your campaign. Your case statement describes the benefits your campaign will have on the people you serve.
You will not need a slick, professional case statement to solicit the largest gifts for your campaign. It may seem strange, but most large gifts are solicited early in the campaign, using only a draft case for support in combination with project plans and other material. A campaign brochure isn't necessary until much later during the public phase of the campaign.
Q: Are large national foundations likely to support our local capital campaign?
Very few, if any, national foundations support local capital campaigns. Don't waste your time hoping that wealthy foundations or individuals that you have no contact with yet are likely to give large gifts to your campaign. Your largest campaign gifts come from people who already support your mission and your work.
Q: How much money will our board be expected to give to a capital campaign?
The amount of money your board will give to your campaign will depend, of course, on the capacity of your individual board members. Most boards, however, give 20% or more of the campaign goal. Whatever their capacity, every board member should step up and make a personally meaningful gift to your campaign.
Q: What is the quiet phase of a campaign?
The quiet phase of a campaign is the period during which you solicit the largest gifts, as well as gifts from your board members. That phase often extends for many months during which you will raise well over half of your campaign goal. The quite phase ends with a campaign kick-off when you announce the campaign goal publicly. After that kick-off the campaign work broadens as you expand your fundraising throughout your community and raise the amount remaining to reach the goal.
Q: Can we have a capital campaign before we have identified the site for our new building?
It's very difficult to raise capital before you have identified and gotten control of the site for your project. While you can talk to donors about your plans even as you are searching for the right site, most — though not all — donors hesitate to make significant financial commitments before your plans have taken shape.
Q: When should we identify and enlist our campaign chairs?
The sooner you are able to recruit your campaign chairs, the better. That said, having the right chairs — people who bring a sense of inevitability to the success of your project — is even more important than enlisting them early.
Q: Will we need additional development staff for to help with our capital campaign?
Yes, you will likely need additional staff to help with your campaign. It is unrealistic to think that you can raise millions of dollars without increasing the capacity of your staff.
Campaigns require a lot of work — including time and effort. Some organizations hire additional administrative staff to free up the executive director and the head of development so they can spend more time on the campaign. Others hire a campaign director or manager.
Q. Does a capital campaign always have to raise funds for a new building?
While many capital campaigns are organized to raise funds for building projects, some campaigns focus on other aspects of increasing your organization's capacity. Other objectives might include new equipment, startup funds for new programs, investment in branding and marketing programs, and testing and program evaluation.
How to Plan a Capital Campaign
Capital campaigns are big, complex endeavors, and a good plan is critical to keeping you and your team on track. The planning process is used to engage potential donors, committee members, and volunteers who will help make the campaign a success.
When you take time to plan properly, you…
Build confidence among donors and volunteers
Engage powerful people
Develop a clear plan that others can help you execute
Preparing for your campaign is divided into 2 parts: Pre-planning and Creating the Plan.
Part 1: Pre-Planning — 6 Key Steps
Develop a working goal that includes all of the expenses/costs related to your campaign.
Draft an early case for support.
Create a gift range chart that reflects the number of gifts you need at each level.
Develop a list of potential lead donors and supporters, including board members.
Engage prospective lead donors in visioning conversations to get them on board.
Educate and inform your board members about their role in the campaign, as well as the plans and the strategy.
Part 2: Creating the Plan — 8 Key Steps
Hire a capital campaign consultant or campaign advisor.
Create a Planning Committee (review our Ulitimate Guide on Capital Campaign Committees for more).
Plan and execute a feasibility study, and consider the importance of simultaneously building relationships with your largest donors.
Adjust and revise your campaign plan based on study feedback.
Hire additional staff to assist with your campaign.
Create a budget, timeline, campaign policies, communication strategy, and a donor recognition plan.
Recruit your campaign chairs.
Prepare to solicit gifts.
A Capital Campaign Timeline
Capital campaigns generally take between 2 and 3 years. And for large, complex institutions like universities, they can take much longer.
A standard capital campaign will flow over the course of seven phases, which you can see in the campaign timeline graphic below:
Let's look more closely at each of these seven phases.
Phase 1: Pre-Campaign Planning
During this phase of the campaign, you will determine the objectives of your campaign and settle on a preliminary dollar goal.
Phase 2: Feasibility Study
During the feasibility study, you will test the plans you developed in phase one. Some organizations engage a consultant to interview their top donors to assess their willingness to support a campaign and then develop recommendations about the potential of the campaign.
At the Capital Campaign Toolkit, we use a process that guides the organization's leaders to conduct their own donor interviews and we develop recommendations based on that process. This more cost-effective approach further builds the relationship between the organization and its top donors.
Phase 3: Campaign Planning
After the feasibility study is complete and the board approves a capital campaign, you will assemble a campaign planning committee to review and finalize a campaign plan. The campaign plan includes items like a campaign budget, timetable, policies, donor recognition plan and a communications plan.
Phase 4: Quiet Phase
During this phase of the campaign, you will solicit the largest gifts to the campaign, as well as gifts from board members and other key stakeholders. This phase of the campaign is conducted without publicity or fanfare. Most campaigns raise at least 65% of the campaign goal during this phase of the campaign.
Phase 5: Kick-Off
The kick-off of your campaign is a celebration, a recognition opportunity for campaign leaders and donors, and a press event all rolled into one. By the time of your kick-off, you will already have at least 65% of your campaign goal committed. You will have solicited most if not all of the largest gifts and every one of your board members.
The actual results of those solicitations will give you a realistic assessment of what your final campaign goal should be. You may adjust the goal from the initial number either up or down. But by the time of your kick-off, you should know how much money you will be able to raise. That's the goal you will announce at your campaign kick-off.
Phase 6: Public Phase
The public phase of your campaign is short, intense and full of energy. That's the time when you spread your campaign message as widely as possible and invite everyone in your extended community to give. By the end of the public phase, you should reach or exceed your campaign goal.
Phase 7: Post Campaign
While you may imagine that the campaign is over once you reach your fundraising goal, that's far from the case. You will have many loose ends to tie down, donors and volunteers to thank, reports to prepare, and pledges to bring in. The long-term success of your campaign depends on how well you do this final follow-through.
What to Look for in a Capital Campaign Consultant
Many organizations hire an experienced capital campaign consultant to help them plan and implement their campaign. Because most organizations only have a capital campaign every 10 or 20 years, very few fundraising professionals and board members have deep experience organizing them. And, because the amount of money to be raised is usually quite high, the investment in consultants seems worthwhile.
Good capital campaign consultants have deep experience in the field. Many have worked on dozens of campaigns. They have developed materials and wisdom specific to that kind of fundraising. Typical roles for a campaign consultant include:
Development assessments
Feasibility (Campaign Planning) studies
Post-campaign assessments and reports
Traditional consultants often work with an organization throughout the campaign, unveiling the work to be done phase by phase. Some consulting firms actually embed a staff member in the development office for several months of the campaign to serve as a campaign manager. Most consultants, however, don't manage the campaign but instead provide guidance as required to move the campaign forward.
The Capital Campaign Toolkit uses a different approach — one made possible by the accessibility of online and virtual communication. Through the Toolkit, organizations gain immediate access to all of the tools and materials they will need for their campaign organized in a step-by-step process. They are given the option of working virtually with a very experienced campaign advisor (in a group or individually), to help them move through the campaign process.
This approach enables staff and board members to develop their skills and be more involved in designing and implementing the campaign. For organizations with capable development staff and eager board members, this approach is more effective and affordable.
Fundraising in Uncertain Times: How to Pivot Your Capital Campaign
Unexpected shifts in the market and social crises (like the COVID-19 pandemic) can throw a wrench into even the best laid campaign plans. So it's important to understand how and when to pivot your capital campaign.
When it comes to fundraising in difficult times, you may feel anxious about the future and worried that your donors will stop giving. However, your job as a development professional is to stay calm and keep right on asking your donors to help support your organization.
Stay in Touch with Your Donors
The more uncertain the times, the more closely you should stay in touch with your donors. In particular, uncertain times provide opportunities to reach out to your largest donors and ask their advice.
Donors will respond to financial uncertainties in different ways. Some will hunker down and reduce their giving. Others will step up because of the crisis at hand. But just about all of them will be willing — even happy — to tell you about how they are responding to the situation.
Use the uncertain times to build even stronger relationships with your donors by staying in touch with them, sharing the ways in which your organization is carrying out its mission, and finding out how the crisis is affecting them.
Continue Raising Money
While it may feel inappropriate during a crisis (particularly during COVID-19), don't hesitate to ask donors for help. Some donors may be even more inclined to make a commitment to your campaign just to be sure that it doesn't come to a halt. Those donors understand that your campaign is important and that the projects and programs it will fund will continue to be important long after the crisis has passed.
Celebrate your donors' generosity and sympathize when they have to trim their philanthropy for the time being. You and your donors are in this crisis together. The way in which you work with them will shape your organization's future for years to come.
Our Free eBook Offers More Help
For more information and stories about raising money during uncertain times, download our free e-book that offers stories and tips and practical advice about how to make the most of crisis to strengthen your fundraising:
How to Manage Your Fundraising Campaign in Uncertain Times »
If you're considering a capital campaign, schedule a complimentary strategy session to discuss your campaign goals with one of our experts. We'll help you plot a path forward and determine whether the Capital Campaign Toolkit would be a good fit for your campaign.


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The M-1 motorway or the Islamabad–Peshawar Motorway () is an east–west motorway in Pakistan, connecting Peshawar to Islamabad–Rawalpindi.

The motorway was constructed during President Pervez Musharraf's rule at a cost of Rs. 13 billion, and was opened in October 2007. It spans , with  in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and  in Punjab.

History

Work on M-1 was started during Nawaz Sharif's tenure in 1997, and the contract was awarded to Turkish company Bayindar. However, the work stopped after his government was dismissed by Army chief Gen.Pervez Musharraf in october 1999. Progress remained very slow and not much work was done between 1999 and 2003.

Work restarted in 2003 after the  contract was re-awarded to a consortium PMC-JV during President Pervez Musharraf's tenure. A plan was made to connect the existing M-2 motorway with the Torkham border. In 2004, the Senate body was briefed on a plan to connect Gwadar Port with the existing motorway infrastructure. Hence, it highlighted importance of M-1 motorway in this context.

It was completed at a cost of Rs. 13 billion, and was inaugurated by President Pervez Musharraf on 30 October 2007.

Route

The M-1 originates northeast of Peshawar at the junction with the Peshawar Ring Road. It then crosses over the Kabul River in an eastern direction passing the cities of Charsadda, Risalpur, Swabi, and Rashakai before crossing the Indus River. The M-1 leaves Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province and enters into Punjab province, where it passes through Attock, Burhan, and Hasan Abdal. The M-1 terminates near Islamabad as a continuation of the M-2 motorway.

The whole stretch of the M-1 consists of six lanes, with a number of rest stops along the route. The M-1 has 14 interchanges - at Airport Link Road, Islamabad, AWT/ Sanjiani/ Paswal, Burma Bhatar, Burhan (Hassan Abadal/ Kamra), Hazara Expressway (E-35), Ghazi, Chachh, Sawabi, Rashakai, Charsadda, the Peshawar Northern Bypass and Peshawar Ring Road. At Brahma Bahtar Interchange, the Brahma Bahtar-Yarik Motorway leads towards Dera Ismail Khan.

There are three major bridges along the route along the Haro, Indus and Kabul rivers, 18 flyovers, 27 small bridges, 137 underpasses and 571 culverts. 10 service areas (five on the each side of the motorway) are present along the route.

Junctions and interchanges

See also
Motorways of Pakistan
National Highways of Pakistan
Transport in Pakistan
National Highway Authority

References

External links

AH1
M01

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaWikipedia


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A Life on Paper by Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud
Review by Matt Rowe — Published on September 6, 2010
Tags: French literature, short stories, small beer press, translation
A Life on Paper: Stories by Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud (trans. Edward Gauvin). Small Beer Press. 240 pp., $22.00.
The book, you think, must be about the man whose face is on the cover—a face in intimate close-up, with rugged cheeks, deep-set eyes gazing intently yet not at the camera, and a thick bristly comb of a mustache hiding a faint smile: the familiar face of the beloved writer. It's called A Life on Paper, like a biography; though the author has an implausibly long French name, a good biography could come from anywhere and any book about the writer is worth reading. As a reader you prepare to meet once again that wild, funny, gentle imagination, and you hope for some deeper insight into the dark experiences and emotions which formed it.
But the man on the cover of A Life on Paper is Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud, not his double Kurt Vonnegut, Jr. Châteaureynaud—who has written nine novels and scores of stories in French, won major literary prizes, and been translated into a dozen other languages—now comes to English-language readers for the first time thanks to translator Edward Gauvin and Small Beer Press. A Life on Paper selects twenty-two of his stories, ranging from the early '70s to recent years, and I hope it represents just a first installment: the art of the fantastic tale as practiced by Châteaureynaud has too long been excluded from the American literary mainstream.
This introduction to the man whose intense face graces the cover offers glimpses of an imagination both dark and gentle. "A Citizen Speaks," the two-page story (almost a prose poem) which opens the collection, is a son's account of his father's death and of the rust-like blight which pervades their world. As he describes it, "hardly the least curious feature of this kind of decay is that it begins from within, making its way from the heart of a thing to the surface." From the heart to the surface: that is also the path worked by Châteaureynaud in these stories. Their surface details may seem at times faint or obscured or incomplete, but at their hearts is a world of uncanny beauty, seen from an unfamiliar perspective.
The original fantastic world is that of childhood, and in "A Room on the Abyss" our eyes on this world are those of the schoolboy protagonist Fox. To the red-headed Fox, with no father and a mother destabilized by an unspecified ailment, being different is shameful and even an elevator is a terrifying machine; the permanence of the characters in a children's book is an epoch-marking miracle. In "The Bronze Schoolboy," the longest tale here, the poet Dorsay discovers a museum where his childhood is preserved in all the minute details of toys, snapshots, and clothing, alongside every other period of his life, past, present—and at least one future which still has the power to fill his heart with joy. Time, for Châteaureynaud, is not an unstoppable force but a negotiable good, left on deposit and potentially redeemable.
Châteaureynaud celebrates the quiet, hidden beauties of the world and the objects or knowledge we hold tight like talismans to protect us from its losses and horrors. "Delaunay the Broker" trades in such talismans, and is able to produce the exact object of his customers' unspoken desires with uncanny fidelity—prompting his employer to extreme measures to discover his secret, recounted in a narrative with the fevered intensity of Poe's or even Lovecraft's fictional confessions. (Translator Gauvin has found the right register and tone for each of Châteaureynaud's variations on such classic themes.) Sometimes the objects themselves embody the world's horrors, or at least provide a psychological focus for them, like the MacGuffin in a Hitchcock film; "La Tête" uses this approach to offer a new and strangely funny take on that old chestnut, the severed head.
The practice of writing itself can be another talisman of protection, and some stories are direct allegories of the position of the artist in a less-than-welcoming world. In "Another Story," the writer who narrates sees himself as an obscure curiosity, brought by a rich man to his private island to amuse the real celebrities: "I didn't quite know why I'd been invited. For my talent, they'd said, my works. I wanted to believe it. Nevertheless, every one else in my batch enjoyed actual international fame." By its end, the writer challenges the reader to decide whether his type of mythmaking is really any different than the celebrities': what is worth reading—or writing—any more?
The old ways endure, though they could hardly be said to triumph. Blandeuil, the title character of "The Dolceola Player," returns to his obscure career after a final visit only proves he can't go home again:
He turned halfway round to brush the dolceola's scratched leather case with his fingertips. He hadn't waxed it for a long time. Too long. He had to take care of it, as he did the instrument inside. Did they still make them? He wouldn't have sworn on it. And when the day came for him to retire, would there be another to play it after him? He entertained the idea of opening a school for the dolceola. He'd reached the point of wondering who'd help finance such a project when the absurdity of it hit him. A dolceola conservatory! Why not an Egyptian embalming institute, while he was at it?
Why not an embalming institute, indeed? The titular figure of "The Guardicci Masterpiece" is a triumph of the mummy-maker's art. Here is another recurring theme in these stories, another unexpectedly domestic horror: the struggle against mortality and decay. The story "A Life on Paper" centers on a brilliant conceit: a man, distraught over his wife's early death, documents the life of their daughter in 93,284 photographs. But where Borges' Funes the Memorious expires from a philosophical obstruction and Calvino's photographer repurposes his frames as a narrative device, Châteaureynaud's obsessive is simply a father who has deeply wounded his daughter, the very person he most wanted to preserve.
Although the stories in A Life on Paper have many precedents and parallels in American writing, from Irving to Poe to Twain, the fantastic mode has been in eclipse for a century. In recent years Ray Bradbury's freaks and dreamers, unfairly relegated to the genre shelves, are perhaps a better match than the biting humor and socio-cultural satire of a Vonnegut, despite their surface similarities. The success of writers like Kelly Link and Aimee Mann may be sign of a renaissance, or merely the exception that proves the rule.
Other literatures don't relegate the modern fantastic to a lesser tier. Georges-Olivier Châteaureynaud's closest Latin American kin is not any practitioner in the overstretched category of magical realism but the inimitable Julio Cortázar; Italian readers know not only Calvino's post-modern play but the works of his contemporaries Dino Buzzati and Tommaso Landolfi and many others. And beyond the many works of Châteaureynaud not yet in English, translator Gauvin says there is a whole school of the fantastic in French and especially Belgian letters.
This kind of tale is foreign not in its language (thanks to Edward Gauvin) but in its mere unfamiliarity. A Life on Paper is itself a talisman for preserving an endangered world. As Châteaureynaud writes of Fox in "A Room on the Abyss," whose precariousness is all emotional, reading may be for us the most essential journey, the most powerful spell: "Perhaps one day, when he's learned to read, opening the book like the door to the house where he was born, he'll go home."
Matt Rowe is a writer and translator living in Port Townsend, Washington.
Return to the Issue 21 Table of Contents
Girly Man by Charles Bernstein
For those few who remain unacquainted with Bernstein and his history (perhaps there are one or ...
From the Observatory by Julio Cortázar
Originally published in 1972, the book is a poetic meditation which links the fluidity and moti...
The Future Is Not Ours: New Latin American Fiction...
Editor Diego Trelles Paz notes in his solid and lengthy introduction to The Future Is Not Ours ...
Ten Theses on the Nature of Metafiction (And a Parenthetical Review of Salvador Plascencia's The People of Paper) George Fragopoulos argues that in The People of Paper, Salvador Plascencia closes the divide between metafiction and realism....
Read more articles by Matt Rowe
On The Alienist by Machado de Assis
From The Alienist by Machado de Assis
Matt Rowe on The Stories of Machado de Assis

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


Value-added distributor Pax8 Inc. has rolled out an updated release of its website equipped with a new feature designed to help its reseller partners more easily cross-sell and upsell cloud-based solutions.
Named Pax8 Stax and available free of charge to all of the Greenwood Village, Colo.-based company's partners immediately, the new tool allows users to create a portfolio of all of the software- and infrastructure-as-a-service solutions they offer, and quickly see which ones a given client isn't using yet but should be. The system then provides fast access to white papers, datasheets, demos, and other collateral pieces they can use to promote those products.
"It's very easy to see what opportunities you have now and get the assets you need to help facilitate that sale," says Pax8 CTO Michael Dehmlow.
Stax also includes move, add, and change functionality designed to help resellers purchase multiple cloud solutions from multiple vendors in varying quantities with a single click.
"We've taken a process that used to take quite a bit of time and literally reduced it down to seconds," Dehmlow says.
Pax8 created Stax in response to feedback from resellers looking for simpler ways to maximize cross-sell and upsell revenue by tracking which of the solutions in their cloud portfolio each of their customers is or isn't using. According to Dehmlow, most partners use spreadsheets to perform that function currently.
"We found that configuring a bundle upfront is time consuming and partners don't want to spend the time to do that," he says.
Like the rest of Pax8's platform, Stax synchronizes with the ConnectWise Manage PSA platform to help automate billing and other operational processes.
The Pax8 development team, which utilizes an agile development methodology, plans to refine and expand Stax frequently based on user input.
"We're really looking to go and execute on that feedback very rapidly," Dehmlow says, noting that the company has already updated the system five times in pre-release testing.
Pax8 enhanced the integration between its platform and ConnectWise Manage last month, adding functionality that allows users to bill customers for cloud-based solutions in advance as well as in arrears.
In February, it added both Symantec Corp.'s Cloud Workload Protection solution and Webroot Inc.'s entire family of cloud security solutions, including SecureAnywhere Business Endpoint Protection and SecureAnywhere DNS Protection, to its product catalog.


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This was a great year for the DC Supershow. It wasn't a great year for my camera, however. The darn thing ran out of battery power while we were still in the atrium of the show. So, lots of these pictures were taken with my iPhone 5s. They came out surprisingly well.
I think someone must have gotten the word out for this show, because we got to the hotel just a little after 9am, and the line was already too long to capture with a picture. The line actually curves around to the left after it is lost in the frame below.
Here we are, all fresh and ready to do the show. I walked in thinking, oh, there's going to be coffee. I totally forgot about the coffee until it was long gone, and I didn't get any caffeine for hours.
My mission, going into the show early, was to run and find Pendleton Brown for some nib work. We circled the room, looking where he usually was in past years, and couldn't find him anywhere. The Andersons and Ryan Krusac didn't think he was there, and they were right. But, luckily, Mike Masuyama was there (by the Franklin-Christoph tables) and I got on his list. I really like the work he does on the F-C nibs, so I was excited to get on his list. There were lots of names ahead of mine, but I did end up getting the nib of my Sheaffer Targa ground to a very nice architect's stub, though. It's a somewhat unusual grind, but I've wanted one ever since I saw someone else's on a blog (Pen Addict, maybe?). It's sort of like a sideways stub that does thin down-strokes and thick side-strokes. Very cool.
Since we were right next to the Franklin-Christoph table, I had to see their new nib. I talk to Scott and Jim pretty often, so I knew that they'd have this new music nib at the show. It's a great nib with lots of line variation, and flawless flow. Not too crazy, but it doesn't run dry, despite the triple tines and wide, crisp line. The feed is a little unusual, but I'll have to show that in its own post.
The picture below was the first one that Audrey took at the show (as official camera-woman), and it's actually the pen that she ended up getting at the last minute of the show. Her's doesn't have the clip, but Scott says he can get one put on for us later, since we live so close to their (new) factory space in Raleigh. It's such a cool pen. I'm a bit jealous. Maybe she'll let me use it sometimes. ;-)
Syd from the new Wahl-Eversharp was in his usual spot in the atrium. This year he was unveiling the new Skyscraper pen. It's a limited edition (just 100 are made), and it comes in a pretty awesome package. That glass (crystal? I didn't ask) skyscraper below is the box for this pen.
Inside, you have a beautiful rose gold pen with translucent blue dome and section.
I didn't get a good picture of this pen, unfortunately. Our camera's battery died as we were snapping shots of this pen, and we had to switch to the iPhone. Fortunately, Syd told us about this app that he uses for close-up shots ( it's called Mag Light Pro, if you're interested) and I've used it for several of the pictures in this post. You'll find one below of this pen's nib in my hand. The rose gold is stunning, the blue section is beautiful, and the two-tone nib is really pretty. I kinda love this pen. For better pictures of this full pen, check out the FPGeeks' write-up.
The other 100 year commemorative pens are pictured below. They're piston-fillers, which is a step up from the cartridge/converter pens (in most people's estimation). I like the c/c system, but pistons are a bit classier. Check out the caps on these pens. Nice work, Syd!
Just down the row from Syd, you'll find Sam. We love running into Sam. He's a consummate salesman, but he's also just a super-nice guy. He knows that his wares are way out of our price range, but he'll always talk to us about every detail of his pens and such. The packaging, the details, the audience, the value. This guy is passionate about all of it. He's also unfairly attractive. You can see the ladies swoon as they catch sight of him. His company, Edelberg, is making some really fine pens that are at least half art.
The pen he's holding isn't really available yet, but it's a very limited edition that is entirely hand-painted. Every stitch of that denim is drawn by hand. On each pen. That's a crazy amount of work. It's a fairly informal pen, but no less cool for it. It really looks like the pen is covered in denim, but it's all drawn-on.
It goes really well with Audrey's nails, right?
These are varieties of the Tachys pen that they've been making for a while, now. They're very stylish pens with a motoring motif (the line on the clip and the markings around the cap recall the speedometer of a fancy car) and a semi-flex titanium nib. They're aimed at a high-end audience, with a price in the high three-figures or low four-figures. Yikes. If Sam wanted to send me one to review, I wouldn't hate him for it.
Here's another hand-painted limited edition. There's a zebra one coming out soon, but he didn't have one to show. The coolest pen of the line wasn't at the show. Check this thing out on their site, though. It's been hit with lightning. Lightning!
The S.T. Dupont table had some really interesting pens on it this year. The Limited Edition Orient Express pen is one of the more tasteful art-pens, I think. It's got a nice train-look, but it's not too over the top. I don't know that I'd want to write with it, but it would look nice on a shelf.
Their other pens feature more subtle lines. These pens feel really nice in the hand, and the flared cap is attractive. I didn't ink any of them up, but they sure look classy.
These are just ballpoint click-pens,but the whole top of the pen acts as the knock, and I like the look. I think they're too pricey at 89 Euro, though.
This Italian brand makes some really beautiful pens. The one on the far left, below is my Grail pen. I passed one up at the Raleigh show, and I've been kicking myself ever since. Blarg. Oh well. One day, lava-pen, you'll be mine. MINE. (Of course, Ed Jelley got one at this show and had to tell me how awesome it is.)
They've really expanded their watch selection this year. They're all very cool, but also very expensive.
This twisted shape is pretty rad,right? It's a heavy pen, and not too flashy.
This watch's exposed gearing and chronographic dials are pretty neat.
Newton Pens
I've seen Shawn's pens online, before, but I'd not met him in person. He had a really nice table of hand-made pens with interesting filling systems and materials. There are wooden pens and micarta pens and ebonite pens, and button fillers, and bulb-fillers.
I think the next two are the most beautiful ones of the bunch. The first one has a depth that was difficult to capture in this picture, but I gave it a shot.
This second one is an ebonite pen that felt great in the hand. There should be more modern ebonite pens.
Yafa
The Yafa tables are some of the first that you see upon coming into the show, and they're packed with pens. You can see that there are quite a few missing, despite the early hour. Yafa distributes Monteverde, Stipula, Conklin, and Delta pens.
The Regatta is back, and it's got carbon fiber, now. Everyone is getting into carbon fiber these days.
I'd got some pens and, I think, pencils from this German company, but this is the first time I've seen their fountain pens. They're pretty reasonably priced, even.
The pens below feature wooden barrels that are lightly lacquered. They wear in as they're used, and take some color from the oils in the user's hands.
The finish on this white one is really, really nice. It's the higher end pf these pens, though, and a little pricey. I really like the extended clip on these pens, and the wooden inlay is a nice feature.
The pens in the case are the highest end pens, but I think they're too gaudy. The wooden inlay on the clips are nice, but the rest of the pens aren't for me. That ink well is hot, though.
And...pencils. These are some hi-tech pencils. The grain of the graphite is extra smooth, and the eraser has been replaced by a touch stylus. That huge cap is a combination cap, eraser-holder, and pencil sharpener. It's a little unwieldy, but maybe it's the future of pencils?
Sailor was absent from last year's show, but they more than made up for it this year by bringing their master nib-smith all the way from Japan to tweak Sailor nibs for free at the show. It made me wish that I'd had a Sailor pen and that it didn't write well. Unfortunately, no Sailor for me. Yet. Maybe soon.
Write Notepads & Co.
Chris and Marc were there again this year with their excellent notepads. This year they had their regular pads, their student pads (that are donated to schools), a special District edition, and a version of the pads with a chalkboard cover. There's more coming from Write Notepads, and it's always good to hang out with those guys.
I checked, and these donating pads (below) are also fountain pen friendly. Not that most grade-schoolers are using fountain pens in the US, but it's still good paper.
The Diplomat reps were there again, and they had a big spread of pens. I don't know for sure, but it really felt like there were more than usual this year.
I really like the coppery brown of this pen
The matte texture of the Excellence A (4th from the left) is really neat, but it seems to be prone to changing over time. One of the reps had one that he just tosses in his briefcase, and it was a little scuffed up and it had been worn smooth-ish from use. If you like a pen to wear in, then that's a finish you'll like. Otherwise, check one of the others.
These colored Travellers don't seem to wear like that one does, though. Audrey has been using hers for a couple of years without any problems.
Last up from Diplomat is the new Aero. The fountain pen version of this pen is really nice, and the nib feels very smooth. I hope they'll send me one to test out. It comes in a matte silver and this very cool brown. I don't know which I like best, but I think the brown is going to be the winner.
Ryan Krusac Studios
Ryan had a really nice spread of pens, as usual. I thought I got some pictures of his friend the chocolatier, but I can't find any on my phone. Chocolate and pen pairings might seem strange, but it was doing brisk business all day long. I didn't even get a sample. It was 3 rows deep all day.
This Chinese pen maker has some very fancy wares at the show again this year. Audrey really liked the ones on the right side of the picture below, but the price was in the $300 range. Whew!
They're a little fancy for my tastes, but the clockwork motif is kinda neat.
The Kenro tables were a bit mobbed this year with people looking for Aurora and Sheaffer pens. The Montegrappa side was a little quieter. They're super-high-end pens, but they've got an over-the-top style to them that isn't going to be appealing to everyone. Sly Stallone is involved in at least the Chaos design, and it's pretty intense. Also, skull pen.
These pens are the tamest of the lot, and I really like that blue one in the middle.
Among the people I met at the show is Ed Jelley. His blog started at the same time as mine, I think, and he's just taken a job with Kenro doing photography and social media. His blog has some of the best photography on the web, so he's totally deserving of that sweet job. He and Audrey were talking science for a while after he and I were talking pens and such. Really good dude, and I'm glad to finally meet him.
I didn't catch this dude's name, but we had a long chat about the humanities. He's a writer, and a nice dude, whoever he is.
The pen on the left was just refurbished by Gerry Berg (the Sheaffer Vac expert), and the one on the right is what it looked like before. Both of these pens belonged to my grandmother, and Gerry did a great job restoring the one I sent off with him. I need to get him to do the other one.
The pen below is the new limited edition Delta Unica from Anderson Pens. I'll have a review of this pen up in the very near future. There are only 50 of these, and the price is really reasonable. The material has an awesome depth to it, and it looks awesome in the sunlight. The nib (which I don't have a picture of yet) is steel, but it's got a sort of frosted appearance to it. I haven't gotten to write with it all that much, but I'm very pleased with it so far.
Numbered!
I didn't pick up much ink this time, and what I did get was either grey or black. All of it is limited edition, so that's cool.
I took two pictures of this ink to show the differences between them that aren't apparent from straight-on. The Noodler's ink is really dark, and the MontBlanc is extra cool. There's some blue in there, I think, and some sheen.
Here's the wide-shot of the stuff we found at the show. Audrey got a Franklin-Christoph 02 with a music nib, I got the Delta Unica, and some other pens and such to either keep or give away. There were three that I found in someone's $5 box. A Monteverde Artista ballpoint, a Platinum Plasir, and a Lancelot fountain pen for a total of $15? That's a deal if you ask me. The Sheaffer Intensity there was sold to me at a silly-low price, and the Targa is the pen that I had Mike Masuyama grind for me. I should have taken some pictures of him at work, but I was too busy watching him. I also came away with a new pocket knife from the show. That's a CRKT Bladelock knife. It's got a really interesting lock on it, and it's gonna be in my pocket for a while.
Not pictured are some pens and paper that we got for other people as gifts. I forgot to take pictures of those pens, but Audrey did, so I'll append them when I can.
And, lest you think we didn't shut the place down...we totally did. In fact, we got to talking to the Andersons (Lisa, pictured) and Chris Rothe (Write Notepads) that we almost got locked in. We totally missed the Kenro after -party, which Ed had invited us to. It would have been cool to go to that, but it was after 7pm when we left the show, and we were both exhausted.
Word,
Labels: dc pen show
Awesome post - it's like I was there!
Thanks, Brad!
Wow awesome writeup! And thanks for the mention.
Brian Anderson said...
Love the picture of Lisa! Best review of the show on the web thus far. :)
Shawn: Thanks, man. It was great to meet and talk to you at the show.
Brian: Thanks! I hope Lisa likes it, too. Always a pleasure seeing you folks.


text:
Division III. Decedents' Estates and Fiduciary Relations.
Title 21. Fiduciary Relations and Persons with Mental Illness.
Chapter 20. Guardianship, Protective Proceedings, and Durable Power of Attorney.
Subchapter III. Scope.
§ 21-2021. Territorial application.
Except as otherwise provided in this chapter, this chapter applies to:
(1) Affairs and estates of a disappeared individual who is domiciled in the District and an individual to be protected who is domiciled in the District;
(2) Property located in the District of a non-domiciliary who is a disappeared individual or an individual to be protected;
(3) Property coming into the control of a guardian or conservator who is subject to the laws of the District; and
(4) An incapacitated individual in the District.
(Feb. 28, 1987, D.C. Law 6-204, § 2(a), 34 DCR 632.)
For legislative history of D.C. Law 6-204, see Historical and Statutory Notes following § 21-2001.
Uniform Law
This section is based upon § 1-301 of the Uniform Guardianship and Protective Proceedings Act (1982 Act). See 8A Uniform Laws Annotated, Master Edition, or ULA Database on WESTLAW.


text:
Anne of Cleves: The King's Sister
Alexandria Ingham
The Fourth Wife of Henry VIII: Anne of Cleves | Source
Anne of Cleves was Henry VIII's fourth wife. She was a protestant from the German state, Cleves, and was a the sister of the Duke of Cleves. She knew little of the world outside of her state and simply grew up learning how to obey. She did not even know what the King of England looked like, so upon first meeting him she did not bow to him; a serious snub to Henry.
It can be assumed that Henry only agreed to marry Anne in the first place because he had had trouble finding a fourth wife. After the divorce of Catharine of Agaron, the execution of Anne Boleyn and the death of Jane Seymour, which had been rumoured to be at the orders of Henry since he wanted a healthy male heir and ordered for the baby to be cut out of Jane (something that would have killed her due to the lack of hygiene and medical care in the 16th Century), no English noblewomen wanted to marry Henry and neither did most of the rest of Europe. Henry had already been denied by Christina of Milan and Marie de Guise, so if he wanted to marry for a fourth time he would have to marry someone who had been raised in a way that Anne had.
Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride
Henry's First Meeting with Anne of Cleves
Henry had never met Anne before agreeing to marry her, he had seen a small painting by Hans Holbein the Younger which made Anne look beautiful. However, when Henry met her, he did not like her and stated that she had the face of "a Flanders mare". He believed that he had been lied to by Holbein, however it is likely that the sea air or her nerves of meeting Henry had caused her complexion to pale and be different from the portrait.
Henry also found that there was a language barrier and Anne had no skills in the Henry's interests; she was not musical, she did not read books and, even though she had been taught on her sail over, she could not play the king's favourite card game.
Henry VIII and Anne of Cleves were married for six months
Henry VIII's Marriage to Anne
Henry found that he could get out of his marriage with Anne, but also realised that he could not stop the wedding anyway. France and Spain were joining together, so England needed an alliance in Europe. The marriage to Anne would bring an alliance with Germany.
It can be argued that Henry and Anne were simply not attracted to each other, which would be why Anne never fell pregnant. It is known that it was not an instant revulsion from Henry, it was only on their wedding night that Henry stated that he could not consummate their wedding; he stated to Thomas Cromwell that he 'liked her much worse' after that night.
Anne was also not flirtatious, something that the king enjoyed in his women; most notably Anne Boleyn and, his fifth wife, Kathryn Howard. This meant a downward spiral for Henry and Anne's marriage.
It was around this time that Kathryn Howard became a lady-in-waiting to Anne, which is where Henry first met her. Henry liked the flirtatious and curvaceous Kathryn much more than Anne, and there was no language barrier. He started sending her gifts well before his divorce to Anne.
The Tudors: The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty
Anne of Cleves' Betrothal to the Duke of Lorraine
It was before the wedding to Anne of Cleves that Cromwell had possibly found a way out of Henry's marriage to Anne. Anne had been betrothed to Francis, the Duke of Lorraine. However, this had not been looked into much before the wedding, that could have been because Henry needed the alliance with Germany against France and Spain and also the fact that Henry had struggled for so long to find a fourth wife.
However, once Kathryn Howard had come into the picture, Henry had found somebody else who he wanted to marry and so he used this chance to look more closely at whether Anne was still betrothed to Francis.
When Cleve ambassadors could not find actual papers of dispensation, since they did not exist, and all they had was a report that stated negotiation with Lorriane 'were not going to take their natural course', it was clear that Anne was still in fact betrothed to Francis and there for the marriage between Henry and Anne was legally invalid from the start.
Ironically, for the first time, the decision for Henry to end a marriage was legally valid and acceptable to all.
Six Wives of Henry VIII: Anne of Cleves
Anne of Cleves was smarter than her royal predecessor, Catherine of Aragon
Anne of Cleves Agrees to an Annulment
It is known that Anne agreed very quickly to her marriage to Henry being annulled. The question would be was that because of her fear of losing her head or because she didn't care. Another question is, if she had advisers would the outcome have been different? Would she have been advised to fight the annulment? However, the reasons for the annulment were that the marriage had not been consummated and it was also invalid from the start due to the pre-contract with Francis. Anne made the choice herself to agree and Henry was grateful, which is what makes her one of the luckiest wives of Henry VIII.
Unlike Catharine of Aragon who had been left very few of her households, Henry was very generous to Anne. He decided that she was to have precedence over all ladies in England, with the exception of the Queen and Henry's daughters; she would be known as the king's 'good sister'. Anne received a very nice settlement of manors and estates, some of them had belonged to Cromwell, who had been executed shortly before the annulment, and she had an income of £3000. To receive this, Anne was to remain in England, which she was more than happy to do - she had grown to love England and her English had become much better while being in the country.
The luck did not stop there, either. It is known that Anne had grown incredibly fond of English ale and gambling, and that she was often visited by Henry during his marriages to Kathryn Howard and Katharine Parr. Anne was also seen at court, even after Henry's death in 1547; her last appearance was at Mary Tudor's coronation in 1553.
Maybe luck had nothing to do with it, maybe Anne was smarter than she had let on and knew that agreeing to an annulment would mean she would be thought highly off in the eyes of Henry. However, her naive and kindly character does not agree with that, after all, in her will she did leave gifts to everyone who had ever served her, no matter how humble or long ago.
Anne of Cleves could be seen as the most unluckiest of wives due to her marriage being short and not having the chance to provide an heir for Henry (which could have saved the marriage and led history down a completely different path) but she can also be seen as the most luckiest by going from the Queen of England to the King's sister.
History of England
Anne of the Thousand Days
by Suzette Walker26
Middle Ages & Renaissance History
King Henry VIII and His Six Wives—Love, Marriage, and Children
by LondonGirl60
Thomas Cromwell and PBS's Wolf Hall
Famous Executions in the Tower of London
by CMHypno30
Love in the Renaissance - The Secret Story between Lucrezia Borgia and Francesco Gonzaga
by Massimo Viola2
Education in the Middle Ages: The Medieval University and More
by classicalgeek2
The Execution of George Plantagenet: Drowned in a Barrel of Malmsey Wine?
by Alexandria Ingham10


Finding the love of your life isn't the same as finding an engagement ring to place on her finger. And yet it's similar.
Unlike other expensive purchases, buying a diamond engagement ring is somewhat an emotional investment. However, that solely depends on person to person as many invest in an engagement ring with the idea of trading the diamond for a better, bigger and shinier one.
If you're planning on getting down on one knee any time soon, read these top engagement buying tips before heading to the jewelry store.
Have You Thought About Your Budget?
This is the first consideration that people should factor in when buying a diamond engagement ring. Figure the amount you can afford to spend on this investment. Decide what will be better: picking a loose diamond first then a ring design or a readily outfitted engagement ring?
Visit online jewelry stores like Solitaire Jewelers. Get as much information about how different carats of diamonds typically cost, what are the factors that determine its price, and so on. An excellent information resource is the GIA's website.
Does The Chosen Diamond Have Certification?
There are many authentic and professional gem reports issued by several laboratories, the most popular and credible are issued by The Gemological Institute of America, American Gem Society and European Gemological laboratories USA. All loose diamonds available from Solitaire Jewelers are GIA certified.
Do You Know Your Metals?
The diamond set in the engagement ring isn't the only thing increasing overall value. The metal of the ring also plays an important part.
The most popular choices for metals in engagement and wedding rings are gold and platinum. White gold is another popular option.
Due to its rare, dense and pure nature, rings made from platinum metal are going to be more expensive. Compared to gold, a platinum ring will be far more durable and low maintenance. Some people choose between white gold and platinum due to the color of the metal as well.
What Diamond Setting Are You Looking For?
The right setting can make a very big difference when it comes to price and aesthetic value of your diamond ring. A ring's setting is basically how the stone or gem is connected to the band. There are many types of ring setting. It will do you good to know them all.
When looking for THE ring, think about the ring as a whole. The right setting can change the entire look of the set diamond or diamonds. Knowing what look and design style you and your fiancé-to-be would like is important when it comes to finding an attractive ring.
Buying an engagement ring involves emotions. You may be inclined to buy the best ring for your fiancé-to-be which is understandable. Choose an online jewelry store that offers a range of diamond rings, with stunning designs, all under the same roof.
We bring to you a collection of dazzling and beautiful array of loose diamonds and engagement rings that will make her fall in love with you all over again.


Are you a YES Man or a NO Man?
A recent book I read, The One Thing written by Gary Keller and Jay Papasan, has spurred me to share a recent experience with you. I recommend this book to everyone at any stage in their lives.
To create and maintain balance in ones life a single yes must = 1000 no's. Think about that equation. If you don't keep that ratio of yes's and no's there will be no way to achieve or maintain balance in your life. You must decide what purpose you are trying to achieve and keep your eyes pointing forward. If you are not careful, saying YES to often can become a deciding factor of a goals success or failure.
I have led my life being a YES Man. I get fulfillment and enrichment from saying yes to people. But at some point when does saying yes need to stop? When does it become toxic to your family, relationships and your business? When you become so overcommitted that nobody is getting a full slice of your attention, is it time to reevaluate your Yes Man attitude?
I Found my first NO.
I recently had a big opportunity presented to me. It was a job offer that had the potential to help my family financially and me professionally. But if I took it I would have to do one of two things. Develop a time distortion machine and grow my work week by two full days or drop something that was currently in my schedule. I knew there was a third option, but it was going to take courage to implement it. The third option was to say no.
I did it and you know what? My world did not come crashing down. I decided my current goals needed to be defended and protected with more no's.
Are you the Author or the Victim of your Story?
When walking a tight rope, your goal is to achieve balance. Constantly correcting and managing your limbs helps to maintain the balance that is crucial to staying in the middle. Sometimes just saying no 1000 times is not enough to maintain balance on your road to achieving your purpose or goals. Torn between commitments, it can be easy to fall off that tight rope we walk and become the victim in your story. But don't forget that no one is writing your story but you and you need to decide what happens next in your life.
"You are your life's author."
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text:
Dutch Gap Canal
Butler's Bypass
— Bermuda Hundred Campaign —
By Bernard Fisher, February 9, 2009
1. Dutch Gap Canal Civil War Trails Marker
Dutch Gap Canal. Butler's Bypass. With the opposing armies locked in a protracted struggle around Petersburg and Bermuda Hundred, the James and Appomattox Rivers assumed added importance. . . In August 1864, Union Gen. Benjamin Butler began excavations at Dutch Gap. When completed, his canal would bypass nearly five miles of the James River. Several powerful Confederate artillery batteries menaced that stretch of water. The Dutch Gap Canal would neutralize them. . . Although the project neared completion in late 1864, Butler's engineers never succeeded in opening the canal for warships. The Dutch Gap shortcut only came into use after the Civil War. It is now the primary James River channel. . This historical marker was erected by Virginia Civil War Trails. It is Near Chester in Chesterfield County Virginia
With the opposing armies locked in a protracted struggle around Petersburg and Bermuda Hundred, the James and Appomattox Rivers assumed added importance.
In August 1864, Union Gen. Benjamin Butler began excavations at Dutch Gap. When completed, his canal would bypass nearly five miles of the James River. Several powerful Confederate artillery batteries menaced that stretch of water. The Dutch Gap Canal would neutralize them.
Although the project neared completion in late 1864, Butler's engineers never succeeded in opening the canal for warships. The Dutch Gap shortcut only came into use after the Civil War. It is now the primary James River channel.
Erected by Virginia Civil War Trails.
Marker series. This marker is included in the Virginia Civil War Trails marker series.
Location. 37° 22.592′ N, 77° 21.617′ W. Marker is near Chester, Virginia, in Chesterfield County. Marker can be reached from Henricus Park Road 1.3 miles east of Coxendale Road (County Route 615). The marker is located
2. James River Defenses near Dutch Gap
in Henricus Historical Park. It is situated on a bluff overlooking the James River. There is a short 300 yard walking trail from the parking lot to the bluff. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 251 Henricus Park Road, Chester VA 23836, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. USCTs At Dutch Gap (here, next to this marker); The Bermuda Hundred Campaign (here, next to this marker); The James River...Floating Through The Centuries (a few steps from this marker); Dutch Gap (a few steps from this marker); The Tides (within shouting distance of this marker); Mount Malady (within shouting distance of this marker); The Lightkeeper's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Henricopolis (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Chester.
More about this marker. In the center is a photo of "Union soldiers at work on the canal in 1864."
On the right is a map detailing the river defenses at Dutch Gap. The smaller inset map shows the position of Dutch Gap relative to the modern interstate highways, I-95 and I-295. The map carries the caption, "The two loops of the James River appear tantalizingly close together on a map, but building the canal to unite them proved too difficult a task for General Butler's army."
1. Henricus Historical Park. (Submitted on February 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
2. Civil War Traveler. Chesterfield County (Submitted on February 12, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia.)
Categories. • War, US Civil • Waterways & Vessels •
3. Location of Dutch Gap Canal
4. Dutch Gap Canal CWT Marker looking upriver
5. Dutch Gap Canal CWT Marker looking downriver towards the Varina-Enon bridge.
6. Butler's Dutch Gap Canal
7. Dutch Gap Canal Panorama
By Alexander Gardner, March 1865
8. Dutch Gap, James River, Virginia, March 1865 (Plate 87)
In 1866,Alexander Gardner, a photographer who had been in Matthew Brady's employ, published his Photographic Sketchbook of the War, the first published collection of Civil War photographs, of which this plate was one. Gardner's accompanying text makes clear the achievement that the canal represented and the difficult conditions under which it was built: "...The work of excavation commenced on the 9th of August, 1864. The rebels opened their formidable batteries on the laborers, on the 13th, and with few intervals maintained a fire from mortars and rifled guns until the conclusion of the enterprise. The regiments employed on the work were the 116th and 169th New York volunteers, and the 4th, 6th, 10th, 36th, 38th, and 100th United States colored regiments....The labors of these troops averaged one hundred and twenty men for a period of ten hours each day, working eighteen days in August, twenty-five days in September, and twenty-six in October. From the first of November until the time of completion, the average consisted of one hundred and thirty men, working eleven and a half hours each day...."
By Bernard Fisher, June 27, 2013
9. Dutch Gap Picket Post Exhibit
10. Dutch Gap 1864 Mortar Position
More. Search the internet for Dutch Gap Canal.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. This page originally submitted on February 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. This page has been viewed 3,621 times since then and 8 times this year. Last updated on February 15, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. submitted on February 11, 2009, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. 8. submitted on February 13, 2009. 9, 10. submitted on June 27, 2013, by Bernard Fisher of Mechanicsville, Virginia. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.


text:
October 10, 2006 —
Nunes Recall Reveals Testing Dilemma
Beef Recall Smacks Of Incompetence
Food Safety, Good Delivery
And Temperature Monitoring
Bolthouse Botulism Case Hits Canada
Spinach Crisis Summary Rewind X
When the phone call came Sunday evening telling me that The Nunes Company had initiated a recall on certain green leaf lettuce, I didn't feel foreboding as much as exhaustion. After spinach, the Bolthouse carrot juice recall and then a hamburger recall over the weekend, could there really be still another one? I knew, simply because of the timing, that it would get plenty of news coverage.
No illnesses had been reported on this product and, although tests are incomplete, the odds are that the E. coli will not be the E. coli O157:H7 strain that caused so much damage in the spinach crisis. In fact the recall was a reaction to a water test and, although Nunes deserves industry kudos for being a good corporate citizen and not taking any chances in the current environment, the risk was always pretty small. And, very quickly, Nunes was able to locate almost all the product. The FDA also praised Nunes:
Based on current information about the scope of this E. coli contamination, FDA views the firm's prompt action as commendable, because it is better to be cautious than to potentially put consumers at risk of contracting a serious foodborne illness.
Still, the whole situation points to a major dilemma for the trade: This is the real problem with testing all the inputs: If we test everything, we will find a lot of things we would rather not find, such as generic E. coli. But we will not necessarily make anything much safer. Generic E. coli, for example, is common and not particularly dangerous.
This is not just a food safety issue. It is a dilemma of the modern condition. Today we often detect prostate cancer that is so small and so unlikely to grow that the odds are that treatment will do more harm than leaving it be. Go get a total body scan and you will find out your body has, gasp, imperfections. But in most cases, you won't have a path to better health.
We find things smaller and earlier than ever before.
In a sense, the science has just caught up with the produce industry. And a vigorous attitude toward testing will result in lots of things found and, thus, lots of recalls.
Like waves turning rock into sand, the steady stream of recalls will undermine consumer confidence.
There are really only five possibilities:
Really clean up the local environment. There has been a lot of talk of the state of California funding a PR and advertising campaign to promote the Salinas Valley. It is a good idea but, if I had to choose, I would put all the money into an environmental clean-up campaign to make the Salinas River the most pristine river in America. We dealt with the issue here as part of the Pundit's recommendations on what would be needed to regain consumer confidence in product from the Salinas Valley.
This clean-up would be very expensive, involve severe restrictions on the way cattle and dairy farms handle animal waste and be difficult to implement. Yet, the Salinas Valley is such a valuable resource as the Salad Bowl of the World that it would be worth it.
Not that this would be likely to result in enormously safer product. Remember in the last 10 years, we can only identify five deaths due to lettuce or spinach. That is a half a death a year, with billions and billions of servings of lettuce and spinach shipped. So even enormous improvements in a clean-up can only have a small impact on safety.
But it is nice to have a clean river even if it doesn't improve food safety. I think it is the kind of project the Governor and State legislature would support. And no single other action could have as dramatic an effect on public perception as this kind of change.
Speed up test results. One very good use of Federal funds would be to fund research on developing food safety tests that can get results faster. You want instantaneous results so that you never recall because of bad water. You just don't ship or, even better, you have a test so quick that you don't use the water because the test comes back bad right away and you avoid wasting product.
Switch the focus to outputs, not inputs. Although food safety experts always would say that you want to stop pathogens from being near food to begin with, as our testing abilities continue to become more sensitive, we will find more frequent evidence of pathogens that are less dangerous. We may need to test product as it is about to leave rather than being focused on inputs.
We could give up certain markets on vulnerable products. Few of these pathogens are likely to cause more than temporary discomfort to healthy adults. Perhaps we have to bite the bullet and say publicly that parents who serve fresh greens to very young children or older people who eat such products or those with HIV or other immunosuppressive conditions who eat greens, do so at their own risk. I read that horrid story about that two-year-old who died in the spinach outbreak because his mother put fresh spinach in a fruit smoothie to get him to eat some vegetables. Maybe we should just tell people that there is modest risk to that. It is not great marketing, but it is the truth.
Adopt another type of technology, such as irradiation. If we did that, you wouldn't have to spend money testing water and what not. A plant could be built in Salinas and for about a penny-and-a-half a pound, the product could be perfectly safe. At very least we could do some tests of consumer acceptance of irradiated produce. There is a facility in Iowa and one in Florida. Maybe we could stop on the way to some East Coast markets and do some retail tests.
All these proposals have pros and cons. But what clearly is not acceptable is a testing of inputs so rigorous that we are announcing recalls every week. We must find an alternative.
Just in case you had the feeling only produce had food safety issues … we get a notice from the USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service with a recall notice:
Jim's Market and Locker, Inc., a Harlan, Iowa, firm, is voluntarily recalling approximately 5,226 pounds of ground beef that may be contaminated with E. coli O157:H7, the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food Safety and Inspection Service announced today.
I confess that this recall seemed very odd. Because the release went on to say:
The ground beef products were produced on August 31 and September 1 and distributed to one retail establishment in Iowa and distributors in Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Texas and Wisconsin.
This recall was issued on October 6, well over a month after this product was produced. Test results don't take that long. I suppose it is possible some consumer had it in his freezer and just got sick. But, no, the release also says:
The problem was discovered through microbiological testing. FSIS has received no reports of illnesses associated with consumption of this product.
So this really made no sense. Why would the USDA suddenly get microbiological tests back on 35-day-old product?
Apparently, Jim Goeser, owner of Jim's Market and Locker, Inc., didn't think it made much sense either. Here is the release his firm put out:
DES MOINES, Iowa (AP) — The owner of an Iowa meat company says the federal government has needlessly requested that he recall 5,200 pounds of meat that he claims is safe and has likely already been consumed by thousands of people across seven states.
Jim Goeser, owner of Jim's Market and Locker Inc., said tests have negated the government's claim that his meat may have the same E. coli strain responsible for three deaths in the recent outbreak of contaminated spinach.
Goeser said he voluntarily issued the recall Friday after federal inspectors questioned the testing methods used by a slaughterhouse in Omaha, Nebraska.
No illnesses have been reported and none likely will, he said.
"We are absolutely confident as we can be that the meat is as clean as it can be," Goeser told The Associated Press on Saturday.
The Harlan-based company produced the ground beef patties and packages Aug. 31 and Sept. 1, and sent it to distributors in Georgia, Iowa, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Texas and Wisconsin, and to one retail outlet in Iowa, said the U.S. Food Safety and Inspection Service.
The service said customers who bought the products affected by the recall should return them to the place of purchase.
Goeser said he doesn't expect many returns, since the meat had a 25-day window for consumption that ended last month.
In an interview with Pundit investigator Mira Slott, Goeser elaborated:
Our situation is this:
We had USDA compliance officers in here this week. We accounted for all 5,200 pounds, which went out of code Sept 26th. The retailer won't keep one-pound bricks of beef around when the product code has expired. The danger is over.
We think USDA over-reacted late in the game, and not fast enough — 35 or more days after the situation would have warranted it. Now we have 7 more negative tests on the same lot of the same product, following our first negative test on the materials. We're proving our product is safe.
If USDA had a question, they should have directed it first to the people that slaughter the animals, and those that also cut up the animals. We take over the grinding and vacuum-packing functions. We're on the tail end of it, but everything is being pointed at us.
It's a cruel world out there. We're compiling these negative tests.
To my knowledge, the cows for these products were slaughtered August 25. They were processed in a plant in Omaha on August 28 or 29. We picked up the product then. On August 29, the USDA did not hold anything up. We have negative test on trimmings we used. When we ground the product in question, we put a 25-day code on it.
All the product in question went out of code Sept 26. That was the sell by date. We're talking 35 or 36 days after the cows were processed for a recall request, and the product at this time was already out of date. We're compiling negative tests.
I can't tell you the scientific explanation behind it, but if it is the E. coli 0157:H7 strain, it doesn't make a difference if it is on spinach or beef. It's the same thing. If you cook it to 160 degrees, it is killed.
I don't think the USDA and FDA can ever really be sure if the E. coli-related deaths and sicknesses were from spinach or beef or other products. It's the same strain. You can go over and over the samples in the lab, and there's always some doubt.
What if a consumer froze the beef for consumption at a later date? Well, that could be the case. Freezing won't kill it, but cooking it to 160 degrees will.
The Pundit doesn't know if this meat had E. coli or not. But the attitude of the government is one of great arrogance. They feel no need to explain anything. It looks to me as if someone at the Food Safety and Inspection Service wasn't doing their job.
If you are going to recall product after 35 days, it means the public has been vulnerable for 35 days. Who wasn't paying attention? The Public has a right to know.
A little while ago, the Pundit picked up a new sponsor by the name of Escort Data Loggers. This company provides a temperature monitoring device that, in real time, keeps track of temperatures in a truck, a cold storage or other facility or location.
Coincidentally, Bryan Silbermann of the Produce Marketing Association — who I work with each month to write a column called Research Perspectives/Comments & Analysis in PRODUCE BUSINESS — wrote a column regarding transportation and posed the question of why the industry was still relying on temperature recording devices as opposed to utilizing temperature monitoring.
With temperature recording devices, after the truck unloads, one can see if the truck maintained the proper temperature and thus assign blame for a bad delivery. In his piece, Bryan asks this sensible question:
Liability for temperature abuse may be critical in assigning responsibility but does nothing to prevent the load from being spoiled. Why not use interactive technology to solve a problem rather than assign blame?
It is an interesting point. The article will be in the October issue of PRODUCE BUSINESS. If you don't have a subscription, you can purchase one here, pick up a copy of this issue at the PMA convention in San Diego at PRODUCE BUSINESS Booth #4341 or request a sample copy here.
As I look at our new sponsor (you can click on the logo of any sponsor to get to their web site or to an ad they've posted) and I think about Bryan's comments, I connect those two things to both the E. coli outbreak on spinach, which we have dealt with here and to the botulism problem with Bolthouse carrot juice, which we have referenced here.
At least on fresh-cut/value-added products, the connection between temperature monitoring and food safety points to a change in the nature of good delivery standards.
I grew up in the business, and we never shipped a box without a "Ryan" — referring to a Ryan-brand temperature recording device. When the shipment arrived, the "Ryan" was opened and glanced at. But the key was not the Ryan; the key was the condition of the product.
If the product arrived in good condition, it didn't really matter if the temperature hadn't been perfect. It was a sort of a "no harm, no foul" situation. We always kept the tape and put it in the file we kept on each load, just in case we sold the load and got returns because the product collapsed, possibly indicating some damage caused by temperature fluctuations.
But we sold things quickly and so did our customers, so if the product arrived in good condition, it was usually sold and never heard about again and that was it.
But the very first piece we wrote on the spinach crisis was built around a letter written to the Pundit by Al Siger of Consumers Produce, talking about the vulnerability of fresh-cut products. You can read it here. And these pieces we wrote on the botulism and carrot juice issue dealt with the importance of maintaining the cold chain. You can read it here.
The vulnerability of fresh cut products and other products such as carrot juice combines with our awareness of the dangers of breaking the cold chain to change the very definition of good delivery standards.
Even if the product looks perfect, the very fact that cold chain fluctuation occurred means that bacteria was given a chance to grow. This means that if the cold chain was broken, either bacterial counts need to be done at the receiver end to ensure the product meets acceptable levels or the product is inherently unacceptable for sale.
Sophisticated players have long known that, for certain purposes, the temperature recording device told a tale about the suitability of the product. For example, my family produce business, based in New York, worked with Bud Antle in California and Robert Zwartkruis in Europe to ship the first large-scale exports of California iceberg lettuce to Europe. The product was shipped to New York, where it was inspected, then transported via sea to Europe.
One of the things we learned was that even though the product looked perfect in New York, if the product at any time had exceeded a certain temperature from California to New York, it would not make a good delivery in Europe. We didn't know it then, but now I would say that this was due to bacterial growth.
That affected good delivery, but not safety. If the produce arrived rotten, nobody would eat it.
With the development of modified atmosphere packaging, the shelf life of the produce now exceeds the amount of time it would take for bacteria to reproduce to a dangerous level.
This means that what is acceptable as good delivery must change. Standards must be established so that product in acceptable physical condition must still either be tested or rejected if the cold chain was broken beyond set parameters.
Obviously this would enormously raise the cost of faulty temperature control in trucks. So the rule should be that no fresh-cuts, carrot juice or other vulnerable product should ever be shipped without a real-time temperature monitoring device that can instantly send a message to the trucker that there is a problem so quick action can be taken to minimize the problem.
Our new sponsor, Escort Data Loggers, manufactures units that do this. My old supplier Ryan, as well as its competitor, Cox, was bought by Sensitech, and Sensitech was bought by United Technologies. Today, in addition to temperature recorders, they too are making temperature monitoring devices. I'm sure there are others out there each with their own set of features and benefits.
The question is whether the industry is willing to see the food safety disasters of today as an opportunity to use technology to make foods safer. Here is a clear opportunity to do so.
The Bolthouse carrot juice casualties just went international. The Canadian Food Inspection Agency updated its previous advisory not to drink the recalled product and noted that two botulism cases in Toronto are now tied to the Bolthouse product, in addition to four in the United States.
Wm. Bolthouse Farms says the problem is due to "temperature abused" 100% carrot juice.
One wonders why all of the sudden there would be six cases. The Pundit has been dealing with the issue here, here, here and here and particularly, the Pundit has been drawing attention to the importance of keeping the cold chain in tact throughout the distribution chain.
Still, this cluster of cases in disparate locations seems to suggest a problem at the source.
With so much having been written in so short a time, thought it would be helpful to publish a sort of round-up of available material to help people understand the whole situation regarding spinach and this E. coli breakout:
The Perishable Pundit itself has dealt extensively with the subject in several major pieces. On September 15, 2006, we published Spinach Recall Reveals Serious Industry Problems, which addressed the implications of this crisis for the fresh-cut industry. You can read the piece here.
On September 18, 2006, we published Organic Dodges a Bullet, which deals with the implications of the outbreak for the future of organic farming. You can find this piece here. Also on September 18, 2006, we ran a piece called Ramifications and Reflections on the Spinach Recall, which provided our first 10-point analysis of the situation. You can read it here.
September 19, 2006, we asked Is FDA's Concern Now an Obsession? — a piece in which we assessed whether a national recommendation to not eat spinach made any sense. You can review this here.
On September 20, 2006, we noted 10 Peculiarities about the E. coli Outbreak and reviewed why certain aspects of the situation are unlike past food-safety challenges and other unanswered questions regarding the outbreak. Read this one right here. Also on September 20, 2006, we did our third 10-point list, calling this one "Spinach Recall Begs for Solutions", where we reviewed how the trade can deal with this issue for the future, including looking at the meat industry, the prospect of universal testing and the use of RFID and GTIN. You can read all this here.
On September 21, 2006, we asked Is FDA Causing Long-term Damage? Here we posed the question of whether punishing the innocent and the guilty alike doesn't reduce incentives to invest in food safety. You can read this piece right here.
The September 25, 2006 edition of the Pundit includes our fourth 10-point list entitled Though Not 'All-Clear', Consumers Can Eat Spinach Again, which reviewed many issues facing the industry as spinach begins to reenter the market, including the FDA's announcement, PMA consumer research, the behavior of industry association, battles over fresh-cuts and organics, the reintroduction of Salinas Valley production, the FDA's capabilities, and more. You can read this piece here. Also on September 25, 2006, we reviewed The Role of Retailers And The Future Of Food Safety, which pointed out that buyers have an important role in insuring food safety. Catch this piece here.
Additionally, on September 25, 2006, we ran the Pundit's Pulse Of The Industryin which a panel of retail pundits gave us insight into the way the spinach issue played in store and with consumers. You can read it here.
The Pundit on September 26, 2006, included an articled entitled The California Department of Health Services Owes People An Explanation in which the question was raised whether certain parties received preferential treatment in the current spinach/E. coli outbreak. Read it right here. Also on September 26, 2006, we did a piece questioning the efficacy of our trace-back systems. The piece was titled More Recalls Trickle In, and you can read it here.
On September 27, 2006, the Pundit analyzed the bad publicity that the Salinas Valley has received and asked Is Salinas Getting A Bum Rap On Food Safety? The piece can be read right here.
September 28, 2006, the Pundit included a piece entitled Call For Stronger FDA that analyzed the demand of some in the food industry for beefing up the FDA and its budget within the context of the spinach/E. coli situation. You can read it here.
On September 29, 2006 we did a piece called Lies, Damned Lies And Statistics that explored the contradiction of modern life that has led things to seem less safe, even as they are actually safer. Read the piece here.
October 2, 2006 we ran The FDA Needs to Reexamine Its Methodology, inquiring why it was necessary to shut down a whole industry when, as far as we know, it was only Dole brand bagged spinach that was implicated? Read it here. Also on October 2, 2006, in a piece called Needless Recalls, we examined how even if many of the recalls were unnecessary, the recalls revealed big flaws in the trade's traceback systems. You can find the piece here. Another piece October 2, 2006, entitled Deconstructing FDA, analyzed the FDA's statement regarding the end of the spinach crisis. The piece is right here.
The Pundit also ran a piece entitled Action Plan to Regain Consumer Confidencethat both discussed the industry plan and proposed an alternative plan. Read about it here. Also on October 2, 2006, we did a piece called Collateral Damage vs. Assumption of the Risk, which analyzed some of the liability issues surrounding the outbreak. You can find the piece here. Additionally, on October 2, 2006, we published the second in our series of Pundit's Pulse Of The Industry. This one including insight from Bob Edgell of Balls Foods and Ron McCormick of Wal-Mart, regarding reaction at retail as spinach outside California became available. Read it here.
On October 4, 2006, the Pundit ran a piece entitled In Defense of Salinas, in which, based on a discussion with a Salinas farmer, we outlined five points you need to understand about the relationship between the Salinas Valley and this outbreak. You can find it here. Also on October 4, 2006, we published Notes On Natural Selection: It Could Happen To You, which discussed the new food safety plan revealed by Natural Selection Foods and discussed the necessity of product testing. Read it here.
October 5, 2006, we analyzed the implications of the FBI raid in Salinas with Just when you thought it was safe to go back in the water… You can read the piece here. We also explained on October 5, 2006, the involvement of Growers Express in the FBI raid in a piece entitled Bailando Juntos (Dancing Together), which you can find right here. What's more, we discussed on October 5, 2006, why Canada is still banning U.S. spinach and what that implies about relations between the FDA and CFIA. The piece is called U.S. Spinach Still Banned in Canada, and you can read it here.
On October 6, 2006 the Pundit pointed out the importance of considering the human costs of our actions in A Look At The Faces, which you can read here. Also on October 6, 2006, we analyzed how increased use of a federal network was bound to mean the recording of more frequent food safety outlets in a piece entitled PulseNet Ups Ante In Food Safety Battle, which can be read right here.
IMpLICATIONS OF THE CRISIS
In addition, the Pundit has done several smaller pieces that touched on various aspects of this crisis. On September 18, 2006, we raised the issue of whether food safety outbreaks such as this raise long-term issues about the viability of cartoon character tie-ins in Who Has Marketing Fortitude? You can read about it here. Also on September 18, 2006, we wrote Fit To Be Tied, which dealt with the way some companies have little sense of decency when it comes to marketing their products in the midst of a crisis. You can read this one right here.
Additionally on September 18, 2006, our Pundit's Mailbag focused on letters received by United President/CEO Tom Stenzel and incoming Chairman Emanuel Lazopoulos of Del Monte Fresh, which dealt with the confluence of United's Board Meeting and the spinach crisis as well as issues of industry leadership. You can find this one here.
On September 19, 2006, we noted that there might be a Greenhouse Opportunity in all this. Read this here. Also on September 19, 2006, we noted that, though fruits and vegetables are healthy, fresh produce is not necessarily the best choice for those with a compromised immune system. The piece is called Marketing Nightmare and you can find it right here.
On September 21, 2006, we did a piece called Wal-Mart Deli/Bakery Has Crisis Of Its Own that draws a link between the difficulty of preventing a Salmonella outbreak at one store with the difficulty of preventing an E. coli outbreak on an industry-wide basis. You can read this piece here.
On September 25, 2006, the Pundit noted Another Oddity In Spinach Crisis and raised the question whether some or all of the product being marketed as conventional might not be organic. Read it right here. Also on September 25, 2006, we ran a Pundit's Mailbag which dealt both with the utility of loyalty card programs and with the nature of large, multi-line fresh-cut packing facilities. You can read this one right here. Also we did a short piece on what change was actually necessary if consumers were to be reassured of the safety of spinach. Read it here.
On September 26, 2006, we discussed the issue of recalls and how insurance plays into that. You can read this here. Also had an unrelated piece on Wegmans that included a video clip on how consumer media is dealing with the reintroduction of spinach. You can catch it here.
Additionally on September 26, 2006, we ran a Pundit's Mailbag exploring the causes of the outbreak. You can read this piece here.
September 27, 2006, we focused on a piece in the Washington Post that helps us in Putting Things In Perspective. How does the Spinach/E. coli outbreak relate to the total numbers that get sick and die each year from foodborne illness? You can read it right here.
On September 28, 2006, we published a terrific Pundit's Mailbag exploring the frustration the buy side felt in dealing with the spinach/E. coli situation. Read it here.
October 2, 2006, we had some Questions For Western Growers that asked how far the WGA was willing to go to make sure foreign growers meet the same standards as Salinas area farmers. Read about it here. We also asked How Committed Is The Produce Industry To Broad/National Food Safety Program. You can read the piece here.
In addition, on October 2, we ran Pundit's Mailbag: Another Despicable Marketing Attempt that pointed out how a seed company was taking advantage of the situation and, possibly, leading to harm, by pushing its products. Read about it here.
On October 4, 2006, we ran a piece entitled Primary And Secondary Suppliers, which details how this food safety crisis has to impact retail vendor selection. Catch it right here. Also on October 4, 2006, we discussed how to help innocent spinach farmers who were victimized by this crisis in Everyone Needs to Do A Little Bit. The Pundit pledged to do its own bit. Read it right here.
October 5, 2006, we ran a piece focused on another outbreak of foodborne illness — in this case, botulism in carrot juice. The focus, however, was on the necessity to change attitudes as the produce industry becomes less a packing industry and more a processing industry. It is called Botulism III, and you can read it here.
On October 6, 2006 we pointed out The Botulism And E. coli Connection where we explained that our focus on pathogens at the product source, though important, is insufficient. Read it here. Also on October 6, 2006 we ran Pundit's Mailbag: What Are The feds Up To? This answered a reader's letter inquiring as to whether the FBI being in Salinas implied industry members weren't cooperating. You can find this item here.
Several additional pieces appear in the Perishable Pundit today, and they will be incorporated into future iterations of this Spinach Crisis Summary.
In addition to our own work, there are many excellent sources of information out there that do not require payment, membership or registration. Three of the Pundit's favorites:
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has offered daily information on the crisis right here.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention deal with the outbreak here.
The Produce Marketing Association has maintained an excellent industry resource on the subject right here.
Please feel free to write or call if you are looking for specific information not included here. Note that many of the articles and websites have links to other resources.


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