First "full-figured" model wins

The first "full-figured" model, Whitney, wins America's Next Top Model. The Tyra Banks show that airs on CW ended its tenth season tonight.

The show seems superficial on its face but has proven to me to be an interesting look at our culture. A look behind the scenes of print and TV ads. Also, as an artist, I enjoy seeing the subtle moves and gestures that models use to signal different emotions in audiences. In a way, it examines body language, which constitutes more than 50 percent of human communication.

With that in mind, you might want to check out a few episodes. Reruns often air on MTV in blocks. Maybe some TV producers don't mind giving us something to think about ... as long as its buried in pretty package.

--LCR

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Local invited to White House

Dan Vander Meer, CEO of Dutchman Global and Robyn Vander Meer, CFO have both been invited to attend President George W. Bush's remarks in recognition of World Trade Week on the South Lawn of the White House on Tuesday May 20.

Dan Vander Meer was nominated by Colleen Litkenhaus, Assistant Secretary of Commerce. The U.S. and Foreign Commercial Service is the key export promotion agency of the federal government. The service has a worldwide network of employees and a mission of assisting small and medium-sized American businesses in exporting their goods and services worldwide.

Dutchman Global was established in 2005 to provide quality heavy equipment to the global earthmoving and mining industry. Dutchman Global currently ships 98% of its equipment overseas to several geographic territories. Dutchman Globals' experienced sales staff sells Caterpillar, Euclid, John Deere, Komatsu and other used equipment.

Located at 208 Prosperity Court in Florence, Dutchman Global currently has 6 sales and administrative employees in the Florence location. Other employees are located in Canada, South Dakota, Dubai and Guyana.

In April 2008, Dutchman Global was nominated as one of South Carolina's fastest growing companies. Dan Vander Meer was also appointed to South Carolina's District Export Council and Dutchman Global received an Export Achievement Award in 2007.

Grand Opening in Lamar

The Greater Darlington Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the Grand Opening of its newest member, The Master's Touch Beauty Salon and Barber Shop o5:30 p.m. on Monday May 19.

The Master's Touch is located at 211 Main Street in Lamar, directly across from the Family Dollar Store. Owner and Manager, Denise Johnson and her business partner, Linda Toney purchased the business after operating in that location for 5 years. Johnson is also a native of Lamar and is a licensed Instructor, Cosmetologist and Barber.

Community members helped renovate the building. Johnson states that the business is also a ministry in which community members can come together to help others especially young people. The business offers an onsite Barbering and Cosmetology School with plans to branch off and establish a public school in the area. Johnson also states that there is diversity among the employees and customers because the business caters to different races. In addition, Master's Touch is the only nail salon in Lamar.

Stylists are owner and manager, Denise Johnson, Heather Perrotti, Latoya Goodman and Tawanna Bines. The stylists offer women's, men's and children's haircuts, relaxers and braids in addition to many more.

Walk in's are welcome as well as appointments. For more information contact Denise Johnson at 843-326-1362.

Ovis Hill Farm/Naturally Outdoors Farmers Market

Saturday we finished the first round of shearing (the woolliest of the woolies) and of course had a cold rain that night. Jonathan left enough wool so that the freshly shorn did OK, even though they no doubt were a little chilly. Jonathan and his son Ben will be back in several weeks to finish up and we will let you know when so that you may visit. We are grateful for the many kindnesses shown by our customers to us and to other customers. We feel very Blessed. We do need help setting up and/or running our farmers market as well as the farm store, so if anyone has time and interest for helping please let me know. Helping with set up takes about 30 minutes and is a huge help. Please share any ideas you may have on ways to improve the way we serve you.

Come visit us Saturdays 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at NATURALLY OUTDOORS, 2519 W Palmetto St., Florence
We will have an even better supply of wonderful fresh green and yellow vegetables!! There should be a good selection of beef, free range chicken, and lamb. There should be a good supply of eggs, milk and cheese. Grains and raisins are back!
“SCRATCH AND DENT” SALE: 25% off marked price! Please look for a cooler with chicken and beef packages that have lost their vacuum. The cause is usually a hole, usually so small it cannot be seen, that allows in air and moisture. Because the packages are stored at zero there is no freezer burn and even though there is nothing wrong, their appearance is not good. Our family has used them for years with excellent results.
NEW VEGETABLES: We’ll have a limited supply of new yellow squash and zucchini as well as good supply of greens although some are still in limited quantities: black seed simpson lettuce, spinach, tendergreens, baby collards, onions, baby garlic, maybe baby onions and garlic. There will be a few bags of shelled sweet peas, and lots of sweet snow peas that you just eat shell and all!
MILK and EGGS: We have a good supply of white and chocolate milk, buttermilk, and eggs!
COFFEE: Aroma Underground has closed but with Wes Andrews help we will continue to offer Larry’s fair trade and organic coffee by the bag. As last week, we plan to brew an urn of coffee for a complimentary cup. Last week we used Larry’s Costa Little Ricky. Please come have a cup of coffee with us.
PET FOOD: We have a supply of the Oaklyn Plantation (David White) ground chicken pet food at $2.50/LB. Please let me know if you want me to bring it to market.
BEEF, LAMB AND CHICKEN: We have a very good selection of hamburger, roasts, stew, flanks, and a few steaks! This week we will have a very good supply of lamb! The mutton sausage did very well and we will produce more. We have a few chicken breasts and plenty of drumsticks, wings, maybe some other cuts, whole birds and cut up whole birds
FARM VISIT: You are welcome to visit our farm store. Hours are 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM Tuesday through Thursday, and 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM Friday and Saturday. To visit at other times, please call 843-992-9447 for appointment.

Spring Sheep Shearing

Ovis Hill Farm will be shearing most of the flock today and tomorrow morning. The shepherds are truly at the mercy of the weather and shearers schedule. Jonathan began yesterday and now that the thunderstorms seem to have passed, it seems safe to invite visitors. With enough sheep dry in the barn to get us started today while the others dry in the spring breezes and sun, they will shear throughout the day till about 6 or 7 PM tonight and begin again tomorrow morning and work till sometime midday. Visitors are welcome. For later this evening or near midday tomorrow, please call 843-992-9447 cell or 843-346-3646 store to verify we are still working.

Photos from May 8 practice

Photos courtesy of NASCAR media

from SC Fishing Report

Pee Dee Area: River levels are about perfect for fishing.

Great Pee Dee: Fish the main river for catfish and target bass and panfish in the surrounding oxbow lakes.
Catfish: Good to very good. Catches of catfish are picking up in the main river using eels, large minnows, and goldfish. Fish on the bottom in holes and around channel breaks.
Crappie: Fair. Anglers fishing ox bow lakes off the main channel are starting to report improved catches. Use minnows.

Lynches River: Bream: Good. Anglers are doing well fishing worms, wax worms, and crickets on the bottom.