One can only.....uhum!..... guess at the outcome of that visit.
Hmmm, comparing The Boston area to the Lower Columbia River.
How close can one get?
Saturday, February 02, 2008
Don't Challenge A Woman's Ego...Ever!
THREE WOMEN, TWO YOUNGER, AND ONE SENIOR CITIZEN, WERE SITTING NAKED IN A SAUNA. SUDDENLY THERE WAS A BEEPING SOUND. THE YOUNG WOMAN PRESSED HER FOREARM AND THE BEEP STOPPED. THE OTHERS LOOKED AT HER QUESTIONINGLY. "THAT WAS MY PAGER ,SHE SAID. I HAVE A MICROCHIP UNDER THE SKIN OF MY ARM."
A FEW MINUTES LATER, A PHONE RANG. THE SECOND YOUNG WOMAN LIFTED HER PALM TO HER EAR. WHEN SHE FINISHED,SHE EXPLAINED, "THAT WAS MY MOBILE PHONE ,I HAVE A MICROCHIP IN MY HAND."
THE OLDER WOMAN FELT VERY LOW-TECH. NOT TO BE OUT DONE, SHE DECIDED SHE HAD TO DO SOMETHING JUST AS IMPRESSIVE. SHE STEPPED OUT OF THE SAUNA AND WENT TO THE BATHROOM. SHE RETURNED WITH A PIECE OF TOILET PAPER HANGING FROM HER REAR END. THE OTHERS RAISED THEIR EYEBROWS AND STARED AT HER. THE OLDER WOMAN FINALLY SAID......... " WELL, WILL YOU LOOK AT THAT... I'M GETTING A FAX " !!
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
From Seattle Times: David Wu And Those Pesky "Earmarks"
Update: WU STATEMENT FOLLOWING STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS
"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu released the following statement after the president's final State of the Union address tonight:
"The president and I have differed on many foreign and domestic policy issues, but tonight I am gratified to work together with him to pass a timely economic stimulus package to prevent Wall Street from dragging our Main Street economy into recession.
"An economic shot in the arm: cash rebates for most Americans, tax incentives for small business and addressing part of the national mortgage crisis is common sense and the right thing to do.
"What the American people and Wall Street want to see is not just an economic package, but a government in Washington that works.
"I hope that the president's decision to work with Congress on this economic stimulus package indicates that we will also do those things we should always be doing to ensure America's long-term economic health.
"We always need to enhance education, from kindergarten to community colleges and universities; work with employers to improve job training programs; invest in research and development; foster partnerships between government and the private sector to bring new technologies and products to store shelves; and craft trade agreements that take care of American jobs first.
"These are the fundamental challenges we need to address. I hope to find a willing partner in the White House.”"
Doug Hoschek sells the Army's elite Special Forces a T-shirt that resists burning — a feature that can save the lives of soldiers under fire.
He wanted to sell his creation to the Marines, as well.
Working out of his Sammamish home, the seasoned garment maker toiled for months preparing to bid but, Hoschek was stunned to learn recently that another company, InSport International, snagged the T-shirt contracts without having to compete.
InSport had lobbied members of Congress for an "earmark" — federal dollars lawmakers direct to favor seekers, often campaign donors. Company executives also donated nearly $9,000 to the re-election effort of Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., who sponsored three earmarks for InSport.
"Earmarks", he said, "cheat businesses that play by the rules. They not only deprive the military of getting the best price, he said, but can saddle soldiers with inferior products that politicians handpick."
It's not supposed to work that way.
Federal law requires that all military contracts, even earmarks, be offered through competitive bidding. Exceptions are allowed in those few cases in which the military has an urgent need or the product is unique.But in case after case, The Seattle Times found, earmark contracts were awarded without competition.
"WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Congressman David Wu released the following statement after the president's final State of the Union address tonight:
"The president and I have differed on many foreign and domestic policy issues, but tonight I am gratified to work together with him to pass a timely economic stimulus package to prevent Wall Street from dragging our Main Street economy into recession.
"An economic shot in the arm: cash rebates for most Americans, tax incentives for small business and addressing part of the national mortgage crisis is common sense and the right thing to do.
"What the American people and Wall Street want to see is not just an economic package, but a government in Washington that works.
"I hope that the president's decision to work with Congress on this economic stimulus package indicates that we will also do those things we should always be doing to ensure America's long-term economic health.
"We always need to enhance education, from kindergarten to community colleges and universities; work with employers to improve job training programs; invest in research and development; foster partnerships between government and the private sector to bring new technologies and products to store shelves; and craft trade agreements that take care of American jobs first.
"These are the fundamental challenges we need to address. I hope to find a willing partner in the White House.”"
Doug Hoschek sells the Army's elite Special Forces a T-shirt that resists burning — a feature that can save the lives of soldiers under fire.
He wanted to sell his creation to the Marines, as well.
Working out of his Sammamish home, the seasoned garment maker toiled for months preparing to bid but, Hoschek was stunned to learn recently that another company, InSport International, snagged the T-shirt contracts without having to compete.
InSport had lobbied members of Congress for an "earmark" — federal dollars lawmakers direct to favor seekers, often campaign donors. Company executives also donated nearly $9,000 to the re-election effort of Rep. David Wu, D-Ore., who sponsored three earmarks for InSport.
"Earmarks", he said, "cheat businesses that play by the rules. They not only deprive the military of getting the best price, he said, but can saddle soldiers with inferior products that politicians handpick."
It's not supposed to work that way.
Federal law requires that all military contracts, even earmarks, be offered through competitive bidding. Exceptions are allowed in those few cases in which the military has an urgent need or the product is unique.But in case after case, The Seattle Times found, earmark contracts were awarded without competition.
Monday, January 28, 2008
From The November 19, 2007 Special Hearings On Bradwood: A Blatant Lie Or Selective Blindness?
"Hazen asked for clarification of the pipelines and said the Palomar pipeline is separate and that Bradwood is using the pipeline going to Kelso;
Coppedge said that is correct.
Hazen asked if Bradwood would consider using the Palomar pipeline down the road if it was feasible.
Coppedge said they are not developing the Palomar pipeline and the current plan is to transport
gas through the Bradwood Landing pipeline.
Hazen asked what the reason was for the Palomar pipeline and referred to a statement in the Bradwood materials.
Paul Soanes, Bradwood Landing President, Houston, Texas, said the statement is a direct FERC quote and FERC would be the best source for an answer to the commissioner’s question."
And now, coincidentally, we know that Bradwood is indeed abandoning the pipeline crossing "The River" that goes to the "Williams Pipeline" in favor of "The Palomar Pipeline" along, obviously, with Oregon LNG/Pipeline and Northwest Natural Gas, going south and east, then connecting to Trans Canand Pipeline east of Maupin, Oregon.
To me this appears to be a blatant non-truth by Northern Star Natural Gas and not a peep out of Hazen, Lee, Samuelson, Roberts, Patrick regarding this breech.
And of Course new Commission President Roberts tells NNB's Michael Desmond it can all be undone it if all issues are not mitigated properly?
Well, Patricia what the heck are you and yours going to do about this flagrant misdirection by Northern Star?
You have been lied to right out the box and, yet, you sit there, not a peep?
I ask Hazen: Why did you not speak up when you caught the news that NSNG is working with consultants doing feasability for NSNG's use of 'The Palomar" pipeline.
No flags were raised at all?
Coppedge said that is correct.
Hazen asked if Bradwood would consider using the Palomar pipeline down the road if it was feasible.
Coppedge said they are not developing the Palomar pipeline and the current plan is to transport
gas through the Bradwood Landing pipeline.
Hazen asked what the reason was for the Palomar pipeline and referred to a statement in the Bradwood materials.
Paul Soanes, Bradwood Landing President, Houston, Texas, said the statement is a direct FERC quote and FERC would be the best source for an answer to the commissioner’s question."
And now, coincidentally, we know that Bradwood is indeed abandoning the pipeline crossing "The River" that goes to the "Williams Pipeline" in favor of "The Palomar Pipeline" along, obviously, with Oregon LNG/Pipeline and Northwest Natural Gas, going south and east, then connecting to Trans Canand Pipeline east of Maupin, Oregon.
To me this appears to be a blatant non-truth by Northern Star Natural Gas and not a peep out of Hazen, Lee, Samuelson, Roberts, Patrick regarding this breech.
And of Course new Commission President Roberts tells NNB's Michael Desmond it can all be undone it if all issues are not mitigated properly?
Well, Patricia what the heck are you and yours going to do about this flagrant misdirection by Northern Star?
You have been lied to right out the box and, yet, you sit there, not a peep?
I ask Hazen: Why did you not speak up when you caught the news that NSNG is working with consultants doing feasability for NSNG's use of 'The Palomar" pipeline.
No flags were raised at all?
From The Oregonian On Clatsop County Commission. Is This The Perception We Want To Convey?
Is This The Image We Want To Convey?
Clatsop County Commission needs the "Kindgerten Cop"
by The Oregonian
Thursday January 24, 2008, 12:55 PM
"Arnold, please return to Astoria and use that whistle the get these kids in order. I would love to be the beat reporter at the Daily Astorian that gets to cover these folks and write stories like this. Actually, that's the beauty of it. These stories write themselves. You can't make this up.
Turmoil amid the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners boiled over again Wednesday.
Chairwoman Patricia Roberts scolded a fellow member of the board for flipping other commissioners "the bird" during Tuesday's goal-setting workshop.
Roberts told fellow commissioner Sam Patrick she was stunned and shocked by his conduct."
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/clatsop_county_commission_need.html
Clatsop County Commission needs the "Kindgerten Cop"
by The Oregonian
Thursday January 24, 2008, 12:55 PM
"Arnold, please return to Astoria and use that whistle the get these kids in order. I would love to be the beat reporter at the Daily Astorian that gets to cover these folks and write stories like this. Actually, that's the beauty of it. These stories write themselves. You can't make this up.
Turmoil amid the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners boiled over again Wednesday.
Chairwoman Patricia Roberts scolded a fellow member of the board for flipping other commissioners "the bird" during Tuesday's goal-setting workshop.
Roberts told fellow commissioner Sam Patrick she was stunned and shocked by his conduct."
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/01/clatsop_county_commission_need.html
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Samuelson Sells Astoria Plumbing And Tile! - Just More Perception Reinforcement of "Them Against "Us" You think? Read This!
From KAST Coastwatch Blog
Nasty People
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson is selling her business. She was on her way toclose the deal today when she called to tell me why she was doing this. Ann told me she is entirely committed to her job as a commissioner and decided it was time to get out of the plumbing contracting business because the people that work for her were being targeted by those who don't like some of the decisions she has made as an elected official.
Yes, I've seen the list of CCFOG members who are seeking to dismantle county government.
Those who would "agree" to have their names made public.
I've decided some research is in order. It will take some time so please be patient.
The personal attack on me this morning by the group spokesman Rodger Rocka, followed closely by a call from a commissioner telling me she was giving up her family business to protect her employees from these kind of attacks tells me that regardless of what this group may say about their intentions their actionsspeak volumes.
I certainly don't wish to see anyone from this group affecting public policy orattempting a run for office at this point.Neither should you.
Commissioner Sells Business -From Ann Samuelson Explaining Her Reason
The following is the text of an email I recieved from Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson which clarifies her position.
Hi Tom, I appreciated talking with you the yesterday morning regarding my sale of the plumbing business.
I just want to clarify what I wanted to convey.
I am concerned that my employees "would have been impacted" by how I am treated as an elected official, i.e. their income etc. This was one of the reasons on my list of why I needed to sell at this point in my life.
I have made a commitment to Clatsop County and I have three years left in that commitment.
You can talk to past Commissioners who have businesses of any type and many will tell you they experience a negative effect on their businesses.
Because what I did pay a living wage and benefits on an hourly basis, I was becoming very concerned over the last year about the impact this group behavior in the community would have on others in my life, thus the solution was to sell, and this was part of the reason for that decision.
Further, to protect that as best I could most of our work was not done in Clatsop County, and that had become exhausting as well, I did that because I wanted to limit mine and my employees exposure to the behavior we are seeing from this group.
That is proving to be a real concern, in that I have been turned in to the Secretary of State for laundering money for a campaign, by a fellow Commissioner, and the head of the democratic party in Clatsop County (a false allegation, thrown out by the Secretary of State).
Note that I hold a non-partisan seat as a Commissioner, but I am the only democrat on the BOCC. Currently a Freedom of Information Act request has been submitted to the county building codes department by former Commissioner Helen Westbrook regarding any dealings I have had with them regarding permitting.
The bullying tactics being used here against Mr. Lee, and that I have experienced, are certainly unpleasant but I know and hear daily from supporters of the work we are doing, so it doesn't have the impact I think they hope for.
This is apparently the political climate of our community, it is a climate that is exhausting, time consuming, and very negative, making it challenging to run a business under these circumstances. Know that I will continue to do the work I was elected to do.Thanks so much for the work you do to keep folks informed.Ann
Posted
Nasty People
Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson is selling her business. She was on her way toclose the deal today when she called to tell me why she was doing this. Ann told me she is entirely committed to her job as a commissioner and decided it was time to get out of the plumbing contracting business because the people that work for her were being targeted by those who don't like some of the decisions she has made as an elected official.
Yes, I've seen the list of CCFOG members who are seeking to dismantle county government.
Those who would "agree" to have their names made public.
I've decided some research is in order. It will take some time so please be patient.
The personal attack on me this morning by the group spokesman Rodger Rocka, followed closely by a call from a commissioner telling me she was giving up her family business to protect her employees from these kind of attacks tells me that regardless of what this group may say about their intentions their actionsspeak volumes.
I certainly don't wish to see anyone from this group affecting public policy orattempting a run for office at this point.Neither should you.
Commissioner Sells Business -From Ann Samuelson Explaining Her Reason
The following is the text of an email I recieved from Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson which clarifies her position.
Hi Tom, I appreciated talking with you the yesterday morning regarding my sale of the plumbing business.
I just want to clarify what I wanted to convey.
I am concerned that my employees "would have been impacted" by how I am treated as an elected official, i.e. their income etc. This was one of the reasons on my list of why I needed to sell at this point in my life.
I have made a commitment to Clatsop County and I have three years left in that commitment.
You can talk to past Commissioners who have businesses of any type and many will tell you they experience a negative effect on their businesses.
Because what I did pay a living wage and benefits on an hourly basis, I was becoming very concerned over the last year about the impact this group behavior in the community would have on others in my life, thus the solution was to sell, and this was part of the reason for that decision.
Further, to protect that as best I could most of our work was not done in Clatsop County, and that had become exhausting as well, I did that because I wanted to limit mine and my employees exposure to the behavior we are seeing from this group.
That is proving to be a real concern, in that I have been turned in to the Secretary of State for laundering money for a campaign, by a fellow Commissioner, and the head of the democratic party in Clatsop County (a false allegation, thrown out by the Secretary of State).
Note that I hold a non-partisan seat as a Commissioner, but I am the only democrat on the BOCC. Currently a Freedom of Information Act request has been submitted to the county building codes department by former Commissioner Helen Westbrook regarding any dealings I have had with them regarding permitting.
The bullying tactics being used here against Mr. Lee, and that I have experienced, are certainly unpleasant but I know and hear daily from supporters of the work we are doing, so it doesn't have the impact I think they hope for.
This is apparently the political climate of our community, it is a climate that is exhausting, time consuming, and very negative, making it challenging to run a business under these circumstances. Know that I will continue to do the work I was elected to do.Thanks so much for the work you do to keep folks informed.Ann
Posted
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