Andy Cier, Artist for the 2005 "Ocian In View" Nickel To Make Presentation

Would you like to get your nickel's worth of art copyright information for FREE?

Internet theft of artwork is something that hit home here in Astoria, and you may have read the papers, but now you can get .... the rest of the story!

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop is pleased to announce the next installment of its In Their Footsteps free speakers series.

This program, A Nickel – For What it’s Worth by Andrew E. Cier and LaRee Johnson, will presented on Sunday, February 15, at 1:00 p.m. in the Netul River Room of the Fort Clatsop visitor center.

You might have a 2005 “Ocean in View” Nickel in your pocket or purse. Did you know that this common five cent coin has an intriguing local story behind it?

This Third Sunday Forum is sponsored by the Lewis and Clark National Park Association and the National Park Service. These programs are free of charge. You are invited to see & hear ... the rest of the story!

For more information, call the park at (503) 861-2471.

Navy To Stage More Training And War Games Off Oregon/Washington Coasts

Northwest Training Range Complex
The Northwest Training Range Complex consists of numerous individual training areas that stretch from Washington to Northern California. Extending 250 nautical miles (about 288 miles) west from the coastline into the Pacific Ocean, the Northwest Training Range Complex encompasses more than 126,000 square nautical miles of ocean area. The range complex also includes more than 34,000 square nautical miles of airspace. The land, air, and sea components of the Northwest Training Range Complex provide the space and resources needed to realistically train Navy Sailors and aviators to achieve and maintain Fleet readiness.Click Link Below To Go To Complete Overview

http://www.nwtrangecomplexeis.com/EIS.aspx

The Peter Huhtala KGW News Interview
http://www.kgw.com/video/video-index.html?nvid=329275&shu=1

Banished Again From North Coast Oregon

It has become a "Badge of Honor"

LNG's Enemy: Green Venture Capitalists

From: Inc.com
Cashing In on Clean Technology
Despite the credit crunch and falling oil prices, venture capitalists say green energy is still a good bet.
By: Venuri Siriwardane
Published January 2009

The future of all alternatives to oil rests on a single make-or-break factor -- money. And even as private investors fled other markets last year, clean-tech company coffers were still brimming with venture capital dollars.

Clean tech -- a loosely defined environmental category -- includes companies involved in solar power, biofuels, batteries, water, recycling, even farming.

And as VCs clamored to get in, funding for the industry posted an all-time high of $2.6 billion in the third quarter of 2008.

Experts linked the boom to soaring oil prices, generous tax credits, and a public fascination with all things green.

Though they also say the torrid pace can’t continue, the amount of capital raised globally last year -- $8.4 billion -- still exceeds the 2007 full-year total of $6 billion, according to the Cleantech Group, a San-Francisco-based market research firm....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.inc.com/articles/2009/01/clean-tech.html

Peter Huhtala To Be On KGW Tonight 6:00 & 11:00PM

Peter Huhtala interview with KGW today about the expansion of Navy war games and sonar testing off Oregon and Washington. The piece will air tonight during the 6 pm channel 8 news. More on this subject will come in future days.

Well, This Oughta Frost You!!!

Time Magazine says California is the "National Capital" of energy efficiency: it's ultra-strict building codes and generous financial incentives exceed federal mandates.

And to maintain that standard they expect Oregon and other northwest states to do all the dirty work for them and send them nicely processed and clean Natural Gas off our backs?

For the Time article:"Wasting Our Watts", Click on link below.

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1869224,00.html

Reuters: Elusive West Coast Market Scraps Woodside Petroleum's California LNG Terminal!

Thursday, February 05, 2009
Reuters UK
By Edward McAllister
NEW YORK, Feb 3 (Reuters) - Woodside Petroleum's (WPL.AX) decision to scrap a liquefied natural gas import terminal in California last month bodes ill for developers on the U.S. West Coast already struggling to bring projects to fruition....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://uk.reuters.com/article/oilRpt/idUKN0244678720090203?sp=true

Don't Do This!!! Miley Cyrus Did And......

Don't Do This!!!

Asian Group Not Mad at One of These People
Posted Feb 2nd 2009 6:10PM by TMZ Staff
When Miley Cyrus transformed herself into Hanoi Montana for this photo -- she had to know it would turn into bad fortune. The OCA -- a group "dedicated to advancing the social, political and economic well-being of Asian Pacific Americans" -- is fuming at this photo of Miley and pals for using what they have deemed an offensive, stereotypical gesture....For Complete Article, Click On Link Below

http://www.tmz.com/2009/02/02/asian-group-not-mad-at-one-of-these-people/

Oregon Parents Launch Virtual Public School Coalition

From: Oregon Catalyst
By: In The News

Wednesday, February 4. 2009

Virtual Public School CoalitionPortland, OR - A group of Oregon parents today announced the launch of the Oregon Virtual Public Schools Alliance, a coalition committed to protecting online schools as an option for Oregon families. Online schools exist in the state, but they are administered through a patchwork of regulations that artificially cap enrollment, prevent a consistent standard for access, and limit the long-term viability of the virtual school's charter....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.oregoncatalyst.com/index.php/archives/2048-Oregon-Parents-Launch-Virtual-Public-School-Coalition.html

Politico.com: Cheney Warns Of New Attacks

From: Politico.com

By JOHN F. HARRIS & MIKE ALLEN & JIM VANDEHEI 2/4/09 5:56 AM EST Updated: 2/4/09 3:19 PM EST

Former Vice President Dick Cheney warned that there is a “high probability” that terrorists will attempt a catastrophic nuclear or biological attack in coming years, and said he fears the Obama administration’s policies will make it more likely the attempt will succeed.....Click on link below for full story

http://www.politico.com/news/stories/0209/18390.html

MSN's Top Ten Micro-Cars!

Life in the Tiny Lane

Small is beautiful — or at least affordable. Here are our picks for the top “micro” cars on the road today.

As this year’s North American International Auto Show in Detroit made oh-so clear, small gas-sipping cars — or those that don’t run on gasoline at all — are what automakers and government overseers think American drivers want. Even with gas prices relenting, few people have extra cash to swipe away at the pump, so MSN Autos rounds up 10 cars that prove small can be beautiful — or at least beautifully economical....Click On Link For The Rest Of The Story

http://editorial.autos.msn.com/landingpagepassenger.aspx?cp-documentid=861622&landing=passenger&topart=passenger&icid=hotmail&GT1=22009&vv=600

Rookie State Law Maker Offers Green Jobs Proposal

New lawmaker offers ‘green jobs’ proposal
Plan would insulate, weatherize, be paid for through utility bills
By Steve Law
The Portland Tribune, Jan 29, 2009

Home energy reviews are the first step to energy-saving improvements that cut utility bills. Neil Kelly Home Performance analyst Seth Kolodziejski shows homeowner Jennifer McClellan possible drafty leaks in her home using an infrared camera.

Politicians from Portland City Hall to the White House are extolling “green jobs” to help pull the nation out of its worst recession in a generation.

A rookie state lawmaker from Southeast Portland may have the most promising plan for Oregon.

State Rep. Jules Bailey, D-Portland, in tandem with local energy and finance experts........Click On Link Below For Complete Story

http://www.portlandtribune.com/news/story.php?story_id=123318343924618000

Astoria Visual Arts Celebrates 20 Years!

From: "azure10@juno.com"

Please Join The Astoria Visual Arts (AVA) Historic 20th Anniversary Celebration & Auction

Date: Thursday, February 5th from 7 - 10pm.

Our “Keep The Arts Alive” benefit will be held at the Loft in the Red Building #20 Basin St., Astoria.

Entrance by donation.

For the past twenty years, Astoria Visual Arts Center (AVA) has facilitated important public art projects, supported emerging regional artists, offered a wide-ranging series of lectures, thematic art shows and experimental music on the North Coast, and mentored children and local high school artists.

We honor all of you who recognize the value of a flourishing arts community here which drives our economy and provides the color and enrichment locals and visitors enjoy.

There will be refreshments, champagne and music by The Hayes Trio (Bill Hayes on guitar, Dave Ambrose on bass and Tom Sarpola on drums) along with an auction of marvelous treats to ensure that AVA continues to be the inclusive and pioneering non-profit organization it is.

Local businesses and artists have donated items and/or experiences to be auctioned at this event.

Valentine’s day is just around the corner and this would be a great opportunity to purchase something for your loved ones.Thank you for keeping the arts alive and well here at home by participating in AVA’s “Keep The Arts Alive”.
For More Information: Call 503-325-4589

Rising Tide:Willing To Go Physical On The LNG Debate?

Cascadia Rising Tide is active in Eugene, Portland and Olympia, with contacts in British Columbia, California and elsewhere in the west. Our focuses include grassroots education and organizing resistance to Liquefied Natural Gas, regional highway expansions and forest destruction.

We also work with local movements against giant hydro-electric dams and the sustainability movement.

Please contact us at anytime at cascadia-AT-risingtidenorthamerica-DOT-org and join our email list for updates!...For More Detail On This Group, Click On Link Below

http://www.risingtidenorthamerica.org/wordpress/category/rising-tide-cascadia/

For Those That May Be Interested, See Below Invitation:


PRESS RELEASE
PEASE FORWARD FAR AND WIDE!!

LOVERS AGAINST LNG!Valentines Day! Feb. 14thWhere: 220 NW 2nd Ave, 2 blocks N of Burnside,When: Noon(email me for the flyer, most lists won't accept it)Come On Out to Proclaim Your Love for the Earth and Call Out NW Natural(aka NW NASTY) on its Abusive Relationship with CascadiaNW Natural (Nasty) has been leading the people of Cascadia to believe thatthey are looking out for the greater good by pushing their LiquifiedNatural Gas (LNG) agenda packed with 3 terminals and hundreds of miles ofpipelines. It's more like NW Nasty has shoved a pipeline through our heart.We see through the "greenwash" smog that they've created and realize thatthey are in an abusive relationship with the land and its people.On Valentines Day (Feb.14th) we are planning to call out NW Nasty fortheir lies and let them know that they've taken advantage of ourrelationship for far too long. Come on out and show that you choose Natureas your Valentine, bring your cutie and kiss in protest, get Nasty againstNW Nasty or just sing and dance along to our Love Song Karaoke. The rallywill lead to some other Lovers Against LNG actions, but don't worry we'realways safe!A Few Ways Folks Can Get Involved:• Help make costumes and Valentine Signs before the rally, contact: ant@risingtidenorthamerica.org• Bring fun and festive skills such as juggling, stilt walking or othercreative entertainment stephanie@risingtidenorthamerica.org• Play a role in our creative Street Theatre• Wanna make a fun Pinata?• Come on out to the Red & Black on Sun Feb. 1st at 6pm or contact ant@risingtidenorthamerica.org about our next V-Day action planningmeetingThere will be a work-party this Wednesday at 6pat the Blackrose Infoshop4038 N. Mississippi Ave.Portland, Oregon 97227Hope you can make it!!-- stephanie@RisingTideNorthAmerica.orgwww.RisingTideNorthAmerica.org**Rising Tide North America**PO BOX 11664Portland, OR 97211

From:Blog Herald: Proper Attribution Of Internet Content

I don't think any of us intentionally mean to misrepresent ourselves, in our zealousness to get a point across by reposting an article, video or photos but there are set rules that could mean the difference in sharing quality information and plagiarism.

This article shares some valuable information .

From: The Blog Herald
Filed as Features, Guides on December 17, 2007 8:54 am
by Jonathan Bailey

When the Richter Scales posted their “Here Comes Another Bubble” video, they didn’t expect the attention that they would get.

The video and song, a parody of Billy Joel’s “We Didn’t Start the Fire” lampooning the current wave of Web companies, almost instantly went viral, generating over 600,000 views on YouTube and becoming an instant Internet sensation.....For complete article click on link below

http://www.blogherald.com/2007/12/17/how-to-provide-attribution-in-the-blogging-world/

Marquis Among Three Prime Candidates For U.S Attorney!

President Obama has given no sign of haste to replace the Bush appointee

Sunday, February 01, 2009
BRYAN DENSON - The Oregonian Staff

Three prominent career prosecutors have expressed interest in becoming the next U.S. attorney for Oregon if the Obama administration replaces Bush appointee Karin Immergut.

Dwight C. Holton, an assistant U.S. attorney for Immergut who worked in the Clinton administration, has applied for the job. So has one of the state's best-known district attorneys, Josh Marquis of Clatsop County. Pete Shepherd, who resigned last month as Oregon's deputy attorney general, said he also wants the job if the new administration makes a change. ...For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/1233384916128300.xml&coll=7

How In God's Name Did We All Survive To This Point Without The Self-Righteous To Help Us Along The Way ?

Oregon lawmakers consider smoking ban in cars
01/31/2009

Good Freakin Lord In Heaven!

Associated Press

After banning all smoking in Oregon bars and taverns, lawmakers say cars with children as passengers may be next.

A proposed law would carry a $90 fine for the first offense and a $360 penalty the third time an adult is caught blowing smoke in a vehicle with anyone younger than 17 in the front or back seat.
The proposed law got its first public hearing Friday as legislators, physicians and public health officials agreed the state must protect children's health.

Four states — Arkansas, California, Maine and Louisiana — have similar laws. The Washington Legislature is considering one.

But questions remained about whether House Bill 2385 pries too deeply into Oregonians private lives, not to mention how such a law would be enforced.

Dr. Donald Austin, incoming president of the Oregon Public Health Association, argued that children whose lungs are still developing are especially vulnerable to secondhand smoke. Exposure can lead to ear infections, asthma, bronchopneumonia and other illnesses, he said.
State Rep. Chuck Riley, D-Hillsboro, said the law already requires children to be strapped into infant car seats and booster seats. If government has any role it has to be protecting people who cannot protect themselves, he said.

But state Rep. Jim Weidner, R-Yamhill, told the House Transportation Committee that educating parents about the risks to their children would be more effective.
State Rep. Vicki Berger, R-Salem, asked whether such a law would prompt people to dial 9-1-1 every time they saw a parent smoking in the car.

"We have a lot of serious criminal issues," she said. "You put law enforcement in a bind."
But supporters say the laws on seat belts and child safety seats have not caused problems.
"When you declare something illegal," said Sen. Ginny Burdick, D-Portland, "it really does get peoples attention."
___
Information from: The Oregonian, http://www.oregonlive.com

Palomar They Say? Not So Fast, Look At This In Stanfield, Oregon!!!

Maybe we already got the problem solved with that Rocky Mountain Natural Gas source with a deal already made with TransCanada and just more smoke blown up our asses to get that Palomar line in further south.

Do we really need that Palomar Pipeline at all?

So what have we really got here, Palomar/Wiiliams/TransCanada, a high stakes, high dollar, fearce competition to hit the West Coast Market with "The Firstest" with "The Mostest" with the likes of LNG Speculators such as Northen Star, Oregon LNG wanting to get a piece of the action too?

Click on link below for full details.


http://www.downstreamtoday.com/Projects/Project.aspx?project_id=90&AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

And Who Was It Won That LUBA Appeal?

Any winners at all here?

In my view the real winners are the Citizens of Clatsop County by LUBA forcing it back into the Public Venue with lessons learned by all of us that will cause a rethink of this whole mess, maybe for the better.

NSNG cannot prove that Salmon Habitat will be protected nor, that Bradwood Landing is technically classed a Small Project, the two most critical aspects of the LUBA appeal by anti-LNG forces were supported thereby, efffectively for the moment, setting NSNG back on their heels in many's view.

A huge victory for all those that spent their time at all hearings trying time after time to tell the CCBofC that NSNG/Bradwood Landing is not wanted in Clatsop County and effectively being ignored, each session.

And now Oregon AG Kroger taking the issue to U.S. Court of Appeals to take a shot at getting the entire NSNG/Bradwood application tossed?

A devastating setback contrary, in my view, to NSNG's Joe Desmond's comment that they planned for stuff like this all along?

Big question here is how much longer will NSNG's backers tolerate this backsliding before we wake up one morning with NSNG gone back to Texas like the Calpine pull-out down in Humboldt County, California?

Problem now for CCBofC is that Clatsop Citizens are now savvy to those Commission Packing tricks to help grease the skids for that, as some say, Silent Majority agenda.

Wonder how many times a month "The Roundtable" is meeting these days.

And Why Not A Community Arena?

Now, hold on a second.

Before the naysayers start braying, it doesn't cost one thin dime to dream and brainstorm.

Why should we not consider a multi-use, flexible Community Arena/Recreation Facility?

Sprinker Recreation Center in Tacoma has worked beautifully for years with outdoor facitlities as well as an indoor Ice Arena/Tennis Courts/Racquetball/Physical Development facility.

Why, in Clatsop County, would not a similar facility work here?

Below in my concept for a base building that will serve primarily as an Ice Arena but is flexible enough for conversion for other Special Events.

A community that takes pride in its Scandinavian heritage, one would think a facility like this would be the heart of our community recreation.

Even Ireland has a National Ice Hockey team and amateur programs nationwide.

Case Study; Women Much More Advanced Financial Planners?

Truer words were never spoken!

Dan was a single guy living at home with his father and working in the family business.

When he found out he was going to inherit a fortune when his sickly father died, he decided he needed a wife with which to share his fortune.

One evening at an investment meeting he spotted the most beautiful woman he had ever seen. Her natural beauty took his breath away.

'I may look like just an ordinary man,' he said to her, but in just a few years, my father will die, and I'll inherit $65 million.

Impressed, the woman obtained his business card and three days later, she became his stepmother.

Women are so much better at financial planning than men.

From Columbia RiverKeepers: LUBA Overturns Bradwood Landing Approval!

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

From; Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper

Minutes ago, LUBA overturned the Clatsop County decision approving Bradwood Landing.

The effect of this victory is that the land use approval is invalid.

Therefore, the state cannot process any permits because the project is inconsistent with local land use.

Very exciting.

We won on two claims.

First, the county failed to properly determine whether the LNG terminal and pipeline "protects" salmon and traditional fishing areas.

Second, the county improperly decided that the project is "small to medium-sized."

It is nice that the court rejected the county's absurdly narrow view of the project.

More analysis tomorrow, but wanted you all to know pronto.

Thanks to all who testified at county hearings etc.

And to the awesome work by Western Environmental Law Center attorney Jan Wilson.

Keep up the fight. We are winning!

Brett VandenHeuvelExecutive Director, Columbia Riverkeeper724 Oak Street, Hood River, OR 97031phone: 503 348-2436, fax: 541 387-3029 bv@columbiariverkeeper.org

We will provide more information as it is made available.

From Ignoregon(Oregon Blogs): Samuelson and Hackett Ousted!

January 27, 2009

Tom Freel - KAST-AM Astoria(New Northwest Broadcasting)

Samuelson, Hackett Ousted

Here's a follow-up on the Clatsop Democrats meeting where the leadership removed Ann Samuelson and Pete Hackett from their delegate positions:

(Clatsop County Commissioner Ann Samuelson)"What I witnessed tonight at the Clatsop Co. Democratic meeting was one of the most unAmerican, undemocratic processes ever.

I was voted out, no discussion, point of order was not acknowledged, basically railroaded.

I asked a voting member after it was over why? I was told that I had "brown nosed" Hazen all the way to New York City...when actually we went to Washington D.C. on a very tiring short trip to assure that the FERC Commission acknowledged our Clatsop County contract with Bradwood Landing, assuring that promises to the County were kept.(The ethics, necessity and cost of this trip were questioned by many in Clatsop County and Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of this trip is posted at the end of this post for you to read and judge for yourself)

People in attendance were aghast, as was I.

I did bring a cake, on it I had written a number of things I've worked on as a Commissioner in the last two years...they ate the cake...need I say more...as always I will continue to serve my constituents in District 5, and the County as whole.

Forgiveness is a skill...I'm getting good at it.

Ann Samuelson"

http://www.ignoregon.com/


Clatsop County Commissioner Jeff Hazen's account of "The D.C. Trip"

Sunday, September 21, 2008

"As most of you are aware, Commissioner Samuelson and I traveled to Washington DC to attend the September 18th FERC meeting. The Clatsop County Board of Commissioners voted unanimously to have both of us represent Clatsop County at the meeting.We arrived about an hour before the meeting started and were greeted by the director of external affairs who welcomed us and explained how the meetings worked. She was very gracious and took us up to the Chairman's office where we were able to meet with him for a few minutes. Just prior to the start of the meeting, we were also introduced to each of the commissioners. The room filled up and the meeting began. The Chairman introduced us to those attending the meeting and thanked us for attending. When the Bradwood Landing agenda item came up, each commissioner read statements regarding their positions on the project and indicated their position. A roll call vote was taken and the result was 4-1 approving the certification of the Bradwood Landing project.As stated by some of the commissioners, this is not the final approval for the project. They attached 109 conditions to the project, 75 of which must be met before construction can begin. Comments were also made regarding the transparency of the project and the fact that the State of Oregon still has some decisions to make regarding the project. They expressed the necessity of improving the gas supply in the Northwest. I would encourage everyone to go to the FERC website and read all of the statements made by the commissioners.Following the meeting we had one interview with an energy publication. We then walked over to Union Station for lunch prior to our appointment with Congressman Wu. When we arrived at his office, we learned that he was on the floor and would not be able to meet us in his office. We were taken over to the Capitol by one of his legislative assistants so we could meet with him in the hallway. Unfortunately, he was very pressed for time and the hallway was very noisy so we were unable to have much of a discussion with him. We attempted to share the process that we went through and the separate contract we have with Norther Star Natural Gas. It was a disappointing meeting for both of us. We were even more disappointed that as we were sitting outside of his office building on a park bench, he walked by us and seemed to not recognize us even though we had just met with him less than 30 minutes earlier.We then went to the other side of the Capitol for our appointment with Senator Wyden. Upon arrival at his office we learned that he couldn't meet with us because he was attending an Intelligence Committee meeting. We sat down with one of his senior energy advisers. He shared with us the concern that the Senator has about the FERC process and that he wanted to see the process changed. I can't tell you if the Senator supports or doesn't support the project, he just doesn't like the process. We again shared the contract we had with NSNG, but he didn't seem to interested in it. It was unfortunate that we couldn't share some of the other concerns in the county since we didn't get to meet with the Senator.We left his office rather disappointed in both meetings. Our intention was to also discuss topics such as the Westport/Wauna water situation and also to encourage the relocation of the NOAA fleet to Astoria. While we had dinner that evening, we discussed that we need to be better and building the relationship with our congressional delegation so they know first hand what is going on in Clatsop County and what opportunities there are for the federal government to assist us.The following morning, we met with one of Senator Smith's natural resources senior advisers. I felt that the meeting with her was excellent. We knew the Senator was out of town and that we would be meeting with her instead. She was very insightful in the FERC process and had a good knowledge of the Bradwood Landing project. I look forward to continued discussions with his office in regards to this and other topics as well.I think that it was important for us to go to Washington to represent Clatsop County. I realize that there are some that don't like the fact that we went, but with decisions like this, we must be represented. This was not a sight seeing vacation on the public dime. As a matter of fact, the only building we stopped to look at was the Library of Congress after our meeting with Senator Smith's office. It happened to be on our way back to where the car was parked. I don't know what the total cost of the trip was, but I would venture a guess of around $2600. I think we only had the county pay for 1 lunch and 1 breakfast, we paid for our dinners, one lunch, and also for the food on the plane. I chose a hotel outside of Washington DC because I didn't think that paying $400 a night for a hotel room was prudent. As we plan future trips to Washington, we should be able to plan them far enough ahead of time in order to get better prices.As with all organizations, it is important to build relationships and I believe that trips such as this can be beneficial to the county. Traveling to Salem will also be important in order to continue our relationships with our partners there. "

Oregonian Live: Oregon AG Asks U.S. Appeals Court To Toss Bradwood Approval

OREGON BUSINESS NEWS

State asks court to toss Bradwood site's approval


Ted Sickinger - The Oregonian

Monday January 26, 2009, 10:50 PM

The state of Oregon asked the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals on Monday to overturn federal regulators' approval of the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas terminal, proposed for a site 20 miles east of Astoria on the Columbia River....For Complete Report Click On Link Below


http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/01/state_asks_court_to_toss_bradw.html

Stimulating Green Energy Investesments: From U.S. Senate Subcommittee On Energy And Natural Resources

Press Release From: U.S. Senate Subcommittee on Energy and Natural Resources

Contact: David Marks - Phone: 202-224-8046


Stimulating Green Energy Investments

January 23rd, 2009
Chairman Bingaman, a senior member of the Senate Finance Committee, praised the inclusion in the Senate Finance Committee mark of a major energy provision that he proposed to the economic stimulus package – a manufacturers tax credit designed to help the renewables industries.....Click On Link Below for Complete Article

http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Print&PressRelease_id=326a1485-441b-4531-94ef-9552d1374c52&SuppressLayouts=True&Party=0http://energy.senate.gov/public/index.cfm?FuseAction=PressReleases.Detail&PressRelease_id=7cf996

Sorry, We Are Being Harassed And Must Go To Moderation

Stuff happens sometimes when you choose to hold yourself accountable for your actions rather than hide behind anonymity and this is one of those times.

It appears we have been threatened, now harrassed by a couple of posters submitting posts that clearly convey this.

Sorry to inconveniece anybody wishing to post their opinions by forcing you to go through moderation but, I have been advised to do so until enough information is gathered and confirmed to determine the next step.

How to respond to Internet harassment

Step1 Assess the seriousness of the Internet harassment for your own decision-making and for authorities. There is a significant difference between hateful words or disagreement and outright threats. Yet, a substantial gray area exists with cyberbullying. A threat of any kind, or hate speech, should not be ignored, but unkind words may be little more than rudeness.
Step2 Screencast of Internet harassment via chat. (Demo) Record all comments, e-mails and activities involving the suspected Internet harassment. Include other website comments if applicable. Learn how do create screencasts, if needed, and save these screen images with your other recordings. Print these files for hard copy evidence.
Step3 Create a Google Alert of your name--as well as nicknames--to track anything that may be said about you anywhere on the Internet. It will include anything divulging your personal information.
Step4 Change your passwords, including for e-mail and websites. Internet harassment sometimes involves hacking people's accounts. Use a combination of letters and numbers, using eight characters or more.
Step5 Report Internet harassment to the proper authorities, including the local FBI office for online crimes and the police for physical or off-line threats. Obtain advice before reporting the offender to their Internet Service Provider. Should the perpetrator lose their account but remain unaffected by law enforcement, their actions may worsen.
Step6 Avoid aggravating cases of Internet Harassment by ending all communication. Do not make idle or real threats of legal or other action, and keep your online and off-line activities private.
Step7 Treat cases of Internet harassment with measured caution and expect the unexpected. Try to remain calm. Most cases do not go beyond words, but note that Internet harassment escalates easily and can be as illogical as road rage. You usually do not know who the person is or what he or she is capable of.

Thank you and enjoy your visit.

A Message From Management!!!

Dear Employees,

Due to the current financial situation caused by the slowdown of economy, Management has decided to implement a scheme to put workers of 40 years of age and above on early retirement. This scheme will be known as RAPE (Retire Aged People Early).

Persons selected to be RAPED can apply to management to be eligible for the SHAFT scheme (Special Help After Forced Termination). Persons who have been RAPED and SHAFTED will be reviewed under the SCREW program (Scheme Covering Retired Early Workers).

A person may be RAPED once, SHAFTED twice and SCREWED as many times as Management deems appropriate.

Persons who have been RAPED can only get AIDS (Additional Income for Dependants & Spouse) or HERPES (Half Earnings for Retired Personnel Early Severance).

Obviously persons who have AIDS or HERPES will not be SHAFTED or SCREWED any further by Management.

Persons who are not RAPED and are staying on will receive as much SHIT (Special High Intensity Training) as possible. Management has always prided itself on the amount of SHIT it gives employees. Should you feel that you do not receive enough SHIT, please bring to the attention of your Supervisor. They have been trained to give you all the SHIT you can handle.

Sincerely,
The Management

Ahhhhhh!!! Those Good Ole Port Secrets Raising Their Ugly Heads Again Perhaps?

Friday, January 23, 2009

Those nasty little secrets again.

"A committee of financial and development experts"?

With all that wisdom available to Port and they let, on the recommendation of CEDR, NOAA slip through our hands without much of an obvious whimper or a hard fight to sell this strategic site?

Are we sure CEDR isn't just there to keep the wagons circled up tight to make sure nobody gets a piece of the pie before they do?

It wouldn't hurt my feelings to be corrected with hard evidence that formal "Due Diligence" had been performed on this rare opportunity offered by NOAA but history at the Port, I would venture, at the least would likely prove out not one piece of hard copy would be found anywhere before we even looked at CEDR's file on this.

God! I hate to always be so cynical but, what now, those secret guests at a recent Port Commission Executive Session already made another off-radar, good buddy deal to make something happen at Tongue Point while the pickings are still good for yet more lateral movement of existing local businesses to leave, yet, another empty nuilding in their wake?

Obama:"You Cannot Outlast Us, We Will Defeat You"!

President Obama said:"You cannot Outlast Us, And We Will Defeat You."

Ho Chi Min said, paraphrasing,"Our biggest asset in deafeating America is time" and it has been echoed in recent history by fundamentalist terrorists in the Middle East and it is absolutely true, in my view.

Let's pray this does not come back to haunt him and us as well.

Rep. Brian Baird(D-WA) Elected Chair Of The Subcommittee On Energy And Environment

Rep. Brian Baird (D-WA) was elected Chair of the Subcommittee on Energy and Environment.

“I am extremely concerned with climate change and ocean acidification,” said Baird. “I look forward to playing a leading role in using scientific research to craft responsible policies in these areas. I look forward to working on the research and development to advance the energy technology that will allow us to reduce use through energy efficiency, to more fully embrace renewable energies and to reduce climate change.”

“Brian did great work as the Chair of Subcommittee on Research and Science Education last Congress—he is engaged, thorough and thoughtful in his questioning,” said Gordon. “He’s already proven himself a leader and a strong advocate in his years on the Committee, and he is passionate about the issues before his new Subcommittee. I look forward to seeing the work he does on these important issues in his new role.”

Members of the Subcommittee include:
Rep. Jerry Costello (D-IL)
Rep. Lynn Woolsey (D-CA)
Rep. Donna Edwards (D-MD)
Rep. Ben Lujan (D-NM)
Rep. Paul Tonko (D-NY)
Rep. Eddie Bernice Johnson (D-TX)
Rep. Daniel Lipinski (D-IL)
Rep. Gabrielle Giffords (D-AZ)
Rep. Jim Matheson (D-UT)
Rep. Lincoln Davis (D-TN)
Rep. Ben Chandler (D-KY)

For complete report click on link below

Subcommittee Chairs, Members Named

Goosama Bin Laden?

The Peanut Butter Salmonella Typhimurium Outbreak Update

January 19, 2009: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is conducting a very active and dynamic investigation into the source of the Salmonella Typhimurium outbreak. At this time, the FDA, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state partners have traced sources of Salmonella Typhimurium contamination to a plant owned by Peanut Corporation of America (PCA), which manufactures peanut butter and peanut paste—a concentrated product consisting of ground, roasted peanuts—that are both distributed to food manufacturers to be used as an ingredient in many commercially produced products including cakes, cookies, crackers, candies, cereal and ice cream. In addition, PCA peanut butter is distributed to and institutionally served in such settings as long-term care facilities and cafeterias.

Fort complete details click on link below.

http://www.fda.gov/oc/opacom/hottopics/salmonellatyph.html

What Palomar, Partners With N.W. Natural Gas And TransCanada, Says About Natural Gas Demand

Palomar On"Natural Gas Demand
*Oregon uses natural gas in electricity production and for industrial uses. Many *Oregon homes use natural gas as their primary home heating source.
*Oregon imports 100 percent of its natural gas, mainly from Canada and the Rocky Mountain states.
*Natural gas consumption in Oregon and the U.S. will likely rise over the next 20 years, while Canadian exports are expected to decrease.
*A new pipeline from the Rocky Mountains "or" one LNG terminal could more than meet Oregon’s increasing natural gas needs."

Either/Or!!!

Get that?

The best of both evils if we had to have one or the other.

With N.W. Natural Gas and TransCanada's pipeline infrastructure already in place would it not make since for Palomar to just tap into TransCanada Pipeline and route to NWNG'S exisitng network with minor modifications?

Do Americans Still Need Labor Unions?

April 1, 2008

Do Americans today still need labor unions?

by James Sherk


NO: LABOR UNIONS ADD TO COSTS AND DISCOURAGE PRODUCTIVITY

Would you want to work for a company that treats all workers exactly the same, no matter how hard they work?

What about one that promotes only on the basis of seniority and not merit?

Few Americans want a job with an employer who ignores their individual efforts.

Yet that's what labor unions offer employees today.

Small wonder membership is steadily declining.....Click On Link Below For Complete Article

http://www.heritage.org/press/commentary/ed040108c.cfm

Second Incident Involving LNG Tanker Off Massachusetts Coast Stirs Critics

December 29, 2008

James Vasniz - Boston Globe

Second incident involving an LNG tanker off coast stirs critics

The US Coast Guard aided a disabled tanker carrying liquefied natural gas early yesterday after it went adrift 16 miles northeast of Provincetown.

It was the second time this year an LNG tanker broke down near the state's coastline.... For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.boston.com/news/local/massachusetts/articles/2008/12/29/2d_incident_involving_an_lng_tanker_off_coast_stirs_critics/

Petition!!! - Support The Proposed "Oregon Informed Growth Act"!!!

Oregon Independent Businesses for Informed Growth

Sign up to support Oregon Informed Growth Act

Small business is the backbone of the Oregon economySmall businesses are the backbone of the Oregon economy. Oregon businesses are invested in Oregon and their communities. State policy should nurture the growth and continued diversification of this sector....Click On Link Below To Access Details and Petition And Decide For Yourself.

http://www.onwardoregon.org/site/apps/fc/form.asp?c=ffIOIRMEG&b=4859219#petition

A New Player For The Pro-LNG Element: Energy Action Northwest

ENERGY ACTION NORTHWEST
Previously
NORTHWEST BUSINESS AND LABOR COALITION FOR RELIABLE AFFORDABLE ENERGY
Previously
CITIZENS FOR A SUSTAINABLE ECONOMY

These people want you to join the fight against the Anti-LNG forces, CRK, CRBA, and the like and hope you are stupid enough to pay them at least $75.00 to do it.

For the full details and your prerogative to judge for yourself, click on the link below.

http://www.energyactionnw.org/page315.html

F.E.R.C. Upholds Bradwood Landing Decision

MEDIA ALERT
Oregon, Washington
FERC Upholds Bradwood Landing Decision
January 15, 2009

The Oregonian: "FERC's approval is the final administrative step before the state can launch a federal court challenge of the agency's regulatory process. Gov. Ted Kulongoski has threatened such a course of action if his complaints about the federal regulatory process weren't satisfied. He is now supported by a new attorney general, John Kroger, who has expressed opposition to the three LNG terminals proposed in the state."


CP06-356-002, CP06-366-002, CP06-376-002 and CP06-377-002

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) today denied rehearing requests of its order authorizing the construction and operation of the Bradwood Landing LNG terminal on the Columbia River in Clatsop County, Oregon, and for the construction and operation of the associated 36.3-mile long pipeline from the terminal to an interconnection with Northwest Pipeline Corporation’s interstate pipeline system north of Kelso in Cowlitz County, Washington.

Click on links below for complete release and other reports on this issue.

http://www.ferc.gov/news/media-alerts/2009/2009-1/01-15-09-C-2-mediaalert.pdf

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/feds_deny_appeals_of_lng_termi.html

Oregonian:New I-5 Bridge To Include Wind Generators

Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Dillon Rivera - The Oregonian

(The Blue Verticals Are The Wind Generators)

Combine river, wind, eco-friendliness and smooth sailing across the Columbia River and what do you have? A new Interstate 5 bridge with wind turbines generating electricity.

You read that right: The latest bridge design features vertically spinning turbines that would generate an unknown amount of juice while proclaiming loudly that the Portland-Vancouver area is the sustainability center of the world......Click On Link Below For Full Story

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2009/01/i5_wind_turbines.html

Time:America's Untapped Energy Resource!!!!

January 1, 2009

Michael Grunwald - Time Magazine

Wasting Our Watts - "We don't need drilling or new power Plants. We need to get efficient."

This may sound too good to be true, but the U.S. has a renewable-energy resource that is perfectly clean, remarkably cheap, surprisingly abundant and immediately available. It has astounding potential to reduce the carbon emissions that threaten our planet, the dependence on foreign oil that threatens our security and the energy costs that threaten our wallets. Unlike coal and petroleum, it doesn't pollute; unlike solar and wind, it doesn't depend on the weather; unlike ethanol, it doesn't accelerate deforestation or inflate food prices; unlike nuclear plants, it doesn't raise uncomfortable questions about meltdowns or terrorist attacks or radioactive-waste storage, and it doesn't take a decade to build. It isn't what-if like hydrogen, clean coal and tidal power; it's already proven to be workable, scalable and cost-effective. And we don't need to import it.

What's it called?

"Energy Efficiency"

For complete article click on link below

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1869224,00.html

LNG: Is This What's In Store For Us Importing Natural Gas?

Ukraine, Russia cut off gas to Europe

Each side blames the other for natural gas shut-off affecting at least 10 countries; heads of gas giants to meet Thursday.

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- Ukraine and Russia said the supply of natural gas to Europe was completely shut off Wednesday, but each side blamed the other for the cut-off, which comes as Europe faces a wave of freezing temperatures.

A spokesman for the Ukrainian state-run gas company, Naftogaz Ukrainy, told CNN that Russian gas giant Gazprom had turned off all gas flowing into Ukraine for transit into Europe....For Complete Article Click On Link Below


http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/07/news/international/russia_ukraine/index.htm

Somalia's High Seas Pirates

Can you build protection against them into LNG Tankers and Mega-Freighters.?

Click on links below for video reports.

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=aWeL3xjtcIY

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=xM0jKpwRAXg&feature=PlayList&p=C869DE076DC301A5&playnext=1&index=11

Obama;Bush Thwarts Israeli Attack On Iran

Brian Knowlton - The New York Times

"Last year, President Bush deflected a secret request by Israel for specialized bombs it wanted for an attack on Iran’s main nuclear complex, The New York Times reported on Sunday.

Quoting senior American and foreign officials, the article said that the president told the Israelis that he had authorized new covert action intended to sabotage Iran’s suspected effort to develop nuclear weapons".......For Complete Article Click On Link Below


http://www.nytimes.com/2009/01/12/us/politics/12iran.html?_r=1&hp

Mapes On Politics; New AG Kroger Looking For Money

Jeff Mapes - The Oregonian

Attorney General John Kroger laid out a five-point legislative agenda Thursday, and all of his points had something in common.

In each case the new AG was looking for a relatively modest amount of money from lawmakers that would allow him to pursue a more aggressive legal strategy.

Normally that might not be much of a problem. But the state is facing big budget problems and it will be interesting to see how successful he is in amassing the legal resources he wants.....For Complete Article, Click On Link Below.


http://blog.oregonlive.com/mapesonpolitics/2009/01/krogers_legislative_strategy_l.html

Clatsop County News:Final Open House For Miles Crossing Traffic Plan - 4 to 6 - Thursday, January 22, 2009

Thursday, January 08, 2009

FINAL OPEN HOUSE SET FOR MILES CROSSING TRAFFIC PLAN
The public is invited to offer input on a new long-range traffic strategy for the Miles Crossing/Jeffers Garden area at an open house Thursday, Jan. 22 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lewis and Clark Elementary School.
Representatives from Clatsop County, the Oregon Department of Transportation and the cities of Astoria and Warrenton will be on hand to accept public comment on the Miles Crossing/Jeffers Garden Refinement Plan and discuss recommended alternatives from the plan’s advisory committee.
The plan is intended to ensure smooth traffic flow over the next 20 years for local residents, long-distance travelers and freight on U.S. Highway 101-Business, which runs through the rural communities of Miles Crossing and Jeffers Garden between Astoria and Warrenton.
The plan, which is being developed with help from CH2M Hill, analyzes traffic movement on the route in light of potential future development both in the Miles Crossing-Jeffers Garden area and the surrounding region.
In 2002 Clatsop County adopted the Rural Community overlay for the Miles Crossing area. The new land-use designation allows higher-density uses and, combined with proposed water and sewer improvements, is expected to spur more development in the area.
The refinement plan will study local circulation needs, consider potential road connections to serve future development, develop safety and design improvements and analyze possible bicycle and pedestrian improvements. An approved plan will permit the county to apply for state and federal funding for these projects.
The Jan. 22 meeting is the final public open house on the plan, which is set for completion in March. For more information about the project, go to www.oregon.gov/ODOT/HWY/REGION2/MilesCrossingJeffersGarden/shtml

So You Want To Join AARP Huh?

Questions and Answers from an AARP Forum you may have to answer to be accepted.

Q: Where can men over the age of 60 find younger, sexy women who are interested in them?
A: Try a bookstore under fiction.
Q: What can a man do while his wife is going through menopause?
A: Keep busy.. If you're handy with tools, you can finish the basement. When you are done you will have a place to live.
Q: Someone has told me that menopause is mentioned in the Bible. Is that true? Where can it be found?
A: Yes. Matthew 14:92: 'And Mary rode Joseph's ass all the way to Egypt .'
Q: How can you increase the heart rate of your 60+ year old husband?
A: Tell him you're pregnant.
Q: How can you avoid that terrible curse of the elderly wrinkles?
A: Take off your glasses.
Q: Seriously! What can I do for these crow's feet and all those wrinkles on my face?
A: Go braless. It will usually pull them out.
Q: Why should 60+ year old people use valet parking?
A: Valets don't forget where they park your car.
Q: Is it common for 60+ year olds to have problems with short term memory storage?
A: Storing memory is not a problem, retrieving it is a problem.
Q: As people age, do they sleep more soundly?
A: Yes, but usually in the afternoon.
Q: Where should 60+ year olds look for eye glasses?
A: On their foreheads.
Q: What is the most common remark made by 60+ year olds when they enter antique stores?
A: 'Gosh, I remember these.

Google; Model, Liskula Cohen Files Defamation Lawsuit

This May Be Worth Following

New York (ANI): Model Liskula Cohen has filed a lawsuit against Google in a bid to unmask the blogger who called her a 'skank' and an 'old hag' on a Web site meant to ruin her image. The Vogue model, who has posed for Giorgio Armani and Versace, wants to force Google to reveal who defamed her on the blog 'Skanks in NYC' as the 'No.1 skanky superstar'....For Complete Article And Credits, Click On Link Below.


http://entertainment.oneindia.in/hollywood/top-stories/scoop/2009/liskula-files-lawsuit-google-060109.html

Daily Astorian Editorial By Steven Forrester; Does It Matter Who Owns Tongue Point?

Steven Forrester Editorial - The Daily Astorian
Sunday, January 04, 2009
12/30/2008 11:59:00 AM

Does it matter who owns Tongue Point?

This beguiling parcel may not make sense in today’s transportation economyTongue Point is a beguiling promise. It has been for decades. Since the end of World War II, when the promontory's lee side protected a fleet of mothballed Navy ships, Tongue Point's future has been an avid source of speculation in these parts...........For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=57125&TM=42385.99

The Bradwood Testimonials; Union Leader, Cliff Davis, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers

Announcer;
“Why do you support Bradwood Landing?
Business Manager of I .B.E.W.(International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) , Local 48, Cliff Davis.”

Cliff Davis;
If the Bradwood Landing project is not approved, I believe that the message that would be sent is that Oregon is not open to future economic development.
That we are going to place values of environment over economy, which is not realistic.
We need to create a balance between the two so that we have future “Family Wage” jobs in this area.”

Announcer;
“Bradwood Landing is good for the economy and good for the Columbia.”

The Bradwood Testimonials; Joan Harvey-Chester Says Her Clients Want To Sit And Stare At LNG Tankers Passing Her Upscale B&B?

Announcer;
“Why do you support Bradwood Landing?
Bed and Breakfast owner, Joan Harvey-Chester”

Joan Harvey-Chester;
“I’m the owner of “The Villa at Little Cape Horn”, an upscale B&B.
I know there’s a lot of people in the area that just come to stay at my place because they miss the river traffic.
The river traffic is a very big draw.
That’s why I’m excited about Bradwood Landing bringing more ships our way.
I support Bradwood Landing because the money it brings, supports the local economy and that supports tourism.”

Announcer;
“Bradwood Landing is good for the economy and good for the Columbia.”

Oregon Supreme Court; Death Penalty Review?

Supreme Court justice suggests death penalty review

By Stephen Beaven - The Oregonian

Wednesday December 31, 2008, 1:58 PM

SALEM -- An Oregon Supreme Court justice urged her colleagues to review the constitutionality of the state's death penalty statute in a case decided Wednesday.
Justice Martha L. Walters wrote in a concurring opinion on a Portland case that the court should "consider our state's experience in imposing the death penalty and to examine its constitutionality anew."

For complete article, click on link below.



http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/oregon_supreme_court_justice_s.html

The Bradwood Testimonials: Swede Nyberg, Community Volunteer Says;

More Bradwood Landing Truth or Hooey!!!

KAST Testimonial Transcripts

Announcer;
“Why do you support Bradwood Landing?

Community volunteer, Swede Nyberg.”

Swede Nyberg;
“Brad wood Landing is probably the best thing that could happen to Clatsop County
on account of the jobs it creates, the wages they pay.
I just love that.”

Announcer;
“Bradwood Landing is good for the economy and good for the Columbia.”

The Bradwood Testimonials: And The Guy Says You Can Pull Right Up To the LNG Tanker....

While it's in dock at Bradwood?

So long as it is no closer than 200 yards(600 Feet) anywhere around that vessel while in dock, so says United States Coast Guard's Captain of the Port.

"Hooey!" on this one as being anywhere near factual.

Singer/Songwriter Delaney Bramlett Dead At 69

December 29, 2008

From; CMT News

Delaney Bramlett, a roots music singer, songwriter and producer best known as a founder of Delaney & Bonnie & Friends, died Saturday (Dec. 27) at a Los Angeles hospital of complications from gallbladder surgery. He was 69...For complete article click on link below


http://www.cmt.com/news/news-in-brief/1601890/singer-songwriter-and-producer-delaney-bramlett-dies-in-los-angeles.jhtml

Tansey Point; The Historic Site Of The Anson Dart Treaties!!

And benevolently donated by the Carruthers Family to the citizens of Warrenton for their pleasure and use is now deemed an "Industrial Park"?

How does that happen and why is its historic significance overlooked to the benefit of a private corporation's lease of it?

Those Bradwood Testimonials; Local Business Owner Steven Phillips

Truth or Hooey?
These are the "Spin-Off" jobs?
Service industry jobs in the local grocery store and restaurants?

Announcer;
“Why do you support Bradwood Landing?

Business owner, Steven(sp) Phillips.”

Steven(sp) Phillips;
“With a major facility like this and the spin-off jobs that are going to happen, ahhh.. you add another sixty to seventy employees and now we’ve got service requirements jobs in the grocery store another restaurant that opens, ahhhhh… the spin-off economics are just phenomenal and the opportunities are great for kids.”

Announcer;
“Bradwood Landing is good for the economy and good for the Columbia.”

Snow Melt, Rain Push River Levels To Near Flooding

Snow melt, rain push rivers to near-flood levels

by Michelle Roberts - The Oregonian

Saturday December 27, 2008, 8:08 PM
Rapid snow melt combined with Saturday's steady rainfall bloated rivers across Oregon and Southwest Washington, in some instances running over their banks and forcing the National Weather Service to issue a flood watch in more than a dozen counties. In Seaside near the Necanicum River, at the Oregon Coast, 10 inches of standing water crowded drivers on Highway 101 into one lane late Saturday, with Department of Transportation officials directing traffic onsite.

http://www.oregonlive.com/news/index.ssf/2008/12/snow_melt_rain_push_river_leve.html

Tennessee Coal Plant Breech Creates Environmental disaster

December 24, 2008

From; Democracy Now

Spill at Tennessee Coal Plant Creates Environmental Disaster
Parts of Tennessee remain buried under toxic sludge today after a major disaster at a coal plant. A forty-acre pond containing toxic coal ash has collapsed, spilling out millions of gallons of coal ash. Environmentalists say the spill is more than thirty times larger than the Exxon Valdez, but the story has received little national attention. Greenpeace is calling for a criminal investigation......For complete article click on link below.

http://www.democracynow.org/2008/12/24/spill_at_tennessee_coal_plant_creates

From The Daily Astorian; Corruption Wins At Clatsop County Courthouse.

12/22/2008 11:12:00 AM

A Steven Forrestor editorial;

Corruption wins at Clatsop County CHNorthern Star LLC seems to own a majority of commission votesOnce corruption creeps into an organization, it becomes an alternate center of gravity, sucking up the honest and enabling the dishonest........For complete article click on link below

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=56968&TM=50780.1

Commissioner Samuelson Responds;

Posted: Tuesday, December 23, 2008

Article comment by: Commissioner Samuelson - "Maybe I'm weary from this last storm, but I really need to ask the question of you Mr. Forrester, how is our community going to survive, let alone thrive in any way if you continue to spew such serious allegations, and extreme slander upon elected officials and others in this County. May I remind you, there is yet another storm coming tomorrow, people are hungry, people are unemployed,they are cold, and many of our young people are leaving here if they can find a way out...where are your concerns about that, and ultimately what are you contributing to this community with an editorial such as this? We have tremendous needs for basic things here, worse than I ever remember...and I've been here most of my life."

Having Trouble Deciding What Holiday To Celebrate This Time Of Year?

Here's what 2009 in America will bring us during the next Holiday Season

And it's still just about Christmas?

October 2009
German-American Heritage Month
National Italian-American Heritage Month
Polish-American Heritage Month
3 -Sukkot* (Jewish)
10 - Shemini Atzeret (Jewish)
11 - Simchat Torah (Jewish)
17- Diwali (Buddhist, Hindu)
21 - Cirio de Nazare (Brazil)
31 - Reformation Day (Christian)

November 2009
National American Indian Heritage Month
1 - All Saints' Day (Christian, Roman Catholic)
1 - Dia de los Muertos "Day of the Dead" (Mexico, Latin America)
2 - All Souls' Day (Roman Catholic)
12 - Birthday of Baha'u'llah (Baha'i)
27 - Eid al-adha (Islamic, Muslim)

December 2009
6 - St. Nicholas Day (International)
8 - Bodhi Day - Buddha's Enlightenment (Buddhist)
12 - Hanukkah* (Jewish)
12 - Virgin of Guadalupe (Mexico)
13 - Santa Lucia Day (Sweden)
16-25 - Las Posadas (Mexico)
18 - Al Hijra - Muslim New Year
25 - Christmas (Christian, Roman Catholic, International)
26 - Boxing Day (Canada, United Kingdom)
26 - Kwanzaa (African-American - Dec. 26, 2009 - Jan 1, 2010)
*Holy days usually begin at sundown the day before this date.

2008 Accomplishments Of Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners

Clatsop County Board Of Commissioners reviewed its accomplishments for 2008.

The list included;
* The sale of the Delaura Beach property to the State of Oregon for inclusion into Fort Stevens State Park
* Approving the zoning application for the Bradwood Landing liquefied natural gas project.
* Completing a study of the local public safety system that studied four potential alternatives for a new county jail.
* Hiring a consultant to assist with the sale of timber blown down in the December 2007 gale.
* Completing an agreement with ODOT over the grant-of-access agreement for the proposed Atlin Investments development at the North Coast Business Park.
* Allocating funds to assist the Westport Water Association and Wauna Water District with needed maintenance and improvement projects and to assist the clean-up of Plympton Creek. The funds came from the county’s share of a tax penalty paid by Georgia-Pacific Corp.

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookie Recipe

Jose Cuervo Christmas Cookies Notes: THIS RECIPE IS STRICTLY FOR MEN OVER THE AGE OF TWENTY-ONE AND UNDER FORTY. DO NOT MAKE THIS WITH YOUR GRANDMOTHER.

Ingredients
1 cup water
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 cup sugar
1 teaspoon salt
1 cup brown sugar
1 cup lemon juice
4 large eggs
1 cup nuts
2 cups dried fruit
1 bottle Jose Cuervo Tequila

Serves / Yields
One

Preparation Instructions:

Sample the Cuervo to check quality. Take a large bowl; check the Cuervo again, to be sure it is of the highest quality, pour one level cup and drink.

Turn on the electric mixer...Beat one cup of butter in a large fluffy bowl.
Add one teaspoon of sugar...Beat again. At this point it's best to make sure the Cuervo is still OK; try another cup ...just in case.

Turn off the mixerer thingy.

Break 2 leggs and add to the bowl and chuck in the cup of dried fruit, Pick the frigging fruit off floor... Mix on the turner.

If the fried druit gets stuck in the beaterers just pry it loose with a drewscriver. Sample the Cuervo to check for tonsisticity.

Next, sift two cups of salt, or something. Who giveshz a sheet.

Check the Jose Cuervo.

Now shift the lemon juice and strain your nuts.

Add one table.

Add a spoon of sugar, or somefink.

Whatever you can find.

Greash the oven.

Turn the cake tin 360 degrees and try not to fall over.

Don't forget to beat off the turner.

Finally, throw the bowl through the window, finish the Cose Juervo and make sure to put the stove in the dishwasher.

CHERRY MISTMAS!

Unlike A Local Public Relations Strategy She Just Did It From Her Heart...

Woman Buys Gloves For Entire Tacoma School

Thursday, December 18, 2008

TACOMA, Wash. -- A woman who saw children Monday with no mittens bought 300 pairs of gloves and donated them Tuesday to Stanley Elementary School in Tacoma.

For complete article, click on link below.

http://www.kirotv.com/news/18309510/detail.html?rss=sea&psp=news

Can A Blog Be Sued For Defamation?

Isn't It All Free Speech?

Excerpt By: Kelly O'Donnell - Global Legal Network

This is a knotty issue, but a short answer would be, generally, that a blog owner whose blog has published obnoxious materials can be held harmless while a blogger using the site can be liable. The Communications Decency Act of 1996 is a protector of blog owners. It states, in section 230, that it "precludes courts from entertaining claims that would place a computer service provider in a publisher's role." As to how the court sees blogs, in general, overall, the US Supreme Court has ruled that blogs are similar to news groups, saying "in the context of defamation law, the rights of the institutional media are no greater and no less than those enjoyed by other individuals and organizations engaged in the same activities."

For bloggers, all Defamation legal rules apply to their posts. But there are many complications in applying them. First, many people who post online comments, and probably those tending to make the most inflammatory and false statements, will do so anonymously, for obvious reasons. So the first threshold is identifying the blogger making Defamatory claims. Several things make this difficult, as well. Since the blogger probably will not identify themselves when the issue comes to light, there needs to be a legal process that allows identification. They can be traced by high-tech means, but a court must agree via summary judgment that all the elements of Defamation have been met. This technology does have some limits, as well, as it can be stymied through use of "Proxies," which mask the true origin of the blogger. Also, the website owner may not cooperate in the search, as well.

A recent case showed how powerful Defamation laws, applied online, can be. In November 2006, a Florida woman, Sue Scheff, was awarded $11.3 million in damages in Broward County Circuit Court, in one of the biggest awards ever tolled. The suit was filed for Internet defamation, and the jury found a Louisiana woman had posted caustic messages against the Scheff and her company, claiming she was a "con artist" and "fraud". The jury found the charges were completely false, so the Louisiana woman had no defense. Interestingly, Scheff's attorney had offered to settle the case for $35,000 before it went before the jury.

From The Daily "A" - The Port/Tongue Point Secrecy Versus The Public's Right To Know

12/17/2008 12:25:00 PM

Port hits secrecy snag on Tongue Point!

Sale is confidential, but county wants to make meetings public

By CASSANDRA PROFITA - The Daily Astorian

Port of Astoria leaders are worried about keeping the details of their North Tongue Point purchase confidential as Clatsop County leaders move to arrange a public analysis of the deal.The Port has asked the county for an undisclosed sum of video lottery funds to pay for part of the confidential North Tongue Point purchase price.

Click on link below for full story.

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398&ArticleID=56825&TM=42591.39

10 Things To Never Say To A Car Dealer

Even in a "Buyers Market" it pays to watch what you say.

By Sam Foley of MSN autos

So you’ve decided to buy a new or pre-owned car. You know the make, model and year of the chariot. You even know what features you want. Now it’s time to head to your local dealer and sign on the bottom line, right? Not by a long shot. It’s now time to negotiate price. If you want to get the most bang for your buck, here are 10 phrases you should never utter in earshot of a car dealer — and why..........


http://editorial.autos.msn.com/listarticle.aspx?cp-documentid=765384&topart=luxury

OregonLive: LNG Terminal would undercut Green Economy

Liquified natural gas terminal would undercut green economy

by Rory Cox, Guest opinion
Monday December 08, 2008, 8:03 PM

It is unfortunate that the Oregon AFL-CIO's president, Tom Chamberlain, confuses short-term, temporary jobs with the very real opportunities that Oregon is presented with as solar power, wind energy and energy efficiency start to replace costly fossil fuels to make the state's economy strong.

For complete article click on Link below.

http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2008/12/liquified_natural_gas_terminal.html

Eric Clapton, B.B. King, Jimmy Vaughan, Buddy Guy

BLues Players, just get better with age.

Maybe there's some hope for me.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyH9DHt19ZM

Bonnie Bramlett, Dickey Betts, Charlie Daniels, Elvin Bishop

Four of my favorite lengends jamming their butts off on "South Bound"


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmN3cembTLg

Lower Columbia LNG: Action Alert CCBofC's 12-3-2008 Conduct

ACTION ALERT Co Commissioners!‏

From: lower_columbia@lists.onenw.org

Just when you think you've seen it all -

Remember September when the "Pipelines in Parks" Referendum received 8,252 NO votes from Clatsop Co citizens? (67% of the ballots cast!!)

On Wednesday, 3 of our elected County Commissioners did everything in their power to ignore the voice of the people on this issue and to avoid sending a letter to the OR Dept of Justice acknowledging the results of the referendum.

". . . We need only know whether the currently planned routing of this portion of the proposed pipeline is consistent with your comprehensive plans and land use regulations. . . " (Dept of Justice letter to Clatsop County Planning Dept., Oct. 10, 2008.)

Following 20 minutes of confused deliberation, the board refused to send the letter:

Hazen's opening questions: Did you talk with Bradwood about this? Do we know what their plans are?

Samuelson throughout the discussion: Can we table this? I'd like to table it myself. . . . This is Bradwood's Landings problem to solve. . . . I would move to table it.

Roberts: It's like there are missing gaps. I was unable to track what his (the county counsel who co-wrote the letter) involvement was. We are being asked to make a decision on something we don't have all the information on. (The commissioners info packet was received a week ago and the letter from DOJ was received 2 months ago.)

Patrick asked excellent questions of Ed Wegner, county staff, clarifying the issue.
Raichl remained silent during the discussion. (If you are interested in the transcript of the proceedings, email me.)

There is an excellent article in today's Daily Astorian, with a clear explanation of the issues.

LNG opponents clash with countyHTTP://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=2&subsectionID=398&articleID=56451&Q=71362.89Web Posted 12/4/2008 12:02:00 PM By JOE GAMM and CASSANDRA PROFITA

Bottom line - the Commissioners will again face this issue at the regular meeting:
Clatsop County Commissioners
Wednesday, December 17, 6:00 pm
Guy Boyington Building, 9th and Commercial

PLEASE PLAN TO ATTEND
Your statements during the public comments and your attendance will remind our commissioners that they can no longer deny the Referendum and that they are elected to represent the people of Clatsop County, not their favorite energy speculator.

From CRK: Clean Energy Rally In Salem, January 13, 2009

Hello All:January 13th we are holding a Clean Energy Rally at the capital steps in Salem to promote renewable energy development and oppose LNG!

This is your chance to join hundreds of residents from the Pacific Northwest to raise our voices in support of a clean energy future for our region!

Earlier this year, on February 6th, we held a very successful rally on the steps of the capitol building.

With more than 300 folks in attendance and speakers ranging from affected landowners and fisherman to conservationists and elected officials, this rally marked a turning point in our fight against LNG.

This year we hope to double our attendance and need you to be a part of that effort!Please come to this important rally for clean energy!January 13th, 11AM-1PM on the capitol steps in SalemBring your signs, tractors, fishing boats, friends, families and voices.

Help our message to be heard: We want clean, renewable energy -- not more foreign fossil fuels!

We are currently organizing buses and carpools from all over the region. If you are interested in carpooling or taking a bus, please contact me at oliviariver@gmail.com and I will help you find the option that works best for you!Also -- if you are interested in coming early or staying late to participate in a meeting with your legislator to talk about LNG and upcoming LNG legislation for the 2009 session, please let me know.

I will make sure that you get to the right meeting at the right time!

Thanks to all of you for your participation in this fight! Please attend -- there is strength in numbers!-Olivia Schmidt Columbia Riverkeeper and Sierra Club(971)533-2390 oliviariver@gmail.com

UAW: $73.26 Per Hour

According to the Indianapolis Star:Base wages average about $28 an hour.

GM officials say the average reaches $39.68 an hour, including base pay, cost-of-living adjustments, night-shift premiums, overtime, holiday and vacation pay. Health-care, pension and other benefits average another $33.58 an hour, GM says.

September 26, 2007 UNITED AUTO WORKERS OFF THE JOB, Striking back at globalization. By Ted Evanoff

World's Oldest Weed Stash Found In Gobi Desert!!!

Yes, a 2700 year old stash of Marijuana found in the grave of a deceased dweller and no, it ain't a piece of rope either.


http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/28034925/

Nuclear Plant The Size Of A Garden Shed?

Enough modular nuclear power in this plant to power 20,000 homes?

http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/nov/09/miniature-nuclear-reactors-los-alamos

Shell's GTL: Gas To Liquid Fuel

Is Shell serving up a helpful and feasible Fuel?

Check this out.

http://realenergy.shell.us/?page=GTLWhatIs&lang=en_US&promo=search#GTLWhatIs

Scuttlebutt: G.O.B.s Try A Takeover Of Clatsop County Democrat Party?

A sitting, elected official, an LNG speculator employee with a small group of other local G.O.B.s makes an attempt to take over the Clatsop County Democratic Central Committee?

Could this actually contain any truth to it?

Anybody know any deatails they would wish to share with us?

AP Wire; Put Restrictions On Pit Bulls?

Someone in this piece suggests that all Pit Bulls be singled out and heavy restrictions put on them.

Are these dogs any worse than Aunt Marthas little Pekingnese when it comes to bite risk in the presence of children?

Is it the dog or the owner that should bare to punishment?

For complete article click on link below.

http://www.kgw.com/news-local/stories/kgw_112308_news_pit_bull_vancouver.1e172e86b.html

A Passing

Althea Mae Nordan-McGee
May 12, 1920 - November 24,. 2008



















Today we all thank God for allowing her passage to his bosom and out of her prison of Alzheimer's.

What a wonderful woman she was.

From This Old House; Ten Good Reasons To Remodel

Here's some pretty good advice as to one option in expanding your housing needs in an economy in the dumps.

Click on link below for full story.

http://www.thisoldhouse.com/toh/photos/print/0,,20195545_20444969,00.html

From Lower Columbia - LUBA Appeal On Bradwood

Lower Columbia - LUBA appeal on Bradwood‏
From:
Cheryl & Ted (ted067@centurytel.net)
Sent:
Sun 11/23/08 6:07 AM
To:
lower_columbia@lists.onenw.org

NO lngers!,

On Thursday, November 20, two heroes of the NO LNG battle presented legal arguments on why the 21 zone changes and land use amendments OKed by the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners should NOT be upheld by the state.

Brett VandenHeuvel, representing Columbia Riverkeeper (CRK), and Julie Carter, representing Columbia River Intertribal Fish Commission (CRITFC), made oral arguments before the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals (LUBA) in two separate hearings.

Carol Carver of Wahkiakum Friends of the River (Puget Island), along with Gayle Kiser and Sandy Davis of Landowners and Citizens for Safe Community (Cowlitz County), and I journeyed to Salem to observe the process and cheer on our legal team.

It was a jolt to see Andy Jordan, legal counsel hired by Clatsop County, sitting at the table with the high-priced legal team from NorthernStar. The NorthernStar attorneys argued the county's case to LUBA. Public opposition to the Bradwood proposal has been amply demonstrated over the last few years in public meetings and hearings, official testimony, demonstrations and rallies, letters to county newspapers, and September's pipeline referendum vote. It occurred to me that had the County Commissioners had the wisdom to accept the recommendations from county staff to deny the Bradwood project, that CRK and Clatsop County would be on the same side in these legal appeals.

In the first hearing CRK and CRITFC focused on a complex combination of issues in Clatsop County:

1. The LNG terminal fails to protect fishing areas and fish.
2. There is no need for LNG.
3. The county failed to maintain a safe and adequate navigation.
4. The county failed to comply with Statewide Planning Goals.
5. The LNG terminal is not a "small or moderate" sized development.
6. The county's reliance on mitigation was improper.
7. The county failed to follow proper procedures.

The second hearing concerned Clifton Road, and CRK argued that the road improvements needed for the Bradwood site should be held to the same standards as the rest of Clatsop County and should NOT receive special privileges. (Seems like a no brainer to me!)

The LUBA ruling is scheduled for December 30th, but not expected until Jan or Feb of 2009. THANKS to everyone who donated to CRK this year, either directly or through the SPIRIT event. Your support allows citizen interests to be well represented in the ongoing legal battles.
Cheryl