Oregon House Looks At Online Voting And Citizen Access

Oregon House looks at online voting, citizen access
Public hearing - Some people express concerns about security and costs
Thursday, February 26, 2009
EDWARD WALSH
The Oregonian Staff
SALEMOregon would move deeper into the electronic age under three bills a House committee considered Wednesday that would make it easier to register to vote, cast an absentee ballot and keep track of how the state government spends taxpayer money.

Click Here For Complete Article

Contractor Loses Suit Over Coos County Gas Pipeline

Contractor loses suit over Coos County gas pipeline
Oregon Environmental News
By: The Oregonian
Tuesday February 24, 2009, 9:40 AM

MasTec Inc., the contractor fired not long after being hired to build a natural gas pipeline from Roseburg to Coquille, has been ordered to pay $1.5 million in penalties to the U.S. Treasury because of damage caused to pristine streams and rivers...Click On Link Below For Full Story

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/02/contractor_loses_suit_over_ros.html

Fisher Poets Gathering February 27, 28 And March 1, 2009

Fisher Poets Gathering 2009

The Fisher Poets Gathering (FPG) is again expecting more than 70 fishing and maritime industry people from several states and British Columbia to bring their original poems, stories and songs to Astoria.

This year's event is on February 27, 28 and March 1. Along with several local music groups who also have strong fishing-industry ties, they will present their readings and music at this 12th annual two-evening program.......Click On Link Below For Details and Schedule

http://www.clatsopcollege.com/fisherpoets/

The Daily Astorian: Former Port Leader Gearin Pleas To Felony

For Details Click On Link Below

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?FromHome=1&TypeID=1&ArticleID=58447&SectionID=2&SubSectionID=398

The Daily "A" Opinion: Gearin Action Costly To Taxpayers

Statesman Journal: Oregon Budget Writers Outline Possible Cuts

State Budget Writers Outline Possible Spending Cuts
Oregon schools stand to lose $167.1 million under proposals
By Peter Wong and Tracy Loew • Statesman Journal
February 19, 2009
The Oregon Legislature's chief budget writers Wednesday laid out proposed spending cuts that would make up a potential shortfall of $800 million by June 30 — but also could cut five days or more from the current school year.....Click On Link Below For Full Article

http://www.statesmanjournal.com/article/20090219/LEGISLATURE/902190346&referrer=FRONTPAGECAROUSEL

Time Business And Tech:How To Fix The Housing Market

Thursday, Feb. 12, 2009
How to Fix the Housing Market
By Barbara Kiviat

Here's a thought: let's have the government do something to fix the housing market. Now what would that be?
Ideas are flying around Washington. They include tax credits and cheaper mortgages for home buyers as well as leaning on lenders to rewrite mortgage terms for struggling borrowers. But maybe we should ask what, exactly, fixing the housing market means--and prepare ourselves for the limits of what these policies can actually accomplish.
Consider our recent track record. Last July, Congress passed a bill to help the housing market. In an effort to churn demand and stabilize home prices, the bill created a $7,500 tax break for first-time home buyers. It also created a program to prevent...Click On Link Below For Complete Article

http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,1879184,00.html

House Buying Fees Increase Under New Bill Aimed At Affordable Housing? Has Salem Gone Insane?

House-Buying Fees Increase Under Bill
Paper filing - Three-quarters of recording charges would go to low income housing
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
HARRY ESTEVE - The Oregonian Staff

SALEM -- Paperwork for Oregon homebuyers would get more expensive, and the extra money would pay for affordable housing under a bill approved Tuesday by the House.
Recording fees -- money charged to file papers during the sale of a house -- would rise by $15 per document, from $11 to $26. The extra fees would bring in an estimated $44 million over the next four years.....Click On Link Below For Full Story

http://www.oregonlive.com/politics/oregonian/index.ssf?/base/news/123492930925370.xml&coll=7

Sportfishing Led Coalition Says Stop The Gill Netters!!!

Sportfishing-led group suggests restrictions on Columbia gill-netters
By: Scott Learn - The Oregonian
Tuesday February 17, 2009, 11:22 AM

An angler-led coalition thinks it has a solution to the perpetual battle between sportfishermen and commercial gill-netters on the Columbia.

Bump the gill-netters into the river's side channels and bays, SAFE for Salmon suggests, but stock those fishing grounds with more hatchery salmon and steelhead....Click Link Below For Complete Story

http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/02/legislature_may_move_columbia.html

"THE CHANGE"!!! You Ready?

The date when television goes all digital has changed.
By law, full-power television stations nationwide must begin broadcasting exclusively in a digital format by June 12, 2009. The U.S. Congress approved an extension of the deadline, which was originally set for February 17. For Details Click On Link Below

http://www.dtvanswers.com/

Democrat-Herald:Ban Gillnets For Hook And Line? What Do You Think?

February 13, 2009

GRP: If there ever were an icon to epitomize the Lower Columbia it would be "The Gillnetter" and now, ban "Gillnetting" in favor of "Hook And Line"?
Adding more controls to our historic livelyhood by making all Commercial Salmon Fishermen in essence, Sport Fishermen?
What do you think about this?

From: Democrat- Herald.com
Sen. Girod proposes plan to ban gillnetting
State Sen. Fred Girod, R-Lyons, has proposed a plan to help salmon and steelhead runs by banning gillnetting on the Columbia River along with other measures.He announced his proposal this week and said the gillnetting ban would be introduced as SB 524....Click On Link Below For The Rest

www.dhonline.com/articles/2009/02/13/news/local/3loc06_gillnetting.txt

Clatsop Democrats To Hold Candidates Town Hall Feb. 18th

Candidate's Town Hall-Astoria
Start: Feb 18 2009 - 6:00pm
End: Feb 18 2009 - 8:00pm
What: Information sharing on the 123 positions in the May 2009 election
Where: Astoria Event Center, 9th & Commercial in Astoria (map)
When: February 18, 2009 600 pm on
Details: Act on President Obama's call to service. There are 123 positions to fill in the May Election - everything from Port of Astoria Commissioner to Soil and Conservation Boards to school boards. Get information on what positions are open and how the process works. Sitting members of boards will be in attendance to talk about their experience.

Hate To Be Critical Of My Own Party's Website But,...

You people do know that the election is over don't you?

It is and Obama won, what you going to do wait for the next National election to get busy?

Moreso than ever the old adage, "All politics is local" is in play here, now!

For those interesested in getting involved in the local Recpublicam Party, wouldn't it be wise to have a local email adress to contact somebody?

Who is it manages your website?

What a lousy representation of the party with a dead, do nothing site that appears to just be there only, a shell.

From Mail Tribune: A look Back At 1859 Oregon

February 14, 2009
By Paul Fattig - Mail Tribune

TALENT — To hear farmer Wellborn Beeson(Photo Inset) tell it, not much was happening on Feb. 14, 1859.
"It rained last night," he wrote in his diary that day. "I went up the (Wagner) creek and brought the cattle down to turn across Bear Creek tomorrow . . .. I went up to Thomases to get Jenny shod."

Old Valentine's Day cards are on display

Today is not only Oregon's birthday, it's also Valentine's Day. So the Talent Historical Society & Museum is offering a display of old valentine cards, many going back to the 1920s or '30s. They range from homemade cards to commercial ones offering what historian Jan Wright describes as "cheeky" humor in vogue at the time.
One is a 1933 homemade card that Lynn Newbry, a former state senator and current society board member, received from his teacher Floy Young while attending elementary school in Talent.
Another was "To my mommy and daddy from April."
"We got that from our youngest daughter," offered Alice Burnette, 93, a Talent resident for some 75 years, who included several of her old cards in the collection. "She did that when she was around the first or second grade. She is in her 60s now."
The high temperature of the day was 44 degrees; the low 36, he noted.
But nearly three months later — May 4 — found him writing about the belated discovery via newspaper delivered by mail that Oregon had become a state on Feb. 14....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://www.mailtribune.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090214/NEWS/902140318

Robert Stricklin To Appeal A Variance And Conditional Use On Jon Englund Project March 9, 2009

CITY OF ASTORIA
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
The City of Astoria City Council will hold a public hearing on Monday, March 9, 2009 at 7:00 p.m., in the Council Chambers of the Astoria City Hall, at 1095 Duane Street.

The purpose of the hearing is to consider the following Appeal(s):

1. Appeal (AP09-01) by Robert Stricklin of the Astoria Planning....Click On Link Below For Details

http://www.astoria.or.us/LinkClick.aspx?link=Departments%2fCommunity+Development%2f3-9-09+CC+Public+Notice.pdf&tabid=1599&mid=6490&language=en-US

CNN Money:Charter Communications to File Chapter 11

Cable company controlled by Microsoft co-founder Paul Allen aims to shed $8 billion in debt through bankruptcy filing.

By Aaron Smith, CNNMoney.com staff writer
Last Updated: February 12, 2009: 2:31 PM ET

NEW YORK(CNN Money) -- Charter Communications, a provider of cable TV, Internet and other broadband services, said on Thursday that it will file for bankruptcy, as part of a "financial restructuring."

The St. Louis-based company said it planned to reduce its debt by $8 billion as a result of a Chapter 11 filing. The company added it intended to file on or before April 1.....For Complete Article, Click On Link Below

http://money.cnn.com/2009/02/12/news/companies/charter_communications/?postversion=2009021214

WSJ:Greenspan Blows It Big On LNG In The U.S.!!

Bad Call
The conventional wisdom said that the U.S. would soon become a big importer of natural gas.

The conventional wisdom blew it.

By RUSSELL GOLD

In the summer of 2003, former Federal Reserve Chairman Alan Greenspan appeared before a congressional committee to share his thoughts about the U.S. natural-gas market. It might have been better for the industry, and some investors, had he kept those views to himself.

Recent price spikes, Mr. Greenspan said, were the result of increased demand chasing limited U.S. supplies.

Natural gas heats about half of U.S. homes and generates 20% of the nation's electricity....For Complet Article, Click On Link Below

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB123378467642449289.html

Samuelson Votes Against Port's Tongue Point Purchase Loan!

County Commissioner Ann Samuelson was the only dissenting vote on a motion to approve a partial loan of $100,000 towards the purchase of Tongue point by The Port of Astoria at yesterday's Clatsop County Board of Commisioners meeitng.

Samueslon also rapped the knuckles of Port with the mention of The Port's relationship with South County and what The Port does for it which is and has been a sticking point in their relationship for years some would say and still no obvious ground gained at all. Samuelson implies she is a big proponent of Community Building and has stated so in many communiques over her tenure on CCBofC and let's hope at some point actions will prevail over rhetoric.

Samuelson also and rightly so in my view, brought up the issue of the status of the lease with The Port and now, Oregon LNG, at Skipanon Peninsula and that lease's validity. Disregarding the position this conveys on the part of Samuelson as County Commissioner, the confrontation and settlement of this issue is long overdue and if Attorney General Kroger wants to get into the energy frey on behalf of the citizens of Clatsop County and Oregon as well, this is a good candidate to do so, or would it be prudent to get all those legal beagles on retainer with Port and CCBofC, a few working for both?, to do their version of Due Diligence on this issue and present a position to take on making it truly legal or oust OLNG?

Oregonian: Economic Stimulus? Bradwood?

An Economic Stimulus Oregon Could Use
by The Oregonian editorial board

Tuesday February 10, 2009, 4:44 PM

The Oregon Legislature's $175 million job-creation package is small potatoes compared to a potential economic booster shot that state officials seem hell-bent on rejecting. That's the proposed liquefied natural gas terminal at Bradwood Landing and the associated Palomar pipeline. The two projects would inject more than $1.5 billion of private money into Oregon's economy, some eight times what lawmakers seek to borrow for their stimulus program....Click On Link Below For Complete Article


http://www.oregonlive.com/opinion/index.ssf/2009/02/an_economic_stimulus_oregon_co.html

Multi-Tenant Non-Profit Centers First Meeting Set

First Meeting 6pm Monday Feb. 16 at Blue Scorcher

“Creating & Operating Multi-Tenant Non-Profit Centers” discussion planned for Monday, February 16th, 6pm, at The Blue Scorcher.
If you are part of a nonprofit organization that would like to explore this way to save on office, display or meeting space costs, then someone from your group should attend this meeting. Representatives of nonprofit organizations from the Clatsop County area will attend a Meyer Memorial Trust meeting on February 24 to learn more about the foundation’s initiative to help communities establish “multi-tenant nonprofit centers."Click On Link Below For More Details


http://clatsopnonprofit.wordpress.com/

Interesting Video Argument On Global Warming. Watch This CCBofC!

This is a video argument local GOP Vice Chair and her CPI buddy, along with Clatsop County Board of Commissioners may wish to watch as a counter to the one sided presentation from Cascade Policy Institute's rep made at a recent meeting

http://www.break.com/index/tough-to-argue.html

Local Republicans Versus Democrats: If Local Websites Are Any Indication, The Republicans Are Outdated And Dead In The Water!

Better get to work GOP, your opponents are active as hell and on the move and then Christine Bridgens as Vice Chair of CCGOP?

Isn't she the one that set up the one sided presentation to CCBofC on Global Warming recently?

Below are the site addresses for both local party organizations, visit and judge for yourself.

And of course the local Democrats are actively involved in all nonpartisan races continuing their strategy to insert their "progressive candidates" and agenda into local politics where possible.

Better start paying attention around here citizens

Clatsop Republicans
Clatsop Democrats

Time:Good News For The Old Media Though!

Time Business And Tech.
The Race for a Better Read
By Josh Quittner Thursday, Feb. 05, 2009

CEO Mary Lou Jepsen designed LCD screens for the $200 laptop used in the One Laptop per Child program.

Related
Technology
TIME's Best Inventions of 2008
Techie Toys
25 Gotta-Have Travel Gadgets

Before old media can charge for our content, we have to figure out how to deliver it in a way the reader thinks is worth paying for. That was easier before the Internet, since reading on paper is a terrific experience. But over the past decade, as more content has shifted online, we've done a great job.....For Complete Story Click On Link Below

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1877161,00.html

Time Business And Tech: How To Save Your Newspaper

How to Save Your Newspaper
By Walter Isaacson Thursday, Feb. 05, 2009

Related
Stories
The Race for a Better Read
False Hopes for Internet Profits
More Related
Do Newspapers Have a Future?
The Pay-for-Content Argument

During the past few months, the crisis in journalism has reached meltdown proportions. It is now possible to contemplate a time when some major cities will no longer have a newspaper and when magazines and network-news operations will employ no more than a handful of reporters.
There is, however, a striking .....Click On Link Below For Story

http://www.time.com/time/business/article/0,8599,1877191,00.html

Israel/Palestine? Exactly "Who" The Hell Is Our Enemy Here?

Who the hell is the enemy here?

A nation who believes that they have a 2000 year old title to a land called Palestine up to the late 1940's or a group of people given the nation by a frustrated British overseer in essence and renamed Israel?

Who do and should we side with?

Up to 1923, Palestine, just plain old Palestine, was the 2000 year old home of Palestinians, not Jews, not Arabs, not Christians, just plain old Palestiniansof all ilks.

Then in 1923, under the directive of the Laegue of Nations, Palestine was put under the protectorate powers(Palestine Mandate) of Great Britian to set up a responsible government in a given territory.

It was clearly understood that the British would help the Jews set up a national home in Palestine afer a British promise in 1917 that this wouls happen.

It all started from this point and up to 1945 then comes the "Zionists"(Jews supporting colonization of Paletsine) versus "The Arab League"(Arab nation backed group to regain their ancestral homeland Palestine).

One reason "The Palestine Question" is such a difficult one is that neither Great Britain or The Ubited States is willing to make enemies of "The Arab League" nations is the vast oil deposits in Iraq, Saudi Arabia and other Middle East nations of which the U.S. and Britain are vitally interested in.....Excerpted from The Book Of Knowledge Annual 1947

And it continues today and I still ask: Who the hell is the enemy here and which side should America be loyal to?

Want To Run For Office? Better Get Moving

The May 19, 2009 Special Election is coming up and you need to get going in the process. Click on the link below to go to Clatsop County Elections/Clerk's Office for the list of open poisitons and the process calendar.

May be can elect a few more people willing to serve "The People" instead of some off-radar agenda of their own.

Click Here For Election's/Clerks Office

Clatsop No LNG Action Plan Meeting - February 9, 2009

From: Laurie Caplan

Thursday, February 05, 2009 2:21 PM


Subject: A Thousand Cuts! Monday, Feb. 9 at 6:30

Four years of NO LNG work is working! LNG is losing! Leaping Lizards!

Thanks to meetings, rallies, a Mothers March, lawsuits, letters, lobbying, legislation, demonstrations, voting, raising a ruckus, and more! Our opposition continues to cost LNG promoters credibility, momentum, time, and tons of money.

Help create our NO LNG action plan for 2009.

With enough people, we can do almost anything!

Clatsop NO LNG Action Plan Meeting Monday, February 9 at 6:30 - 8 p.m. Alderbrook Hall - 4509 Lief Erickson Drive at the east end of Astoria

Open to everyone who knows LNG does not belong on the Columbia River. Free screening of “Crossroads on the Columbia” at 7:30 p.m - an inspiring and exciting 20-minute award-winning film co-written and co-produced by Donna Quinn of Astoria.

Clatsop D.A. Josh Marquis: Keep The Oregon State Flag!

Keep The Oregon State Flag
Sunday, February 08, 2009

An idea that is expensive, unnecessary and an insult to a proud and important history.Oregon's 150th birthday is this Valentine's Day, February 14th. Last October, admittedly before the financial crisis in the state and in the nation was acknowledged as the worst since the Great Depression, the Oregonian came up with the idea that, as a birthday gift to ourselves, we Oregonians should re-design our State Flag because, among other things,....For Complete Article Click On Link Below

http://joshmarquis.blogspot.com/

Would You Support A County Defense Force?

GRP: A look back at a concept created at the time, in a Daily Astorian article, by Sheriff John Raichl now, Clatsop County Commissioner John Raichl and still, in my view, a very valid concept.

http://www.dailyastorian.com/news//y129/89/3news.htm

Sheriff proposes armed citizen defense forceCitizens would help protect vulnerable sites in countyBy TOM BENNETTThe Daily AstorianCitizens of Clatsop County - Sheriff John Raichl wants you.To provide extra security for sensitive facilities around the county in the heightened climate of caution stemming from the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks, Raichl is proposing to create an armed volunteer civil defense force made up of local residents....For complete article, click on link below

https://www.thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?p=751928

Daily Astorian, Steven Forrester Editorial: County Needs To Keep Its Eye On The Ball

GRP: An apparent, continued weakness in sound leadership from CCBofC denies fair presentation on issue and specifically the one-sided and clearly biased presentation on the issue of Global Warming without invitation for presentation of counter view to clearly and fairly inform the citizens of Clatsop County.

2/2/2009 11:37:00 AM

County needs to keep its eye on the ball

Discredited climate change baloney has no place on public agenda

Members of the Clatsop County Board of Commissioners have a lot on their plate right now...Click On Link Below For Complete Editorial

http://www.dailyastorian.com/main.asp?SectionID=23&SubSectionID=392&ArticleID=57984&TM=44257.41

Cheniere's Sabine Pass LNG Terminal: A Little Look At Terminal Use Agreements

Terminal Use Agreements!

That's what the end result for NSNG/Bradwood and Oregon LNG is all about, those committed clients and their annual, expected product generation(Regasified Natural Gas) and expected revenue from each client.

Take a look, do the math and you will see the payoff and the incentive to do absolutely what's necessary to make thse projects happen and it appears the firstest with the mostest wins it all.

Don't be fooled into thinking these Energy Speculators are in this to be a kindly little way station to help us get Natural Gas to our friendly Natural Gas supplier.

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