Scholarship Season

Yes, it is that time a year were students scramble searching for money for school while trying to keep up with their studies and other responsibilities.

Depending on the scholarship, we have to answer questions such as, "discuss with your significant challenges or accomplishments and its value to your life... or what is your long-range education and career goals or why you feel golf should become a primary sport over baseball."

Although these questions sounds simple in nature, whenever you are talking about yourself, it is actually not as easy as it seems.

Just like when you go to a job interview and the employer asks you, "I should hire you because..."

Not unless you're one of those people who have tons of self-confidence and can easily sell refrigerators in Alaska, these questions are usually very difficult to answer. Why should you hired me?

responding that they should because you're cute, very seldom gets you the job.

The deadline for a lot of scholarships or at least the ones that I'm applying for is March 1, 2006.

so the rest of the week I will be playing catch-up with the homework, juggling the hours with the internship that I started today and thinking about if I should ever mow my lawn at some point this year.

normal blogging should resume later this week.

Stay tuned!

Don Knotts Dead at 81

Reuters--

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Don Knotts, who won five Emmys for portraying the bungling deputy Barney Fife on "The Andy Griffith Show," has died, media reports said on Saturday. He was 81
Knotts died on Friday night at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills, California, of pulmonary and respiratory complications, according to media reports.
Knotts' bug-eyed, high-strung character helped make "Andy Griffith," a sitcom about a folksy sheriff in small-town America, one of the most popular U.S. television shows of the 1960s.
Knotts also had a string of successful comedic movies, including "The Ghost and Mr. Chicken" and "The Incredible Mr. Limpet," and later appeared as a regular in the TV comedy series "Three's Company."

Another part of history. Thanks Don for your special humor. You'll be missed.

Kulongoski defends Oregon participation in the carousel of information

State of Oregon--



the following is an excerpt dated January 31, 2006 from the office of Ted Tax-and-gouge-me

"As governor, and as former state Supreme Court Justice and Attorney General, I strongly believe that the rule of law is the glue that holds together our democratic society. It is my policy that state agencies comply with all applicable federal and state laws, including laws regarding eligibility for social services."
if the "glue" that he is referring to is anything like superglue, it is very particular about the things that it will "stick" to and then does not hold for any appreciable amount of time.

"State agencies that participate in the information sessions coordinated by the Mexican Consulate do not participate in order to provide to individuals who do not qualify for such benefits. Rather, state agencies, along with local and nonprofit agencies, participate in the sessions in order to serve a growing, underserved and vulnerable population -- none English speaking immigrants from Latin American nations and their families"
which of course if they were here legally, they could go to any these participating agencies during normal business hours for the information that they need .

"it would be wrong to assume that participants at the sessions are simply all undocumented persons; a great number of them are citizens and residents with legal immigrant status. same question, if they are legal, why can they not go to the agencies during normal business hours?
"... as a state, we have a responsibility to ensure that all people in Oregon are aware of their rights and aware of opportunities to which they are LEGALLY entitled.. With that in mind, the state of Oregon is engaged in various efforts to reach out to be underserved communities in our state -- including participation in the carousel of information coordinated by the Mexican Consulate. I intend to continue with such efforts because I believe it is the right thing to do for all Oregonian." -- Governor Theodore R. Kulongoski"

the article in PDF format describes in more detail what the purpose of the carousel is information is supposed to be.

" what agencies offer... information about rights, responsibilities, and program resources verbally through brochures, flyers, and other publications.

Does it also offer information on how to become a citizen?

" what agencies do not offer... no one can "sign-up" or receive approval for benefits at the carousel.
The article says that agencies that participate in the carousel must comply with a variety of federal and state laws that require them to conduct outreach activities towards migrant and seasonal farm workers, people at limited proficiency in English and vulnerable populations in the community.

I could go on... but I think you get the point. I highly encourage you to read the article in its entirety at the above link at the top of this page and form your own opinions.

When you are done, step back and think about which governor that you really want in office at the next election

if you think you can't make a difference...

CAROUSEL EVENT CANCELED !!!
Daniel's blog

"We just received word this morning from the Oregon Department of administrative services at the carousel of information program scheduled this Saturday in Salem has been canceled by the Mexican counselor office." [Oregonians for immigration Reform]

This is a great start. as Daniel says on his web site, this is not the time to relax.this is merely a small step to regaining control of our borders again.

we will continue to send a message that we will no longer welcome the illegal aliens, or tolerate our government and other businesses that support them.

Good job everybody

College Career Night and the Returning Student

Robin's Commentary

last night I had the privilege of attending a career fair dinner at the University of Oregon hosted by the U of O multicultural career alliance, U of O athletic department and U of O career Center. Sponsored by the U of O alumni Association.

In addition to guest speaker Jason Mayden footwear designer for Nike's "Jordan brand" shoes, there were numerous recruiters and representatives from AmeriCorps, Black & Decker, Enterprise Rentacar, Fred Meyer, Portland fire and rescue, Portland Police Department, Nike just to name a few.

The event was very well-organized and offered a great opportunity for students to network.

At my table, were representatives from Fred Meyer and James Chang, director career services for U of O College of Business.

Before dinner began and after the welcoming speeches, the employers were asked to line up and give a very short introduction and what they were looking for. It was not uncommon to hear "we are looking for young students to..."

Okay, before everybody start yelling at me saying that "yes Robin, of course they want younger graduates." It has just been my experiences with the local colleges and universities in this area that when a student tries to return to school for education, in addition to the normal everyday rigors of trying to keep up with your classes and financial needs, you also find yourself on the outside looking in because of your age.

I am finding it harder and harder to stay motivated to continue school because of all the barriers that I keep running into. For example, last term I had an adviser at the University of Oregon suggest that because of my age [I just turned 50] recommends that I quit while I am ahead.

This of course is in addition to my "lifetime attempt to credits" I have been fighting last year and a half.

For those who have not reached 50 yet, let me tell you, it is a very interesting time in your life. In addition to the sudden physical changes that happen to you, you start getting letters from AARP trying to recruit you. People start treating you as hippies did in their youth, "don't trust anybody over 30".

Nevertheless, the worst part of it all is you start feeling like an outsider. It becomes an obvious reminder that learning institutions are for the young.

however, beyond my little bitch and moan, I felt the event went really well and I really do hope to see the University host more of these type of events. it is a really great opportunity for students and employers to meet when they otherwise may not be able to do so.

Human Implantable Credit Cards

Technovelgy.com--

As a follow-up to the implantable RF ID security tags that is implanted into your right forearm to get in to secure areas and scanned by a reader and the Pay Pass some are to the mobile system where you just "Tap" the card with a transponder embedded to the reader to pay your bill without using a pen number.

So how about taking this a step further?

"Advanced Digital solutions intends to use its implant RF ID (radio frequency identification) Verichip said the method of payment in an upcoming ID world 2003 in Paris, France.ADS claims that Veripay could end problems with identity theft and make it impossible to lose your credit card.
The technology has two parts; a small chip the size of a rice grain that is surgically implanted in the user, and a radio frequency reader device that activates and provides power to the implanted device. These devices have been in use for almost a decade in a variety of devices; ADS is the first to announce the use of implanted chips to make financial payments."

What I foresee as this technology advances, is that your body will be scattered with a large population of little microprocessors.

Consider this...
Some people are three or more credit cards -- total implants = 3
You work for two companies that require security access = total implants = 2
Your car my require an implants to start. Cars = 2 -- total implants = 2
Driver's license and Social Security -- total implants = 2
Safeway, Albertson's, and Bi-mart -- total implants = 3
Medical identification -- total implants = 1
So far, you have collected a total of 13 implants


Personally, I may be old-fashioned, but I will stick to the cards thank you very much.

oh yes, I forgot to mention that they are permanent!

U.S. gives Mexico millions for security

Washington Times--
The 2006 budget request calls for the delivery of a telephone intercept system, which would give Mexico the ability to eavesdrop on suspected narcoterrorists and smugglers.


The U.S. government has sent more than $376 million to Mexico in the past decade for that country's military and police to help stop alien and drug smugglers, guard against terrorists and protect America's southern border, including $50 million due this year.
The money, quietly authorized through State and Defense department programs, has been used to train and equip the Mexican military and police, drawing disagreement on whether those institutions are part of the solution for U.S. border security, or are part of the problem.

But T.J. Bonner, a veteran U.S. Border Patrol agent who heads the 10,000-member National Border Patrol Council, described the program as "appalling," saying it amounted to the U.S. government funding attacks on U.S. law-enforcement personnel along the border by rogue Mexican military troops.
"This funding program should cease immediately, and the Mexican government needs to be placed on notice that any further incursions by its military or police will not be tolerated," he said, referring to recent incidents on the border in which men in Mexican military uniforms confronted U.S. law-enforcement officers in this country.
I was shocked but yet not surprised when I came across this story.
I think it's funny how we readily give money overseas but when it comes down to our own well-being, money suddenly become scarce.
Billions of dollars can be sent to outside this country yet we have to raise the taxes on milk because we need to balance our budget.

Couple years ago, Congress was quick to cut unemployment benefits during a high time of unemployment to help fund the war.

They cut funding for education and yet complain that US citizens are not educated enough in high-tech.

LCC maximum credit limit to raise its ugly head again

for the first time in many terms, I thought I was not going to have to deal with financial aid issues. It was actually starting to seem too good to be true, but not to be disappointed I got this in the mail today.


As explained in the instructions, per federal regulations a student is expected to complete a two-year program within 150 attempted credits.

"students who have exceeded or are nearing these maximum time frames are considered to be not a advancing towards graduation within a reasonable period of time."

Now let's look at the facts in this particular case.
Yes as of this term, I have 175 ATTEMPTED credits on file.
"Attempted [LIFETIME] credits include audits, transfer credits, incompletes, dropped courses and repeated or failed classes."[source]

1977 I earned 78 ATTEMPTED credit hour at Lane community college
Between 1995 and the year 2000,my last job hired LCC to provide on-the-job training offering college credits
In addition to one term that I took on campus to enrich my training.

That now brought the total of ATTEMPTED credits to 82 credits when I returned to Lane in 2003. Therefore, so it did not take long for me to reach my first maximum credit limit. Keep in mind that it does not matter HOW the classes were paid for. It is the ATTEMPTED amount of credits that they look at.


The appeals process...

"if you are required to appeal, your financial aid eligibility may be extended beyond the maximal credit limit for EXTENUATING CIRCUMSTANCES ONLY. The following are examples of valid reasons to appeal for an extension. They are not intended to be all-inclusive:
*You change a major (see generally only one program change would be approved).
*Your program is over 50 credits for a one-year program or 100 credits for a two-year program.
*You were required to take developmental and/or prerequisite courses.
*You have transferred credits that do not apply to your lane program.
*Other extenuating circumstances on a case-by-case basis"

Imagine my surprise. I just began my program working towards a dual degree to be completed in two years time and now I have to a file an appeal to be able to continue my program. Here is the other kicker, at the time I was not on financial aid.

I was forced to cancel one of my degree programs.




Late 2005, I made a phone call to the Federal department of education. These are the people who administer and make the rules for these programs and I asked him about my particular situation. He confirmed the federal regulations that Lane quotes but the question is what is considered a "timely manner".

When I explained to him my particular circumstances even he could not understand how credits so old could be used against me.

"colleges and universities must follow the minimum federal guidelines however they are allowed to add to those requirements"

The point, both the University of Oregon and Lane community college considers those credits as part of their financial aid considerations. If I had not gone to Lane community college and acquired those credits, then I would have been allowed to have a NORMAL college experience when I returned to school in 2003 instead of spending so much time practically every term having to deal with the administrative issues from those old credits.

I will give Lane community college kudos for one thing versus University of Oregon, LCC appeal process at least in my particular case let me to go through the program even though I was LIMITED more than others on my selection of courses. According to an a financial adviser at University of Oregon, their appeal process will go for a maximum of several months extension.

oh, since I am within 12 credits of graduating, I will not be filing for another appeal, however it is clear that for success of continuing on with my education beyond my Associates degree would require non-federal loans and scholarships to guarantee success.

what could have prevented all of this turmoil? A simple audit of the transcripts eliminating outdated credits that no longer apply to anything when I first applied to the college.
if you have stories that you would like to share in addition to this issue, please note the links to the left and join our roundtable discussion.

Judge approved $1.3 million suit against businesses that employ illegal immigrants

Dallas Morning News--

Employees beginning to strike back in the courts and filing suits against employers that knowingly hire illegal aliens to depress wages under federal racketeering laws Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO), originally conceived to hammer the Mafia.

According to Dallas Morning News A handful of similar suits have already been filed under RICO, and last month a judge approved a $1.3 million settlement in one of them.
The plaintiffs in the Georgia case – four women who are suing as a class – argue that Mohawk conspired to artificially and illegally depress wages by hiring illegal immigrants. Mohawk has vigorously denied any illegal conduct.
The Georgia case was made possible by a 1996 change to the RICO statute that includes those who knowingly hire illegal workers. It gives workers the right to sue – and for triple damages.

The article also contends that the illegal immigrant workers have used the RICO statute against employers. "In October 2003, the federal government raided dozens of Wal-Mart stores 21 states, including Texas. VictorZavala and other janitors who were detained sued Wal-Mart under the labor statutes and RICO. The alleged systematic violation of immigration, wage, hour and other laws for the "profit and benefit" of the company."

About RICO

RICO was enacted by section 901(a) of the Organized Crime Control Act of 1970, Pub. L. No. 91-452, 84 Stat. 922 (Oct. 15, 1970). RICO is codified as Chapter 96 of Title 18 of the United States Code, 18 U.S.C. § 1961 through 18 U.S.C. § 1968.
Under RICO, a person or group who commits any two of 35 crimes—27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes—within a 10-year period and, in the opinion of the U. S. Attorney bringing the case, has committed those crimes with similar purpose or results can be charged with racketeering. Those found guilty of racketeering can be fined up to $25,000 and/or sentenced to 20 years in prison. In addition, the racketeer must forfeit all ill-gotten gains and interest in any business gained through a pattern of "racketeering activity." The act also contains a civil component that allows plaintiffs to sue for triple damages. [Wikipedia]

Springfield -A new I-5 interchange at Franklin Boulevard is not needed...

KVAL


and would not fix any traffic problems. However, the mayor of Springfield begs to differ and thinks that more study should be done.
While ODOT planners say there's no clear justification for the ramps, they've left the door open for more study, if local governments pony up the cash. Discussions about the interchange picked up momentum two years ago with the building of the temporary I-5 bridge over the Willamette River.

A memo from ODOT senior planner Tom Boyatt says there's not a clear justification within the next 20 years for developing the interchange or the ramps, and that no pressing traffic problems would be fixed. [so why do we need a high be speed bus system then? ] He went on to say, "If the community is interested in pursuing that study, then it's primarily a community driven project and the expectation would be that there'd be significant leadership from the cities."

Leiken says the Franklin interchange project has wide support from U-of-O President Dave Frohnmayer [which means what?] and others. He thinks problems can be overcome and the agency memo is premature. Leiken explains, "We know that this process is going to take time, but don't pull the plug. Let's see what we can do."

Rough estimates for a Franklin Boulevard interchange run from 80 to 120 million dollars.

While I will admit that having an offramp from I-5 to Franklin Boulevard would be convenient, I personally do not think that Franklin Boulevard could handle the influx of traffic especially with the new high-speed bus system sharing the roadway.

I would say a more pressing issue would be to fix the Beltline between Delta highway and River Road.

RFID in your body... it coming

Would you be willing to be implanted with a chip in order to keep your job?

CityWatcher.com, was the first private company in America known to have implanted such technology in its employees for security purposes. About 70 people in America have the chip, known as a VeriChip, in their arms so that doctors can access their medical records even if they are unconscious, according to a spokesman for the VeriChip Corporation, John Proctor. The New York Sun

Another argument has been suggested implanting children to help locate them in case of kidnapping.
Verichip, a type of radio frequency identification technology which works like a remote key card that is implanted into a person's body. The chip, which is about the size of a grain of rice, carries a unique 16-digit code and read by a reader.

There are some very serious privacy and civil liberties use of having people permanently numbered," says Liz McIntyre, who campaigned against the use of identification technology.[ft.news]

In addition to privacy, concerns an issue I have yet to hear addressed is what happens and you are no longer employed by the company that required the implantation.

Will the chip be removed upon termination?

In America today it is not uncommon to work multiple jobs, if both facilities require the implantation of the chips would you soon start having a collection of microprocessors embedded in your body?

Finally... what about your rights about not having your body implanted with a foreign device?

M.E.Ch.A to " discuss their lack of action and support towards the Mexican consulate.”

Oregon Daily Emerald

Referring to last Saturday's peaceful protest about the state of Oregon and others handing out matricula cards to illegal aliens has concerned the University of Oregon's student organization, MEChA.

MEChA which held its regional conference over the weekend at the University of Oregon at an alternative location has decided to provide a space during lunch in which individuals are encouraged to participate in a letter writing campaign and plans to schedule a meeting with the Eugene City Council and Mayor Kitty Percy to deliver those letters regarding "their lack of action and support towards the Mexican consulate."

“As a chapter, we have decided that this is the most strategic move forward at this moment. We hope that you will respect this decision and participate in this positive action,” the statement said.
Orlando Bravo, external affairs director for the University’s MEChA chapter, would not give additional comment.

Protesters target Mexican immigrants? Wrong!

Eugene Register Guard
Register guard gets it wrong... again!
"We're not against immigrants, We're against illegal immigrants."

Last Saturday, February 11, 2006, the state of Oregon and the University of Oregon hosted another in a series of "carousel of information" for illegal aliens.

Unlike the Register guard's headline buried on the front page of section "C", stating, "Protesters Target Session for Mexican Immigrants" is misleading.

Anti-immigration activists rallied Saturday in Eugene to oppose providing state social services to noncitizens and to criticize the Mexican consulate for issuing identification cards to immigrants.

The news media makes it sound as if we are protesting ALL immigration... that is false! We are protesting ILLEGAL immigration only.

For those who have a problem understanding the difference... please let me clarify it.

LEGAL immigrants are the people who come through the front door, go through the process of obtaining their green cards, in addition to the other requirements such as learning English to become a CITIZEN of the United States.

Illegal immigrants are the people who sneak through the backdoor, bypass the process of law and immigration systems to come into this country. They have no respect for our laws as proof by their presence here.

To simplify for those who just don't get it...
One is LEGAL while the other is ILLEGAL... any questions?

"I don't think it's right for people to come here and step in front of line," said Daniel Miglavs of Sherwood, a spokesman for Oregonians for Immigration Reform. The group, based in McMinnville, formed six years ago to call attention to the economic, social and environmental costs of uncontrolled immigration.

But Angel Lopez, legal adviser for the Mexican consular, said he felt the protesters were interfering with the legitimate business affairs of a foreign government. He said the event deserved tighter security by federal marshals to ensure order

Legitimate business affairs of a foreign government??? [Sponsored in cooperation of the State of Oregon and your tax dollars] I would like to hear further explanation on this issue.

Amnesty won't fix immigration woes

Registerguard

Peter DeFazio weighs in...

America has a proud heritage as a beacon for the dispossessed and oppressed, who come from around the world for a shot at achieving their dreams.
However, a nation that does not control its own borders is not secure. We need to know who is coming into our country, and we must keep out people who are not authorized to enter. With 500,000 or more people entering illegally every year, the status quo is not acceptable.
The border security legislation I voted for, House Resolution 4437, addresses this issue by requiring employers to verify a job applicant's eligibility with immigration and Social Security officials, rather than a cursory look at easily forged. I-9 documents The bill doubles the fines for employers who knowingly hire undocumented workers to a minimum of $5,000 for a first offense and up to $40,000 for subsequent offenses.

Defazio continues to say that he is not convinced that there is a labor shortage that requires importation of 550,000 a more guest workers every year as envisioned by the immigration reform bill.

I am concerned that guest worker proposals will continue to erode the wages and working conditions of tens of millions of Americans and legal immigrants.

With more than 4 million immigrants around the world waiting for their paperwork to be processed to enter the US legally, a blanket amnesty for the 11 million already here illegally could delay or prevent legal immigration.


While the solution to the immigration problem may seem as simple as just closing the borders, however the logistics are a bit more complicated. The illegal aliens are already laughing at us for our lack of enforcing the laws already on the books, creating new laws that we have no plans of enforcing is a waste of time and resources.

Greed has created the problem... and until it is no longer profitable to hire illegal aliens and we get serious about the borders, the problem is not going to go away.

In addition, I am certainly not going to learn Spanish to get a job in my own country but that is where it is going if we do not get the problem under control now!

Is the quality of education suffering from budget cuts?

the Oregonian

The first in the series on local colleges and universities

Even as their tuition and fees have climbed 50 percent in the past five years, Oregon's university students are more likely than ever to be taught by part-time instructors instead of full-time professors.
Lower-paid instructors aren't held to the same stringent hiring standards as professors, are less likely to engage in research that could enhance their teaching, and aren't subject to performance reviews of the kind professors face

Who are the colleges and universities responsible to?

Who are their primary customers?

The answer is the students! Because without students there is no reason for the institution to exist.

However, some institutions do not like to think of their students as customers.
"If we thought of our students as customers, then that would make us a business." I was informed once by a former department head.

The result: Students can't count on quality and continuity. In addition, Oregon risks losing its capacity to produce graduates prepared to compete at the highest levels in the economy and in society.

Quality and value.
Two words that you do not hear much any more.

When a student graduates a two or four-year college, chances are the student will be in debt with student loans ranging from $20,000 and up. The reason for higher education is to invest in yourself. If the institution is no longer focusing on the quality of education, then the student is not getting any value for their money and will be paying not only the debt but also the additional expenses to make up the education where the institution has failed for years to come.

At Oregon State, professors carry out 41 percent of undergraduate teaching, compared with 68 percent a decade ago, according to a university system analysis. At the University of Oregon and Portland State, professors account for about half of undergraduate instruction.

To my understanding, is not uncommon at the University of Oregon for a 100-200 level class to be taught by a GTF student without direct supervision of a professor.

How often has a graduating student armed with their degree searching for a job only to be told by the employer, "if you went to that college or university, we won't hire you!"

The bottom line is that when quality suffers, so does the reputation of the college or university. Enrollment declines and everybody loses in the end.

Carousel of information -- ERROR 404 -- file not found

February 11 2006 was the next scheduled carousel information to be held in Eugene Oregon. Out of curiosity, I decided to return to the state of Oregon's web site to look at the schedule. I thought it was quite interesting that the web site went from this...
















...To this shortly after this post.









How interesting.

Senator Jason Atkinson Takes a Stand

February 6, 2006

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lara Wettig
541-390-2401
lara@bendbroadband.com

Senator Jason Atkinson Takes a Stand

Central Point, Oregon – State Senator Jason Atkinson (R-Central Point), candidate for the Republican Nomination for Governor of Oregon, announced today his continued support for legal immigration, calling for immediate reforms to Oregon’s current crisis.

"As Governor of Oregon, I will uphold the Constitution and the laws of our state and work passionately to protect legal immigrants,” said Senator Atkinson. Atkinson said he will ensure taxpayer-funded benefits are given only to those who are in Oregon legally.

Atkinson’s five part plan includes the following:

1. Calling for stronger federal border protection and enforcement of immigration laws already on the books. As Governor, Jason Atkinson will see to it that law enforcement in Oregon strictly enforces these laws.

2. Supporting federal and state employer sanctions that create civil and criminal penalties for those who employ illegal aliens and supports giving employers real time verification of eligibility.

3. Blocking access to state services like voting rights and driver’s licenses to illegal immigrants, services that should be going to those people who are legally in Oregon.

4. Demanding greater accountability by state agencies that knowingly or willfully offer or provide non-emergency state services to illegal immigrants who are, by definition, breaking the law.

5. Finally, after removing incentives that lead to illegal immigration in the first instance, Atkinson will support a limited, temporary guest worker program to allow Oregon’s agricultural economy to continue to operate in Oregon.

“This plan protects Oregonians, rejects amnesty, and stops the abuses of taxpayer money,” said Atkinson. “I will not support a plan that is amnesty by another name, regardless of who proposes the plan.”

Finally, Atkinson concluded, “Unfortunately my position on illegal immigration has been distorted by talk radio. I will not capitulate to the whims of any special interest nor will I allow my position on illegal immigration – or any issue for that matter – to be determined by someone else’s personal political agenda.”

Atkinson was the first Republican candidate to outline these proposals last fall and his principled stand on the issue has lost him support from some who believe he would not be tough enough on illegals. Atkinson will travel to Washington, DC next week, in part, to lobby on this very issue.
As a candidate for Governor of Oregon and soon to be published author, Senator Jason Atkinson understands what it means to be an Oregonian. He respects Oregon’s proud history and is committed to serve the citizens of Oregon. He is in the race for governor to give people their government back and recognizes the importance of industries like agriculture to our economy. For more information visit www.atkinsonforgovernor.com

###

I know that this is repeating what is on the other blogs, but I did not want to feel out.

Bulk e-mailing to be charged a fee by Yahoo and AOL

USA today
Just remember spammers, you started this.


SAN FRANCISCO — America Online will begin charging businesses to send commercial e-mail to its users in the first wide-scale use of authenticated e-mail to reduce spam. But some marketers affected by the plan, set to start in several weeks, call it e-mail taxation designed to create a new stream of revenue for AOL.
The certified e-mail system would require advertisers to pay $2 to $3 per 1,000 messages. The plan is optional, though AOL and its tech partner, Goodmail Systems, cannot guarantee that all non-certified e-mail with Web links and images will be delivered.
"This is all about protecting consumers from spam, phishing, viruses and fraud," says Richard Gingras, CEO of Goodmail.

"It's taxation of the good guys with cash, and it does nothing to help the good guys who can't afford the cost or to deter the bad guys who spam anyway," says Matt Blumberg, CEO of Return Path, an e-mail services company. "Baloney," says AOL's Graham, scoffing at suggestions the e-mail system amounts to taxation. "That's competitive chatter and sour grapes."

as we all know, spam has gotten beyond just a inconvenience. AOL does a pretty good job of filtering out spam were Yahoo for the basic free service allows 15 filters to try and do the job.
Both Yahoo and AOL offer premium services to forward e-mail to your cell phone, but who wants spam coming to your cell phone.
Speaking out spam and cell phones... with the new gadgets that are being included with cell phones, advertisers are already working on sending an advertisement to your cell phone.
Some have already started doing that with text messaging.
My views, if you are going to sending advertisement to my cell phone, you can pay some of my cell phone bill because I am not going to subsidize your advertising.

please help the rural and urban people...

... continue to have access to affordable basic telephone service.

As I was distributing my wealth today [e.g. paying my bills] this little card falls out from my Qwest bill informing any that the Oregon Universal service fund surcharge is increasing from 6% to 7.12% effective January 1, 2006.

The reason for this 1.12% increase is to "ensure all Oregon customers-- rural and urban -- continue to have access to affordable basic telephone service. Money from the fund is used to reimburse telephone companies that serve areas with high cost. This in turn, allows local phone rates across Oregon to remain reasonably comparable."

Now, have you ever called the phone company and asked them where this money is going?

You might try that someday,

In the meantime, I take comfort in the feeling that I'm able to subsidize the rural and urban areas of Oregon so that they too may have affordable phone service.

I would like to hear the explanation for this one

as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. I'm going to let this one speak for itself.

The Carousel of Information brings together numerous state, local, and federal agencies in events that provide program and service information to Spanish-speaking Oregon residents. Carousel events are jointly organized and co-located with mobile office tours held by the Mexican Consulate in communities throughout the state. DCBS has been a partner in the Carousel every year since 2000 because: DCBS carousel of information facts page

Thanks to Bob at Eugene Rant for this tip.

Senator Jason Atkinson on Lars Larson yesterday...

a loud message rings out from the dark, NO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!


After his comments yesterday I came home to over 70 e-mails rushing through the blog sphere. I will also admit that I was very surprised with Jason Atkinson support about the guest worker program...

Emotions are running high right now because the people in the Atkinson blogger network are feeling like their champion has betrayed them.

While before we all jump ship and give Mannix and Sexton more ammunition that they need to try and sway the power of the blog, I believe that we need to clarify several things.

Matt Evans, campaign manager for Senator Atkinson responded to our query of Jason's position. [A copy of that letter to follow] Jason himself responded to an e-mail inquiry asking for a definite yes or no if you support illegal aliens. His response was one word. NO!

Personally, I believe him. At the moment, I do not have any reason to believe otherwise. However, I do feel that he is in the best interest for him and his supporters to accept another invitation to the Lars Larson show today and clarify his statement.

Going by the unwritten rule in business, "if one person says it, 10 others are thinking it." And if the amount of people in that were commenting in the e-mails and comments left on the other blogs in the Atkinson blog network, there are quite a few people who are greatly concerned.

Having met the senator twice, my belief in him still stands that he is a good candidate and a good honest man. I'm not going to comment about the integrity of the other two candidates running because to be honest I do not know much about them because until Jason Atkinson came along, I got burned out from the lies from politicians and just gave up.

NO TO ILLEGAL IMMIGRATION!
If the guest worker program gives amnesty to those that have broken the law, that I will not support it, and I will not support any candidate who supports it.

Just like the carousels of information that are cosponsored by the employees of the State of Oregon sent a clear message out that they support people breaking the law.

While the intent may be to support "refugees", the point is, these are not refugees. These are people who have illegally crossed the border to be here. They do not belong here! And we are bowing down and kissing their rear in because big corporation sees new sales and big profits resulting from cheap labor.

I'm going to get down off my soapbox now and present the letter that Matt sent out to the bloggers.

I think it’s important that the truth lead any discussion of this or any issue. Here’s the truth: Despite what some have said, the President’s plan does not provide amnesty for illegals currently in the country. In fact, it is Sen. Larry Craig (R-ID) (who is not carrying the President’s plan), who wants to allow illegals currently in the country to apply as a guestworker. Sen. Saxby Chambliss (R-GA) has a plan that would force illegals to return to their home countries before applying as a guestworker. The President is trying to broker a compromise between these competing plans but has said that he will not support a final plan that includes any kind of amnesty for individuals currently in this country illegally.

Let’s be clear on another point, if somehow the final federal plan does include the ability for a person currently in this nation illegally to stay here for any reason, as a guestworker or otherwise, Jason Atkinson will oppose that plan, and do so vocally. There should be no rewards for breaking the law.

If a federal plan similar to Sen. Chambliss’ can be implemented, and Jason Atkinson is elected Governor of Oregon, the results would be:

1) The borders would be closed and the flow of illegal aliens would slow dramatically and maybe entirely.

2) Federal and state agents would check employers to ensure that all their employees are legally in the country. They would either have to have proof of citizenship or proof of guestworker status or have other legal immigration status.

3) Illegal workers currently in Oregon would lose their jobs as their employers would face heavy penalties and stepped-up federal and state enforcement.

4) Illegal aliens would lose their ability to gain state-funded benefits (unemployment, health care, welfare, etc).

5) Illegal aliens would lose their ability to obtain an Oregon Driver’s license.

6) Illegal aliens would lose their ability to vote.

7) Illegal aliens would have little choice but to return to their home country as they would be unemployable and could not receive any government assistance.


I trust this clears the decks on this issue. We would appreciate everyone clarifying this for their audience, in particular noting the truth that neither the President nor Jason Atkinson supports amnesty for those currently in this country illegally.

Matt Evans
Campaign Manager

comments about the guest worker program and Jason Atkinson's comments on the Lars Larson show today are welcome

Jason Atkinson was being interviewed by Lars Larson today and I am being told [I did not hear the interview myself] that he mentioned that he supported President Bush's guest worker program.

My personal view is on this issue is that before we open the door to lawbreakers to make them legal... is that we should not!

the point is that for whatever the reason they are here, the main issue is that they are here illegally!

We have a process in place, although not perfect, for people to LEGALLY come here from another country either as permanent residence or under the work visas.

To offer an illegal alien legal status is no different than catching a burglar inside of your house and asking him/her to stay for dinner.

Personally, I would only support the guest worker program if the following conditions are met first!

1. We have been invaded referring to 9/11 which created this joke called Homeland security. This department has only managed to inconvenience American citizens in their travels while at the same time has left the entryway into our country wide open.

2. Once the borders are secure, and we clean up the mess that was created and regain control of our immigration system, then and only then can we even think about a guest worker program and only offer it to the people who come through the front door.

3. I'm getting sick and tired of hearing the EXCUSE that we must bend the laws to allow the illegal worker to be here to do the jobs that Americans will not do.

Admittedly, this country does not operate with white gloves. We have some things to be ashamed of such as slavery. Hiring illegal aliens for a cheap wage is no different. Companies that hire illegal aliens to save a buck or two are no different than slave owners and we should not do business with them.

So whether you are for or against Bush's guest worker program and for or against Senator Jason's Atkinson's support for the guest worker program, I invite people to a roundtable discussion on this issue.

A little fun stuff for a change

A friend sent me this so I thought i'd share.

These people vote....

Some guy bought a new fridge for his house. To get rid of his old
fridge, he put it in his front yard and hung a sign on it saying, "Free
to good home. You want it, you take it". For three days the fridge sat
there without even one person looking twice at it. He eventually
decided that people were too un-trusting of this deal. It looked to
good to be true, so he changed the sign to read, "Fridge for sale $50". The next day someone stole it. Caution! These people Vote
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While looking at a house, my brother asked the real estate agent which direction was North because, he explained, he didn't want the sun waking him up every morning. She asked, "Does the sun rise in the North?" When my brother explained that the sun rises in the East, and has for sometime, she shook her head and said, "Oh, I don't keep up with that stuff"... She ALSO votes!
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I used to work in technical support for a 24/7 call center. One day I got a call from an individual who asked what hours the call center was open. I told him, "The number you dialed is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week." He responded, "Is that Eastern or Pacific time?" Wanting to end the call quickly, I said, "Uh, Pacific!" He ALSO votes!
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My colleague and I were eating our lunch in our cafeteria, when we
overheard one of the administrative assistants talking about the
sunburn she got on her weekend drive to the shore. She drove down in a convertible, but "didn't think she'd get sunburned because the car was moving". She ALSO votes!
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My sister has a lifesaving tool in her car. It's designed to cut
through a seat belt if she gets trapped. She keeps it in the trunk. My
sister ALSO votes!
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My friends and I were on a beer run and noticed that the cases were discounted 10%. Since it was a big party! , we bou ght 2 cases. The cashier multiplied 2 times 10% and gave us a 20% discount. He ALSO votes!
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I was hanging out with a friend when we saw a woman with a nose ring attached to an earring by a chain. My friend said, "Wouldn't the chain rip out every time she turned her head?" I explained that a person's nose and ear remain the same distance apart no matter which way the head is turned. My friend ALSO votes!
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I couldn't find my luggage at the airport baggage area. So I went to
the lost luggage office and told the woman there that my bags never
showed up. She smiled and told me not to worry because she was a
trained professional and I was in good hands. "Now," she asked me, "has your plane arrived yet?" SHE ALSO votes!