happy new year -- Drive safe, or pay the consequences

KEZI--

Last year, ODOT reported that nearly 4000 traffic accidents in Lane County alone were less than half resulted in injuries. Approximate 30 of them were fatal.

With the help from a sheriffs Association grant, extra officers will be on the road this weekend.

"Our intent would be to encourage people to designate drivers and too find alternatives to transportation. we want them to have a good time but we want them to be safe. we don't want them to drive if they've been drinking," said Sgt. Fred Swank, with the Lane County Sheriff's Office.

Patrols will begin Sunday evening and continue throughout New Year's morning.

I hope everybody has a wonderful new year, and please be safe and don't drink and drive

Patch, replace, reload, restore, retire

This is the life of my computer lately.
Try as I might, it is time to put the ol' thing down.
This weekend I am ordering a new mother board [assuming the computer stays up long enough] and plan to be back blogging full time again soon.

Stay tuned!

Robin

LTD's EM-X buses soon to go into service

KEZI--


LTD's EM-X 63 foot long bus with room for about a hundred people [with people standing] is scheduled to go into service within the next couple weeks. LTD drivers for weeks have been training on the new buses in preparation for the rollout.

"Cause it's a sexy bus. it's just you know a it's a wonderful bus," said said 8 Year LTD bus driver Carl Faddis
It's a 63 foot long bus with room for about 100 people. but driving it isn't that easy.
"Is the fact that there's so much information to integrate into doing this thing. into handling the route. handling each of the stations," Faddis..
Each station a little different.
"This one is pretty feisty," said Faddis as he pulled up to a station on Franklin Boulevard in Glenwood.

The main purpose/reason for the bus is that we can make travel faster between Eugene and Springfield," said Angie Sifuentez, Marketing Representative for LTD.

The four $900,000 buses are scheduled to be fully operational on January 14, 2007. To entice riders, ridership will be free.
the system so far cost approximately $29 million for the 14 mile route between Eugene and Springfield. Hopefully, it delivers what it promises unlike that crazy [and dangerous] roundabout at Hayden Bridge and Pioneer Parkway in Springfield which is a disaster waiting to happen.

Merry Christmas

Have a very Merry Christmas

Back Tuesday!

Sony to pay $4.25 million over hidden anti-piracy software

KEZI--


As part of a settlement with 39 states to resolve investigations into problems caused by one of two types of copy-protection software—known as MediaMax or XCP hidden anti-piracy software that was included on music CDs.

Under the terms of the settlement, customers will be able to follow claim with Sony BMG to receive refunds up to $175, in addition, Sony BMG also agrees to no longer distribute compact discs with copy protected software that will hinder computer users from easily locating or removing it from their PCs.

voters said no to a public $29 million public safety tax, so how about a new $129 million+ City Hall?

RegisterGuard--
related story--

Eugene residents will likely be asked to approve a bond measure [or by other creative means] for the new City Hall with estimates so far ranging from $126.8 million to $130 million which includes acquiring land and building a 300,000 square-foot headquarters that will stand about six stories high.

"If the city can buy the properties, that's where we really turn up the heat on talking to the community and engaging them and building toward why they want this for themselves," she said. "And it should truly represent in its architecture and its function what the people of the city of Eugene want.", said Mayor Kitty Piercy

Hummm, New building or public safety? Which one do you think the people want?

A new City Hall, perhaps larger than the recently completed $92 million Wayne Lyman Morse Federal Courthouse, would remake a key block in the heart of the city. "I think it will generate excitement," Councilor David Kelly said.

city officials are eager to replace the 42 -year-old City Hall which they consider too small, energy inefficient [due to its single pane windows] and because the second story structure is supported by pillars, makes it vulnerable to an earthquake.

Jim Hale, a former city Council candidate agrees that the police department should be moved from City Hall, however that can be done without building an entire new building.

The city's priorities should be repairing streets, adding police officers to its understaffed ranks and finding money to develop parks, he said. "We have a million things that are higher priorities "

on the one hand, the city tells us that they don't have money to repair the roads or provide public safety, that they are shorthanded and do not have enough manpower... and yet they want to build a completely new building because of expected growth?
I agree with the idea that the police department should be separated from City Hall, however, I disagree that the construction of an entirely new building is really necessary.

Finally, let's not forget what the DA said on KUGN during interview about Eugene being considered a high crime area.

Like I've been saying, it's about checks and balances and priorities.
Hat tip to Gary for the article

Employer who hired illegal aliens may face jail time

MSNBC--

San Diego -- Two executives from Golden State, a Southern California fence company, pleaded guilty Thursday for knowingly hiring illegal immigrants.

The two men admitted hiring at least 10 legal immigrants and have alleged hiring more than 100 illegal immigrants from 1999 to 2005 and continued to employ illegals even after two government audits. Last year 110 unauthorized workers were found after government agents’ raided Golden State fences Riverside office.

“People slip through the cracks and that’s what happens. Mistakes were made,” Richard Hirsch, an attorney for Golden State and Kay.

The company will pay $4.7 million in fines, in addition the two executives will forfeit a combined $300,000 and both could go to prison. In comparison, last year Wal-Mart paid to end a federal investigation into the use of illegal immigrants agreed to pay $11 million.

Hat tip to Laura for the article

Weyerhaeuser plywood mill in Springfield to be decommissioned

Weyerhaeuser news release --

Weyerhaeuser Co. announced that it will permanently close to manufacturing operations in Oregon... a plywood mill in Springfield, and a veneer plant in Coburg -- effective immediately.

“Weyerhaeuser made the difficult decision after a strategic review of the company’s veneer business,” Cathy Slater, vice president of veneer technologies said. “There’s a shrinking demand for plywood panels because of the decline in housing starts and the increase availability of alternative products. After careful consideration of all the options, a decision was made to close the two facilities.”

The Springfield mill employs 86 people, 42 in Coburg.

Idaho turns to database to verify if you're legally allowed to work in the United States

the Oregonian--

Gov. Jim Risch of Idaho signed an executive order Wednesday requiring all state agencies to begin screening potential employees three federal database system that is managed by the US Bureau of citizenship and immigration services that will verify that they are legally allowed to work in the country by matching the employee's name, Social Security number and birthday.

Although it's the federal government's job to secure the country's borders, states have a role to play in curbing illegal immigration, too, Risch said.
"There's a second side to the illegal immigration coin, and that side is the job magnet," he said. "We must do our part to fight illegal immigration by ensuring we only hire those that are eligible to work in America."

Each employee receives a verification number that says that they are eligible for employment.

U.S. Sen. Larry Craig, R-Idaho, told reporters that cutting off illegal immigrants from jobs was key to solving the country's immigration problems. Craig has promoted a plan to allow some of the 12 million illegal immigrants in the country to apply for citizenship, if they meet certain requirements.
"Our state needs a guest-worker program. Our state needs foreign nationals in our work force. But we want them to be here legally," Craig said. "The more America becomes less a safe haven for illegals to work, the easier our responsibilities become on the border."

The Personal Cost of Education

Robin’s Commentary --

Many who have been frequent visitors to this blog have heard me talk about many times about the lack of quality education at Lane Community College, and that the degree that I received is not worth the paper that is printed on. That opinion is shared by seven other graduates of my class.

When you talk about the cost of education, you have to look at both the direct costs and the indirect cost.

The direct cost for my associates’ degree is $24,000 in student loans. The indirect cost is the $40,000 that this student loan will cost me by the time it is paid off.

Personally, I think the money would have been well spent if I had a realistic chance of getting a job in the profession that I trained for.

To date, I have had two employers voluntarily tell me what they think are of the LCC CIT program during a job interview. They both expressed their disappointment in the quality of education and the lack of knowledge and preparation of the graduates.

For now, I currently have a job that pays the bills, however, to make any real money I'm going to have to go back to my previous career.

However, I do have an associate’s degree.

Maybe that would at least unlock a different door.

Boston Governor OKs detention of the legal immigrants by state police

KEZI--

Boston Governor Mitt Romney, who is considering a campaign for Republican presidential nominee in 2008, signed an agreement with the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) Wednesday that allows Massachusetts State police troopers to detain illegal aliens that they encounter during the course of their normal duties.

The first group of 30 troopers drawn from the Violent Fugitive Apprehension Squad, the Criminal Investigation Section, the Anti-Gang Unit, the Drug Enforcement Unit and the Community Action Team will receive five weeks a specialized training next year paid for by the federal government.

The life of the new policy may have a limited life because Romney’s term ends January 4, and his successor, Democrat Deval Patrick, opposes placing any additional burden on the troopers, calling the policy a mistake.

It's unwise given all the other demands on the state police to ask them to take on the added responsibility of enforcing federal immigration laws," the governor-elect said Wednesday night in Springfield. "I don't think it's much more than a political ploy to bring them in." He said he's investigating what power he might have to nullify the agreement.

how can you think of it as being at burden when you're talking about national security?

ID theft targeted in immigration raids

MSNBC--

Greenley Colorado -- Immigration and Custom Enforcement officials temporary suspended six Swift meat-processing plants Thursday after arresting an unknown number suspected illegal immigrants in an identity theft investigation that agents had uncovered a scheme in which illegal immigrants and others have stolen or bought the identities and Social Security numbers of possibly hundreds of US citizens.

Swift has never condoned the employment of unauthorized workers, nor have we ever knowingly hired such individuals,” Swift & Co. President and CEO Sam Rovit said in a written statement.

ICE chief Julie L. Myer said ICE had uncovered several different rings that may have provided illegal documents.
Some immigrants targeted had genuine U.S. birth certificates, and others had other kinds of false identification, Myers said.

“The significance is that we’re serious about work site enforcement and that those who steal identities of U.S. citizens will not escape enforcement,” Myers said

12 Acres of West Eugene Wetlands Now In City Hands

KEZI

legislation backed by senators Ron Wyden and Gordon Smith, and supported by the city of Eugene and the BLM that would transfer 12 acres of the West Eugene wetlands property to the city of Eugene passed the House and Senate Saturday. The city plans to build an environmental education Center and a wildlife viewing.

city of Eugene's wetlands

The economy is great... Kulongoski already wants 20% more

the Oregonian--

Over the next two years, Oregon would spend 20% more to include $1.1 billion increase for education and 700 million-dollar jump in healthcare and human services.

He [Kulongoski] proposes smaller class sizes; Head Start for every low-income child; adding 139 state troopers; expanded health insurance, mental health care and addiction treatment for the poor; a 25 percent increase in prison spending to accommodate more inmates; and the biggest round of university construction since World War II.

Kulongoski's budget plan relies on four tax increases -- two to be paid by corporations and two to be paid by households.

Cigarette taxes would rise 84 cents to $2.03 a pack, drivers would pay a surcharge on auto insurance, and corporations would forgo their $275 million "kicker" rebate for 2007 and pay a higher minimum corporate tax. Together, the four taxes would raise nearly $600 million in 2007-09.

of course, under the plan, the corporate kicker would be diverted into a rainy day account

"There's plenty of money. The governor has his party in power", said Former state House Speaker Larry Campbell
and people expected things to be different by reelecting him?

Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)???

Canada.com --

What is the Security and Prosperity Partnership (SPP)? This was a term that I heard on a talk show last night that I figured it's worth looking into.

While the facts are not verified... Colorado Republican Tom Tancredo, feels that it is real.

"He [President Bush] is going to do what he can to create a place where the idea of America is just that, it’s an idea. It’s not an actual place defined by borders. I mean this is where the guy is really going,” he told WorldNetDaily, a controversial conservative website.

According to Tancredo, the SPP which was signed last year by Canada, Mexico and the United States, the borders will lose all their significance, serving nearly as "speed bumps" in the flow of goods, services and people.

Geri Word, who heads the SPP office within the NAFTA office of the US Department of commerce, said in a telephone interview, "we didn't want to get the contact people of the working groups distracted by calls from the public."

Many SPP working groups appear to be working toward achieving specific objectives as defined by a May 2005 Council on Foreign Relations task force report, which presented a blueprint for expanding the SPP agreement into a North American Union that would merge the U.S., Canada and Mexico into a new governmental form.

Again, this story has not been verified by me to it’s accuracy.

computers up .... again

The computer crashed again.. now it has a new harddrive and operating system, and I will resume posting within the next day or so after I have completed reinstallation of my software and get my backups up to date.

Stay tuned...

Road fee (toll) of $5.22 a month proposed by the Eugene city Council - again

Registerguard--

2002 the city of Eugene imposed a gas tax, now at five cents a gallon to help maintain our potholes, err…. I mean roads, now four years later, the city counselors want to explore alternatives to the tax which would cost single-family homeowners $5.22 a month or $62.64 annually to help fund the city's $100 million backlog of street work.
Alternative ideas include raising the city's gas tax; approve a general obligation bond or a commuter tax assessed on businesses.

The city counselors were deadlocked 4-4 on whether to postpone a vote on the proposal with Mayor Kitty Piercy breaking the tie in favor of the delay.

"The latest proposal would have raised an estimated $6.7 million annually for repairing, rebuilding and maintaining Eugene's streets."

more fees to chase businesses away, and let's not forget that with Sleepy Ted being reelected, the GPS road mileage fee may soon be a reality.
again, it's all about checks and balances. i.e. I don't trust them to do what they say they are going to do with the money.

First National Bank of Wal-Mart? It's coming

KEZI--

Wal-Mart is hoping to tap into the country's booming consumer loan market with its own bank in the second half of next year.

Wal-Mart has faced stiff opposition in its bid to open to charter a bank in Utah that would handle the 140 million credit, debit card and electronic check payments it processes each year. Opponents say the so-called industrial bank would be the first step in the retailer's move toward expanding into full-scale banking with retail branches that would destroy local U.S. banks.

Wal-Mart, who met with opposition on entering the banking business in the United States has benefited from Mexico's effort to open the financial service industry to low-income clients. Wal-Mart de Mexico, or Walmex, is the 13th banking license granted this year by financial authorities.

Wal-Mart bank Federal deposit insurance application--

The Politics of Immigration

"The Politics of Immigration: Confronting our past, constructing a future" a forum on immigration to be held at Lane Community College, November 28 from 7:30 p.m.-9 p.m. in Building 19, room 257

The event is sponsored by Jim Garcia, Chicano/Latino student program coordinator and his invited guests include an immigration lawyer, Mike Samonoa who is an ethnic studies Professor at LCC representing the open border point of view and Springfield city counselor, Dave Ralston.
it should make for an interesting discussion

Happy Thanksgiving!

Companies that use cheap, illegal alien labor as a business model should be on notice

ICE--

40 illegal aliens working on a construction site were arrested Tuesday in Palm Coast Florida by the US Immigration and Customs Enforcement special agents. Three of those arrested reentered the country after being deported. Reentry after deportation is a prosecutable felony offense that carries a possible 25-year prison sentence.

“Companies that use cheap, illegal alien labor as a business model should be on notice,” said Robert W. Weber, special agent-in-charge in Tampa. “ICE is dramatically enhancing its enforcement efforts against illegal employment schemes."

The enforcement, part of the secure border initiative (SBI) was launched by the Department of Homeland security to secure America's borders and reduce illegal immigration, which includes enhanced worksite enforcement investigations and intensified efforts to track down and remove illegal aliens inside this country.

Rep. Charles Rangel's call for military conscription of Americans, age 18 to 42,

Newsday--

Do you think that we should reinstate the draft?
Rep. Charles Rangel thinks so, in fact if he has his way, there will be a call for military conscription of Americans, age 18 to 42.

Said Speaker-to-be Nancy Pelosi, "Mr. Rangel has long held this position. It's not about a draft, it's about shared sacrifice in our country.

Mojave Desert community voted 3-2 making it illegal to fly foreign flag by itself

USA Today--

The Nevada town of Pahrump population 33, 000, voted 3-2 on Tuesday to enact an ordinance making it illegal to fly a foreign nation's flag by itself punishable by a $50 fine and 30 hours committee service unless it is flown below an American flag.

"Old Glory is sovereign," says Paul Willis, a retired carpenter and board member. "You can't fly any other nation's flag higher than the American flag."

Lisa Rasmussen, a board member of the Nevada ACLU says that the flight restriction violates the First Amendment's guarantee to free speech. "People have a right, as much as we don't like it, to fly... any flag they wish."

The law was passed as part of a package of measures that also declared English the official language and denies benefits to illegal immigrants.

3 dozen affiliated with the Gang Sur 13 in Springfield

Registerguard--

A meeting called by Mark Molina, a member of the city's police planning task force, with 30 attendees met Tuesday to begin discussion. Attendees included police officers; school officials and youth outreach program representatives to discuss youth gangs in Springfield.

"Whether or not anyone knows about it, (gang activity) is real," Molina told the group, which gathered in a meeting room at the Springfield School District's administration building.

Police agree, stating that they identified more than three dozen people in Springfield affiliated with the Sur 13 gang [definition]-- out of California.
Some of the attendees talked about why youth become involved in gangs in the first place, others feel that offering teens constructive activities is the answer.
and why not... the DA advertises in the paper what crimes it will not prosecute and the government refuses to prosecute people who violate federal laws... who wouldn't think that gangs would form and run rapid?

LCC President Mary Spilde worries that residents no longer have a favorable view of LCC...

Registerguard--

LCC which recently lost its levy by just over 70,000 (57%) voters voting no on their ballots which would raise over $1 million a year for the next five years. "Everyone was surprised," said LCC President Mary Spilde

Spilde worries that residents no longer have as favorable a view of LCC as they once had.

No sh*t

Some people are theorizing that the reason for the no vote is because they were unaware that LCC was on their ballot until they filled it out.

"We will need to redouble our efforts in the community to tell our story and why the college so important, especially in this economy when we need people who are trained for the jobs we have," Spilde said. "We know we have a lot of friends, and we need to ask them to help us tell our story."

I have never seen this one before

City of Eugene jobs listing--

I was doing my weekly job search on the Internet and I came across this notice…

Application Systems Analyst 2

JOB NOTICE:
THIS NOTICE IS BEING PROVIDED AS A RESULT OF, AND IN CONNECTION WITH, THE FILING OF A PERMANENT ALIEN LABOR CERTIFICATION APPLICATION FOR THE JOB OPPORTUNITY IDENTIFIED BELOW. ANY PERSON MAY PROVIDE DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE BEARING ON THE APPLICATION TO CERTIFYING OFFICER OF THE DEPARTMENT OF LABOR.

The definition of a permanent labor certification is that it is a certification issued by the Department of Labor (DOL) that allows an employer to hire a foreign worker to work permanently in the US.

It sounds like someone applied for this job, however that being the case, then why would a posting like this have to be made?

It just seems weird.

the million-dollar bus hits the road

Registerguard--

it's here. "You see before you the future," declared Peter Defazio who had the honor of driving the first EmX bus into LTDs Eugene Station. This was the first of five 60 foot diesel electric buses in the EmX fleet that will debut in mid-January for the Franklin Eugene to Springfield route.

The buses with carry a $960,000 price tag can accommodate 100 riders (44 sitting) and include spaces for two wheelchair users and three bicycle-toting riders.

The Franklin Blvd. route cost an estimated $29 million and phase 2, the Pioneer Parkway route will cost an estimated $39 million.

LTD board member Gerry Gaydos, also sought to check expectations, remarking that the "full promise" of rapid-transit buses won't be realized until the entire network is in place. LTD plans to build the second EmX leg along Springfield's Pioneer Parkway, and is eyeing Eugene's West 11th Avenue corridor for its third leg.

if you do the math is over $1 billion

Peter Defazio said that rabid buses are perfect for communities "it are big enough for light rail." And he predicts that the EmX will result in "more ridership, more efficiency and more livable future."

but who pays for this? Where's the money coming from for these new Cadillacs of buses? Federal grants? (our tax money) And did you know that employers and people who are self-employed pay a yearly LTD tax to help support this system?

Personally, I still feel that there's a better solution, especially for the amount of funds that are being spent on this project. Money could have been better spent on public safety, schools, road repair and with cheaper and smaller diesel electric buses that do not require a special roadway, could cover more territory, hire more people, transport more people, the more flexible in the routes and cost less than one third for what they're paying for this limited bus system while accomplishing the same goals.

I also question the capacity claims of these buses. 100 passengers, 44 sitting...e.g. they are considering requiring seat belts for school buses, however will that exclude public transportation?

We Are Not Afraid of Christmas Anymore...

USA Today--

Christmas is the time when we celebrate the birth of Christ. This is a holiday that has been around for generations, however, a holiday that seems to be rapidly dying off because of the "politically correct" crowd. However, as many retailers have been taking heat for trying not to offend anyone by substituting "Holiday" for "Christmas". Such as the "Holiday tree" versus "the Christmas tree."
Wal-Mart on the other hand, is taking a different approach this year.

"We, quite frankly, have learned a lesson from last year," says Wal-Mart spokeswoman Linda Blakley. [Referring to be outrage and boycotts of last year [lifesite]-- ] "We're not afraid to use the term 'Merry Christmas.' We'll use it early, and we'll use it often

This decision was met with applause when Wal-Mart informed its 7000 associates of it's plans at a conference last month.

Lane Community College measure 20-120 failed

The voters decided to vote no on Lane Committee Colleges five-year levy 20-120 by 56% no, 42% yes. Lane County Oregon--
While I was glad to see that the measure did not pass and I will admit that I do have a dog in this fight, plus I have already contributed thousands of dollars in tuition fees, I really do feel sorry for the good instructors and programs that risk losing their jobs due to cutbacks.

From a consumer [student] standpoint and recent graduate of Lane community college who along with seven other students from my class feel that we did not receive the value of education nor did the program meet our expectations for the amount of money that we paid for our education.

Lane Co. Income tax fails; what's next?

KMTR--

The voters said no to measure 20-114 by 51% yes to 49% no. Commissioner Bobby Green says he hopes the people who voted against the measure will help solve the root problems that cause crime in Lane County...

"Unless we start to address the systemic issues around poverty, which is a lot of indicators around drug activities, crime ... and those who have chosen not to vote in favor of it, I take the position that's OK, too. But I hope they help us solve the problem," Green said Tuesday night.

Although there is no plan "B", District Attorney Doug Harcleroad [the same people who advertised which crimes they will not prosecute] says Lane County leaders will meet in early December to decide which public safety services to cut.

In a related article[link]-- if measure 20-114 is not approve, "the commissioners retain the authority to impose an income tax without restrictions as to the rate or purpose, but subject to possible referendum vote."

Ted Tax-and-gouge-me is back in for round two

It was either name recognition or people bought the sound bites during the commercials why they chose to reelect Kulongoski.

In either case, one thing you can be assured of is that the ODOT GPS mileage fee will still be on track to go into effect within the next couple years.

Computer down again

Sorry folks,
the computer died over the weekend and has to have a fresh install.
should be up again later this week.

Robin

a federal judge on Tuesday blocked the city of Hazelton from enforcing an ordinance targeting illegal immigrants

MSNBC--

Allentown Pennsylvania -- a pair of artists is targeting the illegal immigrants was blocked by a federal judge on Tuesday over two ordinances passed by the city of Hazelton just hours before the measures were to go into effect..

The measures, proved by the city Council would have imposed fines on landlords who rent to illegal immigrants and denied business permits to come these that gave them jobs.

US District Judge James Munley ruled that the ordinance would create "irreparable harm" and issued a temporary restraining order blocking their enforcement. "We find it in the public interest to protect residents access to homes, education, jobs and businesses," he wrote in a 13 page opinion.

The ACLU and Hispanic groups sued Hazelton on Monday, contending that the law violates the Constitution because they trample on the federal government exclusive power to regulate immigration.

The judge's restraining order expires November 14, 2006.

Hat tip to Laura for the article

TV game show host Bob Barker to retire after 50 years on television

Seattlepi.com--

Bob Barker, star of the "Price Is Right" will be retiring in June after 35 years as the host of the show. Barker, who will be 83 years old on December 12 said "and I've decided to retire while I'm still young."

" "I'm just reaching the age where the constant effort to be there and do the show physically is a lot for me," Barker said. "I might be able to do the show another year, but better (to leave) a year too soon than a year too late." "

Barker who began his national television career in 1956 as the host of "Truth or Consequences" first appeared on the Price Is Right on September 4, 1972.

CBS is planning a primetime special celebrating Barker's five decades on television.

Reminder

Don't forget to set your clocks back tonight!

Did you just receive your property tax in the mail? Was it more than last year? Think about it

Registerguard--

November is coming, the time to elect or reelect new officials and pass or disapprove upcoming ballot measures asking for more your hard-earned money.
Whether you like it or not... we all have a dog in these issues, and I am no exception.

We're going to be asked to create a new 1.4% income tax if you live in Lane County that is in addition to the state and federal taxes that we already pay. Could this be similar to the recently confusing Multnomah County 1.25% I-Tax experiment?

It's no secret that I'm going to vote no on any measure that asked for money. The main reason is of lack of trust, responsibility and accountability that they have with OUR money. (Oh yes, and the fact that I am poor also impacts my decision)

Accountability and responsibility. For example, I would love to own a new car someday... however, I have to make the decision of spending my money on something with that would be considered a luxury, i.e. not a necessity, or cutting back on health care and food for my family. Obviously, a new car would be nice... however, the old one still has miles left on it.
Another example, let our road structure continue to fall apart while spending $1 billion for a new bus system when there are better economical alternatives to accomplish the same goal. It is the Cadillac versus Toyota scenario.

Remember the surprise that Cottage Grove got around tax time when they approved a majority of the levies? Sure, their hearts were in the right places, however, it was time to pay the piper for all the "yes" votes.

Take a look at the following examples for the estimated annual tax bill based on a home assessed at $150,000...

" Eugene: $368.50 total in annual taxes at stake. Breakdown: source = Registerguard--
Lane County income tax, $268
Parks bond, $49.50
Library operating levy, $34.50*
Lane Community College, $9
East Lane Soil and Water Conservation District, $7.50
Bethel voters in the city of Eugene: All of the above,
plus $150 for school operating levy, for a total of $518.50

Springfield: $653.50 total in taxes. Breakdown:
Lane County income tax, $268
Police/courts/jail levy, $163.50**
Lane Community College, $9
East Lane Soil and Water, $7.50
Fire operations, $60**
School bond measure $145.50** "

Yesterday, I just received my property tax bill for this year, and yes, it is several hundred dollars higher than last year. And I'm sure that next year will be higher than this year, and so on and so on.

So as I write the checks once again this year from money that I really can't afford to spend, I know that I would feel a lot better if I felt in my heart that the money was being spent wisely.

" * Eugene Public Library operating levy would replace expiring levy that costs $70.50
** Springfield police/courts/jail levy would replace expiring levy that costs $99; fire operations would replace an expiring levy that costs $54; school bond would replace an expiring bond that costs $145.50 "

President Bush signs "The Secure Fence Act of 2006"

The White House--

President Bush yesterday signed the Secure Fence Act. This bill authorizes the construction of hundreds of miles of additional fencing along our southern border, authorizes more vehicle barriers, checkpoints in addition, the bill authorizes the Department of Homeland security to use advanced technology like cameras, satellite and unmanned aerial vehicles to enforce the infrastructure at the border.

" Comprehensive Immigration Reform Requires That We Face The Reality That Millions Of Illegal Immigrants Are Here Already. The President opposes amnesty but believes there is a rational middle ground between granting an automatic path to citizenship for every illegal immigrant and a program of mass deportation. Illegal immigrants who have roots in our country and want to stay should have to pay a meaningful penalty for breaking the law, pay their taxes, learn English, work in a job for a number of years, and wait in line behind those who played by the rules and followed the law. "

President Bush favors a guest worker program. "we must face the reality that millions of illegal immigrants are already here. They should not be given an automatic path citizens; that is amnesty. I oppose amnesty." Said President Bush, "Illegal immigrants who have roots in our country and want to stay should have to pay a meaningful penalty for breaking the law, pay their taxes, learn English, work in a job for a number of years, and wait in line behind those who played by the rules and followed the law"

Former Mexican President Fox responded to reporters in the Caribbean resort city of Cancun, "It is an embarrassment for the United States," Fox said. "It is proof, perhaps, that the United States does not see immigration as a subject that corresponds to both countries."source: AP news

OSU creates a new breakthrough in tomatoes -- they're purple

Yahoo! News--

Researchers at Oregon State University are fine tuning a purple tomato which is more than just a fashion statement, it is a new bland of colors and nutrients.
The pigment contains the same phytochemical found in blueberries that is thought to reduce the risk of cancer and heart disease.

The purple tomatoes used to grow in the wild a hundred years ago, but species never made it to the table because it was small and some are poisonous [ a minor detail that is hard to market ] however, in the 1960s and 1970s, scientists have collected seeds from the purple tomatoes and bred them with modern hybrids, making them safe to eat.
Peter Mes , a former Oregon State graduate student is now a tomato breeder at Sakata Seed America .
I could not resist, so I will apologize in advance for the pun...
It was just a visual that I got when I thought of "tomato breeder".

Before you vote yes on that tax measure...

Lane County assessment and taxation--

... your 2006-07 property tax statements will be arriving in your mailbox soon.
Property taxes are expected to go up 4.6% this year raising the property tax total from 2005 to $335.4 million to $350.8 million dollars for 2006.

Taxable income in Lane County has increased by 4.85% over last year from $21.3 billion in 2005 to $22.4 billion in 2006.

Factors for the increases include a continuation of tax levies, increased in assessed in real market values and the addition of new construction.

" About 49 percent of your property tax dollar goes for education; 34 percent goes to cities; 3 percent goes to fire districts; and 5 percent goes to other districts such as ambulance, library, and water districts. Lane County keeps only about 9 percent of each dollar collected. "

In comparison, in the city of Eugene, a medium assessed value in 2006 of $143,135 would pay $2751 versus $2645 in taxes on a medium assessed value in 2005.

Investers beware

Washington Post--

E*TRADE financial Corp., the nation's fourth-largest online broker and TD Ameritrade, the largest online broker, both have suffered from losses from customer account fraud due to unauthorized trades worth millions of dollars as part of a fast-growing new form of online fraud under investigation by federal authorities.

" Federal regulators cited recent cases in which hackers gained access to customer accounts at several large online brokers and used the customers' funds to buy certain stocks. The hackers appeared to be trying to drive up share prices so they could sell those stocks at a profit, regulators said. "

The securities and exchange commission and the FBI are looking into the E*TRADE cases. Spokesmen for the SEC and the FBI declined to discuss details on those cases.

Both E*TRADE and TD Ameritrade have guaranteed that they will cover other class losses even though they are not required to do so by law.
I also use one of these brokerages... and one thing I strongly recommend is the use of strong passwords to reduce unauthorized access to your account.
E.g. passwords with a mixture of numbers, symbols, in both upper and lowercase letters, as well as names that are not commonly found in a dictionary.

"... the income tax is more fair than other taxes such as a sales tax."

KEZI--

Measure 20-114, the public safety tax that will be on the ballot this November. If approved, Lane County residents will pay 1.4% tax on all personal and business income earned in Lane County.
The tax would generate about $23 million, all of that going to public safety and the fight against meth
and social service agencies [KVAL October 5, 2006]

"Most people we talked to in Linn County tonight said
They don't feel the income tax is fair..but Lane County Commissioner Pete Sorenson says the income tax is more fair than other taxes such as a sales tax. "

remember the "I" tax? This is starting to sound like a separate income tax similar to the "I" tax. And of course, once a new tax is passed, it can only go up.

Springfield News has ceased operations.

Springfield News--

The presses have stopped for a local newspaper that has been part of the community in Springfield for 110 years.
As I speculated back in January of this year{is the Springfield news lying off employees?} after it changed its format from a two-day delivery service to a one day a week free service, was to my knowledge the first public indication that the Springfield news was in trouble.

The Springfield news, formally owned by the Anderson group of Albany, which includes the Cottage Grove Sentinel, later sold to the Iowa based Lee Enterprises, which owns publications in 23 states.

The Springfield news was also known for printing smaller publications like the Cottage Grove's Sentinel, Oregon Daily Emerald, The Torch, and small tabloid publications for various schools within the school districts, in addition to other private publications.

As a former employee of the Springfield news, for me, it is the memory being part of the installation of the new seven-unit Goss Community Web press that replaced the old Web Leader press and learning about how the offset printing process worked.

I always used to joke at the time, "if it was not for the Springfield news, the residents of Springfield would not have anything to line their bird cages with, however, they have an excellent TV section."

Times change however. With the introduction of the Internet, the increased costs of living, newspapers are finding that these are very difficult times, and you have to find a way to adapt to the changes to survive.

The Springfield news in January tried one of these changes and failed.

Here's to a business that has been part of our community, and I'm sorry to see it go.

Eugene is considering a monthly fee [or $63 a year] for road repairs

Register Guard--

City counselors are scheduled to vote on November 27 on the proposed assessment fee, which would cost homeowners an estimated $5.22 per month, or about $63 a year.

The purpose is to raise $6.9 million a year filling a $100 million pot hole [pardon the pun] that gas taxes don't cover for repairing, rebuilding and maintaining Eugene's aging streets.

" "I regret that we are in the position of having to look at other ways to get enough funding to take care of the preservation and maintenance of our streets," said Councilor Gary Papé. "But the fact is that we are in that situation. So the question is, how do we dig our way out. "

I can think of a billion-dollar bus project that might help
The city council did approve a local gas tax (five cents per gallon) that generates about $3.6 million annually.

Business fees would depend on the size of the business and the amount vehicle traffic to that business. For example, 2,500 square-foot restaurant with a drive-through would pay $54.11 monthly [$649.32 annually], where a 4000 square-foot restaurant furniture store, which attracts fewer cars would pay $8.48 per month [$101.76 annually].

"We're never giving up our Mexican roots,"

Dallas News--

With the sights and sounds and smells at the intersection of 26th and Pulaski you would think he was like any other town in Mexico, however, this is Chicago or about 100,000 people live and work, maintaining the Spanish language, traditions and culture of Mexico.

""We're never giving up our Mexican roots," said Maria Cantú-Dougala, assistant vice president of Second Federal Savings and an American citizen. "I still consider myself Mexican. That's where we're so different from other immigrants. We just can't give it up." "

Some analyst and lawyers say that this view obligates any efforts to change immigration policies and could result in harsher migration measures.

" The U.S. must avoid "balkanization" and has to maintain its national identity, common culture and common English language "or we will follow the path to the ash heap of history like the Roman Empire," said U.S. Rep. John Culberson, R-Houston. "

41% of the immigrants polled believe they have to speak English to be part of the American society according to the Pew Hispanic Center

" "We should practice American culture but not forget where we come from," said Mr. Tereso Ortiz, 57, who works as a butler. "I feel American, but I don't stop feeling Mexican." "

Some believe that they should have dual citizenship with the US and Mexico as a first step to global nation.
a question about duel citizenship, who are your loyalties to in the time of need?
Additionally, nobody is asking anybody to give up their heritage, or language... we are just insisting if you wish to live in our home,the United States, that you come into the country legally, follow the laws of the land like everybody else, and don't force us to choose your culture or language over ours.

EmX -- LTD's new bus system--is it really a good thing?

Registerguard--

EmX, short for "Emerald Express" is expected for debut between Eugene in downtown Springfield just before Christmas. EmX promises a bus every 10 minutes for weekly service (20 minutes on evenings and weekends). The 60-foot long diesel/electric hybrid buses from New Flyer Industries will transport people between downtown Eugene and Springfield in 16 minutes, versus 22 minutes over the current system.

EmX, which includes elevated platforms that allow riders to board without stepping up or down, real-time information reader boards when the next bus is due to arrive and "Queue Jumper" technology that gives buses a green light head start at intersections.

""It's going to save six minutes and even LTD says it won't increase ridership, so what needs to happen to make it a success?" Asked Don Clarke, who served on a lane county planning commission when LTD reveal its plans for EmX, "Eight-dollars-a-gallon gas?
His bigger fear, he says, is that EmX will prove a colossal white elephant in a community too small to support it. " "

at an estimated $24 million or roughly $2 million per mile for the 14 mile route between Eugene/ Springfield , with the additional Pioneer Parkway project in Springfield to begin in 2010 at a cost of $38 million... the entire cost of the project could easily pass the $1 billion mark by its completion.

" There has to be some other effective, convenient means of transportation other than the car," says Rob Bennett, owner of the downtown athletic column and former LTD board member for eight years. "It may be a bus today and rail tomorrow, but you need to get the right of way now. This is a 50-year decision." "

Edison Tennyson, transportation consultant and former Deputy Secretary transportation for the state of Philadelphia is usually a supporter of light rails and BRT systems. However, Tennyson acknowledges that Eugene-Springfield is too small for light rail and bus rapid transit is not a sensible alternative.

" Promote what you have and run it as skillfully as you can. Running a bigger bus that skips (some bus) stops to save time is not going to do any good. Don't waste tens of millions of dollars of capital for something you don't need. Says Tennyson. He would make more sense for LTD to adopt a "frequent service" model now used by many transit districts are cost the country. "

I agree. While it is nice to have new fancy toys... in this area it would make more sense in my opinion to buy more of the smaller BREEZE buses and equip them with traffic light priority at a fraction of the cost.

Feds to sue Philadelphia over [Spanish-speaking] voting rights

AP Associated Press --

The US Department of Justice Friday sued the city of Philadelphia claiming it violated the rights of Spanish-speaking voters when the city failed to provide language assistance at the polls in recent elections, which prevented Spanish-speaking voters from receiving assistance from people of their choice.
I think what is interesting is that they seem to forget one small little detail that you have to be a citizen to vote and to be a citizen, you must be able to read, write, speak, and understand words in ordinary usage in the English language.
so where is the problem?

group claims NAFTA to blame for the lost of 68,000 jobs in Oregon

Statesman Journal--

Backed by opponents of the expanding US free trade pacts released a study "faces of free trade and job loss," Tuesday that blamed outsourcing and foreign competition for draining 68,000 jobs from Oregon.

" "When they passed NAFTA in '93, they promised that, in Oregon, they would create 3,500 jobs in five years. That is a broken promise," Tom Chamberlain, president of the AFL-CIO of Oregon, said at a briefing for the study. Oregon lost 40,000 jobs in the manufacturing sector alone as a result of "lopsided trade agreements, "

The job loss estimates any Oregon Fair Trade Campaign study are more than double of those tracked by the US Department of Labor. The group estimates are higher because the study includes job categories that are not covered by the Labor Department's trade adjustment assistance program.
when the plant I worked for closed three years ago, the state employment office said they were special benefits for those whose jobs were lost because of NAFTA. The question is, if NAFTA is so great for Oregon... then why is there a special category for those who've lost their job because of it.

Portland immigration rights coalition disappointed with legislators

KMTR--

"We need a solution, not a fence." Says the Portland immigrants right coalition denouncing the recently passed secure fence act passed by the Senate last week.

The plan passed by Congress is to build a fence along 700 miles of the Mexican border.
we would not need a fence if immigrants followed the rules

Flintstones cartoon artist Ed Benedict dies

Newsday.com--

Ed Benedict, a legendary animator who put life, love and laughter in TV cartoon characters like Fred Flintstone, Barney Rubble and Yogi Bear, has died at the age of 94.

Benedict died in his sleep on Aug. 28 in Auburn in Northern California, his longtime friend and fellow animator David K. Sheldon confirmed Tuesday.

Susan Castillo upset over Saxton's TV ad

OPB--

State Representatives Susan Castillo claims that the new ad by Republican gubernatorial candidate Ron Saxton is misleading and wants it off the air.

"Sound from television ad: "New independent report cards give Oregon schools these grades: C minus, C plus, F." "
But the report cited in the ad focuses mainly on colleges and universities. For example, the F grade was for affordability of higher education. Yet, the video shows K through 12 schools. That angers state Schools Superintendent Susan Castillo and leaders of the group Stand for Children.

Castillo says that the ad does not accurately represent the picture of K-12 schools, citing that the ad focuses mainly on colleges and universities.

Saxton's campaign spokeswoman Angela Wilhelm's says "Oregonians deserve to have a conversation and to be informed over whether or not the K through 12 system is working under Governor Kulongoski is working or not. And these grades prove it."

copies of the reports are available at the links below
the Chronicle
the national Center for public policy and higher education
also of interest... a special report by 2020 dated January 2006
"stupid in America" ABC news

Mexico plans to challenge the US border fence through the United Nations

The Sydney Morning Herald--


Foreign Secretary, Luis Ernesto Derbez says the plan to put up a fence between the US and Mexico was offensive.
"Without a doubt, we are examining, with foreign relations legal team, what options are open at an international level and we will take them."
The outgoing Mexican president, Vicente Fox called the plan "shameful" and compared it Berlin Wall.
"There's no money to build it, so it won't be built," Mr Fox's spokesman, Ruben Aguilar, said, the U.S. Congress was unlikely to approve enough funding to finish project.
" Mr. homeowner... please do not construct a fence and lock the front door to keep me out... I need to make a living too." Said the burglar.
Isn't that the most ridiculous thing that you have ever heard?

Bradberry: "of more than 10 million votes cast, only 10 prompted investigation into citizenship..."

The Oregonian--

With the governor's race in full swing, Ron Saxton's new TV ad about the population of the illegal aliens in Oregon makes up "Oregon's second-largest city" by population is starting to ruffle some feathers.
Secretary of State Bill Bradbury charges Saxton with "spreading false and unverified claims" about illegal immigrants vote in Oregon.

" "I looked at the past 15 years of general elections," Bradbury said. Of more than 10 million votes cast, only 10 prompted investigation into citizenship, he said, and of those 10, only two were prosecuted. "

This is not surprising considering that illegal aliens are eligible to register to vote under Oregon's motor voter program at the DMV where until recently, the status of your citizenship was not a requirement in obtaining a driver's license.

Of course it is not surprising that many Latino organizations are also upset about Saxton's ad

" "He's promoting fear and discrimination and xenophobia so he can't be serious about winning the governorship. It's a sign of desperation when you have to go to that level, " said Ramon Ramirez, executive director of Oregon's tree planters and farmworkers union

just like Mexico's former President Fox did not like the idea of us putting up a fence on the border either

Jim Ross, campaign manager for Kulongoski, claims that the new ad is "right out of the Republican playbook," referencing that he [Saxton] is not getting any traction with taxes so he switched immigration.
In my opinion, I think Saxton is saying what a lot of people in Oregon and and the US are thinking but just have been afraid to say from being "politically correct" programmed that this is something that you do not speak of for fear of offending someone.

Illegal immigration is a real issue that can no longer be ignored if we value the security of our nation; we have to take a stand now and start enforcing our laws, and ignoring this issue is not going to make the problem go away.

Measure 20-114 -- CAUTION... Buzzwords Ahead

KVAL--

"Stop Meth - Invest in Kids" [BUZZWORD ALERT] for measure 20-114, that will increase funding for law enforcement in Lane County, and help local social service agencies. I thought the public safety measure was just for... public safety. Silly me

" community leaders are hoping the Lane County public safety measure 20-114 will help take some of the pressure off local nonprofit. "

" Campaign organizers say nonprofit agencies that deal with the fallout from meth [BUZZWORD ALERT] are maxed out. They say that the public safety income tax levy would help ease the burden "

here we go again...
they give us a song and dance that they need money for public safety and law enforcement, how they have had to cut law-enforcement services due to lack of funding... and already, there are different agencies with their hands out ready to take their perceived share of the money.

So if the public safety tax passes, just what percentage of the money will law-enforcement actually receive from the tax.

For those who have lived in Eugene area for some time will remember the Hult Center incident with the sheriff's levy... where the people voted in favor of the sheriff's levy, and the Sheriff's Department only receive 10% of the funds.

Computer down

My computer crashed over the weekend and is almost back up and running again.
blogs will resume shortly

Robin

The fat police are at it again, this time in New York City

Fox news--

New York -- the city health Department has unveiled a proposal Tuesday that would bar over 24,000 foodservice establishments from using ingredients that contain artificial trans-fats that are found in some shortening, margarine and other frying oils.

" labeling is one thing, but when they totally been a product, and it goes well beyond what we think is prudent and acceptable," said Chuck Hunt, executive vice president of the city's chapter of the New York State restaurant Association . "

The proposal would also create problems for national food chains such as McDonald's, Kentucky fried chicken, etc. who rely on deep fryers.

Some restaurants such as Wendy's have already announced that they will be switching to a new cooking oil that contains no trans-fatty acids

Under the proposal, restaurants will have until July 1, 2007 or risk being fined if an inspector discovers the wrong type of vegetable shortening on its shelves.
so I guess the question is... should restaurants be forced to change and/or should this issue be up to the voters first

Ted Tax and gouge me hoping to raise taxes on cigarettes by nearly .85 cents per pack

the Oregonian--

Governor Ted [tax and gouge me] Kulongoski is proposing to increase cigarette taxes by nearly 85 cents raising the tax on pack a cigarettes from $1.18 to $2.025, giving the state an estimated $150 million plus to fund health coverage to thousands of uninsured Oregon children.

Under the plan, the state would subsidized health coverage for children on a sliding scale up to a maximum income of $70,000 for a family of four. A family making less than $40,000 per year, would get fully subsidize health care for those younger than 19.

Kulongoski also responded to the stream of attacks about his support of new taxes from Ron Saxton, stating that the Republican has failed offer any plan -- other than finding efficiencies, or how he would cover any programs and higher spending.

" "Ultimately, you have to stand up to the plate and say how you're going to pay for it," Kulongoski said. "He's trying to make us so efficient, we're going to be last in this country in providing education and health care and public safety in Oregon." "

Sexton, who has taken a no new taxes pledge, opposes an increase in cigarette taxes, saying the state simply needs to manage its money better.
I agree with Saxton. We need to get our own house [budget] in order before we start worrying about having new programs, especially new taxes .

In a class-action lawsuit lawsuit, AOL apologizes for the release of customer records

LA Times--

The class action suit filed Friday in US District Court in Oakland on behalf of three subscribers against AOL under privacy laws because their records of Internet searches were retained by AOL and made public.

" AOL, a unit of Time Warner Inc., has apologized for the release, which it blamed on a researcher who had failed to gain proper clearances. The researcher and another AOL employee have been fired, and the company's chief technology officer has resigned. AOL also pledged to name its first chief privacy officer. "

Even though AOL had substituted numeric identifications for subscribers users names, the company acknowledges that search queries in itself might contain personal identification data, revealing names, credit cards and medical conditions.

AOL removed the data once it became aware of the release, however not before copies were already circulating through the Internet.

Here is a change of pace... a proposed ordinance for each household to own a gun

KTRV Fox 12--

Greenleaf Idaho -- population 860. If counsel member Steve Jett has his way, each household that can legally own a gun, will. It's called the Civil Emergencies Ordinance.

" "I think the city council is hoping it will happen and that it will be a deterrent to crime as the city and region increases in population," said Lee Belt, Greenleaf city clerk. "

The proposed ordinance is modeled after a plan similar to one that went into place in 1982 in Kennesaw, Ga., which saw a dramatic decrease in criminal activity.

"If the citizens are armed were not at a disadvantage." Said Art Bailey, owner of the Greenleaf store.

Congressman Tom Tancredos' letter to Attorney General Gonzalez about dog Chapman's extradition

Tom Tencredo--

(Excerpts from Tancredos' letter)
... Duane "dog" Chapman... has been detained on the behest of the Mexican government, and is linked to the capture Chapman made in Mexico. [Where] he could be extradited to Mexico, where bounty hunting is a violation of law.

" now, three years later, at the request of the regularly uncooperative Mexican government, your department has decided to use taxpayer resources to send marshals to Hawaii for Dog Chapman? This administration routinely tells Congress that they cannot secure our borders and immigration system due to the lack of resources. We are told that the US Attorney's office in border states are simply overwhelmed with cases and cannot prosecute all the violations -- even some of the serious ones. Yet somehow they have plenty of time to track down a Mexican drug smuggler and give him immunity so he can testify against our border patrol agents. "

I don't think anybody would argue that dog did wrong by not returning for his hearing, however, you can't help but wonder if there is more to this story behind the scenes.

I just think that Dog was an easy target... and a target that would make national news of how we've support Mexico.

Illegal aliens = big dollars for Boeing

MSNBC--

Aerospace and defense giant Boeing Co. has won a multibillion-dollar contract of part of the Secure Border Initiative (SBInet) to erect 1800 towers along the borders of Mexico and Canada. Each tower would be equipped with a variety of sensors, including cameras and heat and motion detectors.

Boeing sold its plans to the Homeland security Department as being less risky and less expensive than proposals that would have relied on drones for routine surveillance work.

Hat tip to Laura for the story

dog the bounty hunter -- additional information

arts and entertainment network--
The Chapmans were released from jail Friday night on bail. while out on bail, they will be required to remain in the state and wear electronic monitoring devices until they return to court for extradition hearings to face trial in Mexico. No date has been set for those hearings.

The arts and entertainment network (see link above) has provided the latest news and interviews with the Chapman family, including an exclusive interview with dog and Beth Tuesday at 10 p.m. Eastern time on A&E.

Additionally, dog and Beth will be interviewed live with Matt Lauer Monday on NBC's today show

US marshals arrest dog Chapman for extradition to Mexico as demanded by the Mexican government

ABC News--

Duane" dog" and his two sons, Leland and Tim, were arrested Thursday by US marshals from a warrant that was signed by a federal judge in Honolulu issued on Wednesday.

three years ago, Mexican authorities demanded that the Chapmans transfer Andrew Luster to local Mexico police after Chapmans capture of Luster in Puerto Vallarta for fleeing the country on rape charges against three women. The Chapmans refused and were arrested and released on bail, however, they never returned to Puerto Vallarta for their court hearing on July 15, 2003.

" You see what the American government is doing to us? They throw us in jail," Chapman said in a federal courtroom. "I'm so upset about this." "

The Chapmans will face an extradition hearing to Mexico under the terms of the treaties between the US and Mexico governments.

A video from Rita Crosby interviewing dog's wife Beth is availableat this link from MSNBC News

in Mexico, bounty hunting is considered a crime.


----update-- -- September 16, 2006
dog released on bail
Duane Chapman was released on $300,000 bail after spending the night in the Federal detention Center. Tim and Leland were freed on $100,000 bail each.

kudos to Springfield police and Oregon State police

KEZI--

Police arrested 11 people including two juveniles on drug-related charges in Springfield around 7 a.m. Monday morning.
Detectives found 18 people inside a three-bedroom home along with methamphetamine, heroin and marijuana, including scales and distribution materials as well as a gun.

I could more easily be okay with giving more money for public safety when I hear news like this versus hearing about multiple stings for prostitution. Good job!

Eugene has an affordable housing gap

KEZI--

The Eugene school district said its enrollment numbers are down and city officials are concerned because of the lack of affordable housing for young families.
"We have a housing shortage of starter homes, or homes that will satisfy the low to middle income family," said Eugene city counselor Gary Pape.
The median price for a home sold in Eugene last month was $260,000, and $194,000 in Springfield.

" Mayor Piercy says it's a complicated problem, but one that's worth taking a closer look at.
"What do we do working with banks and other investment opportunities to put together not just low income housing and high income housing but making sure we have good working family level housing," said Piercy.
Part of this issue has to do with density. "

the other part has to do with the lack of family wage jobs in the area and the overall cost of living.

Michigan -- under proposed legislation, girls entering sixth grade must be vaccinated against cervical cancer

Under legislation proposed by a bipartisan group of female lawmakers, females entering the sixth grade in Michigan would have be vaccinated against cervical cancer
SeattlePI.com --

Senator Beverly Hammerstrom, lead sponsor of legislation, said, "we believe we can save the lives of these girls." Referring to a vaccine for Human papilloma viruses (HPV) that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in June. The three shot treatment which cost $360 will be covered by most of Michigan employers while those who are uninsured will be covered by the federal government's vaccination for children program, according to Hammerstrom.

The vaccine protects against two types of viruses that can cause cervical cancer remains highly effective for up to 4.5 years with very few adverse effects, according to the National Cancer Institute

" More than 98 percent of the women who had been vaccinated continued to have antibodies against HPV-16 and HPV-18 in their blood throughout the extended follow-up period - a strong sign that the vaccine remained effective and was preventing them from becoming infected with those strains of HPV. "

The bill has a provision allowing parents to opt out of the HPV vaccine requirement for medical, moral or psychological reasons.

Legal challenge to Arizona law that prohibits illegal aliens from receiving some public benefit, dismissed...

The Washington Times--

A lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of proposition 200 in the Arizona, which was passed in November with 56% of the vote that require state and local government employees to verify the immigration status of those seeking public benefits, has been dismissed by a three-judge panel of the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

"The suit, brought by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund (MALDEF) and Friendly House, a Phoenix-based nonprofit social service agency, was dismissed by U.S. Appeals Court Judges Alfred T. Goodwin, Johnnie B. Rawlinson and Thomas M. Reavley, sitting as a visiting judge. The panel said the plaintiffs had not shown they had been injured by implementation of the new law. "

Proposition 200 also subjects state employees to criminal charges if they fail to report illegals, and requires people to show proof of citizenship when they register to vote.

" But U.S. District Judge David C. Bury in Tucson, Ariz., refused to block implementation of the law and denied the request for a restraining order[to block implementation of the initiative], saying the organizations had failed to prove potential harm from enforcement of the initiative -- a position upheld by the appeals court panel. "

40th anniversary: Start Trek debuts September 8, 1966

Star Trek.com--

8:30 p.m. Eastern time, September 8, 1966, following Daniel Boone, NBC premiered the episode "the Man trap." The original pilot series, "The Cage" starring as Captain's Pike Jeffrey Hunter who declined to film a second Star Trek pilot to pursue his career in motion pictures.




[Paramount pictures]

As many Trekkies well know that Star Trek almost didn't happen.

" Roddenberry pitches the idea to the networks, using (among other things) a completely fabricated mathematical formula to suggest how many millions of inhabited planets (and, thus, potential storylines) were possible with Star Trek. CBS reportedly turns him down flat as they have a series called Lost in Space. NBC agrees to commission a pilot film, which will be produced by Desilu Studios (owned at the time by Lucille Ball). "[history of Star Trek -- wikipedia]

Other interesting trivia...
Jackson "DeForest" Kelley who played Dr. Leonard McCoy was originally asked to play the role of Mr. Spock.[TV.COM biography DeForest Kelly]

"Book-'em Danno"
Jack Lord of Hawaii 5-0, was one of the actors considered for the role of Captain Kirk which ultimately went to William Shatner. Lord wanted to coproduce and have a percentage of ownership of the series, however, he was ultimately rejected by both Gene Roddenberry and Desilu Studios[Jack Lord -- wikipedia]

Star Trek, the original 79 episodes are currently being digitally remastered.
Star Trek Prequel is rumored to be in the works with Matt Damon portraying a young Captain James T. Kirk.[Trek today]

Intel's job reduction reduces Oregon workforce to 2004 levels

the Oregonian--

Intel, Oregon's largest private employer announced Tuesday that it will eliminate more than 10,000 jobs worldwide, which includes 1,250 of its 17, 200 Oregon employees.
"I think we simply found over time that we added more people than the market would bear," said Bill McKinsey, Intel's Oregon's spokesman referring to the 15,000 employees hired across company during a hiring spree last year. "We had become bloated (when measured) against our peers."
Intel plans to reduce its workforce from 102, 500 to 95,000 employees by the middle of 2007. The company expects to save about $3 billion annually beginning in 2008.

RadioShack lays off nearly 400 employees via e-mail

Fox news--

Fort Worth, Texas -- Employees at RadioShack's Fort Worth headquarters received an e-mail Tuesday morning telling them that they have been dismissed immediately.

" The notice stated: The workforce reduction notification is currently in progress. Unfortunately your position is one that has been eliminated. "

Spokeswoman Kay Jackson said that company officials told employees in the series a meeting that layoffs notices would be delivered electronically.
The company had announced August 10 and they would cut 400-500 jobs, mostly at headquarters, to cut expenses and "improve its long-term competitive position in the marketplace." RadioShack has also closed nearly 500 stores; consolidation distributions centers and liquidate slow-moving merchandise. E.g. Sales of cellular phones, a key item for RadioShack, have been disappointing.
Last month, the company hired former Kmart executive, Julian day, as chief executive after the previous CEO quit after admitting lying on his resume.

In my opinion, RadioShack was never the same after its founder Charles D. Tandy died.

Steven Irwin, the crocodile Hunter, dies while diving off Australia's northeast coast

Reuters Canada--

Sydney -- Steve Irwin, 44, otherwise known as the "crocodile Hunter" was hit in the chest by a stingray barb while diving off Australia's northeast coast.
Irwin had been diving off his boat "croc one" while filming an underwater documentary off Port Douglas. Irwin was taken by helicopter to nearby Low Isles for medical treatment; however, he was dead before they arrived according to police.

Eugene police will start enforcing tailgate parties everywhere except for Autzen Stadium?

KEZI--

An ordinance that have been on the books since 1974 states that if you rent your property up for parking it becomes a public place, and it is illegal to drink in public in Eugene, without a city permit. However, Autzen Stadium property owned by the University of Oregon is exempt from the ordinance.

"The consumption, possession of alcohol on an unlicensed premise statute states that it exempts Autzen parking lot, parking directly adjacent to the stadium, and not parking lots across the street." said Sgt. Nathan Reynolds "

Captain Chuck Tilby said the police do intend to eventually enforce the ordinance on tailgating parties, which carries maximum penalties of a $500 fine or 100 days in jail, or both.{source = KATU}
it is going to be very interesting to see how this one plays out.

ICE: Aggressive Enforcement Leads to 15 Illegal Aliens Arrested While Working for a Company Contracted to Paint US Military Aircraft

ICE: U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement--

Roswell New Mexico: ICE special agents today arrested 15 illegal aliens who were working for Dean Baldwin painting Inc. who is under contract to paint US military aircraft, including the Lockheed C-130 military aircraft.

The illegal aliens were arrested after they were determined to be residing in working in the United States.

" "Aggressive worksite enforcement actions like this help deter aliens from entering the United States attracted by the 'job magnet,'" said Troy Henley, special agent-in-charge of the ICE Office of Investigations in El Paso. "These operations also help discourage employers from knowingly hiring illegal aliens." "

Miami -- September 1, 2006 press release -- 79 fugitives and three immigration status violators living in various cities throughout Florida were arrested for immigration violations.
Among the arrested was 36-year-old aggravated felon Evelyn Del Socorro, of Nicaragua. Del Socorro, at the time of arrest, Del Socorro was in possession of a Florida ID and drivers license under two aliases.

CAGUAS, Puerto Rico --September 1, 2006 press release -- 38 illegal aliens working at a construction site were rested by ICE special agents. The 38 men, all nationals of the Dominican Republic worked at Los Pradros, a site that will feature homes, apartments and a shopping center. All those arrested have been placed in removal proceedings for being in violation of immigration laws.

Knowingly hiring illegal aliens is a violation of immigration law. Thus far, from January through mid-July 2006, ICE worksite enforcement investigations have resulted in 445 criminal arrests in the apprehension of 2700 illegal alien workers on administrative immigration violations.
Illegal aliens who are apprehended, are placed through removal proceedings and quickly returned to their country of origin. Aliens who reenter the United States after having been deported face felony charges, and sentences up to 20 years in prison.
.

Medicaid benefits require proof of citizenship or legal immigration status took effect Friday

Department of Human Services--

August 30, 2006 -- state workers will begin asking people applying or reapplying for most Medicaid benefits to provide evidence of citizenship or legal immigration status in compliance with a new federal law aimed at keeping in eligible non-citizens off Medicaid rolls.
People who are receiving Medicare or supplemental insurance income benefits are exempted from the requirement because their citizenship has already been documented. Legal residents who are not citizens will continue to provide appropriate documents from the US citizenship and immigration services.

Approximately 500,000 people receive Medicaid health-care in Oregon. Federal estimates put the number of ineligible non-citizens receiving Medicaid benefit in Oregon up to 350.

DHS will assist Oregon born applicants by checking the agency's database for certificates. People born in other states, DHS will provide details on how to order birth certificate and, in specific hardship cases, will pay the cost of obtaining the document.

Oregon's economy growing?

KEZI--

With contributions from the housing market, Oregon's economy has continued to grow in the last quarter, which state economists said tax revenues are coming in at $1.28 billion above projections and thus will offer of the largest personal "kicker" in the state's history.

However, they are warned that a correction could result from a cooling in the housing market, and signs that job growth is starting to level off.

"Economists are projecting that the state will have almost $13.8 billion in general fund dollars to spend in the 2007-2009 biennium, up from the $12.4 billion spent in the current two-year budget cycle on state obligations, including schools, social services and public safety.
The new quarterly forecast calls for a personal income tax "kicker" rebate of $1.043 billion to return to the state's taxpayers -- an average of $567 for a household making between $40,000 and $70,000 per year.
Put another way, for every $1,000 households pay in taxes, they could get back $206, or 20.6 percent, breaking the previous record of a 16.6 percent tax rebate in 1987.
"Kicker" refunds are sent to Oregon taxpayers whenever state tax revenues exceed official forecasts by more than 2 percent.
Corporations, too, stand to benefit from the state's continued growth, and would be entitled to a 61.3 percent reduction in their 2007 tax bills -- or $238 million that the state would never collect. The "

Earlier this summer, Governor Ted Kulongoski introduced the idea of suspending the personal income tax kicker, allowing the state to keep the money and invest in areas that were cut back during the 2001-2003 recession, when Oregon had the highest unemployment rate in the country and tax collections plummeted.
and for those who don't remember... we were #2 in the nation for unemployment. Salem offered to help by suggesting that they raise taxes to compensate for the lower income tax revenues. This coincided with the February 14, 2004 cut off date when Congress eliminated the extensions on unemployment because of the war.
In a speech on Thursday, Kulongoski made no mention of the personal kicker, instead, he repeated his call for an end to the corporate kicker, stating that the money would be better used in a rainy day fund.

In related news... the Kulongoski campaign is prepared to take its message to the voters that Governor Kulongoski has helped put Oregon's economy back on track and balance the state budget despite a $3 billion deficit brought on by the recession, explains Jim Ross, Kulongoski's campaign manager.Registerguard August 25, 2006
I'm glad somebody somewhere is seeing an improvement in the economy... all that I see, is 3+ dollars a gallon for gas and taxes going up. In fact, I realize the other day that nobody waters their lawn anymore, at least in Springfield. with the fees associated with water use, it has just become too expensive.

search warrants Saturday morning led to discovery of four separate meth Labs in Junction city

Oregon State police--

Following a two-month long investigation, the Oregon State believed me that initiative team detectives and Drug Enforcement Administration agents served a search warrant Saturday morning that led to arrest and discovery of four separate meth labs on a property west of Junction city.
Harley Harold Brewer, 61, was taken into custody. The agents also located four separate methamphetamine laboratories on the property.

"This lab shutdown is another in a long list of examples of how Oregon is leading the nation in this fight -- shutting down 77% of the state's meth labs last year alone," said Governor Kulongoski. "Our Oregon State Police provide a critical role in stopping meth from coming over our state's borders, and I am extremely grateful for their good work. This shutdown highlights the urgent need for 24/7 coverage for our state's roads and highways."

In addition to the drug related evidence, detectives located a stolen car, a stolen Harley-Davidson motorcycle, motorcycle parts and motors with altered vehicle identification numbers.
Proof positive once again that requiring prescriptions for cold medicine has made a significant cut back on the methamphetamine manufacture in Oregon. [Must've been a Walgreens in the area]

Something to Think about When You Throw Away Those Old Cell Phones

Associated Press--
Resetting the cell phone is a popular practice among sellers and it is often assumed that sensitive information would be erased. However, that information can be resurrected using inexpensive specialized software found on the Internet.

" Curious software experts at Trust Digital resurrected information on nearly all the used phones, including the racy exchanges between guarded lovers.
The other phones contained:
-One company's plans to win a multimillion-dollar federal transportation contract.
-E-mails about another firm's $50,000 payment for a software license.
-Bank accounts and passwords...."

All 10 phones that Trust Digital tested stored information on flash memory chips, similar technology found on Digital cameras & music players. The flash memory is inexpensive and durable however slow to erase. Phone manufacturers usually provide instructions for safely deleting a customer's information although it is not always convenient or easy to find.

Something to think about next time you dispose of your old cell phone.

If This Does Not Get Your Blood Boiling...

the Terry Anderson Show--

"We will honor the American tradition of the melting pot and help immigrants assimilate by learning our history, our values, and the English-language."
-- President George Bush. [August 3, 2006, fact sheet: operation jumpstart: acting out to secure the border]

It really gives you a warm and fuzzy feeling doesn't it? That is, until you read headlines like this one on Daniel's blog , "hoisting the Mexican flag at the US Post Office." What?!? I check the link and



Sure enough... a picture of the Mexican flag on top of the flagpole at the Maywood California post office that was placed there by a small group of immigrants hoping for assimilation into the United States.







if these people love Mexico so much... then why don't they just stay there?

Upgrades to Radar Guns Will Be Able to Judge Distance between Vehicles

Mail Tribune--

At a cost of $625 for each laser radar unit, the manufacturer will install a new "Distance between Cars" (DBC) chip, which will be able to measure the distance between two vehicles. .

" here is what the updated lasers will be able to tell us:
The distance of the first car
The distance from the laser operator to the first car
The speed of the second car
The distance from the laser operator to the second car
The distance between the two cars (front bumper to front bumper)
The time difference between the two cars "

Dace Cochran, a patrol sergeant with the Jackson County Sheriff's Department, who writes a weekly Q&A column on police issues for the Mail Tribune, states that Jackson County will start using the technology immediately as soon as the lasers are available.

" We'll enforce two things: speed and following too closely. So theoretically we could cite the lead vehicle for speeding and then the second vehicle for both speed and following too closely. "

[by the way, the Oregon Department of Transportation picked up the tab on two units for each of the seven agencies in the test program]

Recruiters Hunting for Hispanic Executives

Gannett News Service--

Job recruiters are hired by all kinds of big companies to find qualified personnel. Competition is intense for headhunters find bilingual executives to teach them how to grab a bigger portion of the market spent by Hispanics, the country's largest growing minority. The prize: $70 billion a year and growing.

" There is a total war on talent out there," said David Bruno, vice chairman and managing partner of DHR International, an executive search firm with an office in Scottsdale, Ariz. "More and more, companies are looking to bring on ... folks who understand the culture. We oftentimes get the call from people who say, 'We want the best, but we also want Latino candidates.' You just don't find Hispanics in the number that you need. "

A typical recruit that headhunters are looking for are in their late 20s to 40s, young enough to be molded and promoted, speaks, write and read English and Spanish. Has an MBA or postgraduate degree and is willing to relocate. Extra points are scored for female applicants.

" "The demand is huge," said Ron Todd of Florida-based Execumax, which specializes in mid- to executive-level talent. "My objective is to have every Hispanic MBA graduate in my database, and I worry where they'll fit later. That's what it's become. The ones that get it can pretty much pick where they want to go, when they want to go, and how much they get paid." "

President Bush losing support for his guest worker program

the Washington Times--

President Bush has convinced House representatives that he is serious about enforcing the border however, he has failed to win their support in his 100 day all-out push to create a guest worker program or a path to citizenship for illegal aliens.
"... the first thing we have to do is to protect the borders," House Speaker J. Dennis Hastert, Illinois Republican, told the Washington Times. "Until you protect the borders, any reform without protecting the border is premature."
While polls show varying support for a guest worker program and for legalizing illegal aliens, one area that most voters agree on in the polls is the need to do more to secure the borders.

Police Charge a 14-year-old Boy for "Meowing" at a neighbor

AP--

Jeannette Pennsylvania -- a district judge has been asked to decide whether "meowing" is grounds for misdemeanor harassment or just a harmless taunt.
The 14-year-old boy started meowing at Alexandra Carasia, their 78-year-old neighbor after the boy's mother got rid of their family cat after the neighbor complained to police that the cat was using the neighbor's flower garden as a litter box.

"The boy testified Tuesday that he only meowed at the woman twice. Carasia testified, "Every time he sees me, he meows." "

Jeanette District Judge Joseph DeMarchis decided to wait 90 days before ruling on this case.