RON AND JACKY THOMAS JAN 7th, 2006

"MEET YOUR NEIGHBORS AT LVH's"



Ron and Jacky Thomas have lived at Longview Hills for the past nine years. They have been married for 45 wonderful years and raised two kids and also have two grandkids. Jacky was born in Florida and Ron comes from the state of California. Jacky enjoys crafts and she is very invovled with gettting things done on the hill, like social functions and you always see her working very hard. Ron has so many interest, he is the webmaster for LVH's web site, has worked very hard in getting the numbers and emergercy lights system on the lamp post. He is working on starting a computer lab with10 computer's that were donated to LVH's and I could go on and on for all he and his wife have done for Longview Hills, always there to lend a helping hand. We are very lucky to have such caring people as Jacky and Ron, to call them friends and neighbors. They give 100 per cent to this community and we thank them very much for the hard work they do. Kudo's to them!! Jacky, next time I'll get you with your eyes open, OK?
(2)

XMAS DECORATIONS REMOVAL PARTY 1-7-06

"CHRISTMAS DECORATIONS REMOVAL PARTY"







There was a great time enjoyed by over 25 residents at this years
Club House Christmas Tree removal get together, we even had food after the work was done. It only took about 15 to 20 minutes to get the job done with this many helping. Great job to all there!

PS Just click on each picture to enlarge and then error back to do next one.

Finally an answer to retirement that makes sense....

Whipped-up waves lash out at beachgoers

Whipped-up waves lash out at beachgoers: "Whipped-up waves lash out at beachgoers
Warning - Massive swells hitting the coast threaten those who get too close, including three who narrowly escaped
Saturday, January 07, 2006
LORI TOBIAS

NEWPORT -- One moment, Jennine Parker-Trigg was standing on the beach about to snap some photos and the next, she and her 2-year-old son were sucked into the ocean by a rushing wave that left no time for escape."

USATODAY.com - Study: Better body armor could have saved many Marines

USATODAY.com - Study: Better body armor could have saved many Marines: "Study: Better body armor could have saved many Marines
WASHINGTON (AP) — Most torso wounds that killed Marines in Iraq might have been prevented or minimized by improved body armor, a Pentagon study found"

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Bill Cosby
'I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody.'"

Heat gun gets Wacky Warning awards

Heat gun gets Wacky Warning awards: "Heat gun gets Wacky Warning awards

(AP Photo/wackywarnings.com, Robert B. Dorigo Jones) :: This combination of photos made available Friday, Jan. 6, 2006 by wackywarnings.com shows the grand prize winner of the Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch's 9th Annual Wacky Warnings Label Contest.

By Associated Press
Updated: 01/06/06

DETROIT

A reminder that a heat gun and paint remover that produces temperatures of 1,000 degrees isn't a good hair dryer is the nation's wackiest warning label, an anti-lawsuit group says.

[Full Story Below ?]
The label reads: 'Do not use this tool as a hair dryer' and was identified by Tom Brunelle of the southwestern Michigan community of Holland. Brunelle will receive $500 as a reward for tracking down the seemingly obvious warning."

Seniors aided in Medicare drug plan changes

Seniors aided in Medicare drug plan changes: "Seniors aided in Medicare drug plan changes

January 7, 2006


BY KATIE MERX

FREE PRESS BUSINESS WRITER



Isaac Penson reads over his prescription plan. Penson of Detroit initially signed up for a plan that was too expensive, with a deductible of $250. (HUGH GRANNUM/Detroit Free Press)

Avoiding panic

*

Getting help

If you have a problem or need to sign up for a Medicare drug plan:

* Call the federal Medicare assistance hotline at 800-633-4227.

* Or call 800-803-7174 to reach a Michigan volunteer counselor.

* The deadline for signing up for a Medicare drug plan without price penalties is May 15.

* Coverage began Jan. 1.

* Patients who enroll in a Medicare drug plan in January will be eligible for coverage beginning Feb. 1.

Getting your MEDICINE

* If you have received your card, take it to the pharmacy.

If you don't have a card, take photo identification and at least one of the following items: The letter that said you are enrolled in a plan, the name of the plan, a copy of your application for the plan.

Isaac Penson signed up for a Medicare prescription drug plan before the new year with help from someone at his church, but he didn't realize he'd have to pay a $250 out-of-pocket deductible before the plan he chose would pay for any drugs or that the plan he chose wouldn't cover his blood-pressure medicine.

The 84-year-old Detroiter doesn't have $250. And he ran out of his blood-pressure medicine, Norvasc, earlier this week. He takes it to keep his high blood pressure from causing a heart attack, stroke or kidney problems."

"LET IT SNOW LET IT SNOW"


For those you have lived around this white stuff, don't you just miss it. So guess we won't get any sales on this from our family on the hill. Nice that we don't have to shovel rain. Let it rain let it rain and it sure is this winter so far, try and keep your feet dry. But always have a sunny day within yourself each day, life is to short.

XMAS REMOVAL GET TOTGETHER

"WORKING PARTY TO REMOVE XMAS DECORATIONS"




Those who want to help on Saturday, Jan 7th at 12Noon it's time to bring the Club House Christmas Tree down and put everything away for another year. There will be free lunch for those who show up to help and of course the great fellowship we have on the hill. Hope to see you there.

Druggists overwhelmed / New Medicare drug plan 'glitches' leave pharmacists struggling to fill orders

Druggists overwhelmed / New Medicare drug plan 'glitches' leave pharmacists struggling to fill orders: "Druggists overwhelmed
New Medicare drug plan 'glitches' leave pharmacists struggling to fill orders

Victoria Colliver, Chronicle Staff Writer

Friday, January 6, 2006

Pharmacist Julian Potashnick in Oakland says he has spent... Blister packs can no longer be offered by Leo's Pharmacie...

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It's been a rocky start.

Pharmacists say they have been unable to fill prescriptions or have given out drugs without knowing if they will be paid since Medicare's new prescription drug benefit began Jan. 1.

Some customers lacked cards or notification from insurers about their coverage. Computer problems verifying a patient's eligibility, busy help lines and mismatched identification numbers also have hampered the ability of pharmacists to fill orders."

LVH LAMP POST

"RED ALERT TO ALL RESIDENTS AT LVH's"


If a Emergency Crew or anyone who is a first time visitor to Longview Hills and having trouble trying to find the correct house, more so at night time. Which residents would you be able to find quicker, the one with numbers or without. For Emergency responses, seconds saved by having the numbers could save a life. If you already have the numbers, great! But if you are in need of them contact Ron Thomas, who´s number is in the LVH´s Directory. It only cost $5.00 and this money will then go into the LVH´s Social Commitee Fund.

Automakers tout new hybrids at Detroit car show

Automakers tout new hybrids at Detroit car show: "Automakers tout new hybrids at Detroit car show
Consumer choice - Models debut as drawbacks to hybrids gain attention among drivers
Friday, January 06, 2006
DEE-ANN DURBIN

DETROIT -- Automakers are rolling out new hybrids at this year's North American International Auto Show as hybrid sales continue to grow at a phenomenal pace.

But consumers are finding out that hybrids are more expensive and may save less fuel than they thought, which could put the brakes on sales."

Scrap-metal firm looking at Oregon sites

Ron says.. having worked in all my life in polluting industries (First steel and then oil) I can tell you that they cannot clean up their messes. They pay fines to the government who then ignores the clean-up issues. They declare bankruptcy if the going gets rough for them.. but the mess stays. This company is owned by people based in India. They have a problem here where do you think they are going to go?
Oregon is a rare and beautiful jewell I would hate to see her beauty potentially marred by this deal.... My take on this is strongly, "No-Way".

Scrap-metal firm looking at Oregon sites: "More | Subscribe | 14-Day Archives (Free) | Long-Term Archives (Paid)
Scrap-metal firm looking at Oregon sites
Oregon Coast - Plans for ship-scrapping yards in Coos Bay and Newport stir both hope and worries
Friday, January 06, 2006
PETER SLEETH

A Virginia-based firm that wants to salvage steel from old government ships is negotiating to buy land near Coos Bay while continuing to negotiate for an industrial site in Newport."

USATODAY.com - Microsoft shutters Chinese blog with political content

Ron says.. this is terrible.

USATODAY.com - Microsoft shutters Chinese blog with political content: "Microsoft shutters Chinese blog with political content
BEIJING (AP) — Microsoft Corp. has shut down the Internet journal of a Chinese blogger that discussed politically sensitive issues, including a recent strike at a Beijing newspaper.

The action came amid criticism by free-speech activists of foreign technology companies that help the communist government enforce censorship or silence dissent in order to be allowed into China's market."

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Albert Einstein
'Common sense is the collection of prejudices acquired by age eighteen.'"

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Will Rogers
'We can't all be heroes because somebody has to sit on the curb and clap as they go by."

Collectors go bananas for flawed $20 bill

Collectors go bananas for flawed $20 bill: "Collectors go bananas for flawed $20 bill

(AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez) :: The famed 'Del Monte Note', a $20 bill with a Del Monte sticker on it that sold on Ebay for $10,000 is seen at the Heritage Galleries and Auctioneers in Dallas, Thursday, Dec. 29, 2005.

By Associated Press
MATT JOYCE
Updated: 01/06/06

DALLAS

An ordinary fruit sticker that mysteriously ended up on a $20 bill could spur currency collectors to bid up to 1,000 times the bill's face value at an auction Friday.

[Full Story Below ?]
The flawed bill bears a red, green and yellow Del Monte sticker next to Andrew Jackson's portrait. The bill originated at a U.S. Treasury Department printing facility in Fort Worth, but how the fruit tag found its way onto the greenback is unknown."

Trivia - 4361 to 4370

Trivia - 4361 to 4370: "The Irish writer Jonathan Swift described the two small moons of Mars with uncanny accuracy in his novel Gulliver's Travels - which was published 150 years before these moons were discovered…"

Trivia - 4361 to 4370

Trivia - 4361 to 4370: "The Dry Valleys of Antarctica have not seen rain for two million years.

"

FirstScience.com Poems - The Comet by Anon

FirstScience.com Poems - The Comet by Anon: "The Comet




by Anon

Oh, you Mistuh Comet,
Travelin' th'oo de sky.
You's got us all a-tremble
As you comes a-brushin' by.
We don' know what you's up to;
An' we don't know whah you's bin,
Nor whah you is a-gwineter.
You's jes' a-buttin' in!


Look here, Mistuh Comet,
As on yoh way you ride.
You ain't much in partic'lar,
An' mostly gassified.
You's like some folks I knows of
Dat raises heaps o' fuss
Wifout a-bein' nuffin
Except mysterious! "

The Science of Gemstones

Ron says.. This is the best article for rockhounds and agate hunters I have read. Find yourself actually seeing how these gems are made and why they are here. A terrific read.

The Science of Gemstones: "The Science of Gemstones

Diamonds, rubies and sapphires captivate us by their symbolic values of wealth and power, and also by their heavenly beauty. But these gems are born in hellish fires deep below Earth’s surface.

by Hugh Williams"

Gmail - Arctic Refuge drilling, gas price gouging: Boycott Exxon!

Gmail - Arctic Refuge drilling, gas price gouging: Boycott Exxon!: "What would you do with $25 billion? Well, if you were ExxonMobil you'd continue to insist on drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, sabotage efforts to slow global warming, and try to weasel out of paying the full amount owed to the fishermen and Native Americans affected by the 1989 Exxon Valdez spill, which killed hundreds of thousands of seals, otters, birds, fish and whales. That's what ExxonMobil is doing with its historic $25 billion in profits from 2005.

But we're making a difference. Wildlife supporters from across the country banded together last month to narrowly defeat ExxonMobil's latest attempt to industrialize the Arctic Refuge. This was a huge victory for the polar bears, caribou and other wildlife that call the Refuge home! "

Gmail - FDA Joins Industry in Fight Against Mercury Warnings

Gmail - FDA Joins Industry in Fight Against Mercury Warnings: "When it comes to warning consumers about mercury contamination in fish, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is acting fishy. More than 1 in 6 babies born are exposed to dangerously high levels of mercury in the womb. Yet when states like California take it upon themselves to warn the public, the FDA joins with the fishing industry to force them to stop.
Tell the FDA to put the interest of mothers and babies ahead of the fishing industry.
Mercury is a toxic contaminant that is showing up in dangerously high concentrations in the fish we eat, and is know to cause nervous system and brain damage in developing fetuses, infants, and young children. "

USATODAY.com - NASCAR narrows potential Hall of Fame to three cities

USATODAY.com - NASCAR narrows potential Hall of Fame to three cities: "NASCAR narrows potential Hall of Fame to three cities
By Jenna Fryer, The Associated Press
CHARLOTTE ? NASCAR has narrowed the possible sites for its first official Hall of Fame to Atlanta, Charlotte or Daytona Beach, Fla., and expects to pick a winning city by the end of March.
'Based upon the proposals that we have reviewed internally for the past several months, we believe these three cities provide us with the best opportunity to build and develop a world-class NASCAR Hall of Fame for our millions of loyal fans,' Mark Dyer, NASCAR's vice president for licensing, said Thursday in a statement. "

USATODAY.com - U.S. bows to Finland in juniors' bronze-medal game

USATODAY.com - U.S. bows to Finland in juniors' bronze-medal game: ".S. bows to Finland in juniors' bronze-medal game
By Kevin Allen, USA TODAY
VANCOUVER ? With nine NHL first-round draft picks and four more projected to go in the first round next June, USA's team brought the best collection of resumes to the World Junior Hockey Championships.

Finland's Perttu Lindgren watches a goal sail beyond the grasp of U.S. goalie Cory Schneider and into the net in the Finns' 4-2 win.
By Richard Lam, CP/AP

But the skill on paper never materialized on ice, as the Americans lost 4-2 to Finland in the bronze medal game Thursday, finishing fourth in the tournament that showcases the world's best teenage players."

USATODAY.com - Ad sales boom for Super Bowl, Olympics

USATODAY.com - Ad sales boom for Super Bowl, Olympics: "Ad sales boom for Super Bowl, Olympics
By Theresa Howard, USA TODAY
NEW YORK ? The expected bruising battle of big sports events for first-quarter ad spending has turned out to be a draw.
ABC's Super Bowl Feb. 5 comes just five days before NBC Universal's 17 days of Winter Olympics coverage on its broadcast, cable and Internet properties begins. At this point, however, and without massive discounting, ABC is reportedly 85% sold out and on track for up to $150 million. NBC says it's 90% sold out and should hit its $900 million target.
Among veteran Super Bowl advertisers, only McDonald's and Visa, both also longtime Olympic sponsors, opted out of the game for the Olympics. For Visa, a big factor was the chance to be the sole credit card advertiser for the Games (MasterCard and MBNA also had ads in last year's Super Bowl), says spokesman Michael Rolnick. 'The Olympics give us a unique opportunity over 17 days to showcase Visa to a very large audience using category exclusivity.'"

U.S. tsunami alert system streamlined

U.S. tsunami alert system streamlined: "U.S. tsunami alert system streamlined

(AP Photo/ Al Grillo) :: Bruce Turner, a geophysicist and assistant director of the West Coast and Alaska Tsunami Warning Center, talks on Friday Dec. 23, 2005, about the tsunami that hit South-East Asia last year.

By Associated Press
JEANNETTE J. LEE
Updated: 01/05/06

PALMER, Alaska

The nation's two tsunami warning centers will now have additional resources and round the clock staffing and surveillance to help warn of a tsunami threat to the U.S."

FEMA: Receive Warning Before a Disaster Strikes With a NOAA Weather Radio

FEMA: Receive Warning Before a Disaster Strikes With a NOAA Weather Radio: "Receive Warning Before a Disaster Strikes With a NOAA Weather Radio

Release Date: January 4, 2006
Release Number: 1605-151
Printer friendly version icon

» More Information on Alabama Hurricane Katrina

MONTGOMERY, Ala. -- Weather is unpredictable and can be dangerous, but with a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio you can be informed before bad weather strikes. The Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA) and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) recommend that homes and businesses have a weather radio to warn listeners about approaching severe weather.

The NOAA Weather Radio All Hazards is a nationwide network of radio stations broadcasting weather information direct from National Weather Service (NWS) offices across the country. Warnings are sent 24 hours a day following an alarm tone alerting listeners. Broadcasts are also translated into Spanish to serve the Hispanic population.

Weather radios are available at electronics stores across the country and may cost from $25 to $100. While FEMA does not endorse a particular make or model of weather radio, there are some features you should look for when purchasing one:

* Alarm tone—this allows the radio to be on but silent, allowing for a special tone to alert you to severe weather.
* Specific Area Message Encoding (SAME)—this feature provides area specific information by filtering out alerts that do not impact your immediate area.
* Battery operated—since there will be times when electrical power is unavailable, a radio should be able to operate on batteries.
* Tunable to all NWS frequencies—for the latest list of frequencies visit www.nws.noaa.gov/nwr
* For the hearing and visually impaired—this allows radios to connect the alarms to other attention getting devices like personal computers and text printers.

In addi"

Jim Dodds latest computer alert...(via email)

National Cyber Alert System
Cyber Security Alert SA06-005A
Microsoft Windows Metafile Vulnerability
Original release date: January 5, 2006
Last revised: --
Source: US-CERT
Systems Affected
* Microsoft Windows

Overview
Microsoft has released an update that addresses a critical
vulnerability in Windows Metafile images.

Solution
Apply Updates

Microsoft has released a security update for a Windows Metafile
image vulnerability. To obtain the update, visit the Microsoft
Update web site. US-CERT also recommends enabling Automatic
Updates.

Description
Microsoft Security Bulletin MS06-001 addresses a vulnerability in
Windows Metafile (WMF) images. This vulnerability may allow an
attacker to take control of your computer or cause it to
crash. For more technical information, see US-CERT Technical
Cyber Security Alert TA06-006A.
Patches are available here.


http://www.microsoft.com/technet/security/Bulletin/MS06-001.mspx


or click

Start (then)

Windows Update

LVH FISHING CLUB BREAKFAST MEETING

"LONGVIEW HILLS FISHING CLUB MEETING"




For those who might be interested in meeting with the Fishing Club of LVH's. Check the LVH's monthly calandar for time and location. Today they met at the Agate Beach Golf course for breakfast and had a good turn out. There is always room for more fish tales. Contact club president Jack Scherere for more details here at Longview Hills. If I'm not mistaken even the ladies are welcomed, if you like to fish then this is a great place to learn and share any ideas.

Add ON: They do meet the 1st and 2nd Thursday of each month and then everyother month plan on having the breakfast meeting at the Agate Beach Golf Course. Any questions stop by at their meeting and find out more.

Click on each picture to enlarge the image, then arrow back after each picture.

CHARLES BURKE TAKES

CHARLES BURKE TAKES NEXT STEP..


Charles and I worked together for a bit today and he has a whole new skill set to bring to the website. He will be posting news articles that are of interest to him and what he feels you may be interested in. Charles has an interest in sports so you may see some sport news. We also worked on techniques for putting multiple pictures on thumbnail style.

You will be getting even more interesting stuff as Charles experiments with the new stuff. Look at the bottom of each article or picture to see who has made the latest article you are enjoying.

Ask Charles how easy this really is. When you are done asking him that ask if he is having fun. Think about doing this it’s fun. We need about 3 more staff members.. No experience necessary.. Between the both of us we can show you the ropes easily.

Email me:
teckron@hotmail.com

Reflex.........how good are you

Click on the below site and check out your reflexes..............



http://www.bbc.co.uk/science/humanbody/sleep/sheep/reaction_version5.swf

The work goes on at Newport Jetty, Coast Guard and Yaquina Bay Bridge, click on picture to make it larger.

CBS News | Day's Iraq Death Toll Tops 130 | January 5, 2006?16:22:32

CBS News Day's Iraq Death Toll Tops 130 January 5, 2006?16:22:32: "Day's Iraq Death Toll Tops 130

Jan. 5, 2006

Relatives indentify an infant victim in a suicide bomb attack, outside of the hospital in Karbala, Iraq, Jan. 5, 2006. (CBS/AP)

Fast Facts

'This is a criminal act against faithful pilgrims. The terrorists are targeting the Shiites.'

Mohammed Saheb, Shiite pilgrim in Karbala

(CBS/AP) Suicide bombers infiltrated a line of police recruits and a crowd of Shiite pilgrims Thursday as insurgents killed 125 civilians and five U.S. soldiers, escalating their fight as political groups worked to forge a coalition government.

The two-day toll from insurgent attacks rose to 183, reflecting a dramatic upsurge in bloodshed following the Dec. 15 parliamentary elections. Some leading Sunni politicians accuse the Shiite-led government of condoning fraud in the voting.

Iraq's prime minister denounced the violence as an attempt to derail the political process at a time when progress was being made toward including the Sunnis in a new, broad-based government and thereby weakening the Sunni-led insurgency. "

Just taking Time

STORY OF A CAB RIDE Twenty years ago, I drove a cab for a living. When I arrived at 2:30 a.m., the building was dark except for a single light in aground floor window. Under these circumstances, many drivers would just honk once or twice, wait a minute, then drive away. But, I had seen too many impoverished people who depended on taxis as their only means of transportation. Unlessa situation smelled of danger, I always went to the door. This passenger might the someone who needs my assistance, I reasoned to myself. So I walked to the door and knocked. "Just a minute", answered a frail, elderly voice. I could hear something being dragged across the floor. After a long pause, the door opened. A small woman in her 80's stood before me. She was wearing a print dress and a pillbox hat with a veil pinned on it, like somebody out of a 1940s movie. By her side was a small nylon suitcase. The apartment looked as if no one had lived in it for years. All the furniture was covered with sheets. There were no clocks on the walls, no knick knacks or utensils on the counters. In the corner was a cardboard box filled with photos and glassware. "Would you carry my bag out to the car?" she said. I took the suitcase to the cab, then returned to assist the woman. She took my arm and we walked slowly toward the curb. She kept thanking me for my kindness."It's nothing," I told her. "I just try to treat my passengers the way I would want my mother treated." "Oh, you're such a good boy," she said. When we got in the cab, she gave me an address, then asked, "Could you drive through downtown?" "It not the shortest way," I answered quickly. "Oh, I don't mind," she said. "I'm in no hurry. I'm on my way to a hospice." I looked in the rearview mirror. Her eyes were glistening. "I don't have any family left," she continued. "The doctor says I don't have very long." I quietly reached over and shut off the meter. " What route would you like me to take?" I asked. For the next two hours, we drove through the city. She showed me the building where she had once worked as an elevator operator. We drove through the neighborhood where she and her husband had lived when they were newlyweds. She had me pull up in front of a furniture warehouse that had once been a ballroom where she had gone dancing as a girl. Sometimes she'd ask me to slow in front of a particular building or corner and would sit staring into the darkness, saying nothing. As the first hint of sun was creasing the horizon, he suddenly said, "I'm tired. Let's go now." We drove in silence to the address she had given me. It was a low building, like a small convalescent home, with a driveway that passed under a portico. Two orderlies came out to the cab as soon as we pulled up. They were solicitous and intent, watching her every move. They must have been expecting her. I opened the trunk and took the small suitcase to the door. The woman was already seated in a wheelchair."How much do I owe you?" she asked, reaching into her purse. "Nothing," I said."You have to make a living," she answered. "There are other passengers," I responded. Almost without thinking, I bent and gave her a hug. She held onto me Tightly. "You gave an old woman a little moment of joy," she said. "Thank you." I squeezed her hand, then walked into the dim morning light. Behind me, adoor shut. It was the sound of the closing of a life. I didn't pick up anymore passengers that shift. I drove aimlessly lost in thought. For the rest of that day, I could hardly talk. What if that woman had gotten an angry driver, or one who was impatient to end his shift? What if I had refused to take the run, or had honked once, then driven away? On a quick review, I don't think that I have done anything more important in my life. We're conditioned to think that our lives revolve around great moments. But great moments often catch us unaware beautifully wrapped in what others may consider a small one. Stop and smell the roses and always greet everyone with a hello and a smile. Treat everyone in the way you would want to be treated yourself.

Verve, 'weird perspective' makes blogger's site a hit

Verve, 'weird perspective' makes blogger's site a hit: "Verve, 'weird perspective' makes blogger's site a hit
Thursday, January 05, 2006

Kelly Jo Horton is one of the most popular writers you've never heard of.

She's always written; she says she's 'driven to write.' Poems. Essays. Notes. Journal entries.

But last August something changed. Oh, Kelly Jo is still writing. But now people all over the world are reading about her best dates and favorite bands, the day she met Billy Bob Thornton, her frustrations and joys as a parent, even the conversation she had with a college student she met in an aisle at Target.
Advertisement





Kelly Jo has become a blogger, and in the world of Web logs, she's becoming a star. Her blog is published on MySpace.com (http://blog.myspace.com/kellyjo2), the wildly popular networking Web site with 41 million users, more page views than Google and more members than America Online."

A cold shoulder from Congress

A cold shoulder from Congress: "A cold shoulder from Congress
Lawmakers must return to Washington prepared to help the poor pay for skyrocketing home heating costs
Thursday, January 05, 2006

Only two weeks into winter, the nation already has burned through most of the money set aside to help the poor pay for runaway home heating costs.

Congress saw this coming. Lawmakers watched Hurricane Katrina disruptions and other supply problems drive up the costs of natural gas and oil. They've known for months that far more low-income people than usual would be forced this winter to choose between heating their homes or paying for food and other necessities."

Web site designed to ease researching medical care

Web site designed to ease researching medical care: "Web site designed to ease researching medical care
Health - The site, which lets you create a personal folder, is geared toward seniors and the disabled
Thursday, January 05, 2006
MICHELLE MANDEL

You have a disease, but you're uncertain about medical care or prescription drugs that might help.

Many folks might surf the Internet hoping to find information.

Now, a recently launched Web site strives to make research easier. Network of Care provides long-term care information and education to thousands of Oregon seniors and people with disabilities.
Advertisement





The site, www.oregon.networkofcare.org, is a cooperative project of the nonprofit Oregon Association of Area Agencies on Aging and Disabilities and the Department of Human Services."

'Go' rewards smarts and free-form play

I used to play this when we lived in Japan and it was one game I enjoyed. Where is our "GO" club?

Go' rewards smarts and free-form play: "'Go' rewards smarts and free-form play
Thursday, January 05, 2006
By Joe Fitzgibbon

As Tom Hodges considers his next move, he shares his perspective of the ancient Chinese game of Go.

'The best players use logic and intuition,' he says during a match at the Lucky Labrador Brew Pub in Southeast.

'There are too many moves for you to rely on just the left or right side of the brain. So, you really try to find a balance between the two.'"

Give us your tired, hurried, poor choices

I think we can do this here at LVH.. whada you think?

Give us your tired, hurried, poor choices: "Give us your tired, hurried, poor choices
Thursday, January 05, 2006
By Ryan Geddes

Last week, Rachael in Northeast was offering a nearly full bottle of anti-fungal shampoo for dogs, cats and horses. Randie in Southeast sought a new home for a wicker trunk.

And so it goes on Freecycle Portland, a Web-based network of giving and receiving with nodes around the country.

The idea started in May 2003 in Tucson, Ariz. Organizers say the Portland group is the largest in the world, with more than 20,000 registered members."

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Dan Quisenberry
'The future is much like the present, only longer.'"

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Sir Barnett Cocks
'A committee is a cul-de-sac down which ideas are lured and then quietly strangled.'"

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Thomas Merton
'The least of learning is done in the classrooms.'"

Political Theater of the Absurd - New York Times

Political Theater of the Absurd - New York Times: "Political Theater of the Absurd

*
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By ANA MARIE COX
Published: January 5, 2006

Washington

THE bad guy with a fondness for quoting the most extortionary lines of 'The Godfather' walks out of the courtroom dressed like a film noir villain. He was there because his pretty-boy partner had already dropped a dime on him. Lying, cheating, stealing, gambling ... and Indians. By Washington standards, the Jack Abramoff scandal is about as theatrical as you can get without having sex in the headline. (The last scandal here to involve costumes was Abscam: we were due for something that would offer better material for fancy-dress parties than blue dresses and scooters.)"

New Mammal Named After Chocolate Giant

New Mammal Named After Chocolate Giant: "New Mammal Named After Chocolate Giant
Hillary Mayell
for National Geographic News
December 30, 2005

A lost bet and a sweet tooth led to the announcement this week of a new mammal named after a chocolate brand.

Dubbed Kryoryctes cadburyi—as in Cadbury chocolate—the dinosaur-era mammal was roughly the size of a large cat, covered with quills, and toothless."

Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea

Digital Chosunilbo (English Edition) : Daily News in English About Korea: "Microsoft Warns of ‘Extremely Critical’ Windows Flaw
Microsoft said Thursday it will run a Windows security update next Tuesday U.S. time to protect Windows Metafile Format (.wmf) files in the Windows operating system from hacking attacks, the firm’s Korean unit said Thursday.

After malicious attacks on an 'extremely critical flaw' in the WMF files on Dec. 27 last year, Microsoft says it formed a special emergency team to deal with the software security accidents. It later explained that although the flaw is very critical, the range of attack remains limited and possible damage can be minimized with the latest vaccine programs.

The company has finished updating the security patch to tackle the problem, and is running final tests. Once the test-run is completed, the patch will be released next Tuesday as part of updates the company announces every second Tuesday of the month. Microsoft advises users to check their computers with the trial version of the MS anti-spyware vaccine program and not to visit unreliable websites where there is a high possibility of malicious codes being hidden. The company also advises users not to click on spam mail.

(englishnews@chosun.com ) "

One of our readers sends this in by email....

via email from...

a lady in the park that had problems sending email to a friend. Every time she sent mail to the friend it would go to the friend's junk mail folder and be trashed and the amigo would not get the email. I asked her to tell you all how she solved the problem as many have been asking about this very same problem. Here is her reply:

I went to Tools, then Message Rules, then Blocked senders list, find the persons name and remove that person from there. It worked.....

AGATE BEACH NEWPORT

"ÄGATE BEACH NEWPORT, OR."


The greatness of just living by the Ocean and taking a walk on the beach, so relaxing.


 

us coast GUARD

"UNITED STATES COAST GUARD"


This was taken on January 4th, 2006 from the mouth of the Newport, Oregon jetty. There were very rough seas and large waves to watch. Total of three Coast Guard boats were training at the jetty yesterday.  

Ron and Antlers

This might explain why it took Ron and Jacky four days to get home. Jacky properly demonstrates for the grandkids the correct way to wear reindeer antlers. Meanwhile, Ronnie the Reindeer arrives on the short bus. PS--this is revenge for that sneaky how-steady-is-your-hand test."

JIM Dodds forwards this alert for your information... via email


Alert List A: Alert Level 3 - ThreatCon Level 3

High : Known threat
This condition applies when an isolated threat to the computing infrastructure is currently underway or when malicious code reaches a severe risk rating. Under this condition, increased monitoring is necessary, security applications should be updated with new signatures and/or rules as soon as they become available and redeployment and reconfiguration of security systems is recommended. People should be able to maintain this posture for a few weeks at a time.

At this time The Millennium Group has raised our world wide threat level to 3. Level 3 out of 4.

Trojan.Satiloler.B is a Trojan horse that attempts to steal user names, passwords, and other information from the compromised computer. It also attempts to open a proxy server on a random TCP port.

It has been reported that the Trojan is downloaded by malformed WMF files that utilize the Microsoft Windows Graphics Rendering Engine WMF Format Unspecified Code Execution Vulnerability (as described in BID 16074).

The list of exploits being written for this issue with the WMF flaw is now being reported at over 200 per hour. All major AV companies are pushing out AV definitions as they become available and we are recommending end users update each time BEFORE entering the mainstream internet. We are recommending at this time IT Administrators do hourly AV updates. Wide spread reports of servers being infected are now being reported in 37 countries. Ilfak Guilfanov's HOTFIX has been published to our website at www.myuplink.net/hotfix , we are recommending users of Windows2k and above including servers, install this HOTFIX as soon as possible. There is no workaround available for Window 3.1 - Windows 98 - Windows 98 SE or Windows ME and one is not expected. To help some what on the email side of this flaw we are recommending disableing HTML in your email software and that you unplug your internet connection before opening any email once it has been received.

Microsoft has again affirmed that they will issuse their copy of Ilfak Guilfanov's patch somewhere around the 10th with their monthly security update.

We are recommending that until you have patched your operating system that you limit your time on the internet, even to your regular sites as reports of site hijacking are wide spread. Our servers have been patched and being monitored for any abnormal TCP traffic. This shear volume of wild exploits has not been seen in over 4 years.


Updates to this World Wide Level 3 alert will be published as new information becomes available.



The Millennium Group

A restaurant observa

A restaurant observation and a Hotel Recommendation

During  our trip to California I noticed a new practice at restaurants. Most of the time when they give you the menu they ask you what you would like to drink and a lot of the time we say, “Coffee, please”. The coffee comes almost immediately. Since you haven’t looked at the menu you are surprised to see that a cup of coffee is often more than a dollar. However, at IHOP in California they charged a dollar for the first cup and a dollar for every refill. Imagine your surprise when you get your bill.

We saw stuff like this a lot of the time. However, when we stayed with Donna Davi and daughter Lisa at the Oxford Suites in Redding we had a sensational deal. We rented a 2 bedroom suite with a living room, a TV in every room. Doors in every room, 2 air conditioners that worked., a coffee maker, refrigerator, microwave, couch, 2 chairs all for $123 for a night for which we split the bill. In addition there was free 24 hour coffee (and it was top notch coffee) in the dining area, Wifi for the computer hook up and the use of a computer if you didn’t have one. At 5:30 pm there were hot hor’derves and free drinks I had a couple of draft beers (Bud Lite). The hor’derves consisted of hot meatballs, several dips and finger foods. We all ate so much that dinner wasn’t necessary. In the morning there was a hot breakfast of sausages, eggs, fruit cocktail, hash browns, assorted juices, fruit, muffins, toast and oatmeal. Definitely not one of those el cheapo continental thingys.  My suggestion.. travel with friends and get a suite at the best hotels.. It is incredibly cheaper by far and a heck of a lot nicer. And they had check out at 12:00pm for late sleepers. The desk people were very nice also.

COMPUTER PROJECT

COMPUTER PROJECT

Rt

AS you know we were given 10 Pentium 3 computers and a server by the Georgia Pacific Corporation in Toledo in December. This was due to the efforts of Donna Talarski who works there and to the older community members who had the foresight to get us a non-profit organization status with the IRS years ago. Georgia Pacific Corp needed that number so they could claim their generous gift on their taxes.

During the wait for these computers other residents have donated their older computers to the clubhouse so that they would be available for those who wanted to use them. Each of them had different systems on them as pointed out by Bill Holt which made it nearly impossible to use them to teach classes. Our new donated computers all have the same operating system which should lend itself to easier teaching.

Ben Davi agreed to send a letter of appreciation to the Georgia Pacific Corporation for their gift to the Seniors of Longview Hills. Other thanks needs to go to Bill Furgason who helped pick up the computers, and two others who we won’t mention at this time who offered to store and are storing the units at their homes.

Now that we have these computers it is time to talk about the computer club again. There are those that have the expertise we need to set in motion the building of a computer lab for teaching, games, surfing and many other related activities. Think of this a productive hobby that will help our community. All levels of skill can be utilized. Those who have attained guru status can help and direct others during the process. Those with little knowledge will gain and those with a lot will have fun setting up the lab.

The first step will be to take each computer and determine what it has and if it will work. Next, we will need to have a give away of the computers that are presently in the clubhouse to make room for the new ones.

Then we will need to build the lab and make it neat. Larry Henson says the room is sometimes being used as a dumping ground for old equipment. That practice will have to stop.

What is a server? Well a server is usually a computer with a large hard drive that has a unique capacity to serve all computers it is attached to. What this means is that we can load programs onto the server and all the computers attached to it can then utilize those programs. This is cheaper than buying programs for every computer. We don’t know what programs the server has on it now... So there is another discovery opportunity. The server also can use hardware such as a printer or a fax machine and share it with every computer hooked to it.

A great idea would be to get Donna Talarski to ask one of her IT tech people if they would be willing to help us set up the units as they were at GP or if we could just call them for help and questions.

The task for me is a bit large and over my head but I have learned to take things one step at a time and that usually leads to success. I’m hoping you will talk to your neighbor about helping out and for the newly retired, you have just left computers in your jobs and know a lot.. We can use your help.

Look for a meeting to be called soon..

WINNER OF THE POOL C

WINNER OF THE POOL CUE CONTEST....

Ben Davi guessed Jan 5th 11:30 AM . Today, January 4, 2006 @ 8:39 am, the counter turned 70000 visits. Ben was the closest to the time.

I did have a look at the pool cue as I looked at it last night. It comes in a case and has a blue inlaid handle and seems to be balanced. Ben.. Knowing my son, he probably paid top dollar for it. I think you have got a pretty good prize.

USATODAY.com - Afghan teacher beheaded, officials say

USATODAY.com - Afghan teacher beheaded, officials say: "Afghan teacher beheaded, officials say
KANDAHAR, Afghanistan (AP) — Suspected Taliban militants have beheaded a high school teacher in a central Afghan town, the latest in a string of attacks against educators and schools where girls are taught, officials said Wednesday."

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Rita Rudner
'My husband gave me a necklace. It's fake. I requested fake. Maybe I'm paranoid, but in this day and age, I don't want something around my neck that's worth more than my head.'"

Internet News Article | Reuters.com

Internet News Article | Reuters.com: "NEW YORK (Reuters) - Microsoft Corp said it hopes to have a patch ready next week to fix the most recent flaw found in its Windows program -- a flaw that could leave computers vulnerable to a virus.

The software giant said in a statement it had 'completed development of a security update to fix the vulnerability' that it discovered last week. The update is being finalized and the company hopes to release it on January 10.

Microsoft added it has been monitoring any attempts to attack the vulnerability in Windows.

'Although the issue is serious and the attacks are being attempted, Microsoft's intelligence sources indicate that the scope of the attacks is limited,' it said.

The flaw in the system lets computers come under attack if users visit harmful Web sites or open e-mail attachments. Until the patch is released, Microsoft said computer users should be careful not to visit unfamiliar Web sites."

PROTECT YOURSELF FROM AN 'EXTREMELY CRITICAL' WINDOWS FLAW
From the KIM KOMANDO website


Code that exploits a hole in Windows XP is circulating on the Internet.
Security companies are calling the flaw extremely critical.

The vulnerability involves the way Windows handles image files. A
malicious Windows Metafile (.WMF) image could allow attackers to take
control of your computer. The file extension may be changed to .JPG,
.GIF, .PNG or .TIF. The problem is particularly serious because
pictures load automatically in Web browsers.

Microsoft is investigating the flaw and has not issued a fix. You
should keep security software updated. Also, don't open files from
unknown or untrusted sources.

The only known way to protect your computer is to disable a .DLL file
that is needed to run the malicious code. Click Start>>Run. At the
prompt, enter regsvr32 /u shimgvw.dll and click OK twice.

That disables the Microsoft Picture and Fax Viewer. Most people use
that to open pictures. So, to open a picture file, right-click it and
select Open With. Pick another program to open pictures. Among those
that will work are Paint, your Web browser and Windows Media Player.

Eventually, Microsoft will issue a fix for this flaw. When that
happens, you should re-register the .DLL. To do that, click Start>>Run.
Enter regsvr32 shimgvw.dll and click OK twice.

NEW SENIOR FUNNIES POSTED

USE THE LINK ON THE LEFT

Ok let's test how steady a hand you have....

TEST click here

House Fires-PLEASE READ

sent by Charles Burke

Received from a friend who is in the property
insurance business. It is well worth reading. This is
one of those emails that if you didn't send it, rest
assured someone on your list will suffer for not
reading it. The original message was written by a lady
whose brother and his wife learned a hard lesson this
past week.
Their house burned down.. . nothing left but ashes.
They have good insurance so the house will be replaced
and most of the contents. That is the good news.
However, they were sick when they found out the cause
of the fire. The insurance investigator sifted through
the ashes for several hours. He had the cause of the
fire traced to the master bathroom. He asked her
sister-in-law what she had plugged in the bathroom.
She listed the normal things....curling iron, blow
dryer. He kept saying to her, "No, this would be
something that would disintegrate at high
temperatures." Then her sister-in-law remembered she
had a Glade Plug-In, in the bathroom.
The investigator had one of those "Aha" moments. He
said that was the cause of the fire. He said he has
seen more house fires started with the plug-in type
room fresheners than anything else. He said the
plastic they are made from is THIN plastic. He also
said that in every case there was nothing left to
prove that it even existed.
When the investigator looked in the wall plug, the two
prongs left from the plug-in were still in there. Her sister-in-law had one
of the plug-ins that had a small night light built in it. She said she had
noticed that the light would dim and then finally go out. She would walk in
to the bathroom a few hours later, and the light would be back on again.
The investigator said that the unit was getting too hot, and would dim and
go out rather than just blow the light bulb. Once it cooled down it would
come back on.
That is a warning sign . The investigator said he
personally wouldn't have any type of! ! plug in fragrance
device anywhere in his house. He has seen too many
places that have been burned down due to them.

Counting Coup kew

Counting Coup (kew)....

American Indians .... had a sport that indicated their bravery. Instead of killing one another sometimes they would charge an opponent and merely touch him to show they were not afraid. The opponent usually was armed and if the attacker could get away without injury it was considered an act of great bravery and skill. Warriors kept track of their coups with notches on their coup stick.. The more notches the braver the warrior.

Today an old warrior counted coup on me. As I was leaving the old timers morning coffee klatch.... I said my good byes and  with my back to the group in a  low voice one person said you can all take a deep breath now and relax your butts.

It’s good to be home.

Technology, low costs draw smaller cities to emergency system

Technology, low costs draw smaller cities to emergency system: "Technology, low costs draw smaller cities to emergency system
Telephone alerts - Investing in Web-based systems allow for many residents to be called quickly
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
STEVE MAYES

OREGON CITY -- Several Oregon cities and counties are adding a tool -- a high-speed Internet-based telephone system -- to warn people about dangerous situations, find lost children or issue alerts about natural disasters.

Last month, Oregon City signed up for CodeRED, a system that can make almost 100,000 calls an hour. For $15,000, the city gets two years of service and 40,000 minutes of call time."

Torrents flood Oregon with problems

Torrents flood Oregon with problems: "Torrents flood Oregon with problems
Weather - People are plucked from car roofs, fields are under water, and landslides close highways
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
ANDY DWORKIN

From a drowning to flooded fields, days of heavy rain caused problems big and small in Oregon over the long New Year's weekend.

The worst weather seems to be over. Although rain is predicted throughout the week, showers should be lighter and less frequent than the torrents of recent days. Rivers that approached or topped their banks Sunday and Monday are returning to more seasonal levels, relieving boaters and residents of floating homes."

Study finds 'double whammy' harmed murrelet's population

Study finds 'double whammy' harmed murrelet's population: "Study finds 'double whammy' harmed murrelet's population
Protection - Researchers blame logging coupled with overfishing for the seabird's declining numbers
Tuesday, January 03, 2006
MICHAEL MILSTEIN

Logging ceased across wide expanses of coastal old-growth forests through the 1990s to protect the marbled murrelet, a small seabird that lays its single egg atop mossy branches.

But now scientists scrutinizing century-old feathers have found evidence that a whole other factor besides logging also hammered the secretive bird: overfishing. Fleets that hauled sardines and other fish from the West Coast may have left murrelets to rely on poorer quality food, undermining their breeding, researchers from the University of California at Berkeley, reported."

New ID Device Reads Palms

New ID Device Reads Palms: "New ID Device Reads Palms
By Bill Christensen

posted: 03 January 2006
12:43 pm ET

Fujitsu announced recently that it will use its biometric palm vein authentication technology in a public library in Naka city (Ibaraki prefecture, Japan). Fujitsu's contactless palm vein authentication will eliminate the use of library cards."

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Steven Wright
'Last night I stayed up late playing poker with Tarot cards. I got a full house and four people died.'"

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Dave Barry
'Electricity is actually made up of extremely tiny particles called electrons, that you cannot see with the naked eye unless you have been drinking.'"

In Charity, Too, the Rich Get Richer - New York Times

In Charity, Too, the Rich Get Richer - New York Times: "In Charity, Too, the Rich Get Richer

*
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By RICHARD M. WALDEN
Published: January 3, 2006

Los Angeles
Skip to next paragraph
David Suter

MONEY is the mother's milk of disaster relief. And over the last 12 months - with the Indian Ocean tsunami, the hurricanes on the Gulf Coast and the Pakistan earthquake - fund-raising records have been broken by the King Kong of relief agencies, the American Red Cross, and by many smaller organizations as well.

While much of this money goes to worthy rescue and rebuilding projects, most Americans are unaware that a shocking amount never ends up helping the people it was intended for. In some cases, agencies take in so much aid that they simply cannot spend it all on one disaster. Sometimes the newly flush groups do little because they have no significant history of working in the stricken area or no experience dealing with a particular type of disaster. Worse, some agencies use the money to push agendas that have little to do with victims' immediate needs."

Whales Found to Speak in Dialects

Whales Found to Speak in Dialects: "Whales Found to Speak in Dialects
By Bjorn Carey
LiveScience Staff Writer
posted: 03 January 2006
08:27 am ET


Some whale species sing in different dialects depending on where they're from, a new study shows.

Blue whales off the Pacific Northwest sound different than blue whales in the western Pacific Ocean, and these sound different than those living off Antarctica."

Archaeologist pursued Jamestown curiosity

Archaeologist pursued Jamestown curiosity: "Archaeologist pursued Jamestown curiosity

(AP Photo/Richmond Times-Dispatch, Alexa Welch Edlund) :: Archeologist William M. Kelso stands over the remains believed to be of Capt. Bartholomew Gosnold, Feb. 12, 2003, at the Jamestown National Park in Jamestown, Va.

By Associated Press
SUE LINDSEY
Updated: 01/03/06

JAMESTOWN, Va.

In 1957, archaeologists determined that the remains of the historic fort at Jamestown no longer existed and had probably washed into the James River. But a young graduate student named William Kelso wasn't convinced."

Health Highlights: Jan. 3, 2006 - Forbes.com

Health Highlights: Jan. 3, 2006 - Forbes.com: "

Health
Health Highlights: Jan. 3, 2006


Here are some of the latest health and medical news developments, compiled by the editors of HealthDay:

Early Results Mixed for New Medicare Drug Program

The new U.S. Medicare drug program that began Jan. 1 is yielding mixed results so far, The New York Times reported.

While Medicare beneficiaries who applied to the program early and received their identification cards have been able to get their prescriptions filled, others have had trouble taking advantage of the drug benefit. In some cases, pharmacists have had to spend hours on the telephone or a computer to confirm a beneficiary's enrollment and eligibility.
"

Google News

Google News: "
Top Stories Auto-generated 21 minutes ago


KGMB9
Rescuers' desperate crawl to save trapped miners
New Zealand Herald - 37 minutes ago
CHARLESTON - Rescuers were mounting a huge effort last night to reach 13 miners trapped deep inside a United States coal mine after an early morning explosion. The men became trapped inside the Sago mine in ...
Rescuers Continue Search for 13 Workers Trapped in Mine New York Times
Clock ticking for trapped miners Melbourne Herald Sun"

YAQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE WORK

"WORK BEGINS ON YQUINA HEAD LIGHTHOUSE"

Lighthouse at Yaquina Head will receive paint job this coming summer to return the structure to its original colors, Joe Ashor, manager of the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area, told the Newport City Council this week."Over the last several years we've had an assessment of the lighthouse and the lens on top," Ashor told the council Monday, "and the assessment is: the lighthouse is in good condition, but it looks pretty shabby."

The 132-year old lighthouse and associated oil-house will go from their present red, white and green to black, white and gray.The top, now red, will be painted black. The tower will remain white, and the walls on the adjacent oil-house will stay white too. But the window trim on the oil-house, now spruce green, will be painted "lead gray," he said.Ashor called the change in coloring "a controversial decision," but said that once completed, "it'll look close to the way it was built."The structure has gone through color changes in the past he noted, and the intent now is to return it to its original historical colors. The BLM took a survey of visitors to the Yaquina Head Visitors Center and, he said, "found 80 percent of the comments favored the historic color. The change had less support from people (living) in the county," he said. "They were 60 percent in favor of returning it" to its original colors. But either way, he noted, that gave a clear majority in favor of the change.The Frenel lens inside the top of the lighthouse will not be replaced, but will be refurbished, he said, "for the first time in 132 years, "and then we'll put it back in as a Coast Guard-managed aid to navigation."The Bureau of Land Management, which manages the lighthouse and the Outstanding Natural Area, received a specific appropriation from Congress, as part of the BLM budget, to let out a contract for major refurbishment of the lighthouse. That work, he said, will involve a new paint job and reconditioning of the entire lighthouse, from top to bottom. Each year, some state in the West, Ashor said, gets funding for a major BLM special project, "and this happened to be our year," he said.With $1 million appropriated for the lighthouse, Ashor continued, the contract is not yet be issued, but the work is planned to start in late May or early June and continue for "four, five, maybe six months." Another $20,000 for the project will come from the Yaquina Lights Foundation, and will go towards projects at the oil-house.The lighthouse will be closed for the work this summer.That led Councilor John Rehfuss to ask why it had to be done in the summer, which is the town's tourist season.Ashor replied the winds and rain of the winter make outdoor work on a scaffolding - which will completely surround the structure and be up as much as 100 feet in the air - very difficult.One of the councilors noted it would "be weird having it dark," and Ashor agreed. He said he wants to make sure everybody knows about the change, so that mariners won't be surprised or misled by the absence of the light while it is being refurbished.

Boomers hit 60; state hits brakes

Boomers hit 60; state hits brakes: "Boomers hit 60; state hits brakes
Costs of aging - Oregon struggles to prepare for what will happen after the generation edges into retirement
Sunday, January 01, 2006
MICHELLE COLE

SALEM -- Today marks the 60th birthday of the first wave in a flood of aging baby boomers, but Oregon health and social service providers aren't celebrating."

Web Edition - NewsGator Online

Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Woody Allen
'Students achieving Oneness will move on to Twoness.'"

Eggs for breakfast aid weight control

Eggs for breakfast aid weight control: "Eggs for breakfast aid weight control

(David Stilt, stock photo) :: Starting off the day with a couple of eggs can reduce your overall caloric intake for the day and help maintain a healthy body weight.

PRNewswire
Updated: 12/29/05

WASHINGTON

Eating eggs for breakfast can reduce hunger and caloric intake both at lunchtime and over the next 24 hours, according to a new study published in the latest issue of the Journal of the American College of Nutrition."

Today the little con

WE’RE HOME!

Today the little convoy made it over the top of mountains… with no problems whatsoever. We were surprised to see blue skies once entering Oregon.

Though there was some evidence of flooding there was nothing like what we saw in California. In the parking lot Donna met a family that came over from Eureka that lives there.. They came to escape. The father said he heard a loud pounding on his home and went out to investigate. They live adjacent to the forest and what he saw was a swath about 200 yards wide by a ¼ mile long in which every tree blew down. He packed his family up and left coming to Redding..

This was an excellent training lesson for me. As you know there is book learning and there is life experience. Of the two life experience is far more memorable. Some of the things I learned are:

• If you lose electricity… You lose:


• All gas stations. What’s in your car’s tank is what you’ve got.


• All cafes.


• All grocery stores


• Motels are available with no lights or hot water and at top dollar.


• The motor homes and cars with trailers are stuck… winds are just to dangerous. I’m pretty sure you would not like to be inside one either.


• The police and firefighters are very busy … I think the crooks know that.


• Credit cards are useless. Large bills may not be accepted. The $1 bill is king.


• Aggressive people cut lines and do not wait… they don’t have to.


• People sharing the experience are friendly.


• If you have to go to the bathroom and there isn’t one eventually you will go… even the ladies.


• A hot water shower is to be cherished.


• Food can be hard to come by.


• There is nothing like a good flashlight and batteries.


• When stuck waiting for the road to clear turn off your lights, radio and engine…conserve everything.


• Always carry toilet paper.

On a side note… you may remember that aggressive deer that ran over a hundred miles to jump out at our car in the article below? Well he beat us to Oregon and was standing by the freeway with a buddy waiting to give it another shot.

Rocky Street State Park Jan 1, 06

"Oregon Coast Waves"


We never get tired of watching the great waves during the winter on the Oregon Coast. This was taken at Rocky Creek State Park, OR on Jan 1st, 2006.

CLOUDS AT SEA ROCK, OR JAN 1,06

"BEAUTY OF OREGON COAST"

This was taken on Jan 1st, 2006 at Seal Rock, Oregon.

WERE HOME

WE’RE HOME!

Quotes From Will Rogers

''QUOTES FROM WILL ROGERS''

Be thankful we're not getting all the government we're paying for.
Broad-minded is just another way of saying a fellow is too lazy to form an opinion.
Communism is like prohibition, it is a good idea, but it won't work.
Communism to me is one-third practice and two-thirds explanation.
Even if you are on the right track, you will get run over if you just sit there.
Everybody is ignorant. Only on different subjects.
Everything is changing. People are taking the comedians seriously and the politicians as a joke.
Everything is funny, as long as it's happening to somebody else.
Horses raise what the farmer eats and eats what the farmer raises.
I don't make jokes. I just watch the government and report the facts.
I wonder if it isn't just cowardice instead of generosity that makes us give tips.
I'm not a member of any organized political party, I'm a Democrat!

The Saga Continues

The Saga Continues....

Well yesterday we figured how could it get worse? First we drove up 101 from Arcata heading for home. Now this huge wind comes up with barrels of rain pouring down. We are on the narrow part of the road when suddenly a limb snaps off a tree  and hits the car.. Jacky swerved and so we took only the light branches of it. Further on we came to the Prairie Creek cut off which was closed and 1 mile further 101 was closed indefinitely. Turn around and drive back to Arcata but we are blocked in because that heavy wind was a micro-burst or something like it and at least 200 trees now lie over 101 all the way back to Eureka. Crews cut and you move a few yards...

We end up hours later in Arcata at the Howard Johnson’s inn that we started from. Asking for a room for the night. The storm has knocked out all electricity in the NW area and won’t be back on for 48 hours. The rooms come with no discounts now they are top dollar. They refuse to honor their coupons. They have you. Since there is no power.. there are no restaurants or stores no gas stations. There are a few places with limited services because they have generators. There are no ATM’s our money supply is limited and dwindling.

On the bright side Donna Davi and daughter Lisa  are now with us on Sunday. They got caught trying to get home too and we are now the LVH Caravan. We both left Arcata and joined up in Redding and are sharing a two bedroom suite for the night as it is snowing on the US 5. We may try again tomorrow morning to get over to Ashland. The 299 was much faster today. The crews are keeping it pretty clear but they have their hands full. It took us 3 hours to get back to Redding.

Since there was no electricity I couldn’t write yesterday.