California city shuts down girl's lemonade stand | McClatchy

California city shuts down girl's lemonade stand | McClatchy: "Hoping to raise money for a family trip to Disneyland, the Tulare girl opened a lemonade stand Monday. But because Daniela didn't have a business license, the city of Tulare shut it down the same day."

Engine rattle is rattlesnake in Klamath Falls woman's car | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington

Engine rattle is rattlesnake in Klamath Falls woman's car | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington: "There were a couple of things wrong with Katie Prewitt's Geo Tracker. There was the rope that seemed to hang from the car's undercarriage. And then that hissing noise; maybe a faulty emissions valve."

Voyage to the Pacific Ocean's garbage patch: Sadness, anger and a plea to help avoid catastrophic changes in the marine ecosystem: Scientific American Blog

Voyage to the Pacific Ocean's garbage patch: Sadness, anger and a plea to help avoid catastrophic changes in the marine ecosystem: Scientific American Blog: "Scuba instructor and underwater videographer Drew Wheeler is traveling on board the Algalita Marine Research Foundation's 50-foot Ocean Research Vessel, Alguita, on a two-month voyage to sample and study portions of a 10-million-square-mile oval known as the North Subtropical Gyre (aka 'Pacific garbage patch'). Wheeler and the rest of the Alguita crew left Long Beach, Calif., on June 10 with a plan to cross the International Date Line and investigate regions of reported high plastic concentrations, northwest of the Hawaiian Islands. This is his eighth blog post for Scientific American.com."

Seventh Oregon swine flu death reported | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington

Seventh Oregon swine flu death reported | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington: "It was the seventh death in Oregon attributed to swine flu.

More than 530 cases of the H1N1 virus have also been confirmed in the state."

Tsunami report highlights threats to Oregon Coast | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington

Tsunami report highlights threats to Oregon Coast | Local News | kgw.com | News for Portland Oregon and SW Washington: "A recently published report takes a closer look at the tsunami threat to Cannon Beach and Oregon's coastal communities -- and the hazards appear worse than previously concluded."

NOAA to base research boats, jobs in Newport, Ore. | KATU.com - Portland, Oregon | Local & Regional

NOAA to base research boats, jobs in Newport, Ore. | KATU.com - Portland, Oregon | Local & Regional:

YAY!

"SEATTLE (AP) - The central Oregon coastal town of Newport will be the new base for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration's research ships on the West Coast, the federal agency announced Tuesday."

"'An intelligence test sometimes shows a man how smart he would have been not to have taken it.'"

Batty Jacky

In the backyard.... on the beautiful patio deck... now sits what was once a tree (man-made)... you know an umbrella!

Great for making shade and moving the shade from here to there... Now it is a sinister cave and no longer an umbrella! How could an umbrella be a cave you ask? When a bat takes up day time residence in its folds! Now you can see Jacky move extraordinarily fast as she seeks hiding when she opens the umbrella. The little fella likes his new home and Jacky covers her neck as she runs hooting around the yard when the umbrella is extended.
Me thinks she is watching to many vampire movies on TV.

The Puppy Diaries - Our Puppy Whisperer - Series - NYTimes.com

The Puppy Diaries - Our Puppy Whisperer - Series - NYTimes.com: "Pure joy is Scout at the beach, paddling in the water, her adorable head bobbing above the waves.
Skip to next paragraph
The Puppy Diaries

When training your dog, do you prefer a Cesar Millan-style pack leader approach or positive reinforcement?

She is so cute it is hard to be tough.

In her mouthing during play, Scout has drawn blood on my forearm. On walks, she either pulls on the leash or refuses to budge. When a rabbit ran by us the other night, I almost landed in a ditch. Although we have had some luck teaching her to sit and come, our puppy training skills are rusty and the Monks, wise as they are, sometimes don’t have instant answers to our problems."

Scientist at Work - Stephen Kurtin - Making Eyeglasses With a Mechanically Adjustable Focus - NYTimes.com

Scientist at Work - Stephen Kurtin - Making Eyeglasses With a Mechanically Adjustable Focus - NYTimes.com: "The glasses have a tiny adjustable slider on the bridge of the frame that makes it possible to focus alternately on the page of a book, a computer screen or a mountain range in the distance."

Local Alert Map from WeatherBug.com

Local Alert Map from WeatherBug.com: "ALERT 1 - Red Flag Warning
FIRE WEATHER WATCH REMAINS IN EFFECT FROM SUNDAY AFTERNOON THROUGH TUESDAY AFTERNOON FOR ABUNDANT LIGHTNING AND CRITICALLY DRY FUELS FOR THE WILLAMETTE VALLEY, NORTH COAST RANGE, CENTRAL AND NORTH OREGON COAST, THE WILLAPA HILLS, AND SOUTH WASHINGTON CASCADES AND FOOTHILLS
Issued: Saturday, August 01, 2009 2:38 PM PDT
Expires: Sunday, August 02, 2009 11:00 AM PDT"

Poopy beaches? Oregon's got them, according to new study | KATU.com - Portland, Oregon | Outdoors Featured

Poopy beaches? Oregon's got them, according to new study | KATU.com - Portland, Oregon | Outdoors Featured: "Nye Beach, for example, had multiple sources of contamination, said Newport’s Public Works Director Lee Ritzman. He said the city has found nine homes during the past year where the sewer line was mistakenly connected to storm drains.

When it rains extremely hard or when there is an overflow in a city sewer line, the water in Newport runs through creeks and ends up in a storm drain that flows directly onto the beach and into the ocean."

Wildlife expert battles 14-foot python inside pipe - Local - Bradenton.com

Wildlife expert battles 14-foot python inside pipe - Local - Bradenton.com: "His plan was to push the python out of a concrete pipe with a long 2-by-2. But then he had to crawl 15 feet or so into the two-foot-wide pipe to reach the snake. And then the snake turned back on him in the close quarters and struck."

Wildlife expert battles 14-foot python inside pipe - Local - Bradenton.com

Wildlife expert battles 14-foot python inside pipe - Local - Bradenton.com: "His plan was to push the python out of a concrete pipe with a long 2-by-2. But then he had to crawl 15 feet or so into the two-foot-wide pipe to reach the snake. And then the snake turned back on him in the close quarters and struck."

State is part of recall of romaine lettuce | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Ron says...
I had a terrible bout with upset stomach over a two week period which was in the below articles window... Jacky was also laid low by the same ailment. We had both been grazing on romaine lettuce... Hmmm....

State is part of recall of romaine lettuce | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "A California lettuce grower has recalled about 22,000 cartons of romaine lettuce because of concerns that the product might be tainted with salmonella.
Advertisement

Tanimura & Antle of Salinas issued the voluntary recall Wednesday for cartons of bulk or wrapped romaine marked with the lot code 531380. The lettuce was harvested between June 25 and July 2 and was sold to retail, wholesale and food-service outlets across the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico."

Weekend Heat Wave Drives Oregon Residents to Coast

Weekend Heat Wave Drives Oregon Residents to Coast: "(Oregon Coast) – Temperatures had been predicted to be around 100 degrees over this weekend, although that's been slightly amended. But 100-degree temps are still around the corner for the early part of the week, and the weekend is likely to be in the upper 90's. The result is a rush of folks to the coastline, where it may actually hit around 80, although it will be measurably cooler than the inland part of the state"

News Times Newport News Times - local news, vacation rentals, entertainment, school sports, event calendar, real estate, breaking news, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay

News Times Newport News Times - local news, vacation rentals, entertainment, school sports, event calendar, real estate, breaking news, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay: "“We can program the system to call specific areas,” Glasgow said. “We can use it to evacuate people in landslide and natural disaster areas, and to warn people affected by impending weather events. It works really well.”

Reverse 9-1-1 can be used to help locate missing children and adults, and for search and rescue operations. It can be useful in police investigations.

“There was a bank robbery in Depoe Bay not long ago,” Glasgow said. “We used the system to call about 2,000 people.

“We informed them that there had been a robbery, described the suspect and asked people to contact police with any information.”"

Standoff over a dead pig nearly led U.S., Britain to war | McClatchy

Standoff over a dead pig nearly led U.S., Britain to war | McClatchy: "Sometimes, pork on Capitol Hill has to do with, well, pork.

Or in this case a pig, a dead pig.

With bipartisan support, a resolution has been introduced in the House of Representatives to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Pig War."

Do Cats grow on trees?

One of the most entertaining events around our home today is the growing of a cat tree in our living room. We have two kitties and here is what is going on.

When I brought "She who must be obeyed"(Jacky) home from California this time I brought a cat tree with me. What is a cat tree you ask? As soon as we find the camera that grew legs and walked out of sight I will put a picture here on the website. But, for now let's paint a verbal picture for you. It's not exactly a scratching post but grew from that idea. It stands about 5 1/2 ft high and is totally covered by carpet.. That would be the scratching post aspect. Now, let's mount a stand with a real heavy base to that post which is a 4x4. The post and stand allow for jumping and leaping and climbing with two really heavy kitties and is very stable. Got that picture in mind?

To this weighty post and base we add three platforms for climbing, hanging out and of course napping and mock battles. The platforms all are covered in carpet. To access each platform you can leap (if you are a kitty) or even more fun squeeze through a square hole cut into the floor of each platform to get to the next level. But to be king of the hill and reach the somewhat smaller top level there is no secret passage hole. Here you have to dig in and do a pullup to get to the top. That seems to be no problem for either one of them.

We placed the post in the living room next to the window which is refered to around here as, "Cat TV" Because of all the bird activity that entertains them all day and whatever it is that only they can see slinking around at night.

Although, mostly you find only one meow face on any level at a time ... When it gets chilly you will find two balls of fur entertwined together sleeping. Did you know that when stretched out you can sleep with your head through a hole in the floor and it is comfortable.. Might be called Kitty Yoga.. that. If you are not wary you might find a paw full of stickers on yer haid from above.. a play tap.

Yesterday, a new use for the cat tree was found! Did you know if you happen to be on the top level of the platform you can easily leap up to the curtain valence over the window and strut around up there? It's like a cat street to the next window valence. Hey, you can even walk over to the bookshelves and knock off all that unnecessary stuff on to the floor where it belongs.

The ring leader of these shenanigans is our gray kitty, who by his many actions such as these has earned his name... We call him, "Damn It". He has been called that so often I think he responds to it now.

Drivers clocked at more than 100 mph | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Drivers clocked at more than 100 mph | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "State police troopers patrolling Highway 18 this weekend caught four drivers speeding more than 100 mph on the roadway with a posted limit of 55 mph.
Advertisement

'The speeds which some of these drivers and motorcycle operators are reaching are frustrating,' Oregon State Police Sgt. Brad Hessel said. 'To the unsuspecting family out on a weekend drive along a highway, this can be quite frightening.'"

Parajet SkyCar flying vehicle evolves, now ready for pre-orders

Parajet SkyCar flying vehicle evolves, now ready for pre-orders: "The historians once pontificated that we'd all be cruising about in flying cars right around the year 2000, and while that whole Y2K fiasco threw us a tad behind schedule, it looks like the future may actually still be upon us. Parajet, the same company responsible for that downright unnerving personal flying machine we peeked back in '05, has now placed its long-awaited SkyCar up for pre-order."

Swine flu is spreading even in summer - Los Angeles Times

Swine flu is spreading even in summer - Los Angeles Times: "As of Friday, the CDC reported more than 40,000 laboratory-confirmed cases of the virus (commonly known as swine flu), 4,800 hospitalizations and 263 deaths. Experts believe more than a million Americans have been infected, however. Schuchat said the CDC would probably stop reporting cases soon because most people who are infected don't get tested."

More Bathroom Stories

We stopped at a Chevron to gas up and make a pit stop on the way home from CA.

The bathrooms were unisex. The one on the left was labeled, "A" and the one on the right was labeled, "B". The doors were locked and a, "get key from the cashier", sign was up.

The cashier was about 10 ft away with a clear view of the restrooms which were in the building. Wondering why? I was about to ask and then was knocked off track when I asked the cashier for the key while dancing a very cool Mambo (in High speed). Out comes the key looking very small in comparison to the gigantic, "A" that was attached to it... The "A" had been cut from a sheet of 1/2 inch plywood and was about 8 1/2 x 11 inches.

I was thankful that all the people eating fast food now knew that the dancing fat guy was headed for the, "A" potty.

Insane Lessons the Oregon Coast Teaches You

Insane Lessons the Oregon Coast Teaches You: "Sometimes, exploring the beach is a little more adventure than you bargain for. I've learned much from my years of bouncing around the beach, often the hard way. Apparently, I'm still learning."

Outstanding Website!

Ron says...

over on the right top... is a new link to a must see link about Newport. Be sure to watch the slide show and then on the lower right the video... Really great.... Send it to your family.

FACTBOX: How swine flu spreads in humans | U.S. | Reuters

FACTBOX: How swine flu spreads in humans | U.S. | Reuters: "(Reuters) - Here are some facts from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention about how swine flu spreads in humans:"

Meow... I mean blub blub

Drove to CA

ron says....

Arrived at about 10pm in San Francisco. All is well here, work is done. Jacky has the place ship shape and spotless. We will start back on Tuesday.

I have more curious California stories. Will start writing them tomorrow.

Fog Catchers

Ron Thomas says, "Awesome!".

The Fog catcher picture series from National Geographic. Simple human solution to an environmental problem... When you go to this link view all 6 pictures and read the short comment below them...

Newport man believes Sir Francis Drake summered in Oregon, not California, in 1579 - Travels with Terry

Newport man believes Sir Francis Drake summered in Oregon, not California, in 1579 - Travels with Terry: "Oregon may have missed a piece of history that it justly deserves.

Francis Drake may have spent the summer of 1579 overhauling the Golden Hinde at Whale Cove near Depoe Bay, instead of in Drake's Estero north of San Francisco. This is the fabled New Albion claimed for the British by the captain."

no maintenance fire alarm

RSS- Really Simple Syndication

by Ron Thomas,

This article is directed to the seniors at Longview Hills.

We all came here from somewhere else ... In our case we lived in our last home in Yucaipa, CA. where we stayed for 28 years. Before that it was Ontario, CA. for 8 years. and before that, Yakota Air Base, Japan for 4 years.

You just don't pick up from living so long in such places and forget what was going on, your friends, acquaintances and the news of each place... You are connected. But news from those places is scarce and mostly comes from phone conversations... over time you lose track of what is happening back there. It doesn't have to be....

Each home town newspaper and organization that you may have belonged to... many of your former employers..blogs that people write on... such as this one.. all the associations and even some of your friends and relatives... have a feature called RSS.

Really Simple Syndication.

Trouble is it isn't really simple for a lot of us who view computers as some kind of gadget designed to frustrate us. I can help set your computer up for your own personal RSS feeds if you are dismayed about learning how... I can teach you how individually.. Or I can give a group class on it... Maybe, a step by step on line tutorial where you teach yourself...All this is possible.

Trouble is... time. After awhile such projects become a burden to me.. and I start longing to move on.... But get stuck in a forever binding loop.. If I were to do this for you... is there any reason why you could not show a neighbor how to do it?

If you are interested in learning RSS please check a box on the poll on the right side of this blog at the top...

Regulators aim to curb speculators' influence on oil prices | McClatchy

Regulators aim to curb speculators' influence on oil prices | McClatchy: "Since oil prices hit their all-time record of $147 a barrel a year ago, there's been growing pressure on regulators to curb excessive speculation in energy trading, and commodities markets more generally. The issue resurfaced in recent months as oil prices climbed from $40 to $70 with little obvious change in oil consumption patterns."

News Times Newport News Times - local news, vacation rentals, entertainment, school sports, event calendar, real estate, breaking news, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay

News Times Newport News Times - local news, vacation rentals, entertainment, school sports, event calendar, real estate, breaking news, Lincoln City, Depoe Bay: "Staff at Oregon Coast Community College’s central county center in Newport begin their move on Monday to the new OCCC Central Campus in South Beach."

HealthDay

HealthDay: "The studies, published in the July 5 online edition of the Journal of Alzheimer's Disease, also found that caffeine cut by half the mice's excessive blood and brain levels of beta amyloid, the protein linked to characteristic plaque found in human Alzheimer's disease.

'The new findings provide evidence that caffeine could be a viable 'treatment' for established Alzheimer's disease, and not simply a protective strategy,' lead author Gary Arendash, a University of South Florida neuroscientist, said in a news release. 'That's important because caffeine is a safe drug for most people, it easily enters the brain, and it appears to directly affect the disease process.'"

The Rural Life - How the Thunder Sounds - Editorial - NYTimes.com

The Rural Life - How the Thunder Sounds - Editorial - NYTimes.com: "an aunt or uncle stopping in for a surly tea but leaving the air surprisingly refreshed in the aftermath. While the storm was building one day, I found myself thinking of new words, a new lexicon, to imagine the march of those storms. As the skies darkened around teatime once again, I could have sworn I heard crumpeting in the distance."

Ban on topping off gas tanks in effect | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Ban on topping off gas tanks in effect | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "Oregon gas station attendants can no longer 'top off' gas tanks because of new state environmental regulations.
Advertisement

Topping off is when a gas station attendant continues to fill a gasoline tank after the nozzle clicks off.

The ban on 'topping off' is designed to reduce benzene and other toxic air pollutants from Oregon gas stations and other gasoline storage and dispensing facilities.

Topping off causes gasoline to spill and release benzene, a known carcinogen, and other toxic air pollutants. Also, most modern pumps simply return the fuel back into the pump after the overflow click, which means drivers are paying for gas that does not get into the fuel tank.

In some cases, overfilling a gas tank can cause a vehicle's vapor control system to clog and stop working, which can require costly repairs."

Police: Empty Tank Halts Car Thief Getaway - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland

Police: Empty Tank Halts Car Thief Getaway - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland: "LINCOLN CITY, Ore. -- A suspected car thief was arrested when the car he had taken from a dealership ran out of gas, police said.

A sergeant with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office saw the vehicle traveling southbound Wednesday on U.S. 101 when it suddenly slowed, turned on its emergency flashers and coasted to a stop."

Afterbirth for Dinner - TIME

Ron says.... Whoa!

Afterbirth for Dinner - TIME: "There is so much you can't know about your spouse when you get married, like that one day she will want to eat her placenta. But there are two things you don't argue about with a pregnant woman: what she eats and that being full of life indeed looks sexy. So when Cassandra told me that for $275, a woman would come to our house, cook Cassandra's placenta, freeze-dry it and turn it into capsules to help ward off postpartum depression and increase milk supply, I said, '$275 is a bargain compared with the $20,000 I'll have to spend to tear out our kitchen immediately afterward.'"

"It's not the voting that's democracy, it's the counting."

NASA - ASTER Imagery

NASA - ASTER Imagery: "Global Map

NASA and Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and industry (METI) released the Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) Global Digital Elevation Model (GDEM) to the worldwide public on June 29, 2009."

NASA - Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend

NASA - Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend: "Space Station Appearing Nationwide Over July 4 Weekend


HOUSTON -- As America celebrates its 233rd birthday this holiday weekend, there will be an extra light in the sky along with the fireworks. Across the country, Americans will be treated to spectacular views of the International Space Station as it orbits 220 miles above Earth.

Many locations will have unusually long sighting opportunities of as much as five minutes, weather permitting, as the station flies almost directly overhead.

To find out when to see the station from your city, visit:

http://spaceflight.nasa.gov/realdata/sightings"

Albert Schweitzer

"Happiness is nothing more than good health and a bad memory."

I'm home... Jacky is not :(

I drove home yesterday from Sunnyvale, CA. Jacky stayed there. Lori has some structural problems that require workmen and she can't be there to oversee the work... So good old Jacky volunteered to stay on to supervise... Don't feel sorry for her... pity the workmen. Ginger asked me why I didn't stay too? I am a rat... that's why.... I needed to be home... It's sure good to be here.

Here are some observations I had on the 14 hour drive here...

• Did you ever wonder why most restrooms put up nice handrails for you to lower and raise your touche to the seat but hang the toilet paper dispenser below your knees? How does a wheelchair person reach the dispenser? Is it possible that the person hanging the dispenser has never gone to the bathroom (#2) before? Just wondering.
• Have you ever been to hot-o-fornia and then returned to Oregon and got out to pump your own gas?
• Did you know that the grass in CA is all brown but as you get close to the border of Oregon it turns green? (on the 101)
• Did you know that when the weatherman in CA. says a cooling trend is coming ... he means the temperature will be at or below 90F?
• Have you ever watched an elk lay on someone's front lawn and watch people who are watching him? What do you suppose he is thinking?
  
• Did you know that all though there are a zillion stores in San Jose within miles of each other ... you will spend more time going to and from them, finding parking, etc than in them?
• Why do people put their shopping carts in the middle of the aisle, wander off and stare transfixed, at products on shelves?
• You know how people here are always stopping and having conversations at the store here? In CA. they won't even look at each other.. Why is that do you suppose?
• I took the GPS unit and for fun asked it to plot a route home... I wanted to be on the 101, it (she) insisted I take the 5. Then on a turn the she rolled down under the seat where I couldn't get to her. Where she continued to replot the route to 5 and insist I take the next right turn or make a legal u turn. After awhile I was calling her awful names and recounting what I would do to her just as soon as I got out of traffic... She responded merrily, "turn right at the next intersection and then a hard left.... Bitch....
  

Carl Sagan

"It is of interest to note that while some dolphins are reported to have learned English -- up to fifty words used in correct context -- no human being has been reported to have learned dolphinese."

Oregon senators back placing NOAA fleet in Newport - OregonLive.com

Oregon senators back placing NOAA fleet in Newport - OregonLive.com: "'The Port of Newport is the only candidate that is centrally located along the west coast, allowing for easy access to the north and south ends of the West Coast. The Newport piers are minutes from the open ocean, which would maximize sea time for the fleet.'
NOAA is expected to make a decision in early August."

Vancouver's annual fireworks extravaganza is a no-show for this year's Fourth of July - OregonLive.com

Vancouver's annual fireworks extravaganza is a no-show for this year's Fourth of July - OregonLive.com: "July Fireworks at Fort Vancouver -- a tradition more than 45 years in the making -- won't occur next weekend.
Even though the decision was announced last year, the news comes as a shock to many people in the Portland metro area who've watched the display and have made the event part of their Independence Day celebration."

Oregon gets $16.8 million for energy projects - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Oregon gets $16.8 million for energy projects - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "The U.S. Energy Department says Oregon will get $16.8 million in federal stimulus money for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The agency said Friday the money will go for a program that helps reduce energy costs and raise efficiency in public and school buildings."

Work will slow trips to coast - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Work will slow trips to coast - News�,�Community�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "Two projects will add up to 30 minutes to a trip to the coast on U.S. Highway 20 this summer.

Drivers between Eddyville and Toledo on U.S. Highway 20 may encounter 10- to 20-minute delays beginning Tuesday, July 7, as Oregon Department of Transportation contractors replace a culvert at the junction with Elk City Road, about 10 miles east of Toledo."

I didn't understand a word... but..I got the message!.

Freaky Facts About the Famous on the Oregon Coast

Freaky Facts About the Famous on the Oregon Coast: "David Ogden Stiers

The former star of the super hit series “M*A*S*H” from the seventies lives in Lincoln County. He’s also been a part of several series since then, as well as having made guest appearances on “Matlock” and “Outer Limits” in the past 20 years. In fact, some of his roles have been as orchestra conductors – one which he knows well. He makes occasional guest appearances on the coast and around Oregon conducting orchestras - from the Newport Symphony Orchestra to the Oregon Symphony."

U.S. Passes Million Swine Flu Cases, Officials Say - NYTimes.com

U.S. Passes Million Swine Flu Cases, Officials Say - NYTimes.com: "Swine flu has infected more than a million Americans, federal health officials said Friday, and is infecting thousands more every week even though the annual flu season is well over."

NewsGator Online

"A bore is a man who, when you ask him how he is, tells you."

Convicted Bear Feeder Learns Sentence - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland

Convicted Bear Feeder Learns Sentence - Portland News Story - KPTV Portland: "NEWPORT, Ore. -- A judge ordered a woman who had been feeding wild bears to move out of her home and stop feeding wildlife for the duration of her three year probation.
Lincoln County judge Thomas Branford described Karen Noyes' actions as reckless behavior. Noyes appeared in court Thursday to learn her sentence after a jury found her guilty of feeding wild black bears on her property along Yachats River Road."

Hatfield Marine Science Center hosts seventh annual SeaFest celebration in Newport - Entertainment�,�Press Play�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times

Hatfield Marine Science Center hosts seventh annual SeaFest celebration in Newport - Entertainment�,�Press Play�|�Corvallis Gazette-Times: "NEWPORT — Oregon State University’s Hatfield Marine Science Center will host its seventh annual SeaFest celebration on Saturday, June 27, in Newport.

This annual festival combines hands-on activities, displays, tours and education revolving around the marine sciences. The event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the center’s waterfront campus on Yaquina Bay, adjacent to the Oregon Coast Aquarium just south of the Highway 101 bridge."

"Committee--a group of men who individually can do nothing but as a group decide that nothing can be done."

on the road

We traveled to Ukiah yesterday and would like to encourage all you travelers about a hotel you might want to pass up if you are in that area,  the Discover Inn. It certainly lived up to its name and we did discover what was in it.

It looked like a good one.. The price was ok $76. But I should have suspected something when they rented us the Lizard Room. 

For a bed, it did look like a bed, but it was really a rock in disguise.. Lizards like to lie on hot rocks, you know? The room was very hot but it had air conditioning. However, keeping to the Lizard theme the management installed some sort of energy consumption device that shut off the conditioner just as the room was cooling down. For the comfort of any lizard that chose to stay at this hostel. By getting up every ten minutes or so you could cycle the air conditioner back on. This does tend to interrupt any habits you may have acquired over the years like sleeping 8 hours or so. 

Jacky and I had come up with an economizing idea and were going to incorporate it on this trip. I found Dinty Moore Stew in a microwaveable pack at Walmart and we tried it... it was pretty good. So I bought two last week for a $1.99 each at Wallyworld Jacky was to make some rice to go with it. The plan was to go into the hotel room and microwave our dinner.

It was a good idea but........ Jacky forgot to make the rice... Oh well, I'll just nuke up the stew and that will be fine... I put the stew into the microwave , closed the door and searched for the controls..... This was a surprise.... a microwave with no controls?? I opened the door to see what was going on in there.... That sure was a funny place to have ice cube trays...hmmm.

This is the first hotel I've been in for a long time that did not have a microwave

 oven. Do you suppose that Lizards don't like microwave ovens for some reason or other? 

Arriving at Lori's we were surprised to find that one of the bathroom floors has sustained water damage... I will be working a bit it looks like... Yes, by the way, I cried at the "leaving Oregon" sign. It was a cool 95 here today.

In Old Age, Friends Can Keep You Young. Really - TIME

Ron Thomas says... Folks you are about to lose the most valuable asset this park has, The Social Club, due to a lack of interest. This article relates what science has to say about that.

In Old Age, Friends Can Keep You Young. Really - TIME: "Going to the ballpark, visiting friends and playing bingo are simple diversions for many of us. But for the elderly, these social pastimes may play a critical role in preserving their physical and mental health."

NewsGator Online

Rodney Dangerfield

"I haven't spoken to my wife in years. I didn't want to interrupt her."

Prime time for tide-pooling | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Prime time for tide-pooling | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "Thursday's minus-2.64 foot tide is at 9:03 a.m. at Newport.

'Usually if it's a half-decent tide, a negative tide, you'll start seeing stuff about two hours before and extends to about two hours after,' said Jay Moeller, the chief park ranger at the Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area just north of Newport.

Yaquina Head features one of the better areas for tide pools, Cobble Beach, for those willing to take the 130 or so stairs to get down to it, Moeller said."

Huge Minus Tides a Complicated Story on Oregon Coast

Huge Minus Tides a Complicated Story on Oregon Coast: "Newport area lists the most impressive low tides this week:

Tuesday: -3 at 7:30 a.m.

Wednesday: -3 at 8:17 a.m.

Thursday: - 2.7 at 9:03 a.m.

However, the same days differ greatly in times and level of low tide about 100 miles north, at Manzanita and the Nehalem River."

Federal Saving From Lowering of Drug Prices Is Unclear - NYTimes.com

Federal Saving From Lowering of Drug Prices Is Unclear - NYTimes.com: "“Medicare covers up to $2,700 in yearly prescription costs and then stops, and the coverage starts back up when the costs exceed $6,100.”

Drug companies said they would give most beneficiaries a 50 percent discount on brand-name medicines bought when they hit the gap in coverage."

Orcas in Nehalem Bay!!! - www.ifish.net

Orcas in Nehalem Bay!!! - www.ifish.net: "It was late in the day after clamming with our friends from MN who had never seen the Pacific Ocean. We launched from the State Park ramp on the spit, further up in the bay and were cruising out to the mouth at a pretty good clip to throw crab pots. Then all of a sudden I saw a huge black fin and also a grayish one. I hollered at Jim 'STOP!!!!' and we were amazed to see three orcas across from us. Seemed like an adult and a baby and one other that seemed to me to be mid-sized but our friends think it was two young ones, so not sure on that. Anyways, they were really splashing and thrashing around and the sea gulls were all over the water, so it's pretty clear they had just gotten a meal of some sort. Salmon or harbor seal, probably."

NewsGator Online

"It's hard to be nostalgic when you can't remember anything."

Huge Pre-Stonehenge Complex Found via "Crop Circles"

Huge Pre-Stonehenge Complex Found via "Crop Circles": "Given away by strange, crop circle-like formations seen from the air, a huge prehistoric ceremonial complex discovered in southern England has taken archaeologists by surprise."

NewsGator Online

Alfred Hitchcock

The length of a film should be directly related to the endurance of the human bladder."

Agate Hunters, Rock Hounds to Flock to Oregon Coast

Agate Hunters, Rock Hounds to Flock to Oregon Coast: "(Newport, Oregon) – Father's Day weekend finds rock hunters, agate lovers and fossil collectors coming together for the annual Oregon Coast Agate Club's Gem & Mineral Show at the Lincoln County Fairgrounds. The three-day event happens June 19-21, and boasts dozens of vibrant display cases, dealers, demonstrations, children’s activities, silent auction, raffle, door prizes and food. Admission is only $2 for adults, $1 for youth, children under 6 years of age are free."

Op-Ed Columnist - This Time, We Won’t Scare - NYTimes.com

Op-Ed Columnist - This Time, We Won’t Scare - NYTimes.com: "So here’s a far more representative “real-life story.”

Diane Tucker, 59, is an American lawyer who moved to Vancouver, Canada, in 2006. Like everyone else there, she now pays the equivalent of just $49 a month for health care."

BBC - Fergus On Flu

BBC - Fergus On Flu: "But it is different in the groups it targets. Very few elderly people are catching H1N1 flu, probably because they have immunity due to exposure to similar flu viruses."

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years - USATODAY.com

WHO declares first flu pandemic in 41 years - USATODAY.com: "H1N1, better know as swine flu, is also continuing to spread during the start of summer in the Northern Hemisphere. Normally, flu viruses disappear with warm weather, but swine flu is proving to be resilient.

Health officials in the USA and abroad say that most cases run their course without complications, but so far about 8% of 13,217 patients in the USA have had to be hospitalized, show statistics from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The agency has detailed information on 201 of the 1,027 hospitalized patients, showing that 41% suffered from pneumonia, 16% required mechanical assistance with breathing and 8% died."

WHO Declaration of Swine Flu Pandemic Looks Imminent - ABC News

WHO Declaration of Swine Flu Pandemic Looks Imminent - ABC News: "According to the latest WHO data, there are now 25,288 reported cases of swine flu infection across 73 countries, including 139 deaths. That includes 13,217 cases and 27 deaths reported as of last Friday in the United States by officials at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention."

South Lincoln County News

South Lincoln County News: "FOLCAS board members plan to work with Lincoln County’s citizens, pet owners, county commissioners, shelter staff and the sheriff’s department to create alternatives that would keep the shelter open, vibrant, and progressively managed. However, these goals take time to put into action. FOLCAS is seeking emergency funding from the public and the county to provide a “bridge” that retains the current shelter staff and keeps the shelter open while other funding and management structures are established."

Area woman dies from strain of flu | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal

Area woman dies from strain of flu | StatesmanJournal.com | Statesman Journal: "A Marion County woman died Sunday of the H1N1 influenza virus, the first such death in Oregon."

BBC NEWS | Health | Alcohol: Is it really good for you?

BBC NEWS | Health | Alcohol: Is it really good for you?: "Myth

'It's an absolute myth that red wine is good for you,' says Professor Valerie Beral from the University of Oxford and lead author of the Million Women study.

'The evidence is not there.'

Professor Roger Corder, author of The Red Wine Diet, would disagree.

'Our research identified a group of chemicals called procyanadins which are polyphenols, and the key component in terms of protecting from heart disease.'

Polyphenols, such as the antioxidant resveratrol, are found in the skins of red wine grapes.

'In high doses it does seem to enhance the lifespan of mice. But,' he adds crucially, 'you need huge doses.'

In humans, it equates to thousands of litres of wine."

Bruce Perens - A Cyber-Attack on an American City

Bruce Perens - A Cyber-Attack on an American City: "Although they are silent on the topic, I hope those responsible for emergency services, be they in business or government, are learning the lessons of Morgan Hill. The first lesson is what stayed up: stand-alone radio systems and not much else. Cell phones failed. Cellular towers can not, in general, connect phone calls on their own, even if both phones are near the same tower. They communicate with a central switching computer to operate, and when that system doesn't respond, they're useless. But police and fire authorities still had internal communications via two-way radio.

Realizing that they'd need more two-way radio, authorities dispatched police to wake up the emergency coordinator of the regional ham radio club, and escort him to the community hospital with his equipment. Area hams dispatched ambulances and doctors, arranged for essential supplies, and relayed emergency communications out of the area to those with working telephones."

NewsGator Online

Robert W. Sarnoff

"Finance is the art of passing money from hand to hand until it finally disappears."

New Restaurant and Lodging Developments on Oregon Coast

New Restaurant and Lodging Developments on Oregon Coast: "In Newport, brother and sister owners Ian and Danielle Clayman have come up with a nice shot in the arm for Newport’s nightlife and culinary scene. Bay 839 is the name of the new hotspot at – you guessed it – 839 Bay Blvd, on the bayfront. A glorious d�cor that’s part woodsy and part modern chic - and reminiscent of Portland’s Doug Fir Lounge - is the highlight in the restaurant portion, while the lounge itself gets even cooler and sleeker."

NewsGator Online

Dan Quayle

Jun-05-2009 6:00:00 PM

"The future will be better tomorrow."

NewsGator Online

Warren Buffett

"The only time to buy these is on a day with no 'y' in it."

NewsGator Online

Cecil Baxter

"You don't get anything clean without getting something else dirty."

Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies - Forbes.com

Medical Bills Driving Most Middle-Class Bankruptcies - Forbes.com: "Private insurance isn't covering costs as promised, report's authors say

THURSDAY, June 4 (HealthDay News) -- In 2007, medical problems and expenses contributed to nearly two-thirds of all bankruptcies in the United States, a jump of nearly 50 percent from 2001, new research has found."

President Obama Speach in Cairo

In case you want to listen to the President Obama speach in its entirety ... 55minutes.

South Lincoln County News

South Lincoln County News: "Citizens young and old have rallied to save the Lincoln County Animal Shelter from closing to the public on July 1 because of budget cuts, which would mean that many cats and dogs would be euthanized. Five-year-old Kaiden Deckard has been selling hand printed cards at Waldport Video for a $1 apiece because he “wants to do his part” according to his mom. (Courtesy photo)
Motivated by the proposed budget cuts to the county animal shelter, a group of concerned citizens has formed the nonprofit organization Friends of the Lincoln County Animal Shelter (FOLCAS) to keep the shelter open.
The cuts proposed in the Lincoln County budget would eliminate four and a half positions at the shelter, which will close to the public on July 1."

Knock, knock: Got any meth for sale? | KCBY CBS 11 - News, Weather and Sports - Coos Bay - North Bend, OR - Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon | Local & Regional News

Knock, knock: Got any meth for sale? | KCBY CBS 11 - News, Weather and Sports - Coos Bay - North Bend, OR - Coos Bay / North Bend, Oregon | Local & Regional News: "NEWPORT, Ore. -- A burglary suspect went door-to-door asking people where he could buy methamphetamine just four blocks away from where a homeowner caught him in the act of robbing a house, according to police in this Oregon Coast community.

The investigation started around 8 p.m. Thursday, May 28, when a Newport homeowner reported interrupting a male subject burglarizing his home.

The homeowner confronted the suspect, recovered the property and chased the suspect through the neighborhood before calling police."

Oregon Coast Sandcastle Festival Among Biggest in World

Oregon Coast Sandcastle Festival Among Biggest in World: "Ornate and intricate sculptures made of sand will be the center of celebration in Cannon Beach, with the 45th Annual Sandcastle day Festival taking over the town on June 13. The event cajoles amateurs, families, professionals and people of all ages to participate in this wildly imaginative festival, with hundreds of sculptures, figures, scenarios and creatures carved out of the sand near Haystack Rock."

"Newport vies as site for NOAA operations" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon

"Newport vies as site for NOAA operations" | The Register-Guard | Eugene, Oregon: "NEWPORT — Within minutes, ships docked in Yaquina Bay can make their way out into the open ocean, and it’s that quality that makes this spot a prime location for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Marine Operations Center, officials with the Port of Newport say.

In coming weeks, the port will present a detailed version of that case to the federal agency, with the hope that NOAA will decide to relocate six research vessels and 75 administrative positions from the Seattle area to Newport, a move that could bring up to $19 million in economic benefits to the Oregon Coast."

an email from Laura...

Q: Doctor, I've heard that cardiovascular exercise can prolong life. Is this true?
A: Your heart is only good for so many beats, and that's it... don't waste them on exercise. Everything wears out eventually. Speeding up your heart will not make you live longer; that's like saying you can extend the life of your car by driving it faster. Want to live longer? Take a nap.

Q: Should I cut down on meat and eat more fruits and vegetables?
A: You must grasp logistical efficiencies. What does a cow eat? Hay and corn. And what are these? Vegetables. So a steak is nothing more than an efficient mechanism of delivering vegetables to your system. Need grain? Eat chicken. Beef is also a good source of field grass (green leafy vegetable). And a pork chop can give you 100% of your recommended daily allowance of vegetable products.

Q: Should I reduce my alcohol intake?
A: No, not at all. Wine is made from fruit. Brandy is distilled wine, that means they take the water out of the fruity bit so you get even more of the goodness that way. Beer is also made out of grain. Bottoms up!

Q: How can I calculate my body/fat ratio?
A: Well, if you have a body and you have fat, your ratio is one to one. If you have two bodies, your ratio is two to one, etc.

Q: What are some of the advantages of participating in a regular exercise program?

A: Can't think of a single one, sorry. My philosophy is: No Pain...Good!
Q: Aren't fried foods bad for you?
A: YOU'RE NOT LISTENING!!! ..... Foods are fried these days in vegetable oil. In fact, they're permeated in it. How could getting more vegetables be bad for you?

Q: Will sit-ups help prevent me from getting a little soft around the middle?
A: Definitely not! When you exercise a muscle, it gets bigger. You should only be doing sit-ups if you want a bigger stomach.

Q: Is chocolate bad for me?
A: Are you crazy? HELLO Cocoa beans ! Another vegetable!!! It's the best feel-good food around!

Q: Is swimming good for your figure?
A: If swimming is good for your figure, explain whales to me.

Q: Is getting in-shape important for my lifestyle?
A: Hey! 'Round' is a shape!

Well, I hope this has cleared up any misconceptions you may have had about food and diets.

And remember:
'Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive and well preserved body, but rather to skid in sideways - Chardonnay in one hand - chocolate in the other - body thoroughly used up, totally worn out and screaming 'WOO HOO, What a Ride'

AND.....

For those of you who watch what you eat, here's the final word on nutrition and health. It's a relief to know the truth after all those conflicting nutritional studies.

1. The Japanese eat very little fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

2. The Mexicans eat a lot of fat
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

3. The Chinese drink very little red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

4. The Italians drink a lot of red wine
and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

5. The Germans drink a lot of beers and eat lots of sausages and fats and suffer fewer heart attacks than Americans.

CONCLUSION:

Eat and drink what you like.
Speaking English is apparently what kills you.