Fortune smiles on family a little down on its luck: "Fortune smiles on family a little down on its luck
Friday, October 21, 2005
MARK LARABEE
SALEM -- Elizabeth Howard stopped at a Portland market Wednesday to buy a loaf of bread. She said she dug into her wallet and came up with 90 cents -- 40 cents shy of what she needed.
Thursday morning she and her husband, Samuel Howard, clung to each other in disbelief as they signed papers at the Oregon Lottery office. They were holding a Megabucks ticket worth $2.6 million after correctly picking the six numbers."
Friday, October 21, 2005
USATODAY.com - Researchers: Technology can help elderly
USATODAY.com - Researchers: Technology can help elderly: "'An older person has a great deal invested in their self-esteem and they don't want to look like a fool in front of their kids or grandkids. So they tend to be unwilling to take risks with technology,' Pepper said."
USATODAY.com - Researchers: Technology can help elderly
USATODAY.com - Researchers: Technology can help elderly: "Researchers: Technology can help elderly
By Jennifer C. Yates, Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — A group of academics, business leaders and residents are convening this week to bring together the region's large elderly community, private industry and university programs in medicine and technology.
Fannie Wolfe prepares to e-mail her daughter using software that allows users to dictate instead of typing.
ByGene J. Puskar, AP
The resulting conference is a look into the region's latest innovations involving technology and aging. From virtual communities on the Web to remote medication monitoring, technology is something that can be used to empower the elderly, said Judith Tabolt Matthews, one of the organizer's of Friday's meeting.
For decades, researchers have been exploring ways that the elderly can utilize technology to enhance their quality of life. An article by a psychiatrist and computer scientist in a 1972 journal called The Gerontologist concluded technology was necessary to keep the elderly independent.
Matthews said Pittsburgh's large elderly population gives researchers here an advantage. About 16% of the city's 334,000 residents are over 65, well above the national average of about 12%."
By Jennifer C. Yates, Associated Press
PITTSBURGH — A group of academics, business leaders and residents are convening this week to bring together the region's large elderly community, private industry and university programs in medicine and technology.
Fannie Wolfe prepares to e-mail her daughter using software that allows users to dictate instead of typing.
ByGene J. Puskar, AP
The resulting conference is a look into the region's latest innovations involving technology and aging. From virtual communities on the Web to remote medication monitoring, technology is something that can be used to empower the elderly, said Judith Tabolt Matthews, one of the organizer's of Friday's meeting.
For decades, researchers have been exploring ways that the elderly can utilize technology to enhance their quality of life. An article by a psychiatrist and computer scientist in a 1972 journal called The Gerontologist concluded technology was necessary to keep the elderly independent.
Matthews said Pittsburgh's large elderly population gives researchers here an advantage. About 16% of the city's 334,000 residents are over 65, well above the national average of about 12%."
Arctic Map Vanishes, and Oil Area Expands - New York Times
Arctic Map Vanishes, and Oil Area Expands - New York Times: "Arctic Map Vanishes, and Oil Area Expands
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By FELICITY BARRINGER
Published: October 21, 2005
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 - Maps matter. They chronicle the struggles of empires and zoning boards. They chart political compromise. So it was natural for Republican Congressional aides, doing due diligence for what may be the last battle in the fight over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to ask for the legally binding 1978 map of the refuge and its coastal plain.
It was gone. No map, no copies, no digitized version.
The wall-size 1:250,000-scale map delineated the tundra in the biggest national land-use controversy of the last quarter-century, an area that environmentalists call America's Serengeti and that oil enthusiasts see as America's Oman.
The map had been stored behind a filing cabinet in a locked room in Arlington, Va. Late in 2002, it was there. In early 2003, it disappeared. There are just a few reflection-flecked photographs to remember it by.
All this may have real consequences. The United States Geological Survey drew up a new map. On Wednesday, the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee passed a measure based on the new map that opened to drilling 1.5 million acres of coastal plain in the refuge."
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By FELICITY BARRINGER
Published: October 21, 2005
WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 - Maps matter. They chronicle the struggles of empires and zoning boards. They chart political compromise. So it was natural for Republican Congressional aides, doing due diligence for what may be the last battle in the fight over the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, to ask for the legally binding 1978 map of the refuge and its coastal plain.
It was gone. No map, no copies, no digitized version.
The wall-size 1:250,000-scale map delineated the tundra in the biggest national land-use controversy of the last quarter-century, an area that environmentalists call America's Serengeti and that oil enthusiasts see as America's Oman.
The map had been stored behind a filing cabinet in a locked room in Arlington, Va. Late in 2002, it was there. In early 2003, it disappeared. There are just a few reflection-flecked photographs to remember it by.
All this may have real consequences. The United States Geological Survey drew up a new map. On Wednesday, the Senate Energy and Commerce Committee passed a measure based on the new map that opened to drilling 1.5 million acres of coastal plain in the refuge."
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Don't wait when it comes emergency readiness
Don't wait when it comes emergency readiness: "Don't wait when it comes emergency readiness
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Fred Leeson
Michael Kisor won't be caught unprepared this time.
Kisor was working in California when the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay area. The 7.1 magnitude quake crippled transportation, knocked out power and started fires.
Today at his Ash Creek residence, Kisor keeps 10 days of emergency food and water along with flashlights, tools and first-aid supplies. Even when riding his bicycle, Kisor carries a fanny pack with a flashlight, keys and CPR mask."
Thursday, October 20, 2005
Fred Leeson
Michael Kisor won't be caught unprepared this time.
Kisor was working in California when the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay area. The 7.1 magnitude quake crippled transportation, knocked out power and started fires.
Today at his Ash Creek residence, Kisor keeps 10 days of emergency food and water along with flashlights, tools and first-aid supplies. Even when riding his bicycle, Kisor carries a fanny pack with a flashlight, keys and CPR mask."
Web Edition - NewsGator Online
Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Alfred E. Newman
'Crime does not pay ... as well as politics.'"
'Crime does not pay ... as well as politics.'"
BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Cancer cell image wins top award
BBC NEWS | UK | Scotland | Cancer cell image wins top award: "Cancer cell image wins top award
Look At This... RT!!!!!!!!!!
Dr Andrews' prize-winning image
Enlarge Image
A close-up image of a cancer cell, caught in the act of dividing, has won an international photography prize.
Dr Paul Andrews, from the University of Dundee, was one of only two winning entries from the UK in the Nikon Small World Competition.
The School of Life Sciences researcher took the photo using a digital deconvolution microscope.
A university spokesman said understanding the way cells segregate was critical for cancer studies.
Dr Andrews' image shows a cancer cell dividing its chromosomes (shown in white) into two new cells."
Look At This... RT!!!!!!!!!!
Dr Andrews' prize-winning image
Enlarge Image
A close-up image of a cancer cell, caught in the act of dividing, has won an international photography prize.
Dr Paul Andrews, from the University of Dundee, was one of only two winning entries from the UK in the Nikon Small World Competition.
The School of Life Sciences researcher took the photo using a digital deconvolution microscope.
A university spokesman said understanding the way cells segregate was critical for cancer studies.
Dr Andrews' image shows a cancer cell dividing its chromosomes (shown in white) into two new cells."
Wednesday, October 19, 2005
IT WAS A TEST ONLY
IT WAS A TEST! ONLY A TEST...
People have been calling about the TSUNAMI alert this morning. Some folks called here and wanted to know if it was real.
Ed Simon called his contacts and told us that a wrong button was pushed in Astoria. Others called to say they called the radio stations locally and they reported it was only a test. The link on the left of the page for Tsunami Warnings did not mention the test (the link is from NOAA).
The announcement took over all the TV stations on Charter Cable Television but those with satellite TV didn’t hear a thing. We have a NOAA Emergency Broadcast Radio and it sounded a loud, continuous ululating wail until acknowledged.
If you listened closely you would have heard the announcement say near its end that it was a TEST WARNING. Later a follow on announcement came on and clearly stated it was a TEST only.
Personally, I feel that this was a great test of the Disaster Warning system and would like to see it occur on a regular basis. It would be nice though if it was a bit more clear that it was a TEST only so folks would not be as confused. That said, wouldn’t you be happy if you had so much advance warning that you could take the measures needed to protect yourself and your loved ones?
CERT training is teaching 13 of our residents how to deal with this type of disaster right now. You may have had your level of awareness raised by this test. Maybe you could take a moment to reflect on what you would do now if this had been a real emergency.
What would you have done? Here are a few facts to help you...
- According to a satellite mapping program, Google Earth, the elevation at the Thomas residence here at 5706 NE Windmill dr. is 204 feet above sea level.
- Local authorities have told our volunteer fireman, Jim Rose, that a TSUNAMI at Newport would probably be no more than 50ft.
An Earthquake film we watched years ago said that you should have enough water to last several days and that you could use the water in your toilet bowl tank. I’m thinking you could turn off the electricity to your hot water tank and drain it as a source of water too. Another suggestion the film made that I hadn’t heard before was that there will be no banks or ATM’s and that could last for weeks so it was suggested you keep an emergency fund of $1 bills to purchase what you need during the disaster. If you don’t, they suggested, you may end up paying $20 for a half gallon of milk because you don’t have small bills.
What are your ideas and comments?
DOG BARKING DEVICE S
DOG BARKING DEVICE SHOWS GOOD RESULTS...
RT in a conversation with Nancy Lee Moore...
Nancy recently bought a device from SmartHome.com that emits a high pitch tone, not audible to humans, when dogs bark. It claims to train the dog to stop barking. She has had it in her bedroom where the dogs race to see who is at her door if she has a visitor.
Nancy Lee says their barking has been cut significantly over the three weeks she has had the device installed. However, the device covers only so much area and leaves other areas not covered. That helps too as the dogs may bark if there is activity in an area little used thus acting as a burglar alarm.
You would need to purchase as many units that would be needed to cover the barking in the areas that your neighbors find offensive. Here then is a unique solution for neighbors who are bothered by dogs. Also, if you just can’t discuss this with a neighbor you could purchase a unit and put it in your yard facing the problem.
I know, I know... you want Larry to take care of the problem but sometimes it can be less of a hassle to solve the problem yourself. After all, the real problem is not the dog barking it is what you allow it to do to you. The raising of your blood pressure and your anger does not concern the dog one whit... The dog does not care about what any of us think is right or wrong. He is merely doing what dogs do. So if he gets a stimulation he doesn’t like when he barks then he doesn’t do it... “I bark...it hurts.... therefore I won’t bark”.
If you bring in management to solve a problem like this then the person you live next to gets their nose out of joint and more than likely will find a way to fix your wagon given the right opportunity... and given a couple of combative personalities this can escalate well beyond anything a bystander looking on can understand.
Take the high tech road... Ask Nancy Lee about her new dog bark stopper.
RT in a conversation with Nancy Lee Moore...
Nancy recently bought a device from SmartHome.com that emits a high pitch tone, not audible to humans, when dogs bark. It claims to train the dog to stop barking. She has had it in her bedroom where the dogs race to see who is at her door if she has a visitor.
Nancy Lee says their barking has been cut significantly over the three weeks she has had the device installed. However, the device covers only so much area and leaves other areas not covered. That helps too as the dogs may bark if there is activity in an area little used thus acting as a burglar alarm.
You would need to purchase as many units that would be needed to cover the barking in the areas that your neighbors find offensive. Here then is a unique solution for neighbors who are bothered by dogs. Also, if you just can’t discuss this with a neighbor you could purchase a unit and put it in your yard facing the problem.
I know, I know... you want Larry to take care of the problem but sometimes it can be less of a hassle to solve the problem yourself. After all, the real problem is not the dog barking it is what you allow it to do to you. The raising of your blood pressure and your anger does not concern the dog one whit... The dog does not care about what any of us think is right or wrong. He is merely doing what dogs do. So if he gets a stimulation he doesn’t like when he barks then he doesn’t do it... “I bark...it hurts.... therefore I won’t bark”.
If you bring in management to solve a problem like this then the person you live next to gets their nose out of joint and more than likely will find a way to fix your wagon given the right opportunity... and given a couple of combative personalities this can escalate well beyond anything a bystander looking on can understand.
Take the high tech road... Ask Nancy Lee about her new dog bark stopper.
Format
Well How's it doin?
RT
The website evolves from time to time. I see that folks are thinking of using it as a rapid communication source. That is a good thing. The calendar operation seems to be keeping everyone upto date and all those who have given us their birthdates get a birthday card on line.
Since we have limited time to write articles we have been putting in news links from our morning read hoping that will fill the gap. How has that been for you? What kind of stories would you like to be linked to? Maybe you have seen how I keep up with the news by reading news from everywhere. I could do a piece on how you can set up a morning (evening) read that would include your favorite news resources all in one link. There are literally hundreds of links to choose from. For example, today I added the "Mother Earth News" to my feeds and you will see a few articles linked here on this site to them. News links, magazines, all right here on the web for you to sit down with...news links for gardening, cars, baking, sewing, traveling, hobbies, poltics, world and more than you can think of.
This is called RSS (REALLY SIMPLE SYNDICATION). You can even read other peoples blogs only when they have made an entry.
You want to give it a try?
Comment on your likes and if you would like a try at RSS.
RT
The website evolves from time to time. I see that folks are thinking of using it as a rapid communication source. That is a good thing. The calendar operation seems to be keeping everyone upto date and all those who have given us their birthdates get a birthday card on line.
Since we have limited time to write articles we have been putting in news links from our morning read hoping that will fill the gap. How has that been for you? What kind of stories would you like to be linked to? Maybe you have seen how I keep up with the news by reading news from everywhere. I could do a piece on how you can set up a morning (evening) read that would include your favorite news resources all in one link. There are literally hundreds of links to choose from. For example, today I added the "Mother Earth News" to my feeds and you will see a few articles linked here on this site to them. News links, magazines, all right here on the web for you to sit down with...news links for gardening, cars, baking, sewing, traveling, hobbies, poltics, world and more than you can think of.
This is called RSS (REALLY SIMPLE SYNDICATION). You can even read other peoples blogs only when they have made an entry.
You want to give it a try?
Comment on your likes and if you would like a try at RSS.
A Tale of Two Kitties
A Tale of Two Kitties: "A TALE OF TWO KITTIES
Even the 'wise old owl' sometimes makes mistakes.
By David Petersen
© STEPHEN J. KRASEMANN/PETER ARNOLD. INC.
The great homed owl: No other hunter, bird or mammal, is as superbly equipped to survive in the wilds.
Recently I read that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who love cats, and those who don't. Well, yes, I suppose you could say that. But if we're going to generalize, then let's add that there are also two kinds of cats in this world: city kitties that keep mostly indoors and purr in their owners' laps, and semiferal country cats that prowl loose and unbelled, playfully destroying every bird and small animal they can lay claws on. The first kind is a heartwarming joy to its owner; the second can be a scourge to wildlife.
Unfortunately, the only feline I regularly come in contact with epitomizes the latter class: old Tom, a hefty white Manx belonging to a neighbor just down the mountain. Tom is a born hunter who, for several years, methodically attempted to consume every chipmunk, squirrel, rabbit kit and ground-nesting bird that crossed my little rural acreage or his own.
But poetic justice thrives in nature, and one evening last summer the hunter became the hunted. As told by Tom's owner—who happened to be outside puttering around and witnessed the drama unfold—Tom was out hunting, as usual, slinking ghostlike across a nearby meadow in the waning light. Just a normal work night for Tom the neighborhood terror. Then, suddenly and savagely, Tom became a flying feline, grasped firmly (and, one can assume, uncomfortably) about the head and neck by huge talons, jerked abruptly off the ground and hoisted skyward by a great horned owl. A few moments into its escape flight, the owl off-loaded the pussycat, then winged away into the sunset."
Even the 'wise old owl' sometimes makes mistakes.
By David Petersen
© STEPHEN J. KRASEMANN/PETER ARNOLD. INC.
The great homed owl: No other hunter, bird or mammal, is as superbly equipped to survive in the wilds.
Recently I read that there are two kinds of people in this world: those who love cats, and those who don't. Well, yes, I suppose you could say that. But if we're going to generalize, then let's add that there are also two kinds of cats in this world: city kitties that keep mostly indoors and purr in their owners' laps, and semiferal country cats that prowl loose and unbelled, playfully destroying every bird and small animal they can lay claws on. The first kind is a heartwarming joy to its owner; the second can be a scourge to wildlife.
Unfortunately, the only feline I regularly come in contact with epitomizes the latter class: old Tom, a hefty white Manx belonging to a neighbor just down the mountain. Tom is a born hunter who, for several years, methodically attempted to consume every chipmunk, squirrel, rabbit kit and ground-nesting bird that crossed my little rural acreage or his own.
But poetic justice thrives in nature, and one evening last summer the hunter became the hunted. As told by Tom's owner—who happened to be outside puttering around and witnessed the drama unfold—Tom was out hunting, as usual, slinking ghostlike across a nearby meadow in the waning light. Just a normal work night for Tom the neighborhood terror. Then, suddenly and savagely, Tom became a flying feline, grasped firmly (and, one can assume, uncomfortably) about the head and neck by huge talons, jerked abruptly off the ground and hoisted skyward by a great horned owl. A few moments into its escape flight, the owl off-loaded the pussycat, then winged away into the sunset."
Web Edition - NewsGator Online
Web Edition - NewsGator Online: "Fred Allen
'California is a fine place to live--if you happen to be an orange.'"
'California is a fine place to live--if you happen to be an orange.'"
Learn to Can for Homegrown Flavor
Learn to Can for Homegrown Flavor: "
Learn to Can for Homegrown Flavor
Save money and enjoy delicious 'convenience' foods all winter by learning this food-preservation skill.
By Roberta Bailey
We all can agree that there is nothing like the flavor of a homegrown garden tomato. But did you also know that there is nothing like the flavor of home-canned tomatoes — or corn, peaches or salsa? After 20 years of putting up much of my own food, I took a year off because I was moving. During that year — even though I bought high-quality organic produce, canned goods and frozen foods — I was shocked to discover how much flavor and natural sweetness was missing from these store-bought products. I wondered about their nutritional value."
Learn to Can for Homegrown Flavor
Save money and enjoy delicious 'convenience' foods all winter by learning this food-preservation skill.
By Roberta Bailey
We all can agree that there is nothing like the flavor of a homegrown garden tomato. But did you also know that there is nothing like the flavor of home-canned tomatoes — or corn, peaches or salsa? After 20 years of putting up much of my own food, I took a year off because I was moving. During that year — even though I bought high-quality organic produce, canned goods and frozen foods — I was shocked to discover how much flavor and natural sweetness was missing from these store-bought products. I wondered about their nutritional value."
Country Lore
Country Lore: "Country Lore: Readers’ tips to live by
RAISED-BED GARDENING
Jeff Snyder
My husband, Ben, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1988 when we retired and moved to the McGowen Circle Ranch, in a 5,400-foot-elevation valley in the Sierra Anchas Mountains of central Arizona.
We are self-sufficient with solar power, spring and well water, a fireplace and a wood-burning stove. Our concessions to the modern world are a radiotelephone, propane refrigerator and stove, and satellite TV. Our house faces south, taking advantage of passive solar design to keep it warm in the winter."
RAISED-BED GARDENING
Jeff Snyder
My husband, Ben, and I fulfilled a lifelong dream in 1988 when we retired and moved to the McGowen Circle Ranch, in a 5,400-foot-elevation valley in the Sierra Anchas Mountains of central Arizona.
We are self-sufficient with solar power, spring and well water, a fireplace and a wood-burning stove. Our concessions to the modern world are a radiotelephone, propane refrigerator and stove, and satellite TV. Our house faces south, taking advantage of passive solar design to keep it warm in the winter."
The Raw Story | Second Cheney aide cooperating in leak probe, those close to case say
The Raw Story | Second Cheney aide cooperating in leak probe, those close to case say: "Second Cheney aide cooperating in leak probe, those close to case say
Jason Leopold and Larisa Alexandrovna
Print This | Email This
Vice President Dick CheneyA second aide to Vice President Dick Cheney is cooperating with the special prosecutor's probe into the outing of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson, those close to the investigation say."
Jason Leopold and Larisa Alexandrovna
Print This | Email This
Vice President Dick CheneyA second aide to Vice President Dick Cheney is cooperating with the special prosecutor's probe into the outing of covert CIA agent Valerie Plame Wilson, those close to the investigation say."
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Icy Dione captured in close-up
BBC NEWS | Science/Nature | Icy Dione captured in close-up: "Icy Dione captured in close-up
Cassini captured Dione on the gold and blue background of Saturn (Image: Nasa/JPL/SSI)
Enlarge Image
The Cassini spacecraft has captured a stunning image of Saturn's moon Dione against the golden hue of the ringed planet.
Imaging scientists used the blue, green and infrared filters to approximate the colours as the eye would see them."
Cassini captured Dione on the gold and blue background of Saturn (Image: Nasa/JPL/SSI)
Enlarge Image
The Cassini spacecraft has captured a stunning image of Saturn's moon Dione against the golden hue of the ringed planet.
Imaging scientists used the blue, green and infrared filters to approximate the colours as the eye would see them."
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