Urban Legends Reference Pages: Free 411

Urban Legends Reference Pages: Free 411: "Free 411

Claim: The phone number 1-800-FREE-411 offers free directory assistance service.

Status: True.

Origins: One of the many changes that has taken place in the telephone industry in the last few decades is that while phone companies once generally provided their local customers with
free directory assistance (via the 411 phone number), in most cases telephone customers are now charged a fee (typically $1.00 or more) for each directory assistance call. Despite the charges, U.S. consumers continue to avail themselves of the 411 directory assistance service, placing about 6 billion such calls per year. "

FireFox Weatherbug Extension...

For a very long time we spoke to everybody about getting and using the FireFox web browser. Just a little about it and then on to a new feature on it that we would like you to use.

Most of you use Internet Explorer as a web browser. A web browser is the program you load to look at the internet. Some of you use NetScape as a browser.

A time back we tried to convince everyone to switch to FireFox as their browser of choice. You can have as many browsers as you want loaded on to your computer... Won't hurt a thing. The problem with Internet Explorer ( the one that has the stylized 'e' as an Icon on your desktop) is that according to Jim Dodd's it is now seeing 13,000 attacks a day from hackers trying to find a way to screw up your computer and your life. Fire Fox has fewer attacks because of the way it is structured and because it is less known. Simply put ...it's a lot safer. That said it is also quite a bit faster too. It is a pleasure to use compared to Internet Explorer.

Now none of that will probably get you to try FireFox but that is not what I am upto today. I have been hunting programing scripts all day that we can keep on this site that will show NOAA Alerts, Advisories and Warnings. Putting it just on the LVH site would be limiting although I would like it there.

However, I ran across a new extension for FireFox that is just what the Dr. ordered. So...., If you have FireFox here is what we want you to do... Click the link below.. Once there click the Weatherbug download button and download that extension. Close FireFox and come back online. You will find a new updating weather bar on your website. It is going to warn you when there is something going on and if you click it you can see the weather as it is happening in real time... I like it to be located in the top menu bar. You can move it around by clicking options... This is great addition to your daily personal information.

Here is the Link:

https://addons.update.mozilla.org/firefox/2455/

try it

Windy ain't it?













1

Nature - Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History - TV - Review - New York Times

Nature - Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History - TV - Review - New York Times: "An Up-Close Look at a 2 Percent Difference

Lou is 42. He was born in Africa but came to the United States as a 2-year-old and has spent most of his life in New Mexico.
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Cici Clark/WNET

Billy Joe, who was in show business before being sold to a research laboratory, in “Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History” on “Nature.”
Readers’ Opinions
Forum: Television

For years he was subjected to risky, often painful biomedical experiments there. One additional biographical detail — that Lou is a chimpanzee — should not diminish the sympathy that viewers feel because of his ordeal.

Allison Argo, who wrote, directed and produced “Chimpanzees: An Unnatural History,” the season premiere episode of “Nature,” has made a touching and persuasive political documentary. She begins by reminding viewers that more than 98 percent of chimpanzee DNA is the same as human DNA. Which makes Lou 98 percent human. Or, if you prefer to look at things from the other side, it makes Albert Einstein, Catherine Deneuve, the Kennedys, the British royal family, the Dixie Chicks, the New York Philharmonic, the pope and, of course, Charles Darwin 98 percent chimpanzee."

Is the water on yet?

This is a true story and could not come at a better time to illustrate a major problem with the block captain phone tree....

I just received a call from Larry Henson...

He said he just received a phone call from a resident that wanted to know if Monday's water problem was over yet? They received a phone call telling them about it but not one to tell them it was over... or they didn't have their answering machine on or they were not home or their block captain was not home or in the confusion of 175 phone calls the person just got missed.

The call system is at best a friendly, volunteer, neighbor helping neighbor system run by volunteers. As such it is subject to all the problems mentioned above and more.

All the time you hear that statement above or something similar and it will always be likely so because the system is all volunteer, it is large and unweildy and is a one on one notification system.

The website is much better as a source for such alerts. However, the argument goes that not everyone has a computer. Some proudly boast they have no use for one... Those that don't have a computer, have to rely on less reliable forms of communication or take responsibility to find answers on their own. It really is that simple. If you were notified you were blessed by a neighbor that cared enough to use their own time and phone to make sure you knew. If not well you weren't blessed. That's it.

We write stuff as soon as we hear about it right here and if I am away any of the people shown as staff writers on the left side of the page can put up an alert. Give them an email or phone call.

Tell your friends and neighbors the better alert system is on the website.. It just is.

As for block captains getting the word out that system is still up but more and more you will be told by them to look on the website for the all clear or further instructions and not expect a second call telling you it is over. If it is a power outtage or emergency instead of an alert The CERT team will monitor CH 5 on your FRS radio in case you need to call for help. In those conditions the CERT team will broadcast updates and all clears.

If your neighbor doesn't have a computer and doesn't have a radio you might consider if you want to be a help mate for them.

CAT ADOPTION FEES REDUCED AT LOCAL SHELTER~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

ATTENTION:

SHELTER IS OVER FLOWING WITH KITTENS AND CATS. ALL SIZES, COLORS AND PERSONALITIES. IF YOU ARE THINKING ABOUT ADOPTING A CAT OR KITTEN; NOW IS A GOOD TIME. FEES HAVE BEEN REDUCED TEMPORARY TO THE FOLLOWING:

ALTERED CAT $20.00
NOT ALTERED CAT $45.00 PLUS YOU GET A $25.00 CERTIFICATE FOR ALTERATION:

BOTH THE ABOVE INCLUDE A FREE VET CHECK.

SHELTER OPEN ON FRIDAY UNTIL 5:00 PM
10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM ON SATURDAY
TUESDAY THROUGH THURSDAY OPEN FROM 10:00 AM TO 3:00 PM.

COME ON DOWN AND PICK UP A CAT OR TWO OR THREE:

ENJOY LIFE

If a dog was your teacher, you would learn stuff like.
· When loved ones come home, always run to greet them
· When it’s in your best interest, practice obedience
· Let others know when they’ve invaded your territory
· Take naps
· Stretch before rising.
· Run, romp and play daily
· Avoid biting when a simple growl will do
· On hot days, drink lots of water, and lie under a shady tree
· When you’re happy, dance around and wag your entire body.
· Delight in the simple joy of a long walk
· Eat with gusto and enthusiasm. Stop when you have had enough.
· Be loyal. Never pretend to be something you are not.
· When someone is having a bad day, be silent, sit close by, and nuzzle them gently.

Fw:

 

TRICK OR TREAT?????

 

     Shortly before our move to Utah we made a COSTCO run to stock up on supplies to avoid the sales tax here.  While walking down the candy aisle I reminded Marilynn that we would be in our new home on Halloween.  She accused me of making excuses so I could have have candy for myself, but agreed to stock up anyway.  She even let me pick out the type of candy, so naturally I chose my favorites....Butterfinger bars and Tootsie Pops.

 

On Halloween night we only had eight "goblins" come to our door.

 

As it turns out, Brigham City shuts down Main Street at 3:30 on Halloween and the parents in the area bring their "goblins" down town where the merchants dispense candy on the side walk in front of their store.  As amazing as it seems, there were almost TWO THOUSAND children in all sorts of costumes for the annual event.

 

So here we are at our new home with two large bags of uneaten Halloween candy.  I wonder what will become of it.................heh, heh, heh!

 

Have a happy day,   Jim McCrea

ACTIVITIES

SUNDAY NOVEMBER 12 AT THE CLUBHOUSE..... 1 PM..... LEFT OVER SUNDAY...
BRING YOUR APPETITES AND YOUR LEFT OVER POTLUCK DISHES.... FULL NOT
EMPTY!!!!!!SEE YOU THERE!!!!!!!!!!!

THANKS JACKY

calendar stuff

DON'T FORGET TO SIGN UP FOR THE ANNUAL FALL DINNER AT THE CLUBHOUSE...SIGN
UP SHEETS ARE ON THE BULLETIN BOARD. REMEMBER THE MANAGEMENT HAS HELPED PAY
FOR THE TURKEYS. POTATOES, DRESSING AND GRAVY AND ROLLS FURNISHED BY THE
SOCIL CLUB.. YOU BRING THE APPETIZERS, VEGETABLE DISHES, SALADS AND
DESSERTS. SHOULD BE A GREAT TIME ONCE AGAIN.. SIGN UP NOW... DON'T BE LEFT
OUT...

FALL DINNER IS SATURDAY NOVEMBER 11TH SOCIAL HOUR.. 5 PM...... DINNER 6 PM

THANKS.. JACKY

CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS

HAD A THOUGHT FOR THE CHRISTMAS ARRANGEMENTS. SEVERAL PEOPLE ASKED LAST
YEAR ABOUT MAKING A WREATH.. SO WHILE HELPING MY DAUGHTER WITH HER
RECUPERATION, I SAW A PROGRAM ON HOW TO DO THIS PRETTY EASY. SO IF ANYONE
WANTS TO DO A WREATH, BUY A CHEAP WIRE WREATH( I SAW JUST THE WREATH YOU
NEED AT THE DOLLAR STORE. IT HAS THE GREENERY ON IT AND IT IS THE RIGHT
SIZE FOR THE DOOR. SO BUY IT NOW AND WE WILL PLAY IN DECEMBER. WREATHS
ARE $1.00 AT THE STORE. P.S. I'M RAMBLING. JACKY

CHAMPAGNE TASTING

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR SUNDAY NOVEMBER 19..... 7PM AT THE CLUBHOUSE.
CHOCOLATE PARTY AND CHAMPAGNE TASTING. WHAT A GREAT WAY TO FIND A GOOD
BOTTLE OF CHAMPAGNE TO USE FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITHOUT BREAKING YOUR
BUDGET!!!!!!!!!!I HAVE A CHOCOLATE FOUNTAIN I AM DYING TO USE!!!!!BRING
COOKIES, DESSERTS, FRUITS TO DIP... SOUNDS LIKE A TON OF FUN!!!!!!!!

THANKS ... JACKY

Another email to Rob Thomas, Lincoln County Tax collector

Rob,

I just had a thought. We could have a vitual meeting on the net. We could do it in a way that does not disturb anybody's schedule and would allow you and your staff to comment on questions.

Our web log has a commenting feature and an email posting feature. Here is how I envision the virtual meeting going.

We announce that you will take questions from residents and answer them right here on the website. People would then ask questions in the comments section. You could reply in the comments or I could give you a special email address that automtically posts your response as an article with its own comment section. This would continue untill everyone is satisfied.

The beauty of it would be that you could answer and read questions at your leisure.. No set time frame.. Time to consider responses.You could answer tommorow or in an hour, your choice. I would keep up with community responses so that they stay on a platonic level and not degenerate into emotional outbursts.

Take a look at our site on the web and look at a few of the comments and articles to get a feel for what I'm talking about. If you want to give it a try you will probably be the first person in Oregon government to do this.

http://www.longviewhillshere.blogspot.com
--
Ron Thomas

Rob Thomas (Lincoln County Tax Collector) responds to invitation for a virtual meeting on our webpage.

Ron,
Your web page is not too bad!! I especially like the posting and comment features. Very interactive for your residents.
Yes, I/we would be happy to participate in an interactive question/answer process whenever you are ready. I hope that we can give easy to understand answers..... as our assessment process is now governed by more than 300 pages of statutes accompanied by administrative rules and too many court cases to mention- that are supposed to explain what the statutes really mean (in attorney language). Of course, there are a couple of Constitutional amendments covered in section 11 that will numb the mind and boggle the imagination.
We are still getting quite a few phone calls and visits to the counter due to the tax statements....but we'll try to answer as prompt as possibel!!
Rob Thomas


Ron Says (that's me the guy writing all this stuff) I can set this up. It would be a townhall meeting over a few days. I know it would be hard to ask for full participation from everyone but here is a chance to get a one on one with the head of an agency. You might try for weeks to have an opportunity like this on an individual basis. On his part he is willing to give it a try which you have to admire. What I want from you is an indication you are going to participate. That means you will ask all of your questions in the comment section and ask for clarification of that which you don't understand. Are you willing to do that? There is a new poll going up on the left side of the page where we would appreciate you voting on whether you will participate or not.

An Email Conversation with Rob Thomas, Lincoln County Tax Collector

On 11/2/06, Rob Thomas wrote:

Ron,
If it is not feasible to have an informational meeting concerning property tax, I would be happy to send up some good publications and informational pages about the system and appeal process. You could sort through and post (on your web page) anything you feel is helpful for your residents, or just leave them in your public room as a handout.
Of course, a meeting is still available if some folks feel it would help.
Rob Thomas


Rob,

The meeting is turning into a logistical problem.. I think you have a good idea here. It puts the onus directly onto those that are upset. I would do both. Putting them on the website and on the reading table.

The concerns that are being voiced are the feeling that by reappraising the properties a back door has been found to violate the rule of no more than a 3% increase in tax. People are aware that houses sold for a higher value in the last few months and they are also aware that that market is now cooling off and their chances of capturing such a value is also going down.

That aside they feel a sense of injustice in that those that profited from the sale of their homes have left with swollen pockets but the residents that live here are stuck with paying higher taxes because of them and not because of anything that we as a group did.

Then there is the problem that you will raise the owner of the real estate's tax also which in reality he does not pay... He merely passes it on to the leasees in the form of a rent increase. So we are hit again indirectly.

We would argue that our homes are valued by you folks as if they were real property which they are not.

Most of these people have their entire life savings tied up in these homes and are on a fixed income. Over time their ability to pay higher taxes will erode to the point where they must make choices about what to give up so they can pay higher taxes. That equates to the older they get the poorer they become.

Now Social Security does give an annual cost of living increase but when you exceed that with taxes and cost of living something has to be given up.

I think from these arguments you may be able to see the kind of information and guidance that we need.

Thanks for your kind offer,
Ron Thomas

Ron,
Thanks for the kind words. I'll have Dan bring up some information packets tomorrow.

Many people are confused by our two newest constitutional amendments (measure 5 and measure 50) and how they affect the assessed value of property.

The informational packets I will send help to explain how the 3% rule applies to unchanged properties where the real market value is above the maximum assessed value......that's where the confusion usually occurs as its the maximum assessed value and not the real market value that the 3% rule applies to.

Anyway, please feel free to continue studying and discussing Oregons' property tax system.

Another Oregon Jazz Festival Heads for the Coast

Another Oregon Jazz Festival Heads for the Coast: "With such a rousing success under its belt, the Oregon Coast Council for the Arts is bringing another jazz festival in to ring in the holidays and chase out the New Year, with Newport’s Jazz for the Holidays, held December 29 – January 1, at the Newport Performing Arts Center."

NewsGator Online

NewsGator Online: "With all the talk recently about America’s addiction to oil, and the problems that addiction is causing our society, one may wonder why we don’t make a bigger effort for vehicles powered by alternative fuels. One alternative fuel is electricity, and a company has designed an electric car to try and fill that void. The cars are not intended to be primary vehicles; rather they are intended to be a family’s second car, for running errands around the neighborhood. Take a look."

I didn't do this.... sent in by Jacky Thomas

One year at Thanksgiving, my mom went to my sister's house for the
traditional feast. Knowing how gullible my sister is, my mom decided to
play a trick. She told my sister that she needed something from the
store.
When my sister left, my mom took the turkey out of the oven,
removed the stuffing, stuffed a Cornish hen, and inserted it into the
turkey,
and re-stuffed the turkey. She then placed the bird(s) back in the oven.
When it was time for dinner, my sister pulled the turkey out of
the oven and proceeded to remove the stuffing. When her serving spoon
hit
something, she reached in and pulled out the little bird. With a
look of total shock on her face, my mother exclaimed, "Patricia, you've
cooked a pregnant bird!" At the reality of this horrifying news, my
sister started to cry.
It took the family two hours to convince her that turkeys lay
eggs!
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> Yep..................SHE'S BLONDE!!

Today the CERT team held drills aimed at moving injured people using senior citizens as stretcher bearers. It takes more to do the job without getting injured for older CERT team members. Practice is essential. This is where we are converting what was learned in the class room to practical solutions.

The stretcher you see in use here was designed and built right here in the park by a retired craftsman. So many ideas have been incorporated into it by team members that we all feel somewhat envolved in its developement.There is nothing like it anywhere. There is room and handholds for 8 people to lift. The weight distribution among lifters felt like 10-15lbs. The Dummy (Rescue Randy weighs 175lbs.) Once the stretcher is on the ground 2 team members can move it with ease. One pulls and steers the other acts as a brake and helps steer the rear. Swivel Wheels on the bottom make this an easy chore.

In one frame you see the stretcher laying across two chairs. This was a new adaptation brought on today by a suggestion. The reason he needs to be elevated is because Seniors have knee and back problems and with him at this height he is easy to treat. The undercarriage of the stretcher was specially reinforced to provide the support to do this.

Moving up and down a curb is an easy operation for two people as the above reinforcing also doubles as skids and so very litlle lifting is needed.

Lifting a patient without incurring bumps and jerks needs team work. The team leader is always the person at the head of patient and calls all the moves so that the team executes every move with the greatest of care for the patient.

The Cremation of Sam McGee

This takes me back. What a great reader!!! Ron Thomas

Persistent dead zone off Oregon coast linked to global warming - USATODAY.com

Persistent dead zone off Oregon coast linked to global warming - USATODAY.com: "This year's dead zone off Oregon ran for 17 weeks, compared to the previous high of six weeks in 2004, and saw oxygen readings near zero that left the ocean bottom littered with dead crabs, sea stars and sea anemones. This is the fifth straight year the dead zone returned. It covered 70 miles of the central Oregon Coast and there are indications a dead zone also formed off southern Washington."