October 2009
55 posts
“Millions today are mourning the passing of the rumor of Kanye West’s passing.”
– (via nosesplash)
Victory for Obama Over Military Lobby →
When the Obama administration proposed canceling a host of expensive weapons systems last spring, some of the military industry’s allies in Congress assumed, as they had in the past, that they would have the final say. But as the president signed a $680 billion military policy bill on Wednesday, it was clear that he had succeeded in paring back nearly all of the programs and setting a tone of...
Patriot Act: Congress Shouldn't Rush to Judgment... →
Apple to extend full health benefits to its... →
“I think there has been a big change in momentum since the late summer and a...”
– Oregon U.S. Senator Jeff Merkeley discussing the negotiations around an opt-out public option
give up meat to save the planet →
Changes in Portland teacher hiring and transfer... →
A Portland Public Schools report on teacher hiring and transfers says recent changes have improved the district’s ability to get teachers into positions they want and give principals more say in hiring teacher.
Prepare to ride "Free Rail Zone" →
Public employee retirement expenses face Oregon... →
Even if the pension system’s investments return an average 10.5 percent annually for the next three years - their historical average - PERS rates will still increase to 21 percent of payroll in July 2013, according to Mercer’s modeling. If, in a slower growth scenario, investment returns are closer to their 10-year average of 4.5 percent, all bets are off. PERS’ executive...
Foam from ocean algae bloom killing thousands of... →
From the story:
The first seabird die-off in the Northwest occurred in mid-September, with swarms of dead and dying birds washing up on beaches around Kalaloch on the Olympic Peninsula. At least a thousand scoters or sea ducks, were killed, Parrish said. “Then it subsided and we thought it was over, but it started up again,” she said. This time Oregon was hit as well. On...
Key Senate Dems May Rebuff Obama On Health Care →
Senate Judiciary Committee OKs Performance Rights... →
Coverage from:
American Federation of Musicians
Future of Music Coalition
Roll Call
USA Today
WatchScrew clean energy. The future is coal.
Obama's Top Economist Disagrees With... →
“People say I’m old-fashioned and banks can no longer be separated from nonbank activity,” Mr. Volcker said, acknowledging criticism that he is nostalgic for an earlier era. “That argument,” he added ruefully, “brought us to where we are today.”
The top five states in total operating wind energy capacity:
Texas - 8,797 MW
Iowa - 3,053 MW
California - 2,787 MW
Minnesota - 1,805 MW
Oregon - 1,659 MW
Source: American Wind Energy Association
Justice Dept. to Stop Pursuit of Medical Marijuana... →
Teachers' unions uneasy with Obama (Politico) →
The unions have been fighting a rear-guard action – trying to preserve a way of doing things that largely ended with [President] Bush, analysts say. But they are also adjusting… Both the unions and [Education Secretary] Duncan are pointing to a contract vote in New Haven, Conn., this week where a local teachers union agreed to stricter job evaluations and new rules that lift protections for...
Swine flu hits Lincoln High hard →
matasar:
My high school.
“It’s hard to see how any public official can challenge a culture that he is...”
– Frank Rich commenting on Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner
Hybrids Dominate EPA’s Top 10 Fuel Economy List →
Fuel Economy Leaders - 2010 Model Year (MPG City/Highway):
1. Toyota Prius (hybrid) 51/48 2. Ford Fusion Hybrid FWD, Mercury Milan Hybrid FWD 41/36 3. Honda Civic Hybrid 40/45 4. Honda Insight (hybrid) 40/43 5. Lexus HS250h (hybrid) 35/34 6. Nissan Altima Hybrid 35/33 7. Ford Escape Hybrid FWD, Mazda Tribute Hybrid 2WD, Mercury Mariner Hybrid FWD 34/31 8. Smart fortwo Cabriolet...
Limbaugh dropped from group seeking to buy Rams →
Public Option Is Next Big Hurdle in Health Debate →
For Insurers, a Question of Trust (and Antitrust) →
“Oregon tends to spend pretty close to the national average per student, yet have...”
– Betsy Hammond, The Oregonian’s education reporter, explaining why Oregon now ranks No. 49 in class size in the U.S. (despite spending $10K per student)
DeFazio: I-5 bridge must be smaller →
The Next Step for Health-Care Reform →
How the Senate Finance Committee Got Ron Wyden's... →
Burnside Bridgehead back on track →
A project intended for a four-plus parcel at the northeast end of the Burnside Bridge is showing signs of life again.
Lobbyists Fight Efforts to Save on Health Care →
Panel Says Obama Plan Won’t Slow Foreclosures →
“I am both surprised and deeply humbled by the decision of the Nobel Committee....”
– President Barack Obama, Oct. 9, 2009
WatchA video from Consumer Reports comparing the new Toyota Prius and Honda Insight. Also, a quick look at alternatives including the Ford Fusion Hybrid and Honda Fit (which my brother just bought!).
Michael Moore: "Congratulations President Obama on... →
World Reaction to a Nobel Surprise →
The response ranged from absolute delight to absolute disapproval…
Derivatives Regulatory Legislation Contains Large... →
"Mr. Secretary, Wall Street On Line One..." →
The death of Wyden amendment a "perfectly... →
4 Senators’ Concerns Reflect Health Care Challenge →
A Real Employee Free Choice Act (Matt Miller) →
As health reform legislation hurtles toward its finale, corporate America has rushed to the barricades to make sure that big business remains at the heart of the welfare state. The Business Roundtable, the Chamber of Commerce and the National Association of Manufacturers are united in their belief that Sen. Ron Wyden’s (D., Ore.) “free choice amendment” must be stopped.