Energy News Digest for December 29, 2009

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Douglas County PUD - Wells Dam Relicensing Up to Feds

• Police Target Stolen Electricity to Cut Off Drug Suppliers

• New Substation - Power to McMinnville

• Mason PUD 3 Commission to Hold Pre-Conference Hearing on SEPA Appeal

• New Hampshire - Extended Outage at Seabrook Plant & Poor Wind Resource Will Affect FPL Group’s 2009 Adjusted Earnings

• Massachusetts, California Lose Challenge to Nuclear Pool Risk Report

• Heating-Oil Angels Hate to Ask, But ...

• More Talk than Progress in US Energy Policy

• Mason PUD 3 - January 6 Planned Power Outage for Oak Park/Hickory Ct Area

• Fishermen Don’t Like New Bar Rule

• Controversial Plan to Keep Sport Fishers from Cape Flattery Area Might Be Put on Hold

• California Man Pleads Not Guilty in Sea Lion Shooting

• San Francisco’s Famous Sea Lions Have Swum Away

• Idaho City’s Drinking Water Benefits from Stimulus

• County Commissioners Approve of Yakima Basin Water Plan

• Decaying Levees Magnify Green River Flood Risk

• New York - Turbine Collapse Draws Concern from Other Proposed Project Areas

• Watertown Daily Times Op/Ed - Rethinking Wind Tower Safety

• Rise of Wind Turbines Is a Boon for Rope Workers

• Puget Sound Energy Customers Make Solar Power Shine in Cloudy Economy

• $200B Expected for Smart-Grid Technology

• Democrats to White House: Drop Cap & Trade

• Carbon Capture Challenges Still Abound

• Climate Cover-Up - James Hoggan Talks About Global Warming

• Turning Emissions Disclosure into Business Virtue

• Down on the Farm, an Endless Cycle of Waste

• More Carbon Dioxide May Create a Racket in the Seas

• The Five Best Cities to Land a Green Job

• Utah Fiber Network - Yet Another Campaign to Crush Utopia

• Wyoming - Anatomy of a Rural Wireless ISP

• 2010 Bandwidth Explosion Expected, Demand for Fiber Will Skyrocket

• ISPs Trying to Scare You into Buying More Internets

• Will Microsoft Drive Cloud Revenues in 2010?

• Internet Use Growing Quickly Among Latinos, Survey Finds

• Search Switcheroo - Verizon’s New Motto: Why Not Be Evil?

• Broadcasters Battling for Cable Fees

• Bing, MSN Have Worst Two New Logos, Experts Say

• Ask.com: ‘What’s the Meaning of Life?’ (42)

• Wet Snow Possible in Some Areas of Western Washington This Afternoon

• Pierce County Deputy Kent Mundell Dies

• Public’s Help Requested to Identify Attempted Luring Suspect in Belfair

• Fort Lewis Soldier Accused in Home-Invasion Robbery

• New Oregon Law Attempts to Curb Metal Theft

• Cantwell Named Rising Political Star for 2010

• City of Shelton to Bill for Parking Spaces despite Not Knowing if Enforcement will continue

• Qwest Ending Death Benefits for Retirees in ‘10

• Low Bids Trimming Price Tag on Ryderwood Sewer Project

WORD OF THE DAY

Comity • \KOMM-uh-tee\ • noun –1a: friendly social atmosphere: social harmony b: a loose widespread community based on common social institutions c: comity of nations d: the informal and voluntary recognition by courts of one jurisdiction of the laws and judicial decisions of another 2: avoidance of proselytizing members of another religious denomination

For some, New Year’s Eve becomes a matter of diminishing marginal returns. Imbibing in adult beverages can free inhibitions and lead to comity at some parties. Unfortunately, when that “one drink too many” hits, some party-goers can become the feared “friendly drunk,” known for their close talking and the repeated “I LOVE you man!”

WEATHER

Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts

http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Douglas County PUD - Wells Dam Relicensing Up to Feds (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/28/wells-dam-relicensing-up-to-feds-douglas-puds/

Police Target Stolen Electricity to Cut Off Drug Suppliers (Dallas Morning News, TX)

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/news/localnews/stories/DN-drughouses_29met.ART.State.Edition2.4ba5391.html

New Substation - Power to McMinnville (Yamhill Valley News Register, OR)

http://www.newsregister.com/article/42725-power+mcminnville

Mason PUD 3 Commission to Hold Pre-Conference Hearing on SEPA Appeal (Mason County PUD No. 3)

http://www.masonpud3.org/Newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=651

New Hampshire - Extended Outage at Seabrook Plant & Poor Wind Resource Will Affect FPL Group’s 2009 Adjusted Earnings (Your Renewable Energy News)

http://www.yourrenewablenews.com/extended+outage+at+seabrook+plant+and+poor+wind+resource+will+affect+fpl+group%27s+2009+adjusted+earnings_43932.html

Massachusetts, California Lose Challenge to Nuclear Pool Risk Report (Courthouse News Service)

http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/28/23168.htm

Heating-Oil Angels Hate to Ask, But ... (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010618504_nicole29m.html?syndication=rss

More talk than progress in U.S. energy policy

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=%2Fc%2Fa%2F2009%2F12%2F29%2FBUP21B6I2N.DTL

Mason PUD 3 - January 6 Planned Power Outage for Oak Park/Hickory Ct Area (Mason County PUD No. 3)

http://www.masonpud3.org/Newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=652

FISH & WILDLIFE

Fishermen Don’t Like New Bar Rule (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)

http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/28/local_news/doc4b3900586370a451256131.txt

Controversial Plan to Keep Sport Fishers from Cape Flattery Area Might Be Put on Hold (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091229/NEWS/312299995

California Man Pleads Not Guilty in Sea Lion Shooting (Associated Press)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010615853_apussealionshooting.html?syndication=rss

San Francisco’s Famous Sea Lions Have Swum Away (Associated Press)

http://www.examiner.com/a-2393417~San_Francisco_s_famous_sea_lions_have_swum_away.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Idaho City’s Drinking Water Benefits from Stimulus (NW Cable News)

http://www.nwcn.com/news/80260347.html

County Commissioners Approve of Yakima Basin Water Plan (Yakima Herald Republic, WA)

http://www.yakima-herald.com/stories/2009/12/28/county-commissioners-approve-of-yakima-basin-water-plan

Decaying Levees Magnify Green River Flood Risk (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010618727_levees29m.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

New York - Turbine Collapse Draws Concern from Other Proposed Project Areas (WKTV-TV, Utica, NY)

http://www.wktv.com/news/local/80212417.html

Watertown Daily Times Op/Ed - Rethinking Wind Tower Safety

http://www.watertowndailytimes.com/section/blogs10

Rise of Wind Turbines Is a Boon for Rope Workers (Seattle Times)

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010618477_windworkers29.html

Puget Sound Energy Customers Make Solar Power Shine in Cloudy Economy (Earth-Times)

http://www.earthtimes.org/articles/show/pse-customers-make-solar-power-shine-in-cloudy-economy,1102501.shtml

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

$200B Expected for Smart-Grid Technology (The Business Journal of Milwaukee)

http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/12/28/daily8.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Democrats to White House: Drop Cap & Trade (Politico)

http://www.mysanantonio.com/news/national/80216752.html

Carbon Capture Challenges Still Abound (Power Engineering)

http://pepei.pennnet.com/Articles/Article_Display.cfm?Section=ARTCL&PUBLICATION_ID=6&ARTICLE_ID=372099&C=INDUS&dcmp=rss

Climate Cover-Up - James Hoggan Talks About Global Warming (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1228/James-Hoggan-talks-about-global-warming

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Turning Emissions Disclosure into Business Virtue (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/business/energy-environment/29degrees.html

Down on the Farm, an Endless Cycle of Waste (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/science/29manure.html

More Carbon Dioxide May Create a Racket in the Seas (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/science/earth/29obsound.html

The Five Best Cities to Land a Green Job (The Daily Green)

http://www.thedailygreen.com/environmental-news/latest/best-cities-green-jobs-461209

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Utah Fiber Network - Yet Another Campaign to Crush Utopia: Struggling operation faces criticism for ‘own your own fiber’ effort (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Yet-Another-Campaign-To-Crush-Utopia-106150

Wyoming - Anatomy of a Rural Wireless ISP

http://gigaom.com/2009/12/29/anatomy-of-a-rural-wireless-isp/

2010 Bandwidth Explosion Expected, Demand for Fiber Will Skyrocket (WebWire)

http://www.webwire.com/ViewPressRel.asp?aId=110139

ISPs Trying to Scare You into Buying More Internets (Consumerist – Note the high likelihood of PG-13 language in comment section)

http://consumerist.com/2009/12/isps-trying-to-scare-you-into-buying-more-internets.html

Will Microsoft Drive Cloud Revenues in 2010? (GigaOM)

http://gigaom.com/2009/12/28/will-microsoft-drive-cloud-revenues-in-2010/

Internet Use Growing Quickly Among Latinos, Survey Finds (Associated Press)

http://www.tri-cityherald.com/business/story/843655.html

Search Switcheroo - Verizon’s New Motto: Why Not Be Evil? (NY Times)

http://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/22/verizons-new-motto-why-not-be-evil/

Broadcasters Battling for Cable Fees - The nearly billion-dollar battle between broadcasters & cable operators over programming fees has gone public (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/29/business/media/29cable.html

Bing, MSN Have Worst Two New Logos, Experts Say (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/microsoft/archives/189367.asp?source=pimail

Ask.com: ‘What’s the Meaning of Life?’ (42) - Search engine wants to unite everyday experts to answer that & other queries (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1009417.html

GENERAL NEWS

Wet Snow Possible in Some Areas of Western Washington This Afternoon (KING-TV, Seattle)

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Wet-snow-possible-in-some-areas-of-W-Wash-this-afternoon-80280247.html

Pierce County Deputy Kent Mundell Dies (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1009114.html

Public’s Help Requested to Identify Attempted Luring Suspect in Belfair (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=961:publics-help-requested-to-identify-luring-suspect-in-belfair&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Fort Lewis Soldier Accused in Home-Invasion Robbery (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80269782.html

New Oregon Law Attempts to Curb Metal Theft (Associated Press)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/28/new-oregon-law-attempts-to-curb-metal-theft/

Cantwell Named Rising Political Star for 2010 (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/189357.asp?source=pimail

City of Shelton to Bill for Parking Spaces despite Not Knowing if Enforcement will continue (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=954:city-to-bill-for-parking-spaces-despite-not-knowing-if-enforcement-will-continue&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Qwest Ending Death Benefits for Retirees in ‘10 - survivors currently receive an amount equivalent to the last year’s salary (Associated Press)

http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=11742102

Low Bids Trimming Price Tag on Ryderwood Sewer Project (The Daily News, Longview, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/article_74fae972-f423-11de-ac0e-001cc4c03286.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS

Couple Stranded 3 Days After GPS Leads Them Astray

http://www.kirotv.com/automotive/22072904/detail.html

Mix-Up at Doggie Hotel Leaves Two Black Labs Confused

http://www.king5.com/news/local/Mix-up-at-doggie-hotel-leaves-two-black-labs-confused-80236912.html

Don’t Try This at Home…Or Anywhere - Tree Surfer Slams Into Car, Injures Head

http://www.examiner.com/a-2393407~Tree_surfer_in_Calif_slams_into_car__injures_head.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines

SONG OF THE DAY

Steve Winwood - Back in the High Life

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=308ypoKd4Dg

Warren Zevon - Back in the High Life Again (Just for Contrast)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mo3lxKrjABE

Energy News Digest for December 28, 2009

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• Whatcom County Officials Say Loss of Intalco Would Have Been Hit to Taxpayers, Governments
• California - Bill would halt high-voltage lines in Chino Hills
• Power Surges Spark Frustration
• Editorial - When it’s Cold Inside: Heating Assistance
• Snake River Region Sees Record Steelhead Run
• 2009 Salmon Fishing Gets Above-Average Grade
• Oregon - Conservation Group Wants Gill-Net Salmon Fishing Ban on Ballot
• State Considers Handing Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery to Private Operator
• Fate of Idaho Salmon Plays Out in Tiny Marsh Creek
• Earth Talk: West Coast Salmon Threatened
• Bald Eagles Arriving Home for the Holidays along Washington’s Skagit River
• Pacific Northwest Enjoying Spectacular Crab Harvest
• Op/Ed - Enjoy Puget Sound Oysters? Consumers Should Support Environmental Action
• 125 Pilot Whales Die on New Zealand Beaches, 43 Saved
• Dam Mess? Fluctuating Water Levels Cause Concern at Pend Oreille
• Filters Show Promise in Spokane River Cleanup
• As Lewis County Awaits New Flood Insurance Maps, FEMA Starts Over in Skagit County
• Grays Harbor - Environmental Groups Sue over Critical Areas Ordinance
• California - Regional Lake Study Points to Faster Warming
• New York - 187-Ton Windmill Topples in Madison County
• Small-Scale Turbines Get Praise in Alaska Villages
• Big Plans for Small Wind
• Harnessing the Sun to Store the Wind
• Energy Company to Revive California Geothermal Project
• Indiana Lawmakers Hopeful about Renewable Energy Bill
• Nevada: Renewable Energy Industry Will See Explosive Growth
• The Deal: A Novel Pre-pay Approach for a Wind Power Project
• Building More with Less - Energy Use, That Is
• Smart-Grid Rollout Fueling Revenue for Chip Makers
• Editorial - Environmental, economic concerns do not have to be mutually exclusive
• California Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics
• Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively
• Washington State Data Center Work Has Far-Reaching Effects
• Tacoma’s Click: It’s the envy of ... Seattle?
• Washington State UTC Staff Reverses Position on Frontier’s Bid for Verizon Phone Lines
• ISPs Won’t Give You Broadband, Won’t Let Anyone Else, Either
• Can Usage-based Broadband Billing Be Done Fairly?
• Cell Phone Mania Forces Scramble for More Airwaves
• New Fords Are Wi-Fi Hot Spots
• Man Found Dead in Salt Pile at Longview Chemical Plant
• Lumber Market Shows Signs of Rebound
• Congress - District 3’s Politics Promise Doozy of a Race

WORD OF THE DAY

Ergogenic • \ur-guh-JEN-ik\ • adjective - Enhancing physical performance

Dilton stared wistfully into the dimming light of the distant sunset, his jogging partners silhouetted against the orange rays of the dying sunlight. It was at that very moment that his ergogenic New Year’s resolution crystallized. “I will beat them over the horizon next year,” he muttered to himself between wheezing gasps.

WEATHER

Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Whatcom County Officials Say Loss of Intalco Would Have Been Hit to Taxpayers, Governments (The Bellingham Herald, WA)
http://www.bellinghamherald.com/102/story/1218141.html

California - Bill would halt high-voltage lines in Chino Hills (Inland Valley Daily Bulletin, Ontario, CA)
http://www.dailybulletin.com/ci_14079149

Power Surges Spark Frustration (KNDU-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)
http://www.kndu.com/global/story.asp?s=11735757

NY Times Editorial - When it’s Cold Inside: Heating Assistance
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/opinion/28mon2.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

FISH & WILDLIFE

Snake River Region Sees Record Steelhead Run - Anglers reel in thousands; local economy gets boost (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/region-sees-record-steelhead-run/

2009 Salmon Fishing Gets Above-Average Grade (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010604237_outn27.html

Oregon - Conservation Group Wants Gill-Net Salmon Fishing Ban on Ballot (Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/conservation_group_wants_gill.html

State Considers Handing Hood Canal Salmon Hatchery to Private Operator (Kitsap Sun, Bremerton, WA)
http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2009/dec/25/state-considering-turning-over-hatchery-to/

Fate of Idaho Salmon Plays Out in Tiny Marsh Creek - The fish that spawn here are among the most vulnerable in the region. Will Obama’s plan help if the population plummets? (Idaho Statesman, Boise, ID)
http://www.idahostatesman.com/newsupdates/story/1022016.html

Earth Talk: West Coast Salmon Threatened (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/home-garden/ci_14050487

Bald Eagles Arriving Home for the Holidays along Washington’s Skagit River
http://blog.oregonlive.com/terryrichard/2009/12/bald_eagles_arriving_home_for.html

Pacific Northwest Enjoying Spectacular Crab Harvest (Northwest Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6589

Seattle Times Op/Ed - Enjoy Puget Sound Oysters? Consumers Should Support Environmental Action
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2010587705_guest26huang.html

125 Pilot Whales Die on New Zealand Beaches, 43 Saved (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010611321_whale28.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Dam Mess? Fluctuating Water Levels Cause Concern at Pend Oreille (Idaho Business Review)
http://www.idahobusiness.net/archive.htm/2009/12/28/Dam-Mess-Fluctuating-water-levels-cause-concern-at-Pend-Oreille

Filters Show Promise in Spokane River Cleanup (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/filters-show-promise-in-river-cleanup/

As Lewis County Awaits New Flood Insurance Maps, FEMA Starts Over in Skagit County (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?As-Lewis-County-Awaits-New-Flood-Insuran=1&blockID=107567&feedID=410

Grays Harbor - Environmental Groups Sue over Critical Areas Ordinance (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/27/local_news/doc4b35b81a7eb76197681007.txt

California - Regional lake study points to faster warming (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/topstories/story/2422319.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

New York - 187-Ton Windmill Topples in Madison County: Incident mystifies officials; no one injured (Utica Observer-Dispatch, NY)
http://www.uticaod.com/business/x1136814227/187-ton-windmill-falls-over-in-Madison-County

Small-Scale Turbines Get Praise in Alaska Villages (Anchorage Daily News Miner, AK)
http://newsminer.com/pages/full_story/push?article-Small-scale+turbines+get+praise+in+Alaska+villages%20&id=5317650-Small-scale+turbines+get+praise+in+Alaska+villages&instance=home_news_window_left_top_3

Big Plans for Small Wind (Bismarck Tribune, ND)
http://www.bismarcktribune.com/business/article_219d78e6-f039-11de-b23f-001cc4c03286.html

Harnessing the Sun to Store the Wind (NY Times)
http://greeninc.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/28/harnessing-the-sun-to-store-the-wind/

Energy Company to Revive California Geothermal Project (SF Chronicle)
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/12/26/state/n110854S14.DTL&feed=rss.business

Indiana Lawmakers Hopeful about Renewable Energy Bill (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010613792_apusrenewableenergyindiana.html

Nevada Energy Office Director: Renewable Energy Industry Will See Explosive Growth (Las Vegas Sun, NV)
http://www.lasvegassun.com/news/2009/dec/27/renewable-energy-industry-will-undergo-explosive-g/

The Deal: A Novel Pre-pay Approach for a Wind Power Project (Renewable Energy World)
http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/article/2009/12/the-deal-a-novel-pre-pay-approach-for-a-wind-power-project

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Building More with Less - Energy Use, That Is (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/28/AR2009122800745.html

Smart-Grid Rollout Fueling Revenue for Chip Makers (Boston Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/boston/stories/2009/12/28/story2.html?ana=from_rss

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Columbian Editorial - Two Shades of Green: Environmental, economic concerns do not have to be mutually exclusive
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/28/2-shades-of-green/

California Air Quality Guidelines Face Unexpected Critics (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/27/us/27sfpolitics.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Earth-Friendly Elements, Mined Destructively (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/26/business/global/26rare.html

TELECOMMUNICATIONS & TECNHOLOGY

Washington State Data Center Work Has Far-Reaching Effects (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1083204.html

Tacoma’s Click: It’s the envy of ... Seattle? - Next mayor of Seattle gets advice on publicly owned local network (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1007702.html

Washington State UTC Staff Reverses Position on Frontier’s Bid for Verizon Phone Lines (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010591033_wutc25.html

ISPs Won’t Give You Broadband, Won’t Let Anyone Else, Either (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/ISPs-Wont-Give-You-Broadband-Wont-let-Anyone-Else-Either-106148

Can Usage-based Broadband Billing Be Done Fairly? (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/27/can-usage-based-broadband-billing-be-done-fairly/

Cell Phone Mania Forces Scramble for More Airwaves (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091227/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_spectrum_shortage

New Fords Are Wi-Fi Hot Spots (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/26/new-fords-are-wi-fi-hot-spots/

GENERAL NEWS

Man Found Dead in Salt Pile at Longview Chemical Plant (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Man-found-dead-in-salt-pile-at-Longview-chemical-plant-80165702.html

Lumber Market Shows Signs of Rebound (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010613951_apwalumbermarket.html

Congress - District 3’s Politics Promise Doozy of a Race (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1083802.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS

Once in a Blue Moon to Happen Thursday
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_14077781

Providence St. Vincent’s ‘Pink Glove’ Dancers Go Viral for Breast Cancer Awareness
http://www.oregonlive.com/news/oregonian/margie_boule/index.ssf/2009/12/providence_st_vincents_pink_gl.html

Saying Potholes Caused Crash, Spokane Man Sues Idaho
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/27/saying-potholes-caused-crash-man-sues-idaho/

Snoopy Named Top Dog in Pop Culture
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091223/od_nm/us_dogs

SONG OF THE DAY

Billie Holiday - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EYjn4JNbHWM

Chris Isaak - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NuCZDanw3aE

The Marcels - Blue Moon
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-avJPsuArgs

Energy News Digest for December 24, 2009

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open
• Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome
• Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants
• Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected
• Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case
• Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry
• US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors
• Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission
• Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal
• Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments
• BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team
• Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere
• Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend
• Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia
• Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages
• Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water
• California - San Joaquin Delta Water Action Plan Released
• Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational
• California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis
• Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm
• Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025
• Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant
• Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights
• Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates
• Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint
• Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled
• Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream
• Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud?
• Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader
• In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled
• Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic)
• Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest
• Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill
• Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US
• Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater

WORD OF THE DAY

Nativity • \nuh-TIV-it-tee\ • noun – 1: the process or circumstances of being born: birth; especially capitalized: the birth of Jesus 2: a horoscope at or of the time of one’s birth 3: the place of origin

The Nativity
The reason for the Season
Merry Christmas all!

WEATHER

Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

New Power Pact Keeps Intalco Open “…An important issue raised by the court decision is whether BPA must structure contracts & rates with direct service industries like Alcoa such that there is no net cost to BPA’s other customers & without regard to the public benefits that may accrue from the contracts such as employment impacts. BPA believes this is not what the law or sound public policy should require…” (Lynden Tribune, WA)
http://www.lyndentribune.com/node/5245

Avista ‘Disappointed’ With Rate Case Outcome (Puget Sound Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/stories/2009/12/21/daily32.html

Report Details CO2 Emissions from Boardman, Other Power Plants (The Oregonian, Portland)
http://www.oregonlive.com/environment/index.ssf/2009/12/report_details_co2_emissions_f.html

Natural Gas Stocks Decline Less Than Expected (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586851_apusnaturalgasstorage.html

Chevron to Pay $45.5 Million in Natural Gas Case (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/24chevron.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Loan Program May Stir Nuclear Industry (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/business/energy-environment/24nuke.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

US Department of Energy to Study Storage Options for Spent Nuclear Fuel, Small Reactors (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/24/24climatewire-doe-to-study-storage-options-for-spent-nucle-97694.html

Treasury Nominees Left Waiting – Norris Confirmed to FERC Commission (Wall Street Journal)
http://online.wsj.com/article/SB126167177382804465.html

Court OKs North Carolina Dam Removal (Courthouse News Service)
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Court_OKs_Dam_Removal.htm

Tangled Network: Transmission or Meter Investments (Energy Pulse)
http://www.energypulse.net/centers/article/article_display.cfm?a_id=2223

BPA Donates Snow Cat to Volcano Rescue Team (The Daily News, Longview, WA)
http://www.tdn.com/news/article_d8fb155e-f028-11de-a417-001cc4c03286.html

FISH & WILDLIFE

Spring Chinook Forecasts up Everywhere (The Columbian, Vancouver, WA)
http://www.columbian.com/news/2009/dec/23/spring-chinook-forecasts-everywhere/

Hatchery Steelhead Should Improve for This Weekend (Seattle Times)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/othersports/2010582524_fish24.html

Researchers Call for Conservation Zone for Killer Whales in British Columbia (Vancouver Sun, BC)
http://www.vancouversun.com/technology/Researchers+call+conservation+zone+killer+whales/2375425/story.html

Washington State Group Donates Tons of Salmon to Alaska Villages (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/80025007.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Feds Mull Regulating Drugs in Water (Associated Press)
http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gPAO8ZyrcKTttZipY00Pm6kjRoVQD9COHC0O0

California - San Joaquin Delta water action plan released (Modesto Bee, CA)
http://www.modbee.com/local/story/984881.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Eugene Water & Electric Board’s New Wind Project Now Operational (KVAL, Eugene, OR)
http://www.kval.com/news/business/80004332.html

California - Humboldt Wind Power Project Goes Under Analysis (Contra Costa Times, Walnut Creek, CA)
http://www.contracostatimes.com/california/ci_14062886

Minnesota - Early Christmas for Farmers Threatened With Eminent Domain for Wind Power Farm (Review Messenger, Sebeka, MN)
http://www.reviewmessenger.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=3797:early-christmas-for-farmers-threatened-with-eminent-domain-for-mn-wind-power-farm&catid=80:organizations

Wisconsin Clean Energy Bill Moves Ahead – 25 percent by 2025 (Express Milwaukee, WI)
http://www.expressmilwaukee.com/article-9322-wisconsin-clean-energy-bill-moves-ahead.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Shelton School District Getting $500,000 Energy Conservation Grant (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=931:shelton-school-district-getting-energy-grant&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Orion Energy Wins Patents for Energy Efficient Streetlights (The Business Journal of Milwaukee)
http://www.bizjournals.com/milwaukee/stories/2009/12/21/daily47.html?ana=from_rss

Canada - Conservation Group Calls for Reinstatement of B.C. Green Rebates (Canadian Broadcasting Corporation)
http://www.cbc.ca/canada/british-columbia/story/2009/12/23/bc-livesmart-bc-revival-call.html

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Washington State’s Governor Wants to Lessen Carbon Footprint (Associated Press)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/6420ap_wa_gregoire_climate.html?source=pimail

Lawsuit Over New York Carbon Auction Settled - Companies had challenged legal authority to auction allowances required for carbon dioxide emissions (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/businesstechnology/2010586578_apuscarbonauctionlawsuitnewyork.html

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Recharging & Other Concerns Keep Electric Cars Far from Mainstream (Washington Post)
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/12/23/AR2009122303463.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Is Our Data Too Vulnerable in the Cloud? (GigaOM)
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/24/is-our-data-too-vulnerable-in-the-cloud/

Telecom Lobbyists: U.S. Actually Broadband Leader - Assuming you completely ignore all data suggesting otherwise (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Telecom-Lobbyists-US-Actually-Broadband-Leader-106131

In 10 Years, Hours Spent on Internet Almost Doubled (GigaOM)
http://gigaom.com/2009/12/24/1999-2009-hours-spent-on-internet-nearly-doubled/

GENERAL NEWS

Washington State Might Gain House Seat - Population up 100,0000 (sic), making it 13th largest state (Olympian, WA)
http://www.theolympian.com/southsound/story/1081262.html

Winter Storm Spreading Snow, Ice Across Midwest (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010583672_apusholidaystorm.html

Senate Passes Health Care Overhaul Bill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/25/health/policy/25health.html

Father & Son Reunited in Brazil, Head Back to US (Associated Press)
http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/2009/12/24/world/AP-LT-Brazil-US-Custody-Battle.html

Sumner Official Takes Top Job in Tumwater (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/story/1005519.html

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS

NORAD Santa Tracker 2009 using Google Earth
http://www.nwcn.com/news/NORAD-Santa-Tracker-2009-using-Google-Earth-80060327.html

Merry Christmas: Father Sues Son Over Orange County Choppers
http://www.courthousenews.com/2009/12/24/Father_Sues_Son_Over_OC_Choppers.htm

60-Pound Beaver Attacks Boy in Oklahoma
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22046574/detail.html?treets=sea&tid=2653595907813&tml=sea_4pm&tmi=sea_4pm_1_06000212232009&ts=H

Bible Has Bounty of Financial Advice - Money & religion: Experts mixed on whether book’s guidance useful in modern economy (hmmm; thrift & charity. Sounds good to me)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/business/story/1005552.html

Police: Man Hid Meth Inside Buttocks (insert bad ‘Crack’ puns here)
http://www.kirotv.com/news/22047458/detail.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Vince Guaraldi- Christmas Time Is Here (from “A Charlie Brown Christmas” Now, here’s your ‘Dolly Madison’ snack cake…)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GPG3zSgm_Qo&feature=related

MST3K - Patrick Swayze Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2ZyJCV_dyug

Energy News Digest for December 23, 2009

All the links in today’s news digest lead to current stories. Please note that some media organizations update their web sites regularly, which may result in broken links in the future.

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

• BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant
• Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal
• Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement
• Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
• Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project
• Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases
• Avista Rate Hike Approved - A Fraction of What Utility Sought
• Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op
• Mason PUD 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination
• Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck
• Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
• Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny
• Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application
• Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill
• Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant
• Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp
• Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp
• Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection
• Mason PUD 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension
• SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water
• SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
• Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment
• California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind
• Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract
• Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces
• First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest
• European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate
• Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy
• Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week
• Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program
• Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband
• Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money
• Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies
• Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited
• Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out
• Seattle Most Literate City in US
• Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma
• Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion

WORD OF THE DAY

Veracity • \vuh-RASS-uh-tee\ • noun - 1: devotion to the truth: truthfulness *2: conformity with truth or fact: accuracy 3: something true

“Who ate the strawberries?” was the guttural question posed by the querulous Captain Queeg. His attempts to use scoops of sand to disprove the veracity of his officers and crew would have been laughable, except for the fact that he was dead serious.

WEATHER

Shelton Forecast & Weather Alerts
http://www.wrh.noaa.gov/forecast/mapclick.php?textfield1=47.213805&textfield2=-123.113412&site=all&smap=1&searchresult=shelton%2c%20wa%2c%20usa

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

BPA Reaches Deal on Power to Alcoa Plant (Oregonian)
http://www.oregonlive.com/business/index.ssf/2009/12/bpa_reaches_deal_on_power_to_a.html

Bellingham Smelter Workers Cheer Job-Saving Power Deal (NW Public Radio)
http://www.nwpr.org/07/HomepageArticles/Article.aspx?n=6572

Governor Gregoire’s Statement on BPA-Alcoa Agreement (Washington State Governor’s Office)
http://www.governor.wa.gov/news/news-view.asp?pressRelease=1397&newsType=1

Wenatchee World Editorial - Power Can Keep Building Us Up
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/22/power-can-keep-building-us-up/

Douglas PUD Files Draft Application for Relicensing Wells Hydro Project (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369791.aspx

Grant County PUD Approves Budget That Includes Rate Increases (Wenatchee World, WA)
http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2009/dec/23/grant-county-pud-approves-budget-that-includes/

Partial Avista Rate Hike Approved - Increase Is a Fraction of What Utility Sought in January (Spokesman-Review, Spokane, WA)
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2009/dec/23/partial-avista-rate-hike-approved/

Oregon - High Electric Bills Spark Complaints to Co-Op (Curry Coastal Pilot, Brookings, OR)
http://www.currypilot.com/20091223114414/News/Local-News/High-electric-bills-spark-complaints-to-co-op

Mason County PUD No. 3 to Hear Appeal of SEPA Determination (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=923:pud-3-to-hear-appeal-of-sepa-determination-&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

Grays Harbor PUD Cuts North Beach Truck (The Daily World, Aberdeen, WA)
http://www.thedailyworld.com/articles/2009/12/22/local_news/doc4b3115330161a337124993.txt

Port Townsend Leader Editorial - PUD: The Voters’ Wish
http://www.ptleader.com/main.asp?SectionID=5&SubSectionID=5&ArticleID=25904

Transmission - An Electric ‘Game Changer’ Gets FERC Scrutiny (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2009/12/23/23climatewire-an-electric-game-changer-gets-ferc-scrutiny-48247.html

Idaho - Would-Be Nuke Plant Builder Delays NRC Application (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080674.html

Tennessee Valley Authority Is Sued in Ash Spill (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/us/23brfs-UTILITYISSUE_BRF.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

Duke Energy Strikes Pollution Settlement for Indiana Plant (Charlotte Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/charlotte/stories/2009/12/21/daily17.html?ana=from_rss

FISH & WILDLIFE

Federal Officials Release First Year Progress Report on 2008 Salmon BiOp Implementation (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369797.aspx

Feds Say New Adaptive Management Plan Can Be Legally Added to Salmon BiOp Court Record (Columbia Basin Bulletin)
http://www.cbbulletin.com/369798.aspx

Feds Take on Bigger Role in Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta Protection (Sacramento Bee, CA)
http://www.sacbee.com/capitolandcalifornia/story/2416096.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Mason County PUD No. 3 Hires Morrissette to Design John’s Prairie Waterline Extension (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)
http://masoncountydailynews.net/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=922:pud-3-hires-morrissette-to-design-johns-prairie-waterline-extension&catid=1:latest-news&Itemid=50

SW Idaho Developer Loses Bid to Pump More Water (Associated Press)
http://www.theolympian.com/northwest/story/1080605.html

SF Chronicle Op/Ed - Don’t Drain Hetch Hetchy Reservoir
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2009/12/23/ED951B7SN8.DTL&feed=rss.opinion

Tons of Hawaii Trash Pile Up Awaiting Shipment (Associated Press)
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2010568900_aphishippingtrash.html?syndication=rss

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

California - Edison Power Line Challenge in the Wind (Los Angeles Daily News, CA)
http://www.dailynews.com/news/ci_14052057

Pacific Gas & Electric Signs Salty Solar Contract – Molten Salt a Component (San Francisco Business Times)
http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/stories/2009/12/21/daily20.html?ana=from_rss

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Looking for Energy-Efficient Alternatives to Fireplaces - Fireplaces have great appeal in a house, but aren’t energy-efficient. (Christian Science Monitor)
http://www.csmonitor.com/Environment/Bright-Green/2009/1222/Looking-for-energy-efficient-alternatives-to-fireplaces

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

First-of-Its-Kind Deal Sells Trees for Carbon Credits, Not Harvest, in Jefferson County (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)
http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20091223/news/312239992

European Union Blames Others for ‘Great Failure’ on Climate (NY Times)
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/23/world/europe/23iht-climate.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Minnesota - Shakopee Plant to Turn Toilet Waste Into Energy: Turning poo into gold; A new plant in Shakopee will transform wastewater solids into valuable gases (Minneapolis Star-Tribune, MN)
http://www.startribune.com/local/south/79815782.html?elr=KArks:DCiUHc3E7_V_nDaycUiD3aPc:_Yyc:aUUr

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Blackberry Users Beset by Second Outage in A Week (Associated Press)
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091223/ap_on_hi_te/us_tec_research_in_motion_blackberry_outage

Microsoft Loses Word Appeal, Will Adjust Program (Associated Press)
http://www.reuters.com/article/idUSTRE5BL3FV20091223?feedType=nl&feedName=usbusinessearly

Oregon Gets $2.1 Million for Broadband (Portland Business Journal)
http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/stories/2009/12/21/daily22.html

Connected Nation Wins Huge Chunk of Taxpayer Money - And will likely use that money to fight against your interests (Broadband Reports)
http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Connected-Nation-Wins-Huge-Chunk-Of-Taxpayer-Money-106122

GENERAL NEWS

Friends, Neighbors Pray for Wounded Deputies (Seattle Post-Intelligencer)
http://www.seattlepi.com/local/413559_vigil23.html

Washington State Legislature’s Environmental Agenda Limited (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA)
http://www.thenewstribune.com/news/government/story/1004372.html

Lewis County Lawmaker Calls for Growth Management Act Time Out to Help Spur Economic Development (KELA Radio, Centralia, WA)
http://www.kelaam.com/pages/localnews?Local-Lawmaker-Calls-For-Growth-Manageme=1&blockID=106473&feedID=410

Seattle Most Literate City in US (KING-TV, Seattle)
http://www.king5.com/news/local/Seattle-most-literate-city-in-US-79926377.html

Thieves Steal Valuables from Military Family Moving to Tacoma (KOMO-TV, Seattle)
http://www.komonews.com/news/local/79935527.html

Godless Heathens: Washington Ranks 36th in Importance of Religion
http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/archives/188934.asp?source=pimail

ALLIGATORS IN THE SEWER - DIVERSIONS

Reindeer Dung Ornaments, Jewelry Net Zoo $20K
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/nationworld/2010577005_apusoddreindeerdungornaments.html?syndication=rss

Sonoma County’s Christmas Ornament Ban Draws Flak
http://www.examiner.com/a-2386899~Sonoma_County_s_ornament_ban_draws_flak.html?cid=rss-California_Headlines

Bride Marries Arriving Groom at Texas Airport
http://www.kirotv.com/family/22040044/detail.html

Vatican Paper Says ‘The Simpsons’ Are Okely Dokely
http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/entertainment/2010573092_apeutvvaticanthesimpsons.html?syndication=rss

SONG OF THE DAY

Diana Krall - White Christmas
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tO4sPafmj_k

Brenda White - Christmas in the Northwest
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wn9QC9vuaDY