Energy News Digest for December 15, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 15, 2014

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Shelton&state=WA&site=SEW&lat=47.2389&lon=-123.206#.VI8z3zHF98E

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

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THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Puget Sound Energy Faces Opposition over Options for Eastside Power-Line Route (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025238733_eastsidepsepowerlines1xml.html

Columbia Generating Station: Washington State’s Only Nuclear Power Plant Turns 30 Years Old (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/States-only-nuclear-power-plant-turns-30-years-old-285826611.html

Oregon: Biogas Power Plant near Junction City Mired in Legal Disputes (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/32473566-75/biogas-power-plant-near-junction-city-mired-in-legal-disputes.html.csp#

From Carbon to Kids: Inslee Wants Climate Policy to Fund Schools (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/carbon-kids-inslee-wants-climate-policy-fund-schools/

Columbia River Salmon Anglers in 2014 Set Record Catch; Forecast Projects More Good Runs in 2015 (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/432769.aspx

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Puget Sound Energy Faces Opposition over Options for Eastside Power-Line Route
2. Columbia Generating Station: Washington State’s Only Nuclear Power Plant Turns 30 Years Old
3. Leads Prove Elusive as Clallam Sheriff’s Office Investigates Theft of Copper, Power Outage West of Port Angeles
4. California: Tiny Water District to Seize Pacific Gas & Electric Power Lines, Transformers
5. Even Before Long Winter Begins, Energy Bills Send Shivers in New England
6. In Navajo Country, Coal Gives Life - And Takes It, Some Say
7. Fitch: Utility Sector Well Positioned to Manage Near-Term Risks
8. Advanced Meter Fee Scam Hits South Carolina Co-op
9. Columbia River Salmon Anglers in 2014 Set Record Catch; Forecast Projects More Good Runs in 2015
10. Canada: Salmon Farmers to Spend $1.5 Million on Wild Fish Study
11. Beavers’ Eagerness Is the Problem above Douglas PUD’s Wells Dam
12. Op/Ed: Congress’s Hostile Takeover of Endangered Species Efforts
13. Skagit County Water Fight Ruling Won’t Mean Battle Ends
14. Scientist Prepare for another Wave of Tsunami Debris along PNW Coast, & More Invasive Species
15. Oregon: Biogas Power Plant near Junction City Mired in Legal Disputes
16. The Economist Explains: What Has Gone Wrong with Germany’s Energy Policy
17. Eggnog & Efficiency: How the Holiday Season Affects Utilities
18. West Richland Getting New LED Lights
19. Marijuana Growers Sprout on Wall Street as Pot Goes Public
20. La Center Mulls Marijuana Ban
21. From Carbon to Kids: Inslee Wants Climate Policy to Fund Schools
22. Pacific Gas & Electric CEO: A Price on Carbon Can Be Good for Utilities
23. Arctic Sea Ice Volume Holds Up in 2014
24. Northwest Environmental Conference: Sustainability Directors in Unlikely Places
25. Capturing Carbon as a Byproduct of Running a Fuel Cell
26. FCC Boosts Rural Broadband Speed Requirements to 10 Mbps
27. Facebook Discards Microsoft Bing for Search
28. Google among Major U-S Companies Researching Use of Color in Business Initiatives
29. The Governor Unplugged: Inslee Warns Of ‘Malarkey’ & ‘Assault by Polluting Industries’
30. Alpine Lakes, Manhattan Project National Park Pass U-S Senate
31. In Final Spending Bill, Salty Food & Belching Cows Are Winners
32. Mason County Shellfish Contamination Prompts Recall
33. Judge’s Ruling Favors Cowlitz Tribe in Casino Case

WORD OF THE DAY

Nabob • \NAY-bob \ • Noun - A person of great wealth or importance.

Spiro T’s lament

Nattering nabobs no good

See you in prison.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Puget Sound Energy Faces Opposition over Options for Eastside Power-Line Route (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025238733_eastsidepsepowerlines1xml.html

Columbia Generating Station: Washington State’s Only Nuclear Power Plant Turns 30 Years Old (Associated Press)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/States-only-nuclear-power-plant-turns-30-years-old-285826611.html

Leads Prove Elusive as Clallam Sheriff’s Office Investigates Theft of Copper, Power Outage West of Port Angeles (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141215/news/312159945/leads-prove-elusive-as-clallam-sheriff-8217-s-office-investigates

California: Tiny Water District to Seize Pacific Gas & Electric Power Lines, Transformers (SF Chronicle)

http://www.sfgate.com/business/article/Tiny-water-district-to-seize-PG-E-power-lines-5953800.php

Even Before Long Winter Begins, Energy Bills Send Shivers in New England (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/14/us/even-before-long-winter-begins-energy-bills-send-shivers-in-new-england.html

In Navajo Country, Coal Gives Life - And Takes It, Some Say (Los Angeles Times, CA)

http://www.latimes.com/nation/la-na-new-mexico-coal-20141215-story.html#page=1

Fitch: Utility Sector Well Positioned to Manage Near-Term Risks (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/fitch-utility-sector-well-postioned-to-manage-near-term-risks/343819/

Advanced Meter Fee Scam Hits South Carolina Co-op (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/industry/crime/meter-scam-hits-palmetto-electric-co-op/76362

FISH & WILDLIFE

Columbia River Salmon Anglers in 2014 Set Record Catch; Forecast Projects More Good Runs in 2015 (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/432769.aspx

Canada: Salmon Farmers to Spend $1.5 Million on Wild Fish Study - Industry will appoint independent researchers to look at disease transmission, migration routes (Victoria Times Colonist, BC)

http://www.timescolonist.com/news/b-c/salmon-farmers-to-spend-1-5-million-on-wild-fish-study-1.1665604

Beavers’ Eagerness Is the Problem above Douglas PUD’s Wells Dam (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2014/dec/12/douglas-pud-making-it-hazardous-to-be-a-beaver-above-wells-dam/

Op/Ed: Congress’s Hostile Takeover of Endangered Species Efforts (The Hill, Washington, DC)

http://thehill.com/blogs/pundits-blog/energy-environment/227096-congress-launches-hostile-takeover-of-sage-grouse

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Skagit County Water Fight Ruling Won’t Mean Battle Ends (Skagit Valley Herald, Mount Vernon, WA)

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/water-fight-ruling-won-t-mean-battle-ends/article_92a64def-20f0-56ae-8aa4-b309ef1d4e56.html

Scientist Prepare for another Wave of Tsunami Debris along PNW Coast, & More Invasive Species (Columbia Basin Bulletin)

http://www.cbbulletin.com/432762.aspx

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Oregon: Biogas Power Plant near Junction City Mired in Legal Disputes (Eugene Register-Guard, OR)

http://registerguard.com/rg/news/local/32473566-75/biogas-power-plant-near-junction-city-mired-in-legal-disputes.html.csp#

The Economist Explains: What Has Gone Wrong with Germany’s Energy Policy (The Economist Magazine)

http://www.economist.com/blogs/economist-explains/2014/12/economist-explains-10

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

Eggnog & Efficiency: How the Holiday Season Affects Utilities (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/eggnog-and-efficiency-how-the-holiday-season-affects-utilities/343084/

West Richland Getting New LED Lights (KEPR-TV, Tri-Cities, WA)

http://www.keprtv.com/home/video/West-Richland-may-be-getting-new-L-E-D-lights-285296941.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Marijuana Growers Sprout on Wall Street as Pot Goes Public (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2014/12/15/marijuana-growers-go-public/

La Center Mulls Marijuana Ban - Pot businesses could be allowed in some areas or banned altogether (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/15/la-center-mulls-marijuana-ban/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

From Carbon to Kids: Inslee Wants Climate Policy to Fund Schools (Washington State Wire, Olympia, WA)

http://washingtonstatewire.com/blog/carbon-kids-inslee-wants-climate-policy-fund-schools/

Pacific Gas & Electric CEO: A Price on Carbon Can Be Good for Utilities (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/pge-ceo-a-price-on-carbon-can-be-good-for-utilities/343698/

Arctic Sea Ice Volume Holds Up in 2014 (British Broadcasting Corporation)

http://www.bbc.com/news/science-environment-30399079

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Northwest Environmental Conference: Sustainability Directors in Unlikely Places (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2014/12/northwest-environmental-conference-sustainability.html

Capturing Carbon as a Byproduct of Running a Fuel Cell (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/business/capturing-carbon-as-a-byproduct-of-running-a-fuel-cell.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

FCC Boosts Rural Broadband Speed Requirements to 10 Mbps (eWeek)

http://www.eweek.com/networking/fcc-boosts-rural-broadband-speed-requirements-to-10-mbps.html

Facebook Discards Microsoft Bing for Search (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/blog/techflash/2014/12/facebook-discards-microsoft-bing-for-search.html

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Google among Major U-S Companies Researching Use of Color in Business Initiatives (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2014/12/15/google-researching-use-of-color-in-business

All Google has to do is hire the characters Jane Lynch & John Michael Higgins played in the movie “A Mighty Wind.”

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r0I80hWOFS8

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

The Governor Unplugged: Inslee Warns Of ‘Malarkey’ & ‘Assault by Polluting Industries’ (Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2014/12/12/inslee-warns-of-malarkey-and-assault-by-polluting-industries/

Alpine Lakes, Manhattan Project National Park Pass U-S Senate (Seattle Post Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/seattlepolitics/2014/12/12/alpine-lakes-manhattan-project-national-park-pass-u-s-senate/#12728103=0&14314101=0

In Final Spending Bill, Salty Food & Belching Cows Are Winners “…requires the EPA to withdraw a new rule defining how the Clean Water Act applies to certain agricultural conservation practices…” (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/15/us/politics/in-final-spending-bill-salty-food-and-belching-cows-are-winners.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

Mason County Shellfish Contamination Prompts Recall (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/December-2014/Mason-Co-shellfish-contamination-prompts-recall/

Judge’s Ruling Favors Cowlitz Tribe in Casino Case (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Judges-ruling-favors-Cowlitz-tribe-in-casino-case-285770101.html

DIVERSIONS

Job Title Not Convoluted Enough? Try This ‘Badass Advertising Job Titles’ Generator

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/job-title-not-convoluted-enough-try-badass-advertising-job-titles-generator-161921

Bunch of Grinches Take $2,000 in Christmas Trees from Cut-Your-Own Farm without Paying

http://consumerist.com/2014/12/15/bunch-of-grinches-take-2k-in-christmas-trees-from-cut-your-own-farm-without-paying/

The Hottest Gift You Aren’t Getting: Selfie Sticks (I’m sure there’s something Freudian about this!)

http://q13fox.com/2014/12/15/the-hottest-gift-you-arent-getting-selfie-sticks/

It’s ‘Culture.’ Merriam-Webster Unveils Its Word of the Year

http://www.idahostatesman.com/2014/12/15/3543027/its-culture-merriam-webster-unveils.html?sp=/99/1640/

SONG OF THE DAY

Boston – Long Time/Foreplay

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7HuLpztWyFA

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for December 12, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 12, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/lxn7xor

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

Powerful Wind Storm Knocks Out Power to Thousands in Puget Sound Region (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2665015/Powerful-wind-storm-knocks-out-power-to-thousands-in-Puget-Sound

Pacific Northwest’s Regional Hydropower Potential Is Lower than Federal Estimate (Northwest Power and Conservation Council)

http://www.nwcouncil.org/news/blog/regional-hydropower-potential-is-lower-than-federal-estimate/

Biologists Optimistic about Columbia River’s Spring Chinook Run (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/11/biologists-optimistic-about-columbia-spring-chinoo/

Crooked River: Central Oregon Water Dispute Settled in Bill That Wins Last-Minute Congressional Passage (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2014/12/central_oregon_water_dispute_s.html

Many Tribes Not Eager to Grow & Sell Pot, Despite U-S Justice Department Saying They Can (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2014/12/12/tribes-wary-of-selling-pot-even-if-doj-says-ok

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Powerful Wind Storm Knocks Out Power to Thousands in Puget Sound Region
2. Mason PUD 3 Linemen Wrap Up Restoration - Scattered Outages from Last Night's Storm
3. Pacific Northwest’s Regional Hydropower Potential Is Lower than Federal Estimate
4. Alaska: Susitna Dam Will Cost More, Study Says
5. British Columbia Estimates Additional Cost of $600-Million for Site Peace River Dam Project
6. Mason PUD 3 Commissioner Linda Gott Reappointed to American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council
7. U-S Senate Energy Committee Votes to Approve Honorable's Nomination To FERC
8. Dog Electrocuted on Juneau Sidewalk When It Stepped on Electrical Box Cover
9. Biologists Optimistic about Columbia River’s Spring Chinook Run
10. Crooked River: Central Oregon Water Dispute Settled in Bill That Wins Last-Minute Congressional Passage
11. Skagit PUD Upgrades Water Main in East Mount Vernon
12. Many Tribes Not Eager to Grow & Sell Pot, Despite U-S Justice Department Saying They Can
13. Zapped by Escalating Energy Costs, Marijuana Growers Seek Power-Saving Measures
14. Marijuana Growers Worry Snohomish County Could Pull Their Permits
15. Wenatchee Ban on Pot Businesses Going Away
16. Could 'Spy-Proof' Secret Rooms Go into Washington State's Data Center?
17. FCC: Sorry ISPs, 4 Mbps Ain't Broadband
18. Tax Perks Didn't Bring the Growth, Jobs AT&T, Verizon Promised
19. Best Buy Sorry for Tweet Joking About 'Serial' Murder at Its Store
20. Bank of America’s Laughable Defense for Five Years of Unwanted Robocalls
21. U-S House Narrowly Passes Bill to Avoid Shutdown; $1.1 Trillion in Spending
22. Deputies: Identified - Shelton High School Teacher & Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Student
23. Fallen Tree Sparks Propane Fire at Thurston County Casino
24. Tree Falls on Car in Southwest Portland, Killing Teen
25. California: Storm Brings Surfers to Lake Tahoe, Street Flooding to Sacramento
26. Washington State Squandering Tobacco Settlement Funds, Says Group
27. Mason EDC Head: Things Looking Up
28. Olympic College's Recognition among Top Tier of Community Colleges Not Surprising

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Powerful Wind Storm Knocks Out Power to Thousands in Puget Sound Region (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2665015/Powerful-wind-storm-knocks-out-power-to-thousands-in-Puget-Sound

Mason PUD 3 Linemen Wrap Up Restoration - Scattered Outages from Last Night's Storm (Mason PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?NewsID=1463

Pacific Northwest’s Regional Hydropower Potential Is Lower than Federal Estimate (Northwest Power and Conservation Council)

http://www.nwcouncil.org/news/blog/regional-hydropower-potential-is-lower-than-federal-estimate/

Alaska: Susitna Dam Will Cost More, Study Says (Mat-Su Valley Frontiersman, AK)
http://www.frontiersman.com/news/susitna-dam-will-cost-more-study-says/article_619d2940-81bc-11e4-b405-bf44a29d065d.html

British Columbia Estimates Additional Cost of $600-Million for Site Peace River Dam Project (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-estimates-additional-cost-of-600-million-for-site-c-dam-project/article22058082/?cmpid=rss1

Mason PUD 3 Commissioner Linda Gott Reappointed to American Public Power Association Policy Makers Council (Mason PUD 3, Shelton, WA)

http://www.masonpud3.org/newsdisplay.aspx?newsid=1462

U-S Senate Energy Committee Votes to Approve Honorable's Nomination To FERC (American Public Power Association)

http://www.naylornetwork.com/app-ppd/articles/index-v2.asp?aid=299237&issueID=35006

Dog Electrocuted on Juneau Sidewalk When It Stepped on Electrical Box Cover (Alaska Dispatch)

http://www.adn.com/article/20141209/dog-electrocuted-juneau-sidewalk-when-it-stepped-electrical-box-cover

FISH & WILDLIFE

Biologists Optimistic about Columbia River’s Spring Chinook Run (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/11/biologists-optimistic-about-columbia-spring-chinoo/

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Crooked River: Central Oregon Water Dispute Settled in Bill That Wins Last-Minute Congressional Passage (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/mapes/index.ssf/2014/12/central_oregon_water_dispute_s.html

Skagit PUD Upgrades Water Main in East Mount Vernon (Skagit Valley Herald, Mt Vernon, WA)

http://www.goskagit.com/all_access/pud-upgrades-water-main-in-east-mount-vernon/article_16c1292e-d1cc-59d9-974e-84a38d33a777.html

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Many Tribes Not Eager to Grow & Sell Pot, Despite U-S Justice Department Saying They Can (Associated Press)

http://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2014/12/12/tribes-wary-of-selling-pot-even-if-doj-says-ok

Zapped by Escalating Energy Costs, Marijuana Growers Seek Power-Saving Measures (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/zapped-by-escalating-energy-costs-marijuana-growers-seek-alternatives/

Marijuana Growers Worry Snohomish County Could Pull Their Permits (Everett Herald, WA)

http://www.heraldnet.com/article/20141212/NEWS01/141219701

Wenatchee Ban on Pot Businesses Going Away (KPQ Radio, Wenatchee, WA)

http://pro.kpq-am.tritonflex.com/common/more.php?m=15&r=1&item_id=22651

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Could 'Spy-Proof' Secret Rooms Go into Washington State's Data Center? (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/could-spy-proof-secret-rooms-go-washingtons-data-center

FCC: Sorry ISPs, 4 Mbps Ain't Broadband (PC World)

http://www.pcworld.com/article/2858912/fcc-requires-higher-speeds-for-broadband-subsidies.html

Tax Perks Didn't Bring the Growth, Jobs AT&T, Verizon Promised (Broadband Reports)

http://www.dslreports.com/shownews/Tax-Perks-Didnt-Bring-the-Growth-Jobs-ATT-Verizon-Promised-131886

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Best Buy Sorry for Tweet Joking About 'Serial' Murder at Its Store (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/advertising-branding/best-buy-sorry-tweet-joking-about-serial-murder-its-store-161906

Bank of America’s Laughable Defense for Five Years of Unwanted Robocalls (Consumerist)

http://consumerist.com/2014/12/11/bank-of-americas-laughable-defense-for-5-years-of-unwanted-robocalls/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

U-S House Narrowly Passes Bill to Avoid Shutdown; $1.1 Trillion in Spending (NY Times)

http://www.nytimes.com/2014/12/12/us/congress-spending-bill.html?partner=rss&emc=rss

GENERAL NEWS

Deputies: Identified - Shelton High School Teacher & Coach Arrested for Sexual Misconduct with Student (KMAS Radio, Shelton, WA)

http://kmasnewsradio.com/news/local-state-news/20307-high-school-teacher-coach-arrested

Fallen Tree Sparks Propane Fire at Thurston County Casino (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/Fallen-tree-sparks-propane-fire-at-Thurston-Co-casino-285583771.html

Tree Falls on Car in Southwest Portland, Killing Teen (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Tree-falls-on-car-in-Southwest-Portland-killing-teen-285569901.html

California: Storm Brings Surfers to Lake Tahoe, Street Flooding to Sacramento (Sacramento Bee, CA)

http://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article4440685.html#emlnl=Morning_Newsletter

Washington State Squandering Tobacco Settlement Funds, Says Group (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/washington-state-squandering-tobacco-settlement.html

Mason EDC Head: Things Looking Up (South Sound Business Examiner)

http://www.businessexaminer.com/blog/December-2014/Mason-EDC-head-Things-looking-up/

Olympic College's Recognition among Top Tier of Community Colleges Not Surprising (Kitsap Peninsual Business Journal, WA)

http://www.kitsapsun.com/kpbj/ocs-recognition-among-top-tier-of-community-colleges-not-surprising

DIVERSIONS

Alaska Airline's Old Leather 737 Seats Turned into Handbags

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/morning_call/2014/12/alaska-airlines-old-leather-737seats-turned-into.html

Clouds Fill Grand Canyon in Rare Weather Event

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/science/article/Clouds-fill-Grand-Canyon-in-rare-weather-event-5950926.php

'How Star Wars Conquered the Universe' Explains (Very Astutely) How a Series of Films Became a Mythos

http://www.csmonitor.com/Books/Book-Reviews/2014/1212/How-Star-Wars-Conquered-the-Universe-explains-very-astutely-how-a-series-of-films-became-a-mythos

Achtung! Oklahoma Boy Puts Quarter in Vending Machine, Gets Nazi Ring

http://news.yahoo.com/oklahoma-boy-puts-quarter-vending-machine-gets-nazi-173405560--finance.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Ferde Grofé - The Grand Canyon Suite

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N1l5vgY_3tw

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for December 11, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 11, 2014

http://tinyurl.com/ogflenl

High Wind Warning

http://tinyurl.com/q2l5bgl

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

High Wind Warnings in Effect as Windstorm Looms This Evening (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/High-Wind-Warnings-in-effect-as-windstorm-looms-this-evening-285514841.html

Yakama Nation Files Lawsuit against Army Corps Over River Cleanup (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2735963-8/yakama-nation-files-lawsuit-against-army-corps-over

Higher Phone Bills to Pay for High-Speed Internet at Schools (Associated Press)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27117371/higher-phone-bills-pay-high-speed-internet-at?source=rss

Washington State Utilities & Transportation Commission Wants to Test By-The-Mile Road Tax (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/11/washington-commission-wants-test-mile-road-tax/

Should Homeowners with Solar Panels Pay to Maintain Electrical Grid? (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2014/12/11/370022556/solar-storm-rooftop-panels-spark-fights-between-utilities-startups

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Seven Tips to Prepare for High Wind Storm, Power Outage
2. Magid: How to Keep Your Gadgets Running During a Power Outage
3. Clallam PUD Readies for Increase in Utility Rates - Informational Meetings Scheduled
4. FERC Plans Conferences on EPA Clean Power Plan
5. Ontario: Smart Meters Have Few Benefits for Big Costs: AG Report
6. Electric, Gas Industries Still Can’t Agree on When the Day Starts
7. Senate Confirms Two Tennessee Valley Authority Nominees
8. Yakama Nation Files Lawsuit against Army Corps Over River Cleanup
9. Sturgeon Population Slowly Improving in Lower Columbia
10. Flap over Sage Grouse Spurs Congress to Intervene
11. Should Homeowners with Solar Panels Pay to Maintain Electrical Grid?
12. Poll: Oregonians of All Stripes Support Renewable Energy
13. How Utilities Can Design Demand Response & Efficiency Programs to Boost Customer Engagement
14. Report: Feds Gathering Evidence against Cannabis Companies
15. ‘Bad Actors’ in Medical Marijuana to be Weeded Out, Seattle Official Says
16. Higher Phone Bills to Pay for High-Speed Internet at Schools
17. Douglas PUD Reduces Fiber Hook-Up Rate
18. Your Internet Access Will be Tax-Free for Another Year, at Least
19. CenturyLink’s New Gigabit Internet Service: Where It Is (Map), What It Costs
20. Washington State Utilities & Transportation Commission Wants to Test By-The-Mile Road Tax
21. High Wind Warnings in Effect as Windstorm Looms This Evening
22. Big Wind Tonight
23. Homeowners Prepare for Power Outages, Tree Damage in Pacific NW Storm
24. Bay Area Storm: Flash Flood Warnings, Tree Injures Child, Thousands without Power
25. Oregon: Another Earthquake Swarm Rattles Lakeview Area
26. Thief Strips Wiring from Kelso’s Stan Rister Stadium Lights
27. What Is an Atmospheric River?

WORD OF THE DAY

Phalanx • \FAY-lanks\ • noun – 1: a body of heavily armed infantry in ancient Greece formed in close deep ranks and files; broadly: a body of troops in close array 2 plural phalanges: one of the digital bones of the hand or foot of a vertebrate 3: a massed arrangement of persons, animals, or things: an organized body of persons

The Amish space heater salesman strode into the room, head held high, surrounded by his phalanx of high-priced Philadelphia lawyers. One could not imagine a more impressive sight, until a small child squeaked, “Mamma look, that man has no clothes!”

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Seven Tips to Prepare for High Wind Storm, Power Outage (Thurston Talks, Olympia, WA)

http://www.thurstontalk.com/2014/12/11/7-tips-prepare-high-wind-storm-power-outage/

Magid: How to Keep Your Gadgets Running During a Power Outage (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/larry-magid/ci_27116691/magid-how-keep-your-gadgets-running-during-power?source=rss

Clallam PUD Readies for Increase in Utility Rates - Informational Meetings Scheduled (Sequim Gazette, WA)

http://www.sequimgazette.com/news/285406071.html

FERC Plans Conferences on EPA Clean Power Plan (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/ferc-plans-conferences-on-epa-clean-power-plan/342703/

Ontario: Smart Meters Have Few Benefits for Big Costs: AG Report (Toronto Star, Ontario)

http://www.thestar.com/business/2014/12/09/smart_meters_have_few_benefits_for_big_costs_ag_report.html

Electric, Gas Industries Still Can’t Agree on When the Day Starts (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/electric-gas-industries-still-cant-agree-on-when-the-day-starts/342577/

Senate Confirms Two Tennessee Valley Authority Nominees (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/senate-confirms-2-tva-nominees/342609/

FISH & WILDLIFE

Yakama Nation Files Lawsuit against Army Corps Over River Cleanup (Yakima Herald-Republic, WA)

http://www.yakimaherald.com/news/latestlocalnews/2735963-8/yakama-nation-files-lawsuit-against-army-corps-over

Sturgeon Population Slowly Improving in Lower Columbia (Vancouver Columbian, WA)

http://www.columbian.com/news/2014/dec/11/sturgeon-population-slowly-improving-lower-columbi/

Flap over Sage Grouse Spurs Congress to Intervene (Associated Press)

http://www.seattlepi.com/business/energy/article/Flap-over-sage-grouse-spurs-Congress-to-intervene-5949554.php

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Should Homeowners with Solar Panels Pay to Maintain Electrical Grid? (National Public Radio)

http://www.npr.org/2014/12/11/370022556/solar-storm-rooftop-panels-spark-fights-between-utilities-startups

Poll: Oregonians of All Stripes Support Renewable Energy (Portland Business Journal, OR)

http://www.bizjournals.com/portland/blog/sbo/2014/12/poll-oregonians-of-all-stripes-support-renewable.html

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

How Utilities Can Design Demand Response & Efficiency Programs to Boost Customer Engagement (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/how-utilities-can-design-dr-and-efficiency-programs-to-boost-customer-engag/342289/

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Report: Feds Gathering Evidence against Cannabis Companies (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/report-feds-gathering-evidence-against-cannabis-companies/

‘Bad Actors’ in Medical Marijuana to be Weeded Out, Seattle Official Says (Puget Sound Business Journal, WA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/seattle/news/2014/12/10/bad-actors-in-medical-marijuana-to-be-weeded-out.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Higher Phone Bills to Pay for High-Speed Internet at Schools (Associated Press)

http://www.mercurynews.com/business/ci_27117371/higher-phone-bills-pay-high-speed-internet-at?source=rss

Douglas PUD Reduces Fiber Hook-Up Rate (Wenatchee World, WA)

http://www.wenatcheeworld.com/news/2013/jul/18/douglas-pud-drops-fiber-hook-up-rate/

Your Internet Access Will be Tax-Free for Another Year, at Least (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/10/your-internet-access-will-be-tax-free-for-another-year-at-least/

CenturyLink’s New Gigabit Internet Service: Where It Is (Map), What It Costs (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/12/centurylink_launches_gigabit_i.html

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Utilities & Transportation Commission Wants to Test By-The-Mile Road Tax (Associated Press)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/11/washington-commission-wants-test-mile-road-tax/

GENERAL NEWS

High Wind Warnings in Effect as Windstorm Looms This Evening (KOMO-TV, Seattle, WA)

http://www.komonews.com/news/local/High-Wind-Warnings-in-effect-as-windstorm-looms-this-evening-285514841.html

Big Wind Tonight (Cliff Mass Weather Blog)

http://cliffmass.blogspot.com/2014/12/big-wind-tonight.html

Homeowners Prepare for Power Outages, Tree Damage in Pacific NW Storm (KATU-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.katu.com/news/local/Homeowners-prepare-for-power-outages-285458171.html

Bay Area Storm: Flash Flood Warnings, Tree Injures Child, Thousands without Power (San Jose Mercury News, CA)

http://www.mercurynews.com/bay-area-news/ci_27115394/bay-area-storm-north-bay-gets-first-soaking?source=rss

Oregon: Another Earthquake Swarm Rattles Lakeview Area (Oregon Public Broadcasting)

http://www.opb.org/news/article/another-earthquake-swarm-rattles-lakeview-area/

Thief Strips Wiring from Kelso’s Stan Rister Stadium Lights (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/thief-strips-wiring-from-stan-rister-stadium-s-lights/article_74e992ba-80ca-11e4-95e9-030754fd5160.html

What Is an Atmospheric River? (Gizmodo)

http://gizmodo.com/5963868/what-is-an-atmospheric-river

DIVERSIONS

Man Secretly Living above Denver Bar Falls through Ceiling, Gets Stuck in Wall

http://www.kirotv.com/news/news/national/man-secretly-living-above-denver-bar-falls-through/njPtK/

This Agency Wants You to Become a Christmas Tree by Putting Ornaments in Your Beard

http://www.adweek.com/adfreak/agency-wants-you-become-christmas-tree-putting-ornaments-your-beard-161881

I MEANT Mazel Tov – Wisconsin Governor Says ‘Molotov’ in Hanukkah Letter Was Typo

https://news.yahoo.com/walker-says-molotov-hanukkah-letter-typo-162624596.html

Washington State Baby Tips Scales at Nearly 15 Pounds

https://news.yahoo.com/washington-baby-tips-scales-nearly-15-pounds-234934807.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Where’s your emergency kit?

The Temptations - Get Ready

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m7ZoBTp1mig

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.

Energy News Digest for December 10, 2014

SHELTON FORECAST & WEATHER ALERTS

Weather Forecast for December 10, 2014

http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?CityName=Shelton&state=WA&site=SEW&lat=47.2389&lon=-123.206#.VIiZPDHF98E

High Wind Watch for Western Washington State

http://alerts.weather.gov/cap/wwacapget.php?x=WA12517DACBA94.HighWindWatch.12517DCA4960WA.SEWNPWSEW.60925fdc1a070a8def75a4f068e7fbc1

SUBSCRIBE TO THE ENERGY NEWS DIGEST

To subscribe, email jmyer@masonpud3.org

THE NEWS DIGEST TWITTER FEED

Follow the news digest on Twitter for breaking news & notices:

http://twitter.com/energydigest

HOT SHOTS – TODAY’S TOP FIVE STORIES

High Winds Could Bring 70 Mph Gusts to Puget Sound Region (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2665015/High-winds-could-bring-70-mph-gusts-to-Puget-Sound-region

Wanapum Dam Stable after Reservoir Hits Elevation Target (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025199815_wanapumdamxml.html?syndication=rss

Google Fiber Could Be Snared by Thorny Oregon Tax Law (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/12/google_fiber_could_be_snared_b.html

Nippon Mill’s $85 Million Cogeneration Plant in Port Angeles Is Operating - But Not Fully (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141210/NEWS/312109988/nippon-mills-85-million-cogeneration-plant-is-operating-8212-but

Legal Marijuana Sales in Spokane County Top $1 Million Last Month (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/10/legal-marijuana-sales-in-spokane-county-top-1/

NEWS HIGHLIGHTS (Details Below)

1. Wanapum Dam Stable after Reservoir Hits Elevation Target
2. Scammers Target Utility & Phone Customers
3. Cowlitz PUD Budget Gets Green Light with Potential Rate Increase Looming
4. Northeast U-S: National Grid Joins Canadian Hydropower Rush
5. Iowa Lawmaker Wants to Expand His State’s Hydropower
6. NRECA Seeks Fair Treatment in Tribal Rights of Way
7. Cowlitz PUD Staffer Wins State Award for Columbia River Rescue
8. Film ‘DamNation’ Takes Broad View with Elwha River Restoration; Showing Set Friday in Port Angeles
9. With Future Uncertain, Colorado Shields Its Water
10. Nippon Mill’s $85 Million Cogeneration Plant in Port Angeles Is Operating - But Not Fully
11. Michigan: Can Burning Tires Be Called Renewable Energy?
12. Accenture: Distributed Generation Could Slash Utility Revenues $48 Billion
13. News Release: Pacific Northwest Utilities Help Bring Game-Changing Water Heating Technology to Region
14. Portland General Electric: Smart Power in Store for Future
15. Truckee PUD Giving Away Free LED Holiday Lights for Customers
16. Legal Marijuana Sales in Spokane County Top $1 Million Last Month
17. Washington State Marijuana Industry Racks Up Dozens of Violations
18. Recreational Marijuana Approved for 2016 Ballot in Nevada
19. Oregon Marijuana Getting Shipped by U-S Mail
20. Editorial: British Columbia Must Not Undo Low-Carbon-Fuel Standards
21. Michigan: Dairy Farm Will Generate Electricity Instead of Smells with $8 Million Anaerobic Digester
22. Google Fiber Could Be Snared by Thorny Oregon Tax Law
23. Fifty U-S Cities Bond Together to Home-Grow Broadband
24. Comcast on Home Wi-Fi Lawsuit: Customers Get “Real Benefits”
25. How Cheap Does the Internet Have to Be to Get Everyone Online?
26. Instagram Is Now Bigger Than Twitter with 300 Million Monthly Users
27. New Everett Logo a Very Close Match to National Financial Company
28. Nine Marketing Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Rookie
29. Washington State Governor Likely to Propose Robust Tax Package
30. Washington State Senate Republicans End Committee Power Sharing with Democrats
31. From Marijuana to Islamic State: Five Things Addressed in New U-S Congressional Budget Deal
32. High Winds Could Bring 70 Mph Gusts to Puget Sound Region
33. New Storm Today, A Bigger One Thursday, as Power Outages, Rain, High Winds Rake North Olympic Peninsula
34. Mason County Approves 2015 Budget
35. Amazon to FAA: Let Us Test Drones in Washington State or We’ll Test Them Outside of U-S

WORD OF THE DAY

Inviolable• \in-VYE-uh-luh-bul\ • adjective – 1: secure from violation or profanation *2: secure from assault or trespass: unassailable

Gaston was horrified by his morning discovery. He though that his seven-foot fence around his prize rose bushes would make them inviolable to deer. It was a foolproof solution he thought. Until he discovered that fools are quite ingenious. The deer had apparently created a “deer pyramid” to get over the fence. Unfortunately for them (and fortunately for the local Nimrod Club) the wily ruminants had not figured how to get out again after wreaking their havoc.

ENERGY & UTILITY ISSUES

Wanapum Dam Stable after Reservoir Hits Elevation Target (Seattle Times, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://seattletimes.com/html/localnews/2025199815_wanapumdamxml.html?syndication=rss

Scammers Target Utility & Phone Customers (KNDO/KNDU-TV, Tri Cities, WA)

http://www.nbcrightnow.com/story/27586279/scammers-target-utility-and-phone-customers

Cowlitz PUD Budget Gets Green Light with Potential Rate Increase Looming (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/1964a858-801b-11e4-9909-1f8cf21e165d.html

Northeast U-S: National Grid Joins Canadian Hydropower Rush (Boston Globe, MA)
https://www.bostonglobe.com/business/2014/12/09/national-grid-joins-hydropower-rush/uGYjbpe3wUFSNqLKLDLRlN/story.html

Iowa Lawmaker Wants to Expand His State’s Hydropower (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/iowa-lawmaker-wants-to-expand-states-hydro-power/342167/

NRECA Seeks Fair Treatment in Tribal Rights of Way (Electric Co-op Today)

http://www.ect.coop/regulatory-watch/power-regulation/nreca-seeks-fair-treatment-in-tribal-rights-of-way/76003

Cowlitz PUD Staffer Wins State Award for Columbia River Rescue (Longview Daily News, WA)

http://tdn.com/news/local/cowlitz-pud-staffer-wins-award-for-columbia-river-rescue/article_703dd42c-7f46-11e4-8698-7389df72ed35.html

WATER & THE ENVIRONMENT

Film ‘DamNation’ Takes Broad View with Elwha River Restoration; Showing Set Friday in Port Angeles (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141210/NEWS/312109997/film-damnation-takes-broad-view-with-elwha-river-restoration

With Future Uncertain, Colorado Shields Its Water (Associated Press)

http://news.yahoo.com/future-uncertain-colorado-shields-water-211013913.html

RENEWABLE/ALTERNATIVE ENERGY

Nippon Mill’s $85 Million Cogeneration Plant in Port Angeles Is Operating - But Not Fully (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141210/NEWS/312109988/nippon-mills-85-million-cogeneration-plant-is-operating-8212-but

Michigan: Can Burning Tires Be Called Renewable Energy? (Detroit Free Press, MI)

http://www.freep.com/story/news/local/michigan/2014/12/09/renewable-energy-pollution-tire-burning-pet-coke/20160903/

Accenture: Distributed Generation Could Slash Utility Revenues $48 Billion (Utility Dive)

http://www.utilitydive.com/news/accenture-distributed-generation-could-slash-utility-revenues-48b/341609/

CONSERVATION & EFFICIENCY

News Release: Pacific Northwest Utilities Help Bring Game-Changing Water Heating Technology to Region (BusinessWire)

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/northwest-utilities-help-bring-game-170100282.html

Portland General Electric: Smart Power in Store for Future (Bonneville Power Administration)

http://www.bpa.gov/news/newsroom/Pages/PGE-Smart-power-in-store-for-future.aspx

Truckee PUD Giving Away Free LED Holiday Lights for Customers (Tahoe Daily Tribune, S Lake Tahoe, CA)

http://www.tahoedailytribune.com/northshore/14162042-113/holiday-lights-customers-energy

KILOWATTS FOR CANNABIS

Legal Marijuana Sales in Spokane County Top $1 Million Last Month (Spokesman Review, Spokane, WA)

http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2014/dec/10/legal-marijuana-sales-in-spokane-county-top-1/

Washington State Marijuana Industry Racks Up Dozens of Violations (KHQ-TV, Spokane, WA)

http://www.khq.com/story/27589353/washington-marijuana-industry-racks-up-dozens-of-violations

Recreational Marijuana Approved for 2016 Ballot in Nevada (Marijuana Business Daily)

http://mmjbusinessdaily.com/recreational-marijuana-approved-for-2016-ballot-in-nevada/

Oregon Marijuana Getting Shipped by U-S Mail (KGW-TV, Portland, OR)

http://www.kgw.com/story/news/local/special-reports/2014/12/08/oregon-marijuana-shipped-us-mail/20119361/

CLIMATE CHANGE SEQUESTRATION VAULT

Editorial: British Columbia Must Not Undo Low-Carbon-Fuel Standards (Globe & Mail, Canada)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/bc-must-not-undo-low-carbon-fuel-standards/article21999531/?cmpid=rss1

BARREL O’ GREEN POTPOURRI

Michigan: Dairy Farm Will Generate Electricity Instead of Smells with $8 Million Anaerobic Digester (Michigan Live Media Group)

http://www.mlive.com/business/west-michigan/index.ssf/2014/12/farm_will_generate_electricity.html

TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Google Fiber Could Be Snared by Thorny Oregon Tax Law (Oregonian, Portland)

http://www.oregonlive.com/silicon-forest/index.ssf/2014/12/google_fiber_could_be_snared_b.html

Fifty U-S Cities Bond Together to Home-Grow Broadband – Includes Vancouver, WA – Sandy, Portland, Gresham, OR – Ammon, ID (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/09/cities-team-up-to-figure-out-broadband/

Comcast on Home Wi-Fi Lawsuit: Customers Get “Real Benefits” (Seattle Post-Intelligencer, WA)

http://blog.seattlepi.com/techchron/2014/12/10/comcast-on-home-wi-fi-lawsuit-customers-get-real-benefits/

How Cheap Does the Internet Have to Be to Get Everyone Online? (Washington Post)

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-switch/wp/2014/12/10/how-cheap-does-the-internet-have-to-be-to-get-everyone-online/

MARKETING & SOCIAL MEDIA

Instagram Is Now Bigger Than Twitter with 300 Million Monthly Users (AdWeek)

http://www.adweek.com/news/technology/instagram-now-bigger-twitter-300-million-monthly-users-161869

New Everett Logo a Very Close Match to National Financial Company (My Everett News, WA)

http://myeverettnews.com/2014/12/09/new-everett-logo-close-match-national-financial-company/

Nine Marketing Mistakes That Make You Look Like a Rookie (Mashable)

http://mashable.com/2014/12/04/rookie-marketing-mistakes/

POLITICS & GOVERNANCE

Washington State Governor Likely to Propose Robust Tax Package (Northwest Public Radio)

http://nwnewsnetwork.org/post/washington-governor-likely-propose-robust-tax-package

Washington State Senate Republicans End Committee Power Sharing with Democrats (News Tribune, Tacoma, WA - Paywall Advisory)

http://www.thenewstribune.com/2014/12/09/3533414_senate-republicans-end-committee.html?sp=/99/289/&rh=1

From Marijuana to Islamic State: Five Things Addressed in New U-S Congressional Budget Deal (Christian Science Monitor)

http://www.csmonitor.com/USA/DC-Decoder/2014/1210/From-marijuana-to-Islamic-State-five-things-addressed-in-new-budget-deal

GENERAL NEWS

High Winds Could Bring 70 Mph Gusts to Puget Sound Region (KIRO Broadcasting, Seattle, WA)

http://mynorthwest.com/11/2665015/High-winds-could-bring-70-mph-gusts-to-Puget-Sound-region

New Storm Today, A Bigger One Thursday, as Power Outages, Rain, High Winds Rake North Olympic Peninsula (Peninsula Daily News, Port Angeles, WA)

http://www.peninsuladailynews.com/article/20141210/NEWS/312109989/new-storm-today-and-a-bigger-one-thursday-as-power

Mason County Approves 2015 Budget (Mason Web TV, Shelton, WA)

http://masonwebtv.com/archives/13964

Amazon to FAA: Let Us Test Drones in Washington State or We’ll Test Them Outside of U-S (San Francisco Business Times, CA)

http://www.bizjournals.com/sanfrancisco/blog/2014/12/amazon-to-faa-let-us-test-drones-in-washington.html

DIVERSIONS

18 Most Annoying Things an Airline Passenger Can Do

http://q13fox.com/2014/12/09/18-most-annoying-things-an-airline-passenger-can-do/

The Best U-S Cities for People 35 & Under

http://gizmodo.com/the-best-u-s-cities-for-people-35-and-under-1668556047

Seven Wonders of the Modern World

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/the_back_end/2014/10/the_new_seven_wonders_defining_the_top_technological_marvels_of_the_contemporary.html

Longview’s Nutty Narrows Bridge Makes National Register of Historic Places

http://tdn.com/news/local/longview-s-nutty-narrows-bridge-makes-national-register-of-historic/article_44cf5252-7fe6-11e4-90d4-033eb00e1793.html

SONG OF THE DAY

Fleetwood Mac - Seven Wonders

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nddCuDx1kUg

LINKS & PAYWALL ADVISORY

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.

Note that as some newspapers migrate to a “paywall” system of access, some articles may not be available without forking over some cold hard credit card cash. However, some sites will allow a certain number of story accesses per month before holding out their hand. Sorry if this is an inconvenience.