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Coal Free Bellingham: Point Proven?
Permalink +Thu, Aug 09, 2012, 8:30 pm // Larry Horowitz
Did the powers-that-be, including the City of Bellingham (COB), Warren Buffet's Burlington Northern Sante Fe Railway Company (BNSF), and the Whatcom Superior Court System (Court) just prove Coal-Free Bellingham's (CFB) point?
Is it true that there exists a systemic and structural dysfunction that has turned our government of the people, by the people, and for the people on its head?
Are CFB members correct when they state in their Bellingham Community Bill of Rights that, "the assertion of constitutional rights, including civil rights, by the legal constructions known as Corporations has fundamentally unbalanced our system of government?"
Are the legal tools available to "we the people" inadequate to prevent the destruction of our own communities - leaving us without any genuine local control?
Has the current system enabled certain businesses to decide policies that are supposed to regulate those very same businesses? Are land use guidelines overly influenced by developers and other businesses that profit from development? Are energy strategies and regulations determined by energy corporations? And do financial conglomerates essentially establish our nation's financial and economic plans?
Has the current system actually placed municipal corporations, like our own COB, on the same side as for-profit corporate entities, thereby requiring our electeds to actually defend the rights of these businesses over our own?
And is our court system really designed to prevent cities like Bellingham from screwing with the laws that place corporations above the people?
These are the claims made by the sponsors of the Bellingham Community Bill of Rights initiative. And when you consider that on Aug 3rd the Court essentially precluded a duly qualified citizen initiative from appearing on the November ballot, you've gotta ask yourself:
- Did the powers-that-be just prove CFB's point?
As CFB emphasizes in its legal filings, under Washington's initiative laws the only "pre-election" challenges allowed are those that involve:
a) whether the proposed ordinance is administrative, as opposed to legislative; or
b) whether the initiative is a power of the municipal government, rather than the municipality as a whole.
Legal "pre-election" challenges do not include those concerned with whether the initiative will withstand post-election constitutional scrutiny or whether the ordinance potentially conflicts with established federal or state law.
According to CFB, "The other interest underlying the prohibition on substantive pre-election challenges to initiatives is that such challenges hinder the evolution of the law. Law changes to reflect new social standards, especially in the recognition of expanded horizons for equality and protection of rights. Allowing substantive pre-election challenges stunts that process, renders the law static, and places residents entirely at the whim of their elected officials as to moving new laws forward. Proposals for new laws that are unpopular with governments never emerge from the discussion between people and their elected officials, and necessary movements towards change in legal structures are stillborn. Waiting for government institutions to act on their own, especially when needed change runs contrary to the vested interests of government officials (and the interests they represent in many locations), would guarantee the doctrines of 'separate but equal' and 'women as property' would have remained the law of the land."
Are the actions taken by COB, BNSF and the Court indicative of systemic and structural dysfunction?
Do we need the CFB Bill of Rights initiative on the ballot so that these critical questions can be answered?
Attached Files:
-> CFB Memorandum Supporting Motion to Strike.pdfDouglas Smith // Thu, Aug 09, 2012, 9:34 pm
David Camp // Fri, Aug 10, 2012, 12:30 pm
Good points all, Larry. Why not let the people speak, and then do as they say? Isn't this what representative democracy is supposed to be about?
How is it that the basic precept of US law, that government flows from the people, has been turned on its head so that the only flow from the people is the taxes to sustain an always-growing government?
Councilor Lilliquist has done us all a service by demonstrating how far our constitutional government has strayed from its governing law. By defending its unconstitutionality, he has explained how we citizens have been rendered inconsequential other than as a source of revenue. Bend over here comes another triple-inflationary increase in your sewer and water tax bill to pay for sewer capacity for fictitious people. Now go back to work so you can continue to pay for it while every day we degrade your city and tell you why you can't do anything about it. All flowery and legalistic and grammatical.
David MacLeod // Fri, Aug 10, 2012, 7:56 pm
That's an awful lot of questions, Larry!
No. Yes. Yes. Yes. No. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. No. No.
I hope that's clear. I consider many of the people involved in the Coal Free Bellingham group to be friends and colleagues in sustainability work. Though I believe their hearts are in the right place, I have not been comfortable with the direction of this particular PAC.
I encourage everyone to read Michael Lilliquist's email letter to constituents. You can find it in the August issue of the Whatcom Watch, or at the Herald's Politics blog here:
+ Link
Slow down, pour a cup of coffee, and read the full text carefully (in non-reactionary mode if possible). I found his reasoning to be cogent and compelling. A few excerpts and summarizing a few of his points below.
Lilliquist writes, "The problem is, as I see it, Prop 2 creates the wrong conflict between the wrong parties. It puts the City government in harm's way, and will do little of practical effect to stop the coal train and shipping terminal. I say this for two general reasons. First, the initiative is doomed to being overturned in court; and second, the initiative distracts and weakens the ability of the City of Bellingham to deal effectively with this issue. And finally, it is a tactical and political blunder, by forcing a sympathetic City Council to raise procedural and legal roadblocks, rather than strengthening the Council's hand to act on your behalf.
"In short, in my view, Proposition 2 is legally, practically, tactically, politically, and philosophically flawed. I wish it were otherwise."
Lilliquist then proceeds to back up each of those points.
It is legally flawed because a) the people can't pass state or federal laws through municipal ordinance; b) an initiative needs to have just one issue to vote on, not two or three; c) the constitution put interstate commerce in the sole jurisdiction of the federal government; d) "Now you may not care whether it is "legal" or not, but as your elected official I have to care very much about exposing the City to costly and losing lawsuits…Facing the loss of tax-payer dollars to pay the legal bill for both sides, I felt compelled to act."; e) if passed, this proposition would no doubt be overturned, and where would that get us?
It is practically flawed because the influence of corporations in our political and legal regulatory systems is a national problem that calls for a national solution. This proposition is instead designed as a showdown between local and federal government.
It is tactically flawed because, as pointed out in the quote above, it distracts and weakens the COB from addressing the trains and terminal issue in ways they can be most effective and forces resources to be used dealing with this proposition.
It is politically flawed because it divides those fighting the common cause of coal trains and terminal. [The CFB group in their response to Lilliquist acknowledge that we have one of the most progressive councils in our history, but they take pride in saying their initiative "cleaves the political/legal stuff down the middle and forces people to choose sides." Living Democracy mentor from Portland, Paul Cienfuegos advised in a letter to Cascadia Weekly that Bellingham residents should elect a new council - ironic that outsiders are advising us how to vote so that we might have local control.]
It is philosophically flawed because "The central problem with Prop 2 is that it pits one democratically elected government against another democratically-elected government…It creates a constitutional showdown not over the issue of corporate influence or property-based rights, but rather a show-down between federal and local government. This is the wrong constitutional showdown, because a victory will bolster the dangerous states-rights agenda while not directly affecting corporation's legal status."
The last paragraph above really gets at the nub of what most concerns me about the CELDF/CFB approach. Even if there was success at achieving local power of the sort they imagine, it would be quite another huge and extraordinary leap to think that would mean we would collectively act to protect our local ecosystems. For example, how is BNSF, or Goldman Sachs preventing us from protecting Lake Whatcom?
I hope you'll read his full text - I haven't done it justice here. CFB also wrote a long response, also published in Whatcom Watch. Unfortunately, they only touched on a couple of Michael's points, and for me did not adequately address his concerns. Even though Michael was open and progressive enough to kindly attend their Democracy School, CELDF Executive Director Thomas Linzey is quoted with unkind words. Unfortunate.
I agree with Michael Lilliquist that there are other means that have a greater chance of success in stopping the coal trains and terminal. And there are better ways to address the issues of corporate influence and the degradation of the biosphere that all of life on earth is dependent upon.
Larry Horowitz // Fri, Aug 10, 2012, 8:45 pm
As always thanks for sharing your articulate comments.
I'm a little disappointed though that you didn't share Coal-Free Bellingham's response to Michael's email. For those interested, you can find CFB's response on the CFB website here:
But here's my problem with Michael's claims: They don't address the issue regarding "pre-election" challenges to initiatives, which are very limited as already addressed by CFB's legal filings.
On the other hand, Michael's arguments are better suited for dealing with whether to vote in favor of or against the Bellingham Community Bill of Rights AFTER THE INITIATIVE IS PLACED ON THE BALLOT.
The issue is a legal one. Do any of Michael's arguments satisfy the 2 tests imposed by WA courts? I don't believe they do, and, therefore, none of Michael claims are valid reasons to deny placing a duly qualified citizen initiative on the ballot.
These 2 tests are described in questions 13 and 14 on page 26 of the "Initiative & Referendum Guide for WA City & Charter Counties" here:
It's one thing to disagree with - and vote against - an initiative. It's another to illegally prevent a valid initiative from being placed on the ballot.
That's the issue currently at hand.
John Hatten // Sat, Aug 11, 2012, 5:14 am
Without much thought, I contacted the City Council several weeks ago to urge them to support the Coal Free initiative. When Michael Lilliquist replied with nearly 3,000 words, I read each one and was impressed with the thought, care and logic of what he wrote. I appreciated it, and when I saw him a short time later, I told him so and thanked him.
Then, shortly thereafter, I listened to Paul Cienfuegos speak and realized that while the logic of Michael Lilliquist's argument was sound to a point, it misses a far more critical point: When our government (city, county, state, federal or international) makes laws or enforces policies that are in violation of basic human and environmental dignities, rights and safety, then every voice needs to be raised to object. For the City of Bellingham to NOT take up the call of the PEOPLE of Bellingham to protect not just the interests of our OWN community, but that of all communities and ecosystems, they are lacking both courage and foresight.
We all need to be courageous as we help to build the movement toward greater justice and against corporate personhood.
I admit that at first I was skeptical of Paul's point that "We the People" need to make laws within our own communities that buck the laws of state and federal government. I asked, "What about laws that localities or state governments make restricting voting rights of non-whites, and other such laws that restrict freedom? Doesn't there need to be a greater law that keeps such local laws in check?" and "What about individual landowners who want local laws that allow them to destroy the habitat of endangered species in order to further their own livelihood?"
The answers aren't always easy. We sometimes need considerable patience, willingness to listen to and appreciate others who seem to disagree with us, and ability to work together. But the bottom line is that we must never accept injustice human or environmental. We must be willing to actively participate in our communities to ensure our representatives are representing OUR interests.
We, the citizens of Bellingham, and our city council should all be supporting this citizen's initiative, DESPITE the concerns raised by Michael Lilliquist and others, because it is the right thing to do. We need to let it be known that WE don't accept corporate personhood despite the current U.S. Supreme Court ruling to the contrary. WE don't accept coal burning as a way toward a healthy future for upcoming generations. WE don't accept that these battles need to be won just in Olympia or Washington, D.C. We can and should work to win - right here in our own community.
As far as Paul Cienfuegos being an outsider telling us what to do, Paul's parents, sister and her family are long-time Bellingham residents, and Paul is a frequent visitor here. I value his insights and don't consider him an outsider at all. Even if he wasn't so closely connected to Bellingham, it's okay to embrace wisdom wherever it comes from.
And to the point of having a very progressive city council - I agree. Paul's point here is that if one's local government loses sight of the underlying principles representative government, even it's a progressive city council, they need to hear from the voters both immediately, and if necessary, at the ballot.
The challenges of keeping the SSA Marine proposal from being implemented are many. While we don't want to be fighting ourselves, at the same time, we need to let our voice be heard that WE don't accept the personhood of BNSF, Goldman Sachs, or any other corporation, nor the rights of corporations to further damage our global environment.
We need to continue to move on ALL fronts for a safe and sustainable city and planet.
John Watts // Sat, Aug 11, 2012, 9:31 am
So many questions, so little time, particularly in a situation so rife with passion and fraught with non-sound byte answers!
Lilliquist's answers need to be heard, especially in the context with which the City Council must operate - if it is to fairly represent ALL citizens, consistently and reasonably.
The core backers of CFB knew -and know- they were promising far more than could be delivered, yet they pressed -and are still pressing- a flawed initiative anyway. Isn't that a wee bit disingenuous?
As relatively progressive as WA laws are, there are always ways to attempt using them to deceive, divide and create dissension, all of which are integral parts of free discussion. [Tim Eyman comes to mind]
But, if there are areas of clear and avoidable problems with any measure advocated, wouldn't you like to know about them in advance of actually voting on them?
That's what declaratory judgements are for; to clarify the laws and regulations that have already been duly passed and are essential to continued responsible governance.
It's always OK to propose changes in law and rights, but to do so must honor existing conditions and not simply deny them! Otherwise, we're talking about some dysfunctional dictatorship, or worse.
Core CFB backers seem to have invested a little too much ego into their so obviously flawed effort to actually admit any defeat, as evidenced by the appeal they have filed. That, alone should be sufficient reason for the City Council to defer putting any alternate measure on the ballot.
It is mystifying to see the reluctance CFB has in accepting the success it has achieved in raising public opinion, and simply continuing that laudable effort with vigor through other means.
After all, this fight is more like an Olympic team marathon than it is an individual sprint to some wishful result.
What would be most helpful is to generate meaningful input for inclusion in the EIS, then facilitate as many concerned citizens as possible to submit their comments soon. That should become CFB's next goal!
David MacLeod // Sat, Aug 11, 2012, 11:08 am
Larry, thanks for adding the link to the CFB response. I had it in email form, and also from Whatcom Watch, this month's issue not yet available online.
I did stray a little bit from the legal issue as you raised it, but note that I did answer each and every one of your questions! :)
I appreciated John Stark's coverage of the legal hearing. Judge Snyder's process and comments made sense to me. "Snyder contended he was well within established state precedents in blocking an initiative that attempted to give the city legal powers it cannot exercise under state and federal law.
"The city has no right to act illegally," Snyder said. "The city has the legal right to come to court and say, 'Don't make us do something that is against the law.'"
Read more here: + Link
I also think Tim Johnson did a great job covering the hearing and the following city council meeting in his column this week.
"Citizens have the right under the city charter to propose laws that are lawful and are within the city's authority to enact, Snyder found, but severing the lawful from the unlawful—or just plain awful—parts of Prop. 2 would render the ballot title, the description of what the law proposes, misleading and deceptive. So severed, the law would not do what voters believed it would do if they approved it.
The proposed ban on coal trains differs from last year's red-light camera ban in two important respects: First, what it proposes is clearly not within the city's recognized power to decide. Second, city officials took no action and did not ask for injunctive relief to strike the earlier initiative from the ballot.
The Bill of Rights' nullification strategy—to in effect dismiss federal and state authority and create an entirely new municipal regulatory and enforcement framework—is as constitutionally bankrupt as a Confederate C-note. Even if a small town of citizens could unilaterally unwind the federalist model, would they really want to? The nation's environmental laws and protections are predicated on constitutional provisions, enforced through the power of Congress to regulate commercial activity. Meanwhile, the state's shoreline and critical areas protections, despite shortcomings, are among the most robust in the country."
Read more: + Link
John Hatten, I agree that we need to let it be known that we don't accept corporate personhood. I differ with CFB on the means to do that that have the higher likelihood of being effective. Again, Tim Johnson also commented about the most effective means to address the deeper issue around corporate power. He said the attempts of CFB are laudable, but "were frankly handled more adroitly earlier this summer by a council resolution and petition to Congress."
I love the people involved with CFB. We all care deeply about this beautiful corner of the world. I am writing here because I think it is important to consider some additional perspectives than what CFB is offering.
I agree with John Watts' comment above: "What would be most helpful is to generate meaningful input for inclusion in the EIS, then facilitate as many concerned citizens as possible to submit their comments soon. That should become CFB's next goal!"
And as Terry Bornemann put it: ""Right now is the time for the community to come together on the scoping process. This is the process that we can work on and we can do."
Call Dept. of Ecology Director Ted Sturdevant at 360-407-7001 and the Army Corp of Engineers at 202-761-5903. Let them know your position and ask for a full Programmatic Environmental Impact Statement across the region of the dangerous coal export terminals in Oregon and Washington.
Larry Horowitz // Sat, Aug 11, 2012, 1:06 pm
David M.,
Notwithstanding Judge Synder's contention, there is existing case law that substantive challenges regarding the validity of initiatives are never proper PRIOR to an election. CFB cites three cases (Coppernoll v. Reed, Seattle Bldg & Const. Trades Council v. City of Seattle, and State ex rel. O'Connell v. Kramer) which:
1) Affirmed the "longstanding rule of our jurisprudence that we refrain from inquiring into the validity of a proposed law, including an initiative or referendum, before it has been enacted;"
2) Declared that "the courts should not interfere in the electoral or legislative processes;" and
3) Declared that the validity of proposed initiatives "should not come before us unless and until the people have enacted the measure into law, for the Supreme Court does not render advisory opinions."
If you haven't already, I suggest you read CFB's "Memorandum in Support of Special Motion to Strike under RCW 4.24.525." I would be happy to forward a copy to you if you'll contact me by email or phone.
(Or perhaps Mr. Servais could upload a copy, which I'll forward to him, for all to see.)
There seems to be an inordinate number of constitutional experts making all kinds of claims about the validity or invalidity of CFB's ordinance. I didn't realize we were so well endowed with such expertise.
Here's another question: For all concerned (both now and in the future), wouldn't it be better to allow a duly qualified citizen initiative to be voted on BEFORE the pundits make their cases?
Larry Horowitz // Sat, Aug 11, 2012, 5:37 pm
The link to the "CFB Memorandum Supporting Motion to Strike" is now listed under "Attached Files" following my article and before the "Comments" section. (Thanks to Mr. Servais and Mr. Johnson.)
Paul deArmond // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 9:41 am
Larry, the answers to your two final questions are no and no.
Are the actions so far indicative of dysfunction? No. The judicial appeal process is underway. It may not be granted because of the extreme time constraints, but the process is functionally normally. If you are not getting the result you desire, it's not a sign that things aren't working right, only that they aren't working your way.
Do we need the initiative on the ballot so controversy can be resolved? No. First of all because it it was on the ballot, the controversy would continue. Passed or failed, the initiative is grounded on the principle of nullification in every portion of the ordinance.
The first paragraph of the Findings and Intent of the initiative state it: "nullifies state and federal laws, constitutional provisions, permits, and other authorizations which interfere with the rights secured by this ordinance."
At this point, any competent court is done, the plaintiffs get their restraining order and the initiative will not be on the ballot unless they prevail through the appeal process.
Nullification has a been a dead letter in American law since the 1830s. Soreheads have tried to revive it twice. the first time caused the Civil War and the second time was in the 1960s when there was a flurry of southern states nullification legislation attempting to block federal civil rights laws.
The severability clause doesn't get the initiative off the hook if the actions proposed are not granted by the city charter and state constitution initiative powers. And nullification of state and federal law is not an initiative power anywhere in the United States.
Nullification: + Link)
The Nullification Crisis of 1832: + Link
That's just at the beginning of the initiative. At the end of the initiative there is a repealer clause that offhandedly says: "All inconsistent provisions of prior Ordinances adopted by the City of Bellingham are hereby repealed, but only to the extent necessary to remedy the inconsistency."
This is not just sloppy and lazy, but it facially invalidates the initiative because the standard of legal practice is the initiative must specify not only the ordinances affected, but propose new language to bring them into line with the initiative.
It's messy and takes up a lot of work, time and ink. But it's necessary in the text of the initiative so the citizens know what they will get for their vote.
So I'm not surprised that Judge Snyder blocked the initiative from the ballot.
The proponents are pursuing the appeal process and if that doesn't work, they should continue their organizing and community education, draft another initiative and take another turn in the barrel.
In a later comment, Larry says "There seems to be an inordinate number of constitutional experts making all kinds of claims about the validity or invalidity of CFB's ordinance. I didn't realize we were so well endowed with such expertise."
If this is sarcasm, it's misplaced. I believe it is the duty of every citizen to learn as much of the law as they can. The sovereignty of a federal republic lies in its citizens. They are the ultimate repository of legislative, executive and judicial knowledge. As such, the citizens are the ultimate guarantors of the republic.
We delegate these roles to legislators, government departments, judges and attorneys, but that does not relieve the citizenship of their duty and obligation to be knowledgeable, informed and capable of exercising judgement in all matters of government.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 10:57 am
(Until I improve my HTML skills, please pardon my use of CAPS to provide emphasis.)
Thanks for your insights and the education on the nullification issue.
Regarding my comment about the validity, or invalidity, of CFB's ordinance, I stand by it. While CFB's proposed ORDINANCE may turn out to be invalid, such invalidity cannot be addressed until AFTER the INITIATIVE is approved. If the initiative is not approved, then the point is moot.
But, we cannot keep duly qualified citizen initiatives from being placed on the ballot as a result of pre-election challenges that fail the two tests established by the courts. Denying qualified initiatives from being placed on the ballot is more damaging and detrimental than voter approval of an invalid ordinance (which can be challenged after the election). It is this denial of citizen rights that is dysfunctional.
What's at stake is the sanctity of the initiative process itself, not whether Bellingham can prevent coal trains from passing through the city.
Shouldn't we all fight to ensure citizens retain the power to adopt new legislation? Would we rather wait (and wait, and wait) for government institutions to act on their own when needed change runs contrary to the vested interest of government officials?
Paul deArmond // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 1:07 pm
The right of initiative is not threatened by this ruling.
One of the cites (#3 @ 25 on pg 5) in the CFB Memorandum linked in the post very clearly demonstrates that initiatives can be kept off the ballot. The case is Priorities First v. City of Spokane.
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 3:30 pm
The following comment is from Rick Dubrow, Chair of Coal-Free Bellingham and the NO COAL! Political Action Committee, in response to the post by John Watts:
Hi John,
Thought I'd share my own take as one the CFB leaders.
You wrote…
"The core backers of CFB knew -and know- they were promising far more than could be delivered, yet they pressed -and are still pressing- a flawed initiative anyway. Isn't that a wee bit disingenuous?" and "Core CFB backers seem to have invested a little too much ego into their so obviously flawed effort to actually admit any defeat, as evidenced by the appeal they have filed."
Is it disingenuous to reach for a goal so far from reach? Do you think Linzey is wrong to state that re-balancing the power of people versus the corporation may take a few decades at best?
Is it disingenuous for a teenager to watch the Olympics and tell his folks that someday he wants to be amidst the fastest humans on earth? Do you think Rosa Parks believed her choice of seats would change American culture?
Our work is civil disobedience; it is a huge reach. And you dare call it disingenuous. I have yet to meet a group of more committed, intelligent, genuine human beings, your wife amidst them.
And we know that darts from people who disbelieve the relevancy of our work are just like the barbs initiated against suffragists and abolishionists. Your words resonate with the words we hear from the progressive left who continue to believe in a system that is providing too little, too late.
Yes, our work may be too much, too soon, John, and our appeal seeks to hammer and hammer and hammer against a system that cannot step up to the task at hand… because the system is designed by those who want it to fail by sucking its advocates dry writing letters and who think that awareness will change this insane system.
CFB does not believe that to continue politely asking Monsanto to stop what it's doing will find them doing something different. We're losing the war at a pace that warrants extreme measures; ours is one of them.
Clearly our work swings too far for you; we're trying to design teeth that might work. They are working elsewhere and if our genuine efforts, using these proven tools that have worked elsewhere can somehow find traction on the ground, here, then perhaps nature will find its critically needed rights. Until human law is aligned with natural law, we're doomed.
CFB is a group of warriors fighting for mother earth and to call this work disingenuous is very, very weak.
Rick Dubrow, Chairman
NO COAL! Political Action Committee
John Watts // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 3:42 pm
My response to Rick Dubrow's response follows:
Thank you for your comments, and your efforts.
I AM considering a different perspective, in fact several besides the path CFB has chosen.
Maybe some of these will actually work, and without creating expectations that are not aligned with reality.
Why not consider using other tools besides a hammer?
As for warriors; President Andrew [Stonewall] Jackson, certainly fought hard against the hot-headed 'nullifiers' of his day.
And, thank goodness he did!
All labels and chosen perspectives/methods aside, we don't disagree on our more immediate goal regarding GPT, do we?
Please remember that.
PS Feel free to share this with whomever you wish.
NY Mayor Ed Koch response to reporter Andrew Kirtzman comes to mind, especially regarding the difficulty some are experiencing in understanding arguments contrary to their wishes:
"I can explain this to you; I can't comprehend it for you."
Larry Horowitz // Sun, Aug 12, 2012, 4:46 pm
Your point re: Priorities First is well taken; however, the more recent Coppernoll v. Reed, decided in Sep 2005, appears to be more dispositive.
In Coppernoll, the court found:
"Preelection challenges to statewide initiatives and referenda fit into three categories:
'(1) the measure, if passed, would be substantively invalid because it conflicts with a federal or state constitutional . . . provision;
(2) the procedural requirements for placing the measure on the ballot have not been met; and
(3) the subject matter is not proper for direct legislation.'
"The first type of challenge, substantive invalidity, is not allowed in this state because of the constitutional preeminence of the right of initiative.
"In further support of this rule, scholars have noted that substantive preelection review, where allowed in other states, 'involves issuing an advisory opinion, violates ripeness requirements, undermines the policy of avoiding unnecessary constitutional questions, and constitutes unwarranted judicial interference with a legislative process.'
"Because ballot measures are often used to express popular will and to send a message to elected representatives (regardless of potential subsequent invalidation of the measure), substantive preelection review may also unduly infringe on free speech values."
Paul deArmond // Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 1:07 pm
Since we are now discussing appellate issues, I have to assume that there is not a structural dysfunction that has turned our government on its head.
In Coppernoll, there is a cite to a much more precise analogy to the current controversy:
Philadelphia II v Gregoire (PDF) + Link)5.pdf&ei=H2kpUOTGLqeoiALupIHoCQ&usg=AFQjCNEkf_lVvxu5X7u9JDtFJmlBB2JOJw&sig2=ZDACTOVDCLQ5N8cC5tRGLQ
It was a Superior Court smackdown on the grounds that local initiatives can't pass federal legislation and that substantive pre-election review is appropriate in such cases.
My guess is that the appeal will fail and Coal Free Bellingham will pick themselves up and have another go at it. The initiative has been a tremendous success in putting the issue in the public spotlight.
Todd Granger // Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 1:32 pm
CFB members should read the 14th Amendment; Section 1,"All persons…" also includes Warren Buffet. Section 4
"The validity of the public debt of the United States…shall not be questioned. be questioned."
And Lincolns Greenback Dollar?
How much did that education, made in China cost?
Larry Horowitz // Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 1:51 pm
It appears we'll simply have to agree to disagree.
Note that the "structural dysfunction" has more to do with corporate personhood than the municipal corporation's attempts to prevent the initiative from being placed on the ballot. One should not conclude that there is no structural dysfunction because an initiative becomes an appellate issue. That is hardly the point.
Philadelphia II v. Gregoire was decided in Feb 1996, more than 9 years before Coppernoll. The court in Coppernoll considered Philadelphia II in its findings and concluded that pre-election challenges for substantive invalidity "is not allowed in this state." I'll stick with Coppernoll's conclusion since it already considers Philadelphia II.
Tip Johnson // Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 3:17 pm
I doubt we can stop the train from taking anything it wants wherever it wants to. They have been writing the law for 200 years. Furthermore, it doesn't take much considering to wonder whether nullifying the commerce clause might do more harm than good.
If we are going to stop coal exports from Whatcom County, it will be by stopping the terminal or the dock. Unfortunately, those have some momentum from years of planning and political support. It sounds hard, but not as impossible as rewriting the US constitution through a local initiative.
There are even advantages to corporations being persons, especially for assigning liability. The real problem is that they are controlling elections and elected so-called representatives in congress have become a whorporation.
If we could keep contributions coming only from registered voters, half the problem would be solved.
Larry Horowitz // Mon, Aug 13, 2012, 3:55 pm
I agree. Like any initiative, CFB's Bellingham Community Bill of Rights, is not perfect. As I see it, there are two issues:
1) Did CFB's initiative meet the legal requirements to be placed on the ballot?
2) Is CFB's initiative worthy of voter approval?
Regarding the first issue, I am reminded of Evelyn Beatrice Hall's remark concerning freedom of speech: "I disapprove of what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." Whether one agrees with CFB's initiative or not, it's essential that we defend CFB's right to place a duly qualified citizen initiative on the ballot. Who knows, the next imperfect initiative might just be yours.
Regarding the second issue, you, Michael Lilliquist, David MacLeod, John Watts, and others have valid arguments to vote against the initiative, once it has been placed on the ballot. That being said, members of CFB, including retired WWU Political Science professor David Maas, Colin Patrick, Morgan McCartor, Stoney Bird, Rick Dubrow and others have valid points as well.
Wouldn't it be nice to have a robust dialogue about CFB's initiative? That's what we'd have if the initiative was on the ballot.
Put the damn thing on the ballot, and let the debate begin!
Suzanne Ravet // Fri, Aug 17, 2012, 8:28 am
Why I support the CFB Community Bill of Rights:
"The best way to get a bad law repealed is to enforce it strictly." Abraham Lincoln
I believe this quote sums up one of the main purposes of the CFB Community Bill of Rights.
We are currently in a situation where our elected officials are required to uphold laws which have been manipulated and molded by 'piles of money', not people, for the past 100 plus years. Many if not most people didn't sign Prop 2 because they felt that it would be enacted into law, they did it to protest the current structure of law (in hopes of changing that structure in the future). This uproar exposes the depth or prejudice and the absolute inability for folks to protect their community and even property. I hear more folks talk about the history of railroad tyranny (especially right wing folks) than ever before. I hear labor folks talk about how we can't stop the terminal from coming in, so we might as well 'pick our poison'. The second step, after opening to knowledge, is the willingness to 'shatter' our existing framework and then change to something that is actually humane. The majority is moving closer to that every day. Personally, I've experienced being called names on the Bellingham Herald site and even had a guy verbally attack me while tabling. The end results were good in both situations. People came out of the crowd to my defense. It called more attention to the issue and more desire to learn about why I was there and why I was willing to endure the assaults of others. I'm just an average person, one who has spent some time and energy to try to figure out what is going on in this society albeit. When average folks have the courage to challenge the law, our culture gets the necessary momentum to shift. Finally, I've heard more conversation from retired people, doctors, teachers, accountants, students, et. al. about their willingness to tie themselves to the tracks, especially after the judge declared in essence that we don't even have the right to free speech. That's powerful stuff. When we let go of fear, hope, and constructs that no longer fit, amazing things happen.
Alas, there is a part of me still that wonders if there is a secondary objective of which we have yet to learn about, as these people/corporations are never transparent. A Community Bill of Rights covers any future intent yet to be uncovered. Expose away CFB….
2. Sustainability Law:
"Let us have the candor to acknowledge that what we call "the economy" or "the free market" is less and less distinguishable from warfare." Wendell Berry
Transition Whatcom is an indispensable group focused on localization. I admire what every person in that group is doing. In reality, the work that Transition Whatcom is doing will make our very survival possible, should a major crisis happen. However, current law makes what Transition Whatcom is doing illegal. A culture based on economic Nationalization and Globalization will never be sustainable and never support human life and we all know it. There's a major drought in this country right now. For our very survival, we must be able to supply food and water locally. Unfortunately, we will never be able to truly secure nor keep safe our food and water under the current national and global laws. Although I'm a good person and don't mind helping others in a crisis, I certainly don't want the Nestle Corporation buying up our water, selling it to Arizona, and then forcing us to purchase water from another city. I've already lived through this very real scenario. When I lived in Enumclaw, WA, the Nestle Co. wanted our spring water. Nestle courted the mayor for a year in private. The mayor didn't even tell the city council. The decision to lease the water to Nestle came out in the paper with a decision to be made by the city council within a week's time. Of course there were wonderful ads in the paper about a new sports complex, revenue, jobs, etc. Nestle touted being a transparent and community centered co. Nestle products were on sale, cheap, out front at the two local grocery stores. It was an amazing and skillful production. Fortunately, the folks in Enumclaw rose up and stopped this craziness. From there Nestle worked on the other towns in South King County and Pierce County. Unfortunately, city public utility officials told me that Nestle cans still set up a water bottling plant using municipal water in Enumclaw (not the spring water that they had intended to lease). I hear that Anacortes is now in this same situation. Sometimes, I wonder if we are just a big experiment for Goldman Sachs – to see how much money it will take to brainwash and immobilize the general public. If we are to protect our home, we must have laws that support sustainability, because it is currently illegal to protect our community. The CBR does just that.
3. Claiming What We Want:
"Happy for us that when we find our constitutions defective and insufficient to secure the happiness of our people, we can assemble with all the coolness of philosophers and set it to rights, while every other nation on earth must have recourse to arms to amend or to restore their constitutions."—Thomas Jefferson to C. W. F. Dumas, 1787. ME 6:295, Papers 12:113
What I like most about the CFB Community Bill of Rights is that it claims what we want. We all know what we don't want, but somehow we lack the courage and responsibility to claim what we do want. US Law claims to be in place to prevent injustice, which it is sorely lacking in. The 3 components of the initiative buttress and support one another. Claiming what we want: 1) Ban coal trains (issue of safety) 2) Place corporate rights as subordinate to community rights (We can't ban coal trains, unless we do this, as the current structure of law gives corporations more power than living, breathing people) 3) Give nature rights (this is essential, as otherwise we are saying that we think any community can just do whatever it wants, including implement unjust laws, which isn't the intention of the initiative. It's to claim more rights regarding safety and security and not less – to stop injustice). These 3 work beautifully together. For those folks who say, "what about communities banning such things as women's right to vote", I would say that is a fear based response lacking in imagination and inspiration. We can maintain our Federal Civil Laws and even current regulatory systems, while increasing our local rights to safety and security. In fact, our forefathers, as per the above quote, were very aware that a rigid and stagnant constitution was insufficient. CFB challenges us to determine what we want for our very survival and then place that into law.
As for those who state that it is someone else's responsibility to change the laws, change doesn't come from the top down, it comes from the bottom up. Susan B. Anthony, Martin Luther King, and Fredrick Douglas, and the list goes on…. didn't wake up in the morning and say, "I wish somebody with more power would do the right thing". They got up every day and did the morally right thing with the knowledge that they were working for future generations. Who knows what the outcomes of Prop 2 may be? It's possible that 10, 100, 1,000 more communities will rise up and claim what they want too, driving us to a place where we will start real change regarding laws that protect our safety and security. In fact, that is already happening. Prop 2 is a brilliant examination and voyage into the potential for a utopian future and livable planet. We deserve so much better and it's time to claim it. Real change always begins with toiling and effort as communities rise and then seemingly something appears 'magically' to shift from the top down. Prop 2 is that first stage root struggle and investigation.
4. The Cost of Coercing a Community:
"I think we're facing a very strong, almost revolutionary movement to try to get off oil worldwide, and it creates a lot of passion and drive in those revolutionaries that are trying to change the environment in which we work." Enbridge CEO, Patrick Daniel, regarding the Tar Sands opposition
The recent coalition of big business for 'Terminals = Jobs' in the Pacific Northwest is scrambling and desperate. Look at their advertisements on the TV, mailers, corporate sponsored yard signs, hired PR guy, door-to-door paid canvassers, and video at the recent city council meeting. How much money have they spent on this already? The reality for these corporations is that they are shelling out big, big money on public relations, only because they must.
Welcome CFB (and all other groups fighting coal) today, tomorrow, next year, the year after, and so on – as corporate power will be required to pour more and more and more into their forlorn and desolate attempts to persuade a community to buy into its' own demise and ruin. No group fighting the impacts of coal is going away, in fact the very struggle makes us all grow stronger, more committed, and more forward thinking. The quote regarding the Tar Sands above could apply very readily to the same situation with coal in PNW. In fact, many anti-coal 'sleeping giants' along the train route from Montana to Bellingham have yet to weigh in. This intricate web of coal opposition regulatory, economic, public opinion, corporate power, and/or nonviolent civil disobedience weaves a solid and resilient impediment to those who desire to destroy our community for their greed and profit. The CBR may be a tactic, but it supports and binds a broader strategy. I encourage our officials to let it run its' due course as we watch these parasitic corporations scramble and squander more and more capital.
Suzanne Ravet
Rep. Vincent Buys Appears to Break State Fundraising Laws
Tue, Mar 11, 2014, 10:24 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley catches State Rep. Vincent Buys for soliciting funds during session0 comments
County Hires GPT Permit Lead as Senior Planner
Mon, Mar 10, 2014, 9:51 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley digs into an unusual hiring decision at the County Planning Dept1 comments; last on Mar 10, 2014
Johns Repair
Whatcom Watch Editor Resigns
Sun, Mar 02, 2014, 2:22 pm // John Servais
The editor of the Whatcom Watch, Richard Jehn, has resigned effective today. Chalk up a victory for Craig Cole and Pacific International Terminals.8 comments; last on Mar 05, 2014
Relevant Documents to Libel Threat
Tue, Feb 25, 2014, 8:29 pm // John Servais
The full text of Craig Cole's threatening letter of libel against the Whatcom Watch. And the emptiness of the threat.14 comments; last on Mar 04, 2014
Action Alert for Tonight: Waterfront Wildlife and Habitat Not Being Protected as Promised
Mon, Feb 24, 2014, 3:33 pm // Wendy Harris
We were led to believe the city would review waterfront wildlife and habitat connectivity. It turns out that the city intends to focus only on nearshore fish.0 comments
Wendy Harris on Citizen Journalism
Sat, Feb 22, 2014, 12:16 am // Wendy Harris
Accepting the Paul deArmond award of citizen journalism on Feb 7, Wendh Harris gave this speech. We think it deserves its own post.0 comments
Craig Cole Threatens Libel Suit
Wed, Feb 19, 2014, 4:48 pm // John Servais
Craig Cole, the local contact for the proposed Cherry Point coal port has threatened the Whatcom Watch with a libel lawsuit.5 comments; last on Mar 08, 2014
Do Changing Liquor and Marijuana Laws Affect DUIs
Mon, Feb 17, 2014, 7:26 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley digs through court data and discovers the real impact of privatization and legalization0 comments
Bellingham Seeks "Flexibility" To Sell Wholesale Rural Sewer Services
Sun, Feb 09, 2014, 9:35 pm // Wendy Harris
The mayor wants to amend a city law to increase flexibility for a GMA provision that should be used rarely, if ever at all.3 comments; last on Feb 11, 2014
The Hidden Costs of Costco
Sun, Feb 09, 2014, 2:36 pm // Wendy Harris
Costco imposes indirect costs on our community that are as real and tangible as road construction expenses.1 comments; last on Feb 13, 2014
Reid Boiler Works Burns Down
Sun, Feb 09, 2014, 9:13 am // John Servais
The old empty Reid Boiler Works industrial building in Fairhaven burned to the ground Saturday night.0 comments
Panem et Circenses - Why I Did Not Watch "The Super Bowl"
Mon, Feb 03, 2014, 5:30 am // Dick Conoboy
Professional and even college sports have morphed into a circus of corporate greed and the fleecing of the public.3 comments; last on Mar 01, 2014
Have You Exceeded Your Right To Information?
Sat, Feb 01, 2014, 12:35 am // Wendy Harris
Filing a public record request could land a citizen in jail under a proposal reflected in a Herald opinion article.2 comments; last on Feb 03, 2014
Wendy Harris Receives deArmond Award for Citizen Journalism
Wed, Jan 29, 2014, 6:18 am // Guest writer
Tim Johnson writes about the first recipient of the Paul deArmond Citizen Journalism award, Whatcom County writer Wendy Harris.3 comments; last on Feb 08, 2014
Anatomy of a Development Part XI - The Doldrums at University Ridge
Mon, Jan 20, 2014, 5:14 am // Dick Conoboy
The developers of University Ridge have been silent since shortly after the hearing examiner's decision on 23 October last year. Will they walk?0 comments
The Marijuana Bowl
Sun, Jan 19, 2014, 8:39 pm // John Servais
Super Bowl ... Weed Bowl ... This bud's for you ... Bong Bowl ... Marijuana Bowl ... whatever. It is on!1 comments; last on Jan 20, 2014
Port's Alternative Marina Analysis a Scam
Tue, Jan 14, 2014, 2:19 pm // Guest writer
Do we actually need to say that we, as citizens, want accurate information from government officials?1 comments; last on Jan 14, 2014
City too Poor for Power Pennies or Discrimination?
Fri, Dec 27, 2013, 4:00 am // Guest writer
Guest writer Barbara Perry writes about Bellingham Parks refusal to allow motorized wheel chairs to recharge at public electrical outlets.6 comments; last on Jan 03, 2014
Port Memo Addresses Marina Fraud Allegations
Fri, Dec 20, 2013, 3:56 pm // Wendy Harris
A Port of Bellingham internal memo tries, but fails, to justify changes in cost estimates for alternative marina sites.5 comments; last on Dec 22, 2013
Lummi Influence Over the Waterfront Planning Process Continues to Grow
Tue, Dec 17, 2013, 12:21 am // Wendy Harris
Army Corps advised DOE that it will not issue a waterfront permit without Lummi approval2 comments; last on Jan 13, 2014
Gary Jensen Not Running for State Senate
Mon, Dec 16, 2013, 12:30 pm // John Servais
Ferndale Mayor Gary Jensen has decided not to file for the 42nd state Senate seat currently held by Doug Ericksen.5 comments; last on Dec 24, 2013
Larrabee School; Its Future
Mon, Dec 09, 2013, 12:24 pm // Guest writer
Barbara Perry writes about the closed nature of the Bellingham School Board on the future of the Larrabee School.1 comments; last on Dec 15, 2013
Steal this Waterfront: Costs without Benefit
Sat, Dec 07, 2013, 8:23 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein the direct, indirect, hidden and lost opportunity costs make this a waterfront boondoggle of billions3 comments; last on Dec 11, 2013
On Monday, City Council Votes "third and final" Approval of Waterfront Plan
Sat, Dec 07, 2013, 12:33 pm // Wendy Harris
Local activist calls on Bellingham City Council to table the unpopular waterfront plans and engage in meaningful public process2 comments; last on Dec 08, 2013
Lecture on County Water Issues Draws Crowd
Fri, Dec 06, 2013, 11:03 pm // Wendy Harris
The county will be required to consider water quality and water quantity when planning rural growth.3 comments; last on Dec 10, 2013
Video Exposes City Council Dysfunction on Waterfront Plan
Thu, Dec 05, 2013, 11:58 am // John Servais
The Political Junkie has posted a 3 minute video showing Bellingham City Council members explaining their idiocy for all of us to watch.2 comments; last on Dec 06, 2013
The Bellingham "Riot" - Let's Expand the Conversation
Thu, Dec 05, 2013, 5:00 am // Dick Conoboy
The post "riot" conversation is terribly lacking in several areas. We must expand the discussion or risk learning little from the experience.3 comments; last on Dec 15, 2013
Cascadia Weekly Blasts Waterfront Plan
Wed, Dec 04, 2013, 10:53 am // John Servais
Bellingham City Council and Port of Bellingham finalize the waterfront plan. In his weekly Gristle, Tim Johnson blasts the corrupt public process.4 comments; last on Dec 05, 2013
Waterfront Development Bonus Yet Another Bad Idea
Sat, Nov 30, 2013, 8:11 pm // Wendy Harris
The waterfront plan allows a development bonus for payments made to the Lake Whatcom land acquisition fund1 comments; last on Dec 01, 2013
City and Port Ready To Act on Waterfront Plan
Fri, Nov 29, 2013, 9:43 pm // Wendy Harris
A number of important issues need to be resolved before waterfront planning is complete, but the city council and port commission are ready to act.2 comments; last on Nov 30, 2013
Port Unable To Protect Public Safety
Fri, Nov 22, 2013, 9:01 pm // Wendy Harris
If the port can not construct the airport safely, should it be entrusted with dangerous waterfront cleanup work?0 comments
Walmart and McDonald's - Partners in Institutionalized Cluelessness
Wed, Nov 20, 2013, 5:03 am // Dick Conoboy
The advice coming from Walmart and McDonald's to its low paid employees becomes more and more bizarre and inane.0 comments
Anatomy of a Development - Part X Appeals of the Hearing Examiner's Decision
Tue, Nov 19, 2013, 5:35 am // Dick Conoboy
Ambling's motion to the hearing examiner for reconsideration was definitively rejected. The developer has not met the deadline for an appeal to the Superior Court0 comments
Smoking Gun: Fraud and Deception
Mon, Nov 18, 2013, 2:18 pm // Guest writer
In which we find the hidden core of the waterfront plan is rotten through and through7 comments; last on Nov 21, 2013
County Releases EIS, Prepares to Purchase Jail Site
Mon, Nov 18, 2013, 10:59 am // Riley Sweeney
The county takes two big steps forward on the new jail, while still missing the point0 comments
Noballmacare and Setting the False Standard
Thu, Nov 14, 2013, 1:39 am // Tip Johnson
Dear Mr. President, There's a sucker born every minute, and two to take him.7 comments; last on Nov 21, 2013
City Council Misled On Waterfront Planning
Wed, Nov 13, 2013, 3:16 pm // Wendy Harris
The city adminstration has been providing misleading/ incorrect information to the city council to avoid waterfront plan revisions.1 comments; last on Nov 18, 2013
Election Analysis: What Happened with the Port Races?
Tue, Nov 12, 2013, 10:21 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley crunches the numbers on Renata and McAuley's races to find answers2 comments; last on Nov 13, 2013
Puget Neighborhood Likely New Home for 1,300 Students
Tue, Nov 12, 2013, 5:16 am // Dick Conoboy
Puget Neighborhood will likely have in the immediate future 1,300 new rental units that will be marketed primarily to the student population.0 comments
Gloomy Fate For Waterfront Wildlife
Sat, Nov 09, 2013, 9:47 pm // Wendy Harris
The COB administration continues in its refusal to analyze waterfront wildlife issues, even though this is a prerequisite step in protecting wildlife from the impacts of development3 comments; last on Nov 10, 2013
Election Results - November 2013
Tue, Nov 05, 2013, 8:21 pm // John Servais
With lots of outside county money flowing in to our local races, this election is weird. But real - and we county residents have spoken.11 comments; last on Nov 09, 2013
Health Insurance Scams - Washington Not Spared
Mon, Nov 04, 2013, 9:55 am // Dick Conoboy
The call of the dollar speaks more loudly to health insurance companies than does the voice and well-being of the consumer, even here in Washington.8 comments; last on Nov 06, 2013
Anatomy of a Development - Part IX BMC Rule of Three Thwarts Plans
Thu, Oct 31, 2013, 10:19 am // Dick Conoboy
Four bedroom dorm rooms have been nixed by the hearing examiner. University Ridge may be in trouble as a cash cow for Ambling Development of Georgia3 comments; last on Nov 04, 2013
The Slaughterhouse Referendum - Citizens Opposing Widespread Slaughter (COWS)
Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 10:19 pm // Tip Johnson
Wherein we discover why we exert our rights - and grab some more petitions before it's too late3 comments; last on Nov 06, 2013
Dick's Picks for City Council - Burr and Petree
Mon, Oct 28, 2013, 12:00 am // Dick Conoboy
Independent voters are for independent thinkers on the city council. Vote for Burr and Petree.0 comments
Boulevard Park Reopens
Sat, Oct 26, 2013, 7:36 pm // John Servais
Beach reconstruction is done at Boulevard Park on the Bellingham waterfront. Paths along shore are again open - and it looks good.6 comments; last on Nov 01, 2013
Ken Bell and Renata for Port
Sun, Oct 20, 2013, 7:07 pm // John Servais
Ken Bell has my vote over Mike McAuley for port commissioner. And Renata Kowalczyk has it over Dan Robbins.8 comments; last on Oct 30, 2013
Anatomy of a Development Proposal - Part VIII The 12 October Riot and University Ridge
Tue, Oct 15, 2013, 3:16 pm // Dick Conoboy
The development of University Ridge will replicate the student ghetto that fueled the riot on 12 October.6 comments; last on Oct 25, 2013
COB Staff Manipulates Waterfront Planning for Controversial Overwater Walkway
Tue, Oct 15, 2013, 2:46 pm // Wendy Harris
Requesting waterfront handouts for the Overwater Walkway while proclaiming autonomy from further public review is unjustifiable.2 comments; last on Oct 16, 2013
Treaty Rights and Public Rights Ignored In Overwater Walkway
Tue, Oct 08, 2013, 2:22 pm // Wendy Harris
The city staff considers the overwater walkway a done deal before official approval or resolution of treaty right conflicts4 comments; last on Oct 16, 2013
Status Of Waterfront Analysis For Plants and Animals
Wed, Oct 02, 2013, 10:19 pm // Wendy Harris
The city administration asserts that there is no gap in waterplant plant and animal analysis0 comments
COB Habitat Restoration Master Plan Open House
Wed, Oct 02, 2013, 10:01 pm // Wendy Harris
Bellingham is holding an open house to introduce the public to its habitat restoration master plan, despite being at a preliminary draft stage3 comments; last on Oct 04, 2013
How the Coal Industry Funneled $40,000 into Whatcom
Wed, Oct 02, 2013, 5:40 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley uncovers how the Coal Industry is funding conservative candidates in Whatcom County11 comments; last on Oct 03, 2013
Wildlife Impacts Missing In COB Waterfront District EIS
Sat, Sep 28, 2013, 5:05 pm // Wendy Harris
The city and port have not addressed wildlife impacts from waterfront development and this should be done before a waterfront plan is enacted.0 comments
Government is Good
Sat, Sep 28, 2013, 2:20 pm // John Servais
As the right wing radicals seek to shut down our national government this week, we need to push back with common sense.8 comments; last on Oct 01, 2013
Anatomy of a Development Proposal - Part VII The Hearing on University Ridge
Fri, Sep 20, 2013, 7:09 am // Dick Conoboy
Hearing held on 11 September. Comment period extended 10 days. Effects on home owners already manifest.8 comments; last on Sep 22, 2013
Over $330,000 raised and spent on elections in Whatcom County
Thu, Sep 19, 2013, 6:08 am // Riley Sweeney
Riley examines who is donating to which candidates0 comments
City Council Waterfront Work Sessions Begin
Mon, Sep 09, 2013, 12:07 am // Wendy Harris
The staff will be explaining the public's concerns, but the public is not allowed to testify.0 comments
Waterfront Planning Before City Council and Port Commission
Fri, Sep 06, 2013, 2:52 pm // Wendy Harris
Elected officials continue to rely on inaccurate and misleading reports by the city and port staff regarding waterfront development.0 comments
Syrian War Perspectives: Jon Stewart
Wed, Sep 04, 2013, 8:37 am // John Servais
An attempt at linking to one or more writers who can help us make sense of going to war with Syria. An alternative to Kerry-Obama.0 comments
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POLITICS. COLORADO. 1988 Four who switched parties swap war stories. RNIN Mr 2, 1988 p.32 Michael Dukakis plans Denver stop. FM Mr 3, 1988 p.29 Mike Rcmer hopes to join his brother in statehouse. IM Mr 5, 1988 p.12 Analysis of Democrats' chances to win legislative seats. IM Mr 13, 1988 p.34 Part 3 of series shows effect of politics on state services. IM Mr 15, 1988 p.8,20-21
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Chagrin Yoga was excited to sponsor the popular Yoga by the Falls event produced by Your HomeTown Chagrin Falls. For the third year in a row, Chagrin Yoga instructors lead FREE, outdoor yoga classes on the 1st and 3rd Saturdays from June until August. The 2013 season is now over, check back next summer for more fun Yoga by the Falls!
Yoga by The Falls is held in Triangle Park from 9:00 am – 10:00 am. In case of inclement weather on Friday night or Saturday morning, the yoga classes were held at Township Hall, 83 North Main Street.
Yoga by the Falls Dates & Instructors:
June 1 – Shaun Sterling (assist: Kathy)
June 15 – David Kampinski (assist: Dawn)
July 6 – Frank Alesci (assist: Freia)
July 20 – Vishali Gupta (assist: Claire)
August 3 – Carl Belfiore (assist: Frank)
August 17 – Dawn Holst (assist: Kris)
The style of yoga is Vinyasa flow, a fun energizing, invigorating class for all levels starting with centering phase, moving into wakening phase, some gentle back bends, balancing postures, hip openers for releasing and ending with shavasana which is deep rest. Bring a yoga mat or towel.


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+ - Google Tried to Scupper WhatsApp-Facebook Deal with $10Bn Bid & Secret Deal->
Link to Original Source
Mod up please.
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that would be Interesting.
Well, it's concerning the docile posture you took (judging for what you write). In my third-world country I would have made a fuss about it then get the refund. There are laws that protect you against abuses by companies. There is a department run by the government here that helps people freely protect their consumer rights. You can ask a layer anything, get counsel and start actions against companies.
It's really common to be submissive when someone take over your rights, hell look what happened with the NSA scandal. In my country it's for granted that people working in the government get rich overnight. The president and their friends are billionares. (with a B). And not in other currency, in freaking dollars.
I suggest to stand up for your rights, even if the trouble for defending them is more than the value of say right (always happens this). Once you lose it, you lose it for ever.
Wrong story. Shame I can't delete it.
How would you react to THIS
I agree, we should use OSM, so we make it bigger and better. But as I have to make a website were there're pinned points in a city map so everyone can see it, OSM is not useful for me. Sadly, it can't replace "Google My Places"..yet
This is currently inavailable: http://open.mapquest.com/
Or may be I'm overlooking, I just need a map where I can mark places and probably attach photos to it (like to show the front of a starbucks store). But in a whole country. As far as I can know, can't do it with OSM, without serious work.
Was thinking the same, this poll is atrocious. Too much anxiety from one st**id poll. jeez!
"When the people fear the government there is tyranny, when the government fears the people there is liberty."
Thomas Jefferson
What, did he mean like.. people apply terrorism on the govermnet or something?
NSA: Just kidding!
Exactly. And as "dfk" says, it's a universal government tactic.
I'm form Argentina and I've got to say it's insulting the way they use this. They not only just focuses on the target for a few months (furiously I may say) but appeal on feelings like patriotism, because the target ALWAYS want to destroy the country and the democracy. (resemble other country of America?)
The worst of all is.. a lot of people buy it.
So moronic.
Have anyone noticed that a lot of the news articles don't even get 100 comments? Some do and just a few pass the 200 mark.
May be I see just a few articles a day and that is what I get. Is someone keeping statistics?
365 Days of drinking Lo-Cal beer. = 1 Lite-year


text:
Everything you need to understand or teach Osborne Russell's Journal of a Trapper by Osborne Russell.
Osborne Russell's narrative takes place in the years 1834 to 1843, when he travels and traps beaver in the northern area of the Rocky Mountains. Much of the area, including the famous natural springs and geysers is presently in Yellowstone National Park. Russell at age 20 signs up for Wyeth's expedition to the Rocky Mountains, with the Columbia Fishing and Trading Co., leaving from Missouri. The overland party arrives for the yearly rendezvous in July of 1834. Mr. Wyeth builds Fort Hall on the Snake River to trade for beaver skins, which is where Russell begins his service. In the beginning, Russell has to learn how to trap beaver and kill the wild game of the area, from buffalo to grizzly bears. Russell meets friendly Snake Indians and soon learns much of their language. Russell hears about Indians, mostly Blackfeet that attack white trappers.
Russell becomes a free trapper who operates with...
Osborne Russell's Journal of a Trapper: Edited from the Original… Lesson Plans contain 128 pages of teaching material, including:


text:
52wk high:
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1,040 people get TCEHY breaking news and analysis by email alert.
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Tencent-JD Tie-Up Takes Aim At AlibabaDoug Young • Mon, Mar. 10
Make Sure Your Internet ETF Holds This StockBenzinga • Sep. 18, 2013
Tencent Holdings: Emerging Market Stock Of The DayEmerging Money • Nov. 15, 2012
Film Makers In Vogue For LeTV And AlibabaDoug Young • Fri, Mar. 14
Weibo: Baidu, Xiaomi, TCL Leaders On Display At NPCDoug Young • Thu, Mar. 13
Sun Sets On Red Flag Operating SystemDoug Young • Fri, Feb. 14
Baidu Finishes Nuomi, Tencent Eyes DianpingDoug Young • Mon, Jan. 27
A Surprising Way To Participate In Today's Tech BoomFrank Holmes • Dec. 24, 2013
E-House Joins Fund Raising With $180 Mln BondDoug Young • Dec. 11, 2013
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 13, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 11, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 13, 2013)
at MarketWatch.com (Nov 11, 2013)
TCEHY vs. ETF Alternatives
Company Description
Tencent Holdings Limited provides Internet, mobile, and telecommunication value-added services in China. The Company has an instant messaging community in China. Tencent also provides online advertising services.
- All
- | Earnings
- | Dividends
- | On the move
Monday, Mar 1010:26 AM
- As rumored, Tencent (TCEHY) is buying a 15% stake in top Alibaba (ABABA) rival JD.com ahead of its IPO.
- Tencent is paying $214.7M in cash. The company is also transferring its QQ Wanggou and Paipai e-commerce platforms, and a minority stake in its Yixun marketplace.
- The assets, along with the massive scale of Tencent's QQ, Qzone, and WeChat messaging/gaming/social networking platforms, should give a boost to JD.com's traffic and marketing reach.
- JD.com, which (unlike Alibaba) depends heavily on direct e-commerce sales, filed for a $1.5B IPO in January. Alibaba took aim at Tencent last year by acquiring an 18% stake in Sina's Weibo microblogging platform (an indirect rival to WeChat).
- The Tencent/JD.com deal could also spell tougher competition for Vipshop (VIPS -4.4%) and Dangdang (DANG -4.9%), both of whom are joining other Chinese Internet stocks in seeing profit-taking.
Monday, Mar 1010:26 AM| Comment! -
Friday, Feb 282:16 PM
- Over the last 48 hours, Baidu, Dangdang, Youku, and 58.com have all posted Q4 beats and provided strong Q1 guidance. The numbers are giving a lift to a slew of Chinese Internet stocks.
- Notable gainers: SOHU +6.5%. PWRD +13.2%. VIPS +4.3%. YY +2.2%. RENN +3.8%. GOMO +5.5%.
- In Sohu's case, the rumor mill might also be helping out. A source tells Marbridge Consulting Sohu CEO Charles Zhang and Tencent (TCEHY +1.2%) CEO Pony Ma have talked about merging their companies' online video units. Both Sohu and Tencent trail market leaders Youku and Baidu in China's burgeoning online video market.
- Dangdang (DANG +8.6%) is adding to yesterday's big post-earnings gains after Oppenheimer hiked its PT to $15. The firm likes Dangdang's improved efficiency and partnerships with e-commerce rivals (inc. Alibaba's Tmall), and the fact mobile accounted for 13% of Q4 orders.
Friday, Feb 282:16 PM| 2 Comments -
Thursday, Feb 272:21 PM
- Sources tell Marbridge Consulting Alibaba (ABABA) is talking with Ctrip (CTRP +6.9%) about a possible investment.
- Alibaba took stakes in AutoNavi and Sina's Weibo microblogging platform last year. Marbridge's track record with investment/M&A rumors is mixed, but it has made some accurate calls in recent months.
- Ctrip has rallied above $55, and Chinese online travel rivals Qunar (QUNR +3.3%) and eLong (LONG +8.3%) are also posting sizable gains.
- Separately, the WSJ reports Chinese messaging/gaming giant Tencent (TCEHY) is looking to buy a stake in top Alibaba rival JD.com, which recently filed for a $1.5B IPO.
Thursday, Feb 272:21 PM| Comment! -
Monday, Feb 2410:56 AM
- The WSJ reports Sina (SINA +4.5%) is planning a $500M Q2 IPO for Weibo, and has hired hired Credit Suisse and Goldman to handle the offering.
- The paper adds Alibaba (ABABA) will likely up its stake in Weibo to 30% from its current 18% (purchased last year for $568M) in the event of an IPO. Sina currently owns 71% of Weibo, a stake Barclays thinks is worth $4.1B; the company's total market cap currently stands at $5.1B.
- Sina has made huge strides in monetizing Weibo in recent quarters. The microblogging service's ad sales rose 46% Q/Q and 125% Y/Y in Q3 to $43.7M, and its value-added service revenue rose 26% Q/Q and 121% Y/Y to $9.7M.
- At the same time, Weibo's engagement rates have been pressured by the manic growth seen for Tencent's (TCEHY) WeChat mobile messaging platform. Weibo had 60.2M daily active users at the end of Q3, +11% Q/Q. WeChat ended Q3 with 271.9M monthly active users, +15% Q/Q.
- Sina might make an official announcement in tandem with this afternoon's Q4 report.
Monday, Feb 2410:56 AM| Comment! -
Thursday, Feb 201:28 PM
- TD Securities has doubled its estimated valuation for BBM to $800M following the Facebook/WhatsApp deal, and raised its BlackBerry (BBRY +5.5%) PT to $10.50 from $9.50.
- TD observes Facebook is paying $42/user for WhatsApp ($19B for 450M MAUs), and that assigning a similar multiple to BBM's 80M MAUs would make the business worth $3.36B ($6.41/share). But (while believing the deal highlights the value of messaging platforms) it doesn't think BBM and WhatsApp's valuations are "really comparable," given the latter's smaller scale.
- Wells Fargo notes another messaging platform, Viber, was recently sold at a price of $8.57/user ($900M for 105M MAUs), and is skeptical BlackBerry will try to sell BBM rather than monetize it.
- While BlackBerry rallies on account of the deal, WhatsApp rivals Tencent (TCEHY -3.2%) and Naver (NHNCF -8.1%) have sold off overseas on worries about tougher competition. Tencent's WeChat is the dominant mobile messaging platform in China, and Naver's Line rules the roost in Japan.
- Yesterday: BlackBerry rises AH due to Facebook/WhatsApp
Thursday, Feb 201:28 PM| 32 Comments -
Thursday, Jan 1611:59 AM
- Chinese government agency CNNIC estimates Sina's (SINA -3.9%) Weibo user base fell 9% in 2013 to 281M, thanks to tough competition from Tencent's (TCEHY) WeChat mobile messaging platform.
- Sina, which has admitted in the past WeChat's rapid growth is pressuring Weibo engagement, had 60.2M Weibo daily active users in Q3. WeChat had 271.9M monthly active users as of Q3 (not an apples-to-apples comparison), and has 600M+ registered accounts, including over 100M outside of China.
- Altogether, CNNIC estimates China had 617.6M Internet users at the end of 2013, and 500.1M mobile Web users.
Thursday, Jan 1611:59 AM| Comment! -
Thursday, Jan 93:23 PM
- Tencent (TCEHY -2.1%) hopes to make a strategic investment in Chinese e-commerce platform Jingdong, although its intention has been rebuffed thus far, BrightWire writes citing a source.
- Jingdong reportedly generated 28.6% of all Chinese B2C e-commerce site traffic in 2013 to Alibaba's 39.2%, making an investment in the company valuable for Tencent's position vs. its rival.
- At issue is Tencent's modus operandi of taking a majority position in its investments, with Jingdong reluctant to cede autonomy according to market watchers.
Thursday, Jan 93:23 PM| Comment! -
Wednesday, Jan 811:54 AM
- Alibaba (ABABA), whose ambitions have been steadily expanding beyond e-commerce, plans to launch a mobile gaming platform for 3rd-party titles.
- The service will be aimed squarely at Chinese online/mobile gaming leader Tencent (TCEHY), and will give developers a hefty 70% cut. Alibaba also plans to integrate the service with its Laiwang messaging app (competes with Tencent's dominant WeChat) and the mobile app for its Taobao e-commerce platform.
- In addition to Tencent, Alibaba will be taking on a slew of other mobile game distributors, including NQ Mobile's (NQ +1.7%) FL Mobile unit.
- Chinese game developer Perfect World (PWRD +10.1%) has skyrocketed in morning trading. Peers Changyou (CYOU +4.1%) and NetEase (NTES +3.5%) are also up sharply.
- Also: Alibaba's Alipay online payments unit has struck a deal with Sina (SINA +1.5%) to allow Weibo users to make online and offline payments via Alipay. Sina investors have been expecting the company's partnership with Alibaba (bought an 18% stake last year) to yield service launches that would improve Weibo monetization.
Wednesday, Jan 811:54 AM| Comment! -
Friday, Dec 272013, 5:52 PM
- Two months after BlackBerry (BBRY) officially launched iOS and Android BBM apps, the apps are still appearing the iPhone's top-5 free download rankings for the U.K. and Argentina, and have topped iPhone free download charts in Indonesia, Nigeria, and South Africa. The app has also reached #24 in India.
- Indonesia, Nigeria, and South Africa have long been BlackBerry strongholds. The company's Indian smartphone share has been relatively small.
- Meanwhile, mobile analytics firm Mobidia estimates BBM's weekly usage in markets falling into its "Other Asia-Pac" segment (excludes China, Korea, India, and Japan) is above 100 minutes. That puts it ahead of major rivals such as Tencent's (TCEHY) WeChat, Line, Viber, and Kakao (curiously, no numbers are given for the wildly popular WhatsApp).
- In China, where WeChat claims hundreds of millions of users, Tencent's app fares notably better, sporting average usage above 150 minutes.
- BlackBerry disclosed last week it has added 40M+ registered iOS/Android BBM users since October. However, the company is taking a gradual approach to monetization; CEO John Chen says he expects "reasonably good revenue" from BBM around the FY16 timeframe.
Friday, Dec 272013, 5:52 PM| 23 Comments -
Thursday, Dec 262013, 1:08 PM
- Tencent (TCEHY +0.2%) will launch a smart TV in China that features controls and payment integration with the Chinese version of WeChat, Weixin. Tencent has poured $260M thus far in developing its financial services offerings, including WeChat Pay - the new product launch seems to be a move to monetize the app's enormous (and exploding) user base.
- No details on pricing have been released, but the company notes the TV will be released before the Chinese New Year (Jan. 31).
- Looking ahead, Tencent plans to introduce content-sharing features and roll out user-generated content on the platform.
Thursday, Dec 262013, 1:08 PM| Comment! -
Tuesday, Dec 102013, 2:08 PM
- Tencent (TCEHY +1.1%) has invested RMB1.6B ($260M) in multiple of its companies in the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Economic Zone involved in internet finance, Tencent's WeChat Pay, equity investment, and forex exchange services.
- Tencent has further plans to invest no less than RMB10B ($1.65B) in the economic zone.
- As SA contributor Fusion Zone wrote last week, SINA and Baidu are lurching into financial services as well.
Tuesday, Dec 102013, 2:08 PM| Comment! -
Wednesday, Nov 202013, 2:17 PM
- Facebook's $3B and Google's $4B acquisition attempts were reportedly rebuffed, but Tencent (TCEHY) got in as an undisclosed minority investor in Snapchat's last $60M round, TechCrunch writes.
- The Chinese giant was allegedly mulling over another investment in the app maker last month as well, this time in a potential $200M round that would value the company at $3B-$4B. The move follows a similar line Tencent took in its expansion bid in South Korea, where it acquired a 14% stake in leading messaging app Kakao Talk.
Wednesday, Nov 202013, 2:17 PM| Comment! -
Saturday, Oct 262013, 1:11 PM
- Tencent (TCEHY) is considering an investment in ephemeral photo messaging app maker Snapchat, The WSJ reports. Snapchat is said to be looking to raise up to $200M at a valuation of $3B-$4B. It has already scored $73M in venture funding, most recently hauling in $60M in June.
- Founder Evan Spiegel has been open about his admiration of Tencent and its monetization strategy on a number of occasions. Tencent's own foray into messaging, WeChat, boasts 236M active users.
- Tencent has ramped up its overseas investments as of late. It has invested over $2B to create a portfolio that includes start-ups such as Fab.com, Everyme, Ark, Sonalight, Loom, Watsi, Couple, and Waddle.
- While a relationship could aid Snapchat in an effort to gain a foothold in Asia and monetize its user base, Tencent stands to benefit from expanding its reach in mobile as it battles Alibaba and Baidu.
Saturday, Oct 262013, 1:11 PM| 1 Comment -
Friday, Oct 112013, 4:33 PM
- A day after Delaware's Supreme Court cleared the way for the deals to proceed, Activision (ATVI +0.2%) says it has closed its $5.83B, $13.60/share leveraged recap deal with Vivendi (VIVHY.PK), and that Vivendi's sale of $2.34B in shares (also at $13.60/share) to an investment group led by Activision's CEO and co-chairman has also been finished. (PR)
- Not surprisingly, Activision predicts the leveraged recap, which was financed via $4.75B in debt (average interest rate below 5%) and $1.2B in existing cash, will be immediately accretive to EPS.
- The two deals leave the investment group, which also features private investment firms and Chinese online gaming giant Tencent (TCEHY.PK), with a 24.7% stake in Activision. Vivendi retains a 12% stake.
Friday, Oct 112013, 4:33 PM| Comment! -
Friday, Sep 272013, 10:13 AM
- China's State Council says gaming consoles, banned since 2000, will be allowed for sale provided they're approved by the Ministry of Culture. The decision opens the door for Microsoft (MSFT +1.1%), Sony (SNE -0.7%), and Nintendo (NTDOY.PK) to begin officially selling their hardware in the Middle Kingdom.
- Unofficially, the hardware hasn't been hard to find on the black market, with sellers typically hawking modified systems that support pirated games. However, the government's decision should open the door for console makers and game developers (EA, ATVI, TTWO) to formally market their wares, replete with Chinese-language translations.
- Aside from piracy, China's well-established online gaming scene will serve as a challenge for console makers and game developers. Some of the online gaming firms they'll be competing against: TCEHY.PK, NTES, GA, GAME, PWRD, CYOU.
- Microsoft just formed a 49:51 console JV with local firm BesTV.
- Previous: Chinese government reportedly planning to end console ban
Friday, Sep 272013, 10:13 AM| 5 Comments -
Tuesday, Sep 242013, 11:11 AM
- In what could be a trial balloon, the Chinese government plans to lift its ban on "politically sensitive" foreign websites in Shanghai's new free-trade zone, according to government sources talking to Hong Kong's South China Morning Post. Facebook (FB +4.7%), Twitter, and the New York Times are among the sites that will reportedly be made accessible.
- In addition, the government plans to allow foreign carriers to bid for licenses to provide Internet services in the free-trade zone. State-owned carriers China Mobile (CHL -0.8%), China Telecom (CHA -1.8%), and China Unicom (CHU -2.8%) have all reportedly been informed foreign companies will be able to compete with them in the area.
- For now, the zone only covers 29 sq. km. But sources state it could eventually cover Shanghai's entire Pudong business district (1,210 sq. km), home to the Shanghai Stock Exchange and arguably China's most vital commercial hub.
- The report comes shortly after Facebook COO Sheryl Sandberg met with Chinese Web regulators. China already has a well-developed social networking scene, with Tencent (TCEHY.PK) and SINA claiming hundreds of millions of registered users for their respective platforms.
Tuesday, Sep 242013, 11:11 AM| 4 Comments
After WhatsApp Buy, Facebook Faces Stiff Competition From Tencent's WeChat $TCEHY, $FB http://seekingalpha.com/a/18k1n - View all 0 replies
- View all 5 replies
Husky Financial:: It has been a long time! I've been working in nyc as an equities trader & havent been allowed to post my research, PM me and we can catch up
- View all 5 replies
1980XLS:: 50%? http://seekingalpha.com/s/o4ter Pro article coming, low volume illiquid stock will move fast!


text:
Monongah, W. Va. Nola McKinney, Secretary, 1910, West Virginia Child Labor Committee. Frank P......., whose legs were cut off by a motor car in a coal mine in West Virginia when he was 14 years 10 months of age.
Click tabs to swap between content that is broken into logical sections.


text:
To browse available study abroad programs, click here.
To browse the list of approved courses for French credit, click here.
The Department of French and Italian believes that study abroad is an essential part of a student's preparation as a language major. Students who major in French are required to spend at least a semester in a French-speaking country; students who minor in Italian are highly encouraged to take at least a semester of study in Italy.
The French department encourages students to spend an entire academic year of study abroad. The department maintains a close relationship with Hamilton College's Junior Year in France program, which is located in Paris, and which allows students to take courses at a variety of institutions.
Colby has its own program in France, Colby in Dijon. This program of intensive language study is offered every year during the fall semester, and is open to incoming first-year students who wish to accelerate their progress in French, sometimes, but not always, with a view to becoming a French major.
The department also encourages study in a variety of French-speaking countries on continents other than Europe. Students may choose to study in neighboring Quebec, or on the African continent, where French majors have spent semesters in Senegal, Madagascar, and Cameroon. Prospective French majors should consult early with their advisors to prepare their study abroad plans for their junior year. JanPlan programs have been offered in Paris as well as in Morocco and Guadeloupe.
Students who minor in Italian should consult with the director of the Italian program to find the most appropriate program for study. Colby maintains a close relationship with a number of programs in Italy, in particular those in Rome, Padua, Bologna, Ferrara and Florence.
Student Observations
"By far the most enrlching part about my semester abroad in Paris was the family homestay. From nightly dinner table conversations to holiday family parties, I felt immersed in the everyday life of a Parisian family. In addition, it is the best way to take the French language that you have learned in the classroom to the next level."
-Maggie Devlin '10
"My year in Geneva, Switzerland was the most amazing year of my life. I was able to take classes not only at the Université de Genève, but also at the Graduate Institute for International Studies, and I gained invaluable experience through my two internships with international organizations. I can't wait until I can go back because, after a year, it truly became my home!"
-Katherine Cosgrove '10
"My time in France was wonderful and rich, fun and exciting. I was able to study in Dijon and Paris and quickly learned that France does not begin and end in Paris, but is most vivid in its provinces. My advice to anyone who travels to this wonderful country is to explore all of its delightful corners."
-Nancy Joachim
"I was unsure about spending an entire year in France, away from Colby, but in the end it was the best decision I could have made. The time which I invested in getting to know the language, the culture, and the people was paid back in full, as I reaped the benefits of personal growth and of a deepened and enriched academic experience during my senior year."
-Karl Dahlfred


text:
Glade Coupons | Save up to $11
Glade Coupons
There are new Glade Coupons available to print. This is the time of year we see the new scents released – so these coupons will come in handy. Stores will be clearancing the summer scents – we should be able to score some cheap candles and products!
$.55/1 Glade Carpet & Room Odor Eliminator
$.55/1 Glade Premium Room Spray…


text:
- the story
Style In Full Bloom
Made for the modern romantic, this laser-cut bloom juxtaposes steely lines with softly-stained petals. Handmade from laser-cut stainless steel with colored resin by architect-cum-metalsmith Kathleen Dautel. Strung on a 18" nylon-coated stainless steel cable with magnetic clasp. Handmade in North Carolina by Kathleen Dautel.
Click here to learn more about our complimentary pouches included with every jewelry order.
- details
- Item ID
- 19925
- Made from
- nylon, resin, stainless steel
- Measurements
- Cable: 18" L, 14 gauge; Pendant: 1.13" W X 1" H
- the maker
Kathleen Dautel
Inspired by modern architecture's smooth lines and nature's robust forms, artist Kathleen Dautel designs sweet, modern wire jewelry splayed with charming resin touches.
Working mainly with stainless steel, Dautel's formal training in architecture and metalsmithing shines through her clean, laser-cut pendants, which she finishes with hand-colored epoxy resin. Dautel lives and works in Raleigh, North Carolina out of her self-run space, Spark Metal Studio. collection
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60 Hour Candle $30.00


text:
LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – The generosity of youth this past weekend demonstrates hope for the future. Amidst the news of suffering and loss, youth from across the southeast attended the annual THAW Martin Luther King, Jr. Ski Weekend hosted by Ministries with Young People (MYP) at Lake Junaluska. Although youth were gathered to worship, ski, and have fun with their friends, their hearts were opened to the needs of those devastated by the earthquake in Haiti. MYP at Lake Junaluska announced the intent to collect an offering at the weekend's Saturday night worship service on Facebook, challenging youth to donate what they could offer over the course of the weekend. By Sunday, the youth had donated over $2,000. "One of the reasons I love being in youth ministry is because youth have an amazing ability to respond to needs put in front of them. In no way am I surprised by the amount of money we collected – it makes me extremely proud of our youth," said Rev. Carolyn Poling, MYP Director at Lake Junaluska. Because UMCOR, the United Methodist Committee on Relief, was already working in Haiti at the time of the earthquake, the proceeds collected from this event will go directly to UMCOR's ongoing efforts. Please visit www.myp.lakejunaluska.com or www.facebook.com/myp.lakejunaluska for updates on Ministries with Young People's efforts and upcoming events.
Just wanted to thank you for such an amazing weekend with my youth group at Lake J! It was an amazing experience that would not have happened without the Lake J team! I hope you realize what a relief it was to have everything ready and prepared for us when we got there. The rooms were great and all of my youth are planning a trip back next summer! Anna Powell, Forest UMC, Minister of Youth and Children
The parents, chaperones and students were very pleased with their experience at Junaluska. You all do a great job! Tom Dumas, Jr. Providence UMC, Spanish Fort, AL
Just wanted to say thank you! My husband and I really enjoyed our time at Lake Junaluska. The rafting trip was great and the lodging was perfect. What a great place to relax and be surrounded by God's beauty! We look forward to returning! Heidi LaRoche
Youth/Young Adults - great Youth and Young adult progams all year. Whitewater Rafting Adventures - experience a rushing mountain river.


text:
Sorry for the misinterpretation, your post came off as a very matter-of-factually way to say some thing that wasn't necessarily true. In most cases, "it is regarded", or "it is generally accepted that" usually tends to mean that the poster agrees with these views as well. Plus, in that context, saying "it needs to be proven" seemed like just an ignorant way of assuming the affirmative when it's clearly been stated that Golduck has a general purpose outside of rain, which therefore puts you in the negative stance. I don't mean to start a debate or anything, I'm just explaining to you why I responded the way I did and what I was thinking. I actually really appreciate your decency to message me in private about something that would only serve to cause further irritation and frustration publicly. After all, the entire issue has enough controversy on its own.
People have criticized the UU forum before. The message "this isn't Firebot" also points away from that being the reason.
Yeah, it seems like that entire mini-topic about quote wars got pwned. And yes, I did get an infraction lol.


text:
This link was posted at another talk board, but it was so good thought it should be posted here for all to go an see. http://cactussun.com/painter/index.html Any Iowans out there seen this work? Which city is it near?
He's a young guy. That's great artwork.
What will your legacy be ?? http://www.vetopropac.com/veto-nylon-tool-bags.php
a thank-you and a handshake/hug goes out to "bubba"- awesome work!!!
Da Threadkilla
That is awesome.
Life goes on long after the thrill of living is gone.
Very cool, also the fact no one touched it after that.
Hey cockroach, don't bug me! © www.AskTheDiceman.com www.TheColdConspiracy.com www.Pennwood-HVAC.Com Bring Em Home....
Forum Rules


text: All property insurance policies (Personal and Commercial) exclude damage due to flood. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, all will agree that opinions vary as to the proper way to adjudicate a claim involving both wind and surface water damage. To further complicate matters, sewers can back up (separate coverage) for many reasons not exclusive to floodwater. The bottom line is that if the water touches the ground before damaging the structure, it is "Flood Water" and a separate Flood Policy is required to cover such damage. Your specific quotation will illustrate all deductible options.


text:
Go to map view
This small hotel is on the southern bank of the Danube, in the town of Vidin. Surrounded by a park, it offers peaceful rooms with a balcony and free Wi-Fi. The river bank is 50 metres away. Air conditioning and cable TV are standard room facilities at Family Hotel Tangra. Each room is also fitted with a minibar, and toiletries are provided in the bathroom...
More from booking.com
Get Rates |
Get Flight + Hotel |
General | Air-conditioned, Designated smoking area, Express check out, No smoking, Parking (free), Room service |
Services | Meeting/Banquet facilities |
Internet | Internet, WiFi (free) |
Policy | Pets allowed |
Star Ratings
booking.com | |
priceline.com |


text:
Swift Creek Mill Theatre Presents: Blithe Spirit and our 2012 - 2013, 7/21 Mainstage and Youth Theatre Seasons
by BWW News Desk - Jan 1, 2001 Swift Creek Mill Theatre presents a summer filled with shows for everyone of all ages! (more...)
Photo Flash: First Look at JACK AND THE BEANSTALK at Swift Creek Mill Theatre
by BWW News Desk - Apr 17, 2013 Our version of the classic fairy tale is full of fee-fie-foe-FUN!! Jack trades the family cow for some magic beans, and when those beans grow into a skyscraper-sized beanstalk, he climbs it to find that his giant hosts aren't so scary after all. He learns some great lessons about family and friends along the way, too. Don't Miss Jack's exciting escapades! (more...) |