text: Mishka - "Above the Bones" - OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEO¬ By MishkaMusic This is the official music video for "Above the Bones" by Mishka. The song is... more »This is the official music video for "Above the Bones" by Mishka. The song is taken from the album "Above the Bones" released in 2009 on Jk Livin Records. Mishka's new album "Talk About" will be available in stores and online on March 30, 2010. Mishka.com / myspace.com/4mishka / jklivinstore.com (c) 2009 Jk Livin Records « less Published March 07, 2010 343 views More Info » Full Credits MishkaMusic Uploader Additional Credits Additional Credits: Mishka.com Stats & Data 5 Funny Votes 1 Die Votes 343 Views Published: March 07, 2010 Categories: Music Keywords: Mishka reggae acoustic Marley McConaughey guitar surf skate soul livin Up Next: Mishka - "Above the Bones" Live at SXSW 2009 AUTOPLAY Up Next In: 10 Mishka - "Above the Bones" Live at SXSW 2009 Butch Walker's Synthesizers with Matthew McConaughey Matthew McConaughey: Kid Detective Matthew McConaughey - Creepy Beef Spokesman Follow Facebook Twitter Tumblr Instagram Browse Related Comments Vaguely Related Videos Vaguely Related Pics & Words Advertisement Tags: Mishka reggae acoustic Marley McConaughey Advertisement


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text: Max Payne Firing On Mobile Devices Next Week snakemaster2389 April 7, 2012 News, Uncategorized 2 The original 2001 smash hit Max Payne is finally going to arrive on mobile devices on April 12th. Max Payne Mobile will have HD graphics, different configurable controls, and will connect into the Rockstar Games Social Club as well. This is a great time to play Max Payne, with Max Payne 3 only a month away. You can check out the original games and see what made them unique, like its gritty, noir story and the "bullet time" mechanic, which other games have tried to copy endless amounts of times. I played the original Max Payne games and I love them not just for the gameplay, but for the dark, seedy, underworld that the game is set in. You can download 'Max Payne Mobile' on iPhones (3GS and up), iPads (any model), and on iPod Touch 4. Max Payne Mobile will also be coming on Android devices on April 26th. Check out some screenshots for Max Payne Mobile below. 2 Responses opeh tars April 12, 2012 Favorite sites… […] Terrific story, believed we're able to combine a number of unrelated data, nonetheless really worth taking a look, whoa did one find out about Middle of the East has got more problems as well […]… Log in to Reply Gale Wernli April 17, 2012 I simply want to mention I'm very new to blogging and site-building and definitely liked your page. More than likely I'm planning to bookmark your blog . You actually come with beneficial well written articles. Regards for sharing your website. Log in to Reply Leave a Reply Cancel ReplyYou must be logged in to post a comment.


text: CORPORATE SCORECARD 2011 Bankruptcy: End of an Era By Julie Triedman, The American Lawyer April 1, 2011 share share on linkedin Facebook share on twitter share on google+ Share With Email Send Thank you for sharing! Your article was successfully shared with the contacts you provided. print reprints The number of corporate filings dropped by half last year. ADD COMMENT


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- Home >
- Sweet Stuffed Crepe Cigars Voted Best B&B Breakfast
Sweet Stuffed Crepe Cigars Voted Best B&B Breakfast
Caramel Apple Bacon French Toast Takes Second in BedandBreakfast.com's Third-Annual Best B&B Breakfast Recipe Challenge
AUSTIN, TX (April 14, 2014 ) – A contest that would satisfy anyone's sweet tooth, the BedandBreakfast.com® Best B&B Breakfast Tournament was a showdown of "sweets to beat," with Sweet Stuffed Crepe Cigars from Open Gates Bed & Breakfast in Darien, GA winning top honors for best B&B breakfast in North America.
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Hanger may have boosted Pa. medical marijuana bill
HARRISBURG -- Marijuana was the issue that set John Hanger apart from the other Democratic candidates for governor, and proponents of legalizing the drug for medical purposes in Pennsylvania credit him with drawing attention to their cause before he dropped out of the race last week.
Hanger supported the medical pot proposal, but he also was the only candidate to advocate the more radical step of legalizing the drug statewide -- a proposal he put on even footing with issues of wider appeal such as creating jobs and improving public schools.
"Schools not jails, jobs not jails, legalize and tax marijuana right now!" is how Hanger summed up his platform at a forum during February's Pennsylvania Progressive Summit.
No one expects Pennsylvania to legalize the drug anytime soon -- Colorado and Washington state are the only two that have done that -- but sponsors of a leading medical marijuana bill in the Legislature said Hanger's emphasis on marijuana helped elevate public awareness of the issue.
"As far as getting the word out on a statewide basis ... it didn't hurt at all," said Sen. Mike Folmer, a conservative Republican from Lebanon County and the bill's prime sponsor.
"It gave the issue attention and it certainly galvanized" the parents of sick children who say marijuana could provide relief that conventional medicines have not, said co-sponsor Sen. Daylin Leach, D-Montgomery. "John Hanger was a hero to them."
Hanger exited the Democratic nomination race Thursday, saying he could not compete against front-runner Tom Wolf's ongoing statewide TV campaign.
The medical marijuana bill would allow doctors to prescribe marijuana or its extracts for certain patients, such as children suffering from epileptic seizures and people with cancer who are undergoing chemotherapy.
So far, similar laws have been passed in 20 states and the District of Columbia.
A statewide poll of Pennsylvania voters released this month by Connecticut's Quinnipiac University showed 85 percent believe adults should be allowed to use marijuana for medical purposes if their doctor prescribes it.
Among the Democrats running for governor, the bill is supported by Wolf, a York businessman, and three other candidates -- U.S. Rep. Allyson Schwartz, former state Auditor General Jack Wagner and Katie McGinty, Hanger's predecessor as head of the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Republican Gov. Tom Corbett, a former state attorney general, has said he would veto any legalization bill, even if it was limited to medical uses, because he considers marijuana a "gateway drug" whose use leads to more dangerous drugs.


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Arizona Education Tax Credit
Contribute to student programs and activities at Phoenix Union High School District, and you'll be paid back with a dollar-for-dollar tax credit. And you'll help guarantee that our students experience all that high school has to offer.
Central English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher Erica Earl, former Alhambra Principal Claudio Coria, and Camelback Security Assistant David Caddell were presented with Phoenix Union High School District 2016 Employee of the Year awards at the District's Opening of Schools Convocation, Tuesday, August 3 at the Celebrity Theatre.
The Lions won their first-ever baseball title, May 14, beating San Luis, 3-2, at Surprise Stadium. It was the first baseball championship for a Phoenix Union school since 1977.
Eleven Phoenix Union schools, as well as Sierra Vista Buena, Kingman and Seton Catholic competed in the event at Maryvale High School. Maryvale finished second with 34,568
Guzman, now an engineering student at New York University, earned the Evelyn Kamen Rising Star Award, named after Kamen's grandmother, who was a teacher in the New York state school system
A team from Metro Tech took an initial investment of $500,000 in virtual money to buy mock stock in 30 fictitious companies, and finished the Junior Achievement Stock Market Challenge
One of the goals of Bioscience was to produce college-going students who could one day work in the sciences, medicine, research and engineering.
Betty Fairfax has had a lot of firsts in its young history, and now they are the first Phoenix Union school to field a Special Olympics softball team.
IT Manager and Special Olympics Softball coach Amy Remfrey, brought home a Gold Medal from the 2015 Special Olympics Summer Games in Los Angeles.
One of only 21 awarded to Arizona seniors this year. Lopez is the first South Mountain student to win the prestigious and lucrative scholarship, which can be used at any of Arizona's three state universities.
South Mountain Girls won the Division II Track and Field State Championship, Saturday at Mesa Community College.
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The role of predators like the wolf and cougar in maintaining ecosystems and biodiversity. Narrator: Peter Coyote.
There are no upcoming broadcasts of this program in the next two weeks. Check back soon!
WETA looks back at the people and events of the 1980s — the disorderly decade that saw Washington's emergence as a true global capital.Learn more →
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Luis Araya immigrated to Arlington, Virginia from Bolivia in 1966, when very few Latinos lived in the county. He reflects on the changes he has seen over the years and the influence of Latinos in Arlington today.Watch now →
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The Money in the Bank 2012 ladder matches on July 15 will feature future Hall of Famers, promising young talent and secondary champions vying for a shot at the World Heavyweight Championship and the WWE Championship.
Only two of those men can emerge the winners, and chances are that many fans' favorites won't be the ones making that final climb up the ladder.
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Some MITB entrants are more difficult to cheer for than others, but with a little effort, fans can be happy with any of the wrestlers who leave the US Airways Center with the sought-after briefcase.


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Coal Free Bellingham: Point Proven?Permalink +
Thu, Aug 09, 2012, 9:30 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.pdf
Douglas Smith // Thu, Aug 09, 2012, 10:34 pm
David Camp // Fri, Aug 10, 2012, 1:30 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, 8:56 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, 9:45 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, 6:14 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, 10:31 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, 12:08 pm
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, 2:06 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, 6:37 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, 10:41 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, 11:57 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, 2:07 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, 4:30 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, 4:42 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, 5:46 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, 2:07 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, 2:32 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, 2:51 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, 4:17 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, 4:55 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, 9:28 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
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Lummi Island DrawbridgeThe Lummi Island ferry is a very old and decrepit vessel. The state ferry system wants to give us a newer one in great condition. Whatcom County says…
Tip Johnson
Sat, Jun 25, 2016, 10:08 pm
6 comments; last on Jun 30, 2016
Options High School: Great idea, wrong siteTim Paxton guest writes about the defects in planning for the Options High School.
Guest writer
Mon, Jun 06, 2016, 5:03 pm
5 comments; last on Jun 26, 2016
Ferndale volunteers build kids playgroundOver 2,000 volunteers have just built a new playground in six days. We do a photo story.
John Servais
Sun, Jun 05, 2016, 8:29 pm
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Greenways may reverse heron colony buffer purchase this eveningThe Greenways Advisory Committee meets this evening and may reverse their May decision to purchase the heron colony buffer woods.
John Servais
Fri, Jun 03, 2016, 12:29 am
10 comments; last on Jun 07, 2016
We need to protect our Great Blue Heron colonyBellingham's only heron colony needs forested buffer - and the land owner is willing to sell. Greenways has voted to buy it, but our city council must act.
John Servais
Tue, May 31, 2016, 9:51 pm
5 comments; last on Jun 01, 2016
Memorial Day 2016 - Thanking a True SoldierThis veteran, Chris Brown, deserves our deep thanks for his achievement with Growing Veterans as Executive Director, a post that he has left. He will continue as President…
Dick Conoboy
Thu, May 26, 2016, 5:23 am
3 comments; last on Jun 08, 2016
Singing the Comp Plan BluesAs the city council takes up consideration of the comprehensive plan, citizen input is critical. Otherwise in a few years and in response to housing and land use…
Dick Conoboy
Mon, May 23, 2016, 5:21 am
0 comments
Proposed over-water walkway is deadThe planned concrete walkway from Boulevard Park to the Cornwall landfill, using millions in Greenway funds, has been abandoned by Bellingham. We again thank the Lummi.
John Servais
Sat, May 21, 2016, 4:32 pm
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Breaking Free: A New Age Ghost DanceJay Taber, a strong environmentalist for decades, guest writes a harsh critique of the 350 org anti-fossil fuel demonstrations at the Anacortes oil refineries last weekend.
Guest writer
Wed, May 18, 2016, 4:46 pm
2 comments; last on May 24, 2016
Missing Options High School traffic studyBellingham School officials expect a slam dunk by Hearing Examiner and city council on street vacation and conditional use permit. By Patrick McKee.
Guest writer
Tue, May 17, 2016, 7:45 pm
2 comments; last on May 18, 2016
Uber: Supporting the Troops?Uber, the cheap ride taxi company, is targeting the troops to become drivers in ads disguised as articles in publications such as the Army Times.
Dick Conoboy
Mon, May 16, 2016, 5:20 am
0 comments
Herons or Oil: Which are long term?The March Point protestors this weekend will hopefully show serious concern and not disturb the heron colony near the refineries.
John Servais
Sat, May 14, 2016, 9:34 am
2 comments; last on May 15, 2016
No Coal Terminal at Cherry Point - FinalThe Seattle office of the Army Corps of Engineers has formally denied a permit for building a coal terminal at Cherry Point in Whatcom County. Updated at 4pm.
John Servais
Mon, May 09, 2016, 12:10 pm
4 comments; last on May 09, 2016
Boring, predictable Trump plays to conservative Lynden crowdSupporters say he will beat Hillary Clinton.
Ralph Schwartz
Sat, May 07, 2016, 10:47 pm
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Citizens: BPD dismissive of people of colorGroup cites failure to investigate assaults on anti-police-racism marchers
Ralph Schwartz
Tue, Apr 26, 2016, 7:04 pm
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An Open Letter to U.S. Representative Rick LarsenAlso to all U.S. Representative candidates in the 1st and 2nd U.S. Congressional districts for the election in 2016
David Camp
Tue, Apr 26, 2016, 3:46 pm
1 comments; last on Apr 27, 2016
Five districts pass; GOP incites conservatives to fight map in courtRepublicans rolled over and approved the Democrats' map to set the stage for a legal challenge
Ralph Schwartz
Thu, Apr 21, 2016, 8:40 pm
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Unanimous Yes vote for 5 county council districtsGOP vote for Democratic plan to prevent locked committee and then county council becoming decision makers of districting boundaries
John Servais
Wed, Apr 20, 2016, 8:01 pm
1 comments; last on Apr 21, 2016
Report on City Council RetreatThe Bellingham City Council conducted a retreat on 16 April to discuss a number of issues, including a set of proposed strategies to ensure "sustainable services."
Dick Conoboy
Tue, Apr 19, 2016, 5:14 am
0 comments
OregonLNG quits: Cherry Point may be new targetLiquid natural gas terminal is rumored to be in planning stages for Cherry Point as the Oregon proposed LNG plan is abandoned.
John Servais
Mon, Apr 18, 2016, 11:55 am
6 comments; last on Apr 19, 2016
Deck stacked against Republicans at Districting Committee hearingFate of new county five-district map remains uncertain.
Ralph Schwartz
Wed, Apr 13, 2016, 10:43 pm
5 comments; last on Apr 14, 2016
Don't speak at tonight's Districting Committee hearingIf you do, you better make sure you have something to say that's going to change someone's mind.
Ralph Schwartz
Wed, Apr 13, 2016, 9:09 am
3 comments; last on Apr 14, 2016
Bellingham Planning tries to sneak one throughThe Sunnyland residents have just learned they have only today to comment on a huge impacting building project in their neighborhood.
John Servais
Mon, Apr 11, 2016, 1:06 am
11 comments; last on Apr 23, 2016
No sign of agreement as districting committee enters final phaseAfter a public hearing next week, the committee will be asked to vote on a five-district map for Whatcom County in two weeks.
Ralph Schwartz
Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 9:18 pm
5 comments; last on Apr 09, 2016
Proposed redistricting map for your reviewThe Districting Master (the official title) has submitted his map for review by the Districting Committee this evening. Here it is for your review.
John Servais
Wed, Apr 06, 2016, 1:14 pm
5 comments; last on Apr 07, 2016
BNSF: A casual approach to railroad safetyAt Clayton Beach, we have tracked increasing erosion under railroad tracks and written to the railroads and federal inspectors. To no avail.
John Servais
Mon, Apr 04, 2016, 8:17 pm
2 comments; last on Apr 05, 2016
$15 Minimum Wage - Assured Debt PeonageAccelerating efforts across the U.S. to install a $15 minimum wage are playing into the hands of big business and codifying enormously insufficient wages for years to come.
Dick Conoboy
Mon, Apr 04, 2016, 5:25 am
2 comments; last on May 24, 2016
Cherry Point coal port development put on iceWork on EIS put on hold as coal companies wait for Army Corps of Engineers decision. Well, it was not in March. This is not an April 1…
John Servais
Fri, Apr 01, 2016, 3:49 pm
3 comments; last on Apr 02, 2016
Fuller calls on Coast Guard to 'stand on the right side of history'Activist contests $10,000 fine for climbing on a Shell oil vessel. Rob Lewis guest writes this report.
Guest writer
Wed, Mar 23, 2016, 2:37 pm
0 comments
Voting guide for Whatcom Conservation DistrictUpdated Wed, Mar 16. Tuesday, March 15, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., any registered voter of Whatcom County can vote in person at the conservation district office.
John Servais
Wed, Mar 16, 2016, 8:26 pm
0 comments
Will Cherry Point coal port be denied this week?Updated 4:30pm. Helena, Montana newspaper says GPT may be denied this week by Army Corps of Engineers. US Rep Zinke panics and accuses Army of politics.
John Servais
Wed, Mar 16, 2016, 12:19 am
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Dems, GOP primed for legal fight over districtsNot even a letter from a coal terminal spokesman can save them now.
Ralph Schwartz
Tue, Mar 15, 2016, 12:04 am
2 comments; last on Mar 17, 2016
Districting maps E and F for referenceWe post the next two maps to be discussed at the Districting Committee today, March 14. For the few who might study them and later contribute perspectives.
John Servais
Mon, Mar 14, 2016, 1:53 am
0 comments
Democrats threaten legal action on districtingLegally threatening letter sent by Seattle law firm retained by prominent leading Democratic Party leaders.
John Servais
Sun, Mar 13, 2016, 1:06 pm
1 comments; last on Mar 14, 2016
The state of citizen journalism is strong: Two receive deArmond awardsThe third annual deArmond dinner celebrated the work of Sandy Robson and Neah Monteiro.
Ralph Schwartz
Fri, Mar 11, 2016, 11:28 pm
2 comments; last on Mar 13, 2016
Potential Oil Exports From Cherry Point—Something else to put on your radarWhat almost happened on the coast of Maine could happen here at Cherry Point. Portland, Maine, stopped oil exports - and Whatcom County can also. If we act.
David Camp
Wed, Mar 09, 2016, 11:20 pm
0 comments
Durham, NH, - Surprise! - Rental Inspections WorkedDurham is an example of the efficacy of rental inspections, putting to bed the unsupported objections of landlords by presenting facts about conditions.
Dick Conoboy
Wed, Mar 09, 2016, 2:20 pm
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Dogged Pursuit of a Failed Vision?Wherein, we correct some misassumptions but still ask the questions
Tip Johnson
Tue, Mar 08, 2016, 2:47 pm
0 comments
Districting Committee: GOP accuses Democrats of gerrymanderingThe Republicans made concessions on their district map but took a final stand at Nooksack, Everson and Sumas.
Ralph Schwartz
Tue, Mar 08, 2016, 1:15 am
6 comments; last on Mar 12, 2016
Idea for Our Times: Puget Sound Repair ProjectCould this address the real problem with Puget Sound?
Tip Johnson
Mon, Mar 07, 2016, 10:40 am
6 comments; last on Mar 08, 2016
Districting Committee: Republicans lack legal compassRepublicans and Democrats remain far apart. Democrats have the legal high ground, but Republicans would go to court to challenge that if necessary.
Ralph Schwartz
Sun, Mar 06, 2016, 11:39 pm
1 comments; last on Mar 07, 2016
Punishing the Wrong GuysWherein someone's gotta do the right thing
Tip Johnson
Tue, Mar 01, 2016, 3:40 pm
0 comments
D'Angelo undaunted by fine: 'I had to make the moral choice'Chiara D'Angelo comes across as emotionally intelligent and uncompromising in her high-stakes Coast Guard hearing.
Ralph Schwartz
Mon, Feb 29, 2016, 11:55 pm
1 comments; last on Mar 01, 2016
Elfo: Enforcement, Litigation or Risks?Wherein inquiring minds want to know!
Tip Johnson
Sat, Feb 27, 2016, 1:24 pm
0 comments
'Goodwill' wanted but lacking on Districting CommitteeRepublicans focused their efforts on torpedoing the Democrats' five-district proposal at the second committee meeting.
Ralph Schwartz
Tue, Feb 23, 2016, 5:01 am
4 comments; last on Mar 01, 2016
Anchor-chain activists face hefty finesThe Coast Guard has levied $30,000 in fines on two Bellingham climate activists. They will fight to have the fines dropped.
Ralph Schwartz
Thu, Feb 18, 2016, 5:01 am
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Jail Reform: Music to My EarsWherein sanity may finally be approaching a nagging jail issue
Tip Johnson
Sun, Feb 14, 2016, 8:54 pm
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Redistricting: Democrats may have upper handRepublicans and Democrats traded barbs on the first day of the Districting Committee, but Dems may have won the first battle.
Ralph Schwartz
Tue, Feb 09, 2016, 5:02 am
5 comments; last on Feb 10, 2016
Stop the Rental Fires Now!Inspections of rentals cannot begin too soon. Seven fires in rental units since 2011 and almost half with ONE landlord. No but the clock may be running out.
Dick Conoboy
Mon, Feb 08, 2016, 6:26 am
0 comments
Super Bowl 50 - Wretched ExcessFrom all the monumentally boring hoopla to the shameful rousting of the homeless Super Bowl 50 exceeds all expectations for greed and excess.
Dick Conoboy
Fri, Feb 05, 2016, 12:45 pm
4 comments; last on Feb 12, 2016
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Elite Tanks
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Game DescriptionControl the tank and defend the artifact.For each destroyed enemy unit you get money.Use them to upgrade your tank (speed, armor, range, power).Enemies can not pass through water, trees, walls, hedges.When enemy or its weapon reaches the artifact - game is over.Brick walls that can be broken.Sometimes enemy bomber will drop bombs.Controls: arrow keys to move, space bar to shoot.
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text:
Official Blizzard Quote:
is tomorrow still looking good for #Diablo3 Patch 10?
Depends on how testing goes today.
Itemization Reduced?
With the recent announcement of the system changes, a couple of users have voiced some concern with the changes to the core attributes. Many worry about the amount of itemization being reduced by the attributes affecting different stats now. Bashiok has commented to help further explain the ideology behind these changes and how the itemization is not reduced at all.
Official Blizzard Quote:
Core attributes are important. They're your core attributes! But they have never been and continue not to be the primary driving force behind your itemization choices. At all times you're going to need to keep doing and avoiding more damage. Enemies get tougher, they hit harder, and take more hits. No matter who you are you have to counter those inevitable truths. No character would ever say "I can ignore defensive stats because I am a glass cannon!" no, you get to Inferno and you'll die. You can be a glass cannon, but it's going to be a balance between offense and defense, not an all-in decision. There is an inevitable requirement to have a variety of the core stats, offensive and defensive. It's the balance that's important.
Ok, so, core stats are super great, but they're still just four of all the bonuses that items can roll and provide your character. Four. And for most builds they're never going to be where you're focusing your attention. The other things that can roll up (which still include +armor, +dodge, +health globe, +crit chance, +crit damage, by the way) have always been the more important decision. It's your choice between doing more damage or being more defensive, but that's a forgone conclusion. That's not where true build diversity ever comes from, it's too broad a plateau.
Are you taking Attack (before) or your classes' core damage stat (now)? Are you taking Armor (now) or Defense (before)? Are you taking Precision (before) or +crit (now)? These are the same things.
For example, a Barbarian gets both "resist-all" armor and Attack-like damage from "Strength", so why would he ever choose Dexterity's dodge over that?
Barbarian's will always want Strength now just like they always wanted Attack before. Armor is a damage reduction. Dodge completely negates damage. They're extremely different in practice and your survivability, and at high difficulty play barbarians will absolutely want +dodge. And they don't have to take Dexterity to get it. Ideally a barbarian would find an item with +Stength and +Dodge on it. It would be devalued for the barb if it had +Dexterity on it. (tah dah itemization diversity)
Also, would he truly ever choose to go after a stat that increases health globe benefits, over strength?
Up to that player and their build. Would he ever want crit over flat damage increases? Would he take an increase to the damage of cleave over a crit damage increase? These are the choices you'll have to make and what makes building characters fun.
Now, obviously the class stats are the top priority, but each stat has equal value, simply because it can be used by somebody.
What this guy said.
It's also about item comparison, and that's simply not an issue in the beta. You're not getting enough drops or enough tough decisions to make item comparisons a problem for you.
What was happening for us at high levels is that the stats we had required you to think about the item for at least a couple seconds just to realize it's not a good item for your character. By having a single damage stat now you're focusing on, it reduces the number of failed comparisons that quickly add up at later levels. The tough decisions are still really tough and you'll be comparing items for a long time to try to figure out which one is better, but all of the less meaningful drops take less time to realize that the item is not for you and quickly move on. Again that's something that you just can't get a good sense of in the beta, but Diablo II players should sympathize with what this change does to resolve item comparison headaches.
Now we are going back to the mathematically correct ways of going after core attributes.
I think there may be a confusion that +dodge is tied to Dexterity now. Or +health globe is tied to Intellect. That's not the way it works, those stats are and still roll as their own affixes on items.
Also I sort of misspoke in that this change doesn't really affect build diversity, of course, all the same stats exist for people to stack or do whatever they want with. But it greatly increases item diversity.
You have your reasons for removing stat distribution, but to argue it was to prevent players for sucking in inferno is something I'll never comprehend.
I never said and it's absolutely not to help people "not suck". The same "I don't have enough defense to survive" exists now as it did before. If you're saying that a player would be playing and not realize the numbers on his items going higher was to give him more damage and/or defense then that's just not a valid assessment of what makes a player skilled.
Is there still a +attack affix or is that one actually gone?
Your damage is increased by your core class stat, but there are many other affixes that can improve your damage in various ways. It's the same. When you wanted Attack before you just want your class stat now instead. (Tracker/Official Forums)
Blue Posts
Official Blizzard Quote:
Legendary items in the beta in patch 10
I don't think so. And less magical items actually. We're rebalancing some item distribution rates. (source)
white items(being useless) does that mean there will be a better drop rate for magic items?
I don't think so. And less magical items actually. We're rebalancing some item distribution rates. (source)
With removing the ability to salvage white items what will u do with common scrap.
Common salvaging materials are being removed and crafting recipes are being balanced. (source)
Why Include White Items?
Diablo is about loot explosions. We can't realistically have loot explosions without a bunch of confetti and glitter that makes it all look exciting, but has no value except to make the explosions more satisfying. Gold still did this to a degree, but we were missing the "arrows and bolts" of yesteryear. White items were worth something and we really didn't have any junk we could just throw out with no limit. Now we do. (Blizz Tracker/Official Forums)
IGN Interview with Aaron Williams
IGN recently posted an interview they had with Aaron Williams, author of the Sword of Justice. In case you missed our interview with him, you can check it out here.
IGN Comics: What led you to take on this assignment? Are you a big fan of the games?
Aaron Williams: I have to thank former DC/WildStorm editor Scott Peterson for giving me the opportunity to try my hand at it. We'd worked together before on another comic called North 40, and he'd read some of my indie work on a comic called Nodwick, which is a fantasy spoof. And I'm definitely a fan of the Diablo franchise. Had I known how much my index finger was going to be needed for mousing around in the game, I would have stuck with piano lessons for a few more years.
IGN: How much freedom did you have as far as developing the story? Was it an intentional decision to distance the book from the characters and locales of the games?
Williams: I had quite a lot of freedom, so long as I didn't contradict or run into game content that Diablo III was going to establish. That is, I had to make sure my wizard character, Shanar, used the spells at her disposal in the game, especially in combat. I also had a scene that was going to take place at the Forgotten Tower, but that area is, shall we say, "spoken for" and we didn't want to either spoil it or have the player think, "but this comic says two people came here and trashed the place already. How come it's not a smoking crater?" This wasn't as restrictive as it sounds, really, as most of the story takes place in an unexplored area of the Dreadlands. (Full Interview)
Jay Wilson Speaks to Korea
Jay Wilson speaks to Korean gamers via YouTube about the long awaited Diablo 3.