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On this day, January 28, 2003, Oregon voters defeated a proposed three-year income tax hike designed to forestall $310 million in cuts to schools and social services.
School Choice movie "Miss Virginia"
Saturday, January 28, 2023 at 12:00 pm
Free, fun, family-friendly afternoon to watch the movie to learn how it is possible for parents, grandparents and other ordinary folks to stand up for their children and give them the opportunity and financial means for a great education. Live Q&A with Ms. Virginia herself.
EducationFreedomforOregon.com
When: Jan 28, 2023 Where: Hillsboro, The Hillsboro Cultural Arts Center 527 E Main St, Hillsboro, OR 97123 Time: noon to 3 pm
Free ticket registration
Western Liberty Network Leadership and Activist Training Conference
Saturday, February 4, 2023 at 9:00 am
The year's premiere grassroots activist and leadership conference! Get what you need to be successful in 2023!
Portland Airport Embassy Suites Hotel 7900 NE 82nd Avenue
The Oregon Constitution
Wednesday, February 22, 2023 at 7:00 pm
First of a three part series presented by former State Representative Mike Nearman studying the Oregon Constitution.
The River Church 4675 Portland Rd NE Salem
Wednesday, March 1, 2023 at 7:00 pm
Second of a three part series presented by former State Representative Mike Nearman studying the Oregon Constitution.
Third of a three part series presented by former State Representative Mike Nearman studying the Oregon Constitution.
Monday, March 27, 2023 at 10:00 am
Oregon's Natural Resources & Industries (ONRI) is sponsoring the rally to meet legislators and influencers to bring light on legislation affecting natural resource industries, their families, and their communities. https://onri.us/events
Rally at the State Capitol, Salem.
View All Calendar Events
The Promise of Pot
After seven years, a look back at what was promised with legal pot.
In November of 2014, Oregon voters approved the sale and use of recreational marijuana. The law was scheduled to go into effect in January of 2016, but Governor Kate Brown -- unable to wait for enforcement and taxation bureaucracies to prepare -- signed a bill in October of 2015 allowing legalization early.
Supporters of legalized marijuana lined up to push the benefits of legal pot. As a regulated, legal industry, the black market would disappear, as would arrests for the victimless offense of using marijuana. Taxing the newly legal pot would bring in dollars that would more than cover regulation and enforcement.
In a voters' pamphlet statement, Oregon Congressman Earl Blumenauer (D-Portland) said "Our marijuana laws don't work and exact a terrible cost in tax dollars, law enforcement priorities and people's lives. I'm working in Congress to reform marijuana policy -- and we are making progress at the national level -- but it is in the states that the most constructive change has been happening."
Blumenauer argues in favor of Measure 91. "It strictly regulates its production, distribution and sale through the Oregon Liquor Control Commission. It provides more protection for kids than the current black market system. Right now, it is easier for a middle school student to get a joint than it is for them to get a six pack. It taxes marijuana, with the proceeds going to schools, state and local law enforcement, treatment and substance abuse education."
Anthony Johnson, one of the Chief Petitioners for Measure 91 said, "What will Oregon look like after Measure 91 passes? We will have taken money and power away from the black market and drug cartels. We will have provided protections for neighborhoods and kids. We will have funded schools, public safety, prevention and mental health."
Kris Olson, former Chief Federal Prosecutor in Oregon, who was appointed by President Bill Clinton -- "I didn't inhale" -- said, "I learned firsthand how our current approach to marijuana has failed. By keeping marijuana illegal, we enrich organized crime and violent drug cartels. At the same time, we distract police, who spend too much time arresting and citing people for small amounts of marijuana.
2021-23 is projected to see an estimated $319 million in marijuana tax revenue distributed to drug treatment and recovery, schools, cities, counties, state police and mental health.
Despite the promise of a reduction in organized crime, in 2018 the Oregon Legislature passed SB 1544 which established the Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program to assist local governments with costs incurred by local law enforcement agencies in addressing unlawful marijuana cultivation or distribution operations. While it funded $8.25 million in enforcement grants from 2018 to 2023, it also quietly expanded the medical marijuana program.
Marijuana related crime -- especially in Southern Oregon -- has mushroomed. Accordingly, spending on enforcement has also increased. The 2021-23 budget for IMMEGP activities will total $26 million with the additional $20 million General Fund proposed in the omnibus budget bill. During the recent special session, the Oregon Legislature unanimously approved SB 893 which requires prioritizing financial assistance to local law enforcement agencies to partner with community-based organizations in order to address humanitarian crisis associated with unlawful marijuana cultivation or distribution operations in awarding grants through Illegal Marijuana Market Enforcement Grant Program.
Oregon kids seem to have avoided the enforcement trap. According to a research paper published by the US Drug Test Centers In only two states do more than 10% of adolescents regularly consume marijuana, and it should be noted that even though recreational marijuana is currently legal in both Vermont and Oregon, during the collection period for this data, it was legal only in Oregon, and it's not legal in either state for children to consume weed.
This might be a key to understanding some of the reasons for the failure of Oregon schools.
--Staff Reports
Post Date: 2021-12-28 19:30:26 Last Update: 2021-12-28 20:26:29
Candida Auris Infections in Oregon
OHA is investigating
Oregon Health Authority is investigating an outbreak of Oregon's first cases of Candida auris, a serious fungal infection that is often resistant to multiple antifungal medicines.
The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program at the OHA Public Health Division, working with a regional public health laboratory in Seattle and Salem Hospital, have identified Candida auris in three Salem Health patients.
The first case was detected at Salem Hospital Dec. 11 in a patient who had recent international health care exposures, and confirmed Dec. 17. Candida auris has only recently appeared in the United States.
Two of the cases did not have international health care exposures, but had epidemiologic links to first case, indicating health care-associated spread of Candida auris to the second and third patients – identified Dec. 23 and Dec. 27, respectively.
The Healthcare-Associated Infections Program is leading the investigation, working with local public health authorities, local health care partners, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the regional public health laboratory to identify cases and ensure appropriate infection control measures are in place.
"Candida auris is an emerging pathogen of concern because it can cause serious infections, particularly in those with serious medical problems, and can be resistant to the antifungal drugs we have to treat it," said Rebecca Pierce, Ph.D., Healthcare-Associated Infections Program manager. "Fortunately, the organism we're dealing with in this outbreak appears to respond to existing treatments. Nonetheless, it's critical that we prevent the spread of the infection."
Jasmin Chaudhary, medical director of infection prevention at Salem Health, said the health system is taking action on a number of fronts to prevent the spread of Candida auris at Salem Hospital.
"With the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen a rise in multi-drug resistant organisms around the world and nationwide, and Salem is not immune," Chaudhary said. "Salem Health is working with OHA and the CDC to execute a rigorous plan, implementing aggressive eradication measures that have been shown in other hospitals to be successful in eliminating Candida auris. These include proactive steps that will assist in preemptively identifying new cases to prevent spread."
Among the measures in effect: working with the patients' care teams to ensure frequent and effective disinfection of the health care environment; using transmission-based precautions for those infected or colonized with Candida auris; adhering to hand hygiene protocols; and conducting effective interfacility-transfer communication about a patient's Candida auris status when being transferred to another health care facility.
In addition, OHA and Salem Health have been coordinating to notify health care facilities that previously received transferred patients from affected units at Salem Health, and to support safe discharge of patients from Salem Health during the anticipated COVID-19 surge.
Candida auris is a type of yeast that can cause severe illness, particularly those suffering from serious medical conditions in hospitals and nursing homes. According to the CDC, patients who have been hospitalized in a health care facility for long periods, have a central venous catheter or other lines or tubes entering their body, or have weakened immune systems are at highest risk of infection and serious complications. The risk of Candida auris infection to otherwise healthy people, including health care personnel, is extremely low.
The fungus can cause serious infections, including bloodstream infections and wound infections. It also has been isolated from respiratory and urine specimens and can colonize patients' skin. A laboratory test is needed to determine whether a patient is colonized or infected with Candida auris, but laboratories should be aware that it can be misidentified as other types of fungi and should know when to suspect Candida auris, as misidentification could delay treatment and control measures. Health care facilities that suspect they have a patient with Candida auris should contact their local public health authority immediately.
Since 2013, more than 1,150 clinical cases of Candida auris have been identified in the United States. There have never been any cases of the fungus identified in Oregon until now.
Patients who test positive or had a high-risk exposure will be contacted by Salem Health.
--Bruce Armstrong
Oregon's Change in Population
22nd largest increase in the nation
According to the Census Bureau, Oregon saw a net increase of 8080 new migrations into the state in 2021, the 22nd largest increase in the nation.
Population growth is affected by births, deaths, and migration. This past year, Oregon experienced 2,210 more deaths than births, leaving population growth entirely by net migration of new residents.
If Oregon hadn't been sandwiched in between California losing 367,299 and Washington losing 29, Oregon would also be on the losing end.
Realtors indicate Californians coming from a higher median income drive up home prices with their means to out-buy local Oregonians.
Idaho was also on the receiving end of 48,876 migrations.
Approximately 25,000 new residents moved into Oregon, meaning 16,920 moved out. A Portland State University study authorized by ORS 190.540 claims the slowed migration on the pandemic. More than the pandemic are the contributing factors – mandates closing some businesses, and now mandates limit who can work. All the effects of the pandemic on businesses and population growth are a direct result of the government response to the pandemic
. Counties showing the largest increase are where universities are located. Although the prior academic year showed a decline, in 2020- 2021, 206.095 students attended Oregon colleges. Many of the 28,533 who came for an advanced program will make Oregon their home, but undergraduates, not so much.
During the last year, eight counties lost significant numbers of housing units from wildfires during September, 2020. More than 2,300 homes were destroyed in Jackson County, while Marion County and Lane County had more than 500 destroyed homes in each. Douglas, Klamath, Lincoln, and Linn counties also had housing losses attributable to wildfires. State and federal support were provided for residential and commercial to rebuild, which appears not to have impacted net populations.
However, an unusual dynamic for relocation due to safety can be attributed to violent protestors. Oregon is 10th in the nation for homicides. Portland has seen a decline in growth but still a net increase.
A decline in condo sales goes back prior to the pandemic, which seems to point to the protests becoming violent. Crime is up by around a thousand per month over the previous year, which indicates a continued decline.
Businesses have been rumored to leave the state since Governor Brown took office. The tax issues prompt more businesses to leave each legislative session. It started with Measure 66 and 67, then the CAT tax, and increasing costs with automatic adjustment in minimum wage and costs for family and medical leave. Senator James Manning Jr. (D-Eugene) said in 2019 in the argument that the state's top income earners will leave the state if their taxes are raised. "I say leave the state," he said. "Somebody else will come in. I get so sick and tired of hearing that."
Downtown Portland businesses left when the city refused to clean the streets of needles and garbage even before the riots, which made it worse. When those arrested were released, six businesses permanently closed their doors that started a domino effect. During the holidays pop-up shops and food trucks struggled for lack of office workers and tourists down town to support them. They also site the ongoing crime and common place vandalism to buildings and cars. City leaders encourage support of new businesses, but without the engagement of enforcement officers, these new shops are skeptical whether they will continue after the holidays.
--Donna Bleiler
New Courthouse for Benton County
State of Oregon to pay for half of $40 million
Benton County, Oregon has been allocated over $20 million in state matching funds for the construction of a new County courthouse.
With statewide recognition for the need for a modern courthouse that meets best practice standards for safety, access and services, the County's program was placed on a priority list by the Association of Oregon Counties-Oregon Judicial Department Courthouse Task Force five years ago.
Benton County collaborated with the Oregon Judicial Department, to apply for state matching funds for a new courthouse from the Oregon Capital Construction and Improvement Fund.
The matching funds enabled the state to pay for half of an approximately $40 million new courthouse, with the County funding the remainder.
Building a new County courthouse to meet the needs of current and future Benton County residents is generally considered to be critical.
The Historic Benton County Courthouse was built in 1888 and is no longer capable of meeting current accessibility, safety and trauma-informed services standards.
Through HB 5006, the 2021 State Legislature approved a 50% match of approximately $20.4 million to the County.
The new courthouse is one of four new facilities proposed for the County's Justice System Improvement Program. The award of these state matching resources is contingent upon the County demonstrating the ability to provide its equal share of the project cost.
These resources were contemplated to come through the County's original bond measure date of May 2022, which has since moved to May 2023.
The year-long postponement of the bond measure vote required that the County either identify another funding source for matching funds or re-request funds from the Legislature in the 2023 session.
On Tuesday, December 7, the Board of Commissioners agreed to fund the County's $20.4 million in matching funds for the new courthouse using a combination of budget reserves and borrowing, enabling the project to advance as originally contemplated.
The Board did not wish to forego the $20.4 million matching funds from the State and risk the possibility of a future legislature reducing or eliminating the award.
The Board's decision will enable the County to execute an agreement with the state to receive an official award of the resources so that design work on the new courthouse may begin in 2022, with an estimated completion date of July 2025.
A portion or all of the County's matching funds may still be included in the May 2023 bond measure to allow the County to reimburse itself for funds drawn from reserves or borrowing. The County does not need to secure its matching funds as a $20.4 million lump sum. It can be staggered over the life of the project.
A site for the new courthouse has not been determined and will in part hinge on the outcome of the Justice System Improvement Program's site selection process.
Currently, program staff and the Board of Commissioners are contemplating two suburban sites, in west and north Corvallis, and a site downtown that is smaller in size than the suburban sites, but large enough for a new courthouse. The Commissioners will have to align on the new courthouse site in early 2022.
Related to the new courthouse, the Board recently discussed the proposed future location of the District Attorney's Office. The District Attorney currently occupies a portion of the historic Benton County Courthouse.
Over the past year, the Justice System Improvement Program's Technical and Community Advisory Committees contemplated whether the District Attorney should remain in the Historic Benton County Courthouse, or become part of, or co-located with, the proposed new courthouse.
Ultimately, the advisory committees recommended the District Attorney's Office migrate to the new courthouse, to align with industry best practices and the Justice System Improvement Program's vision of building a justice system for the future.
Similarly, District Attorney John Haroldson advocated for moving the District Attorney's Office to the new courthouse. The Board weighed the recommendation from the advisory committees and DA Haroldson and agreed to support the move conceptually.
The proposed new District Attorney's Office is estimated to cost about $16 million and is not included in the new courthouse matching funds awarded by the State.
Consequently, Benton County must fund the entire $16 million to advance the County's desire to co-locate the District Attorney with the new courthouse. A funding source, whether the result of a successful bond measure, additional borrowing, or a combination of both, has not been determined at this time.
President of AOCC Elected for Sixth Term
Representing timberlands in Oregon
Douglas County has announced that Commissioner Tim Freeman has been re-elected for his sixth term as the President of the Association of O&C Counties (AOCC).
The AOCC unanimously re-elected its leaders for 2021 at the AOCC annual meeting held on Friday, December 17, 2021. In addition to Commissioner Freeman, Polk County Commissioner, Craig Pope was re-elected as Secretary/Treasurer and Coos County Commissioner, Bob Main was re-elected as Vice President.
"I am truly honored to be re-elected and I am thankful to have the support of the members of the AOCC, who trust me in leading this crucially important work." Freeman said. "Together with my colleagues and the staff at AOCC, we will continue to work hard to secure solutions to manage our unique congressional designated lands."
The AOCC represents the O&C lands in 18 western Oregon counties, the 18 counties host 2.1 million acres of O&C timberlands managed by the Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
AOCC advocates for sustained yield management of O&C lands, as required by federal law under the O&C Act, to protect and support jobs and local economies, county services, and healthy timber land.
During its annual meeting, AOCC members discussed the latest decision filed by Judge Richard Leon of the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.
On November 19, 2021, Judge Leon continued to validate the claims made by the AOCC Counties, most notable being, that the Bureau of Land Management(BLM) must explicitly follow the terms of the 1937 O&C Act, in which all O&C lands classified as timber land shall be managed for permanent timber production under the principle of "Annual Sustained Yield Capacity".
He also ordered the BLM to expediate the completion of its rewrite of their 2016 management plan.
The 1937 O&C Act is widely regarded as the first Congressional conservation act.
It regulates the management of the Federal timber resource. The O&C Act signaled an end to the cut and run policies in the early years of the 20th century. By requiring management under the principle of Sustained Yield, timber harvest cannot outpace the annual growth of the forest, resulting in a perpetual supply of timber while concurrently providing quality habitat for wildlife, watershed protection, and recreational opportunities for the public.
Judge Leon's decision not only reaffirms the principles and requirements of the O&C Act, but also provides the foundation to create new job opportunities throughout the entire economic sector. In addition, Sustained Yield management will provide much needed revenue to fund vital County services such as the Sheriff's Office, 911 Communications, Senior Services, Veteran Services, Public Works infrastructure projects and public health programs.
Beaverton City Councilor Announces Resignation
Fagin cites personal reasons
Beaverton City Councilor Mark Fagin has announced his resignation from the Beaverton City Council effective Jan. 1, 2022. Councilor Fagin cited personal reasons for his decision.
Councilor Fagin began his service on the City Council in 2013 and before being elected was a member of the Planning Commission, the Civic Plan Steering Committee, and the Visioning Advisory Committee. He was the founding chairperson of the Visioning Advisory Committee.
Councilor Fagin has influenced countless projects.
"It has been an honor to serve the community as a Beaverton City Councilor," said Councilor Mark Fagin. "My family and business are growing, and by stepping down now, the city can hold an election for my seat this May, along with the three other positions that will be up for election. This was a difficult decision; this experience has been very rewarding. I am proud of the improvements made in the last decade and the projects in the works give me confidence that the city is on a good path. I look forward to watching the progress as Beaverton continues to evolve."
"I'm thankful to Councilor Fagin for his many years of impactful service," said Mayor Beaty. "Making the decision to step down is never easy, but I honor Councilor Fagin's commitment to his family."
The City Council accepted Councilor Fagin's resignation of Council Position 3 at their Dec. 14 meeting.
The Council is considering options for replacement, which may include appointment of an Interim City Councilor to fill the vacant seat. A public election to fill the remainder of the Council Position 3 will occur in May 2022. The remainder of the existing Beaverton City Council Position 3 term is through Dec. 31, 2024.
The Beaverton City Council was expanded to seven members under the city's new voter-approved Charter that went into effect Jan. 1, 2021.
The other members of the Beaverton City Council are Lacey Beaty (Mayor), Ashley Hartmeier-Prigg (Council Position 1), Laura Mitchell (Council Position 2), Allison Tivnon (Council Position 4), Marc San Soucie (Council Position 5) and Nadia Hasan (Council Position 6).
New Operator for Bagby Hot Springs
Bagby Preservation, Inc selected
The Mt. Hood National Forest has selected Bagby Preservation, Inc. to operate Bagby Hot Springs and Campground on the Clackamas River Ranger District, beginning January 2023. Bagby Preservation Inc. is an Oregon business led by longtime Bagby Hot Springs advocates Mike and Tamarah Rysavy.
I am excited about this new opportunity for the public at Bagby Hot Springs," said Mt. Hood National Forest Supervisor Meta Loftsgaarden. "The Rysavy's experience operating other Oregon hot springs and long connection to Bagby Hot Springs will be a valuable for forest visitors."
After casting a wide net for creative proposals, the Forest Service evaluated applications for ability to provide effective operations, investment for public benefit, and financial stability- all while preserving the historic resources and rustic experience which Bagby Hot Springs offers.
"Bagby Preservation looks forward to making Bagby Hot Springs a safe, family-friendly environment for the public," said Mike Rysavy, President of Bagby Preservation, Inc. "My wife and I formed Bagby Preservation because of our love of Bagby Hot Springs. After spending countless volunteer hours, getting grants to restore the historic cabin, and starting the Northwest Forest Conservancy, Bagby inspired us to manage hot springs full-time."
The popular hot springs has attracted visitors for over 100 years and has been open year-round in the past. The site features two bath houses, an historic cabin, a bunkhouse, and an 18-site campground. Several of the buildings need repairs and renovation.
Bagby Preservation Inc. plans to invest $100,000 upfront to address deferred maintenance and make improvements. They plan to keep the soaking fee at $5 per person. As part of their plan for sustainable, local management, Bagby Preservation Inc. looks to partner with local non-profits where feasible to implement historic preservation projects, trail maintenance, and public education events, in coordination with the Forest Service.
Bagby Hot Springs is located along Forest Road 70, about 40 miles southeast of Estacada. The area is currently closed through at least winter for Bull Complex fire recovery work, following the fire's containment in November. Additionally, State Hwy 224 remains closed east of Estacada. CLM, the current permit holder, lost much of their equipment and vehicles used on the district in the 2020 Riverside Fire and is focused on reopening Bagby Hot Springs in 2022.
Legalizing Prostitution in Oregon?
Oregon suffers from human trafficking problems...
An effort in Oregon earlier in 2021 relating to prostitution, would have essentially legalized the practice, if HB 3088 hadn't stalled in the House Judiciary Committee.
Representative Rob Nosse (D-Portland) was the chief sponsor of the bill which would have repealed the crimes of prostitution, commercial sexual solicitation and promoting prostitution. The measure takes away some of the protections for victims of sex trafficking.
For instance, ORS 167.007 -- part of the law proposed to be repealed -- says that "A person commits the crime of prostitution if the person engages in, or offers or agrees to engage in, sexual conduct or sexual contact in return for a fee." However, also proposed to be repealed is the language protecting victims. "It is an affirmative defense to prosecution under this section that the defendant, at the time of the alleged offense, was a victim of the crime of trafficking in persons."
Now, that effort is continuing through the state's initiative petition process.
Being called the "Sex Worker Rights Act" On November 16, 2021, the Elections Division received Initiative Petition 2022-042, proposed for the November 8, 2022, General Election.
To qualify for the ballot, Initiative Petition #42 will have to collect 112,020 valid signatures from Oregon voters.
Observers question whether this is perhaps not the best approach to dealing with Oregon's current problem with human trafficking, and it may be seen a continuing radical leftist agenda from the Kate Brown administration and super-majority Democrat party that may not be concerned with accountability if the results turn out to be a disaster.
Kate Brown Declares Weather Emergency
Projected severe winter weather across the state
Governor Kate Brown has declared a state of emergency lasting through January 3 due to projected severe winter weather across the state.
She had just extended the COVID emergency days prior. She has issued several executive orders.
This weather is expected to bring heavy snow and sustained temperatures below freezing, resulting in critical transportation failures and disruptions to power and communications infrastructure.
"Our state has experienced a number of climate-related emergencies this year, and with another coming, I urge all Oregonians to make a plan with your family now and be prepared," said Governor Brown. "I am directing state agencies to work proactively with local emergency management partners to coordinate on communications for emergency services, such as warming centers. Winter storms mean increased risk for those traveling as well as those staying home for the holidays. Check on your neighbors and loved ones when you can do so safely. If road conditions worsen, please help our first responders by staying home when possible."
Pursuant to ORS 401.165, Governor Brown determined a potential threat to life, safety, property, and significant damage to infrastructure exists due to severe winter weather across Oregon.
The National Weather Service has issued multiple winter storm watches, warnings, and winter weather advisories throughout the state.
The Governor's declaration authorizes the Oregon Office of Emergency Management (OEM) to activate state resources, and to utilize personnel, equipment, and facilities from other state agencies in order to respond to or mitigate the effects of the weather emergency.
In addition, the Oregon National Guard, Oregon State Police, Oregon Department of Transportation, Oregon Department of Human Services, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission and other state agencies are directed to provide any assistance as requested by OEM that is deemed necessary to assist in the response.
Kate Brown Appoints Judges to Deschutes County
Filling new positions on Deschutes County Circuit Court
Governor Kate Brown has announced that she will appoint two judges to fill new positions on the Deschutes County Circuit Court, created by the Legislature in House Bill 3011 (2021).
Governor Brown will appoint Michelle McIver to the newly created Position 8 and Alycia Herriott to the newly created Position 9. Both appointments are effective immediately.
"I am thrilled to appoint these remarkable women to the bench in Deschutes County," said Governor Brown. "Michelle McIver and Alycia Herriott are compassionate and skilled lawyers who will be able to pull from their years of experience in the courtroom to ensure that our justice system continues to fairly and equitably serve the people of Deschutes County."
Michelle McIver was raised in Michigan and graduated from Michigan State University with her bachelor's degree in 1999. After working with AmeriCorps for two years, she obtained her law degree from Lewis & Clark Law School. After law school, McIver performed work for Legal Aid Services of Oregon before becoming a public criminal defense attorney at Crabtree & Rahmsdorff Defense Services in 2011. She now maintains her own law practice in which she provides public criminal defense legal services to individuals in Deschutes County. McIver has also been involved in the community, including working to bring yoga to Family Drug Court and the Deschutes County Jail.
Alycia Herriott has been a criminal defense attorney at the Gilroy, Napoli, Short Law Group since 2018 and, before that, was a prosecutor for the Deschutes County and Clackamas County District Attorney's offices.
She also briefly served as a Special Assistant U.S. Attorney for the District of Oregon from 2015 to 2016. Herriott grew up in Klamath Falls, and is a graduate of the University of Oregon, where she received her bachelor's degree, and Willamette University College of Law, where she obtained her law degree in 2008. Herriott worked with programs such as the New Lawyer Mentor Program and the Deschutes County Emerging Adult Program.
Snow and Icy Roads May Make for Precarious Holiday Travels
Oregon may see much snow in the next week
If you take to the roads this holiday season be aware that your travels may become treacherous, with freezing temperatures and snow expected in many corners of Oregon.
The Willamette Valley, the mountains, the Columbia River Gorge and Central, Southern and Eastern Oregon all likely will see varying degrees of snow and freezing temperatures over the three-day holiday weekend and into the following week.
Be prepared. Travelers may encounter hazardous winter conditions.
ODOT says their staffing shortages mean they may need a little more time to clear roads, whether it be snow or slides.
This is a continuation of a staffing trend seen since last year. ODOT says they are working hard to fill vacant positions and will shift resources as needed when they see significant snow or other issues on our roads.
ODOT crews are on duty around the clock to keep the roads safe and clear problems as quickly as possible.
Here are a few holiday travel tips.
Know before you go. Visit the tripcheck website and see road conditions along your route, start to finish
Remember that many tripcheck cameras include temperature, elevation and other critical details about road conditions
Drive for conditions. If encountering rain, mud, snow, ice or extra traffic be sure to slow down and give extra space for stopping
Keep your vehicle in good operating shape, checking brakes, lights, tires and wipers regularly
Watch out for bicyclists and pedestrians. In wintry conditions, visibility drops
Pay attention to roadside message signs. They contain critical information about conditions on the road ahead
Be patient, wear your seat belt, pay attention to conditions and keep a sober driver behind the wheel to help ensure a safe arrival for holiday activities
In recent days, snow has forced the closure of U.S. 97 into California and of Interstate 5 over the Siskiyou Pass into the Mount Shasta area. Be extra careful whether traveling through the Columbia River Gorge, the Coast Range or the Cascades.
Snow is expected so be prepared, be flexible and be careful.
Highway 26 Bypass Proposed for Sandy
"We are talking about building roads, not reducing lanes."
The City of Sandy, under the direction of Mayor Stan Pulliam has released a proposal to build a Highway 26 bypass around the city. Pulliam is also running for the Republican nomination for Governor.
"When I first ran for mayor in 2018, I was tired of past elected officials saying that solving our growing transportation problems was not possible," said Pulliam. "I knew Sandy wanted a leader who tried to say 'yes' and not 'no' when it came to such basic infrastructure needs."
The study released by the City of Sandy found that, if a bypass is not completed, intersections in Sandy on Highway 26 would exceed mobility targets, even with local street improvements. According to the report, adding the bypass is feasible, much less expensive than previously thought, and would reduce travel times through Sandy both directions.
"Politicians in Portland are spending millions building expensive light rail and other projects that will not solve congestion," continued Pulliam. "Here in Sandy we are talking about building roads, not reducing lanes."
"Sandy needs to take its destiny into its own hands and look out for its future, which is currently headed towards worsening gridlock. Building a bypass will make Sandy an even more attractive destination, not just a passthrough."
"Our city is committed to moving forward and addressing our major traffic congestion needs. We will carefully review the presented data and take action in the near future."
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Iloilo sees 'minimal impact' from tax allotment cut for LGUs
MEETING. Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. meets with local chief executives from Western Visayas as part of his two-day visit to Iloilo on Thursday (Jan. 19, 2023). In a press conference, Abalos said the national government will be assisting local government units affected by the impact of the implementation of the full devolution. (Photo courtesy of DILG Iloilo FB page)
ILOILO CITY – The provincial government of Iloilo is counting on its savings and additional help from the legislators to continue with its programs and projects despite this year's cut in national tax allocation due to the implementation of the Mandanas Ruling.
"We managed to adjust. We have two sources, our savings which is already there, and the additional help from the national government through Congress and Senate," said Iloilo Governor Arthur Defensor Jr., in a press conference on Thursday afternoon.
He said that the provincial government has been giving support to education, health and other services that came together with the ruling.
"Like education, before we already helped in the construction and maintenance of our school facilities and right now we are doing it through our Bulig Eskwela sang Probinsya Program. Number one component is our support to public school infrastructure facilities, equipment and other maintenance operations," Defensor said.
Last year more than PHP200 million was downloaded to schools for the construction and repair of classrooms, water systems, information technology equipment, toilet and wash areas.
This year the province is expected to receive some PHP595.6 million for the upgrading and improvement of its 13 provincial and district hospitals.
The budget was included in the Health Facilities Enhancement Program (HFEP) of the Department of Health under the 2023 General Appropriations Act through the effort of Senator Sonny Angara.
On Thursday, Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr and Undersecretary Marlo L. Iringan of the Department of the Interior and Local Government met with mayors in Iloilo province where they discussed among others the impacts of the implementation of the full devolution as a result of the Mandanas Ruling.
Abalos assured that the national government, upon instructions of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., will be there to assist as he warned them to anticipate slashes in their tax share.
In a separate press conference, Iringan said that using the Capacity Performance Quadrant they classified LGUs as high capacity and high performance, high capacity and low performance, low capacity and high performance, low capacity and low performance using the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG).
"This is a strategy that we came up with to really focus on local government units that need interventions coming from the national government agencies. We can be more specific, we can be more targeted in our identification of LGUs. We will target low capacity, low performing LGUs," he said. (PNA)

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Far From Over: STDs Have Made a Comeback
Incidence was dipping to all-time lows. Then a perfect storm hit, and the cost is $16 billion a year.
Susan Ladika
Sexually transmitted disease (STD) rates in the United States are at record highs, and many experts fear they will continue to climb because of meager funding of public health clinics and diminished sex education in schools. Throw the repeal of large chunks of the ACA and the end of federal government funds for Planned Parenthood into the mix, and a bad situation will only get worse, say some experts. "It's a perfect storm that would allow more people to become infected" as education that could help prevent the spread of STDs falters and the places where people can go to be tested dwindle, says John Steever, MD, an assistant professor of pediatrics and a member of the faculty at the Adolescent Health Center of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York.
Because many STDs are asymptomatic, "there's a large, undetected pool of STDs" that contribute to transmission, says Supriya Mehta, PhD, of the University of Illinois.
The cost of STDs is enormous for those infected but also for society as a whole. The direct cost of treating STDs is almost $16 billion per year, according to the CDC. That is more than twice the CDC's annual budget. The cost of STD care "is the magnitude of a natural disaster every year," says Supriya Mehta, an associate professor at the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health.
The CDC estimates that, at any given time, more than 100 million Americans have an STD. Roughly 20 million new cases occur each year, with half of those affecting young people between the ages of 15 and 24. In addition, one quarter of sexually active adolescent females have an STD. Blacks and men who have sex with men also tend to have a higher prevalence of STDs.
The incidence is increasing. In 2015, the last year for which a full tally is available, more than 1.5 million new chlamydia cases were reported to the CDC, a 6% jump from 2014, according to the CDC's Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2015 report. Gonorrhea cases reported to the federal agency climbed nearly 13%, to almost 400,000, while syphilis cases soared 19%, to almost 24,000.
Chlamydia—rates of reported cases by sex, United States, 2006–2015
Rate (per 100,000 population)
Source: CDC, Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance 2015
STD incidence figures are tricky. Increases might be the result of more testing and more thorough reporting. As the CDC surveillance report notes, chlamydial infections are usually asymptomatic, so the uptick in new cases may reflect—at least in part—more screening and not a true increase in the population. Women are often screened for chlamydia and gonorrhea, so the same reasoning applies to the increasing number of cases of gonorrhea reported to the CDC.
Still, many experts believe the STD increase is real and is the consequence of a country letting its guard down. J. Dennis Fortenberry, MD, chair of the American Sexual Health Association's board of directors, says the main driver behind the STD increase is "the continued erosion of public health infrastructure to address STD prevention and control."
The rise in STD rates is happening at a time when the rate of unintended pregnancies is in decline. "You can't say [rising STD rates] is just because of Americans having more sex," Fortenberry says.
Gonorrhea—rates of reported cases by sex, United States, 2006–2015
What's especially distressing about the STD spike is that rates were hitting all-time lows not too long ago. In 2000 and 2001, the rate of primary and secondary syphilis was 2.1 per 100,000, the lowest rate since reporting started in 1941. In 2015, the rate was 7.5 per 100,000, or more than three times higher. Gonorrhea rates had also been at historic lows, and public health officials were excited about efforts to catch chlamydia early because if left untreated, chlamydia can cause pelvic inflammatory disease and facilitate transmission of HIV. But now this slow, grinding progress against STDs seems to be going in reverse.
Primary and secondary syphilis—rates of reported cases by sex, United States, 1990–2015
Chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis are reportable (sometimes called notifiable) conditions, which means doctors and other health care providers are required to report cases to the CDC. But other STDs—such as HPV and herpes—don't have the same requirement. The CDC reports there are about 14 million new HPV infections each year. The health consequences of untreated STDs can be devastating and include ectopic pregnancy, infertility, and some kinds of cancer. Some STDs can be passed from mothers to their infants. "From an economic perspective, it's much more expensive to treat these things later rather than upfront," Steever says.
Funding cuts
Public health clinics have suffered from state and federal funding cuts since 2003, and the Great Recession led to the elimination of many stand-alone STD clinics, says David Harvey, executive director of the National Coalition of STD Directors.
It was hoped that primary care physicians would pick up the slack and do more to diagnose and treat STDs, Fortenberry says, but that just hasn't occurred. Primary care physicians "give very little attention to sexual and reproductive health," he says, and they are not set up to identify the sexual partners of those diagnosed with STD and ensure that patients are receiving treatment. Many people are tested for STDs at Planned Parenthood clinics, despite "the enormous pressures" the not-for-profit organization has been under in recent years and Republican efforts to limit its funding, Fortenberry says.
In late 2015, Congress voted to defund Planned Parenthood, and President Obama vetoed the measure. But the funding battle is expected to heat up again this year, with the Republicans in power. House Speaker Paul Ryan has already announced plans to defund Planned Parenthood as part of the GOP's effort to dismantle Obamacare. While the funding battle centers on abortion, the organization provides a wide range of sexual and reproductive health care services. In 2012, the last year for which statistics are available, Planned Parenthood provided nearly 4.5 million STD tests and treatments. In comparison, it provided 327,000 abortions, and abortions represented about 3% of the total services it provided.
Overall, there's a big gap between STD screening recommendations and the number of people screened in the United States, Mehta says. Because many STDs are asymptomatic, those who are infected don't go to the doctor for testing. "There's a large undetected pool of STDs that is contributing to transmission," Mehta says.
Although the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommends chlamydia and gonorrhea screenings for women under the age of 25 who are not pregnant, as well as for women of all ages who are at increased risk for the diseases, only about half are screened each year, she says. The USPSTF screening recommendations for men are limited to HIV and syphilis for those at high risk. "We're really not meeting the proper standard of care in this country when it comes to STD care," Harvey says.
Not surprisingly, sexually active young people are a major factor in the growing rate of STDs, accounting for half of the new STD cases each year, according to the CDC. "Teens and young adults are developmentally predisposed to think nothing will happen to them," says Steever at Mount Sinai. "They are developmentally restricted to fully understand the risk; the adolescent brain is constantly growing and adding the ability to think abstractly."
Ending funding for Planned Parenthood will only make a bad STD situation worse, says John Steever, MD, of the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai.
It doesn't help, he says, that sex education is no longer emphasized at school or at home. "They'd rather take the just-say-no approach. This really doesn't work for teens. If you provide education, they tend to make the right choices."
There's also stigma associated with STDs, and young people are often reluctant to be screened for STDs or get treatment for them from their primary care provider, Fortenberry says. Many are also at an age where they've moved out of their parents' homes, and don't know where to go to get proper health care. "It's a particularly vulnerable time of young peoples' lives," he says.
Despite the ACA, many young people still don't have health insurance coverage, Steever says. In cities such as New York, there are still options available for them to receive low-cost STD screening and treatment, but those options are lacking in many other parts of the country, especially in rural areas. "A 15-year-old is not going to travel three hours by bus to a different state," Steever says.
Bradley Stoner, MD, medical director at the St. Louis STD/HIV Prevention Training Center and an associate professor of anthropology and medicine at Washington University in St. Louis, has been involved in a research project to offer STD testing to those coming to emergency rooms for treatment of unrelated conditions.
While the patients were receptive to the testing, emergency rooms didn't have the resources to handle the extra work, he says.
The use of apps such as Tinder for arranging hookups for sex is making things even more challenging, Stoner says. If someone is diagnosed with an STD, an app "makes it very difficult to track contacts," as the patient might only know the screen names of the people with whom they've had sex.
Ordering tests by mail
For those who don't want to go to the doctor for STD screening, mail-order STD kits are available online.
While they can be helpful in diagnosing STDs, Fortenberry says, they can be cost-prohibitive for those at the greatest risk—young people or those from lower socioeconomic groups. While some chlamydia tests cost as little as $25 online, they provide only test results with no counseling or guidance about treatment.
The kits also are geared toward adults, Steever says. If an adult tests positive for an STD, "they go deal with it. Teens tend to freak out a bit more." The tests also aren't typically covered by insurance, Fortenberry says. "The tradeoff for privacy and convenience is paying out of pocket." There also is typically no procedure in place to provide treatment for those who test positive, or to work to identify their sexual partners, he says. There is also the risk of false positive and false negative test results.
One company that addresses some of those concerns is myLAB Box, which offers a range of STD test kits. The company charges $79, for example, for a kit to test for chlamydia and gonorrhea. The company uses telemedicine to inform clients of their test results and provide a treatment consultation. They also will call in a prescription to the patient's local pharmacy. The company says it accepts HSA and FSA payment cards, but cautions that some cards might not work for this service.
HPV testing goes DIY
Experts hope at-home screening for HPV will help reduce cervical cancer rates. The Cleveland Clinic ranks self-administered HPV tests as one of the top 10 major health breakthroughs for 2017.
The self-administered test kits for the STD include a test tube, a swab, and a box to mail the specimen to the lab. Women would be notified if they have strains of HPV that can lead to cervical cancer. The ultimate purpose of the kits is to prevent the development of cervical cancer.
These tests can help prevent cervical cancer in the developing world, where women might not have access to HPV screening or vaccinations. Closer to home, the University of Virginia is involved in a research project to see if at-home HPV test kits can help reduce cervical cancer rates for women in rural parts of the state. Emma Mitchell, an assistant nursing professor who is assessing the cultural acceptability and feasibility of self-collected HPV tests, says the at-home tests have "particular utility with under- and never-screened women who experience barriers in participating in clinic-based screening. Cervical cancer is in large part preventable, so by addressing or mitigating barriers women face, we can try to address the disparities we see in clinic-based screening. "
STD testing and treatment already can create a financial burden for patients, especially in the 19 states that haven't expanded Medicaid under the ACA. Some of the public health departments that test and treat STDs request a patient's health insurance information, so they can try to bill the insurer for some of the cost, says Stoner at the St. Louis STD/HIV center. For young adults who are still covered by their parents' health insurance, this "can be a barrier to care seeking," he says, because the young people don't want the information sent to their parents.
On top of that, the Republicans in Congress, with the support of President Donald Trump, hope to quickly move to repeal the ACA, but have no replacement plan in place. There's currently no consensus on how to repeal the law, what parts to repeal, or when the repeal might take effect.
Harvey, of the National Coalition of STD Directors, says he's "very worried about what it's going to be replaced with." Groups such as young adults and African-Americans—two groups that have high rates of STDs—"are the very people most likely to be touched by the ACA repeal," Fortenberry says. "A lack of insurance and access to health clinics really is just going to fuel this fire," Steever adds.
Susan Ladika is a freelance writer in Tampa, Fla., with 30 years of experience covering health care and other issues.
Researchers use Google searches to track STDs
With its access to endless search terms, Google has unprecedented access to what people are thinking and doing. That omniscience may also help public health officials detect an upsurge in STDs.
Since 2009, Google began partnering with the CDC, using Google Trend data to predict trends in such infectious diseases as influenza, norovirus, and West Nile virus.
STDs could be next.
Because official surveillance of STDs tends to lag behind what is actually occurring and the information is often incomplete, researchers at the University of Illinois–Chicago School of Public Health are studying terms that people plug into Google to search for such things as STD symptoms and STD treatment, says Supriya Mehta, associate professor of epidemiology. By tracking those searches, "we could get a faster grasp of what is out there and the magnitude of the infections."
Researchers surveyed 18- to 35-year-old university students and patients from STD clinics to learn the terms they would use when searching for STD-related information, she says.
In an article for Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Mehta and her colleagues detailed how comparisons of search terms and STD rates led to "a positive and statistically significant correlation between rate of gonorrhea by state and volume of gonorrhea search terms." They followed this up with an article in Scientific Reports (Nature publishing group), in which they surveyed 18- to 35-year-old university students and patients from STD clinics to learn the terms they would use when searching for STD-related information. They found that the two groups used very different search language—information that can be used to improve the accuracy of predictive models.
"It can be a more sensitive, timely measure of trends over time," Mehta says, allowing public health officials to respond sooner.
The research is being done in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Public Health.
If the research works for Chicago, Mehta hopes the CDC will be able to use such research to predict an uptick in STD rates in other large metropolitan areas.
But success with the research is only the first step in the process. "We can have the best surveillance and still not solve the problem," says Mehta, pointing to the need for better screening for, and treatment of, STDs.
CDC: We're Losing the Fight Against STDs October 20, 2016
CDC: Three Sexually Transmitted Diseases Hit New Highs October 20, 2016
New Extragenital Tests for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea May 23, 2019
HPV Vaccine Goes Underused September 30, 2012
The Pap Test: 20th Century Success Story, 21st Century Has-Been January 30, 2018
We've Got Questions, You Get Answers
By Frank Diamond
Innovation '19: Survey
Take our Innovations Survey
By Editors
de Brantes misses mark about infant and maternal mortality


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Today's "Donald Report" Highlights Several Important Developments
thedonaldreport.com
White House planning to proceed with State of the Union Despite Pelosi Threats
Considering U.S., Mexico Border For Maximum PR Impact
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/white-house-planning-to-proceed-with-state-of-the-union-but-details-up-in-air-after-pelosi-threat
World Elite Meet In Davos To Plot Destruction Of Worldwide Nationalist Uprising
The globalists are running scared!
"Rules for thee, but not for me" seems to be the operating mantra of the world elite as 1,500 private planes converge in Switzerland so that they can tell us how bad climate change is.
The hypocrisy of globalists is evident as they descend on Davos in private jets this week to attend the World Economic Forum.
These types of globalist confabs are exactly what President Trump is fighting against with his America First agenda."
https://www.infowars.com/world-elite-meet-in-davos-to-plot-destruction-of-worldwide-nationalist-uprising/
Leftists Call For Bullying Children On Social Media
Twitter Bans Alex Jones — But Allowed Thousands Of Radical Leftists To Target Children For Harassment
Media runs contrived hoax demonizing MAGA hat-wearing Trump supporters
https://www.infowars.com/watch-live-leftists-call-for-bullying-children-on-social-media-meanwhile-infowars-is-banned/
Nathan Phillips, Soros Minion [confirmed] Lied! He Is An Actor, A Professional Agitator And The Media Was In On It Including Fox News Except The Big Three, Hannity, Carlson, Ingraham
Native American from viral video starred in mainstream music video
Turns out, he's a far left professional 'agitator' funded by Deep State Rockefeller Foundation and George Soros
Now that the truth has come to light, the media is being forced to backtrack but many are perpetuating the 'big lie' on all the networks, using, in many cases, the same talking-points as if they were faxed to them by their Deep State handlers. A sample of what to expect in three months when your Internet computer, Smart Phone chip is activated.
Fake News Speaks With Forked Tongue
"A group of Catholic high school kids from Kentucky participated in the "March For Life" last weekend.
They were waiting for their bus to pick them up at the Lincoln Memorial. They wore red "MAGA" caps. An older Indian gentleman happened to show up and he was beating on a drum. He walked right up to one of the kids and banged his drum within inches of the kids face while chanting in his native tongue in an effort to intimidate. Turns out, he's a far left professional agitator and funded by Deep State outfits such as the Rockefeller Foundation
The far lefty twitter mobs instantly began calling for the murder of the 'racist' young men claiming the "racist" MAGA kids were taunting and surrounding an Indian "veteran". This assumption was biased on an edited video that was used to frame the young kids. One verified Twitter user tweeted that that they wished the young children's school should be burned—with the kids locked inside. Twitter was OK with this. Another called for them to be put in wood chippers. We've heard these cries of violence from the left before. They scream out the 'crime' of racism toward targeted conservatives and then pronounce the sentence of violence."
Fake News Forked Tongue Copy Courtesy Ben Garrison http://grrrgraphics.com/
"MSM including NPR, ABC, CBS and NBC claim a group of school children harassed a group of Native American, black and minority adults when the footage shows the opposite actually occurred.Alex breaks down the propaganda campaign by MSM to smear Trump supporters as hateful."
https://www.infowars.com/nathan-phillips-lied-he-is-an-actor-and-the-media-was-in-on-it/
RELATED UPDATE
MSM Doubles Down on MAGA Vs Native American Hoax
Despite proof the media lied and twisted the truth, they are still pushing the narrative that the Covington students harassed the man
Despite footage disproving the mainstream media's original narrative, they are doubling down on their attacks against the Covington High School students from the now viral video.
Alex Jones exposes the bias and agenda behind the establishment's twisting of reality on this worldwide transmission.
https://www.infowars.com/watch-live-msm-doubles-down-on-maga-vs-native-american-hoax/
Twitter Allows Death Threat Tweets For Trump Supporting Children To Be 'Shot On Sight'
MSM & Leftist Lunatics Push America Closer To Breaking Point And Civil War
"…leftist lunatic calling for MAGA hat wearing kids to be 'shot on sight' isn't a violation of their terms of service. Seriously?! If a so-called 'white supremacist' called upon black or American Indian children to be 'shot on sight', the FBI and local police would have the address of the perp within a moment, and exactly as it should be. Why are children who are supporters of President Donald Trump apparently 'fair game during wide open hunting season' in the eyes of twitter and the mainstream media?
…And so we must ask, with all of this now unfolding and leftists calling for violence against children, how long might it be until all-out civil war breaks out in America
…With many on the left actually having come to believe that they are the 'chosen people' and morally superior to everyone else after the 8 year 'reign of terror' over America by Barack Obama, how long might it be until one leftist lunatic takes the lies from the mainstream media too far and attacks a Conservative, Christian school for their support of POTUS Trump? As one commenter recently pointed out, America is absolutely a powder keg, ready to explode, all it might take is one spark.
Yet as William B. Stoecker had reported on ANP back on December 31st, the very last thing that 'the left' should want is Civil War breaking out in this country in 2019 with the 'Democratic party's terrorist wing antifa' composed largely of beta men, soy boys, shrieking witches and girly-boys while 10's of millions of well-armed Patriots on the right have been members of the US military and members of law enforcement, with many very well trained and prepared to protect their families and their country from 'enemies of America within' or without.
…And while we'll continue to pray that a bloody civil war in America remains a thing of the late 1800's and will never happen again within our lifetimes, should another civil war break out in America today, those on the left now calling for violence against children could eventually see their very worst nightmares coming true with America transformed into something that looks like a 3rd world, with Americans fighting Americans due tomainstream media inflicted 'Trump derangement syndrome'….."
CONTRIBUTED BY READERS ALLNEWSPIPELINE.COM
http://allnewspipeline.com/Leftists_Call_For_Violence_Push_America_To_Breaking_Point.php
Hollywood producer Jack Morrissey calls for killing innocent Covington boys by putting them into the woodchipper
"Although the full video of the incident was posted to Facebook on January 18, the truth didn't stop Jack Morrissey, a Hollywood producer of Disney's Beauty and the Beast and two Twilight Saga movies that romanticize blood-sucking soul-less vampires, from calling for the murder of the Covington boys.
On January 19, 2019, referring to the Covington boys, Morrissey tweeted that "MAGAkids" should be killed by putting them, "screaming, hats first, into the woodchipper."
https://dcdirtylaundry.com/hollywood-producer-jack-morrissey-calls-for-killing-innocent-covington-boys-by-putting-them-into-the-woodchipper/
Naturalnews.com's Mike Adams Issues Air Traffic Control False Flag Warning
Breaking report warns of a possible attack on America to blame on President Trump
"Mike Adams discusses a variety of breaking news stories, including a statement from [reader Dave Hodges] the Common Sense Show that addresses the possibility of an air traffic control false flag that would be used to further blame President Trump for negative, undesirable impacts of the government shutdown.
The globalists could easily blow up an airplane or airport and blame it on "Trump's shutdown" and simultaneously push the [false] narrative that the TSA actually protects America…"
https://www.infowars.com/mike-adams-issues-air-traffic-control-false-flag-warning/
Buzzfeed Big Bunk Bombshell
"Buzzfeed dropped such a bombshell and everyone thought it would mean the end of Trump. It was another dud. Buzzfeed has lied so much they should change their name to 'Bunkum.'
They will make up any kind of bunk to justify the removal of our lawfully elected president. Trump's life is also in mortal danger. It's a good thing he has many levels of security protecting him.
Hearsay or anonymous sources are used by such the legion of those nattering nabobs of Trump negativism. They are paid to perform their jumping jacks of lies when their Deep State handlers pull their strings. The LA Times, The Washington Post, The New York Times, Yahoo, The Huffington Post, Buzzfeed, and a legion of other liberal mouthpieces are now constantly spewing slanted, anti-Trump hatred. They hope one of their bombshells will eventually explode and do damage.
None of their bombs have hit the target and they can't stand the fact that President Trump is still standing."
Read the whole post at GrrrGraphics
'Deep State' Controlled U.S. Government Cannot Account For $21-Trillion
Officially Categorized A 'National Emergency' So Access To The 'Books, Financial Data' Is Denied To All Citizens, Watchdog Organizations
Could Lead To A 'Hyperinflationary Depression' That Would Make Venezuela Look Like Child's Play…Just In: Venezuela Inflation In 2018 Was 80,000%
"Michigan State Economics Professor Mark Skidmore is being refused access to data that could explain $21 trillion in "missing money" from HUD and DOD.
Now, the entire federal budget has been turned into a national security issue.
There is literally no more public access to what the government spends your tax money on. Skidmore says, "Now, as of October 4th, we have effectively two sets of books.
We have a set of books that can be manipulated and changed by a group of people that determine it's a national security issue. They can alter the numbers and move things around within or shift funding all the way to hide it.
What we are going to do is produce a financial statement that is fake, and we will have no idea how much money was moved around, and we are all going to pretend we are going to have a real report.
We will also have an actual report that will remain hidden. It seems self explanatory that if the government can't track $21 trillion, there is something deeply wrong."…."
Click Here to Watch This Video and Read More Now.
El Chapo trial shows why a wall won't stop drugs from crossing the border
Witnesses tell of extreme violence, political corruption, international intrigue and entrepreneurial innovation


text:
Household Tax – name a date for protests
Campaign Against Household and Water Tax public meetings held this week in Waterford (700), Carlow (400) and elsewhere clearly show a growing mood of angry opposition to the Government's household tax.
The tax is clearly seen as both an "austerity" tax which will not improve local services one iota but will serve to pay the bill for the bank bondholder bailout and as a "gateway tax" which will lead on to property taxes on the family home (2013) and water tax (2014).
The Campaign is being seen by growing numbers of ordinary people as offering a chance to draw a line in the sand and demonstrate opposition to further austerity measures.
Clearly, the potential to build nationwide, mass, organised non-payment of the tax is opening up. This is the key to defeating the tax. Mass, organised non-payment was the key to defeating Thatcher's poll tax in Britain in the late 80s/early 90s and to achieving the abolition of water charges in this state in the mid-1990s.
The mass meetings now taking place around the country must prioritise building powerful networks of local activists to leaflet their areas and knock on doors and spread the message of non-payment.
The Socialist Party believes that the growing mood of anger and the Government's imminent plans to leaflet every house in the state on the issue provide another opportunity to the Campaign now.
The Government's leaflet drop is likely to be accompanied by a propaganda offensive in the media which uses the threat of fines and the fear factor as a key weapon. While fears and concern will no doubt increase in the wake of such an offensive so too can peoples' anger and the mood for protest can develop.
The Campaign should tap into this mood and facilitate protest. This can feed into and boost the campaign for organised, mass non-payment. This has been shown in Cork where 250 supporters of the Campaign turned out on Feb 3 to picket Enda Kenny's dinner at City Hall with the Chamber of Commerce.
The Campaign's National Steering Committee meets this weekend. The Socialist Party believes that the committee should name the date for a Day of Protest throughout the country, possibly (depending on the timescale of the Govternment leaflet drop) on Saturday Feb 25. This could take the form of mass binning of the Government literature and, in the cities and where big numbers assemble to do so, potentially the organising of protest marches. Given the fact that occupations and sit-ins have been put on the agenda by the global Occupy movement, the Vita Cortex workers and the La Senza workers, occupation of TDs' clinics, council meetings etc should also be considered.
Protest should never be used as a substitute for building mass non-payment but, handled correctly, mass non-payment and protest are complementary tactics and the Campaign should embrace both as the fight against the tax is stepped up in the weeks ahead.
Since publication of this article the National Steering Committee of the Campaign Against Household and Water Taxes met and has called a national day of action (stalls etc) for Saturday February 18th, a series of Public Meetings accross the country, and a Nationwide Day of Protests on February 25th.
Syria: No trust in Arab League and imperialist powers
Market rule or party rule?
Global warming: Capitalists skating on thin ice
The National Snow and Ice Data Centre is expected to announce a new low in the extent of the arctic sea ice. The shrinking of the arctic polar ice sheet has shocked climate scientists around the world and is now only half the area of summer ice in the 1970s.
Review: Elysium
Elysium is a dystopian sci-fi action film released in August 2013, starring Matt Damon and Jodie Foster. Set in the year 2154, it follows the story of Max da Costa, a factory worker living in the ruins of a future Los Angeles. In this future, the rich and powerful have fled the poverty, disease, and environmental destruction they've wrought on the world, and moved to a space station called Elysium. There they live in an idyllic society, far removed from the struggle of ordinary people on earth.
GE 2011 – Historic collapse of FF, big potential for the left
The general election in Ireland was historic but not for the reasons being stressed by the would-be new government partners of Fine Gael and Labour. It is that true both parties achieved unprecedented successes at the polls but these are pyrrhic and temporary victories.
Scottish independence referendum – one year to go
The Scottish independence referendum is taking place on 18 September 2014. An average of this year's opinion polls indicates that currently one third of people would vote Yes for independence and around one half would vote No. While there are differences depending on which organisation conducts the poll, the trend over the last nine months has been relatively static.


Need some serious help from you experts in here i am very new as an fish hobbist and started off to try and set up with a tropical live plant tank.. Also added some tetras slowly. Recently off late i got some cardinal tetra and feather fin tetra off kurla market in mumbai and most of them have started to have these white spots . I did apply some API super ICK liquid yesterday night nut the water got cleared in 30 mins. I am not sure if the liquid is effective enough. Few tips i require from you guys i am sure i am going wrong somewhere as yesterday one of my cardinal fishes died may be because of this.
1> I had kept the filter running post pouring the medicine .. does having the filter running create an issue or should i turn if off ?
3> How long should i keep using this medicine to ensure all gets completely cured ..
Ick is a parasite in extreme case only fish dies, you can run filter but if you got activated carbon then remove it while treating with api ick, and better remove the affected fish to some quarantine tank, keeping water at 28 degree will prevent spreading, actually no need any medication when your water temperature is around 28-30, once ick life cycle complete your fish will become normal so no worries. and already you started using api so just follow the instructions given. once white spot is gone do a 50% water change.
Just increase the water temperature.. That's all.
Might be a dumb question what is activated carbon ... I have an eheim internal filter ???
Activate Carbon is one type of Filter Media (will be in Black color) which we generally use it in the Filter for Biological filtration.
Add low doses of rock salt.
Add Rid-All Blue, or Merck Methylene blue.
Increase heater thermostat temperature to 28 degrees. and monitor the water temperature. It should be 28 degrees when your heater switches off.
Rid-All Blue, or Methylene blue will stop the parasite from propagating. This will also, unfortunately kill of the beneficial bacteria in your filter. This might cause ammonia spikes. The salt addition partially protects the fish's gills from ammonia burns. Watch out for signs of stress. You will need to do a water change, with fresh water containing proportional doses of methylene blue and rock salt to replace what you have removed.
Since the parasite cannot propagate, its number will eventually decline. The increased temperature will cause its life cycle to be quickened as well. This gets rid of the parasites which survive the salt and methylene blue, but are free floating or resting in your substrate.
Of course this cannot be done in a planted tank, and methylene blue will stain any and all decorations, including the air pipes and glass silicone joints.
Keep up the treatment and temperature for 3-4 days even after no white spots are seen, so as to kill any dormant Ich parasites as well.
Your tetra probably died as a result of ammonia spike caused by the decline in the filter bacteria, which may be due to the API medication. I personally do not like this exotic medication, since it causes secondary problems after initial treatment is complete.
Merck Methylene blue is sanyo medicine?


I do need to begin seeking the heart of God more about how these truths are to be applied to our church in such a brief window of time. Though weak alone, the Christian plays a strategic role in the struggle between the dragon and the Lamb.
Only then could the rescue be effected Matt. Prayer is basically our communication with the Great Sovereign God of the Universe who wants the best for us and to hear from us!
Is that what comes across in your church? We want to show how great God is through our connection with him. Even when it seems like there is nothing else going for you, you have the sovereign God who is your refuge.
But, strange paradox, most of us find it hard to pray. Sometimes we are earthbound because of the infirmity of the body. No philosophy has ever taught a soul to pray. This is a serious power that we have here in prayer.
We so easily forget what God has done. We have the Spirit of power as well as the Spirit of prayer. While I intellectually agree that I cannot do anything without the power of Christ, and while I acknowledge that His power is released through believing prayer, I pray very inconsistently, especially about the ministry itself.
Do you get to the point where you just want to stay with God and stay in his presence? Have you ever thought through why you do not spend more time with God? The only thing that ever differentiates between me and some other religion is that God is my God who answers prayer.
So, the mistakes of an adherent of salafiyyah whether as an individual or nation does not in anyway affect its sanctity. Imaam Al Barbahaaree further said when a leader commits an evil act, the sin is upon him and not us. Other things become our stronghold.
There is no way to learn to pray except by praying. We rest on our great staff who can pull off anything. When selecting key leaders, the apostles, He spent the night in prayer.
It is very easy for our intellectual apprehension of spiritual truths to outrun our practical experience of their reality and power.
Upon his retirement inhe continued to teach worldwide and to write prolifically. But this one time I wanted to take my family on vacation and I pleaded with God and made it known. But it is something deeper.
I need to pray for their health, for them to really love their class members, for their understanding of the Lord and His Word to grow, and for them to be gifted supernaturally with the power to change lives through their teaching.
Another time, my wife and I were talking. If they were here today, we may be in awe of them.
The power and authority he wields are not inherent, but are delegated to him by the victorious Christ to whom he is united by faith. Pray in the Spirit All Christians need more teaching in the art of prayer, and the Holy Spirit is the master teacher.
He often rose a great while before day in order to have unbroken communion with His Father Mk.Prayers for Leaders. Submit Prayer Request. Title Your Prayer. this land as we wait for the any day return of the Lord Jesus Christ to take His church to be with Him into heaven, in His name we pray.
The Leader and His Praying Essay LIBERTY BAPTIST THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY DISTANCE LEARNING PROGRAM PATH PAPERS "THE LEADER AND HIS PRAYING " MY PERSONAL WEAKNESS BY MICHAEL GARY WEBB STUDENT ID # DECEMBER, What a challenging first sentence is found in "The Leader and His Praying "!
"For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding " This is another of Paul's prayers, this time for the church of Colosse.
Chan: The Powerful Life of a Praying Leader. Chan: The Powerful Life of a Praying Leader. By. Francis Chan - February 22, Provided by. Share on Facebook Share on Pinterest. This article was comprised from notes taken during the session of the Desiring God Pastors Conference.
To be a leader you must have followers. As a praying leader you must step out in faith to lead others as an example in their prayer lives. You must be able to live the. A Leader's Prayer for Wisdom I admire how his life was dedicated to developing the early church. Paul isn't praying that God would give him wisdom to lead them better.
He's praying that God would give the Ephesians the Spirit of wisdom and revelation.


Sophia and I served as the west-coast proxy production team for Safe Place, a film shooting in Florida later this year starring Ashley Mary Nunes. The Florida team couldn't make the journey to Los Angeles for the teaser shoot, so Sophia got to break out her new Blackmagic URSA mini pro to shoot. I did the sound design and edited the teaser, and, if you don't blink, I might make a brief cameo in the teaser itself.
We're not further invovled in the film's production, but we're waiting with anticipation and excitement to see the film once it's done!


Sidiki Conde is a dancer, drummer, and singer from Guinea, West Africa, who despite losing the use of his legs when he was 14, followed his dream to become a dancer. With veterans of West Africa's premier dance and musical ensembles including Ballets Africains and Les Merveilles d'Afrique, Sidiki Conde founded Tokounou, named after his tribal village, in 1999. Through Tokounou's song, dance and musical arrangements, Conde celebrates the traditional arts of Guinea and chronicles his unique journey as a person with a disability. Recently honored by the NEA as a National Heritage Fellow, Sidiki leads a mesmerizing performance that will thrill audiences with the power of the human spirit. Tokounou offers performances and workshops in traditional West African song and dance for adults and children of all ages and abilities.
To book Sidiki Conde and Tokounou, contact us via the Contact page.


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