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Poll: Most say ethics session was a success Daily Report readers say the recently concluded special session on ethics reform was a success. Forty-nine percent of the people who responded to an online survey say the Legislature enacted some much needed reforms that were pushed by Gov. Bobby Jindal. Thirty-eight percent say the session wasn't a success because the ethics measures didn't go far enough, while 13% say they didn't know. More than 1,325 people participated in the survey. Louisiana has already shot up to the top of Center for Public Integrity's list of the states with the best financial disclosures for officials. Today's survey: A report by the National Golf Foundation and the Sporting Goods Manufacturers Association shows that the number of people who play golf has declined or remained flat since 2000.
Owners of historic home object to judge's order
McKeon could not be reached for comment. Mr. Furtado posted a no trespassing sign, erected fencing, fortified the gable end of the house and placed tarps over removed materials. Laborers were unable to secure a tarp over the roof due to high winds, but they hope to finish work today, according to an affidavit from Mr. Furtado. The house is in the Westport Point Historic District. The town issued a written cease-and-desist order Jan. 3 after most of the roof on the Cape-style home collapsed. Part of the rear is also missing. The family has owned the house since last year, and Mr. Furtado had said he intended to live there. He blamed the collapse on pre-existing, poor conditions — specifically untreated infestation of powderpost beetles, carpenter ants and termites.
United Way feeling Quaker's absence
The same domino effect from the Quaker closing that caused the auto sales and service company Al & Paul's to sell its Davol Street shop has hurt the United Way, he said. Al & Paul's will reopen on Oak Grove Avenue with a new focus on rentals. Quaker laid off 900 workers last July before closing. Last year, the United Way raised $1,825,000. The organization did not set a specific goal for 2007, but hoped to match last year's total. Only $1,775,000 is projected to be raised by the end of the campaign, Jan. 31, Horne said. Five years ago, Quaker was the largest contributor to the fund, raising $210,000. Its contributions fell dramatically when its work force was cut in the following years, Horne said. Quaker's closing also means that more people have turned to SER-Jobs for Progress, an organization that provides employment training and educational services and is one of the United Way's largest beneficiaries.
New Subaru Impreza: Gripping stuff
THE latest Subaru Impreza does just what it says on the Subaglu tin. It sticks to the road, as Deborah Penn discovers.
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The name Subaru Impreza conjures up a spangly image of gold wheels, go faster extras and a racer at the wheel. But, hold on to your hats, there's a new gal in town.
The latest Impreza, launched in September, is aimed solidly at the middle market, the territory of the Ford Focus, Volkwagen Golf and Honda Civic. I was told at the garage that "it's for women and ordinary people". You get the picture. I fall into both categories so was deemed eminently suitable to test the model.
There have always been two sides to the Impreza: the rally-bred, super-quick and extravagantly bodykitted turbo models, and the often overlooked workaday naturally aspirated versions.
Reporter: Susan Ramsett
For the individual who died and for all friends and family of anyone who has died involving snowmobiles, they have my sincerest sympathies. But, we can't make laws limiting the entertainment and livelihood of millions to save the lives of a few poeple making bad choices. In addition, think of the costs to enforce all these laws to make sure no on ever dies on a snowmobile (or other recreational activity - down hill skiing!!!!!). Where do we station police and at what sacrifie (less police elsewhere or more taxes) to prevent these isolated incidents? This is a basic principle for all activities where there are some risks. If we had a law prohibiting two passengers on a single passenger sled, would that solve our problem? Would handcuffing the snwomobile manufacturers with "slower" sleds help? What is the politically correct, gov't limited, top speed of a new snowmobile to ride double while drunk? At what blood alchohol level? Why not limit speed so even the inexperienced sledder won't get hurt? Better yet, we should require the machines performance to be throttled back as the machine gets older because something may wear out.
Concentration camps in America: The consequences of 40 years of fear
If you type the phrase "concentration camps" into your Internet search engine, you will find page after page of references to martial law and the construction of concentration camps in the United States on behalf of the Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). A close examination reveals that many of these references lack sufficient facts to support their conclusions; however, taken as a whole, there is an abundance of factual information showing an alarming trend in the deployment of federal and military forces to restrain and detain American citizens. Among the Internet sites are those listing between 600 and 800 locations in the United States where the government is establishing "concentration camps." Many of these are former or active military bases; however, several provide detailed information about their location and improvements, including maps, videos, and satellite photographs.
Russia's Medvedev set for presidency
Two hours after voting finished, a smiling Medvedev walked out of the Kremlin gates alongside Putin and the two men took to the stage at a celebratory concert on Red Square. "The elections have taken place and our candidate, Dmitry Anatolyevich Medvedev, has a confident lead," the Russian leader said to chants of "Putin! Putin!" from the crowd. "The elections were in strict accordance with the constitution." Medvedev, dressed in a black leather jacket and blue jeans, promised to stay true to his mentor's policies. .
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