Stories for October 27, 2009
Lead stories
Stories
Save cash by making veggie platter at home
Vegetable platters from the supermarket can make entertaining easy, but not cheap. A store-bought platter with dip can set you back as much as $1 or more per person. But vegetables aren’t that expensive, which means you’re paying a lot for convenience.
Cookies great for spook-tacular swaps
Ghosts and spiders and pumpkins will be tasty treats this Halloween
Santa has always had a monopoly on the good cookies. But it took Julia Usher a while to ponder the bigger issue: Why should the winter holidays get all the gingerbread? And why should something as deliciously fun as a cookie exchange be relegated to December?
Leaves clog storm drains
City asks residents to avoid sweeping foliage into streets
When it comes to flooded roadways, the real problem isn’t so much the falling rain. It’s the fallen fall foliage.
A healthy buffet doesn’t have to mean boring
Keeping your holiday buffet healthy doesn’t doom you to celery stalks and carrot sticks. There are plenty of options that are indulgent without leaving your guests feeling buffet-grazing remorse.
Teams hope moves pay off
Plenty of player movement during last offseason Kobe Bryant was hours away from another championship when that large, looming shadow appeared again.
NBA Season Tipoff
Power poll
Internet ready for non-Latin domains
ICANN likely to approve change at meeting this week SEOUL, South Korea — The Internet is set to undergo one of the biggest changes in its four-decade history with the expected approval this week of international domain names — or addresses — that can be written in non-Latin script, an official said Monday.
Verizon 3Q profit falls on restructuring
Company losing DSL customers; FiOS TV a ‘clear disappointment’ Verizon Communications Inc. reported a 30 percent drop in third-quarter earnings Monday as it couldn’t sign up enough new subscribers to offset higher costs from laying off workers and absorbing an acquisition.
Missouri, Michigan autoworkers reject contract with Ford
DETROIT (AP) — Autoworkers in Missouri and Michigan overwhelmingly rejected a new contract with Ford Motor Co., a sign that the automaker and the United Auto Workers union are having trouble convincing some workers to accept changes that would lower Ford’s labor costs.
Peltz on Legg Mason board
Investor-activist joins after his firm gets 4.3% stake NEW YORK — Billionaire investor and activist shareholder Nelson Peltz is joining the board of directors of asset manager Legg Mason Inc.
Madoff associate drowned after heart attack
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. (AP) — A man accused of making more than $7 billion off the investment schemes of jailed financial manager Bernard Madoff drowned after having a heart attack, authorities said Monday.
Table-flipper calm at sentencing
Gerard Gray gets 50 months, apologizes for injuring prosecutor
For a man who erupted in anger and flipped a heavy table in a courtroom more than a year ago, injuring a Clark County deputy prosecutor, Gerard Gray was the soul of politeness at his sentencing Monday.
Audit critical of Washougal spending
State office finds revenue missing, city policy violations WASHOUGAL — The Washington State Auditor’s Office is investigating thousands of dollars of potentially illegal expenditures and more than $100,000 of missing revenue from city-sponsored events in Washougal.
Checking Back in to ‘General Hospital’ Jonathan Jackson to reprise role as Lucky
Jonathan Jackson, the Battle Ground-based actor who originally played Luke and Laura Spencer’s son Lucky on ABC’s “General Hospital,” returns to the show today.
Success Is No Drag
Shannon O’Leary, 13, wins NHRA National Open Series race at PIR It took a few seconds for Shannon O’Leary to realize what she had done.
Phillies aim to make history of their own
Yankees offer unique challenge with their mystique, aura PHILADELPHIA — When the Phillies arrive at Yankee Stadium for this afternoon’s workout, they will be fully aware of their surroundings and the historical implications of the 2009 World Series.
Great Pumpkin Cookies
Great Pumpkin Cookies @Recipe Yield:Makes 3-4 dozen cookies.
B.G. schools to get $15K after audit finds error
A new state audit softly raps Battle Ground Public Schools for underreporting the number of students enrolled in a state-authorized vocational course.
Jackson’s jig helps Eagles roll, 27-17
Westbrook, Cooley both knocked out of game with injury LANDOVER, Md. — DeSean Jackson scored on a 67-yard run and a 57-yard reception, both in the first half. His night might have been perfect if his tender right ankle had not messed up his touchdown tap dance.
George Steinbrenner coming to Yankee Stadium
The Boss making rare visit these days to see his team NEW YORK — Once he was omnipresent at Yankee Stadium, micromanaging so much that World Series tickets could not be sent out until he revised the seating charts in his office. He raged at his players and celebrated them with equal gusto.
Review: Granola cookies don’t cut it
New on grocers’ shelves:
Creamy Feta and Garlic Dip with Crudités
Creamy Feta and Garlic Dip with Crudités @Recipe Yield:Start to finish: 30 minutes. Servings: 24.
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Grapes and Thyme
Pork Tenderloin with Roasted Red Grapes and Thyme @Recipe Yield:Start to finish: 1½ hours (20 minutes active). Servings: 16.
Before Dad dies, there’s a ‘terrible secret’ to tell him
Dear Annie: I have an elderly father with a bunch of serious medical problems. We’ve never had a close relationship. I suspect he could pass away soon, and I would like to have some meaningful dialogues before that happens. I also have a terrible secret I’d like to tell him before he dies.
Snacks can be beneficial as long as they’re healthy
Snacks aren’t bad. In fact, they are “mini-meals” that are meant to curb hunger and help supplement nutrients you may not be getting enough of from meals. Studies show that waiting too long to eat between meals can cause you to overeat later in the day.
Search for the perfect deli disses New York for L.A.
Author travels history, country for stellar sandwiches It was in rural Kansas, near the geographical center of America, that David Sax hit rock bottom in his search for the perfect deli sandwich. It happened innocently enough, in an Arby’s. He had ordered a Reuben.
How far will you go for your team?
Have you ever cried at the thrill of victory or the agony of defeat when it comes to your favorite sports team? Have you waited in line overnight for tickets to the big games?
BPA plans line route through county
Agency hopes to avoid taking homes while easing congested transmission The Bonneville Power Administration is planning a new 70-mile-long transmission line through Clark County, connecting major new substations in Castle Rock and Troutdale, Ore.
Defensive backs know the Favre secret
Ever wonder why Brett Favre’s pump fakes are so effective?
Wet day boosts lagging rainfall number
Well we didn’t quite get caught up on the rainfall Monday with those heavy rains early in the day, but made a good stride forward. Showers today will taper off and Wednesday should be a dry day before more rain moves in Thursday and Friday. Snow levels dropped to 2,500 feet late Monday in the Washington Cascades, with a foot or more expected in the higher ski areas. We will remain in an unsettled weather pattern until further notice, with snow in the higher mountains.
County aims to move up start date for Salmon Creek interchange
Seven years after it landed on the state’s list of road projects funded by a nickel gas-tax hike, Salmon Creek’s new freeway interchange will start rolling out next summer.
Woman rescued by firefighters in critical condition
A woman who suffered smoke inhalation in a Saturday night fire in east Vancouver was in critical condition Monday night at a Portland hospital.
Vancouver
Vancouver ‘Green’ car-care event set Thursday at Eco Auto
Tax deferral response lackluster in county
Deadline, mistake in mailing may be to blame
A 2008 state law that gives poor and middle-income homeowners a few extra months to pay their property taxes hasn’t exactly caught fire.
Nielsen helps Jazz sing on way to gold medal
Jim Nielsen wasn’t planning to make an eighth trip to participate in the Huntsman World Senior Games.
Spain tops U.S in under-17 World Cup opener
Clark County native Nick Palodichuk helped set up a late opportunity, but the United States dropped its opening match on Monday at soccer’s Under-17 World Cup, falling to Spain 2-1 in Kano, Nigeria.
Worn-down Huskies ready for bye
Sarkisian said Locker suffered leg cramps against Oregon Physically beat up and mentally taxed, Washington is ready to take a break.
Did you know ?
Did you know ? n The National Hot Rod Association’s Junior Drag Racing League allows kids 8-17 to race over a one-eighth-mile track. Families from Clark County participate in the JDRL at Portland International Raceway and Woodburn Dragstrip. Speed and horsepower limits are strictly enforced.
Cardinals bring back McGwire as coach
Mark McGwire is back in baseball, reunited with Tony La Russa as the St. Louis Cardinals’ hitting coach. La Russa agreed to return for a 15th year as manager Monday with a one-year contract, the first time he has not had a multiyear deal with the team. All of his coaches will return except for Hal McRae, who will be replaced by the former star.
‘It counts’ now, starting with today’s season opener
Blazers primed for beginning of their 2009-10 season TUALATIN, Ore. — Portland Trail Blazers centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla banged up against an assistant coach who was wearing thick protective padding, practicing jump shots and slamming home dunks in the lane.
TODAY’S SCHEDULE
TODAY’S SCHEDULE (Schedule subject to change)
Ridgefield schools postpone meeting
The Ridgefield district school board has postponed today’s special meeting to screen candidates seeking appointment to a vacant board seat.
Spider Truffles
Spider Truffles Adapted from recipes by Martha Stewart and Julia Usher.
2 Senate plans would extend home-buyer tax credit
WASHINGTON — Top Democrats in the Senate are pressing a plan that would extend a popular tax credit for first-time home-buyers but gradually phase it out over the course of next year.
Western Conference
Western Conference Teams are listed in the predicted order of finish.
McGraw-Hill posts lower 3Q profit
NEW YORK (AP) — Plagued by weakness in advertising and the elementary and high school education markets, information-services company McGraw-Hill Cos. said Monday its profit and sales declined in the third quarter.
High-tech poised to lead Washington to economic recovery
As federal lawmakers scramble to create jobs in the face of record unemployment, Washington state may have a hometown advantage: our high-tech sector, specifically information technology or IT. That includes computers, software design and development, as well as the myriad manufacturing and service industries that support the IT sector.
U.S. safety chief consults China on tainted drywall
Thousands of homeowners complain about health issues, damage to property BEIJING (AP) — China is helping American officials investigate reports of contaminated Chinese drywall after thousands of American homeowners complained the building material made them sick or damaged their houses, a top U.S. safety official said Monday.
Baker, Darrold M., 81, Amboy, died Oct. 25, 2009. Layne’s Funeral Home, 360-687-3143.
Baker, Darrold M., 81, Amboy, died Oct. 25, 2009. Layne’s Funeral Home, 360-687-3143. Castle, Tony L., 48, Wisconsin Rapids, Wis., died Oct. 17, 2009. Higgins Funeral Home, 715-423-4610.
Mora says time for Jones to return is dwindling
There is still a chance Walter Jones will play for the Seahawks this season, though that chance is dwindling.
Newspaper circulation continues its rapid decline
Free content on Internet, falling ad revenue drag figure down 10.6 percent NEW YORK — The decline in U.S. newspaper circulation is accelerating as the industry struggles with defections to the Internet and tumbling ad revenue.
Clubs
Clubs WEDNESDAY
Births
Births SOUTHWEST WASHINGTON MEDICAL CENTER
GOLF
GOLF HOLES-IN-ONE
Leavitt’s public-safety record applauded
Supporters rally for mayoral candidate, dispute Pollard flier With just over a week left before the election, key supporters of mayoral candidate Tim Leavitt gathered at City Hall on Monday to show him their support — and rail on Mayor Royce Pollard on public safety and what they said are misleading campaign tactics.
Eastern Conference
Eastern Conference Teams are listed in the predicted order of finish.
portland
portland Blazer games available live with new Internet service
Blazers’ Batum to have surgery on torn labrum
No timetable for his return until after procedure Friday TUALATIN, Ore. — Nicolas Batum said the pain had just become too much.
Retail gas prices nearing summer highs
Seasonal drop in price offset by weak dollar, production Retail gas prices are spiking to levels last seen in the heat of summer driving season, raising fears that consumers could cut back on holiday spending.
Booming Business The Quarry adds $3.6M wing
36 new assisted-living apartments are expected to open in 2010 Demand for senior housing is on the rise, as evidenced by construction of a $3.6 million wing at The Quarry Senior Living complex in Vancouver’s Columbia Tech Center.
