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Oregon PUC Predicts Substantial Increase in Winter Natural Gas Prices

Oregon’s supply of natural gas comes from Canada and the Rocky Mountain region.

(SALEM, Ore.) - If you use natural gas, brace yourself for an expected sharp rise in prices. That was the collective opinion shared today in a briefing before the Oregon Public Utility Commission by natural gas providers in Oregon.

The Commission was told that natural gas prices this coming heating season will likely be significantly higher than a year ago due to growing demand, tight supplies and international pressures as Oregon’s natural gas companies secure supplies for their customers for the next year and beyond.

Benny & Sid`s Your Public Service Announcement #3

This is the third installment of the new Salem-News.com cartoon series "Benny & Sid's Your Public Service Announcement" which is a continuation of the series, "Nota Bene by Leonardo".

(Salem) - This week's public service announcements include messages regarding Barack Obama, FISA and the American Civil Liberties Union; Bush White House Torture Team members Alberto Gonzales, David Addington, and Douglas Feith; and last but not least a look at John McCain's awareness of the impact of technology on the 21st century.

In-Depth Look at El Toro Marine Base TCE Contamination Begins Next Week

Time to get to the bottom of a big environmental mess involving a former Marine Corps base in Southern California.

(SALEM, Ore.) - For years, a chemical degreaser called Trichlorethylene, or TCE for short, was used to clean fighter jets at the El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Southern California. The U.S. government is notorious for poor environmental practices, and this ranks among its most profound; as generation after generation of Marines were exposed to the toxic and lethal nature of TCE, a product primarily manufactured by DOW Chemicals.

Various squadrons on the base used the deadly degreaser and all of the runoff was hosed away down the flightline and into the water basins.

The base of the 'TCE plume' as it is called, flowed right through the Marine Wing Support Group-37 area. This is where I spent the majority of a three year enlistment as a young Marine, totally oblivious to the condition of the water and the ground that we worked on every day.

National Gas Prices at Record Highs, Oregon Average Eases Slightly

The price of crude hit yet another record high late last week, but drops several dollars today. Our national average is holding steady at a record high near $4.11 per gallon.

(PORTLAND, Ore.) - Even the President is talking about high gas prices and possible solutions. The recent run-up in crude has yet to be reflected fully at the pumps. Why are retailers reluctant to pass the higher prices on to consumers? And what's the outlook for prices for the rest of the summer?

AAA reports that for the second day in a row, the national average for regular unleaded remains at a record high of nearly $4.11, gaining a tenth of a cent in the past week. Oregon's average dropped two cents this week to $4.27 and prices in many of Oregon's measured metro areas are ticking down slightly as well.

AAA Oregon Public Affairs Director Marie Dodds says, "Oregon and Washington are among 41 states, including the District of Columbia, with averages for regular unleaded at or above $4 per gallon, up from 39 states last week."

Lies and Fabrications are Behind the Drive to Attack Iran

Iran has not invaded another country in 300 years.

(SALEM, Ore.) - Talk is cheap, and most people who talk loud and cheap about attacking Iran probably believe they will never have to deal with the violence suggested by such an act. Perhaps some deep thought should be given to this subject, because an attack on Iran would likely be the beginning of the last of the world wars.

The people pushing for this type of military, national suicide are the Lieberman's and the Bush's and the Limbaugh's and others who only profit from war, destruction and fear. If Israel or the United States attacks Iran, then World War III will be on and it is hard to predict how many countries will be on the side of the attackers.

It seems possible that America or Israel could be as bad as any other nation in history in its quest for needless blood and unwarranted destruction. The only thing Iran has done is lay plans for nuclear power plants.

New Yorker Magazine - a Hallmark of Shame for our Nation

Last Friday's Newsweek poll showed that 12 per cent of voters believe Obama is a Muslim. The staff at the New Yorker magazine already knew that, and they decided to misuse their cover for no good, simple or honest reason. It was a slam; a toast for Obama's enemies, and those who are nervous about seeing the first black American hold the office of Presidency.

(SALEM, Ore.) - The New Yorker Magazine plays Russian Roulette with a nation and their gun is loaded. Should we be surprised that this happened?

Letter to the Editor Suggests McCain`s Tactics Would Devastate Social Security

McCain wants to follow George W. Bush's plan that would slash guaranteed benefits for millions of seniors, survivors and people with disabilities and the same plan that would explode the national debt, all without adding a single day to the life of Social Security – not one single day.

(WASHINGTON, D.C.) - If there was any doubt that Senator John McCain is as bad as President Bush or worse on Social Security – out the window of the 'Straight Talk Express' it went at his recent town hall campaign event in Denver.

When asked about his position, McCain said "Americans have got to understand that we are paying present-day retirees with the taxes paid by young workers in America today. It's an absolute disgrace." An "absolute disgrace?"

The Economic Panic of `08 is On

In 2008, Americans will wake up to the worst economic times that anyone alive has ever seen. And they won't know what hit them - Gerald Celente, December 17th, 2007

(RHINEBECK, N.Y.) - The "Panic of '08" that we had predicted is "ON." Only the blind can't see it, the deaf don't hear it and those in denial won't admit it. America's economy has taken a direct hit. The nation's financial superstructure is collapsing. Those waiting for the "official word" and hesitating to take survival measures will go down with the sinking ship of state.

A New Concept in Real Estate: Optimism

By embracing technology and investing in the local community, young professionals are creating a niche of optimism in Salem.

(SALEM, Ore.) - If necessity is the mother of invention, the real estate market should prepare for a new wheel. Across the country the national media mourns the real estate boom without offering hope for the future. While the older generation tends to have a 'wait-and-see' mentality when the market is struggling, the younger generation sees it differently. Matthew Lind is an example of the growing trend of young small business owners in Salem whose outlook is refreshing.

"The Mid-Willamette Valley is full of opportunity." Lind said. "With Salem’s Vision 2020 campaign starting to show progress and all that’s happening over in Independence, the time to act is now."

Government Bails Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac after U.S. Dollar Plummets

Bonds rally on Fannie and Freddie turmoil as jittery investors look for a safe haven for assets after the Fed announced a plan to shore up the mortgage giants Sunday.

(NEW YORK) - The dollar climbed back from a near-record low against the euro today after the government announced an emergency plan to restore investor confidence in mortgage finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which are already government backed. Critics say this latest band aid will not have any effect on the nation's economic downturn, in the bigger picture.