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Bad Times Keep Us Put: Migration to South and West Slows

CitizenSugar — Tue, 23 Dec 2008 03:00:23 -0800

The intuitive trend in America to move to where the land is open and the climate warm has hit a road bump. Thanks to the housing crisis, which makes the idea of taking on a new mortgage scary and risky, people are staying put.

The population slowdown specifically hit the western and southern states, which had seen huge growth and migration over the last decade. While this trend could mean less traffic and more space for those already living there, it could also lead to less political influence. Based on current projections, California might lose a seat in Congress for the first time ever following the 2010 Census.

Still, a population slow down in the South and West doesn't mean other regions are growing faster. In 2008, Utah was the fastest growing state, followed by Arizona, Texas, North Carolina, and South Carolina. And Michigan and Rhode Island actually lost population.

Have tough times made you shelve any plans for moving?

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Front Page: Las Vegas Hits The Snow Jackpot

CitizenSugar — Thu, 18 Dec 2008 07:47:28 -0800

A rare snow storm has hit Las Vegas, leaving more snow than the city has seen in decades, and grounding most flights in and out of sin city. The National Weather Service has called the storm a "significant historical event." — Las Vegas Review Journal
A former Rwandan Army Colonel has been convicted of genocide by the UN court in Tanzania, after the court determined he masterminded the 1994 mass killings of the Tutsis and moderate Hutus. — New York Times

MSNBC host Mika Brzezinski was mugged this morning in Washington, D.C. while waiting for a car to pick her up and take her to the studio to tape Morning Joe. — Washington Times
The man who threw his shoes at President Bush has asked for a pardon, after describing his behavior as an "an ugly act." The attacker's brother says the idea that he sent a letter of apology to Iraq's prime minister is unbelievable. — AP

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When the Going Gets Tough: Revelers Flee Burning Man Dust

CitizenSugar — Mon, 01 Sep 2008 00:00:50 -0700

While Hurricane Gustav is grabbing the top weather news slot, for those making the trek into Black Rock Desert for the annual Burning Man Festival this weekend, the weather was also an unexpected performance art piece in the form of a dust storm.

The storm was caused by a cold front moving through the region and turning the atmosphere into a “total whiteout”, according to a commander at the Federal Bureau of Land Management.

Although no damage was reported, nor any injuries, the BLM claims that the storm did chase away some would-be counter-culture revelers. Though Saturday morning the crowd reached a new record of nearly 49, 600 up 2 thousand from last year, many left before the Saturday night main event of torching of the 40-foot signature effigy. The Burning Man art festival began in 1986 in San Francisco’s Baker Beach and moved to the Black Rock Desert in 1990.

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9 out of 10 Agree: To Save Gas, No Left Turns Into Brothels

CitizenSugar — Tue, 01 Jul 2008 10:00:21 -0700

Well, it's more unanimous than Trident gum: Nine out of 10 people are expecting gas prices to gut them financially in the next six months according to an Associated Press-Yahoo News poll out yesterday.

The poll has tracked the same 2,000 people since last fall to follow how their opinions have changed throughout the campaign. The latest data shows the price of gasoline has equalled or triumphed every other issue and it has become more than a politcal topic, but a real-life problem. I'm sure you don't need me (or the AP) to tell you: gas sucks.

But! I can tell you wacky ways people are saving the gas! It involves avoiding left turns and hookers! I know! To see what I'm talking about,

Disorder in the Court: Nevada Judge Demands Royal Treatment

LibertySugar — Sun, 11 May 2008 07:00:18 -0700

Nevada judge Elizabeth Halverson seems to think she is the queen of a royal court. The state judge has been suspended from the bench, after courtroom workers complained of being treated like vassals, asking one: "Do you want to worship me from near or afar."

Some of the other complaints? She made the bailiff put on her shoes, massage her back, cover her with a blanket for naps, and make sure her oxygen tank was always full. Judge Halverson is obese and uses a motorized scooter to get around.

Witness also allege she had her husband sworn in once, to testify under oath that he completed household chores. Officially, she is being suspended for misusing her position, tainting juries, and falling asleep on the bench

Judge Halverson's lawyer is calling the suspension discrimination. He said: "It's apparent that some people believe her physical appearance somehow makes her unable to perform her duties as a judge. Last time I checked, being a judge doesn't require a beauty contest." Some legal scholars are also concerned — arguing that a judge should only be removed for corruption or complete incompetence, not personality quirks.

Are you surprised a judge could be such a royal pain? Do you think her actions were enough to take her crown, I mean gavel, away from her? Do you think judicial removal should only be sought in the most extreme circumstances? Halverson is up for reelection in September, so should they just wait to see what the voters think?

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Front Page: 30 Sentenced in Tibet, Wildfires, Economy 0.6 %

CitizenSugar — Wed, 30 Apr 2008 07:00:26 -0700

30 Sentenced in Tibet: A Chinese court in Tibet has sentenced 30 people to prison for their roles in the deadly rioting last month. The sentences range from three years to life in prison. Those punished were accused of taking part in the protests, vandalism, and violence that began March 14 in the Tibetan capital. China blames the Dalai Lama for the conflict and the ensuing problems with the Olympic torch relay. A spokeswoman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry says, “We hope the Dalai can cherish this opportunity, recognize the situation and change his position to take concrete measures to stop his criminal acts of violence, stop his sabotage of the Beijing Olympics and his separatist activities, so as to create conditions for the next step of talks.”

Wildfires Rage: Firefighters enter their fourth day battling wildfires in the San Gabriel Mountains northeast of Los Angeles. The fires were 57 percent contained early Tuesday after less than a square mile and most of the more than 1,000 people evacuated from their homes had been allowed to return. Fires outside of Reno are being fanned by up to 68 m.p.h. winds making containment difficult. The blaze has caused a major highway to close, threatened homes, and caused the evacuation of a school.
Economy 0.6 % Growth: The US economy grew 0.6 percent during the first quarter of this year. The growth is equal to the last quarter of 2007. The 0.6 percent statistic doesn't meet the classic definition of a recession, which is a retraction of the economy, though the slim gains show struggle.