Editor:
Gila Community College ... Hail Emperor Ashford
Bob Ashford, GCC Board President, was due to be term limited based on GCC rules. However, he did not want to leave ... so, simple solution, throw out the rules and get himself reelected with the help of two puppet members.
When board members Tom Loeffler and Larry Stephenson tried to challenge the dictatorial approach, Emperor Ashford gaveled them down.
But Ashford’s blatant disregard of ethics was not just limited to board members; he also stiff armed the public by not allowing comments until after the vote.
Ashford and his two board member puppets clearly do not have the ethics to serve and should resign. Short of this, they should be recalled.
Bob Edwards
Payson
Saturday, February 5, 2011
Friday, February 4, 2011
Yes Virginia, you can survive Valentine's Day
By Bryan Golden
Valentine's Day can either be a pleasurable occasion or stress filled with high expectations and disappointment. If you have that special relationship, Valentine's Day can be a time to show love and affection. For singles, the day can be a reminder of loneliness or a missing relationship.
Even people who do have significant others can wind up hating Valentine's Day. The problem is that Valentine's Day often comes with a predetermined set of expectations. Someone may expect a certain gift, a special night out, or some other gesture. Disappointment results whenever expectations are not met.
Surviving For Couples
Valentine's Day isn't a day of amnesty or a single opportunity to fix problems in a relationship. Issues don't pop up overnight nor can they be fixed that way. If you anticipate repairing a relationship in one day, you will be disappointed.
Don't get caught up in the commercialization. Relationships portrayed in advertisements don't necessarily reflect reality. You can show you care with the use of your heart and imagination. Do simple things that say, "I'm thinking of you."
Don't rely on your partner to read your mind. If you have specific desires, share them. Give without expecting anything in return. Small, thoughtful gestures mean a lot, don't overlook them.
Not everyone gets enthusiastic about Valentine's Day. If your partner isn't that excited, don't read too much into it. Do whatever feels comfortable and be ok with it. You don't have to do anything you are uncomfortable with. Simply saying, "Happy Valentine's Day. I love you." sends the message that you are thinking of your partner.
Surviving For Singles
Accept your emotions. If you are sad and lonely, it's ok. You feel what you feel. Just because you may not happen to be in a relationship for Valentine's Day does not mean there is anything wrong with you.
Be social. Organize a group of other singles for dinner out or some other social activity. You may not be involved romantically, but you have more people in your life who care about you than you realize.
Treat yourself. Buy or do something special. Splurge a little. Rather than fixating on not being in a relationship at the moment, be thankful for what's good in your life. Ironically, singles spend a lot of time hoping for a relationship, while many in a relationship lament the freedom of their single days.
Valentine's Day is as commercialized as Christmas. Look at all the money and stress you save by not being caught up in the frenzy. Immerse yourself in other activities. If you are busy, you won't even notice Valentine's Day. Help others in need. When you do, you will also feel better.
If you want a relationship, be proactive. Don't wait for a relationship to find you, go out and look for one. Stay upbeat. A happy person is much more attractive than someone with a perpetual frown. No one wants to spend time with a person who is bitter or resentful.
If there is someone you are interested in, take the initiative. Invite them to get together with you. Stay sociable. Get out and about. Involve yourself in a variety of activities. There are many opportunities to meet people. Join a gym, take a class, volunteer, join a singles group, and pursue your hobbies.
Regardless of your situation, keep in mind that Valentine's Day is only one day. Good or bad, it goes by quickly.
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. Ó 2011 Bryan Golden
Even people who do have significant others can wind up hating Valentine's Day. The problem is that Valentine's Day often comes with a predetermined set of expectations. Someone may expect a certain gift, a special night out, or some other gesture. Disappointment results whenever expectations are not met.
Surviving For Couples
Valentine's Day isn't a day of amnesty or a single opportunity to fix problems in a relationship. Issues don't pop up overnight nor can they be fixed that way. If you anticipate repairing a relationship in one day, you will be disappointed.
Don't get caught up in the commercialization. Relationships portrayed in advertisements don't necessarily reflect reality. You can show you care with the use of your heart and imagination. Do simple things that say, "I'm thinking of you."
Don't rely on your partner to read your mind. If you have specific desires, share them. Give without expecting anything in return. Small, thoughtful gestures mean a lot, don't overlook them.
Not everyone gets enthusiastic about Valentine's Day. If your partner isn't that excited, don't read too much into it. Do whatever feels comfortable and be ok with it. You don't have to do anything you are uncomfortable with. Simply saying, "Happy Valentine's Day. I love you." sends the message that you are thinking of your partner.
Surviving For Singles
Accept your emotions. If you are sad and lonely, it's ok. You feel what you feel. Just because you may not happen to be in a relationship for Valentine's Day does not mean there is anything wrong with you.
Be social. Organize a group of other singles for dinner out or some other social activity. You may not be involved romantically, but you have more people in your life who care about you than you realize.
Treat yourself. Buy or do something special. Splurge a little. Rather than fixating on not being in a relationship at the moment, be thankful for what's good in your life. Ironically, singles spend a lot of time hoping for a relationship, while many in a relationship lament the freedom of their single days.
Valentine's Day is as commercialized as Christmas. Look at all the money and stress you save by not being caught up in the frenzy. Immerse yourself in other activities. If you are busy, you won't even notice Valentine's Day. Help others in need. When you do, you will also feel better.
If you want a relationship, be proactive. Don't wait for a relationship to find you, go out and look for one. Stay upbeat. A happy person is much more attractive than someone with a perpetual frown. No one wants to spend time with a person who is bitter or resentful.
If there is someone you are interested in, take the initiative. Invite them to get together with you. Stay sociable. Get out and about. Involve yourself in a variety of activities. There are many opportunities to meet people. Join a gym, take a class, volunteer, join a singles group, and pursue your hobbies.
Regardless of your situation, keep in mind that Valentine's Day is only one day. Good or bad, it goes by quickly.
Bryan is the author of "Dare to Live Without Limits." Visit www.DareToLiveWithoutLimits.com or your bookstore. Bryan is a self-development expert, syndicated columnist, and professor. E-mail Bryan at bryan@columnist.com. Ó 2011 Bryan Golden
Thursday, February 3, 2011
World Champion Sweet Adelines here Saturday
That is the date when the Sweet Adelines International Chorus Champions will perform in Payson at the High School auditorium in a show to benefit the animals of the Humane Society of Central Arizona (HSCAZ). The familiar melodies blended in four-part, barber-shop style close harmony, innovative choreography and glittering costumes make for a toe-tapping dazzling show by the incomparable Scottsdale Chorus!
The concert will be a prelude to Valentine's Day and the chorus plans to include many favorite love songs in the program. Additionally, each attendee will receive a special Valentine gift.
This is an opportunity to enjoy a fabulous show while making a difference for the animals who share our journey. The funds raised will be used to carry out the Humane Society's mission to rescue, shelter and seek loving homes for the lost, abandoned and homeless animals we serve.
Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for seniors and children 12 and under and are available at Postnet, Rim Country Chamber of Commerce, Senior Center, HSCAZ Thrift Shop, HSCAZ board members and through volunteer ticket captains.
Any remaining tickets will be sold at the door starting at 1:30 p.m. on the day of the event.
'Suspense' in ASU saga is unanswered questions
PERSPECTIVE
PERSPECTIVE
PERSPECTIVE
The latest story about the new ASU-Payson campus in the local newspaper still leaves critical questions unanswered.
In the Feb. 1 article headlined "Engineers size up new college site," the reporter relates that engineers and solar power experts recently inspected a 30-acre site "close to the Forest Service parcel" that "a group of investors" has purchased while waiting for the Forest Service to begin the process of selling its parcel.
Only problem, or problems:
1. Nowhere in the article is the specific parcel or its location identified. Why not?
2. Nowhere in the article are the investors or the corporations they represent identified. Why not?
3. Nowhere in the article are the engineers and solar power experts or the firms they represent identified. Why not?
Are the questions being asked? If so, how does Payson Mayor Kenny Evans respond? If not, why not?
The reporter refers to the entire process as "suspenseful." We say the suspense is not related to the campus, but to the unanswered questions.
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
How about Olbermann in exchange for Beck?
Reader Supported News | Perspective
By Leslie Griffith
Reader Supported News
Now that the "all about Keith" show is over and the hysteria died down, it's time to say "goodbye." It's also time to thank him and acknowledge that, sometimes in life, it's simply time to go. To move on.
America needed bravery exactly when Keith found his voice. America needed righteous anger and Keith struck just the right tone with his nightly comments. He said out loud and on television what many Americans (including reporters), were afraid to say even in hushed murmurs. He confirmed our worst fears. We were a country duped by a president who felt "misunderestimated." Keith often pointed out that our public education system is in ruins and for evidence of such, we need look no further than the previous leader of the "Free World," or to the Tea Party candidate who first heard about the Separation of Church and State while campaigning for Congress. It has been a crazy time, but times are changing.
Perhaps Keith knew this.
After 25 years in television news, I know it's not his fault. Not really. Television quickly turns bravery into arrogance, and there's no doubt Keith Olbermann got a bit snarky and arrogant. But I will miss the Olbermann of old, and I already miss the one of late ... the talking head who read Thurber out loud on the air. Anyone who reads Thurber gets the joke.
At the risk of sounding as if I am not grateful, let me say it plain: Thanks, Keith, for helping the nation find its voice. In honor of last night's State of the Union, I'd like to honor you. Now, as the President strikes a conciliatory note and tries desperately to get political opponents to sit together, many Americans no longer want or need "affirmation" television. We need insight from all points of view. If not, we will end up as divided and tribal as the Taliban.
The late, great Molly Ivins used to say about campaign finance reform, "We have to get the pigs out of the water to clear up the stream." Keith would have liked that. Let's focus on it.
Then, after "We the People" get campaign finance reform, so those in power won't have to (as Molly would say) "Dance with them what brung 'em," next, let's focus on nuclear disarmament.
If words are as powerful as bombs ... how about a trade for a trade?
Keith is gone.
Mr. Murdoch, it is your move.
Leslie Griffith has been a television anchor, foreign correspondent and an investigative reporter in newspaper, radio and television for over 25 years. Among her many achievements are two Edward R Murrow Awards, nine Emmies, 37 Emmy Nominations, a National Emmy nomination for writing, and more than a dozen other awards for journalism. She is currently working on a documentary, giving speeches on "Reforming the Media," and writing for many on-line publications, as well as writing a book called "Shut Up and Read." She hopes the book, her speeches, and her articles on the media will help remind the nation that journalism was once about public service ... not profit. To contact Leslie, go to lesliegriffith.org.
Reader Supported News is the Publication of Origin for this work. Permission to republish is freely granted with credit and a link back to Reader Supported News: www.readersupportednews.org
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
People pills top ASPCA's list of 10 pet toxins
Human medications, including dropped pills, poisoned more pets in the U.S. last year than any other toxic substance, The Arizona Republic reported in an article in the Tuesday, Feb. 1 Arizona Living section.
The Associated Press article was based on a list of the top 10 toxics released by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The rest of the list: insecticides, rodenticides, people food, veterinary medications, chocolate, household toxics, plants, herbicides and outdoor toxics like antifreeze and fertilizers.
To read the entire article pick up a copy of the Republic or click here: www.living.azcentral.com
For home delivery of the Republic, by far your best newspaper buy, call 1-800-332-6733.
The Associated Press article was based on a list of the top 10 toxics released by the American Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA).
The rest of the list: insecticides, rodenticides, people food, veterinary medications, chocolate, household toxics, plants, herbicides and outdoor toxics like antifreeze and fertilizers.
To read the entire article pick up a copy of the Republic or click here: www.living.azcentral.com
For home delivery of the Republic, by far your best newspaper buy, call 1-800-332-6733.
Lawmakers try again to get kids out of pickup beds
By CHANNING TURNER
Cronkite News Service
PHOENIX – A bipartisan pair of state representatives hope to do what others have tried and failed to do for nearly 20 years: expand a ban on unrestrained minors in the backs of trucks.
Reps. Matt Heinz, D-Tucson, and Doris Goodale, R-Kingman, have co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit anyone under 18 from riding in the back of an open vehicle unless properly restrained.
Current law prevents minors under 15 from riding unrestrained in any vehicle but allows children to ride in pickup truck beds once the seats in the cab are filled.
“It’s a major public health and safety concern,” Heinz said. “You have to restrain your refrigerator or a deer carcass for example by state law, but you don’t have to restrain a 4-year-old.”
But questions over the role of government and the chances of success stalled this session’s bill Thursday in the House Transportation Committee.
“It comes down to a fundamental question: Is government responsible for your kids or are you responsible for your kids?” said Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale.
Weiers sponsored similar legislation in 2004 but said he was plagued by those ideological concerns. This time, he brought those concerns up in committee and asked that the bill be held to address them.
“I was told by lots of people, ‘Don’t waste your time. You won’t get it through,’” he said.
This session’s version includes exemptions for emergencies, parades, private property and vehicles traveling at or below 35 mph. It targets the most unsafe situations involving high speeds and busy roadways, Heinz said.
“Those are the situations and circumstances in which children could sustain the most damage and likely have fatalities if involved in an accident,” he said. “[Exemptions] protect from undue restriction, especially in rural areas.”
In 2009, 495 Arizona passengers sustained incapacitating or fatal injuries from crashes without safety devices in any type of vehicle, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Last session, a similar bill passed the Senate 19-8 but was held in the House.
“I’m very persistent, and so is Representative Goodale,” Heinz said. “We have folks in our districts who have been specifically requesting we move on this legislation, and that is empowering.”
Rochelle Wells, president-elect for the Arizona Parent Teacher Association, said similar bans have succeeded in surrounding states while the battle continues in Arizona.
“I don’t think people realize how serious it is to be unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck,” Wells said. “It seems like an innocent act … so it’s our job as advocates to educate people.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records about 50 deaths yearly involving passengers in the bed of a pickup truck, she said, and bans in other states have brought that number down.
Officer Robert Bailey, an Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman, said his agency always encourages some kind of safety restraint.
“It happens in rural areas, it happens here,” he said. “Everyone should be buckled up. We’re never not going to say that.”
Cronkite News Service
PHOENIX – A bipartisan pair of state representatives hope to do what others have tried and failed to do for nearly 20 years: expand a ban on unrestrained minors in the backs of trucks.
Reps. Matt Heinz, D-Tucson, and Doris Goodale, R-Kingman, have co-sponsored a bill that would prohibit anyone under 18 from riding in the back of an open vehicle unless properly restrained.
Current law prevents minors under 15 from riding unrestrained in any vehicle but allows children to ride in pickup truck beds once the seats in the cab are filled.
“It’s a major public health and safety concern,” Heinz said. “You have to restrain your refrigerator or a deer carcass for example by state law, but you don’t have to restrain a 4-year-old.”
But questions over the role of government and the chances of success stalled this session’s bill Thursday in the House Transportation Committee.
“It comes down to a fundamental question: Is government responsible for your kids or are you responsible for your kids?” said Rep. Jerry Weiers, R-Glendale.
Weiers sponsored similar legislation in 2004 but said he was plagued by those ideological concerns. This time, he brought those concerns up in committee and asked that the bill be held to address them.
“I was told by lots of people, ‘Don’t waste your time. You won’t get it through,’” he said.
This session’s version includes exemptions for emergencies, parades, private property and vehicles traveling at or below 35 mph. It targets the most unsafe situations involving high speeds and busy roadways, Heinz said.
“Those are the situations and circumstances in which children could sustain the most damage and likely have fatalities if involved in an accident,” he said. “[Exemptions] protect from undue restriction, especially in rural areas.”
In 2009, 495 Arizona passengers sustained incapacitating or fatal injuries from crashes without safety devices in any type of vehicle, according to the Arizona Department of Transportation.
Last session, a similar bill passed the Senate 19-8 but was held in the House.
“I’m very persistent, and so is Representative Goodale,” Heinz said. “We have folks in our districts who have been specifically requesting we move on this legislation, and that is empowering.”
Rochelle Wells, president-elect for the Arizona Parent Teacher Association, said similar bans have succeeded in surrounding states while the battle continues in Arizona.
“I don’t think people realize how serious it is to be unrestrained in the back of a pickup truck,” Wells said. “It seems like an innocent act … so it’s our job as advocates to educate people.”
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration records about 50 deaths yearly involving passengers in the bed of a pickup truck, she said, and bans in other states have brought that number down.
Officer Robert Bailey, an Arizona Department of Public Safety spokesman, said his agency always encourages some kind of safety restraint.
“It happens in rural areas, it happens here,” he said. “Everyone should be buckled up. We’re never not going to say that.”
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