| By: North County Times -
You may remember my letter last year about the slow-moving construction process of Escondido's three new fire stations that the voters passed in a ballot some years ago, better known as Proposition P.Well, I am writing to inform you, the reader, about the progress that is taking place. First, I have driven by three of the sites, where there is always something the workers are doing to make it look like a genuine city fire station. The station on Ash Street just before you get to El Norte Parkway is coming along in an orderly fashion as the wood and hundreds of pieces of lumber are screwed in and the foundation cemented in place and they are working on phase two of the project, which is building the inside of the station's locker rooms where the firefighters will hang their street clothes.The other station on Nutmeg Street behind the shopping center is coming along day by day.
Chemistry with a fighting chance
From accusations of dogfighting to drunken driving to dope smoking, the Trail Blazers were more prolific on the police blotter than in the NBA standings in the late 1990s and early part of the 21st century. So fed up with their team's play and lack of professionalism, Blazers fans voiced their displeasure through the time-honored art of "civil disobedience." Portland's attendance bottomed out at 15,053 per game, dead last in the NBA, during the 2005-06 season. Power forward Zach Randolph was among those who brought infamy to the team, and the curtain finally might have dropped on the "Jail Blazers" era when Randolph was traded to the New York Knicks on June 28, the same night Portland drafted Oden with the top pick. Thanks to a community-friendly roster that has carried itself well on and off the court, attendance at the Rose Garden is the highest it has been since 2002- 03, which also happens to be the last time the Blazers made the playoffs.
With Glavine back, notepads are full
This organization, as successful as it's been, there's a built-in expectation to win. "But obviously there's the realization of what's happened the last two years; that's fresh on everybody's minds. Everybody in [the clubhouse] is hungry to get things back on track." — Glavine said if the Braves hadn't been interested in bringing him back this season, he would have retired. He said that he knows those who are skeptical of his continued ability to still perform at a high level will point to his last three starts for the Mets, when he was 0-2 with a 14.81 ERA. He said those who aren't skeptical will look at his entire body of work from last season. Glavine was 13-6 with a 3.88 ERA in 31 starts before those final three. "When people are skeptical of you, of course it motivates you," he said.
Travel agency makes BBB 'Dirty Dozen' list 7:07 AM
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Last year, consumers filed more than 14,000 complaints with the Better Business Bureau in Charlotte against businesses across the southern Piedmont. And some of the names, you've heard before. We first told you about accusations against Sonshine Tours and Travel out of Mooresville back in August. Dozens of people e-mailed and called us, saying they paid for trips that were later cancelled but never got their money back. Now, the agency is on the BBB's newly released "Dirty Dozen" list. Overall, the company's former owner, Steve Young, is accused of stealing $650,000 from more than 400 customers. Detectives say they've turned the case over to the U.S. Attorney's office. The FBI is also working hard to build a federal against the man we exposed.
Lawsuits hold up Parkdale Wal-Mart
Three pending lawsuits are the latest snags to face Wal-Mart officials planning to build a Supercenter at Parkdale Plaza. The lawsuits, filed in the 148th District Court by Parkdale Plaza owners and Sutherlands, seek clarifications on the lease agreement between Parkdale Plaza's owners and Sutherlands. The Supercenter was supposed to have a grand opening early this year. Among primary issues are Sutherlands pitted parking lot and an agreement not to allow a direct competitor into Parkdale Plaza, attorneys said. Sutherlands officials say their lease prevents the landlord from allowing another prospective tenant to be "permitted to sell building materials and/or home improvement supplies and services." Sutherlands attorney Jim Robichaux of Corpus Christi said the lease needs to be clearly defined and Wal-Mart needs to show its proposed business model and how that would not affect Sutherlands' business and lease.
Phillies' Eaton shelled; says he has bad back
CLEARWATER, Fla. - Adam Eaton remains the front-runner for the fifth spot in the Phillies' rotation. But his hold is slipping. Eaton allowed five hits, four runs and one home run in two innings during yesterday's rain-shortened 6-4 loss to the Tampa Bay Rays at Bright House Field. In two starts this spring, Eaton is 0-2 with a 15.75 ERA. His shaky start follows a miserable 2007, when he went 10-10 with a 6.29 ERA in 30 starts - an effort so poor that manager Charlie Manuel removed him and his three-year, $24.5 million contract from the postseason roster. "I still need to produce to gain that trust back that they put into me last year," Eaton said. "They can't be half as frustrated as I am in myself. I'm frustrated, so they have to be frustrated as well." Eaton revealed yesterday that he has a lower-back injury, an issue he said affected his performance on the mound.
Ford loses $2.8B in 4Q, $2.7B in 2007 on North American weakness
DEARBORN, Mich. (AP) -- Ford Motor Co. said Thursday its loss narrrowed to $2.8 billion in the fourth quarter and $2.7 billion for the year amid continued weakness in North America. Ford President and Chief Executive Alan Mulally said the company's operations are improving but the outlook for U.S. sales in 2008 is grim. Mulally said the company will be adjusting production and making further cost reductions in North America, including a new round of buyouts for its 54,000 U.S. hourly workers. Details of the buyout program were expected later Thursday. Ford lost $1.30 per share in the fourth quarter, narrower than a loss of $5.6 billion, or $2.98 per share, in 2006. The full-year results, which resulted in a loss of $1.35 per share, were significantly better than 2006, when Ford lost $12.6 billion, or $6.72 per share.
WWE RAW Results
Murdoch hits HBK in the back with a cheap shot and Cade is in control. Murdoch tagged back in and they hit a big double team on Michaels, which lets them get a 2 count. Cade gets tagged back in and has Michaels grounded in the center of the ring.
Michaels fights back with chops and a swinging neck breaker. Murdoch back in and he tries to go up top but HBK puts his boot up and hits Murdoch in the mouth. Flair finally tagged back in and cleans house of Cade and Murdoch, sending Murdoch to the outside. Cade locks Flair in the sleeper hold but eventually gets caught in the Figure Four. HBK comes in and nails Murdoch, then applies the Figure Four on him. Flair and Michaels have both Cade and Murdoch locked in Figure Fours in the center of the ring to get the win.
Winners: Shawn Michaels and Ric Flair
After the match, HBK gets on the mic and tells Flair that after thinking about it, he doesn't want the match at WrestleMania.
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