| Court delay keeps Port Phillip Bay dredging in limbo
A COURTROOM saga over the future of Port Phillip Bay's controversial $1 billion dredging project will drag on for at least another 10 days after the case was adjourned today. The matter will return to court on March 3 after environment group Blue Wedges requested time to change the legal arguments of its case. The group is challenging the legality of federal Environment Minister Peter Garrett's approval of a huge dredging project to deepen Melbourne's shipping channels. Dredging began two weeks ago under strict conditions imposed by the court, pending the hearing. But the Port of Melbourne Corporation (PoMC) will seek to have those conditions relaxed in a separate hearing this afternoon, on the grounds that Blue Wedges has caused the delay by seeking to amend their original application to the court.
A few thick slices
The Spokesman-Review has continued posting letters to Ask The Editors, the most recent one being a Q&A about news negativity. A reader wanted to see more positive coverage about teachers, to which senior editor Carla Savalli highlighted recent positive coverage such as the outdoor fitness program at Cheney High School and the Milken educator's award going to Rogers High School teacher Erin Jones. "Those are frustrating questions to answer," Savalli said at the meeting, emphasizing that news coverage cannot be all positive or all negative, but also that different readers have relatively different reactions to positive and negative news. Speaking of which, there's a story online involving the lost dog (now found). Editors were thinking, half-jokingly, maybe readers are simply paying more attention to or reading more negative stories.
Pat's Beside the Point
Quarterback Derek Anderson is putting the Browns in an interesting spot. With every touchdown pass and win, Anderson's status as a restricted free agent after the season becomes more intriguing. Anderson is on pace for a record-setting season as the Browns' quarterback, but looming behind him is Brady Quinn, one of the Browns’ two first-round picks from a year ago. ‘‘They did not draft (Quinn) to sit on the bench -- I know that,’’ Seattle Seahawks coach Mike Holmgren said. ‘‘In the meantime, this young guy is doing a great job. As far as the timing of the thing goes, only a few people there know what's going on.’’ The Browns are more than happy to have Quinn sit on the bench this season, but beyond is anyone's guess.
Replace washing-machine hoses every five years
State Farm Insurance estimates that washing-machine hose failures result in $150 million in damage in the U.S. and Canada. You can keep your home safe for less than $50 and a little time. All washing machine supply hoses are subject to aging and deterioration. Stainless-steel mesh hoses give a little extra protection, but all hoses should be replaced at least every five years. How it's done Tools: Pail, pipe wrench or Channel-lock tongue-and-groove 12-inch pliers, rubber gloves and carpenters level Materials: Braided stainless-steel, burst-proof washing-machine water supply hoses, Liquid Wrench, Teflon tape and perhaps a drain hose .
Democratic voters more diverse, younger this year, exit polls show
WASHINGTON — The Democratic presidential race between Hillary Rodham Clinton and Barack Obama has not only coaxed far more people to vote than in the past, it's also changed the mix of those showing up. Democratic voters are typically younger, likelier to be female and more racially diverse this year than they were in 2004, according to exit polls of voters from both campaigns. The historic matchup features Clinton vying to become the first female president, Obama the first black. Part of the difference could be because some 2004 primaries were held after Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., had already clinched his party's nomination, reducing the incentive for many voters to participate. This year's race is still raging, though Obama has emerged as the front-runner. Some of the difference could also reflect changes in the country's population.
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