In Brief - January 7th, 2008

The mornings have gotten much colder thanks to the onset of winter here in the Pacific Northwest, but thanks to our proximity to the Pacific, our seasons are far milder than those who live on the East Coast.

We may think we pay too much to heat our homes, but let's consider the plight of New Englanders whose primary fuel source is heating oil.

The average price of heating oil has increased over 35% since last year, making a toasty home unaffordable for many families.

This situation makes alternative energy a top issue for New Hampshire voters who are looking closely at presidential candidates' energy plans.

Necessity is causing these citizens to consider progressive solutions to the energy crisis like greater energy conservation, using solar energy and living off the grid. A couple more frosty winters like this and we'll all be singing the same tune, to the benefit of the planet.

Let's look at what else is making headlines today:

In the Pacific Northwest

• Idaho Schools Superintendent Tom Luna's proposal to increase teachers' salaries is unpopular with both parties in the state's legislature, but Idaho's governor thinks Luna might be able to implement it on his own.
• La Nina's weather patterns are good news for the region's hydroelectric plants, skiers and even salmon this year. Snowfall could match the record set in 1998-1999, the last time a strong La Nina visited the Northwest. On the downside, the heavy snows have created severe avalanche hazards. To avoid this danger, stick to ridges and valley floors or controlled areas such as ski resorts when you head up into the mountains.
  
• Washington Governor Christine Gregoire, who has been more jittery since Dino Rossi's entry into the 2008 gubernatorial race, is touting fiscal responsibility as her number one priority this legislative session.
  

Across the Nation

• The Supreme Court hears arguments today on whether the chemicals used for lethal injection are painful enough that their use constitutes cruel and unusual punishment. The constitutionality of the death penalty is not up for discussion at this time.
• Set your Tivo, MythBox, or other DVR! Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert will return to the air on Monday, but will they bring sarcasm and sly humor back with them? As members of the Writers Guild of America, they are barred from writing material, but we know that some of their best stuff is off the cuff.
  
• Bill Gates hammed it up with A-list celebrities and presidential contenders Sunday night at the Las Vegas International Consumer Electronics Show. After poking fun at his upcoming Microsoft departure, he took time to predict the future of electronics in our "Digital Decade".

Around the World

• When Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf relinquished control of the country's military in November, General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani took command of the Pakistani army, making him increasingly important to the Bush administration. Next month's parliamentary elections will test Kayani's loyalties and give him a hand in determining Musharraf's political future.
• The BBC reports that Iranian guard speedboats threatened three U.S. navy ships this weekend in the Strait of Hormuz. No shots were fired and Iran played down the incident.
• Immigration is not just an issue for wealthier nations. Currently, 74 million migrants have moved from one developing country to another, causing some of the same problems experienced by rich countries. The solutions are the same as well: policies to protect workers and increased economic development in origin nations.
• Poland's new government is negotiating a tougher stance on American plans to build missile defense bases in its country. It is concerned that support for the plan will deteriorate its relationship with Russia.

If you have something you'd like to add, please leave a comment.