| Cairns challenges SNP as he backs nuclear power
Referring to how Ms Boyack had tabled two anti-nuclear motions in the last Scottish Parliament, Mr Neil said Mr Cairns was "now setting nuclear power policy for Labour in Scotland, even though planning is devolved", and added that his remarks had exposed "the splits and divisions not just in his party but in Wendy Alexander's Shadow Cabinet". Mr Neil noted how, in the light of Scotland's vast green energy potential, a clear majority of MSPs opposed new nuclear power in Scotland - including Ms Boyack. "The question for Wendy Alexander now is: who sets Labour's policy north of the border - her or David Cairns? Is it Scotland or London?" he said. Mr Neil added that if it were Mr Cairns who was calling the shots on Labour's policy on nuclear power, Ms Boyack "cannot remain a member of Wendy Alexander's Shadow Cabinet".
Breaking the cycle of drug addiction
If a community were a pond, then drug addiction would be a pebble big enough to cause ripples throughout, said Jim Gouveia, Benton County Drug Treatment Court program coordinator.According to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration, Oregon ranks No. 2 in the country for illegal drug use, and mid-valley communities are no exception."I can't say the drug problem in Benton County has increased necessarily," Gouveia said. "But we're up there."Drug use isn't an individual problem or even a family problem. It's a community problem, said Jennifer Hogansen, a behavioral health specialist with the Corvallis Clinic."The effects on children and families, in particular, can be devastating," Hogansen said.The drug problem is a top priority for the criminal justice and social services systems, as well as educators, mental health experts and taxpayers.Locally, a consistent approach of modifying drug users' behavior to achieve lasting, life-changing results is being applied to public and private treatment programs.
Educators brainstorm how to curb drug abuse
Educators from 35 schools across the state gathered at a Keefe Tech conference yesterday to trade ideas on battling substance abuse among students. ``You'll always have drugs and alcohol in high school,'' said Bill Phillips, who oversees a statewide program based at Keefe Tech to help kids facing alcohol and drug addiction. That program - New Beginnings - has been presented to an estimated quarter-million students over the last two decades, and offers kids ways to fight drug abuse, violence prevention and halting other risky behavior. Phillips gets funding from a $200,000 grant and credits state Sen. Steven Tolman, D-Brighton, for his support. ``There are a lot of kids doing well,'' he said. ``But there are kids not doing well.'' During the conference, principals, coaches, social workers and other staffers reviewed ways to help kids facing drug and alcohol addiction.
Clarke's captaincy knock
Retired backrower Owen Finnegan used to delight in forging the signature of former coach Eddie Jones, while Waratah Phil Waugh apparently enjoyed scribbling George Gregan's autograph. ANDY Roddick has been linked to some of the most beautiful women on the planet and that trend continues with his latest flame, Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Brooklyn Decker. Roddick, a genuine playboy, has been linked to Russian tennis goddess Maria Sharapova and he had a long relationship with actress Mandy Moore. Organisers are hoping that Decker, a leggy blonde, visits Melbourne to add a bit of off-court glamour. And there's a relationship developing on court as well, with last year's Australian Open runner-up Fernando Gonzalez dating Argentina's Gisela Dulko. WE'RE loving the length of tennis queen Maria Sharapova's new Australian Open outfit.
When he plays, seniors fill dance floor
It's just plain fun for us,'' Moss said. ``And we like doing country line-dance steps to his music.'' For Andy Conde, it's the '50s and '60s rock 'n' roll. ''That's what I like,'' said Conde, who lives at the senior residences complex next door to the center and attends the afternoon dances with his wife, Sonia Trabal. These days, McBean is busier than ever. ''I've been moonlighting ever since I came to South Florida,'' said McBean, who arrived 26 years ago from Kingston, Jamaica. After retiring from his driver's job at the Southwest Focal Point Center in 2001, McBean said he's devoted himself to music full time. In addition to the center, the band has gigs at other local locations, he said. At the center, a petition with 75 signatures recently was presented to the staff, asking that the band expand the number of afternoon appearances, Felix said.
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