Soccer field update...

So here's what's going on apparently last year 4J did this:

Multi-use Fields Slated for Jefferson, Spencer Butte
The Eugene School Board voted at its Oct. 17 meeting to place multi-use athletic fields at Spencer Butte Middle School, and the Arts and Technology Academy at Jefferson.
The fields will be funded through previous capital bonds from the city and district, and will be available for broad, year-round community use, as well as by schools.

Board members and district and city staff believed the siting of the fields provides the best spread of facilities across our community, given the year-round fields already at the four high schools (North Eugene, Sheldon, Churchill and South Eugene) and at two other middle schools north of the Willamette River (Madison and Cal Young). Jefferson gives a central, south-of-the-river option, while Spencer Butte serves Eugene's "deep south."

Construction could begin in the spring, and the goal would be to open the fields for use in fall 2008.

Another winner from George Russell. It's funded by a bond measure, so if you plan on staying in Eugene for a couple decades, plan on paying higher taxes down the road.

I'm all for more development, but we really don't need to spend the money, and George Russel shouldn't be allowed to complain about his finances, if he's funding this stupid project.

Overspending in Eugene.... soccer anyone?

Right now, around the corner of 46th and Donald, what very much resembles a soccer field is going up. This is at a time when about every elected official in the city is bitching about budget cuts and inability to pay for education and law enforcement etc. Well, whoever got the genius idea to spend thousands (if not a million depending on how this contracting works out) on this field should be summarily drummed out of government as well as those who okayed the idea.

I live in South Eugene, and yes, I could use the the fields. However, as you all know, we need to spend money on things that really matter, like education, law enforcement, infrastructure, not stupid soccer fields and we need to elect people who will do that.

10 things to do other than watch the Olympic Trials

Maybe you don't like track, or crowds. Maybe the prospect of being overcrowed with people rooting for those you've never heard of gives you pause. If so, here's 10 things to do other than watch the Trials.

10) Watch the Olympic Trials... on TV.

If you want to see the races but just don't like the crowds, then there's always the TV. You don't have to know anything, you get to choose the company you're with or without, andyway, the TV may be the way to go for you.

9) Go to a museum

The Museum of Natural and Cultural History is right across from the trials, so you can get a taste of the excitement without investing the money in the event. You also get to learn a little about Oregon's History as well.

8) Watch the Ems play

With all the attention turned away from Baseball, now would be the time to go and watch a game. Crowds might be a little lighter and so the game would be that much more enjoyable.

7) Go fishing

Everyone loves fishing, and even with the cost of a lisence it's still cheaper than seeing the Trials

6) Go to the YMCA

Working out is good for you, and if you have a decent physique, you could always talk about "back in 1772 (or 1976 or 1980) when you missed qualifying in random event by a nose"

5) Read a book

While everyone else is at the Trials, you could read a book (preferably a classic) then act all high and mighty when they come back. Ask them "what have they done with their day ?"

4) Make jokes about T&F

There's a lot out there, and it's fun to annoy track and firld enthusiasts.

3) Bake a pie

Pies are tasty

2) Go to work

While everyone else is taking leave, your dedication might get you that promotion you've always wanted.

1) Go to the Trials

It is a pretty big event, and nothing is more fun then showing your ignorance to T&F crazies. You could start chanting "USA USA" though obviously everyone is representing our country. Or, you could keep telling the person next to you that the obvious favorite is the guy in lane 7, you'll be right eventually, and you can then rub your rightness in his/her face.

Enjoy

Should Byciclists be forced to wear a Helmet?

The bicyclist that was killed downtown may have been saved if the person had worn a helmet. At least that is what the driver that hit the cyclist said. Oregon does not have a helmet law, and some bicyclists may not one. However, what does this do to our insurance? What does this do to our accident rates and the people in cars that hit bicyclists?

Unless Eugene is going to build extensive bike trails separate from the road, the best way of preventing accidents is quite simple, a mandatory helmet law. Its cheap (people give away free helmets) its easy (wearing a helmet is a simple change), and easy to police, so I would strongly suggest to those in charge that if they really want to save lives, force others to wear a helmet.

University Hosts Holocaust Denier... why?

The UofO played host to known Holocaust denier David Irving, who has made a career of not only defending Adolf Hitler, but condemning leaders who opposed him such as Winston Churchill, who he blames for escalating the European situation to war. Of course Winston Churchill was not Prime Minister when Germany invaded Poland, but when has that ever stopped anyone? (a number of times, at least those who had any ounce of brains). As definiteive proof of his Racism, here is a ditty Mr. Irving composed for his daughter:

I am a Baby Aryan

Not Jewish or Sectarian

I have no plans to marry an

Ape or Rastafarian

Case closed.

Anyway, the U of O allowed David Irving to speak at the University because it would "be wrong to limit free speech". In fact, the University has of course has the power to control who does and does not speak n their campus, and they do just that. The University's action in this matter therefore, must unfortunately, be classified as improper at best, more likely closer to stupid, idiotic, and bush league (yes, Universities have a Bush League). The University of Oregon continuously takes a position that aiding and abetting racism and hate is comprable to commiting the act oneself. So should the University be calling itself racist and anti-Semetic? They wouldn't, but the proposition should make those people with PHDs in charge of the school, who act as if they are smarter than the average bear, actually think about what they are doing next time.

New UO Basketball Arena Delayed Again

A hearings official decided that the University of Oregon is required to obtain a Conditional use permit from the City of Eugene before building the basketball arena. I suppose this is to prevent future legal troubles by those unhappy with the location, however such a move is still a dumb one.

Disregarding stupid bureaucracy, the proposed arena and location has been known for a very long time. All kinds of permits have been obtained and agreements made between the U of O and Nike, U of O and the state, U of O and the City etc. Now there are those out there who do not like the arena, I personally think the cost is awful high (most expensive college basketball arena EVER) considering that the U of O is no Duke or North Carolina. However, it's so close to actually getting done with, I'd hate to see some stupid little thing like this derail the process and probably increase the final cost as well. Hopefully it won't.

Bicyclist Killed in accident

A Eugene bicyclist was killed Monday after colliding with a vehicle at 13th and Willamette st. The name has not been released and it will not be until the parent are notified who are currently vacationing in Italy. It has not yet been stated exactly who was at fault in the accident and so I urge prudence before coming to judgement against either party. The only thing that is clear is that they somehow collided and as long as there are going to be bicyclists on the roadways, that is inevitable.