Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 71, Ed. 1 Sunday, February 8, 2009 Page: 3 of 18
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Sweetwater Reporter
Sunday, February 8, 2009 ■ Page A3
Congress postpones digital TV transition to June NATIONAL BRIEFS
BY JOELLE TESSLER
AP Technology Writer
WASHINGTON (AP) -
After weeks of debate,
Congress is giving consumers
four more months to prepare
for the upcoming transition
from analog to digital televi-
sion broadcasting.
The House voted 264-158
on Wednesday to postpone
the shutdown of analog TV
signals to June 12, to address
growing concerns that too
many Americans won't be
ready by the Feb. 17 deadline
that Congress set three years
ago. The Senate passed the
measure unanimously last
week and the bill now heads
to President Barack Obama
for his signature.
The change is being man-
dated because digital signals
are more efficient than analog
ones. Ending analog broad-
casts will free up valuable
space in the nation's airwaves
for commercial wireless ser-
vices and emergency-
response networks.
The delay is a victory for the
Obama administration and
Democrats in Congress, who
maintain that the previous
administration mismanaged
efforts to ensure that all con-
sumers — particularly poor,
rural and minority Americans
— will be prepared for the
switchover.
The Nielsen Co. estimates
that more than 6.5 million
U.S. households that rely on
analog TV sets to pick up
over-the-air broadcast signals
still are not ready. People who
subscribe to cable or satellite
TV or have a newer TV with a
digital tuner will not be affect-
ed.
"The passage of this biparti-
san legislation means that
millions of Americans will
have the time they need to
prepare for the conversion,"
White House spokeswoman
Amy Brundage said in a state-
ment.
Wednesday's vote came one
week after House Republicans
blocked the bill under a spe-
cial fast-track procedure that
required two-thirds support
to pass. This time, the bill
passed the House under a reg-
ular floor vote, which requires
a simple majority.
Among Democrats, 241
voted for the bill, while 10
voted against it. Among
Republicans, 23 voted for the
bill, while 148 voted against
it.
Speaking on the House
floor Wednesday, Rick
Boucher, D-Va., chairman of
the House Commerce
Committee's Subcommittee
on Communications,
Technology and the Internet,
said a delay was needed to
prevent the digital transition
from becoming a failure.
"It is unfortunate that
Congress had to take addi-
tional action on this issue, but
the prospect of leaving mil-
lions of consumers in the dark
was simply unacceptable,"
subcommittee member
Edward Markey, D-Mass.,
added.
Opponents of a delay
warned, however, that the
move will confuse consumers,
create added costs for TV sta-
tions that will continue broad-
casting both analog and digi-
tal signals for four more
months and burden wireless
companies and public safety
agencies waiting for the air-
waves that will be vacated by
the switchover.
"It's time for us to move for-
ward on this and keep our
word to the American peo-
ple," said Rep. Marsha
Blackburn, R-Tenn., calling
for the transition to proceed
on Feb. 17.
Democrats have tried to
address these concerns by
allowing broadcast stations to
switch to digital signals soon-
er than June if they choose,
potentially freeing up spec-
trum for public safety early.
But it is unclear how many TV
stations plan to take advan-
tage of this option.
The Consumer Electronics
Association, meanwhile, is
warning that a delay could
result in a shortage of con-
verter boxes that translate
digital signals back into ana-
log ones for older TVs.
Manufacturers and retailers
have planned inventory based
on a Feb. 17 transition date.
The new administration
called for the digital transi-
tion to be postponed after the
Commerce Department last
month hit a $1.34 billion
funding limit for coupons that
subsidize converter boxes for
consumers. The coupon pro-
gram allows consumers to
request up to two $40 vouch-
ers per household to help pay
for the boxes, which generally
cost between $40 and $80
each and can be purchased
without a coupon.
The National
Telecommunications and
Information Administration,
the arm of the Commerce
Department administering
the program, is sending out
new coupons only as older,
unredeemed ones reach a 90-
day expiration date and free
up more money. The NTIA
has more than 3.7 million
coupon requests on a waiting
list — and those people would
not receive their coupons
before Feb. 17.
A separate measure, part of
the economic stimulus pro-
posal working its way through
Congress, would add $650
million in funding for the
coupon program.
Democrats on Capitol Hill
and at the FCC have also
questioned whether the gov-
ernment has provided enough
on-the-ground support to
help consumers hook up con-
verter boxes — or whether
enough call center resources
have been arranged to handle
what could be an avalanche of
requests for help.
"The country is not pre-
pared to undertake a nation-
wide transition in 12 days
without unacceptably high
consumer dislocation," acting
FCC chairman Michael Copps
said in a statement. "We've
got a lot of work to do, but we
now have an opportunity to
do it better."
The National Association of
Broadcasters also welcomed
the delay. The group said it
will provide new television
spots to promote the June 12
deadline, and work with sta-
tions to coordinate additional
analog shut-off tests to raise
awareness and help con-
sumers prepare.
Hooters and Operation Homefront launch
Valentine Fund for Special Forces Families
SAN ANTONIO
Operation Homefront and
Hooters have established
The Valentine Fund in
honor of fallen hero SOCS
Thomas J. Valentine. The
fund will support the fami-
lies of Special Forces service
members and other military
families.
On Feb. 1, 2009, Hooters
across the country started
raising money for the cause
through local charitable
events as well as selling
heart-shaped card cutouts
in their 389 restaurants
across the country.
Thomas J. Valentine, a
Navy SEAL troop chief, was
killed during a training
exercise Feb. 13, 2008. He
left behind his wife,
Christina, a 15-year member
of the Hooters family, and
two young children. In
honor of his sacrifice,
Hooters established a fund
in Valentine’s name through
Operation Homefront.
“rlhe Valentine Fund is a
tribute to all our service
members and their fami-
lies,” said Amy Palmer, chief
operating officer, Operation
Homefront. “We are proud
to be part of an effort that
recognizes their sacrifices
and provides a means to
help them."
Hooters has a long-stand-
ing reputation for communi-
ty initiatives. Last year when
Valentine was killed,
Hooters raised money to
support Christina and pre-
sented her with a $100,000
check to go toward her chil-
dren’s education. The
Valentine Fund is another
opportunity for the compa-
ny to stand behind those
who serve and honor Tom’s
memory.
“Military families make
daily sacrifices, the greatest
of which is when a service
member is killed,” Christina
Valentine said. “Through
the Valentine Fund and the
efforts of Operation
Homefront, we can help
Special Warfare families in
all instances. The Valentine
Fund not only honors Tom,
an 18-year veteran of the
Special Operations Warfare
community, but all those
who have given their lives
and those who remain and
continue to serve this great
nation. It is an honor to be a
part of this effort.”
The donation drive will
continue until April 2009.
In addition to the Valentine
Fund, Hooters and
Operation Homefront will
partner in various local
efforts throughout the year
in support of military per-
sonnel and their families.
Love
County
Continued from page At
20 years.
— Kathy Bowen, tax collector, 10 years.
— Tim Fambrough, county judge, 10 years.
— Tony Lara, Precinct 4 commissioner, 10 years.
Saundra Wilson, administrative assistant — Nolan
County Sherrif s Office, 10 years.
Mary Margaret Cox, district court reporter, 5 years.
— Donna Gutierrez, court collections secretary, 5 years.
Other items on Monday's agenda include:
— Consider approval of a re-appointment to the County
Airport Zoning Board.
— Consider approval of sale of county owned property in
Roscoe and authorize commissioner to sign deed convey-
ing the property.
Consider approval of an appointment to the
Sweetwater Municipal Auditorium Board.
— Receive reports from department heads.
— Pay claims and line items adjustment requested by the
county auditor.
SEED
Continued from page At
— Review and approve the December 2008 financial
statements.
— Review and approve payment of accounts payable.
— Board to consider entering into Executive Session
under Section 551.087 of the Texas Government Code, to
discuss an economic development opportunity. No action
will be taken in the Executive Session as it is not permitted
by law.
— Board to consider re-entering Regular Session.
— Kirstin Smith, assistant marketing and administration
director will give the activities report.
— Executive Director Ken Becker's monthly update.
— Adjourn
The SEED meeting is available to all persons regardless
of disability. Those who require special assistance, may
contact the SEED Offices located at 810 East Broadway, or
call 235-0555, at least 24 hours in advance of the meeting.
Blowout
Continued from page Ai
child will be graduating from Sweetwater High School this
year," he said. "To he able to provide him, as well as every
other student a safe place to get together with all their
classmates one last time, makes it all worthwhile."
The raffle tickets can he purchased at selected school
Continued from page At
couple or an aged couple, there is nothing wrong with
cooking a meal for someone. Having a romantic dinner for
two is a great way to spend Valentine's Day with each
other. This not only gives the woman a rest from cooking
dinner, but it also allows the two of you to get together and
just have a simple conversation.
2. Flowers and Candy. Flowers are beautiful and what
woman doesn't like receiving flowers? I know that I'm still
waiting for my day to come when someone will send me a
nice bouquet of flowers. Flowers can be pricey, but who's
to sav you have to go out and buy a dozen roses. Find out
what her favorite (lower is and go from there. Of course, it
never hurts to throw in at least one rose. Even if you are
just starting out, there are numerous colors with different
meanings, lie creative! Candy is another indulgence of
women. I myself prefer chocolate, but maybe you have
those that can't have chocolate. There are plenty of options
down the Valentine's isle in any Wal-Mart.
3. Jewelry is always a favorite. Yes, this can be pricey
depending on what you are looking at. I'm not saying you
have to go out and spend thousands of dollars, hut there
are some nice pieces out there for little money. It just takes
time and looking. Find out what she likes — gold, silver,
etc. Just don't get a ring from a Cracker Jack box. It may
be cute when we were five, but Valentine's Day only comes
once a year. It's okay to spend a little bit of money.
4. Poems and love letters are a great way to show affec-
tion. It can either be a personally made poem or it can be
one that is a favorite of past generations. Not everyone is a
great writer, but sometimes just writing down what you
feel means so much more than anything else. If you can't
think of anything to write, there are numerous great poets
and authors out there that have written beautiful words.
Greeting cards are great also, if you just don't know' the
right words to say.
5. Just have a quiet night in. Everyone knows that it's
going to be packed at almost any restaurant on Valentine's
Day. So why bother fighting the crowd. Both of you can
cook a meal together and then sit down and enjoy a roman-
tic movie (or action packed movie). Just enjoy each other's
company and indulge in the comfort of each other.
Really, it doesn’t matter how much money you spend on
Valentine's Day as long as the one you love or care for
knows how much they mean to you. Yes, everyone loves
getting gifts on Valentine's Day, but really it's the thought
that counts and not the amount of money that is spent.
Sometimes the best gift that a couple can give each other is
their company. Corny, yes, but so true. In today's world,
we often get too busy and Valentine's Day is just one
excuse to slow down and let the other person know how
much we appreciate them.
Let's not forget the other people in this life that mean so
much to us. Even though Valentine's Day is a day for cou-
ples, it's also a day that can be used to show our close
friends and family now much they mean to us. Parents and
friends need to know how much they are appreciated also.
Here are just some quick tips in case you want to share the
love.
1. Buy your mother a card and pamper her. Cook her a
meal, give her a hug. Sometimes it's the small things that
matter most. I mean she is your mother, she was happy
Moderate Democrats, BOP forge
deal to trim $100 bHlion from
sdmidus Mil; passage now likely
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Barack Obama's eco-
nomic recovery plan is on track to pass the Senate after a
handful of moderate Republicans and Democrats forced
more than $100 billion in cuts in programs that wouldn't
create many jobs right away.
But the group backed away from a confrontation that
threatened to kill the legislation altogether after White
House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel weighed in to urge
Democrats make a final round of concessions.
Architects of the compromise included Susan Collins, R-
Maine, and Ben Nelson, D-Neb., who represented a broader
group of moderates unhappy that so much money went into
programs they thought wouldn't create jobs. Eventually,
every Republican except Collins and Arlen Specter, R-Pa.,
left the talks, which finally produced a deal with the White
House late Friday afternoon.
While ensuring passage of Obama’s plan in the Senate
within a few days, the deal sets up difficult negotiations with
the House.
Officials put the cost of the bill at $827 billion, including
Obama’s signature tax cut of up to $1,000 for working cou-
ples. Also included is a tax credit of up to $15,000 for home-
buyers and smaller breaks for people buying new cars. Much
of the new spending would be for victims of the recession, in
the form of unemployment compensation, health care and
food stamps.
FDA: Georgia company shipped
peanut products after receiving
tests confirming salmonella
WASHINGTON (AP) - As far back as 2007, salmonella-
laced products were shipped by a Georgia peanut company
that knew the peanuts probably were tainted and sometimes
after tests confirmed that contamination, inspection records
show.
Federal law forbids producing or shipping foods under
conditions that could make it harmful to consumers' health.
Food and Drug Administration officials earlier had said
Peanut Corp. of America waited for a second test to clear
peanut butter and peanuts that initially were positive for sal-
monella. But the agency amended its report Friday, saying
that the Blakely, Ga., plant actually shipped some products
before receiving the second test and sold others after con-
firming salmonella.
In 2007, the company shipped chopped peanuts on July
18 and 24 after salmonella was confirmed by private lab
tests, the FDA report said Peanut Corp. sold products "on or
after the positive salmonella results were obtained."
In other cases, the company didn't wait for a second round
of salmonella tests.
CaHofflia Metical Boanl investigates
doctor who helped woman become
pregnant wffliocfupiets
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The fertility doctor who helped a
California woman have 14 children, including octuplets bom
last month, is now facing a state investigation on top of harsh
criticism from medical ethicists.
The Medical Board of California did not identify the doctor
who helped Nadya Suleman, 33, of Whittier, become preg-
nant with the six boys and two girls born on Jan. 26.
Suleman has six other children.
"We're looking into the matter to see if we can substantiate
if there was a violation of the standard of care," board
spokeswoman Candis Cohen said Friday. She did not elabo-
rate.
Suleman, a divorced single mother, told NBC’s "Today"
show that the same fertility specialist provided in vitro fertil-
ization for all 14 children using sperm donated by a friend.
In the interview broadcast Friday, Suleman also said six
embryos were implanted for each of her pregnancies. In her
latest, two of Suleman's embryos split, resulting in two sets
of twins among the octuplets.
NATO cNeiurces more Eiropean coun-
tries to step w AttianiNOtamenl
MUNICH (AP) — NATO's secretary-general on Saturday
blasted Europe's reluctance to respond to American calls for
more troops in Afghanistan, saying countries like Germany and
France needed to "share the heavy lifting."
Jaap de Hoop Scheffer pointed to a joint call this week from
German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President
Nicholas Sarkozy to strengthen Europe's role in NATO, saying it
was a good idea but would not come without cost.
"A two-way street must also apply to the rebalancing of the
relationship between the United States of America and Europe,"
he told a gathering of world leaders and top ministers at the
Munich Security Conference.
"I'm frankly concerned when I hear the United States is plan-
ning a major commitment for Afghanistan but other allies are
already ruling out doing more," he said. "That is not good for the
political balance . . and it also makes the calls for Europe's' voice
to be heard in Washington perhaps a bit more hollow than they
should be."
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden is expected to push allies at the
conference for a greater share of the diplomatic, military and
economic burdens confronting the new administration of
President Barack Obama in Afghanistan and elsewhere.
activities such as sporting events, or may be purchased by
contacting Studdard at 766-3311. Tickets will be available
for about two more weeks.
when she was receiving handprints of you from a school
project. A mother is going to love whatever you give her,
but show her that she is not forgotten.
2. Friends can be easy or they can be difficult. Picture
frames work well. Who doesn't like pictures? Even a sim-
ple box of chocolates would do the trick. Even some hand
picked flowers would be nice.
Sweetwater
Tax Service
1206 Lamar St.
Sweetwater, Tx
79556
E-Filing Begins Jan. Kith
325-235-5565 Brett 0. Gamble
nw^sweehvatertavservice.com
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Rodriguez, Tatiana. Sweetwater Reporter (Sweetwater, Tex.), Vol. 111, No. 71, Ed. 1 Sunday, February 8, 2009, newspaper, February 8, 2009; Sweetwater, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth577255/m1/3/: accessed July 17, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu.; crediting Sweetwater/Nolan County City-County Library.