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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Oct. 14, 2004)
news briefs “I know numbers, they’re numerical. Ya’ see if I divide 27,900 lost jobs by 157 Oregon companies, it don’t sound half bad now does it.” DOCUMENTING BUSH’S ECONOMIC RECORD • According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), since George Bush took of- fice in 2000 the economy has lost 1.8 million private sector jobs, which is seven million jobs short of Bush’s predictions. The private sector job losses have been offset by some gains in government jobs. Total unemploy- ment in the nation has reached eight million people, according to Bernie Pollack of the AFL-CIO in Oregon. Pollack says 157 com- panies in Oregon have reported “major lay- offs” totaling 27,900 Oregonians losing their jobs since 2000. • Jobs today are shifting to lower-paying industries paying $9,160 per year less on av- erage, according to an Economic Policy Institute report in early 2004. • In Oregon, unemployment has in- creased 44 percent under Bush. More than 49,000 more Oregonians are unemployed. In total, 40,323 more workers in Oregon have become unemployed under Bush, according to the BLS (http://www.bls.gov). The agency also reports that 25,800 manufacturing jobs have been lost in Oregon. • Family health insurance premiums have increased by more than $2,600 under Bush. In the U.S., the total family premium for health insurance has increased to $9,068, ac- cording to a Kaiser/HRET Survey of Employer-Sponsored Health Benefits. The U.S. Census says 3.7 million Americans have lost their health insurance, and a total of 43 million are without health insurance, includ- ing 511,000 Oregonians. — TJT SLO-MO SPRINT CARRIES HOT CHICK TO VICTORY After an early breakaway sprint that set her ahead of the pack, Hot Chick beat out last year’s first place finisher Quacker to win the gold in the much anticipated Rubber Ducky Race on the Willamette River in the heart of Eugene Oct. 9 . After plunging into the cold water from the bridge more than 15 feet above the river, a chaotic rush to break away from the flock en- sued. Hot Chick maneuvered to the outside of the pack with Quacker close behind in her wake. The two caught a tail-current giving them an added boost as they bobbed furiously to get out in front. They were beak and beak until the first GLOBAL TRENDS, LOCAL CHOICES EXAMINED rapid, just a few hundred feet down in the course. Hot Chick chose a clean line, running down the green tongue and through a small wave train but Quaker got caught up in some swirling hydraulics, slowing him down a bit. Daffy, last year’s second place finisher who is recovering from webbing surgery fol- lowing a run in with a snapping turtle last winter, failed to keep up in the initial break- away but gained significantly on Quacker as River Road community activist Jan he struggled through the rapid. The two Spencer’s six-session course teamed up to try to close the gap be- on “Global Trends — tween them and Hot Chick. Local Choices” has But Hot Chick was bobbing been rescheduled strong, negotiating the current, to begin at 7 pm avoiding dangerous strainers Oct. 14 at the and race-ending eddies. new meeting Daffy and Quacker room at East gained a few feet on Blair Housing Hot Chick, forcing her Co-op, 940 W. into an incredible 4th Ave. in the slow motion sprint as Whiteaker neigh- she raced for the finish borhood. The ses- Jan Spencer line and the waiting drift sions will run every boat, crossing just seconds Thursday evening before Quacker bobbed across through Nov. 25 and are free, the line. with donations welcome. “Hot Chick really worked for this Spencer says participants are encouraged win,” said her coach, Goose Me. to attend all sessions but are free to come at “We’ve been training hard since the any time. The first session will look at a “va- spring and after losing by just a few inches riety of global trends that will have signifi- last year, she wasn’t going to let Quacker take cant impacts on global economics, interna- the lead. I’m very proud of her.” — Melissa tional relations and the cost of many of the Bearns, sports reporter products we depend upon,” says Spencer. Spotlight on Small Business 2520 HARRIS ST., EUGENE (541) 431-1177 WWW.IMPACTARTSGROUP.COM EUGENE’S BEST DRAMA TRAINING PROGRAM SERVING ALL AGES, PRESCHOOL - ADULTS ACTING – VIDEO – COMEDY – PLAY WRITING We pride ourselves on teaching the craft of theatre, and helping others develop the skills needed to be a successful, professional performer. Our instructors are experts at getting you to open up your creative side. Empathy, improved self esteem, team-building, communication and leadership skills are just a few of the wonderful “side effects” you are likely to experience by attending our program. Our expanding curriculum now includes classes for all ages, with offerings in the afternoons, evenings, and weekends. This allows more flexibility in your schedule to choose which courses fit your lifestyle best. Many classes culminate in a showcase performance for family and friends. PAID ADVERTISEMENT OCTOBER 14, 2004 9
