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About Eugene weekly. (Eugene, Oregon) 1993-current | View Entire Issue (Feb. 9, 2012)
letters TO THE EDITOR MEASURING ENERGY I am amazed that Eric Briggs (letters, 1/26) concludes that older, mechanical meter technology actually allowed for power to be distributed gratis “due to its limited ability to record fractions of a kilowatt.” Perhaps Briggs failed to consider that any such alleged fractional consumption would have continued to accrue and be rolled over into the following month’s bill. As a Lane County homeowner whose vintage, American-made mechanical meter functioned perfectly well, but which was nonetheless removed and replaced with the so-called “smart” (made in China) meter without cause or warning by EWEB several years ago, I decry the move toward less secure, less verifi able, less sustainable and more disposable technology. It is understood that EWEB seeks to eliminate the valuable (costly) jobs of meter readers, as well as enabling more detailed and intrusive (government) monitoring of its customers. Indeed, the larger threat posed by these so-called smart meters may be to our domestic workforce and privacy. Not that increases in the already dense EMF load are a healthy idea, mind you. “Terror mongers?” Really, Mr. Briggs? Why no uproar about NW Natural’s use of smart meters, indeed? The proven superi- ority of mechanical meters in applications demanding the utmost reliability has a long track record — keeping electrical equip- ment well removed from natural gas lines is only common sense safety. What is your agenda? Klaus Pressler Eugene BRIBING WITH BEER Should we really be bribing people to give blood with alcohol? In the Jan. 12 issue of EW, an article called “Bloody Way to Get Beer” said the Lane Blood Bank was partnering up with Hop Valley Brewing Company. They were giving out a free glass and a voucher for a pint of beer to people who donated a pint of blood. It’s defi nitely a great way to get alcoholics to donate blood, but should we have to bribe them? I think they should come up with a better advertising idea than free beer. With the rising rates of alcoholism we should work toward lowering that rate, not promoting it. It’s a great idea, but I would rather see people be given a $5 bill and let them choose a beer or what ever else pleases them. Donating blood shouldn’t even be about money or beer. It should be about helping people in need and giving back to the community. Caitlin Zemke Eugene EMGE WHYTE SERVICE & CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Eugene D. Emge Pam Whyte Hilary Anthony EXCELLENCE IN tax & accounting professionals Support Eugene Opera, Symphony, & Ballet! 25O5 W. 11th Ave • Eugene, OR 974O2 • 485-21OO GIVE BEES A CHANCE We have a dream of helping Eugene become more sustainable. Last year we started beekeeping. In the spring we started attending beekeeping meetings set up by the Lane County Beekeepers Association (lcbaor.org). With the help of the beekeepers we were able to keep our bees healthy, but we learned some very disturbing news about the bees. Not only are parasites and diseases affecting the bees, but herbicides, insecticides and harmful chemicals are collecting in the wax they build their homes in. After fi ve years the wax becomes toxic and their homes become uninhabitable. With this information it is time for all of us to change our way of thinking. Blackberries and dandelions are an excellent source of nectar and pollen for honeybees. If you use weed and feed or plant poison on your landscape you are responsible for the decline of the honeybee. We are starting a group or nonprofi t with the goal of creating chemical and insecticide spray-free zones in Eugene one block or more at a time. We are hoping to unite our fellow beekeepers with their neighbors to fi nd people to host beehives in their yards; but fi rst we need to insure no harmful chemicals or sprays are used within a one block radius. Our fi rst “Save the Honeybees” event will be from 10 am to 2 pm Saturday, March 24, at Madison Meadow. If you would like to make this dream come true please contact us at healthybeeshealthy- gardens@gmail.com. Give bees a chance! Jen and Doug Hornaday Eugene Satturday, Feb 11 Heart & Sole 30% 30 0% OF DAY’S DAY DA A Y’ S PR AY P ROF PRO OFI FIT ITS TS T O N F O O D HELP SANDALS SHOES CLOGS BOOTS AR RE SUPPORT &#SPBEXBZt%PXOUPXO&VHFOFt FOOD SHARES 48.BEJTPOt%PXOUPXO$PSWBMMJTt .PO4BU4VOtXXXGPPUXJTFDPN LETTERS POLICY: We welcome letters on all topics and will print as many as space allows, with priority given to timely local issues. Please limit length to 200 words, keep submissions to once a month, and include your address and phone number for our files. Email to letters@ eugeneweekly.com fax to 484-4044, or mail to 1251 Lincoln, Eugene 97401. WWW.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM • BLOGS.EUGENEWEEKLY.COM EUGENE WEEKLY FEBRUARY 9, 2012 5
