Pacific NW News Service - Online Since 1992
Nov, 02, 2013

1992? I have indeed been a part of the Internet, previously internet, since 1992. In that year very few US Colleges were online and 20 percent of Americans owned a computer. I have written programs for computers since 1965. My first computer was purchased in 1982 an I wrote "Electric Magazine" in 1983 which was among a small number of programs which allowed one computer to recognize another over a telephone line, then transfer information from one to the other. I was able to do all of the above because my father was one of dozens who created the internet. Note that internet was not capitalized until years after it's creation an was a tool of the United States Government which allowed it to talk with all of its contractors. -Thank you. -Bob, Editor

*NOTE Kisa, because of the tremendous forces of the sun in the last few weeks, and because of the suns interaction with the earths crust and geomagnetic field, I would say that your feelings as concerns earthquakes were well put. Congratulations.

"Fall" by Kathy Meader

Kathy, what a wonderful depiction of fall. The colors are delightful and reek of pumpkin pie. Today as I write, the first real fall weather is upon us. Although living in a low income apartment, I find myself looking for the fire poker and making sure enough wood is in for this evenings cold. Your photos are always spot on delightfully seasonal. Crisp leaves crunch on your walk through the woods but a glass of crisp cold cider is the reality in my world today. Hoping for more amazing images as the season of our Lords birth comes closer.

Yellowstone Buffalo Portrait - Rick Price Medicine Hat, Alberta

SEATTLE, Wash. -- More than a million Washington residents will see a reduction in their food stamp benefits starting on Friday. The 2009 economic stimulus bill temporarily boosted the federal food stamp program for its 47 million recipients nationwide. The boosted benefits expire at midnight Thursday, resulting in automatic 5.5 percent cuts to monthly distributions. A family of three receiving the maximum benefit amount will see a reduction of $29 a month from $526 to $497, according to the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services.

NOTE- I am not ashamed to say I as editor of a free online paper, but retired for many years, will also receive a good loss in food stamps with this change. I am recovering from a most serious nervous system syndrome which four years later still keeps me in a wheelchair. My wife suffers from post-polio syndrome and is on oxygen 24/7. This isn't the first cut of its kind we have endured. It isn't easy. I am not sure who or what to blame. And I am by no means the most needy. Others, all seniors, are in the same game. It isn't easy. If you are better off than I am then please think about those as myself...we enjoy eating just like you. Its what keeps us alive..

 Bob Shannon image with Leica

"Trees are still bare in spring but look somehow full of life. Also, the sun was shining"

Unless there is a second miracle this year, BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR will go down as the greatest film of 2013.
It also must take its place among the greatest movie love stories ever made.
For a time, the love story — the romantic drama — was the most popular genre in American cinema.  Those days have been over for a while now, but even so, one or two good love stories are made in the United States every year, and the Europeans can always be relied upon to pick up the slack.
Today in honor of the release of BLUE IS THE WARMEST COLOR, we look back on some of the greatest movie love stories of all time. Some, not all.  Plus, a few favorites are included that perhaps aren’t among the greatest but that are pleasing and will do in a pinch.  Feel free to add your own favorites in the comments. -Editors Note. This movie pay not play in all theaters due to its nature of dealing with a lesbian relationship.

Picture of Professional Photographer Bob Shannon by Pat Cruttenden

Tarean Folston scored on a 1-yard plunge with 3:47 left and Notre Dame survived a back-and-forth game with Navy, holding on to beat the Midshipmen 38-34 Saturday.

Navy had a chance to score late in the fourth quarter, but a bad pitch by Keenan Reynolds led to a 10-yard loss. Then on fourth-and-4 from the Notre Dame 31, Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith stopped an end-around by Shawn Lynch for no gain as the Irish avoided losing to Navy for the third time in the past five seasons.
Tommy Rees threw touchdown passes to TJ Jones and Ben Koyack, George Atkinson III scored on a 41-yard run and Cam McDaniel added a TD.
Reynolds rushed for three touchdowns for Navy (4-4) and passed for another.
Notre Dame (7-2) clinched its fourth consecutive winning season, the first time that's happened since 1995-98.

Waiting on Big Mac -Bob Shannon