Posted: Tuesday, July 17, 2007 10:00 pm
Disc golf baskets need repair
I would like to express my concern for the nine-hole disc golf course at Timber-Linn Park. My wife and I have already called Parks and Recreation to inform them that holes 2 and 4 both have their basket missing. The maintenance department says they have no money to replace them. I know the the baskets are fairly priced and would not cost that much to replace.
We have noticed several people enjoying this activity. The big problem is that many get confused because the two baskets are missing. They are misled and going the wrong direction on the course. It could be easily resolved if Parks and Recreation could please find the funds and time to put baskets 2 and 4 back in to make better sense of the course.
The sport is a fast-growing activity in this community and could and would be appreciated by many others.
Bruce Wilkinson, Albany
One paper carrier's life
I've been a foot-route carrier for Lee Enterprises Inc., Albany Democrat-Herald, for approximately six years. I've delivered papers in all kinds of weather using a repaired grocery cart that came out of a dumpster. I would like to share some of my personal experiences with the public.
My home has been burglarized twice while on route. I've been harassed to tears by teenagers, had my tips stolen, papers stolen, people trying to steal my cart, and in trouble with parents for getting after their kids for stealing. I've had purchased items stolen from the cart, been questioned by police for being out so early in the morning, been inches away from being hit by careless drivers, yelled at for using the street instead of a sidewalk, told it was a kid's job, been too sick or crippled to do it, and been angry, quit and hired back. But, I'm tired of thinking about it and at this time, I can't think of a proper way to express my anger.
A short note to parents who really care about their children: Keep track of their whereabouts at all times of day and be aware of the company they keep and their behavior. Our police department doesn't have time to baby sit. I haven't exactly been an angel in my life, but some of the language I've heard come from 10- to 13-year-olds or whatever on the street is unbelievable.
I'm 56 years old and the way I see it, my cart's going to break down, get stolen or I'm going to break down and have to retire. I'd like to have a fairly dependable paper carrier deliver my paper at that time.
Dianne Hartl,Lebanon
Print more about downtown
I wish downtown Albany, with its nine or 10 antique stores, was getting more write-ups in the paper.
We are all unique and offer a wide selection of items, from antiques to collectibles. I have called the paper and others have called, to have an article done on the number of downtown stores, and we hit a dead end. Few people, coming from motels and other out-of-towners, say they had no idea there were so many of us. So I am hoping this reaches a few people that care. We all want to stay in business and hope we can have the support of other businesses to keep downtown going strong.
Linda Swanson, Albany
If you consider, it's paid
I want to address this letter to the person that took our frog statue from a tiny plot of ground in front of our apartment.
The next time you have a bad day, remember your actions. And consider the statue paid for.
Tarri Mouille, Albany
Research on talk questioned
The University of Arizona psychology researchers may have great verbal skills but their ability to choose subjects for an average-verbal-skill communication test is deplorable. They say that they have busted a "myth" that women talk more than men. They base that on research they did comparing males and females in college. In college?
So how do you get into college? Submit your high school transcript, take the SAT. So who does better in high school, good communicators or poor communicators? Did you notice that the SAT is half communication?
People who have good grades in high school (good communication skills) and good verbal scores on the SAT (good communication skills) are the ones who are accepted by universities. So the salient question is: Who uses more words, good communicators or poor communicators? Clearly the research is bogus.
I do not know how many more words women use than men. It has been my experience that women communicate more in both quantity and quality than do men, but if you believe this research you could also believe that there is no difference between the physical strength of men and women by picking only weights of less than 100 pounds for the research.
Rich Kellum, Albany
Internet forum needs taming
There are too many comments in the Democrat-Herald Internet forum that have become irresponsible. The use of assumed names without responsibility has become a mask behind which hatred and paranoia have taken refuge. It is irresponsible for the D-H to maintain this type of forum in light of that fact. I suggest a registration system that would impose a degree of civility to the discourse.
Good people have become reluctant to use this forum to express opinions and or useful information because of the nature of the attacks that have been leveled unchecked against them. It has become disgraceful. This forum is now dominated by thugs who on either side of an issue level personal attacks against anyone who disagrees with them. It has also become a haven for the paranoid who lash out against their perceived oppressors with a hatred that invites the very persecution they are lashing out against.
The paper should at least use a registration system where assumed names are registered, similar to other Internet forums. In a public dialogue, knowledge of your identity has a moderating effect on the type of words that you will choose to use in defending or promoting your opinions. I am willing to back up my opinions and beliefs with my good name, and I don't want my name hijacked for use with opinions that are not mine and/or are inflammatory.
How about it, folks? Are you willing to back up your opinions with your name or at least registering it with real, verifiable information? Editor?
Jeff Bromley, Albany
Jeff Bromley is right, and we are working on a registration system.
Protest, an inalienable right
I am sorry for Louie White of Lebanon (Mailbag, July 11), when he calls protesting the war in Iraq treason. I believe that the men and women fighting in Iraq are fighting to preserve our freedoms. I know; I served aboard the USS Oriskany, an aircraft carrier, in the Korean combat zone to preserve our freedoms. What Mr. White fails to realize is that the freedom of speech, yes even the freedom to peaceably protest, is an inalienable right.
Paul J. Rickey, Corvallis