Salmon Collapse Prompts Congressional Aid Once More

A historically low return of fall run Salmon in the Sacramento River this year has prompted a ban on fishing this area of the West. Expected damages to the commercial salmon industries are estimated to be near $60 million this year.

A similar crash occurred in 2006 on the Klamath River which shut down commercial fishing in the area. In that year Congress approved more than $60 million in aid.

Carlos M. Gutierrez, a top official in the Bush administration, has announced a fisheries failure. This gives Congress the green light to once again bail out the industry.

Handmade Redwood Burl and Other Furniture

Have you ever seen fine rustic furniture in a museum or lodge?  If so, you can surely appreciate the beauty of these pieces of art.

I know of an excellent place in Idaho where a craftsman makes extrodinary pieces like this everyday.  His name is Tracy Carpenter of Idaho Made.  Tracy works with a large collection of redwood burl to craft some of the finest tables, desks, and stands you will ever see.  His items, all of which are different and unique, bring out the best the wood has to offer. 

Below is a quote taken from Tracy’s website: 

“My work is sold in 22 high-end locations across the west from Palm Desert, Scottsdale, Aspen, Vail, Jackson Hole, Big Sky, Sun Valley, Park City, San Francisco and many more.  My work makes it way across the country and even outside the U.S.”

You can view Tracy’s work at IdahoMade.com. 

California Governor Signs Budget Cuts

California governor Arnold Schwarzenegger today signed budget cuts for the state that will help close the $3.3 billion gap in the state’s budget this year.

Although not all of the cuts the governor proposed were included, he did appear satisfied.  He also cautioned on more to come.

“I respect the fact that it is not exactly what I proposed,” Schwarzenegger told reporters as he signed the bills into law.

“There is much more to come.  This is only the beginning,” he said.

Schwarzenegger had originally proposed across the board reductions for state agencies. The agreed cuts, which are expected to take effect immediately, largely address spending in education and social services.

Yahoo Now Exploring Deal with News Corp.

After rejecting Microsoft’s bid, Yahoo is working with News Corp. on a possible merger.  Microsoft bid $41.6M for Yahoo recently. 

Speculators believe Yahoo is trying to increase the bid from Microsoft.  Yahoo simply states the deal was too low.  Either way, Yahoo is likely to receive more money unless a hostile takeover strategy is implemented by Microsoft.

Besides talking with News Corp., Yahoo also reportedly has explored an advertising partnership with Google.  In addition, reports of a possible merger with AOL appear to be more rumor than fact, said the person familiar with News Corp. negotiations.