Some years ago, our vice president and general manager David Sanks was addressing a company meeting after months of work on the station's mission and vision statements. At the end of his presentation, Sanks summed up the most important goal, indeed the only goal that really mattered: "Keep Liz happy!"

What Hope for real Change in America?

It is intended as a safeguard against the rise of class-based parties or those that serve specific political interests, by forcing politicians to appeal to the widest possible audience and build broad alliances from the start if they hope to become a serious candidate. This has helped to make American politics the preserve of a relatively narrow middle-class electorate; most working-class Americans did not bother to vote in a system that seemed far removed from their concerns, even before the general fall-off in voting rates across the Western world.

Yet even by the past standards of US presidential elections, this is a non-political contest, reflecting the exhaustion of both the traditional Republican and Democratic blocs. Obama, whose candidacy has so energised the race, embodies the current state of affairs.

Wal-Mart Updates Growth Plans

New store growth remains part of the Wal-Mart Stores U.S. strategy and more emphasis will be placed on relocating and expanding existing discount stores to supercenters during the same time periods. Declines in capital spending at Wal-Mart Stores U.S. will be offset by increases at Wal-Mart International, resulting in worldwide spending of $14 to $15 billion in each of the next two years.

The Company expects to add 48 to 49 million square feet globally, which is an increase of 6 percent in fiscal year 2008 over fiscal year 2007. During each of the following two fiscal years, Wal-Mart expects to increase square footage between 48 million and 52 million square feet, an increase of 5 to 6 percent.

Santa arriving in St. John on Friday

The area is wired with security cameras that connect to the St. John Police Department, because last year, the winter wonderland was vandalized, Fryzel said.The festivities will include music, popcorn, hot chocolate and hot dogs.The annual Christmas in the Park event has drawn people from surrounding communities and as far as Orland Park, said Public Works Director Bob Pharazyn.This year, the town expects more than 2,500 people to attend, Fryzel said.The crowd will count down to the tree lighting and then to Santa's arrival, which will come with a "bang," Pharazyn said, hinting at a surprise part of the festivities.A path of wood chips leads to Santa's workshop. Lining the path are 100 trees, many of which are sponsored and decorated by local groups and businesses.The St. John Historical Society tree has ornaments of laminated photos of historic St.

Coeur d'Alene Soldier Buried at Arlington National Cemetery

In Lewiston, I literally could walk a few blocks from work downtown along the levee into Washington. I've never had a desire to live in Washington state. In fact, I turned down the first offer the SR made to me b/c the paper wanted me to run the CDA bureau from the Spokane office. I couldn't refuse a second offer to return to reporting (from news editor) in the Coeur d'Alene office. What am I saying? I consider the towns of Coeur d'Alene -- and, yes, smelly old Lewiston -- superior to nearby Clarkston and Spokane/Spokane Valley. Boise and Spokane may have more population than Coeur d'Alene. But it can't touch the Lake City for beauty and a great place to live.