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Senator says nuts to SDSU 'RoboSquirrel' study - The 'Robosquirrel' developed by San Diego State and UC Davis can move its tail to mimic the behavior of a real animal. UC Davis A San Diego State University research project involving robotic squirrels has been placed on Sen. Tom Coburn's annual list of wasteful government spending, a move the campus says is unfair and misleading. Coburn, R-Okla., issued the list last week, criticizing everything from the use of food stamps to purchase fast food to a subsidy for a struggling ferry business in Alaska. The list also is critical of the...

Chicano Park gets makeover SAN DIEGO— Artists restore cultural paintings in Chicano Park. “As a young artist I remember coming to San Diego and thinking ‘gosh I wish I could have a mural up at Chicano park,’” painter Mario Chacon said. The bright art pieces have brought people to Chicano Park since the 1970’s, but time has taken it’s toll. Thanks to a $1.6 million grant from the federal government, 18 of the murals are being restored. The artists working on the restoration said each painting has significant symbolism. “What was placed at the top of the mural was a...

 Reform Taxing for Companies with Retiree Drug Benefits    A new tax on companies that provide retiree drug coverage will translate for some into a charge to earnings .aButton { padding:5px 0 5px 0; height:15px; text-decoration:none; background-image:none; } .aButton a:hover{ color:#000; } From the 4/1/2010  Issue          Print This ArticleReturn To Article  | Order a Reprint By Staff Writer   Healthcare reform will start off with a bang for those companies that still provide their retirees with prescription drug coverage. The legislation imposes a tax on the federal subsidy to employers providing such coverage, and accounting regulations will translate that tax into...

Champlain Flyer GroundedBy Associated Press 5:04 pm EST February 28, 2003 -- Vermont's lone commuter train is due to chug into history today. The Champlain Flyer that carries commuters between Charlotte and Burlington is due to make its last departure from Burlington at five after six this evening. That train began running in December 2000, but it cost more than expected and didn't attract the number of expected riders. Governor James Douglas announced the end of the Flyer during his budget address last month. Technically, the Flyer hasn't been killed, just suspended. It could be revived by the Legislature if...

Daschle Looks for Way to Get Senators to Show Up to Vote By SHAILAGH MURRAY Staff Reporter of THE WALL STREET JOURNAL WASHINGTON -- Tom Daschle has a lot of headaches as Senate majority leader of a closely divided chamber: The White House is painting him as an obstructionist, legislation is tied up on everything from boosting energy to banning cloning, and his bare majority is in danger in November's election. But often his biggest problem is getting everyone to show up. On Mondays and Fridays, the Senate floor is empty as usual; now there is growing pressure to keep...