today’s news and information gleanings from here and there!

Quote for today… “But what I indeed am is very deeply disappointed in LancasterOnline, that they haven’t the nerve, or whatever resource is required, to maintain an open forum.” – AlexanderTheGoodEnough, commenter to the article about Lancaster Newspapers’ decision to “upgrade” its digital delivery of news by shifting to Facebook’s commenting system.

• SNOW EMERGENCY IN COLUMBIA – Borough Website – [Nice going, Columbia Borough!]

• Dean Martin knew it; he encouraged his viewers to “keep those cards and letters coming in.” Those digital cards and letters are coming in for (but mostly against) Lancaster Newspapers’ decision to “upgrade” its digital delivery of news, and comments are news. Comments now total 110. Wednesday morning: 209.

• Now it’s six to 10 inches! “Oh the weather outside is frightful. But the fire is so delightful. And since we’ve no place to go. Let It Snow! Let It Snow! Let It Snow!” Frank, you continue to rock. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF57QAq9XCw

• Facebook commenters are “more thoughtful and less vitriolic” – Really: “Adults exchange profanities with diaper-clad boy” – Omaha.com Racism and bigotry comments are “more thoughtful and less vitrolic – The Mail, London

• “New attempt on fracking standards launches” – York Daily Record

• “Two local women admit to heroin-fueled armed robberies at stores, bank” – MyColumbiaNews

• Toys R Us employee accused of theft – WGAL.com

• Brilliant comment: ironmike made this comment, “I was wondering if anyone can help me it seems my browser has gone back in time and I’m looking at this page from 2009/2010/2011/2012” to this article – “Better times ahead for economy?” – bankrate.com

• Omaha Police Department: example of a community-focused department’s communications with the people it protects and serves using an “open” Facebook and Twitter. 

• In case you missed it, Administrative Law Judge recommends against Columbia Water Company rate hike: “PUC Conducts Binding Poll on Columbia Water Co. Rate Increase Request” – Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission press release

• The trail

• the recommended decision

• Any of this info at the Columbia Water Company Website? What do you think?

• Maybe at the Borough Website? Nope! The borough offices were closed yesterday and, evidently, any meetings scheduled were not held. How would citizens know that the borough office were closed. Just read the back of the sewer bill JANUARY 2014. What’s that, you don’t get a sewer bill? That’s why it’s online.