Spike,

"Panners are appearing at streambeds due to the price of gold, the poor economy, and a 10.5% statewide unemployment rate that leaves a lot of people with time on their hands, officials say."

California's Reds are driving free enterprise from that state. When high taxes and crime drive opportunity away, head for the hills. Go for the gold. Too bad the same does not apply here.

Heland's 17% tax hikes are producing gold for the county. All panning Flint Creek will produce for the resulting victims is a few beer bottle caps.

John Sutter

Spike,

"Anxious to lift an outright ban on comments, The Attleboro (Mass.) Sun-Chronicle has begun requiring two things of online readers who want to leave their thoughts on stories: 99 cents and their real names."

Given the reader exchange at the Ad Vertiser's web site, this might pay for a six pack a month.

When will the City of Burlington require the same of all commenting to you at 99 cents a key stroke?

Ann Onomus