Judges Are for Sale -- and Special Interests Are Buying - Yahoo! News
We should start filing suits against the judges, and imprisoning some of them.
"A case in point: West Virginia. In 2007, the West Virginia Supreme Court, on a 3-2 vote, threw out a $50 million damage award against the owner of a coal company. Funny thing: the man who would have had to pay the $50 million had spent $3 million to help elect the justice who cast the deciding vote. The West Virginia ruling was so outrageous that in 2009 the United States Supreme Court overturned it. But that was unusual. In most cases, judges are free to decide cases involving individuals and groups that have paid big money to get them elected....'
Monday, October 31, 2011
Saturday, October 29, 2011
President Obama in weekly address: Millionaires are willing to pay higher taxes for my jobs bill - NY Daily News
President Obama in weekly address: Millionaires are willing to pay higher taxes for my jobs bill - NY Daily News
Bookmark this article: if our government (and clearly the GOP, who is blocking) doesn't pass meaningful legislation, review this information for general election fuel in 2012.
Bookmark this article: if our government (and clearly the GOP, who is blocking) doesn't pass meaningful legislation, review this information for general election fuel in 2012.
"President Obama says millionaires are ready to dig into their pockets and pay higher taxes.
The commander in chief pushed his $447 billion jobs bill during his weekly radio and internet address on Saturday, which would be paid for by an added tax on Americans who make at least $1 million a year.
These are the same folks who have seen their incomes go up so much, said Obama. I believe this is a contribution they re willing to make.
He cited a new report by the Congressional Budget Office as evidence that the plan to create construction projects and tax breaks for employers is critical to stimulate job growth.
The report found that average after-tax income for the top 1 percent of households increased by a whopping 275% over the past 30 years. In contrast, middle-income households saw just a 40% increase, while the bottom tier saw an 18% jump.
In this country, we don t begrudge anyone wealth or success, we encourage it, said Obama. But America is better off when everyone has had the chance to get ahead not just those at the top of the income scale.
Senate GOPers have blocked action on the plan, largely because they are against increased spending and the tax on millionaires. The President is trying to push Congress to pass individual parts of the plan...."
Michael Moore: Occupy movement "killed apathy" - CBS News
Michael Moore: Occupy movement "killed apathy" - CBS News
Many eyes are being opened, action is the next step.
'"We've killed despair across the country and we've killed apathy," he said.
The director of the documentary films "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling for Columbine" said people throughout the U.S. were "disgusted" and "horrified" when police fired tear gas and bean bags and took other aggressive actions against protesters Tuesday night.
Iraq war veteran Scott Olsen, 24, remains hospitalized in fair condition with a fractured skull suffered from a projectile fired during a sweep of Frank Ogawa Plaza by police in riot gear. His condition has become a rallying cry at Occupy protests around the world....."
Many eyes are being opened, action is the next step.
'"We've killed despair across the country and we've killed apathy," he said.
The director of the documentary films "Fahrenheit 9/11" and "Bowling for Columbine" said people throughout the U.S. were "disgusted" and "horrified" when police fired tear gas and bean bags and took other aggressive actions against protesters Tuesday night.
Iraq war veteran Scott Olsen, 24, remains hospitalized in fair condition with a fractured skull suffered from a projectile fired during a sweep of Frank Ogawa Plaza by police in riot gear. His condition has become a rallying cry at Occupy protests around the world....."
Pa. boy, 13, ill after smoking synthetic pot, dies - Yahoo! News
Pa. boy, 13, ill after smoking synthetic pot, dies - Yahoo! News
This is not sustainable either. Synthetic pot? Why?
Mother Nature already got this one right. It's non-lethal naturally. Don't f*** with it.
This is not sustainable either. Synthetic pot? Why?
Mother Nature already got this one right. It's non-lethal naturally. Don't f*** with it.
What's the McRib made of, anyway? - Yahoo! News
What's the McRib made of, anyway? - Yahoo! News
Yikes... this isn't a healthy sustainable diet, and is really just gross.
Yikes... this isn't a healthy sustainable diet, and is really just gross.
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Bernie Madoff says he is happier in prison than free | Reuters
Bernie Madoff says he is happier in prison than free | Reuters
Blind ambition, greed, and swindling others for your own good has consequences, big and small.
Blind ambition, greed, and swindling others for your own good has consequences, big and small.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Poll: More agree than disagree with Occupy Wall Street goals | The Lookout - Yahoo! News
Poll: More agree than disagree with Occupy Wall Street goals | The Lookout - Yahoo! News
Well, and here is why:
"Forty-three percent of respondents to a new CBS/New York Times survey said they agree with Occupy Wall Street's goals, while, 27 percent said they disagree. Thirty percent were unsure...
Younger Americans, those with more education, and those who describe themselves as liberal were most likely to support the protests...."
Well, I HATE those young, decently-educated, and liberal people. THEY don't COUNT. Hahaaa. The world will be better soon, young, educated, forward thinking people. We just have to keep breathing and making good choices, while time and demographics weed out the old, narrow-minded, neo-conservative people. And so we must become more comfortable becoming more involved with our own governorship.
Well, and here is why:
"Forty-three percent of respondents to a new CBS/New York Times survey said they agree with Occupy Wall Street's goals, while, 27 percent said they disagree. Thirty percent were unsure...
Younger Americans, those with more education, and those who describe themselves as liberal were most likely to support the protests...."
Well, I HATE those young, decently-educated, and liberal people. THEY don't COUNT. Hahaaa. The world will be better soon, young, educated, forward thinking people. We just have to keep breathing and making good choices, while time and demographics weed out the old, narrow-minded, neo-conservative people. And so we must become more comfortable becoming more involved with our own governorship.
A List Of Wall St. Financial Criminals and Their Jail Time
Ex-Goldman Director Gupta Charged in Insider Case - WSJ.com
This link shows decades of convicted Wall St. and financial criminals -- and their jail terms.
It's sad to see the the jail terms were listed in months -- I thought at first it was years.
I think the jail terms for many should be longer to very, very, very
strongly discourage this behavior.
This link shows decades of convicted Wall St. and financial criminals -- and their jail terms.
It's sad to see the the jail terms were listed in months -- I thought at first it was years.
I think the jail terms for many should be longer to very, very, very
strongly discourage this behavior.
Chart of the Criminal Connections for Raj Gupta
Ex-Goldman Director Gupta Charged in Insider Case - WSJ.com
Here, an incredible chart of the connections for Raj Gupta in the financial industry -- criminally guilty or cooperating.
Here, an incredible chart of the connections for Raj Gupta in the financial industry -- criminally guilty or cooperating.
Ex-Goldman Director Gupta Charged in Insider Case - WSJ.com
Ex-Goldman Director Gupta Charged in Insider Case - WSJ.com
The sentences should be even stronger considering the damage these criminals helped wreak on the financial system and economy.
The sentences should be even stronger considering the damage these criminals helped wreak on the financial system and economy.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
We Are The 1% - CollegeHumor Video
We Are The 1% - CollegeHumor Video
Hilarious, thanks Nina.
They are the 1%... and they want the 56% percent of the rest of the nation's net worth. Now!!!
Hilarious, thanks Nina.
They are the 1%... and they want the 56% percent of the rest of the nation's net worth. Now!!!
Monday, October 24, 2011
Blue whales spotted in Redondo Beach during kayaking trip - The Feed - CBS News
Blue whales spotted in Redondo Beach during kayaking trip - The Feed - CBS News
"The stunning video was posted by YouTube user MrRJCtube who writes about the caught-on-tape moment:
From 10/8/2011. A whale lunge feeding right next to the Kayak, plus some underwater footage. While the lunge feed was heart pounding excitement, I found that seeing one undewater was relaxing and peaceful. Was an awesome day!!!"
"The stunning video was posted by YouTube user MrRJCtube who writes about the caught-on-tape moment:
From 10/8/2011. A whale lunge feeding right next to the Kayak, plus some underwater footage. While the lunge feed was heart pounding excitement, I found that seeing one undewater was relaxing and peaceful. Was an awesome day!!!"
Amazing video shows quantum levitation in action - The Feed - CBS News
Amazing video shows quantum levitation in action - The Feed - CBS News
How cool - and soon - our future will be depends on our giving up fighting and pettiness, and immersion in almost limitless global, personal and physical potential.
Would LOVE a hovercraft or magic carpet ride....
"We are one step closer to achieving my personal dream of owning a hoverboard from "Back to the Future 2". Check out the above video displaying quantum levitation in action that proves once again just how cool science can be...."
How cool - and soon - our future will be depends on our giving up fighting and pettiness, and immersion in almost limitless global, personal and physical potential.
Would LOVE a hovercraft or magic carpet ride....
"We are one step closer to achieving my personal dream of owning a hoverboard from "Back to the Future 2". Check out the above video displaying quantum levitation in action that proves once again just how cool science can be...."
'We Can't Wait"
Obama to bypass Congress on mortgages - CBS News
Moving forward. This is good for troubled-mortgage homeowners.
"With Republicans continuing to stall action on President Obama's $447 billion jobs bill, the White House is taking action to help jump-start the economy with the message "We can't wait."
Moving forward. This is good for troubled-mortgage homeowners.
"With Republicans continuing to stall action on President Obama's $447 billion jobs bill, the White House is taking action to help jump-start the economy with the message "We can't wait."
President Obama is going to begin a series of executive branch actions that will not require action from Congress - or the assent of Republicans.
With recovery in the housing market tied to economic recovery, Mr. Obama will today announce what senior officials are calling a "major overhaul" of the government's underused refinance program for federally guaranteed mortgages, in order to aid homeowners having difficult refinancing their housing loan.
CBS MoneyWatch: More details of President's mortgage aid plan
Federal press release on changes to aid struggling homeowners (pdf)
CBS News White House correspondent Norah O'Donnell reports that for homeowners who are underwater and have been paying their bills but can't refinance and take advantage of current low mortgage rates, the program will enable people to fix that by removing a lot of the barriers that are in place for them because of low equity in their property...."
Climate skeptics perform independent analysis, finally convinced Earth is getting warmer
Climate skeptics perform independent analysis, finally convinced Earth is getting warmer
No shit.
You could have just looked at Mt. Kilimanjaro and Antarctica, you barely-repentant assholes.
"...Stranger still, Watts and a number of others are now disowning their past, claiming to never have doubted that the Earth had been warming, and complaining that Muller's editorial caricatures their view up as a straw man. That's hard to reconcile with Watts' past statements. In a document he prepared for a think tank, Watts had written, "Instrumental temperature data for the pre-satellite era (1850-1980) have been so widely, systematically, and unidirectionally tampered with that it cannot be credibly asserted there has been any significant 'global warming' in the 20th century." Now, after Berkeley Earth's release, he claims to have never questioned that the Earth had warmed. Other prominent skeptics are saying similar things.
But Watts still doesn't trust Berkeley Earth's results. And, based on the comments on his blog, most of his readers don't either. That suggests that, contrary to Muller's expectations, this won't be the end of the skepticism of the temperature record.
What it may help do is drive those who keep questioning whether the Earth has warmed further to the fringes, where they can join those who question whether the greenhouse effect exists even after a century of work has confirmed that it does. That's a territory that doesn't merit the label skepticism anymore.
Actual skeptics might see this as an opportunity to focus on the scientific community's attribution of the temperature changes Berkeley Earth has confirmed, which is primarily ascribed to anthropogenic influences. There's an entire chapter of the IPCC report devoted to attribution, though, so any scientific skepticism should at least start by addressing the arguments outlined there."
No shit.
You could have just looked at Mt. Kilimanjaro and Antarctica, you barely-repentant assholes.
"...Stranger still, Watts and a number of others are now disowning their past, claiming to never have doubted that the Earth had been warming, and complaining that Muller's editorial caricatures their view up as a straw man. That's hard to reconcile with Watts' past statements. In a document he prepared for a think tank, Watts had written, "Instrumental temperature data for the pre-satellite era (1850-1980) have been so widely, systematically, and unidirectionally tampered with that it cannot be credibly asserted there has been any significant 'global warming' in the 20th century." Now, after Berkeley Earth's release, he claims to have never questioned that the Earth had warmed. Other prominent skeptics are saying similar things.
But Watts still doesn't trust Berkeley Earth's results. And, based on the comments on his blog, most of his readers don't either. That suggests that, contrary to Muller's expectations, this won't be the end of the skepticism of the temperature record.
What it may help do is drive those who keep questioning whether the Earth has warmed further to the fringes, where they can join those who question whether the greenhouse effect exists even after a century of work has confirmed that it does. That's a territory that doesn't merit the label skepticism anymore.
Actual skeptics might see this as an opportunity to focus on the scientific community's attribution of the temperature changes Berkeley Earth has confirmed, which is primarily ascribed to anthropogenic influences. There's an entire chapter of the IPCC report devoted to attribution, though, so any scientific skepticism should at least start by addressing the arguments outlined there."
Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now | Truthout
Occupy Wall Street: The Most Important Thing in the World Now | Truthout
Very powerful, and revealing, look here.
Very powerful, and revealing, look here.
Sunday, October 23, 2011
New study shows Climategate scientists were right - Quirks and Quarks
New study shows Climategate scientists were right - Quirks and Quarks
No shit.
"Another independent study, this time from the United States, has shown that the climate scientists accused of the so-called "Climategate" affair were, in fact, right about the warming of the Earth.
The Berkeley Earth study was an independent scientific group, including this year's Nobel Physics Prize winner Saul Perlmutter, that used different and more detailed methods to analyze past climate records. But they came to the same conclusion that scientists at the University of East Anglia in England, as well as those at NOAA and NASA, have reached: that the climate over land has been on the rise since at least 1800, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution...."
No shit.
"Another independent study, this time from the United States, has shown that the climate scientists accused of the so-called "Climategate" affair were, in fact, right about the warming of the Earth.
The Berkeley Earth study was an independent scientific group, including this year's Nobel Physics Prize winner Saul Perlmutter, that used different and more detailed methods to analyze past climate records. But they came to the same conclusion that scientists at the University of East Anglia in England, as well as those at NOAA and NASA, have reached: that the climate over land has been on the rise since at least 1800, the beginning of the Industrial Revolution...."
BPA tied to behavior problems in girls: study | Reuters
BPA tied to behavior problems in girls: study | Reuters
Reusing glass bottles for water, and BPA-free Nalgene bottles, are obviously smart choice - hope you've been doing it.
Reusing glass bottles for water, and BPA-free Nalgene bottles, are obviously smart choice - hope you've been doing it.
Clinton hails Obama's 'smart' leadership - POLITICO Live - POLITICO.com
Clinton hails Obama's 'smart' leadership - POLITICO Live - POLITICO.com
"What we've seen from President Obama over the last two-and-half years and, remarkably, with the events of the last six months is that his kind of smart leadership in a complex world is paying off," Clinton said on "Fox News Sunday". "He was the one who brought [Osama] bin Laden finally down. He was the one who put together a coalition that eventually removed [Muammar] Qadhafi. So I think it's important that in this very complex, dangerous world that we have someone in the White House who understands America has to lead. But we have to look at every situation and make the right decision."
"What we've seen from President Obama over the last two-and-half years and, remarkably, with the events of the last six months is that his kind of smart leadership in a complex world is paying off," Clinton said on "Fox News Sunday". "He was the one who brought [Osama] bin Laden finally down. He was the one who put together a coalition that eventually removed [Muammar] Qadhafi. So I think it's important that in this very complex, dangerous world that we have someone in the White House who understands America has to lead. But we have to look at every situation and make the right decision."
The Wild Ride of the Wealthiest 1% - WSJ.com
The Wild Ride of the Wealthiest 1% - WSJ.com
"...The Siegels' Versailles may be the nation's most extravagant monument to the debt-fueled, status-crazed real-estate binge of the past decade. Like many Americans, the Siegels borrowed too much, spent too much and bet that values could only go higher. Even in the age of excess, Versailles was excessive....."
"...The Siegels' Versailles may be the nation's most extravagant monument to the debt-fueled, status-crazed real-estate binge of the past decade. Like many Americans, the Siegels borrowed too much, spent too much and bet that values could only go higher. Even in the age of excess, Versailles was excessive....."
Generation X Is Sick of Your Bullshit
Generation X Is Sick of Your Bullshit
That's true. We endure, and expect, a lot of societal bullshit. Including your limp oversimplifications.
But it's not cool. I read the whole thing, and re-blogged it. People are pissed... that's not whatever.
That's true. We endure, and expect, a lot of societal bullshit. Including your limp oversimplifications.
But it's not cool. I read the whole thing, and re-blogged it. People are pissed... that's not whatever.
Friday, October 21, 2011
New Berkeley Study Does Not Sway Global-Warming Skeptics - NYTimes.com
New Berkeley Study Does Not Sway Global-Warming Skeptics - NYTimes.com
Wtf? How stupid are these skeptics?
A new study by a Berkeley physics professor (and a team of eminent statistics professors and scientists) confirms very accurately the projections of some of the other smartest scientists in the world.
Do these skeptics really want to be like the wooly mammoths and flat-earthers?
Does ignorant self-extinction really sound good to anybody?
Wtf? How stupid are these skeptics?
A new study by a Berkeley physics professor (and a team of eminent statistics professors and scientists) confirms very accurately the projections of some of the other smartest scientists in the world.
Do these skeptics really want to be like the wooly mammoths and flat-earthers?
Does ignorant self-extinction really sound good to anybody?
It’s official! Earth is facing global warming
It’s official! Earth is facing global warming
"...A US scientific group set up in the wake of the “Climategate” affair has confirmed that the Earth’s surface is really getting warmer.
The Berkeley Earth Project has used new methods and some new data, but finds the same warming trend seen by groups such as the UK Met Office and NASA.
“Climategate”, in 2009, involved claims global warming had been exaggerated.
University of California physics professor Richard Muller, who was concerned by claims that established teams of climate researchers had not been entirely open with their data, established the project.
“We were concerned that the climate scientists were not putting all their data into the public domain, whether using Freedom of Information rules or anything else,” Muller said.
“Science should be open, and data should be open, as a matter of principle,” he stated.
The group’s work also examined claims from “sceptical” bloggers that temperature data from weather stations did not show a true global warming trend.
The claim was that many stations have registered warming because they are located in or near cities, and those cities have been growing - the urban heat island effect.
The Berkeley group found about 40,000 weather stations around the world whose output has been recorded and stored in digital form. It developed a new way of analysing the data to plot the global temperature trend over land since 1800.
What came out was a graph remarkably similar to those produced by the world’s three most important and established groups, whose work had been decried as unreliable and shoddy in climate sceptic circles.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) maintain two of those three records in the US.
The third is a collaboration between the UK Met Office and UEA’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU), from which the e-mails that formed the basis of the “Climategate” furore were hacked two years ago.
“Our biggest surprise was that the new results agreed so closely with the warming values published previously by other teams in the US and the UK,” said Professor Muller.
“This confirms that these studies were done carefully and that potential biases identified by climate change sceptics did not seriously affect their conclusions,” he added...."
"...A US scientific group set up in the wake of the “Climategate” affair has confirmed that the Earth’s surface is really getting warmer.
The Berkeley Earth Project has used new methods and some new data, but finds the same warming trend seen by groups such as the UK Met Office and NASA.
“Climategate”, in 2009, involved claims global warming had been exaggerated.
University of California physics professor Richard Muller, who was concerned by claims that established teams of climate researchers had not been entirely open with their data, established the project.
“We were concerned that the climate scientists were not putting all their data into the public domain, whether using Freedom of Information rules or anything else,” Muller said.
“Science should be open, and data should be open, as a matter of principle,” he stated.
The group’s work also examined claims from “sceptical” bloggers that temperature data from weather stations did not show a true global warming trend.
The claim was that many stations have registered warming because they are located in or near cities, and those cities have been growing - the urban heat island effect.
| |
What came out was a graph remarkably similar to those produced by the world’s three most important and established groups, whose work had been decried as unreliable and shoddy in climate sceptic circles.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) maintain two of those three records in the US.
The third is a collaboration between the UK Met Office and UEA’s Climatic Research Unit (CRU), from which the e-mails that formed the basis of the “Climategate” furore were hacked two years ago.
“Our biggest surprise was that the new results agreed so closely with the warming values published previously by other teams in the US and the UK,” said Professor Muller.
“This confirms that these studies were done carefully and that potential biases identified by climate change sceptics did not seriously affect their conclusions,” he added...."
Thursday, October 20, 2011
5 ways to keep your rockstar employees happy — Online Collaboration
5 ways to keep your rockstar employees happy — Online Collaboration
Workplace sustainability, great topic.
This is a nice little "manager's list" to consider.
I have A LOT more to say about this, at another time. This is a huge issue.
Workplace sustainability, great topic.
This is a nice little "manager's list" to consider.
I have A LOT more to say about this, at another time. This is a huge issue.
My Take On OCCUPY: Let's start by demanding WALL ST. TRANSACTION FEES
Obviously the Occupy events; I do think Wall St. owes taxpayers, for the bailout, and now again their 7-figure bonuses, etc. While social programs, national parks, etc. are getting the axe. And after their risky practices and near-bankruptcies helped shatter our economy
As per Senator Bernie Sanders: a Wall St. transaction fee, payable to the U.S. government to help support general services. Like 0.5% or something, like Germany, France and others are considering. That "sucking sound" you hear is the money rushing up to the top 2%, and Wall St. The void we're now left in - the budget deficit, and steady decrease of national wealth in the middle class - leaves most of us just sucking. Help out with with these ideas, now, if and where you can.
http://www.thelocal.de/money/20111013-38183.html Germany ready to impose financial transaction tax, maybe France, and they're looking at the entire EU
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_transaction_tax
As per Senator Bernie Sanders: a Wall St. transaction fee, payable to the U.S. government to help support general services. Like 0.5% or something, like Germany, France and others are considering. That "sucking sound" you hear is the money rushing up to the top 2%, and Wall St. The void we're now left in - the budget deficit, and steady decrease of national wealth in the middle class - leaves most of us just sucking. Help out with with these ideas, now, if and where you can.
http://www.thelocal.de/money/20111013-38183.html Germany ready to impose financial transaction tax, maybe France, and they're looking at the entire EU
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Financial_transaction_tax
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Tuesday, October 18, 2011
Monday, October 17, 2011
Infectious Salmon Anemia Reported in Wild Pacific Fish - NYTimes.com
Infectious Salmon Anemia Reported in Wild Pacific Fish - NYTimes.com
I just got back from Montreal, where there is too much mercury in the St. Lawrence river to safely eat the fish.
(Ok, I heard the government would let a person eat one 3-inch fish per week).
Some of the suburban rivers are too polluted to eat the fish there either.
When I asked if this was a problem, or where they could get fish, I heard somewhat cheerfully that they had local artificially farmed fish. Kind of sad, considering the city's awesome gastronomic character, and even notwithstanding the below.
But seeing this headline reminded me of that. Montreal is not alone. This article is about wild Pacific Ocean salmon being tainted from escaped diseased farmed fish.
Check the logic: we pollute natural rivers, until we have to create artificial ponds.
Artificial ponds are known to develop and breed fish diseases (see article linked, and the anemia now escaping into the natural salmon population).
Once the ponds are too fetid to grow fish, and wild fish populations are too scarce (common already) or unhealthy to eat, do we eat from our fishtanks, like that cute new Geiko commercial? Or just eat three-eyed nuclear plant-pond Simpson's fish and hum 'That's Just the Way It Is'?
I LIKE SEAFOOD. DOCTORS SAY WE SHOULD EAT IT. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE HEALTHY FOR US.
WHEN will it stand to common reason that we should KEEP NATURAL HABITATS HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE FOR FISH POPULATIONS, rather than going full circle destroying aquatic and terrestrial resources and then say, 'hey, let's clean up where they originally came from!!' We are so fucking stupid.
I just got back from Montreal, where there is too much mercury in the St. Lawrence river to safely eat the fish.
(Ok, I heard the government would let a person eat one 3-inch fish per week).
Some of the suburban rivers are too polluted to eat the fish there either.
When I asked if this was a problem, or where they could get fish, I heard somewhat cheerfully that they had local artificially farmed fish. Kind of sad, considering the city's awesome gastronomic character, and even notwithstanding the below.
But seeing this headline reminded me of that. Montreal is not alone. This article is about wild Pacific Ocean salmon being tainted from escaped diseased farmed fish.
Check the logic: we pollute natural rivers, until we have to create artificial ponds.
Artificial ponds are known to develop and breed fish diseases (see article linked, and the anemia now escaping into the natural salmon population).
Once the ponds are too fetid to grow fish, and wild fish populations are too scarce (common already) or unhealthy to eat, do we eat from our fishtanks, like that cute new Geiko commercial? Or just eat three-eyed nuclear plant-pond Simpson's fish and hum 'That's Just the Way It Is'?
I LIKE SEAFOOD. DOCTORS SAY WE SHOULD EAT IT. IT'S SUPPOSED TO BE HEALTHY FOR US.
WHEN will it stand to common reason that we should KEEP NATURAL HABITATS HEALTHY AND SUSTAINABLE FOR FISH POPULATIONS, rather than going full circle destroying aquatic and terrestrial resources and then say, 'hey, let's clean up where they originally came from!!' We are so fucking stupid.
Sunday, October 16, 2011
In Private Conversation, Wall Street Is More Critical of Protesters - NYTimes.com
In Private Conversation, Wall Street Is More Critical of Protesters - NYTimes.com
No kidding. Work to be done here. Tbd....
No kidding. Work to be done here. Tbd....
White House Says Data Shows Iran Push on Nuclear Arms - NYTimes.com
White House Says Data Shows Iran Push on Nuclear Arms - NYTimes.com
Good. And we've got to keep pushing this for international sanction... each month worse and more isolating... until they comply.
Good. And we've got to keep pushing this for international sanction... each month worse and more isolating... until they comply.
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Watch live: Clinton concert in Hollywood
Watch live: Clinton concert in Hollywood
10 Years of the Clinton Global Initiative. Some great work they've done.
Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Bono.
Bill Clinton has been very important to me. See "Of The People" Democratic History book on which I was managing editor. Right out of college. Right before he was elected.
Almost went to this show. Watching it has reaffirmed my faith, and made me feel I need to do more.
So wonderful that some people do so much, and such great things. And have the opportunity, and seize it.
I'm happy for that. This show, somehow during Bono's set, made me quite emotional.
10 Years of the Clinton Global Initiative. Some great work they've done.
Lady Gaga, Stevie Wonder, Bono.
Bill Clinton has been very important to me. See "Of The People" Democratic History book on which I was managing editor. Right out of college. Right before he was elected.
Almost went to this show. Watching it has reaffirmed my faith, and made me feel I need to do more.
So wonderful that some people do so much, and such great things. And have the opportunity, and seize it.
I'm happy for that. This show, somehow during Bono's set, made me quite emotional.
Friday, October 14, 2011
Trick Shot Cage Match: Basketball V. Frisbee | ThePostGame
Trick Shot Cage Match: Basketball V. Frisbee | ThePostGame
Fun! Incredible feats....
Pushing the envelope for human coordination and creativity... like the opposite of war.
Fun! Incredible feats....
Pushing the envelope for human coordination and creativity... like the opposite of war.
Thursday, October 13, 2011
L.A. Moves Closer to Banning Single-Use Plastic and Paper Bags - Encino, CA Patch
L.A. Moves Closer to Banning Single-Use Plastic and Paper Bags - Encino, CA Patch
Good. As per: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_are_plastic_bags_so_bad_for_the_environment
Good. As per: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/Why_are_plastic_bags_so_bad_for_the_environment
- Plastic bags are bad for the environment because with all the growing plastic bags (which are not biodegradable) blowing around, anything can ingest it.
- Animals and everything. also the materials to make plastic bags contribute to the global emissions.
- Plastic degradation at sea takes between 45-1000 years.
- Usually though, plastic bags don't biodegrade. They photo-degrade. Which means they break up into smaller pieces of plastic until eventually becoming plastics dusts.
- Plastic which ends up in the sea (through garbage dumps at seaside, river flow etc) winds up becoming food for marine life that mistake it for food especially of the jellyfish variety.
- Plastics bags have been found in the stomachs of endangered animals including the leatherback turtles, harbour porpoises and black footed albatross. Ingestion (swallowing) of plastic bags can result in blockages, internal infections, starvation and death.
- These occur in deserts as well (garbage dumpsites in deserts) where camels and other desert wildlife have been found dead with plastic ingestion.
- If animals don't die from plastic ingestion, they pollute the food chain instead. After all, we are the ones eating fish and meat.
- Moreover, it takes about 430,000 gallons of oil to produce 100 million non-degradable plastic bags. And we use 4 trillion to 5 trillion plastic bags worldwide annually. That's using up oil sources without recycling them.
- Recycling cost of plastic bags: it takes 250 bags to make 1 kilo of plastic - making recycling economically unviable. Furthermore, plastic is made of recycled materials, making them difficult to be further recycled. Burning plastic results in air pollution and toxic ash. "
Obama vows toughest sanctions yet on Iran - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
Obama vows toughest sanctions yet on Iran - Political Hotsheet - CBS News
I hope so... see sidebar left, below, on my blog.
Sanctions like an ever-tightening noose, equally as devastating as bombs, with not a drop of blood shed.
Iran could be solved bloodlessly
And so this continues, on, and on. But we (and Iran's 'allies' Russia and China, really) still don't have the balls for tough enough sanctions. Fuck.
Here's an unpublished version:
"On Saturday in Berlin, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei urged the international community to continue to engage with Iran diplomatically.
Which expresses probably the best course of action imo. We should DO THIS NOW. If some of the citizens of Iran have to suffer, stop voting for Ahmedinejad and sidestepping the UN.
The post below this one is of the published version from the SF Chronicle.
I hope so... see sidebar left, below, on my blog.
Sanctions like an ever-tightening noose, equally as devastating as bombs, with not a drop of blood shed.
Iran could be solved bloodlessly
And so this continues, on, and on. But we (and Iran's 'allies' Russia and China, really) still don't have the balls for tough enough sanctions. Fuck.
Here's an unpublished version:
"On Saturday in Berlin, International Atomic Energy Agency Director General Mohamed ElBaradei urged the international community to continue to engage with Iran diplomatically.
Which expresses probably the best course of action imo. We should DO THIS NOW. If some of the citizens of Iran have to suffer, stop voting for Ahmedinejad and sidestepping the UN.
The post below this one is of the published version from the SF Chronicle.
Wednesday, October 12, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
Sunday, October 9, 2011
Friday, October 7, 2011
Protesters take anti-war message to White House - Yahoo! News
Protesters take anti-war message to White House - Yahoo! News
One day this will be the majority, in all countries.
One day this will be the majority, in all countries.
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Steve Jobs Talked About Death in 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech - ABC News
Steve Jobs Talked About Death in 2005 Stanford Commencement Speech - ABC News
"Shortly after the news of Steve Jobs’ death spread around the world via Twitter, Facebook and other social media, so did his 2005 Stanford commencement speech.
Why? Because in his speech, Jobs took a somber moment to talk about his impending death and the importance of living life to the fullest.
“Remembering that I’ll be dead soon is the most important tool I’ve ever encountered to help me make the big choices in life,” Jobs said that day.
“No one wants to die,” he added. ”Even people who want to go to heaven don’t want to die to get there. And yet, death is the destination we all share. ”
“Your time is limited,” Jobs added. ”So don’t waste it living someone else’s life. … Don’t let the noise of others’ opinions drown out your own inner voice.”
Canada News: Poor management puts climate plans at risk, audit finds - thestar.com
Canada News: Poor management puts climate plans at risk, audit finds - thestar.com
Canada: the U.S.'s reasonable and progressive populace (which is probably a simple majority; it's the vocal, obstinate, soon-to-be-obsolete conservative and oil monopolists who are the ball and chain shackled to the leg of U.S. progress) is making lion's leaps forward into renewable energy, solar panels, electric cars, and conservation.
That CANADA has watered down its previously reasonable climate plans, and is now not even managing those is shameful. Read below, and the linked article.
This particular Canadian government and these people hampering progress in Canada will have a legacy of shame; both for themselves, and their country. I hope the good people take their elected representatives to task for this poor performance and demand improvement in policy and performance, and that those entrusted with applying the funds and policies set up to combat climate change will DO THEIR JOB.
"....Whatever environmental pressures are underway right now, it’s almost inevitable that they are going to increase with the increase in production,” Vaughan told reporters.
Canada: the U.S.'s reasonable and progressive populace (which is probably a simple majority; it's the vocal, obstinate, soon-to-be-obsolete conservative and oil monopolists who are the ball and chain shackled to the leg of U.S. progress) is making lion's leaps forward into renewable energy, solar panels, electric cars, and conservation.
That CANADA has watered down its previously reasonable climate plans, and is now not even managing those is shameful. Read below, and the linked article.
This particular Canadian government and these people hampering progress in Canada will have a legacy of shame; both for themselves, and their country. I hope the good people take their elected representatives to task for this poor performance and demand improvement in policy and performance, and that those entrusted with applying the funds and policies set up to combat climate change will DO THEIR JOB.
"....Whatever environmental pressures are underway right now, it’s almost inevitable that they are going to increase with the increase in production,” Vaughan told reporters.
The report was intended to examine Canada’s progress in meeting its targets under the Kyoto Protocol, which calls for Ottawa to cut emissions to six per cent below 1990 levels by 2012. Emissions now sit at 31 per cent above that 1990 benchmark and the federal Tories have abandoned that legally binding international commitment made under a Liberal government in 2002.
But Vaughan’s report went beyond its scope to warn that if Ottawa doesn’t correct the poor management practices that have plagued federal efforts to date, future targets will likely be unattainable — namely the Copenhagen Accord plan to cut emissions to 17 per cent below 2005 levels by 2020...."
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
Norquist calls attacks from GOP congressman ‘disgusting’ | The Ticket - Yahoo! News
Norquist calls attacks from GOP congressman ‘disgusting’ | The Ticket - Yahoo! News
Wow, Norquist is an incredible right-wing tool.
"...Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, a group that has convinced all but six House Republicans to pledge never to raise taxes, has been sparring with with Wolf for some time...."
Really, never? That's good policy. And courageous GOP House members are so intimidated and impressed they've pledged that. What???
Here's a few good comments from after the article:
"The only pledge to which a U.S. Representative or Senator should be bound is to uphold the U.S. Constitution -- and by no means should they be making pledges to lobbyists!"
"norquist is a corporate welfare tax loop hole expert - a fake and a tool."
"Finally a Republican who is not afraid to stick up to Norquist! Norquist has put all of the non right wing Republicans against the wall when it comes to doing what is right for our country.....he has kept the Republicans to a "our way or no Way" mantra which will surely be the end of them!"
"The pledge congressmen should make is to their own constituents, period. It is only they who elected them and only they who can elect the new congressman to replace him. Vote your congressman out in 2012. They all deserve to see the wrath of the American voting public."
Wow, Norquist is an incredible right-wing tool.
"...Norquist, the president of Americans for Tax Reform, a group that has convinced all but six House Republicans to pledge never to raise taxes, has been sparring with with Wolf for some time...."
Really, never? That's good policy. And courageous GOP House members are so intimidated and impressed they've pledged that. What???
Here's a few good comments from after the article:
"The only pledge to which a U.S. Representative or Senator should be bound is to uphold the U.S. Constitution -- and by no means should they be making pledges to lobbyists!"
"norquist is a corporate welfare tax loop hole expert - a fake and a tool."
"Finally a Republican who is not afraid to stick up to Norquist! Norquist has put all of the non right wing Republicans against the wall when it comes to doing what is right for our country.....he has kept the Republicans to a "our way or no Way" mantra which will surely be the end of them!"
"The pledge congressmen should make is to their own constituents, period. It is only they who elected them and only they who can elect the new congressman to replace him. Vote your congressman out in 2012. They all deserve to see the wrath of the American voting public."
The Cronyism Behind a Pipeline for Crude - NYTimes.com
The Cronyism Behind a Pipeline for Crude - NYTimes.com
Fucking tragic. More smoking guns, naming names, of corruption and governmental mismanagement in the article. In the US and Canada...
"That’s exactly why cronyism is such a problem. The people writing these e-mails don’t have expertise — they have connections. If this is happening in the State Department, why should we not assume it’s also going on in the Treasury Department’s dealings with the big banks, and just about everywhere else in government?
Fucking tragic. More smoking guns, naming names, of corruption and governmental mismanagement in the article. In the US and Canada...
"That’s exactly why cronyism is such a problem. The people writing these e-mails don’t have expertise — they have connections. If this is happening in the State Department, why should we not assume it’s also going on in the Treasury Department’s dealings with the big banks, and just about everywhere else in government?
It really does seem extra shocking in the Obama administration. Dick Cheney’s sitting down with the energy barons was almost expected — he’d just quit as chief executive of the drilling company Halliburton, after all. But Barack Obama said he would “end the tyranny of oil”; he also said he was going to end back-room dealing. His decision about the Keystone pipeline project, which is expected by year’s end, seems like one last chance to show he actually meant it...."
"....According to NASA’s chief climate scientist, James Hansen, if we tapped the tar sands heavily, it would be 'essentially game over' for the climate."
Protests against Wall Street spread across US - Yahoo! News
Protests against Wall Street spread across US - Yahoo! News
9 American Cities and Counties Going Broke
http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/113588/american-cities-going-broke-247wallst
Sometimes I add comments to headlines like these two; sometimes I don't.
Looking back at the shell game of the Amercian economy in Y2K, today's recession, unlimited corporate contributions, the GOP bought and protecting the rich and mega corporations... ah, that's enough. Where were you? Did you speak up? Did you protest? Did you demand reform? It's time if you haven't.
9 American Cities and Counties Going Broke
http://finance.yahoo.com/real-estate/article/113588/american-cities-going-broke-247wallst
Sometimes I add comments to headlines like these two; sometimes I don't.
Looking back at the shell game of the Amercian economy in Y2K, today's recession, unlimited corporate contributions, the GOP bought and protecting the rich and mega corporations... ah, that's enough. Where were you? Did you speak up? Did you protest? Did you demand reform? It's time if you haven't.
Canada's commitment to ozone study
Canada's commitment to ozone study
"The discovery of an Arctic ozone hole of unprecedented size is in the headlines at the same time as the news that the federal government plans to cut staff working on Canada's study and monitoring of the ozone layer...."
"The discovery of an Arctic ozone hole of unprecedented size is in the headlines at the same time as the news that the federal government plans to cut staff working on Canada's study and monitoring of the ozone layer...."
'Occupy Wall Street' may fade away. Its message won't.
'Occupy Wall Street' may fade away. Its message won't
Sunday, October 2, 2011
700 arrested after protest on NY's Brooklyn Bridge - Yahoo! News
700 arrested after protest on NY's Brooklyn Bridge - Yahoo! News
Yes, we have to keep up the pressure. This is great. Great news.
To keep America from becoming total Corporatocracy and Afflueocracy.
To keep people first, ensuring that people always come first -- not companies and the wealthy.
"Protesters speaking out against corporate greed and other grievances were maintaining a presence in Manhattan's Financial District even after more than 700 of them were arrested during a march on the Brooklyn Bridge in a tense confrontation with police...."
Yes, we have to keep up the pressure. This is great. Great news.
To keep America from becoming total Corporatocracy and Afflueocracy.
To keep people first, ensuring that people always come first -- not companies and the wealthy.
"Protesters speaking out against corporate greed and other grievances were maintaining a presence in Manhattan's Financial District even after more than 700 of them were arrested during a march on the Brooklyn Bridge in a tense confrontation with police...."
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Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012
