Friday, November 30, 2012

Dispersant makes oil 52 times more toxic - Technology & science - Science - LiveScience | NBC News

Dispersant makes oil 52 times more toxic - Technology & science - Science - LiveScience | NBC News 

How is this possible? How stupid are we. Throw chemicals at a chemical spill, without knowing the result?

The first Hippocratic oath: may the cure not be worse than the ailment. What the fuck. HATE ME some oil companies I do.

President Obama/USA - Make a Firm Commitment to Mitigating Climate Change - The Petition Site

USA - Make a Firm Commitment to Mitigating Climate Change - The Petition Site 

Please sign, discuss, contact your newspapers, elected officials, etc.

Signing the petition is easy!!

World’s Youth Call for Urgent Action at U.N. Climate Change Summit

World’s Youth Call for Urgent Action at U.N. Climate Change Summit 

Michael Sandmel: "We make up half the world’s population, and frankly we’re being screwed. We’re being denied a future by a lack of ambition, a lack of vision, and governments that are far too beholden to the interests of big fossil fuel companies, big coal companies and the banks that fund them."

We're all being screwed, and Michael's right. The next generations' futures are being screwed the worst.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

How U.S. can once again define the future - CNN.com

How U.S. can once again define the future - CNN.com 

"Yes, Washington must address the issue of the fiscal cliff and make progress on climate change. But isolated solutions will only waste precious time. Tapping into the new demand pools of the 21st century, unleashing pent-up capital, and shifting American markets to lead a revolution in resource productivity will position the United States to lead the world once again."

'Fiscal cliff' - time for Obama to lead - SFGate

'Fiscal cliff' - time for Obama to lead - SFGate 

Both sides must act. Good read.

Bring $1.5 trillion in spending cuts over the next decade Mr. Obama.
The GOP will meet with pre-Bush era tax revenue for the 2%.

GET 'ER DONE.
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgENcVo5
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgENcVo5
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgENcVo5
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgENcVo5

'Fiscal cliff' - time for Obama to lead

Published 6:50 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012
  • WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28:  (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff.  (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF
    WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF

With the nation's economy just a month away from the "fiscal cliff," the impasse between the White House and Congress appears to be hardening. President Obama, and now Republicans, have gone into campaign mode - the distressingly wrong direction for a nation that needs its leaders to start making tough choices on difficult issues.
Mr. President: The campaign is over. You were elected to lead. It's time for you to do so.
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgEG4ou5

It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgENcVo5

'Fiscal cliff' - time for Obama to lead

Published 6:50 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012
  • WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28:  (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff.  (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF
    WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF

With the nation's economy just a month away from the "fiscal cliff," the impasse between the White House and Congress appears to be hardening. President Obama, and now Republicans, have gone into campaign mode - the distressingly wrong direction for a nation that needs its leaders to start making tough choices on difficult issues.
Mr. President: The campaign is over. You were elected to lead. It's time for you to do so.
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgEG4ou5

'Fiscal cliff' - time for Obama to lead

Published 6:50 p.m., Thursday, November 29, 2012
  • WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28:  (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff.  (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF
    WASHINGTON, DC - NOVEMBER 28: (AFP OUT) U.S. President Barack Obama speaks at a cabinet meeting at the White House on November 28, 2012 in Washington, DC. The president met yesterday with small business owners and today with the chief executives of major corporations in ongoing talks about the looming fiscal cliff. (Photo by T.J. Kirkpatrick-Pool/Getty Images) Photo: Pool, Getty Images / SF

With the nation's economy just a month away from the "fiscal cliff," the impasse between the White House and Congress appears to be hardening. President Obama, and now Republicans, have gone into campaign mode - the distressingly wrong direction for a nation that needs its leaders to start making tough choices on difficult issues.
Mr. President: The campaign is over. You were elected to lead. It's time for you to do so.
It's easy to blame both sides equally for the stalemate, because neither has offered much in specifics on what it would do on spending. The Republicans who are refusing to consider any increase in tax rates are clearly an obstruction, but their ranks could thin quickly if the White House put forth a credible package of spending cuts as an alternative to the robotic machete that would slash programs by $1.5 trillion over 10 years if Congress fails to act. Several prominent Republicans already have signaled their willingness to break their no-tax pledges as part of a deal that includes meaningful cuts.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/opinion/editorials/article/Fiscal-cliff-time-for-Obama-to-lead-4078904.php#ixzz2DgEG4ou5

Doha: Should rich countries pay for climate change ‘loss and damage’? - Telegraph

Doha: Should rich countries pay for climate change ‘loss and damage’? - Telegraph 

You know what they say about an ounce of prevention....

This should be on everyone's mind. We have to all act on this, and rich countries should be figuring in the costs of reduced pollution across the board, particularly in the fossil fuel industry.
Clean, renewable energy will replace the obsolete, polluting, finite fuels, but we NEED TO EXPEDITE AND CATALYZE THE PROCESS. The wolves should not be put in charge of the henhouse, and POLLUTING COUNTRIES, INDUSTRIES AND COMPANIES MUST START TO CAP THEIR EMMISSIONS IMMEDIATELY TO PEAK BY 2020 AND PHASE DOWN THEREAFTER.

U.S. gives Iran until March to cooperate with IAEA | Reuters

U.S. gives Iran until March to cooperate with IAEA | Reuters 

Good.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Future to Avert: Before-and-after views of Sandy destruction (CBS Pictures)

Before-and-after views of Sandy destruction Pictures - CBS News 

Do homo sapiens have the forsight to act, maxing out emissions by 2020?
Or do Hurricane Sandy's become the near-term normal... with a future farther down the extreme curve?

Saxby Chambliss: 'I care a lot more about' America than Grover Norquist

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/mobileweb/2012/11/23/saxby-chambliss-grover-norquist_n_2177333.html 

One should hope so.

He's a politician, who should serve Americans.
Not an ideological tool stuck in some rigid promise that has already hurt America's governance and legislative attempts, and our deficit and helped get our rating damaged.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

U.N. talks seen falling short despite climate change fears | Reuters

U.N. talks seen falling short despite climate change fears | Reuters 

We MUST act at this conference. Countries who have not promised verifiable cuts must do so NOW.
Countries who have set verifiable cuts MUST remain on course and be rewarded for their thoughtful and prudent contribution to a global NECESSITY to STABILIZE OUR CLIMATE.

Grover Norquist's Tax Pledge Rejected by Some Republicans - ABC News

Grover Norquist's Tax Pledge Rejected by Some Republicans - ABC News 

Ya think? They better. It it's not a new tax... it's reverting to a more reasonable tax rate as it was when America had a healthier economy and was more prosperous as a whole. Combined with spending cuts, closing loopholes, and compromise, they/we NEED to create a reasonable budget that will diminish our debt and deficit and keep America whole and prosperous.

"With the fiscal cliff looming for the United States, some Republican members of Congress said today they are ready to break a long standing pledge not to raise taxes.
"The only pledge we should be making to each other is to avoid becoming Greece. And Republicans should put revenue on the table," South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said on ABC's "This Week."

Wednesday, November 21, 2012

GOP, All, It's Going to Be OK

Open letter to those disheartened or despairing over Obama's re-election: it's going to be ok.

Our National Security is fine, Obama has kept us safe, killed Bin Laden, has responsibly shepherded two wars he inherited, our standing in the world community is strong. 

http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/worldviews/wp/2012/10/23/poll-finds-20-of-21-countries-strongly-prefer-obama-exception-pakistan/ 

Obama has helped us from sliding further into recession, the stock market is quite up, housing is coming back, he helped save the auto-industry, employment is inching back up, etc.

Our deficit and budget is an issue: he has pledged to work with the GOP, drawing from Simpson-Bowles, etc. Obama said he's willing to compromise on spending, Medicare, etc. The GOP has said they will consider increasing revenue, i.e., as per the Simpson-Bowles plan to let the tax cuts for the $250,000 and above earners to expire, and work the needed tax loophole closing and spending reductions as necessary to arrive at a moderate budget. Here's to hoping the two sides of the aisle continue cooperating there. This compromising is MANDATORY as per the voters and citizens in this country.

For the really dismayed, Obama is not Hitler, he is not Al Queda, blah blah blah.

He is a serious and pragmatic President. He loves his family. He will continue to be eminently practical.

The GOP has input in both houses of Congress. Let's work TOGETHER to keep gridlock OUT of US politics, and keeps FUNCTIONALITY IN.

To peace, Happy Thanksgiving. 

Friday, November 16, 2012

Obama, Congress Leaders Meet to Avoid 'Fiscal Cliff'


"WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Congressional leaders emerged from a meeting with President Barack Obama on Friday vowing to find common ground on taxes and spending that would allow them to head off a looming "fiscal cliff" that could push the economy back into recession."
Good.

http://mobile.reuters.com/article/idUSBRE8A80WV20121116?irpc=932 

Monday, November 12, 2012

Good riddance to Mitt Romney | New York Daily News

Good riddance to Mitt Romney | New York Daily News 

"Now, I understand that, as a general rule, you don’t hit a guy when he’s down. Romney suffered a crushing defeat, one that according to aides he was completely unprepared for." <Colby's note: That first notion notwithstanding, really? Was he really believing some of the skewed polls? And/or that they could vote suppress and swindle him a victory?>

Because...
"But at the end of the day, Romney’s campaign should be assessed in the most accurate possible manner. Its failings should not be sugarcoated or glossed over. Instead, it should be described precisely as it was: One of the most cynical, dishonest and disreputable presidential campaigns in modern American history."

Monday, November 5, 2012

Obama concludes: 'We've come too far to let our hearts grow faint' - First Read

Obama concludes: 'We've come too far to let our hearts grow faint' - First Read 

....

Adam McKay: Dear America, Please Don't Fall for This Shit Again

Adam McKay: Dear America, Please Don't Fall for This Shit Again 

"Billions have been spent for one purpose and one purpose only: to obscure and distract from the fact that Mitt Romney is backing the identical agenda George W Bush did.
It's really and truly that simple.
Lower taxes for the rich, cutting regulations for Wall Street, hawkish foreign policy with in many cases the same neocon foreign policy advisers W. Bush used make Romney/Ryan "W Bush 2: The Sequel to the Greatest Disaster Movie in Recent U.S. History, Available in Imax."

Dean Baker: Romney's Global Warming Joke Should Haunt Him

Dean Baker: Romney's Global Warming Joke Should Haunt Him

Why we are voting for President Obama: Nine Mormon women speak - Guest Voices - The Washington Post

Why we are voting for President Obama: Nine Mormon women speak - Guest Voices - The Washington Post 

"Through my political choices, I want to leave a legacy to my sons – a legacy of empowerment, intelligence, equality, and choice. I urge all women to respect themselves, their minds, and their bodies. They are sacred – we are sacred. I will vote for Obama.”

"“President Obama is committed to looking out for those whose voices go unheard—women, gays, the poor, and the elderly. I appreciate that his efforts are always pragmatic and educated, rather than impulsive and quick. And Mitt Romney reminds me of every well-meaning yet overbearing male church leader who’s ever underestimated me.”

"I will be voting for President Obama because he will wage the battles that are important to me: thoughtful foreign policy, compassionate immigration reform, serious education standards, responsible market regulation, and equal protection and civil rights for every citizen.”

Obama: I'm the one you can trust with change - CBS News

Obama: I'm the one you can trust with change - CBS News

"It’s Global Warming, Stupid": As Bloomberg Backs Obama, News Media Ends Silence on Climate Change

"It’s Global Warming, Stupid": As Bloomberg Backs Obama, News Media Ends Silence on Climate Change

Bill McKibben on Hurricane Sandy and Climate Change: "If There Was Ever a Wake-up Call, This Is It"

Bill McKibben on Hurricane Sandy and Climate Change: "If There Was Ever a Wake-up Call, This Is It"

Studies: Outside Groups Spend $1.11 Billion on Election; 81% of "Dark Money" Benefits GOP

Studies: Outside Groups Spend $1.11 Billion on Election; 81% of "Dark Money" Benefits GOP 

"New figures show outside groups such as super PACs have spent more than $1.11 billion on the 2012 election. According to Demos and U.S. PIRG, the figure marks a 400 percent increase over outside spending in 2008. More than 60 percent of the nearly $441 million raised by super PACs came from a group of just 91 people. A separate report by the Sunlight Foundation has found that "dark money" groups — which are able to donate anonymously — have spent over $213 million through November 1, with 81 percent of the money going toward backing Republican candidates."

We Are Not Powerless to Confront Climate Change

We Are Not Powerless to Confront Climate Change 

"Mitt Romney must rue that line in his Republican National Convention speech, days after Hurricane Isaac narrowly missed hitting Tampa, Fla., and the convention, when he quipped: “President Obama promised to slow the rise of the oceans and to heal the planet. My promise is to help you and your family.” Romney drew a big laugh from those gathered to nominate him. No one is laughing now. Sandy’s U.S. death toll has reached 50, with 8 million without power. Initial estimates put the cost of the damage at tens of billions of dollars."

Sunday, November 4, 2012

Sandy Telethon Raises $23 Million for Hurricane Relief

http://m.usatoday.com/article/news/1680513 

Bill Clinton: Romney wants to undo progress Obama made | The Des Moines Register | desmoinesregister.com

Bill Clinton: Romney wants to undo progress Obama made | The Des Moines Register | desmoinesregister.com 

"The president is creating a more inclusive, fairer America....The president has opposed those who want to restrict access to contraception and eliminate a woman’s right to choose in cases of rape or incest. Governor Romney has endorsed them.
President Obama has met our national security challenges in a rapidly changing unpredictable world with strength, and he’s worked hard to take care of our troops when they come home.
I’m for Barack Obama because his policies will bring back middle-class jobs and incomes and help the poor. They will help us build a modern economy of shared prosperity and continuing world leadership, and his policies will keep us on the road toward a more perfect union."

Obama, Springsteen to rally faithful in Madison Monday - JSOnline

Obama, Springsteen to rally faithful in Madison Monday - JSOnline

How Romney Would Treat Women - NYTimes.com

How Romney Would Treat Women - NYTimes.com 

"On these issues, Mitt Romney is no moderate. On the contrary, he is considerably more extreme than President George W. Bush was. He insists, for example, on cutting off money for cancer screenings conducted by Planned Parenthood.
The most toxic issue is abortion, and what matters most for that is Supreme Court appointments."

Bill Clinton speaks to 4K at Obama rally in NC | NewsOK.com

Bill Clinton speaks to 4K at Obama rally in NC | NewsOK.com 

The de facto Secretary of Explaining Stuff:
"Romney "has been tying himself in knots to say he didn't say what he clearly said," Clinton told about 4,000 people at Pullen Park in Raleigh."

Obama campaign busts out the musical firepower for final push - latimes.com

Obama campaign busts out the musical firepower for final push - latimes.com

Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012

Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012
I've been thinking some about the Winter Solstice, the Mayan end of the 30,000-year-cycle on 12/21/12.

What if in fact the world did end? Even though this probably will not happen, to live consciously it is honest for us to take a bit of an inventory.

Am I happy with how I've lived my life? (Yesterday, I thought mostly yes, with some areas for improvement, as below.) Are there changes I would make?
Would I have tried to forgive those that were hostile or disappointing to me?
Would I spend more time with those I loved the most, telling them that, feeling that more?
Would I be happier, grateful for what I have, what I've experienced, the joy, the beauty in this world?

Maybe the answer is yes to all of the above.
So this time can serve as a point of rebirth for all of us. If we think about it.

Because somewhere along the line I realized I think maybe mankind deserves it. !
The way we are killing each other, killing the planet.
How selfish we are, and snotty to those around us. Petty, competitive. Why is this? Do we have to behave this way? (I say no, it greatly detracts and misdirects energy from the full-time celebration in which we could engage, the great multi-cultural, multi-rhythmic dance we can sustain here.)

Maybe God or the Great Universe is fed up, and will pull the rug out from under us.
Don't think I can say we could blame Him/Her/It.

But it probably won't happen. (Probably not! This time.)

Still we are finite on this ride.

It is a time to think, am I happy with how I've lived my life?
Hopefully most of us can say yes.

For the part of us that have a little worry, a little sadness....
This is the time to be present.
This is the time to be the person you want to be, that can die at peace, that can hope to every day be able to look yourself and the Universe in the eye and say, how beautiful, smiling, and thank you. Let's do that.

Antidotes to Violence, a.k.a., Take Charge of Where Your Head's At - here

Tell Congress to Strengthen Gun Control Laws NOW - here

Good News & Brain Food News -
Christians & Muslims Gather, for Peace here
Good News - Top RIO+20 Summit Posts here
The 'Busy' Trap - NYTimes.com
here