Thorium and the dream of clean nuclear power - Yahoo News
This is the first detailed article I've read about thorium. Interesting, promising.
Technology and science could really help us out of this game of global warming chicken we are playing.
There is simply no time to waste getting off fossil fuels, and everyone must pull their weight until we get past the current levels of accelerated CO2 going into and warming our only atmosphere.
Saturday, December 21, 2013
Poll: Americans see impact of global warming
Poll: Americans see impact of global warming
A remarkable majority of Americans are concerned, know the facts, and want something done.
Whether our government will respond to the will of the people -- over special oil- and coal-sodden interests -- in time is to be determined. Shameful that our government is selling us out. Pure greed for the few and absolutely shameful. Somehow karma or the laws of physics must be preparing to overwhelm these special interests, if 75% of the population of the U.S. matters, and the extension of harmony in the climatic systems that support the balance of life on Earth. Just shameful that a small group of Senators are protecting the profits of obsolete, finite polluting energy over the public health of the rest of us. So deeply, painfully wrong.
A remarkable majority of Americans are concerned, know the facts, and want something done.
Whether our government will respond to the will of the people -- over special oil- and coal-sodden interests -- in time is to be determined. Shameful that our government is selling us out. Pure greed for the few and absolutely shameful. Somehow karma or the laws of physics must be preparing to overwhelm these special interests, if 75% of the population of the U.S. matters, and the extension of harmony in the climatic systems that support the balance of life on Earth. Just shameful that a small group of Senators are protecting the profits of obsolete, finite polluting energy over the public health of the rest of us. So deeply, painfully wrong.
Obama hints at NSA surveillance changes - Let's Hope So!
Obama hints at NSA surveillance changes - Leader-Telegram: Daily Updates
He's already admitting they're trampling on citizen's Constitutional Rights.
And, "...he declined to weigh in on whether Snowden, who has been charged with espionage and theft of government property, should be granted amnesty. Earlier this week, a National Security Agency official said the government should consider the option."
Let us weigh in: yes he should.
He's already admitting they're trampling on citizen's Constitutional Rights.
And, "...he declined to weigh in on whether Snowden, who has been charged with espionage and theft of government property, should be granted amnesty. Earlier this week, a National Security Agency official said the government should consider the option."
Let us weigh in: yes he should.
Wednesday, December 18, 2013
Lokpal Bill Great News, anti-Corruption Bill in India Passed
Google News
This a good one. Had Indian co-workers (at Gracenote), and we chatted about this. Great support for this from the people.
This a good one. Had Indian co-workers (at Gracenote), and we chatted about this. Great support for this from the people.
Monday, December 16, 2013
Yes, yes and yes: NO to NSA Unwarranted Wiretapping -- "unwarranted digital frisk downs of innocent citizens -- virtual search and seizure without a warrant"
NSA ruling wins cheers on Hill - Burgess Everett - POLITICO.com
Yes, yes, and yes: As per my Facebook post De. 9th, 2013: "Most excellent that Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo!, etc. -- the bigs -- are finally trying to help citizens. Clear to me that the recent NSA spying is like unwarranted digital frisk downs of innocent citizens -- virtual search and seizure without a warrant. Which is BS. Need to reverse that, "...the balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual." And today, "Nice that the Federal judge comes to the same conclusion, "...the NSA's bulk data collection program used to spy on Americans' phone calls is a violation of the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures." Sucking that we have to police our government to give us our Constitutional rights. And under Obama, who was a Constitutional law instructor, and should be (often appears/often is/I and we want him to be) a better guy. He's no W, but sheesh. Cut that out Obama."
From the linked article, "“It is an astounding day when a federal judge says a government surveillance practice would leave James Madison aghast,” Wyden told reporters. “The idea of collecting all these phone records is not inoffensive data collection as some of the proponents have said. It is digital surveillance.”
Yes, yes, and yes: As per my Facebook post De. 9th, 2013: "Most excellent that Google, Microsoft, Apple, Yahoo!, etc. -- the bigs -- are finally trying to help citizens. Clear to me that the recent NSA spying is like unwarranted digital frisk downs of innocent citizens -- virtual search and seizure without a warrant. Which is BS. Need to reverse that, "...the balance in many countries has tipped too far in favor of the state and away from the rights of the individual." And today, "Nice that the Federal judge comes to the same conclusion, "...the NSA's bulk data collection program used to spy on Americans' phone calls is a violation of the Fourth Amendment's prohibition on unreasonable searches and seizures." Sucking that we have to police our government to give us our Constitutional rights. And under Obama, who was a Constitutional law instructor, and should be (often appears/often is/I and we want him to be) a better guy. He's no W, but sheesh. Cut that out Obama."
From the linked article, "“It is an astounding day when a federal judge says a government surveillance practice would leave James Madison aghast,” Wyden told reporters. “The idea of collecting all these phone records is not inoffensive data collection as some of the proponents have said. It is digital surveillance.”
Friday, December 13, 2013
Hillary Clinton Defines Pro-Life Logic
Don't Ask Hillary Clinton About Abortion If You Can't Handle Her Answer
This concise but thorough reply illuminates why pro-life is so clearly a necessary policy.
No one likes the idea of abortion. This brings in family planning, less teen pregnancy, and giving women the rights over their bodies and future.
This concise but thorough reply illuminates why pro-life is so clearly a necessary policy.
No one likes the idea of abortion. This brings in family planning, less teen pregnancy, and giving women the rights over their bodies and future.
Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Perfluorobutylamine -- 7000 x worse for climate than CO2
Here
The gas does not occur naturally, and is used in the electrical industry.
"Concentrations of PFTBA in the atmosphere are low – 0.18 parts per trillion in the Toronto area – compared to 400 parts per million for carbon dioxide. So PFTBA does not in any way displace the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal as the main drivers of climate change."
The gas does not occur naturally, and is used in the electrical industry.
"Concentrations of PFTBA in the atmosphere are low – 0.18 parts per trillion in the Toronto area – compared to 400 parts per million for carbon dioxide. So PFTBA does not in any way displace the burning of fossil fuels such as oil and coal as the main drivers of climate change."
""PFTBA is just one example of an industrial chemical that is produced but there are no policies that control its production, use or emission," Hong said. "It is not being regulated by any type of climate policy.""
Well, it's going to be regulated, count on that. Knowledge is power.
Monday, December 9, 2013
Fracking Californiia = Fracking Us Over (see below, click on link to tell Gov. Brown NO!!!)
Here
Hydraulic problems, geological stability disruption, methane emissions, climate disruption, undisclosed chemicals injected and seeping into groundwater, obscene water use = way too many problems to be supported
Click on link above to tell Gov. Brown NO!!!
Hydraulic problems, geological stability disruption, methane emissions, climate disruption, undisclosed chemicals injected and seeping into groundwater, obscene water use = way too many problems to be supported
Click on link above to tell Gov. Brown NO!!!
U.S. Northeast states ask EPA to crack down on Midwest pollution - Yahoo News
U.S. Northeast states ask EPA to crack down on Midwest pollution - Yahoo News
Yes, this is fair. Any cross-state toxic pollution a federal crime.
Yes, this is fair. Any cross-state toxic pollution a federal crime.
Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Methane emissions from industry soar past previous estimates, study says - NBC News.com
Methane emissions from industry soar past previous estimates, study says - NBC News.com
Heartbreaking that science under-assessed their 'estimates' for methane emissions. The real concentrations measured in the atmosphere are much higher than anticipated, 50% higher than the EPA estimates. These emissions are from cows/livestock, and fossil fuels and fracking.
We have to do a better job tracking these greenhouse gases, and acting accordingly.
Heartbreaking that science under-assessed their 'estimates' for methane emissions. The real concentrations measured in the atmosphere are much higher than anticipated, 50% higher than the EPA estimates. These emissions are from cows/livestock, and fossil fuels and fracking.
We have to do a better job tracking these greenhouse gases, and acting accordingly.
Saturday, November 16, 2013
Founding Fathers Wanted Distribution of Wealth and Ownership, Not Concentration of Wealth
Here
'James Madison warned that inequality in property ownership would subvert liberty, either through opposition to wealth (a war of labor against capital) or "by an oligarchy founded on corruption" through which the wealthy dominate political decision-making (a war of capital against labor). John Adams favored distribution of public lands to the landless to create broad-based ownership of property, then the critical component of business capital in the largely agricultural U.S. Current levels and trends in inequality would almost certainly have terrified the founders, who believed that broad-based property ownership was essential to the sustenance of a republic.
...
If increasing inequality is indeed as dire a problem as the Founding Fathers imagined, what, if anything, can the U.S. do to reverse the pattern and to assure that in the next three decades, all of us share in the benefits of modern technology and economic progress? What is the best way to avoid Madison's dark scenarios?
'James Madison warned that inequality in property ownership would subvert liberty, either through opposition to wealth (a war of labor against capital) or "by an oligarchy founded on corruption" through which the wealthy dominate political decision-making (a war of capital against labor). John Adams favored distribution of public lands to the landless to create broad-based ownership of property, then the critical component of business capital in the largely agricultural U.S. Current levels and trends in inequality would almost certainly have terrified the founders, who believed that broad-based property ownership was essential to the sustenance of a republic.
...
If increasing inequality is indeed as dire a problem as the Founding Fathers imagined, what, if anything, can the U.S. do to reverse the pattern and to assure that in the next three decades, all of us share in the benefits of modern technology and economic progress? What is the best way to avoid Madison's dark scenarios?
...
We propose a new strategy: to expand capital ownership and capital income for normal workers through programs that encourage broad-based employee stock ownership of firms, widely available profit-sharing, and all-employee stock options and stock grants in firms that now restrict ownership, stock options and bonuses to only the highest-level executives. (More active pension fund investments, more active institutional investors economy-wide and reforms in corporate governance are also needed to address what we could call the ownership gap, but we'll save them for another day.)'
Yes.
Monday, November 11, 2013
NY Times: Typhoon in Philippines Casts Long Shadow Over U.N. Talks on Climate Treaty
Here
We're fucking this up pretty mighty.
The world governments better commit to action ASAP.
The ass draggers and oil investors are irrelevant.
Because we are talking about the viability of whole nations and ecosystems here.
We're talking about our species and keeping Earth's climate intact.
Science knows what needs to be done. We need to keep CO2 PPM under 400.
That needs to be done, FUCKING ASAP.
We're fucking this up pretty mighty.
The world governments better commit to action ASAP.
The ass draggers and oil investors are irrelevant.
Because we are talking about the viability of whole nations and ecosystems here.
We're talking about our species and keeping Earth's climate intact.
Science knows what needs to be done. We need to keep CO2 PPM under 400.
That needs to be done, FUCKING ASAP.
Thursday, November 7, 2013
U.S. negotiators offer Iran relief on sanctions
U.S. negotiators offer Iran relief on sanctions
This has promise. I hope Iran's new president Hassan Rouhani comes clean and they become transparent, clearly non-nuclear weaponizing and not a rogue regime. We all want a nuke-free world.
This has promise. I hope Iran's new president Hassan Rouhani comes clean and they become transparent, clearly non-nuclear weaponizing and not a rogue regime. We all want a nuke-free world.
EPA in US Should be Lauded (detractors should be sent to China for a 'last gasp' aircation)
Thomas Friedman lays out a first-person account of China's air here. What is awful, and what good people are trying to do to make it livable there (read: not just increase hospital size and airmask supply).
Too Big to Breathe?
FDA Ruling Would All but Eliminate Trans Fats
This is good news, to help make for less obese and less heart-attacky Americans.
More sustainable. Reminds me of Thomas Friedman's kudos to the EPA (read: FDA doing good= EPA doing good) for keeping our skies blue and healthy, as opposed to China (here: Too Big to Breathe?)
More sustainable. Reminds me of Thomas Friedman's kudos to the EPA (read: FDA doing good= EPA doing good) for keeping our skies blue and healthy, as opposed to China (here: Too Big to Breathe?)
FDA Ruling Would All but Eliminate Trans Fats
Friday, October 18, 2013
Republican shutdown pain may boost Dems
Here
Washington (CNN) - Long before the ink had dried on the Senate deal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling, the writing was already on the wall for the Republican Party: The last three weeks have hurt them.
Washington (CNN) - Long before the ink had dried on the Senate deal to end the government shutdown and raise the debt ceiling, the writing was already on the wall for the Republican Party: The last three weeks have hurt them.
They have borne the brunt of the blame for shutting down the government, and polls show that a large majority of Americans disapprove of the way the Congressional GOP has handled the fight over funding the government and raising the debt ceiling.
Wednesday, October 16, 2013
Senate leaders announce deal to end shutdown and avoid default
Here
In an already historic display of incompetence, the Senate reaches a deal.
See if the Tea-Party-run GOP House can not commit politcal hari-kari and keep America open.
In an already historic display of incompetence, the Senate reaches a deal.
See if the Tea-Party-run GOP House can not commit politcal hari-kari and keep America open.
Tuesday, October 8, 2013
Obama: 'We Can't Make Extortion Routine As Part of Our Democracy' - NationalJournal.com
Obama: 'We Can't Make Extortion Routine As Part of Our Democracy' - NationalJournal.com
That just about sums it up to a T. Americans get it. The GOP and Congress better get it real soon.
Pass a fucking budget bill and deal with legislation separately.
That just about sums it up to a T. Americans get it. The GOP and Congress better get it real soon.
Pass a fucking budget bill and deal with legislation separately.
"A Corporate Trojan Horse": Obama Pushes Secretive TPP Trade Pact, Would Rewrite Swath of U.S. Laws | Democracy Now!
"A Corporate Trojan Horse": Obama Pushes Secretive TPP Trade Pact, Would Rewrite Swath of U.S. Laws | Democracy Now!
This is horse shit. Corporate welfare gone amok, trumping the public interest. NOT ACCEPTABLE.
The only good news is a bunch of the other countries have basically said, "Basta! We are not going to roll back these things." So the reason there isn’t a deal is because a lot of the other countries are standing up to the worst of these U.S. corporate-inspired demands. You can see the whole lay of this at ExposeTheTPP, www.exposethetpp. There are fact sheets on each of the ways, each aspect of your life the TPP could affect. And if you want to get down into the weeds and have long papers explaining and/or information from other countries, you can go to tradewatch.org. That’s tradewatch.org. Between those two sets of information, you’ll see there’s almost no part of your life or the things you care about that this agreement couldn’t undermine. And again, trade is the least of it.
This is horse shit. Corporate welfare gone amok, trumping the public interest. NOT ACCEPTABLE.
The only good news is a bunch of the other countries have basically said, "Basta! We are not going to roll back these things." So the reason there isn’t a deal is because a lot of the other countries are standing up to the worst of these U.S. corporate-inspired demands. You can see the whole lay of this at ExposeTheTPP, www.exposethetpp. There are fact sheets on each of the ways, each aspect of your life the TPP could affect. And if you want to get down into the weeds and have long papers explaining and/or information from other countries, you can go to tradewatch.org. That’s tradewatch.org. Between those two sets of information, you’ll see there’s almost no part of your life or the things you care about that this agreement couldn’t undermine. And again, trade is the least of it.
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
Obama's Speech to the UN, on Target
NY Times article on speech
Didn't see much of the speech, on vacation. Need to make a few comments.
The outtakes here are right on. The President is a good man, making hard choices and changing course as necessary. His indictment of the UN for failing to act on even the most clear trespasses to international law in Syria is right on. His will to hold them and Russia accountable during this process of chemical weapons securing is right on. His claim that we cannot abdicate our role of leadership, while admitting we cannot be on perpetual war footing and need to focus on the U.S., is right on. This is difficult balance, and no batting average close to 100% is avaiable in every case.
That he admits our surveillance (NSA trespasses), Guantanamo and drone policies need improvement is an accurate and necessary criticism of himself. That takes bravery, despite pundits who choose to characterize this (from the right) as simply lack of conviction and/or cowardice or (from the left) that these were bad decisions in the first place needing to be pared significantly down long ago (which is pretty much how I feel), together both somewhat easy, monochrome, armchair second-guessing. They are enormously complicated tasks. He seems to be trying to get the balance of all these things ultimately right, and while I don't always agree 100% with him, as a whole it's hard to think of a major politician in the U. S. who I'd feel more comfortable with making these decisions for us. Thank you President Obama, and good luck getting all these things (and the things left unmentioned) back into the track of their proper and good trajectory as per that which the course of history will reveal as the right track.
Didn't see much of the speech, on vacation. Need to make a few comments.
The outtakes here are right on. The President is a good man, making hard choices and changing course as necessary. His indictment of the UN for failing to act on even the most clear trespasses to international law in Syria is right on. His will to hold them and Russia accountable during this process of chemical weapons securing is right on. His claim that we cannot abdicate our role of leadership, while admitting we cannot be on perpetual war footing and need to focus on the U.S., is right on. This is difficult balance, and no batting average close to 100% is avaiable in every case.
That he admits our surveillance (NSA trespasses), Guantanamo and drone policies need improvement is an accurate and necessary criticism of himself. That takes bravery, despite pundits who choose to characterize this (from the right) as simply lack of conviction and/or cowardice or (from the left) that these were bad decisions in the first place needing to be pared significantly down long ago (which is pretty much how I feel), together both somewhat easy, monochrome, armchair second-guessing. They are enormously complicated tasks. He seems to be trying to get the balance of all these things ultimately right, and while I don't always agree 100% with him, as a whole it's hard to think of a major politician in the U. S. who I'd feel more comfortable with making these decisions for us. Thank you President Obama, and good luck getting all these things (and the things left unmentioned) back into the track of their proper and good trajectory as per that which the course of history will reveal as the right track.
Friday, September 20, 2013
BBC News - Obama proposes carbon limits on new US power plants
BBC News - Obama proposes carbon limits on new US power plants
Great news. Toxic manufacturing companies cannot dump their polluting by-products in a river, even nuclear plants must package and try to safely 'dispose' of their awful waste. Why should coal and power plants get to dump their pollutants directly into our air? Good for the President, the EPA, and us, it's about time to clean up that sector too.
Great news. Toxic manufacturing companies cannot dump their polluting by-products in a river, even nuclear plants must package and try to safely 'dispose' of their awful waste. Why should coal and power plants get to dump their pollutants directly into our air? Good for the President, the EPA, and us, it's about time to clean up that sector too.
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Carbon Inequality: Just One Percent Of U.S. Power Plants Produce 12 Percent Of U.S. Carbon Emissions | ThinkProgress
Carbon Inequality: Just One Percent Of U.S. Power Plants Produce 12 Percent Of U.S. Carbon Emissions | ThinkProgress
Freaking unacceptable. Watchdog groups and litigators need to stop this reckless pollution, an affront to public health and climate, unfairly perpetrated, with huge profits for some guilty and greedy few at the expense of all the rest of us, for generations to come.
Freaking unacceptable. Watchdog groups and litigators need to stop this reckless pollution, an affront to public health and climate, unfairly perpetrated, with huge profits for some guilty and greedy few at the expense of all the rest of us, for generations to come.
Saturday, September 14, 2013
U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons - CNN.com
U.S., Russia agree to framework on Syria chemical weapons - CNN.com
Like it, but have no idea why there's a wait until November to do this. Do it now.
Like it, but have no idea why there's a wait until November to do this. Do it now.
Monday, September 9, 2013
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
My Letter in the LA Times: College Students/Earth's Future>Fossil Fuels
Letters: College students vs. fossil fuels - latimes.com
Of course it is the ethical responsibility of universities to invest in companies that look out for the best welfare of people.
California general obligation bonds are available for 5% interest right now. As a graduate of UCLA, I'm greatly in favor of immediate fossil fuel divestment by UC and purchasing stable, socially responsible funds like those bonds to help out — in several ways.
G. Colby Allerton
Venice
Of course it is the ethical responsibility of universities to invest in companies that look out for the best welfare of people.
California general obligation bonds are available for 5% interest right now. As a graduate of UCLA, I'm greatly in favor of immediate fossil fuel divestment by UC and purchasing stable, socially responsible funds like those bonds to help out — in several ways.
G. Colby Allerton
Venice
My Letter in the Mercury News: Not Worth It to Mess with Syria Alone
Aug. 31 Readers' letters: California's gun control laws and the BART strike - San Jose Mercury News
Let U.N. decide on steps to take against Syria
The use in Syria of chemical weapons is a heinous and most terrible crime against humanity. But the last thing we need is to start another war in the Middle East. Let the United Nations decide and go in. We certainly would not benefit from butting in to another civil war, in this case alone.
G. Colby Allerton
Venice
Monday, August 26, 2013
2014 Chevy Spark EV | Electric Vehicle | Chevrolet
2014 Chevy Spark EV | Electric Vehicle | Chevrolet
Cool little car! $19,185 ($26,685 minus $7200 federal tax credit.) Your commute less than 80 miles? Household outlet compatible. Immediately save about $150 on gas per month. Save $9000 dollars in 5 YEARS on gas (EPA, depending how far you drive). Then the car actually cost you $10,000. And if gas keeps getting more expensive (duh), save $10,000 or more every 5 years, in your pocket. And it doesn't support/rely on foreign countries' oil reserves, and doesn't pollute. And it has the smart screen technology, etc. Getting to be a no-brainer. (Dare we say progress?) Cool stuff!
Cool little car! $19,185 ($26,685 minus $7200 federal tax credit.) Your commute less than 80 miles? Household outlet compatible. Immediately save about $150 on gas per month. Save $9000 dollars in 5 YEARS on gas (EPA, depending how far you drive). Then the car actually cost you $10,000. And if gas keeps getting more expensive (duh), save $10,000 or more every 5 years, in your pocket. And it doesn't support/rely on foreign countries' oil reserves, and doesn't pollute. And it has the smart screen technology, etc. Getting to be a no-brainer. (Dare we say progress?) Cool stuff!
Thursday, August 22, 2013
Tuesday, August 20, 2013
Climate Panel Cites Near Certainty on Warming - NYTimes.com
Climate Panel Cites Near Certainty on Warming - NYTimes.com
The same thoughts here. So sad, and infuriating that many people are still stuck in some ideological denial. These 'flat-earthers' and others not helping improve society and not helping prevent the suffering of many should be shamed, and those for their own oil- and coal-profit ends are willing to mislead the simple-minded into denial, they should be jailed, in jails with the pollution and emissions of coal-fired plants and combusted oil and oil spills piped directly in.
The same thoughts here. So sad, and infuriating that many people are still stuck in some ideological denial. These 'flat-earthers' and others not helping improve society and not helping prevent the suffering of many should be shamed, and those for their own oil- and coal-profit ends are willing to mislead the simple-minded into denial, they should be jailed, in jails with the pollution and emissions of coal-fired plants and combusted oil and oil spills piped directly in.
College baseball player Chris Lane allegedly killed by 'bored' teens in Oklahoma | Baseball | Sports | Toronto Sun
College baseball player Chris Lane allegedly killed by 'bored' teens in Oklahoma | Baseball | Sports | Toronto Sun
Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking for that young man's family. And for America, and Australia.
Gun laws have to change. That our culture is stuck in so many spots is so sad, and infuriating at the same time.
Heartbreaking. Heartbreaking for that young man's family. And for America, and Australia.
Gun laws have to change. That our culture is stuck in so many spots is so sad, and infuriating at the same time.
Wednesday, August 7, 2013
Steve King: Belief In Climate Change Is A 'Religion,' 'Not Science' | ThinkProgress
Steve King: Belief In Climate Change Is A 'Religion,' 'Not Science' | ThinkProgress
What a complete tool. 97% of scientists have affirmed man-made global warming as an indisputable scientific fact, but this knucklehead can stand in front of people and claim it is NOT science? Steve King is a complete dirty oil- and coal-bribed buffoon who now can't be taken seriously about anything by any reasonably intelligent individual.
What a complete tool. 97% of scientists have affirmed man-made global warming as an indisputable scientific fact, but this knucklehead can stand in front of people and claim it is NOT science? Steve King is a complete dirty oil- and coal-bribed buffoon who now can't be taken seriously about anything by any reasonably intelligent individual.
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Iran's leader reaches out to U.S., vows push to resolve nuclear row | Reuters
Iran's leader reaches out to U.S., vows push to resolve nuclear row | Reuters
Good. Negotiation, ever-increasing debilitating sanctions, or God-forbid eventually war. Iran seems to have 3 choices to eventually arrive at making their energy production completely transparent.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35613144@N00/5438000390/in/set-72157626028998608/
Good. Negotiation, ever-increasing debilitating sanctions, or God-forbid eventually war. Iran seems to have 3 choices to eventually arrive at making their energy production completely transparent.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35613144@N00/5438000390/in/set-72157626028998608/
Monday, August 5, 2013
The NSA is giving your phone records to the DEA. And the DEA is covering it up.
The NSA is giving your phone records to the DEA. And the DEA is covering it up.
This is really Orwellian and against the nature of privacy in America. These surveillance oversteps without probable cause are actual crimes that need to be prosecuted.
This is really Orwellian and against the nature of privacy in America. These surveillance oversteps without probable cause are actual crimes that need to be prosecuted.
Friday, August 2, 2013
BBC News - Rise in violence 'linked to climate change'
BBC News - Rise in violence 'linked to climate change'
As if survival as a species was not a compelling enough reason to stop our dirty, carbon-spewing ways.
As if survival as a species was not a compelling enough reason to stop our dirty, carbon-spewing ways.
'Frack Gag' Bans Children From Talking About Fracking, Forever | ThinkProgress
'Frack Gag' Bans Children From Talking About Fracking, Forever | ThinkProgress
Oh my goodness, how evil these people are. Harming people and then paying them off and forcing them to remain silent, then continuing fracking.
Oh my goodness, how evil these people are. Harming people and then paying them off and forcing them to remain silent, then continuing fracking.
Monday, July 29, 2013
BBC News - BMW hoping to spark interest in electric car
BBC News - BMW hoping to spark interest in electric car
Like this! First BMW I've actually wanted in a long time -- maybe ever!
Like this! First BMW I've actually wanted in a long time -- maybe ever!
Obama Questions Keystone XL Pipeline Job Projections
Obama Questions Keystone XL Pipeline Job Projections
All for a few dozen permanent jobs??? He's getting on point here. Consider the extensive damage first driven by dirty tar sands extraction to Canada, subsequent threats to every adjacent community fully across the U.S. on the proposed pipeline route, and the debilitating damage to our already shaky climate it would produce, it's just a horrible idea. A few dozen permanent U.S. jobs in no way justifies such a destructive, dangerous project through the U.S. "Republicans have said that this would be a big jobs generator," Obama said, according to the newspaper. "There is no evidence that that's true. The most realistic estimates are this might create maybe 2,000 jobs during the construction of the pipeline, which might take a year or two, and then after that we're talking about somewhere between 50 and 100 jobs in an economy of 150 million working people."
All for a few dozen permanent jobs??? He's getting on point here. Consider the extensive damage first driven by dirty tar sands extraction to Canada, subsequent threats to every adjacent community fully across the U.S. on the proposed pipeline route, and the debilitating damage to our already shaky climate it would produce, it's just a horrible idea. A few dozen permanent U.S. jobs in no way justifies such a destructive, dangerous project through the U.S. "Republicans have said that this would be a big jobs generator," Obama said, according to the newspaper. "There is no evidence that that's true. The most realistic estimates are this might create maybe 2,000 jobs during the construction of the pipeline, which might take a year or two, and then after that we're talking about somewhere between 50 and 100 jobs in an economy of 150 million working people."
Obama Questions Keystone XL Pipeline Job Projections
Obama Questions Keystone XL Pipeline Job Projections
All for a few dozen permanent jobs??? He's getting on point here. Consider the extensive damage first driven by dirty tar sands extraction to Canada, subsequent threats to every adjacent community fully across the U.S. on the proposed pipeline route, and the debilitating damage to our already shaky climate it would produce, it's just a horrible idea. A few dozen permanent U.S. jobs in no way justifies such a destructive, dangerous project through the U.S. "Republicans have said that this would be a big jobs generator," Obama said, according to the newspaper. "There is no evidence that that's true. The most realistic estimates are this might create maybe 2,000 jobs during the construction of the pipeline, which might take a year or two, and then after that we're talking about somewhere between 50 and 100 jobs in an economy of 150 million working people."
All for a few dozen permanent jobs??? He's getting on point here. Consider the extensive damage first driven by dirty tar sands extraction to Canada, subsequent threats to every adjacent community fully across the U.S. on the proposed pipeline route, and the debilitating damage to our already shaky climate it would produce, it's just a horrible idea. A few dozen permanent U.S. jobs in no way justifies such a destructive, dangerous project through the U.S. "Republicans have said that this would be a big jobs generator," Obama said, according to the newspaper. "There is no evidence that that's true. The most realistic estimates are this might create maybe 2,000 jobs during the construction of the pipeline, which might take a year or two, and then after that we're talking about somewhere between 50 and 100 jobs in an economy of 150 million working people."
Sunday, July 28, 2013
In Brazil, pope backs youths' quest for change - The Times of India
In Brazil, pope backs youths' quest for change - The Times of India
Yes. "He made the remarks in a country where young people spearheaded nationwide street protests by more than one million Brazilians last month demanding better public services and an end to corruption."
Yes. "He made the remarks in a country where young people spearheaded nationwide street protests by more than one million Brazilians last month demanding better public services and an end to corruption."
Friday, July 19, 2013
Saturday, July 13, 2013
Friday, July 12, 2013
In the House, a Refusal to Govern - NYTimes.com
In the House, a Refusal to Govern - NYTimes.com
Ridiculous. "The House will refuse to consider a comprehensive immigration bill that could lead to citizenship for millions of immigrants, Republican leaders said on Wednesday,..."
Reprehensible that the Republicans are not willing to work on the bill and compromise, like their unwillingness to work (16 times!) with the Senate on the budget.
Holding your breath and stomping your feet when you don't get your way befits a 5-year-old -- but is behavior our elected U.S. government should never resemble. It is shameful, and an abrogation of their duties.
We need to censure and soon after fire such obstructionist politicians. This ugly refusal to work together to move forward on important issues sounds like the death rattle of a functional Democracy, if not of one political party in particular.
"These actions show how far the House has retreated from the national mainstream into a cave of indifference and ignorance. House members don’t want to know that millions of Americans remain hungry (in an economy held back by their own austerity ideology), and they don’t want to deal with the desperation of immigrant families who want nothing more than a chance to work and feed themselves without fear of deportation."
Ridiculous. "The House will refuse to consider a comprehensive immigration bill that could lead to citizenship for millions of immigrants, Republican leaders said on Wednesday,..."
Reprehensible that the Republicans are not willing to work on the bill and compromise, like their unwillingness to work (16 times!) with the Senate on the budget.
Holding your breath and stomping your feet when you don't get your way befits a 5-year-old -- but is behavior our elected U.S. government should never resemble. It is shameful, and an abrogation of their duties.
We need to censure and soon after fire such obstructionist politicians. This ugly refusal to work together to move forward on important issues sounds like the death rattle of a functional Democracy, if not of one political party in particular.
"These actions show how far the House has retreated from the national mainstream into a cave of indifference and ignorance. House members don’t want to know that millions of Americans remain hungry (in an economy held back by their own austerity ideology), and they don’t want to deal with the desperation of immigrant families who want nothing more than a chance to work and feed themselves without fear of deportation."
FDA to set new limits on arsenic in apple juice - The Washington Post
FDA to set new limits on arsenic in apple juice - The Washington Post
This is good; shame we had to fight to keep inorganic (toxic) arsenic levels down in something as common as apple juice. FDA barely doing its job to ensure public health and safety, and some say business needs no or less regulation. Shee-oot it does.
This is good; shame we had to fight to keep inorganic (toxic) arsenic levels down in something as common as apple juice. FDA barely doing its job to ensure public health and safety, and some say business needs no or less regulation. Shee-oot it does.
Democrats Poised to Limit Filibusters, Angering G.O.P. - NYTimes.com
Democrats Poised to Limit Filibusters, Angering G.O.P. - NYTimes.com
Yes. “Now and into the future, Republicans and Democrats should be able to have an up-or-down vote on the team they want to put in place,” said Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California, as she walked into the meeting to discuss how Democrats plan to proceed. “I do not view that as an extraordinary step. I do not view it as a nuclear option. I view it as something we sadly had to come to because of the way they’ve obstructed putting really good people in place without cause.”
Yes. “Now and into the future, Republicans and Democrats should be able to have an up-or-down vote on the team they want to put in place,” said Senator Barbara Boxer, Democrat of California, as she walked into the meeting to discuss how Democrats plan to proceed. “I do not view that as an extraordinary step. I do not view it as a nuclear option. I view it as something we sadly had to come to because of the way they’ve obstructed putting really good people in place without cause.”
Study: Air pollution causes over 2 million deaths a year - latimes.com
Study: Air pollution causes over 2 million deaths a year - latimes.com
Solar power is cheap, plentiful, and sustainable. It does not blow up in trains, or foul entire ecosystems, villages, and oceans.
Solar power is cheap, plentiful, and sustainable. It does not blow up in trains, or foul entire ecosystems, villages, and oceans.
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
Senate fails to advance student loan rate fix - CBS News
Senate fails to advance student loan rate fix - CBS News
This is infuriating. "Do you know the party affiliation of the 49 members of the Senate who refused to support this one year extension? 3 Dems and ALL GOP. So why attack them all?"
This is infuriating. "Do you know the party affiliation of the 49 members of the Senate who refused to support this one year extension? 3 Dems and ALL GOP. So why attack them all?"
Monday, July 8, 2013
BBC News - China orders firms to curb pollution
BBC News - China orders firms to curb pollution
Can definitely help climate and health if implemented and enforced immediately.
Is 5.5 years too late for many (see link below Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 years -study | Reuters )
Can definitely help climate and health if implemented and enforced immediately.
Is 5.5 years too late for many (see link below Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 years -study | Reuters )
Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 years -study | Reuters
Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 years -study | Reuters
Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 year
Coal pollution cuts lifespans in north China by 5.5 year
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Saturday, July 6, 2013
Quebec train carrying oil explodes, killing at least two
With all due respect and condolences to Quebecois, how awful is oil?
Can people really defend and embrace oil as opposed to clean energy with any clear conscience?
https://www.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct3=MAA4AEgEUABgAmoCdXPYAQE&usg=AFQjCNHGL3FwhbGsRATq_GWMLNVtxV_j6Q&rt=MORE_COVERAGE&url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/canada/10164914/At-least-one-person-dead-and-80-missing-after-train-carrying-crude-oil-explodes-in-Quebec.html&ei=1_nYUZjvAunNmQKipQE
Can people really defend and embrace oil as opposed to clean energy with any clear conscience?
https://www.google.com/news/url?sa=t&ct3=MAA4AEgEUABgAmoCdXPYAQE&usg=AFQjCNHGL3FwhbGsRATq_GWMLNVtxV_j6Q&rt=MORE_COVERAGE&url=http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/worldnews/northamerica/canada/10164914/At-least-one-person-dead-and-80-missing-after-train-carrying-crude-oil-explodes-in-Quebec.html&ei=1_nYUZjvAunNmQKipQE
Thursday, July 4, 2013
"Do-Nothing Republican Congress" Could Sink GOP
Sustainability and Politics: Robert Creamer: "Do-Nothing Republican Congress" Could Sink GOP In 2012
Have things changed at all? YES, the GOP has gotten worse,,,,
"...Last week, for the third time this fall, Republicans successfully blocked Obama's jobs program in the Senate. Of course this came as absolutely no surprise, since Senate Republican Leader told the world earlier this year -- in no uncertain terms -- that his top legislative priority was to prevent the re-election of the president.
McConnell, and his House counterpart, John Boehner, don't lose a wink of sleep over concerns that their intransigence harms the economic prospects of everyday Americans. In their view, the worse the economy gets, the more likely the voters will be to boot President Obama out of the Oval Office.
"...Not only has the GOP refused to support Democratic measures to put Americans back to work, their alternative "jobs program" features no direct, measurable job creation whatsoever. Instead it relies on the same "trickle down" economic theory that didn't create one net private sector job in the eight years before the Great Recession - and the same unwillingness to rein in the big Wall Street banks that led to the worst financial collapse in 65 years...."
"But that's not all. Everyone agrees that the Republican House Majority was swept into office last November precisely because of the terrible economy. But instead of job creation, they've busied themselves focusing on trying to defund Planned Parenthood, protecting Americans from the imaginary threat of Sharia Law, and fending off non-existent attack on the use of "In God We Trust." The Republican controlled House hasn't voted on a single job creation measure since John Boehner and his colleagues took power last January....."
"...In the deliberations of the "Super Committee," Republicans have been completely unwilling to give on the fundamental question of whether millionaires should be asked to pay to put America's economic house in order. The view of the Republican leadership is that -- in addition to defeating President Obama -- their principal mission is to act as guard dogs for the exploding incomes of the top 1%."
"...In the upcoming fight over the next fiscal year's appropriation bills, there is every indication that the Republicans will demand that riders be attached limiting the power of the EPA and restricting funding for contraception -- which surveys show is used by 98% of American women...."
"...
Then there is the House schedule. Last week the Boehner team published a House schedule for next year intended to guarantee that very little gets done. The House will be in session only 94 days in all of next year (including many days where votes are postponed until 6PM) and will continue its habit of going into recess virtually every third week. Yet another example of a "do-nothing Republican Congress."
It's no accident, that while the polls show that most officials in the American government have fallen into disrepute for their failure to get the economy moving again, Congressional Republicans win the prize for negative ratings...."
"...On the other hand, the president's agenda itself is overwhelmingly popular. His jobs bill is supported by the vast majority of Americans -- and becomes more popular the more voters hear about it. When its provisions were explained, 63% offered their support in the October Wall Street Journal/NBC poll....."
"...An October National Journal poll found 68% of voters support the Democratic proposal for a surtax on millionaires to pay for the jobs bill...."
"...In fact, the whole 99% versus 1% message frame that has dominated the airwaves since everyday people began Occupying Wall Street -- is very popular -- as are the president's executive actions to improve the economy without Congressional approval...."
"...And what is unpopular? The Republican plan to abolish Medicare and replace it with vouchers - that is really unpopular. In fact, most polls find that 70% of voters oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare to reduce the deficit. Creating jobs, making the 1% pay their fair share, and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will be the defining symbolic issues next year -- and on every one of them Democrats hold the high political ground and Republicans have to walk through the valley of political death...."
Have things changed at all? YES, the GOP has gotten worse,,,,
"...Last week, for the third time this fall, Republicans successfully blocked Obama's jobs program in the Senate. Of course this came as absolutely no surprise, since Senate Republican Leader told the world earlier this year -- in no uncertain terms -- that his top legislative priority was to prevent the re-election of the president.
McConnell, and his House counterpart, John Boehner, don't lose a wink of sleep over concerns that their intransigence harms the economic prospects of everyday Americans. In their view, the worse the economy gets, the more likely the voters will be to boot President Obama out of the Oval Office.
"...Not only has the GOP refused to support Democratic measures to put Americans back to work, their alternative "jobs program" features no direct, measurable job creation whatsoever. Instead it relies on the same "trickle down" economic theory that didn't create one net private sector job in the eight years before the Great Recession - and the same unwillingness to rein in the big Wall Street banks that led to the worst financial collapse in 65 years...."
"But that's not all. Everyone agrees that the Republican House Majority was swept into office last November precisely because of the terrible economy. But instead of job creation, they've busied themselves focusing on trying to defund Planned Parenthood, protecting Americans from the imaginary threat of Sharia Law, and fending off non-existent attack on the use of "In God We Trust." The Republican controlled House hasn't voted on a single job creation measure since John Boehner and his colleagues took power last January....."
"...In the deliberations of the "Super Committee," Republicans have been completely unwilling to give on the fundamental question of whether millionaires should be asked to pay to put America's economic house in order. The view of the Republican leadership is that -- in addition to defeating President Obama -- their principal mission is to act as guard dogs for the exploding incomes of the top 1%."
"...In the upcoming fight over the next fiscal year's appropriation bills, there is every indication that the Republicans will demand that riders be attached limiting the power of the EPA and restricting funding for contraception -- which surveys show is used by 98% of American women...."
"...
Then there is the House schedule. Last week the Boehner team published a House schedule for next year intended to guarantee that very little gets done. The House will be in session only 94 days in all of next year (including many days where votes are postponed until 6PM) and will continue its habit of going into recess virtually every third week. Yet another example of a "do-nothing Republican Congress."
It's no accident, that while the polls show that most officials in the American government have fallen into disrepute for their failure to get the economy moving again, Congressional Republicans win the prize for negative ratings...."
"...On the other hand, the president's agenda itself is overwhelmingly popular. His jobs bill is supported by the vast majority of Americans -- and becomes more popular the more voters hear about it. When its provisions were explained, 63% offered their support in the October Wall Street Journal/NBC poll....."
"...An October National Journal poll found 68% of voters support the Democratic proposal for a surtax on millionaires to pay for the jobs bill...."
"...In fact, the whole 99% versus 1% message frame that has dominated the airwaves since everyday people began Occupying Wall Street -- is very popular -- as are the president's executive actions to improve the economy without Congressional approval...."
"...And what is unpopular? The Republican plan to abolish Medicare and replace it with vouchers - that is really unpopular. In fact, most polls find that 70% of voters oppose cutting Social Security and Medicare to reduce the deficit. Creating jobs, making the 1% pay their fair share, and protecting Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid will be the defining symbolic issues next year -- and on every one of them Democrats hold the high political ground and Republicans have to walk through the valley of political death...."
Blue whales are disturbed by military sonar - Telegraph
Blue whales are disturbed by military sonar - Telegraph
Very not good.
"They found that the whales stopped feeding for more than an hour after the sonar, resulting in a loss of around a metric ton of krill for the animals"
Very not good.
"They found that the whales stopped feeding for more than an hour after the sonar, resulting in a loss of around a metric ton of krill for the animals"
Wednesday, July 3, 2013
July 3 News: 2001-2010 Hottest Decade On Record, With 'Unprecedented High-Impact Climate Extremes', WMO Reports | ThinkProgress
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Monday, July 1, 2013
Kerry Hails China in Urging N. Korea to End Nuclear Program (1) - Businessweek
Kerry Hails China in Urging N. Korea to End Nuclear Program (1) - Businessweek
Progress re: China, and potential great promise re: North Korea and safety in Southeast Asia (and abroad).
Progress re: China, and potential great promise re: North Korea and safety in Southeast Asia (and abroad).
Sunday, June 30, 2013
European Officials Slam US Over Bugging Report - ABC News
European Officials Slam US Over Bugging Report - ABC News
"Germany Compares US Bugging to 'Cold War'" What values do the variables P and S have when the goal is what's right? Privacy + Security = What's Right
Kerry Says Work Needed After Mideast Peace Talk ‘Progress’ (1) - Businessweek
Kerry Says Work Needed After Mideast Peace Talk ‘Progress’ (1) - Businessweek
This sounds purposeful, and positive.
“I believe that with a little more work, the start of final-status negotiations could be within reach,” he told reporters before he prepared to fly out of Israel. “The gaps were very broad when we began. They are now, I think, very narrow.”
"Netanyahu said his country was ready to enter into negotiations without delay or conditions."
This sounds purposeful, and positive.
“I believe that with a little more work, the start of final-status negotiations could be within reach,” he told reporters before he prepared to fly out of Israel. “The gaps were very broad when we began. They are now, I think, very narrow.”
‘Positive Atmosphere’
He set no timetable for restarting negotiations. “We’re not going to get stuck with artificial deadlines,” he said. “That’s a big mistake.”"Netanyahu said his country was ready to enter into negotiations without delay or conditions."
Saturday, June 29, 2013
Friday, June 28, 2013
President Obama Speaks on Climate Change - 7/26/13
President Obama Speaks on Climate Change - YouTube
Here, there is mixed news as well. I hope and pray we can individually and collectively contribute enough to bring our CO2 emissions down enough to save our planet from irreparable harm from climate change and rising seas. Many say it's too late, which is the time to definitely not give up, but to engage and step up our actions even further.
Of course, the Supreme Court rulings this week were big, and mixed. Voter Rights got diminished, but Gay Marriage got accredited.
Here, there is mixed news as well. I hope and pray we can individually and collectively contribute enough to bring our CO2 emissions down enough to save our planet from irreparable harm from climate change and rising seas. Many say it's too late, which is the time to definitely not give up, but to engage and step up our actions even further.
Of course, the Supreme Court rulings this week were big, and mixed. Voter Rights got diminished, but Gay Marriage got accredited.
Sunday, June 23, 2013
Obama Will Announce Regulation Of CO2 From Existing Power Plants On Tuesday
ThinkProgress
Good. And much more is needed.
Good. And much more is needed.
Obama Will Announce Regulation Of CO2 From Existing Power Plants On Tuesday
Analysis by the Natural Resources Defense Council, among others, makes clear that attaining the 17 percent cut without further Congressional action will require regulating pollution emissions at existing power plants. Indeed, the EPA “is legally obligated to issue rules regulating CO2 from existing power plants.”Climate-Science Denying Governor Perry Renews Declaration Of Drought Disaster Throughout Texas | ThinkProgress
Climate-Science Denying Governor Perry Renews Declaration Of Drought Disaster Throughout Texas | ThinkProgress
What a freaking tool.
“Record high temperatures, preceded by significantly low rainfall, have resulted in declining reservoir and aquifer levels, threatening water supplies and delivery systems in many parts of the state,” the proclamation states. “Prolonged dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfire across many portions of the state; and… these drought conditions have reached historic levels and continue to pose an imminent threat to public health, property and the economy.”
What’s striking about this frank admission of the way extreme weather is ravaging Texas is that it stands alongside Perry’s ongoing dogged refusal — backed by many of the state’s other Republicans — to acknowledge the science that links these weather shifts to climate change and human-driven global warming.
What a freaking tool.
“Record high temperatures, preceded by significantly low rainfall, have resulted in declining reservoir and aquifer levels, threatening water supplies and delivery systems in many parts of the state,” the proclamation states. “Prolonged dry conditions continue to increase the threat of wildfire across many portions of the state; and… these drought conditions have reached historic levels and continue to pose an imminent threat to public health, property and the economy.”
What’s striking about this frank admission of the way extreme weather is ravaging Texas is that it stands alongside Perry’s ongoing dogged refusal — backed by many of the state’s other Republicans — to acknowledge the science that links these weather shifts to climate change and human-driven global warming.
Climate change, business top Kerry visit to India - Yahoo! News
Climate change, business top Kerry visit to India - Yahoo! News
Good. India and it's crops get increasingly hammered by monsoons. You'd think an intellectually advanced society like India would put the future on highest priority.
Good. India and it's crops get increasingly hammered by monsoons. You'd think an intellectually advanced society like India would put the future on highest priority.
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
Obama Calls for Nuclear-Arms Reduction - WSJ.com
Obama Calls for Nuclear-Arms Reduction - WSJ.com
Excellent.
Excellent.
In Berlin Speech, U.S. President Wants to 'Move Beyond Cold War Nuclear Postures' With Russia
Merkel Challenges Obama on Surveillance - NYTimes.com
Merkel Challenges Obama on Surveillance - NYTimes.com
Good. This needs to be redone, and better.
"...such activities must be balanced by “due diligence” to guard against unwarranted invasions of privacy." And from a former Nazi country, that saying something.
Good. This needs to be redone, and better.
"...such activities must be balanced by “due diligence” to guard against unwarranted invasions of privacy." And from a former Nazi country, that saying something.
Tuesday, June 18, 2013
'Every Plant And Tree Died': Huge Alberta Pipeline Spill Raises Safety Questions As Keystone Decision Looms | ThinkProgress
'Every Plant And Tree Died': Huge Alberta Pipeline Spill Raises Safety Questions As Keystone Decision Looms | ThinkProgress
Heinous, and unnecessary. Too damaging. Time for clean energy.
Heinous, and unnecessary. Too damaging. Time for clean energy.
Immigration Bill Would Lower Country’s Deficit By $197 Billion Over 10 Years
ThinkProgress
From the Congressional Budget Office (like I said, see post below).
From the Congressional Budget Office (like I said, see post below).
Immigration Bill Would Lower Country’s Deficit By $197 Billion Over 10 Years
Taliban agree to peace talks with US over Afghanistan – full statement | World news | guardian.co.uk
Taliban agree to peace talks with US over Afghanistan – full statement | World news | guardian.co.uk
Interesting development. It's nice to think they just want independence, do not want occupation, and have no interest in harming other countries.
Their refusal as a pre-condition to talks to break allegiance with al-Queda, of course known to sponsor global violence against western states, makes their proclamations a bit dubious.
Guess it's worth having the talks.
Afghanistan deserves one day to have peaceful, self-determination.
Not sure the Taliban helps as much as hurts those goals.
Interesting development. It's nice to think they just want independence, do not want occupation, and have no interest in harming other countries.
Their refusal as a pre-condition to talks to break allegiance with al-Queda, of course known to sponsor global violence against western states, makes their proclamations a bit dubious.
Guess it's worth having the talks.
Afghanistan deserves one day to have peaceful, self-determination.
Not sure the Taliban helps as much as hurts those goals.
Sunday, June 16, 2013
Solar plane lands at Washington on journey across U.S. - Yahoo! News
Solar plane lands at Washington on journey across U.S. - Yahoo! News
Nice!
"(Reuters) - An airplane entirely powered by the sun landed in Washington on Sunday after a flight from St. Louis, the next-to-last leg of a journey across the United States intended to boost support for clean energy technologies."
"The aircraft is propelled by energy collected from 12,000 solar cells in its wings that simultaneously recharge batteries for night use."
Nice!
"(Reuters) - An airplane entirely powered by the sun landed in Washington on Sunday after a flight from St. Louis, the next-to-last leg of a journey across the United States intended to boost support for clean energy technologies."
"The aircraft is propelled by energy collected from 12,000 solar cells in its wings that simultaneously recharge batteries for night use."
Report: Bank Traders Manipulated Foreign Exchange Rate Worth Trillions
Headlines for June 14, 2013 | Democracy Now!
"Traders said the rigging is accomplished by executing deals before and during the minute-long windows when benchmarks are set. The report says the activities happened daily for at least a decade."
Matt Taibbi wrote in his blog for Rolling Stone, "if this story is true, it would almost certainly trump LIBOR for scale/horribleness."
These lost funds should be coughed up by the bankers who profited, and returned to the 98%-class investors who got bilked. And there should be jail time for those manipulating bank traders.
"Traders said the rigging is accomplished by executing deals before and during the minute-long windows when benchmarks are set. The report says the activities happened daily for at least a decade."
Matt Taibbi wrote in his blog for Rolling Stone, "if this story is true, it would almost certainly trump LIBOR for scale/horribleness."
These lost funds should be coughed up by the bankers who profited, and returned to the 98%-class investors who got bilked. And there should be jail time for those manipulating bank traders.
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Immigration bill passes Senate hurdle but Obama effort angers some | World news | guardian.co.uk
Immigration bill passes Senate hurdle but Obama effort angers some | World news | guardian.co.uk
We need to adopt a forward thinking policy, and could use the tax revenue, that immigration reform can provide. Both for US citizens, those who'd like to be, and for those already here.
Please complete a legislation Congress, it's about time. Actually, it's WAY overdue.
We need to adopt a forward thinking policy, and could use the tax revenue, that immigration reform can provide. Both for US citizens, those who'd like to be, and for those already here.
Please complete a legislation Congress, it's about time. Actually, it's WAY overdue.
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls - NYTimes.com
U.S. Is Secretly Collecting Records of Verizon Calls - NYTimes.com
This is very, very, very, very not good. The US is far over-reaching the comfort level, privacy, and rights of the citizens. Very, very, very not good, and needs to change ASAP.
This is very, very, very, very not good. The US is far over-reaching the comfort level, privacy, and rights of the citizens. Very, very, very not good, and needs to change ASAP.
Friday, May 31, 2013
California native fish could disappear with climate change - latimes.com
California native fish could disappear with climate change - latimes.com
82% of our native fish are threatened. Unbelievable. In the third largest state in the country.
Nothing to see here people, carry on. Nothing of note oil and coal people, and climate deniers, just the future of our species you are fucking with, and for which you should and will be held legally responsible.
82% of our native fish are threatened. Unbelievable. In the third largest state in the country.
Nothing to see here people, carry on. Nothing of note oil and coal people, and climate deniers, just the future of our species you are fucking with, and for which you should and will be held legally responsible.
Monday, May 27, 2013
Frontline Video: The Untouchables: why no Wall St. execs have faced fraud charges for the financial crisis
Video: The Untouchables | Watch FRONTLINE Online | PBS Video
Infuriating.
Infuriating.
FRONTLINE The Untouchables
FRONTLINE examines why no Wall St. execs have faced fraud charges for the financial crisisBob Dole Scolds today's GOP: 'Closed for repairs'
Bob Dole Scolds GOP: Reagan Wouldn't Make It In Today's Republican Party | ThinkProgress
'WALLACE: What do you think of your party, the Republicans today?
DOLE: I think they ought to put a sign on the national committee doors that says “closed for repairs” until New Year’s Day next year — and spend that time going over ideas and positive agendas.'
'Dole, now 89, also took his own party to task for abuse of the Senate’s cloture rules. Wallace noted that “In your first two years as a Senator, there were 7 motions filed — cloture motions to end debate. In the last two years, there were 115 cloture motions,” and asked the five-term Senator whether it is inappropriate that due to minority obstruction it now takes a 60-vote super-majority to pass any legislation or confirm any nominees.
“No doubt about it,” Dole told him, “There are some cases where you could probably justify if, but not many.”"
'WALLACE: What do you think of your party, the Republicans today?
DOLE: I think they ought to put a sign on the national committee doors that says “closed for repairs” until New Year’s Day next year — and spend that time going over ideas and positive agendas.'
'Dole, now 89, also took his own party to task for abuse of the Senate’s cloture rules. Wallace noted that “In your first two years as a Senator, there were 7 motions filed — cloture motions to end debate. In the last two years, there were 115 cloture motions,” and asked the five-term Senator whether it is inappropriate that due to minority obstruction it now takes a 60-vote super-majority to pass any legislation or confirm any nominees.
“No doubt about it,” Dole told him, “There are some cases where you could probably justify if, but not many.”"
CBS Breaks Climate Silence With Panel Connecting Climate Change To Extreme Weather | ThinkProgress
CBS Breaks Climate Silence With Panel Connecting Climate Change To Extreme Weather | ThinkProgress
Media needs to catch up with science. Otherwise they are just as culpable as the obstructionist special interests who are jeopardizing all of our collective futures.
Media needs to catch up with science. Otherwise they are just as culpable as the obstructionist special interests who are jeopardizing all of our collective futures.
Friday, May 24, 2013
Spared by climate change: The 10 best cities to ride out hot times | Grist
Spared by climate change: The 10 best cities to ride out hot times | Grist
Planning, as if we can't stop it.
(2) We CAN STOP CLIMATE CHANGE. (1) And FIRST WE HAVE TO SLOW IT DOWN.
Please help with (1) and (2).
Planning, as if we can't stop it.
(2) We CAN STOP CLIMATE CHANGE. (1) And FIRST WE HAVE TO SLOW IT DOWN.
Please help with (1) and (2).
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Mount Everest's ice is melting, researcher claims | Fox News
Mount Everest's ice is melting, researcher claims | Fox News
When Fox News reports that Mount Everest is melting, it's like the fat lady singing at the opera. It's almost over. After shitting on climate change data and science for years, they have the balls to report this open faced. As if it's the first they've heard of it. "Mount Everest's ice is melting," so, umm, wow. This is getting pretty bad. Maybe we should look at all the best scientific projections of the next dominoes to fall, and umm, try to help before we all really are screwed.
Thanks, Fox News.
When Fox News reports that Mount Everest is melting, it's like the fat lady singing at the opera. It's almost over. After shitting on climate change data and science for years, they have the balls to report this open faced. As if it's the first they've heard of it. "Mount Everest's ice is melting," so, umm, wow. This is getting pretty bad. Maybe we should look at all the best scientific projections of the next dominoes to fall, and umm, try to help before we all really are screwed.
Thanks, Fox News.
Friday, May 10, 2013
SUPER COOL Electric Car Models - EV-INFO.com
Electric Car Model - EV-INFO.com
Wow, many new models coming out in 2014. Love it, want a bunch of 'em!!!
Wow, many new models coming out in 2014. Love it, want a bunch of 'em!!!
Furnishing EVERY home in America with Solar Panels would Cost Less than the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars combined
Furnishing EVERY home in America with Solar Panels would Cost Less than the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars combined, and would SAVE TAXPAYERS more than $162 billion per year
Wow that puts a sharp point on it. Our values and vision are really screwed up. One day (soon?) people will begin to Democratize our Democracy more, and choose to spend tax money here, on schools, roads, technology, and solar power. 'Beware the military industrial complex' Dwight Eisenhower said. 50 years after those words, that construct's self-fulfilling prophecy leave us an antiquated America. We need a modern America. I can't wait until that generation -- they know who they are -- and its time passes (our parents sadly notwithstanding, most of whom are probably not the hawks and apparatchiks that keep that system on its inertial roll). The planet is fast becoming us, not us vs. them. Divisive powers will lose their steam in the face of the majority of us, as per the 20,000 who marched in downtown LA for immigration and worker's rights on May Day yesterday. These are people of every color and religion, marching for fairness. This is the future.
Holy
shi*, this stuff has got to start to get one's attention. CO2, climate
warming greenhouse gas, reaches *400 parts per million* for the *first
time in human history.* One wonders what they can do... http://
Wow that puts a sharp point on it. Our values and vision are really screwed up. One day (soon?) people will begin to Democratize our Democracy more, and choose to spend tax money here, on schools, roads, technology, and solar power. 'Beware the military industrial complex' Dwight Eisenhower said. 50 years after those words, that construct's self-fulfilling prophecy leave us an antiquated America. We need a modern America. I can't wait until that generation -- they know who they are -- and its time passes (our parents sadly notwithstanding, most of whom are probably not the hawks and apparatchiks that keep that system on its inertial roll). The planet is fast becoming us, not us vs. them. Divisive powers will lose their steam in the face of the majority of us, as per the 20,000 who marched in downtown LA for immigration and worker's rights on May Day yesterday. These are people of every color and religion, marching for fairness. This is the future.
Holy
shi*, this stuff has got to start to get one's attention. CO2, climate
warming greenhouse gas, reaches *400 parts per million* for the *first
time in human history.* One wonders what they can do... http://
If 'sun soaked' Germany can install over 150mw of installed solar per week, WHY CAN'T THE U.S. DO BETTER?
"Politically entrenched interests keep that from happening."
"Because the U.S. is run by corporations. Simple."
Yes. Thanks Spike. Public interest and involvement eventually tip over corrupted institutions. Climate, Superstorm Sandy, Keystone XL and people seeing the destruction by oil and coal and the clear desirability of clean, renewable, non-monopolizable wind and solar are bringing this tipping point. But the arthritic, old Mr. Burns-like hands desperately gripping the controls of old energy won't give up without a fight. They must modernize and transform their utilities asap, or we will overwhelm them with distributed, local clean energy. Thanks for helping with the fight. I too hope we're in time.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Climate Progress: '...imagine that a technologically advanced society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself...'
Climate Progress | ThinkProgress
Umm, maybe we can change the 'we' below to the GOP and the oil and coal industries.
"“It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing.” So ends Field Notes from a Catastrophe, the terrific 2006 book by Elizabeth Kolbert, one of the country’s most thoughtful climate journalists."
Umm, maybe we can change the 'we' below to the GOP and the oil and coal industries.
"“It may seem impossible to imagine that a technologically advanced society could choose, in essence, to destroy itself, but that is what we are now in the process of doing.” So ends Field Notes from a Catastrophe, the terrific 2006 book by Elizabeth Kolbert, one of the country’s most thoughtful climate journalists."
ThinkProgress: New Study: The Economic Benefits of EPA Regulations Massively Outweigh The Costs
ThinkProgress
"Environmental regulations do impose compliance costs on businesses, and can raise prices, which hurt economic growth. But they also create jobs by requiring pollution clean-up and prevention efforts. And perhaps even more importantly, they save the economy billions by avoiding pollution’s deleterious health effects. Particles from smoke stacks, for example, are implicated in respiratory diseases, heart attacks, infections and a host of other ailments, all of which require billions in health care costs per year to treat. Preventing those particles from going into the air means healthier and more productive citizens, who can go spend that money on something other than making themselves well again. Another example is carbon emissions, which will impose costs on the economy in the form of future disruption to food supplies, destruction from extreme weather, and other upheavals if they’re not curbed."
"Environmental regulations do impose compliance costs on businesses, and can raise prices, which hurt economic growth. But they also create jobs by requiring pollution clean-up and prevention efforts. And perhaps even more importantly, they save the economy billions by avoiding pollution’s deleterious health effects. Particles from smoke stacks, for example, are implicated in respiratory diseases, heart attacks, infections and a host of other ailments, all of which require billions in health care costs per year to treat. Preventing those particles from going into the air means healthier and more productive citizens, who can go spend that money on something other than making themselves well again. Another example is carbon emissions, which will impose costs on the economy in the form of future disruption to food supplies, destruction from extreme weather, and other upheavals if they’re not curbed."
Tuesday, April 30, 2013
Zuckerberg Promoting Dirty Fuels? Dislike! | Sierra Club | causes.com
Zuckerberg Promoting Dirty Fuels? Dislike! | Sierra Club | causes.com
Hey Zuck, pull your head out of those filthy tar sands. Pull your ads supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Your brand is taking almost a permanent hit here.
The rest of you, sign the petition! We want a sustainable future.
Hey Zuck, pull your head out of those filthy tar sands. Pull your ads supporting the Keystone XL Pipeline and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Your brand is taking almost a permanent hit here.
The rest of you, sign the petition! We want a sustainable future.
Monday, April 29, 2013
Sunday, April 28, 2013
Saturday, April 27, 2013
Mark Zuckerberg's New Political Group Spending Big On Ads Supporting Keystone XL And Oil Drilling | ThinkProgress
Mark Zuckerberg's New Political Group Spending Big On Ads Supporting Keystone XL And Oil Drilling | ThinkProgress
For those annoyed with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, for among other things, lack of respect for customer privacy, and saw in The Social Network some strong character and moral flaws, the jury is no longer out.
He's started a group supporting the XL Pipeline and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Among other R-SC Lindsay Graham supporting ads. READ: He's just clearly a complete asshole. Sell Facebook, buy Google.
For those annoyed with Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, for among other things, lack of respect for customer privacy, and saw in The Social Network some strong character and moral flaws, the jury is no longer out.
He's started a group supporting the XL Pipeline and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. Among other R-SC Lindsay Graham supporting ads. READ: He's just clearly a complete asshole. Sell Facebook, buy Google.
Thursday, April 25, 2013
Inequality Widened During Post-Recession Period
Inequality Widened During Post-Recession Period
"New figures show inequality has sharply widened in the two-year recovery following the period known as the Great Recession. According to the Pew Research Center, the top 7 percent of U.S. households saw their income jump 28 percent, while that of the remaining 93 percent declined."
And those protecting the wealthy figure, 'nothing to see here, everyone keep stumbling along please.'
The fibers America's popular foundation are dehydrating and peeling away. What will be left? Will or when will we be like England, the superpower rotted away by aristocracy and over-reaching?
"New figures show inequality has sharply widened in the two-year recovery following the period known as the Great Recession. According to the Pew Research Center, the top 7 percent of U.S. households saw their income jump 28 percent, while that of the remaining 93 percent declined."
And those protecting the wealthy figure, 'nothing to see here, everyone keep stumbling along please.'
The fibers America's popular foundation are dehydrating and peeling away. What will be left? Will or when will we be like England, the superpower rotted away by aristocracy and over-reaching?
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
LA Moves Past Coal! In 12 Years. Don't Inhale: SoCal Still Has The Nation's Dirtiest Air: LAist
Don't Inhale: SoCal Still Has The Nation's Dirtiest Air: LAist
Obvious news.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dwp-coal-20130424,0,5270283.story
Much better news! But still late, for health and climate reasons.
Yes the last coal plant sending electricity to LA is in Utah, and contractually has until 2025 until the coal burning stops, but if we had a cleaner grid and electric cars already, all the above would be history.
Obvious news.
http://www.latimes.com/news/local/la-me-dwp-coal-20130424,0,5270283.story
Much better news! But still late, for health and climate reasons.
Yes the last coal plant sending electricity to LA is in Utah, and contractually has until 2025 until the coal burning stops, but if we had a cleaner grid and electric cars already, all the above would be history.
L.A. City Council votes to move away from coal-fired energy
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
BBC News - Transatlantic flights 'to get more turbulent'
BBC News - Transatlantic flights 'to get more turbulent'
Great. Another unforeseen serious problem of climate change, among countless millions of unforeseen no doubt.
Here's to more uncomfortable, dangerous, and expensive trips, as pilots have to take longer routes to avoid the problems areas.
"Flights across the North Atlantic could get a lot bumpier in the future if the climate changes as scientists expect. Planes are already encountering stronger winds, and could now face more turbulence, according to research led from Reading University, UK."
Great. Another unforeseen serious problem of climate change, among countless millions of unforeseen no doubt.
Here's to more uncomfortable, dangerous, and expensive trips, as pilots have to take longer routes to avoid the problems areas.
"Flights across the North Atlantic could get a lot bumpier in the future if the climate changes as scientists expect. Planes are already encountering stronger winds, and could now face more turbulence, according to research led from Reading University, UK."
Monday, April 8, 2013
Gallup: Global Warming Concerns On The Rise In U.S. « CBS Houston
Gallup: Global Warming Concerns On The Rise In U.S. « CBS Houston
You can't hide the truth. It's reprehensible to try.
Ninety-seven percent--97%--of climate scientists know global warming is man-made and real.
People know it too.
Legislators who would cite the 3% as cause for 'controversy' are some special kind of mathematical idiot and/or with too serious ties to the fossil fuel industry which is causing this mess.
Fact.
The next generation should, and probably will, convene war crime-like trials against the legislators delaying serious action. These people are guilty of crimes against humanity, no more and no less. They deserve to be locked up, with the harshest of penalties for those guilty of such crimes. The costs of chemical warfare, in terms of both lives lost and overall damage, has got nothing on climate change.
Book it. Note it. Note the truth, note the players. Take down names.
Get ready for change.
You can't hide the truth. It's reprehensible to try.
Ninety-seven percent--97%--of climate scientists know global warming is man-made and real.
People know it too.
Legislators who would cite the 3% as cause for 'controversy' are some special kind of mathematical idiot and/or with too serious ties to the fossil fuel industry which is causing this mess.
Fact.
The next generation should, and probably will, convene war crime-like trials against the legislators delaying serious action. These people are guilty of crimes against humanity, no more and no less. They deserve to be locked up, with the harshest of penalties for those guilty of such crimes. The costs of chemical warfare, in terms of both lives lost and overall damage, has got nothing on climate change.
Book it. Note it. Note the truth, note the players. Take down names.
Get ready for change.
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Ice That Took 1,600 Years to Form in Peru’s Andes Melted in Only 25, Scientists Say - NYTimes.com
Ice That Took 1,600 Years to Form in Peru’s Andes Melted in Only 25, Scientists Say - NYTimes.com
Tragic. For the loss of the glacier. And the upheaval of change it portends.
And for humankind's failure to lift it's eyes more than two feet in front of it, and take enough meaningful action.
And perhaps worse, for the selfish greed and coal-black heartedness of those who would make many suffer, so they could profit enough to bury silver in the ground.
Tragic. For the loss of the glacier. And the upheaval of change it portends.
And for humankind's failure to lift it's eyes more than two feet in front of it, and take enough meaningful action.
And perhaps worse, for the selfish greed and coal-black heartedness of those who would make many suffer, so they could profit enough to bury silver in the ground.
ALEC-Sponsored Bill To Repeal North Carolina's Renewable Energy Standard Narrowly Passes Out Of Committee | ThinkProgress
ALEC-Sponsored Bill To Repeal North Carolina's Renewable Energy Standard Narrowly Passes Out Of Committee | ThinkProgress
How black-hearted are those trying to repeal clean energy jobs, economic benefit, reduced bills, and reduced pollution in states? Pitch black. As black as coal.
"North Carolina now has over 1,100 clean energy companies that have contributed $3.7 billion in annual gross revenue. This clean energy development has led to a net gain in employment of 21,162 jobs in just five years. Moreover, the renewable energy standard has lowered residential bills and these savings will more than double within a decade, with expected savings of up to $173 million to ratepayers. The RES standard also catapulted North Carolina to fifth in the nation in solar energy development and the state is expected to move to fourth place this year. “It’s an extraordinary success story that there’s an industry that hardly existed several years ago,” said Michael Shore, CEO of FLS Energy in Asheville."
How black-hearted are those trying to repeal clean energy jobs, economic benefit, reduced bills, and reduced pollution in states? Pitch black. As black as coal.
"North Carolina now has over 1,100 clean energy companies that have contributed $3.7 billion in annual gross revenue. This clean energy development has led to a net gain in employment of 21,162 jobs in just five years. Moreover, the renewable energy standard has lowered residential bills and these savings will more than double within a decade, with expected savings of up to $173 million to ratepayers. The RES standard also catapulted North Carolina to fifth in the nation in solar energy development and the state is expected to move to fourth place this year. “It’s an extraordinary success story that there’s an industry that hardly existed several years ago,” said Michael Shore, CEO of FLS Energy in Asheville."
Opinion: More renewables for states - Dennis McGinn - POLITICO.com
Opinion: More renewables for states - Dennis McGinn - POLITICO.com
"Well, according to recent polls conducted by George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communications, 77 percent of Republicans support using much more renewable energy than we use today, something policymakers and Norquist should take note of.
"Well, according to recent polls conducted by George Mason University Center for Climate Change Communications, 77 percent of Republicans support using much more renewable energy than we use today, something policymakers and Norquist should take note of.
Renewable Portfolio Standards drive renewable energy development, but more importantly in difficult economic times, RPS policies can decrease electricity rates. For example, in Michigan, the Public Service Commission found that renewable energy plants produce electricity at a rate 30 percent cheaper than new coal. And contrary to the inaccurate studies touted by Norquist and politically charged organizations like the John Locke Foundation, North Carolinians save about a $1 per month on their electricity bills because of their RPS. The falling costs of renewable energy for consumers is a result of solar prices decreasing nearly 80 percent in the past 10 years and wind prices decreasing nearly 40 percent in the past five years."
Survey Finds Most Republicans Seek Action on Climate Change - NYTimes.com
Survey Finds Most Republicans Seek Action on Climate Change - NYTimes.com
Let's go.
"In a recent survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents conducted by the Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) at George Mason University, a majority of respondents (62 percent) said they feel America should take steps to address climate change. More than three out of four survey respondents (77 percent) said the United States should use more renewable energy sources, and of those, most believe that this change should begin immediately."
Let's go.
"In a recent survey of Republicans and Republican-leaning Independents conducted by the Center for Climate Change Communication (4C) at George Mason University, a majority of respondents (62 percent) said they feel America should take steps to address climate change. More than three out of four survey respondents (77 percent) said the United States should use more renewable energy sources, and of those, most believe that this change should begin immediately."
April 3 News: World Bank President Calls Climate Change A 'Fundamental Threat' To Economic Development | ThinkProgress
April 3 News: World Bank President Calls Climate Change A 'Fundamental Threat' To Economic Development | ThinkProgress
Thank you Jim Yong Kim. Now you and the IMF put an end to investing in climate damaging projects worldwide.
Thank you Jim Yong Kim. Now you and the IMF put an end to investing in climate damaging projects worldwide.
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
NASA climate scientist James Hansen will leave job, fight government | Science Recorder
NASA climate scientist James Hansen will leave job, fight government | Science Recorder
Thank you James Hansen. And thank you for the work to come.
Thank you James Hansen. And thank you for the work to come.
Tuesday, April 2, 2013
My Open Letter on Keystone XL Pipeline and State Department Draft Report
<repost, updated; sent to State Department, as well as numerous national newspapers>
I was
completely shocked and disturbed that the initial State Department
report so underestimated the effects of the Keystone XL pipeline on
climate. The impacts of the project to climate alone are significantly adverse and unmitigatable. The Pentagon has concretely said that climate change is one of the largest
threats to our national security and well being in the future.1 This
would accelerate that irreversibly.
The
environmental impacts are significantly adverse to the Canadian Boreal forests, Athabasca
watershed, water quality, wildlife, and humans there (see new accelerated cancer rates of native people along the watershed) and potentially communities in the US through which
the pipeline would travel.2
The statement that Canada will extract for
eventual burning all that Tar Sands 'oil' (it's bitumen actually, and worse than oil) without the pipeline anyway is unproven.3
Canadians themselves are resisting a pipeline be built of this dirty,
difficult and expensive to extract and environmentally devastating bitumen in
their own country.4
Why should we allow it? For several thousand jobs for a couple months? The U.S. is unlikely to even use most of that 'oil', which is slated for foreign export.5 So that can't be it. The ONLY people to benefit in the long-term are the owners of the oil company and the refinery on the Gulf. That's it.
Why should we allow it? For several thousand jobs for a couple months? The U.S. is unlikely to even use most of that 'oil', which is slated for foreign export.5 So that can't be it. The ONLY people to benefit in the long-term are the owners of the oil company and the refinery on the Gulf. That's it.
LET'S PLEASE think of the long-term for the rest of us. The long-term damage this pipeline will help wreak far outweighs any other benefits, for the few and fleeting, it could provide.
We must work with Canada on renewable, affordable, non-destructive energy, and to leave this obsolete, climate-changing dirty oil in the ground, forever. If the State Department is truly looking after our best interests and enforcing its Environmental Impact Statement duties, denying this permit is the only choice to make.
2 Pipeline leak brings crude reality to Arkansas http://www.cnn.com/2013/04/01/us/arkansas-pipeline-spill/ There are currently over 720 billion litres of toxic tailings on the landscape in the Athabasca oil sands area. There is currently a lack of publicly available information on the rate and volume of seepage from oil sands tailings ponds, despite known incidents involving tailings seepage. http://www.resilience.org/stories/2009-09-22/environmental-impacts-oil-sands-development-alberta
What does environmental devastation look like? http://www.ted.com/talks/garth_lenz_images_of_beauty_and_devastation.html http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/borealbirds.pdf Wildlife/birds http://www.nrdc.org/wildlife/borealbirds.pdf Impacts http://www.worldwatch.org/node/5287
3 Estimates by the Environmental Protection Agency found that Keystone would increase annual carbon emissions by “up to 27.6 metric tons, or the equivalent of nearly 6 million cars on the road.” Without the pipeline, tar sands production is estimated to fall flat by 2020. http://thinkprogress.org/climate/2013/03/03/1663291/states-keystone-report-is-the-tar-sands-pits/
4 While it is entirely possible that Canada could and will choose to ship its oil sands crude to Asia, that would require a another pipeline that some native groups in Canada have opposed in the past. http://science.time.com/2013/03/01/state-dept-build-the-keystone-pipeline-or-not-the-oil-sands-crude-will-flow/#ixzz2MVuHbF48
5 By skipping over refineries and U.S. consumers in the Midwest, tar sands producers will be able to send Canadian crude to the Gulf Coast refineries in tax-free Foreign Trade Zones, where it can be refined and then sold to international buyer--at a higher profit to big oil.
http://priceofoil.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/01/KXL_undermine_energy_security_2page_Web.pdf
Stop Keystone XL by April 14 - 5000 COMMENT CHALLENGE!
Stop Keystone XL by April 14 - 5000 COMMENT CHALLENGE!
keystonecomments@state.gov
Can even make it real easy. Copy & paste: "I'm not in favor of this dirty and unneeded pipeline. It's not good for us, the environment or the climate. Please deny this permit. And help give use cleaner, sustainable energy please."
keystonecomments@state.gov
Can even make it real easy. Copy & paste: "I'm not in favor of this dirty and unneeded pipeline. It's not good for us, the environment or the climate. Please deny this permit. And help give use cleaner, sustainable energy please."
Must-See Video On The True Cost of Tar Sands | ThinkProgress
Must-See Video On The True Cost of Tar Sands | ThinkProgress
Wow. Completely irrefutable look at why the XL Pipeline and Tar Sands development can not go another inch forward. Garth Lenz, thank you.
Wow. Completely irrefutable look at why the XL Pipeline and Tar Sands development can not go another inch forward. Garth Lenz, thank you.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Connecticut Lawmakers Agree to Tighten Gun Laws in Newtown Wake - SFGate
Connecticut Lawmakers Agree to Tighten Gun Laws in Newtown Wake - SFGate
Good. Another state, good.
"...ban sales of semiautomatic rifles like the one used in the Newtown school massacre and require background checks on buyers in all firearms transactions."
"...bar sales of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and put about 100 more weapons on the banned roster."
Good. Another state, good.
"...ban sales of semiautomatic rifles like the one used in the Newtown school massacre and require background checks on buyers in all firearms transactions."
"...bar sales of ammunition magazines that hold more than 10 rounds and put about 100 more weapons on the banned roster."
Lake Erie buried by out-of-control algae; Researchers warn it could become ‘toxic’ | Science Recorder
Lake Erie buried by out-of-control algae; Researchers warn it could become ‘toxic’ | Science Recorder
Can there be any question it is better for humans to leave things well enough alone whenever we can?
"Researchers say fertilizer runoff is a major factor. Over the past several years, regional farmers have increased the use of fertilizers, according to the study, and they have been applying it earlier in the season to the bare ground. Additionally, they have been cutting back on tillage, the practice of working the fertilizer into the soil. The confluence of the changing practices have led to more fertilizer seeping from the farmland into the lake, where it feeds the growth of algae populations."
Can there be any question it is better for humans to leave things well enough alone whenever we can?
"Researchers say fertilizer runoff is a major factor. Over the past several years, regional farmers have increased the use of fertilizers, according to the study, and they have been applying it earlier in the season to the bare ground. Additionally, they have been cutting back on tillage, the practice of working the fertilizer into the soil. The confluence of the changing practices have led to more fertilizer seeping from the farmland into the lake, where it feeds the growth of algae populations."
(Video) Exxon cleans up Arkansas oil spill; Keystone plan assailed - Yahoo! News
Exxon cleans up Arkansas oil spill; Keystone plan assailed - Yahoo! News
This is filthy greed dumped into the communities of those along the pipeline. :(
Really freaking awful.
This is filthy greed dumped into the communities of those along the pipeline. :(
Really freaking awful.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Obama urges Congress to pass gun-control legislation 100 days after Newtown | The Ticket - Yahoo! News
Obama urges Congress to pass gun-control legislation 100 days after Newtown | The Ticket - Yahoo! News
"If we are serious, we will do it," Obama said, Vice President Joe Biden at his side. "We have cried enough. We have known enough heartbreak. Now, it’s time to turn that heartbreak into something real."
As the mothers of the children killed by gun violence wiped away tears, the president went on to urge the passage of background checks for gun buyers, and for loopholes to be closed for buyers who turn around and sell guns to criminals. He said 90 percent of Americans support background checks, as well as 80 percent of gun owners and 80 percent of Republicans."
Do it, Congress. You have our approval. Special interests must not stand in the way of Democracy.
"If we are serious, we will do it," Obama said, Vice President Joe Biden at his side. "We have cried enough. We have known enough heartbreak. Now, it’s time to turn that heartbreak into something real."
As the mothers of the children killed by gun violence wiped away tears, the president went on to urge the passage of background checks for gun buyers, and for loopholes to be closed for buyers who turn around and sell guns to criminals. He said 90 percent of Americans support background checks, as well as 80 percent of gun owners and 80 percent of Republicans."
Do it, Congress. You have our approval. Special interests must not stand in the way of Democracy.
Friday, March 22, 2013
Video: Mayor Villaraigisa: "The Era of Coal is Over!!!" Los Angeles Halts Using Electricity From Coal Plants - Bloomberg
Los Angeles Halts Using Electricity From Coal Plants - Bloomberg
Outstanding great news!! Mayor Villaraigosa, Al Gore, Michael Brune (Sierra Club): Video Here: http://content.sierraclub.org/coal/los-angeles
From Bil Corcoran, Sierra Club Beyond Coal: According to a recent report by Physicians for Social Responsibility, "Coal pollutants affect all major body organ systems and contribute to four of the five leading causes of (death) in the U.S." A new report by the National Academy of Science found the national cost of treating the health effects from coal pollution to be $62 billion each year.
By tossing out coal, the LA Department of Water and Power will slash its climate-disrupting carbon emissions 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2025, while L.A.'s carbon emissions will drop by 40 percent, leading the nation.
http://www.scpr.org/news/2013/03/22/36504/al-gore-joins-villaraigosa-praises-los-angeles-for/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/la-dwp-to-be-coal-free-in-12-years-under-new-plan.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-19/los-angeles-halts-using-electricity-from-coal-plants.html
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LADWP-Power-Bill-Coal-Fuel-199097201.html
Outstanding great news!! Mayor Villaraigosa, Al Gore, Michael Brune (Sierra Club): Video Here: http://content.sierraclub.org/coal/los-angeles
From Bil Corcoran, Sierra Club Beyond Coal: According to a recent report by Physicians for Social Responsibility, "Coal pollutants affect all major body organ systems and contribute to four of the five leading causes of (death) in the U.S." A new report by the National Academy of Science found the national cost of treating the health effects from coal pollution to be $62 billion each year.
By tossing out coal, the LA Department of Water and Power will slash its climate-disrupting carbon emissions 60 percent below 1990 levels by 2025, while L.A.'s carbon emissions will drop by 40 percent, leading the nation.
http://www.scpr.org/news/2013/03/22/36504/al-gore-joins-villaraigosa-praises-los-angeles-for/
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/lanow/2013/03/la-dwp-to-be-coal-free-in-12-years-under-new-plan.html
http://www.bloomberg.com/news/2013-03-19/los-angeles-halts-using-electricity-from-coal-plants.html
http://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/LADWP-Power-Bill-Coal-Fuel-199097201.html
Mary Anne Hitt, Sierra Club: "The Era of Coal is Over": Los Angeles Will Move Beyond Coal by 2025
Mary Anne Hitt: "The Era of Coal is Over": Los Angeles Will Move Beyond Coal by 2025
"We applaud Mayor Villaraigosa and the city of Los Angeles for providing visionary leadership, for taking the lead in moving beyond coal, and for bringing clean air and clean energy jobs to one of America's most celebrated cities.
L.A. is home to a new rooftop solar program--the largest in the nation--and the city has an energy-efficiency program that's been creating jobs while saving residents money and energy. By moving L.A. beyond coal, the city will reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, grow its local economy with new clean-energy jobs, and reduce its carbon footprint."
Extremely meaningful progress, here in LA.
"We applaud Mayor Villaraigosa and the city of Los Angeles for providing visionary leadership, for taking the lead in moving beyond coal, and for bringing clean air and clean energy jobs to one of America's most celebrated cities.
L.A. is home to a new rooftop solar program--the largest in the nation--and the city has an energy-efficiency program that's been creating jobs while saving residents money and energy. By moving L.A. beyond coal, the city will reduce its dependence on fossil fuels, grow its local economy with new clean-energy jobs, and reduce its carbon footprint."
Extremely meaningful progress, here in LA.
Thursday, March 21, 2013
Biden to Congress: 'Show courage' on gun control
Biden to Congress: 'Show courage' on gun control
Sensible gun controls measures are very broadly supported. Biden is right. Move us forward please.
Although Bloomberg’s group has concentrated on pushing background checks, Biden said the White House was committed to all elements of its gun control plan: the assault weapons ban, limits on high-capacity magazines, universal background checks and tougher laws against gun trafficking.
“I’m not going to rest, nor is the president, until we do all of these things,” Biden said. “All of these things.”
Yes.
Sensible gun controls measures are very broadly supported. Biden is right. Move us forward please.
Although Bloomberg’s group has concentrated on pushing background checks, Biden said the White House was committed to all elements of its gun control plan: the assault weapons ban, limits on high-capacity magazines, universal background checks and tougher laws against gun trafficking.
“I’m not going to rest, nor is the president, until we do all of these things,” Biden said. “All of these things.”
Yes.
GOP strategist: Republicans should not create debt ceiling “crisis”
GOP strategist: Republicans should not create debt ceiling “crisis”
There are lots of real critical issues in the US. Let's not create extras.
There are lots of real critical issues in the US. Let's not create extras.
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Sunset, Venice 12/20/2012
