Protect Families From Dirty Coal Pollution!

https://secure.sierraclub.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=8299  

 

Or sign here:

http://www.beyondcoal.org/act-now#form

"My name is Surita Hernandez and I live on the Moapa Band of Paiutes Indian Reservation with my husband and five children and the Reid Gardner coal plant is destroying the health of my family and tribe. The plant is only 500 yards from my backyard and creates a dark cloud that rains dirty coal pollution.
As a result my entire family has been prescribed inhalers, nebulizers, and prescription medications to manage our respiratory conditions -- but when smoke from the smoke stacks blows over our house we have to stay indoors. I fear for the health of my kids and family."

Help Send Two Million Letters Supporting Limits to Carbon Pollution!

 Sign here:

Help Us Send Two Million Letters Supporting Limits to Carbon Pollution! - NRDC Action Center 

"The Obama Administration has taken a major step toward heading off global climate change by proposing the first-ever national limits on dangerous carbon pollution from new power plants. But with big polluters fighting back, we need to show there is massive public support for the new safeguard.

Urge the EPA to adopt this new protection essential to protecting our planet and the health of our families."

Or
 Learn more about this issue »

Radioactive bluefin tuna cross the Pacific to US

Radioactive bluefin tuna crossed the Pacific to US - Yahoo! News 

"We were frankly kind of startled," said Nicholas Fisher, one of the researchers reporting the findings online Monday in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

...the mighty bluefin tuna carried radioactive contamination that leaked from Japan's crippled nuclear plant to the shores of the United States 6,000 miles away — the first time a huge migrating fish has been shown to carry radioactivity such a distance.

The levels of radioactive cesium were 10 times higher than the amount measured in tuna off the California coast in previous years. But even so, that's still far below safe-to-eat limits set [Editors note: and recently reset, from reports, to allow more radioactivity to be considered 'safe'] by the U.S. and Japanese governments.

The real test of how radioactivity affects tuna populations comes this summer when researchers planned to repeat the study with a larger number of samples. Bluefin tuna that journeyed last year were exposed to radiation for about a month. The upcoming travelers have been swimming in radioactive waters for a longer period. How this will affect concentrations of contamination remains to be seen.

U.N. nuclear agency finds more highly enriched uranium in Iran

U.N. nuclear agency finds more highly enriched uranium in Iran - latimes.com 

Highly enriched uranium is not needed for energy.

Heading to the Beach Memorial Weekend? Los Angeles Beaches Report Card Here

Beach Report Card for California 

Los Angeles selected / selectable. Be careful after a rain.

Some beaches are surprisingly good, some not (Avalon, Catalina = poor).

Egyptians choose their leader for first time in 5,000 years - Telegraph

Egyptians choose their leader for first time in 5,000 years - Telegraph 

Worth chronicling. The hope of democracy to its people!

Iran and World Powers: Seem to Actually Be Working On It - Sets the Road for Peace for Iran, Peace in the Region

"The six world powers opened the meeting at midday Wednesday with a group session led by Catherine Ashton, the European Union's foreign policy chief. The group is expected to outline a proposed interim deal in which Iran would halt production of 20% enriched uranium, which can be purified relatively easily to material that can be used in a nuclear bomb. It would also surrender control of all of the material and dismantle an underground bunker where it is being refined. In return, the other nations would hold off on further sanctions against Iran and would provide several incentives, including help with Iran's civilian nuclear program. Representatives of the six powers -- the United States, Britain, France, Germany, Russia and China -- don't expect a deal at this gathering but want Iran to signal that it would make concessions in a comprehensive negotiation. White House officials have expressed optimism about the talks but some of the diplomats involved in the discussions are making no predictions...."

Interconnectedness & Sustainability: Wild Elephants gather inexplicably, mourn death of human friend

Wild Elephants gather inexplicably, mourn death of “Elephant Whisperer” | Delight Makers 

'“A good man died suddenly,” says Rabbi Leila Gal Berner, Ph.D., “and from miles and miles away, two herds of elephants, sensing that they had lost a beloved human friend, moved in a solemn, almost ‘funereal’ procession to make a call on the bereaved family at the deceased man’s home.”

“If there ever were a time, when we can truly sense the wondrous ‘interconnectedness of all beings,’ it is when we reflect on the elephants of Thula Thula. A man’s heart’s stops, and hundreds of elephants’ hearts are grieving. This man’s oh-so-abundantly loving heart offered healing to these elephants, and now, they came to pay loving homage to their friend.”

His sons say that their father was a remarkable man who lived his life to the fullest and never looked back on any choices he made.'

**GOP Dying Off - Literally. Demographics.

http://www.cnn.com/2012/05/21/politics/gop-census-latino/index.html 

Old, white, and intolerant just isn't as cool as it was.

Embrace diversity, choice. Love your religion, respect others' religions too.
Embrace the environment, live sustainably, live peacefully.
Whether one votes GOP or DEM.

Obama Four-Pronged Strategy Addresses EU Stability

Obama sketches four-pronged strategy for Europe, sees EU consensus | Reuters 

Hope so. Europe seems welcome to more thoroughly address the financial situation there.

"The truth is we still haven't done enough to decisively resolve the crisis," Cameron told a news conference during a NATO summit. He also said that bank recapitalization, firewalls and a more active policy from the European Central Bank were needed, as well future plans for a common euro zone bond...."

Tougher Iran Sanctions: Bringing a Rogue Nation Peacefully Back In Line nuke program

The Associated Press: Senate toughens Iran penalties over nuke program

Population Connection - a.k.a. Zero Population Growth

Learn more here: Population Connection 

Protecting the Planet

Nearly 80 million people are added to the earth's population each year. Reducing the rate of population growth eases the many pressures people place on natural resources, wildlife habitats, and the atmosphere.

Oldest Maya calendar found in Guatemala Projects Thousands More Years - POSITIVE Sustainability Predictions

Oldest known Maya calendar found in Guatemala - Los Angeles Times 

Fantastic find, and very interesting information. They probably could have projected the calendars further, but ya gotta stop cranking numbers out sometime.

"Not all of the writing has been deciphered yet, but some clearly describe the 260-day ceremonial calendar, the 365-day solar calendar, the 584-day cycle of Venus and the 780-day cycle of Mars. Another calendar nearby comprises 17 baktuns, or 400-year periods, encompassing an additional 4,000 years beyond the 21st century.

"This is our first real look at this kind of writing and this kind of a space in a Maya city," Saturno said.

Game Over for the Climate - NYTimes.com

Game Over for the Climate - NYTimes.com

Us, not sustainable?

Bank Regulations Get Fresh Support - NYTimes.com

Bank Regulations Get Fresh Support - NYTimes.com

No sh**

2 billion dollars lost here by JP Morgan.

Wonder how often getting ripped off takes before someone secures their wallet.

'Leading members of Congress on Friday demanded that federal regulators strengthen proposed banking rules and scrutinize trading closely in the wake of JPMorgan Chase’s disclosures of trading losses.

“The fact that this can happen at a bank with a solid reputation like JPMorgan is evidence that our banking regulators must remain vigilant,” said Senator Tim Johnson, the South Dakota Republican who is chairman of the Senate Banking Committee, “and why opponents of Wall Street reform must not be allowed to gut important protections for the financial system and taxpayers.” The bank has been a leader of industry lobbying against new strictures on trading practices.'

These guys are such straw men. Now the GOP is just simply blushing here. Everyone sees another protected, privileged 1%-er with egg on their face, but with hand still-dripping with honey on the way out of the cookie jar - apparently the disgraced 'trader' will still get her bonus. Oopsie. "Nothing to see here." Cads. Our Founding Fathers would've tossed these f***ing scoundrels into Boston Harbor with that foul aristocratic tea.

Help End Polluter Subsidies! NO performance bonus for fossil fuels' WRECKING the climate

350 | Stand With Bernie: End Polluter Subsidies! 


"Not only is fossil fuel the richest industry on earth, but every taxpayer writes it a hefty check each year. It’s as if we’re paying them a performance bonus for wrecking the climate. We’ll never get to renewable energy if we keep handing gobs of money to oil and coal and gas.

The bill introduced today would strip away these outrageous subsidies. As you can imagine, the fossil fuel industry is going to fight back hard, so we need to come out as strong as possible."
Please sign on to add your name to this push >>

Could water catch on fire in California?!

Tell Gov. Brown: Ban Fracking in California!

Sign petition!

From CREDO: 
"Fracking is the dangerous method of oil and gas drilling that's causing poisoned water and air in Wyoming, earthquakes in Ohio, and tap water that can light on fire in Pennsylvania.¹
 
Fracking is happening here in California, too.

Yet state regulators have no idea where, or how much our state is being fracked -- and even worse, California has no laws to ensure we are protected from fracking!^2"


1. "Fracking," Water Defense
2. "California Government Has No Idea Fracking Is Happening," Mother Jones, February 29, 2012

Deadline Today: Tell Congress to Label GMOs

Food Democracy Now | Deadline Today to tell Congress to Label GMOs 
Deadline Today to Tell Congress to Label GMOs -- SIGN NOW!

"Today, an estimated 75 to 80% of processed food in the U.S. contains GMOs (genetically modified organism). For the past 15 years, Americans have been denied the basic right to know what’s in our food, despite the fact that more than 50 countries around the world already require labeling of genetically engineered food."

Streamline and Expedite the Use of Electric Vehicles in California

Union of Concerned Scientists: Unleash the Full Potential of Electric Vehicles

Let's help make it easier for electric cars in California... please sign the linked petition.

Clinton hopes for deal over Iran and oil during India visit

Clinton hopes for deal over Iran and oil during India visit | World news | guardian.co.uk

"Hillary Clinton has arrived in India hoping to press the south Asian power to cut back its consumption of Iranian oil and to reinvigorate relations which, after many years of rapid improvement, have flagged."

Yes, thank you Hilary. I share those hopes.

Stephen King: Tax Me, for F@%&’s Sake!

"The iconic writer scolds the superrich (including himself—and Mitt Romney) for not giving back, and warns of a Kingsian apocalyptic scenario if inequality is not addressed in America." http://www.thedailybeast.com/articles/2012/04/30/stephen-king-tax-me-for-f-s-sake.html

Jogging / Running Increases Life About 5 Years! (Study results linked)

*Sustainable!* Male joggers lived 6.2 years longer than non-jogging males Female joggers lived 5.6 years longer than non-jogging females "Best health and survival benefits were derived from 1 to 2.5 hours jogging per week, over two or three sessions. The ideal pace for best benefits was slow or average speeds."

Jogging / Running Increases Life About 5 Years! (Study Results Linked)

China's Activist Chen Guangcheng Offers 'deep gratitude' to Americans

Activist expresses 'deep gratitude' to Americans - CNN.com 

I like this guy. He deserves the human rights and freedom that we all do. Tremendous story, character, and will.

(P.S. Remember my boycott Chinese products petition? Google Colby Boycott China)

Why I boycott China

Re: "Hu concedes China's human rights fall short" (Jan. 20). Well, I always avoid buying things made in China, for their human rights, women's rights and environmental abuses. Shouldn't we all?
China is jailing people for speaking their minds, denying religious choice and freedom of speech? It's the dark ages.
I also always tell sales clerks exactly why I'm avoiding the purchase and request they tell their managers. If we all boycotted buying anything from China for two months, how fast would their government start changing? Is this a rhetorical question, or will you pass it along?
G. Colby Allerton, Richmond

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2011/01/21/ED371HC9HT.DTL#ixzz1tr9CJb00

Incredible Weather Events & Photos

 (Yes, that's the name of his site. Sorry. But the pictures are landscape and weather related and are phenomenal!)

Weather Boner of the Day 

"All things weather related that are awesome..."

Obama Says Defeat of al-Qaeda Within Reach, War Near End

Obama Says Defeat of al-Qaeda Within Reach, War Near End - Businessweek 

"The war has cost the lives of 1,831 U.S. military personnel and about $443 billion, according to figures from the Defense Department and the Congressional Research Service. This year, the administration plans to spend $90 billion on military operations and $16 billion for aid, including training and equipment. More than 1,000 troops from U.S. coalition partners, which includes the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, also have died."

Occupy protests held across U.S., globe - The Washington Post

Occupy protests held across U.S., globe - The Washington Post 

"Hey Hedge Funder, PAY YOUR FAIR SHARE"
All across the globe; when comes reform, before revolt? Or after?
We need to streamline and make fair the taxation and loopholes in our country.
We need to ensure fair play and a strong middle class.
Letting America become so wealth top heavy at the 1% and 2% - and then let them strangle the rules - must be bad for the system as a whole.
The pyramid game is unsustainable - in the end, those at the bottom of the pyramid scheme, get nothing.
Currently, the 99% is the bottom of this pyramid.