Monthly Archives: June 2011

~ my 2cents ..., ~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

wicked Wednesday &some News


Today, President Obama will announce the number of troops that will be in the Military draw down. I already know that no matter what he says, it will not be enough for some. I am not a Military strategist but given the fact that the Bush Admin waged two wars and two 2huge tax cuts that have not been paid for yet and has been dumped on President Obama. Today’s decision is one that the last guy escaped or ran out on and it is not only unfair but people will blame President Obama for crap the last guy failed to take care of.

Abortion … my rant today

I want Max Bachcus, who got single payer for his people and Mitt Romney who got universal healthcare for his to tell Americans why they feel their States are more deserving of great healthcare than the rest of their fellow Americans.

We all debate at what point a fetus becomes a baby and at what point an egg becomes a fetus and becomes anything after conception. We have to ask at what point is conception and if you believe a baby or life begins at conception, then we have nothing to discuss because i do not believe that at conception whenever that is, creates a baby. I believe an egg becomes a fetus but when is anyone’s guess, then after the first tri-mister, or at 9weeks, which is when a heartbeat is normally heard, is when we can call the fetus a baby. Even with all this rhetoric and or information  i do not believe you or anyone else has the right to tell women what to do with their bodies yet mostly Republican are legislating against women and their right to choose.  The fact that Republicans feel comfortable legislating means they do believe in big Government and what could be bigger than opening the door of our private lives and telling us their doctrine of “family values” trumps our rights as Americans.  This belief and or doctrine will put women of all ages at risk. The fact is and just so you know desperate women have used instruments, back alley doctors, drugs to abort and when all else fails, some choose suicide when it becomes too much. It is my wish that legal, safe and credible places remain available for women because not  only do people have the right to have options no one should have to feel so stressed out about a personal choice and no woman chooses abortion because it is fun believe me.

 While it is offensive to even to say it … women are intelligent enough to decide what is best for them and or families and should be treated with respect.  I cannot fathom any sitting politician legislating against women wanting anyone invading in their lives for any reason let alone a very personal one like a right to choose. In addition, contrary to popular thought doctors actually do counsel and discuss options with a woman and or family though some States have decided to legislate that in ways that are not only offensive they portray women as feeble, intelligible while lacking a sufficient amount of knowledge. There was a time when personal choice and or the option to have certain healthcare procedures were tedious but taken for granted if you were relatively healthy. It took a while for me to experience the down fall of being a woman until my first important  healthcare procedure and learned that as a woman I was not only a liability to my company but the healthcare or insurance company told me they had to make a decision about the procedure I needed. I will not give details but suffice it to say it was difficult   for me to get the procedure I needed because as a woman I was a pre-existing condition. I had to battle for my right to have the surgery that would in fact improve my health.

Now, health care is scary because it has become a tool that is abused by insurers and Republicans want to completely privatize it under the platform of “family values” and or in reality, it is family enforcement. It is just my opinion but I do not believe all women want to procreate though they might engage in the act that results in becoming pregnant with or without contraceptives. I have to wonder will all Doctors be subject to constant scrutiny for what types of healthcare they will be providing women and  isn’t that what big government is all about.  It makes no sense to think healthcare is anyone’s business let alone what is going on between a woman and her doctor, it baffles my mind to think a member of Congress let alone Governors of various States; a stranger thinks they should control my uterus because of their own personal beliefs, religion, values. I have to believe that the Democratic Party will not cross that line and legislate against women like Republicans have on all levels . I don’t know about you but it gives me the feeling that Republicans want women to be seen and not heard. I guess with the cutting slashing and burning of safe, clean and truly great facilities that help girls, young women and older women on a daily basis for all kinds of things not just abortion. I hope that Women will decide to fight back and not hide in the shadows and or put themselves at risk even with these stupid laws if enacted.

 The fact is, places like Planned Parenthood also talk to young men about their responsibilities provide contraceptive info etc. because with great information comes intelligent choices though Republicans are trying to keep a strong hold on information, procedures and personal choice  and that can only be detrimental to the progress in the realm of women’s health.

 Do you believe in less government? It is my opinion that the Hyde amendment is enough for everyone to accept and has been for years. The question for anyone who objects is why you feel it is your right to dictate to a woman as it relates to woman’s health or contraceptive choices. It is this kind of attitude by folks with that “family values platform” that most if not all Republicans subscribe and proceeded to defund Planned Parenthood. It makes no sense to take social services away from those who are in need then say if you become pregnant, you might have to go full-term.

 In my opinion, life without places like Planned Parenthood would mean more young women suffering unwanted pregnancies, diseases, and or worse.

Other News …

Fed lets bond-buying stimulus program expire amid weaker economic forecast

Obama’s task: maintaining support for Afghan war

 

Bachmann’s 2012 Kickoff Set for Monday in Iowa

Department of binary choices, Newt Gingrich edition

Transocean blames BP’s oil well design for Gulf of Mexico disaster

 CSPAN

Congressional Budget Office Releases Long Term Budget Outlook

Obama to Outline Afghanistan Troop Reduction

Bernanke Holds Second Press Briefing as Fed Chief

FDIC’s Bair Makes Final Appearance on Capitol Hill

House resolution to remove U.S. troops from Libya

House resolution authorizing “limited” U.S. role in Libya

~ Recent Post

Congress is in Session -the Republican led House – the Senate


CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS
LEGISLATIVE DAY OF JUNE 22, 2011
112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

 

H.R. 2021:
to amend the Clean Air Act regarding air pollution from Outer Continental Shelf activities 

6:58 P.M. – Floor summary: DEBATE – The House proceeded with ten minutes of debate on the motion to recommit with instructions.Mr. Keating moved to recommit with instructions to Energy and Commerce.

6:57 P.M. – The House rose from the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union to report H.R. 2021.On agreeing to the Schrader amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 476).

6:50 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hochul amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 475).

6:44 P.M. – On agreeing to the Capps amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 474).

6:38 P.M. – On agreeing to the Eshoo amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 473).

6:31 P.M. – On agreeing to the Quigley amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 472).

6:25 P.M. – On agreeing to the Rush amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 471).

6:19 P.M. – On agreeing to the Keating amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 470).

6:12 P.M. – On agreeing to the Welch amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 469).

6:05 P.M. – On agreeing to the Hastings (FL) amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 468).

5:58 P.M. – On agreeing to the Speier amendment Failed by recorded vote: (Roll No. 467).

5:29 P.M. – UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of amendments which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

5:28 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Schrader amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced that the noes had prevailed. Mr. Schrader demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until later in the legislative.

5:16 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Schrader amendment.

5:15 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Schrader.

An amendment numbered 10 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to prohibit any permits issued under the Clean Air Act for oil or natural gas drilling on the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) off the coast of Oregon.

5:14 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hochul amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Hochul demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

5:06 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hochul amendment.

5:05 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Hochul.

An amendment numbered 9 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to require a report that details how the amendments made by this Act are projected to increase oil and gas production and lower energy prices for consumers.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Capps amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Capps demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:53 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Capps amendment.Amendment offered by Mrs. Capps.

An amendment numbered 8 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to preserve state authority over OCS sources where states have been delegated authority to issue air permits for offshore drilling activities.

4:52 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Eshoo amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Eshoo demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:45 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Eshoo amendment.

4:44 P.M. – Amendment offered by Ms. Eshoo.

An amendment numbered 7 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to preserve access to local courts by striking a provision which requires permit decisions to be litigated in the DC Circuit in Washington D.C.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Quigley amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Quigley demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:36 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Quigley amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Quigley.

An amendment numbered 6 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to strike underlying text that eliminates the ability of the Environmental Appeals Board (EAB) to remand or deny the issuance of Clean Air Act permits for offshore energy exploration and extraction.

4:35 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Rush amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Rush demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:25 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Rush amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Rush.

An amendment numbered 5 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to allow the Administrator to provide additional 30-day extensions if the Administrator determines that such time is necessary to meet the requirements of this section, to provide adequate time for public participation, or to ensure sufficient involvement by one or more affected States.

4:24 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Keating amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Keating demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:18 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Keating (MA) amendment.

4:17 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Keating.

An amendment numbered 4 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to require that all completed applications include data on bonuses provided to the executives of the applicant from the most recent quarter.

POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Welch amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Welch demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:09 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Welch amendment.Amendment offered by Mr. Welch.

An amendment numbered 3 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to require all permit applications to include data on federal oil subsidies received by the company applying for the permit

4:08 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Mr. Hastings (FL) demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

4:02 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Hastings (FL) amendment.

4:01 P.M. – Amendment offered by Mr. Hastings (FL).

An amendment numbered 2 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to direct emission sources from the Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) to title I of the Clean Air Act, ensuring that the vessels often responsible for the majority of the OCS’s emission sources are not left unregulated.

4:00 P.M. – POSTPONED PROCEEDINGS – At the conclusion of debate on the Speier amendment, the Chair put the question on adoption of the amendment and by voice vote, announced the noes had prevailed. Ms. Speier demanded a recorded vote and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of adoption of the amendment until a time to be announced.

3:52 P.M. – DEBATE – Pursuant to the provisions of H.Res. 316, the Committee of the Whole proceeded with 10 minutes of debate on the Speier amendment.Amendment offered by Ms. Speier.

An amendment numbered 1 printed in Part A of House Report 112-111 to strike section 2 of H.R. 2021.

2:45 P.M. – GENERAL DEBATE – The Committee of the Whole proceeded with one hour of general debate on H.R. 2021.

2:44 P.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Jo Ann Emerson to act as Chairwoman of the Committee.House resolved itself into the Committee of the Whole House on the state of the Union pursuant to H. Res. 316and Rule XVIII.

Rule provides for consideration of H.R. 2021 and H.R. 1249. Previous question shall be considered as ordered without intervening motions except motion to recommit with or without instructions. Measures will be considered read. Specified amendments are in order. The resolution provides for one hour of general debate for H.R. 2021 and 80 minutes of general debate for H.R. 1249. The resolution also provides that for H.R. 1249, the amendment in the nature of a substitute recommended by the Committee on the Judiciary shall be considered as an original bill for the purpose of amendment under the five-minute rule.

Considered under the provisions of rule H. Res. 316.

H.R. 672:
to terminate the Election Assistance Commission, and for other purposes 

2:43 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 235 – 187 (Roll no. 466).

2:37 P.M. – Considered as unfinished business.UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was on a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

H. Res. 316:
providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 2021) to amend the Clean Air Act regarding air pollution from Outer Continental Shelf activities, and providing for consideration of the bill ( H.R. 1249) to amend title 35, United States Code, to provide for patent reform 

2:36 P.M. – Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to by recorded vote: 239 – 186 (Roll no. 465).

2:23 P.M. – On ordering the previous question Agreed to by recorded vote: 230 – 184 (Roll no. 464).

12:50 P.M. – DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 316.Considered as privileged matter.

12:49 P.M. – On question of consideration of the resolution Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: 215 – 189, 1 Present (Roll No. 463).

11:59 A.M. – POINT OF ORDER – Mr. Garamendi raised a point of order against the provisions of H.Res. 316 by stating that it violates the Congressional Budget Act. The Chair announced that the disposition of the point of order would be resolved by the question of consideration of H.Res. 316. The House proceeded with 20 minutes of debate on the point of order at the end of which the Chair will put the question on consideration.

11:58 A.M. – By direction of the Committee on Rules, Mr. Nugent called up H.Res. 316 and asked for its immediate consideration.

11:32 A.M. – ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.

11:31 A.M. – PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Coble to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.

11:30 A.M. – Today’s prayer was offered by Reverend Dr. Joe Pool, First United Methodist Church, Rockwall, Texas.The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of June 22.

10:19 A.M. – The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. today.

9:31 A.M. – MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning Hour, the House will recess until 11:30 a.m. for the start of legislative business.

9:30 A.M. – The Speaker designated the Honorable Daniel Webster to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

 
 

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The Senate Convenes at 9:30amET June 22, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 11am with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Majority controlling the first half and the Republicans controlling the final half.

  •  
    • Morning business has been extended until 12:30pm with Senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.
    • By unanimous consent, the cloture motion with respect to the motion to proceed to Calendar #75, S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act was vitiated, the Senate adopted the motion to proceed to the bill and is now considering S.679.
    • The Senate then entered into the following consent agreement with respect to S.679.
      • The committee substitute amendment was agreed to and will be considered original text for the purpose of further amendment. The time until 3pm today, Wednesday, June 22ndwill be a period for debate only.
      • Following the debate only time, it will be in order for any Senator to call up any relevant, filed amendment, including a managers’ amendment to be offered by Senators Alexander and Schumer. No amendment offered to the bill will be divisible. Further, in addition to relevant amendments offered to the bill, the amendments listed here are also in order:
        • Vitter related to czars (60-vote threshold),
        • DeMint related to IMF bailouts (60-vote threshold), and
        • Coburn related to duplications (two-thirds-vote threshold)
      • Upon the disposition of amendments, the bill will be read a third time and the Senate will conduct a vote on passage of the bill, as amended, if amended, with a 60-vote threshold. If the bill does not achieve 60 affirmative votes on passage, the bill will be returned to the calendar.
      • Upon disposition of S.679, the Senate will proceed to the immediate consideration of Calendar #45, S.Res.116, a resolution providing for expedited consideration of certain nominations with only relevant amendments in order.
      • Finally, upon the disposition of the amendments to the resolution, the Senate will proceed to vote on the adoption of the resolution as amended, if amended.
    • There will be no roll call votes during today’s session of the Senate.
    • The following amendments are pending to S.679, the Presidential Appointment Efficiency and Streamlining Act
      • DeMint amendment # 501 (IMF bailouts
      • DeMint amendment #510 (Bureau of Justice statistics)
      • DeMint amendment #511 (legislative & public affairs)
      • Vitter amendment #499 (czars)
      • Coburn amendment #500 (duplicative Federal programs)
      • Portman amendment #509 (Comptrollers of Navy, Army, Air Force and Controller of OMB)
      • Cornyn amendment #504 (strike provisions re: Comptroller of the Army, Navy and Air Force)
~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Why I’m in Ames, Iowa …Judd Legum


As you may know, ThinkProgress has been hitting the road to ask tough questions and bring you the unvarnished truth from around the country.

For example, when Paul Ryan was booed by his constituents in Milton, Wisconsin, for defending his plan to privatize Medicare, the traditional media was nowhere to be found. But ThinkProgress was there to capture it all on tape. The clip was played dozens of times on national TV, and hundreds of thousands of people watched the video online.

Overall, our reporters have traveled to 20 states, interviewing nine presidential candidates and 56 members of Congress. We are making an impact and shaping the debate.

But this kind of on-the-ground reporting isn’t cheap. We need to raise $20,000 in the next week to keep our efforts going strong.

Can you pitch in $4 right now?    www.thinkprogress.org

This week, I’m in Iowa to cover the Tea Party Bus Tour — organized by a radical group advocating a return to the gold standard. Several GOP presidential candidates are scheduled to participate.

We’ll be visiting Ames, Iowa Falls, Webster City, Oskaloosa, Creston, and Council Bluffs. With your support, we’ll be able to keep this show on the road and keep holding the right wing accountable.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me with any comments or questions.

Best,
Judd Legum
Founder, ThinkProgress.org

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Highlighti​ng the Unseen Human Costs of War


Highlighting the Unseen Human Costs of  War in Afghanistan

At a Senate hearing last week, I urged Secretary of Defense Robert Gates and chairman of the Joint Chiefs of StaffAdmiral Mullen to address concerns over the unseen human cost of war, including the rising rate of suicide among veterans, the lack of access to much needed mental health care, and the increasednumber of tours of current service members. I also asked if these concerns were taken into consideration as factors for a drawdown in Afghanistan. read more >> http://mta.hilltopcms.com/?r=MTAwOA0KSjU1NTgtMjMyY2JmNGUtNGVmNy00ZWU0LTljZmUtODAzZWY3MmU5ZjEwDQplNmIyYTk1YS01MzZjLTRiM2QtOTY4Yy1jZGQyM2Q4NGE0OTANCjhhMDAwMDAwOWU1MzhlDQpodHRwOi8vbXVycmF5LnNlbmF0ZS5nb3YvcHVibGljL2luZGV4LmNmbT9wPU5ld3NSZWxlYXNlcyZDb250ZW50UmVjb3JkX2lkPWIwY2Q0Njc0LTQ3ZGEtNDcwMi1hNGU4LTE0ZDRlMTJmZjViNQ0KdHJ1ZQ0KeW5hdGl2ZTc3QGdtYWlsLmNvbQ%3d%3d

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Going to Bat for Seattle Sports Fans

Last week, I applauded the announcement that an effort to block legislation I authored, which would restorethe ability for King County Metro to provide service to sporting events, had been overturned. All Seattle sports fans have a right to affordable and efficient transportation toand from sporting events, and this public transportation will support our local sports teams, bolster the local economy, and decrease traffic during sporting events.

“Ruling to allow Metro to offer service to sporting, community events”

– The Seattle Times

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Urging Republicans to Take Medicare Benefits Off the Table

I strongly urged myRepublican colleagues to take Medicare benefits off the table during the ongoing budget negotiations. The Republican plan would shortchange American seniors who rely onMedicare to meet their health care needs. We will not allow Republicans to balance the budget on the backs of our seniors. I’ve heard from seniors across the state, telling me thatthey need their benefits to be protected. These seniors simply cannot afford the Republican plan.

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Giving Children an Early Start on Education

I introduced the Readyto Learn Act, which would help prepare children for kindergarten by providing funding for states to establish and administer voluntary preschool programs. As a formerpreschool teacher, I’ve seen first-hand the impact that high-quality early childhood education has on the success of our children. That’s why my bill will help families and communitiesacross the country provide their children with the strong educational start they deserve.

“Bremerton schools garnernational acclaim for early learning efforts”

– The Kitsap Sun

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Protecting America’sWorkers

Last week, I reintroduced the Protecting America’s Workers Act, which amends and updates the Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 to make sure thatworkers are protected in the 21 st century economy. I spoke on the Senate floor to urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation because every worker, inevery industry, deserves to be confident that while they are working hard and doing their jobs, their employers are doing everything they can to protect them. This effort to make our workplacessafer is especially important to communities like Anacortes, still shaken by the tragedy at the Tesoro Refinery that killed 7 workers.

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Bringing Technology to the Classroom

Earlier this month, I used internet videoconferencing to holdvirtual conversations with students across Washington state to discuss the role technology plays in their classrooms, and how it can be approved. I also told them a bit aboutthe ATTAIN Act, which would help schools like theirs get the resources and support to integrate technology into learning. Students are clearly excited about using technology to learn—andI’m excited about working to make sure schools can make that happen.

~ politics petitions pollution and pop culture

Hunt for climate impacts, win a trip to Brazil


Imagine this situation: You’re stuck at the airport for who knows how long because your plane’s been grounded, you’re covered in the itchiest poison ivy you’ve ever had, and the airport bar is out of your favorite Cabernet.
 
What is going on?
 

 Check out the new UCS Climate Hot Map. Travel the world to learn where global warming is already having an impact and you could win a trip for two to help find answers to the challenges of climate change in the Rio Cachoeira Natural Reserve in Brazil!

This is climate change. Many people don’t realize it, but global warming is already affecting our lives and it’s causing trouble in surprising places—like in North Carolina where climate change has caused poison ivy to become more potent.
 
And unfortunately, itchy, thirsty, and impatient are only the beginning—there are dozens of ways global warming is already affecting the world and could be affecting you!
 
Today, the Union of Concerned Scientists introduces a new, interactive way to learn about the local consequences of global warming and the solutions available to meet the climate challenge. The Climate Hot Map allows you to travel the world and explore the places (or “hot spots”) where scientists have gathered evidence of climate changes that are already under way.
 
Check out some of the highlights from the Climate Hot Map by taking our Climate Hot Map Scavenger Hunt today.By joining the hunt for hot spots, you’ll be entered to win our grand prize: an Earthwatch Institute trip for two to assess the impacts of climate change on the Rio Cachoeira Natural Reserve in Brazil! You’ll get additional entries for every correct Hot Spot you identify and for sharing the Climate Hot Map Scavenger Hunt with friends and family members. Five runners-up will receive a Solio Mono Hybrid Solar Charger—great for traveling or at home to charge your cell phone or MP3 player using the power of the sun.
 
So what are you waiting for? Travel the world, win cool prizes, learn about the local impacts of global warming today, and find out what communities around the world are doing to reduce global warming emissions. Start the Scavenger Hunt now.

 Sincerely,

Brenda Ekwurzel, Ph.D.
Climate Scientist