Category Archives: ~ Recent Post

must see Vid …President Obama responds to White House petition

12/21/2012 Nativegrl77

President Obama Responds to We the People Petitions Related to Gun Violence.

In the days since the tragedy in Newtown, Americans from all over the country have called for action to deter mass shootings and reduce gun violence, and hundreds of thousands of people have signed petitions on whitehouse.gov‘s We the People platform. In this video message, President Obama responds, explaining a comprehensive effort to come up with a broader set of serious proposals and encouraging Americans to continue their participation in this important process.

~ Recent Post

from the Official Google Blog

12/19/2012 Nativegrl77

“In the beginning”…bringing the scrolls of Genesis and the Ten Commandments online

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 02:00 AM PST

A little over a year ago, we helped put online five manuscripts of the Dead Sea Scrolls—ancient documents that include the oldest known biblical manuscripts in existence. Written more than 2,000 years ago on pieces of parchment and papyrus, they were preserved by the hot, dry desert climate and the darkness of the caves in which they were hidden. The Scrolls are possibly the most important archaeological discovery of the 20th century.
Today, we’re helping put more of these ancient treasures online. The Israel Antiquities Authority is launching the Leon Levy Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, an online collection of some 5,000 images of scroll fragments, at a quality never seen before. The texts include one of the earliest known copies of the Book of Deuteronomy, which includes the Ten Commandments; part of Chapter 1 of the Book of Genesis, which describes the creation of the world; and hundreds more 2,000-year-old texts, shedding light on the time when Jesus lived and preached, and on the history of Judaism.

The Ten Commandments. Photo by Shai Halevi, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority

Part of the Book of Genesis. Photo by Shai Halevi, courtesy of Israel Antiquities Authority

Millions of users and scholars can discover and decipher details invisible to the naked eye, at 1215 dpi resolution. The site displays infrared and color images that are equal in quality to the Scrolls themselves. There’s a database containing information for about 900 of the manuscripts, as well as interactive content pages. We’re thrilled to have been able to help this project through hosting on Google Storage and App Engine, and use of Maps, YouTube and Google image technology.
This partnership with the Israel Antiquities Authority is part of our ongoing work to bring important cultural and historical materials online, to make them accessible and help preserve them for future generations. Other examples include the Yad Vashem Holocaust photo collection, Google Art Project, World Wonders and the Google Cultural Institute.
We hope you enjoy visiting the Dead Sea Scrolls Digital Library, or any of these other projects, and interacting with history.
Posted by Eyal Miller, New Business Development, and Yossi Matias, Head of Israel Research and Development Center

Get the whole family together over the holidays, from anywhere

Posted: 18 Dec 2012 01:00 AM PST

‘Tis the season for tree trimming, gift giving, recipe sharing and catching up with loved ones over a cup of eggnog. For families that are spread out over cities or even countries, it can be a challenge to get everyone together during the holidays. This year, we’ve teamed up with the creators of Wallace and Gromit to add a little extra holiday magic to Google+ Hangouts with a custom invitation builder and a Holiday Effects app.
Click this link to schedule your holiday family hangout and we’ll send all your invitations out with a custom Wallace and Gromit video. Since Hangouts let up to 10 people video chat at once, right from Google+ or Gmail, you can invite the whole family to join—and maybe a few friends too.

Don’t forget to put on a Santa hat, reindeer antlers or even wear Gromit’s ears by adding the Holiday Effects app to your family hangout.

Happy holidays from the Google+ and Gmail teams!
Posted by Kevin Maguire, Product Marketing Manager
(Cross-posted on the Gmail Blog)

~ Recent Post

Support : NMAAHC

12/19/2012 Nativegrl77

Help us build the Smithsonian's National Museum of African American History and Culture by making a donation today!

I want to thank you for making 2012 an exciting year of progress for the Museum.

It has been a busy, productive year.

Our critically acclaimed new exhibition, Slavery at Jefferson’s Monticello: Paradox of Liberty, was enjoyed by tens of thousands of visitors.
Our collections now number more than 19,000 historic objects and artifacts — and still growing!
And since the membership program began in August 2009, more than 42,000 people throughout the nation — and around the world! — have joined in support of building the National Museum of African American History and Culture.

Of course, the biggest event over the past 12 months was our groundbreaking in February. It was marked by a special ceremony attended by President and Mrs. Obama, and featured speeches by the President and other dignitaries. This event stands as one of our major milestones and accomplishments thus far.

Today, our future site on the National Mall is a hive of activity. The bulldozers, backhoes and other construction equipment are drawing a lot of attention from people visiting the Capitol, the national monuments, and the museums that line the Mall.

I cannot begin to tell you how excited we are knowing that in 2015, the National Museum of African American History and Culture will open its doors and take its place among the great family of Smithsonian institutions — provided we continue to progress on schedule.

Your support is vital to the Museum. Now, before we ring in the New Year, I hope you will consider making a special year-end contribution and help ensure we stay on schedule. Remember, your gift is tax-deductible to the full extent of the law — so, while you are helping the Museum, you are benefiting with a tax deduction, too.

You may want to consider becoming a Charter Member, if you have not done so already — it is a great program with some nice premiums. Regardless, however, we are genuinely grateful for your support and contribution to the Museum!

Let me take this opportunity to wish you and yours all the best in the coming year. Thank you for your kind generosity to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture — and for making this dream a reality.

	Sincerely,

	Adrienne C. Brooks Director of Development

P.S. Please take a moment right now and make a tax-deductible contribution to help build our Museum. If you are not already a Charter Member, you can join right now. Or you can simply support the Museum with a generous contribution. Either way, we truly appreciate your commitment. Thank you once again.

~ Recent Post

CONGRESS: the Republican led House ::::: the Senate led by Democrats

12/17/2012 Nativegrl77

the Senate Convenes: 2:00pmET December 17,2012

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 3:00pm with Senators permitted to speak therein for up to 10 minutes each.
Following morning business, the Senate will begin consideration of H.R.1, the legislative vehicle for the emergency supplemental appropriations bill.
At 5:00pm, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider the following nominations:

Executive Calendar #833 Fernando M. Olguin, of CA, to be US District Judge for the Central District of California and
Executive Calendar #875 Thomas M. Durkin, of IL, to be US District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.
There will be 30 minutes of debate equally divided and controlled between Senators Leahy and Grassley or their designees. Upon the use or yielding back of time (at approximately 5:30pm), the Senate will proceed to vote on confirmation of the nominations. It is expected there will be a roll call vote on the confirmation of the Olguin nomination and a voice vote on confirmation of the Durkin nomination.

At 2pm today, there will be a moment of silence to honor the victims and their families of the tragic shooting in Newtown, CT.

At 5:30pm today, the Senate will proceed to a series of 2 votes on confirmation of the nominations listed below. We expect a voice vote on confirmation of the Olguin nomination and a roll call vote on confirmation of the Durkin nomination. – Executive Calendar #833 Fernando M. Olguin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California; and – Executive Calendar #875 Thomas M. Durkin, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

The Senate has begun consideration of H.R.1, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011. Senator Leahy, for Senator Inouye, offered a substitute amendment #3338 (the text of the Hurricane Sandy Emergency Supplemental Appropriations). Text and a summary of the amendment can be found on the Senate Appropriations Committee’s website (http://www.appropriations.senate.gov/). Senator Leahy, for Senator Inouye, then offered amendment #3339 (technical).

The Senate confirmed the nominations of Executive Calendar #833, Fernando M. Olguin, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Central District of California, and Executive Calendar #875 Thomas M. Durkin, of Illinois, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois, by voice vote.

WRAP UP

No ROLL CALL VOTES

LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

Passed S.1792, the Strengthening Investigations of Sex Offenders and Missing Children Act of 2011.

Passed S.1793, to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes with a Whitehouse substitute amendment.

Passed H.R.2076, to amend title 28, United States Code, to clarify the statutory authority for the longstanding practice of the Department of Justice of providing investigatory assistance on request of State and local authorities with respect to certain serious violent crimes, and for other purposes with a committee-reported substitute amendment and a Whitehouse amendment.

Passed H.R.6223, To amend section 1059(e) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2006 to clarify that a period of employment abroad by the Chief of Mission or United States Armed Forces as a translator, interpreter, or in a security –related position in an executive or managerial capacity is to be counted as a period of residence and physical presence in the United States for purposes of qualifying for naturalization, and for other purposes.

Passed S.3687, To amend the Federal Water Pollution Control Act to reauthorize the Lake Pontchartrain Basin Restoration Program, to designate certain Federal buildings, and for other purposes.

Adopted S.Res.619, a resolution relative to the appointment of President pro tem – Senator Leahy.

Adopted S.Res.620, a resolution authorizing Senator Reid to administer the oath of office of President pro tem to Senator Leahy.

Adopted S.Res.621, a resolution condemning the horrific attacks in Newtown, Connecticut and expressing support and prayers for all those impacted by that tragedy.

Discharged the HELP committee and passed S.3472, a bill to amend the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to provide improvements to such Act with a Landrieu substitute amendment.

EXECUTIVE ITEMS

Confirmed Executive Calendar #833, Fernando M. Olguin, of CA, to be U.S. District Judge for the Central District of California by voice vote.

Confirmed Executive Calendar #875, Thomas M. Durkin, of IL, to be U.S. District Judge for the Northern District of Illinois by voice vote.

——————————————————————–

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 p.m. on December 17, 2012.

12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
12:00:05 P.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Mac Thornberry to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
12:01:02 P.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 2:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
12:01:15 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. today. The next meeting is scheduled for 2:00 P.M. today.
2:00:35 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.
2:01:18 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
2:02:53 P.M.		SPEAKER’S APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL – The Chair announced that he had examined the Journal of the last day’s proceedings and had approved it. Mr. Womack demanded that the question be put on agreeing to the Speaker’s approval of the Journal and by voice vote, the Chair announced that the ayes had prevailed. Mr. Womack objected to the voice vote based upon the absence of a quorum and the Chair postponed further proceedings on the question of the Speaker’s approval of the Journal until later in the legislative day.
2:03:26 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Altmire to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
2:03:39 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.
2:12:46 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 13, 2012 at 4:14 p.m., stating that that body had passed S. 3313.
2:13:37 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received the following message from the Secretary of the Senate on December 14, 2012 at 11:32 a.m., stating that that body had passed S. 2045 and H.R. 6116 without amendment.
2:13:50 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a sealed envelope from the White House on December 14, 2012, at 2:47 p.m., and said to contain a message from the President whereby he transmits the District of Columbia’s FY 2013 Budget and Financial Plan.
2:14:38 P.M.		The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting the District of Columbia Fiscal Year (FY) 2013 Budget and Financial Plan – referred to the Committee on Appropriations and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-157).
2:14:44 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.
4:30:54 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.
4:30:59 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.
4:31:16 P.M.	H.R. 4606	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 4606 — “To authorize the issuance of right-of-way permits for natural gas pipelines in Glacier National Park, and for other purposes.”
4:31:35 P.M.	H.R. 4606	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:31:37 P.M.	H.R. 4606	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 4606.
4:36:45 P.M.	H.R. 4606	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
4:37:00 P.M.	S. 3193	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. S. 3193 — “To make technical corrections to the legal description of certain land to be held in trust for the Barona Band of Mission Indians, and for other purposes.”
4:37:12 P.M.	S. 3193	Considered under suspension of the rules.
4:37:18 P.M.	S. 3193	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 3193.
4:41:33 P.M.	S. 3193	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
4:41:43 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

6:30:45 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of December 17.
6:31:44 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
6:32:06 P.M.	H.R. 4606	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 4606 — “To authorize the issuance of right-of-way permits for natural gas pipelines in Glacier National Park, and for other purposes.”
7:00:52 P.M.	H.R. 4606	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays (2/3 required): (Roll no. 627).
7:00:53 P.M.	H.R. 4606	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

7:04:16 P.M.		MOMENT OF SILENCE – The House observed a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Newtown, Connecticut shooting.
7:06:00 P.M.	S. 3193	Considered as unfinished business. S. 3193 — “To make technical corrections to the legal description of certain land to be held in trust for the Barona Band of Mission Indians, and for other purposes.”
7:12:33 P.M.	S. 3193	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 306 – 0 (Roll no. 628).
7:12:33 P.M.	S. 3193	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
7:12:51 P.M.		On approving the Journal Agreed to by voice vote.
7:14:30 P.M.	H. Res. 833	Mr. Kline asked unanimous consent to discharge from committee and consider.
7:15:21 P.M.	H. Res. 833	Considered by unanimous consent. H. Res. 833 — “Condemning the horrific attacks in Newtown, Connecticut and expressing support and prayers for all those impacted by this tragedy.”
7:15:24 P.M.	H. Res. 833	DEBATE – The House proceeded with one hour of debate on H. Res. 833.
7:30:59 P.M.		The House received a message from the Senate. The Senate passed S. 3687 and S. 3472.
7:31:00 P.M.	H. Res. 833	DEBATE – The House resumed debate on H. Res. 833.
8:37:59 P.M.	H. Res. 833	The previous question was ordered without objection.
8:38:04 P.M.	H. Res. 833	On agreeing to the resolution Agreed to without objection.
8:38:09 P.M.	H. Res. 833	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
8:38:47 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
8:44:36 P.M.		Ms. Pelosi moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:44:46 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:44:47 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on December 18, 2012.