Tag Archives: NASA

Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Winners


Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE) Winners

On July 31st President Obama welcomed 96 winners of the Presidential Early Career Award for Scientists and Engineers (PECASE), the highest honor bestowed by the United States Government on science and engineering professionals in the early stages of their independent research careers. Hear, in their own words, what some of them are doing in the wide world of Science. Learn more on the White House website: http://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2012/07/23/president-obama-honors-outstanding-early-career-scientistsMore

Biological Diversity


Center for Biological Diversity

 

Keystone XL protest at White House Keystone XL is back.

TransCanada, the energy giant trying to bisect the United States with a reckless tar-sands pipeline, has submitted a new application to build Keystone XL.

We need you to take action by Monday to reject Keystone XL 2.0.

TransCanada rerouted the pipeline through Nebraska, but the new routes come with the same kind of dangerous consequences: dozens of projected spills and leaks, staggering greenhouse gas emissions and threats to rare species like whooping cranes, piping plovers and American burying beetles.

After massive public outcry, President Obama rightly rejected Keystone XL in January.

It’s time again to make sure this disastrous project doesn’t get off the ground.

The first deadline for comments on the construction permit is this Monday, July 30please, take action to tell the State Department that Keystone XL should get scrapped permanently.

Click here to find out more and take action.

If you have trouble following the link, go to http://action.biologicaldiversity.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=11197.


Please take action by July 30, 2012.

Donate now to support our work.

Read more about the Keystone XL project here.

Photo of Keystone XL protest at White House courtesy Flickr Commons/tarsandsaction.

thirsty Thursday & some News


 featured Photo is from NASA called Mystic Mountain –

About This Image

Hubble’s 20th anniversary image shows a mountain of dust and gas rising in the Carina Nebula. The top of a three-light-year tall pillar of cool hydrogen is being worn away by the radiation of nearby stars, while stars within the pillar unleash jets of gas that stream from the peaks

just another rant …

On the 9th of December, I saw an article stating that on the following Monday an Elk kill would commence due to a rowdy group of about 30 had been causing problems and damage for the areas golf course since 2008 and reportedly getting worse. This golf course, was built in wildlife territory/enviroment – in Snoqualmie. The people who built this golf course have forgotten  or got lost in all the hoopla that is their business and need to take a couple of steps backward and or confess to knowing that an Elk Kill was on the horizon.   I read the entire article as well as several others and while I understand free enterprise the notion that this golf course ranked higher than the elk, who at one time were at risk was offensive. As a resident of Washington State coming from a family who not only hunted but also fished my dad gave me enough info and of course I used my own ability to reason and or rationalize what I was reading and given all the information, I had to try to help stop this kill. I called and while the customer service person was kind took my information he really was unable to answer questions or give contact names or numbers so I gave mine.

On December 23, I checked to see if there were any updates and though no one called me, it was nice to see some positive developments for the Elk. There were at least three articles about the kill being put on hold another article stated the elk kill was shelved. I was slightly surprised, offended, and upset at some of the responses from employees of the Wildlife Department but the one below was the most nefarious of them. In my opinion, the idea that a kill of 3 or 30 would reduce the number of elk stomping a golf course was silly but avoiding the facts was offensive. Yes, the kill will deter them but my point to this completely misguided action is that the golf course is in wildlife territory which includes elk and who knows what else. The audacity of these people to think it did not sound like legal poaching is beyond me. The biggest problem in this article was that it is possible either the Snoqualmie Tribe was left out of the loop or something else was going on. The following comments made on December 12th are below, following these awful comments is an update and certainly a reminder that public outcry can be a good thing…

I have to say when I called the Washington Dept. of Fish and Wildlife that morning there was not one mention of a fence, metal or electronic but an adamant correction that it was only about 3 Elk. I told them the article stated there were some 30 elk and the kills would happen on Mondays when the golf course was closed.  I am no expert but some part of this story is missing. As for not knowing or understanding “the process” because we are civilians is an offensive comment to say the least. Some people may laugh but this is a serious breach of co-existing with wildlife. Again, it sounds like a form of legal poaching to me. I also asked if the number of elk is still at risk but that question was unanswered as well.

Public outcry puts elk hunt on hold at Snoqualmie Ridge golf course … click on link for that article

http://www.valleyrecord.com/news/135768838.html

By SETH TRUSCOTT

Snoqualmie Valley Record Editor

December 16, 2011 · Updated 5:01 PM

The Snoqualmie Tribe released its own stance against the hunt:

Sustainable and low-impact development should include ways to co-exist with wildlife,” Tribal Administrator Matt Mattson stated. “The controlled hunt on the TPC golf course is counter to this philosophy, and counter to the wishes of the Snoqualmie Tribe.” However, Mattson also requested that a tribal master hunter also take part if the hunt does move forward, as the course’s land includes a sacred Tribal burial ground.

After reading what Moszeter said my eyes hurt …So, are we to understand that the elk invaded the golf course and or prior to the construction; contractors etc. did their research and saw no problem building or issue with the fact that it was built in what is or consisered wildlife if not elk country.  If so, it makes you wonder -did this group think about the possibility of the elk “acting elk like” while in the back of their minds had an idea about the future all along.

If you read the whole article or  any of the many articles with comments, it is hard to understand how much we taxpayers owe these people with comments like the one below…

by Chris Moszeter,

“Master hunters were to hunt only on Mondays, when the course was closed. Moszeter said their firing area was tightly-defined, far from homes and faced away from residential areas. Master hunters go through a rigorous training process, and “are confined to a very small window of where they can and cannot shoot”, he said.

“They’re held to a higher ethical and safety standard than the average hunter.” “If the TPC hunt hadn’t been publicized”, We could have been in and out and gone, and nobody would have known the difference,” he added.

“Elk are beautiful to behold for many Valley residents, but they also trample yards, cause economic damage to businesses and can be hazards for cars.”

I believe we need new Stewards of both the Wildlife and the rich folks who insist on getting their way by building where animals …sometimes big and or dangerous live while others are great for eatin

Other News …

Congressional leader statements on Deficit Cmte. failure to agree

State & Defense Officials Detail Fighter Jet Sales to Saudi Arabia

Michele Bachmann & Ron Paul on Iowa Radio Show

Mitt Romney Rallies Iowa Voters

Rick Perry Meets Iowa Voters in Cedar Rapids

Congress: both Chambers will be in Session …2/8


The Senate Convenes at 10:00am ET February 8, 2011

Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will resume consideration of S.223, the Federal Aviation Administration Authorization Act.

The following amendments are pending to S.223:

– Wicker amendment #14, as modified (Excludes TSA from collective bargaining)

– Blunt amendment #5 (private screening company)

– Paul #21 (reduce authorization for FAA to FY2008 levels)

Wyden #27 (increase test sites for unmanned aerial vehicles)

Inhofe amendment #6 (liability protection to volunteer pilots)

– Inhofe amendment #7 (flight time limitations/rest requirements)

– Ensign amendment #32 (military remotely piloted aerial systems)

McCain amendment #4 (Essential Air Service)

– Leahy amendment #50 (liability protection for volunteer pilots)

– Reid amendment #54 (noise buffering)

– Reid #55 (Convey federal land to Mesquite, NV)

– Udall (NM) #49 (Dona Ana County airport)

– Udall (NM) #51 (Advanced Imaging Technology)

– Nelson (NE) #58 (criminal penalties for distribution of airport screening x-rays)

– Paul amendment #18 (Memorandum of understanding re: OSHA)

At 10:20am, there will be 10 minutes for debate prior to a vote in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA).

Senators should expect a roll call vote at approximately 10:30am in relation to the Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA) to S.223, FAA Authorization.

That will be the only roll call vote of the day.

Votes:

14: Nelson (FL) amendment #34 (NASA); Agreed to: 96-1

******************************************

The next meeting in the House is at 2pm ET February 8, 2011

 CURRENT HOUSE FLOOR PROCEEDINGS

LEGISLATIVE DAY OF FEBRUARY 8, 2011

112TH CONGRESS – FIRST SESSION

7:23 P.M. –

SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

7:08 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.

7:07 P.M. –

RONALD REAGAN CENTENNIAL COMMISSION – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act of 2009 (P.L. 111-25), and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Schock of Illinois to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission .

7:06 P.M. –

COMMISSION ON SECURITY AND COOPERATION IN EUROPE – Pursuant to 22 U.S.C 3003, and the order of the House of January 5, 2011, the Speaker appointed Mr. Smith of New Jersey, Chairman; Mr. Pitts of Pennsylvania; Mr. Aderholt of Alabama; and Mr. Gingrey of Georgia to the Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe .

7:05 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 72 and H. Res. 73.

7:04 P.M. –

Mr. Dreier asked unanimous consent that the chair of each committee be permitted to submit their respective committee rules for publication in the Congressional Record and that the chair of the Committee on the Budget be permitted to submit material related to the budget process for publication in the Congressional Record.

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

7:03 P.M. –

On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Failed by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 277 – 148 (Roll no. 26).

6:31 P.M. –

Considered as unfinished business.

UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question of adoption of a motion to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.

6:30 P.M. –

The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of February 8.

3:12 P.M. –

The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 6:30 P.M. today.

3:11 P.M. –

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission – Pursuant to Section 4 of the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act (Public Law 111-25) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission: Mr. Reyes .

House Democracy Partnership – Pursuant to Section 4(b) of H.Res. 5, 111th Congress the Minority Leader appointed the following members of the House to the House Democracy Partnership: Mr. Price of NC, Mrs. Capps, Mr. Holt, Ms. Schwartz, Mr. Payne, Mr. Farr, Mr. Ellison, Ms. Hirono and Ms. Roybal-Allard .

3:10 P.M. –

Board of Trustees of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Program – Pursuant to Section 4404(c)(2) of the Congressional Hunger Fellows Act of 2002 (2 U.S.C) 1161, the Minority Leader appointed Mr. James P. McGovern of Worchester, Massachusetts .

National Council on the Arts – Pursuant to the National Foundation on the Arts and Humanities Act of 1965 (20 U.S.C. 955(b) note) the Minority Leader appointed the following member of the House to the National Council on the Arts: Ms. McCollum .

H.R. 514:

to extend expiring provisions of the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act of 2005 and Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 relating to access to business records, individual terrorists as agents of foreign powers, and roving wiretaps until December 8, 2011

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.

2:26 P.M. –

DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 514.

Considered under suspension of the rules.

Mr. Smith (TX) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.

The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. today.

2:25 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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 4, 2011 at 11:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Senate National Security Working Group.

2:24 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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 3, 2011 at 10:33 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Senate National Security Working Group, Board of Trustees of Gallaudet University, United States Holocaust Memorial Council, Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, United States-China Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Japan Interparliamentary Group conference, Mexico-United States Interparliamentary Group conference, United States-Russia Interparliamentar

2:23 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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 2, 2011 at 12:00 p.m. stating that that body had passed S. 188 and approved appointments to the Migratory Bird Conservation Commission and the President’s Export Council.

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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on February 1, 2011 at 10:52 a.m. stating that that body had approved appointments to the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian Institution.

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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 27, 2011 at 4:03 p.m. stating that that body had approved an appointment to the Congressional Budget Office.

2:22 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 message from the Secretary of the Senate on January 26, 2011 at 4:50 p.m. stating that that body had passed H.R. 366 and approved an appointment to the Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission.

2:18 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House resumed one minute speeches.

2:17 P.M. –

The Speaker laid before the House a message from the President transmitting a notice stating that the national emergency declared in Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006, with respect to the situation in or in relation to Cote d’Ivoire is to continue in effect beyond February 7, 2011. – referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs and ordered to be printed (H. Doc. 112-8).

2:16 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 January 26, 2011, at 3:55 p.m. which is said to contain a message from the President whereby he submits a copy of a notice filed earlier with the Federal Register continuing the national emergency with respect to Cote d’Ivoire first declared by Executive Order 13396 of February 7, 2006.

2:02 P.M. –

ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches.

PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Wilson of SC 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.

2:01 P.M. –

Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Daniel Coughlin.

2:00 P.M. –

The House convened, starting a new legislative day.

a message from President Obama …we do big things


I addressed the American people on the future we face together.

Though at times it may seem uncertain, it is a future that is ours to decide, ours to define, and ours to win.

I know we will.

Because, after the worst recession in decades, we see an economy growing again.

Because, after two years of job losses, we’ve added private-sector jobs for 12 straight months — more than 1 million in all.

Because, time after time, when our resolve has been tested, we, as a nation, have always prevailed.

Overcoming the challenges we face today requires a new vision for tomorrow. We will move forward together, or not at all — for the challenges we face are bigger than party, and bigger than politics.

Yet the story of America is this: We do big things.

Just as the progress of the past two years would not have been possible without your hard work, we will not realize the agenda I described tonight without you.

So as we continue this great mission together, and we set out the plans for how far we can go, I need to know that you are ready to work side by side with me once more.

Will you stand with me as we strive to win the future?

www.barackobama.com

The last two years have been marked by unprecedented reforms and historic progress.

But there is much more work to do.

Moving forward, America’s economic growth at home is inextricably connected to our competitiveness in the global community. The more products American companies can export, the more jobs we can create at home.

This vision for the future starts with innovation, tapping into the creativity and imagination of our people to create the jobs and industries of the future. Instead of subsidizing yesterday’s energy, let’s invest in tomorrow’s. It’s why I challenged Congress to join me in setting a new goal: By 2035, 80 percent of America’s electricity will come from clean energy sources.

It means leading the world in educating our kids, giving each of our children the best opportunity to succeed and preparing them for the jobs of tomorrow.

We must build a 21st century infrastructure for our country, putting millions of Americans to work rebuilding roads and bridges and expanding high-speed Internet and high-speed rail.

We must reform government, making it leaner, smarter, and more transparent.

And we must take responsibility for our shared debt, reining in our long-term deficit so we can afford the investments we need to move our country forward.

That is the vision I laid out tonight. That is how we win the future.

It is going to take a lot of work — but I have no doubt we are up to the task.

Half a century ago, when the Soviets beat us into space with the launch of a satellite called Sputnik, we had no idea how we’d beat them to the moon. The science wasn’t there yet. NASA didn’t even exist.

But after investing in better research and education, we didn’t just surpass the Soviets. We unleashed a wave of innovation that created new industries and millions of new jobs.

This is our generation’s Sputnik moment.

Please stand together with me:

It is because of each of you, who define the will of a people, that the state of our union is strong in the face of tough challenges. You are the reason our future is still bright in the face of deep uncertainty.

And you are the reason I believe that future is ours to win.

Thank you,

Barack