Italy moves to ban growing of genetically modified maize type

Three Italian ministries have signed a decree banning the cultivation of a type of genetically modified maize, citing environmental concerns, the agriculture ministry said on Friday.

Maybe someone will listen to an imaginary cat?

PINKY SHOW : How to Repair the World (WeForest video guest narrated by Pinky)

Don't look at the dips (or listen to them) look at the trend.

Disaster statistics

Starvation in Somalia

SOMALIA: FAMINE FOR PROFIT AND THE EAST AFRICAN FOOD CRISIS

"While a percentage of people around the world enjoy the supersized culture of fast food Globalization in our age of 3D HDTV, quadruple-decker cheese burgers and senseless commodity overproduction, three billion people or nearly half the world’s population individually sustain themselves on less than two USD per day amidst an annual surge in the global price of food, which has increased by thirty seven percent since last year"

The Fifth Sacred Thing - Kickstarter Video (Captioned)

Read Starhawk's book or see the movie

https://www.facebook.com/TheFifthSacredThingFilm

A Correspondence with World Bank Whistleblower Karen Hudes. Justified Optimism ? The First Order of Business.

A Correspondence with World Bank Whistleblower Karen Hudes. Justified Optimism ? The First Order of Business.

There are multiple unemployment rates. I the right one being used?

Is the unemployment rate wrong?

Banned TED Talk: Nick Hanauer "Rich people don't create jobs"

We’re Already Experiencing the Costs of Climate Inaction

Economic benefits national climate action plan

"Perhaps, someday, blacks will win the right to be treated like volitional human beings. But not yet." - Ann Coulter

"Perhaps, someday, blacks will win the right to be treated like volitional human beings. But not yet."

‘Nobody understands’ spills at Alberta oil sands operation

Chevrolet Spark EV first drive from Consumer Reports

Make responsible car-buying decisions in the future

Economists say India can not continue on an a path of "grow now and clean up later."

Fracking’s dirty little secret: recycling

I looked and I shared.

Allan Savory: How to fight desertification and reverse climate change

The wisdom of children and a more optimistic future

An Ocean Irony 

Peter Neill - Director, World Ocean Observatory

Johnny Cash - To Beat The Devil

The Climate Leader

The Climate Leader is a collection of online courses to help fuel the global response to climate change. These materials will help you to be more effective at addressing climate change by enabling you to see the interconnections and big picture in your work.

Whose Garden was this ?

A song I hope to never have to sing.

Groundbreaking New Study Links GMO to Leukemia: When Will Monsanto Stop Lying to Us?

Local action

Yesterday evening I attended a town hall meeting put on by 8th District Representative Tim Ackert, who also lives in Coventry. I asked him to state his position on climate change. His answer, paraphrased, was that he didn't pay much attention to it. Wrong answer. I think his constituency should be aware of his positions and where he gets them, so I am posting two things.

Representative Tim Ackert's voting record

and one slide from his presentation.

The first thing I noticed was that he was using the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) as a source of information. You can check the rest out yourself. Once I see ALEC I cringe. Here is one of their articles EPA’s Regulatory Train Wreck.

His view that Connecticut's Earned Income Credit should be reduced by a third also offended me. He knows my son, who works as an advocate for Connecticut Department of Developmental Services. Tim, would you care to look him in the eye and explain the reasoning behind why you want to reduce a program that he and others like him benefit from? His income is in the 4 figures range. Everyone else. Look at the picture on DDS's home page. Would you cut their benefits?

I cannot support Tim Ackert as I see very little in his positions that I feel represent me.

This is how it is done.

The Year of the Witch

"If women and girls everywhere were treated as equal to men in rights, dignity, and opportunity, we would see political and economic progress everywhere. So this is not only a moral issue, which, of course, it is. It is an economic issue and a security issue, and it is the unfinished business of the 21st century."

Case Study: 24 Hours of Reality 2012

Tar sands in our fuel system

Map: Another Major Tar Sands Pipeline Seeking U.S. Permit

Will Smith's words of wisdom

The Psychology of Climate Change Communication

Never generalize. There are many of us who understand what we are facing.

Our future

This makes me very optimistic about the future. What other technology is available or on the drawing board right now?

Whole brain thinking - parallel prcesing

Climate Change with Prof Jon Barnett, Prof John Freebairn, Prof David Jamieson

coursera.org/coursen on climate change

Air Quality Information

See an air quality map for your area

Shared via  my friend https://www.facebook.com/renee.surprenant

Walmart workers speak out about abusive working conditions

In the wake of a Gawker story that shared less-than-flattering emails from Walmart workers, the retail giant asked employees to send Gawker’s Hamilton Nolan some stories that attested to the greatness of the company.While some of the respondents did Walmart’s bidding, others bravely their true thoughts on the company’s practices, right on their employer’s own website.

I couldn't get Starhawk, but she did give me permission to quote from her blog and website.

"Here you will find links to scores of archived pieces I have written on activism, including posts and communiques from the front lines" - Starhawk

9 more Speakers for the Earth

History of the human race - Compressed

Starhawk's Tangled Web

My dear Prime Minister:

Dear Prime Minister: About that shuffle ... BARBARA MCDOUGALL

Of the Trees, For the Trees, By the Trees A review of American Canopy: Trees, Forests, and the Making of a Nation by Eric Rutkow

Of the Trees, For the Trees, By the Trees

Why is the human race ignoring the very real danger of climate change

The psychology of climate change: why we do nothing Tom Levitt

One of the most inspiring videos I have ever seen. Understand that we can all fly, and we MUST.

Do you deny climate change?

You can’t deny global warming after seeing this graph

I like your car

Happy birthday Nikola Tesla

Monsanto doesn't own nature

>>> Monsanto Video Revolt Begins - Anthony Gucciardi <<<

Climate change priority is too low.

>>> The United Nations Global Survey for a Better World <<<

This is climate change

Live news on the Toronto flood

This is becoming too common.

Climate denial

Stop CNBC Climate Denial

Talking to stupid people

I have spent many of the past days talking to what I call stupid people and I just feel like venting.

Here is my definition of stupid:  I+L=S (Ignorance + Laziness = Stupid)

There is nothing wrong with ignorance. It simply means you don't know. I don't know most things. Every day I am reminded that there is more and more that I am ignorant of. But if you are too lazy to look up the available facts? That I define as STUPIDITY. Most people I talk to about environmental are stupid.

The bigger problem though, are those who are not ignorant of the science but who are so greedy that they will sell their own children's future for a few worthless coins. These people are pure evil.

I hope that I have offended a great many people. Perhaps some of the stupid people will look at the facts and stop voting side issues. That takes you out of the stupid bin. It's really that easy.

As for the evil people. You are on notice. People are becoming less stupid every day and they are very angry. While stupid can be eliminated by knowledge, evil will be eliminated by a very large group of ex-stupid people.

........ end rant ........

There were too many good articles to choose. Be sure to read about Monsanto.

Nation of Change

Political distraction leaves problems unsolved

Are Corporations Trying to Distract Us with Social Issues While They Take Control of Our Economy?

Shop locally at your regional farmer's market. In Coventry, CT we are lucky to have the best located at the historic Nathan Hale Homestead.

We Are All Apocalyptic Now: On the Responsibilities of Teaching, Preaching, Reporting, Writing, and Speaking Out

American Intellectuals' Widespread Failure to Stand Up to Billionaires and Authoritarian Power

The majority of intellectual work in the U.S. is actually helping to prop up our unjust distribution of wealth and power. 

In the face of multiple, cascading crises—economic and ecological, political and cultural—it is more important than ever to confront the reality of the threats we face. Based on a calm apocalypticism and a common-sense approach to intellectual life, We Are All Apocalyptic Now offers a framework for understanding our moment in history and the obligations of those who are trying to communicate that understanding to a wider world.

What does sustainability mean to you

Sustainability

World Resources Inst

A Look at China's New Environmental Guidelines on Overseas Investments

The Sea of My Childhood — and Its Uncertain Future Dr. Sebastian Troeng

The Sea of My Childhood — and Its Uncertain Future Dr. Sebastian Troeng

Who owns the Earth?

Who Owns the Earth? - Noam Chomsky

Please join us? You are needed!

I have been accepted into Climate Reality Leadership Corps where I will have the honor of training under the guidance of Vice President Al Gore, a man I greatly respect.

Please join the cause. It will be the most important thing you have ever done!

Minnesota bans Coursera: State takes bold stand against free education.

Minnesota bans Coursera: State takes bold stand against free education.: 'via Blog this'

The Ataraxian Department of Common Sense declares this Minnesota law un-commonsensable.

Medicaid cuts

It's way past time for universal health care, like the civilized countries have.

Medicaid cuts: teeth pulled, transplant called off - Yahoo! News

Republicans Vote Against Equal Pay for Women–Unanimously

Republicans Vote Against Equal Pay for Women–Unanimously AlterNet

I hope all female voters remember this in 2012!

Something Terrible is Happening! Will Ferrell & friends

Something terrible should happen:

MoveOn.org Political Action: Video: Something Terrible is Happening! Will Ferrell & friends

Lack of Insurance Causes 45,000 Deaths Every Year |

Harvard Study: Lack of Insurance Causes 45,000 Deaths Every Year PEEK AlterNet

Isn't this a good enough argument for a public option and against "death panels"? Compring insurance to gambling the insurance company is the "house" which never leses.

MoveOn.org Political Action: MoveOn & R.E.M. Video: We Can't Afford to Wait

Insurance and big-pharma own congress. And we can't afford to wait......

MoveOn.org Political Action: MoveOn & R.E.M. Video: We Can't Afford to Wait

A letter sent to UPS:

July 20, 2009
Mr. Mike Eskew
CEO
United Parcel Service
55 Glenlake Pkwy. NE
Atlanta, GA 30328

Dear Sir,
I am writing to complain about your company’s service and policies.
A package was to be delivered to my home on Thursday July 16th. When I arrived there was a UPS notice on the door informing me that a signature was required and that I could sign the back and leave the notice on the door. This I did.
On Friday the 17th I returned to find no package, just another slip saying the same thing. I called UPS to ask what the problem was. I was told that the package required a signature in person. As you can see from the first two notice copies, included below, they did not request an in person signature. I was told there was no Saturday delivery and I could either have it delivered to an alternate address or have it help at your office at 90 Locust Street in Hartford, CT. I asked to have the package held (your computer account of my delivery record confirmes this) and that I would pick it up after work around 5:30 pm on the 20th.
After work I drove to UPS and found that my package was left on the truck and I couldn’t pick it up. I was told I could come back after 8:00 pm and pick it up (a drive from eastern CT), have it sent to an alternate address, schedule a time when I was there to sign, or stop by again after work on the 21st. I asked if I could sign there and have it delivered the next day…No. I chose the last option.
Your hours do not allow a working person to have a package delivered. I have no neighbor that could accept it as they also work.
During my visit to your Hartford office I was told that UPS does have Saturday delivery but it didn’t apply to my shipment, which was ground.
This is not how a company retains customers. Here’s what would have been done if I ran the Hartford office.
1. After knowing that I was given two incorrect notices, the package should have been delivered on Saturday as I it were air and not ground.
2. Allow the package to be signed for at the office for delivery the next day.
3. After I drove to the office to find my package still on some truck, an employee should have been dispatched to deliver the package to my home to as soon as the truck returned.
As your rules didn’t allow for these options, here is what I will do for Brown.
1. I will discourage anyone I can from using UPS, giving them a copy of this letter.
2. A copy of this letter will be posted on my blog and other public forums.
3. A copy of this letter is being sent to the company I purchased from explaining that I cannot purchase from them again.
4. When I am making a purchase, if the shipping method is UPS, a copy of this letter will be included in the message explaining why I will not purchase from them. I can buy the same product from another vendor that uses FedEx or U.S.P.S.

Sincerely,
Richard G. Xxxxxxx (A very unhappy and unwilling customer)

Obama's Election Has Caused a Patriotic Spirit to Sweep America

Tomorrow, after President Barack Obama's innauguration, I will fly the American flag along side my world flag, for the first time in 8 years.

Robert Creamer: A Surprise for the Right: Obama's Election Has Caused a Patriotic Spirit to Sweep America

Mice suspected in deadly cat fire

OHH NOO, terrorist mice!!!!

BBC NEWS Americas Mice suspected in deadly cat fire

Army Recruiters Open War 'Experience' Arcade to Attract Youngsters

We finally get rid of cigarette makers advertising to children with caartoon characters and what do we get? Advertising war to children with video games. Disgusting. And our tax dollars are paying for it!!

Army Recruiters Open War 'Experience' Arcade to Attract Youngsters PEEK AlterNet

Florida Journalism?

News anchor on Biden interview: 'I'm a journalist' - CNN.com

Barbara West: You may recognize this famous quote. "From each according to his abilities, to each according to his needs." That's from Karl Marx. How is Sen. Obama not being a Marxist if he's intending to spread the wealth around?

What a ridiculous question.

I think I'm a Marxist. If it were "From each according to their ability and to each according to their need" then shouldn't the Wall Street executives and bankers pushing toxic loans be earning minimum wage (their need) when their ability is negative? But that I could negotiate a golden parachute that allows me to take millions away if I'm so bad that my company needs to fire me with cause?

When historically the wealthy are paying less in taxes than ever before, I agree with Senator Biden. Are your serious? Wealth has been distributed - to the top 1 percent.

2008 Health Care For America Survey

Here is a survey on healthcare. If you haven't seen Sicko, see it.

2008 Health Care For America Survey

ENN: “Green Economics”: Turning Mainstream Thinking on Its Head

Here is a great piece on how econmics must take the environment into the equation if we want to survive.

The best quote: "The economy exists inside the ecosystem."

ENN: “Green Economics”: Turning Mainstream Thinking on Its Head

Here is the 'Yes We Can' Video

A definite contrast. I say "Yes We Can"

YouTube - Yes We Can - Barack Obama Music Video

Ten thousand years

I enjoyed the similar video about Obama "Yes We Can". Here is the McCain version. Depressing.

YouTube - john.he.is

Insanity - things I didn't know

"The agreement guaranteed Mr. Belnick a payment of at least $10.6 million should he commit a felony and be fired before October 2003."

I need a felony clause in my next contract.

AlterNet: Bankers Gone Bonkers: Global Financiers Should Make Insanity Plea

Majora Carter | Gristmill: The environmental news blog | Grist

I was inspired by Obama's speech at the 2004 Democratic National Convention but I was backing Edwards because he wouldn't give corporations a seat at the decision table. I was hoping for an Edwards/Obama ticket with 8 years for Edwards and the next 8 with Obama. With Edwards out I'm for Obama.

Here is another inspiring speaker that should have a place in the country's decision making.

The video is 20 minutes long but well worth watching.

Majora Carter Gristmill: The environmental news blog Grist

GreenPrint :: Saving Money Today, Trees Tomorrow

Here's a great way to save trees, paper, ink and money:

GreenPrint :: Saving Money Today, Trees Tomorrow

And the American way (of politics)

Hilarous parody of the Bush State of the Union address with the democratic response.

AlterNet: Blogs: Video: Bush Parody: "The State of Our Union Is Not Something I'm Worried About" [VIDEO]

Truth?

My last post was "justice". Here's one on truth. This is what happens when you have a president that doesn't believe in evolution.

AlterNet: Blogs: PEEK: Top Climate Expert: Bush White House Edits Testimony of Government Scientists

Justice???

Is this what justice in America has come to? Protestors in jail while the criminals walk free.

AlterNet: Rights and Liberties: Pioneering Blackwater Protesters Given Secret Trial and Criminal Conviction

War on Greed: DO SOMETHING!!

Fight in the spirit of Martin Luther King. Watch this video - look at what's going on and DO SOMETHING!!

War on Greed: Fight for the Dream

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard

A must see:

The Story of Stuff with Annie Leonard


What is the Story of Stuff?
From its extraction through sale, use and disposal, all the stuff in our lives affects communities at home and abroad, yet most of this is hidden from view. The Story of Stuff is a 20-minute, fast-paced, fact-filled look at the underside of our production and consumption patterns. The Story of Stuff exposes the connections between a huge number of environmental and social issues, and calls us together to create a more sustainable and just world. It'll teach you something, it'll make you laugh, and it just may change the way you look at all the stuff in your life forever.

Shop locally!!!

It's a downward spiral. Low paying jobs make people need to shop at Walmart which creates more low paying jobs.

AlterNet: Blogs: Video: New Film Slams Wal-Mart: "Going Big Box vs. Going Local" [VIDEO]: "This new film by Amy Wolf, a Movement Vision Lab Film Fellow in 2007, follows one woman on a shopping quest — as we learn about the consequences at every turn. Please forward it to your family and friends and keep these lessons in mind as you're stocking up on stuff!This new film by Amy Wolf, a Movement Vision Lab Film Fellow in 2007, follows one woman on a shopping quest — as we learn about the consequences at every turn. Please forward it to your family and friends and keep these lessons in mind as you're stocking up on stuff!"

Election 2008: "The Simpsons": Ralph Wiggum Launches '08 Presidential Run [VIDEO]

Ralph would be a huge improvement over bush.

AlterNet: Blogs: Election 2008: "The Simpsons": Ralph Wiggum Launches '08 Presidential Run [VIDEO]

YouTube - How It All Ends

See previous post. This is a follow up with the devils advocate:

YouTube - How It All Ends

The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See : TreeHugger

This may be the most important Video you'll ever see!!!! Think life or death for you, your family, your children and grandchildren, humanity.

Please watch this video!!!! Can you refute it? Can you gamble on it? I have put this "pass on" post under more tags than any other post. PLEASE, pass it on to everyone you can.

The Most Terrifying Video You'll Ever See : TreeHugger

AlterNet: Corporate Accountability and WorkPlace: Is Selfish Capitalism Driving Us Mad?

Here is a post that goes along with my belief in ataraxia (Epicurus...the contentment of having enough).

AlterNet: Corporate Accountability and WorkPlace: Is Selfish Capitalism Driving Us Mad?: "The growth in greedy consumerism over the past 20 years is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of English-speaking nations."

AlterNet: Corporate Accountability and WorkPlace: Is Selfish Capitalism Driving Us Mad?

AlterNet: Corporate Accountability and WorkPlace: Is Selfish Capitalism Driving Us Mad?: "The growth in greedy consumerism over the past 20 years is taking a heavy toll on the mental health of English-speaking nations."

Let's Toast to Ten Good Things About 2007

For an attempt to balance my previous post I offer this. Little signs of hope only. 2007 was still a very negative year with greed and ignorance running rampant.

AlterNet: Let's Toast to Ten Good Things About 2007

20 Annoying Things About 2007

Great list Mr. Pizzo. I can't find a thing to disagree with.

AlterNet: 20 Annoying Things About 2007

We put a man on the moon...we can do this.

The 35 mpg fleet standard can and should be done as a first step. Adding trucks and SUVs is important as that is what people are driving.

I don't like the idea of ethanol being made from corn or other food sources at a time when there is hunger in the world. I don't like the continuation of aid to the oil companies that are raking in billions.

Dems reach deal on fuel efficiency - Capitol Hill- msnbc.com

"Pregnant Woman's Tasering Probed"

From the article:

Redden, according to Etter, had come to the police station to ask police to take custody of her child. When officer Michael Wilmer asked why, the woman reportedly would only say that "she's tired of playing games" with the baby's father. "At this point, they had a little more discussion that went nowhere," Etter said, recounting the incident. "She says, 'I'm leaving.'" Etter, who repeatedly emphasized to ABC News that Wilmer had no idea the Valreca was pregnant, said that the officer then explained that she could not leave without further explanation. He took hold of the child with one arm, Etter said, and pushed the woman down with the other. When a second officer arrived, Wilmer handed over the 1-year-old and attempted to handcuff Valreca. She began to resist, Etter said, at which point he "employed what is called a 'drive stun'" on the back of her neck.

This tells me "don't go into a police station".

It's time to ban tasers. The U.N. has described tasering as torture. I read an account of what it is like to be tasered by someone who was tasered and it's an experience I wouldn't want to go through. I saw a man tasered for refusing to sign a ticket and tried to point to a spee limit sign. Two taser deaths in Canada and four in the U.S. in a week. A Polish man tasered mainly because he didn't understand English.

Cops are afraid, and rightly so in this messed up society. But a taser being given as a non-lethal weapon causes them to resort to tasering when there is no reason.

ABC News: Pregnant Woman Tasered in Police Station, FBI Investigates

"The Sky is Falling"

Maybe this will put pollution into perspective.

Ecospot Grand Prize Winner Announced: And the Winner Is... (TreeHugger)

Dodd Singlehandedly Stops Bush's Domestic Spying Bill

I would like to personally thank my senator from Connecticut, Chris Dodd, for his action against immunity for the communications companies that cooperated with the Bush administration illegally, without a warrant or FISA court approval. We don't know what these companies did!! Our legislators should know what they are giving immunity to before they give it. Finally, someone with the guts to stand up for us. Now if the rest of the Democratic majority could develop a spine.

AlterNet: Blogs: PEEK: Dodd Singlehandedly Stops Bush's Domestic Spying Bill: "This is leadership."

Will the Lawmakers Who Attacked MoveOn Condemn Limbaugh?

The shoe is on the other foot. Let's see what happens with the party that brought us "swiftboat".

AlterNet: Blogs: PEEK: Will the Lawmakers Who Attacked MoveOn Condemn Limbaugh?

Massive Surveillance Net Keeps Track of Americans' Travel -- Even the Size of Hotel Beds

How do I get a copy of my PNR?

AlterNet: Rights and Liberties: Massive Surveillance Net Keeps Track of Americans' Travel -- Even the Size of Hotel Beds

Bill Clinton Rips Right Wing's "Feigned Outrage" Over MoveOn Ad

I was outraged when congress voted to condemn MoveOn's ad. Condemning freedom of speach!

Here's some truth.

AlterNet: Blogs: Video: Bill Clinton Rips Right Wing's "Feigned Outrage" Over MoveOn Ad [VIDEO