A very strange phenomena. The ash cloud of Chile’s Puyehue-Cordón Caulle Volcanic Complex it too high in the troposphere to dissipate.

This is an image of the erupting volcano in Chile on June 4, 2011. 

...The brown ash plume (click title to entry - thank you) reaches high above the clouds, covering much of the scene, and casts a shadow towards the southeast. Along the leading edge of the plume, it appears that heavier material is falling out of the ash cloud, while finer particles remain suspended in the atmosphere....

What makes this odd, is that the ash plume is making its second traverse around the Earth while disrupting air traffic in Australia and New Zealand.  There simply aren't any winds and weather competing with it to dissipate the fine particles at such high elevations or 45,000 feet.

...Qantas and Jetstar flights from Sydney to New Zealand (click here) are being cancelled again following the return of a volcanic ash cloud created by the erupting Puyehue-Cordon Caulle volcano in Chile.
The volcanic ash cloud which disrupted flights last week has returned to Australian skies today and is expected over New Zealand from tomorrow....

And it seems as though the ash cloud is gaining altitude, now at 50.,000 feet and as of yet undisturbed.

...The CALIPSO satellite (click here) recorded the plume 15 kilometers (50,000 feet) above the Earth on the second day of the eruption, and the volcano continues to push ash into the atmosphere. At these high altitudes, the ash entered the jetstream and blew quickly eastward....

The trouble comes in as some of the cloud remains at 20,000 to 35,000 feet where flights commonly travel.

The upside is that it is providing some interesting skyscapes and some shade for the planet.  Odd though.  Don't know what caused that in the first place, except, a very high velocity eruption.

Holy smokes.  That blasted thing is scarey to look at.  Wow.

Wednesday, June 15th 2011 - 04:21 UTC

Evacuees from Chile’s Puyehue volcano allowed back to their homes (click here)

Evacuations ordered after an eruption in Chile’s Puyehue-Cordón Caulle volcanic complex begun to be lifted on Sunday for various areas in southern Chile’s Los Ríos and Los Lagos regions, over 600 miles south of Santiago.

...On Monday afternoon local media reported an increase in ash falling on Chilean sectors following a change in wind patterns. Previously most of the ash has been concentrated across the border, including in the popular Argentine tourist city Bariloche.

There was seismic activity as well.  I guess so.  That was one powerful blast.  This quake today was preceded by a 2.7 in Central California and followed by 5.5 northeast of Australia.

Magnitude 6.5 - ANTOFAGASTA, CHILE  (click here)

2011 June 20 16:36:01 UTC

The day of the eruption there was a 4.8.

M4.8 – Neuquen, Argentina (click here)

Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 16:28:49 UTC
Saturday, June 4, 2011 at 13:28:49 Local

40.52°S 71.79°W
Depth: 19km

Ready for this?  On June 4, 2010 there was also seismic activity in Central California and off Australia.  That is a little more than a coincidence.  Southern California 3.6 and Northern California 2.8.  The Ring of Fire is still moving. 

I don't see how they can find her guilty. There is no way she could have acted alone either.

Casey Anthony Trial: Expert Says Official Autopsy Was 'Shoddy' (click title to entry - thank you)

By OLIVIA KATRANDJIAN

June 19, 2011

Two forensic experts testified over the weekend that 2-year-old Caylee Anthony was not necessarily suffocated by duct tape in the third day of the defense's case in the murder trial of Florida mother Casey Anthony.

Forensic expert Dr. Werner Spitz argued Saturday that the duct tape the prosecution claimed suffocated her was actually applied after her body had decomposed. He also claimed that the autopsy performed on the toddler was "shoddy," as Caylee's skull was not opened, so he conducted a second autopsy himself....

Was there anything about this case the State took seriously or was it simply trial by media?  I have not followed this case, except for hearing headlines and the like, I had no idea Casey lived at home with her parents until I had a conversation with someone today. 

I want to know where she got the choloform.  This is some of the worst prosecution work I have ever witnessed.  I knew this trial was going to be a failure from the first day of the trial.  There is nothing that makes sense to any of the evidence presented.  There exists nothing but ‘doubt.’  Every place.  And now this.  An incomplete autopsy of a toddler.  Wow. 

If Ms. Anthony is found guilty of anything, except, neglect of a child, I will have lost faith in the legal system.  There is no iron clad evidence anywhere.  There is a theory to the child’s death; theories are not enough to find guilt.  Dancing until dawn is not proof of guilt.

The movies of Casey and her daughter are not of a woman that hated the burden of motherhood.  They were of a mother entertaining and enjoying her child.  I have a lot of questions and no one, including the family has answered them to my satisfaction.  She may be found guilty, but, in appeal for all the holes in this case, it won't hold up to sincere scrutiny.  There has to be another party to this murder if indeed she is found guilty.  There is no way she could have acted alone and I have doubts she did it. 

The testimony stating she had her car backed into the garage for two days was not a matter of her living in a home alone and having unusual activity.  Her family lived in that home while she backed her car into the garage.  It is all too suspicious.  It just is.

I don't want another "Curveball." I would think that would be the motivating factor to any changes the FBI and CIA make.

...Once an assessment has started, (click title to entry - thank you) agents will be permitted to conduct lie detector tests and search people’s trash as part of evaluating a potential informant. No factual basis for suspecting them of wrongdoing will be necessary....

The question is always have we gone too far or not far enough.  I sincerely doubt President Obama micromanages to this extent.  The House and Senate need to hold hearings to assign such 'liberties' to an intelligence organization with proper balance.

It seems to me if there are reasons for suspicion of activity to investigate, then do so.  But, liberal laws such as these can lead to impetus for 'opportunity' to exploit.  I don't know how lame the FBI has gotten, but, it would seem to me there has to be some expertise that goes along with surveillance that is meaningful and not simply wasting taxpayers money. 

Give me a reason to believe this is something more than harassment of innocent citizens.  Mueller needs to have a dialogue with the American people about these changes so they can feel reassured this is all appropriate.  This is a limit. 

In all honesty, when I read this editorial my first reaction was, "Doesn't the FBI know what they are doing?"  Because this tells me there is a lot of sloppy assessements to ask the citizens of this nation to actually tolerate this level of surveillance.  There is a lot of room for abuse, including political abuse in the "W"rong hands.  It isn't enough the Plutocracy of the USA has engineered a take over of Republican Governors for redistricting after the 2000 Census, but, to realize they have are the cronies to power in the Legislature and one time to the Executive Branch is unsettling. 

I sincerely believe there needs to be more transparency that was promised to us with this administration and Mueller needs to have a news conference or find a way to ADEQUATELY communicate with this country to put all these changes into a contextual framework that doesn't resemble the beginnings of the SS.

Sorry, it was a difficult day for the family this year.

It is the first year without Dad.  I didn't expect such a strong reaction from some of the family.  It was a little rough today.  He was dearly loved. 

There is no sense in beginning now.  Timing is everything.  That was suppose to be funny.

Until later.

Father's Day 2011 in the USA, Del Rio, Texas expected to hit 107 degrees Fahrenheit

June 19, 2011  USA Temperature Map, Weather Channel

The major rivers in the center of the USA are still flooding. When will it end? Good question.

The glaciers at Glacier National Park have been gone for some time.  (click here for the Sun Road page of The National Park Service)

But, the continual falling snow that is accompanied by arctic air masses keeping the upper USA cooler is closing the road closed though the center of the park.

Slow going as crews work to clear snow on Sun Road  (click here)

By Tristan Scott of the Missoulian

missoulian.com

Posted: Wednesday, June 15, 2011 11:00 pm

WEST GLACIER - A twisting helix of snow arcs high into the sky above Glacier National Park and briefly obscures the dark features of iconic mountain peaks before scattering its frozen contents into the great white abyss below….
The Park Service Management and Personnel are doing a great job.  But, there is inherent danger to the current conditions.  Below is the page where 'current road conditions' are kept.

The section of the road (click here) between Avalanche and Jackson Glacier Overlook is closed due to plowing. For Saturday, hiker/biker access on the west side is to Packer's Roost, 6 miles past the vehicle closure. On Sunday there are no hiker/biker access restrictions. On the east side, there are no hiker/biker restrictions throughout the weekend. Visitors should use extreme caution when in avalanche areas and be knowledgeable of avalanche safety. Due to large amounts of snow in the park, there is a potential for the release of large scale avalanches...

But, there is more than concern for the opening of The Sun Road this year.  The continuing rain and snow adds to the volume of water in the Missouri River.  Below is the map of the river guages.  At this link, one can click on a particular point and read the graphs resulting from this monitoring (click here for link)

The flooding has become so profound that funding for research is being stopped at a time when it is needed most.  The people may very well be finding a new reality in this region and there is dearly little being analyzed.  The gauges are recording because they are mechanized, but, the assessments and opinions are lacking.  All the monies spent to modernize the guage system is being wasted for the lack of expertise reading them.  It is ridiculous.  These are vital services to people, cities and states as well as the federal government and the funding has been cut. 

This would not be my first choice in funding cuts.

Seriously.

Budget cuts may hamper flooding research (click here)

By Peter Harriman (Sioux Falls, S.D.)
Argus Leader

But this disaster is happening at a time when a weak economy and belt-tightening in Congress may limit the chance to do any studies.

John Cooper, the retired secretary of the state Game, Fish and Parks Department and an adviser to South Dakota Gov. Dennis Daugaard on Missouri River issues, quickly can think of several things the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers should study:...

The article below refers to previous flooding along this river system.  Often those reference points are regarded as a place fo find comfort in that we know the outcomes to such disasters.  That is not the way to look at ‘geophysics.’  The way I look at these events is not as a ‘solid predictable history’ but as what is the potential for more disaster and more dynamic changes as the warming becomes worse.  In other words, these events are ‘precursors’ to understanding a greater dynamic in the future as the parameters fo ‘heat effect’ continue to increase.

Don’t disregard the fact that Human Induced Global Warming has been altering the climate of Earth since the late eighteen hundreds.  It wasn’t until the 1960s that scientists sounded the alarm, but, that alarm was accompanied by a reality accumulating for over six decades of changed biotic content.  The alarm was correct and in plenty of time, it just wasn’t’ welcome by Wall Street.  Don’t ask me why, because, the carbon fuels are running out except for extreme extraction techique that provide immeasurable damage to the craton, the natural world and human beings. 

The 1993 event was the first time there were numerous rain and snow events that contributed to it, other than just one or two.  There was a pattern of rain events that amounted to the 1993 event.  Hence, the continuing pattern today is very much the same only worse.

Among the reasons why: The 1952 flood resulted from an unusually heavy snowmelt upstream; the 1993 deluge was caused by days of lingering, intense rains. The floodwaters now spreading across western Iowa from Sioux City to Hamburg are a combination of both factors…. 

Missouri River flooding: Past adds to fears (click title to entry - thank you)

12:26 AM, Jun. 19, 2011

PERRY BEEMAN and REGINA ZILBERMINTS

Hamburg, Ia. - When it comes to flooding, Iowans have long memories. And with the Missouri River again bearing down on the state, disrupting lives and drenching newly planted fields, many can't help but recall the massive floods that battered western Iowa in 1952 and 1993.

This one, some say, could surpass them both before it ends later this summer.

The Republicans messed up this country beyond belief when their uncontrolled spending for eight years had no real purpose except to provide monuments and the like.  Those monies were vital, but, not in the way it was spent.

The waters from a swollen Missouri River doesn't stop with it's end.  The Missouri empties into the Mississippi River and is part of the Mississippi Watershed.  Everytime there is flooding there is added pollution from runoff and areas where contaminants are stored on land that now become part of the river.  The very last place I would cut funding is here. 

This is the headlines in the official newspaper of Russia, "Ria Novosti." I don't care to hear many more mess about Russia.

...Bonner's daughter Tatiana Yankelevich said (click title to entry - thank you) that her mother would be buried in Moscow.
"We announce with deep sorrow that our mother Yelena Georgiyevna Bonner died today, on June 18 at 13:55 (17:55 GMT). According to her will, her body will be cremated and the cinerary urn will be buried at the Vostryakovo cemetery in Moscow next to her husband, mother and brother," Yankelevich said in a statement....

Her spouse, Andrei Dmitrievich Sakharov (Russian: Андре́й Дми́триевич Са́харов) died in 1989.  He was a Nobel Peace Prize winnter, a Russian dissent and human rights activist as well as a nuclear physicist.  Their names and message was important in Russia. 

Andrei Sakharov Autobiography (click here)

I was born on 21 May 1921. My father was a well-known teacher of physics and the author of textbooks, exercise books and works of popular science. I grew up in a large communal apartment where most of the rooms were occupied by my family and relations and only a few by outsiders. The house was pervaded by a strong traditional family spirit - a vital enthusiasm for work and respect for professional competence. Within the family we provided one another with mutual support, just as we shared a love of literature and science.

My father played the piano remarkably well, in particular Chopin, Grieg, Beethoven and Scriabin. During the civil war he earned a living by playing the accompaniment to silent films at the cinema....

I know all the arguments, "How could anyone that was a nuclear physicist ever be a human rights advocate, etc., etc., etc."  Espeically given the fact he was a Russian.

Becasue men and women develop their point of view over time.  When they achieve their pinnacle of success and have the ability to look back over their life and find a sense of injustice within their achievement, when they look across the spectrum of their achievements and realize others are not within their grasp to have the same quality of life or freedoms, their conscience won't leave them alone.  A man with a character enough to grow in stature in what was then the Soviet Union wasn't interested in owning luxury beyond his family's comfort.  He wasn't interested in a house in the county, one in the city, and one at the beach.  He was interested in the world 'outside himself' and not narcisstic values of luxury and self emulation. 

They sort of look like each other.

...What is unusual (click title to entry - thank you)  is his attempt to use it to cover conversations with someone who is, ostensibly at least, a news executive. It amounts to a rather bald admission that Ailes provides Christie with political advice....

The reality is that Mr. Ailes is brokering power to NJ Governor Christie.  Beside the federal laws that come to mind, there is the FACT that Mr. Ailes' time is worth money.  So, therefore, Mr. Ailes is providing 'in kind' donation to Mr. Christie.  It is a political donation without monies exchanging  Let's see if it shows up on any of Mr. Ailes contacts in political arenas.

If these meetings are taking place during 'office hours' there are many, many questions for taxpayers to ask Governor Chrisite.  Besides, his helicopter rides to political organizing meetings and now iwth Ailes, is there any time in the Governor's schedule for actualy work?  Is Chritie accepting a salary for political reasons and how much of that salary is actually acting in his political benefit?

It also seems to me the Democrats don't look at the big picture when 'moralizing' is victiming.

The people seeking legislation in NYC and New York State to move "Marriage Equality" to its proper place as law are going to have to double their efforts now that a 'faux sex scandal' resulted because of opportunistic capitalism with six women.

There is a strong movement for passage of this bill in NYC and New York State.  With added perception by the current legislature, that may effect their point of view (pause if you will) due to renewed concern following the entire 'feeding frenzy' by the media and Republicans, it may prove to be an added burden to the movement to pass the legislation.  That is not what is being reported in that there is still some other bills to be considered, but, there is a chance the Republicans have won their 'backlash' to help support their 2012 campaigns.

The same-​sex marriage equality battle (click title to entry - thank you)  in New York is taking place in Albany, the state capitol, and in New York City, home to Mayor Michael Bloomberg. As of this moment, Senators are conferencing in Albany for the third morning in a row in the marriage equality bill. Rumor has it Cuomo may hold them past their session end date of Monday if other business is not finished, like rent regulations.... ("The Rent is TOO Damn High campaign")
The Albany Times-​Union just reported that, “as well as the ongoing same sex marriage, rent-​regulation/​tax cap debate, senators will also likely talk about the unresolved question of how to handle the defunct OTB [Off Track Betting] system in New York City.

“Also undone are the health exchanges which under President Obama’s health care legislation are supposed to be set up this year, with the failure to do so resulting in a potential loss of federal funds.”

NY Mayor Bloomberg has taken a leadership role all of a sudden — demanding of the Republican-​majority Senate “to take a vote” – and to understand why, you have to understand a few things about New York politics.

First, a long-​time history of corruption still hangs over Albany....

What do I care about the 'entertaining sexual exploits' of Former Congressman Weiner with consenting women?  That's there problem.  There are bigger problems that can receive a severe backlash that are far more important than some STUPID photos for 'booty call.' 

The moralizing that goes on with the RNC, is unilateral in its focus and for the reason of maintaining their base WHEN APPROPRIATE while defaming every other influence to win 'moral issues' of the day.  It is moral and correct to afford civil rights to all Americans.  The RNC victimizes people in order to get elected while they raise fears to assist in that election.  This has to stop. 

And don't think for one minute that donations are decided whwn these events occur.  They do.  And it may not be to the benefit of the Democrats either.  This 'gaming' is completely hideous. 

The two-faces of the Republican Party was very obvious in the episode of "Twittergate" and Former US Representative Anthony Weiner.

From June 6th throught 9th all one heard in the media and in every conservative talk show on the planet were demands to have US Representative Anthony Weiner to resign.  In a completely beniign, consentual, adult conversations between women and a single man who was newly married; the Republcian Party worked overtime to demand the removal of Representative Weiner.  A scandal that is dramatically daunted by the scandals of Republicans in CONTEXT, but, not media forcus was a strategic, political tactic not just for the women that 'sold out' a so-called relationship / chat for considerable money, but, also for the political 'attention' and MORALIZING of the RNC and its members.

June 7th

Republicans call for Anthony Weiner to resign (click here)

By Brian Montopoli

...Asked if Weiner should step down after a local Chamber of Commerce luncheon in Louisa, Virginia, Cantor said that "Congressman Weiner and his constituents will make that decision. I certainly don't condone his activity and I think he should resign."...

With Few Democrats Defending Him, Republicans Call on Weiner to Resign

By Chris Good

Jun 7 2011, 4:15 PM ET

...Today we heard the first high-profile call for Weiner's resignation, made by House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.). "We've got a lot of serious challenges going on in this country and a lot of work for Congress to do. The last thing we need is to be immersed in discussion about Congressman Weiner and his Twitter activities," Cantor said, according to Roll Call. "I certainly don't condone his activity and I think he should resign."
Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus said the same. "Congressman Weiner's actions and deception are unacceptable and he should resign," Priebus said in a statement released by the RNC. "We do not need an investigation to know he lied and acted inappropriately, we need a resignation."...



June 8, 2011

Republicans Call for Weiner to Resign (click here)

JUNE 8, 2011

On Tuesday, Republican National Committee Chairman Reince Priebus called for Mr. Weiner to resign and challenged House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D., ...Calif.) and Democratic National Committee Chairwoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz to explain whether they "believe members of Congress are held to a different set of standards."...

A different standard than WHAT?  They are Congressmen.  Of course, they are held to a different standard and this time his constituents didn't want him to leave by a poll indicting 56% wanted him to stay.  DID THE HARRASSMENT STOP?  NOooooo, the harassment and the pressure for his resignation continued BEYOND the demands of Eric Canter the day before.  The media and the Republican Party continued on and on and on beyond any proof of the demands of his constituency, EVEN THOUGH that was the stated standard by all.

Then as if a contageous disease OTHER Democrrat Congressmen were LABELED with sterrotypes and scrutiny of their behavior fell into suspicion !  Amazing.  LET'S GO FOR THE JUGULAR, OKAY?  "Take 'em down." 

Weiner being completely embarrassment and humilitated by the entire episode, now realizing his communication with sexually expressive women asking for rendevous, was a hoax on their part, could defend from the idiocy.  He should have stated for everyone to mind their own business as his constituents already spoke in his favor.

possible.  'GET THEM ON THE RECORD.'  It didn't matter that his constituents were on the record.  Nah.  It was what the media wanted that was important and the showmanship of the Republcians went on and on.  You betcha.  Not that there was anything else bettter to attend to.  All the Republicans and media could concentrate on was "Burning down the Democratic House."

As Fellow Democrats & Republicans Call For Weiner’s Resignation, Donnelly Remains Silent  (click here)

Published: June 8, 2011

Continues To Cling To Weiner Campaign Cash, Stand By Lewd New York Rep

As he continues to posture himself on a wide variety of issues in advance of an uphill U.S. Senate bid, liberal U.S. Rep. Joe Donnelly (D-IN) has remained conspicuously silent on the explosive controversy regarding his friend, campaign benefactor, and colleague U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner’s (D-NY) lewd online behavior.

June 9th

Then the moralizing was to encircle as many SILENT Democrats as

Will Sherrod Brown Call for Anthony Weiner’s Resignation?  (click here)

Posted by Christopher Maloney on June 09, 2011

Columbus - Ohio Republican Party Communications Director Christopher Maloney released the following statement after calls by national Democrats for New York Congressman Anthony Weiner to resign:

"Talk is cheap.  It's time for Sherrod Brown to walk the walk when it comes to draining Washington's 'ethical swamp;' it's time for him to join his fellow candidates for U.S. Senate, and Democratic Party peers, in calling for Anthony Weiner's resignation," Maloney said.

"Sherrod Brown sits on the U.S. Senate Select Committee on Ethics.  As long as Senator Brown intends on continuing to incorporate ethics and good government into his 2012 campaign platform, he should join with his Democatic colleagues and provide Ohioans with an answer on whether Anthony Weiner should resign his seat in Congress."…

Then on June 16th on MSNBC with the party that claims to have its

pulse on the nation comes the resounding and continued harassment

 of Democrats from Pat Buchanan.  "You never stood up for the guy."

WHAT?

As yes.  The ever so loyal Republican that could see the injustice by

the Democratic Party while realizing the Weiner scandal was hardly

a scandal at all. 

Of course, now that the congressman had resigned, the Democrats

were at fault after all for the resignation because they didn't stand

up for their own congressman.  That is what sets the GOP a part,

you know?  The GOP stands up for sleeve-bags like Ensign and

Vitter so they don't loose a seats anywhere.


And what does the media do to keep the momentum going?  They SPECULATE about the next in line for the New York 9th district and whether or not that Congressman/woman will actually matter in the scheme of thing before the 2012 elections.  They didn't term it that way.  Not to focus on the people of the NINTH as all, it was "Weiner's Replacement" which already sends up red flags.  Could it be another one of the sorry Liberal Demcrats with a big mouth and SOMETHING TO SAY on the floor of the House?


For Weiner’s Successor, Perhaps, Lame-Duck Status (click title to entry - thank you)

By DAVID W. CHEN

Published: June 16, 2011

So, who wants to be a lame-duck freshman?...

Exactly my thought.  Who would want to be a lame-duck freshman.  Absolutely.  Not that the people of the NINTH should feel secure about their home and its representation after their ELECTED Congressman had been pressured to leave without much recognition to their wishes regarding this mess.

No one.  I do mean no one, except, Former Congressman Anthony Weiner paid attention to the people of his district and what they wanted.  NO  ONE.  The entire two parties of the USA was concentrated on playing polictics and completely disregarding THE WILL of the people of New York's Ninth.  That should not be a surprise because that is what Republcians do, 24-7.  They showed their true colors on this one in a very big way.  They turned their backs on the voters in the NINTH and ignored the fact they voted Democratic and insisted over and above the will of his constituents that the Congressman resign and then insisted that the media run him into the ground. 

Wow.  And the Democrats not only let them get away with it, but, played right along.

ISSA: Well, first of all, (click here)I agree with Eric, who’s my leader, and who’s a classmate of mine and a friend. But I think Eric’s missing one point. Anthony Weiner’s not a Republican. He won’t resign. There’s a different standard between Republicans and Democrats. Yes, if he were Chris Lee, well, actually, Chris Lee did less and resigned immediately....

There is a different standard that Speaker Boehner and Leader Cantor hold us to.

...And we should hold ourselves to it, but if we don’t, in the case of Chris Lee, who didn’t, you’re gone. They’re not doing that on the other side....


Is that right?  Speaker Boner and Leader Cantor are the moral compass for the party and insist on STRINGENT adherence to the ten commandments.  Is that right?  Well, in case no one noticed the Congressman in question was NOT Christian.  That is not premission for such naive behavior, it is simply a fact.

And, of course, every Republican is perfect right down to his wing-tips and Brylcreme.  Good personal habits make the man.  Absolutely.

Yep.  "Brylcreme."  A good thing to keep right next to the P90-X tape in the Congressal Gym.

Evidently it takes a spotless soul to be a Democrat in office these days. Republicans are exempt.

Rarely do prestigeous people experience sincere relationships in such glib methods as the internet. 

It is always about money.  The latest were college photos.  How much did they pay for those?  And why?  There is no credibility in them.  Whatever.

The crowd at the press conference was verbally abusive trying to intimidate and embarass further.  The 'ideas' that came out from the hecklers were actually educational.  Some 'ideas' would have never occurred to me.  Wow.

Sorry to see Former US House Representative Weiner leave due to harassment of the Right Wing.  Yet another is unable to carry out the responsiblities he was elected into because of undisciplined and maligning media.

I believe Huma was correct in allowing her husband to take responsibility in announcing his resignation alone to his constituency and the Democratic Party. 

...After much speculation, (click title to entry - thank you) Huma Abedin did not appear at husband Anthony Weiner's side as he resigned from Congress on Thursday afternoon.

The outgoing N.Y. Democrat resigned nearly three weeks after the revelation that he had been sending a number of women lewd pictures of himself on the Internet.

Weiner apologized to Abedin during his resignation speech, and expressed the hope that "my wife and I can continue to heal from the damage I have caused."...

"Facing South" is a very interesting publication. It seeks to expose the underhanded and oppressive labor environment of the Southern USA. (click title to entry - thank you)

In an article not long ago they discussed the Jacksonville, Texas "Walmart" and how majority butchers taht voted to join the United Food and Commercial Workers Union.  It got ugly after the vote to organize was passed and Walmart was faced with having a unionized shop in their midst.

Walmart didn't handle it well.  See, union organizing is based within the US Constitution as a right to assemble, freedom of speech, contract law, etc., etc., etc.  So, if anyone states unionization is unconstitutional they are ignorant.  The rights of unions are strongly based within constitutional law and it is safe to venture a statement that destroying unions is a direct assault on the US Constitution.

Jacksonville, Texas: Why We Need Employee Free Choice (click here)

Posted on March 23, 2009 by webteam

If there was ever a example of why we need the Employee Free Choice Act, its the saga of Wal-Mart workers in Jacksonville, Texas.
In February 2000, workers at a Wal-Mart meat department in Jacksonville, TX voted to form a union by 7-3 margin. Instead of honoring the vote and opening negotiations with UFCW, Wal-Mart took the standard company option: it closed all in-store butcher departments in favor of pre-packaged meats. If Wal-Mart’s union-busting reputation was ever in question, this case erased any doubt years ago....

Walmart is vicious regarding union organizing.  They are not only vicious in the American Southland, they are vicious globally.  As a matter of fact, Walmart with its global reach and obvious ability to degrade local economies is nearly 'an instrument' of Wall Street is a very big way.

Examples:  South Africa in 2011.  Walmart purchased a 51% share of a retail store chain called "Massmart."  South Africa is very, very union centered.  The diamond mines alone are enough to give any self-respecting South African pause to realize the extreme working conditions employees undergo to simply earn a paycheck. 

Walmart Executive Vice President and board member opening called union members, "blood sucking parasites."  The contract with Massmart exists for another three years and Walmart is determined to destroy the union when negotitations open.  What has that done to their 'Wall Street' name and brand?  It provides a 'model' for success in union busting to Wall Street.  If a company has enough liquid capital and wants to destroy unions, which also means destroying their own market base, they can venture into those waters and attempt to destroy them along with a vital Middle Class.

It isn't just South Africa either.  In 2004, in Jonquiere, Quebec, the workers voted to join the UFCW (click here) a union focused on supporting labor in Canada and the USA.  After voting to join the union, the store was simply closed for business.  That is pure stupidity.  It provides a very bad public comment to the local economy.  When the store opens again, the unions will be there anyway.

The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union is responsible for the union organizing at the controversy surrounding a "Target" store in New York.  It is the first store to even consider unionizing within Target and it is being scrutinized by Wall Street.

..."Will the store close if the union gets in?"  (click here)
The company answer: "There are no guarantees."
The Valley Stream store performs in the middle of the pack companywide, making its closure unlikely. But it stands alone among the 1,754 Targets: On Friday, its 260 workers will decide whether to join the largest retail union in the country.
The outcome could have ramifications not just for the company but for the industry, organized labor and potentially consumers nationwide, giving organized labor a rare beachhead into big-box retail.
If the union wins, "that's big news," said Chris Tilly, the director of UCLA's Institute for Research on Labor and Employment. "It shows [unions] have potential that people thought wasn't there."
The tenor of the company's flier was noteworthy to John Budd, a labor relations professor at the University of Minnesota. "It suggests Target is quite nervous," he said.
The United Food & Commercial Workers International Union says it intends to organize other Target stores in the New York area, and the company and the union are already accusing each other of resorting to unfair and illegal tactics...


If Target closes this store in retaliation of a passing vote to bring the union into its employees, the UFCW will be in a strong position to move against the company in court.  The tactics of Walmart in Canada can be presented as 'Wall Street Precedent' in violating the 'free will' of people when they want to protect themselves from poor wages and exploitive management practices.

In of all places, Bangledesh, labor supporters for employees of Walmart,  Babul Akhter, Kalpona Akter, and Aminul Islam were imprisoned and tortured.  They could face the execution for destroying property where are false charges.  Walmart Corporation could easily stop this hideous attrocity in a place where the struggle for human rights has gone on for decades.  But.  Walmart isn't making an effort because it acts as oppression to the "blood sucking parasites" that are employees to the company.

The list goes on and on with a definate global 'attitude' by Wall Street to 'keep the peasants down' at any cost, even their lives.  Reading about this very much reminds me of the beginnings of unions in the USA.  It was very dangerous and people died to protect others and build the foundation of the modern union movement.  One of the big topics for unions in the beginning wasn't even wages, so much as working conditions.  Working conditions is a huge insult to workers globally and the reason alone for outsourcing. 

Macy's loves people. Their unions are important to them. Unions are not unreasonable.

(Reuters) - Macy's Inc (click title to entry - thank you) and the union representing 4,000 workers at four of its New York area stores, including its famed flagship, reached a tentative new labor agreement on Thursday, averting what would have been the department store's first strike since 1972....

...Macy's did not disclose any of the terms of the contract, but spokeswoman Elina Kazan said in an e-mailed statement that the deal "addresses the economic and business realities of the retailing industry, while keeping jobs at Macy's among the best in the department store industry."...

If anything, unions are far to willing to get along with their employers when the facts are on the table.  But, it has to be a two way street.  When I was a Union Representative we not only ran seminars and meetings to increase and maintain the expertise of our members, but, we also brought ideas for improvement for the business in the market place.  Management has to be receptive to the insight union expertise can bring, not only in supporting labor, but, in supporting the market place for their goods.

One other thing, by supporting our members with educational opportunities, was an expense their employer did not have to budget because these opportunities were open to all the employees, not just members.  We felt peers were just as important to a good outcome as much as our members.  It was a nice work envrionment.  The Middle Management had their own union, too.

Target used union actors for anti-union film

Oh, the irony! Target Corp., (click title to entry - thank you)  long locked in a battle with labor organizers, filmed a notorious internal anti-union video with union actors and under the jurisdiction of one of the biggest unions in the entertainment business....
This film simply shows there is a right to "Freedom of Speech" no matter how much of the content is deceptions and flat out lies.

The actors and actresses did a great job.  They didn't attempt sabotage regardless of their own status.  Congratulations.  It's work, right?

...and in New Jersey there is the same 'horse play' as in Wisconsin. No origiality by the Republican Governors.

Christie Continues To Catch Grief For Chopper Ride To Son’s Game (click here)

Everything is MONOTONE?  Really?  Yet, New Jersey is so very different from Wisconsin in its income and expenses, but, the attack on unions goes on.

Helicopter rides for the Executive Branch, but, no money for employee benefits.  I'll be darn.

...Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver (click title to entry - thak you) said Tuesday it was important to get public debate under way, but she's not committed to putting the bill up for a full Assembly vote. It will be heard by the Budget Committee on Monday.

Oliver's announcement came the day after former Assembly majority leader Bonnie Watson Coleman urged colleagues in a strongly worded letter to stand up for core Democratic principles. Watson Coleman said her party should unite in opposition to Republican Gov. Chris Christie's policies, starting with a refusal to vote on any legislation that infringes on collective bargaining.

"It now pains me to see how we have been strategically and systematically manipulated to compromise the value of our majority in support of this governor's agenda," she wrote. "How are we allowing ourselves to be dragged down this governor's right-wing alley of pain and devastation that is targeting the middle class, frail, elderly and poor, and support an agenda that upholds and indeed lifts the wealthiest?"...

I really do believe in citizen participation in govenrment decision making.  It can be effectively done by allowing a "Public Comment Period" previous to any plan for a budget.  A Public Comment Period could last 60 to 90 days and precede the writing of any budget and certainly before any vote.  The Budget seems to be the favorite place for Republican Governors to hack away at bargaining rights and union benefits, so make the public a part of the process and legislate it in as part of the process to STABILIZE budget prioritizing and spending every year REGARDLESS of whom is the Governor. 

Let me see if I get this right. Christine Quinn is running a pep rally for New York City unions?

...City Council Speaker Christine Quinn (click title to entry - thank you) had asked Municipal Labor Committee Chairman Harry Nespoli to come to the table to discuss ways to prevent the layoffs. Talks centered on tapping into the Health Insurance Stabilization Fund, which is run jointly by the city and the unions.
But Mr. Nespoli released a terse, pessimistic statement this afternoon following the committee meeting, which he said lasted several hours.
“I can tell you that there is a lot of mistrust of City Hall based upon the way we have been treated in the last eight months or so,” the statement said. “That is all I am going to say right now.”
The reference appeared to be to the mayor's refusal to give ground on his layoff threat.
Not all of the committee's 90 unions are against the deal, but enough are resisting it to put its outcome in doubt.
The United Federation of Teachers, which stands to lose the most, is in favor of the deal, the details of which have yet to be ironed out between the mayor's office, the City Council and the unions. One labor insider said the deal “was neither blown up nor locked up.” The insider said that some unions wanted a no-layoff guarantee to be extended for a period of longer than one year....


It would seem as though New York City unions have been meeting with the New York City Council representatives to attempt to come up with a plan to BAILOUT New York City.  This would be at least the SECOND TIME in history New York City was bailed out of poor management in order to stay afloat.

The unions were willing to bailout the city to prevent layoffs by usings funds in their Health Care Stabilizaiton Fund, which is a really good idea by the way.  BUT.  That wasn't enough for the City Council, they will only commit to one year of layoff free STABILIZATION of its budget.  One year of no potential layoffs so New York City can come back and drain more monies from the city workers. 

Hm.

I don't think so, because, when I looked at the city's budget for Fiscal Year 2011 it is balanced WITHOUT any monies coming from the unions.  I am not an expert at reading all this, but, at first glance it looks as though the city revenues on page 18 of report Number 3 of the city budget is $868,000,000 US.   Report number 1 on page 5 of the city 2011 Fiscal Budget shows the budget balance . (click here)  Why can't the city do the same think for Fiscal Year 2012?

Because according to the mayor himself the entire Fiscal Year of 2012 for New York City, is seeing a revenue increase of $2.7 billion US.  Is the City Council and Mayor actually saying that the State cuts are MORE than $2.7 billion to NYC?  Really?

Because according to the 2012 Budget Summary, on page 3, (click here) the City is boasting how it is making up the 20% state and federal cuts by injecting $2 billion into education, which is exactly where the City wants to ? layoff ? more workers.  On that same page, page 3, the City also boasts how it does so much more with so many less employees.  I can't help believe 'the poor mouth' New York City Council is crying to the unions is simply 'jazz' and manipulation to 'break the backs' of their unions.  It sure looks that way. 

What is this Republican Union Busting?  Any excuse will do?  Looks like the NLRB has its work cut out for it this year.
 
Will the unions please do their homework on this?  Please?  It seems as though there are a lot of meetings and a lot of talking but not much REALITY ORIENTATION to management.   I am getting the feeling this is all gamsmanship on the part of the City and not realtiy.  Or Bloomberg is blowing smoke of New York City residents' skirts.

The 2012 Executive Expense Budget is $65.7 billion. This is the thirty-second consecutive budget which is balanced under Generally Accepted Accounting Principles (GAAP), except for the application of Statement No. 49 of the Government Accounting Standards Board (“GASB 49”) which prescribes the accounting treatment of pollution remediation costs.

Major highlights of the Executive Budget and Financial Plan are:

• Forecast revenues have increased between fiscal years 2011 and 2012 by $2.2 billion. Baseline tax revenue

is projected to increase by $2.1 billion.

• Controllable Agency Expenses increase by $778 million or 3.7% from fiscal years 2011 to 2012 after

implementation of an agency expense program.

• The agency program totals $633 million and $1.2 billion in fiscal years 2011 and 2012, respectively.

• Debt Service increases by $562 million or 11.7% between fiscal years 2011 and 2012 while Non-Controllable Expenses increase by $3.7 billion or 19.7% over this period. The increase in Non-Controllable Expenses includes $1.8 billion for Pensions and Fringe Benefits, and $509 million for Medicaid.

• The above actions leave the City with a forecast Operating Deficit of $3.2 billion in fiscal year 2012 that

is balanced using $3.2 billion of surplus funds accumulated in prior years. The forecast gaps for fiscal years 2013 through 2015 are $4.8 billion, $5.1 billion, and $5.3 billion, respectively....

BUDGET AND FINANCIAL PLAN OVERVIEW (click here)

While the Right Wing has found 'the fire in the belly' to demonize unions, I found this article. It is interesting.

Arthur B. Shostak
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA 19104

...Organized Labor, down now to only 13 percent of the American work force from 35 percent in the 1950s, confronts at least three major threats to its existence: The first, its loss of jobs sent overseas, is obvious.  The second, a recent rise in well-being of certain members, poses an ironic risk.  And the third, confusion about using computer power, while a threat least well-recognized in and outside of Labor, is arguably the most critical hazard of all....

It is an article by labor about labor.  I think it is well done.  One of the 'myths' circulating in the Right Wing Media today is how President Obama wants to slash technology to increase job growth.  I think they said, the President wants to take away automation to increase the cost of making stuff, but, employing more people. 

The Right Wing Media really plays people for fools.  There is no other way to look at it.  Unions, in the year 2011, represent highly technical fields such as nursing, teaching, engineering (both public and private), machinists, aerospace workers, Longshore workers, letter carriers, theater and stage workers, newspaper workers, glazers. iron workers, flight dispaters, meterologists and operation specialists, Flight Attendants, Pilots, food and commercail workers, university professors and staff, hospital workers, electrical workers, elevator workers, dry wall tapers, plumbers, linoleum and soft tile workers, communication workers, carpeters, brick layers, construction and building trade workers, boiler workers, heat and frost and insulation workers, Municipal, State and Federal employees, steel workers, actors and actresses, writers and film industry workers, sheetmetal workers, the maritime industry workers, seafarers, sailors, painters, police officers, paramedics and plasterers and cement masons.

Tell me one job there that does NOT use technology in the year 2011.  How is it that President Obama is anti-technology in order to 'dummy down' the nation to create more jobs?  It is hideous. 

The article noted in this entry examines THE REAL CAUSES of union membership decline.  I found it to be a welcome understanding to a greater dynamic that creates 'disinterest' in workers and their ability to secure good pay and benefits.  I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I did.

I especially like this paragraph:

...Many well-off workers may think unionization unnecessary, at least as long as they continue to "feel" financially comfortable (a social-psychological effect known since the 1960s as the "embourgeoisification of the proletariat").  This can take the form of workers - newly indifferent to Labor - employing what is known to academics as the Exit Strategy (quitting one job to take a better one) in preference to choosing the Voice Strategy ( sticking with the union and fighting for gains).  Especially in a culture like that of America, where class membership is lightly and unevenly held, where it is somehow odd to seeing oneself as a beneficiary of collective representation, unions have long been buffeted by this sort of conscious drift away from collective bonds toward "Me, first!" individualism....
Ah, reasons beyond what one might think.

The Unions are finally in the best venue to defend themselves.

Several unions (click title to entry - thank you)  filed a federal lawsuit on Wednesday to block a law that limits collective bargaining rights for public workers in the state. A day earlier, the Wisconsin Supreme Court reinstated the law, overruling a lower court’s decision to halt it because it had been passed improperly. The unions, which represent teachers and state and city workers, say provisions of the law violate the Constitution by singling out only some public workers and not others.

It would have been best if the Supreme Court of Wisconsin simply upheld the "Open Meeting Rule" rather than making excuses for the court's lax attitude.  "There was an opportunity to attend." is not a proper decision.  It is definately a corrupt opinion and I don't care if there was a majority to back it up.  The Open Meeting Rule not only demands the opportunity to attend, it demands a CERTAIN attendance by important members of the State legislature be present.  The Open Meeting Rule states that for a reason and it isn't to make sure the chairs in the room are filled.  It is to insure there is NO HORSE PLAY with the purpose of the meeting.  The Court that ruled, "There was an opportunity to attend." completely discarded the entire rule out of practice.  The Court's ruling needs to be appealed AGAIN. 

But, that aside the venue now for the unions is a court of law where they can clearly illustrate the underhanded and corrupt nature of the Walker Budget with unequal burden to children in classrooms.  It might be teachers that are effected, but, the ultimate victim to that budget are the children, the futures and ability to compete in the real world.  The Budget is highly discriminatory and victimizes the youngest members of our society. 

No only that, but, it discriminates along the lines of campaign donations and favors.  Shame on them.