September 20, 2015
By Alice Ollstein

Manchester, New Hampshire (click here) — As politicians and groups across the political spectrum join forces to address the U.S.’ mass incarceration and police violence crises, former President Bill Clinton and other officials who implemented ‘tough on crime’ policies in the 1990s now say they regret their actions.
But former Maryland Governor and Baltimore Mayor Martin O’Malley, who promoted a regime of ‘zero tolerance’ policing in the late 90s and early 2000s, told ThinkProgress this weekend that he has no regrets from his time leading what he called “the most addicted and most violent city in America.”
“We had a horrible problem in our city with the proliferation of open air drug markets,” O’Malley said. “People wanted them shut down, so that’s what we did. Yes, enforcement levels spiked. But we saved about 1,000 lives, probably.”
O’Malley spoke to ThinkProgress just after addressing the Democratic Party Convention of New Hampshire, where he is vying for the nomination against Hillary Clinton, Bernie Sanders, Lincoln Chafee, and Lawrence Lessig....

November 6, 2015

By Martin O'Malley 

(CNN) On Friday night, South Carolina (click here) will host a Democratic presidential forum. And while the field of candidates may now be down to three, there are still many issues confronting this country that need to be discussed. These are critical issues that have not received the attention they deserve, but raise questions that go right to the heart of who we are as a people.

It would, of course, be a glaring oversight to ignore the struggles South Carolina has faced over criminal justice reform -- challenges we as a country are all grappling with. However, there is a particular, fundamental flaw in our justice system that other candidates appear to lack the commitment to address -- our failed reliance on the death penalty. This is a tragedy both because it is a racially biased punishment, and also ineffective in deterring crime....

From martinomalley.com

We get the health care system (click here) we pay for, and for far too long the way we have paid for health care has incentivized the provision of more care—not better care. By putting Medicare on a path toward paying providers for the value—not the volume—of the care they provide, the Affordable Care Act has begun an essential transformation in the way health care is financed in the United States. But we need to do more, and do it more quickly, in order to reach a tipping point in making better payment models, with better incentives, the norm....

Martin O'Malley seems to want people to visit his 15 goals website. (click here)

Veterans need services as they need them. Mental health has to come first because failure is not an option. If veterans are unsuccessful at work, they start to believe their lives are not productive and it is over. So, while jobs are important and returning to a normal life is important, they first have to be successful with mental health treatment when needed. AND some may qualify for disability and that is okay.

I could not find the article he spoke to at the New England Journal of Medicine. (click here) I don't doubt it is there, but, I couldn't find it. 

Age is not an issue especially in the year 2016. That is discriminatory. I am sorry the question came up. That is a foul.

It was a really great forum and thank you Senator Sanders.

I am grateful Senator Sanders is running. He has refreshed America. Most of the youngest generation of voters have not heard such freedom and priority for elected officials. Bernie is a very, very valuable member of the Senate because he knows the strength of America is it's Middle Class. But, more than that he knows how to make it work for everyone. 

From his website where his policies can be found. This is a paragraph from "War and Peace."

...As a member of Congress, (click here) I have supported the use of force only when it was a last resort and America’s vital interests were at stake. I opposed the first Gulf War, as did many other Members of Congress, because I believed that there was a way to achieve our goals without bloodshed, through sanctions and concerted diplomatic action. I supported the use of force to stop the ethnic cleansing in the Balkans. And, in the wake of the attacks on September 11, 2001, I supported the use of force in Afghanistan to hunt down the terrorists who attacked us. I regret that President Bush did not use that authority properly, and that American combat troops remained there too long. I voted against the war in Iraq, and knew it was the right vote then, and most people recognize it was the right vote today. The only mission President Bush and his neo-conservative friends accomplished was to destabilize an entire region, and create the environment for al-Qaeda and ISIS to flourish....

Veterans for Bernie.

 Veteran's CHOICE Act (click here)

...Bernie’s record speaks for itself. (click here) Like my grandma used to say, “The proof is in the pudding.” He is the only candidate who has continually spoken out about the ‘true costs of war.’ Unlike so many others, Bernie doesn’t just talk. He walks the walk. He gets shit done. While other politicians are out giving Veterans Day speeches and using us like props, Bernie is working hard to get us results and do what’s right.

Last year in the wake of the VA waitlist scandal, Bernie sponsored the most comprehensive veterans legislation in decades. He then partnered with Sen. John McCain to get it passed into law. Sanders’ bill, known as the Veterans CHOICE Act, greatly improved VA dental and healthcare by expanding access. It hired more doctors and nurses to see us, created more VA hospitals for more convenient appointments, and improved transparency and accountability in the VA. It expanded educational opportunities by preventing states from denying in-state college tuition to military members, and guaranteed those same benefits to surviving spouses. Bernie’s bill also created new measures to put veterans back to work. Without question, Bernie would be the first to acknowledge that more must be done, but his bill was a major step in the right direction.  As President, we know Bernie will fight to fix what’s broken at the VA and ensure Veterans are taken care of when we return home....

Many large U.S.-based multinational cor­porations (click here) avoid paying U.S. taxes by using accounting tricks to make profits made in America appear to be generated in offshore tax havens—countries with minimal or no taxes. By booking profits to subsidiaries registered in tax havens, multinational corporations are able to avoid an estimated $90 billion in fed­eral income taxes each year. These subsidiaries are often shell companies with few, if any em­ployees, and which engage in little to no real business activity.
Congress has left loopholes in our tax code that allow this tax avoidance, which forces ordinary Americans to make up the difference. Every dollar in taxes that corporations avoid by using tax havens must be balanced by higher taxes on individuals, cuts to public investments and public services, or increased federal debt.
This study examines the use of tax havens by Fortune 500 companies in 2013. It reveals that tax haven use is ubiquitous among America’s largest companies, but a narrow set of compa­nies benefit disproportionately.
Most of America’s largest corporations maintain subsidiaries in offshore tax ha­vens. At least 362 companies, making up 72 percent of the Fortune 500, operate subsid­iaries in tax haven jurisdictions as of 2013....

Based on the mixing and a ITCZ absent water vapor to mix and carry more heated water vapor; I expect a warming of the air over the USA.

The east coast should be experiencing some thawing temperatures by now with exception being the New England states.

There is a lot of mixing of warmer air and the arctic air so that in the next day or two the temperatures should be better than they are now.

January 26, 2016
0030.02z
UNISYS Water Vapor Satellite of north and west hemisphere (click here for 12 hour loop - thank you)

The west coast as a vortex affiliated with an Arctic Oscillation. It is not moving any time soon. That vortex is mixing warm air with arctic air.

As there is a mixing system on the west coast, so is there one in the center of the country near Chicago.

January 25, 2016
7:36 pm Est
Wind Map (click here for animation)  

In the UNISYS satellite it is easy to see the water vapor at the ITCZ is being drawn off by a vortex in the Atlantic Ocean. The heated water vapor in the Atlantic Ocean has resulted in a hurricane like watch for the Azores.

 

Senator Cassidy of Louisiana has my sympathies for the devastation of the waters off Louisiana in the Gulf of Mexico after the BP Oil Disaster. Lives were lost, too.

It would have been better to place brevity in the priority of the fishers in Louisiana. 

I forgot to point to the Wind Turbine Technician pay rates.
$23.46 per hour
or 
$48,000 annually.

Not bad. Not bad at all for a start up industry.

Republicans went the wrong way on this. I think that is obvious. 

I should point to another page (click here) at the US Bureau of Labor Statistics that reports pay rates are as high as $34.02 per hour or $70,770 annually. 

There are maps of states and the hope for jobs with the wages they pay on this e-page.

Don't forget. These are very stable jobs. They aren't going anywhere once established. 

 

These are requirements for wind turbine technicians. It is long term employment.

The statistics above are from the US Department of Labor. (click here)

Wind Turbine Technicians (click here)

• Some desired qualifications for becoming a wind turbine technician are as follows:
  • Degree in mechanical or electrical engineering
  • Strong mechanical skills, similar to those of an auto repair technician
  • Good basic math and communication skills
  • No fear of heights (servicing tall wind towers in the field will be part of the job). 

Petroleum employment lost 5.5 jobs in 4 months, from July to November 2015. Those are recent numbers

The statistics table to the left is from factual information of January 25, 2016.
Senator Cassidy made the point on January 19, 2016 at the Energy and Natural Resources Committee that jobs in oil were increasing to record levels. That is a lie.

Series Id:     CEU1021100006
Not Seasonally Adjusted
Super Sector:  Mining and logging
Industry:      Oil and gas extraction
NAICS Code:    211
Data Type:     PRODUCTION AND 

NONSUPERVISORY EMPLOYEES, THOUSANDS

This table (click here) is from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. This is a table about the employment of Americans throughout the petroleum industry.

There was an interesting uptick of petroleum jobs in the USA from 2012 forward, however there are no more increasing and ridiculous employment numbers. For all the growth of jobs in the industry, as of August of 2015 the jobs crashed. It was a slow trickle at first, but, in only four months at the end of 2015 petroleum employment of Americans went from an all time high to a return to PRE-BOOM levels of 2011. Those jobs are not coming back. Senator Cassidy could not be more wrong.

The Democratic Party in Alaska has a real arguement for their candidates in 2016. The bonus monies the people receive every year is GONE. Chairwoman Murkowski of Energy and Natural Resource Committee is rattled to say the least at the drop in oil.

It is called the truth about preparedness for a timeline that was obvious with Peak Oil occurring in 2005. It is called putting the people first. 

Alaska has not only lost a large part of their economy, it has suffered significant damage of it's beauty and native lands because of the climate crisis. 

I think the Republicans in Alaska have a lot to answer for. I like the necklace Senator Murkowski is wearing. Was it made by craftspeople in Alaska?

How are Alaska's fisheries holding up? 

Single parents support their families through learned craft.

Take these products to major markets. Don't give up the current specialty markets, but, approach major markets to carry these products. I have gifts I have received from my family made by these wonderful women. They are a treasure. If I can appreciate the magnificence of these products, so can others.

Africa has to think about it's history and where the future lies. Returning to the natural balance in Africa is important.

Africa's leadership needs to find new markets and need to change their products. I am sure most if not all African countries have ambassadors at the United Nations. Ask the ambassadors to talk to other ambassadors about products they may be looking for.

The African Union was once not even a part of the African landscape. A healthy and robust economy based in DIVERSE interests will balance African ups and downs.

January 25, 2016

By Norimitsu Onishi

...Since the start of this year, (click here) the outlook across the continent has grown grimmer, especially in its two biggest economies, Nigeria and South Africa. Their currencies fell to record lows this month as China, Africa’s biggest trading partner, announced that imports from Africa plummeted nearly 40 percent in 2015.

“We can see what drove the growth in Africa when demand goes away,” said Greg Mills, the director of the Brenthurst Foundation, a Johannesburg-based economic research group. “Well, demand has gone away, and it’s not pretty.”The International Monetary Fund has in recent months sharply cut its projections for the continent. Credit rating agencies have downgraded or lowered their outlook on commodity exporters like Angola, Ghana, Mozambique and Zambia, which were the darlings of international investors until just over a year ago....

Frequently, the No GMO movement purchases from countries with break out economies. This might be a real opportunity for Americans of conscience to bring quality products to our markets.

Africa leaders need to point their export products to the shore of the USA. They need to bring their decline to the Non-GMO movement.

South Africa FTSE/JSE Index (click here) decreased 461 points or 0.97% to 47200.89 on Monday January 25 from 47661.87 in the previous trading session. Looking back, South Africa FTSE/JSE Index lost 2616 points or 5.25 percent during the last 12 months from 49,816.57 points in January of 2015. Historically, the South Africa Stock Market reached an all time high of 55188.34 in April of 2015 and a record low of 26738.91 in August of 2010.

Nigeria needs to stop relying on oil as their primary form of economy. Nigeria has to look to tourism to balance the economic plunge.

This is just an example of the people willing to help manage and protect African wildlife.

Our goal is to conserve the world's largest wild places(click here) in 15 priority regions, home to more than 50% of the planet's biodiversity.


Everyone that works in wildlife protections understand the very importance of good tourism to add appreciation of Earth's lands and animals. The leaders in Africa know all this and how to achieve greater number of tourists.

It was nice to have China as a customer, but, there are challenges today many did not expect. The global economy is going through shifts from over AND inappropriate investments. It will come around, but, there is no reason even with a return to a healthier global balance to give up on other markets for Africa.

Africa should consider returning to production of native plants such as the groundnut. It is similar to what Americans call peanuts. Beside providing a far better crop than cattle, it is a good food source.

Cattle are expensive on a day to day basis. The cost of raising groundnuts is not as much as cattle and their have great nutritional benefits.

Heart Healthy Fats: they contain monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats that keep the heart healthy. A good level, of both; monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats results in lowering blood cholesterol levels, and thereby reducing the risk of coronary heart diseases.Proteins: Protein is essential to the health of our cells. The cells in our body are constantly being replaced and repaired. To ensue that the new cells are healthy, and the damaged ones are repaired well, we need protein. Peanuts are an extremely high source of plant protein. It should be regularly incorporated in diet for children, vegetarians and protein deficient people.Antioxidants: They contain high concentrations of the antioxidant polyphenols, primarily a compound called p-coumaric acid and oleic acid, that not only protect the heart but inhibit the growth of free radicals, keeping infection at bay.

Production costs are far lower than many products currently produced in Africa's agriculture today. These plant products also bring benefit to Earth's troposphere as it uses carbon and does not produce methane.

Africa has many, many options including marketing in Europe and quite possibly Australia and New Zealand. The African leadership can't wait another day. Find out what "food movement" which are global would like to purchase and begin again.

Why is lead so toxic?

To the left is the molecular structure of lead and below is the molecular structure of iron. The body utilizes iron for healthy body tissue. Iron is a vital component of blood. Lead's structure is so very close to iron the body does not discern the difference.

If Flint can't get justice through the US Justice Department then it will be necessary to turn to the United Nations.

I have no doubt the investigation of MICHIGAN laws will be through by the Michigan State Attorney General and his teams.

It is Michigan laws that caused this.

The emergency manager laws removed all authority except for one person. The emergency manager completely disregarded federal standards. The Michigan emergency mangers cannot operate outside the law because it is favorable for their balance sheets.  

The people of Flint have an emergency circumstance and people are making choices between two adverse choices. 

The people of Flint are losing the base of their economy and people are being forced to make choices between two unreasonable choices. There are now health issues that have not existed before.

This is just unbelievable. I can't believe Americans have to live with contaminated water in their homes. 

The Snyder administration has been evasive during this entire episode of money before people. They sold a pipe so the people of Flint could not return to their old water supply! Where are the arrest warrants. This is obvious stuff. There is no need for an investigation, the facts are all over the news and in Michigan newspapers.

IT IS EASY TO SAY "DON'T BATH IN THE WATER," BUT THERE IS NO CHOICE THAT PROVIDES THAT REALITY TO THE PEOPLE OF FLINT. 

Excuse me. Some investigation is better than none? Really?

May 14, 2015
By Ron Fonger  

Flint, MI -- Genesee County(click here) is offering the city of Flint $3.9 million for a 9-mile section of the existing water pipeline to Lake Huron. Emergency manager Darnell Earley has notified the City Council of the pending deal.
County Drain Commissioner Jeff Wright said Wednesday, May 14, that the proposed purchase is designed to put the old pipeline section to good use and to provide the city with cash for an asset that otherwise will serve no purpose....

January 23, 2016

Detroit -- The head of a Flint hospital (click here) that found Legionnaires' disease bacteria in its water system more than a year ago said he and experts suspected the Flint River was a likely source of the contaminant.
Don Kooy, president of McLaren hospital, said he was surprised that Michigan and local health agencies didn't inform the public about a Legionnaires' outbreak in Genesee County in 2014-15 until just a few weeks ago.
The outbreak occurred while Flint residents were repeatedly complaining about dirty tap water coming from the river -- a crisis that ultimately caused exposure to lead and other health problems....

In Flint, Michigan, (click here) health clinics are crowded with worried parents getting their children tested for lead poisoning -- but the high demand has backed up the process. Adriana Diaz reports.

US Temperature Map from USA Today (click here)

Warmer temperatures are coming to the north east.

Flooding will probably occur as later today or tomorrow.

The flooding will be far less than if the temperatures changed rapidly. It is still a serious concern. There were snow fall up to 40 inches in some areas of West Virginia.

The rivers will receive all that snow melt and the lower elevations needs to be on watch for not only local flooding but the added concern of cresting water from higher elevations. 
 

This is what goes on when every issue of living is politicized.

This is a map of the poverty rate in North Dakota. If North Dakota addressed it's profound poverty issue abortions would be sought far less.

Value for North Dakota (Percent): 11.9% (click here)

January 26, 2016

Washington (AP) " The U.S. Supreme Court (click here) will not allow the state of North Dakota to enforce a law banning abortions when a fetal heartbeat is detected as early as six weeks into a pregnancy.
The justices on Monday turned away the state's appeal of lower court rulings that struck down the 2013 fetal heartbeat law as unconstitutional. The law never took effect, and abortion rights supporters said it was the strictest anti-abortion measure in the country.
The high court last week rejected Arkansas' bid to enforce its own fetal heartbeat law, banning some abortions at 12 weeks....

I can't believe people in Flint, Michigan are still drinking contaminated water. Arrest Snyder.

"Morning Papers"

The Rooster

"Okeydoke"

People are really, really angry. There is no weather issue in Michigan.

January 24, 2016
By Emmy Lucas

Flint (WJRT) - (01/24/16) The Genesee County (click here) Volunteer Militia gathered at Flint's City Hall Sunday to keep the spotlight on the water crisis, but the rally drew more than just locals.

"There's really no motivation other than the people of Flint need help and we're in the position where we can help," said twenty-seven-year-old La'Mont Williams of Chicago.

While most twenty-some year olds are worrying about what the weekend plans are, the minds of Lamonte and Nate Williams of Chicago weighed heavy with concern for the residents of Flint.

"No one is putting politics into it, no one is putting any agenda into it. This is just a human crisis with a human face that needs a human response and that's what we're trying to do," added Williams.

So, with the donation of water and money they collected from family and friends in Illinois they arrived in Flint Saturday, making trip after trip to the local store.

"We loaded up my Corolla with about twenty-five cases of water and headed to Chicago and then we made about three trips to Wal-Mart and kept getting twenty-five cases, twenty-five cases."...

"Good Night, Moon"

Might be is a big question. I hope they find solid data soon. The research reminds of a return to the practice of pure science. It is about time.


I'll start up with Kyoto Protocol, Article 4 next week. We could have done it, you know? 

The Full Moon

15.8 days old

98.7 percent lit






January 20, 2016

By Kenneth Chang

There might be a ninth planet (click here) in the solar system after all, and it is not Pluto.

Two astronomers reported on Wednesday that they had compelling signs of something bigger and farther away — something that would satisfy the current definition of a planet, where Pluto falls short.

“We are pretty sure there’s one out there,” said Michael E. Brown, a professor of planetary astronomy at the California Institute of Technology.

What Dr. Brown and a fellow Caltech professor, Konstantin Batygin, have not done is actually find that planet, so it would be premature to start revising mnemonics of the planets.

In a paper published in The Astronomical Journal, Dr. Brown and Dr. Batygin lay out a detailed circumstantial argument for the planet’s existence in what astronomers have observed — a half-dozen small bodies in distant elliptical orbits.....