Europe has the "can-do" attitude. Wow. An energy grid this large can still carve out reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.

April 4, 2018
By Nefeli Tzanetakou

EuroAsia Inter-connector (click here) contributes to the energy targets:

- Ends the Energy Isolation of Cyprus as an EU member state. Cyprus is the last member of the European Union which remains fully isolated without any electricity or gas interconnections

- EuroAsia Inter-connector creates an electricity highway from Israel-Cyprus-Crete-Attica, Greece (Europe) through which the European Union can securely be supplied with electricity produced by the gas reserves in Cyprus and Israel, as well as from the available Renewable Energy Sources, contributing at the same time to the completion of the European Internal market.

- The EuroAsia Inter-connector ensures the security of energy supply of the three involved countries and of the EU system altogether, through the integration of the isolated small systems of Cyprus and Crete with the Israeli and European networks and the uninterrupted – multidirectional flow of energy.

- Promotes the substantial development of the Renewable Energy Sources and contributes to the reduction of the CO2 emissions.

- Offers significant economic and geopolitical benefits to the involved countries.

- Contributes to the target of the European Union for 10% of electricity interconnection between Member States.ocio-economic benefits at the range of 10 billion euros.

This was published by New Zealand.

OECD (click here) The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development is an intergovernmental economic organisation with 35 member countries, founded in 1961 to stimulate economic progress and world trade.

New Zealand was concerned about being a small emitter, but, growing. (click here)

Until a country such as Greece is compared to all the other greenhouse gas emitters there is no real appreciation for how out of control the USA is in it's indifference. The rest of the world has a conscience and the USA has lost its. When I see a graph like this I wonder if the USA ever had one. This is 2017 data.

If all the other countries on that graph achieved zero emissions there would still be a problem called The United States of America.

Greece MUST end it's use of lignite coal. These is antiquated energy sources.

...Changing (click here) to less carbon dioxide intensive fuels reduces the emissions and contributes to climate protection in the short-term. For a long-term climate protection the only alternative are zero-carbon energy resources such as sustainable-used biomass and other renewable types of energy.

This is what happens when countries are dropped into a global economic collapse; their assets disappear and infrastructure stalls and reverses as in the case of Greece.

April 17, 2018

...Today, (click here) the Commission has concluded that the amended final version of the remedies submitted by Greece on 19 January 2018 fully addresses the infringement identified by the Commission in its 2008 Decision, while also taking into account Greece's environmental objectives and current market circumstances.

The remedies aim at removing the privileges created by the special access rights granted to PPC. In particular, they provide that PPC will divest the lignite-fired units of Meliti (including the licensed unit of Meliti 2) and Megalopoli 3 and 4. The divestiture will include also the necessary employees and lignite mines.

The market test carried out by the Commission indicated that the proposed remedies are a satisfactory way of addressing the Commission's concerns. The assets to be divested will allow the purchasers to compete immediately and more effectively in the Greek wholesale electricity market.

In order to increase competition in the Greek market, PPC's competitors need to have access to base-load capacity, which in Greece is still significantly dependent on lignite, in particular during off-peak periods. More access to lignite-fired electricity generation capacity will help to increase the competitive pressure in the Greek wholesale market and to address the enduring distortions in favour of PPC.

At the same time, by divesting existing lignite-generation capacity and avoiding the further opening and exploitation of new lignite mines, the remedies also take into account Greece's environmental policy and the EU's 2020 objectives to reduce CO₂ emissions.

Based on the proposed measures, PPC will launch a tender procedure for the divestment of the above mentioned plants by May 2018.

Tax incentives should bring Portugal's new reduced CO2 car to markets throughout the EU.

April 12, 2018

Electric Tesla Roadster provides taxi cab service in Oslo, Norway

Copenhagen – Emissions of carbon dioxide (click here) from new passenger cars have dropped in European countries where taxes, subsidies and other incentives encourage drivers to buy vehicles that emit the least amount of the greenhouse gas, finds new research from the European Environment Agency.

The number of countries offering incentives for electric vehicles continues to grow, according to EEA data published today. But emissions from heavy-duty trucks and buses are expected to increase further if new measures are not taken.

Almost all European Union countries have adopted incentives of some sort, resulting in a steady fall of average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars, according to the EEA briefing, “Appropriate taxes and incentives do affect purchases of new cars.”...

Portugal has the most progressive CO2 emissions on the continent.

Every year, (click here) hundreds and sometimes thousands of people drive from the UK to Portugal and back again.


April 19, 2018

According to a study (click here) published by the European Environment Agency, new cars in Portugal had the lowest CO2 emissions with 105 grams per kilometre. Portugal is followed the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece, compared to the highest value in Estonia and Lithuania, with the UK also faring poorly, recording emissions almost 15 percent above those in Portugal.

The new study form the European Environment Agency’s (EEA) European Topic Centre on Air pollution and Climate change Mitigation assessed the impact of taxes and incentives on purchases of new cars.

Average CO2 emissions of new passenger cars in the EU has fallen steadily in recent years, from 170 g CO2/km in 2001 to 118 g CO2/km in 2016, with an annual reduction rate of 2 percent. A further 19.5 percent reduction in average CO2 emissions will be required to comply with the 2021 target of 95 g CO2/km (27 percent below the 2015 target).

There is substantial variation between countries, in terms of their average CO2 emissions and the rate of reduction seen over time. Portugal had the lowest average CO2 emissions of the EU-28 countries in 2016 of 105 g/km, followed by the Netherlands, Denmark and Greece, compared to the highest value of 134 g/km in Estonia, followed by Lithuania.

As regards EEA member countries, the average CO2 emissions of new cars was the lowest in Norway (93 g/km) whilst the highest average CO2 emissions were in Switzerland (134.0 g/km).

CO2 emissions for passenger cars in member states.

One of the major sources of carbon emissions for the EU, including Greece is the car tailpipe. We saw this with Volkswagen in the US. I don't know why their engineers are having a difficult time with the technology.

24 April 2018

Efforts (click here) to improve the fuel efficiency of new cars sold in the European Union (EU) stalled in 2017 compared to 2016, according to provisional data published today by the European Environment Agency (EEA). While past years have seen steady declines, new passenger cars registered in 2017 emitted on average 0.4 grammes (g) of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre more than in 2016....

"Going Green" is good business.

Number 1 (click here)

April 12, 2018
By Don Jergler

Alianz says it’s further integrating ecological (click here) and social responsibility into its core business.

The insurance giant, which is already known for its sustainable bent, this week issued a 2017 Sustainability Report that documents Allianz Group’s achievements in corporate responsibility, with a focus on climate protection and social inclusion.

The Munich, Germany-based carrier in announcing the release of its report noted that the company leads the Dow Jones Sustainability Index as the best in its sector.

“A strong record in sustainability counts as a sign of strength for investors, attracts employees who want a socially engaged employer, and serves a growing market in sustainable financial products,” Allianz said in a statement.

The carrier referred to making investments of more than 5.6 billion Euros ($691 billion) in renewable energy, with a portfolio that includes 81 wind farms and seven solar farms in Europe and the U.S. The company’s investments in certified green buildings have risen to more than 11 billion Euros ($13.56 billion).

In 2017, Allianz made it standard practice to include ecological, social and governance criteria, on top of financial considerations, in all insurance premium investment decisions.

This so-called ESG investing is applied to all tradable assets, according to Allianz.

The carrier’s sustainability activities are aimed at helping to help build a low-carbon, socially stable society.

CO2 emissions (metric tons per capita)

Carbon dioxide emissions are those stemming from the burning of fossil fuels and the manufacture of cement. They include carbon dioxide produced during consumption of solid, liquid, and gas fuels and gas flaring.

Greece (click here)

                 

The economic emergency in Greece in a few paragraphs.

...In 2009, (click here) Greece announced its budget deficit would be 12.9 percent of  its gross domestic product. That's more than four times the EU's 3 percent limit.

Rating agencies Fitch, Moody's and Standard & Poor's lowered Greece's credit ratings. That scared off investors. It also drove up the cost of future loans. Greece didn’t have a good chance of finding the funds to repay its debt.

In 2010, Greece announced a plan to lower its deficit to 3 percent of GDP in two years.

Greece attempted to reassure the EU lenders it was fiscally responsible. Just four months later, Greece instead warned it might default.

The EU and the International Monetary Fund provided 240 billion euros in emergency funds in return for austerity measures. The EU had no choice but to stand behind its member by funding a bailout. Otherwise, it would face the consequences of Greece either leaving the eurozone or defaulting.

Austerity measures required Greece to increase the VAT tax and the corporate tax rate. It must close tax loopholes and reduce evasion. It should reduce incentives for early retirement. It has to raise worker contributions to the pension system. A significant change is the privatization of many Greek businesses, including electricity transmission. That reduces the power of socialist parties and unions.... 

Greece is basically a peninsula. It's maritime industry is among the top five in the world.

Small pleasure craft also comprise a portion of the Greek economy.

There is also tourism as Greek civilization is very old. There are ancient ruins unlike any in the world. Greek's antiquities measure in importance to Roman and Egyptian.

Commercial fishing has existed in Greece since the time of it's first settlements. But, in recent years the commercial fishing has been suffering due to over-harvesting.

June 12, 2016
By Joanna Kakissis

Parisi Tsakirios, 29, mends a net as he prepares for another fishing trip. "I can't imagine doing any other job, because I love the sea," he says. "But there are hardly any fish. I barely break even. I can't support my family."

..."In the Med, (click here) most stocks, actually the vast majority of stocks, are below safe biological limits," says Paraskevas Vasilakopoulos of the Hellenic Centre for Marine Research in Athens. He's the lead author of a 2014 study of declining fish stocks in the Mediterranean Sea.

"It has to do with overexploitation," he says. "So we catch more fish than we should if we want to sustain viable populations. At the same time, in the Mediterranean, there's an additional problem of catching fish when they are too young, too small. So we catch too many fish before they get the chance to reproduce, to spawn at least once."

Sure, trawlers cause much of the damage, he says, because "they fish over the sea bottom and just take everything." That method of fishing has especially hurt demersal — bottom-dwelling — fish, like hake and red mullet in the Mediterranean.

"Those fish tend to be particularly in trouble, because they tend to grow slower and reproduce later than, say, anchovies and sardines," Vasilakopoulos says. "And they are also caught by trawlers and small-scale fishermen."...

It's Sunday Night

Eva Kaili was elected Member of the European Parliament in July 2014 with the Panhellenic Socialist Movement - Olive Tree and Head of the Hellenic S&D (Socialists & Democrats) delegation.

Ms. Kaili is a highly educated and qualified woman who enjoys politics. She has a sister that is a lawyer. She is known for her attractive legs.

At the age of 39, she is the youngest member of Parliament. Her accomplishments to date include membership in numerous Parliamentary committees:

- Standing Committee on Cultural and Educational Affairs

- Standing Committee on National Defence and Foreign Affairs

- Special Permanent Committee of Greeks Abroad.

- Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC)

- NATO Parliamentary Assembly and of the 

- Parliamentary Assembly of the Union for the Mediterranean

Greek national anthem:

"Hymn to Liberty" or "Hymn to Freedom"

Σε γνωρίζω από την κόψη
Του σπαθιού την τρομερή,
Σε γνωρίζω από την όψη,
Που με βιά μετράει τη γη.

I shall always recognize you
by the dreadful sword you hold,
as the Earth with searching vision
you survey with spirit bold.

Απ’ τα κόκκαλα βγαλμένη
Των Ελλήνων τα ιερά,
Και σαν πρώτα ανδρειωμένη,
Χαίρε, ω χαίρε ελευθεριά

From the Greeks of old whose dying
brought to life and spirit free,
now with ancient valour rising
let us hail you, oh Liberty

This is the GOP. They only understand the political fervor of "The Man Cave,"Cage Matches,"Fantasy Football" and "WWF."

Fear and violence serve the GOP and White Supremacists well, as does it serve FOX News ratings. The "White Man" culture. They are uncivilized and brutal. They have no respect for life other than their own. Why do you think so many Republicans are leaving? Supposedly, they haven't got the guts for it. I always thought politics was about being civil, not bloody.

Media penetration to purchase elections only works with fear and violence. If the politicians were handing out flowers time and again in ads, does anyone believe Americans would watch?

Greg Gianforte pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and was sentenced to community service, anger management classes and a $385 fine.

18 November 2017
By Julia Carrie Wong

US congressman Greg Gianforte (click here) misled police after his assault of Guardian reporter Ben Jacobs in May, falsely stating that Jacobs had initiated physical contact and that the “liberal media … is trying to make a story”, according to the police incident report.

The records, made public on Friday, provide new details on the violent altercation that occurred on the eve of a special election to fill Montana’s sole seat in the US House of Representatives. Jacobs had approached the then candidate at his Bozeman campaign headquarters to ask a question about the Republican healthcare bill when Gianforte threw him to the ground and punched him.

The Republican was nevertheless elected the next day.

Gianforte subsequently pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge and was sentenced to community service, anger management classes and a $385 fine in June....

Why would anyone expect the illiterate Trump administration (who can't spell) to understand a nuclear agreement?

They only understand their politics and the power of the USA military.

April 28, 2018
By Noa Landau and Jack Khoury

U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (click here) said following a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Sunday that the United States will cancel the Iran nuclear deal if it is not fixed....

Israel is not a monolith. What I appreciate is the military leaders who believe the Iran Deal "works." The inspections are spot on and there is no violation from Iran. If the Israeli military appreciates the Iran Deal, it isn't all bad. The Late Prime Minister Sharon was a military leader before he was a Prime Minister.

Oh, monolith? Look it up.

The supposedly "open mind" of those in the news from the Trump administration is nothing but a "closed trap." They will sit through any meeting or summit, to appear to be reasonable. They have already made up their minds before any summit or meeting begins. They don't need high level negotiations because they have no intention of negotiating. The USA has a strong military and that was a mistake. It's ungainliness and global reach is what attracts billionaires, not the benevolence of a country we all used to know.

Any negotiations with the USA is based in Board Room priorities, not peace.

October 17, 2017
By George J. Mitchell

The debate in the United States (click here) over the Iran nuclear agreement has gone on for two years. Three positions have been extensively covered in the press: (1) American supporters of the agreement, notably former president Obama and his secretary of state, John Kerry, (2) American opponents, notably President Trump and Republican congressional leaders, and (3) Israeli opponents, notably Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This has created the impression that while Americans are divided on the issue, Israelis are not. That is a false impression. Like the United States, Israel is a vibrant democracy in which issues are vigorously debated. While some experts support Netanyahu’s position, the excerpts that follow demonstrate strong disagreement by Israelis who have served in senior positions in Israel’s defense establishment....

Kim Jong Un needs to remember the people of the USA are as tired of this game as he is.

Rep. Gowdy states clearly the US Congressional investigation on Russia is inconclusive because it does not have the spectrum of evidence available to the Mueller investigation.

End of discussion.

John Bolton says Donald Trump is "The Decider." Where have I heard that before? 

The issues with North Korea cannot be compared to any other country in the world that has denuclearized their countries, including Libya. Bolton is a political hack and has no appreciation for North Korea.

All to often the industrial military complex is the only voice the American people hear. Let's face it, how often does a news report from South Korea make the mainstream media? Most Americans may not be interested anyway, but, the political speak coming from the USA Right Wing is the only language they talk. Trump doesn't make decisions, he promotes his own interests, personal and political. That said, the only real decision makers involved in this are the leaders of North and South Korea. I would hope Japan would enter the picture as an ally to South Korea. North Korea has two very powerful allies in China and Russia. It is only right South Korea should bring in their allies for the specific purpose of the understanding the peace treaty and it's limits to any arms in the region.

One of the reasons North Korea is seeking peace is because of it's neighbors. The region wants a strong military presence gone. In time, if all this goes forward it will be gone, but, reassurances are always an issue.

The peace being pursued is possible and can be the reality of the children in the region. If North Korea has expanded it's plutonium production, who is the customer because the nuclear energy industry of North Korea is very underdeveloped. If there is plutonium production in North Korea it is a stark reality of what occurs in countries that are threatened by The West. I don't know how many times it has to be stated, but, when a country believes it is a target of The West, it will deny it's own people quality of life to build a nuclear weapons program. The biggest nightmare of all that is Pakistan. North Korea is not nearly as unstable as Pakistan.

Kim Jong Un wants this peace. He is correct to pursue. The USA, as well as European scientists, need to assess the northern mountain that will be closed because of the instability since the hydrogen blast. It has two usable tunnels yet. If I know that why doesn't Bolton? There won't be another opportunity to assess it and the power that was unleashed with that hydrogen test.

Kim Jong Un is coming to this summit from a very strong position. A position his father and grandfather never knew with neighbors stronger than he; which is another reality his ancestors did not have.

April 28, 2018

North Korea's pledge (click here) to shut down its nuclear test facility next month and allow unprecedented access to the site is drawing mixed reviews from experts who cite Kim Jong Un's history of bait and switch on the issue of denuclearization of the Korean peninsula.

They aren't worried about the Ying and yang of decision makers, they don't want to become hostages.

South Korean President Moon Jae-in's chief press secretary Yoon Young-chan said Sunday that Moon and Kim agreed to make public when North Korea dismantles the northern test site, allowing security experts and journalists to view the process....

There are alternatives to the type of prisons the USA has, but, that is not my purpose. There are technologies using sound and heat, stimulating the senses to submission that can be used to end prison riots as quickly as they began.

Someone's husband, father, brother or son was allowed to bleed to death. That is called manslaughter.

It didn't make the national news, but, it should have. This riot is about the fifth riot in the prison, but, it is the deadliest in 25 years in all of the USA. I do believe South Carolina has four other maximum security prisons in addition to this one.

Lee Correctional facility does not have angels for guards either. Recently, there were 14 arrests made for taking bribes and smuggling contraband.

April 25, 2018

Hoping to stanch "a crisis in contraband," (click here) federal prosecutors have indicted 14 former state corrections employees accused of taking bribes for smuggling cellphones and drugs into South Carolina's prisons....

There is nothing like guards that don't know how to guard or even know and respect the law. How convenient is it for guards to allow people to die if they can become a prisoner whistleblower?

September 14, 2012
By Jeffery Collins

Columbia — Another hostage situation (click here) in just over three months at the same state maximum security prison have South Carolina senators wondering if they need to have Corrections Department officials answer questions about the facility.

Inmates held an officer for about five hours Thursday at the Lee Correctional Institution in Bishopville. He was released with minor injuries. In the past four years, four large fights and three hostage situations have broken out at the prison.

"If it was a system-wide problem, you would be hearing about these situations at other places, right?" said Sen. Shane Massey, R-Edgefield, and a member of the Senate Corrections and Penology Committee....

Seven men were allowed to die, rather than guards ending the violence. The violence spread to three cell blocks before it stopped. Afterward, the warden stated there was not one of his men hurt. 

Well. The warden was wrong. All these men were under his supervision and care. Seven died and many wounded. The dead were piled on top of each other.

No tear gas, no nothing. The authorities in the prison simply stood by and let it happen. The riot started at 7:30 pm, the prison authorities didn't enter the prison until cell blocks until 11:30 pm where control is stated to easily return. Additional response occurred at 12:30 pm in another section and control was easily returned. The final two cell blocks came under control at 1:00 AM and prison counting began.

There was no excuse for this. If tear gas was sent into those cell blocks when the violence first started, it wouldn't have spread to other areas of the prison and seven men would still be alive.

This was one of South Carolina's maximum security prisons, that does mean everyone was on death row. Premature deaths in prisoners need investigation and prosecution.

From top row from left, Corey Scott, Eddie Casey Gaskins, Raymond Angelo Scott and Damonte Rivera; bottom row from left, Michael Milledge, Cornelius McClary and Joshua Jenkins. The seven inmates were killed, and at least 17 prisoners wounded, in a riot.

A timeline:

April 25, 2018

November 2017 (click here)

About 300 inmates are transferred to Lee Correctional Institution from McCormick Correctional Institution. Both facilities are maximum-security prisons. The transfer from McCormick occurs because that facility is understaffed. A dorm at Lee is cleared out for 250 of the inmates from McCormick. Another 50 to 60 inmates from McCormick are put in "restrictive housing" at Lee, meaning that they live in lockdown for most of each day....

...4:40 a.m.

According to Lee County Emergency Medical Services Director Tim Dubose, 12 ambulances and a bus are used to transport injured inmates to a total of five hospitals in Florence, Hartsville, Sumter and Richland County. The last of 22 inmates are transported from the prison infirmary to hospitals at 4:40 a.m....

Montana and the country needs Jon Tester.

Long before Donald Trump became a candidate, Senator Jon Tester was sponsoring and saw enacted a law that would assign reform to the USA Border, including a long needed increase in Border Patrol salaries. The immigration and USA border is not a new topic for Jon.

Jon Tester is not an obstructionist, he voted with Trump and the Republicans at least 37 times. That might not seem a lot, but, for a man with dearly little in common with skyscrapers and wheeling and dealing, that is a significant percentage.

113th CONGRESS

2d Session

S. 1691 (click here)

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE

September 19, 2014

Referred to the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, and in addition to the Committee on Homeland Security, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned

AN ACT

To amend title 5, United States Code, to improve the security of the United States border and to provide for reforms and rates of pay for border patrol agents....

This isn't the only bill he wrote, sponsored and passed into law.

Tester was the primary sponsor of 12 bills that were enacted (click here). The most recent include:

S. 544: A bill to amend the Veterans Access, Choice, and Accountability Act of 2014 to modify the termination date for the Veterans Choice Program, and for other purposes.

S. 719 (114th): A bill to rename the Armed Forces Reserve Center in Great Falls, Montana, the Captain John E. Moran and Captain William Wylie Galt Armed Forces Reserve Center.

S. 1580 (114th): Competitive Service Act of 2015

S. 1125 (114th): Blackfeet Water Rights Settlement Act of 2015

S. 1691 (113th): Border Patrol Agent Pay Reform Act of 2014

S. 2259 (112th): Veterans’ Compensation Cost-of-Living Adjustment Act of 2012S. 997 (112th): East Bench Irrigation District Water Contract Extension Act

He is a prolific writer of legislation.

Additionally, he would never act against a nominee for the VA Administration unless he was provided significant information to excuse a nominee.  I believe both Senator Tester and Dr. Ronny Jackson was set up for the sole purpose of defeating Tester's return to the US Senate.

But, with 23 different military personnel, both active and retired, it sounds as though there is legitimacy to the position of Senator Tester. He is not going to engage any form of "Trump Loyalty" in his responsibility to the American people, especially veterans.

But, for Donald Trump to use this particular issue as a campaign slogan is disturbing and is what causes me to speculate about Trump's intention in the first place. 

Senator Tester doesn't provide classification to the Russians from the Oval Office and doesn't engage in any immoral, unethical or illegal activity. He is a Senator from Montana that recognizes the need for a strong presence in Washington, DC for his constituency. 

Trump is unethical and disgusting to seek out a campaign slogan against Senator Tester, when it was his own lack of judgment and preparation of a US Cabinet Secretary that put Dr. Jackson in a very awkward position.

Mostly what bothered me about Trump was his idea of a "High Quality Family." Really? Are there few high quality families in the USA that this one was so special? 

An award winning whistleblower.

The Goldman Environmental Prize (click here)

The entire episode with Synder's emergency manager law was insane. People had no idea at all what was occurring and why they were ill. That is maniacal. That is absolutely maniacal. No statements to the public, no mailings of the change of water, no town forums. It is absolutely maniacal.

April 27, 2018
By Sydney Stevens

After local authorities began relying on the Flint River as a water source, LeeAnne Walters and her family experienced health problems. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to uncover the real source of the problem.

LeeAnne Walters (click here) was a stay-at-home mother of four living in Flint, Michigan, when she and her children began noticing troubling health problems in the spring of 2014. Her 3-year-old twins kept breaking out in strange, burning rashes after their bath, and she and her daughters started losing clumps of hair in the shower. Her 14-year-old son was hospitalized several times for severe abdominal pains. At one point, Walters’ eyelashes fell out.