There is a lot to understand when wanting stewardship of a young forest. It can be overwhelming if it isn't presented correctly so people can absorb the information. People want this. It is wrong to overwhelm those that care the most. So, having a place to engage the information and return to it as the learning curve takes place, is always a good thing.
The Yellow Birch was covered this week. It is a magnificent tree and it survives harsh conditions. It loves water though.
The very best way to identify a tree is it's leaves. The Yellow Birch has a simple leaf that is flat, with a distinct pattern of saw-teeth on it's margin. It has a unique shape. It will become obvious when looking at the Sugar Maple next week as to why it is easy to understand the identification of the trees in the young New York State forest.
When people want a natural area returned to splendor, every effort should be made to support them in their pursuit. They should have ownership of the knowledge needed to understand the forest. Never belittle anyone, regardless of age, when knowledge is required.
Until next week, enjoy summer.
Sunday, June 23, 2019
It is interesting how jobs are created when people finally tap into the climate crisis.
People are becoming very interested in places like forests and streams. They want ownership of the health of the forests to protect them and promote native species.
May 29, 2019
(WKBW) — As we head into summer, nature lovers (click here) will start pouring into Zoar Valley in Cattaraugus County, one of New York's state forests that offer an escape from the daily grind.
"More people, more activity, but we aren't increasing the staff out here at this point," Robert Rogers, PBA representative for Region 9 Forest Ranger Division, said. Aside from his PBA duties, Rogers also covers the West Valley, including Zoar Valley as a ranger.
Right now, the State DEC says 134 Rangers cover 5 million acres of land across the state. That means one Ranger is in charge of more than 37,000 acres, which to put it into perspective, Disney World is about 25,000 acres....
Job Description of Forest Ranger 1 in New York State:
Forest rangers are sworn police officers, (click here) who work within an assigned geographic area, and enforce provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) in order to protect and enhance the State's lands and natural resources and the well-being of the public who use these resources. Incumbents of these positions organize and conduct search and rescue operations; educate the public in wilderness safety and natural resource care; and administer the State's wildland fire-management program, including wildfire suppression and prescribed fire activities.
Job Qualifications can be seen as an apprenticeship. Experience matters and volunteering is all part of it to place on a resume. When applying for such employment a reference from a supervisor or two about the experience of employment and/or volunteering may win the job. Volunteering can have a dividend.
In order to qualify for a Forest Ranger 1 position, the candidate must either possess a bachelor's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 30 semester credit hours in environmental science*;
or
An associate's or higher level degree in forestry, forest technology, forest management, natural resources management, forest recreation, forest engineering, or environmental engineering;
or
An associate's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in environmental science*;
and one of the following:
two years of qualifying technical/professional work experience in the natural resources management field;
or
two years of active United States military service with an honorable discharge.
May 29, 2019
(WKBW) — As we head into summer, nature lovers (click here) will start pouring into Zoar Valley in Cattaraugus County, one of New York's state forests that offer an escape from the daily grind.
"More people, more activity, but we aren't increasing the staff out here at this point," Robert Rogers, PBA representative for Region 9 Forest Ranger Division, said. Aside from his PBA duties, Rogers also covers the West Valley, including Zoar Valley as a ranger.
Right now, the State DEC says 134 Rangers cover 5 million acres of land across the state. That means one Ranger is in charge of more than 37,000 acres, which to put it into perspective, Disney World is about 25,000 acres....
Job Description of Forest Ranger 1 in New York State:
Forest rangers are sworn police officers, (click here) who work within an assigned geographic area, and enforce provisions of the Environmental Conservation Law (ECL) in order to protect and enhance the State's lands and natural resources and the well-being of the public who use these resources. Incumbents of these positions organize and conduct search and rescue operations; educate the public in wilderness safety and natural resource care; and administer the State's wildland fire-management program, including wildfire suppression and prescribed fire activities.
Job Qualifications can be seen as an apprenticeship. Experience matters and volunteering is all part of it to place on a resume. When applying for such employment a reference from a supervisor or two about the experience of employment and/or volunteering may win the job. Volunteering can have a dividend.
In order to qualify for a Forest Ranger 1 position, the candidate must either possess a bachelor's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 30 semester credit hours in environmental science*;
or
An associate's or higher level degree in forestry, forest technology, forest management, natural resources management, forest recreation, forest engineering, or environmental engineering;
or
An associate's or higher level degree including or supplemented by 18 semester credit hours in environmental science*;
and one of the following:
two years of qualifying technical/professional work experience in the natural resources management field;
or
two years of active United States military service with an honorable discharge.
Underwater robots (click here) have found that a vast, oxygen-depleted "dead zone" in the Gulf of Oman is now the largest such area in the world.
Scientists have known about the zone for around 50 years, but until recently they have not been able to collect very much data due to piracy and conflicts in the region.
They sent two human-size robots known as seagliders into the area for eight months, and the vessels ventured into previously inaccessible areas.
The seagliders found a zone with little to no oxygen covering almost 165,000 square kilometres, roughly the size of Florida or Scotland, say researchers from the U.K.'s University of East Anglia (UEA). The Gulf of Oman covers 181,000 square kilometres and is actually a strait linking the Arabian Sea with the Strait of Hormuz....
The Yellow Birch
A few odd characteristics:
- It is aromatic. When the twigs or foliage are crushed in the hand it smells like wintergreen.
- The twigs are greenish brown, slender and hairy. Other tree twigs can be hairy. Don't let that fool you. Crush the twig in the hand and smell the aroma it releases.
- The bark is shiny yellow or silvery grey. Some people like to call this the silver birch, but, that is incorrect.
- It has cones, just like a pine tree. It is a deciduous hardwood tree because it loses leaves one a year. Pines are considered to be softwoods. The cones produce two winged "nutlets" that mature in the autumn/fall. They don't do well in thick forest floor liter. They do best in gaps caused by fire or wind. The seedlings do well in cracks in boulders and on rotting logs. Sometimes their roots look stilted because it started it's life growing over top of a log or stump. There are a lot of nutrients where logs rot. A seed crop is considered over 1 to 2 years and can produce a million seeds per acre. This is a survival strategy by the Yellow Birch of which squirrels are very grateful.
Facts:
- Species name is Betula alleghaniensis Britton (click here) - The mature height is 70 to 100 feet.
- The average diameter of the trunk at maturity is 2 and a half feet maximum.
- Yellow Birch will grow 10 feet in six years.
- It is known to have lived 200 years, but, that is not a young forest, that is Old Growth Forest.
- Young trees are sometimes mistaken for the Sweet Birch.
- The Yellow Birch is the most shade tolerant species of all the Birch family.
- It is not only a member of a transition forest, it is considered a transition species at low elevation hardwood forests and montane spruce-fir forests
- It can be found nearly everywhere, even swampy woods. It does best in moist, well drained soils, along stream banks and ravines.
- The bark produces paper curls strips; over time it becomes reddish-brown and fissured into scaly plates.
- Flowers are monoeous which means it has separate male and female parts on the same plant. The male flowers occur in clusters of 3 to 6 reddish-green catkins that appear on the twigs every fall/autumn.The female catkins stand upright on the branch about 3/4 to 1-1/4 inches long at maturity. The picture to the right shows both on the same twig. The male is at the end and the female on further back on the branch.
- Seed production occurs at age 40 and maximizes at age 70 years. It is easy now to understand why there can be a million seeds found per acre.
- The leaf of the Yellow Birch is green, toothed, simple leaf of 3 to 5 inches in length and 1-1/2 to 2 inches wide. They are elliptical, short-pointed or rounded at the base. It is sharply and doubly saw-toothed as the margins. The double toothed description means there is a prominent tooth next to a smaller one. The proper name for this shape of leaf is "doubly serrated." It has a main vein, with 9 to 11 veins on each side coming off it. The young leaf is hairy, It is a dull green color at maturity. It is bright yellow in the autumn/fall canopy.
Yellow Birch wood is used for any purpose where wood is necessary. It is hardwood. It sells for approximately $1.17 per square foot. That is the retail price.
This is a fantastic car.
11 June 2019
By Liz Dobson
Still getting used to electric vehicles? (click here) Be prepared for another technological leap, with New Zealand welcoming its first zero emission hydrogen-powered SUV.
The all-new Hyundai Nexo will take its Kiwi bow at Fieldays, at Mystery Creek near Hamilton, tomorrow.
Hyundai's second generation of commercialised fuel cell electric vehicle (EV) combines oxygen from surrounding air with hydrogen stored in on-board tanks to create electricity that powers the car.
With full tanks, Nexo can travel 660km before it needs to refuel, which takes just a few minutes....
Example of a peripheral forest.
The forest ecosystem is called, "Laurentian-Acadian Pine-Hemlock-Hardwood Forest." It is primarily found in the New England states. However, to be noted, it also finds a home among the Northern Hardwood Forest at lower elevations.
Every forest ecosystem is unique, but, it does not mean it is neatly tucked into state boundaries. If hiking or walking through a dense New York State forest and run across Red Oak or Hemlock in the canopy, they aren't invasive so much as their genetics are PLASTIC ENOUGH to allow the trees to grow slightly more south and west.
USA Forest Service "Wildfires are burning longer and are harder to control."
By Chaffin Mitchell
USA Drought Monitor with data valid June 18, 2019 (click here).
As the Southwest is drying out, (click here) the threat for wildfires is ramping up and will continue to do so through July; however, if the monsoon season is weak as AccuWeather meteorologists expect, that threat could last into August.
Wildfires have already been sparking across the country in the last week alone, with blazes breaking out in California and Alaska, as well as in parts of Arizona.
U.S. Forest Service and Interior Department officials recently warned senators that the upcoming wildfire season would be worse than last year's, which killed hundreds of people and caused billions of dollars in damages, CNN reported.
The fire season typically doesn't become a big threat until late summer and into fall for the Northwest, but looking at the fire outlook, AccuWeather Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said conditions are favorable in parts of the Southwest for development now....
June 13, 2019
By Ellie Kaufman
US Forest Service and Interior Department officials (click here) warned senators Thursday that the upcoming wildfire season would be worse than last year's, which left dozens of people dead in California, saying that "if we're lucky, this year will simply be a challenging one."
"It's hard to imagine a repeat of this experience, but this is the potential reality that we face again this year," said Jeff Rupert, director of the Office of Wildland Fire for the Interior Department, during his opening remarks at a Senate Energy and Natural Resources Committee hearing. "So it's difficult for me to sit here this morning and say that a challenging year is ahead of us because the wildfires that we're now experiencing are consistently more destructive than they've ever been."...
Let's talk trees.
It is an odd phenomenon that when looking for pictures of a forest canopy, they are always in the fall/autumn. Go figure. I guess a tree canopy when all green is disinteresting. I don't know why there are plenty of variations in the color green. Chlorophyll. Consumerism definitely has it's focus.
The Northern Hardwood Forest is the most northern deciduous forest community. It is dominated by three species of trees, Yellow Birch, Sugar Maple and American Beech.
The easiest way to identify native species from non-native species is to know what one is looking at. This is not difficult. The idea is to learn the basic identification method for each of these main trees and it will be a strong working knowledge of what to look for on a nature walk.
These tree species are NOT indicator species. They should be found in abundance and healthy. Indicator species serve as alert to things that are wrong with the young forest. Indicator species of any type are to serve as an early warning system to ward off any problems that would lead to a forest that will be lost to disease or non-native invasive species that literally choke out the native species.
The Northern Hardwood Forest is a transition forest from that of Oak-Hickory Forest to the south and the Boreal Forest to the north. Along the periphery of the Northern Hardwood Forest can be an overlap of species from other forests in differing climates. These are not invasive so much as species adaptation. In scientific terms what is experienced at peripheral areas of forest can be a PLASTIC adaptation. PLASTIC is a genetic dynamic that naturally allows survival although not in an ideal climate. It is the range of the species genetic viability that will allow some minor overlap of adjacent forest systems. There will be no genetic interaction by other species to the primary forest system.
The Yellow Birch, Sugar Maple and American Beech are all canopy species. There are understory species, but, that is a different discussion.Note: The word deciduous means the trees shed their leaves annually. This is called autumn. This is also different from the habitat of pine trees.
As the ice melts...
12 June 2019
A 40,000-year-old detached wolf head (click here) - with its brain intact - has been found in Siberia by scientists.
The snarling wolf head measuring 40cm long - about half of the full body length of a modern wolf - was discovered preserved in permafrost in North Yakutia, Siberia.
The prehistoric remains were found by a local man named Pavel Efimov in the summer of 2018, between June and August, in a remote area near a river - but the find has only just been revealed.
The 40,000-year-old wolf - dated by Japanese scientists - was fully grown at two to four years old when it died, and it still has its thick mammoth fur and extraordinary fangs intact, reports The Siberian Times....
...The DNA examination will take place at the Swedish Museum of Natural History and the discovery was announced in Tokyo, Japan, at the Woolly Mammoth exhibition.
Alongside the wolf head, scientists also presented a well-preserved cave lion cub named Spartak, which was found around the same time.
"Their muscles, organs and brains are in good condition," said professor of paleontology and medicine Naoki Suzuki, who studied the remains with a CT scanner.
"We want to assess their physical capabilities and ecology by comparing them with the lions and wolves of today."
NatureServe
NatureServe (click here) is a non-profit organization focusing on four distinct areas:
- Documenting the conservation status and location of species and ecosystems
- Producing analyses to guide conservation planning
- Developing software tools to guide conservation planning
- Managing natural heritage programs and conservation data centers
NatureServe is invaluable in its dedication to the natural world and the resources available to scientists and the public.
It's purpose is stated below.
As rapid changes threaten our planet and all life that depends on it, someone must keep their finger on the pulse of the planet and its plants and animals whose future depends on conservation action. The NatureServe Network fills this role. We are on the front lines of halting the decline of biodiversity, with our focus on the prevention of species and ecosystem declines and the conservation of vulnerable species and the places most at risk of disappearing.
In 2003, NatureServe, put together a comprehensive description of ecosystems found on land in the USA. It is an invaluable guide to the world we live in as of 2003. It is scientific, but, also easier to use for the public. It provides the basics and then some in understanding how conservationists view the world.
This is the online guide:
"Ecological systems of the United States. A working classificiation of the U.S. Terrestrial Systems" (click here)
- Then find "Terrestrial Habitat Map" and download the PDF.
- Then open "NETHM documents."
- Then open "Ecol_sys_US."
There is another report on that same page entitled "NE_Hab_Class&Map_0708_Final Report" if anyone wants to read further.
There is also another article that might be of interest from NIH (National Institute of Health). Getting the article is not as intricate to find as the previous. In the year 2019, the title is obvious to me and I am sure others reading this and interested in the Climate Crisis.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Jun 10; 100(12): 7147–7151
"The economic value of ecological stability" (click here)
By Paul R. Armsworth and Joan E. Roughgarden
Abstract
Seemingly intangible ecosystem characteristics that preoccupy ecologists, like ecosystem stability and the responsiveness of populations to environmental variation, have quantifiable economic values. We show how to derive these values, and how their consideration should change environmental decision making. To illustrate these concepts, we use a simple reserve design model. When resource managers choose a particular landscape configuration, their decision affects both the mean abundance of species and the temporal variation in abundances. Population stability and related phenomena have economic value, because management actions affect the variance of ecosystem components. In our example, a larger reserve size is recommended when accounting for the stability of the managed ecosystem.
- Documenting the conservation status and location of species and ecosystems
- Producing analyses to guide conservation planning
- Developing software tools to guide conservation planning
- Managing natural heritage programs and conservation data centers
NatureServe is invaluable in its dedication to the natural world and the resources available to scientists and the public.
It's purpose is stated below.
As rapid changes threaten our planet and all life that depends on it, someone must keep their finger on the pulse of the planet and its plants and animals whose future depends on conservation action. The NatureServe Network fills this role. We are on the front lines of halting the decline of biodiversity, with our focus on the prevention of species and ecosystem declines and the conservation of vulnerable species and the places most at risk of disappearing.
In 2003, NatureServe, put together a comprehensive description of ecosystems found on land in the USA. It is an invaluable guide to the world we live in as of 2003. It is scientific, but, also easier to use for the public. It provides the basics and then some in understanding how conservationists view the world.
This is the online guide:
"Ecological systems of the United States. A working classificiation of the U.S. Terrestrial Systems" (click here)
- Then find "Terrestrial Habitat Map" and download the PDF.
- Then open "NETHM documents."
- Then open "Ecol_sys_US."
There is another report on that same page entitled "NE_Hab_Class&Map_0708_Final Report" if anyone wants to read further.
There is also another article that might be of interest from NIH (National Institute of Health). Getting the article is not as intricate to find as the previous. In the year 2019, the title is obvious to me and I am sure others reading this and interested in the Climate Crisis.
Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Jun 10; 100(12): 7147–7151
"The economic value of ecological stability" (click here)
By Paul R. Armsworth and Joan E. Roughgarden
Abstract
Seemingly intangible ecosystem characteristics that preoccupy ecologists, like ecosystem stability and the responsiveness of populations to environmental variation, have quantifiable economic values. We show how to derive these values, and how their consideration should change environmental decision making. To illustrate these concepts, we use a simple reserve design model. When resource managers choose a particular landscape configuration, their decision affects both the mean abundance of species and the temporal variation in abundances. Population stability and related phenomena have economic value, because management actions affect the variance of ecosystem components. In our example, a larger reserve size is recommended when accounting for the stability of the managed ecosystem.
Volunteers a very important in protecting forests.
By Carol Lindell
Volunteer Jordan Jones sits at the mouth Tooth Cave and listens to a Black crested Titmouse (click here) call while waiting for sunset May 16. The biologists and volunteers count crickets for two hours after dark every three months.
Thirty minutes. Nothing yet. (click here)
Sitting in the dark, a biologist and a volunteer hold flashlights that shine red light while they stare down into the opening of a small cave.
Finally: “There’s a cricket nymph,” says Travis Clark, a natural resources specialist with Travis County. “Those are sneaky dudes. He went right underneath this rock.” Then, shortly, he points to that same minuscule critter with long antennae as it crawls out. “You see that?”
Now the number totals one lone cricket.
Then it’s back to waiting and chatting while scanning the area around a steel covering with wide slats atop the cave entrance, roughly 2 feet by 2 feet. So far, it seems like a slow start for cricket counting at Tooth Cave, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.
Turns out the number of crickets — and whether it’s up or down — plays a role in monitoring the health of the caves on the preserve....
The interesting aspect of this is it's source of information, "New York State Education Department in Albany." (click here) This page is a very interesting page of information.
The purpose of placing this map in the discussion of a young forest is the clear illustration of different geographical areas of the state. Trees sometimes grow dependent on elevation. I am sure many have heard the words, "...that is the tree line..." or "...just below or just above the tree line...." There is a limit to establishing a forest due to elevation which also reflects a change in soil type. The steeper the hillside or mountain the less likely there will be soil with any kind of depth, hence, limiting the species of trees, scrubs and sometimes the herbaceous layer.
The absence of vegetation is most notable along a glacier field. It is an extreme in climate and very rocky and the only real vegetation at that elevation are lichens (click here).
When enjoying a walk through a young forest, appreciate also the elevation in which it grows. When planning to protect a young forest, there should be no frustration if there is a place of elevation that does not host a young forest. That absence of growth will produce a unique ecosystem within the forest system.The map to the right is from another interesting e-page which discusses forests in New York State. (click here)
Many states that value their forests have "tree nurseries." New York State does have one. (click here) New York State Tree Nursery will sell native tree seedlings to consumers. They are probably a very healthy supply of trees.
Consider buying New York-grown seedlings produced from local seed sources - it's an investment for your property that will pay off in healthier, stronger trees and shrubs for our future.
I will give the stream a benefit of a doubt, but, it looks a little murky to me.
The air in the distance looks a little white rather than clear.
I am somewhat concerned most of the time about the youngest generation of Americans. Will live under a shifting baseline. Will they understand what a healthy Earth even looks like? Clean air, clean water and an intact natural world?
The word and the idea of tree has been included in song and poetry since the beginning of time. People are attached to the natural world even though it is not a daily admiration or dedication to it. Iconic natural areas are somewhat curious to me, like Central Park or the White House Rose Garden. People like the natural world and like spending time with it.
"Last Child in the Woods" (click here) was written to examine the effect of a modern day world that distances children from nature. It was written in 2008 and is still a reality check on children and the lack of the natural world in their lives. The outcomes reflect poorer achievement in schools. It is not to say the children sheltered from the natural world do not achieve, but, they are less engaged in discovery and inventive thinking.
Nature, like a singel tree, can challenge a child in a way nothing else can. Why do birds nest in a tree? It can't be replaced. The simple reality that a bird, a living thing, can find use of a tree to make a home for it's offspring is an incredible wonder to a child.
"Tree" by Justin Rizzo
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deepUnmovable and unshakable in You!
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You!
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deepUnmovable and unshakable in You!
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You
I want to be unmovable and unshakable
So let my roots go down deep
Unmovable and unshakable in You!
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
And I, I want to be like a tree
Planted by the streams of living water
This will be my song, God
This will be my prayer
'Til the end, 'til the end
This will be my song, God
This will be my prayer
'Til the end, 'til the end
'Til the end, 'til the end
This will be my song, God
This will be my prayer
'Til the end, 'til the end
In the midst of the coming storm
In the midst of the coming blessing
That my life would be built upon the rock
That I would not be moved
Not be shaken
That my life would be built upon the rock
That I would not be moved
Not be shaken
"Good Night, Moon"
21.0 days old moon
62.3 percent lit
This is the moon seen through clouds and haze in the sky. It will probably be the color of the moon with a dimmed glow when it is mined.
June 14, 2019
By Sophie Lewis
NASA's (click here) Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter (MRO) has spotted an unusual symbol on the surface of Mars — the iconic "Star Trek" Starfleet logo. The MRO captured a series of strange chevron symbols on a Martian sand dune in the southeast Hellas Planitia region.
The MRO HiRISE (High-Resolution Imaging Science Experiment) camera team at the University of Arizona highlighted the discovery Wednesday, though the image was acquired by the team April 22."Enterprising viewers will make the discovery that these features look conspicuously like a famous logo," the camera team behind the MRO HiRise image said...
Saturday, June 22, 2019
There have been very radical steps to oppress the Palestinians under this administration, where are the Palestinians in all this?
Where are the signatures on a two state solution peace plan? The idea of expanding Gaza into Egypt has been denied by Jason Greenblatt, the US Envoy to the Middle East. My understanding is that Israel will not be in attendance of this meeting.
It sounds wonderful, but, the groundwork has not been conducted. One of Jordan's biggest problems right now are refugees from the continuing civil war in Syria. The economic stimulus for Jordan will be absorbed in it's handling of refugees unless there is a firm contract with the USA to channel monies to projects that will provide economic development. It isn't as though Jordan would not agree to that or use the monies for that purpose, but, where are all the agreements. Providing relief to Jordan can be autonomous from any other agreement.
19 June 2019
...In a statement quoted by the PA’s official Wafa news agency, (click here) Abu Rudeineh said that the Palestinian national stand, the international consensus and the insistence on the independent decision have once again thwarted all “conspiracies” against the Palestinian cause and preserved Jerusalem, its holy places and the Palestinian identity.
“Any meeting, whether in Bahrain or elsewhere and without the legitimate Palestinian endorsement, proves that Washington cannot and will not succeed on its own in achieving anything,” he said, according to Wafa.
Abu Rudeineh further claimed that “the position of the President and the Palestinian leadership from the constants, particularly Jerusalem, the prisoners and the Palestinian identity, will foil any plot, or workshop or meeting.”
He was referring to the upcoming economic workshop in Bahrain, during which the Trump administration is planning to release the economic component of its Middle East peace plan....
Israel has to agree to this and I don't see it. Israel is moving into the West Bank as I write this. $28 billion as an investment in ending poverty, hatred, and war is a magnificent beginning, but, there have been no meetings between all the parties, including Egypt and Jordan to ensure the prosperity that is laid out in this proposal. This proposal sounds like the end of a long negotiation that resulted in a two-state solution. This is the beginning when it looks like the end.
At this point it is an interesting vision, but, not much else. When the USA invaded Iraq there was an economic forum to provide pledges of help including debt relief. The effort was contained within one country. What followed was years of war.
Afghanistan is no different. The post 911 wars are estimated to have cost $5.9 trillion US and 500,000 lives. The crime of all this is that economic development has always been a focus whenever the USA is involved, but, the result is not a better quality of life and simply more war because of religious and cultural differences.
22 June 2019
Senior White House (click here) adviser Jared Kushner on Saturday revealed the long-awaited details of the economic aspect of the US peace plan, saying it would inject $50 billion into struggling economies in the Middle East over the next ten years.
In an interview with the Reuters news agency three days ahead of the Washington-led economic workshop in Bahrain, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law said that over half of the funds ($28 billion) would go toward the West Bank and Gaza Strip while $7.5 billion would go to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion to Lebanon.
“If you can also get that whole region starting to lift, and if you can get a quicker flow of goods and people in all the different areas that are necessary in industry instead of bullets and munitions and war, then I think that will really lead to a big increase in investment in the area and more jobs and better quality of life and hopefully more peace along with it,” Kushner said....
If every country involved agrees to end the hatred and killing which accomplishes nothing and moves to economic development for the purpose of peace and a better quality of life for the people, then it will work. I just don't see that groundwork or that level of commitment. At least Jordan and Egypt have sovereign governments. Jordan would be dedicated without question. Egypt has to commit to government reforms to maintain peace and increase the quality of life for all its citizens. The Palestinian Authority has little control of what occurs in Gaza and we know what kind of turbulence there is in Gaza.
I already know Israel won't commit to a Gaza that carries out free trade. Israel has locked down the waters from fishing as of about a week ago. Israel will not allow the free flow of goods into or out of Gaza.
All this has to be on paper with details that reassure the success of economic development. There is a lot of work to be done before such efforts will take hold and secure the region from further upheaval. This doesn't even address the impact the Syrian civil war has on these plans.
It sounds great, but, in application, as of now, it will most likely fail.
It sounds wonderful, but, the groundwork has not been conducted. One of Jordan's biggest problems right now are refugees from the continuing civil war in Syria. The economic stimulus for Jordan will be absorbed in it's handling of refugees unless there is a firm contract with the USA to channel monies to projects that will provide economic development. It isn't as though Jordan would not agree to that or use the monies for that purpose, but, where are all the agreements. Providing relief to Jordan can be autonomous from any other agreement.
19 June 2019
...In a statement quoted by the PA’s official Wafa news agency, (click here) Abu Rudeineh said that the Palestinian national stand, the international consensus and the insistence on the independent decision have once again thwarted all “conspiracies” against the Palestinian cause and preserved Jerusalem, its holy places and the Palestinian identity.
“Any meeting, whether in Bahrain or elsewhere and without the legitimate Palestinian endorsement, proves that Washington cannot and will not succeed on its own in achieving anything,” he said, according to Wafa.
Abu Rudeineh further claimed that “the position of the President and the Palestinian leadership from the constants, particularly Jerusalem, the prisoners and the Palestinian identity, will foil any plot, or workshop or meeting.”
He was referring to the upcoming economic workshop in Bahrain, during which the Trump administration is planning to release the economic component of its Middle East peace plan....
Israel has to agree to this and I don't see it. Israel is moving into the West Bank as I write this. $28 billion as an investment in ending poverty, hatred, and war is a magnificent beginning, but, there have been no meetings between all the parties, including Egypt and Jordan to ensure the prosperity that is laid out in this proposal. This proposal sounds like the end of a long negotiation that resulted in a two-state solution. This is the beginning when it looks like the end.
At this point it is an interesting vision, but, not much else. When the USA invaded Iraq there was an economic forum to provide pledges of help including debt relief. The effort was contained within one country. What followed was years of war.
Afghanistan is no different. The post 911 wars are estimated to have cost $5.9 trillion US and 500,000 lives. The crime of all this is that economic development has always been a focus whenever the USA is involved, but, the result is not a better quality of life and simply more war because of religious and cultural differences.
22 June 2019
Senior White House (click here) adviser Jared Kushner on Saturday revealed the long-awaited details of the economic aspect of the US peace plan, saying it would inject $50 billion into struggling economies in the Middle East over the next ten years.
In an interview with the Reuters news agency three days ahead of the Washington-led economic workshop in Bahrain, US President Donald Trump’s son-in-law said that over half of the funds ($28 billion) would go toward the West Bank and Gaza Strip while $7.5 billion would go to Jordan, $9 billion to Egypt and $6 billion to Lebanon.
“If you can also get that whole region starting to lift, and if you can get a quicker flow of goods and people in all the different areas that are necessary in industry instead of bullets and munitions and war, then I think that will really lead to a big increase in investment in the area and more jobs and better quality of life and hopefully more peace along with it,” Kushner said....
If every country involved agrees to end the hatred and killing which accomplishes nothing and moves to economic development for the purpose of peace and a better quality of life for the people, then it will work. I just don't see that groundwork or that level of commitment. At least Jordan and Egypt have sovereign governments. Jordan would be dedicated without question. Egypt has to commit to government reforms to maintain peace and increase the quality of life for all its citizens. The Palestinian Authority has little control of what occurs in Gaza and we know what kind of turbulence there is in Gaza.
I already know Israel won't commit to a Gaza that carries out free trade. Israel has locked down the waters from fishing as of about a week ago. Israel will not allow the free flow of goods into or out of Gaza.
All this has to be on paper with details that reassure the success of economic development. There is a lot of work to be done before such efforts will take hold and secure the region from further upheaval. This doesn't even address the impact the Syrian civil war has on these plans.
It sounds great, but, in application, as of now, it will most likely fail.
Friday, June 21, 2019
E. Jean Carroll
The plight of beautiful women.
I admire her courage, today, as well as 23 years ago. I find her story commonplace. She was and still is a powerful woman with a magnificent career. When she talks about respect, I find that a defense to prevent an opinion that could hurt her. She is a public figure. She was compromised before it even began and I think her assailant knew that.
She stated she was leaving Bergdorf Goodman while he was entering. Did she ever wonder if he was entering because she was there?
Women do blame themselves for these attacks. Especially women that are used to taking care of themselves and are resilient to life's ups and downs. Women like to be in control and blame themselves as not being smart enough when something like this happens. I don't read minds, I doubt she does either. How could any woman ever blame herself for being attractive and enjoying attention afforded her because she is who she is?
The climate of tolerance of sexual assault is different because of women that came forward that said, "No more." I find her reflection of the women at the border being raped and facing issues of abortion and homelessness in a country that they are not familiar with admirable. She has made a life of worrying about others. I am confident those women would appreciate her focus on them.
Today, E. Jean Carroll came forward about a rape she never spoke of before except for her strictest of confidants. That is a personal accomplishment and I applaud her. We know a lot more about Donald J. Trump we didn't before and it all adds up, doesn't it?
She is a good person, this was not her fault, she had no defense against it and today she is free. I thank her for her honesty. I want her to be free of this burden of all these years and realize a beautiful woman is allowed to receive the attention she considered lighthearted without assault or without the threat of defaming herself by coming forward to report it.
She did the right thing for herself 23 years ago, no different than other women have done the right thing for themselves. The burden is on society, not the women. Rape is serious and women are not stupid for having it occur.
She is as much a great woman today as she was 23 years ago. I hope her life is enjoyable and lighthearted and as graciously social for the rest of her life. I thank her for joining the "Me Too" movement. It is a great moment for all of us, too.
By Madeline Ciak
Fadwa Hammoud was sworn in on February 14, 2019 (click here)
Flint - According to a news release, (click here) Michigan Solicitor General Fadwa Hammoud and Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy will be coming to Flint.
They are scheduled to visit the city on June 28.
They want to have a community conversation with the resident of Flint following the dismissal of pending criminal cases related to the Flint Water Crisis.
Kim Worthy in her 2010 campaign for office. (click here)I think this is necessary. I am sure these great women have considerable information and evidence from the previous administration, however, they are reopening the investigation because of new evidence. It is only correct to retrace the steps of so many years ago and look under every rock and turn every page to be sure there isn't more undiscovered evidence. Flint and Michigan should be proud of their efforts to unearth the truth.
There is an ongoing problem with McLaren Hospital. It never removed the threat of Legionella from the hospital environment. Just a couple of things, did this hospital ever have problems with Legionella before the Flint water crisis and if so what is the exact history in the way of numbers of victims and the dates at which they were diagnosed along with their outcomes.
Also, there is no excuse for a hospital showing any traces of Legionella bacteria. They need to consider closing the hospital until the State of Michigan determines it is in compliance.
To note McClaren is near the Flint River.
There are other options. Hurley Medical Center and Hurley's Children Clinic may be able to pick up the patients from McLaren. The State may want to take over McLaren and possibly replace the entire management staff with help from the University of Michigan. I am quite sure there are administrators within the UM hospital system that can do a far better job of determining the fate of the McLaren hospital than the current administration for that hospital. I think the state needs to move immediately to dissolve the credentializing of the hospital until it is determined to be safe. There is no excuse for this. People have to be safe first and foremost.
McLaren-Flint will have to be quarantined until further notice.
June 21, 2019
By Ron Fonger
Flint - McLaren-Flint (click here) says it’s finding low levels of Legionella bacteria in hospital water not because of internal issues but because it’s working so hard to identify and fix problems coming from the city’s water distribution system.
In a brief filed with the Michigan Office of Administrative Hearings and Rules this week, McLaren says it has spent more than $2 million to safeguard its water system in less than three years -- only to be punished by the state Department of Health and Human Services because its intensive testing has “occasionally” found “very low levels” of Legionella....
One Congressperson does not even make a quorum.
...But at least one member of Congress (click here) appears to believe the warnings from Trump's top Iran hawks, National Security Adviser John Bolton and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and it's former Vice President Dick Cheney's daughter, Rep. Liz Cheney (R-Wyo.). In a classified briefing Wednesday, Cheney "argued that the intelligence warranted an escalation against Iran," the Post reports, citing a person with knowledge of the briefing. "In response, Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton (Mass.) (click here) accused her of exaggerating the threat in what the person described as a 'very heated exchange.'"...
I might point out that Congressman Seth Moulton was a soldier. He understands war. He even has his health care needs attended to by the Veterans' Administration. I believe him to be trustworthy. He does not want to plunge the USA into an unnecessary war causing thousands and thousands of deaths. I know who I can trust with the military of this country and it is not a person willing to believe the worst without balancing the costs of human tragedy.
Congresswoman Cheney is looking toward becoming a US Senator in 2020. I don't think she will make it if she is unwilling to think before she acts.
I might point out that Congressman Seth Moulton was a soldier. He understands war. He even has his health care needs attended to by the Veterans' Administration. I believe him to be trustworthy. He does not want to plunge the USA into an unnecessary war causing thousands and thousands of deaths. I know who I can trust with the military of this country and it is not a person willing to believe the worst without balancing the costs of human tragedy.
Congresswoman Cheney is looking toward becoming a US Senator in 2020. I don't think she will make it if she is unwilling to think before she acts.
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