Thursday, July 29, 2010

Do we need extinction to slap our face?

Some of our best minds have indicated that global warming
from carbon pollution will present humanity with a species-
level threat. We must do whatever is necessary to avoid
that eventuality.

note: What follows is a bit of rambling intended as rough, quick, ad hoc
contribution to solving this emergent problem. Comments
and suggested edits are welcome, so that we can address
the problem together.

What are we to do with the fact that electricity is typically
inefficient transduction from fossil fuel burning? All told,
electric cars are comparably about as bad as gas or diesel in
most cases, and this is true for other types of electricalization
as well. Any difference in contribution to greenhouse effect is
relatively small, because the pollution is merely displaced to
another location, with associated power loss due to transport.

Natural gas, though widely promoted as a solution is only worse,
because it contributes just as much carbon pollution, AND
underground fresh water sources are ruined by shale fracturing.
It should be noted that like oil, there is low transduction loss with
natural gas. One supposes that natural gas wins the transport
and transduction argument, so
that it can be considered as most efficient, although the
pollution of underground fresh water supplies is not acceptable,
and it is a source of carbon pollution leading to greenhouse effect.

It could be noted at this juncture that the benefits of low
transport and production costs can contrast with the inefficiencies
of high transduction loss and loss in the associated centralized
infrastructure. This would explain the move in recent years to
decentralized electrical grids. A relatively small increase in
infrastructure can sometimes result in a large increase efficiency, and
reliability is improved as well, which provides additional incentive.
These facts probably explain why electric cars are promoted by some
credible, heavy-weight, green agencies, although the benefit is small.

Concerns about transduction loss must be balanced with the
cost of production and transport for fossil fuels. One
expects that these costs make fossil fuels less efficient, than what?
Electricity by and large is generated by transduction from
fossil fuel burning, sometimes a very inefficient process, which
contributes vastly to carbon pollution.

For decades we have faced the problems of air and water pollution,
and much has been done to address these problems, but little
has been done to address the fundamental underlying causes.
From a simple survival perspective, pollution of fresh water and air
are among the worst things that you can do, because air
and water are our most immediate needs, to say nothing of
greenhouse effect. This would likely explain the relatively poor
uptake over the years
of natural gas energy, in spite of the effiencies. Environmentalists
note that it pollutes both air and fresh water supplies. They
will now argue that it is also a source of carbon pollution leading
to greenhouse effect. Fresh water and air pollution is a problem
to be avoided with nuclear as well, and probably largely
explains the ferocity of opposition. It is a obviously a problem
that oil and coal power do not avoid. In spite of these problems,
we have continued largely with the status quo.

Even if we go nuclear, it is still ineffecient transduction, although it can
take advantage of existing infrastructure, with comparable
efficiencies of other forms of electrical generation. In theory,
this will address global warming, which has become an immediate problem,
but it creates other large and growing problems becoming more
hazardous as time goes by. There is also the three mile island type of
hazard to consider, which can be comparable to the bp oil
spill in its enormity. Nuclear waste is likely comparable to
a slow motion bp oil spill, which will become more and more
pressing as time goes by. Nonetheless, the importance of nuclear probably
cannot be overstated, because it can reduce greenhouse gas emittance which
is an urgent problem, and because it will also provide tutelage for
future projects.


Possible solution components:

1. Increase efficiency. (go green)
This means finding ways to use less power and make
equipment more efficient. Conserve energy.

2. Reduce transduction and transport loss by generating clean on
site using alternative energy solutions, such as wind and solar.
The problem of production cost must be addressed with solar.
These costs may include environmentally hazardous
production methods.

3. Continue improvments to the electrical infrastructure,
so that it can be used to as the most efficient current means
to distribute power that is not produced from fossil fuels,
as such nuclear sources coming online.

4. As an alternative to 3. and nuclear power, focus on 1. and 2.
so that energy usage is reduced, and a small offset of production
from fossil fuels may not be harmful. This will have the added
benefit of avoiding the problems associated with nuclear power.

5. Is like 4, but a small offset of nuclear power is used in order
to project its problems further into the future and manage them.

6. Moving away from fossil fuels is all the more imperative when
it is realized that developing nations may inevitalbly adopt
coal power to build their emerging infrastructures. Developed
nations can offset this problem by reducing greenhouse gas
emitance. Perhaps alternative incentives can be found for
developing nations.

7. Leave the trees standing. Use a little plastic or steel, and
leave the trees standing.

As previously noted, this essay is still in very rough shape, but
imperatives do come to light.

Imperatives:

1. Conserve forests. Stop deforestation.

2. Stop natural gas.

3. Promote clean on-site power generation, mostly with alternatives.

4. Stop the cars.

Change can be good; for example, walking and bicyclling are
far more healthful than driving, especially in consideration of the
toxic motor culture. The Northeast historically has supported a large
population because they have reduced reliance on coal (or got it out of
the city), and centralized power production, while letting the
trees grow and using plastic, concrete, and steel instead. These
considerations drove early conservation efforts. Some people may not
realize what a vast transformation this was from the days when all
the trees had been cut down and they burned coal in the cities. Now
the Northeast has many wooded areas again. We need
a new transformation. Things will be different, and if we use our
ingenuity, things will be better. Trees and plants convert the main
greenhouse gas
to food we can eat and oxygen for us to breath, fresh air. If we do our
part, the trees will save us from global warming, and we will enjoy
many pleasant forests.

We obviously should not be cutting down green fields and forests in
order to build vast solar arrays. This is really just a matter of
choosing healthful living. Global warming will make the trees grow
faster, as long as we don't cut them down, and nature may assist us
instead of exterminating us.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Wednesday, July 28, 2010

Reject UltraViolet #DRM - #dvd #mp3 #sony #nokia #software #freedom #nokia #sony

Reject UltraViolet DRM

"Throughout the relatively short history of Digital Restrictions Management, we have seen various methods of user restriction come and go. Now, there is a new threat on the horizon: UltraViolet. A soon to be implemented DRM scheme, UltraViolet -- or should that be Ultraviolent..."

Read more,
http://www.defectivebydesign.org/ultraviolet

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Tuesday, July 27, 2010

GNU-Darwin Action: Medical research means hope for the future

Tell President Obama and Congress that medical research
is critical to the nationĂ¢€™s health.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-dariwn.org/

From: http://ping.fm/3wupL

Michael wants you to take action on "Save Critical Habitat for the Florida Panther"!

Michael L. Love has just read and signed the petition: Save Critical Habitat for the Florida Panther

You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/7553333

Message from Michael L. Love:
-----

Hi, I just signed the petition "Save Critical Habitat for the Florida Panther". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 75,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts. Regards, proclus http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

-----

ThePetitionSite.com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetitionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite.com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Posted via email from #p

Michael wants you to take action on "Protect Florida's Coast: Say "No" to Offshore Drilling"!

Michael L. Love has just read and signed the petition: Protect Florida's Coast: Say "No" to Offshore Drilling

You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/7553320

Message from Michael L. Love:
-----

Hi, I just signed the petition "Protect Florida's Coast: Say "No" to Offshore Drilling". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts. Regards, proclus http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

-----

ThePetitionSite.com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetitionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite.com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Posted via email from #p

Monday, July 26, 2010

This is the week to end the war in Afghanistan. Call your member of Congress today to help make it happen.

This looks like a great action.  It is time to end the war.  Please consider this action, or do what ever you can do to make that happen.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/


TrueMajority

Dear Michael L.,



Limited Edition Pens!

What could we do if the Pentagon stopped wasting money on wars and warplanes like the C-17? A lot.

Shop

This is the week to end the war in Afghanistan.

Washington has been thrown for a loop by publication of nearly 92,000 classified military documents about the war in Afghanistan. The files show a ground-level view of the war that is far bleaker than the official portrayal: The documents show that our soldiers are demoralized, that our so-called "Allies" are actually working against us, and that the insurgents we are fighting are better armed and more dangerous than we have been told.1

Together with the staggering $1 trillion dollars we've already spent, and the unconscionable 1,000+ soldiers who have already been killed in this pointless conflict, these secret files prove what TrueMajority members have said all along: it's time to end the war and come home.2

Fortunately, there's a vote in Congress this week that could make it happen: The house is about to vote on another 'emergency' funding bill for the war.3 If enough of us tell Congress to VOTE NO, we'll choke off the funding for the war and force the generals and war-mongers to end the conflict. 

Can you make a free call right now to end the war?

http://tools.advomatic.com/node/307

So far, ending the war has been difficult. Our previous attempts to make Congress end the conflict or set a time-line to bring home the troops have failed. 4

But this time is different. For one thing, we've built a huge list of Representatives who support ending the war thanks to those efforts.
4 And, just as important, the release of these formerly classified documents is raising questions from some members of Congress who used to support the war.5

Now that they know the truth, Congress is running out of reasons to keep supporting the war. But it will still take a big push from us to make it happen.

A phone call is the best way to help it only takes a second and it's way more personal and powerful than an email. Take a second right now to call Congress and tell them to VOTE NO on the supplemental war funding bill.

For peace,

-Drew

Drew Hudson
TrueMajority / USAction

1 - nytimes.com/2010/07/26/world/asia/26warlogs.html?hp
2 - newyorker.com/online/blogs/closeread/2010/07/wikileaks-and-the-war.html
     examiner.com/x-43367-International-Headlines-Examiner~y2010m7d24-Afghanistan-2-US-soldiers-reported-missing-5-dead
3 - pbs.org/newshour/rundown/2010/07/the-morning-line-leaked-afghanistan-field-reports-to-shape-political-war-debate-
     at-home.html
4 - opednews.com/articles/House-Stands-Firm-on-Afgha-by-Tom-Hayden-100702-467.html
5 - newsroom.blogs.cnn.com/2010/07/26/afghan-war-documents-released

Posted via email from #p

[URGENT] Tomorrow's vote on corporate political spending

Hey,

The Supreme Court recently granted corporations the right to directly influence political campaigns. That's not the way to restore citizens' faith in government.

Sens. Chuck Schumer, Russ Feingold, and Patrick Leahy have introduced the DISCLOSE Act to fix this problem -- because Democracy Is Strengthened by Casting Light On Spending in Elections.

It's up for a vote in the Senate on Tuesday, July 27 -- so please add your name next to mine on the petition at www.DISCLOSEact.com .

Then, contact your Senators via the Capitol switchboard at (202) 224-3121 to urge their support as well.

http://www.DISCLOSEact.com

Posted via email from #p

Sunday, July 25, 2010

Afghanistan War Logs: WikiLeaks Releasing Over 90,000 Documents


It will be fascinating to learn what is in these documents. Let's end the war.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

CNN: A whistle-blower website publishes what it says are more than 90,000 U.S military and diplomatic reports about Afghan War.

CNN: A whistle-blower website publishes what it says are more than 90,000 U.S military and diplomatic reports about Afghan War.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Overturn the Citizen's United ruling

It appears to me that we will have the critical mass that is required overturn Citizen's United ruling by amendment. Let's push this. I recommend the following action to pass the amendment in Congress.

Do Goldman Sachs and Exxon have the right to buy elections? nn10 p2

Call to undo Citizens United ruling gets standing O at Netroots panel
http://citizenvox.org/2010/07/24/call-to-undo-citizens-united-ruling-gets-standing-o-at-netroots-panel/

Candidates should be urged to take the Pledge for the Democracy in order to assure that an amendment passes the Congress. Here is the link.

www.PledgeForDemocracy.org
http://www.pledgefordemocracy.org/

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Gulf Oil Spill: BP Tries To Block Release Of Oil Spill Research


"That's not wrong. Those are the rules of the game," he said. "It's the survival of a company, the survival of a crucial industry is at stake in a vital market area. This is serious business."



It IS wrong, seriously wrong to withhold data that could be of benefit to people who have been adversely affected by the spill. It should not be a surprise that there are scientists who do not want to participate in the obfuscation of crucial facts. Fast track the data.



Regards,

Michael L. Love Ph.D

Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry

School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins University

725 N. Wolfe Street

Room 608B WBSB

Baltimore MD 21205-2185



Interoffice Mail: 608B WBSB, SoM

Shipping Dock: 1915 E. Madison St.



office: 410-614-2267

lab: 410-614-3179

fax: 410-502-6910

cell: 443-824-3451

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Saturday, July 24, 2010

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage.

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage. No projection yet on the duration of the outage.

Posted via email from #p

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage.

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage. No projection yet on the duration of the outage.

Posted via email from #p

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage.

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage. No projection yet on the duration of the outage.

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage.

Unexpected GNU-Darwin.org outage. No projection yet on the duration of the outage.

Friday, July 23, 2010

Michael wants you to take action on "Do More for Endangered Species in the Gulf of Mexico"!

Michael L. Love has just read and signed the petition: Do More for Endangered Species in the Gulf of Mexico

You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/7538450

Message from Michael L. Love:
-----

Hi, I just signed the petition "Do More for Endangered Species in the Gulf of Mexico". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 15,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts. Regards, proclus http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

-----

ThePetitionSite.com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetitionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite.com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Posted via email from #p

Thursday, July 22, 2010

We Can Handle the Truth: Stop Trying to Hide It From Us

"Stand with Private Bradley Manning. Help to work for his release. He is a hero, not a criminal."



I want to add my voice to others. Private Manning must be treated fairly and humanely. He must be granted the rights that are due to every American. Follow the links and let Obama know that you feel the same way.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Don't Let Petraeus Sabotage Afghan Peace Talks

54% of Americans think the U.S. should set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, CBS News reports. But if General Petraeus has his way, the U.S. will dig in deeper, not establish a timetable for withdrawal. Petraeus wants the State Department to designate part of the Afghan Taliban as a terrorist group, a move which could make it more difficult for the Afghan government to reach a political settlement with the Afghan Taliban, the New York Times reports.

Join me in writing to your representatives now, asking them to tell the State Department not to do anything that would undermine U.S. commitments to support Afghan government efforts to end the war through political negotiations -- including designating part of the Afghan Taliban as a terrorist organization.

http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/petraeus

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Don't Let Petraeus Sabotage Afghan Peace Talks

54% of Americans think the U.S. should set a timetable for the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan, CBS News reports. But if General Petraeus has his way, the U.S. will dig in deeper, not establish a timetable for withdrawal. Petraeus wants the State Department to designate part of the Afghan Taliban as a terrorist group, a move which could make it more difficult for the Afghan government to reach a political settlement with the Afghan Taliban, the New York Times reports.

Join me in writing to your representatives now, asking them to tell the State Department not to do anything that would undermine U.S. commitments to support Afghan government efforts to end the war through political negotiations -- including designating part of the Afghan Taliban as a terrorist organization.

http://www.justforeignpolicy.org/act/petraeus

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

BP's Photoshopped Command Center Just The Latest In A Pattern Of Deception


The US has been known to fabricate "live feeds". Should we expect different from the oil corporations? Sunday was an exercise in deception, which is continuing even now. This is just the tip of the iceberg, and more to come. Who do you believe?



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Help Me Protect Sea Turtles from Ocean Front Devel

Congress is about to vote on a proposal to make it easier to build on floodplains and beach front areas. Not only is this a terrible idea for homebuyers, increasing the risk of catastrophic floods, but it puts endangered sea turtles that much closer to extinction.
Please join me in sending a message to Congress to stop this bill from passing. To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://online.nwf.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=q6vzPCA6_440LHLXCrjTsQ..&id=1238 If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser. 

Hey- Take action with me!

Hey - I don't know if you've heard, but the Senate is in the final stages of discussing the climate bill, and there is pressure to cut out key provisions that would make sure poor communities have the resources to fight the effects of climate change.
We can't let them cut poor people out of the bill. Poor communities are hit first and worst by climate change. Leaving these provisions out of the bill will leave billions of people at risk from worsening storms, droughts, and floods and that means more poverty, more hunger, and more war.
Please, join me in taking action. Send a message to your senators today:
http://act.oxfamamerica.org/site/Advocacy?pagename=homepage&id=1144
To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure.oxfamamerica.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=ts4kU4tunzu4kZDGOUwvAw..&a... If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.
Posted via email from #p

Stop Another BP Disaster: Shut Down BP Atlantis - #BP Oil Spill #boycottbp #oilspill

Hey everyone,
I just added my name to the petition Stop Another BP Disaster: Shut Down BP Atla
ntis on Change.org.  Please consider adding your name as well.

http://www.change.org/petitions/view/stop_another_bp_disaster_shut_down_bp_atlantis?js_email

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Monday, July 19, 2010

GNU-Darwin Action: Courage to Resist - Support the troops who refuse to fight!

Please support this action. This is one of the best groups that I have ever encountered.

http://www.couragetoresist.org/x/

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

From: http://ping.fm/PoO7R

Tell your senator the science is clear: it's time

Hello!

I thought you might be interested in this alert from the Union of Concerned Scientists. Please send a letter today to your senator. It will help ensure that the Senate passes comprehensive climate and energy legislation this year. If you go to the URL below you can check out the details and send your own message. Then please forward this email to 10 friends. We really need your help to spread the word.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure3.convio.net/ucs/site/Advocacy?s_oo=GH6NhLmHUIAp09Zpe9Mwzg..&am... If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

Action for worker safety

In February, a natural gas plant explosion in Connecticut killed six workers; in April, a refinery explosion in Washington killed seven workers and an explosion at the Massey coal mine in West Virginia killed 29 miners. These are just a few of the 5,000 workplace fatalities that occur each year.

Go to http://www.citizen.org/mine-worker-safey to take action for the Mine Safety and Health Act of 2010. Show your support for commonsense safety regulations that save lives and hold lawbreaking corporations accountable!

Posted via email from #p

Message from Michael L. Love

Hello,

Michael L. Love would like you to visit the following online campaign, by iPetitions: http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/rmh/

Message:
The President and Congress need to hear from us that we support NIH and medical research. Please consider supporting NIH research by signing the petition at the accompanying link.Regards,proclushttp://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Friday, July 16, 2010

Oil Spill Lawsuits: BP Spending Big To Acquire An Army Of Expert Witnesses


This really illustrates how problematic non-disclosure agreements are. Fortunately there are scientists who are not bound by such agreements. Here is an exercise for budding young scientists. Let's form a truth squad.



Obama sez the new equipment could contain up to 80,000 barrels a day, nearly all the oil that was leaking. Marketplace reported that the pressure in the well reached as high as 9000 psi. Watch out though. They have a huge financial bias to report that the well infrastructure is undamaged. Look up petroleum viscosity. You might be able to find it with Google, petroleum viscosity - Google Search http://ping.fm/COLn8.



Use the numbers to calculate the diameter of the well bore, and compare the result with published reports. You should be able to provide an accurate estimate of the total amount of oil that spilled into the gulf. Report your finding.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Thursday, July 15, 2010

Arizona's Forests Need Your Help

Arizona's forests and wildlife need your help. Four of the state's national forests are rewriting the "forest plans" that will govern their management for a decade or more.

But where the new plans should enhance wildlife protections and provide for forests' restoration, the Forest Service's early drafts would roll back key wildlife protections and open the door to harmful land uses.

As climate change magnifies the impacts of already harmful uses, allowing more of those activities in more places is exactly what Arizona's forests don't need.

Take action for the Kaibab, Apache-Sitgreaves, Prescott, and Coronado National Forests today: Tell the Forest Service to enhance, rather than weaken, wildlife safeguards in the four draft plans now open for comment.

Visit http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/2167/t/5243/p/dia/action/public/?action_... to take action now.

Posted via email from #p

Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Greater Protection Sought for Sea #Turtles Imperiled by #BP's Oil Spill - #boycottbp #oilspill #gulf

"HOUSTON— With BP’s massive oil spill in the Gulf pushing rare sea turtles closer than ever to extinction, two environmental groups today petitioned the federal government for an emergency extension of the shrimp fishery seasonal closure. The closure is scheduled to expire Thursday, July 15. The groups also asked the National Marine Fisheries Service to conduct an analysis required by the Endangered Species Act before allowing the fishery to open as usual to determine whether sea turtles would be jeopardized."

Read more...
http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/press_releases/2010/gulf-sea-turtles-07-14-2010.html

It is wonderful to see people thinking ahead about these things.  Giving the fisheries adequate time to recover and assure that any residual contamination is gone will be a crucial components for the recovery of both the environment and the gulf industries.  In doing so, we can save some endangered turtles.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Join me in stopping another dirty fuel!

Hi!

I wanted to ask you to join a campaign that I think is important to the health of our environment.

Friends of the Earth's biofuels campaign works to get out the message that biofuels waste billions of taxpayer dollars a year, damage the environment through deforestation and pollution and have negative impacts on people worldwide.

Simply put, biofuels are not the answer to our clean energy needs.

Please join me in working to end our investment in this dirty fuel! Go to http://action.foe.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=5264 to join us today.

Thanks,

(Your Name)

Posted via email from #p

Join me in stopping another dirty fuel!

Hi!

I wanted to ask you to join a campaign that I think is important to the health of our environment.

Friends of the Earth's biofuels campaign works to get out the message that biofuels waste billions of taxpayer dollars a year, damage the environment through deforestation and pollution and have negative impacts on people worldwide.

Simply put, biofuels are not the answer to our clean energy needs.

Please join me in working to end our investment in this dirty fuel! Go to http://action.foe.org/p/salsa/web/common/public/signup?signup_page_KEY=5264 to join us today.

Thanks,

(Your Name)

Posted via email from #p

Sugar or Sweetener? Your Body Knows What's Right


A very interesting post. I think that a treatment of the hazards of glycemic sugars would have rounded it out even better. It should be noted that agave nectar has a demonstrated benefit because it is a low-glycemic sugar. For those who are concerned about the hazards of glycemic sugars, agave nectar provides an interesting low-glycemic alternative, which should not contribute to insulin resistance when used in moderation. Yes, it may increase triglycerides, but one uses significantly less agave nectar, because it is alot sweeter than conventional sugar or corn syrup. Like all sugars, it is crucial to restrict portions. I am eager to discuss this further and to learn more, so please feel free to pass the comments along.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

NOAA Hoarding Key Data On Oil Spill Damage


Fast track the data. It is not difficult to see why the data must be vetted before it can made public. For example, it is not right to expose earnest investigators to unnecessary embarassment, if an avoidable error is found in the data. On the other hand, this is an environemental emergency, and there are standard procedures for the rapid release of scientific data. The exigency of the situation provides an obvious example of data that should see rapid release. Please fast track this data NOW.



Regards,

Michael L. Love Ph.D

Department of Biophysics and Biophysical Chemistry

School of Medicine

Johns Hopkins University

725 N. Wolfe Street

Room 608B WBSB

Baltimore MD 21205-2185



Interoffice Mail: 608B WBSB, SoM

Shipping Dock: 1915 E. Madison St.



office: 410-614-2267

lab: 410-614-3179

fax: 410-502-6910

cell: 443-824-3451

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Stand up to corporate money in politics

You and I both know that big corporations use their massive amounts of cash to fight the kind of change we need in Washington. Unfortunately, it’s about to get a lot worse. A recent decision by the Supreme Court lifted a century of modest limits on corporate spending in elections. Let’s do something about it! Public Citizen has made it easy on a Web site you might find interesting: www.DontGetRolled.org.

Posted via email from #p

Heat Waves Could Be Common By 2039 In U.S., Finds Stanford Study


#boycottBP, yet another reason. How many reasons do we need to use less oil? Wake up! Wake up people! We need to put a stop to this NOW!



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Join me to support a Green New Deal

Hi, I just joined the Green New Deal Coalition, and I'd like you to join me. We're calling for a Green New Deal -- an ambitious program to create economic prosperity together with ecological sustainability.
Learn more at

http://bit.ly/greennewdealcoalition

Posted via email from #p

Join me to support a Green New Deal

Hi, I just joined the Green New Deal Coalition, and I'd like you to join me. We're calling for a Green New Deal -- an ambitious program to create economic prosperity together with ecological sustainability.
Learn more at

http://bit.ly/greennewdealcoalition

Posted via email from #p

Monday, July 12, 2010

Obama Offshore Drilling Moratorium: Administration Issues New Rule


Let's discuss the courts. It is a disgrace that judges with financial interests in the corporations involved did not recuse themselves from the case. It appears to me that they are trying very hard to prove the adage that they are in the pockets of the monied interests. I think it is a perception they they should be particularly scrupulous about avoiding this time. This is a whole new ballgame, as it were, a game changer. If the courts do not deal correctly with this problem, then the people will deal with it themselves. This fact is already evident in the boycott, which continues in spite of the bad press and opposition it has received. It will continue going forward, and more means will be devised as well. I recommend that the courts get on the right side of this issue.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
About Gulf Oil Spill
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Obama Offshore Drilling Moratorium: Administration Issues New Rule


Hopefully we can make this one stick. I am anxious to see the details. Perhaps today's commission report will aid in defense of the new moratorium. We need to make it clear that the economic impact of the moratorium is relatively small. I heard some crazy reports about widespread economic damage due to the moratorium, which completely absurd. Exploratory operations are a small part of the sector overall, and workers can be retasked.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

BP is shaking us down

Hey there,

You won't believe this: While reaping the largest profits in history and destroying the Gulf of Mexico, BP and other Big Oil companies have shaken more than $35 billion in special subsidies and tax breaks out of the U.S. taxpayer.

Surprised? I was.

That's why I just signed this petition telling Congress to end all tax breaks and subsidies for dirty fossil fuels and invest in green jobs and clean energy instead. Can you do the same thing?

http://www.stopbigoilbailouts.com/

Thanks!

http://www.stopbigoilbailouts.com/

Posted via email from #p

Michael wants you to take action on "Demand Disclosure of Corporate Funding in Elections"!

Michael L. Love has just read and signed the petition: Demand Disclosure of Corporate Funding in Elections

You can view this petition at: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/tell-a-friend/7495023

Message from Michael L. Love:
-----

Hi, I just signed the petition "Demand Disclosure of Corporate Funding in Elections". I'm asking you to sign this petition to help us reach our goal of 10,000 signatures. I care deeply about this cause, and I hope you will support our efforts.

-----

ThePetitionSite.com provides tools and empowers individuals to make a difference and effect positive change through online activism. Get connected with the causes you care about, take action to make the world a better place, and start your own petition at http://www.ThePetitionSite.com!

ThePetitionSite.com is powered by Care2, the largest and most trusted information and action site for people who care to make a difference in their lives and the world. www.care2.com

Posted via email from #p

BP Defends Record As 'Safe And Reliable' Despite Hundreds Of Egregious Violations (VIDEO)


It is no surprise to see a corporation with a record like this give us the worst environmental disaster in US history. No more lies! Solve the real problem BP!
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Saturday, July 10, 2010

Is #BP bullying Americans? #BP Oil Spill #boycottbp #oilspill #press #speech

This is really meant as a rhetorical question, because it is such an obvious fact.  When people like Tony Hayward fall on their swords, they will likely be replaced by ruthless thugs who will make the situation even much worse. 

How about free speech and press issues?
How about access to a public beach?
How about access to uncontaminated seafood?

Rest assured that there are Americans that you or I know personally who could make this list very long, and it is bound to get longer before all this is done.  BP and their elite associates need to learn this lesson.  They need to get to work on the damned spill, and quit trying to fool everyone with their pricey PR schemes and folksy commercials.  They may have the courts on their side, but it will take more than that to solve this problem.  No more lies!  Solve the real problem BP!

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Friday, July 9, 2010

What will get #sick from the slick? - #gulf #coast #wildlife: #fish, #sea turtles, #whale sharks, #tuna, #sperm whales

Melissa Gaskill reported as follows in Nature News:

Far from the tar-coated beaches and clean-up crews seen on nightly news programmes, the Deepwater Horizon disaster is exacting an ongoing and largely unknown toll. In the open waters of the Gulf of Mexico, floating oil slicks and subsurface plumes threaten a highly diverse ecosystem. According to a 2009 inventory by the Harte Research Institute (HRI) for Gulf of Mexico Studies at Texas A&M University in Corpus Christi, the area around the ill-fated rig hosts 1,728 species, among them whale sharks, tarpon, tuna, sea turtles and sperm whales. With no end in sight for the spill, researchers are now struggling to understand the scope and nature of the damage to deep-ocean ecosystems through some of the Gulf's largest residents.

Read more at www.nature.com

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Thursday, July 8, 2010

Stop #BP's Next Disaster on Ice - #BP Oil Spill #boycottbp #oilspill

The following message, urging you to help stop BP's next oil spill disaster by signing our Petition of Protest, was sent to you by: http://www.SaveBioGems.org


Dear Friend,

They're BACK . . .

The same company that just brought you the most catastrophic oil spill in American history is now planning a risky new project that would use untested drilling technology in Alaska's Beaufort Sea -- the heart of America's polar bear habitat.

BP's so-called Liberty Project would use the biggest rig in the world -- propped up by a manmade gravel island three miles from shore -- to drill up to eight miles horizontally, exposing pipes to the same kind of explosive gas kicks that led to the blowout in the Gulf.

In other words, this latest BP project is a disaster waiting to happen!

Please help stop it by signing this urgent Petition of Protest to Interior Secretary Ken Salazar.

https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&a...

You might have thought BP would lay low after the Gulf disaster: focusing on the cleanup effort and repairing its dismal environmental record.

Instead, the company is planning to begin drilling this fall in one of the two Polar Bear Seas that are home to HALF of our nation's polar bears.

Let me share a few facts about BP's Liberty Project:

Even though it's three miles offshore, this project is NOT subject to President Obama's moratorium on offshore drilling in the Arctic! That's because the operation is built on a 31-acre manmade gravel island. In other words, BP is getting a free pass based on a technicality. BP is prepared to drill up to eight miles horizontally in search of oil, even though this type of drilling is even more prone to gas kicks like the one that caused the huge blowout in the Gulf of Mexico. In order to drill these unprecedented wells, BP has commissioned the building of the largest drilling rig in the world! Shockingly, BP was allowed to write its own environmental assessment and emergency response plan for the Liberty Project, just like it did in the Gulf. And we know what happened there. The Obama Administration needs to make clear that the days of BP running the show are over.

Tell Secretary Salazar to stop the Liberty Project immediately by denying BP's application to drill. He is unlikely to do that unless he hears a groundswell of public opposition -- starting with you.

https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&a...

BP's horrendous environmental record is well documented. It is already responsible for the 2010 Gulf disaster, the 2006 oil spill on Alaska's North Slope (the largest oil spill to date in the region) and the 2005 Texas City explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more.

We can't afford a repeat performance in the Arctic. High winds, freezing temperatures and dangerous sea ice could make cleanup impossible. The nearest Coast Guard station is over 1,000 miles away, and much of the oil spill response equipment on-site is more than two decades old!

Tell Secretary Salazar to prevent a disaster on ice by saying No to BP. https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=1909

Sincerely,

Peter Lehner
Executive Director
Natural Resources Defense Council


To take action on this issue, click on the link below:
https://secure.nrdconline.org/site/Advocacy?s_oo=NRTlujAK6iw1EV_-YftzQA..&... If the text above does not appear as a link or it wraps across multiple lines, then copy and paste it into the address area of your browser.

Posted via email from #p

Check out this page on nola.com

Dear GNU-Darwin Action Group:

Michael L. Love (proclus@gnu-darwin.org) thought you would be interested in this item from nola.com

http://www.nola.com/news/gulf-oil-spill/index.ssf/2010/07/some_blame_dispersa...

Michael L. Love
As a counterpoint, I think it is likely that the red slicks also have tarballs. The more viscous oil is less dispersed, so that the slicks would have a similar amount of tar. Can anyone confirm this? Moreover, I would not be surprised if the the buoyancy of the tarballs is reduced by the dispersant's, which would explain the underwater movement that has been observed. This would be concordant with the article. The dispersant's are also likely to have an effect on the lake, and it is unfortunate, because we have never seen the used on such a massive scale. Make no mistake though, the red slicks likely indicate more cleanup.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Wednesday, July 7, 2010

De-list toxic products from the US EPA Product Schedule for Oil Spill Contingency Plans

Hi,

I wanted to draw your attention to this important petition that I recently signed:

"De-list toxic products from the US EPA Product Schedule for Oil Spill Contingency Plans"
http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/delist/

I really think this is an important cause, and I'd like to encourage you to add your signature, too. It's free and takes just a few seconds of your time.

Thanks!

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

[From: Michael L. Love] Sign up for guardian.co.uk today

People have been asking me where I get my news and ideas.  The Guardian has been one source.  You should also checkout the news bundle in the right sidebar of the GNU-Darwin Blackout blog.

http://proclus-gnu-darwin.blogspot.com/

To see this story with its related links on the guardian.co.uk site, go to

http://www.guardian.co.uk/uk/signup/2010/mar/09/1

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/

Posted via email from #p

Recent #flavonoid related articles - #parsley #allergies #herpes #hiv #aids #nut #caramel #fudge #berries

Michael L. Love: Pomegranate nut fudge with blueberries - nut caramel fudge berries blueberries http://ping.fm/t2RWR

Michael L. Love: Parsley and allergies - summer upshot - parsley allergies herpes hiv aids http://ping.fm/DevhJ

Tuesday, July 6, 2010

Government Buys Billions of Dollars of BP Oil Ă¯¿½

Despite multiple willful transgressions of federal law, BP continues to receive billions of dollars worth of federal contracts and purchases, The Washington Post reported...

From: http://ping.fm/CZFoV

Spill onto Washington DC: Oil out of the U.S. Rally Labor Day Weekend

WASHINGTON DC OR BUST LABOR DAY WEEKEND!!!
JOIN SPILL ON TO WASHINGTON DC http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=128192210550148 AND
The Million Gulfers March @ http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=139349099409447 IT TAKES A LOT OF SPOKES TO FORM A STRONG WHEEL THAT WILL TAKE US ALL THE WAY TO WASHINGTON DC UNIFIED. PASS THE WORD!

Posted via email from #p

For readers who are interested in our social network feeds

gnu-darwin: http://twitter.com/gnudarwin
proclus: http://identi.ca/proclus
proclus1: http://friendfeed.com/proclus1

Monday, July 5, 2010

: #Israel continues #Gaza blockade

The blockade continues, and only the terms have been slightly modified. In fact, Israel has engaged in showmanship and subterfuge in order to court international opinion while continuing with their offensive blockade. They have done nothing substantive to improve conditions for the people of Gaza, who are at their mercy. This new regimen will do nothing to reduce acrimony and hostility towards Israel, and more flotillas are likely on the way as well: More flotillas to relieve the suffering of the Gazan people, and rightly so.

Only a modicum of sympathy is required in order to discern these facts. Israel destroyed the homes of the Gazans, but Israel is also gravely impeding the reconstruction of these homes, and we also hear of more demolitions. Any person with a family to provide for can understand the outrage that the Gazans must feel. It is a simple and unacceptable outrage that Israel is engaged in. We cannot let it stand.

Regards,
proclus
http://ping.fm/rlCdL

Sunday, July 4, 2010

We need a First Amendment challenge to the prohibitions regarding coverage of the #BP Oil Spill.

#boycottbp Happy Independence Day!

Posted via email from #p

Fareed Zakaria Criticizes 'Disproportionate' Afghanistan War On CNN (VIDEO)


The US has invalidated any ostensible reason for their continued presence in Afghanistan. All of their stated aims have been miserable failures, and are rightly the subject of much doubt. It is time to leave the country to its own citizens. It has long been time.
About Afghanistan
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

: #p - Michael L. Love/proclus/gnu-darwin posterous feed

http://proclus-gnu-darwin.posterous.com/

Fareed Zakaria Criticizes ‘Disproportionate’ Afghanistan War On CNN

Fareed Zakaria Criticizes ‘Disproportionate’ Afghanistan War On CNN


Perhaps this will help the GOP in their budget balancing ;-}. It is delightful to see the party of Lincoln moving toward Afghanistan war opposition. Hats off to them. Hope that the warmongers are paying attention. We are coming for them.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Posted via email from

Fareed Zakaria Criticizes 'Disproportionate' Afghanistan War On CNN (VIDEO)


Perhaps this will help the GOP in their budget balancing ;-}. It is delightful to see the party of Lincoln moving toward Afghanistan war opposition. Hats off to them. Hope that the warmongers are paying attention. We are coming for them.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Internet Sales Taxes Get Democrats' Support


I have always been opposed to Internet sales tax, and I will remain so. This proposal will drive many cottage industries out of business, and stifle the innovation of Internet entrepreneurs. Why does this inane proposal keep coming up again and again? Will you get the message once and for all? It is a bad and unpopular idea, and it is bad policy. It is worse especially now, when struggling unemployed workers are trying to make it online.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Saturday, July 3, 2010

Coast Guard Will Sav

Coast Guard Will Save Turtles From Oil Burns, but you can’t watch. BP. Oil Spill #boycottbp #oilspill: sdf http://bit.ly/99NFCD

Posted via email from

Declare Your Independence!

"If I had to pick one word for Americans who want real change, it would be independence."



I would like to put my entire force behind Keven's words. Although he and I have disagreed about one or two things in the past, we are in complete agreement about this. This is the kind of independence that will honor the meaning of this hallowed day. Wake up now, and make it happen.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Friday, July 2, 2010

Animals Most Endangered By The Gulf Oil Spill (PHOTOS)


It seems to me that we are only beginning to see the impact of the oil spill on wildlife, the environment, and on people; and the damage continues to spread. Oil lust could make an endangered species out of people.



Regards,

proclus

http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Gulf Oil Spill: #BP Rejecting Skimmers To Save Money? - #boycottbp #oilspill

Gulf Oil Spill: BP Rejecting Skimmers To Save Money?


Perhaps BP thinks that their skimmer supertanker makes a bigger impression. We want the oil cleaned up, not a big impression. More skimmers are needed, and none should be turned away!

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Posted via email from

A Brief Photographic History Of Gulf #Seafood Since The #BP Oil Spill - #boycottbp #oilspill

A Brief Photographic History Of Gulf Seafood Since The Oil Spill


We hear alot of news from people in the gulf states who think that boycotting is a bad idea, but one imagines that ordinary people are boycotting in spite of what they are hearing on the news. One wonders what fishermen and restauranteurs think about the boycott, since their connection to BP is optional. One thing for sure; anything that we can do to prevent this from happening again is probably a good thing. Boycotting sends the message that this should never happen again.

Regards,
proclus
http://www.gnu-darwin.org/
Read the Article at HuffingtonPost

Posted via email from

Declare your Oil Independence on Independence Day Weekend. Boycott #BP. Oil Spill #boycottbp #oilspill #july4th http://ping.fm/4rhsC sdfs

Check out this website I found at twitter.com

Posted via email from