11/30/2006
Contra in Carrboro
Contra dance this Friday evening at the Carrboro Century Center.
Friday, December 1st FootLoose with Adina Gordon calling (filling in for Robert Cromartie)
Dance starts at 8 pm, beginners' lesson at 7:30
Admission is $8.00
Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro, NC
2007 SCHEDULE (changing to the FIRST SATURDAY of each month)
Saturday January 6, Contrazz w/Beth Molaro calling
Saturday February 3, Contrazz w/Adina Gordon calling
Saturday March 3, FootLoose w/Tom Calwell & Myra Hirschberg
Saturday April 7, The Elftones w/Bob Dalsemer calling Saturday May 5, FootLoose w/Keith Cornett calling
No dance in June ----------------------
contact: David DiGiuseppe daviddg@mindspring.com www.DavidDG.com
Friday, December 1st FootLoose with Adina Gordon calling (filling in for Robert Cromartie)
Dance starts at 8 pm, beginners' lesson at 7:30
Admission is $8.00
Carrboro Century Center, 100 N. Greensboro St., Carrboro, NC
2007 SCHEDULE (changing to the FIRST SATURDAY of each month)
Saturday January 6, Contrazz w/Beth Molaro calling
Saturday February 3, Contrazz w/Adina Gordon calling
Saturday March 3, FootLoose w/Tom Calwell & Myra Hirschberg
Saturday April 7, The Elftones w/Bob Dalsemer calling Saturday May 5, FootLoose w/Keith Cornett calling
No dance in June ----------------------
contact: David DiGiuseppe daviddg@mindspring.com www.DavidDG.com
11/29/2006
Get Those Seedlings Started on the Cheap!
http://www.gardening.cornell.edu/factsheets/growlite/index.html
Cornell to the rescue - one cool and one warm flourescent
Cornell to the rescue - one cool and one warm flourescent
EU set to give new carbon permits
The EU is to set carbon limits under the next phase of the European Trading Scheme, a tool to tackle global warming.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/6194092.stm
The EU is to set carbon limits under the next phase of the European Trading Scheme, a tool to tackle global warming.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/6194092.stm
Hoophouses
http://cru.cahe.wsu.edu/CEPublications/eb1825/eb1825.html
The link above offers simple directions and drawings from the Washington State University Extension for construction of a basic, moveable hoophouse.
The directions are part of a larger website at www.hightunnels.org
The link above offers simple directions and drawings from the Washington State University Extension for construction of a basic, moveable hoophouse.
The directions are part of a larger website at www.hightunnels.org
11/25/2006
Both Authority and Responsibility
States Will Tell Supreme Court Feds Must Act on Warming
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/112506X.shtml
On Wednesday, a coalition of 12 states, led by California andMassachusetts, will try to persuade the Supreme Court that the nation's environmental regulators have the legal authority and responsibility to control greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming - which many scientists describe as the biggest environmental threat to the planet.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/112506X.shtml
On Wednesday, a coalition of 12 states, led by California andMassachusetts, will try to persuade the Supreme Court that the nation's environmental regulators have the legal authority and responsibility to control greenhouse gas emissions linked to global warming - which many scientists describe as the biggest environmental threat to the planet.
11/24/2006
11/22/2006
Tuscany, Anyone?
http://slowfoodpiedmont.wordpress.com/2006/11/01/living-and-working-on-a-tuscan-farm/
Charlie is Permaculture guru at UNC-G. This is the first of two articles about his working vacation in Italy. Enjoy!
Charlie is Permaculture guru at UNC-G. This is the first of two articles about his working vacation in Italy. Enjoy!
Two More: Emissions and Energy
Global methane rise slowing down
Measures to reduce emissions of methane from gas pipe lines and farms are working, research suggests.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6170736.stm
States sign nuclear energy pact
Governments agree a deal to harness an alternative source of nuclear power which would be clean and abundant.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6165932.stm
Measures to reduce emissions of methane from gas pipe lines and farms are working, research suggests.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6170736.stm
States sign nuclear energy pact
Governments agree a deal to harness an alternative source of nuclear power which would be clean and abundant.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6165932.stm
And Think About Kefir; I Can Give You a Starter
Milk before bed? Milk Does More
A few extra glasses of milk daily may be better than calcium supplements for postmenopausal women, who are often prone to osteoporosis. Scientists stumbled onto this while trying to determine if milk could be as effective as calcium carbonate supplements. Not only was the extra milk just as effective at retarding bone loss, but it did not suppress bone renewal, as the supplements tended to do.
By the way, a glass of warm milk before bed might be good for something more than just a good night's sleep: The body has to draw on the bones' calcium reserves at night, a critical loss for people prone to osteoporosis. Some scientists believe that an extra calcium boost before bed would forestall this loss. Other studies suggest that calcium could play a vital role in fortifying the body against heart disease and cancer. Researchers report that men whose diets were low in vitamin D and calcium had a colorectal cancer rate more than twice that of men who had a relatively high intake of these nutrients. And the February Journal of Nutrition cites a study indicating that calcium might discourage the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Just don't take too much vitamin D with your calcium: The same study warns that excessive levels of vitamin D might promote calcification, the deposition of calcium in the form of plaque.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Livestock_and_Farming/1985_July_August/Bits_and_Pieces
A few extra glasses of milk daily may be better than calcium supplements for postmenopausal women, who are often prone to osteoporosis. Scientists stumbled onto this while trying to determine if milk could be as effective as calcium carbonate supplements. Not only was the extra milk just as effective at retarding bone loss, but it did not suppress bone renewal, as the supplements tended to do.
By the way, a glass of warm milk before bed might be good for something more than just a good night's sleep: The body has to draw on the bones' calcium reserves at night, a critical loss for people prone to osteoporosis. Some scientists believe that an extra calcium boost before bed would forestall this loss. Other studies suggest that calcium could play a vital role in fortifying the body against heart disease and cancer. Researchers report that men whose diets were low in vitamin D and calcium had a colorectal cancer rate more than twice that of men who had a relatively high intake of these nutrients. And the February Journal of Nutrition cites a study indicating that calcium might discourage the formation of plaque in blood vessels. Just don't take too much vitamin D with your calcium: The same study warns that excessive levels of vitamin D might promote calcification, the deposition of calcium in the form of plaque.
http://www.motherearthnews.com/Livestock_and_Farming/1985_July_August/Bits_and_Pieces
Decisions of Death
Making Decisions of Death in a Racist Society
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of NC NAACP State Conference
and Alan McSurely, Chair NC NAACP Legal Redress Committee
Decisions of death by juries, judges, and now Gov. Easley are of the highest moral dimensions.
The NAACP turns 98 years old on February 12, 2007. We have always been opposed to killing people as one of the tools of "justice." Our opposition is based on three simple principles. If human beings have the power to stop a killing, they are morally obligated to do it. Killing people who have killed other people to try to prevent other killing does not work. And thirdly, in a society where white people are fed a constant diet of images, ideas, and history that African Americans are less than human, and that white lives are worth more than the lives of people of color, no Black defendant will ever be perceived of as an equal member of the human race in a Decision of Death.
The United States Supreme Court said it best. "There is a unique opportunity for racial prejudice to operate but remain undetected" in trials of African Americans where the jury is forced to make a "highly subjective, unique, individualized judgment regarding the punishment that a particular person deserves." The Court found that "It remains an unfortunate fact in our society that violent crimes perpetrated against members of other racial or ethnic groups often raise a reasonable possibility that racial prejudice would influence the jury. Turner v. Murray, 476 U.S. 28 (1986)
We are pleased the News and Observer published a big front page story about the obvious mental illness of Mr. Guy LeGrande, who chose to fire his lawyers, tear up a motion to delay the trial for a psychiatric assessment, believed Oprah Winfrey and Dan Rather were giving him direct advice through his television set as to how to conduct himself, wore a Superman shirt at his trial, and told the jury, just before it went and took 45 minutes to make the Decision of Death, to "kiss his Black a___."
But this Grand Mockery of Justice had a more troubling aspect. We do not wish to quibble about the obvious intersection of the race and mental illness in this case. The last-minute effort to save Mr. LeGrande's life (due to be killed on the first day of the month of we celebrate Jesus' birth) is one of the few times that many citizens consider how Decisions of Death really get made in many North Carolina courtrooms, so allow us to share with your readers, while you have helped to get their attention, the racist aspects of this case.
When we met with Gov. Easley's legal advisor last week, we reminded him of some of the evidence about the behavior of the District Attorney who orchestrated the Decision of Death for Mr. LeGrande in Stanly County in l996. Fourteen white people, including two white alternates, sat in the jury box throughout the trial. The Judge was white. The D. A. and his assistants were white. Most of the spectators were white. Mr. LeGrande was the only Black person in front of the railing in the courtroom. He had delusions of grandeur, believing he was Superman, and that he could outsmart D.A. Mike Honeycutt and his staff.
Mr. Honeycutt has an unblemished record for removing qualified Black people from his capital cases. He did not allow one Black juror to be seated in five cases where the Decision of Death would be made about a non-white man in Stanly and Union Counties during a four year period. In 1993, an all-white jury in Union County decided to kill Marty Richardson, and African American. In 1995, an all-white jury decided to kill Darrell Strickland, who was a native American. In 1996, an all-white jury decided to kill Guy LeGrande, an African American. In l996, an all-white jury decided to kill Jonathan Hoffman, an African American. In l997, an all- white jury decided to kill Roger Blakeney, an African American.
In each of these five cases, there were qualified Black jurors in the jury pool, but out of 60 jurors who made the Decision of Death, none were people of color. In the LeGrande case, Honeycutt removed five qualified Black people to keep his lily-white jury and his unblemished record.
Mr. LeGrande, representing himself, complained to the Judge that Honeycutt was removing all the Black people from the jury. But LeGrande did not know the magic words to say, to preserve this issue for appeal. And of course he did not know, nor did the N.C. Supreme Court know when it denied his appeal, about Honeycutt's ruthless record of seating pristine alabaster juries.
Appellate judges must review each case as if it were an isolated phenomenon. In fact, the pattern of seating all-white juries in five straight capital cases with a minority defendant is strong evidence of unconstitutional intentional discrimination by Mr. Honeycutt. It is interesting that the new D.A. in these counties, Michael Parker, did the right thing by reporting Mr. Honeycutt's practice of failing to reveal the deals he had made with prospective witnesses to the defendant's lawyers. His allegations are being investigated. It is unknown whether there has been any investigation of Honeycutt's jury selection policy and pattern.
Honeycutt wore a hangman's noose at trial. Honeycutt told the jury of his peers (not Mr. LeGrande's) that he would help them fashion a rope to help them with their decision. And when Mr. Honeycutt's jury came back in 45 minutes with its Decision of Death, Honeycutt was overjoyed and passed out mementoes of the trial?Hangman's Noose lapel pins--to his staff.
The NAACP, for 98 years, has fought on the front lines against this rank racism in the criminal justice system throughout the South. We will call on the 2007 Legislature to End the Death Penalty, and use the money the State will save to clean up its Court system, improve its schools, create jobs, and make Decisions of Justice, not Death.
Locally, contact O'Linda Williams -- odale3220@earthlink.net
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Amina J Turner, Executive Director
NC NAACP 114 W Parrish St, Second Floor
Durham, NC 27701
919/682-4700919/682-4711 (fax)
Rev. Dr. William J. Barber II, President of NC NAACP State Conference
and Alan McSurely, Chair NC NAACP Legal Redress Committee
Decisions of death by juries, judges, and now Gov. Easley are of the highest moral dimensions.
The NAACP turns 98 years old on February 12, 2007. We have always been opposed to killing people as one of the tools of "justice." Our opposition is based on three simple principles. If human beings have the power to stop a killing, they are morally obligated to do it. Killing people who have killed other people to try to prevent other killing does not work. And thirdly, in a society where white people are fed a constant diet of images, ideas, and history that African Americans are less than human, and that white lives are worth more than the lives of people of color, no Black defendant will ever be perceived of as an equal member of the human race in a Decision of Death.
The United States Supreme Court said it best. "There is a unique opportunity for racial prejudice to operate but remain undetected" in trials of African Americans where the jury is forced to make a "highly subjective, unique, individualized judgment regarding the punishment that a particular person deserves." The Court found that "It remains an unfortunate fact in our society that violent crimes perpetrated against members of other racial or ethnic groups often raise a reasonable possibility that racial prejudice would influence the jury. Turner v. Murray, 476 U.S. 28 (1986)
We are pleased the News and Observer published a big front page story about the obvious mental illness of Mr. Guy LeGrande, who chose to fire his lawyers, tear up a motion to delay the trial for a psychiatric assessment, believed Oprah Winfrey and Dan Rather were giving him direct advice through his television set as to how to conduct himself, wore a Superman shirt at his trial, and told the jury, just before it went and took 45 minutes to make the Decision of Death, to "kiss his Black a___."
But this Grand Mockery of Justice had a more troubling aspect. We do not wish to quibble about the obvious intersection of the race and mental illness in this case. The last-minute effort to save Mr. LeGrande's life (due to be killed on the first day of the month of we celebrate Jesus' birth) is one of the few times that many citizens consider how Decisions of Death really get made in many North Carolina courtrooms, so allow us to share with your readers, while you have helped to get their attention, the racist aspects of this case.
When we met with Gov. Easley's legal advisor last week, we reminded him of some of the evidence about the behavior of the District Attorney who orchestrated the Decision of Death for Mr. LeGrande in Stanly County in l996. Fourteen white people, including two white alternates, sat in the jury box throughout the trial. The Judge was white. The D. A. and his assistants were white. Most of the spectators were white. Mr. LeGrande was the only Black person in front of the railing in the courtroom. He had delusions of grandeur, believing he was Superman, and that he could outsmart D.A. Mike Honeycutt and his staff.
Mr. Honeycutt has an unblemished record for removing qualified Black people from his capital cases. He did not allow one Black juror to be seated in five cases where the Decision of Death would be made about a non-white man in Stanly and Union Counties during a four year period. In 1993, an all-white jury in Union County decided to kill Marty Richardson, and African American. In 1995, an all-white jury decided to kill Darrell Strickland, who was a native American. In 1996, an all-white jury decided to kill Guy LeGrande, an African American. In l996, an all-white jury decided to kill Jonathan Hoffman, an African American. In l997, an all- white jury decided to kill Roger Blakeney, an African American.
In each of these five cases, there were qualified Black jurors in the jury pool, but out of 60 jurors who made the Decision of Death, none were people of color. In the LeGrande case, Honeycutt removed five qualified Black people to keep his lily-white jury and his unblemished record.
Mr. LeGrande, representing himself, complained to the Judge that Honeycutt was removing all the Black people from the jury. But LeGrande did not know the magic words to say, to preserve this issue for appeal. And of course he did not know, nor did the N.C. Supreme Court know when it denied his appeal, about Honeycutt's ruthless record of seating pristine alabaster juries.
Appellate judges must review each case as if it were an isolated phenomenon. In fact, the pattern of seating all-white juries in five straight capital cases with a minority defendant is strong evidence of unconstitutional intentional discrimination by Mr. Honeycutt. It is interesting that the new D.A. in these counties, Michael Parker, did the right thing by reporting Mr. Honeycutt's practice of failing to reveal the deals he had made with prospective witnesses to the defendant's lawyers. His allegations are being investigated. It is unknown whether there has been any investigation of Honeycutt's jury selection policy and pattern.
Honeycutt wore a hangman's noose at trial. Honeycutt told the jury of his peers (not Mr. LeGrande's) that he would help them fashion a rope to help them with their decision. And when Mr. Honeycutt's jury came back in 45 minutes with its Decision of Death, Honeycutt was overjoyed and passed out mementoes of the trial?Hangman's Noose lapel pins--to his staff.
The NAACP, for 98 years, has fought on the front lines against this rank racism in the criminal justice system throughout the South. We will call on the 2007 Legislature to End the Death Penalty, and use the money the State will save to clean up its Court system, improve its schools, create jobs, and make Decisions of Justice, not Death.
Locally, contact O'Linda Williams -- odale3220@earthlink.net
Founded in 1909, the NAACP is the nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization. Its half-million adult and youth members throughout the United States and the world are the premier advocates for civil rights in their communities, conducting voter mobilization and monitoring equal opportunity in the public and private sectors.
Amina J Turner, Executive Director
NC NAACP 114 W Parrish St, Second Floor
Durham, NC 27701
919/682-4700919/682-4711 (fax)
11/19/2006
Two Items from CCNC: Enforcements and Duke Energy
Enforcement Update: Get the Dirt on Chronic Violators
Get the dirt on chronic violators of air, water, and sedimentation control permits near you. CCNC’s website now features details on environmental permit violations, organized by state legislative district. Water and sedimentation information is ready now; air data is coming.
Go to http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/Enforcement/ to dig the dirt nearest you. If you’re concerned by what you find, the format makes it easy to pass along your concerns to the legislators representing your area. They may be surprised by what’s happening in their backyards. CCNC Enforcement Coordinator Robin K. Smith put much work into collecting and sorting this information, which will also be used for the sedimentation control enforcement campaign involving the Watershed Alliance and Muddy Water Watch.
Administrative Watch: Price Jump Undermines Plant Backing
North Carolina Public Staff Director Robert Gruber is having second thoughts about Duke Energy’s proposal to build two new coal-fired power plant units at its Cliffside location. Gruber’s position shift is a result of heightened “sticker shock”: Duke publicly revealed this week that the plants’ estimated price tag has gone up to $3 billion. (Its original announced cost estimate—just two months ago—was $2 billion.)
According to the Raleigh News & Observer this week (11/17/06), the N.C. Utilities Commission was preparing to rule this year on Duke’s application for approval to build the plants, but in light of the 50% jump in their projected price tag, has scheduled more hearings for January 17, 2007. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (an opponent of the Cliffside proposal) told the N&O, “The credibility of Duke has been called into question when they missed the mark by $1 billion.”
Duke is also proposing the construction of two new nuclear power reactors at a (currently) estimated cost of $4 to 6 billion. With prices like these, conservationists’ contention that we need first to consider what we can do to reduce electric demand through energy efficiency and renewable energy resources keeps looking better and better.
Get the dirt on chronic violators of air, water, and sedimentation control permits near you. CCNC’s website now features details on environmental permit violations, organized by state legislative district. Water and sedimentation information is ready now; air data is coming.
Go to http://www.conservationcouncilnc.org/Enforcement/ to dig the dirt nearest you. If you’re concerned by what you find, the format makes it easy to pass along your concerns to the legislators representing your area. They may be surprised by what’s happening in their backyards. CCNC Enforcement Coordinator Robin K. Smith put much work into collecting and sorting this information, which will also be used for the sedimentation control enforcement campaign involving the Watershed Alliance and Muddy Water Watch.
Administrative Watch: Price Jump Undermines Plant Backing
North Carolina Public Staff Director Robert Gruber is having second thoughts about Duke Energy’s proposal to build two new coal-fired power plant units at its Cliffside location. Gruber’s position shift is a result of heightened “sticker shock”: Duke publicly revealed this week that the plants’ estimated price tag has gone up to $3 billion. (Its original announced cost estimate—just two months ago—was $2 billion.)
According to the Raleigh News & Observer this week (11/17/06), the N.C. Utilities Commission was preparing to rule this year on Duke’s application for approval to build the plants, but in light of the 50% jump in their projected price tag, has scheduled more hearings for January 17, 2007. Stephen Smith, executive director of the Southern Alliance for Clean Energy (an opponent of the Cliffside proposal) told the N&O, “The credibility of Duke has been called into question when they missed the mark by $1 billion.”
Duke is also proposing the construction of two new nuclear power reactors at a (currently) estimated cost of $4 to 6 billion. With prices like these, conservationists’ contention that we need first to consider what we can do to reduce electric demand through energy efficiency and renewable energy resources keeps looking better and better.
People's Resolve in Oaxaca
If you missed it during the Latin American Film Festival XX,
Monday night at 7 at the CH Public Library Professor Altha J. Cravey and videographer Elva E. Bishop will present
PEOPLE'S GUELAGUETZA: OAXACANS TAKE IT TO THE STREETS
A Work in Progress ........................................
As usual, the mainstream media came late to the uprising in Mexico's beautiful southern city of Oaxaca. Those who see or listen to Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News or read the international press online discovered the awesome pro-democracy movement in its early days and felt the people's resolve as the Oaxaca teachers' strike was violently attacked by a corrupt governor, and the capital city of Oaxaca rose up in its defense.
In the early days, before NPR noticed and before the murder of Indymedia videographer Brad Will - whose camera recorded the assault on his life - our own Elva Bishop and UNC professor Altha Cravey had already recorded their video documentary. We will screen the video Monday the 20th 7pm at the Chapel Hill Public Library, and will have Altha and Elva with us to discuss the significance of ongoing events in Oaxaca.
Travelers to Mexico know the Guelaguetza as an indigenous cultural festival held annually in Oaxaca. What is not mentioned in the tourist brochures is the strong undercurrent of pro-democracy fervor that lives on from the Mexican revolution, reawakened by economic pressures like the ongoing NAFTA assault on the poor and middle class.
contact: Jerry Markatos 542-2139
Monday night at 7 at the CH Public Library Professor Altha J. Cravey and videographer Elva E. Bishop will present
PEOPLE'S GUELAGUETZA: OAXACANS TAKE IT TO THE STREETS
A Work in Progress ........................................
As usual, the mainstream media came late to the uprising in Mexico's beautiful southern city of Oaxaca. Those who see or listen to Democracy Now! and Free Speech Radio News or read the international press online discovered the awesome pro-democracy movement in its early days and felt the people's resolve as the Oaxaca teachers' strike was violently attacked by a corrupt governor, and the capital city of Oaxaca rose up in its defense.
In the early days, before NPR noticed and before the murder of Indymedia videographer Brad Will - whose camera recorded the assault on his life - our own Elva Bishop and UNC professor Altha Cravey had already recorded their video documentary. We will screen the video Monday the 20th 7pm at the Chapel Hill Public Library, and will have Altha and Elva with us to discuss the significance of ongoing events in Oaxaca.
Travelers to Mexico know the Guelaguetza as an indigenous cultural festival held annually in Oaxaca. What is not mentioned in the tourist brochures is the strong undercurrent of pro-democracy fervor that lives on from the Mexican revolution, reawakened by economic pressures like the ongoing NAFTA assault on the poor and middle class.
contact: Jerry Markatos 542-2139
Not Enough; We Must Do It Locally
Nairobi climate talks end in deal
Agreement is reached at the UN climate talks in Kenya, after a deal on reviewing the Kyoto Protocol proved elusive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6158022.stm
Agreement is reached at the UN climate talks in Kenya, after a deal on reviewing the Kyoto Protocol proved elusive.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6158022.stm
11/17/2006
The Only Live Bees Are Kept Bees
It has become crucial.
Honeybees are the chief pollinators for most crops.
Thanks to mites, insecticides and human encroachment, the only live bees now are the bees kept by beekeepers.
The Moore County Beekeepers Association invites us to:
Come join some of the liveliest, smartest beekeepers you'll ever want to meet at:
Our Christmas meeting/potluck/white elephant gift swap!
6:30, Tuesday, December 12, Ag. Building, Carthage
For a popular kit to get started:
http://www.beeequipment.com/products.asp?pcode=252
Honeybees are the chief pollinators for most crops.
Thanks to mites, insecticides and human encroachment, the only live bees now are the bees kept by beekeepers.
The Moore County Beekeepers Association invites us to:
Come join some of the liveliest, smartest beekeepers you'll ever want to meet at:
Our Christmas meeting/potluck/white elephant gift swap!
6:30, Tuesday, December 12, Ag. Building, Carthage
For a popular kit to get started:
http://www.beeequipment.com/products.asp?pcode=252
You Can't Farm Without It
Bolivia 'risks revolt over land'
President Evo Morales warns Bolivia's people will rise up in revolt if the Senate does not pass land reforms.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/6156698.stm
President Evo Morales warns Bolivia's people will rise up in revolt if the Senate does not pass land reforms.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/americas/6156698.stm
11/16/2006
Good News for Local Food!
Last evening the Moore County Farmers Market and First Health agreed to start a farmers' market in Pinehurst.
Beginning in April, open only on Mondays, the market will be near the Health and Fitness Center in Pinehurst.
The original location on Morganton Rd. near the Armory will continue its schedule of Thursdays and Saturdays.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, one can sell herbs, cut flowers, potted plants, pickled and jellied products and honey.
This is a wonderful opportunity to support local growers and to help ourselves to fresher, more nutritious, much more sustainable food sources!
More details to follow. . .
Beginning in April, open only on Mondays, the market will be near the Health and Fitness Center in Pinehurst.
The original location on Morganton Rd. near the Armory will continue its schedule of Thursdays and Saturdays.
In addition to fruits and vegetables, one can sell herbs, cut flowers, potted plants, pickled and jellied products and honey.
This is a wonderful opportunity to support local growers and to help ourselves to fresher, more nutritious, much more sustainable food sources!
More details to follow. . .
11/15/2006
New English Channel
Al-Jazeera counts down to launch
The Arabic television channel al-Jazeera is about to launch its 24-hour English news channel.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/middle_east/6149310.stm
The Arabic television channel al-Jazeera is about to launch its 24-hour English news channel.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/middle_east/6149310.stm
Who Will Step Up?
Annan chides inaction on climate
The UN chief criticises a "frightening lack of leadership" in tackling climate change, at a summit in Kenya.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6149340.stm
The UN chief criticises a "frightening lack of leadership" in tackling climate change, at a summit in Kenya.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6149340.stm
11/14/2006
Senate's Environmental Committee
Senator Boxer to Focus on Global Warming
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/111306D.shtml
Senator Barbara Boxer on Thursday promised major policy shifts on global warming, air quality and toxic-waste cleanup as she prepares to lead the US Senate's environmental committee.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/111306D.shtml
Senator Barbara Boxer on Thursday promised major policy shifts on global warming, air quality and toxic-waste cleanup as she prepares to lead the US Senate's environmental committee.
11/13/2006
It Cannot Be Ignored
Why climate change cannot be ignored 13/11/2006
Ignoring climate change will cost countries billions and lead to food scarcity.
The Stern Review, commissioned by the UK's chancellor in July last year and published last week, is the most comprehensive study ever on the economics of climate change. It is not some hysterical environmentalist rant. It is a sober wake-up call to those that still have their heads in the sand. Climate change, it says, is the greatest market failure the world has ever seen.
Pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were 280ppm CO2 equivalent (CO2e). The current concentration is 430ppm CO2e. Unabated climate change, caused by CO2 emissions, risks raising average temperatures by over 5C from pre-industrial levels. Taking the most recent scientific evidence, the economic effects on human life and the environment and weighting the effects appropriately, the review estimates that the damage could be equivalent to 20 per cent of GDP or more.
Such changes will also transform the physical geography of our planet. Agricultural practices would be catastrophically altered beyond recognition in many parts of the world, as the UN's current climate change conference in Nairobi confirms. But there has been little focus on the role of agriculture in climate change. Both agriculture and the food industry are not major producers of CO2 emissions. In the UK agriculture is responsible for just 2.5 per cent of CO2 emissions.
It is the effect, rather, of climate change on these sectors that can no longer be ignored. A temperature increase of just 2C would dramatically decrease productivity in many parts of the world. Such a rise might raise agricultural productivity in colder climates no one really knows for sure. But the net effect would likely be a decline in output especially in the poorer south. What's more, low-lying agricultural areas will increasingly be more susceptible to flooding. This will pose a significant challenge to farmers especially as most attention will be focused on protecting built-up areas rather than the countryside.
All this with a global population of 6 billion, estimated to touch 10 billion within the next few decades, in need of food. Up until now it has been relatively simple to dismiss climate change as a natural phenomenon, or even as a grossly exaggerated problem. Even today, no scientist can predict exactly how much temperatures will increase in the near future, or how the planet will respond. But what is emerging is a growing consensus that doing nothing will be a hell of a lot more expensive than taking preventative action. The Stern review estimates that the costs of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change can be limited to around 1 per cent of global GDP each year. People would pay a little more for carbon-intensive goods, but economies could continue to grow strongly.
Reducing emissions will make us better off, and stave off the threat of food scarcity. According to one measure, the benefits over time of actions to shift the world onto a low-carbon path could be in the order of $2.5 trillion each year. Agriculture policies and practices will have to meet changing climate regimes. A significant transition toward biofuels over the next 50 years is needed, with agriculture and forestry among the leading sources for both liquid and solid fuels. Crops such as sugar cane, corn and soybean are already being used to produce ethanol or bio-diesel.
But above all, the agriculture and food sector needs to become engaged in the debate. It must find its voice. It is not a big polluter or emitter of CO2, but it will be one of worst hit sectors if climate change is not tackled. Tackling climate change now is the only option. Ignoring it will undermine economic growth - and contribute to food scarcity.
Anthony Fletcher is the editor of FoodNavigator.com and is a specialist writer on food industry issues. With an international focus, he has lived and worked in the UK, France and Japan. If you would like to comment on this article please e-mail anthony.fletcher@decisionnews.com.
Ignoring climate change will cost countries billions and lead to food scarcity.
The Stern Review, commissioned by the UK's chancellor in July last year and published last week, is the most comprehensive study ever on the economics of climate change. It is not some hysterical environmentalist rant. It is a sober wake-up call to those that still have their heads in the sand. Climate change, it says, is the greatest market failure the world has ever seen.
Pre-industrial levels of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere were 280ppm CO2 equivalent (CO2e). The current concentration is 430ppm CO2e. Unabated climate change, caused by CO2 emissions, risks raising average temperatures by over 5C from pre-industrial levels. Taking the most recent scientific evidence, the economic effects on human life and the environment and weighting the effects appropriately, the review estimates that the damage could be equivalent to 20 per cent of GDP or more.
Such changes will also transform the physical geography of our planet. Agricultural practices would be catastrophically altered beyond recognition in many parts of the world, as the UN's current climate change conference in Nairobi confirms. But there has been little focus on the role of agriculture in climate change. Both agriculture and the food industry are not major producers of CO2 emissions. In the UK agriculture is responsible for just 2.5 per cent of CO2 emissions.
It is the effect, rather, of climate change on these sectors that can no longer be ignored. A temperature increase of just 2C would dramatically decrease productivity in many parts of the world. Such a rise might raise agricultural productivity in colder climates no one really knows for sure. But the net effect would likely be a decline in output especially in the poorer south. What's more, low-lying agricultural areas will increasingly be more susceptible to flooding. This will pose a significant challenge to farmers especially as most attention will be focused on protecting built-up areas rather than the countryside.
All this with a global population of 6 billion, estimated to touch 10 billion within the next few decades, in need of food. Up until now it has been relatively simple to dismiss climate change as a natural phenomenon, or even as a grossly exaggerated problem. Even today, no scientist can predict exactly how much temperatures will increase in the near future, or how the planet will respond. But what is emerging is a growing consensus that doing nothing will be a hell of a lot more expensive than taking preventative action. The Stern review estimates that the costs of action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to avoid the worst impacts of climate change can be limited to around 1 per cent of global GDP each year. People would pay a little more for carbon-intensive goods, but economies could continue to grow strongly.
Reducing emissions will make us better off, and stave off the threat of food scarcity. According to one measure, the benefits over time of actions to shift the world onto a low-carbon path could be in the order of $2.5 trillion each year. Agriculture policies and practices will have to meet changing climate regimes. A significant transition toward biofuels over the next 50 years is needed, with agriculture and forestry among the leading sources for both liquid and solid fuels. Crops such as sugar cane, corn and soybean are already being used to produce ethanol or bio-diesel.
But above all, the agriculture and food sector needs to become engaged in the debate. It must find its voice. It is not a big polluter or emitter of CO2, but it will be one of worst hit sectors if climate change is not tackled. Tackling climate change now is the only option. Ignoring it will undermine economic growth - and contribute to food scarcity.
Anthony Fletcher is the editor of FoodNavigator.com and is a specialist writer on food industry issues. With an international focus, he has lived and worked in the UK, France and Japan. If you would like to comment on this article please e-mail anthony.fletcher@decisionnews.com.
From Vietnamese Buddhist Teacher Thich Nhat Hanh
What follows is part of a Dharma Talk Thay gave on October 12th, 2006, in Plum Village reporting on his presentation to UNESCO:
“This year UNESCO organized a special event for the 2550th Anniversary of the Buddha with the coordination of the Delegation of Thailand to UNESCO; Pure Land Learning College, Australia; World Fellowship of Buddhists; and World Buddhist University. The Vietnamese Ambassador to UNESCO came to Plum Village and invited me to share in this celebration.
So on October 7th, I made three proposals and said I would support UNESCO in accomplishing them. Buddhism is about awakening. We find ourselves in a dangerous situation and we need a collective awakening. UNESCO can help accelerate this. Violence, war and global warming must be dealt with. If we are too busy caring for the small problems of daily life, we don’t have time to sit down together and change the situation. The U.N. has declared the first decade of the new millenium to be an International Decade of Peace and Nonviolence for the children of the World. We are in 2006 and not much has been done. In 1999, UNESCO issued the Manifesto 2000 with six points that are nearly identical to the Five Mindfulness Trainings in Buddhism. Over 75 million people have signed it, but signatures are not important if people do not practice the points in their daily lives.
So the first proposal I offered was that UNESCO set up an institue of Peace and Nonviolence. There are several universities of peace, but they focus more on research rather than practice. We can invite school teachers, parents, community and political leaders, etc. to come and learn tools to practice in a nonviolent way. UNESCO can propose who will participate and our community is happy to provide Dharma Teachers to train them, at no cost. We also have a manual, Creating True Peace, that I was requested to write in preparation for the decade of Peace and Nonviolence, by then Director-General of UNESCO, Frederico Mayor. This could be used in the Institute of Peace and Nonviolence. I suggested that the UNESCO director and permanent delegates and their children also participate in the learning and practice at the institute. In this way, they would not only call for action, but they would be the action themselves. I told the audience that we have offered this kind of training to police officers, prison guards, congress members, so why not to UNESCO ambassadors, too? Peace always begins with yourself. In other words UNESCO must become a Sangha also-- a community that practices peace together-- not just discussing issues and making decisions. Then they can inspire others to do the same.
The second proposal I made was that UNESCO host a summit meeting of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders to heal the conflict in the Middle East. We are killing in the name of God, democracy, freedom and civilization. If I had to choose between Buddhism and peace, I would choose peace. Because if I were to choose Buddhism and war, this would destroy Buddhism. You can’t kill in the name of Buddha. In the 11th century, Buddhism was persecuted in India. Yet, there was no violent resistance of Buddhists there. We must uproot wrong perceptions in order to end the conflict. Monastic and lay dharma teachers trained in Plum Village can share practices of peace and reconciliation, as we have done many times with groups of Israelis and Palestinians that come to practice with us every year. I suggested that the religious leaders of these three traditions stay together in Paris for twenty-one or fifty days and draft a peace proposal to their political leaders to stop the destruction in the Middle East. UNESCO is an organization developed to promote culture, education, and science. So we need a culture of peace, education about peace, a science of peace.
My third proposal was that UNESCO should sponsor global ‘no car days’ every month. We should also support the annual global no car day, held every September 22nd. I suggested that ‘no car days’ can be a skillful means to accelerate awareness of global warming. I told them that Plum Village and all of its monasteries have established weekly no car days, and that we are in the process of shifting to greener cars, as well as working to reduce our carbon emissions by fifty percent. And I asked all UNESCO delegates to do the same, to drive less, to drive more fuel-efficient cars, to reduce their overall carbon emissions.
Each of us should be an arm of the Buddha to renew the practice, so that living with hope, joy, and compassion becomes possible in our life. The Five Mindfulness Trainings are a kind of global ethic. Each spiritual tradition has them in their own way. Although 75 million people signed the Manifesto 2000, which is based on this global ethic, if we don’t do it, our signatures will not help. So Sangha-building is very important. We already have the path. Don’t’ wait until tomorrow. Whatever you can do, do it today an then old age will be a delicious fruit. The Buddha is always there to support and guide us.”
“This year UNESCO organized a special event for the 2550th Anniversary of the Buddha with the coordination of the Delegation of Thailand to UNESCO; Pure Land Learning College, Australia; World Fellowship of Buddhists; and World Buddhist University. The Vietnamese Ambassador to UNESCO came to Plum Village and invited me to share in this celebration.
So on October 7th, I made three proposals and said I would support UNESCO in accomplishing them. Buddhism is about awakening. We find ourselves in a dangerous situation and we need a collective awakening. UNESCO can help accelerate this. Violence, war and global warming must be dealt with. If we are too busy caring for the small problems of daily life, we don’t have time to sit down together and change the situation. The U.N. has declared the first decade of the new millenium to be an International Decade of Peace and Nonviolence for the children of the World. We are in 2006 and not much has been done. In 1999, UNESCO issued the Manifesto 2000 with six points that are nearly identical to the Five Mindfulness Trainings in Buddhism. Over 75 million people have signed it, but signatures are not important if people do not practice the points in their daily lives.
So the first proposal I offered was that UNESCO set up an institue of Peace and Nonviolence. There are several universities of peace, but they focus more on research rather than practice. We can invite school teachers, parents, community and political leaders, etc. to come and learn tools to practice in a nonviolent way. UNESCO can propose who will participate and our community is happy to provide Dharma Teachers to train them, at no cost. We also have a manual, Creating True Peace, that I was requested to write in preparation for the decade of Peace and Nonviolence, by then Director-General of UNESCO, Frederico Mayor. This could be used in the Institute of Peace and Nonviolence. I suggested that the UNESCO director and permanent delegates and their children also participate in the learning and practice at the institute. In this way, they would not only call for action, but they would be the action themselves. I told the audience that we have offered this kind of training to police officers, prison guards, congress members, so why not to UNESCO ambassadors, too? Peace always begins with yourself. In other words UNESCO must become a Sangha also-- a community that practices peace together-- not just discussing issues and making decisions. Then they can inspire others to do the same.
The second proposal I made was that UNESCO host a summit meeting of Christian, Muslim and Jewish religious leaders to heal the conflict in the Middle East. We are killing in the name of God, democracy, freedom and civilization. If I had to choose between Buddhism and peace, I would choose peace. Because if I were to choose Buddhism and war, this would destroy Buddhism. You can’t kill in the name of Buddha. In the 11th century, Buddhism was persecuted in India. Yet, there was no violent resistance of Buddhists there. We must uproot wrong perceptions in order to end the conflict. Monastic and lay dharma teachers trained in Plum Village can share practices of peace and reconciliation, as we have done many times with groups of Israelis and Palestinians that come to practice with us every year. I suggested that the religious leaders of these three traditions stay together in Paris for twenty-one or fifty days and draft a peace proposal to their political leaders to stop the destruction in the Middle East. UNESCO is an organization developed to promote culture, education, and science. So we need a culture of peace, education about peace, a science of peace.
My third proposal was that UNESCO should sponsor global ‘no car days’ every month. We should also support the annual global no car day, held every September 22nd. I suggested that ‘no car days’ can be a skillful means to accelerate awareness of global warming. I told them that Plum Village and all of its monasteries have established weekly no car days, and that we are in the process of shifting to greener cars, as well as working to reduce our carbon emissions by fifty percent. And I asked all UNESCO delegates to do the same, to drive less, to drive more fuel-efficient cars, to reduce their overall carbon emissions.
Each of us should be an arm of the Buddha to renew the practice, so that living with hope, joy, and compassion becomes possible in our life. The Five Mindfulness Trainings are a kind of global ethic. Each spiritual tradition has them in their own way. Although 75 million people signed the Manifesto 2000, which is based on this global ethic, if we don’t do it, our signatures will not help. So Sangha-building is very important. We already have the path. Don’t’ wait until tomorrow. Whatever you can do, do it today an then old age will be a delicious fruit. The Buddha is always there to support and guide us.”
Climate Talks
Cash row looms at climate talks
A row over managing a fund to help poor nations adapt to climate change threatens UN talks in Nairobi.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6142160.stm
A row over managing a fund to help poor nations adapt to climate change threatens UN talks in Nairobi.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6142160.stm
Merry Buy Nothing Christmas!
http://www.buynothingchristmas.org/resources/info-kit.html
a fun way to starve the beast. . .
a fun way to starve the beast. . .
11/12/2006
11/10/2006
Who and Why?
Who Voted and Why? A Roundtable Discussion on the Ethnic, Religious and Social Makeup of Voters in the Elections
Exit polls are showing significant shifts in voting patterns among the electorate. Democrats succeeded in winning back some religious voters who had voted solidly Republican in the last few elections.
For the first time since 1996, a majority of Florida Latinos voted Democrat.
Young voters had a huge increase in turnout with two million more young people voting onTuesday than in the 2002.
And African American voter turnout made the difference in tight races like Missouri and Virginia. For a discussion: Listen/Watch/Read
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/10/1426225
Exit polls are showing significant shifts in voting patterns among the electorate. Democrats succeeded in winning back some religious voters who had voted solidly Republican in the last few elections.
For the first time since 1996, a majority of Florida Latinos voted Democrat.
Young voters had a huge increase in turnout with two million more young people voting onTuesday than in the 2002.
And African American voter turnout made the difference in tight races like Missouri and Virginia. For a discussion: Listen/Watch/Read
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/10/1426225
Movement to Impeach
Coalition of Antiwar, Veteran Groups Launching National Movement to Impeach Bush and Cheney
A coalition of groups are meeting near Independence Hall in Philadelphia onSaturday to announce plans to mobilize a national movement to impeach President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
We speak with former New York Congress member Elizabeth Holtzman, who played a key role in the committee investigating Watergate, and we speak with Pentagon whistle blower Daniel Ellsberg. Listen/Watch/Read
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/10/1426234
A coalition of groups are meeting near Independence Hall in Philadelphia onSaturday to announce plans to mobilize a national movement to impeach President Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
We speak with former New York Congress member Elizabeth Holtzman, who played a key role in the committee investigating Watergate, and we speak with Pentagon whistle blower Daniel Ellsberg. Listen/Watch/Read
http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=06/11/10/1426234
Five Opportunities
November 18, 2006: Successful Small Farm Opportunities Conference at the Franklin Campus of Vance-Granville Community College from 8:00 am-3:15 pm in Louisburg, NC. The conference is for current farmers, landowners, and anyone else who would like to explore alternative agricultural opportunities to earn extra income. If you are interested in sustainable agriculture or want to know how to make money on small acreage, then join us on November18th and learn how. You can visit the Successful Small Farms Opportunities Website at
http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu/content/smallfarmsconference to view the complete agenda and download a brochure and registration form.Pre-registration is required, so if you plan to attend please complete a registration form and send it in by November 10, 2006. If you have any further questions, contact Agricultural Extension Agents Martha Mobley or Will Strader at 919-496-3344.
November 29-December 1, 2006: 3rd Annual Hands-on Farmstead Cheese-making Short Course conducted by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. For full details, download the agenda and registration form at
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms/FarmsteadNewsletter06-08.pdf or contact Gary Cartwright at 919-513-2488.
December 9, 2006: Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference from 8:30am-2:30 pm in Dallas, NC [Gastonia]. This conference will provide information for people interested in starting or expanding small scale farm enterprises.Whether for profit or personal enjoyment, a new project should be carefully thought out. You’ll be able to explore alternative enterprises by speaking with successful producers and university personnel who are already growing, producing, and researching specialty crops and livestock. They can give you the practical, no-nonsense, hands-on advice you’ll need when considering crop production, market development, and other important business options.
Topics to be discussed: medicinal herbs, pastured poultry, small farm pork production, Christmas tree production, blackberry production, specialized vegetable production, grape production, seedling production in the ornamental industry, bee keeping, meat goat production, shiitake mushroom cultivation, cut flowers, financial and tax issues for small farms, etc. Download a registration form at
http://gaston.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/36/PSATW2.doc or contact Lara_Worden@ncsu.edu or 704-922-2118.4)
December 12, 2006: Organic Grain Farmer Panel from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at theCenter for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. This program will feature a panel of organic grain producers discussing challenges in the production and marketing of organic small grains, corn, and soybeans. Led by Chris Reberg-Horton and Molly Hamilton of NC State University. Registrationis required. Download a registration form at http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms/CEFSworkshopregistration.pdf and submit on-line or by email. Email cefs_info@ncsu.edu or call 919-513-0954 for more information.
December 13-14, 2006: 21st Annual Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo in MyrtleBeach, SC. Featuring an expanded regional trade show and in-depth educational sessions. Sponsored by the North Carolina Vegetable Growers'Association and South Carolina Vegetable Growers' Association. For more information or questions, contact Cathy Price at 919-334-0099. Visit the NCVGA website at http://www.ncvga.com for complete details.
Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
North Carolina State University
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center
Growing Small Farms Website: http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms
Post Office Box 279Pittsboro, NC 27312
Email: debbie_roos@ncsu.edu Phone: 919.542.8202 Fax: 919.542.8246
http://franklin.ces.ncsu.edu/content/smallfarmsconference to view the complete agenda and download a brochure and registration form.Pre-registration is required, so if you plan to attend please complete a registration form and send it in by November 10, 2006. If you have any further questions, contact Agricultural Extension Agents Martha Mobley or Will Strader at 919-496-3344.
November 29-December 1, 2006: 3rd Annual Hands-on Farmstead Cheese-making Short Course conducted by North Carolina State University in Raleigh, NC. For full details, download the agenda and registration form at
http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms/FarmsteadNewsletter06-08.pdf or contact Gary Cartwright at 919-513-2488.
December 9, 2006: Putting Small Acreage to Work Conference from 8:30am-2:30 pm in Dallas, NC [Gastonia]. This conference will provide information for people interested in starting or expanding small scale farm enterprises.Whether for profit or personal enjoyment, a new project should be carefully thought out. You’ll be able to explore alternative enterprises by speaking with successful producers and university personnel who are already growing, producing, and researching specialty crops and livestock. They can give you the practical, no-nonsense, hands-on advice you’ll need when considering crop production, market development, and other important business options.
Topics to be discussed: medicinal herbs, pastured poultry, small farm pork production, Christmas tree production, blackberry production, specialized vegetable production, grape production, seedling production in the ornamental industry, bee keeping, meat goat production, shiitake mushroom cultivation, cut flowers, financial and tax issues for small farms, etc. Download a registration form at
http://gaston.ces.ncsu.edu/files/library/36/PSATW2.doc or contact Lara_Worden@ncsu.edu or 704-922-2118.4)
December 12, 2006: Organic Grain Farmer Panel from 10:00 am-2:00 pm at theCenter for Environmental Farming Systems in Goldsboro, NC. This program will feature a panel of organic grain producers discussing challenges in the production and marketing of organic small grains, corn, and soybeans. Led by Chris Reberg-Horton and Molly Hamilton of NC State University. Registrationis required. Download a registration form at http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms/CEFSworkshopregistration.pdf and submit on-line or by email. Email cefs_info@ncsu.edu or call 919-513-0954 for more information.
December 13-14, 2006: 21st Annual Southeast Vegetable & Fruit Expo in MyrtleBeach, SC. Featuring an expanded regional trade show and in-depth educational sessions. Sponsored by the North Carolina Vegetable Growers'Association and South Carolina Vegetable Growers' Association. For more information or questions, contact Cathy Price at 919-334-0099. Visit the NCVGA website at http://www.ncvga.com for complete details.
Debbie Roos, Agricultural Extension Agent Organic and Sustainable Agriculture
North Carolina State University
North Carolina Cooperative Extension, Chatham County Center
Growing Small Farms Website: http://chatham.ces.ncsu.edu/growingsmallfarms
Post Office Box 279Pittsboro, NC 27312
Email: debbie_roos@ncsu.edu Phone: 919.542.8202 Fax: 919.542.8246
A Global Primer Six-Part Series
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/sci_tech/2004/planet/default.stm
With humanity demanding more from the Earth than ever before, BBC News explores the planet's most pressing environmental problems in a six-part series.
With humanity demanding more from the Earth than ever before, BBC News explores the planet's most pressing environmental problems in a six-part series.
11/08/2006
Keep Pushing!
Both Houses! Progressives can celebrate.
But only for a moment; there's a lot of work to do. There's the damage from a couple of catastrophic wars, runaway spending, an exodus of jobs, global warming, a sane future energy policy to craft, and right on down the list.
D.C. is still a lobbyist-dominated town, regardless of which party is in power, and none of these things will happen without a push from the public. A strong, steady, well-informed, vigilant, passionate push.
But only for a moment; there's a lot of work to do. There's the damage from a couple of catastrophic wars, runaway spending, an exodus of jobs, global warming, a sane future energy policy to craft, and right on down the list.
D.C. is still a lobbyist-dominated town, regardless of which party is in power, and none of these things will happen without a push from the public. A strong, steady, well-informed, vigilant, passionate push.
What's That Delightful Sound?
Could it be some White House gingerbread men running toward the jaws of impeachment?
Grow Fruits!
[from blog reader in New Hampshire]
"Stop lobbying people to grow more vegetables. Vegetables are very worthy, but they require a lot of work. Vegetables need full sun, they need a rich soil, most of them need sowing every year, they need thinning, they may not need watering here, but they will need tending. The trouble with vegetables is they are quite picky ... What people should be doing is growing fruit."
see: http://www.transitionculture.org/?p=519#more-519
"Stop lobbying people to grow more vegetables. Vegetables are very worthy, but they require a lot of work. Vegetables need full sun, they need a rich soil, most of them need sowing every year, they need thinning, they may not need watering here, but they will need tending. The trouble with vegetables is they are quite picky ... What people should be doing is growing fruit."
see: http://www.transitionculture.org/?p=519#more-519
Today, Celebrate; Tomorrow, Climate Change
http://www.forbes.com/technology/ebusiness/feeds/ap/2006/11/06/ap3147683.html
[excerpt] U.S. negotiator Watson cited recent U.N. figures showing that, by one measure, the United States is doing better on greenhouse gases than some countries. "The way the numbers are counted, we're doing very well," he said.
That report showed that growth in U.S. emissions in 2000-04 was 1.3 percent, compared with 2.4 percent overall for 41 industrialized nations.
When compared with Kyoto's 1990 benchmark, however, the picture is different.
Largely because of the shutdown of many eastern European industries in the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet bloc, emissions of all industrialized countries declined by 3.3 percent between 1990 and 2004, while U.S. emissions grew by almost 16 percent.
Among the Kyoto-obligated countries, Germany's emissions dropped 17 percent between 1990 and 2004, Britain's by 14 percent and France's by almost 1 percent.
Japan, Spain and other Kyoto signatories have registered emissions increases since 1990, but U.N. officials say they can meet their Kyoto targets by 2012 via taxes on carbon-based fuels, energy-efficiency regulations and other steps.
The Bush administration objects to Kyoto-style mandates because, it says, they would hamstring U.S. economic growth and because poorer countries are exempted from the controls.
In counterpoint to this, a British government study released last week predicts the damage from unabated climate change will eventually cost between 5 percent and 20 percent of global gross domestic product each year.
[excerpt] U.S. negotiator Watson cited recent U.N. figures showing that, by one measure, the United States is doing better on greenhouse gases than some countries. "The way the numbers are counted, we're doing very well," he said.
That report showed that growth in U.S. emissions in 2000-04 was 1.3 percent, compared with 2.4 percent overall for 41 industrialized nations.
When compared with Kyoto's 1990 benchmark, however, the picture is different.
Largely because of the shutdown of many eastern European industries in the 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet bloc, emissions of all industrialized countries declined by 3.3 percent between 1990 and 2004, while U.S. emissions grew by almost 16 percent.
Among the Kyoto-obligated countries, Germany's emissions dropped 17 percent between 1990 and 2004, Britain's by 14 percent and France's by almost 1 percent.
Japan, Spain and other Kyoto signatories have registered emissions increases since 1990, but U.N. officials say they can meet their Kyoto targets by 2012 via taxes on carbon-based fuels, energy-efficiency regulations and other steps.
The Bush administration objects to Kyoto-style mandates because, it says, they would hamstring U.S. economic growth and because poorer countries are exempted from the controls.
In counterpoint to this, a British government study released last week predicts the damage from unabated climate change will eventually cost between 5 percent and 20 percent of global gross domestic product each year.
11/07/2006
Build It and They Will Grow
http://www.motherearthnews.com/livestock_and_farming/2003_June_July/Building_Fertile_Soil
How to build good soil, yes! here in the Sandhills
How to build good soil, yes! here in the Sandhills
Pesticide Levels
The following foods tend to have the highest levels of pesticides (from Environmental Working Group's FoodNews.org)
Fruit
1. Peaches 2. Apples 3. Strawberries 4. Nectarines 5. Pears 6. Cherries 7. Red Raspberries 8. Imported Grapes
Vegetables
1. Spinach 2. Bell Peppers 3. Celery 4. Potatoes 5. Hot Peppers
These foods tend to be lower in pesticide levels:
Fruits
1. Pineapples 2. Plantains 3. Mangoes 4. Bananas 5. Watermelon 6. Plums 7. Kiwi Fruit 8. Blueberries 9. Papaya 10. Grapefruit 11. Avocado
Vegetables
1. Cauliflower 2. Brussels Sprouts 3. Asparagus 4. Radishes 5. Broccoli 6. Onions 7. Okra 8. Cabbage 9. Eggplant
Fruit
1. Peaches 2. Apples 3. Strawberries 4. Nectarines 5. Pears 6. Cherries 7. Red Raspberries 8. Imported Grapes
Vegetables
1. Spinach 2. Bell Peppers 3. Celery 4. Potatoes 5. Hot Peppers
These foods tend to be lower in pesticide levels:
Fruits
1. Pineapples 2. Plantains 3. Mangoes 4. Bananas 5. Watermelon 6. Plums 7. Kiwi Fruit 8. Blueberries 9. Papaya 10. Grapefruit 11. Avocado
Vegetables
1. Cauliflower 2. Brussels Sprouts 3. Asparagus 4. Radishes 5. Broccoli 6. Onions 7. Okra 8. Cabbage 9. Eggplant
Bush Spinning in the Wind, Neocons Jumping Ship
[from bbc.com]
Editorial opens fire on Rumsfeld
Four US military journals have called for Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to quit, accusing him of losing control of the situation in Iraq.
An editorial published on Monday said Mr Rumsfeld has lost the respect of senior officers and ordinary troops.
President George W Bush has pledged to keep Mr Rumsfeld at the Pentagon until his term in office ends in 2009.
Spokesman Tony Snow described the editorial - published in the Army Times, Air Force Times, the Navy Times and the Marine Corps Times - as a "shabby piece of work".
The editorial said that the call for Mr Rumsfeld to quit was not timed to coincide with US mid-term elections.
"It is one thing for the majority of Americans to think Rumsfeld has failed. But when the nation's military leaders start to break publicly with defence secretary, then it is clear that he is losing control of the institution he ostensibly leads."
The editorial writers said they were voicing the views of a silent section of senior military leaders whose "deep sense of honour" prevented them from going public with their criticisms.
They summed up the current situation in blunt language: "Rumsfeld has lost credibility with uniformed leadership, with the troops, with Congress and with the public at large.
"His strategy has failed, and his ability to lead is compromised. Donald Rumsfeld must go."
Mr Snow accused the editorial writers of "grandstanding", adding: "If they didn't want to influence the election, they could have published it Wednesday."
Neo-con row
Mr Snow also expressed surprise at comments by several so-called high-profile "neo-conservatives" published by Vanity Fair magazine late last week.
Richard Perle was a high-profile supporter of war in Iraq
Vanity Fair claimed that influential figures such as former Pentagon advisor Richard Perle were now "remorseful" over their pre-war enthusiasm.
Mr Perle, who served as chairman of the Defence Policy Board in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion, told Vanity Fair that "maybe" the US could have pushed for change in Iraq without military intervention.
"At the end of the day you have to hold the president responsible," he said.
Other contributors included Mr Bush's former speechwriter, David Frum, and leading conservative academics.
Mr Snow said the reported comments put the interviewees "at war" with comments they had made to Mr Bush in previous years.
In responses to the Vanity Fair article, several of those interviewed said they felt their comments were taken out of context - and had not expected them to be published until after the elections.
Editorial opens fire on Rumsfeld
Four US military journals have called for Defence Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to quit, accusing him of losing control of the situation in Iraq.
An editorial published on Monday said Mr Rumsfeld has lost the respect of senior officers and ordinary troops.
President George W Bush has pledged to keep Mr Rumsfeld at the Pentagon until his term in office ends in 2009.
Spokesman Tony Snow described the editorial - published in the Army Times, Air Force Times, the Navy Times and the Marine Corps Times - as a "shabby piece of work".
The editorial said that the call for Mr Rumsfeld to quit was not timed to coincide with US mid-term elections.
"It is one thing for the majority of Americans to think Rumsfeld has failed. But when the nation's military leaders start to break publicly with defence secretary, then it is clear that he is losing control of the institution he ostensibly leads."
The editorial writers said they were voicing the views of a silent section of senior military leaders whose "deep sense of honour" prevented them from going public with their criticisms.
They summed up the current situation in blunt language: "Rumsfeld has lost credibility with uniformed leadership, with the troops, with Congress and with the public at large.
"His strategy has failed, and his ability to lead is compromised. Donald Rumsfeld must go."
Mr Snow accused the editorial writers of "grandstanding", adding: "If they didn't want to influence the election, they could have published it Wednesday."
Neo-con row
Mr Snow also expressed surprise at comments by several so-called high-profile "neo-conservatives" published by Vanity Fair magazine late last week.
Richard Perle was a high-profile supporter of war in Iraq
Vanity Fair claimed that influential figures such as former Pentagon advisor Richard Perle were now "remorseful" over their pre-war enthusiasm.
Mr Perle, who served as chairman of the Defence Policy Board in the lead-up to the 2003 invasion, told Vanity Fair that "maybe" the US could have pushed for change in Iraq without military intervention.
"At the end of the day you have to hold the president responsible," he said.
Other contributors included Mr Bush's former speechwriter, David Frum, and leading conservative academics.
Mr Snow said the reported comments put the interviewees "at war" with comments they had made to Mr Bush in previous years.
In responses to the Vanity Fair article, several of those interviewed said they felt their comments were taken out of context - and had not expected them to be published until after the elections.
Grand Opening Friday, Saturday
David Hewson On Exhibit
Friday, November 10th, 5:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, November 11th, 12:00-5:00 PM
Upstairs at the Belvedere Hotel
120 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines
Featuring the recent commission for St Martin's Church in Hamilton, NC.
Also view other completed artwork and works-in-progress.
Friday, November 10th, 5:00-9:00 PM
Saturday, November 11th, 12:00-5:00 PM
Upstairs at the Belvedere Hotel
120 W. Pennsylvania Avenue, Southern Pines
Featuring the recent commission for St Martin's Church in Hamilton, NC.
Also view other completed artwork and works-in-progress.
11/06/2006
Coming Apart at the Seams
[from democracynow.org]
Military Papers Call for Rumsfeld to Resign
The editors of the nation’s four main military newspapers have called for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign. The editorial appears today in the Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times. The editorial states "It is one thing for the majority of Americans to think Rumsfeld has failed. But when the nation’s current military leaders start to break publicly with their defense secretary, then it is clear that he is losing control of the institution he ostensibly leads." The editorial goes on to say "Rumsfeld has lost credibility with the uniformed leadership, with the troops, with Congress and with the public at large. His strategy has failed." The Army Times and the others papers are civilian owned but distributed to troops across the globe.
Neoconservatives Publicly Criticize Iraq War
Vanity Fair is reporting a number of prominent neoconservatives who advocated for the invasion of Iraq are now criticizing President Bush’s handling of the war. The list includes former Pentagon advisers Richard Perle and Kenneth Adelman; former Presidential speechwriter David Frum; and Michael Rubin, a former senior official in the Pentagon’s Office of Special Plans. Richard Perle admitted that huge mistakes were made in Iraq. Perle criticized Vanity Fair because he claimed he had been promised that his remarks would not be published until after the mid-term election.
Bush Attempts to Silence Prisoners Once Held in CIA Jails
The Washington Post is reporting that the Bush administration has told a federal judge that prisoners once held in secret CIA jail should never be allowed to reveal to their civilian attorney details of how they were interrogated. The government says in new court filings that those interrogation methods are among the nation’s most sensitive national security secrets and that their release could cause extremely grave damage. Gitanjali Gutierrez, an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights said the government is trying to conceal illegal or embarrassing executive conduct. Northwestern University law professor Joseph Margulies said that this means prisoners would be barred from even saying what the government did to them to elicit the statements that are the basis for them being held. Margulies said "Kafka-esque doesn’t do it justice. This is ‘Alice in Wonderland.
Military Papers Call for Rumsfeld to Resign
The editors of the nation’s four main military newspapers have called for Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld to resign. The editorial appears today in the Army Times, Navy Times, Air Force Times and Marine Corps Times. The editorial states "It is one thing for the majority of Americans to think Rumsfeld has failed. But when the nation’s current military leaders start to break publicly with their defense secretary, then it is clear that he is losing control of the institution he ostensibly leads." The editorial goes on to say "Rumsfeld has lost credibility with the uniformed leadership, with the troops, with Congress and with the public at large. His strategy has failed." The Army Times and the others papers are civilian owned but distributed to troops across the globe.
Neoconservatives Publicly Criticize Iraq War
Vanity Fair is reporting a number of prominent neoconservatives who advocated for the invasion of Iraq are now criticizing President Bush’s handling of the war. The list includes former Pentagon advisers Richard Perle and Kenneth Adelman; former Presidential speechwriter David Frum; and Michael Rubin, a former senior official in the Pentagon’s Office of Special Plans. Richard Perle admitted that huge mistakes were made in Iraq. Perle criticized Vanity Fair because he claimed he had been promised that his remarks would not be published until after the mid-term election.
Bush Attempts to Silence Prisoners Once Held in CIA Jails
The Washington Post is reporting that the Bush administration has told a federal judge that prisoners once held in secret CIA jail should never be allowed to reveal to their civilian attorney details of how they were interrogated. The government says in new court filings that those interrogation methods are among the nation’s most sensitive national security secrets and that their release could cause extremely grave damage. Gitanjali Gutierrez, an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights said the government is trying to conceal illegal or embarrassing executive conduct. Northwestern University law professor Joseph Margulies said that this means prisoners would be barred from even saying what the government did to them to elicit the statements that are the basis for them being held. Margulies said "Kafka-esque doesn’t do it justice. This is ‘Alice in Wonderland.
Will It Fly?
The birth of a quieter, greener plane
UK and US researchers produce a radical new aircraft design that could make a major contribution to curbing climate change.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/6113418.stm
UK and US researchers produce a radical new aircraft design that could make a major contribution to curbing climate change.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/business/6113418.stm
Apology
HERE'S YOUR APOLOGY
by Steve young
November 3, 2006 -- Hollywood (apj.us) -- Within any problem lies an answer, so said Einstein.
Kerry botches a joke about Bush. Republicans demand an apology to the troops and their families.
A problem for Democrats? Only if they don't seek the answer inside the problem. The answer?Republicans want to call for apologies when defaming, undermining and letting down our troops -- so let's get this party started!
COMMERCIAL #1 Run Bush's hysterical search for WMD at the White House Press Corp Dinner. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #2 Run Rumsfeld's "Go to war with the army you have, not the one you want." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #3 Run Cheney's "The insurgency, if you will, is in its last throes." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #4 Run John Boehner's "We''ll beat (Kerry) to death." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #5 Run Bush's "Brownie, your'e doin' a heckuva job." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #6 Run Cheney's "We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #7 Run George Tenet getting the Medal of Freedom from George Bush. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #8 Run Wolfowitz testifying how the war would pay for itself. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #9 Run Rumsfeld saying that he couldn't see the war going past six months. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #10 Run Barbara Bush saying that living in the Astrodome is working out really well for Katrina victims. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #11 Run Tony Snow saying that the thousands killed in Iraq was "just a number." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #12 Run Bush's admission that he just doesn't think that much about bin Laden. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #13 Run Bush's "Bring it on." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #14 Run the faces of the 655,000 dead Iraqis Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #15 Run Bush's description of Iraqi war as a "comma"; a "nanosecond." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #16 Run web photos of Rush Limbaugh (the same Limbaugh Bush and Cheney use to sell their message) mocking Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #17 Run any ten seconds of Sean Hannity. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #18 Run Colin Powell's performance at the U.N. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #19 Dubai Ports scandal. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?COMMERCIAL #20 Dick Cheney's closed-door energy pow-wow. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #21 Pharmaceutical lobby writing the pharmaceutical legislation. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #22 Outing a CIA Agent. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #23 Run George Bush saying, "If anyone in this administration was involved in it, they would no longer be in this administration." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #24 For cutting veterans' benefits until the Democrats embarrassed them into uncutting. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #25 For sending the troops into harm's way under-equiped. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #26 For losing billion$ meant to rebuild Iraq. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #27 For sending unqualified bureacrats to Iraq ONLY because they were Republicans. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #28 For losing hundred of thousand of weapons in Iraq, which will be used against us. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #29 For sending family's children into war, but not their own. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #30 For not taking the advice of generals, then blaming them. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #31 For Bush saying that "no one one could have anticipated the breaching of the levies in New Orleans." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #32 For courting the religious right, then flipping them off. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #33 For borrowing trillions from our children's future, placing it in the pockets of the wealthiest Americans and calling it a booming economy. Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #34 Run photos of the flag-draped coffins of our young heroes we're not supposed to see. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #35 Mission Accomplished. Ending Graphic: Where is the APOLOGY? HUH?
Oh, and COMMERCIAL #36 THE LIBERAL MAINSTREAM MEDIA™ WHO LET ALL OF THIS CRAP GO DOWN WITHOUT 1/10TH THE COVERAGE THEY GAVE KERRY'S BOTCHED JOKE! Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
Got any more? Keep sending them in. I'll be added them to the list and shipping the bunch of 'em to the DNC. If they don't use them, then we do have a problem. With them.
Steve Young is a Senior Fellow at the Extreme Far Centrist Foundation' Political Husbandry Conservation Centre and Stereo Repair. In his spare time, he is also an author, comedy writer, columnist, LA talk show host and author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful."
by Steve young
November 3, 2006 -- Hollywood (apj.us) -- Within any problem lies an answer, so said Einstein.
Kerry botches a joke about Bush. Republicans demand an apology to the troops and their families.
A problem for Democrats? Only if they don't seek the answer inside the problem. The answer?Republicans want to call for apologies when defaming, undermining and letting down our troops -- so let's get this party started!
COMMERCIAL #1 Run Bush's hysterical search for WMD at the White House Press Corp Dinner. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #2 Run Rumsfeld's "Go to war with the army you have, not the one you want." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #3 Run Cheney's "The insurgency, if you will, is in its last throes." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #4 Run John Boehner's "We''ll beat (Kerry) to death." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #5 Run Bush's "Brownie, your'e doin' a heckuva job." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #6 Run Cheney's "We will, in fact, be greeted as liberators." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #7 Run George Tenet getting the Medal of Freedom from George Bush. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #8 Run Wolfowitz testifying how the war would pay for itself. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #9 Run Rumsfeld saying that he couldn't see the war going past six months. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #10 Run Barbara Bush saying that living in the Astrodome is working out really well for Katrina victims. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #11 Run Tony Snow saying that the thousands killed in Iraq was "just a number." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #12 Run Bush's admission that he just doesn't think that much about bin Laden. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #13 Run Bush's "Bring it on." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #14 Run the faces of the 655,000 dead Iraqis Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #15 Run Bush's description of Iraqi war as a "comma"; a "nanosecond." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #16 Run web photos of Rush Limbaugh (the same Limbaugh Bush and Cheney use to sell their message) mocking Michael J. Fox's Parkinson's. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #17 Run any ten seconds of Sean Hannity. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #18 Run Colin Powell's performance at the U.N. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #19 Dubai Ports scandal. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?COMMERCIAL #20 Dick Cheney's closed-door energy pow-wow. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #21 Pharmaceutical lobby writing the pharmaceutical legislation. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #22 Outing a CIA Agent. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #23 Run George Bush saying, "If anyone in this administration was involved in it, they would no longer be in this administration." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #24 For cutting veterans' benefits until the Democrats embarrassed them into uncutting. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #25 For sending the troops into harm's way under-equiped. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #26 For losing billion$ meant to rebuild Iraq. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #27 For sending unqualified bureacrats to Iraq ONLY because they were Republicans. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #28 For losing hundred of thousand of weapons in Iraq, which will be used against us. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #29 For sending family's children into war, but not their own. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #30 For not taking the advice of generals, then blaming them. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #31 For Bush saying that "no one one could have anticipated the breaching of the levies in New Orleans." Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #32 For courting the religious right, then flipping them off. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #33 For borrowing trillions from our children's future, placing it in the pockets of the wealthiest Americans and calling it a booming economy. Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #34 Run photos of the flag-draped coffins of our young heroes we're not supposed to see. Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
COMMERCIAL #35 Mission Accomplished. Ending Graphic: Where is the APOLOGY? HUH?
Oh, and COMMERCIAL #36 THE LIBERAL MAINSTREAM MEDIA™ WHO LET ALL OF THIS CRAP GO DOWN WITHOUT 1/10TH THE COVERAGE THEY GAVE KERRY'S BOTCHED JOKE! Ending Graphic: Where is the apology?
Got any more? Keep sending them in. I'll be added them to the list and shipping the bunch of 'em to the DNC. If they don't use them, then we do have a problem. With them.
Steve Young is a Senior Fellow at the Extreme Far Centrist Foundation' Political Husbandry Conservation Centre and Stereo Repair. In his spare time, he is also an author, comedy writer, columnist, LA talk show host and author of "Great Failures of the Extremely Successful."
Don't Forget
SOUTHERN PINES NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
Presents
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GROWTH BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
7 pm, Wednesday, November 8th
Southern Pines Civic Club
105 S. Ashe Street
Light refreshments
Moderator: Jeffrey Sheer, VP, Southern Pines Business Association
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Land use expert from the Institute of Government David Owens will discuss how to manage growth and what other North Carolina communities are doing to address this issue.
Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills Jon Parsons will speak about growth projections in North Carolina and how to balance future development with conservation and cultural interests.
Chair of Moore County School Board's Facilities Master Plan Bruce Cunningham will discuss the effects of growth on the public school system and how they are being addressed.
SEATING IS LIMITED; DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN PROTECT THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN PINES
Presents
EVERYTHING YOU WANTED TO KNOW ABOUT GROWTH BUT WERE AFRAID TO ASK
7 pm, Wednesday, November 8th
Southern Pines Civic Club
105 S. Ashe Street
Light refreshments
Moderator: Jeffrey Sheer, VP, Southern Pines Business Association
GUEST SPEAKERS:
Land use expert from the Institute of Government David Owens will discuss how to manage growth and what other North Carolina communities are doing to address this issue.
Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills Jon Parsons will speak about growth projections in North Carolina and how to balance future development with conservation and cultural interests.
Chair of Moore County School Board's Facilities Master Plan Bruce Cunningham will discuss the effects of growth on the public school system and how they are being addressed.
SEATING IS LIMITED; DON'T MISS THIS OPPORTUNITY TO LEARN HOW WE CAN PROTECT THE FUTURE OF SOUTHERN PINES
11/05/2006
Beware the Mega-Corp
October 31, 2006
Viacom asks YouTube to purge certain clips
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Viacom Inc. has requested that video Web site YouTube take down some Viacom videos, including shows by comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, as part of ongoing discussions on how the two companies can work together, a Viacom source said on Monday.
It is not known which clips YouTube was asked to remove. But on Monday, thousands of Viacom clips of varying lengths of up to about 10 minutes each remained available on the top video-sharing service.
Viacom asks YouTube to purge certain clips
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Viacom Inc. has requested that video Web site YouTube take down some Viacom videos, including shows by comedians Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert, as part of ongoing discussions on how the two companies can work together, a Viacom source said on Monday.
It is not known which clips YouTube was asked to remove. But on Monday, thousands of Viacom clips of varying lengths of up to about 10 minutes each remained available on the top video-sharing service.
Urgent Action Needed
Climate campaigners urge action
Thousands of people rally in London to call for world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/uk_news/6116058.stm
Greenhouse gases hit record high
The steady rise in atmospheric levels of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change shows no signs of abating, a UN agency has announced.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6114250.stm
Thousands of people rally in London to call for world leaders to take urgent action on climate change.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/uk_news/6116058.stm
Greenhouse gases hit record high
The steady rise in atmospheric levels of the greenhouse gases blamed for climate change shows no signs of abating, a UN agency has announced.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6114250.stm
11/03/2006
Less Care for Children
Undocumented Immigrant Children Lose Medicaid
The Bush administration has announced a new policy that strips automatic Medicaid coverage to children born to undocumented workers. Babies of undocumented workers were previously insured if the mother was covered during birth. Under the new policy, parents must file applications for the child and provide documents to prove his or her citizenship. Doctors say the change will make it more difficult for infants to receive care in their first of year of life. Obtaining a birth certificate can take weeks, and many undocumented parents won’t file applications out of fear they’ll be reported to immigration authorities. Dr. Jay Berkelhamer, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said: “[The policy] punishes babies who, according to the Constitution, are citizens because they were born here.”
[from democracynow.org]
The Bush administration has announced a new policy that strips automatic Medicaid coverage to children born to undocumented workers. Babies of undocumented workers were previously insured if the mother was covered during birth. Under the new policy, parents must file applications for the child and provide documents to prove his or her citizenship. Doctors say the change will make it more difficult for infants to receive care in their first of year of life. Obtaining a birth certificate can take weeks, and many undocumented parents won’t file applications out of fear they’ll be reported to immigration authorities. Dr. Jay Berkelhamer, president of the American Academy of Pediatrics, said: “[The policy] punishes babies who, according to the Constitution, are citizens because they were born here.”
[from democracynow.org]
They Think You're Stupid
November 3, 2006
Op-Ed Columnist
Insulting Our Troops, and Our Intelligence
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
George Bush, Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld think you’re stupid. Yes, they do.
They think they can take a mangled quip about President Bush and Iraq by John Kerry — a man who is not even running for office but who, unlike Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, never ran away from combat service — and get you to vote against all Democrats in this election.
Every time you hear Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney lash out against Mr. Kerry, I hope you will say to yourself, “They must think I’m stupid.” Because they surely do.
They think that they can get you to overlook all of the Bush team’s real and deadly insults to the U.S. military over the past six years by hyping and exaggerating Mr. Kerry’s mangled gibe at the president.
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to the U.S. military than to send it into combat in Iraq without enough men — to launch an invasion of a foreign country not by the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force, but by the Rumsfeld Doctrine of just enough troops to lose? What could be a bigger insult than that?
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than sending them off to war without the proper equipment, so that some soldiers in the field were left to buy their own body armor and to retrofit their own jeeps with scrap metal so that roadside bombs in Iraq would only maim them for life and not kill them? And what could be more injurious and insulting than Don Rumsfeld’s response to criticism that he sent our troops off in haste and unprepared: Hey, you go to war with the army you’ve got — get over it.
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than to send them off to war in Iraq without any coherent postwar plan for political reconstruction there, so that the U.S. military has had to assume not only security responsibilities for all of Iraq but the political rebuilding as well? The Bush team has created a veritable library of military histories — from “Cobra II” to “Fiasco” to “State of Denial” — all of which contain the same damning conclusion offered by the very soldiers and officers who fought this war: This administration never had a plan for the morning after, and we’ve been making it up — and paying the price — ever since.
And what could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in Iraq than to send them off to war and then go out and finance the very people they’re fighting against with our gluttonous consumption of oil? Sure, George Bush told us we’re addicted to oil, but he has not done one single significant thing — demanded higher mileage standards from Detroit, imposed a gasoline tax or even used the bully pulpit of the White House to drive conservation — to end that addiction. So we continue to finance the U.S. military with our tax dollars, while we finance Iran, Syria, Wahhabi mosques and Al Qaeda madrassas with our energy purchases.
Everyone says that Karl Rove is a genius. Yeah, right. So are cigarette companies. They get you to buy cigarettes even though we know they cause cancer. That is the kind of genius Karl Rove is. He is not a man who has designed a strategy to reunite our country around an agenda of renewal for the 21st century — to bring out the best in us. His “genius” is taking some irrelevant aside by John Kerry and twisting it to bring out the worst in us, so you will ignore the mess that the Bush team has visited on this country.
And Karl Rove has succeeded at that in the past because he was sure that he could sell just enough Bush cigarettes, even though people knew they caused cancer. Please, please, for our country’s health, prove him wrong this time.
Let Karl know that you’re not stupid. Let him know that you know that the most patriotic thing to do in this election is to vote against an administration that has — through sheer incompetence — brought us to a point in Iraq that was not inevitable but is now unwinnable.
Let Karl know that you think this is a critical election, because you know as a citizen that if the Bush team can behave with the level of deadly > incompetence it has exhibited in Iraq — and then get away with it by holding on to the House and the Senate — it means our country has become a banana republic. It means our democracy is in tatters because it is so gerrymandered, so polluted by money, and so divided by professional political hacks that we can no longer hold the ruling party to account.
It means we’re as stupid as Karl thinks we are.
I, for one, don’t think we’re that stupid. Next Tuesday we’ll see.
Op-Ed Columnist
Insulting Our Troops, and Our Intelligence
By THOMAS L. FRIEDMAN
George Bush, Dick Cheney and Don Rumsfeld think you’re stupid. Yes, they do.
They think they can take a mangled quip about President Bush and Iraq by John Kerry — a man who is not even running for office but who, unlike Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney, never ran away from combat service — and get you to vote against all Democrats in this election.
Every time you hear Mr. Bush or Mr. Cheney lash out against Mr. Kerry, I hope you will say to yourself, “They must think I’m stupid.” Because they surely do.
They think that they can get you to overlook all of the Bush team’s real and deadly insults to the U.S. military over the past six years by hyping and exaggerating Mr. Kerry’s mangled gibe at the president.
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to the U.S. military than to send it into combat in Iraq without enough men — to launch an invasion of a foreign country not by the Powell Doctrine of overwhelming force, but by the Rumsfeld Doctrine of just enough troops to lose? What could be a bigger insult than that?
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than sending them off to war without the proper equipment, so that some soldiers in the field were left to buy their own body armor and to retrofit their own jeeps with scrap metal so that roadside bombs in Iraq would only maim them for life and not kill them? And what could be more injurious and insulting than Don Rumsfeld’s response to criticism that he sent our troops off in haste and unprepared: Hey, you go to war with the army you’ve got — get over it.
What could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in uniform than to send them off to war in Iraq without any coherent postwar plan for political reconstruction there, so that the U.S. military has had to assume not only security responsibilities for all of Iraq but the political rebuilding as well? The Bush team has created a veritable library of military histories — from “Cobra II” to “Fiasco” to “State of Denial” — all of which contain the same damning conclusion offered by the very soldiers and officers who fought this war: This administration never had a plan for the morning after, and we’ve been making it up — and paying the price — ever since.
And what could possibly be more injurious and insulting to our men and women in Iraq than to send them off to war and then go out and finance the very people they’re fighting against with our gluttonous consumption of oil? Sure, George Bush told us we’re addicted to oil, but he has not done one single significant thing — demanded higher mileage standards from Detroit, imposed a gasoline tax or even used the bully pulpit of the White House to drive conservation — to end that addiction. So we continue to finance the U.S. military with our tax dollars, while we finance Iran, Syria, Wahhabi mosques and Al Qaeda madrassas with our energy purchases.
Everyone says that Karl Rove is a genius. Yeah, right. So are cigarette companies. They get you to buy cigarettes even though we know they cause cancer. That is the kind of genius Karl Rove is. He is not a man who has designed a strategy to reunite our country around an agenda of renewal for the 21st century — to bring out the best in us. His “genius” is taking some irrelevant aside by John Kerry and twisting it to bring out the worst in us, so you will ignore the mess that the Bush team has visited on this country.
And Karl Rove has succeeded at that in the past because he was sure that he could sell just enough Bush cigarettes, even though people knew they caused cancer. Please, please, for our country’s health, prove him wrong this time.
Let Karl know that you’re not stupid. Let him know that you know that the most patriotic thing to do in this election is to vote against an administration that has — through sheer incompetence — brought us to a point in Iraq that was not inevitable but is now unwinnable.
Let Karl know that you think this is a critical election, because you know as a citizen that if the Bush team can behave with the level of deadly > incompetence it has exhibited in Iraq — and then get away with it by holding on to the House and the Senate — it means our country has become a banana republic. It means our democracy is in tatters because it is so gerrymandered, so polluted by money, and so divided by professional political hacks that we can no longer hold the ruling party to account.
It means we’re as stupid as Karl thinks we are.
I, for one, don’t think we’re that stupid. Next Tuesday we’ll see.
Democratic Women, Sat. Nov. 11
10 a.m. November 11 (Saturday)
Monthly meeting, Democratic Women of Moore County
Democratic Headquarters, Carthage
Speaker: Caroline Eddy, Sandhills / Moore Coalition for Human Care discussing poverty in the Sandhills and the Coalition's Capitol Campaign
Monthly meeting, Democratic Women of Moore County
Democratic Headquarters, Carthage
Speaker: Caroline Eddy, Sandhills / Moore Coalition for Human Care discussing poverty in the Sandhills and the Coalition's Capitol Campaign
Connect the Dots
'Only 50 years left' for sea fish *There will be virtually no fish or other seafood from the oceans by the middle of the century, scientists conclude.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6108414.stm
Become scientists, PM urges young *Britain must "stand up for science" by more encouraging youngsters to enter the field, Tony Blair is expected to say.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/uk_news/education/6112402.stm
Poachers target rare Nepal rhino *Poachers in Nepal target an endangered rhino for its horn, reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/south_asia/6111614.stm
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/science/nature/6108414.stm
Become scientists, PM urges young *Britain must "stand up for science" by more encouraging youngsters to enter the field, Tony Blair is expected to say.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/uk_news/education/6112402.stm
Poachers target rare Nepal rhino *Poachers in Nepal target an endangered rhino for its horn, reputed to have aphrodisiac qualities.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/-/2/hi/south_asia/6111614.stm
11/02/2006
To Dry Our Socks
Warming the world to dry our socks
Bill McKibben
Once, visiting a friend, I helped wash the dinner dishes. I soaped the plates and cups, and she rinsed them and stacked them in a dish rack. When we were finished, I asked where the dish towel was so I could dry. "Oh, don't bother with that," she said. "That's air's job."
This brings me to a very modest proposal, perfectly suited to summer. If you're wondering what you can do about our deadly dependence on foreign energy, or about ever-rising utility bills, or about the flood of carbon into the atmosphere that's steadily raising temperatures, here's one answer: Let air and sun and wind do their job.
To be specific, buy 50 feet of clothesline and a $3 bag of clothespins and become a solar energy pioneer.
The average American family devotes 5 to 6 percent of its annual electric budget to the motor and heating coils inside its clothes dryer. Undampening your socks ties you into the vast world energy grid, with its legacy of mountaintop-removal coal mining, terrorist-vulnerable natural gas pipelines and all the rest. Which is OK—right?—because we all need dry socks.
But in fact we all had dry socks long before the invention of the clothes dryer. As late as 1960, according to Northwest Environment Watch, fewer than 20 percent of American households had automatic dryers.
And perhaps you've noticed that lint in your dryer trap. That's your clothes disintegrating from the endless tumbling. You won't find a small drift of lint under your clothesline.
Some people don't use clotheslines because they can't. According to the crusaders at a group called Project Laundry List, thousands of homeowners associations, condominium complexes and even whole suburbs ban clotheslines because they believe that clothes on the line are ugly. "It's akin to graffiti in your neighborhood," the president of the California Association of Homeowners Associations told reporters a few years ago. Property values could drop 15 percent, he estimated, if clotheslines flourished. Violators can be sued.
But even people who could hang out their laundry often hesitate. I was standing with another friend on the back porch in a pricy suburb not long ago. She had a perfect angle from deck to tree for a line, and I was all set to install it. "But everyone would be able to see our underwear," she said.
True enough. But drop by any mall: The average American teen-age boy is fully devoted to displaying as much of his underwear as possible, simply by failing to wear a belt and buying jeans two sizes too large. MTV might as well call itself The Underwear Channel. Our grandparents may have been prudes by contrast, but when it came to their laundry, they let it all hang out.
There are a few signs that we're beginning to regain our courage. Fort Lauderdale recently passed a resolution designating a National Hanging Out Day, noting in its official proclamation: "For many people hanging out clothes is therapeutic work. It is the only time during the week that some folks can slow down to feel the wind and listen to the birds."
Some people think that clotheslines are simply old-fashioned—too low-tech. Like President Bush, they're waiting for something like a hydrogen car before they get around to saving energy. But say you dubbed it something sexier: a Solar Activated Linear Evaporation System, perhaps—maybe that would spur SALES.
Whatever you call it, the clothesline is the most elegant solution to the problem of drying clothes in good weather. And if it storms? Just leave them up until they dry again—you'll be able to boast about rain-washed clothes.
If we all used clotheslines, we could save 30 million tons of coal a year, or shut down 15 nuclear power plants. And you don't have to wait to start. Yours could be up by this afternoon.
Bill McKibben
Once, visiting a friend, I helped wash the dinner dishes. I soaped the plates and cups, and she rinsed them and stacked them in a dish rack. When we were finished, I asked where the dish towel was so I could dry. "Oh, don't bother with that," she said. "That's air's job."
This brings me to a very modest proposal, perfectly suited to summer. If you're wondering what you can do about our deadly dependence on foreign energy, or about ever-rising utility bills, or about the flood of carbon into the atmosphere that's steadily raising temperatures, here's one answer: Let air and sun and wind do their job.
To be specific, buy 50 feet of clothesline and a $3 bag of clothespins and become a solar energy pioneer.
The average American family devotes 5 to 6 percent of its annual electric budget to the motor and heating coils inside its clothes dryer. Undampening your socks ties you into the vast world energy grid, with its legacy of mountaintop-removal coal mining, terrorist-vulnerable natural gas pipelines and all the rest. Which is OK—right?—because we all need dry socks.
But in fact we all had dry socks long before the invention of the clothes dryer. As late as 1960, according to Northwest Environment Watch, fewer than 20 percent of American households had automatic dryers.
And perhaps you've noticed that lint in your dryer trap. That's your clothes disintegrating from the endless tumbling. You won't find a small drift of lint under your clothesline.
Some people don't use clotheslines because they can't. According to the crusaders at a group called Project Laundry List, thousands of homeowners associations, condominium complexes and even whole suburbs ban clotheslines because they believe that clothes on the line are ugly. "It's akin to graffiti in your neighborhood," the president of the California Association of Homeowners Associations told reporters a few years ago. Property values could drop 15 percent, he estimated, if clotheslines flourished. Violators can be sued.
But even people who could hang out their laundry often hesitate. I was standing with another friend on the back porch in a pricy suburb not long ago. She had a perfect angle from deck to tree for a line, and I was all set to install it. "But everyone would be able to see our underwear," she said.
True enough. But drop by any mall: The average American teen-age boy is fully devoted to displaying as much of his underwear as possible, simply by failing to wear a belt and buying jeans two sizes too large. MTV might as well call itself The Underwear Channel. Our grandparents may have been prudes by contrast, but when it came to their laundry, they let it all hang out.
There are a few signs that we're beginning to regain our courage. Fort Lauderdale recently passed a resolution designating a National Hanging Out Day, noting in its official proclamation: "For many people hanging out clothes is therapeutic work. It is the only time during the week that some folks can slow down to feel the wind and listen to the birds."
Some people think that clotheslines are simply old-fashioned—too low-tech. Like President Bush, they're waiting for something like a hydrogen car before they get around to saving energy. But say you dubbed it something sexier: a Solar Activated Linear Evaporation System, perhaps—maybe that would spur SALES.
Whatever you call it, the clothesline is the most elegant solution to the problem of drying clothes in good weather. And if it storms? Just leave them up until they dry again—you'll be able to boast about rain-washed clothes.
If we all used clotheslines, we could save 30 million tons of coal a year, or shut down 15 nuclear power plants. And you don't have to wait to start. Yours could be up by this afternoon.
Managed Growth in Southern Pines
SOUTHERN PINES NEIGHBORHOOD ASSOCIATION
TO HOST GROWTH MANAGEMENT FORUM
NOVEMBER 8 at 7pm - SOUTHERN PINES CIVIC CLUB
''Quality of life doesn't happen as a byproduct of a free market.''
– Harriet Tregoning, Executive Director. Smart Growth Leadership Institute.
How will Southern Pines grow? By choice or by chance? Do we have a collective vision for its future and policies in place that reflect that vision? Is growth really inevitable? Can it be managed? Whose job is it? What is the role of the Town Council, the business community, the education community, the citizens? Can our infrastructure accommodate projected growth? How much? How do we grow while ensuring the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage and our unique character? What tools are available to local governments and citizens contending with unprecedented growth?
These and other questions will be addressed on Wednesday, November 8 from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Southern Pines Civic Club, 105 S. Ashe Street, when the Southern Pines Neighborhood Association will host a Forum on Growth Management. The goal of the Forum is a first-step effort to foster a community dialogue about the future of Southern Pines. The Forum will give residents the opportunity to learn and ask questions about growth management issues.
Guest speakers include: Jon Parsons, Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills; Bruce Cunningham, School Board member and Chair of the Facilities Master Plan Committee; and David Owen, Professor of Law & Government and land-use expert at UNC Chapel Hill’s Institute of Government.
The Forum was initiated in response to SPNA members’ request for growth management information, sparked by the recent submission of a controversial zoning amendment to create a new zoning classification called a Planned Unit Development District.
The Forum is free and open to the general public.
TO HOST GROWTH MANAGEMENT FORUM
NOVEMBER 8 at 7pm - SOUTHERN PINES CIVIC CLUB
''Quality of life doesn't happen as a byproduct of a free market.''
– Harriet Tregoning, Executive Director. Smart Growth Leadership Institute.
How will Southern Pines grow? By choice or by chance? Do we have a collective vision for its future and policies in place that reflect that vision? Is growth really inevitable? Can it be managed? Whose job is it? What is the role of the Town Council, the business community, the education community, the citizens? Can our infrastructure accommodate projected growth? How much? How do we grow while ensuring the preservation of our historical and cultural heritage and our unique character? What tools are available to local governments and citizens contending with unprecedented growth?
These and other questions will be addressed on Wednesday, November 8 from 7:00 to 8:30pm at the Southern Pines Civic Club, 105 S. Ashe Street, when the Southern Pines Neighborhood Association will host a Forum on Growth Management. The goal of the Forum is a first-step effort to foster a community dialogue about the future of Southern Pines. The Forum will give residents the opportunity to learn and ask questions about growth management issues.
Guest speakers include: Jon Parsons, Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills; Bruce Cunningham, School Board member and Chair of the Facilities Master Plan Committee; and David Owen, Professor of Law & Government and land-use expert at UNC Chapel Hill’s Institute of Government.
The Forum was initiated in response to SPNA members’ request for growth management information, sparked by the recent submission of a controversial zoning amendment to create a new zoning classification called a Planned Unit Development District.
The Forum is free and open to the general public.
"Hacking Democracy"
Diebold Demands HBO Cancel Documentary on Voting Machines
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/110106B.shtml
Diebold Inc. has insisted that cable network HBO cancel a documentarythat questions the integrity of its voting machines, calling the program inaccurate and unfair.
The program, "Hacking Democracy," is scheduled to debut today, five days before the 2006 US midterm elections. The film reveals that Diebold voting machines aren't tamper-proof and can be manipulated to change voting results.
http://www.truthout.org/docs_2006/110106B.shtml
Diebold Inc. has insisted that cable network HBO cancel a documentarythat questions the integrity of its voting machines, calling the program inaccurate and unfair.
The program, "Hacking Democracy," is scheduled to debut today, five days before the 2006 US midterm elections. The film reveals that Diebold voting machines aren't tamper-proof and can be manipulated to change voting results.
Eco-tax Breaks, Investments
http://idealbite.com/pressreleases/index.php?release=20060509_01
for eco-news and -investing
for eco-news and -investing
11/01/2006
Managed Growth Forum, Sou. Pines
Who: Southern Pines Neighborhood Association
What: Growth Management Forum: "Everything you ever wanted to know about development, responsible growth and the role of citizens, but were afraid to ask."
Where: Southern Pines Civic Club at 105 S. Ashe Street, Southern Pines
When: Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 7-8:30pm
Scheduled speakers:
* Professor David Owens - a land use expert from The Institute of Government, UNC at Chapel Hill
* Jon Parsons, Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills
* Bruce Cunningham, School Board member for Southern Pines and chair of the Moore County Facilities Master Plan Committee
Free and open to the general public.
What: Growth Management Forum: "Everything you ever wanted to know about development, responsible growth and the role of citizens, but were afraid to ask."
Where: Southern Pines Civic Club at 105 S. Ashe Street, Southern Pines
When: Wednesday, November 8, 2006, 7-8:30pm
Scheduled speakers:
* Professor David Owens - a land use expert from The Institute of Government, UNC at Chapel Hill
* Jon Parsons, Executive Director of Sustainable Sandhills
* Bruce Cunningham, School Board member for Southern Pines and chair of the Moore County Facilities Master Plan Committee
Free and open to the general public.
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