Friday, December 30, 2011
Tuesday, December 27, 2011
Saturday, December 17, 2011
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 13, 2011
rivers and streams - Google News
DURHAM, N.C. – Increased salinity and concentrations of trace elements in one West Virginia watershed have been tied directly to multiple surface coal mines upstream by a detailed new survey of stream chemistry. The Duke University team that conducted the study said it provides new evidence of the cumulative effects multiple mountaintop mining permits can have in a river network.
"Our analysis of water samples from 23 sites along West Virginia's Upper Mud River and its tributaries shows that salinity and trace element concentrations, including selenium, increased at a rate directly proportional to the cumulative amount of surface mining in the watershed," said Duke researcher Ty Lindberg. "We found a strong linear correlation."
Changes in water quality due to the increased salinity in the Upper Mud from mine runoff also were found to be "exceptionally persistent," Lindberg said. "Mines reclaimed almost two decades ago are continuing to release effluents with salinity similar to active mines in the region."
The Duke team's study appears this week in the peer-reviewed online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In mountaintop mining, companies use explosives and heavy machinery to clear away surface rocks and extract shallow deposits of high-quality coal below. The companies typically dispose of the waste rock in adjacent valleys, where it buries existing headwater streams.
To assess the cumulative impact of the more than 100 permitted discharge outlets draining approximately 28 square kilometers of active and reclaimed mountaintop coal mines in the Upper Mud watershed, the Duke researchers collected 152 sets of samples from 23 sites – including two sites upstream of any active or reclaimed surface mines – between May and December 2010. They sampled for electrical conductivity, a measure of salinity and for concentrations of major ions and trace elements derived from coal or its matrix rock.
All conductivity measurements taken downstream of mine discharge outlets exceeded levels known to be harmful to aquatic life, said Richard Di Giulio, professor of environmental toxicology. At the two sampling sites upstream of any mines, conductivity levels were within an acceptable range. Concentrations of selenium, a known fish toxin, followed a similar trend, Di Giulio said. The researchers also observed deformities typical of selenium exposure in fish collected from downstream waters.
"As eight separate mining-impacted tributaries flowed into the Upper Mud, conductivity and concentrations of selenium, sulfate, magnesium and other inorganic solutes increased proportionately," said Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality. "Nearly 90 percent of the variation in trace elements and salinity could be explained by the amount of upstream surface mining."
The Upper Mud flows through sparsely populated sections of Boone and Lincoln counties in southern West Virginia as a headwater stream until reaching its impoundment in the Mud River reservoir 25 kilometers downstream. For about 10 kilometers, the river passes through the Hobet 21 surface mining complex, which has been active since the 1970s and is among the largest in the Appalachian coalfields region.
The Duke team selected the Upper Mud watershed for their field survey because water-quality impacts from other potential sources are largely absent. Historically, surface rather than underground mining has been the dominant form of coal extraction in the Upper Mud's river basin, and there are very few people now living within the Hobet mine's permitted boundary. This helped to minimize other factors that might account for changes in water quality.
"This is a remarkably clean dataset and that's why it's so powerful," said Emily Bernhardt, associate professor of biogeochemistry. "We see these incredibly strong patterns, which previously have not been well established."
Past studies have shown that individual mines profoundly impact stream water quality, biological community structure and ecosystem function immediately downstream of valley fills, but empirical data on the cumulative impacts of multiple mining operations on larger downstream rivers has been lacking, she said.
"Individual permitting decisions are typically made without consideration of the extent of historic mining impacts already occurring within a watershed," Bernhardt said. "Our survey helps fill that gap."
Duke PhD students Raven Bier and Brittany Merola and postdoctoral researcher Ashley Helton co-authored the study.
"Our analysis of water samples from 23 sites along West Virginia's Upper Mud River and its tributaries shows that salinity and trace element concentrations, including selenium, increased at a rate directly proportional to the cumulative amount of surface mining in the watershed," said Duke researcher Ty Lindberg. "We found a strong linear correlation."
Changes in water quality due to the increased salinity in the Upper Mud from mine runoff also were found to be "exceptionally persistent," Lindberg said. "Mines reclaimed almost two decades ago are continuing to release effluents with salinity similar to active mines in the region."
The Duke team's study appears this week in the peer-reviewed online Early Edition of the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.
In mountaintop mining, companies use explosives and heavy machinery to clear away surface rocks and extract shallow deposits of high-quality coal below. The companies typically dispose of the waste rock in adjacent valleys, where it buries existing headwater streams.
To assess the cumulative impact of the more than 100 permitted discharge outlets draining approximately 28 square kilometers of active and reclaimed mountaintop coal mines in the Upper Mud watershed, the Duke researchers collected 152 sets of samples from 23 sites – including two sites upstream of any active or reclaimed surface mines – between May and December 2010. They sampled for electrical conductivity, a measure of salinity and for concentrations of major ions and trace elements derived from coal or its matrix rock.
All conductivity measurements taken downstream of mine discharge outlets exceeded levels known to be harmful to aquatic life, said Richard Di Giulio, professor of environmental toxicology. At the two sampling sites upstream of any mines, conductivity levels were within an acceptable range. Concentrations of selenium, a known fish toxin, followed a similar trend, Di Giulio said. The researchers also observed deformities typical of selenium exposure in fish collected from downstream waters.
"As eight separate mining-impacted tributaries flowed into the Upper Mud, conductivity and concentrations of selenium, sulfate, magnesium and other inorganic solutes increased proportionately," said Avner Vengosh, professor of geochemistry and water quality. "Nearly 90 percent of the variation in trace elements and salinity could be explained by the amount of upstream surface mining."
The Upper Mud flows through sparsely populated sections of Boone and Lincoln counties in southern West Virginia as a headwater stream until reaching its impoundment in the Mud River reservoir 25 kilometers downstream. For about 10 kilometers, the river passes through the Hobet 21 surface mining complex, which has been active since the 1970s and is among the largest in the Appalachian coalfields region.
The Duke team selected the Upper Mud watershed for their field survey because water-quality impacts from other potential sources are largely absent. Historically, surface rather than underground mining has been the dominant form of coal extraction in the Upper Mud's river basin, and there are very few people now living within the Hobet mine's permitted boundary. This helped to minimize other factors that might account for changes in water quality.
"This is a remarkably clean dataset and that's why it's so powerful," said Emily Bernhardt, associate professor of biogeochemistry. "We see these incredibly strong patterns, which previously have not been well established."
Past studies have shown that individual mines profoundly impact stream water quality, biological community structure and ecosystem function immediately downstream of valley fills, but empirical data on the cumulative impacts of multiple mining operations on larger downstream rivers has been lacking, she said.
"Individual permitting decisions are typically made without consideration of the extent of historic mining impacts already occurring within a watershed," Bernhardt said. "Our survey helps fill that gap."
Duke PhD students Raven Bier and Brittany Merola and postdoctoral researcher Ashley Helton co-authored the study.
Article link:rivers and streams - Google News
Wednesday, December 7, 2011
Saturday, December 3, 2011
The Goo Goo Dolls to Appear on "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" on Dec. 19 - ARTISTdirect News
The Goo Goo Dolls to Appear on "The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson" on Dec. 19 - ARTISTdirect News: The Goo Goo Dolls will appear on CBS' The Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson on Dec. 19.
The performance was previously recorded and will find the band performing a brand new, as yet to be released song titled "All That You Are." That's what we meant by that whole what's-not-so-old is new thing.
Will you tune in for "All That You Are?"
—Carly Costello
11.30.11
The performance was previously recorded and will find the band performing a brand new, as yet to be released song titled "All That You Are." That's what we meant by that whole what's-not-so-old is new thing.
Will you tune in for "All That You Are?"
—Carly Costello
11.30.11
Friday, December 2, 2011
The Barbi Twins: From Playboy to Horse Play
The Barbi Twins: From Playboy to Horse Play: 2 December 2011
written by MattieDog in the Rescue Me section of The Anipal Times
@Barbi_Twins
Recently I paid a visit to my friends Shane and Sia, better known as the Barbi Twins, in their hometown of Los Angeles, California USA, to talk to them about their animal welfare work. Many of you likely know the “celebrity” of The Barbi Twins–they were the immensely popular, top-selling pinups in the 90s whose mega-watt, larger than life Sunset Boulevard billboard brought passersby, even those in automobiles, to a screeching halt. The Barbi Twins were the “it” women for top fashion designer houses such as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier; and broke the world record for calendar and magazine sales, creating “Barbi-mania” and establishing them as the sexiest twins in the modeling business–and much sought after for the cover of Playboy, not to mention they were recently featured in Maxim magazine. While all of that is amazing, what I love most about Shane and Sia is their dedication to animals. Today you can find the Barbi Twins working toward animal rights–they have quite a few causes near and dear to their hearts; and they can also be found walking and rehabilitating dogs at animal shelters as well as participating in TNR (trap, neuter and return) with Stray Cat Alliance.
Read the full article here:
http://www.anipaltimes.com/2011/12/the-barbi-twins-from-playboy-to-horse-play/
written by MattieDog in the Rescue Me section of The Anipal Times
@Barbi_Twins
Recently I paid a visit to my friends Shane and Sia, better known as the Barbi Twins, in their hometown of Los Angeles, California USA, to talk to them about their animal welfare work. Many of you likely know the “celebrity” of The Barbi Twins–they were the immensely popular, top-selling pinups in the 90s whose mega-watt, larger than life Sunset Boulevard billboard brought passersby, even those in automobiles, to a screeching halt. The Barbi Twins were the “it” women for top fashion designer houses such as Chanel and Jean Paul Gaultier; and broke the world record for calendar and magazine sales, creating “Barbi-mania” and establishing them as the sexiest twins in the modeling business–and much sought after for the cover of Playboy, not to mention they were recently featured in Maxim magazine. While all of that is amazing, what I love most about Shane and Sia is their dedication to animals. Today you can find the Barbi Twins working toward animal rights–they have quite a few causes near and dear to their hearts; and they can also be found walking and rehabilitating dogs at animal shelters as well as participating in TNR (trap, neuter and return) with Stray Cat Alliance.
Read the full article here:
http://www.anipaltimes.com/2011/12/the-barbi-twins-from-playboy-to-horse-play/
Thursday, December 1, 2011
Navy protection plea Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania
Navy protection plea Tasmania News - The Mercury - The Voice of Tasmania: AN Australian naval vessel must be sent to protect anti-whaling activists, Greens senator Bob Brown said yesterday.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
Donations vital for animal rescue | The Daily Times | delmarvanow.com
gannett.com
A
A
Written by
Alyson Cunningham
Staff Writer
Filed Under
Delaware Wave
DW-News
Ads by Pulse 360
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57-Year-Old Mom Looks 25
Wichita: Local Mom Exposes an Anti-Aging Miracle. Her $5 Trick ERASES Wrinkles!
PopularLifestyleJournal.com
Safe Alternative Spine Procedures
Get Your Free MRI Review Today! Find Relief From Chronic Spine Conditions.
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ALERT: Kansas Drivers!
1 simple trick that can get you insured for only $9 a week. Only zip required.
www.carinsurancechoices.com
MILLSBORO -- With the holiday season approaching, animal rescue groups and shelters are urging residents to remember their furry friends.
Bonnie Palen, founder of Feral Friends of Millsboro, said people sometimes forget about the smaller nonprofits when they're looking to support animal organizations.
Since 2007, her group has helped control the feral cat population in Sussex County by having stray animals spayed or neutered. When possible, kittens are rescued, fostered and adopted. Group volunteers care for about 30 cats, she said, and donations are critical
A
A
Written by
Alyson Cunningham
Staff Writer
Filed Under
Delaware Wave
DW-News
Ads by Pulse 360
AdChoices
57-Year-Old Mom Looks 25
Wichita: Local Mom Exposes an Anti-Aging Miracle. Her $5 Trick ERASES Wrinkles!
PopularLifestyleJournal.com
Safe Alternative Spine Procedures
Get Your Free MRI Review Today! Find Relief From Chronic Spine Conditions.
LaserSpineInstitue.com
ALERT: Kansas Drivers!
1 simple trick that can get you insured for only $9 a week. Only zip required.
www.carinsurancechoices.com
MILLSBORO -- With the holiday season approaching, animal rescue groups and shelters are urging residents to remember their furry friends.
Bonnie Palen, founder of Feral Friends of Millsboro, said people sometimes forget about the smaller nonprofits when they're looking to support animal organizations.
Since 2007, her group has helped control the feral cat population in Sussex County by having stray animals spayed or neutered. When possible, kittens are rescued, fostered and adopted. Group volunteers care for about 30 cats, she said, and donations are critical
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Fired From a Shelter After Photographing the Animals - NYTimes.com
Article - permalink:
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/fired-from-a-shelter-after-photographing-the-animals/
http://cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/11/08/fired-from-a-shelter-after-photographing-the-animals/
Fired From a Shelter After Photographing the Animals - NYTimes.com
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
Monday, November 7, 2011
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Monday, August 29, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
GM Foods are Bad for Your Health
Confirmed by scientists that GM corn and other foods cause heath problems.
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
Males are clearly more sensitive than female animals to show physiological disturbances when fed NK 603. This is not observed for all three GM maize varieties. Moreover, most effects appear to be dose-dependent since 83% of male effects emerge only at the 33% feeding level (15/18), the highest GM maize concentration in the diet (Table (Table1).1). The maximal mean differences are observed in male kidney parameters.
Urine phosphorus, for instance, is importantly disturbed in a dose-dependent manner and at both 5 and 14 week periods of feeding and hence reproducible over time. The significant effect at this level does not appear to be a false positive result (week 5, 33%, adjusted p<0.003 for FDR calculated according to Benjamini and Yekutieli), considering that all parameters were not independent. Comparable results were also obtained for relative lymphocyte and neutrophil differences (all for males, week 14, 33%, adjusted p<0.005).
Among 18 GM maize-related effects versus controls, 11 show that groups of reference and control animals are similar in these cases (Table (Table1,1, framed values). However 6 GM-linked effects are also significant versus all reference groups (Table (Table1,1, double framed values). At week 5, these relative maximal effects concern a diminution of blood and increase of urine creatinine clearance, and then a diminution of blood urea nitrogen. This is not observed at week 14 (Fig. (Fig.3a,b).3a,b). Even so, the kidney parameters measured are clearly the most reactive in both sexes; 52% of significant effects are noticed at this level, but kidney parameters represent only 31% of those measured in total. We also observe that ion concentrations are enhanced in urine of male GM fed rats. Besides this, crude and relative liver weights are also affected at the end of the maximal (33%) GM maize feeding level as well as that of the heart which for corresponding parameters to a comparable extent, showed up to an 11% weight increase. Variations in females are far less frequent (5/23), with no clear significant differences except for urine phosphorus (major relative difference versus controls) and blood potassium (versus all groups).
Full Article:
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
Males are clearly more sensitive than female animals to show physiological disturbances when fed NK 603. This is not observed for all three GM maize varieties. Moreover, most effects appear to be dose-dependent since 83% of male effects emerge only at the 33% feeding level (15/18), the highest GM maize concentration in the diet (Table (Table1).1). The maximal mean differences are observed in male kidney parameters.
Urine phosphorus, for instance, is importantly disturbed in a dose-dependent manner and at both 5 and 14 week periods of feeding and hence reproducible over time. The significant effect at this level does not appear to be a false positive result (week 5, 33%, adjusted p<0.003 for FDR calculated according to Benjamini and Yekutieli), considering that all parameters were not independent. Comparable results were also obtained for relative lymphocyte and neutrophil differences (all for males, week 14, 33%, adjusted p<0.005).
Among 18 GM maize-related effects versus controls, 11 show that groups of reference and control animals are similar in these cases (Table (Table1,1, framed values). However 6 GM-linked effects are also significant versus all reference groups (Table (Table1,1, double framed values). At week 5, these relative maximal effects concern a diminution of blood and increase of urine creatinine clearance, and then a diminution of blood urea nitrogen. This is not observed at week 14 (Fig. (Fig.3a,b).3a,b). Even so, the kidney parameters measured are clearly the most reactive in both sexes; 52% of significant effects are noticed at this level, but kidney parameters represent only 31% of those measured in total. We also observe that ion concentrations are enhanced in urine of male GM fed rats. Besides this, crude and relative liver weights are also affected at the end of the maximal (33%) GM maize feeding level as well as that of the heart which for corresponding parameters to a comparable extent, showed up to an 11% weight increase. Variations in females are far less frequent (5/23), with no clear significant differences except for urine phosphorus (major relative difference versus controls) and blood potassium (versus all groups).
Full Article:
A Comparison of the Effects of Three GM Corn Varieties on Mammalian Health
Sunday, May 22, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
Individuals enter fukushima nuclear no-go zone to feed/rescue dogs_Tsuna...
http://youtu.be/cwPONXhkCps
Sunday, May 15, 2011
Friday, April 29, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
Earth Day 2011 - April 22 - Relaxing Music Video by J Michele Bodine & B...
Video Link on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NIxxE7Ctn3k
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Lily the Black Bear, Hope and Faith - April 20, 2011
Youtube link to video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QPji85I6FMc
Lily, Hope and Faith have been at the same bed tree for a week. The bears are restricting activities to the immediate area. During the researcher's visit, bear tracks were seen around the general area, including Faith's.
In this video we watch as the little one slowly wakes up from her nap. Faith is still a small cub, but she is healthy, strong, and playful.
~~~~~
Lynn Rogers, Ph.D., regarded by many as the "Jane Goodall" of black bears, has spent over 44 years learning about wildlife and sharing his information with the public. Using airplanes, vehicles and snowshoes, he has radio-tracked over 100 bears in the vast forests of northeastern Minnesota, studying some for as long as 22 years.
Lily is a wild black bear who is part of Dr. Rogers' long-term study of black bear ecology and behavior at the Wildlife Research Institute. On January 8, 2010, Dr. Rogers installed a live video camera in Lily's winter den near Ely, Minnesota, so the public could share in the birth and care of her cub.
Dr. Rogers, along with his research associate Sue Mansfield, and tens of thousands from around the world watched on the Internet, spending a sleepless night as bouts of labor continued for 21 hours and 39 minutes. Finally, on January 22 at 11:38 AM CST, Lily made some contortions, looked under her, and began the intense, sweet grunts that mothers make only to their cubs. A loud squawk from a single female cub made it definite. Lily tucked her head under her chest to care for and breathe on the cub to warm her. This was the first time the birth of a wild black bear has been viewed live on the Internet.
Lily and Hope are proving to be the best ambassadors for bears we know. The number of fans have increased to over 200,000 (over 128,000 on Facebook alone). They learned about bears from the bears themselves. They saw an animal far different from the ferocious image of the media. They want to share their knowledge and have become a force for bears.
The interest in Lily and Hope was unexpected and much appreciated by all who truly know bears. Hundreds of classrooms began each day watching the Lily Den Cam and then going on to include Lily and Hope in lessons throughout the day. People who watched from their homes discussed these bears online and became friends, all bonded by their love of these bears.
Last summer, Lily unexpectedly went into estrus, temporarily abandoning Hope to mate. They reunited and are denning together once again, as mother and yearling should. However, this year, Lily entered the den pregnant and had two new cubs along with Hope.
Visit http://www.bear.org and http://www.bearstudy.org to learn more about the research and the bears who are part of it.
Sunday, April 17, 2011
Rock the House 2011 Auction for Compass House Buffalo NY
Compass House is the only center in Buffalo for runaway and homeless teens. The monies raised go for food, clothing, counseling and training for them.
Absolute Goo has raised more than $65,000 through this annual auction thanks to the generosity of the Goo Goo Dolls, other artists, Goo fans, and businesses who have donated items to previous auctions. We're hoping to have the best fundraising year yet, and we can't do that without your help!Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Radiation surges above 4's fuel pool | The Japan Times Online
Radiation has risen to high levels above the spent-fuel pool at reactor No. 4 and its temperature is rising, the nuclear safety agency said Wednesday, indicating the fuel rods have been further damaged and are emitting radioactive substances.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Five U.S. nuclear reactors in earthquake zones - USATODAY.com
At least five U.S. nuclear reactors are located in earthquake-prone seismic zones, potentially exposing them to the forces that damaged the Fukushima plant in Japan, a new analysis shows.
They appear in an analysis by the mapping and geographic data firm ESRI Inc., based in Redlands, Calif. The online map, the first of its kind to let the public ....The at-risk reactors are the Diablo Canyon Power Plant and San Onofre Nuclear Generating Station in California; the South Texas Project near the Gulf Coast; the Waterford Steam Electric Station in Louisiana and the Brunswick Steam Electric Plant in North Carolina.
Read the full article at USATODAY.com:
Five U.S. nuclear reactors in earthquake zones - USATODAY.com
Friday, April 8, 2011
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Saturday, March 19, 2011
Friday, March 18, 2011
Naval sonar exercises linked to whale strandings, according to new report
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Group Pans UBC's Plans to Exchange Endangered Sea Turtles with UK Aquarium - UBC, Vancouver, animal rights
 |
| Group Pans UBC's Plans to Exchange EndangeredSea Turtles with UK Aquarium Welcome Vist Our WebSite: http://stopubcanimalresearch.org/ |
VANCOUVER, BC – Today, Stop UBC Animal Research expressed serious concerns about a deal UBC was brokering over seven endangered green sea turtles currently housed at the university. According to a Postmedia news report, “A United Kingdom-based entertainment group, which operates more than 30 aquariums in European countries as well as Sea Life Minnesota, has offered to take UBC's young turtles in exchange for old or injured turtles reaching the end of their lives.” The news report also noted UBC planned to carry out invasive and ultimately “terminal” experiments on the new arrivals from Britain. Stop UBC Animal Research said it could not support such an arrangement because it would “trade one life for another” and cause stress and trauma for the turtles shipped from abroad.
“While we are encouraged UBC wants to find homes for the seven endangered sea turtles, we cannot support any deal that trades one life for another,” said Brian Vincent of Stop UBC Animal Research.
“While we are encouraged UBC wants to find homes for the seven endangered sea turtles, we cannot support any deal that trades one life for another,” said Brian Vincent of Stop UBC Animal Research.
Last week, a UBC insider tipped off the Vancouver-based animal advocacy group about the university’s plans to kill the highly imperiled turtles. That story was featured on the front page of the Vancouver Sun, picked up by international media, and gained world-wide attention. Stop UBC Animal Research launched a vigorous campaign – that....
READ THE FULL ARTICLE:
Group Pans UBC's Plans to Exchange Endangered Sea Turtles with UK Aquarium - UBC, Vancouver, animal rights
Tuesday, March 8, 2011
Friday, February 25, 2011
Campbell Hall Kids Help Feed the Hungry - North Hollywood-Toluca Lake, CA Patch
On a blazingly sunny afternoon last week, in the parking lot of Temple Beth Hillel, about 30 third-graders from Campbell Hall School set about packing 100 food bags for the North Hollywood Interfaith Food Pantry, a charity Patch has reported on many times.
This day was the culmination of a weeklong, schoolwide food drive, during which the kids collected nearly 800 pounds of groceries.
The students were from the school's Roots and Shoots troop, the Earth Savers.
“We’ve done a food drive every year,” said Jan Weiss, co-leader of the Earth Savers. “Our group…started in first grade. So this group of 8- and 9-year-olds have been very busy the last three years.”
Roots and Shoots is the youth program of the Jane Goodall Institute, with thousands of members all over the world. The organization is devoted to doing community service, preserving the environment and learning about animals.
The dedicated activists in the Earth Savers troop participate every week in a project designed to make the world a better place.READ THE WHOLE STORY HERE:
Campbell Hall Kids Help Feed the Hungry - North Hollywood-Toluca Lake, CA Patch
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
URGENT--ACTION-NEEDED-BY-6PM-ON-2-22-TO-BAN-THE-SALE-OF-FUR-IN-WEST-HOLLYWOOD
Greetings!
URGENT: Action is Needed by 6pm on 2/22 to Ban the Sale of Fur in West Hollywood!
Last Chance for Animals has been working with fellow animal advocates on the
Fur-Free WeHo Campaign. There have been four rallies now, all held on Saturday's in West Hollywood. The success of this campaign is undeniable; support from the city and it's lawmakers is pouring in. However, there is a West Hollywood Council Member, Lindsey Horvath, who opposes this campaign.
Council Member Horvath is instead trying to put forth an item on the city council's agenda to have West Hollywood become the first city to implement the Truth in Fur Labeling Act, which was signed into federal law in December 2010. The Truth in Fur Labeling Act closed a loophole which let clothing garments priced under $150 go unlabeled as to whether it was faux for or animal fur. What Horvath is doing is wasting tax payers money and trying to appease the fur industry with a piece of legislation that is worthless. The Truth in Fur Labeling Act will go into affect on March 18, 2011 no matter what, that is fact! While Last Chance for Animals supports the new Federal Truth in Fur labeling Act, it's distressing to hear that Ms. Horvath would consider promoting the sale of fur, however labeled, as "Animal-Friendly", it is not. Clearly skinning an animal alive cannot ever be considered humane or "animal-friendly". Ms. Horvath needs to be encouraged to join others on the West Hollywood City Council to ban the sale of fur! It is disappointing that in response to an invitation to help end the cruelty of the fur trade that Ms. Horvath has decided to spend city resources to promote the fur trade rather then end it.
Ms. Horvath stated that her item on the agenda (2.S.) is a "proactive way to protect animals while helping our business community come into compliance with this law". All Horvath is doing is wasting time and hindering Fur-Free WeHo's Campaign to BAN the sale of fur in the city entirely. Her proposed item would do nothing to protect animals, it would only protects furriers. Council Member Horvath is the lone voice on the city council not to support a ban on fur in the city. Last Chance for Animals cannot stand by and let her claim to protect animals by shielding furriers from prosecution under the new Federal Law.
Tell the City Council NOT to Support the Cruel Fur Trade.
Ban the Sale of Fur- Period!
PLEASE CALL OR EMAIL BEFORE 6pm on 2/22!
- Call (323) 848-6400 and ask for Council member Lindsey Horvath's office. Politely inform her it's NOT OK to skin animals alive for their fur! Ask her to support the BAN on the sale of fur in West Hollywood.
- Email Tom West- West Hollywood City Clerk for distribution to all council offices
twest@weho.org subject line: NO on 2.S.
- And/or email the Council Members directly
jheilman@weho.org Mayor John Heilman
Jduran@weho.org John Duran
aland@weho.org Abbe Land
jprang@weho.org Jeff Prang
lhorvath@weho.org Lindsey Horvath
For the Animals,
Campaigns Department
Last Chance for Animals
Campaigns@LCAnimal.org
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Saving Forests Worldwide ... For Life
A forest is a community of trees. Through reforestation and afforestation, together we can restore and restock areas of forests and woodlands.
Plant It Together! Planet Together! A Global Effort ...
For people, animals, and our earth.
Recently I posted the 'Save Our Forests' Petition - by 38 Degrees and after I received so many inquiries from people asking how to join in petitions of from other countries - so many inquiries I realized this was an issue, so I wrote the 38 Degrees team requesting more information. Their response letter is below.
Soon people will be able to join in a petition campaign for any location in the world, from anywhere, and support in the resolution of that issue.. I think global efforts are needed for solutions to many of the important environmental and health issues in the world.
Let's save forests worldwide. By doing so we'll be ensuring the health and protection of many generations of people and animals to come.
Below is the response letter from 38 Degrees. And, ...I just heard the Save Our Forests campaign was a success, another victory for earth!
........................................................................................................................................
Re: Your message to 38 Degrees
Victory! Government to scrap plans to sell our forests
Thanks again to Martin and the 39 Degrees team!
Its a great time now for change, with the internet people cam already (in many ways) unite-globally in online actions and efforts to help people, animal and earth...Eventually, there will be less walls, then people will truly be able to work together to solve worldwide problems, from anywhere .. for any place, for anyone.
.......................................................................................................................................
Get Involved!
SAVE FORESTS WORLDWIDE ...
SAVE EARTH!
A forest (also called a wood, woodland, wold, weald, holt, frith, or firth) is an area with a high density of trees. There are many definitions for forest, based on the various criteria.
These plant communities cover approximately 9.4% of the Earth's surface (or 30% of total land area), though they once covered much more (about 50% of total land area),
in many different regions and function as habitats for organisms, hydrologic flow modulators, and soil conservers, constituting one of the most important aspects of the Earth's biosphere. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest)
Anthropogenic factors that can affect forests include logging, urban sprawl, human-caused forest fires, acid rain, invasive species, and the slash and burn practices of swidden agriculture or shifting cultivation. The loss and re-growth of forest leads to a distinction between two broad types of forest, primary or old-growth forest and secondary forest. There are also many natural factors that can cause changes in forests over time including forest fires, insects, diseases, weather, competition between species, etc. In 1997, the World Resources Institute recorded that only 20% of the world's original forests remained in large intact tracts of undisturbed forest.[8] More than 75% of these intact forests lie in three countries - the Boreal forests of Russia and Canada and the rainforest of Brazil. In 2006 this information on intact forests was updated using latest available satellite imagery. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest)
I LOVE FORESTS AND WOODLANDS
Reforestation is the restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted, an effect of deforestation. Reforestation can be used to improve the quality of human life by soaking up pollution and dust from the air, rebuild natural habitats and ecosystems, mitigate global warming since forests facilitate biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and harvest for resources, particularly timber.
The term reforestation is similar to afforestation, the process of restoring and recreating areas of woodlands or forests that may have existed long ago but were deforested or otherwise removed at some point in the past.
Plant It Together! Planet Together! A Global Effort ...
For people, animals, and our earth.
Recently I posted the 'Save Our Forests' Petition - by 38 Degrees and after I received so many inquiries from people asking how to join in petitions of from other countries - so many inquiries I realized this was an issue, so I wrote the 38 Degrees team requesting more information. Their response letter is below.
Soon people will be able to join in a petition campaign for any location in the world, from anywhere, and support in the resolution of that issue.. I think global efforts are needed for solutions to many of the important environmental and health issues in the world.
Let's save forests worldwide. By doing so we'll be ensuring the health and protection of many generations of people and animals to come.
Spiny forest at Ifaty, Madagascar, featuring various Adansonia (baobab) species, Alluaudia procera (Madagascar ocotillo) and other vegetation.
Trees on a mountain in northern Utah during early autumn.
Below is the response letter from 38 Degrees. And, ...I just heard the Save Our Forests campaign was a success, another victory for earth!
........................................................................................................................................
Re: Your message to 38 Degrees
"Dear Natalie,
Unfortunately, we can only take names from those that are based in the UK at this time.
However, you obviously feel very passionately about this, so I would recommend you and others in your situation contact your UK-based friends and family, and ask them to sign up to our campaign, to get your voice heard.
If you are interested in campaigning at a global level, Avaaz (http://avaaz.org/) is a global organisation based on similar principles to 38 Degrees.
Unfortunately, we can only take names from those that are based in the UK at this time.
However, you obviously feel very passionately about this, so I would recommend you and others in your situation contact your UK-based friends and family, and ask them to sign up to our campaign, to get your voice heard.
If you are interested in campaigning at a global level, Avaaz (http://avaaz.org/) is a global organisation based on similar principles to 38 Degrees.
Thanks for taking the time to get in touch,
Martin and the 38degrees team."
Victory! Government to scrap plans to sell our forests
"Over half a million of us should feel very proud of what we’ve achieved together. Let’s keep watching but also celebrate what we’ve done!"
Thanks again to Martin and the 39 Degrees team!
Its a great time now for change, with the internet people cam already (in many ways) unite-globally in online actions and efforts to help people, animal and earth...Eventually, there will be less walls, then people will truly be able to work together to solve worldwide problems, from anywhere .. for any place, for anyone.
.......................................................................................................................................
Get Involved!
SAVE FORESTS WORLDWIDE ...
SAVE EARTH!
A forest (also called a wood, woodland, wold, weald, holt, frith, or firth) is an area with a high density of trees. There are many definitions for forest, based on the various criteria.
These plant communities cover approximately 9.4% of the Earth's surface (or 30% of total land area), though they once covered much more (about 50% of total land area),
in many different regions and function as habitats for organisms, hydrologic flow modulators, and soil conservers, constituting one of the most important aspects of the Earth's biosphere. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest)
Anthropogenic factors that can affect forests include logging, urban sprawl, human-caused forest fires, acid rain, invasive species, and the slash and burn practices of swidden agriculture or shifting cultivation. The loss and re-growth of forest leads to a distinction between two broad types of forest, primary or old-growth forest and secondary forest. There are also many natural factors that can cause changes in forests over time including forest fires, insects, diseases, weather, competition between species, etc. In 1997, the World Resources Institute recorded that only 20% of the world's original forests remained in large intact tracts of undisturbed forest.[8] More than 75% of these intact forests lie in three countries - the Boreal forests of Russia and Canada and the rainforest of Brazil. In 2006 this information on intact forests was updated using latest available satellite imagery. (en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Forest)
I LOVE FORESTS AND WOODLANDS
Reforestation is the restocking of existing forests and woodlands which have been depleted, an effect of deforestation. Reforestation can be used to improve the quality of human life by soaking up pollution and dust from the air, rebuild natural habitats and ecosystems, mitigate global warming since forests facilitate biosequestration of atmospheric carbon dioxide, and harvest for resources, particularly timber.
The term reforestation is similar to afforestation, the process of restoring and recreating areas of woodlands or forests that may have existed long ago but were deforested or otherwise removed at some point in the past.
Mixed deciduous forest in Stara Planina, Serbia.
Forest near Rajgir, Bihar, India
Rainforest in Tasmania's Hellyer Gorge.
A conifer forest in the Swiss Alps (National Park).
Swiss National Park
Swiss National Park
Saturday, February 19, 2011
VIDEO: A Thank-You Message from Captain Watson - Sea Shepherd
VIDEO: A Thank-You Message From Captain Watson
A Thank-You Message from Captain Watson - Sea Shepherd
42 secs ago
| A Thank-You Message from Captain Watson Thank-you. We did it!
From both a medium- and long-term perspective, Japan should improve its protection of marine resources to a level meeting international standards. Japan has come under mounting criticism from the international community not only over its whaling program but also over tuna fishing. In order to avoid unjustifiable criticism from overseas, Japan should improve its whole policy on marine resource protection.
-- The Mainichi Daily News
February 19, 2011
Today we celebrate with you a victory for the oceans! Sea Shepherd has turned the tide and provoked a debate in Japan about whaling.
Five years ago the average Japanese citizen gave little thought to Japan's whaling program in the Southern Ocean. Nor did they think much about the slaughter of the dolphins in Taiji or the fact that Japanese demand for bluefin tuna has brought this species to the brink of extinction.
Sea Shepherd has changed all that through years of patient, focused, and determined actions to defend marine species from plankton to the great whales...
A Thank-You Message from Captain Watson - Sea Shepherd
Whales Weep Not! - Sea Shepherd
Whales Weep Not!
It’s Time for the Whaling Industry to Weep Instead
Let’s Abolish Whaling in the Southern Ocean Whale Sanctuary Forever
"There's no way we can outrun the Sea Shepherd boats!" – Fishery’s Agency Officials
Officials of the Fisheries Agency’s Far Seas Fisheries Division quoted a phone call from the Nisshin Maru in the Antarctic Ocean on February 11th. The 8,044-ton Nisshin Maru is the mother ship of the research whaling fleet.
The largest newspaper in Japan had the courage to say what must be said in Japan – whaling is over in the Southern Ocean! It is a pathetic dying industry on the life support system of government subsidies – a glorified welfare operation that has no place in the world of the 21st Century. It’s time to retire the harpoons and to bring peace to the Southern Ocean.
read more...
Whales Weep Not! - Sea Shepherd
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