tagged w/ YWR
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With a sea of information coming at us from all directions, how do we sift out the misinformation and bogus claims, and get to the truth? Michael Shermer of Skeptic Magazine lays out a "Baloney Detection Kit," ten questions we should ask when encountering a claim.With a sea of information coming at us from all directions, how do we sift out the... more
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If there's one thing that continues to stand out to me in the politics of climate change is the yawning chasm between what scientists say is needed in terms of emissions reductions to prevent catastrophic climate change and what politicians are proposing. Finally though, scientists are speaking up; 20 of the United States' leading climate and environmental scientists have written an open letter to President Obama and Congress highlighting the gap between what science says is necessary and what politics deems feasible. The full letter is available from The Woods Hole Research Center, but here's the gist of it:
Waxman-Markey is Just a Small First Step
Waxman-Markey can only be viewed as first step, and must be enacted this year. However, the bill needs to be strengthened wherever possible (and certainly not weakened). Furthermore, the President must show personal leadership to "lead the American public into recognition of the scale of climate disruption so that the US will embrace still stronger policies to do what we know from scientific investigation is necessary to prevent disastrous climate alteration."
450ppm is Not Enough to Prevent "Ruinous Climate Change"
The scientists also expressed that the international political consensus that constraining atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations of 450ppm is adequate, is far from that. Without going so far as James Hansen, Bill McKibben and others in specifically saying that we really should be reducing CO2 levels to 350ppm, the scientists urged stronger action on the part of the United States:
We and many other are of the view that these objectives [holding CO2 to 450ppm] are inadequate to sustain the integrity of global climate and to hold the risk of ruinous climatic change to an acceptably low level. United State policy must provide a fully satisfactory US contribution to global greenhouse gas reductions that move beyond these inadequate international limits.
For more info on who signed the letter click the linkIf there's one thing that continues to stand out to me in the politics of climate... more
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leahl
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2 years ago
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With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage. Employer-sponsored health insurance premiums have nearly doubled since 2000, a rate three times faster than wages. In 2008, the average premium for a family plan purchased through an employer was $12,680, nearly the annual earnings of a full-time minimum wage job. Americans pay more than ever for health insurance, but get less coverage.
More at the link, with source documentation, much of it linking back to Kaiser Family Foundation http://www.kff.org/ with some pretty interesting info hosted there.With each passing year, Americans are paying more for health care coverage.... more
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OMG. Too funny.
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leahl
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2 years ago
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President Obama just doesn't "Get it". This is a man that saw his own Mother have to fight with insurance companies for coverage as she was dying of cancer. How in God's name can he let that happen to us when he has the ability to get behind HR 676 single payer health care, and assure it's passage?
The first problem is Max Baucus, and he needs a recall started against him. The rest might see that we are serious if we can manage to do that. If not then recall the lot of them. If they are against it, we don't want them anyway.President Obama just doesn't "Get it". This is a man that saw his own... more
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Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 23, 2009
“Arm yourself….with knowledge!”
Captain’s Comments
This will be the last newsletter by me for a few weeks. Lt. Rich Pate will be Acting Captain until July 13 when I return. If you miss a newsletter, try checking www.thebarbarycoastnews.com for current and archived police reports.
Last week we gave a fond farewell to Day Watch Lieutenant Harry Pearson, who retired after 32 years of valued service to the City and County of San Francisco. I met Harry while we were both patrolmen at Northern Station in 1980 when the station operated out of an old school at 841 Ellis. Harry was and always has been a “cops’ cop.” He was always making good arrests and sharing knowledge with other officers. I recalled at his retirement luncheon of the time in about 1982 when my partner and I stopped a suspect in the Northern District holding a small bag of what looked like soap chips. After consultation with Harry, our resident Narcotics expert, it was determined that the substance was a new type of drug that we were hearing about called “crack cocaine.” Soon afterwards it became prevalent around the country. It’s just one of so many examples where Harry lent his expertise and experience to newer officers in crime fighting. Harry worked several years at the Narcotics Bureau as an officer, a sergeant and as a lieutenant until coming to Central Station a year ago. We are all better by knowing him.
Congratulations to Night Watch Sergeant Robert Harwood, who was honored by MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers on June 18, 2009. It’s no wonder, since Sgt. Harwood is known for his expertise in DUI recognition and arrests. Sgt. Harwood has been sharing his knowledge with the night watch officers and the response has been well received. The next DUI Checkpoint Operation will be done by the Traffic Company in the district on July 3, 2009.
Police Commission Meeting in the Central District-Postponed
Due to construction conflicts, the Police Commission in the Central District has been postponed for a future date. The Commission will hold their regular meeting June 24th at City Hall.
REMINDER- Message from the Chief regarding proposed cuts to Public Safety
Budget Hearings resume on Monday, June 22 at 5:00 PM, in the Board Chambers, City Hall Rm. 250. SPECIAL ORDER - 5:00 P.M. –Public Comment for the 2009/2010 Annual Budget
SF Pride Celebration will take place next weekend, June 27th and June 28th. People from all over the world come to this event to celebrate. The festivities take place at Civic Center from Noon to 6pm on Saturday and Noon to 7pm on Sunday. Sunday is also the day of the big parade. The parade kicks off at 10:30am at Market and Beale and ends at Market and 8th. For more information on the festivities and parade route, go to www.sfpride.org.Central District Newsletter
Captain James I. Dudley
June 23, 2009
“Arm... more
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You've been coughing for weeks. How do you know if it's just a hard-to-shake cold or something more serious? A chronic cough, defined as lasting more than eight weeks, is not uncommon.
Up to 40 percent of nonsmokers in the United States and Europe have reported a chronic cough at some point, and coughing is one of the five most common reasons for a doctor's visit.
Only a doctor can tell for sure what's behind your endless hacking.
However, in a 2006 study of women with an average age of 48 who had a cough lasting for six months, 39 percent were found to have asthma, 9 percent had chronic upper airway cough syndrome (commonly known as postnasal drip), and 9 percent had gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD).
In addition, another 11 percent had chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), a serious, progressive disease that includes both emphysema and bronchitis. While not all people who develop COPD are smokers, people who smoke are at higher risk. Overall, 24 million Americans -- about 1 in 12 people -- have COPD, although half don't know they have the disease.
1. Asthma and allergies
Asthma is a chronic lung disease in which the airways in the lungs are prone to inflammation and swelling. Along with chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing, coughing is a characteristic symptom of asthma, one which tends to intensify at night or in the early morning. When the symptoms of asthma flare up suddenly, it's known as an asthma attack.
Although it can begin at any age, asthma usually develops in childhood. Asthma triggers are different for everyone, and they can include exercise, colds, cigarette smoke and other airborne irritants, and certain foods. Asthmatics usually also have allergies.
Even in people without asthma, inhaling pollen, dust, pet dander, and other airborne irritants can trigger allergic rhinitis, an allergic reaction that can cause coughing, along with symptoms such as stuffy nose and sneezing.
You may be able to determine whether your cough is caused by allergies by keeping track of whether it comes and goes in certain situations. If your coughing magically stops when you step into an air-conditioned room on a dry, pollen-heavy day, or if gets worse every time you pet Mittens, you probably have allergies. If you're not sure what's triggering your allergic cough, your doctor can give you a skin test or blood test to pinpoint the allergy.
2. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
One condition that can cause a nagging cough is COPD, a lung condition that includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
COPD occurs when the airways and air sacs in the lungs become inflamed or damaged, most often due to smoking, and is more common after age 45. In COPD, the lungs produce excess mucus, which the body reflexively tries to clear by coughing. COPD-related tissue damage can also make it particularly difficult to expel air from the lungs, which can make you feel short of breath. Health.com: Young and short of breath: Could it be COPD?
Your doctor may check you for COPD (particularly if you have risk factors, such as smoking), after ruling out other common causes of cough. To determine if you have COPD, your doctor is likely to conduct some tests, including spirometry, which involves inhaling as deeply as you can and then exhaling into a tube.
3. Gastroesophageal reflux disease
GERD is an ailment of the stomach and esophagus that occurs when stomach acid backs up into the esophagus due to a weak valve. The main symptoms? Killer heartburn. But coughing is another common symptom of GERD, along with chest pain and wheezing. In fact, GERD is a fairly common, and unrecognizeYou've been coughing for weeks. How do you know if it's just a hard-to-shake... more
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NFUSA
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President Barack Obama (D) signed into law a powerful bill that will regulate the tobacco industry.President Barack Obama (D) signed into law a powerful bill that will regulate the... more
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A group of U.S. climate scientists is urging Congress to quickly pass a strengthened version of the House global warming bill, saying the legislation would provide a basis for stronger federal policies.
The letter [pdf] signed by 20 scientists says strong U.S. leadership is needed to avert a "rapidly developing global climatic catastrophe." The House climate and energy bill proposed by Democratic Reps. Henry Waxman of California and Ed Markey of Massachusetts offers a "powerful advance and must be enacted this year," it says, as a first step toward strong U.S. action.
"We're very encouraged that Congress is moving on legislation," said Michael MacCracken, chief scientist for climate programs at the nonprofit Climate Institute. "But a lot of what's happening in the discussions is that adjustments are being made, which is understandable, but in order to have an effect on climate we need to have really strong actions, and we don't want to just keep having it nibbled away."
end of excerpt
Source: Scientific American
What are your thoughts on the bill? Do you agree with the experts that this climate legislation is needed?A group of U.S. climate scientists is urging Congress to quickly pass a strengthened... more
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Last week, when President Obama announced United We Serve -- he called on all Americans to volunteer this summer and do our part to rebuild our communities.
When he said "all," he meant it.
Today to kick off United We Serve, First Lady Michelle Obama, Cabinet Secretaries, and Senior Administration officials have fanned out across the country to participate in service projects.
The First Lady is rolling up her sleeves alongside the First Lady of California Maria Shriver and Corporation of National and Community Service acting CEO Nicky Goren to help build a public playground at Bret Harte Public Elementary School in San Francisco. Defense Secretary Gates is spending time with our veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Center and Commerce Secretary Locke is reading to children at La Mesita Homeless Shelter in Mesa, Arizona. Just to name a few.
It's going to take all of us working together to build a new foundation for America and it will happen one community at a time. Watch this special message from the First Lady to learn how you can do your part:
http://www.whitehouse.gov/blog/United-We-Serve/Last week, when President Obama announced United We Serve -- he called on all... more
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We've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find out the latest on historic climate and energy legislation that's moving through Congress, and how you can help.
**** (This post is only one time post. This Public Action Briefing has been closed )
For more information visit;
http://www.repoweramerica.orgWe've never been closer to breaking the political gridlock in Washington. Find... more
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The Obama administration released a new report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the United States, which provides detailed information on current and pending impacts of global climate change in the U.S. and says it is important to act now, rather than later, to minimize those impacts.
The report, a product of the U.S. Global Change Research Program and authored by more than 30 government scientists, lists some of the impacts such as flooding due to rising sea levels; extreme weather events; a increase in heat waves; a increase in drought in the Southwest; reduced mountain snowpack affecting water supplies; and the extinction of Alaska's wild polar bears in the next 75 years.
The National Research Council has produced many reports on climate change, including the recently-released "Restructuring Federal Climate Research to Meet the Challenges of Climate Change" and "Informing Decisions in a Changing Climate". The Research Council is currently conducting a major suite of studies, collectively called "America's Climate Choices" that are designed to inform and guide responses to climate change across the nation. The Academies have developed two free educational resources for the public to explain basic facts about climate change and its impacts called "Understanding and Responding to Climate Change" (2008) and "Ecological Impacts of Climate Change" (2009).The Obama administration released a new report, Global Climate Change Impacts in the... more
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Politicians have promised universal health care for generations, but more Americans than ever before remain uninsured and in constant fear for their health. Millions of the uninsured are young college grads like Justine and her boyfriend Brian, who are caught off guard when a serious illness strikes. The Ithaca Health Alliance runs a free clinic in Ithaca, NY to care for those whom the health insurance system has left behind.Politicians have promised universal health care for generations, but more Americans... more
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A PETITION TO CONGRESS
Supporting Single-Payer Health Care
Whereas:
* 46 million Americans are currently without health insurance;
* 60 million Americans, both insured and uninsured, have inadequate access to primary care due to a shortage of physicians and other health service providers in their community;
* 100 million Americans have no insurance to cover dental needs;
* 116 million adults, nearly two-thirds of all non-seniors, struggled to pay medical bills, went without needed care because of cost, were uninsured for a time, or were underinsured in the last year;
* The United States spends $2.3 trillion each year on health care, 16 percent of its Gross Domestic Product;
* Americans spend $7,129 per person on health care, 50 percent more than other industrialized countries, including those with universal care;
* The U.S. does not get what it pays for. We rank among the lowest in the health outcome rankings of developed countries, and on several major indices rank below some third-world nations;
* The number of health insurance industry bureaucrats has grown at 25 times the growth of physicians in the past 30 years;
* In 2006, the six largest insurance companies made $11 billion in profits even after paying for direct health care costs, administrative costs and marketing costs.
And, whereas:
* Medicare has administrative costs far lower than any private health insurance plan;
* The potential savings on health insurance paperwork, more than $350 billion per year, is enough to provide comprehensive coverage to every uninsured American;
* Only a single-payer Medicare-for-all plan can realize these enormous savings and provide comprehensive and affordable health care to every citizen.
Now, therefore:
* We, the undersigned, urge the United States Congress to pass a single-payer Medicare-for-all program which will provide quality, comprehensive health care for all Americans.
(go to the website, sign the petition, and forward it to your friends!)A PETITION TO CONGRESS
Supporting Single-Payer Health Care
Whereas:
*... more
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asherp
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2 years ago
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I decided to look up China's health care system after reading an article in Scientific American about the long term effects of radiation, from nuclear testing, on an indigenous people in China. The article made the remark about how 80% of the people cannot afford health care.
I thought China had universal health care. Turns out they don't. Not really. But they did. Before they embraced many aspects of capitalism.
Perhaps they didn't do capitalism right, but the bottom line is...while reform is in progress, going back to the old way of doing things is gone. And the bottom line, money, is all that counts.
As to the SciAm article, it was quite good about the effects of long term radiation. Those that advocate nuclear war should look to the past in order to understand what the future could bring.
The article is full of info on the health care system.
Clip:
As with every other sector of its economy, China has a lot on its plate when it comes to health care. The collapse of communism ushered in an age where providers were encouraged to make a buck in order to survive—at the expense of cost-effectiveness and health. Now China must find a happy medium between the communism of old and the do-anything-to-profit ethos of today. The search is bound to be interesting.I decided to look up China's health care system after reading an article in... more
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Ok folks.
No reason to get up off your couch, just start sharing your ideas. now.
Normally, (in the olden days) I'd keep all of these ideas a secret and never share them with you.
But those aren't the days we're living in, and I'm excited by the idea of sharing what we're thinking with you. So here's the dealio: a little run down of potential segments that could land in a weekly show:
-Whats worth talking about in environmental news (top voted stories in the news)
-Green on a shoestring: cheap tricks (submitted by you)
-Luminaries: rising stars in the eco world
-Green tech innovations
-The Activist 911: what's the latest and how can you participate
-Climate Science 101(in plain english)
-Climate policy updates
-Weird green videos
-Green design (architecture)
-Green trends (fashion)
-Greenwasher of the week
Now, lets play a game. It's called, I can't name potential guests, but you can. I'll name the topics, and you can tell me which topics appeal to you, and even the leaders in the field that you want to hear from.
agriculture issues (GM)
green tech
climate policy
redefining consumerism in the green era
wild crazy people doing funny things that inspire us
climate change and the economy
eco maverick/adventures
Sound interesting? Like a snoozer? Do tell.
Now I know it may seem like I am asking you to do all the work to develop our live streaming show, but I SWEAR, I'm working hard (and not hardly working).
chow for now.
P.S. Apologies if you got annoyed by seeing green 15K times (it's easier to type than environment and sustainability)
AND: For the person who picks the name of the green show: we'll give ya a t-shirt and a cameo appearance on the premier show.Ok folks.
No reason to get up off your couch, just start sharing your ideas. now.... more
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leahl
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2 years ago
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I had a great time looking at the Art. One of my favor events it is the chalk art on the sidewalk.I had a great time looking at the Art. One of my favor events it is the chalk art on... more
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In their heart of hearts, few in the Obama administration would have predicted late last year that they would be this well positioned by June to achieve a major victory on health care. As the economy tanked, and attention focused on Wall Street and Detroit, it seemed unthinkable that Congress would be ready to devote the summer of 2009 to the costly proposition of providing health coverage for all, a goal that has eluded presidents since Theodore Roosevelt.
http://topics.nytimes.com/top/reference/timestopics/people/r/theodore_roosevelt/index.html?inline=nyt-per
By KEVIN SACKIn their heart of hearts, few in the Obama administration would have predicted late... more
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