Biosphere 2 gets a new owner and a boost in funding
Biosphere 2 gets a new owner and a boost in funding.
Biosphere 2 gets a new owner and a boost in funding.
Category: Points of Information
Very brief descriptions, with appropriate links, of current or recent news items.
Biosphere 2 gets a new owner and a boost in funding
Appeals Court in Ohio Upholds Health Law
Bad news: The Federal Appeals court in Ohio has upheld Obamacare 2-1. A warning from the dissenting judge:
“If the exercise of power is allowed and the mandate upheld, it is difficult to see what the limits on Congress’s Commerce Clause authority would be. What aspect of human activity would escape federal power?”
Bad news: The Federal Appeals court in Ohio has upheld Obamacare 2-1. A warning from the dissenting judge:
“If the exercise of power is allowed and the mandate upheld, it is difficult to see what the limits on Congress’s Commerce Clause authority would be. What aspect of human activity would escape federal power?”
AAAS campaigns to stop attacks on global warming advocates
The board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has issued a statement demanding that all attacks on global warming advocates cease.
Though they couch their wording as if they oppose all outside interference with the scientific process (a bad idea on its own), they conveniently only complain about the efforts of skeptics to challenge the work of scientists who support human-caused global warming.
Lawmakers and activist groups also have sought detailed disclosure of records from climate researchers. The American Tradition Institute (ATI) has asked the University of Virginia to turn over thousands of e-mails and documents written by Michael E. Mann, a former U-Va. professor and a prominent climate scientist. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a climate change skeptic, demanded many of the same documents last year in an effort to determine if Mann had somehow defrauded taxpayers in obtaining research grants. ATI also has sued NASA to disclose records detailing climate scientist James Hansen’s compliance with federal ethics and disclosure rules.
In other words, don’t question these people, only skeptics are open for attack.
The board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) has issued a statement demanding that all attacks on global warming advocates cease.
Though they couch their wording as if they oppose all outside interference with the scientific process (a bad idea on its own), they conveniently only complain about the efforts of skeptics to challenge the work of scientists who support human-caused global warming.
Lawmakers and activist groups also have sought detailed disclosure of records from climate researchers. The American Tradition Institute (ATI) has asked the University of Virginia to turn over thousands of e-mails and documents written by Michael E. Mann, a former U-Va. professor and a prominent climate scientist. Virginia Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli, a climate change skeptic, demanded many of the same documents last year in an effort to determine if Mann had somehow defrauded taxpayers in obtaining research grants. ATI also has sued NASA to disclose records detailing climate scientist James Hansen’s compliance with federal ethics and disclosure rules.
In other words, don’t question these people, only skeptics are open for attack.
EPA approves 15% ethanol gasoline despite the risk of engine damage
We’re here to help you: The EPA has approved a warning label for its approval of 15% ethanol gasoline.
EPA says tests show E15 won’t harm 2001 and newer vehicles, which have hoses and gaskets and seals specially designed to resist corrosive ethanol. But using E15 fuel in older vehicles or in power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws and boats, can cause damage and now is literally a federal offense.
We’re here to help you: The EPA has approved a warning label for its approval of 15% ethanol gasoline.
EPA says tests show E15 won’t harm 2001 and newer vehicles, which have hoses and gaskets and seals specially designed to resist corrosive ethanol. But using E15 fuel in older vehicles or in power equipment such as mowers, chainsaws and boats, can cause damage and now is literally a federal offense.
China buys three Earth observations satellites from UK firm
Capitalism in space: China has purchased a three Earth observation satellite constellation from a United Kingdom firm.
Capitalism in space: China has purchased a three Earth observation satellite constellation from a United Kingdom firm.
Wallops launch delayed until Wednesday
The launch of a military satellite out of Wallops Island, Maryland has been delayed until Wednesday.
The launch of a military satellite out of Wallops Island, Maryland has been delayed until Wednesday.
Tim Pawlenty goes from advocate of global warming to skeptic
Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty switches from global warming advocate to skeptic.
This is just more fallout from Climategate and the unwillingness of scientists to clean house.
Presidential candidate Tim Pawlenty switches from global warming advocate to skeptic.
This is just more fallout from Climategate and the unwillingness of scientists to clean house.
The Obama administration versus the lumber industry
Lumber and regulation: First, the Obama administration is about to release its spotted owl recovery plan for the northwest United States, and no one knows what’s in it. Second, a timber industry group has sued the Obama administration for not selling “at least 502 million board feet each year, the amount provided for under the resource management plans for the agency’s districts in Western Oregon.”
With the first story, I wonder what happened to the “most transparent administration in history.” With the second, the Obama administration continues its pattern of ignoring the law in favor of its own preferences.
Lumber and regulation: First, the Obama administration is about to release its spotted owl recovery plan for the northwest United States, and no one knows what’s in it. Second, a timber industry group has sued the Obama administration for not selling “at least 502 million board feet each year, the amount provided for under the resource management plans for the agency’s districts in Western Oregon.”
With the first story, I wonder what happened to the “most transparent administration in history.” With the second, the Obama administration continues its pattern of ignoring the law in favor of its own preferences.
VA cemetery director accused of censoring religious speech
Freedom of worship in modern America: The cemetery director at the Houston National Cemetery, run by the Veterans administration. has been accused of censoring religious speech.
According to court documents, [Arleen] Ocasio banned members of the groups from using certain religious words such as “God” or “Jesus,” censored the content of prayer, and forbade the use of religious messages in burial rituals unless the deceased’s family submitted the text to her for prior approval.
Court documents also describe the closure of the cemetery’s chapel after Ocasio’s appointment as director two years ago. “The doors remain locked during Houston National Cemetery operating hours, the cross and the Bible have been removed, and the Chapel bells, which tolled at least twice a day, are now inoperative,” the complaint reads. “Director Ocasio only unlocks the Chapel doors when meetings or training sessions are held at the building. Furthermore it is no longer called a ‘chapel’ but a ‘meeting facility.’” [emphasis mine]
Freedom of worship in modern America: The cemetery director at the Houston National Cemetery, run by the Veterans administration. has been accused of censoring religious speech.
According to court documents, [Arleen] Ocasio banned members of the groups from using certain religious words such as “God” or “Jesus,” censored the content of prayer, and forbade the use of religious messages in burial rituals unless the deceased’s family submitted the text to her for prior approval.
Court documents also describe the closure of the cemetery’s chapel after Ocasio’s appointment as director two years ago. “The doors remain locked during Houston National Cemetery operating hours, the cross and the Bible have been removed, and the Chapel bells, which tolled at least twice a day, are now inoperative,” the complaint reads. “Director Ocasio only unlocks the Chapel doors when meetings or training sessions are held at the building. Furthermore it is no longer called a ‘chapel’ but a ‘meeting facility.’” [emphasis mine]
Charges against woman videotaping police from her front yard have been dropped
The charges against a woman, Emily Good, who was arrested for videotaping the police from her front yard have been dropped.
As far as I am concerned, the cop who did this should be fired. So should the cops who did this:
There will be an internal review into the original videotaped incident as well as one last week where police officers wrote five tickets outside a meeting supporting Good, using rulers to measure distance from the curb. [emphasis mine]
The charges against a woman, Emily Good, who was arrested for videotaping the police from her front yard have been dropped.
As far as I am concerned, the cop who did this should be fired. So should the cops who did this:
There will be an internal review into the original videotaped incident as well as one last week where police officers wrote five tickets outside a meeting supporting Good, using rulers to measure distance from the curb. [emphasis mine]
Glenn Beck and his family harassed during outdoor movie night in New York park.
Left wing civility: Glenn Beck and his family harassed during outdoor movie night in New York park.
Left wing civility: Glenn Beck and his family harassed during outdoor movie night in New York park.
Texas lawmakers pass watered-down airport groping bill
Chickening out: Texas lawmakers today passed a watered-down anti-TSA airport groping bill.
Chickening out: Texas lawmakers today passed a watered-down anti-TSA airport groping bill.
Biologist spared jail for grant fraud
A biologist was spared a jail sentence after being found guilty of falsifying data in order to get government research grants.
A biologist was spared a jail sentence after being found guilty of falsifying data in order to get government research grants.
Astronauts retreated to Soyuz lifeboats early today as debris zipped 1000 feet past the station
Astronauts retreated to their Soyuz lifeboats early today as a piece of space junk zipped less than 1000 feet past the station.
Astronauts retreated to their Soyuz lifeboats early today as a piece of space junk zipped less than 1000 feet past the station.
Rocket launch on Tuesday at Wallops will be visible for most of Mid-Atlantic
A rocket launch tonight at Wallops Island will be visible to most of the mid-Atlantic eastern United States.
A rocket launch tonight at Wallops Island will be visible to most of the mid-Atlantic eastern United States.
TSA ‘ignored warnings’ on radiation dangers
Freedom of Information documents show the TSA ignoring the radiation dangers of its body scanners.
Freedom of Information documents show the TSA ignoring the radiation dangers of its body scanners.
First photos of the asteroid that buzzed the Earth today
First photos of the asteroid that buzzed the Earth today.
First photos of the asteroid that buzzed the Earth today.
Idaho could follow Texas in pushing anti-TSA groping bill
The more states the merrier! Idaho could follow Texas in pushing for an anti-TSA groping bill.
The more states the merrier! Idaho could follow Texas in pushing for an anti-TSA groping bill.
The EPA has given $100M to foreign governments and groups in last decade
The EPA has given $100M to foreign governments and foreign groups in last decade.
The EPA has given $100M to foreign governments and foreign groups in last decade.
A New Mexico wildfire has prompted the closure of Los Alamos
A New Mexico wildfire has prompted the closure of the Los Alamos laboratory.
The article also includes an update on the other southwest wildfires, most of which appear to be under control at this point.
A New Mexico wildfire has prompted the closure of the Los Alamos laboratory.
The article also includes an update on the other southwest wildfires, most of which appear to be under control at this point.
Netherlands abandoning multiculturalism
Pigs fly: The liberal Netherlands appears to be abandoning multiculturalism.
Pigs fly: The liberal Netherlands appears to be abandoning multiculturalism.
The shocking true size of our nation’s debt
The day of reckoning beckons: The shocking true size of our nation’s debt.
Add it all up, and total US debt actually exceeds 900% of GDP. That’s somewhere in excess of $120 trillion. We are beginning to talk real money here.
The Congressional Budget Office [CBO] also contains bad news for those who believe that we can fix this problem simply by cutting “fraud, waste and abuse.” As CBO points out, the projected growth in the debt “is attributable entirely to increases in spending on several large mandatory programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and (to a lesser extent) insurance subsidies that will be provided through [Obamacare].” There is simply no way to deal with our debt problems without reforming those entitlement programs.
Finally, the CBO report makes it clear that we have a debt problem because spending is too high, not because taxes are too low. In fact, even though taxes are currently at a near historic low as a proportion of the economy, that is largely a result of the recession. If the economy returns to normal growth rates (a big “if”), federal revenues will not only rise, but will actually be higher than the postwar average percentage of GDP by the end of the decade. In fact, this will happen even if the Bush tax cuts are extended and the Alternative Minimum Tax AMT continues to be patched.
The day of reckoning beckons: The shocking true size of our nation’s debt.
Add it all up, and total US debt actually exceeds 900% of GDP. That’s somewhere in excess of $120 trillion. We are beginning to talk real money here.
The Congressional Budget Office [CBO] also contains bad news for those who believe that we can fix this problem simply by cutting “fraud, waste and abuse.” As CBO points out, the projected growth in the debt “is attributable entirely to increases in spending on several large mandatory programs: Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid, and (to a lesser extent) insurance subsidies that will be provided through [Obamacare].” There is simply no way to deal with our debt problems without reforming those entitlement programs.
Finally, the CBO report makes it clear that we have a debt problem because spending is too high, not because taxes are too low. In fact, even though taxes are currently at a near historic low as a proportion of the economy, that is largely a result of the recession. If the economy returns to normal growth rates (a big “if”), federal revenues will not only rise, but will actually be higher than the postwar average percentage of GDP by the end of the decade. In fact, this will happen even if the Bush tax cuts are extended and the Alternative Minimum Tax AMT continues to be patched.
Micro-camera takes first images of sealed Mayan tomb
A micro-camera has taken the first images in 1,500 years of a sealed Mayan tomb.
A micro-camera has taken the first images in 1,500 years of a sealed Mayan tomb.
Elderly woman asked to remove adult diaper during TSA search
Freedom on the march! A 95-year-old woman sick with leukemia was forced to remove her adult diaper during a TSA search last weekend.
Freedom on the march! A 95-year-old woman sick with leukemia was forced to remove her adult diaper during a TSA search last weekend.
Plans to adjust frequency variations on electric grid could break appliances
We’re here to help you! A experiment with the nation’s electric grid could mess up traffic lights, security systems and some computers — and make plug-in clocks and appliances like programmable coffeemakers run up to 20 minutes fast. Then there’s this quote:
A lot of people are going to have things break and they’re not going to know why,
We’re here to help you! A experiment with the nation’s electric grid could mess up traffic lights, security systems and some computers — and make plug-in clocks and appliances like programmable coffeemakers run up to 20 minutes fast. Then there’s this quote:
A lot of people are going to have things break and they’re not going to know why,
Infrasonic detection of a near-Earth object impact over Indonesia on 8 October 2009
From a paper published on Saturday in Geophysical Research Letters, scientists describe the after the fact detection of the impact of a near-Earth object about 6 to 10 yards in diameter over Indonesia in 2009. From the abstract:
We present analysis of infrasonic signals produced by a large Earth-impacting fireball, believed to be among the most energetic instrumentally recorded during the last century that occurred on 8 October, 2009 over Indonesia. This extraordinary event, detected by 17 infrasonic stations of the global International Monitoring Network, generated stratospherically ducted infrasound returns at distances up to 17 500 km, the greatest range at which infrasound from a fireball has been detected since the 1908 Tunguska explosion. From these infrasonic records, we find the total source energy for this bolide as 8–67 kilotons of TNT equivalent explosive yield, with the favored best estimate near ∼50 kt. Global impact events of such energy are expected only once per decade and study of their impact effects can provide insight into the impactor threshold levels for ground damage and climate perturbations.
From a paper published on Saturday in Geophysical Research Letters, scientists describe the after the fact detection of the impact of a near-Earth object about 6 to 10 yards in diameter over Indonesia in 2009. From the abstract:
We present analysis of infrasonic signals produced by a large Earth-impacting fireball, believed to be among the most energetic instrumentally recorded during the last century that occurred on 8 October, 2009 over Indonesia. This extraordinary event, detected by 17 infrasonic stations of the global International Monitoring Network, generated stratospherically ducted infrasound returns at distances up to 17 500 km, the greatest range at which infrasound from a fireball has been detected since the 1908 Tunguska explosion. From these infrasonic records, we find the total source energy for this bolide as 8–67 kilotons of TNT equivalent explosive yield, with the favored best estimate near ∼50 kt. Global impact events of such energy are expected only once per decade and study of their impact effects can provide insight into the impactor threshold levels for ground damage and climate perturbations.
Asteroid to Pass Extremely Close By Earth On Monday
Asteroid the size of a school bus will pass extremely close to the Earth on Monday.
Asteroid the size of a school bus will pass extremely close to the Earth on Monday.
Another private space plane moves forward
Another private space plane moves forward.
Another private space plane moves forward.
At House hearing head of NOAA challenged on ignoring Congressional law
At House hearings this week the head of NOAA was attacked for ignoring Congressional law in setting up a National Climate Service.
One big sticking point for legislators is language in this spring’s final 2011 spending bill that averted a government shutdown, which states that “none of the funds made available by this division may be used to implement, establish, or create a NOAA Climate Service.” Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) said the appointment of Karl and the hiring of six regional directors appear to have ignored those instructions. He quipped that NOAA was “living in climate sin,” a reference to Karl’s statement during an interview in December 2010 with ClimateWire that “we’ve moved in, … we’re waiting for the marriage certificate, but we’re acting like we have a climate service.”
Lubchenco defended her actions, saying that her appointments were “smart” and merely “good planning.” She said their salaries are drawn from “existing funds” and that legislation dating back to the National Climate Program Act of 1978 describes providing climate services as part of NOAA’s mission. She responded to Hall’s concerns that the climate service would take away from NOAA’s other activities by saying, “It’s good government to reorganize periodically.” She also referred to its economic potential, citing the $1 billion industry that has emerged around the National Weather Service.
Speaking with ScienceInsider after the hearing, she made it clear that NOAA intends to push ahead. “This is an idea whose time has come.” [emphasis mine]
In other words, so what the law forbids NOAA from doing this. We know best, Congress can go to hell.
At House hearings this week the head of NOAA was attacked for ignoring Congressional law in setting up a National Climate Service.
One big sticking point for legislators is language in this spring’s final 2011 spending bill that averted a government shutdown, which states that “none of the funds made available by this division may be used to implement, establish, or create a NOAA Climate Service.” Representative Dana Rohrabacher (R-CA) said the appointment of Karl and the hiring of six regional directors appear to have ignored those instructions. He quipped that NOAA was “living in climate sin,” a reference to Karl’s statement during an interview in December 2010 with ClimateWire that “we’ve moved in, … we’re waiting for the marriage certificate, but we’re acting like we have a climate service.”
Lubchenco defended her actions, saying that her appointments were “smart” and merely “good planning.” She said their salaries are drawn from “existing funds” and that legislation dating back to the National Climate Program Act of 1978 describes providing climate services as part of NOAA’s mission. She responded to Hall’s concerns that the climate service would take away from NOAA’s other activities by saying, “It’s good government to reorganize periodically.” She also referred to its economic potential, citing the $1 billion industry that has emerged around the National Weather Service.
Speaking with ScienceInsider after the hearing, she made it clear that NOAA intends to push ahead. “This is an idea whose time has come.” [emphasis mine]
In other words, so what the law forbids NOAA from doing this. We know best, Congress can go to hell.
DNA from Madagascar coconuts has revealed two separate waves of settlement, several ancient trade routes, and the source of the coconuts in the New World.
DNA from Madagascar coconuts has revealed two separate waves of settlement, several ancient trade routes, and the source of the coconuts in the New World.
DNA from Madagascar coconuts has revealed two separate waves of settlement, several ancient trade routes, and the source of the coconuts in the New World.