CONGRESS

• Wednesday, May 15, 2013

  

  The Senate stands in adjournment until 9:30am on Wednesday, May 15, 2013.

• Following any Leader remarks, the Senate will be in a period of morning business until 10:30am with the time equally divided and controlled between the two Leaders or their designees with the Republicans controlling the first half and the Majority controlling the final half.
• Following morning business, the Senate will resume consideration of S.601, the Water Resources Development Act.  There will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to the items listed below, in the order listed.  All votes after the first vote will be 10 minutes in duration.  There will be 2 minutes of debate prior to each vote.
  • Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);
  • Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);
  • Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);
  • Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);
  • Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);
  • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);
  • Passage of S.601, as amended.
  • As a reminder, at 10:30am there will be up to 7 roll call votes in relation to amendments to S.601, Water Resources Development Act, and on passage of the bill.The first vote will be the usual 15 minute vote and the remaining votes will be 10 minutes in duration. Senator Reid intends to close the votes as quickly as possible. Senators are encouraged to remain on or close to the floor during the vote series.Last week we were able to reach short time agreements on the Tavenner (CMMS) and Orrick (Northern District Judge of CA) nominations. Senator Reid intends to execute those orders later today. Senators will be notified when the votes are scheduled.
  • 10:30am votes:-           Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment);-           Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);

  -           Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);

  -           Udall(NM) amendment #853 (pilot program);

  -           Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges);

  -           Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs);

  -           Passage of S.601, as amended.

  Tavenner Agreement:

  At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #92 the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. There will be 1 hour for debate equally divided in the usual form prior to a vote on confirmation of the nomination.

  Orrick Agreement:

  At a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, in consultation with the Republican Leader, there will be up to 1 hour for debate equally divided and controlled prior to a vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, the nomination of William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California.

  • 10:35am The Senate began a 15 minute roll call vote on Coburn amendment #815 (beach replenishment);Not Agreed To: 43-53
  • 11:01am The Senate began a roll call vote on Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects);Not Agreed To: 35-61
  • The following amendments have been considered to S.601,  the Water Resources Development Act:
    • Coburn amendment #805 (Army Corps land/guns) Not Agreed to: 56-43 (60-vote threshold)
    • Whitehouse amendment #803 (oceans) Agreed to: 68-31 (60-vote threshold)
    • Boxer-Vitter substitute amendment #799 Agreed to by UC
    • Brown amendment #813, as modified (Asian carp) Agreed to: 95-0
    • Pryor amendment #801, as modified (farms) Agreed to by UC
    • Pryor amendment #806 (work-in-kind) Agreed to by UC
    • Inhofe amendment #835, with a modification to the instruction lines (rural water infrastructure projects) Agreed to by UC
    • McCain amendment #833 (levee safety programs) Agreed to by UC
    • Murray amendment #832 (cargo noncontainer) Agreed to by UC
    • Blunt amendment #800 (resilient construction techniques for extreme weather) Agreed to by UC
    • Sessions amendment #811, as modified (Tennessee Valley Authority to grant restrictions) Agreed to by UC
    • Coburn amendment #823 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission) Agreed to by UC
    • Warner amendment #873 (4 Mile Run) Agreed to by UC
    • Baucus amendment #847 Agreed to by UC
    • Boxer-Vitter amendment #899, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Inhofe amendment #895 Agreed to by UC
    • Wicker amendment #894 Agreed to by UC
    • Inhofe amendment #867 Agreed to by UC
    • Boozman amendment #872 Agreed to by UC
    • Thune amendment #912 Agreed to by UC
    • Cornyn amendment #880 Agreed to by UC
    • Murkowski amendment #904 Agreed to by UC
    • Klobuchar amendment #884 Agreed to by UC
    • Wyden amendment #870, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Cochran amendment #911, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Carper amendment #882 Agreed to by UC
    • Murkowski amendment #903, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Durbin amendment #906, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Levin amendment #893 Agreed to by UC
    • Collins amendment #898 Agreed to by UC
    • Cardin amendment #861, as modified Agreed to by UC
    • Brown-Graham amendment #907 Agreed to by UC
    • Wyden amendment #896 Agreed to by UC
    • Inhofe amendment #797 Agreed to by UC
    • Barrasso amendment #868 Not Agreed to: 52-44
    • Sanders amendment #889 Not Agreed to: 56-40
    • Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) Not Agreed To: 43-53
    • Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects) Not Agreed to: 35-61
    • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs for military) Agreed to by voice vote
    • Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods) Agreed to: 60-36
    • Hoeven amendment #909 (surplus water charges), as modified Agreed to by voice vote
    • Boozman amendment #822 (recreational lands pass programs) was agreed to by voice vote
    • 11:23am The Senate began a 10 minute roll call vote on Merkley amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods);Agreed To: 60-36
    • The Senate is in a period of morning business until 2:00pm with senators permitted to speak for up to 10 minutes each.At 2:00pm today, the Senate will proceed to Executive Session to consider Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, en bloc.The time until 4:30 pm, will be equally divided in the usual form, with Senator Baucus in control of the time from 4:15 to 4:30pm. Upon the use or yielding back of time the Senate will proceed to vote without intervening action or debate on the nominations in the order listed.
    • There will be two minutes for debate between the votes. The second vote be 10 minutes in length.
    • 4:30pm votes:-         Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; and-         Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services
    • Senator Wyden asked unanimous consent that the Senate go to conference on the Budget resolution.Senator McConnell asked that the request be modified so that it not be in order for the Senate to consider a conference report that includes tax increases or reconciliation instructions to increase taxes or raise the debt ceiling.Senator Wyden objected to modifying the request.Senator McConnell then objected to the original request.
    • 4:38pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #40, William H. Orrick III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of CaliforniaConfirmed: 56-41
    • 5:03pm The Senate began a roll call vote on confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid ServicesConfirmed: 91-7
    • Executive Calendar #92, the nomination of Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, was confirmed 91-7. Following the vote, Senator Reid moved to proceed to S.954, a bill to reauthorize agricultural programs through 2018 (the Farm bill). There will be no further roll call votes today.
    • The Senate has reached an agreement that on Monday, May 20^th, at a time to be determined by the Majority Leader, after consultation with the Republican Leader, the Senate proceed to the consideration of Calendar #73, S.954, the Farm bill.
    • WRAP UP FOR WEDNESDAY, MAY 15, 2013ROLL CALL VOTES
    • 1)      Coburn amendment #815 (beach nourishment) to S.601, the Water Resources Development Act; Not Agreed to: 43-532)      Coburn amendment #816 (Infrastructure Deauthorization Commission projects); Not Agreed to: 35-613)      Merkley-Brown amendment #866 (use of American iron, steel, and manufactured goods); Agreed to: 60-364)      Passage of S.601, WRDA, as amended; Passed: 83-14

      5)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #40 William H. Orrick, III, of California, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of California; Confirmed: 56-41

      6)      Confirmation of Executive Calendar #92, Marilyn B. Tavenner, of Virginia, to be Administrator of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services; Confirmed: 91-7

      LEGISLATIVE ITEMS

      Adopted S.Res.142, designating May 15^th, 2013, as “National MPS (Mucopolysaccharidosis) Awareness Day”.

      Completed the Rule 14 process of S.953, the Student Loan Affordability Act. (Reed)

      No additional EXECUTIVE ITEMS

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May 2013

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Wednesday, May 15, 2013

Watch Most Recent House Floor Activity

Last Floor Action: 5/14
9:10:47 P.M. – The House adjourned.

The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 15, 2013.

10:00:13 A.M.		The House convened, starting a new legislative day.
10:00:20 A.M.		The Speaker designated the Honorable Mo Brooks to act as Speaker pro tempore for today.
10:00:46 A.M.		MORNING-HOUR DEBATE – The House proceeded with Morning-Hour Debate. At the conclusion of Morning-Hour, the House will recess until 12:00 p.m. for the start of legislative business.
10:50:57 A.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is scheduled for 12:00 P.M. today.
12:00:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 15.
12:01:00 P.M.		Today’s prayer was offered by the House Chaplain, Rev. Patrick J. Conroy.
12:03:42 P.M.		The Speaker announced approval of the Journal. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Journal stands approved.
12:03:44 P.M.		PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – The Chair designated Mr. Veasey to lead the Members in reciting the Pledge of Allegiance to the Flag.
12:04:16 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with one minute speeches, which by direction of the Chair would be limited to 15 per side of the aisle.
12:41:44 P.M.		The Speaker announced that votes on suspensions, if ordered, will be postponed until a time to be announced.
12:42:16 P.M.		INCLUSION OF PROCEEDINGS IN THE RECORD – Mr. McHenry asked unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the former Members program be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the proceedings have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks. Agreed to without objection.
12:42:35 P.M.	H.R. 701	Mr. McHenry moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 701 — “To amend a provision of the Securities Act of 1933 directing the Securities and Exchange Commission to add a particular class of securities to those exempted under such Act to provide a deadline for such action.”
12:43:02 P.M.	H.R. 701	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:43:04 P.M.	H.R. 701	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 701.
12:57:49 P.M.	H.R. 701	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
12:57:52 P.M.	H.R. 384	Mr. McHenry moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 384 — “To establish the position of Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes.”
12:58:26 P.M.	H.R. 384	Considered under suspension of the rules.
12:58:28 P.M.	H.R. 384	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 384.
1:08:36 P.M.	H.R. 384	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:10:23 P.M.	H.R. 356	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 356 — “To clarify authority granted under the Act entitled “An Act to define the exterior boundary of the Uintah and Ouray Indian Reservation in the State of Utah, and for other purposes”.”
1:10:40 P.M.	H.R. 356	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:10:43 P.M.	H.R. 356	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 356.
1:16:02 P.M.	H.R. 356	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:16:04 P.M.	H.R. 356	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:16:05 P.M.	H.R. 767	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended. H.R. 767 — “To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify the Pilot Project offices of the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project.”
1:16:41 P.M.	H.R. 767	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:16:43 P.M.	H.R. 767	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 767.
1:23:51 P.M.	H.R. 767	At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
1:23:54 P.M.	H.R. 573	Mr. Bishop (UT) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill. H.R. 573 — “To amend Public Law 93-435 with respect to the Northern Mariana Islands, providing parity with Guam, the Virgin Islands, and American Samoa.”
1:24:31 P.M.	H.R. 573	Considered under suspension of the rules.
1:24:33 P.M.	H.R. 573	DEBATE – The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 573.
1:28:57 P.M.	H.R. 573	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
1:29:00 P.M.	H.R. 573	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
1:29:24 P.M.		The Speaker announced that the House do now recess. The next meeting is subject to the call of the Chair.

5:04:00 P.M.		The House convened, returning from a recess continuing the legislative day of May 15.
5:05:30 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. Pursuant to the permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representatives, the Clerk notified the House that she had received a message from the Secretary of the Senate on May 15, 2013 at 4:23 p.m., stating that that body had passed S. 601.
5:05:47 P.M.		UNFINISHED BUSINESS – The Chair announced that the unfinished business was the question on adoption of motions to suspend the rules which had been debated earlier and on which further proceedings had been postponed.
5:06:32 P.M.	H.R. 767	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 767 — “To amend the Energy Policy Act of 2005 to modify the Pilot Project offices of the Federal Permit Streamlining Pilot Project.”
5:31:06 P.M.	H.R. 767	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 415 – 1 (Roll no. 147).
5:31:07 P.M.	H.R. 767	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:32:14 P.M.		The House received a message from the Clerk. The Clerk transmitted to the House a copy of the Certificate of Election received from the Honorable Mark Hammond, Secretary of State of South Carolina, indicating that, at the Special Election held on May 7, 2013, the Honorable Mark Sanford was duly elected Representative in Congress for the First Congressional District, State of South Carolina.
5:33:51 P.M.		OATH OF OFFICE – Representative-Elect Mark Sanford, First District, State of South Carolina, presented himself in the well of the House for the purpose of taking the Oath of Office which was administered by the Speaker of the House.
5:37:00 P.M.		Representative Sanford was recognized to address the House following the administration of the Oath of Office.
5:40:01 P.M.		ADJUSTMENT OF THE WHOLE HOUSE – Under clause 5(d) of rule 20, the Chair announced to the House that, in light of the administration of the oath of office to the gentleman from South Carolina, the whole number of the House is 434.
5:41:22 P.M.	H.R. 701	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 701 — “To amend a provision of the Securities Act of 1933 directing the Securities and Exchange Commission to add a particular class of securities to those exempted under such Act to provide a deadline for such action.”
5:47:50 P.M.	H.R. 701	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 416 – 6 (Roll no. 148).
5:47:51 P.M.	H.R. 701	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:48:03 P.M.	H.R. 384	Considered as unfinished business. H.R. 384 — “To establish the position of Special Assistant for Veterans Affairs in the Department of Housing and Urban Development, and for other purposes.”
5:55:39 P.M.	H.R. 384	On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 420 – 3 (Roll no. 149).
5:55:41 P.M.	H.R. 384	Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
5:55:42 P.M.	H.R. 384	The title of the measure was amended. Agreed to without objection.
5:56:03 P.M.		Mr. Sessions filed reports from the Committee on Rules, H. Res. 215 and H. Res. 216.
5:57:12 P.M.		ONE MINUTE SPEECHES – The House proceeded with further one minute speeches.
6:13:52 P.M.		SPECIAL ORDER SPEECHES – The House has concluded all anticipated legislative business and has proceeded to Special Order speeches.

8:04:04 P.M.		Mr. Perry moved that the House do now adjourn.
8:04:14 P.M.		On motion to adjourn Agreed to by voice vote.
8:04:15 P.M.		The House adjourned. The next meeting is scheduled for 10:00 a.m. on May 16, 2013.

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NMAAHC public programs in March and May 2013

NMAAHC public programs in March and May 2013 Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery, A Conversation between Deborah Willis and Lonnie Bunch Monday, March 25, 2013, 7:00 pm National Museum of American History, Warner Bros. Theater 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC First floor, enter through Constitution Ave doors Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle Lonnie Bunch, founding director of the National Museum of African American History and Culture, will moderate a discussion with Deborah Willis, chair of the Department of Photography & Imaging at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University, about her latest work Envisioning Emancipation: Black Americans and the End of Slavery. The publication is a collaboration with Barbara Krauthamer, professor of history at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Through rare photographs and documents, the book focuses on black enslavement, emancipation and life from 1850 to1930. Recipient of Guggenheim, Fletcher and MacArthur fellowships, Willis is a founding member of the museum’s Scholarly Advisory Committee. Books will be available for sale and signing following the program. For more information, visit http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar or call (202) 633-0070. Admission is free and on a first come, first serve basis. Joan Trumpauer Mulholland walking beside Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. An Ordinary Hero: The True Story of Joan Mulholland, film screening and discussion Wednesday, March 27, 2013, 7:00 pm to 9:30 pm The Artisphere 1101 Wilson Blvd., Arlington, VA 22209 Joan Trumpauer Mulholland grew up in the segregated South and emerged as an activist who fought fervently for the rights of others. Attacked and beaten during the courageous Freedom Rides of 1961, Joan was imprisoned and hunted but never wavered in her beliefs. An Ordinary Hero is a moving chronicle of Mulholland’s life, containing rare images and footage from the Civil Rights Movement. Following the film will be a panel discussion featuring Mulholland, her son, Loki Mulholland, who is the writer and director of the film, and William Pretzer, Senior Curator of History at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC). Co-sponsors of the event are NMAAHC and the Arlington Public Library. For more information, visit http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar or call (202) 633-0070. Admission is free and on a first come, first serve basis. On Art and History: Natasha Trethewey Reads and Discusses Native Guard Monday, May 6, 2013, 7:00 pm National Museum of American History, Warner Bros. Theater 14th Street and Constitution Avenue, NW Washington, DC First floor, enter through Constitution Ave doors Metro: Smithsonian or Federal Triangle Natasha Trethewey, appointed the U.S. Poet Laureate in June 2012, will read from her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection of poems titled Native Guard. Trethewey gives an impressive interpretation of the Native Guard, one of the first mostly black regiments to fight in the Union Army. The Native Guard was composed mostly of former slaves who enlisted and were assigned to guard Confederate prisoners of war. According to Trethewey’s poem “Elegy for the Native Guards,” the presence of the African American soldiers has gone unrecognized. She also explores her life from the mid-1960s through the early 1980s, a time of tremendous upheaval in Mississippi. Native Guard provides a thoughtful, long view of a tumultuous century in American History. The Rising Star Fife and Drum Band led by Sharde Thomas of Sardis, Miss., will open and close the program. Books will be available for sale and signing following the program. For more information, visit http://nmaahc.si.edu/Events/calendar. Admission is free, but reservations are suggested, call (202) 633-0070.

President Obama in Israel

 

President Obama Holds a Press Conference with Prime Minister Netanyahu of Israel

by whitehouse

President Obama Speaks at President’s Export Council Meeting.

Relocating endangered deer

http://bcove.me/2uuwr3po

click on link above for the video

 

Crews have been working to relocate the endangered Columbian white-tailed deer from the Julia Butler Reserve. A dike built in the 1920s is eroding and the area may soon flood daily.

No Shame …

 

Attacking the First Lady for a brief, harmless appearance. Being ashamed of their country. Proudly discussing their love for conspiracy theories. Pushing claims that aren’t backed up by the evidence. This week we’re looking at what happens when media act with irresponsible impunity.John Whitehouse Twitter: @existentialfish Michelle Obama Attacked After being asked, Michelle Obama made a surprise appearance via video at the Academy Awards, and predictably right-wing media attacked her for it. Washington Postpolitical blogger Jennifer Rubin, Fox News Radio’s Todd Starnes, and others lashed out at the First Lady, even though Laura Bush, Ronald Reagan, and even Franklin D. Roosevelt had previously participated in the Oscars. http://mm4a.org/X9ZZaQ Ted Nugent, Alex Jones & The NRA 9/11 truther and conspiracy theorist Alex Jones hosted NRA board member and columnist Ted Nugent. It quickly turned into a mutual love fest. Timothy Johnson looks at a number of key moments that reveal just how extreme the NRA really is: http://mm4a.org/YXy6AY Bob Woodward Joins The Phony Outrage Machine Bob Woodward went on a media tour claiming that he was threatened by the White House over his since debunked claims about the sequester. But recently revealed emails show it was a civil conversation between Woodward and the White House. Eric Boehlertexamines Woodward’s claim: http://mm4a.org/ZLNuXa Conservative Media Inspire Unpopular Wrestlers Recent wrestling characters have been widely booed across the country for their position on immigration. But while Glenn Beck called them a conservative stereotype, Oliver Willis demonstrates line by line that what these characters say is taken right from conservative media figures, including Beck himself. http://mm4a.org/Y3NygU FEATURED VIDEO Rush Limbaugh declared that for the first time in his life, he is ashamed of his country. Well, Rush, the feeling is mutual: http://mm4a.org/WVfVh5 BUT DID IT WIN THE MORNING? Politico heavily pushed the narrative that Bob Woodward was threatened by the White House. But when they released the full transcipt of emails, it was clear they were hyping a bogus allegation without the full context. Simon Maloy examines Politico‘s approach: http://mm4a.org/15lakEk THE $6.2 TRILLION OBAMACARE LIE Right-wing media are echoing a claim that Obamacare will add trillions to the deficit. It’s nonsense: http://mm4a.org/XEZrb3 FOX V. VOTING Part of the Voting Rights Act is being challenged at the Supreme Court, so Fox News ran a segment on it. Unfortunately, that segment was riddled with errors: http://mm4a.org/15l5xD2 IMAGE OF THE WEEK The Sisyphean Challenge Of Climate Change Denialism

Intro Reality Drop !

Dear friends,

Way too often I hear and read blatantly false statements about climate change, namely that it doesn’t exist. It’s very frustrating — and it makes me want to fight back and make sure we all hear the truth.

There’s a new online tool called Reality Drop from The Climate Reality Project, along with Arnold Worldwide, built to spread the truth and destroy denial around climate change. This is the REAL information from scientists’ decades of research, not government or corporations. Give it a try.

Visit Reality Drop and get started!

There are two things I’m passionate about: my music and nature. Therefore, I’m passionate we get it right about climate change so we may continue to enjoy music and our precious environment. Reality Drop is a way to respond to those who deny climate change and make sure our friends have access to the truth — and have fun while we’re at it.

 click on link below for more information …

Visit Reality Drop!

Thanks,

Jason Mraz

National Geo

 

Top 25 New Wild Pictures Pictures: Odd New Animals Revealed Photos: Most Extreme Places “Monster” Goldfish Found Summer Trips For Students

Best News Pictures of the Year Announced See 14 beautiful, devastating, and devastatingly beautiful World Press Photo winners.

		Must-See Photos: Night Gardens Landscapes that shine by starlight—from the new issue of National Geographic
		“First Contact” on the 7-Year Walk After 20 “crushing” desert miles this month, explorer finds friendly faces.
		Pictures: 10 Best Spring Trips Preview the season’s greatest bursts of color, adventure, and local flavor.
		What Is It? See the extremely odd creature encountered by a Nat Geo expedition this month.

$150 Trillion in Gold Buried in Seafloor? Giant robots may soon mine the deep-sea for precious metals.   Biggest Crocodile Dies So long, Lolong. The largest known croc in captivity died this month at 20—feet, that is.   Lost Tortoise Survived 30 Years Stuck in a Shed “It’s just unbelievable,” the pet’s original owner said. Scientists are stumped too.

Official Google Blog: Journalism Fellowship winners !

Our first-ever Google Journalism Fellowship winners

• The Chromebook Pixel, for what’s next
• Doodle 4 Google: A stately competition

Our first-ever Google Journalism Fellowship winnersPosted: 21 Feb 2013 01:55 PM PST More than 2,300 students from across the globe applied for the first Google Journalism Fellowship. The interest the Fellowship attracted clearly demonstrates the need for these types of opportunities, especially as the worlds of journalism and technology increasingly become one.The students who have been picked for the 10-week program will get the chance to work with organizations focused on exciting projects ranging from those steeped in investigative journalism to those working for press freedom around the world and to those that are helping the industry figure out its future in the digital age. They will also spend a week with the Knight Foundation and a week with Google.We had so many applications—on the last day they poured in at a rate of roughly one every two minutes—that we extended our review period by a week to make selections. Our host organizations had the unenviable task of choosing just one Fellow out of the mass of talented students who applied; the Nieman Journalism Lab is taking two Fellows. The Fellows who will take part in the program are: Center for Investigative Reporting – Nathaniel Lash of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Committee to Protect Journalists – Lauren Fedor of Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism Investigative Reporters & Editors - Nicole Pasulka of New York University Nieman Journalism Lab – Sarah Darville of Columbia University and Linda Kinstler of Bowdoin College Pew Research Center’s Project for Excellence in Journalism - Jan Lauren Boyles of American University Poynter – Anna Li from Stanford University ProPublica - Stephen Suen of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Thank you to everyone who made the effort to apply and to the host organizations for their hard work. Posted by Maggie Shiels, Google Communications and former BBC journalist

The Chromebook Pixel, for what’s nextPosted: 21 Feb 2013 11:22 AM PST Chromebooks were designed to make computing speedy, simple and secure. For many of you, they have become the perfect, additional (and yes, affordable) computer: ideal for catching up on emails, sharing documents and chatting via Hangouts. We’re tremendously grateful to our partners—Samsung, Acer, Lenovo and HP—for their commitment. The momentum has been remarkable: the Samsung Chromebook has been #1 on Amazon’s bestseller list for laptops every day since it launched 125 days ago in the U.S., and Chromebooks now represent more than 10 percent of notebook sales at Currys PC World, the largest electronics retailer in the U.K.So what’s next? Today we’re excited to announce our newest laptop—the Chromebook Pixel—which brings together the best in hardware, software and design to inspire the next generation of Chromebooks. With the Pixel, we set out to rethink all elements of a computer in order to design the best laptop possible, especially for power users who have fully embraced the cloud. The philosophy of Chrome has always been to minimize the “chrome” of the browser. In much the same way, the goal of the Pixel is to make the pixels disappear, giving people the best web experience. Let’s start with the screen. This Chromebook has the highest pixel density (239 pixels per inch) of any laptop screen on the market today. Packed with 4.3 million pixels, the display offers sharp text, vivid colors and extra-wide viewing angles. With a screen this rich and engaging, you want to reach out and touch it—so we added touch for a more immersive experience. Touch makes it simple and intuitive to do things like organize tabs, swipe through apps and edit photos with the tip of your finger. The Pixel has been engineered with the highest quality components to ensure it’s comfortable to use all day long and meets the needs of demanding power users. The body of the Pixel is made from an anodized aluminum alloy to create a smooth and durable surface; vents are hidden, screws are invisible and the stereo speakers are seamlessly tucked away beneath the backlit keyboard. The touchpad is made from etched glass, analyzed and honed using a laser microscope to ensure precise navigation. The Pixel also has powerful, full-range speakers for crisp sound, a 720p webcam for clear video, and a total of three microphones designed to cancel out surrounding noise. Other aspects of the Pixel include: Speed: Speed has been a core tenet of Chrome and Chromebooks since the beginning. For Pixel, it’s critical that the overall experience, everything from loading webpages to switching between apps, is near instant. Powered by an Intel® Core™ i5 Processor and a solid state Flash memory architecture, the Pixel performs remarkably fast. Connectivity: The Pixel has an industry-leading WiFi range thanks to carefully positioned antennas and dual-band support. Long-term evolution (LTE) is engineered directly into the machine, delivering fast connectivity across Verizon’s network, the largest, fastest 4G LTE network in the U.S. (LTE model optional). It also comes with 12 free GoGo® Inflight Internet passes for those times you need to connect while in the air. Storage: Since this Chromebook is for people who live in the cloud, one terabyte of Google Drive cloud storage* is included with the Pixel. This enables you to save, access and share photos, videos, documents, and all of your stuff from all of your devices, from anywhere. Finally, as you’ve come to expect from all Chromebooks, all of your favorite Google products like Search, Gmail, YouTube, Maps and Google+ Hangouts are integrated and just a click away. And since it’s based on Chrome OS, the Pixel boots up in seconds and never slows down, requires almost zero setup or maintenance, and comes with built-in virus protection. Best of all, it stays up to date with automatic updates every few weeks. If you want to be part of the next step in the Chromebook journey, the Pixel will be available for purchase starting today on Google Play in the U.S. and U.K., and soon on BestBuy.com. The WiFi version ($1,299 U.S. and £1,049 U.K.) will start shipping next week and the LTE version ($1,449) will ship in the U.S. in April. If you’re interested in a hands-on experience, you can visit select Best Buy (U.S.) and Currys PC World (U.K.) store locations. It’s one of the most exciting times in the history of personal computing, thanks to a rapid pace of change, innovation and consumer adoption of devices. Our goal is to continue to push the experience forward for everyone, working with the entire ecosystem to build the next generation of Chrome OS devices. We hope you enjoy what’s next. Posted by Linus Upson, Vice President of Engineering *You will have 1TB of free storage for 3 years, starting on the date you redeem the offer on eligible Chrome devices.

Doodle 4 Google: A stately competition Posted: 21 Feb 2013 10:09 AM PST Are you a young artist from California? Alabama? Or Indiana (like me!)? Well, get doodling with the topic “My Best Day Ever…” for a chance to see your very own artwork on the Google homepage—and help represent your piece of the union.Today marks the 30-day countdown to the March 22 submission deadline for the U.S. Doodle 4 Google competition. And in the spirit of friendly competition, we’re inviting you to rally fellow students and teachers in your state to take part in Doodle 4 Google’s 30-day Race to the Finish with an interactive map that shows the top submitting states. States are ranked in order of submissions relative to student population size. Whether your state tops the submissions race or not, you still have the chance to become the individual state winner. The 50 state winners will win an all-expenses paid trip to New York City in May for the final awards ceremony, where we’ll reveal the winning doodle. The national winner will see his or her doodle on the Google homepage, win a $30,000 college scholarship and a $50,000 technology grant for his or her school. Download an entry form today to get doodling! Fun fact for those of you who can’t get enough doodles: we run Doodle 4 Google competitions in many countries worldwide, year-round. Vote for your Irish favorites now—the winner will appear on www.google.ie on April 16. As always, happy doodling! Posted by Ryan Germick, Doodle Team Lead

On This Day … 2/23

 

W.E.B. Du Bois Born: February 23, 1868 Died: August 27, 1963 Age: 95 years old Birthplace: Great Barrington, MA, United States Occupation: Educator, Civil Rights Activist, Journalist Read W.E.B. Du Bois’s biography >>