Center for Biological Diversity

Center for Biological Diversity: "The Bush administration has stalled a decision on whether protect the polar bear while it rushes forward with Arctic oil and gas leases. But now a federal judge has ordered the administration to make a final decision by May 15th."

Alternative Fashion

Check out this cool new eco-friendly shopping site:

Alternative Apparel

And some information about them:

Alternative exists to promote the quest of free-thinking people to individuate by wearing t-shirts when and where they want."
-Alternative’s Reason for Being

At the core of Alternative, you will find creativity and passion. Our designs begin with an inspiration, materialize into conceptual sketches, and evolve into a t-shirt that finds its true meaning with the individual who wears it.

Alternative has been challenging the concepts of fashion since 1996. In the beginning, Alternative founder and creative designer Greg Alterman sold his t-shirt designs out of his car. His passion for designing the perfect t-shirt has since grown into one of today’s hottest apparel brands. Greg has always made a commitment to raise the t-shirt above its traditional status as a casual staple; he has moved the t-shirt to the center of a fashion-forward wardrobe.

Following Greg’s footsteps, all of us at Alternative believe that the t-shirt is an opportunity to express one’s self. Wear your t-shirt, accessorize your t-shirt, decorate your t-shirt – it’s a simple action that speaks volumes about the creative force that exists within each of us. We continue to bring together an extremely diverse culture of "Free-Thinking People" made up of artisans, musicians, designers, activists, students, and fashionistas alike. We surround ourselves with individuals who share their unique views and innovative style with the world around them. Alternative is a company that believes in inspired self-expression as an integral force in our global community.

Gulf Restoration Network - Take Action

Gulf Restoration Network - Take Action: "The EPA has announced plans to veto the Yazoo Pumps Project, which would effectively stop the Army Corp of Engineers from constructing the world’s largest water pumping plant in one of the most sparsely populated regions of Mississippi. The project would drain wetlands with the main benefit going to agricultural interests—all paid for by U.S. taxpayers. "

Gulf Restoration Network - Blogging for a Healthy Gulf of Mexico: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DOGWOOD ALLIANCE

Gulf Restoration Network - Blogging for a Healthy Gulf of Mexico: MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: DOGWOOD ALLIANCE: "Will you help us kick off the national Fast Food Packaging Campaign? The Southern US is the largest paper producing region in the world. Packaging is the #1 paper product from our forests, led by the fast food industry."

Google Maps 'Bike There' Feature Request Petition

Google Maps 'Bike There' Feature Request Petition

To: Google, and the Google Maps team

We would like a 'Bike There' feature added to Google Maps - to go with the current 'Drive There' and 'Take Public Transit' options.

The feature would take into account actual bicycle lanes from the locality being mapped, and it would automatically plan a route for a bicyclist, possibly even providing the cyclist options for either the most direct route, or the most bicycle-friendly (safest) route. The Google Maps-based third party site, byCycle.org (http://byCycle.org/), provides these features for two metro areas - Portland, Oregon and Madison, Wisconsin, and there are countless other mapping initiatives around the world aimed at accomplishing the same goal. We hope that Google will consider building this feature into the core Google Maps service.

There are many reasons why this feature would be a wonderful edition to Google Maps. Among them, some of the most influential would be to:
* Make bicycling safer for millions of bicyclists around the world.
* Empower world citizens to better adapt their lifestyles to face the challenges of global climate change.
* Help Google realize its core mission of 'organizing the world's information and making it universally accessible and useful.'

By implementing the 'Take Public Transit' option, Google and the Google Maps team have shown themselves to be concerned and capable world citizens; a 'Bike There' feature addition to Google Maps would be the ultimate statement in support of sustainable development.

For more information on this feature request please visit the Google Maps 'Bike There' website (http://GoogleMapsBikeThere.org/).

Thank you, Google and the Google Maps team! And thank you, petitioners, for joining us in attempting to realize this very important goal!

Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network

Hazel Wolf Environmental Film Network: "

55 environmental films and shorts over 4 days

more than a dozen visiting filmmakers

speakers and panel discussions

filmmaking workshops

"

Take Action: Tell the Senate to Strengthen and Pass America's Climate Security Act!

Take Action: Tell the Senate to Strengthen and Pass America's Climate Security Act!: "Tell the Senate to Strengthen and Pass America's Climate Security Act!"

As the world's leading global warming polluter, America has an obligation to act now to avert the most catastrophic outcomes of the climate crisis. Scientists are telling us that a rise of more than two degrees Fahrenheit threatens to trigger the irreversible melting of the Greenland ice sheet, a 20-foot rise in sea levels, and the extinction of innumerable species. Tell your Senators to support amendments that will strengthen the Climate Security Act (S. 2191) and then to pass it.

Note: this action is for residents of U.S. states only; please do not attempt to send the message without using a valid U.S. state address

Aaptos kanuux, New Species of Sponge Discovered | Greenpeace USA

Aaptos kanuux, New Species of Sponge Discovered | Greenpeace USA

It may look slimy and slightly alien, but this newly discovered species of sponge is an ambassador for undiscovered critters living in the nooks and crannies of our magnificent planet. Damaging human activities, like bottom trawling in the oceans, are decimating ecosystems and wiping out creatures before we even know they exist.

Are you tired of waiting for rail transit?

This is an email I received from Fuse regarding a petition I signed and hopefully many of you signed as well. I also want to say thanks if you did sign this petition and how important mass transit is for the future of this region.

Thanks!

Dear Ryan,

Over the past few weeks, we've asked you to sign petitions and send messages to the Sound Transit Board of Directors, asking them to put their mass transit expansion plan on the 2008 ballot. You delivered and we were able to present a petition with 2008 names to the Sound Transit Board at their April 10th meeting

We are happy to report that last Thursday, April 24th, the Sound Transit Board of Directors decided to move forward with a draft package for public comment. This was a big step forward for the chances of seeing a Sound Transit mass transit package on the ballot this year. The details are fairly simple--the Board will ask for public comment on last year's draft plan (the 20 year plan costing $11 billion) and the two versions of this year's plan (12 year plans, that include 18 miles of light rail and cost between $6 billion and $8 billion).

Sound Transit will be posting their draft plans and a questionnaire on their website in the next couple of weeks. The public comment period will last 6-8 weeks, during which the Board and staff will continue to fine-tune the details of the proposed plans. The Board will make a decision about a final proposed ballot measure, taxing level, and planning horizon by the end of June. They will have a questionnaire on their website for your comments in 2-3 weeks at http://future.soundtransit.org/getInvolved.aspx

Thanks so much for your support and for taking the time to urge your Sound Transit Board Members to move foreword with plans for a 2008 ballot measure.

Thanks for everything you do!

Mina Hashemi Mercer, Fuse

Fuse is bringing people like you together to make our state more progressive. Fuse offers busy but concerned people easy ways to make your voice and values heard and make a difference.

Support our member-driven organization: Fuse depends on the support of our members. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://www.fusewashington.org/donate

Move of old, big Odd Fellows building risky - Salt Lake Tribune

Move of old, big Odd Fellows building risky - Salt Lake Tribune

This is pretty cool and yaay for trying to preserve something old.

Take Action: Save America's Redrock Wilderness - NRDC's BioGems

Take Action: Save America's Redrock Wilderness - NRDC's BioGems

Urge the Bush administration to protect the natural and cultural values of Nine Mile Canyon.

I love this!

This is a very cool VW Bus!

Iraq and Recession Report Release - Seattle Area

MoveOn.org Political Action

Iraq and Recession Report Release

Here's an event in your area:

Seattle Council Iraq and Recession Report Release
Jackson Federal Building, 2nd and Marion, Downtown Seattle
915 2nd Avenue

Seattle, WA 98174
24 Apr, 12:00 PM
Handicap accessible. There is a plaza at street level outside the Federal Building where we will gather.
Address: 915 2nd Avenue (Map)
Location: Seattle, WA 98174
Host: Andrew Saxon
Status: Public, open for RSVP, 136 Guests (Max 500)

Wal-Mart's Sustainability Swindle

WakeUpWalMart.com: WakeUpWalMart.com, America's Campaign to Change Wal-Mart

Wal-Mart's Sustainability Swindle

Wal-Mart has been touting its role as an environmental leader since 2005, when it released it's three point plan for sustainability. Since then, Wal-Mart's global CO2 emissions have risen significantly, and Lee Scott has made the frank admission "We are not green."

We need you to help set the record straight in the media. Write your local media outlets today, and tell them about Wal-Mart's "Sustainability Swindle."

Center for Biological Diversity

Center for Biological Diversity

Help Protect Polar Bears

Polar bear and cubs
Photo by Brendan Cummings

Polar bears are in trouble. The melting of the Arctic is killing them. Some are already starving and drowning. If global warming is allowed to continue, the Arctic will be entirely ice-free during the summer, dooming polar bears to extinction.

After months of illegal delays (and two lawsuits by the Center for Biological Diversity and its allies to end them) the Bush administration has announced it will decide by June 30, 2008 whether to formally list the polar bear as an Endangered Species. A positive decision will immediately protect polar bears while setting the stage for protecting their habitat and developing a long-term recovery program. A negative decision will consign them to extinction.

Which will it be? Please sign the petition below urging the Secretary of Interior to list the polar bear as an endangered species and to protect its habitat.

With your help, we'll deliver 70,000 signatures to the Secretary on June 15th.

This may be the last chance we have to influence one of the most important environmental decisions of our generation. Please sign today.

And then, please forward this petition link to at least ten of your friends. To generate at least 70,000 signatures, we'll need 10,000 people per week signing the petition. We'll only get there with your help.

Rights, not Guns for Zimbabwe

Dockworkers in South Africa have blocked a Chinese arms boat from reaching Zimbabwe... but the crackdown continues. As the ship moves up the Southern African coast looking for a new port--and China weighs whether to recall the weapons--African unions, citizen groups, and church organisations are launching a campaign to stop arms from fuelling the Zimbabwe crisis.

Avaaz is joining with them and a global coalition including Oxfam, Amnesty, and IANSA to build support throughout Africa and round the world. Stopping the arms is a concrete step leaders can take to help bring justice to Zimbabwe. Add your name below now--we hope to unveil the petition in Southern Africa before next week!

Update: Desmond Tutu has joined the call. Click to see his statement here!

Global Civil Society has written a sign-on letter to the leaders of the Southern African Development Community. Click here to see the letter and add your organisation.

Avaaz.org - The World in Action

WebMDHealth Newletter : Fruit, Veggie Eaters Have Fewer Strokes

WebMDHealth Newletter : Fruit, Veggie Eaters Have Fewer Strokes: "In one of the largest studies ever to examine the issue, albeit indirectly, University of Cambridge researchers measured vitamin C levels in more than 20,000 people, who were then followed for roughly a decade."

No kidding? Is this a shock to anyone? Eating fruits and vegetables is healthy? Eating processed vitamins may not be as healthy or healthy at all when compared to getting the vitamins from actual whole foods. There is no doubt in my mind that it is the combinations of whole foods and how they react with each other to provide health, not just bits and pieces of nutrients isolated from each other as we so commonly do in America. I think Michael Pollan hit it right on the head in "Omnivore's Dilemma" when he points out that we need to look at the entire picture of the diet, not just focus on one thing or another. I believe it is the "whole" of what one eats, not just the parts.

Enjoy!

Greenpeace - Take Action

Greenpeace - Take Action

Let's Make Cape Wind Happen!

The nation is watching a project proposed off Massachusetts, Cape Wind, which would offset up to 113 million gallons of oil and would be like taking 175,000 cars off the road each year in reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Offshore wind offers an immediate, clean, safe and effective answer to both global warming and energy security. Cape Wind will provide 75% of the Cape Cod’s energy needs from a clean cost-effective source. Over 70% of Massachusetts’ residents support Cape Wind and it is time for all of us to join in their support of this important clean energy project.

The federal government is accepting public comment on the proposed Cape Wind plan.

We need YOU to get involved and take action. We only have 6 weeks to support this plan… so please act now!

Make Mom Proud | 1Sky

Make Mom Proud | 1Sky: "Join together with members of your community this Mother's Day to to draw or paint a picture of what's most important to you in the face of climate change. You'll send a personal and compelling portrait for climate action to members of Congress."

Etsy :: kootsac :: Hand-made in the Kootenays - re-usable bulk food bags.

Etsy :: kootsac :: Hand-made in the Kootenays - re-usable bulk food bags.

Earth Day Network

Earth Day Network: "As Vice President Gore has said, we are in a planetary emergency--an emergency that demands bold and courageous action. To stop global warming and to reverse the extraordinary environmental destruction that is taking place around the world, we must tell Congress that if they want to keep their jobs they must take stronger and immediate action. Please sign the petition below and join us in our effort to let Congress know that we cannot wait any longer."

Misc Environmental Updates

Historic lawsuit challenging the Bush administration's plan to reduce protection for wildlife

On April 11, the Center for Biological Diversity and 13 allies filed an historic lawsuit challenging the Bush administration's plan to reduce protection for wildlife on the entire U.S. national forest system, including 155 national forests and 20 national grasslands. All told, the Bush plan would harm more than 13,000 species on 192 million acres stretching from Alaska to California to New Hampshire and Florida.

The new lawsuit is the third -- and hopefully last -- round in an epic battle over the future of America's national forests. A plan to weaken forest protection rules was issued in 2000, but found to be in violation of the National Environmental Policy Act. The plan was recycled in 2005, appearing in an even worse incarnation, but was again found illegal and struck down last year. Now the Bush administration is thumbing its nose at the courts by issuing essentially the same plan a third time. Swift legal action will ensure that the administration fails once more.

Joining the Center in the lawsuit are Citizens for Better Forestry, the Environmental Protection Information Center, the WildWest Institute, the Gifford Pinchot Task Force, Idaho Sporting Congress, Friends of the Clearwater, the Utah Environmental Congress, the Cascadia Wildlands Project, the Klamath Siskiyou Wildlands Center, Wild South, the Lands Council, Forest Service Employees for Environmental Ethics, and Oregon Wild. The groups are represented by Marc Fink and Lisa Belenky of the Center for Biological Diversity, and Pete Frost of the Western Environmental Law Center.

Read more about it in the Oregonian.

Bush Would Stop Environmental Laws From Reducing Global Warming

In an April 16 Rose Garden speech devoted to global warming, President Bush began laying the groundwork for a campaign to override laws that are successfully starting to take a bite out of the problem. While proposing no meaningful policy himself, Bush attacked the Clean Air Act, the Endangered Species Act, and the National Environmental Policy Act because the courts have wisely ruled that they apply when greenhouse gases and global warming pollute the air, jeopardize endangered species, and threaten the integrity of entire ecosystems.

Kassie Siegel, the Center for Biological Diversity's Climate, Air, and Energy Program director, hit the nail on the head in a post-speech statement: "The President has proposed nothing new, while continuing to block progress both domestically and internationally." The government's failure to protect the global warming-threatened polar bear while pushing oil development in its habitat, she says, reveals the administration's true priorities.

Read Bush's speech and Siegel's statement for yourself.

Black is the New Green: Check Out Search Engine Blackle.com

If you're searching the Web -- and searching for easy ways to save energy -- try using Blackle, a new search engine powered by Google that turns your Web browser window mostly black during searches. Using Blackle saves about 15 watts of power per display, which really adds up: one blogger calculates the new search engine could save the world 750 megawatt-hours per year. And not only does using a dark computer screen save energy; it will also remind you of the importance of fighting climate change in other ways throughout your day.

Learn about it here and try it out here.

Make Election Reform a Reality

Make Election Reform a Reality

It’s utterly backwards – our government is spending billions of dollars to build democracy overseas, yet our own Congress has turned its back on the workings of our own democracy. We need your help to turn things right side up again.

Please make a gift today to help us keep fighting for the Holt bill to provide funding for states to upgrade their voting machines before the November general election, and to keep the pressure on for other much-needed election reforms.

Avaaz.org - The World in Action

Avaaz.org - The World in Action: "Let's call on China to save the Olympics for all of us"

U.S. Senator Patty Murray - Wild Sky Wilderness Bill Passes Senate

U.S. Senator Patty Murray - Wild Sky Wilderness Bill Passes Senate

Friends Green | Search the Web. Save the world.

Friends Green | Search the Web. Save the world.: "Total rainforest saved: 3796207 sq ft
"

50 Simple Things - For the Environment

50 Simple Things

From Greenpeace: Please Donate

It took George Bush eight years to finally admit that global warming is affecting the planet in ways that are so profound they can be seen from outer space. Today, the soon-to-be-ex-President spoke in the White House Rose Garden and finally called for reductions in global warming pollution. But instead of proposing decisive action and reversing a two-term legacy of obstructing any meaningful progress on global warming, Bush has once again offered more "voluntary" proposals rather than hard science-based targets to reduce this country's global warming pollution.

We know the President won't lead us to a solution on global warming, so it's up to Congress to step up. That's why as I write, Greenpeace is training me and 11 of my colleagues to be the next wave of Project Hot Seat field organizers.

Project Hot Seat is Greenpeace's campaign to make global warming leaders in Congress. I'm inviting you to be part of this movement from the very beginning.

Starting in May, we'll put our lives on hold to move to communities across the country to push candidates for Congress to do what's right--save the planet by stopping global warming! We're joining a team that's already working from coast to coast to make sure that the candidates listen to the voters and are committed to solving global warming.

Will you contribute today so that we can hire more dedicated organizers like me to step up the campaign to stop global warming?

Here's what I'm doing. In just two weeks, I'll move to my new home in Pennsylvania and begin to talk to my new community about global warming and what it means for them.

After all, global warming isn't just about melting glaciers. It's about all of us. Communities across the country are dealing with record drought, wildfires, and floods. But while people are doing their best to make difference--changing light bulbs, carpooling, and buying energy efficient appliances--the President is making speeches and Congress is doing next to nothing.

After I hit the ground, I'll recruit volunteers to talk to their neighbors, who will then talk to their neighbors, until we have a local movement big enough that our candidates for Congress have to listen. Greenpeace will keep you updated on our progress, but right now we can use your help so we can get even bigger. Will you help us win?

For the Planet,

Jillian Costigan
Project Hot Seat Field Organizer

Global Warming Poll

Global Warming Poll

Help Choose the Climate Crisis Ad to Appear in Next Week's USA Today

Random Babble for the Week

So it's been awhile since I did any amount of random babble so here goes with a dose of meaningless words and drivel.

Mini Rant:

I hate SUV's - just in case any one forgot. (Sorry Mish)

Mini Request:

Please write Starbucks (or sign up at http://mystarbucksidea.com/) and encourage Starbucks to use environmentally friendly practices. Like, for instance getting rid of the stupid new splash sticks. The last thing we need is more Chinese (likely) made, petroleum based garbage floating around in our waterways and ending up in the gutter. All of this so people won't spill their coffee in their SUV's after hitting the drive through. Other talking points?: Using mugs for in store orders (ONLY); getting rid of the drive through; eliminating sleeves...etc etc.

Weight Loss Prgram:

So my weight loss program, which is really not a program as much as it is a lifestyle change, has been really successful so far. Since ~January 2007 I am down nearly 40 lbs. I went from 228 -> 189 this last weekend. What really excites me is that this summer when I backpack, my pack and I will have less total weight than I weighed last year sans pack. The key? It's really rather easy, I walk (alot), hike and garden, but for food I've nearly cut out all meat and animal protein and eat smallerish portions of mostly whole foods. You know very little transformation from the garden to me belly. Yum!

Funny comment of the weekend:

R to E: So do you ever read my blog?

E: Sometimes, well not really, I like pictures better, your blog has too many words!

(Sorry E, had to tell this funny story!)

Overall a good weekend last weekend:

So despite some trying moments this weekend (it's private don't ask) this weekend was a pretty good one. What did I do?

1. Woke up Saturday Morning, err, let's just say Saturday morning was really nice.
2. Went to coffee with the amazing MishR
3. Went for a 1.5 hour walk through Cap Hill to Volunteer Park with the amazing JenO under 73 degree (yep in Seattle believe it or not) sunny weather where we witnessed a fantastic (so JenO tells me, I know nothing about them) bicycle race.
4. Had late afternoon patio beers with the amazing E along with yummy Rendevous bar food (and some crappy Rendevous bar food) and watched the bridge and tunnel folk saunter through Belltown. Later we were joined by the amazing JenO.
5. Slept for 11 hours on Saturday night.
6. Went for the first hike of 2008. A short (6.8 miler) and not much climbing but enough to shake off the early season rust and appreciate 3-4 waterfalls and some fantastic spring flowers.
7. Completed the weekend with the amazing Jbot at her moving out to a new pad party on Sunday night, where there was some fantastic sushi (homemade by Jbot) some amazing desert (also homemade by Jbot), some amazing wine and great company.

A truly amazing weekend indeed.

Kudos to my Amazing Friends:

I have amazing friends (if you didn't get it from the last section.

AJ I coming!:

My amazing friend AJ (yep he is amazing too) is coming from Arizona for a visit this week. I am very excite.

Okay folks time to sign off and listen to the sound of the hail (really stormy here) pound the roof. Have a safe green week!

Cheerios, R

Calling On Lowe's to Save Our Cypress

Gulf Restoration Network - Take Action: "Lowe's Home Improvement, Inc. can't see the forest for the trees- only mulch. While Lowe's has laudable environmental wood sourcing policies 'on the books', the spirit of their commitment is not being upheld on the Gulf Coast. Cypress swamps are being clear-cut and entire trees are being turned into mulch. Then it ends up in the gardening department at your local Lowe's store."

Or if you don't want to call, email from this link:

Click here to email instead of call:

DEMOCRACY FOR ZIMBABWE!

Avaaz.org - The World in Action

$100 a shot for cat dung coffee - CNN.com

$100 a shot for cat dung coffee - CNN.com

C'mon this really can't be good can it?

Samsung and Toshiba new leaders in greener electronics ranking | Greenpeace USA

Samsung and Toshiba new leaders in greener electronics ranking | Greenpeace USA: "

In the latest edition of our quarterly Guide to Greener Electronics Samsung and Toshiba share top spot. Nokia misses out on top spot due to a penalty point for inconsistent global takeback. Nintendo remains rooted to the bottom with only a tiny improvement but Microsoft and Philips both improve their scores."

Greenpeace Online Survey

Greenpeace Online Survey: "Thank you for taking the time to complete our survey. Greenpeace is dedicated to protecting the environment and working with our supporters in the most effective and successful manner. Your honest and valuable feedback will be vital in helping us understand what we can do better to support your efforts.

The survey should take 7 - 10 minutes to complete. Questions that require an answer are marked with an asterisk."

Greenpeace - Take Action

Greenpeace - Take Action: "As you probably know Kleenex, and parent company Kimberly-Clark, support clearcuts in some of our last ancient forests including the North American Boreal Forest. For over two years Greenpeace members have emailed Kleenex Executives urging them to use recycled content instead of virgin forests but they have yet to improve environmental practices."

MoveOn.org Political Action: Democracy in Action

Endless war on the installment plan

This video makes it clear: No matter what happens in Iraq, the Bush Administration and John McCain always have the same answer: 6 more months.

They're at it again this week, asking for six more months. But six months won't change anything—except the body count and the price tag.

So please forward this video to your friends, and let's keep the pressure on to bring our troops home.

MoveOn.org Political Action: Democracy in Action:

Rush Hour in France vs. Rush Hour in America

Rush Hour in France:



Rush Hour in America:

Help! I'm a prisoner in a big suburban house! a Since You Asked column on Salon.com by Cary Tennis | Salon Life

Help! I'm a prisoner in a big suburban house! a Since You Asked column on Salon.com by Cary Tennis | Salon Life

This is quite a funny blog, but there are some really good points. Why do people want to live in this kind of environment anyway? What's the draw? Although I suppose it doesn't matter really, since what most American's do is get out of their cars, plop their overweight arses on the taupe couch purchased at Macy's and turning their TV's on to whatever the latest reality show is or some right-wing propaganda on Fox....

Anyway, this guy talks about some frustrations that I myself frequently hear over and over:

• I hate the commute
• I hate not being able to walk anywhere
• lack of character
• And the McMansions
• And the SUV's

One thing that I think the response to this letter missed, is that we shouldn't JUST focus on well designed communities, but we should also focus on well designed communities that will reduce the size of our footprint as humans. We need to reduce sprawl and shorten commutes and drive shorter distances and...drive less. Well planned communities will aid in this quest, but we should also spend some time revitalizing existing communities, reducing the amount of materials required to build and increasing density by building in-fill. Afterall the best environmental practice is to reduce. However I must point out that it is necessary to revitalize these communities while keeping them affordable.

Anyway, I'll leave you for now.

Be safe, be open minded, have concern for the environment, help end the stupid war, vote, vote for green candidates, cheer high oil prices, seel that damn SUV, don't shop at Wal-Mart and have a nice day.

Fuse | Transit Now

For Washington and Seattle Voters, let's get expanded light rail on the ballot!

Fuse | Transit Now

An astonishing 90% of the Fuse members who weighed in on our survey want a vote for expanded rail transit in 2008! But we may not get one......

Some key members of the Sound Transit board want to wait until at least 2010 for a vote. Every year they delay starting on light rail extensions increases the cost by $500 million, not counting frustration costs.

The Sound Transit board is meeting next week to consider their options, so we need to take action right away. Sign our petition to help us send board members a message: we're tired of waiting and want a vote in 2008!

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/s/transitnow

There are two choices for a public vote on expanded light rail, commuter rail, and express bus service: we can put it on the ballot this fall, or wait until 2010 or later.

The Sound Transit Board is meeting on April 10th to decide how and when to proceed. The likely plan would nearly double miles of Link light rail (to 37 miles from 19) - including extensions to Northgate and Bellevue. Express bus service would be expanded by 25%, and Sounder commuter rail service between Everett and Tacoma would be dramatically expanded as well.¹

You probably remember Proposition 1, otherwise known as Roads and Transit, which failed to pass in last November's election. The Roads and Transit package would have combined 50 miles of new light-rail tracks with 186 miles of new road lanes--something many voters objected to. The revised plan is smaller and does not include funding for road expansion.

It's time to tell the Sound Transit Board that we want to tackle traffic with transit now -- not in 2010 or beyond. Please take a minute to send them a message telling them to put ST2 on the ballot in 2008! Then ask your friends to do the same.

http://www.fusewashington.org/page/s/transitnow

Thanks for all you do!

Aaron Ostrom, Fuse

Fuse is bringing people like you together to make our state more progressive. Fuse offers busy but concerned people easy ways to make your voice and values heard and make a difference.

Support our member-driven organization: Fuse depends on the support of our members. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://www.fusewashington.org/donate

¹For more information on Link Light Rail, please click here:
http://www.soundtransit.org/x6959.xml

For more information on Sound Transit's vision for future transit expansions in the regions, please click here:
http://future.soundtransit.org/proposed.aspx

For more information on all of Sound Transit's ongoing projects, please click here:
http://www.soundtransit.org/x1188.xml

Senator John McCain's background

This information is from MoveOn.org:

For all the coverage this week of Senator John McCain's background, there are some important things you won't learn about him from the TV networks. His carefully crafted positive image relies on people not knowing this stuff—and you might be surprised by some of it.

Please check out the list below, and then forward it to your friends, family, and coworkers. We can't rely on the media to tell folks about the real John McCain—but if we all pass this along, we can reach as many people as CNN Headline News does on a good night.

Click here to tell us how many people you can pass it on to—and to see our progress nationally:

http://pol.moveon.org/mccain10/?id=12407-5891942-P5FLBH&t=231

10 things you should know about John McCain (but probably don't): 

1. John McCain voted against establishing a national holiday in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Now he says his position has "evolved," yet he's continued to oppose key civil rights laws.¹

2. According to Bloomberg News, McCain is more hawkish than Bush on Iraq, Russia and China. Conservative columnist Pat Buchanan says McCain "will make Cheney look like Gandhi."²

3. His reputation is built on his opposition to torture, but McCain voted against a bill to ban waterboarding, and then applauded President Bush for vetoing that ban.³ 

4. McCain opposes a woman's right to choose. He said, "I do not support Roe versus Wade. It should be overturned."⁴ 

5. The Children's Defense Fund rated McCain as the worst senator in Congress for children. He voted against the children's health care bill last year, then defended Bush's veto of the bill.⁵ 

6. He's one of the richest people in a Senate filled with millionaires. The Associated Press reports he and his wife own at least eight homes! Yet McCain says the solution to the housing crisis is for people facing foreclosure to get a "second job" and skip their vacations.⁶ 

7. Many of McCain's fellow Republican senators say he's too reckless to be commander in chief. One Republican senator said: "The thought of his being president sends a cold chill down my spine. He's erratic. He's hotheaded. He loses his temper and he worries me."⁷ 

8. McCain talks a lot about taking on special interests, but his campaign manager and top advisers are actually lobbyists. The government watchdog group Public Citizen says McCain has 59 lobbyists raising money for his campaign, more than any of the other presidential candidates.⁸

9. McCain has sought closer ties to the extreme religious right in recent years. The pastor McCain calls his "spiritual guide," Rod Parsley, believes America's founding mission is to destroy Islam, which he calls a "false religion." McCain sought the political support of right-wing preacher John Hagee, who believes Hurricane Katrina was God's punishment for gay rights and called the Catholic Church "the Antichrist" and a "false cult."⁹ 

10. He positions himself as pro-environment, but he scored a 0—yes, zero—from the League of Conservation Voters last year.¹⁰

John McCain is not who the Washington press corps make him out to be. Please help get the word out—forward this email to your personal network. And if you want us to keep you posted on MoveOn's work to get the truth out about John McCain, sign up here:

http://pol.moveon.org/mccaintruth/?id=12407-5891942-P5FLBH&t=232 

Thank you for all you do.

–Eli, Justin, Noah, Laura, and the MoveOn.org Political Action Team
  Saturday, April 5th, 2008

Sources: 
1. "The Complicated History of John McCain and MLK Day," ABC News, April 3, 2008 
http://blogs.abcnews.com/politicalpunch/2008/04/the-complicated.html

"McCain Facts," ColorOfChange.org, April 4, 2008 
http://colorofchange.org/mccain_facts/ 

2. "McCain More Hawkish Than Bush on Russia, China, Iraq," Bloomberg News, March 12, 2008 
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601103&sid=aF28rSCtk0ZM&refer=us 

"Buchanan: John McCain 'Will Make Cheney Look Like Gandhi,'" ThinkProgress, February 6, 2008 
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/06/buchanan-gandhi-mccain/

3. "McCain Sides With Bush On Torture Again, Supports Veto Of Anti-Waterboarding Bill," ThinkProgress, February 20, 2008 
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/20/mccain-torture-veto/

4. "McCain says Roe v. Wade should be overturned," MSNBC, February 18, 2007 
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/17222147/

5. "2007 Children's Defense Fund Action Council^® Nonpartisan Congressional Scorecard," February 2008 
http://www.childrensdefense.org/site/PageServer?pagename=act_learn_scorecard2007 

"McCain: Bush right to veto kids health insurance expansion," CNN, October 3, 2007 
http://www.cnn.com/2007/POLITICS/10/03/mccain.interview/

6. "Beer Executive Could Be Next First Lady," Associated Press, April 3, 2008 
http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5h-S1sWHm0tchtdMP5LcLywg5ZtMgD8VQ86M80

"McCain Says Bank Bailout Should End `Systemic Risk,'" Bloomberg News, March 25, 2008 
http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=aHMiDVYaXZFM&refer=home 

7. "Will McCain's Temper Be a Liability?," Associated Press, February 16, 2008 
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/wireStory?id=4301022 

"Famed McCain temper is tamed," Boston Globe, January 27, 2008 
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2008/01/27/famed_mccain_temper_is_tamed/ 

8. "Black Claims McCain's Campaign Is Above Lobbyist Influence: 'I Don't Know What The Criticism Is,'" ThinkProgress, April 2, 2008 
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/04/02/mccain-black-lobbyist/ 

"McCain's Lobbyist Friends Rally 'Round Their Man," ABC News, January 29, 2008 
http://abcnews.go.com/Blotter/story?id=4210251 

9. "McCain's Spiritual Guide: Destroy Islam," Mother Jones Magazine, March 12, 2008 
http://www.motherjones.com/washington_dispatch/2008/03/john-mccain-rod-parsley-spiritual-guide.html 

"Will McCain Specifically 'Repudiate' Hagee's Anti-Gay Comments?," ThinkProgress, March 12, 2008 
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/03/12/mccain-hagee-anti-gay/

"McCain 'Very Honored' By Support Of Pastor Preaching 'End-Time Confrontation With Iran,'" ThinkProgress, February 28, 2008 
http://thinkprogress.org/2008/02/28/hagee-mccain-endorsement/ 

10. "John McCain Gets a Zero Rating for His Environmental Record," Sierra Club, February 28, 2008 
http://www.alternet.org/blogs/environment/77913/

Support our member-driven organization: MoveOn.org Political Action is entirely funded by our 3.2 million members. We have no corporate contributors, no foundation grants, no money from unions. Our tiny staff ensures that small contributions go a long way. If you'd like to support our work, you can give now at:

http://political.moveon.org/donate/email.html?id=12407-5891942-P5FLBH&t=241

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Not authorized by any candidate or candidate's committee.

Avaaz.org - The World in Action

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Vegfest Last Weekend

Last weekend I performed my annual rite of spring by volunteering at Vegfest at the Seattle Center.

Vegfest

OK, it is true that I am not a true vegetarian. I wish I was, I feel better, and in general it is better for the environment (excluding soy and overly processed stuff) but I'm just not quite there. But of course this blog isn't about me, it's about Vegfest so let's just move right along....

Vegfest and vegetarianism have changed throughout the years. It's getting pretty mainstream and people who may normally not set foot anywhere near the festival are checking it out to see what is up. Here are some random observations I made from Vegfest on Sunday afternoon.

No, this isn't chicken soup. This is Vegfest and it is a Vegetarian festival; having chicken soup makes that point a moot one. Come on people. Seriously 3 people asked me this very question.

It's true, vegetarians DO taste better! ;-)

In years past many or most of the folks attending have generally been pretty crunchy, but through the years this has changed quite a bit. This year I observed fancy yuppies from Bellevue, computer geeks (they were still headed for the salty snacks), regular folks from as far as Spokane (really, I am not kidding) and my favorite, EMO/punk kids. Crazy to think of a punk rocker who is a vegetarian.

Vegetarian food is getting to overly processed in my opinion and is missing the point. I think that the major point of eating a vegetarian diet is for health reasons. Processing soy (did I mention how harmful soy farming is?) into meat-like-substances is not good for the body and in my opinion vegetarianism should focus on whole foods, locally grown and environmentally sustainable practices. I was the host of the Health Valley folks and one of the tables showcased two varieties of breakfast bars. You should see the ingredient list. It looks like the recipe for a chemical weapon.

See for yourself:

Health Valley Ingredient Page

Are they serious? Here is a quote from that page: "It doesn't get more natural than that." I wonder if nonfat dry milk exists in nature, or for instance what the hell is this? "Nutrition Blend: niacinamide, vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), riboflavin, vitamin B1 (thiamin hydrochloride), sodium selenite, folic acid, vitamin B12 (cyanocobalamine). "Does thiamine chloride normally exist in food? Could be...

The other disappointment I had with Health Valley is that they've added a new microwavable (containers) line to their soup menagerie. Yep, now we get more caustic plastic in our landfills but hey, busy mom's and dad's save at least 2 minutes of heat time on the stove! Incredulous.

I propose that we all write Health Valley and ask them to get RID of the horrible plastic containers.

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