The Man with the Plan

President Obama plans to withdraw US combat troops from Iraq over the next eighteen months. A substantial number of troops will remain past the August 31, 2010 target date to help the Iraq government stabilize and train Iraqi forces. For more details, click on the link below.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gXhIn6Dsn59np7LYG6eYS5GubXUAD96K1S4G0

Editor of AGNADL

Canada Lynx Given a Helping Paw

Yesterday the US Fish and Wildlife Service designated nearly 25 million acres in Maine, Minnesota, Montana, Wyoming, Idaho, and Washington as critical habitat for the Canada lynx. According to the Center for Biological Diversity, this is "the largest area of critical habitat ever designated for any terrestrial species and the third largest critical habitat the Center has ever obtained."

For more information about this habitat victory for the lynx, click on the link below.

https://mail.google.com/mail/?search=query&view=tl&start=0&init=1&fs=1&q=karen+spagnola&source=navclient-ff#inbox/11fafdd99ef9b695

Editor of AGNADL

Answers are Blowing in the Wind

There is much brain power going into meeting the global need for energy. I am amazed at what we are learning about how to meet this need with technologies that already exist. Below is a link to an article on wind energy from the Environmental News Network. This is more for the nerdy environmentalist like me, so I'll leave it to you to decide if you want to learn something today.


http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39361

Editor of AGNADL

Ch-Ch-Ch-Ch-Changes

Sometimes politicians make big promises just to get into office, after which they develop an expedient form of amnesia that targets campaign promises. President Obama has already demonstrated that he is not one of those politicians. Environmental issues is only one of the many areas where he is making good on his promises and taking great strides in working towards a healthier America as well as a healthier planet. Included in The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act is $80 billion earmarked to fund promotion of energy efficiency, renewable energy, and cars with better gas mileage.

It's about time. I have been wondering for years now how Honda could make my Civic, which gets nearly fifty miles to the gallon on the highway, in 1995, but no one else could do it, and then even Honda traded the 92-95 fuel-efficient models for a heavier one that was LESS efficient, beginning in 1996. Why did they do that? And why could no one reproduce an energy-efficient car along the same lines as this earlier model, which was being manufactured more than fifteen years ago? Yes, Honda is leading the way with greener technologies with their hybrids, but even there, I haven't seen a car with better highway mileage than mine, which is why I'm still driving my 1995 Honda Civic in 2009. It didn't make good ecological or economical sense to trade it in for a less efficient model. So I'm truly delighted to see that cars with better gas mileage are part of the plan.

Now that the United States has a President who is able to look into the future and see the need for drastic changes in the way we do things, we are beginning to see things change for the better in regards to the environment. A report by the Sierra Club gives a breakdown on where that $80 billion is to be directed specifically:

* $25 billion for energy efficiency
* $20 billion for renewable energy incentives
* $11 billion in grants and $6 billion in loans to modernize the electric grid and increase its capacity to deliver power generated by renewable sources
* $17.7 billion for mass transit, Amtrak, and high-speed rail.

For further information, click on the link below.

http://action.sierraclub.org/site/MessageViewer?em_id=92921.0&dlv_id=80042

Editor of AGNADL

Obama Reverses US Stance on Environmental Issues in UN Agreement

Jettisoning the ostrich approach to environmental issues facing the 21st-century world, the Obama Administration has not only committed to reducing global mercury levels, but also encouraged policy reversals in other countries as well. Leading is way better than lagging behind.

For more details on the agreement reached, click on the link below.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39357

Editor of AGNADL

Good News for the LGBTQ Community

I must say that as I look for good news items, they're getting easier and easier to find. I think good news is expanding. Now I've stumbled upon multiple small items that are good news for the LGBTQ community, so I'm going to group them together so I get more ground covered. I may have to do this with multiple recurring topics.

In the first item, Latin America is becoming more gay-friendly not only for residents, but for travelers too. For more on this, click on the link below.

http://www.foreignpolicy.com/story/cms.php?story_id=4713&page=1

Although it sparked considerable controversy, George Mason University elected a drag queen for the homecoming queen. I'm sure it rocked some people's world, but I think it's great that a crack is growing in the wall of prejudice against people with alternative lifestyles. Good for you, GMU for raising people's eyebrows and their consciousness.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2009/02/19/AR2009021901780.html

They said "no" in Indiana to the Marriage Discrimination Act. The state Senate Republican Caucus voted not even to consider Senate Joint Resolution 15 (SJR-15) – the Marriage Discrimination Amendment – during the 2009 session of the Indiana General Assembly.

http://indianaequality.typepad.com/indiana_equality_blog/2009/02/marriage-discrimination-amendment-given-fifth-no-in-a-row.html

A summary of some of the gains on a state-by-state level is found the below link. I've included an excerpt from the Human Rights Campaign newsletter to make it easier to learn a lot quickly. You may link to that article below from which this excerpt derives.

"While we experienced devastating losses this fall in Arizona, California and Florida when hateful measures seeking to restrict LGBT relationships won at the ballot box, we are seeing signs of change throughout the country.

* In Indiana this week, the state Senate Republican Caucus voted not to consider a resolution that would have amended the state constitution to define marriage as between a man and a woman.
* A few weeks ago, Wyoming’s House of Representatives voted against a similar proposed amendment to its constitution.
* New England continues to be a beacon for marriage equality and there’s considerable movement on that front in Vermont and Maine.
* In New York, HRC is working hard with local allies, members and supporters on behalf of marriage equality legislation.
* A recent poll in New Jersey shows voter support for marriage equality is growing.
* Hawaii’s House of Representatives recently approved legislation that would permit gay and lesbian couples to enter into civil unions.
* In New Mexico, a State Senate committee advanced the Domestic Partner Rights and Responsibilities Act, which allows gay, lesbian and straight couples to enter into domestic partnerships.
* And in Washington State, there’s an effort to improve the existing relationship recognition law.

Five years ago, bigotry and ignorance were prime motivators here in Washington and nationwide. Today, we have powerful allies in our nation’s capital and across America."


http://www.hrcbackstory.org/

Editor of AGNADL

Staying Green While Reaching for the Gold

Good for you, Canada! This time next year, Canada will be hosting the first ever truly sustainable Olympics. To read about their progress towards that goal, click on the link below.


http://www.enn.com/press_releases/2838

Editor of AGNADL

Another photo in from Flo Harrah in the Vancouver, BC area. Looks like our snowdrops out this way might be a smidgen behind those in Norwich, Norfolk. Still they are true signs of approaching spring. Thank you, Flo. You keep on walking and taking photos. You'll be healthier and happier for it, and so will the readers.

Editor of AGNADL

Signs of Spring Coming to Norwich (UK)

I got this lovely photo of snowdrops from Catherine Moore's garden in Norwich, Norfolk (UK). Thank you, Catherine, for sharing that bit of beauty from your world. It is greatly appreciated.

Keep sending in your photos of hints and signs of spring to assure the folks still snowed under that there will be an end to the beautiful white stuff. The green is on its way.

Editor of AGNADL

Springing to Life

Spring is finally beginning its magical dance in this neck of the woods. The crocuses are starting to shed their reticence and emerge from the ground. This photo was taken in British Columbia near Vancouver. It was submitted by Flo Harrah. I have a few crocuses blooming in my yard too (near Seattle), but Flo's garden is way neater than mine at the moment.

Despite the hint of spring, it is still winter in some regions, but I thought I'd give you a glimpse of what is to come and assure you that spring is on its way. What does it look like where you live? Send me recent photos from your neighborhood and we'll post a few.

Editor of AGNADL

The Kid is Coming Home!

Yes, yes, sometimes good news is relative. What is good news for Mariners' fans may be terrible for, say, Braves' fans, but oh well! We had him first, and now he's coming back home to Seattle. Three cheers for Ken Griffey, Jr. Welcome back! (Humming the "Welcome Back, Kotter" television theme song now) Anybody wanna go watch the Mariners this year? (Starts chanting) Junior! Junior!


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/sports/2008758659_griffeynew19.html

Editor of AGNADL

Right Whales Making Progress

I don't know who named this creature the right whale, but the punster in me had to fight hard not to turn the headline into a joke. I resisted, though, because the plight of the right whale is anything but a joke. But as the article below reveals, not only can right actions right wrongs, sometimes they can also right rights. Sorry. Couldn't resist forever. Now go read the article and learn something about these creatures that are starting to show signs of a comeback.


http://www.cnn.com/2009/TECH/science/02/19/saving.right.whales/index.html?eref=rss_topstories

Editor of AGNADL

Sportsmanship is Alive & Well in Illinois

Be ye warned, folks. You will need a tissue when you read the linked article. I don't think I can say it better than they did, and while it is very good news, it will make you choke up and probably shed a tear or two. So, listen up, team! This one's about some high school students with a whole lot of character and compassion. Now go get your tissue before you read this article. We'll wait here for you.

While everyone goes to grab a tissue, I'll just note that the following news link was provided by UK author, Lesley Davis. You sure know how to make an editor cry. The article, I mean. Cheers!


http://highschool.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=914609

Editor of AGNADL

Grab a Book, Grab Your Knitting Needles, Grab Your Joystick?

(Reprinted from my blog http://slicesofmylifebethmitchum.blogspot.com.)

What do reading, knitting, and computer games have in common? According to a US study, these activities are amongst the things that can keep dementia at bay. Yep, it's true. Now you'd expect reading a book to be good for your mind. That's a bit of a no-brainer (insert groan from the audience here). But quilting and knitting? Computer games? That is the message from a recent study anyway. What wasn't on the list? Watching more than seven hours of television a day. Seven hours? Wow! That seems like a lot of television. I think they need to clarify what you watch for those seven hours. Discovery Channel or the History Channel would be good for your brain, but reruns of Gilligan's Island (raises one eyebrow)?

Okay, seriously, though, more research needs to be done because the study is based partially on asking people between the ages of 70-89 what their lifestyle was like twenty to forty years ago. In other words, what kind of mental activities did they engage in from age 50 to 65? I don't know about you, but I have to wonder about the soundness of this information. This was a study involving a group of people who had already been diagnosed with mild memory loss. (Raises eyebrows) How do we know they remember what they were doing twenty to forty years ago? (Scratches head and furrows brow) Do I remember what I was doing twenty to forty years ago for mental stimulation? Hmm. And what makes them think there wouldn't be a little bit of white-washing of the old memory banks? Forget the hours in front of the telly and cast a hopeful, hyperbolic glance at the three or four books on the bookshelf that they think they might have read during that time. They look familiar, after all. You really have to question the memory of an octogenarian* who recollects all those video games he played when he was fifty. What was he playing? Pong? More to the point, do you remember Pong? It was less stimulating than staring at a hospital vital signs monitor (whack to the head). Oh! That's probably what he remembers as playing computer games.

Anyway the good news here is that doing something is better than doing nothing. Keep the body and brain alive by keeping them active. It's really just common sense. Keeping the brain active helps to keep the old synapses firing, and physical activity keeps the muscles toned and the heart in good shape. So get out there and get some mental and physical exercise. Heck, you can even use your Wii Fit games to be mentally stimulating at the same time as you're getting some exercise. Whatever you do, make sure it feels good and you don't overdo it. Check with your doctor, etc., etc., and all the other disclaimers that go along with making sweeping health statements in a public forum. AND because I care about you all, here is a link you might like to use. You might want to put it in your "favovites" or bookmark it so you don't forget where you found it. I'm just saying.

http://www.fitbrains.com/

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/7896441.stm?lss

*Said octogenarian is a fictional character used to add humor (hopefully) to the article. How's he doing?

Editor of AGNADL

Let's All Go Polar Dipping!

I've often wondered what is so great about jumping into frigid water in the winter. Exhilarating is a word that seems to come up a lot in that context. Somehow I can always think of lots more words that talk me out of doing it. But thanks to Kevin Ebi at KJR-FM 95.7 in Seattle, I think I've found a reasonable answer to why people jump into freezing water. What if your polar dipping experience helped to raise money for a worthy cause? At the link below you can learn how Camp Sunshine is raising money in various parts of the country to help send children with life-threatening diseases (and their families) on a retreat at Camp Sunshine in Maine. Polar Dipping events are held in many places around the country, but these folks always need help because of more children being diagnosed on a regular basis.

Now I'm pretty sure I still don't want to jump into freezing water, but I do see how a person could be motivated to jump for just such a reason. While I'm not interested in taking the plunge myself, I am willing to sponsor one of these brave dippers to help them raise money for these kids and their families. I urge you to visit the link below and find out how you can donate money, become a polar dipper yourself, or sponsor a fund-raiser in your town. Email this article to friends who might be interested. Let's all jump in and help these people make a difference in the lives of these children.

http://www.freezinforareason.com/

Editor of AGNADL

Obama Signs Stimulus Plan

It's not a panacea, but it is a start. President Obama has signed the $787 billion stimulus plan. For more detailed coverage, go to:


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/business/7895078.stm


http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008740857_apobamastimulus.html

Editor of AGNADL

Athlete, Heal Thyself

The world of sports medicine yielded a nugget of gold today. In a new procedure, referred to as "platelet-rich plasma therapy," doctors have used the blood of injured athletes to help the athletes to heal themselves. It was used recently on two Pittsburgh Steelers superstars before the Super Bowl. Much more research needs to be done on the procedure before it becomes widely used in treating sports injuries, but it does show promise. The platelet-rich plasma from an injured patient is injected directly into the injured area. This jump starts the body's own internal healing mechanisms. The plasma appears to help the injured ligament and tender fibers to regenerate. The procedure can shorten rehabilitation periods and eliminate the need for surgery.

To read more, check out:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/17/sports/17blood.html?_r=1&partner=rss&emc=rss&src=ig

Editor of AGNADL

Catching the (Air) Wave

Rock on, KJR Seattle! Not only are you a cool classic rock radio station (KJR-FM 95.7) that I have the privilege of being able to hear across Puget Sound in my home and car, but your very own DJ, Kevin Ebi, has made a commitment to reporting ONLY GOOD NEWS on his morning news broadcast. Right on, Kevin! Connect to a listing of Kevin's news postings below.

http://www.957kjrfm.com/pages/kevin_ebi.html

Kevin is also a nature photographer, by the way, and I can certainly see why, since we both get to live in a beautiful part of the world. So pause for a moment, take a deep breath, and allow Kevin Ebi, nature photographer extraordinaire, take you on a mental vacation. But don't say I didn't warn you if you don't come back for a while.

http://www.livingwilderness.com/

A big thanks to Danny Westneat, Seattle Times writer, for reporting the story about Kevin Ebi. You may be a self-proclaimed "negative natterer," but you did the world a good turn by mentioning Kevin Ebi's new twist on the news.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/dannywestneat/2008746417_danny15.html

Editor of AGNADL

A Valentine to the Whole World

Need a reason to smile at the world? Try this video at YouTube.com by Saks61. You have to scroll down to the video with the deer and the Louis Armstrong song "What a Wonderful World."

http://www.youtube.com/user/saks61

Editor of AGNADL

Green Partnership Between Volkswagen & Toshiba

Volkswagen and Toshiba have signed a letter of intent to co-develop an electric version of the Volkswagen Up!, a subcompact concept car. Their objective is to develop electric drive units and power electronics for Volkswagen's new line of small cars. They are also planning to work on developing better battery systems for the next generation of electric-powered cars. Volkswagen's efforts at green technology has won the Jetta TDI accolades as Green Car Journal's 2009 Green Car of the Year.

For more on this cooperative effort, link to http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39314

Editor of AGNADL

Let's Make a Deal!

The stimulus bill passed the House with no Republican votes. It just now passed the Senate with the minimum votes it needed. It will now go to President Obama for approval. I think that's a done deal already.

http://www.nytimes.com/?emc=na

Editor of AGNADL

Dallas-based Business Warms the Hearts & Stomachs of Local Firefighters

It's good to give back to the community, particularly when the recipients themselves serve the community. The City of Dallas recently recognized the generosity of PrimeSource FoodService Equipment, Inc., a Dallas-based company that distributes food service equipment, "for their service and generosity in reaching out to the Firefighters and Paramedics at Dallas Fire-Rescue."

In a press release, Laurie Barnett, an employee of PrimeSource, reports:

"It all began when, along with more than 375 other volunteers, PrimeSource teammates participated in Freedom Day 2008 hosted by Entrepreneurs Foundation of North Texas (EFNT). It was the seventh annual day of community service to honor the lives lost and changed on September 11th, 2001. PrimeSource teammates’ assignment was to spend the day helping renovate Dallas fire station #11 which opened in 1909. While there, they realized that the kitchen range and sink faucets needed to be replaced. Kevin Weeks, Ross Kollinger and DJ Johnson quickly began coordinating donation and installation of new equipment. “The firehouse was elated to see the new stove and amazed at the level at which PrimeSource and our partners participated,” Kevin said.

The new equipment was installed in time for the holidays. Captain Rett Blankenship expressed the firefighters’ excitement, saying, “The new stove is great and we want you to know that its maiden voyage turned out some mean chicken enchiladas. Our chief came over and kicked the tires on it this afternoon and now we are the envy of the district. Next shift is Christmas and it will be a pleasure for me to cook my holiday prime rib actually knowing the temperature will be what the dial says it is. Some of our family members will be coming to eat with us, which is always nice this time of year. Cleaning dishes is going a lot smoother now because of the upgraded faucet.”

Thank you, Laurie, for submitting this article about a great organization giving back to a group of folks that sacrifice so much for their communities on a regular basis. Perhaps this will be the start of a nationwide movement to update and upgrade fire stations all around the country.

For more information about PrimeSource visit http://www.primesourcefse.com.


Editor of AGNADL

Ford Sees the Green Light Ahead

Ford plans to roll out more electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles over the next three years. With a change in administration at the White House and a change in management at the Ford Motor Company comes a change in plans for the future of Ford. Although it has had its share of financial difficulties in recent years, including a net loss of $14.6 billion in 2008, Ford is the only Detroit-based automaker not receiving government loans in the big automakers bailout. That fact alone endears them to me. Now Ford plans to move forward with what they learned from making their first hybrid, the Ford Escape hybrid.

They plan to release the Fusion hybrid sedan this year using some of those technological lessons. They claim that the new Fusion can get up to 47 mph using only electric power. I'd say that was a pretty serious advance in technology. They also plan to introduce a battery-powered commercial van in 2010 and a battery-powered compact in 2011. Then in 2012, they plan to unveil a plug-in hybrid to challenge the much-touted Chevy Volt.

I'd say the green race is on and Ford looks good heading into the future of alternative modes of automaking.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39307

Editor of AGNADL

Lots of Good News for the Environment

The link at the end of this posting takes you to several articles posted at the Center for Biological Diversity website from various sources. President Obama has been addressing former President Bush's last-minute actions that threatened the environment in many ways, from polluters trying to avoid installing pollutions controls as they expand their businesses to off-shore drilling and the reckless destruction of public lands.

In addition to blocking Bush's acts, which appear to have been intent on damaging our land and the air we breathe in favor of allowing big industries to develop without taking into account the impact they have on the environment, President Obama wants to focus on the creation on jobs and the use and development of alternate energies to help stimulate our economy. He wants to put America back to work, using the science we have at our fingertips to rethink the way we utilize our vital natural resources.

http://www.biologicaldiversity.org/news/center/articles/2009/obama-articles-02-2009.html

Editor of AGNADL

Deal or No Deal?

Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid announced this afternoon that an agreement had been reached on the stimulus bill. Only now they're not so sure, so stay tuned while they grease a few sticking points. I'm amazed that they got this far this fast.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008718164_apcongressstimulus.html

http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/02/11/its-a-deal-uh-maybe-not-maybe-a-little-premature/

Editor of AGNADL

Another Hurdle Hurdled

The Senate has passed a $838 billion stimulus package with the help of just three Republican senators. Now it will have to be reconciled with the $819 billion package passed by the House, but at least they've gotten over the next hurdle. There are lots of similarities between the two plans, but plenty of differences too that will have to be worked out.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/politics/2008718164_apcongressstimulus.html

Editor of AGNADL

What an Enterprising Idea

Hooray for Enterprise Rent-a-Car! Last week the company announced that they will be adding almost 5,000 more hybrid vehicles to their rental fleet, which will double the number they own. They already have the largest fleet of fuel efficient cars in the United States. Although they claim not to be "environmentalists," they are doing a great job of impersonating one. They say that it's just good business, essentially. Three cheers for them for figuring out that you can do the right thing for the environment and still make a healthy profit.

http://www.triplepundit.com/pages/enterprise-rentacar-adds-5000-hybrids-to.php

Editor of AGNADL

Companies are Rethinking Biofuel Production Methods

The Green concept really seems to be catching on and like a snowball rolling downhill, it's getting bigger and faster as more and more companies are jumping in there to come up with new and better ways to get the job done. In other words, people around the globe are not only thinking green, they're thinking greener than green, and that's very good news for the planet.

To read about some new ways to produce biofuels, I link you to an article from the Environmental News Network. There are additional related articles linked to their article, so it's simpler just to point you in their direction to read up on some news that's good for the Earth.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39273

Editor of AGNADL

Your Awwww Meter May Break

This is not a new video, but it's so darn cute, if you haven't seen it, you need to watch it. Be warned that this video may very well wreck your cuteness meter. I've included two different links. The first is the original Reuters feed and the other is from LiveLeak.com and it is set to music. Hopefully we can all take a lesson away from this about living in harmony despite our differences. Enjoy.

http://www.reuters.com/news/video?videoId=20366
http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=b33_1175970260

Editor of AGNADL

Unanimous Vote Bars Arctic Commercial Fishing

On Thursday, February 5, 2009, the North Pacific Fishery Management Council voted unanimously to bar commercial fishing in U.S. waters in parts of the Arctic. The region affected is north of the Bering Strait and east to the Canadian border. They are calling on scientists and policymakers to assess the impact of global warming on the area. Environmentalist and those who represent fishing interests agreed that it was a good idea, given the rapid changes to the ice and other features of the Arctic, to pay attention to these changes and to assess how to proceed before it's too late. The area affected encompasses nearly 200,000 square miles. It's wonderful to see that the experts understand the need for better stewardship of the world that is in our care for the time being. For more information, I point you to the Environmental News Network.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39260

Editor of AGNADL

Each One Holding Up the Light

I came across an article in the Seattle Times today that brought tears to my eyes. Not because it was sad, though of course it was sad to think about where we used to be in this country in regards to racial issues. We've advanced a lot in the past couple centuries, although I'd say we still have a long way to go, and I definitely hope it won't require another couple of centuries to get there. The reason it made me want to cry was the deeply symbolic nature of the story.

The story is about the honoring of two Seattle gentleman, who are leaving tomorrow morning on an Amtrak train bound for Oakland, California. They are heading for a celebration "to honor railroad porters of yesteryear as part of Black History Month." I direct you to the full article to read for yourselves, but there are two parts that stood out in particular to me. The first was the recollection of Troy Walker, who was first hired by the railroad 65 years ago. While he really enjoyed his job, there was also a downside, which included Blacks being barred from being promoted to supervisory and steward positions on the railroad, muttered insults from passengers, and having to stay in separate hotel rooms from the rest of the railroad staff. It wasn't until 1971, when Amtrak took over the railroad where he worked, that Mr. Walker was promoted to a supervisory position. He retired in 1982, three years after he transferred to Seattle.

The second Seattle gentleman is Thomas H. Gray. He worked only summer jobs as a chair-car attendant while he was in college, so he's a little reluctant about this honor. But his late father, Thomas J. Gray, and his grandfather, Henry Jones, were members of the Pullman union. They both worked for over 35 years for the railroad. He recalls a most touching story about his grandfather. Sometimes in the summer when Gray was working, his train would pass the one his grandfather was riding on. They knew when this would happen, so they would each hold out a light to signal their presence on the train to the other. Thomas would hold up his lighted flashlight, and his grandfather would hold up his railroad lantern. The trains were traveling so fast (70 mph) that it was not possible to see the individuals, but they could each see the light, and they both knew who was holding up the light to the other.

That's the part that really made me cry because it is so powerfully symbolic. We each do our part to make this world a better place, and sometimes it may not seem like a lot and that it passes by all too quickly. But it in the end what is seen is the light, shining out into the world. During a time in American history when Blacks were not treated very well, Henry Jones held up the light to signal to his grandson, Thomas, that he was there. Gray, a 71-year-old retired Boeing engineer, will be going to Oakland this weekend, and I think Mr. Jones will be there as well even if Thomas can't see him. He'll still be holding up the light to guide his grandson's steps.

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/localnews/2008717392_porters07m.html

Editor of AGNADL

Now We're Getting Somewhere

The New York Times reports that Democratic and Republicans Senators have agreed on a $780 billion stimulus package after getting the sobering news about unemployment rates. While the package still hasn't gone to a vote, it is expected to do so this weekend. If it is approved, then there will have to be a reconciling between the Senate version and the House version, which vary greatly. President Obama had stated that he hopes this can all be done in time for him to sign the measure within ten days. That would be good news indeed.

For more specifics, click on the link below:
http://www.nytimes.com/2009/02/07/us/politics/07stimulus.html?_r=1&hp

Editor of AGNADL

Good Night, Irene; Hello, IRENA

From the Worldwatch Institute, there is word that the first multinational agency focused solely on spreading clean energy around the world has been officially launched this week. It is called the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), and there are 75 nations participating. The United States, United Kingdom, Japan, China, and Australia have not yet signed on, but there is hope that they will as the group expands.

The purpose of the organization is to help governments and private industry to expand renewable energy operations throughout the industrialized world, while also assisting developing nations to acquire the expertise they need so they can establish their own clean energy industries.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39242

Editor of AGNADL

Good News Update on Utah's Redrock Wilderness

According to The Wilderness Society's email newsletter, Ken Salazar, the new Interior Secretary, has canceled the lease sale of Utah's wilderness to oil and gas companies. If you recall, Robert Redford reported in an email, on behalf of NRDC, that a federal judge had blocked the last minute deal Bush tried to make before exiting the White House. That lease deal would have negatively impacted 110,000 acres of Redrock Wilderness in Utah, but Mr. Salazar has canceled the transaction. See the article, "Good News for Utah’s Redrock Wilderness," from January 21, 2009 for more information on this.

http://wilderness.org/content/department-interior-cancels-controversial-leases

Editor of AGNADL

Fossil Fuels Going the Way of the Dinosaur?

The United States has taken over the number one spot in the world for being a producer of wind power and will likely do the same in the area of solar power some time this year. Even before Obama became President, businesses were jumping on the green bandwagon to the benefit of the environment. The U.S. nudged out Germany for the number one spot. Germany is also currently in the number one spot in solar power, at least for the time being, but competition is heating up. Can't you see it now? We could start a Green Olympics for companies competing throughout the world for the best and the most efficient green technologies. Sounds like a good idea to me. Read more about these changes and the possible motivating factors at The Environment News Network.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39229

Editor at AGNADL

Gnarly (G)news

How would you like to drive on your surfboard? Sound crazy? Well, maybe it's not as crazy as it sounds. Two companies based in Southern California have figured out how to recycle a product that was previously deemed "unrecyclable." It's polyurethane. At ReSurf Recycling, they are taking discarded surfboards and recycling them into asphalt or concrete to be used for paving roads. They're also recycling old wet suits, made of neoprene, into yoga mats. The other company, Green Foam Blanks, has teamed up with Just Foam Blanks, a foam manufacturer, to create recycled foam blanks (surfboard innards for the landlubber). I'd say these folks are catching the wave, the recycling wave. Gnarly, dude!

Read all about it at Environmental News Network, and while you're there, sign up for their great newsletter. I love it! It keeps me up to date on what's happening with the environment and the political news that impacts it.

http://www.enn.com/top_stories/article/39232

Editor of AGNADL

The Scottish Government Strikes a Deal

The BBC reports that Scottish Government has managed to strike a deal with the Liberal Democrats so they can pass their budget for the coming year. To learn more about the deal and the budget, click on the link below.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/7866805.stm

Water-Loo for Would-be Thief in France

It's always good news when the crooks aren't as smart as they think they are. This next item is one of those true stories that sounds like the beginning of a silly joke:

So, did you hear the one about the Belgian bank robber who got arrested for going to the bathroom? It seems that a bank heist was foiled by the thief himself. The guy broke into a building right next to a bank in Marseilles. Only when he drilled his way through the wall, he tripped off the alarms (oops, must have forgotten about those pesky things) and was arrested by the French police as he broke through into the adjoining room. To make matters worse, the room he landed in wasn't even the one with the safe deposit boxes, as he had thought. It was the bathroom, for gosh sakes, so unless he was after fancy plumbing fixtures, his plans were already flushed down the toilet (sorry, this story is just ripe with silly puns waiting to be plucked).

http://www.reuters.com/article/oddlyEnoughNews/idUSTRE5114OE20090202

Don't say I didn't warn you if this case turns into side plot for Inspector Clouseau to stumble over (literally) in a future Pink Panther movie. Alas, it came too late to be inserted in Pink Panther 2, starring Steve Martin, which is coming soon to a theater near you or at least somebody who lives near a theater--or should I say theatre?

http://www.star-ecentral.com/news/story.asp?file=/2009/2/3/movies/3138425&sec=movies

Au revoir!

Editor of AGNADL

Icelanders Moved by Plight of UK Pensioners Jump to their Aid

Even though the nation of Iceland is bankrupt, the kind-hearted people who live there answered a call for help. Apparently in the UK, it was projected that as many as a dozen of their pensioners (seniors) would die this year from the cold because they won't be able to afford to heat their homes. Shocked by this news, which was aired over their radio waves, the folks of Iceland started a drive to collect wool jumpers, hats, and gloves to send to the UK pensioners in danger. This is literally a heart-warming tale, as Icelanders gathered some 3000 jumpers (wool sweaters) and distributed them to the pensioners in need in the UK. I think I should start learning Icelandic, so I can learn how to say, "You people rock!" What a wonderful place full of caring souls. For a more complete story, please click on the link below.

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/top-stories/2009/01/31/iceland-send-3-000-jumpers-to-cold-pensioners-in-hull-115875-21085207/

Article sent in by AGNADL UK reporters Lesley and Cindy.

Iceland Appoints First Ever Openly Gay Government Leader

It may be only an interim appointment, but a crack has opened in world government. Iceland appointed the first ever openly gay government leader and Iceland's first ever woman Prime Minister. In the midst of financial bankruptcy and decline, Iceland's government has collapsed and resigned. Whether they meant to do it or not, history has been made, with the naming of Johanna Sigurdardottir as the new prime minister.

The thing I think I like the most about PM Sigurdardottir's background is that she used to be a flight attendant. Now if anyone can keep a cool head in the midst of a maelstrom, it's a flight attendant. They are trained to save people in a time of extreme crisis. She has, of course, other qualifications, but that one thing is what puts a smile of my face. I wish her the best of success in her new position. Apparently she's going to jump right in and get to work at dealing with a government in crisis. Reminds me of someone else in a similar situation. I can just see the sleeves being rolled up as I type.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7863923.stm

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/7859258.stm