Ever need an excuse to go surfing? Well on June 2oth you finally have one. International surfing day created by Surfing Magazine, this unofficial, official surfers holiday gives us to promote and celebrate the sport while bringing awareness to the state of our oceans and beaches.
The goal is simple, take the day, or at least part of the day to go down to your favorite surf spot to catch a wave or two, or watch your your favorite agro local grom snake you, whatever it takes. While your at it take some time to clean up your local beach. Surfrider Foundation will be organizing a hand full of official beach cleanups, but that shouldn’t stop you from fixing up your own stretch of sand.
Seriously, can you please tell me that this is made up and the city of San Diego is not so manically desperate that they would stoop this low to retrieve some much needed funds that their leaders have so carelessly spent over the past 12 years. Fox news reported that a family having a home Bible study was intruded upon by a city worker and then they were set with a fine that required them to get a mix use permit in order to meet again. I don't care if it is a Qur'an Study, Gay Rights Hoedown or a Klan Rally, the city has no right interfering with a group a friends getting together. Think for a second about the implications here, religion aside, the city is trying to say that if you have more than 10 people over to your home you need to get a mixed use permit. Cancel your next Saturday bbq, call off your sisters baby shower, and be sure to phone aunt Suzie and tell her she can't bring her kids to Christmas, you don't want to get slapped with a fine by a desperate city worker. The leaders of San Diego are obviously bent on the fact that the Supreme Court wanted nothing to do with them, and wasn't about to listen them cry over the fact that they didn't want to have to be like the rest of California and acknowledge the fact that Marijuana was going to be legal for those that had a prescription, now they did an about face and are going after groups of friends getting together to study on a Friday night. Seriously... the city leaders ought to be ashamed of themselves...while this countries founders turn over in their graves!
See News Report: http://thekelpbed.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/05/desert-point.jpg
What if every day was earth day? Do you think things would actually change for the better or do you think that people would become immune to it and go on living their glutenous lives without paying attention to their surroundings? Do you think big companies and goofy politicians would still be talking about silly make believe concepts like Clean Coal? Do you think new buzz words like "Green, ECO and Sustainable" would have any meaning?
"If we are going to get this thing off of the ground then we had to find a place to start." says one of the founders of the Kelp Bed Project. Three guys from three different industries. One from a web designer and project manager background, the other a sales rep for action sport brands and the third from a recycled apparel distributor and retailer background. They all run their own independent companies but that isn't the only thing that they have in common. "I think all of us have bean surfing for over 30 years." says RC "We had all been wanting to interlude some kind of project with surfing and distribution. But not just any distribution, we wanted to make a difference with what we did and how we ran the business. After getting together for a morning surf / brainstorming session the concept came together. "
Retailers took a huge hit during the past holiday seasons, clothing brands and product distributors also took a hit as retailers cut back and canceled orders. Warehouses were stuck with way more overstock product than they were accustomed to as the retailers adjusted to the new economy "recession". The Kelp Bed Project interacts with different brands and finds ways to distribute their overstock product through charities or outreaches to different communities. "There are so many people in need, and with earthquakes and natural disasters becoming pretty consistent in today's planet, too many people need immediate supplies and there are not as many organizations out there as you might think to access what is needed." said LC an active member in the Kelp Bed Project, " The KB not only feels the gap between the large distribution companies and the shirtless kids in the streets of El Salvador, but they have all kinds of resources and outlets to raise awareness and gather funds for local people in need as well"
What started with outsourcing new surfboards that were turning yellow as they sat in a warehouse, has gained momentum into New Sustainable business model changing minds as to how overstock product from our personal closets to distribution warehouses should be handled. We look foward to what the guys at The Kelp Bed Project come up with next.
We are not necessarily for or against Chuck Norris, he in our minds is just another dude with his own opinions, most of them pretty wacky. However lets not forget that we are allowed to have our own opinions in America, this is part of what makes us free, or so we thought.
In the U.S. we have a right to our views, they translate into our votes. If we can get enough people to think along the same lines that we do, then we might be able to vote on issues that reflect our opinions. If we win great, if we don't, well that is a shame, but we are still entitled to our views as others are entitled to theirs.
One thing that the independent voters in this nation have learned since Nov. 4 is that the protesters of Prop. 8 apparently are not so much in support of Tolerance or Gays having the right to marriage, as much as they appear to be supporting Americans not having a right to their opinions and the Democratic Process.
If I teach tolerance, and I want the Gays to have a right to their views, wouldn't it be wrong, hypocritical, and a double standard for me not to let a conservative Holy Underwear wearing Mormon the right to their views? Prop 8 protesters have taught me, apparently not.
This time old right flyin' elephant riding Chuck Norris might have an actual point in an article If Democracy Doesn't Work, Try Anarchy posted on TownHall.com :
"Protestors of Proposition 8 in California (the marriage amendment) shoved aside a 69-year-old woman who was bearing a cross. They reportedly spit on her and stomped on her cross. They then aligned themselves in a human barricade, blocking the media from getting to or interviewing the woman.
Prop. 8 supporter Jose Nunez, 37, was assaulted brutally while distributing yard signs to other supporters after church services at the St. Stanislaus Parish in Modesto.
Calvary Chapel Chino Hills was spray painted by vandals after they learned that the church served as an official collection point for Prop. 8 petitions.
Letters containing white powder (obviously mimicking anthrax) were sent to the Salt Lake City headquarters of the Mormon church and to a temple in Los Angeles. (Thankfully, the FBI said the substance was nontoxic.)"
The post goes on to say
"A pro-homosexual, pro-anarchy organization named Bash Back marched into the middle of a church service and flung fliers and condoms to the congregants. They also hung a banner from the balcony that featured two lesbians in provocative positions at the pulpit.
And lastly, the tolerance-preaching activists also have taken their anger to the blogosphere, where posts have planted ideas ranging from burning churches to storming the citadels of government until our society is forced to overturn Prop. 8.
What's wrong with this picture? Lots.
First, there's the obvious inability of the minority to accept the will of the majority. Californians have spoken twice, through the elections in 2000 and 2008. Nearly every county across the state (including Los Angeles County) voted to amend the state constitution in favor of traditional marriage.
Nevertheless, bitter activists simply cannot accept the outcome as being truly reflective of the general public. So they have placed the brainwashing blame upon the crusading and misleading zealotry of those religious villains: the Catholics, evangelical Protestants, and especially Mormons, who allegedly are robbing the rights of American citizens by merely executing their right to vote and standing upon their moral convictions and traditional views.
What's surprising (or maybe not so) is that even though 70 percent of African-Americans voted in favor of Proposition 8, protests against black churches are virtually nonexistent. And everyone knows exactly why: Such actions would be viewed as racist.
I agree with Prison Fellowship's founder, Chuck Colson, who wrote: "This is an outrage. What hypocrisy from those who spend all of their time preaching tolerance to the rest of us! How dare they threaten and attack political opponents? We live in a democratic country, not a banana republic ruled by thugs."
"The truth is that the great majority of Prop. 8 advocates are not bigots or hatemongers. They are American citizens who are following 5,000 years of human history and the belief of every major people and religion: Marriage is a sacred union between a man and a woman. Their pro-Prop. 8 votes weren't intended to deprive any group of its rights; they were safeguarding their honest convictions regarding the boundaries of marriage.
On Nov. 4, the pro-gay community obviously was flabbergasted that a state that generally leans left actually voted right when it came to holy matrimony. But that's exactly what happened; the majority of Californians -- red, yellow, black and white -- voted to define the margins of marriage as being between one man and one woman. California is the 30th state in our union to amend its constitution in doing so, joining Florida and Arizona in this election. Like it or not, it's the law now. The people have spoken."
Since the election the actions of the radical protesters of Prop 8 have showed us nuetral voters that this Proposition was not so much about society's definition of marriage, but American's right to their own views. These actions will undoubtedly cause many independent supporters that they once had to now question the tactics and true agenda of the protesters.
When ol' Bushy Jr. was voted in for a second term, we didn't start assaulting Bush supporters, or attacking Republican campaign buildings because we didn't like their views. Why Not? Because we respect our Democracy and the freedom for people to have their own opinion. Not to mention it is hypocritical, it would set a bad example of what we stand for, it would most likely cost us future elections, and the most obvious, it is WRONG.
In my opinion the protesters of Prop 8 need to come up with their own term or brand for their union. The conservatives are hung up on tradition, well so was everybody with mailing letters before email came along. Email became its own thing, and snail mail became its thing. If their was a new union, lets say 'Life Connection', or 'Love Union' (I know the names are lame but hopefully you get my point) with a new brand we wouldn't be changing the constitution and 5,000 years of tradition, but instead passing new equal rights laws to obtain the same state and federal breaks that the Christians get with their brand Holy Matrimony AKA Marriage. Most likely Non-Christian heterosexuals and atheists will prefer a Love Union over an old fashion marriage anyway. The conservatives can have their old traditions, the independents can have their views and traditions, and the youth can learn about tolerance and freedom through understanding not hypocrisy.
Surfers Against Sewage are a group British surfer from Cornwall, England who surf AND campaign for clean, safe waters, free from "sewage effluents, toxic chemicals, marine litter and nuclear waste." They were founded in 1990 by a group of surfers, who were literally 'sick of getting sick' through repeated ear, nose, throat and gastric infections after going in the sea. The eco-warriors specialize in great publicity campaigns; such as posing naked with "no butts on the beach " written on their bottoms and showing up at an awards ceremony with a golden toilet brush for one of the sponsors.
As a fundraiser they asked ten of Britain's hottest artist to create a surf board design for them, the theme being the threat of coastal pollution. These environmentally friendly boards would be displayed at several art galleries and then auctioned off for charity. The artists included Damien Hirst, Jamie Hewlett, Banksy, Adrenalin Magazine, and Aphex Twin. That auction netted £77,000, with the 2 Damien Hirst boards going for £59,000 (love that booming art market). After such a roaring success, another art surfboard auction is planned for October, and the artists participating get even more famous: Sir Paul McCartney, Gavin Turk and Tracy Emin. Start saving. :: Surfers Against Sewage
The folks over at SEQL (Sustainable Environment for Quality of Life)Have listed a neat little cheat sheet on 100 different ways you can help save the environment. The list is broken up into different sub-catagories like In Your Home – Conserve Energy, In Your Home – Reduce Toxicity, In Your Yard, In Your Office, Ways To Protect Our Air, Ways to Use Less Water, Ways to Protect Our Water & Create Less Trash
Some of Our Favorit ideas were: 13.Reverse your indoor ceiling fans for summer and winter operations as recommended. 23.Plant trees to shade your home. 48.Put leaves in a compost heap instead of burning them or throwing them away. Yard debris too large for your compost bin should be taken to a yard-debris recycler. 49.Copy and print on both sides of paper.
The list is full of ideas you probably all ready new about as well as some good new ideas. Overall it is a good refresher or reminder, if you will on how to reduce your own personal foot print.
We found this on Inhabitat.com and thought that it was worth re posting: Always quick to act, Architecture For Humanity is quickly pulling together efforts to offer design services to the survivors left in Cyclone Nargis’ wake this past Saturday. With more than two million people now displaced in Myanmar, even small donations will be a big help in AFH’s effort to rebuild. More than 85% of the donations go directly toward innovative design and construction solutions.
At the time of writing, $13,500 have been raised (and 25% matched) by more than 240 donors who believe in the power of design to rebuild communities. If you would like to contribute to the cause or volunteer follow the link below:
We wanted to update you on the fight to Save Trestles. Please take time to read the following. Posted at savetrestles.com
Surfrider Foundation Action Network Deny the Toll Road Appeal
The Transportation Corridor Agency is trying to revive its plan to build the 241 Foothill-South Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach. They have asked the U.S. Secretary of Commerce to override the California Coastal Commission's denial of the road. Remember, on February 6, 2008 the California Coastal Commission voted to deny the 241 Foothill South Toll Road through San Onofre State Beach. Following thousands of pages of written comments and a 14 hour hearing attended by thousands, the Commission listened to reason and to the law by rejecting the toll road application. Unfortunately the agency planning this Toll Road has appealed the Coastal Commission’s decision to the U.S. Secretary of Commerce. The Secretary is accepting comments from the public on this appeal until May 28th. The people in D.C. need to hear from Californians and people from all over the world who care about San Onofre and Trestles!
Your voice is needed! Don't let the TCA's lobbyists be the only influence on this important decision!
This Christmas Did you get what you wanted? Did you give more than you had too? Did family and friends come to your side showering you with gifts like you were a child lying in a little manger strategizing your mission to save the world? Are you in more debt now that when you started?
Well if you are not, than you probably weaseled your way out of partaking in this great Consumer Holiday called Christmas. Visa and Wal-mart would like you know just How unchristian you are. Or are you? Think about it. You don't have to believe in the Christ to know the only recorded time the Rabbi lost His temper was not when they falsely accused Him to death, but when the temple was turned into a CONSUMER market place. What do you think He would do if he saw His church on Christmas?
A new Movie came out that hits on this topic. What Would Jesus Buy? is the title of a documentary film produced by Morgan Spurlock and directed by Rob VanAlkemade. The title is a play on the phrase "What would Jesus do?" The film debuted on the festival circuit on March 11, 2007, at the South By Southwest (SXSW) conference in Austin, Texas. It is scheduled for wide release on November 16, 2007.
Although the film is a little lengthy and slow at times the topic can not be ignored. The film focuses on the issues of the commercialization of Christmas, materialism, the over-consumption in American culture, globalization, and the business practices of large corporations, as well as their economic and cultural effects on American society, as seen through the prism of activist/performance artist Bill Talen, who goes by the alias of "Reverend Billy," and his troupe of activists, whose street theater performances take the form of a church choir called "The Church of Stop Shopping," that sings anti-shopping and anti-corporate songs. The film follows Billy and his choir as they take a cross-country trip in the month prior to Christmas 2005, and spread their message against what they perceive as the evils of patronizing the retail outlets of several different large corporate chains.
If this is what it will take to open peoples eyes than GO SEE IT.
I found this story interesting and worth reporting. This story was posted by By: Mari-Ela David on KHNL KAUAI (KHNL)
- After leaving Honolulu Harbor on its first official journey out to sea, the Superferry gets a nasty welcome from protestors on Kauai. Once the vessel arrived in Kauai around 6:00 p.m. Sunday, angry words rippled through the waters at Nawiliwili Harbor, as protestors temporarily blocked the Alakai from docking.
Some protestors swam and surfed towards the vessel, determined to block the giant ship's path. For safety reasons, the Coast Guard stepped in and stopped the Superferry from docking, leaving 500 passengers stuck on the ship for at least an hour.
Participating in the protest were some of Kauai's leaders. "I'm really disappointed and utterly shocked that the owners are not willing to follow the law to stop their operations," says Kauai County Councilmember Joann Yukimura. Critics say the Superferry is breaking the law.
The Supreme Court ruled the Superferry must provide an environmental assessment. The debate between supporters and opponents is whether or not that ruling means the Superferry can still operate while the assessment is being conducted.
Among Superferry supporters is the State Administration. "Governor Lingle, and the Department of Transportation - I'm very disappointed that they're not respecting the decision that just came down by the Hawaii Supreme Court and I would hope that they would honor that so we can move forward and resolve this very difficult and complicated situation," says Senator Gary Hooser.
But Superferry officials say they are well within the legal lines. In a statement, Hawaii Superferry says "We are extremely disappointed for the passengers who were booked on the voyage to Kauai...we are sorry to see that minority dissident groups have chosen to oppose a service that the people of Hawaii have overwhelmingly embraced."
The Superferry finally docked around 7 pm Sunday.
Witnesses say protestors laid down in front of cars as the crew tried to unload the vehicles off Nawiliwili Harbor. At that point, they say the Superferry boarded passengers back on the ship. The vessel is scheduled to arrive at Honolulu Harbor around 11:00 p.m. Sunday.
The Transportation Corridor Agency is seeking to build an extension to the existing 241 Toll Road. The proposed Foothill Transportation Corridor South (FTC-South) is a sixteen-mile long toll road highway that would connect the current terminus of the 241 Toll Road to Interstate 5. The TCA is proposing six alignments for this project; four of which run directly through and along San Mateo Creek. If constructed, not only would this project directly threaten the world class surf break at and around Trestles (including Uppers, Lowers, Middles, Church and Cottons), the project would also result in the obliteration of Southern California?s last remaining pristine coastal watershed and substantially degrade habitat that is critical for the survival of at least seven endangered species, including the Southern Steelhead trout.
Wave Degradation
* This project would require substantial grading of the terrain and millions of yards of hard reinforcement (steel, concrete and other materials), that will alter the natural sediment flow through San Mateo Creek,, which supplies sand to the Trestles surf breaks.
* According to the Transportation Corridor Agency?s own engineering consultants, losses in sedimentation flow would cause ?substantial degradation to surfing resources,? which will likely result in significant degradation to the wave quality at Lower Trestles and nearby breaks (including Uppers, Middles, Cottons and Church).
Water Quality
* A recent scientific report demonstrates that when over 10 percent of a watershed is paved there are significant water quality and ecosystem impacts.
* Similar projects have resulted in generating significant increases of oils, heavy metals and other toxins. Given the proximity of the project to the watershed, this project would result in a decrease of water quality for Trestles and the surrounding breaks.
* The TCA?s assertion that they can mitigate for this run-off is dubious. The initial mitigation systems that were installed on the nearby RT73 Toll Road failed, and had to be replaced at tax-payer expense. All mitigation efforts are ineffective during large rain events.
Environmental Damage from the Toll Road
* The walk in at Trestles is half the experience. The area is home to numerous native plant and animal species, including several endangered species. This area would be profoundly impacted by such a massive project essentially cutting the San Mateo Creek watershed in half.
* The FTC-South will run directly through San Onofre Beach State Park. This 2028 acre park the 5th most visited park in the California State Parks system.
* The San Mateo Creek Watershed is one of the last large coastal open spaces in Southern California The FTC-South will forever change this last vestige of coastal wilderness, including profound compromises to the Donna O?Neill Land Conservancy.
* TCA claims that the FTC-South will provide relief of traffic congestion along Interstate 5 in fact contradict their own FTC-South traffic projections that rely on cannibalizing San Diego County bound traffic from the I-15 and feeding that Inland Empire traffic to the I-5 via the toll roads.
* FTC-South would be built through undeveloped land, which would promote development, and ultimately bring forth new traffic from urbanization.
* FTC-South will increase, not decrease traffic on the 1-5 stretch in south San Clemente where the proposed toll road will merge with 1-5, which is already at over-capacity along this stretch. Northern San Diego County will also be affected by potentially severe increases in traffic congestion.
Expense
* The FTC-South is expected to cost close to $1 billion (nearly $53 million a mile). Currently the plan is to fund the project by non-recourse bonds, as well as development impact fees that are already being added to real estate sales in Southern Orange County.
*Contrary to TCA claims, these projects are NOT SELF FUNDED! According to an October 10, 2005 article in the Orange County Register, the nearby RT73 Toll Road is ?financially struggling? and ?faces not being able to make its debt payments in about nine years.?
SUPPORT THE SURFRIDER FOUNDATION IN ITS FIGHT TO SAVE TRESTLES!
* The dramatic decreases in water quality, degradation to the wave quality at Trestles, destruction of the San Onofre State Beach Park and some of the last open space in Southern California, and harm to endangered and threatened species are costs not worth the questionable benefits of this extremely expensive toll road.
* Surfers, swimmers and other ocean enthusiasts enjoy the waters and waves of Trestles year round. There is no other place like it in California or the world. Please join in our efforts to Save Trestles for our children and future generations.
"100% Powered By Vegetable Oil" Bumper Sticker Gets a 1k Dollar Fine
If the Government could completely have it their way, they would lock you up for using anything other than their heavily taxed gasoline or diesel. If you don't believe take a look at this story from the Charlotte Observer.
Bob Teixeira decided it was time to take a stand against U.S. dependence on foreign oil.
"So last fall the Charlotte musician and guitar instructor spent $1,200 to convert his 1981 diesel Mercedes to run on vegetable oil. He bought soybean oil in 5-gallon jugs at Costco, spending about 30 percent more than diesel would cost.
His reward, from a state that heavily promotes alternative fuels: a $1,000 fine last month for not paying motor fuel taxes
He's been told to expect another $1,000 fine from the federal government.
And to legally use veggie oil, state officials told him, he would have to first post a $2,500 bond.
Teixeira is one of a growing number of fuel-it-yourselfers -- backyard brewers who recycle restaurant grease or make moonshine for their car tanks. They do it to save money, reduce pollution or thumb their noses at oil sheiks."
This story is too ridiculous to believe. the truth is we should be exempting people like this from oil taxes, not punishing them! Unfortunately, most state laws have strict penalties for those that do not partake from the traditional pump, and follow their strict LAWS. It’s almost like the Spanish Inquisition has come to the fuel industry. States understandably receive an immense amount of money from taxing fuel to help pay for road repair costs. Still, a $2,500 bond, $1,000 fine, and another $1K from the federal government? It’s enough to make any American think twice about making the switch. Then again, that’s probably the entire point.
The head of the OPEC oil cartel just said that investing in biofuels could push oil prices “through the roof,” the UK’s Financial Times reported yesterday. OPEC secretary general Abdalla El-Badri had the nerve to say that moves to use biofuels would make his members consider cutting investment in oil production.
Even US Oil Tycoon Texas Cowboy/President Bush says the US will aim to cut its petrol use by 20 per cent in the next ten years, partly through increased use of biofuels. Opec members control about 40 per cent of the world’s oil production. El-Badri said that while OPEC members had so far maintained their investment plans, he added: “If we are unable to see a security of demand we may revisit investment in the long term.”
This warning comes as leaders of the G8 industrialized nations gather for their summit in Germany. Environmental issues are high on the agenda and the use of biofuels is central to the attempts of many G8 countries to cut their carbon emissions. Biofuels can be anything made with vegetable matter that burns.
The US is not the only nation that depends on Opecs oil, Gabrielle Reilly at Gift of Gab brings up that China alone is reshaping the global oil relationships in and of itself. This year China has become the second largest user of oil outside of the US surpassing Japan. As China’s economy grows and technology improves, the Chinese are setting aside their bikes for cars. Although it may still be two decades before many of the peasants laboring in the manufacturing sectors become consumers, with a population of well over 1 billion people, it would only take a small percentage of the population to consume as much as the U.S. does. Will this bring China into closer relations with the Middle East in preference to the U.S.? Only time will give us the sure answer to that question.
So OPEC is feeling the pressure? Let's see how they act when their is actual competition on the field. In my opinion, if the Americans paid what Europeans pay at the pumps for gasoline, they would drive less and be looking for way more alternative fuels and modes of transportation. Pushing the envelope further towards bio fuels, maybe even passing positive laws to help enforce them.
The US had a record number of beach closures and health advisories last year, the most in 15 years since research organizations have been monitoring them. -The Clean Water initiative is primarily focused on protecting water quality in coastal watersheds and in the near-shore marine environment. Consequently, the Surfrider Foundation advocates for strong water quality regulations, adequate marine recreational water quality monitoring, reporting and posting, reduction of polluted discharges into the ocean and education regarding personal responsibility for the reduction water pollution. They also support smart land use planning to ensure that coastal environmental resources are protected and healthy watersheds are maintained.
-In 2001, the UN FAO and World Health Organisation estimated that developing countries spend US$3 billion annually on pesticides. However, one-third of these pesticides did not meet internationally accepted quality standards. Developing countries are used as a dumping ground for hazardous chemicals, many of which are banned throughout much of the rest of the world because of the serious threats they pose to human health and the natural environment. Cambodia is one such country.
-Pesticides are toxic by design. Every year, pesticides are estimated to cause tens of millions of cases of accidental poisoning. Many of these poisoning cases are in the developing world where awareness of the dangers is lacking. Symptoms of pesticide poisoning can range from short-term headaches and nausea to convulsions, unconsciousness or death. Longer-term effects include damage to nervous systems, respiratory and skin diseases, cancers and birth defects. What's Your Poison? highlights the shocking evidence between pesticides and damage to human health.
-EJF's work to raise awareness of the human health impact of endosulfan and the publication of End of the Road for Endosulfan led to the Cambodian Government announcing a ban on the import, sale and use of this dangerous pesticide. Find out why endosulfan is so dangerous to human health: [Read EJF's report End of the Road for Endosulfan]
-Cotton uses nearly 10% of the world's pesticides, and of this, 25% of the world's insecticides. The consequences for human health and the environment are well known, particularly in the developing world where pesticides are not subject to stringent regulation and where public awareness of the risks are limited. There has been a slow response from producers, traders and retailers to developing and promoting organic cotton production that can sustain environment and rural communities.
Winston Churchill once said something like if you're under 30 and you're not a Democrat, than you have no heart. But if you're over 40 and you're not a Republican, than you have no brains. Well now I am in my mid thirties and I am fed with both of them. If you follow that cheese race and pay any attention to politics today in the US and have the ability to somewhat think for yourself instead of blindly following a "leader," you should be very fed up. We should be thankful for our rights while we use the voice our forefathers worked so hard to get into the constitution that most modern day spin doctors today dance around. Today The Republican and Democratic parties are almost the same. Some people even refer to the two as one party, the Republicrat party. Neither of the two major parties are interested in doing what is best for Americans, nor what American voters want their representatives to do. As an American, it is our privilege and duty to vote for people who are willing to represent our interests, not their own interests or those of corporate lobbyists.
Love your new shirt - know how the cotton was grown?
Over two thirds of the world's cotton - used in the clothes we all wear - is grown in developing countries and the former Soviet Union.
Valued at US$35 billion a year, global cotton production should be improving lives but this "white gold" all too often brings misery to millions.
Forced child labour, heavy pesticide use and environmental degradation are all rife in cotton production, but most people are still in the dark about the full story behind the clothes we wear and how they are produced.
Unless you have made a positive choice and are wearing certified organic or fairly traded cotton, you won't know it from the label.
The Environmental Justice Foundation is leading an international campaign to end human rights and environmental abuses in cotton production, and to promote organic and fairly traded cotton.
Read the reports, watch the award-winning short film and then TAKE ACTION so you can Pick Your Cotton Carefully.
Watch "White Gold - The True Cost of Cotton"
EJF Campaigns:
* to raise public awareness of the conditions under which cotton is produced
* to press retailers to ensure they only sell "clean cotton"
* for an EU regulation on forced child labour, and for cotton products to show the country of origin of the cotton on the label
The struggle to preserve public access to the beach is spreading across the nation from California to Connecticut and from Florida to the Great Lakes. California's beaches belong to all the people. The wealthy rich prick beachfront enclave of Malibu and media mogul David Geffen nevertheless filed suit to cut off the people'sright to reach the beach. A Newport Beach city councilmember opposes improvements to a public beach because "with grass we usually get Mexicans coming in there early in the morning and they claim it as theirs and it becomes their personal, private grounds all day." People of color and low-income people suffer first and worst from the efforts to privatize public beaches. While eighty percent of the 34 million people of California live within an hour of the coast, disproportionately White and wealthy homeowners stand to benefit from the privatization of this public good, while communities of color and low-income communities are disproportionately denied the benefit of coastal access.
Beaches are not a luxury. Beaches are a public space that provide a different set of rhythms to renew public life. Beaches are a democratic commons that bring people together as equals. People swim and splash in the waves, "people watch," surf, wile away the afternoon under an umbrella, scamper between tide pools, or gaze off into the sunset. Public access to the beach is integral to democracy and equality. Rio de Janeiro, like Los Angeles, is marked by some of the greatest disparities between wealth and poverty in the world. Yet Rio's famous beaches are open to all, rich and poor, Black and White. The beach in Rio is the great equalizer. California's world famous beaches must also remain public for all, not the exclusive province of the rich and famous. The Connecticut Supreme Court has recognized the First Amendment right of non-residents to use a public beach against efforts by the city of Greenwhich to restrict access to its residents. A New Jersey appellate court has recognized the right of public access to reach the beach at a private club under the public trust doctrine. A Michigan court, however, has recently limited public access to the beach along Lake Michigan. In Florida, 60% of the "public" beaches are now "private."
In order to make a difference before it gets to late The center For the law and Public Justice along with the Surfrider foundation have put together a "Free the Beach" campaign. For more information go to http://www.surfrider.org/media5.asp
Your unique spirit and individual personality are not mistakes; there is a plan and a purpose for your life. Pay Attention, when you are being lied to. Please do not be fooled, each one of us is responsible for the decisions we make and the actions we do or do not take.
