Global warming isn’t uniform. The continental U.S. has warmed by about 1.3°F over the past 100 years, but the temperature increase hasn’t been the same everywhere: some places have warmed more than others, some less, and some not much at all. Natural variability explains some of the differences, and air pollution with fine aerosols screening incoming solar radiation could also be a factor. Read the rest at Climate Central.
Minnesota Government Shutdown Flag Photo courtesy David Erickson
So our state government has shut down due to failure to reach a compromise to bridge the gap in our budget.
I blame the Republicans completely and without reservation.
Their insane instance against raising taxes (even though they are perfectly happy to impose fees but a tax by any other name…, you know), even for merely the most well-off amongst us (who have made out like bandits since the Clinton Administration), is unreasonable by any standard.
Further, philosophically, conservatives are opposed to government so seeing it shut down ain’t no thing to them. Democrats, on the other hand, believe in government, believe in its ability to serve people and do good. For that very reason, they want the government to remain open.
I gotta believe Governor Dayton went the last mile in an effort to keep the ship of state sailing.
Yay for reason! Yay for science! Yay for facts! I admit I was dreading watching this video for fear of where our very own Miss Minnesota, Brittany Thelemann, for stating rather definitely and eminently reasonably that evolution should be taught in our schools.
I’d say it makes gives me hope for the future were it not for so many of the rest of her fellow Miss USA candidates who said No, or Yes, But or, worse, All Opinions Should Be Taught. Still, way to go Brittany! Found at YouTube from seng12900 via Washington Post.
This looks like fun. Environment Minnesota is hosting a short film contest about what solar power can do for Minnesota. Cash prizes of up to $1500. [DETAILS.] Found at YouTube from EnvironmentMinnesota.
Parents and grandparents and the caregivers who assist them twenty-four hours a day sharing their feelings on funding for older adult services in the face of a potential Minnesota government shutdown. (The video was produced by a client of my employer, Tunheim.) Minnesota Government Shutdown from LTCImperative.
UPDATED: 5/28/11: I participated on the Civil Rights, Civic Discourse & Civic Responsibility in a High Tech World panel for the Hubert H. Humphrey Centennial Reunion & Policy Discussion held May 27, 2011, at Minneapolis City Hall.
Hubert H. Humphrey Civil Rights Speech Before The 1948 Democratic National Convention
One of the greatest speeches ever given: Hubert H. Humphrey’s 1948 Civil Rights Speech at the Democratic National Convention. Found at YouTube from AmericanSpeeches.
Kathleen Sebelius: Health & Human Services Celebration Of Hubert H. Humphrey
Health & Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius discusses Hubert H. Humphrey’s legacy and a screening of excerpts of The Art Of The Possible, a documentary about Humphrey, and a discussion with filmmaker Mick Caouette. Found at YouTube from USGOVHHS.
Video from citizen journalists who were on the scene to document the aftermath of the devastating tornado that hit Northeast Minneapolis on May 22, 2011.
Madeline Koch, a friend and former colleague of mine, testified recently in opposition to SF 1308 in the Minnesota state Senate, a constitutional amendment that would ban same-sex marriage in Minnesota. Except for the party designation, Madeline’s testimony is word-for-word how I feel about the matter. Minnesota same-sex marriage ban from MadelineKoch.
