Broward Directory Blog

Senator Bernie Sanders of Vermont has introduced legislation that would greatly aid in the expansion of rooftop solar-energy production in the United States. There is sufficient roof space in the United States to meet 20 percent of our electricity needs simply by installing solar panels.

Senator Sander’s “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ would help fund the installation of solar panels on 10 million homes and businesses across the country as well as the installation of 200,000 solar water heaters. This would produce about 30,000 new megawatts of energy, the equivalent of about 30 nuclear power plants.

Unlike industrial-scale solar projects, which when poorly sited can have unacceptable negative impacts on wildlife and wild places and often require new long-distance transmission lines, rooftop solar by definition only occurs in already developed areas. It is the greenest of green energy.

Please take a minute to contact your senators and encourage them to support the rapid expansion of rooftop solar energy.

Click here to find out more and take action.

Sample letter:

Subject: Please Support Senator Sanders’ Solar Roofs Bill

I am writing to urge you to support and join as a cosponsor the “10 Million Solar Roofs and 10 Million Gallons of Solar Water Heating Act of 2010″ introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders. Rooftop solar is fast to build, avoids the need for expensive new transmission lines, uses already developed land, enhances energy resilience and independence, and creates jobs. We should be doing everything possible to encourage this type of clean energy.

Thank you

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How credit card reforms will affect you
By Sandra Block, USA TODAY

In response to widespread complaints, President Obama signed legislation last May that imposed broad new regulations on the industry. Some of the most significant provisions in the bill take effect today.

The article goes over what has been changed and what hasn’t

Read more…

EPA gets earful about proposed water pollution rules
BY CURTIS MORGAN
cmorgan@MiamiHerald.com

The EPA asked for feedback on proposed water pollution regulations — and it got an earful from utilities, farmers and critics who call the rules flawed and costly.

Citrus growers, cattle ranchers, sugar farmers and utility operators told federal environmental regulators Thursday that they are all for keeping rivers and lakes clean, but they don’t want to go broke doing it.

Ephraim King, director of EPA’s office of science and technology in Washington, “I think they create the impression in the minds of many Floridians that you have to make a choice between the economy and clean water. You don’t.”

Read more…

Broward School Board weighs possible layoffs, furloughs, fewer electives
District facing up to $100 million cut in state money, officials say

By Kathy Bushouse, Sun Sentinel
February 9, 2010

Broward’s public schools face deep budget cuts in the upcoming school year, which could mean anything from more job losses to less money for elective classes and classroom supplies.

“Schools budget director Jane Turner told board members on Tuesday that the district is facing an $80 million to $100 million cut in state money and will have to make up for $60 million in one-time money spent in last year’s budget”

Read more…

Some Broward schools go without toilet paper and soap in bathrooms
Teachers stock bathrooms at some schools
By Akilah Johnson, Sun Sentinel
February 9, 2010

From classroom walls to bathroom stalls, posters in Broward County schools urge good hygiene to stop the spread of germs. But when students and teachers try to practice what the posters preach, they sometimes find there’s no toilet paper or soap.

Read more…

Did Broward judge let emotions outweigh justice?
Lebow loses sight of big picture by tossing murder charge after evidence mix-up
Michael Mayo News Columnist – Sun Sentinel
February 8, 2010

After reading the transcript of last week’s courtroom folly that led to a first-degree murder case getting tossed by Broward Circuit Judge Susan Lebow, two things seem clear:

1) There were some heated exchanges between Lebow and homicide prosecutor Gregg Rossman.

2) Justice wasn’t served.

Read more…

Official Court Transcript – courtesy of Sun Sentinel

Invasion of venomous lionfish menaces the Keys
A popular aquarium import, the species wreaks havoc on native fish populations
By Cammy Clark, The Miami Herald
February 8, 2010

KEY LARGO - At French Reef, 30 feet below the ocean’s surface, Sea Dwellers dive instructor Dave Jefferiss was on a mission to find and capture one of the gorgeous but dreaded new invaders of the Florida Keys: a lionfish.

The lionfish is native to the Pacific and Indian oceans, is a menace to humans and marine life. It has venomous fins, and no known marine predators in the territory it is invading.

“It was mentioned in the article that lionfish are  can be eaten, but special care is required to remove the venomous spines before doing so”

Read more…

Lionfish are spreading
Another Good Article explaining where Lionfish are ….

Emergency Treatment:
A lionfish sting causes intense pain and should be immersed in hot water for 15-20 minutes.  Seek immediate medical attention as soon as possible

Aquatic Toxins Hotline: 888-232-8635

Florida Poison Information Center in Miami

This is a Mayo Clinic Presentation of Continuous Chest Compression CPR – Cardiocerebral Resuscitation
(CCR)

This is a newer version of CPR – No Mouth to Mouth

This new approach for cardiac arrest can improve rates of neurologically intact survival by 250%–300%

ANYONE CAN DO AFTER SEEING THIS ONCE!

Now is the time to donate – Whether it is for the relief for Haiti or another disaster.  The Red Cross seems to find itself in the midsts of every disaster.

• Basic essentials
• Blood
• Food
• Clothing

Donate today!

http://www.redcross.org/