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The nomination of unqualified non-scientist Sam Clovis is a powerful illustration of the Trump administration’s hostility both to science and to the rule of law.

Dr. Peter G. Lurie, President of Center for Science in the Public Interest (CSPI).  Read the release.  (via climatetruth)

Clovis wasn’t qualified, but worse may be yet to come

Why is Grassley still supporting Clovis despite evidence, acknowledged by his attorney, of Clovis' e-mail urging Papadopoulos' trip to Russia?

“Come on, folks. Let’s be honest. Clovis has zero scientific credentials for the chief scientist post to begin with. The former professor and right-wing radio host who has a doctorate in public administration is already a USDA staffer, but the investigative news site ProPublica could find no evidence he ever even took a graduate-level course in science. He believes human contributions to climate change are a hoax.

The chief scientist, who advises the government on scientific issues, has long been some leader in biochemistry, medicine, food nutrition, and ecosystem ecology. But Clovis has said the USDA under Trump would focus mostly on slashing regulations.“

Keep fighting back: climatetruth.org/standup

Dark ocean bacteria discovered to play large role in carbon capture

This study reveals that despite their relatively low abundance, nitrite-oxidizing bacteria capture more than 1.1 gigatons of carbon dioxide in the mesopelagic zone annually. This is comparable to prior estimates of the total carbon captured in the entire dark ocean.

Marine bacteria that live in the dark depths of the ocean play a newly discovered and significant role in the global carbon cycle, according to a new study published in Science.

The “dark ocean” - everything that lies below 200 meters - makes up 90 percent of the ocean. Very little is known about the microscopic life in this realm and its critical role in transforming carbon dioxide to cell material, proteins, carbohydrates and lipids. This freshly produced organic material can then be consumed by other marine organisms enhancing the productivity of the ocean.

Continue Reading.

8 Newly Discovered Deep-Sea Creatures

An Easy Way to Preserve and Tan the Hide of a Deer - The Prepper Journal - http://www.theprepperjournal.com/2017/09/22/easy-way-preserve-tan-hide-deer/ - For more #survival and #prepper info, visit http://knowpreparesurvive.com/

Hawaii Becomes the First State to Pass a Bill in Support of Universal Basic Income

Hawaii's government is going to evaluate UBI.

As the threat of automation grows, governments will have to deal with growing unemployment. UBI is growing in interest, and while there’s still research to be done, I’m glad that people are at least having the conversation.

Also, since automation is coming for middle and upper class jobs too, I expect to see progress to be made a bit more quickly. Hopefully.

Also Today in Godsmack History: The Enemy

“The Enemy” is the last single from the album IV released on October 31, 2006; six years to the day after the release of their album Awake. The song landed a spot on the Mainstream Rock Tracks at number four, just like Godsmack’s previous single “Shine Down”. “The Enemy” is performed at almost every show on the band’s “IV Tour”, and was also the official theme song for WWE’s 2006 SummerSlam PPV. This song was also included on the THQ video game, WWE SmackDown vs. Raw 2007. “The Enemy” is Jason MacDonald’s most recent entrance theme in UFC Championship.

According to lead singer Sully Erna, the song is about a guy who was his friend. When Godsmack became popular, the guy was going with Erna to clubs and parties. They quit hanging out as much but the guy continued to go out to places where people knew that he knew the band. He would hang out in the VIP rooms and tell people that Godsmack was coming. Toward the end of the night, he would make up an excuse as to why Godsmack wasn’t showing up. Sully Erna felt betrayed by somebody using his name and image to acquire their own fame.

Then let’s make some noise, shall we? Texas has a real problem providing women with adequate healthcare. This is bad.

L.A. Times Report: High Maternal Mortality Among African-American Texans Is a ‘Quiet Crisis’

Globally, maternal mortality rates have been declining over the past several years. In America, however, the maternal death rate more than doubled between 1987 and 2013. In fact, though the United States is one of the most developed countries in the world, it’s the second to last among 31 developed countries, ahead of only Mexico, according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. And, according to a recent report in the Los Angeles Times, black women are dying at the highest rates.

More from the Los Angeles Times:

The maternal death rate in Texas after 2010 reached “levels not seen in other U.S. states,” according to a report compiled for the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, based on figures from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Black women in Texas are dying at the highest rates of all. A 2016 joint report by the Texas Department of State Health Services’ Maternal Mortality and Morbidity Task Force found that black mothers accounted for 11.4% of Texas births in 2011 and 2012, but 28.8% of pregnancy-related deaths.

Read the rest of the L.A. Times report here.