bm195 Fighting for the Wetlands

by bicyclemark

These days, you won’t often find the mainstream media talking about the rebuilding process in and around new olreans. There is even less of a chance they’ll bring up a widely known yet under reported issue: the destruction of the wetlands in Louisiana.
In this show, my guest Laura of the Common Ground Wetlands Restoration program, sat down with me in the upper nine-ward to talk about just how the relationship between the wetlands and the surrounding region has changed over the past decades and what the volunteers are doing in an effort to counter these changes.

We Discuss:
– The Mississippi River and flooding
– The bayou
– Canals, Levees…
– The oil and gas activity
– Government plans and actions
– What the organization is doing
– Who are the influential players
– What kind of progress has been made
– Information for those interested in volunteering

 

And I mention a book “Bayou Farewell” as recommended by a reader

bm174 Westinghouse and Nuclear Media

by bicyclemark

Loads of internet connection problems out here on the street. This podcast focuses on the Westinghouse Corporation.. who have played and continue to play, a huge role in US media and nuclear energy world wide. After their recent deal with China, I decided to take a closer look at their record and talk about the dangers of the deals.

Read the article.
Westinghouse on Wikipedia
Multinational Monitor, old article

No time for many links.. battery running out.

oh one last night.. its now my THIRD YEAR as a podcaster… not sure when this month.. but my 2nd anniversary just passed. Id like to thank my producer and my family and gawd…. oh wait no.. I just wanted to thank all of you.. bla bla bla shmaniversary.. thanks for listening!

Canada goes American

by bicyclemark

From Europe yesterday to Canada today, I just read the details point by point, of the proposed Canadian budget from the new conservative government. Some might wonder, who are not Canadian, why one should pay attention to such details. Personally I admire Canada very much and think it’s a great example of a well grounded and rounded country, in terms of national and international policies. Therefore I always keep a close eye on the developments there, especially with what could be a big turn in how the country is run.

My initial impression of the budget is not all bad. Probably because there are some priorities and traditions in Canada that will not automatically change just because a new party is in charge. I’m referring specifically to childcare and education, both of which seem to get adequate funding and tax-credits within the text of the budget.

On the other hand, there are quite a few signs that alot of the trademark characteristics of the Red Maple Leaf are being abandoned. In terms of the environment, funding that was supposed to go to climate change issues has been diverted to tax credits for mass transit users. And as much as I love trains, buses and trolleys, there are other areas that require attention in order to reduce greenhouse gases. Also in the budget, a significant boost in military spending, which was perhaps inspired by their neighbors to the south. While healthcare receives no new funding to address problem areas. It may not be the end of the world, but there is definitely cause for alarm if you’re like me and you admire the policies and practices that made Canada the admirable nation that it is today.