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Sebelius Dem response desultory liveblogging

[UPDATE: Full text of Sebelius’ remarks here.] Obama-esque post-partisan soothing words. A “new American majority.” We’re all one big happy family! Jobs, homes, jobs. Results. Working together. Getting the job done. Relentless pragmatism. Now, when she lauds actual policies and accomplishments, they all turn out to be advanced and pushed through by … Democrats. I […]

SOTU desultory liveblogging

Blah blah blah. You know, the guy uses so much flim-flammery, so many deceptive code words, so many feints and misdirections, it’s almost like he’s speaking a different language. I have utterly lost the ability to hear it the way an Average Voter might. My brain translates it automatically. Now he’s on the clean energy […]

New ‘air of cooperation’ between Kansas state gov’t and coal companies

This evening, Kansas governor Kathleen Sebelius will give the Democratic rejoinder to Bush’s SOTU speech. There has been quite a bit of speculation — here on Grist, among other places — about Sebelius’ possible fitness as a VP candidate. Via Ezra, this actual Kansan blogger throws cold water on the notion. Particularly concerning: Her appointee, […]

Iraq ratifies the Kyoto Protocol

While presumably having plenty else to worry about, Iraq has found time in its busy schedule to ratify the Kyoto Protocol. In other news, reports have it that U.S. President Bush, who refuses to ratify the protocol, will deliver a State of the Union speech tonight lauding progress in Iraq. Oh, the irony could make […]

Al Gore’s cable TV network plans to sell shares

Want a piece of Al Gore? Here’s your chance (kind of): The cable television network Gore cofounded, Current Media Inc., is planning to go public. Current TV is aimed at socially minded young folk and is largely composed of viewer-created content.

Mormon green

Via Andrew Sullivan comes this green Mormon blog. Why? This is the short answer (in Mormon speak): Because I have a testimony of our responsibility as stewards of God’s Creation. Elder Oaks gave a great talk entitled Good, Better, Best. Some might put sustainability into the "good" category. I confess that when compared to the […]

Intel replaces PepsiCo as biggest U.S. buyer of alternative energy

Tech giant Intel has announced that it will buy 1.3 billion kilowatt hours of renewable energy credits a year, making it the biggest U.S. buyer of alternative energy. Previous record-holder PepsiCo is bumped into second place with a purchase of 1.1 billion kilowatt hours annually — but if Pepsi’s advertising is to be believed, every […]

Schmeiser to play David to Monsanto’s Goliath again

Most of you will recall the high-profile battle fought by Saskatchewan farmer Percy Schmeiser when he was sued for growing their GM seed without tithing to the corporation for the privilege.

Schmeiser insisted that Monsanto's patented DNA blew onto his land, but he lost an acrimonious fight in Canada's Supreme Court anyway. Now Percy's back for more.

Schmeiser has filed suit against the agribusiness giant in his Bruno, Saskatchewan, small claims court for C$600, claiming damages when Monsanto's GM seed blew onto his land, which he had to pay to have removed so that he could plant mustard. His contention is that the GMO rapeseed plants (aka canola) are pollution, and polluters should pay.

In a telling move, Monsanto agreed to pay if Schmeiser would agree to a gag order preventing him from discussing the case or its settlement. Needless to say, the feisty Mr. Schmeiser isn't having any.

There are more details in The Guardian.

Wolf kills in northern Rockies made easier, drought may affect nuke plants in U.S. Southeast, and mo

Read the articles mentioned at the end of the podcast: ‘Paign and Suffraging Killing Me Swiftly The Policed We Can Do Talk on the Wild Side Use the Forethought, Nuke Ride, Sally, Ride Read the articles mentioned at the end of the podcast: How Green Is Your Candidate? The Bitch Is Back Quick and Dirty […]

Three recognition contests for young eco-hero/ines

There are now three, count 'em, three great ways for kids to get recognition, mentoring, media opportunities, and cold hard cash for their grassroots eco-leadership. You've probably heard of one or two of these, but if you know a really great kid (from age 8-22) who is leading his/her peers in taking action for the environment, from cleaning up a watershed to collecting waste motor oil, then I'd nominate that kid for all three. Here are details on the prizes and their deadlines:

Action for Nature's International Young Eco-Hero Awards: deadline Feb 28

Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes: deadline April 30

Brower Youth Awards: deadline May 15