Category: infrastructure

TheVoiceOfJoyce With 80% of our water contaminated with forever chemicals, EPA is strengthening monitoring and minimal enforcement. Why should the American taxpayer be on the hook , once again, for industrial clean up. 200 million people are exposed to toxic water , along with private and municipal wells. No wonder the US has decreased our lifespan, we don’t hold Corporations accountable. Where are Laws to enforce proper disposal of toxic chemicals? Clean water is a shrinking resource. Why concentrate toxins?

October 18, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/18/pfas-forever-chemicals-80-percent-us-waterways-contaminated PFAS, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are a class of about 12,000 chemicals often used to make products resist water, stain and heat. They are called “forever chemicals” because they don’t naturally break down, and are linked to cancer, liver problems, thyroid issues, birth defects, kidney disease, decreased immunity and other serious health problems. … More TheVoiceOfJoyce With 80% of our water contaminated with forever chemicals, EPA is strengthening monitoring and minimal enforcement. Why should the American taxpayer be on the hook , once again, for industrial clean up. 200 million people are exposed to toxic water , along with private and municipal wells. No wonder the US has decreased our lifespan, we don’t hold Corporations accountable. Where are Laws to enforce proper disposal of toxic chemicals? Clean water is a shrinking resource. Why concentrate toxins?

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce We’re experiencing a slowdown on the Mississippi River as water levels have dropped. Similar to European Nations, our Rivers are no longer flowing under these drought conditions. Barges are the fastest and least carbon intensive way to move grains and heavy products. A 15 barge tow, saves a 1000 trucks from traversing our highways and reduces Carbon emissions. The time for a Climate Emergency is now. When do we start investing in Renewables for our future? How long will we be dictated to by Fossil Fuel Oligarchs? Cut Fossil Fuel Subsidies now. Invest in American entrepreneurs and innovations. Beware the Billionaires who would stifle our future with Climate Deniers, our Democracy and our voices.

October 15, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/14/mississippi-river-boats-barges-water-levels The water in the Mississippi River has dropped so low that barges are getting stuck, leading to expensive dredging and at least one recent traffic jam of more than 2,000 vessels backed up. Trump reportedly wants to testify before January 6 committee – live Read more The Mississippi River Basin produces nearly all – … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce We’re experiencing a slowdown on the Mississippi River as water levels have dropped. Similar to European Nations, our Rivers are no longer flowing under these drought conditions. Barges are the fastest and least carbon intensive way to move grains and heavy products. A 15 barge tow, saves a 1000 trucks from traversing our highways and reduces Carbon emissions. The time for a Climate Emergency is now. When do we start investing in Renewables for our future? How long will we be dictated to by Fossil Fuel Oligarchs? Cut Fossil Fuel Subsidies now. Invest in American entrepreneurs and innovations. Beware the Billionaires who would stifle our future with Climate Deniers, our Democracy and our voices.

TheVoiceOfJoyce Is an American company capable of making decisions about our children’s online safety? The British coroner and the new regulatory arm of the British Government, have found against Instagram, in the suicide of 14 yr old Molly Russell. The Coroner decided that Meta was responsible for showing harmful content to a young teenager, 6 months prior to her suicide. In America, there is no Law regulating content appropriate for teenage viewing. In Australia, they’ve determined that content provided on online platforms must be regulated as well. Not only is content harmful to kids, it’s been separately found that data about our kids is shared with third parties and violates their privacy. In America, changing Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, would make the internet safer for our kids and strengthen our Democracy. Regulation can act as a megaphone for truth and science and not a megaphone for disinformation, misinformation and violence. Think? Do you want a Corporation deciding what you see? Shouldn’t Corporations be accountable for their content? Wouldn’t you want control over who sees your data? Wouldn’t you want the ability to opt out of forced agreements? If you answered , yes, then the Social Media Platforms must be researched and their Algorithms made transparent., too!

October 13, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2022/oct/05/techscape-molly-russell-inquest What content is safe for a child to view online? Who gets to decide what is OK and what is dangerous? And how much of a role should a government, a company or a parent play in that decision? These questions were brought into focus by the inquest into the death of 14-year-old Molly … More TheVoiceOfJoyce Is an American company capable of making decisions about our children’s online safety? The British coroner and the new regulatory arm of the British Government, have found against Instagram, in the suicide of 14 yr old Molly Russell. The Coroner decided that Meta was responsible for showing harmful content to a young teenager, 6 months prior to her suicide. In America, there is no Law regulating content appropriate for teenage viewing. In Australia, they’ve determined that content provided on online platforms must be regulated as well. Not only is content harmful to kids, it’s been separately found that data about our kids is shared with third parties and violates their privacy. In America, changing Section 230 of the Communication Decency Act, would make the internet safer for our kids and strengthen our Democracy. Regulation can act as a megaphone for truth and science and not a megaphone for disinformation, misinformation and violence. Think? Do you want a Corporation deciding what you see? Shouldn’t Corporations be accountable for their content? Wouldn’t you want control over who sees your data? Wouldn’t you want the ability to opt out of forced agreements? If you answered , yes, then the Social Media Platforms must be researched and their Algorithms made transparent., too!

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Hunger and food insecurity in America is on the rise with homelessness and yet, only the Democratic candidates in Ohio are addressing this issue. Since the Pandemic, food insecurity has risen. I personally have friends who work to service the food insecure at food pantries. When asked, many using the Pantries say, they won’t vote? I say, why not vote for a Democrat who you know stands with you on Societal issues. This year, and every year, with Trumps GOP in power, minority representation in Congress , is being eliminated. Will those needing assistance, continue to vote against yourself interests, or will you vote Democrat and preserve and increase your rights to food, healthcare, WI-FI, and schools, for you and your children? CHOOSE Democrats , not TrumpsGop.

October 12, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/12/hunger-food-insecurity-midterms-humiliating-us-voters In Ohio, for instance, hunger is not mentioned among the key issues on the campaign websites for Senate candidates JD Vance and Tim Ryan, even as they debate issues such as crime that are often caused by hunger. Neither candidate responded to interview requests. In the Ohio governor’s race, Democratic challenger Nan Whaley has … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Hunger and food insecurity in America is on the rise with homelessness and yet, only the Democratic candidates in Ohio are addressing this issue. Since the Pandemic, food insecurity has risen. I personally have friends who work to service the food insecure at food pantries. When asked, many using the Pantries say, they won’t vote? I say, why not vote for a Democrat who you know stands with you on Societal issues. This year, and every year, with Trumps GOP in power, minority representation in Congress , is being eliminated. Will those needing assistance, continue to vote against yourself interests, or will you vote Democrat and preserve and increase your rights to food, healthcare, WI-FI, and schools, for you and your children? CHOOSE Democrats , not TrumpsGop.

TheVoiceOfJoyce An agreement has been reached between Lebanon and Israel to explore mutually beneficial oil fields in the Mediterranean. They’ve agreed on maritime boundaries, recognition of their territory and have aligned to provide liquid natural gas to the European community. France’s Total may be helping with the exploration. This is the first time Lebanon and Israel have acknowledged each other and delineated their border to act cooperatively since 1948. The US was active in brokering this deal. Congratulations.

October 11, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/11/israel-lebanon-historic-maritime-border-deal Yair Lapid, Israel’s prime minister, said on Tuesday that months of US-brokered negotiations had resulted in a “historic agreement” between the two nations, which have technically been at war since Israel’s creation in 1948. The deal would “strengthen Israel’s security, inject billions into Israel’s economy, and ensure the stability of our northern border”, he … More TheVoiceOfJoyce An agreement has been reached between Lebanon and Israel to explore mutually beneficial oil fields in the Mediterranean. They’ve agreed on maritime boundaries, recognition of their territory and have aligned to provide liquid natural gas to the European community. France’s Total may be helping with the exploration. This is the first time Lebanon and Israel have acknowledged each other and delineated their border to act cooperatively since 1948. The US was active in brokering this deal. Congratulations.

TheVoiceOfJoyce Day 228 and the Ukrainian counteroffensive is encountering some resistance and battles are ensuing. The Russians are demoralized and hitting civilian buildings in a town in Zaporizhzhia , 80 miles from the their Nuclear Power Plant held by Russia. The Kerch bridge to Russia from Crimea has been damaged, in a first assault. There will be other attempts to destroy the bridge? Meanwhile, Zelensky’s forces move forward claiming territory. Next week the UN General Assembly votes to condemn the Russian annexation of the 4 provinces. The War isn’t over, not yet.

October 9, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/09/russia-ukraine-war-latest-what-we-know-on-day-228-of-the-invasion Shelling in the south-eastern Ukrainian city of Zaporizhzhia has killed at least 17 people, city official Anatoliy Kurtev has said. Anton Gerashchenko, a senior presidential adviser to Volodymyr Zelenskiy, said preliminary figures suggested 17 dead and 40 wounded after an attack on residential housing. “The Russians are not able to respond on the battlefield … More TheVoiceOfJoyce Day 228 and the Ukrainian counteroffensive is encountering some resistance and battles are ensuing. The Russians are demoralized and hitting civilian buildings in a town in Zaporizhzhia , 80 miles from the their Nuclear Power Plant held by Russia. The Kerch bridge to Russia from Crimea has been damaged, in a first assault. There will be other attempts to destroy the bridge? Meanwhile, Zelensky’s forces move forward claiming territory. Next week the UN General Assembly votes to condemn the Russian annexation of the 4 provinces. The War isn’t over, not yet.

AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Hard work and ingenuity are saving this town from washing away into the Pacific Ocean. 5 miles of Shoreline have been eroded and homes lost, till David Cottrell, a local resident and cranberry farmer, living a sea level, decided to save their shoreline. He created a system of Berms along the waters edge, consisting of piled stones and sand. His project, protecting, his land is so successful, his methodology has been duplicated along 2 miles of Willapa’s Coastline, in Washington. So far, there’s been a 10 fold reduction in erosion. In fact, the sea is reinforcing these berms. Now, the Cottrell method is being watched carefully by the Washington State Dept. Of Ecology and coastal engineers in the US and Europe. If Cottrell’ s methodology is sustainable, many towns can replicate it at little expense. Congratulations!

October 8, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/08/coastal-erosion-washington-climate-crisis-solution These days, Cottrell leads North Cove’s largest-ever anti-erosion project. In the last few years, he has created barriers – long berms of piled stones and accreted sand – that keep the waves at bay. The project, a dynamic revetment, now runs nearly 2 miles along the Willapa’s north shore. The experiment, so far, appears … More AmericaSpeaks TheVoiceOfJoyce Hard work and ingenuity are saving this town from washing away into the Pacific Ocean. 5 miles of Shoreline have been eroded and homes lost, till David Cottrell, a local resident and cranberry farmer, living a sea level, decided to save their shoreline. He created a system of Berms along the waters edge, consisting of piled stones and sand. His project, protecting, his land is so successful, his methodology has been duplicated along 2 miles of Willapa’s Coastline, in Washington. So far, there’s been a 10 fold reduction in erosion. In fact, the sea is reinforcing these berms. Now, the Cottrell method is being watched carefully by the Washington State Dept. Of Ecology and coastal engineers in the US and Europe. If Cottrell’ s methodology is sustainable, many towns can replicate it at little expense. Congratulations!

TheVoiceOfJoyce Phoenix has always been hot, not as hot as last year when 456 people died from the heat. Heat deaths are up 36% from last year and people being evicted and forced to live on the streets is partially causal. The number of people forced out of homes by rising rents, has risen to 1000’s. Honolulu has a similar problem and they’re looking at all the factors contributing to heat deaths with a target of Zero deaths. They’re looking at all the factors leading to heat death: lack of affordable housing, homelessness, substance abuse, inflation,inadequate shade. After assessing the data, Honolulu will provide solutions to reach Zero heat deaths. Community heat deserts can be alleviated with Community involved plantings during cooler months. Cities can negotiate a moratorium on evictions during these economically difficult times. The poor vulnerable heat extremes disproportionately more than those living in more gentrified areas. The poor people deserve a life, too!

October 8, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2022/oct/08/phoenix-arizona-heat-deaths-record-year Tackling the complex and interconnected issues that increase the risk of heat emergencies – lack of affordable housing, homelessness, substance misuse, inflation, inadequate shade and rising temperatures – will take time, money and political will. In the meantime, Hondula’s heat team will be diving into the data from 2022 to figure out which services … More TheVoiceOfJoyce Phoenix has always been hot, not as hot as last year when 456 people died from the heat. Heat deaths are up 36% from last year and people being evicted and forced to live on the streets is partially causal. The number of people forced out of homes by rising rents, has risen to 1000’s. Honolulu has a similar problem and they’re looking at all the factors contributing to heat deaths with a target of Zero deaths. They’re looking at all the factors leading to heat death: lack of affordable housing, homelessness, substance abuse, inflation,inadequate shade. After assessing the data, Honolulu will provide solutions to reach Zero heat deaths. Community heat deserts can be alleviated with Community involved plantings during cooler months. Cities can negotiate a moratorium on evictions during these economically difficult times. The poor vulnerable heat extremes disproportionately more than those living in more gentrified areas. The poor people deserve a life, too!

TheVoiceOfJoyce Day225 of Putin’s bloody war in Ukraine, finds Russian troops scattered and retreating in the South and East. Occupation has laid waste to villagers and 4 million Ukrainians are said to have been deported to Russia. The UN is trying to secure a combat free zone around the Zaporizhizhia Nuclear Power Plant. Urgency is needed, as attempts to start up one generator is imminent. Meanwhile, Space X is bringing a Russian Cosmonaut to the Space Station, where she’ll join the international team. Space is neutral. Putin determined to annex the 4 territories, in spite of heavy losses. Zelensky is prevailing with the Ukrainian Nationalist army, finding human rights abuses in most occupied territories. Apparently, Genocide is not a crime for Putin. Stalin committed Genocide in Ukraine in the 1930’s. Russia, as I’m learning in Timothy Snyder’s Yale Class, is not a separate State till 1580’s?

October 6, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/world/2022/oct/06/russia-ukraine-war-latest-what-we-know-on-day-225-of-the-invasion Attempts to play down retreats in Ukraine are no longer washing inside Russia with the latest military failures spilling on to local television screens. “Why do we advance metre by metre when they advance village by village?” Olga Skabeyeva, the country’s top state-TV host, asked a Russia-appointed official in Luhansk in a recent broadcast. … More TheVoiceOfJoyce Day225 of Putin’s bloody war in Ukraine, finds Russian troops scattered and retreating in the South and East. Occupation has laid waste to villagers and 4 million Ukrainians are said to have been deported to Russia. The UN is trying to secure a combat free zone around the Zaporizhizhia Nuclear Power Plant. Urgency is needed, as attempts to start up one generator is imminent. Meanwhile, Space X is bringing a Russian Cosmonaut to the Space Station, where she’ll join the international team. Space is neutral. Putin determined to annex the 4 territories, in spite of heavy losses. Zelensky is prevailing with the Ukrainian Nationalist army, finding human rights abuses in most occupied territories. Apparently, Genocide is not a crime for Putin. Stalin committed Genocide in Ukraine in the 1930’s. Russia, as I’m learning in Timothy Snyder’s Yale Class, is not a separate State till 1580’s?

TheVoiceOfJoyce it has been accidentally found by several researchers, that wax worms, and larve, contain polyethylene and PET plastic, degrading enzymes. We have Tonnes of plastics floating in the oceans and blanketing our earth. Imagine synthesizing enzymes to degrade the existing plastics and creating new products. The fact that we would stop using petroleum to manufacture new products, offsets the cost of synthesizing new plastics. A new methodology, to create new products, without adding additional carbon emissions is a necessity for our survival.

October 6, 2022

http://www.theguardian.com/environment/2022/oct/04/wax-worm-saliva-rapidly-breaks-down-plastic-bags-scientists-discover The discovery came after one scientist, an amateur beekeeper, cleaned out an infested hive and found the larvae started eating holes in a plastic refuse bag. The researchers said the study showed insect saliva may be “a depository of degrading enzymes which could revolutionise [the cleanup of polluting waste]”. Polyethylene makes up 30% of … More TheVoiceOfJoyce it has been accidentally found by several researchers, that wax worms, and larve, contain polyethylene and PET plastic, degrading enzymes. We have Tonnes of plastics floating in the oceans and blanketing our earth. Imagine synthesizing enzymes to degrade the existing plastics and creating new products. The fact that we would stop using petroleum to manufacture new products, offsets the cost of synthesizing new plastics. A new methodology, to create new products, without adding additional carbon emissions is a necessity for our survival.