Alaska | Biocultural Science & Management

Posted on 2008 May 13 by mpb | Comments Off

environmental change] New WWF Report Available – Arctic Climate Impact Science

Date: Mon, 12 May 2008 06:00:00 -0400 To: “ArcticInfo” Subject: New WWF Report Available – “Arctic Climate Impact Science – an Update since ACIA” The full report can be downloaded at: http://www.panda.org/arctic The World Wildlife Fund (WWF)’s International Arctic Programme announces the publication of an update report on the Arctic Climate Impact Assessment (ACIA). The report, “Arctic Climate Impact Science – an Update since ACIA,” reviews related science publications and impacts that have…

[superlative thinking] Platypus odder than scientists thought

http://www.guardian.co.uk/science/2008/may/08/genetics.wildlife?gusrc=rss Platypus proves even odder than scientists thought

[superlative thinking] Driving While Distracted More Dangerous Than Supposed

http://tech.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=08/05/10/1625210 Driving While Distracted More Dangerous Than Supposed>

[environment, food] risk of lead poisoning in condors, game animals

http://newsminer.com/news/2008/may/10/idaho-conference-explore-risk-lead-poisoning-condo/ >Idaho conference to explore risk of lead poisoning in condors, game animals BOISE, Idaho — The potential risk of lead poisoning from high-velocity bullets, whether to carrion-eating condors in the Grand Canyon or to food bank patrons in the Midwest, is the subject of a scientific conference next week. 5/10/2008 11:47 AM

[toilets, water, hygiene] Philippines: San Fernando’s Dry Alternative

http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/philippines-san-fernandoâ??s-dry-alternative/ >Philippines: San Fernandos Dry Alternative Three years ago, residents of coastal and upland villages in San Fernando City polluted their drinking water with their own excreta. Today, they take pains to practice safe hygiene and sanitation. An innocent looking dry toilet (UDDT – urine-diverting dehydration toilet) and an untiring city mayor propelled this shift through a 2-town ecological sanitation pilot…

[toilets, water, housing] China: Rising Eco-Town Boasts No-Flush Toilets

http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/china-rising-eco-town-boasts-no-flush-toilets/ >China: Rising Eco-Town Boasts “No-Flush Toilets” A big housing development project is bringing ecological sanitation toilets that do not require water, to a water-scarce municipality in the northern region of the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The largest urban project of its kind in the PRC, the project also boasts of an onsite eco-station complete with greywater treatment and thermal composting of…

[toilets, hygiene] Sulabh International plans to open branches in 50 countries

http://sanitationupdates.wordpress.com/2008/05/07/sulabh-international-plans-to-open-branches-in-50-countries/ >Sulabh International plans to open branches in 50 countries Dr. Bindeshwar Pathak, founder of >Sulabh International Social Service Organisation, India, revealed in an interview published in April 2008 in the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) “Water Champion” series, that his organisation plans to open branches in 50 countries. Sulabh has already constructed and is maintaining public…

[birds, health] Biologists to keep closer eye on northern eider ducks in face of die-offs

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/north/story/2008/05/09/eider-ducks.html?ref=rss Biologists to keep closer eye on northern eider ducks in face of die-offs Federal government biologists say they will expand their monitoring of common eider ducks in Canada’s North, as concerns escalate over avian cholera in northern bird colonies. 5/9/2008 12:18 PM |

[organizational culture, health] Wages last thing on departing doctors’ minds

Same is true for YKHC and LANL (duh!)

Wages last thing on departing doctors’ minds – study A study of junior doctors leaving Canterbury District Health Board (CDHB) has found career development, training opportunities and travel were the main motivators, with wages a factor in just 5 per cent of cases. – http://www.stuff.co.nz/4516475a11.html

[solid waste, health] utensils made from compostable corn, Nunatsiaq News 2008-05-02

[solid waste, health] utensils made from compostable corn, Nunatsiaq News 2008-05-02 : May 2, 2008 Turn old spuds and corn stalks into dinner ware Businessman dreams of plastic-free future JANE GEORGE Kuujjuaq resident Bruce Turner has a dream – that all businesses, government offices and municipalities in the North will one day use biodegradable products instead of plastic. Turner wants to see mining camps, restaurants, airlines and the Cruise North travel firm use totally reuseable and recyclable…

[hygiene, pandemic] Some keyboards ‘dirtier than a toilet’

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/2/hi/uk_news/7377002.stm Some keyboards ‘dirtier than a toilet’ Some computer keyboards harbour more harmful bacteria than a toilet seat, research suggests. 5/1/2008 01:26 AM | … “If you look at what grows on computer keyboards, and hospitals are worse, believe it or not, it’s more or less a reflection of what’s in your nose and in your gut,” he said. “Should somebody have a cold in your office, or even have gastroenteritis, you’re very likely to pick it up…

“By Heather Blumer (Submitted: 05/06/2008 2:47 pm) I have been working on several…”

“By Heather Blumer (Submitted: 05/06/2008 2:47 pm) I have been working on several alternatives to the the of gravity. After all, among the other forces in physics, electromagnetic, strong interactions and the weak interactions, gravity is arguably the least understood. One of my alternative theories is the theory of “malicious falling.” When a body (be it a person, a rock, an asteroid or the moon – as in orbital motion) falls, it is not because of gravity, but rather it is due to a universal…

[aging, emergency response] Liz Taylor + aging

Aging Deliberately: Inquiries About Emergency Response Systems Kitsap Sun (Subscription) – WA, United States By Liz Taylor Q: What can you tell me about emergency response systems? My mom lives alone, and I’d like to get one for her but don’t know the right … http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2008/may/04/aging-deliberately-inquiries-about-emergency/

[aging] AK: Elders

http://aprn.org/2008/05/03/ak-elders/ >AK: Elders May is Older Americans Month, so this week we salute our Elders. We’ll speak with a woman who, in 1960, became Alaska’s first African-American teacher and meet seniors who say your golden years are when your life begins. Plus, “Where to Retire” magazine recently called Anchorage a retirement “tax heaven,” but is it really an all-around paradise? All that and more this week on >AK, heard statewide on local APRN stations statewide. …

[aging, heritage] Liz Taylor, Aging Deliberately

Just in time for MayDay heritage Preservation day— Aging Deliberately How to handle the legacy of family photos What becomes of family photos when you die? Readers weigh in. (Mon, 4/28)

[aging, legal] Power of attorney Cashing out an elderly parent’s IRA

Cashing out an elderly parent’s IRA — in just 9 visits to the bank By Molly Selvin A son runs into red tape as he seeks to tap funds for his 92-year old father’s care. Over three months last winter, David made nine trips to the bank. Sometimes I accompanied him. He spoke with several “customer solutions representatives.” He produced his dad’s durable power of attorney and living trust for inspection multiple times. Those documents were repeatedly faxed to the bank’s central legal department…

“Old age is expensive in Alaska. A report at U.S. News & World Report details the rising cost of…”

“Old age is expensive in Alaska. A report at U.S. News & World Report details the rising cost of housing for the old. Citing an interactive map prepared by Genworth Financial, staff reporter and blogger Emily Brandon says a day in an Alaska nursing home averages $515, while in Louisiana those services can be had for $125. Be nice to your kids, Brandon advises.” – [Aging] Alaska Newsreader: Alaska Newsreader | adn.com

[health] International Clean Hands Week 2008

Announced by the Clean Hands Coalition, http://www.cleanhandscoalition.org/members.htm the week of September 21st-27th is this year’s official International Clean Hands Week.

[aging] Liz Taylor love-hate relationship with my computer

Aging Deliberately Make sure you don’t get tangled in the Web I have a love-hate relationship with my computer. My first was a so-called “portable. ” Weighing 35 pounds (or was it 35 tons?), it stretched my arm… (Mon, 4/21)

[aging] Son hires drinking mates for elderly father

[aging] Son hires drinking mates for elderly father : Son hires drinking mates for elderly father Reuters | Friday, 25 April 2008 Found: drinking companions to join elderly gentleman for a friendly beer at his village pub in Southern England. … for someone to accompany his 88-year-old father Jack on visits to his local pub from a nursing home. He offered the lucky winner $NZ17 an hour plus expenses and… decided on a job-share… duties are to be divided between a retired doctor and a former military…

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Trash money available SWMP

Posted on 2008 April 22 by mpb | Comments Off

Not a lot of money for clean-up or closing but the projects eligible are broad.

Solid Waste Management – Region 10 The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 10, requests proposals for Solid Waste Management Assistance Grants. Projects may include studies, surveys, investigations, demonstrations, training, and public education programs. Project priority areas include: Reducing the generation of municipal solid waste sent to landfills; reducing the environmental impact of new construction through green building techniques; reducing the toxicity of current or future waste streams; reducing market barriers for environmentally preferable goods; and reducing greenhouse gas production with respect to solid waste management. Projects must take place in AK, ID, OR or WA. $120K expected to be available, up to 6 awards anticipated. Responses due deadline 5/19/08. For more info, contact Jeff Hunt at hunt.jeff AT epa DOTgov or go to http://yosemite.epa.gov/r10/HOMEPAGE.NSF/Information/Grants. Refer to Sol# EPA-R10-RCC-2008. (Grants.gov 4/2/08)

This notice comes from the superb Laurie Brown and Solicitations Newsletter, Washington State University Extension Energy Program for distributing these newsletters through their listserv. Send a subscription request to laurie.e.brown AT comcast DOT net Include subscriber’s email address in the body of the message.

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Wind energy workshop Bethel

I hope they discuss small scale (on the household or even a group of households level) and not just municipal wide. Alaska Battery (ABS) has long advocated wind generators for battery storage.

Notice from the excellent WHAT’S UP – January 2, 2008- Compiled Weekly by Peg Tileston
On behalf of the Alaska Women’s Environmental Network (AWEN), Alaska Center for the Environment (ACE), and Alaska Conservation Alliance (ACA)

Deadline January 10 & 11 2008
BETHEL – BETHEL REGIONAL WIND DEVELOPMENT WORKSHOP will be held at the Bethel Cultural Center. Following meetings held in Bethel in 2005 and 2006 and in light of rising diesel prices, strong community interest, and successful wind-diesel projects in Toksook Bay and Kasigluk this meeting will bring together leaders from across the Yukon & Kuskokwim River deltas to discuss approaches that can be initiated to expand the use of wind energy throughout this Region. There is no registration fee however we are asking that people register no later that January 3. Limited travel scholarships are available. For more information or to register visit:
www.windpoweringamerica.gov/calendar.asp or contact Hannah Willard of REAP at 907-929-7770 or Martina Dabo of AEA at 907-771-3000. To see the agenda, go to
(pdf file) http://www.akenergyauthority.org/wind/BethelWindSeminarAgenda12-11-07.pdf

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